I just recently moved out to Los Angeles, and let me tell you, this map set is essential. Not only does it show EVERY street in Los Angeles County, but it is also regarded as a standard. Several times since I've been here I've noticed businesses will list their Thomas Guide page number in their ads and recordings when giving directions. If you're moving out to LA, or even just visiting for a while, this book is well worth the investment.

Trying to get around Los Angeles without this would just be plain silly. Ask anyone who's ever lived there or tried to get around...everyone knows and uses the Thomas Guide.

info - info - info -info - info . . .

This is your brain without the T-guide: {help}

This PR guide for manufacturers was published more than a year ago, so some of the editors and publications listed have changed. The great thing is that the editor will provide updated information if you email him, and we have actually secured his PR firm for our manufacturing firm. It's the best marketing effort in our company history.

Since 1987 I have watched TR Cutler take the lead in marketing and PR in the manufacturing sector. Cutler's Guide is the starting point for every manufacturing marketing and PR campaign. It is a resource that everyone in the manufacturing industry will find beneficial.

TR Cutler understands manufacturing PR better than anyone and this guide is the ultimate primer for any manufacturing firm getting started ona new PR campaign or strategic marketing plan.

This might be the greatest way to self teach a topic ever devised! You have to follow the instructions. What the authors want you to do is read along as you color the book. Each coloring page has an associated page of text. As you read the text it makes reference to certain parts of the drawing. You can't help but learn. The topics range over all areas and habitats of marine biology and hit all the key points covered in any introductory class. They are grouped by habitat, physiology, ethology and again by taxonomic groups. As far as learning style? If you where isolated in the middle of the dessert with this book and a decent set of color pencils then you would come out with an excellent broad base introductory knowledge of marine biology. It would go well with any beginners course also. Don't let the "coloring book" title fool you, a child of five wold enjoy it but an adult would be able to reap all the rewards as well.

Being a high school teacher, i use this book and the biology coloring book to supplament my class text. It offers very insightful text to accompany each picture. The pictures are very detailed with complete coloring instructions. I was skeptical at first to use it, but the students really get excited about it and seem to get a great deal from finishing them.

I am a college student who found this to be a great secondary resource. Many of the form and function and reproductive strategy summaries contain great information that I have not found in textbooks. The coloring pages are great too, if for no other reason than they reiforce what the organisms look like.

The thing I liked most about this book is that everything that Dr. Seabourne demonstrates can be done in the comfort of your own home. There is no fancy equipment that you need nor do you have to go to a gym and find a particular machine to use. Dr. Seabourne also demonstrates a wide array of exercises. I cannot stress the diversity of exercises he offers in this book. The tips that Dr. Seabourne provides are invaluable. He offers imagery tips, relaxation methods, plyometric drills, weight training drills, the whole 9 yards. I am indebted to Dr. Seabourne for the information he has provided through this book. If I had one complaint it would be in the ordering of the photographs, they can be hard to follow from time to time.

Hit harder, kick faster and use martial arts fitness routines to maximum advantage with the use of Martial Arts Athlete, a guide which offers training and conditioning techniques to enhance a martial arts routine. These exercises are especially tailored for the martial arts and black and white photos throughout provide clear instruction on the steps.

The Martial Arts Athlete was one of the best all around fitness books I have ever read. It provides information about how to tighten your abs, stretch correctly, heal low back pain, and improve any sports skill, especially martial arts.

I liked the qualities of the general section of this book. For those who are looking for some insight that applies to today's world, you can find some gems here. I read The Art of War translated by Griffith and think that this is much better. The commentary is easier to follow and is presented well. The book gives examples of the principles it talks about from The Three Kingdoms but doesnt always give the names of the people that it talks about. So for readers familiar with the Three Kindoms this can be a little disappointing. Otherwise its a good book to read.

The Chinese have been studying leadership almost two millenia before it became a popular management topic in the West. In the first chapter of "The Art of War", Sun Tzu already recognised leadership as one of 5 factors that determines a nation's strategic success. Zhuge Liang has substantial authority to espouse on the subject - he is the most capable ( and feared ) strategist in China's turbulent era of Three Kingdoms. Cleary has put forth Zhuge's thoughts in a clear and concise manner.

To be able to see that main points of "The Art of War" from applicable perspectives is very important. Zhuge does a good job of explaining the the principles from Sun Tzu's classic work and Liu Ji is very adept at showing situations where the principles were applied.

A must have for anyone who has read "The Art of War".

This book was actually published by IllumiNet Press, not Last Gasp of San Francisco, as Amazon.com's page indicates. Amazon.com's correction form does not include a category to correct publisher information, so I am communicating this information this way. Ron Bonds, who ran IllumiNet Press, died last April under very strange circumstances. I think it's important that he be given credit for getting this book out, along with the many other books he published, particularly those written by my friend and writing partner Jim Keith, who also died under strange circumstances.

Kenn has carefully researched previous "facts" about the Maury Island UFO incident and has, in some areas, corrected the historical mis-record; he has shed new light on the mysterious main characters, especially the chameleon-like Fred Lee Crisman. What emerges is a fascinating retro look at one of ufology's earliest jump-starters, with numerous sidetracks into the murky world of government security agencies, the mafia, and Jim Garrison's (in) famous JFK assassination probe. Backing up his investigation, Kenn has provided a generous, detailed appendix documenting much of the seemingly incredible aspects of both the story and the intriguing main players. Although the author appears to lean in the direction of UFO's possibly being highly advanced secret aircraft, ET proponents would be foolish to overlook the ramifications suggested here. What emerges is a chilling dissection of the complex, phantom machinations of the human hierarchy and, particularly, the psyche of those "soldiers" sent into the field to carry them out against the "enemy" -- the masses. This is not just another UFO book, drearily recounting tread-worn sighting reports, or screaming that space aliens are inter-breeding with us. We don't need to be alien hybrids to be a weird, darkly dangerous species; a few chapters of Kenn's work is proof enough for virtually anyone. I loved it!

I was picking through this book, one of Kenn Thomas' typically pithy works (his hallmark is extensive citations of primary materials), getting typically perturbed at many of the covert shenanigans performed by various government (and other) entities. I put the book down, and an hour later came back to find my eight year old son had picked it up and was totally engrossed in it. His eyes were big when he looked up and said in a very serious voice, "Dad, this book is GREAT!" I said, "yes, it is son, yes it is ..."

I fall immediately under the spell of good sea stories. Essex is among the frontranks. Phibrick supplies a richly textured background to his subject. The author always respects his readers curiousity and interest. He presents various theories and sociological information in an even handed and non judgemental manner. My only regret was the unresolved nature of the ending. I sensed the author had run out of interest towards the end. Yet one must admit that life has a way of being existential and not part of a process but punctuated by moments of crisis and survival. One is left with a greater respect for men and whales.

This a terrific collection of personal accounts gathered together for the first time in one volume. For well over a century Owen Chase's story of the sinking of the whaleship Essex has been the only firsthand documented account. Now side by side with Chase's tale is fellow shipmate Thomas Nickerson's account of the sinking and trial of the Essex crew lost at sea. As is to be expected, the style of the period makes itself felt throughout via word choice, spelling, etc. but more so in Mr. Chase's recounting. The real gem in this volume is Nickerson's retelling of the tale from his point of view, in spite of the strange twists of phrase his warmth and humor show through. If you enjoyed Philbrick's "In the Heart of the Sea" and want to delve a little deeper and explore some of his resources this is the perfect place to start.

This book is a collection of accounts, remarks, annotations, and letters from the people involved in the tragedy, their rescuers, and other notable persons, which paints a vivid portrayal of the life of a Nantuckett whaler in the 1800's.

After having killed off the whale population in the Atlantic, the New England whale ships pushed farther into the ocean to find their prey - the spermacetti whale. Hunting grounds in the Pacific were discovered and, after a year's journey rounding South America in which it lost half of its boats in a sudden gale, the whale ship Essex set out to fill its hold with the valuable whale oil armed with only 3 small boats. During a hunt, one of the boats was stove by the death throes of a speared sperm whale and returned to the ship. While enacting repairs, the pings of the first mate's hammer attracted the attention of a large bull sperm whale, a creature uniquely designed for ramming. The bull made two charges, collapsing the bow of the ship on either side of the keel, and 20 men found themselves alone, in 3 open boats, deep in the heart of the blue Pacific, with only faint hopes of rescue.

The Essex did not sink immediately, and the men were able to salvage a few casks of water, some navigational instruments, and hard biscuits (which would later be fouled by ocean spray and induce dehydration in the men). The first mate also had paper and pencil, which he used for keeping a daily diary of their attempts to survive the ravages of storms, thirst, hunger, and attacks by killer whales and large sharks.

I read this book prior to reading "In The Heart of The Sea", also by Nathaniel Philbrick, and I was glad I did. The first-person narratives really bring home the tale, and Philbrick's other book helps fill in the historical background. I would recommend reading this book with a good atlas, so that you can plot the narrator's progress as he tries to bring his ship to South America, against the wind, the current, and his dwindling strength, and realize just how screwed these sailors really were.

I first read these books 20 years ago, and the opportunity to purchase them in a new edition is the thrill of the year for me. Costain makes the period come alive, with all its heroes, villains, and bystanders. While many of Costain's opinions and conclusions are somewhat dated by more recent research, there is no more delightful reading experience amongst modern histories of the middle ages.

Costain gives his usual rousing treatment to a period not widely treated.

To my surprise, I found this to be the best of the four-volume series by Costain on medieval English history. Perhaps it was due to the fact that I started in the belief that Henry III did not merit an entire volume to himself. Then I realized that this Weathercock King lived an extremely long life and all that happened during his reign was momentous indeed. For instance, learning how the Countess of Flanders played a part in ensuring future Vatican Cardinals always wear red is something I didn't think I would chance upon during this read. Or all the little bios Costain supplies for people long since lost to the annals of time. Great stuff, I simply couldn't put it down.

a penetrating and enlightening analysis of things that make men crazy, namely power and control.

Thomas Szasz is a real hero of consciousness, freedom and intelligence who is never afraid to disclose the information that hurts the orthodoxy where it counts.

This work, like so many of his others, is a shining example of the great American libertarian vanguard.

Enjoy.

although thomas szasz was wrong to say that mental illness is totally a myth and that there is no reason to believe that there are people with mental disorders as debilitating as physical disorders, he certainly was right in attacking the mental health system for its often dehumanizing effects on people who simply have not been 'encultured' enough for the comfort of those around them. some of his work can be dismissed as dated anti psychiatry extremism, but some of it is absolutely relevant and as important today as it was when published

The Manufacture of Madness is a fine historical analysis of psychiatry and the mental health movement, drawing comparisons between the medical establishment's treatment of deviants as mental patients and the Inquisition's treatment of deviants as witches. Radical, perhaps, although it must have seemed much more radical in 1970, when first published. Dr. Szasz knew his material well, having worked for twenty years as a psychiatrist in this country prior to writing the book.

His views were considered heretical by his colleagues (an irony that he makes much of) because he argued, quite strongly, that institutional psychiatry is dehumanizing both to patients and society as a whole because it deprives these people of all rights, treats them as objects to be repaired, and submits them to cruel tortures in the name of therapy. He went on to declare that mental illness itself is a myth; there has never been a scientific basis for treating social and behavioral deviance as stemming from the same causes as physical illnesses, nor reason to try to cure it. His central thesis is that institutional psychiatry fills the same role in modern times as the Inquisition did until only a few hundred years ago--a system of control and suppression of social deviants.

Read this book for what it is, and you'll enjoy it very much. This is not meant to be a literary masterpiece. That much should be clear from the subtitle of the book: "Erotic Tales of the Vampire". Don't expect an all new and brilliant monster epic, and you'll like this book.

I want to praise the publisher for mixing two well-known names (William J Mann and Micheal Thomas Ford) with two names I am not familiar with (Sean Wolfe and Jeff Mann). The diversity of the stories and writing styles are fresh and keep the reader engaged. Much better than reading a long book with one style from one author.

The two Manns (William J and Jeff) have a similar style. Both of those stories, though decent, are my least favorite. They seem to try to be more than what they are. A little superficial for my taste, but not badly written.

I like Sean Wolfe's story very much. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and is comfortable being a short entertainment piece. It doesn't try to be more than what it is. I was entertained and appreciate the "humanness" that the story brings to erotic vampirism. It is both erotic and interesting. Though I haven't heard of Wolfe before, I'm sure we'll hear more from him in the future.

It is Ford, though, who is the star of this book, and a good reason for naming him as the main author. Most of us are familiar with his non-fiction material, which has won several Lambda Literary awards. His fiction writing here is no less brilliant. Ford's talent for putting the reader in the middle of the story and for character description are perfect. I love his story, and look forward to more fiction from Ford in the future.

If you're a fan of vampire fiction at all, you'd be crazy not to get this book. The variety of stories and writing style is fresh and refreshing. The writing is good. It is both erotic and frighteningly engaging. A must have for serious fans of horror, and especially vampire fiction!

MASTERS OF MIDNIGHT contains four novellas in which vampires play a prominent and erotically gay role. The authors have different visions of vampires leading to highly original and entertaining tales.

"His Hunger" by William J. Mann. Thirty years ago in Cravensport, Maine murders and disappearances occurred with no explanation. Jeremy thinks the story will make a good human-interest piece, but he also has a personal stake in the story as one of the vanished was his father. However, he is in peril after visiting Bartholomew, a vampire who plans to enslave Jeremy and convert the writer's lover.

"Sting" by Michael Thomas Forge. Following the suicide of his lover, Ben becomes head librarian in Downing, Arkansas. He sees customer Titus put his hands into beehives. When the two men become lovers, Titus explains that he is a vampire and the bee venom prevents his blood craving. Titus feels strongly about stopping his kind who kills innocent children.

"Brandon's Bite" by Sean Wolfe. His father was a vampire while his mother was mortal. His father taught him how to survive as a vampire. As an adult Brandon discovered he was gay so his father disowned him. Brandon can choose any victim he wants but fears love because he believes he cannot control his urge for blood.

"Devoured" by Jeff Marin. Three centuries ago two Scottish lords shared a secret passion for one another. When they were caught, Angus was killed but Derek was changed into a vampire. He avenged his friend's death before immigrating to West Virginia. Now an affluent businessman, he finally has a chance to love again but must first take care of Matthew's homophobic enemies.

Harriet Klausner

Unlike a previous reviewer, I AM a fan of gay vampire fiction, and of gay horror in general. I picked this book up because I'd read some of the authors' previous work in books like QUEER FEAR I and II, SONS OF DARKNESS, and BROTHERS OF THE NIGHT (all edited by Michael Rowe, in case you want to look them up). So how does this collection stack up? William J. Mann's contribution is an obvious ode to the glorious old cult supernatural soap opera, DARK SHADOWS, and if you read it that way it's a lot of fun. Sean Wolfe and Jeff Mann are new names to me, and although Wolfe's story didn't grab me, I really liked the second Mr. Mann's ability to bring out the most in his setting. But I have to say, it was Michael Thomas Ford's "Sting" that kept me up way past midnight. I saved it for last, because it sounded the most interesting, and was it ever. This novella is totally unique, not just in gay horror but in ALL horror. His writing is gorgeous, and the imagery he creates is both beautiful and terrifying. I defy anyone to read his descriptions of the Death Puppet and be able to sleep with the lights on. I, too, would love to see this story made into a film, especially if George Clooney plays Ben!