Rare among martial arts books, this is a good read even for those without a primary interest in Aikido, or even martial arts in general. For the serious Aikidoka and martial historian, it is a real jewel.

The first half of the book deals with Suenaka Sensei's life and family lineage that placed him in the unique position to pioneer Aikido in the United States. An original member of the very first class of Aikido in the United States (Hawaii, 1953), his samurai ancestry virtually predicted the outcome of his life. Raised up training in all forms of the martial arts, from the karate his father taught him, to judo, lua, golden gloves boxing, jujitsu... he has learned it all, and tested it in the street.

The story of how his relationship with the Founder of the beautiful and powerful art of Aikido (Morihei Ueshiba, O'Sensei) brought about personal transformation in his life, is universal in nature. Anyone who has been influenced by the presence of true greatness, and has had their lives changed because of it, should relate to Suenaka Sensei's love and devotion to the art of Aikido that his discipleship with the Founder engendered.

Many have benefited from this love; Suenaka Sensei started the first dojo in the Carolina's, one of the first in California, and the first to open and even more significant, to stay open in Okinawa, the world's hotbed of karate. Everyone can enjoy this true biography of a modern master.

The second half of the book gives instruction, with excellent photography abundantly used throughout. Many books on instruction should have the same caveat: Aikido can't be learned from any book. What this manual shows is both the proper and improper ways of performing techniques, and fortunately for the prospective student, these have been tested in the real world. While the spiritual nature of Aikido separates it from much of the martial world, it is first and foremost a martial art, and as Suenaka Sensei believes, if it doesn't work, it is a waste of time, and a dishonor ! to the teachings of O'Sensei.

Forty five years devoted to Aikido lends the highest credibility to his interpretation of the art. The act of constantly striving to raise standards, for the preservation and improvement of the art and its students, is the reason this book was written, and it should be in the library of any serious martial artist.

Having read over 18 books on the subject of aikido, and training in Tenshin Bugei Aikido for the past year, I was pretty up to date on the various aikido techniques and basic history. However, one thing that always bothered me was seeing how split the Aikido world has become, and I often could not account for how a martial art that was supposed to spread peace and harmony could lead to aikido organizations and senseis who want nothing to do with each and who talk badly of one another. After reading Suenaka Sensei's book, I have a much better grasp of Aikido's history after the Founder's death. The best thing about the first half of the book, which is biographical info about Suenaka Sensei, is that it explains how the great schisms came about in the Aikido world following O-Sensei's death. It makes for eye-opening reading, and I think the subject is not well understood by most modern aikidoka, from comments I have heard. I recently discovered through an on-line chat with a member of one of Koichi Tohei Sensei's affiliated dojos that he still does not allow a picture of the founder of Aikido to be displayed in any school that he has authority over; they are only allowed to display his picture. This troubles me greatly, but after reading Suenaka Sensei's book and coming to understand the depth of the controversy, it makes more sense than it did when I first heard about this. It seemed incredible to me that a man who learned Aikido at O-Sensei's feet today will not allow a picture of the founder to be displayed in his dojos. One has to wonder who's picture will replace his when he dies. At any rate, the book casts light on much of Aikidos recent history;most aikido books only cover aikido up until O-Sensei's death. For this reason, it is a valuable learning tool. The techniques taught in the book are very effective, demontrating that Suenaka Sensei believes that Aikido is both a spiritual endeavor and a practical combat art, instead of just one or the other, as many tend to want to believe these days. Very thought provoking book and I encourage you to read it.

Sensei Suenaka, a treasure in the martial arts world takes us on a fantastic journey. Outling his life's training at the feet of the modern masters, Sensei takes us into the world of Aikido we have never known. Documenting the split between Tohei and O'Sensei one can see the true sense of Suenaka's dedication to his art and the way. Sensei also puts to rest claims that Aikido is ineffective self-defense. In the second section what is shown with clarity and detail is a text on correct and incorrect technique. This book is for beginner and expert alike. An outstanding work, very well done.

Planning a wedding can be very confusing especially with so many details to put together. One part of the wedding I need help with is planning the ceremony. Since my finance and I are of different faiths and not religious I am looking to plan a more spiritual ceremony, meaningful non-denominational that is heartfelt, joyful with many personal and unique details and have no idea how to begin!!!
Joining Hands and Hearts by Susanna Stefanachi Macomb is the perfect guide and is so many books rolled into one. On one had it is a "How To" guide to plan your own unique ceremony. This book is also a guide for couples who are of different faiths and shows you how to create a ceremony that will include your families as well as your customs. But what surprised me most was this book is also a love story. The stories that the couples tell are so unique and truly show how fate and coincidence can bring couples together. If you have recently gotten engaged or know somebody who has then this book is a must!!!!

This book presents most of the vital sparks which illuminate love and passion and faith in humanity. Share it's suggestions, stories and recommendation with family, Priest, Pastor, Rabbi and Religious Leader. They may become over joyed with a text to guide their decision to officiate at an interfaith marriage. Most clergy haved not prepared nor studied the background of interfaith principles - it's not a religion, but a way of praising the universal intelligence, The Almighty, The God who created this universe at a milestone of human life cycle, the wedding.

Ritual and religious rites are clearly described with functional ways of bringing the beliefs of our forefathers into today's marriage ceremony.

An interfaith couple should stop, read and consult the content of this spectacular presentation to create happiness and a declaration of love before their families and friends.

It's easy reading and each person finds easily what they are seeking in the celebration of a lifespan - a wedding.

Rev. Macomb's book assured me that I was not the only one struggling with an interfaith, multi-cultural marriage. I felt tremedous relief and acceptance as well as a sense of comfort reading her words. Her book was absolutely integral to the planning of our wedding. Rev. Macomb writes from the heart with an amazing amount of love and honesty. She shares so much with her readers, it would be impossible not to be moved by what she has written. Her ability to bridge together cultural traditions and religious beliefs is truly inspirational; her joy in doing so is infectious. I feel that this book will be an asset for anyone considering, planning or involved in the marriage process. We all have something to learn, gain and experience from this book. I am just so grateful to have found it... as it embraced me and has not let go.

Sharpening is not, as it seems to the beginner, half black magic and half luck. Grasp a few simple principles and obtain the correct materials outlined in this book and with a very little practice one can ceate a sharp edge on all important hand tools.Lee's style is friendly (many anecdotes are interspersed throughout the book) and his well-illustrated directions are complete and easy to understand. There is some highly technical and involved information in the first two chapters, but you don't really have to slog through it to sharpen well.

I checked this book out from my local library, and read it cover to cover. It is so full of practical and useful information, I think I will have to purchase it to add to my library.

Lee covers theory, research about metallurgy and how wood reacts to sharp edges, with very practical applications of this theory and research. His writing style is very clear and understandable, and his knowledge base is clearly built upon a lifetime of woodworking experience. He points out that, no matter how much you spend for fancy stones, wheels and jigs, and top end tools, you will not get a sharp edge and satisfying result without a basic understanding of wood, metals and abrasives.

The book is nicely illustrated with clear photos and beautiful electron micrographs and very well edited. Essentially all hand woodworking and power tools are covered. It also includes appendices covering research results of how wood reacts to cutting edges and useful reference tables about abrasives.

This is one of those uncommon books that brings together science, art, and craftsmanship is a very pleasant-reading text worth keeping for reference.

Having read over a dozen books on this topic, this is the best book on how to sharpen every tool in your shop. Lee includes a good review of the different kinds of sharpening stones and alternate methods such as using sanding papers. There are many illustrations to help explain the text and special jigs you might need to perform a job. I am particularly interested in hand planes. The chapter on them includes information on blade angles and how to true and flatten the sole plate that is integral to getting good results after you sharpen the blaade. This is an example of how complete the information is in this book

AT THE HANDS OF PERSONS UNKNOWN will change your view of American history and race relations.

Mr. Dray's book is awesome. I have read more books on African-American history (Jim Crow, civil rights etc.) than I can count. Mr. Dray's book is simply the best.

Be prepared to be shocked and have your emotions touched. Mr. Dray describes the most horrible shameful acts in graphic details. He destroys the all the popular myths such as:lynchings were isolated acts by fringe elements such as the KKK, lynchings were the result of rapes or murders and that guilty "men" were simply "hanged".

The reality is much more gruesome, to the point that it makes one sick with shame. (Imagine the movie ROSEWOOD, intensified by 10X) Thousands of African-Americans (men, women and children) were tortured, mutilated, burned to death in the most sadistic ways a normal person in 2003 could not imagine. For many decades these lynchings did take place in the shadows by the KKK, but in picnic-like style in town squares in front of men, women and children!

Southern politians defended lynching as a way to "protect the southern way of life" against the "black brutes". AT THE HANDS OF PERSONS UNKNOWN leaves know doubt as to who the real brutes were.

Mr. Dray also includes the stories of many heroes such as Walter White, Ida B Wells and others who fought to expose lynching.

One closing comment- if you are a non-African-American, PLEASE read this book.

Dray notes that he knew very little about lynchings when he began his research for this book; I knew very little about this subject until after I read his book. Perhaps I am not unique in that much of what I think I know and understand about U.S. history has depended to a significant extent on films and television programs. ... Many of the lynchings described in Dray's book would be deemed today as "unsuitable for viewing" by the general public and thus would never be fully portrayed in a film or television program. And yet, for reasons Dray explains, many of the lynchings attracted large and enthusiastic crowds (which included women and small children) and were scheduled to accommodate as many people as possible. Several hangings were preceded by dismemberment and burning.

...

Dray's book is not primarily about such situations, although he traces lynching back to the American Revolution when Charles Lynch literally took the law into his own hands and hanged Tories who had stolen from him. A local court then exonerated his behavior. Dray explains that before the Civil War, more whites than blacks were lynched; that is, hanged without due process. It was only during the decades after the war ended that lynching became inextricably bound with racial strife as blacks were hanged in a progressively greater number and higher percentage than whites. Dray's extensive research of this period (roughly 1865-1900) provides some of the most interesting material in the book and his analysis of it is both rigorous and revealing. In many instances, the identities of those who conducted lynchings were concealed by white sheets or masks. Later, it was common to place a hood over the heads of those executed (after due process) by military, federal, or state officials.

I view Dray as both an historian and an anthropologist. He tries hard to understand (and to help his reader to understand) why human beings throughout U.S. history grabbed a rope and hanged another human being. (For a period of time, multiple hangings were not uncommon.) Obviously, some of the lynchers who ignored due process were absolutely convinced that they were agents of justice; the motives of others are also understandable, perhaps, but nonetheless contemptible. I am grateful to Dray for the extensive research he completed and even more for his analysis of what that research revealed. Some readers may quarrel with some of his conclusions. (I am unqualified to do so.) However, I think almost all readers will view this book as an important contribution to our understanding of a recurrent pattern of behavior which, until now (at least for me), has been neglected, ignored, or worse yet denied.

This book is easily the best book I have read so far this year. Dray explains how otherwise model citizens could murder, in the most brutal manners imaginable, Black (usually) Americans for imagined to minor transgressions (True, doubtless some of the lynched were guilty of the crimes they were accused of....Readers will be tempted to justify mob justice this way. Dray won't let you do this...the retribution is always excessive and driven by hate and fear, and completely devoid of anything resembling civilized justice). Coming from the South, I have taken classes on lynching before, so the pages Dray dedicated to explaining the origins of lynching were not nearly as compelling as his historical and legal analyses. Often one reads history books and still has trouble putting the events into context. Not so with this book. Dray captures the mood and hysteria of the times perfectly.

Dray also does a wonderful job of showing that lynching was not merely an aberration of Southern justice inflicted on Black men. Instead, lynching is described as a national sickness, with Black men, women, and children, White civil rights sympathizers, and Jewish people being the victims of the mob violence, both in the North and the South. Dray shows how the international image of the United States was tarnished during a time when it was supposed to be the vangaurd of democracy, opposed to a German facism that was cruelly mimicked on its own soil. He also pays tribute to the men and women of the NAACP and other like-minded organizations who had the gall to oppose mob murder. The ultimate failure of any federal anti-lynching law is a startling example of how ingrained lynching was in the national (especially the Southern) psyche.

This narration forced me to reexamine my own education about lynching. Before college (I'm from Georgia), I had never heard of Leo Frank, the 1906 Atlanta race riots, or Sam Hose. But I certainly had heard more than enough about the Salem witch trials. For these reasons it is required reading for Americans in general, and especially Southerners.

(warning: obviously, some of this book is difficult to read, as recountings of the lynchings are appropriately graphic and monstrous)

This is a well written and well researched book. Your Hands Can Heal You covers most types of healing modalities and looks into what works and how, to give an insightful look at healing. Through this book you can learn how to heal yourself, loved ones and stay healthy. The book explores breathing and physical exercises to keep you healthy and young. What is unique to this book's approach is that it is thoroughly researched and explained as to how alternative healing works and how anyone can do it themselves.I am not a born healer, but through this book I have been able to "heal" insect bites to migraines, and understand how this has worked. There are many healers out there who can heal but do not understand how they heal. Through this book I have been able to heal and understand how by understanding the principles of the body's energetic health and functioning. I strongly recommend this to everyone, from all walks of life as an at home manual to good health and long life.

Wow! What a great book! I highly recommend this book to every alternative health care and professional health care practitioner. Health Care practitioners are usually so busy caring for the health of others that they seldom have time to seek help themselves. The information in this book will assist these people in keeping their health and energy up so that they can better help others.

"Your Hands Can Heal You" is a excellent introduction to Pranic Healing and several of Grand Master Choa Kok Sui's courses; Basic Pranic Healing, Advanced Pranic Healing, Pranic Psychotherapy, Soul Realization and Arhatic Yoga Prep. Grand Master Choa Kok Sui is the founder of Pranic Healing and all his courses are interconnected and designed to enhance every area of our lives.

I have been a student of Pranic Healing for the past seven years. Prior to Pranic Healing my life was very chaotic. I was always emotionally overwhelmed and emotionally driven. During a most difficult period in my life I got on my knees and asked God to "show me something different". The following day I was guided to a class on Pranic Healing. Immediately after a one weekend course of Basic Pranic Healing my life stabilized.

Thanks to practicality of the teachings of this ancient wisdom I am better able to handle all of life's challenges today. I experience greater clarity of mind, inner peace, more energy to accomplish tasks at hand, more focus, better health and a fulfilled life. Today I can sweep away any physical and emotional discomfort before it fully manifests into a greater problem. I can walk away from chaotic situations without getting drawn into them. And I can better assist those I love by being detached and objective.

What a great blessing to have all this information available in one easy to read book!

I've been a student of Author Master Co for about 4 years now, and have applied the Pranic Healing techniques taught in this book on myself and others with astonishing results. I was not new to "energy medicine" before this, and when I found Pranic Healing and experienced its beneficial and consistent results, I knew I had "struck gold". Now Master Co and Dr. Eric Robins, board-certified urologist, have set these techniques to print in the similarly easy-to-learn, step-by-step process that is taught in Pranic Healing classes worldwide.
One can easily learn through following the authors' simple instructions how to heal themselves and also others of many common health problems. I personally have used these same techniques shared in this book on others to effectively alleviate problems ranging from backpain/neckpain, headaches, ulcers, minor injuries, burns, asthma, all manners of aches and pains, to even mild anxiety and depression and more. The focus of this book is showing us how to heal ourselves quickly and effectively, to make us proactively aware of the mechanisms by which our negative thoughts and emotions can create disease, and give us effective tools to counter these. However, the same techniques can easily be applied to others without additional references needed. More importantly, step-by-step routines are included for practically and incrementally incorporating the book lessons into our daily routine with time management being a priority. If you have never done or experienced any form of "energy medicine", this book is designed for you. You will not receive any misinformation within these pages. Skeptical minds are also welcomed by the authors. You will be able to learn these techniques properly from the book alone. If you are a Master of Reiki, Qigong, or some other form of energy healing, this book is designed for you as well. It will take your healing abilities to the next level, and allow you in many cases to perform successful healings on yourself and others where your current modality has failed. Your clients will find the pranic healing modality non-invasive, as no contact with the physical body is involved.
For all readers, regardless of experience level, you will greatly benefit from the powerful energy generating breathing exercises and meditations provided within. I have personally found through experience that these are of the highest caliber and return the greatest benefit for the amount of time invested. Some of these techniques take as little as 5 minutes a day to produce tremendous results. Not only do they increase my physical energy levels, vitality, and endurance, but they also cleanse my mind of negative thoughts and emotions allowing me to experience a greater sense of inner peace and well-being. I've found that this leads to increased work productivity.
Now please, don't take my word for anything I've said here--these are my experiences and those of my pranic healing clients. I highly recommend you buy the inexpensive "Your Hands Can Heal You" book, practice the techniques, and experience the truth of what I've written here for yourself through your own eyes. I'm sure you will find it to be one of the best investments you've ever made.

Newly revised, this book is an old friend of mine. One of the first midwifery books I read, it covers an enormous breadth of information, yet is understandable for the beginner. It is still one of the 2 or 3 books I refer to first when I need to look something up. Elizabeth Davis just revamped and revised this book in 1997, and it is better than ever, with new sections on herbs and homeopathy, working with apprentices, hepatitis and HIV, midwifery practices, and issues of legalization, NARM, and MANA.

The book is very well-organized, with lots of excellent illustrations that make concepts easy to understand. There are many boxed areas for quick reference on herbs, and issues for pregnant women reading the book. These include questions to ask a potential midwife, self-care in pregnancy, danger signs in pregnancy, and many more. I recommend this book to consumers as well as midwives, as I think educating yourself during your pregnancy is very important, and this book is a wonderful resource.

My only criticism with the book is that the information is not very well documented- Davis will mention that research has found such-and-such, but doesn't cite the researcher or where it was published.

This tender book has given me, as a student Nurse-Midwife, a precious insight to the essence of Midwifery that has gotten lost for some. In the midst of Midwifery school where details on the hows of birth are heavily concentrated on I pick up this book when I need to 'feel' that deep-seeded passion that Midwives have for their careers and their precious patients. The text is simply written, but also complex in its coverage of many aspects of birth. Ms. Davis does a fantastic job giving an explanation to the psychological and mystical events surrounding birth. Thank goodness that this sister Midwife shares her insight and experience with those of us who are doing everything we can to learn this challenging information.

This *textbook* is awesome. There is so much information in here, do not borrow this book from your library! Purchasing this wonderfully helpful book is the only way to go. You won't be sorry! There are so many pictures, drawings and exemplary descriptions to assist you in your lifetime learning of this 'calling' - midwifery care and assistance.

If you're a doula - you want this book. If you're a childbirth educator - you want this book. If you're an aspiring midwife of any kind - you want this book. If you're a mother, a grandmother, an expectant parent, or a natural childbirth advocate - you too, want this book!

Guiding you through prenatal care, problems during pregnancy, the birth process, complications during labor, postpartum care for mothers and babies - this guide will last many, many lifetimes over. Included also, is information about becoming a midwife, and even setting up your own practice - or finding the right careeer route for yourself.

This is a timeless piece of artwork! Enjoy!

As a first grade teacher, I have used this book for the past 4 years. We begin using the lessons every January. My students love the activities and I see tremendous improvement in their spelling, reading, and writing after we begin using Making Words. You must try it!

"Making Words" is a super and exciting way to teach students spelling and phonics. I am a special education teacher. This was finally a way that my students enjoyed learning to read and spell.

Word Building was introduced to me about three years ago. I have been teaching for two years now and have used word building as a part of my reading program. I am pleased with the progress that my 2-3 graders make with this program. They understand how spelling and reading are related. Also it teaches them that two or three letters when put together make one sound. I purchased this book in September. I have been very happy with it. If you are unfamiliar with this method, this book is all you need. At the start of the book it shows you step by step how to set up word building in your classroom. Pictures are included. You will find over 150 word building lessons. Letter tiles for you to copy, cut, and laminate are included. I now feel that word building should be a part of every k-3 reading program.

This book is a funny fantasy about a prince who does NOT want to be king, despite his father's dying wish. His throne is immediately usurped and the would be king escapes into exile along with a bunch of strange characters including a naive rat and a talking bush. This story leaves you hanging and I'm sorry that there apparently is no sequel and so few people have read it.

I first read the Oneprince 4 years ago and going back and reading it again I still love it as much as ever. Quad and Gregor, Narramoore, the Honor Guard, Friend Rat and Nellie are all very real and vibrant characters. The dark lord is sinister yet funny and Solofaust is the perfect villain. I've been waiting for a sequel but it seems that Mr. Hand has stopped writing this series. If anyone has any information on this I'd love to know.

"As an avid reader and especially as a fantasy lover, I thoroughly enjoyed Bill Hand's ' The Oneprince '. It is a just a fun book to read and the allegory is wonderful. Only three authors have made me chuckle out loud while reading : Mark Twain, David Eddings, and Bill Hand. That's pretty impressive company. I am going to make sure that all three of my sons read this book and I am going to get several copies as gifts for friends who love fantasy. You can bet I'll be the first on the list to get any other books written by Bill Hand.."