When I first saw the ad for this delta sleep system, I figured why not, I'll go ahead and see if it works if it doesnt oh well. Well, I've been using it for the past year and I will say that for me, it actually helps me get a deeper, more restful sleep than not using it at all especially if I have problems getting to sleep. My favorite cd is the first one and to be honest I have never "heard" the entire cd. If I had to guess about the time period, I would say that 15-20 minutes after the cd starts I fall asleep. My routine is that I start the cd, lay down, turn off the lights, and listen. I can feel my body relaxing and the next thing i know it is morning. I wake up feeling like I actually had a great nights sleep instead of the usual groggyness I use to feel. I dont know if this works on everyone, but I do know it works for me. :)

Your body needs to recuperate and rebalance every day cycle. What more efficient way to do this then with the highest quality of sleep? Get this top of the line system if you love what sleep is. It will enhance your sleep greatly. No one really can tell you why we dream, but we do, and this system helps you to actually have sweeter dreams! When you awake you'll feel like all the plugs on your operator switch board have been plugged in.

Your brainwaves slow down with each progressively relaxed stage of sleep, waking state is called beta, deepest sleep is delta. Beautiful 3-D layered sounds and tones (among them NASA space sound recordings of our solar system's outer planets from the Voyager project, human sounds, nature sounds, all primordial sounds that are deeply ingrained at our deepest levels of recognition),are mixed with airy, ethereal, mystical music. Special sound frequency pulse rates throb and lead you into deep, deep sleep. Listen: The throbbing trains your own brainwaves to follow the same rate of throb (it feels really good). Waking state at first, and slowly lowered to deep sleep rate. Your brain waves here have a rythem to follow, and with no effort on your part your brain waves will follow this lead. And so great, restful sleep happens. A really great thing well worth its price. Sleep is great, this makes it greater.

The Delta Sync Sleep System works very well by calming your nerves and entrancing you into a very deep sleep. After a hard day at the office or occupation of choice, coming home and dealing with problems and stresses there, listening to these CDs and falling into a peaceful sleep ensures a better day tomorrow. Would definitely recommend!

A classic Holmes novel, this book is perhaps one of Sherlock's most puzzling mysteries. As told by Dr. Watson, this mystery may have been one of Holmes's toughest cases yet.

As Sherlock is injecting cocaine into his blood system, he sits down with placid relief, until there is a knock at the door. In enters the beautiful Mary Morstan, whom Watson immediately takes a fancy to. While Watson observes her beauty, Holmes observes her problem. It seems that she is a rather middle-class woman, with style and father in the military, who is currently stationed in India. He had recently wrote to her saying that he would come to visit. However, he never showed up when she went to pick him up. That was ten years ago. But starting six years ago, four years after his disappearance, Miss Morstan had been receiving mysterious packages containing pearls of great value, one a year. Having been contacted by her mysterious complimentor, should she go and meet him? Or should she stay home? The truth lies with in the book.

This book is a triumph for the celebrated novelist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and I believe that many people would enjoy this book. Just to be specific, it would mainly be for people who are in the age group of around: 13 or older, and also those who are fond of the mystery novels and thrillers and anyone who could use a good book.

Like the other three Holmes novels, this book is a masterpiece. Sure, it is old (over 100 years, in fact) but, being Holmes, it will always be as fresh and exciting as it was the day it was released. Although all the Holmes stories are great, and you will have a good time reading any of them, I reccommend reading the books in chronological order (this can be conveniently done with the omnibus The Complete Sherlock Holmes), it will only serve to make you like the stories even more.

Anyways, this is the second Holmes story, and it is a page-turner, full of suspense. Also, it delivers the kind of intrigue and "how did he know that! " disbelief that only a Sherlock Holmes story can generate. It is because of this, and the stunning detail in which he is described throughout the 60 Holmes stories, that the hardcore readers of the Holmes stories cannont alltogether accept him as fictional. No character in the history of fiction has ever been more real to his readers, and none ever will be. Many Holmes fans have been known to feel remorse, even sadness upon visiting the Rickenback Fall (where Doyle originally tried to kill Holmes). That may sound fanciful, but indulge yourself in the 60 Holmes stories (including this one-one of the best) and see if you fall into that category.

A fabulous treasure dogged by murder. A trans-racial oath of loyalty. A greedy major, a cannibal pigmy, and a peg-legged convict. Mix in a pig-headed police investigator and a brilliant-but-flawed amateur detective, and you have the makings of a first-class mystery.

Miss Mary Morstan, the recipient of yearly gifts of pearls from an anonymous benefactor, receives a summons declaring her a wronged woman and promising riches if she replies. She enlists the aid of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, and finds herself in the middle of a locked-room murder mystery. If the mystery can only be solved, she will become the richest woman in England.

Holmes, in a virtuoso performance, solves the murder, finds the missing treasure, brings the killer to justice, and learns the strange tale of "The Four." Did I mention that Dr. Watson winds up married to Miss Morstan?

The format of this sequel to "A Study in Scarlet" follows basically the same pattern as the original Sherlock Holmes story. Holmes visits the scene of a baffling murder, draws amazing conclusions from his inspection of the scene, and relentlessly tracks down the villian, who then tells his story and turns out to be not such a bad guy after all.

I first read "Scarlet" and "Sign" as a pre-teenager, and they made an indelible impression on me. In my job I frequently visit murder scenes, and I believe that these two books are what have influenced me to perform inspections outside the crimescene tape.

An earlier reviewer remarked on Doyle's "politically incorrect" view of India. "The Sign of the Four" was written at the turn of the 19th century. We live in the 21st. We probably won't measure up to the 23rd century's yardstick for "political correctness" either.

Ever since the 80s when Designing Women hit its peek I have adored Delta Burke. I have even had the pleasure of meeting her a time or two. Why it took me so long to get around to reading this book, I do not know. Even as an admirer of Ms. Burke I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I reads more like she's sitting in your living room telling her stories than stiff pages of an autobiography. Her personal style and sweetness come shining through in the pages. I could have lived without the beauty tips & dressing tips in lieu of more personal stories, but her shopping guide was a nice touch. There are lots of great pictures spanning her entire life. She is a true southern lady and a steel magnolia to boot.

I thoroughly enjoyed Delta's book. While I normally would've been anything but interested in a woman who spent so many years in beauty pageants, I've always liked this actress. She was talented and hilarious on "Designing Women," and there was always something about her that let you know she was interesting, quirky, good-hearted, and strong. (She herself says she always knew pageants were a means to an end.) I was one of the people who sent her a letter of support when that ridiculous obession with her weight gain began. (And she sent back a lovely card of thanks.) Delta sort of had to go through it for all of us full-figured women first - through her experience, the media and U.S. as a whole seemed to realize for the first time that most women in this country are not a Hollywood size 0 (duh). I appreciate how she stuck out the difficult times and has stayed a beautiful person. Her book was a great mix of autobiography and style, makeup and clothing tips. I read it just after reading Carnie Wilson's homage to getting drastic surgery as a way to slim down, and while I realize that Delta was never as dangerously heavy as Carnie, it's such a relief to read about a full-figured woman who accepts herself as she is and is helping others do the same. Go Delta!

I am 19 years old and I appreciate this book as much as anyone could. This candid book can inspire anyone from a real size woman on down. The information i found in this book was something that is hard to find anywhere, truth and hope from a genuine human being in Delta Burke. I found her real life story hit close to home and I can relate to the information revealed to us about Ms. Burke's insecurities and struggle with self confidence. This book gives the real size women the proof that it is ok to be who you are, not who societies stereotypes say you should be. It isn't possible to put into words how greatful I am for Delta writing this book, she gives makeup, hair, and fashion tips, all while building the confidence of the REAL woman everywhere while reading this REAL woman's book. Thank you Delta! :-)

In this novel, the reader learns of the saga of 3 generations of women who dream of getting out of the small town of Rudell, Mississippi and realizing their dreams in the Big City.

Cora has a beautiful voice and wants to get to the city to sing. After the untimely death of her parents, Cora finally is able to realize her dreams. She leaves behind the love of her life and goes to Chicago. Only Cora finds that making her dreams a reality is at best difficult. She returns to Rudell, disillusioned and broken.

Emma, Cora's daughter has never been happy in Rudell. At the first opportunity, she flees and goes to New York. Everything seems to be going her way until she marries and has a baby. A midnight visit to Rudell makes things okay.

Parris, Emma's daughter inherits her grandmother's voice and her desire to sing in the Big City. With her grandparents blessings she moves to New York, meets Nick and begins to sing in his nightclub and the sparks fly. Parris has the means and the opportunity to do what the others could not.

Donna Hill's writing in this story was so vivid, a reader could just picture the scenes, the action and the scenery. I really enjoyed Cora and Emma's stories more. But, I will say this is not a book to be missed. Very good reading.

Rhythms by Donna Hill is an intricately woven tale of three generations of women. Cora, the daughter of a Baptist preacher, has the voice of an angel. Cora leaves the small town of Rudell, MS to pursue her dream of becoming a famous singer. However, after a tragic event occurs, she returns to Rudell harboring a big secret. After giving birth to a white-looking baby, she is forced to live in shame and isolation.

Cora's daughter, Emma, is an outcast because she looks differently than everyone else in town. As soon as she can, she runs away to live in New York as a white woman, figuring life would be so much easier there. Emma finally finds happiness and the perfect man. All is well until Emma becomes pregnant She is determined to do whatever it takes not to allow her secret to be exposed.

Parris, Cora's granddaughter, inherits Cora's exceptional singing voice. Cora showers Parris with the love she was unable to give Emma. Parris also leaves Rudell for the big city to pursue a singing career just as her grandmother did years ago. Again, tragedy strikes, but this time, secrets are revealed instead of hidden.

Rhythms is excellent novel that draws on all of your emotions. It is a book of lessons: lessons of love, acceptance, and forgiveness. Hill's lyrical writing and descriptive prose transports you into the book alongside the characters. You smell the aroma of down home cooking and hear the rhythmic sounds of music of the times. Rhythms truly shows the scope of this esteemed writer's talent.

Tina
R.E.A.L. Reviewers

Rhythms takes us on a wonderful journey of African American life from the late 1920s to contempory times. She chronicles the lives of Cora, Emma, and Parris. It is a story about dreams and the price one is willing to pay to make them come true. In the background of the story is a sociological history of African Americans. Ms. Hill's writing creates wonderful, colorful pictures in the mind. Your emotions run the gamut. Within the telling about Cora, Emma, and Parris you will experience first love, sorrow, rage, humiliation, fear, bitterness, fire, low self esteem, confusion, honor, and faith. Each makes choices that causes a ripple of effects. The book show us the power of love and forgiveness. It is never to late to set things right by honoring the truth. This is a book you need to have on your shelf. Bravo Ms. Hill! I can't wait for the next one.

There is a good deal to recommend this book. It is for the most part well-written, and the idea behind the book is outstanding. However I have quite a few problems with it. The opening tale by John Tynes is somewhat too short to overcome by backstory and characterization a rather ugly incident that takes place within it, equating experience with the Deep Ones to a version of combat syndrome, and that taints the rest of the book. Other tales fare somewhat better, and have some very thought-provoking concepts, adding a bit of science fiction to the world of the Mythos. One can become a ghoul, for instance, by reading a certain book, and a certain Great Old One can tear holes in the spacetime continuum in order to attract males for her followers (kind of silly, but effective within the tale). On the whole, I liked it, but for me that is the crux of the biscuit-I wanted to love it, and did not. Fell far short of the expectations that were engendered in me by the blurbs on the back cover and the front cover recommendation from Lucius Shepard. Can't give it a thumbs-up, but worth looking at if you have the money. Slim for the price.

I really enjoyed reading this book. As with any collection of short stories, I liked some more than others, but there were none in here that I didn't like. There were a couple that I consider to be real gems. My only real complaint is that it's not much book for 12 bucks. It's about half an inch thick, with eight stories in it. I guess maybe it's priced higher than most paperback books because of the cost involved for a small company to have smaller quantities of a book like this printed, but I must admit I was a bit disappointed with it in this respect.

I have always been a fan of way-out-there lunatic sci-fi/horror but unfortunatly most of the sci-fi and horror out there is just really insipid banal mainstream garbage. This book is different, the stories pull no punches and will blow you away. There is some violent violence and BIZZARE sexual stuff in this book so it is probably NOT for kids. Highly recommended and far better than the other Delta Green fiction "Rules of Engagement."

No author captures the mind and plight of the ordinary soldier better than James Jones, and "Whistle" is the third book of a trilogy that includes the indomitable "From Here to Eternity" and the gritty "The Thin Red Line."

From Here to Eternity portrays barracks life in Hawaii just before the attack at Pearl Harbor; The Thin Red Line is a wrenching account of island fighting in the South Pacific; and Whistle is the story of four men from the same infantry company, all wounded in battle, who are brought back to the U.S. on a hospital ship and then sent to an Army hospital in the South.

The book does a fine job of portraying the complex relationships between the four men and the inner demons each has to face. First Sergeant Martin Winch is a cynical, but superb leader who struggles with congestive heart failure while trying his best to protect the other three men. Mess Sgt. Johnny Strange is the nurturer who looks after the others while he struggles with the infidelity of his wife, and the injustices of the Army pecking order. Buck Sergeant Marion Landers tries but fails to handle the monstrous fury that wells up inside him. Corporal Bobby Prell fights to save his legs from amputation and copes with feelings of guilt over a Congressional Medal of Honor that he does not believe he deserves.

This was Jones’ final book, and he was unable to finish the final three chapters before he died of congestive heart failure (his death is portrayed in the movie "A Soldier’s Daughter Never Cries" based on the book written by his daughter, Kaylie.)

Unfortunately, the last book of the trilogy doesn’t measure up to the first two, and it pains me to write this because I am one of Jones’ major fans. The story, the writing, Jones’ unique ability to get into the head of the GI just aren’t as sharp in this work.

There is also the matter of his preoccupation about a man performing oral ... on a woman– he goes on and on and on about it throughout the book. The ... is graphic, even by today’s standards. All well and good, but the preoccupation with oral ... stretched and exceeded the limits of its role in the story line. It’s like Jones’ had a statement to make, and he made it too often; and he made it too important for credibility.

And then there is the end of the book, which should have been handled differently. Jones was unable to complete the final three and one half chapters, but he let his intentions for the finale be known in detail. A friend and neighbor, Willie Morris, wrote the last chapters from notes and recordings. They are not written as fiction, but as a summary of what the author intended to happen. The novel would have been much better had a skilled writer done the end as a continuing fictional narrative, imitating Jones’ style. (Of course, there would need to be an appropriate explanation of how it was handled at the beginning of the book.)

Whistle is not James Jones best work. But it’s still a fine story by one of America’s most underrated authors.

Jones's trilogy has been grossly underestimated in recent years. Whistle, while not as well received as the first two books is absolutely the most important because Jones's character types arrive at their ultimate destinies in ways that make us all cringe. I do not think I exaggerate in stating that the scenes in this book, which take place on a hospital ship and in a fictional Tennessee town are more horrific than those Jones described of the stockade and of combat on Guadalcanal. It is hardly diminished by the fact that Jones died before its completion. Never was I so moved. Never was I so angered. Never was I so despondent over characters in a novel(who live and breathe as surely as we do). This book has greatly enhanced my perspective on what the Second World War meant for the combat infantryman and I will never forget it.

"Whistle" is one of the best books I have read. WWII is my favorite story genre. James Jones has never been disappointing in showing the reality of the soldiers' character. There were parts of the story where I audibly gasped at what had taken place. Although some of the language was Army technical and foreign to me, it was an easy read. The sexual encounters and explicit descriptions of them, was not offensive,but enlightening. It was very real and a breath of fresh air compared to the sugar coated versions of what happened during the war in other stories and films of the same time period. The main characters, Winch, Landers, Strange and Prell are so different from the stereo-type "war hero" It is a story of WWII which reveals the horror but does not dwell on it with blood, violence & gore and shows it from so many different perspectives.

I read this book during a recent trip to Southeast asia, Including many of the countries (Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam) that the Author travelled in his 'year on the mekong'. I found it to be an enjoyable read, & applaud the author for seeking out several engaging personalities along his trip. I do not think that Gargan's work is on a par with Norman Lewis' 1950s classic A Dragon Apparent & would have liked a more balanced assessment of the historical & economic situation in some of the southeast asian countries he visited.

Like many people who were involved in the anti-war movement, Gargan seems to glorify his years as an anti-war protester & revels in the fact that he went to prison rather than serve in Vietnam. For those of a younger generation this got somewhat tiring as the book went on. He seemed shocked that modern day Vietnamese, Cambodians & Laotians would look up to the United States and may think that a better life could be had there. I mean, I only spent 3 weeks on the Mekong & did not have to stretch my imagination too far to understand how many locals (living on less than $500/year in countries with much less freedom) could hold that exact viewpoint.

Other than that, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read, & Gargan is a gifted storyteller. I guess I just would have liked it more if Robert Kaplan had made the trip . . . . & I read it right after A Dragon Apparent, which made for a tough comparison.

This is an enjoyable travelogue to read that covers Tibet, Southern China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The author has a different perspective on the countries than an ordinary traveller, and even has his own ideas about travellers.

I enjoyed reading this book as I prepared for my upcoming trip, because it gave me a taste of what I would experience. You can easily read a chapter, all of which stand alone, or read the entire book from cover to cover.

A Really interesting and observant 3,000 mile trip down the Mekong, primarily by boat. From the river's mouth to its end in the Mekong Delta: Tibet, China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Ed Gargan could have played a medical trump card to avoid the draft during Vietnam war, but instead he stood up for his beliefs and refused to register, thus serving time in federal prison. This was an influential experience, and he did refer to it at times, and American war situation in Indo-china, understandably.

Noting the past history and recent events of these places, and then talking with people to get their perception and viewpoints on where things are headed. Very balanced peppering of relevant historical occurrences, recent political situations, and down-to-earth local conversations about life in these places. Indigenous life and the cultural aspects of it in the areas he visited were noted.

The Chinese ethnic Hans are continuing their colonization of Tibet, imprisoning people, destroying temples, and other aspects of Tibetan culture. The secretive government of Laos is still in the moribund foggy myst of Marxist-Leninism, those "foreign white guys." He briefly tapped into the bohemian traveler opium-den culture of Laos on his way through, though as an observer and not a participant. He also interviewed one of the few survivors of Cambodia's Khmer Rouge torture and killing prison, finally ending his journey with a young Vietnamese woman's observant description of contemporary Vietnam and where its people and nation are headed in the future.
Very descriptive and observant piece of work.

There are some interesting facts that are noted by Gargan.
Francis Garnier, the French colonist who traveled the Mekong for two years in 1866. He apparantly didn't learn much, and he got what he deserved in the end. Another tid-bit, is that the character Colonel Kurtz in the movie "Apocalypse Now," is based on an actual person. Also there are more pickup trucks per capita in Thailand than on any other nation on Earth.

This is a great book for people who like travel books, and for those who have an interest in, or who are going to South East Asia.
Another great book I'd recommend that is also about boat travel: "Three years in a 12-foot boat," by Steven Ladd.

I had tears in my eyes as I finished this book, knowing that it would be the last love letter from the South from Willie Morris. The sheer beauty of his voice comes through in every line of TAPS, and in every character. This was an author who loved his home and the people around him. I'm so glad that JoAnne Morris was able to bring this final work to Willie's millions of fans and I commend her strength of spirit as well as his. God bless Willie Morris--he will be missed.

Tinged with elegiac feeling for the war-tossed small-town South of mid-century and with the memoirist's bittersweet impulse to prevent the younger self from making irreversible mistakes, Taps is as much a book of poetry as a novel of coming of age. The reader is borne along by the sheer felicity and dexterity of the writing as Willie Morris again proves, in his final work, that he was a grand master of the word.

Taps is a wonderful book. After reading just a little I
wished that the book was much, much longer. I grew up during
this period and believe it to be true to my experience.
This is the first book I have read by this author. Based on
this book I plan to read all he has written. Very sorry that
mr Morris died so (relatively) young.
I read 20-25 books a year. This is easily the best in quite a
few years.

Delta Force... I've seen at least 30 times, I'm 21 and have always loved action films, I've seen and have every Chuck Norris tape to date including some you've never heard of like "Warrior within" and "Slaughter in Sanfrancisco"... I think that Delta Force portrays a very realistic world we live in and although one man takes all in the movie.. if you look aside from that you will see the true meaning. although I think Chuck's best performance came in the movie "Forced Vengeance" ... by worst.. I'd say "Firewalker.. pointless!.. my name is Steve and I'm from Ontario Canada.. if anybody wishes to talk to me about Chuck or any other movies Email me at Zeppelin@vaxxine.com

The musical score and the american pride depicted gives me a reason to get up in the morning. If you seen the cut version on television, I recommend you check out the uncut version on video. It is better and then some. The part where they go into the school to save the hostages is fantastic. There is no better action movie out there that combines an incredible score with fantastic directing and suprisingly good acting. Chuck Norris played an awesome role. Based on a true event.

This movie is great. One has to watch it just once to appreciate it. The movie is not only fun action with a great soundtrack but it is also has a deep and intricate historical plot. The hijacking in the movie is based on the hijacking of a real flight in the 80's that was flying from Athens to Rome and then on to New York. The characters are developed well especially the stewrdess who IS GREAT. The stewrdess is a real character and she is German which is key to her role. The whole scene when she is calling names from the passport is also based on the actual events. Don't let the fact that it is a Chuck Norris flick let you down this is really a great movie that you can enjoy.

Looking for erotica that is not too far over the edge into bizarre? Although the language in the book is quaint due to the era in which it was written, it is still lushly erotic and perfect for reading to your significant other. Nin's writing style draws the reader into a private world of erotic pleasures, with detailed yet tasteful descriptions of wonderfully sensual scenes.

Despite the fact that Anais Nin has departed from the world her prose remains to testify to the fact that not only can she spin a tale of infinite quality and cohesiveness, she knows how to write geniune erotica that appeals to a wide range of palettes. Her words are eloquent and yet not wordy. The short stories are developed so that they follow the previous offering in such a way that you believe yourself to be a third party and the only person capable of appreciating where you think she is going with the book. Just when you think you might know the ending, Nin adds another delicious twist and you are once again caught off guard. Nin should be the standard for modern erotica. There is nothing prissy or insulting in her writing. It is simply what erotica was always meant to be whatever your sexual persona may be. Enjoy...

I own a copy of a second/third edition of this book...I inherited it from my mother years ago and it is a well written, stunning book of stories covering a wide range of eroticism. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and rereading this book over the years. I have even read it to some of my guy friends and they are just amazed at the writing that this book contains. They have all gone out and purchased their own copy. Nothing in this book offended me as it is made to convey synopsis in time and what rivets us as human "beings"...we all think things but this book tells of it.