Prejudice is alive and well in America. It's long past time for us as individuals to DO something about it and this book clearly gives several ways we can "break down the walls" of prejudice.

I have never read a book on race relations that offer practical help like this. The eight principles are both profound and practical for everyday life. It is well written too! Get it read it and apply it.

This needs to be read by anyone who is serious about addressing the racial differences we all face. These men share their personal stories and then the reconciliation principles that have grown out of their experiences. It is down to earth and practical, hard hitting yet enjoyable. A great help without the guilt ladden junk that comes in most racial sensitivity material. Two thumbs up!

William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" is brought to life with elegance and grace. Aside from the nudity and [adult] content, this is a great film full of funny humor, a great cast and brilliant filmmaking (Credit for that goes to Kenneth Branagh, who has proven time and again that he is as fine a director as Spielberg, Lucas, and Scorcese, if not better). The second DVD release features a fine digital transfer of the film, complete in it's 1.85:1 Widescreen format. The short featurette "Making 'Much Ado'" is not the best doc ever made, but it does it's job. Other special features include the Theatrical trailer and trailers for the "When Harry Met Sally..." and "The Princess Bride" DVD's. A fine addition to the collection. Get this along with "Henry V."
Movie Grade: A+
DVD Grade: A-

I saw this movie when I was fairly young. I admit that I couldn't understand much of what was going on let along what was being said (I was nine, I wasn't exactly fluent in Olde English). Since then I've watched it many times. Not only do I understand it now, but I fully apreciate how good it is.

The movie is a very good adaptation of the play. The impressive lines that Shakespeare wrote were generally given new life in their delivery. Also, I must compliment Michael Keaton on his role. It isn't a very big one, but if you watch this movie, you'll understand why I mentioned it. Overall, this is simply a fully enjoyable movie, whether you're a fan of Shakespeare or not.

What a wonderful find! The DVD version of this movie is simply splendid! The segment in the DVD version called "Making Much Ado" provides a terrific, brief overview to the film and is well worth the extra dollars to invest in the DVD format. Interviews with each of the actors will help you to appreciate this movie for what it truly is: a cinematic work of excellence! You will fall in love with Shakespeare's wittiest pair, Beatrice (Emma Thompson) and Benedick (Kenneth Branagh), while admiring the absolutely gorgeous landscape of the set. Each character's unique portrayal adds to the lighthearted feel of the movie; Shakespeare's diction is handled so well that the blank verse is remarkably stimulating...even to those who usually find it detrimental. Truly a film you will not want to miss, Branagh's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is proof of how modern technology can so enhance the genius of the Bard.

The lengthy title for the 1598 printing was "The History of Henrie the Fourth, With the Battell at Shrewsburie, between the King and Lord Henry Percy, surnamed Henrie Hotspur of the North, with the humorous conceits of Sir John Falstaffe".

Surprisingly, Hal, Prince of Wales, (later Henry V) was not even mentioned in this verbose title although many would consider him to be the central character. This play is clearly the dramatization of a struggle for a kingdom, but it is equally the story of Hal's wild and reckless youthful adventures with Falstaff and other disreputable companions.

Shakespeare did not write his plays about English kings in chronological order, but these plays do have a historical unity. It is helpful (but not essential) to read the tetralogy Richard II, Henry IV Part 1 and 2, and Henry V in chronological order. Whatever route you take, I highly recommend buying a companion copy of Peter Saccio's "Shakespeare's English Kings", an engaging look at how Shakespeare revised history to achieve dramatic effect.

A wide selection of Henry IV editions are available, including older editions in used bookstores. I am familiar with a few and have personal favorites:

The New Folger Library Shakespeare is my first choice among the inexpensive editions of Henry IV. "New" replaces the prior version in use for 35 years. It uses "facing page" format with scene summaries, explanations for rare and archaic words and expressions, and Elizabethan drawings located on the left page; the Henry IV text is on the right. I particularly liked the section on "Reading Shakespeare's Language in Henry IV" and Alexander Legget's literary analysis (save this until you have read the play). The fascinating article "Historical Background: Sir John Falstaff and Sir John Oldcastle" adds a religious dimension to the play that I had not previously noted.

The Bedford Shakespeare Series provides an excellent study text (edited by Barbara Hodgdon) titled "The First Part of King Henry the Fourth". It is a little more expensive, is about 400 pages, and provides a broad range of source and context documentation. It would be excellent for an upper level course in Shakespeare. The context documentation is fascinating and informative; it ranges from the Holinshed Chronicles to Elizabethan writing on Civic Order to detailed cultural studies of London's diverse populous. Other chapters address the OldCastle controversy and the "Education of a Prince".

I also like the Norton Critical edition (edited by James Sanderson), "Henry the Fourth, Part 1", particularly for its extensive collection of literary criticism. The essays are divided into two parts: 1) the theme, characters, structure, and style of the play and 2) a wide variety of interpretation directed toward that roguish character, Sir John Falstaff.

Having just completed Henry IV Part I, I must say that I came away delighted and impressed with Shakespeare's genius once again. Shakespeare's ability to intertwine the arduous dichotomy of the impcomparable comedy of Falstaff and the meaningful history of Henry IV, Prince Hal, & Hotspur is impressive to say the least. It comes as no surprise that this was one of Shakespeare's most popularly staged plays during his day and enjoyed an unusually long stage run.

Falstaff is undoubtedly the most infamously famous literary comic character in the history of English literature. The scenes of him being robbed by Prince Hal, feigning his death, stabbing the already deceased Hotspur in the leg while claiming victory, and his employment of beggars as his foot soldiers galvanize the comic aspect of the play and make for a hilarious & farcical sublot. Interestingly, in the bar in Eastcheap, Prince Hal alludes to his future persecution of Falstaff when he is crowned king.

I strongly recommend Henry IV Part I to all Shakespeare aficionados seeing as I deem it in the top five of all Shakespeare's works along with Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, & Henry V. Now on to Part II. Adieu.

"The better part of valor is discretion." - Falstaff

henry iv is misnamed since the play isn't really about king henry but about his son, prince hal, and his enemies, especially henry percy (aka 'hotspur') who is a rival to hal. hotspur is one of the leaders of the rebellion against the king and, at a tender age, is already an accomplished soldier. his story provides the drama of the play. hal, on the other hand, has fallen out of favor with the king, and is whiling away his days in the company of dissolute company, led by sir john falstaff, one of shakespeare's great characters. his adventures with sir john provide the comic relief. fortunately for the king, hal sheds his prodigal ways in time to save his father and his crown in the battle at shrewsbury, where, coincidentally, hal meets and slays his rival, hotspur.

this is one of shakespeare's best plays. the story of the rebellion is intriguing, and the adventures of hal and falstaff are laugh-out-loud hilarious. the culmination of the two stories in the final battle scene is wonderful. this is a fitting sequel to richard ii.

note that there are some historical inaccuracies and even outright inventions in this play. foremost is the character of falstaff who is pure invention (and genius). the story of hal's adventures stems from his reputation, enhanced by legend, as a playboy. falstaff was the perfect foil for a carousing prince. the biggest inaccuracy is hotspur's age. he was actually of the generation of henry iv, and not as young as he's depicted in the play. shakespeare made him younger to enhance, maybe even create, the rivalry with hal. there are other inaccuracies here, but better for the reader to consult 'shakespeare's kings', an excellent book by saccio that explains the history of the period and the discrepancies in the play.

this isnt the best versoin of cinderella i've heard!
but it is all i could find for a school project
if there was any good pictures from the book that i could have down loaded it would get 5 stars

the Book was good but i do wish they showed the picuter of the second ball whith cinderella in her gown

Cinderella lived with her two step-sisters. They gave her the nickname Cinderseat. They were really mean to her and made her do things for them. The king's son was to give a ball and everyone was invited. When the day came Cinderella began to cry and her godmother appeared and made her get a pumpkin, which she turned into a coach. She then turned mice into horses, and a rat into a coachman. Then dressed her in a beautiful dress and glass slippers. When she arrived she danced with the prince, but she had to leave before midnight. She left without telling anyone her name or anything. The next night they went to another ball and she left right before midnight in rags, and left one glass slipper behind. He checked around trying the slipper on everyone. When Cinderella tried it on it fit her perfectly, and the prince realized she was the mysterious girl he had danced with before and they were to be married. I think this is a good story for kids to read, because Cinderella was really nice to her step-sisters who were always so mean to her after everything.

This was a very popular novel of 1896, and is considered by many to be a literary classic. Theron Ware enters the scene as a small town Methodist Minister. He and his wife seem to be humble folk and settle into a small house near his church. Soon he meets a Catholic priest, an atheist physician, and a beautiful Irish lass. They make quite an impression on him. They are sophisticated, well educated, and quite worldly. Alas, they are such a strong influence on him that he starts playing the worldly role, and begins to look down on his job and his religion. He also finds himself strongly attracted to the lovely Celia Madden. I should mention that in those days the Irish were assigned to the caste of untouchables.

Theron acts as if he is now a man of the world, although he knows nothing of the literature, music, and philosophy discussed by others. He becomes a boring, mean minded buffoon. The book continues with his steady degradation, a preacher who has become a victim of that secular humanism that our current day fundamentalists complain so much about.

The novel provides an interesting view of religion and culture of the late 1800s. It was somewhat difficult for me to understand how such a seemingly pious man could turn into such a churlish fellow. Perhaps his upbringing was quite religiously strict, and he developed a strong reaction formation to it all.

I found this book on my father's bookshelf and brought it home to read. I'm not sure why I picked it--nothing about the title or description excited me too much, so it sat on my own bookshelf forgotten for several months. Finally, hurriedly getting ready for a vacation I needed a book to read and found Theron Ware. I loved it so much that I went right out and bought my own copy. I recommended it to my 21 year old son and he loved it too. One caution though, do NOT read the introduction first--it gives the entire plot away. Save it for after when you can savor the analysis.

IMHO, this novel can and should be included with the other American novels that we cram down the throats of high-schoolers: Moby Dick, Scarlet Letter, Huckleberry Finn, etc. This is the almost painfully realistic story of a preacher who discovers that there is another world outside his previously sheltered existence. For many of us, this sort of discovery is a happy and broadening experience. But in Ware's case, his new discoveries cause him to reject all the good things about his old life, and to build fantasy castles in the air of his imagination. In his increasingly desperate attempt to escape into a fantasy life, he leaves behind many of his values and ethical standards - not least his responsibilities to those he loves.

This book will hit a nerve for many readers - it did for me. It is easy for the reader to identify with Ware and realize only too late, as Ware did, that he is embarking on an illusory and self-destructive quest. Frederick constructed both the plot and the character of Ware perfectly, and this novel is worth everyone's time to read. You will keep thinking about it long after you have closed the book for the last time.

I'm a boy and I read the book and I loved it. It's about a 12 year old girl name Gabby Weis growing up without a mother. I found the book surprisingly funny and interesting. Baskin did a great job writting about Gabbys' struggles through life and middle school . I'd recommened this book to all kids boys and girls ages 9-15. This was a great book and I will definate
ly read her next book. You should really get the book it was great.

This is a excellent book!! It takes place in my home town!! She even came to visit our school! Best of all its true!! The characters names are made up and some parts are also made up...but the rest is true!! Its about a girl growing up without a mother, and the hardships she faces. Its really interesting! I couldn't put it down! Its really heart warming!! Best of all I can really relate to her, because I know where she is talking about!!

Being a pre-teen myself, I could fully understand and enjoy this wonderful book. It is about a girl, Gabby Weiss,growing up without a mother and the problems she faces because of this. Gabby feels there much you need to know to become a woman that she is missing out on. Living in a somewhat cold family, her dad and brother can't fulfill her needs. But there is one person who can. Cleo, Gabby's dad's girlfriend acts as a motherly role model for Gabby, giving her the advice and and comfort only a fellow woman can give. Gabby's best friend Taylor also helps her along her way to womanhood. But somehow, a best friend and a girlfriend isn't enough. Gabby needs to reach her mother somehow, and she is determined to do so, regardless of how challenging it might be. Not only is this book warm and inspiring, it is suspensful and compelling. It deals with the real life experiences kids have at school, on the bus, and in their home. I would recommend this fabulous book to any girl 12-15.

I am a big believer in the knowledge economy and the fact that a greater percentage of Americans are increasingly starting their own business based on what is inside their head (what they learned in college and their later work-related experience.) They are "Free Agents" as the book Free Agent Nation puts it.

If you are an attorney, dentist, engineer or any small- or home-based business owner you should look into this book as this book is IDEAL for entrepreneurs. Some ideas are fairly obvious, some are easier to implement than others but many ideas in the book were very creative. If you implement just one of these ideas the book pays for itself many times over.

I give the book 4 stars because, while it is an excellent book on self promotion and marketing, it didn't cause a paradigm-shift for me which is what I am now utilizing as my criteria for 5 star books (ie. I don't see the business world any differently than before.)

Within the field of marketing the author definitely gave some innovative and useful ideas. I have already begun to implement a few of her ideas and I believe that I will refer to this book often in the future. For those international buyers I would note that the book is written from an American perspective so many of the references or suggested sources won't be of much value.

The book stands out as a very good guide for the first time entrepreneur or the seasoned seller. It brought out so many improtant things for me as a first time business person, such as the importance of a name in business, promoting yourself in the media and ways to do it, and most importantly how to hold on to those Valued customers you do get. I have referred this book to many of my friends who are thinking of or who are starting a new business. It is very exciting and has many many good pointers. Definitely recommended as a way to help promote yourself and your business! It Helped me to gain confidence in myself and my abilities and is going to be a book I refer to every step of the way!

I bought 101 Ways to Promote Yourself and took it with
me on vacation. I could not put it down! There is so
much information in that book and I LOVED every bit of
it. Tremendous amount of resources and learning power!
RUN, Don't Walk to get that book for yourself. Raleigh
Pinskey is very generous with the information she gives
out here; she has given me some powerful ways to get my
business known! If I could attend her "Be Your Own PR
Expert" workshop in Phoenix November 15-17, but alas
my schedule will not permit that, so I shall await her
Teleseminar schedule in order to participate.

I was reading slow, I didn't want it to end. I am now looking for more books of Jeanne Ray's. I normaly only read book dating in the 1800's. I loved it

After reading several less than satisfying books this summer, I finally hit upon a winner. Step-Ball Change by Jeanne Ray is one of the most delightful books I've read in a long time and I highly recommend it to one and all. In the tradition of authors like Susan Isaacs and Elinor Lipman, Jeanne Ray approaches family life with both tears of joy and sorrow. And we as readers can't help falling in love with both her characters and writing.

Mimi and Tom McSwain have raised four children over the course of their marriage while Mimi owns and runs a dance school while Tom, a lawyer, works for the prosecutor's office in their town. During a rare and tranquil evening come almost two simultaneous phone calls. On one line comes the voice of their third born child announcing her engagement to a most eligible bachelor, while on the other line comes a sobbing phone call from Mimi's sister, Taffy, announcing that her husband has left her for a much younger woman. While their house is undergoing what was supposed to be a minor renovation, Tom and Mimi are beset by a host of problems with Ray treats with great wit and pathos. While Mimi worries if they have enough money to host a wedding of nearly 800 people, she must also contend with her sister's arrival and her poorly trained dog who bites everyone, her daughter's future mother-in-law who is busy choosing colors for bridesmaid's dresses and making appointments with a wedding party planner, her dance studio and a contractor and workmen who are now making the McSwain residence their second homes. As you can imagine this book is filled with wonderful characters and some of the funniest scenes I've read recently. Mimi who at 62 dreams of retiring although she still likes to do a step dance number or two, her husband Tom a calming influence for all who insisted that he and Mimi elope many years before, their youngest son, a law student, who also teaches at the dance school and everyone thinks is gay, Taffy, Mimi's younger sister who typifies a high maintenance woman and who also has a few dancing surprises in store for Mimi and finally George, the black man hired to build a sun porch who winds up teaching the McSwain family a thing or two about life and love.

This is the perfect book for a hot day in the summer or come of think of it at any time. If you liked Jeanne Ray's first book Julie and Romeo, you're bound to love Step-Ball Change. And let's see if you don't consider taking tap dancing lessons the way I am doing now once you've finished this book.

If this were a movie, it would be one of those wacky screwball comedies from the 30's. Some of the scenes are so funny, you find yourself laughing out loud - particularly when food is involved.

The cast of characters includes:

The husband and wife who just want to make it to retirement and a well earned quiet existence by a lake who find their lives turned upside down by ...

The sister whose husband has left her for a woman younger than their daughter who arrives for a visit (of undetermined length) with her little dog who loves to bite ankles.

The daughter who becomes engaged to a man whose mother is planning a reception for 900 ("And how many do you have on YOUR list, dear?") but who gets distracted when her ex-boyfriend (who always seems to be around - especially at meals) becomes attracted to her exotic cousin.

The contractor who is adding a Florida room on their house. Major foundation problems have come up and he also always is around - eating and giving advice.

Read it, enjoy it and share it. This book is a keeper.

I really liked the book, the drawings are great and the words are fun. I was rappeling not too long ago using the prusik to make me safe like they do on the cover of the book. The prusik tightened onto the rope just at the end of my reach, and I was hanging from the one loop around my leg. It was really uncomfortable and it took me a long time to get free. I asked a guide friend and he showed me two much safer ways to do the setup. Now I have to wonder if the book has more dangerous mistakes, because this one was on the front cover.

This is a really excellent book of knots for climbers. No nonsense, very clear, easy to figure out illustrations (really Mike Clelland is possibly the best, to say nothing of his great cartoons). The exceptional thing about this book of knots is the explanations that go with the knots. Lucid and well-written. The why, wherefore and, even in some cases why NOT...of a knot. It's not just a collection of a large number of knots you could use and have at it sort of thing. Since there are not that many that a climber truly needs (or wants), this book's it. Esoteric knots and decoratives are great, but beyond the scope for climbers.This one's really all you need.

I work as an illustrator ... AND, a climbing instructor. I sat at my desk with rope and a pen, and I put a whole lotta work into these illustrations. My goal was that the reader should be able to actually tie these knots. I would tie the knots and draw 'em with the beginer in mind. It was a fun job!

This is one of the few books out of several dozen I have ordered from amazon that have been disappointing. The reason is now obvious to me: most or all of the other reviews have been written by Ms. Pinskey's friends and contacts. The book itself is uninteresting, generally fairly obvious, and heavily biased towards the US market. I would have given it two stars, but I am sufficiently angry at the misuse of the review system to want to introduce some balance. I just wish she'd put her energy into writing a better book instead of churning out this dull waste of paper and then pushing her associates into promoting it.

I found this book to be useful when I started my own business. It gave me several tips on what to do and how to do it so that I didn't overspend and found the correct avenues of publicity.
This book was second in effectiveness only to Guerilla PR Wired: Waging a Successful Publicity Campaign Online, Offline, and Everywhere in Between by Michael Levine.

Best-selling books are made not born; they have to be promoted. Most independent book publicists charge $2-5,000 a month and it usually takes six months or more just to lay the groundwork for an effective publicity campaign. You can do it yourself.

This book covers the basics of promotion: media campaigns, media events, media kits, your contact file, how to pitch the media, using gimmicks to get attention, the art of the follow-up, interviews and a lot of inside advice.

Raleigh Pinskey is a successful author, publisher, speaker and promoter with years of experience.

As the author of 113 books (including revisions and foreign-language editions) and over 500 magazine articles, I highly recommend this book to authors and publishers.