How does a little boy train his big, brown, disobedient dog? When the boy commands SIT, his dog jumps up on him and slobbers. When he orders STAY, his dog chases a squirrel. FETCH seems to mean roll over to his dog; COME causes his furry friend to run away. This old canine just can't seem to get the hang of it. He won't give his paw, stay off the furniture, play catch, or stop howling and barking. Finally in total exasperation the boy commands BE BROWN, words his dog just can't ignore..... Barbara Bottner's minimal text, really just one word per page, is highlighted by Barry Gott's charming, bold, bright, and exuberant illustrations, and little ones are sure to giggle and enjoy all the silly antics of boy and dog. Be Brown! is an engaging and entertaining preschool, crowd pleaser, youngsters will beg to "help" you read again and again.

My 3.5-year-old son loved this hilarious story about a bossy boy and his disobedient dog. The way that the dog never listens to the orders that the boy is delivering is very amusing and so true to life. We laughed and laughed as we read this story. The ending where the little boy finally thinks up an order that the dog is able to obey works perfectly. We loved the way that they boy wants to celebrate his dog's "goodness" with a hug and some words of praise. The words and the pictures go together perfectly! All in all, this book is a great read and is sure to be a favorite with all children who have pets and those that want one.

Barbara Bottner's latest picture book proves once again how perfectly she understands children. A young boy is desperately trying to train his uncooperative dog. Ignoring command after command, the dog gloriously (and hilariously) avoids compliance. What's a boy to do? -- A perfectly satisfying ending!

Benedict's Dharma is a rare find--a book on spirituality that is lovingly burnished by practice. Benedict's Rule was above all a work for practical application; what few understand is how well the Rule translates into Eastern practice.

Rarely have I enjoyed a book as thoroughly as this one; I regretted reaching its final page, for the journey it provided was such a delight. Yet the greater truth is that this book is meant to be a passageway, pointing the way to greater spiritual understanding and greater self-knowledge. The truths it uncovers are applicable to anyone who is serious about leading an authentic spiritual life.

This book is an exceptional treasure, offering significant and practical insights on every page.

Benedict's Dharma is a rare find--a book on spirituality that is lovingly burnished by practice. Benedict's Rule was above all a work for practical application; what few understand is how well the Rule translates into Eastern practice. Rarely have I enjoyed a book as thoroughly as this one; I regretted reaching its final page, for the journey it provided was such a delight. Yet the greater truth is that this book is meant to be a passageway, pointing the way to greater spiritual understanding and greater self-knowledge. The truths it uncovers are applicable to anyone who is serious about leading an authentic spiritual life. This book is an exceptional treasure, offering significant and practical insights on every page.

"There is fire in the Rule of Saint Benedict" (p. 121) David Steindl-Rast, OSB, writes in the Afterward to this collection of Buddhist reflections on that Rule. Written in the sixth century, Saint Benedict's Rule is a set of guidelines governing Christian monastic life. This 137-page book is the result of a two-week "Encounter" between Buddhists and Christians, in which Norman Fischer, Joseph Goldstein, Judith Simmer-Brown, and Yifa were participants. Their "fresh take" (p. xiv) on Saint Benedict's Rule is followed by a new, 80-page translation of that Rule by Patrick Henry, OSB.

The Rule was written to practice "Christ's way." Christ said, "Whoever perseveres to the very end will be saved" (p. 97). For Buddhists, Benedict's Rule is about "walking the path to spiritual awakening" (p. 105). That is, both the Rule and Buddhist dharma offer "general guidelines for an inner journey" (p. 1). Judith Simmer-Brown notes that the Rule offers us insight into living a contemplative life amidst the demands of everyday life, or "anyplace you find yourself" (p. 3). From a Buddhist perspective, Benedict's Rule is about learning to live life "so it gets into your bones, under your skin" (p. 34), and about living with "a love of true life and a longing for days of real fulfillment" (p. 36), for this was "Christ's way."

It is evident from this book that "the monastery wall is always permeable" (p. 81). Benedictine monasticism is designed to lead one to spiritual riches on the path of humility (p. 95). It is possible, we're told, to practice a contemplative life outside the monastery walls. "The world is vast and wide," Norman Fischer writes. "Why put on your robe and go to the meditation hall when the bell rings?" (p. 89). Daily practice is "the common ground" for monastics of East and West (p. 124), and in his excellent Afterward, David Steindl-Rast, OSB, concludes that "lay practitioners are running away with the monastic ball" (p. 126). "Step out into the dark night," he writes, "raise your eyes to the starry sky, and you will experience what contemplation was before it had a name" (p. 126).

We find Buddhists and Christians travelling the same "ladders and bridges" in this harmonious book. Buddhist or Christian, this book will appeal to to that monk or nun cloistered in each of us, who is interested in "a life spent seeking the truth."

G. Merritt

I was up into the wee hours last night finishing this book. To call it an excellent collection of love stories is an understatement. These stories are literary gems, polished to a high shine. The editor did a great job of collecting stories that are very different from each other, and each story explores lesbian love from a very different viewpoint. My favorite was the opening story, "Two Houses, One Home." It had me laughing out loud, but it was also very, very sexy and touching. Five stars! Can't wait for next year's collection.

I bought this book because it looked classier than a lot of other lesbian romance books I've come across. I was a little doubtful that it would be anything more than fluff, but I was delightfully surprised from the very first page. I loved the opening story, Renee Hawkins's "Two Houses, One Home," about an older couple squabbling over whose house they'll live in; it's laugh-out-loud funny AND saucy! Other great pieces include Shelly Rafferty's sexy and smart "Reckoning in Labrador," Orly Brownstein's "Mrs. Houdini's Wife," Sarah Pemberton Strong's beautifully written "Suzanne's," and two amazing lesbian ghost stories (!!!!) by Mary Sharratt and Zsa Zsa Gershick. What a treat it was to find a book of lesbian love stories filled with smart, moving, well-written pieces. Not the standard dreck! Pick up your copy today! Highly recommended!!!

This isn't just another cheesy lesbian romance anthology; it's a moving, funny, romantic collection of lesbian love stories by some of our best lesbian writers (Leslea Newman, Ruthann Robson, Carol Guess, Elana Dykewoman, Terry Wolverton, Anne Seale, and others). The stories are extremely compelling and well written--so much so that I read the entire book in two evenings. It's clear that Angela Brown really knows her stuff and has a great eye for talent. I can't wait for the 2004 volume to come out!

Good bone health requires more than drinking lots of milk or taking calcium supplements. Dr. Susan E. Brown explains it all in her book, Better Bones, Better Body, a "comprehensive self-help program for preventing, halting and overcoming osteoporosis."

A medical anthropologist and certified nutritionist, Dr. Brown currently directs the Osteoporosis Project and the Nutrition Education and Consulting Service. She says that osteoporosis is a "needless disorder [that] barely exists in much of the world." It is "a disease of Western civilization created by our lifestyles." Because it's a disease we have created, it is one we can eliminate.

Dr. Brown says her extensive research enables her to say that "I now know that osteoporosis is preventable and that it can be halted once begun. I also know that it is to some degree reversible." Her book details precisely what causes osteoporosis and how to prevent its development.

Although many of us think of bone as being something that is solid and unchanging, it is actually living tissue. Old bone tissue is constantly being dissolved and replaced with new bone. Dr. Brown says that "every atom in our skeleton is replaced within a three-month period." While calcium is certainly a key player in building new bones, it doesn't work alone. At least 17 other nutrients are needed. The standard American diet either doesn't provide those nutrients, or provides them in inadequate quantities. Not only are most Americans slighted on the essential nutrients, they consume too much animal protein. Calcium is actually withdrawn from bone tissue in order to metabolize protein, which contributes to the development of osteoporosis.

Dr. Brown explains how to evaluate your personal risk of developing osteoporosis. She offers hope when she says "it is never too late to begin building healthy bone. Even the aged confined to wheelchairs have been able to build bone mass with simple exercises and modest nutritional supplementation." Dr. Brown then provides comprehensive instructions for individualizing a program to suit your needs. The basics of osteoporosis prevention and reversal are sound nutritional practices and regular strength-building exercise. Dr. Brown offers guidelines and examples for making those basics a part of your lifestyle.

Not only is Better Bones, Better Health a must-read for every Western woman, it's also essential for men and adolescents. Buy a copy for yourself, and extras for your loved ones--help banish this unnecessary disease from your life and theirs.

this book is showing the reader the real non-nonsense about osteoporosis, and explain a very wide range of the bone nutrition and metabolism that helping to the bones to recharge themselves naturaly.this book is also shows how other nations and some rare populations feed themselves, and howcome these populations dont have problems with their bones after menopause. since that author is a nutritionist and also an anthropologist, sow she is having the ability, together with her expirience(that is combined with other world's authorities in osteoporosis)to share with you(the readers)the real scientific approach to a better bones better body. are you interested in how the author do it?,and what other tips she gives in that remarkable book,buy it!.

A great book on understanding, preventing and overcoming osteoporosis. The information presented here is not just relevant to osteoporosis, but to general good health. One of the best health books that I have read.

A bigger difference than between this book and "History of Greek fire and gunpowder" can hardly be imagined. "The big bang" is written like a history book and therefore much easier to read that professor Partington's book. It describes the history of all explosives, from black powder to the H-bomb. It is surprisingly complete. The book treats, among others, black powder, smokeless powder, cordite, ballistite, nitroglycerin, dynamite, gun cotton, TNT, ANFO, picric acid, safety fuse, detonators, the A- bomb and the H-bomb. It is clearly an historical account, not a recipe book. The writer not only describes the technical- and chemical aspects of explosives but also tells the story of the persons, production methods and companies that have played a role. Also he gives information on the application of explosives in military use, mining, demolition and quarrying and on all the problems that have occurred in the course of time. Even the "gunpowder machine" (predecessor to the steam engine) is mentioned. Obviously the writer is from Britain, which shows in his discussion of the patent controversy between Alfred Nobel and the British government concerning the production of Cordite. Generally, however, he takes a very objective position. The writer has also placed the development of explosives in the broader context of social development and a number of interesting facts are mentioned. It seems that the publication of the Balfour declaration (which led to the founding of the state of Israel) was very much due to the fact that it was a Jewish chemic (Chaim Weizmann, the later president of Israel) who found a solution to the shortage of acetone in England during the First World War, thus helping the war effort. Acetone is essential for the production of Cordite, the main propellant for the British guns. Also controversial characters like Fritz Haber and Robert Oppenheimer feature in this book besides large industries like Dupont de Nemours and Kynoch. The development of explosives is not only important to the war industry and mining but also plays a vital role in the realization of important, prestigious public works like canals, tunnels and railroads. The explosives industry stands at the basis of much of the modern chemical industry. All in all "The big bang" is an excellent book to learn the history of this very specialized and sometimes controversial subject.

THE BIG BANG a History of Explosives was written by George I Brown, and not by Adam Hart-Davis. Adam Hart-Davis is an exceptionally fine presenter, with the BBC. He has a programme called LOCAL HEROES, and is an ex professor of a university, in the UK(I'm sorry I can't remember which one). Adam Hart-Davis writes a foreword of one page long. Mr. George Brown wrote the other 256 pages, and a wonderful piece of work he wrote. If you want to kill people, then your looking @ the wrong book, move along. Other than that the Title says it all really.

The book is a thematic history of explosives. The largest coverage is for gun powder detailing the history of its use in guns, bombs, rockets and mining. Then the further advances of explosives are covered up to and including nuclear explosives.

The author presents a technical work easily understood by this non-chemist. He also gives the very human background of the various inventors and users of the explosives.

What was most interesting to me is the fact that many of our most famous chemical producing companies started with the production of explosives.

Also interesting was the history of the development of safe explosives both for war and for mining purposes.

The book is well illustrated and easily accessable for the layperson and for the professional.

This was written with the language of the heart... and was informative, fascinating, and well done in every way. I enjoyed the pictures too. I felt privileged to see inside this fabulous woman's life.

Riveting and educational! A page turner! Marty Mann was an incredible woman and we finally get to read about her life in detail. This is a must read for those who are recovering from alcoholism, those affected by alcoholism, social service and public health providers and legislatures. We have much to learn from Marty Mann and we must continue her mission today.

As its title implies, A Biography Of Mrs. Marty Mann, The First Lady Of Alcoholics Anonymous is the uplifting life story of a singularly strong and incredible woman - one who crusaded to teach all of America, men and women, that alcoholism is a treatable disease. Her life, which spanned most of the 20th century encompasses despair, hope, and redemption through crusading to battle the pernicious evils of alcoholism, and perhaps just as bad, ignorance about the nature of alcoholism. In Marty's own words, "People who dislike the terms 'alcoholic' and 'alcoholism' should consider the alternative of not knowing what was the matter with them and could believe only that they were hopelessly insane." An unforgettable biography of one of America's most fervent public-health reformers.

Brown's book is the finest study available on sexuality and the body in the early Church. This book sheds great light on the classical, Jewish , and Christian conceptions of the body and how important those conceptions were in early Christianity, especially for early Christian asceticism. This is a must read for anyone interested in gaining a serious appreciation of the early Church. Many histories focus primarily on the Development of Christian Doctrine and Ecclesial structures. An understanding of early Christian spirituality and asceticism illuminates early Christian doctrine and church structure even more.

This is a marvelous book and Peter Brown is a master of his field. _The Body and Society_ provides one of the best histories available of the human body and its relationship to Christianity in late antiquity. Brown traces early Christian ideas on the body and sexulity to their roots in the Classical world and Roman views of gender and sexual practice. Then, the Christian idea of sexual renunciation is explored through the ideas of major Christian theologians, dealing especially well with the complex views of Augustine of Hippo. This is a beautifully written masterpiece of historical research and is likely to be a modern classic.

This book is an introduction for those who are just approaching the ancient world of early christianity, and a guide full of insight for those who already have had a look of it. It is as important to philosophers as to historians, and to all those who are interested in the <> of Christianity and all the trouble it had before becoming one of the most expanded religions and cultures on our world. Moreover it makes an important step in linking the history of religion and of thought to the history of the human body. Mr. Brown wrote an excellent history book where any person seriuosly interested in the ancient world can find important information. Information, though, is not the only important thing in History, and in this book we can find much more: useful anecdotes are beautifully depicted in the very right place in order to make the thinking and the more practical need of our ancestors more undersandable to our western technological eyes. Also let me add, that this book is the result of some thirty years of reserch and extensive, but deep reeding of the writings and deed of the Fathers of Christianity. This book is, for us, an exceptional chance to read not only the translations of a very experienced translator of ancient literature but also his comments and crossed inquiries.

Super book, many flies and recipes, how to tie them and how and where to fish them. Put this one on you bench.

This book doesn't waste your time or money. Ever wonder what flies work where and how to tie those flies? This book tells you if you're going after Bonefish. It's to the point with great pictures, instructions and information that you can really use. Even if you don't fish for Bonefish, get this book. It will get you started.

I consider myself a novice fly-tyer, having resumed the hobby after a break of over forty years. I am getting ready to go to the Bahamas for a week and wanted to tie some bonefish flies. I have about four books on saltwater flies, many of which gave me some direction, but none hold a candle to this book which a good friend just gave me for my birthday. Excellent photography, over 150 fly recipes and pictures as well as chapters on basic tying techniques, innovations and trends, a useful glossary of materials and a chapter on locations, prey, depths, light and wind conditions as they relate to flies and presentations. Superb indexing and anecdotes. You can also easily cross-ref fishing locations with specific patterns. I'm looking for other books by this author. Can't wait to get to the weekend to put some of Mr. Brown's ideas to work. dd

I was given this book as a child. It was one of the best gifts I ever got. Every child should have this book, and every parent should read it, too.

I just pulled out my copies of this book and The I Hate Mathematics Book! to show to someone. I read them both prolifically from years 8-12 or so, and to this day pick them up occasionally. I was curious to see if it was still in print, and pleasantly suprised. My copy of this book is so well worn, the cover is falling off of it.

The Book of Think, simply put, is a book that teaches critical thinking skills. The puzzles are fun, and sometimes a bit surreal. The skills learned are invaluable. I believe this series was recommended to us by a gifted education teacher. They strongly shaped my formative years. I remember staying home and reading these two books, and others in the series. They are loaded with practical problems and hands on tools to use. I am sure that a teacher could find lots of great activities for students with these books.

Quick, click on the link and purchase this book, Hate Mathematics, I am not a short adult, Blood and Guts, The Reason for Seasons, This book is about Time... get them all before they are out of print. You won't be disappointed. It may be the best purchase you have ever made for your children and/or students. Maybe even yourself! I think I'll reread them all.

Lisa

This book is one of my favorites for group activities, ice breakers, and getting a staff team to start thinking creatively. It is perfect for anyone who likes a challenge and the answers not just handed to them. I have given these books as gifts to adults and see them use the exercises over and over. Highly recommended. (Maybe even your kids would like it.)

a scintillating, visionary tale that really delightfully trips one out page after page. I found the language sumptuous and the story intriguing, though (and because) many of the prophecies in this book have come to fruition.

DJB writes with an uncanny flair for the idealistic and the romantic with the piercing edge of a scientist. His dreams are way bigger than most and his conscious mind travels into dimensions equally vast, intricate and hopeful.

This highly unique form of writing jump starts the mind and lifts the reader into paradise.

A most enjoyable work!

This is one of my favorite Science Fiction novels. It's a wild ride to a fantastic future that is not that far away.

When William Gibson wrote 'Neuromancer' he created a new genre of Science Fiction, which we now call 'Cyberpunk.' I believe that this book and 'The Diamond Age' by Neal Stephenson define a new genre of Science Fiction that speculates about a future that is similar to the Cyberpunk visionaries, but more wrapped up in the science of molecular nanotechnology. In short, it creates a new genre that I would call Nanopunk.

This novel is not only a fantastic work of fiction, it's also a dynamic and thought provoking look into human consciousness, technology, and how humans are evolving as a species. It raises questions that will get you thinking about your own true nature as well as the nature of the world around you.

Sexy, shocking, dystopian, utopian, bizarre, and subversive all at the same time, this novel is one of my favorites. David Jay Brown, much like his principal characters, is successful at invoking a world of rich textures into existence.

The introduction by Robert Anton Wilson is insightful and thought provoking as well.

It has been a couple of years since I first read "Brainchild" and I still think about it a lot. I've read it twice and I think I'll pick it up again tonight.

I wish all books were this thought provoking, pure of heart and explosive while remaining clear, concise and fun.

The characters became my friends and were hard to let go of when the book ended. Will there be a sequel?

"Brainchild" is the next bus to infinity. The chapters are where the bus stops but the route is where ever your consciousness allows you to go.

David Jay Brown was courageous to put forth ideas so ahead of their time. I can't wait for his next book!