wondering if I can buy this book in the book store, would I have to order the book, becouse it would not be in stock anymore,?

Fabulous!!

Yes, this book is 500 pages long, but Boy George has managed to get your attention and hold onto it throughout his book. It only took me 4 days to read this book because George was so open and honest about his life, mistakes and tragedies that I couldn't set it down!

George takes you step by step through his entire life, thus far, and retraces his steps from anonymous to famous. From happiness to tears. (I even shed a few tears of happiness and sadness when I was reading it.)

If you are considering reading this book, DO NOT hesitate! You will never regret reading this book. I love Boy George, my sister on the other hand isn't all that fond of him and she still was interested in reading his book, that is how great it is!

This book is a meditation. Rosen offers contempletive fragments of both Taoist philosophy and the words of and about Elvis that bring to the reader a compelling cache of connections between American myth and ancient understanding. It is material to be read and read again, both as a mediataive handbook for individual contemplation, and as a key step towards fulfilling a critical need for consciousness of a national psychology.

NOT JUST FOR ELVIS FANS ...

David Rosen's book reads like a meditation. He begins with two questions: "Why does Elvis' popularity persist?" and "What does that say about our culture?" He then tries to address these questions through a series of devotions centered around Taoist concepts. There are 42 devotions, one for each year of Elvis' life.

Dr. Rosen is clear that his objective is not to diagnose Elvis - as trying to define such a mythic figure would be like (in Lao Tzu's words) trying to "pin a butterfly: the husk is captured, but the flying is lost" (p. 145). Like the Tao, Elvis is a mystery full of contradiction. He is elusive. And Rosen tells us that the contradictory images of Elvis are not only what keep him alive for us - they have the potential to be the source of our own healing. The book is a compassionate work that seeks to restore this cultural icon - not through revision (e.g., trying to show that Elvis was on some path of enlightenment and made it) but rather through understanding that in the archetypal Elvis lies our own struggle with our dual nature. (Rosen focuses mainly on the double-edged quality of the King archetype - how it can function either as a channel to the divine or a destructive mechanism for the one who tries to live it out in human form.) What I like about this approach is that it emanates from a belief in the possibility of redemption - for Elvis and for us. For while "wholeness" (a Jungian ideal) may not have been achieved by Elvis in his lifetime, we can, in a sense, make him whole by finding meaning in his suffering (something he was not able to do himself) and by living according to what we learn.

Rosen uses technical terms derived from depth psychology (particularly Jung and Winnicott), e.g., archetypes, true self, false self, creative soul, shadow, and persona, but doesn't provide much explanation (although the uninitiated reader should be able to understand the concepts generally on the basis of context). As this is not a scholarly work but a meditation I think his approach makes sense. However, as a psychotherapist, I would like to have seen more text devoted to the process of individuation which Elvis, according to Rosen, was not able to complete. (Personally, I think Elvis' individuation is a failure only if we think of individuation as a completely linear process. As Rosen writes, Elvis vacillated between positions of insight and self-destruction - and this is likely what accounts for our ambivalence toward him: he is both the talented hero/rebel deserving of admiration and an obnoxious caricature who evokes disdain or pity. Perhaps there is wholeness in that.) For example, toward the end of the book, he writes "... Elvis felt there was little he could do to change. Of course, he could have done something, if he'd only been willing. He could have channeled his rage into killing his false self, then undergone a symbolic death of his self-destructive self and rebirth of his creative true self ..." (p. 145). But this is the first mention of Elvis' rage and it isn't altogether clear how this process could have transformed Elvis. Such a quick treatment may give the reader the false impression that Dr. Rosen thinks this is an easy achievement (perhaps owing to his modesty, he does not mention that he has written extensively on this process in another book, Transforming Depression: Healing the Soul through Creativity, although it is in his bibliography). And if we focus too much on Elvis' failed transformation, it is easy for us to miss one of Rosen's main points: that our awareness of our own weakness and vulnerability is the fountainhead of empathy. Elvis had this awareness (at least some of the time) along with a great capacity to care for others.

The quotes are interesting and fun, from myriad cultural sources - including Elvis himself - ranging from the popular (John Lennon, Bono, Bruce Springsteen) to the religious (Lao Tzu, Thomas Merton, and Martin Buber); however, my favorite passages were those in which Dr. Rosen speaks from his own experience.

Overall, The Tao of Elvis is a loving tribute to a cherished cultural figure who was, like all of us, a flawed human being.

NOT JUST FOR ELVIS FANS ...

David Rosen's book reads like a meditation. He begins with two questions: "Why does Elvis' popularity persist?" and "What does that say about our culture?" He then tries to address these questions through a series of devotions centered around Taoist concepts. There are 42 devotions, one for each year of Elvis' life.

Dr. Rosen is clear that his objective is not to diagnose Elvis - as trying to define such a mythic figure would be like (in Lao Tzu's words) trying to "pin a butterfly: the husk is captured, but the flying is lost" (p. 145). Like the Tao, Elvis is a mystery full of contradiction. He is elusive. And Rosen tells us that the contradictory images of Elvis are not only what keep him alive for us - they have the potential to be the source of our own healing. The book is a compassionate work that seeks to restore this cultural icon - not through revision (e.g., trying to show that Elvis was on some path of enlightenment and made it) but rather through understanding that in the archetypal Elvis lies our own struggle with our dual nature. (Rosen focuses mainly on the double-edged quality of the King archetype - how it can function either as a channel to the divine or a destructive mechanism for the one who tries to live it out in human form.) What I like about this approach is that it emanates from a belief in the possibility of redemption - for Elvis and for us. For while "wholeness" (a Jungian ideal) may not have been achieved by Elvis in his lifetime, we can, in a sense, make him whole by finding meaning in his suffering (something he was not able to do himself) and by living according to what we learn.

Rosen uses technical terms derived from depth psychology (particularly Jung and Winnicott), e.g., archetypes, true self, false self, creative soul, shadow, and persona, but doesn't provide much explanation (although the uninitiated reader should be able to understand the concepts generally on the basis of context). As this is not a scholarly work but a meditation I think his approach makes sense. However, as a psychotherapist, I would like to have seen more text devoted to the process of individuation which Elvis, according to Rosen, was not able to complete. (Personally, I think Elvis' individuation is only a failure if we think of individuation as a completely linear process. As Rosen writes, he vacillated between positions of insight and self-destruction - and this is likely what accounts for our ambivalence toward him: he is both the talented hero deserving of awe and a caricature who evokes disdain or pity. Perhaps there is wholeness in that.) For example, toward the end of the book, he writes "... Elvis felt there was little he could do to change. Of course, he could have done something, if he'd only been willing. He could have channeled his rage into killing his false self, then undergone a symbolic death of his self-destructive self and rebirth of his creative true self ..." (p. 145). But this is the first mention of Elvis' rage and it isn't altogether clear how this process could have transformed Elvis. Such a quick treatment may give the reader the false impression that Dr. Rosen thinks this is an easy achievement (perhaps owing to his modesty, he does not mention that he has written extensively on this process in another book, "Transforming Depression: Healing the Soul through Creativity," although it is in his bibliography). And if we focus too much on Elvis' failed transformation, it is easy for us to miss one of Rosen's main points: that our awareness of our own weakness and vulnerability is the fountainhead of empathy. Elvis had this awareness (at least some of the time) along with a great capacity to care for others.

The quotes are interesting and fun, from myriad cultural sources - including Elvis himself - ranging from the popular (John Lennon, Bono, Bruce Springsteen) to the religious (Lao Tzu, Thomas Merton, and Martin Buber); however, my favorite passages were those in which Dr. Rosen speaks from his own experience.

Overall, "The Tao of Elvis" is a loving tribute to a cherished cultural figure who was, like all of us, a flawed human being.

I loved this book.It was great to hear the Beatles speaking for themselves for once. Great NEW pics too. A MUST buy for Beatles fans.

I have got all of Giulianp's interview books and I think they are terrific. He has got a way with words and organization I have yet to see from any other Beatles historian or pop expert. Really good interviews and great pics. too.

I would just like to say that of all the books I've read on the Beatles this is the most interesting of all. Me being a young fan of only 17 is intrigued by the poliical views and social views of the fab four. This book not only shows their serious side, but it also shows their witty sense of humor. I recommend this book to any fab-4 fan who would like to have a good laugh and insight into these great musicians in history. Peace! 8-)

"Ticket to Ride" was a radio show hosted by Scott Muni devoted entirely to the music and memory of the Beatles (remember the radio station in New York City that played nothing but Beatles music?). Muni was a New York radio mainstay for more than twenty years who was not only a disc jockey but a friend to the Beatles. "Ticket to Ride," the book, brings together photographs, rare Beatles memorabilia from Muni's personal collection, and, most importantly, the transcripts of interviews with those touched by the Beatles in important ways. This means musicians like Elton John, Jimmy Page, Sting, and the Rolling Stones talking about how the Beatles inspired their own careers. Then there are friends like Pete Best and Tommy Smothers, family like Yoko Ono and Julian Lennon, musical associates like Billy Preston and George Martin, and the Beatles themselves talking candidly about their lives and music. Muni writes the introduction, and the transcripts are edited by Denny Somach, Kathleen Somach, and Kevin Gunn. The order of these transcripts could not be characterized as chronological, but there is a general attempt to provide a sense of moving forward. An index would have been nice, so that if you want to read about the Beatles appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," Brian Epstein, or the recording sessions for "Let It Be," that it would be more by purpose than happenstance, but transcripts rarely get presented that way. So, basically what we have in "Ticket to Ride" is an expert interviewer talking with about four dozen famous names about the Beatles, including the most famous names (John, Paul, George and Ringo). These are essentially primary document and virtually every interview is an enjoyable and informative read. Warning: when you read the John Lennon interview be prepared to rummage through your music library to play the same songs that pop up during the conversation.

This book is perfect for Beatles fans of all ages. Based on the radio show that ran for seven years, it collected a lot of great stories. Should be reissued!

The best compilation of stories on The Beatles. A must for any Beatle Fan. The book is based on the succesful Radio Show "Ticket to Ride"

This book should be re-issued.

The below reviews pretty well nail it, but I wanted to mention a couple other things:

1. There are a few pages of Waits photos at the front of the book you can tear out, if you like, and put on your wall or wherever. Some of the photos are really good, and it's a great bonus.

2. Don't expect to be able to play about half of these songs without some kind of accompaniment. "Filipino Box Spring Hog," for example, is definitely NOT the kind of song you can effectively belt out with just the tab provided. But if you're just looking for a springboard to do your own arrangement, this is certainly the place to look.

Great songs, great transcriptions, great price. Reccommended.

This is a HUGE collection of great songs, in piano/vocal/guitar format. Contents include: 16 shells from a thirty-ought-six / anywhere i lay my head / back in the good old world / big black mariah / black wings / the briar and the rose / cemetery polka / cold cold ground / dirt in the ground / downtown train / earth died screaming / fall of troy / falling down / filipino box spring hog / frank's wild years / gun street girl / hang down your head / hang on st. christopher / i don't wanna grow up / innocent when you dream / i'll shoot the moon / i'll take new york / jesus gonna be here / jockey full of bourbon / johnsburg, illinois / the last rose of summer / a little rain / lucky day / murder in the red barn / november / rain dogs / shore leave / singapore / soldier's things / straight to the top (vegas) / strange weather / tango till they're sore / telephone call from istanbul / temptation / that feel / time / train song / underground / walk away / way down in the hole / whistle down the wind / who are you / yesterday is here

Have you ever strained to hear exactly what Tom Waits is crooning in his songs? Or do you wonder how many different ways he refers to the moon? If so, this is your guidebook. Beautiful Maladies is a compilation of lyrics and music to most of Tom Waits's songs, as well as photos of the man. If you're a scavenger for Tom Waits paraphernalia, this book can go on the shelf next to your Old Golds and cheap Scotch

Spend the ten dollars and get this book. If you already own inside Trl, the movie you might want to know that some thing they say in the movie are repeated in this book. But who cares just get it and be happy! Did you know that in the begining, that carson had to go to a roof top of a hotel to put up and Mtv flag. These kinds of cool facts are in this book so get it today! But watch out, after reading this book you might have a sudden urdge to be in the TRL audience, but 1,000 people call the audience hotline each day!!!

Hope you enjoy the book!

Spend the ... and get this book. If you already own inside Trl, the movie you might want to know that some thing they say in the movie are repeated in this book. But who cares just get it and be happy! Did you know that in the begining, that carson had to go to a roof top of a hotel to put up and Mtv flag. These kinds of cool facts are in this book so get it today! But watch out, after reading this book you might have a sudden urdge to be in the TRL audience, but 1,000 people call the audience hotline each day!!!

Hope you enjoy the book!

TRL makes you feel like you're right there on the set with Carson. Makes you realize how cool and smart (but totally normal) everyone on the show is. It all looks so easy, but this book made me realize how much work goes into TRL, but also how much fun they have making it.

This book is a good source to balance the word and image of Islam and Muslim in the western world. Muslim is not only in Arabian peninsula or Gulf contries, in fact Indonesia is the largest muslim population in the world. Many pictures on the book can give the different side of Islam in Southeast asia. They don't speak arabic, they don't have big nose,they are short, skiny etc. I recommend this book for the people who wants to know Muslim in Southeast asia without reading a long history book.

But there is unbalance information in the book I noticed, specially information about Indonesian muslim in the introduction. Steve Raymer seems doesn't have a good source that he can get the information about Indonesian muslim. Might be because they are so many and he tries to put it in the same ammount as Malaysian which is only about 1/6 or 1/8 of Indonesian in comparison. It is best if he can consult or clarify his information with the Indonesian sociologists, historians, or scholars in order to validate the information. One of the examples is on second page, the picture doesn't not macth the note (citation). The picture is showing the people who are suplicating, is not always in arabic, but he says those people are reciting the koran. This is just small example.
I recommend people who have this book to check with the Southeast Asian people to clarify the information.
More than that, good work and well done.

Steve Raymer has done an exceptional job at capturing the humanity of Southeast Asian Muslims through the lenses of the faithful camera. The pictures are breathtakingly beautiful, while the accompanying caption and text serve as an easy-to-read commentary especially for those expecting only an excursion into the subject. His attempt at a sympathetic understanding of a culture that is relatively obscure to the average Westerner is commendable; the journalistic objectivity being a salient feature of the book.

Raymer, in my opinion, succeeded in shattering the perpetuated myth surrounding the perception of Muslims. Not only does he cogently disprove the notion of a monolithic Muslim culture across the Muslim world, but he also demonstrates the existence of diversity with which Islam is practiced in this forgotten region. The cognitive image of either a rich Middle-Easterner or a terrorist brandishing an AK-47 so often associated with Islam must now be relegated to the domain of stereotypes. The book is probably a silent apologist for the peace of Islam.

Caveat emptor for those expecting their stereotypes confirmed and prejudices accomodated; the book is sure to frustrate them.

The maxim that a picture is worth a thousand words had never been truer. The picture is now worth millions of humans.

As one who's lived in Southeast Asia off and on for the past seven years, the thing that strikes me about the book by Raymer are the brilliant photos, yes. But the way they are put together gives a human face to Southeast Asia's Muslim peoples. A fair and realistic look at them is refreshing in light of many Western reports that tout them all as gun-toting extremists.

I was a novice climber when I met George Allen: George taught me how to climb. Along the way George also revealed climbing safety. He insisted.

What I recall most about climbing with George is that he was always consistent with his competent instruction. That consistency and competency carries over into the book.

The instruction included within "Ultrasafe: ..." is crucial information for climbers of all skill levels. In fact, even experts need to be reminded the fundamentals, fundamentals found within the text. The falls I have witnessed, the injuries, the deaths, were typically the result of disregard for safety fundamentals. How much is your life worth? One nut? A Friend? One more anchor?

Since climbing with George, I have applied many of his insights to my daily life. For example: Don't walk on ice with your hands in your pockets. Good advice, but how many of us walk on ice with our hands in our pockets? After rolling in the cholla I quit approaching with items in my hands. Sound fundamental advice. You will find more within.

I strongly recommend this book. The book is easy to read and the tips herein may save either yours or your partner's life someday, and they are likely to prevent injuries. Thank you George Allen for formalizing these truths.

I have climbed occasionally with George Allen over the past twenty years. His approach on the rock has always been one of caution and complete awareness of his environment without ever lapsing into hyper-paranoia. This thoughtful, cautious approach carries over into this book. No one, particularly those making a transition from the climbing gym to the "real world", should rope up without reading this. Climbing safety is about a lot more than checking your knots and nut placement. Mr. Allen provides the first comprehensive overview of safety for everyone whether they are bouldering or climbing the Yosemite walls.

I am not a climber, so when I had the opportunity to read Allen's "UltraSafe" I planned on a few minutes of reading per evening until it was finished or I just gave up. I opened it up one night and didn't put it down until I had reached the back cover. Yeah, some of the technical terms made whistling noises as they flew over my head, but I managed to catch most of the concepts. What makes this book fascinating is the author's overall approach to climbing safety. He recommends the climber develop a attitude of safety, or a safety culture, rather than just run down a checklist to insure some vital piece of equipment is functional or refraining from doing something obviously stupid. He explains how to encorporate safety into all facets of the sport without turning the endeavor into some sort of perverted govermental compliance exercise. The text has enough tech-talk in it to keep the attention of the hard core crowd but is written so well that it kept my attention (remember me - the non-climber?). The personal anectdotes make it real and the Wizard Tips ("Master" to the "Grasshopper" tidbits of wisdom) leave no doubt that this guy knows what he's talking about. If you're a novice climber, Read The Book before you develop any bad habits. If you're an experienced climber who wants to be around long enough to become more experienced, Read The Book. If you're an experienced climber who thinks you already know enough about safety, Read The Book. Don't let Darwin win.

I used the first edition of this book, when I began playing (back in the 70's). It was innovative---cutting edge, and also appealed to a wide range of students ranging from relative beginners to experienced set players. After college I quit playing, but recently began practicing again. I picked up the new edition of Realistic Rock. It did not disappoint. All of the great exercises are still there from the original, and the author has added a CD and made additions to update it for the present rock drumming scene. It still remains at the top of my list of great books for the drum set. Beginning and intermediate drummers will have well over a year's (maybe two years!) worth the material, and advanced rockers can also benefit greatly. Anyone capable of mastering this book will end up one heck of a rock drummer!

This course will keep me busy for a long time! There's lots of great matereal, and the exercises are awesome! Really a great way to tune up drumming skills! I also recommend the companion video for the book, it helps clear up some of the hardest rhythms... This book isn't for those seeking higher wisdom of drum theory, but if you are ready to pick up your drum sticks and rock the house, this course will show you how.

this book is great it tought me strong beats and helped my time, it explains everything from rudements to syncopation.

This book takes you on a journey filled with the miracles of faith and power of prayer. You can feel each trial and tribulation in your heart. I have visited this church after reading this book and the warmth and love is all over the church. This pastor has endured much, in order to dedicate his life to his calling. I was inspired to reach out and believe me it was a rock for me as a child of Christ and I was able to dedicate myself to the cause of Christ. It is a must read for all, young and old. My children, and my childrens children will read this.

This book chronicles a Brooklyn church and its community amid the crime, drugs and despair of the black community. However , faith and learning to believe in the Lord and his ultimate plan for an individual and his community makes this church an oasis amid the storms. It is a story of a pastor, with his own demons, trying to be resopnsible for the souls of his congregation and the thin ice on which he must tread. This book will make you look at the inner city and its churches in a different light.

This book was well written and well resourced and led me on a pilgrimage to this black Mecca.