.....or if you had to travel back in time. I had this for my textbook in Biology back in 1987 and even then, .... well before the human genome was anywhere near being charted, let alone completed, this was a spectacular acomplishment. This book isn't riveting like say Druyan and Sagan's SHADOWS OF FORGOTTEN ANCESOTRS is, but it is as good as any biology textbook can possibly be. It has EVERYTHING you could possibly want to know about biology; from modern cell theory to ecology. All you have to do is look this over and you'll see why I highly recommend it. Does any other bio textbook even compare?

This is by far the finest Introductory Biology textbook I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Biology teachers, do yourselves (not to mention your students) a favor--make this the required text for your Biology I (and II) Class! Special Thanks goes out to Dr. Michael Hoefer...for requiring this textbook!

This is definitely the best intro to bio books out there. As a graduate student I got the chance to read lots of bio books and this one by far is the best. The chapters are well organized and easy to follow and gives you the depth needed to pursue any area of biology. When it was time for me to student teach this was the book of my chose. It expensive but definiely worth it to any biologist. The CD-ROM is also very good!

I was blown away by this book for 2 reasons: 1. I have rodeoed before and knew exactly what these guys (and families) go through; and 2) Dirk Johnson did not sugar coat anything, he did not make them out to be something they're not, nor did he "sell out" their stories as real life stories are done so many times in the entertainment industry. It's great to see that people actually take an interest in their lifestyle, profession, job or whatever you choose to call it. I highly recommend this book for the person who doesn't know the 1st thing about rodeo or for a veteran of the sport/profession.

A BOOK FOR THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN BEHIND THE CHUTES AND THOSE WHO LONG TO

I became intrigued with rodeo, 10/93, while dating a PRCA steerwrestler. PRCA cowboys earn less than you or I, get injured beyond repair, with no health insurance to pay the bills...heck..they often die doing what they love. I wanted to know "why" they pursue this lifestyle. So...I searched for anything I could find to get a better understanding. I happened upon Dirk Johnson doing a local TV interview, prior to the Grand Nationals (10/95), and wrote down the name of his book. It's out of print, but, if you can get a copy it's worth it. I now know more about "why" they do what they do, and I've also had the opportunity to chat with the some of the cowboys Dirk followed for his book. They are wonderful and so is this book. I've read it several times, and if I could just get it back from my friend MB, I'll read it again!

I have a very extensive collection of cookbooks, they are a passion for me...But I must say that this cookbook impelled me to write a review, this cookbook stole my heart, it has the most endearing story behind it which I feel touches the very heart and soul of why and how this cookbook even came into existence in the first place. It is very warmly written, and has lots of fabulous recipes to be treasured for years to come...such as yellow cornbread, spoonbread, buttermilk pancakes, and biscuits, and corncakes, coffee cake, apple cake, chocolate pound cake, pineapple upsidedown cake, pie crust, apple pie, coconut cream pie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, potato salad, barbeque pork, barbeque ribs, fried green tomatoes, coleslaw, split pea soup, stuffed green peppers, chili, meatloaf, baked beans, chicken and dumplin's, fried chicken and gravy, grits, oooh, to name just a few of the wonderful recipes in this book. It makes a perfect gift and truly a book to be treasured in your own collection. I highly recommend this cookbook to everyone!!!

I love this book. It is very warmly and lovingly written about an extraordinary southern black cook/nanny who changed the lives of the family she served. I wanted to cry when I read of Annie's impoverished childhood, having to work instead of going to school (even as a little girl), getting up at 4 AM from the time she was 10 years old in order to fix breakfast so everyone could get to the fields, etc. But she retained a positive attitude and deep faith (which is very humbling). Although I have not yet had a chance to try the recipes, they look wonderful, and many are prefaced by descriptions of why they are so special / taste so good ... down home southern cooking at its very finest. However, IMHO, the book would have been priceless if only for the warm, glowing descriptions of Annie, and recollections in her own words.

Women like Annie have been largely forgotten in our culture now. For most, if their work in life was to have any dignity, they had to provide it as a living example. I also grew up with one of these women. It was a symbiotic relationship between them and our families. The authors have done a great job documenting this work; I enjoyed Annie's parts and wished she had said more! Of course, the traditional recipes of our South are always a pleasure to read, and to cook. A beautiful book, beautifully bound, perfect for a gift.

Ms Johnson has captured the essence of a time when life was simple, but tough, humorous and trying, enriched by Mother Nature's beauty and shaken by her power. Ms. Johnson has a unique style, and a pleasant manner in capturing the flavor of the moment. In "The Roan and the Pontiac," she sees the universal frustration of the young cowboy who must contend with the more well-to-do charmer. In "The Warm November Sun," you can hear the tear, and share the joy of a beautiful relationship. "Cowman's Wife" is a fun book that I keep out for my visitors and friends to read. And often, I will pick it up to read to others and give them a flavor -- as best I can -- of an artist's rendition of days gone by.

Westerners like to think they hide their emotions, or gift-wrap them in rough humor. But Dee Strickland Johnson isn't afraid of feelings, and 'Cowman's Wife' puts them all out there--loneliness, love, aggravation with the cussedness of life next to nature. These ballads are sensitive, but never ga-ga. There's sly humor among the memories she evokes of living a long ways from anyplace else. Best to just read the book and let the feelings have you.

Dee's energy and zest for life becomes vivid as you read her stories of the West. Her ability to tell tales and put you in the setting makes you feel as though she is talking to you alone. You will know, after spending time with her, why she is an award winning poet.

Set in Frankish Gaul (France approximately 1400 years ago), this is the story of Egar, a young man sent out into the world by his Master to find his destiny. Egar can earn a living with his harp, his juggling and some sleight-of-hand taught by his Master, but how can he "change the course of Frankish history" (according to his Master)?

Finding himself in the royal court in Paris, Egar meets Pepin the Vain, nobleman and tutor to Prince Dagobert, son of King Clothar. Egar feels that his destiny is somehow tied to Pepin. Clothar sends Dagobert to rule one of the outlying provinces from a town called Metz. Dagobert is still a child, so Pepin is sent along as Mayor of the Palace (literally, the power behind the throne). Pepin does not have royal blood, but he wants the throne very, very much, and figures this is his chance (he's not called Pepin the Vain for nothing). Dagobert loves the pomp and ceremony of being King, but hates the day-to-day routine; Pepin is only too happy to relieve him of the responsibility for running the palace. One day, Egar, who has accompanied them to Metz, has a vision of a great king; Pepin thinks it's himself, but Egar isn't sure.

Years later, Clothar dies, so Dagobert moves to Paris to become King of all Frankish land. Pepin and Egar stay behind in Metz, which, without a monarch in residence, becomes practically a ghost town. They ride to Paris to convince Dagobert to spend part of the year in Metz. They are shocked to find that the queen has been humiliated and forced into a convent, and that the castle has become a place for all-night partying with lots of prostitutes. The day-to-day business of the kingdom is the farthest thing from Dagobert's mind.

Pepin's ambition gets the better of him on a later trip to Paris to convince Dagobert to clean up his act. Pepin is confined to the castle, and releived of his position as Mayor of Metz. Egar, with help from some sorcery, races back to Metz to tell pepin's family to flee immediately, just minutes ahead of guards from Dagobert.

This one is really good. Pepin feels like a real person (he was a real person; the author can trace her family ancestry back to him), the writing is very well done and shows a lot of research, and, overall, it's well worth the reader's time.

I recommend Destiny's Godchild with great enthusiasm. Diana Johnson's ability to blend history and fiction, giving the characters personalities that captivate your emotions, adds intrigue to what could otherwise be just another history book. Diana Johnson's ingenious talent reaches into the hearts and minds of the people who played such an important role in the freedom we enjoy today. Her only fictional character, Egar, will amuse and captivate you as he moves through the pages so wisely. I could hardly wait to read the sequel. Both books still linger in my mind. Val Middler Middlebrook, author of "Val's Victory: Defeat was NEVER an Option."

Up until now I've never been much of a historical novel fan, but Diana Johnson's DESTINY'S GODCHILD has made me a believer. What an exciting approach to history. NEVER a dull moment. Loved every page, every chapter. A MUST read novel in my opinion. Ken Wilkins Author of Marvin's Mansion

Lacking knowledge of the Architectural issues involved, I had to approach "Athena and Eden" with my experience of ancient and classical Greek literature. I was shocked by the strength and cogency of Mr. Johnson's arguments. Though not yet fully convinced of all of the conclusions Mr. Johnson has reached, "Athena and Eden" has definitely given me some ideas to chew on while Mr. Johnson writes his second volume.

Many near eastern/mediteraenean cultures exhibit shared memories of a common prehistory. From Gilgamesh in Mesopotamia to early tales of Osiris in Egypt, echoes of the Genesis and Flood stories abound. If Mr. Johnson is correct, than Greek mythology is a very twisted (possibly Satanic) retelling of the fall of Man.

As far as particulars--

I found his arguments about the true identity of the Zeus figure extremely compelling. Yet the Athena/Hera division is still a little muddled in my mind (probably more my fault than the author's).

Overall, "Athena and Eden" is a very intriguing book that deserves a lot of attention. It gets my recommendation.

The focus of Greek civilization, the Parthenon captures viewers imaginations even as it conceals its true meaning. In his ground breaking work, Robert Bowie Johnson, Jr. author of ATHENA AND EDEN: THE HIDDEN MEANING OF THE PARTHENON'S EAST FACADE demonstrates that when Athena is seen to be Eve, then Greek mythology becomes narrative art. Consequently, the marble sculptures on the east pediment of the Parthenon relate the story of the origin of mankind, matching the Genesis account in detail.

Johnson asserts that scholars have previously been unsuccessful in identifying most of the figures in the east pediment because they have failed to connect Athena with Even and the story of Eden in the Book of Genesis. Through careful research, Johnson demonstrates that we do have the literature and art to serve as a source of reconstruction. Painstaking comparison demonstrates shows that the sculptures of the eastern pediment depict the Garden of Eden, the birth of Eve, the Great Flood. Furthermore, the goddess Athena, whom the Greeks worshipped as the one who brought the serpent's wisdom, is the same person the Book of Genesis calls Eve.

Johnson, a West Point graduate, author, teacher and public speaker based his research on surviving sculptures, the ancient writings of Homer, Hesiod, Pindar and others, plus myths, vase art and the work of numerous experts. His controversial approach will certainly garner attention from all who are interested in the classics, religion, art, and mythology. Indeed, Johnson's unique perspective will provoke avid discussion among academics for years to come, yet is easily approachable by any who hold an interest in our origins.

Athena And Eden: The Hidden Meaning Of The Parthenon's East Facade by author and educator Robert Bowie Johnson, Jr. offers the non-specialist general reader a unique, accessible, and provocative look at classical artwork and human spirituality. Athena And Eden focuses on the majesty of the Parthenon and its mystical connection to the Book of Genesis. Illustrated with numerous black-and-white photographs of Greek artistic treasures, sculptures, and pottery, Athena And Eden is an original, seminal, ground breaking, unforgettable, and highly recommended perspective that will be of particular interest to students of Hellenic art, architecture, mythology, and religion.

I recently had to cut short a business trip due to extreme leg pain that lasted day and night. I went through the usual period of treatment by my GP with medications and rest before seeing a Surgeon. He recommended steroid shots and Chiropractric treatments. I found Back Sense and read it just after the shots. It confirmed what I had suspected for years. That my leg pain is directly related to stress. After reading and following the book I have had very good results. I recommend this book for anyone who has ever suffered from neck or back related pain.

After a fall, I suffered from chronic leg pain for a period of 20 months before finding this book. For 20 months I spent countless hours seeing doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, message therapists, and other health practitioners, including acupuncture. I was desperate to get well. I had made progress, but I still felt it very difficult to walk or move normally--I was still in essence "crippled," and I feared my life might never been normal again. Then I found this remarkable book. In the period of time it took me to read the first few chapters, I knew what the authors were suggesting would work for me. I was able to immediately implement the principles. I got up from where I was reading and began to walk completely normally for the first time in over a year and a half. Soon thereafter, I found myself bounding up stairs and skipping with joy. Three months later, I'm still doing great. I'm so happy to be "Free At Last!" If you suffer from chronic back, neck, or leg pain, I urge you to read this book. It may not have the same effect on you, but you have nothing to lose but your pain!

I have had mild to moderate, with occasional severe, back pain for many years. Generally, the pain started when I was in graduate school. I thought that the long hours of sitting in class, reading and studying was damaging my "weak" back.

After reading this book, I started to realize how much stress was a major factor in my back pain. Just before I read the book I was visiting my chiropractor every week and getting a massage a couple times a month. I loved the treatments, but I was getting increasingly concerned that I had a serious problem with my back that was going to disable me, sooner, rather than later.

After finishing Backsense, I have stopped stressing about every twinge, tight muscle or pain in my back---and the pain has been much less and less frequent! I now enjoy my gym activities and play time with my children, knowing that my back is strong and healthy.

Backsense gave me a better understanding and confidence in the strength and durability of my back. It was easy to read and understand. Anyone searching for relief from back pain should read this book.

I got this for Christmas one year when I was in elementary school and was instantly fascinated by it. I still pull it off the shelf every now and then (I just graduated college) when I want to make a dollar-bill elephant. This book is a LOT of fun for kids and parents alike. It's something parents can give to their kids to provide them with a fun activity that's creative and useful--you'd be surprised how much a waiter appreciates a crummy tip when it's folded up into the shape of a frog that leaps. A co-worker of mine just got it for her kids who are 10, 11 and 12 years old, and they love it too. Definitely fun for all ages. Very well-written (funny and witty) with clear directions. I highly recommend it!!

Wonderful spiral bound book with very thoughtful and painstaking
detail to dialog along with good graphics.

The author didn't make it easy for herself by giving the reader a glossary of terms on the folds and expecting the reader to commit them to memory before proceeding on.

You are literally walked through each project in such a way that you will get professional results the 1st time, in minutes.

The best I've read so far.

p.s. I like the crisp uncirculated dollar that came with it.

This book has seven cool little designss, a Buffalo Bill Badge, A Bowtie, A ring, a Dime-In ring (dime doesn't stay in very good), a jumping frog, an elephant and a peacock. They are all very simple to make and olny take about 5 minutes or so. Buy this book. I know you'll be satisfied

Great recipes broken out by seasons and mid-seasons but in addition to the recipes, there are lots of stories, poems, ideas for celebration. I just love it - I read a little, cook a little. Good book for getting connected, food, body, spirit, earth.

This is the most favored and treasured cookbook in my kitchen. Not only does Cait have a way with her words, making you feel like a close friend and confidente, but she has some of the most delicious vegetarian recipes that I have ever tasted. She includes not only recipes for the main meals, but also ones for appetizers, soups, salads and desserts! There are whole menus for each season and earth-centered holiday! In addition, Cait gives poems, information, kitchen altar decoration, and rituals for each seasonal menu. There are herbal hints for cleaning and a great bibliography with wonderful "must read" books. I have always enjoyed Cait Johnson's books, but this is my favorite. It is a book that you would want to keep and pass down to your children and it gave me a love of cooking that I thought I lost. The recipes are healthy and delicious but filled with thought and spirit. I cannot urge you enough to check this cookbook out! Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Cait Johnson's "Cooking Like a Goddess" is a wonderful addition to many a cook's bookshelf. Not only is it a fine vegetarian cookbook, but it seeks to wrap a broader context around something most of us often think of as drudgery: cooking for ourselves and our families.

Bringing back the wisdom of earth-based spiritual traditions and their inherent honoring of the feminine/nurturing role, she helps us redefine ourselves NOT as cook and chief bottle washer but as something very sacred, very vital, and very precious to society as a whole. Not since Laurel Robertson's preface to "Laurel's Kitchen" have I found a cookbook that celebrated the sacredness of the role of nurturing and cooking the way Cait's book does. I've had as much fun erecting my kitchen altar and following her suggestons for seasonal ritual as I have following and then eating her yummy recipes. Enjoy!

This book is great for parents. It offers realistic advice! I am the author of The ABC's of College Life, which is a street-smart guide for teens. I consider this book the street-smart guide for the 'rents!

As a very protective parent I wanted to read all I could about my daughters up in coming experience at college. I myself never attend college and this book gave me so much insight. I appreciate the author's candid talk about difficult topics such as alcohol and drugs. I felt at ease after reading it. I recommend this book to everyone I know with kids heading off to college. I also purchased and read Major In Success by Patrick Combs and it was the perfect book for my daughter. Don't Tell Me What To Do Just Send Money was a great book for me and Major In Success was perfect for my daughter. It gave her all the advice she needed to make the most of her college experience.

After reading 4 to 5 various books similar to this topic I wished that I would have read this one first. It covers it all! A very thorough book full of insights into parenting during this questionable time of your childs life. I love the "What to Do" and "What Not to Do" sections and also the "What You Are Thinking" and "What Your Child is Thinking". My daughter is now a freshman at UF and this book was very affirming as I reflected back and found out that YES....this is NORMAL! This would of been the only book I bought and spent my time reading IF only I would have found it sooner. It will truly serve as a reference and I will keep it close at hand so I can flip through the index to find the current "crisis" explained and get insights as to how to handle. I plan on purchasing this book for graduation gifts for the parents of those children graduating from High School. It is a MUST read!