Drop

This is easily in the top three funniest books I've ever read(and I've read alot.) The imagination behind the Wade brother'sletters themselves is incredible. And clearly their targets just don't get it. Please, Wade brothers, do this again!

The authors do a masterful job of exposing the humorless self-importance of the subjects of their correspondence. The discerning reader will detect a strain of melancholy and futility running throughout the mirthless, dehumanized responses to the authors' inquiries. Bravo, Brothers Wade!

For those with a good sense of humor ... this is a must read !! I knew the book just a little before Mr. James Wade came to my school. Then he was my professor in a great management course. You can't imagine how fun and professional this great person is. The book gives perfectly the image of how "Woody" is creative ! Do not miss this hilarious peace of work !!

My six year old son adores this book. The illustrations engage the mind beyond the text the way a good metaphor does, while remaining appropriate for this age. His imagination is clearly being lured by the illustrations so that he interacts with the possibilities of the story and the subtext of the illustrations in immediate ways. And of course it is funny, bizarre and poignant as well.

This is one of the great picture books of the century, along with "Rotten Island" and "Where the Wild Things Are," and I'm thrilled to see this (and anything by the great Renaissance man Mervyn Peake) back in print.
This is particularly welcome as the only previous American edition was hindered by the addition of ugly rounded frames around the pictures and the splattering application of yellow over almost everything. And I believe most of the original British edition was lost when Nazis bombed the warehouse! Everyone should buy this beautiful, hilarious book while it's around.

Captain Slaughterboard was a mean and ferocious pirate who made hundreds of men walk the plank, and along with his nasty crew, Billy Bottle, Jonas Joints, Timothy Twitch, Charlie Choke, and Peter Poop, the cook with a cork nose, he traveled the oceans looking for battles and adventure. Then one morning, while looking through his telescope, he spied a beautiful pink island inhabited by "preposterous creatures." Once he and his crew had landed, they captured the "Yellow Creature", and took him back to their ship. And that, as they say, was the beginning of a beautiful and unusual friendship..... Though Captain Slaughterboard Drops Anchor was originally published in 1939, it's as fresh and entertaining today, as it was over sixty years ago. Mervyn Peake's magical and whimsical text transports children to a pirate ship on the high seas for a once in a lifetime adventure. But it's Mr Peake's amazingly detailed illustrations, full of imaginative and engaging characters, that really makes this picture book stand out. Together, word and art create a timeless masterpiece. Perfect for youngsters 5 and older, Captain Slaughterboard Drops Anchor is a wonderful read-aloud classic the entire family can enjoy, and a treasure to share with friends and pass on to future generations.

"I experienced tears and laughter while reading Play the Ball
Where The Monkey Drops It, which tells me this book truly
speaks of the nature of life...It can save you a lot of hard
fought learning and move you up several classes with its
wisdom."

Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of Love, Medicine and Miracles

"This is a wonderful exploration of how we are to understand
and respond to suffering, misfortune and death, especially
when the tragedy seems unjust or undeserved. The book is
filled with wonderful stories and personal experiences from
Greg Jones' life and ministry. He clarifies what we should and
should not expect of God in such crises. Those who heed the
wisdom of this book will grow in the face of adversity."

Edward A. White, Senior Consultant, The Alban Institute

Dr. Jones' book does a wonderful job explaining "Why me Lord". It is a must read for those who recently had to deal with tragedy. It is also helpful to others in gaining an understanding of life's up and downs and how faith and God works in your life through challenging times. It is well written, easy to read, and truly insightful.

You wonder sometimes if people actually comprehend what they read; in the case of Sicily I often run into people who want to call the Airborne operations "failures" because there were mistakes made when if you read the actual accounts, you realize the Airborne saved the day and accomplished its mission. The simple logic is that if the Airborne had not employed 3-D maneuver and dropped ahead of the sealanding forces, the Nazi Herman Goering Division would have swept the beaches clear; a mechanized 1st world Army threat the marines or Army troops in the Pacific never had to fear from the Japanese who only had thinly armored light tanks to contend with. Its funny how thousands of dead marine bodies in the surf at Tarawa after a mindless frontal assault is "valor" and a few hundred Army Paratroopers dispersed by winds on Sicily constitutes a "failure". At least these men didn't end up as a tragic KIA message to loved ones, but brought the fight to the enemy. The winds dispersing General Ridgway's Paratroopers actually helped; these forces were able as Breuer details--to stop German counter-attacks from reaching the beaches. On the modern, automatic weapons-swept battlefield dispersal is a virtue, it just takes resiliant, self-reliant men to fight this way; training to be mindless robots will not prevail in such conditions.

What is especially useful is that the author shows how then Colonel James M. Gavin insisted on parachute dropping 75mm pack howitzers and not 60mm mortars---this technotactical gut-level decision resulted in him being just able to stop German heavy Tiger tanks on Biazza Ridge and saving the day. Gavin's incredible on-the-spot presence of mind and leadership seeing the essence of the situation and rallying the Paratroops was born that day at Biazza Ridge. From that point on, Gavin fought long and hard to get adequate anti-tank weapons and their own armored fighting vehicles for his beloved Airborne troops. Breuer also describes how Gavin dispatched Major Ireland back to the beaches to get naval gunfire support, and how he used a bicycle to get there in time.

After the beaches were consolidated, the Paratroopers of the 82d Airborne were then sent ahead of the main body as elite shock troops/spearheads and marched rapidly across the island using bikes, carts and even horses/donkeys. This pattern has held true to the present---whereas the Airborne "opens the door" for larger forces to enter, they usually stay and continue to lead the way as infantry. Its logical that they be properly equipped with light AFVs like the Russian Airborne has in order to do this with more speed/firepower and less casualties. This book if actually read and comprehended proves that those who condemn the American Airborne at Sicily are biased and ignorant of the facts of their triumph. This book would make a good start point for a script for a Saving Private Ryan-type film.

As jump procedures (Pathfinders to mark Drop Zones), equipment (bazooka rocket launchers, jeeps with 57mm anti-tank guns) improved, the Airborne became a "fire Brigade/Division" saving the day in Italy against a mechanized German Army unlike anything ever faced in the Pacific. In France, and across the long marches to Germany, the American Airborne acted as the 3-D maneuvering spearheads opening the doors for heavier 2-D armored forces to drive "on to Berlin" as General Gavin details in the book by that name. There is a Drop Zone at Fort Bragg named after this island battle--we should think of this brilliant book and the men who turned the tide of war there--whenever we conduct Airborne operations there today.

Airborne!

Breuer tells it like it was, with vivid detail and captivating clarity. The reader will not be able to put down this book. It immerses you in the adventures of young American paratroopers who were put in extraordinary circumstances and acted extraordinarily. It is also frightening how Breuer reveals that intelligence played down the threat posed by enemy forces at Sicily. It is an amazing story of how young men can prevail in the midst of intelligence blunders.

This story reveals how allies were put at risk ( intentionally ) so the Germans would not realize that their ULTRA,coding machine, was deciphered. Although this act was to secure a complete surprise on D-Day, many measures could have been taken to combat the elite German units on the island. This story enriches us with fact, detail, and a bit of humor. My father / grandparents lived through this ordeal in 1943 and what was described in this book is 100% true. Many Sicilians were tired of the war, and were anxious to put that brutal chapter of history behind them. When the allied forces appeared the Sicilians rejoiced, and welcomed the allies with open arms. This campaign almost ended with disaster, and the sheer bravery of allies helped push back a counterattack.

Shiva Rea--I can't wait to see what she comes out with next! On the first CD, first track is a moon salutation--Chandra Namaskar, beautiful, honoring women and the female aspect of divinity. I do this salutation 2-3 times on the days when I my body is telling me it doesn't want to be put through a vigorous power yoga workout. When done, I find I am warmed up and stretched out very nicely! I then started teaching it to my students and they loved it also--they consider it like reciting poetry while doing yoga. The tennis ball massage is also the greatest--these two tracks mentioned above make this CD worth buying but the rest of the tracks on the album are a treat also-relaxing savasanas, meditation and poetry with Shiva's beautiful, soothing voice.

Shiva Rea, consummate Yogini and creator of several audio CD and video products, provides one of the most essential relaxation CDs for any collection. Versed in several styles of yoga, Shiva Rea brings to bear her formidable experience, sensitivity, and soothing interlocking of words and music on Drop of Nectar. This is an essential CD of Shiva's, and for anyone who is overstressed, distracted, and in need of sweet release.

The 2 CD set consists of a set of practices that encourage relaxation and healing; this CD focuses on the Lunar side of Hatha (Sun/Moon) Yoga. Fortunately, neither a background in yoga nor a desire to start a consistent practice is necessary to enjoy the exercises. The first CD contains a Moon Salutation (Chandra Namaskar), the lesser known sister of the Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar). Shiva guides the listener through the set of movements, with phrases associated with honoring women and feminity. The following track provides the phrases, with no guidance, allowing the listener to use the track for either the Moon Salutation or just for relaxing to. There are 2 relaxations (or Shavasanas) that are backed with beautiful, ethereal music, and with an opening poem or offering by Shiva, with the remainder of the track dedicated simply to the music (one is 6 minutes, the other over 13 minutes).

Other highlights of the CD set are the "Secret Tennis Ball Society," a stress-release technique using a tennis ball to soothe the muscles and stimulate pressure points. There is a "Yoga Nidra" or "Yogic Sleep" meditation that will encourage incredibly deep body awareness and relaxation. A set of guided breathing exercises that cleanse the body and mind, and rejuvenate the body are also included. Throughout all of the tracks, Shiva's soothing tone, thorough explanations, and generous sprit are all evident in overabundance. This CD is meant for anyone who craves release from pressure and stress, and is looking for techniques to achieve a richer experience in their relaxation and a deeper night's sleep.

I can't write a full review of this 2 CD set, because I haven't done it all, but I must tell you all - BUY IT - just for the tennis ball massage. IT IS AMAZING! I tried it, and the guided yoga relaxation that comes just after it. Fabulous!

I was thinking of suing Fred Reed. I thought I would never get over the stomach ache from laughing. His penetrating humour crucifies the Politically Correct. Yet this book can also make you cry with frustration, as Fred throws into sharp relief the many crass stupidities of western society. This book only articulates what we already mostly knew but could not always express. He reminds us of what we have already lost . He shows what we are still losing. His message is sharp yet gentle - never vicious or nasty. If you want ammunition to do your little bit amongst friends to stop the rot in our society, then you could not do better than wrap your message in the humour that Fred Reed gives us. The message is as true in Britain, Australia, or elsewhere in the old Anglo Saxon world, as in Fred's home country. A wonderful book! Buy it and get sore sides too.

An eclectic collection of essays, stories, recollections and observations that are poignant, poetic, thought-provoking, amusing, infuriating and hilarious. Written in Freds unique and very eloquent style.

At times you don't know when Fred is departing from the literal truth and entering into the "Fred Zone". Frankly I prefer the Fred Zone it's a lot more interesting.
I am regular at Freds web site and look forward every week to the latest Fred on Everything column

Fred has a way of exposing the [falsehoods]in a way that refreshingly funny and enjoyable. His outlook on life ans attitudes are what made this country great and hopefully will again. Plus Fred will have you laughing or crying or both.

You will wish you could have a collection of individual essays on various always handy to give to some loudmouth know-it-all dunce running his mouth on the subject.

But this book, read and enjoy. It is true keeper.

Fred Reed has a way of making you think. His illustrations are useful for asking yourself why this premise leads to this conclusion, but in a hugely entertaining way. Read on, have fun, enjoy..

I thoroughly enjoyed "Babes on Blades". The piece that is worth the price of the book is how to get up. It is not so simple when your feet are rolling every which way. Just read a few simple paragraphs, look at the photos and you will be back on your blades in no time. I thought the pictures were very good at explaining things and I appreciated all of the safety hints. For someone over 5, this is a must-read book. If you are younger, just have someone read it to you.

The content of this spirited piece is filled with necessary wordy explanations of inline skating moves. The book "shows" as much as it "tells" with full page photographs illustrating the basics throughout. It goes beyond skating, actually, as it encourages all women to get off the couch and "into the streets where they belong." The underlying them is people moving from depression, oppression and personal challenges into the light of acceptance as they expand their personal paradyms. Davis' fun-loving wit and enthusiasm make this book a fast and interesting read.

Dr. Donna, editor, Health and Fitness Magazine, Hostess, Health and Fitness Solutions, a Sacramento television show

My first grader got this book for Christmas and loves it! It is easy enough for her to understand the story, and yet doesn't talk down to her or use words that are too easy.
Drip, Drop is beautifully illustrated and makes a child want to read! The illustrations draw you in and help make up the story.
It is well geared to a young reader who is just starting to read alone.

I rate this a 5. It is well worth it!
Marguerite 1/29/02

A wonderfully repetitious yarn to read at home or in a barn! We never tired of each drip or drop nor all the plips and plops! Fifty readings the frist three nights kept Gran and granddaughter giggling with delight! Eagerly awaiting the next Pip Squeak tail.

A clever poetic presentation integrates Language Arts and Science in a creative way. In addition to accuracy of content information, the author, Barbara Shaw McKinney incorporates literary devices: figurative language, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and personification. The opportunities for learning are endless as children read across the curriculum.

I particularly like the symbols that appear throughout the text, where the drop demonstrates the water cycle properties. They are further explained in the end pages titled, "A Magic Show Starring H2O." During subsequent readings, my students enjoyed dramatizing Drop's travels. "A Drop Around the World" lends itself well to interactive dramatization. For example, by pairing an action and sound effect with each water property/symbol, students are able to reenact Drop's journey, totally engaged in the text.

On another level, children are anxious to locate the drop on each page as it is revealed by the context of the story.

A "must have jewel" for innovative teachers attempting to engage the imagination of their students! Barbara Shaw McKinney's love of Nature's Magic is contagious as evidenced by the response of my students. They loved it!

I can hardly wait to see what wonders her next book will unearth!

Who would have ever thought the water cycle could be so entertaining! As an Environmental Educator, I am very VERY picky about children's nature books. Many are too technical to become a household favorite. Many others are too "watered down" (sorry very bad pun) to have any value in the classroom as a content book. Once in a very long while will a book be able to accomplish both goals. "A Drop Around the World" does this and much more.

Amazon lists it as suitable for ages 4-8 -- a conservative estimate, at best. Like only the best children books can, it appeals to all ages. And like only the best EE books, it has educational messages for young and old. At first, my 3-year-old was mainly concerned with searching out the "protagonist" drop from the rest of the water on each page. Now he also enjoys identifying all of the animals, so expertly drawn, as the pages go by. I myself get caught up in the text. I marvel at how factual and informative McKinney can be and still maintain an engaging and unforced rhyme scheme.

And finally as an added bonus, even the artwork is virtually flawless. I'm pleased to say that after close inspection I have found only one error. On the African Rainforest pages there is a Harpy Eagle which is a species only found in South America. Few $60-$80 ecology textbooks fair as well under my scrutiny!

Not just a surfing book but focusing on the Big Wave surfing crew, that elite group of athletes that live to challenge the ocean's fury. This is a collection of short stories but it does a great job of covering the total history of Big Wave surfing, particularly paying attention to the heroes of the 50s and 60s the water skills necessary to challenge large waves. With complete coverage and analysis of all big wave sites and legends, I can't imagine what it left unturned.

This exciting sport has elevated itself recently with "ski in" surfing and these stories do a great job of covering the controversy of this sport's growth and it's trailblazer, Laird Hamilton.

I strongly recommend this book if you like surfing or are enthralled by the culture of these people who devote their lives to the ocean.

Provides great insight on the pioneers of the sport, but doesn't come across like a history lesson. It makes you understand the ballz it takes to paddle into a wave the size of an apartment building, along with the consequences those guys have faced.

Thoroughly enjoyable for non-surfers too. My dad has never been on a board and he couldn't put the book down.

...of Big Wave surfing - many of the stories are haunting and memorable. It was hard putting the book down once I started reading. I actually found it more interesting and insightful than watching film of surfers going over the edge - you actually get into their excitement, awe, and fear of what they've gotten themselves into - not only when they've caught the waves, but gut-wrenching accounts of what they were thinking and feeling when driven under (or saw their friends driven under) by these monsters.

This is as close as you're going to get, short of paddling out yourself! BTW, I just finished reading "Caught Inside" before "The Big Drop" and reading these stories made reading CI seem like a waste of time.

You won't regret reading this one - highly recommended!!!