Full Books

My name is not hank, in fact, this is a friend's acct. I have not yet read this book, but scott promised to send me one, because my name is christina, book-less. Please scott, send me the book. ch

This book is unusually real. It's got absurdity and realism, comedy and tragedy, all wrapped up in a taco shell with lots of hot sauce and dirty mouth talking. Reminds me of my own life, something I don't often find in books. Among E and alcohol, and the deadness of day to day living in a retail store, he plumbs the depths of eternal cosmic quandaries, which (of course) lands him in a nut house. This book reminds me of David Foster Wallace and Hunter S. Thompson, with a form like the Beats. Some of his descriptions of drug-induced mental states are the best I've seen. My only complaint is that the book could have been longer. I'll be waiting for more. Twenty years old? That blows me away.

Sometimes it takes a work of fiction to provide insight into the real world. Outlet Or A Heaven Full Of Televisions by Scott Sundvall is just such a minor masterpiece of literate fiction. Characterized by the 20-year-old author as a "memoir with elaborations", Outlet follows the questings of a lowly shoe salesman in an outlet mall, from his road trip to Mexico where the meaning of life has a price tag of one dollar; to a vodka and psychedelic binge that brings him to death's door, to confronting suicide and disappearance among his friends, and much more. Charged with emotion in an emotionally bereft world, the protagonist struggles and searches for purpose in this roller coaster ride of a novel.

This book was definitely something new in style and form; it certainly captured a lot of contemporary, generational stuff. It's definitely worth the read, especially from a literary standpoint--which leads me to: Is this book disjointed on purpose, or is the narrative structure just in complete disarray?

Ha--I guess it makes me want to read it again. Strange, strange ending.

I read this book in two settings. It was interesting as well as educational for the non-PI. Really enjoyed it and I look forward to reading the next installment of Harry Caine!

Action packed,fast paced and witty. Great dialogue and characters. Harry Kane is a classic PI. Loved all the investigation tips.

This story is a grabber. If you want to know how a real life PI actually goes abou his work, You'll find the answers in this book.

I can highly recommend it.

I was a Private Investigator for almost 20 years (and still work in the profession as a web designer for PIs exclusively). I read a LOT of mystery/PI novels and it is refreshing to see someone who really knows their stuff!

It's frustrating to be reading a PI novel and think, "Hey! That's not how we do that!" or "Why doesn't he just do this?".

Even if I didn't know Mr. Shaffer was a real life PI (which he is), I would know it from just the first few chapters of this book. When he writes the sequel, I'll be first in line!

CJ Bronstrup
atlasinfo.com

The same comments of my review for Dover's reprint of Peter's full-score of Wagner's second opera of his "Ring" cycle" hold for the equivalent reprint of that publisher's edition of "Parsifal" (though NOT for "Tristan und Isolde", alas...):

Unlike Schott's editions (which Dover uses for its reprints of the other 3 operas of the cycle "Der Ring des Nibelungen" {"The Nibelung's Ring"}, the Peters version reprinted here DOES have the voice and instrumental staves mostly arranged in proper order, making things a great deal easier to follow. [Alas, there's one exception - having the voices and stage-directions (though not stage instruments - that part at least is already in proper order) between the violas and the 'celli (harking back to Baroque "basso-continuo" usage) - at least they're consistent with it which helps...] Also the fonts used by the Peters engraving are a fair bit clearer than those of Schott in their first editions (their current edition of the complete works of Richard Wagner is SUPERLATIVE but no doubt fantastically expensive!!!).

This score is not only a steal at the price, it's an excellent score, period (though I could visualise it using fewer pages if the engravings were done differently whereby the systems would have been somewhat smaller but done for a larger paper-size). No qualms about my recommendation - GET IT!!!!

Even if you're not a musician, it's pretty easy to follow the music on the full score while listening to a cd (of course you have to be able to read a score!); you then can understand much of Wagner's technique and effects (the violin arpeggios e.g.), recognize the leit-motivs and their variants.
The price of this 800 page book is a bargain, and it's really enjoyable to go deep inside the music.

Parsifal, Wagner's last opera, and the only one written for a Bayreuth premiere, tells the story of Percival's recovery of the Holy Grail. It was written with the same passion for Christian mythology with which the anonymous medieval English mystery writers wrote their plays. Unfortunately, this powerfully spiritual music drama provides the setting for one of Wagner's most disgraceful bits of anti-semitic insensitivity. Hermann Levi, the premiere's conductor, waited backstage to enter the pit and begin the performance. Seconds before he entered, Wagner grabbed the score from Levi's hands, stating coldly, "give it back, I can't have a Jew like you conduct this." Then, after a tense pause, he smiled and said, "I was just joking. Here." Unquestionably, Wagner was two things: an insensitive brut whose anti-semitism later inspired the sociopathy of Adolf Hitler, and a musicodramatic genius. Dover reprinted an early twentieth century Peters edition of Parsifal. From a scholarly viewpoint, Peters is a most reliable German publisher. Dover provides a translation of the cast list and the table of contents. Unfortunately, there is no English translation of the text, and no glossary of German musical terms. Nonetheless, any good recording will provide a reliable libretto, and the musical terms can be looked up in any good German or musical dictionary. As always with Dover, the book is easily read and built to last. It may be a little small for podium use, but it is perfect at home in front of the stereo. There is, unfortunately, no reprint of the original title page, as the Tristan and Walkure scores have. The original title page serves no purpose really, but sometimes it's fun to open to that title page...and dream.

Wagner's Parsifal, his "last" opera, is also in many ways his most moving on an intellectual and spiritual level. Full of Schopenhauerian resignation which rises beyond the pessimism of The World as Will and Idea into the world of Buddhist renunciation, Parsifal uses Christian metaphor to show the futility of striving and the peace to be gained from release.

However, this review will obviously be of the Dover edition of the full score, not the opera itself. Also, I won't comment on the previous negative review, except to add that the reviewer should do Wagner and the world a favor and read Macgee's The Tristan Chord: Wagner and Philosophy, and give the slanderous and bizarre Wagner-Hitler link a well-deserved rest. Wagner was an anti-semite, but to somehow link this to Hitler is a classic example of the genetic fallacy (where did this idea ever come from, anyway? The Nazis loved Beethoven far more than Wagner's left-wing revolutionary aural madness,it never really fit with their style....)

The Dover editions of Wagner's full scores are the most useful editions available for actually listening to and studying Wagner's Gesamtkunstwerken, and are a bargain at twice the price. Professional musicians will of course recognize that the G. Schirmer editions are the ones most often used for actual performances and rehearsals, particularly the Schirmer piano reductions (either the good old green hardbacks or the orange paperbacks). But even professionals make good use of the Dover editions, since they are ideal for sitting down with a good set of headphones and a cup of coffee to take in the brilliance that was Wagner.

These were an instant hit with children. The vivid designs and glossy texture make them very attractive. Their large size makes it difficult for children to misplace them. It'd be great to see other popular children's stories characters in the bookmark format.

My grandson is an avid reader and LOVES the Peter Rabbitt characters. These full-color booksmarks are endearing and come in 30 designs, AND they capture all my grandson's favorite characters. The young ones will be filled with wonder and enchantment.

In March I had to go to my niece class of Pre-Kindergradener's for a Family Future Feature.
I had to get something for the kids that relate to my
job in a library and I read two books about libraries, and after my
program I gave the bookmarks to the class and two teachers.
I was looking for bookmarks that would thrill the kids. I found these
"Peter Rabbit Bookmarks in Full Color: 30 Designs (Large-Format Bookmarks)
This product is in great condition and the price is right and the shipping
was great. The bookmarks of Peter Rabbit has all the stories in short
form from a Peter Rabbit story. I give it 5 Stars because of the color, format and the 30 Designs are great and fun and the children loved them
as their gift and they were excited to use them while they start reading.
Peter Rabbit bookmarks or other products of Peter Rabbit will be a great
purchase for gift giving or being a collector.
Thank you,
Ann Hjelmeland 1907 114th Ave. Waukon, IA 52172

Peter Rabbit Bookmarks are a bargain with 30 per booklet. The designs are colorful and intricate, depicting favorite childhood scenes. Not all of the marks depict Peter Rabbit, but cats, fox, and mice as well. The bookmarks easily pop out of their booklet due to the convenient perforated edging. I found these bookmarks perfect for my needs, and I think they would also be well appreciated in a children's library, as an elementary school party favor, or as a gift from a teacher to the class. Also, these could make a fine addition to a Peter Rabbit collection.

Varian Johnson's debut novel exploring relationships between family, religion and peers as the coming of age for one young lady yields life changing circumstances.

Maxine Phillips grew up in South Carolina with a single mom and an extraordinary friend. Maxine has always felt a little uncomfortable about her apperance. Her red hair and fare complexion and thin frame has caused her to question herself when it comes to being secure about herself.

Maxine discovers that her mother has been keeping the fact that her father is alive and living in Oklahoma a secret from her and she's determined to get much need answers about her identity, and there's no stopping her now that she's 18 and practically an adult! Her best friend Deke come to her rescue when her vehicle stops on her and she convinces him that he could help her with her quest. Maxine relys heavily on her friendship with Deke and she'll need him every step of the way when she finds out the shocking news about her father, his past and her future.

A book for all ages and specifically enlightning for teens. I recommend this title. Awesome job by this author.

I was pleasantly surprised by Varian Johnson's debut novel, Red Polka Dot in a World Full of Plaid. The title and the cover made me a little hesitant about reading this book. What I found was an enjoyable coming-of-age story of headstrong, sarcastic and vulnerable Maxine Phillips. Spending a week in Oklahoma changes her life.

Maxine is just seventeen years old when she receives a phone call and learns that the father she thought was dead was alive and living in Oklahoma. Angry with her mother, she takes off to Oklahoma to meet her father. On the way there, her car breaks down and she has to contact her best friend, Deke to come and rescue her. Maxine and Deke end up driving cross-country to Oklahoma. In Oklahoma, many things including her father, Deke and God surprise Maxine. She must decide if she is willing to accept the things that she can not change or run away to her imperfect world.

I would recommend this book to the teen and young adult readers. There are some thought provoking topics such as interracial dating, religion, premarital sex and accepting oneself. This was a good debut and an author I would read again.

Jeanette
APOOO BookClub

I really enjoyed this book. The ending was quite a surprise!! It is perfect for a sequel and a made for movie. All ages would enjoy, but it would be especially enjoyable for young adults who have questions about their budding sexuality.

Highly recommended debut novel by Varian Johnson. He's an accomplished engineer and a very talented new writer in the YA genre. The book centers around Maxine- a wise-mouthed teen and her coming of age journey. The topics covered are wide-ranging and suitable for all audiences. I don't want to give anything away but I highly enjoyed Johnson's writing style, the pace of the book and the issues he addressed. Look out for a surprise ending!

This volume of essays will encourage moms that they're not alone in their day-to-day struggles. Accompanied by beautiful photographs, each piece reveals a challenge or struggle that God has helped a mom overcome. The authors don't talk down to moms; instead, they build up their readers with real-life stories, humor, biblical advice, and inspiration. Rest Stops would make a perfect gift for the moms you know on Mother's Day (or any other special day).

Susan Titus Osborn's title says it all: Rest Stops for Busy Moms. In my hurry-scurry world, her new book renews and encourages me. She covers friends, blessings, coping with trials, simple pleasures, memories, kindness, humor, priorities, God's still small voice, and even angels--all in a quick, concise way, which is what "busy moms" or "busy people" need. Thanks, Susan, for a wonderful read. Your small, hardcover book packs a great big punch. It's like a visit with a friend--warm, refreshing, and relaxing.

Wow! This book is so encouraging with wonderful stories, beautiful pictures and an encouraging format where I could quickly pick it up and enjoy it bits at a time. Just like Susan's other books in the series, this one is a winner. Especially perfect for a gift.

I smiled lots as I read this book, for its writers seemed to know me. Like Ronica Stromberg's essay on "Play Shoes," in which she deals with the old advice to play with your children instead of doing housework. "Where," she asked, "do such people store eighteen years of dirty laundry?" Amen! But there is balance for busy Christian moms, and in this compilation, Susan Titus Osborn has given us humor and insights. The short chapters are just right for the cracks of full schedules. And the insights offered by its contributors help to restore perspectives. The small, hardback format makes it an excellent gift book or one to leave on the coffee table and freely loan.

Good, gently used copy of Salome. Just what I needed. Fast response. Thanks

Handy and complete, solidly bound: a great bargain.

The work itself is important.

It would seem, from all I've read and heard, that Richard Strauss seldom edited those of his works that had successful premières; consequently one can't then go wrong with these Dover reprints of the first-edition scores of his best operas and symphonic poems. Certainly this score (especially in this beautiful reprint on fine paper, well-bound, good-sized such as to allow its ready use on the conductor's podium - which I've personally witnessed as happening - as well as on the table or in the lap of somebody merely listening to a recording!) has most richly earned its mandatory place in ANY music-library of substance as well as being most worthy of possession by all musicians and Straussians!

One of the other reviewers of this edition (which indeed costs about a fifth or less of what the official Fürstner / Boosey & Hawkes score goes for - at one point it was a tenth!) mentioned its moral aspects. Suffice it to say that those who see it as a terrible, sacrilegious monstrosity (and that included principal prelates in ALL of the branches of Christianity at the time of its première and for some time since - even 30 years afterwards, the Serbian Orthodox church tried to block its Belgrade première!) fail to realise that it (and the Wilde play) DOES have a moral message: it's Salome who's the real loser even before Herod orders her execution (which didn't happen in real-life anymore than the sordid parts added by Wilde as fiction to the barebones Biblical account). She doesn't realise what she's tinkering with as far as any other world other than the present is concerned! THAT in itself, coupled with the isolation in which she finds herself during the whole last scene, is of not a little significance, to be pondered by all (especially by those of us who're believing Christians)...

Upon seeing a performance of Oscar Wilde's play "Salome" in 1902, Richard Strauss began work on an opera based on the author's randy and decadent reworking of the Biblical tale. Strauss composed in his inimitable style, an alchemical blending of his talent for orchestration with a quasi-Wagnerian scope. He also stretched the limits of tonality, paving the way for compositions that would make "Salome" itself seem quaint within less than a decade.

After the opera's premier in Dresden on 9 December 1905, "Salome" became Strauss' succes de scandale. Although opera goers clamored to see the strange new work by Strauss, its controversial themes offended those with more delicate sensibilities, and probably contributed to its success. The opera's heady blending of sex and religion, the characters' unhealthy psychological states, the perceived level of violence, recent memories of the infamous trial of Oscar Wilde, and possibly the revolutionary nature of Strauss' composition, caused puritanical politicians and captains of industry to call for cleaned-up versions of the opera.

Within a generation, "Salome" no longer seemed a revolutionary work. Composers such as Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Webern, and Berg had become the arbiters of modernism in the concert hall and opera house. In the meantime, "Salome" had entered opera's standard repertoire, appearing unaltered in places that had once looked askance at it.

Even though subsequent compositions by more "modern" composers have surpassed "Salome" in dissonance, the opera still lends itself to more daring productions. Strauss himself considered his music sufficiently erotic and violent for portraying the title character's insatiable lust for the holy man Jochanaan (John the Baptist). Still, the ubiquity of nudity in movies over the past 30 years has helped prepare contemporary audiences (at least in "artier" places) for the prospect of seeing Salome remove all seven veils at the end of the dance she does for Herod, her lecherous stepfather and uncle.

Although sex is certainly an essential component of "Salome," so too is violence. However, like the films "Taxi Driver" and "Do the Right Thing," which some simplistically perceive as little more than violent movies, "Salome" is very spare with acts of violence. Still, the atmosphere of mounting tension prior to the climactic act of violence pervades "Salome," as it does in the aforementioned films, as well as Strauss' next opera "Elektra." Furthermore, the prevalence of gratuitous violence in arch-reactionary slasher flicks and action hero spectacles makes the opera's level of violence seem tame. Nevertheless, "Salome" retains its reputation as a violent opera, even though it has two onstage acts of violence: the suicide of Narraboth, the palace guard captain who is infatuated with Salome, as well as the execution of Salome herself, abruptly ordered by Herod at the very end of the opera. The climactic act of violence, the execution of Jochanaan, occurs offstage around the beginning of the opera's "final scene." Salome's monologue to his severed head begins as an extended act of verbal violence as she spews vitriol at it, and then changes into an oddly beautiful rhapsody that belies its necrophilic undercurrent.

Beyond the sensationalistic aspects of "Salome," the opera poses a number of questions about its "meaning" to listeners, whether Strauss (and perhaps Wilde) intended them or not. Does Salome only have a primal lust for Jochanaan, or does she also perceive his religious worldview as a viable alternative to life in the palace? Does Salome see no incompatibility between her sexual desires and Jochanaan's spiritual vision, a feeling that seems implied by the extended orchestral paroxysm as the final scene reaches its conclusion? Does the cacophonous debate among the five Jewish scholars, as well as certain other aspects of the opera, reflect anti-Semitic undertones (as explored by scholars such as Sander Gilman and Anne Seshadri), or is it just an extension of Strauss' general antipathy towards organized religion? Despite Strauss' relatively mundane personal life and detached public persona, is "Salome" one of the standard repertoire's "queerest" operas? Some gay fans and scholars, such as James Jordan, have ruminated on possible reasons beyond the obvious fact that Wilde wrote the original play.

Whatever opinions one has of "Salome," it remains fascinating for the way Strauss deftly combines horror and beauty. Perhaps "Salome" (as well as other works that appear to glorify the unrestrained pursuit of desires) simply gives us an outlet for our ids, even if the desires of the protagonists do not exactly match our own. One could see similarities between those who almost forget the shocking elements in "Salome" while taking in the strange beauty (and perhaps even beatitude) of Strauss' composition, and those who squirm and laugh while watching the violent and darkly humourous film "Pulp Fiction."

Speaking specifically about "Salome," priest and opera scholar Owen Lee offers an alternative explanation for the fascination with works that can appall audiences while simultaneously appealing to them. Strauss cared little for conveying morals or finding redemption in his works, but Lee still finds moral aspects hidden under the decadent veils of "Salome": "Decadence in life we decry, but decadence in art has its positive aspects. By showing us the terrible depths of evil, art can give us moral vision... the moral vision of the human being made suddenly conscious of the potential for evil as well as for good in his (or her) nature."

As Strauss' masterful orchestration seduces listeners, his opera poses to them compelling riddles with layers of potential meaning, as well as a disturbing blend of the horrible and the beautiful, the erotic and the holy. A century has already passed since Strauss unleashed "Salome" on the world, and it would not be surprising if its mysteries continue to haunt us for centuries to come.

This is a full orchestral score of this innovative opera, with which Richard Strauss shocked the opera world and surprised the avantgarde music scene in 1905.
Even after almost a century, the provocative and wildly exciting music sounds as voluptuous, as colourful and as ruthless as hardly any other opera written since.
Like with other publications by Dover, the printing is excellent. This is a copy of the first edition from 1905, which explains why it is so cheap. Other available editions of this score are either at a smaller size, or four times more expensive.

I bought this book from Half.com, then ended up taking the essay course taught by the author, Dr. Mary Gallagher, in NYC. Made all the difference. Her course directly reflected the method that she describes in her book. If essays are your weakness, using her method should make a positive difference.

If you are serious about passing the bar exam, you should stop reading this review immediately and BUY DR. GALLAGHER'S BOOK! Even if you are unable to take her excellent course (which I HIGHLY recommend), you MUST add this book to your list of bar preparation materials. By practicing Dr. Gallagher's simple, effective writing method, and using the sample essays she provides, you will be trained to write any bar exam essay quickly, efficiently, and successfully. Dr. Gallagher helped me to pass the New York Bar Exam on the first try! If you're tired of unsuccessful attempts to pass the bar, or if you're a first-timer who never wants to take that dreaded exam again, GET SCORING HIGH ON BAR EXAM ESSAYS NOW!

I'm happy to recommend this book - it's quite useful. The first half of the book is tips, the second half is 80 full-length essay exam with model answers. The tips section is built on Gallagher's essay writing "system" which is basically the IRAC system which every law student uses, modified into CRAC. Her "model paragraph" system is quite useful, and something that I wish I had learned about earlier in my law school career. The only downside is that the book was written in '96, and while substantively the information isn't out-of-date, it would be nice if it wasn't so old.

I was a three time repeat bar taker and looking for answers. I never could figure out what I was doing wrong in my essays in order to get better scores. I knew I had a firm grasp on the material but just couldn't get it together. With this book, the bar exam writing process finally made sense! I'm extremely happy I found Mary's system because it helped me to pass on my third try.

I highly recommend this book to those looking to improve their exam writing skills. The book also contains some general bar study tips that helped me enormously. In my opinion this book is the bar exam study bible.

Strap down ALL of your senses and prepare for this ride! These sounds will take you on a trip. While listening I travel through fields of color and emotion, I feel myself moving closer to divine energy. This is not your average New Age CD. Matous has pushed the genre by intergrating new forms that must be heard to be believed. This music will revolutionize modern spirituality.

Wow. Travel without leaving the house! This CD is complex but soothing and feels like a gorgeous sound bath. Energizes the soul and the space it is played in. I am blessed to have experienced such music. I definitely recommend this CD, a must play!

This CD really packs a punch! I haven't even finished listening to it (just got it in the mail) and I love it! Seems like the notes are 'in tune' with the brain's frequency. Very hypnotic. Worth every penny. Do not let its simple packaging fool you. It delivers!

I am an individual who respects and defines music by the effect it has on the listener. I must say, with this music, its very simple. You go in expecting one thing, and you end up getting something you couldn't imagine.

Just Listen. Put it in your CD player and press play. Watch the effect it has on your emotions, psyche, dreams, and external life LONG AFTER the music stopped.

Just listen...thats it. You have no idea the ride you're in for.

Maureen Whitehouse's Soul-Full Eating is a stunning book! I received it just a few days ago and have relished every morsel. The author has gifted us with a mouth-watering, artful menu of insights, facts, resources, practices, and fresh looks at something all humans planetwide share in common: FOOD. There are many books on the market about eating right, staying fit, maximizing nutrition, managing weight and consuming with conscience, but Maureen offers us all the best of these PLUS a practical guide to shifting our experience of breaking daily bread from the mundanely physical into the joyfully soulful. By simply opening the way to choosing consciously what nourishes our bodies, Maureen hands us the tools to shift forever our very fundamental core beliefs about nourishment across the board. When we learn to feed only our truth, then only truth will face us wherever we turn. Chew on a copy of Soul-Full Eating and never see life the same way again!

There must be hundreds of books out there about eating in a healthy and sustainable way. Books on how what we eat affects the environment. Books on eating and health. Books on weight and dieting. Books on personal and cultural issues around mealtimes and food preparation. But I have never come across a book that covers all of these subjects in one volume. Maureen has done an amazing job of collecting massive amounts of research and using her personal experiences to write a book that is actually fun to read and easy to understand. This book completely changed the way that I approach food and live my life.

Read this book! Gain awareness about your possible well-being- if only we fed our souls as well as our bellies. I picked up this boodk while going through significant changes in my life. The words gave me what I needed: some practical, real advice and knowledge about my spiritual self and my relationship not just to food, but through food, my relationship with the environment and the world. In my search for simplicity, I found almost all the answers in Soul-Full Eating.

In "Soul-Full Eating: A (Delicious!) Path To Higher Consciousness", author and nutrition expert Maureen Whitehouse explains just how a deep sense of personal fulfillment and well-being is to be found in eating foods that resonate with the human soul. Featuring engaging and illustrative personal accounts that enhanced the presentation of cutting-edge nutritional and spiritual information (backed up by comprehensive and documented research), "Soul-Full Eating" is informed, informative, and thoroughly 'reader friendly'. Readers will lean how to select, prepare and eat food that increases their vibrancy and personal energy; explore the best approaches to dieting; use foods to stimulate the body's ability to rejuvenate and heal, and deepen a daily spiritual connection and commitment to a compassionate, sustainable world. "Soul-Full Eating" is an impressive addition to personal and community library collections, and particular recommended to the attention of non-specialist general readers with an interest in diet, nutrition, spirituality, health, ecology, and alternative medicine.