Opening

I have a number of general opening books: NCO, Horowitz's Theory and Pratice, Fine"s Ideas Behind Chess Opening's. Kallai's book is far superior to Fine's. It reads easier and provides more details (variations). It also shows the basic traps for both sides. I am surprised that this series of books are not more popular... I turned in my Fine's book and have no regrets.

The two books by Kallai are quite wonderful. They are a nice modern complement to 500 Master Games of Chess by Tartakower. They are worthy to be joined with that great book. Each opening section cotnains a valuable section about subsequent plans and ideas. If people knew how good these books were, they would quickly be snatched up.

The content of this book is very helpful for beginners or intermediate players (like me) who want to learn the basics of king pawn openings. I would give it 4 or 5 starts for content, but as with many Cadogan published books, the pages will begin to fall out after using the book a few times. This defect is also true of my copy of More Basic Chess Openings by the same author. Poor binding is a common complaint with Cadogan books. E.g. read the Amazon customer reviews of The Life and Games of Mikhail Tal. Apparently Cadogan has been succeeded by, or renamed, Everyman Chess. (The British chess publishing industry appears in great turmoil these days.) Everyman uses a different printer. Binding quality of my one Everyman Chess book, Art of Attack, Vukovic is very good.

My girlfriend, who is not jewish, was interested in learning more about the jewish religion and culture. I asked around and finally came up with this book. It was exactly what the rabbi ordered. Its a good mish mosh of yiddish, religous background, jewish kvetching and food recipes. Obviously, anyone who is looking to convert or just really investigate judaism, needs more then a book, but this is excellent for anyone who needs to learn the basics or is just trying to refresh thier memory. I read it myself, and relearned a few things I had forgotten.

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY will be of help to anyone who is interested in converting to Judaism, or someone just interested in the basics of the Jewish faith. It contains illustrations of certain rituals and pictures of some temples in Portland, Oregon, including the historic temple of the Beth Israel Congregation.

I attended Lois Shenker's class "Introduction to Judaism" a few years back, so I can testify to the fact that she really loves what she teaches. She was really the motivating force of the year-long class.

Knowing Lois is bashert, but to read her book is a blessing, and is especially helpful in introducing Judaism to your non-Jewish in-laws. Lois Shenker, with all the compassion of a Jewish Bubby, extends the traditional boundaries of what it is to be a family, in her book. 'Welcome to the Family...' explores both the unique differences and similarities of the Jewish faith. My husband and I enjoyed the years of Jewish education classes, lovingly taught by Lois, that we attended in Portland, OR. Her openness and support of our relationship paved the way to a beautiful marriage, and now we have an even more beautiful baby boy. Thanks Lois for all your support through the years

I found this audiobook very helpful. I think it offered a good guide for the newly contemplative, as well as those who have been pondering God and the universe for a long time. I have drawn on its wisdom often since 9/11, also.

Bruce, as a recovering Catholic, I can tell you that Christians of denominations OTHER THAN CATHOLIC do meditate- even Episcopal heathens like me. =) Maybe you can find some Protestants and actually ask them about this. We're not hard to track down. (And it's actually the Catholic church that has detailed guidelines regarding posession & exorcisms).

Contemplative Prayer is the traditional Christian method of meditation and yet most Christians have never heard of it! It has been actively repressed at times in history and now is "damned by faint praise" by the Catholic Church.

Meditation in general is looked upon with great suspicion by most Protestant religions, who feel that it opens one up for possession. Thus one of the most valuable tools for salvation - the ability to place oneself in the Presence of God - is being unwittingly withheld from the faithful!

Fr. Keating is a kind, wise and gentle teacher. He explains why people get unhappy with their earthly circumstances based on programming received prior to their ability to "defend themselves" mentally. He then offers a very simple and straight-forward form of meditation that brings profound peace and deep rest for the body, mind and spirit.

Anyone seeking peace and true rest in their lives will find this presentation to be a godsend.

Father Keating uses the simple technique of centering prayer to help us come to terms with events and situations in our lives. I believe that anyone who practices this technique will have a much calmer and happier life. I have studied and utilized the method, especially during the course of this past summer, and can verify that this Trappist monk's technique is an easy way that any one can learn to help relieve and deal with the stress and anxiety of life, especially as we move into the 21st century. This is something ALL of us need in our day and age.

This is a very good book. It is an alternative to Silman's Reassess Your Chess Workbook. Many people love the Silman books. Personally, I think they make you feel as if you can play much better than you really can.

This book, through its ratings (and according to the authors you must complete all exercises before you get an accurate rating) can give you a realistic idea of your strategic skills. But the authors note that a good plan may be subverted by tactics.

In the preface the authors reveal their aim of writing a book which is both enjoyable AND instructive. They do this by keeping the reader involved, as if interacting with a chess coach. I think they do a fair job at both tasks, and that is high praise for a chess book.

I think that in the first few chapters they do a better job than Silman -- or nearly anyone else -- of explaining the elements of strategy. The main problem is that they bounce around amongst seven different games to show their points. You need a computer (or 7 chess boards) to follow along closely.

Anyway, the tests are the meat of the book. As I have not gotten far, I'll withhold my opinion and promise to finish this review later. For now, I suggest reading Silman's other book, The Amateur's Mind, then turning to this book to see what you've learned. Then I would skip How To Reassess Your Chess Workbook, though the HTRYC textbook might still be interesting eventually.

Don't leave home (for the tournament) without this book! I am a sub 1200 player and this book is the first (for me personally) to describe the "mechanics" of positional play and game strategy. By working through the exercises one gains a true appreciation of how to analyze a position from a strategic/positional perspective. The thinking process that one learns using this book carries over into actual play--where it counts the most obviously!

This book is quite exceptional. It is not soporific like many other chess books and will have you not wanting to put it down. Will surely help your positional play and method of thinking. I had to copy the book though. Hard to find.

I really enjoyed The Opening By Susannah Ellis Wilds. The story line was one that got me hooked really early on as I know I could easily have been one of the characters in the book.

The Opening has a dual meaning - the reader first learns that the novel is about a fun prediction written about a group of friends during their pre-teen years and hidden away until accidentally discovered many years later. The group has lost touch and the writer of the note, Lucy decides it is high time for a reunion. The book floats between each girl's life - then and now.

While the revelations made when the girls finally unite are not that out of the ordinary nor surprising it is the sweet journey that brings us to the gathering. Each woman's life will touch the reader in a multitude of ways. Whether it reminds the reader of themselves or friends they have known at different stages of their life The Opening will certainly tug the heart strings and make you want to pick up the phone to find long lost friends.

As another Southern gal, Susannah's story of girl-chums brought back numerous memories of promises made, false expectations, and dreams of another life. Thoroughly enjoyed her tale and style. And LOVED the names of the girls! Very timely read for us "Boomers", no matter what part of the country holds our heart.

This is a throughly enjoyable book - in particular the software chapters, which may have something to do with the fact that I too am a early retiree from the software business. It brings back good memories to this Yankee girl of serious conversations with "my girlfriends" and predictions of our futures. I heard Susannah Wilds speak at a writers group in Charlotte NC, and am looking forward to the next book. I have suggested to several of my friends that they will love this book. Captures the growing up memories for all of us from the 50's and 60's and mwill make us want to start over in many cases

Hi! Caroline
Do you know Omotanwa Arewa? we went to Yaba college of technology together, if you do pls give her my e-mail address.My family and i reside in california.Think she has a sister by name caro.
Thanks
Alaba(Maiden name Alabi)

This book aids individuals interested in integrating their religious beliefs, physical and mental health, and connecting with the scared through body, mind, and soul.

A wonderful piece of work, full of instruction and examples. A definate user friendly/teach yourself book! Written well and made to digest in small do-able pieces.

This is one of the best books I've ever read on chakra energy. The author writes with authority and great clarity on the subject. She explains the many facets of chakra energy and its meaning from diverse cultural and mythological perspectives. The book provides detailed chapters on the aspects of each chakra and how the energy generated effects the physical body, the mental focus and the universal connection to Spirit. She gives practical steps the reader can use to channel chakra energy. This is a great book for yoga teachers or those involved in the healing arts. The techniques shared can be incorporated into workshops, healing circles and study groups or used by the individual truth seeker.

I was skeptical about my enjoyment of reading this book. I'm not in to mystical, spiritual, visions or happenings and thought this book would be so unrealistic and far out that I would probably not really like it. I WAS WRONG! Within the first couple of pages I was there right along side the leading female character. I found I would often change sides depending upon what was transpiring at the time. I would come to side with almost each and every character understanding their plights and their reasonings. Interesting is not a strong enough description when reading this book...captivating is. I was brought in right from the beginning and honestly hated to put it down. The author has a phenomenal imagination and to think, it was all dreamt--the characters, their names, the situations, the outcome, etc. And there's more to come. She has used all the spectrums of love that I could think of. The ultimate being loving someone so much you sacrifice for their freedom. She has a knack for putting all the types of love into perspective shown by the characters and their pursuits. She shows us that things really are not what they seem sometimes. We need more information before arriving at conclusions. We can change; we can grow; we can live with happiness as the outcome if we have faith and we love those around us as we love ourselves. It's okay to doubt; it's okay to stray a bit; it's imperative to forgive and to, therefore, ask for forgiveness. Unfortunately, I was only allowed to rate this book with five stars. If more stars were offered, I would have used them. I had to stop many times for reflection of a situation or to reread some of the previous paragraphs again so I could fully understand the implications that were being demonstrated through this remarkable writing. I am a candidate for the next adventure of this author no matter what the subject matter. Simply put, it is good reading.

This is the beautiful love story of two people brought together by very unusual circumstances, but in spite of intrigue, treachery and civil war going on around them, their love, once discovered, never wavers. Enhancing this are the ingredients of mysticism and spirituality.This is a book with the setting so vividly described, one feels part of it and wants to hurry to the end to see what happens and having done so feels at a loss because there is no more. It is a story to read over and over again while waitingfor the sequel.

I have read this book three times. In each time, that I have picked this book, I could not stop, and I had to read the full book in one go. Why? Because the author, is very good. I shall say, that in the characters and personalities of each one of the different aspects of one, this author writes with an intense passion and love, for faith, for a better world, and above all what should be to humanity, the Love of A man for a Woman, and the Love of a Woman for a Man. I must recognize and I wish that this book would be translated to more languages, to allow all the people of the world to read, this fascinating Song of Turand, which is not only a Song of faith and Love. It goes beyond human imagination, and it goes direct into your soul. And this author, Sandra Valencia, made me read this same book three times, by its humanity, by its paths, by Love. How strange is the world, not to recognize that human love is so precious to one's soul, as the food, or the water one has to drink to survive. Our soul and our heart and our body, do need so much this Love, so rare these days. To the ones that God do bless, with such a kind of Love, I am sure, that this book worths the kindness and the appreciation of one, that loves Literature. To the strength of this Author, to the prespective of facts and how to bring them to us, makes this Book a Unique one. One, that one must never forget, because, Love exists and faith too. The power of Love, is there, so, do grab it and hold in the palms of your hands, because, one who possess this book, for sure, possess Love, and friendship. Because Love, is more than Love is also, the apprentiship of Friendship and the values of the world. I thank to the Author, for bringing to public such a beautiful book. Thank you Sandra Valencia, for the Song of Turand.

The book had a few helpful ideas or approaches to opening a practice, but nothing that you have not already heard. Overall, good info, but very basic.

This book would be extremely helpful to any chiropractor looking to start a new office. The information contained in the text is practical material that many new chiropractors might not be aware of. I enjoyed the book very much!

"Up and Running, Opening a Chiropractic Office" is a refreshingly simple, straight (chiropractic) and straight-forward handbook for a rather intimidating subject. The Reizers take what many newly-minted chiropractors see as a nearly insurmountable obstacle(opening my own practice!!!)and climb right over it one clearly described step at a time. Easy to read, thorough and candid in its approach, the book nonetheless stays focused on the challenges and joys of opening a subluxation-centered chiropractic practice in a world that sometimes forgets that this is what chiropractic is really all about. I just hope that everyone who has a vision of what his/her own successful chiropractic practice could be like gets his/her hands on this book. Chiropractic thanks you for taking the time to write down your insights and pass on your expertise. But more importantly, the patients who will benefit from the successful chiropractors this book will help create thank you.

Most of the books I've read deal only when you're on the attack, but in my games this does not happen very often. After reading this book my game improved as I learned how to defend well when I'm under attack and my attacking play became more precise as I am aware of my opponent's defense.

The Art of Defense in Chess is an excellent book. Along with The Art of Attack, this book will help any serious chessplayer round out his/her style. Most books focus only on attack and the few books that do focus on defense usually turn toward counterattack as the only method. This book helped me to understand the principles of defense, which helps when you're being beaten and when you're beating someone. I can't emphasize enough how important the strategies that are discussed in this book are. You will not always be attacking, I guarantee it. Note that this is written in English notation, ie, KN7 and so on. If you only know algebraic, you'll have to practice this older system, but it will be time well spent since many books that one can find are written in this format. Also note that this book, if read correctly, will take a great deal of time to plow through. Basically, you need to have a board out and thoroughly analyze each and every position in order to get the most out of this book. I highly recommend this to intermediate and above players.

This book helped push me from a mid ranking player (ca 1500) to an advanced amateur (ca 1800). This book helped me learn how to hold onto a busted position and more so, learn how to shore up weaknesses and survive powerful attacks. It's a terrific learning tool, though not for the casual reader. I constantly used a set when reading this book, to analyze positions.

If openings like the Modern Benoni and the Sicilian appeal to you, then this book will eventually help you play more competitive chess and win more games.

I'll tell ya, I have already read one of his books and thought it was great, (the book - I had it all the time) this one tho, I did not like at all. First there was too, too much god in there for me and just too much on the philosophical level, if your into things like that, you may like this one but I just could not get interested in this book at all.

"Though we may not climb the Himalayas, each of us must traverse the mountain of our own self." ~Alan Cohen

When you love, you can at times feel that there is nothing wrong with the world because your awareness is so focused on the present. In "Rising in Love" Love itself becomes our home, it is who we are, it is what we are climbing towards. In fact, Love does make you feel that you are living on a higher plane of existence, so instead of saying you are "falling into love," Alan presents the idea that you are "Rising in Love."

Alan Cohen's books are peaceful, calming journeys and I feel comforted by the style in which he writes and his observations about life are always amusing. There is a very intimate feeling while reading this particular book. Alan's books also tend to be signposts to awaken me to various aspects I should be paying attention to in my own life. I find it interesting that Alan was talking about a movie that I had literally just found and was about to watch. Of course, I will be paying very close attention to what that movie has to teach me.

I'm not sure why I think Alan Cohen's humor is so hilarious, I just imagine him in the situations he describes and I get lost in laughter. There is a deep richness to his experiences and his books present a setting of intellectual intimacy in which his thoughts intertwine with the reader's own inner knowledge. I have at times found myself writing poetry after reading chapters in this book.

Rising in Love is divided into five main sections:

The Awakening - Alan remembers when he first fell in love and how he learned to love life itself. At times I wasn't sure if Alan was writing a moment of comedy on page 5 or was truly describing how he felt. Either way, I was amused. If you wanted to know some of the details of Alan's life, this is the book to start with and Alan freely explores his life experiences in order to encourage understanding and an awareness of your own experience with synchronicity.

Who We Are - Alan draws on ideas from movies to explore the ideas of how we are spiritual beings experiencing a material existence. He explores the idea of being born in innocence. If we are born into innocence why do we need to be rescued from the abyss? Alan only touches on a few spiritual principles here and it will probably make readers want to find out more on the subject of the original state of mankind. Are we naturally good or naturally prone to selfish desires? This section of the book is interspersed with quotes and interesting principles in a bold type.

Growing Into Greatness - The story of the "Butterfly" is a powerful statement about how you can expect greatness from others and how they will rise to the occasion and meet the challenge. I actually like how Alan uses the word "God" instead of "Universal Consciousness" because it makes this book more personal. This section of the book explores how you can go through a period of "emptiness" in order to reach a stage where your life becomes richer. I loved Alan's ideas about how we throw rocks into the water and then wonder why we can't escape the waves and this is an interesting way of explaining karma. He explains "tough love" as "what is required to break a habit that is working against our highest interest." The Mustang GT story is rather amusing. It is quite amazing how Alan can draw spiritual wisdom out of the most negative or hopeless situations.

Living in Light - Alan explores the idea of getting what you want by knowing what you want and declaring your intention. Then, you accept opportunities and work with responsibility and confidence. Instead of just saying we should declare our intention, he does recognize human effort and in this way we as humans are not completely helpless in the Divine plan. There is a picture of how our thoughts create our experience and the contrast of negatives vs. positive thinking is rather stark. Does negative thinking block blessings?

Coming Home - This section starts with a quote by Albert Einstein that leads into a discussion about the sacredness of the words: "I love you." Alan shows how he found greater freedom in being more open in love and changed from loving only those who loved him to loving even those who were not lovable.

Rising in Love is a boost to your self-confidence all while making you feel humble and more willing to try to love unconditionally. All I can say is "falling in love" seems much easier than "Rising in Love." Although after reading this book, I'm starting to think that the difficulties in our life stem from blocking the flow of love. Perhaps living "as" love is really the goal. When you start listening to the signs and moving in various loving directions, there are invisible forces that start to work together for the good of those you help or encourage.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

Rising in Love-this book has given me the wisdom to declare my intention-,which is to give up negativity in dealing with my relationships. I am now living in the moment as I clearly state my feelings and needs. I am indeed rising in love and I feel blessed. Alan Cohen gives his readers the skills and insights to love and be loved.This book is a must to read. I LOVED IT!