Outstanding

The book "Special Plants" was written by a gardener who truely loves to garden. The pictures are magnificent and worth the price of the book alone. There are pictures of the plants in garden settings as well as close-ups that give you a real feel for the plant. The text is knowledgeable but not so involved that you lose interest before you are half way through. There is an alphabetical list of plants with short descriptions of cultivation and use. These descriptions are informative and, based on my knowledge as a garden designer, correct! What sets this book apart however, is her choice of "special plants" Ms. Taylor list plants that you might want to put in your garden and then goes on to list specific varieties of these plants that the gardener should look for.She explains the difference in the varieties that make all the difference in the finished product. This information is invaluable to a beginner or an experienced gardener. This is definately a book every gardener or want-to-be gardener should have on their bookshelf.

Excellent work; targets to enhance your written analytical capabilities. Essay hypos, Crim algorithm's, etc. I was glad I had it before exams. Be sure to listen more than once or you'll miss the more salient points of the lecture and exam preparation.

These radio episodes have an effective way of keeping the listener at the edge of their seat. Lucille Ball's performance was no exception. Here, she comes out of the ditsy housewife roles she's so famous for and plays a conniving seducing witch who will stop at nothing to get her way. I highly recommend listening to these with the lights turned off or down low.

This is truly an exquisite Tillich-monography! John Heywood Thomas, who studied with Tillich and remained friends with Tillich until Tillich's death, provides us with an in-depth account of the life and work of Paul Tillich (1886-1965), the remarkable philosopher-theologian who implemented the thought of Schelling, Kant and Hegel, just to name the most prominent of his philosophical influences, directly and explicitly into the theological discourse of the twentieth century. Apart from accounting for these influences, Heywood Thomas interprets Tillich's many points of contact with some of the great intellectuals of the twentieth century, including Heidegger, Otto, Bultmann, Adorno and Barth. Though not as extensive as some of the older, established commentaries on Tillich (such as J L Adams' famous commentary, Paul Tillich's Philosophy of Culture, Science and Religion [New York: Harper and Row, 1965] or the earliest, and still the most valuable, collection of essays on Tillich's work, The Theology of Paul Tillich [Kegley, C & Bretall, R W eds., New York: MacMillan, 1952]), Heywood Thomas' book should to my opinion be regarded as the most penetrating and illuminating account to date of Tillich's extraordinary ability to exploit hardcore philosophical concepts within the realm of theology. These concepts include phenomenology into a "phenomenological theology", existentialism and critical theory into Tillich's own theological theories of "existence" and "estrangement", Neo-Marxist critique into a "theology of culture" and, famously, his "ontological approach" to Christology and salvation. Paul Tillich was indeed a remarkable and unique theologian, exactly because he was as much at home in a philosophical discussion as he was in the pulpit and seemed as keenly interested in art and politics as he was in his life-work as a professional theologian. The book consists of ten chapters, each dealing with a predominant theme in Tillich's work. Chapter 1 (Tillich's life and career) provides the reader with the kind of biographical information which could be considered as crucial for understanding Tillich's philosophical inclinations and his areas of specialization in theology. Tillich's experience of the trench warfare in World War I, for example, had a fundamental impact on his psyche and contributed substantially to him taking leave of the claims of traditional Protestant theology or, at the very least, his reinterpretation of Lutheran theology (pp. 5-10). Actually, it was the war experience that initiated his progressive activist attitude in politics and the church. Much ado has been made of Tillich's debauchery and his infamous erotic experiences with women directly after his wife, Grethi, left him in 1919 (p.9). Heywood Thomas puts this tragic phase of Tillich's life in sympathetic perspective. He certainly was an ambiguous character though: His arrogant personality and lifelong prone to vanity stands in sharp contrast with the gentleness those close to him came to know. He had always been very quick in expression of self-defence and very sensitive to criticism, easily accusing anyone who did not agree with him as personally hostile to him. On the other hand, he was an excellent lecturer and companion. On the one hand, he displayed an unconscious egocentricity which had always been typical of him. On the other hand, he showed himself to be extremely generous. Heywood Thomas contextualizes this complex character in the world of German (and later American) university life, showing that Tillich was many things, a man as complex as his work. I found this first chapter invaluable, not because of a biographical sketch one can read elsewhere, but because Heywood Thomas delicately links up the man with his surroundings and the texts that influenced him so deeply. In chapter 2 (p.28) Heywood Thomas discusses the interconnection of theology, revolution and culture in Tillich's work. It is tempting to begin characterizing Tillich's theology by describing it as a theology of culture, to be distinguished as such from the theology of his contemporary, friend and colleague Karl Barth. Heywood Thomas shows that this contra-Barthian depiction of Tillich's theology has been his fate as a theologian and that this fundamental contrast has lead to a misinterpretation of both theologies. This simple opposition of the two theologies has been an unfortunate misinterpretation of both - Barth's as much as Tillich's. Barth's protest was not against culture but against a simplistic correlation of Christianity and culture. Likewise Tillich was as concerned to spell out a theological critique of culture as he was to rediscover the vitality of theology in an engagement with culture. Heywood Thomas looks carefully at Tillich's argument and represents it with eloquence and style. Being educated in the Barthian tradition myself, at least to a very large extent, I found this chapter to be the most informative in terms of understanding the idiosyncrasies in Tillich's thought; especially with regards to the way in which he seems to re-implement philosophical concepts directly into archaic theological categories. This is compulsory reading for those who still understand Tillich and Barth as being in direct opposition to each other. The situation is much more complex and nuanced than we are led to believe by some Barthians in particular. ...

I read Tweleve Shots in a sudden urge to get up and read a odd-sounding titled book. I was suprised at how intrigued one could be in a book with this such genre. I had never thought I would enjoy the book, but as soon as the library fines started becuase I was to busy reading it to return it, I went out and bought myself a copy! That was May. By December, all my friends had read the book and a few bought THIER friends copies for X-mas and birthdays! I now own a battered and worn thin, but loved and frequently read, copy.

'My beloved, the establishment may not be ready, but God is!' (Mitchell, p. 39)

Reading 'Women: To Preach or Not to Preach - 21 Outstanding Black Preachers Say Yes!' was a very rewarding experience. Within this book, there are names familiar to me, and names new to me. The opening essay sets a framework for theological and historical reflection. The Mitchells have a regard for the authority of the biblical text similar to my own. 'Given this final biblical revelation, it is to be understood that God still speaks to individuals, an our prayerful interpretation of the changeless Word can still improve.' (p. 3) God has not spoken the final word on creation. The Mitchells also illustrate historical/textual points often forgotten or neglected by patriarchal authorities, such as the example of Huldah. 'When a woman is rated over the high priest in judging crucial spiritual matters, it has to be obvious that God places no limitations on what a woman can do.' (p. 8) My only concern with the essay would be a brief flirtation with supersessionism in the discussion on the theology of gifts.

Getting into the sermons by the women in this volume, there is a power and vitality that leaps off the page. They address in a number of ways the concerns women have toward their own role, and how society sees them. What they seem to have in great uniformity, however, is the certainty of a call from God for the role they occupy. Mitchell asks a basic question: 'Whom does God choose for the preaching of the gospel? Just how does God go about selecting those who are to bring the precedent-shattering Good News?' (Mitchell, p. 37) She concludes that the temporary societal structures of the church are not divine by any means. 'God does not pay any attention to the way we determine who should be called to preach or serve, and God never has.' (Mitchell, p. 38) God will call whomever God chooses. McKenzie seconds this with her example from the Hebrew Scriptures: '[Deborah] being a prophetess and a judge was not dependent upon the whims and fancies of her society, but upon the call of God. There is strength in knowing your job and doing it.' (McKenzie, p. 73)

Many speak of great power in the example of Jesus and the way he acted with regard to all people. 'Jesus, then, was about the task of infusing women with the spiritual strength and confidence of believing in themselves as equal children under God.' (Hale, p. 91) Jesus was not one to 'go along to get along', but rather one who risked everything for the greater good of all. This is what women are called to do, also. 'Risking it all will mean that women will have the audacity to preach when some who presume to know the mind of God declare that they can't.' (Grant, p. 108)

The structures of society work to keep women from pursuing their callings. Some are direct obstructions, but some are more subtle, and lead to women not making the effort required (which is usually an extra effort). Bishop Barbara Harris spoke of this in relation to the Samarian woman at the well. 'Too many people are absent from the well. Because the woman came, she received a blessing. Simply because she came, she received a blessing. So many stay away and do not avail themselves of the blessings that can be theirs.' (Harris, 58) Sometimes, women have to make the decision to do what they are called to do in any way possible, regardless of the support of their community. 'I had to move forward regardless of whether they followed me or not.' (Gerald, p. 53)

In all, this is a remarkable collection, very readable, very inspiring, and a welcome addition to my library. Admittedly looking in from the outside, it seems that the Black community as a whole has a tradition both of strong women's influences in the church, yet also having resistance to women's presence in official leadership roles. (I am reminded of some of the things Melva Wilson Costen wrote in African American Christian Worship here.) However, there is undeniable power in the preaching in Mitchell's book, and that power comes through even just from the reading. I can only imagine the force of grace that would come through the hearing of these sermons!

Since my last trip to Paris, I've been desperately searching for a great book on french patisseries. I remember looking through the windows of Fauchons and wondering if I could create some of these beautiful and tasty confections at home. This book offers some of those guarded recipes and I'll definately try them. My greatest search has been for the mouthwatering french macaroons in all the different flavors of raspberry, chocolate, coffee and a number of different ones that I had tried there. And also some of the unique and architecturally designed pastries that not only look good but tastes soooo delicious. We just don't have those patisserie's here. The sad story is that I found only one recipe for macaroons and it was the plain almond ones, there were no recipes provided by the variety I saw in the book. This book offers plenty of pictures, but not the recipes for some of them. I was very disappointed. I was also hoping for more pictures and recipes of the desserts I saw at Fauchons. But all in all it's a nice book and it does have some good recipes.

I returned to the States from my first trip to Paris in June, after only having been there a week. Definitely not long enough to try all of the delicious looking pastries in every boulangerie ou patisserie. I am still truly homesick for Paris--but this book is wonderful and full of delicious recipes. I can't wait to try almost everything in this book, the nice thing is that it shows pictures of every recipe, so there's no suprises as to what it should look like. I also suggest Paris Bistro by the same author.

I have been using this book for years and have made most recipes. All have been wonderful and are authentic. It is fun to read to!

This book is not at all definitive. DON'T TELL MAMA from Viking or FROM THE MARGIN from Purdue U Press are better represenations of the top Italian American authors. Authors like Daniela Gioseffi, Ben Morreale, Gioia Timpanelli or Maria Mazziotti belong here more than some who are represented. And, Tonelli, a jerk about the Mafia stereotype and a fan of the horrible defamatory Sopranos ought to be tarred and feathered and ousted from his own community for representing the over glut of Mafia stories perpetuated by a myth that refuses to recognize the most important fact about Italian American culture; There is no more percentage of organized crime among Italian Americans than any other ethnic group. less. than .01 % of Italian Americans are involved in organized crime and there is no big international Mafia cartel of Italians involved in crime. That was a myth perpetuated by certain powers to make a scape goat for syndicated crime. The S & L scandal of white collar crime on Wall St. and the Enron, Anderson debacle are still the greatest crimes of theivery committed in the history of the world. Hollywood and television have deliberately tried to scapegoat Italians to keep the eye off the real international criminals, and Tonelli should know better than to represent this theme at all. He is a fool for falling for this social engineering and it mars his book horribly, along with the fact that he leaves some of the best writers of all out. Other books on this subject have done a better job, and how can the reviewer from BOOK LIST get away with such nonsense, by saying the culture that produced Michaelangelo, which is the mainland Italian culture, did not produce a Shakespeare? Where has that reader been that he hasn't heard of Dante, the predated, rival of Shakespeare and the great world writer of Italian literature and culture--a different matter than Italian American immigrant culture. Tonelli and his misguided reveiwers show their ignorance. though Tonelli does well to include Mario Puzo's THE FORTUNATE PILGRIM mistitled in the first media review above. It is Puzo's best and truest book --much better than The Godfather, according to Puzo and all his literary critics, too. So read it instead while we send Tonelli back to the drawing boards to do a better job of representing his culture. He's an upstart who really doesn't know how to edit a good book on his subject. And his professional reviewers at top make factual mistakes and don't really know the subject well enough to write a true reveiw.

Thank you, Bill Tonelli. At last there is a body of evidence that shows how significantly Italians have contributed to writing and thought in America. The selections in the book are smart and entertaining and Tonelli's perspective on Italians and Italians writing is especially insightful. I am Italian (well, half) and I am relieved that this book is out there to help disprove the misconception that Italians are only good at cooking and shooting. They can write, too.

I've been savoring every selection, so I add my thanks to Bill Tonelli for taking me back...

This is a great collection of Suspense thrillers!! I especially love the story "Ghost Hunt," starring Ralph Edwards. It's a MUST that you listen to this one in the dark! It's about a radio host and a paranormal researcher that spend the night in a haunted house--just imagine what happens! I also love "The Earth is Made of Glass," starring Joseph Cotton. It is a story about a man would commits a murder for experiment--awesome collection!!

Hours of thrilling entertainment!
Going on a trip? Put them in the tape player, cruise on down the road, and you'll be surprised how the time flies!

This is a great collection of eight half-hour 'Suspense' episodes, unabridged! The acting is excellent, and the stories themselves are very suspenseful. Below is a list of the eight shows:

1. A Little Piece of Rope: This is one of the shows where Lucille Ball proves her talent in drama. She plays a young criminal whose latest victim will turn out to be one she, herself, will be terrified of.

2. Too Perfect Alibi: Danny Kaye stars in this story about a murder and an alibi that turned out to be too 'perfect'.

3. The Earth is Made of Glass: Joseph Cotton stars in this episode... Expect a twist ending.

4. The Name of the Beast: Vincent Price stars as a painter who is determined to do anything to finish his painting 'The Name of the Beast'. Sadly, his model Beast turns out to be quite murderous.

5. Deep into Darkness: This is a story, starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr., about a man who finds out that he has suffered in the past for something he never actually did. And he wants revenge.

6. Death Has a Shadow: Bob Hope stars in this episode as a business-man who is frightened of a blackmailer.

7. Ghost Hunt: An immensely creepy story concerning a radio host who decides to spend the night in a haunted house, recording his every move. Listen to this one in the dark.

8. Murder Through the Looking Glass: Gregory Peck stars in this tale concerning split personalities.

Over all, the collection is excellent, you can skip the commercials if you want, and I'd definitely recommend this to anyone interested in old-time radio.

I really like this book. It's a very informative about some of the most important sires in Arabian horse breeding.
As an Arabian horse owner, I wouldn't want to be without this book in my collection.
I very much enjoy reading about the horses behind the the famous names and show results, the REAL horses, their special hallmarks and what their owner/trainers remembers about them. Special memories.
And being from Sweden, I am of course very proud to see one Swedish bred stallion, Alladdin, among the legends!
I just wish there would have been colored pictures, that would have made the difference to a five star rating.
I highly recommend this book!

As a reader from NZ, I found this book readable, informative and full of wonderful and interesting pictures. The "human interest" stories about breeders finding their "hearts delight" form part of the text - and as one scrolls through the book, the role of the owner in the fate and fame of each horse is revealed as the true catalyst in their journey to immortality. A very interesting book, but the quality of the binding is poor. GJMD NZ South Pacific

This book is an important "who's who" of the Arabian horse world. Twenty-two of the most influential stallions are profiled. Of special interest are the the only two mares profiled, Bint Sahara and *Sanacht. Bint Sahara is the dam and granddam of three stallions featured - Ferzon, Fadjur, and Khemosabi. The combination of *Sanacht and Bint Sahara through the blood of Fadjur created one of the greatest breeding and show horse dynasties of the Arabian world. An invaluable resource book for researching potential purchases of horses and stud services. The stories of the people involved with these horses are fascinating. One of my favorites is the story of two great breeders, Frank McCoy of California and Dr. Eugene LaCroix of Arizona, meeting halfway in the desert near Indio, California. In one trailer was Dr. LaCroix's stallion Aarief, and in the other trailer was McCoy's Bint Sahara daughter, Fersara. They took them out, bred them, put them back into their trailers and went home. The result was another of the breed's great stallions, The Real McCoy.