Secret Weapon (Star Wars: Last of the Jedi, Book 7)

Customer Reviews:

rudy against the empire.......2007-09-30

i know myself that i'm almost finished w/ the novel but haven't read it through... but it's very good, i can't wait what will happen to ferus olin and see ben kenobi along w/ him. i love the front and back cover of the book
over in Coruscant. I will hoping to read all through 10 novels of TLOTJ series.

hey jude great job!.......2007-08-14

i disagree with that other reviewer who said timothy zahn is the best with jude watson.i hate the timothy zahn books.and that was when us star wars fans were starving for something new to read about star wars and heir to the empire came out,i bought it like many others wanting something new to read.and i was greatly dissapointed and his 2nd and 3rd book of that trilogy didnt get any better so i stopped buying his books.i guess i been spoiled by the star wars books i read growing up by writers like the great brian daley may he rest in peace,and the great alan dean foster.and i have been dissapointed by most of the new books and the different new authors to star wars books that have come out.finally a writer that is worthy of star wars has come along.a great writer and im happy that jude gets to write more books for star wars.i also enjoyed jude's first book star wars journal princess leia's diary of episode 4.captive to evil.

Five Stars.......2007-08-07

Ferus is still working as a double agent struggling the thin line of going along with Palpatine to keep from being killed and trying to he's position to help out his resistance friends. This becomes very difficult in this book when the Empire wants Ferus to return to his homeplanet as a poster boy for former resistance leader turned Empire. The Empire taking control of the factories which looks as if their helping the planet by providing jobs. This naturally will make it appear to the resistance that Ferus is completely with the Empire. Naturally the Empire's plans are not that nice with Vader on his tail Ferus finds it even more difficult to contact his friends to convince them their still on his side and attempting to undo the Empire's plan without Vader or the Empire finding out. The way this turns out was surprises as was then when Palpatine has yet another offer for Ferus. With Palpatine...its so hard to say no.

Cliff Hangers as usual, mild spoilers possible.......2007-06-14

One always questions the validity and entertainment value in a spin-off of a spin-off series, but The Last of the Jedi is shaping up to be exciting. Ferus Olin's in full blown double agent mode and that's got him and his friends worried. Friendship and loyalty are certainly tested when it comes down to the question of "who do you serve?" or "How much hurt can one inflict while doing something necessary?"

Jude Watson's got a nice narrative style and a good sense for where to stick in humor. I can't wait until the next one comes out. (Yes, I'm an adult; yes, I know this is a kid's book; yes, this book is totally worth the $6.00)

Best of the best!!.......2007-04-03

I've been a reader from day one and by far this is the most intense part of the series. I loved that there was a list of characters. I almost forgot some of the ones from the beginning and it was good to get familiar with them again. As I was reading, I felt the momentum of the story pick up towards the middle and then it just sky rocketed!! So much so, I left imprints of my fingers on the front and back cover! I don't want to give any of the storyline away but, I'll just say that I had to read some parts over again because of their emotional intensity and depth (I know, I know....I take these stories too seriously) It's such a great story. You'll definitely love it.

Without saying too much here's a little outline....

Ferus is still with the Empire working as a double agent. He gets sent on a mission back to his homeworld of Bellassa to "help" settle any resistance from the people. He is seen by his people as a traitor but his closest friends of course know the truth. Vader keeps Ferus out of "the know" and it's hard for him to find out the real reasons for the Empire's stay on his home planet. As soon as Ferus gets close to the truth, Vader tears into his soul with hatred from the dark side. In the end, Ferus's will to go on is waning and he finds an offer from Emperor Palpatine extremely appealing.

Ok, now go and buy the book! :)

Kingdom of Fear : Loathsome Secrets of a Star-Crossed Child in the Final Days of the American Century

Average customer rating:

Not his best
Significantly Better Than "Hey Rube"
The best collection
Some of his best work ever!
Just what you would expect from a drunkard

Kingdom of Fear : Loathsome Secrets of a Star-Crossed Child in the Final Days of the American Century
Hunter S. Thompson
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Authors | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0684873230
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Amazon.com

Kingdom of Fear is billed as a memoir, but in essence, all of Hunter S. Thompson's books could fit into this category since his life and work have always been tightly bound together by a mythology largely of his own making. (After all, this is the man who, before earning a single dollar as a writer, began meticulously saving a copy of every letter he ever sent.) Still, this is certainly an unconventional memoir, but then what would you expect from the father of gonzo journalism? In these pages Thompson manages to dig deep and reveal a few "loathsome secrets" without offering the kind of personal details he has always avoided. His childhood, for instance, is basically summed up in a sentence: "I look back on my youth with great fondness, but I would not recommend it as a working model to others." He does, however, reflect upon his considerable legacy, including his well-known, and admittedly exaggerated, use of controlled substances ("The brutal reality of politics alone would probably be intolerable without drugs"), as well as offer assessments of his own work, such as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas ("It's as good as The Great Gatsby and better than The Sun Also Rises").

In this collection of twisted parables and outlaw adventures, Thompson writes about his early run-ins with agents of authority and the lessons learned; his stint in the Air Force and the beginning of his journalism career; his unsuccessful, though illuminating, bid for Sheriff of Aspen, Colorado in 1970 as the Freak Power candidate; the casualties and unintended consequences thus far in the War on Terror; and numerous examples of present-day injustice and hypocrisy--all with his characteristic mix of brutal frankness laced with humor. He also offers his own take on state of the Union: "The prevailing quality of life in America--by any accepted methods of measuring--was inarguably freer and more politically open under Nixon than it is today in this evil year of Our Lord 2002." Thompson continues to make even the most deadly serious subject matter endlessly entertaining. --Shawn Carkonen

Book Description

Brilliant, provocative, outrageous, and brazen, Hunter S. Thompson's infamous rule breaking -- in his journalism, in his life, and under the law -- changed the shape of American letters, and the face of American icons. Kingdom of Fear traces the course of Thompson's life as a rebel -- from a smart-mouthed Kentucky kid flaunting all authority to a convention-defying journalist who came to personify a wild fusion of fact, fiction, and mind-altering substances.

Call it the evolution of an outlaw. Here are the formative experiences that comprise Thompson's legendary trajectory alongside the weird and the ugly. Whether detailing his exploits as a foreign correspondent in Rio, his job as night manager of the notorious O'Farrell Theatre in San Francisco, his epic run for sheriff of Aspen on the Freak Power ticket, or the sensational legal maneuvering that led to his full acquittal in the famous 99 Days trial, Thompson is at the peak of his narrative powers in Kingdom of Fear. And this boisterous, blistering ride illuminates as never before the professional and ideological risk taking of a literary genius and transgressive icon.

Customer Reviews:

Not his best.......2007-03-18

Mr Thompsons autobiography is somewhat lacking compared to his other works. It seems, that he in his later years didn't have that much new to say, and this volume shows it very clearly. It deals with the legend of HST, not the man Hunter Stockton Thompson, and only plays the same tune that we've been hearing since F&L in Las Vegas, only in a strongly diluded form.

A great drawback is that he recycles a lot of stuff from his earlier work, which if you're a fan/reader of his you can't help but feel a bit cheated about. The book isn't that long as it is, but when half the material already has been printed before, and therefore probably, for fans at least, is on your shelf already, it gives the feeling of the good Mr Thompson not really making an effort writing this volume.

It's not all bad though. There are highlights in the book. His description of his childhood is enjoyable and very biographical. The last chapter is also very enjoyable, although not that good as biographical material, it does for a good reading.

It starts out legitimate enough, but quickly turns to his rambling and at times incoherent style of writing. Worth reading if you're a completist. I would recommend the compilations of his letters "The Proud Highway" and "F&L in America" as biography instead. They are much better.

Significantly Better Than "Hey Rube".......2007-03-16

This book (2003) and "Hey Rube" (2004) appear to be the last of HST's books. While "Hey Rube" contains lengthy discussions of gambling on professional football and basketball (including "March Madness"), this book is more far-ranging, containing everything from Thompson's reminiscences of his youth to his (highly negative) thoughts on George W. Bush. There's even a chapter from "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail 1972," one of the finest political books ever written.

The quality of the writing on the recent pieces is not quite up to that of his best from the past, but is still infinitely better than the mindless slop produced by other contemporary "writers." The man was an artist.

As always, one of the disturbing things about Thompson is his ability to assess politics correctly in real time. Reading back, you think "Why didn't people take this man seriously at the time?"

"Indeed," as Doc would say.

The best collection.......2007-01-19

It's true, there are lots of parts of this book that can be found in other books, but this is still the best HST book I've read. It's sort of like a greatest hits. The new parts however, are the best part of this book.

Some of his best work ever!.......2007-01-13

By far simply one of his best collections. It seems the good doctor saw what was on the horizon and unforunately he was right. The world is a lesser place without him and we should all cherish every word. His insight was frightening an accurate. BUY THIS BOOK!

Just what you would expect from a drunkard.......2006-12-04

Paranoid drivel is the best I can come up with ZZZZZZZZZZ.

The Adventures of Tintin: The Crab With the Golden Claws / The Shooting Star / The Secret of the Unicorn (3 Complete Adventures in 1 Volume, Vol. 3)

Average customer rating:

Haddock is introduced in the Golden Claws
A little disappointing
Tintin on his adventures!
A rich part of this bilingual Canadian's heritage
The Adventures of Tintin: The Crab With the Golden Claws / The Shooting Star / The Secret of the Unicorn (3 Complete Adventures

The Adventures of Tintin: The Crab With the Golden Claws / The Shooting Star / The Secret of the Unicorn (3 Complete Adventures in 1 Volume, Vol. 3)
Herge
Manufacturer: Little, Brown Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0316359440

Customer Reviews:

Haddock is introduced in the Golden Claws.......2007-08-23

Thundering Typhoons!! Had been trying to get my hands on this issue as it introduces my fave. character!! It compliments the package well because the issues are in a sequence and one ends up getting more of blistering barnacles! I would recommend this to Haddock's admiration club and otherwise as well!

A little disappointing.......2007-02-07

The quality of the printing is far from perfect. It smooches on several pages.Also, I read the French version first and the English one is, in my opinion, rather lame. A lot of work would need to be done to improve it.

Tintin on his adventures!.......2007-01-21

I have read many Tintin adventures and love them all. Herge can make very funny adventure stories.
In the book, The Crab with the Golden Claws, Tintin meets Captain Haddock. Captain Haddok loves whisky. Professor Calculus is not here. He comes in Red Rackham's treasure.
Reviewed by my child, C.B. Patras

A rich part of this bilingual Canadian's heritage.......2006-09-09

Volume 3: The Crab With the Golden Claws (1942), The Shooting Star (1942), The Secret of the Unicorn (1943). This is the third instalment of my reviews of each of the seven volumes.

As I mentioned in my review for Volume 1, as a child I read these stories in no particular order. So, when reading The Crab With the Golden Claws, I was surprised to see Captain Haddock in such a pitiable state, having made his acquaintance in later adventures...

But this is where he is introduced, and the friendship that develops between Haddock and Tintin not only allows the alcoholic captain to bloom, it lifts the curtain on one of the most entertaining, impulsive (Haddock = ad hoc, get it? In French, the pronunciation of the two is exactly the same...), flawed, and in essence loyal, good hearted and lovable characters in all comicdom. His irascible nature will be abundantly prodded with insufferable foils (Wagg, Abdullah, Castafiore, the Thom(p)sons, and sundry villains) throughout the series. We also meet the sinister Allan for the first time. The story takes place in Morocco, and the child sees yet more of our planet's vistas, while the adult continues to revel in Hergé's textured adventures and detailed settings, as well as a terrifying dream sequence.

Michael Farr's "Tintin: The Complete Companion" (highly recommended), gives a glimpse at why Tintin did not take in the USA as it did in the rest of the world, and that has to do with a couple of panels from The Shooting Star. Though with some brilliant sequences, such as the cinematic seasickness scene, it is not as captivating as the usual Tintin standard, but again, one does not want to miss a single adventure.

The Secret of the Unicorn has a number of threads, one of which develops into the sequel, Red Rackham's Treasure.

The Adventures of Tintin: The Crab With the Golden Claws / The Shooting Star / The Secret of the Unicorn (3 Complete Adventures .......2006-08-31

Good book for kids and aldult as well

Beany Malone Series - 14 Book Set (Beany Malone)

Average customer rating:

AMAZING SERIES!! IS A MUST READ!

Beany Malone Series - 14 Book Set (Beany Malone)

Manufacturer: Image Cascade Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Love & Romance | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: B000G02BF6

Product Description

The 14 Book Beany Malone Set includes: Meet the Malones; Beany Malone; Leave It to Beany; Beany and the Beckoning Road; Beany Has a Secret Life; Make a Wish for Me; Happy Birthday, Dear Beany; The More the Merrier; A Bright Star Falls; Welcome Stranger; Pick a New Dream; Tarry Awhile; Something Borrowed, Something Blue; Come Back, Wherever You Are. The Malones of Denver, Colorado are a warm open-hearted family with a welcoming home, open to friends and all others in need of physical and emotional nourishment. The series has the warmth and sense of solidarity intrinsic of wartimes and the post-war era. There is a general feeling of peace and simplicity. When the series opens, the Malone children are motherless, as Mary Malone has been dead for three years. The father, Martie Malone, is often absent due to his duties as editor of the Denver Call. Three of the four Malone children, Mary Fred, Johnny and Beany, live at home. The oldest Malone daughter, the beautiful, loving Elizabeth, has been married to Lieutenant Donald McCallin for one year. The Malones live on Barberry Street in a large, wide-bosomed gray stone home. Their surrounding neighbors are Mrs. Morrison Adams (known as Mrs. Socially-prominent Adams) in her red brick home with immaculate white trim and frilly curtains in the windows, and the imposing and stately home of the Judge Buell family.

Customer Reviews:

AMAZING SERIES!! IS A MUST READ!.......2006-06-24

I got the entire series this past Christmas. I had read the first 2 because although my library had more, they didn't have all of them, and they didn't have the 3rd and I don't like to read things out of order so I was really sad. So then I was soo happy to find out they were being republished by Image Cascading!!!

So yea I read them all and they all rock!!! It's nice seeing what teenagers did back in the 50's. And it was also nice how different people's relationships were with their family's, I wish it were more like that today. And they are also way more responsible and mature then we are now. Making their own money, not having to depend on their parents for everything. And their parents respect and trust them more too! And they definatly treat their parents with much respect which is ALOT more then I can say about kids of today.

The first book is about Beany's older sister, Mary Fred. It is in MF's junior year of highschool, when Beany is in 8th grade. The rest of the books are all about Beany, in highschool, college, and then when she gets married. And let me just say I LOVE who she ends up with. They are SOOO cute!!!

Everyone should read these books they are amazing and are definatly one of my favorite books ever!

Average customer rating:

Born in ice triology
From Back Cover
FIVE STARS FOR STARS SERIES
No Secret - This Book is Good!
Wonderful ending to a great series.

Secret Star
Nora Roberts
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

Regency | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0373484909

Amazon.com

Lieutenant Seth Buchanan is investigating a murder scene when the supposed victim walks through the front door. Grace Fontaine is even more beautiful in person than she is in the portrait over her mantel, and Seth knows that she means trouble. But he's a cautious man, long accustomed to guarding his heart, and he's determined to continue the practice. Grace, however, has other ideas; Seth is the man she's been waiting for through all the long, lonely years she has spent as an unbelievably rich, impossibly beautiful child and woman. Thrown together by Seth's determination to solve the murder, the theft of three incredible diamonds, and the imminent threat to Grace's safety, the two struggle with the passion and the bond that pulls them together. Nora Roberts is a master at spinning a tale, and she doesn't miss a beat in this novel of love, murder, mystery, and obsession.

Customer Reviews:

Born in ice triology.......2006-11-05

I enjoyed it very much and couldn't put it down.It wasn't a thriller and I do rather like Noras mystery\thrillers but the "homely" ones are good too.This had some good characters and the setting was interesting. I love to read a triology in one go i.e. one after the other.So it was good having the three in one.

From Back Cover.......2006-08-14

He was standing face-to-face with a dead woman... and she was holding a gun. Lieutenant Seth Buchanan's homicide investigation - and his heart - were thrown into turmoil when Grace Fontaine turned up very much alive... and in possession of one of the huge blue diamonds known as the Stars of Mithra.

The cool, controlled cop never let his feelings get in the way of his job, and everything he knew about the notorious heiress told him she was poison. But in her irresistible presence it was hard to remember there was any mystery more important to solve than that of Grace herself.

[3rd in the Stars of Mithra trilogy.]

FIVE STARS FOR STARS SERIES.......2005-08-16

As always Nora Roberts is superb and the Stars of Mithra series is a fantastical tale told in three books.

No Secret - This Book is Good!.......2005-05-07

The STARS OF MITHRA series deals with three best friends: Bailey James, MJ O'Leary and Grace Fontaine. All three are childhood friends and would trust each other with their lives, and this is just about what happens in this succession of books!

SECRET STAR is the ending to this series and what a terrific ending it is! Grace Fontaine is the other friend trusted with a huge diamond that is part of the Three Stars of Mithra. Grace is a beautiful, elegant heiress that isn't about to let anyone push her around. Seth Buchanan is a lieutenant with the local police and they run into each other at Grace's mansion that has been ransacked and her cousin murdered because of her resemblance to Grace. Now comes the twists and turns in this one! Grace and Seth try to tie up all of the loose ends in this murder mystery while reuniting the three diamonds. Of course love has it's place with this couple as well as the in the other two books in this series.

The first two books are fantastic bringing the reader along in a ride filled with my mystery, fun and romance. They're well written and keep you reading from the first page until the last. When you get to this last book, Nora Roberts appears too busy tying up all of the loose ends to charm the reader with the magic and entertainment found in the other two books. She does a great job ending everything, but SECRET STAR is not as all encompassing as HIDDEN STAR or CAPTIVE STAR.

All in all, this is a terrific trilogy full of humor, mystery and romance. Nora Roberts' talent shines with these tales!

Wonderful ending to a great series........2003-10-09

Thank you to Ms. Roberts for a wonderfully written series with three very different women. This book is a great conclusion to the Stars of Mithra series.

Grace is believed to be dead, but she isn't. Police Lieutenant Seth Buchanan now has to try and keep her alive as the person who killed her cousin by mistake is still trying to get her.

The characters in this novel could be real, and that makes this novel even more enjoyable. Ms. roberts has a talent for describing feelings in a way most can't. You will feel what the characters feel. Don't miss this dramatic conclusion. It will keep you guessing about one thing or another right to the end.

Average customer rating:

Good solid information

No B.S.-- just results! Only fitness book I've ever stuck with.

Must have the time, discipline, and patience to make this work

A Good Book From A Good Trainer

Pretty Close to Hollywood
6 Weeks to a Hollywood Body: Look Fit and Feel Fabulous with the Secrets of the Stars
Steve Zim , and Mark Laska
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Diets | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Hot Point Fitness: The Revolutionary New Program for Fast and Total Body Transformation

How the Rich Get Thin: Park Avenue's Top Diet Doctor Reveals the Secrets to Losing Weight and Feeling Great

One Body, One Life: Six Weeks to the New You

UltraFit: Challenging Workouts -- Amazing Results

The Skinny: How to Fit into Your Little Black Dress Forever

ASIN: 0470098228

Book Description

As featured in SELF and on Weekend Today

"Steve Zim's plan helped me drop my body fat more quickly than with any other program I've ever tried. I couldn't be more pleased."
--Jessica Biel, star of The Illusionist

In 6 Weeks to a Hollywood Body, the top Hollywood trainer and Weekend Today show fitness expert Steve Zim unlocks the secrets of the stars and shows you how to have a Hollywood body of your own. Want to add shape and strength to your legs? Have a great butt? Make your back and arms stronger and leaner? Develop an amazing chest or breasts? After you've completed the easy-to-follow Hollywood Body program in six short weeks, you'll be runway ready for your grand entrance and you'll look amazing and feel healthier and happier than ever before. In this book, Steve Zim reveals the three keys to his Hollywood Body system:

HOLLYWOOD NUTRITION: The easy and effective Hollywood Body way to supercharge your metabolism with protein, good carbs, and good fats

HOLLYWOOD HEART: Ramp up your cardio health and melt away fat and inches the Hollywood Body way

HOLLYWOOD SCULPT: A revolutionary set of all-new Hollywood Body exercises designed to sculpt and reshape your muscles

This proven program works no matter what your body type is. So get started--your Hollywood body awaits you!

Customer Reviews:

Good solid information.......2007-10-04

This book contains good solid diet and exercise strategies, that mirror the information given in other recent diet and exercise books such as The Abs Diet and 5 Factor Diet/Fitness. My only complaint about this book is that with the way the author structured the book you find yourself in the middle of your workout madly flipping pages to try to find out where the next exercise is! For this reason I prefer to use the above mentioned books for my regular workouts, but this is a good book for when you get bored with other routines.

No B.S.-- just results! Only fitness book I've ever stuck with........2007-06-12

I used to hate exercise, but I hit 35, and I knew I needed to do something. I couldn't afford a personal trainer, but this book is almost like having one (minus the cheerleading). Ok, so I was a little leary of the title, but once I started reading, I was hooked. This isn't just a book of exercises. Rational, realistic approach to good overall health, not just weight loss (though his fat-reduction program showed results within just a few days).Idiot-proof once you get the exercises down. Workouts are planned for you (by body type, by day) so there's no guess work. Shows you where to start regardless of your fitness level. Great combination of sculpting and stretching to ensure you get the shape you want. The program focuses on nutrition, free weights and an exercise ball plus cardio, so you can work out virtually anywhere. Thanks to this book, for the first time in my life, I look forward to working out. It's helped me better understand my body, adjust my lifestyle, and it feels terrific!

Must have the time, discipline, and patience to make this work.......2007-04-18

I had a month off of work and I started using this book. I just started week 4 and I feel better than I have in years and After 2 weeks I noticed a difference. Already I'm looking forward to the end of week 4 and then 6. If I was working full time the regiment from this book would take more discipline than I have, but if you have the time it works. In my opinion the truly best part is the workout schedule set over a 6 week period. It mixes it up and keeps your body from figuring out what's gonna happen next. A close 2nd is the nutrition guide which is not super in depth but is easily understood. I am 26 and have found great benefit in the way I feel in terms of my health after the first 2 weeks. I am also a pretty thin guy. My one gripe about the book is that there are 2 or 3 exercises for me anyway that should have been labeled advanced. I could not do them more than 3 or 4 reps at first.

A Good Book From A Good Trainer.......2007-03-15

I liked "Hot Point Fitness" and when I stuck with it, got good results. This is a lot of the same material, but organized more effectively for different body types. I think his philosophy of lots of variety, stretching, and spot-training is effective and easy to follow.

The nutrition info is definitely not as well-organized or detailed as the cardio & work-out aspects of Steve's program, and at times is downright contradictory ("forgo yogurt"...then 2 pages later..."one of your meals should consist of yogurt"). It's also pretty strict and unrealistic for most people (I suspect) who cannot be total slaves to their food intake.

Pretty Close to Hollywood.......2007-01-12

I purchased this book because I was such a fan of Steve Zim's last book "Hot Point Fitness", but was ready for a new equally intense program. What I like about this book is it keeps your workouts changing constantly. There is absolutely no way you can get bored because you are always switching up the routine. I also like that there are seperate plans to follow for not only males and females, but also for each specific body type. Unlike Zim's previous book, you could also perform each workout outside of the gym. With a set of weights, a matt, and a fitness ball, these exercises could be done just about anywhere. Please note, if you really want to see results, you must follow not only the workouts, but the very specific diet as well, which is pretty tough.

Real Men Do Yoga: 21 Star Athletes Reveal Their Secrets for Strength, Flexibility and Peak Performance

Average customer rating:

He's happy!
A Pictures Worth 200 Words
Great reading for athletes
Sexist, silly, and poorly laid out, but...
A sure winner for Valentine's day

Real Men Do Yoga: 21 Star Athletes Reveal Their Secrets for Strength, Flexibility and Peak Performance
John Capouya
Manufacturer: HCI
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Yoga | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Hatha Yoga | Hinduism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

ASIN: 0757301126

Book Description

With its revolutionary approach to yoga and innovative, male-oriented instruction, Real Men Do Yoga will be the definitive guide for both novice and veteran men who are discovering the innumerable physical and mental benefits of yoga. Satisfying the male fascination with sports and admiration for athletes are interviews with more than twenty pros, all of whom are enthusiastic yoga practitioners: football's Eddie George, Shannon Sharpe and Amani Toomer; baseball pitchers Barry Zito (2002 Cy Young Award winner) and Al Leiter, star hockey goalie Sean Burke and NBA superstar Kevin Garnett as well as pro golfers and tennis players. Photos of sports stars doing yoga, such as football greats Dan Marino and Chris Carter, drive home a powerful message. Each chapter offers a combination of stretches and strength-builders that target and benefit specific areas: Conquering back pain (which afflicts an estimated 10 million men) Improving sports performance including yoga for golf, running, basketball, tennis and more Increasing flexibility in the upper body, spine and lower body Building muscle strength Improving sexual performance In a sea of yoga books aimed at women, Real Men Do Yoga is an easily accessible, "non-New Agey" guidebook that takes something mysterious to American men and offers a reassuringly effective and practical guide that they'll actually use.

Customer Reviews:

He's happy!.......2007-07-30

I purchased this book for my boss. He was a little thrown in the beginning, knowing that he isn't able to compete at the level these men are, but....he's still happy with the book itself!

A Pictures Worth 200 Words.......2006-10-10

It's tricky to learn yoga from a book, especially when limited to sporadic black & white shots every other page. the book does a good job of taking someone mildly athletic who has never done yoga (me) through a few good stretches. There are some great flexibility-improvers. Plus, I liked the quotes and inspiration from the top jocks.

Plus - how did they get Eddie George on the cover?!?! What a great selling idea. If he and his atlas quads can do this stuff, I ought to be able to . . .

Great reading for athletes.......2006-03-11

Even though the title is Real Men Do Yoga, and I am a female, I found it greatly interesting. Being an athlete, playing tennis 3 hours a day, and working out with weights another 1 hour, my body gets a lot of "beating". I discovered that doing yoga helps to balance my body and stay injury free (or heal injuries that happened before yoga). This book is great on describing the importance of athletes doing yoga, for increased performance, focus, balance and many other athletic benefits. I also like that it agrees that all training aspects are important: weight room, yoga, sport specific training. It's well written and easy to follow. I love the examples from real life.

Sexist, silly, and poorly laid out, but..........2004-09-13

a useful contribution to those learning about Yoga. As the Amazon.com in-house reviewer notes, the author seems obsessed with pointing out that men do Yoga, hence the title. Unfortunately, this is based on the ridiculous assumption that men never did Yoga. Can we say Iyenger? Or Baptiste, Yee, and many others. Silly, stupid, and insulting!

Having said that, the author seeks to "mainstream" Yoga (similar to the great Beth Shaw), by using non-Sanskrit names for the asanas. I sincerely feel that this helps someone new to Yoga. Mr. Capouya also spares the reader the preaching about the eight "limbs" of Yoga (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing...) and the horrors of eating meat.

The book is poorly laid out. It bounces around from pose to pose interspersed with quotes from professional athletes and alleged Yoga practioners. Sadly, they mostly aren't true Yoga practioners because they only do Yoga 2-3 times a week (often in a class). Yoga is not weightlifting: it is not mean to done every other day, but rather daily (talk to a Yogi about how terrible they feel if they are unable to do at least a 30 minute session). Moreover, most Yoga books (Baptiste for example), advocate a 90 minute daily practice. This book seems to feel that 60 minutes is adequate. I disagree. Anything less than 90 for me is inadequate. But the use of the athletes quotes serves to perpetuate the notion that "real men" do Yoga, so I guess that don't need to do it that long.

Unfortunately, the book leaves out the variations inherent in all Yoga poses for beginners. This is a grave disservice to Yoga. Yoga is perfect for ANY-BODY. Fat, thin, weak, non-flexible etc. By using professional athletes as examples, Mr. Capouya may unwittingly intimidate someone less physically gifted.

It's worth a look, but I prefer Hatha Yoga Illustrated, Journey into Power (Baron Baptiste), and Liz Lark's (egad, a woman!)Power Yoga and Yoga for beginners.

A sure winner for Valentine's day.......2004-02-01

I have been practicing yoga since I was twelve,and bought this book for my fiancee last year. He is a golfer trying to make the PGA tour, and ever since he started doing yoga, his concentration and short game has improved.

I like the fact that this book is does not contain a lot the "new age" language, and gets straight to the point with regards to the physical and psychological benefits of yoga.

I definitely recommend his as V-Day gift, as the practice of yoga has many benifits hat expend beyond the realm of sports, as I can well attest.

Average customer rating:

Simon Cowell : Witty, Talented, and Fantastically Egotistical.

Interesting Man, Interesting Book

" I Don't Mean to be Rude But This is a Great Book"

Fascinating and Funny

Rudeness is part of our common lives. It's called mediocrity
I Don't Mean to Be Rude, But...: Backstage Gossip from American Idol & the Secrets that Can Make You a Star
Simon Cowell
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Business | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
History & Criticism | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Popular | Musical Genres | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Music | Pop Culture | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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I Hate to Be Rude, but...: Simon Cowell's Book of Nasty Comments

What's Up Dawg?: How to Become a Superstar in the Music Business

American Idol: The Search for a Superstar

American Idol - The Best & Worst of American Idol ( Limited Edition )

American Idol - The Best of Seasons 1 - 4

ASIN: 0767917413
Release Date: 2003-12-02

Book Description

Do YOU have what it takes to be a star? Simon Cowell reveals the answer and takes you behind the scenes of American Idol in this wickedly entertaining tell-all.

Since the debut of American Idol, puckish Brit judge Simon Cowell has become America’s most notorious critic—not only on account of his incredible instinct for spotting the next breakout musical stars, but for his hilarious, shockingly candid repartee with everyone who crosses his path. Now, true to form, he holds nothing back, offering you a backstage pass to America’s hottest show—the highlights, the gossip, the contestants who blew their chances—and takes you on a whirlwind tour of the music business while sharing his own insider opinions, on everything.

From his days in the mailroom at EMI Records to the creation of American Idol, Simon has always had a knack for judging talent—and for being center stage. Here, he tells the rollicking stories of his first insult (to his mother), his first music criticism (to first-grade teacher Mrs. Prigg), and his first image makeover (on his unfortunate younger brother). And of course, the side-splitting backstory of the birth of American Idol—and all the dreadful auditions, bad hair days, judges’ squabbles, juicy rumors, surprise triumphs, and #1 singles that followed.

With his trademark wit and brutal honesty, Simon delivers the real dish on: Who gave the best and worst performances on the show? What really goes on between the three judges (and what was it like to kiss Paula Abdul)? Who were the biggest divas when the cameras weren’t rolling? And, if you’re an aspiring Justin or J.Lo, you’ll also learn the trade secrets that only Simon knows: how to develop an image and make the most of your talent, how to find an agent or manager, how to nail an audition, and—should you be so lucky to make it to the top—how to stretch your 15 minutes into a career.

Packed with razor-sharp insights into music, the fame game, and pop-music powerhouses from the Beatles to Britney Spears, I Don’t Mean to Be Rude, But…is your ticket inside American Idol, and a highly amusing, no-holds-barred look at what it takes to make it big.

Customer Reviews:

Simon Cowell : Witty, Talented, and Fantastically Egotistical........2007-01-26

I truly have enjoyed the American Idol judge's book, I hope he writes some more books about the music industry and the show. Simon is very music business savvy, and not only proves his creditability in this book, but entertains readers with his wit and his backstage gossip! I loved it, and LOVE Simon!

Interesting Man, Interesting Book.......2006-04-20

I've always been a fan of Mr. Cowell for his brutal honesty and offbeat charm. Still, his book surprised me with its depth and clarity. It's easy to see he has a brilliant knack for the music business as well as an enlightened view of life in general. Cowell describes his childhood in England and rise to the top in an entertaining, witty way, while paying heed to Idol fans by telling humorous behind-the-scenes stories. This book is an informative and enjoyable read for anyone - who knew Simon Cowell was such a fascinating writer?

" I Don't Mean to be Rude But This is a Great Book" .......2006-02-09

Enter Simon Cowell. He's a fashon critic who always has to be "honest" and sincere. You do have to feel for Simon though. Putting up with William Hung is pretty hard to do. Simon does many eight things in this book though. He insults Madonna, Michael Jackson etc. I liked his true love section especially P. Diddy and Himself and Michael jackson and anyone. I liked his Idol chapters and his tips to succeed.

Fascinating and Funny.......2005-06-22

I read this book as a newcomer to American Idol watching back in Season 3. I found it a fascinating introduction to both the world of American Idol and the music industry. In fact, I found that much of Simon Cowell's advice and insight could probably be applied to show business in general. I thought it was interesting that his philosophy seems to often be that it is better to be "cruel to be kind." After reading the book, I certainly felt I had a much better understanding of him, of the show, and of how the music industry works.

But, of course, the fun part of the book were all of the behind-the-scenes shenanigans and "gossip" that he shared. Since I didn't begin watching AI until the third season, I enjoyed catching up vicariously this way. Some of the anecdotes about Randy and Paula and Ryan were a hoot.

I found Cowell's writing style engaging and witty. It held my interest throughout and was very easy to read. I recommend it highly, especially, of course, for fans of the series.

Rudeness is part of our common lives. It's called mediocrity.......2005-06-13

This is a "clumsy" book. My first impression was that it was written to deliver inconspicuously hidden messages to his irreverent friends. The next impression, as I sifted through his scruffy childhood, was that he did not possess any impressionable talent. Instead, he created a delusional rationale for writing such a book in the first place.

I watched American Idol on television and was intrigued by Simon Cowell. I purchased the book to gain a better understanding about him, the celebrity industry, and his insightful `dynamo' concepts. Unfortunately, all I encountered throughout the book was a rambling hypocrite who, in the end, chastised everyone for pursuing celebrity status unless they were fortunate enough to be miraculously chosen by him.

To be fair, American Idol is pure entertainment. Judging talent on time constraints and lurid subjectivity is the type of medium that will thrive in the spotlight. Millions devour the mindless intrigue.

I have seen incredible performances. But those recitals live beyond the winds of subjectivity even when those artists display eccentric personalities, vitriolic egos...and being in the right place at the right time.

One unfortunate theme oozing through Simon Crowell is his decision to export his ugly behavior from Britain to America. Perhaps it was already here, waiting for him and the timing could not have been more perfect since America must tolerate greedy politicians / corporations today with their ugly voter accountability / customer service.

I am disheartened by the fact that Simon Cowell did not spend more time focusing on his talent and business prowess. It is undecided whether he a creative genius. Unfortunately, that is the theme for a better book for a more civilized world.

The Chef's Art: Secrets of Four-Star Cooking at Home

Average customer rating:

Excellent Introduction to Professional Haute Cuisine.
Chef's Best Helper
Chef's Best Helper
Solid Reference Book & Solid Author

The Chef's Art: Secrets of Four-Star Cooking at Home
Wayne Gisslen
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Professional | Professional Cooking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Reference | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0471836842

Book Description

Explains how cooking works and how to organize your steps in order to prepare elegant meals quickly and less effortlessly to obtain the exact results you want. Presents gourmet recipes for serving 4 or 16 delicous repasts. Basic procedures are illustrated with 200 step-by-step photographs. Features 16 pages of color photos showing various presentations of finished dishes. Over 600 recipes for all kinds of menu items serve as practical examples of the food types and cooking methods discussed. Also includes an appendix of recipes for basic sauces and other recipe ingredients.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Introduction to Professional Haute Cuisine........2005-05-17

`The Chef's Art' by Wayne Gisslen is a textbook on modern French technique, as interpreted by American chefs and American cooking schools. Two of the few problems with the book are when the author tries to represent this book as an embassy from professional cooking to the home cook and as a manual of American cooking.

This is through and through a book of professional techniques. One of the very few concessions Gisslen makes to the home cook is to begin with a chapter of material that a freshman at the Culinary Institute of America would already know. One of the most impractical assumptions the author makes is that by reading this book, the home cook will buy a good kitchen scale for weighing ingredients to the gram or to the quarter of an ounce. Yeah, right! There is no question the minds of anyone who knows anything about baking that weighing flour carefully is clearly a good thing. But, TV chef / educators such as Rachael Ray, Tyler Florence, Giada De Laurentiis, and Jamie Oliver would simply not be as popular as they are if they did not liberate the home cook from careful measurements when doing savory dishes in a saute, braise, stew, grill, roast, or bake. This doesn't mean that this ad libbing style of cooking doesn't need a fair amount of experience so that you can have a pretty keen sense of how much a tablespoon of olive oil looks like. This is why I like metric quantities so much, since I spent ten years as a professional chemist and can tell the difference between 5 ml and 15 ml a lot easier than I can between a teaspoon and a tablespoon, until I memorized the fact that a teaspoon was 5 ml and a tablespoon was three times the size of a teaspoon.

I say all this because this is really an excellent book. It's just that if you believe the glosses on the cover and think you are getting recipes for home cooking, you would be very disappointed. You would be much better off spending your money on a copy of `The Joy of Cooking', because what you are getting is much closer to Escoffier than it is to Irma Rombauer or even to Julia Child, for that matter. Child taught us French home cooking. Gisslen's book is `haute cuisine' straight down the middle.

On the other side of the coin, Gisslen's book is really great for conveying general techniques, especially the great techniques of French stocks, sauces, braises, gratins, soups, salads, and vegetable cookery. While this is new breed Escoffier, there are many classic French dishes and techniques that are not here. There is not a hint of a souffle, a crepe, an omelet, or a pastry. Not even any savory tarts. But for those techniques he does cover, Gisslen is very, very good. He may even be as good as Jacques Pepin for explaining techniques, although I think the photographs in Pepin's `Complete Techniques' are better (not as dark and with better focus and more of them) and for a complete treatise on sauces, James Peterson's classic on `Sauces' is better. But, this is still a very good book for covering the important bases of French technique.

One application for which I have found very few good cookbooks is in cooking for a crowd, as you may do for a large potluck gathering or a church social, or even for school cafeterias, where you need soup by the dozens of servings and stock by the tens of gallons. For cooks with such needs, this book may be a godsend, as long as what you want to make is in Gisslen's Franco-American lexicon. Gisslen accomplishes this by giving the quantities for all his recipes in four different measurements. Two columns of units are in standard U.S. units giving four or 16 servings and two columns in metric measurements for the same two serving counts. And, I encourage you to use the Metric unit columns, as I believe it is as easy or easier to measure out 60 ml than it is to measure 2 oz.

Since there are no omelet recipes, I loose one of my favorite means of evaluating a cookbook, but there are still plenty of recipes for stocks for me to ponder. And, I am humbled, because Gisslen is quoting Escoffier and other French culinary authorities chapter and verse in calling for very long simmer times for stock making. While I am certain Gisslen's stock recipes will produce excellent results, this is a bit much for the casual home cook and may even strain the avid foodie's patience. And, I would not suggest you leave 8 quarts of hot water sitting on a live burner unattended for more than a few minutes. Especially if this is your first time at major league stock making.

If this book interests you, I strongly recommend you read the first several chapters from front to back, at least through the chapters on sauces, stocks, and soups. From there, skim over the recipes, but read all the general information from cover to cover. The placement of the stock and other utility recipes at the end of the book is a bit annoying, but you can live with it, as this is a very, very nice book to become familiar with professional doctrines and techniques. It may not be quite as good as Pepin on technique or quite as authentic or complete as Escoffier, but it is a worthy book if you need to cook it right and in large quantities.

Chef's Best Helper.......2003-03-13

Great book for the beginner and experience alike. Worth the buy.

Chef's Best Helper.......2003-03-13

Grat book for the beginner and experience alike. Worth the buy.

Solid Reference Book & Solid Author.......2000-04-03

You can't go wrong with Wayne Gisslen's books. After being introduced to his books in Culinary School (CHIC), he is still my point of reference for recipes & techniques. Anyone who wants to cook & present like a pro - can with this book's help. The book is wonderful!

If culinary schools use him as their reference - why shouldn't you?

Average customer rating:

Tips for coaching success

Save your money.

Path to Success

Getting to the heart of the matter

Wall, Goleman, Peters. Required reading.................
Coaching for Emotional Intelligence: The Secret to Developing the Star Potential of Your Employees
Bob Wall
Manufacturer: AMACOM/American Management Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Intelligence | By Topic | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Quick Emotional Intelligence Activities for Busy Managers: 50 Team Exercises That Get Results in 15 Minutes

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ASIN: 0814408907

Book Description

For managers, coaching for performance and for emotional intelligence are two different things. But that doesn't mean they exist in different worlds. Performance is just one part of an employee's overall development as a professional and as a leader -- development which depends on the employee's emotional intelligence and the ability of the manager to encourage and increase it.

Coaching for Emotional Intelligence provides a carefully planned strategy to help managers address such factors as personality traits, communications styles, and personal behaviors -- the delicate issues that make coaching for EI more challenging than coaching for performance alone.

The book will help readers feel confident and comfortable with sensitive, often personal issues that arise in managing and developing subordinates, and will accelerate the development of high-potential employees and future leaders. Logical, applicable, and realistic, Coaching for Emotional Intelligence makes this often elusive subject simple to grasp -- and easy to nurture in any workplace.

Customer Reviews:

Tips for coaching success .......2007-06-06

Author Bob Wall's expertise in coaching employees to develop their "emotional" attributes is especially helpful for managers who need a plan for improving their relationships with their subordinates. The book offers useful worksheets and forms, and is loaded with practical workplace examples for mentoring your employees to help them build stronger emotional aptitude on the job. We recommend this book to those who want to improve their mentoring skills and the quality of the guidance they are able to offer their subordinates.

Save your money........2007-03-27

This book is a good marketing piece for the author. Nice to have a book to impress clients with. However as a reader you can save your pocket change and find much better material in other books or reprints, many of them free on line. Or just read the following three sentences which is about all I could find of interest in the book, and nothing here is new. 1.) Emotions play a large part in interpersonal interactions so improve your emotional intelligence. 2.) When providing feedback, set the framework for the conversation, provide an observation of behavior and suggest ways to do things differently. 3.) Finding people doing things right and acknowledging them for doing thing right is a valuable way to motivate people. There I just saved you 20 bucks.

Path to Success.......2007-01-22

I am astounded at how elegantly Mr. Wall has translated such a complex concept into applicable execution. He shows us not only what makes great leaders great but also how everyone can achieve a high level of interpersonal effectiveness. I have read several writings on Emotional Intelligence and this book, by far, not only gets to the heart of the matter but also evokes a personal journey.

Getting to the heart of the matter.......2007-01-12

Mr. Wall has done an outstanding job of articulating Lynns model of Emotional Intelligence in a way that supports practical application, deeper understanding and the creation of masterful strategies for improved performance and professional relationships.

Wall, Goleman, Peters. Required reading........................2007-01-11

Bob Wall has taken the best of his experience in Coaching and Emotional Intelligence and put it in to practical advice. Easy to read and a great follow up to his "Working Relationships". If you are are leader this is a book to help improve your own Emotional Intelligence and that of your people. Coaching is not difficult when Wall's principles are applied.

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