Book Description
Learn how the hard-style karate that became shotokan took shape in 19th century Okinawa as an embattled king with an unarmed force of bodyguards faced an armed invasion from overseas. In this new 328-page book, author Bruce D. Clayton, Ph.D., uses rare sketches, footnoted historical research, archival lithographs, period photographs and contemporary technique demonstrations to reveal shotokan's deadly intent and propose modern practical applications of such knowledge. Achieve a new level of theoretical understanding and fighting ability by learning Shotokan's Secret for yourself!
Customer Reviews:
Poorly researchered amateur effort.......2007-08-10
This author of this book admittedly rented or bought a number of videos on Okinawa karate, supposedly watched the videos and then wrote a book based on his limited experience in Shotokan ryu, a Japanese off-shoot of the original Okinawan arts. The author make some fairly outrageous claims that he attempts to pass off as historically correct without one shred of primary research or evidence. It is outrageous that a publishing house would even bother putting this diatribe in print.
Readers interested in Shotokan should immerse themselves in Harry Cook's book, The History of Shotokan. For more information on what Shotokan is missing as a martial art, I highly suggest the Gennosuke Higaki book: Hidden Karate, the true bunkai for the Heian Katas and Naihanchi.
The Best Book on the roots & history Shotokan Karate & More!.......2007-07-22
The Best Book on the Origins & History Shotokan Karate & More!
A radical book yes, but it's not controversial OR contradictory at all IMHO. Easy to read & packed full of information about the true origins & history of Shotokan & budo, not just the normal couple of paragraphs that you get in most books on the subject.
I agree wholeheartedly with all the other "POSITIVE" reviews written here below, as for the negative one about "serious injury", the only serious injury to anyone following the many applications (bunkai) described in here would be to the opponent - and you don't have to change the moves in the kata to fit the bunkai (Oyo Bunkai). See Injury-free Karate by Paul Perry.
If you're a serious student of Shotokan Karate (or any of its derivatives or styles) then you ought to read this one FIRST, it'll save you a lot of money. It really is a breath of fresh air compared to the myriad of humdrum copycat books on karate.
If you're looking for a broader & deeper history of karate (& Martial Arts) in general then also look at "Okinawan Karate" by Mark Bishop.
Shotokan Secrets.......2007-04-02
Probably the best book I've read as far as the true history of not only of the Shotokan style but karate itself. Very detail in the history and the applications of the Shotokan style. I highly recomend this book to karate practioners.
A Great Read.......2007-04-02
A good insight with some interesting ideas on how this great art came about. It goes hand in hand with what I have been teaching for years, when others come up with siliar concepts it validates what you have been doing all your life.
A Complete Farce!.......2007-03-19
Having trained on Okinawa several times throughout the last thirty years I am confident that this book was written without a single visit to the island. Grossly inaccurate, racist, and recklessly missing easily researched information, I can't believe anyone with any experience on the island would find value in this book. The failure to even mention the martial art of the royal family (Udun ti- palace hand) is mind blowing since the royal art is strictly a soft art and this book is trying to justify the development of hard styles. All the author would have to do is walk into a Undun ti dojo and he would have been given all the documentation he needed. Of course, he wouldn't have been able to write this book after that since his theories would have been blown out the window.
This is a fairy tale, new "legends" that some will cling to and pass off as history.
Book Description
In "Hidden Truth - Forbidden Knowledge" Dr. Greer provides his own personal disclosure based on years of high-level meetings with over 450 military and government-connected insiders and whistle-blowers and briefings with senior government officials, such as former CIA Director R. James Woolsey, members of the US Senate and senior UN officials.
In addition to these disclosures, "Hidden Truth - Forbidden Knowledge" unveils the actual contact experiences Dr. Greer has had with UFOs and Extraterrestrial Civilizations, beginning as a young child. In one of the most amazing and moving personal stories ever shared, he explains how after a prolonged near-death experience at age 17, he experienced cosmic consciousness and found the Rosetta Stone of ET contact: the power of the unbounded mind within each of us. Later this led to numerous Close Encounters of the 5th Kind: contact with ETs initiated by Dr. Greer and later by larger groups of people through the CSETI (Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project.
Customer Reviews:
Hidden and still Hidden !.......2007-10-01
What a disappointment ! I thought a medical person would use the scientific method ? No way, Dr. Greer leads us on a rambling journey to nowhere. For someone who says he can make contact with ET whenever he wants, there is startling little evidence to support his case. If you could make contact with ET on a daily basis, don't you think you would ask them for a souvenir just to prove you had been there ? His narrative is clumsey and disjointed and he keeps repeating things over and over. It was all I could do to finish the book. Don't waste your time.
The UFO Coverup: Who Benefits and Who Loses.......2007-09-24
Over the years, I have read much about UFOs and have found much of that material contradictory and confusing. How does one separate errors and incompetence from deliberate lies and obfuscation? Before I read this book, I already knew that UFOs were real and navigated by intelligent life forms, but I also knew that there must be much more to the full, truthful story. I accepted (falsely, it turns out) that our Federal Government, and the other national governments of the world, wanted to prevent disclosure of the UFO information they had. The standard excuse was that the public would be too frightened to handle the truth well and could not integrate this knowledge with the cultural norms without "culture collapse." Dr. Steven Greer makes an amazingly complete disclosure of the scope of extra-terrestrial (ET) presence, technology, and motives. The cover-up is orchestrated by the managers of major corporations (high government officials are NOT informed) to hide the high technology that they have acquired from retro-engineering equipment from UFOs that have been shot down periodically since 1947. Greer describes in great detail the web of "shadow government" (corporate organizations) doing R & D on an amazing array of advanced technologies in highly compartmented secret organizations (black ops). The secrecy is mercilessly imposed and maintained, but Greer has gathered and organized a comprehensive overeview of the secret technologies from a large number of informers. He claims that the ET technology, if disclosed and used, would transform our current life of energy and material shortages into a new world of superabundance. I urge anyone with enough courage to deal with real politics to read this book. The author claims to be a member of the Baha'i Faith, and his treatment of the important spiritual dimensions of his material is highly tailored to that world view. He also claims to be a man of awesome spiritual gifts, on the order one would expect for a man intending to start a new religion or important spiritual movement. That being said, I find him credible and his material deeply challenging and disturbing. The five stars I give the book were well earned.
Eye opening.......2007-09-24
I've met some people who claim to have been abducted by aliens and subjected to physical exams. Most of the sources I have read seem to depict aliens as dark overlords, who experiment on us as lab rats. That may not be the truth. This book offers new hope and a view of a possible future where universal cooperation and peace could be the desirable hope and future of our planet. If you are into conspiracy theories or curious about alien interaction, this is the book you should read. It could change not only your life, but the fate of the planet.
Very true.......2007-09-23
This book is written by a man or truth and great courage. I know he is telling the truth and it gives me hope that mankind will pull through all this and awaken to the realities so clearly shared in Dr Greer's book. I have not before read such a truthful and descriptive, and comprehensive, overview of the current reality we face as a people. I my prayer is that those in power and who continue on their insane course have a sudden awakening and stop the current insanity and entropy. There is much to look forward to.
Ridiculous.......2007-09-20
I naively purchased and read Hidden Truth after reading the numerous glowing reviews found on this page. I can't be sure of it, but after reading the book I would wager a large sum of money that the author and his family wrote many of these absurd rave reviews. There is absolutely no reason to believe anything the author says in this book other than the fact that many will simply WANT to believe it...and this is where he takes advantage of his readers. Sure, there are interesting things he says- he can call UFO's to appear whenever he wants, he communicated with Bill Clinton, he has been attacked by `electromagnetic weaponry', the Mormons are behind UFO's. Does he give any evidence for any of this? No. He stops just short of saying he is the coolest guy ever to walk the earth. He quite literally makes himself out to be a Christ-like figure when he describes how he deflected a lethal attack on him by telepathically communicating with his attacker and expressing forgiveness. I swear this is what he says!
Throughout the book the author consistently knocks Christianity, big business, and the use of weapons in space, possibly shedding light on his real agenda. I noticed he reminds the reader that he is a doctor at every chance he gets- a way for him to say "I got a medical degree...I'm smart...just accept what I say." Doctor or not, I'm convinced he is either a completely delusional man or a pathological liar...possibly a combination of the two. This guy was on radio several years ago with George Noory and he claimed his group had come up with a "free energy" device which would be released to the public within months. Has anybody seen it around?
Book Description
DO YOU BELIEVE?
Gerald Schroeder, an MIT-trained scientist who has worked in both physics and biology, has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular and accessible apostles for the melding of science and religion. He first reconciled science and faith as different perspectives on a single whole in The Science of God. Now, in The Hidden Face of God, Schroeder takes a bold step forward, to show that science, properly understood, provides positive reasons for faith.
From the wisdom encoded in DNA and analyzed by information science, to the wisdom unveiled in the fantastic complexity of cellular life, to the wisdom inherent in human consciousness, The Hidden Face of God offers a tour of the best of modern science. This fascinating volume will open a world of science to religious believers, and it will cause skeptics to rethink some of their deepest beliefs.
Download Description
In his first two books, Gerald L. Schroeder illustrated how science and the Bible can be reconciled without violating the letter, or spirit, of either. Now he takes a step back, offering a tour of modern science, from the universe as a whole to the smallest particles of matter, to show that there is an underlying wisdom beneath it all. From the subtle forces of nature that make life possible to the amazing complexity of the human body, a single consciousness shines through. Schroeder seamlessly combines physics, biology, and neuroscience to illuminate the unity of the great plan behind the universe. Drawing on traditional religious topics such as free will, evil, and man's place in the universe, Schroeder shows that scientists have sometimes changed the surface debates on these issues, but have mainly deepened our appreciation and understanding of the ultimate questions, and of God's place in the world. For anyone who has ever felt the mystical proddings behind the wonders of nature, here is a clear explanation of why such proddings are eternal and crucial.
Customer Reviews:
the wonder of the cell.......2007-09-15
incredible journey into the world of molecular biology. Pretty hard to beleive it is all the end result of blind unguided chance. This the the book that turned world famous atheist philosopher Antony Flew into a believer.
Life-changing book.......2007-08-01
This is a life-changing book. If you have an open mind about creation vs. evolution, then read this. I've purchased 5 copies of this for people I thought you find it interesting. Of the ones that had open minds and read it, all said it was the most amazing book they'd read.
The details on conception to childbirth is worth getting the entire book
I Love this book.......2007-06-15
A must read for anyone wrestling with the question of the inter-relationship of modern science and religion. It shows eloquently what wisdom is found in the Torah and how very relevant it is to modern scientific theory. It is for those that want to immunize themselves from today's religion bashers and more importantly from existential angst. The only flaw in his argument, pointed out to me by a marine biologist, regards the claim that the sudden appearance of one celled organisms in the fossil record argues against evolution, i.e., why didn't the component parts of a cell show up first prior to the whole cell? Answer: The fossil record must start with one celled organisms, it's the smallest unit to be preserved as a fossil. Barring that, the metaphysical nature of the universe is superbly reasoned. Kudos to the author.
Most Definitely Not Science.......2007-05-19
I read this book on recommendation by an "opponent" in a theological debate that claimed it had many important discoveries. This is hardly the case. It was a painful read. While Mr. Schroeder can bandy scientific terms about that will impress the average reader, it takes an astute reader to recognize that, nearly from the first sentence, he puts out his core premise which is completely unsupported.
As is far too common with these sorts of tomes, the author makes great, unsupported leaps of logic, thereby invalidating their argument (as least from a scientific perspective). Add to that the citing of scripture as support for his "findings" and you have a book that feels good to those already in the choir. Others will look at it with a puzzled expression.
This book may be whimsy or wishful thinking, but it is most assuredly not science.
Good title.......2007-04-14
Interesting; In the Bible (can't remember where)does indicate that God does hide his face. Bought the book for my kids to read-not a good idea because the author gets technical; however, it did give me the opportunity to discus it w/ them. The criticism I have read that Schoeder does not address one issue or another is inaccurate. Clearly, they did not read the book before they wrote. Just another example how liberal-types have let themselves become influenced by evil a symptom of which is having disdain for truth among other things. Don't believe me? Look at what they have written and read the book for yourself.
Customer Reviews:
Great History Book.......2007-06-05
This book has in depth history on the Chinese language and its characters. You can tell that the author has done her research. Great book for doing studies proving creation from secular history.
wonderful discovery.......2007-01-17
It was a wonderful discovery of God's Creation. I could find the human history very fresh and new from the sight of faith in God. Chinese letters, even though I used to write and read them very simply, are a real history of God's existence.
The Discovery of Genesis.......2007-01-10
Very fascinating for me as Chinese is my first language. I even found my father's name, a theologian in Hong Kong, mentioned in the prologue. The explanation of how the chinese language relates to the Genesis story is incredibly fascinating, but may not be biblically based.
However, it's incredible for me to learn how chinese is the only pictographic language left of popular languages. I believe some of the characters have to do with the Genesis story, but may not be as much as what the book claims!
Too Much Supposition to Support the Premise.......2006-09-12
This book presents some intriguing information and historical-cultural analysis on Chinese ideographic characters. The historical and cultural analysis is very informative. The authors trace back possible meanings and origins of the complex characters of Chinese ideographs.
It was helpful to understand how various ideas are built up from combinations of simpler symbols, to tell a story of meaning, that often seemed to tell much about the context in which it developed. It appears, from a general historical-comparative perspective, that this method offers great promise for reconstructing details of cultural exchange and connections or merging of the many ethnic streams in the history of Asia.
It is possible that historical reconstructions have already been done on aspects of Chinese culture in this manner. But I have not had experience in the Chinese ideography, and this introduction was of great interest.
Both the authors served in Chinese contexts for long years as Christian missionaries, and Kang is a native speakers of a Chinese language, now retired in Singapore. They were particularly concerned to find ancient connections to the monotheistic concepts of God and the accompanying moral codes in the Semitic heritage as recorded in the Old Testament.
It is their contention that originally, Chinese culture was also based on a simple monotheism, and other forms of religion and devotion developed later as this heritage was forgotten. Some of the examples, however, seem over-drawn and analysis includes some pretty shaky connections.
I was surprised by the high instance of "could be," "might refer," and similar phrases in trying to make connections. One surprising aspect of the portrayal of some the biblical situations they reference is the cavalier handling of the actual biblical text. I was disappointed that the authors added a lot of detail and extended the context of several of the biblical passages to make their supposed connections work.
They give explanations and interpretations that the biblical text itself does not contain, and it is questionable that it could support them in many cases. Let me put it this way: the explanations of some of the biblical passages, and the contexts that make the Chinese connections work, are drawn from other perspectives or contexts than the simple biblical passage itself. I would like to see some of these investigated from a linguistic and historical perspective. Some of the connections are challenging and informative.
The basic premise argued in this book is that the original religious perspective of the ancient Chinese culture was monotheistic with similar concepts as those portrayed in the biblical book of Genesis.
The authors point out, though, that the development of the Chinese ideographs that seem to indicate a monotheistic origin would have been developed before the time the book of Genesis was written. Thus the knowledge was not derived from Hebrew/Jewish sources after the writing of Genesis (which occurred comparatively late in history), but separately derived from the same or similar primitive awareness in human knowledge.
This is of interest in the category of curiosity. But there just seem to be too many steps of supposition intalongthe way to their goal. There was some solid critical analysis done here, but it needed to be taken further, to more clearly establish the connections. Those connections shown do not definitively indicate a definite connection to any direct line of culture or faith back to the Hebrews, as they have presented it. There are too many details for which there could be other explanations, and the actual connections do not seem to be of a higher occurrence than would be accounted for by ordinary chance coincidence.
At any rate it was an interesting study, and I would recommend the book for its value on insights into ancient Chinese culture and language. This stands on its on aside from any contention related to Hebrew or Christian beliefs.
More proof of a Biblical Creation.......2006-07-26
We were given this book years ago and were thrilled with the content. This one is a review for us but hasn't lost the thrill. It is very well written, contains many illustrations of the Chinese characters that help to understand that they knew the story of Creation.
Book Description
A prismatic portrait of our national obsession with celebrity, in the tradition of Fast Food Nation and Blink For several years, Jake Halpern has reported on Hollywood for NPR's All Things Considered. In his new book, he explores the fascinating and often dark implications of America's obsession with fame. Why do more people watch the ultimate competition for celebrityhood, American Idol, than watch the nightly news on the three major networks combined? Why do seemingly normal, educated people care about Paris Hilton's dating life? Why do teenage girls - when given the option of pressing a magic button and becoming either stronger, smarter, famous, or more beautiful - overwhelmingly opt for fame? Halpern answers these and other questions by traveling to America's fame factories and profiling a colorful and surprisingly insightful cast of characters, including diehard fans, aspiring stars, and celebrities like Rod Stewart and U2's The Edge. Interspersing these stories with new research including original findings from his own fame survey. Halpern helps us understand how psychology, technology, evolution, and profit conspire to make us so enthralled with the world of red carpets and velvet ropes.
Customer Reviews:
Just a little disappointed.......2007-08-25
After reading you will never work in this town again - I was a little disappointed when reading this book. My own expectations were not what the book was about. If anyone is interested in Hollywood and every wannabe trying to get there you will love this book -
America's Obsession.......2007-07-20
Fame Junkies addresses America's obsession with fame/infamy and the dear price our youth pays for attention. A Pew study discovers that those aged 18 to 25 view fame as their second highest goal in life. Halpern's study asks and answers the question "why" by providing clear insights into America's youth and its quest for its fifteen minutes. He studies the psychology and sociology of our young people's lack of self-esteem and the need for attention/approval. Fame Junkies provides great insight into American culture and shed lights on why we are what we are.
Must-Read for Teenagers--and Their Parents.......2007-07-07
This book is a wonderfully written exploration of the inner--and outer--lives of people who want to be famous, which (it seems) is almost everyone.
It's a page-turner for the generally curious but essential reading for parents of today's teens--nearly one-third of whom evidently believe that they personally will be famous someday! This book is the best couple of hours any teen's parent could spend studying up on their contemporary child's inner life.
Americans of all ages seem to think that fame will cure loneliness, sadness, self-hatred, and shame. Halpern's personal research and his exposition of the work of social scientists show modern media culture from a very rare place of sanity, clarity, and emotional truth.
This book is actually more entertaining than the phenomena ("American Idol") it describes. Given the interlocking nature of media today, it's a miracle Halpern found a publisher, but fortunately, he did.
An uncomfortable, embarrassing but NECESSARY read for those who dream.......2007-06-05
My goodness...the sainted Mr. Halpern doesn't half step in this book! He takes the mirror and the lights and turns it on "wannabees" full force and you see the not-so-glamourous and somewhat corrupt world of show biz. He exposes the "sins" of fans, sycophants and wage slaves to the famous, too.
Gee, isn't it's so easy nowadays to pick on celebrity fandom. Fans are easy targets. Never mind the people who are addicted to NASCAR, a sport that wastes MILLIONS of dollar in petroleum every week, and whose fans behave like illmannered bores...Get those teenagers who dare to go for their dreams instead of hanging on a street corner dealing drugs!
I must admit that some of the stuff in the book seemed judgmental and stereotypical to me. In fact, at times it made me feel angry and defensive because I have been involved in form of celebrity fandom or another for at least 35 years, but I don't act like some of the examples of rabid fans he puts out as examples. However, as I continued to read...I did begin to see myself in this book. Yes, I was one of those "lonely" picked on kids growing up in the housing projects in a large rust belt city...but then so was Oprah Winfrey...and now look at her! Yeah, I, just like those kids, onced dreamed for the day I could leave, go to Hollywood, and be loved, be happy and free from racism. No I didn't quite make it to Hollywood, but I AM a singer/songwriter living in the Northwest...and I'm thankful I had my fame dreams because those dreams sustained me and kept me out of trouble and off the street.
So sometimes fandom and celebrity admiration is a good thing...provided you pick the right role model :)
Yes,this book was a bit uncomfortable to read at points, but then by reading through, I realized that I'm not alone (or crazy) because of this tendency to want to form parasocial relationships with the famous...or perhaps still try to be famous myself even at an age (almost 50) when some would say it's neither realistic nor appropriate.
Mind you, this book will NOT make people turn their backs en masse on H'wood or give up their dreams, no matter how "unrealistic" they seem...in fact, if anything, it may make people want to prove to the author and to themselves...but I'M DIFFERENT or I'm the "Exception" but of course, you're really not!
Still, I found it helpful to read this book...if only to help me to understand why we who identify as fans and/or aspiring artists are attracted us to the "bright lights" in the first place...
so if Mr. Halpern has accomplished anything, it is bringing awareness, so then maybe it will help us all think more about our behaviors and how it affects not only the stars, but the "everyday people" around us...and perhaps maybe help us make better choices as what we turn our passions and talents to. As for me, I'm still going to pursue my rock and roll dream, but am keeping it local...and in perspective lol.
American's - addicted to fame or not?.......2007-04-06
This book is great. It contains stats, personal stories and interviews. The premise of the book is whether or not Americans are addicted to fame. The author's use of survey data, statistics and interviews with psychological experts and celebrity industry professionals (insiders), should be enough to prove this assertion.
His in-death exposure of the celebrity world's three subcultures (aspiring child stars, celebrity entourages, and die-hard fans), along with the media (TV reality shows, magazines, tabloids) only further serves to prove his point. Millions are spent each year by aspiring no-talent-self-entitled-attention-seeking-individuals looking for their shot at fame and fortune. Even more millions are made each year by the industry's parasitic con-artists (scouts and agents) who think nothing of giving false hope to these people.
The book makes a comparison between the behavior of people who suffer from addictions (such as drugs, alcohol and gambling) with people who desire fame and fortune. Halpern includes studies about how the brain works (dopamine) in rewarding this behavior and highlights the similarities of self-delusion and the erosion of personal values as these wannabes towards their goal. One could come to the conclusion that people with no talent, spending thousands of dollars to seek fame as a means to acquire better friends, money and prestige at the risk of family, careers, financial hardship and even their marriage are addicted.
The book leans toward the psychological/analytical side with its survey data, stats and studies but contains enough interviews and personal stories to keep the experience real. Two words I never saw in the book (or in any of the other reviews so far) are 'human nature' and 'ego'. Both of which play a key role in our fascination with fame and why it's probably so alluring to each one of us. Its human nature to have a sense of belonging (family, community) but it's also a constant conflict with the ego to standout and `be someone special'.
My immediate thoughts after finishing the book were that of Reviewer J. Leroux (see book reviews). Looks like he and a few others who enjoyed the book 'got it'. While you comfortably sit and read, Jake Halpern takes you on what would normally be a very expensive, exhausting, physical and emotional ride through each dimension of the industry. We need to make more of our lives by giving less time to the spoiled-brat millionaires in Hollywood begging us to watch them and their antics. Open up the good eye, people! Enjoy.
Customer Reviews:
Chaos Unleashed upon your Mind!.......2007-01-06
The Games Workshop chaotic pantheon has always been an inspiring, and at times frightening, expose of evil and horrors. This book was a delight, written with concise detail accompanied by memorable art. I have followed the GW chaos line since the release of the Realm of Chaos books nearly 20 years ago. Those two books are, and always will be, for me the height of GW's chaotic catalog. This book is a perfect edition for anyone wanting to delve into the dark realms of the GW universe without all the game stats. An incredible book that is written with such exactness and detail that one might imagine they might have really acquired an ancient and forbidden text like the Necronomicon. Worth every penny! The only reason I resisted in giving 5 stars is simply because I remember fondly the art of the Realms books, which at times has been duplicated here. It stands out over the new pieces of which many just do not have that feel of an ancient evil text.
Book Description
At last...a revealing book at how your appearance may determine your success and happiness in life. Jeffes helps readers to determine if they have been discriminated against because of their appearance. Appearance is Everything will enable you to critically examine how your appearance may influence relationships, academic performance, and career advancement.
Customer Reviews:
Worthless advertisement for Steve Jeffes' expert testimony services.......2007-09-06
Aristotle once said "good looks are a better introduction than any letter". Books on this topic should explain why this quote (and its corrollary) are the case. This book does not even make an attempt to do this. Instead it is a rambling advertisement for Steve Jeffes' expert testimony services in what Jeffes claims to be a new form of discrimination. Worthless.
Research needs.......2007-01-11
I am a doctoral student in psychology hence the nature/needs of mine in relations to this book. Results quoted were mostly on a superficial level and for my needs insufficient.
Excellent, well researched book.......2005-02-17
I am a professional and for many years I have known that the information presented in this book is basically true. We dont like to admit it is true or admit that we are shallow and superficial, but as a society, we are. I've seen relationships break up, simply because one of the partners gained weight. We are living in a era where the media constantly provides us with an "ideal" and we are programmed to seek that "ideal". This is a great book in terms of motivation to lose weight and other forms of self improvement. Overweight people are facing a lot more than just health risks, they are being judged negatively and labeled. This affects their lives on many levels .i.e. career, income potential, sexual desireability and the list goes on and on. The author encourages people to upgrade their appearance, because, like it or not, that is how we are judged. Appearance is the first "filter" that people use, to determine how they will interact with you or IF they will interact with you. A good book for overcoming the denial thinking that looks dont count. think-again
Amazing Insights into Appearance.......2003-06-13
This book has really made me stop and think how I view and treat others based on appearance. This book is a must read for anyone who is curious on how their appearance impacts their career, relationships (I am now looking at my own now more differently), children (including bullying at school), wealth, and how we treat others every day. I can truly say that based on this book, I recognize myself as a person who discrimated based upon a person's appearance and transitioned this mostly subconscious process to more conscious process. Very revealing book. Great reading, but not one your going to finish in one sitting. You need to read a section, process the thought then move onto the next section. Still an excellent book!
What's the big secret ?.......2002-03-10
I think we all inately know this subject well and I was interested that it never comes up in corporate policymaking when addressing other discrimination factors such as race and gender. Appearance is subjective, but also universal. In one company session on diversity a young, very attractive, intelligent and personable black woman taught. She seemed overly enthusiastic and reveled in the fact that everyone deserves equal and fair treatment (no argument!) She had obviously overcome so much in her professional career, being young, black, female, and admittedly poor in childhood. But she completely ignored what we all seemed to recognize and that not one person said a word about, the fact that she was a very beautiful person and that this might have something to do with success (certainly not the only factor). I was too intimidated to bring it up, but it catalyzed me to do a net search and see what I could find on the subject. This book is very good and puts down into words the very thoughts that we all live and act out in our daily interelations but may not own up to. I have found several new and unexpected things in the book as well as some excellent summations of my own thinking. It is well organized and thorough, easy to understand, and not technical. My objective in reading it was to help organize my own thoughts and develop an approach to improve dating and interpersonal relationships (I'm recently divorced and rated myself as average in attractiveness). The book is well worth the effort to obtain it. Also, the next time I am required to endure another company class on diversity I will have the courage to ask why the factor of appearance has not been brought up for discussion knowing there is a credible reference available.
Average customer rating:
- Fantasy fiction with a little of everything
- Much better than the first
- first rate!
- Sequel is even better than prequel!
- Scintillating sequel
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Hidden Truth
Dawn Cook
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Book Description
Alissa never believed in magic-but now an ancient book calls out to her...and threatens those she loves.
Customer Reviews:
Fantasy fiction with a little of everything.......2007-01-12
Well-written and enchanting. I've enjoyed the development of both the plot and characters of the books in this series.
Much better than the first.......2005-09-19
Hidden Truth, the second book in Cook's Truth quartet, continues the story of Alissa, Strell, and the book First Truth. It is much more action-filled than the previous book in the series, and as such is much more satisfying. While the first book in the series felt almost like a prologue until the very end, plenty happens in this book to justify the long set up.
In Hidden Truth things move beyond character and setting and into the actual plot that Cook only hinted at in the first book of this series. The world is developed further, new characters are introduced, and plot twists keep things very interesting.
The only thing that wasn't different from the first book was the characterization. Though there was further development of Alissa towards the end of the book, and there was a new major character introduced, for the most part, the characterization did not change from what was developed in book one. This is not a bad thing, as the characterization in book one was strong, but it would have been nice to see some further development of Strell and Useless and Bailic.
The main weakness of Hidden Truth was the explanations. There were several plot devices that worked very well, but that would have been better if they had been explained further. There were some that were confusing, and others that were explained well enough that they weren't confusing, but the reader isn't left feeling as though he or she completely understands what is being talked about either. Many of the references are deliberately vague, to conceal plot twists later in the story, but some are never explained later in the book, and that is disappointing.
That is, however, really the only big weakness in Hidden Truth. Cook's writing flows easily and is neither too wordy nor too sparse. She does a wonderful job building a world, crafting small details that make it seem real. Though some of the details are odd, they do give the world a very genuine feel and they make the characters seem more realistic.
Hidden Truth is a highly satisfying book, one that could almost stand on its own if it weren't for the extensive background information provided in the first book in this series. The ending is satisfying, if a bit sappy at the very end. The twists and turns continue up to the last few pages, but that doesn't stop Cook from tying up all the loose ends so admirably one might wonder what there is left to do in the other two books. The ending of Hidden Truth truly felt like the ending to the story.
Anyone who enjoyed First Truth will enjoy Hidden Truth a lot, and those who picked it up without reading the first book will likely want to go back to fill in the details. Lovers of the fantasy genre and those new to it will all likely enjoy this book very much.
first rate!.......2004-08-30
Dawn Cook has managed to write a series that is totally unique. Hidden Truth picks up where First Truth left off. You have Alissa and Strell at the Hold being domestic, while fending off the evil Bailic. All three are becoming restless. Strell, due to his unvoiced love of Alissa; Bailic, due to his wanting the book open; and Alissa, because she want's to know where the heck is that darn raku, Useless!
Useless does show up of course and begins his tutorage of Alissa (of course in the nick of time to prevent Bailic's temper from overloading). Bailic, thinking Strell is the Keeper, attempts to teach him magic and is pleased by the results (unbeknoweth to him that Alissa is the one actually performing the deeds.) Bailic desides to attempt the rising of the ghosts of the nearby ghost village of Ese' Nawoer. It doesn't work, but in the process Alissa does. Enter Lodesh, ancient Warden of Ese Nawoer. Things become increasingly interesting from here on.
I actually read the third book in this series before this one. Please don't do this, although it did not take away from the third in the series (increadibly good/funny) it did take away from Hidden Truth. Having done this, I could easily see how Cook prepared and led the series into the third. Everything in Hidden Truth is a set up for Forgotten Truth (Third).
I highly recommend any and all books in this series, but please be prepared to stay up late finishing it off.
Sequel is even better than prequel!.......2003-07-01
WARNING: Once you get past the halfway point, this book is hard to put down. I stayed up until 3:00 a.m. this morning to finish it. We already liked Alissa, Strell, and Useless from the prequel, FIRST TRUTH; but it is just a build-up to the sequel.
It is always a pleasant surprise when a sequel is better than its prequel. It doesn't happen very often. Highly recommend.
Scintillating sequel.......2003-05-03
Dawn Cook follows up her strong "First Truth" with a solid sequel, which picks up most of the threads from the first but leaves plenty of space for further adventures. The sequel syndrome hasn't hit "Hidden Truth," and fans of Cook's first book won't be disappointed.
The evil Keeper Bailic has the First Truth book, but he can't open it. Believing that the piper Strell is the person who can, he tries to teach Strell magic -- not knowing that Alissa is really the blossoming Keeper. While Bailic frustrates himself with Strell, Alissa is learning magic from the raku-Master Talo-Toecan (also known as "Useless"), except that she seems to be far ahead of where she should be -- with more powers than she should have. And there's a friend of Useless's named Lodesh, who is charming, weird, interested in Alissa, and totally mysterious.
Alissa has to perform the magical tasks for Strell, so that he seems to be gaining skill -- at the same time, she learns that she may never get to be with him. Soon Bailic's plans become very, very clear -- he wants to raise an army of the dead, from the city of Ese' Nawoer, which is filled with thousands of guilt-wracked ghosts. But to do that, he has to use the First Truth. And in order to stop him, Alissa will have to learn about what she can do -- and what she might become.
Dawn Cook's fantasies avoid most of the fantasy cliches by not trying to avoid them. She has a small, well-developed cast, a simple cultural backdrop, interesting magic, and a very interesting cast. The villain is given an actual reason to do what he does, and the heroes have to be patient and think. And while this is a satisfactory conclusion to the first book, there are enough loose threads -- the vanished or feral Masters, for example -- that there is plenty left to explore if Cook chooses to.
Probably the biggest problem with this story is the pacing -- like "First Truth," it drips steadily for about two hundred and fifty pages, then speeds up to a delicious climax. And the medieval setting seems a little out of sync with all the talk about genetics and neural nets. Her writing is detailed but not obsessively so, and some scenes -- such as the ghosts' attack, or when the book is first opened -- are shatteringly vivid.
Alissa is still likably stubborn, but has to grow up a great deal more in this book; she's come a long way from the rather petulant farm girl. Strell is a sweetie, sensitive or tough as the occasion demands, and his sort-of-romance with Alissa is wonderfully done. Talo-Toecan is pleasantly snappish and crabby, but very protective of Alissa, and Lodesh is delightfully charming and occasionally irritating.
Though it lacks in a few areas, Dawn Cook's second novel is overall a pleasant and intriguing fantasy adventure. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Book Description
From the secret wisdom of Kabbalah, the Runes, and Numerology--an unprecedented guide to unlocking the hidden power of your name.
Your name is not only your calling card, it also may determine how your life will unfold. Mystics have studied the energies associated with names for centuries, but The Hidden Truth of Your Name is the first book to synthesize their fascinating findings into one compelling resource--offering in-depth profiles of 750 American names. Created by a team of linguistic experts and specialists, this beguiling reference guides you through the illuminating intricacies of three ancient systems of divination--and shows you how to apply them to create a subtly nuanced portrait of any name you choose.
- KABBALAH--This ancient Hebrew system of letter-and-number analysis helps you discover what the mathematics of your name adds up to in terms of work, relationships, and spiritual energies.
- THE RUNES--The letters of this old northern European alphabet, for centuries an honored source of religious and magical values, open surprising windows to self-discovery and change.
- NUMEROLOGY--The key numbers of your name contain potent truths about the positive and negative aspects of your true nature--and your destiny.
Complete with the principle colors, gemstones, and herbs that harmonize with each name, this delightfully accessible book at last gives you the means to uncover the hidden truth and unique traits of your name.
Customer Reviews:
Ever wonder what your name says about you?.......2007-07-04
Bought this book because my friend had it and I liked it. I think it's great to just read for fun and share with friends. The book has 3 different interpretations of your name. I find the last intepretation to be the most accurate and my friends agree. Just a nice pass time.
Great gift idea - inside and out!.......2007-06-18
I have had this book for many years now, and it is frayed and ripped for all of my friends/co-workers/family making copies for themselves. For Christmas one year I framed each of the names on pretty stationary paper and gave it as gifts to my friends. Last year I made some for a few co-worker's baby rooms. I love the definitions and everyone I have spoke to says it fits them to a T! I do wish they would extend it and bring it back with a revised version with more updated names as well, but it is pretty easy to do the interpretations step-by-step in the book.
The Hidden Truth of Your Name.......2007-05-23
I did not order that book. I am positive.
Excellent Resource on Names.......2006-07-22
Most of us can probably relate to having the same experience with people of the same name - for example maybe every Kelly you've met has been very kind. Names have their own associated energy and are part of why we have certain personalities. This book does an excellent job of explaining why names have these characteristics.
The book also goes into a number of historical ways names are interpreted and gives tools to help interpret names in general. The book does not list every name, it would be impossible, but the foundation it provides is excellent. The descriptions of the names included in the book seem pretty insightful and there are a fair number of names in there. I was really impressed with the explanation of how names have meaning but I like to know how things work. If you just want a huge list of names with no background on why names have meaning then other books may be better.
I highly recommend this book for those interested in the topic. It's much better than "The Secret Meaning of Names", which I found incredibly disappointing and ended up returning.
its a fun and entertaining book...........2006-03-25
This book is a cool book. It was fun and entertaining to read. I found my name in it. And i didnt expect to since my name is soo old fashioned and not so popular. It gave me alot of insight into well...me. I enjoyed reading names of my family in it and learning things about them that i am sure they dont even know. I would reccommend this book as a form of entertainment.
Book Description
As a drug chemist for a leading pharmaceutical company I made a startling discovery: you do not have to be dependent on FDA approved drugs to avoid heart disease. In fact, research clearly shows the opposite. You don't need a single prescription drug to avoid this killer.
Consider this: FDA approved drugs, used as prescribed, are killing over 125,000 people every year. Nationally, this makes prescription drugs the fourth leading cause of death after cancer, heart disease and stroke. That does not count death by medical error, which adds 98,000 deaths to this atrocity. Hypnotized by drug ads, the general public is oblivious to the deaths caused by prescription drug use. This is evidenced by their willingness to swallow whatever "the doctor ordered". This is especially true for drugs targeting heart disease.
The best selling drugs of all time are the cholesterol-lowering drugs knows as "statins". They procure drug makers and their shareholders billions of dollars in profit every year. The success of these drugs is not attributed to their effectiveness but instead to slick and misleading marketing practices. This hype is fueled by egregious conflicts of interest among drug company servants disguised as experts. Don't be surprised if your own doctor falls within this group. The truth be told, statin drugs are poisons - foreign to the human body and at times life threatening.
Avoiding heart disease should not be expensive or dangerous. A plethora of natural alternatives exist. Understanding them as outlined in this paradigm-shifting book will arm you with the knowledge and courage not to accept popular dogma. This book may prove to be one of the greatest assets to your health.
Customer Reviews:
The Best Book on Cholesterol.......2007-04-23
This Book is as Must for everyone who is fooled by the Drug companies and their Doctors who are controlled by the Big Pharma.
Don't walk to get this Book RUN!!!!!!!
Wake up, get your health back!.......2006-11-08
Pharmaceutical companies are profiting by shortening the lifespan of American's. We are the proverbial lamb being led to the slaughterhouse. Shane's books provide research laden proof that we are being bamboozled into believing we are a healthy nation living longer, healthier lives by consuming mass quantities of prescription drugs. Conversation of the over 50 crowd is about their disease rather than their health. Very sad! Shane's book can change this by exposing the truth behind the cholesterol myth and the ulterior motives of "BIG PHARMA". A must read if you want to live a long healthy life. It's easier than you might think! Thank You Shane!
Dr.Richard A. Bove S.I., N.Y.
Statin Drugs have downfalls.......2006-08-26
This is an excellent small book that tells the truth about statin drugs.Having over 15 years use and experience with statins I would like to offer this advice to anyone who is currently on statins.
If you have high cholesterol and serious angina or are waiting for or have just had a by-pass and DO NOT TAKE 3000-5000MG of vitamin C per day then there may be some short term benefit in taking statins.
On the other hand if you have no angina and are in reasonably good health but have so called "high cholesterol" then before you even consider taking these cancer causing drugs you should research Vitamin C and heart disease and start taking 3000mg - 5000mg/day.
Now back to the book!!!!!
This book gives you excellent advice with scientific backing that you can use if you are prepared to take charge of your own health. If you prefer to just go to a doctor and get a prescription and not bother to learn about why you are reading this in the first place then dont buy the book.
Good health.
Sanity in an insane health care system!.......2006-02-26
Once again Shane Ellison shatters common myths and misconceptions about what the late Robert Mendelsohn M.D. called the "religion of modern medicine". Hypercholesterolemia and its treatment with statin drugs could wind up making the lies exposed in the Vioxx and Cox2 inhibitor scandal look insignificant with the number of lives it will affect and ruin. Written in clear, simple everyday language even the most remedial reader can get the message; "open your eyes and act, before its too late". You and your loved ones lives may depend on it.
Dr Arthur Patterson Jr
Staten Island, NY
Books:
- SIP: Understanding the Session Initiation Protocol, Second Edition
- Sister Pelagia and the White Bulldog: A Mystery by the internationally bestselling author of The Winter Queen (Mortalis)
- Spell Compendium (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying)
- Storm Warning: The Story of a Killer Tornado
- Summer of the Sea Serpent (Magic Tree House #31)
- The Anger Workbook: A 13-Step Interactive Plan to Help You... (Minirth-Meier Clinic Series)
- The Art of Discworld
- The Belgariad, Vol. 2 (Books 4 & 5): Castle of Wizardry, Enchanters' End Game
- The Best of the Realms (Forgotten Realms Anthology)
- The Book of Taltos
Books Index
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