Joan Collins has done a remarkable job with this beauty tell-all. She has choosen very fascinating, not to mention beautiful, and all over the age of 40, and some close to 80. The books reads like a friendly chat. There are some great tips from legendary beauties such as Ali McGraw, Ivana Trump, the ever beautiful Joan Rivers and from society hostesses such as the Texas beauty Lynn Wyatt the always gracious Betsy Bloomingdale. This book is a must have for anyone interested in health and beauty. The photos alone are worth the price of the book.

What a pleasure to learn from a book that revels in the vitality of life after 40! My Friends' Secrets contains 200 pages of stylish pictures and down-to-earth dialogue that reveal the beauty and health tips of some of the world's most striking women. Here Miss Collins and her friends share more with their readers than advice about living well; they embody a "philosophy of life" that underlines the power of positive thinking as a way to inner happiness and peace. The result is an outward radiance for the world to enjoy. The author's maxim, "After 40 you get the face you deserve", sums up the essence of this book - the women of "Generation Zest" can and do take charge of their own destinies and reap the rewards of aging with grace. In a world where some are inclined to accept lemons, Collins makes lemonade. This sentiment of making the best of things comes through vividly throughout the book. It is perhaps the reason why My Friends' Secrets is a treasure for any home library. The secrets of the women profiled here fire the creative imagination. Collins is evidently in her element as an interviewer; the conversations in My Friends' Secrets have more spark and intelligence than any talk show presently on television. In this volume, it's clear that the author's best gift to the public is her own multi-faceted personality. In short, My Friends' Secrets is a five-star read and a tribute to the habit of living and loving an interesting life.

I loved this book! It was such fun to be privy to the secrets of the rich and famous. You'll find that these women are not much different from yourself. If you are a woman who cares for and appreciates her looks and feminity, you'll savor every word. Beware: Divas of the world will enjoy the book most. If you are flippant or carefree about your looks and the aging experience, you'll find it shallow and boring. I for one felt as though I was sitting across the table with Joan and friends over lunch, revelling in our womanhood.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading and becoming envolved in this novel! I laughed, cryed and sat on the edge of my seat, not sure how the story would end sometimes! I would cheer when the S.C.A.T. team would triumph!! The story line flowed along and kept you not wanting to close the book for the evening. I highly recommend this book to all law enforement fans and non-fans alike...you will get hooked and it leaves you wanting to read more! I have a higher respect for all law enforement personnel and the jobs that they do and how they risk their lives everyday to keep our land free.

I started out reading S.C.A.T. at night before I went to bed. But, this is no bedtime story. It's riveting, spellbinding, captivating, and an adrenalyn rush. The car chase scene was so descriptive, I could actually see what was happening in my mind. I laughed, I cried, I felt angry and sad, love and hate. Many times I felt I had jumped into the story and was right with the main character. I loved how each chapter was a story in and of itself, and yet important to the development of the entire book. As a true life experience, S.C.A.T. is scary. However as an adventure, it would make a great movie.

This was the first book I had ever read about law enforcement. I was hooked from the first chapter by its sensitivity. The stories showed brave men and women doing dangerous jobs while remaining sensitive to the victims. I laughed at times and bit my nails at other times anticipating what might happen next. I did not want the book to end and will be anxious to read Michaels next book. I sure hope there will be another one.

SOITENLY I HAVE BEEN A BIG 3 STOOGE FAN FOR 44 YEARS AND I WILL BE A STOOGE FAN UNTIL I DIE.I GIVE BOOK THE THREE STOOGES SCRAPBOOK A TEN STARS IF IT WENT THAT HIGH.

Partially written by Moe's daughter, this is the book the budding stooge fan should buy first. Each of the stooges (Moe, Larry, Curly, Shemp, Joe, and Curly Joe) are given a separate biographical chapter. Their filmmaking history is covered, as well as less well known forays into Television, Comic Books, and yes, singing record albums. The stooges proved to be successful in nearly everything they tried. But the best feature by far is the reference synopses of EVERY stooge short, complete with cast list, director, and trivia. If a gag was used in multiple shorts (many were), they are cross-referenced. A must for any stooge's film festival. Another highlight is photos of the original lobby cards for the shorts. A number of family photographs are included, in which almost all, the boys are shown mugging. A gem for any stooge fan, it has been in print for more than 20 years.

By far the best and most interesting book on the Stooges. Makes the other bios look bad. I am referring to the hardcover edition.

This little book revealed the true personalities and capabilities of one of the most misunderstood mammals on earth. I used to think bats were cute, like mice with wings, until I read The Bat In My Pocket several years ago. The author helps people understand that bats are gentle, intelligent, long-lived and highly beneficial, by telling the tale of the injured bat she rescued and befriended one summer day. The little bat, Sunshine, captured Amanda Lollar's heart and will do the same to yours.

This book really makes a person realize that bats -- for all the bad publicity and myths around them -- are really wonderful creatures with distinct personalities and a lot to offer. Amanda writes a warm story with great detail about bat behavior and her own personal growth. I like that she doesn't sugarcoat the problems she had and that it is apparent keeping bats (and all wildlife, really) is not only unwise (and probably illegal) for the normal person but a difficult and challenging task. If everyone read this book, there would be a lot better understanding of the important role bats play in the environment and why they should be appreciated rather than feared.

I have met Amanda and now consider her a friend. After reading her book, it made me realize how wonderful Amanda is, and inspired me to begin learning even more about bats. In this endeavor, I have began working as a wildlife rescuer and am learning the joys and heartaches of the rehabilitation of these wonderful, gentle, benevolent creatures God has gifted us with. I recommend this book to every teacher, parent, wildlife enthusiast, scout leader, youth minister, or anyone else who has the ability to change the stereotypical image that bats have!!!!

Gerber's recommendations for caring for infants are direct and to the point, without the "come on, just try it" tone that baby experts sometimes fall into. She doesn't need to talk me into using her approach because it struck me immediately on a gut level that if I were an infant, I would want to be treated this way. Heck, as an adult I want to be treated this way.

She recommends simple, profound gestures that you can use from day one to show your infant that her feelings and preferences are important to you. They include telling your baby what you are going to do before you do it [ie. "Mommy's going to pick you up now"] and other basic ways to connect with your baby as a separate being rather than an object.

I've read Dr. Sears, Burton White, Penelope Leach, and others. There's useful nuts-and-bolts stuff with those other authors, but Magda Gerber's "Dear Parent: Caring for Infants with Respect" is a must-have addition to your parenting library.

This book takes a couple of hours to read and will make a huge improvement in my approach to parenting.

Magda Gerder's approach to caring for an infant with respect is a WONDERFUL approach to parenting. I am so glad I found this book. If you're looking for a parenting book from birth to age 3, GET THIS!!! It is worth reading!! The nuts and bolts to Gerber's approach is treating your baby like a person- with RESPECT. She explains the importance of observing, how to handle those "sticky" situations (for example when your child bits), and why it is important to talk to your baby. Gerbers idea of respecting an infant sounds "commen sense" but you realize when you read this how often parents are not necessarily "respectful". In this day of running here and there, Gerber slows us parents down and brings a true enjoyment to being parents. Her approach to parenting is not only respectful to the infant but also to the parent! In the end you have a child that respects you and you that respect the child- not so bad!! I have a truelly wonderful relationship with my daughter, thank you Magda Gerber. I highly recommend this book!

I found this book to be a great support. I try to follow the works of Magda on a daily basis. She is a women who I highly respect. I really encourage parents nation wide, not just in California to read and learn from this book.

My copy was inscribed to me when I was six, in between Dr. Seuss and the Phantom Tollbooth. Looking at it again now, I marvel that it was only eight stories. Bits of them have stuck in my mind ever since: the necklace of raindrops, each with a special power, the girl who had to be washed with her dress on and hung out on the line to dry so it wouldn't shrink past her, the train station in the desert, the cat who ate the yeast, the quilt and the camels and the traffic lights from Beirut. Get a copy and wear it out, then read Joan Aiken's other marvelous books.

I am thrilled to see this book back in print after so many years. I read it when I was a kid and even after 3 decades I still remember the story of the girl who gets a magic necklace of raindrops and the story of the cat and his wishing mat made out of a gray dress. The new illustrations are nice and I like the fact that it is in hardback, because it will last longer.

Eight stories designed for bedtime reading or relaxing newly independent readers will find appeal in a wide age range. From a flying pie to elves on shelves, A Necklace Of Raindrops And Other Stories is packed with whimsical scenarios and fun moments.

I love this book! Maintaining proper alignment, and therefore helping to prevent injuries, and chronic pain, is so much more important than mere aesthetics. Anyone who has suffered an injury that affects one's mobility can attest to this. This book will show you how to keep your body healthy and well-aligned, for long-term health. She writes in an exceptionally clear fashion as well, and the way she explains how your body is supposed to move is brilliant easy to understand. Fantastic. I hope she writes another book, she's very dynamic.

As a female approaching 60, I have attempted many fitness programs only to be interrupted by an injury. I was intrigued by Jennifer Rhodes' book, Peak Performane Fitness, because she emphasizes fitness without injury or strain. After reading through Jennifer's book, I now understand why my attempts to improve my health through exercise have failed. I have developed a beginners program using the guidelines in her book. My focus is on improving my overall posture, along with cardiovascular exercise. In partiular, I highly recommend the foam roll referred to in Chapter 4 for spinal alignment. Jennifer has the knowledge and experience to provide good tools for exercise without injury and the suggested exercises with illustrations make it simple for one to follow. I am now looking forward to an ACTIVE retirement.

I am a 32 year old guy. I've been playing soccer, tennis, and golf almost all of my life. Over the past three years though, I've been plagued by recurring injuries to my knees and shoulders. I assumed my body was simply weakening with age, and couldn't take the blows like it used to. Luckily, I found Peak Performance Fitness before I put myself out to pasture! This easy to read book explained how my pain was actually due to years of "microtrauma"- continual irritations caused by poor alignment of my body causing me to torque and stress my muscles and joints in ways they just weren't meant to take. Clear illustrations gave me an understanding of how my body can and should work in harmony, with small changes in my lifestyle and exercise regimen. The book stepped me through the crafting of a workout, custom made to strengthen and realign my trouble spots. Within a few weeks, I could already feel my power and confidence improving. Ms Rhodes's book is an essential read for anyone who wants to keep their body working efficiently and looking and feeling great.

Picture yourself with a group of friends that include Miss Jane Marple. Sitting around the fire, someone brings up the idea of presenting mysteries that only you know the answer, and the other friends must solve. Guess who wins hands down every time? Yes, that little lady with lace mitts who is knitting little fluffy things.

This is a fine book of short stories and, as usual, Dame Agatha outfoxed me every time. Though Miss Jane publicly disdains outlandish plots ("undetectable poison from an African village"), her creator is sometimes guilty of just that. The very few that left me less than impressed involved entirely too much running around, an outlandish premise, and an overabundance of purple prose.

My hands down favorite was "Death By Drowning" when Dame Agatha shows her superb ability to misdirect. Even with broad hints, I didn't come near the answer. And never be certain that the villain will be punished, at least right away. "The Tuesday Night Club" and "A Christmas Tragedy" each have her particular brand of cleverness stamped clearly throughout.

This would be a wonderful book to have in the guest bedroom, but be sure to read it first!

I'm not generally fond of short stories, but there exceptions: Somerset Maugham, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dorothy Parker... and Agatha Christie. At her best, Agatha Christie's short stories are the equal of any by these more literary writers--and THE THIRTEEN PROBLEMS is very much Agatha Christie at her best. The individual stories are loosely tied together as something of a party game: after dinner each guest is required to present a mystery to which he or she knows the solution and the other guests must puzzle it out. The concept produces a chatty sort format that is both entertaining and perfectly suited to Agatha Christie's demure yet remarkably sharp Miss Marple--who disconcerts the others by inevitably solving the crime.

In addition to Miss Marple, the storytellers include a number of always welcome re-occurring characters such as Mr. and Mrs. Bantry, Miss Marple's nephew Raymond West, and Sir Henry Clithering. Each of the stories is as memorable as anything Christie wrote in novel form, and although you can easily read any of the stories out of sequence the dinner party concept gives the collection a unified quality which nonetheless escapes the more demanding requirements of tackling a full-length novel.

This is the ideal bedside book, for you need read no more than a single story--drop off to sleep--and then return again to the next story at your leisure. At the same time it will satisfy even the most hardcore Christie fans; every one is sure to have their own favorite tale (mine is "The Herb of Death") and serious Christie readers will enjoy spotting plot devices that Christie later elaborated into full-length novels. Very, very enjoyable and highly recommended.

These 13 stories actually form 2 groups; all but one are stories-within-a-story, in which one character reveals a mystery to which he or she knows the solution, and the others are allowed to ask questions and try to solve it. Since the characters' story-telling skills vary, this can be interesting. :) Only the last story, 'Death by Drowning', is a 'live' case. Joan Hickson recorded unabridged narration of all the stories, which are split up over 3 recordings:
- "The Tuesday Club Murders and Other Stories" (TCM)
- "The Blue Geranium and Other Stories" (BG)
- "The Herb of Death and Other Stories" (HD)

The first 6 stories cover one of Raymond West's extended visits to his aunt, Miss Marple, while Sir Henry Clithering is also in the neighbourhood. He, she, and four other guests on the first evening form the 'Tuesday Night Club' (1st story, told by Sir Henry), to see which of the various professions represented has the best chance of solving a mystery. Miss Marple, as hostess, is included as an afterthought - at first. :) One real mystery is why Raymond never quite realizes that he's plain wrong in underestimating his aunt. Given the short format, the characters aren't drawn out at length, but even so, we see signs of a romance progressing between Raymond and Joyce, and that they certainly aren't fooling Jane Marple.

Dr. Pender, local clergyman, sets the 2nd puzzle, 'The Idol House of Astarte' - reader, beware that Christie, as a member of the Detection Club in good standing, never set puzzles requiring a supernatural solution. Raymond West, the writer, tells of a strange Cornish holiday in 'Ingots of Gold' - although he doesn't know the answer, Sir Henry does. Joyce Lampiere, the artist, visited Cornwall more professionally, to find herself painting 'The Bloodstained Pavement'. Miss Marple herself outwits everyone with 'The Thumb Mark of St. Peter'. If you're interested in unabridged recordings or more details about the individual stories, the first 5 appear on the TCM recording, the 6th in BG.

In the 'The Blue Geranium', first installment of the second group of stories, Sir Henry Clithering, staying with Colonel and Mrs. Bantry, is asked to suggest a female 6th dinner guest for the evening. Remembering the Tuesday Club of the previous year, he suggests Jane Marple, and explains to Mrs. Bantry how he knows her. Mrs. Bantry suggests trying her on the Colonel's ghost story ("The Blue Geranium"), since they'd be thankful if she could solve *that*. Afterwards, each of the other attendees, tells a story, albeit each in a different style, beginning with Dr. Lloyd (The Companion) and Sir Henry (The Four Suspects). In 'Never Two Without Three, or, A Christmas Tragedy' (usually known as 'The Christmas Tragedy'), Sir Henry protests that the 3 downtrodden males have been doing all the work, and urges Miss Marple into the breach. Mrs. Bantry, warning everybody that she can't tell a story, turns 'The Herb of Death' into a cross-examination - she tells the very bare bones, but doesn't know how to go on without giving it away. Jane Helier, the ornamental but apparently empty-headed actress, goes last with 'The Affair at the Bungalow'. Again, if you're interested in details / unabridged recording, the first 4 of this group are on BG, while the last 2 and the final story are on the HD recording.

The final story, "Death by Drowning", occurs later in Sir Henry's visit. Learning of a death in the village, Miss Marple not only suspects murder but has identified the killer, and she turns to Sir Henry to ensure that justice is done.

If you are into 4" blocks it is a treasury of patterns if you are an expert at applique this is for you. But if you are a beginner you might find this book a little lite on directions, for coping the block difficult. It is an excellant reference book for later ideas.

This book gives diagrams for 501 4 inch blocks and a few examples of how to make these into quilts. The 4 inch blocks cover traditional designs such as sawtooth, friendship star and attic windows, a wide variety of floral designs, sunbonnets, block for each month of the year, holiday themes, hearts, Christmas, Easter, Santas, Halloween, trees and leaves, birds and butterflies, building blocks, ships and planes, stars, baskets, alphabet, numerals, juvenile, cats, sewing and southwest inspired blocks.Simple instructions are provided. Many blocks lend themselves to foundation piecing.

This is a good book to get inspired. Wonderfull just to look at all the patterns, some are difficult to make. I also use it when somebody mentions a block and I don't what they mean.

Buddhist Acts of Compassion is the latest book from Pamela Bloom, an award-winning writer, journalist, minister, and spiritual counselor. In it, she has collected inspiring stories from such luminaries as Pema Chodron, the Dalai Lama, and Thich Nhat Hanh, as well as from numerous others involved in spiritual growth.

Bloom says that "compassion is universal," and not a religious practice, but adds that "for most people, however, the development of compassion must necessarily start small, and the various Buddhist traditions have a richness of methods to cultivate loving-kindness in even the most intransigent of beings."

The stories she has included all serve to illustrate how compassion can change lives, including those of jailers engaging in torture, thieves, and ordinary people facing the stresses of daily life.

Bloom includes directions for two special meditation practices. The first is "Metta," or loving-kindness, which focuses on becoming calm, centered, and connected. The second is a powerful practice named "Tonglen," in which meditators "breathe in" the sufferings of others, and "breathe out" healing and love. Both are extremely effective in developing compassion.

Buddhist Acts of Compassion is small enough to fit into a purse or briefcase, so that it may be easily carried. Each story stands alone, allowing readers to open it to any page and find inspiration. Bloom's desire is that her book provide "a boat, a bridge, a passage . . . for those seeking to relieve suffering and develop the ultimate source of healing within." Readers will find that she has provided the understanding they need in order to begin practicing their own acts of compassion.

   Rinpoche is defined in the glossary of this beautiful anthology as "Literally ‘most precious one,’ a form of address used in Tibetan Buddhism for…respected teachers." Buddhist Acts of Compassion is truly a precious teacher. Pamela Bloom states in the introduction that "the greatest merit a book like this can achieve is to inspire you to delve more deeply into the traditional teachings."

With just a rudimentary knowledge of Buddhism, I found myself touched again and again by the deeply personal stories related by masters and students alike of their journeys to the real meaning of compassion and the often severe tests of their desire to relieve the suffering of all sentient beings. The individual stories are short, and quotes from the great Buddhist teachers are interspersed throughout. Even the design of this small book is beautiful.

There are many lessons offered in this anthology. One of the most powerful is that the practice of Buddhism is to be compassionate in your very nature. Several of the stories are written by the rinpoches, who have spent many years imprisoned by the occupying armies in Tibet. As I read of their ability to overcome the extreme physical and mental torture by practicing Tonglen (breathing in the suffering of others, breathing out compassion and light), I was in awe of their complete dedication to uncompromisingly relieving the suffering of all sentient beings—even that of their tormentors.

It was in this small book that I first read of the concept that anger and compassion were not mutually exclusive. However, according to the Buddhist definition of karma, anger often leads to non-virtuous acts, creating negative karma, but compassion is a state of great merit, creating positive karma. The philosophy of nonjudgmental acceptance of all beings and always being kind led one writer to muse when meeting one of the Dalai Lama’s tutors that "His magnanimity offended the part of my mind that wanted him to value me specially."

Buddhist Acts of Compassion has over 50 short stories interspersed with quotations, a guide to Metta meditation, a guide to Tonglen meditation, a brief glossary, and a brief biography of each of the individual contributors. The stories can be read in order from front to back, or the book can be flipped open to see what message the Universe may have today. This is a book that can be read again and again, and the message will be different each time. The daguerreotype photo of a monk’s beautiful hand holding a mala, the ivory paper, and the clean, delicate type all add to the tangible pleasure of experiencing this book. Pamela Bloom has indeed inspired me to learn more about the traditions of Buddhism. --By Kathryn Lanier. Buddhist Acts of Compassion  Pamela Bloom (Editor)  Foreword by Joan Halifax Conari Press, Berkeley, CA, 2000 ISBN: 1573245232

   Rinpoche is defined in the glossary of this beautiful anthology as "Literally ‘most precious one,’ a form of address used in Tibetan Buddhism for…respected teachers." Buddhist Acts of Compassion is truly a precious teacher. Pamela Bloom states in the introduction that "the greatest merit a book like this can achieve is to inspire you to delve more deeply into the traditional teachings."

With just a rudimentary knowledge of Buddhism, I found myself touched again and again by the deeply personal stories related by masters and students alike of their journeys to the real meaning of compassion and the often severe tests of their desire to relieve the suffering of all sentient beings. The individual stories are short, and quotes from the great Buddhist teachers are interspersed throughout. Even the design of this small book is beautiful.

There are many lessons offered in this anthology. One of the most powerful is that the practice of Buddhism is to be compassionate in your very nature. Several of the stories are written by the rinpoches, who have spent many years imprisoned by the occupying armies in Tibet. As I read of their ability to overcome the extreme physical and mental torture by practicing Tonglen (breathing in the suffering of others, breathing out compassion and light), I was in awe of their complete dedication to uncompromisingly relieving the suffering of all sentient beings—even that of their tormentors.

It was in this small book that I first read of the concept that anger and compassion were not mutually exclusive. However, according to the Buddhist definition of karma, anger often leads to non-virtuous acts, creating negative karma, but compassion is a state of great merit, creating positive karma. The philosophy of nonjudgmental acceptance of all beings and always being kind led one writer to muse when meeting one of the Dalai Lama’s tutors that "His magnanimity offended the part of my mind that wanted him to value me specially."

Buddhist Acts of Compassion has over 50 short stories interspersed with quotations, a guide to Metta meditation, a guide to Tonglen meditation, a brief glossary, and a brief biography of each of the individual contributors. The stories can be read in order from front to back, or the book can be flipped open to see what message the Universe may have today. This is a book that can be read again and again, and the message will be different each time. The daguerreotype photo of a monk’s beautiful hand holding a mala, the ivory paper, and the clean, delicate type all add to the tangible pleasure of experiencing this book. Pamela Bloom has indeed inspired me to learn more about the traditions of Buddhism. --By Kathryn Lanier, a freelance writer published in several national publications. In addition to conducting internet-based Wisdom Circles, I design and teach workshops on The Art of Forgiveness, The Art of Simplicity, and The Healing of Your Heart. MilleniumWisdom@aol.com.

Ms. Bloom has collected, edited, and offered us a wonderful book of short stories and quotes to be read and savored at any time.It's a book I could pick up one day, read a page or two before starting work, then read again a week later if I chose to. What I found so fascinating was that although the title contains the idea of Buddhism, it need not have contained it at all. These acts of compassion are a true celebration of our humaness and as Ms Bloom quotes from the Dalai Lama, "My religion is kindness." This book is an act of kindness that had a positive effect on me. It allows one to open just a little more to the possibilities I can engage in during everyday life. This book makes a wonderful gift for others regardless of background. It is a book to be read at the beginning, the middle, and during,the continued unfolding in anyone's practice. It's one of those books that encourages endless levels of inspiration and discovery as we deepen and manifest our own acts of compassion. I highly recommend it.