My interest in this book was: 1. To investigate the possibility of exciton-chlorophyll based computation via the genetic engineering of the chloroplast. 2. To obtain a background in just what can be done in plant transgenesis from a commercial point of view, in particular ornamental plants and other horticultural applications, such as the genetic engineering of lawn grass for pathogen resistance, controlled height, and color shading. 3. To gain more insight into the current conflict between genetically-modified and organic crops being waged in the media and between continents. 4. The possibility of using synthetic methods for inducing plant transgenesis. Not all of these were addressed in the book, but it did serve to give more insight into how transgenesis in plants is done, and examples of each, up until the year of publication. The field of course has considerably advanced since then.

Chapter 1 begins with various definitions of gene transfer and a brief history of attempts to create transgenic plants. The authors emphasize the great changes that have taken place in the last two decades, but acknowledging the plant transgenesis is still in relative infancy.

Chapter 2 is then a discussion of techniques for transformation, such as Agrobacterium-mediated, in planta, direct transfer, and biolistic methods. The omit though any discussion of the exact laboratory protocols, and they caution that the ratio between transient and stable transformation can have vary widely. Some of the more interesting discussions in this chapter include: 1. The fact that different agrobacterial strains have different host ranges, with some being limited, while others having broad host ranges. 2. The molecular mechanism by which T-DNA is transferred in the plant's genome. The T-complex's ability to wait and "catch" a naked fragment of plant DNA is brought out with enthusiasm by the authors.

In chapter 3, the authors discuss the various tools for genetic transformation. Some interesting disscussions here include: 1. The reduction of expression due to the removal of scaffold attachment regions. 2. Killer genes, such as the Barnase gene and TA29.

Chapter 4 is an overview of the regulation of gene expression. Interesting discussions here include: 1. Light-regulated gene expression and light signal transduction in the context of photomorphogenesis. The authors emphasize that single genes can possess many responsive cis acting elements which can interact or independent. The combinatorics of the cis acting elements and the transcription factors make the possibility of plant transgenesis seemingly unlikely, the authors emphasize. 2. Protein targeting into the chloroplast and mitochondria. 3. The SAR/MAR effect via the higher order structure of chromatin and its relation to gene silencing. 4. The occurrence of gene silencing and the complications it causes for producing transgenic plants. 5. Antisense RNA and its role in suppressing gene expression. Because of the book's date of publication, RNA interference, which was discovered in 1998, is not discussed in this book.

In chapter 5, the authors review the genetic engineering of crop improvement. They address crop protection from biotic and abiotic stress (such as viruses and fungal pathogens), improvement of yields, crop quality, and the genetic engineering of ornamental plants. The discussion is thorough and the authors bring out many interesting facts that shed light on the current debates on GM crops, one of these being that the use of lysis-producing antimicrobial toxins in transgenic crops is not harmful to mammals. The now well-known (and controversial) bacillus thurigenesis (BT) endotoxin and its use as an insect pathogen is discussed in detail. Also discussed, and equally as controversial, are transgenic crops with herbicide resistance. As for abiotic stress, the authors discuss various transgenic strategies for salt and drought resistance, and tolerance against metal toxicity. The discussion of ornamentals is a sample of the intriguing future that is ahead for horticulture.

The authors discuss some of the many products that can be manufactured using transgenic plants in chapter 6. They begin with the use of transient expression of heterologous genes, overviewing a few cases where this has been accomplished. They they turn their attention to where the heterologous gene is integrated into the genome of the transgenic plants, one very interesting example being the production of antigens, such as that for hepatitis B. Another interesting example is the production of antibodies, such as the production of secretory immunoglobin A. By far the most fascinating discussion of all though is the one on the use of using plant transgenesis to produce degradable polymers.

The production of transgenic plants for the commercial market has raised quite a fuss in recent years, and so the authors devote the last chapter of the book to the discussion of the risks and benefits of doing so. It is a fair discussion and addresses the main concerns, with the authors expressing caution but clearly supporting the genetic engineering of plants, as long as it benefits humankind.

If you are thinking that this book might be comparable to Becky's guides...forget it. Not a lot of depth here. There is more discussion of local plants than on route descriptions, approaches or maps. I was looking for a GUIDE BOOK to the middle fork area and this is definitely not it. If someone writes one that actually provides enough information to plan an outing then would gladly buy it. Save your money and buy some topos and get better trip beta, pictures and maps on the internet.

My wife and I enjoyed reading this book aloud to each other. There are really some very wonderful stories about the individuals who lived their lives in this demanding but beautiful area. I've read a couple dozen books on Pacific Northwest history and enjoyed them all, but this one really highlights average individuals more than most. Reading this book is relaxing and engaging at the same time, a nice combination.

A river guide essential! The definite history of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River from Bear Valley to the Main Salmon. Contains journal entries from the 1879 Sheepeater War, as well as 18 maps, 200 photos and is 386 pages. Don't float without it!

You'd have to be a pretty dedicated JD fan to like this book. It clearly has positive intent and there's no question the "Everyman" approach John Denver took to his own spirituality was appealing to a broad audience. This book just "misses" in so many ways that it's a difficult read.

Christine Smith's book "A Mountain in the Wind - An Exploration of the Spirituality of John Denver" is a sensitive, comprehensive, intuitive and inspiring book delving deep into John's soul and spirituality. Her extensive research and keen insight of John's relationship to the universe and his place in it, how he evolved as a spiritual being, who his mentors were, and how he learned his belief in miracles and of hope are all written with utmost affection and in pure honesty by the author.

Throughout the book, Christine often refers to lyrics in John's songs to further witness his spirituality and to provide more indepth analysis of his message. She has also included 8 pages of color photos of John and ends the book with a series of moving essays comprising a beautiful memorial to John by the author herself.

I truly believe you have to be a spiritual person to fully appreciate John Denver - his music, his message - the man himself. So kudos to Christine for enlightening us about the inner John plus also for portraying a powerful blueprint for us to transform our own lives through spiritual discovery and growth.

Since I do not want to give the whole book away, I'll simply say you have to read it! Thank you, Christine, for your time and effort in writing "A Mountain in the Wind"! I know it was a labor of love for you. And thank you, John, for being her inspiration for the book. It's a treasure! Peace. Carole

Who among us has not been touched in some way by the voice and words of at least one of John Denver's beautiful songs? John 's legacey to the world was his care and concern for the environment and the people who dwell here. His Rocky Mountain High's came from the heart and each recording he made was filled with love and passion for the universe that came from deep within his soul. Each time I hear his voice, I am reminded of his simple, easy-going manner as gentle as the wings of a butterfly, his incredible gift as an artist and his ability to evoke emotion in the listener.

"A Mountain in the Wind" is indeed how John lived his life and this wonderful book is filled with his love for humanity, his respect for nature, his own personal inner strength and his spiritual beliefs. His sudden, tragic death moved people around the world. Wherever John may be today, I hope he truly does have, "Sunshine on his Shoulder" and the peace and contentment he believed in. For fans of Denver, this is a five star book and highly recommended reading.

In 1962, John Barton wrote a stage play for the Royal Shakespeare Company. The play was composed of various readings, songs, speeches and poetry written by or about the Kings and Queens of England from William the Conqueror to Queen Victoria. Carried forward by a collection of some of the finest stage actors in British history, the play was a success. In 1971, John Barton organized and expanded the content of the play into a book, which included many black and white images, and a few color ones. This is that book.

While John Barton's play strikes the viewer as a playful romp through British history, the book fails to generate the same enthusiasm. While the play uses different voices when moving from part to part, the book simply has text that the reader needs to read to the end to see who it was that actually said it. Also, while the play seems colorful and irreverent, the book often struck me as boring and irrelevant. I found Queen Elizabeth I's poetry interesting, but I found Queen Victoria's journal entries quite boring.

Therefore, I would say that this book is a mixed bag, with the overall quality being below what I would have wanted. If you are interested in reading various bits by and about the Royals, then this book might be for you. But, if you want a book that has a theme or conveys a message, then you might want to give this one a skip.

I originaly bought the book in 1997. Since then there have been tremendous changes in golf on the Internet. This book needs to be revised.

Some of the sites that the book shows aren't even online anymore. I would not recommend the book any longer.

A lot of the web sites in the book no longer exist. In fact it seems like most of the ones that I find interesting no longer exist.

This book is extraordinarily helpful for one seeking to wade through the deep waters that are golf on the Web.

Man: Hello. Come in to my small Parisian apartment overlooking the river.
Woman: I can't stay but a minute.
Man: Come closer...take off your corset.
Woman: You're pretty fresh, you are.
Man: A kiss!
Woman: Somebody might see!
Man: We can go somewhere private.
Woman: It's too far...my sister...
Man: Cognac?
Woman: I'm not thirsty.
Man: Stupid thing! My treasure!
Woman: You're tearing my chemise...oooh...
Man: I love you! Let's screw!
Woman: No! Oh, okay.

Later -

Man: (weeping)

Woman: What's your name again?

The play is composed of 10 scenes, and the subtitle of the play is "ten dialogues". In Scene One, a prostitute and a soldier meet up and he attempts to seduce her. She arranges to meet him the next day, but they immediately have sex on a riverbank. His face is hidden. The soldier treats her callously. In Scene Two, our soldier is with a maid in a park, he seduces her and they have sex. Again, his face is hidden. He treats her like an animal. He moves on to the next woman.

In Scene Three, our maid is at the home of a young gentleman. The gentleman and the maid have sex, then the gentleman leaves. In Scene Four, the young gentleman and the young wife have sex. (she is married, but not to him....) He makes elaborate preparations before the encounter. They make a big deal of their relationship. She says that she loves him. They plan to meet again.

In Scene Five, our young wife and her husband are present. Husband tells the wife how hard it is to be a man, how sexual insecurity must be overcome before marriage (what a trial!). The wife challenges him on his double standard. She calms down and they have sex. He tells her everything she wants to hear. In Scene Six, the husband entertains the sweet young miss. In a dining room, no less. Of course, they have sex. The husband is challenged on another double standard. He wants to know if the lady is married, but she isn't supposed to have the same curiousity. He calms her, and she warms back up to him; they plan to do it again in a more private setting.

In Scene Seven, our sweet young miss is busy with a poet. The poet acts like an artistic type. They profess their mutual love. They have sex. He says that he is Biebitz, and he says that he's not. She doesn't care. They act like they are in love. They part. In Scene Eight, our poet is actively romancing an actress in a country inn. The actress is difficult; she makes the poet leave, call up to the window, then he returns to bed. She puzzles him with a riddle, then, in a shocking turn, they have sex. The actress and the poet then bicker about plays, acting, and performances.

In Scene Nine, our actress meets up with the Count, this in the actress' bedroom. The Count is a pompous braggart, but that doesn't stop them from having sex. They are both happy with it and decide to do it again. In the final scene, the count meets up with the girl of the streets (from scene one). He is sitting on the sofa; she is in bed. Apparently, they have already had sex. He acts as if he doesn't believe that he's done it. He tries to advise her on her career and way of life, then reflects that all women are after money. He decides that he likes the honest approach, and announces that he will return. As the count leaves, he and the maid trade greetings.

The playwright apparently was making fun of the Viennese sexual code of the day, which must have been a sort of "everyone does it, but no one talks about it" scene. He portrays a society of shallow narcissists, interested only in pleasure and the maintenance of appearances. Along the way, Schnitzler challenges several assumptions regarding sexual behavior and gender.

I suppose all this was scandalous and forward-thinking for early 20th century Vienna, but it's boring and predictable now. The dialogue of the play is often interesting, but it doesn't rise above interesting in most of the scenes.

I have been a chiropractor for 12 years, and I still cannot adjust myself, only others. I must go to one of my colleagues to properly analyze and correct my misalignments. How is a lay person, without any formal training, looking at pictures in a book, going to "be there own chiropractor" for themselves or their friends and family?. In the book, the author presents some good self-care ideas such as might be found in a yoga book, but just as I would know better than to buy a book called, "Be Your Own Surgeon" or "Be Your Own Architect" and then give it to a novice friend to work on me or design my home, I know when to call a doctor of chiropractic for safe and satisfying care.

THIS BOOK IS THE WORST BOOK EVER IT STINKS BIG TIME!!!!