I have read this story to several young children, who are entranced by the adventures of this adventuresome iguana and his good friend, the frog. Every time I read it I am entranced by the delightful illustrations -- especially the expressions on the faces of Irving & Freddy, as well as the backgrounds that go from tropical rainforest to Himalayan-type peaks to skyscraper-clogged cities. So the book rates high for both kids & the people who have to read a favorite book over and over and over.

Purchased this book for a 5 year old. He was able to read the story line which he found very interesting as his school has a pet Iguana. The illustrations were beautifully done. Five stars

"I don't know much about childrens books, but I do know about art. And the illustrations that Dorri Olds has created for 'Irving Goes to Town' are delightful eye candy for kids of any age. The pictures carry a narrative line that would be attractive even to people that can't read yet!" --Paul H-O Art critc, Artnet.com Director, galleryBeat Television

Overweight and obesity are very difficult conditions to battle and too many "diet experts" offer easy fixes that just make it harder to deal with and overcome. This book certainly differs from the majority of books on the subject that actually contribute to our growing American waistline. This book approaches the problem with honesty and realistic solutions.

I commend anyone just for trying to lose weight in our society. In many ways, the deck is stacked against the overweight and obese. I'll never understand a society that discriminates against the overweight when they are now the majority. Compassion and respect should be given to anyone who suffers with a weight problem. Most of us have battled this problem or will as we age.

It's understandable that overweight people would feel validated by the existence of obesity genes to explain their condition. I do believe these genes plague my family and many people, as many of us gain weight so easily. But genes alone do not explain the recent obesity epidemic. Studies confirm the prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically since 1980. Before that, the increases in overweight and obesity were much slower. Biology and genes can not be solely responsible. The gene pool did not radically change in the last twenty-two years. Evolution takes millions of years.

The real problem might be that Americans are constantly bombarded by a toxic food environment. Our average diet is poor quality and loaded with low cost, high-calorie foods ( some even non-fat or low-fat, but packed with hidden calories). Constantly hawked on tv, radio and print ads yummy foods from Snackwells to Big Macs seem so acceptable. But most of this stuff is lethal to our waistlines and for some, our health and lives. Yes, personal responsibility and lifestyle choices, even for those of us who have one or more obesity gene(s), will always be the main factor in whether we will be average weight, overweight or obese. But the food industry shares some of the blame. The industry says it's just responding to consumer demand, but they are also guilty of shaping our food preferences. It's growing exceedingly harder every year to eat right and exercise correctly, partly due to the confusing messages the food, diet and fitness industries deluge the American public with. We're encouraged to "Super Size" our meals but NOT our bodies. That's schizophrenic, not to mention nearly impossible. And worst of all, this affects our children.

In the end, losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy weight in our high tech, convenient and affluent society is a major effort even for the mildly overweight. I commend anyone just for trying!
But the truth is eating a balanced low calorie/moderate fat/adequate protein and carbohydrate diet and regular exercise that includes aerobics and strength training is the ONLY way to lose weight and maintain. Any book, program, doctor or expert who tells you different, is trying to sell you something, uneducated in basic physiology and/or doesn't care about you or your health.

At 5 feet tall, I've weighed 164 lbs and 117 lbs with many yo-yo's in between. I've suffered a few of the health effects of overweight including arthritis, painful feet and getting winded easily. I've tried the gimmicks and easy fixes like high protein, low carb. (Yes, you'll lose weight if you can give up bread, potatoes, rice, wheat etc. These diets work because they drastically reduce your calorie intact even if you eat meat and butter. And these are dangerous diets. Any time you omit an entire food group, your body will eventually revolt and when you go off, you'll gain the weight back.)

Everyone is different and unique, but lasting weight management success came to me after I came to terms with the fact that I had to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle. I'm 42 and look and feel better than I did at 20. I maintain my weight with moderate aerobic exercise 4 days a week, strength training 2 days a week and eating low calorie, fresh foods 6 days a week. (Saturday is cheat day.) A big part of my success is making every bite of food taste wonderful and satisfying. If I eat crappy food, I just eat more because it never satisfies. Yes, this can be done on a low calorie diet. I cook with lots of fresh herbs, spices, small amounts of olive oil and high flavor cheeses, fresh ingredients and never eat what I do not like. I was a pizza hound, (and still indulge once a week) but I'm just as satisfied with two slices of crusty Italian bread dipped in a little marinara sauce with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and finely shredded Romano cheese. I've now stayed under 120 pounds for the last 5 years except for a pregnancy weight gain of 24 pounds. My son is two years old now and I'm back down to 120 pounds. I want to set an example for him and keep him healthy. Here's a few sensible books/videos I've found very helpful to weight loss/maintainence and delicious low fat cooking:
Dr. Shapiro's Picture Perfect Weight Loss,
Strong Women Stay Slim by Miriam E. Nelson,
The Fat of The Land by Michael Fumento,
Prevention's The Healthy Cook,
Healthy 1-2-3 : The Ultimate 3 Ingredient Cookbook
by Rozanne Gold,
Cooking Light Five Star Recipes : The Best of 10 Years,
Leslie Sansone: Walk & Firm Fat Burner - 2 Mile In-Home Walking,
Pilates Beginning Mat Workout,

One of the most confusing subjects in Medicine today is what is the best way to lose weight. Should one reduce fat in the diet? Should one reduce carbohydrates in the diet? Should one eliminate simple sugars? Should proteins be increased or reduced? Does exercise matter? How much? What kinds? How important is genetics? Should drugs be taken to lose weight? What is the role of stress in obesity? Can stress management help? Is there an ideal weight? Controlling weight for good health is obviously a complicated puzzle. Books that give simplified solutions certainly aren't the answer. All too often people buy such books, try the simple approach, and a few months later are back at square one. Of all the books that I have read on the enigma of obesity and its control, It Can Break Your Heart, stands out heads and shoulders above all the rest. It is comprehensive yet easy to follow and implement. No one who has been overweight or is under a constant battle to maintain normal weight should be without this book. I recommend it without reservation.

I have lost over 150 pounds myself and kept it off for over 25 years now. I have read every major best selling book (and many not best selling) out over that time. I have read every magazine/newspaper article in that time on weight loss. None have compared with this book. This book gives you things it took me decades to learn by the "school of hard knocks" while it taught me a couple of new things as well. This book gives you the current research findings like a scientist would, however, it gives it to you in language you can understand (with references) and use. The confusion people have as a result of the major names in the "diet world" (Atkins, McDougall, Ornish, Pritikin, Sears, D'Adamo, etc.) and their systems (zone, low carb-high protein/fat, low fat, calories don't count, 40-30-30 etc.) which seems like a "Tower of Babel" is made understandable. The various medications and what they do for you including benifits and risks are made understandable. They give you information on the various weight loss programs and support groups available with their strengths and weaknesses. They give you a clear understanding of what works and what does not work and why(including Websites you can go to currently). It gets better - you really do not have to read the whole book! They give you chapter summaries at the start of each chapter. If you want to lose weight or have a serious obesity problem this book is for you. If you are a professional who thinks you know about weight loss this book is for you. If you are a student or teacher this book is for you. If you read this far I am sure you can see I am thrilled with this book. These authors have done us a service. Money well spent - buy this book.

I disagree with the previous reviewer's comments that the book is largely of use to the legal professioin. I find the law case serves as a great backdrop to understanding science and judging scientific claims. Many great principles are explained in this book.

Since O.J. Simpson's double homicide trial acquainted everyonewith the concepts of RFLP and PCR testing for DNA, the issue ofscience in courtroom has been on the frontburner. As Foster and Huber demonstrate, however, this issue has had a long and controversial history.

Using the mass tort litigation involving the drug Bendectin, which was used to treat morning sickness but became suspected of causing birth defects, the authors make a key point: the scientific method is not entirely compatible with the legal method.

The scientific process consists of formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis to see if it can be disproven, and repeating the testing process until one becomes convinced that the hypothesis must be true. (Or realizing that it is false, if a test disproves it.)

This means, however, that a scientific witness can be neutralized somewhat through clever (but artful) questioning of the sort, "Isn't it possible that . . . ."

There are no equations in this book, but there is some discussion of statistics, particularly as used in epidemiology. The mathematical concepts are not at all difficult, and well worth thinking about.

Although non-lawyers can appreciate this book, it is really of use to lawyers in mass tort cases where scientific evidence is used to prove causality issues.

Foster and Huber use the litigation over the pregnancy drug Bendectin to explain the ways in which science is used and misused to "prove" cases. In the case of Bendectin, there was no conclusive medical evidence proving that the drug caused birth defects. Rather, there was a statistical association between the use of the drug and birth defects. Does this prove that Bendectin causes birth defects?

It might or it might not. The field of epidemiology attempts to answer the question by eliminating other possible explanations for the association. Various techniques of epidemiology include blind (or double-blind) testing, data analysis, and so on.

Foster and Huber demonstrate that the scientific techniques are not entirely conducive with the standards of modern litigation. For example, scientists generally do not speak of "proving" an assertion; rather, they "falsify" it. That is, they attempt to disprove it -- it is usually easier to show that something is not true, since you only need to find one example. When an assertion has withstood repeated attempts to falsify it, it becomes generally accepted.

This has important ramifications for litigation, however. Litigation -- particularly mass torts -- requires a "yes" or "no" answer: in the scientific opinion of the expert witness, does Bendectin cause birth defects? The expert will of course have explained his or her analysis, but in the end, that analysis must be boiled down into a yes or no answer, regardless of the suitability of such an intellectual liposuction.

In summary, this is a fascinating book if you are interested in these sorts of issues. Although the book covers science and scientific inquiry, it does not require a significant amount of scientific knowledge.

This was the second book by Nigel Tranter that I read (the first was The Wallace, which was also great). I could not put this historical novel down, and was disappointed when it ended, not with the end of Kenneth' s life, but with his becoming king of a united Pictland and Scotland. I wish that the author had continued the story!

Anyway, the book brings Kenneth Mac Alpin to life: his strengths, anxieties, and loves. He is a man with a vision--to unite the Celtic peoples of Alba (Pictland), Dalriada (Scotland), Strathclyde, Galloway, Wales, Man, and even Ireland--all under threats from Norsemen, Angles, and Saxons in the ninth century.

Even though the history from this period is murky, Tranter is very convincing, and in accord with most of the credible research, especially on the merger of the Picts and the Scots. It seems clear that Kenneth did not conquer the Picts, but became the king of a unified kingdom, which needed him because of internal strife and external threats.

The book is particularly exciting when Kenneth combats the Norsemen, in both Scotland and Ireland. Tranter dispelled my mistaken notions of Vikings as noble warriors; rather, they are depicted as cruel plunderers. I had to get out a map to follow all the travels and battles. It would have been great if Tranter had provided one, but I finally found one in my house!

Kenneth's love for the Pict princess, Eithne, is very tender, as written in this book, and the reader is made to feel Kenneth's longing for her.

The book is great history, romance, and adventure.

It is an easy book to read and uses actual people from history to tell the story Scotland's early beginnings. Kenneth was one of Scotland's best early King's and deserves a book about him. This book is still available in England, at Waterstones.

Kenneth MacAlpine, Son of Alpine King of Dalriada, Prince of Galloway. At the risk of sounding arrogant, if you have dealt with any Scottish History, you had to have heard stories of this Hero of Scotland. I have heard stories that there was a battle between his Dalriada Kingdom of Scots and the 'Pictish' Kingdom of Alba. (Hey, I'm just re-telling the story as I heard it.) In this battle, Kenneth kills the King of Alba, and taking up the defeated sword, lays his sword across it, and begins to dance the Scottish Sword Dance. This is not history, but fanciful story. I also thought that Kenneth was a MacGregor, giving that Clan its Motto.

However, the story that you find in this telling of Scotland's first King, Kenneth, is none of this. In Nigel Tranter's book, "Kenneth," you find a warrior faced with a tenuous alliance, a segmented Celtic People, an uncertain Celtic Church, war with the Southern Saxons and raiding of the Norse Vikings. We meet Kenneth making his first impact with the assorted Celtic Royalty in a battle that, according to this story, changes its direction when the King of Alba sees a cloud in the shape of an 'X'. This is the mark of St. Andrew, Jesus' brother and, by some accounts, first disciple. This white cross in a blue sky, becomes the mark and symbol of the Celtic victory over the Saxons, and allows Kenneth to shine as a leader of men and action.

Within the course of this fictionalized history, we find Kenneth developing a concept of a united Celtic People to defend their common interests and traditions. Kenneth leads a successful expedition to defeat the Norse Viking raiders of Iona, achieving the name 'Viking Slayer'. We see situations where his leadership stops fellow Celts from raiding each other, and the roots of unity begin.

Unlike an American Hero / Leader, Kenneth is painfully slow on the uptake of the idea to become a uniting King of the 'Scottish' people. And the means of uniting Alba, Dalriada, Galloway, Skye, Strathclyde(?) and Man in a new name and a definition of a new people happens late in the book and through a very 'normal' series of successions. The use of the traditions of the Dalriadan Kings being seated on the Stone of Destiny to be coronated and anointed King is very powerful. It echoes the images Tranter uses in his book, Macbeth the King.

The 'After Words' that concludes this work mentions something about the MacGregor claims to Kenneth. But as a story and 'illustrated' history, it's great reading. If you can find it, get it. Amazon sent me three copies and I have given away two. I have since made two more people fans of Nigel Tranter's writing and I am glad to have done it.

Mathew Allen December, 1998 mvallen@uswest.net or mallen@j2ca.com

Kissing Coyotes by Marcia Vaughan is a whimsical picture book about a big-mouthed rabbit who has to keep a dare to kiss coyotes. His escapade across the desert is filled with perilous adventure in a delightful and original tale which is whimsically illustrated by Kenneth J. Spengler in a full color "cartoony" style ideally suited for young readers.

Kissing Coyotes is the type of book that my grown sons would have loved as young readers. In your face illustrations full of action and color and a chase that will leave your little ones on the edge of their seats. Nice lesson about the consequences of being boastful all wrapped up in a delightful story, action prose and full page graphics. Another winner offered to us by Rising Moon Publishing.

I saw this book in a gift shop and just laughed and laughed! The words are so fun to say and the story is so lively and cute, this is a great book to read aloud to kids. The author made good use of alliteration, internal rhyme, and best of all--silly wild west words. It's a tall tale about a bragging jackrabbit and all the critters of the desert.

Don't buy it used!... Buy it NEW because you're going to read this book over and over.

While I agree that this is a wonderful book, I find the previous reviews on this book incomprehensible. Maimonides's writings are not at all obvious, and Maimonides himself repeatedly claimed that his philosophical writings must never be taken at face value. Rather, Maimonides continues, he is fearful of how the ignorant will not be able to understand certain philosophical concepts, and he is afraid that a straightforward discussion of certain religious/philosophical truths will cause many people to lose faith altogether. Also, Maimonides was fearful of repression by the "orthodox" Jews of his day. Then, as now, theological innovation was condidered heresy by them. Therefore Maimonides explicitly states that several of his controversial positions will only be alluded to, and "the wise will understand". Now - as then - many people are totally unable to understand Maimonides views on this subject, as they assume that his views were more or less "orthodox." (They were not).

This book by Prof. Seeskin is a good introduction to Maimonides thought. For a good introduction to why Maimonides was so controversial (both then and now), see the entry under "Maimonodean Controversy" in the Encyclopaedia Judaica. For another important discussion of the implications of Maimonide's views, see "Must a Jew Believe Anything?" by Menachem Kellner.

This volume is an excellent introduction to the philosophy/theology of Moses Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, or the "Rambam"). Seeskin's presentation is lucidly clear, accessible to the layperson, and blessedly free of Straussian persecution-and-the-art-of-writing searches for "hidden meanings." Seeskin levels some pointed critiques against this entire mode of interpretation and quite sensibly treats the Rambam as though he meant what he wrote. The result is a fairly short, not-overly-technical overview of the thought of the man who was undeniably far and away the greatest philosopher in Jewish history -- and, moreover, a readable introduction to systematic theology in general. Highly recommended.

Kenneth Seeskin here presents a clear and straightforward reading of Moses Maimonides that can serve as an accessible (if not terribly deep) introduction to the thought of Judaism's greatest philosopher. Seeskin intentionally distances himself from the Straussian persecution-and-the-art-of-writing school of interpretation and wastes no time looking for "hidden meanings" buried several levels below the explicit text. The Rambam meant what he said and said what he meant; Seeskin's exposition of that meaning is lucid and intelligible.

What makes Elmer Kelton stand out is not only his style of writing, and his subject matter (the value of which, I admit, is subjective), but the admirable qualities of his characters. In so many other books, main characters are filled with angst and cynicism, and a reader won't care if they live or die. Kelton's, though, a reader cheers on and wishes success. I've read and re-read "The Man Who Rode Midnight." The hero opposes not progress, in whatever guise, but greed, especially greed with him as the victim. He is a man who loves his life and feels pride in how he has lived, pitting his best against the best. Great.

What makes Elmer Kelton stand out is not only his style of writing, and his subject matter (the value of which, I admit, is subjective), but the admirable qualities of his characters. In so many other books, main characters are filled with angst, and a reader may wish they would all take gas. Kelton's, though, a reader cheers on and wishes success. I've read and re-read this one. Great.

For me, it was hard to choose between The Time It Never Rained and The Man Who Rode Midnight as Kelton's best. Kelton is a great novelist that brings issues concerning Texas and the west to life. This book is definitely a page turner that will keep any reader interested.

I love this book. It gives practical help for faith in finances. It enabled us to purchase 40 acres of country property with cash. I gave my copy away and need to replace it! The bottom line is that God loves you. He wants to bless you. He is WELL able to bless you. He WILL bless you if you just get ahold of the principles that he sets forth in His Word, the Bible. The price is a tiny investment for a world of wealth and blessing.

This book has revolutionized our finances. It's a quick read--just one day. It's simple and easy to understand. I highlighted relevant phrases and can thumb through it every so often just to renew my mind with the Word on finances. We use the prayers to pray over our own tithes and offerings. Each time I read it it bolsters my faith once again to receive God's prosperity, so we can help get the Word out to others. Another terrific offering from Brother Copeland.

My sister inlaw let us read it. I was not sure if it would be that great by what she was telling us about it. Don't get me wrong my sister inlaw really enjoyed the book and she wanted us to read it because she know it would help us. It's just she did not know how to sale it. But If you really want to get a hold of your finances and get out of debt for good. This is the book to read. It show how God wants us to prosper. Managing GOD'S Mutual Funds, show you in an easy to understand step by step instructions using the word of GOD each step of the way. IT'S SO GOOD I HAD TO GET TWO; ONE FOR US, AND ONE FOR MY PASTOR. I hope that he use it for a study lasson for the whole church so we all can be bless from GOD. Just read it , you'll see what I mean.

I have enjoyed this bible very much. highly recommend. it was written when religion acutally meant something and people cared and loved each other and worshipped Jesus Christ, not because they had to,but because they understood the gospel and the beauty of it.
Matthew has written superb commentar which is a joy to read
and really helps open the scriptures.

Matthew Henry's commentary brings to life the basic and not so basic truths found in this sacred book. He also offers introductions and themes for each book. Written in the poetry of the old English(KJV), the historical stories we have come to love come to life. This is a great text for the "baby" christain and the adult as well.

The Matthew Henry Study Bible is an excellent integration of the well-known and long-uitlized Matthew Henry Commentary of the Whole Bible. Every idea is explained so very well. I have used this Bible for personal Bible Study, for preparing sermons, and now that I am working with Yokefellows Prison Ministry, this Bible has been a great help in answering the many, thought-provoking questions the inmates ask. I have used several other study Bibles that I probably should not name here. But not one of them comes close to being as helpful and as comprehensive as the Matthew Henry Study Bible.

The best source on the subject. A must read for all practicing dentists. An excellent review of the things we all learned in dental school but may have forgotten.

Very useful for reviews, and even basics, on a topic that is very important for dental professionals to keep up on. Could use another update since the topic needs to be kept current such as in the areas of diabetes and heart problems. Looking forward to the next edition!

Dr. Malamed's book sets the standard for managing emergencies in the dental office; I remember it from my oral surgery rotation in 1985-86. Almost anyone knows his name and this book shows why! Buy it and read it before it is needed (at an inopportune time)!