Ehrlich has created an interesting book in writing Big Government. On average, it is quite funny throughout, although by about halfway through, it becomes too predictable and looses some of its punch. At the same time, Ehrlich isn't just trying to entertain - he is trying to make serious points about government, political campaigns, and how in both areas, our leaders fall far short of the ideals of public service (in Ehrlich's belief). In some cases, the juxtaposition of humor and serious points is a bit uneasy, as Ehrlich's writing strays away from satire and becomes more meditative and almost preachy. However, the book is punctuated with enough humorous barbs to keep it from boring the reader.
As a veteran of several Congressional campaigns, I have seen enough of the way that Washington works first-hand to find many of the situations and characters Ehrlich creates to be so realistic, yet so ridiculous, that they are purely hilarious. I'm really not sure that those who have never been on the "inside" of politics would find this book funny in the same way I did, but I think that anyone would find it at least mildly amusing. Another of the book's strong points is that Ehrlich keeps it short, making it an enjoyable read that I would recommend.

I couldn't believe this was a first novel for the author. His words flowed off the page. His descriptions and characters seem life like, and the story has a wonderful rythmn. His use of imagery is great and the creativity is breath taking.

Thirty years ago I worked as what is called today a spin doctor. I have a love/hate relationship with politics. I think Ev Ehrlich's book is really quite excellent, especially for a first-time novelist. It belongs to a long, honorable history of political burlesque. On occasion it's over-the-top, in a Carl Hiaasen kind of way. (That's high praise; I think Hiaasen is wonderful).

There's also a not-so-subtle, very disquieting subtext to the book, one that the author makes explicit in the closing pages. In short, among the fun there's also some serious food for thought here. This book would make a great movie, too. Let's hope some Hollywood producer picks it up.

Very nicely put together, great graphics throughout (though the Janet Lane paintings are not necessary), nice color section. Only reason I deducted a star is because it is short at 95 pages.

I HAD SO MUCH FUN READING THIS BOOK! IT BROUGHT BACK SO MANY MEMORIES OF THE FUN THAT I HAD GOING TO DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATERS. WHAT A GREAT BOOK, I CAN'T SAY ENOUGH. THE PICTURES ARE THE BEST. BUY THIS BOOK FOR A GREAT WALK DOWN THE DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATER MEMORY LANE!!!!!!

THIS BOOK IS PACKED FULL OF FACINATING INFORMATION ABOUT THE HISTORY OF DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATERS. THE COLOR AND BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS OF DRIVE-INS AND DRIVE-IN MEMORABILIA ADDS TO THE TEXT. I RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE WHO LOVES TO READ ABOUT ROADSIDE AMERICANA. A DEFINATE WINNER THAT WILL BRING BACK FOND MEMORIES OF GOING TO THE MOVIES OUTDOORS.

In the late '90s, Marvel was going down the tubes, both financially and creatively. There was an enormous amount of dreck flooding the shelves, and no matter what schemes they tried, either with product or licensing, they were losing money like crazy. Before declaring bankruptcy, they released two trade paperback collections of their Golden Age material, presenting a selection of the best of that era. While they may not have been well-received by the younger crowd, it was one of the best ideas Marvel had in a while (definitely going against the grain), and it was a treat for fans of comic history. Once again, readers could enjoy the simplistic stories of classic WW-II Marvel characters such as Captain America, Sub-Mariner, the Angel, the Destroyer, Marvel Boy, the Fin, Citizen V, and the Human Torch.

The Golden Age of Marvel Comics, Volumes 1 and 2 can be considered Marvel's equivalent of a public service. It's historical preservation in a market that has a notoriously short attention span. When the majority of fans and retailers were demanding more high-octane heroes showering their foes with bullets, we got two beautiful yet affordable collections of Golden Age greats, showing readers that, while the stories and art of the Golden Age might not have been all that "golden", the characters and their appeal more than made up for it. You can clearly see the elements of these stories that fascinated aspiring writers and artists, leading to their expanding these characters in ways never dreamed of during Marvel's Silver Age and beyond. The covers for both volumes are beautiful: for 1, a battle scene by Ray Lago; for 2, a Kirby/Theakston image. The intros provide some very good historical perspective on the contents.

Marvel is now back on its feet, sort of, but don't expect these books to be reprinted anytime in the near future. The current crowd at Marvel seems to be even more out of touch than the previous one and apparently has no understanding of the treasure it is sitting on.

Released in 1997, The Golden Age of Marvel Comics volume 1 is a collection of early comic book stories from the Golden Age of comic books. Featuring Marvel Comics' Big Three: Captain America, The Sub-Mariner and the original Human Torch, along with stories of other characters like The Vision, The Destroyer, The Angel, and the Black Knight, this is a book that every fan of old comic books will enjoy again and again.

Representing the works of writers and artists of the Golden Age like creators Joe Simon & Jack Kirby, Bill Everett, Carl Burgos, Russ Heath, Stan Lee, John Romita Sr., and others, this book is a great example of the early days of Marvel Comics' history, back then called Timely Comics. It shows how the art form of comic books was done in a time of war and depression. This is a worthwhile read.

This book was followed up with The Golden Age of Marvel Comics volume 2 released in 1999.

The Golden Age of Marvel Comics volume 2, released in 1999, is a collection of various stories from Marvel Comics' Golden Age era (the first volume of The Golden Age of Marvel Comics was released in 1997). Back then, Marvel Comics was known as Timely Comics, and would later go on to become one of the most successful comic book publishers (alongside longtime competitor, DC Comics).

This book features stories with Marvel's "big three": the original Human Torch, Captain America, and The Sub-Mariner, as well as lesser known, now obscure characters like The Fin, Red Raven, and The Vision (I don't think this is the same one as the android Vision now appearing in Marvel's The Avengers series), as well as a few others. These classics are by the writers and artists of comics' Golden Age: Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, Bill Everett, Carl Burgos, and many others, including one story written by Stan Lee. The book also features an introduction by the legendary Mickey Spillane.

Overall, this book makes for an excellent read, especially for people interested in the early years of comic books. Most of the stories are set during World War II, so some people may be offended with the Germans and Japanese as the Nazis villains.

Lots of names in this book, most I have no clue who they are. Tony Williams? Rolf Bjorling? Stephen Burks? I think another column explaining who these people are would wrap this book up nicely. Also, too many empty or generic causes of death. A little research would fill in these blanks (death cirtificates are public information).

This is the ultimate book of celebrity death. Anyone who has passed away and enjoyed 15 minutes of celebrity (of the theatrical kind)has made it here. There is no such thing such as a quick look/see. Every time I look at this book I find that 2 or 3 hours have flashed by. If you have a modest interest in cemeteries, death, or whatever-became-of you'll find your questions answered here. It is superbly organized and each new edition provides new information (and lots of it).

I have been purchasing Final Curtain since 1986 and am anxiously awaiting edition #10. I have also purchased the book as gifts for many friends who have the same interests. One of the critics wrote "causes of death are generic or missing". Until recently doctors could list heart attack, seizure,tumor, etc in a generic manner. Some states may still allow this but in California all underlying causes of death must be totally explained with a clinical type diagnosis on one to four lines on the death certificate. Although a public record it's not that easy to attain one. You do have to have some kind of need to know. I love the idea of listing the status of the person such as star, character actor, bit player, etc. Photos would be divine but probably cost prohibitive. My Final Curtain has accompanied on many journeys in my quest for cemetery history knowledge. The subject is "dark" however this book is absolutely fantastic! Carol Ann Hale Mountain View, Califonia.

I found the book Story of the Wreck of the Titanic and was wondering what it might be worth.

We have a hardbound copy bound in good book cloth of the 1912 memorial edition and the page with Captain Smith's photo has an unidentified person's signature. Who is Miss Glenda Mae Sitze??? Does the first edition have a photo of the Titanic and are the words "Nearer My God To Thee" inlaid top of book cover? If you have any info please e-mail me curry@dublin.com

I have a Memorial Edition of the "Story of the Wreck ofthe Titanic",copyright,1912 by L.H.Walker. It is illustratedthroughout with Photographs & Drawings made expressly for this book. It is edited by Marshall Everett.Condition/Excellent Thanks.

This book is an excellent introduction to the historical, cultural, social, economic, and political backgrounds of the times before, during, and after the beginnings of Christianity, i.e., from 330 B.C. to A.D. 330, from Alexander the Great to Constantine. It superbly complements the study of the New Testament. It has helped me attempt to make concepts in the Gospels concrete which, at first, seemed to be abstact.

I read this cover-to-cover. It was easy to read, and mostly very interesting. It is written for a wide, general audience, and does not make assumptions about the beliefs of the reader. The articles are moderately long, with nice hierarchical subheadings. I am eager to learn more about the interpenetration of Judaism and Hellenism in the actual origins and formation of Christianity.

I bought this one on a whim, thought it might have an interesting section or two. I ended up reading the thing cover to cover.

In a field where lots of books are hard to read because they're poorly written, this one is exceptionally well organized, clearly written and easy to read.

It also covers all the subject, from Greco-Roman political history, through Hellenistic-Roman religions and philosophies, on to an excellent section on Judaism and another on early Christianity. Even if you're not an early Church buff, the book is a good introduction to ancient culture.

It's honest. It's written by a proff at a Christian university, but it doesn't slant the scholarship. For eg it gives a good accounting of both sides of the modern scholarship on the contributions of pagan Mystery Religions to the Church, and the _testimonium Falvianum_ is treated fairly -- and dismissed as a later interpolation.

Each section lists a number of books for further reading -- very useful.

A great book!!

This book deals with the conversion of John Smith from one Christian movement to another. Mr. Smith starts from his early life of predestination beliefs to the acceptance of a God wo wills that all men come to Him. It is written in a novel format, but basically is a life story.

This book deals with the conversion of John Smith from one Christian movement to another. Mr. Smith starts from his early life of predestination beliefs to the acceptance of a God wo wills that all men come to Him. It is written in a novel format, but basically is a life story.

The only biography of John Smith published since the 19th century, the book tells of Smith's spiritual journey as well as his evangelical journeys through the Kentucky wilderness during the Restoration Movement. Donaldson's book provides not only excellent church history, but a valuable account of pioneer life on the Kentucky frontier. The book is of interest to both religious and secular readers.

"I am John Smith, from Stockton's Valley. In more recent years I have lived in Wayne, among the rocks and hills of the Cumberland. Down there, saltpeter caves abound, and raccoons make their homes. . . . I stand before you today a man without an education. But my brethern, even in that ill-favored region, the Lord, in good time, found me. He showed me His wondrous grace, and called me to preach the everlasting gospel of His Son." --1815 in Crab Orchard, Kentucky.

The kind of book well accepted at health clubs where members mainly socialise instead of seriously work out. Too cautious about injuries prescribing three quarters of movement in reps (mainly in eccentric part of the rep) instead of letting muscles function on all its amplitude or range of motion. Think the method prescribed by Aaberg will lead us nowhere hypertrophicly speaking. It realy disappointed a lot!

I disagree with other reviewers on a couple of key points. First, Aaberg's MSUCLE MECHANICS is not basically the same book. It lacks crucial information on exercise tempo, periodization, etc. MUSCLE MECHANICS has a list of references that RESISTANCE lacks. RESISTANCE has acknowledgements, but Charles Poliquin's name is spelled incorrectly (Poliquin is author of THE POLIQUIN PRINCIPLES). If you don't already have MUSCLE MECHANICS, then opt for RESISTANCE TRAINING PRINCIPLES. If you do currently possess MM, then go for Aaberg's other book STRENGTH, SPEED, & POWER. It does cover tempos, etc. as well as being a good intro to functional training.

A second disagreement I have with another reviewer concerns partial movements. As a long time trainee I have learned through bitter experience that, "The body never forgets an injury". Aaberg's advice regarding the disregarding the "full range of motion" philosophy (a philosophy that will take many years to kill)is right on the money. Using heavy resistance in the "red zone" of a joint on the premise that it is necessary or useful for "fully developing the muscle" or that it will increase or maintain flexibility is an invitation to injury. This may be one of the reasons that the Westside Barbell Club spends very little time doing full range bench presses and instead chooses partial movements such as board presses and floor presses for much of its training.

RESISTANCE TRAINING INSTRUCTION is too short to illustrate every exercise. Happily, it does not show potential shoulder wreckers such as upright rows, lat machine pulldowns behind the neck, or presses behind the neck. Nor does it show stretches. The routines do have exercises for the rotator cuff. This is a huge plus. Aaberg at times announces quite clearly that some subjects are beyond the scope of his book.

At the present time -- January 2003 -- this is one of the best introductory texts on the market. If you're looking for a single text that covers everything, forget it. If there is one, it will probably be outdated in one month. When I read most training texts my BS detector goes off several times. When I read Aaberg's stuff it's pretty silent.

this was a very good book but do know that if you already have Muscle Mechanics that you have basically the same book (ie the pics are the same wording etc). the difference here is in that spotting techniques by personal trainers is covered.

Book covers alot of topics related to robotics, but fails to do so at more detailed levels.
Good book for general information, but would not recommend it to anyone looking to get any "real" information for implementation.

The author is one of the most renown in the field and reading this book you can see why in this one-of-a-kind book. This work documents many systems and techniques used in mobile robotics. It gives enough detail to provide a technical picture (without delving unnecessarily deep) for the sake of covering the broad range of topics. Although a bit dated as of this review I still would highly recommend this for educational and reference purposes in addition to leisure reading. Much of the technologies and techniques covered are still used in today's world and definitely will likely be applied, in many ways, to future technologies (robotic or otherwise). For persons with some science and engineering background, this is an excellent book that can help you take a step into the world of robotics.

This book includes descriptions of an amazing variety of sensors. I had never even imagined some of these sensing devices. I used two of the sensing techniques for a class project and they got quite a bit of attention from others in the class because the sensors I chose were so unorthodox. You may think you have seen it all but you haven't unless you own this book!

This book is great for those interested in hearing all the rumors about this great American eccentric, but it fails as a comprehensive book for those who want to read more about his life and studies. Despite the repitition over interviewees covering the same material over and over, the visual element in the book is reproduced quite well. I think a better editing job on the book would have held me better. But for those interested in Harry Smith, this book is a must, as well as the book of interviews released earlier this year, "Think of the Self Speaking: Harry Smith Selected Interviews"

Harry Smith was a legend, a behind-the-scenes facilitator and cultural force. Harry was an avante-garde filmmaker, jazz fan, compiler of the seminal Anthology of American Folk Music, "Occultist" of a benevolent sort, and collector. Unfortunately Harry had his "demons" and was prone to destroying his valuable and unique belongings and creations, and lashing out and alienating his friends at times. His incredible skill at drawing was arguably ruined by drink and drugs. But when Harry died he was sorely missed. This book gives a taste of the aesthetic and mindscape of a unique American treasure. It is very well written and beautifully illustrated. It will amaze people who have not heard of Harry Smith and will bring a smile and a tear to those who knew him.

Harry Smith was an amazing artist and it is about time there is a book about him. I first met him in 1966, and there has been almost nothing written about his amazing accomplishments until now. If you want to understand the one of the most important influences on Andy Warhol, Bob Dylan, and Allan Ginsberg (pardon my spelling), this is a must. He is one of the most important figures in the evolution of American art.