This is an excellent reference book and a tool to design your own creations. After several years of neglecting crochet, I began again and was having trouble with an afghan--keeping the stitch count consistent from row to row. Somehow I was inadvertently increasing or decreasing stitches and it was wrecking havoc on the design. I was so frustrated that I was ready to go back into crochet retirement again! As a last resort (should have been my first), I referred to the illustrations in the 300 Crochet Stitches book and discovered my error in turning the rows. I'm hooked--so to speak!

This starts out with the basic sc, dc, tr, hdc stitches, but then goes on to show how to get LOADS of effects using crochet stitches. It has the following chapters: basic stitches, clusters, textured stitches, spikes, relief patterns, puff stitches, knobbles and bobbles, patterns for texture and color, filet crochet, openwork and lace patterns, motifs, edgings and trimmings, and tunisian crochet. The motifs are great for granny squares. This is a good book if you want to design your own afghans or clothing.

Wow! This is the best crochet book I have ever bought, and I have a lot of them. I design my own patterns for baby blankets and this book is a treasure trove of ideas for patterns. I've had the book just a few days and have made samples of many of the different stitches to see how they work. There are step-by-step instructions for each and a very clear, easy to read diagram. I found stitches and stitch combinations I have not seen anywhere else. Any of you who design your own patterns, or want to try, this book is a must. If you're not into designing and just want a nice textured overall stitch for an afghan or for afghan squares, it's in here. There is also a very nice section on motifs - sqaure, round, triangle, pentagram, hexagon, star, floral.
I can put away all my other crochet books now. This one will go everywhere with me. Fellow crocheters -- do yourselves a favor and get this book.

I loved everything about this book! I relate well to Lucky Santangelo, she's the type of woman, that most of us women want to be. The book is exciting, dramatic, romantic and clever. The characters are interesting. Completing this book will leave you feeling great! Then I found out, that there is also the LADY BOSS movie! I ordered it, and was happy to see, how well the Actors portrayed these characters! Kim Delaney was a cute and clever little Lucky, and it was GREAT to see Jack Scullia as Lenny Golden, he was perfect. There were alot of familiar faces in this movie, and it's exciting to see how these characters come to life! I watch it over and over again, it's just as addicting as Jackie Collins books! If you read ANY book, THIS is the one to read!

First of all let me tell you that this book is not an easy reading, it has to many characters and to many stories, to be exact it has six stories, at first all of them separately but in the middle of the book they will be as one big story. Of course the main story, the story of Lucky and Lennie is the must important, but you are really interested in all the stories at the same time. When you end a chapter of one story you want to skip the next chapter to see what happened in that specific story, but when you start to read about the other story you forget about the first one and you will want to know what happened to this one.
The end of the book is not so good, but the book still keep 5 stars

I recently finished 'LADY BOSS' the third book in the Lucky Santangelo series and I absolutely loved it! Where 'LUCKY' was good 'LADY BOSS' was great. In this third installment Lucky goes to Hollywood in hopes of acquiring a major movie studio, however, just before she closes the deal she finds out that there is a catch. She has to work undercover at the studio for six weeks as a plain Jane secretary! At first Lucky is reluctant but soon the idea of surprising her husband movie star Lennie Golden with his own studio coupled with the sheer enjoyment of being able to spy on all of the studio executives is too much for Lucky to pass up. But as Lucky soon finds out Lennie is not too thrilled with her surprise, which puts their marriage in serious jeopardy.

There are so many enjoyable story lines in this book that it makes it hard to put down. An example of this is the story of Venus Maria and Martin Swanson the movie star and the billionaire. Swanson is a business tycoon who is married to Dena Swanson a woman who became famous by using the Swanson name and refuses to let anybody take that away from her including the Madonna like movie and recording star Venus Maria. But Venus is determined to have Martin all to herself that is until her brother Emilio shows up and stirs up trouble for the couple.

I found this book to be extremely entertaining and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. Lucky is powerful, demanding and independent a true example of a strong woman. 5 Stars!

Of the reviewers posted here, I think I am probably the only one who read Radical Hospitality, the other book by these authors, before reading Benedict's Way. I like Radical Hospitality better if only because it spoke to me about how I need to make some changes in my life. Benedict's Way is a great book for anyone who wants to go a little deeper into benedictine spirituality but isn't much into serious scholarship. My brother is a Benedictine monk and he showed me a review of the book that came out recently. It talked about how this book is written in a simple and direct style but there is an evident scholarship lurking in the backgrounds of the authors. They just don't seem to be showy about it. Which is very good news for the reader who wants depth without pretentiousness. Even if you do read Radical Hospitality first, you'll love this book.

Benedict's Way guides the reader easily into understanding God's intentions of our time here on earth. We have created a fast paced lifestyle that is self serving causing much anxiety. This is evident by the ever increaing need for lifestyle managing drugs. Our current society with all its technology and materialism has the highest rates of divorce, depression, sucide, etc., in history. It seems that all this financial wealth has done little to make us truly happy. Is it possible that God in is infinite wisdom understood this and inspired spiritual teachers like Buddha, Mother Terresa, and St. Benedict to teach us how to live?

Pratt and Homan have challenged the reader to look at their own life and reflect on it. For me personally this book has opened my eyes to my own self serving ways. Each chapter is thought provoking and one of my favorites Balance and Celebration caused me to pause and look at how I approach my family time, work time, personal time, spritual time, etc.

The format makes this an easy read with each chapter ending in a reflective prayer. Another great aspect of the book is the suggested reading section that includes web-sites to visit.

This book is a must read for anyone serious about living a simplier spirit filled life.

I'm new to Benedictine spirituality but am learning to value the simple things. I thought that made this book a good place to start my Benedictine journey. The book challenged my long-held ideas about spirituality and the nature of the universe and I came away feeling good about myself believing that maybe the universe is a good place after all. It helped me. I think that's what I really needed from a book rather than advice on Benedictine spirituality although I'm confident that is also a strength for this book. We all want balance and this really does help.

I could never really get into poetry, although I am a fan of Jazz and Spoken Word (close kin). A lot of poetry to me seems long winded, obscure, pretentious, and drawn out. Mr. Collins work is just the opposite. Eloquent and profound. I feel his words, and they have inspired me to read more of his works and the works of new authors as well. I finished "BrainChild: Visions of a Blind Poet" by Derek Alexander, and found it to be an excellent read. I can't wait to get my copy of "Tuesday's Dreams." Thank you, Mr. Collins, for opening my eyes to the wonderful world of poetry.

Months ago, while searching through amazon, I came across this CD. I had not before heard of or read any of Billy Collins work, but since I enjoy reading poetry as well as writing it myself, I thought I would give this disk a chance, so I ordered it.

After receiving it, I listened to it for the first time in the car, while driving across the city to meet friends at a new, upscale club. I remember sitting at a stop light, and having tears run down my cheeks. Maybe it was because I happened to be in love. Maybe it was because the poem forced me to think back on days gone by. Maybe it was because I'm a romantic. But one simple line begging a pardon over egg salad stains had me wiping off the mascara that travelled downward.

Billy Collins has a way of grasping the feelings within us that we try so hard to keep under wraps. He can be funny and uplifting one moment, and shockingly poignant the next. But always, he is honest. I think it must have been the honesty that suddenly jarred my emotions.

Since purchasing this CD, I have bought several of his books. I'm hooked.

Highly, HIGHLY recommended.

There is little to say other than Billy Collins is a gift to this and future generations, and hearing the poet speak the poet's words is exceedingly satisfying. There is much to laugh about while listening to this collection and one can only hope that more recordings of this wordsmith will be forthcoming.

In this Mary Kate and Ashley book the girls school is having a supermodel come to there school to do a photo shoot for one lucky girl who gets picked. Ashley really thinks she has a shot at it and really wants to be a model but Mary Kate on the other hand only wants to miss class. She never dreamed she would get picked but she did. Now Ashley is begging her to switch places. Will they? You'll have to read the book and find out. Oh and if you like the books check out the show on Fox Family Channel. Ta-Ta

In another 2 of a Kind book that reminds me of Sweet Valley Twins,a scout visits Mary-Kate and Ashley's school to choose a one-time model to appear in Real Teen magazine.Ashley couldn't be more excited!She starts turning up at school in sparkly dresses and high-heels.Mary-Kate thinks modelling is silly and playfully teases Ashley over her love of it.There is surprise in both girls when it is Mary-Kate who is chosen as the new Real Teen.Ashley begs Mary-Kate to swap places with her,but after MAry-Kate is conjoled into agreeing ,she starts to regret it.

"My sister the Supermodel" This book is about two girls,Mary-Kate and Ashley.Ashley wants to be a supermodel and she can't wait.The poeple from Real Teen magazine were coming to there school to pick a model of the month,and Ashley thinks or she knows that they are going to pick her.But when the day comes Mary-Kate gets picked.So ashley beggs Mary-Kate to make believe that she breaks her leg,so Mary-Kate did.But at the end it turned out that both of them were able to do the modeling.

I really liked this book because it was funny,interesting,and teaches us on how to handle our prblems. Yes I would definetly recommend this book to any one person.

In this novel, Joe Lansdale continues and deepens the partnership/friendship of Hap and Leonard, seen previously in Savage Season and Mucho Mojo.More than any other current writer, Lansdale has the uncanny knack of placing more hilarious dialogue and description on virtually every page, while he follows this seemingly mismatched pair's quest to find a friend who has disappeared deep in Klan country. Lansdale manages to shine his literary light on racism, southern culture, human relationships and foibles, all within the context of this gripping suspense novel. I guarantee that you'll not only set aside this book at times to think, but that you'll have to stop reading regularly to laugh out loud. A most wonderfully human novel from this gifted writer

These Hap Collins/Leonard Pine books is probably the best series you've never heard of. If you're already a fan of the books , you know what to expect, a good plot, great characters, and maybe the best dialogue in the business. Two-Bear Mambo is my personal favorite. If you just discovered this series , start with the first book "Savage Season" and jump right in.

THE TWO-BEAR MAMBO by Joe R. Lansdale continues the saga of Hap Collins and Leonard Pine where MUCHO MOJO left off. It starts out with Hap arriving at Leonard's house on Christmas Eve night. Blasting out of his friend's home is the music to "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" and Leonard is next door, kicking righteous butt and burning down the neighborhood crack house once again. The police pull Hap and Leonard in, but Lieutenant Marvin Hanson gets them off the hook, provided they do him a small favor. It seems that Hap's old girlfriend, Florida Grange (the one who left him for Hanson) took off to Grovetown, Texas to do an article on a black musician who supposedly hung himself while in the custody of the local police. Florida has suddenly vanished, and Hanson wants Hap and Leonard to pay a visit to Grovetown to see if they can find out anything. The only problem is that this particular Texas town is right out of the fifties and sixties. It's a viper's nest filled with Klansmen, led by Jackson Brown, who enjoy murdering the black folks and seem to be getting away with it. Both Hap and Leonard know that they're going to have their hands full just trying to stay alive as they attempt to investigate Florida's disappearance. Even together, as tough as they are, both men are going to find out that they've bitten off more than they can chew when they take on the populace of Grovetown. They'll find themselves in the middle of free-for-all that would put Billy Jack to shame and come very close to getting beaten to death. Both men will discover true fear for the first time in their lives and have to find a way of dealing with it as their injuries heal, if they want to be able to face each other again, as well as solve the mystery of what happened to Florida when they eventually return to Grovetown to face the evil of its people. THE TWO-BEAR MAMBO will give you a slightly different perspective of our two heroes this time around, making them more flawed and human. As tough as Hap and Leonard are, they're not invincible, and both of them come very close to death as they seek to right a wrong. They will find out things about themselves that will at first be difficult to face; yet, in the long run will make them stronger. Though a part of me knows that these two characters are fictional, the writing is so good that another part of me almost believes that they're real. These are guys that I'd simply love to hang out with, and it's a tribute to the talent of Joe R. Lansdale that he's created such believable characters...characters who are funny, skilled martial artists, almost always unemployed, who have the same kinds of problems with relationships that real people do, and who have a strong sense of honor and justice that gets them into trouble more often than not. Mr. Lansdale is able to do this because he has a unique skill in writing that comes off as being natural and down to earth, but is actually a master craftsman at work. He knows how to make each and every character in the novel come alive in ways I wish other authors could emulate. I never know how each book is going to end; and, quite often, I find myself stunned by who gets killed off. As you can probably tell, the "Hap Collins/Leonard Pine" series has swept me off of my feet in a way that few other books have, and it's one I can highly recommend to any reader who loves novels filled with action, humor, self-reflection, and characters that make you truly believe. I honestly don't know what I'm going to do after I read SAVAGE SEASON and then CAPTAINS OUTRAGEOUS. I wish I could sit down with Hap and Leonard, have a beer, and talk about this particular problem. Of course, I wouldn't get any sympathy from them. In fact, I'd probably have to spend an hour or more listening to their problems!!

Enterprise Knowledge Portals is filled with important, "real-world" information and tools for any organization planning or deploying a knowledge management portal. Heidi Collins documents case studies and a methodology with valuable questionnaires and planning models that will enhance any deployment. If you already have a portal initiative, the book can help your organization move from a departmental portal to an enterprise portal solution....

Collins has come a long way since the initial release of her "Corporate Portals" book in 2001. While the first book was helpful in introducing the concept of enterprise portals to the reader, this is an excellent work which brings step by step methodologies to organizations that wish to take advantage of their ability to leverage information assets and mold them into a working knowledge system. Not for the faint-hearted... Extensive use of spreadsheets and matrix table presentations throughout the book, but Collins nails this and provides an incredibly valuable methodology with real world scenarios as examples. This one is not sitting on the shelf; it's being used over & over again as a base foundation for creating our organization's "go-to" strategy in constructing our own knowledge management system. Definitely a keeper.

Pragmatic and articulate! Collins embodies a rich understanding of organizational visioning, business architecture and intellectual capital management within her portal framework. Today's gap between knowledge management theory and practical implementation is huge. Collins bridges that gap with Enterprise Knowledge Portals, providing synergy between people, process, technology and content.

If you are searching for what value you hold as a person, especially that of a child of God then this is the book for you. No other book has ever spoken so directly to me and my life's background. Dr. Seamands seemed to be talking directly to me throughout much of the book and has helped me to appreciate and love the REAL me, just as I am. My life will never be the same.

David Seamands shares why and how to move beyond crippling emotions. This book gave me the hope to look outward and not inward for healing. Biblical principles with scriptures are abundant to show the way of God, not the way of man. The choice is mine. Do I want God's way and peace or man's way and confusion. This choice is also yours to make.

God has used this book to wipe away the confusion and frustration that I have endured over many, many years. This book has given me understanding and God has set me free. I can now forgive others and ESPECIALLY myself! I now know the difference between bad theology and true Christian maturity.

If you hate yourself or are muddling through the muck and mire of depression, then let David Seamands show you your TRUE self and the TRUTH about the unconditional love that God has for you.

This book is truely entertaining, it covers music, culture, politics, drugs, ect... It was hard to put this book down, I was sucked into it and learned a great deal about the scene in Eroupe. I recommend this book to people who are looking for answers to questions they didn't know they were asking...

Excellent, informative history of the rave scene in England... everything is in here: how influential Ibiza was to the scene, MDMA and its history, smiley faces, baggy pants, all the main players and djs... it brought back a lot of happy memories of my raver days in NYC in the early 90s. A must read for those interested in this scene especially the beginning which shows that it all started in America: Larry Levan and the Paradise Garage, Frankie Knuckles's Warehouse parties, Dr. Shulgin and his MDMA studies... Britian took it to the next level in the 80s beginning with the Summer of Love and raves and was then past back to the US in the early 90s: Frankie Bones and the Storm raves, NASA, and the rest. This book tells you all about it!

Recommended to me by a friend. I have read all the books on our culture, and found this to be the most informative, historical, and unbiased description of the Rave culture. I was also quite suprised that the book dealt more with the actual culture of ravers, and didn't spend so much time on drug talk. Interesting discussion of the role the Alcohol industry played in the criminalization of ecstasy. Gives a lot of food for thought. A definite MUST HAVE.

Although the synopsis as written here is actually the plot line to Nancy A. Collins' book "Wild Blood", "Sunglasses After Dark" is one the best vampire novels I've ever read. Sonja Blue is a very complex and sympathic character in the same manner as LeStat and like the early Anne Rice vampire novels, you find yourself getting mental impressions from the detailed story lines long after reading the book. This is definitely one to keep and read 2 or 3 times.

This book rocks. period. and about the film, bud, if you actually READ the book, you know that with today's cencorship problems, there is no way the film would be released in the US. on to the review! let me just say that if you love vampires, are strong of stomach, and don't get offended too easily, READ THIS BOOK! Our main character is Sonja Blue, a renegade vampire, vampire slayer, owner of Renfeilds, and prostitute (sometimes). This book was really graphic, as were the illustrations sometimes. but i must say that to this day it is my favorite book, a close second being The Long Hard Road Out Of Hell, by Marilyn Manson, but that's another story. The story aside, this book is extremely realistic, and doesn't balance it's weight on iffy situations. Sonja's extreme suberbness, wasn't just a fluke, as so many movies are clicheing so much, she was a mess up, the byproduct of her creator's uncarefulness. My friend showed me this book, and since then i have gotten two more people into Sonja Blue, and i hope i can get you in too. Beautiful book, stunning story, vampiric vixen, what more could a guy ask for?

I have never been the type who went for reading the adventures of werewolves & vampires, etc., but Nancy Collins Sonya Blue series was able to persuade me otherwise. I first read Sunglasses in college and found that not only did I like it, but could not put the book down. Sonya Blue is definitely nothing like that OTHER well known vampire writer's protagonist, LeWuss, I mean, well, you know who I mean...Sonya Blue is unlike any vampire you'll ever read about. In the first installment, we are introduced to a badass Sonya, and Nancy Collins has a way of making the reader care about this badass. Not only is the story compelling, but if you read the subsequent Sonya Blue books, you'll see that the character development meets and exceeds all expectations. I have read all four novels in the Sonya Blue collection and simply cannot say enough positive things about the series. My favorite book happens to be In the Blood, but the reader would be doing a great disservice to himself not to read the other books.