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Book reviews for "Gontarski,_Stanley_E." sorted by average review score:

The Making of Kubrick's 2001
Published in Paperback by New American Library (1970)
Author: Jerome Agel
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Profusely illustrated
.... Agel's book is of note as the most illustrated book in this field. Although they're all in black and white, the number is way beyond any other book's attempt. This book is a standard paperback size, 368 pages with a 96 page photo insert. Most pages contain several images, some are full page, but the screen resolution of the images is quite fine, they are printed on fine white paper and thus the images are nicely detailed. The images in the insert are mostly scenes from the film, but they also include many behind-the-scenes peeks at some of the technical magic on screen. Apart from the insert, there are a few frames reproduced from the MAD magazine version of the film, also the instruction sheet from the Aurora model of the Pan Am Orion III Space Clipper. I can recommend this book for its text content alone, but the photo insert made it literally my constant companion through the 1970s. A bookshelf neighbour for Agel should be Piers Bizony's 'Filming the Future', a larger book with a smaller number of larger, rarer, colour images.

I Wish I Still Had My Copy
This is just an indispensable book for Kubrick fans. I lost my copy some years ago in a move and have bitterly regretted it ever since. Not just a puff piece but a virtual encyclopedia of everything related to the film, including the MAD magazine parody. Please put this back into print!

Nobleness
I share A Reader's below opinion. This is one of the best film books I've ever read. Besides going into extensive detail about 2001, the book also harks back to an era when people thought both science and movies could actually transform humankind for the better. Today most people probably rightly expect nothing from science but corporate-sponsored dangers (psychotropic drugs, laser weaponry, etc.); and nothing from movies but dumb, loud, soulless, merchandising vehicles filled with digital fireballs. I realize both science and the movies have always produced both good AND bad. And I have no use for unrealistic, slimy, we-CAN-win-in-Vietnam-style optimism. Still, much of the period's optimism, realistic or not, pertained to noble goals (civil rights, fighting poverty, etc.), and Agel's book (about a movie from the pessimistic director Stanley Kubrick, ironically enough), has that nobly optimistic feeling.


Man and Superman: A Comedy and a Philosophy (Penguin Classics)
Published in Paperback by Penguin USA (Paper) (02 January, 2001)
Authors: Bernard Shaw, Dan H. Laurence, George Bernard Shaw, and Stanley Weintraub
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Pure Bergsonism
George Bernard Shaw was called, with good reason, the "English Nietzsche". Though Nietzsche was an aristocrat and Shaw a socialist, both cherished the dream of the superman and looked forward to the day when he would be realised. Both, however, were characterised by their mordant wit and intellectual cynicism, in which "Man and Superman" abounds. Shaw manages to compress a number of disparate themes into a relatively taut dramatic format, even throwing in a scene in which Don Juan, the Devil and a gang of anarchist brigands make an appearance. The central event of the plot involves the wealthy Tanner, a member of the "Idle Rich Class" making himself subservient to the Life Force and seeking the perfect woman to marry, who would guarantee him a very special offspring, his ideal, the superman himself. Though Shaw was not known to have read the works of Bergson at that time, nor to have been conversant with his vitalist doctrine of the Life Force, his use of the Life Force motif and the philosophical underpinnings of the play attest to a pure Bergsonism. The most delightful part, however, is the "Revolutionist's Handbook" at the end, which contains Shaw's most scandalous anti-Establishment jibes. For instance, "Do not do unto others as you would them do unto you. They might not have the same taste."

Don Juan, in the 20th century
In this title, G.B. Shaw outdoes himself. Not only does he manage to turn up with a Don Juan play in our modern day and age, which is full of cynicism, and doesn't give in to 'medieval' codes of behaviour, but he even manages to turn around the table. Here, the hunter becomes the hunted, forced to flee from his pursued/pursuer. Shaw includes in this play an ingenious conversation between the original 15th century characters, which not only explains about Don Juan's philosophy, but shines a new light upon our own lives, here and today.

a philosphical comedy
The writings of Bernard Shaw in this particulat play, invites to you use your mind to understand life and philosphy. It has such great insight into many aspects of human nature and at the same time is exteremely funny and really takes you into it's pages. The writing has impecable style and this is truly a classic play.


Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base
Published in Hardcover by National Academy Press (15 July, 1999)
Authors: Janet E. Joy, Stanley J. Watson, John A. Benson, Institute of Medicine (U.S.) Division of Neuroscience and Behavioral H, National Research Council, and Institute of Medicine
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You can read this book for free at the Institutes site.
You can read this book for free at the Institute of Medicines site. Do a title search at google.

I'd give it more stars!
A must have if you want to arm yourself with scientifically proven facts on this very controversially subject. I was so excited to find out what the Institute of Medicine had to say about cannabis, that I went out and told everyone I know. A true gem. Let's get this information out to everyone! And to all of those who helped put this book on the shelf, thank you! so much.

A useful reference about the facts on marijuana
This book is the result of a $900,000 two year study of the known facts on marijuana, including a review of recent literature and interviews with patients. It was requested by "Drug Czar" McCaffrey after medical marijuana had become legal in California. No doubt McCaffrey was hoping the Institute of Medicine would come out against it. However, when finally released in March 1999, the Institute of Medicine report not only confirmed that marijuana has legitimate medical uses and is remarkably safe, it also demolished the myths that marijuana leads to harder drugs or that it causes "amotivational syndrome".

Did you know that 32% of all nicotine users develop a psychological dependency on their drug, as do 15% of all alcohol users versus only 9% of marijuana users? The book is full of useful facts like these.

If you want to get involved in the debate about what drug policy will serve us best you should read this book. Thank you, Mr McCaffrey :-)


Old Dogs Remembered
Published in Paperback by Synergistic Pr (01 June, 1999)
Authors: Bud Johns, Tom Stienstra, James Thurber, Brooks Atkinson, E.B. White, Loudon Wainwright, John Galsworthy, Stanley Bing, John Updike, and Ross Santee
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For a good cry......
read one of the short pieces in this anthology. They are also incredibly uplifting too. A brilliant bedside companion for any dog lover.

Not a sad read but a celebratory one
Although each of the pieces in this book was inspired by the loss of a much beloved dog, this is really a book about vibrant, fully-alive dogs: family pets, fellow hunters, soul mates, and best friends. And while none of the dogs remembered so fondly here still lives, Old Dogs affirms the remarkably special place in the heart we reserve for our dogs. My own dog is sturdy in her middle-age, but reading the eulogies and odes in this moving anthology has made me appreciate more all the quirky habits I take for granted, like how she can't resist running off with one of my Reeboks when I'm shoeing up for our evening walk--the little prance she performs when I tell her, "Bring the shoe back!" Not a sad read but a celebratory one, required for every dog owner!

Makes wonderful reading.
This is a remarkable anthology of stories and poems by outstanding authors of the past, as well as more recent times. Although these moving remembrances are only of beloved dogs, the lovers of any species of pet will find identical sentiments for their own losses. Whatever kind of companion animal you had, you will find your own bereavement and healing tears reflected here, as well.

Care was taken to avoid over-sentimentality, in this assortment of loving reflections of dogs, celebrated here. These accounts are full of love, and are sometimes even funny - and we are thrust into the realization that perhaps that is the most wonderful kind of living memorials we can have for a beloved pet. Too often, we lose this perspective, while trying to keep from drowning in our own bereavement and sorrows.

Rather than being a collection of sad literary memorials Old Dogs Remembered is a joyful celebration of life with pets. This inspires healthy new points of view and adjustments to moving on into our new lives, without them.

Here we are treated to many different outlooks on how they permanently enriched the lives of their owners. Reading these heartwarming pages will broaden the understanding of each reader, concerning his/her own personal bereavement. Here, we are offered the collective wisdom of others, who reminisce on their honored pets. There is much to be shared and learned here, as well as enjoyed.

With so many different authors, one must appreciate that references and styles have changed drastically, through the ages. As an example of this, some might find the essay by the dramatist John Galsworthy to be interesting, but a bit troublesome to read. And, as with any anthology, there may be some accounts not everyone would appreciate. But all pet lovers will readily identify with the overall shared remembrances, here. This is a heartwarming collection, which can be enjoyed comfortably, in several installments.

There will be many an uplifting tear shed in its reading, and we suggest it for your reading pleasure.


Oro
Published in Hardcover by St. Martin's Press (1987)
Authors: Cizia Zyke and Stanley Hochman
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High Adventure - and more
I read Zyke's book first when I was a teenager (in the 80's, that is). It really made an impression, and does the same still.

First of all, the book tells a great tale of adventure, friendship and so on. The hero (teller) is an intresting mixture of a hero and an antihero. From the deep jungles of Costa Rica he finds a place where he can by the laws he likes most, his own.

As an adult reader I now find other aspects even more interesting. Zyke does, interestingly enough, in some points explain his philosophy. There will always be those who are subdued, and those who subdue others... and it's after all better to belong to the latter. Yes, that's nietczhe, cruel, perhaps even inhumane to some. But what I respect is that Zyke is by no means a hippocrat - he does not try to be better than he is.

Sure, the story is in some aspects quite unbelievable, Zyke tells things as he sees fit.. Sure, Zyke crosses (my personal) line messing with very young girls. Despite all of this, you just cant dislike him.

By the way, my ex-girlfriend read the book too. I was waiting for a feminist reaction of the biggest caliber - but she liked the book alot. Well, what can you say of that?

This book deserves 6 stars!
This guy is a bit like Frank Abagnale in "Catch Me if You Can" but way way worse!

I read this book again and again, it is simply fabulous! What a story, what a man! Zyke is the anti-hero, the ultimate dirty crook, guns, drugs, girls, anything goes. Too bad it's out of print now.

Cizia Zyke also wrote 2 other true stories. In one he pretends to be a maffioso in Canada. In the other he's having a blast srewing up people in Africa. Both are 5 stars too, highly recommended.

He also wrote a handful of novels (fiction) with which he wasn't as successful, sorry to say.

so excellent
i have read the 50 first pages of the book in one week, and the 350 else, in two days. this is to indicate that i so much liked this excellent adventure, and i must leave you now, because i am going immediately to catch a plane for Costa Rica. Maybe i write a book when i'll be back, if i'm back. i am so sad that i have finished the book, i should have kept a bit for every day. tchao


Rajac
Published in Paperback by 1stBooks Library (1999)
Author: Stanley Spain
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Rajac
I read this book in 1985, and I highly recommend it for all ages. Children will love the tale of the brave Rajac, as he searches for the meaning of life. It is well written, and I would call it a sleeper. It would be a wonderful movie, I guess the Disney people dont know about it.

Fin-Tastic!
Rajac, beautifully written by Stanley Spain, is a timeless tale with wisdom for all ages. Before turning the first page, I was already engulfed in the story of the young fin whale, Rajac, and his coming-of-age. The dilemas, conflicts and inspirations of the magnificent creature create not only a unique and brilliant plot, but a thought-provoking journey for the reader. Rajac's discovery of his own strength as he forges North for the first time alone, and his subsequent determination to seek the subject of his father's final words, is colorfully developed with the help of a delightful group of intriguing characters. Ms. Spain has skillfully intertwined a fantastic study of whale behavior, anatomy and instinct with emotion and humor. I laughed, I cried and, several times, pondered the meaning of life. Rajac's tale will touch the young and old alike, leaving all who read it with a new appreciation for our fellow mammal friends.

Excellent Read
Stanley Spain has written a coming-of-age novel from the point of view of a magnificent beast -- in this case, a young fin whale named Rajac. Having lost his family to whalers, Rajac must reconnect with whale society, find the mysterious whale Yatroo of whom his dying father spoke, and help his race find a new way to live in a world overrun by killer men. Spain's knowledge of whale biology and behavior lends the novel plausibility, while her fluent writing evokes the haunting beauty of the ocean depths. This is an excellent book for family reading. It's interesting for teenagers on up to senior citizens.


No Static: A Guide to Creative Radio Programming
Published in Paperback by Backbeat Books (2002)
Authors: Quincy McCoy and Stanley Crouch
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Worth the money
If you want a book that will get your mind stirring, this is it.

Curious about a career in Radio?
This book should be course-required reading for those aspiring to a career in radio. As a student studying broadcast communications this book has been invaluable at framing the industry and providing insight into the nuances of the medium. Mr McCoy has been a pioneer in the industry and has consistently inspired creativity in others... this book continues that trend.

A must read for anyone in radio
As a person in the radio industry, "No static" gives one the straight goods. Quincy MCCoy has become my new mentor. "No static" certinally has opened my eyes to a industry that I thought I knew. If there is one book about the business we love to love, Q's book is a page tuner and a must read!!.


The Pawprints of History : Dogs and the Course of Human Events
Published in Hardcover by Free Press (2002)
Author: Stanley Coren
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Because of a Dog
Our intensely personal feelings for our dogs often result in sincere but maudlin attempts to articulate their importance. Strangers can not share our depth of feeling, which is often individualized toward one particular dog or set of experiences.

Stanley Coren avoids sentimentality by employing the distance and perspective of history, describing the historical situations in which dogs have left their paw prints. It is Coren's contention that dogs have been a motive force in history, not merely chasing sticks into the waters of our past but actually spreading ripples of consequence throughout our lives. The cumulative effect of these historical particulars is to see in them something enduring and universal.

His proof starts at the beginning of our history. And why not? Cave markings reveal that ancient man was greeted by a wagging tail. Coren describes many memorable scenes and anecdotes from the ancient world to the present in which dogs have changed the lives of such diverse figures as Sir Walter Scott, Columbus, Washington, Lincoln, Freud, and Alexander Graham Bell. It adds to my respect for Mr. Lincoln, for example, to learn that he leaped into an icy Wabash River waist-high in order to save his fallen friend. While composing, Wagner went so far as to use his dog's responses to the use of certain musical notes.

Coren's narrative history suggests that our relationship with dogs is significantly different from our relationship with other animals. No one writes poems about pigs or cows. Dogs, on the other hand, have achieved their vaunted status by demonstrating characteristics quite different from the rest of the animal kingdom, characteristics aristocratic and anachronistic in a modern, democratic society: loyalty, honesty, trust, discrimination, and an unconditional love which humans have never been able to match.

Equally remarkable in these stories is how often dogs naturally respond in the most appropriate, admirable ways. A dog's behavior is the result of nature and habit rather than rational calculation-his or ours. It makes sense that people in turn respond to these great gifts with reverence and gratitude. In the introduction to their training manual, the monks of New Skete write that, in a modern, technological world, dogs are the only connection to nature that many of us have and consequently the only connection to something uncreated by us.

This continuity with the infinite is one reason I found Coren's introduction poignant. He imagines a scene some ten thousand years ago where early man lies in a hut, at rest with his family around a dying firelight, while the dog perks his ears toward the primitive night. "What do you hear, my dog?" he asks. "You will tell me if I should worry?" Then he proceeds to relate a brief story, handed down through generations, of how dogs became man's hunter, guardian, and friend. After the story, the alert dog yawns and rests his hands on his paws. Before the man sleeps he asks the question that Stanley Coren ponders in these pages: "What would life be like without you?"

My Reveiw
I liked this book a lot. I have learned many things from it. It has very interesting facts.

terrific book
I can't remember when I enjoyed a book more. It was insightful, fascinating, and difficult to put down. Surprisingly easy to read, I would enthusiastically recommend it to anyone who owns or loves dogs. I would also recommend it to history buffs or to those who want to read about famous people and events from a slightly different perspective. What a terrific read!


The Professional Commodity Trader
Published in Hardcover by Traders Pr (1985)
Author: Stanley Kroll
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A Good Summary of Trading Experience
In this fantastic book Stanley Kroll discloses his secret of successful commodity trading. As a trader, I find that the book is very useful. The central theme is to follow the trend, than get in during secondary reaction or rally, and then set a rigid cut loss point. After retired from active trading, Stanley Kroll finally returned to the exciting scene of trading. But when he came back, he found that his theory is no longer applicable to the market. This teaches that each one has to be flexible and adapted to the market. He should also develop a new system to reflect the change in the market. Those who are interested in this field could also find the only book by Jesse Livermore, "How to Trade in Stocks" and read it. He could dig a lot of useful information from them.

Must read
I checked this book out of the library, read it and then went and ordered a copy to own. This book reads similarly to ROSO and Marty Schwartz's Pit Bull, except it makes an attempt to show you some of his methods through charts and thought process. Basically, align with the major trend, fade the counter trend at 50% retracements, scale in and scale out. Most of all, be patient, trust your trade and know when you are wrong. Whether or not he chose choice successful examples to write in this book is irrelevant. One gripe I did have though, was not seeing how he would come up with his price objectives, perhaps calculated off a 150% extension. I suspect this is in one of his other books.

I have read around 100 trading related books, this one was a sleeper book that was not expected to be great and so, caught me off guard. This book will certainly stay in my top 10 list and I will be sure to pick up the rest of Stanley Kroll's books.

Superb! Best for the veteran traders
You seldom find in the universe of trading books that a trader will use more passages to cover stories about his failure than success. This is just a rare breed. Perhaps Kroll was confident enough to do so with the backup of his outstanding trading record, and his determination to write a superb trading book.

To me, this is a modern day Reminiscences Of a Stock Operator ROSO. Of course, Kroll and his book are not as "great" as Livermore and ROSO. However, the tone/style of the books are not so distant, and so are their values. In fact, Kroll had voiced out his admiration for Livermore.

In short, cut loss short, keep profit run, plan your game well, focus on the major trend and buy on its minor retracement, keep absolutely calm and relaxed, see lights across the board and not just of what you trade, trade opposite to the news on mass media, mind the single/double day reversal, the sardine story (some commodities are for trading and not for eating), not to be worried about the beginning of a big trend coz it always lasts longer than most people expect, go along with the technical when it clearly shows something at variance with the psychology of the market, and much more wise words are present in this book.

As a value added service, I would like to quote one passage here for your reference.

"There's a great tendency to get carried away by the prevailing market psychology at that time and not doing any liquidating. But you've got to resist that tendency. When the market attains that major price objective, where you had projected closing out, say, half the position, do it. If you dont, you will probably regret it later."

In a word, a must read.

p.s. The only bad thing of this book is the exceptionally poor front cover design.


Sand Creek Massacre
Published in Paperback by Univ of Oklahoma Pr (Trd) (1974)
Authors: Stan Hoig and Stanley Hoig
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Sand Creek Massacre
I rated this book 4 stars for the incredible amount of information regarding the time period revolving around the massacre. Any fan of western history or native american history should read this book. The only thing about the book that I did not like was that it appeared that the author continuoulsy gave reasons of provocation on Colonel Chivington's actions against Black Kettle and his people who were trying to live in harmony with the settlers and the army. Im not saying the author is a Chivington apologist by any means and did a great job with the facts, but maybe my own contempt and feelings toward Chivington and Anthony got in the way. There are many contributing factors to what happened but the bottom line is Chivington hated the Indians and wanted them dead. I recommend the book....especially if you live or plan to travel the eastern Colorado area.

Blood Stained Sands
The Sand Creek Massacre was one of the most heinous acts to ever be committed against the American Indian culture. This is an atrocity that has been quietly tucked away in the back of the American consciousness and I feel that Stan Hoig has done it justice by bringing it to light in this wonderfully revealing book. Mr. Hoig pulls no punches in his expose (as the government and military pulled no punches in their attempts to annihilate an entire race of people) and I must applaud him for his efforts. Parts of this book will bring your eyes to tear, others will redden your face with anger, and others will numb your mind with horror at the brutal acts of murder and mutilation that were committed in the name of greed and hatred. This is a book that should be required reading for all Americans so that they may understand just whose blood this country was built upon. Never have I read a historical account so compelling. White Antelope, my brother, I hope that the truth of this book helps you to rest in peace!!

Why ?
I have been a student of Native American history for more years than I care to remember, and each time I finish reading a book on the subject I ask myself the same question.Why ? This book unfortunately reflects all others on the subject, for the white mans GREED. Of course with hindsight, we all agree it should not have happend, certainly Sand Creek should not have happened, hindsight or no, Hoig has written a really moving epitaph to the Cheyenne Nation, and whilst history may be written by the victors,there will always be people searching, and often finding the truth, sure the Indian may not have been perfect, but nor were the white europeans who were prepared to annihilate whole cultures in their greed for land, gold etc. A well written book which any student of Native American culture should not be without.


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