As a lifelong Catholic, there are many areas of our faith that I accepted without fully knowing how and why they came to be. Reading this book has given me a new insight into the richness of our traditions and their basis. I have a deeper appreciation of the sacraments, the seasons of the church and the practices that surround them. I especially liked the review of the liturgical year, and I can see myself using this book to follow the Church calendar as an aid in spiritual growth. In short, a great book for Catholics who want to know why we do what we do.

I thoroughly enjoyed Regis's book. I have both this book and his "How To" book on Catholic Devotions in my office. It is a life saver when co-workers ask me questions about my faith and I can provide a clear and accurate answer to thier questions. Also, my two daughters have found simple explanations to questions they have, especially with regard to the seasons of the liturgical year and the sacraments of our faith. God Bless you Regis, keep up the good work.

As a 5th grade religous educator, I found this book extremely helpful. My class concentrates on the sacraments and Catholic Customs is a great resource. It is also a great source for all about the life of the Church. It will answers those questions of why certain Catholic tranditions exist. It definately gives all a fresh look at our Catholic faith.

I found this book to be a great resource for the engineering and design fundamentals that relate to the question "how is all that data formatted and organized in digital television broadcasting?" The MPEG-2 Systems Standard is one of the foundations of digital television. If you're interested in how MPEG-2 really works at the system level, you'll find this book an excellent resource. The chapter on MPEG Transport by itself is worth the price of the book, but it also does a great job explaining another arcane MPEG-2 Standard, Digital Storage Media Command and Control (DSM-CC). It turns out DSM-CC is very useful in data broadcasting, but if you were to pick up the IEC standard itself and try to make sense of it, you'd find it very challenging.

Even though broadcasters have not started transmitting data along with digital television, this book sets the framework for understanding how it will be done. It's written by those experts in the field who actually designed the standard, so you know the information is accurate.

I highly recommend this book to all those who develop or maintain data broadcasting systems.

The good point is that it is not at all a replication of the specification (though a true copy of the A/90 spec is added as an appendix). The concepts are clear, progressive and sufficiently illustrated.

Chapter 3 alone tells you most you need to know about MPEG-2 Systems standard. I gained extra insight from it even after I had studied the original 13818-1 spec.

This book, written by several of data broadcast specification authors, is The Definitive Work on the ATSC Data Broadcast specification.

If you are an implementer of data broadcasting, you need exactly two things: a copy of the specification and a copy of this book.

It is unfortunate that the Omnibus of Sources has become increasingly difficult to get one's hands on, yet this collection of the works of Francis and Clare is a splendid alternative. Francis and Clare articulate such an incredible vision of what it means to enter into the mystery of Christ. Perhaps the most splendid account in this collection is Francis' words to Brother Leo on what constitutes true joy. These texts are excellent for anyone wishing to embrace Christ by way of the example of the Little Poor Ones of Assisi. An excellent supplement to this text is "Franciscan Christology" published by the Franciscan Institute in Bonaventure, New York. Pax et Bonum.

I consider this volume a "must have" for anyone interested in Franciscan history and spirituality. The content, translations, and notes provide a very fine background in the original writings of Francis and Clare.

Until the Omnibus of Sources returns to "print," this is the best primary souce material available.

Wow! This book has to be my favorite in "The Classics of Western Spirituality" series so far. Francis and Clare of Assisi's know writings are all collected here. This is wonderful source material rarely found in its entirety elsewhere. Francis and Clare are given their own excellent introductions. This is an indispensable resource that is very nicely done. Buy it.

Painting without canvas was what Fr. Bob originally wanted to name the book. I think a better name would be making peace with life.

He does a wonderful job of teaching even when he was in such pain and others would feel sorry for him. His words reminded my of Tuesdays with Morrie.

He shows that even though we all know that death is coming, to make the most of our time here.

It is a short book but it demonstrates his ability to teach adn to command an audience (even of one) very well.

Father Bob Stewart's easy-to-read book will cause you to weep and mourn, but his message is strong, clear and inspirational. He shows us that a life cut short by a disease such as cancer isn't a tragic or unfinished life.

He challenges us to walk with our crises, rather than run away from them or bitterly stand against them. He teaches us how to find moments of love and blessings in our darkest times.

If you or anyone you love suffers or has suffered from cancer or any other terminal disease, this book will be a God-send. Because through his own journey -- his walk with Brother Cancer -- Father Bob shows how to find meaning and peace in death.

Father Stewart's book speaks in everyday words to the everyday man and woman, but with a beauty not unlike poetry, such as Donne's Sonnets. It is not a theological tome to be waded through. It flows with an ease the reader will appreciate. It is the same ease at which Father Stewart lived his life. For me, the nexus of 'Making Peace with Cancer' is the freedom God has given each of us. That freedom forms the basis for understanding why people suffer from cancer, or endure other hardships. It is not God's will for these events to befall us. As Father Stewart explains, God cries when we do, and He cries when we are in pain, whether physical or emotional. If God controlled these things, we would not be free.

'Making Peace with Cancer' is not just for cancer patients. It is for everyone who wants to find peace in their lives as well as a sense of the wonderful life that awaits us in God's Kingdom. I found the book, in a word, to be 'life-affirming.' In the interest of full disclosure, I should point out that Bob Stewart is my cousin. However, I have recently returned to my faith, and so it was not with a blind eye that I read 'Making Peace with Cancer.' The thoughts expressed in the book are beautiful and will perhaps provide peace, as well as truth, for those who seek it.

I actually bought this book (and the 4 after it) in France, and it's such a great story (even in french) I'm so glad they translated it and released it over here in America, so more people can enjoy it.

I wish more European comic books were available in the US. I bought Peter Pan in Los Angeles in the triple-X section of a comic book store (Golden Apple). What a joke! I've read most of Loisel's work and it is really good. There are numbers of European comic books that are as good as this and even better. I wonder if they will ever be imported.

THIS COMIC BOOK IS SO INCREDIBLE TO READ FOR EVERYONE NO MATTER WHAT AGE YOU ARE IT WILL TOUCH YOUR HEART.THE ARTIST LOISEL HAS AN AMZING WAY OF DRAWING IN THE EUROPEAN COMIC WORLD PETERPAN IS MY FAVORITE

I had been wanting this cookbook for a long time but never got around to ordering it. (I know - excuses, excuses!) Normally, I like to order by mail (like Amazon), but not too ago, I walked into a major bookstore chain in Houston where they had some copies on sale. I thumbed through it and saw many enticing recipes at first glance - not just one! Like Aunt Pittypat's Pecan Poundcake - you can't go wrong with this one! Buy the book and see the surprise ingredients! Anyhow, because of a silly habit I have, I always reach down and get from the middle bottom. When I opened up the book, there in the front cover was Regis Phlbin's personal signature. It read, "Thanks & Bon Appetit - Regis Philbin." I asked the clerk about it and she said sometimes they send out signed copies. Thanks, Regis, for making my day! The wonderful and funny personalities of Regis & Kathy Lee and their guests come alive all throughout this book which makes it that much sweeter! I love the book! The garlic rice with pine nuts (yum! yum!) is worth the money all by itself! I can't wait to try more recipes. But now I have to buy another copy so I can actually turn the pages! (I'm saving this copy!) To all who buy it - bon appetit!

The book is well organized. It is lots of fun for the TRUE Regis and Kathie Lee Fans. However, even if you don't like them you'll enjoy the cook book. So check it out and enjoy a dish tonight.

As one who was first shown the Northern Lights, alerted to a bull elk's bugle and introduced to Blue Flax (Linum lewisii) by Frank Craighead, one who was favored with the chance to rent a cabin from him facing the Tetons and enjoy many hours of conversation and dinners with him and his family, I feel qualified to say that this rare book, FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON, is a portrait of the man as well as the biologist---there is nothing detached or dry in Frank's telling, but a thinly veiled almost poetic passion for the natural world he so intimately knows---and wants others to know as he does. For if you can love nature, you will want to save it; And I see that as one of Frank's primary goals. Yet he is generous, not hoarding, in his knowledge of secret sites where exciting biota interact: He could easily withold where and at what exact time of year one finds morel mushrooms or certain unusual flowers, but he doesn't. He trusts the reader enough to not harm what he discovers through Frank's book. A valuable, valuable read and resource. There could not be any better for that region.

For anyone who's in love with the land of the Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, Craighead's book is required reading. What a joy to follow the changes of the seasons and the cycle of birth and migration of the area's animals with this knowledgeable man as a guide! Craighead focuses on weekly changes in climate and life, and each week is brimming with details of flora and fauna. I am constantly learning about my home, but this book isn't just for Jackson Hole dwellers - there are vivid photos on every page and extensive appendices for birders and amateur ecologists, as well as mammoth additional reading lists and a detailed index. Thanks, Frank.

The second in a projected three-volume series, this well-crafted tome brings together the early sources on Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), arguably one of the most popular saints among Christians and non-Christians alike, shedding light on his role as religious founder. The writings of Francis himself were collected in the first volume, as were the earliest lives of Francis and some liturgical documents. The editors represent the three branches of traditional Franciscanism, and together offer what are as far as I can tell all of the primary sources dealing with the first years of the Order, along with introductions and copious notes. While much of the material is repetitious, what emerges is a portrait of Francis from several different perspectives, not all of them flattering. The documents collected here represent that period of time in the life of the Order when the followers of Francis were trying to determine how to live the life that he had left them. They show various attempts to interpret his wishes for his followers. Even the different biographies were written with a view toward advancing one or another interpretation of the Franciscan Rule. Presented in roughly chronological order, the documents show the developing views on Francis and his legacy. The first, The Beginning or Founding of the Order, treats of the development from a group of companions informally gathered around him to the beginnings of what would become the Order of Saint Francis. The Assisi Compilation, dated 1244-1269, collects personal reminiscences of Francis, and offers a multi-faceted portrait. In introducing the legends and sermons by Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, the editors show how Bonaventure used the information at his disposal to a certain extent to his own ends. They note that Bonaventure's portrait of Francis became normative for a time, but was later contested. What results is a fascinating collection of documents illustrating the influence of this great man, and the struggles his followers went through in their attempts to interpret his rule in changing circumstances. Scripture quotations are put in italics, and the reference supplied in the margin. I did note one mistake: On p. 168, the reference is given as Rv. 4:12, a verse that does not exist. Surely the reference is to one of Paul's epistles. The editors have critically examined the documents, and indicate where one is dependent on another. The footnotes make reference to varying interpretations of certain passages, and relate the works to earlier Christian writings. An appendix has eleven maps, some showing the geographical or political features of the area, and two showing Assisi at the time of Francis. While the critical apparatus make this work especially valuable for scholars, all those interested in Francis of Assisi or the history of Christianity at the time will appreciate having all of these text gathered into a convenient volume.

No more bird bath type view of who Francis is. With the most up to date scholarship, Franciscan scholars have put together the best English translations with a commentary that can guide you through the medieval world in wich these early documents of Francis of Assisi were written. I find the commentary particularly useful in my own personal study as well as meditation so as to make Franciscan spirituality meaningful to today. The Volume Two focuses on Francis as the founder of the Franciscan movement of communities of lesser brothers (friars minor), poor ladies (poor Clares nuns) and the tertiaries (regulars and seculars). This is essential reading for Franciscans and franciscans-at-heart to find out what Francis has wanted his followers to do.

Lovesey's latest Peter Diamond mystery is, not surprisingly, good. Diamond, still recovering from his wife's death is brought in to investigate the murder of a Bath woman. As the woman was involved in the investigation of a serial killing, Diamond is gradually roped into that as well, bringing both cases to conclusion.

What I liked a lot about the novel and the series is the ongoing character development we see from book to book. Ingeborg, the journalist turned policewoman we met in a previous novel is a fresh new addition, together with Hen--Diamon's counterpart from the beach town where one of the murders occured. I will strongly recommend this book to fans of police procedural series.

Stubborn and crusty Bath Police Inspector Peter Diamond manages to poach on several patches in his eighth outing, when an attractive young Bath resident is strangled on a crowded beach in Bognor. No witnesses despite the crowd, and the tide has washed away any evidence, so it's days before Bognor Inspector "Hen" Mallin, a compact, cigar-smoking dynamo, identifies the woman as Emma Tysoe, a psychologist professor and serial-killer profiler. She was on leave from her college in order to help the police with something she described only as "Huge, if it's true."

His curiosity whetted, Diamond teams up with Mallin and both ignore the Home Office national command to keep clear of Emma's last hush-hush case - a crossbow killer targeting a named list of celebrities and dropping clues from "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." Brushing up on his Coleridge, Diamond and his new pal, the unintimidated Hen, also track a rebuffed suitor and a reluctant beach witness, while delving into Emma's coded computer files and her active private life.

Winner of the Diamond Dagger for Lifetime Achievement, Lovesey crafts an intricate mystery with neat surprises around several unexpected twists. Hen Mallin is a fine addition to the series; gruff enough to hold her own even with Diamond, she's comfortable enough to be friendly, even vulnerable, and has a ready sense of humor. Diamond, still melancholy a year after his wife's murder, has recovered his edge although he's not nearly as insensitive as he used to be. Various points of view juggle the action and fine secondary characters give the story further depth. As well written as ever, Lovesey's latest will please old fans and new.

"Echoes of Notre Dame Football," with its superb collection of Fighting Irish football memorabilia, hits on the high points of a storied football tradition. In additon to having a fine text with plenty of stories on the great Irish football hereoes, including a full chapter on the school's 7 Heisman Trophy winners, along with the memorable games, the book also includes CD disks with audio material involving the likes of ND super fan Regis Philbin and memorable coach Ara Parseghian.

The big games are covered in fascinating detail, making them come live again. The disks include audio portions from those great contests with announcers like Keith Jackson and Van Patrick calling play by play. Among the memorable contests covered are the 1935 classic when the Irish upended Ohio State 18-13 in the closing seconds, the famous 10-10 tie at Michigan State in 1966, and the great comeback in the 1979 Cotton Bowl, when a dehydrated Joe Montana, fortified by chicken soup, returned after the second half had already begun, leading the previously overwhelmed Irish from a 34-7 deficit against Houston to win 35-34 as the clock expired, giving football fans a preview of what to expect from the great quarterback when he joined the Forty-Niners in the NFL.

Having formerly lived in Los Angeles, I was fortunate to see many of Notre Dame's class games at the Coliseum against arch-rival USC. This book has a chapter which covers that famous series, which began in Los Angeles in 1926,in comprehensive and exciting detail.

I confess...I'm a woman who loves football. Not to mention an Irish-Catholic. So when a football-fanatic friend of mine told me about Echoes of Notre Dame Football, I had to check it out. I read it, I listened to the CDs, and I have to say--this book has it all! Lots of stats for the serious football fan, tons of incredible photographs spanning over 100 years and compelling stories of football legends that will keep you up late into the night reading "just one more" chapter. And the CDs are great! Going back in time and hearing the broadcasters' excitement as Notre Dame football history unfurled on the field before them actually gave me goosebumps. I will admit that it was hard at first to listen to Regis without picturing him on the set of "Millionaire", which was distracting. More of the original play-by-play broadcasts would have been a plus. But any fan of the noble tradition of college football will enjoy this book.

Just got the new "ECHOES" book for an early Christmas present while visiting family up north. AWESOME!

We listened to the CD's the whole way home - it was almost like we were really there. Regis was a good pick for the narrator. After your reader from Galesburg listens to the CDs, he'll realize that all of the events not in the book are ALL on the CDs. Now I remember why I'm such a huge Rocket fan.

I've only had time skim through the book, but I can already tell that it will be hard to put down once I get the time to get into it. Garner has hit another home run...or should I say "touchdown"? What a great Christmas present. I almost forgot about what a lousy season the Irish are having this year.