This book is a bit of home that is comforting in times of homesickness. Yet is still manages to emphasize the diversity of a great nation without seeming over patriotic. I good read for all Canadians whether at home or abroad. Also a good bit of insight for Americans to read to better understand their quitely proud neighbours to the north.

As the Canadian Co-author of Chicken Soup for the Canadian Soul, I am so honoured to have been part of creating - of bringing to life - this very special book. Our vision was to put together a collection of stories that all Canadians would be moved and inspired by. In the process, we read over 6000 stories from Canadians from one coast to the other, and then we talked to some of our greatest Canadian heroes. The result - History, Heritage Heroes and Heart! The Heart is courtesy of Chicken Soup for the Soul, but the history, heroes and heritage are all ours, they are all Canadian. Read The True Story of Lake Ontario by Marilyn Bell Di Lascio, In 1954, at the age of 16, Marilyn was the first person in history to swim across Lake Ontario. This story is in her own words, from her own heart. Like The Goal of the Century from Paul Henderson, Becoming the Man in Motion from Rick Hansen, and The Magic Skates from Barbara Underhill and Paul Martini, these stories are not journalistic renderings, but rather a passionate reliving of the story by the person it happened to. And for the first time in this short story format, you can read The Legacy of Terry Fox by Leslie Scrivener of the Toronto Star. Other contributors include Kurt Browning, Jann Arden, Natalie MacMaster, Chief Dan George, and Pamela Wallin, as well as some wonderful historical and heritage stories, told by authors from all across Canada,in the compelling and heartfelt Chicken Soup style. Buy this book for yourself, or for someone you love. Give it to your kids, your parents, or you best friend. This book is for anyone who loves Canada - no matter where they live!

We live literally across the street from each other - Canadians and Americans. But Americans don't really know us. This book shows our big hearts, humor, valiant spirit, courage and creativity. Every American should read this book and learn just a little bit more about the people who use strange words like "eh" and "toque"! Come on up and visit - or better yet, read this book. The folks who were stranded in Gander, Newfoundland on September 11 will tell you that every word is the truth.

Excellent book with real old fashioned metal jacks! The only downside is that the jacks are stuck to the back page, and removing the box would damage the book . . . still worth it though.

This book contained many variations from around the world of the game of Jacks. It's everything you ever wanted to know about Jacks. It even contains instructions for making your own, though with the excellent set of heavy weight metal (deluxe) jacks and ball that they include you won't need to. They even include a cloth bag to store it all in. Relive your childhood and refresh your memories with this book or better yet pass it on to a new generation. The only negative is that there aren't many illustrations in this book so younger children may need help in reading and following the instructions, but older children won't have any problems following the well written instructions.

The book by Michael R.young on financial fraud and accounting irregularities is a commendable work. In the corporate world and financial management, some lessions are required to be learnt from this book.The book gives sophisticated advise on checking financial frauds. some of the learnt lessions can be applied to check related frauds in India.

Stories from the bookworld of yesteryear! If you liked John Dunning's BOOKED TO DIE, the whodunnit of the bibliophile world, if you like selling books on internet, or hunting out valuable & rare books for your own collection, you'll enjoy this one! Internet has altered the landscape, and time's they're always changin', but the heart of the hunt remains, at it's core, the same. Here a book-scout/dealer shares his insights, anecdotes, and tall-tales, to the delight of all of us bibliophile internet booksellers of the New Millenium! An extra bonus is that the writer is not only a knowledgeable bookman, but also a historical specialist in Americana - There's a little myth-debunking mixed into the recipe, to add a little flavor ala LIES MY TEACHER TOLD ME (by historian Loewen)! A classic that should be added to the Required Reading list for all new booksellers!

Looking for the newest version of this book. The 1995 edition is the great but out of date. Does any one know of a similar book on California Laws relating to children. Especially laws relating to schools?

Terry Gilliam's satirical film (usually referred to as being science fiction though its actually the furthest from that) Brazil is one of the greatest unseen film of the past few decades. While the film has a strong cult following, most mainstream audiences never had a chance to see this film and the few that did found themselves confronted not with Gilliam's original vision but instead with a severely shortened and defanged bastardization that was edited under the supervision of less-than-visionary studio head Sid Sheinberg.

How this came to be is the subject of Jack Matthews' fascinating book, The Battle of Brazil which follows the creation of this masterpiece from the germ of inspiration to the film's triumphant success at the 1985 Los Angeles Film Critics Awards. Along the way, we get a wonderful view into the heads of both Gilliam and Sheinberg. (Though the book is clearly on Gilliam's side, Sheinberg is not presented extremely unfairly. If he comes across as a bit of an unimaginative ogre at times -- well, that's because he was.) We get the full details of Gilliam's battles with Sheinberg over both the length and the tone of the film and, in one of the book's best chapters, an in-depth analysis of the differences between the two versions. This chapter, I think, beautifully illustrates how, just through selective editing, you can change the entire feel of a film without reshooting a single shot. Much as how you can't help staring at a car wreck, there's a sick fascination with how Sheinberg was able to change Brazil from one of the greatest films of all time to a bland, unmemorable love story without any apparent sense of humor.

The behind-the-scenes details of the making of the film itself are anecdote filled and a great read with candid details that cover everything from how Gilliam's original vision evolved during the shooting to his on-set difficulties with actress Kim Griest. Especially amusing to me were the lists of actors also considered for the lead role of Sam. One's mind boggles at some of the suggestions (Tom Cruise!?) and makes Jonathan Pryce's sly lead performance all the more appreciated.

The last half of the book contains Gilliam's shooting script for his version of Brazil, along with copious footnotes that clear up several of the obscurities (i.e., what the singing telegram girl is singing, what Michael Palin's daughter says to Sam) that have occasionally confused even the most devoted of audiences. Its a brilliant script to boost.

Terry Gilliam's film Brazil is now regarded as a classic, and rightfully so. It's a perfect blend of words (McKeown, Stoppard & Gilliam's screenplay) and image, and succeeds in realizing a completely different and yet perfectly believable world. I'm an avid filmgoer, and I consider Brazil the *best* American film of the past 25 years (better even than Raging Bull). A brilliant sci-fi/fantasy/black comedy/romance/Orwellian vision of the future--or the present--the film details the efforts of Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce) to find his dream girl, trucker/terrorist? Jill Leighton (Kim Greist) with the help of renegade plumber Robert de Niro. Ian Holm, Ian Richardson, and Bob Hoskins contribute wonderful cameos, and Michael Palin is as evil as he's ever been.

Although Jack Mathews is clearly on Gilliam's side (how could anyone with an ounce of sense NOT be?!), he lets Sid Sheinberg, who might possibly be Satan, speak, and Sheinberg simply hangs himself with his own words. Mathews' wonderful tome includes an original shooting script with some magnificent deleted sequences.

One important point to remember while reading Mathew's detailed account: The studio knew *exactly* what they were getting--the players involved had already *read the screenplay*! Gilliam's film was both on time and largely on budget, and yet the powers-that-be couldn't accept the film.

This story has a true-life happy ending--Gilliam's gone on to make The Fisher King, 12 Monkeys, and Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, and, according to the imdb, is finally starting on Good Omens. Sheinberg? Retired and, in all likelihood, forgotten except for his role in this near-fiasco. Like in the film, imaganation triumphs. One wishes critics' groups would make a point of awarding a "Best Unreleased Film" of the year.

Read, and smile.

"Brazil... where hearts were entertaining June..."

Based on the reviews so far, I bought this book from Amazon.com and received it yesterday. It was so gripping, I finished it that evening. After seeing films like THE PLAYER and talking to aquaintences who like predictable movies with happy endings, I figured the big studios discouraged original, thought-provoking films. But this book shows how they try to rationalize it. I liked how Jack Mathews tried to be objective and show both sides and I was amazed at the differences between LA and NY critics and how they affect films. Talk about too many cooks in the kitchen!

Even if you don't think much of the film BRAZIL, if you love interesting films and want to know why it's rare to see one come out, read this book. I'm sure Terry Gilliam isn't alone in his battles with studios and critics. If you did like BRAZIL, you'll also get a glimpse of Gilliam's creativity with some of his storyboards, plus you get the entire script of the film with some annotations. After reading this book, I got a great behind-the-scenes look of not only how a film comes about, but how it gets marketed to the public as well.

Not that it is a bad book, but it is very different than all of the other (12) Chicken Soup books that I own. I was surprised, I guess. There aren't many up-lifting stories. It's more of a documentary type book. Telling people's experiences on 9-11. I usually finish my Chicken Soup books in a very short period of time. This one,.. I could only really read 1 story a night. It was too depressing.

When I was shopping in Sam's with my mother and nephew and fiance I was looking for a dvd. I found nothing I really wanted to buy. Seemed to me I can no longer really buy a good flick these days. So there I was walking the aisle getting bored out of my mind when I stumbled on this book. At first I was a bit angered that the Chicken book series would sink so low to print a book about the September 11, attacks to make a quick buck. I started to read just to see what they printed and I came across the poem "I AM THE AMERICAN FLAG", by: Howard Schnauber on page: 206. There I was reading and feeling some pride about to burst through me and I wanted to cry. The partiot in me shed some tear. My fiance asked me what I was reading that was making me cry. I showed him. In turn he asked me why not buy it. I did. It'll be worth it. Some of the stories are beautiful and some will make you grateful we live in the greatest country in the world. But this patriot who believes in God and Jesus is proud to say that I am proud to be an American living in the Republic of United States of America.

I love Chicken Soup for the Soul books and my kids know it, so they got me this one for Fathers Day. As a retired Coast Guard officer, someone trained to do just what those policemen and firemen did on September 11, this one in particular strikes at my heart strings - I found myself crying, then laughing, then struck with an overwhelming love for my country and all of the people that make up this great land.

It's this book that inspired the following article.

******

"Proactive Prosperity: How To Keep Filling Your Glass"

By Randy Gilbert (c)2002

A kindly looking man, who worked as a janitor in the World Trade Center, approached an old and graying homeless woman one cold September morning last year. She looked chilled as she stood there clinging to her shopping cart containing all of her meager belongings.

The janitor smiled and held out an old thermos to the woman and said to her, "This old thermos has been my friend for many years and I want you to have it. It's a very special thermos, because as long as you share its contents, it always has enough for everyone. Please take it, for I have a feeling I won't be needing it any more after today."

Do you have a favorite book that you read over and over again? I have one that tells about how people view the world and the profound impact that it has on their lives. It uses an age-old illustration of how some see a glass half empty and others half full. As I pondered this again, a story-like vision came to me, which doesn't happen often, so I paid close attention.

The clear glass that I was picturing turned into a metal thermos, like the ones carried by construction workers. Instead of big hands, small hands in tattered gloves held it. An old woman was stooping down in front of a small child and her mother. It was snowing and they were clinging to each other for warmth.

The old woman asked the little girl, "would you like some sweet warm cocoa?" She used the thermos top as a cup and I could see steam rise as she placed the cup in half frozen little hands. The girl drank it down and then flashed the biggest smile she had ever smiled and her eyes shown as bright as a rainbow.

"Mommy, is she an angel?" the little girl asked. "Yes dear, and that is what we're going to become. Do you remember that happy song we used to sing when your daddy was still alive?" They began singing the sweetest and most enchanting melody. People walking by and those coming up from the subway station were drawn to them as if by magic.

Some people stood there transfixed, tears welling in their eyes. Others said a quiet "thank you" and laid money down on the walk in front of them.

Two of the listeners were a young boy and his father. They had been shopping and the well-dressed man held a large bag of packages. "Father, are they angels?" the son asked. "Yes, I think so, and that is what we are going to become. Do you remember we used to make gifts when your mommy was with us and give them to people who needed them?"

The father reached into his bag and began handing the bright packages to his son, who gave them out to the homeless people along the street. I thought to myself, this is truly a miracle, the bag seemed to never empty.

My attention was drawn to a man in a wheelchair who received a shiny red pocketknife. In a voice that was choking back tears, he said, "Thanks son, I lost one just like this in Nam. You know, I used to be quite a toy maker; I can whittle just about anything with a knife."

The story in my mind began to fade as he wheeled himself up the sidewalk and breathlessly said, "I know an alley where I can get some wood and I'm going to start sharing this gift right now."

Wow, that's what it means to be proactive. Pessimists see the glass as half empty. They say, "it's not enough." Their negative attitude causes them to turn inward and be selfish. When a decision comes along they believe their doubts, which turn into fears, which then produces unhealthy stress and anxieties. They end up experiencing the lack they saw in their minds.

Optimists see the glass as half full. They say, "I'm happy to enjoy whatever life gives me." However, their positive attitude of sufficiency doesn't last long, especially after a few swallows are taken and the glass is nearly empty. Optimism without prosperity becomes a limiting belief of being content with poverty.

However, Proactive people see the glass as something to be used, both for themselves and to serve others. Like the thermos in the story-vision, there will always be abundance. You're a very special person. As long as you share your contents, you'll always have enough for everyone.

This story-vision extends to other things, such as your smile, your talents, your bank account, the skills you've acquired, and the knowledge you have. Your life will always have these in abundance if you use them to serve others.

Prosperity is not a glass half empty or half full; it's you becoming a glass and being used to bring joy and abundance to others, knowing that your source of supply will never run dry.

###

I have a very high regard for Mark, that's why I incorporated many of his philosophies into my life and into my first book "Success Bound." When it was completed I sent him a copy to read. I was totally amazed when I received back the following testimonial.

"If you're ready to be permanently success bound, read this book!"

Thank you Mark!!! You are now my super-hero.

You will laugh, cry and be confused when you read this book. This book can teach you that what you think is good is not always good.

There is a boy named Peter Pan. He sprinkles fairy dust in Wendy and her two brothers. Then he shows them how to fly. He takes them to Neverland and shows them to the Lost Boys who live there. Wendy becomes their mother. She makes up rules, like any other mother would do. The boys have to follow these rules. Everything was fine until Captain Hook came with his crew to where the boys and Wendy were. While Wendy and the boys were at the lagoon, where they go every day after dinner, they see a girl named Tiger Lily, princess of her tribe. She was captured by Smee, one of Captain Hook's men. Then Peter saved her. A few days later Wendy and the boys were on their way to Wendy's house when they too were all captured by Captain Hook. Then Peter saves them. Then the lost boys, Wendy and her brothers go home. All except for Peter.

It is mostly about what the people in the book think is right with childhood. The kids in the book think that if you grow up it is bad, but in our case it is actually good.

Peter Pan is a violent book not really made for children under the age of 10 but people 10 and up can read it. It is violent because of the language that is spoken and the idea that killing could be fun. Also, the vocabulary is very difficult for children under 10 to understand. Even if you're older it is difficult to understand.

Overall, it is a good book but watch out for the violent ideas if you are reading it to little children.

This is an utterly charming work. It has been retold myriad times, but nobody else has done it as well as the original teller, J. M. Barrie.

It's difficult to know what to say about a book like this... everybody knows the story. But I guess that unless you've read this book (not just seen a movie or read a retelling), you don't really know the character Peter Pan, and without knowing the character, you don't really know the story. So read it.

By the way, if you enjoy this, you probably would also like "Sentimental Tommy" and its sequel "Tommy and Grizel", both by Barrie. There are differences (for one thing they're not fantasy), but there are also compelling similarities. Anybody who found Peter Pan a deep and slightly bittersweet book would be sure to enjoy them.

-Stephen

When talking of literature, people tend to look solely at books they read today but forget what they used to read, namely the ones we read as children. It is a common misunderstanding that children's literature is to be read by children and children only, but when we come to think of it, which one of us are not children, at least in our hearts?

One of the best books any child, young or old, can read is Barrie's Peter Pan. Although written in the past century, it has something for any generation at any time. Its humorous views at the world from a child's mind left me rolling over the floor, laughing; the exciting storyline kept me busy with reading until the end; and the serious undertone made me think of whether the world wouldn't be a better place if we realised that deep down, however deep, we are in fact all children. So if YOU are a child, which you most certainly are, get yourself a copy and enjoy your ongoing childhood.

I bought this book because my brother Robert Faiella contributed 2 stories to it ("Go to a race" and "Think before you boo"). However, after reading his two stories and then flipping through the other stories I realized that this truly is a wonderful book. It was great to see the personal sides of the drivers and learn how their generosity, talents and skills have touched so many lives. If you enjoyed the other Chicken Soup for the Soul series, you'll enjoy this book too - even if you never did watch a race!! Try it or like my brother says...Go to a race!

This book is a MUST for any NASCAR fan or anyone who enjoys inspirational stories. There are stories from present drivers to yesterday's drivers, from sports writers to fans whose lives have been touched by the sport of NASCAR. The book will make you laugh and could make you cry. I would recommend this book to everyone! You will not be disappointed with your purchase.

I just finished this wondefully touching book. It's filled with stories from the drivers themselves,that you won't hear about anywhere else. There are stories from fans like you and me. I highly recommend it to any true fan of the great sport of racing.

Ed McBain has a wonderful way of weaving a thriller around a nursery ryme. Each chapter moving along the poem and introducing the characters. It doesn't matter that the cow with the crumpled horn is an elderly woman' this adaptation of the ryme is brilliant. The story begins with Matthew Hope being hired to represented a farmer (who grew the corn) accused of murdering his brother. As always Matthew is convinced his client is innocent and sets out (with the help of PI Warren Chambers) to prove it. As is often the case there are a number of little side plots which mostly come together to solve the crime.