Not too often in time emerges a work of art that can encapsulate all of that's happening, and what will happen in the future in our culture. Just like when the series of Campbell Soups from Andy Warhol came out, it represented the whole pop culture in the late 60's, and the future of Pop art.
Like a true Warhol disciple David Lachapelle is always looking for the beauty in everyday things, he used to get depressed when he would go away anywhere and see signs of industrialitation, until he start finding the beauty in them, "we get excited now when we see Golden Arches an parking lots...The've replaced the forest".
There are no words that can explain these hipnotic, surreal, intriguing and enchanting photograhs and the emotion you could achieve when traveling through the pages of this book. It contains 151 pages of photographs, including pictures of Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Basinger, Simon Le Bon, The Smashing Pumpkins and the one and only Andy Warhol; plus 91 small outtakes of the photo sessions in two pages.

In LACHAPELLE LAND absolutely all the people look Hipnotically Beautiful, like he says he wants his photographs to be a break of beauty, this books is a Trip of Beauty.

Lachapelle is one of my favorite contemporary photographers. His use of color is outstanding. Between the excellent technical quality of his work, and the whimsical (and sometimes arousing) subject matter, there is nothing about this book that is unenjoyable! I find the fact that not one of his images was digitally created or even enhanced to be a testimony to his talent and artistic vision.

Not many photographers can put together the camp, kitsch, gloss and lustre that this man can. Even the gaudiest of pictures can envelope you mind's taste buds... Its beautiful, erotic and camp at its best!

I was first introduced to this book as a camper at a camp in North Carolina; I have since returned as a counselor there and have read it to my campers (who loved it as well)! As a children's book it is fantastic because although each chapter presents a different story with its own plot, each also weaves together with the other chapters to produce a larger plot based on the same settings and characters. This makes for great suspense for the kids from one reading to another! In addition, it is a great tool for conveying the biblical lessons pertaining to a Christian's daily walk. The stories are allegories. The format can even be seen as allegorical in the sense that, while each believer has a personal walk with Christ and daily experiences therein, each is also a part of the whole of Christ's body, the church...with the overall picture of a Savior dying to redeem sinners and one day returning to establish His eternal Kingdom. This book is fantastic!! I recommend it to all --whether child or adult!-- who would seek a tremendously written children's book which will encourage, challenge, and teach one in the ways of the King! (I, too, believe that the old edition illustrated by Jack Stockman needs to be revived!!)

This book (and Tales of the Resistance) were both given to me when I was very young. I was given the tapes as well (if you get a chance to listen to them, do! ). These books are absolutely wonderful! I learned so much from them! I've been looking for them for ages, and they NEED TO BE REPRINTED WITH THE ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATOR! Read these books, they are well worth your while!

When I was about 11, my aunt gave me the original, hardback versions of both "Tales of the Kingdom" and "Tales of the Resistance." I didn't really discover them until I few years ago, however, and they have since become my favorite books.I've read them a thousand times...the imagination of David Mains is amazing, and as a Christian, the allegory of the book is wonderful. They've been so encouraging to me; as you read the books, you see yourself in Hero, and you fall in love with the King, only to realize that we DO have such a king, in Jesus Christ! I love these books...and I just found out that there's a third book, "Tales of the Restoration"! I can't wait to get it. You MUST read all these books...you'll love them!

Having been a native Vermonter and New Englander, I had not realized the ghostlore involved with this section of the country. Many of the stories occur within minutes of my own location. This book points out the origins and as much fact as can be researched. The end result is left with the reader as to which can be explained and that that which can not. Read this book alone at night and you will hear sounds that you used to take for granted, or did you?......

Generally, I'm don't get scared by things I read or see on television. This book, however, was quite frightening. I definitely did its job. Many of the stories in this book occurred near where I live, and I never would have imagined these stories had even existed previously. I always knew that New England had a rather strange past, what with all the Salem Witch trials and all, but these stories actually dug deeper than all of that. For instance, could you imagine strange monsters inhabiting Bridgewater, or a strange spirit force on top of Mount Washington? Naturally, these stories are merely legends, but they really make you stop and think. The documentation for this book is also quite good, as first hand accounts are recorded. When people in the law enforcement agency see things, as in this book, you know that there's probably something going on. This book only took me two nights to read. That should give you some indication as to how addictive and gripping it is.

The book is well written, organized, and indexed, with plenty of interesting stories of today and years gone by, and I highly recommend the book. The only negative thing I can say about the book is that very little skeptical research is indicated. However, the author does provide a list of his sources, so that any skeptically-minded readers may check things out for themselves.

British General William Slim commanded English/Indian forces during most of the "forgotten" war in Burma from 1942 to 1945. Slim is now regarded as the finest English general of the Second World War (yes, better than "Monty"). In this book, written some time after the war ended, Slim tells the reader about the early mistakes which lead to the near total defeat of the English army in Burma in 1942. ----- Slim's efforts to rebuild his army and then take the offensive against the Japanese comprise the majority of the book and it makes for a very interesting story. Considering that the terrain over which most of the fighting occured was even worse than Vietnam, I learned a great deal. Contrasting his experiances in Burma with the U.S. war in Vietnam is a good thought experiment. ---- Of most interest to military historians and people interested in the Second World War. As to personal matters the book is almost completely devoid of details. Slim was very much the English Gentleman and all the interesting personal details of his life you will have to find elsewhere. ---- P.S. It contains an interesting side note about the father of the Burmese Nobel Peace Prize winner: Aung San Suu Kyi. Her father fought against the British in conjunction with the Japanese but later turned against the Japanese when he discovered that they were just going to be new imperial masters, even worse than the English. ---- Colin Glassey

Field-Marshal Slim's memoir of the Burma campaign is one of thefinest generals reports from the Second World War. He outlines thebitter and decisive British defeat by the Japanese in 1942, the slow, painful rebuilding of the British-Indian-African Army and its collaboration with the Chinese and Americans in a see-saw campaign against the Japanese in 1943, the decisive battle of Imphal in 1944 and the crushing victories of 1945. In the mountainous and jungle terrain of the Burma-India theater Slim pioneered in the use of airpower for logistical support and the development of airbridges built around air fields. In many ways this under-supported and often neglected theater fought the most modern campaign of the second world war. Slim is a revealing and deliberate author-teacher who intended this book both as a report on a great campaign and as a series of lessons for future students of the art of war. The opening hundred pages are a little slow and the place names are never easy but the book is well worth reading for anyone who would seek to understand leadership and victory in warfare.

Awhile ago, I read QUARTERED SAFE OUT HERE, the wartime memoir by George MacDonald Fraser detailing his experiences as an infantryman with the 17th Division of the 14th Indian Army as the latter pursued the retreating Japanese through Burma during the closing months of WWII. He had nothing but high praise for the army commander, Field-Marshal William Slim. This prompted me to purchase and read Slim's own account of the time and place, DEFEAT INTO VICTORY. The two books are a perfect pair for anyone interested in the India-Burma Theater of the war - perspectives from both the top and bottom of the British Army's command structure.

Slim's memoirs, first published in 1956 while he was serving as Governor General of Australia, begin with his assignment to command the 1st Burma Corps during it's desperate fighting retreat from Burma into India in 1942 after the Japanese captured Rangoon. Then later, as chief of the 14th Indian Army, he oversees the regrouping and rebuilding of the force that finally decimates the Japanese invaders at Imphal in northern India, and subsequently chases the fleeing enemy back south through Burma.

One of Slim's most notable characteristics is his evident lack of an overbearing ego. Several times in his book, he makes reference to his mistakes, errors in planning or judgement, and his deficiencies as a military commander. (Imagine that other famous British Field-Marshal of the war, the prima donna Montgomery, admitting such!) Much to his credit, Slim apparently learned hard lessons as he went along, and emerged as the better man and general for it. This, combined with his great concern for his men's morale, health, training and supply, justifies the high regard in which he was held by "rankers" such as Fraser. Churchill was wrong when he remarked, "I cannot believe that a man with a name like Slim can be much good."

The author's history of the Burma war is comprehensive - perhaps excessively so for the casual reader such as myself. His narrative includes the movement of troops as far down as battalion level, which is way more than I needed to know. Because of this, I might have awarded 4 stars instead of 5 had I been less mindful of the contribution Slim's memoir makes to the history of an almost forgotten theater of the global conflict. A keener student of the Burma campaigns is certain to appreciate these details more than I did.

Finally, there is the Field-Marshal's dry British wit, which shows all too infrequently. For example, when discussing his opposite number in the Japanese Army, Lieutenant General Kawabe, Slim writes:

"I did, however, manage to get a photograph alleged to be that of Kawabe. It showed what might have been a typical western caricature of a Japanese; the bullet head, the thick glasses, and prominent teeth were all there... When I needed cheering I looked at it and assured myself that, whichever of us was the cleverer general, even I was, at any rate, the better looking."

Captivating! A "read at one sitting" type book. This author does not tiptoe around non-traditional country beliefs, but more appropriately uses them as steppingstones to produce a very alluring tale. He has taken romance, humor, despair, hope, hardship, and even witchcraft, and blended them together, using as his catalyst, the perception of a youngster growing up in eastern Kentucky. Reminiscent of Steinbeck and Twain, "Kentucky Bad Boy" is down-to-earth and intriguingly entertaining. Not unlike fine Kentucky bourbon, Mr. Rains has taken the best ingredients of storytelling and blended them together to produce an outstanding book. I will be awaiting more from this writer.

Everyone has a story to tell. This Author takes the reader back in time to a place filled with poverty, danger, and witchcraft. The author uses very good description, where you feel you are being transported to another time, and you can see and feel what he felt as a young boy growing up in the Kentucky mountains. He is bringing the art of storytelling back to life and inspiring all to tell and share our life stories with others. I look forward to more installments from this author. This book would make an excellant mini series.

This book, "Kentucky Bad Boy" is a fantastic assembly of unique childhood stories that will please most readers from 8 to 80! After finishing this short book, you are left with a sad feeling...there must be more! More of these stories that will make the reader feel "satisfied" like the first ones. The author has a communication style that lets the mind wander to truly appreciate all the shenanigans that young boys can get into. Can't wait until the revised edition is published and Mr. Rains includes additional stories that even his wife, Suzie, may try to edit beyond recognition. All I will say is ...DON'T!

The words "compelling" and "accounting" are seldom used in tandem, but there is no other way to describe this call to arms written by former Harvard Business School professor and three accountants at PricewaterhouseCoopers. The book, which is framed as a manifesto for change in the world of corporate reporting, is written in un-accountant-like language bordering on the subversive. It's main message: Traditional corporate reporting practices are inadequate and downright dangerous in the New Economy. They are inadequate because they don't capture the non-financial measures and intangible assets that now drive value. They are dangerous because they force investors to rely too heavily on short-term financial results, thereby contributing to unprecedented volatility in global equity markets. The authors' remedy? Disclosure of more and better information. This new model is presented in such detail that executives could use it as a blueprint in building new corporate reporting regimens. But you needn't be a corporate leader to appreciate the far-reaching implications of this book, which we at getAbstract.com recommend to all professionals as a - yes - compelling analysis of the current practice and evolving future of corporate reporting and its standards, pivotal benchmarks in the global economy.

The ValueReporting Revolution is one of the best, if not THE best, financial book that I have read in the last few years. Thought provoking and compelling, this book provides a sharp analysis of how and why current corporate reporting systems need to evolve. A must read for both the investing community, who need to understand a company's true value, and the financial community, who report on and create a company's value.

The Value Reporting Revolution offers a much needed attack on the status quo of financial reporting and, even more importantly, suggests some remedies. Weaving cases and data from original research, academic papers, and the business press, Eccles et al. have written an accessible guide with minimal accounting jargon and even touches of humor.

After thorough analysis of the shortcomings of today's "earnings game," the authors map out a comprehensive approach to determining and sharing key financial and nonfinancial data that will help all business stakeholders assess a company's value. By using internal performance measurement tools such as the Balanced Scorecard for external reporting, companies can focus more clearly on creating value rather than face a quarterly scramble to burnish their earnings picture. Nonfinancial disclosure would also improve decision making for investors by providing a more complete picture of company operations and strategy.

In addition to promoting a commitment to improved ongoing communications, the authors note that the Internet and recent financial disclosure regulation have enabled new entrants to develop and distribute a range of economic information and services that compete directly with traditional Big-5 and Wall Street firms. This could signify the end of the "double-secret, uber-whisper" the earnings rumors that reach (and reward) only a subset of a subset of people in the know.

As an organizational consultant, this book was very helpful in clarifying the network of relationships among companies, analysts, regulators, accountants, and investors - and showing how they misestimate value and often move markets based on limited, asymmetric information. ValueReporting suggests an alternative way for companies to account for themselves that is aligned with sound management and sound investing.

Provocative, engaging and riveting are not normally words associated with a book on financial planning; however, I do not hesitate to use either one to describe this book. I was definitely not excited about financial planning until after reading the first edition of this book.

Chilton continues to uses a narrative style using characters that just about anyone could relate to. The Wealthy Barber breaks the age-old mind-set that only the rich can be rich. An excellent primer, you can apply techniques in his book today to ensure a better tomorrow. He also encourages further exploration and learning in order for anyone to become wealthy. Whether you're an executive or a gas station attendant, given patience and a little fortitude, you too can be wealthy!

I urge you, read this book!

While not the most intensively scholarly book ever written on Personal Finance, this is almost certainly the easiest to read. The Chapters dealing with Credit, Insurance, and starting to save money are invaluable.

A very informative and easy-to-read book. I literally couldn't put it down (which is unusual, considering the somewhat dry topic of personal finance.) Chilton's way of teaching with a story uses an effective, tried-and-true, method of explaining compex ideas to novices. While the book does not cover any topic in depth, it would make an excellent introductory primer to the subject of managing your money. It even-handedly explains the concepts and your options and encourages the reader to take action and learn more. It should be required reading for young adults. END

I began taking care of a little boy when he was just over a year old and from the first day when he pulled this book out, until almost 2 years later, it's STILL his all-time favorite book! He absolutely loves to feel all of the different textures and blow on the feathers! This book is always his first choice, even though we've probably read it at least 100 times. He still loves it and yes, especially the CRINKLY BUG!! Coming in second are the sticky bugs! I would recommend it to all parents and nannies!

My 9 month old loves this book! I bought it thinking I would have to store it for a while, due to the delicate nature of some of the items to feel. I'm so glad I took it out. Every time I turn a page my son goes straight to the "feely" part of the bug and touches, rubs, flicks, etc. As long as you supervise your child, I think this book can be wonderful for any age. The bugs also make great noises when you touch them (the crinkly bugs "crinkle"...)

A friend gave me this book as a baby gift when my son was 2 months old. I thought he was too young for it as the recommended age is 3-5. He loves this book. He loves touching the pages and learned how to turn the pages of the book by 6 months. This is a great book. As a pediatrician and mom, i would recommend it both for my son's love for it and the experience of the different textures.

This revealing book covers a highly charged and controversial period of American investment history. George P. Baker and George David Smith study the emergence of the investment house Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts (KKR), and follow it during the decade KKR ruled the world of leveraged buyouts. The authors begin with the early days when the partners worked together at Bear Stearns. They track the men as they build their own firm and create their own success. In clear, straightforward language, the book presents KKR's intentions and the economics of leveraged buyouts (LBOs). It discusses KKR's role in structuring and managing the deals. We [...] recommend this book as a must read for anyone interested in LBOs or the history of KKR. Executives at all levels will find the KKR saga interesting and useful.

Baker (Harvard Business School) and Smith (New York Univ.) provide a well-documented history of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) and its development of the leveraged buyout (LBO). During the period 1976-93, KKR acquired more than 50 firms with an equity investment of only $10.9 billion. As of 1998, these equity investments were worth $40 billion (an annual return exceeding 28 percent). The authors examine KKR's strategy of identifying undervalued, poorly managed firms with potential to increase cash flow. Each LBO was financed with 80 to 90 percent debt, and equity was provided by a partnership organized by KKR. The LBO managers were required to have a large proportion of their net worth in the equity. After the acquisition, KKR's strategy was to cut costs and increase productivity, quickly pay down the debt, and sell the firm to unlock the equity investment. The large debt service inflicted discipline while management's investment created incentives. By linking managerial and ownership interests, Baker and Smith argue that KKR improved corporate governance and contributed to increases in corporate profits and productivity. This volume is an excellent addition to the literature on mergers, business history, and corporate strategy. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections as well as large public libraries.

This is an outstanding academic treatment of the investments made by KKR, all of which were some kind of leveraged buy-out. The authors focus their attention on the transactions themselves, not the way they were viewed by society or on the people that put them together - in this regard the book is a rare gem. It treats the period up to 1990 in some depth, with some very interesting case studies that show pretty good financial detail with outstanding qualitative descriptions of the transactions that were put together. As you walk through the various case studies, you are able to sit alongside with the KKR team and watch as the LBO goes from an unusual financial instrument to a mainstream product that is widely accepted in the marketplace. While growing acceptance of financial products is an established facet of Wall Street, to follow this evolution through the work of a single firm really is quite interesting. The manner in which the complexity, leverage and size of the transactions grow is laid out in plain English, making this a fascinating read.

Only Chapter 5 "KKR as an Institutional Form" focused on the firm itself, and even this treatment was not nearly as obsequious as many other financial books (most notably "Goldman Sachs: the Culture of Success" by Endlich). Mr. Baker and Mr. Smith take a very level-headed approach and document the growth of the firm in a straight-forward manner, although they do inject a good deal of 'positivity' to their view, i.e. the revolutionary introduction of Monday Morning Meeting's at KKR in the 1990's (this is commonplace at most banks).

I particularly enjoyed the second chapter "Recasting the Role of Debt" which talks about some of the earlier transactions that KKR did in some depth. The description of their LBO of Houdaille is very much worth reading, if only for the fact that traditional 'Old Economy' companies are again garnering such interest. Indeed, that is a very noteworthy aspect of the whole book, KKR focused on established companies with real cash flows. The one transaction which involved real growth financing was a near bust. This is very different than all of the financial maneuvering that has gone on over the past two years, and it is interesting to compare the sustainability of the two efforts (the many years of KKR's existence surely triumphs over venture capital's recent 15 minutes of fame). Chapter 4 on "When Risk Becomes Real" talks about some of the failed KKR transactions, EFB Trucking and Eaton Leonard in some detail. The reaction of KKR to these hiccups is very impressive, and while it is told with the same 'positivity' of the authors as mentioned above, the authors still do a good job of telling the story in an objective manner. The efforts of the partners to maintaining KKR's reputation in the marketplace is nothing short of heroic, and while there was a clear financial incentive over the short term it is clear that the longer term reputation of the company also played a clear role in motivating their actions.

It really is rare to get a book as good as this with detailed financial information (even if it is more than 10 years old) and a mostly unbiased view of the Company. Where the authors are biased, it is easy to pick up and interpret. This is very much an academic treatment of the firm, with some detail as to what the rest of the market was doing, but not a whole lot. There are just the right number of graphs, which is very nice. I would think anybody working in finance would enjoy this book, although given the depth in which it describes the transactions, it might not be the most leisurely read. This is an outstanding book.

I must say that it has been a long time since I enjoyed a book as much as I did this one. In fact, I read it twice!

Orphaned at 39 was both highly informative in dealing with elder care issues, as well as being very creatively written. And the marvelous photographs completed a perfect visualization of the characters lives.

This author is a remarkable story-teller, and he has a fabulous command of the English language. In addition, his writing provides just the right amount of detail, which enables the reader to never get lost in a complicated story that spans some sixty years.

By reading this book, I now have a better understanding of the care needs of the elderly. And, happily, I now have a better understanding of what my role will be in caring for my own parents as they age.

Excellent book!

This is, by far, the best book that I have read on the subject of caring for the elderly parents of the BabyBoom generation.

Intertwined within the fabric of the story, is superbly researched information about elder-care issues; what types of elder-care are available, where to find the help, how to disseminate information, etc.

And the storyline itself causes this book to be a real page-turner. I read it completely the first night, loaned it to a friend and, then, when I got it back, read it again. It was even more delightful the second time!

Highly recommended!

As a baby boomer I totally enjoyed, and appeciated, Orphaned at 39.

It is a true story of a middle-aged baby boomer who gets involved with the health care of his elderly father. During the process, the author tells a moving story about how the experience has so incredibly affected him.

The author, while telling this story, also helps the reader with how best to deal with the many issues that face a care-provider -Medicare, locating a quality nursing home, dealing with medical insurance companies, and many other pertinent issues are discussed from a "been there, done that" perspective.

The book also provides many (and I mean many) touching stories about his relationship with his now deceased (hence, the "Orphan" moniker)parents. Many a tear was shed while I read this book.

But the message of the book is simple - WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF OUR PARENTS AS WELL AS THEY TOOK CARE OF US WHILE WE WERE CHILDREN!!!

This is an awesome book - a real page-turner that you will not want to put down.