A pioneer of the vaudeville era, an accomplished stage actor and dancer, and appearing in more than forty films, Jack Haley was one of Hollywood's most successful and beloved actors. His role as the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz" secured his place in the annals of movie history and in the hearts of movie fans through the ensuing generations. What is not so well known is that Haley spent much of the last years of his life compiling information and writing commentaries on the life of an entertainer in the early days of vaudeville before the emergence of radio and television. Haley was involved in the first all talking movie and an active participant in Hollywood's "Golden Age" and friend to a legion of Hollywood luminaries from Jackie Gleason, Ed Sullivan, and Lucille Ball, to Judy Garland, Liza Minelli, and Ray Bolger. All of these writings is now published and available to the reading public in Heart Of The Tin Man and represent a unique and welcome legacy of his life and memory that will enrich and inform any study of Hollywood history in general, and the life and times of Jack Haley in particular.

Jack Mitchell has worked magic in transforming his photographs into works of art that explode with life. They are vibrant and alive, capturing the essence of each 'Icon and Idol'. By the very nature of celebrity we think we "know" these people. Mr. Mitchell has captured these public people by penetrating through the veneer to take us into their respective souls. His photographs are pure works of art that one never gets tired of viewing.

I read this book as a young man at the age of 18. As I grew older I was to revisit this work again and again.

Taylor has devoted his professional life to the study of tactical firearms employment, and his no nonsense approach comes through clearly in this excellent primer. This author has been a special forces soldier, SWAT police officer, and professional firearms trainer for over 3 decades, and he does a fine job of distilling down what works. His description of calibers, weapon options, and general tactics is probably the best in print. He gives exceptional detail backing up his recommendation of semiautomics in .40 and .45 caliber as the best overall choices. The only thing that kept me from giving him the full five stars was the limited detail on dealing with stress, the "shoot" or "don't shoot" decision, and the legal aftermath. As a person who unfortunately did have to repel a home invasion and murder attempt, I found that the advice I gleaned from Massad Ayoob's book "In the Gravest Extreme" on the justication for deadly force was extremely valuable. Add in the valuable "combat mindset" information in Jeff Cooper's "Principles of Personal Defense", and you will have a basic library that pretty much covers the key issues.

A very good primer for handgun users. The book is full of firearm skills to practice and relevant tatcics for self defense use with a handgun. Mr. Taylor writes with authority regarding the technical operation and discharge of a handgun. There are good training tips and advice given to the novice as well as the advanced handgunner. I did find too much emphasis placed on the Weaver Stance. Taylor neglects to discuss "point shooting" techniques for that spontaneous lethal threat encounter, which is most likely to attack a armed individual. Granted if one knew of an impending lethal threat they would have their handgun drawn and held in a perfect two hand grip with a balanced stance facing the oncoming attack ready to fire. But, in the real world of predators who attack by surpise and without notice one must be able to respond immediately without hesitancy and discharge their weapon while attempting to evade the oncoming attack. This leaves no time for the optimum stance or grip on the handgun. Point shooting is the scientifically proven response to the spontaneous threat. Under the extreme stress of a spontaneous life threatening encounter the body reacts in a manner that is not suitable for responding in the two hand grip weaver stance. Individuals who carry a handgun for protection need to read and train in the technique of point shooting, along with the techniques Taylor write about.

See my review of the original Hangun Combat book. This is the refined and updated version. The best you will find, and everyone will find a good deal of knowledge from this book. Taylor is one the best instructors in the world, and if you cant get to his school, than get the book, and if you can or have been to his school, get the book!

I really thought that the story about cheating, "The Test", was a valuable lesson for all students, regardless of faith. The structure and craftsmanship was equisite. Over all, I am tiring of this series but have alot of hope for it now. Well done, Ms. Ayers and Canfield/Hansen of course.
Once again, this series has made an outstanding contribution to the lives of people everywhere. In these troubled times, it is truly a blessing that this thoughtful volume has been provided for Christian teens everywhere.
The reason why this series has struck such a chord with readers across generations is the feeling of authenticity it generates within readers. My only criticism is that some of the stories sometimes seem a bit formulaic. A striking exception is found in the story "The Test", which involves the dilemma of a student who cheats on a school exam. The narrative pulls off the rare combination of being impecably written while still ringing true with its audience. As someone who works with young people on a regular basis, I know it will inspire my students for years to come. Thank you.

I never write reviews, but everyone needs to know how wonderful and what an impact this book can have on a person. I am not a very religious person, but I picked up this book and found, that being religious or not had nothing to do with enjoying and appreciating this book. I LOVED IT and could relate so much thank you KIMBERLY KIRBERGER, once again.

The minute I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. As an reader of the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul series I was blown away by this particular book. I found it inspiring and moving, making me laugh and even cry. I recommend it to any teenager who wants to feel more connected to Christianity and regain their sense of faith.

Jack Maple, a truly unique individual in modern policing, has written a book that is composed of equal parts humorous stories from the trenches, ascerbic policy analysis and practical prescriptions for intractable crime problems. It would be a mistake and a reader's loss to dismiss this book as yet another police memoir.

Maple has an extensive background in transit policing and was deep selected to become the Deputy Police Commissioner of the New York Police Department. A promotion he notes was equivalent to a Coast Guard Ensign being promoted to a Vice Admiral in the Navy. In his capacity as the Deputy Commissioner, he formulated a new process - Comstat - that has been credited with increasing police effectiveness and accountability.

Four of the eleven chapters of this book examine the principles of Comstat. In some detail Maple outlines each Comstat principle, its philosophical underpinnings and practical implementation strategies. But he notes in summary that". . . Comstat process is a tool. In the hands of the mediocre, its useless. In the hands of a great leader it can be excalibur."

Maple's writing style is accessible, almost conversational. He takes the reader into the deep dark corners of major police organizations and reveals problems and triumphs. He does not shy from making politically incorrect assessments of some current police practices and strategies. Maple offers thoughtful alternatives to current practices found within many police departments.

The eleventh chapter, The Perfect World, struck me as redundant when compared to the preceding ten chapters. His five page Canon for Crime Free Communities was at best a summary of the points made clearly earlier in the book.

This is an enjoyable read that will leave you laughing and thinking at the same time - a real rarity.

Engaging stories from Maple's career as a detective for
the NY Transit Police, deputy commissioner of NYPD, and
consultant to Newark, Philadelphia, and New Orleans police
departments make this a very interesting read. The fact
that the problems and solutions discussed are relevant to
other cities - not just NYC - broadens the appeal of this
book. While some of the principles will apply to smaller
police jurisdictions, the context of all examples is with
large cities.

The subtitle "How You Can Make Your Community Crime-Free"
is a bit misleading, as this book is really about how the
police can make your community crime-free. Deploying
resources based analysis of crime tracking, holding
commanders accountable for reducing crime in their
districts, auditing against falsifying crime reports
to artificially improve statistics, having "cold case
squads" take over unsolved cases, interrogation strategy,
rooting out bad cops, and respect for citizens are
among the many topics covered.

I chose to read this book because the author, Jack Maple,
was an interesting character in the book Turnaround by
William Bratton; Bratton shook up several underperforming
police departments including the NYPD and Maple was key
player on his "dream team."

Jack Maple's book is both informative and fun reading. with his professional experience as a valuable resource, Maple's book is full of examples of how to lower crime and boost police/community morale. this book explains how to simplify the complicated and bureaucratic approach that many police departments take.maple's book raises many management theories that are important for any successful organization to be familiar with. (i.e. micromanaging vs. macromanaging in " The One Minute Manager", to a degree,and the breaking ball plus theory, a relative of the broken windows theory and other common sense theories) Maple also expounds on the need for managers to be leaders and not coaches and how leaders must allow for innovation in the lower ranks while letting subordinates know their bosses are familiar with their plight. Maple asserts that settling for less can become a cancer on any organization. for example, Maple argues that 10% of cops do 90% of the crime fighting. The Crime Fighter is an educational " page turner". To read it is to enjoy it.

The scores of short stories contained within this emotion-impacting book span a wide range of life-affecting topics that include love (15 stories), giving (11), parents and parenting (15), faith (12), levity (11), overcoming obstacles (11), perspective (11), and death and dying (15). The carefully selected stories (from thousands submitted) provide insight into the person God has called us to be, the actions God expects us to take, and the faith and attitude God expects us to adopt and profess. Scattered between the selections are both comics and thought-provoking quotations relevant to the section that they appear in.

Contributions for this outstanding 375+ page work were supplied by individuals such as the late Norman Vincent Peale, Corrie ten Boom, Dick Van Patten, Charles W. Colsen, Gary Smalley, Joan Wester Anderson, and Dick Van Dyke.

All stories are presented in a very readable level in which the reader can relate to the themes discussed and are short enough that single stories can be read in a session and then pondered. Your life will be more spiritually fulfilling and be more positive upon completion of reading this book if you take these stories to heart.

Do yourself a favor... A MUST read!

Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul paints a beautiful picture of true Christian love. The book does exactly as the title implies: warms the heart and rekindles the soul. The stories are very touching and moving, and they are all the more remarkable because they are true. Chicken Soup leaves the reader feeling very loving towards others and wanting to follow many actions of the people in the book. Chicken Soup's many themes include love, friendship, and devotion. Most of the stories in the book are based on one of these ideas. Often the stories show how love and friendship impacted or changed the author's life. People come to value these things much more when they have really been involved with the feelings of love and friendship. Chicken Soup makes a point to impress these values on the reader. The stories in Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul are all drawn from personal experience or the experience of a friend. This makes them seem quite real to the reader and leaves a very lasting impression. Many of the stories in the book question the power of Christ in one's life. Every time, His power holds true. Other times, the stories of devotion show just how rewarding love can be. These two things really give the reader something to think about. Also, the reader doesn't take so many things for granted. The Chicken Soup stories have all been very well written. They are worded in a way so as to touch the reader with everything they say. The book argues and defends its title very well and answers all questions posed in any of the stories. Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul proves to be very accessible to just about any reader of reasonable age, although the book probably has a more lasting impression on Christians. But, being a Christian isn't necessary to understand and enjoy the book. The point of view varies throughout the book, which makes it a little more interesting to read. The strengths of the Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul include the wonderful Christian-like themes it addresses throughout the book. Also, the book's ability to leave a lasting impression and make the reader truly grateful is definitely very important. As for weaknesses, none were noticeable. This book really contributes to the reader's understanding of life in general and how a little love and caring can go a long way. Reading Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul would definitely be a positive influence on just about anyone. The book proves its capability to cheer someone up when the soul feels blue. This is a wonderful book that plenty of people would enjoy, should they take the time to understand the feelings of the authors. Chicken Soup can certainly change the way one looks at themselves and others and make the quality of life much richer.

I have not yet completed this book, but I am in the process of finishing it now. So far it is very motivational. The chapter on Faith has got some real meaningful messeges. I recommend that anyone who needs some words of wisdom should open this book. It is definately worth the time and worth the money. I am only 20 years old and have read a lot of books, but this one is literally too hard to put down. When I put it down after reading a story I feel like being the best of God's people. God's work is really involved in these stories, and in putting them together so that we can enjoy them and learn about some wonderful workings of God.

Sure it covers a lot of areas. But its all from 50,000 feet. After done reading it, you may gain an general understanding of different subjects and area of interests of photography. There are not enough technical details to show how the result would be acheived. Don't expect this book to help you improve your photography skill. The pictures look like they come from the early 70s and certainly not creme of the crop. Many of them while relevant but not doing a good job showing the concepts.
After reading other books, I've found this book a complete waste of money. 2 stars for the vast coverage.

It gave me the full concept of 135 photography. From using wide range of lens to dark room photography. In addition, it gave me the idea to take a wonderful and detailed photos

After having reading and buying so many books on photography, I would say that this is the best book. This is really a very thick book, I find that instead of having buying a few books, this book give a very good in depth and wide coverage in all area.

It is very ideal book for all who are into photography.

Many of the stories in this book are distasteful. I would not recomend this book to anyone.

This is a wonderful book. Once I started it, I didn't want to put it down. I love a format of vignettes (short essays or stories). If you aren't a Christian, you may think these stories are too churchy or just can't be real. But if you ARE a Christian, you know exactly how the power of God carries us through everyday life. The theme of this book touches the soul of Christian women. Stories are either told by a woman of faith, or are about a woman of faith. Both men and women share real incidences from their life, covering nearly every scenario imaginable. The horrible: death, cancer, physical disfigurements, abuse, divorce. And the glorious: miraculous healings, new love, the wonder of children, God's protective hand. Though quite varied in content, each story testifies to God's grace, strength, and abundant love. The Chicken Soup people have outdone themselves with this uplifting collection to warm and heal the soul of the Christian woman. Blessings to them. And blessings to you from the MenopauseLady. Donna Rogers, author The Menopause Survival Guide.

We are blessed to have yet another collection of amazing stories to read and to share. Also of note is the tone of the book which is gentle and lovingly points the reader to draw their own conclusions - there is absolutely no offensive preachyness here! I would highly recommend this as a great gift or to read yourself! Thanks again to the Chicken Soup Team - you have done it again!

This book stuneed me with it's great start, wonderful wording and the greatest ending to a novel I have seen in a long time. W.O. Has out done himself and this book leaves me to wonder if he good do better?