I'm considering setting up as a childrens entertainer, so I purchased a good few books. This is without doubt the best of the bunch.

The book covers lots of aspects of clowning, gives great ideas, and is an easy read.

The only downside is that it does not have space to go as in depth in some areas as I would of liked - but there are plenty of speciality books to do so.

Every hobby has one or two definative books. This is it for clowning. Everything I wanted to find out and more. Like any good reference book it started me down the path and I have read several books recommended.

If you are going to get into clowning you need this book.

Having read four customer reviews of this book, I might have had high expectations. Maybe I didn't realize it's true value at first, but after learning various skills, you may want to try others, which didn't catch your interest at first. Then you realize how powerful a tool this book is.

Until now I've focused on juggling and unicycling. The book not only teaches you how to ride a unicycle, -it also provides a lot of amusing variations. Though I knew how to ride before buying this book, it taught me how to ride in a very ridiculous way, seemingly out of control. I've experienced a tremendous effect when acting upon these hints in front of an audience. ...

Just recently I grew interested in the stiltwalking sections and made a pair of wooden tie-on stilts. I'm not exactly an engineer, but following the instructions, all I needed was a saw, some wood, a drill, some glue, some bolts and screws.

Reading the ingenious instructions given sometimes make me laugh out loud, thinking of how it would work in real life. The illustrations are really amusing, and I do enjoy all the hints on starting a clowning business. Lots of detailed information.

Also, the book is packed with numerous jokes and material that can be used for shows. The next stage for me will be learning how to twist balloons into different animal shapes.

I was actually looking for a book on how to put on clowns' make-up for my unicycling. This book is all you need to know about various types of make-up for various clown types, plus so much more. If you're thinking about clowning, either for fun or for money, I highly recommend this book!

U.K. author Shaun Jeffrey: intellectual thrill ride!
Reviewer: A reader from London, U.K.
Shaun Jeffrey, author of Evilution (Invisible College Press)
If you like conspiracy theories and intellectual thrillers, you cannot afford to miss Dark Protocols. Richard Weber writes with panache and an eye for detail that shows in the meticulous research he must have undertaken to write this book. Taking us from the Vatican to the mean streets of Chicago, the reader is transported on a terrifying odyssey, but is also left with a strange sense of, 'What if ...?'
The characters leap out from the page; they are people you care about or fear: A gritty detective in the form of Sam Goldstein; Josey Schulman, a beautiful Mossad agent, and the terror that is The Other. The author keeps a tight hold of the reins, letting the dark prose run at just the right speed, relinquishing control only to heighten the breathtaking excitement. A cultural excursion through the dark side of life. Read it at your peril.

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Author Sephra Giron,Curse (Leisure 2004)THE BIRDS AND THE BEES
Review:
"Secret societies, an ancient book that renders people mad, deadly games of erotica and murder...all are woven together for a page turning journey into the ultimate evil."

"Weber leads his readers down a treacherous path of conspiracy, corruption and seduction with a fim hand and engaging prose."

Terror never takes a holiday!!, May 5, 2003
Reviewer: A reader from CA
I stubbled upon this book, but to my surprise it was a great fast-paced read. I haven't been scared and shocked with true visceral terror since I first discovered the late Dick Laymon's work. This guy knows how to pry under you fingernails and twist until you scream with agony. I've been looking for a new horror writer that could take me to places in my imagination that most fear to tread. This author took me there--and then some. He combined an in-your-face police procedural and euro-thriller with a quiet, brooding horror novel. You've got a ball-busting, femme fatale Mossad agent, a Shape Shifter, a golem, and a cross-dressing villain that makes Hannibal look like a kindergarten teacher.
What more would you want in a cross-genre thriller?
The action ratchets between scenes with one cliffhanger after another. A bit of the DaVinci Code but with rich prose and far more action.
I'm waiting for a sequel ... hopefully not too long!

I now have found peace. Richard has been exactly what I needed when I needed it. I have been saved from myself and in the process gained what I never thought possible. Thank God for Richard and thank Richard for God.

It has taken me so long to find God. The person most responsible in helping me with my journey is Richard Rohr. Without his sharing I would have still been trying to climb the ladder - but now I'm stepping down and loving it. For the first time in my 36 years I can say that I have experienced God in my life, and I jumped for joy when I knew it. I have read and listened to many books and tapes by Richard over and over again. Each time I learn more. I have never experienced the peace, joy and love that I feel when hearing Richard's message - It is Good News. I am so glad I can leave behind now the Bad News of a God who did'nt love me because I was not good enough; I can leave behind a punishing God who was going to send me to Hell. How could I love a God like that? Who could? It has help me more than I can ever express to know that I am OK- that the transformation of me in all of this is my journey with God always by my side. Thank You Richard for saving me from me.

Reading this book has changed my life, it changed the way I am looking at our world and my role in it. Richard Rohr beautifully combines eastern and western wisdom, bringing us closer to the universal truth. The book is highly recommended to anybody seeking deeper meaning of life.

This is THE book to own if you're interested in fancy goldfish. The section by Erik Johnson really gives a modern update to goldfish husbandry i.e disease treatment et al. Richard Hess and Erik Johnson have put together a fantastic book containing so much info assembled from a wide variety of sources that it makes a great reference book- both to the novice and the pro. The section on ranchus also is top notch. This great book isnt just a picture book; it's packed full of valuable information that anyone can use!

I couldn't keep Goldfish without this book! It's incredible - the general, species and medical information contained within is absolutely comprehensive. The photos are gorgeous, and cover every type of Goldfish you could dream of. The history section is interesting as well. Breeding information, basic tank care... you can't ask for more!

If you're going to buy one book on fish keeping this year, make it this one!

This is the book the goldfish hobby has been waiting for! Clear and accurate information on keeping fancy goldfish. Excellent information on disease and treatment of goldfish ailments. Glossary of varieties of goldfish and terms commonly used in the goldfish hobby, including Japanese terms. PLUS!! the best darn goldfish picture book ever! -This is the premier "go to" book for goldfish keepers.

Shockingly, the Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa, is a novelty in American academia today, even though he wrote in the early twentieth century. He has been described by Richard Zenith, the man responsible for introducing this genius to us, as "Portugal's Walt Whitman." We missed this genius since Portuguese has never been a politically and numerically prominent language, unlike Spanish, French, and English. Now we have the opportunity to discover that he is among the greats, in the ranks of Whitman, Faulkner, Joyce, and Miller.

Pessoa wrote under numerous "heteronyms" or alter-egos, and fully fleshed out each character with unique biographies, lifestyles, and philosophies. As represented in the style of writing of each heteronym, Pessoa strikes the heart of our imagination -by both creatively and accuratively conveying the struggles, conflicts, philosophies, and emptiness of each character.

Pessoa did not write for an audience. His audience was the numerous poet-alter-egos he imagined. There have been numerous Pessoa-written criticism among his alter-egos, along with narratives of their meetings. As the reader, I dare ask, is it correct to treat each heteronym as unique poets, or view them in light of the whole?

In Fernando Pessoa & Co., we are introduced to four of his heteronyms: Ricardo Reis, Alberto Caeiro, Alvaro de Campos, and himself, Fernando Pessoa. In a bad nutshell, in terms of content and style, Reis writes like Dickinson, Caiero writes like Frost, Campos writes like Whitman, and Pessoa himself writes in short, compact verses, while presenting explosive subject matters, such as homosexuality, justice, and apathy. Why did he do this?

According to Zenith, Pessoa wrote in heteronyms to achieve sincerity with incomplete insincerity. By relinquishing his identity for other identities, it leads the poet to a higher creative field and a well-justified artistic license, almost like relative minimalism, but not quite.

But on the other hand, Pessoa may also be schizophrenic. But don't draw such fast conclusions. And in any case, it's not psychology that is the complete basis of great poetry; it's the human spirit. So let our poetic responses be the judge.

Grand, grand, grand.

Just being himself wasn't good enough for Fernando Pessoa, so he divided himself into four distinct, invented personalities ("heteronyms") and wrote poetry from the perspective and in the style of each of them. This in itself is a remarkable feat of literary imagination.

The poetry itself (well, this translation of it) is startling. It's direct and plain-spoken for the most part, even allowing for the personality differences. It may look un-poetic, or even awkward, at first reading. But it sticks. Days after reading, you may find lines and phrases of Pessoa & Co. springing up spontaneously in your head, just because they're so sharp and to the point. Getting to know this multitudinous poet is an invigorating experience. Try it yourself.

If Fernando Pessoa had lived in an English-speaking country (and mind you, he spoke perfect English since childhood and wrote some of his poems in that language), he would probably be more popular among academians and university students as Pound or Elliot. During his lifetime, he assumed a number of names and personalities, which reflect different and complementary ways of understanding life and poetry. From theoretical paganism towards XXth century malaise, his work is very thorough. Whereas some of his poems might seem a bit depressing (I am thinking about "The tobacco shop" and "The road to Sintra"), the mere fact somebody wrote something as beautiful and human makes them enlightening. I know this isn't an academic review as such, but Pessoa's poetry needn't only be read from you mind, but also from your gut. This a book definitely worth buying if you consider yourself a poetry lover.

Being a new to Arizona and visiting once, I loved this book. It made my recent trip to Bisbee wonderfully interesting. I searched for many of the points of interst mentioned in this book. Looked at the terrain and the people. All were true to the authors decribtion. I even experienced a few "that's Bisbee" moments. Thanks for a great book, I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

A DELIGHTFUL DIVERSION. WELL-WRITTEN AND WORTH IT TO BUY IT. A KIND OF VERBAL NATURALIST'S JOURNALING. This is an exceptionally well-written and engaging travel memoir describing in fluid, conversational, yet poetic language, the writer's travels in Arizona's Sonoran Desert and mountainous area. It uses the English language of the American style magnificantly. It conveys the moment to moment experiencing of Mr. Sheldon's drives and travels. YOu feel as if you are in Blue Boy (his van) with him. YOu can almost smell the greasewood right after a monsoon rain as if you were there. I'm reading this book to my 91-year old Mother who lived in Bisbee and Tucson as a child. It is a special treasure for her as it allows her to enjoy and reminisce about the special memories of her childhood. Thank you Mr. Sheldon for this delightful book. I am eternally grateful to you.

This book is a gem! Besides the fact that Bisbee is one of my favorite places to visit, the author makes the trip there so enjoyable, you have a hard time remembering you've been there already. I especially liked the story of the Christmas 'Tree' he brought in one year for Christmas. Get this book and take it to a quiet corner to read. You will be transported.

I just started tying flies a couple of months ago and have been learning the basics by reading instructions for beginners on the Internet. After having read this book and followed it's instructions I feel much more confident in my fly-tying. The author does a terrific job at explaining the basics of fly-tying and the photos and illustrations are top-quality. This book is clearly intended to be a "beginners guide", and as such it does a terrific job. The only drawback, in my opinion, is the heavy emphasis on tying dry-flies. Here in Iceland, we don't use them a lot, but if you're looking for a great guide to tying dry-flies, here it is! Overall, a must buy for the beginning fly-tyer.

I've had this book for years and I still find it helpful. It's always good to review the basics. This is a well written how to book and I recommend it highly.

I recently received this book as a gift when I decided to take up fly-tying. Thanks to Mr. Morris' simple, clear instruction, I was able to complete the first two flies in the book (my first two flies ever) quickly and easily. He has succeeded in making what can seem to be such an intimidating subject very accessible. This book has given me a confident start in what I hope will be a lifetime hobby. Highly recommended.

Gargoyle 42 is a brilliant collection of brash, dynamic and creative literary works. Particularly moving is the hard-hitting "Boyfriend" by Jenny Badman. When this woman lays it out there, you'll feel it. Buy the book!

I loved this work! My fav section was the poem by Jenny B. It moved me and inspired me to make some changes in my life. This work was spellbinding, riveting and seductive. Encoré Jenny B!

This hot author is already outstanding. Not only has captured the heat of the moment, but she relates it to everyday life. It has flavor and edge. Loved it!

The Great Gallery of Ducks... is truly great, if you're looking for a pictorial reference book on waterfowl. The book is crammed with photographs, almost all of which are well-taken, many showing fine detail. A few are underexposed, but most are indeed of great use to birders, artists and others intent on seeing waterfowl up close and personal.

This book is one to have! This book is what I call the greatest beginners book to waterfowl. It takes you step by step, thru different breeds (Canvasback & Green-winged teal), types (Dabblers & divers), and the anatomy of the birds. It is a great book for any waterfowl painter or Waterfowl carving beginning artist to invest in. It has helped me a lot and it has helped my other fellow artist out also. (Like 2000 Federal Duck Stamp artist Adam Grimm) Take my word: get this book. You'll thank me.

I have been hunting ducks all my life and have read quite a few books on waterfowl, but I have never come across any book with so many pictures on different kinds of ducks and geese. I believe this book is an excellent source for people who are beginners in waterfowl hunting since they can learn about what different kinds of ducks look like.

Editors Frances Hesselbein, Marshall Goldsmith and Richard Beckhard present a series of short essays by 39 authors describing the structure of tomorrow's organizations. The essays, which are introduced by Peter Drucker, are organized into six main themes: shaping future organizations, new models for working and organizing, organizing for strategic advantage, working and organizing in a wired world, leading people in future organizations and understanding and improving organizational health. Given this approach and more than three dozen authors, some repetition is inevitable, so we [...] wonder if readers will prefer to dip in and choose articles that appeal to them the most. Generally, the book explicates broad trends in structural thinking, almost like a survey of organizational forecasting by top philosophers, authors and leaders in the field. This is sure to intrigue the executives charged with steering large organizations to and through this complex future.

'The Organization of the Future' is an outstanding integration of much of the current thinking of leadership, organization, strategy, change, and innovation. Frances Hesselbein, Marshall Goldsmith, and Richard Beckhard (editors) have gathered together in this collection remarkable 49 thought thinkers.

Charles Handy suggests in his chapter that "Margaret Wheatley, in 'Leadership and the New Science,' has written of the danger of believing in Newtonian organization in a quantum age. Newton wasn't wrong. He just wasn't right enough to cope with the dilemmas of science now. Similarly, the old way of looking at organizations wasn't wrong; it just does not capture the real essence of what it means to organize today." On the other hand, Peter F.Drucker notes in his introduction, "...now a totaly different approach is emerging, not replacing the older approaches but being superimposed on them: it says that the purpose of organizations is to get results 'outside,' that is, to achieve performance in the market. The organization is, however, more than a machine...It is more than economic, defined by results in the marketplace. The organization is, above all, 'social.' It is people. Its purpose must therefore be to make the strengths of people effective and their weaknesses irrelevant."

In this context, the editors divide this book into six parts. They write in their preface, "throughout the chapters in this book, the need for organizations is unquestioned. The authors provide a variety of forms and operating plans for organizations today and tomorrow; at the same time, each recognizes the indispensable role of organizations to human accomplishment and achievement."

Highly recommended.

I am using this book for courses in a degree in leadership. This book is a definite plus! It is a compolation of 28 essays from different scholars and executives and is must read for MBA students and business leaders alike.