Morrison's book is an excellent treatment of the subject. It presents the ideas of flow-based programming giving a historical perspective, and discussing the power of this technique for development of commercial applications.

J. HORACE McFARLAND A Thorn for Beauty

by Ernest J. Morrison

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 1995 ISBN 0-89271-063-2

This fine work by Ernest J. Morrison might be a little dry for some readers, but not for those who are; "one of us"; passionate lovers of nature, and the whole of life.

Morrison is a great writer, who has done us all a lasting service by bringing people like J. Horace McFarland to his readers. He has a concise and clear, and yet deeply sensitive way of revealing the true and subtle nature of a personality's inner character. I hope, like John F. Kennedy's "Profiles in Courage," that he will continue to find and hold up to recognition, the lives and dreams of great men and quiet heroes of history who have been lost or forgotten by posterity.

Morrison has shown us in this perceptive biographical sketch of the life of J. Horace McFarland, that not only was McFarland a practical idealist in his work to enrich us all with the enrichment of beauty, but he was also a visionary and an early wholistic thinker who saw, long before many men, some of the truth concerning God's will, and man's needs as reflected in the needs of nature, in what we are only now beginning to see as the bio-one-world.

Mr. McFarland didn't just think of beauty, preservation and reconstitution of nature as being a nice cutesy adjunct or afterthought to the activities and relationship man has with nature. He considered it an absolute necessity to counter-balance the disastrous negative effects that man has had on the environment, and spiritually; a saving grace for the disastrous effect man has had on himself.

Few could argue with this prophetic view from the past, as we begin to realize the universal wisdom and truth in living in healthful harmony with ourselves and with nature; with respect and love instead of the self abuse of exploitation. Horace would say it's time to start giving something back to mother earth, instead of just taking. There are ways to do this, by proper city planning that helps make people proud of their neighborhoods, and by constant beautification, and by protection and replacement of natural resources.

He felt that if mankind is to evolve successfully, he must displace the love of money with the more adaptive love of nature and beauty.

After being involved with the cross pollination and hybridization of plants, he began to see evolution as a process that God uses to change things in His on-going creation of life.

He believed in "equality" and helped get out the vote for women, and was involved with them in the many projects related to nature and beauty, and city planning during his lifetime. He had a view towards equality of value of other life forms- What we might today call an appreciation of, and sensitivity to, bio-diversity. He thought we should all be stewards of nature, and like the emerging global unity paradigm, that we have an obligation and responsibility to nurture and protect it. And that these were democratically based concepts, activities, and relationships. Ie: Of, by, and for the people.

J. Horace was, like a truly religious and spiritual man should be, a person who practiced his religion, his ideals, and his world view, like a daily prayer, each and every day of his life- like a church without walls. He wanted to be remembered as "a man who loved a garden." Indeed, he, materially, nurtured and loved, and helped renew the Garden of Life on this Earth; and will continue to do so spiritually through his life as example, and with his words, and with his works. We could all use a little of the spirit of McFarland in our hearts and in our souls.

McFarland was not only a great defender and protecter of nature and his beloved roses; he himself was like a "Rose of the World," a "lover of all good things, surmounted (and surrounded) by his love of beauty." His life was made up of tentacles of successes that reached far into many diverse areas of endeavor, each supporting and giving sustenance to the main body of his beautiful and high ideals. J. Horace McFarland, indeed a thorn for beauty... and a giant Oak of a man.

Curtis Bard, Editor - Bard Books on CD-ROM and The Computer Classifieds:

In the current miasmic atmosphere in public affairs created by the corrupting trinity of big money, indiscriminate television and instant opinion polls, it is salutary to recall those who have lent honor and distinction to public service by honest and relentless pursuit of the common good as they saw it. John and Catherine Morrison have provided such retrospect with their literary pantheon of remarkable Montanans titled "Mavericks," now published by the University of Idaho Press.

The lives, times, vicissitudes, triumphs and tragedies of nine leading actors in the drama of this state's first century are skillfully and accurately delineated in a single volume that is a handbook on our public affairs. Which is not to say that it even pretends to be objective. The authors are unabashed admirers of the Josephs Dixon and Toole, Ella Knowles and Jeannette Rankin, Tom Walsh and B.K. Wheeler, and Jim Murray, Mike Mansfield and Lee Metcalf, as far seeing, fearless progressives. This carefully researched and well organized book is at its best an insightful examination of Montana's populist-progressive tradition as illuminated by these players.

The list does not include Pat Williams, who sustained the tradition in the House of Representatives for 18 years without flinching. In his concise forward though, Williams adumbrates the Morrison's central theme, "...the golden thread of courage." These men and women were as diverse in their backgrounds, personalities, predilictions, and modus operendi as they could possibly be, yet they had one thing in common: when the chips were down and the issue really mattered, their convictions came first and they did the best they could with the rest of it.

The concluding paragraphs are the most intriguing in the book. The authors are relatively young and have not been prominent in public affairs. Yet their six page conclusion is as piercing and enlightened a statement on the state of the state and its future as we've seen. It is informed with an extraordinary sense of the importance, on the one hand, of leadership on the part of elected officials, but, on the other hand, the equal and ever more urgent importance of participation on the part of all of us. Well and deeply considered and elegently written, these few paragraphs are a much needed orientation as to where we are now and a beacon to the future.

I purchased this guide to help me select mystery books as gifts for Christmas, and what a help it was! Not only is it so simple to use, but it recommends the top authors in all the different kinds of mysteries, such as cozies, technothrillers, historicals, noir, etc. It also gives a lot of valuable information on mystery awards, organizations, and websites. Definitely worth the $30.00 I spent!

Once in a while, not very often, a book intended to give our young a whiff of world history turns out to be a bravura piece of mini-literature. This is the case with Chelsea House's "Syria," the latest of a series about the creation of the Modern Middle East.

In a lamentably brief space - 145 pages - it covers the Arab country's tortuous path from its subjugation by the Ottomon Empire at the dawn of the 16th century through its domination by the French in the modern era and on to its tenuous independence.

Steeped in Biblical lore, buffeted by the intractable winds of politics, religion and bloody military ventures, the nation of some nine million economically deprived people faces a precarious future as it stumbles into the 21st century. This might have been encapsulated in a dry and bewildering collection of dates and facts typical of many "primers." Here, oft-told tales and ghostly, half-forgotten faces spring to new life.

Historical background and evenhanded analysis alternate with bangup action.
The disastrous wars with Israel, the draconian rule of Hafez Assad, the riveting personalities of the great-hearted Saladin, the far-seeing King Feisal, yes, and the young Winston Churchill - it's all there, deftly integrated into the crazy-quilt of the Middle East.

The book is buttressed by a searching introduction by Islamic scholar Akbar
Ahmed and by a remarkably mesmeric gallery of photogaphs, some more than a century old.

But its main power rests in the narrative.
Author John Morrison, a noted Philadelphia journalist and poet, combines the terse, vivid style of a hugely gifted reporter with the dimension and color of a lyricist. Thus: "Just five feet, five-and-a-half inches tall, he was a little man. But he was as strong and tough as an Arabian saddle, and he had the endurance of a desert camel. In fact, it was said he could jump from a galloping camel while holding a heavy rifle, and hop back on again in midstride....He was....best known as Lawrence of Arabia."

You don't have to be a callow teen to savor this "Syria." -- Hans Knight

i am only curious about this book, because I have been studying at Harvard for two years and because of this reason I love Boston and their sport teams.

This book is an excellent compliation of articles written for mathematicians who want to understand quantum field theory. It is not surprising then that the articles are very formal and there is no attempt to give any physical intuition to the subject of quantum field theory. This does not mean however that aspiring physicists who want to specialize in quantum field theory should ont take a look at the contents. The two volumes are worth reading, even if every article cannot be read because of time constraints. All of the articles are written by the some of the major players in the mathematics of quantum field theory. Volume 1 starts off with a glossary of the terms used by physicists in quantum field theory and is nicely written. The next few hundred pages are devoted to supersymmetry and supermanifolds. A very abstract approach is given to these areas, with the emphasis not on computation but on the structure of supermanifolds as they would be studied mathematically. There is an article on classical field theory put in these pages, which is written by Pierre Deligne and Daniel Freed, and discussed in the framework of fiber bundles. The discussion of topological terms in the classical Lagrangian is especially well written. There is an introduction to smooth Deligne cohomology in this article, and this is nice because of the difficulty in finding understandable literature on this subject. Part Two of Volume 1 is devoted to the formal mathematical aspects of quantum field theory. After a short introduction to canonical quantization, the Wightman approach is discussed in an article by David Kazhdan. Most refreshing is that statement of Kazhdan that the Wightman approach does not work for gauge field theories. This article is packed with interesting insights, especially the section on scattering theory, wherein Kazdan explains how the constructions in scattering theory have no finite dimensional analogs. The article by Witten on the Dirac operator in finite dimensions is fascinating and a good introduction to how powerful concepts from quantum field theory can be used to prove important results in mathematics. A fairly large collection of problems (with solutions) ends Volume 1. The first part of Volume 2 is devoted entirely to the mathematics of string theory and conformal field theory. The article by D'Hoker stands out as one that is especially readable and informative. D. Gaitsgory has a well written article on vertex algebras and defines in a very rigorous manner the constructions that occur in the subject. The last part of Volume 2 discusses the dynamics of quantum field theory and uses as much mathematical rigor as possible. One gets the impression that it this is the area where it is most difficult to proceed in an entirely rigorous way. Path integrals, not yet defined mathematically and used throughout the discussion. The best article in Volume 2, indeed of the entire two volumes is the one on N = 2 Yang-Mills theory in four dimensions. It is here that the most fascinating constructions in all of mathematics find their place. These two volumes are definitely worth having on one's shelf, and the price is very reasonable considering the expertise of the authors and considering what one will take away after reading them.

These articles are great. Fills the ubiquitous need to retract the gap between then conceptual and rigorous framework of the subjects.

Physicists interested in the mathematical aspects of quantum field/string theory would do well to read these volumes as well.

Deserving, in my opinion, more than 5 stars -- many more!!

Travel through the life of John Densmore and the band the Doors to experience the adventuresome world of fame in the 1960's. Riders on the Storm is a biographical story of the journey through which each person took whom associated with Jim Morrison. Jim Morrison's temerity and lack of sobriety made working and living with him an adventure in itself. This book is an intriguing and interesting look at an amazing human being. A glimpse at Jim Morrison's life from an insider. Turmoil, addiction, alcohol, drugs, women, insanity, and immeasureable intelligence all represent the life and experience associated with Jim Morrison. John Densmore portrays the dark world of Jim Morrison and the Doors in such a way that you feel compelled to find out more of what really went on.

John Densmore's account of his life with Jim Morrison is a sensitive, searching memoir that invites readers to share its intimate point of view. Densmore details the genesis, breakthough, and dissolution of The Doors with an honesty made palpable by his obvious need for truthful answers. Anchoring the narrative are excerpts from a long letter Densmore wrote to Morrison after his death, and it is through this letter that the drummer enables us to understand how haunted he is by his time working and touring with Morrison, a gifted and difficult artist capable of both clear-eyed transcendence and frustrating childishness, of lucid grace and drunken mumblings. Densmore's reconciliation allows us access not only to his life with Morrison, but to our own lives with people who might similarly inspire and baffle us. RIDERS ON THE STORM makes for a wonderfully moving read, and Densmore's deft placement of Morrison's lyrics and poetry throughout illuminates what a fine and pioneering rock lyricist he was.

Riders on the Storm is the first account of the Doors by one of its members, John Densmore, the drummer who chronicles his memories and experiences with the Doors. The book takes us back to seeing Morrison's grave, his feelings toward his old friend which were sadly, never resolved and dealing with the guilt of not saving him. Also included is the last time he spoke with Morrison and the groups reaction to his death, revealed honestly for the first time. The chapter Wild Child Densmore talks about his mucical development, from here you can tell he is music mad. He even talks about his first acid trip. He gives a very good overview of the Doors early years and his times hanging out with Morrison and hearing his dark and mysterious lyrics. Densmore recalls these times with a thrill and reveals great satisfaction. The book keeps its consistency as he takes us through the recording sessions and live performances. He reveals his frustrations and is a bit negative about the Hollywood Bowl concert. He should of mentioned that the doors did continue to play gigs after the Miami concert but keeps us interested as he tells of what happened socially and politically in the sixties as do other doors books and inserts songs and poetry to complement his story wgich provide a great soundtrack. This book can aslo be read or kept with Ray's mew book Light my fire as 2 perspectives fo the band. Fans will get a revealing insight by 2 of the groups talented members. Is there a new updated release of this book available? What is the "new Afterward by the Authour". Please contact me if anybody knows.

"Rock of Ages" is the best superhero comic book story ever written. Part 5 was so good, I needed a cigarette.

Grant Morrison's talent on the JLA is that he handles all of the characters better than anyone else. His Superman is very Superman. His Batman is extremely clever and competant. The Martian Manhunter is patient and wise, Wonder Woman is strong, and Green Lantern is a bit clueless but very capable. This is pure fun the way superhero comics are meant to be.

This book is truely the best ever, as I said in my last review. I recently re-read this book, and I was blown away by it's amazing story line, brilliant characters, and superb illustration. I don't think that words can do this excellent book credit. If you only buy one thing ever, buy toilette paper, if you buy two things buy JLA ROCK OF AGES!

Rock of Ages is, in my opinion, the best part of Morrison's highly entertaining run on the JLA. The story is brimming with cool ideas and un-restrained day-glow heroics, and the whole thing has a rediculously FUN feel to it.

It's not as good as Morrison's mind-blowingly surreal work on Doom Patrol, The Invisibles and Flex Mentallo, but few things (in any medium) are.

A thouroughly enjoyable slice of superhero madness that captures the sheer buzzing energy of the best silver-age comics without ever feeling retro, this is a must for fans of OTT superhero action!

In this new take on the original story of the JLA, writer Grant Morrison describes the battle with the alien hyperclan that forged the union of seven of earth's greatest heroes...well...he fails to please...

The story is fast paced but the characters have ghostly roles that lack depth & the power to attract. Superman has grown his hair in a silly style, WonderWoman is as always abscent from the actual events...Aquaman & the Martian Manhunter are denied their distinctive introvert qualities...The Flash is supporting cast & the Green Lantern is a casual bystander. Only Batman shines in a good plot & his actions are drawn to make a difference.

Morrison offered the JLA some decent stories later on but this is not the way I like to remember the start of the team... the enormously superior JLA: Year One is so breath-taking it renders Morisson's tale(& its lame artwork) rather artificial...

May be necessary if you are a completist & wants to have all the issues of the JLA...I can't find any other reason for having it...

This is the big one! The magnificent seven together again - Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter. Now the JLA is truly THE world's greatest superhero team (sorry, but JLA can kick X-Men's butt any day, the same goes for the Avengers, and any Image superhero team). The characterisation is spot on. Superman acts the way I've always imagined him to be - the heroic leader, but one so full of humanity despite his otherworldly origins. The interaction between Flash and Green Lantern is funny, humorous and just plain fun. Martian Manhunter, as portrayed by writer Grant Morrison, is something of an outsider fitting in. And Batman, oh my favourite hero, is captured perfectly as he takes down the entire Hyperclan (invaders from...that would be telling...) all by himself, in a style that is very Batman. Penciller Howard Porter's art style captures the splendour and grandeur, the epic feel of the superheroes and does them justice. By the end of this 4-issue collection, fans will rejoice in the return of THE ONE AND ONLY JLA!

For several years, DC Comics allowed one of their most venerable and hallowed team books to languish. JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA, the last comic to tell the stories of DC's premiere super team, had become populated by castoffs, also-rans and never-will super heroes who would do much better sitting in the back issue bins than they would on the racks posing as Earth's mightiest defenders.

Now, in JLA, DC has brought back the core seven: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, the Flash, Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter. Most of whom comprised the original Justice League way back in BRAVE AND THE BOLD #28 in the early Silver Age of Comics.

Avant-garde comics writer, Grant Morrison takes the helm in this new JLA series and begins his run of wild, over-the-top, blockbuster epics featuring DC's mightiest. I don't want to spoil the secrets of this first tale, but suffice it to say there are some great twists and turns in the story. Morrison draws the reader in by pitting our heroes against a menace that seemingly can't be beaten because the public at large doesn't WANT them to!

Anyone who's ever wanted to fly like Superman, worn a bath towel around his neck to play Batman or loved the DC heroes in any way shape or form will love this book. Morrison has an uncanny ability to pull the reader's strings with these characters. You find yourself rooting for them uncontrollably as they face down a menace that only THEY can see and understand even in the face of widespread disdain by the public. They're heroes because they choose to be. Not because of the fame or fortune, but because it's in their very being.

Howard Porter, while not my favorite artist by any stretch of the imagination, is good at visually telling Morrison's epic story and great at conveying the personalities of each and every JLAer. If you missed out on this series when it came out, here's a cheap way to get the back issues (they're getting more expensive by the day!) and read one heckuva terrific comic story.