Forgotten Texas: A wilderness portfolio

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A good, clear instructional manual

If you want better information you need to go to Japan

great details on kata

Kendo Kata

A wonderful book for all kenshi.

Looking at a Far Mountain: A Study of Kendo Kata (Tuttle Martial Arts)
Paul Budden
Manufacturer: Tuttle Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fencing | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
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Kendo: The Definitive Guide

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ASIN: 0804832455

Book Description

Derived from the ancient Japanese warrior art of the sword and imbued with the principle of Zen Buddhism, kendo has now gained worldwide popularity for its appealing combination of sport and meditation. In Looking at Far Mountain kendo expert Paul Budden explains the essentials of the art by offering:

* An extensive history of the kendo tradition

* Technical specifics such as form, positioning, and breathing

* Detailed explanations of the kata

* A listing of kendo schools

* A lineage chart of the great kendo masters

This comprehensive volume-endorsed by the premier Japanese kendo body-is sure to imporve and perfect the practice of kendo for students of all levels.

Customer Reviews:

A good, clear instructional manual.......2007-09-28

After many years of undertaking other martial arts, I've found myself having the opportunity to study Kendo. The club where I train has an emphasis on kata from the start of your training, and Budden's book provides nice clear illustrations of how to proceed with the long and short sword forms.

The pictures are clear, and the points of note useful when atempting to refine your practice. Overall a much better (and understandable) coverage of the kata than Ozawa's "Kendo: The definitive guide". The page lay-out includes both shidachi and uchidachi as they enter and exit, though I would have liked to have seen movement arrows (a la Yang, Jwing-Ming). Overall though, this has been a very useful purchace, and I recommend it for anyone interested in learning and refining their kendo kata.

If you want better information you need to go to Japan.......2006-06-26

This book contains detailed information on the kendo katas. It has all the notes one would like to have on how to perform each one. With this I do not need to worry about taking notes after classes and I can focus on performance. I especially like the shidachi and the uchidachi shown in opposing pages, so one can view the complete sequence at a glance. It also have interesting historical information with pictures. This book is a "must have" to practice far from Japan.

great details on kata.......2005-04-05

but.. i would rather suggest dvd rather than trying to read and learn from any book. best way to learn kata is, of course, from sensei at dojo.

Kendo Kata.......2005-02-16

This is a very informative book for those kenshi studying the Nihon Kendo Kata. Most do not devote enough time to the study and practice of the kata and this book is a valuable aid for this purpose.

A wonderful book for all kenshi........2004-05-02

I found this to be a wonderful book. I recommend it for all kenshi who do not read Japanese but want to make a throrough study of kata. The author lays the groundwork for understanding the theory and spirit behind the kata as well as deatailng the movements.

Average customer rating:

Thank you, Sol!

From a "Transient" writer

Sheer Genius

A Keeper...But!

Wonderful help for writer of fiction and nonfiction

Stein On Writing: A Master Editor of Some of the Most Successful Writers of Our Century Shares His Craft Techniques and Strategies
Sol Stein
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fiction | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books
Writing Skills | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books
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How to Grow a Novel: The Most Common Mistakes Writers Make and How to Overcome Them

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Writing the Breakout Novel

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The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile

ASIN: 0312254210

Amazon.com

"The best reading experiences," says Sol Stein, "defy interruption." With Stein's assistance, you can grab your reader on page 1 and not let go until "The End." Stein--author of nine novels (including the bestselling The Magician) and editor to James Baldwin, W.H. Auden, and Lionel Trilling--offers "usable solutions" for any writing problem you may encounter. He is authoritative and commanding--neither cheerleader nor naysayer. Instead, he rails against mediocrity and demands that you expunge it from your work. Perhaps the concept of scrutinizing every modifier, every metaphor, every character trait sounds like drudgery. But with Stein's lively guidance, it is a pleasure. Stein recommends that you brew conflict in your prose by giving your characters different "scripts." He challenges you, in an exercise concerning voice, to write the sentence you want the world to remember you by. He uses an excerpt from E.L. Doctorow to demonstrate poorly written monologue and a series of Taster's Choice commercials as an example of dialogue that works. Stein's bottom line is that good writing must be suspenseful. Your job, says Stein, "is to give readers stress, strain, and pressure. The fact is that readers who hate those things in life love them in fiction." --Jane Steinberg

Book Description

Stein on Writing provides immediately useful advice for all writers of fiction and nonfiction, whether they are newcomers or old hands, students or instructors, amateurs or professionals. As the always clear and direct Stein explains here, "This is not a book of theory. It is a book of usable solutions-how to fix writing that is flawed, how to improve writing that is good, how to create interesting writing in the first place." With examples from bestsellers as well as from students' drafts, Stein offers detailed sections on characterization, dialogue, pacing, flashbacks, trimming away flabby wording, the so-called "triage" method of revision, using the techniques of fiction to enliven nonfiction, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Thank you, Sol!.......2007-07-11

Thanks to what I learned from Sol Stein's marvelously written book, I am now a published author with a university press. It isn't just for you novelists. If you're a writer, buy it, read it, re-read it, and sleep with it.

From a "Transient" writer.......2007-06-30

First off, I like the book. It has some real gems of wisdom in it. About the only thing that bugged me is the constant reference to genre fiction as "transient" fiction. Yes, "transient" as in "transitional to a higher form" (at best) or as in "homeless transient demonstrating public incontinence" (at worst). I can only surmise that the "higher form" in this case would be literary fiction, which the author goes to great pains to tell us is the only fiction worthy of anyone's time. After the read I felt, as a published author of "transient fiction", that I owe it to the world to someday print a book discussing "snooty fiction", and its relative lack of worth, at great length.

Sheer Genius.......2007-03-31

This is just piling on but this has to be the best book on writing ever published. Stein is the master mentor, tough, specific, and relentless. The book is not easy because the content is so dense. He makes you see writing through a new lens and enlightens on every page.

A Keeper...But!.......2007-02-06

Four stars from me. I wanted an excuse to give the book 5 stars but it just doesnt rate 5. The author's HOW TO GROW A NOVEL is 5 stars, and contains most of the information this book contains. I think the other book is written better than this one.

What grabbed my attention in this book is the excessive use of auxillary verbs....is, am, are, was, were, have, had, has, etc. They have their uses, and they shouldnt be used where a strong verb works better alone. The passive-voice bothers me. The second thing that caught my eye is how Stein dilutes his advice. Too much anecdotal narrative and digressions. I like my advice straight without the cocoanut water and cherry. Again, Stein doesnt dilute things in the other book. And my final problem is Stein's tip-o-the hat to political correctness. Can we please get over trying to appease everyone on the planet! and tip-toeing around anything remotely controversial?

Otherwise the book is a good addition to your writing library. I bought the other book, HOW TO GROW A NOVEL, and if it persists in keeping my esteem I may dump this one...but not just yet.

Wonderful help for writer of fiction and nonfiction.......2007-01-23

I live in Sweden and here it is not many book about writing with this quality. Me and a writing friends has got a real kick of the book and discussed many topics that Stein write about. It has moved our projekts forward and we want to thank Stein for the help. We really recommend it for writer, who is not so experienced. It is also a good help for all kind of writing. As we write novels I will also buy Steins book about that. Both me and my friend are happy that the computer world has opened up the possibility to buy books from english writer. Earlier it was only possible when travelling.

Stein on Writing: A Master Editor Shares His Craft, Techniques, and Strategies (Unabridged)

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Stein on Writing: A Master Editor Shares His Craft, Techniques, and Strategies (Unabridged)
Sol Stein
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B0002P0DAK

Book Description

They were seventeen, with perfect tans and perfect bodies. They planned on a joyride in a convertible on a hot summer day. They planned on skinny-dipping in a beautiful, secluded lake. They planned on making it back to camp before anyone noticed they were gone. What they didn't plan on was being followed by two guys in a beat-up station wagon. . . .

Their day soon takes a drastic turn -- all because Kristy Sweetland smiled at the wrong time, in the wrong place, at the wrong boys.

Now the girls feel prying eyes on them all the time -- during pep practice, on the path through the woods, outside the window of their cabin. The boys are stalking them, leaving threatening notes on their beds, and watching their every move.

Boy Heaven is a provocative, page-turning mystery, and a must-read for anyone who loves an urban legend.

Customer Reviews:

Boy Heaven.......2007-03-02

Gosh, what can I say about this book? The ending WILL shock you... I agree with that part of all the hype. But it didn't exactly shock me for the better. At the end of the book I just wanted to throw it down on the ground and rip it up.

I don't know, it just doesn't seem like the setting of a mystery type story. I mean, seriously, Cheerleading Camp? Plus, it seemed like nothing was resolved. What was up with Desiree and Kristi towards the end? What happened to T.J. or whatever his name is? And why exactly did it end the way it did?

I am so confused, and honestly I would hardly reccommend this book to anyone.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2006-11-08

Seventeen-year-old Kristy Sweetland is a pretty, blonde cheerleader away for the summer at cheer camp. Bored out of her mind, Kristy and her best friend, Desiree, join up with fellow camper Kristi to skip the cheer camp practices and hit Lovers Lake. Perfect, sunny days do not happen often, so why waste the chance to get a good tan and chill on the beach?

The girls stop at a sketchy gas station to fuel up on diet sodas and candy bars. Of course, the three cute girls in shorts and bathing suits catch the attention of two "grubby" guys hanging out in their car. Kristy makes the mistake of smiling at the guys, which completely freaks out Desiree and Kristi. Quick to hit the road, the girls are shocked when the guys begin to follow them. Intending to give them the thrill of their lives, all three girls flash the guys when they pass at a steep turnaround.

Once back at camp, the girls laugh off the incident and are proud of themselves for getting rid of the guys. All of a sudden, though, strange things start happening around the camp. Kristi hears all sorts of noises, including screeches and crunching branches. Then she feels like someone is always watching her and claims she talked to the guys out in the woods. The girls begin to believe these guys are stalking them at camp, yet they can't prove anything.

Each girl handles the stress of the situation completely differently. Desiree hooks up with a hot lifeguard and becomes intent on meeting him out in the woods alone. Kristi refuses to eat or shower, essentially becoming a prisoner in her cabin. Kristy thinks back on her life and how things could have been different for her. With Kristi essentially out of commission, Desiree and Kristy find themselves in for the shock of their lives one night out at Lovers Lake.

The ending twist of BOY HEAVEN is not to be missed. I found myself speeding through this book to find out what exactly happened to the three girls. The suspense builds with each page and the end is straight out of an urban legend. A must-read for fans of thrills and chills.

Reviewed by: Samantha G.

"Boy Heaven" is a must read..........2006-10-18

...and not just for young adults. I am a mother to an eighteen-year-old daughter and I was compelled to read this novel to the end in just two sittings. Kasischke's take on an urban legend through the lives of three teenage girls and the boys they touch is riveting. Although I was much different as a teen than the girls portrayed in this novel, Kasischke brings in many familiar adolescent details--emotions, group and individual behaviors--things I haven't thought about in years. I felt like I knew these girls, and that I had more in common with them than I'd want to admit. The plot is fast-paced and glimmers with sexy danger. Kasischke's use of language in this novel is just gorgeous. Every image contributes to the plot in crucial ways. "Boy Heaven" is one of the most expertly crafted stories I've read in a while; every image means something, every character feels real, every plot line is explored fully. I can't wait for my daughter to finish it so we can talk about the surprise ending. This book is girl heaven!

This book will Shock & Surprise You.......2006-09-08

"The Hitchcock ending to this story of teenage love will shock and surprise you."

action-packed exciting thriller .......2006-08-02

The seventeen years old girls snuck out of Pine Ridge Cheerleading Camp in a red convertible Mustang belonging to the ring leader Kristy. Accompanying her on their drive through the Blanc Coeur National Forest to skinny dip at Lover's Lake are her best friend Desiree and some other camper Kristi ending in I instead of a Y. With back seat Kristi whining, Kristy stop for gas at a remote station where the guys appreciate the beautifully tanned long legged teens.

The trio quickly knows they made a bad error judgment when they chose to sneak out of camp; for they are being stalked by two guys from the gas station. Wherever the trio may be these males are there watching, waiting, and lurking whether it is during practice, or even inside their cabin. Always nearby is a battered station wagon as their shadows relentlessly haunt and haunt them.

This is an action-packed exciting thriller that never slows down from the moment the counselor begins to tell the eerie tale of the three teens to her audience and never slows down until she finishes her "true story". The three girls have differing personalities with each coping differently to the stalking. The weird boys are obviously deranged and dangerous leaving notes in beds, parking anywhere the girls will be which adds to the threat of them harming their targets. The climax will stun young adult readers who will not see it coming as Laura Kasischke takes her audience on a creepy joy ride along BOY HEAVEN ridge.

Harriet Klausner

If This Is Heaven, I Am Going to Be a Good Boy.: The Tommy Leonard Story

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If This Is Heaven
Leonard Life Lesson
Delightful
The Guru.
Good reading!

If This Is Heaven, I Am Going to Be a Good Boy.: The Tommy Leonard Story
Kathleen Cleary
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0595356982

Book Description

With a bridge in Boston and a bench in Falmouth dedicated to him, Tommy Leonard has been widely recognized for his many acts of charity and his avid promotion of health and fitness. The journey this affable Irishman took on his way to becoming one of Boston's most personable bartenders and the founder of the Falmouth Road Race began the day his father left him at a mission for children of the destitute at age six. Author Kathleen Cleary recounts the struggles, disappointments, heartbreaks, and humor of Tommy's childhood and teen years. She also shares the sometimes painful and comical stories of his young adulthood. Tommy's remarkable life transformed every corner of the world it touched, whether the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, the roads of Fukuoka, Japan, the bayous of Houston, or somewhere between two pubs in Woods Hole and Falmouth on Cape Cod. Tommy Leonard's heartwarming story will teach you that in following your dreams, embracing the positive will make all the difference. A percentage of the sale of this book will be contributed to a retirement trust for Tommy.

Download Description

Author Kathleen Cleary recounts the struggles, disappointments, heartbreaks, and humor of Tommy's childhood and teen years. She also shares the sometimes painful and comical stories of his young adulthood. Tommy's remarkable life transformed every corner of the world it touched, whether the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, the roads of Fukuoka, Japan, the bayous of Houston, or somewhere between two pubs in Woods Hole and Falmouth on Cape Cod.

Tommy Leonard's heartwarming story will teach you that in following your dreams, embracing the positive will make all the difference.

A percentage of the sale of this book will be contributed to a retirement trust for Tommy.

Customer Reviews:

If This Is Heaven.......2006-02-27

Genre: Non Fiction/Biography
Title: If This is Heaven, I Am Going to Be a Good Boy.
The Tommy Leonard Story
AUTHOR: Kathleen Cleary

Tommy Leonard was and still is an outstanding character, well know by many. He began life in a poor family. His parents finally had to send he and his sister to Shurtleff Mission, a home with the sole purpose helping children of destitute families while teaching the gospel. Tommy was determined to leave the mission, but each time he ran away, he was caught, returned and punished. He was finally freed of his mission experience and lived with several different families during his youth. As he grew into his teens and young adulthood, he became known for drinking and partying and having a way with the girls but Tommy was also a runner. He loved to run and after a stint in the Marine Corp, he continued running in marathons, becoming known for his promotion of health and fitness. He founded the Falmouth Road Race.
Kathleen Cleary has captured the personality and warmth of this man. He is truly loved by so many. Even those who have never had the pleasure of making his acquaintance, can sit back and chuckle at many of the events of Tommy's life, or share in the heartfelt love that Tommy has for his fellow man. The reader will also find a selection of pictures dating back to his life in the mission and forward to 2004 where he is seen with Edie Doyle in front of the Boston Red Sox World Series trophy. So many years with so much to tell, and Kathleen Cleary has been able to share these years, giving us a view of an extraordinary man.

Reviewer: Elaine Fuhr, Allbooks Reviews

Leonard Life Lesson.......2005-12-07

I am not an avid runner. Nor have I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Leonard. Readers may not know the people or recognize the local names in this book, but the Kathleen Cleary's message is unmistakably universal: Tommy Leonard touched the lives of many and made his and our world a better place. Read this book and learn how and why he did it. The title alone is worth the price of admission into Leonard's remarkable life.
Mike Considine, Lenox, MA

Delightful .......2005-12-07

This book is a true delight from start to finish. In this day and age where we hear so many stories of people doing bad things, it is so uplifting to read about a man who is such a good person through and through. Kathleen Cleary has captured the spirit of Tommy Leonard for everyone. I highly recommend this book and I promise it will bring tears to your eyes, a smile to your face and probably quite a few belly laughs. Enjoy!

The Guru........2005-12-01

Joe Concannon, Boston Globe sportswriter and chronicler of the Boston Marathon, tabbed Tommy "The Guru" as every runner of note made their way to the Eliot Lounge, from all corners of the planet so that they could counsel with the great one: Thomas Francis Leonard!

Read this book and find out why, or read this book and feel all warm & fuzzy like. The man has had quite a life.

The quotable Tommy:

". . . Tommy Leonard, the running guru at the Eliot Lounge talking in a TV interview about the particular appeal of the Boston Marathon: "It's better than sex."

Tommy got some strange looks from folk's after that one.

A great book to enjoy over the Holidays!

Good reading!.......2005-11-30

This book is very interesting and well-written and is not just for running fans. The life of Tommy Leonard serves as an example of how enthusiasm and a positive attitude can prevail over almost any difficulty life may throw at you. If you want to read an uplifting book, this is the one!

Average customer rating:

Billy: A boy comes home
Vera Abbott
Manufacturer: Fleming H. Revell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Average customer rating:

Tthe Boy Who Called Heaven

The Boy Who Called Heaven
Tara Campbell
Manufacturer: Authorhouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religions | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1420854569

Book Description

One of life's real lessons comes to play, in this inspirational novel, when a young boy discovers a great deal about life. Anthony is just about ten years old when he is faced with the sudden death of his best friend, his grandfather. He not only learns a phenomenal lesson about belief, faith and spirituality, but he teaches parents about it too. This novel will bring you a re-inspired peer into what having hope and love can do for your soul through a child's eyes.

Customer Reviews:

Tthe Boy Who Called Heaven.......2006-03-24

I bought this book for my nephew because my Dad passed away. He was completely distraught by the new and shockingly enough, my Dad was my nephew's friend and confident. This helped him allot. I reallt suggest getting it.

Average customer rating:

Incredible debut novel!

The Boys from Hog Heaven
Grant Williams
Manufacturer: TanosBooks Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Product Description

Tarleton McGregor quickly discovered that growing up in Southern Georgia had distinct advantages and disadvantages. His pre-teen years in the 1950's were challenging not only to himself, but to his family and friends. Who knows what lies ahead in the forest next to that dusty road!

Customer Reviews:

Incredible debut novel!.......2006-11-22

Grant Williams has established himself as a writer to watch with his very first novel. You can feel the experience and stories of his youth come to life.

Average customer rating:

Daily bread for girls & boys
V. Leona Cross
Manufacturer: Child Evangelism Fellowship, Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Dear Father in Heaven - Prayers for Boys and Girls

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Dear Father in Heaven - Prayers for Boys and Girls
Unknown
Manufacturer: Concordia Publishing House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000RIAFBO

Dear Father in Heaven-Prays for Boys and Girls.

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Dear Father in Heaven-Prays for Boys and Girls.
Robert H. & Ahrens, Luella Spitzack. Schlesselman
Manufacturer: Concordia Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000L27T5G

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Dear Father in heaven;: Prayers for boys and girls,
Robert H Schlesselman
Manufacturer: Concordia Pub. House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

My Favorite Christmas: Heartwarming Stories from Ricky Skaggs, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kurt Warner, President Jimmy Carter And Many Others

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My Favorite Christmas: Heartwarming Stories from Ricky Skaggs, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kurt Warner, President Jimmy Carter And Many Others
Steven Curtis Chapman , Kurt Warner , President Jimmy Carter , Ricky Skaggs , and Et Al
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1591455006

Book Description

Readers will look back with fondness to their own favorite moments surrounding the Christmas season as they catch a glimpse into the humorous, lighthearted, and spiritually poignant memories of some of their favorite Christian personalities from all walks of life, including actors, athletes, musicians, politicians, and authors. The stories and anecdotes from contributors like Steven Curtis Chapman, Jimmy Carter, Natalie Grant, Jerry Jenkins, Nicole C. Mullen, Luis Palau, Kurt Warner and many others-will be a Yule time pleasure for readers. Amidst the rush and hustle of the season, My Favorite Christmas inspires us with down-to-earth and heavenly heartwarming stories from favorite celebrities-and helps us reflect on our own cherished holiday moments.

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