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This penetrating work, the first book-length study of Kate Smith to appear in print, offers a candid look at the life and show business career of one of the most beloved women of our time. Through her work as an entertainer, Kate Smith touched the pulse of the American public. The scope of her influence is chronicled in this book, which includes a biographical study, a discography, a filmography, a song index, lists of her stage and media appearances, sheet music and song books, and an annotated bibliography of works by and about Kate Smith. ... Read more

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An astonishing look at our ancestors at the dawn of civilization. Through the eyes of those involved, this is the story of over ten years of archeological excavations at Boxgrove in Sussex, England, the world's best-preserved early human site. Boxgrove Man lived in a "fairweather Eden" also inhabited by lions, rhinos, elephants, and wolves. The work of Mark Roberts's team at Boxgrove will cause a major shift in our understanding of the true origins of humankind. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Thinking flaky
What a career as a journalist Pitts might have had.The superb "people skills" and vivid descriptive powers expressed in this book make it a very "human."Pitts, however, is an archaeologist, bringing a strong scientific background to an account of a prehistoric dig and what it brought to view.As the evidence mounted of ancient hominids living along the Sussex coast, it became clear that Boxgrove revealed an unprecedented age for European habitation.Boxgrove, as this book makes graphically clear, will become the standard against which older archeology will be judged and future finds compared.

It is difficult to distinguish the respective contributions made by each author in this book.Mark Roberts, a young archeologist at the beginning of the excavations who became the Director of the site, is a dedicated digger.He managed logistics, personnel, site management and analysed the results.It is likely that he provided significant portions of the scientific background for the account.The story is simply one of persistence in using evidence to gain support for extending operations when funding seemed threatened.Those extensions continued to reveal an assemblage of fossils, tools, and other signs of human activity.All from half a million years ago.

With the authors contributing background material on climate conditions, glaciation and sea levels, soil content and the new science of geomagnetism, we're given a detailed picture of the world surrounding those ancient people.What impact did that environment have on their lives?What does the evidence suggest about how they coped with what nature imposed on them?Did they hunt, or scavenge?Was meat a mainstay or a "side dish" in their diet?

This book makes a major leap of interpretation in formulating what sort of people existed those millennia ago.With help from many sources, the authors build a picture of a sophisticated creature.Boxgrove produced a wealth of flint tools and flakes, some the researchers were able to reconstruct into the original stones.The evidence, they assert, suggests a creature with strong intelligence, capable of in-depth analysis in selected topics.The most important consideration was in hunting and creating the tools to make the hunt a success.Knapping flakes from flint is "more than banging a couple of rocks together" - requires the ability to foresee several steps in advance - "like a game of chess."The tools meant ready access to meat - and meat is necessary for increased brain power.Far from a raw savage, Boxgrove's revelations image our ancestor a capable creature.From this interpretation, it's clear older finds must be reassessed.New discoveries will need to draw on the same interdisciplinary teamwork Roberts was able to assemble.

Fairweather Eden is a wealth of information, both historic and current.Much background material is provided, interspersing the descriptions of participants in the finds and subsequent analysis.One individual actually strips down a carcass with the provided flint tools.Beyond the text is an array of diagrams and photographs depicting the information.If this book has a shortcoming, it's the use of notes' sources in lieu of a bibliography.That hardly detracts from its worth, however.The amount and quality of work Pitts and Roberts have put into this study will keep it useful for a long time. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada] ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Powerful
This book is a powerful tool to stop the enemy in his tracks from taking away those dreams, visions, gifts, talents and healing from you. Many times we as Christians don't fight the good fight for what God already said belongs to us.
Pastor Michael Pitts talks about how you can break the power of the assassins over your life which is powerful and impactful for any Christian that want to rise above defeat and walk in victory. We are to take dominion over the earth through Christ Jesus. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

nikki38
This book is one of the best books written by a man of greatness. Reading his words has helped me watch out for the bad situations I use to go for, not no more due to this book. It has truly changed my life and uplifted my soul for the better. This book is a must have in your library.




... Read more

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Medical Management of Heart Failure brings together the current knowledge on the medical management of heart failure into one cohesive volume. It includes copious illustrations and photographic material that will explain the techniques and medical management of patients with heart failure in an effective modern format.

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A comprehensive reference volume of the most popular, enduring film genre: feature-length (over 40 minutes) Westerns, including 16mm, 8mm, Super 8mm, videocassettes and videodiscs. Each entry has film title, release company and year, running time, b&w/color notation, cast listing, plot synopsis, brief critical review. A master list of cowboys and their horses is provided and the book is comprehensively indexed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Reference
This is a must for the western movie fan.Information is very consise, but a good first step before getting out your other resources. ... Read more

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From the beginning of the sound era until the end of the 1930s, independent movie-making thrived. Many of the independent studios were headquartered in a section of Hollywood called "Poverty Row." Here the independents made movies on the cheap, usually at rented facilities where shooting was limited to only a few days.From Allied Pictures Corporation to Willis Kent Production, 55 Poverty Row Studios are given histories in this book. Some of the studios, such as Diversion Pictures and Cresent Pictures, came into existence for the sole purpose of releasing movies by established stars. Others, for example J.D. Kendis, were early exploitation filmmakers under the guise of sex education. The histories include critical commentary on the studio's output and a filmography of all titles released from 1929 through 1940. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

solid information source but...
This book provides solid filmographies of poverty row studios
active in the 30s' and good but brief histories of the studios. However Pitts omits coverage of perhaps the three most famous poverty row studios in this period: Republic, Monogram and Mascot. The book remains a good source for obscure but interesting companies like Majestic, Tiffany and Grand National. ... Read more

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From High Noon to Unforgiven, the "A" Western represents the pinnacle of Western filmmaking. More intellectual, ambitious, and time-consuming than the readily produced "B" or serial Westerns, these films rely on hundreds of talented artists. This comprehensive reference work provides biographies and Western filmographies for nearly 1,000 men and women who have contributed to at least three "A" Westerns. These contributors are arranged by their role in film production. Cinematographers, composers, actors, actresses, and directors receive complete biographical treatment; writers whose work was used in at least two Westerns are also featured. An appendix lists well-known actors who have appeared in either one or two "A" Westerns, as specified. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Details all of these western movie series including plot synopsis and analysis of each series' place in cinematic history
The enduring popularity of those old western movies series such as Hopalong Cassidy, The Durango Kid, and the Three Mesquiteers, continued with the advent of television and even today can be seen by whole new generations of viewers on specialty television channels with western movie themes. The western genre of filmmaking produced popular culture heros and movie stars that ranged from John Wayne and Johnny Mack Brown, to Ken Maynard and Tim McCoy. Now movie fan and historian Michael R. Pitts has compiled a 480-page reference that details all of these western movie series including plot synopsis and analysis of each series' place in cinematic history. Profusely illustrated with 137 photos, and enhanced with filmographies, a bibliography, and an index, "Western Film Series Of The Sound Era" is a welcome and highly prized addition to personal, academic, and community library film history reference collections and western film buff supplemental reading lists.

A Terrific Guide to Sagebrush Movies Series of the Sound Era
Often overlooked as mere fodder for Saturday kiddie matinees at local movie theatres during the 1930s-1950s, budget Westerns--and particularly those part of ongoing film series--have attracted over the years a wide range of fans. (This is especially true today now that increasingly more of these B oaters--some rather obscure--are available on DVD. on cable/satellite channels, and on Internet sites streaming features.)

The author provides a great service to devotees of the genre, in supplying for each of the 30 included Western series, both a detailed overview of the series, as well as ample discussion of each entry and cast/credits for every installment.

This is a highly useful reference guide! ... Read more

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From 1928 through 1982, when Columbia Pictures Corporation was a traded stock company, the studio released some of the most famous and popular films dealing with horror, science fiction and fantasy. This volume covers more than 200 Columbia feature films within these genres, among them Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Seventh Voyage of Sinbad, Earth vs. The Flying Saucers and The Revenge of Frankenstein. Also discussed in depth are the vehicles of such horror icons as Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and John Carradine. Additionally highlighted are several of Columbia's lesser known genre efforts, including the Boston Blackie and Crime Doctor series, such individual features as By Whose Hand?, Cry of the Werewolf, Devil Goddess, Terror of the Tongs and The Creeping Flesh, and dozens of the studio's short subjects, serials and made-for-TV movies. ... Read more

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For fans of musicals, singing, Hollywood history, and thelives of stars, no other work equals this new three-volume referenceto the on- and off-camera careers of more than 100 performers who mademajor contributions to the American screen musical. From June Allysonto Mae West, Hollwood Songsters provides a detailed narrative-rangingfrom 2,000 to 5000 words each-of the lives and careers of starsforever etched in our memories.Each description is informative,engaging, and fun, yet the scrupulous attention to detail and accuracyensures that even the most knowledgeable scholar will learn somethingnew.Each entry includes a filmography, discography (of both albumsand CDs), Broadway appearances, radio work, television appearances andseries,and a full-page photo of the subject.A complete index ofnames of performers, films, and songs rounds out the work. This is theideal reference work for everyone one from the mildly curious to thehard-core fan. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Treasure Trove of Delight
Film historians James Robert Parish and Michael Pitts's "Hollywood Songsters"have outdone themselves with this handsomely designed three-volume set that is worth every penny.Filled with rare photos, "Hollywood Songsters" has comprehensive, accurate and fascinating entries on over 100 "singers who act and actors who sing." The lives and careers of everyone from A to Z or June Allyson to Mae West are covered in intriguing and fact-filled detail.Who would have thought that such an indespensible reference book could also be a page-turner.Once you start reading this treasure trove of information it is hard to put down because of the insider tidbits and behind-the-scenes facts that fill the well-written pages.As theater and film critic and lover of musicals, I find this a most wonderful addition to my library as well as a great read.The filmography and lp and CD bibliography on each singer is unparalled.Bravo to Mr. Parish and Mr. Pitts!!!

A totally indespensible three volume delight!
This is an informative and delightful set that has information on Hollywood songsters that can be found no where else. Each entry has a wonderful picture accompanying. I have spent many, many happy hours pouring over the entries and learning facts about my favorite stars. This is a must have for all libraries and any scholar of musical theatre or musical film or just popular music of the 20th century. Well worth the money! It is clear that Parrish and Pitts have done their homework, but even clearer that they have a love for the subject matter and it shows on every page. As a songwriter with a love for the field, I use this book constantly.

A LABOR OF LOVE THAT MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED
This project has to be a mad labor of love on the part of the authors -- how else / who else would produce a 3-volume directory of singing in the movies? We must applaud and support the authors for this massive work -- I can't imagine it not being definitive -- by urging local libraries to carry it. A database like this should be available to everyone! ... Read more

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What would it take to make this world a paradise? Tackling the momentous question of how individuals can envision and enact positive change, this collection of 101 essays from some of today's most notable thinkers, leaders, artists, and writers focuses on the large problems of society as well as the little challenges people face every day. Whether it is finding spiritual harmony, reducing carbon emissions, quelling hostilities among races, cutting taxes, or feeding the hungry, every single person has the capacity to change the world for the better. The essays explore variations on the themes of peace, security, freedom, democracy, prosperity, spiritual and racial harmony, ecology, health, and moral purpose and meaning, encouraging readers to find meaning in their own lives and share it with others for the betterment of humanity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A fine addition to any general lending library!
How to Achieve A Heaven on Earth packs in 100 contributions from notable personalities from Al Gore and Thomas L. Friedman to George W. Bush, all of whom explore themes of peace, freedom, and spiritual and racial harmony. These essays encourage readers to reflect on their own means of achieving peace in their lives, making for a fine addition to any general lending library!

an interesting book
Is there truly such a thing as heaven on earth?Is it something that is achievable? These two questions came to mind as I started reading this book.This book contains essays on many topics: peace, security, freedom, democracies, prosperity, spiritual harmony, racial harmony, ecological harmony, health, moral purpose and meaning, and individual paths to heaven and earth. And as you read these essays, written by people from all walks of life, you will start seeing how heaven can be achieved on earth.

Is a heaven on earth possible? John Wade II writes in his preface, "I believe that if we - one by one, million by million, billion by billion - would all accept this challenge, the world would progress immensely. Think about the words and use them to motivate yourself to reach out to love and help others."After reading the book and reflecting on the essays, it is clear that we could find heaven on earth.

Is heaven on earth achievable?After reading all the essays heaven on earth is something we can all help to achieve. You will learn from the experiences of the authors, you will find ideas and suggestions that can be implemented to achieve a heaven on earth.

This book is one which you can read from front to back, or you can pick it up, open it and just read one essay.The essays are short and to the point.The preface written by John Wade II is a great summary of why and how the book came about.Certainly a book that will inspire you and give you lots to think about.

We highly recommend this book; you will find it inspiring and full of ideas.

Making it Happen
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2KLRPKM6MA3Z1 Whether we are religious or not, the heaven-on-earth idea resonates. It is positive in the extreme, and universally understood.It is an idea that stirs the imagination and can motivate us to do something personal to help bring it about. While the 101 essays in this book take 101 different slants on the issue, all are upbeat.And although many of them point out problems and roadblocks, they also highlight solutions and ways around those roadblocks.Most of the essays suggest a particular way of making a contribution to the world around us.None of these contributions, by themselves, will bring about a heaven on earth.But taken together they give us a sense of the power inherent in a multitude of small individual actions. And while none of the suggested ways may be exactly your way or my way,I don't think any of us could read this book without getting our own thoughts deeply stirred.The result: we are very likely to get insight into how we ourselves could nudge the process in the direction of that heaven-on-earth ideal.

It can be done.
Is it too much to ask? A heaven on earth? Not to the 101 contributors of this book, "How to Achieve A Heaven on Earth", edited by John E. Wade II. These writers come from all walks of life--politicians, world leaders, philosophers, scientists, authors, motivational speakers, artists, businessmen and visionaries--all humans, all citizens of the world.

Wade gathered insightful essays focusing on a simple concept: we can achieve heaven on earth if we really wanted to. The essays, however, reveal the painful fact that it's not as simple as it sounds. There is no single, simple how-to formula to follow.

Because achieving a heaven state requires a major confluence of countless factors and variables, Wade defined the basic pre-requisites for mankind's ideal world. He listed the ten elements that are essential to achieving heaven on earth and grouped the essays accordingly.

The ten essential elements border on the nebulous. But when you delve into the thoughts of the contributors, you will note that despite the seemingly unfathomable mission of building a heaven on earth through world peace, democracies, racial harmony, or moral purpose and meaning, among others, simple solutions abound. Fortunately, these small and simple solutions have the capacity to proliferate and create a global impact.

More than a hundred minds poured wisdom and advice into this book. Many are saying the same things, looking at the same dilemmas, offering the same solutions. Many spout religion, while some trust in the intrinsic goodness of man. Their message is one: heaven on earth -can- be achieved. John E. Wade II published this book to inspire all of us to do our part. -Ruby Bayan, OurSimpleJoys

How to Achieve A Heaven On Earth
John Wade offers to the world an eclectic mix of essays that will uplift and inspire you. His vision of building a better world is presented in 101 short contributions on subjects as diverse as politics to gardening. I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Wade in person and he strikes me as a man committed to the betterment of the lives of those around him. As a contributor to this project myself, I am amazed at the diversity among my co-authors. This abundance of opinion and perspectives is a great testament to John Wade's stated goal of achieving a heaven on earth. Like an orchestra with strings, woodwinds, percussions and brass, Mr. Wade conducts a plethora of distinct authors but harmonizes them into a single great symphony. Bravo! ... Read more

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Word count: 984. ... Read more