Book Description
In Synners, the line between technology and humanity is hopelessly slim. A constant stream of new technology spawns crime before it hits the streets; the human mind and the external landscape have fused to the point where any encounter with reality is incidental.
Customer Reviews:
Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
It is interesting to see the language Cadigan was using in this book, circa 1990 : war porn, food porn, etc., being used in exactly the same way now.
A cyberpunk ahead of her time, for sure. Apart from that, an interesting tale of what happens when things go bad in a network sense, especially if you are too closely connected, particularly organically.
While her books never blow you away, it seems, she is consistently good, and real.
[...]
Like hot molten cliches oozing down a low-jack interface.......2006-10-18
Yeah and if you thought the review's title was ridiculous...
It's not so much that the book is confusing or that the characters could use a bit more depth, it's that from the get-go, the writing is cliche. Pat Cadigan, who hit a home run with Mind Players, tries way too hard to be -- captial "C" -- Cyberpunk in this book. It's possible that because I've only just read Synners while I read my first 'cyberpunk' book in the early 90s I've lost the ability to be impressed by attempts at 'hard edged' writing that tries to use slang like 'stone home' and 'hot-wire' to indicate a machine or drug centric society on the edge of destruction; but there's just so many sentences that seem oh so dutifully crafted to fit into what cyberpunk is Supposed To Be.
I give it two stars because underneath the cliche there are interesting ideas; it's just too bad one has to wade through so much over-eager writing to see them through.
If you really want to read an engaging book of speculative fiction by Pat Cadigan that bucks the cliches of cyberpunk and strikes out on its own read Mind Players.
excellent, highly complex, cyberpunk sci-fi.......2006-09-21
Pat Cadigan's "Synners" - excellent, highly complex, cyberpunk sci-fi by an author I now very much want to read more of. Perspective switches between different characters in different narratives and I'm sure I missed a lot by only reading this in bits interspersed with a lot of other things. Synners are those who take imagery from the brains of others and turn them into a consumable form through a new form of surgical cuber modules. The idea is similar to that I first saw in one of William Gibson's "Kings of Sleep", one of the short stories in the Burning chrome collection, or the performers with cybered creative skills in Joan D. Vinge's "Cat's Paw", but "Synners" takes the idea further, developing it into a complex plot with a sideline of studies in Self and Consciousness.
Very, very confusing!.......2005-11-02
To tell you the truth, I couldn't make heads nor tails out of this book. The language is too far away from even modern, and the characters are confusing. I love sci-fi, even the new computer-oriented (some call it cyberpunk) stuff like "Snow Crash", but "Synners" is just strange. Ala the Emperor's New Clothes..."Oh my, how strange! It must be good!" No, sorry, it's just strange. I actually came here (to Amazon reviews) to see if anybody else had made sense of it. I thought I might read farther if I understood it better. I'm only to page 18, and I doubt I'll finish it.
Doug
Universal themes in a sci-fi disguise.......2005-04-26
This was only the second cyberpunk novel I've ever read and I rather enjoyed it. Cadigan created truly believable characters. She showed that whether a person is "good" or "bad," that person is still human and has flaws. It was nice to see fictional, genius computer hackers with flaws. Today's culture seems to have a too high percentage of fictional computer hackers that are god-like perfect.
Cadigan also created a story that, while not impossible to put down, compels the reader to continue. She draws the reader in, shows them the pros and cons to a new technology, and leaves the rest to the reader, allowing the reader to decide its worth.
Even though the book has universal themes, I wouldn't recommend this to others that didn't read sci-fi. If you like sci-fi I would recommend giving this book a try. Keep in mind though that Cadigan doesn't give a thoroughly convincing argument to the technology's validity; I'm not sure that was her main focus.
Average customer rating:
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Synners
Phil Waters
Manufacturer: Sterlinghouse Publisher
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ASIN: 156315269X |
Book Description
Ever laughed so hard your stomach hurt?
Ever laughed when you shouldn't?
Ever laughed until you cried?
Then you must have been reading Synners, by Philemon B. Waters XIV. In this clever book, Mr. Waters reveals the wisdom of the ages...as well as some ideas that are not so wise. For instance, do you think that self-adhesive stamps taste funny? Still waiting for the Space Needle to lift off? If so, welcome to the world of Synners. You'll get a kick out of this devilish collection of witty aphorisms and wry observations.
Book Description
This brand-new novel of Darkover-a direct sequel to The Fall of Neskaya and the second book in the Clingfire trilogy-is the result of the late Marion Zimmer Bradley's collaboration with Deborah J. Ross. Set in the era of The Hundred Kingdoms, a lawless time of war and unrest on the planet Darkover, it is the epic tale of a legendary friendship forged between King and Keeper.
A friendship that would ultimately bring about the end of all long disatnce weapons-and the beginning of a new destiny for Darkover...
Customer Reviews:
great story.......2004-07-09
sob(i did not know that marion had passed). i am not sure whether this was done before her death or not but it is beautifully written and a credit. why does it seem all the good authors pass so quickly(v.c andrews was another).
anyway this book chronicles the lifes of the famous keep varzil the good and the hastur king carolin hastur and their many trials from adolescent to points that their separate destiny's take them.
for these 2 men meet at arillian for training in their laran. while carolin is a minor telepath, varzil is one of extraoridary ability and is soon put in keeper training. carolin soon returns home to assume his duties as heir to the throne and all the political strifes that were rampant in this period of darkover history.
the book keeps you interested from beginning to end and you are almost upset that you have to wait for the 3rd book in this story to come out to see the ending. for all darkover fans, this is definitely one you do not want to miss.
The Legacy Goes On.......2004-07-05
In this text the reader is treated to a different POV of the times around Hawkmistress! (a Zimmer-Bradley novel). Varzil, one of the greatest Keepers, is shown from the beginning of this training AND this novel takes up a few years after the first book in the trilogy left off (but that news is slow in being told to the reader).
Several different subplots are skillfully woven together, and at the end enough is left hanging to leave me wondering how Deborah will interpret Marion's notes.
That said, this is not a book to start with if one has never read any of Zimmer-Bradley or Ross' work, but it is an excellent and worthy addition to the Darkover fold.
Marion's vision continues . . ........2003-10-15
Hi, Steve Y. Normally, I don't respond to reviews personally, but I want you to know that Marion and I worked together on the concept of this 3-book project before she passed away. Many of the ideas, as well as characters and settings, are hers. You probably noticed that a number of scenes appeared in HAWKMISTRESS!
She left several partial manuscripts, which I will be finishing over the next few years, and they will appear with both our names. After that, we'll see where the saga of Darkover leads us...
I hope you enjoy how I have developed and completed these stories. Thank you for your input!
Best,
Deborah
Also, I'm not tooting my own horn with the stars. They wouldn't let me post a reply without them. Consider it a comment on your comment!
MZB died 3 years ago.......2003-09-30
Please - let her rest in peace. This greed by her estate is outrageous. Put the title under the real author's name - Ross.
Clingfire and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction.......2003-07-21
The world of Darkover is a richly imagined place, with a long not-completely-remembered history, a society rich in intrigue and appropriate niches for many kinds of people, a technology solidly grounded in its people's unique laran abilities - in short, this is a complete world. A world that you can easily get lost in for many hours of enjoyment, a world so complete that at times you find yourself feeling that it is more real than the one we inhabit.
This book, the second entry in the Clingfire trilogy, is very much a book in the mold of previous books in the set, even though written by Ross instead of Bradley. Ross shows in this book that she has mastered not only Bradley's styles and methods of telling a story, but has found the 'feel' of this world, where she can make additions to it that fit. This book is set during the Hundred Kingdoms era, and deals specifically with how the Compact forbidding use of laran weapons that act at a distance was first formed. Varzil the Good is one of three main characters here, a man gifted with a very strong laran ability and a healthy dollop of common sense entwined with an idealistic dream. His friend and compatriot is Carolin Hastur, heir to the throne, who, while not as well gifted as Varzil, has the character traits needed to be a competent ruler. In opposition is Eduin, son of Rumail Deslucido, who was instrumental in destruction of two towers in the prior book, The Fall of Neskaya. Eduin has been inculcated from birth with his father's obsession with wiping out the Hastur line. The last major player is Rakhal, Carolin's brother, who is never really developed as a character, but is rather the mover of major events as seen from a distance, as he usurps Carolin's right to the throne and institutes some draconian measures in an attempt to stamp out all resistance to his rule.
The stories of each of the three major characters are well developed. Varzil grows from laran neophyte to Keeper and his burgeoning love interest with a lady, who is one of Eduin's targets for elimination, is both believable and provides an emotional charge to the final tally of events. Carolin grows from boy to a sturdy man, one who knows and values friendships and finds himself bound by duty to those who swear allegiance to him. Eduin may be the most interesting character, a man conflicted between the desires of his father that are so strongly engrained that they may be impossible to eliminate, and his basic good nature, that yearns for the friendship that Varzil and Carolin so freely offer to him.
Some of the underlying methods and processes of matrix technology are shown within this book, but more to the point, the true horror of some of the laran weapons is shown, the driving impetus behind Varzil's and Carolin's idea to ban such weapons and have the towers answer only to themselves, not subject to the commands and whims of the local ruling lord. This thematic point is one with high relevance in today's world with its talk of 'dirty bombs', biological weapons, and chemical pollution of essential drinking supplies. Unfortunately, I don't think the purveyors of such ideas and weapons are reading this book, or if they do, will not take its message to heart.
A fine addition to the Darkover universe, a good adventure, another time spent within the spell of this incredibly imagined world.
--- Reviewed by Patrick Shepherd (hyperpat)
Book Description
"Fast-paced action, a credible story line, and a likable cast of characters...intriguing." (Science Fiction Chronicle)
Customer Reviews:
Similar Patterns.......2003-09-04
This is the second volume in the PATTERNS OF CHAOS series, comprising the third and fourth original books. I reviewed the first volume a short time ago, and what I wrote in that review holds true for this volume. In short, I found the plot was pretty good and the characters sympathetic and appealing. There were three aspects of it that I was critical of. First, the not-so-alien aliens. Second, the author's use of a psi power called "bahdur" as a plot device. Finally, I thought that potentially compelling action situations in the story were glossed over. See my earlier review for a more complete discussion of these issues.
This volume generally has the same strengths and weaknesses as the first. In fact, the use of "bahdur" becomes ever more outrageous. Sometimes characters can tell who the attacking pilot is in another flyer through it, others times they are not even aware of enemies right outside their door until it's too late, or are unaware of the nearby presence of a close friend or ally.
Besides the above, however, there is one additional criticism I will add in regard to this volume. It has a very abrupt ending. The story builds toward a final confrontation, but as I got into the last twenty or thirty pages it seemed that there was still a lot that needed to happen. I actually went back and looked to see if there was another volume in the series. I didn't think the author could possibly wrap everything up in the few pages that remained. The bad news is, he doesn't. The climactic scene is pulled off and a brief denouement follows, but a lot of loose ends are just left dangling.
PATTERNS OF CHAOS held my interest all the way through both volumes, but I was disappointed in the ending and, at the same time, glad it was over by the time I got there. It's a mildly entertaining read, especially if you can overlook the weaknesses and inconsistencies, but it ends up being just mediocre, given the shortcomings. If you've already read the first volume, you'll probably want to read this one just to see how it all comes out, but I can't recommend it.
Amazon.com
In response to Ronald Reagan's famous question, "Are we better off than we were 40 years ago?" The answer would have to be "materially yes, morally no," writes social psychologist David Myers. "Therein lies the American paradox," he continues. "We now have, as average Americans, doubled real incomes and double what money buys. We have espresso coffee, the World Wide Web, sport utility vehicles, and caller ID. And we have less happiness, more depression, more fragile relationships, less communal contentment, less vocational security, more crime (even after the recent decline), and more demoralized children."
Myers shuns the label of conservative or liberal, preferring to see himself as a social ecologist who abhors the dominance of material values. In fact, Myers is a visionary who asks important questions, such as why is marriage so difficult to maintain in our culture? Why are so many fathers abandoning families? Are rich people happier than poor people? What is the price we pay for radical individualism? He answers these questions with persuasive statistics and sound advice that cannot be neatly pigeonholed into one political camp or the other. As a result, this is a author with credibility, as he covers crucial chapters such as "The Past and Future of Marriage," "Money and Misery," "Educating for a Moral Compass," and "America's Children." --Gail Hudson
Book Description
In this compelling book, well-known social psychologist David G. Myers asks why in an era of great material wealth America suffers from such a disturbing array of social problems that reflect a deep spiritual poverty. Examining the research on social ills from the 1960s through the 1990s, Myers concludes that materialism and radical individualism have cost us dearly. He offers positive, well-reasoned advice on how to spark social renewal and dream a new American dream.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent read.......2006-07-19
I loved reading this book. There is so much useful information here on the fundamental shift in American culture toward individualism and away from social rules. Dr. Myers is also an amazing and engaging writer (there is a reason his textbooks are bestsellers). By the end of the book you will have a much better understanding of the paradox of the title: Why do we seem to have so much more, yet are not any happier? Dr. Myers has done a lot of research on happiness, and he shows how the things we now value (money) will not bring us as much happiness as the things we perhaps should value (marriage, children) and which have suffered in the last few decades.
If you teach, you could make a great class (freshman writing seminar, or upper-level discussion class) on American culture with this book and other books on this intriguing topic like The Great Disruption, Bowling Alone, and Generation Me.
The New American Dream.......2000-08-01
To hold David G. Myers book "The American Paradox" in your hands, is truly to be holding the solution to America's problems. This is perhaps the most enlightening book you will ever read in this decade. The sheer fortitude that it took to sort through the facts and figures between the 1960's and 1990's and come to these brilliant conclusions is nothing short of extraordinary.
Never has there been a more appropriate time to analyze our culture. This is a time of true spiritual hunger. If you want the reality of the situation you will find it here. Both self-described liberals and self-described conservatives will agree: There is no avoiding this deluge of facts. Perhaps now we can all have a common goal.
"The American Paradox" offers a sober appraisal of this present predicament and (finally!) gives a vision of hope for the future. We soon learn that the problems are many:
1. The divorce rate has doubled and women and children are impacted the most. 2. The teen suicide rate has tripled. 3. Marriages may start with euphoria, but many end in separation, anguish and divorce. 4. Most cohabitations break up before marriage. 5. Material wealth is at record levels, yet happiness has diminished. 6. We have replaced communal activities with TV and Web surfing. 7. We have placed a lower value on self-sacrifice, sexual restraint and moral obligation. 8. We have educated our children, while overlooking the need to teach them character. 9. The media gives false images of reality, which in turn have affected our children's thoughts and actions. 10. The pursuit of pleasure may in fact be amplifying misery.
We are also reminded that Gandhi once said that seven social sins could destroy a nation. I have the feeling we have committed far more. It seems we need to embrace principles which will enable us to realize "The New American Dream." This is a dream in which we encourage marriage, initiative, basic liberties, close relationships, empathy, self-discipline, character development, civility, fidelity, spiritual awareness, love for our fellow man, and a shared commitment to moral truth.
David Myers has set out the intellectual facts and figures with insight and fairness. There are no sides to take, but rather you will experience a feeling of enlightenment, hope and a new sense of determination. To me it is clear that we need to reexamine our social policies, make the media more responsible, and decide to change ourselves. Above all, we should protect our freedom by becoming personally responsible and making our marriages and families the top priorities in our lives. It is really up to us to decide our future. Often prevention is easier than the cure. Building character takes time and effort, but the rewards are immense.
Finally, I found a book my husband and I could read and discuss at length. What he said to me made perfect sense. When he plays softball everyone on the team has individual responsibilities yet they work as a collective whole to win the game. To me collectivism to its extreme is the political principle of centralized social and economic control, especially of all means of production. Individualism to its extreme is the belief that all actions are determined by, or at least take place for, the benefit of the individual, not of society as a whole. Individualism to its extreme could be said to be anarchy (a theory that regards the absence of all direct or coercive government as a political ideal and that proposes the cooperative and voluntary association of individuals and groups as the principal mode of organized society).
In my opinion, we need a basic set of rules to follow so we can respect one another. If we do not strike out as individuals we would simply be robots waiting for instructions. Clearly, there has to be a balance between personal responsibility and the responsibility we have to others. If we were all doing the job we were sent here to earth to do would not this world be a beautiful peaceful place? It is a delicate balance and somehow we have tipped the scale in the wrong direction. David's book tells us what has tipped this scale and takes us through a brilliant thought process to offer the solutions.
Pope John Paul III said it with wisdom: "To educate without a value system based on truth is to abandon young people to moral confusion, personal insecurity, and easy manipulation. No country, not even the most powerful, can endure if it deprives its own children of this essential good."
We must teach our children to read, to comprehend truth and to analyze what they are being told. Teach your children to think about issues which surround them now and in the future when they grow up they will thank you for it. I cannot thank my own parents enough for giving me security in my own beliefs and for giving me a head start in reading at a very young age. It is abundantly clear to me that America's parents will determine the future of our country. David G. Myers has built upon this thought, which I know many have wanted to voice but did not have a platform. I quote from his book:
"We cannot expect our schools alone to restore the moral infrastructure. Character is nurtured by families and supportive neighbors, churches, kin, and child-friendly media."
This vital guide will illuminate the dark path we are on. Hopefully, we will see the fork in the road and take the path to "The New American Dream."
~TheRebeccaReview.com
Made me mad - no star.......2000-07-06
This book just made me mad. Myers rounds up all of the usual suspects: divorce, pornography, the media, out of wedlock children, and tells us that our permissive, rights-oriented society is to blame. He hops on the Communitarian bandwagon without critical analysis of how one compels community and whether it would be worth the price.
For example, he suggests, without a hint of analysis, that the 14th Amendment, rights of due process and equal protection, should trump First Amendment free speech. He hasn't a clue about how complex this argument is or where it would lead. Professor Myers claims impartiality as a "social scientist" when, in fact, the book skews the research to prove his point. Unfortunately, his "point" (our society is in the toilet - big surprise) doesn't lead anywhere.
Outstanding.......2000-05-01
I believe the title tells it all. In this time of enormous wealth, you would think people are donating more money to churches and charities, but they are giving even less. Wealth is at an all time high, but happiness and contentment are at historic lows. In the US we are so physically blessed but are nearing spiritual bankruptcy. We are unhappy at work, our marriages are falling apart and we walk aimlessly through life -- searching, searching, searching for "what's the meaning." This book aptly points out the real meaning has been there all along. Without a spiritual anchor, we'll continue to drift. I wish every American would read this book.
Highly recommended for failing marriages: "The Romantic's Guide" by Michael Webb.
Book Description
Since the first insalata on Sicily, tossed together from the wild herbs and greens that covered the island, Italians have been enjoying the bounty of their fields and waters, creating fresh, flavorful salads. Insalate offers a delectable sampler of refreshing, authentic Italian favorites accompanied by enchanting photographs of open-air markets, artisans, and vineyards. Organized by season to take advantage of produce picked at the peak of ripeness, over 50 simple yet exuberant recipes use fruits and vegetables to create glorious palate-pleasers. With selections ranging from classic to contemporary, served as appetizers, main courses, or the crisp finale to a meal, Insalate offers acolorful way to recreate the flavors of Italy in your very own salad bowl.
Customer Reviews:
Traditional, innovative, simple.......2001-07-16
Organized by seasons, Susan Simon's "Insalate" provides Italian salads for all meals, from the sublimely simple - melted gorgonzola poured over baby spinach leaves, or romaine and fennel salad, or tomato and mozzarella; to the simple and hearty - tuna and bean, bread salad, eggplant caponata. There are grilled salads with tomato and zucchini, fruit salads including mixed berry with blueberry sauce, grapefruit and carrot salad, grapefruit and avocado, orange salad with leeks and radicchio. She offers seven potato salads, including potato and green bean with pesto, potato and beet and a simple baked potato salad with sweet pepper and onion. There are only two pasta salads, one with eggplant, one with tomato and basil.
The emphasis is on fresh ingredients and the directions are simple, as is most preparation. Anyone who loves fresh vegetables and Italian flavors like olives and olive oil, capers, anchovies, tomatoes, basil, and parmesan will find the recipes and luscious color photos mouth watering.
NOT TO BE MISSED!!.......2001-06-05
This is a sensational little book full of delicious, inventive recipes. Great for summer, but the rest of the year is thoroughly seen to as well. Highly recommended.
Book Description
These thick-walled, asymmetrical, and freeform pieces are a visual feast, presented in a rich format with 563 color prints sure to delight anyone interested in Tiffin glass, fifties glass, art glass, or just wonderful examples of modern decorative arts. Valuable information including color and optics identification guides will make this book a hit among Tiffin glass collectors and help introduce many to the modern designs of this important American glass company. Some of the pieces look like Steuben and are of the same high quality. Others are easily mistaken for fifties Scandinavian glass because creative and talented Swedish glassmakers worked in Tiffin, Ohio at mid-century.
Book Description
“This compilation is notable for its wealth of small, colorful projects inspired by elements of Celtic design such as knotwork, spirals, fanciful animals, and religious motifs. Many projects are appropriate for the beginning cross-stitcher, and all are graded for difficulty....Each project includes full-color illustrations, both color and black-and-white charts, and finishing instructions....Recommended.—Library Journal.
Customer Reviews:
Contains 40 projects using many of same stitches.......2004-06-09
This stitchery book is misnamed perhaps? Perhaps not. The title says that it has over 40 small, exciting and innovative projects. What it doesn't say is that many use variations of exactly the same design.
This book centers on the themes of water, fire, air, and earth. One water theme that repeated far too often for my liking with salmon - the identical salmon design was used on a scented pillow, a salmon cushion, a salmon tissue sachet, salmon card, and salmon gift tag.
Now that all having been said, there are a few stunning designs that made buying this book worth every penny. A particularly beautiful design in the water category is that of a "water jewel purse" - it's a beautiful little jewel tone purse designed in alternating stripes of Celtic knots in alternating colors. The design could easily be used, with a little imagination, to create a larger purse. There are also a few other fish designs, a sea serpent design, a knotwork bookmark, knot key rings, a dragon eyeglass case, a Celtic angel pincushion, an eagle bookmark, a triskele box (a sort of spiral design), a saint and birds, a durrow saint sachet, a durrow know clothes hanger, a bird headed triskele scissor keep, a grape vineyard design used on several projects, a design for a chessboard and fabric case for chessmen, a Celtic cross picture design, and most beautiful of all the designs - a Celtic swan needle case.
In the final analysis, this book was well worth buying for two reasons - 1. there were enough beautiful designs inside to make it worth it, and 2. with a little imagination and the instructions for a few types of projects, a crafter could create their own designs.
Designs are.... Yucky.......2002-10-02
I was looking for some good samples of Celtic Cross Stitch designs. And all I can say is... I didn't find them here. I didn't care for the designs, and the book is really skimpy - they re-use a lot of the same designs with various simple adjustments to make up for the lack of variety. I would NOT recommend this book at all for anyone who wants to do a Celtic project.
Somewhat Disappointing.......2002-07-19
I was somewhat disappointed by the projects contained in this book. The title says "Over 40 small, exciting, and innovating projects" and strictly speaking that's true. However there are not that many designs. For instance, the first 4 projects use the same salmon design in different arrangements - with a celtic border, on a cushion, as a sachet and as a card. This is ingenious and useful but if you don't care for this particular design, there go 4 projects out of the book that you don't want to do. I would have liked to have seen more different designs instead of these multi-uses of the same design (the grapes design later on is also shown as a card, a sachet, a placemat, and a napkin, another 4 projects). That said, I still found patterns that I liked a lot and feel that on the whole the book was worth purchasing.
Average customer rating:
- Creative Interior Design
- Good basic decorating book
- not very creative
- Great for Beginners
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Creative Interior Design: A Complete Guide to Designing and Decorating Your Home
Manufacturer: Sterling
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Binding: Paperback
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Home Decorating for Dummies
ASIN: 0706372751 |
Book Description
"Divided into three main sections, this guide is never too wordy and offers a multitude of illuminating photographs. The first section concentrates on the basic decoration of a room, using color, texture, and patterns. Next comes a review of interior decorating styles showing typical wallcoverings, windows, and furniture that define each. The last portion contains how-to information, with instructions ranging from making curtains to the proper hanging of a picture. Essential."--LJ -Starred review. 384 pages (all in color), 8 1/4 x 11 1/2.
Customer Reviews:
Creative Interior Design.......2007-04-09
Very good handbook for basics in interior decorating from color schemes to picture hanging. The photography is inspiring and beautiful.
Good basic decorating book.......2004-06-02
I think this book includes a lot of the basic decorating rules in an easy to understand manner. Lots of photos. Yes, some can be considered outdated but this book was printed in 1994 so anyone purchasing it now should not be surprised. In regards to the commentary from December 14, 2002, and not liking the style -- everyone has individual tastes. This book is actually English, as in published in London, England. After having lived in Europe for 15 years, to me the style in the book looks very typical of the country. Also, many details of the room, both structural and decorative, as well as room composition reflect European styles. So I found the book to be both informative and also a reminder of English styles. Once in awhile the basic rules of interior design were not followed, but in real life, they aren't always either.
not very creative.......2002-12-15
I would have given this book 1 star, except the other reviewer seems so enthousiastic about this book, it must have some reedeeming qualities. I, however, do not see them. I dislike this book primarily for the decorating style. It looks like a garden exploded in all the rooms. Imagine floral chintz and pouffy window treatments by way of the 1980s. Yep, you guessed it, the pictures are outdated. Perhaps, the decorating tips in this book would be useful to some people, but the decorating style is so repulsive to me, I couldn't take them seriously. A better book that shows a wider range of design styles, and is a wonderful primer on decorating techniques is 1000 Practical Ideas for Home Decoration.
Great for Beginners.......2000-06-02
This book is great for those of us who are new to decorating. It teaches you all about color and how important it is to choose a color scheme and, of course, how to choose it. After reading just a few chapters of the book, I was able to critique decorating styles and understand why the color scheme worked or didn't work. I also found the section on creating a look for your whole house useful. The book is full of tips and instructions. Perfect for someone who is just starting a decorating project and doesn't want to hire a decorator.
Average customer rating:
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Digital Color Printing and Direct Imaging Benchmarking Study (Gatf Research & Technology Reports)
John Lind
Manufacturer: Graphic Arts Technical Fndtn
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| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
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ASIN: 0883624370 |
Book Description
Digital color printing technology has advanced over the past five years in ways that have had a positive impact on quality and productivity. This research study, performed for the 2003 TechAlert Conference, seeks to show the extent to which these technologies have progressed.
Looking at current applications and target markets for digital color printing, and reviewing the print technologies used in the research (two direct-imaging presses and seven digital color presses) the Digital Color Printing and Direct Imaging Benchmarking Study offers a good sampling of digital color printing options. For the testing portion of the study, participants were provided an EPS file to print on 1000 sheets of three substrates, also provided by GATF. Data was collected from the participants in areas such as waste, run time on each substrate, and RIP time. After the printed samples were returned to GATF for analysis, twenty sheets were randomly chosen to measure Status T density, density range, density standard deviation, tone value, and more. Further testing included abrasion resistance, fade testing, folding, and comparison to offset color standards.
The discussion of results in the areas of tone reproduction on appearance in terms of contrast and color balance and run consistency over the 1000-sheet runs on three different paper surfaces work together to provide a portrait of the current feasibility of short-run color.
Average customer rating:
- POORLY WRITTEN
- this is a great book in someways
- Boring story of Lorries bloated ego
- A Love Story
- Great to read & listen to.
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Forever Yours, Faithfully
George Vess
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Nickel Dreams: My Life
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Lorrie Morgan
ASIN: 0345412974
Release Date: 1997-10-11 |
Amazon.com
Lorrie Morgan's life might have been lifted from one of the country songs for which she is famous. "I was in love with his voice before I saw his face," this love story opens. (If you don't know who Lorrie Morgan is, by the second page she lets us get our Nashville bearings: "I was no novice. Twenty-seven years old, I had been singing in this town literally half my life. I was George Morgan's daughter.") She falls in love with talented country singer Keith Whitley, who, in turn, falls in love with the bottle; it's marriage on the rocks, as Keith descends into alcoholism. In the process of extracting and wearing her heart on her sequined sleeve, Lorrie Morgan tells about life with father, growing up under the charms of the Grand Ole Opry, country countenances beheld along the way, and, of course, that rocky road: love, betrayal, and untimely death.
Book Description
By turns passionate and desperate, tragic and triumphant--the life of Lorrie Morgan could easily have been lifted from the lyrics of a classic country song. Now, in Forever Yours, Faithfully, Lorrie shares all the pleasure and the pain of her remarkable career and her turbulent, consuming love for doomed, brilliant blue-grass star, Keith Whitely.
Lorrie Morgan was born to be a country music star. Thanks to a father who was also a Grand Ole Opry legend, Lorrie grew up in the shadows of such country greats as Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff. Inspired by such talent and nurtured in a stable home, she sang at the Opry when she was only thirteen years old. In a voice all her own, Lorrie takes us inside the country music world where she would rise to become Nashville gold.
Over the next several years, Lorrie's home life was to become a lot less stable. When Lorrie was twenty-two years old, she heard a voice on the radio--and fell under its seductive spell. That voice belonged to singer Keith Whitely. They soon met, left their respective marriages, and started a life that Lorrie hoped would be "happily ever after." Yet it was a relationship marred by dark moods, drinking, and drugs, as Lorrie, blinded by devotion, refused to see that she was hopelessly in love with a chronic alcoholic. She stayed by his side until his untimely death in 1989--only to be hit with a second blow: the shocking news of Keith's infidelities.
With amazing insight and candor, Lorrie opens her heart, answering such personal questions as: Who was with Keith when he died? What actually killed him? How does one reconcile the "man of your dreams" with the man in real life? And perhaps most important: Can he be forgiven? Fortunately, Lorrie's life did not end after Keith's death. Her star went on to shine even brighter. She rose to superstar status as a singer and, eventually, true love came calling again.
Beloved, betrayed, and ultimately resilient, Lorrie Morgan has written a painfully honest memoir about rising above and moving on. Forever Yours, Faithfully resonates with emotion and the power of the human spirit.
Customer Reviews:
POORLY WRITTEN.......2006-01-24
This is the first book I've ever reviewed on Amazon but felt the need to express my opinion since I read other peoples before buying.
This book is very poorly written, almost like teenager diary entries. It is poorly worded and I agree with other reviewers, some things are meant to be kept private.
Maybe Lorrie needed to tell her story & maybe this was her therapy because she needed to heal BUT don't spend money buying it! She reads the audio book herself, but again very disappointing!
I am an avid Keith Whitley fan and have listened to Lorrie a lot as well, but it is rather one-sided and immature.
this is a great book in someways.......2005-04-02
this is a good book to read but wasnt wrote that great' i dont think it was... keith whitley is my favorite singer. and i like some of lorries stuff aswell.. but i feel there is some stuff that should remain private even if you are famous... doesnt matter... but then i guess like the saying goes to each his own... now i know its hard to go through things she went through. but its a he did this- she did that kinda deal and no one is perfect...kellysherman
Boring story of Lorries bloated ego.......2004-05-13
I'm an avid reader and I have to say this is the most poorly written book I have ever read. Specifically the writing style was disjointed, uneven and childish. If you manage to continue reading through lorries choppy, confusing writing you will find that Lorrie portrays Keith as a drunken, cheating porn-addicted hillbilly. She always paints herself as the perfect loving, caring wife. I find it interesting that this person who would have the reader believe that the failing marriage was totally Keiths fault is currently working on her 5th failed marriage.
This is one of those books that you wish you could give 0 stars to. I say this not because I'm a huge whitley fan, but because the writing is sloppy, forced and ridiculously insincere. I bought the book hoping to get some insights about the late country music star. Instead I got some sort of public relations attempt by Lorrie Morgan.
A Love Story.......2003-05-02
I found this book interesting. I found it unique as an autobiography, as I've never read one quite like it. Usually when I read these, they are filled with scandals and controversy. Sure there is a bit of that in here, but Lorrie Morgan writes this from her heart it seems. Of course you can't believe everything, authors of autobiographies want to write the book from their perspective and present in the best light, whatever way they want to. Lorrie chose to write this book about her great love with Keith Whitley, a fine country singer that was gone too soon. She recalls their relationship, which in fact when you read about it, seems much longer than it really was, which was 3 years. When she met him he was married, so she thought "hands off" but soon enough he was divorced and they were together. Their love story is sweet in the beginning, however later in the book it becomes more and more complex and confusing, as to why she'd stay with him. Keith Whitley was an alcoholic. She says she was so in love with him and that it wasn't as bad as it sounds, that there was still some great moments. She goes into great detail about his drinking binges, visits to the porn stores, his treatments, his career versus hers, and more. The events surrounding his death were complicated, as her career was just taking off and she was required to do some promotional work, and Keith ended up having an affair, and overdosing on alcohol, and ultimately dying. As well she talks candidly about growing up and finding herself. You call tell this love was very real and she very much loved him, but was love enough for this couple? Overall it's a slow starter but worth the effort to read, especially if you are a fan of Lorrie's.
Great to read & listen to........2000-05-19
I first read the book myself, which I couldn't put down, then I listened to the audio book. I have to admit the cassette put chills down my spine at times, with Lorrie talking about her Father's funeral,the Opry, car accidents & Keith's death. She did a womderful job letting out her emotions & telling the life of Keith. I hope she has many more wonderful years in Country Music. She belongs on country radio more than most of the new artists.
Product Description
By turns passionate and desperate, tragic and triumphant, the life of Lorrie Morgan could have easily been lifted from the lyrics of a country song. In this wonderful book, Lorrie shares all the pleasure and pain of her remarkable life.
Average customer rating:
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Forever Yours Faithfully Empty
Lorrie Morgan
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Country
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ASIN: 0345423682 |
Average customer rating:
- Easy & Interesting To Read
- A boring tour of Lorrie Morgans huge ego
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Forever Yours, Faithfully
Lorrie Morgan
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Contemporary
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ASIN: 0517287048
Release Date: 1998-11-17 |
Book Description
By turns passionate and desperate, tragic and triumphant--the life of Lorrie Morgan could easily have been lifted from the lyrics of a classic country song. Now, in FOREVER YOURS, FAITHFULLY, Lorrie shares all the pleasure and the pain of her remarkable career and her turbulent, consuming love for doomed, brilliant bluegrass star Keith Whitley.
In a voice all her own, Lorrie takes us inside the country music world, where she has risen to become Nashville gold. Beloved, betrayed, and ultimately resilient, Lorrie Morgan gives us a painfully honest memoir about letting go and moving on. FOREVER YOURS, FAITHFULLY resonates with emotion and the power of the human spirit.
From the Paperback edition.
Customer Reviews:
Easy & Interesting To Read.......2005-01-18
I read this book over a cold and rainy weekend. Although not a country music fan, I always thought Lorrie Morgan had a great voice and stage presence. I was curious about her personal struggles.
I don't see this book as a true autobiography because Lorrie was still quite young [about 38] when she wrote this. I thought it was more cathartic than anything, and that is not a bad thing. Unlike the previous reviewer, I believe this book was written with great honesty and a sincere desire to heal her wounds of the past. As happens to all of us who allow passion to rule over thought, there is a very heavy price to pay.
This book could be very instructive to young girls in realizing how important our values and choices in life are. I would definitely call it worth the read. The book is an interesting look into the struggles and triumphs of a strong willed lady. I hope the next 40 years of her life will be filled with peace and happiness.
A boring tour of Lorrie Morgans huge ego.......2004-01-05
I bought this book hoping to learn more about country music legend Keith Whitley. Instead what I got was a sloppily written self rightous account of how faithful Lorrie claims she was to her late husband Keith. She paints the late singer as a drunken porn addicted hillbilly. This book amounts to little more than a publicity stunt. I find it ironic how page after page, Lorrie creates an image of herself as a pefect,loving and devoted wife, this from a woman who changes husbands more often than most people change their pants. Too bad Keith isnt around to tell his side of the story. I would have given this book 0 stars if that option were available.
Customer Reviews:
Lorrie finds True Love.......2007-06-18
Here is a wonderful love story , as Lorrie Morgan takes you inside her personel life and inside the music world as she tries to help her wonderful singer husband Keith Whitley whom has the disease of alcoholism . You can feel and see the love they shared as well as the stress Lorrie went through as she tried to save Whitley ,and how she stood by him all the way to the end but Whitley ends up dying of an Alcohol overdose and poor Lorrie is heartbroken as she discovers what really happened the last night of his life .
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