Product Description
Sound therapy has been found effective in treating a surprising range of health challenges including heart disease, arthritis, stress, emphysema, and more. On Self-Healing with Sound and Music, bestselling author and physician Dr. Andrew Weil teams up with sound therapist Kimba Arem to offer listeners a powerful new tool for healing on two CDs.

On CD 1, Dr. Weil discusses the latest in medical research that demonstrates how music heals the body and mind. CD 2 gives listeners a complete "sound journey" into expanded states of consciousness optimized for healing. Through an integration of binaural beats, natural sounds, indigenous and classical instruments – and a state-of-the-art recording process called "holophonic technology" that creates a three-dimensional healing space – listeners experience "prescription strength music" with the power to influence every system of the body. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Wonderful tape for hard times
This tape is very easy to take even for non-newagers.The Doc is a nice and interesting guy with a good voice.

Kimba is a delight with a Hawaiian aura and fabulous instruments which she plays in a beautiful way.

The musical part of the tape is lovely and relaxing.

Weil's whole series is great for people in crisis who need to focus their brains to help them heal and deal with pain.

Check it out!

Weil, Self Healing
Liked this one and so did a friend.They talk and them play the music as they used it in examples.dth

Highly recommended!
I have had this cd set for a while and use the music cd in the whole house intercom when family members are sick or facing stress.Recently I have been playing it on the computer in the hospital 24/7 while my family member was recuperating from surgery and later complications.I definitely notice a difference in everything from blood pressure to O2 sats/rbc's when I've been playing this v. the nights I have not.Who knows, but I'm not questioning it.I highly recommend this cd even as a relaxation cd, it can play for days on end and keep the energy in the room calm and healthy.Thanks Dr. Weil!

I am so disappointed!
This is the first time that I have ever received an item from Amazon that I would like to return.I found no 'healing powers' in the music... in fact I found it annoying.I will not even listen to it a 2nd time.I tried to leave this CD product NO rating.... less than one, but the system does not allow it.

Lovely and helpful sounds.
I recommend this CD.A friend gave it to me and I have since bought several copies to give to others. ... Read more

Product Description
The key to the fitness philosophy of David Kirsch-personal trainer of choice for New York's rich and famous-lies in the concept of Soundness, which allows you to: lWork with your unique body type: Are you an apple? A pear? A stick? Already fit? lMaster your eating habits instead of being a slave to cravings. lLocate the seat of your strength so you can build wellness from there. lOutwit attitudes that threaten your exercise efforts by paying proper attention to posture, gaze, flow, and other mind-body components. In addition to the mental conditioning, dozens of full-color photos illustrate Kirsch's signature moves for creating a beautiful chest, legs, shoulders, and abs, with a special section on cardio sculpting. And, Kirsch offers tips that make each exercise exponentially more effective-'secrets' he's developed for celebrity clients such as supermodels James King and Heidi Klum, who appears in the book. Forty delicious recipes and a nutritious 2-week food plan round out the program. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

Big flop
Great waste of money. Only intended for women. It was my first purchase and i got for bargain price. Steer clear of it-there's better book out there.

Best fitness/nutrition book I have read
I have found this book to be the best on the market when you want quality information concerning nutrition and exercise. I have highlighted so many pages to reference back to. David goes into detail on so much plus there are color pictures. I also purchased his book The Ultimate New York Body Plan but found this one more practical and attainable in reaching my goals. After reading this I can see why he is known as a fitness guru, and this book has sound advice that can be beneficial to attaining a better body!

Good Program
This is a good program for people who want to get in and stay in shape without spending half of their life at the gym. You do need to spend some time building your own program sheets using the info in the book. I also bought his "Ultimate New York Body Plan" (it reflects on my obsessive streak that I'd buy both!)and I think that program would be difficult to implement for most ordinary mortals. Buy this one!

Great muscle toning/sculpting book!
There are plenty of basic and advanced versions of exercises divided by body part. The book has many pictures that clearly illustrate the exercises. There are plenty of body weight exercises, as well as with weights. I found this book to be very helpful in creating an exercise program!

Perfect
There's a reason why Heidi Klum and other supermodels seek David out for his training skills.He not only focuses on the physical and nutritional elements to fitness, but also the mind and motivation.It's like having your own personal trainer right in your home and for much less money! ... Read more

Product Description
Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of her fiancé. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.

Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (74)

Perfect Winter Reading
We've got snow here in where I live. It makes it the perfect time to read a winter story! The Sound of Sleigh Bells is the latest from Amish fiction author Cindy Woodsmall. If you haven't read Cindy's books then you're missing out, she is, in my opinion, the best for Amish fiction (some of what's out there is just awful!) Cindy has a way of capturing the heart of the character and bringing her to life. This quick read (I finished in just over an hour--while on the treadmill!) will warm your heart. I liked the connection that the main character had with the carving that she discovered while on her trip to Ohio. I'm not going to go into any more because I don't want to give anything away.

Uplifting and inspirational
Beth Hertzler was still mourning her fiancé, although it had been a year since his death. She shared a tiny apartment above their dry goods store with her Aunt Lizzy. She attempted to convince everyone that she was fine but deep inside she was very sad. On a business trip for the store, she discovered an intricate carving that touched her deep within her soul. She searched for the artist in hopes of helping promote his work. When her aunt saw that the sculpture stirred deep emotions within Beth, she visited Jonah. Lizzy's visit does more harm than good. Can Jonah pull Beth out of her despair? Can the lure of the Sleigh Bells stir the heart once again in Beth?

Cindy Woodsmall's books always have a way of drawing the reader deep into the story line. I felt as if I was one of the characters. While this is a Christmas story, it is appropriate for all seasons. This book is uplifting and inspirational.

The Sound of Sleigh Bells
I thought this was the best book that Woodsmall has written.She is a wonderful storyteller and does a really good job of keeping your interest in the story.

Great Read
As a "Baby Boomer," I have grown up loving Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau movies. While they each had many good solo movies, together they were a team, a match made in heaven. This book not only talks about each actor, but also tells us about each movie they made together, and the relationship they had with each other.

They were good friends from their first movie. In time they grew to love each other and enjoyed working together. They were so in-tuned to each other that at times the directors just let them run with or without the script.I have really enjoyed seeing the pictures in this book and the dialogue that goes with it. I have laughed and felt the sadness also.

A high point is the fact that their movie's transcends all ages. My children who are now grown and have children of their own, still want to see the movies I have of Jack and Walter when they come to visit.I feel director John Davis summed it up best-"I will tell you why these guys were so perfect...they're Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Their chemistry is so great that it doesn't matter what they're playing. It could be brain surgeons or Yiddish surfboard salesmen. It's the simple fact that they are Jack and Walter, and nobody can do it like they can." Or as Jack Lemmon would always say before a scene, "its magic time."

If it had not been for the outstanding work by the author Ben Costello; most of us would never of had a chance to know the real Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. I can only imagine the many hours of research and interviews he did to create this fascinating book. For those of you who will buy this book, I leave you with these words--from the first page to the last "Its magic time."

Whispering Winds Book Reviews

LOVED it!
I think it's safe to say that I can't wait to get more books by Cindy Woodsmall after ready this little gem.Boy, what a well-crafted book this is!Beth, the main character, is burdened by what she thinks was a mistake that resulted in her fiance's death.You won't believe the ending so I won't spoil it but if you are looking for a quick relief from your day, grab this book and enjoy yourself for about the next 1.5 hours.It's only 194 pages so it's a quick read.Only a talented writer can draw you into the characters with only a short amount of writing space.It's not exactly a Christmas book per se, just set in the timeframe.The meaning of the title is so neat too, just very special.

What I love most about these books is that they're reviewed by an Amish person before they're published, for accuracy.Because of that, you can know that what you're reading can actually happen within their community. I have really appreciated how they help one another and stick by each other and how God actually is a part of their lives every day.As Christians or Englishers, we can't always say that we're so quick to depend on God - we try to do it ourselves first. I've just really enjoyed the education into Amish life while reading all these Amish novels (now I'm addicted!) and this one was just one of the sweetest ones I've read yet.I'm going back and ordering a few more!

Lastly, if you know someone who has been abused in their life, be sure to get this book.It will help, I'm sure.Highly recommend! ... Read more

Product Description
Every session, every gig, every day, recording engineers strive to make the most of their audio signal processing devices. EQ, Compression, Delay, Distortion, Reverb and all those other FX are the well-worn tools of the audio trade. Recording and mixing, live and in the studio, engineers must thoroughly master these devices to stay competitive sonically. Its not enough to just know what each effect is supposed to do. Sound FX explains the basic and advanced signal processing techniques used in professional music production, describing real world techniques used by experienced engineers, and referencing popular music examples released internationally. The reader learns not just how to, but also what if, so they can better achieve what they already hear in the productions they admire and chase what they only hear in their imaginative minds ear. Sound FX will immediately help you make more thorough, more musical use of your sound FX.

The accompanying website www.soundfx-companion.com includes audio exaples of FX featured in the book.

Features:

A chapter dedicated to each key effect:
Distortion
Compression & Limiting
Expansion & Gating
Reverb
Equalization
Delay
Pitch Shift
Volume
More than 100 line drawings and illustrations.
Accompanying website featuring examples of all FX covered in the book.
Discography of FX at the end of each relevant chapter.

From the Sound FX Intro:

The most important music of our time is recorded music. The recording studio is its principle musical instrument. The recording engineers and music producers who create the music we love know how to use signal processing equipment to capture the work of artists, preserving realism or altering things wildly, as appropriate. While the talented, persistent, self-taught engineer can create sound recordings of artistic merit, more productive use of the studio is achieved through study, experience and collaboration. This book defines the technical basis of the most important signal processing effects used in the modern recording studio, highlights the key drivers of sound quality associated with each, shares common production techniques used by recording engineers with significant experience in the field, references many of the touchstone recordings of our time, and equips the reader with the knowledge needed to comfortably use effects devices correctly, and, more importantly, to apply these tools creatively.

* Mixing and Recording, studio and live -- for everyone who uses signal processing in audio.
* Defines the technical basis of the most important signal processing effects used in the modern recording studio
* Highlights the key drivers of sound quality associated with each
* Equips the reader with the knowledge needed to comfortably use effects devices correctly, and, more importantly, to apply these tools creatively ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Great detail on specific things I wanted
I bought this book because it has great information on specific things, such as the how and why of compression on a detailed level. From what I have read it's a good buy.

Sound Fx - a must for the pop/rock recordist
Case has created something very special in Sound FX - the seasoned veteran and the rookie recordist alike will benefit hugely from an exploration of Case's book. His writing is clear and concise, while simultaneously very interesting to read, covering an immense array of recording/production techniques, from the most rudimentary to the most nuanced and complicated. I've always believed an author must truly know their subject inside-out to write succinctly and creatively at the same time - if this is true, Case is an honest master of pop/rock music production. Case has succeeded in creating something quite rare in the music world today - a text relevant to both the musician/engineer/producer as well as the academic. Highly recommended!

an incredible reference
FX starts out with the basics of sound as it exists in physical form and goes on to [arguably] bigger and better things from there. Not only that but Case manages to describe rather complicated concepts in an easy to understand way due to the comprehensiveness with which he delivers descriptions of all necessary underlying ideas that precede any technical discussion. The book reads in a very accessible language with quirky, didgeridoo-centric humor thrown in here and there, and overall is an incredible reference on many subjects related to the use of effects in the studio, as well as audio, recording session workflow and etiquette, and music as a whole.

The best part is you don't have to read it front to back (although you just might want to); you can flip to any page using the table of contents or even at random and learn something way wicked excellent.

One of my favorites
The other reviews previous do a fine job of commending this book.I want to add a specific example of why I like it.Case examined the various kinds of reverberation that audio professionals use: acoustical (as in concert halls), chambers, springs, plates, digital and convolution.He compared all of these in terms of how they sound when excited by music.His analysis was comprehensive, fresh and applicable.Then he detailed less than obvious reasons why one or more of these techniques would be used.His unique and thorough treatment of reverb was enlightening.This chapter alone would be worth owning the book!

Unlocking the Creative Potential of Recording Studio Effects
Of the many audio engineering books I have encountered, Sound FX stands out in several distinct ways.

The Book is incredibly thorough and detailed.After covering the basic function of each studio effect, Sound FX goes on to describe many different uses that each effect can serve. For example at the end of the chapter on compression (page 163), nine different goals that compression can accomplish are listed. Over the course of the chapter, compression has been analyzed so thoroughly that you will understand how andto achieve each one of these nine desired effects and why and when you would want to.

Why would an engineer pick one compressor over another? There are several paragraphs outlining characteristics that change from model to model. Knowing what to listen for helped cue me on to some subtle differences that I had previously not heard. Sound FX is filled with details like this about every effect that mixing engineers use. Other studio effects are described just as carefully. (EQ, expansion, gating, reverbdelay, pitch shifting,distortion,and so on)

Have you ever listened to a compressed track, and cranked the compressor's release time from as low as possible to as high as possible and not hear the difference? Sound FX explains what you need to listen for. Have you tried adjusting the "room size" on a reverb unit and not heard the difference? Again Sound FX explains what this means and what the sonic results are.

While engineers working on material that is not musical may find valuable information here, the book is primarily about working with music. A fair amount of technical information is presented, but the material always circles back to how the technology can be used to accomplish musical tasks.

It's taken me time to learn what effects are needed to to find the sound I want to hear. Understanding the complexity of what each effect has to offer and knowing what to listen for when I adjust parameters has drastically improved my mixes. The authors experience and meticulous attention to detail comes through here and analyzes the material more effectively than any other source I have encountered. After reading, I'm always left with a powerful urge to rush to the studio and put the material to use. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (4)

Diamonds on every page
I have been fortunate enough to have met and spent time with Ajahn Sumedho. This collection of some of his teachings is a gem. He offers insight, not through complex Buddhist theology or intricate practice, but using everyday experiences as a way to 'see' the mischief of the ego that seeks distraction and chaos. With a steady, often humorous, style of 'talk' he gently guides us toward an understanding of the silence that we can achieve with application rather than slavery. If you cannot meet him, this book will give you a real human feel for the style and wisdom of his Dhamma talks.

Great for beginners and seasoned meditators, NOT for scholars
This is a worthy compilation of Ajahn Sumedho's teachings. It was originally a free book called "Intuitive Awareness" filled with talks geared towards the monastic community of the early Western Forest Sangha but this book has talks geared towards lay retreatants as well so you can't go wrong with this. Ajahn Sumedho is very unconventional for a Theravada monk in terms of his teaching style and the things he emphasizes but his methods are no joke. He has proven himself over and over to be the real deal and the upaya(skillful means) he brings to Western Buddhists in this book are not to be scoffed at. This is really a great book that can be opened up again and again by beginners and seasoned Buddhist meditators alike. This is not for scholars unless you want to put aside your assumptions, sit down and meditate. There are plenty of scholarly books on Buddhism but nothing Ajahn Sumedho puts out is what you are looking for.

Refuge in Awareness
Ajahn Sumedho is practical and down to earth as he offers encouragement to take refuge in awareness of the way things are in the present moment, whether it means being aware of the neutral, of joy, or of confusion or aversion. There is a distinct shift between being lost in an emotion and in being aware of the way it is.

He covers a wide range of material often coming back to the creation of a sense of an unchanging self and to the realization that all things are always happening in the present - whether we are caught up in planning for the future or worrying about the past. As was said in Richard Smith's review, this book includes all the material in the dana book Intuitive Awareness, plus some additional chapters.

In keeping with the Thai forest tradition, Ajahn Sumedho's talks are not planned out in advance, so there is a conversational feel to them, as though you were sitting in on an evening talk at a retreat.

[...]

This is by far my favorite book. He has a way of getting right to the heart of things, and of helping me to see that there is no particular situation or mental state needed for mindfulness - just a willingness to trust in awareness instead of changing conditions.

The clarity of understanding.
The bulk of this book comes from "Intuitive Awareness", a free publication book published by Amaravati Publications (Amaravati being the monastery where Ajahn Sumedho lives). This Wisdom publication makes Ajahn Sumedho's teaching in "Intuitive Awareness" available to a wider audience than just those who visit Amaravati or the other monasteries associated with Ajahn Sumedho. The clarity, wisdom, humor and (above all) practicality of Ajahn Sumedho's teaching usually come as a surprise to those not familiar with him. This is not a book of esoteric or metaphysical mumbo-jumbo. It is, instead, the deep insight and wisdom of a Buddhist monk who has dedicated his life to discovering the immediacy of Ultimate Truth and who is sharing with us his knowledge and wisdom as he encourages us along the Path. There are many, many spiritual books offering helpful (and not-so-helpful) guidance. Very, very few offer the practical, non-proselytizing guidance and wisdom found in "The Sound Of Silence."

... Read more

Product Description
The groundbreaking mix CD that accompanies this book features Nam Jun Paik, the Dada Movement, John Cage, Sonic Youth, and many other examples of avant-garde music. Most of the CD's content comes from the archives of Sub Rosa, a legendary record label that has been the benchmark for archival sounds since the beginnings of electronic music. (For a complete list of audio credits, see below.)

If Rhythm Science was about the flow of things, Sound Unbound is about the remix—how music, art, and literature have blurred the lines between what an artist can do and what a composer can create. In Sound Unbound, Rhythm Science author Paul Miller aka DJ Spooky that Subliminal Kid asks artists to describe their work and compositional strategies in their own words. These are reports from the front lines on the role of sound and digital media in an information-based society. The topics are as diverse as the contributors: composer Steve Reich offers a memoir of his life with technology, from tape loops to video opera; Miller himself considers sampling and civilization; novelist Jonathan Lethem writes about appropriation and plagiarism; science fiction writer Bruce Sterling looks at dead media; Ron Eglash examines racial signifiers in electrical engineering; media activist Naeem Mohaiemen explores the influence of Islam on hip hop; rapper Chuck D contributes "Three Pieces"; musician Brian Eno explores the sound and history of bells; Hans Ulrich Obrist and Philippe Parreno interview composer-conductor Pierre Boulez; and much more. "Press 'play,'" Miller writes, "and this anthology says 'here goes.'"

Contributors: David Allenby, Pierre Boulez, Catherine Corman, Chuck D, Erik Davis, Scott De Lahunta, Manuel DeLanda, Cory Doctorow, Eveline Domnitch, Frances Dyson, Ron Eglash, Brian Eno, Dmitry Gelfand, Dick Hebdige, Lee Hirsch, Vijay Iyer, Ken Jordan, Douglas Kahn, Daphne Keller, Beryl Korot, Jaron Lanier, Joseph Lanza, Jonathan Lethem, Carlo McCormick, Paul D. Miller aka DJ Spooky that Subliminal Kid, Moby, Naeem Mohaiemen, Alondra Nelson, Keith and Mendi Obadike, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Pauline Oliveros, Philippe Parreno, Ibrahim Quraishi, Steve Reich, Simon Reynolds, Scanner aka Robin Rimbaud, Nadine Robinson, Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR), Alex Steinweiss, Bruce Sterling, Lucy Walker, Saul Williams, Jeff E. Winner.

On the CD:

1. RadioMentale and Matthew Herbert, "Cool Noises"
2. Martyn Bates/Allen Ginsberg, "Once Loved/A Footnote to 'Howl' (DJ Spooky Remix)"
3. Jean Cocteau, "Le buste (DJ Spooky Remix)"
4. Sun Ra, "Imagination"
5. Mikhail/Gertrude Stein, "Untitled in CoF Minor/A Valentine to Sherwood Anderson (DJ Spooky Remix)"
6. DJ Spooky vs. Rob Swift, "Scratch Battle"
7. Marcel Duchamp/The Master Musicians of Joujouka/RadioMentale, "The Creative Act/Interview with George Heard Hamilton/Boujeloud (Solo Drums)/I Could Never Make That Music Again"
8. Raymond Scott, "The Paperwork Explosion"
9. Alter Echo/Pamela Z, "Perpetual Next/Pop Titles 'You'"*
10. Liam Gillick/ RadioMentale and Aphex Twin, "Sarah (Los Angeles Soundtrack)/I Could Never Make That Music Again"
11. James Joyce/Erik Satie, "Eolian Episode/Gnossiene (DJ Spooky Dub Version)"
12. Steve Reich, "Reed Phase"
13. Shukar/RadioMentale/Raoul Hausmann, "Cika-Laka/Cool Noises/Bbb"
14. Augustos de Campos/Bill Laswell/To Rococo Rot, "Dias Dias Dias (Spoken by Caetano Veloso)/Above the Earth/Contacte"
15. John Cage, "Rozart Mix"
16. Antonin Artaud, "Pour Finir avec le Jugement de Dieu (To Have Done with God's Judgment) (DJ Spooky Remix)"
17. DJ Spooky, "One Laptop Theme"
18. Susan Deyhim, "The Spilled Cup (DJ Spooky Remix)"
19. Raymond Scott, "General Motors: Futurama (Interstitial)"
20. Marcel Duchamp/George Lewis and Aki Takase, "Erratum Musical (Score for Three Voices)/Voyage for Three"
21. Bill Laswell/René Magritte, "Ghost Dub/Le Surréalisme et les Questions"
22. Anthony Braxton and Evan Parker/Pauline Oliveros, "The First Set— Area 4 (Solo)/A Little Noise in the System (Moog System)"
23. Bora Yoon, "// (DJ Spooky Remix)"
24. Pierre Schaeffer, "Cinqétudes de bruits: Étude violette"
25. Daniel Bernard Roumain and Ryuichi Sakamoto, "The Need to Be"**
26. Phillip Glass, "Music in Fifths"
27. Edgard Varèse, "Poème électronique"
28. Iannis Xenakis, "Concret PH"
29. Ryoji Ikeda, "One Minute"
30. Sonic Youth, "Audience (DJ Spooky Remix)"
31. Alter Echo/Ge-te Do-pe, "Aftermath of Creations Dub (in Three Parts)/Dong Lim"
32. Terry Riley/Alter Echo, "Dorian Reeds/Aftermath of Creations Dub (in Three Parts)"
33. Luigi Russolo/DJ Spooky, "Corale/FTP > Bundle/Conduit 23"
34. Fanfare Savale/Vladimir Mayakovsky, "Rumba Lu Georgel/I Know the Power of Words"
35. Droma/Trilok Gurtu and Bill Laswell, "Pilgrim's Song (Trala Shepa)/Kala"
36. Nam Jun Paik, "Hommage à John Cage"
37. Morton Subotnick/DJ Spooky, "Mandolin/Acid Bassline"
38. The Master Musicians of Joujouka/Hans Arp, "Mali Mal Hal M'Halmaz/Boujeloud (Solo Drums)/Dada-Sprüche"
39. Sub Swara/Kurt Schwitters, "Koli Stance/Anna Blume"
40. Walter Ruttmann/Troupe from Taschingang, "Week End/Ache Lhamo"
41. Raymond Scott, "Bendix 1: The Tomorrow People"
42. Martyn Bates/Trinlem, "I Can't Look for You/The Palaces of Gesar's Family (DJ Spooky Remix)"
43. Otto Luening and Vladimir Ussachevsky, "Incantation for Tape"
44. Carsten Nicolai, "Time ... Dot(3)"
45. William S. Burroughs and Iggy Pop with Techno Animal, "The Western Land"

Customer Reviews (7)

Fascinating AND Fun
Educating yourself should always be this much fun!I especially enjoyed the intro by Steve Reich, and Jeff Winner's chapter.The CD that comes with the book is the perfect soundtrack while reading.Mr. Miller has done a fantastic job of assembling talent for his collection; not only Mr. Winner and Reich, but others like Brian Eno, Chuck D., and many more.I've read most of this book twice already - highly recommended!

A Worthwhile Purchase.
Great Book.A lot of intelligent essays on very relevant topics.As someone who enjoys sampling digital music, I find it very helpful to hear what my peers are thinking about the varying issues surrounding the activity.Some ideas are new to me and get my gears spinning, some of them are problems I've wrestled with myself, such as the moral dilemma embedded in the digital sampling culture.Is it thievery?Should laws be enacted to punish it?Should we do it at all, out of respect for the original artist?Some essays are more difficult to follow on account of references to so many artists and their works that I am unfamiliar with.However, others are a quick and enjoyable read that are pleasantly easy to comprehend, while still no less important to the book as a whole.Again, great read.

Sounds good, reads even better.
This book is excellent. It comes with a a CD of some really excellent mashup too. I've really enjoyed the differnt writing styles and the great anecdotes that present themselves in this compilation of what is essentially a book of post-graduate papers on music and it's evolving relationship with the world. Delightfully rich with first person experience and gives you something to listen too in the background.Yummy for my sonic tummy.

Sound Has Never Transvered at Such Speeds!
Sound Unbound brilliantly details the explosion of culteral diffusion in the 21st century as a result of advancements in technology.The book consists of several excellently written essays whose authors range from rappers to scientists, sampling various viewpioints from one another.DJ Spooky successfully conveys how both in the past and today, now more than ever, art is naturally derrivative; stemming from one source after another.

What a trip!
I just finished this one. If you're looking for insight from the myriad influential contributors, you'll find that and much more here. The book's themes run deep, weaving together music history and theory with meditations on technology, perception, and cultural zeitgeist. I went in curious how the ideas of Brian Eno, Bruce Sterling, Cory Doctorow, and Chuck D would cohere under the editorial hand of DJ Spooky. Color me surprised - it's an enlightening trip! A must-read! ... Read more

Product Description
Sound Innovations for String Orchestra is a revolutionary new method that combines time-tested educational concepts, input from thousands of teachers, and advances in modern technology. Using solid pedagogy that follows state and national music education standards, the methods can be customized by teachers to use their own experiences in creating the best approach for their unique classroom. Sound Innovations is available in two versions: Standard Edition and the custom Directors Choice Edition. Visit www.alfred.com/soundinnovations for more information. ... Read more

Product Description
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Customer Reviews (6)

Great
My grandson and I use this book all the time. It has all the info we need while looking at birds in our backyard.

Birds of the Puget Sound Region
Great book for helping you to identify all those interesting birds you enjoy seeing in your back yard! The pictures are as good as I have seen in any bird book and a lot better than most.

Great Book
I got this book originally at the Public Library and loved it. I found it on Amazon and bought it for me and my son. We enjoy watching the birds and identifing them.

Great Book
This has been a nice little book to have to figure out the duck and bird breeds I often see around Lake Washington.Once or twice, I wasn't able to find a breed, but a pocket book can't include variety that might visit the area.I would recommend it, but tell people that they may eventually want a second book to cover what this one doesn't.Over all, it's a great book and the size makes it easy to carry around.

My go-to-guide for Western Washington
1.I'm not sure why most of the guidebooks on the market today are 5x7" or 6x9" (or even bigger, gasp!) as none of my clothes have pockets even close to being able to handle them.This book fits comfortably even in myjeans or raincoat pocket, which makes it easy to take just about anywhere.And the cover and binding is thick and rugged, and has held up to some fairly thorough abuse.

2.I love the fact that there's one bird per 2-page layout with a detailed, full-page, full color photo on the left (some pages have 2 pictures to show a difference in sexes or plumage) and a color-coded (by taxomomic family) description on the right with all of the important identification points in bold text.Right after the overview, the authors not only provide list similar looking species but are thoughtful enough to briefly describe the differences and even include the page number references! Its extremely quick to thumb through the book in the field and zone right in to the bird I'm looking for.

3.I really dont understand the popularity of guidebooks that cover every bird that ever set foot (or wing) on the continent or some other huge geographical region.This book only covers the birds around my area, so I dont waste time with all the related species that have never been seen within a day's drive of here.I initially thought this would only be useful for the King-Pierce-Snohomish county region, but after looking at the map in the preface and the generous 200+ species coverage, I've found it to be applicable to most if not all of Western Washington.

4.The one thing would improve the utility of this guide would be the addition of month-to-month or seasonal abundance charts similar to those at birdweb.org (and numerous other sources).The rough textual description of a bird's expected seasonality and distribution is a poor substitute for some kind of simple "at a glance" chart.

In summary, this is the one guidebook I never leave home without.Hopefully the authors continue to expand the series as a perfect companion volume would cover the birds of Eastern Washington.
... Read more

Product Description
After Mater and Lightning McQueen hear a mysterious sound one night, they decide to investigate. But when they can't figure out where it's coming from, Radiator Springs suddenly becomes very spooky!

Disney•Pixar's Cars fans will love this all-new Step 2 reader featuring all of their favorite characters. ... Read more

Product Description
Whether you're a karaoke singer or preparing for an audition, the Pro Vocal series is for you! The book contains the lyrics, melody, and chord symbols for eight classic songs. The CD contains demos for listening and separate backing tracks so you can sing along. The CD is also enhanced so PC and Mac users can adjust the recording to any pitch without changing the tempo! Perfect for home rehearsal, parties, auditions, corporate events, and gigs without a backup band. This volume includes 8 favorites from The Sound of Music: Climb Ev'ry Mountain * Do-Re-Mi * Edelweiss * The Lonely Goatherd * Maria * My Favorite Things * Sixteen Going on Seventeen * The Sound of Music. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great product
Great for beginners like myself. CD really helps with timing, etc.

Most of the songs are written in the middle octave, which I had to learn to play the entire book. ... Read more

Product Description
'Lately, I am trying to provoke myself into art - into writing...I wasn't exactly in despair - I was in cynicism, which is despair's more torpid sister...Let me tell you how writing snuck back on me.' Whether you are starting from scratch or need a gentle nudge back in the right direction, "The Sound of Paper" is a wonderful creative companion. Through inspiring essays and practical tasks, it stimulates creativity so that the reader becomes more and more familiar with their own strengths. Including her own fascinating journey from writer's block back to productive work, which takes the reader across America from New York to New Mexico, this is a story of inspiration infused with brilliantly practical suggestions, the perfect combination for anyone on the path to creativity. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

An Inspiring and Spiritual Journey Toward Creative Reawakening
Creativity expert Julia Cameron once again inspires the blocked artist in The Sound of Paper, a series of essays that serve as a roadmap to rediscovering the creativity that Cameron believes is the lifeblood at the core of everyone's soul.Designed for artists, writers, musicians, actors, sculptors, and anyone else whose desires lean toward the creative, Cameron's book reads similar to The Right to Write, another book of essays tailored more toward the impact writing can have on the creative life.

Written during the summer months spent while living in Taos, New Mexico, Cameron begins each essay with a description of the weather, the landscape, or the culture of one of Taos, one of America's hotbeds of artistic inspiration.Cameron makes comparisons of the natural world around her to the creative lives of the individuals she seeks to help unblock.The essays are short, running on average two or three pages, and the initial paragraphs of explicit description of Taos and the weather can become frustrating after a while.Keep reading.Get past the mundane to the core of the essay, and you will find inspiring expert advice.

Many of the concepts explored in The Sound of Paper are the same as in Cameron's best-selling creativity workshop, The Artist's Way.The Sound of Paper serves as outstanding supplemental reading for anyone undertaking The Artist's Way.Each essay is followed by an activity intended in helping the reader experience first-hand the concepts discussed.Cameron explores all aspects of creativity, from the root causes behind blocked artists to dealing with creative reawakening and even surrounding ourselves with supportive and encouraging friends.She takes things a step further by encouraging her readers to explore their deepest desires, imagining themselves as fulfilling their creative dreams and setting goals - both long and short term - to achieve them.

Cameron discounts common stereotypes of artistic people, explaining that artists need not be loners, eccentric, alcoholic, or unhappy.So many of these stereotypes force individuals to shy away from an artistic life.Cameron explains creativity as the reason for life on earth, linking creativity to spirituality and a higher power she refers to as God, or the Great Creator.Her perspective is unique in that she asks her readers to consider themselves as conduits, or channels, tapping into the creative energy of the universe and bringing art to life.Cameron encourages the removal of the ego in the process of making art.

A worthwhile and inspiring book for anyone seeking to get in touch with their creativity, The Sound of Paper will challenge readers to go outside of their comfort zone and take a chance on implementing a happier, more fulfilling existence.Aside from the often too details prose regarding New Mexico and the stretching comparisons, the book is filled with solid advice and inspirational stories of creative awakening.

book- Sound of Paper
This book arrived in a timely matter. It is in excellent shape. I would have thought it was new if I hadn't known differently.

Do not buy this if you are a serious writer or artist.
What a ghastly let down ! Luckily this book was a gift and not a personal purchase. It seems to me that the author spends all her time writing books on how to write/be creative - without having produced much else at all. A really good writer writes books and maybe, just maybe, will write one guide to aspiring writers. I have not read any of Cameron's other works but the writing in this one is not a good advertisement for her at all. Her short 'essays' - presented to the would-be-creative-writer whose muse has gone on vacation are meant to be inspirational. I find them pedestrian at best; shallow and uni-dimensional in content and bristling with the shabbiest of clichés. An insult to anyone dedicated to meaningful, resolved writing. These short essays act as a prelude to a simple 'exercise' aimed at about Grade 5 level ( I am judging by what my children received at school here in Namibia at age about 10) which is meant to release one's creative spirit. To say that the book is steeped in mediocrity is almost too generous. I cannot recommend this to anyone who is serious about writing or accessing their creative spirit unless they are a teacher of pre-pubescent children.

Finding Inspiration as an Artist
Julia Cameron is probably best known as the author of "The Artist's Way," a course she developed to help others (as well as herself) get over writer's block, although she discovered that the plan worked for painters, sculptors, anyone whose job or life's passion requires creativity. In "The Sound of Paper," Cameron has expanded this vision, offering more exercises and examples, as well as a more personal look at her own struggles as a writer.

Cameron practices what she preaches: She is an accomplished author and playwright, and the book itself is testament to her talent. Her writing appears so effortless, mere musings. Try and copy that! It's no easy task. Even after I was long done reading the book, her descriptions of the New Mexico landscape have stayed with me, inspiring me to create a little of that magic. At the very least, it makes me long for a trip to the Southwest, again a testament to the power of words so carefully crafted.

What Cameron demonstrates so effectively is that to be aware of your surroundings is to make your life your art, and that is the key to it all. Of course, another part of that equation is simply doing art, without the expectation of perfection. And that perfection is a tricky thing, a common trap for artists of all stripes. In the end, what "The Sound of Paper" conveys is much the same as "The Artist's Way." However, this book moves one step closer to illustrating the lessons so clearly delineated in both books, and that is something fine indeed.

Good read for writers/artists
This is a book of essays on life and being a writer. There are interesting and helpful excercises at the end of each essay. Alot of the essays stem from her 'Artist Date' experiences, and her reflections and observations. She does write about the 'Morning Pages' that she has become so well known for. Besides the Artist Dates and Morning Pages, she also highly recommends taking a 20 minute walk everyday and an hour walk at least once a week.

I have revisited this several times and, although I don't think it made a big difference for me with my writing, I do enjoy and benefit from many of the essays. Mostly according to what I'm going through at the time I read or reread this book.

One thing is for sure. This woman knows about the pains of life, and writing. -And she knows how to keep on living in the most creative way she can. In many parts, I found myself consoled because I could tell that she wasn't merely speculating, you can feel that it comes from her heart.

This is not just for writers, but any artists. Honestly, it didn't knock my socks off, but that doesn't mean that it isn't good. Do we always need for a book to be out of this world to get something valuable from it? I don't think so. This woman has already made a huge contribution to the world with her "Artists Way." She doesn't need to prove anything to anyone. I think it's great that she chooses to continue to share what she's learned and observed. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is designed to have you running P.A.s and mixers in no time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Simple, but ideal for beginners
If you just bought your mixer and have no idea what to do with it, this book is for you. It's really simple, what makes it ideal for young engineers. People with absolutely no experience will be able to mix a live band right away with this book.

Live Sound Basics
I found this book to be the ultimate text to hand a beginner in the field of live sound mixing.The illustrations and detailed explanations guide the reader to a full understanding of the usage and operation of the different types of equipment used.The information given is detailed enough to help the reader understand the basics of sound mixing, but not so deep that it comes off as a technical textbook for a theater tech class.I would recommend this book for those who are just entering the field, those who are taking theater classes, and for veterans as this can be a great quick reference manual.

Good book for begineers
I used this book as the text book for my students who are church volunteers that want to help operating the sound system. I liked the graphics and that it covers the basic without trying to make you a full audio engineer with proper education. AND, that is cheap! NOTE, this is really basic for people who is just starting and want to learn the basics about sound systems. Definitely you will need to go somewhere else if you are looking for more advanced or detailed information.

Good Starting Place
As the title implies, this is a good publication for the beginner.The most significant information needed to get started right away is presented in clear, non-jargon language. ... Read more

Product Description
The distinguishing feature of many low-budget films and TV shows is often the poor sound quality. Now, filmmakers shooting DV on a limited budget can learn from Tomlinson Holman, a film sound production pioneer, how to make their films sound like fully professional productions.Holman offers suggestions that you can apply to your own project from preproduction through postproduction and provides tips and solutions on production, editing, and mixing.

Holman, sound engineer on such films as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, is famous for his pioneering work in film sound production and for developing THX.Now, he brings his expertise to the relatively new field of sound for digital video productions. Once considered an amateur format, digital video is becoming the format of choice for some feature films and for many lower budget productions; this book will enable you to use this medium to create the most professional and effective sound possible.

*Learn how to get great sound on a limited budget, from the recognized expert in the field
*Provides tips and instructions for improving sound, from planning through mixing
*Includes CD with recording and editing exercises ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great, book, not for begginers though
Essentialy, it is a great book: very well written with every piece of important information for working sound for video. The part on post-production is better than the initial one on sound recording. It is not a book for someone looking into learning the basics on sound for video, though. Some prior knowledge is required, I think.

Essential sound editing guide!
I highly recommend this book for the amateur and more advanced since it contains a lot of information that many of us either forgot, or never knew. It contains a chock full of tips and techniques that aids with sound editing that worked better than I had expected. The book comes with a cd that has samples of great sound editing works for reference.

Short and Sweet
I've read many books on sound post. This book is excellent. It full of tips and techniques throughout, especially on sound editing, the cd provided has good examples of sound edits. Highly recommended.

A decent book at a decent price...
This is a pretty good "bridge" book for those who have no knowledge of sound and its importance in film/video and those who have some.I have yet to utilize the cd that came with it, but the chapters are lucid and easy to follow.

If you are involved with digital video, you need this book!
Target audience: Anyone involved in audio for video, from the rank amateur to the
experienced professional.

As a video shooter, you are most concerned with your picture.But as we move from SD to
HD, the quality of your soundtracks should follow suit.Video has never been more capable
of delivering high quality sound and picture, yet today's soundtracks are getting worse
instead of better.Why?Partly because DV equipment has made video accessible to more
people at lower cost.While there's nothing wrong with low cost gear, unless you really know
how to handle your audio with the equipment you have, you'll end up with some truly awful
sound.But even expensive top of the line Pro gear can record bad audio, and does so often,
and with great precision!So what can you do to ensure the best quality sound for your
video?

Enter "Sound for Digital Video" by Tomlinson Holman.Simply put, every question about
sound for DV, from microphones through recording, to editing and release audio formats is
covered.Yet, surprisingly, the principles are highly approachable by even the most non-
technical reader.In fact, Mr. Holman has adopted a unique "Director's Cut" section within
chapters, intended to serve those, like Directors, who have limited time but need to digest
the key points quickly and with complete lucidity.The book is, in fact, quite easy to
assimilate by someone who picks it up, but is in the middle of a production! Mr. Holman
directs those readers to what chapter to read FIRST, to glean the critical essentials, as well as
how to use the "Director's Cut" sections.

But don't think it's only for the beginner or the time-limited.There is enough detail and
scientific information contained that even a seasoned pro will find it an essential reference
work.There is enough contained in each chapter to merit several readings, even by those
with careers in audio.The beauty of the book is that it can serve such a wide audience with
useful information, without alienating the extremes.

For those with more time, or more need to create a highly polished and effective soundtrack,
the book delves into the real nuts and bolts of audio as it applies to digital video.For
example, if you had to record dialog from a shout to a whisper, what do you need to know to
accomplish it?What microphone would be best (the answer might surprise you!), should you
plug the mic into your camera directly, or use a mixer?What can you do in post production
to make your dynamic range sound larger than it is? Would using a compressor help you or
hurt you, and when should it be used or avoided?

The basics are completely explored: What type of mic should you use for a given type of
recording circumstance?How can you use both channels of your camera to best advantage?
Avoiding overload is covered more thoroughly than I've ever seen it before, and yet in a
highly understandable way.

In today's competitive market, everyone needs some kind of "edge".After reading only a
portion of this book (for example, on avoiding overload) you become equipped to produce
soundtracks that can sound better than many very high profile producers.For example, we
recently heard a track on a PBS TV show that, if the recordist had understood "avoiding
overload" in this book, the track would have contained clean and understandable dialog.As
it was, it was so overloaded as to be barely intelligible.So simply reading this book can give
you the understanding to record better audio than National Geographic!How's that for
Return on Investment?

Then there's the included CD.It's a collection of demo and illustration tracks to be used as
examples for material in the book, but is also a collection of audio tools that can be used for
calibration and testing.The demo material illustrates sonic characteristics not easily
described in words, like good and bad bump edits, and how to solve editing problems.
There a group of Sound Process Demo tracks that demonstrate filers, limiting and
compression and numerous other audio processes.The demo tracks have descriptive
narration.There's also a standard leader track (30 seconds of tone plus "2-pop") that you
can use on the head of your project.All together, there are 23 tracks.

"Sound for Digital Video" is as enlightening as it is pleasurable to read.No one involved in
DV production, pro or amateur, should be without this book.Recommended without
hesitation or reservation! ... Read more

Product Description
In this landmark book on the creative process, the bestselling author of The Artist's Way reveals the intricate soul work artists must undertake in order to find inspiration.

In The Sound of Paper, Julia Cameron delves deep into the heart of the personal struggles that all artists face. What can we do when we face our keyboard or canvas with nothing but a cold emptiness? How can we begin to carve out our creation when our vision and drive are clouded by life's uncertainties? In other words, how can we begin the difficult work of being an artist?

Drawing upon her many years of personal experience as both an artist and a teacher, Julia Cameron guides readers to a place where they can find the strength and courage to create. Demonstrating how this involves a process of constant renewal, of starting from the beginning, she writes, "When we are building a life from scratch, we must dig a little. We must be like that hen scratching the soil: 'What goodness is hidden here, just below the surface?' we must ask."

With exercises designed to develop the power to infuse one's art with a deeply informed knowledge of the soul, this book is an essential artist's companion from one of the foremost authorities on the creative process. Julia Cameron's most illuminating book to date, The Sound of Paper provides readers with a spiritual path for creating the best work of their lives. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Another Writing Book from Cameron
In the introduction Julia Cameron tells the reader to think of this book as a summer hike through the New Mexico wilderness.I did often feel like I was lost in the wilderness while reading the book.I have read several of Cameron's previous books and truly enjoyed them, but this one has several excellent chapters interspersed with chapters that seem to be warmed over writing.

The book is organized in chapters then a writing prompt that corresponds with the chapter. The usual morning pages, artist dates, and mind-body walks are the foundational creative tools Cameron bases all her work on and the first chapter reviews these.One of the better chapters is Drama.Cameron says there are two uses for drama, to distract ourselves from work or to use it to fuel our work.She compares the drama in our lives to the drama of storms.The prompt is meant to help work through areas of your life that might keep you from creating. The great chapters and good chapters make the book worth reading and I will certainly keep it with my other writing books.However it is not on my list of must have writing books.

A KEEPER on my reference shelf!
Julia Cameron is by far my favorite writer to turn to when I need inspiration for myself. This is probably my second favorite book of hers. The essays are written in a very down-to-earth way that makes you stop and breathe and re-focus. When I need a fresh perspective on my own writing, or just a little pick-me-up, I turn to either this book, or "The Right To Write." You cannot go wrong with either one.

A challenging book
I've read some of her work before years ago.A trusted mentor recommended this book and I purchased it.The book ended up sort of a love/hate thing.I loved the book, I learned about myself however the book challenged me at times.

Too much "GREAT CREATOR" and "GOD" in the book....
Found this book at Goodwill.I believe everybody is really an artist in some particular way.I will say that she is right to notice her world, write her morning pages and take walks.This is the very essence of sparking creativity.But, I was worn to the nubs by her constant GREAT CREATOR and GOD viewpoints.Way overboard. Also, this book read like a textbook from AA.That gets rather OLD, too.There were some good points in this book, and she's not a bad writer - but OVERBOARD on the above mentioned points in my estimation.....

Laughably "creative" prose and name-dropping
First off, this is nothing new. If you've read any of Cameron's other books, you're not going to find much new here.How many more books does the author need to sell convincing us to "do morning pages?"

As you read along thinking you might come across something worth your time, something helpful and encouraging for your writing process, the reader encounters laughable prose.For example, on page 223 : "As a young writer I wrote a novel that no one wanted to read. It sat, UNMOLESTED, on a living room table..."That line alone required more than just a doubletake.It was absolutely ridiculous and, and real, GOOD writers would have edited that out in spite of their inner screaming 12 year old editor of 1975 who felt it was "cool and original, man."

Also included are comparisons appropriate for middle schoolers; phrases reminiscent of "pretty as a picture."On page 68 : "The season is as beautiful as a young girl turning into a woman."Rather than keep my attention on the subject at hand, I burst into laughter, recalling the terrible comparisons I once used as a young writer.But Cameron was not attempting humor here.

Aside from the laughable prose, the name-dropping is obnoxious.As a reader of a book on creativity, I resent being sold-to.Because it's not just name-dropping, it is also unnecessary, irrelevent detail about the books her friends have written.

I found this book at the library.If you're really curious and want to give it a try, I suggest you do the same. ... Read more

Product Description

Join spunky Cat the Cat as she introduces the very youngest readers to her world, where a surprise is waiting in every book.

Customer Reviews (4)

This delightful Cat the Cat book is a perfect book to introduce young children to pre-reading skills while enjoying a FUN tale!
Cat the Cat, carrying a basket covered with a red polka dot cloth, rushed up to a hound dog who was removing a cookie sheet full of dog bones from his oven. Her eyes widened as she asked, "What's your sound, Hound the Hound?"The hound dog smiled, pursed his jowls, and said "Woof!Woof!Woof!"Next she went to ask as chick a similar question.The chick, who was dipping a tea bag in his teapot made just a tiny "Peep!"

Cat the Cat did a cartwheel, balancing the basket on her toes, and asked the cow, "What's your sound, Cow the Cow?"The cow was reaching into the fridge for a half gallon of milk and bellowed "Mmmmmoooooooooooooo!"When she approached the bunny to ask the question, his eyes grew wide as he set some cups down on a bench.Well, everyone knows that bunnies don't make loud sounds.The crowd gathered round waiting to see what would happen when Cat the Cat asked the question.What was Bunny the Bunny going to say?

This delightful Cat the Cat book is a perfect book to introduce your preschooler to pre-reading skills while enjoying a FUN tale.One of the pre-reading skills is the ability to recognize sounds and imitate them.For example, small children quickly learn to imitate the sound of a cow and are usually quite anxious to demonstrate their ability to do so.In this book the child will learn to associate the sound with letters, a pre-reading skill.This Cat the Cat story is simply one of those charming critters that not only provides a subtle learning experience, but is one your little one will ask you to read to them time and time again. . .provided they don't have the book in hand trying to read to you!

short and sweet
i have a four year old son i bought this book for and yes each page only has about 5 words, but the pictures tell the story. this is the first book that brought my son and i so many laughs looking at the rabbit(the last couple pages)! very cute book to read over and over again!

Cute Book
This is a very cute 'sound-focused' book from Mo.By which I mean that the focus is on animals and the sounds they make.It's the sort of book that you sit and go through with an older baby or toddler -- maybe a younger preschooler -- naming colors, animals, and making sounds, and other wise enjoying the story.

Besides hound, of course, there are bird and cow... and finally bunny that Cat asks to make their sound.Bunny?!? you might be thinking.And that's where Mo puts his plot twist.What sounds do bunnies make?I won't tell you about what happens when the bunny is asked to make a sound, but it provides a cute ending.

Since "What's Your Sound, Hound the Hound?" is written at the 1.0 Accelerated Reading level, and contains very few words, it could be used as a nice beginning reader for early readers. However, because of the topic, I wouldn't rush out to buy it for that purpose.

THE SKINNY:::
"What's Your Sound, Hound the Hound?" is a very nice book for children in the 1 to 3 year old range.The artwork is delightful, and the book ends with a cozy hug, but really I think we preferred "Cat the Cat" better.

Pam T~
mom/blogger

Cute But Lacking
Reviewed by Madison (age 4) and Hailey (age 2) Schlarman and Mom for Reader Views (05/10)

Mo Willems again brings Cat the cat to young readers, and introduces them to the sounds animals make.The book is loads of fun until you meet Bunny the bunny, who makes no sound and needs a hug from all her friends.

Madison: "Hounds don't do that!That's a dog!"

Hailey:Laughed and laughed repeating the animal sounds.Mooooo!At the end she said "aww" to the hug.

Mom:I loved the color and illustrations of this book.Both of my girls were thrilled with the first part of the book, where Cat the cat asks all the animals what their sound is, and the animals stop what they are doing to reply.Hailey thought it was hilarious and repeated each sound.The book was wonderful until Bunny the bunny.Here my children lost interest.They thought it was sweet for all the friend to hug Bunny the bunny at the end, however, it left us wishing there were more animals before Bunny, and that the with no words could have been left out and not missed.There was a ton of enjoyment for the first half of this book and then it just dropped off.I think this book would be a wonderful tool for teaching children the sounds animals make if there were more included.

Also, Madison thought Hound should have been Dog.I think this was fair, seeing most children do not call dogs hounds.I did explain that it was another name for a dog, especially certain families of dogs, but it didn't really go over well.Overall we enjoyed "What's Your Sound Hound the Hound?," just mostly the first half rather than the last. ... Read more

Product Description
This timely new book provides an excellent foundation in the techniques of sound design production for the interactive arts.Coverage ranges from basic acoustics and digital audio theory to creating, mixing, and implementing sound and music in such interactive spaces as Web sites, games, and virtual worlds. Readers are introduced to the essentials of recording and reproduction, the key strategies for successful sound design, and the musical and psychological aspects of sound.The practical and theoretical knowledge presented in this book facilitates the important transition from the techniques of linear sound design used in film and video to the non-linear sound design techniques associated with adaptive audio spaces. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Descriptive, but sound design?
Exploring Sound Design for Interactive Media amounts to a detailed glossary. It's a good read if you're new to the field of acoustics, and need a primer. But if you're not new to the field of acoustics, and are trying to learn about sound design, look elsewhere. The amount of sound design theory is minimal, as well is information about recording in the field.

If you want a book that will take you to the store (to buy equipment), to the field (to get recordings), to your computer (to do the whole sound design thing), to the end product (what you were doing sound design for), this isn't the right book. It covers microphone selection, but information on getting recordings from the field is completely absent. Information on the sound design part itself is covered in its most basic form, as well getting sound into the game is loosely covered. It is 200~some pages long, but most of that is technical knowledge that a lot of people getting into sound design already know, or information about "Sound design for the web", which is a topic that most people getting into sound design for film or videogames will have little interest in.

The first bit of the book explains how sound works, which is something a lot of people getting into sound design already know. The next chunk the book is about hardware (microphones, mixing boards, loud speakers), which is relevant to sound design, but knowing about the hardware needed to be a sound designer doesn't tell you anything about sound design, and like I said, it's something that a lot of people getting into this field already know. The next ten percent is about music theory, which I imagine a lot of people buying this book have little to no interest in, or if they do have interest in it, they'll look elsewhere to get that information.

Not all is lost, though, there are a few useful chapters. A chapter titled "Computer and Audio" has some valuable information, a large portion of which is marred with descriptions of what RAM and CPU does, again, things that a lot of people getting into sound design already know. And at page 156/230, for chapter six, the book finally decides to tackle "Principle of Sound Design" and from pages 216 to 228, applying sound in videogames is addressed, which in my opinion, should make up at least a third of a book titled "Exploring Sound Design for Interactive Media".

I'm not going to say it's bad, just that the title is misleading. I don't what I would call it, but there's very little information here about designing sound for interactive media, more information about the hardware needed to design sound, some of the science behind sound itself, and some things completely unrelated to sound design for interactive media. If you need to start it all from the top (meaning you don't know anything about speakers, micorphones, or how sound itself works), then it might be useful for you, but if you want a book focused primarly on sound design, look somewhere else.

disapointing
The book is not really about sound design.It does not give any new techical information and the musical stuff is very basic.In the book says that the CD files can be used for classes but ther isn't anything that is worthwile (and they are only a few!!!). The only information that it has some interest is about games sound design but is very very short.It was disapointing.Do not be fulled by the tittle.

A Terrific Audio Primer for the Digital Age!
Cancellaro has written a thorougly accessible text here.This isn't one of those dry thousand-page tomes that will never get read.He writes like a real human being speaks - which makes the learning all the easier.

Whether you are a musician, digital video artist or a college student learning digital audio - this is the book for you.It covers everything from basic audio and acoustic theory, digital concepts and compression issues and even introduces music theory - and keeps it all fun and approachable.

Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Ever since the first furore was created on its publication in 1929, "The Sound and the Fury" has been considered one of the key novels of this century. Depicting the gradual disintegration of the Compson family through four fractured narratives, "The Sound and the Fury" explores intense, passionate family relationships where there is no love, only self-centredness. At its heart this is a novel about lovelessness - 'only an idiot has no grief; only a fool would forget it. What else is there in this world sharp enough to stick to your guts?' ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Sound and the Fury
All right, I'm not going to lie and say I understood this one.

It's a tough read -- the downfall of a Depression-era family in the American South, as told through three brothers: Benjy, Quentin and Jason. What makes the read tough (and absolutely fascinating) is that Faulkner flips POVs often within the novel, and writes sometimes without any punctuation.

** (SPOILER follows) **

What I find remarkably fascinating about this author's writing is the way he plays with the devices. The novel begins in 1928 in the POV of the mentally handicapped brother Benjy. I was confused and blown away (in a good way!) by the technique within the first quarter of the book. Benjy doesn't view the world or his own memories in a way that is easily translatable in writing. He can't say "I like looking at the pretty jewelry box with all the pretty sparkles. It calms me down." He can only refer to the sparkles without knowing what they are, and we the reader are left to infer what's happening based on the few hints Benjy is able to provide.

Fascinating!! And pretty ballsy, since he opens the book like this.

The writing hops all over, sometimes mid sentence/mid-paragraph, into another memory. Often the memory is instigated by something in the present scene. For example, Benjy likes watching a golf game that's played near his house because the players call out Caddy -- his beloved older sister's name. Hearing the game takes him crackling along childhood, though in his main story, he's a full-grown man.

In contrast to the rough writing within the first quarter of the book, Brother #2's section is written beautifully. Quentin's tale happens in 1910, a couple decades before the first quarter of the book, and it unfolds the day Quentin kills himself. (Though you don't find out he died until the third brother takes over the tale.)

Quentin's passages are philosophical in contrast to Benjy's patchwork sections, but mid-way through, as insanity and suicide take over, punctuation is lost altogether. Paragraphs go on for pages with no break, and stream-of-thought takes over. Confusing? Absolutely! But I just can't get over the technique. Brilliant, I think -- the contrasts.

Section Three is told in the same time frame as the first section, 1928, by Jason, the pragmatic and monstrous brother whose been left to work laboriously supporting his sister Caddy's illegitimate daughter, his mother, Benjy, and a handful of house servants. He is miserly, bitter and prone to malicious tempers. He hates Caddy as well as her daughter but is considered by his mother to be "the only good one of the batch."

Jason should have gone to Harvard, but he gave it up (under duress) so Quentin could go. When Quentin killed himself, the chance was lost. Now Jason works a dead end job, stealing money from Caddy¡¯s daughter into a private savings. Jason's passages are far more clear. (No lost punctuation!) But he's so mean and negative, by the time you finish with him, you're itching for some good news. Again, smart on Faulkner's part. I FEEl the tightness of the man; I experience it.

The final segment is told in third person in 1928 and hops viewpoints between Jason and Dilsey. The writing is beautiful again, the passages easy to follow.

What I think is remarkable about this work, beyond the symphonic quality of the "snapshot" of a fallen Southern family not long after the American Civil War -- is the writing itself. Faulkner circles his prey (the climax). He begins at the outermost point and slowly revolves (making the reader dizzy!) until he reaches the final line. And what irony in that final line. (I won't spoil it by sharing.)

Absolutely worth the read. But don't read it if you're looking for "escapism." This isn't for entertainment; it's art.

It's All Up to You, Fair Reader...
...whether you find value in this notoriously difficult novel, or whether you hurl it into the fireplace in frustration. You needn't feel ashamed of either response... assuming you're free from the bonds of high school English classes. You'll need all your resources of unflagging attention, tenacious memory, and orthographic competence with dialect just to grasp the central events of the story, but even then you may be frustrated by the realization that the story isn't the centerpiece of the book. I could give you ten reasons not to bother for every one assertion that you must sometime in your life read The Sound and the Fury... and read it intently, in a few concentrated reading sessions with absolutely no competing distractions. But as I said, it's up to you.

The title comes from Shakespeare, from Macbeth: Life "is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." Really, the narrative of the novel is told by three idiots, the three Compson brothers, although only the first narrator, Benjy, is a certified 'loony' by the definitions of his community. The second narrator, brother Quentin, is usually identified as 'neurotic' but that diagnosis falls short of recognizing how desperately ill his mind is, right to the point of his suicide. The third brother, Jason, might be regarded as sane in some societies, but he too is deranged and dysfunctional. The father of these three boys is a lifelong case of clinical depression, self-medicated with booze. The mother is a monster of borderline psychotic hypochondria. Sister Caddy is described in the Clif Notes as 'beautifula and tragic, but her basic tragedy is a personality disorder. Her illegitimate daughter, from whom she is separated, may have some sparks of sanity, enough at least to escape, but she's hardly a person you'd seek out for a daughter-in-law. The Compsons are surrounded by -- kept alive by -- the descendants of their ancestors' slaves. Sorting out the generations of the black folk that share life with the Compsons is one of the ways to keep the narrative somewhat chronological; the idiot Benjy is portrayed in the care/custody of three distinct black teenagers, that is, Benjy as a child, Benjy as an adolescent, Benjy as a 33-year-old helpless bellowing hulk. I suppose the true centerpiece of the novel is Faulkner's indictment of the stagnant post-Civil War South for creating the conditions in which a family, and by implication a whole society, could degenerate into such moral and mental idiocy. All the passion and pride of the tale told by the Compson does indeed "signify nothing." They're done. Finished. Defunct, and deservedly so.

All three Compson narrators are represented by stream-of-consciousness fragments of memory, occasionally cogent but often lapsing into babble. Does any person's "consciousness" really resemble what Faulkner sets down in words? I tend to think not; what Faulkner offers is a literary convention. He brings powerful verbal energy to his fragmenting depiction of "consciousness", and that's wherein his greatness as a writer lies.

The fourth 'chapter' of narration is largely third-person, centered around the enduring ancient cook/servant Dilsey, the nurse of all the white Compsons and the mother of most of their un-slaves. Is Dilsey, with her sons, the sole anchor of order and decncy in the Compson world, or the will-less willing co-dependent of such stagnation? Dilsey says she "seen the beginning and the end." I reckon she thought so sincerely, but in retrospect she was wrong, and Faulkner was wrong with her; the worst was not over in 1928, when this book was published, and fortunately the future didn't belong to the Compsons, or the Snopeses, or to any of the baleful stock of Faulkner's vision. Amen and hallelujah.

Faulkner's portrayal of human nature, based on 'blood' (i.e. race) and inheritance of sins unto the seventh generation troubles me a lot. I've already been hammered, in other reviews, for expressing my discomfort with that perception. The Sound and the Fury is hardly free from what I dislike about Faulkner, but it's such a stark, fierce, sustained tragedy that intellectual reservations fall aside and only the shared agony remains. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

Quick delivery and just what I ordered.
My daughter was very pleased to receive this gift for Christmas.Thanks for the quick delivery!

The 1st Lady of Flight.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover. No detail was spared in the writing of "The Sound..."

The book covered Amelia Earhart's life from birth to her ill-fated final journey.

Amelia Earhart was instrumental in introducing women to flying and taking them out of their 2nd class citizenry.

The author sparred no details and captured what life was like in those times. The flying pioneer's life was chronicled with all of her loves and her refusal to accept 2nd best.

Her husband, George Putnam, was given (rightly) the credit for making Amelia Earhart a household name.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written, all inclusive biography.

Insightful Read on an Icon
This is an entertaining and informative bio on Amelia Earhart. Flows well, and has a lot of extra info in the back.

Enthralling
I have always wanted to read a biography of Amelia Earhart and, after searching various reviews, I learned that this biography is judged by many to be the best.I can wholeheartedly support this recommendation.Mary Lovell does an excellent job of 'getting under the skin' of both of her main characters: Amelia and George Putnam.She presents a completely fair and level-headed account of both of their lives allowing just enough commentrary into her narrative to enable one to conclude that, yes, maybe Amelia wasn't the best woman flier of her generation, but she was certainly the bravest.And, yes, she was pushed forward into the limelight by George but it was Amelia who wanted to be there in that limelight.I came away from this gripping narrative feeling alternately an enduring admiration for Amelia and her bravery, and an underlying pity for her because it seems to me that a lot of her drive arose from feelings of low self-worth arising from growing-up with a loser, alcoholic father.Maybe, like a lot of brave and famous people, she was driven to succeed by low feelings of self worth and was never really happy.That is a sad thought.In any event, she did a huge favour for the female sex in making them realize that their dreams could be realized. It was notable female figures like Amelia, along with the impact that the second world war had on women in the workforce, that changed the history of women forever.

A fascinating read - funny that this definitive account of an American female legend was presented by a British writer!

Best Biography of Earhart to Date
I've read a dozen or so biographies of Amelia Earhart, and Lovell's is by far the best.It is the most comprehensive, the most thoroughly researched, and best written of the lot.Lovell doesn't stoop to speculation or rumor in place of facts.Highly recommended. ... Read more

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Learn why Holly Miller has five people living inside her head in this "remarkable debut novel."(Kemble Scott, author of SoMa)

Though she doesn't remember the trauma that caused it, Holly Miller has Dissociative Identity Disorder. Her personality has fractured into five different identities, together known as The Committee. And as much as they make Holly's life hell, she can't live without them.

Then one of those identities, the flirtatious, southern Betty Jane, lands Holly a voiceover job. Betty Jane wants nothing more than to be in the spotlight. The rest of The Committee wants Betty Jane to shut up. Holly's therapist wants to get to the bottom of her broken psyche. And Holly? She's just along for the ride... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Sounds like Crazy... But You'll Love it!
What would you do with 5 different voices in your head telling you what to do?! Well Holly Miller, who stars in Sounds like Crazy by Shana Mahaffey, calls her 5 voices "the Committee", and she's brought negotiation to a new level as she tries to deal with the life before her and the people in her head that each play a key role in how she handles different situations. There's Ruffles, who weighs a ton and eats Ruffle Potato Chips all day while sitting on a purple pillow. There's the Faceless Boy, who Holly can only see his red Converse Sneakers. There's the Silent One, who prays all the time, and Sarge who is like a drill Sargent and very protective of Holly. And last but not least there's Betty Jane, the diva, the dress to the nines and "Charmin only" control freak who everyone is generally afraid of. (yes, that's Charmin as in bathroom tissue, which she makes Holly carry around because she won't let Holly use anything else if she goes to a restroom!). They make her life hell for the most part, but they also make up her life as she's always known it. What's a girl to do?! Deal with it!

Having multiple personalities makes it difficult to navigate a normal life, but Holly has the "support" of her dysfunctional parents, a long distance sister, a sometimes boyfriend, and a job as a waitress. Yes, I put "support" in quotes because basically her father left her mother, and pays Holly's medical bills (she sees a psychiatrist now) out of guilt for being a horrible father, and her mother basically dropped her off across the country at college and left her there, but gave her an "emergency" credit card, which Holly uses to support her habits, which include food, living expenses beyond the low paying wages of waitresses, and Betty Jane's expensive tastes. That's until one day a customer walks in to the diner, Betty Jane takes over flirting (always good for tips) and loves the voice of Betty Jane for his new animated TV show. Things should be looking up, except Betty Jane is even more over the top with stardom, the rest of the Committee wants to throw her out, and Holly's psychiatrist is trying to heal her for good- AND it all works together beautifully!

Shana Mahaffey has written a smart, funny, and compassionate story. What you may suspect as being just another "chick lit" selection, is really an amazing story of the healing of a woman who was so traumatized at a young age that it left her with dissociative identity disorder, or what was once known as multiple personality disorder. The plot turns from the madcap life of Holly living her life with the Committee, to what caused her trauma and ultimately how she is healed in the end. And it's because of this that the story is so much deeper than what you first see on the surface. Shana's writing is fresh & wonderful. Her characters are all so well written and fully fleshed out. Their personalities are so unique and the Committee is a blast. The story will sneak up on you, grabbing you in the end... I know because it sure grabbed me! It's original and it's a great read! it's about sisters, dysfunctional families, and it's about healing... (throw in some Ruffles potato chips and Charmin bathroom tissue and you're all set!)...

Sounds Like Crazy
Wow!This is a phenomenal book!I couldn't put it down!I kept asking myself what the committee was going to make Holly do next.This is a wonderful book that won't let you down.I can't wait for Shana to publish another book.I love her writing and her style, wonderful!This is a must read!

Must Read Debut!
Where do I start???? Do I start with the crazy sounding premise of this story??? You watched the video, you saw how touched in the head Holly appeared right??? Multiple personality disorder??? Or just unhinged??? Well, I think Holly is a bit of both, because how long could you stay sane while you have five other individuals who reside inside of your head?? This book is pure genius....there wasn't a time that I doubted that Holly suffered from Dissociative Identity Disorder (new term for multiple personality disorder). There are many humorous moments in this book, but there is always that dark tint to the humor which makes you feel for the life that Holly is living. I have to tell you that I broke down in the middle of the book and then big time towards the end. This story has so many layers within the pages, and the author has expertly crafted how much information she gives you and what she wants you to do with it. You get to really understand Holly and believe it or not, her Committee- faceless Boy, Silent One, Sarge, Ruffles, and Betty-Jane. Having these voices in her head drives Holly crazy, but she fears what her life would be like if they were to ever leave. My heart breaks for those that have had such traumatic events happen to them, that their psyche breaks off into compartments in order to keep the person safe. Holly's journey to try to integrate the voices back into just her makes for a very compelling read and one that you should not miss.I'm going to be a bit unconventional here and suggest to those that decide to read, Sounds Like Crazy, that you start with the conversation guide. After I finished, I then of course read the discussion guide. I truly wished I'd read this before I started, as I feel (in my humble opinion) that it enriches your reading experience. Don't worry there are no spoilers in the guide! This book has easily become a best read for me for 2010....and I highly recommend this book to my fellow readers!!!!!

A Fascinating World within a World by a New Talent
Someday you will be able to point to the bright yellow spine of SOUNDS LIKE CRAZY on your Number One bookshelf and say, "First Edition. I heard about Shana Mahaffey way back in '09. I'm pretty proud of that." This is clearly the first of other good novels to come, since this is a work of pure imagination.

One of the many enjoyable techniques that SOUNDS LIKE CRAZY employs is to provide a membranous barrier between the contorted mind of our heroine, Holly, and the hazardous world through which she must negotiate. It spoils nothing to say that this wonderful protagonist triumphs, since the manner in which she triumphs is reason alone to rush out and buy this book before the reprint orders go out.

An excellent, excellent first work. Brace yourself for additional gushes of wonder from this new author, Shana Mahaffey.

Great Book!
I loved this book! It captures your attention and holds it throughout the entire book. I couldn't put it down. Buy this book - you won't be sorry! ... Read more