Escape Betwixt Two Suns: A True Tale of the Underground Railroad in Illinois (Shawnee Books)
by Rodney O. Davis, Carol Pirtle
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 December, 2000)
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Reviews (1)

Couldn't Put This One Down !
With great anticipation, I have awaited the release of this book.Pirtle recounts the true story of Susan "Sukey" Richardson's escape to freedom using the Underground Railroad.Through letters that had beenhidden away for more than a century, Pirtle weaves us in and out of thelife of one of Sukey's most sympathetic supporters, William Hayes.Throughthis non-fiction account we learn of the hardships all Americans facedduring the mid-19th century.We're told of Sukey, her master, and thosebrave men and women who risked their lives, reputations, and personalfinances to help others make their way to freedom.Equally fascinating isthe courtroom drama between Sukey's master and those who allegedly helpedthe young woman in her run to freedom.

If you're a US history enthusiast,a fan of Illinois history, an Underground Railroad aficionado, a Civil Warbuff, or just a casual reader who's interested in a captivatingstory...you'll be sure to enjoy this tome.I highly recommendit.

And...if you're interested in other stories related to SouthernIllinois history, I urge you to try to get hold of Pirtle's other twobooks:"Shining Moments" and "Where Illinois Began:APictorial History of Randolph County." ... Read more

Isbn: 080932301X
Sales Rank: 861107
Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    3. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Histor    4. Fugitive slaves    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History: American    8. Illinois    9. Knox County    10. Randolph County    11. Underground railroad    12. United States - 19th Century    13. United States - Civil War    14. United States - State & Local - General   

Damn Right! Behind the Scenes with Berkshire Hathaway Billionaire Charlie Munger
by JanetLowe
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Hardcover (13 October, 2000)
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Reviews (20)

Insightful!
Charlie Munger's life story is a version of the classic American Dream: a hard-working young man builds a billion-dollar fortune through hard work and honest business deals, all the while raising eight children with the help of an intelligent, devoted wife. Author Janet Lowe brings this story and Munger's personality to life with well-chosen anecdotes from family, friends and business associates. These include, most notably, Warren Buffett, with whom she already enjoyed a rapport thanks to her work on a previous bestseller, Warren Buffett Speaks. Because Munger's business history is so complex, the chapters are organized thematically rather than strictly chronologically, which can be a bit confusing. Thankfully, Lowe provides a handy timeline in an appendix. We suggest this book to investors, Buffett fans (who may underestimate the contributions others such as Munger have made to the Berkshire Hathaway empire) and to those dismayed by corporate corruption who could use this tale of honest success to renew their faith in capitalism.

Mistaken Facts
Exept for the chapter "Doing Good at Good Samaritan Hospital" I only scanned this book rapidly but I hope that Mr Munger's recollections of his dazzling successes in the world of finance are more accurate than those relating to his early tenure at Good Samaritan Hospital.His and his stepson's opinions about the quality of the hospital and its medical staff at that time may be insulting but are their privilege.I was Chairman of the Medical Staff when Mr Munger became Chairman of the Board of Trustees,and I was a member of that Board for for about 18 years as well,and I am well aware of what transpired then.For Mr Munger to state that "decisions of the medical staff frequently protected the economic interests of certain doctors,rather than that of the patients or of quality medicine" ,and "a ruling of the organized medical staff was endangering the health and safety of our patients" is simply untrue and libelous.I would like very much to see him provide proof for these allegations At that time,he expressed to me the view that doctors are motivated mainly by financial considerations (greed),presumably based on his own experience in finance as described in this book.

Great Background on the Buffett-Munger Team
While there's too much genealogy of the Mungers from the 1600's on, the book does give a thorough grounding in what makes Charles Munger tick.
While this book provides no easy investment answers, Mr. Munger's values and wise quotes* make this book a winner.It makes me want to go to a Berkshire (or to hear more from Mr. Munger, a Wesco Financial) annual meeting.
* "Good businesses throw up one easy decision after another; bad businesses throw up painful decisions time after time." This is both a wonderful quote and a very Berkshire Hathaway way of looking at businesses in which to invest. ... Read more

Isbn: 0471244732
Sales Rank: 198251
Subjects:  1. 1924-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Business    6. Business & Economics    7. Capitalists and financiers    8. Finance    9. Investment Finance    10. Investments & Securities - General    11. Munger, Charles T.,    12. United States    13. Biography: general    14. Business & Economics / Finance    15. Business strategy    16. Investment & securities   

The Pushcart War
by Jean Merrill
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 May, 1987)
list price: $5.99 -- our price: $5.39
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Reviews (60)

An easy afternoon read, for all ages
"The Pushcart War started on the afternoon of March 15, 1986, when a truck ran down a pushcart belonging to a flower peddler."

So begins "The Pushcart War" by Jean Merrill, one of my favorite books when I was a child and one of the books that has endured as a favorite still today. A small, little-known book of a little over 200 pages, a book that can be read fairly easily in a single rainy afternoon, if one is so inclined.

"The Pushcart War" is the story of a "little" war on the streets of New York, a war that begins between the old-fashioned pushcart peddlers selling their wares at the sides of the street, and the oversized trucks which are bullying their way into more and more of the available space on the road. It starts with the destruction of a single pushcart by an angry truck driver, but escalates into multiple campaigns, strategies, and political countermeasures as the story goes on. The memorable Pea-Shooter campaign, the Peanut-Butter Speech, the Tacks Tax, the Raid on Maxie Hammerman's, the Portlette Papers, the Capture of the Bulletproof Italian Car, the Truce, the Peace March, the War of Words, and the Battle of Bleecker Street are only a few of the notable moments of the progression of the war, which eventually involves most of the citizens of the city, and becomes known by national and even international figures, including a movie star and the President of the United States.

So many books for children have a tendency to take themselves and the morals they espouse so seriously, but fortunately "The Pushcart War" is not one of those books. While it does have a point to make, it makes it with light heart and always with a good sense of humor. The story of the struggling pushcart peddlers and the bullying trucks becomes a miniature view for all conflicts between an oppressive groups and their chosen victims, and the lesson is that anyone can find a way to fight back, no matter how the odds are stacked against them. The ideas of civil disobedience and equal rights, as well as the essentially silly but potentially harmful nature of politics, are all expressed here.

However, these themes are only the backdrop of the story, which is above all else infectiously entertaining and irresistible. Despite a gap of nearly 20 years between my original reading of it and my recent one, I find it is a story which has stuck with me through the years, one which I cannot forget. The characters (Frank the Flower, Harry the Hot Dog, and General Anna among them) are quickly but not hastily drawn, and live and breathe as though plucked off the very streets of New York City. The situations presented are ridiculous in their way, but compelling and funny. And of course, the story of the little guy's fight against the big guy is appealing to every child, and to most adults.

"Don't be a truck." Take a few hours and allow yourself to be drawn into "The Pushcart War."I don't know if you'll treasure it the way I have come to, but I'm sure you'll find it a rewarding experience. This story of crackpots and campaigns, of trucks and tacks, of politics and pea-shooters and pushcarts, is a charming, light-hearted story which never lets the message overshadow the telling of the tale. This is a story children and adults can read and both will get something special from it. I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Gratified this is still in print
I just finished reading this book to my 8 year old son.He loved it!I hadn't read the book in perhaps 25 or 30 years, but enjoyed the story all over again.I wanted to check to see if it was still in print and I'm so pleased that it is and to see that many people love this book as much as I do.My 6th grade teacher read this to our class in 1972 and I remember that we all loved it.My copy is very old and starting to fall apart.I'm glad to see I can get a replacement.This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to anyone and especially kids.It's a great read-aloud book and I think it would be a terrific book for a class to read and discuss.I "get" more of the sly humor now as an adult, but it's still fun for kids.My son got a big kick out of it.

great book
I remember reading & liking this back in 1992 when I was in 5th grade.It still is one of my favorite books now.It is about a bunch of Pushcart peddlers selling things on the street and they wage a war with the big truck drivers because in the beginning one of the truckers needed to make a delivery and couldn't wait a minute for the pushcart to finish his sale so he ran him over and it was actually photographed and put on the front page of the paper enraging both the truckers and pushcarters.The pushcarters then began to shoot tacks into the tires of all trucks in the city causing great chaos, and a small "war" ensued.That's all I'll tell you you'll have to see how it ends but a great book for younger children & it has some good oictures and character descriptions in it as well. ... Read more

Isbn: 0440471478
Sales Rank: 11583
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    3. Humorous Stories    4. Lifestyles - City Life    5. Social Situations - General    6. Juvenile Fiction / General   

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
by E. L. Konigsburg
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (15 October, 1977)
list price: $4.99
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Editorial Review

After reading this book, I guarantee that you will never visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art (or any wonderful, old cavern of a museum) without sneaking into the bathrooms to look for Claudia and her brother Jamie. They're standing on the toilets, still, hiding until the museum closes and their adventure begins.Such is the impact of timeless novels . . . they never leave us. E. L. Konigsburg won the 1967 Newbery Medal for this tale of how Claudia and her brother run away to the museum in order to teach their parents a lesson. Little do they know that mystery awaits! ... Read more

Reviews (250)

Museum Adventures
The book was good. It was a quick read. Claudia and Jamie Kincaid ran away from home. They hid in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They slept in the bed of Marie Antoinette. When the museum was open, they saw the statue, Angel. They heard a rumor that it was done by Michelangelo. They try to solve the mystery. Do they solve the mystery? Go on their adventure through the Met and see what happens.
Liam
Elmhurst, IL

The Very Good Book
The book is really good. Two children named Claudia and Jamie run away from home, because Claudia does not like it at home. She needs Jamie to go with her because of his money and his radio. So they run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. But, there is a mystery to solve. Who made Angel? Will they get caught living in the Met? Most of all, will they solve the mystery of who made Angel?
Clarice
Chicago, IL

Mixed feelings
I recently re-read this book and would hesitate before recommending it to a child because the children in this story do not speak, act or think like children. They speak like very stylized adults. Each has their "character gimmick" (the girl is overly organized and focused on grammar and the boy is a penny-pincher who cheats at cards) which are frankly just irrational and distracting for children of their age. Every conversation they had I found myself thinking "Oh, for Pete's sake, this sounds like a conversation between two actors playing the part of writers in a run-of-the-mill studio film from the 1960s."

I cringe to criticize such a popular book but I really feel that you should know this before handing it to a child and expecting them to love it. That said, I do have mixed feelings about this book. The story itself is very original and the descriptions are very involving. I read this when I was young and the story stuck with me (I'm now 30).
... Read more

Isbn: 0440431808
Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - General    2. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Classics    5. Fiction    6. Metropolitan Museum of Art    7. Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, N.Y.)    8. New York.    9. Social Situations - General    10. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / General   

Hey, Girl!
by Timothy Mikkelsen, Phyllis Wright-Herman, MikWright Ltd.
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 April, 2000)
list price: $7.95 -- our price: $7.95
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Reviews (3)

Say No More...
My acupuncturist gave this to me!

And, as any good southern woman knows, the higher the hair, the closer to god!

Love you hair. Hope you win!
I received this book as a gift from my best friend, Deb. This is one of the funniest books ever! I personally think black and white photos have soooo much more character.

Hysterical!
I'm thrilled to see all of these hilarious cards collectively! I found them a couple years ago at off the wall card stores and wished I had purchased every one of them.There's one for everyone- a guaranteed laugh. I love sarcastic humor, so I found this to be perfect.This book is agreat gift for any/all occasions! Check it out! ... Read more

Isbn: 0740704931
Sales Rank: 181914
Subjects:  1. American - General    2. American wit and humor    3. General    4. Greeting cards    5. Humor    6. Humor / General   

Sign With Your Baby : How to Communicate With Infants Before They Can Speak (book only)
by White, Dr. Burton, W. Joseph Garcia, Joseph Garcia, W. JosephToddler Talk Garcia
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 March, 1999)
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Reviews (31)

AT 3 1/2, STILL GETTING BENEFITS!!!
We checked with child neurologists (we live in a medical university community) and they all emphasised the benefits of communicating (signing before they can speak) as soon as possible.By allowing a child to have the signing skills, they begin realizing that they are an individual entity that can ask another individual entity for something.The little brain neurons start firinging and producing the communication function sooner in a baby that has the tools to sign.

We knew our daughter picked it up when, at around 11 months -- couldn't walk yet and couldn't speak -- Mom took our daughter out of the kitchen after dinner and they walked by me eating dinner.Our daughter started crying, and then signed "eat" (hand to mouth) "that" (pointing at my plate).Once she had a taste of my tri-color pasta, she was quiet and went about her play!

Enjoy.

Worked great with first child.Now using with second child.
I brought this when my first child was 1 year old.We used the video a lot, but the book and other materials in the set were not used that much.The video is great, because it helps to give direction of what signs to teach first.Also, since it has babies and parents in the video, my son just liked to watch the video.This helped me to learn the signs faster.

The only problem that we had with the whole system was my ability to learn the signs, so I could teach them to my child.I was able to teach all of the signs presented in the video, but I did not advance beyond that.Even though our family signing vocabulary was only about 20 words, since they were the 20 most important words in my child's life, the video was still very beneficial to our family.

Definitely buy the video.As for the book, as other people suggested, look into other ASL sources.

Excellent resource
I began teaching my son to sign at age 7 months.He learned very quickly and was communicating extensively in a couple of months.(For example, around 9 months old, he awoke in the middle of the night, which was unusual for him, and signed that he wanted to eat rice cereal and apples.)Signing lowered his frustration levels significantly.Plus it is so much fun for the whole family to communicate with him.His speech also developed very quickly, and at 19 months he is using sentences.I highly recommend this book.It is written in an easy to read and understand format. ... Read more

Isbn: 0963622927
Sales Rank: 139239
Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Infants & Toddlers - General    3. Language Arts & Disciplines    4. Language acquisition    5. Language and languages    6. Parent participation    7. Sign Language   

See Jane Win: The Rimm Report on How 1,000 Girls Became Successful Women
by SYLVIA RIMM
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (27 April, 1999)
list price: $18.00 -- our price: $15.30
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Editorial Review

See Jane Win is a parents' guide for turning girls into happy, successful women. Child psychologist Sylvia Rimm, along with her daughters--a research psychologist and a pediatric-oncology researcher--spent three and a half years collecting data and conducting interviews to devise the 20 basic points detailed in this book. Their conclusions were based in large part on a detailed questionnaire completed by over 1,400 women with successful careers in a variety of fields, including science and technology, media, the arts, medicine, law, and education. (Homemaking and volunteer work do receive some token attention, but there is a clear professional bias in their definition of success.) Their goal is to "identify the essential childhood elements that encouraged these women to achieve fulfilling careers" in order to alert other parents to them. In this, they achieve their aim. See Jane Win is well organized and informative. Even if some of the advice leans toward common sense, the combination of professional opinion and personal experience is an effective one, animating statistics that could otherwise be as dry as chalk dust.

In the Rimms' findings, education emerges as the key common denominator. High academic expectations, good study habits, strong math and science skills, and a love of reading (no television!) are all stressed. They also encourage parents to resist the urge to overprotect girls, and recommend fostering a healthy love of competition in order to build self-confidence. Indeed, self-esteem is a major underlying theme of the book. The authors discuss in detail how to combat eating disorders, social insecurities, and the negative image of women often portrayed in the media.

Overall, this is a useful compendium of sound advice and enlightening case studies that ultimately serves to underscore one vital point: Parents do make a difference. Sugar and spice are certainly nice, but See Jane Win offers a more substantial recipe for the raising of daughters. --Shawn Carkonen ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Refreshing
This was an extraordinary book, very insightful. It let me know things are still possible and that dreams come true. This book tells you about other people that are very similar to yourself. The great thing about this book is that it displays all aspects of life. This book is definitely on my bookshelf.

A fascinating book --with one caveat
There are many great stories in this book and lots of advice for mothers.However, Rimm's definition of success is very much career-oriented, and what bothered me is that many women admitted they, looking back, didn't spend as much time with their children as they should have, some really not around at all.To me this means you are NOT successful.I would have liked to see more "success" for those with children as tied in with being a wonderful mother too

Interesting study
I enjoyed reading about the examples of resilience, tenacity and perserverance these women displayed. ... Read more

Isbn: 0517706660
Subjects:  1. Adolescence - General    2. Adolescent Psychology    3. Developmental - Adolescent    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Parent and teenager    6. Parenting - General    7. Psychology    8. Psychology Of Women    9. Self-perception in adolescence    10. Sociology - General    11. Teenage girls    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Education / Leadership   

Ten Talks Parents Must Have with Their Children About Sex and Character
by Pepper Schwartz Ph.D., Dominic Cappello
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (18 October, 2000)
list price: $12.95 -- our price: $10.36
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Reviews (7)

Great Book, But First ....
At last someone wrote a how-to guide for parents on this subject. This is the one to use. But before you do, make sure you have a handle on your own values. You'll probably have to answer questions like, "WHY is something right or wrong, good or evil, moral or immoral?" "Because" isn't too good an answer. For that part of it, the best book for boneing up on character, morals, and ethics before you present yourself as expert to your kids is a book on just that subject titled "WEST POINT", by Norman Thomas Remick. Then use this excellent book, "TEN TALKS ..." to do your thing.

Making Uncomfortable Family Talks Easier !!
The 288 pages of this book written by those in-the-know can really simplify our talks about sex, character and more with our children.The "Ten Talks" book offers parents what they need to speak with their children, confidently, about these important topics and their relationships with others.The information has been gathered from across the country and the methods have been time tested and proven.It's difficult for all of us to begin and carry on the discussions that we must have with our kids, even for those who speak easily to large groups.Our own "home-grown" group can be much more difficult to address.In addition to the topics of sex and character, this book provides advice on safety, peer pressure, ethics, meeting people on the Internet, and messages received from TV.It shows parents how to understand their own values and tells how to appropriately communicate them.The information is useful for any type of family.You'll learn how to get your kids to talk to you, which in itself is half the battle. Topics range from sex to honesty, respect, caring for others, sticking up for what you believe in, keeping promises, courage under pressure, and much, much more.A very valuable family resource. Add it to your parenting library.

A lifesaver
I found this book in the store after a friend recommended it to me. It's fantastic!I've never been a big fan of parenting books, but this one allows the parents to figure out themselves exactly what they want to say.No one person could give you personalized advice on how to pass along your values to your child, but these authors helped me clarify my own views in order to pass them along.My 12 year old and I are now on excellent ground for keeping communication open and positive. ... Read more

Isbn: 0786885483
Sales Rank: 49955
Subjects:  1. Adolescence - Sexuality    2. Children and sex    3. Children and sexual behavior    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Family/Marriage    7. Parent and child    8. Parenting - General    9. Sex instruction for children    10. Sexual ethics for youth    11. Family & Relationships / Parenting    12. Parenting   

Prolonging the Magic
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 October, 1998)
list price: $17.97
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Editorial Review

A kinder, gentler Cake? You'd never know it from listening to the opening track, a ditty with the rather unconventional title "Satan Is My Motor." But the truth is, most of Prolonging the Magic finds the Sacramento, California, quintet toning down the arch commentary of tracks such as "Rock and Roll Lifestyle" and "The Distance" from albums Motorcade of Generosity and Fashion Nugget. In its place is straight-ahead observational songwriting on "Alpha Beta Parking Lot" and "Guitar," and the naked, if still quirky, relationship commentaries "Where Would I Be?" and "Walk on By." Not to worry: The group's trademark humor is still in place on "You Turn the Screws" and "Sheep Go to Heaven," while touches of steel guitar and musical saw expand their already unusual sonic palette. As the title suggests, Cake seems capable of prolonging the magic a while longer. --Daniel Durchholz ... Read more

Features

• Explicit Lyrics

Reviews (212)

One fewer member...a little bit weaker album
Prior to recording this one, Greg Brown..electric guitarist and organist for the band..left the group. Many are pinning the blame for a less stellar album here on Brown's departure but I don't think that rings true. Granted, Brown was responsible for "The Distance", arguably the single best track on their last CD FASHION NUGGET, but he was also partly responsible for "Race Car Ya-Yas", easily the dog of that disc. All told, Brown wrote or co-wrote only 4 of the album's 14 tracks so it seems a bit overstating the case to say it's his departure that's caused a quality dropoff. Maybe the blame can be laid at lead singer John McCrea's feet. Whereas the first 2 Cake CDs were "Produced by Cake", this one is "Produced by John McCrea, arranged by Cake" which reveals he had a firmer hand in the final outcome of this disc.

HIGHLIGHTS:
PROLONGING THE MAGIC doesn't bottom out much, nor does it have very many peaks. "Never There" was a catchy deserved hit. "You Turn the Screws" is a rant against the music biz. "Sheep Go to Heaven" is probably a Biblical allusion to Judgement day when the sinful (the "goats") would be sent to He11. McCrea touts the virtues of hedonism here. ("I just want to play on my pan-pipes/I just want to drink me some wine/As soon as your born you start dying/so you might as well have a good time..") "Let me Go" is a lover's plea for freedom within the relationship ("let me go, she said, let me go, she said/let me go and I will want you more")

LOWS:
There aren't really any awful songs here, but I'm not particularly wowed by "Guitar" or "Walk on By".

BOTTOM LINE:
This is not a BAD outing, but I would say it's a definite backwards step in terms of the quality of the songs from FASHION NUGGET. There's more filler and fewer stellar moments, making it a fairly average recording. Perhaps McCrea's pen will be sharper next time..or the other members will step up more often with material.

what a great "goodtimes" album
I first heard this album while in Italy and was having a great time enjoying the local wine. What a great memory with a great album!
This album has a range of humor, and resentment that you would love to hear from Cake.
Don't pass it up or you can't be a real Cake fan. Where do YOUR fingers go?!

Whats really going on?
It really annoys me when people say this album is horrible only because Fashion Nugget was a better album.I realize that this album wasn't as good but it isn't horrible.Sometimes this album can get dull and a bit boring but it still has some awesome songs.If you bought this album before Fashion Nugget just like I did then you would respect it more and think it was a better album.There are classics on this cd like "Sheep Go To Heaven", "Never There", and "Cool Blue Reason." If you are just getting into Cake then I would suggest Comfort Eagle.If your a Cake fan and you don't have this I would suggest it if you can keep an open mind. ... Read more

Asin: B00000DBXL

A New Standard
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 September, 1999)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Editorial Review

A New Standard builds on the popularity of Steve Tyrell's appearances in the Father of the Bride movies. In addition to "The Way You Look Tonight" (from the Father of the Bride soundtrack) and "Give Me the Simple Life" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street" (from Father of the Bride, Part II), the album features Tyrell singing 14 more standards in a casual, gravel-throated style. A New Standard includes the final recorded performances of trumpet great Harry "Sweets" Edison, who solos on "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "I've Got the World on a String." Other notable guests include Clark Terry, Plas Johnson, Joe Sample, and Toots Thielemans. But the real keys to the album's success are the impeccably crafted arrangements of rhythm guitarist Bob Mann and Tyrell's unpretentious, warm-hearted vocal delivery. In contrast to so many neoswing wannabes, Tyrell approaches these timeless tunes with the R&B-bred soul of a gray-haired baby boomer who's just discovered his parents' record collection. In the jazzbo tradition of Louis Armstrong and Jack Sheldon, he doesn't try to blow anyone away with his chops. He just sings the songs with an infectious enthusiasm and easy swing that's impossible to dislike. --Rick Mitchell ... Read more

Reviews (128)

"A New Standard", No Doubt About It!
Steve Tyrell is a man on a musical mission. He seems determined to acquaint a whole new generation of listeners to the beautiful songs from the Great American Songbook. "A New Standard" is Tyrell's debut release for Atlantic Records and it does not disappoint.His unique interpretations of these classic songs brings them back to life, and proves once more that these perfectly crafted tunes are truly timeless and in the hands of the right singer they can truly shine. This CD is great for listening, dancing, and especially for romance.

If you are in the mood for some Bigger, Brassier, Swingin' versions of tunes from the Great American Songbook, I also recommend Monte Procopio "Swingin' With Style".

"The Very Thought Of You. . ."
"The thing I remember about Steve Tyrell was his niceness, with a smile as open and honest and wide as anyone I've ever known. And another thing was his enthusiasm and excitement for music - all kinds of music. He always knew songs and could smell a hit - he still does. And here, he is in this album with that wide-open smile still shining through. Stevie, you've always made me feel good, now make a lot of other people feel the same way." ~ Burt Bacharach

Many thanks to the record-producer-turned-singer, Mr. Tyrell, for being one of the pillars in bringing back old standards and giving them awesome new flair and style!

I first learned about the music of Steve Tyrell at my niece Tawny's Debutante's Ball held at Wyndham Hotel in Costa Mesa three years ago. She turned eighteen and the first "Father-and-Daughter" dance was to the tune of Mr. Tyrell's version of "The Way You Look Tonight." I asked my cousin who was singing and she said it's Steve Tyrell, from the CD "A New Standard." To date, I have three of his best recordings so far. And all three CDs ("A New Standard," "This Guy's In Love" and "Standard Time") have great repertoire of the most beautiful standards performed so wonderfully by Steve Tyrell and exquisitely arranged by Bob Mann.

Who can resist listening to these timeless songs of yesteryears especially when the interpretations and arrangements are truly grand and breathtaking? Even to young ears, this is a totally wholesome listening experience.

My top favorite is a song composed by Ray Noble, "The Very Thought Of You," which was performed to perfection in a duet with Robbyn Kirmssé and arranged superbly by Bob Mann (he's also the guitarist) with the backing of Alan Pasqua (piano), John Guerin (drums), Bob Magnusson (bass) and Plas Johnson (tenor sax solo). What a beauty in a song - - its words and music so lovely!

"I see your face in every flower,
Your eyes in stars above
It's just the thought of you
The very thought of you, my love."

A CD to treasure and enjoy forever! Add it to your collection of fine music.

Steve Could Use A Bit More Soul
The instrumental arrangements on this CD is magnificent, and the recording is crisp - the right combination for... Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennet.A few tracks are delightful, but overall, Steve Tyrell's interpretations of the standards are incipd, without much feelings and soul.Still, it's an okay album for a relaxing Sunday or a cozy cocktail party. ... Read more

Asin: B00001QEOK
Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Jazz-Pop    3. Pop    4. Standards    5. Vocal Pop   

Pure Imagination
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (21 April, 1992)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

A master of American popular song, Michael Feinstein turns to children's music for Pure Imagination and the result should please children and adults alike. The album includes story songs ("Ferdinand the Bull") and "message" songs ("Aren't You Glad You're You"), as well as favorites from films, such as the title track (from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) and a medley from Disney's Alice in Wonderland.This album is about what you'd expect from Feinstein, including irrepressible cheer, pleasant singing (if a little strained toward the top of his range), a guest appearance from Rosemary Clooney, and impeccable song selection. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Our favorite children's CD
Michael Feinstein captures the perfect balance of whimsy, fun, and songs that teach. He has a beautifully trained voice and he is backed up with wonderful arrangements and musicians. My 2 year old daughter and I listen to it over and over and never get tired of it.

Gorgeous Children's Music For Us Grown Up Kids.
I have to confess to shedding a few tears over this album, especially with the title and opening song Pure Imagination. As I grow older I find it harder and harder to feel the pluck of heartstrings, but Michael Feinstein does it with his rendition of the Anthony Newley classic. He takes me back to an innocent time with his infectious joy in this music. You can hear the smile on his face, hear the love he feels for the melody and lyrics. Most of the songs are happy and silly, but curiously there is one that every parent should listen to and take to heart. If you have heard this album, you'll know the song: Because We're Kids, from that amazing and surrealist movie The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T (From which the crazy Dressing Song also came.) This album is a true gem for all ages.

A Hot Fudge Sundae for the Senses
What a charming and magical interpretation of song.I have never heard such wonderful and unique stylings.My favorites are "The Teddy Bears' Picnic" and "The Mole People."Anyone who is young or "young at heart" will adore this collection. ... Read more

Asin: B000002H8V
Subjects:  1. Nostalgia    2. Pop    3. Pop Vocals    4. Show Tunes    5. Traditional Pop   

Twilight of the Habsburgs: The Life and Times of Emperor Francis Joseph
by Alan Warwick Palmer, Alan Palmer
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 March, 1997)
list price: $15.00 -- our price: $10.20
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Reviews (6)

Gently Revisionist
Twilight of the Habsburgs is a nice biography of the Emperor Francis Joseph and his times.Francis Joseph ruled the Hapsburg lands from 1848 to 1916.He is usually seen as an obtuse, stubborn old autocrat who refused to change with the times and thus doomed his empire to collapse.Alan Palmer takes a somewhat revisionist view of the Emperor, pointing out that he had a far better mind than he is normally credited with (although handicapped by a very poor education) and was willing to make reforms when necessary (of course he rarely saw the necessity on his own). Even when he did see the need to change, he often waited until it was too late.For example, in mid 1916 he talked of pulling his country out of World War I in the spring of 1917.What if he had gone ahead and made peace in the summer of 1916?Maybe a shorter war, no Russian Revolution, no American intervention, the mind reels with the implications!But unfortunately he put that decision off and died before he could implement it.

The strongest portions of this book deal with Francis Joseph's personal life.I felt sorry for the poor man, dealing in turn with a bossy mother, a flighty wife he loved dearly, a son who wasted his great abilities and committed suicide, and a host of nephews and cousins who couldn't behave themselves and certainly didn't give him the support he needed. His life was full of losses, a brother executed in Mexico, his wife assassinated, his son a suicide, and finally his nephew and heir's murder bringing on a World War.At least he had one friend, an actress he visited for years in a platonic relationship.Its nice to think of him laughing with her over coffee, it must have been the only chance he had to relax!

Francis Joseph was not a brilliant or especially bright, but he did his duty as he saw it and stuck to it right to the end.It is this that makes him admirable today.

Great book!
This book is a splendid description of Franz Josefs life. Every ascpect is covered good, and you realy feel that you get a picture of the man and the emperor. I strongly recommend it.

Good book with a major distraction
The book is full of information about a very interesting time in history. I didn't mind the jumping around that another reviewer mentioned, but I am COMPLETELY distracted by the author's need tochange the names. If you can't handle "Franz Joseph," you should try a little harder. Who is Archduke John? We are lucky he didn't change "Maria Anna" to Maryanne. Dear Author, please give your readers some credit. ... Read more

Isbn: 0871136651
Sales Rank: 342722
Subjects:  1. 1830-1916    2. Austria    3. Biography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Emperor of Austria,    6. Europe - Austria & Hungary    7. Europe - Germany    8. Francis Joseph, 1848-1916    9. Franz Joseph    10. Government - Comparative    11. History    12. History - General History    13. Kings and rulers    14. Political Science