The second release from Gillian Welch and David Rawlings plainly shows that the success of 'Revival' was no accident. "Caleb Meyer" opens the disc with an Appalachian style folk tale/ghost story. Gillian proves she can sing the blues (and David can play them) with the best of them on "Good Til Now." Other standout tunes include the simple, yet powerful "I'm Not Afraid to Die" and "My Morphine," one of the saddest songs I've ever heard. "Honey Now" is a good old-time rock 'n roll tune, but is out of place in this collection. Similar chord progressions and musical patterns make some of the songs sound a little too much like other songs on the album, which did not happen on 'Revival.' Yet these minor faults are the only hindrances keeping 'Hell Among the Yearlings' from greatness. Definitely worth your time and money.

Total time: 39:22

This reissue of the classic 1963 recording stands the test of time for two reasons: Robert Shaw's incredible Chorale Singers and the masterful arrangements by Robert Russell Bennett. Nearly 40 years have passed, yet these arrangements still pack a wallop.

Few of today's Christmas recordings even come close to the vibrant, joyful, playful and powerful scores of Bennett. Be sure to purchase this version and not the lackluster re-recording that was made in 1983.

Total time: 47:18

This guide lists wine producing areas, where they can be found worldwide, their quality, price, and worth (which do not always match). The book is a great addition to your library whether you are a newcomer or an old pro who wants to experiment in different red wines without spending a fortune. At the end of each entry, readers will find a very helpful "What Should I Try Next" section. Highly recommended.

'Culinaria - The Caribbean' is a big, wonderful book on the cultural and culinary sides of the Caribbean. Readers will be treated to a visual tour from Bermuda to the Netherland Antilles and many places in between: The Bahamas, Haiti, Dominica, and more.

This is a great coffee table book with enough recipes to tempt you to keep it in the kitchen. The photography throughout is absolutely beautiful. But be warned: After purchasing the book, you'll probably want to see your local travel agent. VERY tempting! Enjoy.

Microsoft Word 2002 - Simply Visual is a beginner's guide to Word 2002. Buyers should understand that the book assumes you know <nothing> about Word 2002 or any of its previous versions. The plethora of pictures will ensure that even a rank beginner will have success with the program. Intermediate users will likely find little useful information. For beginners, however, this book is the way to go.

Timeless faces, timeless photography, timeless quotes. What more do you need? Worth the price of the book for the Jimmy Stewart and Winston Churchill quotes alone.

176 pages

When the Beatles split up in 1970, no one gave a second thought to what John and Paul would do next. They'd continue to write their own songs, of course. People figured Ringo's ability to "act naturally" would land the drummer several film roles. George was the one people worried about. How could "The Quiet Beatle" make it on his own?

Harrison answered everyone by kicking the doors down with 'All Things Must Pass' in 1970. People were stunned. No one had any idea how good he really was. After one listen, the world knew. For the first time in his musical career, Harrison was able to call the shots. He not only picked a top-notch group of musicians, he also wrote two complete discs worth of songs full of tenderness, playfulness, energy, power, and substance. "My Sweet Lord," "Isn't It a Pity," and "What Is Life" are the tunes we remember most, but there's so much more: You can almost see George winking at us during "I Dig Love." "Let It Down" and "Wah Wah" both build huge towers of sound you can get lost in. The intensity of George's beliefs is evident on "Hear Me Lord." So is his inner peace in the title track. And how can anyone listen to "Apple Scruffs" and have a bad time?

With George's final album currently available, this is a great time to revisit his debut masterpiece. Harrison's explosion of amazing talent was best captured here. It continues to live on. Buy it. Treasure it.

What a wonderful book! 'How to Cook Meat' has everything and teaches you what to look for in cuts of meat, where to buy the best product, various methods of cooking, and much more. Recipies, color photos, easy to follow instructions...it's all here. So go ahead, pick up this book...and stick that broccoli back in the freezer.

Very, very few writers these days will share their knowledge of how to <really> become better writers. Many will write books on how to sell what you've written or how to write novels that will fly off the shelves, but few provide any real, practical information on how to hone the craft of writing. Let such things not be said about Ursula K. Le Guin.

Le Guin says that while the "gift" can't be earned, the craft of writing can. All artists practice and work at their craft: musicians, painters, sculptors, dancers....even writers. The craft can be developed and Le Guin shows us how.

You won't find any pie-in-the-sky philosophies about writing in this book, just practical information which, if followed, will make you a better writer. Le Guin's chapters include:

The Sound of Your Writing
Sentence Length and Complex Syntax
Repetition
Adjective and Adverb
Point of View and Voice
Changing Point of View
and much more.

Each chapter contains writing exercises specific to the chapter topic. (Le Guin also suggests many titles for further reading.) This book will become a gold mine to any writer of fiction or creative non-fiction. It's the perfect book to use for a writers' group or peer group. Thank you, Ms. Le Guin, for sharing your gift with us.

'Requiem for a Heavyweight' is not only one of the great forgotten boxing pictures, it's also one of those movies that has almost vanished. Thankfully this DVD release will help keep this great film alive.

Anthony Quinn superbly plays Mountain Rivera, a 37 year old fighter who risks losing his eyesight if he continues to fight. His manager (Jackie Gleason), his trainer (Mickey Rooney), and a new-found lady friend (Julie Harris) all have different ideas about Mountain's future. Just what CAN a fighter do after 17 years in the ring?

While most of the drama takes place outside the ring, Rod Serling's script delivers tension, conflict and suspense in way you wouldn't expect from a 1962 film. You can almost see the characters thinking about where they are, where they're going, and how Mountain Rivera can and does affect their lives.

The brilliance of the film's cast is electrifying. Every actor is in absolutely tip-top form. These performances are a real pleasure to watch. This film contains no weak links.

Other reviewers have commented on the several different versions of the film. The film originally aired on television on a show called "Playhouse 90." This is the only version I have seen, so I have no other standard for comparison. I suppose it's possible, but I don't see how any version could top this one. Well worth your time and money.

Approx. 90 minutes in black and white