Let's face it - our foods have changed. And not for the better. In the long span of history, the last 100 years has wrought some devastating transformations in how food is handled, prepared, and, most insidiously - processed. Our genes are basically used to food that for millenia, was relatively pure, wholesome, unaltered and uncorrupted. So, since the turn of the century, matters began to shift. As manufacturing and processing became more sophisticated, food began to undergo a drastic change. Not having any longer to butcher our own beef, harvest our own vegetables and grains, make our own fats, we could rely on "companies" to start doing it for us. And what did we get in return? Fats (perhaps most disturbingly) are chemically altered and hydrogenated, turning them into dangerous poisons (just READ how margarine is made - it will incite one big colossal "yuck"); animals are mass produced in inhumane warehouses; are fed poor diets and get injected with god knows what; grains and vegetables are grown in sterile, pesticide-laden soils; refined, devitalized sugar and flour is in everything; we're offered and forced everything from hydrogenated fats to high-fructose corn syrup to MSG to plastic sugars. And guess what? This is the sickest, fattest time Americans live in. Heart disease, cancer, obesity, degenerative diseases, are at an all-time high. We have antibiotics, anti-imflammatories to conquer bacterial threats, but even those are getting increasingly less effective through overuse. We have needed the vaccines, antibiotics to treat and cure things like polio, smallpox, measles and a host of other killer diseases, but in return, we have heart disease, cancer, degenerative and neurological dysfunctions in its place. As this exhaustively researched and documented book illustrates, the culprits for this state of affairs is definitely tied to the devastating changes wrought in our foods. Though the medical establishment has found a way to treat diseases, it has ignored many of the current causes of those diseases in the first place.

This book offers a method, a return, so to speak, to a time when food was consumed in its purest state. Ironically, that's a difficult thing to do; only through specialty stores and suppliers can we get naturally raised food. Someone once said: "If God made it, then it's good; if man made it, beware." Most of the food - as cheaply and quickly made as possible - offered in supermarkets is nutritionally worthless, being as it is, refined, processed, laden with questionable chemicals and riddled with substances that have no place in our bodies. The sobering fact remains: most food conglomerates simply don't care about consumers' health.

Sally Fallon, along with Mary G. Enig, have done an astonishing, thorough and painstaking job in spelling out all that one needs to know regarding all manner of information about food. The writing is clear, easy to understand, and concise. The passion and near-missionary fervor with which they have pursued their topic is inspiring and infectious. The breadth of their research and work cannot be overestimated. The scope, level of information, exposés and hardcore truths these women offer is mesmerizing: one is fixated by what they know and the surprising, irrefutable facts that are detailed (by the way, the sidebars in the recipe sections of anecdotes, information and lore are fascinating). Fallon and Enig take on some of the most powerful and ruthless institutions in existence, and effectively challenge claims and biased studies. They even sniff out evidence of lies and corruption. It may in fact be the singular most important body of work on food contained in a single volume. In particular, one needs to pay attention to the information regarding the matter of fats. Enig, a PhD in lipid chemistry, plainly details how fats in today's food supply has wrought health havoc, what to avoid (polyunsaturates and hydrogenated fats are a menace), what is good, and how to go about using them correctly.

Many reviewers in this forum have complained of how complicated it is to take the time to properly prepare many of the foods and recipes Fallon offers. That may be so, but the time invested is worth it. As we as consumers are made more aware of how things must be done, it may be that we simply have no choice ~~ if we are to achieve the best of health ~~ to make the proper preparation of food a top priority once again. Some of the suggestions regarding raw foods is controversial, and not everyone will be convinced, but they make a strong case, nevertheless.

Some of the advice, as well is a bit too severe: Fallon encourages the total elimination of all caffeines, and that includes teas and coffees. No proof has been made that tea and coffee are harmful (unless of course, like anything, it is consumed in excess). Sometimes the book makes absolutely no allowances for an alternate method; some of the advice is eye-opening (like not cooking garlic in oil; sure it will burn if fried in high heat, but it can be sauteed gently. And, everyone KNOWS that refrigeration spoils the taste of tomatoes) In addition, not everyone will welcome the urging of a total abdication from anything even remotely bad for you - why not a white flour, white sugar cake once, twice a year? Despite this, it WAS necessary for Fallon and Enig to overcompensate in the manner they did, for this kind of information is sorely needed; one simply should read it thoroughly, then make their own choices to suit individual needs.

This book will not please vegans and vegetarians, who will be doing a virtual "foul" howl at the convincing scientific argument that we need animal fats and animal based foods. I will never consider vegetarianism after reading this book. Fallon makes a most eloquent plea for the bounty of animals we have been offered.

It is so easy to get carried away by the nutritional information, that it may be easy to overlook the marvelous, inventive and tantalizing recipes. Again, the scope, selection and research on these recipes is amazing...they are numerous, varied, and appetizing. Nearly every cultural cuisine is covered in some small or large part, and are clearly detailed. Most of all, if one relishes culinary challenges, there are some intriguing one as such offered here.

This marvelous volome may be the most valuable nutritional guide one should own. Most of all, it may be the most comprehensive, ground-breaking cookbook ever written ~~ as well as the most nutritionally crucial.

Laura Kipnis displays a mind so probing and astute, one needs to take this book in multiple readings to take it all in. NOT that it is difficult to read, mind you (she's an eloquent, amazingly fluent communicator); it's simply that she introduces so many unflinching truths and thought-provoking arguments, one has to absorb what amounts to an unbelievable scope of brilliance of thinking on her part. Her wit and(unmalicious)humor (in seeing the abject silliness of certain notions) has so much pointedness and irony, they'd almost be tragic; yet in a very "real" fashion, it serves to heighten her theories on a more engaging level. In a way, she's stating so much of the obvious; in another, she makes her statements in such peeled-to-the-truth language, it's almost as if she alone has been made the designated "debunker" of the mythological rot that's tragically propagated as something that people have to accept; she offers an exquisitely alternative view of that atrocious notion. Kipnis does not have any allusions to the way Things Ought To Be; she sees them for how *they are*. The bad reviews of this book on this forum all have a common underlying fear behind them: that maybe she's right. Some of these individuals act as if Kipnis is a bitter representative of accademia's East coast cynicism, but if one looks to the actual tone of her writing (apart from her assertions and questioning-wary stance), Kipnis oozes compassion and sympathy for the plight of the human condition. And to what the human condition is subjected, almost in a subconscious-conformist manner. Kipnis is a thoroughly modern thinker, presenting an evolutionary, progressive mode of thought, one geared toward the greater understanding of mankind, and the problems that assail us; in that, her understanding is timeless, logical and at the same time, sympathetic. This is one of the most astounding, refreshing, and finally, bracingly fixating books ever turned out.

This is the definitive biography on one of filmdom's most luminous stars. Unlike some of the tasteless, shoddily-written, lie-packed, alleged "biographies" in the past, put out by some individuals with dubious intentions, this one is not only stylishly written, but has a credibility that frankly rings of truth. The sources are meticulously, exhaustively documented, and contrary to the claims of the anonymous, hired naysayers writing unsigned reviews, these sources can be backed up and proved. More importantly though, this book pays proper, eloquent reverence to a woman of immense means and talent; MacDonald's versatility is made manifest, as well as her clear-eyed, judicious parlaying of her long career. This entertaining, and tasteful book is a testament to an artistry, a persona, and a considerable talent, one of the 20th century's most influential purveyors of operatic music. Take the high road and make this dignified, integrity-filled tribute as the best means of fully assimilating the beguiling MacDonald persona.

This is one of the best horror movies ever made. The direction by Rob Reiner is just right, well-paced, and makes its way with superb unpredictibility. We get so caught up in James Caan's terrifying dilemma, we're left queasy at every turn as to what loony Kathy Bates will do next. Caan gives one of his very best performances. There's not a trace of phony melodramatics to be had as he takes in all that is happenening to his character, and makes his every move with utter believability. One gets the feeling this is the way such a man would behave in real life...not in the movies, where the lead character predictably descends to he-man heroics. When Caan's character finds the solution to his problems, the premise is believable, the resolution deeply satisfying...Bates, however, is an astonishing actress. Her Annie Wilkes is by turns creepy, ridiculous, sinister and crazy; but Bates doesn't "act" crazy...she inhabits the character from within and never falls back into schticky "movie madness" mannerisms(a la Olivia de Havilland in THE SNAKE PIT) Bates's Annie looms terrifyingly real, and the character is a horrifying persona; there's not one false move in any instance. This is a bravura performance, one of cinema's best, that was fully deserving of the highest honors in acting awards.

Those who owned the first muddied, dark and blurry VHS print of this on VAI will be shocked but pleased (as I certainly was) to discover that this pristine copy on Deutsche Grammophon DVD is almost a different film. The VHS release had one thinking that the concept was of the opera as being set perpetually at night; here on the DVD we see day and night scenes. Plus, colors are vivid, faces are clear, and all looks clean and fresh.

The performance is a mixed bag though. Furtwängler is possibly the wrongest conductor of Mozart as can be, as evidenced by his dirge-like tempi, sludgy textures and Mahlerian heaviness. The value in this film comes in seeing the performers captured - rarely, as it turns out - as they were in their heyday, and pretty close to their prime. In some aspects there is only historical value, as in the case of the Donna Elvira, Lisa Della Casa, who is otherwise photogenic and voluptuous. Tonally though, she is white sounding and "tubular" in vocal production, which after a fashion creates a sense of monotony, despite her committed performance. Then there's Erna Berger, perennially touted in this role as being vocally well-preserved and fresh of voice. I hear a nasality and spinsterish tone, and as far as the performance goes, the results here are of a matronly, sexless Zerlina, where the attempt at girlishness is arch, coy and downright embarrassing. Otto Edelmann's very German, very broadly played Leporello doesn't match Siepi's very Italian, very subtle Giovanni.

Much better is the young Walter Berry as Masetto, masculine and firm in tone; and Anton Dermota as Ottavio, not ideally fluent but sweet in voice and certainly one of the best tenors in the role to be had at the time.

Elisabeth Grümmer is a spontaneous, emotionally appealing Donna Anna. Grümmer had the ability to project a very feminine sincerity, and her singing and acting always had a from-the-heart manner which made her an outstanding artist and personality. Her singing is admirably precise, the tone steady and which peals forth with shining clarity, with its unique timbral "tear".

That leaves Siepi, perhaps the most memorable and natural Don Giovanni of the last 50 years. He has everything for the role: elegant dash, rakish charm, dark, romantic matinee-idol looks, athletic physique, a careless savoir-faire, and not least, a golden, suavely beautiful tone. Siepi has a way of moulding a line which can depict an ardent kind of romanticism and elegance that befits the character; he sees Giovanni as a hedonistic charmer who has a fatal lack of concern for the feelings of others. Of course, when his irresponsible behavior finally catches up with him and Hell beckons, Siepi has no trouble whatsoever in conveying Giovanni's fright as he's being dragged down to the subterranean depths of Devil Land. Siepi is frighteningly intense here, and really does sound like a man scared out of his wits. It's a eerie, effective sequence.

How fortunate that Siepi was caught in a role which he practically owned during his career, and which was a hard act to follow - which this release certainly proves.

My review of this is now updated, see below.

This book is obviously a labor of love by Otfried Weise and Frederiksen, two ostensibly talented, enthusiastic and imaginative cooks. The recipes are unique, tantalizing and a whole new dimension in themselves in tastes and textures. These meals and culinary gems are a great supplementary adventure for those seeking new and different kinds of vegetarian fare.

However, the "advice" about food and eating contained within is hard to stomach (pardon the pun): it takes the extreme view that our gastric systems are super-delicate and that if not treated with Extra Care, we'll be doomed to Indigestive Hell and corrupted stomachs. Meat, according to these well-meaning two, contains "poisons." While it is true that mass production of animals for sale as food is shockingly poor, the authors never think - rather offer - to mention that organic meats are plentifully available, and that it is possible to eat animals that are raised naturally and humanely. Furthermore, it is grossly irresponsible to state, "The human digestive system is not designed to cope with large amounts of animal products." The human digestive system has a powerful compound, hydrochloric acid, which is specifically there to digest animal proteins.

According to whom? Evidence remains that we evolved as carnivores. And vegetable eaters.

Throughout, the authors cite constantly the dangers of "fermentation" in the stomach and all the ills of food being wrongfully combined - it almost makes one scared to eat. This agitated and anal-retentive approach to food and eating is liable to promote neuroses about an immensely enjoyable aspect of life: in the words of Julia Child in her "The Way To Cook" book: "Because of media hype and woefully inadequate information, too many people nowadays are deathly afraid of their food, and what does fear of food do to the digestive system? I am sure that an unhappy or suspicious stomach, constricted and uneasy with worry, cannot digest properly. And if digestion is poor, the whole body politic suffers."

Update, 7-17-04: After having read Sally Fallon's groundbreaking book, NOURISHING TRADITIONS, the "questionable advice" I wrote of in the subject line is more apt than ever. This, and other vegetarian-based books are, from a nutritional and historical perspective, naive and even dubious in their claims: being a vegetarian is not right for human bodies. Too many deficiencies will result as a consequence of vegetarian based diets. Fallon gives a complete scientific treatise on why we need animal proteins and fats. We cannot ignore our genetic makeup and needs, and propagating a squeamish, new way of eating is to ignore our historic precedents as a species that subsisted on meat, legumes, vegetables, dairy, grains and fruits. The healthiest societies (Eskimos, remote villages) are those who have a combination of all the bounties that nature has to offer.
Therefore, the book under review her can only be recommended as a very small part of a well-balanced diet. NOURISHING TRADITIONS, on the other hand, takes a well-documented, scientifically-based, and logical approach that THE ANCIENT SECRET OF THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH COOKBOOK lacks. The authors are victims of misinformation that has no foundation in logic and science.

Enjoy this innovative, versatile cookbook - in moderation, like everything else.

A thump on the head to Home Vision Entertainment: this expensive DVD has NO special features whatsoever - namely subtitle options, or any of the perks that normally come with DVDs.

Though George Michael's major career output is well documented and encapsulated in the selection featured here, the true climax of the presentation occurs during the hour-long interview which originally aired on BBC television. Coming right after his infamous public "outing", Michael is charming, funny, articulate and frank; but the magical moment happens when Michael takes a break from the interview to sing "A Different Corner." In those few moments, George Michael miraculously distills a whole lifetime of performing - and living - experience into a masterfully sung and interpreted song of true poignancy and pathos. The voice is more mellow, more resonant and simply more beautiful than ever. He breathes the very essence of the song's heartbreak with infinite skill and empathetic sagacity, of someone who's been there, and lived life - a lot. His superior vocal technique is automatic, spontaneous; his way with the nuancing and phrasing instinctive, sure and born of a real artist. Enjoy this collection for the different scenarios played out in the videos and imaginative song stylings, and don't forget to close off the video with the songs featured within the interview: it reveals the evolution of one of pop music's major talents.

I'm not really sure I get the point of this book. By the title, I expected some genuinely stimulating food for thought, but I felt instead as if I were force-fed some rather bland mounds of cotton candy fluff. Too many Forrest Gump-isms. Too populated with celebrities and movie stars expounding on their alleged "deep thoughts." Celebrities are given far too much credence here in America, as though the amount of media coverage they receive entitles them to be the gospel-speaking arbiter of mores and values. Many of these people are not heroes, nor are they responsible for any great contributions to mankind: they don't impress me in the least.

The most interesting stories are those who experienced TRUE adversity - such as John McCain's harrowing account as a POW in Vietnam; artist quadriplegic Chuck Close, overcoming a spinal collapse; Rudolph Giuliani's leadership in the events of 9/11/01; Quincy Jones and his colleagues' battles with racism; Ellen DeGeneres and the appalling treatment she received for admitting her sexuality (death threats no less) -- these and a few others are compelling tales.

There are as well, stories which have a true point and slant:
Jimmy Carter's tribute to an inspirational figurehead; Dr. David Ho's dedication to wiping out AIDS; Martin Sheen's activist roles (and admiration for a brave colleague who took a different stance to dealing with a country under fire; Paul Newman's obvious touching pride at how his Newman's Own line has been able to help sick children; Ralph Nader's defining moment of obtaining the true meaning of independence --there are some moments to ponder upon here.

Tom Wolfe's story, involving a response to a loud "booer' at one of his lectures, is a humorous, wittily told account.

The defining capping moment is provided by the Dalai Lama - in just a few short sentences, delivers the most inspiring message of all, one for the ages.

But I would have liked more sharply limned opinions, a more firmly-taken stand for causes, issues, political beliefs, or a really STRONG view of life as it is living today, and how it could be improved, what has been bettered, what is worse. A lot of these micro-personal accounts as presented in this book simply don't add up to much. Mind you: there's nothing WRONG with the majority of these stories, and they appear to be sincerely, genuinely told. There's just very few truly "Right Words" ~~ meaning, there's just way too few consecrating, profound words to really make a difference.

A sincere effort which doesn't quite emerge as a memorable one.

This book, like the timeless one it discusses, is an instant classic. Hearn takes you in and behind the world of L. Frank Baum, and puts the reader into the time, place, and mentality in which this book was written. It has just enough, and the right kind of information about one of America's most outstanding writers.

This book, as well, is one of the best bedtime reads imaginable; like Dorothy's Oz, it removes one - delightfully so - from the present, rather sobering world, and into another, a fascinating excursion into the making-up of the make-believe. The research is stunning, the detail simply absorbing; Hearn's absolute identification and love for the whole Oz folklore is bracing and contagious. Hearn's writing style is refreshing, engaging, and blessedly free of dry, stuffy pedantry. The book can be read by the childlike and children of all ages.

One can't thank Hearn enough for this endeavor.