Entrepreneurship has been at the top of people's list of "dream jobs". With the age of PCs and the Internet came the idea to operate a successful online-business. Whether providing a service or offering a product for sale, having the "whole world" out there as a potential customer base is a thrilling thought.

Before you quit your day job and dive into the wonderful world of online retailing, reading Patrick Tan's book is an invaluable investment of time and money. Tan offers a "to do" list, but also warns of many common mistakes to avoid. A good example of this is advertising your business; many ways to advertise prove ineffective because the cost out-weighs the benefits. Focusing on one aspect of your business while neglecting other important angles can prove disastrous.

Operating your own online business requires a lot of common sense. Many of Tan's suggestions seem logical, yet some people out there really need to be reminded of such common sense ideas as *do you enjoy your business? *is there a steady demand for the product/service you offer? *is your goal a realistic one? *do you anticipate enough profits to sustain your business?

Like the recent "dot.com bubble", many dreams burst quickly because the ideas were slapped-together without much preparation or thought, while expectations of success were unrealistic. As an Internet entrepreneur who survived the 2000 bubble-burst, I highly recommend this book to fellow entrepreneurs, especially the ones who are taking the first steps to success. Patrick Tan's guide will certainly be of help along that path.*****

Here's a true piece of Hollywood Candy, a sweet as they come! An 8-year old boy falls off of a tour boat at Cape Cod and is saved from drowning by what appears to be a little girl mermaid. The boy never forgets about what happened that day, although everyone insists he was hallucinating.

Years later, now a man (and played by Tom Hanks), another trip to Cape Cod brings a dejavu: Hanks falls off of a tour boat and is rescued by an all grown mermaid (played by Daryl Hannah). Could it be the same mermaid that saved him when he was a boy? -- The mermaid has normal legs when kept dry, but once douced with water, the legs turn into fish finns. Hannah is able to conseal her true identity, until a "bad guy" exposes her. There are complications, but eventually everything comes up roses.

One great scene is where the grown up mermaid spends 6 hours in the electronics department of a store, and learns the English language fluently by watching tv non-stop. Cute! -- This film is very entertaining and helps us feel compassion for anyone who is somehow different from what society considers the norm. The somewhat predictable ending is beautiful! Highly recommended, especially to the hopelessly romantic cinema enthusiasts out there!*****

Things couldn't be more black or white than the views regarding Hilary Clinton. You either love her or you hate her. The author of this war-cry to make sure she never becomes President belongs to the latter group. No insightful arguments, only mean-spirited spin to bang the drum of the "STOP HILARY!" camp.

Previous glowing reviews were either written by people trying to peddle this book or by right-wing lemmings. Tyrrell's book is 100% one-sided propaganda with no redeeming literary value. To completely avoid all of Ms Clinton's accomplishments, while magnifying her weaknesses and faults, is a typical right wing low-blow tactic soon to become unfashionable. It must be the pre-Bush-ouster anxiety. Have another, but remember that the coming 4 - 12 years will see a different wind waving!

An unconditional, die hard Republican may eat this ego-ffod up like ice cream on a hot day. Anyone on the less far side of reality, however, will find this book offensively biased and unpleasant. Pick your side, then decide!**

The original meaning of the word was "that which seems good", and hence it was applied by classical authors as a technical term either to the distinctive tenets of the various philosophical schools or to the decrees of public authorities.

So, what does this have to do with the movie? Ironic as it seems for such a bizarre film, it all turns on a minor dogmatic point -- accepting that Roman Catholic dogma is the operative framework for the entire existence of the universe (something even I have yet to meet ANYONE who holds true), a logical inconsistency would render the universe inoperative, and thus it would blink out of existence.

In an attempt to 'update and popularise' Catholicism, a bishop in New Jersey (George Carlin, of all people) introduces a new campaign that includes a papal indulgence, which will absolve those who walk through the archway of a particular church. The angels discover this, and are determined to exploit this papal pronouncement to their benefit -- in dogmatic terms, whatever the pope says on earth is binding in heaven (not quite, but that's what the movie presents) -- and thus God cannot refuse them re-entry. This sets up the logical problem.

The heavens charge a particular woman Bethany, (Linda Fiorentino), who turns out to be the last descendent of Jesus Christ's family (of course, the Bible left out the details of his family), with stopping the angels from reaching the church. In the course of her charge, she encounters the Voice of God (Alan Rickman) who appears as a flaming, burning-bush type of phenomenon, and promptly uses a fire-extinguisher to put out the flames.

Azrael (Jason Lee), a minor leader of demons, has command of agents to try to stop the Last Scion from stopping the angels. Why? Well, I cannot tell you. This would give away too much of the film. But, suffice it to say, the forces of evil seem to want the angels to prove God wrong (or, at least some of the forces of evil want this). By the way, I am inclined to agree with this demon on at least one point -- central air conditioning is one of the greatest things in creation

Rufus (Chris Rock), the thirteenth apostle (also left out of the Bible, because of his race) appears to the Last Scion and the Prophets to help them in their quest.

Bartleby, who had normally been the voice of reason against Loki's brash fire-and-brimstone approach (well, he was the Angel of Death, after all), becomes upset at the efforts being used to stop them, and turns into a Satan-esque figure bent on opposing God.

But, where is God? We find out that God is missing (something that many in many religions can relate to much of the time, alas), only to discover that God likes to take the occasional holiday. The angels and the choirs of heaven are worried that Bartleby and Loki will succeed in destroying the universe while God is away from his(her) desk.

Oh, ye of little faith. God in the end, in the form of Alanis Morrisette, does show up to save the day, in more ways than one.

Lots of people were very offended by this film (just as some might be offended by this writing!). It does poke fun (scathing, caustic wit is more like it, in truth) at religion in general, Christianity in specific, and the Roman Catholic church in particular. As a priest, I thought there were some questionable scenes and would have preferred a little less foul language; but overall, I thought the premise and the storyline were creative and inventive. I'm quite surprised, actually, that it became a controversy -- I would never use this film for a catechism class, but my fellow seminarians and I had quite productive discussions talking about the topics brought up in the film.

With a fair share of language and violence, this film is not for school age viewers. As a focus point for discussing religion or the growing problems of society, this film will give abundant fuel. This film is uniquely weird, but filled with brains and thought provoking in-your-face statements. A certain cult-candidate.****

This lavish Hollywood treatment of the Classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel is a visual and acoustic delight. Nelson Riddle's spellbinding score and the many brilliant camera shots capturing the splendor of an age of excesses and indulgances make for engaging entertainment. Still, the dark story will leave the viewer numb at the eventual (bitter) end.

A young Mia Farrow and Robert Redford in the leads, along with excellent performances by Scott Wilson and Bruce Dern, as well as the 70s "femme fatale" staple Karen Black round out the top, with what seems to be hundreds of colorful "flapper" and servant extras in the cast. Everyone fortunate enough to be born or married or mistressed into money is living the "life", not caring about anyone and anything other than fun, fun, fun.

A series of indiscretions (by just about everyone) culminates in the "just desserts", and several deaths. The fact that life of the high and mighty seems to go on without skipping a beat, regardless of anyone's reclessness or involvement, is the tough lesson the author seems to aim for. Without conscience, what have we? All the money will not replace human emotions, though the cash seems to easily take their place. But didn't we have fun....

This wonderful book is at the upper scale of the "picture book" variety, aimed at good beginning readers. The vibrant illustrations earned the author/illustrator the prestigeous Caldecot Honor Medal. Any child slightly beyond the "Dr. Seus" series will be delighted with "The Gardener". A story that will make readers and listeners smile,laugh and filled with joy. A rare treat in the overwhelming market of childrens books.*****

When looking at Lady Liberty in New York Harbor, one can not help but see Hilary Clinton in the face and body of the symbol for freedom and hope. Hillary Clinton embodies empowerment for the disenfrenchised, lifts the spirits of the down-trodden, and helps us look to a fulfiulling future. Refusing to be another "June Cleaver" or God forbid "Harriet Nelson", Hillary speaks for those who want to progress rather than regress.

Battled by bafoons bearing mud, Hillary always traveled the high road, extending an olive branch to bitter adversaries. Dealing with problems behind closed doors. Mrs. Clinton maintained a positiveness and a passion for the good that is out there, waiting to be discovered. Relentlessly fighting for the little man and woman in America, the Clintons have been attacked and falsely accused of everything but skinny dipping. The GOP cronies went as far as wasting $60M on a witch-hunt that netted an impeachment for the most effective president since FDR. None of this could dampen the smile of this fine lady, a true First Lady of this great nation.

Now the Junior Senator from New York, Hillary Clinton is influencial in bringing about more change, and helping to repair the damage caused by our current administration. Perhaps she will one day take the highest step and inspire the world as the first female to be given the keys to the White House. She certainly is living history, a brighter future she helped create. The world is a better place because Hilary Clinton lived in it.*****

Never before has there been a middle class English houswife so determined to climb the social ladder (or at least appear to). Constantly on the look-out for opportunities to rub elbows with the "socially desirable" upper crust, Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced BOU-QUET) always manages to utterly embarass herself in the process.

This set of 4 DVDs features more of the hilarious adventures of Hyacinth and the family and "friends" who put up with her obnoxiously uppety demeanor. Whether pretending to plan a "very expensive" trip or entertaining excentric millionaires (who could pass for vagabonds judging by their attire), Hyacinth never passes up a chance to show how superior she is to all of those "wanna-be's" out there.

Supporting cast includes faithful (and long suffering) husband Richard, 3 sisters (of various social standings and emotional stability) and their husbands/gentleman-friends, ever-nervous next-door neighbors Elizabeth (whose husband is permanently on business trips) and her brother Emmett (who is happily divorced, now concentrating on his work as small-time music director at local functions). The sister's "Daddy" makes occasional appearances as dementia-ridden old man who is known for his flair to suddenly disappear. The oft-discussed and frequently telephoning "Sheridan" (Hyacinth's pride and joy son who is off at University studying needle-work and related handycrafts and enjoys asking for regular hand-outs from his Mummy and Daddy) is actually never seen, assuring that any actual person would be a disappointment after hearing all of the colorful stories about "My Sheridan".

This is Brit-Coms at their very best! The laughs never stop long enough to catch your breath completely. This is the "I Love Lucy" of BBC's sit-com vault! There is no chance that anyone would not be absolutley thrilled with this collection of humerous situations. A five-star DVD set - highly recommended!*****

Ray Bradbury's society in which all rules and regulations are dictated by the Fire-Department shows obvious comparisons to Nazi dictatorship. Controlling entertainment and leasure time, indoctrinating children with chanting exercises, as well as determining secular aptitudes for citizens, providing "happy pills" and wall-screen TVs, a mono-rail transportation system and much more, is done all "for the better of society". The obcession with books as the enemy (they needlessly confuse people and must be banished) compares to Hitler's obcession with ridding the world of "undesirables".

The film cleverly shows glimpses of selected pieces of literature, including a split-second view of Hitler's "Mein Kampf", accompanied by the Chief Fireman's admonishing words about the negative effects of books on people. The main character Montag, a confused "aspiring" Fireman, is seen favoring a few "special" books among the ones he is hiding (at great risk to himslef) in his home. Observant viewers can see him slip "Casper Hauser" into his back pocket. His loyalty to his government is tested by a few "special" neighbors, who defiantly refuse giving up books.

The final scenes show Montag, now a reformed ex-member of the "dark age" society in a new world, where books are committed to memory and verbally passed down to others. The initial "Utopia" had many material comforts, as well as a sense of security. The "New World" seems to have freedom, yet no material advantages at all. People are aimlessly pacing through wooded areas, visibly impoverished and seemingly in a perpetual daze. The viewer may wonder which of the two societies is actually the better one.

Perhaps the message is that good and evil exist in all societies. There is no perfect society, there never was, there never will be. "Fahrenheit 451" is a frightning look at two worlds, both with different kinds of goods and evils. Giving up some good things is inevidably opening the door to evils and vice versa. This is an effective film, true to the author's intentions. Long a favorite among required High School reading, this film should be seen and discussed along with the reading. Bizarre and disturbing, yet open for discussions. Recommended.****

Please note that the picture shown with this product is NOT the correct cover of the CD offered. Somehow a picture of a folk artist's CD is shown instead. This explained, here is my review of "Come Outside":

Other than landing one huge hit with "Come Outside", Mike Sarne's Novelty Hit launched the career of Wendy Richards, one of Britain's most popular TV personalities. Saying only a few snappy words while Mike delivers the rest, the effort turned into a #1 song that sold more than half a million copies, a rare achievement at that time (just prior to the Beatles Craze).

Many catchy tunes, all sung in thick, almost mockingly exaggerated London/Manchester/Liverpool dialects are included here. Another snappy "duet" with a female singer is "Will I What?". Although Mike Sarne only recorded one LP, some of the titles that never made it here nor there are included on this CD. The most noteworthy one is "Hello, Lover Boy!", a fantastic ditty featuring a repeated "break-in" of the title by a girl (as in "Come Outside") The circumstances surrounding this great song are written up in detail in the accompanying booklet, filled with all sorts of trvia. Someohow the TV premiere of "Hello, Lover Boy" was ill-timed. The instant demand for the title could never be met by the record company, so the project was scrapped. What a shame, it's by far my favorite track on this CD!

The booklet as well as a previous reviewer are mentioning "political incorrectness" and even "risque" lyrics. I must disagree with this. If the word "twist" or the words "Rock & Roll" ever caused controversy, then only because of what certain people want to read into them. Smutt is in the ear of the beholder. This entire CD was a very pleasant surprise to me. As someone who is professionally emmerced in the "Golden Oldies", I'm embarrassed to admit never having heard of Mike Sarne until this year. There aren't many greatest hits CDs to top this one. I can highly recommend it.*****