V Is for Vampire: The A-Z Guide to Everything Undead

Customer Reviews:

Incomplete, but still very enjoyable.......2000-05-11

"V is for Vampire" doesn't hold a candle to David J. Skal's other books - nearly all of which are minor classics - and he knows it. He admits in his introduction to "V is for Vampire" that the book is neither all-inclusive nor complete. With that in mind, this "A to Z Guide to Everything Undead" is still very enjoyable to read, and is well-suited to relaxed browsing. The problem, however, is that a large number of people who will purchase this book are probably the kinds of horror fans who already know a great deal about the genre and will not be bowled over by anything less than a complete overview of everything they already know, as well as a number of things they don't. "V is for Vampire" is hit-and-miss, and seems more like a loose and disconnected series of notes for a larger book that was never actually finished. Also, several factual errors (a couple of which are quite egregious) destroy a smidgin of the book's credibility, and Skal often seems more interested in being flippant than in getting to the heart of what he is writing about (his misreading of George A. Romero's film "Martin" is especially wrongheaded). Nevertheless, "V is for Vampire" still furnishes a fairly comprehensive and enjoyable overview of the role of the vampire in nineteenth and twentieth century literature, art, and film. And it's a lot of fun.

Um excuse me Dean person.......2000-05-01

I think it's great that there is a spin on an old topic and itgoes deeper than just naming movies. It's about time someone dwelvedinto the psychological aspects of vampirism. A very good book and avery enjoyable read. As a footnote, I was especially impressed by the fact that he mentioned "Vampire Hunter D". Very comprehensive and fun!

Incomplete, and Biased Besides.......2000-03-17

This book gives short shrift to anything vampire-related that doesn't interest the author personally. It also, as a previous reviewer noted, paints vampire afficianadoes as sexual deviants and credits too much to the Freudian idea that all forms of personal expression are rooted in sexual misgivings. Not of the slightest interest to anyone who REALLY wants to know what vampires are all about.

Not David's Best........1999-10-12

David Skal is one of the better writers on Horror Literature and Media.
However,in this particular book, he spends too much time analysing our love of vampires and the like,as an indication that we are sexually disturbed or have a streak of facism in our character.
Sorry David, but some of us just liked to be spooked!

HE HE HE.......1998-10-05

This book is so cute and fun to read! If you're planning to purchase this book, one word of advice: ENJOY!!!! :)

Book Description

America's most collected living artist reveals how the creative process can provide a path to greater spiritual awareness. Drawing on his personal experiences and insights on the artistic process, renowned 'Painter of Light' Thomas Kinkade offers this unique and inspiring prescription to help readers deepen their daily spiritual journey and turn everyday tasks into a meaningful expression of God's goodness. Through a series of enjoyable exercises and personal anecdotes, THEARTOFCREATIVE LIVING teaches not only artists, but everyone, how to 'live in the light of creativity' by thoughtfully applying creative intention to the real-world challenges of family, worship and faith, fitness, conflict, and relationships. Filled with uplifting advice that's accompanied by 40 four-color images of Thomas Kinkade's signature artwork, this book is a gift for anyone seeking a more joyful, creatively fulfilled life.

Customer Reviews:

Illuminating.......2005-10-16

I was astonished to find that there weren't dozens of reviews up for this book by Thomas Kincaid. This is a very creative book, discussing the kind of creativity and artistry that can be found in each of us.

Kincaid, a painter by profession and vocation, starts with the basic question - how does an artist do what she or he does? How does one turn a blank canvas or a block of stone (or materials even less 'naturally' artistic in mode) into something that is a work or art, a creative work? Kincaid says that the mechanics of the process are necessary, but far from being the whole story. Kincaid states that the artist needs to believe that she or he can create, that there is inside something that has the power to produce something wonderful.

Creativity is not something confined to the visual or aesthetic arts. Creativity is something that belongs to all things in life - from things as basic as everyday cooking to relationships and spirituality, from business to hobbies to art in its more pure forms, these things all afford opportunities for creative living and creative expression.

Kincaid touches on spiritual and religious ideas and images throughout this text, but it is not a philosophical/theological text by any means. This is much more practical guide of thinking about and incorporating a sense of the creative and the creator in all that we do. Kincaid writes in a broadly ecumenical way, not being tied to the dogma or doctrine of any particular faith, but rather providing insights that can prove valuable to those of many different kinds of faith and religious practice.

Some of Kincaid's suggestions are very practical - finding space for oneself, both inner and outer, physical space; minimising distractions, etc. He incorporates elements of spiritual practice into these - for example, once one has found the inner and outer space in which to explore one's creative side, has gratitude been expressed. 'Your special place of solitude - defined by both your inward values and your chosen work area - is an essential "brushstroke" in your life if you hope to become truly adept at the art of creation. So accept this current place of yours with thanksgiving.'

Kincaid draws on the arts and artists from throughout the ages, but also draws from popular and familiar culture as well. For example, he uses the character of Rob Petrie from the television series 'The Dick Van Dyke Show' as an example of a creative soul, highlighting in this particular example the aspect of creativity that is hopeful and optimistic - 'chronically optimistic' in Kincaid's words.

One of the very nice aspects of the organisation of this book is that the chapter subdivisions are set at a length so that they can be easily read even by the slowest of readers in one sitting. This is not heavy reading by any means, but those who read over it too quickly will be bound to miss something - the creative process, like the reading of this book, should be a deliberate task, one that often fails in the mad rush of the pace of the world today.

This is a wonderful book, with a nice look-and-feel to it, Kincaid's pictures adorning the chapter headings, and the typeface, white-space and page layouts done in a very pleasing manner.

In Kincaid's final chapter, he writes, 'worship itself is a creative act.' Kincaid sees the vocation of creation as one of God's highest callings, and can be a form of prayer and praise.

Making Sounds, Making Music, & Many Other Activities for Infants: 7 to 12 Months (Ece Creative Resources Serials)

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Making Sounds, Making Music, & Many Other Activities for Infants: 7 to 12 Months (Ece Creative Resources Serials)
Judy Herr , and Terri Swim
Manufacturer: Cengage Delmar Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Preschool & Kindergarten | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Family Activities | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Child Care | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

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Accessories:

ASIN: 1401818390

Book Description

Recent research on brain development emphasizes the importance of the environment and relationships during the child's first three years of life. Making Sounds, Making Music, and Many Other Activities for Infants: 7 to 12 Months was written for care givers, early childhood educators and families. The ultimate goal of this book is to assist in promoting healthy develop of our youngest children. It should be a part of all parents' and caregivers' libraries. The book focuses on the growth of the whole child by including norms for physical, language and communication, cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Psychological Aesthetics: Painting, Feeling and Making Sense

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Psychological Aesthetics: Painting, Feeling and Making Sense
David MacLagan
Manufacturer: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Aesthetics | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Psychoanalysis | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1853028347

Book Description

This book is an introduction to the field of psychological aesthetics for art educators, art therapists, psychoanalysts, artists and art lovers. It re-evaluates conventional philosophical and psychoanalytic approaches both to aesthetic qualities themselves, to the kinds of psychological significance they can generate, and to the interweaving of inner and outer realities upon which this depends.

Art history tends to see an artist's work in the context of their life and times; psychoanalysis and art therapy tend to see art works in terms of an `unconscious' meaning that is beneath the surface of its `aesthetic' properties, within the context of the therapeutic relationship. Maclagan draws attention to the intimate connections between the aesthetic qualities of an art work per se, felt out in its material handling, be they attractive, disconcerting or just bland, and a wide range of psychological meanings.

Drawing on phenomenology and archetypal psychology, as well as on neglected writers on unconscious aspects of form, Psychological Aesthetics: Painting, Feeling and Making Sense explores this realm of feeling, the different ways in which it is embodied in art and how we can use `subjective' strategies to articulate it in words. It will open new perspectives in understanding both the processes of art making and our creative response to its results.

Reminiscence Theatre: Making Theatre from Memories

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Reminiscence Theatre: Making Theatre from Memories
Pam Schweitzer
Manufacturer: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Gerontology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Social Work | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Psychotherapy, TA & NLP | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Drama | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 184310430X

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Creative Music

Creative Music Making
William L. Cahn
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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The Percussionist's Art: Same Bed, Different Dreams (Eastman Studies in Music) (Eastman Studies in Music)

ASIN: 0415972825

Book Description

Creative Music Making is designed to develop musicianship through free improvisation. Most music education programs are technique-oriented (teaching how to play an instrument) and grade-driven (how well does a student perform). Creative Music Making focuses on the creative development of musicians from all levels of experience and in all styles of music. The included audio CD gives specific classroom examples of improvisation exercises, and will aid in the understanding and implementation of a similar program. A complete syllabus is also included for a college course in creative music. Creative Music Making could serve as a text for college courses in improvisation, instrumental or vocal pedagogy, elementary and secondary music-education methods, or any performance class.
Cahn demystifies the concept of creativity so that anyone should feel capable of making music. In a clear and logical way, Cahn outlines the process of teaching creativity, giving step-by-step lesson plans that can be adopted by either the teacher in a classroom setting or the performer (for self-instruction). He addresses questions that arise during the process, and gives practical guidance for the leader of a group of beginning improvisers in implementing the program. The included audio CD gives specific classroom examples of improvisation exercises, and will aid in the understanding and implementation of a similar program.

Customer Reviews:

Creative Music .......2007-06-14

This book is an excellent guide to "creative music making" or improvisation..........particularly in the group format. This would be an excellent guide for someone teaching free improvisation at all levels. I would recommend this particularly to primary and secondary music teachers who want to introduce free improvisation. This technique goes beyond the controlled and somewhat sterilized improvisation encouraged by the Orff and Kodaly systems to more free exploration of sound. It would also work well with young students with a fear of Jazz improvisation............a good starter to get them launched and build confidence in their personal creativity. It also provides instructions on how to build an African style xylophone.

Filling a Need While Making Some Noise: A Music Therapist's Guide to Pediatrics

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Filling a Need While Making Some Noise: A Music Therapist's Guide to Pediatrics
Kathy Irvine Lorenzato
Manufacturer: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1843108194

Music and Students at Risk: Creative Solutions for a National Dilemma (From research to the music classroom)

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Music and Students at Risk: Creative Solutions for a National Dilemma (From research to the music classroom)
Nancy H. Barry
Manufacturer: Rowman & Littlefield Education
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This volume represents six years of research in the area of students at risk and how the arts can help them. Drawing on research conclusions, the authors present practical teaching methods and suggestions for the music classroom.

Creative Aging: A Meaning-Making Perspective

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Creative Aging: A Meaning-Making Perspective
Mary Baird Carlsen
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Developmental Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0393701212

Creative music for children,: A plan of training based on the natural evolution of music, including the making and playing of instruments, dancing--singing--poetry,

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Creative music for children,: A plan of training based on the natural evolution of music, including the making and playing of instruments, dancing--singing--poetry,
Satis N Coleman
Manufacturer: G.P. Putnam's Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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Houses Of The Bull God (Exalted)
Michael Kessler , Geoffrey Skellams , Andrew Watt , and Voronica Whitney-Robinson
Manufacturer: White Wolf Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1588466779

Book Description

Before they can effectively manage others, managers have to be adept at managing themselves. That requires truly understanding their own passions and motivations, strengths and weaknesses. This guide offers sage advice from business greats, including Peter F. Drucker and John P. Kotter, on how managers can improve personal performance and productivity and, in the process, become better managers of those they lead.

Customer Reviews:

Trivialities and drivel.......2007-03-30

Absolutely uninteresting, I'm returning it. Did you know that you have to get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise? If not, learn it from this book.

Over the years, I've bought, oh probably like a dozen of these books (from this series, I mean) and, with the exception of Managing High-Tech Enterprise, found them completely unhelpful and uninteresting. Always self-contradictory, unintelligent, and droning, they remind me of the "self-help" book genre -- which is to say, politically-correct, vapid tripe that the publishers probably believe will sell in any quantities and no matter how bad, simply because people look forever for advice and will probably buy and keep buying. Very disappointing; I'm through with this series.

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