2 comments about Masterclass: Anal Sex.

1. Wonderful pictures, short book, not very much information. Buy this book for the visual and "Anal Sex for Couples" for instruction.



2. This is a really informative read for anyone interested in adding any anal behaviour to their play.
   
   Anal sex must be one of the most discussed topics, highly erotic for some repulsive and vile for others etc. Even historically it was significant enough to rate a mention, written into Mythology where it was demonized as an extremity of sinfulness (Sodom). Curious that. After all, the same mythology includes enlightenment being evil (The tree of the knowledge of good and evil), female empowerment being improper (check out the Lilith myth) etc. So that in itself acts a pretty good recommendation, suggests there may be something worth exploring in anal sex. Anything that was so vigorously opposed by the institutions charged with the job of keeping the masses compliant and scared to reach their full potential for knowledge, power and pleasure must have some merit!! In the Southern parts of India anal sex was also included in the Kama Sutra as a sacred and significant act, yep, lots of good reasons not to dismiss anal sex as weird kinky stuff just for sick people.
   
   This is a great little read that doesn't bother with the historic aspects I've just mentioned. Instead it's straight forward, honest and a good manual, helping people understand what it's all about, to know their own bodies, to learn their own pleasures, understand safety and, for some no doubt, find some of the best fun times and most powerful orgasmic experiences they might ever have. For others they'll just have a better understanding on their bodies and possibly just find one more sexual option that just `isn't for them'. None of that matters though because there's probably very few people who could read this book without gaining a better understanding of their bodies and find some more options to explore in search of the pleasure that does `do it' for them.
   
   If my body is a temple, there is no part of it which isn't sacred and no part of my body which is dirty or in any way a shame or embarrassment. If anyone has a problem with my refusing to consider any part of me or any partner of mine dirty or a humility, you know where they can stick their thoughts,-in their dirty, humiliating places!!
   
   Cheers
   
   Lloyd

5 comments about Canyon Wilderness of the Southwest (Deluxe Edition).

1. Canyon Wilderness of the Southwest, by Jon Ortner, is unique in at least two very important ways: First, Ortner has gone to places so remote that few other photographers have been able to attempt these ambitious images. Ortner's images - the most extensive and most beautiful documentation of this endangered American legacy - reflect his seemingly supernatural dedication to his craft. How could he have captured that astounding image of the North Teepees in Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness? How many days hiking with heavy, large-format, panorama cameras, tripods, and other equipment did it take for Ortner to arrive at - and bring home to us - the one-of-a-kind image of Paria Canyon? Second, captured with a large-format, panoramic view camera, these images have immediately become the standard by which all other such photographs will be judged. This book redefines southwest U.S. photography and is unlikely to be approached for many years to come.
   
   The locales of course are the core of the book and cover all of the most extreme sites, including the spectacularly sensual Waves site in Paria Canyon - Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, the astonishing slot canyons of Antelope Canyon, Zebra Canyon, and Peek-a-Boo Gulch, as well as practically inaccessible tribal lands that together make Ortner's accomplishment all the more impressive. This work obviously required not just photography skills, but expedition skills as well, that reveal a sensibility that harkens back to a time before SLRs when Ansel Adams and the great documentary expedition photographers took the care, risk, and time to document a vanishing wilderness. Canyon Wilderness reflects that sensibility, alive today in Ortner's monumental work. (Another beautiful element of Canyon Wilderness is the presence of lush, expert, illustrative quotes throughout the text.)
   
   And the book itself is impressive. At almost 250 pages, with hundreds of images, multiple fold-out panoramic images extending to over four feet wide, Canyon Wilderness is a substantial experience in itself. The large-format panoramic images are nothing short of immersive - they are literally enveloping. As if I were there, I had to move my head, panning from side to side - for my eyes to take it all in. The vivid palette and intense color saturation in this book are unlike any I have ever associated with the American southwest, with many images that are more like what one would expect in Patagonia - or Venus - proving that for the dogged scholar-artist, spectacular, novel sites may be found even within supposedly well-explored America.
   
   Canyon Wilderness of the Southwest is an extraordinary achievement.



2. Dare I say erotic? How else to describe the color and curving layers in these hollows and hills? The force of wind and water, pressed in the vice of time, doing its splendid work...These are visions unlike anything usually associated with America.
   
   But who among us would get out there intrepid in the hot desert with great stamina for weeks of travel to see these extraordinary landscapes? Fortunately Jon Ortner and his partner Martha McGuire have not only made the difficult trips to these stupendous and hardly seen treasures, but have the talent to bring back, through the eye of a panoramic lens, the best of what they saw. Vistas in the first morning light, in the sunset glow, gazing up from the watery bottom crevices of the deepest canyons , and down over the long distance of white crusts so delicate that every step must be measured--have been captured with a practiced eye and consummate skill.
   
   These trekker photographers bring us the greatest and unknown gifts of this country, and an experience that is bigger than the page. Who ever thought that rock could sing such a siren song? The photos speak the story, deepened by masterful writing. If ever a book of photographs and words compels us to understand the evocative, magnetic, and soulful power of landscape, it is this book. It is a sensual, compelling joy.



3. This is rich and thoughtful book that is truly a work of fine art. The luscious landscapes are true to the spirit of Ansel Adams while maintaining a fresh contemporary feel. The print quality and color and is exceptional. It is a museum quality book that feels more like a portfolio of fine art prints. I particularly love the scale; it is quite large with tons of images and foldouts. Included is a limited edition signed print by the artist. A nice touch that feels like a personal gift. I Highly recommend this book to photographers, travelers, book collectors or any one who appreciates beautiful things.



4. 
   What a spectacular book!! I am mezmorized by these amazing images...so beautifully shot. This is surely one of the most brilliant collections on the forces of nature that has ever been put together under a binding!
   I have had many friends over to the house, and after looking at this book (and wanting one for themselves) they are so impressed by the flow, the impact of the images, the breathtaking panoramas, and the exquisite quality of the reproduction.
   
   This book is a treasure, to be looked at again and again and to marvel at the vision of Jon Ortner, who has captured these images so exquisitely. And the foldouts are just astounding!!!
   Cynthia Adler



5. Stunning - Ortner's best book yet. He has captured the surreal
   natural beauty of the Southwest. Breathtaking photos of a part of the country that I was not familiar with. I was impressed with both the fold out panoramic views as well as the gorgeous signed and numbered print that I am framing.
   Jon and Martha Ortner's creative efforts have produced the definitive pictorial to the American Southwest. It will be among my most prized books.

5 comments about Lighting for Portrait Photography.

1. I am a portrait photographer and I pull this book out all the time to review lighting set ups and get inspiration. A definate must have for any photographer. I especially love that the book extensively covers one and two light set up and using foamcore bookends. You don't need a bazillion lights to create amazing images.



2. This book is great if you are just starting out in portrait photography. There are detailed light diagrams and a lot of awesome portraits to choose from.



3. 
   
   At the middle of last year I opened a photo studio. So, I can say, I'm still beginner int this topic. So, this book was very helpful for me to gt advance knowledge about art of making great photos.



4. This book leans towards the "artistic" elements to portrait photography (which I love). If honey dripping and being licked from fingers (non sexual way) or a portrait of a model with egg suspended over her face are not yours (these are the extremes of the book, most others are more realistic)and you are looking for improving your family photos or posing seniors, you may want to look elsewhere, although you will still likely benefit from this book. If you want to see how some very "non ordinary" ie exceptional photographers achieve their results, this is it. I enjoyed it very much and it is basically a diagram book. An image is shown, then little keys show where (and what type) lights, gobos, flags, etc were placed and the cameras settings for the shot are diagrammed -excellent. this makes the book a quick read and a great reference, I've read it once but as soon as I finish a few others I have left to read I've got this on the "return to read" stack.
   
   Also, worth noting for anyone who noticed and may be sensitive to nudity and get the wrong idea. If you click on Amazon's "look inside" feature, in the table of contents section it shows a topless photo (as of this writing).In the revision of the book I have, 2007, purchased from amazon, that photo has been replaced. There aren't any nudes in the book, that I remember. Just in case something like that is offputting to you I thought I'd mention it. In fact I think that photo has no place in the book, not because it's a nude, which is also why, but because it's not up to the caliber of the rest of the book either. There are some flat out great portraits in this one.



5. I loved this book it is great, I haven't tried every illustration but I love the layout, and the ones that I did try are excellent I own numerous amouts of portrait books but I find myself reaching for this one the most.

5 comments about Until Now.

1. Anne Geddes takes such beautiful pictures of babies! This price for such a big book is a GREAT value for the money. You won't be disappointed!



2. I was recently presented with a copy of this--compendium of cultural toxic waste--by a friend with dark sense of humor. I had confessed to her that, after lapsing into unconsciousness after a bender compounded of too much Maker's Mark and not enough food, I had had odd and disturbing nightmares studded with grotesque images of infants. By the following weekend, she left a copy of this monstrosity on the cocktail cabinet. After shaking up a suitable quantity of Manhattans, we fell to thumbing through this glossy bit of schlock. The inevitable debate arose: Does this stuff really reflect some vision of Geddes', or is this a very well put-over joke? I thought I had the better end of this argument by suggesting that anyone who collaborates with Celine Dion must have an immense sense of humor, but I was reminded that listeners to the latter are often a really humorless lot. That stymied me. And Geddes' objectification of infants, I was reminded, has the hallmarks of kitsch and sentimentality, but with an edge of--fetishization. These images are no more genuine, no more reflective of the (rare) bit of beauty that one can glean from a squirming screechling, than a grainy Linda Lovelace flick. Either Geddes is a master ironist, or a very, very disturbed photographer. For a case of the creepies, only Wegman and his harem of porno-Weimaraners can do more psychic damage.
   
   So as a gift to someone whose tastes are so utterly debased that they can't see the creepy humor in this, as a gift to someone who can, or as an evil prank on someone who is likely to have colorful nightmares, this thing is a winner.



3. I assumed that all Anne Geddes books were full of adorable pictures of uncomfortable-looking babies. I bought this book online as a gift for my Grandma for Christmas. I wrapped the book before looking through it, and was more than shocked on Christmas morning when my Grandma was flipping through her brand new book and saw a lot more than babies!! While the photography is stunning, please be warned that nude adults are included in this particular collection. I was also disappointed that the pictures were rather small. Overall, the pictures were beautiful but the book was not quite what I expected.



4. I bought it for a friend recently- somehow I expected the book to be a little bigger- still a good gift for all the pregnant women in your life :)



5. I gave this to a pregnant friend, and she absolutely LOVED it. I actually spent an hour pouring over the pages and the notes in the back before I gave it to her. It is an excellent book, although it is a little small (probably about 8 inches tall).

2 comments about John Waters (Place Space).

1. I am so pleased with this item!!! I am an avid fan of Mr John Waters, and all of his works. My collection would not be complete, without this magazine.
   
   It is soooo righteous! All of these photos of HIS HOME, his crazy crazy collection of weird vintage stuff. His porn, his literature, his knicknacks (his house is full of glass food!). It's just fabulous. Get it now.
   
   If you DON'T know who John Waters is... but you like interesting voyeuristic ventures into a complete strangers interesting, flamboyant, original, awesome private home... then you too will dig this excellent bit of media. ;>



2. Every John Waters fan must own this! I feel like I'm peeping through the windows of his house spying on him. How cool is that? Fake plastic food, kitschy collectibles, and a library that puts mine to shame. Highly recommended from a huge Waters fan!

No comments about Mountain Gorillas: Biology, Conservation, and Coexistence.

3 comments about Berlin Then and Now (Then & Now Thunder Bay).

1. This book is a good size, and photos are given full priority on each page. It's kept nice and simple with old on the left, new on the right, and with just as much informed commentary as you'd need running along beneath.
   
   Only a few of the 'then' pics are from the 50s and 60s; the majority show the Berlin streets as they were before the devastation of the Second World War, and as such are as fascinating as looking at pictures of ancient Rome.
   
   An excellent book from an excellent series.



2. All I can say is awesome.I did a now and then tour of Berlin last year in October and I can only wish that I had the book with me then. There is nothing like knowing where you stand if you are a history buff on ww2 like I am. Going over to do the Bulge at the end of April. Berlin Then and Now is money well spent.
   Greg
   greg@54.co.za



3. I purchased this book prior to spending a week in Berlin. I read through it on the train on the way to Berlin from Frankfurt and found that in contained great photography and solid background information on major landmarks. This book is not an in depth history of Berlin, but if you'd like to take a look at how things WERE compared to how they ARE and have the major sites explained in plain English, this book works well. It's a must have if you're traveling to the area, but makes a good coffee table book now as well.

4 comments about Stylist: The Interpreters of Fashion.

1. The book is good. It have very good pictures. But I expected that it have more text and explain you more about the stylist career.



2. As a fashion journalist, I served as a reference as a creative director very much.
   Expect next edition.



3. I Bought this book in January... (with another 2 books)
   
   AND SINCE THIS DAY AMAZON SAY TO ME THAT HAD SENT MY PACK 5 TIMES,
   
   BUT NEVER ARRIVED...
   
   So, a book, and a website NEVER stressed me so MUCH....



4. The book itself is gorgeous and looks great in any library. As far as content, I was expecting more information on the featured stylists as well as more stylists in general. There are so many more that are more facinating and creative. It just seems as though the other featured her posse and that was it.

5 comments about The Playmate Book: Six Decades of Centerfolds.

1. THE PLAYMATE BOOK is a tastefully presented heavyweight coffee-table edition book which showcases every woman who appeared in PLAYBOY between 1954 (Marilyn Monroe) and 1996 (Victoria Silvstedt). The photographic quality is superb. The history of the magazine is well-documented. The book does skimp on many of the capsule biographies of the 512 beautiful women who grace these pages. The Playmates of the Year, perennial favorites such as Bettie Page and Pamela Anderson, famous Playmates such as Stella Stevens, and Playmates who met infamous ends (Jayne Mansfield, Claudia Jennings and Dorothy Stratten come to mind), are given far more coverage than the average, perhaps fairly so.
   
   THE PLAYMATE BOOK brings humanity to these otherwise often anonymous pin-up girls, many of whom suffered social ostracism (particularly in the early days of the magazine) for daring to bare all, and shows the Playboy Playmates to be an eclectic and interesting group of women with widely divergent lifestyles. Some of their stories are wonderful, some are tragic, some involve jets, yachts and 'beautiful people' while others involve kids and picket fences. There is no one 'definitive' Playmate.
   
   The book's greatest failing is its inability to bring it all together. More than just a "family album" THE PLAYMATE BOOK should be a social history of women over four decades, but sadly does not editorialize even briefly on "what it all means." It's a bad oversight on the part of the editors, and takes away from the finished product.
   
   It's fun to see the evolution of the Centerfold over time, the changing styles, the increasing daring. It's also fun to find your favorite Playmate(s) and discover what she is/was doing (circa 1997). Hopefully, PLAYBOY will update this book periodically, and add new Playmates as they appear.



2. This book starts out with pictures of Marilyn Monroe. Every playmate of the month from the fifties to Miss December 2004, have a small paragraph about where they are now or how they got into Playboy. The pictures are beautiful and tasteful.



3. very well shot pictures&tastefully done. Playboy has always had Beautiful Women pose as Centerfolds&this Book does a very Good Job of capturing the best shots. I've always been a fan of Playboy.



4. This book is the definitive collection of all the Playmates since the very begining. For the collector, or even the fan, of all things Playboy this serves as a great guide to all the beautiful women who have graced the pages of the magazine. Not only are the photos stunning, but the short-but-sweet stories of where they are now and what they've been doing since appearing make for enjoyable reading. I've had the pleasure of meeting many of the ladies and getting this book autographed is like getting your yearbook signed...by all beautiful women.
   
   One caveat though: if you've got the previous edition (the 40th) you'll find the only change is the addition of the last ten years of Playmates.



5. I think your ordering procedures have dramtically changed for the worse over the last few months. I find it is very easy in reviewing an order from Amazon, to duplicate an order just by reviewing the item, particularly when going back to check on something. This has happened to me twice and I was able to catch it the second time. I realize the buyer has to be paying close attention but this was not the case in the past with amazon. It seems that your ordering procedures make it extremely easy to double order something. I am not happy about these changes.

5 comments about Organizing and Editing Your Photos with Picasa: Visual QuickProject Guide.

1. While the book covers all of the features of Picasa, I did not feel it was well organized, following a natural flow of introduction and use of Picasa. Additionally, while some material was duplicated, the author would sometimes ask you to return to visit earlier sections to understand his instructions. I have found the "Dummies" books to be better.



2. 
   I am presently sorting out and editing a large lifetimes collection of family photos and decided to use Picasa to do this. It worked well but there were a number of questions and the Picasa Help was not particularly helpful, including not allowing me to be quite sure I had the right approach to the all-important issues of back-up.
   
   I found the book to be very helpful and it has enabled me to resolve all of my queries. It is well produced and fairly simple - this is good as one can ignore the obvious pafrts and get good help where it is needed. It's now a bit out of date but not too much. All in all a very uaeful and strategic buy for anyone who is using Picasa for a managing a major collection of photos.



3. Organizing and Editing Your Photos with Picasa: Visual QuickProject Guide
   I had downloaded Picasa a few years ago, right after Google bought it. I used it a little, but took a course in a more sophisticated program which I later started teaching to seniors. Picasa took a back burner on my computer. I was recently asked to teach Picasa to seniors, and figured I'd better refresh my limited knowledge of it. WOW, was I impressed with Steve Schwartz's book and the Picasa program as it now stands! The book is just what it promises: a VISUAL guide. Screen shots are well done, as is the text, and the program is really quite powerful, especially for a free download. Leave it to Google, which does things right, and Mr. Schwartz's know-how to present this freebie in a clear, concise way. For the casual photographer, Picasa's editing capabilities are more than sufficient, easy to use and to understand. Likewise with the organizer. One of these days, I may just say the heck with the more sophisticated (and FAR FROM FREE) program I have been teaching--it is far too complicated and time-consuming for most people. Picasa, now promoted to an icon in my Quick Launch Bar, will be the only photo/editor/organizer I will use.



4. "Organizing and Editing Your Photos with Picasa" by Steve Schwartz was a blessing to find. Picasa2 came with the new workstation I purchased. I had no idea how Picasa functioned and kept seeing new folders and duplicate pictures. Some photos were among my written files, most not. I knew it had to be me doing something I didn't yet understand. Thanks to "Organizing and Editing Your Photos with Picasa" my digital albums are now orderly and manageable. Great book! Fast shipping too.
   
   River Bones: A Mystery Novel



5. Picassa is a great program that is somewhat intuitive to use but I was still having trouble moving photos from one folder to another and understanding why some folders ended up as a melange of unrelated photos. I still am. I had hoped that this book, which is aimed at beginners, would help. Unfortunately it didn't tell me anything I hadn't already figured out myself. It's disorganized, confusing and hard to understand.