The Nine Muses: A Mythological Path to Creativity Review

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(More customer reviews)I really love Arrien's other books, particularly the book on the Tarot and the Four-Fold Way; they are both classics and show the brilliance of both her thinking and research. This book was a great disappointment and does not have the depth and thoughtfulness the author shared with readers in previous titles. I found the Muse theory rather flimsy and non-inspirational; there are some exercises to stimulate the reader to make collages and other activities, but the book lacks the inspirational qualities that would encourage the reader to pursue these exercises. The content is pretty slim and surprisingly, the quality of the paper and images included in the book are rather cheap and faded. That is not the author's fault, but Tarchers', but it does detract from the book and the readers' enjoyment.
While I cannot recommend this book, I do recommend Arrien's other books if you have not read this author's work in the past.

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A self-help book based on the stories of the nine Muses from Greek mythology, by a renowned teacher and anthropologist.The author of the classic The Tarot Handbook, which has sold more than 200,000 copies, Angeles Arrien now provides a magical and practical guide, using as a creative road map the myths of the most famous literary songstresses and sources of creative inspiration--the nine daughters of Zeus.In The Nine Muses, Arrien illustrates how we can inspire ourselves and see clearly the muses that abound in our own lives. She follows the stories of the Muses from Olympus, Mount Helicon, and the springs of Hippocrene that flowed from the spot struck by the hooves of Pegasus, explaining how to awaken and cultivate our gifts and talents. Like Apollo, who led the chorus of the Muses, Arrien directs readers in developing the qualities we crave to develop more fully: Instinct, Wisdom, Imagination, Life Force, and Intuitive Understanding. Full of illustrations from Greek art, mythical stories, and assignments and exercises designed to help readers in creative endeavors--whether artistic, personal, or business-oriented--The Nine Muses demonstrates a wisdom that is as familiar and remarkably powerful now as it was for the Greek Gods.* illustrated throughout with photographs and line drawings

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Straight Down the Middle: Shivas Irons, Bagger Vance, and How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Golf Swing Review

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(More customer reviews)Golf has always been a bit of a puzzle to me. Several times in my life I played regularly enough to begin to hope that my game would become really good. That was not to be. Josh Karp gives me hope. "Straight down the Middle" attempts to teach golf in a unique way - effortless golf.
Josh goes on a journey to discover his perfect swing. To find this elusive marvel, Josh reads works of psychology by such authorities as Abraham Maslow, and pursues Eastern philosophy - Buddhist and Zen masters. Josh postulates that by embracing the theory of nothing, a serenity will emerge that will not only bring peace, but the perfect golf game. I love the theory, but wonder about my applying it.
If I take the pages of the book literally, despite my arthritis and general lack of coordination, I could take my aged self to the golf course and by dropping all thoughts about technique and competitiveness, could play a wonderful game.
I remember lessons given by my good friend, a golf pro from Arizona, and when I play my head is full of his rules. But according to Josh, if I ignore "keep your eye on the ball" and instead "become the ball", I make progress toward perfection. Since the lessons really only helped for about a week before I slipped back into my previous problems, maybe I should give Josh Karp a try.
In a way the book reminds me of an episode of "The Mentalist." The main character, Patrick Jane, although admitting to himself he know nothing about the game, teaches a mob boss to improve his game by thinking his favorite song. The mob boss thought of the music, relaxed and his game actually improved. If it worked for the mob boss. It may work for me.
So, my advice for golfers is get this book and let go play a game.


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Straight Down the Middle is a humorous and insightful account of journalist and former-18-handicap golfer Josh Karp's quest to achieve inner peace and improve his golf gameall through the art of Zen. Assisted by a quirky roster of excellent practitioners of esoteric, Eastern-fueled, nontraditional golf instruction, Karp embarks on a unique journey across the fairways of North America (and Scotland, of course!) that's as funny as it is illuminating. A golf story in the tradition of The Legend of Bagger Vance, Straight Down the Middle is a blend of helpful tips and hilarious memoir that's a must-read for golfers of all stripes and plaids.

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The Golden Rule of Schmoozing Review

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(More customer reviews)I loved The Golden Rule of Schmoozing, The Authentic Practice of Treating Others Well, by comedian and author Aye Jaye. In fact, I enjoyed the book so much that after borrowing it from my local library, I went out and purchased it. This is unusual for me, as I rarely even keep books I have read through.
The Golden Rule of Schmoozing reminds me of Dale Carnegie on steroids. It's an entertaining, easy-read book filled with examples of how to lay on schmooze anytime, anywhere. I'd have to say that the purpose of schmoozing is to just enhance the quality of life; to make The Road more bearable, if not enjoyable. Schmoozing is all about respect, being nice and taking the extra step in relationships.
I liked the way Aye Jaye defines schmoozing in such a positive light: "Schmoozing is The Golden Rule at full throttle." "It's a skill and an art form that encourages people to say, "You've made my day..." "A schmoozer is someone who talks to people as if they really mattered..." To my mind, this book reminds us that what goes around, eventually comes around. Well-placed schmooze can result in good Karma and good fortune, albeit random, but I'd take random over nothing!
One thing that threw me was the Foreword written by Penn and Teller. Not being a fan, I was glad that it was short. It didn't even hint at the quality of content to come.
The extensive Table of Contents illustrates the far-ranging arenas for schmooze.
(four pages of) Acknowledgements
Foreword by Penn and Teller
Introduction
Chapter 1: The four laws of schmoozing
Chapter 2: Come Bearing Chatch Never come empty handed
Chapter 3: The "Make What You Say Pay" Schmooze
Chapter 4: The "Make It Happen" Schmooze
Chapter 5: If The Schmooze Fits, Care for it.
Chapter 6: Schmoozing for a Job
Chapter 7: Schmoozing the boss
Chapter 8: Managing with schmooze
Chapter 9: The Schmoozing Ninja Salesperson
Chapter 10: The Matchmaking Schmooze
Chapter 11: Schmoozing for Love
Chapter 12: Making up Schmooze I was a Jerk, but I'm better now
Chapter 13: The Impulse Improve
Chapter 14: The Traffic Schmooze
Chapter 15: The ABCs of Kid-Schmoozing
Chapter 16: Teen Schmoozing Saving the Rebels Without a Clue
Chapter 17: Schmooze Yourself to Good Health
Chapter 18: Oozing Schmooze on Yourself Proactive Inner Thinking
Chapter 19: Relationships are Everything We're all in this together
Chapter 20: Schmoozing Friends and Neighbors
Chapter 21: Tricky Schmicky Schmooze
Chapter 22: The Name Schmooze
Chapter 23: Winning by Grinning Schmooze I particularly enjoyed Aye Jaye's examples, rendered from his own life experience and those of friends and acquaintances, which drive home the point of each chapter. It was also fun to learn of the unintended (and sometimes intended) reciprocating schmooze by schmooze-recipients.
I've learned that even shy and introverted people can schmooze. This book enables the charm and charisma in otherwise inhibited people, by explaining how natural it is and illustrating the positive effects on both the schmoozer and "schmoozee". If more people were aware of the schmooze-effect it would lead to happier and more satisfying relationships across the board.
This book is recommended for all.


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Models: A Comprehensive Guide to Attracting Women Review

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(More customer reviews)First, I must mention I've been studying this field for nearly a decade. During that time I've read all the guides related to dating and PUA (David DeAngelo, Mystery, RSD, etc). And this book is the one that cuts most clearly through all the short-term fixes (routines and lines) and gets right to the core of the matter (what really makes you attractive).
This is exactly what I've discovered works over the decade I spend dating before getting into a great relationship. No routines or lines needed, just you. Highly recommended.
Now to nitpick, there are many grammar errors throughout the book. Missing words, mixed up words (like "my" instead of "me"), and a few sentences that don't flow right. The author should have the book professionally edited to fix these. That said, it's easy to ignore these minor errors as it doesn't affect the information inside - the important part - so I kept the rating at 5 stars.

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Models is the first book ever written on seduction as an emotional process rather than a logical one, a process of connecting with women rather than impressing them. It's the most mature and honest guide on how a man can attract women without faking behavior, without lying and without emulating others. A game-changer.Inside, you'll learn:- The root behavior that causes all female attraction. - Why typical dating advice and pick up theory is counter-productive in the long-run. - How to overcome nervousness and anxiety around attractive women. - How any man can make himself appear attractive with a little time and effort. - The three keys to keeping conversations with women interesting and engaging. - How to discover the beliefs and attitudes that are sabotaging your success with women. - How to develop a genuine and joyful sense of humor. And much more...

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Laugh Your Way to Grace: Reclaiming the Spiritual Power of Humor Review

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(More customer reviews)Susan Sparks has done the remarkable: She has written a book that is touching, informative and funny, all at the same time. She has a skilled way of making spiritual and theological concepts accessible to every reader. You will learn something about yourself, others and God from this book. And more importantly, you will have a clearer glimpse into a God who who laughs with us, all the time cheering us on to deeper insights and more fulfilling life. I am in Susan debt for helping me see the God I worship is also one I smile with, and indeed laugh with. God seems closer to me as a result of reading this book. Fr. Edward L. Beck, C.P.
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Laughter was honored by the ancients as a spiritual healing tool and celebrated by the world's great religions. So why aren't we laughing along the spiritual path today? What would happen if we did? In this personal and funny look at humor as a spiritual practice, Rev. Susan Sparks--an ex-lawyer turned comedian and Baptist minister--presents a convincing case that the power of humor radiates far beyond punch lines. Laughter can help you: * Remove the fearful mask of a God who doesn't laugh * Debunk the myth that you don't deserve joy * Find perspective when faced with adversity * Exercise forgiveness for yourself and others * Reclaim play as a spiritual practice * Heal--emotionally, physically and spiritually * Keep your faith when God is silent * Live with elegance, beauty and generosity of spirit Whatever your faith tradition--or if you have none at all--join this veteran of the punch line and the pulpit in reclaiming the forgotten humor legacy found in thousands of years of human spiritual history.

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