Book Description
Cocktails in Tahiti is a visually stunning, full color showpiece combining a playful yet sophisticated look at Tahiti's magnificent luxury resorts and their most delicious, flirtatious, and slightly decadent cocktails. Filled with unusual insights, folklore, and facts about Tahiti and her islands,
Cocktails in Tahiti has something to tempt and delight all tastes.
Over 50 sumptuous cocktail recipes blend exotic fruits, juices, and liquors providing a flavorful and vibrant palette from which to capture the fun and often elegant mood of these captivating islands. You'll learn the history of the legendary Mai Tai, Tahiti's most famous cocktail, and discover the secrets of the intriguing rums, vodkas, and distinctive liqueurs used in creating Tahiti's most celebrated libations.
A special section features the signature cocktail recipes from Tahiti's most outstanding luxury resorts along with spectacular photographs and overviews of these renowned hotels.
Whether served from a coconut or elegantly chilled in a martini glass of fine crystal, the flowering and colorful cocktails of Tahiti have an undeniable presence all their own. If you are dreaming of a future trip or reliving special memories from a past visit to these beautiful islands, this wonderful collection of delightful drink recipes, dazzling hotel photographs, and distinctive insights will put you in a tropical, tranquil mood as you sip your way to our magical paradise.
Al Keahi, Managing Director, Tahiti Tourism Bureau N.A:
A must have book of fun and facts for anyone who has visited or dreams of visiting Tahiti.
New Book Resources, October 2006:
We can't wait to try out the recipes and imagine that we are at one of the featured, dreamlike hotels.
Vincent Guerin, Director of Sales, Starwood Hotels & Resorts French Polynesia:
The finest collection of resort photographs and cocktail recipes from across Tahiti.
Customer Reviews:
What a fun and entertaining book!.......2007-08-05
Not only does this book have a wealth of information on a destination we long to travel to, but it offers a wide variety of fun and DELICIOUS drinks.
We love to entertain and it has been great having 'Cocktails in Tahiti' out at our parties...quite a conversation piece! Everyone loves the stunning photos of Tahiti, the scrumptious drinks, and the intriguing facts of the islands. Thank you!
Experience a whole new world of Cocktails!.......2007-04-28
Always looking for new and exciting cocktails to try, I purchased this book. Each page became more interesting, not only for the drinks presented but for the knowledge that Mr. Bondurant shares about Tahiti, it's culture, local accomodations, etc.
The photos are exceptional and each drink I have mixed has been better than the last. I have bought several as gifts for coworkers and friends. You won't be disappointed!
Cocktails from paradise at your fingertips.......2007-02-06
"Cocktails in Tahiti" is a must have for any lover of spirits with a tropical flair. The author has artfully put together a wonderful collection of cocktails, both old and new, from the scenic paradise of Tahiti. Colorful photographs and descriptions of each drink will have your mouth watering to imbibe several of these treats from the South Pacific. If you are looking for something new to bring some tropical flavor to your cocktail library, then you need this book!
This book will make you fall in love with Tahiti.......2006-12-18
I have always wanted to go to the Tahitian islands but have never had the opportunity. Now, after reading "Cocktails in Tahiti", I am planning a trip to Tahiti for next Summer. I originally thought "Cocktails in Tahiti" would give me some good ideas for entertaining, but soon found out it contained many intersting nuggets about the islands and their history. To sum it up, I am packed and ready to go to these beautiful islands.
If you've ever dreamed of a tropical vacation or just need to brighten up your winter, you should read this book.
Beautiful Book.......2006-12-09
I have never been to Tahiti, but after reading the fun, informative facts about Tahiti, seeing the beautiful pictures, and sampling some of the excellent cocktail recipes, I am ready to go!
Mr. Bondurant's love and knowledge of Tahiti come through clearly in the book, which is very well laid out. It provides enough information and explains things in such a way that an amateur can make delicious Tahitian cocktails as well as the most experienced bartender. The fun facts about Tahiti, along with summaries of the total hotels and the gorgeous pictures, makes this book a must have.
Until I can take my first trip to Tahiti, this book will help bring a little Tahiti to my home.
Average customer rating:
- Not outstanding, but useful
- A GREAT PARTY BOOK!
- I thought this book had lots of cute ideas and was helpful.
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Best Party Book
Penny Warner
Manufacturer: Meadowbrook
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ASIN: 0671780492 |
Customer Reviews:
Not outstanding, but useful.......2005-10-09
The ideas that were provided were elementary. Nothing was exciting. Useful if you have no idea what you are doing, but boring if you are already creative. Alot of "create it yourself" invitations out of construction paper. Okay to purchase just as a reference for quick ideas.
A GREAT PARTY BOOK!.......2000-03-23
This book had a lot of neat ideas and and game suggestions for different holidays and gatherings. A must have if you are out of holiday ideas!
I thought this book had lots of cute ideas and was helpful........1999-02-09
I really enjoyed the help in decorating ideas! The games and ideas of different types of parties was also very helpful!
Average customer rating:
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Guilty Parties: A Mystery Lover's Companion
Ian Ousby
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
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ASIN: 0500279780 |
Book Description
The Number One Baby Shower Planner Is Even Better!
The number one baby shower planner has been updated for the new millennium. It now contains even more quick, easy, and fun ideas! Everything you need to know about planning and hosting a great baby shower is in this book:
- Tips on choosing a shower location
- Updated planning section
- New shower gift record
- More comprehensive shower checklist
- More creative, contemporary shower themes
- Clip art for use in designing invitations
- More complete list of party favors
- Creative ideas for couple's showers
- Dozens of delicious, nutritious recipes and menu ideas
- Entertaining party games that won't embarrass guests
- Decorating ideas that don't cost a bundle
- And much more!
Customer Reviews:
Pretty good........2007-02-13
This book was pretty helpful. I liked the ideas for gifts to give the most. It could have given some more ideas for baby shower games. Luckily I found a website that gave good ideas for free baby shower games.
very average.......2001-08-30
the tidbits of cultural info were few and far between-not enough to have justified purchasing this book. personally, i didn't find anything too useful in here-i thought the theme ideas like a luau and a 70s party were kind of cheesy.
Great for beginners.......2001-05-20
I bought this book after I offered to throw a baby shower for a good friend. I'd never thrown a baby shower before, and I didn't know how to start planning one. After reading the previous review (which obviously refers to an earlier edition), I agree that the book is geared toward beginners, which was just what I needed. I was looking for something straight forward that would show me how to easily throw a fun party that has all the necessary baby-shower requirements, yet would not be overwhelming. This book offers all that and more: inviting party themes that seem simple to pull off, games that didn't drive my guests away, and tasty recipes--lots of recipes.(In fact, perhaps too many recipes. I stuck with the simpler-sounding ones, and they turned out very nicely. And let's face it: food is quite an attraction at these affairs!)My friend loved the shower, I didn't break a sweat planning it, and those two reasons are why this book is worth buying.
Not necessarily.............1997-08-14
Contrary to the title, this is NOT the best baby shower book I've ever read, although it isn't bad. There's a little bit of everything in this book: a handfull of recipies, some ideas for inexpensive shower themes, making your own ivitations, very limited games. There are some interesting tidbits on folklore and traditions around the world that's very good and worth reading the book for. There is also a section on gift ideas and a checklist for the new mom's needs. All in all, this book is a decent place to start, but not sufficient in planning the entire party if you want to make it an all-out occasion
Average customer rating:
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Best Best Friends
Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Manufacturer: Harcourt Children's Books
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ASIN: 0152056947 |
Book Description
Clare and Mary do everything together. After all, they're best best friends. But on Mary's birthday, she gets a party, a shiny crown, and lots of attention--and Clare gets jealous. The best best friends get into a big, big fight. Only after Clare comes up with a way to make peace do the girls realize that between true friends, love triumphs over jealousy every time (even when it comes to crowns and cupcakes).
Average customer rating:
- Nice
- Great for beginners
- SHOWER BOOK FAILS
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The Best Wedding Shower Book (Revised Edition) : A Complete Guide For Party Planners
Courtney Cooke
Manufacturer: Meadowbrook
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ASIN: 0671318241 |
Book Description
This new edition contains more fun activities, party recipes, decorating hints, gift ideas, and planning tips than any other
book
- Practical party-planning checklists
- Designs for invitations and name tags
- Decorating ideas that don't cost a bundle
- Creative ideas for "couples" showers
- Engaging party games that won't embarrass your quests
- Dozens of delicious, nutritious recipes and menu ideas
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- And much more
Customer Reviews:
Nice.......2006-08-30
This book was a nice addition to other books that I purchased on planning a wedding shower.
Great for beginners.......2001-05-22
When my sister announced that she's getting married, I announced that I'd love to throw her a shower. I'd never thrown a wedding shower before, and I needed to find something to help me plan one--fast! I was pleased with Ms. Cooke's "Best Baby Shower Book" that I'd bought to plan my friend's baby shower a couple of months before, so I thought I'd try her again. I wasn't disappointed. This book offers instructions and tips for throwing fun parties in a straight-forward way, and none of the parties seemed overwhelming to plan or impossible to pull off. The theme I chose was fun to plan, and the party was a blast. This book is a new edition, and it seems as if the problems with the previous edition mentioned in the previous review were addressed.
SHOWER BOOK FAILS.......2000-03-02
I WAS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS BOOK. THE GAME SUGESTIONS WERE TIRED AND ONE DOESN'T NEED SEVERAL COPIES OF GAME FORMS TO WASTE PAGES. MENUS WERE NOT INNOVATIVE,IN FACT,NOTHING WAS.
Book Description
Sarina and her mom decide to turn a gloomy, rainy day around by having a wonderful tea party. To prepare for the event, they make sandwiches, pick flowers, put out the fancy china, and more. In the end, they prove that planning a tea party can be as fun as having one! Comes with 25 colorful, sparkling jewel stickers that kids can use to decorate the pages of the book.
Customer Reviews:
fun sticker book!.......2000-10-12
this is a great sticker book for young girls that like tea parties!
Book Description
More fun activities, recipes, decorating hints, gift ideas, and planning tips than any other party book.
This all-inclusive book contains information on how to plan and host a great bachelorette party -- plus great games, activities, and recipes. It includes the kind of spicy, fun ideas that bachelorette partygoers are looking for:
* Fun party themes, such as Rubber Bash, Get Lei-d, Striptease, and Find the Heart-On.
* Entertaining games, such as Pin the Privates on the Pinup, We're Looking for a Few Good Men, Bimbo, Hung Man, and Video Scavenger Hunt.
* Embarrassing bridal attire, such as Rubber-Made Train, Design-Her-a-Gown, and Colorful Condom Corsage.
* Tasty recipes and drinks, such as Better-Than-Sex Cake, Horny Party Mix, Who-Took-My-Cherry Dessert, Screaming Orgasm, and Slippery Nipple.
* Gift ideas, such as Panty Rose, X-rated Fortune Cookies, and Boyfriend in a Bag.
Customer Reviews:
Uninspiring and generic.......2006-07-27
I bought this book hoping to expand my knowledge on bachelorette parties....or at least to get some cool ideas. Unfortunately, this book really didn't tell me anything I couldn't have found out for free from about a dozen bachelorette websites I've already visited. The few ideas in the text that were somewhat original were lame and unrealistic. One idea I found completely ridiculous and cartoonish was the idea of having invitations in champagne glasses "delivered on a silver tray by a gentleman dressed in a tuxedo". WHAT? I want to meet the guy that you can hire to do this. Then I want to slap him. Hard.
Overall I just found this book to be a waste of money. It vaccilated between adolescent "put the condom on the banana" games and "useful tips" on creating really crappy homemade party favors. The only part that was even remotely useful was the recipe section which included appetizers, desserts and drinks. Unfortunately, I wasn't needing a cook book. I was needing some new and innovative ideas to give my friend a special night to remember. Two thumbs most enthusiastically down.
Who's ready to Party?.......2001-07-11
A lot of good ideas, many drink recipes and decorating ideas. If it hadn't been for this book, I don't know how my best friends bachelorette party would have turned out. Highly recomend it, many, many recipes.
I LOVED IT!!!.......2001-03-17
My cousin and I are getting married within 6 months of each other and this book allowed me to plan a party for her with very little stress. She is also going to use the book to plan the party of MY DREAMS. THANKS
Useful.......2001-01-16
I enjoyed reading this book, especially not knowing the first thing about throwing a bachelorette party. The book also gives enough examples to where it is possible to create your own original ideas following along with a basic concept of i.e. themed parties. The book is light hearted, and fun, which is expected considering the subject matter. Overall, it is a very interesting and practical book, for the purpose.
Tons of ideas!.......2000-08-01
I was able to use many of the book's ideas for planning a friend's bachelorette party. Among other things, it features a variety of unique themes and games. The scavenger hunt was very original and lots of fun!
Book Description
A joyous celebration of the young and young-at-heart
Tonight’s a special night. Robert is going to his first grownup party – a birthday celebration for Great-Gran Sadie, who is one hundred years old. Robert is so excited he feels like a firecracker about to go off. But once he arrives at the party, it’s hard to remember what to do when. “Don’t do that!” says Grandpa Jack. “Don’t do that!” says Uncle Phil. “Don’t do that!” says Cousin Sidney. But what will Great-Gran Sadie say?
How Robert discovers an unexpected kindred spirit comes to life in whimsical pictures that perfectly capture what it’s like to be small in a world of adults. This is one party no one will ever forget.
Customer Reviews:
Well are ya? Punk?.......2006-04-02
I, personally, have a hard time looking at books illustrated by G. Brain Karas without getting a sinking pit-of-the-stomach reaction. Not because the books are bad, of course. Karas has a style entirely of his own that somehow fits everything from "Muncha Muncha Muncha" by Candace Fleming to Lenny Hort's, "The Seals On the Bus". No, I get all squirmy around them because I once walked up to him and boldly let him know that I had confused him with lesser-known illustrator Nick Bruel. I will never live this down. Fortunately (or unfortunately, if you're me) Karas just gets better and more prolific as the years go by. In this particular case he has paired with Cari Best, known to most for her "Catherine the Great" books. The result is an incredibly realistic look at what happens when an average antsy kid is forced to play grown-up for a little too long.
Robert is looking preeeety sharp. He has put on his special shirt on which, "there are pearly buttons on the ends", his tie, and even a handkerchief for his pocket. You see the family is having a party for Great-Gran Sadie who is turning 100. On the way there, everyone is telling Robert exactly how to behave. No mumbling. No talking too loud. No interrupting. And when they get there it's just a dull grown-up affair. Robert tries to loosen up and have fun by trying the fancy soaps in the bathroom or pouring the gross punch out into the flowers but everyone's giving him admonitions like, "Don't do that". He can't color on the tablecloth, or polish Great-Gran Sadie's shoes under the table. He can't make a pyramid out of ice cubes or toss olives into glasses. So when the music begins you can bet that Robert is the first one out there, shimmying and shaking and getting down. And who else should happen to join him? Well, it's the only person who's telling him, "Do that again!". Yep. It's Great-Gran Sadie. So together they kick up their heels, munch on sweet cherry berries, blow out the candles on the cake, and agree to do it all again next year.
Best has honed in on those very real situations in which young children are forced into deadly dull adult situations without so much as a toy robot to entertain them. In this particular situation, Robert our hero does many of the things we adults would love to do but can't since we "know better". I mean, how many times have you tried an appetizer and then wanted to put it back because it tasted nasty? Or avoid the chicken because, "it has mushrooms that [you] can't pick out". I think Great-Gran Sadie's reaction at the end is completely understandable. Once you hit a certain age, you just don't care what people think anymore. Consider that the consolation prize of being very young and very old. The writing is clever in that the things Robert does are only mildly naughty and real reactions any young kid might have to an overabundance of rules. You would think his parents would have at least thought to give the poor kid a coloring book, for pete's sake.
As for Mr. Brian G. Karas himself, I dare say his style is becoming even more polished as the years go by. From the very first image of Robert high-kicking it out of the bath to the faces he makes in the men's room mirror, this kid's a rebel with a cause. Karas does some mighty fine things with perspective as well. When the Robert first enters the party, all you can see is a sea of adult legs. Very adult, very dull legs. In the past, I've always kind of seen Karas as a bit messy for my taste, but darned if he hasn't honed his work down a little here. I was particularly fond of the picture where Robert has been served a dinner that includes things like onions and french fried zucchini. The whole picture takes on a greenish tinge and poor little Robert's eyes are just curlicues of swirls.
All in all, a lot of parents and a TON of children are going to recognize themselves in "Are You Going To Be Good". For the sake of the kids, I hope that parents recognize Robert's plight in the face of overwhelming (and ridiculous) grown-up demands. For kids, I hope they can see that when it comes to "being good", it's all a matter of perspective. Fine frolicsome work.
Charming humorous tale .......2006-02-26
Cari Best has captured the humor of a family celebration from a child's point of view. Robert is scolded by family members and reminded how he should behave. Robert's reactions to the food, drinks and activities make for an enjoyable read. Appropriate for 4-8 year olds.
Average customer rating:
- Your presence, not your presents is required
- Really original and fun.
- A Delightful Surprise
- Gifts from the Heart
|
Three Cheers for Catherine the Great!
Cari Best , and
Giselle Potter
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
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ASIN: 0374475512 |
Amazon.com
It's Sara's Russian grandma's birthday, and she has made a proclamation: "I have music in my Russian bones, and laughing in my heart. I have the day and the night, and I have all of you. That's why for me the best presents will be no presents." No presents? Sara is baffled. Her amazing grandma gives so much to everyone. How can they have a birthday party for her without gifts? Sara realizes that any "no present" for Grandma has to be pretty special. And the "no present" she finally gives is the best kind of all.
With deep warmth and love, Cari Best captures the sweet bond between grandmother and granddaughter. Set in an urban apartment building, with quirky, friendly neighbors, the story digs around family roots, portraying the trunk, branch, and blossoms of an immigrant family tree. Best's first picture book, Taxi! Taxi!, won the Ezra Jack Keats Award. Giselle Potter's art frequently appears in The New Yorker, and one of the picture books she illustrated, Gabriella's Song, was an ALA Notable Book. Here, her eye-catching watercolors invite young readers to join the neighborhood in celebrating the great Catherine's birthday. Includes a recipe for Russian borscht! (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter
Book Description
A little English, a little Russian, and a lot of heart make a birthday celebration you won't want to miss! When Sara's grandma, Catherine the Great, suddenly announces, "This year for my birthday, I want no presents! I have music in my Russian bones, and laughing in my heart. I have the day and the night, and I have all of you," Sara is surprised. How can Grandma have a birthday party with no presents?" Her mama explains that a NO PRESENT can be anything from a kiss or a hug to a game of gin rummy -- as long as it comes from deep inside you. But what kind of NO PRESENT would be good enough for Catherine the Great? Mr. Minsky, Monica, and her dad, Mary Caruso and her baby, Mimmo, already have good ideas. But it isn't until Sara is surrounded by Grandma's bundles of Russian newspapers and books that she gets her won idea: She will teach Grandma to read and write English. This lively borscht-and-blintzes birthday celebration shows that sometimes NO PRESENTS can be the best presents of all.
Customer Reviews:
Your presence, not your presents is required.......2004-11-04
Some picture books find a variety of different ways to incorporate words from other languages into their text and pictures. For example, Simms Taback's, "Joseph Had a Little Overcoat" cleverly combines Hebrew texts and pictures throughout the story. I expected something similar with Cari Best's, "Three Cheers For Catherine the Great!" so I wasn't surprised when I came across pages where Russian script dots books and writings. Though the cover illustration of this book initially gave me half a moment's concern (the characters in this story all sport thick eyebrows and slitted eyes that make them look more than a little devious) I found the story to be warm, inviting, and just a mite bit touching. It's a beautiful tribute to one granddaughter's love of her grandmother.
Sara has a slight problem. It's her grandmother Catherine's birthday and the elder woman has made a very odd request. For her party she has made it very clear that she would like a party of "no presents". When confused by this request, Sara's mom explains that, "A good NO PRESENT can by anything from a kiss or a hug to a game of gin rummy". This makes more sense to Sara, but she has some difficulty coming up with something. After all, her downstairs neighbors know what they'll do. So do her upstairs neighbors. Finally, our heroine figures it out. She knows the perfect gift to give to her grandmother. One that will keep on giving and giving long after her birthday's past.
The book summarizes neatly the experience many immigrants went through to come to the United States. Catherine, it is explained, was known as Ekaterina and was renamed once she arrived in America. Kids are allowed to draw their own conclusions on whether or not THAT was a good idea. There's a nice bit of give and take between the neighbors of Sarah and Catherine herself. I liked the relationship between the hair stylist father and his young daughter, for example. The book seemed to display a gay father and his offspring in a clear accepting light. The pictures in this story slowly grow on you. Without reading the book they're initially a bit shocking. Characters are never more frightening than when they smile, for some reason. Yet these illustrations by Giselle Potter contain a great deal of love and affection in them. From the cut-away expansive shots that reveal what each character is doing in his or her apartment to the playful illustrations of Sara playing Gypsy dress-up with her grandmother, these are calm lovely images.
I recently read "Abuela" by Arthur Dorros, a story that is also about the close relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter. Though this story lacks the visual punch of Dorros' creation, it contains the same touching affection between two vastly different generations. For any family in which the grandparents are from another land, this book would make for fine reading. For anyone else, it's just a well-written interesting story.
Really original and fun........2003-08-14
The 4 year old I am a nanny to has asks me to read this to her over and over and I am happy to because it is so charming.
It is grandmas birthday and she wants "no presents". By the end of the story she is given things of real value by her family like a poem, a dance and best of all, the gift of a new language. It holds a wonderful sentiment for kids. But, don't expect miracles....when I asked the little girl if we should make her 5th birthday a "no present" birthday she quickly said, "NO!"
A must have for any kids library.
A Delightful Surprise.......2001-07-14
This book was recommended to me by two people that I work with. I thought the title was kind of cheesy, but I finally did read it, and I am happy I did.
The story is that of a young girl, named Sara, who is looking for the perfect "no-present" for her Russian grandmother. In this search, Sara reflects on many of the wonderful things about her grandmother, and finally comes up with a "no-present" for her grandmother, "Catherine the Great".
The story is not just about Sara's search, but also brings into light some of the characters' histories. Grandma is "Catherine" because when they came to America, "Ekaterina" just seemed too odd. Even in this "New World", grandma has managed to keep much of her Russian-ness about her, speaking in Russian and keeping Russian traditions. Sara is definitely more "American", but still loves her grandmother very much, and has an interest in keeping some of her heritage about herself as well.
I very much enjoyed the occasional phrases in Russian. I know to many people, these are unreadable and extraneous, but they are very sweet if you are fortunate enough to be able to read them.
Gifts from the Heart.......2000-09-02
A heartwarming story for all ages about people who give the greatest gifts of all - their kindness and sharing of their unique God-given talents.
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- Conversations with God : An Uncommon Dialogue (Book 1)
- Coombs' Printed Circuits Handbook
- Cross- Functional Teams: Working with Allies, Enemies, and Other Strangers (Jossey Bass Business and Management Series)
- Devil's Due (Silhouette Bombshell)
- Dragons of the Dwarven Depths (Dragonlance: The Lost Chronicles, Vol. 1)
- Easy & Engaging ESL Activities and Mini-Books for Every Classroom: Terrific Teaching Tips, Games, Mini-Books & More to Help New Students from Every Nation Build Basic English Vocabulary and Feel Welcome!
- Eldest (Inheritance, Book 2)
- FamilyFun Parties: 100 Complete Party Plans for Birthdays, Holidays, and Every Day
- Fighting Techniques of the Ancient World (3000 B.C. to 500 A.D.): Equipment, Combat Skills, and Tactics
- Film Art: An Introduction with Tutorial CD-ROM
Books Index
Books Home
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