Kim Johnson

Shelley Crabster is a little crab in a big world. She knows that there is so much to see and do, but she only knows her little white sand beach. She wonders if there's a new pretty pink shell somewhere out there waiting for her. What would it be like to break free to explore and see the world? What's out there? Who's out there? Join Shelley as she believes in herself, follows her heartand learns that dreams really can come truewhen you stay true to yourself.

From its first appearance in 1939 with a group of men knocking on pots and pans to the 1951 Trinidad All-Steel Percussion Orchestra (TASPO), steelband has fascinated the world. Relying largely on oral histories, this work investigates and documents the different technical, musical and organisational steps by which the steelband movement was born and grew to maturity. This study is a radical break with the approach to cultural creativity in general and music of the African diaspora in particular, emphasising the role of individual agency, microsociology and aesthetic values. This contrasts with the “resistance” school of thought, which views music as an automatic reaction to oppression rather than a deliberate attempt to satisfy aesthetic needs and impulses. The minute biographical and psychological details provide a unique theory of creolisation and chart its relationship to African retentions, based on empirical data. This authoritative study will appeal to both the general reader interested in the origins of steelband and to scholars concerned with the creolisation of African and European cultures and Caribbean creativity.

The Wisdom of Abortion discusses the reasons a woman chooses abortion. It shows the immediate positive consequences of the abortion choice, as well as the long-term benefits - for the woman, for her children, for her family, and for her country. After a detailed account of what science says (and doesn't say) about fetal development, The Wisdom of Abortion debunks some popular myths about abortion and religion. It also has practical advice for the woman who is actively considering abortion. There are many scholarly books, many anti-abortion books, and many books that give advice about how to "heal" and become "whole" again. But millions and millions of women don't choose, year after year, something that's wrong, that damages them, or that requires healing. Rather, they wisely choose what's best for them and their family. (60% of women who choose abortion have one or more children to support). Too often, the wisdom of their decision is ignored. Too often, their story is left untold. The positive consequences, the immediate advantages and the long-term benefits of their choice are neglected. The Wisdom of Abortion is a powerful, straightforward book that tells their story. It describes their reasons for choosing abortion, the benefits of abortion, and, indeed, the wisdom of abortion. In the world forty-six million women choose abortionIn the U. S. over a million women. Each and every year. Why? For very good reasons(The second edition of The Wisdom of Abortionhas a new publisher and is now available for theKindle.)

Want to learn the improv techniques that helped Mike Myers, Chris Farley, John Belushi, and many others along the road to TV and film stardom? Then let two esteemed founders of long-form improvisational theatre, Del Close and Charna Halpern, teach you the "Harold." This groundbreaking acting exercise emphasizes pattern recognition and subversion of the audience's expectations, which are important factors for making people laugh without ever telling a joke. It involves six to seven players and many kinds of scenes: games, monologues, songs, skits and more, all of which are bound to keep both actors and audience members guessing. The Harold is non-linear entertainment that remembers everything and wastes nothing the key to successful improvising and has become a standard in comedy clubs and improv theatres around the globe.