The Japanese geisha is an international icon, known almost universally as a symbol of traditional Japan. Numerous books exist on the topic, yet this is the first to focus on the 'gei' of geisha - the art that constitutes their title (gei translates as fine art, sha refers to person). Kelly M. Foreman brings together ethnomusicological field research, including studying and performing the shamisen among geisha in Tokyo, with historical research. The book elaborates how musical art is an essential part of the identity of the Japanese geisha rather than a secondary feature, and locates current practice within a tradition of two and half centuries. The book opens by deconstructing the idea of 'geisha' as it functions in Western societies in order to understand why gei has been, and continues to be, neglected in geisha studies. Subsequent chapters detail the myriad musical genres and traditions with which geisha have been involved during their artistic history, as well as their position within the traditional arts society. Considering the current situation more closely, the final chapters explore actual dedication to art today by geisha, and analyse how they create impromptu performances at evening banquets. An important issue here is geisha-patron artistic collaboration, which leads to consideration of what Foreman argues to be the unique and essential nexus of identity, eroticism and aesthetics within the geisha world.

The Japanese geisha is an international icon, known almost universally as a symbol of traditional Japan. Numerous books exist on the topic, yet this is the first to focus on the 'gei' of geisha - the art that constitutes their title (gei translates as fine art, sha refers to person). Kelly M. Foreman brings together ethnomusicological field research, including studying and performing the shamisen among geisha in Tokyo, with historical research. The book elaborates how musical art is an essential part of the identity of the Japanese geisha rather than a secondary feature, and locates current practice within a tradition of two and half centuries. The book opens by deconstructing the idea of 'geisha' as it functions in Western societies in order to understand why gei has been, and continues to be, neglected in geisha studies. Subsequent chapters detail the myriad musical genres and traditions with which geisha have been involved during their artistic history, as well as their position within the traditional arts society. Considering the current situation more closely, the final chapters explore actual dedication to art today by geisha, and analyse how they create impromptu performances at evening banquets. An important issue here is geisha-patron artistic collaboration, which leads to consideration of what Foreman argues to be the unique and essential nexus of identity, eroticism and aesthetics within the geisha world.

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the interactions between descriptive set theory and various aspects of the theory of dynamical systems, including ergodic theory and topological dynamics. This volume, first published in 2000, contains a collection of survey papers by leading researchers covering a wide variety of recent developments in these subjects and their interconnections. This book provides researchers and graduate students interested in either of these areas with a guide to work done in the other, as well as with an introduction to problems and research directions arising from their interconnections.

Experience the excitement of New York in the late 1950's through the eyes of a brave young Renaissance woman and how her path leading to college takes a detour to New York City and into a modeling and acting career that leads to the famous Rehearsal Club were so many young hopefuls began and later became famous. Learn which famous personalities she met. When asked what were your ultimate aspirations? Broadway? Hollywood? Ruth replied, "I never had any real aspirations other than college ...was just on a fascinating learning curve that I became propelled into from nothing I set out to do. It all "just happened" like a snowball gathering snow as it races alone merrily on its way, grounded, and yet soaring like a star, each new development through other people constantly keeping me in action. No chance for ego to enter into any of it as it was all just a continuing marvelous experience. A lovely blessing perhaps as I was followed by a guardian angel with new aspirations or experiences for me. When she decided I had had enough she placed my future husband in my heart, a man I had met almost ten years before New York, and moved me onto a new and different life."

JOHNNY B thinks he has it all: glamour, celebrity friends, free booze, lots of coke, and a roomful of strippers every night. But Johnny B is a perfect example of what happens to a human being when he falls through the hole in the ozone. The story opens in 2008 when Johnny crashes in pain to the floor of the club where he works. Rushed to the hospital, he needs immediate surgery. As soon as the booze and drugs clear out of his blood, that is. Flash back to the mid-nineties. Johnny is the hottest DJ in L.A., working at the premiere strip club of the decade, CG's. He interacts with Hollywood's A-list actors and rock stars. He's friends with gangstas, bikers, dealers, and hustlers. He's buddy, daddy, and mommy to an unpredictable group of beautiful strippers, keeping the club running and helping the girls with everything from boyfriend problems to addictions.