Rebecca Books

This is a wonderful story of a man who made a difference in many slaves' lives. The side by side English/Spanish text is beautifully written, and stays nondenominational, even though it is the story of the patron saint of slaves. The illustrations are also lovely, and both the text and pictures hold the attention of my antsy son. One of his favorite books, it is a deeply moving spiritual story that I recommend to all.

This is a terrific example of a spiritual book for kids. The poetic text rivals that of the secular classics, and the pictures are rich, textured, and deeply moving. Yet there's no overt message, no preaching, no denominational stand. It's just a wonderful book -- period.

Zurier makes the point that Glackens,Bellows,Shinn and Sloan were cartoonist. John Sloan is given an entire chapter to discuss his work. She cites all of the Ashcan painters as flaneurs. Flaneur has a superficial connotation to it ,see Websters dictionary for a definition.They were walkers . Some worked in sketchbooks in their journeys in the big city.Not, John Sloan,he worked from memory, an approach he insisted upon.R. Zurier does a fine job analyzing the work of these painters.She talks about how Sloan was alone in getting depth in his vision,she observes how the people represented are looking at each other ,but at the same time they seem to be looking at us.In all of the books on Sloan, Zurier has the most unique analysis of his work. Her work is cited in the later book John Sloan's New York...2007 .Sloan has rejected social realism as an approach to change the world. Sloan lived longer than the other painters with the exception of Shinn who died two years after him.Sloan knew about abstract art and the work of Picasso. Yet,he held firm to a representational approach. Part of that was his socialism, he became disenchanted with social art when he was art editor of "the Masses". The Trotskyites for one leftist group believe that it is necessary to have a cartoon approach to relate to the masses.Zurier has carefully researched her subject thoroughly.Her bibliography is vast.This book will do much to raise the reputation of the Ashcan artists. Art history today is multi-disciplinary. Art history has always been a difficult field.. But , the student today will need a wide background to read and study the field. There are art history studies on artist that emphasize the sciences in analyzing an artist work.The natural sciences effect the arts today as much as the social sciences. The scholar ,the avid reader ,and artist will benefit from this book. As an artist i was especially interested in how these artist were able to develop their work ,from living in New York.According to Seitz in his book on Abstract Expressionism the city was one of the main subjects of Rothko,Dekooning,Kline,Toby among others..So in some sense the Ashcan painters paved the way for the establishment of this important subject.In that respect it is a worthwhile read.

This outstanding history and evaluation of the Ashcan School is deeply informed by current urban studies and rooted in the critique of everyday life. I strongly recommend this book for urban and democracy studies as well as those philosophers and sociologists seeking visual and concrete manifestations of otherwise abstract theories.

This is a wonderful and enjoyable book to read .You can get a taste of the articles in it by visiting the www.jamaica-gleaner.com website and looking for pieces of the past.

The book has much more information,pictures,interesting facts etc.

You can also read a lot more wonderful reviews on the above website.

My only regret is not getting the hard cover version.

I was happy to see this well researched, easy to read book listed with you!
Rebecca Tortello has combined her historical facts into a series of articles into a really useful journal on the many facets of Jamaica and its people! Most enjoyable.

I agree with the reader below, Corcoran's essay outshines them all. The best piece of political/personal/travel/humor writing I've read in ages, and a real historical document as well -- perfectly captures the atmosphere surrounding the 2000 inauguration. Can't wait to see more from this promising writer.

There is an essay in this issue of Post Road by Olisa Corcoran called "Shouting Obscenities at George Bush the Younger" and it's just so good that I had to share my opinion with potential readers.

This captivating true tale of inauguration day 2000 is insightful, humorous and ironic. It is an awesome recollection of a meaningful experience. A really interesting "slice of life".

You never know where treasures like this story may appear!

If you're a compliance manager, corporate attorney, CPO, CSO, CISO, or really in any position where you're responsible for the privacy and safeguarding of sensitive information, this toolkit is a must-have. It's not a bunch of fluff theory - it's practical privacy guidance you can use in the real-world.

The toolkit covers information privacy at a level that I've never seen before. Everything from managing a privacy governance program, finding where you're weak, developing privacy policies and procedures (samples included), and various organizational and technology-based controls you can use to protect private information.

The toolkit also has some good leadership tips, privacy awareness tools, external privacy resource links, and information on basically every current U.S. and international privacy law and regulation that affects business. Everything is accessible via HTML too which provides for easy links and cross referencing.

Even with this toolkit, managing privacy initiatives will require some effort on your part since every organization's needs are unique and nothing is truly cut and paste. However, the meat of this toolkit is a very large part of the deliverables you'd get if you hired an outside professional to do the work for you - just at a fraction of the price.

In the early days of nuclear physics, many people scoffed at the notion that splitting an atom could devastate cities. They simply did not understand the power of the atom. In many ways, privacy is akin to the atom: it sits dormant among the minutiae of life until it is split, or invaded, unleashing forces that can have destructive consequences.

Myriad incidents this year alone have clearly demonstrated that if privacy is not effectively managed, the fallout can be "nuclear." Just consider the number of times that the loss of customer data has created firestorms. One incident can affect millions of clients and cost companies many more millions in downstream liability.

For those who are serious about privacy--and everyone should be--The Privacy Management Toolkit is an invaluable instrument for achieving privacy compliance. Its eight chapters and eleven appendices cover every aspect of privacy relevant to an organization. Every crucial area is discussed, from creating a privacy governance program and defining personally identifiable information to understanding U.S. and international privacy-related laws and implementing privacy-enhancing technologies.

After performing a self-assessment, many organizations will find that their data are far less private than they thought. But privacy is too important to be left unmanaged, given the explosive consequences of its compromise. This is a very useful resource for managing organizational privacy initiatives.

Lustiger's book is a stimulating theological read related to Christianity's understanding of the Election of Israel. Non-Jewish Christians (Lustiger's Pagan-Christians) participate (not supplant or replace) in the Covenant of Israel through the Messiah of Israel, Jesus. For non-Jews to accept/follow Jesus' offer of salvation and participation in the Covenant of Israel as non-Jews, a prerequisite is to affirm the Election of Israel and see their own Election/Salvation as an extension of the Election of Israel. Lustiger offers many beautiful new ways to read passages in Matthew. Like Stuart's excellent review above, I've found this a most important book with an very unique voice.

Aaron Jean-Marie Cardinal Lustiger (1926-2007), a child of Polish-born secularized Jewish parents, was raised in Paris, and fled with his family to the south of France (Orléans) during WW II. Tragically, his mother returned to Paris to take care of business affairs, was betrayed by her maid, and deported to Auschwitz where she was murdered. Lustiger came across a Protestant Bible as a young adolescent, and in August of his 14th year became a convert, which conversion his father unsuccessfully sought to have reversed. His sister also converted. Lustiger and his father were reconciled in the 1970's, and then Bishop Lustiger made arrangements for the Jewish funeral of his father. He was Archbishop Emeritus of Paris, and throughout his life stood faithfully as a witness to Jewish suffering, the elect status of the Jewish people, and to Christ, the crucified. In religiously liberal France he was known as an excellent communicator, and like close friend John Paul II, modern in his style and traditional in his convictions. He was considered by some to be a logical successor to John Paul, but he demurred for reasons of health.

This compilation brings together a collection of meditations on the Gospel of Matthew delivered to a group of French contemplative nuns, supplemented by a few brief addresses delivered in the 1990's to various Jewish audiences. Throughout, Lustiger demonstrates an unflinching and consistent conviction that Israel is the Elect people of God and that Jesus is first and foremost their Savior and Redeemer, Furthermore, without exception, he refers to Gentiles, even Gentile Christians as "pagans," underscoring that Christian access to the grace of God is always via God's prior and continuing mercy to Israel. In this book, he explores the ways in which both Israel and the Church need each other, the contours of their respective and collective missions, and ways the attitudes of each community toward the other must change if they are to fulfill their destiny and responsibility to God and to humankind.

In Chapter One, "Jesus and the Law," he argues against seeing the Jews and their law as superseded by another code and another people. Jesus is presented as exemplifying and ratifying Torah obedience. God is seens as enabling us to walk in the obedience of Christ, patterned after the Law, and facilitated by the Spirit. Chapter Two, ""The Ten Words," shows how God himself exemplifies the righteous requirements of the Ten Words. Chapter Three, "Prophecy Concerning the Life of Jesus," examines the Matthean nativity story and the corporate solidarity of Jesus and Israel.

Chapter Four, "Prophecy of the Life of the Disciples of Jesus," continues considering the second chapter of Matthew, seeing uit as foreshadowing the mission of Christ, the Church, and the final judgment, as well as the unity between those who suffer for the Kingdom of God, (including faithful Israel) and the kingdom of God and Christ. Matthew two also underlies Chapter Five, "The Passion of Christ Throughout History," which considers how the Church rejects Christ a whenever it rejects or persecutes Israel, highlighting the solidarity between the sufferings of Israel and those of Messiah.

In Chapter Six, "In Him, All God's Promises Are Fulfilled," he demonstrates how in Jesus, the Kingdom of God is a present reality among us, bt in a secret form, not yet fully and triumphantly manifest. Through the gift of the Spirit, Jesus' eschatological foreshadowing of Israel's blessed future is communicated to us. Our foretaste of the age to come is a foretaste of Israel's prophetic destiny--obedience to Torah, fullness of the Spirit, resurrection of the dead, and regathering of God's people--all signs borrowed from Ezekiel 36-37.

Chapter Seven, "The Hope of Israel," examines the third chapter of Matthew, again countering supersessionism by presenting Yeshua the Messiah as Israel's hope. The Older Testament is not invalidated by his coming but extended to the pagans through New Testament and Christ, and this is a grace immersed in sufferings now, with glories to follow. We live between the already and the not yet, just as Jesus was not yet glorified. The passion of Christ reveals both the measure of our sin and the scope of our forgiveness: we could not bear the knowledge of our sin otherwise. We can then go on in the Holy Spirit, willing to suffer for his name's sake. Chapter Eight, "Christ's Passion Reveals the Sin of All" explores the mystery of Messiah: Why was "necessary" that the Messiah had to die? In the account of Christ's passion we see representatives of every class of humankind, all demonstrated to be in need of the fruits of his passion. In Christ we se the character and dpth of our sin. Through this same passion, we are enabled to live a new life in union with Christ through his outpoured Spirit.

Chapter Nine, "Jesus Crucified, the Messiah of Israel: Salvation for All," shows how the salvation Christian pagans receive is a participation in the election of Israel. For both Israel and the Church this should result in holy living. Israel and the Church are meant to have a reciprocal relationship. Chapter Ten, "Access Thorugh Christ to All the Riches of Israel," considers what are the riudcghes accessible to the pagan nations through the cross of Christ? Among these he names these include access to Israel's history, her Law, her Scripture, her prayer life and festivals, her land, the Kingdom of God, the redemption and repentance. It seems that for Lustiger, these are already the possession of Israel apart from explicit Yeshua faith. Chapter Ten, "Facing Israel--The Nations' Examination of Conscience," shows how the Church and the nations are responsible for anti-Seminitism and must repent by reaffirming the unique and elect status of Israel, while allowing Israel to be who sshe is befoe God, and self-defined. Perhaps then the wound between Israel and the Church will begin to heal. Lustiger hopes for the rebirh of what was lost in the early centuries, a Churchfrom among the Circumcision.

The final four small chapters consist of brief addresses given to Jewish audiences. Chapter Twelve, "Israel and the Gentiles," speaks of how Israel must transcend merely national concerns because its election is not for itself alone. Chapter Thirteen, "From Jules Isaac to John Paul II, " examines the contribution of the latter, the heroic reopening of dialogue after 2000 years, post-Auschwitz. The recovery of memory which Auschwitz sought to obliterate, the need for Christians and Jews to continue to find eaqch other and their reciprocal destinies across the table of the Bible, which neither of them ultimately defines, but which defines them both Chapter Fourteen, "What Can Jews and Christians Hope for When They Meet?," shows how Jews remain "other" and "strangers" in the midst of the earth, yet may discover deep commonality with Christians. Through dialogue, both Jews and Christians may and should come to better understand themselves in ways they could not otherwise access. This renewed dialogue promises an unforeseen and salutary fecundity. The chapter is a treasure trove, suggesting concepts germane to my research including: destiny, reciprocity, convergences, discernment, dialogue,
commonality, breakthroughs, elder/younger brothers, partnership, mutual recognition, legacy/common patrimony. Chapter Fifteen, "What Do Christian-Jewish Encounters Mean as Civilizations Clash?" explores the interwoven/converging destines of Israel and the Church through considering five questions: (1) What do Jews and Christians have in common that may justify their getting closer to each other, and becoming allies?; (2) As jews and Christians acknowledge what they have in common, wil their respecgtive characteristics and identities be threatened by such comanionship?; (3) Does this common principle mean anthing for humankind as a whole? (4) Do both Jews and Christians become better able, when tey get together, to carry out their specific mission with regard to the rest of humankind?' and (5) Finally, if such caring for the world does not reflect any ambition to conquer or dominate, how can this universalism express itself completely?

Lustiger handles these enormous questions with seemingly effortless grace. He states clearly that God's call upopn Jews and Christians preludes their failing to dialogue and work together. The world needs Jews and CHrstians to do this, and God commands it

The book spans nearly thirty years of the author's life while exhibiting unwavering unity. What strikes me most is his unabashed confidence in the election of Israel, and how the Church's destiny is derivative from and contingent upon Israel inheriting what the Father promised. This she does through God's grace in Christ. Such a perspective is exceedingly hard to find elsewhere.

Having read it carefully, still I need to step back and ponder this book for quite some time. At first blush he seems to accord to Israel more of a free pass than seems warranted. However, before rejecting his perspective, one must note that he sees Jesus from within Jewish space, rather than as an outside option which Israel must either accept or reject. Jesus remains for Lustiger ever and always the Messiah of Israel, and only therefore the Savior of the nations. To say the least, this is not a view foreign to the Bible, although it is indeed foreign to many who claim the Bible as their authority. Lustiger challenges me to reexamine my communal location as I contemplate the mystery of Israel and of God's grace in Messiah, for so much hangs upon that social location.

This is a small book requiring of all of us a big look not only at itself, but also at the issues it considers, and most of all, at our own presuppositions and social location and how thse influence, or even determine our theological perspectives and conclusions.

Looking at one's life introspectively, one always needs focus and guidance to get where you need to be. Rebecca has a wonderful set of ideas and mantras that can help you push yourself a bit harder every day, to love yourself a bit more, and to believe in yourself.

Despite my not being a very spiritual person, this book contains wonderful information to find within yourself the best person you can be. If this can't pump you up... I'm not sure what will.

I'm 66 years old, read a lot of books, listen to a lot of speakers, been to a lot of church services.
I don't hear, see, or think, too many new and untried ideas.

I read Rebecca Simmons "Pump Up The Power" get the Life you want, because I respect and like her stand on many issues.
I will reread , Pump Up The Power , and use it as a go to source when I need "Pumping Up."

Rebecca Simmons has taken tried and true ways of changing habits, walking in faith, and being devoted to good and right, applied them to her own life to get the life she wanted.

She has written this book as a guide to finding your purpose in life and a light to brighten your path on that journey.

I love the book she has written, full of old ways in a new light, from someone who has lived life both ways, her way, and the right way.
Written from her heart to touch your heart.

I especially like the "power nuggets" she offers up at the end of each chapter.

Honest, uplifting and powerful !

Thank you Rebecca Simmons~~~outstanding work.

Bea Kunz
Sage Hill Farms
Petersburg, Tn. 37144


Pump Up The Power - Get The Life You Want

QtA helps young readers become thinking readers. By posing queries before, during and after reading, the teacher guides her students to become independent, thoughtful readers who can make sense out of oftentimes poorly-written or hard-to-understand texts. This strategy appears applicable to all age-levels. The book is written in an easy to understand style and includes sample lessons.Questioning the Author is a MUST READ for all teachers and should be included in teacher preparation curriculums.

How does one teach comprehension? With the current obsession on phonics and code emphasis, I find QtA a refreshing read. Tried, tested and proven in classrooms, QtA is based on the idea that reading is about constructing meaning, more so than just breaking the code. To use this approach, the teacher has to really read the text well first, grasp its main ideas as intended by the author, and plan to guide the students to arrive at those ideas. She also has to anticipate the difficulties encountered by her students as they read the text, and consider the fallibility of the author in fleshing out his ideas. These elements make QtA a teaching approach different from the traditional ways of teaching comprehension. One can even combine it with other strategies, such as KWL.

This book is helping me sew my first quilt. It is a wonderful guide, and has great diagrams, explanations, and quilt designs. I'm thrilled with how easy it is to use, and with the way the quilt is turning out. I highly, highly recommend the book.

I started quilting two years ago and since that time I have made quite a few quilts. Easy ones, hard ones and I have wanted to do more complex quilts. At least I thought I did until now. I don't remember how I found this particular quilt book but I love it! The quilts are easy, especially using the "big" blocks in the projects. The directions are easy, step by step in simple terms. The color options are limitless and I am having a ball making these quilts. I have just started one for my father for Christmas in plaids and it is beautiful. I know I wil get another one done, just in time!
I also love scrappy quilts and there are plenty of options for wonderful projects.
I just can't say enough about this book.
If you like "simple" but beautiful, then this book is for you!

I received my book in record time. It is in great shape! This artist is unbelievable and inspiring. This is a terrific book for my craft/enjoyment library!

Refreshing style. I have viewed some of the author's work at the craft show held each year at the Barker farm and it is breath taking.