Perspective Books

I really enjoyed this book. The references to the Bible are interesting. I thought that the book was informational and entertaining and a good intellectual piece. It certainly portrayed both sides in a fair light. I read the entire book in one sitting. It is a good review for anyone who learned economics. I like how the author encouraged home ownership and spoke statistically about the rich living longer than the poor. These are facts. The author was unbiased and I couldn't discern a subjective viewpoint. Quite refreshing for a change! Short and sweet! I reccommend this book as a college textbook!

This is a fantastic overview of the American social security dilemma. The author covers all the major themes, ideas, and concerns of this pivotal issue in a clear and engaging format. I have read many social security tomes, and I can tell you that this is the best I have yet to encounter. In a mere two hours of reading you will become an informed citizen of this terribly misinformed topic. Mr. Shemtob, I salute you!

As a baby boomer who is just under the George Bush, "You have nothing to worry about" age limit but old enough to have been paying into the current Social Security system for over 35 years, I am more than a little worried about the future of the Social Security system. This book is the first publication that I have read on the subject that isn't slanted to any particular point of view. "Facts, just the facts", so to speak. The one thing that is perfectly clear, after reading this book is that something needs to be done and that "something" needs to be done soon. The politicians have been monkeying with our future way to long. If we are a government "of the people", it's time that "we the people" come to grips with the situation and fix the system while we still have a choice. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a vision of retiring one day.

The best part of this book was Dr. Baetjer's explanation of software as a capital good and the knowledge component of capital goods. Drawing on a rich economic tradition, he indicates that software provides a clear example of how the value of capital goods rests in embodied, unarticulated knowledge. Not only does he make this argument convincingly, he makes it clearly. I am neither an economist nor a software engineer, but found even the most difficult economic concepts relatively easy to grasp because of how he articulates them; they are made clear and concise without being dumbed-down for a lay audience. Dr. Baetjer brilliantly applies earlier theories of capital goods to the new field of software engineering.

If this sort of material interests you, I recommend:
Howard Baetjer, Review of Austrian Economics, "Capital as Embodied Knowledge: Some Implications for the Theory of Economic Growth," vol. 13 #2, September 2000
Thomas Sowell, Knowledge and Decisions, 1980 (or the 1996 edition)

Just the first chapter's examples of the capital structure of knowledge is worth the price of the book. In many ways software development went through its own communism, long documents, plan the whole thing before you do it, waterfall blah blah. All the Agile stuff, quick prototying , using prototyping to gather requirements, a discovery procedure... The root of all this lies in understanding the capital structure of knowledge.

Howard Baetjer, Jr., takes the reader through a highly informative and thought-provoking lesson in the economics of software engineering. Building on the solid theoretical work of the economists of the Austrian school, he identifies (through solid and thorough industry research) a number of problem areas in the existing marketplace for software, and offers viable solutions to each.

One need be neither an economist nor a software designer to gain usable knowledge from this book; its principles are applicable to any field. Baetjer does a superb job of fully explaining the underlying theories upon which he builds his thesis, using examples from other industries which make the more abstruse subject matter much easier to understand.

Regardless of your field, you will benefit from reading this well-written book.

If you've ever lived or visited Minneapolis, you might have never been to a food cooperative (or even know they exist all around the city). Or maybe, you consider them a staple of your household and your neighborhood. Storefront Revolution is an excellent story of how the co-op movement gained momentum during the 1960s, but the story of food co-ops is almost a sidenote.
What I found extremely interesting is its view of Minneapolis and the rich (and tumultuous) countercultures that existed there. If you're a resident in the Twin Cities, you'll probably run into names every few pages that you'll recognize; former city councilmen and civic leaders. Like the rest of the country, the 1970s led to a huge dissolution of idealism in the Twin Cities. When some of the city's oldest co-ops started up, many of them were very unorganized and practically lived on hope alone. As they grew in distribution and reciepts, so did the trouble. 1975 was the year of the "Co-op Wars," a struggle between those who wanted to provide cheap food to impoverished and working class neighbors, and those who wanted to provide healthy organic food.
It may sound like a ridiculous cause to go to battle for, but Cox certainly lays the idealogical and political framework in context for the city, the state and the country at that time. If you're a Minneapolitan or St. Pauler (or whatever they're called) and are interested in a road less traveled in local history, this book is well worth the money. Of course, if you're a true believer in the co-op communal ethic, you can get it at the library.

This book gives a history of the food co-ops in Minneapolis in the 1970's. I found this book very interesting, mainly because I am a resident of Mpls and learned the history of the co-ops I shop at today. I found the tales of the co-op wars, in which the anarchists and communists battled for control of the co-ops, to be most interesting. I learned what worked and what didn't work in such a large coaliton of people working for the same goal. For readers who don't live in the Twin Cities, it is still an interesting study of co-ops and the anti-capitalist movement.

This book gives a history of the food co-ops in Minneapolis in the 1970's. I found this book very interesting, mainly because I am a resident of Mpls and learned the history of the co-ops I shop at today. I found the tales of the co-op wars, in which the anarchists and communists battled for control of the co-ops, to be most interesting. I learned about what worked and what didn't work in such a large coaliton of people working towards the same goal. For readers who don't live in the Twin Cities, it is still an interesting study of co-ops and the anti-capitalist movement.

This is an excellent book. It makes you analyze the different social problems that some of our communities face.

This book has the seven perspectives outlined in order and shows the pros and cons of the subject material.

The book came right on time. The seller deserves a good review.

You can NOT be a complete Jew outside Israel "Chutz Laaretz" this book explains why, and is very inspiring as to what Yishuv Haaretz is about.

If you're a Jew and live in Israel, this book makes you feel very good about it. You are doing the best thing for you and for your nation. if you're not yet here this book might put you on the next plain - watch out! Beautiful cover makes it a great gift to give new olim or potential ones.

This book, To Dwell in The Palace, is not for everyone. You have to love Israel to appreciate what Rabbi Leff is saying. It is a compelling selection of essays that make you want to transport to Israel--immediately. Just beam me up Scottie. It underlines the reasons and motives for a Jew to live in the Land. Beautifully written. A must read for anyone who has ever been or never been to Israel.

I can't say enough about the importance of this book. In short, Illich makes the point that there is a way in which the so-called "Third World" countries can avoid industrialization, and move directly into the post-industrialist state that the developed world is headed. There is no doubt in my mind that we will look back on this man's work sometime in the near future and realize how amazingly right he is. It is really a shame that he does not have more of an influence than he does. Some of the points in this book are so right that they seem impossible to refute or even question. I really can't even put into words the influence that the book has had on me. It is something everyone should read, and it's short enough that it can be done in a matter of a few hours. Please feel free to e-mail me and tell me what you thought of it, or of other works by this genius as I am going to work on trying to popularize and spread his ideas.

This only fortifies my opinion that our leftists operate as industrial elitists and only serves big business with their social programs that insure the subordination of an underclass of consumers to keep the capital and mythical progressivism on motion.

"Leftists operate as industrial elitists and only serves big business with their social programs that insure the subordination of an underclass of consumers to keep the capital and mythical progressivism on motion"?? What are you smoking?!! Actually, many Marxists revere both Illich and Fromm. We currently live in a world marred by global finance-capital impoverishing and destroying the well-being of millions for the mega-profits of a few, and industrial realities play a key role in the problem... as well as the solution: its time for workers to harness for themselves what they create and have created for their own benefit locally and internationally. I really don't think a proper reading of "Tools for Conviviality" condradicts this.

just one personal comment: merely reading the definitions of "split life-goals" and "dark night of the soul" by Wilber saved me several months (years?) of struggling - the book provides a novel structure of psychopathology and if you have a structure you have something to hold onto. very therapeutic book for (post)existential-level strugglers!
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i really like the brief and concrete style of the older books by Wilber (Atman Project is my favourite!), although, according to Wilber himself, they contain slightly outdated ideas. don't start with it, but don't forget it!

Where have the thoughts in this book been for so long??? Transformations of Consciousness thinks critically about issue's in psychology and spirituality that are so important and would seem so obvious, I wonder how they've managed to escape us all so completely. Primarily, this text brings attention and profoundly questions the motives of the psychological as well as contemplative schools in such a fundamental way as to expose unaddressed pervasive issues that ignorence of which can constitute avoidable casualties to mental and spiritual health. Emphasis is placed on recognition of developmental/phase specific aspects of what constitute appropriate therapeutic and spiritual practices. Specifically,when is meditation harmful as opposed to benificial. What are any of the obstacles in selectively transplanting eastern contemplative practices into the western cultural context? What can both eastern and western traditions contribute to and learn from each other? Wilber, Engler and Brown both impressed and stimulated me with the extraordinary depth and far reaching implications of their considerations. Now, I know why my experience in an eastern influenced spiritual community was bound to end in disillusionment and what has unconsciously motivated so much of my frustrating seeking! What better gift could you ask for?? If therapy has been repeatedly ineffectual, costly and disappointing, or if despite your interest in spirituality you've felt something was missing that you have had difficulty articulating; This book will articulate it. What a glorious Gift!! This book is my BIBLE now!

This book was originally published in 1986 and Amazon.co.uk lists a March 31st 2006 reprinting under Transformation of Consciousness. If you want to read more of Ken Wilber's epicyclic models, then this is twenty year old epicycles (see Andresen and Forman: Cognitive Models and Spiritual Maps for a more recent Wilber piece followed by a sympathetic but still exposing critique by Christian de Quincey). Wilber's old friend Michael Bauwens has put up his The Cult of Ken Wilber on the web for those interested in this New Age cult.
This book is worth the money primarily due to Harvard psychologist Professor Daniel Brown's extremely important chapter with its examination of the parallels between the stages of meditation in three authoritative yogic traditions (Yoga Sutras, Vipassana and Mahamudra). Although Brown came to the odd conclusion that all the paths are same but the goals different, others like myself (also Forman in The Problem of Pure Consciousness)disagree as the key stage is Basis Enlightenment (nondual Pure Consciousness) is the stage all 3 describe most similarly. Post-Enlightenment practises differ.
Brown's study discusses the yogic experience of the subtle flow of the Light when mental processes are held in abeyance. The Light is perceived as coming in waves (Hindu) or pulses/moments (Buddhists) which is clearly just a difference in focus. The YS tradition describes the Light as the coordinates of that previous gross mental content or A CONTINUOUSLY VIBRATING ENERGY FIELD IN A STATE OF CONTINUOUS WAVE PROPAGATION.
This information proved critical in my 1994 identification of the physical correlate of the Divine Light/Pure Consciousness or Godhead with the brainwaves from the brainstem Reticular Activating System. These brainwaves continuously underly all other brainwave activity and only cease at death. Numerous other authoritative yogic and mystic facts (the Light at the Centre, the prana/atman identity, Advaita's mutual superimposition of Pure Consciousness and sense percepts, Insight meditation's catching the Light in gaps between percepts, Vajrayana's Clear Light of Death as a continuous series of moments etc.) plus the presence of the Light in NDEs fits this interpretation (see my review of Kapstein's The Presence of Light on Amazon.com) or The Oneness/Otherness Mystery: The Synthesis of Science and Mysticism. Patanjali even begins the Yoga Sutras stating: yogas cittavritti nirodhah (yoga is the cessation of the WAVE-LIKE FLUCTUATIONS of the mindstuff). See also Travis's model of Pure Consciousness as the background state in Dalai Lama and Varela: Sleeping, Dreaming and Dying. The RAS is well known as it arouses the cortex as distinct from specific attention and is a universal human process unaffected by culture and tradition. Cessation of the RAS constitutes brain death.
Sutapas Bhattacharya

They say work is the hardest way to earn money. Michael Kroth and Patricia Boverie have zeroed in what we need to easy up the hard. "Transforming Work" for me hit the core of what is needed in all aspects of life --passion. This is not just a business book, I found myself connecting the dots with the rest of my life. While TW is a bit pricy try, living a life with unconnected dots.

Tom Payne
Author
A Company of One: The Power of Independence in the Workplace

This is a book about passion; the transforming effect of passion indulging, passion affirming, and passion compelling, work (called Occupational Intimacy in the book), which draws individuals (and thus the organization collectively) into performance, growth and learning. Throughout the book, the authors are clearly trying to convey the value of passion in the workplace, not only as an individual benefit, but as an organizational performance benefit... "Organizations that tap into their employee's deepest sense of personal purpose and values will harvest a wealth of passion focused on reaching mutual goals." Although, I would not describe this book as an easy read - the writing is dense and the material comprehensive - by reading this book your will gain an appreciation for these benefits and for some of the steps necessary to invoke passion in your work and/or your workplace.

Dennis DeWilde, author of "The Performance Connection"

This book is one of a series on New Perspectives in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change. The series is designed to showcase current theory and practice in human resources and organizational development. While there are practitioners on the editorial board, this looks like more of an academic series. I'd describe this publication as one for professionals, but a volume that individuals can benefit from, as well.

The focus of this book is passionate work. This concept will be difficult for many readers, since passion is emotion and emotion and work are usually considered incongruent. The authors point out, early in the book, that "Passion is at the root of creative genius, personal transformation, and notable events. Passion is emotional energy; it stimulates life and energizes individuals to work toward goals. ...New products, new ideas, creative ways to deliver services, inventions, an scientific discoveries are produced because someone or some organization is passionate." OK. Passion seems to be consistent with what we're striving to accomplish in employment organizations today.

How might we approach this? The authors explain that they've done some research that connects learning with passion. Put the concepts together and you get meaningfulness, and there are a lot of people looking for opportunities to feel a greater sense of meaning in what they do. Readers will be guided through an interesting study into passion, what it is, how it fits, and what to do with it. Individuals will gain, but trainers and organizational development professionals will find it most thought-provoking and stimulating.

The book is organized into eight chapters: Introduction to Passion and Work, The Foundations of Passionate Work, Passion Transformation Process and Cycle, Occupational Intimacy, The Discovering Process, The Designing Process, The Developing Process, and Transforming Work---the five keys to achieving trust, commitment, and passion in the workplace. An index will help you find your way back to those things you want to work with again. A number of exercises are included to stimulate your thinking and help you gain some sense of measurement in the emergence of passion in your personal and corporate life.

The book may seem a bit pricey for only a couple hundred pages, but there is a lot packed into those pages. The book is set mostly in 11 point type, so find a nice quiet place with good light to absorb all the authors have to share.

I think that this book was well written and shows the difficulties that the men and women in Law enforcement face each day. They are very fortunate to have Ms. Samuels as their physchologist. She is a very caring and hands on therapist. I am niether a phychologist nor am I in Law enfrocement but know Ms. Samuels well. In reading her cases one wonders how she can go home at night and lead as norrmal a life as she does. Every law enforcement agency should read this book as should the students at the Police Academy.

Incredibly informative and accurate, wonderful book. Every officer should read this, no matter how long they've been on the job.

John Violanti and Stephanie Samuels bring it all together in "Under the Blue Shadow," a book that explores the psychological dangers of a police career with compelling case studies. No punches are spared as they look at the root causes of police suicide, the frequency of posttraumatic stress and the roadblocks too many officers still face in finding adequate treatment from their departments. Unlike the officer in a shooting, in which departments will fly in the world's greatest surgeons, they point out, the traumatized officer is frequently offered the least treatment at the least cost--and a hasty return to the patrol unit whenever possible.

In addition to exploring complex trauma (trauma occurring from multiple events over many years in a career) and suicidal ideation, the authors examine the phenomenon of "suicide by cop" and, conversely, "suicide by suspect." Samuels raises pertinent questions about the widespread policy of taking away the weapons of all officers suffering from stress related injuries. Because this "degunning" is not done by licensed professionals and may actually do more harm than good, she suggests the procedure be done for officers taken off duty for heart ailments and broken ankles as well (the responsible alternative, of course, being that such actions should be determined by a professional, not an untrained police administrator).

Excellent recommendations are made for the treatment of traumatized officers, to which police organizations should pay heed: individual debriefings by licensed professionals, assignment of liaisons for injured officers, therapy on company time, and enhanced training.

"Under the Blue Shadow" is an important book. Violanti continues his reputation as America's foremost authority on police psychology, and Stephanie Samuels shows herself to be a voice of great value as well.

I found this book fascinating in what Tom Marshall viewed as the most important function of leaders; service to those they lead. I am in the military and, for me, this book hit home in how he reminds leaders that humility and desire to serve others are vital to success. In being a servant to others, we must place their needs first and think of their welfare before our own. Also included are great discussions concerning pride, self healing and ministry. Yes, a Christian book, but the philosophy is beautiful and can be applied by anyone who feels a desire to be a responsible servant/leader to others.

This book gives a clear and easy to understand view, as to what christian leadership really is. Its systematic and practical. I found it the best book for this topic so far.

This book is one of the best titles I have read that applies specifically to Christian leaders. There are many works available that address leadership in general, but ones that give a uniquely Christian perspective are harder to find. Marshall has an excellent work here, and I recommend it highly to all Christian leaders. I especially recommend it to young pastors who are preparing for a life of service as a pastor.

Everything rises and falls on good Christian leadership. In twenty years of pastoral ministry, I have seen many of Marshall's principles verified through my own mistakes and shortcomings. This book will be a great help in avoiding many of the pitfalls that plague Christian leaders.