Virginia Books

This book, by a University of Colorado political scientist, argues that the Supreme Court and some litigants stand in a symbiotic relationship. That is to say, the Court and its members signal through various ways that they are interested in particular topics (e.g., the death penalty, federalism, or abortion); interest groups and other litigants watch for these signals, and if they relate to areas of litigative interest for the potential litigants, this encourages them to initiate cases at the district court level which will eventally (via the Courts of Appeal) reach the Supremes who can then capitalize on them and rule in the areas that interest them. This relationship has developed because the Court can only rule on issues that come before it as "cases or controversies," and so the Justices signal their interest and wait (usually 4-5 years--the "percolation of litigation") for the appropriate cases to work their way up the judicial structure.

The approximate 200 pages of text, references and notes are devoted to filling out and refining this general thesis, which I have overly simplified for this review. The general reader, however, should be aware that the book utilizes a substantial amount of challenging (to say the least) statistical techniques and approaches to test its various theses and corolaries. While it is, therefore, really more a book for political scientists trained in these techniques, nonetheless it is possible to pick one's way through the numbers and charts and follow the author's discussion. The author also has included several very helpful chapters discussing such topics as appeals and case selection in the Court; Supreme Court policy cycles (a most interesting discussion); and cyclical patterns in the Court's agenda. A highly effective case study on litigation growing out of California proposition 187, which denied public assistance to illegal aliens, except emergency health care, is included which helps illustrate some of the author's themes. The book stands as a substantial contribution to the literature on the Court, developing a highly unique theory, and we "court watchers" can only wait with high expectations for the author's further endeavors.

This was required reading for a graduate course in the Humanities. Jackson Turner Main's's book illustrates how political discourse became contentious once Americans started to debate the formation of a national government. To illustrate the use of pseudonyms by American founders to make their political points, it is necessary to match up some pseudonyms to their authors and examine why the pseudonym was used. Since Cato's Letters made such an impression on Americans, the use of the pseudonym "Cato" will be examined first. During the debates to ratify the U. S. Constitution in the 1780's, several political leaders relied on a well known group of Roman personages and used them as pseudonyms to argue either for or against ratification of the Constitution. The group of politicians arguing against ratification was known as the Antifederalists. Their leading standard-bearer was George Clinton who served as governor of New York from 1777 to 1795, and wrote newspaper editorials under the pseudonym "Cato." "Cato" along with other Antifederalists writing under such pseudonyms as "Agrippa" and "Brutus" vociferously argued in their writings against ratification of the Constitution because they believed it put too much power in the hands of the federal government and left little power to the states. Perceiving that citizens would fear the tyranny of the few, at the federal level the Antifederalists argued for more governmental power to devolve to locally elected representatives at the state level, where citizens would have greater influence on government and law making policy. Classically educated Citizens who saw the names "Cato," "Agrippa," and "Brutus" associated with Antifederalism, instantly recognize that the group's political sentiments stand for defending republican ideals through virtue and morality in government and against the tyranny of the privileged few.

As a graduate student in philosophy and history, I recommended this book for anyone interested in early American history, philosophy, education, the humanities.

Anybody's Hero is the story of Luca, a young Italian boy attempting to fit himself into the bustle of life in a new, unfamiliar environment. His struggles to gain acceptance resound with many a young (and old!) reader, and it is due to a sense of sympathy and understanding forged between Luca and the reader that his story is all the more touching and uplifting. Haislip, moreover, demonstrates a keen ability to weave a story that is both parts fiction and non-fiction, as the backdrop of Civil War Virginia serves to wonderfully contextualze Luca's adventures within one of the most important parts of American history. Filled with adventure, suspense, and fun, Anybody's Hero is a truly engaging read.

"Be grateful for our land," an Apache chieftain's daughter once cautioned. "It gives us all we have."

Today there are some 50,000 Apaches in the United States who have adapted to modern society, while maintaining their cherished heritage and traditions. The Apaches by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve, illus. by Ronald Himler is the saga of these remarkable people, a vivid account of their government, family life, ceremonies, and conflicts.

Bess Hardwick era la hija de un caballero venido a menos del siglo XVI. A los 6 años quedó huerfana de padre y las propiedades quedaron confiscadas por un tutor hasta que el hermano mayor de Bess cumpliese la mayoría de edad. A causa de esto, la familia se vió forzada a mudarse de su casa a otra mucho más modesta. Esto cambiaría para siempre el carácter de la protagonista. Años más tarde, gracias a un lejano parentesco con la noble y aristocrática familia Ashby de la Zouche, Bess entra a formar parte de su personal de servicio, como ocurría con frecuencia en antaño. Ahí, el caracter audaz, ambicioso y astuto de Bess proliferó y le permitió hacer grandes e importantes conexiones que supo aprovechar de la mejor forma posible. Afortunadamente, y gracias a un giro del destino, Bess se casó y quedó rápidamente viuda a los 16 años y con el mayor regalo que podía tener en aquel entonces una mujer: su libertad. Volvió a trabajar para los de la Zouche y seguidamente para la mismisima prima del rey. Sus amistades se incrementaron llegando a incluir a la princesa Isabel ( Futura Isabel I de inglaterra) y la belleza y pasión de Bess atrajo a un sin fin de pretendientes dispuesto a darlo todo por disfrutar de su compañia y amor.

Esta no es una historia cualquiera. Es la biografia de una mujer increíble que fué capaz de enamorar y fascinar a todo hombre k pasó por su vida. Artista y amiga de reinas. Una mujer que creó un imperio que todavía perdura. Una persona inteligente, apasionada, pragmática, ambiciosa, maternal, leal y autoritaria que ha dejado su huella a lo largo y ancho de Inglaterra...

Es una de las mejores historias de amor k he leido nunca, pero tb una historia verídica. A veces, la realidad supera a la ficción, incluso en el romance...

Espero que os fascine tanto como a mi.

John Jewel wrote his Apology in the mid 16th Century in support of the nascent Church of England. In it, he deftly expresses that the foundation for the Church of England as a separate entity from the Roman Catholic Religion is not a novelty but is found in the Scriptures, in the writings of the church Fathers and in the early Church and even Jewish tradition.

For Jewel, he and the Church of England were remaining faithful to the faith handed down from Jesus, the apostles and church Fathers. It was the Roman Catholics and not the Reformational Christians that had rebelled and turned from the true faith. Jewel and others saw themselves as returning to the ancient faith based on Scripture.

He makes this solid case in his Apology by rarely making a point without referencing Scripture or a Christian Father or both. In that sense, this book serves as a Biblical Study and church history lesson. He also is adamant in attacking the practices of the Roman Catholic leaders and doctrines of religion that he saw as anathema to the gospel. These include the exaltation of the Pope, private masses, masses said in Latin, purgatory, indulgences and attacks on Protestants. His criticisms are targeted and are not necessarily anti-Roman Catholic; in fact, Jewel pleads for a blessed Christian relationship between the Roman Catholics and Protestants rather than animosity.

The case is made for the Protestant church then and Christians at anytime to separate themselves from the established religion when it represents doctrines of man in conflict with the ancient faith received from Christ and the apostles.

Jewel pulls no punches and is at times antagonistic. The writing is stimulating and enjoyable, while it is always enlightening. I think that Anglicans today would especially appreciate this book.

The copy I read was edited by John Booty and included helpful references. I do not know if all versions will include them or not; either way, the original text is excellent.

A delightful book to read anywhere!! Inspiration, motivation, and respect were brought on by this collection of memories and anecdotes. It is truly worth it.

Appalachian Trail Guide to Central Virginia is a good general guide which consist of a 4 X 6 inches packable book and three maps in a waterproof bag. The maps are double-sided and give adequate detail of the covered areas. The book starts out with general information which I found fairly basic. Most of this info was of little value to me, but a green hiker might find it useful.The actual meat of the trail descriptions is very good, giving mile by mile directions as to what to expect and where to turn. An interesting feature of this book is the small horizon sketches which show different mountain peaks and valley with their names. I don't think I have every seen this done before, but I can't wait to see if it will actual help me locate and identify the surrounding landscape. This is a series of books so the complete collection (11 books)would weigh down a thru hiker. For the weekend ender or week long hiker, this book and maps should be worth it's weight in his pack.

I checked Dr. Mickey's textbook out from Tsing-Hua Univ (Taiwan) Library for preparing my MBA thesis regarding the interaction effects. Given the widespread use of the SPSS or SAS, this practical and concise volume is suitable for premiere researchers and veteran practitioners.

Burleigh Law did not envision himself as a Christian martyr. He simply wanted to share his building and mechanical skills where they were needed in the days of the Belgian Congo. He and his wife were appointed as missionaries by the Methodist Church and went to the Congo in 1950. After building a hospital and schools, Burleigh Law was caught up in the events of the Revolution and killed by rebels in 1964. This is his story written by his widow, Virginia Law. She gives the reader many pictures of everyday life in the Congo, from the humerous to the heartbreaking. This is a wonderful read for anyone interested in the progress of the Christian Church in Africa and the effect of missionary work in Africa.