Brian Books

As a control engineer, it was everything I needed to better understand air compressed systems which are essential for control applications in the industry.

A great book for anyone working with, or who wants to learn about compressed air. It covers a wide range of topics from compressed air components to full systems in a practical, easy to read manner. Very little theaory and lots of real world examples and illustrations.

I knew nothing about compressed air when I started working for a company that sells compressed air equipment. This book has been such great help, it isn't a dry text for engineers, it reads like someone talking to you and has illustrations for everything so you can follow along easily. It also has charts, lists and worksheets for just about anything you need to know about air compressors, accessories and even the connectors that are used with them. The best part is that I don't have to learn all this stuff, I just need to keep the book handy and the information is all right there. I recommend this book to anyone who works with, maintains, specifies or even places the orders for compressed air systems. You don't have to read it cover to cover, just keep it on your shelf and pull it down when something goes wrong, needs replacing or whatever.

This book has been a great help to me in my work place and in my home workshop. I use compressed air for several systems at work and projects at home and have had problems in the past understanding just what is going wrong. This book helped me fix and understand what the problems spots were and fix the trouble points. I would recommend this book to be on every book shelf where a compressed air system is in use.

I found this book to be extremely informative and learned quite a bit from reading it. Prior to reading this my exposure to the issues inherent in some of the biotechnological initiatives discussed here was what is presented/argued about in the mainstream media. Mr. Smith has done an admirable job in describing the details associated with cloning and stem cell research , embryonic as well as adult. His arguments regarding the scientific and ethical dilmma that these potentially powerful technologies represent are thought provoking and logically presented. There is a tremendous amount of misinformation out there regarding these issues on both sides of the argument. This book lays out the conservative viewpoint in scientific terminology and I beleve that Mr. Smith has made a valuable contibution to the debate that our society is engaged in on which direction to take with these technologies.

Wesley Smith is a leading voice in the public debate surrounding the hottest issues in bioethics and biotechnology. His latest book, "Consumer's Guide to a Brave New World," is essential reading for those who wish to better understand many of these important issues and what is at stake.

Smith makes abundantly clear the ethical dangers involved with embryonic stem cell research (ESC) and human cloning. The creation of human life in laboratories purely for the purpose of destroying it and harvesting it as raw material is a frightening prospect. And Smith makes a strong case for the banning of human cloning.

All the while, he is careful to draw a distinction between research involving ESCs and research involving adult stem cells (ASC). The latter procedure is NOT controversial and to this point has proven the most promising in terms of positive medical breakthroughs. In fact, Smith goes on at length in describing all the many wonderful benefits that we can expect and should actively seek through biotechnology.

Biotechnology is very exciting and quite promising. Government funding for biotech is entirely appropriate and should continue. Private R&D should likewise be promoted. But, like in any industry, there must be at least SOME ethical guidelines that should be adhered to if we value the equality of all human beings. When the genetic makeup of humanity is itself altered--like through the creation of clones or human-beast chimaeras--the equality of all human beings is eroded.

What Smith warns against is scientific research completely unhinged from ANY sort of ethical bounds or considerations. He speaks out against a new eugenics that would allow human life to be treated as a resource for harvesting, as if it were a scene right out of "The Matrix."

Smith also provides insight behind the radical ideology driving many cloning advocates (scientism, elitism, transhumanism, etc.) Very important is Smith's discussion of the PR campaign waged by Big Biotech, which seeks large infusions of cash from governments by making lofty promises about the sorts of immediate medical breakthroughs that can come from cloning and ESC research. Such promises play upon those who find themselves or their loved ones in desperate situations, offering imminent miracle cures, when serious medical progress remains years or decades away.

This book is very readable, highly engaging, and strongly recommended!

(This reviewer works for the Discovery Institute, which the author has an affiliation with. Yet, I had zero input or involvement on the book and these views are my own.)

The title is tongue in cheek: This is the ordinary person's guide to how NOT to end up in the nightmare scenario of Aldous Huxley' "Brave New World." The author is a non-scientist, which actually helps, as he explains terms like "somatic cell nuclear transfer," "embryonic stem cell" and "regenerative medicine" so the generally educated reader is enlightened rather than turned off. Smith's argument is that these new biological powers have implications that are far too important to be left to the scientists, the biotechnology companies, and the tame ethicists who work for them -- they pose dangers to our very idea of human equality and human rights. The book closes with sensible recommendations for things society should oppose, and things it should support, to advance medical progress without losing our sense of humanity. A very timely must-read.

In 1932 Aldous Huxley wrote his prophetic and chilling novel, Brave New World. In it he mapped out a future in which science, instead of being a great help to mankind, becomes the undoing of human nature and personhood.

Seventy years on one has to ask where we now stand. Smith thinks the picture does not look good. While we can all be grateful for advances in science and technology which have extended life, healed diseases, and made us all much more comfortable, there is also a dark side to this progress. It is this negative side, and its potential, that this volume addresses.

Smith looks at many of the recent and controversial issues in biotechnology, chief among them, genetic engineering, human cloning and stem cell research. He does a good job of explaining where we are with these developments, and the various possible shortcomings they may raise.

But of real value in this book is the author's concern to not just focus on the biotechnologies alone, but to look at the bigger picture. Where are these developments taking us as human beings? How are these new advances impacting on our understanding of humanity and human worth? Are moral and ethical concerns being swept under the carpet as we race ahead with scientific breakthroughs?

Smith reminds us that it is all too easy for prudence and ethical interests to be sidelined in the chase for fame and fortune. Careful, objective science can easily be compromised and marginalised when so much is at stake.

Smith notes that we now see the rise of a new scientific-industrial complex, every bit as worrying as past alliances with the private sector. Both academia and the scientific community are becoming increasingly cozy with the profit-making community. While that may not be bad in itself, an unduly cozy relationship may well mean trouble ahead.

Thus the reality of Big Biotech is now a genuine concern as much as is Big Oil or Big Tobacco. As but one indication, in the past quarter century $100 billion has been poured into the biotech sector. As a result biotechnology companies today are largely research and fund-raising machines. And the old adage of `those who pay the piper call the tune' is very much a real concern.

And the money trail flows in all directions. Not only does Big Business drive much of the biotech agenda, but the latter in turn spends billions each year in public relations and political campaigns. The industry has many staff working full-time as paid-lobbyists and PR wizards, actively seeking to influence not only public opinion but the flow of tax-dollars.

Of course many of these biotech companies have ethical advisors who are meant to act as a safeguard against any untoward influences. The real fear is that this is just a case of ethics for sale. Many of these bioethicists are simply putting the company spin on things. Few are genuinely objective, neutral and independent. Most are in the pay of their masters and will happily do their masters' bidding. After all, if the main concern is to get a good return on investment to stockholders, what company will hire an ethicist to work against that concern?

Smith documents numerous cases of such questionable ethical advice, and how financial concerns very clearly determine much of the direction of the biotech industry.

Another major concern highlighted in this book is the transformation of objective science into scientism. Scientism is the idea that science alone, unclouded by any moral and other input, can decide what is best for us. Science is seen as saviour and the sole source of truth. The humility and objectivity needed for good science are jettisoned for an ideology that eschews other considerations.

This of course is a real concern, since much of the new bioscience is dealing with issues that have profound consequences for humanity and society. With so much at stake, other influences need to be brought to bear. Philosophical, theological and ethical input is crucially needed, but is often rejected altogether. Science begins to be seen as an end in itself, instead of a means to an end.

Thus science itself is becoming tainted in this process, and any concerns about how humanity may suffer as a result are seldom discussed. But Smith certainly raises the issues. He knows that the political and financial pressures brought to bear on the biosciences are having a very real negative effect.

One clear negative effect is the return of eugenics. This can especially be seen in the rise of Transhumanism. This philosophy states that any means available could and should be used to enhance individuals and their progeny. A very well funded and organised Transhumanist movement is quite clear about its goals: the transformation of human evolution by means of bioengineering and other emerging techniques. The aim is to create a "posthuman" species, free of the defects and limitations of mere humanity.

But the pursuit of human perfection always comes at a price. We should have learned our lessons years ago. But we are ignoring those lessons and repeating those mistakes. All the warnings of Huxley and others are falling on deaf ears.

Thus this book serves as a wake-up call. There are tremendous goods and benefits to come from the new technologies, and Smith is quick to point those out, but there are very real fears as well.

The future is very much in our hands, and Smith reminds us that it is not enough to have science alone or the marketplace alone determine how we proceed. The advances of science and technology need to be counterbalanced by advances in ethical and social reflection. And this volume very nicely serves that purpose.

These are great traditional recipes that people always yearn for and like. Start at the front with Blueberry Panckakes all the way to the back with Stirred Rice Pudding, and you will find just exceptionally great comfort food without strain of shopping for weird stuff in the supermarket aisles or techniques beyond your patience, skills and equipment.

This has all that covered in addition to clear instructions, aids and source helps if needed.

The selection is sure to deliver many of your favorites and then some from a wide selection of ethnic groupings, course offerings, and tastes. There are some Tex-Mex, Italian, Hungarian, etc.

Personally, those for "Cocktail Sauce for Shrimp; Maryland Crab Cakes; Lobster Roll; Jim Brady's Prize-Winning Goat Gap Chili; Chicken Potpie with Phyllo Crust; Lemon Meringue Pie; Caramel Apple Tart and Pineapple Upside Down Cake" got my comfort attention and appetite to come um up.

This is down to earth cookbook to benefit all who want to cook up some pleasing recipes that will not strain wallet or cooking skills, yet provide bounteous, good food.

Nice to have had some photos, but recipes themselves conjure up great mental feasting.

Would make great gift for new bride or college bound.

Although we have yet to prepare any of the recipes, it was a joy just leafing through the book and seeing the recipes included. It is not a large book and is the first cookbook I read cover to cover as soon as it arrived. Memories of my mother's cooking flashed through my mind. It even includes a recipe for the first thing I remember cooking: Oatmeal cookies (although I did not include raisins). I heard the author on the Diane Rehm show and had to buy this book. It had at least a dozen recipes of dishes I had forgotten about, but tasted wonderful. I have learned that the best recipes are the simple ones. There is nothing fancy about these recipes.

Cooking for Comfort by Marian Burros is one of the most well thought out, incredibly written cookbooks I have ever read, cooked from or salivated over! Typically the word "Comfort Food" strikes up the notion of large amounts of fat, not in this cookbook. While you can find hints of luxurious fattening recipes scattered throughout her cookbook-- it is for all the right reasons. These recipes conjure up memories of grandma, mom, or maybe your Uncle Bill who would lovingly create homey comfort foods for you as a child. Her trip down memory lane about particular recipes reminded me of my favorites as well. As a native Tennessean I always thought that pimiento cheese spread was a distant cousin of cheese whiz not something you could make in your own kitchen! Burros also gives alternative ingredients for those who want a lower fat recipe, but all of her recipes are the real deal, recipes you have been probably making yourself but in a watered down version that never quite tasted as good as mom's.

Burros' anecdotes and recipe history notes prove that she is a born writer and editor with thorough research and appropriate accreditation with the added style of her own familial stories.
The help notes, step by step instructions and substitution sidebars can turn any kitchen neophyte into a chef! She even shares restaurant secrets (these are the secrets & hints restaurant chefs won't even write in their own cookbooks.)

Having a party and want easy, delicious recipes that have your guests humming or just a good old fashioned dinner that reminds you of Grandma? Cooking for Comfort is your answer.

`Cooking for Comfort' is by New York Times food columnist Marian Burros, who is part of a pretty distinguished heritage beginning with Craig Claiborne and Pierre Franey, continuing with Mimi Sheraton and Ruth Reichl and visiting columnist extraordinary R. W. Appel. With Ms. Burros, the likes of Mark Bittman and Amanda Hesser, all writers of notable columns and cookbooks hold the current standard high.

There may be a sense in which the limelight for culinary journalism has passed from the New York Times' printed word to the hotter TV Food Network with its stable of star hosts. In most direct competition to Ms. Burros would probably be `Gourmet's' Sara Moulton, Ina Garten, or the spectacularly prolific Rachael Ray. What is unfortunate is that a cursory look at this book's title gives the impression that it is addressing the same interests as Ms. Ray's '30 Minute Meal' rubric. The fact that Rachael actually wrote a book entitled `Comfort Food' strengthens this association. This is not, however, the case. Ms. Burros has created a very special type of cooking perfectly evident when one pays close attention to the title. Her point is not to give us a book of recipes for comfort food, but a book of recipes that are comforting to make.

It is not too hard to appreciate that a dish that appeals to none of your family will not be too comforting to make. Therefore, almost all of the classic `comfort foods' will also be comfortable to make. That is, a dishes popularity will contribute to the comfort one experiences in the act of making it. A second characteristic of foods which are comforting to make are those which require a fair amount of effort, producing a dish in which one can take great pride in having successfully made this food. It follows from this that these recipes are NOT about quick cooking. A third characteristic I gather from Ms. Burros' selection of recipes is that the dishes are either familiar to American amateur cooks (blueberry pancakes, meat loaf, mashed potatoes, spaghetti with marinara sauce) OR the dishes are interesting selections from world cuisines (Spanish tortilla, Onion soup, Greek Salad, polenta).

In fact, as I look through the list of recipes, I get a strong sense of similarity between this book and two recent `Most Famous Recipe' books, `the greatest dishes!, around the world in 80 recipes' by Anya von Bremzen and `The Cook's Canon, 101 Classic Recipes Everyone Should Know' by Raymond Sokolov. Oddly, I think that while these two books are great for foodies, Ms. Burros' book is specifically written for non-foodies. In this regard, she does share some common ground with the prolific Ms. Ray. Another way in which they differ, however, is that Ms. Burros' directions are much more meticulous, with lots of helpful hints on technique, serving, and wine accompaniments.

I think Ms. Burros' biggest problem, aside from the perceived or actual competition from both Food Network luminaries and New York Times colleagues is that her subject is so ordinary. Why in the world do I want to pay even $20 for a book of 100 recipes, 70% of which can be found among the 4500 recipes in the `Joy of Cooking' or the 2500 recipes in `James Beard's American Cookery'. Any American who cooks probably owns one or the other of these two volumes. In the end, it is probably her one big idea that makes the book interesting. The book is important because it can inspire one to get more enjoyment from your cooking and it gives recipes to help you do that.

Overall, I thing the selection of recipes is excellent, making this a great book for those who endorse that other great non-foodie doctrine of the importance of finding `a few good recipes' and learning them well and doing them well. One problem I believe most amateur food enthusiasts may experience is that they may not appreciate the pleasure in repeating a recipe and doing it well because you have done it before and have gotten all the kinks out of your technique. They are much more interested in tracking down and trying a new Thai recipe using lemon grass or galangal rather than making that same old James Beard London Broil recipe again, regardless of how good it tastes or how easy it is to make.

Ms. Burros' recipe for chili, for example, may not be quite as elaborate as a prize winning recipe reported by Robb Walsh, it is, I believe, a much tastier chili than the Pierre Franey recipe I did for many years before the foodie bug got me and I saw other approaches which used cubed rather than ground meat. Just one example of how well thought out is Ms. Burros' presentation of these recipes can be found in her suggestion to adjust the seasoning of the chili after it has been retrieved from the deep freeze. Another insider's tip is to check the heat in the Jalapenos to see if more or less are needed to suit your taste.

If I were to offer any ideas for Ms. Burros' next book, I would suggest she leave out the food processor and any other high end equipment from her recipe procedures. As I believe her primary audience is the occasional cook, I suspect people in this group may not have $300 food processors. And, if they do have them, they probably don't use them often enough to get the best use out of them. At the very least, I would offer an alternative to the food processor method.

I would also leave off or improve the list of sources in the back of the book. I have to love a list that cites Lou DiPalo and his Manhatten Little Italy store, but DiPalo's is best known for its fresh mozzarella and ricotta, for which Ms. Burros gives a different source. You can get good Parmigiano-Reggiano in any megamart.

Strongly recommended for non-foodie weekend cooks.

If you're working in the big company/corporation, you have to read this book. This is just masterpiece!

This is a "must read" for anyone in corporate America and, for sure, those considering entering the corporate world. Honest and a real eye opener -- some things we all knew, but never believed! RA McMillan gives you the facts in a style which makes you chuckle! The illustrations are great! Hope there is a sequel - will be sure to read!

This is a "must read" for anyone in corporate America and, for sure, those considering entering the corporate world. Honest and a real eye opener -- some things we all knew, but never believed! RA McMillan gives you the facts in a style whick makes you chuckle! The illustrations are great! Hope there is a sequel - will be sure to read!

This book is a gem. It is full of sarcasm and real-life-annoyance. You can tell that the author was writing this book as a healing process for all of the years he was "stuck" fighting the corporate monster. The illustrations were wonderful and really brought the book into a visual light. I think that anyone who has ever had a job, whether it's office, factory, restaurant, etc., will be able to relate to this book. As much as we'd like to deny it, this book is the real thing. It might be a little embellished for entertainment value, but the observations are true and they are pure Corporate Lunacy.

A solid compendium of medieval documents relating to the clash between church and state. Translated from Latin into fairly readable English, Tierney includes introductory material and notes which allow him to maintain some of the nuance of Latin connotations that would usually not carry over into English translation. This book has lots of documents that we all hear about in European History texts but usually don't read in their entirety, such as the supposed "Donation of Constantine" which the Renaissance linguist Lorenzo Valla proved to be a forgery through textual analysis. Tierney's book shows that far from the relatively aloof, spiritual province the Church consigns itself to today, things weren't always that way. In the medieval era, the Church Militant was every bit a secular authority as well as a spirtual one, and the boundaries between church and state blurred. It was only through the centuries of conflict reflected in Tierney's book that the modern split between church and state first emerged, and the possibility of Western Europe and the United States being ruled by theocratic governments faded. A great supplementary text or source of documents for a medieval history or western civilization course, this book would be an interesting read for anyone concerned about the ancient roots of the tension between Church and State whose reverberations still echo today on Capitol Hill.

Brian Tierney's THE CRISIS OF CHURCH AND STATE: 1050-1300 is an interesting study of the struggle between European secular rulers and the Catholic authroities for control of the "Universal Church" (the Catholic Church). This struggle was basically a poltical affair in which men on both sides added religious arguemtns to bolster their case. This is not to say that some of these men were not motivated by religion.

Readers should realize that contemporary definitions of separation of church and state did not exist in the Middle Ages. There were divisions, but these were narrowly defined. However, due to these struggles the Catholic authorities were gradually able to free themselves from secular control which was the beginning of separation of church and state.

Tierney begins this study with early Catholic sources definning the relationship between political authority and the status of Catholics. He cites St. Augustine's (346-420 AD) THE CITY OF GOD in which St. Augustine considers state authority as a necessary evil due to Man's sinful nature. Tierney's explanation and comments are clear and accurate.

Tierney next examines the internal control of the Catholic Church. One should note that until the 11th. century (the years between 1001 to 1100) that men who controlled monestaries held considerable prestige and power. The fact is that land represented both wealth and power, and the monestaries had control of large land areas. One of the internal Catholic Church questions was that of reform and the relationship between the secular clergy and regular clergy. Abbots and monks were known as regular clergy because they followed a monasttic rule such as the Benedictine Rule for example.

Another internal dispute that Tierney effectively explains is that of reform of both the secular and regular clergy. Catholic authorities have never concealed problems and scandals. The question was who should be in charge of such reform. The monks claimed this was their responsibility. Secular rulers claimed reform was their responsibility. The Popes and the Curia claimed this was their responsibility. Tierney adds that members of Church councils should take control which irritated the Popes and Curia who saw such councils as intruding on the authority of the Pope.

However, the most significant conflict was the Investature Controversy between the German ruler Henry IV (1056-1106) and Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085). Tierney explains that in 1057, the Papal Curia initiated the Papal Election Decree to remove the German rulers and other secular rulers from imposing their own candidates to the Papacy. The Investature Controversy involed the authority of appointing bishops to their dioceses. Many of the German bishops had been appointed by the German rulers,and these bishops loyalty between secular rulers and the Church was at best questionable. Gregory VII tried to put an end to this problem by challenging Henry IV's authority on this issue. The results were turbulent and at times violent. There were exommunications, military campaings, the looting of Rome by the Normans, etc. One result was known at the Papal Revolution.

These conflicts between Catholic authroities and the Germans ended with the reign of Frederick II (1211-1250). Readers should note and Tierney explains the Frederick II succeeded Frederick Barbaroosa (1152-1190). This conflict ruined the German Empire temporarity enganced the Papacy and status of the Catholic Church. Readers should examine Tierney's comments and the sources he cites to have a good grasp of these conflicts.

Tierney also does a good job in explaining the bitter conflict between the French King Phillip (1285-1314) and Pople Boniface VIII (1294-1305) which inflicted an almost fatal blow to the Catholic Church. This section of the book is perhaps the best section. Tierney's use of sources and introductory remarks are very well done.

Tierney also examines the Canon Law jurists and Scholastic philosophers. Of particular note is the thinking of St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274). St. Thomas showed a marked difference with St. Augustine. Aquinas' view of the political authority was to protect men and women rather than a necessary evil due to their sinful nature. In regards to the Canon Law, Aquinas argued that the Canon Law was to give each man his due. One can note the change here.

This reviewer recommends this book. Tienrey's introductory essays are informative and well written. His choice of sources is good. One should note Tienery's work on the Middle Ages is among the best this reviewer has read. A good companion volume is Berman's LAW AND REVOLUTION.

This book contains many of the critical documents that trace the origin of Western freedoms. Tierney prefaces the main body of his material with a few short but fascinating passages from and on people like Ambrose and Augustine. In the following chapters, he traces the debate about the relationship between Church and State as it developed in three or four dozen key documents from 1050 to 1300. Tierney helpfully sets context for each passage. In some, popes and kings jockey for power; in others, thinkers offer balanced or didactically one-sided solutions.

Again and again one notes key NT passages coming up, like "My kingdom is not of this world," and "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's." As Tierney notes, the influence of Christianity on the proceedings are clear in two ways: first, "The very existence of two power structures competing for men's allegiance greatly enhanced the possibilities for human freedom." And second, "The possibility of a continuing tension between church and state was inherent in th every beginnings of the Christian religion." The documents eloquently demonstrate these points for themselves. The interest is not always in big themes, however, but often in human and even humorous details. Tierney's selection is varied.

Anyone who thinks modern freedom was an escape from Medieval despotism or ex nihilo invention of the Enlightenment, or that all religions are the same, and theological differences between religions have little practical effect, should carefully read this book. Clearly, the Grand Inquisitor is not the whole story, nor the big story, of the Middle Ages. Donald Treadgold's Freedom: A History, also makes some good comparative points in relation to other cultures. But there is nothing like going to the original sources for getting a feel for what people really thought, and why they thought it. An excellent resource.

Tierney's book is a very thought provoking book. However, I do not think that the reader can fully enjoy the entirity of the book without being apart of a discussion group or a class. This book is remarkable for its reference and outline. Tierney, being an anti-infallibist, helps guide the reader through his work by using the dialectic method. Arguments are presented and then the counter arguments are presented. This may seem repetitive but it is all apart of the process. This allows the reader to see one side of the argument get rebuked by the other side and then that side get rebuked again. In addition, each introduction to the chapter/section, provides all the background you need to know in order to enjoy the battle of wits, so to speak, between papal loyalists and emperor loyalists.

As one other reviewer noted there is continuing recurrence of key passages from the Bible in this book. This is central to the main argument that is taking place. Of course the main argument is who controls what and who has the power over whom. Knowing a little of Tierney's background will help you understand his position, as an anti-infallibist, meaning he doesn't like the papacy, to put it bluntly. But don't take that to heart. Tierney along with many other especially the emperors of the medieval ages did not agree with the papacy. Back to the main argument. When reading this book make note of the key passages aforementioned. It seems that sometimes this is the only ammunition that the papacy has, basing their power on what Jesus said to Peter. Of course, any serious student of religious studies knows that the NT is made up of thousands of texts, most written about two generations after the death of Jesus and later, so it may be impossible to really imply that Jesus was really granting Peter supreme authority on the earth. For more information see various works on N.T. Wright, E.P Sanders, or Powell's book, Jesus as a Figure in History.

Overall, this is a great book, which may seem dry at some times, but it is well worth the read.

Brian Blasko developed an unbelievably good system of showing people how to use common road signs to evaluate their communication skills. Brian's a great speaker/trainer and his book is one on which I regularly rely.

A great read from someone in the sales field. Gets you motivated and thinking outside the box!!!!

This book was great. The concepts in the book were easy to understand and to relate to anyone's life. I enjoyed reading the book and told several people to read it. It you need a pick me up in life than this book is for you.

After reading this book I am compelled to recommend it to other teachers of Leadership! Mr. Blasko's book uses every day life examples and humor to attack the huge topic of "Where am I going and what should I do in my life?" and breaks heavy discussion topics into bite-sized, easy-to-swallow morsels. I have used this book as the study guide for Youth Leadership Knox County and the students love it! We actually brought this author in to be the keynote opening retreat speaker and the book is written very much like he presents the material in person - but get him in person....its worth it! If you teach leadership, if you are looking for practical answers to leadership queries, or if you just want a quick, entertaining read - GET THIS BOOK. I have given it as a gift to almost everyone I know!

Most of the times, academics are enclosed in a bubble far away from real life. This book is exactly the contrary: Culture and Equality offers a vigourous defense of egalitarian liberalism regarding minorities' rights.
The book can be easily read since it was written in a succint delicious prose (with some gestes of humour).
Every responsible citizen should read this book in order to form a well opinion of what multiculturalism is and how it will change our societies.

Barry's work is presented as an egalitarian critique of multiculturalism. The work argues against much of the recent theoretical literature on multiculturalism (most notably W Kymlicka, IM Young, and B Parekh), but takes a more positive stance on reasserting the basic values of liberal egalitarianism--i.e., that individuals ought to have the ability to make and exercise rights claims as individuals, not as members of collective cultural groups. Barry goes through a number of case studies, such as the case of Sikhs in Britain on safety laws to explore whether what he calls "rule and exception" approaches to public policy are consistent with liberal values. He looks in depth at issues of religion and education.

The book is important for at least two reasons. One, the argument draws on empirical case studies which is intertwined with the theoretical material--a rare achievement in political theory. Two, the work challenges so much of the underlying assumptions in multicultural thinking. It is a breath of fresh air to read a tightly argued criticism of the kind of PC nonsense that passes for scholarship these days.

This book is likely to be greatly misunderstood. In this 'egalitarian critique of multiculturalism', Barry is not trotting out the tired right-wing argument that minorities don't deserve 'special treatment' etc., Rather, Barry contends that the best way to help those least advantaged is not by engaging in a politics of difference, but rather ensuring that all are guaranteed the full benefits of citizenship.

Barry wants to move away from the view that cultural rights are of prime importance so as to facilate a more inclusive social model. He gives several examples to illustrate how the politics of difference is ultimately self-defeating and non-sensical. These range from the rights of the Ahmish, to the issue of Quebec separatism.

The discussion of authors such as Kymlicka, Parekh, and Iris Young is very illuminating and to the point. He exposes the weaknesses in their arguments without marginalizing their concerns about the rights of minorities.

I read an earlier draft of this work and was blown away by the wit and energy Barry brings to bear here. This is a work by a top - notch scholar, which should be read by anyone who is interested in just what multiculturalism means.

In his book "Culture and Equality: an Egalitarian Cririque of Multiculturalism", Brian Barry convincingly argues that multiculturalism is not only a threat to liberalism, but - as in the case of communitarianism - gave the green light to practices that might well open a road that could end with Stalin or Hitler. The concept of "group rights", the claims of religious groups to self-government in internal affairs and the demands for specific minority practices and legal exemptions from general rules for members of minority groups fragments society and condemns liberal rights.
Multiculturalism can lead to the reification of cultural groups: "What we might find out by experience is that institutionalizing group representation offers opportunities and incentives for political entrepreneurs to whip up intragroup solidarity and intergroup hostility in the pursuit of power. And indeed this has happened all over the world virtually every time group representation has been introduced."
By attributing rights to cultural groups rather than individuals, one risks reifying cultures in a way that is not the case when rights are established for individuals. Eroding the universal framework to which all should abide in liberal democracies, undermine individual rights and the principles of justice. The `rule and exemption' approach - which establishes the right of cultural groups to make claims that place them outside the parameters of the law applied to others , sets a precedent which ultimately delegitimises the law. It is absurd to establish a framework of law and then undermine the universal application of the law by exempting some groups from it. Any liberal system of justice must apply the law on an equal basis. For Barry, a liberal egalitarian approach to contemporary politics requires a universal set of laws that provide a systematic framework under which everyone can live equally regardless of their private differences. Indeed it is incumbent on the state to establish a liberal system whereby individuals are able to pursue their private perceptions of the good to the greatest extent as long as that does not involve practices that infringe the law.

Brian Barry calls for a renewed attention to the concept of universal rights: "[Universal] rules define a choice set which is the same for everybody; within that choice set people pick a particular course of action by deciding what is best calculated to satisfy their underlying preferences for outcomes. . . . If uniform rules create identical choice sets, then opportunities are equal."
In his view, cultural differences are not problematic because "within a liberal state all groups are free to deploy their energies and recourses in pursuit of culturally derived objectives on the same terms."
Barry's critique of those multiculturalists who seek an alternative for liberalism is indeed devastating because he shows that their approaches conflict with basic liberal values.

My first grader picked out this book at his annual school book fair...and didn't put it down for a week! He's above grade level in reading, and was getting discouraged with some of the easy readers. Yet, when we looked at chapter books, they were over his head vocabulary wise. Pirate School is an excellent bridge between the two...not only is it a fun bedtime read, he's also learning to read the book on his own. Great character development, and lively illustrations. Keep it up Mr. James--my son can't wait for book number #5!!

My six year old just read this cover to cover, and is proud as can be at having read his first "real" book. The sentence structure and vocabulary are right at the level of someone ready to start reading something more challenging than a picture book. There are just enough illustrations to help a young reader really picture the plot as it develops, and the chapters are set out in easily manageable bites. It's a great confidence booster for someone who is ready to go to the next level. And with a plot that involves little boys and pirates, complete with a treasure map and a monster, how could you go wrong?

DS aged 8 has just finshed reading this and not all books bring on such excitement when finished. He even told me the storyline without any prompting, he thought it was such a cool tale. We are going to look for the other Pirate School books, thank you Mr James

I bought this book for everyone I knew with young children. It is an adorable story and the illustrations are thought provoking and expertly created. I'd recommend this read for any child with a vivid imagination.

Early book by the great western writer Robert Utley provides a brief description of the Indian situation that evolved before the LBH and then he provides an abbreviated but well described sequence of battle events. Utley then describes the press' role in developing the story that caught General Sherman and Sheridan off guard as Sherman provides Terry's second controversial report to a reporter by accident. Utley describes the fireworks that arises between Custer supporters such as his old classmate Confederate Rosser and Reno and other military men such as Colonel Hughes, Terry's adjutant and relative. The controversy is even made even more complex by the chapter spent on the Indian's version of events that has elements of truth combined with confusing facts or half truths perhaps aggravated by poor translations and the Indians unique individualistic versions of battle that lack time and spatial realities. Finally, Utley tackles a number of the mythical stories about Custer and the LBH including Frederick Whitacker's quick print and fanciful book on Custer that became a best seller. The best part of this chapter is the discussion about the last four crow scouts to see Custer particularly the debate over when Curley departed from Custer. An excellent book that frames the controversies about Custer's battle which also explains the fascination, nothing is totally certian but amongst all the testimony and physical evidence, somewhere lies the truth.

Anything by Robert Utley is indispensible, especially when it comes to Custer as he wrote CAVALIER IN BUCKSKIN, probably the best biography of the man. Also to his credit are the official NPS Little Bighorn Battlefield guide, a biography of Sitting Bull, and numerous other Custer/Indian Wars/Western history books.

This book is primarily focussed on an examination of the immediate aftermath of the Little Big Horn and how the various lines of controversy were established that still echo (unresolved) and are with us today. These include Did Custer Disobey Orders? Was Reno a coward when he fled from the valley fight? Were both Reno and Benteen negligent in not responding to Custer's written order for the packs, an order with an audible reminder of the gunfire four miles away that, two days later, the men on Reno Hill learned signalled the end of Custer and his command. All of the seeds of future books and endless debates were firmly planted by the end of the 1870s, topped off with the Reno Court of Inquiry. Excellent insight into that event and some of the second-hand talk and gossip sorroundingsthe officers who testified and why they may have said what they did. Utley is his usual dispassionate, detached self as he explores these issues in his highly engaging writing style.

Originally published in 1962, the book concludes with Utley's brief commentary on most of the major battle books published up to that time. One can only wish that this section were revised and updated. Lacking that, we can all look forward to the autor's CUSTER AND ME, due in October 2004.

Despite its age (it was first published in 1962) this book is probably the best of the scores of books available to start with for those interested in exploring the ever elusive and controversial life of George Armstrong Custer and the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Utley, while steering clear of making judgments of his own ("I do not aspire to offer the last word on the subject"), lays out the scene of the battle, shows how the press and early writers colored events and created heroes and villains, looks at the Indian side of the story, and discusses some of the myths that have gone into creating the Custer Legend. The Custer literature is prodigious in amount, and tends to be either Custerphilic (pro-Custer) or Custerphobic (anti-Custer). Again, Utley refuses to take sides, but points out that virtually every "fact" regarding the battle and its participants issues up opposing interpretations. This short book gives a powerful sense of what the student of Custer and especially the Little Big Horn is up against. A useful and straightforward introduction.

Good reading offers some good insight into the whole Custer and Little Bighorn 'fiasco'! I'm more prepared now to find out what possibly happened on that fateful day. The case has been well made that there may 'never' be a definitive conclusion?

Bunn nails the hard-boiled noir dialogue and narration without ever once resorting to cliche. At the same time he delivers a unique horror story with simple (i.e. non-convoluted) original concepts. Just plain great.

Take mobsters and tommy guns. Add demons, monsters, and a small-time fixer with a very interesting curse. Shake well, season with a femme fatale, and voila, you have The Damned: Three Days Dead. It's hard-boiled with spiky bits, and a great deal of fun. If you like noir with a little bit of a twist, you're enjoy the hell out of this.

Crime, greed, murder, the living dead. What's not to love about this new comic by Cullen Bunn? When the late mobster, Eddie, is dug out of his grave to find a missing bookkeeper, he is forced to continue his work as a gangster against his will in order to release the curse keeping him alive. This is a fast-paced, action-packed read you're sure to enjoy.

Imagine the idea of a Road to Perdition, except literally. A world of Prohibition era mobsters squabbling over territory, playing chess game over merchandise, and vying for power - a criminal underworld run, apropos enough, by demons. That is the world created by horror writer, Cullen Bunn, with The Damned. Brian Hurtt (Queen and Country, another fave book) delivers art reminiscent of Matt Wagner - a perfect blend of clean lines and moodiness - infusing each character with personality.

The Damned is a moody romp. Bunn has an ear for tough guy dialogue, and a feel for action pacing, while Hurtt's art alone is worth the price of admission. A blend of two of my favorite genres, gangland epic and horror, I hope this title gets extended well beyond its initial six issue run.