Green Books

Currently taking a course Discovering the Old Testament and this is following along great with the course. Adds a lot of information to the course.

This was an excellent book. The writers did a great job of explaining things!

This book delivers sound conservative scholarship that integrates application. The authors integrate the biblical information with helpful sidebars in the categories of Interpretive/hermeneutical, Theological, Historical, Cultural, and Archaelogical.

For example, on page 226, there is an excellent and concise explanation of the reason for mixed marriages. It explains the problem of syncretism that eroded Israel's practice of monotheism. It then offers practical advice for marriage today.

This work is a landmark work in Old Testament Survey that would be helpful to all students of the Hebrew Scriptures. It would benefit students and instructors alike.

Discovering the Old Testament: Story and Faith is a colourful college textbook introducing the Old Testament. The layout is similar to Encountering the Old Testament (by Bill T. Arnold et al). Each chapter begins with learning objectives, questions to consider, and key words to understand. Coded side bars cover topics such as "The Apocrypha" and "Modern Translations of the Bible." Each side bar is coded as Interpretive, Theological, Historical, Cultural, or Archaeological. Chapters end with summary statements, questions for reflection, and resources for further study. Numerous photographs are included with a large number drawn from modern Judaism. There is a brief appendix on Jewish history from 331 to 63 B.C.

This 382 page book is very readable and probably appropriate in depth for a college textbook, although in this space cannot go as deep as, say, LaSor, Hubbard and Bush (Old Testament Survey). It is written from a conservative perspective but critical scholarship is presented in abbreviated form. For example, the standard dates for Second and Third Isaiah are presented in a paragraph. There is a general failure to engage such critical issues and the authors present "scholarly opinion" alongside "conservative evangelical" scholarship without always committing to a particular view. So on the authorship of Isaiah they write "There is no unanimous opinion on this issue among conservative evangelical scholars. Some prefer the multiple authorship view. Others view the entire book as the work of Isaiah of the eighth century B.C." (p 293).

Much of the content of the book summarizes the biblical content. New Testament interpretation is mentioned in theological sidebars where relevant and the reader is encouraged to apply theological insights to personal faith.

The majority of the book was written by Alex Varughese who also edited the work as a whole. Varughese and the other three authors are department heads of Christian liberal arts colleges (I do not know who Robert L. Lewis is [named in the ...description]. He is not listed on my copy).

This book will prove a colourful and readable introduction to the Old Testament, especially in terms of biblical content and life application. The numerous illustrations allow the reader to visualise Israel and modern Judaism.

This review is based on a galley proof.

Dishing Up Vermont: 145 Authentic Recipes from the Green Mountain State is a compilation that unquestionably lives up to its title. Food writer and Tracey Medeiros, whose recipes have formerly appeared in "Bon Appetit", "Cooking Light", "Eating Well", and "Hampton Roads", offers easy-to-follow instructions for preparing tasty delights such as "Vermont-Style Hush Puppies", "Grilled Marinated Venison Loin", "Grilled Maple-marinated Portobello Mushrooms", "Butternut Squash Ravioli with Apples and Pears", and much more. Full-color photography and an assortment of Vermont food and eatery anecdotes round out this wonderful culinary tour de force.

You don't have to live in Vermont to love this cookbook. We live in Pennsylvania, and can get many of the same ingredients from our local farmer's market. This cookbook is for anyone who enjoys good food and knows the value of sustainable farming. Knowing the importance of buying locally produced foods, I found this cookbook to be a practical addition to my pantry. The recipes are easy to follow, yet taste like they were prepared by a gourmet chef. I particularly enjoyed the recipes for Blueberry Stuffed French Toast and Apple Covered Cheesecake. If you've ever been to Vermont, reading this will make you want to go back. The author does a wonderful job highlighting many of the Inns and Farms that make Vermont unique.

Dishing Up Vermont is a wonderful new cookbook that combines the best recipes and ingredients from the Green Mountain State. It introduces the reader to a wealth of ingredients and products that give the cook an insider's view of Vermont's best. This cookbook demonstrates the important bond between farmers, chefs and consumers, while stressing the importance of the sustainable farming movement as well as buying local. The book contains beautiful photographs of Vermont and its products which add an extra touch to this delightful collection of recipes. This is a must have cookbook for anyone's library, whether you be a Vermonter, or a visitor to the state. Hats off to the author for giving us a cookbook which we will have in our library for many years to come.

"Dishing Up Vermont" is a welcome addition to anyone's kitchen and cookbook library. For the master chef, novice, and everyone in between who may be interested in great whole food recipes prepared and flavored with organic ingredients, "Dishing Up Vermont" is a long awaited culinary dream. The wide selection of products used in these recipes not only include natural, healthy, and heart smart ingredients and preparation methods, but also emphasize sustainable farming practices, conservation, and fair trade markets which strengthen communities and the health of the overall land and environment. "Dishing Up Vermont" takes the reader through an exciting and delicious journey through the state of Vermont to eat at some of the finest restaurants, inns, and lodges while meeting some of the most exceptional chefs in the world...all in the comfort of your own kitchen. "Dishing Up Vermont" is an excellent cookbook that is unique in its mission and one that my family and friends will enjoy and recommend to others for many years to come. Kudos to its author!

This book is for ALL ages! Children will LOVE it because Dudley is small like them and "has a plan." Adults will LOVE the book because it is literally the "underdog" story -- and we've all either been or known a "Dudley" at some point in our lives -- Dudley makes us smile and cheer him on. Dog Lovers will LOVE the book because Dudley "RULES!" It reminds me of "The Little Engine That Could" story -- both books have WONDERFUL "attitude" morals and are character-building. The photographs and story-line of "Dudley" are equally brilliant. Dudley is a story to read and re-read at all stages of your life

We got the Dudley book from the library. It's cute because Dudley is cute and the story cute. It's about a tiny terrier and all the big dogs look down on her, but then she trains to be a fast, sportsy dog! Dudley reminds me of Cookie, our dog. Our dog is a terrier mix and she is fast too! I suggest you buy or if you don't want to spend money, get it from the library! Signed, StoryMaker.

We got the Dudley book from the library. It's cute because Dudley is cute and the story cute. It's about a tiny terrier and all the big dogs look down on her, but then she trains to be a fast, sportsy dog! Dudley reminds me of Cookie, our dog. Our dog is a terrier mix and she is fast too! I suggest you buy or if you don't want to spend money, get it from the library! Signed, StoryMaker.

We got the Dudley book from the library. It's cute because Dudley is cute and the story cute. It's about a tiny terrier and all the big dogs look down on her, but then she trains to be a fast, sportsy dog! Dudley reminds me of Cookie, our dog. Our dog is a terrier mix and she is fast too! I suggest you buy or if you don't want to spend money, get it from the library! Signed, StoryMaker.

I am retiring as an insurance adjuster in 90 days and will run my skincare business fulltime. The information in this book puts EVERYTHING in focus. Fortunately for me the creator of my business model already did the heavy lifting, but for those who are going to do the creation, developement, research, demographics and so forth this book will point you in the right direction. Even if you have already started the business and are plugging along The E Myth will help you smooth out the kinks. You will see how to maximize your production and it will enable you to KNOW how to make your corrections. I am recommending it for my Masterminds reading club.

Everyone that starts a business is a technician that suffers from an Entrepreneurship seizure, hence the E Myth. Small businesses do not work the way intended because the technician only works in the business and can not also have the foresight to work on the business at the same time. This book will open an individuals eyes to what is the reality of owning/operating a business. I wish I had the knowledge of this book when my real estate brokerage exploded with growth in 2005 and I hired my first person. Its not enough to know your business; you need to get others to run it while you focus on growing the operation.

The book will demonstrate and shall the reader how to install systems in the business so anyone can run it, then you will have a business, until then the owner/technician will only have a job. The systems, not the people will run the business and the business will do what it was designed to do. If anyone can run the business because of the systems then anyone can own it and it still will produce income for the owner and his employees. McDonalds is a great example of systems put in place will determine the desired outcome(not the people).

The book will change the way you think of your small business and how to organize the business so you can attain a level of success and freedom. There are only two reasons to own a business to have freedom and to sell it one day.

that doesn't make it as easy to follow as it is to read; but you owe it to yourself to try.

Worth its weight in gold. Sound advice. Requires mental discipline.

With more than 50,000 copies sold in the first edition, this new release of The E-Myth brings valuable insights from the man who has helped thousands of small business owners beat the odds. Business visionary, entrepreneur, salesman, and manager Michael Gerber adds new information from both small and Fortune 500 companies to guide people through a business's developmental growing pains. He shows them how to change a busiess that doesn't work into one that works in a predictable and productive way. Gerber's message is compelling and pragmatic. And the best of all, as his thousands of clients attest, it works.
--- from book's back cover

Dennis Dahlin has compiled a delightful and unique guide of interesting places to stay with an environmental or 'earth-friendly' element. The book is a dynamic resource with an update page available on their website. The book is enhanced with beautiful sketches primarily drawn by the author. Other environmental travel guides are in the works. We enjoyed the relaxing read and look forward to exploring the many inns he has discovered and shared with us. .....

The charm and character of the inns listed in this book make me want to take a trip from the tip of the NorthEast down, stopping at every inn. Hand-drawn sketches are marvelous! And, the info on ecofriendly places to visit is richly detailed. I've almost visited all the inns here in Northern CA--This book opens new pathways across the country, while treading lightly on the earth. A treasure.

This review is written by a connoisseur of travel guides who has been a globe-trotter for over 50 years, and a resident of the northeast for much of her life prior to becoming an innkeeper in the Caribbean. The book is exceptionally well researched and beyond compare in its meticulously researched and presented contents. It picks and chooses the most interesting inns, richly describing each one in an enchanting and easy-to-follow format. It inspires the reader with additional information about hiking groups, farmers' markets, environmental action groups, web sites, and other items of interest rarely included in similar, but more expensive, travel guides. Reading this book is like being taken care of by the best of the best inn-keepers. The illustrations are methodically detailed and beautiful to look at, as are the photos. Buy it, you'll like it! And give it as a gift, too!

From Planeta Journal - Guide to "green" hotels in the U.S. Northeast. The author provides a selection of hotels desgined and operated in harmony with the environment. Establishments in this guide strive toward being earth-frinedly via the use of solar heating, innovative recycling programs and/or organic gardens. The author describes these hotels and inns and provides rates, credentials and - most notably - lively histories of each hotel's origins and the owner's current work. Chapters include information about nearby earth-friendly restaurants, natural food stores, farmers' markets and destinations for low-impact recreation. This is the first in a series. Highly recommended.

I am totally new to this "ism." Thus, I find this book can offer a good review about ecofeminism.

I read this book for the Jan/Feb 2004 LD Topic: "A government's obligation to protect the environment ought to have precedence over its obligation to promote economic development." I have to say I highly reccomend this book to anyone interested in the connections between the environment and feminism. I especially liked the discussion of how women and the environment are connected through language through the use of word's like "Mother Nature." That use in particular was to put it in a word pimp. Warren covers all areas of ecofeminist thought, and is extremely fair to those critical of ecofeminism. To anyone interested in learning about how our domination of the environment undergirds our domination of other groups this book is perfect. As I said before, this work by a "street philosopher," is simply pimp. Highest recomendations!

ECOFEMINIST PHILOSOPHY
A WESTERN PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS

By Karen J. Warren
Rowman and Littlefield, 230 pages
A Review by Wendell G. Bradley

Warren calls herself a ýstreet philosopherý. And, true to her calling, this professor of philosophy at Macalester College reaches the ordinary reader on important issues.

Ordinary philosophy is already superseded in chapter one entitled: ýNature is a Feminist Issueý. Women, world-wide, are shown to experience environmental harm disproportionately. And, they are organizing, as women, against related dominations.

For Warren, dominations tend to follow whenever (allegedly) ethically relevant hierarchies designate their ýothersý as inferiors. Subordinations, however, have to be first justified by ýa logic of dominationý. Humans, for example, might be deemed superior to nature because they have the ability to manipulate it. But, without a logic of domination, ýsuperiorityý could just as well lead to stewardship.

Patriarchy provides our current logic of domination. Under its conceptual framework, men become associated with reason and volition (read: intelligence and public roles). The result is a prevailing male-other bias that links women and nature--women too naturally something, to be allowed this or that. Accordingly, Warren recognizes both gender and ecology as good points of departure for an environmental ethic, hence ecofeminism.

Warren begins her ýquiltingý of an ecofeminist philosophy in chapter three. Here, she masterfully interrogates and reconceptualizes the reductive and essentialist rationality of todayýs male-other bias. Various belief examinations arise from the ýcognitive dissonancesý she brings to light in an examined patriarchy. At a minimum our loss of ecological integrity has required justification via a logic of domination. Our human spirit, however, can become caring enough to resist oppressions and destructions, especially in oneýs home place.

Accordingly, Warren introduces a ýcare-sensitiveý ethic. It is characterized by a ýloving eyeý that focuses on a contextual orientation, a more optimistic understanding of self, an inclusivist ethical pluralism, incorporations of emotional intelligence, and a nonprivileging social justice. Through our spiritual ability to care, these qualities combine to make nature ýmorally deservingý. Thus, Warrenýs care-sensitive ethic makes a fundamental contribution to a possible ecological flourishing.

The idea of ecofeminism, itself, is not particularly new, but Warrenýs insights, clarifications and arguments are. Her overall philosophical synthesis is both refreshing and convincing.

Wendell G. Bradley, is a retired professor of Human Ecology and author of ýThe Gift of Moralityý . He lives in Colorado.

ECOFEMINIST PHILOSOPHY
A WESTERN PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS
By Karen J. Warren

A Review by Wendell G. Bradley

Warren calls herself a `street philosopher'. And, true to her calling, this professor of philosophy at Macalester College reaches the ordinary reader on important issues.

Ordinary philosophy is already superseded in chapter one entitled: `Nature is a Feminist Issue'. Women, world-wide, are shown to experience environmental harm disproportionately. And, they are organizing, as women, against related dominations.

For Warren, dominations tend to follow whenever (allegedly) ethically relevant hierarchies designate their `others' as inferiors. Subordinations, however, have to be first justified by `a logic of domination'. Humans, for example, might be deemed superior to nature because they have the ability to manipulate it. But, without a logic of domination, `superiority' could just as well lead to stewardship.

Patriarchy provides our current logic of domination. Under its conceptual framework, men become associated with reason and volition (read: intelligence and public roles). The result is a prevailing male-other bias that links women and nature--women too naturally something, to be allowed this or that. Accordingly, Warren recognizes both gender and ecology as good points of departure for an environmental ethic, hence ecofeminism.

Warren begins her `quilting' of an ecofeminist philosophy in chapter three. Here, she masterfully interrogates and reconceptualizes the reductive and essentialist rationality of today's male-other bias. Various belief examinations arise from the `cognitive dissonances' she brings to light in an examined patriarchy. At a minimum our loss of ecological integrity has required justification via a logic of domination. Our human spirit, however, can become caring enough to resist oppressions and destructions, especially in one's home place.

Accordingly, Warren introduces a `care-sensitive' ethic. It is characterized by a `loving eye' that focuses on a contextual orientation, a more optimistic understanding of self, an inclusivist ethical pluralism, incorporations of emotional intelligence, and a nonprivileging social justice. Through our spiritual ability to care, these qualities combine to make nature `morally deserving'. Thus, Warren's care-sensitive ethic makes a fundamental contribution to a possible ecological flourishing.

The idea of ecofeminism, itself, is not particularly new, but Warren's insights, clarifications and arguments are. Her overall philosophical synthesis is both refreshing and convincing.

Wendell G. Bradley, is a retired professor of Human Ecology and author of `The Gift of Morality'.

What a book! Written in 1943, the author did not even know the outcome of the war. But the story, set in England at the time the country anticipated a German invasion and before the United States had joined the Allied Forces, begins with 12-year-old Max from Germany being taken away from Norway to England by Dym, a British airman. Dym immediately recognizes Max as his brother, Tony, who was kidnapped as a toddler. Tony, however, wants nothing to do with Dym, or anything or anyone associated with Dym.

I wondered throughout the beginning of the book why the plot began with the definitive information that these two were brothers. It seemed as if the story might be more suspenseful if we were to wonder at least for a little while if Max was really Tony. But the wonderful drama unfolds with Tony trying routinely to escape the family which wasn't certain they wanted to love this child because of his hatred of all but Germany, Germans and Hitler.

Tony creates havoc for his long-suffering brother Dym, who continues to believe in Tony and continues to hunt him down, rescuing him from near death too often. Throughout all the 'escapes', the members of the family continue to go off to war, help with war efforts, protect themselves from the inevitable bombs, air attacks and mines while dealing with this strong-headed child who does not want to be a part of this family. This is an amazing look into life during the war from one who was living it while the story was being written.

The mentality of the Nazi youth is defined in a chilling exchange between Tony and his sister, Euphemia. He tells her that 'whatever serves Germany is right', and 'nothing that serves Germany is ever wrong.'

The ending takes a page-turner twist and has a most uplifting and hopeful conclusion. I could not help but think of the author as an incredibly optimistic woman whom I would have loved to have as a neighbor during the war.

The book is full of life with characters displaying a deep faith, lasting love for each other, and profound hope for the future and belief in what is right. The author avoids sentimentality and romance which makes this a refreshing book for all young teens, yet adults will find it most enjoyable as well. This is an excellent novel for middle school students interested in war history and it would be a very useful adjunct for educators.

I recommend this book without reservation. The author's long life coincided almost exactly with the 20th century, and this reissue, written during and set in the England of World War II, still speaks to us today.

A 12-year-old German boy, Max Eckermann, is taken to England against his will by patriots fleeing occupied Norway. Before the first chapter has ended, an English airman, Dymory Ingleford, has identified Max as his brother Tony, who was kidnapped as a toddler by a childless German woman.

Placed with Dym's family, Max's stubborn loyalty to his German citizenship pits him against his loving, but unsympathetic hosts. While the conflict centers on Max and Dym, Savery brings us back over and over to ordinary English citizens cheerfully doing their bit during the darkest hours of the war. Rationing, refugee housing, and wide-spread destruction, not to mention intermittant air attacks, remind us when this is taking place

In choosing to personify the "German evil" as "blind obedience to ones nationality" rather than by, say, the horrors of the holocaust (not fully realised when Savery wrote), the book allows us to remain sympathetic with Max, while still retaining bite and relevancy.

Be warned that Savery is a Christian writer. Her faith is not obtrusive; nevertheless, it is there.

If you like excitement, you have to read this book! It was the best book I have EVER read. (I read It all the time)
There are so meny good characters that will thrill you with all they do.

Set in World War II, this book is mainly about these two brothers.
One who grew up in Germany, who is the lost brother Tony (he's twelve). And the other who grew up in England, who is the older brother Dym.
Dym is one of the best character's I have ever met in any of the books I've read! Noble, great, strong, just WONDERFUL! (claps)

Tony is thrown into this busy household of his lost family, and he doesn't like it. He thinks that they are mistaken, and he insists that he IS German. He tries to escape meny times, but every time his brother Dym brings him back. (smile)

This book doesn't only show the struggle between the brothers, but it shows the struggle between good and evil. It explains the mind-set of Germany, and the mind-set of England. It shows that black can never be white.
There are some speech's in this book that are just SO great. You just HAVE to read them!

This is a book for ages 11 and up, all the way up :)
If you haven't read this book, you need to.

I first read "Enemy Brothers" when I was in primary school, and it made the era of World War 2 come alive, with its interplay between world events and every day family drama in rural England during the horrendous period of the Blitz. In search of a wonderful book with which to gift a special young reader, I have looked for it online a number of times in recent years, but have been unwilling to pay a premium for an older copy. So it is especially gratifying to find it available in new paperback form at a reasonable price. Readers, and those who care for young readers, who like or love this book, might also enjoy books by
- - Geoffrey Trease (most especially "Cue for Treason", about a young boy in 16th century England who falls in with a band of travelling players and must use his heart and his wits to save himself and country)
- - Elizabeth Pope (most especially "The Shirwood Ring", a lovely, funny, romantic novel about an orphaned teen-aged girl who, living with an elderly relative in the region of New York State above New York City, meets various ghosts from the Revolutionary War era)
- - Marguerite Vance (including her biographies of Elizabth I of England, Jane Grey, and Martha Washington, which make history come alive in an especially wonderful way for young girls)and
- - Maude Hart Lovelace (all of the Betsy-Tacy books, notwithstanding their being, or being perceived as, politically incorrect, for their portrayal of young teen-aged women growing up in the Mid-West at the turn of the 19th/20th centuries.)

Every environmental professional who has to lead (which is all of us, at some point) should read this well-crafted little book. The premise, that others can learn from the contemporary practical experience of Dr. Gordon and Dr. Berry, as well as of their colleagues, is sound. The book explains the essential skills for current practice, why these skills are important, and how to develop them. Recent real-world examples and theory alternate, helping to keep your attention. As a 25-year environmental consultant who also teaches ocassional courses at the graduate-school level I'll be recommending this book to colleagues and students, and even a few clients.

John Gordon and Joyce Berry recognized the difficulties natural resource leaders are experiencing in guiding their organizations to successful, long-term solutions for difficult environmental issues. Both had experienced these difficulties in their respective professional careers. At the same time they saw a few natural resource leaders being very successful. As a result they surveyed these people as a way to identify the attributes that helped these individuals be successful in a highly political atmosphere. What they found was a new style of leadership.

In their book "Environmental Leadership=Essential Leadership", Gordon and Berry share the results of their survey and synthesize the results into tools for leaders. This book provides great guidance to leaders at all levels in their career. It captures the lessons I had learned the hard way during my 17 years as the Oregon State Forester (director of the Oregon Department of Forestry). I wish I had had this tool when I started my career as a leader.

I am impressed with the practicality of this book. The authors discuss not only theory, but provide examples and illustrate how to apply the concepts. I especially liked Chapters 6 and 7. However, this is not only a book on leadership, but also problem solving. I especially liked the focus on multiple leaders within an organization or agency as opposed to a single leader. Many discussions on leadership fail to recognize that institutional leaders (or merely holding a leadership job title) does not make someone a good or effective leader.

Notes for reviewers, "Environmental Leadership Equals Essential Leadership: Redefining Who Leads and How"
J. Gordon and J. Berry, 2006
Yale University Press

Gordon and Berry wrote the book. Dr. Christensen kindly wrote the Foreword. The rating is included because it is mandatory in this Amazon format and because we think it is a good book. But clearly we shouldn't be rating our own book so please ignore it. We provide these notes because we have been asked by reviewers to provide more than is included in the press release that accompanies the book and this is an efficient way to do it.

Approximately a decade after the publication of their first leadership book, "Environmental Leadership: Developing Effective Skills and Styles", Gordon and Berry reassess environmental leadership and outline their current view of its nature and principles. Their major conclusion is that all leadership is becoming like environmental leadership because the problems leaders face increasingly are or resemble environmental problems. Environmental problems typically take a long time to solve, are complex, have an emotion charged atmosphere, have a weak or scattered science base, and require integration across fields of knowledge and political and geographic boundaries.

To answer the question, "How has environmental leadership changed as its context has changed?" they did a survey of people they identified as practicing environmental leaders (listed in the book with their affiliations at the time of the survey). They expected that given the many contextual changes since the first book (e.g. globalization, increased terrorism, greater concern about global warming and a host of other environmental issues) a much changed picture of environmental leadership might emerge from the survey answers. Several interesting near consensus views did in fact emerge:
* Leadership is getting harder because the world is more complicated
* Gender differences in leadership skills and styles continue to exist
* "Command and control" leadership is sometimes necessary
* Leadership can and does occur in the absence of formal authority or "leadership position"
* Leadership is becoming more process oriented as complexity increases

The major characteristics and methods of environmental leadership, however, had not changed materially and the authors use their own experience as well as the survey results and the leadership literature to provide the leader with a leadership learning model. This model is based on the "leadership tree" concept, in which each individual constructs a leadership learning plan based on an inventory of their "tree" components: roots=ethics and values; trunk=skills, style and knowledge; branches and leaves=problem choice and application of skills, styles and knowledge; fruit=solutions, relationships and accomplishments. In their view, leadership is a learned set of skills. Further, they think in today's world, every person should study leadership as a basic component of their professional and organizational persona. Each member of any group will face the necessity, sooner or later, to be an effective leader and follower because, given the complexity of environmental problems, their skills or style will demand that they lead. Almost all environmental problems are "multidisciplinary" and each group member will need the capacity to lead when their area is to the fore.

The major themes of the book, encapsulated in 9 chapters, each with a summary of its essential elements at the end, include:

* There is no single model or theory of leadership now available that adequately describes environmental leadership. Each leader needs to develop a diverse tool kit of skills based on their own fundamental values that will serve a variety of circumstances.
* The creation of useful visions of the future (those that identify achievable goals and solvable problems and what to do about them) is the first step in essential leadership. These guiding visions should be bold but practical.
* Environmental leaders primarily are people who solve environmental problems; thus problem definition and solution are the key leadership activities once a useable vision is created.
* Solvable problems can be defined by specifying five components: a decision maker or class of decision makers, the objective or objectives of the decision maker, alternative ways of achieving the objectives, doubt about which objective to choose, and the context in which the decision takes place.
* The complex nature of environmental problems focuses on collaborative effort, so diversity and inclusiveness are always elements in their solution.

The book examines the path from "old leadership" to "essential leadership" (from hierarchical to inclusive and collaborative, from closely held information to widely distributed information, from geographic isolation to global participation) and examines how essential leadership can be installed in organizations and how to tell if it is working. Gordon and Berry examine selected books on business and political leadership and find common themes with environmental leadership in terms of the nature of vision, the need for inclusion and the need to fight "leadership inflation" (the emotive, soft approach to leadership that casts us all as potential Lincolns or Churchills).

They end the book with their view of the future of leadership and some things they think they have personally learned as leaders.

The book is intended to be used in leadership courses in universities, particularly in but not limited to environmental and natural resource programs,and for professional career development. The authors have used the principles in the book in courses taught over fifteen years to graduate, undergraduate and outreach students at Yale's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and Colorado State University's Warner College of Natural Resources. The book will be supported by a web site, www.leaderesources.com.

This book includes Evagrius Ponticus' "The Praktikos" and "Chapters On Prayer", as well as a comprehensive treatise by John Eudes Bamberger ocso.
Bamberger (background as a psychiatrist, as a a monk, and as a erudite historian) gives us a clear view on the work of Evagrius (345-399). Evagrius, an important theologian in the 4th and 5th century, left the upper circles of Byzantine Constantinople, to live a humble and ascetic life as a monk in North African desert. In this period Evagrius wrote a system of guide-lines and psycho-religious support to help monks resisting mental temptations. Bamberger shows us in a clear and understandable way the surprising similarities between Evagrius' system and modern descriptive psychology. This book offers a fascinating focus on an important early period of European development of spiritual thinking and mental life, and provides help for people that want to take the matter up of serious prayer and contemplation.

This book was used as a supplemental resource in the development of lectures for a college level course on The Desert Fathers. The Introduction was helpful. This book is a good overall presentation of Desert Spirituality. Evagrius Ponticus is an important read for those who wish to understand the foundations of religious life.

"Evagrius Ponticus is the living link through whom the ascetic principles of Clement and Origen's Alexandrine mystical theology passed into the mainstream of Christian monasticism."



Intense Prayer:
Abba Macarius of Egypt said there is no need to waste time with words. It is enough to hold out your hands and say, "Lord, according to your desire and your wisdom, have mercy." If pressed in the struggle, say, "Lord, save me!" or say, "Lord." He knows what is best for us, and will have mercy upon us.Monastics of old, in Sketes, Nitria, and Kellia uttered, "Lord, make haste to help me. Lord, make speed to save me," all day long. We may join them to pray; "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." Or, we might memorize a Psalter, or quote a Bible verse , or a sentense from the Lord'd prayer. In fourth century Egypt, in Sketes, Abba Macarius short "arrow" prayers were practiced by the Coptic monks, as recorded by Evagrius Ponticus, "at the time of these temptations make use of short and intense prayer." Chapter 98, on Prayer.

Evagrius on Psalmody and Prayer:
A connection between the seemingly disparate aspects of Evagrius' mystical theology and his writings on psalmody and prayer has been sought from three perspectives. Evagrius' training, life, and related spiritual writings, in the context of the 'discipline of psalmody' as practised by his contemporary monastics; Evagrius texts on the interrelationship between psalmody and prayer, and his underlining of the usefulness of psalmic contemplation in the healing of passions, are typical Sketes ascetical traditions. Biblical scholia when closely studied, may facilitate what Evagrius has called `undistracted psalmody', that is, contemplation by means of the words used in psalms of the person of Christ and of Christ's salvific work within his acts in creation, and redemption, a pioneering tradition, first taught by his grand master Origen.

Evagrius, the living link:
Evagrius was an able disciple of Alexandrine theological school, as practiced by the Desert Fathers, as Coenobitic monastic tradition. He creatively transmitted the essence of Coptic spirituality that deeply influenced Oriental and Western Christian thinkers from John Cassian to Simeon the new theologian, and his influence is still felt today between R. Catholics, through Jerome and Rufinus, but above all within the Benedictines and Cisterians. Thus spake Fr. Leclercq in his preface.

Evagrius Life and writings
In an eloquent and scholarly essay, Fr. Bamberger instructs us on the recovery of Evagrian writings, his life, and theology. Taking on this task he conducts it in a captivating style recounting stories of early Alexandrian masters Origen, Didymus and the Macariis in a tour escourted by Palladius, Bousset, Guillaumont, Chadwick, and Von Balthassar. He does not fail to include the Capadocians, Melania, Rufinus and Epiphanus.

The Evagrian Quadruplet
Fr. Bamberger not only translated Evagrius twin essays, but wrote an elaborate introduction that earns him the title: MystiCoptologist, a peritus on Coptic monasticism.
He invited Fr. Leclercq, the enlightened abbot of Clairvaux to write a master piece preface to supplement the triplet study and manuscripts. After thirty years, this classic proved instrumental in Evagrian cognition, as much or even more than "the Kephalaia Gnostica", adding his name to the Pontic master's club of Guillaumont et al.

The Praktikos: On Ascetic Life
Evagrius elleptical thought is rendered in plain English.The hundred chapters , demonic thoughts, the eight passions, takes forty of them. Instructions, Apatheia, its signs, takes the rest concluded with sayings of the holy monks.

153 chapters on Prayer:
"Unbroken communion" means that the mind is pure in its focus on God. "Undistracted prayer is the highest act of the intellect...The state of prayer can be aptly described as a habitual state of imperturbable calm." Evagrius Ponticus, The Praktikos c. 34 & 52
Following master Origen, Evagrius identifies contemplation with monastic life, and prayer to spiritual life , martyrdum being the sign of perfection. written possibly to Rufinus, the 153 here correspond to the large fish in John 21:11. His expressions are typically of the desert: the gift of tears, striving for a deaf mind,and flower of meekness, and fruit of joy and thanksgiving. He supports his writings with quotations from John the short, Theodore of Tabennisi, sealing it with benedictions, definitions, and promises.

John Bamberger's translation of the Praktikos and Chapters on Prayer by Evagrius Ponticus should be required reading for anyone interested in the ascetic theology of ancient Christianity. Not only does he render the challenging, often elliptical, Greek of Evagrius into approachable English, but he prefaces the two works with an invaluable introduction. This century has been one of enormous progress in the study of Evagrius, and any reader of the Chapters on Prayer and the Praktikos will appreciate why such effort has been expended. Evagrius still has much to teach us.

This is a wonderful calendar; high quality photos, convenient format, interesting birds. The photos show (expectedly) how strange and bizarre some chicken breeds are, and (unexpectedly) how ornate and almost beautifully detailed their plumage can be. Perfect for the kitchen.

I buy a rooster/chicken calendar for my mom every Christmas. The photos are amazing - you never knew a chicken could look like this. I'm sure she'll be delighted.

I've loved my 2007 version of this calendar! I'll definitely order 2008. Only the fanciest, froofiest chickens need apply. Every month there is a main chicken, and a smaller sub-chicken (on the lower page). The proper breed names are given for each. This is handy for we laypersons who are not poultry scholars, but appreciate the plumage.

I keep this calendar at my office. At the beginning of each month my co-workers breathlessly await the unveiling of the newest chicken.

This calendar has some extraordinary pictures, many suitable for framing.
They give you plenty of room to write whatever appointments/info you may need on appropriate dates and looks great posted on the wall.