Scott Books

"We have been pleased with Trigg & Dobson Access textbooks in the past. This revision for 2000 appears to be nothing less than the quality to which we have become accustomed." Dennis C. Hipp - Guilford Tech Community College

The exercises are, in my opinion, one of the strongest aspects of the book. They are varied, many require thought on the part of the students, getting around the "monkey-see monkey-do" approach of some texts, and clearly distinguish between problems for practicing techniques, problems requiring critical thinking, and problems requiring more exploratory activities. Timothy Fullam University of Alaska Southeast

I especially like three of the changes: A) relating the exercises to specific topics. Makes it easier for the students to comprehend the exercises. Also provides a logical foundation for relating topics to specific problem areas. B) providing strategic directions for project problem solving. Helps the learning curve for students who have difficulty mapping a solution path to complex problems. C) changing the fast-track index, rewording. Makes searching a lot easier! Ramesh Kumar, Cal State Fullerton

Scott Straus is a certifiable genius when it comes to genocide. His class was the most informative and life-changing course in the history of the University of Oregon. The University of Wisconsin is extremely lucky to be gaining him as a faculty member. Everyone should buy this book and support this amazing man. Not only is Straus brilliant, but he is "much sexier in person", to quote a UN official.

Before meeting Straus, everyone should know: Rwanda was NOT ancient tribal hatreds.

Scott Strauss and David K. Leonard marvelously delinate the African quagmire with a sense of optomism and honesty. The book boldy breaks down a myriad of preconcieved misconceptions and offers a scholarly aproach that shows the potential for a rebirth of the African continent. Many thanks to these brilliant men.

Let us say one thing...Scott Straus is a brilliant man. How do we know this? Scott Straus is our Professor and although we haven't read the book we have complete faith that his brilliance radiates from the work. Once we finish the monstrous amount of reading he assigned in his class we will be sure to read this book and we have no doubt we will enjoy it...and you will too.

This book is everything it claims to be. It is a thorough, interesting and very readable (though scientific) resource on the African Wild Dog and I would recommend it to anyone dealing with the species, or wanting to know more about the dogs and how they are studied.

No, this is NOT the only book on the African Wild Dog, although yes it is a good one and well worth the money. I'd have to also recommend the one by McNutt, I believe it's called Dispelling the Myths of the African Wild Dog. McNutt has been studying these misunderstood dogs for many many years, and is one of the leading researchers. His book has lots of information about a particular pack he was studying, plus lots of info on the dogs in general, and has GREAT photos...some of the best AWD pictures I've seen.

That's not just a compliment. It's a literal fact. There is no other book dedicated to wild dogs. Not in print. Probably not at all. And if we're to be "stuck" with just one publication, it is sheer pleasure to be stuck with this one. Highly readable, engaging, informative... robust science, excellent documentation, interesting and mind-expanding explanations and statistics... There's no other book out there, but even if there were, it would be hard pressed to meet this publication for quality and readability. Five stars. Worth every penny.

An avid reader of the King, I was amazed that I actually put down his latest midway through to pick this up and read it to the end. Scott is my new favorite author!

From the time I first started reading it, until I had to take a break to feed myself, I was hooked! This is a very fast paced book that keeps you on edge all the way through it. The opening events set the plate for a future scenario that sadly could become a reality given the climate of the post cold-war world we live in (more specificaly, surviving after a nuclear world war)...
If you like fast-paced adventure, this book will meet your needs. The characters are well developed and easy to relate to and they will have you cheering for them in their trials and travels. It has all the trademarks of a fine Clancy novel, but, with better character development and less of the techno mumbo-jumbo.
This book will appeal to all but the youngest of readers (I would recommend it from 13 years or so on up... mostly because of some strong language). I couldn't find any previous listings, but, I look forward to any future offerings by this author. I whole-heartedly and confidently recommend this book.

This book starts accelerating in the first chapter and all you can do is hold on for the ride. A global political melt-down...
A small town story of rebellious youth... A race to unite the forces of good against evil. And a tale of friendship and rock and roll, first love and warfare. All told with a fresh voice that somehow sounds like an old school pal reminding you of your past shenanigans.
The sequel can't come soon enough for me.

This book has truly helped me, go through the illness and death of my 4 1/2 yr old special needs son. What is so neat is that while this family lived in IL, Amanda and her sister attended the preschool and school where I worked. I met Amanda in person , and watched her in the "green room" many times. I always remember holding her and "Bunnylove" little did I know that when I became a mother I would go down the long road of having a sick child who now lives with the angel's. I hope and pray Amanda is alive and well, but if she too has gone home with the Angel's I know she and my little boy are together

This author has provided the public at large with several real gifts. The first is the gift of his beautiful daughter, Amanda. The second was his unflinchingly honest assessment of Amanda's illness and the tragic impact it had on her family. The third gift was making his (and Amanda's) story public. This man has done an invaluable service and one can't help but hope for peace in their lives. This book is very inspirational.

This book, to be quite honest, at times is hard to read. Not because it doesn't flow or make sense, but because it is so easy to relate to what Scott has written. There were many times when I found myself thinking how I have expressed many of the same emotions and frustrations that Scott wrote about. It brought tears on more than one occassion. However, I am very glad I read the book. It is very helpful. Both with practical advice and in dealing with your emotions as you battle serious childhood illness. Thank you Scott, your book has been a gift to countless families.

Through reading these and other recent Spider-Man books (25 issues worth) one thing comes to mind: even through bad stories, Spider-Man is still the man. It may be controversial but I like the idea of Ezekiel, Morlun, the Spider totem, all of it. Spider-Man has to be changed up every once in awhile and this is a much better way to do it then killing people off, or a new costume. As Straczynski's run goes on he shows a new side to Spider-Man/Peter Parker, MJ, Aunt May, even Uncle Ben. Spider-Man is firmly in the Marvel Universe in this series, with random comings and goings from other heroes. On the other hand, Peter Parker is firmly in the real world during this run. Peter Parker in college has been tried before, but Peter Parker (as an adult of course) in high school? Well, that's different and incredibly entertaining. The new villains are memorable and the older cast reminds you why you loved them to begin with.

"Until the Stars Turn Cold" is the third trade paperback collection of issues of Volume 2 of "The Amazing Spider-Man," currently under the creative auspices of writer J. Michael Stracynski and artist John Romita, Jr. (inks by Scott Hanna). At this point in the developing narrative Stracynski has already dropped his two major bombshells that establish the new and improved Spider-Man in the previous two collections: in "Coming Home" Peter Parker discovers that his powers were not the result of a random radioactive spider bite but that he is, in fact, the avatar of the Earth's spider population, and in "Revelations" Aunt May confronts Peter about knowing he is Spider-Man.

Basically, in "Until The Stars Turn Cold," which collects issues #40-45, two things happen. First, the dust is settling from the aforementioned revelations (Aunt May gives JJJ a piece of her mind regarding her new perspective on his Spider-man vendetta), and Peter is finally getting around to doing something about his estrangement from Mary Jane. However, this is complicated by the second set of things which happen within these pages, namely a set of three-issue battles. The first is with a new villain called the Shade, and requires the help of Doctor Strange, Master of the Mystic Arts. The second is with Doctor Octopus; actually, this would be Doctor Octopi, since there is the original Otto Octavius and a new, younger, leaner, meaner, version. Of course, both conflicts thwart Peter's endeavor to reconnect with his wife (so what else is new?).

Although there are some echoes from Volume 1 in terms of the time there were two, count them, two Vultures, what Stracynski and Romita are really doing with this second story arc is their own homage to what I consider the greatest Spider-Man story of all time, in "Amazing Spider-Man" #31-33 (yes, even over the first two issues down by Romita's father when the Green Goblin learned Spidey's secret identity, the three drug issues with the Comic Code seal of approval, the death of Gwen Stacy, the wedding to Mary Jane, the death of Aunt May the first time around, or anything else you want to name as a possible alternative). If you have access to that story, which also involved Doc Ock, then check it out before or after you read these stories so that you can appreciate the resonance of the old within the new.

As a homage "Until the Stars Grow Cold" is not bad; we do not have Aunt May on death's door this time around, but we do have here constantly being cute as the dickens when it comes to dealing with her knowledge about Peter being you-know-who. Actually, the part of Stracynski's writing that I find myself enjoying the most is his wry sense of humor (which becomes pretty blatant in terms of the movie Mary Jane is making out there in Tinsletown). We will have to wait and see how this avatar of the spiders thing turns out, but Aunt May knowing (and Aunt May knowing that Mary Jane knows that she knows) is turning out pretty well. It would have to, because it changes a major element in the dynamic of the comic book.

J. Michael Stracysnki is a fantastic story-teller, and the artwork by John Romita, Jr. is really good. If you like Spider-Man, you will really love this.

Many people believe that since America is the "melting pot", America has no true identity. These people couldn't be more wrong. Through the years, many others have argued that America is not a "Christian nation" nor was it ever intended to be. These people also could not be more wrong. There are countless documents, books and other resources (some of which I will mention later in this review) that prove just how wrong they are.

AMERICA UNRAVELING, by L. Scott Smith, pulls much of this information together and makes a strong case. I only found one flaw in this book, and that is that Smith is "preaching to the choir" to a large degree. By that I mean, people who understand that we are in fact a Christian nation, founded on Christian principles and with a true and unique identity, will cherish every word of this fine book, but people who are on the fence (or on the other side of the fence) on any of these truisms, will probably not be persuaded by what the find here.

For example, Smith briefly mentions Jefferson's letter to the Danbury Baptists, which ultimately gave us the "wall of separation" metaphor so freely used today. The problem is, there is a reliance on the public school system to have accurately taught the history of that storied letter and we all know in that realm, as in so many others, the public school systems misses the mark by light years. To truly benefit from this wonderful work, one must first become somewhat of a student of the First Amendment and how it has been perverted from its original intention.

What I am trying to say here is, this is a valuable book not to be overlooked, but it requires some pre-requisite study for a better degree of understanding. One of my favorite authors on the subject is Daniel Dreisbach, who has written extensively on First Amendment matters. Some of his works I would recommend are "Real Threat and Mere Shadow" and "Thomas Jefferson and the Wall of Separation Between Church and State". Add to that list, David Barton's magnificent book, "Original Intent" and you would then have a solid foundation with which to build on and absorb this fine volume.

I believe also that a great opportunity is missed here to exegete the phraseology of the First Amendment. That alone would eliminate immeasurable misunderstanding. What I mean here is this: the first word is "Congress". It is used as a noun and is the subject of both the sentence and the verb "shall make". One need go no further than that to understand how the establishment clause has been misconstrued. Congress made no law about posting the Ten Commandments in a courthouse. Congress made no law about a high school football coach leading his team in prayer. We also find the gerund phrase, "respecting the establishment". I find it quite interesting that in my 1844 dictionary, Webster found it necessary to add the entry of "established church", which he defines as, "a church officially recognized by the government and supported as a national institution; specifically the Church of England". Does having the Ten Commandments outside a courthouse mean a specific church has been officially recognized by the government and supported as a national institution? I think not.

In summary, by all means, add this book to your reading list, but unless you have a good degree of knowledge on the First Amendment, you have some studying to do first.

L. Scott Smith has written "America Unraveling" to alert American's about the impending dangers resulting from the loss of the nation's public faith, a faith evident in America's history, culture, and foundational documents.

Smith begins by looking at the historical and philosophical connection between our public faith and national solidarity. He explodes the myth of a "Godless" constitution, warns of the dangers of secularism, and questions the motives of liberalism.

The material dealing with the current state of immigration was a wake up call that clearly illustrates another result of the unraveling of our country's public faith. The final chapter entitled "Swimming Against the Current" gives a challenge and a plan for the future.

The format of the book with title headings within the chapters help in assimilating the material as it is read and as quick ready reminders for later study and research. The extensive end notes at the end of the book provide an excellent resource list.

Dr. Smith's writing is bold with a strong message. His work well researched and documented, and his premises are clearly articulated. "America's Unraveling" is an important book and should be read by every concerned American.

America Unraveling is a truly brilliant discussion of our nation's present situation. Unfortunately, most people do not see or understand it. And the question is: Will they in time? Most reviewers don't post their background, but I would like to begin there. I was educated in philosophy and theology with degrees in mathematics and engineering. I am a part time writer as well. I was a Special Forces trooper (Green Beret) during Vietnam. I am a fourth generation Danish immigrant ... and an agnostic.

I believe strongly in the traditional Christian-Judaic values of our founding fathers, the constitution, and the bill of rights. My dismay over the changes made in America since returning from Southeast Asia has become acute. The decisions handed down by state judges and the Supreme Court have left me speechless and shocked. The attempt to dismantle our religious heritage and icons puts fear in my heart, not for myself but for my children and grandchildren. I could go on, but I need not. Scott Smith has hit these problems squarely in the face with unprecedented political incorrectness.

The author has exhaustively researched the reasons for the decisions made by our founding fathers and the meaning and indelible character of their direction. He has researched the many Supreme Court cases that have changed the fabric of our nation, our culture, and the unity that has made America so strong for so long. Further, he has shown how this fabric is coming apart, thus unraveling.

As a lawyer, the author's arguments are strongly put. But as a concerned citizen, he is also clear and relevant. That his arguments might be overcome is a sure sign of the desolate character of the great experiment that was meant to be America gone wrong. He clearly examines the recent movements seen in immigration policies, the liberal bent of many in our universities and elsewhere, the problems manifest in hailing multiculturalism, and the problems inherent in relativism.

America Unraveling is a must read. Brilliantly offered, it is a review of present day America for the ages. One can only hope that the author's salient solutions are taken to heart.

Si vis pacem, para bellum!
De Oppresso Liber.

This book examines a topic that is on the mind of just about every person in America (and Canada )today.It is a subject that is as fundamental to the future, as any other concept since the founding of America. Although there is very little mention of Canada in the book,the result of liberalism,secularism and multiculturalism ,since the 1960's ,has been just as influencial in changing the nature ,culture and values of Canada;if not more so.
One of the great differences between the United States and Canada is that here, there was no Revolution of the colonies against Great Britian and formation of a Republic with self formed Constitution and Laws.Canada continued to be governed by The British North American Act written in Britain "to govern the Colonies".
This book explains how little realization ,by most people,there was of the 1965 Immigration Reform Act;passed during the very liberal term of President Lyndon Johnson and the impact it would have.And that included the Democrats themselves.This is clearly shown by the words of Senator Edward M.Kennedy who said at the time "In the final analysis,the ethnic pattern of immigration under the proposed measure is not expected to change as sharply as the critics seem to think." or as stated by the late Senator Hiram L.Fong of Hawaii,who stated ,"Our cultural pattern will never be changed as far as America is concerned". Again,even though the US Constitution and Laws do dot apply to Canada,the Liberals under Prime Minister Trudeau pushed through legislation ,as a majority government,and installed Bilingualism and Biculturalism (French & English)and later Multiculturalism as the "law of the land".
The same,and probably to even a greater extent,the results have been equally disasterous and the country has moved from one of harmony and unity to one of division and disunity.
As the author points out,America (and Canada) were founded on the faith of a Supreme Being,God,with its expression in the Jewish and Christian faiths ;and not other Religions such as Hindu,Islam,Budhism,Paganism,Shinto ,Athiesm or any other of the worlds religions ;and particularly not Anti-Religion.
(As an aside, Barack Obama,just yesterday ,expressed that misguided liberal thinking that "America is not a Christian country...."
This is an excellently researched book,with copious notes and references;that details how the faith of the nation was purposely enshrined in its foundation,and how these principles guided it so successfuly through its 400 year history,is now under extreme assult from
leftist,liberal,secularist forces and largely responsible for the disintegration of values and resulting in division and lack of patriotism,morality and loyality that is taking place.
Whether or not you have bought into the concept of multiculturalism,not seen what it has resulted in in Europe,the Mid-East,or any number of places throughout history;this book is a very worthwhile read. After all,the only way one can see through the fog is to be informed;and by being so,form your own conclusions.
While both the US and Canada have been countries built on immigrants,the overiding motives of these people has been to become Americans and Canadians and to adopt the culture of these new lands and not to come here and attempt to change what they find to suit their past. The concept of Multiculturism encourages the total opposite as this book so aptly demonstrates.

A collection of poetry, folklore, short stories, biographies, and other non-fiction. Includes a history and discussion of children's literature with suggestions for using this literature.

Part one includes over 500 poems about people, animals, traveling, play, humor, magic and make believe, wind and water, days and seasons, wisdom and beauty.

Part two is Time for Magic and is a collection of folk tales, myths, epics, hero tales, and modern fantasy.
Some of stories are:
Story of the Three Bears;
Story of the Three Little Pigs;
Henny Penny;
The Bride Who Out Talked the Water Kelpie;
Connla and the Fairy Maiden;
Hansel and Gretel;
Clever Elsie;
Snow White and Seven Dwarfs;
The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood;
Cinderella;
Beauty and the Beast;
The Pancake;
The Husband Who Was to Mind the House;
Little Freddy with His Fiddle;
Mida;
The Golden Touch;
Gilgamesh;
Charlotte's Web;
The Real Princess;
The Borrowers (Danger!);
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe;
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland;
The Hobbit;
The Pushcart War (The Pea Shooter Campaign..Phase I);
The Twenty One Balloons;
Farmer in the Sky;
A Wrinkle in Time (Aunt Beast);
And many, many more!!!!

Part Three covers Time for Realism: Facts and Fiction
Some stories are:
Did You Carry the Flag Today, Charley? from The Thing by Rebecca Caudill;
Ellen Tebbits,
Justin Morgan had a Horse,
The Midnight Fox,
The Family Under the Bridge,
Capricorn Bracelet,
Calico Bush,
Johnny Tremaine,
And many more...


Biographies:
The Seven Queens of England,
Penn: The Trial,
Benjamin Franklin,
George Washington,
Paul Revere,
Helen Keller,
Shirley Chisholm,
Etc.

Part four covers children's literature published, awards, etc.

1089 pages.

This anthology, with it's many selections from classic to modern children's literature, was a gateway to many different works for me. I learned my love of diverse literature from this book when I was a child. Any child who received this book would be receiving a gift beyond value.

I read this book when I was little, I read this book when I was big, and if I get the chance, all my children will do the same. I first picked up a copy for 25 cents at a boyscout garage sale and it has remained my all time favorite. It has stories, poems and many other styles of literature that have lead to my being an admitted book worm. I hope that there will always be books like these.

My class really liked the format of this book, and it encouraged them to find out what this culture was about.

Excellent bite sized tidbits of history presented in an interesting format. Inside you will find a map of the Aztec empire, articles detailing every day life of the Aztec from agriculture, the Spanish invasion, war, the ball game, a guide to the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, a girl talk section, food and classifieds that provide an insight to the culture. What a great series! I purchased a copy as a gift for my 9 year old niece and was so impressed that I am purchasing the whole series for her! What a find! A clever and delightful way to introduce history to youngsters.

I am in the process of doing a school project on the Aztec and this book has all the info I need! I would recomend this book to anyone! It has everything enterusting in it, there is not one boring word!

Baby Blues Unplugged is the fifteenth collection of uproariously funny Baby Blues newspaper comic strips syndicated in 750 newspapers, 25 countries, and in 14 languages all over the world. A skewed yet satisfying look at the travails of harried parents and their two children (an elementary-age girl and a toddler boy), who seem determined to test every limit there is in this laugh-out-loud compilation. A little gross humor concerning bodily functions appears, as parenting young ones is most assuredly not meant for the hygienically squeamish, -- but overall Baby Blues Unplugged is good clean fun!

I just love Baby Blues. I can't get enough of it - I have the entire collection, and can't wait for the next one. And, I'm not a Mom - so it's not that you have to "relate" to get it...the humor is universal!

ONce again, Kirkman and Scott have hit the nail on the head as far as new parents go. Zoe and Hammie are up to their usual tricks in this scrapbook, only they are a little older now and into the toddler/preschool age and it's just hilarious! I have 3 kids of my own and this brings me more and more laughs.....

Especially the one where Zoe says, "This doesn't taste nearly as bad as it smells!" I can certainly relate. These cartoons just get funnier and funnier and I will certainly buy every book that comes out! Don't miss this one if you're a Baby Blues fan or if you have any kids or grandkids or want kids someday!