Open Books

I'm Christian, and I had some major questions before I read this book. I found this book _very_ helpful for perspective. It includes some of the most compassionate and understanding writing I have ever come across in Christian writing--and especially about this very sensitive and central topic. Although some may differ with Hugget's stance on homosexuality, her perspective is a valid one. I trust she has done her research of the Scriptures and of experiential truth thoroughly in her many years of study and counseling. The discussion on the human need for intimacy, the walk-through on physical intimacy steps, and the simultaneously forgiving and purity-inspiring tone/approach are some of this book's many highlights. Grace is a central concept in this book. Definitely give this one a go!

This book is one that every home should have. Talking to teenagers about dating, sex and friendship can be difficult, this book offers the Christian views on how to handle these difficult times. Parents and children should read and discuss this book together.

This book is pure enlightenment. In easy to read terms it answers questions about the evolution of man and our planet. It ends with a modern version of the Lord's prayer that I recite daily.

Who are you?
Why are you?
Where are you?
and
What are you doing there?

Finally understand the meaning to all the above questions and hundreds more in "crystal clear clarity."

Angelic beings and the guardians of the human race appeared and have enlightened Raymond Spina since October of 1986, answering his lifelong quest for "the truth."

He has been instructed to share a large amount of the information that has been given from this ongoing encounter, with all who wish to "know."

The writing includes one section detailing and confirming our origin, as a gift of unconditional love from our older brothers and sisters, "the angelic guardians."
--- fron book's back cover

Wow! What nasty reviewers! I did not expect to see so much hate and contempt spewed at a women who lost her child to a mindless and illegal war. It just boggles my mind! This reflects the intelligence of those who disagree. Whatever happened to "respectfully disagreeing" with an opponent? Whatever happened to just plain, old fashioned common sense?

This insightful booklet lays out in a very simple manner one person's objections to an immoral war. This is not World War 2 where civilization was endangered by another breed of hate mongers. Nor, is Iraq another Afghanistan, no matter how hard some of our elected officials try to make us believe bald-face lies.

It's important to remember - Iraq was a country ruled by a bunch of gangsters much more interested in lining their pockets than killing over religious doctrine. Afghanistan, on the other hand, was essentially a country occupied by foreign forces, which is why there is currently no brutal civil war despite having to deal with an active insurgency, and homegrown war lords, to boot!

In Iraq we are in the middle of a full fledged civil war. If we can draw any lessons from our own American Civil War, where 14,000 captured Union soldiers died horribly from disease and malnutrition in one single prison complex (Andersonville) - it's that Civil Wars tend to be extremely brutal. So it's reasonable to assume any sane person could disagree with the American government's involvement in someone else's civil war! My hat's off to Cindy Sheehan for her brave and robust dissent!

P.S. Both of the very nasty reviews of "Dear President Bush" has since been deleted! I guess the reality of an endless & unjustified brutal war has caused a change of heart!

The Activist's Handbook: A Primer Updated Edition with a New Preface

When I had the opportunity to meet Cindy Sheehan, what impressed me the most about her was how "real" she was - completely unpretentious. She clearly is speaking straight from the heart, with a fundamental resolve driven by grief and compassion.

For it isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it.
-- Eleanor Roosevelt

I recommend this book for any classroom. Web, hybrid, or traditional can all benfit from this approach.

Anyone thinking of starting an online course or already maintaining one will find this book quite useful. The background information provided for the teacher is complete and detailed. The activities recommended are quality assignments. I will be sure to use this book often as a supplement to my online curriculum! Found lots of insightful reviews before purchasing here on the publisher's site .......

I am a college professor migrating into the "new" world of teaching online. If I had to recommend a book for "How To" this is it. A must read for anyone attempting to go there!

This is a comprehensive, easy-read that brings every aspect of online curriculum development into focus before it marches into the details of practical, successful class management. Through it all, Lynnette's constant thread is defining the role of the teacher in creating an online community that works. She is an excellent guide. Whether your target is an online class or a curriculum, read this one. For the technically challenged, it covers all the tools. For the technology-savy, it draws attention to the human element. Even if you're already involved with online education, you'll find fresh ideas here.

Greetings! This book is a must read for any administrator, faculty, or staff personnel looking to survive or thrive in the increasingly important but competitive market of delivering distance learning in higher education. The author's, professors experienced with various facets of online education, succinctly address essential components needed to design, deliver, and evaluate an effective online degree program. In addition, the author's outline the theoretical foundation for distance learning, include considerations to address the challenges of diverse learners', provide useful information to both assess student learning and increase student engagement, and identify issues and red flags for accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation.

What makes the book special and sets it apart from others on the market is that it considers distance learning at the college and university levels from the program level rather than the course level. There are numerous books on how to design and deliver an effective online course, but far fewer which consider how to design and deliver an effective online degree program.

To borrow from the book's description: "This useful resource describes best practices for designing online programs and courses. Providing a roadmap for those wishing to design and implement a distance learning program, this up-to-date volume explains how to facilitate and moderate interactions using a constructivist approach, presents strategies that respond to race- and gender-related challenges, provides a model for evaluating distance education programs, identifies strategies that promote valid and reliable evaluations of online teaching, and addresses institution and distance education program accreditation issues." The book is divided as follows.

Chapter 1 - Concepts of Distance Learning: theoretical foundations of distance learning including constructivism, adult teaching and learning, computer-mediated communication, sense of community, presence, self-directed and autonomous learning, and social equity; and communication tools and conferencing tools

Chapter 2 - Gender: gendered impacts of online technologies, gender-specific teaching roles, gender-specific learning differences, and strategies for overcoming gender challenges to online learning

Chapter 3 - Culture: situational challenges (e.g., digital divide, personal costs, computer-mediated communication, and racism), dispositional challenges (e.g., field dependency, high/low context communication, and collectivism/individualism), and multicultural education

Chapter 4 - Strategic Planning: identification of program need, the strategic planning process, distance education planning challenges and strategies

Chapter 5 - Program and Course Design: program and course design models, instructional design approaches, online learning technologies, copyright and fair use standards, and accessibility in distance education

Chapter 6 - Assessment of Student Learning: types of assessments (e.g., independent work and group work) and academic dishonesty (e.g., identity fraud and plagiarism)

Chapter 7 - Online Discussions: planning student engagement (e.g., socioemotional interactions, task-oriented interactions, feedback, burnout, and participation rubrics) and conducting online (i.e., facilitating and moderating discussions) discussions

Chapter 8 - Program Evaluation: evaluability assessment, types of evaluation, standards and benchmarks

Chapter 9 - Institution and Program Accreditation: accreditation process and distance education

Chapter 10 - Course Evaluation: multistage course evaluation model

Chapter 11 - Summary and Conclusion

Appendix A - Example Extract from a Strategic Plan

Appendix B - Analytic Participation Rubric

Appendix C - Evidence of Quality Distance Learning Programs
Glossary

References

Index

About the Authors

Don't Open The Door After The Sun Goes Down by Al Carusone is a very fascinating book. This book is a very descriptive and thrilling book. It combines humor, creepiness and weird mysteries with spooky illustrations for a wonderful read.

We picked this book because is very unique and we can relate to the different stories in the book. The first chapter we can relate to because something similar happened. One day we spent the night at a friends house and her mom said, "You girls can do anything you want as long as you don't open the door at night ."

We liked this book a lot because it doesn't matter where you are reading this book it is a scary book and it will make you want to read more of the book even though you are scared.

We think it is an interesting book because it gives you details and it make you feel like you are right there in the story and it's like you are the one who is trying to escape the horror. You'll love scaring yourself and your friends with these and five other spooky, hilariously entertaining stories. If I could find another book of this I would read it because it is like a good food that even though you are full you need to eat it more and that's the way we feel with this book

reviewed by Liz and Jibrila

I found this book by chance and bought it as a gift for my little sister, and she loves it! The stories are scary and weird, but not horrifying (like some scary books for "children"). And they are great for reading out loud and are not too scary to be used as bedtime stories. Also, most of them have an interesting or surprise ending, which is a big plus when you're trying to entertain kids! I highly recommend this for younger scary story fans!

This was a good read. Stefin painted picture of a complex individual, that the reader could really get to know, and understand where he was coming from. I read the book in 1 day, couldn't put it down. It made me laugh & made me cry.. But the best part is the ending.. You will have to read it, just to see where he takes it. I ordered his 2nd book, "The Immortality King", and can't wait to read it!!

This was a good read. Stefin painted picture of a complex individual, that the reader could really get to know, and understand where he was coming from. I read the book in 1 day, couldn't put it down. It made me laugh & made me cry.. But the best part is the ending.. You will have to read it, just to see where he takes it. I am ordering his 2nd book , "The Immortality King"!!

Drawing upon her more than ten years' experience as a dedicated Christian homeschooler, Easy Homeschooling Companion: Exhortation, Encouragement & More Easy Ideas by Lorraine Curry is a straightforward compendium of tips, tricks, and techniques which will knowledgeably guide anyone homeschooling parent seeking to fully educating their children. Especially intended for those who seek to pass Christian values and a sound education on to their children, but also offering no-nonsense advice for dealing with difficult issues which are universal to homeschoolers everywhere regardless of their denominational affiliation or religious background, Easy Homeschooling Companion is a superbly organized and easy-to-apply resource which would enhance any homeschooling reference collection or "how-to" reading list.

I think too many people have warm fuzzies about homeschooling when in reality it's hard work. The results are not overnight but gradual. Most people are looking for what's easy and not what's good these days.
I prefered this book because I don't completely homeschool the way the author does. This book was a reminder of why I do what I do and choose what I choose. This book will also encourage to you to strive to do even better in your homeschooling.

One particular article that I liked reminded me that it's not my job to make sure they turn out perfect. God is working on them too. We can not be arrogant enough to think it is totally up to us.

Over all one of the best books I have read about christian homeschooling.

Upon reading the aforementioned work by the great and amiable Englishman Russel Kirk, I have been forced to come to conclusion that the work is, in general, well-written and, in particular, quite enlightening. His explanations of Eliot's important poetical works are biographically sound, and are given support by cross-references to other prose pieces by Eliot himself (whether from Eliot's own _Criterion_ or some other publication). The fact that Kirk was a friend of Eliot's gives the book great strength and objectivity. I recommend this book to any who are at all serious in their study of Eliot. It is a work no true fan of Eliot can do without, humbuggery notwithstanding.

Yours truly,

Andy Younan, Esq.

I first read Kirk's book just out of college in the early 1990's. It guided me to more fully understand the worldview, which I had and in which Eliot and Kirk were my guides. I highly recommend this book for all students of modernity and poetry who are beginning to grapple with Eliot and his thought as well as those who are well versed in Eliot. Kirk's prose is one to study as there no one better at the end of the 20th century. Lockerd's "Introduction" intertwines these two men of letters intellectually, spiritually, and uniquely through "philía". As Eliot continues to be studied and sometimes emasculated by critics, Lockerd turns us back to this often forgotten text for it is an original study of Eliot. Russell Kirk examines and properly refutes the political and racist charges made against Eliot today, but Kirk did this in 1971! Readers should be aware that Kirk is not openly defending Eliot, but rather giving a proper examination to his writings, both poetical and cultural critiques as well as Eliot's relationships. Remember to begin to understand a person; one must first look at the friends around him.