Westerns Books

This book was pretext for Karl MARX idea of communism. Rousseau blamed inequality among people due to ownership of property.

I find Rousseau especially creative in the way he describes how inequality progressed from the time the first humans made contact. He makes a good case for the solitary life. I think Rousseau believes it is destructive whenever humans come together in groups. Governments were formed to protect the weaker from the stronger or as Rousseau thinks to actually protect the rich from the poor. This is an outstanding book. It will haunt you.

This is a wonderful example of the 18th century enlightenment. In this work, Rousseau states that inequalities of rank, wealth, and power are the inevitable result of the civilizing process, something most of us have found to be very true if unfair. This new translation also includes all of Rousseau's own notes.

I enjoyed this tremendously, and am always amazed that the thought pattern and process is oneof the few things that hasn't changed over the centuries.

Excellent discourse. This book discusses some of the rudiments of the history of inequality and how its self supporting and ever existing in human nature. I recommend this book for those readers who either want to increase their knowledge on Jean-Jacques Rousseau or historical development of inequality

(...)

This essay was Rousseaus's submission to the Academy of Dijon contest, entitled, "Has the progress of the arts and sciences contributed more to the corruption or purification of morals?".

This text is his story about Nature, and Society, and the scandal that happens when people come together, build, divide, dance, sing, and compare themselves with one another. In many ways, it is his answer to the problem of evil.

Natural man is, in many ways, good, because his needs are immediately felt and immediately fulfilled. Social man begins to compete, to hoard, and to use cunning to enslave his fellows, to gain their esteem, take their property, and sometimes their lives.

His picture of the natural man is half what we think of an "animal" and half the "human" that we recognize in ourselves. He shifts his description as the flow of arguement dictates. The habitual provocateur, Rousseau - watch him!

In a way, he is rewriting the Christian "Creation Myth". In his version, evil does not originate at that moment when man eats the fruit of the "Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil" --to "be like God"; it happens when Adam wants a better apple than Eve's got for herself. Before society develops as we know it, Adam would have been fine with just a pear.

This book has made me afraid to stay in America. I read the book and now I want to move to china or india so bad.

this book got tedious after awhile. I had to keep my eyes from closing and my mind from running somewhere else while I read. In a sense, he kept retelling what he already said in the beginning and almost all of his interviews are from Indian CEOs or Chinese CEOs. Some of the facts I learned from this book are quite surprising.

While I was reading this book, I was overcome by a really big urge to go up to Pres. Bush and slap him.

Overall I liked this book for only the new facts I learned, but other than that it was pretty tedious.

This is an absolutely fantastic book on globalization and the frightening and inspiring realities of its growing potential. A great piece.

Tom Friedman just makes so much sense.....He takes complex issues and explains things in an easy way. I only wish he worked for our government and had the power of our government in addition to the power of his pen.

Friedman is an excellent writer and analyzes the topic of globalization beautifully. Although the book is insightful and in-depth, in general it is flat. The author duplicates most of his points across the book and what could have been a 200-page books becomes much larger. I'm glad to have read this book even though it was a struggle finishing it.

The author sees the world as a level playing field where all countries, companies and individuals need to collaborate to be competitive in a global economy. He explains the ten 'flatteners' that leveled the field and how the 'triple convergence' took it further.

Friedman also argues on why the world could be seen as unflat and what could be done to change that. The concluding chapters discuss the Dell Theory and proposes remedies for America.

This is pretty typical business journalism, which seems to be in the mold of the last round of "sky is falling" business journalism from the 1980's...when Japan was going to rule the world. I thought this book was going to be something new, but its just the same-old, same-old: US jobs are going oversees, we don't have enough engineers, republicans are ruining the country, blah, blah, blah. Also, the book is pretty sloppy: its overly long and redundant, and the "research" is not at all comprehensive or balanced, but mostly just opinion from various business honchos with views biased by their own business interests.

It is written from a very U.S.-centric view of the world, namely that the role of the rest of the world is to do the grunt work that we're too talented and creative to do, and also with a certain amazement that there are people in other countries as smart, or smarter, than us! I find it inconsistent as well, with one chapter lamenting the decline of U.S. science and engineering education and how this will be our downfall in the flat world, and another chapter promoting liberal arts education, and "story telling", as the keys to success in the flat world. Also, the flat world in this tome seems to be made up almost exclusively of IT workers: what about the transportation industry, or other traditional, but still relevant industries?

Overall, an interesting topic with some nice observations, but in need of a major editing and more credible research. Also, it is better viewed as a discussion of trends in IT outsourcing, rather than a map of where the world as a whole is headed.

Wow!! What a terrific book . . . the text, the sounds, the selection of species, the layout . . . everything works perfectly together. And, the Western book is just as impressive as its eastern companion.

I opened my pre-release copy, intending to spend just a few minutes and return to it later. Two hours went by, and I was still reading and listening; I couldn't stop turning the pages.

Of course, I went right to my favorite birds, reading the text and pushing the buttons to listen, as I expect that most people will do. But then I settled in and went to other species, and then I read the introductory pages. The information there will bring you to a whole new level of enjoying these remarkable creatures.

I have struggled for years to identify birds through their song, aided by mostly meaningless mnemonics as these are presented in most guides. For the first time, Kroodsma's full description of each species' song gives readers enough detail and context to help them understand what they are listening to. These birds come to life in the text and then the icing is the lovely songs themselves. Push the loon button and you are immediately transported to remote northern lakes. Push the phoebe button and hear how he sings his two different songs. Hear how animated a pewee is at dawn compared to later in the day. Try the wrens, thrushes, warblers, sparrows. They're all there and more, in the text and at the push of a button!

This is a truly special book. I'd give it ten stars if I could. Now I have the perfect gift to give to my friends to show them why I've always been so thrilled to hear a singing bird.

(Originally submitted 4/29/08 but missing from current list of reviews)

This is the bird identification book I, personally, have been waiting for all my life. Easy to use, easy to share with kids to introduce them to the joy of hearing that bird and then seeing it. Easy to share with bird experts, who love filling in whatever is always left out.And a joy to share with anyone in between (like myself and my friends) who just thinks birds are so much fun. Sincerely, S. Phaeton

A great book with an innovative way to engage the children in learning about birds. A descriptive passage is written about each bird. Also an authentic audible sound can be created simply by pushing a button. Great for adults as well.
gary

I got this for my Dad for Fathers Day and he loves it. He was impressed with the quality of the recordings and the different meanings of the songs that some birds sing.

The illustrations & descriptions for each bird are done very well. The sound quality of the individual bird songs is excellent. This book is a great way for anyone to begin learning about common backyard birds and their songs.

This software was provided free with my Payroll Accounting textbook. The textbook itself is very well written, and is easy enough to follow. The software, however, is another story.

I am required to use this software to complete a "Payroll Problem" final project for my class. This software is so poorly put together, with help files that are less than helpful. The book instructs us to follow steps to enter data in the format desired. This is quite the challenge. For example, we're told to code Liability Payments to their respective vendors; this would normally be a reasonable request, however it was nearly impossible to even find how to do this, and when I finally did, it didn't work. I followed the instructions provided in the "help" files, and got no results. As I sit here, I still have no Cash Payments Journal, nor have I ever seen a Vendor List. When working with the "W-2 Statements" it makes no allowance for tax deferred deductions, so total wage amounts are incorrect, making the "W-2 Form" feature completly useless.

I work with Quickbooks on a daily basis (which I also have an issue or two with), and there are virtually no similarities between this program and REAL accounting software. I can see why this was given away for free, and I can only hope no one actually tries to use this to keep books for a business.

First of all, it took 2 weeks to get to me. Secondly, they sent the wrong book. Third, when I received the correct book, it did not have the CDRom with it. Fourth, I've emailed them about the missing CDRom, and I haven't received a response. What is going on?

I take a class for computerized accounting that uses this book. It comes with free accounting software same title as the book. The software was poorly written, poorly designed visually, and ineffective at teaching modern computerized accounting.

If your computerized accounting uses this book I would recommend dropping the class and searching for one that uses either Quicken or Peachtree. "Integrated Accounting for Windows, 3e" should have never been written in the first place if they were going to make the software so poorly.

I DO -=NOT=- RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR LEARNING WINDOWS BASED ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE.

An excellent textbook for learing the basics of computerized accounting. Very well presented, starting with an overview of chart of account layout, AR/AP, Payroll, Partnerships & Corporations. The last chapter on setting up a complete accountig system is really nice. I am using for self study & find the book easy to follow. This is set up with college level 2 reading level assumed. This is the text currently being used by a local college for their course. Very well worth the full price of the product.

This book assumes you have taken a basic course in accounting, or have basic accounting background. (I find that you can get by without the accounting background, but it will take longer to complete the course). I find the text very well laid out, almost self explanatory. This is the text that most Junior Colleges are using at this time. The company is very quick at resolving any questions/problems you may encounter. I reccomend this book for anyone wanting to learn more about computerized accounting.

Great resource for the true Firefly fan. The show scripts are fun to read, especially with the chinese words translated, so you know what the gorram they were really saying. I loved the section: Jayne's Weapons, with a detailed look at Vera, one of the most notorious guns ever to grace the small or big screen. They discuss how they designed Vera, where the original gun came form, and how they added the special touches to make it unique to the Firefly 'verse.
A plethora of inset comments from the actors, and production crew, throughout the book, add insights into the action behind the scenes of making the show. Floor Plans of Serenity, and displays of various prop models of the ship, and many other props used make a nice addtion to the wealth of information.

This is the follow-up and completion of companion books to the cancelled-but-still-growing-its-fanbase Firefly television series. It provides the shooting scripts ans photo stills from the remaining episodes, as well as numerous sidebars featuring backstories and insights into the actors, crew, props, and the inner thoughts of series' creator, Joss Whedon. This glossy volume is heavily laden with color photographs, costume concept designs for the various characters, and pre-production sketches. If you have a love for the series and the Big Damn Movie ("Serenity"), you will feel compelled to buy this book.

If you're reading this review, then you must not own volume one of Firefly: The Official Companion. If you did, then you wouldn't need a review to sell you on this one. So I have a piece of advice for you: buy both books. If you have a place in your heart for Firefly, then make a place on your coffee table for these books. Each one is overflowing with behind-the-scenes information about every episode of Firefly. There's sure to be something to interest every fan. I particularly enjoy all the prop info. You get detailed views of props and weapons, along with insight from the prop team as to how they made or modified each item. Fascinating stuff, and indispensable if you're a gamer.
Treat yourself to these books. You won't regret it.

I missed Firefly, the first time around, and didn't discover the series until after I'd rented Serenity. I can't call myself a confirmed browncoat, though I really *really* liked everything about the show.

But when I saw this book on the library's New Books stack, I grabbed it. I think you should grab a copy, too, even if you're no die-hard fan. Because this book is _fun_.

Most of the book is episode scripts (half of them; the other half are in Volume One). That's worth the price alone, because the scripts are immensely readable. Like other intelligent shows, the dialogue is both fast and thoughtful, and you might not have caught everything when you heard it the first or second time around. In particular, the scripts include the translations from the Chinese expletives, and most of them are _very_ funny.

And the "stage direction" is not the dispassionate descriptive sort ("Man enters, wearing a hat"). It reflects the entire mood of the show:
INARA walks towards them, heading for the stairs up to the shuttle catwalk. She's dressed with stunning elegance.
KAYLEE: Hey there, 'Nara. Heading off for some glamorous romance?
Simon turns, momentarily stunned by her elegance.

If you're a screenwriter, this is absolutely a must-have.

The book is also peppered with cast interviews, stories about the creation of Firefly's theme song, production explanations on how, for example, they created Niska's Skyplex. In this book, you can spend an enjoyable few hours investigating how a show can be done *right*...even if the network screwed it up.

Just to let future buyers be aware....this book (and Vol. 1) are basically just the scripts to the (REALLY FUN) shows. As my husband put it, "It's just the lines, without the wonderful delivery the actors achieved in the shows." I thought it would be more like the various other "about" books that exist about popular movies/TV shows - full of pictures and other fun "about" stuff. In my opinion, these two books were not that.

This may have been a fine work in its original form, but this edition (Wilder Publications, 2008) is so shoddy, it isn't worth the effort to try to read it. Based on my own experience with OCR software, I would guess that this publisher scanned an old copy, translated it to text, then reformatted it, and printed it. There is no evidence that anyone proofread it prior to printing. It it doubtful that it was even run through a spell-check program. Periods are missing at the ends of sentences; words are left out; "d", "h", and "b" are confused; apostrophies are inserted randomly (probably fly-spots on the original), "and" repeatedly appears as "an", "modern" almost always appears as "modem", etc. ad infinitum.
I read through about a fourth of the book before giving up in exasperation.

I received mine copy today and will return it. It does not have Chesterton's Prefatory Note and the Introduction has been truncated from 10 pages (soft cover Doubleday) to three paragraphs! I started to read it and two pages in I found a typo. Also, I am not pleased with the quality of the print.

The Everlasting Man is a classic and should be read by everyone. It is a shame that the quality of this edition is so mediocre.

Chesterton drives home his points in captivating, intelligent and often hilarious ways. He is possibly one of the most intellectually honest writers of the last century. His influence has reached far and wide, including forays not only in the Catholic church, but in Protestant circles as well. C.S. Lewis read this book shortly before his conversion to Christianity. You'll not want to read this book with intellect alone (though it is intellectually very stimulating). The Everlasting Man is meaty enough to nourish your spirit and deepen your understanding.

Chesterton uses an outline of the history of Western civilization to explain why the Christian world view is credible. C. S. Lewis credited this book with bringing him to Christ. If you're considering Christianity but have intellectual objections, or if you're a Christian wondering how to explain your faith to inquiring friends, you must read this book.

Chesterton himself was a Roman Catholic, but this book lies squarely in the mainstream of the Christian faith, as shared by Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, Evangelicals, and Pentecostals. For more on this common body of belief, read Lewis' book, Mere Christianity.

[...]

In a style and tone which could, at times, be misidentified as flippant, Chesterton casts illumination on historical reality from a perspective which might be considered fresh and new if this work had not been written more than eighty years ago. Regardless of its age, and perhaps due to is age, The Everlasting Man offers up topic for consideration that will almost certainly be new, or at least fresh, to a vast number of modern readers simply because of what it and its author were even in their own time. That is, the certainty and conviction with which Chesterton writes would appear to place him in one of two categories: insane or right. It can be imagined that now, as when this work was written, many would place him in the former category. However, it is precisely because the view he defended appeared to move in direct opposition to the tide of the time that he wrote this work, among others. This is also why this work is still relevant today.

Sparing few feelings associated with the spirit of the age, Chesterton clearly, concisely, and, what seems to be, effortlessly presents history through a lens of emphasis as it would appear if God created, entered, educated, and saved the world. Chesterton maintained the truth of Christianity and approached an application of this to all of human history accordingly. In doing so he often attempts to assume a perspective of innocent ignorance, in an effort to demonstrate particular beliefs, and was later criticized for his apparent indifferent ignorance. The fact, however, remains that after reading and, perhaps, rereading this work, it is difficult to perceive Chesterton as anything other than a genius that is not only well aware of the implications of his every word, but also knows and believes that which he passionately writes about. It is no great wonder why C.S. Lewis attributed this work to his acceptance of theism.

"Really, a young atheist cannot guard his faith too carefully. Dangers lie in wait for him on every side." - C.S. Lewis, Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life