Amazon.com
By now the whory notion of doing a tell-all book about your boss, the President, is a hoary one too. (It dates back to Ike, who got the treatment from one of his doctors.) But with this book, the Clinton administration breaks new ground by being on the receiving end of a kiss-and-sell from a member of the White House security staff. Aldrich was an FBI agent assigned to the White House under both Bush and Clinton who, as this book makes clear, didn't think the changeover was progress. He mostly fixes on anthropological differences: the Bush staffers were neat and straight, the Clintonites were sloppy and had kinky work- shift sex a stone's throw from the Oval Office. Who knows if it's true? Who knows if Aldrich was debating between this and other more devastating forms of revenge available to a presidential guard?
Book Description
#1 New York Times Bestseller.
Customer Reviews:
A must read...........2007-10-17
This book should be a must read at every high school in the country. What they did in our White House is a crime. It made my blood pressure hit the ceiling and confirmed my opinion of the Clinton administration.
AN EYE OPENER (and certainly a book you need to read).......2007-10-14
This book by retired F.B.I. agent Gary Aldrich is a few years old now, but still very timely, and especially so in view of the extremely high likelihood that Hillary Rodham [a/k/a Hillary Clinton] is going to be the 2008 Democrat nominee for the US Presidency. Aldrich was a career F.B.I. agent nearing the end of his career when the Clintons came to Washington and moved into the White House, where he was assigned; and what he saw then was both shocking and disgusting to him [and to others]. This book is based upon, and recounts and reveals, shocking and frankly very disturbing things that Gary Aldrich actually saw and heard going on in the White House, and every American needs to know about these things. Neither the mainstream press nor the Democrat Party will ever truthfully report the things that are revealed in this brave book, and certainly the "Clintons" and their sophisticated propaganda machine will not truly report what this book reveals, but all American voters need to know about these things now and before Hillary is judged at the polls in November 2008. After this book appeared Aldrich was visciously and unfairly pursued by Hard-Left characters trying to disparage and discredit him, and trying to cover up the misdeeds of the Clintons, as some reading this review may recall; but Aldrich bravely kept the book in print and thus kept its truth available to Americans who may chose to read it. The Clintons and those who are their operatives and tools do not want you to know about the things discussed between the covers of this book. It goes a long way to reveal the sordid truth about how a group of sorry communists and bad actors took control of the White House and of the highest echelons of American government after the election of 1992; but this book might have gone further : Aldrich originally had even more revelations in his manuscript, but the publisher put the book through an editing process that left some of the most revealing material out of the final, published book. Fortunately, there is a book that dares to tell the whole story. That other book, a patriots' project and a modern day book of true revelation, is presented as "fact-based fiction", but is based in fact upon close and careful research by people around the nation; and it is entitled THE EMPRESS PROJECT. To all who read this review, it is strongly recommended that if you love America and are anxious to keep her strong, then you need to read this good book by Gary Aldrich; and as soon as you have done so, you also need even more to read THE EMPRESS PROJECT. The Empress Project
Worth a read before the elections..........2007-09-03
The Aldrich account of the treatment of the White House and the Presidency rang true from the first page. Tied together with what coverage there was and has been in the media, then and now, his first hand detail of the Clintons complete disregard for our security, standards, and code of conduct is hard to ignore.
I think he risked a great deal publishing this book and find it sad that so many did not listen.
Turned My Stomach.......2007-08-24
The utter lack of respect the Clinton's have for this country our military and each other never cease to amaze me. The incompetance during the Clinton 'administration' is thoroughly laid out in this book written by a top FBI agent who was there.
There are a lot of typos in this book which can get irritating. I give them a pass because of the importance of the overall content. The truth is not in the typos as people like Al Franken would have you believe.
If you want more stomach turning facts about these two clowns, try Robert "Buzz" Patterson's book, 'Dereliction of Duty'. Patterson was Bill Clinton's top military aide. He was at the former presidents side at all times when he was on duty.
Read This BEFORE You Vote for "Her".......2007-07-08
This is a MUST READ which for a long time was unavailable.
The FBI (at whose orders?) refused permission for publication.
The book was privately published by brave people in, of all places, California, and was almost impossible to get. It's an eye-opener and really worth owning.
Book Description
In this international bestseller, a child finds the light within his heart and his common link with all of life.
Customer Reviews:
Integrated Spirituality for Children.......2007-09-12
This is unquestionably the most accessible and beautiful book about the interconnected web of existence I have ever found. I used it as the children's sermon at the UU Church where I sometimes preach, and the response was incredible. People came up to me afterwards raving about how it simply and movingly it expressed the most complex spiritual concept that is at the heart of the faith.
It is, perhaps, particularly valuable at a time when physicists are sounding more and more like mystics; Neil DeGrasse Tyson has said that we are part of the universe and the universe is part of us and that should make us feel large, not insignificant. That key truth is the crux of "All I See is Part of Me."
Chara Curtis's poetic story begins with a small child of indeterminate gender (some children see a girl, some a boy and that is part of the charm) sitting on a hilltop and observing the world, solipsistically sensing that it was all somehow connected to her (or him). That feeling is confirmed by conversations with the various elements of the world: Brother Sun and Sister Star. These encourage the child to look inside to find the connection with the Universe, manifesting as a light (energy).
"All the plants, the animals and trees
Are in your light, and you are these."
In that light, the child finds all the answers to any question that can be asked, and touches, in a profound way, eternity.
This simply stated story is not the only star of the book however. Cynthia Aldrich's amazing pastel illustrations more than support the theme of the book. Their softness and luminosity are awe inspiring, a perfect compliment to the poetry. The bright colors and incredible use of light enthrall young children.
This is a kind of spirituality for the 21st Century when science and faith are coming closer to each other than they ever have. It is non-sectarian; quite the opposite. It is an expression, on a level even a child can understand, of the Spirit that moves the Universe and is accessible in the smallest blade of grass.
"I said a prayer I know was heard,
`Cause all I am hears every word."
Amen.
A great beginning book .......2007-08-30
Carl Sagan wrote, "We are all stardust." While this wonderful book doesn't run that deep for the children, the message that all things are connected and intertwined is beautifully illustrated in _All I See Is Part of Me_. The story is short - maybe 120 words - which will keep the attention of the smallest of children; the artwork is bright and vibrant, almost luminescent. Highly recommended for younger children ages 1 - 4.
I highly recommend this book for children!.......2007-05-07
I bought this book for my granddaughters and recorded it for them so that they could listen to it as they fall asleep. They have loved it.
Non-Dualism for Kids.......2007-01-07
This is a fabulous introduction to non-dualism (providing that you scratch out several lines, starting with "So you know everything, don't you see?", where Ms. Curtis gets a little carried away). Though clearly written for kids, reading it as an adult reminds one that the most profound truths are simple in concept though difficult in realization. For those willing to see a common thread in all religions, it reminds one of Jesus' instruction to become like a child.
Wonderful story.......2006-12-23
This is a reminder that we are all connected. Everything is part of one. The Sun, the Moon, our inner voice, our friends, out "things". Everything there is and everywhere we can go is all part of one, therefore "All I see is Part of Me".
This is a great story for those with soft hearts, especially kids. Being connected helps us remember to be kind and spread love and happiness as much as we can remember to do.
The illustrations are clear and easy to see. The text is easy to follow and our kids enjoy the story at bedtime and daytime alike.
Book Description
Designed for learning professionals and drawing on both game creators and instructional designers, Learning by Doing explains how to select, research, build, sell, deploy, and measure the right type of educational simulation for the right situation. It covers simple approaches that use basic or no technology through projects on the scale of computer games and flight simulators. The book role models content as well, written accessibly with humor, precision, interactivity, and lots of pictures. Many will also find it a useful tool to improve communication between themselves and their customers, employees, sponsors, and colleagues. As John Coné, former chief learning officer of Dell Computers, suggests, “Anyone who wants to lead or even succeed in our profession would do well to read this book.”
Download Description
Designed for learning professionals and drawing on both game creators and instructional designers, Learning by Doing explains how to select, research, build, sell, deploy, and measure the right type of educational simulation for the right situation. It covers simple approaches that use basic or no technology through projects on the scale of computer games and flight simulators. The book role models content as well, written accessibly with humor, precision, interactivity, and lots of pictures. Many will also find it a useful tool to improve communication between themselves and their customers, employees, sponsors, and colleagues. As John Con, former chief learning officer of Dell Computers, suggests, & Anyone who wants to lead or even succeed in our profession would do well to read this book.
Customer Reviews:
Learning By Doing.......2007-06-02
Although Aldrich provides a good guide with an overall view of pitfalls or benefits of serious games, I did not think there was enough depth in design and effective learning techniques for my research needs. For an HR or training professional who wants to get an extensive overview in this field, this book would be very useful.
highest recommendations as an introduction to the most current research and pedagogy in educational technology.......2007-04-18
In 1985, I started developing educational computer simulations in DOS on the IBM PC. Since that time I have been involved in every new form of educational technology.... touchscreen, videodisc, CD-ROM, internet. For the last 8 years I have been consulting in corporate training. To try to stay smart, I read everything I can get my hands on.
After reading Learning by Doing by Clark Aldrich, I am completly blown away. Clark is a genius. This book is relavent and puts into context everything I have been doing for 22 years.
This book captures in a fun, easy to read informative style, both the pedagogy and technology for creating state of the art e-learning experiences.
I have never been motivated to write an Amazon review before, but I can't over emphasize my enthusiasm for this book. I have already had several of my clients buy this book. The book is well researched and completely current with latest trends and advancements. The use of bullet lists and charts/ diagrams is very helpful. The index is more comprehensive and complete than any book I have ever seen. Clark's editorial comments are right on target.
The book is not a dense encyclopedia, so if that is what you are looking for then supplement your library with some of the other current titles on blended learning. I give this book my highest recommendations as an introduction/ overview to the most current research and pedagogy in the use of educational technology for corporate training.
I especially recommend this book for corporate trainers who are trying to figure out how to evolve from instructor led to a blended learning paradigm.
Read this book second.......2005-12-08
I just finished reading "Learning By Doing" from cover to cover. Those who are practicing in this field will want to read this book to learn of techniques that might not be readily apparent such as branching stories and interactive spreadsheets. I would recommend that they read "What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy" by James Paul Gee first, however, as I found the writing style of "Learning By Doing" a little sparse, like fleshed out bullet point slides. It is clear, though, that the author has a lot of experience in this topic and his book is a contribution to the field.
Another Winner by Clark.......2005-10-30
It is no secret that "conventional eLearning" is not as engaging, interactive and interesting-and therefore also not as effective-as it should be. And we know that even current technology has the potential to do much more for "eLearning," or "technology-enabled learning" than we see today. And the rate of change in most technology is accelerating rather than slowing. It is the future potential that excites most of us who are involved in learning technology.
Games and simulations (G&S) is clearly one of the most interesting and exciting areas of learning technology and undoubtedly will play a big part of "next generation (e)Learning," whether in schools, universities, government or industry. This is now being recognized, and evidenced by the growing number of "conferences-within-conferences" (seen most recently at the Training Fall Conference and Expo in Long Beach) or the Serious Games Summit in WDC-to mention just two-dedicated to the topic of G&S.
Clark's book is a most welcome addition to the growing literature covering G&S-and it is a book I highly recommend for anyone interested in learning technology. And if you are involved in some way in learning and training, you cannot avoid technology and if you want to be conversant and be ready to make (smart) decisions on issues that undoubtedly will soon come your way, if they have not already, the ROI on the money spent on Clark's book will no doubt be great.
Clark is a highly respected analyst-with a long history of insightful writing on learning and learning technology (which thousands of practitioners and analysts have enjoyed for a number of years)-as well as a simulation developer, and a business executive (leading Simulearn). Few others can equal his credentials in the area of learning technology so even before the book arrived in my mailbox I knew that this would be one I would enjoy and find very useful. It did not disappoint me.
Not only is it well written but it is a very nice combination of the following:
-- Clear analysis of different types of G&S. This is very useful as it will help future discussion and dialog and reduce the confusion that results when people think they are talking about the same things but in fact are not. Even if one does not agree with Clark's taxonomy he is nevertheless doing us a service by stimulating a richer dialog around these issues.
-- Lots of good examples. Especially for readers interested in using G&S in their organizations, and therefore need to understand the practical side of G&S, Clark's book is very useful as it provides a range of different examples covering the different types of G&S discussed in the book. The examples come from different types of users and sectors, and few application areas exist where G&S could not be highly useful.
-- Challenges that lie ahead. Because of Clark's varied background he is very well positioned to reflect on the challenges that lie ahead and to give a realistic assessment of where we are heading with G&S. As with other analysts, like Clark Quinn, for instance, Aldrich recognizes that the future for G&S is no cakewalk. It is very hard-and often costly-to build high quality, customized simulations, for instance, as Clark learned when he built Virtual Leader. But as tools and technology improve, as more vendors compete and offer better products, and as buyers recognize the benefits of G&S (See the excellent work by James Gee at the Games and Professional Practice Simulations at the Academic ADL Co-lab, for instance) and demand thus accelerates, "effective cost" per user (nominal cost normalized by learning effectiveness) will no longer be a major adoption barrier.
Clark is also one of the most popular speakers on the conference circuit so once you have read his book you will have more to talk to him about when you meet him at one or more of the upcoming events where he will speak.
Eilif Trondsen, Ph.D.
Director
Learning on Demand Program
SRI Consulting Business Intelligence
(...)
Aldrich Framework Extends to Assessment.......2005-09-17
[...]
I really enjoyed "Learning by Doing" Clark. Your frame of thinking helps place things into a space for mulling over the possibilities. I noticed the big "we have no idea" at the end of the interviews on the question of measuring the effectiveness. That is a big challenge, and I think the way there is already being constructed by Mislevy and others in the "adaptive testing" arena - but instead of giving an adaptive test, we'll just make an unobtrusive observation using the same rigorous theory base without hurting the playability, fun, sim aspects.
What you called the "universal truths" (I wasn't as convinced about sticking it in the intersection of games and sims) are also called "generic structures" in the systems dynamics literature - you probably know that. It makes one wonder if in the authoring environments of the future, those structures will be facilitated through wizards to help people build games and sims. With a few critical questions, the agent could "fill-in" a generic structure to some extent...including capturing the causal chains of events (e.g. what happens first?, when that goes up what does it do to the second thing?).
I really like the clarity of the framework of "sim, game, pedagogy" crossed with "systems, cyclical, linear" and also the idea that sims allow-uses discovery/practice, games allows-uses testing/softening and pedagogy allows-uses presentation/support. The Mislevy (et al) assessment model has four parts: task model (a bit like the sim in that it is the model of everything that the user could be doing, sets the context and expectation), user model (a bit like the game in that it models in clear computational terms what the "winning" user will be doing), the evidence model and presentation layer (collects data, makes judgements about what the user knows, and selects the next item to present to the user). The presentation layer is a bit mechanical...so really the three essential parts of any assessment are the task, user and evidence models, which I think can be brought into a useful alignment with your framework - in order to go after that issue about metrics of effectiveness.
Another thing your model makes me think of is that on the content type side, cyclical contains linear and is contained by systems. e.g. systems models have both linear and cyclic causal relationships, simple cycles are first created by two linear relatinships that bounce back to each other...and curvilinear paths of many kinds are essentially linear at the microscopic level. So that leads me to wonder (and I think your chapters make this point) that pedagogy is contained in games (i.e. games teach) and are contained by sims (i.e. sims can be fun, have prefered goal states like "winning" or "succeeding", use scores, give feedback. etc.) These metaphors might break down on some issues, but they're giving me pause to reflect and relate to your framework.
Book Description
This popular book on lifestyle evangelism encourages Christians of all ages to use their giftedness to draw friends to the Savior. Read how God uses cherry pies, hammers, and baby-sitters in His divine plans.
Customer Reviews:
Disturbing Yet Important Glimpse At End-Times Mind-Set.......2004-07-16
After reading "Gentle Persuasion" by Joseph Aldrich, I began wondering what a space alien might think of fundamentalist Christianity's relentless hoping for the snuffing out of human civilization, which to them would fulfill the so-called biblical "prophesies." Our author, whose mind has been hijacked and reprogrammed by the most powerful tool of psychological manipulation in human history, the Bible, would surely make a fascinating study for an extraterrestrial creature. Fundamental Christianity's most cherished wish for all of us: that the world will end in a blaze of nuclear glory, is horrifying indeed. What could possibly be more disturbing and Orwellian than listening to the type of happy double-speak, robotic sloganeering, redefining and appropriating mainstream words for creedal purposes, all of which are Mr. Aldrich's stock in trade within these pages. Mr. Aldrich's brand of evangelism is simple enough: Everybody needs HIS information, and at the same time, there is nothing anybody could ever teach HIM about the nature of existence and our universe. The scientific, logical and reason-based aspects of these grandest of questions are ones which Mr. Aldrich seems blissfully uninterested in.
Deliver a freshly-baked cherry pie to the new neighbors! Help an overburdened co-worker at the office! Fix someone's broken car and don't charge them for the work! But don't perform any of these acts out of pure human kindness or good old-fashioned compassion; Perform them because every avenue for the author's style of stalking evangelism must be pursued. If all goes according to plan, the new recruit can be softened up by a series of initial contacts until, when the time seems ripe, he or she can be proselytized mercilessly into brainwashed submission.
If you're worried that the author might take offense at such an unromantic description of his motives, let me put your mind at ease. He doesn't care what anyone else thinks about him. His deeply-indoctrinated psyche wouldn't allow it. And moreover, author Aldrich himself is one of the most shameless name callers and ad-hominem slingers I've yet come across among Christians. Here are a few examples of his bald-faced disrespect for wonderful people:
1. Assault the enemy. Page 84
2. ... if you've got the disease of carnality. Page 94
3. The proud, the pushy, the arrogant, the impure, the tainted, the cruel. Page 102
4. Our non-Christian friends are doomed to everlasting darkness. Page 111
5. Notice that it is their MINDS that are dysfunctional. Page 112
6. Pray that our hearts will be moved by their lostness. Page 112
7. They are intellectually handicapped. Page 113
8. Most are religiously unsophisticated. Page 116
9. Christians can smell sin on them. Page 117
10. How do you recognize human "dogs" and "pigs?" Three clues are given: (a) their frame of reference is secular, not sacred. (b) they are insensitive to that which is of value. (c) They are dangerous. Page 119-120
11. The prohibitions set up by the Lord do not mean that "dogs" and "pigs" are beyond salvation. Page 120
12. It may not be wise for you to expose yourself or your family to such people. Page 121
13. I backed up the evangelical dump truck and pulled the lever. Page 130
14. I don't mean you should ignore the troubled, the unruly, or the vile. Page 160
15. ...was a fornicator. His language was vile, his associates ungodly. Page 171
16. He worshipped power, sex, pickup trucks, guns, RV vehicles, the open road, and the next woman. Page 171
17. To win the weak, we must become weak, throttling back our intellect, holding in check our brilliance and logic. Page 171
18. One of the sad discoveries you'll make is that many non-Christians have no real friends. Page 187
19. Sometimes a fish fights the hardest when it's closest to the boat. Page 192
20. ...why get involved in debate over things which take away from focusing on Jesus? Page 198
21. I'm always a bit ill at ease with non-Christians. Page 202
22. A few carefully placed comments may be all it takes to steer them away from enslavement to the lie. Page 223
23. By and large, people want you to make a decision for them. Page 231
24. God isn't going to put healthy babies in a diseased incubator. Page 232
25. LOVE NON-CHRISTIANS! PAGE 125
This last one is a good example of the Christian penchant for word redefinition. Obviously no sane person would consider the sick and hatemongering examples just given "love" in any sense of the word. Also note that the author makes references to how people whom he has ideological disagreements with, "smell," and compares them to "pigs" and "dogs." These devices are right out of the Hitler/Nazi lexicon. So THERE, you loving Christian guy you.
Presently, the United States is relentlessly chasing Al Qaeda down to the ends of the earth, and rightfully so - because of their stated goal to end Western civilization. Yet, we are surrounded by fundamentalist Christians today like the author of this book. Additionally, dozens of major political figures in office at this very moment share his belief that we are in the "end times." Even more frightening, they WANT to be in the "end times" because as they see it, when the world blows up and human existence comes to an end, this fulfills the sick Bible "prophesies" they pine for on a daily basis. I believe in free speech. And I'm using mine to proclaim that these people are SICK. The author is far less dangerous than a man named George W. Bush whose fingers rest on the nuclear button. Human thought must evolve NOW as we relegate dangerous religious dogmas such as "end-times" theology, to the dust bin of history.
The universe will be around for many billions of years to come. Our children are counting on us to pave the way for a safe and beautiful future. It is time to fight for the future of humanity. The time is now.
It works for selling Amway too!.......2000-05-27
I found this book very helpful in not only making believers out of non-believers, but sending my Amway conversions through the frigg'in roof! I closed my poor aunt Selma four months and now she's putting $2k/month into my pocket today. Gold mine baby (or should I say TOUCHDOWN JESUS!)
Don't read in one sitting........1999-09-14
Aldrich's book is best absorbed a page or two at a time. Keep it next to your devotional literature and pray through it on a daily basis. It is an encouraging, inspiring, and thought-provoking look at the most important aspect of religious conversion-- the one-on-one connection established with another human soul. That is the hardest and most time-consuming aspect of witnessing, something the hit-and-run methods of evangelism are (perhaps purposefully) ignoring. Don't read this unless you want to see your in-laws, neighbors, boss, and co-workers become believers.
Book Description
Why did the United States develop political parties? How and why do party alignments change? Are the party-centered elections of the past better for democratic politics than the candidate-centered elections of the present? In this landmark book, John Aldrich goes beyond the clamor of arguments over whether American political parties are in resurgence or decline and undertakes a wholesale reexamination of the foundations of the American party system.
Surveying three critical episodes in the development of American political parties—from their formation in the 1790s to the Civil War—Aldrich shows how parties serve to combat three fundamental problems of democracy: how to regulate the number of people seeking public office; how to mobilize voters; and how to achieve and maintain the majorities needed to accomplish goals once in office. Overcoming these obstacles, argues Aldrich, is possible only with political parties.
Aldrich brings this innovative account up to date by looking at the profound changes in the character of political parties since World War II. In the 1960s, he shows, parties started to become candidate-centered organizations that are servants to their office seekers and officeholders. Aldrich argues that this development has revitalized parties, making them stronger, and more vital, with well-defined cleavages and highly effective governing ability.
Customer Reviews:
An Essential for Political Scientists.......2001-03-22
This book represents some of the best work on American political parties that political science has to offer. The empirical work covers the majority of party history, has impressive depth as well as breadth, and shows a remarkable sensitivity to historical and political context for a study based in rational choice theory. The theory is a bit lacking, however. Aldrich tries to explain parties as solutions to various collective action and cycling problems, but he does not explain how these solutions come about in the first place nor even how they really overcome the problems in any theoretically rigorous way. Still, it is a standard, and should be on any poli sci graduate student's shelf.
An Essential for Political Scientists.......2001-03-22
This book represents some of the best work on American political parties that political science has to offer. The empirical work covers the majority of party history, has impressive depth as well as breadth, and shows a remarkable sensitivity to historical and political context for a study based in rational choice theory. The theory is a bit lacking, however. Aldrich tries to explain parties as solutions to various collective action and cycling problems, but he does not explain how these solutions come about in the first place nor even how they really overcome the problems in any theoretically rigorous way. Still, it is a standard, and should be on any poli sci graduate student's shelf.
Book Description
In the years since Stonewall, the world has witnessed an outpouring of research, critical inquiry, and re-interpretation of gay life and culture. This book draws on groundbreaking new material to present a comprehensive survey of all things gay, stretching back to ancient Sumeria and ranging to the present day. Critically acclaimed historian Robert Aldrich and ten leading scholars juxtapose thought-provoking essays with an extensive selection of images, many never before seen. This masterful combination reveals the story behind gay culture from the industrialized world to the remotest corners of tribal New Guinea. Among the contributors are noted names in GLBT studies such as Brett Beemyn (author of Bisexuality in the Lives of Men), Charles Hupperts (expert on classical antiquity at the University of Amsterdam), Helmut Puff (University of Michigan expert on the medieval world), and Florence Temagne (author of A History of Homosexuality in Europe). The book covers such topics as the Old Testament relationship between Jonathan and David, the Age of Confucius, Native American berdaches, Polynesian mahus, Berlin in the '20s, Stonewall and the disco-flavored hedonism that followed, and the advent of AIDS, Act Up, and Angels in America. This book is an important contribution to understanding what makes gay life and culture universal throughout human culture and across time.
Customer Reviews:
Gay studies essential #1.......2007-09-30
This collection of intriguing articles by highly reputable academics is an seminal work, essential to anyone with an interest with identity formation or gender studies. I have used it in the field of health policy. However, there is no need to have a professional background or tertiary degree, or to be gay, to enjoy this intriguing guide through eras and societies. A great book to be enjoyed on many levels.
Buy it.
More than a Coffee Table Book.......2007-09-06
An excellent pictorial tour through the centuries on fine paper, with easy top understand prose, and plenty of references for further research and reading.
However, I am not sure that averything should be looked at from our contemporary narrow view of what constitutes 'gay'. The term is a dis-service for men who (occasionally) like men - appreciating the beauty or the person they see. Which has nothing to do with sexual orinetation. In those terms the gay label has put everyone either in or out of a new closet.
Former centuries did not have such terms and sexual behaviour was in many ways freer and less bound to convention. it used to be the that the upper and working classes were far more libertine in their approach to personal relationships. Some of this comes though inthis tome. A laudable effort.
A Visual Feast, An Incredible Read.......2007-01-27
A Visual Feast, An Incredible Read
Aldrich, Robert, editor. "Gay Life and Culture". Universe Publishing, 2006.
Amos Lassen and Literary Pride
I received a book today that is one of the most beautifully laid out books I have ever seen, "Gay Life and Culture" edited by Robert Aldrich. If you are looking for the perfect holiday gift for someone special, look no further. This is it. It is a big coffee table book with a big price, $49.95, but worth every penny.
"Gay Life and Culture" is a world history of people like us. That is to say that is our story. It is lavishly illustrated with photographs and art work that reflect our history and is stunning just to browse through. Here is a one volume, contemporary history of not just gay life but Gay culture as well. It is heavily researched, having drawn on new scholarship to give us a contemporary look at all things gay going as far back as ancient Sumeria and coming as far present as the day it was published. Aldrich leaves virtually no stone unturned in his rendition of our history. He combines all of the new research, critical inquiry and reinterpretation there is on the subject and turns it all into readable prose.
Aldrich used nine different historians from nine different countries in his exploration of same sex history and the book studies relationships through the centuries while charting shifting attitudes toward homosexuality and the gradual emergence of a self identity for a homosexual community. It deals with AIDS, with same sex marriage, gay rights and civil partnerships beginning with Greece and Rome and following them to the present. The book also includes non Western cultures and gives an insight into same-sex relationships throughout history and around the globe.
We get a good look at the homoerotic poetry of Persia and learn of cross dressing women in Italy in the eighteenth century and learn of the hedonism of Berlin between-the-wars as well as the third gender concept in Asia and among native North Americans. The research comes from heretofore unlooked at letters and diaries, archives and works of art and literature.
The book also covers topics from the Old Testament--the story of David and Jonathan, the age of Confucius, the legends of Amerinds and Polynesian mahus as well as Stonewall and the golden age of American promiscuity which followed the riots, In American history there is detailed discussions of the advent of AIDS, the power of "Act Up" and the influence of Tony Kushner's "Angels in America".
This is a major contribution to understanding what makes gay life and culture so universal throughout culture and across timelines. Divided into fourteen chapters, each section deals with a particular time and place. The women are included throughout the book and the introduction by the editor lets the reader know how the book came to be and by which processes it was researched and written. Fifty bucks is a small price to pay for what you get here. Even if you just read the final chapter about "The Gay World: 1980 to the Present" you will be amazed at how much there is to learn. This book is a must have in every thinking gay man's library and a wonderful addition to our lives. Remember it when you are making up your holiday gift list. The person you give it to will be your friend forever after he receives this book.
Crompton's book is much better.......2007-01-17
I am assuming that most readers do not have infinite space on their bookshelves. If you want an excellent one-volume overview, the place to get it is Crompton's "Homosexuality and Civilization" -- not here.
If you want a volume filled with sumptuous pictures, may I suggest "L'Amour Bleu," a supposedly "out-of-print" book which keeps being continually reprinted?
The book under review is much weaker, in all respects.
A mixed bag.......2007-01-17
Many books purporting to offer a history of homosexuality concentrate mainly on the last two centuries in Europe and North America. Since many readers of such books are interested in self-understanding, this bias is understandable. Unfortunately, it is supported by a mistaken theory known as Social Construction which holds, in essence, that there was no homosexuality before ca. 1870 and then only in European countries. In his introduction Robert Aldrich rightly eschews this error. His book includes important material on classical antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and non-Western civilizations.
Unfortunately, some of his authors do not follow this principle, and regurgitate the old Social Constructionist platitudes. There is also a discord concerning levels of accessibility, as some contributions are technical while others border on the simplistic.
Physically, the book is sumptious, with over 250 splendid illustrations gathered by the picture editor, the late Wendy Gay. Unfortunately, the illustrations seem to have been gathered independently of the texts, whose authors hardly ever refer to them.
In short, this book has much to offer. However, it would have benefited from a firmer editorial hand, so as to shape the contributions into a more organic whole.
Book Description
Simulations and the Future of Learning offers trainers and educators the information and perspective they need to understand, design, build, and deploy computer simulations for this generation. Looking back on his recent first-hand experience as lead designer for an advanced leadership development simulation, author Clark Aldrich has created a detailed case study of the creation and deployment of an e-learning simulation that had the development cycle of a modern computer game. With this book Aldrich, a leader in the e-learning field, has created an intriguing roadmap for the future of learning while taking us along on an entertaining rollercoaster ride of trial and error, success and failure. Simulations and the Future of Learning outlines the design principles and critical decisions around any simulation's componentsâ the interface, the physics and animation systems, the artificial intelligence, and sets and figures. Using this accessible resource, readers will learn how to create and evaluate successful simulations that have the following characteristics: authentic and relevant scenarios; applied pressure situations that tap user's emotion and force them to act; a sense of unrestricted options; and replayability.
Customer Reviews:
read it before you take decisions!.......2007-02-21
Aldrich knows what he is talking about and it reads like a novel. Before you know it you have read most of it and you can reproduce it because of the catchy examples and arguments.
Gave me food for thought while designing e-learning for prisoners and stops me going down the tracks the market wants you to follow.
Ernst Duvert
what it takes.......2005-08-03
This book is really a case study of creating developing and working through the giant project of making a true simulation game where the gamer can be in control of who things go. In the business leadership scenarios mentioned one can learn a great deal
Infotainment and Evangelism.......2004-10-26
High profile e-learning industry analyst Clark Aldrich became disenchanted with the yawning gap between the promise of e-learning and the reality. Attracted by the potential application of computer gaming techniques for training simulation purposes, he quit his job with the Gartner Group and joined a project team attempting to design a computer-based leadership development simulation. The result was Simulearn's Virtual Leader. Aldrich's book recounts the experience in this book.
Despite the promise of the title, the book is a curious mix of speculation, case study, and product promotion. Aldrich provides accessible frameworks for thinking about the underlying design considerations for the development of simulations, and some useful insights into the analysis of content and development of simulation architecture. Yet the book is not a tool kit or primer for would-be designers - the advice is rarely actionable - nor is it a deep study of the concepts and application of simulation models. As such its greatest value is as an introductory case study into aspects of simulation design. The case in question is the development of Simulearn's Virtual Leader product, and the book gives little insight into other forms of electronic or other simulations. The author is a Vice President of Simulearn, so his views are not impartial.
Aldrich makes some refreshingly provocative assertions: e-learning has failed to deliver because it's not sufficiently user-focused - it has been sold to senior managers as means of lowering the cost of training, rather than enriching the value of learning. Aldrich believes that education and vocational training are too "linear", emphasizing the acquisition of facts in a sequential, guided way rather than "open-ended", allowing the development of decision-making, interpersonal communication and creative capabilities required for success in work. In contrast, simulations offer rich combinations of linear, cyclical and open-ended learning, with the freedom to make mistakes, try new approaches and hone skills in a secure environment.
The book is often entertaining. Aldrich's account of the analysis of the leadership content in order to arrive at an underlying simulation model and architecture is amusing - framed as a quest to find the meaning of leadership and render it into electronic simulation, with himself as hero. It is slightly clouded by digressions on the nature of leadership - Aldrich seems to approach the subject with little background, and is suprised to find that (to paraphrase Warren Bennis) so much been written by so many to so little effect.
A number of glaring issues go unexamined: the leadership model and the simulation design of Virtual Leader require a standard of behaviour and ethics that are possibly more ideology than reality. Success in Virual Leader requires a degree of conventional virtue that most organizations espouse but is not always practiced by those in power. A fundamentally Machiavellian approach apparently won't work in Virtual Leader, but it is arguably an effective means of gaining and retaining power in most organisations. The player's experience of Virtual Leader is not evident from the descriptions -despite extensive descriptions of the design process and interface, the book gives little insight into how the player interacts with the game.
Aldrich is evangelical, which gives his writing energy and persuasive power, but like many evangelists, he is strong on belief and short on evidence for his views. While he is right to question the validity of conventional models of education and learning, his opinions are largely speculation, or based on the anecdotal evidence of others or his own experience.
And despite the evangelism, if Aldrich's predictions hold true, most organisations will never design a simulation using his approach. They are prohibitively expensive, costing many millions of dollars. At best, they may purchase an off-the-shelf simulation, and customise it to some extent, which is possibly one of the promotional intentions of the book.
An easy read that will have you thinking for a long time........2004-09-20
This book has a great casual style that makes it accessible to anyone, yet the ideas are significant.
It's pretty cool - he describes the process he went through to create a game to help people learn leadership skills. What I found interesting is how he came to define leadership, since he had to do it in a way that would permit 'quantization' and definition as a simulation. He admits that the ideas are not new, but I think his perspective is a fresh one. The way he has put them together is definitely new. The result is a visualization of leadership that plays on in your mind - great stuff.
It is also an interesting account of the process he went through when designing his simulation/game. When organized and well written, accounts of groups solving complex problems can be very illuminating, and this one certainly succeeds there too.
I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in leadership; e-Learning; and problem-solving.
Timely, Needed, and Important.......2004-07-12
Every person who has played a modern-day simulation game has had to wonder how that level of interaction can be used to teach and train. Simulation and the Future of Learning doesn't just explain that it's possible, it proves it.
Aldrich's extensive background in e-learning products gives him a very qualified view of what needs to improve in the future of learning. The answer is simulations. Real-time, engaging and realistic simulations. He explains in detail the hurdles, headaches, and horrors of developing what has become one of the best leadership training tools on the market--Virtual Leader.
While there is little explanation of instructional theory and methods, this book is HIGHLY recommended to any organization looking to get into the educational simulation business. It provides a realistic picture of the decisions designers will face when building the next generation of learning products.
Average customer rating:
- Insights about life that still apply.
- A Wonderful Sentimental Read for any Mom with grown children
- A Book For All Time
- Appreciate this story more as an adult
- What a Beautiful Read
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A Lantern in Her Hand
Bess Streeter Aldrich
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ASIN: 0140384286 |
Customer Reviews:
Insights about life that still apply........2007-07-22
Recently had a family reunion in Nebraska to return ashes of a family member. This book was suggested because it would give one a real feel as to what life was like for the early pioneer families.
The book was a bit silly at first; but as the young lady matured so did her actions and speech. I ended up enjoying it very much and enjoying the insights about life and family that still apply.
A Wonderful Sentimental Read for any Mom with grown children.......2007-05-13
I first heard of 'A Lantern in Her Hand' and Bess Aldrich many years ago when my children were in elementary school in Omaha. (There is even an Aldrich elementary.)While the setting is in the praries of Nebraska, the story is universal of a mother's love for her children and how she finds joy in them and through them. I just bought 4 more copies to give as gifts to moms I admire!
A Book For All Time.......2006-11-08
I get the chills when I read the reviews for this book, because I have felt the same thing as so many of the reviewers. This book can (& should) be read over and over again - at different ages. This is what I have done. I started reading it in grade school, when I got it from Scholastic Books, and every 5 years or so I pick it up again. Each time I read it I feel differently about the characters. They haven't changed, but I have! What a wonderful way to see how I have developed over the years. Get it for your young adult, but tell her to hold onto it.
Appreciate this story more as an adult.......2006-07-18
I picked up this book the other night to read. I read it when I was young, and haven't read it in the past 35 years. I knew immediately as I started to read, that I would appreciate it more now, than as a young girl. There is so much life experience in this book that young adults wouldn't really understand. This is a wonderful book for many reasons. It tells the entire story of Abby's life, it gives a good picture of how Nebraska became settled, but most importantly, it shows how people change as they grow up and age. I would highly recommend this book to any woman, any age.
What a Beautiful Read.......2006-06-24
Personally, had I read this book at a younger age, I probably would have been unable to appreciate it. In this story about Abbie Deal, life is very layered just as life really is. A carefree little girl living in the mid-1800's goes through a life journey of extreme emotional and physical circumstances but her heart of love takes on layer after layer in a format that redeems her own humanity. What might look like insurmountable burdens to the culture of thought today at the reading of this frontier story, in fact was an opportunity to become the best of who Abbie really was.
After a very active life at home and survival for 80+ years spanning roughly 1850 to 1930, Abbie is perfectly content with herself much to the chagrin of her own family. Laura, the young granddaughter who alone understands Abbie best, the portrait of her ancestor Isabelle Anders-Mackenzie that is searched for and found near the end of Abbie's life, and Katherine's "modern" day (1920's) personality that reverts back to the ways of an old-fashioned woman who happens to be her grandmother end this story in a delicate, endearing, soul-grabbing way.
The tune that Abbie sang aloud during her many rough times became more and more inspiring as the story presented it yet again in each new layer.
"Oh, the Lady of the Lea,
Fair and young and gay was she,
Beautiful exceedingly,
The Lady of the Lea.
For she had gold and she had land,
Everything at her command,
The Lady of the Lea.
Dreaming visions longingly,
The Lady of the Lea."
Excellent story. Older women and younger, single and married ladies will like this beautifully written story.
Customer Reviews:
BLOWN AWAY.......2007-06-08
I CAN ONLY ASPIRE TO HAVE A SMIDGEON OF THE TALENT DISPLAYED IN THIS BOOK.
Wildlife artist.......2007-05-13
I found this book good for painting backgrounds for wild animals and settings to place the wildlife in, something I have not always found easy.
It also gives examples of different lighting effects which I found useful.
It covers all types of mediums.
Great Talent!.......2006-12-04
After reviewing several books on painting animals, I chose this book. The artist provides in depth advice. The book also explains how to prepare masonite board to paint on. I've never done this, but I want to try it. This is a great book that is easily understood.
If you buy one book on wildlife and animal painting in oils, this book should be your first choice!.......2006-08-09
I have been an professional artist for over 30 years, and I recently purchased about 7 books on painting animals to improve my skills.
This book by far, no comparison, is the best. The information
and painting demos and examples are easy to understand and follow, and would help any artist no matter what level they are at.
His paintings along with those of other artists included are
top quality, offering a feast for the heart and eyes to any
artist.
Edward Aldrich gives you some of the best painting step by step
information, not leaving you asking questions, like some books.
He tells you exactly how he paints to get the warm and glowing
results to create his beautiful wildlife paintings.
Plus tons of other great painting information.
This is the best money I have spent on a book on painting.
If you like his paintings you will love this book.
Thank you Edward for really giving of yourself, sharing your art, and knowhow, and choosing great examples of other professionals.
I have learned so much, your book is a gem!
Book Description
Aldrich unleashes the power of encouragement with humor and no-nonsense advice that offers readers a practical approach to giving and receiving encouragement.
Customer Reviews:
Enjoyable, encouraging a must reading!.......1998-08-31
Bless Your Socks Off - couldn't put it down - it will uplift you and help give you insight to many of life's situations. You will be blessed and be able to bless others for having read this excellent book. Am ordering more to give as gifts!
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