History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Waiting: Finding Hope When God Seems Silent

Average customer rating:

Wonderful book
How Timely...
Very helpful, not just pat "religious" answers
This book has meant so much to me.

Waiting: Finding Hope When God Seems Silent
Ben Patterson
Manufacturer: InterVarsity Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0830812962

Book Description

Waiting . . .In a dead-end career for a breakthrough . . . In an unhappy marriage for relief or escape . . . In a chronic illness for a ray of hope . . . In solitude for the loneliness to subside . . . In turmoil for peace to come . . . Sometimes we find our lives placed on hold. Deep questions begin to surface. How long must I wait? Is there any meaning to all this waiting? Can I trust God?We can't help but wonder what is happening--and why?In Waiting, Ben Patterson uncovers two cardinal virtues required for successful waiting--humility and hope. You will learn how humility teaches us we exist for God's sake, not for our own; and you will learn how hope assures us that there is something worth waiting for.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful book.......2007-06-17

It is a very good book. It really speaks to me about my faith. I especially like the last few chapters of the book which talk about the foundation of our faith. The author pointed out that our faith should based on three things:
1. GOD's Perfect Love
2. GOD's Perfect Wisdom
3. GOD's Power

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling in their spiritual walk.

How Timely..........2000-04-07

I can't imagine any station in live that wouldn't be enhanced by reading and applying the paridigm shifts Ben Patterson leads us through in WAITING. Those who are barren couples, widows, and single mothers, people with chronic illness; or, like me, simply looking for career fullfillment & hoping to meet and marry a Godly spouse...the list goes on. WAITING speaks to us all, with an honest, sober clarity I've not seen in related works. It presents the scriptures on Job and Abraham in a fresh light, with provoking applications that touch our own daily struggles with tender care, yet leave us humbled. We are encouraged to turn our gaze to the magnitude of God and away from our own desires. If you wonder what is taking the Good Lord so long to attend to you, or if you know anyone who has been hurting for too long, this book will minister. (Other suggested titles: TURN IT TO GOLD, GOD CALLING, GOD IS ENOUGH, SAFER THAN A KNOWN WAY, SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY, PASSION AND PURITY)

Very helpful, not just pat "religious" answers.......1999-07-23

This book has meant a lot to me personally in the way the author gets right to the point: humility and hope. He brings to the old Bible stories a recognizable level of human struggling.

But I did take issue with two things. In an illustration, Mr. Patterson blithely mentions the 500 billion years of earth's history in a way that seems to dismiss Genesis chapters 1-11. He also speaks of Job as if the story occurred after Psalms and Proverbs were written, saying that Job's friends were only quoting Scripture and that Job could have read in his Bible the same views.

The points he was making were excellent, but getting the details correct does matter and did make me a bit suspicious of the rest of the book, so I needed to mention those two things, and that's why I only gave the book 4 stars.

Overall, I'm very thankful to Mr. Patterson for helping to renew my hope, and especially for the many philosophical references and the story about Einstein that really spoke to my circumstances. I really did need the message of this book.

This book has meant so much to me........1999-03-06

I have read this book at least five times and been involved in at least two study groups with this book. We shared this in my Sunday school class where many of us had lived through situations where we simply did not understand why God allowed the things he did. For one, it was the death of her two year old brother and the bitterness of her father. For me, it was the cancer and painful death of one of the best men I have ever known along with the death of my best friend's baby and her subsequent suicide. About a year after the study, a couple in our group lost their only child at age 15. We gathered around them to grieve, but with a difference. We had learned something about how to wait on God. This couple now has a beautiful adopted son. I understand, in part because of this book, that we don't need to understand the why if we know the who.

Wingshooting Wisdom: Prairie: A Guidebook For Finding & Hunting Public Lands

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Wingshooting Wisdom: Prairie: A Guidebook For Finding & Hunting Public Lands
Ben O. Williams
Manufacturer: Willow Creek Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1595434259

Book Description

There are hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands in America's heartland available to grouse and partridge hunters. That's the good news. The bad news is that without an understanding of the birds' habitat requirements and behavior, as well as region-by-region population densities, hunters can waste a lot of boot leather finding them. This guide, the second in the Wingshooting Wisdom series, includes seasoned advice, maps, artwork and full-color photography of birds and habitats, up to date contacts and accommodations, and everything else needed to plan a successful hunt.

Out of Control : Finding Peace for the Physically Exhausted and Spiritually Strung Out

Average customer rating:

Self-help from two experts
Absolution and Direction for a Culture/Life that is Out of Control
A Mixed Bag
Getting myself realigned spiritually...

Out of Control : Finding Peace for the Physically Exhausted and Spiritually Strung Out
Ben Young , and Samuel Adams
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0785211934

Book Description

With cell phones, instant messaging, express lanes, and PDAs, we can now cram more activities into our lives than ever before. But is this a blessing or a curse? Could it be that this fast-paced lifestyle is creating an underlying sense of anxiety and fragmentation? Is it any wonder the television is flooded with advertising for anti-anxiety medication? As a nation, we are stressed out, physically exhausted, and spiritually drained.

Working professionals caught in the continual push for success or over-extended soccer moms who feel burdened with too many commitments will find in Out of Control desperately needed help. This book shares with readers the liberating truth that they are not helpless victims of our fast-paced society. Most importantly, it gives readers permission to slow down and presents practical methods for living a life of peace and simplicity.

Customer Reviews:

Self-help from two experts.......2006-06-01

OUT OF CONTROL by Ben Young and Dr. Samuel Adams is an excellent place to start if you feel stressed and spiritually wrung out. As the quote from Lee Strobel, author of THE CASE FOR CHRIST, so succinctly puts it, "If you're too busy to read this book, then this book is especially for you." And while it's true that when we're feeling stressed the last thing we need is another task, just by taking time to focus on the solutions offered here will help to ease your problem.

Ben Young, M.Div., leads seminars on how to build successful dating and marriage relationships. He is a teaching pastor at the 40,000-member Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Samuel Adams, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist. He earned his Master's from Western Seminary and a doctorate from George Fox University. He maintains a full-time counseling practice in Austin, Texas.

The expertise that these two bring to OUT OF CONTROL is obvious on many levels. It is a book that does not waste time, which many readers who are seeking help consider their most valuable commodity. Instead it states problems and clearly offers feasible solutions that one can begin using immediately. Many of the suggestions are ones that we have heard before, but putting God into the equation is seldom found in secular self-help books and articles. Biblical references support the solutions and offer new hope for success.

Taking their own advice to "simplify," the authors avoid complex psychological and Biblical exercises. "Not too long ago, during a difficult personal struggle, I recall desperately having searched for answers from a wise friend. I fully expected a long, philosophical explanation of my circumstances and I was prepared for a lot of advice and wisdom. The only thing he said, however, was, 'Pray, pray, pray.' I went away feeling slightly disappointed but willing to try." As it turned out for the author, and for us as well, sometimes there is nothing else to do. No matter how many degrees we have or how much influence we wield, there's nothing we can do but trust God.

As with most self-help type books, readers can seek to shortcut the process by checking the table of contents and then turning to the chapters that seem most appropriate. A sure sign, by the way, that we really need to start at the beginning and allow the process to be part of the cure!

--- Reviewed by Maggie Harding[...]

Absolution and Direction for a Culture/Life that is Out of Control.......2006-05-24

Very Timely and Relevant. This book not only diagnoses our current American condition of break-neck busyness and hyper-availability but it also offers prescriptions for recovery that are very practical and achievable. Their remedies are a return to proper priorities and the spiritual disciplines that Christians have practiced for centuries. I was both relieved and grateful that the authors solutions were not so drastic as to be unrealistic. The few baby steps I've managed to take so far have yielded great results in my life. I highly recommend the read and the results!

A Mixed Bag.......2006-04-22

"When was the last time you felt rested and peaceful in this fast-paced, go-to-go culture? It's a world of instant message, speed dialing, and express lanes that often create a sense of mania and fragmentation. Has your life become like a 24-hour convenience store that is up and running 365 days a year?"

We all feel like that at times, don't we? Our society values few things higher than action. We are to be busy all the time and to spend our lives in the frantic pursuit of more: more money, more affluence, more power. We are, it's safe to say, out of control.

Ben Young and Samuel Adams think that we need to just stop for a while and find peace. We need to stop being victims of a frantically-paced society. We need to learn to use and master technology rather than allowing it to rule and complicate our lives. We need to rediscover spiritual disciplines and seek a life of peace and simplicity.

Does this sound familiar? It may well sound familiar as there have been multitudes of books pouring from the presses of Christian publishers suggesting this same remedy. It seems that Christians are either not understanding or responding to this message. After all, today's Christians seem to be every bit as busy and frantic as those who do not profess Christ.

In Out of Control: Finding Peace for the Physically Exhausted and Spiritually Strung Out, Young and Adams, having first proven the danger of living this type of frantic existence, prescribe a three-part remedy. It all starts with Sabbath. Sabbath, they teach, requires us to take one day out of seven where we move at God's pace rather than our own. "We want you to experience this rest because we are convinced it is foundational to all the other ways God wants to bring peace and sanity to your life." While they argue primarily from the benefits of Sabbath rather than the biblical foundation, they build quite a convicting case for the blessing and necessity of celebrating the Sabbath. The second part of the solution is to rediscover the practice of silence and solitude. As we might expect, they draw much of this chapter (and the next) from the writings of Henri Nouwen, Richard Foster and Mother Teresa (who, unfortunately, appears repeatedly throughout the book). While I advocate the importance of silence and solitude, this chapter was weakened by leaning on the teachings of undiscerning and unbiblical men and women. The third solution is to practice the presence. Needless to say, this chapter draws liberally upon Brother Lawrence and his book Practicing the Presence of God. The authors describe the importance of prayer and encourage readers to begin to practice different forms, among them the prayer of release, which involves visualization, and "palms up/palms down" prayer, which allows the body to symbolize releasing cares to God and receiving patience, love and joy from Him. This type of prayer is absent from Scripture, but present in eastern and New Age religions.

The final section of the book, easily the strongest section, suggests "three movements for lifestyle change." Young and Adams encourage readers to move their priorities, to move away from technology and to move into community.

Out of Control is one of an ever-increasing number of books dealing with the importance of cultivating spiritual disciplines. While there is much within this book that is valuable, too much of the heart of the book is drawn from poor, unbiblical, undiscerning teachers. The first and third sections of this book are quite good. Alas, the middle was very disappointing. With the great variety of books available dealing with this topic, there is little reason to bother with this one. Turn instead to Don Whitney's "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" and learn from godly, biblical teachers.

Getting myself realigned spiritually..........2006-03-01

As of late, I've been feeling like perhaps I'm doing far too many things that don't matter at the expense of things that do. This is particularly true in the spiritual aspect of my life. The Nelson publishing group sent me a review copy of Out of Control: Finding Peace for the Physically Exhausted and Spiritually Strung Out by Ben Young and Dr. Samuel Adams. The timing could not have been better...

Contents:
Section 1 - Living Freely and Lightly: A Culture Spinning Out of Control; Are You Out of Control?; Seven Lies That Feed the OOC Lifestyle
Section 2 - Spiritual Practices for Peace and Rest: It All Starts with the Sabbath; The Practice of Solitude and Silence; The Practice of Presence
Section 3 - Three Movements for Lifestyle Change: Move Your Priorities; Move Away from Technology; Move into Community
Conclusion: Your New Life in His Control
Study Guide; About the Authors; Acknowledgements

Now, I know they sent me this book because I mentioned that I am a software developer and write technology articles (and blog, and review, and and and...). They probably figured "here's a stressed out technogeek... let's see what *he* thinks!". This Christian technogeek liked the book a lot. Rather than present a list of ten steps to follow in order to have a more peaceful life (great... another "program" to incorporate into my schedule!), the authors make the case for establishing a few practices to recenter and refocus your life on things that matter. Taking the time to pray and meditate on a regular basis in order to reconnect with God... Turning off the ever-present cacophony of sound and stimulus that keeps us from learning about ourselves... And of course, stepping back from the tyranny of technology that demands more and more of our attention on a daily basis. Technology was supposed to help us *save* time, not become the slavemaster that forces us into being available 24/7. And while it would be good to be able to do everything in the book, they're realistic enough to know that small steps can start to change you. Maybe it's shutting off the cell phone after you leave work. It could be ignoring email for a day while you focus on family. It might even be as simple as starting to use the word "no" when people ask for your time and attention, and you don't have it to give. Written in a conversational tone, the authors deliver their message in an empathetic way while also challenging you to make some changes that will have significant rewards in other areas of your life.

Fortunately, I'm not (yet?) feeling like I'm trying to fit 36 hours into a 24 hour day. But I know the time I *do* have isn't spent the way I want it to be. Now that I've read the book once, I'll be going back through it and pondering exactly how my life needs to be altered to make a difference in the lives of others. A very good and potentially life-altering read...

The Question of Happiness: On Finding Meaning, Pleasure, and the Ultimate Currency

Average customer rating:

Seemed shallow and self-involved
Good, but short
Easy read
A Bridge from the Ivory Tower to Main Street

The Question of Happiness: On Finding Meaning, Pleasure, and the Ultimate Currency
Tal Ben-Shahar
Manufacturer: Writers Club Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0595231403

Book Description

Why are our levels of emotional wealth decreasing despite an overall increase in material wealth? Is it possible to be successful and happy? How can we become happier? The Question of Happiness is a philosophical and psychological investigation into the nature of happiness: providing a new way of thinking about what happiness actually is, and exploring how we can be happier in relationships, at work, and in school. Tal Ben-Shahar's ideas are both rigorous and accessible, building on academic work while remaining practical and clear.

Customer Reviews:

Seemed shallow and self-involved.......2007-06-27

I suppose that I approach life from a different point of view than the author. He thinks that the reason to do good things is so that you will be happy -- at the end of the day, for the author -- it is all about internal, self-involved feelings. That being said, the author is bright and entertaining -- and I do not mean to suggest that he is not a good person.

Good, but short.......2007-05-09

Very good, but a tad short. Loved what it had to say, but would have been good if it carried the information much further.

Easy read.......2006-11-06

I love what he has to say. The book is written in the same clear language he uses in his lectures at Harvard which you can download for free from the Harvard website.

A Bridge from the Ivory Tower to Main Street.......2006-05-12

I first learned of Tal Ben-Shahar from a news piece on NPR; of how the most popular class at Harvard is now Tal's "Happiness 101" or PSY 1504-Positive Psy. Made curious by seeing some of his classes online, I purchased this book. The Question of Happiness is a thrifty writing, simple and to the point. But that is not to say Tal scrimps on his good, weighty ideas.

Tal begins dealing with happiness by describing the pros and cons of different levels of present and future happiness that we choose. Too much present pleasure, or too much future gain, is never good: we must look for a balance. The ideal is for people to endevor in things that provide both present and future joy. But this also is not enough. Tal reveals that we must also find meaning/purpose in our lives; that what we find enjoyable has an affect and matters.

Tal makes a case that happiness is the ends of all that we do. It (happiness) should be the basis of which we base all choices on: will it increase my level of the ultimate currency? Tal also deals in his book how we can apply this to work, relationships, mindfulness, etc.

I cannot do this book the justice it deserves in the space I have here and with my writing skills, but I will say this: Tal has made a great step in bringing the rigor of academia to main street in a way this man can use.

Wingshooting Wisdom: Farm : A Guidebook for Finding & Hunting Public Lands

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Wingshooting Wisdom: Farm : A Guidebook for Finding & Hunting Public Lands
Ben O. Williams
Manufacturer: Willow Creek Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1595432469

Finding Ben : A Mother's Journey Through the Maze of Asperger's

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no happy ending
Amazing story
A Resonant Voice
Heartbreaking and Depressing
A book for ALL parents

Finding Ben : A Mother's Journey Through the Maze of Asperger's
Barbara LaSalle
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0071431942

Book Description

"Barbara LaSalle's new book . . . beautifully chronicles her own journey to understand her son with the encyclopedic mind and distressingly separate world."

--Washington Post

Born with a superanalytical mind, Ben could store information like a minicomputer. Yet beneath his gift for facts lay a great fear of change and social aloofness. Ben had Asperger's Syndrome --a neurobiological disease similar to autism. Honest and beautifully written, Finding Ben is both a look at a mercurial disease and a powerful story of one mother's journey from frustration and resentment to love and acceptance.

Customer Reviews:

no happy ending.......2007-03-06

The book certainly was depressing but I kept reading it because the cover had promised a 'happy ending'. I'm sorry, but I did not see the happy ending. All I read about was Ben who had to struggle much more against rigid expectation than with his developmental disability. And his mother who went from "why is my son so different, I am disgusted by him" to "it is not my fault but he still disgusts me" to "look-at-me I can interact with my son without feeling disgusted and I am a 'tireless advocate for people with dissabilities'". I am sorry, but she needs to get over herself in the worst way. I know that is probably not entirely fair of me to say. I can accept Ben as a person with Aspergers and maybe I should accept that his mother is who she is. I would think that she is a Type A and going from trying to fix her son to 'I m an advocate - let's write a book about it', might be a huge improvement, but it is still the flipside of the same coin.
I have a son with high functioning autism and I can related to having your heart sink every time you realize how different your child ticks. I am awake at night worrying how his life will be. But I always knew that my job was to love and protect. Parenting will teach you about yourself but at the end of the day it is about your child not you.

Amazing story .......2006-07-26

Reads like a novel. Very honest. I would recommend this book to everyone I know.
I bought this book because my daughter suspected her child of having Asperger's syndrome. I knew nothing of the disease. This book not only helped me understand it, but it also gave me much insight into my own grandson's world.
I liked the way it was written. Simple and honest. Much better than reading a lengthy, technical book on the disease.
Read it, you'll gasp, laugh and cry.

A Resonant Voice.......2005-12-31

Finally, a resonant voice in the mire of books on special needs that isn't overloaded with technical detail. What distinguishes this book from others is that Barbara La Salle lets her anger, regret, and fury fly forth --an honest voice amid the cries by everyone else to "hush up, be strong, compassionate, and a veritable pillar of strength" even though deep inside you are cracking up.

Anyone with a special needs child faces frustration. Unfortunately, most of the books out there demand that you either take the countenance of Oprah Winfrey or Dr. Phil. Everything isn't okay, and Barbara LaSalle, who is both the mother of her son Ben and also a therapist, let's that old stereotype take a pounding. She talks about her regrets, her failures, and her slow acceptance that not everything about her son is her fault. Her son Ben also writes part of the book. His voice is important to show that people with Asperger's struggle, but have a conscience worth hearing and learning from.

Her story is moving, and it is also honest and shocking. I'd recommend this to all parents, spouses of Asperger's patients, as well as Asperger's patients because they have to understand that until you can identify your own anger, you can never move beyond it.

Nicely told, the only regret I have is that a bit more attention to editing and structure from a writing standpoint would have made it move a bit quicker and avoid some of the repetition that befalls it.

Heartbreaking and Depressing.......2005-06-02

I have a high-functioning autistic son who is very like Ben in many ways, and I was horrified at this mother's attitude! While I applaud her for her honesty in admitting all her faults, I can't help but feel that Ben's life would have turned out very differently if she had accepted him as he was. This is the story of a great tragedy, the loss of 33 years of this young man's life.

I was a "goody-two-shoes" when I was a child, always trying to please the "grown-ups" and fit their expectations. But as I grew up, I realized that I would have to make my own decisions, ESPECIALLY when it came to my child! Obviously, this mother did not. No matter what my family said, no matter that the doctors accused me of being an "overly protective Mom", I knew my child was this way because of something internal to him, and that his behavior was not his fault!

When I finally found a doctor who recognized his autism (at age 4), I realized that the truism is correct; "a mother knows best." But even if I had not received the diagnosis, I would never have behaved the way this mother did. She betrayed her son because SHE wanted to fit in, to be a "good girl." This story broke my heart for the sake of Ben, and I am still depressed after reading it several days ago.

I believe that most mothers will love and accept their chid, no matter how strange he is. And I believe that is one of the most important things we can do for them! If you want to see what NOT to do, this is the book for you!

A book for ALL parents.......2005-02-24

This book tells the heartbreaking but ultimately uplifting story of a family's journey through the difficult issues presented by Aspergers. My recommendation, though, is that all parents should consider reading this book. It is a wonderful look at the frustrations we all feel, the self-doubt and self-loathing and even those moments when we wonder why we ever had children. I cried when I read this book, it is so brave and loving and heartfelt. Even if your child doesn't have special needs, you should consider reading this book for the wonderful honesty.

Average customer rating:

Better Job Skills in 3 Easy Steps
Paul Wright , and Ben T. Field
Manufacturer: Thomson Delmar Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Job Hunting | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Vocational Guidance | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 076681565X

Book Description

This practical and concise guide is a must-have for anyone looking for a first job right out of high school or college, reentering the job market, or changing careers. It employs a three-step approach -- compile, analyze, and organize -- that directs readers step-by-step through examples and self-directed activities to assess skills, aptitudes, and interests.

Faint Echoes, Distant Stars: The Science and Politics of Finding Life Beyond Earth

Average customer rating:

Empty Rehash at a Middle School Level
Does life exist anywhere but Earth?
A readable but limited introduction to astrobiology
Good, but where's the Politics?
Interesting ideas

Faint Echoes, Distant Stars: The Science and Politics of Finding Life Beyond Earth
Ben Bova
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Astrophysics & Space Science | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Cosmology | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Cosmology | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Our neighboring planets may have the answer to this question. Scientists have already identified ice caps on Mars and what appear to be enormous oceans underneath the ice of Jupiter's moons. The atmosphere on Venus appeared harsh and insupportable of life, composed of a toxic atmosphere and oceans of acid -- until scientists concluded that Earth's atmosphere was eerily similar billions of years ago.

An extraterrestrial colony, in some form, may already exist, just awaiting discovery.

But the greatest impediment to such an important scientific discovery may not be technological, but political. No scientific endeavor can be launched without a budget, and matters of money are within the arena of politicians. Dr. Ben Bova explores some of the key players and the arguments waged in a debate of both scientific and cultural priorities, showing the emotions, the controversy, and the egos involved in arguably the most important scientific pursuit ever begun.

Customer Reviews:

Empty Rehash at a Middle School Level.......2006-12-12

I guess you can't tell a book by the cover. I read WHERE IS EVERYBODY (Stephen Webb) at the same time as I read this work. A flying saucer with little green men adorned EVERYBODY whereas a majestic Milky Way galaxy was the selected cover art for this book. The contents, though, was exactly opposite of what one would expect. Where EVERYBODY is erudite, FAINT ECHOES is almost junior high level. EVERYBODY asks, explores and attempts to formulate answers to deep philosphical question / FAINT ECHOES is a light review of well-known knowledge with a dose of politics.

First complaint - the font is huge and there's LOTS of empty space. If the same font as EVERYBODY had been used and the useless, numerous subtitles had been omitted it could have been reduced by half. Second complaint - the science is a stripped down MTV version for those who want quick, glib answers without a lot of serious inquiry. A case in point - the evolution from prokaryotes to eurakyotes is discussed in both books. EVERYBODY offers a vibrant detailed discussion; FAINT ECHOES has a breezy, overview that hurriedly skips to the next subject. EVERYBODY has an extended, in-depth discussion (with multiple illustrations) on the role of amino acids, the building blocks of genes. FAINT ECHOES makes a few references to the subject. It's dreamlike, one of those streams of consciousness where the next thought simply spills out on the page - Mars Rover, Drake Equation, asteroids, evolution, SETI, blah blah. To generate a little interest he throws in such nonsense as ancient astronauts, Roswell, abductions, Velikovsky, Martian "canals", etc

Finally the author admits he is a true believer in intelligent life beyond Earth and issues a call to unite and become brothers and sisters of humanity. Calling all Kumbaya singers for the next rehearsal. My grade: F.

Does life exist anywhere but Earth?.......2006-05-15

A nice introduction to the nature & requirements for life.

Will we someday find life in our own solar system (outside of earth)? I personally think so. Will we find signs of INTELLIGENT life in the universe?

Food for thought.

A readable but limited introduction to astrobiology.......2004-04-28

Science writer and science fiction writer extraordinaire, Ben Bova (only people like Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke and Carl Sagan, and maybe one or two others, have done those two things any better) has two primary purposes in writing this book. The first is to bring the general reader up to date on the current status of the search for life beyond earth and the likelihood of its existence. The second is to report (and critique) the state of the political and economic wars pertaining to that search. Along the way Bova updates us on how the solar system was formed, concentrating in turn on each of the planets. He reports on the status of extra-solar planets (over 100 have been discovered as he went to press) and on why it is now believed that life may (in the form of "extremophiles") exist in places previously thought to be completely inhospitable such as deep underground, at the bottom of deep oceans, such as under the ice of Jupiter's moon, Europa, or even in interstellar clouds.

The main strength of the book is Bova's always readable prose; the main weakness is a kind of "introductory" treatment that may be too limited or simplistic for more sophisticated readers. For myself--a reader somewhere between the extremes of novice and expert--I found the book reasonably informative and certainly in no sense dumbed-down. Of course I did not need to be told (as Bova does in a gray sidebar on page 80) that "a meteorite is what is left of" a meteor "if it survives to the ground." Nor did I need to be reminded that "Einstein's special theory of relativity showed that matter can be converted to energy" as Bova does in a footnote on page 67. Or even that living organisms seem to (but do not) violate the law of entropy. There are many other examples of this concession to the beginning reader, but not so many that I was annoyed or felt my time was being wasted. The editors are to be commended for putting most of the elementary material in gray boxes, footnotes, or in some of the eleven appendices.

The book is organized into five sections beginning with what Bova calls "The Path to Astrobiology," and ending with "Tomorrow," in which he laments the lack of consistent funding for space exploration and argues that, if humans are to survive any of the catastrophes likely to strike earth (including the near certainty of the sun's expansion, explosion, and collapse in the very, very distant future) we must learn to live in places other than earth.

For the real afficionado of astrobiology, this book will indeed be much too basic. For the fairly well-informed reader wanting to know just where we are in the search for life beyond earth, there are several better books. Two that I can recommend are, Stephen Webb' outstanding Where Is Everybody?: Fifty Solutions to the Fermi Paradox and the Problem of Extraterrestrial Life (2002), the excellent The Life and Death of Planet Earth: How the Science of Astrobiology Charts the Ultimate Fate of Our World (2002) by Peter D. Ward and Donald Brownlee, and the delightful Lonely Planets: The Natural Philosophy of Alien Life (2003) by David Grinspoon. Bova includes a discussion of the famous Drake equation and his take on the probabilities implied therein, but if you want the real in-depth treatment read Stephen Webb's book

As far as the politics at NASA and in the Congress of the United States goes, I cannot recommend a better book, but can tell you that Bova's treatment here has taught me little that I didn't know. That the late Senator William Proxmire stupidly bestowed upon SETI one of his infamous "Golden Fleece" awards is old news, as is the fact that Nevada Senator Richard Bryan ridiculed the search for extraterrestrial life back in 1992 and helped to persuade Congress to cut SETI projects from NASA's budget. However Bova does report the efforts of private citizens (notably Microsoft's Paul Allen) to fund SETI projects as well as the efforts of some people at NASA and in Congress to emphasize the possibility of finding at least microbial life under the surface of Mars or elsewhere in the solar system as a means of exciting the public's fancy. If the public's fancy can be sufficiently excited, that will surely persuade our representatives to vote funds to support such projects.

Certainly Bova has a clear understanding of what goes on in Congress. He writes, "Politicians make their decisions for political reasons, not scientific. The first question a politician asks when faced with a decision is, How will this affect my chances for reelection?" (p. 273)

Nothing is going to change that. That is the way a representative democracy works. What needs to be done is to educate the public (and Congress itself!) on (1) the real value of the search for life beyond earth and (2) the real value of being able to colonize, e.g., the moon and Mars. In the first case we have that most beautiful quote from Lee DuBridge (or was it Pogo?) that sets the tone for Bova's book: "Either we are alone in the universe or we are not; either way it's mind-boggling." (p. ix) In the second case we have the specter of any number of earth-confined catastrophes that colonists on the moon or Mars might avoid, such as an unstoppable disease, nuclear warfare, or a huge meteor striking the earth.

Good, but where's the Politics?.......2004-04-09

I enjoyed this light work of nonfiction, but was disappointed. Bova's insights science-wise are very good, there is very little to do with politics in the the book besides Congess cancelled these missions, this happened when he becamre head of NASA, and so on.

Interesting ideas.......2004-03-03

Noted author, Dr. Ben Bova evaluates the age old question of whether humanity is alone in this vast universe. Whether he looks back to Copernicus and earlier or to the SETI project, Dr. Bova provides insight into the past and present scientific wars, the religious dogma, and the political benefit/cost analysis skirmishes. The author uses planet earth to make a case that life probably exists on other orbs in the universe and even in our solar system. He argues that life on earth survives hostile planetary environs that for centuries was assumed nothing could live there and bacteria brought to the moon thrives in conditions that would kill humans. Perhaps the Martian icecaps or the Jovian moons will prove to have living organisms.

FAINT ECHOES, DISTANT STARS: THE SCIENCE AND POLITICS OF FINDING LIFE BEYOND EARTH is at its best when Dr. Bova makes the inductive case that we are not alone. The nonfiction is also quite fun to read when it looks into the past to show those times that science clashed with politics/religion. When the book goes deep into the current skirmish over funding something somewhat esoteric and not easy to see the benefits, it is fascinating but loses some of the propulsion that the history and the science provides. Still this is another strong effort by Dr. Bova, who makes no pretense on which side of the debate he supports.

Book Description

Ben Glenn's first book is a triumph. Who would have ever thought that this dyslexic student who spent hours in a special classroom learning how to read and write, would one day write a book!

In this book of short stories, Ben is excited to share how having a strong faith and a positive attitude, has changed his life. He relives some of his struggles as he reflects on his ministry, his family and his relationship with God. He also shares a number of adventures from his many trips across the country. This book is a rare gem of honesty and perception. It will entertain you and inspire you to reach your full potential.

Customer Reviews:

Give Him the Chalk.......2001-03-14

Ben Glenn is a wonderfull man who overcame so many problems dealing with disleyxia and other problems. I say him at a seminar today at a teen confrence in my local town. He impressed the whole crowd of teens in the building with all of his drawings and stories. If you have not seen him, get out and buy a ticket. Today I bought his book and I have only had it since tweleve o' clock and now it is five o' clock. I could not put this book down for anything. If a teenager is going through a tough time this is a great book for them. It inspired me to become the very best and now im telling you to get this book.

Michelle

I have to read this book.......2001-02-09

Ok, So I havent read it yet , but I have read the excerpts on his web site and I have seen Ben perform. I have never been so moved in my life. Ben's message,his triumphs over adversity, struck a chord with me that I didnt know existed. He has changed the way I think abbout myself and my life. He has helped me understand the struggle that I went through as a child, struggles that I rarely confess to. I, by chance, saw Ben at a elementary school, but the message aimed at thosed kids hit this 40 year old square in the middle of my soul. Thank you Ben.

Impressed!.......2000-02-23

I read all sorts of material from both secular and Christian authors, I rarely am impressed. Ben's book was the exception. His series of life stories puctuated with diverse "pearls of wisdom" made for a nice, clear read that was simple yet thought provoking. Who would have known it was written by an artist with dyslexia? Nice job.

Automatic Hit.......2000-02-15

Big Enough is powerful and moving at the same time. Having known Ben Glenn for a few years, he is sure to hit it big with many people around the world. Not being from a very religous up bringing myself, this book teaches everyone of all religions and backgrounds to look at any source of faith to help you through lifes turmoils. Ben has touched the lives of many and will continue on his quest to teach us about ourselves. I recomend Big Enough to anyone and everyone!

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