(From Planeta Journal) - For visitors to Mexico City, obligatory visits include the National Palace, Bellas Artes and the Supreme Court -- all places where one can see the work of famed muralist Diego Rivera. His work is found elsewhere, and notably San Francisco, California, where the artist inspired and infuriated a generation of painters. Painting on the Left goes beyond the work of Rivera and illuminates how public art was perceived at the beginning of the 20th century. The descriptions of the bland murals decorating the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition are priceless and likewise the authors interpretation of how artists began to depict social issues in their work. The lively narrative text is complemented with color photos and sketches. Excellent!

Start at the beginning, with Can You Forgive Her?, and just keep going straight through the six "political" (aka Palliser) novels. You won't be able to stop; you'll be amazed at how modern, how psychologically penetrating they are (and you'll re-think your conception of Victorian); you'll be hugely entertained. I think I was most surprised by the strength of his characterization of women; equally surprising was the undertow of physical, erotic drives between characters.

Ungar's book is a wonderful retelling of the Pentagon Papers controversy, from start to finish. It follows the stories of Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked the documents, the New York Times reporters and editors who worked with them (in a secret location, for fear of Nixon's government), and the compelling legal battle that followed their publication, reaffirming some of our most basic First Amendment rights. If you want to read just one book on the Pentagon Papers, this should be it.

This book is, without a doubt, the most comprehensive and authoritative guide to all the important issues involved in parking today. There is no other publication for parking structures in the markert place today that comes in a close secom If you think the design of parking structures is simple and straightforward -- think again! Only those who have never designed a parking structure (or did a mediocre, botched job of one) would think that it's easy. Don't kid yourself. The issues are numerous and difficult in all areas: architectural, structural, maintenance, restoration and functional. The book delves in depth in many of these areas. The true value of the book lies in its ability to prepare you to ask intellegent questions. You will be in position to participate in the planning process of a new parking structure and you will understand criteria that go into design decision making. Reading this book will NOT make you an expert. Only years of practical experience will do that for you. Architects, engineers and various other kinds of consultants who "dabble" in parking structures are RANK AMATURES and should be avoided by anyone considering professional services for parking structures.

From The Annals of Internal Medicine, January 5, 1999

Audience: Health care providers, including physicians, nurses, and social workers; health care administrators; and health care educators.

Purpose: To improve the quality of partnership processes within the health care system.

Content: This book is divided into five sections. The first section contains conceptual material that is generic to partnerships at all levels. Each of the four subsequent sections deals with partnerships at various levels in the health care system: clinician-patient partnerships, partnerships in health care teams, community health care system partnerships, and educational partnerships. The chapters contain a mix of theoretical discussions and practical examples. The authors come from diverse professional disciplines, geographic centers, and personal backgrounds.

Highlights: Four aspects of the book stand out. First, although many practitioners have expertise in promoting partnerships in a specific area, few have knowledge in all four areas discussed. Second, through the discussions partnerships at different levels, one recognizes the importance of the editors' conceptual framework. Third, the book discusses important topics that are often neglected in similar books. For example, the chapters on spirituality, friends as patients and patients as friends, and guidelines for primary care physician-consultant relationships helped me better understand common but often ignored topics.

Finally, the book includes several innovative programs that a clinician, administrator, or educator could modify for his or her own purpose. The chapters on family systems case consultation and development of an educational consultative service for physicians about whom patients have repeatedly lodged complaints are especially useful.

Limitations: The book has some flaws endemic to an edited volume. Much of the background material on partnerships, their advantages, and the attitude needed to promote them is repetitive. Moreover, because the book is written for a somewhat general audience, some chapters are too basic for readers who are familiar with the field. The chapters on real-world experiences would benefit from more details on the obstacles that innovators faced and overcame. Related reading: Although numerous other books cover specific topics, I know of no other book that surveys partnerships so broadly.

Reviewed by: Robert M. Arnold, MD

This book is brilliant for Peak Practice fans, it tells you of where they film and tell you each episode from the first series to the sixth series and tells you about each character like Dr Andrew Attwood. It is a must have for Peak Practice fans!

The imminent canonization of Mother Maria Skobtsova is long overdue. Unfortunatly it's the same old story; with her strong will and determination she was seen by some people as a "troublemaker" and a nuisance. But happily that great churchman, Metropolitan Evlogy, Exarch of Western Europe, saw beyond this and recognized her as a woman of exceptional qualities. Living as a nun "in the world" she couldn't hide anything and didn't intend to. She fought her battles, often alone, but she brought love and comfort to many. She lived in Paris at the time Ernest Hemingway lived there too, but this is not the story of the "moveable feast". It's the story of those less fortunate whose goal of the day were to survive illnesses, epidemics, frost, and starvation. Two clean different pictures. By the grace of God, Mother Maria Skobtsova will be officially proclaimed a saint - a status she've had for many people since her horrible death in a Nazi KZ in Easter 1945. Now we wait for a broad presentation of her poetry; a subject only touched from time to time in this book. We are, though, grateful to the unselfish work of the author, Sergei Hackel.

As the parent of a 4 year old who is awaiting a liver transplant I would like to say a big thanks to the author for writing this book. My son loves it and I have read it to him several times since receiving it 3 days ago. His favorite page is when Dr. Tanner tells Ashley she can go home. I think it is very important that it shows Ashley all better and life after a transplant. Thanks again!
Peggy Sams

Do not be deceived by this title. This book rocks. Never have I seen a more concise and clear history of the church ever. Even though the focus of this book is the history of the Roman Catholic Church, I recommend it to all Christians as it teaches a very easy to read walk through of history of the church. It includes everything of how church has evolved and the reasons for the many schisms within the church. No denomination bashing here. Gilles is both Catholic and a historian, but his writings are heavily researched, and includes many truths that all Christians especially Catholics should know. Papal heresies, battle for power and land, theological schisms, and much much more. I have read many books and never have I seen someone be willing to put so much historical truth about the church. Five Stars

If you believe that getting along with others is the universal key to success,then this book is important reading. If, on the other hand, you don't believe that getting along with others is important, then it's even more important to read this book. While working for a major information services company, our management team believed so strongly in Tony Alessandra's message we not only gave copies of this book to more than 200 of our sales representatives, but also brought Tony to one of our sales meetings to reinforce the message face-to-face. If you have any questions about Tony Alessandra, feel free to email me at adamleft@webspan.net