This Pulitzer Prize winning history of American Medicine does a lot to explain why the domain of public health is so small in the U.S., and why health in the U.S. is mostly a private, as opposed to public, matter. It takes some fortitude to get through, but it should be required reading for anyone who has ever wondered why, for better and for worse, the US is the only developed country that does not have social provision of medical care. Hint: It's not an accident. Recommended

It was a pleasure to read Starr's enlightening, comprehensive journey of medicine in it's infancy to it's state in 1985. I hope to see an updated version filling in the intervening 17 years. An excellent book. I highly recommend it.

A very accesible read. It easily combined my interest in social history and health care.

Mr. Von Ward brings a greater view of cosmic possibilities without limiting himself to old metaphysical or scientific views thus bringing the concept of a "new renaissance" in metascience. Relating the ancient Hermetic Principles to quantum physical events, he brings the Hermetic ideas to a new modern level of understanding.

His view on the origin of consciousness is inspiring and challenging. He writes: The "river of creative consciousness continually shaping matter and energy never ceases. We paddle our canoe in it taking advantage of eddies and whirlpools ...the challenge is to identify where the paddle of individual intent can be inserted in the flow of life".

His hypothesis of advanced beings is analogous to long held notions of the existence of invisible helpful beings and angels. The difference is that he supports his theory with his diverse knowledge (physics, science, psychology and history) thus remaining non-religious in his approach, and free of the new-age pseudo-spiritual beliefs.

This is a great book for those appreciating a good challenge and are willing to inquire further into their experience

"Solarian Legacy" demonstrates a true spirit of open-minded inquiry, and therefore of science, as well as a highly original thinking in its exploration into that which the author terms Solarian Legacy, the "esoteric" story behind and beyond the "exoteric" story that humanity as the solarian, the cosmic being, has thus far developed. This esoteric story, the solarian legacy, which the author develops through his remarkably broad and bold synthesis of science and history, is fascinating and thought-provoking. This book is a definitive work in the grand synthesis of human knowledge, and a "must read" for those who have the courage and curiosity (cosmic curiosity) to venture into the frontier of knowledge and beyond-to the vast horizon of the unknown. The book makes us reexamine what we think we know, and shows us solarians how much, and yet how little, we know, and how much more we can know the universe that we have inherited.

Of the many original ideas that fill the space of 300 pages, I have found the author's evolutionary hypothesis to be of a particular interest, which posits the existence of ABs (advanced beings) and their intentional influence over (human) evolution-the existence of intentional exogenous influences over the evolutionary history-explaining the phenomenon of speciation or evolutionary discontinuity (punctuated disequilibrium) that is unexplainable by the standard Darwinian or Neo-Darwinian theories which acknowledge only chance and endogenous influences, not design or intention, or exogenous influences.

The author Paul Von Ward is no armchair intellectual. He is moved by a profound love for humanity, and by concern for the future of the planet. In the finest tradition of the Western philosophy, he is a lover of wisdom and a lover of life. This book is the first official manifesto of metascience (the synthesis of philosophy and science), and the author makes himself, through his authorship of this remarkable book, the first official metascientist. I highly recommend this book to all thinking people who are aware, or are becoming aware, of their solarian heritage and of their cosmic responsibility as necessary participants in the evolution of life in the universe.

Solarian Legacy provides an answer to the fragmentation and alienation of current reductionist thinking which isolates we humans into believing ourselves to be mere on-lookers in a mechanistic universe. Through a wise and comprehensive consideration of the multi-dimensional nature of our cosmic being, Paul Von Ward returns to us our rightful heritage: our Solarian Legacy. We re-discover ourselves as an integral part of and participators in an evolving universe in which we may play a dynamic co-creative role.

From his amazingly rich background of experience and study, Paul Von Ward draws together threads of our rich history-universal wisdom of the ages; metascience; evidence of lost advanced civilizations; the role of Advanced Beings in jump-starting new levels of consciousness; the nature of causative mind; untapped human potential; and much more-to open our eyes to a fuller spectrum and perspective of our multi-dimensional reality.

Solarian Legacy is "required reading" for all who view the new millennium as an opportunity to take co-creative action in building a New Renaissance of Cosmic Awareness.

I really dug Paul Steward's collection of tales that have already become an underground classic with cavers and spelunkers. If you've ever had a nightmare about being trapped in a dark, dank dungeon -- read this book with the light on!

Paul Steward has written stories about the underground (literally) that will give you that claustrophobic feeling of being surrounded by your own grave dirt. From weird to downright scary, you'll relish these tales from a master of caving.

If Stephen King slipped on some mud-slick coveralls and slithered into a deep crack and stayed down there way too long, he'd emerge with this book. Steward's caving tales are by turns eery, morose, and screamingly funny. I can't wait for the next collection.

I can not say enough about this book. I have had several copies over the last 30 years. Everytime I return to it, a new layer of knowledge is revealed. I keep a copy at work so that I can meditate on the Keys. The effects of these mediations are profound. This is the good stuff, that has stood the test of time, and comparison to other methods.

This book is one of the most serious studies on the sybolism of the major arana as designed by Paul Foster Case otherwise known as the BOTA deck, and is quite simular to the Rider- Waite deck, which in my opinion are two of the best decks to start out with. It lays an essential foundation for anyone who seriously wishes to use the tarot for spiritual growth and divination.

The definitive work on the occult Tarot of the Western Hermetic Tradition.

Includes astrological, numerological, colour, Hebrew letter, and musical, correspondences.

Deals mainly with the Major Arcana, and although divination is covered, it is not the book's main emphasis.

I've never read a book so full of erudition, wisdom, practical advice, and clear, concise explanation. My copy goes with me wherever I go.

in L.V.X.

I would have to agree with many of the other reviewers in stating that this is one of the better Bernard Samson books. It is a good follow up and great end to this series. He pulled off a book that has a good deal of suspense through out. There is also a lot of human drama outside of the spy vs. spy game. If you are into espionage books this is a great set to send time with.

To really enjoy any of the nine books in the three triologies,
Berlin Game, Mexico Set, and London Match- Spy Hook, Spy Line, and Spy Sinker - Faith, Hope, and Charity one should begin with Deighton's Winter. This books traces the story of the German family named Winter from New Years, 1900 through the close of the Second World War and in the process introduces most of the principal characters that appear in the subsequent trilogies. I have recently reread the ten books, starting with Winter and my enjoyment was multiplied many times over the first readings.

Sinker is the sixth book in Deighton's series starring the middle aged and "past it" British spy Bernard Samson. However, this book is different from the other five in that it is written in the third person rather than the first. This allows the reader a greater insight into the doings of other members of the cast, particularly Brett, and makes us realise how Bernard has been used as a pawn in the bigger picture. Previously we were encouraged to believe that Bernard knew everything, that he was the professional in this game played out by amateurs behind their desks in London.

Sinker lets us into the world of Fiona, Bernard's estranged wife who defected to the other side and works for the Stasi in East Berlin. Deighton examines Fiona's life and her fears thoughtfully and realistically, but once again showing how she too is little more than a pawn in what is and also has been a man's game based on old promises, betrayal and the old school tie system.

Unlike many other spy mystery authors, Deighton ensures that the characters are the most important and well developed part of the book. We know their loves and their innermost thoughts, but we are also left with the feeling that we do not quite know everything. It is this air of mystery which keeps the reader hooked until the dramatic conclusion of this book.

Overall, Sinker is essential reading but for absolute enjoyment should be read in conjunction with the preceding five books and the following trilogy.

Wow. And all this time I thought I was nuts. If you're in the IT profession, DO NOT bring this book to work. In many organizations, you would be shot without hesitation for even quoting from this book. "50% of all IT spending is crap, you just don't know which half."

This book should be required reading for upper level managers, especially those involved in any aspect of the IT budgeting process.

While the material is a bit dry, the information is presented well. What's contained in this book could help you avoid thousands in needless IT spending.

Hello,

This book hits the nail on the head. How come so much innovation, technology and inspiration has been so sorely misused? The answers all here, together with quite a few remedies.

This is straight and hard talk about putting IT in its place and then putting it to work for the business.

This is the book that every CEO should read and every CIO take heed of.

It's wonderfully unassuming, forthright and uncompromising.

Get it before IT gets you.

Regards,

Martyn R Jones

The main targets for Paul Strassmann's unmasking of misconceptions about the business use of computers include the Gartner Group, advocates of Best Practices, and that mouth piece of computing vendors, the computing trade press (e.g., CIO Magazine). While not a particularly angry polemic, Strassmann is all the more devastating for his understated, simple, and straight-forward marshaling of basic facts. The Gartner group is making a fortune telling executives in various industries what per cent of revenue for a particular vertical industry should be spent on their firms computing function in order to remain profitable. For example, insurance spends a relatively high per cent of revenue, whereas manufacturing is less. Retail is in the middle. In industry after industry, Strassmann demonstrates there is no correlation in spending on computers and profitability. None. That is the meaning of the random scatter diagram which graces the front cover of this book. Some profitable companies spend a large per cent, others spend a significantly smaller per cent. Some losing firms spend a large per cent, others spend a smaller one. This is regardless of what measure of profitability is used (return on assets, return on net investments, or economic value-added (Strassmann's favorite)). Note this result, while surprising, is consistent with computers making decisive contributions to efficiency, competitive viability, and value creation. One of Strassmann's databases collects facts that warrant a sobering conclusion. Over half the nominees of popular magazine excellence awards are likely to be losers in economic value within three years of scoring well on somebody's checklist of best practices (p. 137). Strassmann unmasks CIO Magazine's "Enterprise Value Awards" as attributing to computerization gains made by improving basic business and management practices. When the single most profitable industry recorded a return on equity of about 35 % (1996), what are claims of 14,000% and 600% supposed to mean? Such astronomical claims are a disservice to information systems managers and to the computer industry as event subsequently demonstrated at the selected companies (pp. 170-171). The trade press rely on survey data about IT spending gathered by main-in questionnaires or telephone surveys (p. 107). Is that what you want to rely on? Instead of INFORMATION WEEK "Excellence Awards" a better method would be to interview customers who have defected to the competition. Instead of treating computers as a capital asset, rather evaluate what effective management can accomplish with the cooperation of knowledge workers equipped with computers. Naturally, this puts responsibility squarely where it belongs. One particularly Strassmannesque idea is that software is (or ought to be) the repository of knowledge capital about a business and its processes. If well-designed -- a large IF -- software is virtually immortal,can be continually improved as bugs are corrected, is cheap to reproduce, and does not wear out in being used. The residual value of software -- what it is worth to an organization at the end of the estimated payback period used to justify its being built in the first place -- is not generally recognized in justifying undertaking software projects. It needs to be. Its recognition would invite and justify the use of object-oriented methods and open system standards on a large-scale and work against the build-and-junk approach (p. 281) so greatly promoted by the vendors and trade press benefiting from the churn in infrastructure. Systems become obsolete as operators and users are unable to adapt user interfaces to changing business processes and market conditions requiring rapid-response actions under stressful conditions. Residual value is enhanced by familiar information manipulation methods across applications. It is to this simplifying factor that Strassmann attributes the run-away success of internet browsers and the relevant (anti-Microsoft Windows) paradigm. "Instinctive simplicity carries enormous benefits" (p. 333). The recommendation? "Adopt tools that keep long-term knowledge assets and short-term technological assets separated" (p. 355). At times Strassmann may seem like a veritable voice crying in the information wilderness. However,given his credentials as a former CIO at Xerox and Undersecretary (i.e., CIO) of Information Technology for the United States Department of Defense, his simple and powerful style of writing from significant unrecognized knowledge, it is this reviewer's belief he will provide tomorrow's management gospel. One can only hope people really read him this time. --Excerpt from my review published in COMPUTING REVIEWS, December 1997

This book was very interesting and suspenseful. It takes you right along, so that you feel involved. I live in Phoenix and some of the action took place in familiar settings. The way some philanthropic organizations can front for illeagle money laundering was a revelation to me. A well written book. Good reading.

After vacationing in Phoenix the places were described just as I had seen them, except for all the action. I have missed several dinners and hours of sleep over this book. I simply could not put it down! The size of the type was especially appealing, making it even easier to read. The 'flow' of the book is very good. A couple of times I thought I had a part figured out but soon discovered I was totally wrong. I hope the author writes a lot more. He's like another John Grisham!!!

This book is fast paced and exciting with likable characters. The author draws you in and never lets go. You're left wanting....MORE!

Tells what it's like to be in a sub during world war 2. Also tell's you about the crew and there views as well. Worth the read.

If you like WWII non-fiction, this is about as good as it gets. Well written, historically accurate, and full of little known facts about submarine life.

This work doesn't challenge "Run Silent, Run Deep" as the classic of submarine warfare even though Commander Beach writes the book's foreward, but it makes a good attempt. Cdr. Gallantin deserves five stars not only for his account of battle but also for all the other contemporary background information he provides about U.S. submarines in general, about Navy personnel (both officers and enlisted men), about submarine customs, about submarine tracking equipment, submariners' family life as well as onboard life, and so on. For those readers interested in World War II submarine action, this is a very good book, probably the best currently in print. The only problem I had was the size of the book, which is one of those economy pocketbooks which snaps shut on you if you loosen your grip, and also makes you stretch the tight book open to read to the end of lines on the left page; I would have much preferred reading it in a larger format, say a softbound 6x9" on quality paper. But, despite all this, the Commander wrote a good story backed up by some post-war analysis/information which fortunately is now declassified and available to Gallantin and other World War II authors.

This book is so trashy! I loved it! It was written by a good friend of the band, so you KNOW he's not totally honest, but it's still an exemplary biography of a wonderful band. The two Gallagher brothers are arrogant beyond belief, and their characterizations make "Take Me There" all the more fascinating. I particularly liked the stories of Evan Dando, their celebrity tag-along, as well as Noel's admissions of which songs he ripped off. Overall, this book serves as a fine introduction to a band who CLEARLY think they're better than they are (which is admittedly great anyhow!).

This highly entertaining book captures not only the spirit of one of the most influential rock bands of the 1990's, but also gives an insightful look into the emotional conflict among the band members. Intelligently written by one who has had close, personal contact with the group from their emergence on the musical scene.

At last a book about Oasis where the author knows what he's talking about! Paul Mathurs has been with the band from the start and they trust him which lays the solid foundation for the best book about Oasis to date.

This book is a must for anyone interested in Oasis and highly recommended for anyone who merely has a passing interest. It charts the band from their beginning to the release of Be Here Now (the interesting years!). It is a thorough and amusing account of the band's rise to fame and the downners along the way, especially with some of the tales form America.

Mathurs writes with a knowing, chatty and humourous edge which makes this book extremely addictive and you will no doubt be shocked and amazed by some of the antics covered! The sections where Robbie Williams pops up are simply unbelievable considering recent events. The constant banter of the Gallaghers highlighted in the book is great for the comic element and the comments on the bands music (always the most important thing with Oasis) are honest and truly meant.

A great read with highlights in every chapter. Buy it.

Teammates

Teammates is about 2 men named
Pees wee Reese and Jackie Robinson. Both of them were baseball players on the same
Team called the dogers. Pee wee
Reese was white and Jackie rob-
Inson was black. They were both
Friends and helped each other out. The players on their team
Came mostly from the south, men
Had been taught to avoid black
People since childhood. They moved to another table
Whenever Jackie sat down next
To them. Many opposing players
Were cruel to Jackie, calling him mean names from their
Dugouts. A few tried to hurt
Him with their spiked shoes.
It was bad for Jackie. Pitchers
Aimed for his head, and he
Received threats on his life,
Both from individuals and from
Oramizations like the Ku Klux
Klan. Jackie avoided all of it,
And made the team. Jackie and
Pee wee became really great
Friends and baseball legends.

This book teaches you alot about how blacks were treated back in the day. When Jackie Robinsion was signed to the Dodgers the fans and players treated him really badly. People threw stuff at him. Then a young teammate stood up for him and saved him from being ban from the team. So you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.

A simple telling of how Jackie Robinson came to play in the major leagues, this book portrays the prejudice he faced in a basic way that children can understand. And it shines a bright light on a quiet moment: PeeWee Reese's brave public declaration of solidarity with his teammate. This book has been my son's favorite for the past two years, since he was five.