Haag has a good grasp of how government works in Texas. He covers many points that other authors may miss about the nuances among politics. I had it for a college course, but I will keep it for a reference to this state's complicated policies.

An interesting and easy to read book that explains the classic 36 strategies of ancient China, and uses extensive examples to illustrate the practical implementation of these strategies. If you are strategist and a "The Art of War" fan, then I highly recommend this book.

This should be part of every violin student's library.

You can't lose with a book about Wyoming wildlife written by a man with 35 years experience as a game warden for the state. However, know what you will and will not be getting. This book reads like a series of short stories detailing the author's decades of experience as a game warden in Wyoming. It has a conversational style. When I picked up this book, in my ignorance I thought it might be about his general experiences in the wilds of Wyoming, perhaps covering some of the wildlife management issues of the state, and maybe relating some of the joys of his work.

Rather this book describes a career of seasonal antagonism, story after story of individuals attempting to violate wildlife and exploit the system designed to protect wildlife. In this regard he does describe wildlife issues in the state but with a conflict orientation. Might be expected, that is his job, after all. But this is a discouraging book and a real eye-opener. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, I would like to think that the author's jaded tone is a result of year after year of struggle. However, it was not always easy to see things from his point of view when his list of antagonists grows and grows as the pages progress, to include groups such as indians, scientists, welfare recipients, lawyers, ranchers, Texans, and especially unethical hunters ("slobs" and "nimrods"). I admire someone who could struggle for so long in a situation where seemingly everyone is against him and the wildlife he stewards.

I found that the author's perspective has enriched my understanding of the complexity of wildlife conservation issues, and the role played by outdoor sportsman, for good or ill. Outdoor sportsmen, as much or more than urban environmentalists, are in a position to make a greater difference towards conserving what little remains of our country's wild lands and species.

I have to say I was wishing that he would have written about what it was that kept him at it for so many years. I can't imagine that this man didn't have daily joys and amazing experiences related to the Wyoming wilderness that made it worthwhile for him to defend those lands and deal with all the "nimrods" and "slobs" . I got the sense that this is a man with a deep understanding and appreciation for the natural world, and an account of his wisdom in this area would have perfected this book for me. As it stands, however, I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in conservation issues, hunting and outdoor recreation.

This is a great workbook for someone who is trying to learn music theory either on their own or with a tutor. I would recommend it to everyone!

But that's not saying a lot. There are a number of interesting concepts presented in this book and the coverage of existing products is well done. On the downside, there are too many words expended about what is to be covered in each chapter which would be better spent in actual coverage; the book lacks continuity. Still, it is unique as it is the only book on the subject that covers in any sort of depth implementation concerns.

Children of the Mind is the fourth book in Orson Scott Card's Ender Wiggin books (Ender's Game, Speaker for the Dead, and Xenocide). The book concentrates on exploring the origins of the descolata virus, and on finding a way to save Jane's life.

It's an interesting book, but it is merely building on the story that came before. There is very little here that is new and interesting. Most of these issues were resolved in Xenocide, and most of the story feels drawn out. It's the weakest of the four books.

With all that said, it's still a fun read. The characters we've come to know so well are present and accounted for, and we get a better grasp on exactly who Jane is. And the typical Card empathy is obvioulsy present. Also, there is an interesting possible hint of a future storyline, though I'm not sure if Card is considering this or not. He seems to be focused on his Alvin Maker series (the fourth book of it, Journeyman Alvin, was released last winter).

-Lewis Butler
www.nyx.net/~kreme

I think, personally, people are being a little biased against this book.

The books Speaker for the Dead, Xenocide, and Children of the Mind are basically seperate from Ender's Game. It's a different story, more or less, with Ender as the main character.

The major difference between these two "series" is that Ender's game is more brash and fast paced. The next three are more scientific, moral, and focus more on what the right thing is to do.

But more about this specific book:

While many readers are mad that Ender does die a while before the book ends, the title, "Children of the Mind" implies his "children" will fufill his quest; also , read the back of the book; he is not meant to be the main focus in this book.

The reason I don't think people really understand this book (Although they are entitled to their own opinions) is that you have to be really paying attention to it to understand it. At the beginning of Xenocide, they started talking about "philoites" and souls, and what keeps bodies and people who know eachother "twined together" so to speak. It may seem weird at first, but once you read through the series, this book works.

Just to be clear, the book is NOT as straightforward as Ender's Game or Speaker for the Dead, but if you are willing to devote your undivided attention to Xenocide and Speaker for the Dead they are great reads.

Quite frankly, I don't think some people are smart enoguh to really understand Xenocide and Children of the Mind, but I can see how some people don't like the book. I respect their opinions. Although I hope you read this book regardless of whether you heard good reviews or bad reviews, because it is the conclusion to the series.

All in all, the book finished all the questions we had from the previous books and made some new ones come up that do not tie in to the story directly. Is another book coming? I hope so.

If you read the series up to Children of the Mind, don't stop there. It is a great read and a good conclusion. You'd be missing out if you didn't. It might turn out that you will hate it. But it's not a extremely long book anyway. I would dive right in.

Children of the Mind is indeed a stunning and well-written conclusion to the best science-fiction series of all time. It is the second-best book that I have ever had the privilege to read, next to Ender's Game. The relationships are so well-developed that it makes one feel as if they themselves are in the characters' positions. Card does such a brilliant job of drawing the reader into the plot that I was almost unable to put it down. The book also gives surprising twists, as with the complications made by the young Valentine and Peter. Ender's step-children's personalities are also given depth in this book, showing their humanity. Ender is also portrayed in a different light, showing the dependent, vulnerable side of him rather than the headstrong, independent man that many thought he was. If you have not read this book but have read Ender's Game, Speaker for the Dead, and Xenocide, I recommend that you immediately purchase and read it. It is a worthwhile experience that should not be missed.

"In the year 1999 and seven months
from the skies will come a great king of Terror
Reviving the great king of the Mongols
Before and after there will be war"
I believe this was fulfilled on September 11, 2001. Nostradamus thought that this event would happen soon after the August 11, 1999 eclipse and that is why he said 1999 instead of 2001. In Nostradamus time September was the seventh month so this part is actually correct. The airplanes of course came from the sky and it was the worst terrorist event in history when the planes crashed into the World Trade Center and Pentagon. This was definitely a great king of Terror. I do not know what the third line means but it is possible that it is referring to Osama bin Laden. The fourth line is predicting that War World III is about to begin as a result of this king of Terror. Nostradamus has other predictions that say this will be a religious war between Islam and Christianity(the West). This is exactly what Osama bin Laden wants. He also says in another quatrain that the doomsday war might begin in the summer of 2002 which could very well happen as a result of the current war on Terrorism. Nostradamus says that sometimes after or during the war a King will make peace. This King may be the same Antichrist that is mentioned in the Bible. The book of Daniel says he will make peace with many countries including Isreal for seven years and break the peace agreement 3 and one half years later. This is to be taken very seriously because this may all be in our immediate future which means that the end of the world as we know it is almost here.

I checked the Astronomy charts, after reading this Book, there is a solar eclipse over part of Europe, in 1999. As predicted by Nostradamus in the 15th Century. During this Eclipse "The" Great King of Terror is discovered. This Meteor/Asteroid will impact the s.atlantic ocean, with such force, that it will cause Ejecta from the ocean floor to reach Space, knocking out our satellites over a period of two years and ultimately triggering fault lines world wide. This impact will be either the seventh month July or the ninth month, Sept due to the different Calenders (Julian/Gorgarian). The recent Vatican News (three deaths inside the Vatican) do you know that Nostradamus in quantrain 77 in the first line predicts "the Antichrist quickly annihilates three (3)". These were two Murders/Suicide. Now if the Antichrist was behind this, it would be deemed as three murders, on the doorstep of civilizations faith. Buy this BOOK It is the best done YET, The only Man who has taken (the confusing) Revelations and correlates some of the events with Nostradamu's Visions. You will like this Book, it will make you think!!!!!

I bought Nostradamus' Prophecies way back in 1971. Approximately around that same time I saw a documentary hosted by actor George Kennedy; in the coming decades more and disasters were predicted (earthquakes, fires, floods, global warming etc). I have been thinking about it every since.

Being interested in all earth matters I have watched every National Geographic documentary on meteorites and comets; about the odds that earth can be hit again, the probability that that is why the dinasaur became extinct, and about the comet that fell to earth in 1908 in Siberia.

And then, then I read Stefan Paulus' book "Nostradamus 1999" and I feel the jigsaw puzzle is completed. Paulus has interpreted the prophecies into real possibilities, based on realism and on actual facts. He knows what he is talking about.

We will be able to see the comet coming during the eclipse. The European 1999 eclipse (August 11th at 11.11 am) is to be seen in a.o. France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium and Joesoslavia (!).

I sincerely hope that Mr Paulus took the wrong prophecies and interpreted them in the wrong sequence. I would advise everyone who is interested in world politics, and who has a healthy and keen interest in what is happening to earth, to buy this book. Read it, digest it intelligently and do, or don't do whatever you feel is necessary.

Let me state it clearly upfront -- I love Spenser. I also hold Hawk in high esteem. And Pearl never fails to charm me. I always consider time spent with these characters time well spent. I enjoyed the twists this plot took me on and appreciated that Spenser and Parker both respected the Asian/American community depicted here. HOWEVER, most of the female characters in this book were more than a little hard to like. Susan seems almost oblivious to the danger she perpetually puts her lover in. And, while I don't want to give too much of the plot away, let's just say that a lot of the story hinges on the selfish, shallow motives of women, as well. The misogyny of this work almost gave me the creeps. Of the new characters, DeSpain is the most intriguing.

Port City must be the most dreary place on planet Earth. I've never been there, but I feel like I have. Spenser somehow escaped pneumonia in this twisted thriller, not too mention being the #1 target of the Chinese mafia. This unusual story starts with a Greek theater director, who thinks he's being stalked. Then it takes off with murder, illegal immigration, and some whacky women. Spenser needs more help than Hawk can give him, so he finds a thug named Vinnie and a Chinese grad student to help him navigate through the streets of Port City in this curious adventure. The book reads well, and the plot twists keep you entertained. Robert Parker knows how to write a book that reads fast.

By the time you get to "Walking Shadow," the twenty-first Spenser novel by Robert B. Parker, you expect there to be a certain escalation in the dangers confronting our hero. The clearest sign of that this particular time around the block is that Spenser needs the backup of both Hawk and Vinnie Morris the defrocked mobster. Having faced down billionaire eccentrics, syndicate bosses and homicidal maniacs, Spenser is now facing what might be his greatest danger, a Chinese tong. As with the life in the projects portrayed in "Double Deuces," Parker has been reading up on Chinese-American culture, continuing to expand Spenser's horizons. Certainly the extent to which this novel is concerned with the problems of illegal Chinese immigration makes it far and away the most socially conscious Spenser story. At one point Hawk tells Spenser this is the silliest case they have ever worked together, but by the end that proves most decidedly not to be true.

Susan Silverman, a board member of the Port City Theater Company, asks our hero to discover the identity of the figure in black who has been stalking the Artistic Director. During a performance of an obtuse play that makes "Waiting for Godot" a paragon of clear reason, a figure in black shoots dead one of the actors on stage. The square peg to be pounded into the round hole this time around is how these two acts are connected. After all, Spenser does not believe in coincidence, especially when he starts nosing around and is quickly threatened by the head of the tong. Toss into the mix the local chief of police, a former state cop who appears to have sold his good name to obtain a small measure of power in this world. "Walking Shadow" is probably the Spenser novel in which our hero seems most like a duck out of water, because, after all, this time around its Chinatown (supply your own dramatic music). Fortunately the man knows how to be patient. On the home front there is not much cooking in this novel (lots of sandwiches and picnic lunches), but Spenser and Susan are busy restoring a cottage for their weekends together where Pearl gets to chase squirrels. "Walking Shadow" is certainly an above average Spenser novel with some of Parker's better twists at the end of the ride.

Human DNA appears to have a large amount of "junk" material (introns) that doesn't appear to do anything. Greg Bear (and some evolutionary biologists) suggests that at least some of the junk is actually a code for evolution. Others suggest that they are simply old viruses that humans defeated by absorbing them. This book tells the story of how some of these intron sections come to life. Is it an evolutionary change? Is it an old retrovirus coming back to life? This story is one of scientific debate and politics interwoven, two camps develop, arguing over the virus vs. evolution question. Throw in a pinch of religious debate, and you've got the making of a top-notch scientific thriller.

The first half of the book doesn't disappoint - it's a page turner as the "virus" appears to be spreading uncontrollably, causing an alarming number of miscarriages. The government of the U.S. evokes martial law in all but name to try to clamp down on the disease, which naturally causes civil unrest and domestic violence. As the scientists scramble to understand what is going on, a split occurs, especially after evidence is found of a subspeciation event in the distant past - a family of mumified neanderthals (homo sapiens neanderthalis) with an offspring that was apparently a modern human (homo sapiens sapiens).

Unfortunately, the narration runs out of steam in the latter half of the book, as we wait around with the characters to see if any infected mothers can give birth to viable offspring, and if such children are a new subspecies. By the time the last 100 pages roll around, we've already figured out what's going to happen, and there are few surprises.

Scientifically, I enjoyed the book emmensely. A little knowledge of biochemistry helps, but there is a primer at the back and a glossary of scientific terms for those that have never learned much biochem. Unfortunately, most characters in the book are two dimensional. For example, all evolutionary biologists believe in the classic Darwinian (i.e. slow and constant) evolution instead of punctuated evolution (characterised by no change followed by a period of rapid development); I've never met a modern researcher that believes in classic evolution - it seems like all the scientists in this book are living in the 1950's! And, as is usual in science fiction, Christians are classified solely as evangenical bible-thumping creationists who hate science, and all other religions are ignored; again, the majority of Christians accept evolution (albeit controlled by God), but few science fiction writers seem to realise this. Greg Bear is obviously not one of them.

Thus, while I enjoyed the book on a scientific level and found the first half to be exciting, on the whole it's only worth 3 stars.

This was the first full-length novel I've read from Greg Bear and it is a highly-impressive intro to the author.

I appreciated the short chapters and fast-paced movement of the story. The book contains a handful of plot-lines and many worthwhile characters who help advance the story to ever-increasing levels of political and sociological conflicts. The dialogue may have been kinda phony-sounding and weak in some spots, but they adequately get the character's ideas across.

Even though the book reads well for one that is 500+ pages long, I felt there could have been at least 100 pages cut out here and there without tampering with the meat of the story.

The story however is fascinating if you're interested in human evolution and the politics behind global disease control, but sadly the entire book feels just like a primer for the sequel "Darwin's Children". It seemed like the book was just get started when it ended! Well, I guess that's a good ploy to get me to read part two. And I AM looking forward to it.

Darwin's Radio is the first novel in the Darwin series. Mitch Rafelson is an anthroplogist who follows a lead to a small cave that has been buried under a mountain glacier until fairly recently. There he finds the mummified remains of a Neandertal couple, Homo sapiens neandertalenis, and a baby, who is Homo sapiens sapiens.

Kaye Lang is in Tbilisi, Georgia, to study bacteriophages, but a recently uncovered mass grave site near Gordi becomes a political hot potato and she is co-opted by the UN to investigate due to her slight experience in forensic medicine. Around sixty men and women have been shot or clubbed to death and buried. At least two of the women are about seven months pregnant.

Christopher Dicken is an agent of the Epidemic Intelligence Services of the National Center for Infectious Diseases and meets Kaye in Tbilisi while following up a rumor of women bearing children who are different and of entire villages being razed and sterilized. He returns to the CDC with samples from the grave site near Gordi as well as from a Turkish mother and newborn.

Mark Augustine is the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a time of cutbacks, so Augustine is looking for a public relations angle to save his budget. He has sent Dicken out searching for an elusive virus in the Ukraine, Georgia and Turkey that causes miscarriages and which has been hidden by the governments, doctors and the general population. However, a young researcher at UCLA Medical Center has found an unknown virus that is the common element in seven miscarriages and has sent samples to the CDC, where it is called Herod's flu.

The samples do not match any known disease in the CDC files, but does match an HERV (Human Endogenous RetroVirus) embedded within the human genes. This virus was first identified by Kaye Lang in a series of papers on partial and full HERVs on chromosomes 14 and 17.

The disease is officially name SHEVA (Scattered HERV Activation). It causes a miscarriage in pregnant women, followed by another pregnancy without the introduction of any male sperm. The resulting infant is different, mutated, with extra chromosomes.

This novel is the story of the next step in human evolution, which is driven by a mechanism hidden within our own genes. The public reaction to this new species is fear, anger and violence. Ambitious politicians fan the flames to promote their own careers and the SHEVA children, and their families, are the victims.

The SHEVA mechanism is highly speculative, but the public consequences are not unlikely. While this plot has been used many times -- e.g., Van Vogt's Slan and Shiras' Children of the Atom -- the author adds a degree of details never provided in previous stories and also raises some new issues.

Highly recommended for Bear fans and anyone else who enjoys hard SF with an evolutionary biology theme.