i would like to have a reference on the pedagogic discourse so that i can have a good paper.

Coatsworth and Tayler have added a significant contribution to a field that have known, up to now, only individual monographies about the development of national economies in Latin America, not disregarding the excellent Victor Bulmer-Thomas "The Economic History of LA" or the more recent volume organized by Rosemary Thorp. The history of economic international relations of the Latin American countries and the region's insertion in the world economy is, of course, a chapter in the history of world capitalism, but we were still missing a comprehensive approach about the specific path of the economic modernization of the entire region, despite some general contributions, like Bradford Burns'"The Poverty of Progress" or the old books by Rippy and Platt. Now, the quest is (almost) over, at least from the point of view of "centric" economies. Coatsworth and Tayler add a new powerful academic tool for researchers and other people interested in better know how Latin America managed to become what Prebisch called "a periphery to the center". Perhaps the next significant evolution in this field would be to have a history of the economic insertion of Latin American countries in the world economy from the point of view of those countries. But, that is another story...

The title of this book should probably be 'Leonardo Da Vinci Origins Of An ARTISTIC Genius'. It was the title that intrigued me and made me want to read this book. Leonardo's education and maturation process in relation to painting is really not that unusual.

This book does demonstrate with a lot of precise details how Leonardo's involvement and association with paintings from his early period can be proven or disproven. In some cases advanced scientific techniques such as x-ray analysis are cited to disprove or clarify statements made by previous authors about Leonardo's supposed involvement in various paintings. This book would be very helpful if someone was, for example, writing a paper about Leonardo's early career as far as exactly what paintings he worked on.

However the mysterious aspect about Leonardo da Vinci is not his painting which he eventually grew tired of and he sometimes didn't even bother to finish his own paintings. The mysterious thing about Leonardo is how did he all of a sudden become (at least in his own mind) an engineer, architect, scientist, etc., when he was never trained in any of these things ? How did someone who was trained as a painter and artist make that transition ? That's where the mystery deepens about Leonardo da Vinci.

As far as the books I've read so far that mystery has never been fully explained other than he was self taught. His art was very important for this transition because it allowed him to record his basically limitless ideas at a time when photography didn't exist yet.

But a good follow on to this book would be called 'Leonardo Da Vinci Origins Of A RENAISSANCE Genius' or 'Scientific Genius' or something like that.

Whether some or most of Leonardo's scientific ideas were valid is I think open to debate. But he did have some of the characteristics required for true genius which are intense curiosity, being very observant, and having almost unlimited energy. And he was a good painter, that much can be stated positively.

This is the book I was waiting for... It tells me exactly what to expect when planning the development of an online learning event. Both beginning architects and professional instructional designers will find this book very helpful.

The book is written from the view of the process manager who has to plan and coordinate the process and communicate with all stakeholders such as the subject matter experts, system engineers, web designers, instructional designers, etc.

The book is extremely well structured and elaborate. The authors provide the reader with a 18-step-design-plan which leads to a thoroughly planned online learning event. When using this book there is no way you forget process steps, people involved or techniques needed. Templates of all kinds of planning forms are provided as well.

This is a great book that I will use over and over again!

Issac Newton's third law states: For every action, there is an equal, but opposite reaction. This is the hidden theme within David Johnson's _Righteous Deception_. Johnson's "action" is the Allies' D-Day deception plan FORTITUDE and its tributary plan QUICKSILVER, the counter-intelligence effort to convince the Germans of the existence of the fictional First United States Army Group (FUSTAG), and that the real invasion would be aimed at the Pas de Calais. The German "reaction" centers around the activities of two key individuals: Admiral Wilhelm Canaris, Hitler's Chief of German Military Intelligence (Abwehr) and Colonel Alexis von Roenne, Chief of Fremde Heere West (FHW). Johnson provides a readable account of the better known machinations of Canaris; his counter-espionage activities providing vital intelligence to the British and his key role in the General's conspiracy to assassinate Hitler, Swarze Kapelle (Black Orchestra). It was when Canaris swayed the brilliant intelligence officer von Roenne to join the ranks of the conspirator's network, argues Johnson, that a critical partnership developed between the two men.Johnson places quite a bit of emphasis upon the role of von Roenne. Other authors (Fargo, _The Game of the Foxes_, and Cave Brown, _Bodyguard of Lies_) have documented von Roenne's official duties at FHW. Their consensus, however, is that Roenne was hoodwinked by the FORTITUDE deception, credited only with purposely inflating the Allied order of battle in order to get Hitler to reinforce the Normandy area. Johnson presents an opposing thesis. Johnson argues that Roenne was well aware that the FORTITUDE/QUICKSILVER deception to invade the Pas de Calais was bogus, but instead, led Hitler on to its validity in order that the Fuhrer keep the German 15th Army right where it was not needed for as long as possible. Johnson states that Canaris and Roenne were the flip-side of the FORTITUDE/QUICKSILVER coin. Johnson concludes had it not been for the duel-role of these two men, Canaris feeding valuable informaton to the Allies, and Roenne feeding Hitler false intelligence, Operation FORTITUDE, the D-Day landings and subsequent Normandy campaign would most likely have ended in failure.This book is timely, given the criticism levelled at America's current military intelligence community. Johnson places a feather in the cap of Allied deception during Word War II, however, he also creates a strange dichotomy in the process. One the one hand, Johnson shows how the Allies were successful in pulling off the deception and eventual victory in Normandy. On the other hand, he has Canaris and Roenne portrayed as willing accomplices whispering under their cloak and dagger: "You did not win on your own, we let you win." Whether or not one agrees with Johnson's conclusions, this book is an easy read and the author maintains his argument solidly throughout. For those wishing to delve deeper into his sources, however, Johnson does not make it easy. He relies primarily on secondary sources, biographies and memoirs of all the key players on both sides. He lists documentary evidence housed both here at the Eisenhower Library and the Bundesarchiv-Militararchiv in Germany. Unfortunately he does not cite these sources specifically in the text. Fans of World War II counter-espionage and intelligence may want to add this book to their collection for its different take and readability.

Social Navigation provides a comprehensive overview of research issues surrounding the social aspects of navigating the net. An interdisciplinary group of scholars has examined the issue of information navigation from a number of perspectives. Most chapters are theoretical but many authors provide practical examples ranging from designing information spaces to studies of work. The book is extremely expensive, but probably worth the price for people interested in researching this topic.

An excellent book that is unfortunately more of a coffee table book than a reference guide. Photography is interesting and satisfying with good but sometimes disconnected text. Does not fill the desperately needed void for a field guide for this fastly growing collectible. Also fails to identify most of the miniatures within it's pages. The creative presentation of the subject matter, however, more than makes up for the areas in which it is lacking.

Dr. Black provides helpful suggestions and guidance, most ofwhich could be found in other sources. He has brought many of thebest elements of other works into one volume. He reprimands the negligence of seminaries to equip ministers for the task of Greek exegesis. He explains the need for exegesis and provides some common sense tips for using Greek in ministry. However, I object to Dr. Black's comments regarding those who cannot work in the languages. He refers to pastors who lack skills in the Greek language as "average" in understanding (23). He characterizes these pastors as having to borrow their ideas from others in order to preach God's word, possibly passing on ignorance in God's name. Additionally, they are less "serious" about their preaching than their seminary-trained brethren. A more serious objection is that the author seems to casts spurious doubts upon the reliability of English translations. He says, "Not even the English translations. . .are completely trustworthy" (24). The tenor of his discussion leaves one with the impression that the average parishioner who does not know the languages cannot fully understand God's word. This is unfortunate. No pastor should ever leave the impression with his flock that their English Bibles are not completely trustworthy. While some translations are undoubtedly better than others are, no one sitting in the pew should ever think that the only person able to accurately understand the Bible is the pastor. This comes dangerously close to sacerdotalism. An important role of the pulpit ministry is to demonstrate the veracity of the vernacular Bible, not just the Greek New Testament. The people need to know that God speaks to them through their English Bibles. Chapter Three and Four are the "meat and potatoes" of the book. Dr. Black briefly sketches a road map for complete exegesis of a text. Much of the information is discussed more thoroughly in other works like Fee and Stewart's "How to Study the Bible for All its Worth." The greatest strength of the book is the application of the exegetical process to a passage of scripture in Chapter Four. The author takes a passage step-by-step through the process outlined in the previous chapter and reaches its conclusion with a homiletical outline. Dr. Black provides a succinct discussion of the exegetical task for the preaching minister. He provides no new information, but brings together in one place all the tools necessary for the task.

David A. Stockman served as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) during former President Reagan's first term. President Reagan's platform advocated cutting taxes, eliminating wasteful Government programs, balancing the Federal budget by 1984, and a stronger United States military.

Congressmen, Senators, lobbyists and President Reagan's staff members all had differing priorities. In "The Triumph of Politics: ..." Mr. Stockman discusses an endless stream of strategies and legislative compromises designed to implement President Reagan's platform. Tax cuts are passed, existing programs are cut, and the military is strengthened. But the Federal budget never is balanced because tax increases were forbidden and the compromises placed off-limits many expensive Government programs.

The result is troubling. Former President Carter's proposed 1986 budget would have included an $80 billion deficit (pg. 358). In April 1983 President Reagan's budget "guaranteed $200 billion per year of deficits for the foreseeable future" (pg. 370) that will "consume two-thirds of the nation's net private savings to fund the federal deficit" (pg. 378) and require "$100 billion per year inflow of foreign capital to finance our twin deficits -- trade and the federal budget." (pg. 379). Mr. Stockman believed this huge recurring deficit was not sustainable and that compensating tax increases were not politically acceptable. Mr. Stockman left Government after President Reagan's re-election.

Today we face similar issues. Our trade and Federal deficits continue to grow, a Federal income tax cut was implemented recently, and the United States military is being strengthened. These are similarities -- what is the difference? ***Capitalization.*** In President Reagan's time, economists discussed the possibility of returning to the 'gold standard' (pg. 50) -- tying the dollar's value to the Government's precious metal holdings. Today the United States economy depends upon consumer spending and the amount of remaining credit card credit and home equity. Today our economy is based upon credit rather than capital.

In 1980 Ronald Reagan promised to cut taxes, increase military spending, and balance the budget by 1984! Was this a campaign promise, or a conscious lie? This is the true confession of an insider on the Reagan team. It seems that cutting taxes was the easy part, it just required passing a popular law. Spending created benefits for groups who will object to any reduction. Machiavelli noted that any changed law is difficult because those who benefit from the old way are united in objection, but those who would benefit from the new way have not experienced the proposed benefits.

Stockman says "poverty programs" could not be reduced, and blames it on politicians like Bob Dole and George McGovern (p.410). Don't they represent food producing area whose products can be bought with food stamps? Don't the grocery chains profit from these sales? Don't other chain stores profit from any money not spent on food? Stockman only looked at one part of this system, and used his prejudgment to condemn this part. He did not understand the working of the system.

The book tells of the results of the "Atlantic" article on Washington. Stockman seemed surprised that his rivals and political enemies ganged up on him (p.6)! He also seemed surprised that those with opposing politics could misquote him! (It does show how the press can be controlled to target a politician.) Senator Lowell Weicker described Stockman this way: "He's had his head up his ... from day one" (p.389). This books supports that opinion; why else would he write a very readable book about his mistakes?

Pages 10-11 tell about "an inflation-swollen economy". But he dances around the control of the money supply by a Private Banking Cartel (pp.62-3), an important subject. Stockman blames "politicians" for debasement of the currency, but ignores the fact of who controls the politicians! If Corporate Capitalists control politicians, then they must be the ones who benefit from controlled inflation. The topic of the "gold standard" masks the fact that silver has been used for money for countless centuries, right down to 1964 in America (remember silver dimes?). Weicker's location of Stockman's head rings true here.

Reagan's picked biographer said he was senile by his second term, and may have been in his first. Page 10 supports this opinion. What does this say about our political system? Has anything like this happened since a dead El Cid was tied to a horse?

Stockman's "revolution" required redefining fairness (p.11). It meant an absolute limit on Social Security payouts. Everyone working pays into Social Security, but the benefits are skewed towards longevity (which may omit the oppressed and exploited classes). Cui bono?

Page 41 lists the economic problems of the 1970s: speculation over production (the rewards of capital gains over income), and inflation (devaluation of the dollar). Stabilizing the dollar (a silver standard), and higher marginal tax rates appear to be the correct and untried cure. The Chrysler Corporation bail-out resulted from the Rockefeller-controlled forced borrowing; this is censored here (p.42). Dumping Rockefeller's bankers and putting UAW representatives on Chrysler's board did save it for the next twenty years.

David Stockman, a supply-side economist, was the director of the budget for Ronald Reagan. What a thankless task. He wanted to cut spending. Reagan wanted to cut taxes without cutting services, or making himself unpopular. The end result was record deficits, and a burgeoning debt.

Mr. Stockman writes with unflinching candor about his naivete of the political and budget process. He shares his frustrations with the reader. This book is particularly instructive twenty years later as Congress tries to keep the recent tax cut intact without blowing the budget out of the water. Watch the mirrors closely, boys and girls!

We're constantly nagging our kids about what to do and what not to do; what to say and what not to say. If you've taught your children well enough they will be able to take this book with light humor and not turn it into "potty talk" and "bad behavior". Yes, it has a picture of a (cartoon) little boy's naked butt flying out of the tub. Is it dirty? No - it's quite accurate. I don't know about you but my kids don't wear bathing suits in the bathtub. And as far as stinky diaper change goes... that's our favorite song right now because we have a new baby in the house and his 4 year old big brother loves me to sing it when I'm changing the baby's diaper.
Afraid of the food fight song? Have a picnic outside and LET the kids have a food fight. What's the big deal? Let them be kids. Let yourself be a kid again.
Let the kids laugh a little. They have many years ahead of them to be grown up and politically correct.
OUR RATING: We think this book is GREAT!

What a fun book! My son is 11 months old, and I've been singing to him since he was an infant, usually made-up songs. When I saw this book I thought it would give us a whole new batch of songs to sing, and it HAS!!! My baby loves these, and when I sing them to him he just laughs and laughs, and I laugh - I can't help it. They are hysterical!

...Some of the images are gross in a harmless way (a food fight, a dirty bedroom) but the songs are very appropriate for small children, and lots of fun for the Mama and Daddy singing them, too. My husband says he found himself singing "Brother Mitch" the other day at work!!!

This book is terrific. If you have a sense of humor, and you sing to your babies, this makes a good addition to your book collection.

The illustrations are fantastic. The lyrics are even better. What more can I say? It really is a great book and my daughter loves it. I'd like to see a CD with these songs (and more); the accompanying sound track would be hilarious. If you like to sing to your kids and have a great sense of humor, make sure this is on your list of books to buy.