In 'Animals on the Agenda', Andrew Linzey and Dorothy Yamamoto have put together a good collection of essays and articles on the study of animals and theology. American and European contributors have come together to discuss questions that often perplex people from childhood onward -- do animals have souls? What is the proper attitude toward animals? Are they merely resources, or do they have rights?

Much of theology divides the world into two classes -- creation and humanity; animals almost always get lumped in with the rest of creation, with little or no recognition of the sentient character of their being. Mainstream Christianity and Judaism still propagate ideas that are harmful to animals -- although, in the kosher laws of Judaism, respect of the living character of animals has always had a certain prominence, and more recently Christianity has dealt with the idea of animals as a valuable part of creation, worthy of respect and not merely exploitation by humanity.

This book is primarily one of Christian theological perspectives -- I mention Judaism because many of the issues overlap, and many of the essays in this text will be informative for people of both traditions.

This is not to say that the Christian or Jewish perspective must embrace vegetarianism, or suddenly convert to a radical elevation of the animal kingdom above that of humanity. While many Eastern religions have historically and theologically embraced what Westerners often consider an extreme point of view on animals, there is insight to be gained from them, as well. For 2000 years in the Christian tradition, and longer in the Jewish tradition, animals have had not only a low status, but often no status.

'Animals are subordinate to humankind, who have been given 'dominion' (commonly understood as despotism) over them. How far these ideas are distinctly or authentically Christian is beside the point; the fact is that the Christian tradition has propagated them--and still defends them.'

Does an ethical sensitivity to animals represent a rejection of traditional theology? Many saints have been represented as having close, harmonious relations with animals (and not just St. Francis). It is true that most moral and systematic theologies have ignored animals, or relegated them to nothing more than a tool. Interestingly, Linzey states that the current state of theology is more open to the idea of aliens than to animals. In the speculation about possible life beyond the earth, some theologians already allow access to the divine.

'Such theological open-mindedness, not to mention open-heartedness, to other non-human alien species is hardly ever directed to other non-human but non-alien animal species.'

This collection is very much a beginning. By looking at scriptural perspectives on animals in the Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament, church traditional perspectives (both catholic and protestant), examining disputed questions such as 'do animals have souls?' and 'what is the purpose of animal suffering?', and finally looking at ethical obligations to animals, this collection is a pioneering work that opens the door to further, more fruitful discussions in modern theology of the place of animals.

The title of the final essay, 'Is the Consistent Ethic of Life Consistent without a Concern for Animals?' perhaps best sums up the approach -- life in its diversity must include animals. This is not to elevate them above the place of humanity, or even to put them on an equal footing in all things, but to give them their rightful place, and proper compassion and respect.

I've grown very accustomed to defending the Biblically-based ideas of Andrew Linzey to those "Christians" who know little about God's Word and even less of His love and mercy, and this compilation is a wonderful addition to his impressive list of writings. This was the book that first introduced me to him, and others, in this fascinating field of Biblical thought. Highly recommended!

I first became aware of the impact of photography on abstract art when I commissioned a portrait. Expecting to be told to sit, instead I was encouraged to strike poses that meant something to me. The artist followed me around with a Polaroid camera. We discussed what the camera was showing, and tried different poses. Eventually, I found one we both liked. Then he made copies of the Polaroid and began using a marker to crop and adjust the work. Later, when the painting was finished, I could see a memory of the Polaroid but the actual painting was quite different in image and execution of color and materials. When I asked about this, the artist told me he had first trained as a photographic artist and liked to work back and forth between the two media. Very interesting.

With that experience, I was delighted to see this fine work on the impact photography had on Symbolist artists around the turn of the 20th century. This is a catalogue also for a traveling show that is just about to close at the Guggenheim in Bilbao. The closest location to me was Dallas, so I would have missed the show otherwise.

The catalogue is much more heavy duty than most such efforts. It is dominated by essays rather than by images, although it is generously illustrated.

The subject is well-chosen because these artists were heavily interested in expressing the interior essence of the subjects rather than their outward appearance. Dorothy Kosinski's opening essay on Vision and Visionaries is a wonderful summary of the show. After introductory essays by Elizabeth Childs on The Photographic Muse, Douglas Nickel on Photography and Invisibility, and Ulrich Pohlmann on Photography as a Study Aid, each artist has an essay describing his use of photography. In order of appearance are Moreau, Degas, Rodin, Gauguin, Khnopff, Rosso, Mucha, Munch, von Stuck, Vallotton, Bonnard, Vuillard, Brancusi, and Picasso. Some of the artists may be unfamiliar to you, as they were to me. But it's a good excuse to learn about them.

What I learned from the book was a greater appreciation for the creative process. For example, I might admire a figure in a painting, but seeing it in the context of a photograph of the model makes me appreciate it more. Because this way I can see what the artist added, which gives me clues as to what the artist wanted to express that I might have missed. And the transformations are quite substantial and impressive.

Naturally, not everyone used photographs simply as models. The sculptors tended to use photography also to display their work in more powerful ways. For example, the lighting effects on Rodin's and Brancusi's finished works are quite stunning . . . adding elements that would be unseen otherwise.

I was equally interested in the use of x-rays and microscopic pictures to reveal what cannot be detected by the eye, and expand the range of images that can be considered. Photography of motion also picks up elements that can never be posed otherwise, like a rider on a racing horse.

Photography also became a form of communication for these artists. Gauguin used photographs to keep in touch with Paris in both directions while in Tahiti. Picasso was able to carry around with him the classical examples that inspired him, without needing to revisit the original. These references also communicate to us more about what he had seen and wanted to portray. It expanded my understanding of his early works to see these connections. His classical roots are much deeper than I had realized.

Interestingly, the artists usually tried to keep their use of photography a secret. Some even railed against photography, while using it in private to assist them. Many of them eventually learned to make their own photographs, but many relied on the talent of fine photographers to help them.

The question that kept running through my mind was how artists are using the Internet now in ways that will not be documented and understood for another 100 plus years.

Enjoy this wonderful and thought provoking book that will expand your access to art!

Dorothy Kosinski's Artist And The Camera: Degas To Picasso explores the ways in which influential artists from the period put a new medium to use in painting and sculpture. This accompanies a traveling exhibition but stands alone as a solid survey of artistic explorations at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries.

Thanks goodness for O'Reilly, and thank goodness for this title! O'Reilly's 'Nutshell' series really are the most valuable books on my shelf (I'm a programmer). I have at least 5 others in the Nutshell series, not counting the older ones since upgraded to 2nd or even 3rd editions. So when my dad upgraded his office to AutoCAD 2000, and I had to fiddle with his new machine, and 2000, I quickly discovered how rusty I was! (Haven't used it extensively since r12). This book really is the supreme AutoCAD reference for those who don't want to read 5 pages to get two sentences worth of information. Sick of those 2000 page paper(literally)weights? This one will comfortably tote in a briefcase, or laptop bag - without losing any of the meat within all those other, fatter books. Now my dad loves it as well! He stole my copy, and bought a couple more as gifts. It's worth every dime - and far, far cheaper than those giant tree-killer 'bibles'. (How apt! All those extra words!) Hopefully they'll print a 2nd edition soon, for Acad2002...

This AutoCAD book contains all of commands and the best practice method. Also it is a flawless desk reference about engineering design. To approach to the solutions are the only thing that keeps this book from being the best available for making design a person for all engineering areas. All novelties are explained by the author what are they originally from. As long as you have other autoCAD reference books or good notes from your past experience, this book is great if your looking for best one to learn all autoCAD titles to you.

Baseball: The People's Game is the third volume in the series of this famous work and the best of the three books. It's about the way people played amateur and semipro ball all over the country, in schools and colleges, on sandlots, even in prisons and on reservations. It includes five chapters on early women's baseball and of course material on the black clubs and leagues. I'm the wife and assistant of the late author, Dr. Harold Seymour, the historian of baseball. To read more about his baseball books, visit my web site, http://www.DorothyJaneMills.com. Soon I will be opening a new web site about his work: www.HaroldSeymour.com

Harold Seymour made the right move as a kid when he waited on Bedford Avenue outside the right field fence at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn to catch home runs hit off the bats of Dolph Camilli and Pete Reiser. Thus began a love affair with the game that has blossomed into three great books including "The People's Game," maybe the best. Seymour goes into great detail about aspects of the game as they relate not to the big leagues or even to the bushes but to stories and anecdotes that anybody who has ever played the game can relate to, especially us old timers. If you're my age, you probably remember continually taping up the .35 ball after the cover came off, generally about the second inning. If it was a really big game, you probably used white medical tape that you had purloined from the medicine chest. But in all likelihood, you used the much more utilitarian black friction tape from the garage.The ball had to last the whole game as no one had another thirty five cents for a second one. And do you remember when there just weren't enough gloves to go around and you had to share a mitt with your opposing player? A myriad of rememberances await readers of this love letter to our National Pastime. But they are six hundred of the liveliest, most interesting pages any player or fan of the game will ever read. Go read this home run of a book! It's a gem.

A MUST READ FOR ANIMAL LOVERS! "Beaversprite" has boosted my inspiration to continue helping all animal life on this planet. Living only 20 minutes from the site of this sanctuary and being a wildlife rehabilitator I felt as though I was living this beautiful story of someone so very dedicated to the cause of God's other creatures on this earth. Dorothy Richards was a wonderful person with an unconditional love for not only the beavers but for all animals and nature. She has shown the world that one person can make a difference to better this world and right a wrong done to living creatures. This is a very important book for both youngsters and adults. It teaches us to respect animals and nature and to appreciate them. Dorothy Richards demonstrated that humans and animals can co-exist in a beautiful world together and that the animals have a lot to teach us humans! She describes in detail the vast intelligence of the beavers showing us that humans are not the only living creatures on this earth capable of intelligence, love and emotions. This is one of the best books I've read and recommend it for all!

"Beaversprite" changed forever the way I regard beavers. This amazing book describes the life of Dorothy Richards and the beavers who lived in the sanctuary she established around her home at the south end of the Adirondak National Park. The photographs in the book of Mrs. Richards and the beavers are guaranteed to thrill all readers, old and young -- animal lovers or not. Mrs. Richards did not begin life as an animal protector. Rather, it was after agreeing to allow the release of a pair of beavers onto her property, and spending some time watching them, that she realized how complex and fascinating is the life of beavers. Mrs. Richards changed from disinterested observer, to guardian and protector of these critical members of our ecosystem. She established the Beaversprite sanctuary and spent the rest of her life fighting to save beavers from extinction. They were all but gone from the northeastern US due to hunting for their fur, and still struggle to stay alive. This is an important book for youngsters of any age, as well as adults. It teaches children to respect animals and nature. I have given many copies as gifts to children and they have all thrilled to read the story of Mrs. Richards, and to see the pictures of her sitting by the pond with beavers cuddled in her lap. This wonderful book demonstrates that we can learn to co-exist with our animal neighbors. This book should be part of every child's library.

This book is a heart-warming account of life and times at a wildlife rehabilitation center. Cindi 's stories are touching and bring us closer to the animals she cares for each day. Interlaced with great humor and facts, I reccommend this book for everyone.

Cindy has done a marvelous job of bringing her
love of wildlife to all of us who share
that love. Told in her own unique, personal
and touching style; this is a book
to be enjoyed simply "Because They
Matter". It's about wildlife rehabilitation at
the personal level. Read it!!

When I first moved to New Mexico in 1963, I became aware that many of the troops on the Bataan Death March came from New Mexico. They used to have an annual reunion here in Las Cruces, and I met a few of those men.

This book is by a professor of history at Eastern New Mexico University, who is I think a relative of one of the men on the march. The book entails the experiences of the 200th and 515th Coast Artiliary units, which were based in New Mexico.

I had always imagined that the worst part of their ordeal was the 60-mile forced march (and at war's end in 1945, I traversed that 60 miles in a jeep, a truly terrible ride in the Philippine heat and humidity). But far worse were the trips those heros made in the holds of enemy cargo vessels. They were put in the holds, so crowded that everyone had to stand, where the human urine and excrement simply dropped to the deck for everyone to stand in, and where people died standing up. The cruelty was worse than anyone could possibly imagine.

These units were the first to fire on the Japs and the last to lay down their arms when surrender came. And you learn of the espionage these guys performed when doing their slave labor in the factories and the mines of Japan and Manchuria. Such labor, and the treatment forced on the prisoners, were in direct violation of the Geneva Conventions, of which Japan was a signatory.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. The author is a superb writer.

Dorothy Cave has really done an excellent job of research and storytelling with this book. She was able to accuratly document the fate of many of the soildiers that were mobilized in 1940 in New Mexico.

I hope that Dorothy Cave will write a second book on the 200th and include more of the research material that would mean so much to the relatives and decendents of the warriers of the 200th Regiment.

Since I was born in Silver City NM and am now a member of the New Mexico National Guard, I request that all new Officers assigned to my Battalion to read Beyond Courage so that they may better understand the importance that history may place on their contirbution to New Mexico and the United States.

This is a new, updated edition of one of the greatest bridge books of all time. Teaches you how to think like a bridge player. Much of the material is aimed toward advanced beginners and intermediates, but even new players will benefit from her clear approach and practical advice.

This book(copyright 1966,pub.1976) is an easy book to follow and understand. It has an enjoyable flow in its teaching and understanding of the game of bridge. I found it brought me back to the basics of the game. It cut through all the clutter that seems to attach itself to the game of bridge. I had initially thought:"What can an old book teach me!". Well I learned a lot! It is a bridge book for everyone.

If you want to read about a quiet hero this book is a must read hard to put down after you start it...

This is a great biography of a Maine Doctor during his years of practice in the remote area around Moosehead Lake. If you are looking for adventure through hunting, fishing and medical exploits then this is the book for you. Doc Pritham was unique and certainly a forward thinker. I had a difficult time putting this book down.

This book is an excellent reference source in understanding the processes on breeding the top favorite ornamental plants. The book is well written to support the serious amateur plant breeder to even the professional. The introductory chapters provide a quick education on genetics and its applications to plant protection and trademarks. The book is well illustrated and provides and excellent source of collections, suppliers, plant societies and references for each ornamental plant. Well worth the purchase!

This book has been sorely needed: a book about breeding ornamental (as opposed to crop) plants, and geared toward the serious amateur plant breeder. However, even professional plant breeders should find much of interest in this book.

There are introductory chapters on general breeding and basic genetics, clearly written and none of it heavily technical. This will be especially useful to the beginning breeder. The rest of the chapters are written by different plant breeders, discussing different genera or groups of plants. Although this makes the quality somewhat uneven and some of the information redundant, it's both fascinating and instructive to see how the goals, objectives, and techniques are similar, as well as different, between the different plant groups and different breeders. By and large, these breeders are not professionals, they are just regular people who like to grow plants and have gotten bitten by the hybridizing bug. All have valuable information to pass on based on their own experience, so even if you buy this book for information about breeding Saintpaulia, or Hemerocallis, or another particular group, be sure to read ALL the chapters as much of the information is applicable to plant breeding in general.

The book is handsomely produced and very nicely illustrated, with excellent color photographs of the plants and line drawings to help illustrate certain techniques. This book is required reading for anybody who is interested in plant breeding as a hobby.