In a clear, concise way, this book explains the meanings of both simple terms (like city, myth or nationhood) and more complex theoretical terms (like poststructuralism or postmodernism). I only wish that each entry had one or two bibliographic references to well-known authorities on each subject.

Interesting self portrait of one of the most successfull coaches in college football. Written in response to his famous "going for two" decisiom in the 1984 Orange Bowl which cost him his first title, and by his subsequent diagnosis and treatment of heart disease the following year. Good insights into why the "go for two" decision was made, his early life, and entrance into coaching. Also covers his near decision to leave for Colorado in the 70's as well as a little bit about his relationship with some of the players including one time quarteback and now assistant coach Turner Gill. Finishes about 1985. Discusses his faith and how it gives him perspective on the vagaries of a coaching career. Suffers somewhat from his natural shyness and therefore is a little superficial and gives the impression that he lacks warmth and empathy, which if you read "On Solid Ground" is clearly not the case. Would have given 5 stars if it was of more general interest, or if it would have been more personal like "On Solid Ground".

While it concerns baroque Trauerspiel (literally, "mourning play" or "lamentation play," not "tragic drama") this book is necessary reading for students of critical theory who don't have literature as a primary field of interest. In it, Benjamin develops his critique of allegory (which he later amended in his work on Baudelaire and would play a major role in The Arcades Project) as well as his method of philosphical history, which would decisively influence Theodor Adorno (see, for example, Adorno's book on Kierkegaard and his lecture "The Idea of Natural History"). Don't let the notoriously opaque prologue dissuade you from reading beyond the opening pages--the rest of the book has more stylistic and conceptual clarity (which doesn't mean it's easy!). In fact, you may want to skip the prologue and return to it after reading the body of the text. In any case, this book will give you a solid grounding for understanding the foundations of Benjamin's work--it should not be slighted. I deduct a star not because of Benjamin but because of the translation (less than sterling) and Steiner's introduction which, despite correcting the title's translation, restricts itself to literary concerns.

This book chronicles the products from Osborne & Little's company, providing some commentary about why and how they have done things. Many of the pictures come from their homes rather than from designers who have used their products with rich clients or in show homes. I found it fascinating to see inside the homes of the men who have lead this great design company, and to see how they have used their own products! The text is informative -- so many design books write things you can see for yourself in the pictures. After reading the text, I started to see much more in the pictures, which is my idea of a very good design book.

Salome Waterhouse is a Feng Shui practicioner. This is the 2nd book in this series. She arrives home to find she has a new next-door neighbor. Unfortunately he is not very neighborly. Duncan Mah gutted the gorgeous rose garden in his front yard to put in a large parking area.

A famous decorator in DC is found murdered in his home. Salome and Judah Freeman, a PI and house sitter for Salome when she is out of town, team up to investigate this murder. Mr. Mah becomes a suspect. Salome cannot pin anything on him except his bad taste.

Salome has begun doing feng shui consultations on houses where murders have been committed.

Her ex, Gabe, who is a famous mystery author is recently remarried. His wife is redecorating their house and he asks Salome to house some items for him.

Many things keep happening in Salome's life. Her neighbor, Fiona, has gone missing. Fiona had been following Duncan Mah. At first Salome thinks Fiona has gone to Chicago as she had been planning, but over time she begins to worry about her.

Judah is separated from his wife Cookie. She has a restaurant called Cookie's. At a recent fundraiser at her restaurant a linguist staff has gone missing. Salome investigates whether the murder and the theft might be related.

I found this book to be much more enjoyable than the first one in this series. I like the friendship developing between Salome and Judah. I think they work well together. I hope they do more investigating together in future books. I think Salome is constructed better in this book and we get to know her a little better.

There wasn't as much Feng Shui in this book and a lot more investigating. This made it more believable and kept my interest. I recommend this book.

Our girls read this after a trip to the Amazon, and found lots that they recognized & enjoyed. The standard of information is rather higher than that in the Magic Tree house books, which is reasonable, given that they don't have to worry about plot & characters as well!

If your child enjoys Magic Tree house, and would like to know more about the Amazon this is fine, but I would also recommend One Small Square: Tropical Rainforests (by Donald Silver). We took this with us to the rainforest (see review) and found it to be excellent.

Osborne brings to the discussion the various resurrection narratives in the New Testament (Mark I, Mark II, Mark III, Matthew, Luke, Acts, John I, John II, and Pauline). After establishing the actual contents of the various narratives, one more clearly sees the theology to which Osborne points. He stresses the primary focus of the resurrection is the religious experience, and its historiocity of lesser importance in both the New Testament and personal experience. The resurrection of Jesus, he argues, is part of the mystical element of Christianity---the mystery that forms its core. In the final chapter he discusses the importance of this theology in a compartive context; he calls for the need of a unified christology. He argues that theologians have given overwhelming attention to the death of Jesus, and thereby relegated Jesus' teachings and resurrection to nearly minor roles. By unbalancing the underlying unified christology, Osborne claims theologians have gotten off-track. One such example: Jesus never says he is going to have himself killed so that humankind's sins will be covered-over, rather Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God, and an underlying theology of the kingdom of God is found in the general areas of his life: the preexistance/infancy narratives, his life and ministry, his arrest-trial-death, and his resurrection. He then establishes what that message of the kingdom of God is: (1) The kingdom of God is at hand, it is a not-yet, but also a now event; (2) the kingdom of evil is ending; (3) the quenched Spirit has returned; and (4) the poor have the good news preached to them. This is ultimately what christology should be based upon, for there is both unity in it and it is the very gospel message itself.

I used to live in Danvers MA (Old Salem Village), quite near to where all of the trouble took place. I was impressed with the quality of the research, and I loved the story, too.

Steinhilper was one of the pre-war trained cadre of Luftwaffe officers, an elite officer corps within the Wehrmacht. Through his first book he takes us through his trials and tribulations. From childhood to eventually becoming an officer of the Luftwaffe. His case for the radio in fighters is of course very strong and the controversy remains as to who did or did not impede its developement. His criticism of the "Spaniards" is also very telling, and judging from his personal experiences with them he does have some points of complaint. However, it seems hard at times to see that so many of the Spaniards would behave in such a way. Steinhilper's relationship with Galland illustrates this story. One is however tempted to think that had Steinhilper been the protege of Werner "Daddy" Moelders, things might have been different. Moelders was one of the Luftwaffe's most gifted officers. A tactican of the highest order( The "Oswald Boelcke" of the Second World War), a record holding pilot ( highest scorer of the Condor Legion, 14 kills, and the first pilot to have 100 confirmed victories) But above all, a teacher, who, less concerned with personal victories, was more concerned about teaching young pilots to survive in the air. He was the youngest general of the luftwaffe, upon Udet's death. But, that is a 'might have been', nevertheless, Steinhilper survived all and became one of the kanaljager. His descriptions of war in all its tragedies and disasters is very telling. The loss of comrades as the days went by and the frustation with indecision in the high command. And eventually his own crash in England. An excellent autobiography.

Timid young men named "Galahad" and "Gussie," overweight vicars, carnivore aunts and young women with voices like "beer trickling out of a jug." All of these and more were written by P.G. Wodehouse, master of the insanely sublimely silly.

Richard Usborne selects the best of Wodehouse's surreal and witty words. Sometimes he lifts a fragment of a sentence, sometimes a whole paragraph -- but he always keeps it in the right place. The quotes from Wodehouse's many books are neatly divided into categories: Golf, Literature and Art, Family Affairs, Stage and Screen, and many others. There's even a chapter devoted to witty insults, in case you need something to yell in a traffic accident. ("He had just about enough intelligence to open his mouth when he wanted to eat, but certainly no more.")

For those who want an introduction to Wodehouse, this is a good sampler. And for those who want to refresh themselves in his funny prose, this is a must-have. Where else can you find a marriage proposal that consists of "I asked her if she would like to see my name on her tombstone"?