the words spoken in this book are aligned to the inner most whispers of my heart ever since i was a child. words that speak only of love, goodness and beauty in all aspects of life. the joy i felt while reading this book was incredible, it literally sent shivers up my spine. it is heaven here on earth. a big help and inspiration in unfolding our truest, most magnificent selves. opening us to the possibility of fullness of life, now and beyond.

I find this book has so much insight that I enjoy picking it up and re-reading it. Everything from meditation to the nature of angels is discussed here.

Once again, Dr. Andrew Linzey has delivered a wonderful and inspiring appeal for Christians and peoples of every faith to embrace the highest virtue - EMPATHY. He proclaims that a heightened sense of empathy brings us closer to God and permits us to live in harmony with one another and all of creation. A commitment to jump off our "human" pedestal and experience the wonders and beauty of God's creation in a humble and respectful manner is the true essence of Spirituality. "Animal Gospel" is a truly enlightening exposition.

Andrew Linzey is often called the chaplain of the animal rights movement, but that is hardly fair. The title, "chaplain," suggests someone who gives a bit of moral advice or adds some solemnity to a public occasion. Linzey does much more than that. For many years, he has been developing one of the most creative and constructive Christian theological projects. He is a systematic thinker in the sense that he examines and transforms every aspect of Christian doctrine from the perspective of compassion for animals. Yet he also is faithful and consistent in his appropriation of the Christian tradition. Indeed, he manages to recover aspects of Christianity of which even the most faithful are frequently unaware. I have often taught Linzey's earlier book, Animal Theology, in a college course, and that book is pitched at a slightly higher level than this one. But this book, Animal Gospel, is his most passionate and engaging work yet. If you are interested in what Christian theologians say about the animal rights movement, this is the one book to get. Linzey blends the theoretical and the practical in a comprehensive vision of what it means to be a Christian, not just what it means to be an animal rights activist. If you read this book, your views of Christianity will be changed as much as your views of animals. My only problem with Linzey is that sometimes he is too quick to use the language and assumptions of the animal rights movement, but the more I read of him, the more I realize that he uses the rhetoric of rights as a strategy to best implement the compassionate ideal of Christian faith. There is a growing movement among theologians to talk not just about the environment or nature but also about our specific obligations to animals, and we owe this movement to Linzey's pioneering work.

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!

A readable and closely argued guide to thinking about the means and ends of laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of particular group characteristics such as race, gender, or sexuality. This book is a needed weapon against the angry-white-male demagogues who love to exploit the public's lack of understanding about why such laws exist, how they work, and why they're needed. Incidentally, one of Koppelman's important contributions as a scholar is his persuasive exposition of why discrimination against lesbians and gay men should be viewed under the law as a form of *gender* discrimination, in that it reinforces a hierarchy of gender-related roles and taboos -- the same hierarchy that laws protecting the rights of women were intended to demolish.

Koppelman provides a useful discussion of the law of antidiscrimination, but he provides something more to both the lawyer and nonlawyer reader. His analyses of various social justice theories and the philosophies and concepts surrounding the politics and law of antidiscrimination law challenge the reader to re-examine the limits and potential of antidiscrimination law. He also explores in new and provocative ways affirmative action, as well as First Amendment free speech concepts as applied to women's issues and hate speech. This is an enormously important work for both the serious student and critic of social justice.

A popular holistic health author and radio personality, Weil has assembled a single comprehensive compendium of vital information on natural remedies, vitamins and minerals, women's health issues, common illnesses, and healthy living.

I first heard of Dr. Weil while watching a show on TV. His calming voice and interesting breathing techniques got my attention. I was interested in Yoga and could relate to the calming effects of a peaceful lifestyle. This book is a complement to all the great work Dr. Weil has done. I also recently purchased his CD called Sound Body,Sound Mind and play it often to recieve the benefits of deep relaxation, not to mention the healing effects. I used to drink Decaf coffee but still felt that it affeted my sleep. Dr. Weil had the answer! I started drinking a relaxing tea for improved sleep. I also take my vitamin C, cook with lots of garlic and take echinacea as advised. While no one could have all the ailments discussed - you will feel like an expert when a friend asks you for a solution to their problem. If you find even one solution to a need in your life - I think this book would be worth purchasing.

I was always more interested in the "real" Atlantis that the ones that popped up in fiction ever since I read a "Reader's Digest" article that explained how archeologists were looking at the volcanic island of Thera in the Aegean sea as the legendary island. The most interesting part of the article talked about how the volcanic explosions that destroyed Thera may well have been the cause of the plagues of Egypt, all of which are apparently associated with volcanic eruptions. Since I am planning a trip to Greece early next year that could involve a few days on the black sand beaches of Thera, I have been doing a bit of research on both the place and the legends of Atlantis.

"Atlantis the Lost City?" is one of the Dorling Kindersley Readers for young readers (Level 4, Proficient Readers), that combines lots of color photographs and detailed illustrations with informative text. Andrew Donkin basically informs young readers about the history of the search for Atlantis, looking at the original story told by Plato (which may have been meant as an allegory rather than a true tale), and then covering all of the various locations around the world where people have been convinced they have found the lost city/continent. Donkin takes pain to explain not only the reasons why a particular location, such as the Azores or Crete, were picked, but also the evidence that exists against those locations. Consequently, without explicitly intending to do so, "Atlantis the Lost City?" introduces young readers to how archaeologists do their work, both in terms of uncovering ancient treasures and in reasoning out where to look. Besides, you really cannot beat the price on these books.

A bought this book for my 8 year-old and ended up reading it myself. I've done a fair amount of my own reading on Atlantis and to my surprise I found this to be a really well written overview of many famous Atlantis ideas. The book begins with a nice retelling of Plato's original story. There are some really stunning illustrations in the book - from the original artwork showing the capital city of Atlantis as it might have been, to many photographs of undersea ruins etc. The author has done a great job, and produced a book that I and my son enjoyed in equal measure!

As a resident of Massachusett's South Shore and a frequent user of Logan Airport, I am saddened and angry at what Mr. Thomas has revealed in his case study of Boston's Logan Airport - a culture of compromise. Despite the steps Logan has taken since 9/11, the genie is long since out of the bottle. FAA Civil Aviation Security was responsible for oversight of the airport and airlines at Logan and failed miserably in the lead up to 9/11. Massport, then and now, was the least culpable entity charged with security responsibility. The airlines and their fawning sycophants within the FAA's New England Region Civil Aviation Security Division have the blood of thousands on their hands. Willie Gripper and Mary Carol Turano should be fired. I thank Mr. Thomas for recording their wretched performance and at least holding them guilty in the court of public opinion. Mr. Thomas is absolutely correct when he says "No accountability - No justice - no progress." The state of aviation security today leaves much to be desired. We certainly are not getting what we've paid for from the TSA. The airline industry, so critical to the economic well being of our nation, remains vulnerable, but the margin of error has been reduced significantly. I can't imagine what would happen to the air industry and our economy should we experience another downed aircraft in a terrorist attack. The problem is, as before, it is not a question of if, but when. Without accountability we will continue to see a culture of bureaucracy more focussed on trying to convince the traveling public that it is safe to fly, rather than one which actually has the chutzpah to make it safe to fly. Where are our elected representatives who are charged with providing the necessary oversight to insure the American public is protected? What an outrage!!

In this riveting account, Thomas has pieced together the sad history of aviation security. A great read, it made me very angry. Intensive research and attention to detail show how aviation security BEFORE and AFTER 9/11 is still not taken seriously by our government. A necessary book for all Americans.

This book was given to me by my boyfriend who said that this book had my name written all over it.

As a teacher, I am surrounded by children and for that reason, among many others, I have chosen to retain a childlike personality as an adult. The book, Balance, makes me laugh each time I thumb through it, and I've read it through probably a hundred times already.

Things from "how to make a blanket fort" to "how to tickle" (Figure 1 - Wait for maximum vulnerability. Figure 2 - Go in for the kill. Figure 3 - Scram.) are retold with such a flair for the English language, in addition to the wonderfully animated figure drawings, that people from 5 to 105 have to smile. It recaptures so much of what gets lost as we grow older, and so much of what so many people want to rediscover in themselves. There is a kid in all of us, a childlike anticipation for FUN, and this book helps those who think they've lost that kid, find that innocence (or mischieveousness).

It is a wonderful gift for nearly anyone, and makes an even better gift for yourself. It helps you remember the wonderful things from youth - adventures, pleasures and simple things like flying kites. It is a precious treasure of smiles for any grown-up kid. It is one of my most cherished possessions. I hope you like it, as well.

This is a great little book that will make you smile, with smart simple instructions to the "simple pleasures." My favorate is How to sleep in, illistrating how to "Beat innocent clock into submission." If you know anyone in your life who needs to de-stress or just laugh, this book is perfect! It is a regular on my coffee table.

Seeing the Dark Knight in black and white is what made me give this book 5 stars. The black and white artwork was awesome! I must admitt that the short stories were just average, however the artwork saved the short medicore stories.

Well worth the discounted price I paid for it from Bud Plant Comic Art. A solid 5 star read.

This hardcover collects the excellent 4-issue miniseries from DC Comics. Contains short stories (some serious, some not) by some of the best writers and artists around, plus covers, sketches, gallery, tipped-in plate by Jim Steranko, and a cover image by Jeff Jones. The covers are on art board stock, giving it a very unique appearance. Also includes work by Corben, Simonson, McKeever, Timm, Kristiansen, Toth, Windsor-Smith, Ross, Stelfreeze... that should be enough to get your attention! The only problem I had with it was the brief appearance of Lobo in the Gaiman/Bisley story - can't stand that character.

If you loved the bood "Becoming a Chef" (and how could you not!), you will love having this journal on hand to record your growth as a culinary artist. Yes, it is primarily a blank book on which to record your thoughts, but it prompts you with pages to write about your food memories, major moments in your professional and creative development, restaurant reviews and experiences, etc. It also has unlined pages for sketching ideas and plating concepts, and the book is filled with honest and inspiring quotes and stories from some of the best known food pros of our time.

I have made it a point to give both books to newly promoted lead cooks and sous chefs, but if I had the money I would give them to all of my cooks. Writing about our dreams and taking a few moments every now and again to let our creativity flow onto a page is a great way to rescue ourselves from burnout. It also is fun to have a way to look back on our growth.

Do you remember the first time you tasted foie gras? Your restaurant's first great review? Your dazzling Christmas dinner menu? Your grandmother's recipe for cheesecake? Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page, authors of the best-selling title BECOMING A CHEF, hope you do. In developing THE BECOMING A CHEF JOURNAL, they have created a unique journal in which you can record your cherished food memories. Peppered with inspirational quotes, THE BECOMING A CHEF JOURNAL encourages the reader to record the flavors, aromas, sights, textures and sounds of all the culinary journeys the occur both in and out of the kitchen. Like an old diary or favorite book, this journal will become one of the most treasured items on your bookshelf