If you've ever kept a scrapbook of old photographs, you'll understand the fascination of this collection. Instead of grandmothers, aged aunts or toddler cousins, this book reveals life from the dimmest past. With photographs and drawings, Briggs and his colleagues have restored to view rare animals that lived in ancient seas. These are our earliest forebears, and for that reason alone, this book is worth repeated scrutiny. The images, with their stories of discovery and restoration, are offered in a spirit of shared discovery. These are very special creatures and it behooves us all to understand their value.

Although the book is targeted for professional paleontologists, the authors give us text nearly as illustrative as the images. They are part of the team who personally enticed many of these fossils from their lithic prison. Beginning with an account of Charles Woolcott's trek into the mountains of British Columbia, they go on to describe the environment in which these creatures lived. The significance of the Burgess Shale fossils, of course, is that they are images of soft body parts, usually lost as fossilization proceeds. At the time of the original find in 1909, such artifacts, especially ones of such ancient deposition were pricelessly rare. Woolcott himself understood their value to science, but never dedicated the necessary time to tease out their full secrets. It took Briggs and others, particularly Simon Conway Morris to apply the painstaking effort to recreate the body forms locked in the shale. In so doing, they overthrew a number of blithe assumptions made by a number of commentators, in particular Stephen J. Gould who had popularized the Shale finds, but sadly misinterpreted what they represent.

As you slowly turn over the pages of this book, reflect on the vast ages separating you from these creatures. The sea has always kept some bizarre secrets, but few can match the multi-spined Hallucegenia or mud-burrowing Ottoia. Haplophrentis might be mistaken for a Roman dagger lost in the sea until you read that its maximum length was but 30 millimetres long. A more formidable denizen of these waters is the Anomalocaris, with its hooked feelers and rasping mouth. Swimming in a sea with this half-meter long predator might not have been dangerous, but observing it might best be done from the beach.

This book is a clearly valuable contribution to our understanding of life's history and the process of evolution. It belongs on the shelf next to the other albums of family history. Take it down from time to time and simply open it at random. With half-closed eyes it isn't difficult to see these creatures in their daily lives, clutching rocks, swimming through the water, or burrowing into the bottom. They are your forebears, and deserve as much of your respect as does Aunt Matilda.

This is a wonderful book. It is chock-full of photographs of Burgess shale fossils. The photographs are full page photographs and are accompanied by drawings that illustrate what the plant or animal probably looked like. The text is informative and easy to follow for a layperson.

"The Fossils of the Burgess Shale," the non-geologist will find this book fascinating and understandable - yet the author did not "water down" the facts for those of us who have the technical background in the fields of geology and paleontology. The only drawback of the book was that some of the species listed in the back were not included in the pictorial portion of the book. I do understand that if Briggs had placed them all in the book the volume would have been over a 1,000 pages in length; however, several of the species not included are equally spectacular!

The first third of the book provides a brief history of the site and it's significance within Cambrian paleontology; the remaining two-third portion of the book provides clear photographs and line drawings of the animals entombed in this special location. I have used this book in teaching about the Cambrian explosion. Students were awed by the content of the book. If you are interested in invertebrate paleontology; this book is a must!

This book would be great even if I knew nothing about McManus' life and ministry. But, after hearing him speak and watching his work, this man literally "practices what he preaches." It is easy to challenge people to do something (which this book does wonderfully), but when the challenger lives out the challenge so boldly, it only makes it that much more powerful. Now, I need to go live it out too!

Thoughts alone are great, but Erwin gives you a challenge to live your life for God and not hold back. I have heard Erwin speak publically twice. Once at Leadership Network and more recently at Promise Keepers in Phoenix, AZ. They should have let him speak longer and more than once at PK. He was one of the highlights of the whole deal. This would be an excellent book to take on a personal renewal retreat. I love his insight and boldness. A must read for any serious believer. A very must read for any Christian leader.
Thanks Erwin for a great challenge.

Pastor McManus does a stunning job illustrating the way we should live our lives in Christ by using King Saul and his son, Jonathon. Through a single chapter in the Old Testament, he draws a wealth of wisdom and shares it with us. For Christians passionate about their faith, this will serve to bring a new light on the way we view each moment of our lives. Our complacent perspectives are challenged, and McManus brings to light some of the errors of our ways in trusting God. Every page was so full of eye opening revelation that I had to reread sections two or three times to fully grasp the weight of what was just read! I plan on reading it again since there is simply so much in the book that is useful for a fruitful life in Christ.

A central problem with teaching law by the casebook method is that most students also need a clear, expert roadmap of how the cases fit together, and how a particular doctrine that emerges from a line of cases -- sometimes over a century or more -- has evolved, changed, and operates today. Outlines of the black letter law (e.g. Gilberts) aren't as useful for something doctrinal like con law. You want clear exposition in prose. You want concise descriptions of all the important cases and what they stand for. You want Chemerinsky.

All con law students should be grateful that one of the nation's leading Constitutional practitioners and professors has written this book. Its size is intimidating, but that's because it covers far more territory than the typical intro con law class. It's so well-done, though, that it's something serious students and lawyers will want on their bookshelves long after the first year -- as a supplement for advanced-topics classes, and as an essential reference work.

The book is well-organized in an outline format with headings and subheads, so you can easily follow the thread of complex doctrine over time, like the Commerce Clause, or across its varied applications, like Equal Protection. Chapters are thorough but well divided. The organization allows you to find exactly what you need and to zero in on a particular narrow point or case, or to read more expansively about a doctrine's development, change, and varied application. Chemerinsky's prose is neutral, straightforward, always clear. He's analytical but doesn't make arguments. You couldn't say his writing has personality, but it is quite readable.

This book is the con law supplement of choice at my school (Michigan). No one I know has regretted buying it.

My Con Law prof is using Sullivan's "Constitutional Law" (14th Ed., University Casebook Series) as our textbook, and our entire class is overwhelmed by both the concepts and the density of the reading (it takes four hours to read 25 pages!).

Then I picked up this book by Chemerinksy, which recommended by our professor. It's /amazing/. We're working on the dormant commerce clause, and Chemerinsky sets out everything incredibly clearly, citing cases (rather than including the entire case itself) and setting out black letter law in an explanation of the Court's rulings. Everything is much easier to understand, and it's much easier to pick out the important issues in the textbook when I read the next assignment. I recommend reading Chemerinsky first, and the textbook second, so the rules pop out at you more readily.

This is a great book in preparing for a con law exam. Read it if you've never had con law before because it is also a good primer. Concepts like preemption are commandeering are explained quite well.

It's easy to read and even consent to something but when you are challenged to apply it to your life, that's where many may stop. Yes, I agree that Jesus came as a servant, but if we are truly to live the life of a Christian, are we then willing to live as Jesus did? I feel I have too often not wanted to be that person, but we are commanded to (teach to obey all I have commanded you). To be willing to live as Jesus would look something like this: I hang out with the "loser" crown (sinners and tax collectors), I have no home, I don't seek anything for my self, but only for the glory of the Father... Though at this time I have not completed the book, from what I've read I really like.

If you have ever heard Gayle in person, he is like a Christian Robin Williams. neither His audio or book version d brings out his true preaching style but it is both insightful,and at times humourous..especially the electric chair...you'll see what I mean. BUT Gayle also brings out those things we always knew but never realized that we KNEW them!!He brings out simple, but overlooked VITALLY IMPORTANT truths about Jesus. He brings to light just how Jesus did things and how WE should.His manner is easy to understand and down to earth.A great guy and a great book

The servent style of Jesus was evident throughout His life from His birth to His death. Gayle shows how Jesus want us to follow His style,as he brought out in the story of Jesus washing the the apostles feet. We must learn to be serving and looking in how we can can serve others. This book points out how we should be humble like the Lord.

Anyone looking to teach the concept of Gratitude to children need look no further. "Giving Thanks" is the answer. The words, culled from the Thanksgiving Address (an ancient Iroquois message of gratitude still used today) simply, directly and eloquently give a roll-call of thanks from the Earth to the Sun and everything in-between. They evoke warm, inviting, even mythic images that I believe will delight most children. A personal, friendly face is put upon the elements that are usually looked at through the cold, impersonal microscope of science. The sun, moon, thunder and lightning, and even dead ancestors are transformed into Brother Sun, Grandmother Moon, Grandfather Thunder Beings and the Spirit Protectors, respectively.

The world is simply and beautifully explained not as a big, scary one, but a warm, familiar one in twenty short pages. Even children too young to read will benefit thanks to the bright, colorful painting-like artwork by Irwin Printup, Jr. Every page brilliantly shines with the face of Grandmother Moon and the haunting reassurance of the Spirit Protectors. Its a great gift for classrooms, birthdays, holidays or just to to teach this valuable virtue. Highly recommended!

I was blown away by this book and was proud to add it to my bookshelf. I am glad that publishers are letting REAL Native American writers and artists tell our own stories our own way. The Thanksgiving Address is a central component of Mohawk culture and I was proud to see this in the hands of my children. This and SKYWOMAN by Joanne Shenandoah, Douglas George, John Fadden and Dave Fadden have set a new standard in the publishing of Native American culture and art. Now, if only some publisher would accept the challenge to do the same with Native American history...(hint hint!)

I am an early childhood teacher who wanted to read books having to do with gratitude. Believe it or not, there are very few children's books on the subject, other than anthologies of children's prayers. It is a wonderful book to read for Thanksgiving, with an ecology unit, or simply to promote wonder and thanksgiving. I am delighted to be able to incorporate this book into my classroom.

I've read both this book and Dave Baum's Definitive Guide and both are excellent. I enjoyed Baum's book more because it caters to an older audience: Baum seems to be writing to an older reader, there's an emphasis on the programming aspect of Mindstorms, and there are more semi-advanced projects.
Erwin's book is a thousand times better for children. The brilliant full-color pictures blow away Baum's black and white book. Erwin is a genuinely interesting author and obviously loves teaching.. Anyone who wants to teach a class with Mindstorms should take a look at the book, because it's full of great "this didn't work, but THIS did" anecdotes.
Ultimately, this never really goes above that level. Teachers and younger students should purchase this book, because it's a beautiful guide and will inspire quite a few youngsters. For the robotics engineers, programmers, and older geeks who wish that they'd had Mindstorms as a child, check out Baum's Definitive Guide - it's definitely more of what I was looking for.

Last year I coached a FIRST LEGO League team of 4th and 5th graders we took 2nd place in California State, as well as the Rookie All Star award. I used a large variety of materials pulled from various sources, but I was really frustrated by the lack of a book that would be directly accessible to kids as well as adults. I discussed my frustrations on LUGNET and was *thrilled* to find out that Ben Erwin was in the final stages of just such a book. I used a pre-press version of the book with my team in the late stages of the competition and they all loved it and wished they'd had access to it earlier. When it finally got through the publication process, I snapped it up immediately!

All I can say is WOW! The pre-press was pretty nice, but the final book is absolutely *gorgeous*.

While there are lots of great mindstorms books out there (most notably Dave Baum's) this is the *only* one that covers ROBOLAB, the standard for RCX programming in educational scenarios as well as the standard LEGO-provided programming environment.

If you're an adult needing inspiration for your own robots, or if you have kids who like mindstorms, this book belongs in your collection!

This book is a great introduction to the world of LEGO Mindstorms robots. I've been working with the LEGO Mindstorms kits for about 6 months, and I've often been frustrated by the lack of detail in the manuals for the kits. This book provides quite a bit of the missing information. For instance, it explains that you lose your firmware if you take your batteries out of your RCX for more than a minute or two (I wish that I'd seen that in a manual somewhere!). It provides a broad overview of alternatives to programming in RCX code, together with examples from each alternative mentioned for comparison. These coding examples are discussed in the text and they are also included on the accompanying CD. In addition to the coding examples, the CD also includes videos and stills of the robots described in the book. The book includes descriptions of a broad range of robots, from the very simple Acrobot robot featured in the Constructopedia, to robots designed by school kids, to robots designed by parent-kid teams, to advanced robots using IR communication and data logging. In each case, Erwin provides the details of the development process, how the robot was first conceived, how it was developed, and how the design problems were identified and solved. This approach makes the book much more than a simple code cookbook- -it explains to parents, teachers, and older kids how robots actually come about. Scattered throughout the book are "Asides" that explain various topics such as LEGO geometry, how to calculate gear ratios, understanding compound gear trains, programming decisions, etc. The book includes appendices of useful information, a bibliography, an excellent glossary, and an index.

While the text itself is somewhat dry and analytical, this rates as one of the great studies of military tactics and provides a facinating glimpse into the mind of one of history's great generals. Attacks! is Rommel's first person account of his experiences in WWI. As was his custom, he recorded his military exploits and summarized his findings for his own personal study and the benefit of those military students to follow. Anyone interested in gaining insight into Rommel himself or interested in what makes a great platoon/company level commander should read this book.

A masterful description of small unit action in WWI. Its amazing how articulate Rommel is in describing preparations for attack, use of terrain, change of plans on the spot and other details involved in executing battalion level orders. At the end of each battle sequence is an Observations section in which the lessons to be drawn are dispassionately stated.

From this book its clear that during WW1 Rommel acquired most of the military characteristics that made him one of the best commanders of WW2. His emphasis on reconnaissance, deception, and surprise as well as his trademark "feel for the terrain" (fingersptizengefuhl) were all developed at the battalion level in this earlier conflict.

Another real plus in this book are the maps (actually Rommel's hand sketches) showing terrain and lines of attack.

Anyone who is interested in Rommel's military operations should start here. As a WW2 follow-on, I'd recommend Ronald Lewin's Rommel as Military Commander...for its detailed battle accounts and excellent maps. Fraser's and Irving's books are also good, but operate at a more general level and suffer from a lack of battle area maps.

Rommel's Attack is a great first person account on the activities of a junior military officer, trained on the concept of problem solving and overcoming the obstacles that he finds as he accomplishes the task that present themselves to him during combat in the Great War. In a war that has been defined as a defensive engagement, Rommel is consistently able to overcome these defenses, attack effectively, and achieve his objectives. This book is a great account on one military officers utilization of his leadership ability, coupled with the effective incorporation of those around him into an effective fighting organization. Rommel also incorporates numerous sketches of troop movements, obstacles overcome, and his battle plan intentions that add to the readers ability to learn from these writings. While many see warfare of today as much different from that of the Great War, it is important to remember that conflict still requires one group to overcome another and the thought process utilized by Rommel (and explained in this book) is still as useful today as it was then. This is a excellent book for those interested in then military, but should also be a must read for those who work with others at difficult task or objectives.

Erwin Lutzer gives a harrowing description of the third riech. When hitler came to power Germany was in economic chaos and the people in despair. HItler promised to restore Germany to it's former greatness.

When Hitler came to power he began to dismantle the Christian church and replace it with the nationalistic German church. The cross was replaced by the swatiska and the bible was replaced by Hitler's Mien Kampf. The German church preached complete obedience to the national leadership. Hitler then started his policy of "racial purity" Believed Germany will return to its greatness if it return to its Aryan roots. This was the begining of the extermination of the Jews.

There were Christians that did stand up to Hitler. Two of these was Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Niemoller. They formed the resistence church called the cofession church. They preached that the cross must be supreme and be above all symbols.

Lutzer explains that the hollicaust was God's opportunity to strengthen and purify his church. In the presents of this great evil many christians willingly laid down their lives to oppose Hitler and to save the Jews. Lutzer explains that when the cross is removed the full force of human evil is released. I believe the hollicaust shows that when God is removed there is nothing to stop evil. Many secular humanists believe that good can come from man and we do not need God. The events of WWII prove otherwise. Lutzer explains that the removal of christ with nationalism dates back to 19th century German philosophy. Georg Hegal taught that the national state must be supreme and Fredrick Nietzche taught that Christianity was weak and that God was dead.

Erwin Lutzer makes strong parellels to this country. He compares the plight of the Jews during the hollicaust to the plight of unborn babies under abortion. He states that the secular world is trying to purge Christianity from the public sector. Today people are getting into trouble in work and school for professing their beliefs. This book was written before the tragedy of Columbine. I feel that a lot of the school violence is due to the fact that Jesus was removed from our public schools. Lutzer states thate The United States is marching down the same road that that NAZI germany did by having the voice of the church supressed by the national government. But, on the other hand Christian fundamentalists are using the same tactics. They are trying to force the country to follow their brand of Christianity and their own personal political agenda. Homosexuals and anyone else who is contrary to the Christian right are being treated the same way that Hitler treated the Jews. I have no problem with Homosexuals adopting children. It is better that a child be in a loving environment then be in an abussive environment. I believe in personal acountability. I am only accountable to God for my self not anybody else. When I hear "so called" Christians saying "God hates homosexuals and that its a sign of Gods perfect hate" I have a hard time
following the conservative christian position on Homosexuality.

Erwin Lutzer states that "The Cross reminds us that the battle is not so much between church and state as it is between within our own hearts. If Christ has all of us, if The Cross stands above politics and the world as Bonhoeffer has reminded us, we shall overcome regardless of the cost." Pg.207

My own studies and readings of Biblical prophecy over the years, together with my interest in the future rise of the Antichrist, gave rise to personal concerns/fears over the alarming similarities in the rise and power of Adolf Hitler and that pertaining to the future world ruler known in Biblical circles as the Antichrist.

The agendas of both persons being remarkably similar, with their rise being in large part due to the economic situation of their times, the apathy of the world at large, and the inactivity of the Christian church. Not to mention the shared hatred and intent towards the Jewish people.

I never dared discuss these thoughts with anyone until I read this book. Here to my amazement I discovered that Erwin Lutzer appears to be of a like mind.

With this in mind, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is a must, must read. We all need to be aware of the facts so ably illustrated here. The book is so easy to read and very well written.

Before reading this book, my knowlege of the Third Reich was somewhat limited, and I had no idea as to the severe depths of Satanism and the occult generally that Hitler and his entourage had delved into.

I used to think that history could not repeat itself but now I am not so sure.

The immense increase of anti-Semitism and the manner in which the public is so easily deluded by the false re-writing/revisionism of history relating to the Jewish people and the Middle East; the ease in which complacent public opinion is manipulated, swayed and distorted by the modern media; the apparent ignorance of vast elements within the 'Church' as to what is going on around them....these factors are far too similar to what happened prior to and during the rise of Hitler.

The time is right and is just waiting for the right person and circumstances for one other to take his place. If you are unsure, then read this book and study the facts for yourself. Don't just take my word for it.

Thanks for listening.

Erwin Lutzer has taken the lid off Nazi Germany and the life of Hitler, to show an immense knowledge and understanding of what took place prior to the Nazi's rise, as well as how it continued to the very end. Not only that, he writes with compassion and passion about where the Church of Germany stood in relation to Hitler, and how eventually, with the exception of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Martin Niemoller and a small handful of believers, the Church of Jesus Christ in Germany fell into the hands of the Fuhrer. Lutzer warns that the Church in the United States faces similar challenges and he shows some similarities between the two nations, and warns that we, too, in this country have to guard against unchecked nationalism and embracing one particular party over another because of the words of the particular leaders. Just because peace, prosperity, and the like is preached and promised, doesn't amount to squat, the Mr. Lutzer gives a stern admonition to those who might believe that our current political system is one which has been sanctioned by God. It was clear that the Nazi's believed that to be the case, and many sincere believers in Germany who believed they were doing God's work. Unfortunately, history showed them to be in error. Highly disturbing and sobering reading. And incredibly and magnificently recommended!!!!!

Erwin Lutzer writes about the judgement of Christians in Heaven. He states eventhough our salvation is sealed by the blood of Jesus, our reward is is based on our works on earth. Erwin Luttzer makes aprofound statement in that what we recieve from God is solely out of the generosity of his goodness. We recieve because God gives it to us not because we deserve it. Our reward or participation in Heaven is based on our works and deeds on earth. We enter Heaven under general admission through faith in the death and resurection of Jesus. Weither or not we sit behing the dugout or on the fifty yard line is up to us. Erwin Lutzer states that Jesus is looking for servants that serve him and one another willingly. Every good deed done in the name of Jesus is tallied in Heaven. He also states that not all deads have pure motives, but if we generally have hearts for Jesus we will be rewarded. He also states that everything belongs to God, even money. How we treat what God has given us will also effect our Judgement and rewards in heaven. In general, how we live on earth as believers will effect our position in Heaven.

Erwin Lutzer has written a powerful commentary on what awaits us at the Judgment seat of Christ, as well as what waits for those who reject Christ as Lord and Savior. He shows the various rewards (yes, rewards) which await us, as well as describing the various crowns, and with Scripture throughout, he presents a compelling vision of what we are to do - live everyday for Christ, and every motive to do for Christ all that we do. The only chapter which I found a little out of sync was the one entitled "Run to Win." For some strange reasons, modern day Christians want to applaud all athletes instead of look with discernment at the industry. Paul, back in his day, dealt with the "true" athlete, the one who participated for a crown. In today's world, it's all about million dollar and billion dollar deals, and in many instances, athletes are recruited without integrity and with a great deal of greed. That is not to say that the entire industry is at fault, but there should be a clarion call from the Church of Christ to call into question this whole business of the sports-industrial-complex, and how it has transformed all of our society. More than religion being the opiate of the people, I am inclined to believe that sports is the ultimate opiate of the people. All in all, though, Mr. Lutzer displays an incredible passion in this book, and it is highly recommended!!!

After reading "Hitler's Cross," which I loved, I thought I'd try another Lutzer book, with this the next choice, and I wasn't disappointed. This is a powerful hitting book, and has great implications for any believer in Christ who takes his teachings to heart. Using many Scriptures, Erwin Lutzer basically comes down to how we as Christians should live - our whole motive to do everythings is to please Christ. To do all things for Him. This alone was worth the price of the book. A timeless classic. Highly recommended!!!

Even those with little knowledge of the Second World War know the names "Dessert Fox" and Rommel. For those more familiar with WWII history and the great generals, they know a lot of what is general knowledge is hype more than fact. For example, while Field Marshall Erwin Rommel was certainly a brilliant tactician and strategist, he was not - contrary to popular belief - the originator of the Blitz style of armored warfare. Certainly he was one of its most successful practitioners, but not the originator. That credit belongs to English military minds and was put into practice by General Heinz Gurderian (see Panzer Leader by Gurderian). Rommel was a brilliant self-promoter - with humility though. And he was a favored son of Hitler in the beginning, although the "father" forced him to commit suicide in the end. Rommel did have some amazing victories and equally appalling defeats. All are chronicled in this stirring, well-written pseudo-autobiography. The Rommel Papers was written from Rommels own personal diaries made during his numerous campaigns. He was a voracious writer who sat down on a near daily to preserve the events of the day. Thus we are treated to a wonderful story of the Blitz through western Europe in 1939-40, the swift victories in northern Africa and slow arduous defeats that followed, and finally to Rommel's attempts to stem the Allied tide that was threatening to rush the Western shores of France in 1944. This is a fun and insightful read for anyone who wants to see war from the perspective of the German public's most favored Marshall. Certainly worth the time spent reading it! Highly recommended.

This book takes you through the events of World War II using the unedited writing of General Rommel. Hart does a great job of insuring the thoughts of Rommel are preserved. The hard bound version of this book, has chalk drawing of Rommels battle plans.

If you want to read about Nazi's than this is not the book for you, but if you want to read about a true german soldier and honorable man, than I highly recommend this. What an incredible account of war! War without hate, that was the phrase in one of the commentary lines. It's hard to imagine, but Rommel's book shows how it was his job as a soldier. It also gives accounts of how prisoners of war were treated by Rommel and gives you a real sense of the honor of being a soldier no matter which side you were on.

I especially liked the added notes and commentary by Gen. Bayerlein and Rommel's son Manfred. I predict as you read this book you will feel the development of a relationship with Rommel, a friendship and consern for his well being. Feel his heartfelt consern for his troops and desire to save them from destruction. Feel the anger towards the "High Command" as they tell Rommel to fight to the death. It's a book that will take you on a rollercoaster of emotion that closes in the inevitable and tragic end of your new found friend. The book was finished by Manfred Rommel who gave a truly tragic and heart breaking view of the final moments between him and his father.