Baker's "House and Senate" offers a thorough examination of the differences and similarities that exist between the House of Representatives and the Senate. The differences and similarities include: size, prestige, term length, re-election, perception by the media, lobbyist attitudes, availability, and method of governance. This book is a great source of information and is relatively easy to read. This book is complimented by Davidson and Oleczak's "Congress and Its Members".

Mr. Baker uses his experiences in the Senate to make his book interesting and entertaining, as well as factually accurate. He compares the two legislative houses with great detail, all the time enhancing each houses's "personality" and that of its members. It is, perhaps, one of the finest books in its class.

This is the boxed set for anyone interested in the wonderful world of roleplaying games set in a fantasy background. It includes all that a group of people would need for several series of adventures through dungeons solving puzzles and fighting off hordes of monsters. If you are interested in the world of AD&D games this is the first one to get.

The first time I played AD&D I played this game with some freinds. I then wanted to purchase it myself but instead got the Players Handbook and DM's guide. I was lost. There were way to many rules and tables and when I played I got really bored. Then I found out about this game and ordered it. Boy did it help me alot, now I am back on track (somewhat) and having so much fun playing the AD&D game. This game also includes everything you will need to play it and some things that you can keep using after. It includes dice, plastic figures, a map of the adventures, and the small rule books you need to get started.

Written for undergraduate students of mathematics, this book serves as a fine introduction to topology from an abstract set-theoretic point of view. The approach of the author is also to have the reader do most of the proofs of the theorems in the book, and thus the book can be thought of as the student's second course in proof theory, the first being maybe Euclidean geometry.

Basic concepts in set theory are outlined in chapter 1, and in detail. This paves the way for a discussion of topological spaces in chapter 2. The author could have begun this discussion with a general definition of a topological space, but instead chooses (thankfully) to motivate the definition via the definition of an open set in the real line. The abstract definition is thus better appreciated, which the author then does immediately. He then moves on to the consideration of subspaces and continuity in chapter 3. The discussion here is pretty standard, as there are not any examples that cannot be found in the literature. The most important concept introduced here is that of a homeomorphism, and readers will get a taste of the intuitive "coffee cup = donut" definition of topological equivalance that they have no doubt heard about from popular discussions of topology.

Product spaces are introduced in chapter 4, with a brief peek at topological groups given. Infinite products are introduced but the reading is labeled as supplementary by the author. Chapter 5 is then an introduction to the topological concept of connectedness. The beginner may be troubled as to the way connectedness is defined, since it is defined as the negation of disconnectedness, but the examples given should alleviate any skepticism as to this nonconstructive definition of connectedness. The famous example of a connected space that becomes totally disconnected after the removal of one point is unfortunately not discussed in this book.

Another important concept in topology, that of compactness, is discussed in chapter 6. It is introduced via the concept of coverings, and it is shown that the use of this concept, and not one that is based on a generalization of closed and bounded sets, is the one that gives the best definition for general topological spaces. Then, in chapter 7, the separation properties of topological spaces are discussed. Regular and normal spaces are defined here also, along with the concept of a T5 space. The latter is usually not discussed in elementary books in topology. Metric spaces are finally introduced in the last chapter of the book, giving the reader some of the tools needed for a future study of analysis.

This book is so attainable to a reader with a solid foundation in mathematics regardless of the complexity and depth of the subject matter. Baker first gives a good review of basic set theory, which I believe is always something that can never be reviewed enough. He then proceeds to beautifully bring together definitions and examples leading, of course, to theorems and corrollaries. This is all backed by exercises that, which do require much work and thought, are very reinforcing and rewarding. I have just begun my graduate career in mathematics and having Baker's book at hand has been a saving grace. Although this book is introductory and therefore lacking in some concepts, it covers the basic material so well that moving forward in the subject of topology becomes accesible and enjoyable.

I received this book as a companion gift to the first Noah benShea book in this series, Jacob the Baker. Both volumes complemented one another, and I recommend reading them in sequence. They are both exceptionally quick reads.

The lightness of the text, however, is deceptive. benShea's writing style is outwardly simple, but every word is well chosen. Each chapter functions as a sort of mini-parable. With minimal language, he creates beautiful imagery and strings along a series of profound philosophical observations.

Because these books have a decidedly jewish flavor to them, their reading audience will likely be limited. That's too bad. These are precisely the kind of books that most readers regardless of religious persuasion will revisit periodically throughout life.

Dr. Shea has once again, through his caricature of Jacob shown us that man needs to seek and refine those gifts we have from within and leave behind most if not all of our material goals.

This surprising book by an author I had never heard of knocked my socks off. Although it starts off somewhat slow, I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of the countryside at the beginning. However, the meat of the book isn't the descriptions, it is the wonderful, moving, life changing wisdom of a simple baker named Jacob. As Jacob strings pearl after pearl of insight, I have found the need to refer back to the book time and again to retain them all! And even though I don't tend to be much of a quoter, I've quoted Jacob to my friends several times. I actually borrowed my mother's copy of the book, and the chances of her getting it back are dismal. (I've only bought copies to give as gifts). I'm anxious to read the other books in the series.

This book just captivated me. I love wisdom and this book has it dripping from practically every page. What was so amazing was the way the author weaved the cast of supporting characters around the wise and humble Jacob, who treated all with dignity and so willingly shared of himself with whomever came his way.

I had never heard of the author, Noah benShea before this book. A friend had it on her bookshelf and allowed me to read it. I just came to amazon.com to buy this one for myself, as well as the two others in the "Jacob" series and the book he wrote, "Remember, My Children."

I also found out he has a weekly column via the Internet.

This is profound wisdom. Enjoy it and, of course, share it with you children and others for whom you feel it can make a difference.

Richard Baker's book Los dos mundos: rural Mexican Americans, another America discusses Mexican Americans in Idaho. This group of Mexican Americans is often forgotten; indeed, many people probably do not associate Idaho with having a large Mexican American population. The author has conducted extensive research in the town of Middlewest, Idaho, and his book discusses various factors that affect Mexican Americans' quality of life.

The purpose of Baker's book and study is to show that Mexican Americans in Idaho face many factors that tend to keep them in a lower socioeconomic status than Anglo Americans. Even though most Mexican Americans work very hard, it is unlikely that they will be able to get ahead of the Anglos in education and job status. Baker also showed examples of how Anglos perpetuate the Mexican American poverty situation, but they do not recognize this fact. Instead, many Anglos "blame the victim," by claiming that Mexican Americans cannot get ahead due to their laziness.

Baker organized his book into chapters discussing his field research, the Anglo community, Mexican American culture and daily life, the Anglo working class, permanent working class Mexican Americans, Mexican American migrant workers, institutionalized racism, the education institution and his conclusions and recommendations.

He described how the Anglo and Mexican American communities are separate in the town of Middlewest. In his book, he used separate chapters to discuss the thoughts of the Mexican Americans and the Anglo Americans. For example, by having separate chapters about "the Anglo working class and Anglo farmers" and "Permanent Working class Mexican Americans," Baker illustrates that the Anglos and Mexican Americans are both members of the working class, but their worlds are completely separate.

Another strength of Baker's book and study is the amount of interviews and research that he conducted with individual people. Baker spent fourteen months working on field research. He conducted 335 in-depth interviews during this time. Some research assistants conducted 40 additional interviews. He audiotaped and made extensive notes of his interviews to help him remember details later on when he was analyzing information. By conducting so many, in depth, personal interviews, Baker was able to get a true glimpse of life and the values of the people in the town of Middlewest.

A weakness of this book is that Baker's opinion is evident throughout the entire book. While I personally agree with his opinions, I felt that he should have left his personal feelings to the final chapter, in which he discussed his conclusions and recommendations. Baker commented on the housing conditions of the Mexican American migrant workers by saying, "If it were society's intent to create animals, the living conditions of the typical farm worker would be a perfect spawning ground" (1995). I agree with this statement, but I feel that if the typical Anglo in Middlewest (who does not believe racism to be a problem in his or her town) was reading this book, this person would be more convinced of this idea by simply reading the facts and empirical evidence, instead of constantly reading Baker's opinion.

This book does contribute to our understanding of ethnic groups and intergroup relationships by emphasizing the fact that the Anglo and Mexican American worlds are entirely separate. The book adequately describes how most Mexican Americans see the rampant problems with racism in the town, but many Anglo members of the town simply do not recognize the fact that racism exists in their town. In interviews with Baker, Anglos typically repeat that the Mexican Americans are a lazy bunch. However, with Baker's descriptions of Mexican American life, the reader can see how Mexican Americans work hard much of their lives, only to advance themselves very little or not at all economically. Through Baker's study, the reader can see how Mexican Americans in the town spend much of their time "just trying to survive."

Amazing! I read this book several years ago as part of the author's course requirements. I am a native--born and raised in Caldwell, Idaho, the town that Dr. Baker studied and depicts in "Los Dos Mundos." At the time of my reading, Caldwell was still digesting the "attack" that Dr. Baker's book leveled at the myopic, dominant population of this predominately white community. I say attack because to this day, November 7, 2000, Caldwell residents still harbor ill feelings towards Baker's perspective. The main reason why this book still is a sore point is that Dr. Baker placed a mirror in the faces of many "leaders" of Caldwell; who likes seeing what others know. The book does more than shine light on a social problem it depicts a reality that I lived through. I was blind to the bigotry that encompassed my childhood because I inadvertently maintained the "master/slave" mentality that still lives in the aged souls of this farming community.

This book is a "must read" for anyone who believes that racism does exist, because it will reinforce what you already know. Furthermore, it puts Caldwell, Idaho on the map of institutional segregationism at its worst. Even now in the 21st century folks refuse to understand that if a flawed foundation upon which a structure is built is used in any renovation, the new structure will inherit the problems of the old foundation. Read the book and then visit the town on your way to Seattle or Portland using the book as your guide.

I love this book. I just started reading the series, and I would love it if the author wrote a continuation of it. I'm still mad at Suzanne and Luke. I wanna know what'll happen. I hope Jennifer Baker's reading this!

I really hate that Jennifer Baker left the readers hanging about what was going to happen in all of the storylines:( This was a good series. I really want to know what happened to Keith at his trail, and what was next for the Suzanne/Luke/Nikki love triangle (In my opinion he should stick with Suzanne, she's more mature) I hope Jennifer Baker is reading this. If so I hope she tells me what happens next! I keep reading these books over and over again because I love them so much! Please just one more book Ms Baker!

I found this book to be extremely helpful in setting up my business at home. Solid advise, through and through.

Great book. Very complete. The absolutely best book on home business we've found! Top notch advice and thousands of references on the CD.

This is the 4th revised edition of the popular railroad collectibles volume. It features 200 pages with thousands of listings and hundreds of black and white photos. 1999 values are shown. There's plenty of informative text and item descriptions are very comprehensive. Topics range from art, baggage, books, badges, keys, to passes, playing cards, stereo view cards and wax sealers, wood tokens and time tables. Railroad enthusiasts will find this volume of real value.

I am in the process of selling the collection for a man who has been a long-time railroadiana collector and this book has been invaluable to me. I would recommend it to all.

This story continues to follow Shadow and Hannah, whom we met in Reckless Heart, as they endure a few more hardships and raise their family. It is a very quick and happy read. The book description is a little deceiving because Josh doesn't have a large part in the book. There really isn't one story to the book, but rather many stories that happen to the entire family over a period of about 15 years. If you haven't read Reckless Heart you will not be lost since all previous situations are well expained. If you did read Reckless Heart you will be glad to learn more about the family.
Continue the series with Reckless Desire and then Reckless Embrace.

Buy the book!! All the characters except one have meshed themselves in this wonderful intriguing book like no other. Great read. Can't put the book down. Imagine, Two Hawks Flying, falls for a white woman, Hannah. And the love, passion, respect still lives, still feels after many years to come. They have three children, one son, just like the Two Hawks Flying. What a wonderful read.