This book is very good looking and contains some wonderful pictures. But the Browns are a passionate source of pride for Cleveland and this wasn't captured in this book. If you want good stories about the Browns past, look elsewhere.

This book has some of the best photos I've seen in a football book. A true pleasure to view, and an excellent coffee-table book. Info is slightly lacking, but overall the book is a good buy.

The book is outstanding. A year by year breakdown of all the accomplishments and failures of the Browns. The photographs are realistic and rich in history. There's a great photographic of #13 Dr. Frank Ryan my all-time favorite Brown. Facts, statistics, and information, this book has it all.

Everyone admires Grover Cleveland, and no one considers him a great president. This is probably because he was known for integrity which, while admirable, is never the leading quality of a great president.

A mildly successful lawyer with modest ambitions, he would have remained obscure except for extraordinary luck. He became mayor of Buffalo in 1881 when frustrated Republican reformers joined Democrats in seeking an honest candidate. No prominent figure wanted the low paying, slightly disreputable position, so it fell to Cleveland. A year later he became governor of New York when Republicans self-destructed by choosing an unpopular candidate, and Democratic frontrunners stalemated, forcing the party to pick a dark horse. Soon after assuming office, Cleveland won the approval of Samuel Tilden, still the dominant figure in the party. Luck continued to bless Cleveland, not only making him a presidential candidate after two years as governor but providing the slightly disreputable James G. Blaine as an opponent. A reputation for honesty made the difference in the close election of 1884.

The first Democratic president since the Civil War, Cleveland receives credit for leading his party back into the mainstream, but this is arguable because Democrat Tilden, not Rutherford B. Hayes, probably won the disputed 1876 election. Many writers complain that Cleveland's reputation suffers because he faced no great national crisis, but this is anachronism. Americans always believe they are undergoing a national crisis (aren't we undergoing one now?).

1880s America was tormented by a chronic agricultural depression, bitter labor disputes, rage against trusts and railroads, and rising fury at political corruption. Leaders of post-Civil War Democrats opposed social reform as stubbornly as Republicans but had less objection to honest government. Cleveland's first administration reinforced his reputation. He reorganized and reformed executive departments, vetoed many private and pork-barrel bills as well as any law that smacked of social reform. Certain that monetary policy and the tariff held the keys to prosperity, both parties devoted far too much energy to these issues that now seem arcane. Cleveland shared this obsession, but he was never an activist. His single major legislative effort, at tariff reform, failed because he considered it beneath him to lobby Congress. Attacks on his tariff policy contributed to the narrow defeat by Benjamin Harrison in 1888.

Then luck returned: a slump in 1890 doomed Harrison to a single term. Cleveland easily gained renomination in 1892; Democrats won in a landslide, controlling Congress for the first time in a generation. There are eerie parallels with Wilson's Democratic sweep in 1912 and FDR's in 1932, but those administrations were led by great presidents.

As Cleveland entered office again, the slump had become a depression. Growing populist, farmer, and labor movements poured out plenty of helpful suggestions which merely made Cleveland and party leaders nervous. They worried most about a weakening currency and social disorder. One legislative act, repeal of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, enjoyed support among both parties. Cleveland demonstrated uncharacteristic energy in lobbying, but passage produced no noticeable effect. Nowadays everyone condemns Cleveland's attack on the pitiful Coxey's army of unemployed (a foretaste of Hoover and the Bonus Marchers during the next depression). We also fault him for crushing the Pullman strike, but contemporary editorials and the middle-class electorate generally approved.

In the 1896 Democratic convention, reformers easily swept to power and nominated Bryan. Cleveland considered this an irresponsible aberration and supported McKinley. It wasn't an aberration; the old conservative leadership never regained power, nor did the fractious Democrats until 1912. Cleveland was the last Democratic president who embodied nineteenth century Jeffersonian ideals (minimalist government, opposition to social legislation). Hoover was the last Republican Jeffersonian.

Great presidents demonstrate qualities such as vision, compassion, imagination, and energy in exercising power. None of these were in Cleveland's repertoire. A solid, honest, nonreforming leader, he belongs in the upper ranks of second-rate presidents.

American history buffs should collect every volume in the fine American President series, short biographies by mostly eminent writers (Robert Remini on John Quincy Adams is the best I've read so far). Like the subject, this biography is competent. Historian Graff tells the story of Cleveland's life, leaning over backward to find nice things to say without exaggerating his accomplishments. Allan Nevins' 1944 opus is probably the definitive biography, but it's long in the tooth and perhaps also too long for the nonspecialist. Readers looking for the best single volume work will find a lively and opinionated account in Horace Samuel Merrill's Bourbon Leader: Grover Cleveland (Little, Brown, 1957).

This short book is part of "The American Presidents" series edited by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. The series devotes a short volume to the life and accomplishments of each American President. The books in the series can be read quickly, and each gives the reader an overview of the life and accomplishments of an important American figure. It is a worthy goal to encourage people to get a working understanding of our presidents and part of an attempt to reeducate Americans about their country and government. The series, Schelsinger states in his introductory note, will "give readers some understanding of the pitfalls and potentialities of the presidency and also of the responsiblities of citizenship".

Professor Graff's short study of the life of Grover Cleveland (1837-1908) fulfills the aim of the series. The book consists of a brief biography of Cleveland and covers his youth, his public (and some of his private) life before he became president, his two presidencies, and his life in retirement. The accomplishments of each of his two terms are summarized, if briefly.

As do most writers who have studied Cleveland, Professor Graff finds his strength in his integrity and common sense. He was able to persuade his fellow Americans, both before and during his presidency of his honesty. Cleveland was a President without charisma and an uninspiring public speaker. He regretted his entire life his lack of a college education, and his career shows something of a discomfort with new ideas or new approaches. Yet, he was able to turn these traits, together with his own strengths into advantages. He proved a capable and inspiring President.

Professor Graff does not engage in hero-worship. If anything, I thought that he somewhat undervalued Cleveland and his accomplishment. He describes some aspects of Cleveland's presidencies which seem to run counter to the picture of Cleveland as a reformer and as given to complete probity and openness.(For examples, Graff discusses the abrupt dismissals of many Republican civil servants at the outset of his terms and the secret operation on Cleveland's jaw which was held on a ship offshore to conceal it from the public at the beginning of Cleveland's second term.) Yet Graff finds much to admire in Cleveland in his hard work, acknolwedgement of his illegitimate child, financial probity, and Civil Service reform. Graff praises Cleveland for his refusal to support the annexation of Hawaii when its queen was overthrown under dubious circumstances. Cleveland restored public faith in government at a time when it was sorely lacking. I think he was the first President who could be desribed as attempting to govern by principles that he believed were both "conservative" and "compassionate." In this he is an inspiration whose goals, if not all his specific decisions, could be followed and expanded upon.

This is not a complete study of Grover Cleveland but it succeeds well in giving the reader a sense of his accomplishment. The reader who wants to learn more might read Allan Nevins', "Grover Cleveland, A Study in Courage" (1944) which remains the standard biography of Cleveland.

Widely remembered as the only president to serve two non- consecutive terms, Cleveland hasn't gotten the attention and praise he merits. Although a Democrat, it would be no surprise that most of his views would clash with those taken by Democrats today as well as Republicans.

Following the Panic of '83, the public lost confidence in the efficacy of paper money. Cleveland believed the only solution to the restoration of prosperity was to place the country on a gold standard.

Cleveland's anti-imperialist stance would dismay many who promote the U.S. as the Hall Monitor of the World, clinging to the imperishable ideal of the Declaration that all men have the right to self-government. He was outraged to hear how the rulers of Hawaii were overthrown and replaced with a rump democracy. He attempted to undo the wrong wrought by forcible intervention. For Cleveland it was "the only honourable course for our government to pursue."

His words should be carved above some door to the Pentagon, or the Department of Defense:

"The United States," he wrote, "can not allow itself to refuse to redress an injury inflicted through an abuse of power by officers clothed with its authority and wearing its uniform; and on the same ground, if a feeble but friendly state is in danger of being robbed of its independence and its sovereignty by a misuse of the name and power of the United States, the United States can not fail to vindicate its honor and its sense of justice by an earnest effort to make all possible reparation."

Why did Hawaii hope for the restoration of self-sovereignty? Because "she could place implicit reliance upon the justice of the United States." Someone in those scattered islands must have read the same texts the beleaguered pro-democracy students in China read when they erected a crude facsimile of the Statue of Liberty in Tianmanen Square. Too bad they were kicked in the teeth.

He opposed and vetoed bills that would have provided federal handouts for numerous groups and individuals, some deserving, most bogus. But he was not blind to a "widening gulf between employers and employed. His concern was not a squishy "kinder, gentler" budget-increasing type.

Anticipating the Encyclical Rerum Novarum of Pope Leo XI, and Laborem Exercens of Pope John Paul II, he wrote that "Communism is a hateful thing . . . but the communism of combined wealth and capital, the outgrowth of overweening cupidity and selfishness, is not less dangerous."

He was an honorable man when honor in a public office was scorned. Democrats and Republicans take heed.

From the day it opened the doors of its new store in 1931, a feature of the Higbee Company department store in Cleveland as its famous Silver Grille. That is, until 1989, when the store's new owners closed it. This book is a collection of memories for those of us who remember the Silver Grille. Complete with many black-and-white photos, the book tells the history of the Higbee Company, and the history of the Silver Grille. Included, are a number of recipes (entrees, soups and side dishes, breads and muffins, desserts, and salads and dressings), including copies of original menus.

This is a really good book. It contains most everything you could want to know about the Silver Grille. (I must admit to not having a clear enough memory to say what's correct or incorrect here.) As a matter of fact, I already made the Chicken Pot Pie (p. 35), and it was everything I remember!

Hello-

I worked at the Silver Grille from 1966 to 1972 & was a little dissapointed in the book. Some of the info is incorrect. For instance--the "little stoves" were there when I was a waitress (BEFORE 1974). Also---the Pronto room (where I also worked)was mentioned-- but, "Santa's Lunchbox" was left out. It opened Christmas of 1971 & After the holidays it was called "The Lunchbox" (we served chili, soup & sandwiches). One recipe I had hoped to find in the book was not there. They used to serve a "cream" pie to die for! It came in "peach, blueberry & almond cream" TOTALLY melt in your mouth delicious. Is there anyway to contact the author? Thanks for your time (former bus girl, waitress, cashier & hostess of the Silver Grille)

The Silver Grille -- it meant going downtown with your mom, favorite aunt, later on in life with your girlfriends -- and it's all there to see again, the recipes are wonderful -- I really purchased it for my 90 year old Mom and she loves it. At least we have our memories, if not the Grille.

I bought "The Force" expecting a great, firsthand look at high-stress corporate selling. I also expected the book to be readable! I have tried several times to finish this book, but the repetitive prose is frustrating: How many times can I be told that Frank Pacetta is caustic, or that Fred and Kathy are at odds over whether she should return to work? How many times can I be apprised of the other characters' anxieties, and in how many different ways? Dorsey duplicates his efforts by over-explaining everything that happens, instead of letting the dialogue or actions tell the story. The narrative paraphrases the characters' inner thoughts, repeating the same old harangues. The description of Kathy's reflections on a sermon about the Parsifal myth makes a simple point again and again, yet Dorsey's rambling prose is impossible to winnow down. The prose is tightest when Dorsey explains the history of Xerox. The complex whys and wherefores behind Xerox's adoption of TQM and their deal structure resemble the characters' inner thoughts in the narrative. What this book needed to give it pacing throughout was detachment, so the reader could keep track of everyone's situations throughout the story. This book needed the linearity of facts, rather than the circularity of anxiety and rationalization.

I will admit that the book is slow at times, but it has many good points. I am a marketing major, and I think it is a must. It honestly taught me a lot.

This book really captures the essence of being in sales and and what it takes to be in sales management. I'm in sales management myself and I can really relate to Fred Thomas' worrying about performning well, and I recognize some of the different characters in his department. Sales being glamorous to many people (those not involved in selling), but the negative impact it has on your personal life is very well described in the book. It's tough!

The book is a must for everyone in sales management!

Contents:

Introduction by Elizabeth ten Grotenhuis

1. Conversation with Yo-Yo Ma by Ted Levin [music]

2. Melodic Migration in NW China by Bright Sheng [music]

3. Fashioned from Fiber by Elizabeth Barber [textiles]

4. Astrology and a Japanese Star Mandala by Elizabeth ten Grotenhuis [astrology]

5. Sacred Sites along the Silk Road by Kenro Izu [photography]

6. Traveling Technologies by Merton C. Flemings [metallurgy]

7. Iranian Cinema by Hamid Naficy [film]

As the table of contents shows, this introductory work is rather a mixed bag in both quality and content, much of it originally published elsewhere in longer form. Hits include the pieces on music, textiles and metallurgy. The piece on astrology probably won't find a general audience and the pop art chapter on Iranian film seems oddly out of sync with the rest. Photos and illustrations are good. Text is a double-spaced 144 pages with fairly wide margins. There are irritations such as the p. 42 suggestion identifying the ancient Xiong Nu as ancestors of modern Hungarians that show outside review was needed (the common blunder of confusing Huns and the similar sounding Hungarians). Bright Sheng's piece discusses White Mongols and Yellow Mongols without really explaining the terms and one has to wonder why we have the music composer writing about history. Elizabeth Barber's piece shows the influence of the theories of Victor Mair, with whom she has worked. These theories of ancient Iranian influence on China (what Mair terms the "East Asian heartland") are not so universally accepted as the text suggests, or, at least, not everyone discusses them as much as does Mair. One gets the feeling that the book was thrown together fairly quickly and haphazardly in order to have merchandise to sell at the concerts of Yo-Yo Ma's worldwide Silk Road tour. In these circumstances it was probably too much to hope that it would have the same excellent quality as the tour itself.

The world's two largest Buddhist sculptures were once at Bamiyan, Afghanistan. There, travelers found not only lodgings and supplies but also Buddhist instruction. It was one of the stops on the Silk Road, running from E Asia to the Mediterranean cities of Aleppo, Antioch, Sidon and Tyre.

19th-century German explorer Baron Ferdinand von Richthofen thought up the term Silk Road. But the road was much older than that, at its busiest from about 2,200 years ago, until about 600 years ago. It was kept up, for farflung trade in carved ivory cosmetic boxes, cotton, gems, gold ornaments, horses, incense, jade, lacquer ware, linens, Roman glass, silk, spices, tea and woolens. But it also was a way for culture and know-how to be swapped. For example, from the east westward, the road spread knowing how to smelt metal and make cast iron, glass, gunpowder and steel.

Particularly sections on cultural trading in music I found most interesting. Sometimes it's not obvious why we need to know history. But in this case it's long ago, but not long gone. Ancient musical influences still are seen today. For example, qin opera in Shaanxi province has happy tunes, which is common in Chinese music. But it also has sorrowful tunes, which isn't common. They're based on a scale of 8 pitches in the octave. They're also sung in a shouting style. Neither's common in Chinese music. But both are, in the music of Central Asia, where they came from during Silk Road times.

ALONG THE SILK ROAD also brought up a musical mystery. The first town at which east-bound Silk Road travelers stopped inside China was Dunhuang. There, merchants, pilgrims and traders built Buddhist temples inside the rock, in the Mogao caves, about 1,400-1,500 years ago. They also had painted about 45,000 wall paintings. Many dealt with the Western Pure Land, the supposed source of all good music. So some even had music scores, in ancient notation. Modern music scholars feel they know the pitches. They don't agree on rhythm and meter.

However, the money needed for further research may be out there. In 1998 world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma founded the Silk Road Project, Inc. The project's a nonprofit foundation to help artists nowadays in Silk Road lands. It's most known, since winter 2001, for paying for music works played in concerts and festivals around the world.

Elizabeth Ten Grotenhuis has edited a clear, nicely illustrated book. She sets the stage for the more in-depth CAVE TEMPLES OF MOGAO by Roderick Whitfield. Her sections on music are invaluable for THE HUNDRED THOUSAND FOOLS OF GOD: MUSICAL TRAVELS IN CENTRAL ASIA by Theodore Levin and CARAVAN TO AMERICA: LIVING ARTS OF THE SILK ROAD by John S Major and Betty J Belanus.

Being a resident of the locale where "Calling Hours" is set, I must admit I enjoyed the story even more as I was aware of the various locations described by the author. The story moved right along and I found myself totally immersed in the action, wondering if the protagonist was going to survive through to the end. The plot was believable and being set in a funeral home made it even more interesting. I very much enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it as good entertainment

I just finished reading "Calling Hours" by Glenn Wyville and as I'd run across it before on amazon, thought I'd give my two-cents worth. I enjoyed it. Characters were pretty believable, story moved along nicely, and having it set locally made it even more entertaining. Like most people around here, I've either been to, visited, driven down the same streets or eaten at many of the places described in the book. Actually being able to visualize the action on the pages as seen by the protagonist made for a visually interesting read. Last week my wife and I were in Nighttown. I kept watching to see if Tony, the main character, would walk through the door searching for Carley Benton. The book will never win the Edgar Allan Poe Mystery Award, but that doesn't mean it isn't a good book. I read it; I enjoyed it; I'd recommend it.

If you are a long-suffering Cavaliers fan, you won't want to miss this book. From Fitch to Fratello chronicles the Cavs erratic history, from a doormat of a franchise team to the Miracle of Richfield year, from the Ted Stepien-owned standing joke, to the 57-game winning teams of Lenny Wilkens. The book is not especially well-written, and I would have liked to have learned a little more about initial owner Nick Miletti, and about how the Cavs fit into the context of Cleveland sports. But still, it was fun to remember the magic of Bingo Smith's 25-footer against the Bullets in 1976, and easier to look back and laugh at the idiocy of Ted Stepien and coach Bill Mussleman than it was to live through it. The authors, too, are fair, offering praise AND criticism of Lenny Wilkens, Mark Price, Bill Fitch, and Wayne Embry, as well as other important Cavs personnel. Unfortunately, if you don't follow basketball, or if you are too young to remember the pre-Jordan era, this book is not for you. But for the true Cavs fan, i.e., masochist, it is a very enjoyable read.

I, too, am one of the authors of this book. And I must say that I disagree with co-author Burt Graeff's assessment (of the book, that is -- not the fact that he, um, had imbibed a bit before writing his tongue-in-cheek author's review). He's old as dirt and obviously is losing some of his memory in his old age. But this is fact: he has covered more Cavs' games than any other writer in the world, and what he or I haven't seen in person we were told about from those who lived the wildest, craziest days in team history. This is a book bursting at the seams with funny stories that any NBA fan past or present would enjoy. Read and enjoy it (and don't worry about Burt ... I'll take care of him)!

I really enjoyed the Cleveland Connection. Roberts knows the city, the area, and the people well. Born and raised in NE Ohio, I really appreciated his descriptions and how true to life the characters are. My heritage is close to that of Milan and I understood the thinking of those from the old country and how they adapted to their new home. As another reviewer stated - old hates and secrets take a long time to heal - often generations.

The book is fast paced and the mystery carefully plotted. I think most mystery fans would enjoy this one - from NE Ohio or not.

Les Roberts books about the adventures of PI Milan Jocovich are like a window to an old familiar place for me. I was raised in Shaker Heights, part Milan's city (Cleveland). I haven't been back in twenty years and I am pleased to still be able to reconize almost all his localities. I especially enjoyed the chase scene that took him around Cain Park to Taylor Rd., where I used to sled ride. His trips to restaurants on Kelly Hill, Little Italy, were so familiar. I wonder if a beer joint named "The Library", is still there?

The Mystery of who killed the Serbian immigrant is all too timely. Age old hatreds don't die, even in a free country.

I really enjoyed this book as well as all of Mr. Robert's Milan Mysteries.

If you are from the Cleveland area this is a nice book. Ghoulardi, Hoolihan & Big Chuck....Holy Perogie! I would like to write a long review, but I've got to put on my white socks and watch Lawrence Welk..

I bought this book for a Cleveland transplant friend of mine, Dennis. Dennis had affectionately mentioned Ghoulardi to me many times, so I was able to find this book about Ghoulardi on Amazon. Well, I bought this book for Dennis as a gift, but since he only stops by my house about every six months. I got tired of waiting for him to drop by, so I decided to read his "gift" in the meantime. I grew up in Los Angeles with horror movie hosts, such as Jeepers Creepers, Seymour, and Elvira, and no matter what movie they were showing, good, bad, or as often was the case terrible, I always tuned in, more for the hosts funny antics than the movie itself. Most major cities had television horror hosts during the late fifties, early sixties, to show the science fiction/horror movies that the movie studios had put together in bulk packages to recycle on television. Even though I have never seen Ghoulardi, this book was a lot of fun to read, and I know that he was very similar to the horror hosts that I grew up with. Another great book about horror movie hosts is titled, "Television Horror Movie Hosts," by Elena M. Watson, this is the definitive book on the subject affectionately researched by Ms. Watson, also an excellent enjoyable book to read. Her book also has a section devoted to Ghoulardi. Do I worry about Dennis finding out the truth about his slighly used present, or reading this review on the web? Nawwww, it's been over fifteen years since I showed Dennis how to use a cheese slicer, and he still hasn't figured out how to use it. My secret is safe!

I'M A LOS ANGELES NATIVE BUT ON THAT FATEFULL SUMMER OF 1964 MY PARENTS WENT TO CLEVELAND TO VISIT MY AUNT. WHILE EVERYONE WAS ASLEEP ON THAT FIRST FRIDAY NIGHT I WAS THERE I TURNED ON CHANNEL 8 AT 11:20P.M. AND THATS WHEN MY LIFE CHANGED, GHOULARDI! NEEDLESS TO SAY I GOT MY PARENTS TO LET ME STAY THE WHOLE SUMMER AND EVERY FRIDAY AT 11:20P.M. I WAS THERE WITH GHOULARDI THAT SUMMER AND THE NEXT TWO SUMMERS TO FOLLOW. TOM FERAN AND R.D. HELDENFELS CAPTURE THOSE FRIDAY NIGHTS AND MORE! THIS BOOK IS AWESOME AND I DID NOT WANT IT TO END. THANKS GUYS FOR TAKING ME BACK TO EIGHT AND RELIVING THOSE FRIDAY NIGHTS I MISS SO MUCH!!!

This is a handy book to have on any rehabbers bookshelf. HOWEVER, it better not be the only one. Much of the information it contains is old - much advancement has been made over 25 years of rehabbing animals and even though this book has been "revised and updated" the diets and feeding information seem to have remained the same. For example - baby birds should not be encouraged to drink milk or water. You are more likely to drown them than help them. Baby birds get their water from the food their parents (or rehabber) properly provides. Still, as a resource for splinting and caring for injuries, there is some valuable information. Just be sure to supplement it with some newer publications as well.

This is a great basic book for anyone rehabbing wild birds or mammels. Some things are outdated and you should always seek the advise of someone more experienced in rehabbing for their advise (or a Vet knowlegeable with wildlife)if you aren't sure or contact the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Ass. (NWRA). Always ask yourself, what does it's parents do for it or how does it survive in the wild.I found Practical Wildlife Care, by Les Stoker to be a more indepth, very helpful book to use and add to my ever-growing library

This book is really helpful to me because I am currently taking care of a wild baby bird.I read information on how to feed it,treat any injuries,and the importance of a nest and warmth.The bird is doing really well now.Care of the Wild,Feathered,and Furred also has lots of information on squirrels and other small mammals.