"Spirited Leadership goes beyond describing effective management & leadership characteristics. Ellen provides practical "how-to" for ehancing & implementing essential leadership skills". Paul Hill, Director Business Leadership Center Edwin L. Cox School of Business Southern Methodist University

Ms. Castro has written one of the most worthwhile and innovative books on leadership you could hope to read.

Ellen has given each of us the gift of how to become the type of leader we want and were meant to be.

Even if you aren't in a formal leadership position this book is a must read for those wishing to be true to themselves in their professional and personal life.

"Spirited Leadership" has thought provoking questions for the reader at the end of each chapter. If you take time to consider each issue as the author allows, you will be well on your way to a "Spirited Leader".

"Spirited Leadership is stunning in its clarity and simplicity. And profound in its insight and into the essence of leadership". Dr. Linda C. O'Neal; Senior associate of Center for Creative Leadership

TRABAJAR HOY PARA NO LLORAR MAÑANA..
Un libro POSITIVO Y EFICAZ !

QUE DESPERDICIAMOS CON LOS NIÑOS...CUANDO CADA DIA, DEBERIAMOS ESTARLES ENSEÑANDO A CONSTRUIR SU FUTURO..
Este libro inteligentisimo y bien escrito, incluso te ayuda a enseñarles como desarollar su INTELIGENCIA EMOCIONAL !

One day, when children become adults, we realize our job was not well done...and there's nos a second chance.
Those adults of tomorrow are the same kids of today. IOf you don't teach them each day the REAL MEANING OF LIFE WITH THIS WOONDERFUL BOOK..they won't lear int at school !

I would highly recommend this book for the diverstiy of interests covered. The internet addresses and contact people have changed, so that is a bit annoying, but I realize the book was written a while ago now. I can't wait to connect!

Like everyone else I know who has purchased "Connecting in San Francisco," my copy is book marked throughout with "stickies". Sure, as a San Franciscan for six years, I knew of a number of groups and activities. For me, the most fun was learning about the ones I didn't know existed and new groups I wanted to join. I have tried many new pursuits, which have become part of my weekly routine and have vastly enriched my life. Along with recruiting friends to join me in these activities, I have acquired new friends. Most of what I have done required a minimum investment of time and money and the rewards are enormous. It's also interesting to note that this book is of great value to visitors and those who are just in the city on a temporary basis. Many listings are "drop-in" activities like two of my favorites: The San Francisco Art Association's First Thursday Gallery Nights and the free rollerblading lesson and rentals offered by Marina Skate and Snowboard. No matter how obscure you might think your interests are, you will find something in this book. And the joy in trying some new things is in discovering another side of yourself. The authors have done their research. The activities have been great fun and the environments very welcoming!

For me going out and meeting people can be uncomfortable. I bought CISF and went to several of the organizations listed in the book. I couldn't believe how easy it was for me to fit in and have a great time. I'm going to at least one new place a week now.

En menos de 72 horas en abril de 1961, Cuba repulsó una invasión de 1,500 mercenarios organizados por el imperio estadounidense. El pueblo cubano hicieron el ejemplo para los trabajadores, campesinos y jóvenes de todo el mundo por su consciencia política, solidaridad de clase, valor y liderazgo revolucionario en defensa de la reforma agraia y la alfabetización. Nos demostraron que sí se puede enfrentar el gigante y vencerle.

This is a timely book published just before the 40th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs. It's a great way to learn about what really
happened from the first-hand accounts of the Cuban revolutionaries who defeated the US-backed invasion. If you've never read a speech by Fidel Castro, there are a couple of very good ones in this book. You'll not only learn about what happened at the Bay of Pigs, but you'll also learn why the Cuban people smashed this invasion so swiftly and decisively. Another great part of the book is the testimony of Jose Ramon Fernandez who commanded troops in the thick of the fighting. There are maps, charts, all the details
of the battle. But it's not a dry or boring account. He tells what happened from a very human and personal point of view, revealing his own mistakes and weaknesses, and recounting some humorous episodes as well. Finally, the foreword of the book tells a fascinating story of how a group of young people at Carleton College organized support for
the Cuban revolution and against the US invasion and what they learned about politics. I think you'll be surprised as you read the
book about how relevant this forty-year-old event is today.

first read this book the first day of beach season. Instead of
spending time in the water, I just sat there and read this book until it was too dark to read. This account is an activist account ofthe fight from Cuban and US fighters who see and saw the US invasion and resistance in Cuba and the United States not as history to be deciphered but part of an ongoing struggle against imperialism, against war, and for the power of working people. I never stopped caring; I never stopped seeing what was hidden from me in 1961, I never stopped seeing lessons for the future. A good read. -

Does socialism deaden individual freedom and creativity? Che Guevara, a leader of the Cuban revolution, answers this question in this 1965 article. He draws on the experience of that revolution. Guevara demonstrates that the individual reaches its highest creativity as part of the struggle against the exploitation and violence of capitalism. It is only through this process that the individual can reach his or her fullest development.

We fight because of love, July 18, 2002
Reviewer: Marcel Black (see more about me) from North Miami Beach, FL United States
This pamphlet ranks with the communist manifesto, with State and the Revolution, with Trotsky's great writings against stalin, as one of the texts the encapsulates why and how we fight for a world of working people in power, why revolutionists like Che gave their lives for the cause of socialism, why humanity has a future out of the muck and mire and filth, why we fight. Che admits revolutionists fight for the love of the world. Che who brought books of poetry and of languages and of higher math with him to Bolivia, not for his own enjoyment, but to truly educate the other fighters, Che in simple direct butalmost poetic words, explains why we fight, why we will win.

Why did Cuba survive the 'collapse of communism' ? Che Guevara explained that
without a communist party, a genuine one which means led by the most politically
conscious and self-sacrificing workers and farmers, leading a constant battle for workers'
control and a higher level of consciousness and solidarity among the whole population,
any revolution would slide back toward capitalism. The Cuban Communist Party is such a
party: the only one in power anywhere since the 1920s.Thus, he predicted the collapse
of Stalinism ( as opposed to communism).Cuba put his ideas into practice in the middle
to late 1980s for the first time on a nationwide basis.It was this battle against bureaucracy
and for workers' democracy that made Cuba strong enough to survive its severest
economic crisis since the revolutionary triumph.Cuba is ready to aid as always any
revolutionary movements that develop as a result of the present crisis of capitalism, and
to aid the revolutions to come : its internationalism is intact. The basic line of march ,the
ideas as a guide to action that make Cuba capable of mobilizing millions for socialism and
the revolution in 2002 are outlined in this pamphlet.Workers and farmers everywhere
who fight back against capital NEED THIS BOOKLET.

Jim Shepard's collection here is a real treat. It's a must read, an innovative style with a fluid rhythm and enthralling nostalgia. Shepard has shown what a promising author he is with Nosferatu, and Battling Against Castro ups the ante.

Great stories. Few writers would dare to rewrite Salinger's "Just Before the War with the Eskimos" in a white trash landscape and Roth's "The Conversion of the Jews" in a catholic school. But Shepard did it. And landed on his feet. Amazing! Read this and follow with the novel "Nosferatu" (a fragment included here). "Batting Against Castro" is all that a short-stories collection should be: a kaleidoscope vision of the world as we don't know it and, also, an intimate invitation to visit a writer's mind. A rare privilege.R.S.V.P. NOW!

If you're as sick as I am of cookie-cutter, writer's program writing, you should check out this fine collection of stories. Divided into two sections, "Strangers" and "Family," it manages to avoid every cliche going in contemporary American fiction. Shepard goes straight into the character, and if you don't like it, that's your problem. Quick example: "Who We Are, What We're Doing," in which you get a speed rap from a gung-ho flyboy who totally digs killing other people from his over-teched fighter plane. For three pages, you're there, like it or not. That's "Strangers" for you, but the "Family" is no less hard-edged. I usually burn out on a book of short stories after a couple, and lay it down to come back to later. Not with "Batting Against Castro." Shepard's a winner. -- Ed Ward

I tend to prefer a good nonfiction survival story, and this was one of the best I have ever read. Most people in survival situations are there without choice, Armando Validares along with a segment of Cuban society were imprisoned because they valued their freedom of thought in a Cuban society intolerant of dissent. These political prisoners have only to accept the garb of a common prisoner or attend political re-education classes to receive better treatment. The author and fellow prisoners endured inhumane tortures because of their belief and values. The prisoners have maintained their courage, defiance, and solidarity for years while undergoing all that Castro's regime can bear upon them to make them yield. It is truly heroic. During many of the beatings the prisoners would still manage to yell an anti-communist slogan or quote a Bible verse to the enraged guards. This book demonstrates the willpower a human being has to value an idea or goal above life itself. The ordeal, while completed by the author is continuing for many of his comrades and fellow citizens. Other interesting aspects of this book show a wider view of the struggle such as, the inner workings of the Castro regime, and highlights the deception of his political statements denying the existence of political prisoners. It also shows the force of world opinion and organizations such as the UN and Amnesty International upon Totalitarian governments. All in all, the main effect of this book was a deep admiration for these prisoners holding to a principle while enduring all that a modern totalitarian government can bring to bear upon them. These men routinely have the basics of life withheld, clothing, warmth, food, water, and sleep, but still they endure and refuse to buckle under. They remain true to their conscience. Common criminals and civilians employed in the prisons routinely are touched enough to help these political prisoners because their condition is so pathetic. The Castro Regime's answer to this is to have these prisoners isolated and tended to by militant party members only. Still threads of news managed to reach the outside world to inform it of the existence of these political prisoners and their actions. The fact that this has gone on and is continuing close to American shores really hits home. This book is now my standard for judging all other survival books. I give it the highest rating. Very well done. It is a story that had to be told. World notoriety made it very unlikely that the author could quietly die in a Cuban prison and world appeals to release him finally made Castro relent. This is his story of twenty-two years in the Cuban penal system.

When I read this book I had to put it down at least seven different times; the barbaric cruelty of the jailers was that upsetting. For little more than a token show of distaste for Marxism, Valladares was imprisoned under the harshest conditions imaginable. The mind numbing sadism goes on chapter after chapter until you can't imagine how a man could put up with it. Valladares, thru sheer faith and belief that he'll survive, finds a way to survive the drawer cells, the white room, the extended solitary confinement in total darkness, the sleep deprivation, the horrible food, the immersion in a lake of human excrement, the brutal beatings and having to witness fellow prisoners maimed and killed.

His health, particularly his lung tissue, was permanently damaged. The description of his injury and its aftermath in the wake of his attempt to escape made me wince repeatedly. Having been on crutches 15 times myself I could feel his pain. God bless Amnesty International for helping to spring this guy.

When I read about the excoriation that Ron Radosh and David Horowitz endure from their former communist comrades I want to suggest that the complinants go live in Cuba and ply their demogoguery there. Then they can do time in Castro's jails and give us their opinion about his glorious revolution.

Read "Guerilla Prince" by Geyer as a compliment to this book; it's the story of Castro's life. Fidel, whatta guy. Valladares adds to the extensive record of what a horrifying sadist we have ruling an island prison 90 miles from our shores. All American communists-progressives-socialists should read this book, for perspective if nothing else.

In this autobiographical narrative of his twenty-two years as a Cuban political prisoner, Valladares graphically recounts the executions, beatings and sadistic tortures that became commonplace in Cuba's prisons. During his "travels" within the vast Cuban prison complex, Valladares crosses paths with the "Plantados," the brave men and women who refused "reeducation" inside Castro's jails, and who paid a terrible price as a result. More than a recounting of the horrors of Cuba's gulag, this book is an inspiring testimonial to the capacity of faith and love to overcome hatred and extreme cruelty. Sixteen years after its original publication, Against All Hope remains the authoritative English-language account of the worst abuses committed by the Castro regime. It adds yet another devastating chapter to the growing body of documentation on the crimes of totalitarianism in the 20th century. No one who reads this book will ever again see Fidel Castro and his revolution in the same light.

Excellent book! Well written and superbly done. This book takes you from the very beginning user all the way through to being able to find problems. The most helpful areas are the ideas and links to products. Great tips and shortcut ideas. Super for both the beginner and the expert. A must have for anyone who plans on using the MAC. Easy to read and follow, this book is not "boring" like so many computer books. I would recommend this to anyone.

A great reference and entertaining read for any Mac user, from beginner to advanced. I'm a voracious reader of books about Mac hardware and software, and I still picked up some great tips and insights. Best of all, the book is written in a lively, friendly style. Highly recommended.

The Macintosh Bible series has been excellent, but this edition is wonderful. So much so that I had to buy a 2nd copy; it's heavy to take to work every day and then home every night. But the detail is what even experienced Mac users need to deal with almost every relevant topic, day after day.

Virtually all facets of Macintosh operation are covered sufficiently to overcome some of the (alas) now-expected roadblocks even in my favorite computers; for example, Ms. Aker and I agree that when it comes to providing a trustworthy, loyal, helpful, accurate, obedient, friendly, and kind installer for a new operating system, the folks at Apple Computer have, as is the nicest way to put it, have made progress, but there's lots of room for growth. She ably steers you around the icebergs.

The book is quite thorough for people using up to Mac OS 8.0 or 8.1; also, there's more on OS 8.5 than I'd have expected, given the publication date. Many thanks to Apple for assisting this, providing enough material on the newer OS to let her deal effectively with it.

This book is not only elegant in terms of describing the use of an excellent computer; it is also written beautifully. If the author had shown it to our former College English Composition Board, she'd have scored at an enviable level. Making technically complex procedures easy is very difficult, but she succeeds admirably.

The jokes, brief historical anecdotes, and other details make it a pleasure to read and use. It sets a standard, in my opinion, not only for the present present but for the future.

Truly, an amazing book. The author is a genius at developing every character and leaving no one out. In this book, I truly enjoyed his portrayal of Electro and Pity's relationship. As you know, none of my reviews are very long, so I'll end there. Amazing!

This was a great book The author did a great job of describing the characters and setting. The vision you get when you read it is great and the fighting makes you feel like your right next to Spider-Man fighting along with him. This is a great book for anyone. But would mosly be liked by Spidey fans and comic lovers. And...thats it!:-)

I believe that Mr. Castro has brought to paper one of the better tales of our world-famous wallcrawler. And to boot Parker has his hands full with family issues, major ones that he didn't even know existed, until now. Toss in Parker's deadliest and most methodical miscreants, (okay except for Venom), and you have a sure winner.

I read a lot of biographies and, while I love the genre, I'm often disappointed with the writing. This book, by the late Randy Shilts, is an exception. Shilts was a great writer, able to take a variety of facts and put them into readable passages (his "And the Band Played On" is another good example of this). Harvey Milk and the San Francisco of the 1970s come to life in this book. The tragedy of Milk's assassination and its aftermath are rendered in gripping detail.

Randy Shilts has taken great pains to present the man honestly, exploring his political and personal lives. The result is an illimunitating portrait of the Gay Rights champion, documenting his triumphs and ideals alongside his personal ambiguities and foibles. Milk's rise to power, as well as the city's rich gay history, are depicted with candor and clarity.

The assassinations are reported in graphic detail, as is the reaction of the people. Intial shock and grief turn to righteous indignation when, on May 21, 1979 White is convicted on two counts of "valuntary manslaughter" with a maximum sentence of seven years, eight months. The city explodes. Justice is thwarted. A martyr is born. Milk's murder galvanizes the Gay Community to stand up and take their rightful place in society. A great book.

In The Mayor of Castro Street, the late Randy Shilts paints a vivid picture, not only of the life of gay politician Harvey Milk, but of the fight for gay rights in 1970's San Francisco and the nation as a whole. After a description of the events immediately following Milk's death, Shilts begins the book with Milk's youth in New York City. He briefly describes Milk's years in New York, and spends the vast majority of the book on Milk's last five years in San Francisco. It was during his San Francisco years that Milk made his critical contributions to gay history, including encouraging the development of the Castro into a gay Mecca, and running for, and finally winning, elected office as an openly gay man in a time when most thought such things simply couldn't happen.

Shilts is a meticulous reporter. In his section on source material he details how he extensively interviewed Milk's former lovers, including Scott Smith and Joe Campbell. Many of the dialogues for the biography come directly from the personal diary of Michael Wong, a longtime Milk supporter. According to Shilts, dialogues with others who knew Milk virtually always corroborated those in Wong's diary. Shilts's history of the Castro area came from over one hundred interviews he conducted with area residents.

One of the best qualities of the biography is its astonishingly objective posture. Achieving something like objectivity is a tremendous challenge for the author of any modern-day history, and nowhere is this more true than in histories of the gay liberation movement. The living participants in that history inevitably portray it in a range of ways and often fight vigorously for placement of credit where they feel credit is due. Shilts allows those participants to speak for themselves, and focuses on telling the details of the story, rather than interpreting that story for the reader. It is this author's unique degree of commitment to researching and conveying all the details that allows him to present such an apparently unbiased account.

It is also Shilts's attention to detail that makes the book so tough to put down. It reads more like a novel than a history, and each segment leads into the next with a sense of a tremendous plot unfolding. In a style that would come to characterize his later books, such as And The Band Played On, as well as Conduct Unbecoming, Shilts manages to draw the reader into multiple stories of individuals that end in cliffhangers, only to be picked up again in a later chapter. It is these stories that make up the fabric of gay history in San Francisco and a portion of that larger tapestry called gay liberation.