"There are no shortcuts" by Rafe Esquith Pantheon Books, 2003
Learning isn’t easy, and it shouldn’t be. This view, unpopular among students accustomed to today’s instant everything, is espoused by Esquith, who requires his students to work hard. In this account, he documents the evolution of his philosophy and the success of his strategies for motivating students at Hobart Elementary School to perform in the top 10 percent on standardized tests and go on to top colleges. Related with wit, good humor, and a measure of self-criticism, and liberally sprinkled with anecdotes about administrators and students, it’s easy to see how the advice given by a concert cellist to one of his students became their mantra for success: “There are no shortcuts.”
2003-09-10
2003-06-06
"The Seventh Sense; the secrets of remote viewing as told by a 'psychic spy' for the U.S. military" by Lyn Buchanan Paraview Pocket Books, 2003
“Remote viewing” is the ability to perceive the thoughts and experiences of others through the psychic power of the mind. The United States government has been researching, testing, and using remote viewing as a data collection tool for the past 30 years. Remote viewing has also been used to locate missing children and for other non-military purposes. Now retired, Buchanan, a former trainer in a clandestine Army intelligence unit, tells how he was selected and trained as a remote viewer and outlines some of his experiences as a psychic spy. Citing scientific studies and using examples, he reveals techniques used to teach remote viewing, and claims that anyone can be trained to use their psychic abilities. So … is it for real? You decide.
“Remote viewing” is the ability to perceive the thoughts and experiences of others through the psychic power of the mind. The United States government has been researching, testing, and using remote viewing as a data collection tool for the past 30 years. Remote viewing has also been used to locate missing children and for other non-military purposes. Now retired, Buchanan, a former trainer in a clandestine Army intelligence unit, tells how he was selected and trained as a remote viewer and outlines some of his experiences as a psychic spy. Citing scientific studies and using examples, he reveals techniques used to teach remote viewing, and claims that anyone can be trained to use their psychic abilities. So … is it for real? You decide.
2003-05-09
"Hope Through Heartsongs" by Mattie J. T. Stepanek Hyperion Books, 2002.
Mattie Stepanek is twelve years old, and has a rare form of muscular dystrophy. He began writing poems when he was five, and this is his third published volume. Mattie says in his introduction that "heartsongs are usually easy to hear when we are young, but we sometimes get too busy or hurt or angry to listen to them as we get older." The affecting heartsongs he shares in this slim book express hope, fear, sadness, and joy - often relating directly to circumstances in his life. His message, however, will resonate with both adults and children, and encourages everyone to look beyond daily details for the larger issues that encompass humankind.
Mattie Stepanek is twelve years old, and has a rare form of muscular dystrophy. He began writing poems when he was five, and this is his third published volume. Mattie says in his introduction that "heartsongs are usually easy to hear when we are young, but we sometimes get too busy or hurt or angry to listen to them as we get older." The affecting heartsongs he shares in this slim book express hope, fear, sadness, and joy - often relating directly to circumstances in his life. His message, however, will resonate with both adults and children, and encourages everyone to look beyond daily details for the larger issues that encompass humankind.
2003-03-17
"21 Dog Years : Doing Time at Amazon.com" by Mike Daisey The Free Press, 2002.
Daisey spins incredible insider stories of the online retailer that will make your hair curl. They detail weirdness, curiosity, indulgence, hard work, greed, and the complete disregard for convention that marked his years with the company, and ultimately led to his leaving it. You will never view Amazon the same way again, even if you discount these tales as the wild, hysterical rantings of a disgruntled former employee.
Daisey spins incredible insider stories of the online retailer that will make your hair curl. They detail weirdness, curiosity, indulgence, hard work, greed, and the complete disregard for convention that marked his years with the company, and ultimately led to his leaving it. You will never view Amazon the same way again, even if you discount these tales as the wild, hysterical rantings of a disgruntled former employee.
2002-12-23
"Count the Ways: the Greatest Love Stories of Our Times" by Paul Aron (Contemporary Books, 2002).
A photo of each couple illustrates the stories behind twenty-four of the most captivating partnerships of the last century. Selecting from the fields of actors, rulers, writers, and "barnstormers, bank robbers, and ballplayers," the author profiles the obstacles, joys, dramas, and endings - happy or not - in short sketches. You'll recognize the names, which include such diverse couples as George Burns and Gracie Allen, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Bonnie and Clyde, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, and of course, Ronald and Nancy Reagan.
A photo of each couple illustrates the stories behind twenty-four of the most captivating partnerships of the last century. Selecting from the fields of actors, rulers, writers, and "barnstormers, bank robbers, and ballplayers," the author profiles the obstacles, joys, dramas, and endings - happy or not - in short sketches. You'll recognize the names, which include such diverse couples as George Burns and Gracie Allen, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Bonnie and Clyde, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, and of course, Ronald and Nancy Reagan.
2002-12-17
"The Last Lone Inventor" by Evan I. Schwartz (HarperCollins, 2002).
What happens when an "unknown" goes head-to-head with big business? Philo T. Farnsworth invented television in the 1920s while still a teen; David Sarnoff, founder of NBC, became obsessed with stealing Farnsworth's invention to protect his broadcasting empire. For decades, the two were at odds, ultimately facing a showdown. Their conflict helped determine the development of the broadcasting industry in the United States.
What happens when an "unknown" goes head-to-head with big business? Philo T. Farnsworth invented television in the 1920s while still a teen; David Sarnoff, founder of NBC, became obsessed with stealing Farnsworth's invention to protect his broadcasting empire. For decades, the two were at odds, ultimately facing a showdown. Their conflict helped determine the development of the broadcasting industry in the United States.
2002-11-16
"Without Reservation" by Jeff Benedict (HarperCollins, 2000).
Story of the rise of the Pequots, richest tribe in American history - an incredible tale of opportunity, coincidence, inattention, and cold calculation told in a way that rivets the attention of the reader. The book presents unthinkable implications about the quality and integrity of our fearless leaders and the attorneys who represented both sides of the issues. Readers will be familiar with names and dates - the tribe and its cast of characters are still in the news!
Story of the rise of the Pequots, richest tribe in American history - an incredible tale of opportunity, coincidence, inattention, and cold calculation told in a way that rivets the attention of the reader. The book presents unthinkable implications about the quality and integrity of our fearless leaders and the attorneys who represented both sides of the issues. Readers will be familiar with names and dates - the tribe and its cast of characters are still in the news!
2002-11-13
Here's where I will record citations and abstracts for books I've read that I consider notable. It could be used as a source of material for booklists, Christmas gifts, or recommendations. All are in the collection of the Sacramento Public Library.
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