Reviews (12)

Universal Truths
This is wonderful book that clearly shows how every situation in our life emanates from one's state of consciousness. Whatever religion you are, you can benefit from this book. eg.The law of gravity applies to us all!
Business as a spiritual practice
I would like readers to know that while I practice the same lineage of Buddhism that Michael Roach does, we have different root lamas and am in no way affiliated with his Diamond Mountain University.
This is nothing to do with Buddhism
That this book claims to use Buddhist tenets to help in daily life is nothing short of laughable. One of the principle teachings of Buddhism is renunciation, and the Diamond Cutter is a book that explains how to become wealthy (and not very clearly at that). In fact, an action aimed at gaining a result in this life is not, by definition, even considered a Buddhist action. This book is squarely aimed at this life's benefits. Geshe Michael Roach has long had a love affair with diamonds. In fact he spent 17 years working in New York City's diamond trade (the same time period that he claims to have been studying for his Geshe Degree in South India). Read more

Subjects:  1. Buddhism - General    2. Business Life - General    3. Mind & Body    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religious Life (Buddhism)    7. Religion / Buddhism   

Reviews (2)

An essential read, VERY CONTEMPORARY
Relational Aesthetics is an essential read for all artists working today. In very concise and clear (as clear as theory can be) language, Bourriaud lays out the stakes for a new model of art-- one that holds inter-human exchange as a priority in an aesthetic landscape simultaneously overrun by aged paradigms and the implementation of technology for technology's sake. Bourriaud illustrates his critical points by frequently citing and describing contemporary works which successfully contribute to the future trajectory of art.
Good Topic withPoor Translation
I am just beginning my venture into critical discussion of the Arts and reading Relational Aesthetics sparked my interest in art's effect of linkageing and relating. The author explores and gives names of many artists working in the 90's that used human interaction as their medium.
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Subjects:  1. Aesthetics    2. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (45)

Close to conversion
I have been reading this a little at a time for about the past couple months.Very good, very wonderful ideas.Osho is a very inspirational person, who teaches in a clear, concise way so that anyone may understand.He is a truly spiritual and beautiful person.

Change
This world is in need of a deep change, and through tantra, we can all unite and live as we are ..naturally.The first few chapters of this book changed my life in a matter of days (and I've bareley tried any of the tecniques).Through it i realized that there is no such thing as something being bad (bad energy, thoughts, actions).They just are holy, something from god, that you soudln't deny but embrace as your own, and through it you will accept yourself and all as the all powerful and all mighty, no matter what society may say about what is right or wrong.I have never read a book that has changed me so much, and has helped me to understand my life.

A unique view
Osho has a unique view on things, a type of view you won't likely find somewhere else, so for this reason alone it is good to study some of his work.
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Subjects:  1. Criticism, interpretation, etc    2. Eastern - General    3. Hinduism    4. Meditation    5. Mind & Body    6. New Age    7. Religion    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Spiritual life    10. Tantras    11. Tantras.    12. Tantrism    13. Vigyan Bhairav    14. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    15. Popular psychology    16. Religion / Spirituality   

Reviews (1)

The Examined Life starts here...
This philosophy book by Stumpf and Fieser is used at Ivy Tech State College as the primary text for the introduction to philosophy courses (100 level).It is a good survey of all the major topics in philosophy (from a classical Western standpoint), and includes many of the major thinkers over time, both in the narrative discussion presented by the authors, as well as in primary source readings from major philosophers themselves.
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Subjects:  1. History    2. History & Surveys - General    3. Philosophy    4. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (8)

Very Readable
I'm a trained scientist who has dabbled in philosophical readings all my life.I picked this book up some years ago to aid me in my own philosophical study.FROM A STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE, it is the best general introduction to philosophy I've ever come across (and I've looked at dozens).It is well organized, which is always desired by the introductory student, and is very readable, which is desired by anyone.The writing also has a touch of irony and wit, which I enjoy greatly.I must say that the several chapters on Metaphysics certainly demystified that topic for me.(Though I HEAVILY 'felt' much favored toward the Russell Analytical camp from the "get-go".Continental philosophy seems just akin to refuse.)
Philosophy: The Power of Ideas
I enjoyed the context of the book and found it to be very informational.I would have liked to have found a summery at the end of each chapter.I would also have preferred that the key words were defined at the end of each chapter.The philosphers described in each chapter had their ideas clearly defined at the end of each chapter which I found to be very helpful.Overall good philosophical information and history, just a little more summary and definition would have been helpful to a new philosophical student such as myself.

Completely Incomprehensible
I am a bright student and have a GPA of 3.86. This book is completely useless for class. I reread the chapters and it simply does not make sense.I found the internet to contain more useful information.This book should not be used in any Introduction to Philosophy classes. It is much too complex. If you are attending classes at WIU, I would skip the purchase of this book and rely on the internet for your assignments. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Philosophy    3. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (19)

Abstractionist Exploitation
For all its cleverness, the kind of dodgy, edgy, self-important prose that lures wannabe philosophers into its trap, this book is one incorrect premise after another, one humanocentric argument posing as "ecological" thought on top of another.
The Crowning Achievement Of (Post)Modern French Philosophy
That this book is receiving one star, given the title of my review, should surprise no one.
Works Well with Techno Music

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Subjects:  1. History & Surveys - Modern    2. Philosophy    3. Postmodernism    4. Psychoanalysis    5. Psychology    6. Psychopathology - General    7. Radicalism   

Reviews (142)

Great book for truth seekers!
This book is a great introduction to some of the major scientific challenges to the theory of Darwinian Evolution.
Does Evolution Rest Upon Scientific Evidence or a Philosophy of Naturalism?
Darwin on Trial was responsible for alerting many among the public and in the scientific community to the deficiencies of Darwinism. UC Berkeley law professor Phillip E. Johnson applies his skills as an analyzer of evidence to ask if Darwin's theory holds up to scrutiny.
Interesting presentation of creationist viewpoint
Were a plumber or an an auto mechanic to look for supernatural causes behind a pipe clog or engine problem, you might think his skills questionable.But according to this book, if a biologist is not willing to accept supernatural causes for the origin of species, he is imposing anti-religious views on the rest of us.As with most conservative thinkers, Johnson seems intent on splitting the country into two halves.Those who think like him are good and believe in God, those who do not are atheists who believe in evolution.While this has worked well for conservatives on political issues, it is less effective in this case since it is rather clear that many if not most of the scientists supporting evolution are Christians, not atheists as Johnson insists.It is one of many lapses in this poorly written and overrated book.His contention that the US is a Christian country which at best tolerates other religious viewpoints suggests that he looks on the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion as simply a suggestion.It also has nothing to do with evolutionary theory and everything to do with the author's own prejudices.Johnson feels that any unexplained gap in evolution supports the theory of an intelligent designer by default.For Johnson, if the theory of evolution cannot shed like on everything instantly, it sheds light on nothing.The author feels that as a Christian it is inappropriate to tolerate any suggestion of a natural explanation for creation of the universe, creation of the earth, or the creation of man.Johnson's view seems to be that certain things related to Christian theology should be off limits to ANY sort of scientific examination.In spite of the failings of the author, the publisher has presented the book well.The physical quality is quite good and belies the sloppiness of the writing.I am not sure if this is the best place to get an understanding of the thinking behind the anti-evolution movement but I think it is a good place to start.I suspect the muddled and misguided presentation of the author is endemic to this type of book.It is also an outgrowth of the book's basic conceit, that a lawyer can provide objective insights into science.In fact, scientists may pretend to objectivity but lawyers specialize in advocacy and this book presents a lawyer at his worst.He misreads evolutionary theory as meaningless.In fact it provides a predictive model.Organisms are the sum total of both ancestral characteristics and those variations which permit the organism to function and survive within its environment. It is a fundamental point that gives the theory its strength, something which Johnson either does not understand or choses to ignore.Unfortunately, there is no voice to correct him.If Johnson proves anything, it is that when he is permitted to provide the defense, he can win any prosecution.Putting a dead man on trial with no voice raised in his defense: this must be an attorney's dream come true. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Evolution (Biology)    2. Life Sciences - Evolution    3. Philosophy    4. Religion    5. Science    6. Evolution    7. Philosophy of religion   

Reviews (6)

What is a Call from God?
Are you wondering if God is calling you to something?Are you stuck on the idea that "calling" is something reserved for ordained ministers and that's just not you?I think this book can help.
A MUST READ!!!>>>>Holistic Approach to Spiritual Leadership
Reggie McNeal, in A Work of Heart, displays a fully developed holistic approach to what shapes the heart of a Spiritual Leader. He believes that everything within the sphere of existence in the leader's past, present, and future is what culminates in who the leader has, or will, or will not become.
WOW
I have had a few WOW moments that have catapulted me to a new level of success in my life...Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian leadership    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - General    4. General    5. Leadership    6. Philosophy Of Christianity    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Business & Economics / Leadership    10. Christian religious instruction    11. Christian spiritual & Church leaders   

Editorial Review

Anger can be one of the most frustrating emotions, carrying us headlong away from ourselves and depositing us into separation and dismay. Vietnamese monk and world teacher Thich Nhat Hanh tackles this most difficult of emotions in Read more

Reviews (46)

Understanding and transforming negative feelings
This book gave me insight about accepting negative feelings and not letting them overpower you. I like the use of metaphors: visualizing anger like a crying baby (embrace it and soothe it), treating unpleasant feelings like an unexpected, perhaps also unpleasant guest (give them hospitality with the assurance they WILL go away...) I use this concept to try to comfort my (real-life) child. This book has given me many inspirations.

This book blew my [angry] mind...
Ok, true, he talks a lot about breathing and for any of us that have a real temper, we're tired of hearing untempered people say, "Just breeeeath..." But he says a lot more than JUST breath. This book is very applicable, especially if you anger is affecting your personal relationships. The writing is simple and straightfoward. I have learned so much about how to think of my anger and what it means to "embrace" my anger and listen to it as to as weeping child. For me it is working. I have tried a lot of things to hide, suppress, LET GO, etc... and to the general public I serem really happy and relaxed. But inside I"m stormy and this book has great and specific instructions on how to find my way through the storm.

Simple Yet Profound
Probably the most destructive emotion to people is anger. Its insidious effects can not only destroy previously important relationships but it can literally kill a person via stroke or whatever. So many times we realize intellectually the harmful effects of anger but are unable to prevent ourselves from lashing out. Thich Nhat Hanh's advice is to practice mindful living. This means in our day-to-day actions like washing dishes, gardening, etc. we are completely in the moment. In other words, we aren't concerned about our bills, problems, fears, worries and so forth. What we are concerned about is being aware and present for the current moment so we don't miss it. Being in the moment like this allows us to be fully present for whatever may be happening. Being in the present moment when anger arises is comparable to a mother taking care of her baby. If the baby is agitated the mother doesn't tell the baby to get lost. The mother cuddles and consoles the baby till she calms down. This is the way we should handle our anger according to Thich Nhat Hanh.
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Subjects:  1. Anger    2. Anger Management    3. Buddhism    4. Buddhism - General    5. Compassion    6. Eastern - Buddhism    7. Philosophy    8. Religion - World Religions    9. Religious aspects    10. Self-Help    11. Spiritual life    12. Religion / Spirituality   

Reviews (14)

Adobe Camera Raw For Digital Photographers
I recently ordered and recieved this volume and also "Outdoor Photographer Landscape and Nature Photography with Photoshop CS2", both by Rob Sheppard.Let me start by saying I don't like to read that much; I usually get sleepy reading.I am interested in learning more about these two subjects.These two books caught me eye while browsing one night so I ordered them on a spur of the moment decision.Well I can highly recommend both of these volumes, because all I have done so far is page through them from front to back reading highlights and a few paragraphs here and there.Now I can't wait until I can sit down each evening and read some new material in these books.They are written for everyone to easily understand what the Author is explaining; and they really hold my attention and interest.Great books that should be in every Photographers library if they really want to understand more and get better at photography.Rob Sheppard; thank you for taking the interest and the time to write these books.I will certainly be looking for more of your work. C. A. Parrish

Camera Raw - certainly good for a beginner
I'm relatively new to PS. In the last 8 months I've worked through most of Photoshop CS2 for Digital Photographers and Photoshop CS2 One on One and thoroughly processed about 50 (not a lot) photos out of the thousand or so I've shot.
Another Winner from Rob Sheppard
Rob Sheppard has done it again!Mr. Sheppards ability to make sense out of all the confusion is worth the price of admission alone.He offers sage advice with out all the hype.His non judgemental style offers you choices and explains why. He does not exploit popular myths, rather he unfolds the layers cloaked over what many have ascribed as trueisms.The book is definitely a how to and not a "do this."
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - Design    3. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    4. Computers    5. Computers - Other Applications    6. Digital techniques    7. Image processing    8. Photography    9. Raw file formats (Digital photography)    10. Techniques - Digital    11. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    12. Image processing: graphics (static images)    13. Photographic equipment & techniques   

Reviews (24)

A Great Introduction to Buddhist Thought and Meditation!
This book and Sakyong Mipham's more recent "Ruling Your World," are permanent fixtures in my library.Sometimes Buddhist writings can be difficult to understand or relate to, but this author has a Western background and is able to communicate ideas in ways that are easy to identify with for people without a background in Buddhist thought.Our culture and the media encourage "monkey mind," and it's hard to gain control of inner thought processes in a world that constantly communicates "Buy More, Do More, Be More."This book offers a means of calming the internal turmoil and developing your mind to reach its potential.
Good book-very helpful
This book has been helpful for dealing with anxiety/depression.I'm not much into just meditating or even following Buddhist thinking, however, there is value in what I've learned from this book -- disciplining the mind and learning to keep the mind "present".This has helped me from worrying "too far ahead" or losing perspective of life by helping strengthen my mind.I highly recommend this book along with practicing some form of meditation if you struggle with anxiety or negative/worrying thoughts.

Best introduction to meditation
I think what sets this book apart from others of its kind is the unmatched clarity and simplicity of the language. The unique situation here is that Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, an accomplished and very learned Tibetan Buddhist teacher, grew up in the West and so speaks our language like a native. Because of this, he is able to speak to us in a way that most other equally accomplished Tibetan lamas are unable to. It's important to emphasize that meditation is best learned and practiced under the guidance of a living human being who has some experience with it - a book alone will not suffice. But, having said that, this book is definitely a good companion to have when beginning your journey. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asian And Oriental Religions    2. Buddhism - General    3. Meditation    4. Psychology    5. Psychotherapy - Counseling    6. Religion - World Religions    7. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    8. Philosophy / Mind & Body    9. Popular psychology    10. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (15)

Father to Son to.......
I gave this book to my husband to give to our older son.
a new father's best gift
I am 26 and I just became a father. I still feel like a kid myself. Someone gave me this book for a birthday present.I read it to see if these were letters I would send my son.They are not really letters but more like essays or thoughts.This man says so many things I wish I could say.He helps me understand what is important in my life, what is important to teach my boy when he gets old enough.I don't always agree with Kent Nerburn's thinking.But I think he is very wise.I wish my dad was like him.I hope I can be a dad like him.He knows what is important in life.He doesn't just preach or lecture.He unfolds his thinking with stories from his own life.Sometimes he made mistakes and he tells us.He learned.Now he is teaching me so I can teach my son.
Disappointed
This book is nice, sweet, and somewhat insightful. But I wanted a book that spoke more of the relationship between a father and a son. The vast majority of essays/chapters in this book could have been written by anyone for anyone. For example, Nerburn warns of the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and extols the virtues of giving. But those lessons could have been taught by a mother to her daughter, a priest to a parishioner, or an uncle to a nephew. Many other essays in the book are similar in that they contain no unique perspective on the father-son relationship. (What does the "Power of Art" have to do with fatherhood?)This book reads like Chicken Soup for the Soul. In my opinion, the other reviews overrate this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Conduct of life    3. Family & Relationships    4. General    5. Inspirational    6. Inspirational - Gifts    7. Parenting - Fatherhood    8. Parenting - General    9. Young men    10. Child care & upbringing    11. Parenthood   

Subjects:  1. Eastern - General    2. General    3. Hatha Yoga    4. Health & Fitness    5. Oriental Philosophy    6. Philosophy    7. Religion    8. Yoga    9. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (8)

A personal account with interesting anecdotes
Although this is a little old fashioned in its style and content (particularly the photos and graphic style), I was sufficiently engaged with the content and anecdotes to read it right through in one evening. I learnt some new facts and had an insight into the style and ideas of someone who approaches fine lectures and presentations with great care. This made it worthwhile. It is a delightful change not to be assaulted by ego or self assurance. There is one irritating characteristic of style - the repeated use of "granted".

Should be required reading for engineers
After decades of sitting through terrible technical presentations by hapless fellow engineers (who, to be fair, had never been given the time or opportunity for the proper training), I'd had enough. With plenty of examples of misguided slides to serve as comic relief, I created a one-hour seminar containing the essentials of an effective scientific presentation. Since 1999, I've offered the seminar a few times a year at East Coast and California sites of our (very large) corporation for free at lunchtime, for anyone who cared to attend. So far, nearly 1500 people have done so.
A must for scientists and engineers!
This book details a history of scientists and engineers that have made excellent presentations and why. The book then effectively contrasts those styles with poor presentation techniques. The author also presents readers with different methodologies for presenting to diverse audiences.Every suggestion is supported with historical instances of presenters that communicated their ideas effectively. The book proved not to be another "how to make cool PowerPoint slide book." The majority of the text is invested in the structure of the presentation. The book serves as a "how to" for undergraduates, post doctoral fellows and speech trainers alike. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemistry - General    2. Communication in science    3. Communication of technical inf    4. Communication of technical information    5. Composition & Creative Writing - Academic    6. General    7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    8. Lectures and lecturing    9. Physics    10. Research & Methodology    11. Science    12. Science/Mathematics    13. Scientific Communication    14. Business communication & presentation    15. Language for specific purposes    16. Science / Physics    17. Science: General Issues   

Reviews (6)

Terrible Text Book for a Beginner
This is one of the worst text books I have ever had to read and try to understand.Used this text for an online class -- tough subject to figure out on one's own and the text, laden with the author's opinion and stories, made it difficult to weed out what was important and what was crap.I had to use a different, older Philosophy text book as a guide to understand what Wolf was trying to convey in this text.I thouht I was going to enjoy philosophy--I'm counting the days until I don't have to open this book ever again!

gooses review
This book will teach you nothing about philosophy.I would have given this book a negative star review but thats not an option on this grading scale.The most common theme in this book is telling you how philosophers work.they tell you a step by step processes that are oversimplified and can be combined to make less steps or in some cases one step.what is important in philosophy is what the questions are then what the suggested answers are and finally how to understand how to come to the suggested answer.
A Professor's Perspective
Wolff's perennial textbook, now in its eighth edition, has faults. This is a given for any book or other work in the print medium, and, for that matter, for any human artifact. Nevertheless, after teaching philosophy for thirty-six years using everything from classic sources to newspapers to novels as texts, I have settled on Wolff's About Philosophy as the best means for introducting the most diverse of all academic disciplines.Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History & Surveys - General    3. Introductions    4. Methodology    5. Philosophy    6. Logic    7. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (22)

Unintended consequences...
So, I picked up this book awhile ago thinking that it would be a good survey of one part of linguistics. Yes, it is that. BUT, after reading several chapters, I discovered an unintended consequence, or perhaps an unexpected consequence. Since of the several reviews I read, no one addressed this isse, I thought I would.
Metaphors Can Keep Your Illusions Intact