Book Description
Chosen to represent the United States at the 46th Venice Biennale, Bill Viola, a New York artist living on the West Coast, is recognized internationally for his work in video and sound installations. This book brings together a selection of essays, notebook entries, drawings, and descriptions of projects that map Viola's personal course through the readings, observations, experiments, and associations that form the groundwork for his art. Each work illustrated is accompanied by a description by the artist, as well as comments on the work's origins from the artist's notebooks.
For the last 25 years, Viola has used innovative multimedia technologies to explore the phenomena of sense perception as a language of the body and avenue to self-knowledge, integrating many disciplines and philosophies to reveal contemporary art's relevance to the modern world. His views have deep roots in mysticism, poetry, philosophy, Eastern art, shamanism, Chinese Taoism, Sufism, and Zen Buddhism. Viola's chief concerns today are to draw attention to the upset ecological balance of nature by focusing on the connection between our inner and outer lives, on the conception of the self as part of the whole.
Published in association with the Anthony d'Offay Gallery, London
Book Description
What happened to American religion during the cultural revolution of the 1960s and early 1970s? The era has long been associated with the ascendancy of Eastern religions and fringe cults. But in this provocative book, Mark Oppenheimer demonstrates that contrary to conventional wisdom, most Americans did not turn on, tune in, and drop out of mainstream religious groups during the Age of Aquarius. Instead, many Americans brought the counterculture with them to their churches and temples, changing the face of American religion. Introducing us to America's first gay ministers and first female priests, to hippie Jews and folk-singing Catholics, Oppenheimer demonstrates that this was an era of extraordinary religious vitality. Drawing on a rich range of archival material as well as interviews with many of the protagonists, Knocking on Heaven's Door offers a wry and iconoclastic reappraisal of the ways in which the upheavals of the sixties changed America's relationship with God.
Customer Reviews:
Counterculture challenges conformity.......2004-07-30
Oppenheimer has examined an almost entirely ignored niche of modern United States' history. While the 1960's - the "Nixon Era" as Oppenheimer labels it, is usually portrayed with anti-war protests, the "drug culture" and alternate lifestyles, the author discerned another aspect. In this compelling analysis, the activities of American religions are brought to light. The author selected the five major faiths to examine whether the :counterculture" of the sixties had an impact. In what sense, he asks, were these religions modified and how meaningful were the changes? What were the changes proposed and how did these faiths respond to them? The answers are surprising.
Churches are a major factor in United States society. Oppenheimer begins with some interesting numbers of church membership. He also describes the differences across the various faiths - his description of the history and development of the Southern Baptists is particularly enlightening. He portrays how elements of the counterculture forced the faiths to reassess their outlook of community relations. Every organised religion contains its conservative and reform elements. Oppenheimer describes the reform challenges to the Unitarians, Roman Catholics, Jews, Episcopalians and Southern Baptists. Each religion faced particular provocations to its established norm. Each resolved these movements in a different way. He demonstrates, for example, how Roman Catholics had an impetus for change from Vatican II, with unexpected results. Gay rights, feminism and new religious communities become significant issues. Only among the Southern Baptists was Viet Nam the topic of dispute, and Oppenheimer's description of the methods employed makes compelling reading. Still, he concludes the foundation of the counterculture's impact on United States' religions lies elsewhere, as he points out in his conclusion.
The author has combined some in-depth research with interviews of the participants, newspaper and magazine stories to fully personalise this account. Amazingly, no mention is made of the song of the title! Photographs of events and some of the leading figures add some nuance, but aren't very informative. Written in an almost rollicking style, the book is well drafted for the general reader. It should inform many on why their particular faith is operating as it is today. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
Educational? Yes. Dull? No........2003-11-21
I'm shockingly ignorant about Christian sects and religious history, not to mention my own Jewish background. Oppenheimer's book sparked interesting conversations with my fiance, who was raised going to Catholic folk mass, joined an evangelical group in high school, and then was part of a Unitarian congregation in his early 20's. I had known nothing about these movements, and the book gave me a window into a world that I'm usually separated from. Besides being a great topic for cocktail parties (people don't talk about religion enough), the book is scholarly and meticulously researched, with dozens of interviews with people who were influential in or lived through the religious changes that were a product of 60's counterculture.
Book Description
Rafe still carries the physical and emotional scars of the abuse he suffered at his father's hands growing up. He has cut himself off from everyone who loves him, and friends are a luxury he doesn't think he can afford. After all, he is his father's son and it is only a matter of time before the violence he fears lurks beneath the surface spills over. Then Kirsten Wakefield steps into his life, and for the first time he finds himself longing to open his heart to someone. That is, until he gets word that his father is dying and wants him to come back home. Old wounds are reopened and Rafe doesn't know if love is enough to make him whole again. Somebody's Knocking at My Door is a poignant and unforgettable sequel to The Turning Point that will speak to every reader's heart.
Customer Reviews:
Answer the Door.....and let Love IN!!.......2007-04-11
Ms. Ray has that magic touch...she writes about situations that everyone can connect to...she thoroughly investigates her subject matter and writes with authenticity....Ms. Ray is my new founded friend, in my book world, lol. This book takes six people, three couples, and creates one big happy family. But happiness is a slow process in these equations...there are trusts to be gained, pasts to be dealt with, and futures to plan for...but Ms. Ray puts all of the necessary ingredigents in this mixture and makes this read delectable...as usual she provides a read that the reader wants to savor....she writes characters that are well respected and serves a purpose with real life issues...this book again is one filled with love, turmoil, shadows, and light at the end of tunnels.... Kudos to you, Ms. Ray....for writing good literature....
Mrs. Ray Strikes Gold ... Again.......2007-04-05
I so look forward to reading Francis' stories. They're optimistic and full of life.
I was happy that Rafe finally let go of his anger. He deserved to be content. His father's cruelty nearly destroyed him.
Kristen really blossomed in this book. She was such a brat in "Trouble Don't Last Always".
I admire Claudette's strength. However, it amazes how a woman can run a multimillion dollar empire and choose a loser like Maurice for a husband. Thank goodness she came to her senses.
I knew right away that Angelique would hook up with Damien. It was funny that he thought she initially wanted his dad, Jacques. LOL
Mrs. Ray certainly knows how to write an intriguing, love story with so much flair.
"Any Rich Man Will Do" is my next Francis Ray read. I can't wait.
Opening the door at the right time.......2006-07-07
I have read many of Francis Ray's books. As always this book is well written, entertaining and offers insight into and psychological and emotional baggage that may hinder a relationship or keep a person from going forward. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Excellent Read.......2006-04-20
Once again Francis has done an excellent job in giving us hope, love, patience, guidance and understanding. I really enjoyed this book. Although it took Rafe and Kristen a while to connect emotionally & physically in the book it was well worth the wait. Keep up the good work Francis.
"It Was O.K.".......2006-03-19
I thought I could give this novel "5 stars" but I can't. This novel was a tad bit too long, and how many times do we have to read about how Rafe was abused as a child. I hope that doesn't sound too insensitive, but come on now, let's move on. I got more into "Damien and Angelique", "Maurice,Claudette and Jacques", and their storylines. Sometimes the supporting characters are more interesting than the main characters. Ms. Ray is still an exceptional writer, none the less.
Average customer rating:
- My daughter's favorite book
- Yes, this is a real Norwegian folktale
- An Arctic Bloom
- Superbly illustrated
- My first Jan Brett's book
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Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve?
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Similar Items:
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The Wild Christmas Reindeer
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On Noah's Ark
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Christmas Trolls
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Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury
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Fritz and the Beautiful Horses (Sandpiper Books)
ASIN: 0399238735 |
Book Description
Every year, trolls knock down Kyri's door and gobble up her Christmas feast. But this year, the trolls are in for a surprise: a boy and his pet ice bear on their way to Oslo have come in from the cold. And once the ice bear is finished with the trolls, you can bet they won't come knocking next Christmas Eve!
Once again, Jan Brett creates an original Christmas story full of warmth and magic. Featuring beautiful borders, intricate illustrations, and a stunning display of the Northern Lights, Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve? will rightfully take its place among Jan's Christmas favorites with the whole family.
Customer Reviews:
My daughter's favorite book.......2007-01-24
My daughter (3 yrs old) never gets tired of reading this book, and there is so much detail that there is always something new to discover so neither do I! The extremely dramatic story is exactly what resonates with children - A scared little girl left alone in the house afraid of trolls and who might knock, a brave Daddy that goes out on skis in the cold woods looking everywhere to find the trolls and scare them away, trolls who are knocking, trying to get in and finally burst in, a polar bear that gets poked in the nose, woken up, and roars around chasing them out, and trolls that are bad because they don't share and want to eat everything so poor Kyrie and Daddy don't have anything to eat for Xmas. Just scary enough with dramatic happy ending, my daughter acts it all out, and we both pick out new pictures all the time (Kyrie sillouette cooking in kitchen, animals in the northern lights, etc.) An absolute keeper, must buy you'll never tire of story or pictures.
Yes, this is a real Norwegian folktale.......2007-01-17
I love this book, and so do all the children I know who have had it read to them. The point of the story is that trolls are incredibly stupid. Anybody looking for a deeper meaning will be disappointed. Some of the reviewers asked if it's a retelling of a real Norwegian folktale. Indeed it is. The original title is "The Cat on the Dovrefell" in Asbjornsen and Moe's "Norwegian Folktales" (1841).
An Arctic Bloom.......2004-05-24
What a marvel of a book! Jan Brett has an incredibly detailed and colorful style a la Michael Hague. In this book, each illustration is presented a triptych: the middle panel represents the text, and the side panels present what is happening meanwhile with the other characters. Very neat trick.
I like that there is not TOO much text on each page, and there is a lovely repetitive cadence to the storytelling.
Although this is a good book to use in initiating learning about Scandinavia, it evokes the Arctic in general. As someone who lived in Alaska for many years and had the good fortune to see the Northern Lights and breathe the crisp frigid air until my nose hairs froze, I endorse Brett's artistic expression of the Far North completely.
This is a good family read for mixed-age children if the older ones liked "The Golden Compass" or "Julie of the Wolves". Children who like this book may also enjoy the gigantic books "Gnomes" full of Scandinavian lore.
Superbly illustrated.......2004-02-16
Another very good book by Jan Brett. The illustrations are captivating. Trolls are again part of the storyline and the two main characters triumph over them in the end. Children enjoy the plot and how the trolls are cleverly outwitted.
My first Jan Brett's book.......2004-02-05
I love this book. I was so thrilled when I bought it for my children's first Christmas. It is now part of our Christmas tradition ~~ reading this book and snacking on cookies. When I look for good books to buy and to incorporate in our holiday reading, I look for excellent illustrations with a fun story to tell. I also don't look for drawn-out stories or depressing stories. This book fits all of the criteria I had set out.
My boys love polar bears. This one is focused on a traveling boy with his polar bear who helps a young girl keeps the trolls away from her house and eating up all of her Christmas eve dinner. It's funny and hilarious and sweet ~~ all at the same time. It's easy to read and fun to read out loud as well. It's a great addition to our personal library!
2-4-04
Book Description
How are we to understand petitionary prayer? This is a key question for any thoughtful believer who desires to take both the Bible and experience seriously. Some believe God answers any prayer as long as the one praying has enough faith and/or persistence. Others conclude from experience that prayer is really for our benefit and has no impact on God's actions. According to David Crump, both views are extreme and potentially harmful. While books that deal with prayer from a devotional or experiential perspective have their value, Knocking on Heaven's Door takes a different approach. Crump carefully studies every New Testament passage that has to do with petitionary prayer and draws conclusions that are both theological and pastoral to help us understand the great mystery of prayer.
Customer Reviews:
Knocking on Heaven's Door.......2007-05-07
Often times even the most passionate and persistent prayers remain unanswered. This can leave one perplexed, disappointed, and frustrated as to why God would choose to ignore us or cause us to question what we said or did wrong. However, in Knocking on Heaven's Door author David Crump offers a biblical view of petitionary prayer that challenges many popular misconceptions regarding prayer held by the twenty-first century Christians. Woven together with an excellent balance of New Testament exegesis and personal anecdote, this book reminds us that "the Father who always loves us always hears our prayers and always responds in the best of all possible ways, at the best of all possible times." Knocking on Heaven's Door carefully examines instances of petitionary prayer found in the New Testament, including parables, the Lord's Prayer, and Pauline letters, in order to develop a biblical theology of prayer. Because of the author's academic background and wealth of knowledge of the subject, the book offers an incredible depth of insight. However, Crump does not allow this to become a barrier to those having less experience with an exegetical approach to biblical studies. While he utilizes original languages and historical interpretations to support his arguments, he also offers examples of real experiences relevant to each topic, reminding us that we are ultimately trying to connect biblical theology with our own lives. In addition, the book contains helpful summaries at the end of each major section, highlighting the major arguments discussed and their overall significance towards petitionary prayer. Though the topic of petitionary prayer is familiar to most Christians, numerous questions and misconceptions remain. As Crump affirms, "Knocking on heaven's door, asking for an audience with the cosmic king, and then making our requests clearly known is a mysterious enough activity for those of us consigned to inhabit the physical limitations of flesh and blood." For those who desire to know more about petitionary prayer from a biblical perspective, Crump's book is a great resource. The academic approach and personal style offer a depth which can be valued by both scholars and general readers. Through the examples of New Testament prayer studied, we learn that when we pray no fixed amount of faith or persistence is required and no formulaic rituals are necessary (nor are they effective in directing God's divine will). We can be encouraged to present our requests to God because we know that he hears us and responds in the best way at the best time.
Crump's KHD.......2007-05-07
David Crump is a professor of Religion at Calvin College; Grand Rapids, Michigan. The chief purpose of his book entitled "Knocking on Heaven's Door" is, by examining prayer in the New Testament, to seek to understand as much as possible about the nature of prayer, and especially of petitionary prayer. To that end, Crump examines the prayers of Christ - particularly the Lord's Prayer and the prayer in Gethsemane - and of the Early Church and of the Apostle Paul. He also brings to light various faulty beliefs about the nature of prayer. One poignant example of a belief that, by means of his own exegesis and superb argument, he utterly refutes, is that of "insufficient faith" - that is, if a petitioner does not receive whatever he has asked of God, the only possible explanation is that his faith as he prayed was not sufficient in volume or potency to bring about the desired effect. Crump spends an entire chapter dealing with this question, and soundly defeats it by means of two stories wherein Christ talks about petitions in prayer.
The discussion in this book is an excellent resource for that season in the life of any Christian which C.S. Lewis called a "trough of dryness" (Screwtape): a period of his life wherein he cannot see the hand of God, despite his own prayers for help and deliverance. The scriptural prayers discussed in this book, particularly those of Christ, provide superb insights on the proper Christian response to such a situation. This is an extremely worthwhile book to any who desire greater understanding on the subject of petitionary prayer. However, those who are not professional scholars of the New Testament should be warned that this book constitutes, to use the words of Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, "solid food" rather than "milk" (3:2), consisting largely of exegesis and either refutation of or agreement with other scholars who have expressed opinions on the topics at hand. This book will prove challenging to a reader without some New Testament background, but by no means an insurmountable one. It anticipates many questions and problems likely to arise within its own arguments and answers them admirably. Overall, this book is highly recommendable.
Worth Your Thoughts.......2007-04-30
In my experience, books written about prayer tend to gravitate toward two extremes: blindly inspirational and hopelessly scholastic. Where the former does its best to leave the reader feeling "powered up" without sharing much Bible or rationality to fuel the fire, the latter sacrifices accessibility and/or practical application for stuffy exegesis and word studies that most find superfluous.
David Crump's work, however, manages to interweave comprehensible, practical application and theology with serious scholarship - quite a refreshing combination! I highly recommend this book to those interested in prayer on a devotional or scholarly level, or best, both. Crump does not so much offer the reader a lens through which to view the Biblical text as he does point out important issues, and then guide the reader to a thoughtful, New Testament-based understanding of them.
When I began reading this book, I was skeptical. Other books on prayer which I had attempted to read had not much impressed me. However, my skepticism faltered when I began to read. Even having grown up in the church and having been well-educated in my faith at school, I have taken from this reading new perspectives that will positively alter the way in which I think about prayer, and, more importantly, the way I pray. For Crump, prayer is not simply "talking to God," as it is so commonly expressed today; it is presenting oneself to Him as a servant, willing above all to align oneself with His will, presenting requests of concern to God's kingdom. For Crump, "thy will be done" lies at the heart and soul of proper prayer, and it is this mindset that the Christian is to pursue. How else are we to serve, if not in the mindset of Christ, who was one with the Father? Prayer is not a Christian luxury, Crump shows; it is a necessity.
Crump's honest treatment of the Biblical text, combined with the quality of his scholarship have produced a work worth reading. Crump realizes that any useful foray into the area of petitionary prayer necessitates semi-tangential discussions of relevant issues - for example, the character of God and the responsibilities of Christians. Instead of making the book bulky and difficult to follow, these explorations of related issues often serve to strengthen the discussion at hand; they do not stand as obstacles to the continuing flow of ideas, but instead deepen the channel through which the ideas flow. This is accomplished partly by means of abundant footnotes - often several per page - which contain citations, as well as further explanation or discussion of points with which the reader may be unfamiliar or curious. The result is a comprehensive, well-reasoned treatment of the subject of petitionary prayer.
Average customer rating:
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Knocking on Heaven's Door
Nick Talevski
Manufacturer: Omnibus Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Knocking on the Earth (Wesleyan New Poets)
Ellery Akers
Manufacturer: Wesleyan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0819511625 |
Average customer rating:
- Good book for confused JOB seeker
- A straightforward guide to selling oneself and one's talents
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How Hard Are You Knocking? The Job Seeker's Guide to Opening Career Doors
Timothy J. Augustine , and
Rana Curcio
Manufacturer: OakHill Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Job Hunting & Careers
| Business & Investing
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Job Hunting
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ASIN: 1886939640 |
Book Description
In this age of globalization, corporate downsizing and outsourcing, everybody is asking the same question: "How can I jump into the job market and learn to sell myself?" Tim Augustine has the answer. "How Hard Are You Knocking?" provides a set of detailed guidelines that will help you:
• Assess and set your career goals
• Target specific companies that match your goals through networking
• Develop a marketing strategy to sell yourself
• Craft an effective resume that communicates the value you can provide
• Dress for success to make a positive first impression
• Prepare for and give a successful interview
• Develop a game plan to succeed at your new job
• Continue networking throughout your career.
Whether you're a recent college grad or a seasoned professional, the detailed information and advice in "How Hard Are You Knocking?" will help you win the interview and land a new job. This will become a dog-eared reference book you'll keep using throughout your career.
Customer Reviews:
Good book for confused JOB seeker.......2006-11-10
Its a good book for the confused job seekers. You will know how to make a good judge at times with you really need it. The author gave a seminar at my university.That helped me to some extent. At the end, this book is just a weapon that needs a able machine(you) to fire it. Good luck
A straightforward guide to selling oneself and one's talents.......2005-02-07
Written by the managing partner and co-owner of an international Human Resource Consulting Firm specializing in Executive Recruitment, How Hard Are You Knocking? The Job Seeker's Guide To Opening Career Doors is a straightforward guide to selling oneself and one's talents in a globalized economy riddled with corporate downsizing and outsourcing. Tips, tricks, and techniques for landing an interview and earning a job include how to format an impressive resume, how to dress to make a good first impression, ways to keep one's cool during an interview, and how to keep one's eyes and ears open for advancement opportunities. Point-by-point examples, suggestions, and stage-by-stage walkthroughs make how Hard Are You Knocking? highly recommended for all job-seekers regardless of individual background.
Book Description
Health-conscious readers who know there is more to health than taking medicine when something is wrong will find this book a valuable resource. Based on healing principles known for centuries by Chinese physicians, Knocking at the Gate of Life offers many exercises known to alleviate symptoms of certain chronic conditions. Chapters cover heart and circulatory disease, lung and breathing disorders, digestive disorders, obesity, depressions and insomnia, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Many of these exercises emphasize the control the mind has on the health of the body. They include the Five Animal Play, Pa Tuan Chin, T'ai Chi Chuan, Ch'i Kung (qigong), Chinese massage and Li Shou. The simple exercises--which require no special equipment or fitness trainer--are not a fad treatment. They have been practiced with success by generations of Chinese and are for everyone interested in improving health and preventing disease.
Book Description
Sixty years ago, when Truman Gibson reported for duty at the War Department, Washington, D.C. was a southern city in its unbending segregation as well as in its steamy summers. Gibson had no illusions, but as someone who'd enjoyed the best of the vibrant black culture of prewar America, he was shocked to find the worst of the Jim Crow South in the nation's capital. What Gibson accomplished as an advocate for African American soldiers-first as a lawyer working for the Secretary of War, then as a member of President Truman's "Black Cabinet"--is a large part of the history of the struggle for civil rights in the American military; and it is a compelling part of the story that Gibson tells in this book, a memoir of a life spent making a difference in the world one step at a time.
A graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, Gibson took his fight for racial justice to the corridors of powers, arguing against restrictive real estate covenants before the U.S. Supreme Court, opposing such iconic figures as Generals Dwight Eisenhower and George C. Marshall in campaigning for the integration of the armed forces, and challenging white control of professional sports by creating a boxing promotion empire that made television history. A firsthand account of the nitty-gritty of twentieth-century race relations in the worlds of law, the military, sports, and entertainment, Gibson's memoir is also an engaging recollection of encounters with the likes of Thurgood Marshall, W. E. B. DuBois, Eleanor Roosevelt, George Patton, Jackie Robinson, and Joe Louis, among others. As a historical record and as an intimate look at a bygone era with all its charms and hardships, the book is an essential chapter in our nation's story.
Customer Reviews:
Black and Proud and Up There in Years.......2006-08-03
Hard to believe that someone who served in FDR's War Cabinet might still be alive, but here he is, wry, taciturn, often funny, and still full of vigor at age 90 something. With Steve Hundley, Truman Gibson has written a brutal, no holds barred account of his first fifty years on this planet, and it will take the tar right off of your shingles. Gibson was there, and he brings many scenes to life, and he remembers everything, from growing up in Atlanta and having his mother, an upright character, give the mannered WEB DuBois a taste of his own medicine. He would come to call on the Gibson family and expect to be treated like some sort of potentate. Well, Alberta Dickerson Gibson was having none of that! In her house, he'd be treated just like any other respected guest, but certainly no one would be doing any kowtowing to him.
The family moved to Columbus when Truman and his brother, Harry when small. Imagine having two boys named Harry and Truman! And Truman was to have many close enclunters with HARRY TRUMAN later in life. From Columbus, where young Gibson first encountered race prejudice, and incidentally saw his first snowfall, it was but a hop, skip and a jump to Chicago, the so-called "black metropolis," which was to be his home base for the rest of his career. He met everyone worth knowing in Chicago, and by the time the 30s had come around, he was put in charge of many details of the important American Negro Exposition--the first black World's Fair. Now, this is one World's Fair which you never hear about any more, I wonder why, because as Gibson paints it, it was the spectacle to top all spectacles, involving Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, Joe Louis, Jacob Lawrence, and so many more great black figures. The next step for Gibson was throwing his lot behind the cause of the Negro soldier in WWII.
Some have criticized him as an "Uncle Tom" who made his way into the big leagues by kissing up to the white man and making nice. I get furious when I hear people say that, for as this book proves, Gibson fought every battle from the street up. Disgustingly, the Army kept colored and white troops segregated during the war, and in the Air Force, white pilots refused to fly planes that had been serviced by black mechanics. Amazing Eleanor Roosevelt responded by requesting black pilots for all her succeeding flights, showing the world that whatever white people could do, black people could do just as well. It's not just sturm und drang either in this exciting volume. There are some spots of humor too, for Gibson knew many fascinating characters right out of the pages of Damon Runyon. One time he went to Italy where he encountered the "old world" custom, the toilet a hole in the ground but a sophisticated contraption he couldn't figure out what it was for. Finally, a wiser man told him, Truman, that's a bidet.
Gibson nearly came a cropper as the spokesman for the International Boxing Council. I won't spoil the story for you, but if Martin Scorcese should ever make a sequel to RAGING BULL, he should run, don't walk, to the pages of KNOCKING DOWN BARRIERS where scene after scene rival the best boxing writing ever put to paper.
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