Science and Faith: Friends or Foes?

Science and Faith: Friends or Foes?
Average customer rating:

Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods

Wonderful Treatment of the Facts

Must reading for all science students and teachers

The best of its kind

An outstanding book

Science and Faith: Friends or Foes?
C. John Collins
Manufacturer: Crossway Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Faith | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Philosophy | Theology | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Science & Religion | Religious Studies | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1581344309

Book Description

Many believers worry that science undermines the Christian faith. Instead of fearing scientific discovery, Jack Collins believes that Christians should delight in the natural world and study it. God’s truth will stand against any challenge and will enrich the very scientific studies that we fear.

Collins first defines faith and science, shows their relation, and explains what claims each has concerning truth. Then he applies the biblical teaching on creation to the topics of “conflict” between faith and science, including the age of the earth, evolution, and miracles. He considers what it means to live in a created world. This book is for anyone looking for a Christian engagement with science without technical jargon.

Collins maps the entire interface between faithful biblical interpretation and questions of all sorts posed in the name of the sciences. Interesting, fair-minded, shrewd, and clear from start to finish, this will prove outstanding as a pastoral resource.
— J. I. Packer
Professor of Theology, Regent College

There is something here for just about everyone. Science and Faith is required reading for all who are interested in the relationship between science and the Christian faith.
— J. P. Moreland
Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

This is a highly significant book on possibly the most important subject confronting the church today—the neutrality of science. A delightful style makes it easily accessible yet the author never neglects important issues. It is the best book of its kind for decades.
— Ranald Macaulay
L’Abri Fellowship

Jack Collins is my kind of guy—a fellow MIT nerd. But he is much more: a brilliant scholar of biblical languages and a keen observer of the interaction between science and the Christian faith. This is a wonderful book, and I recommend it most strongly.
— Henry F. Schaefer III
Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry, University of Georgia

Customer Reviews:

Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.......2006-06-22

Many Christians worry that science undermines the Christian faith. Instead of fearing scientific discovery, Jack Collins believes that people of faith should study the natural world.

Collins first explains that science is controversially defined, but that it is best viewed as "a discipline in which one studies features of the world around us, and tries to describe his observations systematically and critically." (pg. 34) In his definition of faith, Collins lauds a statement by C. S. Lewis who said, "Faith ... is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods. For moods will change, whatever view your reason takes." (Quoting C.S. Lewis, pg. 38)

Finally he shows their relations and explains what each has concerning truth.

Collins also delves into the public debate, teaching his readers how to think critically about Darwinist arguments. In a chapter entitled, "Culture Wars and Warriors," he critiques the arguments of Darwinists such as Barry Lynn and Eugenie Scott. Lynn, he observes, aims to "mold your emotional reaction" to design proponents by comparing them to "fundamentalists" and proponents of "astrology." Lynn's misrepresentations draw attention to the need for "education that fosters sound critical thinking and keen awareness of rhetoric." (pg. 335) Next Collins scrutinizes the arguments of Eugenie Scott:

"First, she wants you to think that she speaks on behalf of science and scientists--you can see that from how she uses "we." Second, she wants you to think that your religious values--"whodunit" and "ultimate causes"--are safe with her version of science. And third, she uses a harmless definition of evolution that almost no one can be bothered about." (pg. 336)

Scott had defined evolution as simply "change through time" and the notion that living organisms "have shared common ancestors and descended with modification." (quoting Scott, pg. 335) But Collins had already explained that "Neo-Darwinism claims to have discovered, not just that `these [lifeforms] have transformed and differentiated,' but how they did so: namely by `an unpredictable and natural process of temporal descent with genetic modification that is affected by natural selection, chance, historical contingencies and changing environments.'" (pg. 272) Thus, if theists "believe that God `controlled' the process of evolution, they would do well to define `controlled.'" (pg. 272)

Collins' book is worth reading for any person attempting to obtain a realistic understanding of the relationship between science and faith.

Wonderful Treatment of the Facts.......2004-07-02

John Collins has done an exceptionally good job at tying together the world of science and faith. The high degree of training he has received in both science and Biblical languages is evident. The discussion on the Genesis days and how they relate to the age of the Earth/universe was especially enlightning, i think his interpretation will go a long way in the future. What about the issue of plant and animal death before the fall of Adam? Well he offers great insights to this controversial issue as well. All in all a terrific book, i highly recommend it to anyone that is interested in science faith issues.

I also recommend The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel as well as A Matter of Days and The Fingerprint of God by Hugh Ross for excellent treatments of the science/faith issues.

Must reading for all science students and teachers.......2004-03-29

Dr. Collins has his undergraduate and first graduate degree from MIT, and his Ph.D. is from the university of Liverpool. Professor Collins produced an excellent balanced book on Intelligent Design (ID), which unlike most books in this area he looks at both the science of ID and the implications of this field for theology. Chapter 20 "Cultural Wars and Warriors" is an excellent refutation of the foolish claims of Eugene Scott and her organization. Collins shows why ID is critical for theology and why Fundamentalist Darwinism is lethal for theism. In chapter 17 he answers some common objections to ID, and shows why professional science organizations, such as the National Association of Biology Teachers (of which I am a member, even though I teach biology at the college level), are so hostile to this world view. As a scientist, the most useful part of the book was from page 217 to the end. The first part covered theology which I did read very carefully, due to lack of interest and knowledge in this area. The 2nd half was well worth the price of the book and highly recommended.

The best of its kind.......2004-01-23

This is a jewel of a book--carefully argued, insightful, and well informed in natural science, theology, and Biblical exegesis. While it has many assets for anyone interested in the dialogue between science and Christianity, what stands out in my mind is its treatment of the relevant Biblical texts. Collins' knowledge of the nuances of Hebrew is staggering. I find his treatment of the ever-controversial "days" of Genesis 1 to be especially satisfying. I suspect that his arguments will be widely considered, and highly regarded, in coming years.

An outstanding book.......2004-01-21

Jack Collins is my kind of guy - a fellow MIT nerd. But he is much more: a brilliant scholar of biblical languages and a keen observer of the interaction between science and the Christian faith. This is a wonderful book, and I recommend it most strongly.

Working Relationships: The Simple Truth About Getting Along with Friends and Foes at Work

Average customer rating:

Practical advice on an issue that's always emotional
A Solid Effort!
An important job and business practice guide.
Working Relationships: The Simple Truth about Getting Along
great tool for anyone who works with people

Working Relationships: The Simple Truth About Getting Along with Friends and Foes at Work
Bob Wall
Manufacturer: Davies-Black Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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The EQ Difference: A Powerful Plan for Putting Emotional Intelligence to Work
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ASIN: 0891061339

Book Description

Being able to build effective relationships is at once the most important factor and the most frustrating challenge in creating success and satisfaction at work.

Customer Reviews:

Practical advice on an issue that's always emotional.......2006-03-04

The simple truth is that being good at what you do simply isn't good enough if you can't work with people. Technical abilities may get you promoted into a management position, but it takes interpersonal skills to keep you there. Bob Wall explores first, what makes work relationships successful and what makes them fail. He then provides some common-sense steps you can take to improve work relationships that aren't working.

The most effective way to improve work relationships, says the author, is to learn to distinguish between personal and professional relationships. A professional relationship exists solely for the purpose of getting work accomplished, while personal relationships can have many purposes. In personal relationships there is an assumption of equality, while professional relationships are often hierarchical. Conflict at work is often based on miscommunication. We are often blind to how our behavior affects others, while we are very critical of the faults of others. When there isn't adequate communication, we often stereotype others as "aggressive jerks" or "incompetent" without understanding the issues or perspective of the other.

To confront conflict at work, you must first understand that most people honestly mean well, but often fail to understand how their behavior and attitudes affect others on the team. Unless someone tells them about it, how will they know they should change? This is true of your own behavior as well. You must be willing to listen to how others are affected by your behavior on the job.

The easiest way to begin fixing problems at work is to agree on goals, roles and procedures. The most common source of problems in teamwork is ambiguity. The team should begin by asking themselves:
· What goals are we going to accomplish?
· What role is expected of every team member?
· How will we coordinate our work with each other?

A Solid Effort!.......2001-06-02

If you’ve been at loggerheads with a co-worker, calm down and read this. Bob Wall takes a close look at why the ubiquitous “personality problem” persists at work. His conclusions boil down to basics: Co-workers mix professional and personal relationships, confuse organizational roles and expectations, and simply clash due to dislike or incompatibility. He offers a number of familiar solutions to workplace conflict, advising you to pick your battles, agree to disagree and consider the possibility that you might be at fault. Not exactly rocket science, but Wall’s book is fresh, easy-to-read and reader-friendly. We ... recommend this book primarily to supervisors, who will find the dissection of professional relationships useful in managing your sometimes-hard-to-understand employees.

An important job and business practice guide........2000-05-04

This practical, important business books offers specific advice for users interested in business advice and enhancement. Bob Wall's Working Relationships presents facts on how to get along with friends and foes alike in a business setting. From building professional relationships and understanding different personality types and their motivations to handling complaints and requests, this provides an important job guide.

Working Relationships: The Simple Truth about Getting Along.......2000-01-24

This book is both practical and insightful. I could easily relate the situations described to my own. Mr. Wall provides down-to-earth and effective solutions to at-work problems that have the potential to ruin the day, the week - and sometimes the job! The principles can be applied to personal relationships as well.

great tool for anyone who works with people.......1999-12-13

I found this book to be an enjoyable read as well as a great resource for solving problems at work. It has some great excersizes to do and believe me they do work. This book is a must to own for anyone who needs help with a situation or problem at work .

Friend and Foe: The Gnomes and Kobolds of Tellene

Average customer rating:

Friend and Foe: The Gnomes and Kobolds of Tellene
Paul Wade-Williams
Manufacturer: Kenzer & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1594590214

Book Description

This book of Friend & Foe presents a new way of detailing player character D&D® races detailing two races that are naturally opposed to each other in one book.

Within this sourcebook you will find complete descriptions for the culture, society, military, and religious beliefs of two well known but often misunderstood races gnomes and kobolds.

As well as providing a wealth of background information, there are also new feats, spells, and prestige classes, allowing you to play either race to their fullest potential.

Friend & Foe contains invaluable information for both players and Dungeon Masters alike.

Book Description

When the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan went into effect during the Clinton administration, Florida's great grassy wilderness garnered a host of national attention -- and has since become a breeding ground for environmental dispute. What does it take to "save" a forest? How can it be preserved?

Enter W. Hodding Carter. For an Outside magazine feature he's agreed to paddle the ninety-nine-mile waterway in Everglades National Park to examine the landscape from all angles -- physical, political, cultural, and very personal -- and get to the rock-bottom heart of the story. Stolen Water is the outgrowth of Carter's journey.

Through investigative research, eyewitness accounts, and interviews with key players in the conservation controversy, Carter offers a rare portrait of a national treasure. Utterly important, and at times downright hilarious, Stolen Water is a classic American adventure tale, and an environmental parable for our time.

Customer Reviews:

Provides some facts about the friends & foes of the area.......2005-01-06

Hodding Carter loves the Everglades and Stolen Water: Saving the Everglades from Its Friends, Foes, and Florida reflects this affection as much as it reflects arguments on both sides covering the management and utilization of the wilderness. From restoration plans for the Everglades to author Carter's own quest through the region to consider both its history and future, Stolen Water provides some hard-hitting facts about the real friends and foes of the area.

Russia in the Middle East: Friend or Foe?

Average customer rating:

Russia in the Middle East: Friend or Foe?
Andrej Kreutz
Manufacturer: Praeger Security International General Interest-Cloth
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Japan | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0275993280

Book Description

Kreutz examines the goals and strategies of Russia and the former Soviet Union toward most of the Arab states in the Middle East. The author argues that Russia has been an important actor in the region for over a century and has tried to regain its influence in several countries following its strategic retreat after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s. However, according to Kreutz, Moscow does not seek confrontation with the United States or with the West in general in the region. Rather, the Russians are interested in peace and stability in the region, which is close to its borders. Because of that, although Moscow wants to cultivate its links with Israel, it also seeks to reach a peaceful and balanced solution to the Palestinian-Israel and the Arab-Israeli conflicts, taking Palestinian and Arab interests into account. Washington can better engage Moscow as a stabilizing force in the Middle East and as a collaborator in the struggle against Islamic terrorists. At the same time, the United States must be cognizant of where Washington and Moscow diverge. Although Russia may be too weak now to compete with the United States on a global scale, it is not happy to see American or EU encroachment close to its own neighborhood. If we take their weakness for granted and become blind to the possibilities for Russian alliances in the region, we do so to our disadvantage. This book demonstrates Russia's enduring interest and influence in the Arab Middle East.

Redwall Friend & Foe: The Guide to Redwall's Heroes & Villains (with Giant Poster)

Average customer rating:

well worth my money!!
A good companion for any Redwall fan!
Cool poster
Disappointing and misleading
redwall

Redwall Friend & Foe: The Guide to Redwall's Heroes & Villains (with Giant Poster)
Brian Jacques
Manufacturer: Philomel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0399235892

Book Description

In the world of Redwall, knowing your friend from your foe can mean the difference between life and death! Celebrate Redwall's loyal heroes--Martin, Matthias, Mariel, and more--and condemn its villainous vermin with this new presentation from Brian Jacques' best-selling series.

This one-of-a-kind pack contains a pull-out color poster featuring Redwall's fiends and favorites, plus a booklet filled with puzzles, quizzes, information about key characters, and a fantastic introduction from Brian Jacques himself.

Customer Reviews:

well worth my money!!.......2007-08-01

GREAT POSTER!! The guide is well written and informative. I'm very happy with my buy!

P.S. do not read this if you have not read most of the redwall books because you'll ruin some of the surprises.

A good companion for any Redwall fan!.......2002-03-23

My kids love Redwall. If your's do to, this is a good companion. The poster is pretty neat. I also recommend books by Robert Stanek, Kingdoms and the Elves, the Elf Queen and the King. A Series of Unfortunate Events Books. Other books by Robert Stanek.

Cool poster.......2001-04-07

this book is great. The packet isn't much, but the poster is awesome. It includes the most important charachters (good and bad guys). It has beautiful artwork and shows the sword of Martin, which I was curious about. It's GRRRRRREAT!!!!!!

Disappointing and misleading.......2001-03-12

We bought this for our library collection... and there is nothing in the description to show that this is a flimsy paperback "guide" (glued to a piece of cardboard that cannot be circulated) to the Redwall characters and a large poster. The poster is pretty, but this is not at all what we thought we were getting. I would give this less than one star if it were possible

redwall.......2000-12-11

I have read everyone of the redwall books and they were great but this book I found borry and mature.

Treachery: How America's Friends and Foes Are Secretly Arming Our Enemies

Average customer rating:

Excellent
Poor reporting or just propaganda.
Will make you fume
Useful but Hypocritcal
Important Information to Prepare Us For the Future.

Treachery: How America's Friends and Foes Are Secretly Arming Our Enemies
Bill Gertz
Manufacturer: Crown Forum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Arms Control | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1400053153
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Book Description

"A blockbuster book . . . Just astounding."—Rush Limbaugh

"Explosive . . . A methodical, well-thought-out, easy-to-read book . . . that will shock the average American."—Sean Hannity

In his explosive new book, New York Times bestselling author Bill Gertz uncovers the most significant threat to U.S. national security today: America’s enemies—including radical terrorist groups—are arming themselves with the world’s most dangerous weapons. And they’re doing it with the help of America’s supposed allies. Worst of all, the U.S. has let it all happen.

Using his unparalleled access to the U.S. intelligence and defense communities, Gertz names names, revealing which of our “friends” have placed greed over principle to make America’s enemies far more deadly and the world a far more dangerous place. In Treachery, Gertz tells the whole story, complete with previously unpublished classified intelligence documents, and based on dozens of exclusive interviews with senior U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

In shocking detail, Treachery exposes:

•How Iraqi insurgents are killing U.S. soldiers with weapons that France, Germany, and Russia sold them

•How the French and German governments turn a blind eye to arms sales to rogue regimes and terrorist states like Iran, Syria, and North Korea

•How intelligence reports show that China supplied arms to al Qaeda after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on America

•The real story of why Libya dismantled its nuclear program—how U.S. intelligence caught the Libyans red-handed trying to smuggle in nuclear weapons technology

•How Pakistan’s nuclear proliferation network is even more extensive than has been reported

•The CIA report revealing that al Qaeda is pursuing—and may already have—nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons

•The classified intelligence showing that Russia and France were cooperating with Saddam Hussein even after the 2003 Iraq war broke out

•The full story of how Saddam exploited the United Nations “oil for food” program, not only to line his own pockets but also to rebuild Iraq’s weapons and missile programs

•How U.S. security lapses have enabled our enemies to target Americans using our own weapons technology secrets

Only Bill Gertz has the contacts and the knowledge to tell the complete story of how France, Germany, Russia, China, and other countries have armed our enemies to the teeth. Treachery is also the definitive account of what the U.S. government is doing to counter the threat—and of how our leaders have too often failed us.

“Gertz is legendary among national security reporters for the quality of his sources...He is the envy of his competitors.”—Washington Monthly

“Treachery, with its reams of classified and other inside information, reveals how our nation’s enemies obtain weapons from China, Russia, France, Germany, and other supposed friends. The book is must-reading if you want to know the confidential story of the growing danger of global arms proliferation.”—Rowan Scarborough, Pentagon reporter, Washington Times, and bestselling author of Rumsfeld’s War

“Two big factors will determine America’s national security over the next twenty years. The first is the capability of our military systems as determined by the health of our defense industrial base. And, second, the extent to which our adversaries are able to buy or steal advanced military technology from the U.S. and our allies. Bill Gertz focuses superbly on the hemorrhaging of critical military technology to our enemies. Treachery should be read by all our policymakers."—Congressman Duncan Hunter of California, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee

“Bill Gertz has written a bone-chilling exposé about what has been done behind our backs. Can we ever be safe? You must read this.”—Greta Van Susteren, host of Fox News’s On the Record with Greta Van Susteren

“Bill Gertz gets it! Treachery brilliantly exposes our allies who have become our enemies in the War on Terror just because the U.N., France, Germany, and Russia looked at Iraq and other rogue states as trading partners rather than enablers of terrorism. This is a major piece of work in the War on Terror.”—Lt. Gen. Thomas G. McInerney, USAF (Ret.), bestselling author of Endgame

“[Gertz] has access to more intelligence information than anyone I know.”—Former Defense Secretary William S. Cohen

“The hottest reporter in town...He breaks dozens of big stories every year, and he’s read carefully by people who follow national security issues.”—Washington Post

“Bill Gertz remains a national asset.”—Weekly Standard

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2007-08-27

Let's get real folks, the idea that we should just go talk to these people is patently absurd and this book will corroborate that.

Poor reporting or just propaganda........2007-02-21

When I started with this book, it read like biased, selectively researched 'facts', but when I finished a few chapters, it had crossed from bad reporting to outright political rhetoric. There are always two or more sides to a dispute, and this book presents a completely unbalanced one sided view of the issue, with large amounts of chest thuming, finger pointing and moralistic self righteous smooth talk thrown in.

For a more balanced view of the issue, pick up Hans Blix's "Disarming Iraq" where you'll find a far more objective analytical view presented in a clear no-nonsense fashion.

Will make you fume.......2006-02-14

The French connection: How France was arming Iraq all the way up until we went to war. They have also helped other rogue states with "dual use equipment". And of course "Oil for Food".

Germany: They too have supplied Iraq and other rogue states with weapons and technology.

Russia: Probably the most dangerous weapons proliferate. Uncertainties of where the biological weapons have proliferated to. They have a long train of abuses.

North Korea: There goal for nuclear weapons. Not only arming itself but also nations like Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Pakistan, and India.

Iran goes nuclear: Also very energetic in their ballistic missile program.

China lies and deception: They sell everything to everyone. Endless broken promises.

Libya and Syria the new "axis of evil": Libya in search of nuclear weapons. Syria, supporter of terrorism and is developing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

The United States proliferation negligence: The myth behind the U.S. rapid spread of deadly arms, especially Iraq. Americas security lapses.

The United Nations failures and appeasement.

The ultimate proliferation nightmare: To Islamist terrorists.

Treachery exposed, will make you fume

A good complimentary book; "Holy War on the Home Front"

Useful but Hypocritcal.......2006-01-11

Bill Gertz is a "thought leader" and what he has to say is always worth listening to or reading.

This book is absolutely first rate as far as it goes, in lambasting the French, the Germans, the Russians, China, Iran, North Korea, Libya, Syria, and the United Nations for their varied contributions to global instability and corruption.

However, the book is also hypocritical in ignoring the documented fact that the U.S. is by far the largest arms merchant and the biggest bully on the block. The book also ignores Israel and the 38+ dictators that the U.S. supports (there are actually 44 still left but six are included in this book).

A third of the book is an appendix of classified documents with a great deal blocked out, this is one of the author's signature features, but the bottom line is that the book is a very large Op-Ed. Worth buying and reading, absolutely spot on, but hypocritical and incomplete.

Important Information to Prepare Us For the Future........2005-12-29

It's no secret that the United States aided Iraq during their war with Iran in the '80s in retaliation for the hostage situation in which Americans were held for 444 days in 1979, and the major need of oil facilities located in Iran. In the twelve years between the Persian Gulf War (called Desert Storm) and the 2003 Iraq war, Saddam Hussein flouted United Nations sanctions to show that his regime would not be held accountable to any international standard of behavior. The United Nations imposed sanctions on Iraq in 1991. "Many anti-American critics have accused the United States of building up Saddam's military in the 1980s, meaning that American forces went up against U.S. weapons technology in the 1991 Persian Gulf War." However, the Iraqi arsenal was mostly equipped with Russian, French, and Chinese weapons.

"In October 2003, federal prosecutors indicted an Iraqi-born father-and-son team from San Diego [California] for exporting six armored patrol boats to Saddam Hussein from November 2000 to July 2003. It was the first prosecution of U.S. arms brokers for selling goods to Saddam." The world has grown only more dangerous, not safer, since the Cold War ended more than a decade ago because of "the transfer of dangerous weapons and related technology -- the most significant threat to U.S. national security." Weapons proliferation is an on-going problem "to make the world a more dangerous place."

This book is the inside story of how America's supposed allies, as well as some of its foes, are secretly arming our enemies, and how in many cases the illicit-weapons deals have been going on for decades. "While many Americans have condemned nations like France and Germany for opposing the United States at the United Nations before the war in Iraq, the truth is that those actions do not even hint at their treachery." In the Appendix entitled, "Treachery Exposed," part of a Pentagon report shows that twenty-four nations had supplied armaments (weapons) to Saddam Hussein. About nineteen blank pages of declassified documents (Top Secret) about China, Russia, Pakistan, France and Bulgaria were deemed too sensitive to have in print for the world to read.

"The danger of weapons proliferation is growing, and the world needs to take note of how the most deadly weapons are available to regimes run by bloody dictators and to terrorist groups." Terrorism has plagued Iraq since the fall of Saddam. There have been more than thirty suicide bombings since September 2004; the bombers are usually religious fanatics, and the insurgent groups prefer to use foreigners, or "Arabs." Two weeks after the fall of Saddam's regime, he was still calling the shots, but not anymore. The fear is that these continuing suicide bombings will turn Iraq into another Afghanistan, with a Taliban-style government.

"The transfer of dangerous weapons and related technology is the most significant threat to U.S. national security for the foreseeable future." One major fallacy is that America has failed to protect its own military technology. "The war of words should be nothing less than the kind of ileological effort launched against expansionist Communism during the Cold War." The likelihood of suffering an attack from nuclear, chemical and biological weapons has never been higher. Terrorists pose the greatest threat to our national security. "Still, we must always remember that the situation today would not be so dangerous if it had not been for unconscionable weapon sales by some of our supposed allies. Their actions have been treacherous."

Bill Gertz has written BETRAYAL: HOW THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION UNDERMINED AMERICAN SECURITY and THE CHINA THREAT (2002).

Vienna and Chicago, Friends or Foes?: A Tale of Two Schools of Free Market Economics

Average customer rating:

Excellent, at least where the author is writing in his domain of expertise
Excellent historical look at the two free market schools
2c from a Chicago grad
Heady history of economics
Great book

Vienna and Chicago, Friends or Foes?: A Tale of Two Schools of Free Market Economics
Mark Skousen
Manufacturer: Capital Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Theory | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Austria | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Knowledge and the Wealth of Nations: A Story of Economic Discovery
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ASIN: 0895260298

Book Description

In his new book, Vienna and Chicago, Friends or Foes? economist and author Mark Skousen debates the Austrian and Chicago schools of free-market economics, two schools in constant, heated disagreement in their theories of money, business cycle, government policy, and methodology.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent, at least where the author is writing in his domain of expertise.......2007-09-14

This book is a lovely addition to the history of economic thought, and aptly describes the modern 'methodenstreit' between the Austrian and Chicagoan schools. Skousen fails only in one regard: his understanding of Misesian apriorism is horrific. Granted, Mises was not clear enough and reintroduced arcane terms into his exposition on method (i.e. rationalism vs empiricism; see on this the source 3, provided below) that have largely obfuscated his contributions, and indeed some of his writings were incorrect. However, even an undergraduate in Economics myself with a modest understanding of praxeology can see massive holes in the author's understanding. Austrians emphasize the value and necessity of theory in interpreting data which has no voice of its own. Contra Skousen, they do not disregard history or empirical evidence. That is nonsense, and his writings on Mises show an utter misunderstanding (he does not even sufficiently disentangle Mises from Ricardo and other classical economists.) It is praxeological theorems (e.g. law of demand) that are necessary to approach statistical data, and formulate complete economic theorems, and are themselves logical truths. It is a common misunderstanding that Austrians completely disregard empirical data, and I was hopeful that Skousen would not repeat it - yet he does, and more ineptly than usual even. Economists serious about understanding the Austrian School comprehend this. It was Mises' position that neither mathematics nor statistics can yield praxeological truths. This does not mean that math and statistics can't be useful in understanding particular historical episodes (in fact the author realizes this -as did Friedman,- when he makes reference of faulty studies going counter to economic wisdom, which were later corrected by theoretically informed economists.) Nor does it mean dogmatic adherence to "broken" theories, which lack explanatory power (which are a signal either of faulty deduction or induction.) Rather than relegating Mises -whose theorems largely stand correct- to the status of crank, Skousen could've put more effort into understanding Mises. He is right to laud Austrians for engaging in more empirical studies, wrong in his understanding of what the Austrian method is. Empirical studies, statistical methods and graphs are wonderful tools in relaying information and insuring that our theories possess explanatory power, all of which Austrians have put to use without compromising their stance on praxeological theorems. He also misrepresents Mises' position on free will, which at most is compatibilist (http://www.mises.org/books/ufofes/ch3~4.aspx)

For more on the matter:
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Other than this and some minor errors, the book is great. The author skilfully recounts the birth of both schools, and provides a balanced assessment of their respective strengths and weaknesses, where he is equipped to do so (he is best on the business.) For a brief history of free market economics (and economics more generally), this book is excellent; for a philosophical treatise on method in Economics, it ought to be avoided. Readers will appreciate the author's exposition of certain basic concepts of economics in his work.

Excellent historical look at the two free market schools.......2007-07-07

Those interested in economic history as well those who sympathize with the Chigaco or Austrian Schools will find this to be a great read. A great explanation of what free market economics means to two different schools.

2c from a Chicago grad.......2007-06-11

As someone educated in the Chicago school (supposedly...), it is, of course, easy to identify any of the endless supply of Ivy League communists masquerading as economists. But it is perplexing to run into other free-market sympathizers only to have them disintegrate into gold standard crackpots right before one's eyes. You've probably seen them posting on message boards decrying CFR, Rockefeller . . . or supporting Ron Paul. These folks belong to the Austrian school of economics (a k a the conspiracy theory school).

Skousen's book tackles the much-needed task of clarifying the differences between the Chicago and Vienna schools. It is written for a mid-level audience and is very light reading. (Maybe too light.) On the downside, it probably raises as many questions as it answers. A couple comments:

-Skousen leans Austrian and it isn't clear how that influenced the book...for instance, I'm not sure how appropriate it is to include the early, pre-Friedman Chicago school in compaing the modern versions.
-I found the discussion of the gold standard to be inadequate in debunking that foolish idea. I couldn't tell if this was a fault of the Chicago school in not opposing it strongly enough, or the author softening the blow to the Austrian school.
-Skousen is too quick to dismiss the praxeologic view of Mises. Quantitative tools are very useful in explaining economics but they can also easily be used to deceive and obfuscate.
-"Business Cycles" are the Global Warming of economics.
-"Chicago and Supply-Side" would be a good sequel. The brief section on Supply-Side only confuses the issue to me.
-I think Skousen underestimates the damage conspiracy theorists like Rothbard have done to the credibility of the Austrian school.

Recommended, but likely to leave you just as confused.

Heady history of economics.......2007-05-29

This is a heady book - you really have to be interested in economic history and policy to dissect the finer points between the Austrian and Chicago schools of free market economics. Mark Skousen, a free market economist with strong sympathies to both camps (perhaps Austrian in the end?) writes of the history and differences between the two.

The book sides with the Chicago school on it's focus on empirical data, where the Austrians prefer theoretical and logical arguements. The Chicago school suggests business cycles are purely a function of money, while the Austrian school gets solid marks for it's explanations of the temporal (capital overinvestment over time) natures of business cycles.

The book is balanced enough that one can learn and make the most out of both schools. It's rooted in both the history of the ideas, as well as how they've fared over time. It also covers how the ideas have changed over time. (Chicago was initially anti-concentration of industry, but changed over time, as the data suggested industry concentration rarely created true pricing power.) Take the book with a warning though - it's not an introductory textbook, and not aimed at the uninitiated. But for those interested in various approaches to free market economics (it's not a monolith) it's an outstanding resource.

Great book.......2006-03-22

This is one of the best economics books I have read. It provides a good overview of the ongoing debate on some of the most relevant and still unresolved issues confronting economists today. But, unlike many economists, Skousen avoids verbosity and jargon; he presents quite complex issues simply and clearly. I also greatly enjoyed one of his other books, 'The making of modern economics'. Together, these books have challenged my views on many issues, including the causes of the great depression, the role of government in the economy, and the merits of a gold standard. The contribution of the Chicago and Austrian schools was badly neglected by my university lecturers, and I found 'Vienna & Chicago' a thoroughly fascinating read.

Average customer rating:

You NEVER Know
Be Careful Who U Trust!!!!!!!
Awesome Book
FOE ISN'T THE QUESTION IT'S THE ANSWER!
Last man standing

Friend or Foe
D. L. Moore
Manufacturer: One Way Up, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Hoodwinked
Dirty Money
Betrayal of a Hustler
In Cahootz (Triple Crown Publications Presents)
Bitch

ASIN: 0976325608
Release Date: 2005-04-01

Product Description

Corey 'Cee' Banks wasn't the average ghetto superstar. Unlike some of the other hustlers out there puttin' in work, he was satisfied with how his life of grindin' had turned out. He was kind and fair in the streets and a loving man in his home. Everyone in the hood respected him. Then someone crossed the line and Cee learned the hard way that sometimes it might be better to be feared than to be respected. When Cee's girlfriend, Keisha, gets killed in a botched robbery attempt, he realizes his kindess was being misconstrued for weakness. One unexpected tragedy leads to another as Cee's life is turned upside down in a matter of days. With his mind made up to keep it moving, leaving his past behind, Cee sets out to make his last few moves, and in the process, fight the battle of deciphering whether those he encounters are Friend or Foe.

Customer Reviews:

You NEVER Know.......2006-08-04

This was an extremely good book. The story and characters both flowed and fit with the picture that was painted for you. There wasn't a hair out of place.

Cee was the man on these streets. But, being a "hood" legend comes with a price.His price was Kiesha. As his life shatters when his girl is killed everything starts to become real for him. In this book you can see everyone going through the changes of loosing a loved one. You watch Cee change from not knowing who is behind the madness.

But, I am not going to tell you anything else. Get the book. REAL TALK

Be Careful Who U Trust!!!!!!!.......2006-07-12

This was a good read. The book is based on a young man named Corey "Cee" Banks, a young hustler that was satisfied with the work he had put in on the streets, and ready to settle down with the love of his life, until his girl gets killed, and Cee has to ask himself, is it better to be feared or respected? Corey finds himself in a situation where he's questioning his chose in friends, and in the end he finds that the old saying, " keep your friends close and your eneimes even closer" are the truest words to ever be spoken.

Awesome Book.......2006-04-28

This was such a great book. The surprise ending had me hooked. At first I was unsure of the direction of the storyline but then the story became so suspenseful I couldn't put it down! Cee was so clueless to me. I enjoyed this book a lot and I am so glad I decided to pick this one up.

FOE ISN'T THE QUESTION IT'S THE ANSWER!.......2006-02-12

THE FRESH NEW VOICE OF D.L. MOORE IS GREAT. HE HAD GIVEN US A NOVEL OF THE STREET IN A MORE LOW KEY WAY. THE WAY HIS CHARACTERS ARE NOT TOO THUGED OUT GIVES ME A MORE BELIEVABLE STORY TO READ.

CEE WAS A CELEBRITY THUG WHO KEPT HIS PROFILE OUT OF THE LIME LIGHT. A THUG WHO LOVES TO HARD AND DON'T SEE ENOUGH, GETS HIS FEELING HURT IN THE END.

I FIND THAT TONE WAS A LOW DOWN GREEDY PERSON. HE PLAYED HIS ENEMY CLOSE AS WE ARE TOLD TO DO. BUT, HIS ENEMY WAS ONLY HIS ENEMY IN HIS MIND. CEE WAS NOT OUT TO GET HIM UNTIL HE FOUND OUT THE TRUTH.

I RECOMMEND THIS NEW AUTHOR TO AVID-READERS WHO ENJOY THE URBAN FICTION TALES.

Last man standing.......2006-02-06

Considered a ghetto celebrity, Cee, unlike the flashiest hustlers has made his presence known as a kind and fair man receiving nothing less than love from the streets he grinds in.

His girl, Keisha, is killed in a failed robbery attempt and leaves Cee struggling to get his bearings wondering why he had been spared. After unsuccessfully drinking away the grief, Cee attempts to repair his broken spirit and finds that someone in the streets has evidently marked him as a target as he's involved in a variety of altercations where his arch-rival remains anonymous.

Many Men wish death upon me. With Cee filled with so much pain and sorrow, he decides that it would be best for him to relocate. He just needs to finish the last of his grind. Can Cee make it out alive, or will this be the end for the ghetto superstar?

Properly titled, Friend or Foe has the reader spellbound from the very first page, brooding over whether it's better to be feared or respected.

BIG CHIPS! WOO!

Stargate Sg 1: Friends and Foes : Stargate Season Two (Stargate Sg-1)

Average customer rating:

Excellent source book
NOT An Episode Guide--It's an RPG Supplement

Stargate Sg 1: Friends and Foes : Stargate Season Two (Stargate Sg-1)
Meredith Patterson
Manufacturer: Alderac Entertainment Group (AEG)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Stargate Sg1 Fantastic Frontiers Season One (Stargate Sg-1)
Stargate: Sg-1 First Steps: The Stargate Unexplored Worlds Sourcebook
Stargate SG-1 Role Playing Game: Core Rulebook (d20)
Stargate SG-1: The Ultimate Visual Guide
Stargate SG-1: City of the Gods: SG1-4 (Stargate Sg-1)

ASIN: 1594720185

Customer Reviews:

Excellent source book.......2007-05-14

For those who love Stargate SG-1 and love to role play, then this book which includes the Season 2 plotlines, is for you!

NOT An Episode Guide--It's an RPG Supplement.......2004-10-22

Those of you idly browsing this site might stumble across the listing for this book and think, "Whoa, I gotta get this!" Well, perhaps you do. But be advised that this is NOT an episode guide per se, but rather a supplement for Alderac's Stargate SG-1 role playing game.

But before you click away in disappointment, you should know that the first half of the book does, in fact, have extensive recaps of each of the episodes of Season 2. It doesn't list cast or crew and it doesn't include commentary upon the making of the individual episodes or any critiques or "behind the scenes" information. But a wealth of information is certainly provided.

Granted, a lot of said information is basically made up, extrapolated from passing dialogue references or just created out of thin air. However, the background material (typically, a history of the visited planet and its people and details about their ethnic background and interactions with the Goa'uld and others) that does NOT come directly from the episode is tacked into a separate section after the recap. So the "bonus" stuff shouldn't be regarded as canonical, but it's interesting nonetheless.

There's also tons of stuff on NPCs, or, as non-gamers would know them within the show's context, recurring characters. So we have profiles on Martouf, Jacob Carter, Thor, Jolinar, Kasuf (the chieftain from Abydos), and Sha're. Of course, the question you're really dying to ask is: are Sgts. Davis (the gateroom tech) and Siler present? Yes. Yes, they are. Keep in mind, again, that what we are given in these sections is a mix of "real" history drawn directly from the show and then a bunch of stuff the game designers threw in on their own for flavor text.

Finally, there's material on the various alien races and their gear, and new character classes based on things seen in the Season 2 episodes (e.g. Goa'uld Assassin, Tok'ra Courier, et cetera).

It's well-organized and smartly written and has a good number of pictures. Alderac will produce one RPG supplement for each season. If you're a gamer and an avid SG-1 viewer, I would definitely recommend this. If you're too good for RPGs but you're still a hardcore SG-1 fanboy (or fangirl), you still might want to check this out just for its value as a pretty good episode guide. In short, Kree, Jaffa! That really has no bearing here, but I've always wanted to say it.

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