Systems Engineering Principles and Practice

Book Description

This classroom-tested approach is based on a successful course at Johns Hopkins University, originally developed to serve the needs of Westinghouse Co.
* Provides an excellent entry-level approach to understanding how to minimize complexity and maximize efficiency in industry and business.
* Each chapter will be accompanied by a set of problems to aid understanding.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent resource!.......2007-01-11

This book is a great text for those interested in learning or expanding your knowledge of systems engineering. Well presented with sound explanations on the concepts. My company has multiple copies in use. Highly recommended.

Regularly Used Reference.......2005-12-21

Useful in many of my process definition tasks. Essential text for any System Engineer.

Excellent SE text and reference.......2005-05-12

I have just completed the JHU program in Systems Engineering. This book is the foundation for the curriculum and is a very readable, solid overview of Systems Engineering. All phases of the system life-cycle are introduced and tied together to truly illustrate the process. The book focuses on processes, the tools used will change, but good Systems Engineering will stay the same. The process to derive good requirements that are able to be implemented and tested are the same regardless of technology or field.

Average customer rating:

The Sweet Far Thing
Libba Bray
Manufacturer: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Bedtime & Dreaming | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Eclipse (Twilight, Book 3)
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Blue Bloods

ASIN: 0385730306
Release Date: 2007-12-26

Book Description

IT HAS BEEN A YEAR OF CHANGE since Gemma Doyle arrived at the foreboding Spence Academy. Her mother murdered, her father a
laudanum addict, Gemma has relied on an unsuspected strength and has discovered an ability to travel to an enchanted world called the realms, where dark magic runs wild. Despite certain peril, Gemma has bound the magic to herself and forged unlikely new alliances. Now, as Gemma approaches her London debut, the time has come to test these bonds.

The Order - the mysterious group her mother was once part of - is grappling for control of the realms, as is the Rakshana. Spence's burned East Wing is being rebuilt, but why now? Gemma and her friends see Pippa, but she is not the same. And their friendship faces its gravest trial as Gemma must decide once and for all what role she is meant for.

Average customer rating:

Superb
GPS for Mariners

GPS for Mariners
Robert J. Sweet
Manufacturer: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts
Radar for Mariners
The Practical Mariner's Book of Knowledge: 420 Sea-Tested Rules of Thumb for Almost Every Boating Situation
The Weekend Navigator
Boat Docking (Close Quarters Maneuvering for Small Craft)

ASIN: 0071410759

Customer Reviews:

Superb.......2006-11-10

I am a novice boater and I recently joined USPS and completed several courses including Seamanship, Piloting and am currently enrolled in Advanced Piloting which includes a section on GPS. This book certainly helped me with this course. I highly recommend it

GPS for Mariners.......2006-02-25

This was a most disappointing book. It was not at all helpful and basically a waste of money.

Legal Aspects of Architecture, Engineering, and the Construction Process

Average customer rating:

Legal Aspect of Architecture, ENgineering and Construction Process
The best
Great for a Law Student
WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too complicated

Legal Aspects of Architecture, Engineering, and the Construction Process
Justin Sweet , and Marc M. Schneier
Manufacturer: Cengage-Engineering
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

Effective Training: Systems, Strategies and Practices (3rd Edition)
Construction Project Management (2nd Edition)
Construction Management
Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery
Managing the Construction Process: Estimating, Scheduling, and Project Control (3rd Edition)

ASIN: 053446467X

Book Description

The primary focus of this text is to provide a bridge for students between the academic world and the real world. This bridge is built through an understanding of what is law, how law is created, how law affects almost every activity of human conduct, and how legal institutions operate. Intended mainly for architectural and engineering students, but increasingly for those in business schools and law schools, this text features a clear, concise, and jargon-free presentation. It probes beneath the surface of legal rules and uncovers why these rules developed as they did, outlines arguments for and against these rules, and examines how they work in practice. Updated with the most recent developments in the legal aspects of architectural, engineering, and the construction processes, this text is also a valuable reference for practitioners that has been cited in over twenty-five court decisions.

Customer Reviews:

Legal Aspect of Architecture, ENgineering and Construction Process.......2007-04-02

Excellent Book, It a wealth of Materials and mandatory reading for Construction Management program at the University Of Washington Master Program in Civil and Construction.. The material is spot on for Construction management

The best.......2006-02-21

First, I am not a lawyer, but a praticing design/ contruction professional. I have used this book for years. I find it very well written and easy to use. I have loaned it to so many lawyers when thing get tight that I don't remember all of them. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has to deal with contracts and construction. When things start to go sour, its a great resource for all parties involved.

Great for a Law Student.......2004-01-27

This is probably the most comprehensive construction law book I have ever read. It is an absolute must for a law student taking construction law.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too complicated.......2003-05-14

If you happen to be studying construction law IN LAW SCHOOL, then this is your book.

If, on the other hand, you are in the construction business and are looking for a practical book on construction law, keep looking. This is not your book. It is extremely difficult to read and Sweet writes in such a sophisticated manner that it borders on arrogance. It's not uncommon to find entire paragraphs that consist of one sentence. I found myself scratching my head and asking, "what in the hell did he just say?" Re-reading convoluted law text is not fun.

Boxing Mastery: Advanced Technique, Tactics, and Strategies from the Sweet Science
Average customer rating:

Dont hold your breath

awesome

complete and concise

The perfect book for shadowboxing

Great Resource

Boxing Mastery: Advanced Technique, Tactics, and Strategies from the Sweet Science
Mark Hatmaker , and Doug Werner
Manufacturer: Tracks Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Boxing | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
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Similar Items:

No Holds Barred Fighting: Savage Strikes: The Complete Guide to Real World Striking for NHB Competition and Street Defense

No Holds Barred Fighting: Takedowns: Throws, Trips, Drops and Slams for NHB Competition and Street Defense

Boxer's Start-Up: A Beginner's Guide to Boxing (Start-Up Sports series)

The Ultimate Boxer: Understanding the Sport and Skills of Boxing

No Holds Barred Fighting: The Ultimate Guide to Submission Wrestling

ASIN: 1884654215

Book Description

This guide to the finer points of boxing provides the wisdom needed to make the transition from enthusiastic beginner to proficient pugilist. The ABCs of ring generalship, offensive and defensive ring movements, feints, and draws and fakes are examined and explained along with clinching techniques, head-hunting, body work, and counter-punching chains. Strategies for boxing against tall and short opponents as well as for a variety of fighting styles such as charger, speed-demon, stick-and-move, and slugger and brawler are discussed in detail. Specific drills focus on sophisticated ring stratagems such as throwing complex combinations, cutting off the ring, fighting off the ropes, generating power, and cornering an opponent are included.

Customer Reviews:

Dont hold your breath.......2007-07-03

I bought this book expecting it to have a lot of new information. If you have spent any time in a boxing gym, you will already know 75% of the book. A few new items and drills. Way too many pictures in my opinion. Need more instruction and a few relevant pictures.

awesome.......2007-01-16

I recommend anything from mark hatmaker, the guy really knows his stuff, and knows how to present it. This is imho the best single volume guide on boxing. Stance, footwork, punches, defense, history, tips, training tips, all covered. His penchant for true boxing of the golden age gives this book that extra charm, in addition to its top notch instruction and information. If youre a fan of boxing, get this , if youre into mma, buy all his books.

complete and concise.......2007-01-06

Very good reference book and does a good job of explaining the key point to every technique.

The perfect book for shadowboxing.......2007-01-04

I have this boxing manual for more than a year now. It's perfect if you tend to shadowbox to work your boxing skills. You get a good workout yet boxing correctly in its format. Perfect manual for novice to advanced boxer. It also goes well with Hatmaker's other manual on Savage Strikes, more of freestyle, NHB fighting. I read this boxing manual numerous times when I have time available and tend to shadowbox as a workout to work on my boxing form and getting my cardio that way. So if you have some boxing skills, whether you've been taught by your dad or mom in some cases or at a boxing gym this book is perfect to go along with your skill to improve boxing. Sweet science at its best.

Great Resource.......2007-01-04

This is an excellent book on the basics of Boxing. It is well written and very detailed. The numerous photos are helpful. I would recomend this book to anyone interested in learning or expanding their boxing.

Kicking the Carbon Habit: Global Warming and the Case for Renewable and Nuclear Energy

Average customer rating:

Chapters survey not just techniques but political pros and cons, social effects, and environmental impact
Been there, done that
Even if you've seen the movie - read this book
Excellent treatment of a "hot topic"

Kicking the Carbon Habit: Global Warming and the Case for Renewable and Nuclear Energy
William Sweet
Manufacturer: Columbia University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America's Energy Future
The Weather Makers : How Man Is Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth
An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It
A Case for Nuclear-Generated Electricity: (Or Why I Think Nuclear Power Is Cool and Why It Is Important That You Think So Too)
Energy Revolution: Policies For A Sustainable Future

ASIN: 0231137109

Book Description

With glaciers melting, oceans growing more acidic, species dying out, and catastrophic events like Hurricane Katrina ever more probable, strong steps must be taken now to slow global warming. Further warming threatens entire regional economies and the well being of whole populations, and in this century alone, it could create a global cataclysm. Synthesizing information from leading scientists and the most up-to-date research, science journalist William Sweet examines what the United States can do to help prevent climate devastation.

Rather than focusing on cutting oil consumption, which Sweet argues is expensive and unrealistic, the United States should concentrate on drastically reducing its use of coal. Coal-fired plants, which currently produce more than half of the electricity in the United States, account for two fifths of the country's greenhouse gas emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Sweet believes a mixture of more environmentally sound technologies-wind turbines, natural gas, and nuclear reactors-can effectively replace coal plants, especially since dramatic improvements in technology have made nuclear power cleaner, safer, and more efficient.

Sweet cuts through all the confusion and controversies. He explores dramatic advances made by climate scientists over the past twenty years and addresses the various political and economic issues associated with global warming, including the practicality of reducing emissions from automobiles, the efficacy of taxing energy consumption, and the responsibility of the United States to its citizens and the international community to reduce greenhouse gases. Timely and provocative, Kicking the Carbon Habit is essential reading for anyone interested in environmental science, economics, and the future of the planet.

Customer Reviews:

Chapters survey not just techniques but political pros and cons, social effects, and environmental impact.......2006-09-07

Kicking The Carbon Habit: Global Warming And The Case Of Renewable And Nuclear Energy doesn't adopt the usual focus on cutting oil consumption: instead it focuses on reducing coal use. Coal-fired plants produce over half of the electricity in the US, accounting for some 40 percent of the country's greenhouse gasses. Sweet doesn't advocate a singular path of change another unusual feature but proposes a mix of environmentally sound technologies from wind power to nuclear reactors. Chapters survey not just techniques but political pros and cons, social effects, and environmental impact.

Been there, done that.......2006-09-01

Oh...where to begin. This book had so much potential and, to my great chagrin, just fizzled. Ok, let's start with the positives. The author, Sweet, is an excellent writer and could undoubtedly make an expose on the finer points of watching acrylic latex dry, seem fascinating. His style is light, well-paced, to the point. In fact each chapter, as he nearly hints at in his introduction, is separately readable in any order and sounds exactly like an article that might appear in IEEE's Spectrum magazine, to which Sweet is a notorious contributor. Unfortunately from an editorial standpoint, this book left a lot to be desired. First of all, more than half of the book is related to a brief history of climatologists' attempts, successes and failures, to come up with a foundation for and later, a workable model of global warming viz. a viz. greenhouse gases/carbon, etc. That's fine, but for the price of this book, I think I'd either like less history and more solutions, or a proportionate amount of solutions...meaning a much larger book. Since the technical aspects of 'kicking the carbon habit' were probably not the focus of Sweet in the first place, then he should have dispensed with all that history.

Secondly, the diagrams in the book are atrocious--all the more so given Sweet's pedigree. There are few if any captions that properly explain what the diagrams are illustrating--TABOO IN SCIENCE! There is no excuse for this. In most cases, the axes of the graphs aren't even labelled. It looked like Sweet just got permission to reproduce a graph that a scientist thought would be illustrative of an idea, without at least giving the layman a proper explanation. Shameful and amateurish in the extreme.

The barely 70 pages of more than 200 that are devoted to actual suggestions to eliminating carbon emissions were well presented, but all too brief obviously. I don't like spending my money and then being deceived like this. I don't know whether this was Sweet's doing or the publisher's, but the book's content is hardly consistent with the jacket blurbs.

Although the tenor of the book for the most part avoids partisan sentiments, Sweet did allow himself a couple of potshots at the current administration and a few high-fives for the two previous democratic administrations. Left at that, it's ok, but smells a little fishy given the volatile climate of politics with respect to the Left and the Right on this subject.

But my biggest problem with the book's so-called solutions is that Sweet, for all his excellent writing skills and frankness in promulgating nuclear power, can do nothing better in his final grand solution than do what all the Lefties (and Greenies)have ever suggested with regard to any problem this country faces--TAX AND REGULATE!! Until the Lefties and their cousins can figure out that Americans don't like taxation and regulation; that taxation and regulation NEVER work with anything; that market based solutions generally DO work; that the science is still open to interpretation (a point he barely brings to life concerning the viewpoints of one of the scientists on whom he focuses) on carbon emissions....conservative scientists like this reviewer will not give much credence to those wishing to "save the environment" at any cost. In essence, I paid twenty-some dollars, hoping and expecting a fresh viewpoint from the establishment and seemingly getting it for the most part in this book, until the same old song and dance was unfortunately exposed. TAX and REGULATE will get us out of the fix we're in....NO, I DON'T THINK SO.

Try again, Mr. Sweet.

Even if you've seen the movie - read this book.......2006-07-09

Al Gore's movie "An Inconvenient Truth" and his book by the same name have focused a lot of much needed attention on the topic of Global Warming due to Green House Gasses. In "Kicking the Carbon Habit" eminent science journalist William Sweet provides not only an in-depth analysis of the reality of Global Warming and its causes but a practical program for the United States to take signifigant actions toward averting an impending catastrophy. Mr. Sweet is not an alarmist but I and every thinking person should be alarmed. Despite what the nay sayers and procrastinators may claim this book proves the "Science is In", the "Time is Now" and there is a way to go.

For a well documented and scholarly work "Kicking the Carbon Habit" is surprisingly readable. The "Science" is not "dumbed down" but is presented in easily understood prose lightened by anicdotes about the Scientists and the science. This book provides some optomisim that we can and will overcome the problem if we have the political will. Read it - you'll be encouraged. I was.

Excellent treatment of a "hot topic" .......2006-07-04

As Samuel Clemens said "everyone talks about the weather but no one does anything about it." The same might be said about the "hot" topic of Global Warming. This book provides a detailed and erudite, yet eminently readable, treatment of the subject everyone seems to be talking about these days. A few things set this book apart from most that seek to deal with the issue. Sweet take a scholar's approach to the topic and deals in the facts and the science of Global Warming. It seems to me that he does not have a political ax to grind; rather he logically and scientifically analyzes the problem. Coal, Sweet informs us, is far and away the major culprit in causing climate change. But Sweet doesn't merely tell us this, he explains in detail why it is so. Every position the author takes is backed up by the science and facts, which support it. The subject matter dictates that some of the chapters are more technical and thus read easier than others, but this a minor quibble. The author does an excellent job of explaining the science of Global Warming to those who are not trained scientists. Feasible solutions are discussed in detail. The approach of the author is anything but simplistic. It is apparent that this book is not written for those who are seeking sound bites or in search of politically correct talking points. For example; his suggestion that we should reconsider nuclear energy in light of current technology and the safety record of modern reactors is not likely to be popular with the masses despite the science and logic. To me his explanation of the science seems to make sense and facts are stubborn things. This is an intelligently written book for people who are not afraid to think for themselves. I believe that Kicking the Carbon Habit will appeal to a broad range of people who seek the truth surrounding Global Warming. I also think this is one of those rare books that the reader can either approach a chapter at a time, or become immersed in and read straight through. The end result will be the same; the reader will gain a solid understanding of one of the most discussed topics of our time.

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women

Average customer rating:

The best book ever
Book of Interest
Empowering and informative
Loved it. Very inspirational.
Inventive & Imaginative

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women
Catherine Thimmesh
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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The Sky's the Limit: Stories of Discovery by Women and Girls
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They All Laughed... From Light Bulbs to Lasers: The Fascinating Stories Behind the Great Inventions That Have Changed Our Lives

ASIN: 0395937442

Book Description

In kitchens and living rooms, in garages and labs and basements, even in converted chicken coops, women and girls have invented ingenious innovations that have made our lives simpler and better. Their creations are some of the most enduring (the windshield wiper) and best loved (the chocolate chip cookie). What inspired these women, and just how did they turn their ideas into realities?

Customer Reviews:

The best book ever.......2007-08-12

This book was the best book I have read so far on my summer reading book list. It was very interesting to me. It is the best subject to write a book on. I had the best time reading it. I think that people could have more confidence to invent something after reading this book, even men.

Book of Interest.......2006-07-17

This book allowed me to share stories of inventions by women with my students. Girls often feel left out of the "science of invention", this book allows them to relate to accomplishments in a field where girls often don't relate to the material presented.

Empowering and informative.......2005-09-23

This book goes a long way towards encouraging girls (and women!) to put their creative powers to practical use. It is so gratifying to learn that many everyday items (ice cream cones; Toll House cookies) were invented by women. And the items that are not so 'everyday' (Kevlar; space shields) have such a positive impact on the world around us. The illustrations are wonderfully creative, blending the fascinating details of the text into whimsical collages. Don't forget the sidebars - lots of fun facts there as well.

Loved it. Very inspirational........2003-03-13

I first read the book with my daughter and then shared it with my Girl Scout troop. It was very inspirational and a joy to see some many innovations coming from women.

Inventive & Imaginative.......2000-05-10

A fascinating collection with just the right tone. And MelissaSweet's inventive illustrations will inspire creative thinking byfuture inventors!

Sweet Dreams: Philosophical Obstacles to a Science of Consciousness (Jean Nicod Lectures)

Average customer rating:

The Mystery of the Zombie Hunch
Not his best, but...
Most obstinate denial of the most obvious
Consciousness Explained stands up to scrutiny
Overlapping (& Redundant) Series of Lectures

Sweet Dreams: Philosophical Obstacles to a Science of Consciousness (Jean Nicod Lectures)
Daniel C. Dennett
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Consciousness & Thought | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon
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ASIN: 0262042258

Book Description

In the years since Daniel Dennett's influential Consciousness Explained was published in 1991, scientific research on consciousness has been a hotly contested battleground of rival theories -- "so rambunctious," Dennett observes, "that several people are writing books just about the tumult." With Sweet Dreams, Dennett returns to the subject for "revision and renewal" of his theory of consciousness, taking into account major empirical advances in the field since 1991 as well as recent theoretical challenges.

In Consciousness Explained, Dennett proposed to replace the ubiquitous but bankrupt Cartesian Theater model (which posits a privileged place in the brain where "it all comes together" for the magic show of consciousness) with the Multiple Drafts Model. Drawing on psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, he asserted that human consciousness is essentially the mental software that reorganizes the functional architecture of the brain. In Sweet Dreams, he recasts the Multiple Drafts Model as the "fame in the brain" model, as a background against which to examine the philosophical issues that "continue to bedevil the field."

With his usual clarity and brio, Dennett enlivens his arguments with a variety of vivid examples. He isolates the "Zombic Hunch" that distorts much of the theorizing of both philosophers and scientists, and defends heterophenomenology, his "third-person" approach to the science of consciousness, against persistent misinterpretations and objections. The old challenge of Frank Jackson's thought experiment about Mary the color scientist is given a new rebuttal in the form of "RoboMary," while his discussion of a famous card trick, "The Tuned Deck," is designed to show that David Chalmers's Hard Problem is probably just a figment of theorists' misexploited imagination. In the final essay, the "intrinsic" nature of "qualia" is compared with the naively imagined "intrinsic value" of a dollar in "Consciousness -- How Much is That in Real Money?"

Customer Reviews:

The Mystery of the Zombie Hunch.......2006-03-29

As the concept of the modular structure of the brain emerged, objections to the idea took the form of "Well, if my brain's made up of computers, somebody in there has to be in charge. It had better be me!" This comment, paraphrased from philosopher Jerry Fodor, typifies what Daniel Dennett has been contending with for many years. Although the "Cartesian theatre" notion, that the body was one aspect of our being and the mind another - "dualism" - has supposedly been supplanted, it has not lost its hold on our view of consciousness. We continue to insist, in some form or other, that "somebody, and it better be me" is inside our minds looking out at the world. Although we can't find that "self" in there, we have a hunch it's there.

When Dennett wrote "Consciousness Explained" in 1991, it seemed the "homunculus" representing our "self" had been laid to rest. This excellent collection of essays and lectures, is an update on that earlier work. As lectures, they have a conversational tone, yet impart many deep insights. Addressing consciousness through four major themes, Dennett shows us the project of eradicating "dualism" remains incomplete. Until that view of "self" is discarded, our understanding of consciousness will remain misleading.

The first theme he addresses is the "zombie". Philosophers have posed the idea that a duplicate person, identical to you in every way but one, is logically possible. The person would act as you act, talk as you do, have the same preferences and distastes. But it would not be conscious. This proposal presumes that something in you could be identified that is lacking in the zombie. For most of us, who still feel our "self" remains somehow separate within us, the logic seems reasonable. Dennett carefully examines the implications of the proposal, and dismisses it as modernised dualism. If a region of the brain holds the key to "self" it remains out of sight and undetectable.

Perhaps the most challenging segment of the book deals with "heterophenomonology". This tongue-twisting phrase refers to the methods used in cognitive science. Because consciousness is "often celebrated as a mystery beyond science" Dennett challenges researchers to take a step back from commonly accepted techniques. Become a "Martian" cognitive scientist to broaden the scope of the work. One facet of this approach relies on understanding what "folk psychology" is, then building from there. We prefer to believe that what we believe is entirely private and unaccessible. Heterophenomonolgy, he contends, will expose aspects of our consciousness we view as a "mystery".

One of those "mysteries" has been wrapped in the idea of "qualia". Probably one of the poorest concepts in philosophy, "qualia" are things said to possess "intrinsic qualities". When you carefully examine those "intrinsic" properties, they begin to fade and vanish. If "qualia" is in an object we see, such as colour, how can it change without our noticing? Tests of "change blindness" indicate we can miss much concerning "qualia". Even the philosophic community, Dennett notes, cannot agree on a definition of "qualia". Yet, like the homunculus in the mind viewing the world, it steadfastly remains in use. The author examines this idea further in relating the story of "Mary", the colour-deprived scientist.

In "Consciousness Explained", Dennett proposed the Multiple Drafts Model of consciousness and cognition. In this collection, he enhances the original concept. With no centre in the brain, consciousness necessarily must be a distributed process. The progress of imaging and other technologies have expanded our view of the brain's functions. Dennett argues that the brain is "fame" not "television". The process is one of competition for dominance, no matter how fleeting. The mind is not a "top-down" or "bottom-up" process, but a "sideways" one. Ideas, experiences and other informational bits jostle for "clout". It's not easy to shed the idea of a special "self" in your mind, but all that's going on in there is still you.

As usual, Dennett has challenged successfully the "established" views of consciousness. Clearly, he argues, consciousness is neither an arcane "mystery" nor beyond serious and definitive investigation. The mind-set erecting barricades using the bricks of "qualia" and the mortar of the "Cartesian theatre" can, and must be, overcome for serious investigation to proceed. Delicacy and care must be employed, but the prize is understanding. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Not his best, but..........2006-03-14

This was certainly not his best book - a rather imperfectly thrown-together collection of material, and in need of some editing. But Dennet is truly one of the greats, and always worth reading. If you are a fan, you will certinly want to read this one, and probably own it too. On the other hand, if you haven't read his 'Breaking the Spell' yet, DEFINITELY buy and read that first - it is 10 times more exciting.

Most obstinate denial of the most obvious.......2006-02-08

The author fancies himself a Copernicus, by, similarly to the reversal of the notion that the sun revolves around the earth, rendering the notion of consciousness an "illusion" (last word, p.178). His ego is indeed enormous, my knowing of no other author quoting (p.45) and incessantly citing his own writing.

The notion of the sun revolving is an inference, from observing its change of position relative to the earth, and motion indeed is considered relative. But consciousness is not an inference. It is the most immediate phenomenon by which everything we know, or imagine, is manifested. Dennett persistently investigates distinctions in our brains, from dispositions to memories, often couching them in esoteric or otherwise unfamiliar terms, while sidestepping the simple fact that whatever the detailed particulars, all is presented to us through the medium of consciousness.

He puts great emphasis on the third-person approach, like questioning a subject about his perceptions, so as to discover misunderstandings about the inner workings of the mind, forgetting that all of these, whether actual perceptions or beliefs or else, are ingredients of consciousness. This his "scientific method", compared to first-person introspection, is the only approved one.

It is shared by others. Like Patricia Churchland, he has contempt for "folk" psychology, pitting it against favored "academic" (p.35). They also share a derogatory attitude toward dissenters, regarding them as reactionaries (p.8) or naysayers. The views are admittedly materialist, holding Cartesian dualism of mind and body "bankrupt" or a "disaster", as does John Searle.

Why? Descartes is not in line with their assumed all-inclusive scientific method, embraced also by philosophers, who traditionally delved deeper into issues of knowledge. I do so newly in my book and here wish to note that however physical inquiry progresses, consciousness, via which the inquiry is made, remains a distinct phenomenon.

Consciousness Explained stands up to scrutiny.......2005-08-21

This book is essentially a follow-up to the author's previous work Consciousness Explained. Dennett revises and builds upon the ideas he put forward in that book, and addresses some of the criticism that has been leveled against his theory of consciousness in the intervening years. He also reviews some of the development (or lack thereof!) in the study of and debate over the question of consciousness over the past few years.

As always, Daniel Dennett presents his ideas with great precision and eloquence. No other writer I have read does a better job of shedding light on the question of consciousness. As the author repeatedly cautions, much work remains to be done before we have a full understanding of how human consciousness works. But Dennett rejects the "Mysterian" view that consciousness is something special which by its very nature we can never obtain an understanding of using the scientific method. He puts forward a methodology for the systematic study of consciousness, and shows persuasively that it is a phenomenon just as open to scientific inquiry as any other biological function. One of the major themes in both Consciousness Explained and in this postscript to it is idea of "zombies", the subject of an old philosophical thought-experiment. The zombie is a creature indistinguishable from normal people but which has no internal mental life, no consciousness. As Dennett says he addresses the question of zombies reluctantly since it has been the source of so much confusion. He shows very clearly how the concept has little use in clarifying the question of consciousness. He also addresses the inevitable question of artificial intelligence and whether it is possible for "mere machines" to be consciousness. The answer turns out to be yes, since those conscious machines are us!

It would be best to read the author's previous book Consciousness Explained before reading this one.

Overlapping (& Redundant) Series of Lectures.......2005-08-13

My hope was that this series of lectures, which were partially reworked for the text, would present a more cohesive, sequential,less redundant, discourse on the issues. Examples are used, and reused, using identical text, which does nothing to advance or deepen understanding on the issues. Little reference is made to other major experts and their work in the field, except as a means for for highlighting the author's own views, and there is definitely an ego at work here.

The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon (Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 (Awards))

Average customer rating:

Breathtaking!
A survey of his pioneering observational techniques
Bird Lovers Take Note!
An Exquisite Marriage of Art and Text
Spectacular!

The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon (Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 (Awards))
Jacqueline Davies
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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The Flower Hunter: William Bartram, America's First Naturalist (Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 (Awards))
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Eliza and the Dragonfly (Ira Children's Book Awards. Primary)
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ASIN: 0618243437

Book Description

John James Audubon was a boy who loved the out-of-doors more than the in. He was a boy who believed in studying birds in nature, not just from books. And, in the fall of 1804, he was a boy determined to learn if the small birds nesting near his Pennsylvania home really would return the following spring. This book reveals how the youthful Audubon pioneered a technique essential to our understanding of birds. Capturing the early passion of America's greatest painter of birds, this story will leave young readers listening intently for the call of birds large and small near their own homes.

Customer Reviews:

Breathtaking!.......2005-03-18

My 5 children,ranging in age from 3-11 years,were absolutely captivated by this book. The author tells the story of a young John James Audubon and the illustrator brings the story alive thru rich mediums. This book is a perfect stepping stone to a variety of unit studies.

A survey of his pioneering observational techniques.......2005-01-03

John James Audubon loved nature and the outdoors as a child, and was determined to study birds in the wild rather than from books even as early as 1804. Jacqueline Davies' lively story of his youth and pioneering attitude will reach grades 3-6 with an excellent survey of his pioneering observational techniques. Drawings by Melissa Sweet provide lovely accompaniment to the story of the naturalist's early years.

Bird Lovers Take Note!.......2004-12-17

I loved reading this beautiful book with my nieces and nephew. There's so much to look at in the illustrations, and the writing flows naturally like the countryside Audubon explored. Children will be inspired to conduct their own investigations in the outside world after reading this. Each time you read this book, you find new things to look at and words to enjoy.

An Exquisite Marriage of Art and Text.......2004-12-16

Like a bird's song, the lyrical text by Jacqueline Davies is both simple and rich with undertones--the repetition of pattern, the careful selection of noun and verb, the staccato rhythm interspersed with longer musical lines. Paired with the exquisite collage art of Melissa Sweet, it is a perfect marriage. Children will love to pour over the tiny details in the illustrations. Teachers will revel in the biographical details of the text. All readers will come away with a feeling of enormous admiration for John James Audubon, whose passion gave the world so much knowledge and beauty.

Spectacular!.......2004-12-16

The Boy Who Drew Birds is one of those rare picture books that appeals to all ages. Young collectors will marvel when reading that Audubon's "Every shelf, every tabletop, every spare inch of floor, was covered with nests and eggs and tree branches and pebbles and lichen and feathers and stuffed birds . . ." Young artists may be shocked to discover that each year, on his birthday, John James removed the drawings on his wall that he had completed in the past 12 months, and burned them in the fireplace. All will be inspired by Audubon's inquisitiveness, his exploration of bird habits, and his ability to follow his passions (not to mention Melissa Sweet's amazing art). A beautifully written, gorgeous book!

Sweet Poison: How the World's Most Popular Artificial Sweetener Is Killing Us - My Story

Average customer rating:

It's really true!
Must Read Book!
Very helpful, worth the read.
Aspartame: The Poison They Don't Want You To Know About
Here's a thought...

Sweet Poison: How the World's Most Popular Artificial Sweetener Is Killing Us - My Story
Janet Starr Hull
Manufacturer: New Horizon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Nutrition | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Safety & First Aid | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Allied Health Professions | Medicine | Subjects | Books
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Sweet Deception: Why Splenda, NutraSweet, and the FDA May Be Hazardous to Your Health

ASIN: 0882822020

Book Description

When certified nutritionist Janet Hull became gravely ill, she discovered aspartame poisioning was to blame for her life threatening sickness. Her investigation revealed disturbing facts about aspartame hidden from the public since the 1970's — including documents contradicting product safety and the fact that aspartame was originally approved as a drug — not a food additive. She tells her story and the experiences of others and unveils startling evidence of a cover-up.

Customer Reviews:

It's really true!.......2007-03-16

I changed over to diet Coke and diet Dr. Pepper about a year ago to try and loose weight.

At first I continued to loose weight and all was well...

But then my weight loss stopped, and I started having a hard time concentrating. I thought I was just getting older when I started having trouble seeing at night. Then I noticed I started dropping things and bumping into walls etc. And I started having headaches.

I didn't think it could have anything to do with the aspartame in the soft drinks I was consuming even though I was up to about two liters of soda a day.

Then I talked with our Pastors wife who had almost died from aspartame poisioning and she said you need to stop right away.

I felt really bad the first two days of not drinking or consuming any aspartame products. Plus I wasn't consuming any cafeeine either. I was going to bed and sleeping for 16 hours.

But in the next three days I started feeling clearer headed and just better all around. My night vision is coming back every day and I no longer drop things.

Must Read Book!.......2007-03-08

Everyone should read this book and understand the dangers of aspertame. It is far worse than people realize. I have stopped using any foods or drinks with it in, and I know I feel better, and have less headaches. A book for everyone!

Very helpful, worth the read........2006-08-03

I was having thryoid problems after my second daughter was born. I was drinking Diet Dr. Pepper for an energy boost every day. This book caught my attention because of the author's thryoid disfunction. I read the book and stopped using aspartame.

My hair is no longer falling out, and my engergy and thryoid levels are back to normal.

My 3 year old daughter is epileptic, and several months before reading this book her seizures took a sudden turn for the worst. She started having 15-30 seizures a day, and even had 2 grand mal seizures. I was terrified by the increase in seizure activity and wondered what had caused the change.

Reading about how aspartame can cause seizures/grand mal seizures, I checked the vitamins I was giving my daughter.

Because it was fall, and I wanted her to be healthy during cold and flu season,I had started giving her several fruit flavored vitamin c chewables and 1 chewable multi vitamin. Checking the labels I discovered they all had aspartame as an ingredient.

It was hardly coincidence when I realized the increase in seizures was around the same time I started these vitamins. I threw out both bottles. It has been 6 months and my daughter has not had another grand mal seizure, and her seizures dropped from 15-30 a day down to 0-3 on a typical day. I was also able to drop 2 of her 3 seizure medications.

Aspartame is very dangerous, I had no idea.

Aspartame: The Poison They Don't Want You To Know About.......2006-01-07

For the past 2 years or so I had been feeling worse and worse as time went on. Headaches, neurological symptoms such as losing feeling in my arm and face, and the scariest of all, I was having trouble thinking straight. I really was beginning to feel like a different person and there were times that I felt like I was going insane.

Am I exaggerating?? I really wish I was, but sadly that was not the case. After speaking with my primary care doctor several times and having had tests done, I noticed that my symptoms improved at times, but nothing significant. I tried to put my finger on what the problem was, and one day while doing a search online, I found that some people who chewed Orbit gum were complaining of symptoms similar to mine. I had been chewing sugarless gum for years, and I never thought twice that what I was chewing could be hurting my body, potentially for the long term. After reading more, I immediately stopped using all products with aspartame/Nutrasweet/Equal and within a few short weeks I started feeling better.

During my initial research regarding the link between aspartame and the symptoms I was experiencing, I stumbled upon the book "Sweet Poison" by Janet Starr Hull, the story of how she found out that aspartame was the cause of her very own health problems and her research behind how this original ulcer drug got into nearly every type of food we eat every day.

Hull's story is very interesting, and anyone that wants to find out more about the story of how aspartame got into the United States food supply would be able to probably pick some bit of relevant information from this text, but I would be remiss if I didn't point out how sloppy the writing is. It's really a shame, because you get the point that the author really does care about educating the masses, but she would have been so better off if she had more people edit this book before it was published.

My favorite parts of this book relate to the story of the shady way in which aspartame got on the shelves of supermarkets around the country and how it probably should have been stopped long, long ago. It's just a sad realization that the corporations control America and it's not a new trend. The original fights to get aspartame FDA approved date back to the 1970s, and through loopholes and political tricks that is exactly what happened in the 1980s.

If you want to learn more about the history of aspartame and the story of an individual that had an adverse reaction to this drug, this is a nice read but it's very sloppy. Sometimes you will get done reading a paragraph and just say to yourself that the writing is outright POOR.

Some people will read this book and just say it's a bunch of hogwash and they have never had a bad reaction to a diet soda, but I can tell you from personal experience that this chemical CAN cause major problems so buyer beware.

In the battle between calories and chemicals, I'll take the calories, at least I can pronounce sugar more easily than many of the chemicals you see when you turn the label over of far too many foods that are purchased every single day.

*** RECOMMENDED

Here's a thought..........2005-10-24

Hmmmm- just as a wild off the cuff idea before you get too wrapped up in the author's opinions, why not just drink water? I haven't heard of too many people becoming ill from it - unless they're drowning, of course.

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