I am a sucker for a book about a group. What reminded me of this was Joanna Smith Rakoff's A Fortunate Age, her homage to Mary McCarthy's endlessly re-readable...
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Worldwide, there are over one billion passenger vehicles--cars and light trucks--in use. As industrialization increases around the globe, the demand for independent transportation will increase. Unfortunately, so will the demand for oil--and the resulting pollution. While ideally we may want fewer cars on the road, the reality is that we're very possibly looking at two billion cars well before the end of the 21st century.
Daniel Sperling and Deborah Gordon tackle this potential future, and offer up a solid solution that allows for economic growth, but with sustainability prioritized. They begin by laying out what technologies have been developed, and are available, such as various electric vehicles and alternative fuels. They then explore the issues surrounding why these alternatives haven't been explored to their greatest potential. For some, it's a matter of political and industry roadblocks. For others, consumers are reluctant (whether justifiably or not) to approach new technologies. Still other potential solutions are in need of refinement before they're ready for the global market.
Rather than painting a completely pessimistic picture, the authors are careful to offer not only the success stories that have helped keep sustainable personal transportation from being a complete failure, but also leave us with realistic and attainable goals to work towards as individuals, as a society, and as part of a global network.
While the book is somewhat academic and occasionally tends to be dry, it is still quite accessible. Additionally, the research is impeccable; the endnotes offer a great deal of additional detail as well as resources for further research. This is a book suitable for the layperson as well as the expert.
As Portland and other cities face an increase in automobile traffic, straining resources as well as infrastructure, it is crucial that we educate ourselves on what options are available to us. "Two Billion Cars: Driving Toward Sustainability" is an excellent starting point for those just becoming aware of the problem of over-reliance on cars, as well as a thorough resource for activists wanting a solid foundation for their arguments. It may not match the ideals of a car-free society, but it's a good middle ground between that, and a future where cars and their pollution are left unchecked.
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(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
Jim Butcher is a relative rarity--one of those authors whose writing not only maintains good quality over time, but improves with each book. In "Princeps' Fury", the fifth and penultimate book in the Codex Alera series, he continues the trend, carrying the ongoing storyline forward with great vigor.
Having discovered a twist in the fate of the wolf-warrior Canim, Tavi, the next Princeps of Alera, must work to unite his people with their enemies to fight a new common threat. The Vord, a countless army of insect-like beings, have overcome much of the known world during the battle between Alerans and Canim. Worse yet, they've gained the ability to work the magic of furycrafting--and no one is sure how. With their greatest strength now matched by the oncoming Vord, will Alera be able to defend its people from complete destruction?
Unlike many mid-series fantasy novels, "Princeps' Fury" is a strong story that displays great continuity, as well as deepening character development. Riding on the building action of previous books in the series, Butcher neither uses up all the potential plotlines, nor does he stretch them out to try to make them last until the next book. Instead, the result is a fast-paced yet complex read that leaves the reader waiting anxiously for the conclusion of the series.
One thing in particular that I appreciate about Butcher's character development is that the various inhabitants of his stories are distinctive enough that, several months after reading the last book in the series, I remember exactly who each character is as I revisit their world. While this late in the series it would be advisable to read the previous four books to get a clear sense of the context of what happens in this one, even someone who was introduced to Butcher's works with "Princeps' Fury" could get the gist of what's going on within the first few chapters.
Overall, Jim Butcher has presented us with another winner! I await the conclusion of this series with bated breath.
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(4 of 6 readers found this comment helpful)
With the current popularity of anime and manga, more and more Westerners are being introduced to traditional Japanese folklore, albeit in a sometimes highly altered fashion. This nifty little book, then, is a wonderful answer to the sometimes inaccurate assumptions that may be made about some of the strange and terrifying beings found in Nippon.
Written with a combination of good research and tongue-in-cheek "advice" (in case you just happen to meet on of these beasties), and delightfully illustrated and designed, "Yokai Attack!" explores the history and habits of dozens of Eastern monsters. It's a fun way to discover the roots of various denizens of pop culture. Players of the video game "Okami" may recognize the wheel-with-a-face, the Wanyudo. White Wolf gamers (and others) could learn a few new things about the Kitsune. And anybody who has played any of the Super Mario Brothers games may notice a family resemblance between the games' Koopa Troopas, and the well-known Japanese Kappa.
This is an excellent gift for your favorite Japanophile--and as the book has the same dimensions as your average paperback manga, it'll fit nicely on the shelf with everything else. However, any armchair mythologist will find this to be a good read, and it's a book whose niche has most definitely come.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
When many people think of Sigmund Freud, they immediately come up with an image of a bearded man taking notes on the words of a patient on a couch. Psychoanalysis is often linked to overly reductionist (and usually poorly informed) stereotypes that focus entirely on the sexual aspects of the Oedipus complex and related concepts. Yet Freud was the catalyst for what, in just over a century, has become a rich set of therapeutic theories and techniques that are at the basis of the majority of therapies today. The misinterpretations surrounding Freud's works can't eliminate the impact psychoanalysis has had on both psychological practice and the Western mind.
"Freud and Beyond" by Stephen A. Mitchell is a superb overview of Freud's theories and their origins, as well as some of the more prevalent derivations thereof. The ego psychology developed by Freud's daughter, Anna, Erik Erikson's developmental theories, Melanie Klein's controversial object relations--all these and more are covered in detail. The reader is offered a journey through the evolution of psychoanalysis from the very beginning to the 21st century, which should serve to clear up a good number of misconceptions.
While I encountered "Freud and Beyond" as a graduate school textbook, it is equally suitable for the layperson who wants a good bit of nonfiction to read. While thoroughly researched and of high academic quality, Mitchell's writing style should be accessible and engaging for most readers. He's also quite good at showing where psychoanalysis has shaped modern thought in other disciplines, as well as in Western cultures in general. Readers may be surprised at just how familiar some of the material is. On the other hand, Mitchell is not merely a Freudian apologist. He is well aware of the controversies and shortcomings of psychoanalysis, and the final two chapters discuss these in the context of the rest of the book.
Overall, this is a great book with many potential audiences. Whether you're approaching psychology with great gusto, or you're simply curious about what the story behind the couch is, "Freud and Beyond" will give you a much better understanding of just what Sigmund and Co. were thinking about.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
Alright, an up-front confession--I am not a smoker. However, this quirky little graphic novel about one smoker's "Love/Hate/Love/Hate/Love" relationship to cigarettes was a look into how the other not-quite-half experiences nicotine.
We're treated to a brief history of social attitudes towards smoking from celebrity endorsements to cancer threats, followed up with Flake's own mini-bio of how she got hooked. I was surprised, myself, to find out just how much of a social activity smoking is, as well as how much one's identity may be wrapped up in "I am a smoker". I do know that I will be more sympathetic to friends who are quitting after reading about the joys of nicotine "withdrawal", as well as mouth "bwifsters" from too many surrogate tea-tree oil/peppermint toothpicks.
Flake's artwork is deceptively simple, and yet conveys quite a bit of expression. It's rendered wholly in black and white with splashes of vivid red, adding to the stark reality without being overly depressing.
All in all, this was a fascinating look at an aspect of some folks' lives I'm not particularly privy to. While it's not going to make me go out and try smoking (nor was it particularly intended to), this little book gave me food for thought, and I admire Flake for putting her thoughts and her vulnerability out there for the world to see.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(0 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
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Two Billion Cars: Driving Toward Sustainability by Daniel Sperling
lupabitch, December 28, 2008
Worldwide, there are over one billion passenger vehicles--cars and light trucks--in use. As industrialization increases around the globe, the demand for independent transportation will increase. Unfortunately, so will the demand for oil--and the resulting pollution. While ideally we may want fewer cars on the road, the reality is that we're very possibly looking at two billion cars well before the end of the 21st century.Daniel Sperling and Deborah Gordon tackle this potential future, and offer up a solid solution that allows for economic growth, but with sustainability prioritized. They begin by laying out what technologies have been developed, and are available, such as various electric vehicles and alternative fuels. They then explore the issues surrounding why these alternatives haven't been explored to their greatest potential. For some, it's a matter of political and industry roadblocks. For others, consumers are reluctant (whether justifiably or not) to approach new technologies. Still other potential solutions are in need of refinement before they're ready for the global market.
Rather than painting a completely pessimistic picture, the authors are careful to offer not only the success stories that have helped keep sustainable personal transportation from being a complete failure, but also leave us with realistic and attainable goals to work towards as individuals, as a society, and as part of a global network.
While the book is somewhat academic and occasionally tends to be dry, it is still quite accessible. Additionally, the research is impeccable; the endnotes offer a great deal of additional detail as well as resources for further research. This is a book suitable for the layperson as well as the expert.
As Portland and other cities face an increase in automobile traffic, straining resources as well as infrastructure, it is crucial that we educate ourselves on what options are available to us. "Two Billion Cars: Driving Toward Sustainability" is an excellent starting point for those just becoming aware of the problem of over-reliance on cars, as well as a thorough resource for activists wanting a solid foundation for their arguments. It may not match the ideals of a car-free society, but it's a good middle ground between that, and a future where cars and their pollution are left unchecked.
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
Codex Alera #05: Princeps' Fury by Jim Butcher
lupabitch, December 4, 2008
Jim Butcher is a relative rarity--one of those authors whose writing not only maintains good quality over time, but improves with each book. In "Princeps' Fury", the fifth and penultimate book in the Codex Alera series, he continues the trend, carrying the ongoing storyline forward with great vigor.Having discovered a twist in the fate of the wolf-warrior Canim, Tavi, the next Princeps of Alera, must work to unite his people with their enemies to fight a new common threat. The Vord, a countless army of insect-like beings, have overcome much of the known world during the battle between Alerans and Canim. Worse yet, they've gained the ability to work the magic of furycrafting--and no one is sure how. With their greatest strength now matched by the oncoming Vord, will Alera be able to defend its people from complete destruction?
Unlike many mid-series fantasy novels, "Princeps' Fury" is a strong story that displays great continuity, as well as deepening character development. Riding on the building action of previous books in the series, Butcher neither uses up all the potential plotlines, nor does he stretch them out to try to make them last until the next book. Instead, the result is a fast-paced yet complex read that leaves the reader waiting anxiously for the conclusion of the series.
One thing in particular that I appreciate about Butcher's character development is that the various inhabitants of his stories are distinctive enough that, several months after reading the last book in the series, I remember exactly who each character is as I revisit their world. While this late in the series it would be advisable to read the previous four books to get a clear sense of the context of what happens in this one, even someone who was introduced to Butcher's works with "Princeps' Fury" could get the gist of what's going on within the first few chapters.
Overall, Jim Butcher has presented us with another winner! I await the conclusion of this series with bated breath.
(4 of 6 readers found this comment helpful)
Yokai Attack Japanese Monster Survival G by Hiroko Yoda
lupabitch, October 22, 2008
With the current popularity of anime and manga, more and more Westerners are being introduced to traditional Japanese folklore, albeit in a sometimes highly altered fashion. This nifty little book, then, is a wonderful answer to the sometimes inaccurate assumptions that may be made about some of the strange and terrifying beings found in Nippon.Written with a combination of good research and tongue-in-cheek "advice" (in case you just happen to meet on of these beasties), and delightfully illustrated and designed, "Yokai Attack!" explores the history and habits of dozens of Eastern monsters. It's a fun way to discover the roots of various denizens of pop culture. Players of the video game "Okami" may recognize the wheel-with-a-face, the Wanyudo. White Wolf gamers (and others) could learn a few new things about the Kitsune. And anybody who has played any of the Super Mario Brothers games may notice a family resemblance between the games' Koopa Troopas, and the well-known Japanese Kappa.
This is an excellent gift for your favorite Japanophile--and as the book has the same dimensions as your average paperback manga, it'll fit nicely on the shelf with everything else. However, any armchair mythologist will find this to be a good read, and it's a book whose niche has most definitely come.
(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought by Stephen A Mitchell
lupabitch, September 28, 2008
When many people think of Sigmund Freud, they immediately come up with an image of a bearded man taking notes on the words of a patient on a couch. Psychoanalysis is often linked to overly reductionist (and usually poorly informed) stereotypes that focus entirely on the sexual aspects of the Oedipus complex and related concepts. Yet Freud was the catalyst for what, in just over a century, has become a rich set of therapeutic theories and techniques that are at the basis of the majority of therapies today. The misinterpretations surrounding Freud's works can't eliminate the impact psychoanalysis has had on both psychological practice and the Western mind."Freud and Beyond" by Stephen A. Mitchell is a superb overview of Freud's theories and their origins, as well as some of the more prevalent derivations thereof. The ego psychology developed by Freud's daughter, Anna, Erik Erikson's developmental theories, Melanie Klein's controversial object relations--all these and more are covered in detail. The reader is offered a journey through the evolution of psychoanalysis from the very beginning to the 21st century, which should serve to clear up a good number of misconceptions.
While I encountered "Freud and Beyond" as a graduate school textbook, it is equally suitable for the layperson who wants a good bit of nonfiction to read. While thoroughly researched and of high academic quality, Mitchell's writing style should be accessible and engaging for most readers. He's also quite good at showing where psychoanalysis has shaped modern thought in other disciplines, as well as in Western cultures in general. Readers may be surprised at just how familiar some of the material is. On the other hand, Mitchell is not merely a Freudian apologist. He is well aware of the controversies and shortcomings of psychoanalysis, and the final two chapters discuss these in the context of the rest of the book.
Overall, this is a great book with many potential audiences. Whether you're approaching psychology with great gusto, or you're simply curious about what the story behind the couch is, "Freud and Beyond" will give you a much better understanding of just what Sigmund and Co. were thinking about.
(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
These Things Ain't Gonna Smoke Themselves: A Love/Hate/Love/Hate/Love Letter to a Very Bad Habit by Emily Flake
lupabitch, September 25, 2008
Alright, an up-front confession--I am not a smoker. However, this quirky little graphic novel about one smoker's "Love/Hate/Love/Hate/Love" relationship to cigarettes was a look into how the other not-quite-half experiences nicotine.We're treated to a brief history of social attitudes towards smoking from celebrity endorsements to cancer threats, followed up with Flake's own mini-bio of how she got hooked. I was surprised, myself, to find out just how much of a social activity smoking is, as well as how much one's identity may be wrapped up in "I am a smoker". I do know that I will be more sympathetic to friends who are quitting after reading about the joys of nicotine "withdrawal", as well as mouth "bwifsters" from too many surrogate tea-tree oil/peppermint toothpicks.
Flake's artwork is deceptively simple, and yet conveys quite a bit of expression. It's rendered wholly in black and white with splashes of vivid red, adding to the stark reality without being overly depressing.
All in all, this was a fascinating look at an aspect of some folks' lives I'm not particularly privy to. While it's not going to make me go out and try smoking (nor was it particularly intended to), this little book gave me food for thought, and I admire Flake for putting her thoughts and her vulnerability out there for the world to see.
(0 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
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