5 comments about The American Dream.

1. Broadcast journalist Dan Rather collected inspirational stories from a cross-section of Americans who expressed their feelings about transforming dreams into reality. Themes include freedom, enterprise, pursuit of happiness, family, celebrity, education, innovation, and service. The recurring theme throughout the book is that America uniquely provides opportunities for one to not only dare to dream but also to actively pursue those dreams. That our visions can come true if we believe in ourselves, accept help when it is offered and work hard.



2. The American dream was the idea which guided us through the early days of the republic. We were the first nation to be founded on an ideal, "toward a more perfect union, the establishment of justice." This dream provides the best common ground on which to build the American future. Dwight Eisenhower felt that "freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed -- else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die."
   
   Unless a people are educated an enlightened, it is idle to expect the continuance of civil liberty or the capacity for self-government. The MacArthur Fellowship allows normal intelligent Americans to find their dream. It is a no-strings award given to an individual for being a committed and active student. You can't apply for this fellowship' you don't even know if you are under consideration. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation hires one hundred authorities from a variety of field each year to nominate potential fellows. They serve anonymously and diligently. It's designed to be a bolt from the blue, a reward for work done and an incentive to keep going. "Professional scientists feel threatened by these up-an-coming geniuses; Ph.D. is woven into the very fabric of their sense of self-worth." My son worked hard for his Merit Scholarship to attend the University of Chicago where he earned his PhD in Astronomy. But, let me tell you, just getting that degree after ten hard years of work and study does not guarantee success. He's had his highs and lows with NASA, but in a way he has achieved part of his American Dream.
   
   Dan Rather, my favorite news anchor, is from Texas (and proud of it). Previously, he has written DEADLINES & DATELINES, THE CAMERA NEVER BLINKS, and THE PALACE GUARD. Some years ago, he was mugged on the streets of New York City, but it didn't faze him. He continued to live his American Dream to enhance his fans' lives and perform his reporting duties with honor and truth.



3. First off, I love Dan Rather. He's a wonderful, passionate man whom I love to watch on the news. The problem is, he's not a writer. Not a very good one at least. This book is a noble attempt, but there is just so much that's wrong with it.
   
   For one thing, there is just some bad writing in it. It has a lot of errors in fact and a lot of typos. Among others, he writes that Texas A&M University (rather than Texas Tech) is in Lubbock, and he says that Ryne Sandberg in in the Baseball Hall of Fame (he just should be soon). There is also bad grammar (this is beyond the Texas colloquialisms in the book which I think are fine-I'm a Texan myself). These are fairly small problems, but they are oftly annoying, and they are not good signs in a book written by a journalist who's supposed to report facts. Furthermore, he just has few narrative talents, at least not those required for a book. He tells the stories as a journalist on Headline News would--concise, to the point, and without much flavor. They're just there; the reader is rarely drawn in.
   
   The most glaring flaw, though, is that there are a lot of flaws in logic in the book. For instance, one of the stories is about a ten-year-old boy who realizes that many of the underpriveleged at his school cannot afford school supplies, so he works together an organization that collects and disperses those needed supplies. This is all obviously a good thing. But then, Rather relates a joke told by the boy's mother who said she needed to haul the school supplies around so she "traded in [her] Lexus for a Durango, and now [she's] getting a Yukon because the Durango isn't big enough." My problem is the huge contrast here. On one hand, there are all of these kids lacking necessities and the heroes who are helping them are laughing about purchasing one expensive SUV after another for themselves. How is this inequality emblematic of the American Dream? How does this book manage to lament the rising poverty rates and terrible living conditions and still manage to promote excessive materialism? There are some people in the book who are praised for having overcome hardship to make millions (some of them stepping on other people's heads to do so) and others who are praised for having given up millions to help those in need. Frankly, these two "ideals" don't go together. Nevertheless, these people, according to Rather, have all attained the American dream. There are a lot of contradicting ideas expressed in these stories. Furthermore, I don't really think Rather has a great concept of what the American dream is. When Sister Sylvia Schmidt founds a homeless shelter in Tulsa, OK, I don't think she is following the American Dream. I think she's following dreams that go far beyond the American Dream, and I think she's rejecting the prevalent, primarily materialistic, concept of the American Dream of today's society.
   
   I'm giving the book two stars because I like Dan Rather, and because some of the stories were rather inspiring. Neverthess, it's not a good book. I will continue to watch Dan Rather on tv, but I'm quite sure I won't read a book by him again.



4. This was a very inspirational book. It brings to life the work of dozens of heroes...people who love America. There is SO MUCH greatness in the country. It is time we concentrate on that instead of dwelling on the negative stories. Don't tell Sean Hannity or Rush Limbaugh, but Dan Rather will go down in history as one of the great broadcast journalists of all time. He walks the walk and talks the talk.

   I never understood why some people hate Dan Rather so much. What a great book!!

   Jeffrey McAndrew
   broadcast journalist and author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"




5. Clearly, an inspirational book - well written, cogently presented - all in true-to-form Dan Rather style. Whilst telling us about many "American Success" stories, Rather seems to suggest that the right idea at the right time, combined with hard work, stamina, and perhaps a little bit of luck will ultimately get you there - to riches (material and otherwise). Sadly, it's also part of the American Dream that the rate of failure is much higher than one expects, and occasionally, the reason for failure is also rooted in the "American Dream".

   Nevertheless, it's good to know that the Dream continues - a refreshing reminder amongst often too much bad news.

   A good read - but don't get too carried away.

No comments about The Invisible Wall: A Love Story That Broke Barriers.

No comments about The Wit and Wisdom of Will Rogers.

2 comments about Her Name Is Barbra.

1. Though not perfect, this is Streisand's best biography for three reasons (1) it is well researched, (2) the author is not in awe of Streisand and avoids writing a tribute, and (3) it is interesting from beginning to end.



2. My biggest complaint is that Mr. Riese steps into the shoes of Streisand more often than he should. The research is good, but only as good as the people he has interviewed (the majority of whom hold a grudge against Streisand). There are statements in the book in which he actually tells us her thoughts, this is not only arrogant on his behalf, but unfair. I think he takes too much creative license. Good attempt though.

5 comments about Fantastic: The Life of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

1. Arnold is without doubt one of the most influential human beings of the 21st century. Fantastic gives us a glimpse into the life of the man who on the face of things looks invincible. The book (and I pray it doesnt make things up) also gives readers a glimpse into arnolds kinder side. The oak has a heart.



2. my boyfriend is a huge arnold fan so he loves this book that i bought for him



3. this book is an objective and complete biography of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
   it tells the rise to fame and power from his childhood to his first year of governorship. After reading it, one must observe that succes in life depends not on luck, as many believe so, but on discipline, wilful ambition,drive and
   positive thinking followed by action.
   i recommend this book not only for arnold fans (it should be mandatory for them :) ) but to anyone who wants to get an insight into one of the most extraordinary success stories of our times
   Please excuse any language mistakes, i`m not a native english speaker



4. Larry Leamer's 'Fantastic' is fantastic. I couldn't put it down. It is amazing to learn that one human being, Arnold Schwarzenegger, built such an amazing life. Leamer catalogues this life in a readable, entertaining, objective way. If anyone wants to know what makes Arnold tick, this book will tell him.
   
   Marc H. Rudov
   Author
   The Man's No-Nonsense Guide to Women
   (ISBN: 978-0974501710)



5. As a big fan of Arnold I couldnt wait to buy this book.
   However as he is now a politician I feared it may be nothing but pro Arnold propangada as there is a future possibility of this man running for president. Instead I found a well written, interesting and honest account of the man who was born with nothing material but had bucketfulls of determination, ambition and confidence. The early accounts of Arnolds life are facinating and the book gives an honest account of how Arnold was far from the perfect man providing details of his gamesmanship and arrogance in bodybuilding contests and his days of womanising.
   Some people only knock this book because they despise the fact that Arnold won California. The facts are he is the greatest bodybuilder of all time, his movies while not oscar winners sold millions of cinema tickets and he did win California which was incredible. Love him or loathe him the mans a winner. My only knock against this book is that it contains too much political stuff and as I am from Spain im not very interested in American politics.

1 comments about Stationary Ark.

1. I particularly like Gerald Durrell's books because of his humor. I lent it to my sick friend and she laughed so hard she got better. My mom has to yank it away from me before I listen when she wants something done. I am sure you will buy up the whole series when you read one of his books. Be patient at first and then it gets better.

3 comments about Edmund Burke: A Genius Reconsidered.

1. In this easy to read volume Russell Kirk provides a succinct biography of "the first conservative of our time of troubles." Burke's political philosophy is clearly explained and Kirk introduces the reader to Edmund Burke the man.
   
   The book basically deals with the four major issues of Burke's life: his resistance to Jacobinism, England's relationship with the American Colonies, the prosecution of Warren Hastings, and the stifling of George III's domestic authority. Kirk provides wonderful quotes throughout the book and thorough, balanced analysis.
   
   Those looking for a critical assessment of Burke will not find it here, as Kirk, the great conservative thinker of our time, was a proponent of Burke and felt that his voice was still applicable in today's political climate. However, this does not compromise the integrity of this volume.
   
   This book is a must read for anyone interested in political theory, politics, and/or history.



2. Edmund Burke deserves better than this biography. The author Russell Kirk is full of admiration for Burke, but his unqualified praise of his subject is more deserving of a 19th century hagiography than it is a modern work. At no point in the book that I can remember does Kirk ever put anything but the most positive spin on the 18th century statesman/philosopher's actions. Burke is undoubtedly everything Kirk claims -- a great man, a genius, and his influence in both England and the United States largely underestimated - but even the greatest and wisest of men have blind spots and moments of weakness. Was Burke perhaps overzealous in his sixteen-year pursuit of Warren Hastings? Did Burke hide his Irish Catholic roots out of fear for what they could do to his ambitions if brought out in the open? Was his political philosophy less than consistent? Not according to Kirk.

   Edmund Burke: A Genius Reconsidered" does have its good points. It's well-written -- far more accessible than the Conor Cruise O'Brien biography "The Great Melody". (To be fair to O'Brien, his biography is not a straightforward work, but presents Burke's life thematically.) Kirk's book also makes some valid points about Burke's legacy, convincing the reader that Burke's philosophy is underappreciated by modern audiences. But a more balanced approach to Burke's life - without all the Great Man gloss -- would have made this point just as effectively.




3. Kirk's introduction to the life and politics of Burke is essential to understanding Edmund Burke in his time and ours. More of a Political biography than a general biography, it is still a book whose prose is very readable and understandable. A biography of a great man by a great man.

5 comments about Bad Company.

1. "Bad Company" is a good example of a book that ties the creative with the factual. Steve Wick did a wonderful job in developing the story without making it too heavy for the gray cells. He was able to successfully give insights into the lives of both the living and the dead giving ample space for both the protagonist (Roy Radin) and the antagonist (Laney Jacobs) as well as the people around them.
   
   After reading the book, I see Laney Jacobs/Laney Greenberger as a woman who used an aura air sophistication and good taste to mask her ruthlessness. She was a woman who wouldn't let anything or anybody stand in the way of achieving her goals and dreams. Laney Jacobs/Laney Greenberger was a person who only thought of herself.
   
   The only problem that I had with the book is that the last 2 chapters gave me an impression that the last parts were hastily done. I believe Steve Wick could have given the said sections "more meat" instead of making it look like a summary of whatever happened after Laney Jacob's/Laney Greenberger's arrest.



2. First a little background information about the main players in this tale of cocaine, murder, egos, and Showbiz "wannabes" and "ustawuzes."

   For starters there was Roy Radin, a modern day, but old fashioned, vaudeville entrepeneur. Radin got very rich producing vaudeville type productions that traveled a circuit of medium sized midwestern cities and towns as fund raisers for such organizations as police benevolent societies. The sponsoring societies did make money, but Radin usually made more. His shows and audiences were the sort that usually gave more applause and greater laughter to the trained dog act than to well-known entertainer, Joey Bishop.

   Oh, yes, Radin was also a binge eater and user of cocaine. These little habits often consumed a big part of his income.

   The second major player in this drama was Karen "Laney" Jacobs, later Laney Greenberger. It is a matter of public record, from her later pre-trial hearings, that Laney was a major cocaine distributor who did business with some very vicious people, and who ended up on trial herself for a very vicious murder.

   A third player, key to our story, was Robert Evans, a Hollywood movie producer who had produced some very successful movies but who, during the period covered by this book, was somewhat down on his luck.

   Additional players were various drug traffickers, dealers, gangsters, and hit men, as well as Laney's last husband, Larry Greenberger, who either was a retired businessman or a major player in the drug trade, depending on whose testimony one chooses to believe.

   It would seem that both Radin and Laney (then Greenberger) wanted to get into the legitimate movie producing business. To facilitate this desire, Laney introduced Radin to Robert Evans who had the rights to produce the movie "Cotton Club," but who was unable, at that time, to get financing through normal channels. Radin, through use of his own money, and money from other sources, could provide this much needed financial backing.

   Laney's idea, when she made the introduction, was to form a production company consisting of Evans, Radin, and herself. This is the point where Radin made his very serious error in judgment. He decided to cut Laney out of the deal and to only pay her a $50,000 finder's fee. Laney didn't take kindly to this snub. Being a principal in the procuction company that made this film would have made her "someone" in Hollywood, and potentially could have been very profitable to the tune of millions.

   She didn't take this sort of thing lightly. One evening, she set up a dinner meeting with Radin to "discuss" their differences. He was last seen alive getting into her limousine. A month later his badly decomposed body was discovered, It had multiple bullet holes in the head.

   Her last husband was also guilty of using poor judgment, which evidently caused Laney to become angry with him. One day, with Laney upstairs in their large estate home in Florida, He managed to commit suicide in a most unusual manner. With a large caliber gun in his right hand, he somehow shot himself in the left temple with powder marks that indicated that, in addition to this unusual way of shooting himself on the wrong side of the head, he had managed to do it from six to eight feet away. Very long arms? He also managed to hold onto the gun, with his finger still on the trigger, even though the recoil should have caused him to drop it. A most amazing form of suicide.

   Since Laney was charged with Radin's murder and expedited to California, the investigation of this most unusual suicide was never completed.

   This all goes to show that, when dealing with a no-nonsense, tough as nails, female drug dealer, one really should try to use some degree of discretion.




3. This other book goes into this crime further and the association with the Manson Family. I remember reading this book a few years ago and it sent chills up my spine...why? well, because I used to date Bill Mentzer (the "hit man" profiled in this book. It's truly amazing that he could have actually been the person that I read about and I was, well, shocked to say the least. I thought he made all of his money being a body guard for the rich and famous and had no idea that the trips he took me on were his alibi's...scary stuff when I look back. I also learned from the book that he was cheating on me with Lannie what's her name. Well, at least it had a good ending and he ended up in prison where he 'ought to be after he got his 7 minutes of fame featured on "America's Most Wanted. I stopped taking his collect calls and letters since I saw the show and read the book.



4. Chilling true life crime. Good portayal of the subjects



5. Oh wow!!!! Just when you think you've read everything about very bad people, along comes this gem. The cast of characters in this book makes Caligula look like Mother Teresa. A real page-turner about the murder of an aspiring producer, Roy Radin, in the 1980s. Steve Wick is a reader's writer: he keeps the pace moving weaving the details into a very rich tapestry. I didn't want the book to end. NB--Because this book is out-of-print, run, don't walk, to the public library and check out a copy. It's worth your time and effort.

5 comments about The Demon-Haunted World.

1. I'm not a scientist, per say, but I do know that I enjoy any author who is willing to go out of his/her way to appeal to their readers sensibilities and/or reason, before, they launch into the body of the book. This allows the reader to feel some level of comfort that they are reading from the passages of a sane individual and not one who isn't going to pay the reader the courtisy of being upfront and honest.
   
   I think Carl Sagan has done a great job at capturing my interest ... so far, and I can't wait to read on. Good day sir!



2. Carl Sagan has given a gift of both entertainment and insight to us about how even science itself is subject to fads, fakes and mistaken notions. The questions he poses as models for how to figure out if you are being "bamboozled" will work in many contexts. I recommend this book for every intelligent American. Failure to appreciate the challenge of discerning truths from fictions can sink a democracy. After you read it and use its analysis, holes appear in many popular "scientfic' propositions, not the least of which is the "man is a major cause of global warming" proposition.



3. Sagan disproves most myths lot of people have believed, are believing and probably will believe in the future, no matter how many proofs exists against these ideas. But more important is, he gives a clear method how to filter all the crap you will encounter in the future, the way science works. He explains the importance of being open minded, but still skeptical. I will definitely try other books from Sagan in the near future.
   
   Must read book for everyone, especially for credulous people.



4. It's hard enough to understand how Sagan could know as much about astronomy as he did, let alone the possibility of extra-terrestrial life. But that his range of knowledge was also as wide as this book demonstrates on pseudo-science and supernaturalisms is stunning, even more that he could write so well on all these topics.
   
   I wasn't aware just how evil the treatment of witches was: I'm glad Sagan spared at least some of the details. That chapter alone was worth the book for me. Nor was I aware to what extent people actually did believe that demons were real. The attitudes and behavior about witchcraft and demons truly makes me feel I do not understand at all the mindset at the time of Rome or even during the Middle Ages. The chapter on James Randi's Carlos hoax I'll treasure: next time someone tries to sell me on telepathy or reincarnation, I hope I think of this immediately. Good information and examples here as well about hypnoisis, UFO's, hallucinations and a good deal more. This book amounts to an implicit course in choosing a scientific outlook and becoming, as Sagan would have said, a "baloney detector".
   
   It is appalling how small a percentage of people in the U.S. accept evolution and natural selection. Have we really needed brilliant scientists like Sagan and Dawkins to have wasted time trying to convince people of just how well-founded evolution is? And yet reading in this book about how many people believe in UFOs, telepathy, ghosts, astrology, it puts the unwillingness to acknowledge evolution into perspective. Scary? Or do you doubt that it is? In either case, this easy to read book is packed with reasons to prefer a scientific approach to life. Sagan's lectures in
   The Varieties of Scientific Experience: A Personal View of the Search for God
   provide good reasons not to feel threatened by science but rather feel welcome its help in enhancing our sense of wonder about our lives ... and turning to knowledge instead of being distracted by foolish beliefs.



5. insight as to why the sheep believe in ghosts, God, aliens, luck charms. Well done.

No comments about Frank Sinatra, My Father: The Golden Years : In His Own Words.