Issue

As a home schooling family, we have found this book to provide the basics for a hands on science curriculum. The experiennts have been easy to perform and the materials needed easy to gather from home or the local hardware store. Our children ages preschool to fourth grade look forward to science due to the wide range of activities and "fun" educational projects. The directions and safety concerns are adaquate when the reader keeps in mind the title of the book is "How Parents AND Children....", and the book is enjoyed together. Group this book with a well stocked library for more indepth reading on the topics the book introduces and you have enough science for a year at least!

I bought this books years ago because I was attracted to its beautiful photographs. Now I am using it with my 11 year old daughter as part of her science curriculum at home. It can be used in many ways, but even if you don't ever do the experiments, just seeing the photos makes the complex easy to understand. Even after getting a master's degree, I find I am really understanding things that I supposedly learned years ago. I highly recommend this book.

With a wealth of drawings, pictures, and photographs, this book explains the basics of natural selection and the evolution of life on earth.

The authors also do a good job of confronting issues that have little to do with science but which may nevertheless be raised by some in connection with this branch of human knowledge. References to certain mythological beliefs are done in a professional and non-offensive way, with reasoned explanations of why people may have thought the way they did (or do). This book is highly recommended for children in Middle School who are confronted with class-mates who do not understand evolution or who for some reason have been taught that it is not 'true.'

But the main strength of this book is a strong presentation of the evidence for natural selection that is found in nature. By combining many interesting facts about fascinating animals with a small dose of hard science this book is a perfect introduction to areas of science such as geology and anthropology. As such it also provides much information that will complement Middle School science classes. This book should be in every educated family's library.

I was looking for a book on evolution to give to a child who was asking questions about the subject. I found this book in eyewitness fashion to be low on text but told its story through many engaging interesting pictures. The book sensitively dealt with questions of creation and biblic questions relating to evolution, answering them with scientific and historical information. It also provided multicultural references and included creation stories from non-western cultures as well.

This book is a must for high school or even junior high science teachers who are faced with justifying teaching their subject matter to parents, board members and community members. Not to mention, its a beautiful descriptive book that is a welcome addition to any general level scientific book collection.

This book provides many helpful tips to enable caregivers to survive and even flourish while caring for family members and others in the home.

January 2, 1999

Dear Sirs,

My husband and I wish to tell you what a helpful book "The Family Caregiver's Guide" is.

If I had had the book when I first became a caregiver, it would have saved me from much anguish and stress.

Thank you for a wonderful book.

Sincerely,

Robert & Bettye Evans Stockton, Illinois

Clear, concise, and deeply thoughtful analysis of the basic premise underlying the religion clauses of the Bill of Rights and how they have been and continue to be misconstrued by both sides in issues involving relations between Church and State.

Tracks development of Jefferson's "wall of separation" comment from its original significance to the status of useful shibboleth. Provides insightful interpretation of events that gradually changed what had been "the Protestant nation" into a truly religiously plural society and turned James Madison's concept into reality.

Presents a clear and historically accurate picture of the relationship between government and religion envisaged by the Framers of the Constitution, as well as examples of how it can be adhered to in our time.

For some time we have not had a truly radical approach to the reading of the First Amendment as it relates to Church-State Relations. Now Thomas Curry, the Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Santa Barbara, CA, has provided one that I believe will stimulate productive discussions from all sides.

Whereas people have largely divided themselves into "separationists" or "accommodationists," a general literalism of approach has blocked our seeing the historical roots of the First Amendment. Those who framed and passed the Amendment did not think like modern Americans, either those who wish for governmental support or those who would put a wall of separation between religion and government.

Read carefully, and seen in the context of writers like Jame Madison and the experience of the colonies, the Amendment actually declares that the government has no power in questions of religion. It declares itself incapable of judging religious questions. The founders did not want to support any religion as had been the case with governments of many stripes in the past. Neither did they wish to have a say on what religion was the best or what religion could do. Goernment simply had no competence in religious matters.

All religions, not just Roman Catholicism, will be affected by an understanding and acceptance of Curry's views. Freedom for Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews, Muslims--for all religions--is what the First Amendment guarantees for Amricans.

Any true Christian woman that takes her role as a woman seriously, must read this book.

The most important book a female could ever read! Enough said.

This book was wonderfully well-written and I am not just saying that because one of the authors, Jeff M. Elliot, is my Pol. Sci. professors!! In, response to the last review by "A Reader" - You need to get over yourself!! The use of "Persident" and "Republic" is NOT being used subversively - GET A LIFE!!! It was a wonderful look at Castro's Presidency!!!

I would like to inform the writers of this book that a "republic" according to the dictionary is a country where the "president" has been elected by voters, by the people, that is. There has not been a public vote in Cuba for 38 years. The people have not elected Fidel Castro as their president. He elected himself so I strongly suggest that you change the title of the book. You are maliciously and with felonious intent subverting the meaning of "republic" and "president" and I do resent calling Fidel what he is not.

Here's a 'Field Guide' destined to become dog-eared from regular use. Consider Patient X who gets mad, no matter what you do; Family B whose mother died unexpectedly on the operating table; or Patient A who can't quite commit to taking blood pressure meds. You'll find ways to better communicate with them -- or any of your patients for that matter.

Sneak a peek into the Guide's Table of Contents to find tips for specific encounters. In just 90 seconds of reading, you can learn enough to get through an impasse. If you do nothing more than learn how to use the "Pearls" at the end of each chapter, your work will be easier. --Mary K. Kouri, Ph.D. Editor, "Quality Improvement/Total Quality Management" newsletter

This Field guide is a concise paperback full of pithy one-page descriptions of challenging patients along with suggested solutions, including the exact words one might use to "unstick" an interview that is stuck. Many of these vignettes will be familiar to the medical professional, including the list-bringer, the narcotic abuser, etc. However, it is notable that many of these techniques are applicable to conversations throughout our daily lives. A must for medical professionals and students who find interviewing a "lost art" and want to learn basic as well as advanced techniques for self-improvement.

"It's all about taking responsibility for your own body. Being in my forties has led me to take more interest in my health, and Finally...The Truth About Women's Health Care is a gold mine of practical, common-sense information to help me along the way. Kathy covers important and timely issues, including hormone imbalance, PMS, breast cancer, heart disease and heart healthy practices, osteoporosis, and the effects of stress (which is particularly important reading considering the amount of stress women are under). Along with anecdotal information from her own holistic practice, Kathy provides proven, gentle herbal remedies and simple things women can do to help insure their own good health.

The most important factor of Kathy's book is her admonition to take control and ask questions. We know our bodies better than anyone, and have a responsibility to ourselves to be well informed about our options. While the medical and pharmaceutical communities must be accountable to the human beings they serve, Finally . . . The Truth reminds us that the ultimate accountability for our treatment is our own. Kathy's goal is not to deny the importance of medical practitioners or the many successful and important traditional medical practices. She merely wants women to take control of their health and be informed about the available treatments, including the holistic and natural. Women want to make informed decisions based on real facts, and Kathy provides the resources to get those facts. I will be recommending Finally . . . The Truth About Women's Health Care to my friends.

Marilyn Brannen
Health Writer

Truth is something we expect from our health care professionals. According to a new book by local author Kathy Smiley, you may not always get what you expect.

Smiley, a certified herbalist, has been in clinical practice since 1990. She has appeared on national and public television and has written hundreds of articles in the area of alternative health.

In her book, she challenges some of the most widely held beliefs regarding conventional medical practices. "Finally...The Truth About Women's Health Care: How and Why Women are Lied to by the Medical Establishment," offers her opinion on topics which are important for all women.

Hormone replacement therapy, osteoporosis, heat disease and breast cancer. Other issues might not be as familiar to general reading such as thyroid deficiency, or how seriously stress affects hormones and emotions.

In the forward, Dr. Julian Whitaker, M.D., director of the Whitaker Wellness Institute in Newport Beach, said that Smiley, "writes not only about natural therapies that are available for various heath conditions, but about the efforts of many people within the traditional medical establishment to prevent their use."

Whitaker, who received his medical training at Emory University, is himself a crusader against FDA abuses. He concludes that, "the books is well referenced. Her information is solid, Her recommendations are clear, concise and extremely useful."

Smiley presents her thesis in the first two chapters. In The Politics of Medicine: What You Don't Know Can Kill You, she probes the workings of the FDA. She prods the reader to question their assumptions concerning the government agency charged with the regulation of American's drug supply.

Chapter two entitled, A Closer Look at the Pharmaceutical Companies: Dirty Little Secrets You Should Know, offers the reader tantalizing tidbits concerning the "Physician's Desk Reference," human experiments, Ritalin and Prozac and the marketing tactics utilized by drug manufacturers.

In the third chapter, she presents her view of The National Cancer Institute and asks, "Do They Really Want to Find a Cure?"

The reader is alerted to problems that can arise from over medication, environmental toxins and fighting for your health freedom.

Smiley has included a sample letter to the president, senators and members of congress regarding access to medical treatment.

For the reader who wants to learn more, Smiley has complied a lost of organizations, labs and products that are worth investigating. She has thoughtfully included a list of references that are both general and specific to each chapter.

She stresses that her goal is to get both women and men to understand the options in health care. If individuals have the desire to explore, this book would be useful in that educational process.

This is not a book about bashing one side or the other and Smiley hopes that physicians will listen to what she has to say. No matter which side of these issues you are on, Smiley makes a case to think twice about these important health topics. Read and then decide for yourself.

I almost never read a book twice, but I reread "Finding Gifts in Everyday Life" for a very good reason--richness. The gifts that Nancy Coey writes about are what create true wealth for all of us. In this transient make-me-feel-good fast world, here's a work that not only delivers countless doses of goodness, but also has unique staying power. You will want to revisit Finding Gifts as you would savor a scrapbook of old friends. Nancy's stories are everyone's stories, and will reconnect you to the richness in your own life. This is a must read for anyone who cares a hoot about happiness and finding the good in life.

Nancy Coey's book tugged at my heart strings. It took me back to so many places in my own life, and I learned from them all over again. This book is written with such honesty! It's truly wonderful.

Excellent look at relationships, what goes arry, and what can be done sensibly to make it work. All this is presented with a non- threatening sense of humor.

This book meant a great deal to me and my wife. It helped us over a number of hudles. I appreciate the insights, humor, wisdom and spirituality.