sobota, 28 kwietnia 2012
czwartek, 5 kwietnia 2012
Better Than Human: The Promise and Perils of Enhancing Ourselves - Book Review
Better Than Human: The Promise and Perils of Enhancing Ourselves - Book Review
By Ian Van Harten
Are we on the verge of a new class war with a bio-engineered elite? Will governments be instituting new genetic engineering programs to enhance or "protect" their people? Will man play God?
How about a conversation about biomedical technologies that isn't so sensationalized? That's the much-welcomed approach author-philosopher Allen Buchanan takes in his book "Better Than Human: The Promise and Perils of Enhancing Ourselves." Writing for the general reader, Buchanan confronts the major opposition facing biomedical enhancement, such as the risk of creating a super elite dominated by the rich, moral issues about 'playing God', and the risks of tampering with our own genetics. He does so in a calm, collected, and reasonable manner, keeping in check the sensational appeal of such a controversial topic.
Better Than Human realistically points out that it is too late to reject biomedical enhancements; they're already here, and the science and movement behind them is only going to grow. Also, although biomedical enhancement is a more recent phenomenon, the idea of human enhancement itself is not. Literacy, computers, cell phones, a cup of coffee, university and other educational institutions, Buchanan explains, are all forms of enhancement and examples of ways people have found for improving themselves. Biomedical enhancement is only the latest way of doing something which we always have been doing.
Buchanan carefully addresses the reasons behind our often knee-jerk reactions against the idea of altering our genes, exposing both their faults as well as the ways in which they represent legitimate concerns and risks. As importantly, he also addresses the thinking behind those who accept biomedical enhancements, how it affects them, and why they are okay with it. Jack might accuse Jane of "cheating" when she takes Ritalin for cognitive enhancement. Jane might counter that it helps her think better and if that's cheating, then that makes drinking coffee cheating too.
Better Than Human pulls what is for many an alien and fearsome concept out of the world of science fiction and speculation, presenting it in real world terms and practical scenarios. This book is highly recommended for anyone seeking to know the real implications of biomedical enhancements and genetic engineering without the sensationalism. It is a welcome offering from an extremely qualified expert (he is, among other things, a consultant to President Obama's Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues) on an issue much in need of a dose of reality. As Buchanan explains, again, biomedical enhancement is already here and it is too late to stop it even if we wanted to. Best, then, to engage responsibly with clear analysis and a public conversation--to inform ourselves before we enhance ourselves.
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Ebooks on Popular Culture Collectibles and Vintage Greeting Cards
Ebooks on Popular Culture Collectibles and Vintage Greeting Cards
By Stefan Collini
There are certain things that remain close to people's heart forever, such as greeting cards, childhood books and toys, to name a few. Greeting cards hold a lot of importance in everybody's lives as these usually signify special occasions. People who are fond of such things can buy popular culture collectibles reference ebooks from reliable Ebook Stores. These books with popular culture collectibles reference have all the information one needs to know before buying such antiques.
One of the popular culture collectibles reference ebook is Star Trek The Collectibles ebook. The book enjoys immense popularity among young and old collectors alike. It has all the information regarding the epic American science-fiction television and movie series. This ebook provides a great collection of Star Trek treasures which will be liked by all, whether a devoted collector or an amateur one.
Star Trek The Collectibles ebook contains around 1,500 colour pictures including mementoes from Paramount Studios storehouses. It also has chapters that cover 40 years of Star Trek posters, games, lunch boxes, pins, original scripts and numerous other objects. The book also provides all requisite information on the current market values of these items.
Apart from Star Trek The Collectibles ebook, Harry Potter Collector's Handbook ebook is also quite famous among the young collectors. The book comprises of colourful beautiful photos and also gives the current values of the items which are associated with the famous Boy Wizard Harry Potter. Readers can also find around thousand of spellbinding listings, with all information arranged neatly in alphabetical order in this book.
One can also refer to Collectible '70s ebook written by Steve Kelley. The book is pop-culture history guide from 70s and gives the current value of items such as smiley faces and platform shoes from the golden era 70s. It covers everything belonging to that period, be it Pet Rocks, Saturday Night Fever or Punk Rock. This colourful book takes the readers into the 70s and educated them about that period in detail.
Similarly, people who are interested in gathering old, unique greeting cards can refer to several ebooks available on the subject. Collecting Vintage Children's Greeting Cards ebook is best suited for the purpose. This book takes the readers down memory lane, rekindling the flame for collectible greeting cards from eras gone by.
Collecting Vintage Children's Greeting Cards has chapters on Christmas with Santa, Frosty, and Rudolph. Readers will also find cartoon characters, dogs, cats, animals and nursery rhyme and fairytale cards in this book. These cards are made by prominent artists like Mabel Lucie Attwell, Marjorie Cooper, Charlot Byj and Angela, among others. Collectors can find cards from 1930s to 1960s, focusing mainly on 40s and 50s. All the details of the card, such as series, size, name of card and recent value in the market, are available in this book.
Author Bio: We're so glad you want to know more about us. Let's see... first thing about us - we love reading! We noticed that the world was moving towards a more Eco-friendly, digital way of reading - the world of Ebooks. That's where we came in. OnlineBookPlace.com- Your Community Ebook Store.
Our vision: to bring together people who love reading and provide them with an affordable, convenient and intuitive way to discuss and buy Ebooks.
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Ebooks-on-Popular-Culture-Collectibles-and-Vintage-Greeting-Cards&id=6934345
Chinese Bestiary, Reference On Business Aspects of Art and Famous Canadian Art Ebooks
Chinese Bestiary, Reference On Business Aspects of Art and Famous Canadian Art Ebooks
By Stefan Collini
A Chinese Bestiary: Strange Creatures from the Guideways through Mountains and Seas Ebook is a fascinating tale of mysterious creatures from ancient China. Describing various beliefs of 4th and 1st century BC, the book elaborates the mystic of mountains, rivers, seas, island, flora, fauna and medicines. Author Richard E. Strassberg compiles various related texts & translations and recent archaeological facts, creating an extravagant tale of early times in China. A Chinese Bestiary: Strange Creatures from the Guideways through Mountains and Seas Ebook is an engrossing read for youngsters and children.
The book is renowned all over the world as a stockpile of Chinese mythology and shamanistic wisdom. Comprising woodblock engravings from 1597 edition, the book was earlier used as a guidebook and a book of omen. It is a delightful read for the specialists, students and archaeologists, as it clearly depicts beliefs of the ancient people, engraver's art and other mysterious creatures from Chinese mythology.
Reference on business aspects of art is detailed in the books like Breaking Into Freelance Illustration, Good and Plenty: The Creative Successes of American Arts Funding Ebook; How To Make Money As An Artist; How To Run A Successful Design Business; The Leadership Muse Ebook; Heritage, Museums and Galleries Ebook; Understanding International Art Markets and Management Ebook and The Cultural Leadership Handbook Ebook, which are authored by experienced artists, who have been successfully handling the business. Reference on business aspects of art is very important for the aspiring artists to know the do's and don'ts of the domain. The book gives them a clear picture on how to handle and promote their business.
2012 Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market Ebook is a famous book authored by Mary Burzlaff Bostic that has all the updated facts and resources useful for making a successful career in art. The book is a must have for individuals who want to become successful in fine art, cartooning, graphic design or illustration. It has individually verified listings and up-to-date knowledge of the market, which would definitely act as a tool for aspiring artists, thereby acting as a reference on business aspects of art.
Canadian art ebooks have also made their mark in readers' mind, owing to their simple and grasping language. Canadian art ebooks like Recyclables Come Alive Ebook; F.H. Varley Ebook; The Women of Beaver Hall Ebook; A Grand Eye for Glory Ebook are the noted ones. Recyclables Come Alive Ebook, is an interesting take on turning garbage into artefact, which can enhance the glory of the d�cor. The poetic writing by the author in this Canadian art ebooks engrosses the reader to the core making them read the book again and again. The crafts are animated to talk among themselves, which are really enjoyed by children of all ages.
Author Bio: We're so glad you want to know more about us. Let's see... first thing about us - we love reading! We noticed that the world was moving towards a more Eco-friendly, digital way of reading - the world of Ebooks. That's where we came in. OnlineBookPlace.com- Your Community Ebook Store
Our vision: to bring together people who love reading and provide them with an affordable, convenient and intuitive way to discuss and buy Ebooks
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http://EzineArticles.com/?Chinese-Bestiary,-Reference-On-Business-Aspects-of-Art-and-Famous-Canadian-Art-Ebooks&id=6948039
1984 - Reading Between the Lines
1984 - Reading Between the Lines
By Sohum P Patel
1984, was written by Eton-educated democratic socialist George Orwell. Orwell was a great opponent to totalitarian rule and displayed this hatred not only in this novel, but in its sister novel, Animal Farm, which has already been reviewed. Orwell presented his book about the dangers of a totalitarian rule through the eyes of Winston Smith, a disillusioned Outer Party worker, who has seen through the lies that the Party has fed its citizens.
Technological Advances and Psychological Manipulation
Technology is used in 1984 to keep monitor all the citizens of Oceania. Throughout the country telescreens and hidden microphones are present. This limits the citizens freedom and the fear that they are always being watched will prevent the citizens from being themselves. In fact it is stated in the novel that the only time one is truly alone, is when he is sleeping in his bedroom. The large signs dotted around the city with the caption 'Big Brother is Watching You' serves to intimidate the civilians into believing that they are never alone and that they are not safe. Even the slightest facial twitch could alert the Thought Police of their hidden ulterior motives. Also, the citizens of Oceania would have to induct their children into an organisation called 'Junior Spies'. An organisation which encourages children to spy on their parents and, if need be, submit them to the Thought Police if the children believe that their parents have any resentment towards the party.
The Control of History
The main protagonist, Winston Smith, works in the Department of Records in the Outer Party. Due to his work there he recognises many of the lies the Party feed to the public and it is this accumulation of lies that led him to join the rebels. One such lie that it was in his line of work to alter an incredibly sensitive piece of evidence. Three Inner Party members had been accused of consorting with Oceania's enemy at that time, Eurasia, or was it Eastasia? However a photograph on the front cover of the Times (the official and most-likely the only newspaper in Oceania), depicted the three Party members posing for a photograph in Oceania on the same date that, in the trial, they were accused of passing sensitive information to Eurasia. Winston's job, in the Records Department was to alter the data to make it seem like the Party was in the right all along. Winston's job is of the utmost importance. By changing data, from pieces of evidence in a trial to a predicted decrease in chocolate ration, and preventing citizens of Oceania from keeping diaries, the Party controls history. The Party's great skill in changing historical data comes to light when Winston, in an effort to unveil the truth, seeks out trying to see whether life before the rebellion was better than the quality of life now. All books from before the date of the rebellion had been destroyed and the only records about life before the rebellion had been published by the Party and was heavily biased an unreliable. Desperate for the truth, Winston heads out into prole quarters, hoping to find somebody to help him on his quest but he is unsuccessful. Realising the full power that the Party has, Winston Smith is close to surrendering.
Physical Torture
The price for disobeying the Party is physical torture. However as O' Brien, Winston's torturer repeatedly stated, the Ministry of Love's purpose was not to exterminate troublemakers, but to convert them. By using sophisticated instruments of torture the Party can alter reality, ultimately forcing Winston to believe that 2+2=5.
http://www.theleftist.wordpress.com
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Review of Baratunde Thurston's Book: How To Be Black
Review of Baratunde Thurston's Book: How To Be Black
By Wendy J Grossman
I just finished reading Baratunde Thurston's new book, How To Be Black. Baratunde is a comedian, director of digital for The Onion, and as he says, has over thirty years of experience being black.
The book takes a humorous, satirical approach to the topic of race, and the many roles that black people take on, and how best to perform those roles. For example, you'll find chapters on: How To Be The Black Friend, How To Speak For All Black People, and How To Be The Black Employee.
Baratunde also comprised a panel of seven writers, comedians, and artists, called, The Black Panel,in an effort to hear from other voices on the subject of race, and being black in this supposed post-racial era. (While six of the panelists are black, one of the panelists is actually a white Canadian guy, and the author of the book, Stuff White People Like)
Interwoven with the How-To Chapters is Baratunde's personal story of growing up in Washington D.C. with an inspiring, single Pan-African mother who he describes as a tofu-eating hippie who introduced him to pro-black activism, camping, and swimming-things he hadn't thought of as not being typical of what black people supposedly did.
Growing up in a neighborhood becoming increasingly unsafe due to the growing drug scene in the 80′s, Baratunde's mother kept him busy with activities, and ended up sending him to the exclusive Sidwell Friends prep school. From there, Baratunde went on to Harvard University. It seems the grounding in African and pro-black culture, juxtaposed with being a minority in the mostly white prep school, helped Baratunde to shape his own strong personal identity as someone both comfortable with his blackness, as well as with the nuances it takes to be black in a privileged white majority.
The use of humor to broach the subject of what it means to live as a black person in today's world works well, allowing me to laugh and not feel too guilty for recognizing all the faux pas I've made as a white person-you know, like looking for my black friend to be the spokesperson for all black people, or asking a black friend if making a certain comment is racist. While I laughed through much of the book, if one truly considers the revelations we are allowed to see through Baratunde's storytelling, it's clear that there are important messages to be heard.
Spoiler Alert: I have to say the only disappointment in the book, and I really can't be too upset, because he tells us right on the first page, is that you will not be able to change your race and turn black simply by reading the book. Oh, well, at least I can feel cool that I have an inside look on what it takes to be black, and still retain all the perks of white privilege.
Thanks, Baratunde, for this wonderful, funny, personal and brave book.
Wendy Jane
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Award-Winning Historical Fiction Explores Famous Composer's Inspiration
Award-Winning Historical Fiction Explores Famous Composer's Inspiration
By Tyler Tichelaar
As the sponsor of the Readers Views Literary Award for Best Historical Fiction, I am delighted that "Vivaldi's Muse" by Sarah Bruce Kelly has won for 2011. I admit I know very little about Vivaldi or opera, but I love historical fiction, and Kelly has done a fabulous job of recreating the world of early eighteenth century opera in Venice, Vienna, and other significant musical cities of the time. Rather than rely on sweeping historical scenes and lots of detail, Kelly blends her research into the story in what feels like an effortless portrayal of the life of priest-turned-composer Vivaldi and the woman who was his pupil and Muse, yet never his lover, Annina (Anna) Giro.
The relationship between these two primary characters is detailed largely through Anna's eyes as the reader watches her grow from a child of nine who dreams of becoming a great singer, to one who becomes pupil to the great maestro, and eventually becomes his dear friend until the time of his death.
Kelly does a magnificent job of keeping the reader interested in the characters while including just enough historical detail to make the reader feel he really is walking through the streets of Venice or watching prima donnas in grand opera houses rehearse their roles. Kelly also knows how to balance the characters against one another. I was impressed that she did not try to make the novel sexy or melodramatic in depicting Vivaldi and Anna's relationship, leaving their relationship more meaningful and believable as evidenced by history, and the book appropriate for younger readers. Kelly does, however, do an excellent job of demonstrating the backbiting and envy that existed among the singers in a world where boys would be castrated so they could sing as sopranos in Rome because the pope forbid women to perform on stage, and where female singers often had to give their bodies to powerful men in the music world, from patrons to composers, so they could attain the roles they desired.
Amid this somewhat sordid but glittering world, where music reigned supreme, Kelly offers a balanced portrait of a man who was a priest but has a physical ailment that does not allow him the strength to stand and perform Mass so instead he composes operas, and of a young woman who becomes his friend but never his lover. While others, including a cardinal, insinuate that an improper relationship exists between Antonio Vivaldi and Anna, the relationship never slips into a romantic or licentious one, and Kelly, who has thoroughly done her research, knows how to tie together pieces of the true story, filling in holes with plausible fictional moments, including why the cardinal later changes his tune.
While Anna and Vivaldi are both well-drawn, I have to admit my favorite character was Chiara, a young singer who is jealous of Anna and immediately upon meeting her is determined to put her in her place. Chiara is an excellent villainess full of spiteful language and evil schemes to make Anna's life miserable. She is perfectly bitchy without going overboard or being unbelievable. I also thought Anna's mother was well-depicted and added to Anna's character development by how she abandoned her family while Anna was still young, leaving Anna with some insecurities and a perpetual longing to heal her relationship with her mother, a situation that Vivaldi's attention helps to soothe for Anna.
I have only read one other book about the life of an opera singer, Willa Cather's wonderful "The Song of the Lark," and I found Kelly's novel could easily hold a place beside it. "Vivaldi's Muse" is an example of what good historical fiction should be. It seeks to be realistic and true to the past and characters. Kelly's broad brush strokes bring the people and era to life without ever boring the reader with too much detail. I hope Kelly continues to introduce us to the history of great music through her books. This reader, at least, wants to explore that great music after having read this novel.
Tyler R. Tichelaar holds a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Northern Michigan University and a Ph.D. from Western Michigan University. His family's long relationship with Upper Michigan and his avid interest in genealogy inspired Dr. Tichelaar to write his Marquette Trilogy: Iron Pioneers, The Queen City, and Superior Heritage. Dr. Tichelaar is also a professional book reviewer and editor. For more information about Tyler R. Tichelaar, his writing, and his author services, visit:
www.MarquetteFiction.com
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Hello, Bastar: The Story of Maoism in India
Hello, Bastar: The Story of Maoism in India
By Ashish GWO Dhar
Bastar is a district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh with nothing extraordinary about it. Like many ordinary districts in India, it is not talked about at all in the political discourse of this country, much less the world. No wonder, most of us haven't heard of it, even though the movement that Bastar is being associated with, has been called the "greatest internal security threat" facing the nation, by the Prime Minister himself. Thankfully, there are a few journalists who have not only gotten acquainted but have, in fact, become so intimate with this neglected stretch of land that they act as the much needed medium to carry the desperate voice of its people to the world outside. Rahul Pandita, author of 'Hello, Bastar', is one of those few.
The single most potent factor behind the credibility of the many intense stories that make up this piece of non-fiction is that Rahul has spent years investigating this violent, underground and widespread phenomenon. He has followed the Naxal movement closely and travelled through the heart of Naxalite territory, talking to passionate grass-root activists, veteran ideologues, 'liberated' farm workers and powerful leaders of the movement. The book is made up of heroic tales of individuals who found in Naxalism, the answer to the woes of their miserable lives in modern India. Almost like a Kanti Shah movie, the book is full of stories of gross injustice faced by dalits and landless farmers at the hands of rich upper caste landlords. Gruesome murders, beastly rapes and vengeful counter-strikes abound throughout the narrative.
There is also enough space given to introducing the reader to the Maoist school of thought and its evolution in the political scene of this country. The reader is also informed that recruits not only come from among the exploited classes but also from more affluent backgrounds, whose only motivation to adopt the hard life of a Naxalite 'comrade' is the high ideals associated with it. The most pertinent chapter for most readers, I assume, would be the one titled 'The Urban Agenda'. As the name suggests, this part of the book is devoted to detailing the ultimate goal of the Naxalites, viz taking over the cities. By virtue of being over-populated economic centres, Indian cities have a huge problem of unemployment and poverty and could turn out to be major recruitment grounds for the people's war against a sold out government. As the author concludes the chapter, "[Liberating Gurgaon] may be a far cry but not as far as it sounds to the government."
The book is not without its share of flaws. The flow of its narrative from one chapter to the next appears disrupted on many occasions. There are myriads of sub-plots and isolated events that sometimes tend to lose touch with the wider context. The author makes no attempt to hide his own sympathy to the Naxal cause but much is left desired in terms of considering alternative points of view. Surely, there is a flip side to the Naxal coin as well, which, if given enough space by the author, would lend the book even more authority and balance. Notwithstanding the above hitches, the book is a riveting read for anyone interested in finding out more about the Naxal movement, a sad outcome of India's feudal past and its schizophrenic present.
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