Sociology O

The Game- Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists

5 stars (An interesting, and mechanical way to approach meeting with the opposite sex) - This book is absolutely filled with interesting theories on the art of social interaction and meeting women for dating and sex. 1/2 autobiography of the author Neil Strauss's social life for the last two years, and 1/2 story of the dark side of "The Game" in which a group of "Pick Up Artists" move in a house together, and it eventually collapses on itself. Looking at the book, you wonder just what exactly is "The Game" and when does one stop looking at life and meeting people not as a "set" or group, drop the "routines" and play in the real world instead. 5 stars (Trust REAL reviews.) - Please note that the review below, and most if not all reviews with 1-2 star reviews, especially those calling members of the community described in this book are all by one man who i shall not name, as he is merely a disgruntled man with a vendetta against this community of individuals who's goals is self-improvement, please take a look at reviews done by the top 50 and real name reviewers. 1 stars (Wait for the Movie) - If you like to watch the TV shows "Friends", "Coupling", "How I met your mother", "Sex in the City", "The Single Guy" or "Nova" and you're looking for a story to read, than this book is for you. If you haven't read a book for pleasure for a long time but your looking for a "How To" book, then this book isn't for you. Read the book "The Sensuous Man" instead. I listened to Neil Strauss at a book signing. He "tours" with self proclaimed losers who call them themselves former losers who sell "How To Pickup Women" services. They sell nothing but air --- and that's free. If you're looking for a story but not a book reader, wait for the movie coming to theaters in 2008. ...
Regan Books :: Sociology Of Men :: Sexuality :: Sex Roles (Sociological Aspects) :: Personal Memoirs :: Men's Studies - General :: Love & Sex & Marriage :: Health&Fitness :: Healt :: The Game- Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists

Infants- Children- and Adolescents 5th Edition

3 stars (Review for Infants, Children, & Adolescents) - Good seller, quick delivery, could have put a better description about book on Web 4 stars (Book that tells a story) - I loved the way the author brought in stories of various children. I felt like I got to know the children throughout their stages of development. A great textbook! 5 stars (This text is useful for single-parents rearing children.) - As a Forensic Psychologist I use this text and recommend it to clients to better understand and appreciate the psycho-developmental needs of their children. Of particular interest to most of those parents are the diverse tables which clarify the expected and unique behaviors of children by age group. This provides those parents with a guide book to assist them in child rearing through age 18. That reference material not only facilitates the parent's understanding of the needs of the child, but also better prepares more effective parenting skills and preparation for developmental issues which are significant in custody and visitation (or access) legal questions. Parents have reported developing a feeling of confidence since they are using scientific data in making parenting decisiions. Legal authorities -- judges and attorneys -- have felt more confident in their recommendations, opinions, and decisions which are based upon evidence. -- Swen Helge, Ph.D. ...
Allyn - Bacon :: Social Science & General :: Sociology Of Children :: Sociology - General :: Sociology :: Social Science :: Psychology :: Infants :: General :: Developmental - Child :: :: Infants- Children- and Adolescents (5th Edition)

Infants and Children - Prenatal Through Middle Childhood 5th Edition

Infants and Children : Prenatal Through Middle Childhood (5th Edition)...
Allyn - Bacon :: Social Science & General :: Sociology Of Children :: Sociology - General :: Sociology :: Social Science :: Psychology :: General :: Developmental - Child :: Child dev :: Infants and Children - Prenatal Through Middle Childhood (5th Edition)

The Power of Myth

5 stars (Thoroughly enjoyed) - Wonderful audio presentation of the Bill Moyer interview with Joseph Campbell. We originally checked it out from the library for a road trip, but just had to have our own copy. Listened to it twice on a recent cross-country road trip. 3 stars (Amazing Mythological Comparisons) - This is written in an "interview" form. I probably would get more out of the DVD format. It has very interesting comparisons of our life to mythology. Although very interesting, some ideas seem a little far-fetched. 4 stars (Intriguing, important but sometimes contradictory) - In our current secular culture where everything is de-mythologized, this is an important work. Campbell shows how the existential angst and meaninglessnes of modern toil is inextricably linked with our devaluation of mythology in the 21st century. From a philosophical point of view I especially admired the colourful way in which Campbell accounted for the dualism of the human predicament eg. In the Garden of Eden fall from unity into the knowledge of "good and evil". Buddhist conceptions of duality were also well integrated. However, in parts I found Campbell's message somewhat contradictory. Especially concerning the gnostic view that the material world is "bad", and the eternal world of the spirit, our real home. In some instances he seems to support this gnostic view, in others he wants us to embrace the tactile reality we find ourselves in, submerging ourselves in its goodness. Perhaps I just misunderstood. I would welcome enlightenment from fellow readers. Perhaps the greatest "take-away" for me was the value of investing myth into your everday world. As the Postmodern philosopher Rorty said: there is no true view of the world (even the scientific one), only a view which is the most useful. Personally I often find the meaninglessness of the materialist view pretty useless (for me, anyway), and a view rich with myth and mystical connotation might be infinitely more livable....
Anchor :: Philosophy & General :: Campbell :: Joseph :: United States :: Sociology of Religion :: Sociology :: Religious :: Religion historians :: Religion :: Philosophy :: Mytholo :: The Power of Myth

Soul Searching- The Religious And Spiritual Lives Of American Teenagers

5 stars (A Non-Christian Nation) - Christian Smith and Melinda Denton have produced a wonderful analysis of the religious condition of teenagers (ages 13-17) in the USA. They collected survey data on 3290 teenagers and then followed up with more extended interviews of 267 of those surveyed. The initial survey gave an over all picture of the religious character of these teenagers including their affiliations, participation, beliefs and experiences. The interviews provided an in-depth exposure of what these teens really believe. As it turns out, the seeming wide-spread acceptance of religious life by teens (only 16% were "not religious") is largely to a vague, self-defined religion which the authors defined as: Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. The teens believed in a generally disinterested divine power who supervised a system to provide personal peace and prosperity for nice people, or perhaps to help them them be nice. They adhered to a religion that is helpful, but not entirely necessary. While there were those who could be described as believers in Christianity as defined by the Bible, and also those who denied any religion, the clear majority favored MTD. The book is a "must read" for any who would like to better understand the status of the spiritual interests of youths. It also is valuable for all who would generally understand American culture. While the authors make no such claim, it is likely that the youths' view of religion is likely the common view of our age. At the least, it surely will be the increasingly dominant religion as these youths enter adult life. For parents and youth workers who are interested in true spiritual life for their children, it shows the arena in which their own youths reside. It should stimulate good thinking and discussion of how properly to intervene in what turns out to be a huge spiritual void in the lives of professing spiritual/religious youths. This is an excellent book. 5 stars (The Best Resource Available T...
Oxford University Press :: Spirituality :: Adolescents :: United States :: Teenagers :: Spiritual life :: Sociology of Religion :: Sociology :: Social Science :: Religious life :: Children's Stud :: Soul Searching- The Religious And Spiritual Lives Of American Teenagers

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism Routledge Classics Routledge Classics

5 stars ( A C lassic for All Times) - Weber's "Protestant Ethic" was originally published in 1904-1905 and later in a second, revised edition (1920). This edition is the second edition, and the translator is Talcott Parsons. In "The Protestant Ethic" Weber famously attempts to explain how the spirit of modern rational capitalism emerged; and he essentially argues that an important part in this process was played by what he termed ascetic protestantism or different types of Protestantism that were activistic and ascetic (most famously Calvinism). Ascetic Protestantism energized businessmen and workers, and valorized a new type of capitalism: rational capitalism which is much more methodical and dynamic in nature than the type of capitalism that existed in Europe in the 1500s ("traditional capitalism"). Today rational capitalism has conquered society and turned it into an iron cage (to use Parsons' famous translation of two words in German that are more accurately - and less imaginatively - translated as "steelhard casing"). "The Protestant Ethic" is by far the most famous sociological study and is unsurpassed in theoretical boldness and creativity. Parsons said that he found it as exciting to read as a detective novel. Most of us have to struggle quite a bit with it - but it is definitely worth it! 4 stars (Not a determinist: someone who pays attention to culture... ) - The main point in Weber's *The Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism* is that the Protestant ethic helped to shape values favorable to the birth of capitalism. Despite that, the author isn't a cultural determinist because he takes care to point out that values help to shape an outcome, but don't produce it for certain. This book is quite interesting, and includes lots of interesting observations regarding Weber's main premise, despite not being overly long. For instance, the author says that due to the fact that Protestant ethic viewed hard work as a duty and looked down on ex...
Routledge :: Protestantism & Protestant Churches :: Ethics & moral philosophy :: Sociology of Religion :: Sociology :: Social Science :: Religious aspects :: Protestant work e :: The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (Routledge Classics) (Routledge Classics)

Let Your Life Speak- Listening for the Voice of Vocation

5 stars (Discernment for "part two" of life) - Our women's circle is studying this book together. We are middle-aged and over but are looking at a time of growth in this next part of our life-journey. The book is helping us to let our lives speak to each other and to ourselves. 5 stars ("Ask me whether what I have done is my life." (1)) - I got this book some time ago, when one of the professors at BC recommended it to me as a way to think about what I wanted to do with my life and of course, I never read it. However, I'm almost glad that I didn't read it until now, because at this point in my life I think I needed it more than I did when I was choosing a path. Palmer is basically telling his own story of vocation, including all the dark spots that he hit along the way. However, he emphasizes the need to see the good and the possibilities for growth in those dark spots. For example, in the final chapter he compares life to the changing seasons in an extended metaphor. For winter, he says, "Despite all appearances, of course, nature is not dead in winter--it has gone underground to renew itself and prepare for spring. Winter is a time when we are admonished, and even inclined, to do the same for ourselves" (101). His main point is that in order to do this (renew ourselves for growth in our vocation), each person should learn to listen to their inner self because that is the only way that we will truly become the full person that God created us to be. He does frequently refer to religious ideas like this but, the nice thing about his writing is even though he is religious, this idea does not overwhelm the book and it can really be for anyone (though I'm sure that an atheist might not get as much out of this as a religious person would). This book helped me to look at my life and see if I could discover what my "inner self" has been trying to tell me, even in times of my darkness and "winter", about my vocation. 5 stars (Palmer is the Real Deal) - I generally make not...
Jossey-Bass :: Religion & Christian Education :: Mind :: body :: spirit- disciplines & techniques :: Christian life & practice :: Vocation :: Spirituality - General :: Sociology O :: Let Your Life Speak- Listening for the Voice of Vocation

Magic- Witchcraft- and Religion - An Anthropological Study of the Supernatural

3 stars (Here's my problem with it so far...) - Here's my problem with the book: It presents an unfavorable view of certain types of magick and religions. True, I have not finished the book yet, but all you hav to do is read the negative definitions for the words "withcraft: An EVIL power inhert in certain individuals that permits them...to do HARM or cause others MISFORTUNE;" "New Age: a loosley used term describing a combination of spirituality and superstition, a FAD and FARCE, that SUPPOSEDLY helps believes gain knowledge of the unknown;" and two of the four definitions involving the word magick end with the words "intended victim." Granted, the book was originally written in 1985 when withcraft, magick and Wicca weren't as accepted, but it was reprinted in 2001, so you'd think some of the definitions could have been changed. It just doesn't seem like an objective view of the supernatural and magick, but rather a negatively jaded one. It's getting 3 stars becasue I haven't finished it, and there's always a chance it could redeem itself at the end. ~Koppur 4 stars (good summary of religion) - This book is used by Butte college as well as Chico State. The book consists of independent articles, or exerpts, that illustrate the topics of each chapter. Some of the articles are difficult to read, but in general it does provide useful information. 4 stars (Magic, Witchcraft, & Religion) - I currently use this book as the text for a class I teach at California State University, Chico (Anthropology 40: Magic, Witchcraft, & Religion). I was fortunate enough to have taken this and other courses from the authors Arthur C. Lehmann and James E. Myers. This book serves as a good reader for comparative religions and focuses on non-western societies. Articles on western belief systems are used for comparison and contrasting with the non-western examples. Although targeted for the freshman level, the text assumes the reader have some understanding of anthropology. ...
McGraw-Hill Humanities-Social Sciences-Languages :: Social Science & Anthropology & General :: Sociology of Religion :: Religion :: Occultism :: New Age :: General :: Body :: Mind & Spirit :: Archaeology & Anthropology :: Magic- Witchcraft- and Religion - An Anthropological Study of the Supernatural

How Soccer Explains the World - An Unlikely Theory of Globalization

4 stars (Good writing and reporting, though the title's a stretch) - Reader Derrick Peterman's review here on these pages nails it squarely on the button for me: while these 10 essays by Franklin Foer are good writing and reporting, to say for each of them "How Soccer Explains..." is really quite a stretch. Who knows if Foer himself came up with this hook or whether it got foisted on him by editors and PR types, but it really doesn't do the book or its well-meaning author justice. For example, in the chapter "How Soccer Explains the Jewish Question," we get some good reporting on the anti-Semitic overtones of some teams and well as the Jewish roots of others. But to say, therefore, that soccer 'explains' the 'Jewish Question'? Ummm...No. But don't let that dissuade you from picking up a copy of Foer's work. Again, there's terrific reporting here - standouts include chapters on "The Black Carpathians" (my personal favorite) which focuses on a Nigerian import to a top Ukranian club team, and "The New Oligarchs," an excellent overview on soccer's shift from paternalistic industrialists like the Agnellis (owners of Juventus) to new-styled "oligarchs" like Silvio Berlusconi (owner of AC Milan). By using a term like 'oligarch,' I was hoping for some red meat on Chelsea's Roman Abramovich. The oligarch's oligarch, he gets only passing mention in "The Sentimental Hooligan" chapter. Still, Foer's discection of the machinations and interactions of Italian media, business interests and the game are fascinating. And, for those of you wondering: yes, Franklin Foer is the brother of novelist Jonathan Safran Foer, author of "Everything Is Illuminated." 4 stars (The book I wish I had written!) - This is a work based on an interesting concept and complemented by well-researched journalism, with the exception of a few overt inaccuracies such as this one: "Celebrations for Romania's 1990 World Cup qualification carried over into the Bucharest squares, culminating in a firi...
HarperCollins :: Sports & Recreation & General :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Sociology Of Sports :: Soccer :: International Economic Relations :: Globalization :: General :: Fra :: How Soccer Explains the World - An Unlikely Theory of Globalization

Sunday Money - Speed- Lust- Madness- Death- A Hot Lap Around America with Nascar

5 stars (reading pleasure) - "Sunday Money" is all about NASCAR. Subtitled: "Speed! Lust! Madness! Death! - a hot lap around America with NASCAR", it fulfills its promise of an exciting ride. The author and his photographer wife bought a motorhome and spent an entire racing season following the NASCAR circuit. The book describes the allure of NASCAR from the several different perspectives of superstars, fans, history and politics, mythology, American culture. To this non-fan, it provides a vast amount of information and insight and reading pleasure. Jeff MacGregor is a fine storyteller. 4 stars (Sunday Money) - This is both a whimsical as well as a fast paced work about the fastest paced sport in America. Jeff MacGregor has a personal story to tell about his year in a motor home with "The Beep" and the inside story about the NASCAR culture. Both stories are well told and attention gripping. MacGregor's insights into the fact and fiction of NASCAR are penetrating. At the same time he has a puckish, tongue in cheek attitude toward the sport and his own adventure. Even if one has little or no interest in the world of auto racing, this will be an enjoyable companion on a trip or a pleasant escape from the every day world most of us inhabit. By the way, although it isn't mentioned in the bio on the book jacket, I think this is the same Jeff MacGregor who hosted a game show some years back. 4 stars (NASCAR fans-got to read!) - This book details the dream many of us NASCAR fans have-traveling the whole circuit in an RV, experiencing every race. I really liked the book-the history of NASCAR, the money, and the good stories of drivers, all were great! Having camped at races, I understand the joy of it. It is like you are one big family! ...
HarperCollins :: Sports & Recreation & Motor Sports :: United States :: Stock car racing :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Sociology Of Sports :: NASCAR (Association) :: Motor Spo :: Sunday Money - Speed- Lust- Madness- Death- A Hot Lap Around America with Nascar

The Miracle of St Anthony- A Season with Coach Bob Hurley and Basketball-s Most Improbable Dynasty

5 stars (best sports book i ever read) - what a great book. Bob Hurley is not a perfect human being but the good he does is incredible. By far the best and most moving sports book I ever read. 5 stars (Can't Wait for the Movie) - As a high school baseball and basketball coach, this book is a must read. I could't put the book down. It is an easy read which gives those in suburbia a glimpse of America not often seen. Bob Hurley, the man,the father, the husband, the coach is a true American hero. Coaches, parents, administrators, and athletes can learn much from this well told story. I can't wait to see the movie! 4 stars (Great Story - Cumbersome Writing) - Anyone who's read John Feinstein's "A Season on the Brink" will find this story very familiar. Just as Feinstein chronicled a year with Bob Knight at Indiana, Adrian Wojnarowski spent a year with the basketball team of St. Anthony High School in Jersey City, NJ. The result is a very compelling story of a small band of sincere and dedicated educators using basketball to teach character and life lessons to a group of kids from the tough streets of Jersey City. For many of these young men, Coach Bob Hurley is the only authority figure they know and his tough style provides them with a standard to reach for on the court, perhaps the only time in their lives they've been pushed out of their comfort zones. Mixed in with these products of the inner city is Sean McCurdy from suburban Connecticut whose mother moves him to Jersey City in the belief that Hurley can attract the Division I college scholarship that she seems to think is Sean's birthright. Cindy McCurdy is every youth coach's nightmare, the quintessential little league parent. My only criticism of "The Miracle of St. Anthony" is in Wojnarowski's annoying pattern of giving a mini life story of every secondary character in the story. Of course, as a sports columnist, Wojnarowski makes a living going off on tangents, so this shouldn't be a surprise. Bu...
Gotham :: Sports & Recreation & General :: Sports & Recreation :: Sports :: Sociology Of Sports :: New Jersey :: Jersey City (N J ) :: Jersey City :: History :: General :: Biogra :: The Miracle of St Anthony- A Season with Coach Bob Hurley and Basketball-s Most Improbable Dynasty