Peon to Pentagon

Book Description

In Peon to Pentagon, from abandoned toddler to "Who's Who in the World," Private-to- Sergeant-to-Captain-to-GS-14, Dr. Murphy did it his way --- a 41-year military career --- with passion, compassion, a sense of humor and a lot of heartbreak.

Amazon.com

Scientific discovery, observes popular science writer Michael White, hinges on argument: at the root of all investigation lies a scientist's argument with the world, conducted in order to coax out information and secrets "until ideas and observation coalesce."

White's interest, however, is on a less elevated plane. In this entertaining book, he recounts personal and professional feuds that have driven scientists to reach new heights--for, as the Austrian philosopher Karl Popper, himself no stranger to rivalry, once optimistically observed, "the longer two intelligent people argue, the better their arguments become." Among the arguments that rage through White's book are Isaac Newton's hatred for Gottfried Leibniz, whose formulation of the calculus was independent of Newton's own but, Newton insisted, was a second-rate plagiarism; Richard Owen's fierce refutations of his onetime friend Charles Darwin's theories of speciation and natural selection; the personal squabbles that engulfed Francis Crick and James Watson's discovery of DNA; and a whole complex of rivalries and nasty politics that surrounded the development of the atomic bomb ("perhaps more than any other scientific endeavor in history," White writes, "the making of the atomic bomb exemplifies how pure intellect, corrupted by greed and fear, and supercharged by vast material resources, is capable of transforming the course of society"). White closes with another transforming episode, the development of the personal computer through a battle of "cyber-kings": Microsoft versus NOISE ("Netscape, Oracle, IBM, Sun ... and Everyone Else"). His book is an entertaining sidelong glance at the history of science, full of sound--and plenty of fury. --Gregory McNamee

Book Description

As George Bernard Shaw said, "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man." Like other creative geniuses, scientists have achieved breakthroughs as a result of irrational motives -- notably the desire to best a rival. Revealing how each resulted in extraordinary discoveries, Michael White explores eight all-too-human rivalries over the past four centuries:

ISAAC NEWTON vs. GOTTFRIED LEIBNIZ
ANTOINE LAVOISIER vs. JOSEPH PRIESTLEY
CHARLES DARWIN vs. RICHARD OWEN
THOMAS EDISON vs. NIKOLA TESLA
THE ALLIES vs. THE AXIS POWERS
FRACIS CRICK and JAMES WATSON vs. LINUS PAULING vs. ROSALIND FRANKLIN and MAURICE WILKINS
THE UNITED STATES vs. THE SOVIET UNION
BILL GATES vs. LARRY ELLISON

Customer Reviews:

Your ringside seat.......2003-07-02

White promotes an eight-round match of leading contenders to explain one of the ways science and technology produce champions. Each match in this series explains how rivalries among scientists developed and what long-term effects the conflicts had for science and for the rest of us. Some of these issues remain almost solely personality clashes, such as the priority question over calculus between Newton and Leibnitz. Others, the choice of AC over DC for electrical power distribution and which nation would be the first to build a nuclear bomb, are meaningful to us all. Offering brief descriptions of the issues and personalities, each of the essays is a good synopsis of the science. The personality sketches are given with a strong emphasis on the contender's childhood where it can be derived. Although the relevance of the childhood foundations seems contrived in most cases, the information provides a "human" background of people who often seem remote from us.

The topics and personalities are so disparate that a general assessment is difficult, if not impossible for this work. To his credit, White has focussed on fundamental questions and not been distracted by side issues. He is at pains to be "fair", avoiding judgmental approaches and emphasising long-term impact of the conflict's resolution. If the personality involved is too obtuse, stubborn or devious to withstand White's scrutiny, he makes it clear that the problem lies with that individual. However, as he admits, he's not the only one doing the judging. Aristotle's views of nature inexplicably dominated Western European thinking for two millennia because his proposed "four basic elements" could be merged with nearly any philosophy. Only reason backed by empirical evidence would overcome this long tradition.

The variety of topics forces some selectivity in evaluating White's effort, but one essay may be exemplary. In describing the Monkeys and Men debate as a clash between Charles Darwin and Robert Owen, White stumbles badly. There was little "rivalry" in this so-called debate, since Owen simply flatly refused to accept species "transmutation". Since this concept was held by many educated people, Owen was already out of his time. White notes Owen's strategy of remaining anonymous, but doesn't criticise it. Since that was Darwin's chief objection to Owen, this is an amazing omission. Darwin's real problem, natural selection applied to humanity, was the major stumbling block to universal acceptance to his concept. White deals with that issue only in passing, and that incorrectly [Darwin mentioned "man and his beginnings" but once in Origin, not White's "few"]. He lauds Owen as England's "leading biologist", a questionable claim at best. Yet in his description of the clashes between Owen and Huxley, he avoids their confrontation over the hippocampus in ape brains, in which Huxley demonstrated his superior research abilities in Owen's own field. In dealing with Darwin's community of supporters, White mis-names Joseph Hooker as "John Hooker", even in the Index. How a biographer of Darwin could make this gaffe remains an enigma. Why, when Daniel C. Dennett has published the finest analysis of Darwin's Idea, White turns to an obscure work on science ideas for a quote from this eminent scholar is almost a greater mystery.

White's collection targets a few direct confrontations since the Enlightenment to show how important of science has become to us. The "current wars", "reaching for the moon" and "the race for the prize" which revealed how DNA is structured [not "discovered" as White puts it] have impacted how meaningful science is to us. Except for some terrible editorial sloppiness ["prevarication and "procrastination" are not synonyms] the book is a readable and important work in that regard. White demonstrates how clashes over how natural forces work doesn't invalidate science. Instead, it is the root of the scientific method - postulation, examination and refutation or acceptance. He shows well the struggle science must engage in to reveal nature's secrets. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Acid Tongues is OK Science, but Boring Literature.......2003-01-28

If you're really into science 'Acid Tongues and Tranquil Dreamers' is a sufficient documentary of eight fairly substantial events in the history of science. If you're not a science aficionado then I imagine it could be a pretty tedious read. I like science very much and enjoyed the scientific theme but found author Michael White's (ex-member of the 80s synthesizer band 'Thompson Twins') writing style tepid and his thesis muddled. Aside from the author's style and thesis the eight essays, ranging from the development of calculus to the Microsoft corporation, stand on their own and, hence, possess a great deal of content. White's thesis that rivalry possibly promotes great endeavor is a tautology already implied in the essays. The mundane background given on the human subjects of these stories, although probably necessary, tends to bog down the pace of the book. As a chronicle of the development of science and technology in the western world I'd say this book is useful and worth the time spent reading it. It is written, however, with the zing of a middle school textbook. Reading it is a struggle between its richness of content and lack of literary acumen. Depending on how important these two elements are to the reader is likely a good indication of how much one would enjoy reading this book.

Sloppy publishing.......2002-01-23

What a shame that spell-check can't distinguish among a and an, their and there, misplaced commas, and then and than. I found 47 such errors in this book, and find it apalling that a name publisher never had it actually "read" before printing. Shame on them. And the title? Bears no resemblance to the subject matter or treatment. White writes very well, when his ideas make it past a rudimentary grammar check. But the book seems to be a loose collection of magazine articles, with little overriding messages. Sure, we know science has rivalries, and that scientists can be prima donnas. Anything else new here? Not much. I'd pass on this one.

Eight good stories.......2001-04-12

I have reviewed Acid Tongues in the Street Cred column of Wired Magazine (April 2001, p. 218); I won't repeat my whole review, since that is available in the magazine and at Wired's online site.

I conclude that "Michael White delivers blow-by-blow accounts of the rivalries that underlay eight historical advancements, and he enriches each story with analysis, solid scientific explanation, and detailed biographies of each combatant." However, the whole never equals more than the sum of the parts. "White's principal assumption seems to be that rivalry fuels the advancement of science and technology." But he never proves the point. Edison's stubborn opposition to alternating current, for example, didn't really advance science so much as delay widespread recognition of the superior technology.

"Acid Tongues' thesis begs for a comparison of competitive and noncompetitive research, but--contrary to the book's title--we encounter no 'tranquil dreamers.'" I also have other minor quibbles, but conclude that "although Acid Tongues may not deliver an overarching argument, it does prove one thing: It's fun to read about rivalries." - Edward Samuels, author of The Illustrated Story of Copyright

Average customer rating:

Dying to Be Free

Just O.K.

After Ten Years

Very basic

Recognising the danger signs and surviving the ultimate loss

Dying to Be Free: A Healing Guide for Families After a Suicide
Cobain , and Jean Larch
Manufacturer: Hazelden
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Grief & Bereavement | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Suicide | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving The Suicide Of A Loved One

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Grieving a Suicide: A Loved One's Search for Comfort, Answers & Hope

ASIN: 1592853293

Book Description

Honest, gentle advice for those who have survived an unspeakable lossthe suicide of a loved one. Transforming suffering into strength, misconceptions into understanding, and shame into dignity, Beverly Cobain and Jean Larch break through the dangerous silence and stigma surrounding suicide to bring readers this much-needed book. Cobains achingly honest account of dealing with the suicide of a loved one, along with personal stories from others who experienced this profound loss, provide powerful insight into the confusion, fear, and guilt family members experience. A chapter about the suicidal mind helps families not only comprehend the depth of their loved ones pain prior to suicide, but also understand why such desperation is so difficult to recognizeeven in the closest relationships. By sharing survivor stories as well as the latest thinking and statistics about suicide, Cobain and Larch break through myths, misinformation, and misunderstandings. The result is a book of extraordinary compassion and steadfast guidance for anyone awash in the aftermath of unfathomable loss. "This frank book about suicide is a giant step toward bringing another form of mental illness out of the closet." Mindy Greiling, Minnesota State Representative and National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) National Board of Directors

Customer Reviews:

Dying to Be Free.......2007-09-26

I found this highly readable book not only informative but feel it helped save my own life....it gave me hope at a time that made no sense at all, the suicide of my son. I read it in one sitting...and will re read it again. My mom loved it too. I will highly recoomend this to anyone who I know is touched by this type of tragedy.

Just O.K........2007-09-18

This was a good basic book. My problem with it is the large amount (nearly last 1/3) of the book that talked about warning signs. To be honest, dealing with the suicide of my father, I found so much on "warning signs" a slap in the face. Sure, I see them now, but I wouldn't have bought a book that is supposed to help me heal when so much made me feel like "Why didn't I see this coming?" The first two-thirds and last chapter were fine though and I found myself making a lot of notes in the margins and highlighting. If you're like me though you'll end up skipping the last 30% of the book and it's a short book already.

After Ten Years.......2007-07-15

of trying to sort out my own daughter's suicide, and now coping with the attempted suicide of her oldest child, I am profoundly grateful that this book found its way to me. I have found much helpful information and good advice. The powerful knowledge that the book presents in a clear and concise style makes it a wonderful companion to those of us who have already begun the grief journey and to those of us who might face it in the future.

The pain and anguish, guilt and fear, shame and depression are all addressed in a way that tells us that the authors really do know what they are talking about. They have put the words to paper in an eloquent and compassionate manner.

The pain will always persist, the hole in the heart will never fully heal, but what I have craved most of all is information and knowledge that can lead to some measure of relief. Some answers will never be revealed but much work can be accomplished with the help of skilled professionals. This is an important work in the examination of suicide--a terrible but real event. I will read and reread Dying to be Free.

Very basic.......2007-05-11

Having been a grief educator with years of hospice experience, I found this book to be very basic at best. Having lost my father recently, I have turned to reading as a form of self help and this book was not helpful to me. I think I may have marked three passages in total. If you like the idea of reading the stories of famous people that have suffered loss, there is something for you here. Also, I found the poetic, Christian hymns, and prayer elements to not really speak to me at all... and I am a Christian. If these things appeal to you, then fine. If you are looking for a very personal, understanding, and insightful work on the loss of a loved one or friend to suicide, I strongly recommend the author Hsu for an excellent 5 star read.

Recognising the danger signs and surviving the ultimate loss.......2007-03-23

The authors take profoundly emotionally charged subject material such as suicide, the most extreme outcome of a loved ones individual grief, anxiety, and turmoil......and successfully write about it in ways bereaved families can understand and relate to.

They cover the intense feelings of dejection and hopelessness which can lead to suicidal tendencies, they cover the warning signs to be aware of , they cover the chemical imbalance involved in the illness of depression, they cover the trauma involved for those who witness the scene, and they assist the reader in understanding where our loved ones were at that critical moment in their lives, they ease our need to know WHY.

They can do this because they once were where I am today and just knowing that gives me hope...that one day my family and I will see the light thru our recent horrific loss........and hope is all that sustains us for today....and all our tomorrows.

Thank you Bev and Jean for opening doors to a subject that just isn't talked about enough.I find myself reading it over and over and each time I come away with something new.

Average customer rating:

Great Chinese Food Prepared Quickly and Simply

I agree completely

China Express
Nina Simonds
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Chinese | Asian | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Classic Chinese Cuisine

Asian Wraps: Deliciously Easy Hand-Held Bundles To Stuff, Wrap, And Relish

Chinese Seasons

A Spoonful of Ginger : Irresistible Health-Giving Recipes from Asian Kitchens

Spices of Life: Simple and Delicious Recipes for Great Health

ASIN: 0688114784

Customer Reviews:

Great Chinese Food Prepared Quickly and Simply.......2000-05-05

I want this book. I ordered another Nina Simonds book from the Library and they sent this one instead. I have been doing Asian Cooking (Chinese,Thai,Japanese, etc.) for many years. I have also taken many Chinese and Thai cooking classes and run a cooking school out of my home.

This is one of the best Chinese cookbooks that I have come across. I made BBQ spareribs last night that are better than you find in most restaurants. It took 5 minutes to make the sauce. Preparation was very quick and easy. Recipes are clear and well written. The ingredients can be found in any supermarket.

In her introduction Ms. Simonds states that she wrote this book after becoming a working Mom. This book is perfect for people who do not have the time to go to an Asian market to shop--you will find most, if not all, the ingredients that you need in a good supermarket. It is also perfect for someone who wants to come home and have dinner on the table within an hour. You may want to marinate something overnight; but you do not have to do a lot of preparation to make these dishes. Her section on substitutions in the front is also invaluable.

My one criticism is that she uses turkey (a non-traditional Chinese food) in so many recipes. I would use chicken or pork or ground pork instead. However, for someone on a low fat diet the turkey might be another plus. Other than that this book is great.

I agree completely.......1999-10-16

I agree completely with the comments of reviewer #1 (above). Nina Simonds CRANKS, and this book does a slightly easier (more manageable to non-cooks) version of some of her other, always delectable recipes. It's a fantastic book, and would make a great gift. There's no justice! :-)

Instant Chinese: How to Express 1,000 Different Ideeas with Just 100 Key Words and Phrases

Average customer rating:

A Perfect Phrasebook for Visitors to China

Instant Chinese: How to Express 1,000 Different Ideeas with Just 100 Key Words and Phrases
Boye De Mente
Manufacturer: Tuttle Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

English (All) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books

Study & Teaching | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0804833745

Book Description

This phrase book for travelers includes 100 key words to unlock the secret of instant communication. The idea is simple- learn 100 words and say 1,000 things. This book presents the basic vocabulary that will be used over and over again. All words are repeated in different combinations, building familiarity without effort. All phrases are given in both simplified Chinese characters and standard Hanoi Pinyin romanization. A brief guide to pronunciation allows the user to say the phrases correctly.

Customer Reviews:

A Perfect Phrasebook for Visitors to China.......2005-12-16

With plans to study at Beijing University next spring, I thought that it would be helpful to purchase a Chinese phrasebook so as to be able to fully take advantage of all that Beijing has to offer. From what I have already read of this little, but surprisingly effective, book, I am quite confident that I will have no problems at all exploring the city.

The phrasebook is broken into several practical sections, including ones concerning greetings and introductions, eating out, shopping, doing business, and almost anything else imaginable. Do not be fooled by the book's diminuitive size; it certainly packs a punch!

Although this phrasebook is by no means a comprehensive guide to the Chinese language, it is extremely helpful for anyone wanting to gain a basic understanding of the language before venturing out to China for a trip.

The White Swan Express: A Story About Adoption

Average customer rating:

Did not like it at all!
Great Story, minus the fantasy
Disappointed
Adoptee Parents love this book!
A Must for Returning Parents

The White Swan Express: A Story About Adoption
Jean Davies Okimoto , and Elaine M. Aoki
Manufacturer: Clarion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0618164537

Book Description

In China, the moon shines on four baby girls, fast asleep in an orphanage. Far away in North America, the sun rises over four homes as the people who live there get ready to start a long, exciting journey. This lovely story of people who travel to China to be united with their daughters describes the adoption process step by step and the anxiety, suspense, and delight of becoming a family. Told with tenderness and humor, and enlivened by joyous illustrations, The White Swan Express will go straight to readers" hearts.

Customer Reviews:

Did not like it at all!.......2007-05-16

There were some inferred values that I do not care to teach my children. Also, too busy...too much going on, on each page!

Great Story, minus the fantasy.......2006-11-10

As an adoptive parent that stayed at the White Swan Hotel during the adoption of our daughter I purchased this book expecting somewhat to encounter a little bit of the 'twee' sentiment that is sometimes attached to internation adoption. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoy ready of the different families that adopted on this particular journey.

I have absolutely no issue with the same sex couple in the story, as there was a time when China allowed gay couples to adopt. What it does point out to our family is that love can cross all barriers, race, gender, age, marital status and one very large ocean!

Families are built in many different ways and we want our children to understand and appreciate that.

Well written and sweet without being sickly.

Disappointed.......2006-08-17

We were shocked to find that one of the four couples adopting the Chinese babies was a female same-sex couple. Regardless of your beliefs, this was an inaccurate depiction as China does not allow same-sex couples to adopt their children. Also, it is a CHILDREN'S book and I don't think we will we be ready for a discussion on same sex marriage with our little girl.

Adoptee Parents love this book!.......2006-08-03

Our friends are about to go to China to pick up their little girl and they are really excited about this book and how it depicts this experience for them and later, their little girl. They are really enjoying it!

A Must for Returning Parents.......2006-03-27

My husband purchased this book for our family a few months prior to our returning to China to adopt our second daughter. We found it very helpful in explaining to our older daughter what was happening and what might be expected. The water color drawings are beautiful and the story is charming. Yes, there is a lesbian couple but it's really so not in your face. Those who complain about this book somehow putting adoptions in jeopardy would do well to educate themselves on the facts. China was not always closed to gay couples and it has only been in the last (approximately) four years that singles have been asked to sign the heterosexual statement. The author adopted her daughter before this process was in place, so it might behoove reviewers to actually do some research before throwing our allegations. And, since it is a work of fiction, the author did exercise artistic license in simplifying some of the explanations. I would hope that people who are looking for an adoption guide would actually be buying a non-fiction book rather than looking to a children's book, but obviously some of the other reviewers would disagree. I highly recomend this book to any open minded parent that was looking for help in telling their son/daughter their story.

Shanghai Express (Fiction from Modern China)

Average customer rating:

A fine novel
A trashy novel from another era

Shanghai Express (Fiction from Modern China)
Hen-Shui Chang , and Zhang Henshui
Manufacturer: University of Hawaii Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Chinese | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0824818253

Book Description

In this suspenseful tale of seduction and deception, a wealthy banker is smitten by an alluring young woman while traveling aboard the express train from Beijing to Shanghai. A consummate storyteller and one of the most popular novelists of his day, Zhang Henshui sweeps us on board with them and takes us through train stations and back and forth between first, second, and third class cars, evoking the smells of this microcosm of the urban world. We see what various travelers wear; we hear their conversations; we feel the chill or the warmth of each car; we detect a trace of perfume in one, pickled vegetables and greasy meats in another. Here is popular Chinese fiction at its best. Shanghai Express was considered "entertainment" fiction and was enormously popular in the 1930s. William Lyell's sparkling translation at last allows an English-reading audience to share in the fun.

Customer Reviews:

A fine novel.......2005-03-08

I would disagree strongly with the notion that this is a "trashy" novel. As William Lyell says in his afterward, just because this was a "popular" novel i.e. one intended for a mass audience, does not automatically mean it is trash.

The story is told in simple and vivid prose, aided by the masterful translation of Dr. Lyell. The author obviously was a gifted story teller. He shows in this novel an ability for evoking the reality of his characters as he simply describes their actions. The story does not exactly evoke the profoundest human emotions but it does do so with considerable skill nonetheless, particularly at the end. In addition, the author's eye for details is quite profound; life on the trains are described with great precision, particularly life in and the denizens of, the train's third class car.

About eighty five or ninety percent of the story takes place on the "Shanghai Express", a train going from Beijing to Shanghai. The novel takes place in the mid 30's, when it was first published. The story takes place over the several days of the trip and involves the eventually successful intrigue by passenger Hu Ziyun to get into bed, a young female fellow passanger, Liu Xichun. Ziyun is a very successful banker and Xichun claims to have married into the family of one of his friends.

The novel is quite drawn out and, perhaps consciously intended for its popular audience, well into the book springs upon the reader, a major twist, relating to the character of Liu Xichun. After this twist is fully exposed, we jump forward about ten years and look at the very profound tragedy of what has become of Hu Ziyun. That evocation of that tragedy by the author is probably the most impressive part of the book.

I was most bothered in the novel by some of the lengthy dialogues about their relationship between Xichun and Ziyun which sometimes seem a little unnatural and slightly abstrusely over-intellectualized. Overall, however, the novel is pretty impressive.

A trashy novel from another era.......2001-08-08

Don't buy this book expecting a fine and fancy piece of literature: that it ain't. Zhang Henshui was the Danielle Steel of early 20th century China, and this, one of his best known novels, has it all. Sex, suspense, intreague, betrayal...a page turner indeed.

Shanghai Express is an enjoyable if not very edifying read. Like all trashy novels, its hard not to feel guilty for the expenditure of time and money, but its foreign-ness and time frame should assauge some misgivings.

As 1930s pop literature, though, it does paint an interesting portrait of the manners and mores of its time. Ways of dressing, talking, eating, etc, present an unintentioned history.

Customer Reviews:

Good Intro for Absolute Beginners.......2007-07-19

This 2-disc set was my first introduction to the Chinese language, and is how I got hooked. The first disc, "Talk Now," teaches you basic words and phrases in a colorful, game-like setting. You can choose a male or female voice to mimic, and it also has a recording feature for you to test yourself. The words are displayed in Chinese characters. It would have been helpful to have the pinyin too, but it forced me to begin to "read" in a rudimentary way. Unfortunately, with no language notes, you may not realize the importance of tones in Chinese unless you learn this ahead of time, or figure it out by accident, as I did.

The second disc, "World Talk," assumes you have already mastered the language to some extent and can understand all kinds of complicated conversations and questions. It was fun playing with it, but I didn't learn much from it except to realize how much more I had to learn! It would have been nice if the second disc built directly upon the knowledge you gained from the first.

This inexpensive set is great if you are thinking of learning Chinese and would like a simple introduction. If it captures your imagination, you will want to move on to more serious learning tools. But it's always fun coming back to this for a refresher.

Red express: The greatest rail journey : from the Berlin Wall to the Great Wall of China

Average customer rating:

Red express: The greatest rail journey : from the Berlin Wall to the Great Wall of China
Michael Cordell
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Australia
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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