All About DRIPs and DSPs

Book Description

The numbers are astonishing: of the 45 million Americans who invest in today’s stock market, only 5 million realize they can invest commission-free through dividend reinvestment plans (DRIPs) and direct stock purchase plans (DSPs). But as more and more investors clamor to cut costs and take control of their own portfolio decisions, this number is destined to rise—dramatically!

All About DRIPs and DSPs tells investors everything they need to know about where to find direct investment opportunities, and how to profit from their affordable compounding benefits. Author George Fisher—a pioneer of more than 30 years investing in DRIPs and DSPs—discusses:

* Today’s top 100 DRIP/DSP companies
* Advice for building a personalized, diversified mutual fund
* How to use PEG (price to earnings growth ratio) to identify superior long-term opportunities

Customer Reviews:

All About Drips and DSPs.......2002-08-06

This is a very good book about buying stocks directly from the company. In this market why pay broker fees. A bunch of drunken monkeys throwing darts at the Wall Street Journal can do just as well at picking good stock as a broker and there's no fees. This is a great nuts and bolts book on buying drips. This is a good book for the beginning investor.

Investing for Joe Average.......2001-09-05

This book succeeds with its target audience on so many levels. It's written in a non-pretentious manner and covers all the bases very well. Due to the nature of this type of investing anyone can pick it up and be in the stock market in no time.

How much more timely could this book be? With the gut-wrenching gyrations in the stock market right now, the prudent, dollar-cost-averaging investor's style deserves a comprehensive illustration. This book provides that.

The company capsules are an excellent bonus. You don't see anything like that in the typical investing book.

The investor's friend, George Fisher.......2001-08-24

A very readable primer for beginner as well as experienced investor. This book is sure to give a good case of heartburn to "financial planners" and "life retirement consultants" who make their living on portfolio maintenance charges. Chapter by chapter, George Fisher uncomplicates the world of dividend reinvestment and direct stock purchase plans, and shows the reader that it's just not as hard as it seems to become one's own self-reliant investor. Section "Best Of The Best" which profiles 16 top companies is alone worth the price of the book.

Finally a Book That DRIPs With Meat!.......2001-08-17

Dividend reinvestment planning is the dirty little secret your broker and mutual fund salespeople don't want you to know about. Why? Because DRIPpers pay all the commissions to themselves.
To date few books about DRIPs have gone much beyond the mechanics of starting a plan and listing a number of companies that offer DRIPs. Most books describe a "one size fits all" approach to DRIPping. Yet anyone who DRIPs will tell you it is more complex than that.
All About DRIPs and DSPs breaks the mold. It could be seen as the first text book and artistic approach to dividend reinvestment planning. There is the usual material about how to begin a plan but it also begins to consider individual approaches to the process. Although individuals are responsible for choosing their own investments Mr. Fisher helps the reader develop the skills to make wise choices. He teaches an investor how to research companies through simplified analysis, looking at management and reading an annual report. He sifts these to find what is important and does it with humour. I particularly noted the sections on how to read between the lines when management speaks or how Harley Davidson has the kind of brand loyalty that causes people to tatoo the company logo to their bodies.
There are also sections on portfolio planning with DRIPs, how bonds can be DRIPped and lists of DRIP offering companies with outstanding historical performances.
DRIPs are for take charge individuals, with only small amounts of money to invest, who are tired of paying exhorbitant fees for questionable service. This book has provided me other strategies to consider than my own and broadened my approach. All About DRIPs and DSPs is for the self motivated individuals who wants to invest effectively and successfully.
This is the kind of book DRIPpers have been waiting for.

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All About DRIPs and DSPs
George C. Fisher
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Companies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OFTAYS

Book Description

This book is a comprehensive manual to allow both the novice researcher and the expert to set up and carry out quantitative PCR assays from scratch. However, this book also sets out to explain as many features of qPCR as possible, provide alternative viewpoints, methods, and aims to simulate the researchers into generating, interpreting, and publishing data that are reproducible, reliable, and biologically meaningful

Customer Reviews:

A thought-provoking book.......2006-05-03

I am always a little hesitant about relying on a science book that is 16 years old - so much can change. Apparently, Gaia is still an open issue, and even though there must have been developments since this book, it is still a fascinating look at the beginnings of the issue.

Joseph is sympathetic towards the Gaia theory, and obviously an admirer of Lovelock and Margulis, but he approaches the subject with some scepticism, explaining critical points of view and sometimes agreeing that theory is weak at points. Perhaps his attitude is best summed up by his dedication: " ... to James Lovelock, Lynn Margulis and everyone who gives them a good argument". He also mentions controversies that Lovelock has been involved in, such as his failure to support the banning of CFCs. I am somewhat relieved to realize that one of the reasons that I have never been too clear on the exact meaning of the theory is that Lovelock isn't entirely clear and has shifted over the years.

I've been doing some study of science history lately, and it strikes me that it is not as important whether or not Gaia is correct if it is fecund. If it gets researchers to look at the relationship of organism and their environment in new ways, to ask questions that they haven't previously thought of, then it will have been valuable, even if it is ultimately disproved. I will admit that a friend who is a geologist was rather distressed at my lackadaisical attitude.

Joseph also discusses the spritual aspects of the theory, e.g., how it is used by neo-pagans. He also relates to to historic religions and philosophies. I'm not sure if Lovelock, and particularly Margulis, are grateful for this, but it is interesting. My one complaint about the writing style is Joseph's tendency to use metaphors anthropomorphizing Gaia. This may be fine literary form, but it risks further confusing the reader on this somewhat vexed point.

The book includes extensive notes and an index.

Thoughtful, palatable for those not scientically inclined.......1998-12-07

I preface my review by acknowledging that it has been more than six years since I've read this book and regrettably, no longer have it in my posession. But it so enriched my view of the world, although I harbor only a lay person's curiosity about science, I feel compelled to share my memories of it.

In this book, Lawrence Joseph succeeds in revealing, without judgement, how the world of science can be as insular as any other. He explores the processes that eventually bring Lynn Margulies, the macrobiologist, and James Lovelock, the atmospheric scientist, together.

Their combined vision of a wholly interactive planet, of cause and effect endlessly mirrored through a timeless looking glass, is resisted by the scientific community. As authors of the Gaia Theory, they struggle with a revolutionary approach to viewing the interaction of the planet from both above and beneath the skin of the earth. For this, they endure the suspicion of other scientists from both disciplines who believe Margulies and Lovelock have sold out to the New Age concept of a holistic universe.

The reality of cause and affect, a notion readily accepted as common sense in the most pragmatic of circles, is resisted and often rejected straight out of hand by those with a protectionist view to science.

The struggle of Margulies and Lovelock, two creative-thinkers very different in their personalities as well as their areas of interest, provides an element of high drama. And their persistence in developing and expanding the Gaia Theory made for compelling, thought-provoking reading.

Book Description

In these essays Professor Seitz, President Emeritus of Rockefeller University, investigates the role of science and technology in modern society. Seitz is particularly interested in the historical connections between technology, society, and science. Why did what we now call science develop only in Western Europe? What made it such a powerful force for the development of technology? Why did other cultures - many of which have had continuous histories of intellectual inquiry far longer than Western Europe - not develop a similar science? What can we expect of the future - and of predictions of the future?

Amazon.com

Emer Martin's second novel is an emotional roller coaster with tracks laid across the entire planet, from Ireland to Japan to the United States to Central America. Keelin, the youngest of five children, is dispatched by her mother to find the eldest daughter, Aisling, who's been missing for over 15 years. Her journey forces her to confront the obsessive-compulsive behavior of herself and her siblings, who tag along for parts of the trip or monitor her progress from afar. The colorful cast of characters (including a gay priest and a Japanese transvestite) is sure to strike a chord with anyone who's ever felt like an outcast and wished he or she could build a separate world someplace else.

Book Description

At high speed and with wicked humor, Emer Martin introduces us to a family unlike any other. Long after her husband is institutionalized, Molly moves her children from the west of Ireland to Dublin. She is following her eldest daughter Aisling --- her favorite, the beloved --- who is to attend college there. But one summer Aisling disappears. Fifteen years later, Molly persuades the youngest and most reliable of her five children, Keelin, to put her own life on hold to search for Aisling. Traveling the world with various of her siblings, Keelin learns that each is cursed with their father's affliction --- "the doubting disease," as they call it. In one way or another, each is paralyzed and compelled to perform irrational acts. In pursuit of her wild, elusive sister, whose personality defies categorization, Keelin takes on a hip and decadent Japan, a talk-show-worthy United States, and a surreal Central America. Many curious adventures, an uncertain reunion, and a stunning betrayal later, Keelin is forced to question the familial attachments that have always driven her. More Bread or I'll Appear casts a unique eye on the issues of gender, race, and class that are vital to contemporary culture. It is a story about family, an examination of the tyranny of genetic and emotional bonds.

Customer Reviews:

The Irish Diaspora meets the 21st Century.......2005-04-12

More Bread Or I'll Appear is a novel where the Irish Diaspora meets the 21st Century. Emer Martin takes one family and puts them on the world stage. She writes with a lovely Irish humor that can make light of the direst situations, which the book is full of. Illness, Compulsive Disorders, Teen Pregnancy, Alcoholism, Drug Addiction, Gay Child-Abusing Priests, AIDS, Kidnapping, Robbery, Prostitution, Compulsive Eating Disorders, Cross-Dressing, and Murder are all treated in a matter-of-fact way, but can at times make this a hard novel to get through. Yet the character development and the author's sensitive approach to the human situation make this a wonderful novel.

Emer Martin takes us into the lives of a dysfunctional, but strong and resilient family as each member faces a crisis in their lives and comes to terms with themselves and their situation. Not for the feint of heart, but still heart-warming, this is a novel that looks at the personal within a global setting.

The setting is global with the characters circling the globe in search of a missing sister. Ireland, New York, Japan, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Honduras, Mexico, and Cuba are all there and lend this novel a truly global perspective.

A Family that Sticks Together?.......2003-02-08

Emer Martin's novel about the ups-and-downs of a dysfunctional Irish family is a new approach from her earlier work "Breakfast at Babylon." Martin examines human issues that brings about the saying: "a family that sticks together [doesn't always stay together]." The story focuses on a mother, Molly and her 5 children, Patrick, Aisling. Keelin, Siobhan and Orla.

Molly's husband becomes mentally ill and is institutionalized. Molly and the children move from west Ireland to Dublin. The eldest daughter Aisling attends college there. Molly follows her. Then one summer Aisling just disappears. It takes Molly 15 years later to presuade her youngest and reliable. Keelin and put her life on hold to search for Aisling. So Keelin sets off to travel the world with the other siblings. Keelin learns that each sibling is cursed with their father's affliction 'the doubting disease.' In some way and another each is ultimately compelled to perform irrational acts. In pursuit of her wild, elusive sister. Whose personality defies any description. Keelin takes on a very chic and decadent Japan, a talk show diverse United States and an incongruous Central America. There are many questionable adventures.. what follows is an uncertain reunion and a surprising betrayal. Keelin questions the family attachments that have driven her to the point of separation.

Martin's work casts a unique ego on vital issues of gender, race and class. Though it's primarily a story about family. It sheds some light on what some family's face within their circle. The domination of genetic and emotional bonds, the struggle for individuality and the difficulty of love. If you like reading about the quirkness and social norms in family relationships I suggest this.

Amazing.......2001-02-04

Emer Martin has written one of the most interesting and engaging books I have read in years. The book is funny and intelligent, and the characters are vivid and unique. I would highly recommend it to anyone that wants to get a glimpse of the various corners of the world visited in this book from a very hip point of view.

Absolutely Fabulous.......2001-01-25

Having read Emer Martins first novel, Breakfast in Babylon, (which is highly recommended), I waited with baited breath for her next book. Follow up books from new authors can often be disappointing at the least, however, I was pleasantly suprised at the consistancy in Ms. Martin's talents as a young author. The story although tragic, is written with warmth and an understanding that is rarely seen in modern literature. There is greatness in this book and something for everybody.

Absolutely Fabulous.......2001-01-25

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More Bread or I'll Appear

Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HYUGS0

More Bread or I'll Appear.(Review) (book reviews) : An article from: The Review of Contemporary Fiction

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More Bread or I'll Appear.(Review) (book reviews) : An article from: The Review of Contemporary Fiction
George O'Brien
Manufacturer: Review of Contemporary Fiction
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Review of Contemporary Fiction, published by Review of Contemporary Fiction on June 22, 1999. The length of the article is 728 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: More Bread or I'll Appear.(Review) (book reviews)
Author: George O'Brien
Publication: The Review of Contemporary Fiction (Refereed)
Date: June 22, 1999
Publisher: Review of Contemporary Fiction
Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Page: 133

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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More Bread or I'll Appear
Emer MARTIN
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UZVOB4

Book Description

Wednesday 22 January 1879 was one of the most dramatic days in the annals of military history. In the morning, a modern British army was swept aside by the onset of a seemingly unstoppable Zulu host at Isandlwana. Nearby, at a remote border outpost on the Buffalo River, a single company of the 24th Regiment and a few dozen recuperating hospital patients were passing another hot, monotonous day. News of the disaster across the river came like a bolt from the blue. Retreat was not an option. It seemed certain that the Rorke's Drift detachment would share the terrible fate of their comrades. Following on from How Can Man Die Better, Colonel Snook brings the insights of a military professional to bear in this strikingly original account. It is an extraordinary tale a victory largely achieved by the sheer bloody-mindedness in adversity of the British infantryman, fighting at the remarkable odds of over thirty to one. The heroics of all eleven VC winners are recounted in detail, and we are offered new insights into how the Zulu attack unfolded and how 150 men achieved their improbable victory. The author describes the remainder of the war, from the recovery of the lost Queen's Colour of the 24th to the climactic charge of the 17th Lancers at Ulundi. We return to Isandlwana to consider culpability, and learn of the often tragic fates of many of the war's participants. Like Wolves is a remarkable work, and the author's unbridled respect for the fighting qualities of British soldier and his abiding affection for the Zulu people shines through.

Customer Reviews:

A great book on a great tale ..........2007-10-15

I can't really say more than what has already been said. The book is just a wonderful text to read through. It's easy to read, and the author is great with giving details and weaving them into the story without losing the reader attention. Very much recommended.

You Mean They Didn't Really Sing 'Men of Harlech'?.......2007-08-08

Rorke's Drift was a heroically fought but pointless battle in a savagely waged but peripheral war, the ill-conceived invasion in 1879 of Zululand by a small British Army under Lord Chelmsford, known to history as the Anglo-Zulu War. Snook, a serving officer in the modern regiment descended from the 1st / 24th regiment that defended Rorke's Drift, provides an exhaustive and detailed monograph on the battle.

Though as a general reader I would not know if Snook made factual or interpretive errors, his study seems impressively and meticulously researched and he writes well, sometimes stirringly. Indeed, the middle third of the book, which tells the almost incredible story of how a group of 139+ British soldiers, a quarter of them sick, successfully fought off repeated attacks by approximately 3,000 - 4,500 Zulus, makes for compelling and absorbing reading. Although writing exclusively from the British viewpoint (there are no Zulu written sources, after all), he tells a little about the Zulu command structure and commanders and shows admiration for the fighting qualities of Zulu warriors. I also liked that he decries war rather than glorifies it: ultimately, this tribute to the bravery of the heroes of Rorke's Drift concludes by making the timely point that their story 'epitomise[s] the folly of waging war except as a genuine measure of last resort.' I agree.

The book has lovely color plates, and good maps of the Rorke's Drift mission itself. One other great feature of the book is its extensive appendices, which include rosters of the soldiers who fought at Rorke's Drift and some firsthand accounts, as well as Chard's report to Queen Victoria, and an analysis of the battlefield. Good stuff for the research historian.

The main reason I even knew anything, prior to reading this book, about Rorke's Drift was Stanley Baker's great 1964 movie about it, which of course contains numerous instances of artistic license (e.g., sadly there was no inspiring rendition of 'Men of Harlech,' no 'saluting of fellow braves,' etc.); indeed I was surprised to learn that the movie gets a few things quite wrong (Harry Hook was not a dissolute malingerer, but a clean-living teetotaler, for instance). In contrast to the film which depicts mass charges of Zulu impis wielding assegais and cowhide shields, Snook shows that many of the Zulus had muskets, though they didn't know how to sight them well, and jumped from cover to cover. In addition, the movie shows the British soldiers often using mass volleys of rifle fire, which Snook argues was ahistorical.

Why not 5 stars? I found it a little irritating that, despite the subtitle, much of the book focuses on the Battle of Isandlwana, the disaster that took place earlier on Jan.22 of which Rorke's Drift was the aftermath. Snook even devotes much of his post-mortem discussion to allocating blame for the Isandlwana debacle.

I also found the discussion of blame somewhat beside the point: Chelmsford was not even at Isandlwana, and the subsequent imperial government inquiry that fixed blame on him obviously needed a scapegoat for the disaster. Ultimately, Chelmsford's error was to have a mindset -- underestimating the Zulus' fighting abilities -- that was probably shared by much of the British leadership. Moreover, Chelmsford was the victor at the battle (Ulundi) that ended the war, and neither his peers nor Snook give him much credit for this achievement. Steeped as he is in the ethos of the British military establishment, Snook agrees with the verdict of the government inquiry. I think there is some room at least for disagreement.

I made the mistake of tackling this book without reading Snook's earlier volume on Isandlwana, How Can Men Die Better, and consequently found the substantial portion of this book that treats Isandlwana and its aftermath difficult to follow. I believe I would have enjoyed and understood more if I had read that volume first, so I would recommend doing that before reading this book if you are not already knowledgeable about the Battle of Isandlwana.

Overall, though, there is no denying that Snook has written an essential book for anyone who wants to understand this sanguinary episode in the history of British arms. Snook's study is probably destined to be a definitive treatment of Rorke's Drift.

a nice follow-up...........2007-07-04

This book proves to be a nice follow-up to Snook's previous effort, How Can Man Die Better which covers the Battle of Isandlwana. This book covers the Defense of Rorke's Defense where a single company of the 24th Regiment held off the Zulu forces many times their strength.

Rorke's Drift is one of these battles of which many books have already been written about and this one proves to be quite readable, very well researched and in a typical style of the author, you feel at times that you are in there with the troops. It doesn't say anything truly new here but it does add fresh perception to the battle and the author enjoyed on few occasions to compared the real account with the film account, Zulu, starring Stanley Baker and Michael Caine. The book also gives a great insight into the soldiers who fought with such desperation. The narrative was often "hero oriented" in telling. Zulu side was also present but limited in form. The heart and soul of this book lies in the retelling of the Rorke's Drift from the Anglo-centric point of view. Although the account of the battle proves to be bit on the short side, it was clearly written and easy to follow. Unlike one of the previous reviewers, I thought the author's prose was quite good and passage flows very nicely.

The book come well illustrated with diagrams of Rorke's Drift that reflects very nicely on the battle. There are quite a few photographs and color paintings that also proves to be quite good.

But in all honesty, if I had to choose one book on Rorke's Drift, it probably won't be this one. I would choose Adrian Greaves' Rorke's Drift book which is far more detailed, superior in-depth book on the subject. Snook's book is good and worthy of the four stars but it been done before. I think one of the main weaknesses of the book lies with the fact that Snook didn't spend that much on battle itself. There are considerable amount of material in the book that dealt with Isandlwana, rest of the Zulu Wars and so forth. Personally, I would prefer a book about Rorke's Drift to be about Rorke's Drift.

In conclusion, I would recommended this book to any reader interested in the early stages of the Zulu War even if it may not be the best book on the subject.

Excellent book...highly recommended.......2007-05-16

This book should be required reading for anyone interested in the Anglo-Zulu War. Not only does Lt. Col. Snook explain in great detail the events of the defense of Rorke's Drift in great detail but he also brings to life the men who were involved in this climactic battle. This is a ground breaking book which sheds light on a little known yet amazing occurence in military history. Unlike the other historians who have written on this battle Lt. Col. Snook has researched The Battle of Rorke's Drift in depth and his work over the years shows itself on every page. 'Like Wolves on the Fold' builds upon Snook's other book 'How Can Man Die Better' and both when read one after the other form an excellent and essential history on the AZW. As a military historian I highly recommend them both.

Not for the general reader.......2007-02-17

LWotF is an almost minute-by-minute account of the battle of Rorke's Drift. While militarily insignificant, the story of this small battle was much popularized by the 1964 movie "Zulu" (which is still pretty good, even in light of the special effects of today's big-battle productions).

The extent of the research is impressive but the book is a dry read. I suppose one can only do so much with so narrow a topic. I believe the author is the official historian of the particular British regiment involved, so he has a pretty targeted audience. Personally, I would have prefered a more complete discussion, placing the battle in its wider historical context.

If you're looking to understand the Zulu Wars or British colonial history in Africa, look elsewhere. If, for some reason, you have a particularized interest in this specific historical footnote of an event (or if you're interested in knowing how accurate the movie was), then this is the book for you.

Book Description

In this authoritative and readable study, Russell-Wood documents the experience of both slaves and freemen of color in colonial Brazil, charting their culture, social framework, and domestic lives.

Book Description

Harre shows how various views about the nature of science are related to the great historical schools of philosophy. He sets out his argument in terms of concrete episodes in the history of science. This new edition includes a chapter on science and society, which explores issues such as the
morality of experimentation on live animals and the premise that knowledge is a basis for moral good. Harre also examines the theory that science is a form of art, and looks at the way scientific knowledge affects out religious beliefs.

Three Introductory Lectures on the Science of Thought

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Three Introductory Lectures on the Science of Thought
F. Max Muller
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

History & Surveys | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0766131750

Book Description

1887. A compendium of three lectures given by the author at the Royal Institution in London. Includes his lectures entitled: The Simplicity of Language; The Identity of Language and Thought; The Simplicity of Thought. Also contains an appendix on thought without words.

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Hegel and Marx: Introductory Lectures
Elie Kedourie , Sylvia Kedourie , and Helen Kedourie
Manufacturer: Blackwell Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Modern | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

History of Ideas | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0631193235

Mathematical Logic and the Foundations of Mathematics: An Introductory Survey

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Nothing Great.

Mathematical Logic and the Foundations of Mathematics: An Introductory Survey
G. T. Kneebone
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Graduate-level historical study is ideal for students intending to specialize in the topic, as well as those who only need a general treatment. Part I discusses traditional and symbolic logic. Part II explores the foundations of mathematics, emphasizing Hilbert’s metamathematics. Part III focuses on the philosophy of mathematics.

Customer Reviews:

Nothing Great........2004-01-25

This is a recently issued Dover reprint of a 1963 Van Nostrand book. It contains a rough coverage of some mathematics, some history, and some philosophy. You need some familiarity with mathematical logic to read the book, but it certainly isnt "graduate-level" as claimed in the editorial review. It's divided into three parts. Part 1 is mostly a shoddy and outdated introduction to symbolic logic. People who dont already know this material will probably be confused by the presentation, and people who have taken a class in mathematical logic will find it dull and clumsy - skim it. Part 2 is a history of the major developments in mathematical logic and foundations from around 1870 to 1940. This coverage is ok but dated, not so much because of the omission of more recent events, but for the lack of critical perspective from the period Kneebone is discussing. He reviews all the historical material you would expect in an introductory survey, without offering anything particularly insightful, and sometimes fails to emphasize the truly important innovations against the background of lesser technical apparatus. Part 3 is a lightweight look at philosophy of mathematics, the longest section focusing on Whitehead's epistemology. Overall the book is routine, broad but not deep, and somewhat outdated.

The philosophies of science: an introductory survey

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The philosophies of science: an introductory survey

Manufacturer: OUP
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HJHU4S

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The Philosophies of Science: An Introductory Survey.
Rom Harré
Manufacturer: OUP 1972.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000L6AR0Q

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The Philosophies of Science : An Introductory Survey
Rom Harre
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OOGPTM

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The philosophies of science: an introductory survey

Manufacturer: OUP
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H5JCPM

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Paddling, personality and persistence.......2005-03-17

Over a decade before those icons of Manifest Destiny, Lewis and Clark, finally camped on Pacific shores, Scots fur trader Alexander Mackenzie had already crossed the entire North American continent. Mackenzie's traverse prompted President Jefferson's counter with the government employees' well-equipped expedition. Mackenzie had undertaken the journey at his own initiative. Likewise, Max Finkelstein suddenly convinced himself it would be a fine idea to duplicate, as far as he might, the traverse Mackenzie made at the end of the 18th Century. Due to time constraints, Finkelstein had to follow Mackenzie's track in stages over several years. This book is an account of those expeditions.

The opening chapters portraying Mackenzie's journeys and more recent continental crossings reveal the immensity of the task. Finkelstein then describes his personal crises, an aged mother and his own doubts, as he prepares [with a list of equipment at the back of the book], then is blocked from launching by Ottawa River Valley weather. Once under way, he imparts his successes and challenges with deep feeling. It's a wonderfully descriptive, evocative story of a man almost driven to explore Canada's river and lake systems. Max is helped, coaxed, encouraged, frustrated and elated by turns. You are with him at every portage; you share his joys and illnesses; you feel his rapture at being on Canada's rivers. Mostly, you gain some insight as to what kept both Mackenzie and Finkelstein going as they sought the vast Pacific shore.

It's easy to disparage the modern canoeist, particularly one on such an immense, but well-planned, journey. Finkelstein carries a GPS locating device, video recording equipment, Kraft Dinners [TM] and even "Sir Alex", a Teddy Bear, for good luck. With modern conveniences, friends who provide dinners and showers, getting a lift over crossings in a ute, it's clear he's not portaging into the past. That wasn't his intent. Finkelstein wanted to see, so far as possible, what Mackenzie saw. He succeed and imparts his observations in a readable and truly captivating account. Along the way, he gently reminds us that GPS devices and Kraft Dinners fade into obscurity when you're alone in a Lake Superior storm or shooting rapids down the Blackwater River in British Columbia. Then, Finkelstein is every bit the man the Scots explorer was and deserves much credit for his endeavours - and his narrative of the adventure. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

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