Monetary Economics: Policy and its Theoretical Basis

Book Description

Monetary Economics is an ideal course text for students in monetary economics. The book successfully achieves a balance between theory and practice and enables the student to understand the theoretical basis of monetary economics.

Book Description

The first edition of this book, published by University Press of New England in 1986, sold over 2500 copies, and was received as the best introductory overview of this broad field. Quite a lot has happened in the field of symbiosis in the past 10 years, especially concerning molecular mechanisms. Ahmadjian and Paracer have thoroughly updated their book, addressing advances in the field and the emergence of fields such as cellular microbiology, immunoparasitology, and endocytobiology, which have revealed new aspects of symbiosis. It is the only book to cover all aspects of symbiosis at an introductory level.

Customer Reviews:

Little long, but very thorough overview.......2005-04-28

Symbiosis by Surindar Paracer and Vernon Ahmadjian is an extensive view into the remarkable world of symbiotic relationships across all different organisms throughout the varying Kingdoms. The topics covered range from viral and bacterial pathogenesis, the symbioses possible in the origins of the Eukaryotic cell and fungal relationships between plants, animals, and fungi. Also covered are the symbiotic relationships that compose parasitic infections, animal parasitism, plant-pollinator relations, behavioral and social symbioses, and finally, co-evolution. The book does an excellent job in separating the levels of symbioses as they span through the varying bacteria, protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals. Also, brief examples of previous research are given as well as numerous references to these experiments.
The first topic discussed in Symbiosis is that of viral associations with differing organisms such as humans, insects, and fungi. An in depth approach is taking discussing the multiple taxonomic variations found in the seven main viruses. Pathogenesis such as HIV in humans is touched on as well as the replication methods that viruses use in order to infect their hosts. After the viruses, the bacteria and their effects on animals, protozoa, and other bacteria are approached. The topics approached include predatory bacteria and the parasitism of amoebas within human intestinal tracts. Bacterial bioluminescence as found within many marine species of fish and squid are explained as well. Finally, the topic of rumen microbial ecosystems is approached and a thorough explanation of the bacterial association is explained. The topic of bacterial pathogenesis touches upon the topics of Salmonella, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and E. coli. The detail covered in the text includes both the possible origins of the varying bacteria and the molecular compositions of the varying species.
The symbiotic relationships found among plants are discussed including the Nitrogen fixing bacteria found within legumes and other plants. Other plants affected by symbiotic relationships include the Bryophytes and Cycads. Due to these organisms extended history, the extent of time that a symbiotic relationship has been shared is clear and impressive. The angiosperms are touched upon briefly dealing with such diseases as vascular wilts, soft rots, scabs, and cankers.
An interesting chapter focuses mainly solely on the Serial Endobymbiosis theory and similar symbiotic cell theories such as the Hydrogen Hypothesis. In extreme detail these topics are diagrammed and explained as how the mitochondria and chloroplasts have found there where within other cells. Also included in this endosymbiosis theory are the acquisition of microtubules for movement, peroxisomes, hydrogenosomes, and even the nucleus of cells. An interesting viewpoint is explored as the host cell being analogous to that of an intracellular ecosystem.
A book cannot be written on symbiosis without dealing with the fascinating world of fungi. In Symbiosis the fungal associations found between protozoa and animals are discussed first. The intriguing topic of predatory fungi is explored in great depth including the multitudes of trap types that fungi used. The world of insects and their relations with fungi is touched upon as well discussing the wood wasp and scolytid beetle. The fungal gardens maintained by some of these creatures for nourishment as well as some wasps and ants are of extreme interest. The chapter immediately following tackles fungal associations found in fungi, algae, and especially plants. The topic of lichens is explained, exampled, and discussed in great depth including types of lichens, distribution, dispersal and reproduction, as well as the recognizing mechanisms between fungi and algae/cyanobacterium, case pending. After lichens are thoroughly discussed the topic of mycorrhiza is approached and discussed in great depth including vesicular and arbiscular forms as well as ectendomycorrhiza and ericoid mycorrhiza, dealing with coniferophyta and heather families, respectively. Some topics of fungal associations with plants are approached and interesting methods such as castration of the plant and devastating rust, smut, and mildew diseases.
The next world explored encompasses protozoa and there mutualistic and parasitic relationships on plants, animals, and other protozoa. The topic of ruminant symbioses is revisited with ciliates as well as that found within the tadpoles of amphibian genus Opalina. A fascinating occurrence found in both Opalina and other organisms is the ability for the parasite to correspond with the life cycle of the organism. The largest portion of the chapter deals with malaria and the mechanisms involved in the complex transfer and history of the disease. This chapter supplies excellent diagrams and life-cycle charts to plot the life cycles and mechanisms used by the protozoa and the insects or animals they inhabit. The marine world is briefly approached in the relationships among sea sponges and anemones as well as jellyfish. Some of these marine species have changed their behavior drastically in order to maximize the photosynthesis of their endosymbiotic partners such as the Cassiopeia xamachana or upside down jellyfish. Many cases are given of the photosynthesis adaptations in the marine and intertidal world of these creatures.
The stomach churning chapter of animal parasitism is certainly one to make you second guess your future food choices. This chapter deals specifically with flukes, nematodes, tapeworms, and parasitoids and goes into great depths of the organisms, their methods, and the eventual unfortunate outcomes of their hosts. As with previous chapters the extensive diagrams allow the reader to properly understand the conveyed paths used by the worms in their travels through intermediate host and into their desired system. The fascinating topic of parasitoids is approached and the insect-worm relationships are viewed in some depth including the famous fig and wasp situations of mutualism and co-evolution.
Dealing with the angiosperms the topic is brief, but concise. This chapter is an excellent lead into the final chapter of co-evolution as it deals with tree-ant symbioses as well as the extremely co-evolved world of plants and pollinators, and the sycamore fig-gall wasp association is touched in greater deal. The final portion of the chapter deals with parasitic plants such as the dodders, mistletoes, and the world's largest flowering plant, the Rafflesia arnoldii.
Possibly the best topic of the book was saved for last dealing with behavioral and social symbiosis and co-evolution. The topic of cleaning fish is dealt with in great deal as well as the modifications that can be found in host-parasite interactions. Social parasitism found in wasps, ants, and termites is discussed as well as that of cowbirds and their highly developed brood parasitism shared with cuckoos. The book ends with an overview of the molecular and genetic approaches to viewing symbiosis. Although it gets somewhat dense at this point it is important to understand the relationships found between genetic polymorphism and its common occurrence among individuals who share symbiotic relationships.
On the whole, Symbiosis does an excellent job of covering the dense world of symbiotic relationships in a relatively short amount of space while still giving multiple examples, detailed drawings, and uncountable references for further investigation. This book is a definite read for any novice interested in the world of symbiotic relationships or any well developed biologist interested in learning more through brief examples and extensive references.

Symbiosis: An Introduction to Biological Associations

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Symbiosis: An Introduction to Biological Associations
Vernon Ahmadjian Surindar Paracer
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKAGNW

Book Description

From a human viewpoint, the cold waters of deep sea and polar marine regions present an inhospitable and harsh environment for life. The study of organisms that have exploited this seemingly hostile ecological niche has revealed intriguing physiological adaptations. This volume summarizes the most recent information on the adaptations exhibited by representatives of the main groups of polar animals, including marine invertebrates, fish, mammals, and birds. The scales of adaptation range from the whole organism to the underlying molecular mechanisms. Unique in its breadth of coverage, this volume will provide an important resource for all those concerned specifically with how animals have adapted to life in extreme conditions.

Book Description

"The first great baseball book of 2001."

Booklist (starred review)

In this stirring account, award-winning sports writer John Eisenberg brings to life the epic saga of baseball's winningest franchise from 1960 to 1997. In From 33 ^rd Street to Camden Yards, the Orioles' story is told using the voices of the players, managers, coaches, owners, and fans who helped make the Baltimore Orioles a secular religion in the city that calls itself Baseball City USA.

Customer Reviews:

O's fan's delight.......2005-03-09

I'm sure most Orioles fans have checked this book out already, but if you haven't, what are you waiting for? This is a history of the O's told through interviews with many former players, managers, and executives involved with the club. Deep (500 pages) and interesting. "The Oriole Way" (great fundamentals, playing for the team and not for the self) worked wonders for the organization for a long time. Free agency did its bit in undermining all that, but there's always next year. One of the better baseball books on the market.

As comprehensive an O's history as you'll presently find.......2004-11-16

I'm a new Orioles fan, having finally had enough of the high salaries and toxic ownership of my native New York Yankees. Committed to giving my devotion to another storied francise, the Baltimore Orioles, I sought to learn everything I could about my newly adopted team.

This book is as comprehensive an Orioles history as I've found. At only 500 pages it may be a little too condensed for some Baltimore devotees, but all the significant events in O's history are covered - from the team's inception to its salad days in the late 60s and early 70s; from talented rookies like Steve Dalkowsi (who never made the bigs) to talented veterans like Cal Ripken (who did).

The early player development of Paul Richards. The amazing defensive play of Brooks Robinson, the greatest third baseman ever. The owners - Jerry Hoffberger, EBW, Eli Jacobs, and Peter Angelos. Earl Weaver and Cal Senior. Reggie's year in Baltimore. The remarkable farm system and the "Oriole Way." Memorial Stadium and the building of Camden Yards. World Series seasons and sub-500 years. It's all here, told by the players and front office personnel who lived it.

Maybe a more "complete" history will be written someday, but presently this is the best Orioles book to get. Also check out the similarly titled Ted Patterson book, "Baltimore Orioles: From 33rd Street to Camden Yards," which is almost as comprehensive and features a lot more pictures.

A fun and insightful read for all O's and baseball fans.......2004-05-06

I'm a huge baseball fan and a bigger Orioles fan, but for years I've stayed away from reading books about the game. I'm not sure why, but I could just never bring myself to read tales of yesteryear strained through rose-colored glasses. So it was with great joy that I tore through John Eisenberg's book.

Most "oral histories" tend to be rather boring and well, talky, usually filled with a lot of "me, me, me." Perhaps it speaks to the true nature of what the Orioles organization used to be that the men interviewed tend to sound honest, intelligent and even modest at times.

This is really a fun book - one filled with funny, sad and insightful tales of a different era of baseball. Unfortunately, some players where no longer around to be interviewed (I would have loved to hear what Mark Belanger had to say) and others, it seems, refused to talk (who wouldn't want to hear Reggie Jackson talk about his one season in Baltimore!?).

If you're an Orioles fan, you really can't go wrong with this book. And if you're a baseball fan, I urge to pick this up because you'll begin to understand just what the Birds have meant for Baltimore and for baseball in general.

Great History Lesson of the Orioles.......2003-06-24

This is a great history lesson of the Baltimore Orioles that was easier than I accepted to read. The book is more from the prospective of the past players, coaches & owners than from the author and gives a "real" look into the times of the Orioles beginning after the move from St. Louis, to the glory days of the 60's & 70's to the downward spirial of the late 80's and thru the up's and downs of the 90's. Also, the author gives us how the "Oriole Way" was developed. Awesome detail and some funny passages. I would recommend, even to the non-Oriole fan such as myself.

A Few Too Many Missing Links But A Great Read Regardless.......2001-10-29

Until Peter Golenbock [the unparalleled master of the baseball oral history - refer, if you doubt me, to "Bums" (about the Brooklyn Dodgers), "Dynasty" (the New York Yankees of 1947-64), "The Spirit of St. Louis" (the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Browns), and "Fenway" (three guesses)] decides to get the job done, this will have to suffice for an almost comprehensive history of the Baltimore Orioles, one of the more class baseball franchises - at least, since they moved from St. Louis for the 1954 season. (For those whose lives have been lived on Uranus for half a century, the Orioles are the erstwhile Browns.)

The good news: It's as good as it gets for discoursing upon such phenomena as the team's first horrendous season in 1954. (The 1954 Orioles were the 1962 Mets of their day: they dropped over 100 and the fans loved them anyway, and the Birds didn't lack for a little colour, either.) It's even better for giving the closest insight we are likely to receive so far about Oriole minor league pitching legend Steve Dalkowski - Dalkowski (a roommate of future Los Angeles Angels rookie star/playboy Bo Belinsky) threw bullets which have people suggesting long since that he might have been harder than Herb Score (who didn't survive, thanks to an altered pitching motion ruining his arm, in the wake of that nasty line drive off his face) or Sandy Koufax (who finally found the plate in 1961 and became a Hall of Famer and the second deadliest lefthander of them all other than Lefty Grove), except that he could neither handle nor stay away from his booze. (Dalkowski today is widowed and nearly incapacitated for living on his own.) You will also get a pretty good idea as to why Milt Pappas (who made his bones with the Orioles' legendary "Baby Birds" pitching staff of the late 1950s-early 1960s, only to be the key man in the Frank Robinson trade), despite the claims by many including himself, will never be elected to the Hall of Fame: he suffered a terminal case of Billy Loes Syndrome (Loes was legendary for saying he didn't have to win 20 because they'd expect him to do it every year if he did it once; Pappas was a classic disciple - and he thinks he should be in the Hall of Fame???).

On the other hand, you get a little too much of paradoxical and (some Oriole fans say) toxic owner Peter Angelos, while you get an awful little about an awful lot of significant things around the club. Particularly, Brooks Robinson: Nothing is said of perhaps the signature that nailed it down about how popular and how respected Robinson was - Robinson, run bankrupt thanks to some investment errors in the 1970s (the reason why he hung on for two final seasons despite his obviously being through) and sworn to pay every dollar back he owed, got a huge bolt of help and love from Baltimore when the news leaked out.

Still, you do get a lot of goodies, particularly the dominant Oriole teams of the mid-to-late 1960s-early 1970s, and you get especially an insight you haven't had in too many places - how it felt to be on the receiving end of the 1969 Miracle Mets' World Series mojo. (The Orioles, as you might expect, were and remain gracious and slightly awed by that defeat.) And you get some very good workings into precisely what it was that made such men as Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson, Jim Palmer, Earl Weaver, and Cal Ripken, Jr. what they were.

Give it a pull. Despite the flaws, you will not be able to put it down.

Book Description

The gods of Olympus plus other Greek and Roman deities are displayed in the Major Arcana. Classic myths are beautifully depicted in the Minor Arcana. Card titles in both English and Italian.

Customer Reviews:

A Classic from the Golden Age. .......2005-07-17

I Feel that one of the greatest thing one can leave behind is something that may help future generations. Brian William's wonderful tarot deck has done this. He was a great scholar and artist who lived and died with the tarot on his mind. I unfortnately did not purchase this deck until 2004. Then, I see what a great gift he left behind.

I had little or no idea about the cards. I always felt they may be over my head with the philosophy of the Renaissance behind them. When they were first published, I opted for the Medieval Scapini Tarot. Both decks now hold a very special place in my Tarot library. They were published at a time when Tarot was just getting off the ground in the world.

These cards demonstrate his genius as a scholar and illustator. The cards follow traditional meanings as well as give new insight into the neo-classical ideal. The Human form in all its wonder is presented here for the skilled reader as well as beginner!

Mr Williams and his wonderful Tarot deck will live forever in the history of the tarot books. His booklet is filled with wonderful information as well. If you dont see this, I advise you to hit the history books! This Tarot as well as the Medieval Scapini goes to the source of the Tarot-Italy! If you want a good lesson in philosophy and art, refer to this deck!

Great deck.......2005-06-25

I am writing to point out some flaws. Wands being Air and Swords Fire are the traditional way to associate the cards (pre Golden Dawn) unfortunately this deck's lwb is schizoid.

It is a true Marseilles-based deck but instead a modern take off on the Golden Dawn associations but then the late Mr Williams changes and goes back to marseilles. This is rather apparent around the court cards but one does not have to wait until you get there, it becomes evident right out of the gate with the Fool but alas it is not consistent, half is Marseilles (see the Ace of Wands) and changes to make some harsh meanings and terms more platable.

All of this, may make this deck hard to read with if you are looking for a pure Marseilles deck. My recommendation toss the LWB, but the Decker Scapini meanings and use the cards as is and life will be great.

Superb deck, lousy lwb. But lwbs are a minor consideration, it's the inspiration and the art that matters.

Beautiful Tarot Deck But Sadly Some Flaws.......2004-06-09

First the positive: this is one of the most beautiful comercial decks available, created by the late Brian Wiliams for U.S. Games Systems(largest maker of tarot decks). It appeals to those(like myself) with an interest in the Renaissance and medieval periods. The gold highlights on the cards echo the historic ancient Italian decks(Visconti) from the 15th century. The reference to four major Italian renaissance cities(Florence, Milan, Venice, Rome) in the four minor arcana suits is a great highlight to this deck.

Unfortuantly there are some flaws I found with this deck that is not in keeping with traditional(and universal) tarot teaching/instruction. The major flaw is the reversal of two of the four elements(air & fire)in the minor arcana swords/staves suit. In traditional tarot teaching, Staves(or Wands) are linked to the element of FIRE, symbolizing action, and Swords are linked to AIR, symbolizing mental thought. The Brian Williams Renaissance deck REVERSES these elements, with the result that, if you are already a reader of tarot it will confuse you- because the elements play just as an important part in Tarot reading as astrological signs & other symbols. An alternative renaissance inspired deck that does feature correct element/symbol corelation is the "Renaissance Tarot" by Jane Lyle, featuring beautiful cast metal images against rich colors & medieval/renaissance imagery. Again, the Williams deck is beautiful, but you may want to take this into consideration if you are seriously planing to study and read the Tarot as I am.

Exceptional scholarship, research, and visual imagery!.......1999-11-19

Tarot scholar, historian, and researcher Brian Williams has created an exquisite and exceptional tarot deck. Each card is a work of fine art. His concept of mythological narrative to explain the minor arcana is absolutely inspirational. The book that accompanies this deck may be the finest tarot text ever printed in English because it includes so many historial, pagan, gnostic Christian, neo-Platanic, and Humanist sources. Bravo Brian Williams!

The best Tarot Deck out there!.......1999-11-19

This deck encompasses all the important symbols used in Tarot -- both historically (faithful to the origins of the cards) and in terms of readings. Some of the images may not be "traditional" for those stuck in outdated paradigms, but the Renaissance deck offers a rich resource for anyone using the cards. I've had my deck for over ten years and regularly buy more for gifts.

Average customer rating:

Book is informative, but visuals are lacking
Required reading for all tarot students.
Wanted to like this deck....
A Tarot for Roman Myth & Art enthusiasts
Wonderful Set

Renaissance Tarot Deck & Book Set
Brian Williams
Manufacturer: U.S. Games Systems
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1572810335

Book Description

Brian Williams connects tarot symbology to European Renaissance culture and classical Greek and Roman mythology with his luminescent tarot deck and accompanying book, A Renaissance Tarot. Book contains 197 pages, illustrated.

Customer Reviews:

Book is informative, but visuals are lacking.......2006-05-11

As many have mentioned, this deck comes with a wonderful book which explores the history of the Tarot in Italy. The front cover photo is gorgeous and you would expect that the cards would contain similar elegant illustrations. While the major arcana cards do have the same lovely pictures adorned with gold, the minor arcana are not as detailed. There are pictures on many of them, but the pictures are tiny and you mainly only see a bundle of wands or swords or cups rather than a detailed illustration as you might find in decks that are inspired by the Waite deck.

I used this deck for a couple of years, but I let it go because I prefer to have detailed pictures when I do readings. If you are more of a clairvoyant reader using the pictures as a focal point for your intuition rather than giving very text-book style readings, then this probably isn't the best deck for you. If you are using the deck more for personal use and you don't need illustrations on the cards or you just want the deck for the book, then go ahead and buy this deck.

I will say that if you are a beginner, you might like the fact that it comes with a large fold out poster of the celtic cross spread so that you can easily place cards in the appropriate places and know what each position is for.

There are definate benefits to this deck, but as a reader, I don't find it as useful for doing client readings.

Required reading for all tarot students........2005-09-22

This is hands down the best book on tarot history and the origin of the cards there is and more. Classical mythology, history and fine art are the key words here. I found a new appreciation for an already great tarot deck. His book A Renaissance Tarot is the best there is as far as a course in Western traditions are concerned.

Mr Williams was probably the greatest scholar of the tarot to come from the U.S. to date. He passed in 2002 and left this wonderful legacy for all to share for generations to come. There are few books that mean as much. He gave the best in the business as far as I am concerned.

If you are looking for mysterious links to Egypt, Atlantis or Gypsies, look elsewhere. This beautifully illustrated book is packed with historical facts and mythological references that take you back to the real origins of the Tarot-Italy. It is well reseached with many original drawings by Brian himself.

This may be a new perspective for some in the New Age world. Tarot is something that can be translted into many different themes and philosophies. There is nothing wrong with that. It is the most universal tool of its kind. I have seen Egyptian, Hebrew, Celtic, Norse, Chinese, Middle Eastern and various fantasy themes that are all launched from these not so humble origins-The Classical worlds of Greece and Rome snuggled within the Italian Renaissance!

Whether you prefer this deck or not, if you have any draw to study the Tarot, do yourself a favor and read this precious book! It is a complete course in valid Tarot history. Not bad, considering the price. Oh yes, I recommend this with a good Tuscan Chianti.

Wanted to like this deck...........2004-11-11

Real talent and research went into making this deck. The artwork is quite lovely, and I looked foward to receiving this deck. Unfortunatley, I was a bit dissapointed. The cards were very thin and flimsy, and while the majors were all quite lovely, the minors were too plain and redundant for me. Pip cards aren't necessarily bad, but these just seemed repetitive and stark.

The book is interesting, packed with information about mythology. The book could stand alone, really. But I was interested in a deck, not a book. The price was not worth the deck, in my opinion, so I returned this one.

A Tarot for Roman Myth & Art enthusiasts.......2003-10-04

I own many Tarot decks but this is my favorite one. This deck offers a wealth of details and symbolism, which will make interpretation resonate well for anyone who has a familiarity with the Roman/Greek Mythology and Astrology. Every corner of each card has more enlightening details to guide you through divination (including elements and the signs of the zodiac). In the corners of the Minor Arcana, are subtle small banners with words to suggest possible interpretations for upright and reversed cards, though this is not a simplistic deck by any means. The Major and Minor Arcana "Court Cards" feature some cards with Early Renaissance clad figures and some with more Ancient Roman influence. Of the Major Arcana, Fool, Magician, Empress, Emperor, Heirophant, Hermit, and Moon, and of the Minor Arcana "Court Cards" Wands, Swords, Chalices are more early (1490's-1550's)Renaissance. The Pentacles (represented as coins in this deck) Court cards having the exception in depicting solely Ancient Roman influence. The World card is similar in style to a Botticelli. The Chalices/Cups: depict the story of Psyche and Cupid/Eros uniting , and the tests of his mother Venus/Aphrodite. The Wands/Staves: relate the conquests and trials of Hercules. The Swords: show the passions of the Trojan War. The Coins/Pentacles: tell the story of the goddess of the harvest-Demeter, mother to the goddess of Spring-Persephone and Persephone's reluctant marriage to Hades-the lord of the dead. No detail has been spared. The backs of the cards are embellished with a repeating design which embodies the masculine and feminine forces of nature (center) and the elements as symbolized by turtles, birds etc. (in the corners). The backs of the cards have a white background, the images in a single color of umber. The colors on the fronts of the deck are reminiscent of early Renaissance paintings. Earth tones dominate, but there is quite a bit of subtle color in the Minor Arcana, whereas the Major Arcana features more range of color--captivating without overwhelming. You won't be able to take your eyes off this seductive deck. You will not be disappointed. This is a deck which will cheer you up just to look at it ! I own the Legend: Arthurian Tarot, Enchanted Tarot, Marseilles, Secret Tarot, and Art Nouveau Tarot (by Antonella Castelli), all are wonderful, but it is the Renaissance Tarot that friends and family gravitate to most. I am sure you will be as attached and will regard your deck as a favorite for years to come. Enjoy !

Wonderful Set.......2003-03-05

The accompanying book is extremely enriching, unlike many of the texts that accompany decks. And the cards themselves? They are extremely beautiful and intuitive! The images are delicatey rendered with an airy and classic feel. However, if renditions of male nudity are not to your liking this is definitely not a set for you!

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Renaissance Tarot Deck
Jane Lyle
Manufacturer: CONNECTIONS (MPS)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards

General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1859061931

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