Product Description
Written in Korean, this is the ground-breaking book that has shown thousands of congregations how to overcome the destructive attitudes and systems that prevent them from focusing on their true mission: making disciples of Jesus Christ.In this upgraded edition, Bandy continues to explore the meaning of walking with Jesus in the 21st century. Drawing on the stories of exciting new congregations that have arisen within the last few years, he sharpens his portrayal of the thriving church system, demonstrating its essential concern for savvy awareness of the larger culture and fidelity to the core of the gospel. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A book to shake up your thinking
Bandy's book really challenged me to rethink what I do and why I do it.It also offerspractical help for how to move to a place of church health.

Where's the "Relief"? The Book Misses the Point
I have spent the last 4+ years researching addictive church family sytems, in addition to studying my own church where I serve as a pastor, and working on a masters degree which is built on family systems theory. So, I can probably say that I'm an expert on the subject. Yet, I was surprised that I hadn't seen this book before, so I ordered it immediately. I thought, maybe I don't need to write my book after all!

I did like Bandy's clever analogy for a declining church, that it is like a baby that "fails to thrive." Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed with the book. It's very easy to see that churches can be thriving or declining systems. However, it's also too easy to blame particular symptoms as if they are the problems.

Bandy picks on his particular pet peaves and calls them "addictive," but watch out, because if you disagree, that's because you're stuck in the addictive system. Well, I disagree and it's not because I'm in the addictive system, but rather because I know enough about addictive systems to know that he blames the wrong things.

For example, Bandy blames the addiction to "vision by committee", addiction to strategic planning, committees, accountability through management, acceptable mediocrity (which Bandy also forgets has the flipside of change for the sake of change), addiction to debt freedom, worship as an informational event, expository preaching, unpopular music, burdening the youth with the future of the church, and the attitude that the church should focus on nourishing its own. Any of these CAN be stifling, but they do not necessarily spell an addictive church. We must ask the "Why" question to get at the root.

Also, Bandy seems to believe that seeking consensus in a church goes against the way the Spirit works who may only reveal His will to one person. While he makes a good argument, it fails to meet the Bible standards which suggests that the Spirit reveals itself to more than one person and that we are to "test all things" and move in unity. While Bandy makes a valid observation that organization and consensus CAN stifle the Spirit, his statements need to be balanced out. The flipside is that they can also be used effectively for good. We have to be careful about drawing BROAD conclusions, without looking at the "why" of what he's saying.

According to other family systems experts (see Edwin Friedman and Murray Bowen's research on family systems), addiction impacts a family system through the spread of anxiety like wildfire among people with low self-differentiation. From a Christian perspective, the underlying problem has to do with fear/anxiety versus Faith. Any of the things Bandy mentioned CAN be done anxiously, but they can ALSO be used effectively and non-anxiously (or in Faith). That's why I don't put any stock in Bandy's lists as long as he fails to address the reasons. Unfortunately, Bandy focuses too much on the externals without giving much of his reasoning as to how these changes would be helpful. If he had, then we might get a clearer picture of what he's looking at.

Unfortunately, Bandy violates his own belief that the spirit works differently for each church and that we should avoid prescriptive thinking. Bandy's book provides a "prescriptive" step-by-step one-size-fits-all plan for churches. While he's against linear strategic planning, his book is basically a linear strategic plan. Because of this, I believe Bandy's book MUST be missing the point.

Nevertheless, the 260 pages is not *completely* wasted as he does have some creative suggestions and some new ideas for re-thinking church. He at least outlines an intervention strategy for addictive churches, though I'm not sure what the rationale for how his intervention strategy would be effective in changing an addictive culture...does he realize how difficult it is to change a church culture? Not to mention, an addictive system? I just wish he didn't focus too much on his own pet peeves and the prescriptive details which fail to adequately address the problem of addictive churches.

Finally, while the book claims to be a "welcome relief" there is only 1.5 pages dealing with it, suggesting that the welcome relief is the changing theologies and changing attitudes towards the gospel. Where does God and His Higher Power factor into the strategy? How does non-anxious faith in God, demonstrated in transformational leadership, make any difference?

Relief for Addicted Churches
The book has been a good tool to direct my thinking about the addictions in my churches (2).I knew something was wrong, but did not categorize it like an addiction.I am hopeful that more books of this type will offer help with the systemic problems of dying and declining churches.Thanks for the resource!

A Stream of "ah-HAH's!"
As a lay person, I read this book when the Sr. Minister at my church recommended it, originally "researching" how to stream-line our church - which is bloated with committees (the # of committee member seats is higher than the # of people who actively attend our church). Anyway...

This book "transformed" my view of what a church can or should be. If I were now to "shop" for a new church, I would have a totally different set of criteria. Bandy's view of a "thriving church" is both inspiring and scarey - inspiring because it feels right; scarey because I find it hard to imagine my church being able to be so transformed; and scarey, in that I now, for the first time, am considering looking elsewhere... leaving this "church family".

When Bandy describes traits of a "declining" church, I was hit by "ah-HAH!" after "ah-HAH!". Things that bugged me, drove me crazy, had me thinking of totally different ways of doing stuff - all were confirmed in this book. Whether he is right or wrong, he has struck a big chord with me.

If your church service has a bulletin, plays mostly classical music, and needs more than 15 people to actually run the church (i.e.committees), read this book - if you dare.

Vital for catching a new vision
This book is invaluable for anyone in leadership in the established institutional churches.It made me squirm more than once, but it also gave me the clearest picture of why the mainline churches are in decline I'vegotten from any source.Bandy uses a narrative of a young couple who arechurch shopping to illustrate his points, and it hits very close to home. You'll recognize it all.

The title, incidentally, is a bit too narrowfor the topic -- this is a work about change in every system of churchlife.

Everyone who wonders what the heck has happened to make churchesthat used to work in the 50s fall into irrelevance and decline should readthis book. ... Read more

Product Description
Acclaimed author and consultant Tom Bandy seeks to create a new dynamic for leadership in the new century--a dynamic based on flexible teams, spirited leadership, and management aimed at training and empowering leaders. He calls for organizational action to be centered around teams that are given freedom to act within the corporate trust and the boundaries that identify the heartburst of the company.

Spirited Leadership identifies the nature of modern business and the leadership organization needed to keep it flexible, dynamic, and mission market centered. It challenges churches and businesses to unleash the power of their trained leaders in teams focused on the market by having a small management team focused on leader development, not on product or program development.

Challenging boards to set "sacred boundaries" and let the management and teams go free to respond quickly and creatively to market changes, Spirited Leadership seeks to create an environment in which team members gain meaning and fulfill their calling. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Spirited Leadership
What a delightful surprise...a book that has new and biblically based insight into leadership.With all the leadership books out, when this one was recommended, I was not to hopeful but it has proven to be one of the best.The principles set forth make this one a keeper for reading and reference. ... Read more

Product Description
The Pros and Cons of Privately Incorporated Communities Governed by Homeowners' Associations

Pros

Planned communities governed by Homeowner Associations usually feature attractive combinations of well-designed homes, amenities, and landscaped open spaces.The houses may even cost less than traditional housing due to more efficient use of land and more volunteer support by residents.

Cons

Numerous documented abuses of property owners have occurred particularly in the sun belt states causing financial loss, depression, divorce, suicide--in one case, even murder.Infringement on personal rights and civil liberties are usually not justifiable.

State government agencies should investigate and exercise control when abuses are reported against property owners; they authorized these privately incorporated entities but have failed to provide oversight and protection to the residents. State leaders have not passed significant legislation to regulate but have yielded to for-profit interests.

Courts could adjudicate that citizens residing in Planned Unit Developments have full Constitutional rights but, because of the private property contract language, have not so ruled.Homeowner associations should be recognized as Quasi-Governmental entities and issues of democratic governance actively addressed. Recent actions indicate that neither state legislatures nor the courts have the inclination and courage to make necessary changes to protect the rights of titleholders.Political Action Committees and big money are in control of the process.Of this, you can be assured. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A flashlight in the dark.
I purchased this book as we were having problems in a homeowner instance.I really recommend you read this book before you go raising hell at your next homeowner meeting, as I did.After I read the book, I wrote to my state congress people and made recommendations to do away with this stickler of a problem under the laws of subdividing properties at the state level.It will surprise you at what little rights you have in one of these entities.My advice.....stay away from homeowner associations of any kind.It would influence my purchase of property.

Must Read
Short review: If you are in a HOA, or if you are even thinking of purchasing a property within a HOA, this book is REQUIRED reading.

On the prose: I am a vivacious reader, if by chapter 1 I don't like a book it is gone, this book was a good read.

David Powell
Arlene Bandy's "Surviving Homeowner Associations" covers the full spectrum of living in a "Common Interest Development" or "Planned Unit Development" administered as a quasi-government, quasi-business entity without adequate external legal or political protection.Ms. Bandy identifies twelve "cracks" in HOA administration and builds a solid description of the problems around them.Her presentation is made with good humor, using just enough anecdotal evidence to prove her case without "piling on" and appearing bitter.

She points out that "Common Interest Developments" are growing more popular and it is becoming more difficult to avoid the influence of homeowners' associations - even if one were so inclined.Most members have no idea of what they are getting into when they join an Association.Many residents of such communities subject themselves to unanticipated rules, regulations and their costly enforcement.There is little or no state protection of their constitutional rights.

The book distinguishes among several states and their protection of residents' property rights.This illustrates that the problem is not uniform and it appears that some states are recognizing obligations to some extent while others are letting abuses run rampant.

Besides providing a well-documented description of the problem, Ms. Bandy provides an excellent list of representative sources of information. She also offers a possible solution.Unfortunately, the solution depends upon individual state's political atmosphere to be receptive.It will be an uphill battle but Ms. Bandy's book suggests a strategy.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

best value
If you are looking for a book like this, this is it. I like his other one a little better.

no photos, but great techniques. The sketches are helpfull, but one is misprinted. I really had to read it, over and over, to discover the the printed overlay was backwards and upside down.

step by step help facial exercises,muscles,pro-application.
Great book for practical people, young and aging women, it is still the best guide for looking better naturally.he tells us how to mix up personal formulae of make up, great facial exercises neccessary for even young skin to keep it firm and healthy, based on common sense and time tested facts.Great man, great philosophy,great book.

Expected more
I now have two of Way Bandys books and I do find this one...Styling your Face to be a little more interesting. My main complaint with both books are the poor illustrations. I expected to see his work shown on actual people. The only thing that saved me from disliking this book is the fact that I am already familiar with his work. I think if someone just picked up this book expecting a visual feast, they would be very disappointed. Having said all that, his work does stand the test of time and you can't say that about too many makeup artists.

Great book
Classic book for simple beauty with cosmetics written by a great man who has gone on. ... Read more

Product Description
Bartholomew Bandy has become an air ace. On the ground he causes disasters wherever he goes, but in the air he’s deadly, shooting down dozens of German planes in the course of thrilling aerial combats. To the amazement of all who know him he becomes Lieut. Col. Bandy and thanks to his new rank he meets all sorts of people, including his fiancee’s memorable family. As a handy (but disposable) war hero, he encounters a number of hair-raising adventures, not to mention English plumbing and an unforgettable honeymoon night. That’s Me In The Middle is exciting, full of military action in the trenches and in the air, and, as it continues to flirt with history, very funny. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Three Cheers for Donald Jack
I found a British paperback edition of this book used in 1984.Since then I have sporadically searched for the rest of "The Bandy Papers" (including several searches of Amazon.com) without success.

I have to agree with the other reviewers here that it was absolutely hilarious. Although I can't remember much of the book specifically, I recall that it was full of absurd situations of the "Jeeves and Wooster" sort.

(BTW if you've been under the impression that P.G. Wodehouse wrote some kind of ponderous British literature, you have two surprises in store.) I can't understand why Jack has not enjoyed a much wider audience, and he's going straight to the top of my Christmas wish list.

Laugh Out Loud
"That's Me In The Middle"-Vol.2 of the hilarious Bandy papers will have you in stitches. Warning: Your wife probably will ban the reading of this one in bed- the chuckles and titters will drive your spouse nuts. The exploits of Bartholomew Bandy during WWI written by an author who understands human nature, military snafus and aviation.This series of books constitute the funniest fiction I've encountered in the english language. If you enjoy the short stories of Patrick McManus you'll love Donald Jack's novels!

A hilarious read!
In 1980, I was travelling in Europe and saw "That's Me in the Middle" in a used book store in Copenhagen.I was attracted to it for two reasons--1) It had WWI aircraft on the cover and I like books on that period, and 2) It was in English...I picked it up without a second look.

When I left town on the train, I happened to be in the First Class car.As I settled down and began reading about Bart Bandy, I kept having to go out into the hallway to laugh out loud, so as not to irritate the various German businessmen and French society ladies with whom I shared the compartment.It was the funniest book I had ever read!After laughing for a while, wiping my eyes, and taking a deep breath or two, I would go back into the compartment, sit down, and start reading, only to have to burst out into the hall again in a few minutes.

Since that time, I have managed to find and read all of the Bandy Papers.They are all just as funny, and are true to the hilarious character of Bartholomew Bandy. Donald Jack writes a good historical novel, and creates such a group of idiosynchratic characters that we immediately recognize.Then, he weaves them all into situations that are just plain funny! I would recommend any of the Bandy Papers and, as this was the first I had read, it holds a special place for me.

Enjoy!

It's so absurd, it probably happened !
The second volume of the funniest canadian soldier in WW1. A dubious rise to headquarters results in the expected bedlam, and Bandy is sent back to the trenches. If you've read the first volume, don't miss it !! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

GREAT product.
This is a pretty old make up book and I'm so glad I found it on Amazon. It was shipped to me in a good amount of time and the price was great.

A classic, as relevant today as when it was written
This book is simply brilliant. Way was the ultimate makeup artist in my opinion and could "design" anybody's face to perfection. I like that there are none of those ridiculously airbrushed and Photoshopped images in there that purport to be the finished work of the author. Sadly, Way died of AIDS many years ago and the world lost a true and passionate artist.

Way Was So Ahead of His Time! First Luminous Techniques!
Way Bandy's book was the first beauty book I ever bought.He was the darling of the jet set and an icon of the seventies and eighties.His techniques allow for a luminosity that many are just beginning to favor.He was the makeup artist for many of the Cosmopolitan covers of that era and many other magazines.He worked with Francesco Scavullo and helped to define the "glamour pic". His techniques are simple to use and easy to follow.There are very few illustrations and it was said Bandy did this purposely so that the reader could try the different techniques themselves.I have been using his techniques exclusively for over 25 years and have always been admired for my "glowing" look. Metaldiva Sez: It is a classic that deserves a reprint. Every person that uses makeup should have this as a reference!

looks dated but the info is great!
yes it is true there are no fancy photos or color pictures in this book but the written information and the way bandy explains the steps and how to use light and dark and color.
i was put off a bit when i first got this book because it was so different from the books we are used to with lots of photos and such.but if you read and study the book i believe you can get a lot out of this book.

Dissapointing
Without a doubt, Way Bandy is a unique and legendary talent. However, this book was very dissapointing. There are no actual photos of his work on women in this book...NOT ONE. The "illustrations" are nothing more than amateurish sketches which do not benefit the reader. You will get more examples of his work in any Francesco Scavullo book...buy one of those and save yourself from buying a useless and abysmally boring book. ... Read more

Product Description
95 Questions to Shape the Future of Your Church is a comprehensive commentary on systemic change for the church. It combines the spirit of Luther’s 95 Theses with depth of insight akin to Luther’s reformation catechism. This book will be essential for every congregational, denominational, and seminary bookshelf. Church leaders and members all yearn for a new Reformation that will realign Christian congregations with God’s mission. This book frames the right questions, and focuses the right answers. It helps church leaders do the hard work of assessment and planning. The next Reformation will be an extraordinarily practical endeavor. Leaders need to apply the tactics that will leverage the greatest change, and guide the church deeper into the mystery of Christ and further in companionship with Christ. We want to be faithful. Now we know how to be faithful.
... Read more

Product Description
The shift from mobile hunting and gathering to more sedentary, usually agricultural, lifeways was one of the most significant milestones in the prehistory of humanity. This transformation was spurred by an alignment of social and ecological forces, pressures, and adaptations, and it took place in broadly comparable ways in many prehistoric settings.

Based on a Society for American Archaeology symposium and subsequent Amerind Advanced Seminar in 2006, Becoming Villagers examines this transformation at various places and times across the globe by focusing not on the origins of agriculture and village life but rather on their consequences. The goal of the volume is to identify regularities in the ways that societies developed in the centuries and millennia following a transition to village life. Using cases that range from China to Bolivia and from the Near East to the American Southwest, leading archaeologists situate their specific areas of specialization in a broad comparative context.

They consider the forces acting to divide and fragment early villages and the social technologies and practices by which those obstacles were, in some cases, overcome. Finally, the volume examines the long-term historical trajectories of these early village societies.

This transformative collection makes a powerful case for a renewed and invigorated archaeological focus on large-scale comparative studies. It will be an essential read for anyone interested not only in early village societies but also in the ways in which archaeology relates to anthropology, other social sciences, and history. ... Read more

Product Description
Crossing Boundaries is the first anthology of its kind—international in scope, cross-cultural in context, and uniquely female in content. The collection includes poetry, short stories, prose memoirs, dramas, and journalistic works by women from over twenty countries, including such celebrated contemporary authors as Margaret Atwood, Sylvia Plath, Adrienne Rich, Wislawa Szymborska, and Joyce Carol Oates. The female voices that resonate through these works are often angular, raging, and knowing; at other times they are soft, melodic, peaceful, and yearning. Characters are old, young, spectators, fans, professional athletes, school girl competitors; they’re in the bleachers, along the Charles River, in the locker room, and on and off the court.

Crossing Boundaries is a journey to the center of female identity. The themes that emerge have long been addressed in women’s literature but routinely neglected by literary critics. The collective female voices resound with the impulse to be free, to be liberated from the confining expectations of others and the control that those expectations exert over the minds and bodies of women. These voices ask the question—sometimes in a shout, sometimes in a whisper—what does sport have to do with the female experience, with my experience? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A superb book on a timely theme
The jacket description of this remarkable collection is exactly on target, "the first anthology of its kind, international in scope, cross-cultural in context, and uniquely female in content." While thesubject is women in sport and all the contributiors women, the book is asmuch for men as for women. One group in particular who would be well servedby the experience and insight shared in this book is fathers of daughtersincreasingly involved in sports and play at practically every age.Women in sports are here to stay and the numbers will grow in spite of thepopularity of the male "monster sports," football, baseball, andbasketball which, as forms of entertainment and business, increasinglyexhibit the shadow side of sport formerly monopolized by professionalwrestling. Women in sport is a different story, a story of grace andbeauty, courage and honor, disappointment and hope, pretty much whatWilliam Faulkner called the old verities which explains perhaps why thesubject has attracted some of the best writers and poets of our time,represented here in abundance, Diane Ackerman, Margaret Atwood, MaxineKumin, Denise Levertov, Beryl Markham, Carson McCullers, Joyce Carol Oates,Sharon Olds, Marge Piercy, Sylvia Plath, Adrienne Rich, May Sarton, AnneSexton, Jean Rhys, among others. One could look a long time to find a bookof any kind on any subject with as many all-star contributors. Theboundaries crossed in this book are cultural and national but moreimportantly the main boundary crossed is that of our misperceptions ofwomen in the world of sport. Like all good writing, this book makes us see,that is, makes us more conscious, in this case more conscious of the senseof joy and discovery that sport can still bring.

Women in sports and lovers of poetry, this is FOR YOU!
In this anthology, Bandy breaks down the poems into sections with titles appropriate to their content.Though the book focuses on the rewards, happiness, and joy involved in the life of a female athlete, it also reveals the not-so-rewarding, happy, or joyful moments which accompany thislife.The target audience for this book, then, would seem to be the maturefemale athlete; however, as a 19-year-old male college student majoring inEnglish literature, I found the peotry and prose enthralling and vivid. The names Joyce Carol Oates, Sylvia Plath, and many other wonderful poetsand writers line the pages.This is truly one of the best anthologies thatI've ever had the privaledge of reading and I hope that you--as a lover ofpoetry or as a female athlete wondering whether or not you're the only onefeeling the way you do--will enjoy this wonderful piece of work in the sameway I have. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

One of the best books available on quantitative analysis of systems. Period.
One of the best books available on quantitative analysis of systems. Period. But like another reviewer comments, buy directly from the author for much cheaper.

Required reading for Amibroker and trading system development
At present Bandy presents the best available literature for learning Ami.

Any thing from Bandy for Ami or trading in general is recommended.

The section onwalk forward testing, in this book,is excellent.

Ive bought both the intro and this.
Ive emailed the author, and he is responsive as well as knowledgeable.

Very quantitative, very thorough.

If you are into Fibonacci or Gann then this book is probably not for you.

Buy from the Author at half that price
The retail price for this book direct from the Author is only about $50.A good book, but not worth paying double for it. ... Read more

Product Description
Bandy is back! It's 1940, and the intrepid air ace of WWI is eager to join the fight against Germany. Unfortunately, everyone seems to think Bandy is too old to be flying Spitfires, and should go quietly into retirement to polish his medals and knighthoods. Bandy, however, has other ideas, and uses his friends and/or enemies in high places to manoeuvre himself into the Battle of Britain. Between being mistaken for a Nazi spy, a communist, or a Chelsea pensioner, Bandy has as much trouble on the ground as he has in the air with the Luftwaffe, and when his son arrives on the scene, his troubles only get worse. This edition also includes Donald Jack's novelette "Where Did Rafe Madison Go?" Jack wrote the story just as the fate of the Avro Arrow jet fighter was still up in the air (the first test flight taking place in March '58, and the programme's termination coming only four months after the story was published). In "Where Did Rafe Madison Go?" Jack imagines a future delta-winged descendant of the Arrow, the CF-108, and takes us through the RCAF court martial that is trying to uncover the explanation for the plane's mysterious disappearance, an incident that even the pilot, Rafe Madison, doesn't understand. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Donald Jack's latest Bandy tale is his best yet.
For those who have followed the trials of Bart Bandy this book will not only bring you up todate on his misadventures, but bring back the enjoyable moments of his checkered past. If you haven't read the previous BandyPapers - do so if you can find them. This is the best of his adventures ashe trips his way through history. Hilarious!

It was really good
After reading this book, I must say that this is probably the finest work of Donald Jack. The jokes and punes are so subtle that you can read the book several times (As I have done) and discover new ones each time. Awitty and very entertaining book. ... Read more

Product Description
It's 1924, and Bandy is making a solo flight across the Atlantic in the Gander, a seaplane of his own design. Not for fame though - he's fleeing from arrest for train robbery, from his job as Minister of Defence, and from his would-be assassin and friend George Garanine. From Iceland, to Iraq, to St. Pancreas Hospital in London, Bandy's career has never been more complicated, or his luck more of a roller coaster. When he finds new employment as Deputy Supreme Being of a mercenary air force, Bandy begins to feel that the whole British Empire has a grudge against him. But at least the pay is good. ... Read more

Product Description
The language, metaphors and storyline of the Book of Revelation evoke a cosmic law court setting. Juridical metaphors of a legal contest between the faithful witnesses and the 'accuser of the brethren' are intertwined throughout with images of holy war. Although such features have often been noted, this is the first full-length study drawing together the diverse evidence and reading the book through the lens of the controlling metaphor of the lawsuit.The background of the law court setting in Revelation is the Old Testament prophetic genre of the lawsuit, sometimes conceived of as a lawsuit against God's own people for their violations of the covenant, sometimes as a lawsuit against foreign nations for their oppression of Israel. Prophetic lawsuit language often culminated in oracles of salvation announcing the vindication of the righteous.Reading Revelation with an awareness of the prophetic lawsuit motif will enable readers to interpret the juridical images as consistent features in the overall narrative. The purpose of Revelation's narrative is to depict the sovereign judge of the universe rendering ultimate justice through the condemnation of the wicked and the vindication of the saints. This message of vindication is intended to encourage Christians in Asia Minor at the end of the first century not to capitulate or even accommodate to the socio-religious norms of their time. ... Read more

Product Description
Coalitions across Borders shows how social movements have cooperated and conflicted as they work to develop a transnational civil society in response to perceived threats of neoliberalism--free trade, privatization, structural adjustment, and unbridled corporate power. The authors explore the processes of transnational mobilization, discussing the motivations and methods of cross-border cooperation as well as the conflicts that have affected movement abilities to promote social change. The original case studies included in this volume represent a diverse cross section of transnational movement coalitions--from various regions and nations, representing different movement interests, and addressing a range of economic injustices. Coalitions across Borders reveals the many social conditions that enable and constrain the formation of transnational civil societies and the ways in which movement actors manage conflicts as they work toward common goals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

good overview of transnational coalition-building
This is an academic book with a relatively specialized focus--the challenges of building transnational coalitions to fight neoliberalism (aka corporate globalization). Like most such anthologies, it's a mixed bag, with individual chapters ranging from 3 to 5 stars in quality, though thankfully there are no trully bad ones. The authors represent a variety of perspective, though must are working out of the resource mobilization/political process school of social movement theory. Some of the more noteworthy essays are Laura MacDonald's challenging the lack of incorporation of gender issues, both into academic theory about the global justice movement and in the global justice movement's own analyses; Lesley Wood's on the challenges People's Global Action has faced in trying to bridge the global divides and create an international alliance where first and third world groups are trully equal; Ethel Brooks' on how campaigns that don't include the voice of their supposed beneficiaries in their planning process may actually turn out to be quite damaging and offensive; and Gay Seidman's on the limitations of corporate codes of conduct. Also useful is Bandy and Smith's conclusion, in which they pull together the information from the various chapters, listing the most common challenges activists trying to create transnational coalitions face and the most important steps they can take to deal with these challenges.

This is definitely a book by and for academics. However, these are academics who are deeply concerned with the success of the global justice movement and it shows in much of the writing. Thus I imagine an activist could get something out of this collection too (I'm both an academic and an activist, so it may be a little hard for me to judge). Some of the authors' concerns will probably seem irrelevant to activists and much of the writing dense (though I don't think any of it is impenetrable, as academic writing somesimes is), but they are also likely to find useful information here. Ideally, of course, these findings would also be written up in a more accessible form, but the academic publish or perish rat race discourages academics from doing that. In the meantime, there may be something here for activists as well as scholars. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Moving Off the Map
I am working with the fordward planning of our Church. I found this book very helpful.

Excellent process for Biblical visioning
I have never thought very highly about strategic planning for a church. God has uniquely gifted Tom to communicate the ways that God gives visions to His people. Tom communicated these truths in his book.

Practical ideas and helps for congregational leaders
Bandy's book offers readers a step-by-step process by which they can engage in making change in the local congregation. It offers limited exercies for use but does have some examples that can be easily followed bylocal leaders. I recommend the book as a tool to use for giving directionto the local leaders wanting to understand change and ways to engage inchanging the local congregation. ... Read more

Product Description
It's 1918, and Bandy has survived the trenches and the war in the air, but now that he has his own squadron to command there are even worse things in store for him. His adjutant. A parachute test. A Paris dentist. The wrath of Brigadier Soames. Halifax hospitality... And when a new German biplane comes along that can out-perform even the Dolphin, it looks like it's the end of the war for Bandy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

gift
The book arrived in a timely manner.The book was a gift so I haven't any idea about anything else.

Historical, yes, but truly hysterical...
Donald Jack has created a rare thing, indeed, with this series of books that show the true human condition - that humor (and alcohol, apparently) is what makes the most horrible situations bearable. With the grimmest backdrop of the original WWI set of books - no mean feat, given that the series begins in the trenches - Jack keeps you in hysterics regardless, touching on semi-suicidal parachutes, dabbling with the wives of staff officers, baroque dentistry, pigeons, and other seemingly ludicrous subjects with grace, aplomb, and almost ritual silliness. When you throw historical accuracy in the mix as a bonus, well, it's a practically irresistible package. Poignant, incisive and wonderfully belly-laugh inducing.

Best in the Series
My fav in the series of excellent historical fiction (the history is quite accurate, but it isn't the focus), it is full of ups and downs emotionally as well as aeronautically.The Bandy papers are very high on my list of great books since I came across them in my HS library in Carleton Place, Ontario (which could double for Beamington).Sad that so few Canadians are aware of these books.Guess it doens't fit with current trends.

If you are into undiscovered gems, check this series out.At least the first 6 books.Vol 7 was ok, 8 (Hitler vr. Me) was disappointing.Have not read the 9th yet.

The best book I ever read.
I've read the entire Bandy series, and though they are all great, this is the best.

A fabulous ride from the first sentence, you will laugh out loud and excuse yourself from any shared reading room often.The characters are wonderfully written and I swear that no-one does drunken dialogue better than Donald Jack.I'm guessing he has some experience with drunkeness.In an observational role, of course.

Though an even more enjoyable read if you have an interest in vintage aviation or history, this books stands just fine on its own as a terrific work of humourous fiction.

A bittersweet ending to the original trilogy
Not to give anything away, but a wonderful meld of the usual comedic grace with a poignant touch of tragedy.You'll be laughing and crying and enjoying throughout.

I'm fortunate enough to have the entire series. It's a pity most are out of print now.This series would make an excellent BBC- style television series. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on years of providing guidance to churches seeking transformation, David Laubach has identified primary principles and top priorities for churches that are searching not only for the right answers, but for the right questions. Tofacilitate the process, Laubach condenses his recommendations into twelve direct ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An invaluable resource for church leaders of all denominations.
Written by Reverend Dr. David Laubach, 12 Steps to Congregational Transformation: A Practical Guide for Leaders is a guide especially for pastors and church leaders to helping one's church survive and thrive. Grounded in the author's years of experience in helping churches transform, chapters give practical tools, tips, tricks, techniques and advice for revitalizing one's congregation and community. Biblical text commentary, questions for reflection and action, and the occasional black-and-white cartoon enhance this handy and motivational guide. "I am amazed when I ask church leaders who have a vision statement to recite it and they stumble. If you fall into that category, you may want to begin the visioning process afresh. A statement drafted by the pastor or crafted by a committee may contain wonderful sentiments and cause heads to nod in assent, but it will not be emotionally owned by the entire congregation." An invaluable resource for church leaders of all denominations. ... Read more

Product Description
The Great War may be finished, but Bartholomew Bandy isn't. After not quite succeeding in defeating communism in Russia, he's returning to the New World when he meets shy, awkward Cissie Chaffington, whose first glimmerings of interest in aviation appear when she sends a cooked duck soaring through the ship's first-class dining room.More than just terminal embarrassment stands in the way of their happiness, however. Her father, for example, takes a violent dislike to Bandy - even before Bandy blows up Cyril Chaffington's hotel. And then who should turn up but the diminutive Dasha, the former Bolshevik (sort of) nurse whom Bandy married (sort of) in Russia, where she betrayed him (more or less) to the mercy (or lack thereof) of the Red Cavalry.Between sorting all of this out, carrying airmail, and trying to start his own aviation business while dodging flappers and bootleggers, Bandy hardly has time to be a silent movie star...This edition includes Banner's Headline, a radio play by Donald Jack published here for the first time. In it we discover what happens when Arthur Banner, a rocket scientist, gets passed over for promotion one too many times, and decides to resign to work on a project of his own. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I waited 15 years for this?
I have been a huge Bart Bandy fan for over 25 years, so much so that neither my bedside table nor my bathroom book rack has been without one of the first three books in the series in longer than I can remember.

I bought this book used through Amazon and was eagerly awaiting the chance to finally add to my collection, but this has to be one of my greatest literary letdowns ever.

The humor had lost all its spontaneity, and the continual references to past books were strained and neither had nor provided context.The joy of the first three books was the way in which comic hilarity mixed so well with genuinely sensitive character development - I almost cried when Katherine (Kattering?) died in "It's Me Again".In this 4th book, it's all gone.

I highly recommend all three of this book's predecessors, and for anyone interested in a study in contrast, buy this book and reflect on the time invested by Mr. Jack in introducing Katherine Lewis and her quirky ways.Then compare that to the rapid-fire was in which he gets Cissie in the sack for reasons that I have yet to understand.

This book has the feel of a work produced because the author was under contract to do so.

Laugh Out Loud Funny
I see no one has reviewed this, so how can I pass up an opportunity to plug this book?!Let me tell you that, if you like Douglas Adam or Pat McManus, you will love Donald Jack and his hilarious main character, a Canadian WWI ace named Bartholemew Bandy.This is the fourth book in a series of eight, and the author manages to make each one better than the last.On top being tremendously funny, the story is beautifully written as historical fiction, the characters are well-developed and the times are captured just perfectly.Read it and weep (you will laugh 'til you cry!). ... Read more

Product Description
"Chocolate and Chess" is a Holocaust story with a twist that shocked even Elie Wiesel, a Cold War story, with spy vs. spy intrigue, and, alas, also very much a human story.It reads like a thriller, but it is the true tale of Imre Lakatos, the brilliant philosopher of the London School of Economics, who was a mystery to colleagues, friends and lovers - and to Britain's MI5.Surviving the Holocaust, he wanted to start anew and devoted his energies to building the Hungarian Communist Party. Surviving torture and incarceration by his comrades, he left for England for another fresh start.But the secret services of countries on both sides of the Cold War divide remained interested in him and England denied him citizenship despite the backing of esteemed colleagues like Karl Popper.Based on previously classified Western counterintelligence and Hungarian secret police archives, this book endeavors to fill gaps in the knowledge of both cognoscenti and counterspies. ... Read more