Book Description
Originally published in 1985, Neil Postman's groundbreaking polemic about the corrosive effects of television on our politics and public discourse has been hailed as a twenty-first-century book published in the twentieth century. Now, with television joined by more sophisticated electronic media—from the Internet to cell phones to DVDs—it has taken on even greater significance. Amusing Ourselves to Death is a prophetic look at what happens when politics, journalism, education, and even religion become subject to the demands of entertainment. It is also a blueprint for regaining controlof our media, so that they can serve our highest goals.
Customer Reviews:
Outstanding book - must read.......2007-09-27
One of the best books on the danger posed by entertainment to our civic community.
Important read.......2007-09-04
This book asks questions that we need to be asking but aren't. How can we not at least question the media and technology that we take in like oxygen? It's an important read and I recommend it to anyone who isn't apathetic.
The Audio Was Great.......2007-09-03
If you like people like Colin Wilson, you will love this well written and well thought out book. It is like listening to Colin Wilson without the references to literature but the lessons are intact.
Another "Thin" Classic From Postman.......2007-06-22
This is Postman's most famous and widely read book (as is attested by the more than 100 customer reviews here on Amazon) and it is, as other reviewers have suggested, a classic in the Media Studies field. The songwriter Roger Waters was inspired enough to title his album "Amused to Death" after reading Postman's book (although Postman states in one of his later works that he himself would never stoop to listening to the likes of a "Roger Waters").
Instead of giving the usual plot synopsis here as other reviewers have done, I would like instead to perform for you a Media Studies reading of the book. That is to say, instead of reviewing the book's contents, I would like to draw your attention to the medium and format of the book itself, and in doing so, point out what this reveals about Postman as a philosopher.
To begin with the most important point: there are no pictures. Anywhere. And not only is this true of Amusing Ourselves to Death, it is true of every single one of Postman's books. This should alert us to something very important here about Postman: he is iconophobic. He is engaged in a battle against images of any, and every, kind. Not even Marshall McLuhan was so antipathetic to the use of images and illustrations, for his very first book, The Mechanical Bride, is a series of commentaries upon advertisements. In the age old battle of the Word vs. the Image -- a battle which goes way, way back before the twentieth century to the Iconoclastic debates amongst the Greek Byzantines whose iconophobes were in fact influenced by the aniconism of Islam, an entire religion which, like Judaism, had been based upon a rejection of images -- Postman, in this tradition, definitely aligns himself on the side of the Word against the iconophiles, be they Catholics or Hindus or lovers of comic books, or whomever.
Also, you will not find any references to works of art of any kind in this book. Postman apparently has an antipathy to painting and imagery of any kind whatsoever, be it "classical" or electronic. It is important to point this out because it reveals, in the tradition of Harold Innis, Postman's essential "bias" in this book. Indeed, Postman's dialogue with Camille Paglia, published in an old issue of Harper's, underlines this point, for Paglia is as much an iconophile as Postman is an iconoclast. "In the beginning was the Word," Postman quotes, as though to clarify his own personal theology, before proceeding onward with his dialogue with Paglia.
The next thing to notice about the book is its brevity. It is very short, as in fact, are all Mr. Postman's books, for Postman has been quoted as saying that he does not believe in writing long books, and that if one cannot express oneself in two hundred pages or less, then one has no business writing a book. The bibliography, accordingly, is also short, and so apparently Mr. Postman did not feel the need to read many books in order to write this book.
For Postman really only has a single point to make here, and it is an important point which he argues persuasively and eloquently: television is taking over our culture, and all our thought patterns in every aspect or division of our culture is taking its cue from the syncopated, discontinuous and ahistorical "mentality" of television. How this has affected our reading habits, and whether those reading habits still continue, albeit in a changed manner, Postman fails to address. For people have not stopped reading books; instead, they continue to read books, but their expectations of the book have changed. The brevity of Postman's book is itself perhaps an example of what happens to sustained intellectual discourse in the Electronic Age: books get shorter because our attention spans (Postman's included) have shrank. Nobody wants to wade through books on the scale and magnitude of Spengler's Decline of the West or Hegel's Phenomenology of the Spirit. I notice, furthermore, that the sorts of books which Postman exhibits in his Bibliography are, one and all, short books.
Thus, here is the secret of Postman's book: Postman himself suffers from the very same attention deficit disorder that he castigates others for having suffered at the hands of Electronic Society.
Hmm. One would expect a professor of Media Studies who was as well read and thoughtful as Postman to engage our attention for a while longer. If this book is the greatest thing Postman ever wrote, then we must confess, alas, that Postman's work does not contain a single magnum opus on the level of a Gutenberg Galaxy or an Understanding Media. Perhaps this fact in itself is evidence of a general decline in intellectual and literary ability in our culture during the latter half of the twentieth century.
The reader should not understand that I am saying that there is anything wrong with Amusing Ourselves to Death. But we should learn to understand its limitations in order to appreciate its place in the pantheon of Media Studies classics, upon which list, after all is said and done, Amusing Ourselves to Death places relatively low.
--John David Ebert, author Celluloid Heroes & Mechanical Dragons: Film as the Mythology of Electronic Society
Deserves to be Called a Classic.......2007-06-19
It seems unlikely that a book labeled "Current Affairs" could have a shelf life of more than a few years. It seems preposterous that a book dealing with television and referring to Dallas and Dynasty could have anything to see twenty two years after being published. Yet Neil Postman's Amusing Ourselves to Death, now in it's "20th Anniversary Edition" continues to be read and studied and to hold influence. Even today it is used as required reading in many high school and college level courses. Though written by a man who made no claim to Christianity, few modern books written by an unbeliever have been more widely read and quoted by Christians. It truly is a remarkable little book.
Postman had that rarely quality of being able to see behind a fad, behind what was late and great. He saw the significance of the rise of the image and the fall of the word, the rise of amusement and the decline of discourse. He saw that television would soon saturate every area of our lives and taint the way we understand politics, religion, education and every other area of importance. As we now transition from a television-based culture to a computer-based culture the image remains central. Perhaps we have already amused ourselves past the point of no easy return. Television is remarkably effective at doing what it does best--entertaining. Postman had no argument with television is a tool of entertainment. In fact, the best things on television are its junk and no one is seriously threatened by this. Where television fails is in attempting to do the more serious work that has traditionally been carried by the written word.
Postman makes it his goal in this book to make the epistemology of television visible, demonstrating that television's way of knowing is hostile to typography's way of knowing, and not only that, but it is inferior to it. "Serious television" is a contradiction in terms for television speaks only in the voice of entertainment, never of serious, weighty, discourse--the kind of discourse that is essential to politics, religion and education. Television's influence has been relentless, transforming our culture so that every area is now considered a venue for entertainment.
Electronic media, led by television but being superseded by the computer, has changed the way we view the world and the way we carry on any kind of public discourse. Gone are the days when content was of overwhelming importance. Instead we deal with sound bites, with discordant images torn from any kind of context, and with style when in former days we relied on substance. Politicians win and lose election campaigns not on the basis of what they say, but on the basis of how they look when they say it.
Throughout the book is an interesting interplay between Huxley's Brave New World and Orwell's 1984. In the latter an oppressive regime dominates the world while in the former the people allow themselves to be overcome by levity, by entertainment and by pleasure so that they have no need of an oppressive regime. They were controlled by their amusements. Huxley, Postman argues, had it right. And I would tend to agree.
Amusing Ourselves to Death is a good read, a disturbing read, a thought-provoking read and, dare I say it, a must-read. It deserves its status as a classic and, though already two decades out of date, it is as timely as ever.
Average customer rating:
- GREAT BOOK!
- Engaging for All Ages!
- Everyone deserves a visit from the Jolly Postman
- Jolly Postman
- A classic story for young and old
|
The Jolly Postman
Allan Ahlberg
Manufacturer: L,B Kids
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Anthologies
| Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Stories
| Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic
| Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Picture Books
| Ages 4-8
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ages 4-8
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Ahlberg, Janet
| ( A )
| Authors & Illustrators, A-Z
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Ahlberg, Allan
| ( A )
| Authors & Illustrators, A-Z
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The Jolly Christmas Postman
-
Dear Mr. Blueberry (Aladdin Picture Books)
-
Yours Truly, Goldilocks (Stories to Go!)
-
Each Peach Pear Plum board book (Viking Kestrel Picture Books)
-
Dear Peter Rabbit (Stories to Go!)
ASIN: 0316017760 |
Book Description
Fifteen years ago, long before anyone else thought of tucking actual letters and notes inside a book, Little, Brown published The Jolly Postman by Allan and Janet Ahlberg. This wonderful book gave children a chance to read letters sent from one fairy tale or Mother Goose character to another. Among the funny notes was one from Jack, who lolled on a sun-drenched island, thanking the Giant for the gold that let him afford such a nifty vacation. All this amusing correspondence was deftly illustrated and the book attracted hordes of eager readers.
Customer Reviews:
GREAT BOOK!.......2007-08-17
We have checked out this book from the library so many times that I am just going to buy it! Plus the book has envelopes with letters inside that have got lost by the other hundreds of kids who also love this book. It is going to be worth the cost of the book just to see the letters we've been missing! My 5 yo daughter has loved this book since her early 4's. She really adores this book and talks about it often and we check out library books in HEAPS! As a parent I think it is cute, but nothing major...no educational value....no real content....but boy, to a kid....this is the best!!!!!!!
Engaging for All Ages!.......2007-08-17
This book is not only great interactive fun, it can be used as an engaging learning tool as well. Although it appears to be a book that would interest younger children, I have used it in my fourth and fifth grade classes to introduce letter writing to fictional characters. It's uses are endless and it make a wonderful gift!!
Everyone deserves a visit from the Jolly Postman.......2007-06-16
The first I can remember of this book is it being read to me in school. Ever since that day it has been my favorite childrens book. Not only is the main story entertaining in and of itself (a postman traveling around and delivering letters to fairy tale characters) each stop on the route has it's own individual appeal. Birthday cards commplete with poems and money. A witchs catalog selling everthing from broom-sticks to instant frog powder (just add water!). Not to mention that each envelope has it's own little fonts and stamps.
I have many fond childhood memories about this book. And it's not just fun, it can be educational as well! When my uncle was reading it with me he used the Goldilocks letter to give me a grammar lesson! Asking which words were spelt wrong or used improperly and such.
I really adore this book, and as a result I recently bought it for my nephew (I wasn't about to give him my copy). I'd recommend this book to everyone who has a young child in their home. Just a lovely, lovely book.
Jolly Postman.......2007-05-19
The Jolly Postman is a classic book for children of all ages. This anniversary addition was a perfect fit for my students in the classroom, and for children at home. Page after page, there are letters that children can open and read. They experience literary magic within the pages of this fabulous story. If you haven't ever read the Jolly Postman, you definitely need to pick up a copy.
A classic story for young and old.......2007-01-29
I think this is one of the best children's books ever released. It's fun and exciting to read to children and the language used is simple and easy to read. The illustrations are amazing and captivate the reader. A wonderful book to give as a gift!
Amazon.com
Neil Postman is one of the most level-headed analysts of education, media, and technology, and in this book he spells out the increasing dependence upon technology, numerical quantification, and misappropriation of "Scientism" to all human affairs. No simple technophobe, Postman argues insightfully and writes with a stylistic flair, profound sense of humor, and love of language increasingly rare in our hastily scribbled e-mail-saturated world.
Book Description
In this witty, often terrifying work of cultural criticism, the author of Amusing Ourselves to Death chronicles our transformation into a Technopoly: a society that no longer merely uses technology as a support system but instead is shaped by it--with radical consequences for the meanings of politics, art, education, intelligence, and truth.
Customer Reviews:
basic book.......2007-08-03
its a must read - even for those who would not agree that technology destroys culture. dangers are real and it is worth following the author on what they are.but technology has changed life - and not always for the worse. like climate change we dont want the scare but the reality need to be known - and thats where the importance of the book lies.
A little too preachy, and irresolute at the same time.......2007-01-13
"Back when men were bolder, and women were prettier, etc." Every generation has probably heard various versions of this kind of "it's getting worse" story. Postman names all through this book the alternatives modern life gives us when a new technology comes along. Of course this happens. The automobile took away the chance to let neighbors chat when buggying down the dirt roads, their horses lazily nibbling the grass as the time passed. But the horse buggy took away an earlier "pleasure" at the expense of the improved technology of the buggy. All this seems very obvious, and the author uses an urbane, Time-Magazine style of prose to dance around these technology-finally-creates-Technoply talks. One wonders if the creator of fire caused the first humans to not enjoy the pleasure of shivering any more.
There is truth in what the author is saying, of course, and the reader will certainly be a little more sensitized to a deflavoring of culture because of progress. Admittedly, this "urbane writing style" makes an easily-readable work, and it is a plus not having to wade through a long, strident sermon. Also, Postman gives the Left a deserved kick in the shin regarding their forgiving memory of Joseph Stalin, and their often-observed intolerance for other views.
Maybe there were just too many topics to talk about in this book. An earlier work, Amusing Ourselves to Death, is much more focused, making the author's argument easier to see. Both books can be read quickly, though, and most readers will enjoy the many facts about the origins of things which Postman sprinkles through the book.
Dangers of the Digitized Life.......2006-12-25
Postman explains how we got to the current age, where we are surrounded by digitizing, calculating machines. Describes the consequences, making us aware of the apparent take-over of culture by the worship of numbers, statistics, and unlimited information. But the book feels long -- too many words just for the sake of a nice turn of phrase. Wastes a lot of time showing how social science is not a science (who cares -- as he points out, most people don't know what science is anyway). And his conclusion -- that the solution is some kind of secular "great books" education curriculum, is weak. His message is to be aware, and think. That's good. But if you want concise, thought-provoking criticism of "progress", read Ivan Illich instead.
To Postman's credit, he does better with a narrower focus. Try his "Amusing Ourselves to Death".
Agree with his ideas but............2006-10-03
I agreed with much of what Postman conveyed in Technopoly but i was put-off quite a bit by some of the arguements he uses to support his claims. At times he seems to be make sweeping generalizations based on very specific, very limited data, which was painful for me to read. Other times he seems to draw conclusions that just dont follow directly from his evidence. I would recommend reading The Technological Society by Ellul instead if you're interested in this kind of thing.
The Dire Consequences of Technology.......2006-03-26
Neil Postman's Technopoly stands as a prophetic look at the impact of technology on a society. From the outset it is clear that Postman is not concerned with being unbiased, but rather balancing his own biases with careful self-criticing and historical presidents for his observations. This book comes as a bit of a wake up call for a society ungulfed in technology, an ironic observation given the method of this review. Postman acknowledges that it will be difficult for many readers to accept his ideology, but that it was important that they do not simply dismiss it. Technology, for Postman, is never a simple thing, and we are never able to comprehend the far reaching impact of the technologies we introduce into society. Postman gives the example of the printing press and the decline of the written tradition. While it was not an intentional effect, the value of writing has become secondary within society to technological innovation. These innovations are seen in every facet of life, for Postman, and carry many dire consequences.
While it is difficult to deny the line of reasoning used by Postman, one can see that Postman may be a bit to pessimistic in man's ability to maintain his own identity in a world of technological innovations. Postman does not seem to take into account many of the things that make us human, i.e. emotion and reason. This leaves the reader with a bleek view of the technological future, in which mankind is stripped of its very essence in favor of a machine driven society.
Overall, Postman makes important contributions to both philosophical circles, as well as social dialogue, in Technopoly, but seems to fall short in recognizing the human element at work in a technological society. I would highly recommend this book to those that do not fully understand the impact technology has on our lives, but would caution them against fully investing their minds in Postman's theories.
Customer Reviews:
Teaching As a Subversive Activity.......2007-07-13
A classic for anyone in education.
As relevant today as it was when published in 1969.
The beginning of Education Reform.......2007-05-25
40 years since Postman declared the need for reformed education and our school systems still look the same today as it did then. A new age is still growing for the next age of education.
This is the most excellent book on the nature of teaching and educating I have yet read. Postman articulates the utmost need for asking questions, for children and adults to think critically, to formulate conclusions, discover what they feel is relevant and important to modern life, and that this kind of process should be the basis for our education system.
Kids are taught to submit to authorities in school. They learn to answer the teacher's "Guess what I'm thinking?" The student answers his or her hand to offer the "correct" answer. Postman offers ways to change this about K-12 and university systems.
Postman explains the way in which the coming age can address relevant problems of today. To encourage students to think and search for new problems we aren't solving, while also being aware of those who've come before us - where things come from, why were things invented, for what need are certain things used?
This book is essential for anyone who is concerned about education, and the allowance for free thought, expression, and to build a society of intelligent citizens. It goes in depth and covers clearly the ways in which we can begin to reform education.
Interesting but not promising.......2006-04-21
This book has some pleasant surprises, but leaves the reader with an overall sense of frustration.
The book's appeal today is not what it would have been in 1969. At publication, the book was probably radical for its experimental approach to education that suggests that stimulating creativity and questioning is more important than the transference of raw data to students. Today it is fascinating because it makes you wonder, Did people really think like this? Were the 1950's as mindless and autocratic as this book seems to suggest? Has no one since Socrates suggested this kind of provocative education?
The book becomes frustrating if you attempt to seriously apply their conclusions today. In suggesting that education cater primarily to the felt needs of students instead of communicated what is decidedly essential curriculum, the authors have committed intellectual suicide. If you let high school students shape their studies around their interests, there would be classes in fashion and video games and blogging. The classes would be less likely to have reading lists, and instead only movies to watch.
Sadly, the book begins by quoting Hemingway's suggestion that we need a "[...] detector" (p. 5). The next four chapters are then pretty much some of that. It suggests that education should gravitate in the direction of questioning, relevance, and addressing only what the students feel is worth knowing. This is like telling children that they should only take the medicine that tastes good.
Then, surprisingly, the book improves (I'm wondering if one of the authors picked up here). It enters into a layman's take on perspectivalism (C. 6). In the chapter on "Languaging," it attempts to present an even more sophisticated explanation of the ways that meaning is assigned to, and varies in, words. It does not cite the philosophical foundations on which it rests, but the authors are actually playing with the revolution in analytic, linguistic philosophy of the 20th century.
Then the book returns to its first style. It suggests that the learning environment should affirm, rather than correct, the presuppositions of the learner (p. 137). It proposes a five year moratorium on textbooks, the end of subjects, the end of tests, and the end of requirements.
There is an ironic chapter (10) in which they encourage the use of media in teaching, decades before the internet revolution. The suggest curricula that incorporate games to stimulate learning and letter-writing back and forth between students and teachers.
The upside of the book is that it challenges teachers to reevaluate their purpose and methods. The downside is the outright arrogance and simultaneous naivete that suggests that everyone everywhere needs to practice their methods while suggesting simultaneously that objective views should not be dictated universally.
My detector is registering.
The book is good as an anachronistic look at what SOME teachers were thinking over three decades ago.
What is wrong + What to do about it.......2005-09-22
To the positive reviews given so far, I would like to add that the very virtue of the book is that it is not limited to point the failures of the education system. It goes on to propose a way out, reasonably argued and based on results of data evaluating the problem. That is one of the reasons it might be difficult to follow, the solution is not trivial and straighforward.
It's way too difficult to understand.......2003-11-21
He says there is a need for better education, and I have no doubt in my mind that there must be a good reason for teachers to reform schools, or else, this could not still be relevant today.
But, there must also be a new way of perceiving things. I guess he needed to quantify an understanding of how things must be ingratiated into a person's life so as to be relative to their causal needs--
But let's stop for a second. Isn't this getting a bit too complicated for the purposes of a school with very little to teach but what's gone on in the teacher's mind the previous night?
I myself went to school, and had to drop out. There was no need for me to go back anyway. Many times I wanted to go deep--really deep--into something that astounded me, but time ran out. I was often left irritated with a void that had faded into the outer world, including everything that may have been there to begin with.
Several weeks passed after I fell out of the old high school system. I wandered into alternative schools and ended up hiring a tutor, taking several tests (forgiving myself kindly that there was no measured place for me to go), and finding not very many locations to go to in order to find someone beyond myself with a keen eye for knowledge--basically, a good teacher.
I really needed somebody who was different until I found out one day who it was I was looking for: myself! I found in myself the needs and the wants, the desires to strive to achieve beyond myself and through myself, through life itself, and seeing the art of it all.
So in the end, what does education really want? I for one think that we should have less intervention, in whatever way possible. Because there is that part of us still believes we know more about the world than we ever will. But is this part of us wrong? Ultimately, there are many ways to break free from the surface of our thoughts. By giving up our ideas of ourselves, and understanding reflexively our lives, our changing shades, we can come to a conclusion that's definite that the world and the school of our lives are interconnected, as all the reasons for learning come back to us, and always as one.
Book Description
This revised and updated manual provides complete preparation for the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), and the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W). It also introduces prospective test takers to the Content Specialty Test (CST). The LAST and the ATS-W are required New York State Teacher Certification Examinations. This book presents an overview of the tests and test-taking strategies with chapters on Reading, Writing, Math, Reading in the Subject Areas, Visual and Performing Arts, and Teaching Skills. Four practice tests with fully explained answers include two model LASTs, an elementary ATS-W, and a secondary ATS-W. The book also includes helpful information about teacher certification and finding a teaching position.
Customer Reviews:
good having business with u!.......2007-08-14
THE SHIPMENT CAME ON TIME. THE REVIEW BOOK ITSELF IS HELPFUL. FOR THIS MONEY I THINK IT'S TOTALLY WORTH IT.
This book will prep you inadequately.......2007-07-27
I have never been so appalled by a test prep book in my life- there were typos on every page, and incorrect answer keys. For example, it would print that (A) was the correct answer for question 42, and then go on to explain why (C) is the correct answer. The book also focuses on reviewing elementary math, of which there was ONE question in the test itself, and does not provide helpful strategies for reading comprehension, which was the majority of the test. You had to be much smarter than the book for the practice tests to be at all helpful; and in the end the real LAST was formatted so differently from the practice tests provided in this book that I would have been better off reading Aristotle to prepare for reading comprehension, instead of this book. In most test books I can glean that while the "matter" is not the same as the actual test, the "method" is, so that helps prepare one. This book lacked BOTH. I would recommend very enthusiastically to NOT GET THIS BOOK.
Barron's is Great!.......2007-03-30
I'm studying for the LAST and this preparation guide has been great! It comes with 2 full practice exams, countless strategies, and an abundance of extra questions for each section of the exam. Well worth the cost.
not for the LAST!.......2007-02-25
Despite the annoying repeated grammatical errors in this book, it does a nice job preparing you for the ATS-W and reviewing educational subject matter; however, the questions in this book made me worry obsessively about the LAST. When I took the test, it was MUCH easier than what this book made it out to be. My advice: use common sense to get you through the LAST, but buy this for the ATS-W.
Great review book.......2007-01-04
Very helpful for this test and also provides useful test tips for taking any test.
Book Description
Introducing the extra help students need for this year's brand-new version of the SAT I
More than 1.4 million high school students will be taking this year's brand-new version of the SAT I, and all of them will be looking for something that will give them the edge they need to ace the test. Written by distinguished experts in their fields, these books in the McGraw-Hill SAT I Workbook series are exactly what test takers will be looking for. Ideal for those who feel they need extra help preparing for the test, and also for those who are just looking to practice and further hone their skills, these workbooks provide all the expert test-taking guidance students expect from McGraw-Hill, including:
- Coverage of all the latest changes to the SAT I
- Surefire strategies for successfully answering every type of question
- Hundreds of sample questions just like those on the actual test
- Dozens of skill-building drills and exercises
- Five complete tests with thorough explanations of all questions and answers
Customer Reviews:
Good resource for my daughter........2007-04-03
This product is a good one for your high school kid. The trick of course is to motivate your kid! That's the kicker on self study vs SAT prep classes -- the classes drag your kid along.
200 Points.......2006-07-22
This book helped me to add 200 points to my SAT Math score. I thought it was better than the other SAT Math books because it is organized so well. This book has five math tests a little harder than the real test with explained answers. Other books had tests that were so hard and not like the SAT that they hurt rather than help. It has a good review without trying to teach you everything all over again from the beginning. It showed me worked out problems and had lots and lots of practice exercises with explained answers. This book may help you like it helped me.
Most effective for my students.......2006-04-16
In my opinion this book has the best combination of practice and review to prepare students for the SAT I math test. There are over 500 SAT practice questions with explained answers, including the five full length SAT math tests. There is also just the tight amount of review to get a student up to speed about SAT mathematics concepts. The book can be used very flexibly by students to help them achieve their highest test score.
My students have had good success and you should consider this book if you are preparing for the SAT I Math.
Book Description
This new edition of this bestselling Praxis book includes preparation for these Praxis tests: PPST (Pre-Professional Skills Tests), and the new PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching), the Elementary Subject Assessments and the ParaPro Assessment. The book also gives overview and test for Praxis II Subject Assessments. The opening section presents an overview of the PRAXIS tests with proven test-taking strategies and study tips. Following chapters offer extensive subject reviews in writing, math, and reading, with hundreds of practice exercises.
Seven full-length practice exams with answers and explanations accurately reflect the most recent actual exams. The practice exams include two PPSTs, one PLT, three Elementary Subject Assessments (Curriculum Instruction and Assessment, Content Areas Exercises, Content Knowledge) and one ParaPro Assessment. There are also practice questions with answers in ten selected subject assessment areas. Test scoring is explained, and state-by-state certification testing requirements are listed.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Study Aid.......2007-08-13
I found this book to be a helpful review for the Praxis test. Personally, I needed a good math review (the last math class that I had taken was five years ago). Math is my weak point; so, I was pleasently surprised to score nearly perfect on my Praxis. This book is well worth its value and provides a good summary of what to expect on the Praxis - especially if you are on a time crunch!
need to take a Praxis? This is the book id get.......2007-08-04
I just took my praxis exams this morning, and if I didn't use this book, I would have been a little lost. It has everything you could think of is preparing for this test, and when you have completed all tests and toward finishing college and looking for a job, this book's last section shows how to pump up your resume and gives you tips when looking for a job.
If you are in the education major, Id recommend this book, it will take you far in your higher education and beyond.
Great Guide!.......2007-06-13
This book helped me prepare for the CPPST version of the PRAXIS. I was using Exam Cram, but that review guide was too simple and easy...too good to be true. I am so glad I bought this one too. Barron's helped me prepare for my PRAXIS, especially the Writing section. I'm giving this Barron's 5 stars.
Great tool for first time PRAXIS takers!.......2007-04-04
Great great book...I had 2 weeks to study for the Praxis I and took and passed it with flying colors. This book does a great job of teaching you whats important on the tests and has 2 full length practice tests along with lots and lots of mini tests. Thanks!
Worst Book I Ever Bought.......2007-01-15
Maybe I just didn't realize this before hand, but I thought this book would have a bigger 0014 Elementary Education:Content Knowledge section. Was I wrong. It didn't have anything for you to study or review. It just had one sample exam and weak explanations. I wish I didn't buy this book.
Book Description
Postman suggests that the current crisis in our educational system derives from its failure to supply students with a translucent, unifying "narrative" like those that inspired earlier generations. Instead, today's schools promote the false "gods" of economic utility, consumerism, or ethnic separatism and resentment. What alternative strategies can we use to instill our children with a sense of global citizenship, healthy intellectual skepticism, respect of America's traditions, and appreciation of its diversity? In answering this question,
The End of Education restores meaning and common sense to the arena in which they are most urgently needed.
"Informal and clear...Postman's ideas about education are appealingly fresh."--New York Times Book Review
Customer Reviews:
One of the most challenging and impactful books I've read.......2007-03-04
And I don't say that lightly. Postman is able to discern and illuminate why schools are failing, or perhaps more to the point, why our society has failed our schools, and has done so with such a unique perspective that my worldview has been forever changed. Read it!
Rethinking School Functions within a Flat World's Technology.......2007-03-04
"Without a narrative, life has no meaning. Without meaning, learning has no purpose. Without a purpose, schools are houses of detention, not attention. This is what 'End of education,' is all about." Neil Postman
Educating for Humanity:
Educational policy directives over the last half century have veered away from participation, through the UNESCO and other cultural institutions, in promoting the important concept of educating for an integral humanity, the negligence of which was a main factor in the shock of America and the world on September 11. The promise and necessity of working toward a 'flat world' became evident, a viable aspiration for proper education at a time when the worldwide crises in peace, freedom, social justice, democracy, and ecological integrity have become the defining issues of our times. Educating For a Global Humanity makes the case for a powerful appeal to examine educational purpose and means in light of what is most fundamental and important to human beings everywhere.
Creation of Scholarly Gods:
The dawn of the third millennium presents a rare opportunity to take the long view and assess both how far we have come and how far we have yet to go to fully realize our potential as thinking, feeling and valuing human beings with some measure of control over our own destiny. Postman describes the purpose of his book as a creative narrative, giving life a meaning, and learning a purpose. The word End in the title means 'final goal,' not a prophecy for education or schooling systems.
In the past, there were the old gods that served schools well giving them guidance, inspiration and purpose while profounding the traditional values of 'family honor, restraint, social responsibility, humility and empathy for the outcast". They included the multiple narratives of democracy, "the great melting-pot-story", and "the Protestant-ethic-story". Those were the gods of the past, up until the last century. The twentieth century, Postman laments, "has not been a good century for gods". Likewise, lack of gods has not been good for education.
Alternative Narratives:
As an alternative to these 'gods that fail us,' Postman proposes five new gods or narratives. The first narrative, one which Postman believes has the potential to promote global consciousness, interdependence and cooperation are that of human beings as stewards or caretakers of the Spaceship Earth. This narrative focuses on "inventing ways to engage students in the care of their own schools, neighborhoods and towns". Incorporated into the theme of the Spaceship Earth would be the teaching of archeology, anthropology and astronomy. Archeology would instill in students "an awareness of the preciousness of the earth." The teaching of anthropology would give students "an awe-inspiring sense of humanity's range of difference, as well as a sense of our common points." The teaching of astronomy would be useful because it raises "fundamental questions about ourselves and our mission" and cultivates a "sense of awe, interdependence, and global responsibility".
An Ailing education?
Elizabeth Murphy stated that Postman has provided a prescription for an ailing education system. Strait forwardly, she concluded that "If educators have a faith in his diagnosis and follow his plan then, education could be healed, fully resuscitated, revitalized and cured forever of the woes that assail it. Perhaps this description draws too heavily on the medical metaphor." She adds that exaggerating the author's intentions are yet. Nonetheless, the term 'prescription' describes succinctly and clearly Postman's agenda. "Few would disagree with Postman that education is in need of reform. Few would disagree that learning should be driven by goals and purposes. Stating what these goals or purposes 'ought' to be and, furthermore, specifying who decides on them, is where the debate is likely to ensue."
School New Functions:
Postman's own perception that Americans need to re-think school functions within a 21st century technology is dealt with in his Technolopy, The Surrender of Culture to Technology. He calls the end of education, gods of cultural conceits, intended to drive students to learn. Postman critiques those failing gods in today's school, starting with god of economic utility, in whose name students may believe that if they pass through school slightly well, they would get a well-paying job.
Ellen Rose wrote, "The End of Education offers a new perspective on ideas and viewpoints set forth in his other books--not just in those which focus on education,...Postman on the other hand deliberately resists pressures to reduce his ideas to contextless fragments, offering instead fully articulated, lucid arguments requiring readers to follow a number of carefully presented premises to a logical conclusion. And while Postman is well aware that his methodology and his sometimes curmudgeonly arch-conservatism prevent him from attracting quite so many followers as the "Oracle of the Electronic Age"
Late Neil Postman:
One of the best writers among contemporary social critics, late professor Postman, who defined the U.S. as a society in which technology is deified to a near-totalitarian degree, is a multi cultural motivated and innovative educator. His ambiguous prophecy, he writes in his epilogue refers both to the idea that schools as we know them are on the way out. Postman acknowledged that his conclusion were assumed over the years from many others, including Jacques Ellul, and Marshall McLuhan, while Postman is equally indebted to his broad intellectual engagement with Noam Chomsky, John Dewey, Freud, Northrop Frye, Aldous Huxley, between many others.
A passionate call for meaningful narratives in our schools... .......2005-11-23
My name is Mark and I was an 'A' student. I did well on tests, impressed my teachers, and was generally viewed as a star student. The one blight on my record was a mediocre grade in my A.P. English class in high school. Something about the class disturbed my complacent performance and ignited a spark of resistence and non-cooperation. I couldn't bring myself to answer the questions posed by the teacher, on plot, or character, or theme, or setting, with any real attention or engagement. What was lacking there - and most conspicuously in the realm of literature - was any kind of focus on meaningful narratives, or meaningful readings. It wasn't until the summer after my first year in college that I was motivated to pursue those meaningful narrratives on my own.
Neil Postman's The End of Education argues for the reinstatement of meaningful narratives into elementary and secondary education. He has written a manifesto for resurrecting the question of purpose and the enactment of value in our schools. The seeming pessimism of the title is aimed at articulating the nature of a problem of decadence that has been undermining the essential values and qualities of education. Yet Postman does not stop at articulating the problem. The book is about suggesting solutions, and even more so, Postman suggests a way of thinking that will generate solutions as situations demand them. Here is book that has the capacity to motivate and inspire. It should be read by everyone who has any involvement at all with education, as a reminder why an education system exists in this country at all and why it should continue to exist in the future.
College students, read this book!.......2004-07-30
I have assigned this book to my freshman college students rather than the usual overpriced college anthologies that the publishing companies pawn off on teachers who march in lockstep to their curriculum, not necessarily because they are mean-spirited; rather they've become technocrats focused more on how to structure a paragraph than how to mold a life. My students, time after time, have come up to me, and have said, "I always knew there was something wrong with my education, but I never could put a finger on what it was. This book has finally put into words what I couldn't explain myself." It just might have the same effect on you. It is interesting that some of the subjects Postman believes are essential to any curriculum are those subjects which have been honored in traditional, autocthnonous cultures such as "spaceship earth" and ecology (Native Americans); the origins of meaning and values (All cultures); rhetoric (The Greeks, the Middle Ages)--expanded to include media literacy, not just the nature of written language. Some may call his ideas "utopian" or "impractical." However, I believe his point is that such topics would not be considered as such if we lived in a society that still had some common "ground of being," was not fanatically materialistic or increasingly jingoistic, and addressed the complexities of values and religion in a competent and thorough rather than in the current vacuous "soundbite" modality that permeates all public discourse including that of people who should know better. When Oprah has six Christian theologians on her show and ends it by saying, "In 30 seconds, I'd like each of you to provide your definition of faith," and then see them actually try to fulfill the task, it's pretty scary. Why didn't at least one of them say, "I cannot provide you with a definition of faith in 30 seconds"? Could it be "The End of Education"?
Of means and ends : Education redefined.......2003-05-19
The blurb of the book is interesting enough to make one want to pick it up. And when one does begin the voyage, one realizes immediately that the author isnt talking about the end of education in terms of its being finished, rather he is speaking of the Purpose of education. Once this distinction is made, Postman brilliantly argues about how all of today's educational initiatives in the US are more about the means, and hence do not address any root change in the learning process. He then goes on to categorically define the problems in the first part of the book, and his ideas quite almost leap out of the pages in the second part of the book as he boldly architects a probable scenario of the future of education, in terms of its driving purpose.
In doing so, the author gives numerous examples to illustrate his points of view, while all the while admitting that the book is not an exhaustive list of ideas, rather an exhaustion of his mind! Quite a brilliantly written book that cannot but stop and make the reader think. It would be a very different world if every teacher in high school read this book and implemented just even a small part of it in their teaching and actions. In no ways a negative, it must be noted that Postman's religious beliefs and admiration for the US is thrown into sharp relief in his writings.
Lastly, this book gave me 13 books and 7 authors as a potential list to read up on, the book is verily a rich source of ideas and allows the reader to make his own reading list to explore some of the ideas in depth and reach his/her own path.
Amazon.com
Literature and film buffs will be delighted by this collection of pulp novels, most of which were made into important films. James M. Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice is a literary masterpiece with its spare prose invoking a savage, sexy, desperate world. It inspired no less than three great movies: Luchino Visconti's classic Ossessione, in 1942; the 1946 remake, starring John Garfield and Lana Turner and directed by the extraordinary Tay Garnett; and Bob Rafelson's underrated 1981 version with Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange. When you read the magnificent source for these movies, you'll be astonished at how three different incarnations could all, in their own ways, be faithful to the novel.
Cornell Woolrich's I Married a Dead Man also became three movies: No Man of Her Own, with Barbara Stanwyk; the French I Married a Shadow; and the American comedy, Mrs. Winterborne, which starred Shirley MacLaine and Ricki Lake. Edward Anderson's vivid Thieves Like Us was transformed into They Live by Night, Nicholas Ray's first important movie and one of the seminal noir films of the 1940s. It was brilliantly remade in 1974 by the great revisionist director Robert Altman. Kenneth Fearing's The Big Clock was transformed into a marvelous film starring Charles Laughton; 40 years later, the same source, retitled No Way Out, brought Kevin Costner to stardom. William Lindsay Gresham's Nightmare Alley was the source for Tyrone Power's best movie; Horace McCoy's experimental They Shoot Horses, Don't They? became one of the seminal films of the 1960s.
These dark, evocative novels, when taken together, are a fascinating study of how words can inspire a magnificent variety of cinematic images and styles.
Customer Reviews:
Splendid Read.......2007-06-04
This collection of novels from the 30s and 40s was terrific fun and an outstanding introduction to the genre. You can debate whether they're all noir (at least what I expected noir to be); but nonetheless they each convey a distinct impression and view of the time. Without getting into lengthy reviews, I enjoyed Woolrich's "I Married a Dead Man" the most--from his eloquent style to the actual story-line. You know you're reading a master story-teller. Second was Gresham's "Nightmare Alley;" although sometimes I thought he could have expanded on some aspects of the story and shortened other passages (i.e., a little bit of editing would help). But each novel was distinct and enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Crime Novels -- 30s/40s.......2006-11-07
Ha! Just skimmed some other reviews and I wanna add my two cents. Yes, this volume is definitely something. Some impressions follow.
The Postman Always Rings Twice: Indeed, Cain knew how to make the reader keep turning pages. Short, sweet, and fascinating. After I discovered the significance of the title (which is a bit of a "trick"), I liked the whole effort all the more.
They Shoot Horses, Don't They?: A bit monotonous to read; a bit dark. That was the point. All told, a fascinating novel. Among all literature named in the world, *this* is one of few titles inspired by God: so memorable and unique, so perfect. It turns out to impart chilling meaning, as well, on several levels.
Thieves Like Us: My least favorite. This was a subjective reaction, however. I wanted the story to take turns it didn't take. Moreover, Anderson as an author took note of things I found not-so-interesting; apparently, the book's status to this day speaks otherwise on behalf of many other readers, however.
The Big Clock: Short, sweet and sterile. Almost machine-like in its plotting and execution -- if so written intentionally, a fascinating stylistic choice given its title -- but, notably, full of interesting and colorful characterizations. Possibly my favorite.
Nightmare Alley: Relentlessly grim and ugly. I'm not so sure there is a single character to root for in this story. That was probably very much intended. Fascinating but, again, very grim. Literary nihilists of today would do well to take a lesson from Gresham's characterization, plot and style.
I Married A Dead Man: Although the novels were presented chronologically, this was a nice way to end the volume. A very simple, linear, domestic story, without hard-boiled criminality or complication, which unfolds with some plot which stretches credibility, but lies ultimately within the realm of the possible. Notable among noir novels for Woolrich's ability to evoke two unexpected emotions at the end: a sense of deep and abiding love between two of the main characters -- before the real and final ending -- and a sense of genuine sadness.
Worth owning. Might take the reader a while to get through. This is, in effect, six books in one, running to nearly a thousand pages. But it was definitely fun; and as another reviewer implied, it's surprising how little has changed.
Thank God for the 1930's and 1940's/ .......2006-07-11
First of all, the Library Of America collection provides the reader with some of the most beautiful hardcover editions available today. That said, the selections chosesn for this edition are all first class; for someone just getting into hard-boiled fiction, this is the ideal place to start. If you're like me and have been reading this genre for many years, this is a perfect volume to add to one's collection.
The Dark Underbelly of the American Dream.......2005-09-29
Noir emerged in the early 20th-Century from Pulp paperbacks published for mass consumption. Highlighting in gritty and sensationalistic detail the sordid undercurrents of Western society, Noir became an artistic force that became the medium for the representation of the down and out segment of the populace. Whether set in the impersonal grime of urban reality or at the deceptive simplicity of rural picturesqueness, Noir in Film and Literature revealed the odyssey and travails of lost souls whose misguided characters bore too much of the weight of their selves and their pasts to break from the shackles of their present.
"Crime Novels: American Noir of the 1930's and 40's" is the American equivalent in prose of the influential and enduring genre. The grim and unforgiving tales of the dejected cast of mid 20th-Century American life are openly depicted ("The Postman Always Rings Twice"; "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?"; "Thieves Like Us"; "Nightmare Alley"); vicissitudes of fate ("The Big Clock"; "I Married a Dead Man"). Whether set in scenic California, the vast and open Midwest, or a high-rise office in Manhattan, these novels uniformly render a panorama of blighted dreams, twisted turns of fate, and the sad recurrence of misfortune in desperate individuals doomed to tragedy.
None too substantial in content but highly readable, this edition is the first of a handsome 2-Volume anthology on American Noir fiction published by the venerable Library of America. Edited by Robert Polito (Poet, writer, anthologist on Noir Lit. and author of a biography on Jim Thompson), these stories enduring relevance are seen in various forms of contemporary society: from the writings of James Ellroy, Brett Easton Ellis, Lawrence Block, and Robert Bloch; in films like "Scarface", "Pulp Fiction", "Fight Club"; and in everyday life.
A Real Discovery: 4 or 5 of these make amazing reading.......2005-01-23
This is an impressive collection of early and now scarce Noir novels. "The Big Clock" and "Nightmare Alley" are particularly hard to find outside of this volume.
Cain's "The Postman Always Rings Twice" was probably the first crime novel I ever really got into, and it's a stunning departure from Agatha Christie-style mysteries. So much happens in this short book (as turns of plot, but also development of character) that it compares favorably to the first half Camus' "The Stranger." The drifter plumbs the depths of his desperation in a brutal attachment to another man's wife: it's not greed or lust that drives him, but a base need for someone to whom he can anchor himself. A raw and amazing experience, unmatched by anything else of Cain's.
McCoy's "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" is impressively vivid. I had no idea these dance-hall marathons took place before reading this story. This circus of exploitation of young and apparently desperate people certainly makes for excellent Noir. One of these benefits of reading these novels is the unearthing of buried episodes in America's past.
"Thieves Like Us" has been reviewed here as the weaker end of the collection, and I have to agree. It's still a very capable story of outlaws; and the stoicism of the young people caught up in the criminal's lives is admirably depicted here. I recommend reading Andersen's novel before the others (it's still definitive Noir), so one can more easily avoid expectations built up by the Cain and McCoy.
"The Big Clock" is interesting in the depiction of power relationships between employer and employee, and the shifting first-person style of telling the story works here. I never heard of Fearing before reading this novel, but he evidently had a deep understanding of the motivations of very different kinds of people. This novel has the most suspense of the collection, and is a great and sophisticated read.
The most surprising and bizzare novel is "Nightmare Alley," a strange and memorable journey of an aspiring carnival charlatan. It defines Sleaze. The longest and most complex novel, it feels like a long-lost classic that's been hidden away because of its disturbing content. Some may think of it as too long, but the twisting journey through sweaty farming towns, railroad stations and addled big-city martiarchs required time to establish some crediblity: by the end, I was convinced that such a grotesque collection of stunts actually belonged in the story of this country. "Nightmare Alley" alone is worth the price of the book. Fans of Tarot might be a little offended, but this is especially recommended for understanding fans of Ray Bradbury.
Finally, "I Married a Dead Man" by Woolrich is a suspense novel set up by a tragic accident. The protagonist, literally and figuratively hungry, siezes the opportunity to substitute herself into a more fortunate woman's life. Excellently done, and more grounded in comparison to "Nightmare Alley."
Overall, there's no legitimately weak entry in this collection. The variety of content in these novels is enormous, and acquiring this book will allow the reader to experience the different flavors of American Noir. Most modern crime/suspense movies will seem ridiculous by comparison.
Customer Reviews:
Well-informed analysis of the TV news industry.......2004-12-08
More than just a manual on "how to watch TV news", this book explains the commercial and financial basis of the TV industry, and shows why news coverage plays such a central role in TV. At 168 pages it is by no means lengthy, and can easily be read in a day; but there are still parts that you can skip without much loss - for instance, the chapter that tells you exactly who does what in a typical TV news studio. On the other hand, it is all quite interesting, and the authors back up their conclusions with solid facts.
Postman and Powers are by no means against TV as a news medium, but they warn us to use it intelligently and with full awareness of its biases, strengths and weaknesses. For instance, they point out that TV is intrinsically serial: a programme unwinds at a constant pace, and all the viewers see all of it (unless they go off to make a cup of coffee). Newspapers, on the other hand, can offer far more (and more varied) information, because each reader can select what he or she finds interesting. The sheer cost of time makes a difference, too - as of 1992, when this book was published, one hour of news cost $500,000 to produce. With each second being worth well over $100, "dead time" is a no-no, and long explanations (i.e. over about 10 seconds) are undesirable. This leads to a superficial style, heavy on pictures and short on meaningful analysis.
The authors make some trenchant points. "American television is an unsleeping money machine"; "...fires make a good subject for television news"; "Actually to see buildings topple is exciting..." They even argue that TV commercials offer a form of religious communication. Whereas gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins, commercials assure us that we can right on engaging in it: just don't forget to buy the right antacid pills.
Anyway, do we really need to watch as much TV as we do? Postman and Powers note that, by the end of high school, the average American has spent more time watching TV than in school! TV news can be seen as addictive; we don't really need to know most of what it tells us, but once we start getting sucked in, it is hard to stop coming back for further fixes. Just like soap operas, in fact!
Any Way You Look at it, TV is Bad.......2004-07-08
In his previous books, Neil Postman has made some excellent observations about society. I am particularly a fan of his book "Amusing Ourselves to Death". In this work, Postman evaluates the televised media in "How to Watch TV News". Much like his other works, he raises some important points.
News programs are typically filled with a collection of tidbits for a period of time slightly longer than fifteen minutes. The new items are chosen largely on whether they will draw viewers which in turn will draw advertising dollars. The advertising dollars pay the TV news media. So it is not really important what is covered in the news so much as what news will draw ratings.
The content of the news is another issue. In reality, we get the the cliff notes version of the news. We only receive part of the picture. We lack a lot of the background information necessary to make judgements. Because we lack a lot of the information, we are vulnerable to the any bias injected by the news reporter or news station. One of the main points of the book is that we need to read newspapers and magazines to stay informed. Without supplemental information or complete picture, we lack the ability to make an informed judgment. Printed news allows us to select the important stories and eliminate the irrelevant stories. This is an option we don't have with television news.
Postman goes through further scenarios that TV affects. Particularly the chapter that deals with the effects of news on children is enlightening. Even though the material is somewhat dated, Channel One programming is also addressed as part of this discussion. Overall, Postman makes an informed and intelligent statement with this book.
You cannot afford not to read it ..........2002-03-15
After being almost 3 years in the business of dealing professionally with the press, both printed and electronic, I would say that most of the things that you read in this amazing book seem somehow 'obvious'. Yet, it is what's 'obvious' that passes unattended. It is because even the professionals in this business, (actually especially the professionals in this business) operate without questioning the very principals of the trade: 'What's 'news' really? Why choosing this particular form of presenting them on TV? What is it that we are aiming for? What's hidden behind?
I think that reading this book makes a better TV viewer, may be a better journalist, possibly a better citizen.
A Slap at the News Media Systems.......2000-11-07
This is a great effort on the part of Neil Postman and Steve Powers. Postman is a media scholar who has written numerous books, and Powers is a journalist who knows first hand how media works. These two authors have the guts to take on the news media, a system made up of the biggest pack of liars outside of the Democratic Party. This book is a no-holds barred look at how news is manufactored and presented to the public. The book begins by defining news and then presents detailed accounts of how news is created. The book also looks at how commercials work in the scheme of things. There are also sections on television in the court room and an examination of how language and pictures can be used to distort news.
I found three items of particular interest in this book. The first was how the authors looked at commercials. As most know, the main aim of television is to sell. As cigarettes are a delivery device for nicotine, so television is for commercials. Since most of us have seen thousands of commercials, we have stopped viewing them objectively. This book has examined commercials, and it delivers a stinging indictment of them. Most effective is the view, presented by the authors, that commercials are a form of religious parable. A parable teaches people how to live the good life. The commercial, like a parable, has a beginning, a definition of a problem in the middle, and then a solution to the problem at the end. Unlike real life, the commercial teaches us that the answers to all problems are fast and easy, and are readily available at the local store. Hard work and patience mean nothing in the advertising world.
Secondly, the book also looks at how corporations have taken over televison and turned news programs into a source of profit. This profit comes, of course, at the expense of truth and responsibility. What is of particular interest is how much some of the anchors and others involved in the news media make millions of dollars in salaries. The authors find this a problem. They quote former CBS News president Fred Friendly (great name, wouldn't you say?) who believed that no one in news should be making more money than members of Congress or the President of the United States. Friendly called it, "unhealthy, unacceptable, and unethical". What's more, the corporate attitude of making profit at the expense of all else has led to the pooling of various media outlets. The authors see this as extremely dangerous, as it limits the sources of news made available to the public.
Finally, I was floored by the examination of the actual news programs given in the book. The authors point out that news teams are made of people who are meant to ape the structure of a family. The role of Mom and Dad are played by the anchors, who usually are a man and woman. The sportscaster and weatherman usually play the role of the silly kids. And even more sickening, this "family" is always presented as being happy. They all get along with each other and everyone knows their place. Most people probably wouldn't have a problem with this kind of arrangement. But remember, this is supposed to be news. It is how we form opinions of the events that shape our lives, and ultimately are descendent's lives. This shouldn't be some role playing game. It's serious business, and all of the little games that the media play seriously degrade our ability to make important decisions.
There are always a few downfalls with any book, and this one is no different. There are some annoying errors in the text which an editor should have caught. This might be nitpicky, but it is noticeable. Also, the book is too short for such an important topic. Still, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is concerned about getting the truth.
A WHOLE NEW VIEW.......1999-09-28
PHENOMENAL. SIMPLE YET COMPLEX. MUST 4 THE MILLENIAL. READ THIS + WATCH AND SEE. BEST TEXT OF SEM.
Books:
- Ancient Shores
- Bartholomew and the Oobleck: (Caldecott Honor Book) (Classic Seuss)
- Beyond Ender's Game: Speaker for the Dead, Xenocide, Children of the Mind
- Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac)
- Black Males Left Behind
- Blue Book of Gun Values
- Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant
- Contact USA: A Reading and Vocabulary Textbook
- Crisis at Crystal Reef (Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights, Book 14)
- Days of Infamy
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Dragonlance Campaign Setting
- The Cereal Box Mystery
- MISFORTUNE'S DAUGHTERS
- My Teacher Flunked the Planet
- Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting
- Purification of Laboratory Chemicals, Fifth Edition
- The Bravest Battle: The Twenty-Eight Days of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
- Land, Spirit, Power: First Nations at the National Gallery of Canada
- Light Microscopy in Biology: A Practical Approach
- Massachusetts Investment and Business Guide
Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology
The End of Education: Redefining the Value of School
The Disappearance of Childhood
Teaching As a Subversive Activity
Building a Bridge to the 18th Century: How the Past Can Improve Our Future
