At last! Creatvity is approachable to "left brainers"
592132
Many books on the subject of creativity are loaded with exercises that may feel silly to most folks. Rather than have readers stand on their heads or play odd word games, Plsek's approach to creativity is logical and  scientifically founded. In addition to being a great approach to the theory  and practice of generating creative ideas, the book also opens the door to  learnings from cognitive sciences. Smart, illuminating  and highly  readable.
179377
Conservatives will like this book for finally providing a "just the facts" look at issues, so important to young women's lives, that have been distorted as a consequence of the culture wars.  Liberals who actually take the time to read the book will also be pleased that this isn't an Ann Coulter-style screed out to villify lefty feminists.  Lukas is an entertaining writer, and here she's able to utilize a ton of research to make a case for true equality -- "individualism" instead of interest group feminism.
2501443
What a refreshing and hope-filled prescription for moving beyond political and economic gridlock. Michael Goldstein clearly lays out his own frustrations, and avoids being attached to the likely negative outcomes of business/politics as usual.  For me, the author is speaking primarily from his heart and his gut, and accessing realistic strategies that allow for understandable dialogue, delay and progress.  As these past few years have left me less involved in the political process, "Return of the Light" can motivate more readers to define what they can do to make a difference.  Thank you, Michael...well done!!
2284160
To all those who gave a bad review to this book:  David Horowitz CAN be trusted.  He has grown up and lived a life under the illusion of the Left.  Now, he has gained wisdom and he shares that with us in this book.  From someone who knows the Left from insider experience, surely he knows what he's talking about.

Read this book.  Trust the source.
2588530
Petererson, a brilliant PhD in Clinical Psychology, who taught first at Harvard, and now at the University of Toronto has become hated demonized and vilified by the left because he is a real bonafide classical liberal, he reads, he listens, he observes and uses reasons to come to rational conclusions. He is kind and caring, but he refuses to allow totalitarian leftists to usurp his rights and use the power of the state to say things that simply aren't true. And he has been thrust into the spotlight because of it. A brilliant and scholarly mind, and a very approachable, identifiable writing and speaking style. You will learn a great deal about life, about society, and about yourself rom this book. I cannot recommend it highly enough, and I recommend you also view his many interviews and panel discussions on YouTube. You will find he is a man speaking great common sense when the media and the left are trying to force totalitarianism upon us.
311978
Brink Lindsey seems like a really average American guy, which is surprising not because of his unusual name but because he's the Vice President for Research at the libertarian Cato Institute.  When so many Libertarians (large L) seem like wackos to most mainstream Americans, Mr. Lindsey does his movement a favor by offering this book.  He presents a compelling case that libertarianism (small l) not only makes sense as an ideal for mainstream Americans, but in fact that mainstream America has been moving steadily in that direction since the culture wars of the 60's erupted and left most Americans wondering where all the weirdos -- left and right -- came from.  He's much too respectful of both the Aquarians (a useful nomenclature that he seems to have coined) and the Evangelicals to call them "weirdos", but, as is typical of libertarians, he is very comfortable offering criticisms of both movements while at the same time acknowledging the beneficial contributions of both.  The book retells the post-WWII history of the United States with some wonderful details added to the stories and personalities most Americans know well.  Along the way, he offers his perspective of how mainstream America has adopted most of the libertarian leanings of these two political extremes while rejecting most of the more freedom-reducing elements.  It's a refreshing presentation of recent history, and his main argument is compelling and enjoyable to read.

An short adaptation of the book is available online at [...] , it offers a decent taste of the book as a whole.
2046639
Most of my reading this summer has been in preparation for a new course on Political Correctness in American Society. The amount of material out there is staggering. A recent search on the phrase "political  correctness" had over 50,000 hits. The phrase is all over the culture  in skirmishes left and right. I am enjoying this research, but it is  professional, not pleasure, reading. Thus it was with great interest and  anticipation that I ordered How I Accidentally Joined the Vast-Right Wing  Conspiracy (And Found Inner Peace). I was not disappointed.
Harry Stein  is my senior by almost a decade, but the ideological journey and cultural  landmarks he chronicles look familiar to me. Stein is a writer and  journalist with 6 books and credits at the New York Times, GQ, Esquire and  TV Guide. He is currently an ethics columnist for the Wall Street Journal.  His account of his journey is breezy, funny, well-researched, open and  honest. It has the distinct advantage, in my view, of being simultaneously  pleasurable, professional AND subversive in the cause of freedom. Hard to  beat that combination.
Stein's journey from 60's radical student activist  to 90's conservative begins with paternity and family life circa 1980  (there's that decade difference again) That's probably not a big surprise.  But the Manhattan media and literary world and upper middle class  Hastings-on-Hudson suburban neighborhood that Stein and his family inhabit  might well be the most politically correct environment known in modern  America, other than a university campus that is. Stein chronicles how his  father's eye view takes in the culture wars on Clinton, abortion, gay  rights, feminism, affirmative action and more, and how the disconnect  between received liberal wisdom and his perspective on these issues places  him and his wife, who is the quiet leader of this expedition, at  ideological odds with their professional and local communities.
The  Presidential election of 1992 is a revealing landmark in ideological  journeys. Stein is well aware of Clinton's (now) obvious moral and ethical  failings and casts a protest vote for Perot. (It must be noted that this  author was not nearly so prescient, but there's that decade again, slightly  compressed. I dropped my Democratic registration after Hillary's health  care debacle, was an independent for Angus King in '94 and a registered  Republican in '97. My journey started later, but progressed somewhat faster  in the 90's. Of course it's not over yet.)
Stein has done his research,  sifting through the cultural archives both recent and historical to  chronicle the personal and societal consequences of our debates on gender  equality, gay rights, diversity and freedom of speech and association. He  writes quite personally about abortion, and his continued support for  choice against a backdrop of deep regret for an American culture that takes  it so cavalierly. He documents how ideological viewpoint effects what is  and is not presented by various media outlets, including The New York Times  at some length. He misses the degree to which the internet has energized  and enabled the subversive vast right-wing conspiracy, but there's that ten  years again.
It's a great read, and food for your brain too. I'll be  ordering a copy for the UMM library.
How to Tell if You've Joined the  Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy
You hear someone talking about morality and  you no longer instantly assume he must be a sexually repressed religious  nut. You're actually relieved that your daughter plays with dolls and your  son plays with guns.  Watching network news, you notice that the person  opposing affirmative action is identified as a conservative  spokesman," while the one supporting is just a "Harvard  professor". Jon Reisman is a faculty member at the University of Maine  at Machias
9172
Finally, a book that our illiterate president can actually read. It may actually be the first one to grace his shelves! But don't expect him to pay for it. Easy enough text for the most right-wing and ridiculous members of your extended family to grasp. The author clearly uses his chimpanzee-levels of intelligence to communicate with his brethren. I strongly encourage all conservative to buy this book, and as many copies of it as they can afford! Please, spend all your money to make the author wealthy. It's hilarious, right?
3600998
As an African American I truly enjoyed this book.  It has brought to the forefront a lot of the ommitted and misinformation that has been relayed to institutions of learning that I believe many didn't know.  I was very please hearing him explain that part of people of color disinterest with these types of topics are because the textbooks only give one-sided archetypical stories people of non-color.  I have read quite a few of the other reviews here, and I can't help to say that a lot of this information is found in other books that our society isn't interested in.  Those books can be found in special interest sections such as African-American literature, and so forth.  The author did a good job of explaining that this disinterest of these special interest books is fueled by the idea that the enfranchised are the good guys and the side that won.  The point is that people of color that read about these topics have long known a good portion of these topics while at the same time its apparent that many whites have just been introduced to the particulars by a book such as this.  I believe that the author wants us to think about these attitudes that continue on our history that we make today.  For example, our "Amber" Alerts, or even trivial topics such as Lacy Peterson or the Kardashian sisters.  Concerning the reviews labeling this the extreme left wing; this is common practice of people who don't like the truth because it is unsettling to their circumstances.  He even talks about this at the end of Chapter 1 (Columbus' description of the American Indians before and after revolts).  Political stance has nothing to do with this, and he does a great job of providing objective information that promotes critical thinking.  Right-wingers, please, remember that at one time you were considered extreme leftists from the oppression of Britain.  Furthermore, are right and left-wingers only right or left-wingers?  Those reviews that simply state that misunderstand the objective of this book.  Challenge yourself to try to understand others perspectives, and don't take it personal when information such as this brings truth that is bigger than you and me.  Will you read this review and unfoundedly claim that I am some leftist Black to others who inquire, or will you challenge you and your family to seek truth, and grow mentally.  To all who read, it is not shameful to be ignorant about things, its only a shame to stay that way.  Much respect.
2506195
Joey's direct, no frills approach to the impossible conveyance of this primal message is what makes it so accessible. Allow the essential pointing expressed in these pages to just let it all go, even if for a brief moment.
898362
Moores The New Bossism of the American Left guides the reader though the entrenched bureaucracy that has secured itself to all facets of the American Experiment. The heavy handed days of Tammany Hall have long passed, but the machine politic blueprint still drives the way in which political interest is directed. While the left glowingly dons the trapping of free speech and free thinking, any challenge is considered Undemocratic or labeled Unscientific and ultimately squashed.

Ideas of dissent may be allowed as a side dish to the main course on occasion, so long as the appropriate rings have been kissed. The New Bossism of the American Left challenges the mind to accept that our constitutional rights may not be so represented or respected. Moores work lifts the veil showing us Popular Opinion may not be so popular, and indeed may only represent a mighty few who work in crucial intersecting shadows and wield unseen sway away from our constitutional rights and responsibilities. A must read!
4620566
This thought provoking book written by Sheldon Zeiger is a rare find.  The author examines a number of complex financial concepts from both a left brain (logical, linear and analytical) and a right brain (intuitive, thoughtful and subjective) perspective.  The left brain presents informative, historical and insightful facts about financial planning and investing which challenge both conventional and unconventional wisdom.  The right brain encourages, inspires and challenges the reader to: find and trust what is right, be unafraid to flatly refuse that which is wrong,and develop ones strengths and critical thinking skills through an attitude of lifelong learning....  This thoroughly enjoyable book is written in a straightforward conversational style, the reader will come away with substantially more education about financial planning and that wonderful feeling that "It's gonna be alright, you can do it..."
4806900
"I think bias is very largely in the eye of the beholder."  Peter Jennings made this statement when he was asked about liberal bias in an interview.  From reading this book, in the eyes of Bernard Goldberg, he clearly sees a liberal bias in today's news and takes it upon himself to alert everyone else of this "problem."

 Bernard Goldberg takes a very bold approach in sacrificing his career, friends, and reputation to give his expert opinion about the liberal news bias.  He's speaking from an up close and personal, firsthand experience, from his twenty-eight years on the inside of CBS News working as a news correspondent.  This alone makes his argument stronger and all his ideas valid because this proves he's not someone who just decided to rant and rave about the media and all its problems and corruption.  This is someone who knows what they are talking about and should be taken in consideration.

 This book would appeal not only to those who have also thought or had an opinion about this topic but those who like daring writers.  And by daring I mean those who aren't afraid to name names and say what they really feel or use language that isn't normally used.  Goldberg wasn't afraid to make comparisons and use certain analogies that would make others gasp or make others want to turn and look the other way.  There was no holding back in his writing and this is what I believe was needed for a work like this.  His approach I believe will make others want to read this book if not for the topic then to view his style.  And this will open some people's eyes that probably wouldn't have thought twice about a "liberal news bias."  This will formulate more thoughts in other's minds that wouldn't normally bat and eye.  But as Americans we pride ourselves on our individuality and I believe Bernard Goldberg truly stands out in other's minds due to his brutally honest piece.
2817382
I've looked for a book about 'soft skills'; this is finally IT!
Briefly, all the essential points (many! So take TIME to read & let it sink in!)
covered, simple, clear, understandable. (Read from local public library)
780917
Mark R. Levin gets a lot of credit from me for making the complex theories of governance and governing philosophy something the average intelligent reader can understand.  Mr. Levin is correct, the only way we will ever get a grapple on the freedom destroying actions and attitudes of the left is if we understand where those ideas come from.  Reading the synopses of the political theory and philosophy made simple was really helpful to me.  If only I had had this book available when I was taking my POLS 451 course in College! (And had Mr. Levin as a professor!)

I think we Americans don't spend enough time thinking about philosophies of government.  I think in some ways the lack of thinking in philosophical terms helps define us for the better, but I also understand where Levin going with his book.  We need to develop a strong understanding of why American ideals are important.  If we have no philosophical underpinnings, we can be tricked by the latest 'shiny object' of socialism and collectivism.  Levin, an attorney and former Chief of Staff at the Department of Justice, knows the inner workings of the American government, in other words the American left.  He knows that the road to serfdom is only one generation away.  That we as constitutionalist conservatives need to know why our system of checks and balances and limited government is superior to high handed government tactics of control and malaise.

For his work I give him high marks.  Still, some will read this book and not understand its purpose.  Stay with it, although the topics are dry in some instances, it will help clarify the experiment that is the American experience of self-government.  While it is not as fun to read as many right-wing polemics, this book is necessary.  While the other books feed our souls and hearts, this book is meant to feed our minds.  Know what the left is up to.  Understand where they take their ideas from, and then defeat them with the philosophy that works.  Thanks Mr. Levin for your insights.
4172684
Excellent presentation of the history, development and strategies of the political schools of thought that we currently refer to as "left". For contrast, terrific reviews of the thought processes and reasoning that influenced the creation of the Declaration of Independence and of the The Constitution make this a real reference handbook for anyone who may be feeling that his/her feelings of self-reliance and individualism might be somehow be becoming very small pinpoints of light in the wilderness.
2856538
Clear, concise and unarguable points, A.K.A. the truth....just what the left hates  and can't deal with.