revolutionary

Revolutions and Revolutionary Movements
$43.00
I came across this book while browsing on amazon one day. Rented it from a local library. I've always been interested in history especially the USSR and the Bolshevik Revolution. I'm already well versed in the movements that occurred in Russia and the reasons behind it, but when it came to the other revolutionary movements discussed in this book; particularly Iran, Nicaragua, and South Africa I only had a brief idea of what happened and the key players.

The book is an easy read if you have an interest in the movements discussed. The author briefly discusses the geography of each country at the beginning of each chapter followed by statistics and a very brief history of the countries only getting in depth when discussing the build up and revolution happening in each country. The sources are cited in the readings and after each chapter allowing the read to explore the resources if wanting to learn more. With each important human figure information is given regarding the group they belong to and explored in concise informative paragraphs. No need to get bogged down in every little detail with this book.

Overall an excellent beginner's guide to some of the most important revolutionary movements in the past century, some movements were left out but from what I've read this book is mainly for his class he teaches which is understandable to leave some out. I have a firm grasp on the important history and background behind the countries discussed thanks to this book.

Building Bone Vitality: A Revolutionary Diet Plan to Prevent Bone Loss and Reverse Osteoporosis--Without Dairy Foods, Calcium, Estrogen, or Drugs
$16.95
The authors offer their insights on osteoporosis after reviewing over 1,200 research articles on the topic. And they tell readers how to find that literature, or will actually send you copies of all of it for a fee that covers their expenses. This strengthens their positions that the commonly held beliefs to drink your milk, eat your dairy products or take a calcium supplement to prevent or treat osteoporosis are not based upon a preponderance of research findings. As an alternative they explain that we have developed a diet that is high in protein (especially animal protein) and low in fruits and vegetables. This leads to a chronic state of metabolic acidosis (an acid condition within the blood stream), which the body treats by resorbing bone to neutralize (buffer) the acid condition. Over time this chronic loss of small amounts of bone calcium can lead to low bone mineral density, osteopenia or osteoporosis, with increased risk of fracture. They cite several research articles that have noted this association, in particular, the one by Lynda A. Frassetto, Karen M. Todd, R. Curtis Morris, Jr. and Anthony Sebastian, which found a direct correlation between increased animal protein intake and increased hip fracture risk. They also found a correlation between increased vegetable intake and decreased hip fracture risk. This article is available online for free at [...]. The diagrams of these correlations in the article are proof that a picture is worth a thousand words.

The second part of the program to prevent or treat osteoporosis is through weight bearing exercise. They also show the abundance of research that backs this up as an effective method.

A highlight of the book is the discussion about the various types of research that scientists perform with explanations as to the power and strength of each type of research. This includes such research as retrospective and cross-section trials, and prospective studies; bone density studies; meta-analysis, etc.

The book's prescription for bone health is to eat a low-acid diet, one that reduces intake of animal protein while increasing intake of fruits and vegetables. And they suggest simple methods and recipes for how to do this without drastic changes for most people. If you need another reason to reduce or stop eating meat, they include a summary of "Livestock's Long Shadow" to show the huge negative impact on the planet of raising animals for food. It is eye-opening.

Included are tips regarding proper weight-bearing exercise to maximize the skeletal benefit. In addition to the weight-bearing effect of exercise on the bone itself, they point out that it increases muscle strength thereby reducing the risk of a fracture-producing fall.

There is a discussion on the contribution to bone health of many other vitamins and minerals other than calcium and vitamin D which explains how these are a natural by-product of a diet high in fruits and vegetables. No need for supplements other than possibly vitamin B12 for strict vegans.

Although the book shows a preponderance of the research backs the positions the authors recommend, they admit we don't have all the answers yet. There is need for strong clinical research that shows in humans that the low-acid diet and weight-bearing exercise reduce or eliminate loss of bone mineral density, and preferably also increase it. And, most importantly, that the approach outlined in the book also decreases fractures. Ideally doing so equally or better than FDA-approved medications which are expensive and have side effects, some of which are serious.

The book is important and I'd recommend it to anyone with osteoporosis, or who wants to avoid getting it, by using a simple dietary and exercise approach that is based upon scientific research. That research is listed topic-by-topic for you to read yourself if you doubt the authors' conclusions.

Revolutionary Road [Blu-ray]
$39.99
I've never felt more empty and cold after watching a movie before in my life. I could completely relate to the Wheelers sense of "entrapement" in their average, suburban lives but where I feel that the story goes awry is that there is no redemptive, overall message at the end. I'm not of the camp that says there has to be a clear, concise message at the end of every film, but this one is so depressing it needed something at the end to balance it out! Otherwise, what's the point of sitting through the entire movie? The Wheeler's aspire for something "more" (what that is exactly is never clear), their plans are foiled for various reasons and then things just spiral horrifically out of control at that point. THE END! Maybe in 1961 when this story was written the theme of "quiet desperation" was new and interesting for people to contemplate but in 2008, I don't think there was anything new to bring to the table and of limited interest for most people!

The only semi-interesting thing that I can point out about this film is that both Wheelers want something more out of life but Frank at some point seems to realize that what they already have isn't so bad. April, on the other hand, never seems to reach this realization! Maybe that makes Frank a "coward" and maybe it makes him the smart one?!? Who knows! Everything's relative!

Lots of people lead lives of quiet desperation, some do something about it and are very successful, some try and fail and others never try at all. There are a myriad of reasons (some within our control and others not) that contribute to these potential outcomes. That's life and this isn't new ground!!

I gave the film 2 stars because Kate and Leo gave good performances, but unfortunately they were not good enough to elevate this movie above anything other than depressing!!

Revolutionary Road
$19.99
I've never felt more empty and cold after watching a movie before in my life. I could completely relate to the Wheelers sense of "entrapement" in their average, suburban lives but where I feel that the story goes awry is that there is no redemptive, overall message at the end. I'm not of the camp that says there has to be a clear, concise message at the end of every film, but this one is so depressing it needed something at the end to balance it out! Otherwise, what's the point of sitting through the entire movie? The Wheeler's aspire for something "more" (what that is exactly is never clear), their plans are foiled for various reasons and then things just spiral horrifically out of control at that point. THE END! Maybe in 1961 when this story was written the theme of "quiet desperation" was new and interesting for people to contemplate but in 2008, I don't think there was anything new to bring to the table and of limited interest for most people!

The only semi-interesting thing that I can point out about this film is that both Wheelers want something more out of life but Frank at some point seems to realize that what they already have isn't so bad. April, on the other hand, never seems to reach this realization! Maybe that makes Frank a "coward" and maybe it makes him the smart one?!? Who knows! Everything's relative!

Lots of people lead lives of quiet desperation, some do something about it and are very successful, some try and fail and others never try at all. There are a myriad of reasons (some within our control and others not) that contribute to these potential outcomes. That's life and this isn't new ground!!

I gave the film 2 stars because Kate and Leo gave good performances, but unfortunately they were not good enough to elevate this movie above anything other than depressing!!