Review: College Algebra: An Early Functions Approach

College Algebra: An Early Functions Approach by Robert Blitzer

My rating: 0 of 5 stars



There are things I like and don't like about this text. I like the preliminaries/review section and the material on LP and linear system inequalities. I am unhappy with the thin coverage of root function inequalities (such a good area to discuss range and domain) and using the TI calculators to do linear regression (great real world applicability.) I also like the material on exponential models which builds mathematical sophistication in modelling and interpreting common models.



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Review: The Age of Reform

The Age of Reform by Richard Hofstadter

My rating: 0 of 5 stars



As usual, although less true than with [b:The American Political Tradition and the Men Who Made It|773961|The American Political Tradition and the Men Who Made It|Richard Hofstadter|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403194874s/773961.jpg|1713463], the author enlivens the exegesis of the American political soul. Often this is done with witty and insightful quotations from unpublished dissertations and obscure works like this one from [b:The New Democracy|15291690|The New Democracy|Walter E. Weyl|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-4845f44723bc5d3a9ac322f99b110b1d.png|20947333]:

"By setting the pace for a frantic competitive consumption, our infinite gradations in wealth (with which gradations the plutocracy is inevitably associated) increase the general social friction and produce an acute social irritation. There was ostentatious spending before the plutocratic period, as there will be after, for display is an inveterate form of individuation, older than humanity. Our plutocracy, however, intent upon socially isolating itself and possessing no title to precedence other than the visible possession of money, makes of this competitive consumption a perennial handicap race of spenders. We are developing new types of destitutes — the automobileless, the yachtless, the Newport-cottageless. The subtlest of luxuries become necessities, and their loss is bitterly resented. The discontent of to-day reaches very high in the social scale..."



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Review: Brave New World

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



This CBS Radio Workshop productions is narrated by Huxley himself, with a sound-effects score that includes original music from Bernard Herrman. It is laid out in no uncertain terms that there is a moral purpose of Froug's adaptation. It was intended as a "warning against the destruction of moral standards, family life and the soul of man."



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Review: Eniac: The Triumphs and Tragedies of the World's First Computer

Eniac: The Triumphs and Tragedies of the World's First Computer by Scott McCartney

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



So many history of computing books focus on colorful long hairs with post-hippie philosophies that this is both refreshing and jarring for the business, patent, and priority squabbles it details. Interestingly, John von Neumann comes across as the most unethical in using his prestige to grab more than his share of the credit.

This audiobook is so unabridged it includes the source notes.



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Review: A View From The Bridge

A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Al Bundy as Eddie Carbone! I really like this L.A. Theatre Works production which is excellently recorded to even include footsteps in what was a radio broadcast of the performance. Amy Pietz is tragic and cute as the niece, recalling to me Tony Montana's sheltered sister.



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Review: The Queen Mother: The Official Biography

The Queen Mother: The Official Biography by William Shawcross

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This was an educational, easy read covering the life of a royal family member who was somewhat vague and mysterious to me until seeing the Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in The King's Speech. Not only that episode of quiet leadership, this life story tells of her youg womanhood, meeting and marrying Prince Albert, role in WWI and WWII and her letters and eyewitnesses to the abdication of King Edward VIII, introduction of Lady Diana and her untimely death.



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Review: Hunted Like a Wolf: The Story of the Seminole War

Hunted Like a Wolf: The Story of the Seminole War by Milton Meltzer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I think the only thing I knew previously knew about this famous 19th Century war was no treaty was ever signed and the Seminoles of Florida are still, technically, at war with the United States. Perhaps with those that never left that may be true. But, the story is much more complicated than that. There were multiple Seminole wars with treaties along the way and the lion's share of treaty abuse falling on the American Government, settlers and the ambassador-imprisoning General Thomas S. Jesup. It reads to me like in the long, fitful century or more of American untangling its economy and morality from slavery this is a gory apex after the ban on importation of slavery and the illegalization of slavery after the Civil War. The land of the Seminoles feet was as wanted by Americans as the runaway slaves and Africans that lived with them and held high position.



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Review: The Death of Manolete

The Death of Manolete by Barnaby Conrad

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



This is a succinct and personal biography of the great bullfighter, Manolete. It covers his life and career. However, it should not have been narrated by the author, who I am sure is a better writer.



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Review: In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect

In the President's Secret Service: Behind the Scenes with Agents in the Line of Fire and the Presidents They Protect by Ronald Kessler

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



This is a book in two halves; both unexpected and interesting if disappointing for different reasons. In the first part it appears Kessler got many agents to talk about the secrets the learned from the Presidents they served and many of these are ascribed by name to the agents that divulged secrets from Kennedy (who has a room for assignations with Monroe and got alerts when Jackie was coming home) to the Obamas (Barak still smokes as of this writing. While thee revelations, almost salacious are interesting, it is disappointing to learn how easily it appears to have been to get agents to reveal secrets. We also learn of the adulteries of LBJ, the human sides of Ford and Carter and what unruly imps the Bush twins were.

The second part is how since post-9/11 the Service was rolled into Homeland Security it lacks in funding, is spread too thin also investigating modern day financial crimes, and suffering under effective indentured service (unfair transfer and overtime policies) driving away talent so that in the so-called War on Terror our heads of government have no better protection then when Lincoln's security office left Ford Theatre for the saloon.



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