The cries of different peddlers as they tried to sell their goods in the streets of New York circa 1830. Knife sharpener, milk seller, strawberry sellThe cries of different peddlers as they tried to sell their goods in the streets of New York circa 1830. Knife sharpener, milk seller, strawberry seller, radish seller, watermelon seller...cries that are now long forgotten, but at one time people in NY must have heard them almost everyday. A fascinating look at a time long gone....more
The most powerfully moving book I have read so far this year. Centered around the murder of Mahsa Amini this GN looks at what is happening in Iran todThe most powerfully moving book I have read so far this year. Centered around the murder of Mahsa Amini this GN looks at what is happening in Iran today through the eyes of prominent scholars and cartoonists/illustrators. The courage of young Iranians is beyond belief; it is as if a whole generation is trapped in a Kafkaesque nightmare; and the act of 'awakening' is a death sentence. Marjane Satrapi has helped edit a GN that will become a classic - highest recommendation. ...more
The horrific plight of the Uyghurs is told by Zumrat Dawut, a mother who was just going about her life, until she became an internee in a Chinese prisThe horrific plight of the Uyghurs is told by Zumrat Dawut, a mother who was just going about her life, until she became an internee in a Chinese prison. This story makes The Trial by Franz Kafka look like a pleasant tale; imagine being drugged and then awaken to find that you have been sterilized without you permission! Highest recommendation....more
It has always fascinated me how jobs come and go when society changes in some way; I can still remember seeing a video that collected 8mm films that wIt has always fascinated me how jobs come and go when society changes in some way; I can still remember seeing a video that collected 8mm films that were shown to high school students in the early 50's - and one of the jobs for consideration was milkman! This book looks at professions that no longer exist (court jester, silhouette artist, candle trimmer, torch boy, video store rental employee...). No doubt there will be other jobs added to this list in the decades to come. ...more
I guess this book of business cartoons was collected for optionsXpress employees - looked the company up and it does not seem to exist anymore. A collI guess this book of business cartoons was collected for optionsXpress employees - looked the company up and it does not seem to exist anymore. A collection of NY business cartoons; found some that were funny - but many more made me question the whole financial system - and many more that were just sadly true....more
Although I included this in the biography shelf I have to stress that this is a very 'impressionistic' work; it can't be called a 'true' biography becAlthough I included this in the biography shelf I have to stress that this is a very 'impressionistic' work; it can't be called a 'true' biography because there are many thoughts of Che that we really can't verify. Having said this it is a work of innovation; the stark illustrations contrast the life Che lead after dedicating himself to his revolutionary goals. The fevered scenes jump back and forth in time, one is disoriented, and this adds to the feeling of impending doom that is cast over his life. Highest recommendation....more
At first this may seem counterintuitive; your boss manages you, that is what most employees have been told since their first job. But there is a relatAt first this may seem counterintuitive; your boss manages you, that is what most employees have been told since their first job. But there is a relationship that you can manage, and if you do so goals/objectives can become more translatable for both of you. This book looks at ways to more transparently manage the expectations that often get lost when management styles clash....more
BBB does it again with this well researched GN on how toys have been manipulated by companies to sell brands to children. Cartoons that become advertiBBB does it again with this well researched GN on how toys have been manipulated by companies to sell brands to children. Cartoons that become advertisements for toys started to rally children to certain characters; the advertising then transfered to food, diapers, toothbrushes, soda...the list is endless. This was done intentionally, giving children and parents less choice, as a characters alliance with a particular brand became the only choice. Thought provoking and relevant....more
Lots of solid advice in bite size form. For those of you who remember yellow sticky notes, this is sure to put a smile on your face. Some really insigLots of solid advice in bite size form. For those of you who remember yellow sticky notes, this is sure to put a smile on your face. Some really insightful advice, this would be a great gift for a first time supervisor. If only I had read this book when I was still climbing the corporate ladder!...more
This was such a hard book to get through - but well worth the effort. One of the rare occasions when someone looking 'in' at a culture (that they do nThis was such a hard book to get through - but well worth the effort. One of the rare occasions when someone looking 'in' at a culture (that they do not come from) can 'see' things that are 'invisible' to those within the culture. This book covers so much; all I can say is that this book should be read by anyone wanting to get to foundational issues of 'Democracy in American' - should be required reading for anyone holding public office....more
Ann Lowe started sewing with her grandmother and mother. She was extremely talented and became the first nationally-known African American fashion desAnn Lowe started sewing with her grandmother and mother. She was extremely talented and became the first nationally-known African American fashion designer. But she had to deal with racism every step she took. When she was in design school the other students did not want to be in the same classroom she was in - until they noticed the intricate flowers she could embroider; then they all wanted to learn from her! Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress was made by her: quite a move up from a young woman who had to sell her dresses under the name of others (due to the fact that no one thought that African American women could possibly know what kind of dresses high society women would want). Again I am shocked: had to learn about her by reading a book for children. ...more
I have to be honest; I am not a coder - so I suspect much of the humor escaped me. I think that someone with a coding background will like this book. I have to be honest; I am not a coder - so I suspect much of the humor escaped me. I think that someone with a coding background will like this book. I did recognize some of the management elements in here - I once attended a meeting, to decide when to have a meeting, to plan on setting up a meeting schedule!?!? If you are/know a coder I suspect you will like this book....more
Viva is a little girl who likes to ride the bus with her father (who is a bus driver). On the first day summer vacation Viva is excited to spend the dViva is a little girl who likes to ride the bus with her father (who is a bus driver). On the first day summer vacation Viva is excited to spend the day with her dad when he tells her that he and the other bus drivers are striking. Viva learns quickly about unions and why you have to raise your voice to be heard. Very relevant book that presents this aspect of social justice in a balanced way....more
The story of Ralph Baer is a fascinating tale of overcoming adversity. After his family was forced to flee the Nazis he applied himself to learning abThe story of Ralph Baer is a fascinating tale of overcoming adversity. After his family was forced to flee the Nazis he applied himself to learning about radios. After serving in the US military he became involved with TV and the rest is gaming history. All the games that are now played in homes all over the world can be traced back to Ralph!...more
Really enjoyed this look at business through cartoons. Prriya Raj does a great job of making you laugh while looking at some of the problems everyone Really enjoyed this look at business through cartoons. Prriya Raj does a great job of making you laugh while looking at some of the problems everyone encounters when working. I really enjoyed this book and will look for more books by this fantastic cartoonist! A fun book that I enjoyed very much! ...more
I LOVE PINBALL! As a young boy I spent many a summer afternoon hanging out at my local 7-11; candy, comics and Slurpees - what more could a twelve yeaI LOVE PINBALL! As a young boy I spent many a summer afternoon hanging out at my local 7-11; candy, comics and Slurpees - what more could a twelve year old boy ask for! I was good enough to get a free ball from friends; to help get points for a free game. This GN brought back lots of good memories - wish there were still places to go to play pinball....more
Biohacking is looked at from a STEM perspective: relatable experience is connected to education so that a middle school student understands how importBiohacking is looked at from a STEM perspective: relatable experience is connected to education so that a middle school student understands how important it is to do well in school if they want to be part of this fast evolving field. Information for further study is provided so that students can keep up to date with new trends....more
Henry Ford and his championing of soy beans is a little known part of the history of sustainability. The sad part is that this book proves what many pHenry Ford and his championing of soy beans is a little known part of the history of sustainability. The sad part is that this book proves what many people have long suspected: that much of the reason why we have not moved to more ecologically sound choices is because government and MNC really do not want to see change that would cut into their profits....more
More 'Biafrian' philosophy that (strangely) seems to be coming full circle - love how JB just lets it hang out there! JB is the archetypal 'angry punkMore 'Biafrian' philosophy that (strangely) seems to be coming full circle - love how JB just lets it hang out there! JB is the archetypal 'angry punk'; an outsider who further was further alienated because they pointed out institutional hypocrisy. Funny yet deeply cutting; really makes you think about the nature of governance....more
Having finished all three of the books written by Aldo I have to say this is my favorite. The amount of detail he packs into this book is truly amazinHaving finished all three of the books written by Aldo I have to say this is my favorite. The amount of detail he packs into this book is truly amazing! So often when you read a book about traveling in another country it is the 'rose colored glasses' version; everything is going to be fine - just go have a good time. Aldo never shies away from giving you the real deal - like a friend who is giving you pointers before you find yourself in a bad situation. Topics covered include everything (rent, food, transportation, red light districts, law against saying bad things about the monarchy, etc.) and all the information is provided with a dash of humor. If you know of anyone going to Bangkok buy them this book as a going away gift 6 months before they leave - highest recommendation....more