battle macragge Interrelated Article

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1. Lankford says

   Battles Mirrored album is great through and through. Intense instrumentals backed up occasionally by abstract sounding lyrics. It is very up beet and gives a manic feeling when I listen to it. There is enough complex sound that it compels you to pay attention. Buy the album, you will not regret it. If you’re not sure about it just check them out on Myspace; the CD is everything and more

   July 25, 2010, 5:54 pm
2. Simonsen says

   Post-rock, or in this case the Math-Rock sliver of it, tends to come in two flavors. Either bone dry funk-prog (90 Day Men), or mechanical experiments in dynamics (Slint). Battles works to hollow out what little human elements existed in the latter, and fills in the gaps with a group of noises that would make Dan Deacon or Tom Waits blush. There was no shortage of reviewers who lined up to praise this demented Disney music, so I could be wrong when I say it’s not even worth the time you just spent reading this review. Seriously, go buy a 90 Day Men, Slint, or even a Polvo record instead.

   July 26, 2010, 5:48 am
3. Ishikawa says

   One of the most intelligent and thought provoking albums of this decade. Pure genius. Mirrored is one of the few (sort of) instrumental albums I can listen to and really get into. There is not a moment on it devoid of excitement and imagination.

   July 26, 2010, 5:58 pm
4. Hauser says

   I can completely understand why this album is not for everyone. The tunes (and they are tunes) might be too noisy for some. The singer/robot’s voice may not appeal to others. However, I believe if you are able to keep an open mind and ears, most will appreciate what this album is: adventurous, driving, baffling, cathartic, and not from this planet. My standout tracks are “Rainbow” and “Atlas.” Check it out!

   July 27, 2010, 5:48 am
5. Charlton says

   The book was delivered promptly and is every thing I thought it was. Very Happy.

   July 27, 2010, 5:52 pm
6. Latt says

   This is definitely the best war encyclopedia. It covers all events. Well ilustrated didatic and enjoyable to read.
   I would give 5 stars.
   Unfortunately like all war books doesen’t give the attention Paraguayan war deserves.
   It was the bloodiest and longest conflict in South America ever fought , but as usually depicted in many books there is only few lines about it.

   July 28, 2010, 6:21 am
7. Reponen says

   This was a gift to my dad who loves history. The book has a ton of great information. The pictures are great. Can go through page by page or just pick a random excerpt.

   July 28, 2010, 6:34 pm
8. Hughes says

   Absolutely great…for the most part.

   The book bears much similarity to the DK History Definitive Visual Guide, with usually two pages (occasionally more) dedicated to a certain topic (or subtopic) with a “before and after” section which details what led up to the war/stage of a war/etc and what led from it.

   DK History had an occassional set of two pages dedicated to a decisive moment or person, and while there are no individuals who are given full, “two page or more” treatment, the decisive moments typically cover battles (which are interesting sections) or general, history-spanning topics (such as “Helmets” or “Armor”).

   The true strength of the book, as with all DK books of this nature, is the sheer amount of material covered, and the the fact that the format is logical and the prose is very easy to read. The amount of information kind of overwhelms you, but in a good way, and it makes the experience of reading it seem like you are nearly drowning in the pleasure of reading it. Of course, as it is a book on war, you will naturally (and should) find plenty of room for disgust (and the opening flap in fact does remind the reader, with help of a certain quote by Robert E. Lee, of the simultaneous wonder and horror of war). But it is disgust which helps the reader to kind of grasp the amazing fact that warfare has played such an overwhelming part in humanity’s history, which is certainly a fact which must be grappled by all those who strive for peace.

   One of my few problems with the book is that there is not really enough attention paid to theoretical concepts, such as Revolutions in Military Affairs (the notion of a true and sudden change which significantly alters the nature of warfare and often plays a key role in deciding the fortunes of battles). These theoretical concepts give us a good idea of the philosophy of war, which is extremely important for those who try to understand the “why” and not just the “what”.

   Another problem is the fact that they do not profile single individuals, such as Louis XIV or Napoleon. I do realize that these individuals (among others) were given good singular attention in DK History, but why couldn’t the writers of this book focused on the military significance of each innovator and brilliant commander in military history? Giving Clausewitz (who did not receive a “single profile” in DK History) such a focus would help to alleviate both of my problems.

   The reason I chose 5 stars, however, for my review was simply because this book lives up to the typical high DK standards. If you have any interest in military history (provided you’re not a professor of military history who would probably know nearly every fact featured in the book) you will have much fun reading to do with DK’s Military Definitive Visual Guide.

   July 29, 2010, 5:45 am
9. Qureshi says

   When I purchased the book I assumed I would be reading about free market financial issues. I was surprised and pleased with the focus on the presentation of the rationale behind free market characteristics and how they address the real human needs within our social / economic interactions. I enjoyed the book immensely and would recommend it to anyone wanting to have more details when discussing the values of a free market economy.

   July 29, 2010, 6:13 pm
10. Pawlicki says

    A recent article* about one organization’s fight against poverty in Memphis, TN, quotes a job skills and finances teacher about his approach: “We [teachers and students] have to be on the same place with identity and values before we get to behavior and decisions, or it all breaks down.”

    In his book “The Battle: How the Fight Between Free Enterprise and Big Government Will Shape America’s Future,” Arthur C. Brooks gets to the heart of the issue. He contends that our present national battle pits the identities and values of two American groups in the fight for our behaviors and decisions. But only one side seems to make their identity clear: Big Government. And this is one critical reason why a 30% Big Government left coalition so ably sidesteps the wishes of the 70% conservative coalition.

    In our pubic confusion, Mr Brooks contends, we 70%-ers are forfeiting the fight. The focus that turned the dreams of our forefathers into one of the most powerful nations in history now appears only in fits and starts. And our free market economy is slowly breaking down. To reclaim our American exceptionalism, Mr. Brooks states that we must cut through the economic reasons for free enterprise and treat an underlying need of the human soul: a happiness that comes only from “earned success.” This is a battle of morals and wills – not of statistics (see also Theodore Dalrymple’s “Life at the Bottom”). We must be able to articulate those needs and morals in the public arena, clearly and unapologetically. I especially like that last part: unapologetically.

    To help, Mr. Brooks provides simple but powerful “talking points” anyone can use “on the street” to explain why free enterprise trumps socialism. Each coalition has its own methods for creating happiness. These can be distilled to “equality of opportunity” vs. “equality of outcomes.” But discussing the “why” behind each “how” pushes this book to the forefront of current political commentary. It’s a quick, compelling, sometimes scary and ultimately moving read.

    At its core, the book offers a heartfelt plea for courage and strength among the 70% coalition: know what you believe, speak it well, vote wisely. Any communications professional understands the power of words and key messages. And votes are the voice of the populace. But I was hoping for a bit more of an action plan. Are scripts and chads strong enough weapons in the battle for the minds and hearts of a nation? Or can the 70% do more to help raise up – and then promote – principled candidates for national leadership?

    *Olasky, Daniel. “Self Healing Hood.” World Magazine, June 19, 2010, pp. 73-5. [...].

    July 30, 2010, 5:48 am

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