The poems in Mass for Shut-Ins are galloping and all-at-once pensive. There's always risk with a touch of ego and humanity. The emotional range of a single poem can go from hilarity to remorse to bravado. These poems speak to being human and alive and work with both vivid imagery and philosophical ruminations.

The progressive economics writer redefines the national conversation about American freedom “Mike Konczal [is] one of our most powerful advocates of financial reform‚ [a] heroic critic of austerity‚ and a huge resource for progressives.”—Paul Krugman Health insurance, student loan debt, retirement security, child care, work-life balance, access to home ownership—these are the issues driving America’s current political debates. And they are all linked, as this brilliant and timely book reveals, by a single question: should we allow the free market to determine our lives? In the tradition of Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine, noted economic commentator Mike Konczal answers this question with a resounding no. Freedom from the Market blends passionate political argument and a bold new take on American history to reveal that, from the earliest days of the republic, Americans have defined freedom as what we keep free from the control of the market. With chapters on the history of the Homestead Act and land ownership, the eight-hour work day and free time, social insurance and Social Security, World War II day cares, Medicare and desegregation, free public colleges, intellectual property, and the public corporation, Konczal shows how citizens have fought to ensure that everyone has access to the conditions that make us free. At a time when millions of Americans—and more and more politicians—are questioning the unregulated free market, Freedom from the Market offers a new narrative, and new intellectual ammunition, for the fight that lies ahead.

* Now In Paperback * Cleveland TV legend "Big Chuck" Schodowski tells hundreds of funny and surprising stories from a lifetime in television--in his familiar, good-natured, Cleveland-to-the-bone style.Since 1960, Chuck has been on camera, behind the camera, and in the director's chair. He collaborated with Ernie Anderson on the groundbreaking "Ghoulardi" show, and continued to host a late-night show across four decades--the longest such run in TV history. He worked alongside a host of talented people, from Tim Conway to Burgess Meredith to Muhammad Ali.Chuck literally has fans of all ages. This book will entertain them and anyone else who enjoys behind-the-scenes tales of television and celebrities. Great fun at a great price!

This book highlights the various ways pastoral care ministers and parish volunteers can reach out to the sick and elderly. There are a wealth of ideas here for extending spiritual, sacramental, and charitable support to parishioners who are homebound, in nursing homes, or in hospitals. For many years, Sr. Marie Roccapriore has been involved with a parish program called Project H.E.A.L.--Homebound are Encouraged through Assistance in Love. The details of this program are provided in this book, along with forms and other reproducible information that will be useful in developing this type of program in your own parish. Also included is an extensive listing of resources that are invaluable for ministry with the sick and elderly. The creative ideas offered will motivate more involvement among children as well as adults, and bring positive results among the sick and elderly recipients who eagerly look forward to the compassionate and loving care of others. Personal examples and anecdotes help illustrate the ways that even the simplest gestures of care and concern can make a world of difference in the lives of the infirm.

"I felt as numb and emotionally exhausted as every other American struggling to make sense of the stunningly brutal murder. My own grieving, however, would have to wait. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy had asked that I deliver the eulogy for her husband--and my friend." -- Archbishop Philip Hannan Whether parachuting behind enemy lines...jumping into a Secret Service sedan for a White House meeting with JFK...or navigating the swirling flood waters of a hurricane...New Orleans' Archbishop Philip Hannan knew only one way to operate: totally committed and full speed ahead! The embodiment of "The Greatest Generation," Archbishop Hannan's intellect, wit, generosity, and work ethic were unparalleled when fighting for what he believed in: the dangers of fascism, the preservation of the Faith, the inherent, if unforeseen, pitfalls in advising politicians on Church doctrine. Grab a front row seat on this extraordinary man's always fascinating, ever-humbling journey as he makes his mark on the pivotal events of the 20th century--the second World War, the Kennedy presidency, Vatican II, the integration of the South, Hurricane Katrina. Go behind the scenes as Archbishop Philip Hannan--at age 97, still the quintessential priest and American--details the events, pressures, decisions, and emotions of his one-of-a-kind experiences...proving, once again, the impact that one human being can have on history. Read an excerpt here.