Brian Martin Knihy

The life of Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman, a pivotal figure of the nineteenth century, is marked by his profound influence on religious thought and his contributions to literature and music, including hymns and the text for Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius. His founding of Oratories in Birmingham and London further solidified his legacy. Despite his saintly reputation, his conversion to the Church of Rome ignited significant controversy, resulting in personal losses and a rift with the University of Oxford, yet he remains cherished by many.

The narrative follows Barney Dreyfuss, a young German immigrant who rises to prominence in both business and baseball. After discovering his talent for building successful teams in Paducah, Kentucky, he moves to Louisville and gets involved with the Colonels. When threatened with exclusion from the National League, he relocates to Pittsburgh, where he becomes the owner of the Pirates. Under his leadership, the team achieves remarkable success, capturing six pennants and two World Series titles, solidifying Dreyfuss's legacy in the sport.

The book delves into a unique citizens' campaign in Australia aimed at stifling public dissent regarding vaccination in 2009. It explores the diverse and aggressive tactics employed to undermine and silence critics, including harassment, censorship, and manipulation of information sources like Wikipedia. This unprecedented response to vaccine skepticism highlights the broader implications of public health debates and the lengths to which advocates will go to maintain consensus.

The book explores the significant yet often overlooked involvement of Canadians in the American Civil War, highlighting that around 20,000 Canadians fought on both sides. It delves into the complex interactions between the two nations, detailing how enslaved individuals, draft dodgers, and Confederate figures sought refuge in Canada. The narrative reveals the duality of Canada as a sanctuary for freedom seekers and a haven for those involved in the conflict, offering a fresh perspective on the war's impact and legacy.

Set against the backdrop of modern Ireland, the story follows Father Patrick, a newly appointed parish priest seeking solitude. His plans are disrupted by Noleen, a perceptive blind widow, and Jacinta, an unmarried mother grappling with her faith. Their challenges are compounded by the arrival of twelve-year-old Henry, who has his own mission. Blending humor with sharp social commentary, this debut novel explores themes of faith, identity, and the complexities of contemporary life in Ireland.

The book delves into the concept of the "backfire model," illustrating how violent repression can inadvertently strengthen a movement's resolve and garner international support. It offers practical strategies for planning actions against potential attacks, emphasizing the importance of understanding opponents' tactics, such as discrediting efforts. Through examples and exercises, this manual equips activists with tools to effectively counter powerful adversaries and navigate challenges like police brutality or government reprisals, enhancing their capacity to advocate for change.

Set in the 1870s, this narrative uncovers the remarkable journey of the London Tecumsehs, a pioneering baseball team from Ontario. As founding members of the International Association, they challenged the National League and showcased their talent by defeating prominent teams from cities like Chicago and St. Louis. The Tecumsehs made history by becoming the first champions of the International Association, led by the innovative pitching of Fred Goldsmith, known for his curveball. This story highlights their significant impact on professional baseball.

The book explores the limitations of official channels like grievance procedures and courts in addressing issues such as whistleblowing and sexual harassment. Brian Martin shares insights on how these systems often create an illusion of resolution rather than delivering true justice. He argues for a critical approach to these formal procedures, advocating for the development of personal skills, cultural change, and the exploration of alternative solutions to foster genuine accountability and resolution.

Focusing on enhancement, this book provides strategies to refine existing skills across various domains, such as academic writing, musical performance, running, and ethical conduct. It encourages readers to build upon their strengths and offers practical advice for achieving greater excellence in both personal and professional pursuits.

A normal teen boy discovers a mythological sword that grants him superhuman abilities, setting off a thrilling adventure. As he navigates his newfound powers, he faces the looming threat of Solaro, an Evil God determined to reclaim the sword for his own sinister purposes. With the fate of the world and the universe hanging in the balance, the boy must confront Solaro in a battle to protect the ancient weapon from falling into the wrong hands.