Michael F. Shaughnessy

The book Biochemistry and Biochemists: Who Were They and What did they Discover is an series of twenty five reviews regarding the top twenty five biochemists of the last two hundred years. The book chronicles the work and discoveries of research scientists from various parts of the world (Severo Ochoa of Spain, John Earnest Walker of Great Britain, Luis Leloir of France, Jens Skou of Denmark as well Masayusa Nomura of Japan). Some of these biochemists did foundational work (Albert Szent-Gyorgy in the realm of vitamin C ) and others did exemplary work into some of the most important realms of their time ( such as Dorothy Hodgkin and her explorations into the structures of penicillin and insulin ). Enzyme kinetics was explored and researched by Maud Menten and Leonor Michaelis. The lives and explorations of these individuals as well as relevant anecdotes regarding their lives are explored in this book. For example, Jakub Karos Parnas, a well known scholar and researcher died in the famous Lyubyanka Prison in Moscow, although the exact cause of his death may never be known. Luis Leloir was born in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and went on to achieve greatness and crucial insights in sugar metabolism and glycogen biosynthesis. Some of these researchers investigated things as simple as water ( and their transporation into and out of cells ) and others offered such profound ideas such as Albert Kluyver and his comments that "all organisms do biochemistry". In a sense, all students of biochemistry as well as chemistry would do well to learn about these biochemists, their discoveries and a bit about their lives- as many led many challenging lives- such as escaping from the Germans in World War II. Each of the biochemists here in this text had something to offer the realm of science and many were rewarded with the highest honor imaginable- the Nobel Prize- and some of them succeeded in their chosen field of endeavor- even though they may have failed Anatomy and Physiology four times! Investigations into DNA, ATP and these realms also are highlighted in this book as these fundamental concepts are obviously of critical importance in the realm of biochemistry. This book is first a serious exploration into the discoveries of these biochemists while at the same time an interesting examination of the lives, and loves and trials and tribulations of these biochemists who literally changed the face of biochemistry over the years.

The Doubling: Those Influential Writers That Shape Our Contemporary Perceptions of Identity and Consciousness in the New Millennium examines pairs of writers, 28 in all, to compare and contrast their books, their personalities, and their responses to the age in which they lived. In the case of the chapter devoted to the black experience, it also includes an overview of some of the greatest African-American writers of the 20th century and their most memorable work. The scope of The Doubling extends from the inception of the modern novel through the present. The book is presented in a Q & A format with Diana Sheets responding to questions posed by Michael F. Shaughnessy. Their conversation offers penetrating insights in light of recent scholarship and established criticism. The Doubling is uniquely suited to serve as a textbook in high school and college classrooms, in libraries, and educational institutions.

This is a book that chronicles the individuals that have contributed mightily to our great American history, as well as to our great American culture. Working together, Dr. Donald Elder, Professor of History, and Dr. Michael Shaughnessy, Professor of Education have reviewed more than 200 years of American history and isolated the singular individuals that have made America great. Some of these individuals were involved in the founding of our nation, some were involved in the great Western American expansion (relying on the concept of manifest destiny), and some were involved in the tragic American Civil War. These individuals were not necessarily presidents, senators, governors or congressmen. They were men and women whose contributions reverberate through all disciplines of endeavor science, music, art, dance, theatre, literature and the like. These individuals have left their mark on our society and culture, and they were critically involved in establishing the zeitgeist of their time frame. Certainly, there will be discussions among historians as to who was inadvertently left out, and others may ponder why other individuals were included. This, again, is what makes our country great that there could be an open discussion among scholars, teachers, researchers and colleagues as well as a cordial, congenial debate as to the relevance and importance of each individual. Some may say that women were neglected, while others may point to a lack of certain racial, ethnic minorities. This is not to say that those individuals did not contribute to America and American culture, but that space constraints demanded a prudent judicious eye towards those individuals who will be respected and revered if not quoted years from now. Using a question and answer format, the authors have attempted to focus on the main people and the main issues along with the main events in American history. The presidents of the United States have been focused upon in another book published by Nova, and thus are not included here. But these uncommon individuals, working in trying times under desperate odds, have managed to carve a niche for themselves in American history. They are loved, admired, respected and revered. It is hoped that this book will provide a road map for historians, leaders, policy makers and those individuals who are simply citizens involved in the democratic process. Some individuals are born into greatness, some achieve greatness and other have greatness thrust upon them. This book will help readers understand the complexities of greatness and the American Dream.

For citizens of the United States, for social studies teachers, for historians in America, and literally around the world, there is no more interesting topic than leadership, and leadership as seen in the President of the United States. Worldwide, no other individual is as scrutinized, as examined as the President of the USA. The Presidency has obviously a long history dated back to 1776 and George Washington, and out leaders have provided the guidance to lead us through the War of 1812, the Spanish American War, the Civil War, World War I and II and various other undeclared conflicts and difficulties around the world. The personalities and contributions of our Presidents have been exceptional. Some of our Presidents have led us in times of peace, and others during times of war. Some have excelled nationally, others internationally. Some have provided sustenance and nurturance, and others vim, vigour and vitality during difficult times. Each President has left an indelible mark on American history and should be recognised. This book attempts to provide a stellar overview of each President and recognise their contributions, strengths, weaknesses as well as their faults. This is a book that will provide keen robust insights into the men who have led our nation.