New Releases by Alan Steinberg

One of the key ideals behind the American system of democracy is that everyone can and will participate. Reality is unlike the ideal of democracy due to the social barriers of participation. The ability to engage politically through mediums such as Facebook, will allow greater diversity of participation and increase turnout among those who utilize these tools. Prior research shows that political participation is biased toward people who are older, have higher than average levels of education, have above average income, are non-minorities, and are male. Internet communication technologies and the Web 2.0 environment in particular offer a solution to the biases found in the current means of political participation by being lower cost and more accessible options for political engagement. This study provides an argument on the similarities of political activities that can take place in cyberspace as compared to traditional means of participation. Data utilized includes national survey respondent’s use of online social networking websites to engage politically in the 2008 and 2010 election cycles, as well as a student sample regarding 2012 election intentions. The study then examines the association between these forms of cyber-participation and turnout in order to demonstrate that cyber-participation has a positive effect on turnout. Findings suggest that cyber-participation is a unique but equitable form of political participation, utilized by a wider variety of people than traditional modes of participation, and that people who engage in cyber-participation are more likely to vote.

Drawing on his more than thirty years of experience (including a record four Super Bowls) as the NFL's top referee, Jerry Markbreit describes the hard-hitting, fast-paced NFL action from a perspective few others can match. Filled with humorous anecdotes as well as his opinions on controversial subjects and players and coaches, this book is the first comprehensive look at pro football officiating from the official's point of view -- and Markbreit's homage to the sport he has helped define.

In the tradition of "Big Russ and Me," basketball legend Russell pays homage to his mentor, coach, and long-time friend, the inimitable Red Auerbach. Photo insert.

"REVELATIONS AND ALLEGATIONS THAT HAVE MADE WAVES." Sports Illustrated HHHHHHHHHHHH Dave Pallone was an umpire with two strikes against him. He worked ringed by fellow umpires aching to get even with him for landing his job when they were on strike. And he was gay in a sports world where you were supposed to be straight or get straight out. In this revealing look at baseball, Pallone traces his life both personal and public, and offers behind-the-scenes accounts of the players, owners, coaches, managers, and umpires and the outlandish incidents, on and off the field, which the public never hears about. Funny, poignant, shockingly honest, this explosive story is bound to raise a storm of controversy, as it opens eyes about how the game is really played and about the deeply ingrained homophobia in the national pastime. HHHHHHHHHHHH "CANDID AND RIVETING!" Publishers Weekly "TELLS US HE PERSONALLY KNOWS A HALF-DOZEN GAY PLAYERS, INCLUDING SOME OF THE STARS gives us a touching vignette of his affair with one." San Francisco Chronicle "A MUST READ!" Cincinnati Enquirer

In this ideal introduction to black history, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar examines the lives of heroic African Americans and offers their stories as inspiring examples for young people, who too rarely encounter positive black role models in history books or in the media. Profiled here are Peter Salem, the volunteer soldier who turned the tide at Bunker Hill; Joseph Cinque, leader of a daring revolt on the slave ship Amistad; Frederick Douglass, self-taught writer-orator and escaped slave who forced President Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation years ahead of schedule; Harriet Tubman, who led at least three hundred slaves to freedom; Lewis Latimer, whose scientific work was integral to the achievements of Bell and Edison; and many more. Shining a bright light on the touchstones of character, these exemplary stories reemphasize the integral role of African Americans in weaving the fabric of our nation and form an empowering legacy from which Americans of all ages can draw inspiration, wisdom, and pride.

Tice's "Investment for Excellence" shows readers how to recognize their potential for growth, improve their self-image, overcome stress, and eliminate barriers to achieving their goals through self-motivation and positive thinking. 5 line drawings.