Behind the Scenes

Bookshelf

What's Been Happening

Collaborative Public Management: New Strategies for Local Governments by Robert Agranoff, associate dean and Professor Emeritus at Indiana University-Bloomington, and Michael McGuire, UNT associate professor of public administration (Georgetown University Press). Based on a study of 237 cities in five states, the book provides an in-depth look at how city officials work with other governments and organizations to develop their city economies and what makes these collaborations work. The authors illustrate how public managers address problems through strategic partnerships, networks, contractual relationships, coalitions and councils. The book received the Louis Brownlow Book Award for 2003 from the National Academy of Public Administration.

America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender and Sexuality at the Movies by Harry Benshoff, UNT assistant professor of radio, television and film, and Sean Griffin, assistant professor of cinema and television at Southern Methodist University (Blackwell Publishing). Introducing students to issues of diversity within the American cinema, this book provides an overview of factors that have shaped cinematic representations of race, class, gender and sexuality. The authors trace the cinematic history of different cultural groups and examine the link between film and American national culture.

Crofton's Fire by Keith Coplin ('64, '68 M.A.) of Colby, Kan. (G.P. Putnam's Sons). This novel follows the adventures of Michael Crofton, a second lieutenant who witnesses the death of Gen. George Custer at Little Big Horn and goes on to fight in Kansas, Cuba and East Africa. Along the way, Crofton encounters other historic figures as he attempts to balance his military duty with his commitment to his family and at times his sense of morality. Coplin teaches English at Colby College in Kansas and is working on his second novel.

Historical Interpretations: The Past, Present and Future of African-American Representation in Texas Social Studies Textbooks by Tonia Alexander ('90) of Dallas (Sunbelt Eakin Press). Based on Alexander's doctoral dissertation, this book reviews African American representation in Texas fourth-grade social studies textbooks from 1953 through 2003. It shows how contemporary interpretations of African American history have been included in textbooks over time and suggests issues that still need to be addressed. Also included is a review of the Texas textbook adoption process and its national influence. Alexander has worked in public education as a teacher and assistant principal and has served as an adjunct professor at the UNT Dallas Campus.

From Contact to Contract: 496 Proven Sales Tips To Generate More Leads, Close More Deals, Exceed Your Goals and Make More Money by Dianna Booher ('70) of Colleyville (Dearborn Trade Publishing). Filled with practical techniques and advice, this sales primer helps readers understand how to gain commitments from customers, generate leads, engage buyers with interactive presentations and deal with difficult clients. Booher is chief executive officer of Booher Consultants, a communications consulting and training firm in Grapevine.

The School Projects Idea Book by Michele Davis ('97) of Dallas (Mars Publishing). This teacher resource book contains 30 projects covering social studies, language arts, math and science, designed to help elementary and middle school students develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Projects include tracing family history, creating a new standard of measurement, protecting endangered species and designing a family exercise plan, among many other ideas. Davis is a teacher in the Dallas ISD.

Most Likely to Succeed: How to Assure Your Child's Success in School by Laura D. Price Cobb ('86 M.Ed.) of Allen (American University and Colleges Press). Designed as a resource for parents and educators, the book gives advice to improve the quality of education for children from kindergarten to high school. Topics include teacher-parent communication, motivation strategies, study skills and funding for college. Cobb, who has 20 years of experience as a teacher and administrator, is vice president of a private education firm.

Co-dependent ... What a Bore and Other Clinical Observations by Rick Goodner ('88) of Brownwood (Imprint Books). Goodner says this book, which "cannot be considered politically correct," is his attempt to turn the focus of the mental health community back to real mental health treatment. In addition to co-dependency, he covers topics such as repressed memories syndrome and treatment for people traumatized by unidentified flying objects. A licensed master social worker and advanced clinical practitioner, he is the director of behavior health and social services at Comanche and DeLeon hospitals and is in private practice.

Eric and the Enchanted Leaf by Deborah Frontiera, illustrated by Korey Scott ('02) of Denton (New Concepts Publishing). The book uses ecology to show young children how insects and other animals help the environment. Scott is currently illustrating three more books in the Eric series. His work can be found at defendersofthejungle. com.

The Ultimate Weight Loss Solution: The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom by Phil McGraw ('76 M.A., '79 Ph.D.) of Beverly Hills, Calif. (Free Press). Dr. Phil's weight-loss plan helps readers understand the reasons they've lost control of their weight and provides them with tools to identify what, when, where and why to eat.

A Parent's Guide to Dallas/Fort Worth by Kevin James Shay ('81) of Arlington (Mars Publishing/Parent's Guide Press). Watching buffalo eat in the wild and hiking among ancient temple mounds are a few of the area's family-friendly activities profiled in this guide. Also included are the Murchison Performing Arts Center, the UNT Sky Theater and the UNT Art Gallery. Shay, a former reporter for the Dallas Morning News and Arlington Morning News, is a freelance contributor to Dallas Child, the Dallas Examiner and other publications.

Other Media

Brahms: Trios, Op. 87 & 101 by the Lanier Trio, including Cary Lewis ('64, '65 M.M.) of Lake Oswego, Ore., on piano (Gasparo Records). Lewis, who recently retired from the faculty of Georgia State University after more than 25 years there, performs in the trio with his wife, Dorothy Lewis, on cello, and William Preucil, concertmaster of the Cleveland Orchestra, on violin.

'Tis the Season by Stephen W. Webber ('81) of Tyngsboro, Mass. (Willowshade Records). Webber also plays guitar on this Christmas CD that features gospel vocals by John Edmonds. Webber, a professor of music production and engineering at Berklee College of Music, is the artistic director for the Jazz Concert Series at the Parish Center for the Arts and is on the board of overseers of the New England Conservatory in Boston.