What do dogs mean in America? How do Americans make meaning through their dogs? The United States has long expressed its cultural unconscious through canine iconography. Through our dogs, we figure out what we're thinking and who we are, representing by proxy the things that we don't quite want to recognize in ourselves. Often, it's a specific breed or type of dog that serves as an informal cultural mascot, embodying an era's needs, fears, desires, longings, aspirations, repressions, and hopeless contradictions. Combining cultural studies with personal narrative, this book creates a playful, speculative reading of American culture through its canine self-representations. Looking at seven different breeds or types over the last seven decades, readers will go on an intellectual dog walk through some of the mazes of American cultural mythology.

The Bible contains some of the world's most familiar and beloved stories: David and Goliath; the Nativity; Zacchaeus and the sycamore tree. In Journeys, Steve Gannaway narrates these and fourteen other classic Bible stories. What sets this book apart is that he tells the stories as a poet and storyteller, in verse. As a storyteller, he does not have the same intent as the inspired Bible authors. Thus, his account emphasizes different details. For instance, the Bible does not say whether Samson regained his sight before he died or what an Elamite was doing in Jerusalem on the feast of Pentecost. These questions interest the storyteller in Gannaway, though, and, in Journeys, he explores possible answers. While taking artistic and historical license, the author makes an effort to remain true to the essence and values of each story. He gives the biblical reference at the end of each poem, encouraging readers to examine the original. As the title indicates, changes in location constitute the central theme of the book. The journeys usually involve physical travel. They also typically involve something more. There may be a test of obedience (Noah and Abraham), a change in willingness to obey (Jonah), or an entirely new outlook on life (Zaccheaus and the woman caught committing adultery). Journeys has three parts. Part I consists of Old Testament journeys. Part II focuses on journeys to Bethlehem and the Nativity. Part III contains additional journeys taken by New Testament figures. Gannaway's poetry incorporates rich images and language that almost makes readers feel they are present at the events the poems describe. Illustrator Deborah Thompson enhances this effect with her drawings. They are strong in their simplicity. Many figures have featureless or minimally detailed faces, inviting readers to enter into the roles and immerse themselves in the story. The stories in Journeys are part of the cultural inheritance of the Judeo-Christian world. Read them in the Bible. Experience them anew in Journeys.

The introduction of the new General Medical Services contract for the payment and reward of general practice and GP practices will inevitably change the way in which primary care is delivered. This practical workbook aims to address how its implementation will work in practice. Written in the interactive Roy Lilley workbook style with think boxes hazard warnings tips and comment boxes it deals with the implications impact and implementation of the New Contract questioning the contract's impact on patients and the provision of services. It is an essential guide for general practitioners primary care managers practice staff and trainers; and for all those that have an involvement in primary care and the implementation of the new contract. GPs practices and PCOs need as much guidance as they can get - from the General Practitioners Committee the NHS Confederation and also from books such as this. The more advice that they can turn to and the earlier they can get the help they need the better. So I welcome Roy's book as a valuable contribution. The book is primarily an informative summary of the contract documents and a practical tool kit for putting the contract into action. I too want to see practice teams making the contract work and this book will help many of them to do so. John Chisholm in the Foreword