The American Dream and Dreams Deferred: A Dialectical Fairy Tale shows how rival interpretations of the American Dream poignantly express conflict over its very meaning, revealing the dialectical tensions within. Exploring often neglected voices, literatures, and histories, Thomas E. Reifer and Carlton D. Floyd highlight moments when the American Dream alternately appears possible, when it seems out of reach, and when it seems both possible and out of reach, paying particular attention to these dialectically entwined moments. The authors present a synthesis of the American Dream, their deferment, and its costs, projecting alternative futures, simultaneously informed by the dystopian remembrance of sufferings, past and present. In so doing, the authors invite readers to make a new collective dream of a better future, on a socially just, multicultural, and ecologically sustainable social foundation, into a living reality.

More than a century ago, John Dewey challenged the education community to look to civic involvement for the betterment of both community and campus. Today, the challenge remains. In his landmark book, editor Thomas Ehrlich has collected essays from national leaders who have focused on civic responsibility and higher education. Imparting both philosophy and working example, Ehrlich provides the inspiration for innovative new programs in this essential area of learning.

Methods to reduce electrically induced bearing damage rely on special lubricating greases of either low electric conductivity, to suppress parasitic currents, to prevent the build- up of high electric voltages across the bearing. In either case, it is of interest to know the exact conductivity values of those lubricants. However, no technical standard is available so far on measuring electric conductivity of oil or grease at film thicknesses (1 mm and below). In this work, a measurement cell for simulating the electrical regime of a real bearing conceptually is developed and used with a set of greases. The investigated greases had all quite similar specific resistances, which were all within the variation regime of the total set of greases. The measurements worked satisfactorily for gap widths, i.e. lubricating film thicknesses, of 1 mm and 1/10 mm, respectively. Lubricating films in real bearings typically have a thickness of a few mikrons. Measurements in the test- setup at 1/100 mm gap width showed nonsatisfying results in terms of reproducibility. Some causes are further investigated and possible solutions proposed.

This collection brings together the views of a stellar assemblage of scholars, practitioners, ... and a host of other talented and distinguished citizens of the independent sector.... A must read. Philanthropy Monthly

In an attempt to analyze future directions of the increasingly influential nonprofit sector, the American Assembly and the Indiana Center on Philanthropy sponsored a conference that brought in leading scholars and practitioners. Participants were asked to consider what forces will determine the shape and activities of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector in the next decade.

This volume is a product of this inquiry. Contributors focused on a variety of pressures, including the devolution of federal programs, the blurring of lines between non-profit and for-profit organizations; the changing distributions of income; a revived interest in community and civil society; the evolution of religion and other regulatory reform; and a retreat of government from various policy areas."

Civic Work, Civic Lessons explains how and why people of all ages, and particularly young people, should engage in public service as a vocation or avocation. Its authors are 57 years apart in age, but united in their passion for public service, which they term "civic work." The book provides unique intergenerational perspectives. Thomas Ehrlich spent much of his career in the federal government. Ernestine Fu started a non-profit organization at an early age and then funded projects led by youth. Both have engaged in many other civic activities. An introductory chapter is followed by seven key lessons for success in civic work. Each lesson includes a section by each author. The sections by Ehrlich draw mainly from his experiences. Those by Fu draw on her civic work and that of many young volunteers whom the co-authors interviewed. The concluding chapter focuses on leveraging technologies for civic work. All profits received by the authors from the sale of this book will be donated to philanthropic organizations.