Events Books

I was more than a little leery coming into this book knowing Mr. Glantz worked for Pacifica. I was afraid I might find a one-sided diatribe about how the U.S. invasion and the government is terrible and what a horrible crime the invasion was, but what I found was a balanced look at the situation and firsthand account from some Iraqis on how the invasion and occupation have affected them.

One of the telling moments of this book for me was when Mr. Glantz talks about having problems with his editors only wanting stories that paint a certain kind of picture of the Iraqi situation. With U.S. media this is so often the problem; a story will be bent depending upon the people reporting the stories own political leanings rather than the unvarnished truth. So often the Right and Left are pulling so hard that the story, which is actually somewhere in the Middle, gets lost, and the people who end up getting hurt are the victims (Iraqis) and the people who are relying on these reports to understand the situation and make informed decisions based on this information (U.S. citizens).

Mr. Glantz chronicles the failures of this administration and military leaders to understand the peoples they came to free. As I read his interviews with everyday Iraqis a picture emerges that should have been seen early on this occupation. Iraqis were happy the Americans toppled this mostly hated regime, but this enthusiasm would only go so far. It would only last so long. As the U.S. military continued to commit excesses and as life on the ground for ordinary Iraqis either deteriorated or remained the same, as under Saddam, that patience and enthusiasm wore thin until finally it broke.

As the U.S. broke every rule of fighting a counter-insurgency in Iraq, I have to ask myself what did they expect would be the result of this policy? What did they expect Iraqis with no jobs, no money and no prospects to do?

Here in the U.S. we too often forget about those we have chosen "liberate" and only focus on ourselves. Mr. Glantz gives us an Iraqi perspective that is sorely missed in our media today. He gives us a fair portrait of life in Iraq and for that he should be thanked. It is the stories from the Middle that are the most honest and important.

Mr. Glantz's book reads like a narrative of many of the events in Iraq told through experiential stories of conversations with every day Iraqi's. Mr. Glantz visits Iraq and travels through out the country talking with people about America in Iraq and how the Iraqi's he is talking to view the United States presence in Iraq.

Mr. Glantz is careful to paint the picture in 2005 as a loss for the United States. This is prior to any with drawl of American forces in the region, and demonstrates a bias noting the leveling of Fallujah and the picking of a fight with al-Sadr as mistakes the United States government undertook.

There is also an interesting perspective that isn't addressed in this book and that troubles me the most about Iraq and the discussion about the hardships of the average Iraqi in general. These perspectives in this book miss them completely.

In Iraq, you have a country that has known only war and destruction for over 20 years. From a societal perspective, if you had skills, and were not in the weapons making business you did your best to leave Iraq. The brain-drain in Iraq has hurt the Iraqi people more than any single cultural factor and rightly so.

Saddam has brutalized the Iraqi people until 2003 when the United States showed up and liberated the country from Saddam. The country suffered a horrible war against Iran where millions of people died and there were terrible exchanges of chemical weapons and all these horrible things happened to people in this country. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis disappeared in the Middle of the Night as they may have been considered political dissidents. Their mass graves prove that a terrible tragedy has been committed against the Iraqi people.

Given this unique circumstance, unique to the history of the world, the Americans have come to assist in the rebuilding of the country. When Saddam's regime disappeared, there were many plays for power in the local and regional governments. The United States made some difficult choices in the newly emerging democratic state and those choices were not supposed to be popular or easy decisions to be made.

While the author is quick to criticize the US Civilian contractors in Iraq who have not had a perfect record that meets American standards in terms of production, the author misses a broader point. The local corruption of the Iraqi's and the sectarian strife associated with the vacuum left by Saddam's removal make companies like Bectel and Halliburton the logical choice even given the challenges.

It fails to address the non Iraqi nationals flowing into the country and the inability of the sovereign Iraqi government to control its own borders as though America is supposed to be viewed as occupiers by the Average Iraqi when Syrians and Iranians are coming into their country to spread hate and violence and sabotage their own oil infrastructure.

The apathy created by all those years of destruction creates problems for many Iraqi's and villages. It creates problems of trust. This book gives a very human perspective on some of those perspectives but should be taken into the context that although the United States is responsible for the removal of Saddam Hussein, the assumption of the United States government has been that freed people would rise to their own occasion and commit to their own civil service projects with their own money. This has not happened effectively in Iraqi due to the brain-drain. Saddam often killed smart people. It was a control mechanism of the old régime.

Let us hope that this problem can resolve itself over the next few years, as this is not a problem that Mr. Glantz can take out of context of a few months. The historical precedents for this are rare if any and if you make comparisons to Germany and Japan, they did not have the Brain-Drain as we do in Iraq. That being said the Iraqi's were sovereign and operational with in a shorter time than either of those two countries. The Iraqi's in 2007 appear to be developing a sound oil policy for the entire world, which will help with oil companies and investment dollars.

The Americans will come home eventually, when their job is done. Perhaps the Iraqi people should worry more about their own security now that they have control of their own country and the ability to have their own elections. The war is not lost by America. It was won. Saddam is gone. That was public law and the goal. The rest of the pros and cons are the United States doing Iraq a favor. Reconstruction is the American people doing their best to help the Iraqi's help themselves. That is hard to do with militants from other countries crossing the border and attempting to kill you in Iraq just because you are an American. What Mr. Glantz isn't talking about is Arab on Arab, Muslim on Muslim violence which isn't there because Saddam is not in power anymore-- there is a different social reason for that and I'm afraid that Mr. Glantz wasn't too fair in his book for addressing those cultural aspects on the ground level between Iraqi's.

America has learned from those kinds of issues when we had millions of decent Americans fight for their civil rights. There were riots, massacres, violence, civil strife, and best of all heroes that came out of that. We are a great society because we were able to overcome our differences in many ways and have the ability to see each other as Americans and secularize our society. There was a lot of blood shed, involvement with National Guards, the Klu Klux Clan, and all kinds of other clashes between groups in this country. Ultimately it can be defined as great because if Mr. Glantz was writing the same kind of history about the American Civil Rights movement in the 1960's he would have called it a loss before it was really over...

Mr. Glantz, give those processes of democracy a chance and provide a better forum to show the Iraqi's how to do that. America is great because we were able to do it... we have the Stewardship to show Iraqis how to do it too. They can because they are human beings. They have a chance because Saddam and his brutes are no longer in power. That is the decent thing for Americans to do...

If that means eliminating Sadr in the political process through violent means, he is not a peaceful man. He should not be hiding in his Mosques taking shots at Americans like a coward behind those walls. He should show his followers a better way. He should lead them in a peaceful process to reform the politics of his newly formed country. Sunnis and Shiites have more in common than they are different and in that they should build their common framework for a new Iraqi society. Start by making the neighborhoods safe again. Take the violent criminals off the street...just as all civil societies do. Help secure the borders and eliminate corruption in your organization.

Mr. Glantz should not pick on Halliburton or George Bush and the Administration. Pick on the Iraqi's for not doing what they need to do now in this time of transition for their better way of life. I realize this is not ever the dream of the 'Hate America First Crowd', however, let us at least level the playing field.

Let us talk about some Iraqi heroes who are fighting for justice and freedom in their country for their compatriots...not about some folks who focus thier misfortune on the USA. That's always an easy scapegoat that fails to address some real purriahs in Iraq.

Glanz shows in a progressive manor, through Iraqi opinions how things spun out of control. He shows occurances that have been well hidden. Long before the Abu Ghraib debacle, there were injustices that lead up to copmplete frustrated as illustrated by the Iraqi opinions. He does present things as he witnesses them and tries to offer no opinion, but there are some stories that are gut wrenching, and he admits that he cried often. That is the part I liked the best.

Glantz punctures both left and right in this balanced analysis of what has gone wrong in Iraq. A powerful story that should be required reading for politicians and political groupies of all leanings.

Aaron Glantz, a Pacifica radio correspondent, painstakingly traces where and how the United States repeatedly messed up in Iraq. His title radically differs from other books on the subject, using multiple sources to deliver one of the most multidimensional and sophisticated critiques of Iraq.

Specifically, he talks to the Iraqi people themselves to get their own perspectives on this event. Not surprisingly, they were initially skeptical of his intentions, but he built up enough trust to produce this book. It is disturbing that talking to the Iraqi people themselves is considered a radical action.

Saddam Hussein was this infamous tyrant who appeared uninterested in his own people's well being so they were happy to get rid of him--until they also lost what basic services which they had been previously receiving. Glantz then writes that suicide bombings can be profitable for people who have been and are receiving little money otherwise in an allegedly rebuilt Iraq (pp. 119-120).

Because I predominantly receive my own news about Iraq (and the Middle East) from American news media, I had not previously considered the economic incentives to participate in a suicide bombing. Some people are participating in these activities to feed themselves and/or their families, with many other options currently unavailable. I had honestly assumed that the people who participated in these events were doing this for socioreligious sincerity alone; however I guess it's easy for Washington officials to moralize and grandstand when they don't have to worry about their own children starving.

Glantz also critiques us on the left for getting too in love with protesting against this very war. According to him, we are loosing perspective of the larger goal, again because we are also predominantly coming from and with an American-centric perspective.

While we need to be concerned what is happening with American soldiers and tax dollars, we cannot forget that the Iraqi people might lack even the most rudimentary services which we take for granted. We talk about how hard organizing is, but many American activists (myself included) live in a country where we know that sanitation and electricity is working and we do not have to worry about roadside bombs as we travel around our cities. Perspective is everything in and to effective community organizing.

There is considerable irony that President Bush and the Republican-controlled United States Government are so eager to talk about self-rule and democracy, but will not let the Iraqi people actually control their own lives.

Bush and his administration has been doing precisely what I would expect them to do. This is why I didn't vote for him TWICE. The riddle I have been chewing on for these years is that a bunch of people DID VOTE FOR HIM TWICE!

WHAT THE HELL WERE THEY THINKING!!!?

Paul Levy in this book explores this riddle as the collective psychosis that it is. In a country founded on the system "...of, for, and by the people" there are risks. These risks are well worth taking as there has not emerged a better political system. For this brilliant system of democracy to work it DOES require an awareness of the complexities of the individual and collective nature of our fellow citizens. This book beautifully holds a mirror up to the collective soul of America and in essence says, "We have met the disease, and it is us".

The first step to curing a disease is to know the disease. This book provides the microscope to view the germ and possibly the needed vaccine.

My only regret is with the COVER the publisher chose to give this book. The sophistication and intelligence of this book deserves better.

Interesting book about the mindset of George W. Bush and how we react and relate to him. Suffice to say that Mr. Levy will not be hosting any Bush fan club meetings.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3N5XUQXBO6CUK Threads, Knots, Tapestries: How A Tribal Connection Is Revealed Through Dreams And Synchronicities

Actually, this is not radically new if you have studied Jung. However, within the last 30 years, quantum theory and the proof of a non-local physical universe certainly adds a new twist to Jung's writings.

As stated in the foreward, this is not a Bush-bashing book, it simply uses Bush and his administration to describe the 'shared psychosis' that permeates humankind, more or less it seems since the beginning of time. Mr. Levy's writing will jump right off the page and directly into your soul if you have ever studied quantum physics. For me, the jump from classical to quantum physics was fairly easy 25 years ago. However, until I read 'Madness' I had never applied the concept of non-local forces to consciousness itself, or as it were collective consicousness.

This book is well written, and is very understandable regardless of the reader's background. It is essentially a collection of articles, and although there is some repetition throughout chapters, this actually helps enforce some of the key points in regards to collective psychosis. Also, the sections and chapters are well labeled, so that readers can easily choose topics of interest.

I would recommend the book to anyone who has every studied Jung (or who wants to). Also, for any fans of the writings of Ken Wilbur and similar authors seeking to determine the intersection between science and religion, this is a must read.

There are many reasons for Americans to be in denial about the truth of this day. It is so ugly, so extensive, that witnessing it will lead an individual through a dark channel of hopelessness. But ignoring the truth is choosing a path of slavery. There are a lot of brave truth-seekers out there, using this resource to connect with each other, and to new-comers brave enough to ask tough questions. Please visit [...]to see a deeper spiritual perspective of this man, this day, and this spiritual battle raging around us. If you want to contact me, do so through [...]

The Pale Surface of Things was a good read. Other reviewers tell the plot, I simply wanted to point out a couple of things to the reader- first, the author clearly understands the cultures she is writing about, and has done an excellent job of bringing this to the reader. Second, a number of the characters are skillfully brought full circle through personal crisis, paralleling events in the story.

You can't fake knowing the scent of the air, the sound of the forest, the taste of the foods, or the presence of culture, and this all came through quite well in the book.

I recommend it. I read it in Malta, relaxing by the Mediteranean, and it seemed a natural fit, nothing stilted or fake about this book.

Regarding the characters, one of the main characters not from Crete is shot by another, a local. the remark is made "Why would he shoot him? He's not even Greek!" and this is about as sharp a reflection of the culture as you can get, a true understanding of island thinking.

Take the time to read this.

This book grew on me, and I continue to have a sense of well-being after finishing it. I'm not sure how to characterize this book except to say that each time it seems to be fairly predictable it steps aside from the path, just enough to satisfy without being hokey.

It's set on Crete in current times and follows several characters who, of course, eventually intertwine and affect each other. Oh, by the way, drop your expectation of archaeology, it's tangential. The pace is good and the tale isn't maudlin or sappy. Mostly it's about values, the choices we make, and the consequences (no it doesn't preach at all) set in a pretty good story. Probably a good book group book.

The Pale Surface of Things reads like a tapestry of textures weaving emotional, spiritual, cultural, and familial threads into an engrossing glimpse of life in a traditional Cretan village. Bennett's tale encompasses the dichotomies of life: human frailty and resilience, belonging and alienation, forgiveness and redemption, shame and courage. A fast paced novel that will transport you into the lives of unforgettable characters and a cherished ancient landscape.

Nicholas Zaferatos, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Urban Planning.
Huxley College of the Environment, Western Washington University.

What a fun read! Having visited Crete twice, it was fun to imagine the this story unfolding as it did. The author created terrific characters with interesting backgrounds and many subplots with lots of twists and turns.

This is an unusual novel by an interesting lady. The Pale Surface of Things is set in a place most Americans know little about: the island of Crete in the Eastern Mediterranean. The author weaves together a variety of plots and characters, too long to recount briefly here, in an interesting story that touches on elements of family, loyalty, nationality, honesty, and the dangers of false expectations.

The story begins with two main characters, both Americans. One is a Greek Orthodox priest who's returned to his ancestral home to be the village priest, the other an archaeological student who's working on a dig of Minoan artifacts, and at the same time is supposed to marry what amounts to the boss's daughter, and take his place as the head of a clothing empire back in America. When the prospective bridegroom is late for his wedding, she throws a tantrum, he flees, and the fun begins. He winds up in the priest's village, and various other characters mix into the story.

The author has an interesting writing style in terms of the way the narrative is constructed. The book is separated into chapters, and each one follows a different main or subsidiary character for 5 or 10 pages. This gives it the feel of one of those disaster novels from thirty years ago, something Arthur Haley would have written, or perhaps Irving Wallace. There's nothing disastrous about the events here, of course, other than the bridegroom's disappointment, but the feel of the book is similar. If it's a bit old-fashioned, it works.

I enjoyed this book a great deal, and would recommend it.

This is a fine book which will help me in my studies of forensic analysis.

Once again, Mr. Fisher has kept us updated with the ever changing world of forensic science and the techniques of crime scene investigation, in this seventh edition. The book encompasses current information in an intelligent and organized manner with the methodology to address, not only the elements of the investigation but also the interaction of the personnel involved.
This in depth text should be on every forensic investigator's bookshelf.

It is a great book that is truly pertinent to the topic it relates to and doesn't go off on a tangent. If you are looking for a book that is related to crime scene techniques then this is a book for you.

Fisher provides the absolute, hands-down best text out there for basic crime scene work. This is the one that is in everyone's bookshelf - we even keep all our old editions! When I began working in crime scene investigations, this was my 'go-to' reference, and several years later, I still read through it every once in a while to keep fresh. I teach part time, and this was the book my co-instructor and I suggested that we use for our basic and advanced crime scene classes - thank goodness it's our new text! I can't wait to share Fisher with our students. Invaluable book.

For all of those who are interested in either becoming Crime Scene Investigators, or increasing their knowledge THIS is the ULTIMATE book to get. It's the leading textbook, handbook, bible, guide, whatever word you wish to use and the author "Barry Fisher" has a way with words that leaves you with no doubt about his knowledge and experience. It's one of those books that I couldn't put down and can learn from and remember what I'm reading. An EXCELLENT study guide.

I REALLY liked the first book in the Bethany series. I have read it five or six times and I am still not tired of it. The book really taught me a lot about the Bible and things that go on 'behind the scenes.' I liked learning things that aren't taught much these days. I can't wait until other books in the Bethany series are out. Sarah, age 11

I am 11 years old and in the fifth grade. I love this book because it is interesting and exciting. It challenges me to learn more about the Bible and the Old Testament. It is a story about a girl named Bethany and her experience with meeting an angel. It is fun for me to read about a girl close to my age traveling around with an angel and learning all about the Old Testament like it was happening today. I would recommend this book for kids my age. I can't wait to read Mr. Kearse's next book. He is the best!
Anna Leigh (11)

Kearse has developed a great adventure story that bridges the secular with the spiritual in a powerful fashion. Young Bethany Clarke has a burning desire for a cute puppy dog, but can't get one because of a family secret that causes a lot of tension before she launches into her time-travel journey where her dream of owning a dog comes true. Back in time she experiences a host of characters who stretch her mind and strengthen her beliefs. Whether it's her angel friend, Gabriel, her doggy buddy, Oba, or the mysterious character, the "Old Woman I Know", the reader is sure to connect with this book that explores the power of faith and relationships. An outstanding book for the whole family to read and enjoy!No Time To Kill

Bethany is a great book for children who can read up to about age 15. It is also excellent for teachers who plan to teach sunday school to children of all ages. Bethany is even interesting for adults. Its a very clever and interesting story that takes a young girl and her dog on a journey through the Old Testament. I would highly recommend it for all faiths and particularly Jews and Christians.

I never knew learning about the bible could be so much fun. While reading the book I did'nt even realize that I was learning. I would recomend this book to people who love to read a good adventure. I first read the book when I was in fifth and sixth grade and now that I am in going into seventh grade I realize how much it helped me understand more about the bible. Mr. Kearse was my sunday school teacher and I absolutely loved what he taught us. This book is great because it is the kind of thing Mr. Kearse taught and a great adventure.

We've all heard the saying, "Life is a choir and every voice is important." But we all also know that very rarely is this humane principle put into practice. Linda Stout, in her book "Bridging the Class Divide", shows us over and over again where these voices reside and how they represent important views, important values, and important cultures. Through life experiences, Stout identifies and calls out important characteristics that, when raised up and valued, create a truly well-rounded, truly inclusive society. She shows us how fragile and faint these voices are at birth, and how easily and mindlessly dominant beliefs can annihilate them. Her account of how she herself became more aware of the values and perspectives that shaped her, and began to believe in them and communicate them, is moving and illuminating. Knowing how to nurture and strengthen such contributions, according to Stout, is key to bringing them to the tables we all sit at every day, whether they be work tables, community tables, religious, race, gender, or age tables. Such affirmations of inclusion have a powerful effect on the political and economic webs that impact all of us. However difficult, giving voice and action to all our perspectives, not just the ones that reflect "the way we have always done things," is necessary. Only when each of us insists on communicating our unique perspectives will every voice truly be important to the song the choir is singing.

I have been working for social change thirty years now. I can wholeheartedly say that Linda Stout is one of the best organizers and resources there is on issues of overcoming class and racial divisions; so that we can be more effective in our work for justice, peace and a wide range of other progressive issues. I worked with Linda back in the 80's and she is still one of my most important mentors. Her book reflects her unique qualities which all come from life experience and wisdom born from life in the struggle and life in the spirit. It is both informative and inspiring -- a book that you don't want to put down and one that can make you a better person in your personal life and in your work for a better world. Herb Walters

Activists will find this book invaluable. Rev. William Sloan Coffin said it all: "Class may well prove a nut even tougher to crack than racism. With a wealth of wisdom, Linda Stout shows how to organize progressive movements that are genuinely inclusive. Grassroots organizers especially will be in her debt, which is where I have happily been for years."

I used this book as a text for an undergrad class on community organizing. it was easy to read and understand, and gave us so much to reflect on and talk about. it has so many practical tips on organizing, it should be a must read for anyone doing community work. i would love to read further reflections on PPP today, and what the leaders have learned about organizing and surviving as an organization since the book was written

If you care about helping to create a better world, this book will help. Class divisions are one of the most insidious, though least discussed, problems impacting our ability to effectively build movements for change. In an accessible style, with great stories, Linda Stout shares her years of organizing wisdom and makes it clear just what it takes to build effective cross-class alliances.

As the Executive Director of Class Action, www.classism.org, I have recommended Bridging the Class Divide many times. It is a useful resource for activists and non-activists alike.

Felice Yeksel

Lekson insight on Chaco culture is a brilliant overview based on indigenous pre-history. A history based on indigenous reality rather than a Eurocentric overlay.

I was alerted to Lekson and this book in the course of reading "House of Rain" by Craig Childs, which touched on many different theories concerning the Anasazi in the Southwest. In a way, that tip was the most important piece of information I got from Childs's book. I don't mean to disparage "House of Rain" (I reviewed it and gave it four stars), but THE CHACO MERIDIAN has been a real treat to read.

Other reviews outline Lekson's hypothesis. I certainly do not have the background to evaluate that hypothesis on professional or academic grounds. I understand that much of what Lekson has to say is controversial, maybe even heretical, but if I were to bet, I would place a small sum on Lekson vis-a-vis the academy. THE CHACO MERIDIAN strikes me as thoughtful, sound reasoning (I won't say "sound science", because I don't believe archaeology is pure science; it is equally akin to history). And it is eminently readable. If only other books by acadmics were as readable, I -- and probably many other interested lay readers -- would know a lot more about the "pre-history" of the American Southwest.

The Chaco Meridian is strictly for those already familiar with studies and locations in Southwestern archaeology. The author's theory about a common meridian linking Chaco and Aztec (N.M.) and Casas Grandes (Mexico) is interesting and well-argued, but far-fetched.
The book is cluttered with hundreds of references placed in middle of the text, which make for choppy reading. Many of the references are to Dr. Lekson's own work.
Four Corners archaeology has been studied by many, many scientists for many, many years. The result is a cloud of literature which turns over stone after stone; potsherd after potsherd, attempting to justify the cost of each new study. There is lots of dust, not much pure light.
Dr. Lekson raises more dust, pointing out the coincidence of three major sites on (almost) the same meridian. Hundreds of other sites don't line up with anything. One can connect any two sites with a straight line. Extended far enough, the line will probably strike something else. My hometown is on almost the same meridian as Oklahoma City and Waco. So?
To his credit, Dr. Lekson gently slams the fetish of Chaco astro-archaeology and its limitless imagined alignments of doorways and rocks with certain stars on certain nights. Most of the "alignments" are pure Hohokam. The bend of a creek (we don't have mountains around here) viewed from my attic window lines up perfectly with sunrise on May 17. You have to stand on a chair in just the right spot to make everything line up. Is this a magic place, or what?
I'd like to give Dr. Lekson five stars for this clever work, but it grinds too fine.

Lekson's book the Chaco meridian is an entertaining read for those who are previously aquainted with southwestern puebloan archaeology. The book does well to keep the reader engrossed but as one hits the last few chapters you may wonder where the jokes left and the SAA conference began. It does provide an interesting perspective that could be used for further reasearch in the connection of ancient puebloan sites. Overall a fairly decent text, but simply unacceptable for the neophyte to this field of study.

Lekson, an expert on Southwestern archaeology, presents a provocative thesis about the civilization that produced the great houses in New Mexico's Chaco Canyon. He proposes that Chaco Canyon was one of three successive capitals of a politically integrated region. According to Lekson, a ruling elite emerged at Chaco and perpetuated itself by moving a ceremonial city along Chaco's meridian. Lekson writes in an engaging and often deliberately provocative style. This is as fun as serious archaeology gets, though Lekson sometimes repeats his points. The book is well illustrated with diagrams and black and white photographs.

If a reference to planning events is needed you can't do better than Complete Guide to Successful Event Planning, a pick for planners and public libraries alike. Here's all the basics for planning all kinds of events, from seminars, receptions, weddings, dances, reunions and retreats. From money-saving tips and identifying and reaching target markets to choosing dates and designing events, it covers all aspects from budget to set-up and beyond. A few other guides cover this topic lightly - if you want the depth, Complete Guide to Successful Event Planning is the item of choice.

It is a helpful book for first timers and newcomers. For someone who has been in the field for 6 years it isn't very good. It is just reading the same things over again. I would reccomnd this for anyone just trying to get something togther and not wanting to hire an event planner. The info is good and doesn't miss much. Just do not buy it for a refresher if you have done this time and time again, it won't help

This is a great high level overview of event planning. I am still looking for a reference with more detailed checklists and events of a more civic nature. But it was great to get the accompanying CD to use to start making your own checklists. And a great way to see all the possible areas that could be involved with planning events, especially large ones.

This book is a fount of knowledge. Its simple to read and easy to follow. I thought it would be a person spouting about how great they are and not alot of practical information. But I was wrong. This book is helpful in many ways: for the beginner it provides a practical guideline to get started; for the intermediate planner it provides further ways to improve what they have begun; and for the advanced planner it hones their skills with the latest ideas and information.

For myself as an advanced even planner, it confirms that I am right on track with the trend for event planning. The CD with the forms and such are very useful and easy to customize for each planner or event.

I have already recommended this book to a large organization to use to train other event planners!

Having to plan an event? First time or old pros needing a refresher go no further than this book. Shannon Kilkenny has outdone herself here with step by step instructions and tips to walk you through the whole process of planning and executing even the most difficult event you've ever faced. I found the charts, lists and forms both in the text and the copies on the CD ROM for easy print out to be the most beneficial.

I think the best thing about this book is that you can take away something from reading the whole book cover to cover. But you can also take away information from individual chapters if the whole book doesn't apply to you. The best example of this I can give is that my mother was panicked last week over trying to plan my little sister's 16th birthday. I told mom that while I'd only read this book last week for a friends baby shower that I thought she might want to take a peek at it. When I came over the day before my sister's party to help with setup my mom said that the book had more than paid for itself. It had shown her a much less stressful way to do what she was trying to do. She said that she skipped the chapters aimed at event planners but that a lot of the later chapters helped her immensely in avoiding disaster or over planning for the party. This is a definite read for anyone trying to plan an event from the smallest birthday party to a large banquet or conference.

The most comprehensive listing on the market I've seen.
A must have for conspiracy enthusiasts.

We read Brad Steiger's mystery books of the
late 1960's and early 1970's. They were
worthy paperbacks, not as wild, funny and
erratic as John Keel's works, but similar.

This book is much larger and extensive than
those:

CASS is a "FAT 500" book of many descriptions,
photo images and theories, that a reader can
use to grip and examine popular conspiracies and
associated personalities, perhaps to improve
conversations about the unusual or increase
adrenaline levels.

We commend Steiger on inclusion of

1. John Lennon, UFO researchers, Jonestown,
and George Wallace MURDERS, via possible MK
ULTRA, Manchurian Candidate, MI[56], MIB,
drug-affected mind control, cancer or other
Kontrol techniques.

2. Dr. Henry Kissinger (Master Spy, "Hank",
Dr. Strangelove) who, along with other Occult
Mind Control Advisors, seem always present in
the New World Order Rule and Reign of Terror.

3. Bankers, Bildebergers, Trilaterals

4. Interesting Individuals (NOT criminal) like
R. Steiner, Helen Blavatsky, Nikola Tesla and
Wilhelm Reich the Orgon Energy Explorer.

Certain vital essential clever conspiracies and
societies are conveniently MISSING:

1. World War Criminal financial elites who gather
TRILLIONS of Dollars/Rubles/Pounds/Francs/Marks
from Wars throughout the centuries, so the WWC's
acquire a vast mountain of Gold and Jewels with
which to "secure" their New World Order.

2. Chernobyl, a major nuclear disaster, at
the brink of a New World War, between Black and
White Races, perhaps a detour warning;
and the World NUCLEAR Movement with its nuclear
Occult practices: SuperUnNatural Forces, Evil
"Advanced Technology", the Mad Magic of Mad Humans.

3. Khazars, who have filled so many influential
positions in the US, UK and elsewhere are missing,
perhaps to ensure that CASS would be published.
Also the Syndicate, the ultimate of criminal
profitable conspiracy, is conveniently omitted,
as is much of its lesser partner in crime,
the Mafia (Italian-based rather than Russian-based).

4. Joe McCarthy receives only a mere mention,
even though McCarthy was perched on the rim of a
Massive Giant $Conspiracy$ just prior to his
possible murder in a US Naval hospital.

5. The KAL 007 passenger jet, downed by Soviet
military fighter, killing major conspiracy
activist (Dr. Larry McDonald) from the John
Birch Society, a so-called "right wing extremist"
group, previously mentioned in Steiger's books
as providing relevant material exposing World
Conspiracy, is omitted. CASS does describe
some of the JBS and other "extremist" groups.

6. Ted Owens, one of the greatest psychics and
forecaster Prophets of the 20th century never
receives a review. Mr. Owens was a Prodigy
equivalent to the Prophet Musa (Moses or Moshe).
Many UFO radicals and simple UFO witnesses came
under severe, sometimes deadly fire, especially
during the 1965-75 US/USSR/SE Asia War years.

7. CIA/KGB collusion, FBI/FSB familiars, NSA/NKVD
Nazie Commies are not hinted at.

(Telephone monitoring, harrassment, intimidation,
surveillance, other spy spooking, as experienced
by radicals and "extremists", can be quite real,
as in my case for the past 34+ years!)

8. Many Black Muslim deaths, disappearances and
"accidents" are not mentioned.

9. Interdimensional Intelligences mind-control
over People actions receive no theory.

10. Council on Foreign Relations (CFR),
Robert McNamara's "Whiz Kids" and RAND
"Think Tanks" are conveniently omitted, as are
Congressional/Judicial/Executive organised crime
links and networks.

Basically, Conspiracies is a good reference for
"politically correct" or "religiously correct"
conspiracies, if that's what you're looking for.

When You realise that some always portrayed as
"Criminal" or "The Devil" or "The Enemy"
are possibly Heroes and/or Scapegoats, then
You are getting getting deep into the stuff of
REAL Life Conspiracies and Secret Societies.

To remain Sane with CASS, perhaps Realise that
Each and Every Creature is really a Divine Being,
directly related to the Super Supreme Divine
Being, ALLAH or God, Who Loves and Cares for ALL
and Each of Us, as an Eternal Divine Family Member.

We give Conspiracies and Secret Societies THREE
out of FIVE, but hoped and expected better from
Mr. Steiger, as further progress in his
discoveries of hidden worldly ways of Human
society, over the past 50 years or more.

None Dare Call It Conspiracy
None Dare Call It Treason
Iron Curtain Over America

This book is great. If you have even the slightest interest in conspiracy theories, get this book. You won't be able to put it down (You may also not be able to go to sleep after reading this book). This book covers some of the lesser known conspiracy theories and secret socities such as Heaven's Gate, the Mothman, and many others. It also covers many of the classic conspiracy theories, such as men in black, roswell, area 51, and of course, the new world order. One thing I like about the book is that it gets to the point. It doesn't start out with "It was a clear day in Roswell, New Mexico. The wind was gently blowing, the kids were out playing, and the grass was greener than ever." Instead, it jumps right to what happened, starting out with something like "Something crashed in Roswell New Mexico. The goverment says it was a weather balloon, but many others think it was a UFO." Also, this book is very reliable, listing ALL its sources of information. So get this book!

Why are you still reading this review? Go to the top of the screen, and click the order button! Then, when it arrives, read it, then lose three days of sleep because this book WILL creep you out as well as entertain you for hours.

Oh my gosh, you're still reading this review! What part of push the order button don't you udnerstand?

That's right I'm worried about Brad and Sherry. Why? All they do is research and write darn good books. Good thing for those of us who want to read them! When I got this book I could not put it down. Be prepared to spend some time reading it. Fascinating reading. Go take a vacation guys, you deserve it.

Plenty of books have been written individually about select secret societies: now here's a handy A-Z reference which covers them all under one cover, providing over five hundred pages reviewing 300 individuals, organizations, and events which have puzzled modern times. From contemporary issues such as satellite snooping to historical background on societies such as the Freemasons, entries provide plenty of coverage and describe major events and secret societies with relevance to today's world. CONSPIRACIES AND SECRET SOCIETIES: THE COMPLETE DOSSIER is a must for any collection strong in investigative inquiry.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

love this book broke down many times on some of the letters great book!!

This marvelous little book offers a parallel and human voice to the more academic books about Vietnam.
There is no "agenda", here just a selection of moving, articulate, impassioned voices talking about their experiences and feelings at the time they were there. Some of the most moving, of course, being those from young people who would die shortly thereafter. We see through the letters in the book that even on the front lines this "war" was seen through a wide diversity of opinions, from those that were totally committed to it, and why (though they tend to become less prevalent as the years pass), to those who came to believe it was not a worthy effort to justify the consequences. And the majority, just confused. A must read.

This is a wonderful book for anyone who wants to see the Vietnam war from the eyes of those who were there. The book is a collection of writings from Vietnam veterans that were written during there time in country. This book shows the War as more than casualty numbers and battle field dates. A good read for everyone.

This book captivated me so that i could not put it down, untill i had finished. It touches your heart and soul. Wonderful read!! Please put it on DVD!!! Thank you :-)

After the amazing documentary about Vietnam that solely exists of actor voice overs of funny, goofy, anxious and heartbreaking letters home from soldiers at the battlefront in Vietnam, accompanied by graphic footage of the war itself, this book came out. It contains the letters read out in the movie, and additionally has some more background information about the soldiers who wrote the letters.

Even without the trained actor voices reading the letters out loud to you, and without the grim and realistic war images, this book is a pageburner. Heart-wrenching accounts of the legacy of war written by the soldiers that fought it, as well as by the people they left behind.