Events Books

Draper writes an extremely detailed case study of the events surrounding the two controversial decisions that led to Congressional hearings and tarnished Reagan's image as a leader of the country. The desire to fund the Sandinista rebellion in Nicaragua ultimately has been combined with the need to rescue American hostages in Iran. Draper follows the events leading to the decisions, introducing the reader to the multitude of players that had a hand in the actions taken by the US Government.

Evidence of Draper's in depth investigative skills comes to bear quickly and is clear throughout the book. Upon starting his research, he discovered a mountain of information in the form of records, interviews, hearing transcripts, letters, and many more articles. He states in his introduction that he was surprised by the amount of info and decided then to allow it to speak for itself. He presents his work matter-of-factly, without too much interpretation. It's a good choice, as the events speak for themselves, the lack of political bias is refreshing in a work written as recently as this.
Draper includes photographs, allowing the readers to visualize the men involved with the scandals. He doesn't, however, include maps or charts which would have illuminated some of the numerous facts and figures he gives. One of the most beneficial elements he adds is a chronology in the appendices. It gives a step by step overview of the events that can eliminate some of the over-worked detail he includes in the text.
This book is excellent for Graduates researching the period. It includes too much detail for the undergraduate student in a survey or limited study course. The reference material alone would be a benefit for research in the topics.

This great book tells how a group of rightwing White House ideologues hijacked foreign policy from the State Department and the Pentagon, with disastrous results: terrorists were empowered and America's image was left in tatters. It might sound like "A Very Thin Line" is about the Bush Administration and Iraq -- but it is actually about the Reagan Administration and Iran/Contra. Aided by the documentary record compiled during Congressional investigations and criminal prosecutions, Draper recreates this sordid and hilarious episode from the 1980s in painstaking detail. His book is smart and readable. Anyone who was surprised by the intelligence and policy failures in Iraq should read this book for a reminder of how Washington really works. (I'm a State Department official.)

I read this book in college and gave my copy to my history prof when I left school. If I had known how difficult it would be to try and get another copy, I might not have left it. (just kidding Proffessor Gill) This is perhaps the best book I have read since Shirer's Rise and Fall of the Third Reich as far as bringing a dense and complicated seiries of events together in an easily understandable, fascinating read. I followed the Iran-Contra "affair" very closely as it happened, and read many books on it before this; but only after reading this book did I feel as if I actually understood what went on. A keeper for anyone's non-fiction library.

The information contained in this book will keep your jaw dropping from page to page. If anyone is wondering why George W. Bush isn't being impeached, after reading this book, you'll know why. Why wasn't Reagan ipmeached? Or Bush Sr.? The abuse of power, the parsing and skirting of law has been going on since the early '80s. Nothing is new - even the people.

In a nutshell the author has reviewed the voluminous data, (transcripts, interviews, personal logs and diaries, etc.) and has written a coherent and engaging book documenting an extremely convoluted and complicated foreign policy initiative, (actually several initiatives) during the Reagan presidency. Aid to the contras, weapons sold to Iran and the diversion of funds from those weapons sales are tracked from inception to implementation to the exposure of these "affairs". This includes all the high hopes and noble causes, the "zeal" of the Americans involved, the greed and corruption of the middlemen used for the transactions, and at times the sheer incompetence which led to the inevitable exposure of what was really happening behind the scenes. This last item being the crux of the book - the hijacking of US foreign policy in the Middle East and Central America by a handful of men, (at times overworked, completely over their heads and out of their league), outside of any purview, oversight or review by the White House, Cabinet or Congress. As for who knew what and when, from President Reagan on down, the author also does a very good job documenting this time line and each of the major players involved. (As an aside, Sec. of State Schultz's involvement, or really conscious lack thereof, was an eye opener for me.) As for the timeliness of re-visiting this affair 20 years later and any lessons to be learned, if any, .... All I know is I found this book both fascinating and a little scary.

Having researched extensively about the relationship between liberty and security in the United States since September 11, 2001, I would have to say that "The War on Our Freedoms" has provided me with the most fascinating information about the issue. The book provides an account of how civil liberties continue to be rolled back beneath the feet of many citizens without much attention paid to the fact that America is quickly losing sight of its founding principles and most important values. The essays found in "The War on Our Freedoms" carefully yield a perspective on the war against terrorism that many Americans have begun to overlook. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is passionate about upholding civil liberties for all Americans and to anyone who is knowledgeable (or would like to become knowledgeable) about the importance of the system of checks and balances that our Constitution mandates.

Reading this book, comprised of info from many sources, I got frankly angered by the way this administration, as well as others in the past, used tragedies and wars to take our freedoms from us and invade our privacy on a whim. I understand some liberties must be sacrificed in times of conflict. The government just after 9-11 was running straight from the executive branch without any checks and balances. Of course who would dispute or bring up civil liberties in times of crisis, obviously not anyone in the courts. People were labeled enemy combatants and contained without right to trial, any proof of guilt, and held months without anyone even knowing their whereabouts. Many were probably guilty, but some were innocent and in the wrong place at the wrong time. Our government wanted to get people to act as spies, surveying their neighborhoods, spying on neighbors, getting your library to turn you in as a terrorist for reading muslim literature or something containing dissent to the govt. Luckily that brilliant plan of ashcrofts has not gone over to will not be tolerated, and should not be tolerated by the citizens that are supposed to be the backbone of our democracy. Very informative book. AMerica must fight to revise this orwellian act that is the patriot act.

I read this book cover-to-cover on a flight from L.A. to New York, and found it both well-written and informative. Indeed, I thought it was such a good survey of the major legal issues in America's war on terrorism that I assigned it as required reading for my American Law & Terrorism seminar at UCLA.

This book provides the "backstory" for many of the key issues I plan to cover, such as prohibition of material support to foreign terrorist organizations and how that law squares with America's First Amendment jurisprudence. For the most part, this book takes a critical position against most of the current legal arguments advanced by the Bush Administration, e.g. that the President should be allowed to designate enemy combatants. But each article presents its argument in a fairly balanced way.

Also, the articles do a great job of explaining the law at a college-graduate level, as opposed to a lawyer's level. That's unusual for most books on the subject, and I think it makes this a must-buy for anyone interested in the subject.

In every era of this nation's history, there has been a small minority of wise and prescient thinkers who, unwilling to drift with the popular current, warn us of the forces threatening our basic freedoms. Labeled as agitators, often despised and feared in their own times, these are the people who take seriously the enlightened principles of the American Revolution. They said no to slavery when the rest of the nation was indifferent to it or saying yes; they protested child labor; they demanded the 8-hour day and the minimum wage; they said we must protect our air and water. Their passionate devotion to the ideals of democracy has chopped away at the greed and denial that grows in America like weeds if no one is watching. But whatever the issue, our nasty habit in this country is to ignore the voices of protest. Then we struggle and suffer and people get hurt, very hurt. Eventually the agitators of yesterday become the heroes of the new day. Why can't we learn to listen before the damage is done? This book is a compilation of essays that MUST be listened to. These people are telling us -- with passion, intelligence and good sense, and without greed or agendas and certainly without denial -- about the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties, about the crucial importance of the free trade of ideas, and the danger of popular intolerance of dissent. If we listen now we can prevent that moment for the historians of the future when they say, "How could they not have seen what was about to happen?" As Anthony Lewis says in his essay "Security and Liberty," "If we are to preserve constitutional values - the values of freedom -- understanding and resistance must come now." This book is a MUST READ for everyone who cares deeply about the direction of this nation.

Comprised of a series of scholarly essays on the gradual of secretive reneging of US civil liberties post-9/11, "War on Our Freedoms" is an important book for anyone living in the United States to read. Though some government opacity and reining in of rights is always needed in the wake of an event such as 9/11 or the war in Iraq, this book is a chilling reminder that there is a thin line that we seem to be crossing, unbeknownst to most Americans.

"Welcome to America" is a highly recommended book for anyone with an immigrant wife from any culture, although the Russian speakers tend to get the best benefit from it (at least I haven't found an edition for other ethnic cultures - but then again, I haven't really looked all that hard).. The topics covered are those that would be of interest to anyone from a foreign culture, particularly since the authors cover only what is here - and there is no mention of what is over there (overseas).

I am a natural born and raised American and my wife is a recent Ukrainian immigrant with a teenage daughter. I wish I had known about this book more than a couple of years ago when they came here from overseas. I am not considered fluent in Russian (or Ukrainian), so explaining how things work (such as credit cards) has sometimes been a long and complex process. Even when my wife had acknowledged that she understood me, seeing the results of her use of the knowledge at something explained was usually very interesting. Sometimes the results are very good - other times, I had to re-evaluate my explanation and try to clarify.

One day, my wife brought me a reference for this book by Mr. Vitaly Demin and Olga Demin Lambert. Our life has definitely changed since the day it arrived, for they have not put together this book on the fly while adjusting to America, it habits, characteristics, and institutions. They have obviously researched each topic they have covered to a fine detail - and it shows in the content and layout of the book.

I particularly like the way it is laid out with English on the left side and Russian on the right. If my wife wants to point out something to me, she can easily show me where it is or tell me what page, and I can take a look at the text myself. Things she likes to show me have to do with previous explanations, sometimes along with "Why didn't you tell me this..."

I won't go into detail regarding the content of the book since it is already mentioned in some of the other reviews on this site. I'll just add my two cents and say that they are comprehensive and correct. This book should be in every immigrant's (and their spouse's) household.

Welcome To America, English-Russian Version is an immense and in-depth guide especially for American immigrants. Each two-page spread presents English information on one side and the same information translated into Russian on the other. Among the many topics covered this comprehensive volume are taxes, insurance, buying and selling a home, obtaining employment, learning English, medical care, credit and credit cards, social welfare and retirement programs, and much more. An extensively thorough yet down-to-earth practical and easy-to-follow instructional, and an absolute "must-have" for anyone braving the challenge of a new culture, legal system and way of life.

This is a really useful book. Even after five years in America, I found plenty of new and interesting information. The author Vitaliy Demin, an engineer, was able to coherently present a lot of material on many different topics that is usually inaccessible to a general audience.

After reading this book, I found that the seemingly unrelated pieces of knowledge that I acquired from other sources now formed a coherent whole. I also have found information on many subjects that I thought were only covered in specialized literature. As we all know, specialized literature usually contains many unnecessary details and sometimes leaves the reader confused and disappointed. Insufficient knowledge of English can be another obstacle to understanding such literature. This book, however, covers many topics in a clear and concise manner, which enables readers to quickly learn about the subject they are interested in. Besides, the current book market does not satisfy the majority of immigrant needs. This book, on the other hand, contains answers to specific questions most immigrants have. In addition, the excellent synchronous English translation has given me the opportunity to take a fresh look at my English skills and to improve them significantly.

The only thing I regret is that this book had not been written five years ago when I first arrived in America. It would saved me so much time and frustration and would have kept me from making many unnecessary mistakes. I think this book is a unique encyclopedia for not just Russians, but for all immigrants.

Olga Sapp www.russianwomenmagazine.com

Although my family has lived in the United States since before the American Revolution, I have always been intrigued by the special problems of immigrants to this country. When the size of immigration was larger, many immigrant groups combined to create their own institutions to help new immigrants adapt. With legal immigration now quite limited, resources for new immigrants are scarcer while the complexity of modern life in the U.S. is greater than ever before.

To fill that void, you can rely on the fine work that Vitaliy Demin and his daughter, Olga Demin Lambert, have provided in this extensive and exhaustive volume. They write from direct experience of having come to the United States in 1993 from Russia.

They have been very successful here. Mr. Demin is the Hardware Engineering Manger for Intelligent Controls, Inc. He has been with the company since 1994. Ms. Lambert has a B.A. in French and Psychology from Bates College and an M.A. in Language and Linguistics from the University of New Hampshire. She is now working on a doctorate in Language and Linguistics at the Harvard Graduate School of Education

The format of the book provides a page of text in American English on the left hand page while the same text appears in Russian on the right facing page. Since I do not read Russian, I can only comment on the English section.

Although this book is designed to be most helpful to Russian immigrants, I would be astonished if it was not just as valuable to immigrants from other countries as long as they possess enough language skill to read the English version.

The book deals with the official and the unofficial equally well. I was especially impressed with the sections on learning English (in the context of my many years of service in English as a Second Language programs provided for immigrants), rental housing, car buying, employment, education, welfare and retirement programs and medical care. There's also good advice on cultural issues like the preference for people to bathe and change clothes daily, use deodorant, brush and floss teeth twice daily and so forth.

This book is so good that I found myself learning things I didn't know in the parts on rental housing and car buying.

The material is easy to follow, with many tables of abbreviations, definitions, measurements and sources.

The section on learning English could have become the basis of a personal memoir that would have quite good sales just for its human interest value. The personal example of Mr. Demin in that section was very moving to me and set a helpful tone for the whole book.

I also tested the material for accuracy, and found surprisingly few errors. The weakest section is on U.S. income taxation. The material won't get you into trouble, but it also doesn't give you as much advice as you need. For example, the book insists you have to file by April 15. But some years, the date is later. Also, if you pay the taxes you owe by April 15 (or the appropriate later date that year), extensions for filing the return for no penalty may be available until as late as October 15. People who read this book should consider getting help in this area from a low-cost tax preparer.

The material in the education section on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is dated. The test has been completely changed now, and you should get the latest information.

The book's biggest weakness is that the authors don't seem to be up-to-speed on the Internet as a way to deal with the issues they address. Although they reference the Internet frequently, many problems they describe here as requiring visits to see people (such as looking for housing, mortgage brokers and certain types of shopping) can actually be done faster and cheaper on the Internet. To supplement the book, find someone who uses the Internet frequently to help you learn how to find what you need on-line.

I feel guilty spending so much time on the book's weaknesses, for they are truly minuscule compared to the valuable information and the superb format. I compared the book to various omnibus resources on similar financial matters written by those for whom English is their native language and found this material to be more helpful and more accurate.

If you are a prospective immigrant, a new immigrant or an immigrant who is still having problems adjusting, this book is a must read for you.

If you know such a person, this book would make a thoughtful gift.

We all owe the authors a debt of gratitude for their excellent gift to immigrants!

As others have noted, this is a very complete guide to many of the complexities of dealing with life in America, not just from the standpoint of coming to America, but also for those of us who already live and work here - there is information on governmental offices and responsibilities, basic financial rights and obligations, education opportunities and resources, and much more.

According to author and publisher Vitaliy Demin, there are nearly a million legal immigrants to this country every year - America has long been the land most sought in immigration, and the beacon to peoples around the world for a better life economically and politically. As Demin states, this book, written by immigrants for immigrants, approaches the subject from the standpoint an immigrant (and those helping the immigrants) would most need; there are too many aspects of American life that those of us more acclimatised to the culture take for granted. A good example of this is highlighted in the sections that deal with numbers, time, money, shopping and holidays - these are so ingrained, that it is sometimes hard to realise that there are others who won't understand the meanings or customs readily.

I recall one friend arriving from Britain, whose culture and language are very similar, still having problems shopping - prices listed in Britain are after tax; prices listed in American shops are generally before tax. My friend would count out the money carefully to make sure he could afford the items, get to the cashier, and find he didn't have enough. Another friend from the then-Soviet Union was very perplexed at the number of choices for toothpaste - `I only wanted toothpaste!' she exclaimed, and instead was presented with an almost staggering array of marketing choices that Americans have learned to look past. Clothing sizes, shoe sizes and more are different in different countries.

This is a very practical guide, which includes everything from filing taxes to renting or purchasing a home to writing a resume - the one-page resume on page 330/331 would serve as a good model for anyone. Information on opening banking and other accounts is worthwhile for any reader, immigrant or `home-grown' person. The instructions are clear and useful, designed for applicability as well as comprehension.

The authors Vitaliy Demin and Olga Demin Lambert represent a family who went through the immigration and adjustment periods first-hand. When they arrived in America, they spoke no English, and thus had to learn to get by not only as foreigners, but as non-English speaking foreigners in a land that is not noted for being `user-friendly' toward those who do not speak English.

The book is written in Russian and in English on facing pages (note: those English speakers who want to expand or brush up on their Russian, or Russian speakers who want to do the same with their English, can use this text as a way of working with very practical words, sentence constructions and topics). While this book is written with the Russian immigrant in mind (evidenced by both the authors and the second language present), it in fact presents information that any immigrant would find useful and helpful. There is undoubtedly a market for dual-language or multi-language editions of this book.

Like many books of this sort, there are some pieces of information that go out-of-date quickly; perhaps a future edition of this book would come with a website for updates? The bulk of the advice, however, is sound and useful, and not likely to be outmoded any time soon.

The fact that this gigantic project made it onto the bookshelves at last is testament to Rob and Dean, and all who helped them at College Tree Publishing. Praise to these two men.


Oh, and by the way. To all the "Bush-bashers" in this book.

"DUBYA" stands for *W*inner.

53 million strong my friends.

It's great to see young voters being able to express their opinions in this type of forum. Great book!

An amazing read on the current generation. This book was written by hundreds of college students across the nation regarding the politics of the nation.

These remarkable editors have given a varied, non-partisan voice to 34,000,000 voters. The 18-24 year old may elect the next president and yet this is the first collective voice available for them. Contratulations! The collection is articulate, lively, unpredictable, filled with insight, caring and as Rob Grabow said in the introduction, the "next great generation." The introductions alone were worth the price, but the varied authors create an unforgettable picture of the hopeful future of America. I highly recommend the book. It will be a classic in its own right.

When I was first approached for this project, I was excited but a little hesitant. Because it is so easy to take young people's voices for granted in this society (by all political parties) the idea of contributing to a nationally published anthology was sureal.

Despite my own stellar political record (past and present) I had honestly wondered if I would be taken seriously after this book was published. I also wondered if there were enough of us in the world to make a difference.

My piece is on disability issues and Democratic politics. Because I am a person with a disability I had to become involved in politics---and at an early age. Challenging personal experiences subsequently gave me a greater empathy for other social justice struggles. We are all connected to each other.

Whatever your own politics, you will find a kindered spirit in this collection. The editors (a Republican and Democrat) took great pains to select interesting contributions from a wide variety of sources. Because just tapping people who matched their own politics would have been an easier task, they also deserve kudos for this project.

Thank you Eileen for this wonderful book. The expressions were very vivid and eye-opening and the photos captured the essence of the expressions given. Keep the spirit flowing dear sister.

Based on a deliciously simple concept, Ms. Williams Sabry's "Wishes in Black & White" serves as a compelling repository of real human insight. This thought-provoking gem makes a wonderfully appropriate gift for any and all driven to promote unity in our world today.

Two words that describe both the author and her extraordinary book. I had the privilege of meeting Eileen two years ago while she was working on Wishes in Black & White. Eileen's determination to understand race relations in this country and to help each of us understand those thoughts and feelings are aptly conveyed in this book. This is one of the most important books you will ever read! Thank you, Eileen, for being a stakeholder in the well being of America.

Based on a deliciously simple concept, Ms. Williams Sabry's "Wishes in Black & White" serves as a compelling repository of real human insight. This thought-provoking gem makes a wonderfully appropriate gift for any and all driven to promote unity in our world today.

Avoiding the extreme views that tend to exacerbate racial problems in the U.S., Ms. Williams Sabry has gone to the middle with her question about what it would take to end racism. The respondents views and thoughts show that the gap CAN be bridged and even hints at how it can be done. The photograpy is absolutely masterful in bringing out the character and humanity of each individual.

The author is to be congratulated on both the idea and its implementation in the pages of this book.

A quick read and packed with great ideas and new ways of thinking about transitions in your life.

The author combines research, resources and information with real life stories to make a comprehensive guide to transition. It's written in a very reader-friendly tone. I've worked with people in transition for several years and have not seen a work that was so all-encompassing. Perfect for women in transition because it addresses all the issues we balance in the process of our daily lives. Highly recommend this book to any growth-oriented woman.

The most inspiring part of this book is its wonderful real-life case studies of other women in transition. These studies really augment the how-to steps that Sandy Anderson offers in the text. My favorite: 36-year old University Lecturer and Researcher. She declared bankruptcy to pursue her life's work to teach in a university setting part-time. Unbelievable and ever-so inspiring.

--Kimberly Stansell, author Bootstrapper's Success Secrets: 151 Tactics for Building Your Business on a Shoestring Budget (Career Press)

Dr. Anderson has written an incredibly thorough book to help women through all aspects of career and life transitions. Her research and attention to every detail make this a powerful, practical and easy-to-use tool. The exercises create an interactive environment for optimum learning. The stories of women going through transition help bring the information alive. The resources encourage women to reach out for more support. Most any woman at any stage of her life can find something valuable in this book. Since most women change careers more than seven times over their lives and go through at least one life change per year, every woman should read this book.

As a person who has had careers in human resources and business management, I found this book to be informative and practical. As a woman in career and life transition myself, I found this book to be a necessity. The author presents an abundant amount of information that every woman in career transition will find useful. The anecdotes interspersed throughout the book make the book enjoyable and easy-to-read.

Written by E. LeRoux:

A new territory of extraterrestrials is explored by Maximillien de Lafayette. A new arena in the history of extraterrestrials never opened before to the public: Phoenicia. According to the author Phoenicia was the first landing spot of the Anunnaki and not Sumer. And he has plenty of evidence and data to proove his claims. I found his theories and claims to be accurate. The time has come to consider extraterrestrials as a serious subject. We have read enough silly stories about trips to the end of the galaxies, people from everywhere in the United States who claimed to have visited Orion and Marion and Flarion...we heard enough about channelers who receive privileged messages from supreme extraterrestrial beings from the Pleiades! This is nonsense. Lafayette is a serious author and a distinguished scholar. He approaches the subject with authority and perfect knowledge of history and humanity civilizations. Henceforth his books on extraterrestrials bear fruits and offer us material to be seriously studied. This book is serious. It is a historical study of the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations, outlined year by year and century by century. Lafayette brings legitimacy to UFOs, Ufology, the exploraion of multiple dimensions, you name it. In this book, you will read about the Pheonicians who are considered as the first descendants and remnants of the Anunnaki. The author offers lots of documentation, facts, data and evidence, and very academically link them to their first landing on earth. He has visted Phoenician sites in Carthage, Lebanon, Syria, Crete, etc and came up with an analytical and a historical map of their interaction with the Phoenicians and how they created the maps of the skies and oceans. Honestly, this is the most serious book on these subjects I have ever read. In summary, I would say this is the most convincing, academic, historic and informative publication ever produced. My ultimate admiration goes to Mr. de Lafayette.

My wife told me: Ben, stop spending money on UFOs books! You bought enough already!! She is right, but I could not afford to miss this book, no way!!It has everything I was looking for. Lafayette fascinates me. His books infuriate some guys for some reasons. It's their problem. I enjoy reading serious books that teach me something of substance and depth, and make me reflect on issues that deserve serious consideration. This book is a major accomplishment and indeed, it made me explore all the possibilities that were restrained by the frontiers of a limited mind. I highly recommend this book, because it is well researched, admirably written and quite different from the rest of the pack. Yep! Five stars all the way! Thank you Lafayette, Thank you, sir!

A global and complete book on all the events that shaped and fashioned the world of extraterrestrials for 460,000 years! Amazing work. This is the book that established Mr. MAXIMILLIEN DE LAFAYETTE as the world's foremost historian of extraterrestrial civilizations and their involvement with our ancestors and contemporary leading figures on the international political and scientific scenes. The books contains the complete chronicles of all the stages, events, developments and ramifications of extraterrestrials and implications on the human race. Highly recommended for both the student and the professional.

DE LAFAYETTE'S BOOK BRINGS PRESTIGE AND CREDIBILITY TO UFO LITERATURE



Without the writings of Zecharia Sitchin and Maximillien de Lafayette, the history of UFOs would be reduced to a black hole sucking up every single flying saucer. I mean UFOs and ufology would have stayed either science fiction or mythology tales, and without any reason to be considered as a serious domain. Thanks to these two great scholars, historians and writers, UFO literature can claim now high respectability. This new book of De Lafayette is breathtaking and really really really is the BEST book ever written about the history and origin of extraterrestrials, their heritage and the human race history vis-à-vis the extraterrestrial civilizations.__________ I did not know how important ufology was until I read this book. _______And de Lafayette documents major UFOs and extraterrestrial incidents and events for the past 460,000 years in their original surrounding, year by year, sometimes month by month. Certainly Mr. De Lafayette's amazing linguistic knowledge of 12 languages and expertise in Semitic and ancient Middle East civilizations brought lots of prestige and credibility to this book. For instance, when he describes an event or a theory, De Lafayette takes us back in history -to thousands of years way back -- and uses the same original language used by the people and extraterrestrials who lived back then and were part of the UFOs' event. Many references to aliens and UFOs were written or expressed in Anunnaki language, Sumerian language, Phoenician language, Arabic, Aramaic, Hebrew...overwhelming. In this book De Lafayette offers you the widest super Cinerama view of the total history of these phenomena.



If you are a serious ufologist or fond of UFOs and you want something really serious and informative about the UFOs subject, then this is the book you should read, as simple as that.

Maximillien de Lafayette astonishes me and his overwhelming culture and education are clear in his writings. But this book: 460,000 Years of UFO-Extraterrestrials Biggest Events and Secrets from Phoenicia to The White House: From Nibiru, Zetas, Anunnaki, Sumer To Eisenhower, MJ12, CIA, Military Abductees, Mind Control, is his best work. Once you read it you will realize what you have been missing...the real thing!

I was delighted to find and read Prof. de Lafayette's most recent book. I think this is his 17th book on UFO and extraterrestrials. Delighted because Mr. de Lafayette's is the world's first historian and scholar to attract the interest and attention of the UFO world community toward the Phoenicians who were the FIRST RACE to be in contact with the Anunnaki. A most revealing and pioneering work. This book will have an enormous impact on history, Ufology, anthropology and religion. Everybody must read it, not only ufologists but the whole world. Highly, very highly recommended.

Great little book! My friend orders it from Amazon.com for us and we share it to go to shows. Cannot wait until the spring to spring Issue 2003 to 2004. We count on that great little Craft Show Guide to tell us what's coming up! Dave

I am a Craftsman.
I love this Craft Show Information Book. It is a little GEM!
It leads me to the newest shows. It gives me information I am looking for. I have found some of the greatest shows I had never even heard of before. It should be right up front on Amazon.com for someone is looking for craft show information. It was hard to find on Amazon.[com] but suddenly it popped up and there it was.
I don't like the huge books that take you all over the country. I am not looking for that. I show in a six state area and The Craft & Art Show Calendar gives me all I need.
This truely is the most beneficial Craft Guide that I know of and need. It is easy to follow. Definitely a great craftmen's tool as well as a unique information book for the public to have! GO FOR IT! Dave

This Book is GOLD! It takes me to all the shows I want to visit. It is the Best! I would call it 'THE HOTTEST LITTLE BOOK IN TOWN'
I really would be lost without it. How did I ever find the shows before this great little book was published???
The local paper reviewed it. It is easy to follow; has great descriptions; covers a good variety; I can find shows in here I never knew existed; AND I find the shows in this book that I love and KNOW when they are coming up. I can really plan ahead!

Everyone I know owns one. If you love going to craft shows this is the book to have!!! Nancy, the greatest Craft Show Goer! It covers 9 states. That's enough for me!

It was a great guide to find out all of the shows and art galleries. I had my calendar in hand for all of the shows..

Many subscribers to 'The Craft & Art Show Calendar' call , e-mail and send letters, thanking me for putting this "great little book" together. Some of the comments include "great little book", " my Bible to the shows", "how did I ever live without it", "such a handy and informative little guide", "so easy to follow", "so nice and small to carry around and fits in my pocketbook", "it helps me to find shows to participate in that I never knew were out there" and more comments, too many to mention. Small to begin with 10 years ago, it has grown and grown every year and keeps on growing. Please enjoy using The Craft & Art Show Calendar to find new shows to visit, to know when your favorite shows are coming up and for the artist and craftsmen, discover new shows to exhibit in to sell your work.

Berkman, in a style reminiscent of Socrates in Plato's Dialogues, delivers an outstanding introduction to Anarchism. His work forms a succession of arguments against capitalism and for anarchism which build, one upon another, into devastating condemnation of the former and a convincing call for the latter. "The ABC of Anarchism" is written for the common man. It is a primer intended specifically for those for whom anarchism is a foreign concept. Nevertheless, old anarchists will enjoy this work as much as those new to anarchism. It is well written and, for the most part, logically solid. If I were to recommend one and only one introduction to anarchism, Berkman's present work would be my choice.

I found this book to be a clear exposition of the main tenets of libertarian socialism. The theory outlined is particularly strong in its critical elements, which comprise the first and second parts of the book. The firsts and second parts of the book deal with Berkman's critique of industrial capitalism, and provide a framework for understanding the motives behind political discourse in such a system. The framework is familiar, for those who have read Marx or Bakunin.

The book is somewhat weaker in its attempt at outlining a thorough-going positive theory of society organized under workers' councils, absent a legal framework for dispute resolution and protection of rights. Instead of a positive theory of law, Berkman interposes a, frankly, underdeveloped and, at times, naive theory that sees all disputes in a modern industrial society as the product of the distortions of human nature that naturally result in capitalist systems.

Berkman seems to believe that no similar disputes would exist in a society that is more humanely and rationally organized. However, he fails to outline what new problems might arise in an council-socialist system, and how those problems might be handled in this radically different type of society. Although such a theory may exist, Berkman fails to provide it. He also fails to provide convincing reasons why those rights we intuitively understand as "basic human rights," would be upheld in the face of, and in opposition to, the interest of the workers' councils. I was left with reservations, also, regarding the efficiency of the type of council socialism that Berkman supports.

This is, however, an excellent introduction to libertarian socialism. The questions it raises are ones that we would all do well to wrangle with, whether or not we subscribe to the underlying theory. What is more, any purely capitalist theory, it seems to me, must acknowledge, and ultimately answer, Berkman's timeles criticique.

anyone interested in social revolution should read this book. the wisdom presented here is beautiful and simple. it represents my deepest hope for humanity. let us realize that while we struggle for a free society, we begin to lose our chains as soon as we stand up. it is the act of defiance, of rebellion, which transforms us from victims into human beings. there is no meaningful struggle for social change which does not involve that exquisite moment of tense confrontation with authority. if you want to change society, you must stop obeying, and if you are only fighting for someone else's freedom, you are blind to the walls around you. peace.

One of my very favorite books. It is very easy to understand, and the described philosophie is great. No question is unanswered. READ THIS BOOK!!! *****

This is the book that transformed me into a communist anarchist. It led me to other, more complex readings, etc. Berkman is one of the most inspired men to ever live, he tried to kill Henry Clay Fricke (which broke the resistance to the workers' demands). He spent 14 years in prison for that. He was deported from many countries, sentenced to death in some. This book tears the curtain away from your face which covers your view of the authoritative nature of capitalism and state communism.

Communist Anarchism is freedom
Anything else is just slavery.

This is an excellent guide to Afghanistan. Both for the expert and the newcomer. Given the current security situation in Afghanistan, I would recommend the Essential Field Guide as a must to all US and Coalition soldiers and peacekeepers. It could save their lives and US policy.

The guide provides exactly the sort of quick understanding with excellent overviews and infobriefs on culture, economies, health, environment, ethnic groups etc. that would prove more than useful through a more thorough understanding of this country and its people. Edward Girardet, who has written for the Christian Science Monitor and National Geographic, is also one of the top experts on the country since first reporting it at the beginning of the Soviet invasion. Apart from its information, the guide is simply a joy - and incredibly interesting - to read. Anyone serious about Afghanistan - aid worker, journalist, diplomat, academic, traveller, human rights advocate...should have a copy if not in their pocket then certainly on their bookshelves. Political science and journalism students should also study this as a must. It beats most other books on Afghanistan. Girardet and Walter and the Crosslines publishers should definitely do other books on humanitarian and conflict zones elsewhere. If they can do the same for Africa or the Middle East as they have with Afghanistan, they are doing an incredible service to all concerned.

CROSSLINES ESSENTIAL FIELD GUIDE TO AFGHANISTAN

Published by CROSSLINES Global Report and Media Action International (formerly the International Centre for Humanitarian Reporting-ICHR)

The Crosslines Essential Field Guide to AFGHANISTAN Is the only detailed guidebook dealing with the current situation of the country available in English. Although certain elements in the book have been overtaken by recent events, the field guide is still essential reading for all journalists, aid workers, diplomats and military personnel operating in the region or otherwise interested in Afghanistan. Journalists and relief workers from the BBC, TIME, UNHCR, UNICEF and other media or aid groups have already informed us that the Essential Guide to AFGHANISTAN is the best thing going for quick and informed background information.

The book features over 500 pages of political, humanitarian and military analysis, biographies of key Taliban and opposition players, essential information briefs on agriculture, medical relief, environment, culture etc. as well as all regions of the country, street maps, advice on health and security, phrasebooks in Persian and Pashto, contact details for diplomats, aid agencies and journalists. Specially commissioned essays written leading experts analyse the country's political, military, humanitarian, and cultural situation. All country data was collated through first hand field research the editors.

The editors are Edward Girardet (a journalist and former correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor; also author of Afghanistan - the Soviet War) and Jonathan Walter (a former officer with the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas, and editor of the World Disasters Report)

The new (2005)edition of this guide brings the story up to 2004 and contains ample documentation regarding the struggling new democracy of Afghanistan. The writing is rich in colorful, touching, scary, revealing details that tend to get filtered out of official and semi-official reports. I found the discussions of deforestation, landmines, and security particularly helpful. Written from a European perspective, the book provides many useful suggestions for travel in Afghanistan that usefully complement advice from American sources.

This book was made for the use of relief workers working in Afghanistan. Aid for Aid participated in helping provide the maps for this book .

Crosslines Essential Field Guide to Afghanistan tells the full story about Afghanistan in a way I can't find in any other book. Whether it's politics, culture or humanitarian information you're after - it's all in there. I never realised how big those Buddhas were that the Taliban blew up until I saw a picture in this book! If you want to understand more about the country at the centre of world news, this is the book to buy!