Events Books

I have yet to use this product in my ministry but from reviewing the contents, I am elated to use the material. It takes away the guess work in "out of the box" program planning. Yet another great product from Group Publishing.

This is a year's worth of work in one easy to follow book. Every detail is taken care of to allow us to just have a fun & enjoyable ministry eperience.

As soon as I showed this book to our women's group, they said, "Now you're talking!!!!" Shopping, Gardening, a Cruise, food and holidays...can you think of anything more fun when you get a bunch of girlfriends together? This book is awesome at organizing and laying out all of the details for putting on "Wow" events in an easy to plan way...I can't imagine any women not wanting to be a part of this fun!!!

This will continue to be such a valuable resource to our ministry as we plan and prepare for the upcoming year. The book makes it so easy for a leader to delegate and prepare for an awesome event that will minister to many women and bring glory to God.

This book inlcudes complete plans for 5 ladies events - one specifically designed for each season plus an extra 'anytime' event. If you want to pull off an amazing ladies event at your church, in your community, etc. you need this book! Each chapter FULLY details what you need to do and all you have to do is follow the plan. For each event you are shown who needs to do what on your event team, given a timeline beginning 8 weeks before your event, given ideas for promoting and gathering supplies. There are easy to do interactive activities, devotions and a powerful closing to wrap up you half-full day event. The CD contains invitations, table talk tents, a hostess invitation, music plus all printed materials needed for the activities. All you do is add your event information and print! We can't wait to do the Chistmas "Winter Wonderland" event! Christmas cooking, Christmas topiary creations and an interactive Christmas devotion - now that is a WOW women's event!!!

This is a must read for all people. Each story is a personal glimpse, on an intimate level with the struggle to survive in a racist society. Some stories made me laugh out loud and some brought tears to my eyes. I am one of the authors. I had no idea how many others had felt my pain. Wish I could purchase a book for everybody I know.

Each essay spoke right to me. Some whispered and others shouted, but I knew exactly where the sound was coming from. Mind you, those hurts and slights may have happened quite awhile ago, but the memories seemed to have shaped (and are shaping) some extraordinary individuals. Will be giving this book to many people and genuinely hoarding my first edition copy.

Arline Lorraine Piper, author of the award-winning story, "The Question," in CHILDREN OF THE DREAM, captures the essence of the anthology in her extremely modest description of herself. "If I am at all extraordinary," she says, "it is in my willingness to expose my truth to myself, so that my truth can also be accessible to you. But this effort on my part to be ruthlessly honest with myself will only have full significance for you if it empowers you to the same honesty with yourself...." Welcome to the victors' tales, stories not merely of survival and overcoming, but of ultimately prevailing. With enormous range, across class, color, gender, age, lifestyles and experience, the stories in ruthless, honest remembering. For a nation suffering from collective amnesia where race is concerned, CHILDREN OF THE DREAM is a powerful cure. Sometimes funny, sometimes painful, sometimes subtle, sometimes in-your-face, each vignette is its own reminder of exactly how things on the race front got to be the way they are. This is a dialogue on race, voiced by people on the street, telling it the way it always has been and, regrettably, still is. CHILDREN OF THE DREAM is one more piece of evidence contradicting the popular, simplistic notion that there is one authentic Black experience. For instance, even though it happens to be my own story, not all African Americans grew up in single parent homes in the ghetto struggling to make ends meet. Dawn Bennett-Alexander's "(R)Evolution of Black and White" humorously, yet compellingly, makes just this point and Staajabu's "255 Sycamore Street" and Robert E. Penn's "War" go on to reinforce it. CHILDREN OF THE DREAM is a book for the entire family. Any young adult, for instance, can relate to the two 19-year old Bennett-Alexander sisters who share their experiences from markedly different perspectives in "The Black Experience" and "Betrayal in Black and White." When their baby sister, 9-year old Tess Alexandra, weighs in with her clear-eyed essay, "'Mixed' Emotions," even the youngest school-age child can hear and understand her voice. And as if that weren't enough, I dare you to remain unmoved after reading Antoine P. Reddick's brave but heartbreaking "All the Black Children" and then flip to Toure's "Blackmanwalkin," a young man's joyful tribute to his father. Finally, for those who think virulent racism is a thing of times past, apartheid lives well and prospers next door, on the bus, in school. Laurel Holliday has done something quite extraordinary. Once again, in this her last in the "Children of Conflict" series, she has stepped back and made it possible for readers to hear, without filters, the enormously varied voices of ordinary people speaking as the experts they are on growing up, in this instance, Black in America. CHILDREN OF THE DREAM offers readers the gift of entering the 21st century less ignorant, less divided, less mean-spirited, less smug, more generous, more hopeful, more sensitive, more empowered to face the clear and still present truth about racism's destruction. Make no mistake though. As one of the contributors to the anthology, I assure you that we do not point fingers, seek sympathy, or even threaten retribution. Rather, we have laid open pieces of our lives so you can see how we are all shaped, for good and bad, by the same forces. As with all gifts, you may take these or leave them. But for the wise ones, who desire a new, empowered, awakened way of racial being, the choice will be perfectly obvious

As a reader from outside America, this book was a revelation about a society which has so much to offer the world and yet often sells its own citizens short. Anyone, black or white who has ever experienced racism anywhere in the world will recognise themselves in these stories. It would be invidious to name specific writers from the collection, there is not a bad story in it which is to the credit of all the contributors but also to the work of Laurel Holliday who has brought yet another fine collection of stories by ordinary people to the reading public. What makes this collection exceptional is that it deals not only with racism by whites oppressing blacks, but the equally significant evil of blacks who seek to denigrate their brothers and sisters for 'not being black enough'. This is something which is recognisable to all who live in areas of racial or sectarian conflict. I wish that this book could be made compulsory reading for every school child, along with previous Laurel Holliday collections dealing with Palestine/Israel, Ireland and the victims of WW2 and the Holocaust. Read this book, it really will change the way you think!

Children Of The Dream A review by Gunter David Ft. Washington, PA

In the age of the status quo between black and white in American, when the races have social contact mainly at work, rarely at home, Children Of The Dream: Our Own Stories Of Growing Up Black In America makes a vital contribution. For how are we to know about each other, except by reading of inner thoughts and feelings, since most of us don't openly talk to each other?

This book is filled with memoirs of Afro-Americans struggling to come to terms with the color of their skin in a white world. But unlike other books having covered the same terrain, this volume describes the experiences of children, as told by adults looking back. The hurts, the wounds, but also the hopes and triumphs are recounted in the first person. They make for deeply personal stories, both revealing and informative.

Among the most moving is the very first in the book, "The Question" - a recollection by Arline Lorraine Piper of how her grandmother fed hungry white men during the Depression, when her own family had little to spare. "Sticks And Stones And Words And Bones" by Amitiyah Elayne Hyman, tells of relationships with white neighbors. There is sadness and a sense of loss in "My First Friend (My Blond-Haired, Blue-Eyed Linda)" by Marion Coleman Brown, on the theme of how children are taught to hate. And then there is "White Friends" by Bernestine Singley, a bitter indictment of both black and white social values.

The book is the latest in editor Laurel Holliday's "The Children Of The Conflict" series. Her introductions of each story beautifully set the scene. The pictures of the authors as children provide an illuminating touch.

For an academic book, "China's Leaders" is very readable; this non-academic enjoyed it on a long plane ride and left the jet feeling like some long-standing questions about China had been answered. It's one of those super-well-organized books so it's easy to skip around and find the stuff you dig: broad-based surveys, focused case studies, whatever.

AND at this point the book is recent enough to be relevant but old enough for Cheng Li to have made some predictions (note: very guarded academic predictions, of course) that have actually been borne out in the several years since publication. That, and his tone and scope, give the whole book a cagey credibility that's refreshing, especially with so many other authors running around making! crazy! predictions! about the next superpower.

Cheng Li does an outstanding job of uncovering the relationships that propel many of China's leaders. Excellent piece of scholarship and the best book I have run across dealing with elite Chinese politics. This is a must read for any person interested in China.

I just finished reading this book, and it is truly a first rate piece of China scholarship. It is a must read book for anyone trying to understand the leadership transition currently underway in Beijing. The book is very well written, and very readable. It also is clearly based upon first rate research and analysis. The entire new generation of leadership is discussed, plus more in depth discussions of Hu Jintao, Zeng Qinghong, and Wen Jiabao. Any journalist wanting to understand Chinese politics needs to read this book.

Taking the old "kremlinology" approach to figuring out Chinese politics, this book organizes each leader's factional affiliation by education, geographic location (the "Shanghai clique", etc.) and others. This approach has always been usable only as a general guide to leadership behavior, but it's all we've got. This book does it as well as any other, but a reader should know that it's not written in a narrative style, but rather in a reference format. Highly useful.

Cheng Li has written a first-rate book on the next generation of Chinese leaders: what backgrounds they are likely to have, where they went to school, what types of qualifications they are likely to have, etc. etc. While much of the first half of the book is a rather dry academic look at educational backgrounds and statistical analysis thereof, the real meat of the book is the chapter on the key roles of mishu or secretary (chief-of-staff is a better translation) and taizi or cadre kids. It is here that Li is able to really shed some light on the nature of the Chinese style of leadership grooming and promition. Drawing on CHinese language sources increasingly available from publishing houses such as mirrorbooks.com in Hong Kong, Li does a superb job of looking closesly at the careers of Zeng Qinghong and Wen Jiabao, two leaders likely to advance at the next Party Congress in 2002. Extensive use of data tables on so-called 4th generation leaders makes the book very data rich...a must read for those wanting to analyze China's leadership in the run up to the major changes likely at the next Party Congres....

The following is an excerpt from John D. Roth's "Choosing Against War, A Christian View":

"...the crucifixion, as all Christians know, is only part of the Easter story. The dramatic climax of the gospel narrative is actually not Christ's death on Good Friday--after all, countless other good people have died cruel deaths. Rather, the main point of the Passion Story, the axis around which the whole gospel turns, is Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday. When, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day--just as he told his disciples he would--God announced to the world that the powers of evil and violence do not have the final word. The resurrection was the vindication of God's ultimate triumph of love over the forces of violence."

Roth makes a -solid- approach that is hard to ignore.

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK if you believe that the Bible stops at "an eye for an eye".
If you are willing to be challenged by the way of the cross, this book will give you a powerful challenge and inspire you to further growth, both on a personal level as well as on a social and a political level.
The book bases itself on the Bible, particularly on the words and the life of Jesus, with helpful examples of real life applications of the gospel through the ages.
"The resurrection was the vindication of God's ultimate triumph of love over the forces of violence. It guarantees to all those who follow in the humble way of Christ, that in the end -against all odds and contrary to the logic of human reason- Shalom will indeed prevail."
The book is well written and easy to read and would be a good start for any congregation to look at its own position toward the use of force and violence.
The reader from Canada who wrote the one star review above must not have read the book. John Roth does refer specifically to the Old Testament. " The Old Testament story offers a series of powerful hints regarding God's desire to reconcile humans to each other and Himself. But the fullness of God's revelation to humanity is to be found in Christ and the message of the NT gospel. This may seem like an obvious point for most Christians, but it is especially relevant for those who see in the violence of the OT a justification for Christians to participate in war today."

This book does to Christian Nonresistance what Stephen Hawkings does to cosmology. It's an easy read laying out important Christian priciples and practical applications. It is a highly challenging topic that I resisted at first, but after reading through my Bible and other authors, I know it's true. This other "review" by someone who hasn't read the book should be ignored, they really ought to read the book themselves, it answers their questions. They make it sound that since some people aren't peacful, we ought not to be either. That contradict's Jesus's teachings. "Blessed are the peacemakers, they are the children of God." This book really is a must read, if you disagree or not. Too many are opposed to pacifism who haven't an understanding of what it really is.

John Roth has written a theologically sophisticated and yet wonderfully readable book about pacifism as a Christian response to war. While John Howard Yoder is probably the most powerful advocate of the pacifist position, his books are not always accessible to the ordinary reader. Roth, on the other hand, has written a book that should be studied by every Sunday School class in America. He invites us to consider an option many of us have ignored.

This book balances careful theological thought, effective stories and illustrations, a historic survey, and questions of practical application. Roth works hard to support pacifism while rejecting the elitism that often colors many anti-war manifestos. He faces head on the difficult question of how to be a Christian and a citizen. While his position is well articluated, he acknowledges other views without ridiculing them.

My hope, in this time of war and rumors of war, is that many will discover this fine book and share it with their friends.

I used Roth's book for a class on Biblical Pacifism at a Church of the Brethren. All members of historic peace churches (Mennonite/Church of the Brethren/Quaker) will find this book a welcome addition to their understanding of the biblical mandate for peace and justice. For others, the book offers a fresh and careful look at a minority view within the Christian tradition today. Roth (who has his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago and is an historian at Goshen College, in Indiana) takes great pastoral concern in the six chapter book, and prefaces what is perhaps the boldest chapter (5--dealing w/ the problems of Christian citizenship) with a chapter on pacifist humility. While this is a simple introduction, it does not shy away from serious themes, as so often can occur in a "primer" that is intended for a broad audience. Roth discusses the idea of worldview at length, and in doing so, some informative insights about the Enlightenment, Nietzche, Modernity, Post Modernity, and American Religious History take place. In "Choosing Against War," Roth is able to reach that broad audience he intended (pacifist, just war theorist, pastor, student, and beyond), without avoiding complex issues and questions. Roth's book is worth owning--for its great prose, simple set-up, and vigorous discussion of not-so-simple subjects.

The first thing I have to say about the book is a critique of the actual book itself. I have never read a book so full of mistakes in my life! It gave me the impression that getting it to print was more important than quality assurance. I mention it because it was to the point of real annoyance. About the message of the book. It very clearly states the fact that we must maintain our Christian witness throughout our Y2K preparations as well as how we act should there be an emergency after January 1, 2000. There is some very good spiritual insight in this book. One very important thing mentioned, is that the witness and testimony of Christ to a needy world in Y2K crisis should be in the hands of born-again believers and not cult members. However, it was a tough read at the beginning. For example, after listing things that weren't going to happen with Y2K (such as: "We will NOT have a nuclear meltdown", among others), the authors state "We just do not believe these sorts of major catastrophes are going to happen." That's not good enough reason for me to breathe a sign of relief! But if you can get through the beginning of the book, the rest of the book is well worth it. They take a middle of the road stance on possible scenarios, and I find that I am even more conservative than they are. It is a very sound book theologically. The focal point is that we should be prepared spiritually first and foremost, and then physically for Y2K (Matthew 16:26). I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to be spiritually prepared, as well as physically prepared for Y2K.

I found "The Christian's Y2K Preparedness Handbook" to be a wonderful, and sane approach to dealing with all the issues that have been related to Y2K. The writers take a reasoned, thoughtful look at all aspects of life, and offer sound advice for dealing with investments, family, community and the church. They offer clear challenges we can all relate too...'being prepared' for everything from food shortages to opportunities to express and enhance your faith. This book should be read by everyone, Christian or not, who is concerned about the Y2K problems and especially if you are uncertain about the actions you should be taking to protect your family.

I loved the first part of the book that dealt with the possible scenarios. I finally understand what really has caused this problem, and what is likely to happen on January 1. I also really liked the down to earth way that the authors present the facts- their style is easy to read. They take a very loving and practical approach to how Christians should react to all of this, and how they should minister to their neighbors. My wife liked the middle part of the book with all of the really practical advice on preparing for possible shortages. She says that these are all things we can actually do! We are going to start preparing now. We loved the book!

I have read much on the Y2k situation and have been most impressed with "The Christian's Y2k Preparedness Handbook". Understandably, being copyrighted in 1999 would make it as up todate as possible,but more than that is the way the material is presented. It shows Godly wisdom on this matter, not just hype. It gives different scenario's of what may happen and why, and goes into what a person should do about it for the Glory of God. I just got my copy 2 days ago and wanted to order a copy for my brother-in-law and his family as they also are looking for God's hand in all things and how to serve him.

I make my living as a computer consultant and have worked with computers for the last 20 years. I find that most people do not understand what all the Y2K fuss is about. This book is written from a viewpoint that only someone with experience in the computer field would have. It was not written by a writer looking to make a quick buck on the Y2K paranoia. The book gives the worst case, best case and in between possibilities and the reasons they may or may not come to be. This allows the readers to decide for themselves how extensively they want to prepare for Y2K. Information in this book is presented from the Christian viewpoint, but is of the value to all people interested in preparing properly for Y2K. I highly suggest you buy a copy and decide for yourself what level of preparedness you want to be at when you know the facts.

This is a fascinating little book that outlines truly realistic ways to handle yourself in unspeakably frightening and intense situations. The authors do a great job of tailoring their advice for average people--their point is that you do NOT have to be a black belt in karate, soldier, or police officer to protect yourself in a hijacking, suicide bombing, or other typical forms of modern terrorism. An eye-opening and valuable book for average American citizens who might someday find themselves in the midst of a terrorist incident and who want to learn about various ways to respond to save themselves and others.

This book is rather short, a mere 128 pages, yet insightful and well-written. Learn realistic methods to identify and subdue suicide bombers before they can carry out their deadly missions, escape from and/or disarm gun or knife-wielding attackers, recognize and respond to homicidal drivers, and react properly to hostage situations. This is hard-hitting and much needed information in today's dangerous world, useful for martial artists, law enforcement officers, security professionals, and every day civilians alike. The Madrid train bombings on 03/11/04 and the London subway/bus bombings on 07/07/05 are graphic reminders that this information is relevant and sorely needed. The author is a retired Israeli counterterrorism expert who founded a security training firm. You can't learn all his secrets from this short book but it's a great place to start.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

After having spent 15 years in Security and 20 years in Defensive Tactics training and teaching I was so blown away by the effectiveness and simplicity of the techniques, tactics and concepts of survival that I arranged for Itay to come to Australia and train Military, Law Enforcement and Civillians in a number of courses. At the end of the courses I was amazed at how much progress I and all the others had made.Itay Gils book is something for every thinking Citizen, Law Officer or Military person who may have to confront extreme violence in their day to day existence. After September 11th, Bali and Madrid it only high lites how valuble this infomation is.

This book is an investment in your safety.

Finally, a book that equips the Average Joe with the means to fight off 9/11-style terrorism -- but without building up false expectations of what an individual can do in the face of the biggest threat of our times. I found Itay Gil's no-nonsense and pragmatic teachings most refreshing. He advises safe precautions to limit risk as well as last-ditch, all-out lethal confrontations. The techniques he teaches, once practiced at home, are novel, but amazingly simple and effective. The Citizen's Guide should be standard for the self-defense bookshelf. Anyone know if Gil is planning a sequel, perhaps with more detailed tactics from his SWAT days?

In a world where freedoms are being stretched to their extreme; a world in which the word "innocent" is becoming synonymous with "victim", here is a book that re-addresses the balance in favour of you and me - the good peace-loving citizen.

I found the book a most useful and practical guide that dispells many of the myths surrounding this subject - including the most prevalent... "I cannot do anything myself to stop this".

One always hopes that such techniques never have to be employed - but I feel a lot more secure knowing that if i need to ... i now can.

Well crafted... A must buy.

This wonderfully illustrated book was welcomed into my home right before Thanksgiving. Amongst our family and friends at the Thanksgiving table was a young family, whose father had just returned from the war and met his daughter for the first time. The encouraging words and bright illustrations helped the couple begin the conversation about their fears and uncertainty on how to raise a small child with a father away. I would recommend this uplifting text to any family!

This is a fabulous book that will really help military families. We need this in every library! Wonderful story and beautiful illustrations. Exceptional book.

As a school counselor....and as a former Military Brat....I cannot overstate the importance of this book for the children of any military personnel. I hope Ms. Lorenzana follows this up with books specific to other branches of the military and I hope a copy of this book is soon to be found in every elementary school library.

This book is excellent for children who have parents in the military. It helps them to understand military life and what to expect when a parent may be away serving his/her country. The illustrations are fabulous and there's one on every page in beautiful color. I think any child would be delighted to own this book.

This is perfect timing for this book, with all of the soldiers in Iraq, and all of those families waiting. This is a topic that hasn't has a light shown on it before - how military service affects the families, specifically the children. I hope this is the first in a long series.

THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE FINEST I'VE EVER READ! THE AUTHOR IS CLEARLY A SCHOLAR OF HIGH CALIBER THAT ONE RARELY FINDS IN TODAY'S WRITINGS ON PHILO. THE RESEARCH WAS IMPECCABLY THOROUGH AND THE CONCLUSIONS ARE SOUND. A MUST-READ FOR ANYONE WHO'S EVER PICKED UP A BIBLE AND WORTH EVERY PENNY OF IT'S HEFTY PRICE-TAG!

THIS WAS ONE OF THE FINEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ! THE RESEARCH WAS IMPECCABLE AND THE AUTHOR'S CONCLUSIONS ARE SOUND. RARELY DOES ONE FIND A WORK OF SCHOLARSHIP AS INVIGORATING AS THIS ONE. A MUST-READ FOR ANYONE WHO HAS EVER PICKED UP A BIBLE!

RARELY HAVE I SEEN SUCH AN EXCEPTIONAL WORK OF SCHOLARSHIP. I FOUND THIS BOOK TO BE WORTH EVERY PENNY OF IT'S RATHER HEFTY PRICE TAG. RESEARCH WAS IMPECCABLE AND AUTHOR'S CONCLUSIONS ARE SOUND. A MUST-READ FOR ANYONE WHO HAS EVER PICKED UP A BIBLE!

Building on scholarship of likes of Leopold Cohn, M. R. James, Charles Perrot, Pierre-Maurice Bogaert, D. J. Harrington, and Louis Feldman, Jacobson has crafted a captivating critical commentary, rivaled only by his masterfully reconstructed text and meticulous sourcing. A must-have for fans of The Exagoge of Ezekiel. Pick it up this summer for a pleasant stroll down exegetical lane. Look out Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire....

Building on scholarship of the likes of Leopold Cohn, M. R. James, Charles Perrot, Pierre-Maurice Bogaert, D. J. Harrington, and Louis Feldman, Jacobson has crafted a captivating critical commentary, rivaled only by his masterfully reconstructed text and meticulous sourcing. A must-have for fans of The Exagoge of Ezekiel. Pick it up this summer for a pleasant stroll down exegetical lane. Look out Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire....

Guy Debord's THE SOCIETY OF THE SPECTACLE is one of the most widely quoted and important works of the past fifty years. Society as spectacle has become one of the most frequently used descriptors for modern consumer society and the media that reinforces its basic principles. For instance, in only the past couple of weeks I have encountered frequent mentions of Debord in Telotte's REPLICATIONS: A ROBOTIC HISTORY OF THE SCIENCE FICTION FILM as well as an essay on a number of recent important SF films by Bukatman (contained in Kuhn's first anthology of essays on SF film, ALIEN ZONE) entitled "Who Programs You? The Science Fiction of the Spectacle." One encounters Debord's central image in literary critics like Fredric Jameson and a host of writers on popular culture such as Greil Marcus (especially in his LIPSTICK TRACES: A SECRET HISTORY OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY).

Marcus's discussion of the Spectacle is at best vague, but I believe that is part of the source of its power. One sees -- to stay on the level of the SF film -- in movies like ROBOCOP the spectacle in full bloom, as the mass media through advertising pushes onto the public utterly irrational products like the 6000 SUX, a large luxury automobile that explicitly celebrates its horrible gas mileage and somehow makes this a reason for desiring it (in the course of the film a gunman holding hostages makes one of his demands a huge car that gets "really sh*tty gas mileage, like the 6000 SUX"). One can associate a wide range of phenomena with the Spectacle, from the endless hawking of products that are supposed to result in "a better you" to political regimes like the Bush administration that used the explicit, bald-faced lie as its primary tool for governing to our endless preoccupation with pseudo-celebrities like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and the contestants on AMERICAN IDLE (yeah I know that is spelled wrong). It is a flexible and versatile image that gets at our brute suspicion that our world is increasingly obsessed with what is not important but with what is trivial and unimportant. Debord's insight that the system of the spectacle elevates untruths to the level of uncontested beliefs is constantly on view, such as the absurd contention that the American news media -- one of the most conservative and compliant to the needs of the corporations that own it -- is "liberal." And when entities as the very conservative American news media or politicians like the fiscally conservative Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter are defined as "liberal" it shifts the "center" so far to the right as to make the far, far right seem mainstream. And the few voices that point this out -- such as Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens, who points out that he is, while the most liberal current member of the U. S. Supreme Court, in fact a moderate conservative -- are ignored. The celebrities, the pageant, the epic verbiage, the spectacle obscures history and prevents any other understanding either of history or of what kind of society would actually serve our real needs.

Both the major virtue and a major vice of both THE SOCIETY OF THE SPECTACLE and Debord's COMMENTS are the almost complete lack of structure. The former is written as a series of over 200 "Theses" that ramble over a host of matters. These are loosely arranged in chapters but I emphasize the word "loosely." Many comments are immediately clear and easily understood. Some passages are opaque to anyone who is not intimate with the most obscure debates concerning Marxist and Communist history. Some theses are brilliantly written and cut to the heart of our contemporary society; some theses are so dull and irrelevant that they may be guilty of killing brain cells. To say that THE SOCIETY OF THE SPECTACLE is uneven is an understatement. The upside is that if you don't understand one page, nothing has been said to prevent you from understanding the next; if one page is flat, the next can be thrilling.

COMMENTS ON THE SOCIETY OF THE SPECTACLE is, compared to the earlier work, very easy to read and understand. There is still some vagueness, but there is little that is impenetrable. It does a somewhat better job of connecting up the various bits and parts. He is more explicit here about precisely what his targets are. There might be a small parallel to a passage in Kierkegaard that he quotes at length in THE SOCIETY OF THE SPECTACLE. PHILOSOPHICAL FRAGMENTS (actually "Crumbs" -- it is a Biblical reference to the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table; here Kierkegaard imagines himself as the poor subjective thinker who has to content himself with the crumbs from the table of the great objective philosopher Hegel -- so far no translator has been willing to give the book the less impressive but more accurate title) deals with the problem of Christianity "algebraically" (in the Swenson translation), while the much larger sequel CONCLUDING UNSCIENTIFIC POSTSCRIPT "clothes it in its historical dress." So THE SOCIETY OF THE SPECTACLE is more abstract; the COMMENTS more concrete. He makes several explicit (and scathing) references to Reagan; his allusions in the first book are far more illusive.

Despite Debord's hesitancy to be as clear as he might about his overall argument, his intent is clear: to indict the alliance and collusion between mass media, celebrity culture, market capitalism (and its expression in consumerism -- nicely captures in the title of Lizabeth Cohen's A CONSUMERS' REPUBLIC: THE POLITICS OF MASS CONSUMPTION IN POSTWAR AMERICA), and politics. And by remaining less than utterly specific, he made his work all that much more usable by other thinkers and writers. THE SOCIETY OF THE SPECTACLE remains one of the most important books for anyone interested in modern culture and society with which to be familiar, while the COMMENTS is an important tool in aiding that familiarity.

It was exactly what I expected to see in a book on this subject.

The book at first seems a slip down a few notches from S.O.T.S. because it is shorter and Debord seems a lot less interested in his topic, or getting us interested in his topic. Who can blame him?

But the brevity of the book makes sense when you realize this--RE: the spectacle, 1) see S.O.T.S. 2) take a look around you from your reading chair 3) ask, what are the few changes in 20 years? 4) write a brief and get back to lived experience.

Some highlights:

The integrated spectacle combines the diffuse, subtle domination of that system which goes by the label "liberal democracy" with tactics practiced by the concentrated, dictatorial mode of the spectacle in past communisms and facsisms. Which means: today, the rulers of the integrated spectacle dictate/script the appearance of an ever-unfolding narrative/fantasy of liberal democracy, complete with all the nitty-gritty details, plot twists and turns, shocking surprises, and pleasant mysteries at which to gawk and gasp and coo. Caravaggio would be jealous of such veristic, theatrical bravado! But what is really happening is something else altogether, hidden behind the misinformation and unverifiable information in the spectacle.

Terrorism is the invented enemy of the perfected, integrated, yet fragile spectacle, which needs an external enemy, seemingly worse than itself, in order to look good and survive by comparison.

Secrecy is everywhere and yet we accept it in passing (our state of alienation conditions us to know nothing about too much anyway, so secrecy seems natural, almost a relief from concern). Is anyone asking: Do we need to know anything more than what we are told by the spectacle? Is is even possible to know more?

".....Eddieeeee, anoootherrr drinkkkkk!!!...."

Experts do our thinking for us, or at least we are not given enough information in a condition of generalized secrecy to make up our own minds. Experts are intercessors, like priests of old, who stand between us and the spectacular governments with their ultimate knowledge of what's really up in the universe. And we must respond to their statements, which can be lies or truths (but we'll never know), with FAITH, since government usurps the position formerly held by God.

Finally, the integrated spectacle has made a whole new method of government possible. Debord wonders if the rulers of the spectacle have yet to realize what they can do with their new spectacular tools? Will the possiblilites become apparent in a flash of lightening?

How will we spectators know if and when this has occured?

Should be read in conjunction with the Society of the Spectacle for full understanding, but can stand on its own.

Notice how accurately Debord predicts, in the 1980s, the current neverending and unwinnable "war on terrorism" that the spectacle system produced.

When I was originally assigned this book in my Western Civ class, I was fully prepared for this to be another uninteresting book that the professor for some reason was going to make us read. My assumption was completely incorrect however. Not only was Debord's book easy to read, but also it was incredibly interesting. His point of view is especially interesting to any American I believe because of his French viewpoint. It is an excellent experience for any American to interact with other countries and their cultures, and though I am not much of a French fan, Debord does it right.

He begins by outlining three basic spectacles that are found and then dives completely into the integrated spectacle, a French/Italian model of ideology that differed from Russian/German and American models. Though not even one hundred pages in length, the pages pack an impressive punch that no reader can deny. In order to understand what I am speaking about, you should do yourself a favor and grab a copy of Debord's work. You do not have to agree with what he is saying to gain from the experience.

This book is told from the first person perspective of a true American hero. It is action packed with gun battles on the streets of Iraq, in-fighting amongst the locals, and the struggle to run a profitable business while staying alive in the most dangerous place on Earth.

Once I started reading, I could not put the book down. Andress provides incredible insight into the challenges that Americans and Iraqis face in the struggle for a free and democratic Iraq. It describes how Americans and Iraqis are risking their lives together in an effort to rebuild a free and safe Iraq.

After reading this book, I have much clearer insight into the Iraq situation. This book should be mandatory reading for all military officers, politicians, and critics, and supporters of the Iraq war.

I have just finished this great book written by a very courageous man that is the very epitome of what Americans used to be; big-hearted can-do men of adventure that seize the day and change the world for the better. It is a gripping account of this former US Army Ranger officer's experience running a logistics and security company in Iraq helping with the building and supply of bases for US and Iraqi forces, and the rebuilding of the Iraqi infrastructure. (He was an officer with the Army Rangers.) He lived outside the "Green Zone" with an ad hoc bunch of special forces guys from US Special Forces to Gurkas and Russian Spetnaz with a supporting cast of Iraqis willing to risk their lives and be real heros while most of the other contractors were hiding behind the US military. I just finished it and I have to say I'm most impressed.

This is a first-hand account of what it is really like over there and not a bunch of second-hand stories from someone hiding in a hotel in the Green Zone, like the other books about Iraq. It is truly a must read for anyone who wants to know what is really going on over there, and the story of the brave men who are building a democratic future for Iraq. See his video on youtube by searching for his name.

The liberal press has attempted to submarine progress in Iraq, just like it did in Vietnam. The Carter Andress book tells it like it is. Contractor's play a vital role in the security of the key players in fostering Iraqi democracy, and Andress see's the big picture in this book. This is a great read, but not for those lacking the determination to see this thing through.

First, I agree with that said by the first Reviewer, especially about Andress' perspective differing from the "2-3 day visits to Iraq" making those people experts! Andress has lived the Iraqi experience. His work and that of his company puts them in a unique position to KNOW how the majority of Iraquis fell about the US. His efforts make it possible for us to make the progress needed to make the Iraqui people self-sufficient.
Only then should we think of leaving this country!

Contrary to the media portrait being painted of Contractors in Iraq, i.e. Blackwater, these men are enabling our "experts" to accomplish their tasks without being killed! Obviously the insurgents will try to kill them at every opportunity! Kill the Guards and the Bad Guys will have their way with the people....and our troops!

For a first-hand look at how Iraquis and Americans are working together read this book!

Fired UP! If you ever get the chance to meet Carter Andress he will undoubtedly end his conversation with this phrase. Simply put, the man is "fired up" about life. Contractor Combatant tells the story of his real life account of living and working in the RED ZONE along side his Iraqi brothers (Sunni, Shiite, and Kurds alike) and reflects not only his passion for these people, but his deep desire to help them gain their freedom. Trying to start and run a successful business is challenging enough in a peaceful environment. Doing in the midst of the chaos and confusion that is Iraq presents a unique set of challenges that is not for everyone. It takes leadership, courage and lots of tenacity and determination. His company's success could not have been achieved without a willingness to open his heart and trust to the local people. If you are tired listening to the perspective of people that come into this country, spend two or three days in the Green Zone and return home as a subject matter experts, this book offers an entirely new and refreshing perspective that just might change the way you think about war. Get the story from someone who lived it on the front lines. From exposing fraud in the contracting system to feeding the Iraqi Army during the second battle for Falluja, Carter tells his story with passion, grit and honesty. The book is fast paced, entertaining, and well written. It also offers, in the last chapter, an interesting academic perspective on Iraq and US involvement. After reading it you might just feel "Fired UP" too.