Events Books

Wounded: Vietnam to Iraq author Ronald J. Glasser, M.D., served as an Army hospital physician during the Vietnam War and offers alarming insights and comparisons in military medical experience between the Vietnam War and the current Iraq war. At once both fascinating in its studious examination in how the changing nature of modern battlefields has transformed the job of the medic, from simply keeping a wounded patient alive until a chopper could quickly evacuate to having to prolong life for up to 72 hours, since air superiority has all but vanished in the modern era of urban warfare and readily available technology to shoot down choppers. "The training period for the Combat Medical Specialty was increased from ten to sixteen weeks... The additional weeks of training were devoted to developing the new core skills necessary to keep the severely wounded alive where they were hit, with little chance for immediate evacuation. No more 'patch 'em up and send them off.' This was to be big-time medicine, the city trauma center brought to the battlefield." A sober, well-reasoned, "must-read" about the evolving state of combat medicine and the long-term repercussions of war wounds.

After rereading the book 365 Days by Dr. Ronald Glasser, one that this vietnam combat vet found to be both stirring and haunting, I had to get his most recent book.
And I was not disappointed.
If you want to have a feel for those who serve and become casualties for our flag and country, these books are vital additions to your library.

If you've ever wondered about what America's young men, and women, serving in the war on terror in Iraq face everyday, this book is for you. Ron Glasser has done an excellent job describing in facts and figures what this war is costing now and what will be paid in the future. Not only in monetary terms, but in the permanent disfigurement and disability of the wounded.

He explains, in sometimes terribly graphic detail, the horrors of being injured in Iraq, and how those injuries compare and contrast to injuries suffered in the Vietnam conflict. It's a different war, in a different time, but people are being injured and killed, just the same.

Everyone has questions about the war in Iraq. This book answers some, but leaves the reader with more.

I have long looked for the true figures about the nature of death in Iraq.
Fortunately the Australian media is slightly better than the pap served up by the media in the country that is causing the sickening mayhem in Iraq and we know only a little of the true monstrousness of this war to bring democracy to the unwashed masses of Iraq. Glasser lays it on the line and spells out, particularly in the chapter Final Diagnosis, the enormity of the American soldier's burden in this conflict. On page 73 he writes that there were 600 ammunition dumps scattered around Iraq when the Shock and Awe invasion ended. There's nothing unexpected in this but the problem happened when none of the Shock and Awe victors policed these dumps and they were cleaned out by the "defeated" Iraqi army. What this means in the reality of ground combat is that there is a virtually unlimited supply of hugely powerful explosives available to mine roads and anywhere else American soldiers find themselves in the horror of Iraq. Glasser goes into medical detail about what happens to middle aged reservists who are caught in these explosions. He talks as the expert he is about the wounds suffered by soldiers caught in an explosion of this huge power. He talks about what 155mm shells hooked to butane gas tanks does to a person's head when it explodes. Because of quick evacuation and superb treatment these poor wounded live but the impact on, particularly the head, causes horrific , lifelasting injuries.

I do not think, because of the media, America and the world in general knows what is happening to American soldiers in Iraq; I believe that the low death rates for US soldiers has led America to tolerate this war more than its true horror would indicate. Glasser's wonderful, readable and understandable book lifts the veil on the terrible price being paid for what has become a cesspool for American youth.

This book is clearly well written and well researched. A unique perspective on the soldier's story. We owe it to them to understand what they are going through.

Very good timing indeed, with the present political climate in the US. Hero has created probably the perfect woman--highly adept in everything she endeavors and liked and admired by all.
He's written this book in first person point of view, with strong journalistic tones. Which the end result is that the reader feels as if the story is told to them personally over a bottle of wine, or pot of coffee. A true one on one experience, extolling an excellent story, effortlessly crafted. Highly recommended from this avid reader of many genres.

Stephen O. Hero's new book is just flat out wonderful.

Martha Stetson is one of the most compelling characters I've run across in a very long time. Jill of all trades, master of many, Martha lives a full and rich life, then tackles the biggest challenge of all, becoming the first female president.

This book is a strong read, a good read, and very very relevant to what is happening in today's political world, a time when we have a strong woman contender for the highest office in our nation.

I recommend this book for anybody who likes strong female characters and a good plot, but most particularly for women, because it shows us, once again, that a determined woman can do whatever she sets her mind to.

Stephen O. Hero's ability to weave real-world dilemmas into fascinating fictional characters comes to life, as the tale of Dr. Martha Stetson blazes her way towards the highest office on the planet as America's Commander in Chief.

The effectual candidate must possess the leadership abilities to lead the nation (and ultimately the world) into more peaceful resolutions of terrorism, while maintaining America's long standing reputation as heroic, or at least successful, campaign leaders.

Although a hold-the-fort woman such as Dr. Stetson should only be judged by her tenacious accomplishments first at receiving her PhD., while struggling through waves of emotions as a young female in love, then later becoming a highly decorated surgeon in the theater of war and a helicopter pilot; far too many people still see her with blinders that show only, "Female. Warning. Qualifications Unknown."

As the nation looks at the prospects of the most highly qualified persons for President of the United States of America, many old timers struggle with the idea of the country's first female President. All in the face of disregard to America's historical female leaders and heroes, "selling" the idea of a female President to every voting American citizen rivals any prior task she has ever undertaken.

Not discounting every mother in the homeland, praying their son or daughter comes home safely and "now" from the ravaged, worn-torn Middle East- even they look to the old-school leadership of a male to lead the country into victory.

Will Martha Stetson succeed once again? Or will she hit the brick wall of her lifetime and watch as a "business-as-usual" male is sworn in to the oval office?

I highly recommend this fascinating read of Stephen O. Hero, as he brings to life the planet's most grueling, modern-day challenges, interlaced with the façade of the immoveable minds of millions of America's most judgmental voters.

Stephen O. Hero's 1st Woman President while being a work of fiction reflects what is happening in our country right now. We could very well have a 1st woman President in 2008. The character of Martha is the ideal candidate for President. She has led such an extraordinary life up to the point of her deciding she wanted to run for office. When most people dream of what they want to be when they grow up they choose one or two professions. Not Martha Stetson. She chooses to make the most out of her life by becoming a doctor, helicopter pilot, congress woman, and finally the highest office of President. She never gave up in her fight to become the 1st woman President even while others were telling her to wait. I highly recommend this book to everyone who has ever considered a woman President.

The question: can a ten-year-old topical reference still be relevant? The answer: in the case of 50 Ways to Fight Censorship, you bet. This slim, plain-speaking book by former Rolling Stone editor Dave Marsh, with several contributors who range from author and Paris Review editor George Plimpton to poet Allen Ginsberg and a television writer, has very sound, constitutional advice that remains current, even if it was around before the Internet. Now that the Supreme Court has conferred the presidential tiara on George W. Bush, we are seeing the return of the right-wing censors of the Reagan-Bush era, like Dick Cheney and James Baker. We already have been hearing proposals for limiting speech on the Internet. We need a manual like this to make sure we act, not just react, to preserve our first and most fundamental right as Americans, to speak freely and to decide for ourselves what is appropriate to read, hear and view.

For all those people out there who want to stand up, who want to make their voices heard in the ongoing battle against censorship, but just don't know what to do: Dave Marsh has your answer. "50 Ways to Fight Censorship..." is packed with ideas of how you can join in the fight, be it locally or nationally. Marsh provides lists of oranizations you can get in touch with to help get you started, and his suggestions are practical enough for just about anybody to make an impact.

Finally, a book that tells the truth about censorship, and what you can do to provent it. This is a must for everyone who is interested in stopping censorship, and I think the censors should read it too. As a relaty check. Sorry to be sor preachy, but The book is great. Read it!

Have you ever walked into a library and not been able to get the book you wanted? Or walk into a movie store, but the title had been banned? Perhaps you aked yourself why? Or what you could do to stop the government from pulling titles simply because they dont like it. The first thing that you could do, is read this book. This book talks about numerous things you can do to stop the censors for taking away your first amendment right. Everytime you are denied anything because of censorship, your freedom of speech is being violated. Authors, artists, musicians, and directors are all being halted from showing the world their thoughts due to censorship, and we have to stop it now!

I'm always surprised at how much my wife can pack for a vacation. But this year she was amazed at how much I could pack into a vacation - thanks in part to this handy little compendium of a country full of festivals. I was able to plot a none-too-circuitous springtime route through New Mexico, Arizona and California, catching everything from the Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show in Albuquerque to the Festival of the West in Scottsdale to the Redwood Dixieland Jazz Festival in Eureka - and a lot more in between. The moral of this book is that wherever you are, there's a lot going on just down the road that you've probably never heard of but that you wouldn't want to miss.

This book is by the people who do festivals.com, so they've got the resources to put out an exhaustive compilation of art shows, fairs and festivals in un-virtual, tangible, thumb-through-able form. Now I'm waiting for their 2004 edition so I can start packing things into next year's vacation.

My sister got this book as a gift and we've had so much fun using it to plan weekend get aways. It's full of great ideas for things we can do with the kids. I'd highly recommend it for anyone looking to explore your own back yard!

We're heading off on our summer roadtrip and just paged through 600 Festivals. I love it! Now we can stop in any state along the way and relax and let the kids run wild at a festival while we gorge ourselves on local fare. I only wish every festival had a full color page!

A perfect resource for summer-time travels. Very easy to use - all of the events are organized by state, plus the book provides brief and informative background information on each of the event(s). Overall great information on local events, festivals, fairs, etc. If you are travelling this summer, this is a great book to check out before you leave or to bring along on your vacation.

A walk through the book of Acts like no other commentary. Volume 4 of Ellen G. White's 5 volume Conflict of the Ages series, insight beyond any other non-Biblical writer. Try reading the entire series from beginning to end for an astounding experience.

This book, being among a set of 5, reveals the nature of Sin and its far-reaching impact on all. As with all Ellen White's books, she conveys the way toward the abhorence of sin and to the Grace of a righteous life in Jesus. From the book, "Patriarchs & Profits", to "The Triumph of God's Love" (now titled, "The Great Controversay"), I have personally experienced steady growth in the Spirit of Christ Jesus. Thank God for Ellen White!

This book, being among a set of 5, reveals the nature of Sin and its far-reaching impact on all. As with all Ellen White's books, she conveys the way toward the abhorence of sin and to the Grace of a righteous life in Jesus. From the book, "Patriarchs & Profits", to "The Triumph of God's Love" (now titled, "The Great Controversay"), I have personally experienced steady growth in the Spirit of Christ Jesus. Thank God for Ellen White!

If you want to read a wonderful, general commentary dealing primarily with the events of the book of Acts, read this book. Here is a great quote from the chapter Transformed by Grace. "Prayer is heaven's ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character....For the pardon of sin, for the Holy Spirit, for a Christlike temper, for wisdom and strength to do His work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask; and the promise is, "Ye shall receive." (Acts of the Apostles, p. 564).

Here is another wonderful statement. "Your sins may be as mountains before you; but if you humble your heart and confess your sins, trusting in the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, He will forgive and will cleanse you from all unrighteousness." (Acts of the Apostles, p. 566).

This book was written years ago and you might find the style somewhat quaint, but you will be blessed if you are seeking for deep spiritual refreshment.

Epstein and Segal have produced an easy to read primer on the judicial appointment process. The authors show the intertwining influences of the President and Senate and their role in the ideology and politics of the justices and (to a lesser extent) judges approved to sit on U.S. federal courts.

Common sense dictates that Presidents nominate nominees who are close ideologically to their own views. Epstein and Segal show this to be true. Common sense would also dictate the difficulty if such considerations are taken into account as a president nominating a judge to the state where senators of his own party hold seats (and senatorial courtesy plays a stronger role), if the senate and president are of differing parties, and so forth.

Epstein and Segal have produced a primer for those interested in motivations in nominations to the court and the inherently political considerations that must be taken into account. I highly recommend this book.

"This is a superb and even indispensable resource. Careful, precise, objective, and nugget-filled, it's a wonderful guide to past, present, and future debates. If you want to know about judicial appointments, this is the best place to start." -- Cass R. Sunstein, University of Chicago Law School

"An important and timely study that adds an essential framework for understanding contemporary slugfests over judicial appointments. Beautifully presented and argued." -- Louis Fisher, author of American Constitutional Law

"Lee Epstein's and Jeffrey Segal's new book could not be more timely. It provides the most comprehensive and systematic examination to date of the roles of politics and ideology in Supreme Court selection. It is indispensable reading for anyone interested in how justices and judges decide cases, the limits of legal reasoning, and the contributions of social science to better understanding how the Supreme Court functions." - Michael J. Gerhardt, author of The Federal Impeachment Process

"Writing in pristine, jargon-free language, Epstein and Segal...inject some much-needed context and evidence into the current debate about judicial appointments." -- The American Prospect

"Epstein and Segal...draw together a wealth of research and empirical findings from a plethora of studies, many of which they authored, and fold them into a compelling narrative that examines all levels of the judiciary.... This book combines the best features of past studies on judicial appointments. It is also very accessible for students and citizens interested in the judicial branch." -- Law and Politics Book Review

"Thoughtful and illuminating.... Qualifications matter-as much today as they have in the past. (In that sense, President Bush might have done well to read Advice and Consent before nominating the ill-fated Miers.)? -- Chronicle of Higher Education

"A thorough look at the process, politics and presidential aspects of court appointments. Witty yet well-informed, Professors Epstein and Segal give an insight into the whys and wherefores of federal judge appointments." -- www.mayitpleasethecourt.com

Over the last five years, we have seen a consistent debate concerning judicial appointments and politics ranging from the filibusters over circuit nominees to the recent Roberts and Alito nominations. The persistent myth is that the outright influence of partisan politics on judicial nominations is a new development; that prior to the last 30 years or so, judicial nominees were only judged on the basis of qualifications and not ideology. In this book, two preeminent political scientists demonstrate that this is empirically false: while qualifications are not irrelevant, the consistently dominant factor in judicial appointments has always been politics, especially on the Supreme Court. One has only to point to the very first nomination defeated in 1795 when Washington's nominee for chief justice was defeated because he supported a politically unpopular treaty. What Epstein and Segal demonstrate is that political concerns infuse the appointments process from the very beginning and the voting of judges, at least on the Supreme Court, usually correlates to the political beliefs of the appointing president. Usefully, they also examine the lower federal courts in demonstrating how various political factors come into play in these comparatively understudied courts.

In total, Epstein and Segal have produced an excellent, brief study that is empirically sound and unbiased. While current Republicans are shown to be hypocrites, the same is dealt to Democrats. For example, many of the Democrats pushing filibusters recently complained strongly against this practice when Republicans used it in the 90s; many Republicans who complained about stalling in the Bush I administration, used the same tactics during the Clinton years and then changed the rules to make the Bush II administration's appointments easier. This is a treasure trove of empirical analysis of appointments that will not disappoint anyone looking for the facts of the situation instead of partisan talking points.

This is just an extraordinary book on judicial appointments written by two distinguished political scientists with decades of experience studying the federal courts. While it obviously is primarily designed to be a brief (168 pages, including the extensive notes) introduction to the process of judicial selection for the general reader, it skillfully incorporates some of the most significant research findings drawn from professional journals and papers. As a result, even those who are somewhat familiar with the topic and the professional literature will derive some valuable new insights. The writing is brisk and moves quickly and smoothly through the material, with the assistance of some helpful charts. In addition, the book's coverage is not limited to the Supreme Court but covers all three levels of the federal judiciary. One nice feature is that some interesting statistical data from "The Supreme Court Compendium," edited by one of the co-authors, are sprinkled throughout the discussion (e.g., no more than 20% of lower court nominations have generated any opposition). The authors' discussion of "do Presidents get what they want?" in making nominations, and if so, for how long, is particularly effective. After all, how accurately can Presidents, Senators or the rest of us predict how a nominee will perform once safely on the bench? A most timely contribution given the current Roberts nomination process and the unknown Associate Justice nominee yet to come.

Affairs of State presents the thesis that the First Lady must not enter into the spotlight of Presidential politics if she is to wield any real power. Dr. Troy's argument is compelling in several senses. The topic itself combines the best appeals of gossip and serious political science. Affairs of State allows us to indulge our fascination with the American royal family while giving real insight into the balance of power. The book is a well researched, sober work of history, deserving of the most attentive academic scrutiny. -Robin Copp

Troy's book offers the reader a rare and fresh combination of education and entertainment. From the Roosevelts to the Clintons, Troy's well-researched account of the successes and failures of America`s most powerful couple is rich with insight and wit. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can highly recommend it to all

Bravo to Robin Toner of the Times who has rightly discerned that Troy produced a balanced, thoughtful account of the challenges facing the First Lady. Troy's book is full of rich anecdotes and stimulating analysis. I can't recommend it highly enough to both presidential scholars and armchair historians alike

This is a wonderful book which has the perfect combination of intellectual stimulation and high entertainment. Troy does a great job of peering into the hidden rooms of the white house and discovers that power does has not always rested where it appeared to. Anyone interested in American history or politics will no doubt thoroughly enjoy this fresh look at the presidency

Anyone interested in the History,Ethnology and culture of Afghanistan will be immensely satisfied.Dupree's fine-toothed research covers every square inch of this tragic yet fascinating country.From Alexander the great's classic Central Asian campaigns up to the post Soviet invasion era.

Anyone interested in the History,Ethnology and culture of Afghanistan will be immensely satisfied.Dupree's fine-toothed research covers every square inch of this tragic yet fascinating country.From Alexander the great's classic Central Asian campaigns up to the post Soviet invasion era.

Louis Dupree's book is the single best survey of Afghanistan ever written. Indeed, it is the best survey of any country with which I am familiar. In 700 well-written pages, the book introduces the reader to the flora, fauna, geology, geography, folk customs, ethnic groups, literature and history of the country. When I served as the legal advisor to the US Embassy in Kabul for a year, I found it invaluable.

"Afghanistan" gives the reader a complete insight in life in Afghanistan from the Stone-age until the Russian Invasion. Dupee go's in extreme detail about all aspects of Afghanistan's society and "illustrates" them with many stories which makes the book fasinating from the first page to the end. He presents the reader Afghanistan historicly, geographicly and demographicly. The index in the back of the book, makes it to a most complete reference source. After reading this book you know more about Afghanistan than many Afghanies!

(Please feel free to correct my english) Jeroen van Dijk

Definitely a book that I recommend to friends. If you are interested in the political process, Watergate, Nixon; or simply this tumultuous period in American history then this book is for you. And it's grammatically correct too. Rob--Fairhope, AL

Even today, it's difficult to be objective about Richard Nixon. Author Russ Witcher succeeds, however, in his seminal study about how Nixon dealt with the press in the two decades following his resignation from the presidency. Relying on articles about Nixon in the three national newsweeklies during this period, Witcher presents a dispassionate look at how Nixon's image improved in the national print media. By quantifying the number of positive and negative statements the newsweeklies made about the former president, Witcher avoids the subjectivity that has marred much of the earlier research that has been done about Mr. Nixon.

Russ Witcher's superb study of Richard Nixon's post-presidential rehabilitation in the media is long overdue. Many observers have said that Nixon was largely successful in improving his media image during the last 20 years of his life, but Witcher has the numbers to prove it. In an exhaustive look at every article written in Newsweek, Time, and U.S. News & World Report about Nixon from his resignation in 1974 until his death in 1994, Witcher finds that Nixon improved his image over time in all three of the newsweeklies. Such research is a testament to Nixon's perseverance to fight to be known as more than The Watergate Man. That fight found its ultimate culmination at Nixon's funeral when even President Clinton declared that the days of judging Nixon on anything less than his whole life and career were over.

Russ Witcher's book, that Watergate thing, is one of the best books that I have ever read. The tension kept me on the edge of my seat! The climatic conclusion is unparalled by anything except for certain Betty Davis movies. Keep up the good work, Russ. I hope to see more work from you in the near future.

This book will interest students of politics who wish to learn the observations of a liberal Democrat elected official who participated and observed the past three decades of the emergence of the politics of the "New South".
Harriet Keyserling retired from the South Carolina state legislature in 1992 and has produced this brilliant insightful insider account of that legislative body. A legislator who was devoted to such issues as increasing support for education and resisting nuclear waste in her state, she offers several lessons from her experiences.
Among points to ponder presented in the book are a.) alliances can be formed around agenda items that transcend political partianship, b.) be open and honest with the press and they will trust you and treat you better in the long run, c.) recognize that not all men nor all women think alike, even though men and women may approach some issues differently, and d.) all issues are women's issues and women legislators should not feel compelled to limit themselves to matters others believe primarily concern women.
The legislative infighting described in this book will interest students of South Carolina politics. Her descriptions of many South Carolina Governors as essentially cheerleaders for the Chamber of Commerce provides insights into interest groups and government. Legislative observers will appreciate learning how as much to one third to one half of South Carolina legislative sessions used to be spent engaging in fillibusters.
Rep. Keyserling is proud of her efforts to create a dedicated sales tax for education and for creating South Carolina
s Sunny Day Fun. Towards the end of her career, South Carolina politics transcended into an arena of great confrontation and tension. Disliking these changes, she left politics. Harriet Keyserling, though, has left us with her knowledge and insights in this book. Readers will appreciate her writings.

Absolutely brillant! I thoroughly enjoyed reading "Against the tide." Mrs. Keysterling held office during an interesting period in SC politics. The book provided great insight into many of the issues affecting South Carolina and the nation. I highly recommend it.

This is a marvelous and instructive memoir on Ms. Keyserling's many years in active politics in South Carolina. She battled long odds in a deeply conservative state and was able to accomplish much in her 16 years in the State Legislature. She was an early and important ally of former SC governor and current Secretary of Education Richard Riley, and was one of the leaders who helped pass the progressive educational reforms that improved that state's educational standing and performance. She overcome much to fight the 'good fight' for progressive environmental laws, energy conservation, regulation of nuclear and solid waste, and promotion of the arts. The forward is by Richard Riley and she has glowing recommendations from novelist Pat Conroy, former U.S. Senator Nacy Kassebaum Baker and columnist David Broder. She is a long time member of the League of Women Voters, and that group was very instrumental in most of her political battles. I enjoyed the book and found it useful and enlightening. JMP

This piece is a great primer for those interested in having a public impact but, because of age, sex or gender, don't project their views. A 54 year old Jewish woman living in South Carolina gained the courage to speak out . . . and was heard. Easy reading.