Departments Books

Saba called this book "The ARMAGEDDON Network" because he felt he had identified a group of powerful Americans who were unreservedly pro-Israel and supported a highly militaristic American foreign policy coupled with massive support for the Israeli military and Israeli foreign policy. He believed people like Richard Perle and his friend and colleague Stephen Bryen "consistently promote policies that will resurrect Armageddon as the final battlefield for the Middle East--and the world."

This is an extremely well researched book and its information to noise ratio is very high; it gives much evidence and very little simply emotional rhetoric. For those who wish to understand what I believe to be perhaps the most serious foreign policy problem America has in 2006, its "special relationship" with Israel, this book is invaluable.

Muslims do not "hate us for our freedom"; those that hate us do so largely because of our nearly unconditional support for Israel's mistreatment of the Palestinians.

I read this book almost a year ago, and the reason I decided to write this was because I was surprised and glad to see it available in a mainstream source. The book is about a specific, terrifying incident of American statesmen illegally giving top secret American (military) information to Israel. The author is not a professional writer, so it has its flaws, however, one must admire the courage it took for him to write it. The establishment does not appreciate criticism against Israel, an issue which the book also touches on but not nearly in depth enough. Unfortunately, the book probably isn't believed by enough people

I first read The Armageddon Network twenty years ago when it was first published and find it unforgetful. It is the story of a senior US Government official passing secrets to Israel, but the crime was ignored even after verified in an FBI investigation.

Worse, the perpetrator was promoted to the highest levels of the Department of Defense and given more responsibility and more access to vital secrets.

Now we may watch the same story unfolding again in the case of Larry Franklin passing secrets to AIPAC currently being investigated.

How will this play out?

My bet is that Franklin will drop from the news and the case will never be tried.

Jim Ennes
Survivor, USS Liberty

It is books like the Armageddon Network that make people sick, because it reveals how corrupt their government is. It also unveils the blatant arrogance of the self-serving elites and untouchables. The elites genuinely believe that the majority of the people are stupid, therefore, they can get away with anything. I think the majority of people are too afraid to see the truth, because it is extremely unsettling to go against one's own political socialization and training, and the alternative for that is denial. Denial makes a great coping mechanism.
The Armageddon Network is a well documented and written expose. It is highly recommended for the curious mind!

Lots of action that makes you read this book more than once! I hope they make a movie out of this!

This book is great. It has a lot of twists and turns. It keeps you reading right to the end. There was a couple of times where I felt bad for bad guy and thought that he was going to prove victorious over the good guy. It really is suspense filled. Read it.

John Lutz and David August did an unbelievable job at writing Final Seconds. I was blown away by the suspense and mystery of this novel. They should make more books together. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read. (Final Seconds would make a great movie!)

If you want a good, entertaining book, you could not choose a better one than this

Global Outsourcing with Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 Team System is an excellent book and informational resource. The format is easy to follow, intuitive, and simplifies gaining an understanding of both the concept of global outsourcing as well as the software.

Note: This review gives more importance to the processes than the other obvious benefits.

Who should read this book?
- On-site coordinators
- Off-shore managers
- Process managers/Product Managers
- Key people involved in distributed development/outsourcing.

Why this book is useful?
- This book can be used as a process guidance for outsourcing/distributed environment.
- This book clearly identifies the day to day issues of a distributed development environment and gives options on how to mitigate the risks.
- Explains all the possible options on how efficiently VSTS can be used.
- This is very useful not only for the teams using VSTS 2005, but also for any distributed development team as this clearly gives an idea of what processes should be in place. VSTS is an all-in-one tool which helps in making the life easier.
- For companies which do not prefer to use VSTS can also leverage from the processes clearly mentioned in the book and can achieve similar efficiency by using different free tools available in the market.
- The book has shown how to customize the VSTS to suit the specific need along with the code which is very handy and reduces a lot of effort in customizing.
- More importantly, this book is very handy and easily understood by techies and non-techies alike. Non-techies can understand the processes without getting into any technical details.
- Addresses the issues faced by bigger and smaller companies and bigger or smaller teams.

Jamil Azher's GLOBAL OUTSOURCING WITH MICROSOFT VISUAL STUDIO 2005 TEAM SYSTEM tells how to manage outsourced projects using Visual Studio 2005, which engages developers, project managers and team leads alike. GLOBAL OUTSOURCING takes it examples from the real world also: it examines typical outsource management issues, applications, and problem-solving in a fine technical overview programmers will relish.

This book is indeed about global outsourcing, but it deals with the outsourcing of software not athletic shoes or kitchen ware. Specifically, as you might guess from the title, it concentrates on the use of Microsoft's Team System version of Visual Studio 2005. Other Microsoft products such as Project and Excel from the Office suite are also shown as a part of an integrated management system.

There is little question tht outsourcing is here to stay. The cost savings are simply to great to be ignored. A programmer with a few years of experience in the US is paid an average of $55K, in India $15K, and in China $9K.

There is also no question that outsourcing brings its own problems in terms of management, control and especially communications. Many of these problems are specifically discussed in the book, and it goes on to show that the Microsoft tools can assist in these areas. The tools will not, of course, guarantee success but they may help to make a project a success.

This is an excellent guide, reference, and resource book for anyone in the midwest who's interested in natural landscaping or planning landscapes to support wildlife. Everything about the book is aimed at being both practical and comprehensive. The book is spiral-bound for ease of use; this suggests cheapness, but the excellent color photos and illustrations belies this impression. The first half of the book fills the role of a guidebook. Its 64 pages address the benefits and principles of landscaping for wildlife; habitat components; and how to landscape small and medium yards, farms (e.g., windbreaks), and wood lots. This is followed by a long and useful list (119 entries) of litarature cited. The list is a great resource for locating additional material. Sixteen Appendixes comprise the second half (56 pages) of the book, and form a mini-reference library that would alone have been worth the price of the book. The most useful appendix provides a tabulation of plants for use in landscaping. It specifies plant type (16 categories), wildlife value (10 categories), landscape uses (29 categories), number of wildlife species documented as using the plant, plant characteristics (12 categories), and other information about growth requirements and plant size. Furthermore, the tables are divided into eight groups of plant types such as conifers; butterfly, bee, and moth plants; nut and acorn plants; and winter plants. As if this weren't enough, four appendixes contain designs for various simple construction projects, four contain additional wildlife information, and the rest contain a collection of other useful topics. In summary, if you live in the midwest, and have any interest in natural landscaping on any scale, or any interest in the needs and preferences of our flying and furry friends with any number of legs, this book is a must-have. The quality is excellent, the contents are comprehensive and practical, it's easy to use, and the price is right.

A friend asked recently about the subject of "trees which are attractive to birds." I hadn't
used this book for a while, my garden is getting mature, but was prompted to open it again
because I recalled it has so many lists of plants arranged from every perspective
one can think of (everything from "Best butterfly nectar sources in Minnesota"
to "Midwestern mammals which use snags.") I love these lists. There
may not be a plethora of photos here, but armed with one of these lists and any good
horticulture reference, one can find a plant for any midwestern landscape need, and
bring wildlife into the garden to boot. Despite the 1987publication date, this book is timely
and up to the minute. If anything, it was ahead of it's time; gardeners and landscapers
are just now catching up to the information contained in this book.

I too was at a total loss until someone recommended this book to me. The little identification signs in the nurseries are often inaccurate with the little they do say, and they're coming from such a different ("if you want to prevent the birds from eating your berries, cover the entire tree in garish mesh") perspective, for the most part, that I never felt I was getting anywhere.

The only faults with this title all have to do with too much information. The many appendices might have been better integrated with one another. There are times when the plant tables involve an awful lot of flipping back and forth, and could have been more cleanly organized. Finally, the sheer number of species of plant involved make it impossible to do what many garden books do; often you're looking at a description like "TS" (tall shrub) and wondering what shape it is, how dense, and so on. I went to the web and used the latin names to find descriptions of everything.

You'll need to go from this book to other sources to be sure of the appearance of things, and consulting with the average nursery or landscaper will still be necessary to discover things like when to prune. But this is the place to start, without question, for anyone in the midwest.

Before finding this book, I was stumbling and haphazardly identifying and assembling the plants and trees I wanted to accomplish my goals of drawing wildlife to my property, providing for them and returning the land I have removed from from nature by building in a development (my lot is 5 acres).

This book will be ragged before I am done AND I will most probably have to buy a second copy.

This book is highly recommended. A regret is that I should have read it sooner. There are intricate details about the transfer of risks from buyer to supplier that would have been invaluable in our project.

Dr Tho's book contains compelling propositions that address many anxieties in managing risks in the ITO exercise. The risk management methods proposed for the supplier as well as the buyer of outsourcing services is new (and I am a practitioner is this area for over a decade). We have used the method he proposes in our current outsourcing project with tremendous success and response. Highly recommended reading and a must before starting a IT outsourcing endeavour!

Dr Ian Tho has expounded both the basics of ITO as well as risk management very well in this book. The concept of the risk dimension signature he refers to has certainly added significant value to our ITO endeavour with our suppliers. The fundamental concepts he refers to are invaluable. Some of the theory he mentions are controversial but have also served to extend our ideas. This has been a real help!!

I want to recommend this book to anyone who is attempting to work an on IT Outsouricng exercise. The examples given are a little complex but it is worth every minute spent to understand. The Risk Dimension Signature the author proposes is exactly what we needed. The writing style could, however, be clearer.

This is a very nice collection of books and I would recommend it for anyone tp purchase. Mercy Watson is an adorable pig and the stories are so precious.

This series is a great set of chapter books for kids who have gotten beyond "early reader" chapter books that also enjoy humor in what they read. The central characters, who make repeat performances in each book, add to the delight of the story because of their offbeat personalities. I am not sure how the author decided to feature a pig that eats toast, but it is pure genius that will delight both the young reader and parents as well. I think I looked forward to the new "Mercy" installments as much as my son did.

What a great addition to the early chapter book category. Humor, great characters, real linear storytelling and eye-popping illustrations make these books a real breath of fresh air for early readers. My young (struggling) reader was bringing home thin, uninspiring early readers until her teacher added Mercy Watson to the read-alouds. I knew we had a hit (and a breakthrough) when my child brought them on vacation, raced through them reading silently to herself. Just one problem, we've finished the series and will have to wait six months for the next one. If you're child is having difficulty getting "into" books, these make make a big difference.

Very cute set of stories about a couple who have a "pet" pig named Mercy who they treat like their child. Great illustrations and fun story line. My 4-1/2 year old son just got these for Christmas and loves them. The illustrator has done some other books that are excellent ("If I Built a Car") which I also highly recommend. This gift set is hard back and of very nice quality.

Every catechetical leader should have this and reflect on it regularly to keep in focus what is really important, and the tremendous responsibility that we have to always go deeper.

The book is easy to read and easy to understand. It should be in every library for those wanting to increase their knowledge about our Catholic faith.

The book came in great condition. It arrived earlier then stated and the book is very easy and fun to read

A term, concept, calling, and duty from the early days of Christianity, "catechesis" (related to catechism) is the part of Catholicism concerned with "education in the faith of children, young people, and adults which includes especially the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted...in an organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers into the fullness of Christian life." The Second Vatican Council called for a renewal of catechesis in 1971. The "Directory" provides guidance for this catechesis that is a central part of the Church's activity and aims at all times in all situations with all persons. Mostly for Catholic bishops and priests, the "Directory" nonetheless does have particular sections for lay persons; and its general material on Catholic ideals and theological principles, organizations and procedures, and texts and other resources apply to anyone interested in catechesis, the lifeblood of Catholicism.

With so many attacks on Christmas and on Santa Claus, this book is a breath of fresh air.
This man truly embodies not only the spirit of St. Nick but the true and real Christmas spirit. He relates how he got to be "Santa", stories about children and their parents, about his service to the disabled and about how children and adults do a double take when they see his real beard. Judging by the picture on the jacket of the book, I can see why. The man looks like Santa!
He also talks about the real miracle of Christmas, the birth of Jesus and how when Christmas is put in that perspective, it makes everything else about Christmas more wonderful.
It will make you laugh, it will make you cry but most of all, it will make you believe!

I was told about this book right before Christmas 2004. I bought two copies and sent one to my mom. We both read and cried about this book! This is such a heart-warming book! This brings back the magic of Christmas. I really loved the end where Santa tells us grown ups why he thinks Santa helps kids have faith. It teaches them to help others, to think of others, and puts God's love and face on a very special time of year. I really liked the part when Santa is talking to a young girl that is asking him how he flies. Santa tells her that with all of God's love, her Parent's love and her love, it gives Santa the magic he needs to fly on Christmas Eve. There were several things that Mr. Butchart shared in this book that my Husband and I will use when we have kids. If you have anyone in your life that thinks telling their kids that there is a Santa is lying to their kids tell them to read this book before telling their kids that. Also if you are one of those parents that ruin the magic of Christmas for their kids please tell them to keep the information to themselves. I can't tell you how many times I've had a niece, nephew, or family friends children come home crying because some kid at school told them there is no Santa. By reading this book you will understand that most of us use Santa to help us teach our kids about God. Its a very easy quick read. I bought several copies last year to give as gifts to all of our friends and family. My Husband was transferred to GA last year and my Christmas present was to go to Stone Mtn and see Santa!! I was so excited. I waited in line with all the kids and then it was finally my turn! I went and sat on Santa's lap and told him how my family really enjoyed his book. He said that he appreciated the compliments but had to share with me some sad news. On Christmas Day 2004 Santa's wife Annie Butchart passed away and this Christmas was very hard for him. His wife worked with him at Stone Mtn and was very active being Mrs. Claus. From reading his book it is very clear how much he cared for his wife even though I'm quite sure it doesn't even show the half of it. I wanted to share this news so you can appreciate the book a little more. Please buy this book and share it with everyone in your life. I have two copies so when we have guests during Christmas they can read the book and enjoy the season as much as I do.

Ed Butchart is an amazing man. The gift of love he brings to others through his ministry is amazing. The Red Suit Diaries is a wonderful heart-warming story that will surely make you laugh and cry!

This is an inspiring true account of one man's journey from Marine to real life Santa. Ed Butchart recounts moments in his life he choose to reach out to other people in need which is one of the true forms of giving. This book will move readers through laughter and tears as you meet many children (and some adults) who have shared their hopes and dreams with Santa. The similarity between Ed and Santa is uncanny from his photo in the back of the book to the fact he has been Santa for over 15 years at a park and has an organization that distributes wheelchairs to kids in need...this book is one you will give year after year to inspire and encourage those in your life.

The author, Helen Crabtree, is a noted horsewoman. She's won the AHSA Horsewoman of the Year Award and the United Professional Horseman Associations's Trainer of the Year award. She has trained over 75 World Champions with her methods. This book shares her expertise. The book deals with the mechanics of riding Saddle Seat, proper tack, and rider attire, but does not deal with judging Saddle Seat. The emphasis is on showing.

This is an absolutely superb treatise on Saddle Seat Equitation, particularly for those new to the sport. Even for experienced Saddle Seat riders, there is probably no clearer explanation of the basics of showing the saddle horse anywhere, and we all need a bit of review ocasionally! The book covers a wide scope of subjects connected with the training of horse and rider to enter the world of riding and showing in the Saddle Seat discipline. Crabtree adresses such critical but sometimes overlooked subjects as the role a rider's parents can and should play at shows, beauty in the pairing of rider and horse, and teaching the adult show rider. What it offers in scope, it lacks in depth - and this is deliberate, since it is aimed at the new rider/trainer. Although every rider would benefit vastly from reading this book, especially the sections on the Saddle Seat Equitation tests, more advanced riders will not find it satisfying in terms of in-depth discussions of training or show ring techniques, as that is not its focus. But it is an extremely worthwhile book for riders of all levels, and it is also an eminently readable, delightful and informative chronicle of the Saddle Seat Equitation world from the 50s to the 80s.

I sugest this book to EVERY HORSE LUVER especially Saddlebred LUVER it is filled with funny stories, history, and memories

This book was absolutely fabulous. It gives information about the most popular breeds that compete in saddelseat equitation, and Helen Crabtree is especcially helpful with all of her years of experience. Even though the book is more than 20 years old, the lessons inside remain true. This is a timeless book that should be read by all saddleseat riders to enhance their possible performance in and out of the show ring.

This book it about some survival skills and self defense skills and even how to survive in extreme conditions such as a Nuclear Fallout or Bio Weapon survival. If you are not so extreme though, choose another book.

This incredible book combines all of the U.S. Army handbooks into one. You gets thousands of dollars worth of the best information available, with over 1,500 pieces of artwork illustrating tactics, techniques, procedures. Jay McCullough has created a masterpiece of unparalelled usefullness and quality.

We're very happy with our purchase of this survival guide. As others have stated, it is a very complete and detailed book on survival skills for almost any occasion. It also has a very good first aid section. We haven't had time to read through too much of it yet, but we feel more confident hiking and camping in the more secluded areas of the Rockies. This guide is very thick and a little too heavy to carry in a backpack on some occasions, which is why we'll take copies of some of the pages with us on our camping trips when we can't carry the whole book along with us. It has definitely been a good purchase for us.

This book is massive. It is huge, and full of everything you could possibly want to know on the subject matter. It covers first aid, shelter building, rock and tree types, and so much more. It even has mid-range combat options and tutorials. If you are even remotely interesting in this book, I highly suggest you pick it up.