Parties Books

I am a little behind in my reading, but I have been thinking about this text and feel that No Debate challenges the status quo, but additionally, has already influenced the shape of current debates. UTube has found a presence not seen before and multimedia will continue to reinvent modern elections. What I particularly liked about the book (I am not done) is the author's suggested action items. This book does not whine and leave us wondering "what should we do?". Instead, Farah offers intelligent alternatives and I believe we are seeing some of this put into motion already. What will be next for the this author?

George Farah writes about the current organization that orchestrates the Presidential debates, including its history and the details of how it operates. According to Farah, the Commission on Presidential Debates is not the nonpartisan organization it claims to be, but instead is a bipartisan, corporate sponsored front for the Republican and Democratic parties controlled by the campaigns of the Republican and Democratic nominees. The author points out in great detail the hypocrisies, lies, and manipulations the two parties, the Commission members, and the campaigns engage in to maintain the domination of the two major parties in the debates. He concludes his book by presenting the formation of the Citizens' Debate Commission and the principles under which this new Commission would operate. To those who are interested in how our political system operates and how we might improve it, this book not only offers insight, it offers an alternative to the current system which is a blight on a free and democratic society. The book includes two appendices. The first is a document from the 1996 presidential campaign entitled 'Memorandum of Understanding' which is the agreement reached between the Clinton and Dole campaigns as to all the particulars of how the debate will be conducted. These memorandums are rubber stamped by the Commission on Presidential Debates. The second appendix is a press release from the Democratic and Republican parties indicating the formation of the Commission on Presidential Debates. This document is replete with a lot of civic high mindedness for the formation of this organization which in reality serves the two major parties and not the interests of the American electorate.

This is a must read for anyone who has found American politics to be oddly and uncomfortably narrow. Have you ever wondered why you don't get to see some of the candidates you want see, like Perot, Nader, and Buchanan? Have you ever wondered why you don't hear about some critical issues, like free trade, government waste, immigration, child poverty, and media concentration? Have you ever wondered why you only hear a series of boring, memorized soundbites, rather than actual discussion between the candidates? In this book, No Debate, George Farah shows just how the Republican and Democratic candidates secretly collude to control, manipulate, and ultimately ruin the most important public forum for the education of the American people - the presidential debates. The presidential debates are the gatekeeper to the election, and when you keep candidates and issues out of the debates, you keep them out of American politics. Farah's book is a truly fascinating exposé of the major party candidates' behind-the-scenes manipulation of the debates, replete with stunning quotes and entertaining anecdotes. Did you know that Perot was included in the 1992 presidential debates because President Bush - who ultimately blamed Perot for costing him the election -- demanded that Perot be included? The book reads with remarkable clarity and refreshing speed, and ends with a proposal for reform that is, in fact, being pushed by leading conservative, liberal, and centrist civic leaders. If you care about democracy and you're tired of being deceived, No Debate is a must read.

Remember that totally boring debate between George W. Bush and Al Gore in 2000? Why so much agreeing with each other, why was there no REAL debate going on? Well this book takes that issue head on, and it's about time someone did. These debates are shown for what they truly are, which is orchestrated soundbites. The two party duopoly has monopilized this venue so that other parties/issues cannot invade their control of the subjects and issues of the election.

Mark my words: if this control of the debate continues than less and less voters will show up to the booths. And also, if John Kerry is stupid enough to agree to a protocol for the debate as was done in debates past, he will certainly lose the election because you have to catch George W. Bush off gaurd to see what he's really made of.

Although, I have only read excerpts of this book, I am one to say June Hall is a person that gives it to you straight. I have had her as a professor and she speaks and practices what she preaches. I purchased the book not so long ago and from what I have read thus far, her writing is superb...down to earth and very clear to comprehend.

This book is very inspiring. It helps us remember to count our blessings and think positively.

June Hall's book is a gentle kick-in-the-pants for those stuck in the "poor me" mode. Hall's compassionate insight and direction helps us realize that hapiness is a choice--OUR choice. But what's more, she gives us suggestions as well as information, so getting started on celebrating our individuality isn't such a daunting task.

This simple book speaks volumes. Anyone seeking insight into relationships and how to make them thrive will love this book.

The book, Ordeal by Hunger, by George Stewart, is truly a great classic. This story explores the hard times and limits people were pushed to when they traveled west to the supposed paradise of California. Their hopes of reaching it before winter disappear as they travel in circles and their food slowly diminishes. They have to result to cannibalism and eat anything they can find in order to survive. Some push on towards California while others wait out the hard winter and build a cabin near a lake. The snow becomes up to 15 feet deep and fighting to stay alive becomes quite a challenge. Many hallucinate and perish. This book is somewhat depressing but gives a true account of history. I recommend this book to readers who are interested in a book that pushes people to their absolute limits. This book is full of vocabulary and is long in length, but in my opinion well worth reading.

This book told the historic story of the Donner party and had excerpts from the diaries of the members (Patrick Breen, and letters from Virginia Reed. VERY GOOD BOOK!

An exhaustively researched, even-handed account of the Great American Disaster. You know the general story, so the narrative builds with the crescendo drumbeats of inevitable tragedy. But Stewart's done the research better than anybody else and fills in the details. There are heroes and villians, but Stewart is always ready to give the benefit of the doubt, and believe the best in the characters until proven otherwise. What's haunting to me is that the Donner Party families were striking for the American Dream just like everybody else. But the men steered their families (thanks to ignorance, chicanery, and bad luck) into a hell.

This book presents an account of the Donner Party, a wagon train of about eighty-seven people who in July 1846 started off for California via a new, untried route through the Sierras. Unfortunately, this particular wagon train of pioneers would go down in history due to the horror and tragedy that it was to meet along its way. Stranded in the Sierras amidst its harshest winter in years, with unparalleled snowfall and frigid temperatures, only little more than half, mostly women and children, were to survive their unbelievable deprivation and suffering.

This wagon train was a loose confederation of strangers who originally were part of another wagon train, but who collectively branched off by consensus to try a new, though untried and unproven, overland route through the Sierras that was alleged to be shorter. Their decision to take this new route was one that would haunt them for the rest of their journey, as it was not what it was purported to be. The inexperience of these travelers, the poor decisions that were sometimes made, and their seeming inability to truly unify as one entity contributed to their ultimate debacle. They were, after all, representative of humanity at large. Some of them were good, brave, and unselfish. Some were people with whom one would not wish to shake hands.

Beleaguered by thirst as they trekked across a desert, marauded by Indians along the way, plagued by the loss of necessary oxen and cattle, beset by accidents and personal squabbles that would sometimes turn deadly, they would finally reach the Sierras and begin their perilous crossing, only to find themselves snowbound at the summit while within sight of the pass that they needed to cross to be home free. Trapped by the weather in early November, they would set up a make-shift camp, never thinking about just how long their encampment would last. With minimal food supplies at their disposal, these intrepid, westward-ho emigrants would find themselves trapped for months, facing incredible hardships that would tax them beyond human endurance. Some would resort to cannibalism in order to survive.

This is a riveting story about survival of the fittest, about personal sacrifice, and human foibles. It is a story not only of those ill-fated pioneers but also of those who would attempt to rescue them, often at great personal cost. It is a story that reflects the human spirit, both good and bad, in time of crisis. It is a story of often selfless heroism. It is also a story of greed and craven opportunism. While some of the book is politically incorrect, it is reflective of the times in which these pioneers lived, as well as that of when this book was first written.

It is, however, remiss that the maps included in this book do little to illustrate the deadly journey undertaken by these pioneers. Still, the lack of comprehensive maps does not unduly detract from the powerful impact that this story has on the reader. Moreover, although the book was published in 1936, the author, a trained historian, added a supplement in 1960, which is included in this edition of his book. This supplement serves to correct errors, as well as incorporate additional relevant material not available at the time of original publication.

Those who enjoy tales of survival will, undoubtedly, find this gripping tale well worth reading.

I purchased this book shortly after it being published on Amazon. I cannot tell you how many times in this past year I have pulled it out of my cabinet to refer to for some party or celebration that my girlfriends and I or my husband and I were planning. Always a big hit with my friends!

I think that the book covered almost all of my entertaining questions or delimas. This book it a must for any Homemaker/Party-par-taker! I suggest giving this book as gifts

This book has the handiest ideas that are simple, fun and inexpensive. In my busy life, it's wonderful for someone else to help me give a great party, delicious receipes, fun games and simple decorating ideas. I'm buying extra books to give as birthday gifts for my daughters and it will be a unique shower gift for my niece. Happy reading!

As a single man who likes to entertain, I found this book very helpful and easy to use. I love the emphasis on simple, inexpensive,recipies,games and decorating tips. I can't wait for the next excuse to party and put all these new ideas to use!

This is a great book for anyone who likes to entertain, or would like to learn how. This book has wonderful information for those starting out as well as many frugal recipes and party ideas for somone who is a seasoned entertainer. This would be a perfect gift for somone you know.

This is an awesome book. Not only is it a great shower gift but I gave them to single friends and married couples. It makes a lovely anniversary gift. I have already used my copy several times and I am married for 35 years! You can always learn new things about dinner parties, decorating ideas and how to make a cosmopolitan.Party Basics for New Nesters: More Than 100 Fresh Ideas for Holidays and Every Day

This book is amazing in every way! I just pulled off a dinner party that could have been a nightmare without this guide. I wanted everything to be perfect, and it was. The photos are exquisite and gave me great ideas that are actually do-able. Most helpful were Maria's tips on stocking up on party basics. A must have for all of those who stress before hosting any event- big or small.

I bought this book for my newly married daughter. But of course, I had to sneak a peek for myself! The book is warm and "user friendly"! Maria makes everything look easy and fun to do. Not only is this a book that you would use over and over again for ideas, it would look fabulous on any coffee table.
Thumbs up!

What a fabulous book, Maria has done it yet again. As a new nester myself ( not married, but single in a new home) I have to tell you this book is not only the perfect addition to my coffee table, but has given me the courage to invite people over and feel like I have all the pieces in place for a fabulous party. All of Maria's party planning ideas are done with greatest attention to detail, that I know my guests will appreciate and definitely comment on! A celebration planning guide that will take you from start to finish, all year-round.
Definitely the most stylish gift for any housewarming party!

"The Party of the First Part" is an erudite, hilarious tour through 21st Century American legalese. Alan Freedman leads us through the ankle-grabbing underbrush of redundancy, dead phrases, faux Latin, and mindless obfuscation into which every reader - and writer - of legal documents eventually must stagger.

Freedman is a sure-footed guide who knows the territory. Time and again, he yanks up a hoary word or phrase and shows us its tangled roots.

Sometimes we find, clutching a root with a deathgrip, an advocate of the so-called "Precision School" of legal drafting. These lawyers and profs fear that awful chaos would result if lawyers quit using ancient Anglo/French/Latin phrases, in favor of words used by 21st Century Americans in everyday life. Chaos? Well gosh, people might have to *sue* if they can't agree what a word or phrase written in 21st Century English means. Uh-huh, thinks I: as if they aren't already suing by the thousands over the meaning of Roman-numeraled legal documents bristling with boilerplate clunkers such as "witnesseth," "hereinabove," "aforementioned," "covenant and agree," and "hereunto."

This book should be required reading for every law student, law professor, judge and lawyer in the United States. It encourages those among us who want to write clearly when drafting legal documents. I hope it will at least give pause for thought to our colleagues who never met a hundred-word clause in the passive voice, that they didn't like.

Mr. Freedman's "The Party of the First Part" is a much more humorous review of Law School. Freedman covers Torts, Contracts, Criminal Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates and a multitude of other subjects that can even confuse some of the most academically gifted among us. I for one spent Law School in a haze because I felt like I was not getting the big picture. However, when I realized that the `law' does not have a big picture, I felt much more relaxed. Our Anglo-Saxon, Franco-Norman, Old English influenced law, as Mr. Freedman demonstrates, is a series of compromises and half-measures and it has always been that way. `Legalese' can be used as both a sword and a shield. For instance, Wills can be written in a way that makes sense to people, without any mention of the words "rest" "residue" or "remainder." But since these sounds good and lawyerly, it keeps showing up in Wills and Testaments. (Testament also being a redundancy too as Mr. Freedman demonstrates.) Thus, the odds of challenging a plain English Will and winning is much greater then one that packs more and more legalese in. Since legalese protects not only the lawyer and the client, legalese can also be used as a sword. For instance, why hire a lawyer if you could understand the documents that you are reading and signing? I encourage anyone to read this book to get a humorous side to a very dry topic.

A book about legalese? I was skeptical, but this book grabbed me from the start. As a lawyer and an English major, I've always wanted to know where legal language took a wrong turn. As Freedman explains, legalese got to where it is today by taking lots and lots of wrong turns. Like the legal tendency toward redundancy: "will and testament" "fit and proper" "breaking and entering." These phrases developed after the Norman Conquest when lawyers and clients switched back and forth between Anglo-Saxon and French (in each case, one word is Anglo-Saxon and the other is French). Not only is the book informative, but it's also laugh-out-loud funny, especially when Freedman describes the bizarre resistance of lawyers to using "plain English" in place of their cherished legalese.

Poking more than a bit of fun at the "worrying gap" - the distance between the language of the public and that of the legal profession, 'Legal Lingo' columnist Adam Freedman takes a humorous swing at the "Precision School", which holds that the complexity of legal language flows from the need of lawyers to be super precise. A position that challenges the "Plain English" camp, which advocates that ordinary citizens ought to be able to understand the laws they live under and the contracts they sign.

Demonstrating a wit and humor that may be lost on some legal scholars, Freedman traces the origin for the distinction between "libel" and "slander" while providing an ample supply of one-liners for use during your next meeting with legal counsel. If that is not enough, you may be interested in knowing that the Texas Cattlemen's suit of Oprah Winfrey was done under a "Food Disparagement Law" - statutes meant to protect agricultural products; veggies are a group with especially tender feelings, you know. His discussion of "boilerplate" language notwithstanding, I found the book to be riveting reading. From now on, I will "know all men by these presents," boilerplate is contractual and may require one to accept that there is a 'Sanity Clause'.

Dennis DeWilde, author of
"The Performance Connection"

What first started out as an article on the impact of Paul Wellstone's politics, Bill Lofy's Paul Wellstone: The Life of a Passionate Progressive transformed into a biography to be reckoned with. Starting with Paul's childhood and formative years to the day of his untimely departure, the book captures Paul's deep convictions and principles for social justice and progressive changes, which had forever altered the domestic politics landscape. One could double the biography as a platform for Paul's radical, oftentimes effective mechanism "...for the little guy versus the big guy." In a nutshell, Mr. Lofy succeeded in presenting Paul's bold resolve to espouse populist idealism in sharply divided American politics by foraying into academic politics and community activism and inevitably the Senate, as if he knew that, quoting the start of a chapter, "to be sure, mere passion, however genuinely felt is not enough." Presumably written on the behalf of many, this book is an embodiment of Paul's passion and integrity to remain genuine in the face of victories celebrated and failures embraced with dignity and humor. Resonating Paul's strength and vigor, the book offers lessons in life and leadership for everybody, regardless of affiliations. From the wresting mat to unorthodox campaign strategies, Paul's uncanny ability to rise in times of uncertainty inspired his constituents to "raise hell," like the book asserts Paul liked to say. However, that transpires the impulsivity Paul had acknowledged from time to time while remaining true to himself not to make decisions he did not believe in. In calculating courage in action, Paul showed us how, quoting Max Weber, he "...would not have attained the possible unless time and again he had reached out for the impossible." Conclusion can be made that the book is not just about Paul's impact on politics but also his passion for everybody. In the same vein, the book would share that when Paul visited a deaf awareness fair, he marveled at sign language and asked how to sign "beautiful." Like the book, that gesture of genuine appreciation for humanity Paul had so revered throughout his life could not be better exemplified.

Bill Lofy's Paul Wellstone: The Life of a Passionate Progessive is a brillant book. Mr. Lofy has distilled the essence of Senator Wellstone and unequivocally demonstrates just why Wellstone was so special, why he changed peoples' lives and why he is so missed. This book is more than a recounting of the Senator's life. It also provides thoughtful and moving political analysis of Wellstone's work and achievements. Abraham Joshua Heschel, the noted Jewish philosopher, historian and social reformer, said shortly before his own death that we must "Know that every deed counts, that every word is power...Above all, remember that you must build your life as if it were a work of art." Paul Wellstone's life was such a work of art and Bill Lofy shows us why.

This biography was one of the best I've read in a very long time. It wasn't overly long and drawn out, I read it in one sitting. Of course, I have great admiration for the subject, so I am biased, but the book would stand on its own merits. Sometimes a biography can get too bogged down in irrelevant details of the subject's life, but this definitely wasn't one of them.

Regardless of your views on either the left or the right, you have to appreciate the life that Paul Wellstone lived. From a kid in trouble to college professor to United States Senator is neither an easy nor a likely path. But that's what Paul Wellstone did.

In this book Bill Lofy, Communications Director of Wellstone Action, the organization created to carry on Paul and Sheila Wellstone's legacy after their death, writes a biography of his life. But more than that, this book provides some insight to the problems that beset political life today. The point of view of Mr. Lofy is, of course, progressive or liberal as we used to say. More than that, though, is the love that he shows to Paul Wellstone as a person, not just a politician.

If I could make any comment at all, it would be to not be fooled by the title! Although it has recipes and food ideas, it is FAR MORE than that! I loved it! If you entertain a little... or a lot... this is a MUST!

I love this book. My favorite party so far was the bowling theme! It works great for kids or adults. The decorating ideas made our party a hit! Another great one is the Pet theme! We just got a new puppy and had to celebrate! These recipes are easy to make from ingredients you can find in any kitchen! Put this book in your collection to help make every party memorable! I highly recommend this book.

This gal really knows how to throw the best parties. Her ideas are fresh and fun. We have used this new book twice already with great results --- parties people are still talking about. Why try to think of a special way to celebrate when you've got 'this Party Lady' at your fingertips. Order the book! You'll use it.

I own a retail gift shop in North Carolina and have had great success selling the Pick-A-Party Cookbook. I sell copies of the book to customers who have returned to buy them for gifts. One lady bought a total of 4 books. She bought one for herself, went home and made up some of the recipes, then returned to buy 3 copies for her friends! These recipes can be used year-round! I feel great recommending this book to anyone. Even if they have a large cookbook collection. The decorating ideas in this book are first rate. I also recommend the book for people who throw large parties or maybe someone arranging a family reunion. Patty Sachs gives food and beverage guidelines for large groups! I've never come across that in other books. Simply put, buy the book!

Island Potty Party is the proud recipient of the following:
2008 Mom's Choice Award
National Parenting Center Seal of Approval
Family Review Center Gold Award
Readers Views Choice Award - Finalist

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

Tim Friedlander's ISLAND POTTY PARTY presents a conga line and a transition from diapers - with musical motivation. Again, parents will find this a fun way to reinforce potty training with music and dance, presenting an unusual 'restroom romp' of action and whimsical fun.

Reviewed by Stephanie & Parish (age 3) & Isaac (age 1) Rollins for Reader Views (5/07)

Playdate Kids dare to address all issues children struggle with--even potty training. Included in "Island Potty Party" is a CD of the same name. Parish loved the song. It has an island sound that made Parish and Isaac dance.

Playdate Kids books always have a diverse group of kids and adults. There are many kids with different hair colors and skin colors. Some are cute. Some are less than cute.

In "Island Potty Party," the Playdate Kids play on the beach. Then Dakota's baby brother has to go potty. Dakota teaches her brother to not pee in his diaper. She shows him how to go to the bathroom. The kids act like expert potty trainers. They direct the baby brother to not pee on his feet and so on.

On a few pages, grown-ups and kids are shown going to the bathroom. At the end of the book is a simple diagram that shows kids what happens to their food.

A great aspect of the Playdate Kids books is that the pictures tell stories, too, so there are several stories going on at one time. There are adults covered up with sand. Kids build sandcastles. There are surfers. There is a volcano in the background. Each time Parish reads this, which has been countless times, she finds another interesting picture.

Once again, Playdate Kids has created a great book. If you have a potty-training child, let them read this book as they sit on the toilet. Parish has a book box next to the toilet. "The Playdate Kids: Island Potty Party" is now in that box.

I believe that third and fourth graders would really enjoy this text about this Mexican American youngster. Children would also enjoy the occasional Spanish included in the text. The only problem: Soto does not include a glossary this time. Oh well, Soto does a great job of portraying a family that understands what it means to really work for a living and teaches kids not to take everything for granted. Soto stays away from the sterotypical "lazy mexican".

The Pool Party by Gary Soto is a great story of a little hispanic boy named Rudy that gets invited to a pool party of a wealthy friend. Rudy's family is concerned that Rudy will not fit in and proceed to give him advice on what way he should act at the party. In the mean time Rudy decided that he is going to take an inner tube to the party against the wishes of his sister who told him that in a pool party, people don't actually go into the water and just chat by the side of the pool. Rudy listens to everyones advice, but at the end he does what he thinks is right and goes to the party and just does what is right for himself. The inner tube that he takes to the party is well received by everyone and he has a good time. This book is great for children in the fifth grade and on to read because it teaches them that being yourself is the right thing to do.

Gary Soto expresses the issue of fitting in and family life while using Rudy to guide us in a humorous way. This book is a great choice for young readers because they are able to relate with Rudy's dilema of fitting in and being liked by a new group of friends. One major concern was when Rudy finally goes to the pool party with his inner tube. One can't help but think of poor Rudy returning home early from the party crying and feeling dreadfull. The family unity is prevelant through out this book and it is expressed with how everyone is trying to give Rudy advice on how to act, talk and greet people while he's at the party. Over all this book is a great book that I had the pleasure of reading. I would recommend it to any student regardless of their ethnic background.

I remember being so captivated when reading this book in the fifth grade that I read it in one sitting! I had hated reading books before that. Soto is a great author and his story's will appeal to all kids.