Carson Books

I've used software based curriculum in the past, but decided to go with the workbook this year. I'm pleased with it and my child has been able to be self-directed in her work. It's a fun way for her to stay sharp and be ready to hit the ground running in the fall.

Thus far this has been a good skill set for our children. The worksheets keep their brains working without stressing them out like they're in school. We love the fact that there is a tool available where they can continue to think and enjoy the summer too.

This book is an excellent tool to assist fifth graders to keep abreast of the subject areas they learned all year. My daughter utilize the book every day and I find that it is such a rememberance tool - as it will keep her prepared to start middle school where she will not have to play catch up and be ahead of her class. Get this resource, believe me you will not be disappointed.

This is the 4th successive year that we have purchased the Summer Bridge Activities series for our son. It's a great way to keep his brain in top learning form during the summer...he actually looks forward to doing his workbook page(s) each day!

We would highly recommend the Summer Bridge series!

We've used these in the summer for our two boys for the past couple years and last year my older son was the ONLY kid in his class who saw his standardized testing scores IMPROVE from the spring to the fall. I'm sure this wouldn't have been the case had he not done this workbook over the summer. In addition, the way these books are arranged is excellent, and we particularly like the way the book is broken up into groups of days (e.g., 15 days), which gives them nice intermediate goals toward which they can work. I would highly recommend this book to help your kids retain what they learned during the school year!

Classic Burroughs. "Carson Napier is bound for Mars, but finds himself forced to crash land on the planet Venus instead." Id f you are not already hooked, then you are not a Burroughs fan!

Carson Napier sets out to test his new rocket - and what better test than a quick trip to Mars, just to shake the bugs out? Off he goes, but realizes too late that he forgot something important: the moon! Can hardly blame the guy. He had a lot on his mind, so it was easy to skip a little thing like a planetoid 2000 miles in diameter. So, instead of flying towards Mars, away from the sun, he makes a gravity-slung U turn, towards certain death by solar incineration. Then, by remarkable coincidence, Venus just happens to be in the exact spot along its 400 million mile orbital path to draw his ship in - mighty convenient, that.

That sets the mood for another story cast in the classic Burroughs mold. It features the manly questing, swords and ray guns, bumbling romance (resolved in the end, of course), treachery, lower races conveniently available as domestic help, and repeated rescues of the princess who repeatedly needs rescuing. Oh, and pirates. The real yo-ho-ho and prepare-to-be-boarded kind.

If you want chaste adventure and escapist fantasy, Burroughs delivers. Where else could you hope to find this kind of writing: "As a mistress, death seemed sadly lacking in many essentials. Therefore, I decided not to die." They just don't write like that any more - and it might be a good thing, too.

-- wiredweird

Originally serialized in "Argosy" in 1932, "Pirates of Venus" is the first story in the fourth longest series of pulp fiction adventures written by Edgar Rice Burroughs (Tarzan is the longest, with Mars and Pellucidar coming in second and third). The authorial conceit this time around is that Carson Napier visits ERB before heading off to Guadalupe Island where he has a rocket ship in which he intends to travel to Mars. Carson establishes a telepathic link with Burroughs, which will allow him to communicate his adventures from afar. This becomes helpful, especially when Carson's rocket ship takes off for Mars and the adventurer discovers that he forgot something: namely the gravitational effects of the moon. However, in one of the great strokes of luck in science fiction history this ends up sending Carson and his rocket ship to Venus instead. The planet is said to be uninhabitable, but Carson has no other choice and when the rocket enters the dense atmosphere he jumps out in a parachute. Carson's luck continues because the air is indeed breathable and soon he is having a series of adventures on the planet's surface and meets up with the beautiful Duare. If you have read a lot of ERB's novels you know two things are going to happen between these two, namely that he will fall in love with her and at the end of the novel they will be separated by tragic circumstances (to be continued).

"Pirates of Venus" is a straightforward ERB adventure on one level, but you can also read it as a thinly disguised political satire aimed at the communists. This would be the bit about the Thorists, who start a revolution for their own benefit in which they cheat the uneducated masses, kill or drive off the educated people, and are themselves pretty much just a collection of idiots (I did not say it was profound political satire on the level of George Orwell). As an adventure yarn this is one of ERB's better stories from the decade of the 1930s and in it you will find a strange world of amazing landscapes, fantastic creatures, and people with bizarre customs. The adventure elements are from Burroughs' well developed formula, so you might as well pay attention to the wonderful world of Amtor he has created. Still, special mention has to be made of Carson Napier having more of a sense of humor than Tarazn, John Carter, and David Innes put together (my favorite is his definition of "golf" as "a mental disease").

"Pirates of Venus" begins the last major series by Edgar Rice Burroughs: the Venus novels. When it first appeared as a serial in the pulp magazine Argosy in 1932, Burroughs had already written Tarzan novels, most of the Mars series, and the novels of Pellucidar. The Venus novels were created partially as a response to Otis Adelbert Kline, a pulp author who wrote very much in the style of Burroughs. When Kline created a series of Venus-set novels made to imitate Burroughs's Martian novels, Burroughs fired back with his own series on Venus. He created a new hero, Carson Napier, who somehow manages to fire his rocket at Mars and end up landing on Venus. A jungle planet with tree-living humanoids battling a tyranny attempting to erase all class boundaries called 'The Thorists' (rather thinly disguised communists) and a horde of other monstrous menaces. Napier joins the fight against the Thorists and tries romancing the beautiful but unobtainable Duare.

It sounds like a typical Burrough adventure: plenty of colorful action, monsters, weird science, and crazy new cultures. But Burroughs was past his creative prime, and "Pirates of Venus" shows it. Phillip R. Burger, in his interesting afterword to this edition, sums up the problems in two telling sentences: "In the pantheon of Burroughs heroes, Carson Napier is considered a tad deficient." "I've become rather fond of 'Pirates of Venus' as well, in spite of the novel's rather glaring fault: no plot." Although Burger makes a spirited attempt to explain his liking for the novel, he's right about the flaws. Napier is a weak hero who doesn't really have any plan or direction, and the novel is really a loosely collected series of escapades and fights that lead nowhere in particular. The novel hardly even ends; it just stops -- setting up the inevitable sequels (which, for the record, are "Escape on Venus," "Lost on Venus," and "Carson of Venus"). Napier is maybe a more modern, realistic hero than Tarzan or John Carter of Mars, but that's not exactly what you want from an Edgar Rice Burroughs novel.

Nonetheless, "Pirates of Venus" is quintessential reading for Burroughs fans and pulp lovers. This excellent edition from Bison Books, complete with new illustrations, a glossary, and great essays from F. Paul Wilson and Phillip Burger, is the first time the book has been back in print for many years; many Burroughs readers probably haven't had a chance to experience Burroughs's last series, and here it is in quite handsome form. And, despite all its shortcomings, "Pirates of Venus" does offer simple action and adventure entertainment. Newcomers to Burroughs should first experience "Tarzan of the Apes," "Under the Moons of Mars" (a current volume from Bison Books that collects the first three Mars novels), "At the Earth's Core," and "The Land That Time Forgot" (all in print) before reading this later and lesser work from the creator of the modern action/adventure novel.

This was the first book in Edgar Rice Burroughs' "Carson of Venus" series. It was the last major series that ERB created, 20 years after he created "John Carter of Mars". In this book, Carson Napier builds a rocketship and sets out for Mars, but ends up on Venus. He has a series of episodic adventures, and falls in love with a beautiful princess along the way (which happens in just about every ERB book). Fun stuff, if you are a fan of this sort of thing.

I wanted broad strokes, just an idea of doing business in China. I needed this information for a project and thought I'd get greater detail at a later date. The book provided exactly what I was looking for. It detailed the specific types of foreign companies, corporate structures, business practices and etiquet.

If you need something more substantial this might not be for you but if you only want top line, it was excellent.

Good investment.

I liked Doing Business in China For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance) a lot. I'm trying to get up speed real quickly on doing business in China. I think of it as a 1000 Mile journey. The first book I read was The Gods of Business. It got me about 500 miles down the road real quick. It gave me the basics of the country's religion and their approach to business. After that I read Chinese Business Etiquette: A Guide to Protocol, Manners, and Culture in the People's Republic of China (A Revised and Updated Edition of "Dealing with the Chinese") and then this book each of which added another 250 miles of knowledge.

I highly recommend this "Dummies" book for its easy to follow format of navigating the business community in China. A great insight to how Chinese business people negotiate and basically, how things are done. It will save you from making costly mistakes whether you are starting your own business in China or dealing with Chinese business to get your product manufactured. I highly recommend the chapter on "Managing Risks in China." This chapter explains the importance of understanding the Chinese legal system (or lack there of); combating bribery and corruption; government relationships; and (my personal favorite) protecting intellectual property in China. This chapter is worth the price of the whole book (though the entire book has valuable advice).

As a private equity professional who is currently contemplating entrance into the Chinese market, I found this book to be extremely insightful. Collins and Block combine important historical and cultural insights with practical advice on how to get a deal done and protect your interests in the process. I would advise any executive contemplating a Chinese transaction to read Chapter 6 on successful negotiations, Chapter 15 on guan xi and Chapter 18 on legal contracts. If you are procuring items from Chinese manufacturers, be sure to read Chapter 12 on sourcing and Chapter 13 on manufacturing in China. Even if you just happen just be visiting the country, there are many great insights on how to get around and build relationships with people. All in all, I found this book to be extremely valuable and only wish I had it with me on my last trip.

China is a commercial enigma: it attracts the most adventurous entrepreneurs in the world, but it remains highly regulated and steeped in customs that pose huge challenges for newcomers. You can find great fortune in the Middle Kingdom -- but only if you are wise to its many pitfalls and peculiarities.

This new addition to the For Dummies series is in fact written for those who are smart enough to plan carefully. In a structured and readable format, it describes the political, legal, and regulatory environment, as well as the cultural norms to which the foreign businessperson must adapt. It provides practical advice on how to start up a business, build beneficial relationships, manage for success -- and repatriate your profits.

Though it is an introductory book, it is remarkably thorough in its pointers on dealing with suppliers, managing employees, and above all connecting with consumers and business partners. Even seasoned China readers will find this to be a useful reference, for instance on cutting through red tape and mitigating financial and legal risks.

Every chapter reflects the deep experience of the authors. Both are expats who had to learn China the hard way, and who want to make the adventure more manageable for the next generation of businesspeople. They have created a guide that is both comprehensive and easy to use. Their book is always objective and culturally sensitive, and is written with a touch of humor that makes it engaging and fun to read.

There are many practical guides on various aspects of doing business in China, and this book is certainly not the last word. It is, however, the very best place to start.

My husband started my son with Summer Bridge in kindergarten. He is now going into 7th grade. He's always done very well in school (straight A's) and I think SB keeps his mind fresh. We started our daughter on SB last year. There are activities for all subjects and some use of the internet is needed for research for the older kids. SB also suggests age appropriate books for your child to read. The answers are posted in the back of the book to check your child's work...let's face it, we've been out of school for a while!

We've had these books for various ages and they are terrific. Your child does not have to feel like they are having school all summer, but they are doing enough to stay sharp and on top of their skills and knowledge. Well-organized book to use in summer and throughout the year, to review or work on specific areas.

This book is easy to use but full of need-to-know items. My son has really enjoyed it. The character lessons are also a great way to talk to my son at a level he understands.

Thank you!

Our local PTA got Summer Bridge books for all the students when my oldest child was in the First Grade. I have purchased them for my children every year since then. This year they actually reminded me to get them!
I have them do three pages, every three days. It usually is done within 40 minutes, some days a little more - some a little less. This book, paired with 30 minutes of daily reading, really keeps all that they have learned fresh in their mind. It also gives them an opportunity to learn some new things, if something in the book was not covered in their class. We take advantage of the occasional "I never learned this in my school", to discover the answers to those questions. This particular edition is strong on math, social studies and science. It even has experiments to do with common household items. My child was at first overwhelmed by the prospect of doing a science experiment, but quickly overjoyed when the creation fizzed all over the kitchen counter! Everyone in the family had to do the experiment then. It was so much fun. Luckily, all the ingredients (water, vinegar, and baking soda) are natural cleaning materials. The kitchen counters sparkled after wiping everything dry! I highly recommend this book, and the series for any grade. It gives children confidence for the coming school year, and they still have plenty of time for summer fun. They won't feel that panic and anxiety of "I forgot everything over the summer" when school starts.

I first purchased the Summer Bridge series for 5th to 6th grade because my son was switching school districts and I was afraid he was going to be a little behind because the curriculum in the new district was more stringent. We used this book throughout the summer to keep his skills as well as to teach skills he hadn't learned yet. My son ended up with a 4.0 and was recommended for Advanced Placement Math in 7th grade. We used it again for 6th to 7th, and again another 4.0. But I knew it was a success when my son brought home a Language Arts paper at the end of 7th grade. At the beginning of the school year, his teacher had the class write down what they did over the summer. The teacher decided to keep the papers until the end of the year. My son wrote that he enjoyed doing the workbooks because he got rewards and he "didn't forget what he learned the year before" and "stayed ahead of his class" and "got on the honor roll". Imagine my surprise!! What a great book!!

I bought this book because of the rave reviews on Amazon.com, but I was disappointed. "Wing Ding" isn't especially well-written, and it provides little information about the air war in Europe that you couldn't learn from a mission log. The best part of the book is its description of life on the ground, especially including the author's consistent efforts to get around orders and his amazing ability to carry on a number of amorous relationships at the same time.

Mr. Carson's marvelous and unlikely memoir of service as a misfit baker who becomes an aerial gunner in order to follow his brother to war is exceeded only by hearing him tell the stories in person. I am fortunate to have done both, and have read this book several times since he published it, laughing out loud each time. Unlike many solemn and tragic memoirs written by other air war veterans, "Wing Ding" shares details that most aging warriors would never tell.

Heavy bomber history needed this warrior-author and his memoir, and as a museum volunteer I recommended it on countless occasions. Like an episode of M.A.S.H., Lt. Col. Carson--"Wing Ding"--provides irreverent wit and levity in spite of the freezing horror that WWII bomber crews endured. He accomplishes this in a way that only one who faced it would dare attempt.

A must-have for readers of heavy bomber history and for the children and grandchildren of those who served.

With a deep respect for my late dad's generation of WWII veterans, I recently listened as one recalled a bit of his WWII exploits as a B17 tail gunner. Time flew, the graduation party that brought us together was over, and I left to return home.
I looked forward to hearing more in future meetings. Sad to say, that'll never happen. Louis Holmer has taken his tales with him in passing away on December 6, 2006. WING DING Memories of a Tailgunner enabled me to appreciate him even in his absence. My thanks go out to Lt. Col. Gene T. Carson RET for writing of his experiences and allowing future generations a glimpse into WWII history on a very personal level.

World War II is a long-ago event. In most of our minds, it's something we hear about but give little thought to. For many, all they know about this highly significant event in our past comes from literature. WING DING towers above the rest of that literature by putting a human face on the events that shaped a generation.

Compelling reading and gripping drama from the first page to the last. Gene Carson is a gifted storyteller, writing in a simple style which is free of hyperbole, moralizing or melodrama. The story is the main thing, and it is a story indeed.

Tragedy, humor and acts of courage are presented in a way that make for irresistible reading. We should be grateful that Carson has chosen to share his story with us, because what happened so long ago should not be forgotten.

..And The Fighters Are Making Their Run. Gene Carson does an excellent job relating the fear of not knowing where the next flak round is going to burst, or on which mission his luck will run out. After their 10th. mission, the aircrews were living "on borrowed time". Death in a B-17 came either from the determined cannon of German fighter pilots, or the random blast of German Flak. It came from flying or bombing accidents or it came from walking across Poland and Germany for 75 days during the worst European Winter in a hundred years. You could bleed to death in your flying suit, pass out and die when you accidentally disconnected your oxygen supply, or ride a doomed bomber all the way down because the centrifugal force kept you pinned to the airplane a few feet away from an escape route. Some died on their first mission, and some on their 25th. Not many fought the Army bureaucracy to get BACK into combat flying after they honorably completed their first tour. Gene Carson did. He also stayed in the Army and went from "glamorflyboy" to "groundpounder" with the 82nd. Airborne Division. "Wing Ding" (and it's not the name of his airplane) gives us a look at the Carson brothers' lives from the time they were "half orphans" in a Pennsylvania trade school, to the point where Gene goes back for another tour after learning John has been shot down. After his brother was shot down, Gene Carson's war was no longer about surviving the requisite number of missions and going home. It was now about staying in the deadly game until he knew his brother was safe. Gene goes back without the slightest objective reason to believe John is alive, because they're brothers. The book has it's humerous moments, such as the manner in which Gene dealt with two different species of predator in the Florida Everglades.

At a time when our nation is hungry for heroes, we often don't have to look any farther than the older guy living right next door. The "heroes" of my generation are too often a gratuitous, polished, packaged largely manufactured product. The heroes of Gene Carson's generaton were just glad they survived. They were indeed ordinary men who did extraordinary things. Carson's "Wing Ding" will go on my bookshelf next to my favorite first-person accounts of men in battle.

Book came in the time frame and in the condition specified.

Great Great backstage quips, quotes and extended anecdotes about Mr. Sweeney and his 20 years of bumping into all the major show business people that graced the tonight show to visit with Johnny and Ed. Tremendous insight for those curious about what some of the stars are "really" like and how ordinary yet extraordinary they actually were. From Ray Charles, to Tony Bennett, to Don Rickles, to Joey Bishop and many many more. Not a "tell-all" book at all it's just a real working mans account of what it takes to put on such a high profile show with the pressure of keeping the level of excellence Johnny expected. Don builds a wonderful story of how his early childhood dream of being involved in show business and network TV from his start on the Howdy Doody show at 5 to drumming with Ray Charles and Ed Shaughnessy as an adult. His daily chronology of rubbing elbows day after day with stars you all know and love as he went about his tasks gives us all hope of meeting the idols in our lives who gave us inspiration and touched our lives with their talents!!! Can't wait for more great stories in the sequel!!!!

I get the feeling that Mr. Sweeney, who seems like a nice guy, would tell folks that he used to work with Johnny, Ed and Doc at the Tonight Show.

(Technically he did, although not in a high capacity in which he would be privy to juicy info.)

He might share a celeb anecdote or two, then somebody would say, "Hey Don! You ought to write a book!" So he did.

Unfortunately, there's not a lot of new info here. You get the recycled stories about Johnny being shy, Jay being a hard-working nice guy, and Don Rickles is not as mean as he seems.

There's even the obligatory "Dave Letterman is truly a nut" story...that's no surprise either, although it is one of the more entertaining stories in the book.

I give it 3 stars. It's a good read, and Mr. Sweeney seems genuine in his awe of working with his childhood idols. However, I agree with another reviewer. If you're gonna call it "Backstage at the Tonight Show," from the perspective of someone who was allegedly a witness to some big-star behind-the-scenes moments, tell me something I didn't already know. Share a secret or two, and put in the good with the bad. After all, that's life, that's reality, and that's honesty.

This book holds my interest. I cannot put it down because I loved the TONIGHT SHOW.
Don Sweeney comes across as one of us. He is a fan, just as I was. So I put myself in his shoes and love reading about what I would have seen as a Tonight Show member. If you loved Johnny, Ed or Doc or the band, you will enjoy this book!!!! My 83 year old aunt refuses to give the book back to me. She also cannot put it down. What a great tribute to a great TV show. Thank you Don Sweeney for sharing your story. You gave your readers a special gift.

Author Don Sweeney was with The Tonight Show for nearly twenty years until Jay Leno took over in 1992, so he's in the perfect position to provide the celebrity vignettes and anecdotes which follow its peak years in BACKSTAGE AT THE TONGITH SHOW FROM JOHNNY CARSON TO JAY LENO. More than two dozen celebrities are profiled here form Bill Cosby and Frank Sinatra to Letterman and Stevie Wonder, with descriptions bringing the show experience to life. A recommended pick for not only The Tonight Show viewers past and present, but for any who enjoy celebrity exposes.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

What an interesting look into the history of childbirth through the lens of birth stools as artifacts! I gobbled this book up- mostly because I believe that women have been short-changed in their modern birth experiences. A look back reveals that birth was a normal event, even a social event that was accompanied by female attendants and friends. Today, birth is practically, a medical emergency that entails isolation in a sterile room accompanied by mostly male doctors. Women are stronger than modernity realizes...this book proves that!

This book was a required reading for a program I am in and so otherwise I may never have picked it up. It is very intersting but at times a bit repetitious. I did enjoy the history of the birth chair and seeing how the birth chair itself evolved as childbirth did when it moved from the home with attendance by the neighborhood midwife to the care of a physician and eventually into the hospital. It is definitly not for light reading but very well researched and helpful for the student.

I couldn't get really into this book because as a labor and delivery nurse, I think I expected a less technical book. I do, however, think that for research papers or projects it would be an interesting and important reference book. For my interest though, I wasn't totally happy with it.... Nice piece of history with photos...Not an expecially interesting read from a purely recreational point of view...

You hardly expect that a type of furniture would tell direct stories about medical history and the relationship between the sexes and between doctors and patients through the ages. However, in a surprising book _Birth Chairs, Midwives, and Medicine_ (University Press of Mississippi) by Amanda Carson Banks, we get quite a lesson in history and medical sociology. Some of the lessons don't reflect well on medical practitioners or on societal choice at all.

This well-illustrated book shows birth chairs and stools from many cultures and times. They were low, about ten or thirteen inches, and they had a more or less straight back. They had the simple job of supporting the woman in a squat, a position that allowed her to brace her feet against the ground and that allowed gravity to help. They had a very narrow seat, or a seat that had a horseshoe-shaped cut out, to allow the midwife access to the birth canal and delivery. They came in many styles, because they were generally made or ordered by the midwives that owned them.

Because of the rise of the profession of medicine, and because obstetrics was a source of professional endeavor and income, chairs changed. The seats became higher, allowing the doctor an easier view and more room for manipulation. The attitude seemed to be that midwives could put up with back strain, but doctors wouldn't; it didn't matter that the position of squatting was eliminated, so that the woman could do less to brace herself during contractions. The chairs also became more gadget-ridden, with adjustable backs, seats, arms, and stirrups. The doctor would probably adjust these to his convenience. The innovations of gadgets on what were formerly simple stools started to include chair backs that could descend to the horizontal, making the lithotomy position an option. Increasingly, birth chairs became more like operating tables, and the role of the woman centrally involved became less important than the duties of those conducting the delivery. Birth chairs came into fashion again with the rise of the women's rights movement, but doctors only grudgingly accepted them.

This is a lot of medical history for the lowly birth chair to bear, but Banks has written a thought-provoking summary of just how societies have regarded birth chairs and midwives, and how we got to the current era of continued medical intervention in labor and delivery. To her credit, she has written a history rather than a polemic, but the history cannot help but question whether abandoning birth chairs has been good for mothers or their babies.

This book provides a very interesting and informative detail of the history of birth culture in America as discovered through the study of birth chairs. In incluedes intriguing pictorial documentations of birth chairs and how they evolved into the modern maternity beds in use today.

Michael Carson's "Extreme C-Sections" is a delicious spoof of all things sci-fi. It is so densely packed with humor that the reader needs to take his/her time and peruse this book carefully to catch every funny nugget.

I would like the chance to hear author Michael Carson speak because I'm pretty sure his tongue is permanently planted in his cheek - and that has to make the act of speaking tough. I don't know a whole lot about this young author - only that he has a definite knack for comedy, is no stranger to science fiction, and that he has absorbed an extraordinary amount of pop culture knowledge in his twenty-odd years of human existence. He even knows a lot of the old school stuff that I wouldn't expect someone so young to be familiar with. I keep talking about Carson's age, and that is because this is a very youthful novel - Carson's never met a joke he rejected as too corny, and any old fogies out there probably won't understand or appreciate an author who has such unadulterated fun with his writing. Normally, I detest the least sign of authorial intrusion into a story, but it actually works well here (and the author's not the only external voice that turns up in these pages). Carson even goes so far as to insert himself as a character in the book - in a short and very funny episode.

Life on Earth in 9998 is pretty great, what with all of those "futuristic" gadgets everywhere. There's only one problem: all manner of aliens keep launching attacks on the Earth on a weekly basis. When I say Earth, I mean Earth 3, of course, as humans long ago had to abandon the polluted home world of their origin, then learned the hard way (on Earth 2) that intelligent, armed dinosaurs of their own genetic manufacture don't make for the most practical of planet protectors. Now, though, someone has come up with an idea that could end the alien menace forever. It's a perfect, wholly successful plan - which means, of course, that somebody screws up somewhere. Sure, the Independence Day race, the Mars Attacks creatures, the War of the Worlds Martians, and even Alf and E.T. have been defeated, but one race still remains out there (thanks to a postal error): man's most feared enemy, the Aliens aliens. Obviously, something must be done to take this last remaining threat out. Sure, the Aliens aliens can't get to Earth without finding themselves a human host, but the idea of simply leaving them be out there on their distant planet is shot down almost immediately. Instead, Earth 3 quickly constructs a huge space ship (the Spaceship Idaho), chooses a crew made up of representatives from all (and I do mean all) population groups, and launches a mission to travel to and blow up the Aliens' home planet. The group is led by old Oliver Naise - he's only thirty-four, but this is a world where no one over 30 is allowed to perform important jobs such as acting, playing sports, or saving the world, no matter how many times he's saved the world in the past.

Getting to the Aliens planet is easy; getting back home alive turns out to be the hard part. A spy in the crew's midst allows the Aliens to infiltrate the ship, which causes nothing but trouble, including a good many deaths - thank goodness they brought all those Extra crew members along with them. If that's not enough, the crew's cybernetic dog accidentally winds up in Kill the Crew mode, there's a small self-destruct issue that needs to be dealt with, a dark secret about Earth 3's government is revealed, and ... well, you don't expect me to tell you everything, do you?

Suffice it to say that anyone who enjoys science fiction and unadulterated satirical humor will get a big kick out of Extreme C-Sections. You will need a general awareness of prominent science fiction movies and related pop culture icons in order to fully "get" what Carson is doing here, but only the most fuddy of duddies won't know enough to recognize a fair share of the plot elements satirically skewered in this novel. Also, be prepared not to take anything too seriously because this young author will have none of that. I daresay that no one, not even Mr. Spock himself, could possibly read Extreme C-Sections without laughing.

Imagine a future earth (or earths, if you will) that have been perpetually bombarded by all the alien nasties that have inhabited the wide screen for the past 100 years. Martians, predators, even purple people eaters have been irritating us earthlings for thousands of years when this book takes place. We have conceded on earth to the lizards and have blown up a second and now on the verge of fixing the whole problem and blowing up all our enemeies we discover that we left one enemy out of the finally. Somewhere in the depths of space Aliens are preparing to put egg in our face one more time.

Have no fear. The furture has solved the challenge of having challenged with and ingenious system designed to encourage innovative solutions. The many layers of I Cup winnow and wean ideas until, finally, the best is it hand. Yes, we are going to save Earth Three by going off to where the aliens are and politely ask them to stop eating people. Soon with a scientifically diverse crew commanded by Captain Oliver Naise, the most important diplomatic mission in the universe is off to a flying start.

If you think things went (or will go) smoothly then you have no idea what an extreme c-section is. Michael Carson weaves an inordinately complicated tale of treachery, outlandish in jokes, and bald faced lampoonery. A lighthearted romp through the travail of discovering what it means to be dinner in space. You are either going to believe that this book is a funny horror story or you are going to quietly beat yourself to death with a heavy irony. I found it enjoyable since, as an elderly science buff I recognized, most of the obscure references. This is a great book for snickering, and these days a good snicker is hard to find. There are a lot of interesting ideas in it and one has the suspicion that when Carson returns to sanity he will become a writer to watch for.

[Review copy provided by author]

Have you ever noticed that, taken as a whole, science fiction tends toward serious stuff? There are a few that try at humor and humor through exageration, especially movies (Mars Attacks), but mostly we science fiction writers are too taken with the grandiose. C-Sections provides a welcome interlude where we can sit back and laugh at ourselves, and perhaps puncture the bubble of grandeur that we tend to surround ourselves with.
Thank you, Michael Carson!
John Cooley, author of "Dear Madman" (sadly ? a very serious novel)

Extreme C-Sections is a very funny parody of all your favorite science fiction movies -- and a few classics from other genres you will be sure to recognize. Having managed to rid themselves of such alien invading races as the Independence Day aliens and the One-eyed, One-horned, Flying Purple People Eater, the people of Earth face one last menacing enemy: the most dreaded alien threat of all -- Aliens. An organization comprised of Earth's randomly chosen and extemely mediocre problem-solvers is called upon to brainstorm a solution. Merely avoiding planet LV-426 (because the stomach-bursting aliens have no ships of their own and can only stowaway on others' ships) is rejected, because Earth is not the kind of planet to sit around and do nothing, by gum! Instead, they decide to send an eclectic crew comprised of all races, genders, and sexual orientations (plus a couple hundred Extras as bait)and wipe out those Aliens once and for all. With the crew of the Spaceship Idaho led by over-the-hill Captain Oliver Naise (he's 34), Earth is sure to be victorious, unless a government conspiracy intereferes ... Readers will enjoy the satire and wit of this new author, IF the whole book doesn't get prematurely shut-down by Agent Smith for making fun of The Matrix.

Dianne K. Salerni
Author of High Spirits: A Tale of Ghostly Rapping and Romance

"A new small format, hardcover volume of photos from architect/photographer Sam Carson. Besides designing over 100 buildings, he has photographed over 5,000 models. Carson's look is warm and inviting, the facial expressions run the gamut from stares to smiles, but the models all look real. Shot largely indoors, at what one would presume to be Carson's home, the book is a visual treat. The men are either naked, in underwear or sexy workout pants--no shirts, lots of dick--and much of it hard.--Scott Cranin"--© zebraz

Well, I ordered this book on the recommendation of everyone else who wrote reviews for it thinking it must be worth the price since everyone gave it 5 stars. Perhaps my expectations were too high then. I found the photographs in this book to be a bit amateurish. I find homoerotic photography appealing when the subjects show the essence of male attractiveness -- beauty, confidence, contentment and power. The only one of those that comes through in these photographs is beauty, and then only if you are into VERY young guys (think "Freshman" magazine)-- I'd guess average age is 18. The way the photographer has posed his subjects makes them reek of imaturity. Most look either uncomfortable before the camera or goofy. True, they've all got great bodies, but I prefer more mature subjects and more artfully composed compositions. A nice try, but there are many better than this.

Sam Carson works as an architect in Los Angeles, which must have given him the penetrating eye for beauty that he shows here. That he can produce something this good on his first foray into photography is a rebuke to established gay eroticists (David Morgan, Jeff Palmer, Howard Roffman and Steven Underhill). For this book, Carson has selected a dazzling array of men who all have one thing in common: they are beautiful, muscular men who no one in their right mind would kick out of bed. There are a fair share of nudes in this collection, but what Carson demonstrates best is that designer underwear and tight Speedos can be every bit as hot as full frontal nudity, though once again, this book contains a good amount of penises. I hope Carson publishes another book soon, but until then these boys will have to do. The only flaw is that there are only 80 pages, but overall, this book proved to me that there's more to gay photography than Bel Ami.

I said it all in the title....woof. This photographic collection is REAL EASY ON THE EYES.

The men are young, handsome, built well, and all appear to be having a good time in this book of color photographs by Sam Carson. Much has been made that this is the first book of this sort by Carson who is an architect by profession although apparently he has been doing this kind of photography for sometime. Additionally, all the models are amateurs and doing this for the first time. Hence the title FIRST EXPOSURE. It shouldn't be a great leap, however, to go from designing well-constructed, beautiful buildings to photographing well-built beautiful bodies. After all, f stops and apertures can be learned by taking a class or picking up a camera manual; people with a photographer's eye are born, not taught.

About half the models here are nude; the others, just as fetching, are advertisements for all the brands of men's underwear. Some of the companies represented here should pay Mr. Carson a fee for all this free publicity.

Almost all these stunning photographs appear to be shot in natural light. No strobe light will ever light a photograph as beautifully as nature does.

There isn't a mediocre photograph in the entire collection here. Finally, thank you, Mr. Carson, for not telling us what we are seeing. There is not one word of description or explanation about any of the photographs. Nor do we need any.

LOVE this book and the matching oracle cards. Very much to the point, beautifully written, insightful and just plain fun.

If you're seeking a set of divination cards which guide to rapid changes in the world, here's a set from the creator of the best-selling Medicine Cards, which uses old clues to predict the future. Each card features a key guidance for the 21st century using ancient knowledge from the Mayans and Aztecs in a set of oracle cards perfect for predicting the future. A cenote cloth is included and enhances a set perfect for individuals seeking extraordinary divination techniques and card sets.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

The cards are so small and so flimsy it is a big disappointment.
They are difficult to see. The Mayan numbers are written in gray on black ... not easy to read. The art is OK not anything more than that.
The cards are a BIG disappointment and they will not last long.
Cheaply made. Just can't get past the very poor card quality...to even comment on the text.

Like the other reviewer, I love Medicine Cards and the wisdom that David Carson shared in that set. I looked at the official web-site for the 2013 Oracle and was blown away by the cards, their design and colors. I eagerly anticipated their arrival and was sadly disappointed by the size of the cards. At $29.95 (thankfully, I didn't pay full price) - the cards could be bigger. At least the book contains extra large versions of them so the artwork can truly be appreciated.

I love the concept and am really looking forward to using this deck.

Two things initially drew me to the 2013 Oracle: The beautiful book cover design and author David Carson. I bought the 2013 Oracle after test driving it for five minutes. The wisdom and power of the book transported me. This is the kind of book that serves as a Portal to a World More Real and Beautiful, a Higher Consciousness, Home. A Spiritual Teddy Bear and The Jaguar Spirit - The Teachings of the American Mound Builders, Temple Builders from Canada to Peru, my spiritual heritage. Sacred Sites,Energy Systems/ Grids in the Earth. End of Nine Hells. New light emerging from that Very Black Hole. New Humanity :)
The cards. I read another review saying they were too small and cheap. However, because they are smaller and thinner, they are easy to manipulate. So they are perfect. I have only drawn 4 cards so far,one for another. All incredible. Spine Tingling. Empowering. Makes you get up and dance. Makes you meditate. You?