Stevens Books

The United States of American has over the last ten years developed a strategy of increasing the average prison sentences for a range of crimes. The mechanics of this process are complex. The reason being that each state and the Federal Government have distinct criminal law systems. To summarise a large number of states have been passing laws which remove judicial discretion from sentencing substituting a range of fixed sentences for various forms of crime. These can either be three strikes and your in legislation, mandatory sentences for specific crimes or sentencing grid legislation. The Federal Government has also been waging the "war on drugs". The overall effect of this legislation is for the prison population to increase enormously and especially for afro Americans to be incarcerated in large numbers. The imprisonment rate in the States is similar to that of countries such as Russia and South Africa, places which have experienced social break down to an extent that it dwarfs America.

This book is a strong argument for changing the structure of criminal justice in America. It is largely a statistical analysis and as such it presents material in a dispassionate way. It is not a rhetorical book of left leaning propaganda but a book that looks at hard facts. The rate of imprisonment is now so high that the authors suggest that if imprisonment rates were to be reduced to European levels the unemployment rate could increase by 1% or 2%. The cost of imprisonment in most states is so high that it is outdistancing higher education. The pressure of constructing prisons and maintaining them is that it is limiting the ability of some states to cover normal expenses. California has had to reduce some welfare and highway construction.

The authors present a strong case for how these policies impact unfairly on different racial groups. One of the more chilling sets of figures are the rates of imprisonment for Afro Americans. The authors show that of the age group 20 to 30 1/3 of Afro Americans are either in jail, on parole or on probation.

Most commentators have suggested that the current system instead of punishing more violent offenders tends instead to give long prison terms to low level offenders who have reasonable prospects of reform. A change to non custodial options plus lessening some offences for minor crime could lessen the cost to the community with more or less no real change in the incidence of offending.

The book is thought provoking well argued and easy to read. A must read for all in the field.

This is a very important book. It should be required reading for all Congressmen and Senators, both federal and State. The situation it depicts will wreak havoc on the fabric of American society, unless corrected. The book not only points at the most pressing problems in our system of criminal justice, but also offers intelligent and powerful recipes for action. Should be also required reading for all colleges of criminal justice. Balanced, objective, yet full of passion for justice and for the America we all love, want and deserve. A must for true patriots.

This well-written and easy-read of a book is a must for anyone who is even remotely interested in thestate of crime and criminal justice in America. The book lays out the past, present and future of crime policy in easy to understand prose. the book takes on all of the hard issues and addresses them clearly and objectively. This book not only defines the issues, it also lays out great ideas for solving some of the big problems in crime. Enjoy.

If you want to know more than even the scientific profession knows about cold fusion, read this book. As a result you will be up to date about one of the most important discoveries of this century. This book continues the line of books that reveal a discovery that will change the way we live, yet has been broadly rejected. Discover how science behaves when it is confronted by a novel idea and how many of the problems created by conventional technology will be solved.

If you're interested in science, politics, energy and the future of mankind, this book is a must read. Cold Fusion will become a case study in how easy it is for science to dismiss an unothrodox idea, and how hard it is for those working outside the science othrodoxy to research a controversial field.

This book explains the Cold Fusion controversy that has raged for the past 15 years. Years that have been full of wars over dwindling oil resources in the Middle East. This is the definitive guide for anyone who wants to understand why Cold Fusion has been so controversal, the current state of research into Cold Fusion, and where Cold Fusion research might eventually lead us. Well researched and well written, this is the book that will redefine Cold Fusion for a new generation.

Krivit is the world's #1 authority on this research, because he's done coverage on all of the prominent scientists in the field. That's given him a greater scope of knowledge than any one of these individuals on their own would have, and he additionally has the ability to translate this so that it makes sense to the mainstream audience!

More info online at http://www.americanantigravity.com, or Krivit's site at http://www.newenergytimes.com

A perfect marriage of percussion, gaelic lyrics, and melodic tune smithing not found in any other scot band save "Big Country"

I happened to be in Aberdeen over Christmas/98 and saw a BBC telecast of an outdoor concert by Runrig at Sterling. It was quite an interesting concert as to the blending of rock music and the Gaelic influence. There is a move afoot in Scotland to revive the Gaelic language, and Runrig certainly makes the lessons palatable! Great music if you're into Scottish themes, or just looking for something different!

This has to be my second favorite album by Runrig! I can listen to the intrumentals, Recovery, Dust, Old Boys, and Nightfall on Marsco for hours on end and -never- get tired of it. I'll sit and absorb the words of the Gaelic songs (though I know no Gaelic) and still find myself singing the words of them. What other group do you know of that can teach you to love another place you've never been? Runrig can and has and will. __Well worth the price & the wait!__

Stephen Zaloga is an expert on the Red Army, and a superb model-maker. He has extensively written on both topics, and produced TV programmes as well. Leland Ness is a defense expert and Pentagon advisor.

`The Red Army Handbook' is a very dry, but immensely informative and useful account of the organisational and technical development of the main arms of the Red Army from 1939 to 1945. It is clear that the authors have a superb grasp of the topic, and their writing style is fully appropriate to the matter - matter-of-fact. The narrative is not just covering the theoretical organisation, but also includes realistic issues, such as the manpower shortage in the Red Army towards the end of the war, and how it was being dealt with.

The book is divided into two sections, each divided into chapters. The first section deals with the organisational development, charting the evolution of organisational structure of Red Army formation types in great detail, using tables of organisation and strength, together with numerous, very well selected pictures, and a narrative explaining the reasons for changes and how they appeared. Arms covered are infantry, armour, artillery, cavalry, and airborne/special forces.

The second section is dealing with the armament of the Red Army, specifically tanks, infantry weapons, and artillery (`The Red God of War'), and contains invaluable information such as production and loss statistics for tanks, and detailed information on specific weapon systems, again superbly illustrated.

The book also contains an index and a bibliography. Zaloga and Ness should be commended for their use of wide-ranging sources.

As a scenario designer for the computer wargame "Combat Mission - Barbarossa to Berlin", and as a very interested student of the war between Germany and the Soviet Union, I find this book an invaluable reference. It beats Nafziger's books on German unit organisations hands-down in accessibility. A task no doubt made easier by the more rational organisation the Red Army had, compared to the Wehrmacht. Whether you are a wargamer or interested in the evolution of the Red Army from `Giant on Clayfeet' to the most formidable fighting force to emerge from World War 2, this book is a must buy.

The Red Army Handbook 1939-1945 fills a number of gaps in my knowledge of Soviet units. The only other source I've had for this data is the "War in the East" study done by the staff of Strategy and Tactics Magazine. The Handbook provides info on the Red Army similar to the War Department's "Handbook on German Military Forces", but without limiting the scope of information to the latter half of WWII. I can't emphasize the presence of TO&E info from '39-'41 enough, which the histories have hinted at, but no book I've found (before now) detailed. The knowledge I've gained from the Red Army Handbook has enhanced my (re-)readings of the various histories of the Soviet-Nazi conflict. I consider the Red Army Handbook a vital and essential addition to my library.

An excellent new book on the Red Army. This volume contains detailed information on the TO&E (Tables of Organization and Equipment) for Soviet ground forces in the Second World War. The focus of the book is very tight; the changing Soviet unit organization, and Soviet army weapons. Don't look here for tactical doctrine or operational history! I do wish that there was more discussion of Lend-Lease weapons and vehicles, particularly in terms of delivery quantities and dates, and more on Soviet radios and soft-skinned transport vehicles. Nevertheless, a must-have item for Red Army affectionadoes.

Reading this book I learned a lot of new things about the infamous SA-2 family of missiles and the most important was the many versions used worldwide and, of course, the operational stories which were very good indeed (including countermesures and tactics used against the SA-2). The drawings and the photos are excellent and you will learn easily to distinguish the various SA-2 launchers and missiles from minor but important details. I wish Mr Zaloga will make the same work for other SAMs in the future, like SA-3 and SA-6.

Zaloga's research is impeccable in this book and his writing does justice to this missile system, a mainstay of the PVO for many decades and a pioneering weapon system. Very little has appeared in the West regarding the SA-2, despite its long operational history and the fact that it has been exported throughout the world. Well-illustrated, the only piece that is missing is details about unit administration and training, but it is such a minor piece when compared to the wealth of information provided that it in no way detracts from Red SAM. Definitely worth a read.

A good reference guide to the famous (or infamous) SAM that defined a generation. The book follows the development, the tactics and the effect of the weapon, its strong and weak points. Full of black and white photos, two pages of color illustration, it is worth the price.

The Holy Spirit came upon me as I read this book and opened my eyes and heart to things I've never seen or knew before. The presence of God is in this book . . . this can be felt, experienced, like no other book I've ever read (aside from the Bible). I am relatively new to body of Christ. I am here to say that, I have sought God, with a certain degree of effort and intensity . . . and He has responded! Much of his response, on a subject I've been praying about, can be found in this book.
I highly recommend it.

This is an excellent book by a true expert on relationships. While the author, Paul Stevens, isn't a psychologist, he writes from a Pastor's viewpoint as he taught hundreds of relationship classes and conducted counseling sessions for well over a decade. The approach in this book is conversational which personalizes the subject matter. Instead of humanistic concepts this book brings us a biblical approach regarding relationships. It is a great read for singles as well as for married couples. Another book that I highly recommend which is also powerful and talks about a proper self image and marital relationships on a biblical basis, is Dietmar Scherf's "I LOVE ME: Avoiding & Overcoming Depression."

I ABSOLUTELY loved this book and would recommend it to anyone. It is practical, resourceful and goes beyond the regular holding hands suggestions. The book addresses relationships from a Christian perspective and nicely balances what the Bible teaches with our own responsibility to improve our relationships.

I really enjoyed the book because it deals with subjects from a practical experiential point of view not just dry theology. This book has helped me privately, personally, and publically. Thank you very much!

I wanted a source to tell me exactly WHAT to do and WHY regarding personal finance (saving, investing, etc.) with the goal of possible early retirement.

RESW clearly tells you WHAT to do, and provides thorough supporting evidence and research as to WHY.

Tells you HOW MUCH TO SAVE and why. Tells you WHAT TO INVEST IN and why. Tells you what NOT to invest in and why.

Very clear, straightforward guidance that's the most honest, accurate and concise I've found.

I keep a copy of RESW in my office and refer to it any time a question comes up. My entire portfolio is based on the suggested "Do It Yourself" Vanguard portfolio in Ch. 30. I'm not rich, but with the knowledge I've gained from RESW, I am VERY CONFIDENT that I'm doing financially as well as I can be (without gambling!). Falling stock markets don't bother me at all; Quite the opposite, I get excited knowing that I'm getting many more shares per dollar invested. Rising gas prices don't bother me; I know my savings rate, portfolio allocation and current savings total will carry me through nearly all financial storms.

It's good to own this book.

This book clearly and concisely explains modern portfolio theory and how to apply it to your specific case. The chapters are short, which is great, since it allows you to focus and digest the material. There is plenty of supporting material and rationale on why this strategy has worked in the past and should continue to work in the future. The author puts forth a great argument for implementing a modern portfolio that can be tailored toward an individual's taste. You can select a portfolio that consists of only 4 mutual funds or portfolios with 20+ funds. The emphasis is on index fund investing which drastically reduces your operating expenses. The material provided is immediately actionable, the author tells you the exact funds that can be used to construct your portfolio.
I have read dozens of books on personal finance and investing. I am positive if I had read this book first and implemented its ideas from the start of my investing career (20+ years)I'd be better off financially today. I consider myself a successful investor as is, but this book would have significantly increased my portfolio's performance.

This book absolutely lives up to it's name. In only 100 well-written pages it clearly presents the proven facts about how to invest in order to optimally decrease risk and increase return. I have a Master's degree in Financial Economics and it took me years to appreciate this important information. Every investor should read this short book. If you follow its guidance, then you too will be able to retire earlier and sleep better.

Something has to be said about publishing your feelings for the world to witness your intimate thougths. What I have to say... this book of expressions is "Absolutley Brilliant!" Personally, I understand what the author was trying to convey... and this kind of love can only be reciprocated.

This is truly a work of art. If there has ever been a time when you have truly been in love you can relate to this book. If there has ever been a time when you have lost love, then you can relate to this book. If you have not experienced either, you can still relate, because this book applies to everyday life as well. You can turn any poem into something that has happened in your lifetime whether it is about love, or your hopes and dreams. The words are so eloquently written and woven together that you can actually place yourself into one of the poems. The author has so much feeling, that he makes you either want to welcome love with all of your heart to feel what he has felt, or close the door to love because you remember the pain he has felt. I would like to truly thank the person who inspired him to such great lengths to pour his heart out into song and make his heart beat to the rhythm of love. I can honestly say this is a wonderful piece of work.

Traylor's book exemplifies deep thoughts that we all can relate to when it comes to life, love, and happiness. Definitely a must have to keep all in touch with the simple things we take for granted. A must have!!!!!!!!!!

As a safety officer myself, I found this book truly captivating. I couldn't put it down. If you ever had a difficult time starting a safety program, I recommend you read "Risk Management in the Fire Service". This book is a recipe for an effective safety/risk management program. Mr. Wilder's five-step risk management process is so simple, I will use it for all future safety programs. I can't think of any incident too complex for this process. I used to think budget determined how effective a safety program could be, but this book gives step-by-step advice on things you can do within any budget. It's nice to know there's a reference and an authority I can turn to when I need help. Thank you Mr. Wilder.

While the concept of risk management is new to fire and EMS services, it is obviously not new to the author. His fire science background combined with his risk management background make him the logical choice to train the industry. Having sat in on lectures given by the author, I purchased the book with the hopes that it would be as easy to follow as are his classes. I was not disappointed. This book is written in a such a way that it takes a complex topic and makes it easy to follow and understand. As a fire department captain and EMT, I have already taken some of the ideas gained from this book and brought them into our department. I strongly recommend this book for fire department administrators, training officers, safety officers, and anyone interested in learning the basics of risk management.

Having spent nearly 28 years in the risk management business it is refreshing to find a book that deals with timely issues in a clear, concise manner. The exposures unique to fire fighters/medics are unique and Mr. Wilder has unique approaches to today's risks. This book is a must read for any fire department in the United States and City Managers, Fire Chiefs, firemen and women would be remiss if it wasn't mandatory reading. One thing for sure. . . as soon as we are finished posting this review an invitation will be extended to Mr. Wilder to come address our departments and key personnel. I would encourage anyone in the business, who has not read this masterful work, to pick it up. I am certain based upon years of defense related consulting work that this book will become a standard in the industry and will be guide lines for conduct observed by both the plaintfiff and defense bars across the country. An "Excellent" job Mr. Wilder. Thank you . Mike Vines System Risk Manager

Provena Health Inc.

Steven Graham Charles' The Road To Shamballah is an adventurous science fiction fantasy tale of the first space voyage between stars in the late twenty-first century. A exciting and eventful journey that changes mankind's understanding of known life, filled with challenges, fears, and love, The Road To Shamballah is a truly profound, highly entertaining, enthusiastically recommended and epic story of human confrontation with the vastness of space.

He was a wild Highland boy living with his grandparents since his mother died in a plague and his father was lost in space. The unit governing body wants to send the boy Willie McTavish on a mission and he is not given the choice of refusal especially when his grandparents insist upon his going. He is driven to the shuttle and than flies to the space station.

He boards the Fourth Ray and begins a mission that is not yet revealed to him. While in transit, they are ordered to pickup the Hyggelig Ambassador who will complete the mission with them. Willie learns how man developed the hyperdrive and defeated the evil aliens who wanted to have the human race for lunch.

THE ROAD TO SHAMBALLAH is reminiscent of some of the young adult works of Andre Norton. Steven Graham Charles has written a charming coming of age tale that showcases a protagonist who learns wisdom on a journey that he never wanted to take. Although this is partially a character study, the plot line contains plenty of action, making for a complete package.

Harriet Klausner

After picking up a copy of The Road to Shamballah, I looked forward to the moment when I could sit down and begin to read it.
I was intrigued, first of all, by the journey that was involved
in writing this book. I admit, that once I began to read this book, it was not easy to put down. Any spare moment that I had, I picked the book up. I wanted to be whisked away to lands in the far reaches of the galaxy, full of amazing people and places that came to life through the vivid storytelling. It was easy for me to picture the wonderful lands and characters as if it were playing out for me on a large screen. I found it a timeless story. The book had a number of very compelling twists and turns. Not only did I not want the story to end, but I wanted to run out and see the movie too! Hopefully, that will someday become a reality (Hello, Mr. Spielberg, are you out there?). The Road to Shamballah left me wanting for more. I want to hear more stories about these interesting characters and the places they travel to. To simply characterize this as a science fiction-fantasy is somewhat limiting in its scope. I found the elements of hope, family, romance, humor, and adventure as ones that will truly appeal to readers of all ages.
I highly recommend reading The Road to Shamballah. It is a road I truly want to travel again...