Parenting With Intimacy Workbook (Intimate Life Series)

Parenting With Intimacy Workbook (Intimate Life Series)
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Parenting With Intimacy Workbook (Intimate Life Series)
Teresa Ferguson , Paul Warren , and Vicki Warren
Manufacturer: Victor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Parenting With Intimacy (Intimate Life Series)

Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 1564765237

Book Description

From their establishment in June 1940, the Commando units conducted a succession of daring hit-and-run raids from the sea into North-West Europe, Scandinavia, Italy and the Middle East. Among the highly publicised Commando operations were the raids on Vaagso, Dieppe, and St Nazaire. The Commandos also spawned a range of other Special Forces, including the Special Air Service, Special Boat Service and the Parachute Regiment. This Battle Orders title provides a detailed examination of the Army (and later Royal Marine) Commandos raised in the United Kingdom, from their inception in 1940 through to 1946, when the Army Commandos were disbanded and the role was assigned exclusively to the Royal Marines.

Customer Reviews:

A Good, Balanced Overview of Britain's Special Forces.......2006-06-02

Tim Moreman, a freelance writer, outlines the organization and evolution of Britain's Commando forces in the Second World War in Osprey's Battle Orders #18. Readers might be a little put off by the odd choice for cover photograph, which shows a French Commando aiming an unloaded Thompson sub-machinegun (no magazine loaded). Not exactly what Winston Churchill had in mind when he ordered the formation of the Commandos. Nevertherless, this is a good, solid effort and useful as a reference for specialist while still interesting for general readers.

The author begins by stating the combat mission and formation of the Commandos after the fall of France in June 1940. As the author relates, Winston Churchill was in a great hurry to demonstrate an `offensive mentality' after Dunkirk and the hastily-formed Commandos were seen as the means to that end. Unfortunately, the early Commandos had little or no special training and even included troops who couldn't swim, which caused needless casualties in one of the first raids. Indeed, this volume creates the impression that the Commandos in 1940-41 were initially more of a political tool, useful for raising British public morale, rather than effective military units. The 24-page section on organization details the structure of the early Commando units, as well the Royal Marine and Inter-Allied units. The early Commando units trained their own personnel and the author points out that the key moment in the development of Britain's special forces came with the establishment of a centralized training school in Scotland in February 1942. From that point on, the Commandos were imbued with common doctrine and tactics, as well as the specialist training that made them into an elite force. The author provides plenty of line and block charts, although mostly at the battalion/troop level. The next sections on doctrine, training and tactics are very good, particularly in the author's discussion of how the advent of the Commandos was such a major break with prior British military methods and traditions. Indeed, Britain started the war with no real doctrine for amphibious or irregular warfare but succeeded in developing both in 1941-43.

The sections on weapons and C3I are good, but there is no mention of cooperation between the Special Services units and the clandestine SOE. Unfortunately, this volume does not address intelligence support for Commando missions, such as IPB or cooperation with local resistance for intelligence collection. Most readers should find the 30-page section on combat operations interesting; the operations discussed include the raids on Guernsey, the Lofoten Islands, Vaagso, St. Nazaire, Walcheren and Kangaw (Burma). The operations section is supported by eight maps and several more unit OB charts. The author also includes a useful appendix that provides a capsule history of each Commando unit.

As for the `so what?' aspect of history, the author concludes that the Commandos developed into the `sharp point of the spear' that greatly assisted conventional Allied amphibious landings, such as D-Day. While the value of the Commandos in seizing tough objectives on 6 June 1944 is clear, their overall contribution to the war effort is less certain. The role of the Commandos on D-Day also raises another issue which British historians steer clear from, which is the question of whether the Commando raids of 1941-42 actually spurred the Germans to establish thicker coastal defenses than they might otherwise have had. After the Dieppe and St Nazaire raids, the Germans put more troops on beach security and became more aggressive about improving their coastal defenses. If Churchill had not pressed for early pin-prick raids on the continent, is it not possible that the German garrison in France might have fallen into a lethargic "Maginot Mentality" like the French in 1940, with much less fortification of places like Normandy? This raises the possibility that the Commandos may not have had to assault targets such as the Merville Battery on D-Day, if their own earlier raids had not spurred the Germans to build fortified artillery positions such as that. While theoretical, there is room for discussion on the costs and benefits of the Commandos in the Second World War; this volume is a great place to form the questions, if not the answers.

Reinventing War.......2006-05-19

I have to argue against the conventional wisdom that "The volunteers stripped from regular units to man the Commandos undoubtedly lowered the effeiciency of regular units, denying the rest of the British Army an opportunity to develop the offensive spirit." (Page 84) There are four things the Commandos did to the British Army that cannot be forgiven:

1) They said that they had a better way to fight the war, one that just wasn't cricket--never mind that war isn't a game of cricket!

2) The Commando units then proved that they had a better way to fight.

3) The publicity took fame and glory away from the regulars.

4) Worst and most unforgivable of all, the rest of the British Army was forced to adopt the more-successful Commando techniques!

As for "developing the offensive spirit," the volunteers left the regular units because there was no offensive spirit and little chance to develop one. Keep doing things the old, defeated way, only with more enthusiasm? Or try something new? Page 9 quotes Prime Minister Winston Churchill on this exact motivation. Of course, the Thompson sub machine gun was a gangster weapon and not proper armament for soldiers at all. Worse, common lower-ranks were using the officer's badge of rank, the handgun, for close-quarter fighting! Brightly-polished boots were replaced by footwear totally unsuited for stomping about the barracks square--soldiers do not wear rubber-soled gym shoes for combat operations! See the chapter on Commando uniforms, equipment and weapons starting on page 45 for details.

it is often said that Commando personnel would have made fine junior leaders in conventional units. The historical record is clear on this--Commando corporals and sergeants who rejoined conventional units were often given the choice between becoming privates again or leaving active service entirely. Were these "superior soldiers" ruined? Or was it just that there was no place for their superior skills, proven leadership talents, and offensive spirit? No, the complaint that Commando units depleted the "real" British Army by creaming off its best men is disproven by how these Commandos were treated upon return to their original units. As I said, the real crime of the Commando was imposing changes on the regular Army.

Tim Moreman documents the British Army and Marine Commandos from formation immediately after Dunkirk to the disbanding of the Army Commandos after World War Two. Note that Army Commandos have recently been reintroduced into the British Army. The Royal Marines eventually became an all-Commando service after World War Two. Moreman wrote that Marine Commandos in World War Two were not considered to be the equal of Army Commandos--today, the British Army Commandos are still not considered mission-capable by the Royal Marine Commandos.

Do not confuse either with the Special Air Service, another British Army special force covered in another Osprey book.

Special units do not spring up overnight, born perfectly suited to war. The Commandos had their share of trial and error--critics say more errors than successes. War is risky and Commando units frequently "failed" because they were willing to try the untested. In 96 pages, Tim Moreman managed to convey this attitude and details the unsuccessful Middle Eastern theater commando units along side the more successful ones. Was Dieppe a defeat or a resounding success? Victory in war is often a matter of perception.

Besides, a raid is a military operation that ends with a planned withdrawal. This withdrawal permits the defending troops to crow about driving the invaders back into the sea. Who's the winner?

Maps and line-and-block organizational charts and photos make it easy to see what the Commandos did and how they did it. Bear in mind that deception and surprise are major Commando weapons. Chaos and confusion are a part of war and Commandos exploit this--though, like everybody else, Commandos suffer from chaos and confusion. These twin factors of chaos and confusion were responsible for the success of the German Blitzkrieg and for the British being trapped at Dunkirk.

Would the British Army have reformed after Dunkirk without the Commandos? I don't see how it could have failed to change--but it is obvious to me that one instrument of change was the formation of Commando Units and Independant Companies--forced down the Army's throat by a former Navy minister! There were commando units for every purpose, and some that had no purpose. Moreman lists the major ones.

Commando units are colorful and controversial. If nothing else, this history book has a lot of entertainment value.

Battle Orders 18 - British Commandos 1940 - 46

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Battle Orders 18 - British Commandos 1940 - 46
Tim Moreman
Manufacturer: Osprey Publishing, Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TZ4QH4

The Western Heritage: Since 1300, Eighth Edition
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AP Euro Student

Bit convoluted, but still useful

To Kagan!

terrible!

Drink a lot of caffeine before reading this book

The Western Heritage: Since 1300, Eighth Edition
Donald M. Kagan , Steven Ozment , Frank M. Turner , and Donald Kagan
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Early Civilization | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
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Similar Items:

Cracking the AP European History Exam, 2006-2007 Edition (College Test Prep)

European History (Cliffs AP)

A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance: Portrait of an Age

Western Civilizations: Renaissance to the Present

The Communist Manifesto and Other Revolutionary Writings: Marx, Marat, Paine, Mao Tse-Tung, Gandhi and Others (Dover Thrift Editions)

ASIN: 0131828835

Book Description

This authoritative book presents an engaging and accessible narrative account of the central developments in Western history from 1300-present. Seamlessly integrating coverage of social, cultural and political history, this book is presented in a flexible chronological organization, helping readers grasp the most significant developments that occurred during a single historical period, laying a useful foundation for the chapters to follow. This volume attempts to reflect the unprecedented impact of globalization on this century by featuring extensive coverage of popular culture, the relationship between Islam and the West, and the contribution of women in the history of Western Civilization. This volume contains a Special Introduction Chapter and Chs. 9-31 of the Combined Volume: The Late Middle Ages: Social and Political Breakdown; Renaissance and Discovery; The Age of Reformation; The Age of Religious Wars; Paths to Constitutionalism and Absolutism: England and France in the 17th Century; New Directions in Thought and Culture in the 16th and 17th Centuries; Successful and Unsuccessful Paths to Power; Society and Economy under the Old Regime in the 18th Century; The Transatlantic Economy, Trade Wars, and Colonial Rebellion; The Age of Enlightenment: 18th-Century Thought; The French Revolution; The Age of Napoleon and the Triumph of Romanticism; The Conservative Order and the Challenges of Reform; Economic Advance and Social Unrest; The Age of Nation-States; The Building of European Supremacy: Society and Politics to World War I; The Birth of Modern European Thought; Imperialism, Alliances, and War; Political Experiments of the 1920s; Europe and the Great Depression of the 1930s; World War II; Faces of the Twentieth-Century: European Social Experiences; and The Cold War Era and the Emergence of the New Europe. For use by history career professionals.

Customer Reviews:

AP Euro Student.......2005-09-18

I took AP Euro as a Sophmore. This book was a major factor in me getting a 5 on the test. Its dull a times but with the right teacher this book will do you woneders on the AP test in May. Im takin AP Us now and my book is anecdotal and written in a narrative style. thus its almost impossible to take notes in. This book separated into chapters, some of which pertain to social themes of that particular time, otheres to political and economic. In short if you are looking to get 3 or above on the AP Euro test, this is the book for you.

Bit convoluted, but still useful.......2005-08-18

Although the text tends to skip around in regards to dates (one paragraph is on the 1300s, then the next section is back to the 1200s) it is overall a good tool for the European history scholar.

To Kagan!.......2005-03-07

Within my AP Euro class we affectionately referred to this book as Kagan (the first listed author, as compared to McKay our other textbook). I must say the opposite of another review talking comparing this textbook to Bailey's The American Pageant. The concensus I have found now that my grade is studying American is a nostalgia for Kagan as we find Baily to be pretensiously written. Kagan was filledwith memorable yet not onoxious writing. The sort of high quality writing that when you answered a question in class your answer would automatically use the same used as in the textbook without your notice.

terrible!.......2005-02-28

This textbook is boring, pretentiously written, and does not present the information in a concise, understandable way. I am currently using it for an AP European History class, and after a year of using Bailey's "The American Pageant" for AP US, the difference is so blatant. The American Pageant breaks down time periods concisely into clear paragraphs and you don't fall asleep reading it. Often with this text, I find myself having to read the same page 10 times to actually comprehend it, it's that dull. I passed the AP US exam, but I'm not so sure about the AP Euro (due in part to the teacher, and in part to this inferior text.)

Drink a lot of caffeine before reading this book.......2003-09-29

Up until now, I have been completely infatuated in anything European and anything to do with history. I then naturally enrolled myself in the A.P. Euro. Hist. course at my school. I must say that I have never read a textbook more boring and less comprehensive than this, and I most definitely feel that it is wearing away at my deep-founded love for history. It explores concepts at an extremely vague level, almost to the point where it makes the reader (or at least me) want to take it out and burn it. I have asked my teacher if I may use an older textbook called "The History of the Modern World", which, despite its advanced age and total lack of pictures (I love my pictures), I find so much more interesting and far, far, far more comprehensive than "The Western Heritage" could ever be. Compare reading this book to spending and hour and a half each night watching and studying "Mr. Roger's Neighbourhood", and you'd understand what I mean by "boring". My best advice would be to drink large amounts of caffeine before attempting to read this book.

Western Heritage Since 1300: Ap Test Prep Bundle

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Western Heritage Since 1300: Ap Test Prep Bundle
Donald Kagan
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall College Div
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0131985922

The Western Heritage: Since 1300 School Binding

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The Western Heritage: Since 1300 School Binding
Donald Kagan
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall College Div
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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A World Lit Only by Fire: The Medieval Mind and the Renaissance: Portrait of an Age
Preparing For The European History AP Exam: with the Western Heritage from 1300
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ASIN: 0131838180

The Western Heritage (Seventh Edition) (Since 1300)

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The Western Heritage (Seventh Edition) (Since 1300)

Manufacturer: Prentice-Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000EY7K0A

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Western Heritage: Since 1300-1815
Donald Kagan , and Steven Ozment
Manufacturer: Macmillan Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

PREPARING FOR THE EUROPEAN HISTORY AP EXAM WITH THE WESTERN HERITAGE SINCE 1300

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PREPARING FOR THE EUROPEAN HISTORY AP EXAM WITH THE WESTERN HERITAGE SINCE 1300

Manufacturer: Pearson Boston, MA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IBALY6

The Western Heritage Since 1300 - Teacher's AP Edition

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The Western Heritage Since 1300 - Teacher's AP Edition
Donald Kagan , Steven Ozment , and Frank M. Turner
Manufacturer: Pearson/Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0131985957

Product Description

Teacher's AP Edition, with Documents CD-Rom

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The Western Heritage: Since 1300
Steven Ozment, Frank M. Turner Donald Kagan
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O8TSBA

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The Western Heritage: Since 1300
Donald Kagan
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OI7FU6

The Western Heritage: Since 1300 (7th Edition)

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The Western Heritage: Since 1300 (7th Edition)
Donald Kagan Steven Ozment Frank M. Turner
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OHCQD8

Book Description

Written by two of the most respected leaders in statistics education, this text can be covered in its entirety in a one-term introductory statistics course. With its readable presentation and common-sense tone, this book promotes learning, understanding, and motivation while presenting statistics in a real world context for students. The authors demonstrate that statistics is a valuable tool for a variety of disciplines. As a result, the applications, examples, case studies, and exercises contain data from a wide variety of areas of interest, including the physical and social sciences, public opinion and political science, business, economics, and medicine. A strong computer component is also built upon exercises that rely on technology, offering clear instruction in the use of key technologies, numerous examples of graphical output, and a focus on interpreting that output. Providing maximum flexibility, the text integrates clearly marked sections for the TI-83, MINITAB, and MicrosoftÂ® Excel that can be included or omitted as necessary.

Instructor's Resource Manual for Just the Essentials of Elementary Statistics

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Instructor's Resource Manual for Just the Essentials of Elementary Statistics
Robert R. Johnson
Manufacturer: Brooks/Cole
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0534242480

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Just the Essentials of Elementary Statistics
Robert R. Johnson , and Patricia J. Kuby
Manufacturer: Duxbury
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0495314870

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Just the Essentials of Elementary Statistics

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0534979041

Minitab Lab Manual for Johnson / Kuby's Just the Essentials of Elementary Statistics 2003

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Minitab Lab Manual for Johnson / Kuby's Just the Essentials of Elementary Statistics 2003

Manufacturer: Thomson Brooks/Cole
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H691DO

Test Bank for Johnson and Kuby's Just the Essentials of Elementary Statistics

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Test Bank for Johnson and Kuby's Just the Essentials of Elementary Statistics
Gwen Terwilliger
Manufacturer: Brooks/Cole
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WEXLM8

Ti-83 Manual for Just the Essentials of Elementary Statistics

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Ti-83 Manual for Just the Essentials of Elementary Statistics
Stephen M. Kokoska
Manufacturer: Brooks/Cole Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0534362095

Just the Essentials of Elementary Statistics: Itp Custom Courseware

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Just the Essentials of Elementary Statistics: Itp Custom Courseware
Robert Russell Johnson
Manufacturer: Duxbury Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren
Average customer rating:

CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT........

a MUST read for all people

Excellent book on difficult subject

Very True & Scary

Entertaining and Educational

The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren
Gerald Brittle
Manufacturer: Backinprint.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Graveyard: More Terrifying Than Stephen King - Because It's True!

The Devil in Connecticut

An Exorcist Tells His Story

Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorcism of Five Contemporary Americans

An Exorcist: More Stories

ASIN: 0595246184

Book Description

If you think ghosts are only responsible for hauntings, think again. The Demonologist reveals the grave religious process behind supernatural events and how it can happen to you. Over twenty years in print, here is the original uncut version of this classic text. Illustrated with photographs of phenomena in progress, every sentence in the book is true. Used as a text in seminaries and classrooms, this is one book you canÂ't put down.

Customer Reviews:

CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT...............2007-07-24

I LIVE IN THE UK AND HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THESE 2. NOR HAVE I READ THIS BOOK AND AM CURIOUS TO KNOW FROM WHAT ANGLE THEY APPROACH IT----FOR EXAMPLE DID THEY CONDUCT EXORCISMS OR HAVE THEY SIMPLY WRITTEN A STUDY OF DEMONS AND HOW GOD PERMITS THEM TO INTERRACT WITH OUR WORLD...? THE CATHOLIC RITE OF EXORCISM IS NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED WHICH IS NOT SURPRISING CONSIDERING WHO THE EXORCIST IS DEALING WITH.
ANY INFO WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THANK YOU.
TOM

a MUST read for all people.......2007-05-16

This book is a MUST have and a MUST read for anyone interested in the demonic in today's world. The Demonologist leads the reader from cases of ghost hauntings, to spirit infestation, oppression, and ultimately possession. Although the back cover gives praises for Brittle's writing, Brittle actually writes very little, and instead has put together this cohesive volume of interview responses from Ed and Lorraine Warren, who cite many examples and anecdotes from their fascinating careers.

Ed is a self described demonologist - an expert in demons - while his wife Lorraine is a clairvoyant. Together, they've traveled throughout the world investigating hauntings and spirit phenomena. They've lectured across the United States and Great Britain, particularly on college campuses, hoping to educate people on the demonic, and how to avoid it. They share their experiences so that people no longer unwittingly invite demons into their lives, and so that people know the difference between ghosts - deceased human spirits - and inhuman or demonic spirits.

Keeping true to their Catholic faith, they never once perform an exorcism, but instead leave that up to the priest. However, they have trained a lot of priests in practical demonology, and have made the case for an exorcism on a number of different occasions. They have also worked with Protestant ministers, rabbis, and even yogis in expelling demons. Most fascinating of all, however, beyond the paranormal phenomena often associated with demonic presences, are the Warrens' understanding of the demonic, and how they interacted with it.

There are facts about the demonic contained in this book that you will not come across in any other book. As such, this book would make an excellent textbook on the demonic in contemporary times, and in fact, the back cover claims that it is being used as a textbook in various seminaries. I can see why. For instance, there are different classes of demonic spirits, different levels of intelligence, and different rankings. Devil possession is rarer than demon possession, where the devil is the master of the demonic. Plus, it is not uncommon in possession to have multiple demonic spirits present, perhaps even a devil and numerous demons.

While there is not a lot of narrative from Brittle, there is just enough background information given to give context to the actual words from the Warrens themselves. There are even a couple of transcripts from tapes the Warrens recorded, and some photographs showing phenomena in progress. There are no shortcuts taken in this book, nothing hidden. The Warrens even explain how the demonic enters our lives, and in over half the cases they investigated, it was through a Ouija board! An excellent and thorough book, this is a must have, if not for the information on demons and possessions, just for the story about the Warrens and their fascinating careers.

[...]

Excellent book on difficult subject.......2007-04-08

This is a well-written book on a topic most people either don't talk about or don't know enough about. While not an easy subject to explore, demon possession is nonetheless important to learn about and become equipped to fight against. As they say, "Knowledge is power," and that is exactly what this books attempts to impart.

It was interesting reading about Ed and Lorraine Warren's career and how they became demonologists in the first place. In addition to their experiences, they offer a wealth of information along the way on how to protect oneself from demon possession and what signs and symptoms to look for if it has, indeed, taken place. In fact, this book is used as a textbook in some classes for such a purpose.

The writer, Gerald Daniel Brittle, has advanced degrees in literature and psychology, specializing in mystical theology, and his expertise translates into an excellent writing style. For those who want to know more about demonology, this is the book for you.

Very True & Scary.......2007-02-12

Dont believe in Satan You will after reading this.neverwant to meet this guy. I dont know how some of the Saints did it love of God & Deep Faith. Dont turn your back on this book BUY IT NOW

Entertaining and Educational.......2007-02-10

Let me state that this book will not only educate you, but it may scare you, as well. I have read a handful of demonology books and this one is by far the best. It gives examples of first-hand experiences and also gives a lot of professional and educational insight to the work and field of demonology. Some other books I have read don't get to the point of what you want to know--the ramble on about bogus opinions and never teach you much of anything; not to mention they practically put you to sleep. This book, however, is the exact opposite--You won't be able to put it down. You'll be in awe, amazed, and at times, terrified. Complete with many pictures, this book entertains and educates in the way you want to read and learn about demonology. The career of Ed and Lorraine Warren is simply amazing. I will be looking out for more material from them. Get this book for a good scare and good educating material.

Demonologist, The : The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren

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Demonologist, The : The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren
Gerald Daniel Brittle
Manufacturer: Prentice-Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KXTH9W

The Demonologist : The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren

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The Demonologist : The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren
Gerald Brittle
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MD4MFY

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The Demonologist : The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren
Gerald Brittle
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000U38V1M

Book Description

Suicide terrorism in its modern form appeared in the 1980s. The first organization to use this strategy was the Shi'ite Hizbollah in Lebanon. Later, it was adopted by many terrorist organizations in the Middle East and Asia. This new study shows how there are at least two reasons to question the central role that is assigned to religion and more specifically Islam when explaining suicide terrorism. First, suicide terrorism is a modern phenomenon, yet Islam is a very old religion. Except for two periods in the 12th and 18th centuries, suicide was never part of Islamist beliefs and behaviors. Actually, Islam clearly forbids suicide. Hence, the argument that Islamic religious beliefs are the main cause of suicide terrorism is inherently dubious. Second, many suicide attacks have been carried out by secular organizations with little connection to fundamentalist Islam: Palestinian Fatah, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, the Kurdish Workers Party. Moreover, one of the organizations that has employed this strategy devastatingly and regularly is the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam). Not only are members of this organization not Muslim, most of them are not religious at all.

This superb book contains essays by some of the world's leading scholars of terrorism and political violence. It is essential reading for students of terrorism, political science and Middle Eastern politics, and useful to students of social psychology, theology and history.

Book Description

Al Sharpton’s entrance into the 2004 Democratic presidential race is evidence of a decaying black political culture where ego trumps politics. It is the last gasp of a tradition that has been transformed over a generation from bold, effective and results-oriented politics to rhetoric and symbolism, argues crime writer and social commentator Norman Kelley. As Kelley shows, what Sharpton covets is the sobriquet—The Head Negro in Charge (HNIC), a symbolic political mobilization that replaces effective politics and organizing. “The HNIC syndrome has seen the rise of symbolic leaders—Jesse Jackson, Louis Farrakhan, Sharpton and now Russell Simmons—who may be charismatic,” Kelley writes, “but are politically unaccountable to the very people they claim to represent, namely African Americans. The transformation has been underway since the 1970s, but most African Americans have yet to confront it.” HNIC syndrome is both a symptom and response to the failings of black political and cultural orthodoxy, of a sclerotic black elite represented by the NAACP and the Black Congressional Caucus, who have embedded themselves into the machinery of the Democratic Party and the conservative movement.

Customer Reviews:

Great premise, surprisingly poor execution.......2006-07-03

Now I can certainly enjoy fights between intellectuals. The recent best being the scuffle between former Nation writer Christopher Hitchens and the remaining Nation crew including Katha Pollitt and Alexander Cockburn. The arguments tend to be well-argued and well-written from a particular point of view. So when I saw that Nation books published this work by Norman Kelley I thought it would be a compelling and interesting read.

Mr. Kelley's main argument is that so called black leaders (the likes of Cornel West, Russell Simmons, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Tavis Smiley) have abandoned the WEB DuBois Talented Tenth model of black intellectualism. Mr. Kelley's criticisms of course offer a certain amount of truth: black intellectualism is at a low point and black leaders (as named by Kelley) offer very few solutions to their fiery statements of social injustice. This argument is an old one, however, like the counterparts he criticizes, Mr. Kelley himself offers very little, solution wise, to this problem. Instead, he focuses on the public intellectualism of Cornel West whom he believes has sold his PhD for fame and money.

Kelley also finds fault with other blacks in their motivation for joining the spotlight at all, believing they are in it for fortune, fame, the occasional book deal and multiple guest spots on CNN talk shows. Criticism of this nature is fine, but what is the point of this book? To publicly flay West and the others or to offer some sort of response to the age old question of where have all the black leaders gone? Rather than offering alternatives Mr. Kelley gives us the unfortunate debacle of an intellectual rather distatefully make personal attack against his counterparts. The unfortunate part is not the attack, but rather the method. A carefully honed and crafted argument wins against cable network news style criticism anyday. Distract with personal attacks and no one will realize that your arguments offer very little other than a tired retread.

Besides an interesting chapter about James Brown, there is very little to recommend about this book. However, I would suggest a read to anyone who wants to understand (through Kelley's unfortunate example) why black leadership has gone astray. Too much infighting for the top spot, very little community action. Mr. Kelley's 2nd edition of this book may need to include a chapter about himself.

Great book and a wake up call to real intellectual debate and study.......2005-10-26

Norman Kelley has written one of the great intellectual books of the begining of the 21st century, The HNIC Syndrome is a perfect companion to Harold Cruse crisis of the Negro Intellectual. Kelley spares no one in this book from the almost lethargic black left (who used to deliver) to the whiny do-nothing right (who are intellectuals in name only) and the black masses who are being used by both sides looking for real leadership. His greatest blows are against the so-called black intelligensia who has neither offered any ideals or are just prime time intellectuals from Cornel West, Micheal Eric Dyson and Bell Hooks (he calls them frauds ) and right-wingers like Sowell, Loury, Walter Williams, John Mc Worther, and Steele are just thrid -rate thinkers with huge white conservative money. My favorite part of the book are the solutions that the average brotha and sista can do to combat the modern black elite from withholding your vote because "It is better to be feared than liked" to the establishment of leadership schools. It may not be a large book but you will find yourself agreeing with Kelley's points from the leadership vaccum since King and Malcolm X died to the failure of African- American leadership to develop an independent think tanks. Get this book now, It will make you think.

excellent popular exposition.......2005-08-19

The author is very sharp. I especially relished his evisceration of 'market intellectuals'. Politically he is a more popular version of Adolph Reed, Jr., his major contemporary influence. His intellectual heroes of earlier times are Du Bois and Harold Cruse, which I think is symptomatic of his boundaries. What concerns him most about today's black intellectuals is not just the bankruptcy of their ideas but the question of their connection to the creation of effective political power.

While I have no quarrel with him on overt political matters, on a more subtle philosophical level I think differently, and this is where the intellectual qua intellectual divides from practical politics. Another way of saying this is that there's a limit that his political thinking reaches which is also the limit of his intellectual thinking, beyond which an unspoken new dynamic must open up, which involves the precarious role of the creative thinker at a time when all of society is organized against him or her.

There's also a deeper question of the conception of ethnic identity for the 21st century, which I don't think he delves into as deeply as he should.

The next question is: what is the relationship between creative intellectual work and the practical political situation? This is the toughest question of all, one that challenges the imagination in an era of the imaginatively-challenged. I addressed this issue when I had the opportunity to meet Kelley. His response was that intellectuals are irrelevant. He admits to being a member of the tiny reading class, but he says that people who read books are irrelevant. This is why he is directing his attention to the political economy of black music.

This is the juncture at which I part company with Kelley, but as his frame of reference is the quest for efficacious political organization, he is an important person to learn from.

Who's in charge and why?.......2005-04-09

Norman Kelley has taken on black leadership in America and attempted to expose its delicate underbelly. He accuses them of missing the point when it comes to what the black populace needs in order to succeed in this country. Kelley feels especially hostile toward those he labels the "niggerati" (a term coined by Zora Neal Hurston) who are the black intellectuals. Cornell West, Michael Eric Dyson, bell hooks, and Henry Lewis Gates all take something of a beating at his capable hands. He states that they are able to "dazzle the white world with their mixture of "street" analysis and postmodern argot." I get the distinct impression he thinks that dealing with the hip hop generation is merely a way for them to keep their names in the news while not really saying or doing anything helpful.

While many of his comments are on the mark, he doesn't explain just what black leadership should do to effectively help the common people. He doesn't discuss the issues that the black leaders themselves face in that they are not welcome at the American table - either as politicians or as leaders of a people the white American leadership would prefer to ignore. I feel that he omitted the many roadblocks that have faced black leaders from DuBois to Sharpton. It's almost as if he's suggesting that if black leaders did x, y, or z differently, then the problems would be solved, while totally leaving out the racism that caused them in the first place. (RAW Rating: 3.5)

Reviewed by alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Lacks Insight, Replaces Analysis With Ad Hominem.......2004-11-24

Although Kelley makes valid points about the general ineffectiveness of black political leadership today, his argument is, unfortunately, premised wholly on an indictment of the motivation of the leadership. Kelley ignores any and all structural or systemic causes that would prevent even the best-intentioned leaders from creating meaningful change in national policy towards urban areas and black America.

Instead of proposing alternatives, or laying out the means of accomplishing the change in education and employment policy that he claims to want, Kelley succeeds only in writing a screed against black political leaders and especially black "public intellectuals." Cornel West especially takes enormous amounts of abuse in this book. Indeed, Kelley seems almost obsessed with tearing down West, whose primary sins (as far as I can glean from the book) are being well-known, counseling Al Sharpton, and writing books about race that the average people might be able to understand, rather then dense theoretical work that will be published only in obscure academic journals. While intellectual assualts on West are welcome (and have been launched, notably by Adolph Reed, who is plugged again and again in Kelley's book), there are none of them here. Instead, like the entire book, there are only personal attacks on the supposed power- and celebrity-hungry character of the most notable blacks in public affairs circles.

How unfortunate that such a gifted writer and journalist would squander his talent on such a simple-minded and personally vicious "critique" of the politics of American life. If you're actually interested in black political leadership, I would highly recommend "We Have No Leaders" by Ron Walters, which is far more insightful.

Book Description

Living in waters adjacent to Anchorage, Alaska, the beluga whales of Cook Inlet are an isolated and genetically distinct population. Thought to number more than 1000 in the early 1990s, a sharp population decline has brought them near extinction. Original in approach and incisive in its questions, Beluga Days explores how conservation laws, management policies, and human behaviors have affected the shrinking beluga population. From hunters, regulators, environmentalists, researchers, and businesspeople to whale enthusiasts, Lord encounters an ongoing debate wrestling with the immediate need to protect the whales, as well as a respect for the centuries-old tradition of Native subsistence hunting. Beyond its compelling characters and particulars, Lord's story offers readers a deeper understanding of the often uncomfortable, often rewarding, juxtaposition of humans and the natural world.

Customer Reviews:

Beluga Days.......2005-12-05

Nancy Lord does a great job really opening your eyes to the dwindling numbers of beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska. These numbers have dropped drastically from about 1,000 in 1990, to a couple hundred currently recorded today. The reader is introduced to the everyday threats to the belugas and what is being done, and what isn't being done, to help them. She focused primarily on one population in Cook Inlet which I thought would be somewhat disappointing. Starting the book I was hoping to gain a better knowledge of many belugas around the world, but through reading the book I found that it was actually better to focus on the one species because they were easier to keep track of and study everyday. Lord, who lives in Alaska, has completely immersed herself in the lives of the Cook Inlet belugas and the relevant doings of politicians, environmentalists, scientists, and the native people who still have the right to hunt whales. Lord offers different perspectives on the situation and considers who shares the responsibility for the declining number of belugas. The book is full of her personal encounters with the beluga whales of Cook Inlet, and the way she writes about these animals makes you care for them as much as she does. She recognizes the fact that the native Alaskan people do have the right to hunt these whales, and shows a deep respect for it, but at the same time is trying to do what she can to protect them. Overall this book enlightens readers of the Cook Inlet belugas and how they are threatened on a daily basis. She shows how truly difficult it is for her and the others involved to protect and save these whales. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about the Cook Inlet belugas specifically, and mammal conservation in general.

beluga days.......2005-12-02

Beluga days is an extremely interesting book for anyone that is interested in the conservation of marine life or nature in general. The story follows author Nancy Lord and she takes many steps in gathering information and researching the Beluga whales of the Cook Inlet in Alaska. She goes into detail about the problems facing these belugas. The population has been decreasing rapidly as of late due to excess hunting and pollution. She also discusses the major contamination problem in the St.Lawrence river which is killing off many Belugas as well. However, much more emphasis is placed on the Cook Inlet whales.

I really enjoyed the way the book was written because if felt like i was learning about the situation along side Nancy Lord. The reader went along to meetings and different research projects concerning the matter. I also enjoyed learning about the political aspect of the issue. It was a very effective writing style.

Although i enjoyed the book thoroughly i wish that alittle more time could have been spent on the St.Lawrence belugas because I feel that the contamination of their waters is very important due to all of the dead belugas found to have high levels of toxins in their bodies.
Overall i thought it was a fun book to read and very informative.

I would recommend this book to anybody interested in marine animals and the current problems that are ruining the oceans.

Beluga Days Review.......2005-11-30

This is a compelling documentary about the small population of beluga whales at Cook Inlet in Alaska. It delves deep into many research techniques and theories concerning the depletion of this population in more recent years. The reader follows, fisherman, Nancy Lord as she attends conventions, research vessels and other locations while she takes a closer look at Cook Inlet belugas. Emphasis is put on reasons for depletion, questioning of the current status of whales and action that can be taken to both educate people and save the whales.
Lord talks with native hunters and expert scientists at conferences in Alaska and learns that overhunting and contamination are major concerns to Cook Inlet belugas. She travels all over to talk to many scientists about their own thoughts and concerns. She is able to board a research vessel as scientists do population counts, captures and tagging. Lord balances her education with a more casual visit to observe captive belugas at a zoo for a closer look. She doesn't restrict herelf to Cook Inlet belugas though; she participates in research about the St. Lawrence belugas and the connections with contamination. All of these are some of the captivating experiences that shape Lord's understanding of what is being done to, hopefully, save the beluga's.
Lord's style of writing helps the reader to become educated right along with her. She asks questions that any person would be compelled to ask and it made the book all the easier to be drawn into. It is quite easy to read although some difficult words work their way in occasionally.
She does have a tendency to go back to previous concerns, making it repetitive at times. Usually it's about the controversy over whether or not native hunters are the beluga's largest threat.
Overall, it is an intriguing book and would probably be best for people interested in any sort of nature or marine topics. I would recommend it especially to those interested in what goes on behind the scenes as far as research, getting an animal listed for concern or beluga depletion in general.

Beluga Days.......2005-11-29

Beluga Days is a terrific book about the Beluga Whale population in Cook Inlet, Alaska. The story tells how the population has decreased very significantly over the course of time, especially just recently. The book points out many reasons as to why the population has decreased and it is all due to human disregard. It tells of the Beluga Days, when the whales seemed over-populated, and people would kill them off like they meant nothing, but soon people began to realize the numbers were incredibly small and this could not be turned around. The book tells of the many uses of the Belugas and how they were viewed as predators to big-game fish, and these were originally why the whales were so popular to kill. Before too long the numbers had decreased so much and these beutiful creatures have not, and may not, ever recover. Lord
incorporates different historical events such as the ESA and the MMPA and this makes the book even more informative.

One thing, in particular, that I enjoyed was the style in which Lord wrote the book. At times in the book it seemed like Lord was interviewing major players in Beluga whale population in the Cook Inlet. The way the book starts is a great example as Lord talks to George Hayden, a former Beluga hunter from the Cook Inlet, and her conversations with Hayden lead to other stories of how the Belugas have changed over the course of time.

The novel never really touched on other populations of Belugas and this is the main thing that I disliked. I wish that Lord talked more about other Beluga populations in other regions around the Arctic besides the Cook Inlet. Even though much of the book was only about the Cook Inlet, Lord's writing ability made most of the reiterating of the same Beluga population to be tolerable and still interesting.

I would recommend this book to people who have any interest in marine mammal conservation. It was an interesting and enlightening read and I, a conservation novice, enjoyed the book thoroughly.

Beluga Days.......2005-11-29

Beluga Days takes an in-depth look at the plight of a distinct population of beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Plauged by over-hunting, these whales have fallen from a population of approximately one thousand animals in 1990 to an estimated two hundred fifty today. The book discusses the politics of regulating native hunting, the difficulties of getting the whales placed on the endangered species list, and the pros and cons of placing belugas in captivity. Lord herself is a salmon fishermman who is familiar with the Cook Inlet region and the ecosystem which exists there. She has observed the steady decline of the belugas from her own home and explores the reasons for their decline and the whales themselves in Beluga Days. Lord witnesses a native beluga hunt, helps perform research on the slaughtered whales, and spends getting to know the natives involved in the hunt and the importance of the beluga to their society. She also encounters belugas from places other than Alaska by visiting captive belugas in Chicago and going out on a research vessel to observe the ailing population of the St. Lawrence estuary in Quebec.
Lord has managed to write an extremely informative novel without making it too complex or "wordy," as is the case with many science and nature-based works. Her style of writing held my interest but still relayed information. I also appreciated the unbiased point of view from which she writes. Lord obviously wants the population to thrive once more in Cook Inlet, but she also understands the significance of native hunting and discusses different opinions on the best ways to save this population.
One thing about Beluga Days which I disliked was the monotony of its having such a finite subject matter. The majority of this novel discusses only one distinct population and the information starts to seem repetitive after reading for long periods of time. This makes Beluga Days a difficult novel to read in one sitting.
Although this book would not be of interest to everyone I would recommend it to anyone interested in cetaceans or nature in general. At some points it may be easier to comprehend with some previous knowledge of whales, but is written simply enough so that most people can appreciate it.

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