Reviews
Audio
Forum Associates, Inc
The Eisenhower Era: The Solider-statesman discusses the war years and the Presidency. Tucson, AZ: Forum Associates, Inc.
It should have been longer. Eisenhower was not all that articulate. The reporter also cut him off some. Other than that, it was interesting for the short burst that it was.
Wrobleski, Adina
1987: Suicide: A Teenage Tragedy. Minneapolis MN: Adina Wrobleski.
I am all about audio tape lectures. The approach and views were slightly different than the other works I've been exposed about suicide. It's interesting how she says suicide is not as big of a problem as we think, but also we do not give it enough attention. She condemns common alarmism about suicide, and I especially liked how she refused to lay the blame on popular culture.
Nelson, James Lindemann Nelson.
1993: "Social Duties and Private Parts". The Hastings Center.
Organ donation is neither an issue I am passionate about nor one I think about very often (if it all), thus I suppose you could say it was good to get me thinking about this. Actually, I am trying to get a new state I.D., thus this issue is all the more relevant for me. He attempts to persuade by using philosophical arguments with an overarching hypothetical story. I do think he succeeded. He seems to be influenced by utilitarian philosophy, though it he did not explicitly state such.
Wolf, Susan M.
1993: The Termination of Life Sustaining Treatment. The Hastings Center.
If one was a beginner in the subject, one would likely obtain helpful introductory information. Even those who have learned about this subject are likely to obtain a little new information. I don't know about her voice; her voice seems too upbeat for a topic of this nature.
McNamer, Elizabeth, PhD.
1992: The Heart of It: The Canterbury Tales and Paradise Lost. Beverly Hills, CA: Dove Audio.
On the cover, it says "Scholarly and Highly Accessible Lectures", but I did not feel this work was really a lecture, certainly not to the degree I expected it to be. All she basically did was summarize the works in a laconic fashion and read a few important passages. It would have been better if it was at least a bit longer and she added some critical insight, instead of just a summary.
Various Artists:
Date Unknown, 1999, 2000: Fat Music for Fat People, Fat Music IV: Life in the Fast Lane, Fat Music Volume V: Live Fat Die Young. San Francisco, CA: Fat Wreck Chords
I was seriously hurting for music, thus these three compilations helped tremendously! It does appear that Fat Wreck Chords bands have a distinctive sound. NOFX, No Use for a Name, Propagandhi and Lagwagon are my favorite bands on the label. These cds were a great bargain too, all were 5 dollars or less, which is unbelievably awesome! The Fat Wreck Chords compilations all have creative covers and titles, which I imagine is due to Fat Mike's doings. I do believe I like the values of Fat Wreck Chords!
Damianakos, Alexander: read by Stephen Diacrussi.
1993: Introduction: Before History. New York: NY: University Press and Sound Inc.
Previously I listened to other tapes in this series, but I was not impressed because I found them dull. However, this volume was better.
Damianakos, Alexander: read by John Rexine.
1993: Classical Greece I. New York: NY: University Press and Sound Inc.
This one was also better.
Damiankos, Alexander: read by John Rexine.
1993: Classical Greece II. New York, NY: University Press and Sound Inc.
This work was naturally very similar to Classical Greece I, thus the comments that apply to it, also apply to this work.
NOFX
2003: The War on Errorism. San Francisco, CA: Fat Wreck Chords.
Often puns can get annoying and certainly banal, but NOFX devises some of the most novel and clever plays on words around. They have got to be some of the best pun makers in the land. In the liner notes, they discuss how they sought to make this album more politically deep than maybe some of their other material. Since they have one of the best sounds around, adding more politics is a recipe for an excellent album. "Franco-UnAmerican" is probably the best song of alot of super songs, and it is probably the first song I have ever heard to have included the phrase "Michael Moore" in it. Sadly, even though their embrace of politics is positive, they have embraced the dangerous mindset of "Anyone but Bush". Wow! This great band, full of great principles is evolving even more! Right on, NOFX!
Various Artists
1996: I'm Your Biggest Fan Volume One: A Punk Rock and Emo Compilation. Seattle WA: Tooth and Nail Records.
The price was stellar, only two bucks! MXPX is about the only band on this label I have ever heard of and have ever heard their music. Not quite punk enough for my tastes.
Cassell, Eric J.
1993: The Nature of Suffering: An Interview With Eric J. Cassell. New York, NY: the Hastings Center.
Let it be noted, I intended to check out a different tape, another tape from the Hastings Center, but this tape was in the case of a tape on "Patient Autonomy". It started out to not appeal to me, but after awhile, it turned out alright and the Eric Cassell has decent progressive views.
Various Artists.
2003: Liberation: Songs to Benefit PETA. San Francisco, CA: Fat Wreck Chords.
Fat Wreck Chord driven punk music for a noble cause is about as good as you can get. I am confused about NOFX. Their album "Liberal Animation" appears to be a vicious mockery of animal rights, thus it confused me that they would associate with Propagandhi who are big proponents of animal rights. Additionally, even the NOFX song on this album "Clams Have Feelings Too" does not appear to be pro animal rights, but maybe it is. The liner notes said "this project was Fat Mike's idea from the start" which would suggest he supports the animal rights cause. At any rate, the cd is a superb idea and its delivery is marvelous. I admire PETA for all the good they do, thus I commend Fat Wreck Chords for using its artistic talents and resources to better the planet. It inspires me; maybe it can inspire you too.
Earth Crisis.
1996: Gomorrah’s Seasons Ends. Chicago, IL: Victory Records.
I prefer the musical style on "Destroy the Machines" over this album's style. I do really dig what Earth Crisis believes in and stands for and we should definitely have more bands doing the same.
Various Artists
2003: Punk Rock Strike Three Disc Set: Volumes One, Two, and Three. Cupertino, CA: Springman Records.
I don't ever think I got a better deal on a cd set than this one. I don't know how you can beat a 3 cd set for only 5 dollars. Not only that, but the music is top quality punk. The cover has an awesome picture; I like what this independent label stands for, and I hope to support them, if I can, in the future.
Various Artists:
2003: Punk Rock Strike Volume Four. Cupertino, CAL Springman Records.
So far I have not quite got into this compilation as much as the other three in the series, but nevertheless, it is still of tremendous coolness.
Various Artists.
2002: BYO Presents Sample This. Los Angeles, CA: BYO Records.
A fairly respectable showing all around
Various Artists.
2002: Vi
ctory Style 5. Chicago, IL: Victory Records.
Some songs are good, but I think it may take some time and patience before this whole album grows on me. Victory Style 3 has done that, so maybe this one would too. Usually hardcore music has to grow on me before I can dig it to the fullest.
Davenport, Marcia: read by Nadia May.
1991: Mozart. Ashland, OR: Blackstone Audio Books.
In an ideal world, I would not have to resort to listening to biographies of Mozart, because our school library would be loaded with tons of fascinating audio books, but I suppose, listening to this is par for the course of life. Not bad, but a musician like Mozart, not matter how well written about, does not excite me the way biographies of political figures do.
Various Artists.
A-F Records. Pittsburgh, PA: A-F Records.
A-F stands for Anti-Flag, right? It would make sense since they seem to be the drive behind this label. These songs are truly punk, but I would have preferred at least some more of the melodic type of punk music.
Various Artists.
2002: Sugar Sampler Vol. 2. State College, PA: Jump Start Records.
A solid compilation contribution to the body of punk rock music.
Various Artists
1999: Spring Really Sucks. Cupertino, CA: Springman Records.
The title and the cover art is what sucks! How can they say that about the beautiful season of spring? I can definitely understand the trashing of winter, but not spring. But other than that small flaw, the album succeeds at drawing me more and more into Springman records.
Go Real Slow.
2001: Thirteen. Cupertino, CA: Springman Records.
I believe this is the first EP I have ever owned and it is quite a good one for that! The Springman Records attracted me to this band, and I must say the band is a good band. Proof positive of the virtue of Indy record labels, and I am ever glad I was able to support this fine Indy band.
Various Artists.
Springman Records Sampler. Cupertino, CA: Springman Records.
This sampler does what a good sampler should do: attract you to the fine label of Springman Records. It's good to see that catchy punk can be produced by lots of folks.
Machiavelli: translated by George Bull: read by Fritz Weaver.
1994: 1981: 1532: The Prince. St. Paul, MN: Penguin High Bridge Audio.
This is a book that is hard to listen to straight through. It is more conducive to study a portion at a time, since it is so very pithy. I would say there is wisdom contained in this book about preserving and maintaining a state. In fact, sometimes it seemed as if the lessons communicated were well ahead of Machiavelli's time.
Pain
1996: Midgets with Guns. Cupertino, CA: Springman Records.
From the Pain songs I heard on the Springman Records, and from the profile Springman Records gave them in the Springman Records catalog, I expected Pain to be more punk, but this album made them seem more ska. I am glad to be supporting an independent band, at any rate.
Damianakos, Alexander: read by Evangeline Costa
1993: Judaism I. New York: University Press and Sound, Inc.
The information itself was fairly interesting, but they could have spiced up the presentation a bit, at least.
Cohen, Herb: read by the author
2001: How to Negotiate Anything, Anywhere: Winning the Negotiating Game. Beverly Hills, CA: New Millennium Audio.
His thick accent (New Yorker?) made it hard to listen to, especially accompanied with his overly colloquial use of the English language. Some of the advice is okay; he just presents it with too much colloquialism that truly detracts from the message.
Damianakos, Alexander: read by Jon Clark.
1993: Christianity 1, Christianity 2. New York, NY: University Press and Sound, Inc.
Although I am familiar with the general story of Christianity, this refresher and its addition of some new details helped to broaden my understanding of Christianity's new development.
Damianakos, Alexander: read by Evangeline Costa.
1993: Judaism II, New York, NY: University Press Sound, Inc.
For all intents and purposes, just like Judaism I.
Ivins, Molly: read by the author
1992: Molly Ivins, Can't Say That, Can She? Abridgement. New York, NY: Random House Audio Publishing.
Too much material on Texas, plus too much material on the banal political matters everyone seems to comment on. Her personality is just fine. She does mix humor and compassion well.
Read by various authors
1998: 1992: Lost Civilizations: Pompeii: City Captured in Ash.
Before this, I really was not acquainted with Pompeii, except in passing. The audio book merged quality information with an exciting presentation style. Every vignette they presented all seemed to revolve around the catastrophe of the volcano. Maybe less mention of the castastrophe would have been better. Surely, this eruption ended the Pompeii civilization, but to always come back to it is to attribute a central element of fatality, which the original civilization did not posses.
Klang, Carl.
1993-2003: Extremist Won. Boulder, CO: Carl Klang.
This is a treat. It sure is swell to have catchy political music to listen to. This is one of those albums that even before you hear it, you realize you are going to like it. Descriptions of this album made it sound as if it was a "folk" album, which gave me the impression it was just "folk" (which would have likely been just fine). Some of the songs on here seem to be rock and country too. Nice. Carl Klang rightfully sings wonderful songs about important political issues that liberals fail to grasp and tackle. "Wheresoever Eagles Gather (The Ballad of Randy Weaver)" and "Seventeen Little Children" are two beautiful songs about two horrific acts of government tyranny, that too many people do not care about. The song "I am the Unknown Soldier" has very powerful emotion behind it; in fact Carl is marvelous at adding powerful emotion to the sad songs on this album. I totally dug the lyrics of "Don't Go Castin Your Pearls" since it was about how mainstream media distorts the rightful words of dissidents, in this case, the words of Carl himself. The clips of George Bush (the father) talking about the "New World Order" were wonderful touches. Klang had other non-musical enhancements to these songs, which pleasantly surprised me. He has something valid to say, and music is great way to convey his message. We should listen.
Auden, W.H.: read by the poet.
1996: The Voice of the Poet: W.H. Auden. Random House Publishing.
His vocal style made it hard to make out what he was saying. I am awfully curious as to who he is calling an "ogre" in the poem "August 1968". Does this have anything to do with the Chicago Democratic Convention in 1968 and the protest of it? If so, who is the ogre, the cops, the protestors, or someone else? I wish the poem "The Unknown Citizen" and "September 1, 1938" would have been on here.
Various Artists.
2004: Rock Against Bush Volume One. San Francisco, CA: Fat Wreck Chords.
The liner notes were a call to arms to get politically active. Fat Mike candidly discusses the importance of getting involved politically, and also how he is new to this. For better or for worse, Fat Mike appears to have jumped over the idealistic stage many activists go through for the most pragmatic angle. Even though this album is of the m
indset "Anyone but Bush", the political awareness is definitely very positive. Although some of these songs appear to be about Bush and his administration specifically, all of them do not appear to be. There weren't that many Fat Wreck Chord bands on this compilation. More would have been nice, but it is also good to bring in bands from other labels too. The punk style of many of these bands seems to be the rougher type. There is not much if any pop punk/melodic punk/or maybe even strictly new school punk (though the term "new school" is probably one many debate the meaning of). I do often prefer melodic punk/pop punk to the older harder punk, but stylistic technique aside, this album and its underlying motivation has alot going for it.
Jarrell, Todd: Narrated by the author.
2000: Slow Dance with the Planet: Stories from the circumnavigation of the globe in a tall ship. St. Paul, MN: Highbridge Company.
I was scraping the bottom of our university library's availability of audio cassettes, but fortunately seemingly out of nowhere this one showed up. Being interested in travel (as most people seem to be), this was welcome. Mr. Jarrell sure seemed to have a passion for his sailing, and he also reflected philosophically about the greater meaning of it all.
Murphy, Jim: read by Richard M. Davidson.
1993: 1998: Across America on An Emigrant Train. Frederick, MD: Recorded Books, LLC.
Since this was about Robert Louis Stevenson, I thought it was going to be mostly a verbatim extraction from his journal, although that would have been interesting, I was glad that the work took a different form. Excellent description that probably never got redundant or dull, and only served to enhance the tale. There was even some cultural reflection, which was indeed provocative. Although the journey of the emigrants seems far from pleasant at times, this work makes me want to travel in an old time train.
Various Artists.
Unknown date: Honest Don’s Dirty Dishes. San Francisco, CA: Honest Don’s.
Although I have been to the Fat Wreck Chords site a number of times, and have made a few purchases from it, I never before really paid much attention to their link to their affiliate, Honest Don’s. It was a mistake because I made a wise decision in purchasing this cd. In fact, as good as Fat Wreck Chords is, Honest Don’s may be even better yet! I want to check out more of Nerf Herder’s material. Yay for punk.
Various Artists
2001: Pop Punk Fever. Cincinnati, OH: Nice Guy Records.
For some reason, the distributors of this cd, some online punk store, sent this to me by priority mail. Although it was swell getting the cd quick, it seems like a waste of money, especially considering the fact that priority mail cost $3.85 and the whole cd only cost $6.60. Sometimes, you really got to wonder if people are making any money on these types of sales. I am becoming more and more acclimated to pop punk, thus this cd suited me well. Sometimes, I even think I dig pop punk more than old school punk.
Various Artists.
1989: Annihilator II: A Soundtrack for Destruction. Lawndale, CA: SST Records.
This is was a dollar store bargain! Rarely does one find metal and especially punk in the dollar store cd racks. I was especially intrigued to see the band, the Descendents on this cd. Since Soundgarden was also on this cd, I wondered if it was the same Descendents I have known all the along, and after looking at the pictures in the liner notes, I discovered indeed it was. Though the Descendents songs on here sound different than the Descendents songs I have heard. It’s interesting that a metal/alternative band such as Soundgarden is on the same label. Certainly, labels have different genres of music, but usually punk goes with hardcore and ska, and it seems rarely with metal or alternative.
Mustard Plug
1999: Pray for Mojo. Van Nuys, CA: Hopeless Records.
I bought a one dollar sampler cd from Hopeless Records, which alone is a great deal, and I received this tape as a wonderfully nice extra prize they give out with their orders. What a prize it was! My tape collection needed some adds on, and you can’t go wrong with solid ska. Who is this Mojo they are praying for? Does it have anything to do with Stuck Mojo or Mojo Nixon?
Various Artists
2003: Operation Punk Rock Freedom. Van Nuys, CA: Hopeless Records/Sub City.
I loved the fact I got this cd for one dollar postage paid. It cost them more than one dollar just in postage, so I surely got a good deal.
Kolatch, Alfred: read by Eli Wallach.
1991: 1985: The Jewish Book of Why. Highbridge Audio.
The style was pretty bland, but the information was still interesting nevertheless.
McCord, Gary with John Huggan: read by Gary McCord.
1997: Golf for Dummies. New York, NY: Harper Audio.
Dummies books are rarely if ever dull even on topics I am not super interested in, thus sadly I must say this book is an exception. The author had an okay voice, but he repeated the same phrase over and over, though he did have a couple original analogies. It sure could have been jazzed up, as dummies books usually are.
Various Artists
2002: Fat Music Volume VI. San Francisco, CA: Fat Wreck Chords.
I now have all six Fat Wreck Chord compilations, and that is good. I was a little disappointed Tilt was not on this compilation, but they did have some other good bands instead, so it was alright. The general positive comments I have made for other Fat compilations apply to this one too.
Various Artists
2003: Nice Guys Finish Last. Cincinnati, OH: Nice Guy Records.
I like pop punk.
Various Artists
Year Unknown: Positive Youth Foundation Stop Racism. Positive Youth Foundation.
It was unusual that the cd had 67 tracks. It had 18 music tracks, then 48 tracks of nothing for 10 seconds, then the last track was a super uplifting message about the aim and purpose of the project and why it is important to make a difference to the world. The reflections on activism were entirely true and insightful. I just love it when music is used for good. I love musicians who are socially conscious.
Various Artists
Unknown Year: Hopelessly Devoted to You Vol. 3. Van Nuys, CA: Hopeless Records.
I have been listening to a lot of compilations lately, haven’t I? Yup, I have found compilations to be a good way to listen to a lot of music. There are indeed some songs which make your time go faster on this cd.
Various Artists.
1997: Tooth and Nail Rock Sampler Volume One, Seattle, WA: Tooth and Nail Records.
The songs are often too slow and mellow, though there is a faster paced catchy song or two.
Various Artists.
2002: Mailorder for the Masses. Mordam.
Not quite up to the standards I desired. Besides, I think they overcharged me. The album art though is on the novel side.
Various Artists.
Year Unknown: Honest Don’s Greatest Hits. San Francisco, CA: Honest Don’s.
The cover art and the title are both crude and disgusting. But otherwise, the album is fairly decent punk.
Various Artists
1997: Honest Don’s Welcome Wagon. San Francisco, CA: Honest Don’s.
I did not like the front cover because it had pictures of liquor bottles all over it. Gross. The back cover was creative though. I am for punk, thus I added this album to my collection.
Price, Carol.
Year Unknown: 21 Days to Self Discovery: Define what you want in life – and discover how to get it. Boulder, CO: CareerTrack Publications.
Some bits were useful, but overall, I did not find her approach the most inspiring. There is too much in here involving the trends of contemporary psychology, I am not fond of. My approach to “empowerment” is much different than hers, thus despite the bold claims of the program, I left feeling empty, not having too much motivation to take along with me.
Amazing Transparent Ma
n.
2000: The Measure of All, Cupertino, CA: Springman Records.
Another instantly likable release from Springman Records. Pop punk music with lyrics that makes social points is a combination, I seek.
Sullivan, Ed.
1989: the Job Interview. SLI Audio.
These tapes are clearly of non-standard length, as it says the total running time is “1 Hour and 35 minutes”. Standard tapes come in lengths of 60 minutes and 90 minutes per tape. This album had two tapes. 2 tapes of 60 minutes each equals only 120 minutes. While 2 tapes of 90 minutes equals 180 minutes. Apparently, it is some odd length in between those two lengths. This was not quite the typical interview guide, as the author not only gave some tips you may have expected, but he also broke interviews and interviewers into categories. He made some witty remarks, though often not nearly as funny as the laugh tracks made them sound to be. He also has quite the story of his first job interview, that you should check out.
Macklin, Ruth
1993: Medical Futility: the Limits of Patient Autonomy. New York, NY: Hastings Center.
The lecturer’s name sounds a lot like a name of an older woman in a popular TV. show of the 1980’s. Can you guess which show it is?
Author Unknown
Year Unknown: Genocide: American Style: a brutally frank look at U.S. mistreatment of the first Americans. North Hollywood, CA: Center for Cassette Studies.
I knew all this before, but it never hurts to be reminded about these dark actions of America. Hearing about them, plus the new details, made me outraged, as any good person should be outraged!
Rohn, Jim.
1996: Cultivating an Unshakable Character: How to Walk Your Talk all the Way to the Top. Niles, IL: Nightingale-Conant Corporation.
An admirable work. Surely I do not agree with every piece of advice given, but generally he is on the right track. Listening to tapes like these helps me stay focused on my goals, vision, and principles. Little is more important than that!
Books
Leebow, Ken
2000: 300 Incredible [Activities] to Do on the Internet. Marietta, GA: 300Incredible.com, LLC.
Although it was a breezy read, I didn’t think the volume was super original. Most of what the author found “incredible”, I would consider banal. I could probably find most of these sites on my own, or at least, similar sites, if I had wanted to go to them. There are a few sites, that I might visit, but overall, most sites here do not intrigue me all that much. Good reading, nevertheless.
Lipschitz, Chaim: edited by Ira Axelrod.
Franco, Spain, the Jews, and the Holocaust. New York: KTAV Publishing.
Lipschitz is very fair minded and sees the ever important gray. His treatment of Franco and the Holocaust is scholarly, honest, open minded, and intelligent. I am indeed persuaded that Franco did many great deeds and he deserves to be raised in our estimation of him. I certainly have learned to see gray in regard to dictators, and just as the author mentioned, even though we shouldn’t ignore Franco’s errors, we must acknowledge the fact that he saved 45,000 Jews. I sure hope when it is all said and done I have saved even a fraction of that many human beings. I want to learn more about Franco. I just love finding out new details about the Holocaust.
Zamudio, Dan
1995: How to Sneak Into the Movies. Port Townsend, WA: Loompanics Unlimited.
Another example of the wonderful nature of Interlibrary loan. Since I do not watch movies, you may be wondering why I am reading a book about how to sneak into movies. Stop wondering because a) I like to read such books for their own sake and b) a mutable mind can adapt any suggestions in here for other purposes shall the need arise. He gave reviews of theatres (based on the ease of sneaking in) in Chicago and Los Angeles, but for some reason there was no address or theater name for the theaters, thus the reviews did not seem that useful for me. The theme and the approach were fabulously executed. Lovely!
Richmond, Doug
1995: How to Disappear Completely and Never be Found. New York: Citadel Press
Excellent. Swell. Fabulous. Neat.
Buchanan, Patrick J.
1988: Right from the Beginning. Boston: Little, Brown and Company.
If you'll notice, the title is a pun that works on three levels. "Right from the beginning" as being right wing from the start. "Right from the beginning" as being correct from the start. "Right from the Beginning" as a book which starts from the very beginning. This would be the second book I have read by Pat Buchanan. I wish the book would have included more of his later adventures, but he claimed that "that will be left for another book", since he wanted to focus on his early days. It would be nice if he does write a later book, because some of his most interesting tales were after this book was written. He does a good job at biographies himself, he is down to earth while highlighing important events of his upbringing and early life. He does inject some of his political views, sometimes directly relating to a life experience and sometimes not. I do not agree with most of them, but it was good to hear them. Through reading this book, I better understand how the Catholic faith has been central to this man's existence. He paints the faith as a beautiful one, one worthy of respect and veneration. In one spot in the book, he denounces emotionalism among men; I disagree with him entirely. Through the early pages, I was eagerly awaiting his discussion assaulting a police officer, and it did not let me down. He himself acknowledged his seemingly endless run ins with law, of which until now, I was not aware. He made one remark along the lines "Unlike the left, we saw police as social referees, albeit ones whose calls we may disagree with, but nevertheless necessary". He claimed that the left hated police in ways he never did. Though, few on the left can claim having assaulted a cop. I really don't care about his rebellious past as I hope others should not care either. The book is lengthy, but well worth reading even if you are ideologically different from Pat Buchanan.
Grobman, Alex and Michael Shremer.
2000: Denying History: Who Says the Holocaust Never Happened and Why Do They Say It? Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press.
I came across Michael Shremer's view on Holocaust denial through another one of his works and it found it interesting, thus I was glad to read this book. A little dogmatic in their use of historical methods, but overall they effectively refute holocaust revisionism. In the process, they make some good points and insights about the issue and about the study of history itself. The Holocaust is one subject which rarely ever gets dull, especially when contemporary phenomena such as holocaust denial is discussed.
MacLaren, James
1995: The Hitchhiker’s Handbook. Port Townsend, WA: Loompanics Unlimited.
Most of the Loompanics how to books have been better than this work. The writing style is too scatterbrain, disorganized, and stream of consciousness for a how to book. He was way too crass! He made one of the stupidest remarks around, when he said "EVERYTHING CRUMMY THAT THE COPS HAVE EVER DONE TO ANY OF YOU OR YOUR FRIENDS IS [BE]CAUSE OF YOUR OWN [EXPLETIVE DELETED] FAULT" (93). I did not expect such a moronic and regressive statement from a bad rebel dude like the author. I would expect it from an everyday citizen, perhaps. This statement is wrong, not only because of its absolutism but also because many times cops are the ones at fault. It's as if the Fraternal Order of Police has financially funded this book. Where else could they get such a ringing endorsement? The book is full of thumbs up icon (as a symbol of hitchhiking), but thumbs down would be a better symbol for this sorry book.
Broszat, Martin.
1960: German National Socialism: 1919-1945. Santa Barbara, CA: CLIO Press.
More informational and insight about the National Socialists to add to
my already large input base. This book, maybe more than other books I've read on the topic, traced and profiled the genesis of anti-Semitic precursors to National Socialism, while at the same time also analyzing National Socialism.
Luger, Jack.
1987: The Big Book of Hiding Places. Port Townsend, WA: Loompanics Unlimited.
One might expect a detail orientated book of this nature to be a little dry, but it wasn't. I wouldn't say it was overly exciting, but it was definitely readable, giving me some good ideas if the need shall ever arise.
Ebenstein, William.
1943: The Nazi State. New York: J. J. Little and Ives Company.
One of the most thorough books on the structure and function of the Nazi regime that I have came across. It is apparent the author perceives the Nazis' approach to running the nation to be a folly. I enjoyed his subtly snide remarks about the Nazis' arrogance and ignorance.
Scotchie, Joseph.
1999: The Paleoconservatives: New Voices of the Old Right. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers.
I am proud of myself for having finished this sophisticated work. It was good to find out about the political group known as the paleoconservatives. I like different options and alternatives, thus although I do not agree with the political philosophy of paleoconservatism in its entirely, I do like to see it rising, however big it may be.
Lee, Eve
1980: The American in Saudi Arabia. Chicago, IL: Intercultural Press, Inc.
Libraries are great for among other reasons, when searching for another book, there is no telling what fascinating book one may come across, as I did here. Instead of the cursory approach, the author was effective in make a cultural point. Her use of hypothetical situations would, I imagine, be valuable for anyone in such a situation. I would imagine an American traveling to Saudi Arabia today would need some updates, but I also imagine even considering the 24 years that have elapsed, there are probably some cultural constants which make the book still relevant.
Diamond, Sara.
1996: Facing the Wrath: Confronting the Right in Dangerous Times. Monroe, ME: Common Courage Press.
Great topic and fluid writing made the book hard to put down and easy to finish. Her essays do a wonderful job of precisely understanding the different components of the right. Many other books focus on just one area: the religious right, the moderate right, militias, or sometimes Paleoconservatives even, but she hit just about every right wing culture. I do think she was overly critical at times, but her analysis is a smart and good one.
Vroman, Brian.
2000: The Kingdom of Heaven and the Thousand Year Reich: The Jehovah's Witnesses and Nazi Germany. Mankato, MN: Minnesota State University, Mankato.
I heard about Jehovah’s Witnesses in Nazi Germany briefly from others, thus it was nice to find a book which delved into the topic more thoroughly. This was a master's thesis and sometimes master's thesis can be (actually) very enjoyable to read.
Trigilio, Rev. John Jr.,PhD, ThD and Rev. Kenneth Brighenti, PhD.
2003: Catholicism for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Since I realized I have learned a fair amount about Protestantism, but far less about Catholicism, I should learn more, besides the religion of Catholicism is fascinating. Most everyone in our society should know the basics of Catholicism, but this book expands beyond those to give you an introduction to the faith. The accessible format of the Dummies approach enabled me to learn alot about the faith of Catholicism, and indeed it has some virtues worthy of consideration.
Catholic Answers.
1993: Pillar of Fire Pillar of Truth: The Catholic Church and God's Plan for You. San Diego, CA: Catholic Answers.
A nice introduction into the Catholic faith, while at the same time, contrasting it with other options, namely secularism and Protestantism. It was a pamphlet, maybe a book version would be better yet. The style is good, so maybe the Catholic Answers organization is worth checking out.
Altemose, Charlene, MSC.
1994: What One Should Know about the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Liguori, MO: Liguori Publications.
The purpose of the work is served since it taught me information about the Catechism, which previously I had known little about. The writing could have been looser and less stiff, but nonetheless, it was informative.
Steiner, Arthur.
1938: Government in Fascist Italy. New York: Mc-Graw Hill Book Company, Inc.
Since (as reviewed above) I read a thorough study of the Nazi government, I found it useful that a similar type of book was done about Fascist Italy. Both books were written without the benefit of historical hindsight which can be both positive and negative. Though I must say the above book on Nazism was better written and more informative than this one. Although it is probably absolutely necessary to discuss "the corporative state" when discussing Fascist Italy, I found the discussion to be dry, and perhaps I do not find "the corporative state" part of Fascism to be that interesting.
Hill, Brad.
2003: Google for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Some of these dummies authors discuss how these books are not necessarily intended to be read cover to cover, but reading cover to cover is my way of doing, thus it is exactly what I did. A fine book to read cover to cover, too. Dummies books, though all accessible and usually easy to read, vary in degree of sense of humor. Brad Hill excels in this regard. His sense of humor made the text more enjoyable, without detracting from the book’s informative focus. In fact, his humor and personality made the book all the more informative. He laid out the material in a step by step fashion which makes it is easy to apply. The frequent pictures of computer screens using Google enhanced my understanding, and can work well when one reads the book without a computer in reach. Search engines are great to learn about, when written by a hand as skilled as Brad Hill’s.
Silverstein, Judith, MD and Michael Laskey, JD.
2004: Online Dating for Dummies. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Overall, a commendable work. I have generally not felt right about online dating, but the authors make it sound as if it is something worth doing it. After all, they tell us they met through online dating. Sometimes, they interjected who exactly wrote a single line or paragraph, which I felt took away from the text and was not really necessary. I can’t say I agree with every last bit of their advice, but generally they know their subject well and do provide useful insights. Their case about the virtues of online dating is persuasive and if nothing else worth a look.
McCabe, Linda L. and Edward R.B. McCabe.
2000: How to Succeed in Academics. San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
As an aspiring academic, I needed to read this. Although they were of the hard sciences/medical science mindset, virtually all of the information could apply to other academics, especially if one was able to carry it over. Being a graduate assistant, I know a bit of the basics of academic life, but this book elaborated and enhanced my knowledge, especially in the matters of grants.
Freedman, Rabbi E.B. Freedman, Jan Greenberg, and Karen A. Katz.
1991: Read Aloud Responses to Questions Jewish Children Ask About History, Culture, and Religion. New York, NY: Prentice Hall Press.
This book is much like “The Jewish Book of Why”, except for the minor detail that every question is not begun with the word “why”.
Periodicals
Irwin, Daniel
2002: Suck a Lemon......Kiss a [crude word deleted]. 623 N. Borders, Apt 2, Marissa, IL, 62257. br />
The man is poetic sure, but he is too crude. His topics are too crude and so is his treatment of subject matter. In addition to being crude, he lacks the grace of good poets; he may be able to pen a catchy poem, but sadly he lacks the attitude of a poet. The picture of him on the back of this zine has an uncanny resemblance to Karl Marx.
Other:
Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA Patriot Act) Act of 2001. Printed from https://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=107_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ056.107
139 pages of a document and I made it through! There has been much talk from liberals and the left about how horrible the Patriot Act is supposed to be, so what I did was find out for myself. We can judge the so called oppressiveness of the Patriot Act on two grounds, what it actually says and what has resulted from it. On the latter ground, I must say despite all the hype and alarmism of the left and liberals, virtually no major restriction of rights have occurred because of it. I still feel about as free as I did before this act. Surely in other ways, my rights have been restricted, but little if any directly because of this act. Maybe what liberals should do instead of supporting gun control which serves to help cops, give an outcry when cops violate our rights (4th amendment for example). Local cops have probably violated my rights much more than the federal government. Even though I am a strong opponent of our federal government, I cannot say I found much objectionable in this document. In fact, there were even surprising positives about this, particularly a strong condemnation of discrimination against people of Arabic, south Asian descendant, and Muslims. Much of this document seemed to pertain to money laundering and the financial aspect of terrorism. Sure there were a few parts of the document that concerned me, but I do not see how even these aspects make the act so bad. We also have to remember it is utterly foolish to think the government should do nothing about terrorism. Becoming more defensive and more cautious is only human nature and only sensible. If any of our houses were broken into and robbed, we too would likely become more cautious and defensive, so why it is wrong for the government to do the same? The document was chock full of external references to other laws and acts, which at times, made it hard to follow. Without access to all these external references, one cannot know for sure, how bad the changes to these other acts and laws are. My sense is these changes may not be that bad after all. Maybe the fact so many external references are there is reason for concern. For some reason the document made up a law called "Crimes Against Charitable Americans", which did not seem directly related to the rest of the Patriot Act, but maybe the drafters of this document had some reason behind this. I am impressed that it took only a month and a half for such an extensive document to come out. It must have taken alot of people to produce this document. The original hypothesis the liberals and the left presented was "The Patriot Act is one of the greatest abominations and threat to civil liberties ever conceived". I read through the document and since I found little evidence to support such a notion, I much reject this hypothesis. Now, if the changes made in the external referenced laws and acts are indeed oppressive, then the hypothesis can be correct. But based on the fact that few major civil liberties have been violated in all essence, and the document alone is generally unobjectionable, I have to call liberals and the left alarmists. I am glad I have an open enough mind to change when evidence warrants it.
Donnelly, Thomas.
2000: Rebuilding America’s Defenses: Strategy, Forces and Resources for a New Century. The Project for the New American Century.
I was advised to read this because the advisor said it portrayed the alarming neoconservative agenda for foreign policy. Indeed, it was alarming, because it seemed to suggest the US military should get bigger and should be everywhere. This document seems to hold true with most thoughtful critics of neoconservatives. Although, there is not necessarily an unbridgeable gulf between me and conservatives since I am partly conservative, my thinking and priorities for life and politics is distant from the central drive of neoconservatives.
Catfish 39
Andrew Bushard