Book Description
"Torts Personal Injury Litigation", 4th Edition is a necessity for paralegal and legal secretary students. Complete with current "hot topic" legal issues, this 4th edition provides an in-depth overview of the law of torts and identifies the role of the paralegal within tort litigation. Case studies examine such timely controversial issues as AIDS, the alleged tort committed by President Clinton, breast implants and attacks on abortion clinics. These case studies allow the reader to examine court opinions, which are the central documents in the law of torts.
Amazon.com
In America, when somebody does you wrong, you take 'em to court. W. R. Grace and Beatrice Foods had been dumping a cancer-causing industrial solvent into the water table of Woburn, Massachusetts, for years; in 1981, the families of eight leukemia victims sued. However, A Civil Action demonstrates powerfully that--even with the families' hotshot lawyers and the evidence on their side--justice is elusive, particularly when it involves malfeasance by megacorporations. Much of the legal infighting can cause the eyes to glaze. But the story is saved by great characters: the flawed, flamboyant Jan Schlichtmann and his group of bulldogs for the prosecution; Jerome Facher, the enigmatic lawyer for Beatrice, who proves to be more than a match; John J. Riley, the duplicitous, porcine tannery owner; and a host of others. It's impossible not to feel the drama of this methodical book, impossible not to grieve for the parents who lost children, and impossible not to share Schlichtmann's desperation as he runs out of money. A Civil Action reads like one long advertisement for a few well-placed Molotov cocktails. (But that wouldn't make for a very long book, now would it?)
Amazon.com Audiobook Review
Every element of great drama--tragic deaths, titanic greed, a flawed hero--already existed in Jonathan Harr's A Civil Action. John Shea's reading provides the finishing touch: a great voice. Shea, an Obie Award-winning stage actor, is probably best known for his roles in a handful of films in the '80s, including Missing and Windy City. His smooth, disciplined reading guides us through some of the book's heavy traffic--lots of medical information, many characters with complex backgrounds, multiple carcinogenic chemicals--without for a second allowing us to get lost in those details. We never forget we're heading toward one of modern journalism's great clashes of good and evil, and even if we know in advance which side wins, the narrative path to that conclusion is always riveting. (Running time: 4 hours, 4 cassettes) --Lou Schuler
Book Description
"The legal thriller of the decade." --Cleveland Plain Dealer
Now a Major Motion Picture!
In this true story of an epic courtroom showdown, two of the nation's largest corporations stand accused of causing the deaths of children. Representing the bereaved parents, the unlikeliest of heroes emerges: a young, flamboyant Porsche-driving lawyer who hopes to win millions of dollars and ends up nearly losing everything, including his sanity. A searing, compelling tale of a legal system gone awry--one in which greed and power fight an unending struggle against justice--
A Civil Action is also the story of how one determined man can ultimately make a difference. With an unstoppable narrative power, it is an unforgettable reading experience.
Customer Reviews:
A Must Read.......2007-10-16
We ride the roller coaster that attorney Jan Schlictmann is on in pursuit of justice for the families of Woburn Massachsetts who sue a megacorporation because they developed leukimia from unknowingly living in an area contaminated by toxic pollution.
I particularly liked this book because it is the best account of what it is like to be civil trial attorney handling large cases. The book has deservedly one numerous accolades. Not only is the book a page turner, but is gives those thinking of entering law school a look into the often very messy business of being a lawyer. Can a case really last years and years and years? Is the truth really that hard to discover for your client? Do lawyers really have to do go through all of this? A must read for anyone thinking about law school. Even if you have no connection to the law, you will find this book is one of the best you will ever read.
A compelling story; mediocre literature.......2007-09-28
First, I don't think this book is for everyone. I think the difference between this book and those written by someone like John Grisham illustrates the reason. Although Grisham's books are also mediocre literature, the nuances of his books aren't lost on the average reader. The things that give Grisham's books there suspense are easy for nearly everyone to understand; a book like The Firm is a case in point. Conversely, the suspense and frustrations which are inherent in "A Civil Action" are the products of rules of civil procedure which the average reader simply won't understand. For those not voiced in such legal themes at least on an elementary level the source of the suspense must be taken at the author's word.
To be sure, the true story captured in this book is compelling; contamination of a city's water supply and the likeliness that the contamination caused a whole litany of health problems for that city's residents is a story that will do more than peak your interest. However, the guts of this book focuses mostly on the head lawyer for the victims. Jan Schlichtmann isn't exactly the type of character you find yourself rooting for (he's arrogant, greedy, and loves the spotlight). Further, this book focuses mostly on how Schlichtmann managed to screw up. The most emotion-invoking feature of the book is the ever present conflict between Schlichtmann and Judge Skinner. Again, this conflict is imbedded with underlying legal themes which makes the story not completely approachable.
I was torn between giving this book three or four stars. For the law students out there it will probable be an enjoyable read. However, I think this book deserves three stars in the end. As popular literature it is okay; nothing to write home about. Further, in keeping with the modern style, the author presents his readers with nothing virtuous to take home with them... no idea, or principle, or thought that will inspire the readers in the course of their lives. Perhaps I shouldn't expect as much, and particularly not from a piece of popular fiction such as this. Nevertheless, there are too many other good books out there. Take this one on a plane with you; if you don't finish it by the time your trip ends don't worry about it.
A Civil Action.......2007-05-30
ISBN 0679772677 - A true story, A Civil Action is the story of several families in Woburn, Massachusetts, who find their children - and themselves - suffering health problems apparently caused by the dumping of chemicals by two companies. The Riley Tannery (a subsidiary of Beatrice Foods) and W.R. Grace are accused of negligently, even knowingly, contaminating the groundwater in east Woburn by dumping toxins. Young children are the first and most obvious group to become sick, dying of leukemia in numbers that defy statistics. Their case is handed off from firm to firm until it finds a home in the heart of personal injury lawyer Jan Schilchtmann.
Told repeatedly that the case is bound to become a money-sucking wreck, Jan pours everything he's got into winning it, driving himself to bankruptcy and his law firm to the brink and beyond. As one of early the "ambulance chasers", Jan's used to settling most cases before they wind up in court, but he somehow manages to avoid every good opportunity to get out with his shirt still on. Facing off against high-priced lawyers who have very deep pockets behind them, he and his firm stand little chance of winning even a portion of what their clients want - and what they want is more apology than cash.
Author Harr followed Schlichtmann and his team for a good portion of the story, and I felt a bit sorry for the author. It seems glaringly obvious where the fault lies (which, quite honestly, could be because of the way Harr wrote it), and the outcome seems inevitable: Grace and Beatrice will end up forking over large amounts of cash to the families and have to admit wrongdoing. When it doesn't go that way, Harr's probably too far invested in the story to put it aside. I say this because the books seems to be building to the obvious conclusion... and then sort of peters out, ending with a whimper. A fascinating, and appalling, story that really does not make a good "story" - but is so well researched and told that it rises above the strangely incomplete ending.
Because it IS a true story, the reader should assume that there are two sides to most stories but several people come out looking like they deserve their own little corner of hell. Judge Skinner, for what seems like flagrant disinterest in the law OR common sense; Anne Anderson and the Zona family, for making it about money when they swore it wasn't and the sheer nerve of suing a guy who has taken on a case for them that no one else wanted to touch and lost everything in the process. There are others, and the case seems to be still alive in some ways, with reviewers posting strange diatribes about people who weren't even mentioned in the book (Ken Grant, for one).
Worth reading, but the suggestion that you should read it like a novel, which I've seen in other reviews, might leave you vaguely disappointed - this is real life, and the fairytale ending that a novel would have doesn't exist.
This copy includes a 1996 Afterword, which does help make up a little bit for the ending which, as I said, seems to just peter out.
A Civil Action.......2007-03-17
Was required by a law class to read this...but actually found it very enjoyable and easy to read. It flows like a fictional novel.
A Legal Thriller of the sadest kind, a true story.......2006-12-02
A Civil Action is a legal thriller born of profound human tragedy. Without a doubt, A Civil Action is compelling and sets up a good case scenario where ordinary folks are caught up between tragedy and justice. The behind-the-scene look at the law, its players, and victims revealed some sad truths about the practice of law in the face of obvious corporate wrongdoing.
Book Description
The new edition of best-selling CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN ACTION: THE CORE, Third Edition offers a clear and highly engaging overview of the criminal justice system in a manageable 15-chapter paperback text with an attractive price and an unbeatable teaching and learning package. Gaines and Miller combine cutting-edge research with accessible discussions of theory, up-to-the-minute examples of policy, and applications from today's headlines. Gaines and Miller take an applied approach that is visible in their coverage of contemporary topics, their concentration on careers, and their expansive integration of online and CD-ROM assets throughout. Also, interactive learning aids such as the new "Online Reviews" flagged in the book after each major chapter section and the "Mastering Concepts" summaries make this an especially effective teaching tool. To help students investigate and focus on the criminal justice career choices right for them, the Careers in Criminal Justice 3.0 Interactive CD-ROM is automatically packaged FREE with each new copy of the text. Also available FREE when packaged with the text is Criminal JusticeNow??the ultimate web-based student tutorial for the course. This intelligent study system helps students assess their mastery of chapter concepts and provides them with a Personalized Study Plan.
Average customer rating:
- Zach's Lie
- Zach's Lie
- Students will love it.
- Zach's Lie's reveiw
- zachs lie
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Zach's Lie
Roland Smith
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ASIN: 0786814403
Release Date: 2003-04-28 |
Book Description
Jack Osborne's life changes forever the night men in masks break into his house, threaten Jack and his family, and ransack their home. Jack then discovers the reason these men have come into their lives-his father has been arrested for drug trafficking. Jack, his mother, and his sister are then forced to enter the Witness Security Program. Jack becomes 'Zach' and moves to Elko, Nevada, a town in the middle of nowhere. There he meets Sam, the strangest school custodian he has ever encountered, and Catalin, a girl who might make Zach's uprooting worth the trouble. But just as Zach finally begins to piece together a new life, he finds himself in danger again-and this time his actions could determine the fates of everyone he cares about.
Customer Reviews:
Zach's Lie.......2007-06-06
Jack Osborne is a 12 year old boy in the 7th grade with an imaginary friend named commander IF (Imaginary Friend). Three men broke into their house in the middle of the night; Agent Pelton said it had something to do with their dad. Agent Pelton said he found their dad down in Texas and said they locked him up down town because he was transferring drugs throughout North and South America. Agent Pelton said his dad worked for a man named Alonzo. Alonzo has warehouses throughout America. Jacks Dad wants to put his family in the Whiteness Security Program. The Osborne's changed their names and hair color. Their new names are the Grangers and they moved to Elko, Nevada. Will Alonzo ever find the Grangers in Elko, Nevada?
I believe this is a great book and I recommend it for kids and adults that read fluently. I like this book because it keeps you thinking and they travel all around trying to become people that their not and trying to fit in.
Zach's Lie.......2007-06-06
Jack Osborne is a 12 year old boy in the 7th grade with an imaginary friend named commander IF (Imaginary Friend). Three men broke into their house in the middle of the night; Agent Pelton said it had something to do with their dad. Agent Pelton said he found their dad down in Texas and said they locked him up down town because he was transferring drugs throughout North and South America. Agent Pelton said his dad worked for a man named Alonzo. Alonzo has warehouses throughout America. Jacks Dad wants to put his family in the Whiteness Security Program. The Osborne's changed their names and hair color. Their new names are the Grangers and they moved to Elko, Nevada. Will Alonzo ever find the Grangers in Elko, Nevada?
I Believe this is a great book and I recommend it for kids and adults that read fluently. I like this book because it keeps you thinking and they travel all around trying to become people that their not and trying to fit in.
Students will love it........2007-05-08
I think this is a great read aloud. Lots of action and drama. A must read.
Zach's Lie's reveiw.......2007-04-16
The title of the book I chose is called "Zach's Lie." The author of this book is Roland Smith. The genre of the book is realistic fiction. My opinion about this book is that the book was amazing how it turned out. This book is very emotional at times and also it very adventurous. To admit it I almost cried twice! Kids, teenagers, and adults would love this book. My favorite part in the story is in the ending when... wait I'm not able to tell you. You are just going to find out yourself. The style is adventurous, emotional, and a mystery -find the bad guy- kind of book. When you read the book you can find out what your opinion is. I am not forcing you to read it, but I wish you could because it is the greatest book you will ever read. Just in case you did not understand the book's theme is about a family in trouble and how they try to get out of that situation.
zachs lie.......2007-04-11
ZACH'S LIE
What would you do if somebody broke into your house and threatened to kill you? This is an investigation book that tells all about a kid's life that gets turned around when people break into his house for his dad.
This book title is Zach's Lie. The author is Rolan Smith. The genre: this book has action, adventure, and it also has investigation in it.
This extraordinary book takes place in Portland, Oregon the main characters are Zach, the janitor, his mom and dad and his best friend.
The plot is when Zach is trying to figure everything out why the bad guys are trying to kidnap him so he doesn't figure out what is going on.
What I liked about how the author wrote about the story is that she made it sound like something was bad every second which was cool and how she made it adventurous.
I think somebody that would like this book would be 9 year old and up I am "ten years old" and I loved this book.
I thought this book was great, awesome and just so amazing. I would love to read it again! I think it is better than a lot of books.
Book Description
The beguiling porcine wonder turns bucking bronco to snare a robber in this hilarious new addition to the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling series.
Leroy Ninker is a small man with a big dream: he wants to be a cowboy, but for now he's just a thief. In fact, Leroy is robbing the Watsons' kitchen right this minute! As he drags the toaster across the counter — screeeeeech — and drops it into his bag — clannngggg — little does he know that a certain large pig who loves toast with a great deal of butter is stirring from sleep. Even less could he guess that comedy of errors (not to mention the buttery sweets in his pocket) will soon lead this little man on the wild and raucous rodeo ride he's always dreamed of! Nosy neighbors, astonished firemen, a puzzled policeman, and the ever-doting Watsons return for a new tongue-in-snout adventure about Kate DiCamillo's delightfully single-minded pig.
Customer Reviews:
Great chapter book.......2007-10-17
I love these series. What a great story to share with all ages. My 1st grader loved it. I will get all of them. The hard back cover makes it very nice for the children to use. Great!!
Mercy Watson or anything by Kate Dicamillo is a hit around here. .......2007-07-30
My kids LOVE all of Kate Dicamillo's books. My youngest children really love Mercy Watson so when I saw this book was available I had to buy it. Easy to follow, fun story, nice illustrations, another hit by Kate Dicamillo.
Thanks for putting out such wonderful work Kate!
KIds love it!.......2007-06-09
As a librarian, I read to kids all day. They LOVE the Mercy Watson books. In this one, they got a kick out of the "Yippee-ay-ooo" througout the story.
Highly recommend.......2007-01-17
I bought this book on a recommendation of a parenting magazine. Quality short chapter book, and my 5-year-old son loves it.
Much Better than First Two in the Series .......2006-11-21
Mercy Watson is a "porcine wonder." She's a pig who lives with Mr. and Mrs. Watson. She has her own bed in her own room and loves buttered toast.
Mercy wakes up one night to the sound of the beloved toaster being dragged across the kitchen counter. Certain this means a serving of heavily buttered toast, Mercy goes downstairs to get her share. Only it's not Mrs. Watson in the kitchen--it's a robber stealing the toaster!
Leroy Ninker is a thief who likes to dress as a cowboy. When Mercy Watson finds him raiding her family's kitchen, he ends up learning a few important lessons--which include not eating butter-flavored candy near a pig who loves buttered toast.
MERCY WATSON FIGHTS CRIME is the third installment in the Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo. The first two titles in this series were somewhat disappointing, but this book is a marked improvement. Children will enjoy how Mercy's obsession with buttery toast leads her to stop a crime in progress. Rather than being scary, this criminal is cute unto himself, and entirely redeemable.
As always, the illustrations are first-rate fun. Mercy's future looks a great deal better after this installment. This "porcine wonder" just might come into her own!
Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
11/20/2006
4½-BALLOONS for WUAT Kids; 5-Stars for Amazon
Average customer rating:
- My daughter loves this series
- THE BEST BOOKS EVER
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Man vs. Beast (Cherub)
Robert Muchamore
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
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ASIN: 1416927255 |
Book Description
CHERUB agents are all seventeen and under. They wear skate tees and hemp, and look like regular kids. But they're not. They are trained professionals who are sent out on missions to spy on terrorists and international drug dealers. CHERUB agents hack into computers, bug entire houses, and download crucial documents. It is a highly dangerous job. For their safety, these agents DO NOT EXIST.
Mainstream animal protection groups have always stayed within the law, but a new band of radical liberationists argues that if humans and animals are equal, then it's right to kill or threaten one human in order to save the lives of many animals. In a new mission, James and the other CHERUB agents must go up against the most radical group yet in a daring and violent attempt to save hundreds of lives...including their own.
Customer Reviews:
My daughter loves this series.......2007-07-01
My thirteen-year-old daughter has read the entire series. She stumbled upon the first book while browsing through her English teacher's collection of paperbacks. She was hooked instantly. She bought a copy of Man vs. Beast the day it came out; however, she misplaced it so I'm just now getting around to buying her a second copy. I'm not thrilled about the themes, which involve crime-fighting teens who thwart terrorist attacks. In one of the books, the kids are dispatched to capture a group of eco-terrorists, before they do something or other - I don't recall the details. The stories are action packed and each ends in a cliffhanger. Although I find the themes somewhat objectionable, they're mostly harmless and I have no compunction in letting her read pretty much whatever she wants. According to my daughter, the series would appeal to both boys and girls, ages 10 to 14, or so.
THE BEST BOOKS EVER.......2007-04-24
THE WHOLE CHERUB SERIES ARE THE BEST BOOKS EVER. I READ A TON.
Average customer rating:
- Have Nothing New To Add But Read Mine Anyway
- What a read!!
- This book was really good!
- Actually, call it a 4 and three-quarters starred review
- The Convicts
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The Convicts
Iain Lawrence
Manufacturer: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
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Binding: Hardcover
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Small Steps
ASIN: 038573087X
Release Date: 2005-04-12 |
Book Description
After seeing his father hauled off to debtor’s prison, Tom Tin sets out to take revenge on Mr. Goodfellow, the man responsible for his family’s misfortunes. But the fog-filled London streets are teeming with sinister characters. Tom encounters a blind man who scavenges the riverbed for treasure—and wants what Tom digs up; Worms, a body snatcher who reveals a shocking surprise; and a nasty gang of young pickpockets who mistake Tom for someone ominously known as the Smasher. And ultimately, Tom comes up against the cruel hand of the law.
Accused of murder, Tom is given a seven-year sentence. He is to be transported to Van Diemen’s Land with other juvenile convicts. But Tom can’t abide life on the Hulk, the old ship where the boys are temporarily held. He decides to escape. But if he’s to succeed, his luck needs to turn. . . .
Customer Reviews:
Have Nothing New To Add But Read Mine Anyway.......2006-06-28
Not much to add to what has already been said. While the book is well written I found myself not caring about Tom Tin. To me he just wasn't very bright. And then there is Smasher. Like I didn't have that situation figured out in a hurry. Would have been a better book without him. But then the author would have had to refigure the whole story line. Even so..........
I would still recomend that young people read this book. There is no denying the truth of the kind of situations presented. Certainly highlights that modern day inhumanity is nothing new. Might even help them appreciate how much easier life is now.
What a read!!.......2005-11-30
Although the book could be dark at times, it was also very captivating. I found myself desperately hoping that Tom would escape and live happily ever after. Even though the book is about Tom's experiences, I was just as interested in and attached to Midge. Lawrence has written a book that could be read by almost any age from some upper-elementary schoolchildren to high school students. Lawrence's "Author's Note" at the end was helpful in comparing the book's historical accuracy.
This book was really good!.......2005-10-27
This book tells the story of a young boy, Tom Tin, and all of the hardships that he goes through in his life. In the beginning, Tom is forced to move to a very small home because of a man named Mr. Goodfellow. Once they arrive Tom's father is taken to debtors' prison and Tom is forced to take care of his mother, who is depressed and crazy. Tom tries to earn enough money to get his father out of jail and luckily he comes upon a large diamond. Tom loses the diamond in a grave robbery and all he can think about is going back to find it. Tom is knocked unconscious and is thought to be a person called "The Smasher". He even gets sent to a prison boat for "The Smasher's" crimes. While on the boat he meets a young boy named Midgely. All Tom and Midgely think about is escaping.
I though this book was a real page turner. I couldn't put it down. The characters are close to my age, so I could tell what they would be feeling at this time in their lives. I really liked the plot and I think that Iain Lawrence had a very good idea when he thought of The Convicts.
Actually, call it a 4 and three-quarters starred review.......2005-09-09
It is hard for me to agree with the editorial reviews' comments that the events in this book are too coincidental and unbelievable... I was immediately and completely wrapped up in the adventure and desperation of this boy's story. This is an amazing read! Lawrence is able to strike a wonderfully tense balance so that when the story is morbid it's also charming, and when it's terrifying it's also exciting. I read a lot of young adult books (I work in a library) and this was -- by far -- the best one I have read all summer. I think the ages recommended for this book should be more like 12 - 16 just because the story is so edgy and the content pretty mature, but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone from 10 to 110 for swashbuckling fun.
The Convicts.......2005-05-04
The Convicts
"Seven years, I thought. I couldn't last that long. Why, I couldn't last the six months the Overseer had hinted at. If Weedle didn't kill me, I would die from sickness, or wither away from the sheer misery of the place. I dragged my feet until Midgely bumped up on my heels. I whispered at him, `Do people escape? Has anyone ever got off?'" This is an excerpt from, The Convicts, by Iain Lawrence, an epic novel of mystery and adventure. In this story Tom Tin, 14, tells about how a man Mr. Goodfellow-who isn't a good fellow at all-ruins Tom's life, and family. It isn't enough that he ran them out of their home and refused to let Tom's father, a captain, sail on any ship but his; Mr. Goodfellow hauls Tom's father off to debtors' prison.
Tom sets off after Mr. Goodfellow in hopes of rescuing his father and gets caught up in a tangled web of events that lead him deep into his past. Somewhere in the middle of Tom's misfortunes, he is mistaken by a gang of "urchins" as a fierce criminal, the Smasher. Tom gets thrown into prison during his collision with the Darkey's gang. Tom's saga is so twisted and bizarre that no one in his trial believes him. The judge claims he has seen Tom before, but as the Smasher, and doesn't even let him finish recalling all that happened to him. Tom is sentenced to a fate far worse than death.
Iain Lawrence uses serious events that could and often did happen in nineteenth century England to tell the tale of Tom Tin. The Convicts is fast-paced and takes many, sharp, unexpected turns, that enthrall the teens and adults who read it. I highly recommend this book, you will find yourself escaping to a world full of mysterious hardship, and action, especially at sea. Discover how Tom struggles through his disrupted life and unravels a mystery he didn't know existed, in Iain Lawrence's, The Convicts.
By: K.J.
Book Description
This book is the sequel to ON INTELLIGENCE: Spies and Secrecy in an Open World (AFCEA International Press, 2000). That book, written largely for government and corporate intelligence professionals, remains the basic reference volume for the future of global intelligence enterprises. This book, by contrast, is a completely new effort that is written for every citizen of every country—the "intelligence minutemen" of the 21st Century. In the aftermath of the 11 September 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, attacks carried out by a non-state actor skilled at asymmetric warfare and using our own capabilities against us—attacks followed quickly by a nation-wide anthrax assault that closed Congress and terrified the U.S. Postal Service—it is imperative that every citizen have a clear-headed understanding of what is at stake and what needs to be done to keep not only America, but all civilized communities safe. It is especially imperative that citizens understand that the world is already at war, with millions of refugees in 67 countries, plagues sweeping across 59 countries, mass starvation in 27 countries, and deliberate genocide campaigns in 18 countries. These are "facts of life" that our schools, our media and even our intelligence communities have been unwilling and unable to represent intelligently to the public. It is against this backdrop of global chaos that terrorism rises.
Customer Reviews:
Ironic.......2006-12-13
I find it difficult to believe that someone who endorses 9-11 conspiracy theories (see the authors review of "9-11 Mysteries" on December 7th) could be viewed as an authority on intelligence issues. If he ever had any credibility in the field, he's long since gone over the deep end.
Ironically, its people like him and his ilk, who believe a neconservative/Israeli conspiracy was behind the destruction of the twin towers, that best undermine the central premise of his book: that ordinary citizens need to take a greater role in intelligence. If 9-11 conspiracy theories are the sort of mind-numbingly stupid, paranoid output that can be expected from the sort of amatuer intelligence agents Steele wishes for, I'd prefer to leave it to professionals.
The Peoples' Intelligence Agency.......2006-08-09
This was in many ways a difficult book to read and is even more difficult to review. It contains a number of original ideas on intelligence reform, national security, and the general state of the world. Yet they are presented in a rather choppy style that relies rather heavily on numerous diagrams, charts, and tables as well as lists of thoughts. Still this book is worth reading because Robert D. Steele takes on the business of intelligence reform in a comprehensive and refreshingly different approach.
The guiding, but unstated premise of this book appears to be that in the chaotic world of the 21st Century, intelligence is too important to be left only to the intelligence bureaucracy of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). According to Steele, it is time that the business of producing national intelligence was shared with the academic and business communities, with state and local authorities, and even with private citizens. Steele also makes the perfectly valid point that open sources can supply up to 80 per cent of the unprocessed data required to produce intelligence. Incidentally, Steele recognizes the quagmire the Internet poses to researchers and wisely offers suggestions for avoiding the large amount of misinformation that can be found on the net. The book offers some structural reforms to the IC, but its most valuable contributions are its proposals for cultural changes in the way that intelligence is produced and used.
Beyond its choppy style, however, the book is flawed. Steele seems curiously ignorant of the actual processes of intelligence production where by unprocessed information (data) acquired by source(s) is transformed into useful knowledge (intelligence) organized by subject(s). This transformation is accomplished by various combinations of processing, research, and analysis. His suggestion to concentrate processing of data from all sources into one agency is incredibly ill informed. In the same manner, he treats Geographic Information Systems (GIS) rather lightly, although they have been proven to be invaluable not only for visualization, but also for organizing and interpreting collected data and would be an ideal medium for integrating and presenting all source data. Finally he clearly does not know as much about the arcane world of technical intelligence as he thinks he does which leads him to some erroneous conclusions.
Review of The New Craft of Inteligence.......2004-08-06
My deepest hope for the United States, and indeed, Earth is that decision makers would read this book, stew over it, let it keep them up at nights, and to finally get down to business. This book serves as a tocsin for the nation to wake up to the challenges we are presently facing and those that are just around the bend.
As a nurse with an interest in public health issues, this book states a great case for the claim that "The idea that the health of every nation depends on the health of all others is not an empty piety but an epidemiological fact." That's no joke brothers and sisters; 59 countries with modern plagues can be ignored only to our peril.
Work at home as an intelligece analyst.......2003-08-03
Robert Steele, the maven of open source intel, explains why every citizen needs to start their own collection and analysis program. The first reason is so that she can understand the risk to herself of international crime and terrorism. The second reason is to protect her own liberty from domestic threats,private and public.
Buy this book. Think about what Steele has to say. The truth will set you free.
Needs a filter.......2002-09-25
Steele argues that with the Cold War over, asymmetric threats should be the top priority for our military, for our intelligence agencies, and for any citizen concerned with security.
Fair enough. How would you reconstitute our security structure? He gets down to specifics in chapter 15, where he gives 26 rules for "the new craft of intelligence." These include an emphasis on translation of foreign sources, an emphasis on cultural intelligence (knowing your enemy), and gearing intelligence toward needs and customers vs. just following old habits and using the most ready capabilities.
This book rewards the reader with many interesting ideas to consider. But Steele badly needs a filter--I feel that there are way too many bad ideas in this book relative to the few nuggets. For example, his view of the causes of terrorism owes much to Noam Chomsky--a poor source for cultural intelligence. Furthermore, some (most?) of his proposals, such as instituting a draconian military draft, are not well thought out.
I think that there is reason to be concerned that we have not adjusted out thinking on military and intelligence matters to line up with current threats. But if this book is the best alternative, then we should be even more concerned.
Book Description
Just a quick look at the news headlines on any given day is a powerful reminder that devastating armed conflicts worldwide are destroying lives and whole communities — often in the name of religion. Hidden in the news, if reported on at all, are the brave religious leaders in these zones of violence, working to bring peace and reconciliation to their people. These inspiring men and women offer critical insights and skills for addressing today's most urgent conflicts. But their stories are rarely told. Peacemakers in Action: Profiles of Religion in Conflict Resolution shares the experiences of 16 such remarkable religious peacemakers who have put their lives on the line in conflicts around the world — from Israel-Palestine to Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Sudan, South Africa, El Salvador, Indonesia — and beyond. For each of them, religious texts and traditions have served both as a source of inspiration and as a practical resource in resolv ing conflict. These grassroots peacemakers are powerful — but underutilized — actors for resolving some of the world's most horrifying conflicts. As such, this book contains timely information for diplomats, government officials, and resolution practitioners, as well as today's students of religion and international affairs — our future peacemakers. And in a world where religion-based conflict affects us all, this book provides critical lessons and much-needed hope for each of us.
Customer Reviews:
Real-life examples to the positive effects faith can bring .......2007-05-12
Edited by David Little, Peacemakers in Action: Profiles of Religion in Conflict Resolution is an anthology of profiles of people of faith worldwide with the courage and morality to work peacefully and put their faith into action. From Friar Ivo Markovic in Bosnia and Herzegovina to nonviolent deputy minister of defense Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge of South Africa to Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye in Nigeria and more, the profiles span nine nations beset with strife and reveal how true believers can apply their religion to create a positive dialogue and help build world peace through peace within. Peacemakers in Action does not restrict itself to any one religion, and offers real-life examples to the positive effects faith can bring to the parts of the world in most dire need of peacemaking. Especially recommended for college and university libraries.
Product Description
Here's Everything You Need to Write Your Affirmative Action Plan
Writing an affirmative action plan that fully complies with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) requirements is a breeze with BLRs award-winning Affirmative Action Plan handbook. That's because its practical samples and step-by-step advice give you everything you need in one easy to use handbook.
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How to conduct a 2-factor analysis
How to complete workforce and employee compensation analyses
Affirmative action laws, background, trends, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
Sample policies for creating cultural diversity
How to conduct an affirmative action self-audit
Workplace diversity training programs and recruiting minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities
How to prepare for an OFCCP audit
Federal and state laws on racial discrimination, equal pay, gender discrimination, employment age discrimination
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- Bates' Guide to Physical Examination And History Taking (9th Edition)
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