Book Description
The new wave of excluding aversives and training with positive reinforcement is rapidly proving itself to not only be the method of choice for adding behavior, but now, as evidenced by trainers like Jean Donaldson, the method of choice for getting rid of behavior, especially emotionally charged behavior like aggression. If you are of the school of thought that "treats are fine for training tricks but I have a dog that bites," you owe yourself a serious study of the techniques and theory in "Dogs Are From Neptune".
Nowhere else is the case made more strongly for positive reinforcement training for the resolution of serious problems, not simply from the standpoint of dog and handler-friendliness, but from that of efficacy and deep, permanent change.
"Dogs Are From Neptune" draws from real cases to provide clear, step-by-step advice for troubleshooting problems from obedience proofing stumpers to serious biters and fighters. Many of the owners presenting histories had made the rounds of trainers and behaviorists with no improvement prior to submitting their cases.
There is a comprehensive and enlightening discussion of the finer points of classical and operant conditioning and why the former may indeed "over-ride" the latter when dealing with aggression. Donaldson has treated innumerable aggressive dogs and has an excellent ability to tease out key features in each case history. Her description of "Suburban Dog Syndrome" rings true for dog people everywhere. Perhaps most ground-breaking are her discussions of dog bullying, fighting and defensive aggression.
The first three sections cover aggression, towards strangers, family members and other dogs. The aggression to strangers section contains a case of "socialization omission," to men specifically; a more globally aggressive dog with many triggers, a dog on the comeback trail from a bad beginning in life, a therapy dog with a good history that begins growling at certain people and the case of an exasperated family who feel they have a genetic misfit.
The aggression to family members section, entitled "Resource Guarding" gives step-by-step plans for and background on food and object possessiveness as well as a beautifully structured treatment protocol for a dog that will not allow routine handling.
In the dog-aggression section, the topics are reactivity to proximity, chronic fighting in a dog park, a dog that begins growling after a couple of bad experiences at class, a how-to on handling a dog that bullies other dogs, understanding inter-bitch aggression, the owner's role in dog to dog aggression problems and an extremely convincing case for the use of food in the treatment of aggression.
The second half of the book involves cases of behavior and obedience problems and anxiety-related disorders. Counter-surfing, dirt, stool and garbage eating, amusing and informative cases of barking, pushy play-biting in a full-grown dog, sofa-elimination and its likely motives and a mounting Labrador bitch round out the behavior problems section.
The obedience problems range from new insights into garden variety presentations such as pulling on leash, heeling, jumping up and controlling dogs off leash to the more esoteric context-specific stay-breaking, obedience-ring sluggishness and the relative merits of electric shock and non-aversive approaches to undoing a squirrel hunter.
The fear and anxiety section encompasses both mild and severe separation anxiety, anxiety about traffic in general and about getting into cars and a fascinating case of a dog with Addison's disease who must avoid all stress but whose handler would like to continue training in obedience.
Customer Reviews:
Dogs are from Neptune - Good Training Information.......2007-04-04
After struggling through The Culture Clash, I found Dogs are from Neptune to be a much easier, more outlined reading experience. The book is organized around problem areas and while much of the training recommendations are repeated, it still gives the reader clear cut, easy to follow training suggestions. I have used the book as a resource guide many times when working with my cattle dog foster dogs and coaching other foster families. Dog owners looking for a quick fix may be dismayed at the amount of training she recommends to solve dog behavior issues. However, I have found her suggestions to work well. I still recommend The Culture Clash as a necessary read along with Dogs are from Neptune, however expect this book to be much easier to follow.
Highly practical advice, entertainingly written.......2006-11-10
Jean Donaldson is one of the world's foremost experts on how dogs learn and how to teach them. Her methods are humane, based on the well-studied science of behaviorism, not stressful or harmful to dogs, and very, very effective.
The gems in this book are practical solutions to the everyday problems dog owners face, with just enough information thrown in so that dog owners can understand why their old methods didn't work, why these methods do work, and how to apply the principles to other situations.
Ms. Donaldson's most famous book, Culture Clash, goes into much more detail about the learning theory, how dogs think, and why we so often use the worst possible methods to train them. It is less a "how to" book than a "why" book. For people whose dogs are giving them fits, Dogs are from Neptune is the book to start with. Then, follow up with Culture Clash for a deeper understanding.
As a dog trainer specializing in behavior problems, I often recommend Neptune to my clients and they love it!
Recommended.......2006-11-10
Easy to read, clear and sensible advice given in response to 'real life' scarios and dog problems.
An Advice Column for Dog Issues.......2006-01-16
And, like all advice columns, sometimes you get an answer to your question, and sometimes you don't. There is a lot of good information on behaviorism buried in the recommendations...but sometimes you have to read about a completely unrelated training issue to find out about things like desensitization and counter-conditioning. If you have the time, definitely read entries on more than just the issue that interests you.
There is also a bit more jargon in here than I thought was strictly necessary - if you don't have the concepts of behaviorism and learning theory down, you probably need to read another book before this one. Try such gems as Sophia Yin's "How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves," which introduces the concepts *first,* then shows you how to apply them. Also check out anything by Patricia McConnell, who not only knows her stuff, but knows how to teach it.
A very good book on how to teach/train difficult dogs.......2004-11-16
If you liked Ms Jean Donaldson's first book "Culture Clash" - you will like "Dogs are From Neptune" ... In fact, I would suggest that this book is a necessary follow-up.
"Dogs are From Neptune" is written in Ms Donaldson's distinct and forthright style ... The author is clear in her views and sure of her methods ... The reader can either agree or disagree but there is little grey where the author is concerned ...
That said - Ms Donaldson writes in an incisive way, expressing her thoughts in a manner that makes for easy reading ...
"Dogs are From Neptune" is a collection of case studies ... dealing with "difficult" and "problem" dogs - dogs with whom the more traditional training methods may not work so well ...
Together with Patricia B. McConnell's books, "Dogs are From Neptune" make essential reading for any owner/trainer interested in or needing to learning how to use positive training methods to "re-condition" a dog with difficult temperament or bad habits, ranging from counter surfing, food & object possession to the more serious issue of dogs that bully, dogs who are difficult to handle and dogs exhibiting nervous or defensive aggression ... The Editorial Review above provides a good summary of the areas covered in the book.
I found the use of case studies particularly the details provided - most useful ... by providing background to the "difficulty" faced by the respective dog and its owner/trainer ... the book allowed me to appreciate & understand with greater clarity the intention & purpose behind the methods used and suggested by Ms Jean Donaldson ...
Essentially, the book format adopted by the author, brings meat to the bones of training ...
And it doesn't take long for the reader to realise, that while the case studies are by their very nature specific to each case ... Ms Donaldson's methodology, rational and style of training & teaching a dog - can easily be adapted/modified to meet the range of difficulties and issues an individual owner/trainer may face with his/her own dogs.
The book emphasises and teaches why it is so important for every owner/trainer to first understand basic dog behaviour, instinct & psychology and how using such knowledge & understanding in the teaching/training of our dogs reduces frustration, stress & trauma to both owner/trainer & dog, and increases our chances of success.
Most important, the author teaches us how to maintain through all difficult times, the essential bond of trust between our dogs & us.
All in all ... the book is detailed and very sufficient ... A very good read and a worthwhile buy ...
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing and Unimaginative.......2004-09-26
Having worked extensively with Liz Greene on the Psychological Astrology series, one might expect Howard Sasportas to have given us an equally compelling study of the transpersonal planets here. Right? Well--No. Sasportas' prose is tedious, uninformative and unimaginative and has what I find to be a strongly materialistic bias. Perhaps its a case of complementarity, with Sasportas playing the dry Freud to Jung's lushness, but there is no mythic imagination or Jungian amplification of symbols here. I finally sold this book, my further searches leading me to far better studies, including R. Tarnas "Prometheus the Awakener" (a superb post-Jungian amplification of Uranus), Liz Greene's own masterpiece, "Astrological Neptune" and her "Outer Planets and Their Cycles" (the latter still excellent after all these years). Jeff Green's work, "Pluto: Evolutionary Journey of the Soul" is also highly regarded. But don't buy this one unless you're looking for a literalist, quasi-Freudian view of psychology with no symbolic interpretations, no amplification and little real psychology.
Brilliant.......2004-01-21
The BEST book on the transits of the outer planets - by far. Indispensable for any astrologer - beginner to expert.
Particularly useful if used in conjunction with a graphic ephemeris as done by WinStar - the astrology program. You can do a 50 year graph of the outer planet movements seeing all activations of 45 degree aspects at a glance. See what happened in the past to predict pretty accurately what will happen in the future - after all time is just a construct!
Don't miss this one!.......2002-12-02
I have gone through 4 or five of the Natal Horoscopes of friends and relatives while consulting this book.. of course, centering on utilizing -and checking it's accuracy and usefulness- via my own Natal chart.
Personal revelations can be -and are- hard won. Anything that encompassess the Natal Chart concerning the Outer planets can be from original spaces, early trauma, overall unconcious behavior and trends, and deep early learning and leanings. The colors of your life, basically. What and where you come from...and move to. Does your direction and the understanding of that -in depth, aid you or harm you? Unconcious behaviour in overall drive..can only lead to harm within one's self and others..as....there is no one at the wheel.
That is not a good thing. One must mind the steering, otherwise one wanders off course; and it's hard to pull out of the ditch. of course..one must be in the ditch.. before they realize they were not paying attention to who, or what was driving! The planets form the road; the shape direction and lean to it...and it is up to you to pay attention to where things are directed to. Just like the song said:" Keep your eyes on the road, and your hands upon the wheel".
It's too bad the learnings of youth teach one nothing of such behaviour..but then again, how can one learn if they never fall off the road? The more times you fall of the road, and get back on..the more you learn to not to do it again. (I've worked hard {seriously!} at becoming an expert at that) I think I can stop hammering myself now...
Of course, finding such a book helps one find inroads to understanding one's own particular flavour of reptitious self- damage. I explained this once to a friend, I used it as a way of expressing to them, hopefully..a way in which they could begin to see how to deal with finding a way into their own depths. Each case is different:
~~~
" One way to look at some aspects of life is: We all have these glass walls we look out from behind, that restrict and control our movement and direction. We usually cannot see the edges or shape or position of these glass walls we live within -they are too huge and too close to us. They are utterly transparent to the one who is contained by them...we cannot even find the edges! Although... we can see those walls within/upon others, and in that moment of interaction...catch a glimpse of the reflection of our own. Tell me what you see in me..."
~~~
Sometimes I hammer people into anger, and get them to actually open their minds. (last resort!) They get angry and blurt something out... and are then mollified and confused, as I sit there and smile...and thank them for having an opinion or viewpoint...because without it, and moments left unspoken, we would get nowhere in life. I want to give them a big hug when they get angry...there...it finally came out..I'm happy now! The 'Moment Of Change' begins...at last!
The basic patterns of our lives that we keep repeating...(wheels within wheels) and when the next or current crisis may come from. Standing to the side for a moment..and learing to look up and down the road...for once. Seeing those patterns of behaviour erupt and repeat within the lives of loved ones, friends and associates. Witnessing the layers of the activity and motions within their existence. Like John Lennon said: " I'm just sittin' here watching the wheels go round and round..I really love to watch them roll...."
This book allows one to gain egress into the understanding of what the outer planetary motion means in the course of one's life..and in early life Natal Chart considerations. It can, and will create many poignant (eureka!), and quite likely difficult moments within the self, and bring one closer to being clear on where (and when!) they come from, and are going to. 'Suffering is the short road to spirt', they say.
The house positions for each planet, in transit (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) are fully and clearly covered. The Transits formed with all planets from Sun to Pluto are covered for each of the three. The psychology and origins (mythological-base truth) of each of the influences of the three Outer Planets are very neatly and nicely covered in a very complete way. There is little left to be misunderstood, or questioned afterwards. What this means is, that it is well stated by the Author what he feels the situations involving (and surrounding) these planets is -and can be.
There is little for you to be lost in, as for questing for an answer that cannot be found. Relatively speaking, the directions for you to find that place within yourself to find -and deal- with your own crisis, is defly and fully laid out. The book will enable you to find answers..which is what the book is all about..and thus, makes the book worth it's weight in gold. Things become clear enough, that you will be able to transpose that to understanding as to what may be occuring for other people, which many here are interested in doing. Ie, Astrologers; budding or otherwise.
Inluded, is a list of suggested further reading, which contains the names of associated texts to chase after and absorb, which can lead to further understanding in areas where one may be stymied within themselves, or to extrapolate that understanding..once again, in the serivce and care of others.
Definitlely worth buying, and is a "Must Have' for anyone dealing with the subject of Astrology. Hard for a person new to Astrology (like me!) to state such, but I believe that this statement will hold true in anyone's analysis of this text.
Great accessible psychological guide to major transits.......2002-03-21
The late Howard Sasportas packed a huge amount of high quality astrological and psychological information into this intelligent, clear and accessible book. It has been one of my constant companions over the last 10 years or so, both in my work as a professional astrologer and in following my own transits of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
The first section, "The Collaboration with the Inevitable", is an excellent summary of how astrology can be used as a tool for understanding ongoing personal transformation, helping to turn perceived crises into opportunities. Sasportas then moves on to look in great detail and depth at the transits of Uranus, Neptune and Pluto to each planet in the natal chart. A very large number of case histories are dotted throughout the transit interpretations, with a wide range of examples of how each planetary combination can show up in daily life. These possible events are considered in the context of the psychological development of the individual, Sasportas drawing on his extensive knowledge of many fields of psychology, mythology and spirituality.
Much of the astrological material here is similar to other classic transit books such as those by Robert Hand, Betty Lundsted or Stephen Arroyo (who Sasportas acknowledges), but Sasportas has masterfully integrated a huge number of additional psychological and spiritual insights from many sources. The Gods Of Change is a wise and compassionate conribution to modern astrology.
One of our brilliant humanstic astrologers.......2002-02-26
I think we were robbed when Howard passed some years ago, he was a brilliant, self aware and humble astrologer who had a message and got it out to those who loved his work. He is sadly missed. This is the best book on transits out there in my opinion as it takes in the whole not just the day to day things that many transit books take into account. The inner workings of transits from the outer planets. I love this book.
Book Description
First paper edition.
Customer Reviews:
Great book for serious students.......2007-02-16
I had heard a lot of bad press about this book. So I hired it from the library instead of buying it. I was pleasantly surprised. The book is excellent, very deep and very insightful as far as the pitfalls of Neptune and spirituality are concerned. I particularly liked her description of the neptunian gurus and of what motivates both a person to become a guru or to follow one. As far as the writing, a reviewer said it is hard to read. I disagree. I think it is very well written, just you have to be willing to think. This is a deep book and it is not pop astrology, rather a deep reflection on Neptune and its links to spirituality, with a particualr focus on the pitfalls one can encounter during the journey of consciousness. A very well needed book that should be read by anybody with an interest in spirituality, consciousness and psychology (even if the non-astrologers would probably find the astrological framework impossible to understand).
knowledge 5 stars. Delivery is a fat zero........2006-01-16
Liz Greene is a strong, worthy voice of modern astrology. She is not, and has not been the most riveting of writers. I've waded through her other works and have been glad I had the determination to do so, but can't say I've ever enjoyed her books. Love the knowledge.... but wow. Dry. Boring. I got this book knowing that I would face the same struggle, but I love to hear and read all different interpretations and information to add to my own knowledge. So, I got it. I feel tortured. This book has her extensive knowledge, but it is wrapped up in a writing delivery that exceeds her baseline worse. Convuluted. Hard to grasp. (ironic that it is neptune she is writing about). I got through it, but I'll never go back again! I couldn't rate her less than a 3 star out of respect for the knowledge but...whew... think twice.
ELLUSIVE NEPTUNE: Finally captured in words!.......2005-10-03
Liz Greene has most certainly captured Neptune in this book! Whenever I have delineated charts, I have always said "Ah Neptune makes me nuts!". As there is not anything wrong with Neptune, it is just that is complicated, emotional and more of a "state" of existence or experience that is difficult to describe in "words". The words typically available in the mundane can frquently cause the native/recipient to misunderstand or misinterpret the actual experience vs. meaning (especially when they are going through a Neptunian experience!). I was very pleased to finally find an author that was able to capture this in writing. Liz clearly and respectfully points this out in her book. It was even more clear to me that she understood Neptune, due to the size of the book. Neptune needs much description! She understands! This book certainly assisted me in helping others. Thank you Liz
Not Constructive.......2003-11-12
While Liz Greene has a smooth writing style, it is unfortunate that it has not been put to more constructive use. She identifies some of the key characteristics of Neptune, but views them in an almost entirely negative light. What is worse, her descriptions of "Neptunian" people and problems are done in a condescending and belittling manner. Although she dismisses much religion and spirituality as Neptunian phenomena in a negative sense, her book offers no viable alternatives. There are few constructive suggestions given in this book for the supposed weaknesses of those with hard aspects to Neptune in their charts. Reading this book might lead some "Neptunian" people to think of themselves as being problematic and of little use to society, and could do more harm than good in many cases.
Serious astrology students only!.......2002-09-02
Even though this book contains a "cookbook" section, I cannot overemphasize that Liz Greene does not write for people who want quick, easy one-liners to predict whether or not they will hit the state lottery. You had better have not only a minimum technical competence in astrology (i.e., you don't NEED "cookbooks", ironically), but also be flexible with your thinking. If you expect astrology to tell you the date you will marry, have your first son, etc., then Liz Greene is definitely not for you.
Book Description
In this masterful work, Maurice Fernandez lifts the veil of confusion and mystery which has often rendered scholars perplexed about the influence of Neptune, the 12th House and the Sign of Pisces in Astrology. Within this groundbreaking approach, a clear and detailed perspective allows readers to correlate the insights to their personal life experiences and, in such a way, understand the reasons for the particular conditions and circumstances.
The particular way that Neptune, the 12th House and Pisces foster our evolution is uncovered through:
The seven stages of evolution through which the soul progresses in its journey
The challenges of building an immunity, fulfilling our vocational path, and realizing ourselves spiritually.
The delicate balance between ego requirements and the relinquishing of all resistance in the face of the Truth.
The material of this book is likely to change many preconceptions. The fact that the approach to this book is based on the idea of the evolution, allows for a far wider perspective, since it takes into consideration the various evolutionary stages of archetypal manifestation.
The current times are significantly auspicious for such book as Neptune is approaching its own sign of Pisces in which it will stay for a period of fourteen years. Needless to say that the concepts elaborated upon in this study will increase in relevance to the public. This book is crucial to understand the fascinating processes that are nearing on the personal as well as collective scale
This book may be used as a therapeutic tool, for while studying Neptune's evolutionary influence, the reader may reflect upon many personal issues. Understanding Astrology is a way to further understand life. A serious approach to astrology offers a unique perspective on the cyclic nature of life, to potentially help people harmonize with existence and heal.
The Pisces archetype is also known to symbolize the spiritualization process. This book may serve as a guiding manual for many readers to further their personal spiritualizing process as it offers tangible and sensible perspective on the challenges of such an initiation.
"Maurice Fernandez has accomplished a rare feat: he invites us to add fundamentally new perspectives to our understanding of some elemental astrological building blocks, and he does so without crossing the borderline separating ungrounded, fanciful speculation from the realities of the counseling room."
Steven Forrest, author of The Inner Sky
Table of Contents
- Foreword by Jeffrey Wolf Green
- Introduction
- The Pisces Archetype
- Neptune Through the Houses and Signs
- Planets in the 12th House
- Planets and Houses in Pisces
- The Nodal Axis in the 6/12th House, Virgo/Pisces Axis
- Neptune in Aspect to the Nodal Axis
- Neptune Retrograde
- The Ascendant and the 12th Hous
- The Transit of Neptune in Aquarius
- The Transit of Neptune in Pisces
Customer Reviews:
Neptune, The 12th House, And Pisces.......2004-10-29
This revolutionary book blew me away! Never before have I found something so inspiring in the world of astrology and yet so practical- the information about strengthening my immunity in particular was so useful that I could begin applying these insights immediately to my daily life. The Neptune material empowered me to confidently seize my destiny. A virtual kundalini rise in itself, holding this magical text in my hands and reading it thoroughly has served to infuse me with spiritual insights, enhancing my astrological consciousness tenfold. A must-have text for any truth-seeker!
astrology and spirituality.......2004-10-29
This book clears up so much about the very important planet Neptune that few astrologers have been able to adequately explain, until now. When you read this, you realize that Neptune is just as powerful a planet as Pluto. This is mandatory reading for all serious astrologers, but also accessible for those who are beginning their quest into this subject.
Average customer rating:
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USS Charles Carroll APA28: An Amphibious History of World War II
Kenneth H. Goldman
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
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ASIN: 1412021146
Release Date: 2006-07-06 |
Book Description
It was one thing to demand vengeance after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii plunged the United States into World War II, it was quite another to have the wherewithal to carry the fight to the Axis powers' front door. The same two oceans that had previously protected the United States from foreign enemies now provided a like obstacle to projecting American military force in the other direction. Battleships, aircraft carriers and submarines could not do the job alone. It was up to the ordinary soldier to occupy and hold the enemy's real estate, and the Navy needed to commission vast numbers of transports to get them there.
The attack transport USS Charles Carroll was originally laid down to be a combi-liner, carrying passengers and cargo on the Gulf of Mexico trade routes. Most of her wartime crew had never seen the ocean let alone manned a vessel of her size or even handled the small boats that were the ship's main offensive weapon. Yet, together they would evolve into the fighting machine that earned six battle stars in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Salerno, Normandy, Southern France and Okinawa.
Lt. Robert W. Goldman, USNR (ret), joined the ship after Operation Torch and participated in her five subsequent invasions. I grew up listening to his stories, which, with the invasion maps, documents, photographs, issues of the Plan of the Day, etc. that he saved, form the backbone of this narrative. I have also met many of his old shipmates and have incorporated their recollections and, whenever possible, entries from the weathered diaries in which some of them set down their first-hand experiences, their fears while in combat and the capers they cut to blow off steam. As much as possible, the book evokes the feel of the times and the perspective of those who were there. The generals and heads of state set policy and strategy but it is the individuals in the field and on the seas who must translate the best laid plans into actions which spell victory or defeat. This is their story.
Book Description
Omaha Beach saw the greatest drama and loss of life on D-Day and was critically important to subsequent Allied total victory in World War II. In this gripping new book, historian Joseph Balkoski tells the story of June 6, 1944, when largely untested American troops assaulted the German army's Atlantic wall. Equal parts oral history and meticulous reconstruction, including the invasion's diplomatic and strategic context, Omaha Beach is the closest the modern reader can get to experiencing the Normandy landings firsthand. A fitting tribute to the veterans as well as an engaging narrative, it promises to become a classic on one of America's, and indeed, the world's, most important days in history. This brilliantly researched and engagingly written comprehensive history of this momentous battle includes many never before published first-person accounts by the men who were there, many given within days of the invasion! Also included are comprehensive lists of all Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross winners at Omaha Beach as well as: ù the Order of Battle ù casualty list for the first twenty-four hours ù organization of a 30man assault boat ù weapons and equipment carried in the assault by a typical soldier and a series of detailed maps allowing the reader unparalleled insight into the minute-by-minute combat on Omaha Beach.
Customer Reviews:
Understanding Omaha.......2007-04-05
I read the book several years ago, just prior to visiting the Normandy Beaches. Bought it to have my own copy and read it again. The book's great strength (drawback for some readers, maybe) is its huge volume of detail. It is thoroughly researched; written with clarity; tells the story fully. The human side of this Day In History is also illustrated in meaningful detail; descriptions of unbelievable heroism are numerous; only three Medals of Honor were awarded;many DSCs. Issue: General Cota should have received the Medal of Honor; saved many lives; inspired leadership. A really fine and exciting book.
A Great Book.......2007-04-03
I am not going to go on at length since there are already some well written reviews here. I just wanted to add my vote that this is a great book. I think it is the finest book on Omaha written, including Ryan's and Ambrose's. I also recommend Bernage's work for the graphics and photos.
A Great Description of Omaha Beach That Takes You There.......2007-03-27
This is a great "you are there" description of D-Day on Omaha Beach in Normandy. Joseph Balkoski has done an excellent job of presenting the official and personnel accounts of people who were there that longest day of the war. The descriptions by the veterans take you into the landing craft, onto the beach, and up and over the bluffs that overlooked the beach. His telling of the story dispels the usual belief that the soldiers were stuck on the beach all day and only got off the beach near the end of the day as depicted in the movie "The Longest Day".
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a real detailed story focused on this one beach of the D-Day invasion. I would really recommend it to someone who is a wargamer such as myself since reading the stories makes me want to recreate these small firefights as well as the overall battle. I am sure there are many people who feel that way.
Balkoski's style of telling history is very well done and he has done an excellent job of bringing the materials together so that others can follow in the footsteps of the brave men of that day.
I can't want to read Utah Beach!
Utah Beach: The Amphibious Landing And Airborne Operations On D-Day, June 6, 1944
A Great Historical Resource.......2006-12-14
Joseph Balkoski's book on Omaha Beach is a great historical resource like his book Utah Beach. Omaha Beach tells the story of when largely untested American troops assaulted the German army's Atlantic wall. This is a great read covering the events of the day almost minute by minute. It reads like a great documentary. This is not written in the format of a memoir. Balkoski relies mainly on primary sources such as after action reports, unit journals, and citations to create his blow by blow narrative. He includes the invasion's diplomatic and strategic context. Omaha Beach is the closest the modern reader can get to experiencing the Normandy landings firsthand.
Sprinkled throughout the battle account are the accounts of those in the battle. It is a classic. It is a must for any D-day library. It also included comprehensive lists of all Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross winners at Omaha Beach. It has: the Order of Battle, unit casualty list for the first twenty-four hours, unit organization of a 30man assault boat unit weapons, and equipment carried in the assault by a typical soldier, and a series of detailed maps allowing the reader unparalleled insight into the minute-by-minute combat on Omaha Beach.
Best ever Omaha Beach book!.......2006-12-03
I decided at first to write a long review of this book, but upon reading the other reviews here I trimmed my review to simply this...
I own and run a battlefield touring company in Normandy and have read many many books on the fighting on Omaha Beach on D-Day. There is no better book than this one, that's it it's absolutely the definitive book on the subject. The author has lived overlooking the beach, he's from Maryland - home of the 29th division and he has studied the units involved for thirty years. This book will never be bettered. I cannot sing its praises loudly enough.
Book Description
"Gripping... It's through books like this that those brave men, who fought so others could be free, live on." --Dallas Morning News
June 6, 1944: Nineteen boys from Bedford, Virginia--population just 3,000 in 1944--died in the first bloody minutes of D-Day. They were part of Company A of the 116th Regiment of the 29th Division, and the first wave of American soldiers to hit the beaches in Normandy. Later in the campaign, three more boys from this small Virginia town died of gunshot wounds. Twenty-two sons of Bedford lost--it is a story one cannot easily forget and one that the families of Bedford will never forget. The Bedford Boys is the true and intimate story of these men and the friends and families they left behind.
Based on extensive interviews with survivors and relatives, as well as diaries and letters, Kershaw's book focuses on several remarkable individuals and families to tell one of the most poignant stories of World War II--the story of one small American town that went to war and died on Omaha Beach.
Customer Reviews:
A true landmark!.......2007-07-31
I read a lot of American history - especially about WWll but this book is special. Living here in the Heartland of America, I see National Guard units all around me going off to Iraq! There is something particularly sad about eager young men joining their friends for service in case of a "national emergency" and learning that they must fight an unknown enemy far from homeGod bless ALL the "Bedford Boys" in 1944 and the "Bedford Boys" in 2007!!
Another tale of the Greatest Generation.......2007-04-29
I live about 20 Miles from the D-Day Memorial in Bedford and I can't help but to shiver everytime I look down and see the erie statues of the landing. After reading this book anyone can understand why this great monument is located there. The book reintroduced the world and the community to the men who fought there. Unfortunately, almost all of the local survivors have passed since the release of this book. These men were true heroes, but they rarely spoke of their exploits - it was too painful I'm sure. Read this book Now! It gives a rare human look at war and should give us all an appreciation of what our grandfathers did for us.
The Town That Lost It's Sons.......2006-03-11
Few dates in history have seen more tragedy than June 6, 1944. Thousands of American families and even entire towns grieved their losses after D-Day, but none more so than the tiny town and 3,000 inhabitants of Bedford, Virginia, who lost 19 of its' sons that fateful day and 3 more before the war would conclude. BEDFORD BOYS: ONE AMERICAN TOWNS ULTIMATE D-DAY SACRIFICE, by Alex Kershaw, tells their story. This book, unlike most others on the account of D-Day, tells the story of the Normandy invasion from the viewpoint of the families left behind.
Much of the book chronicles the lives of the young men prior to the invasion. Particularly, the year they spent together station in England, preparing for the invasion. Kershaw recounts their stories through photographs, letters home, and interviews with survivors and family members.
When the day of the invasion arrives, Kershaw gives concise narrative as to how some of them survived, and how so many of them perished. Their story is riveting. You will laugh at their antics, and mourn at their sacrifices. This is a very well written account and should serve to remind all Americans of the cost of freedom.
They went into battle as the Boys of Bedford, and boys they were, indeed, but in my eyes, they will forever be the MEN from Bedford, Virginia.
Monty Rainey
www.juntosociety.com
Not Your Ordinary WWII Book.......2006-02-20
This is not your ordinary WWII book. I've read many books on WWII and on the subject of D-Day. This book stands out as unique as it shows the human side of war from not only the soldier's perspective but also from the point of view of families that were left behind as well as the aftermath of war in the years that followed.
If you are looking for a book that focuses on the "nuts and bolts" of the Normandy invasion then this book may not be your best bet. The Omaha Beach action only last a few chapters in the book. However, I would recommend this book in spite of that. It will afford you a unique perspective to the landings. After reading it, I felt how tremendously difficult it was for that first wave on the toughest sector of the landing areas. I am still amazed any of those brave men made it off the beach alive at all.
If you are looking for a well written book on how war affects families and in this case communities, then this book is a must! Kershaw writes extremely well and the flow of the narrative reads like a novel. This is the second of his books that I have read (The Longest Winter being the other). Both books are highly recommended.
Freedom's Price in Microcosm.......2006-02-10
This book deeply affected me as I read it. I wept continously as I read some parts of it. By writing from the perspectives of the surviving soldiers, as well as the fallen and all of their loved ones, Kershaw takes you back in time and sets the stage for the Normandy invasion: preparations, going ashore, fighting in France, the homefront, and the war's aftermath. As I sat in my home which was built in 1940, I tried to imagine what occurred there on June 6, 1944 with the radio reports and the neighbors talking amongst themselves about those historic events. Only great writing can produce those kinds of thoughts!
I highly recommend this book to all.
Book Description
Neptune Noir is a collection of essays on the hit drama Veronica Mars, and is not authorized by CW, the creators or producers of Veronica Mars, or any entity associated with the show.
More than just a high school drama, Veronica Mars is a smart and savvy teen detective show that offers complex mysteries and rapier wit, engaging social commentary, and noir sensibilities—with the occasional murder thrown in for good measure. This collection, edited by the creator and executive producer of the show, offers supreme insight into the class struggles and love stories of the series. Essays by top writers intelligently address a multitude of questions, such as Is Veronica a modern-day vigilante? Why is a show that features rape, potential incest, and a teen girl outsmarting local authorities so popular with America’s conservative population? and Why is Veronica and Logan’s relationship the most important story-driving factor in the show?
Customer Reviews:
Like the TV series a rare treat........2007-09-02
Ordinarily when I read an anthology that attempts to make an analysis of a TV series or film, I find at least a couple articles I cannot agree with. However, in Neptune Noir, despite there being different approaches by the authors I found them all superlative. It may also be that my wife and I are suffering from withdrawal pains of there being no Veronica Mars after this Summer's reruns of season three.
I will not comment on individual articles except to say that each author covered verious aspects of this great show, using examples from the scripts of the first two seasons. Even more interesting was the introduction and commentaries by Rob Thomas. As a retired high school teacher myself I had no problems understanding what he was doing.
I have to say that my wife and I are late blooming fans. In fact we met Kristen Bell at a convention, getting her autograph, before we had seen the series. We picked up the first couple episodes of season one at a video store and that was enough to get us to order the first two seasons. Never have we gone through a collection so quickly as we just couldn't ration them out. We now await our order for season three.
I understand there are movements to revive the show or to at least have a movie. TV Guide even rumored that Veronica Mars could show up on 24 as an FBI agent. That wouldn't work as Jack Bauer couldn't keep up with her. Also, Kristen Bell is a superb actress, as witness the Lifetime film Gracie's Choice. By now she probably has had countless offers.
I do hope that we have not heard the last of Rob Thomas and that his genius will again give us something special.
Neptune Noir.......2007-08-01
I ordered this book the day after the last episode, and it's just what I needed for mourning the end of the series.
A good fix for those suffering Mars withdrawl.......2007-07-07
A bit too intellectual at times, but generally a good read about the philosophical implications of various scenes and episodes from Veronica Mars. Focuses largely on the first season, which is great if you enjoyed it. A bit heavy for a summer read, but if you are into philosophy or want to read some deep thinkers' opinions, definitely a worthwhile read. And there is enough "lightweight" content to make it a good read for all.
Awesome.......2007-06-27
Although this book made me cry wishing there was still to be more Veronica to come, it was amusing in itself as it dissected the series.
Well it's About a 17 Year Old Girl Who Happens to Be a Detective.......2007-05-28
In my adult life, I can count on one hand the amount of books I have read. In fact I could have lost a couple in shop class and still be able to count them. (Before you write me off as having an aversion to reading, I do subscribe to two magazines, Newsweek and Rolling Stone.) And those few I read took me literally years to finish. But when I got a copy of Neptune Noir: Unauthorized Investigation into Veronica Mars, I went threw all 212 pages within a week.
The book is a collection of eighteen essays, most seemingly written between the second and third seasons, dissecting every aspect of the show and no matter why it is you watch the show, whether it be for the noir, the girl power, or the Veronica/Logan relationship, there is an essay for you. Well unless you are like me and watch the show for the latest Dickisms as only survivor still left in Neptune only gets fleeting mentions. And oddly a whole essay is devoted to the cars of Veronica Mars and what they tell you about the show and the characters that drive them, but no one devolves fully into Ronnie's love life instead the writers side with Logan or Duncan with Troy and Deputy Leo left as footnotes.
The book starts of with an introduction from the show's creator, Rob Thomas, which even at seven pages makes the book worth the price of admission as he recounts his professional life between moving out to Los Angeles up to the point of Veronica Mars getting picked up. Most interesting of this part was the pilot he wrote for Fox in-between Cupid and Veronica Mars, but of course since Fox is allergic to quality programming, they passed.
Thomas then also gives an introduction to each essay sometime discounting the essay in its entirety like the one about the cars (Full disclosure: I'm not a car guy) and seemed a little uneasy that someone devoted a whole essay about the campy side of the show (When something on Veronica Mars feels, campy, it means we have failed). The title of the review came from what Thomas said when the network asked what the show was about, but as anyone who has watched the show, it is much more as seen in the essays complied for the book. It would take too long to review each individual but here were the most interesting to me.
Chris McCubbin devoted his essay, The Duck and the Detective, on why Veronica Mars plays better in Red States than Blue. This piece stuck me as a resident of a Red State and life long Republican (well up until my brethren elected the most inept president ever, twice). My television schedule has never been influenced by my political beliefs, I even loved the unapologetically liberal Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, yet it still fascinated me especially after when a few liberals were up in arms because of the abortion pill episode. McCubbin liked to bring up the South Park republicans, but the big difference between South Park and Veronica Mars is that that Matt Stone has said, "I hate conservatives, but I really (expletive deleted) hate liberals" while Thomas readily admits, "he is "part of the Hollywood Loberal Media Elite."
The other essay that caught my eye was the one from John Ramos, Couch Baron of Television Without Pity, I Cannot Tell a Lie. And if You Believe That... Ramos dissects the level of lies, from the white lies that help her solve a case to the big fat ones that have major consequences like when she played her father while helping Duncan get out of the country with his baby in tow. Add to that The New Normal by Kristen Kiddler where she looks into Vee's vigilantism and it interesting to see people complain in season three that Ronnie has gotten so mean. The first season was all about making people pay, the person who killed Lily, the person who raped her and anyone who was an accomplice, even if inadvertent will be in her crosshairs. She still to this day harbors deep hatred for Madison Sinclair for handing her the drink that led to her rape.
Even though there is plenty of great essays for every type of Veronica Mars fan, there will be certainly a few that will not be as good as others depending on what brings you to the show. For me I could do without the essays on the cars as well as the one devoted to the "epic" love. But this is definitely a must read for anyone who has watched the show.
Book Description
The deliberate and often well-camouflaged addition of excess salt to processed foods has momentous health consequences, comparable in nature to the well-documented risks of smoking tobacco. Should our processed food come with a government health warning? The authors of this book provide a compelling and forceful account of these complex issues, teasing out fact from fantasy, and casting light on some of the hidden forces working to manipulate and exploit the consumer. This scientific detective story unravels with startling clarity how the evidence for the prosecution has been obfuscated, misinterpreted and even denigrated by some of the powerful vested interests of the multi-billion dollar food industry. Along the way, the authors illuminate the rich history and mythology associated with salt, its symbolism and manifold socio-economic consequences, all illustrated with an entertaining and eclectic selection of historical and contemporary illustrations. On the one hand this is a book with profound implications for public health, and on the other it is an entertaining and instructive account of a part of our diet that is too easily taken for granted, and ignored at our peril.
Customer Reviews:
Good but contains errors and not sufficiently comprehensive.......2005-06-07
Professor MacGregor is to be applauded for his efforts at informing the public about the hidden salt in foods, especially in convenience foods, and for seeking to bring about a reduction in the levels of salt added to food by manufacturers. He and his co-author have enlarged on these matters and other aspects of salt in this book. Unfortunately two glaring errors render the book less than helpful to those most in danger of or most harmed by salt. No mention is made of obese steroid victims, whose weight gain is caused by sodium and water retention, and who would lose much of their excess weight by curtailing their salt intake. And the book states categorically that HRT does not cause these problems, whereas it is, sadly, many women's experience that HRT does indeed cause severe water retention and weight gain. Like the steroidees, obese HRT victims would also lose excess water/weight by curtailing salt intake. Let us hope that if a revised edition is produced these errors will be corrected and that it will also advise that patients taking steroids or HRT should be warned not to eat salt or foods containing salt while taking their medication.
A Wonderful Important Book.......2003-01-14
Excuse the cliche, but everyone should read this book. After an interesting historical overview on human consumption of salt, the authors present a clear and compelling argument about the strong link between salt/sodium consumption and disease. I recommend that people interested in this should also read "The Salt Solution", which is perhaps a more accessible, shorter, and simpler book with a similar message. This book is an excellent companion to "The Salt Solution" because it lays out, in a more traditional academic style, the evidence from medical research studies published in reputable journals, the indisputable harmful effects of salt/sodium.
This is the book that you (or anyone skeptical of the salt/disease connection) would want to have if you were not satisfied with the credibility of typical trade books and, instead, wanted to see data, graphs, and careful arguments based on primary source research articles.
Also fascinating is the section on the salt industry and food processing industry response to efforts to educate the public about the dangers of salt consumption. These responses are eerily similar to those the tobacco industry ... perhaps not a surprise, given that many tobacco and food processing companies are owned by the same corporation and presumably employ the same lawyers and public relations teams. Read this book and you will realize that salt/sodium is bad stuff that is hidden in large quantities in many common foods. It could save you from early onset of heart disease, stroke, stomach cancer, osteoporosis, and other maladies that you can have some control over if you decide to become more salt-sodium aware. This book is a good start to doing that.
It'll change the way you eat.......1999-06-24
Prior to reading this book, I considered myself to be quite partial to salt in meals; a regular dispenser of the white crystals from the receptacle on the table. I approached the subject as a skeptic, believing that our bodies cause us to partake of the right amount of salt to suit our needs.
After reading it, my behaviour changed markedly, and I find (as the book suggests will happen) that my "need" for salt has diminished.
The authors' argument proceeds as follows:
- Humans used to eat much less salt than they do now, and it is possible to prove a relationship between our larger intake today and the much higher rates of high blood pressure and concomitant diseases. Even today, in less advanced cultures where salt intake is less than 3g per day, high blood pressure is virtually unknown.
- High blood pressure is a central cause of heart attacks and strokes.
- Our physiological requirement is for only a small quantity of salt; the rest is "addiction".
- If you have high blood pressure, reducing your intake of salt modestly to 5g per day can have the effect of reducing your blood pressure. (Tips for measuring your daily intake are given)
- Excessive salt intake can also be linked with: fluid retention in women; certain forms of kidney disease; osteoporosis; kidney stones; carcinoma of the stomach; and asthma.
- A link between high blood pressure and salt intake is not a new idea. However, vested interests have conspired (with commercial food interests acting in much the same way as tobacco interests have done) to obstruct attempts to use this to encourage a reduction in salt intake.
Various peripheral subjects are explored in the book. For example, it deals extensively and humorously with the very central role salt has played in society in the past: a source of wealth and tax revenue, a symbol of wit, durability, friendship and virility. The book covers the history of salt extraction, and the evolution of now firmly established links between high blood pressure and heart disease and other associated conditions.
The thesis appears to be rigorously argued (though as a medical layman I cannot be the judge of that). Since it was published, the level of publicity about the dangers of salt appears to have increased, with some purveyors of processed foods committing to reduce the salt contents of their wares. For this reason, I would suggest that the book has stimulated debate on the subject; and that must be a good thing. If the links are as direct as is here suggested this may have prolonged some lives already.
Despite the fact that a wide view is taken of the subject of salt here: history, significance, health implications; this book is not all light reading. It is clearly not intended to be an academic paper for publication in a peer-review journal. However there are some parts which may seem heavy reading and somewhat difficult to understand at the first encounter for medical neophytes like me.
In summary: a powerful thesis, an interesting discussion of the subject, don't take it to the beach with you.
Average customer rating:
- Neptune's Honor
- Neptune's Honor
- Wonderful!
- Honoring my Great-Great Grandfather
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Neptune's Honor: A Story Of Loyalty And Love
Pamela Bauer Mueller
Manufacturer: Pinata Publishing
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ASIN: 0968509762 |
Book Description
Born into slavery in 1831 on Retreat Plantation, St. Simons Island, Neptune became the childhood friend and servant of plantation heir Henry Lord King. Their devoted friendship, which finally evolved into a shared struggle to survive on the Civil War battlefields, is an inspiring example of how two men from completely different backgrounds can stand united as brothers in times of sacrifice and tragedy. This historical account of courage, honor, compassion and loyalty accurately chronicles family records of the man they called Neptune.
Award winning author Pamela Bauer Mueller has dreamed of introducing her readers to the history of Georgia's Golden Isles ever since she became a resident of coastal Georgia. In Neptune's Honor, she offers the unforgettable story of a noble servant named Neptune Small.
Customer Reviews:
Neptune's Honor.......2005-04-21
Neptune's Honor is a book that is a must read. This story gives the reader a bird's eye view of how slavery was practiced in many areas of the south rather than the stereotypical master/slave relationship which is current popular belief. Although the practice of slavery is not ethical, it is a factual part of the history of this country. The founding fathers owned slaves and many raised slaves to positions of trust & honor within their households. Slavery was as appropriate for those times as was a lack of women's rights. We can't change history but we must know all of the facts of history in order to understand who we are today. Neptunes' Honor affords us that opportunity since it is based on factual research. This book, based on actual documents of Neptune Small & his family, is a learning tool in the form of interesting reading. The art of "slave-speak" was a common method of communication among the slaves & workers on the plantations because of the multicultural environments in which the slaves lived. It afforded them a sense of privacy and control. Living in the south, where slave labor was common during colonial times, there are still remnants of that sub-language. Ms. Mueller has done an outstanding job in her efforts to convey how life was on a specific plantation without encouraging us to think that slavery was acceptable to everyone. It was simply a part of history as it was lived. Her inclusion of characters who depicted the degrading side of the slave issue lets us remember how poorly some slaves were treated. Neptune's Honor brings all of that to us now in such a way as to show the horror of slavery as well as a glimpse of those individuals of color who rose above being slaves in their own right. Just as the uncaring slave owners & traders treated humans as beasts of burden, this book recalls the memoirs of a man who rose above slavery. He allowed love, loyalty and friendship to govern the character of his life.Neptune's Honor is a book I have felt good about reading. Bravo to Ms. Mueller for taking on such a project and giving us such enjoyment.
Evelyn M. Kennedy,
Register, Ga.
Neptune's Honor.......2005-04-15
This beautiful story of devoted friendship, based on the history of coastal Georgia, is a reading treasure for both adults and children. Ms. Bauer Mueller has enlivened dialogue by including original Gullah-Geechee "black-speak" dialect, as well as rhythmic slave spirituals and work songs. There is a wealth of learning material here to promote discussion and unique essay projects. Slavery is handled in a tender yet realistic manner, opening a new door of understanding the struggles of our African American ancestors.
Cary Knapp
Librarian
Brunswick, Georgia
Wonderful!.......2005-01-19
Neptune's Honor is a story for everyone. It is a touching story, filled with delightful anectodes of a slave and his master, more like brothers, growing up together and sharing their lives and dreams during some difficult historical times. It is a story about brotherly love, undying devotion, and family ties that in some instances are thicker than blood. It will make you smile, laugh, cry and be melancholy all at the same time. To be enjoyed by young and old.
Honoring my Great-Great Grandfather.......2005-01-07
As a descendant of Neptune Small and a student of coastal Georgia history, I'm delighted that this story has been written in honor of my great-great-grandfather's heroism. "Neptune's Honor" touched me deeply. I felt as though I were there with Neptune experiencing his life, listening to the subtle billowing of the atlantic, smelling musty earth oders of the island marshes and feeling the ocean breezes as they blew on Neptune's St. Simons Island. While "Neptune's Honor" is a very touching and powerful story of love, loyalty and honor, it is based on the life of a privileged slave, and in no way represents the level of intense bondage and deprivation endured by the vast majority of my enslaved ancestors.
- William Bernard Barnes Jr., Great-great-grandson of Neptune Small
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