Book Description
This valuable text presents methods and techniques for conducting an animal disease surveillance program, and developing an animal health monitoring system. The text is a recipe book for these techniques as it explains modern techniques, while emphasizing the fundamentals and principles of using these techniques
Customer Reviews:
Not bad for a required textbook.......2005-08-04
I am required to have this book for my MVPH. I have (so far) found it easy enough to read. As someone who already works in this field parts of it were a little basic for me and there wasn't enough practical information. On the other hand, if I were new to the discipline I think it would be a useful starting point.
Book Description
Dr. Kara Cantrell settled in the sleepy town of Zorro, Texas, convinced she and her child had escaped the sinister reach of a supernatural underworld. But now dark forces may jeopardize her new life. Her only hope is Damien Morgan, a dangerous, alluring man with superhuman abilities. He and Kara share a mystical link that triggers desires they must ignore. But as they work together to protect her son, and begin tracking the evil stalking them, something threatens to push them toward the edge...of darkness.
Customer Reviews:
great action.......2007-09-23
I finished this one in no time flat. I can definitely relate to the over-protective mom. You want was is best for your child and to protect them and yet the world can make you feel like so much is out of your hands. I like the way the author explained the strange beings. Where they came from, why they are here. I even liked the flashbacks. So often, authors can over do it, but this one was subtle and informing just the right amount of information at a time to build up the suspense. I would definitely recommend this paranormal romance.
"Touched By Darkness" and more...........2007-07-24
Atlantis existed thousands of years ago before being destroyed and sinking into the North Atlantic. Its legacy lives on today through reincarnated beings that walk among us mere mortals. Some of them are the sons of Belial who relish chaos and violence. They are opposed by other reincarnated Atlantian souls known as the Sentinels. Just like the Belians, they are mortals that have superhuman powers. They attempt to track and eliminate Belians on behalf of the Sanctioned which are the aides to the priest of Atlantis. Last but not least are the conductors--those rare humans that are genetically capable of linking with a Sentinel. Such is the world envisioned by Richardson, Texas Author Catherine Spangler in the start of her new series.
Seven years ago, Kara's Sentinel lover Richard Wayman was killed in a violent confrontation with a Belian. His legacy for her is two fold---an all encompassing love for him intertwined with the painful memeories of his violent death which she witnessed and their son, Alex. While she can't do much of anything to get rid of the terror filled memories, she can and will do anything in her power to protect their son, Alex. She moved and moved again, each time working to hide their son who gradually showed signs that he has his father's abilities. Eventually they settled in the small Texas town of Zorro where she resumed her medical practice.
All was peaceful and tranquil until one morning she arrives in town with Alex and she senses the power. She hasn't sensed power that strong since Richard and it is clear that the tall man in the duster staring hard at her is the source. He is Damien Morgan; ostensibly a writer for a nationwide magazine and who, in reality is a Sentinel on the trail of a Belian killing in the area. A death, dismissed as natural causes was the work of a Belian and there will be more. The fact that Alex is, an untrained Sentinel and as such broadcasting his own presence, is sure to lure the Belian to them. To protect Alex, Damien must convince Kara of what is happening now and what is to come if he doesn't become part of their lives. For Kara, she is torn between her desire to run yet again, the memories of a man she once loved, the lure Damien represents as he is the first to make her feel this way since Richard, and the danger her young son faces. Gradually, she realizes that running away won't work this time and she has to stand and fight with Damien.
What follows in an entertaining paranormal romance. Simplified greatly, the novel is the age old battle between good and evil. In Catherine Spangler's hands, it becomes something more with rich complex characters full of emotion. Evil threatens in the form of a Belian and yet Kara is one of us all who fears facing again what she has dealt with before. Besides, Damien is clearly a hunk!
It is mildly graphic in a couple of points and some reviewers have complained about that aspect of it arguing that the relationship between Damien and Kara is cheapened by Kara's actions. It would appear that such reviewers are being overly critical of a clear character development issue, though obviously there is a point to their position in that the novel will be read differently by each gender in addition to the personal background of the reviewer. With interesting characters, the occasional plot twist, and plenty of romance this is a novel that delivers a strong read within the genre and is well worth your time.
Kevin R. Tipple (copyright) 2007
good start.......2007-05-29
This was an enjoyable read and the first time I've read this author. It was slightly complicated at times but because it was the first book in a series I felt that was understandable - of course it may not complicated at all for others. There was just a lot to explain to set up the story.
I like the different take on the male/female roles in the book, how they needed each other to solve the mystery. It wasn't typical and the plot kept me guessing on the identity of the villain.
I'm looking forward to the next story but I'm hoping to skip some of the set up.
Not as good as they say.......2007-05-28
I've read her other books and was pleasantly surprised by those. I'm disappointed by this book. I felt she didn't spend enoough time creating the world. She didn't spend enough time creating the characters motivations. It felt rushed to cash in on the current paranormal craze. The only good news was at least there weren't any whiny vampires.
More like 4 1/2 stars..........2007-03-27
The fall of Atlantis didn't end the battle between good and evil. It only held off the inevitable....
Belians, who follow an evil leader, are being either reborn into new bodies or possessing those of weakened mortals. Sentinels are also being reincarnated to battle the Belians and human conductors are assisting in the battle by amplifying their psychic tracking abilities. Dr. Kara Cantrell is a conductor but she has fled the battle for a small, quiet town in Texas after the loss of her beloved Sentinel, Richard. Unfortunately, Zorro, Texas, is no longer a safe haven from Belians. Kara's son, Alex, is beginning to show budding Sentinels powers that will make him a magnet for the Belian targeting Zorro. Kara is willing to do anything to keep Alex safe, even if it means returning to a battle she no longer wants a part of. Damien Morgan is tracking the Belian but he needs Kara's help as a conductor. Will Kara drop her guard long enough to trust Damien, if only to save Alex?
TOUCHED BY DARKNESS marks the long awaited return of Catherine Spangler. This compelling tale is a bit darker than her well-loved futuristic/science fiction romances but is by no means less entertaining! The romance between Damien and Kara is a bit edgier than some may expect due to the sexual heat that is generated by the conduction. Both Damien and Kara try to remain emotionally distant but one cannot miss the real bond that develops between these two individuals. I think the inclusion of Alex as a character softens both of their sometimes harsh edges and truly pulls the romantic elements of the storyline together in a believable fashion.
The dark fantasy elements of TOUCHED BY DARKNESS are superb. In fact, TOUCHED BY DARKNESS will probably appeal more to readers of dark fantasy, such as this reviewer, than those looking for just another paranormal romance despite the sensuality of the storyline. The glossary at the front of the book is especially helpful as readers acclimate themselves to this new world Catherine Spangler has crafted. The surprise twist at the ending will leave you reeling, but yet it is an ending that fits perfectly. Catherine Spangler keeps readers on their toes with the dangerous aura that permeates TOUCHED BY DARKNESS as this is a book that fans of dark fantasy are sure to love!
COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES
Book Description
The bearlike Karbarrans and the swashbuckling amazons from Praxis, the feral natives of Garuda and the Human Robotech heroes -- these oddly -- met champions banded together with other races, from other planets, to form the Sentinels.
Yet what fighting force could hope to dislodge the Invid hordes from Haydon IV, ethereal world of superscience and hidden emotional conflict; or Spheris, crystalline globe of living minerals and murderous resonances?
The Sentinels launch their attack nevertheless; they've come too far to surrender to tyranny. But the treachery of a megalomanic Human general and a mutating Invid P.O.W. make the war seem hopeless.
The Sentinels battle on, though, because for them it's...
Victory or Death!
Customer Reviews:
On to Haydon IV! The third planet of the system...huh?.......2002-07-16
The Sentinels have escaped from Praxis and have freed Garuda, but at a price. Many of the crew, including the Hunters have been poisoned by the atmosphere of Garuda and now they go to Haydon IV, both to find the cure and to free another planet. But that might be easier said than done, as the planet is a relic that can defend itself AND the Regent is waiting for them.
To add to that, not only is General Edward running the REF, but the Zentraedi forces, under Breetai, have taken the last of the monopole ore, which is needed if the human forces ever wish to see Earth again!
While this is all going on, an important question starts to pop up again and again; WHO WAS HAYDON?
"We vowed to be your allies, but never your slaves or your victims." - Breetai
A classic tale of Good vs Evil and those caught in between........1999-06-29
This tale is about a group of futuristic, and at times barbaric, heros whose story started several years before. Only this time the battle takes place far away from Earth in an attempt to save it. Caught between internal politics with a touch of traitors and the enemy, a hive-like race of genetically engineered beings with a lust for power, in their mission of liberation against this race. Will they prevail? Find out in this book and the next one, Rubicon!
The Best Of All The Five Sentinels Books By A Mile!.......1999-06-03
The refreshing change from the usual battle to drama to battle to drama again sequence is one of the best elements of this book. Also, McKinney managed to twist the plot so much as to increase reader curiosity without damaging the main plot (this book has the most fanfics written about it) by exploring interpersonal relationships out of battle or high drama and particularly loved Karen and Jack's interplay throughout the book. One more interesting note:This issue had reader focus going on three main fronts (I'm not at liberty to say which ones) and at the same time enthralled with the subplots McKinney dotted here and there. Deserves more than five out of five (And no, I did not want to read Rubicon after this- I made my own fanfic- that's how fun it was.)
Excellent! A well plotted book, action-filled to the brim........1997-10-30
It was very interesting and had a very good balance of suspense:not to little and not to much. It gave a very good idea of the situation the characters were in.It had a lot of information describing weapons,mecha.etc. Jack McKinney is one of the best authors around.
Customer Reviews:
Secrets to Spiritual Power.......2007-07-03
Watchman Nee is a prolific writer who expounds richly of the Word of Truth.Since as human beings we are comprised of spirit,soul and body, he reinforces the importance of our spiritual nature.In so doing we captivate the essence of what it means to be one with the Spirit.
Concise topical compilation of Nee's best quotes and insights.......2006-07-04
I have many books by Watchman Nee and this one is probably my favorite. This book is a compilation of the most powerful quotes and ideas from several of Nee's other books. It is like Cliff's notes from several of his other books. The quotes are ordered topically to give you a structured way to understand his deep insight of the Bible. On almost every page of the book I had to take a break and absorb the spiritual truth that I just read.. I have found myself saying WOW!!! many times after reading a page and finally understanding a Biblical truth that has eluded me until I bought this book. For what it's worth, I have about 800 books in my library and this is one of my top ten favorites.
Wow! Spiritually Overload!.......2005-08-13
If there is ever such a thing as too much spiritual knowledge, this book has it. Anyone who's read much of Watchman's writtings knows that he was a deep writter, but imagine reading his most profound and deepiest spiritual writtings from all his numerous books one paragraph after another. I can remember times when I spent days on one page just so I could digest a fraction of his insight. Excellent book for those who realize the need for daily food along with God's Word.
Secrets To Spiritual Power.......2005-06-28
This book has had a tremendous impact on me. I have used it for a couple of years; I highly recommend it. When you have only about twenty minutes for short readings it will carry you forward with the sense of gaining insight into how we are and how we mature. Power packed!
A Valuable Physician's Guide to Carnality.......2001-02-15
Mr. Kulp offers the Christian of the Laodicean age an invaluable Physician's aid. Carnality is certainly the condemning sickness among true believers of our times; and this collection serves the Christian reader in two basic ways---first, as a kind of spiritual "barometer," and, second, as a guide to the remedy for that sickness. The volume will first of all expose the all too common symptoms of carnality, dividing in effect the readership into two camps. The first camp of readers will find themselves smiling and nodding their heads again and again when recognizing all the inhering characters of that genuine, spirit-filled life which they themselves experience day to day: "One quality that characterizes a spiritual person is the great calm he maintains under every circumstance" . . ."God can only use people according to the measure that they are not trusting in themselves." Two the second camp of readers, the recognition of experience will be largely absent; these readers will scratch their heads in bewilderment as they turn the pages, by-passing hundreds of truism, oblivious to any meaning: "Believing does not transform God's will into fact. Rather, believing is based on the fact of God's Word" . . . "Satan does not care if you are doing good works. He only cares if you are doing God's will." Mr. Kulp doesn't merely provide a means of self-examination, however. He has included writings that guide those readers of the second camp above to the very Source of the remedy for their carnality, Christ Jesus, the abiding Seed of the Word of God: "As soon as the Word of God enters, you can immediately distringuish between what is soulish and what is spiritual. There is judgment within you that is sharper than any human judgment" . . ."Every believer ought to know there are four things to be done attentively before God each morning: communion, praise, Bible reading and prayer. If one neglects any of these four, the day will declare it."
Book Description
Optera! Birthplace of the Flowers of Life and their agents of retribution, the Invid . . . nexus for an unfolding of events that had left the galaxy reshaped and redefined . . . and now the focal point of the Sentinels' long campaign to liberate the Quadrant from the Regent's tyranny.
Edwards is on his way to Optera, in flight from Tirol with his prisoner Lynn-Minmei and a handful of Invid Inorganics under his control. So too are Breetai's Zentraedi -- closing on the very world the Imperative bade them defoliate generations ago -- and the renegade forces of Tesla, mutated beyond recognition by the fruits of the Flower.
The Sentinels themselves are not far behind. However, they have Peryton to deal with first -- a godforsaken planet cursed by fate and time itself. But what awaits Rick, Lisa, and the Human Sentinels there is a mere primer for what is to come: the realization that they have journeyed across the galaxy . . . to wage war against each other!
Customer Reviews:
It was a great book, but you don't kill off Breetei........1999-06-14
This was one of the best Robotech books ever written. It has a great plot to it, and the action rarely slowes down. All the stuff that they found out about Protoculture was Mind bending. all the Sentinals books have led up to this fantastic (ending). In reallity the sentinals end in book 18 The End of the Cirle. I think that Jack Mckinney has written books that equal J.R.R. Tolien. All my friends that have read this book said it was the best Sentinals book out of the entire series. To all the other people who gave this book 4-5 stars I sulute you. of action.
Robotech The Sentinels: Rubicon.......1999-06-10
This is one of the best Robotech books by far. The Robotech Expeditionary Force has come halfway across the galaxy to wage war against the Invid but they've found another enemy far more dangerous than the Invid Regent, that enemy is one of the REF's own general T.R. Edwards and his ghost squadron. With the death of the Invid Regent at the hand's of Breetai, T.R. Edwards takes control of the Invid Horde for a fight that the Sentinels must win for their own planets, the Human's homeworld Earth, and the protoculture matrix.
Book Description
As a boy growing up in rural Arkansas, Bob Brewer often heard from his uncle and his great-uncle about a particular tree in the woods, the "Bible Tree," filled with strange carvings. Years later he would learn that this tree was carved with symbols associated with the Knights of the Golden Circle, a Civil War-era secret society that had buried gold coins and other treasure in various remote locations across the South and Southwest in hopes of someday funding a second War Between the States. These secret caches were guarded by sentinels, men whose responsibility it was to watch and protect these sites. To his astonishment, Bob discovered that both his uncle and his great-uncle had been twentieth-century sentinels, and that he had grown up near an important KGC treasure site.
In Shadow of the Sentinel, Bob Brewer and investigative journalist Warren Getler tell the fascinating story of the Knights of the Golden Circle and the hidden caches the KGC established across the country. Brewer reveals how, with agonizing effort, he eventually deciphered the fiendishly complicated KGC codes and ciphers, which drew heavily on images associated with Freemasonry. (Many of the key KGC post-Civil War leaders were Scottish Rite Masons, who used the cover of that secret fraternity to conduct their activities.) Using his knowledge of KGC symbolism to crack coded maps, Brewer has located several KGC caches and has recovered gold coins, guns, and other treasure from some of them.
Shadow of the Sentinel is the most comprehensive account yet of the activities of the KGC after the Civil War and, indeed, into the 1900s. Getler and Brewer suggest that the clandestine network of KGC operatives was far wider than previously thought, and that it included Jesse James, the former Confederate guerrilla whose stage and bank robberies helped to fill KGC treasure chests.
This is a rousing and provocative adventure that weaves together one man's personal quest with an intriguing, little-known chapter in America's hidden history.
Customer Reviews:
If you're interested in treasure stories, you like this book........2007-06-09
I very much enjoyed this book....until the last chapter. My family is from the same area of northwestern Arkansas as original source material for this book. I was able to see a lot of similarity between my family's stories and what is in the book. I thought it was very captivating except for the ending. I felt like there should have been another 100 pages to resolve the details that you are lead to. I was left with my jaw hanging. That being said, I do think it makes a very interesting and provocative read.
Starts Good But Gets Bogged Down.......2007-02-01
Started well but there were chapters that just lagged. It will probably be of more interest to those wishing to decipher treasure signs.
Great Read!.......2006-02-17
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I began and finished it in less than 12 hours. Once I picked it up and started reading it was impossible to stop. I enjoyed the mystery, the history, the captivating writting technique and the fact that you really never get bogged down with one topic or activity of the writers. However, for those of you who have read it, I noticed he never says what was in the trunk that he wasn't supposed to go into. I am very much into Confederate history as well as Jesse Woodson James, so this reveiw may be biased. I have to admit I wanted to grab a shovel and a metal detector and head out West after reading this book. I really believe there is lots of hidden treasure in the South. If this book ain't true and the writer is a lier then I guess it ain't true and the writer is a lier. But, the book is very interesting just the same. If you are a believer of what he writes about, you too could find treasure.
Confederate black helicopters, perhaps?.......2005-11-20
REBEL GOLD is a better than average conspiracy book, if you're into that sort of thing. And it has the added allure of postulating the existence of a fabulous buried treasure.
Written by ex-Vietnam vet Bob Brewer and investigative journalist Warren Getler (Wall Street Journal, International Herald Tribune), REBEL GOLD describes the former's twenty-five year quest to establish the existence and location of Confederate gold and silver caches buried by the pro-secessionist Knights of the Golden Circle in the anticipation that they could one day be used to further a second Civil War. Along the way, Brewer associates the Knights with the Scottish Rite Freemasons, Scottish freedom fighters, the medieval Knights Templar, and the post-Civil War outlaw activities of cousins Jesse Woodson James and Jesse Robert James. (Gee, there was more than one?) Brewer concludes that Jesse and Jesse weren't robbing for personal gain, but to enlarge and help conceal the Confederacy's rainy-day stash.
Brewer's quarter-century involvement with rebel treasure depositories, which are ostensibly scattered over a wide swath of territory in the American Southwest and South, is incremental. Growing up in the Arkansas backwoods, Bob was first exposed to the existence of hidden swag by listening to the recollections, stories, and veiled references by resident old timers. It wasn't until he returned home from Vietnam that Brewer began to take these verbal clues seriously and undertook to systematically correlate and follow widely spread physical mapping clues, principally carvings in the trunks of trees and buried markers. To his credit and the overall story's credibility, Bob did manage to unearth several relatively small troves of buried coins in the area. Later, as his knowledge of the KGC increased and he came into possession of additional coded maps and information, he transferred his attention to a larger area across the state line in Oklahoma, and finally to Arizona's Superstition Mountains. In Oklahoma, he was thwarted by a fellow treasure hunter with whom he'd naively shared knowledge and who allegedly beat him to a significantly large stash of gold in a buried safe. In Arizona (and back in Arkansas), Brewer was, and still is, blocked from unearthing (presumably) major hordes by the fact that the sites are on federal land. And who, in their right mind, wants to share found riches with the dang guv'mint, eh?
Bob's ultimate triumph, if it can be called such, was in identifying the precise but presumed location of the Arizona treasure vault - underneath Picketpost Mountain - after interrelating a myriad of clues - including cliff carvings, buried markers, and coded stone tablets - with the help of a couple of local amateur treasure hunters and a topographical map of the region.
This yarn by Brewer and Getler is a good one, though to be completely believable the reader would, I suspect, had to have been there. Brewer's surmises and intuitive leaps are both numerous and mind-boggling. For instance, concerning an enigmatic stone tablet containing both text and the image of a horse, an image which Brewer had discerned amidst the contour lines and other features of his topo map:
"Bob surmised that the textual clue DON ... was intended to read in reverse, as NOD. If the giant horse's head were to nod ... it would be facing the zone of interest, directly south."
Further, from a newspaper obit about the death of the presumed KGC sentinel Elisha Reavis, Bob's mental contortions are revealed:
"The article reported that a 'Billy G. Knight' - an English 'cowboy' ... had cautioned Reavis a couple of weeks before his mysterious death to 'see a doctor'. Reading between the lines, the 'English cowboy' could easily pass for a medieval Knight Templar, Bob thought. The G could well be a nod toward the hallmark symbol for 'Geometry' (some say, 'God') in Freemasonry. And, he speculated, based on related clues uncovered in Arkansas and Oklahoma, 'William' could suggest William Wallace, the heralded Scottish freedom fighter ..." Yeah, well, like I said, I guess you had to be there.
The thing is, as even Brewer himself recognizes on page 197:
"(The mapmakers) had left behind their signature system of symbolism, too subtle for most to recognize and perhaps too clever for those in the know to be able to follow the encrypted signposts."
So, what was the point of creating maps and clues so arcane and obscure such that die-hard secessionists in future generations might not even be able to recover the treasure? Whatever happened to "keep it simple, stupid"? Indeed, I suspect you could give the same maps and clues to a hundred different cryptologists and come back with a hundred different conclusions. Why should the reader believe Brewer's interpretation, especially as he wasn't (and hasn't been) able to make the major find that would prove him correct?
I'm awarding REBEL GOLD four stars for its interesting premise. Otherwise, it's hard to care. Besides, the symbol "Au" and a figure of the Virgin Mary have just appeared on the trunk of a tree in my yard with her finger pointing down. Hey, Mother, get the shovel! We're gonna be rich, girl!
Exciting new history proven by current day facts.......2005-07-25
First you should know that this is the paperback version of "Shadow of the Sentinel" but you will want both-that for your permanent library and this one for your backpack. I can personally attenst to the signs and symbols referenced as I lived in NW Arkansas in the 1950's and was surrounded by searchers for 'lost Spanish gold'. A true book you will not be able to put down and a search that is far from finished. Well written and extensively researched.
Book Description
Discover the origin of the Sentinel Squad! How did they come together and become the elite group of soldiers to pilot the Sentinels that have made their presence known at the Xavier Institute? Collects Sentinel Squad O*N*E* #1-5.
Book Description
Marooned On A Doomed World!
Four months passed without a word from the Sentinels, and the members of the Expeditionary Mission to Tirol were beginning to fear the worst. This, even as they entered into truce negotiations with the being who might have been responsible for the destruction of the Sentinels' starship -- the Invid Regent himself.
Meanwhile, the survivors of the Farrago remained hopelessly stranded on Praxis, a planet in cataclysm, hastened to endtime by the dark designs of the Invid Regis. But deep within that world's transformed core were answers to the Sentinels' prayers; if they could only reach them before Praxis tore itself apart. For Rick and Lisa Hunter, Cabell, and the others, the moment had arrived for desperate actions...
And Time Was Running Out!
Customer Reviews:
Stranded on the planet of the Amazons!.......2002-03-26
Which would not be that bad if the planet was not already empty and falling about. Will the Sentinels escape the doomed planet?
Will Dr. Lang be able to stop General Edward from taking over the REF and build his own war fleet? Will the REF betray Rick and Lisa Hunter, leaving them to the mercy of the Invid? Will the real Invid Regent stand up? And why does everybody want Minmei?
Customer Reviews:
Richelson Strikes again! Excellent coverage on a Great Topic!!.......2007-02-07
Dr. Jeff Richelson has provided some of the greatest reads dealing with United States military satellite systems - "America's Secret Eyes in Space", "The US Intelligence Community", and now "America's Space Sentinels." This book covers the genesis and evolution of the US' space-based missile warning system, commonly known as DSP, or defense support program. Dr. Richelson takes us through the teething of MIDAS, Program 646, and DSP's early predecessors, in addition to its successors of ALERT and SBIRS.
One high point in the text is the information on SCUD missile launches during Operation Desert Storm. While the news media reported bits and pieces on the launches, Dr. Richelson gives us a "bird's eye" view of what crews in Colorado saw half-a-world away, and what their contribution did to the defense of the US troops in the desert.
The only downside to this book is its currency - This is a volume in definite need of updating due to the bringing online of the SBIRS constellation, the battles fought during the Clinton era about space systems and emerging technologies that have DSP/SBIRS ready for the scrap-heap. If you're a military space-nut like me, this needs to be in your library.
An Important Study of a Critical Military Space Program.......2003-05-27
The Defense Satellite Program (DSP)-truly one of the most innocuous code names ever devised for a critical military program-arose in the earliest years of the space age as a means of detecting the launch of a rocket from anywhere in the world. With the development of ballistic missiles in the 1950s, for the first time in the history of the United States our two great oceans could not protect us from sustained attack and destruction. To warn against a Soviet ballistic missile attack, and thereby to allow time for the launch of a counterattack, the Department of Defense sponsored the development of satellites ringing the globe that would use infrared photographic technology to detect missile launches. The theory behind the system was that the heat signature from the rocket blast would be detected by satellites in space and then show up on infrared scopes at military monitoring posts. Through this process the time and place of launch, as well as the missile trajectory, could be ascertained within seconds of launch.
It was a brilliant concept but it took years for it to come to fruition. The first effort, Project MIDAS, experienced numerous technical problems, but finally reached a turning point in 1963 when MIDAS 7 detected the first missile launch from space. MIDAS confirmed the concept, and the DSP program, with first launch in 1970, has provided early warning of missile launches ever since. Through 1997 eighteen DSP satellites had been placed in orbit, not all of them operational of course at the same time.
Jeffrey T. Richelson's history of this program, "America's Space Sentinels," is an especially important and welcome addition to the literature of the military space program. It provides as comprehensive an understanding of this effort as is possible in the current environment, using a wealth of declassified documents to piece together this program's evolution from idea to implementation and operational life. It is, of course, not the final word on this subject because of still-classified materials that should one day be made available about DSP, but it represents a benchmark in the historiography.
Especially welcome is Richelson's discussion of DSP's employment in the post-cold war era. He provides an excellent overview of its use to detect Scud missile launches in the Gulf War of 1991. He also describes how it detected the test firing of a new Iranian missile in 1998 and its use in piecing together the details of airplane accidents, such as the September 1997 collision of American and German military aircraft off the Atlantic coast of Africa. He ends with a discussion of the follow-on missile launch detection program, the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), which is due to come on line at the end of the century.
From the time when DSP served as the backbone of the nation's strategic early warning system during the cold war through its continued use in the still very threatening climate of the 1990s to its replacement by a presumably more capable system, this book is an important contribution to the public's understanding of space-based military systems. It should be required reading for all who are interested in the strategic defense of the United States in the nuclear era.
Excellent coverage of an Indispensible Satellite System.......1999-08-03
This book gives an excellent overview of America's Missile Warning satellites, beginning with MIDAS in the 1960s and ending with SBIRS for the 21st Century. The information included in the text is more in-depth that the fact sheets given out by the United States Air Force.
Book Description
The Robotech Expeditionary Force had been stranded on the far side of the galaxy as the result of damage to their Super Dimensional Fortress during the battle with the Invid hordes. Their chances for survival were slim.
Suddenly, a starship unlike anything that had ever flown before appeared -- manned by an incredible assortment of beings who meant to challenge the might of the Invid Regent himself!
REF volunteers signed aboard, with their might war mecha in tow, for a campaign that would either mean the total destruction of the freedom fighters or liberty for the planets of -- The Sentinels.
Customer Reviews:
Stranded in space..........2002-03-21
The SDF-3 has been damaged and it might take years to repair. Suddenly, enter the Sentinels, a mixture of aliens, freedom fighters, as mismatched as their ship. They plan to challenge the Invid, to take back their planets and ask the REF to join them. Even while volunteers sign on to go with the aliens, there is political plotting going on within SDF-3 itself. While Rick Hunter and Lisa Hunter go off with the aliens, what will Edwards do? Will Dr. Lang, Breeti and Exedore be able to repair the SDF-3? And how will the Regent of the Invid react to this threat to his small empire?
Dark Powers.......2000-05-24
Great book. Stays with the original main characters and the new ones that are introduced add to the plot exceptionally well.
Books:
- Arthur and George
- Back Roads (Oprah's Book Club)
- Beltane: Springtime Rituals, Lore and Celebration
- Bitter Harvest : A Chef's Perspective on the Hidden Danger in the Foods We Eat and What You Can Do About It
- Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
- Bunny Tales: Behind Closed Doors at the Playboy Mansion
- C'est La Vie: An American Woman Begins a New Life in Paris and--Voila!--Becomes Almost French
- Cemetery Stories: Haunted Graveyards, Embalming Secrets, and the Life of a Corpse After Death
- Close Your Eyes (New York Times Best Illustrated Books (Awards))
- Cocktails In Tahiti
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Leading in Black and White: Working Across the Racial Divide in Corporate America
- Eleni
- Brealey & Myers on Corporate Finance: Capital Investment and Valuation
- But What If I Don't Want to Go to College
- Digital Rights Management: Business and Technology
- Embraced by the Light
- Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't
- Intermediate Accounting: Management Decisions and Financial Accounting with Becker CPA Review CD-ROM
- Capitalism and Material Life, 1400-1800
- The Blue Afternoon
General
| Biology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
The Emergence of Zoonotic Diseases: Understanding the Impact on Animal and Human Health : Workshop Summary
Veterinary Epidemiology
Zoonoses: Infectious Diseases Transmissible from Animals to Humans
Emerging Diseases of Animals
Infectious Disease Epidemiology: Theory And Practice
