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Book reviews for "Albaugh,_Ralph_M." sorted by average review score:

Deadly Alliance: The FBI's Secret Partnership With the Mob
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Harper Mass Market Paperbacks (03 July, 2001)
Author: Ralph Ranalli
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Piece of the Puzzle
There is a man who was driven out of Massachusetts and totally impoverished when Whitey fled the state. The man is mentioned in some reviews here and seems to have become a target for major harassment. The man,following this case becoming a media spectacle,attempted to contact Dan Burton but Mr. Burton's phone number was promptly disconnected while just prior his aides gave the man the run around. Before trying to contact Mr. Burton, the man attempted to contact Senator Kennedy,Marty Meehan,Scott Harshbarger,John Kerry and many more but was ignored on all accounts.This might seem as Powerful forces ignoring some nutcase, but consider the following:

1) A few years before Bulger fled the man was "briefed" by a government official about an ongoing project at a defense contractor in Massachusetts but not told what the project involved or how he was connected to it nor the duration while being forced to sign an acknowledgement.

2) The man had as key adults in his life growing up links to names or organizations pertinent to some of the government personnel scrutinized in this case.

3) The man has been kept in a state of impoverishment particularly the past 3 years while creditors such as Citibank Discover and many more have been extremely unsympathetic despite being given extensive explanations of the circumstances.

4) The man, until 1995 and after, was always able to care for himself and often worked 2-4 jobs simultaneously to do so.. making the circumstances following Bulger's 1995 flight from justice appear as if the man was being forced to fail in every way and aspect of life, similar to treatment State Trooper Johnson received after stopping Whitey at Logan airport and before Johnson committed suicide.

5) The man is said to have been befriended by associates with links to John Connelly as a young child and which acquaintances suddenly turned hostile and manipulative when this all broke out.

6) The man apparently has convenient telephone problems in sync with the Government Reform hearings or when a major news story appears about developments in the Bulger case.It is quite likely for example, if the Government Reform committee attempted to contact the man in person,by letter, or by phone that such attempts would be intefered with in an aura of convenient coincidence.

Opinion Poll
This case may be lacking a key piece to this whole puzzle in a man old enough to be a son of one of one the principals in this case.Here is a summary and you decide if it is coincidence or pattern!

1) This man was raised and bounced around by abusive guardians and natural family members, moving perhaps 30 or more times by the age of 9.Despite a long history of abuse,neglect and handicap,the boy was repeatedly put into situations where emotional and/or physical abuse took place knowingly.

2) The man had as guardian at one point a state official who had the same name as an FBI mentioned in Black Mass.

3) The man was raised in proximity to several individuals who became defensive and worried when the Bulger case opened up in 1995 and since.

4) The man was bounced around as a youngster,having friendships broken apart only later to have such individuals re-enter that man's life with a different identity than they were introduced as.

5) In 1989 the man was hit and run on the way home from work and the party responsible was never held accountable even though a serious criminal record was alleged.

6) Not long before Whitey disappeared,the man had a news story depicting his search for his father and all the obstacles in finding out about it; Whitey Bulger disappears and this man becomes a target for a wide range of harassing activities.

7) As the Bulger case evolved, this man found himself surrounded by a group of 10 individuals,many of whom blamed him for the ensuing fallout in the BUlger case. The man's family history had largely been withheld from him.Also, a man with out of state plates moved in next door claiming to work construction. As strange phone calls
kept coming into the man's home,one day the man saw his neighbor driving a phone company truck.That man soon moved out and the origin of the strange calls was the workplace in which he was surrounded by individuals blaming him for the Bulger case.

8) As the Bulger case matured, medical records and other official records began disappearing on the man.

9) Individuals who had been introduced as caretakers of the boy later completely disavowed the man when the Bulger case burst out.

10) As the Bulger case hearings moved along, individuals, usually in the capacity of a new coworker began befriending the man.It soon become evident they were investigating the man and when confronted did not deny being involved with law enforcement or the justice department.Such investigations apppeared to focus on the man's home,dating habits,and financial transactions even though the man had no criminal record. Most of the individuals involved claimed roots in New Hampshire. As the congressional hearings matured, the man became the target of increasing traffic stops with each time the officer appearing to have knowledge about the person they could not have had in a random stop.

11) Money vanished from the man's bank account without explanation; even with receipts showing a discrepancy had occurred and spending hours discussing it with bank branch personnel,no satisfactory explanation was ever offered. The bank at the time held Internal Revenue Service accounts and supported a major political candidate in the region.

12) When the man went to vote, thug-like men appeared menacingly watching him.

Required Reading!
In this case we see how a covert operation can be carried out and its participants dispensed with when the job is done. The government is shredding Flemmi's family apart, turning relatives against one another. It seems plausible a number of players now prevalent in the Bulger case are in fact long term plants held in abeyance until the time is right, such as with Martorano and Weeks.

An acquaintance who has been totally destroyed since Bulger fled in 1995 has been approached by individuals claiming family ties to the upper tiers of local and national FBI managementwhile having been misled by the Justice Management Division of the Department of Justice. These approaches usually involve intimidation or extortion with the deliverers claiming FBI affiliation in the Merrimack Valley region of northern Massachusetts which includes a regional FBI office outside of the Boston office.

Has the Defense Investigative Service and FBI teamed up to squeeze a child of Bulger or a close friend of Bulger's to keep Bulger away?

Are Whitey Bulger and Flemmi's names being smeared to bringclosure to their roles in a covert operation?


Imitation of Christ
Published in Paperback by Greenlawn Pr (June, 1990)
Authors: Thomas Kempis, Thomas a Kempis, Ralph M. McInerny, and Ronald Knox
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Living a life in imitation of Christ
Written in the 15th Century and directed towards monks, this is a devotional for Christian living and Monastic life. While noting the time period helps give depth to the historical backdrop of when Thomas was writing this book, it is perhaps more important to know the audience. The intended audience for The Imitation of Christ was monks. This is obvious in the text and it should be kept in mind while reading this work.

This highly influential work has a very simple message: live like Christ. Presented in this book, it is a very strict message. Thomas takes a very strict interpretation of following Christ and the message is very much rooted in the idea of works. It is the actions that one must perform, and not so much the inner state (though he does stress that the inner state is important). This would be a difficult message to take or to give, but again, we must consider the audience: monks living in a monastery. They must live a harsher life and because of their vows, this devotional makes perfect sense.

This can be read as a historical document in Christianity or as a devotional. Either way, one can find great value and and some illumination of the words of Christ through this volume.

A wonderful devotional of great historical significance
Thomas a Kempis was medival monk and priest (1380-1471) who served as chronicler of the monastery at Mt. St. Agnes. During his long life of scholarship, he wrote several biographies of church fathers and a number of devotional works. The "Imitation of Christ" remains his most famous work and the one that has best stood the test of time. Indeed, one of the wonderful things about this work is that it reminds us that the life of the mind is not a creature of the Enlightenment. Even during the so-called Dark Ages there were brilliant scholars with a wide knowledge of both scripture and philosophy. Reflecting its vibrant insight into the human condition, the "Imitation of Christ" remains influential on both sides of the Reformation divide. It reportedly was, for example, one of John Wesley's favorite devotionals.

The "Imitation of Christ" is divided into 4 books, each undertaking a basic theme for development. They are, respectively, the Spiritual Life, the Inner Life, Inward Consolation, and the Blessed Sacrament (i.e., the Eucharist). In turn, each book is sub-divided into numerous chapters, each a page or two long. All of which makes the "Imitation of Christ" a useful book for daily devotionals. One can skip around freely within the book, dipping in as the mood strikes. Yet, I think one is well-served by reading it through at least once. Only then does one see Thomas' thought in its fully-developed form. Do be sure to get a good translation. I am fond of the one by Leo Sherley-Price.

Splendid devotional of great historical significance
Thomas a Kempis was medival monk and priest (1380-1471) who served as chronicler of the monastery at Mt. St. Agnes. During his long life of scholarship, he wrote several biographies of church fathers and a number of devotional works. The "Imitation of Christ" remains his most famous work and the one that has best stood the test of time. Indeed, one of the wonderful things about this work is that it reminds us that the life of the mind is not a creature of the Enlightenment. Even during the so-called Dark Ages there were brilliant scholars with a wide knowledge of both scripture and philosophy. Reflecting its vibrant insight into the human condition, the "Imitation of Christ" remains influential on both sides of the Reformation divide. It reportedly was, for example, one of John Wesley's favorite devotionals.

The "Imitation of Christ" is divided into 4 books, each undertaking a basic theme for development. They are, respectively, the Spiritual Life, the Inner Life, Inward Consolation, and the Blessed Sacrament (i.e., the Eucharist). In turn, each book is sub-divided into numerous chapters, each a page or two long. All of which makes the "Imitation of Christ" a useful book for daily devotionals. One can skip around freely within the book, dipping in as the mood strikes. Yet, I think one is well-served by reading it through at least once. Only then does one see Thomas' thought in its fully-developed form. Do be sure to get a good translation. I am fond of the one by Leo Sherley-Price.


Do They Hear You When You Cry?
Published in Audio Cassette by Bantam Books-Audio (March, 1998)
Authors: Fauziya Kassindja, Layli Miller Bashir, Gini Kopecky, and Sheryl Lee Ralph
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It was alright
I have to admit I wanted to read this book to learn more about female circumcision. I wondered what could possibly be going through a person's mind to even come up with such a barbaric tradition. Do these men really prefer going to bed with women that feel nothing but pain from them. Are they so afraid of a women's sexuality that they have to rip it from her. And what kind of brain washing does it take to get these women to go along with this. Etc. None of the questions that would come to mind when talking about this issue were answered. 95% of this book dealt with the US legal system and how they treat imagrants applying for assylum. I was really disappointed and had a hard time finishing this book.

From CBA Book Club: "Our Passion"
"Do They Hear You When You Cry" is an excellent novel on the struggles that woman had to face. It was very insightful into the Afican culture and the Muslim faith of that particular tribe. Most people see America as a "justice for all" type of country, but this surely opened my eyes to the struggles that people have to go through to escape any kind of unfair and unjust treatment in their own countries. Tina Duke
"Do They Hear You When You Cry" is a gripping account of human suffering. Fauziya Kassinga's candid style gives life to not only her own story, but to the story of millions of women around the globe. On cannot read this book without feeling the horror of genital mutilation and its impact on the lives of so many women. But you also close the pages with an incredible sense of being blessed to be whole both in body and in spirit. This is a story that must be told! Leone Samuels
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It brought about many different emotions. I was sad, happy, angry, and anxious. It really demonstrated the strength of a woman despite some very difficult times. It also demonstrated the commitment to a cause and despite all the setbacks perseverance prevailed in the end. Tammy Richardson
Extremely thought provoking. I found myself making comparisons to the way black families in the western hemisphere still have traces of their African roots in the way they raise their families today, and this is what has made us the people of strength we are today. Lisa DeSilva
"Do They Hear You When You Cry" had me spellbound for hours. It was difficult to put down as I prayed for Fauziya's release and the end of her torture. I find it difficult to believe that as recent as 1995 something so horrendous could happen to people seeking asylum. What was even more amazing are the statistics on ethnic groups who are imprisoned for their desire to live in what is considered the greatest and freest country in the world, as they attempt to seek freedom from persecution. This novel gave an insight into African culture, that in some aspects was frightening, but at the same time demonstrated a familial tie that many of African descent should aspire to. Female Genital Mutilation is a horrendous act against all women. If one woman suffers, all women must fight against it. Gina E.E. Davis
I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was an easy smooth read. I really felt for Fauziya and tried to picture myself having to go through something like that and wondering if would I have the strength to do it. The book held my attention. I initially thought that I would find it difficult to read because I wasn't in the mood to read anything too heavy. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the book so much, that I gave one to a friend as a Christmas present. She too, is enjoying the book. Lisa Dailey
This was an excellent and inspiring book. It determined that if you have enough faith, and if it is the Lord's will, he will see you through the most difficult times. Fauziya was courageous and indeed faithful. The family was close knit, but what I liked most, was the relationship that Fauziya had with her father. They had a bond that was so special, not even her mother could come between. Mrs. Wonderful Wade
Thus far, I although have not finished the book; the little I have completed has been touching, horrifying, loving and eye opener for respecting and believing in God. Also, it is allowing me to appreciate all that I have. Certain family aspects are very close to my heart...of course; I was a little emotional with all the wedding stuff, because I soon will legally (marraige) be leaving my family; with whom, I am very close. Nicole Douglas
A fascinating story about a young woman's strength and endurance to acquire freedom in American. Neecheka Trott
"Simply incredulous and inhumane." How hypocritical of us to view America as a place of freedom. The same opportunites given to America's forefathers should have been afforded to Fauziya. A heart-wrenching story from start to finish. Fauziya teaches us the real meaning of faith and courage.
Shernette Wolffe
I am interested in the book and enjoying learning more about African Muslim culture. I was very anxious to read on. Wendisha Phillips
"Do They Hear You When You Cry" is an eye opener to the realities of the world. You can't help but feel her pain, sorrow and suffering. It almost felt like you were living with her during her period of adversities There is no place like home... Bermuda! (I think that statement says it all.) Kim Lightbourne

wonderful
The beautiful yet shocking true story of a young woman who ran from her home in Togo to escape genital mutilation. She came to the United States hoping to gain asylum but because she did not have the proper papers and because at the time FGM was not grounds for political asylum she spent over a year locked up with other people trying to enter the country without legal reason. This book will make you angry at the injustices people face in the United States when trying to escape persecution in their own countries, but will help restore your faith in humanity when you read about all the people who were willing to work so hard to get Fauziya Kassindja citizenship here so she wouldn't be returned to Togo to face being genitally mutilated.


The Data Warehouse Lifecycle Toolkit : Expert Methods for Designing, Developing, and Deploying Data Warehouses
Published in Paperback by John Wiley & Sons (13 August, 1998)
Authors: Ralph Kimball, Laura Reeves, Margy Ross, and Warren Thornthwaite
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Excellent guide for your first warehouse implementation
My experience has been in project management and data modeling. This book was an excellent source of information for project management issues, lifecycle concerns and warehousing particulars.

With a background in logical data modeling (with its normalization and entity-focused approach), I was able to utilize this book very effectively in the implementation of my first "true" data warehouse (as opposed to the "faux" warehouses that the customer labeled as such simply because of the large number of entities in the RDBMS). The conceptual difference between logical modeling and data warehousing was well explained, with numerous pertinent examples. The full SDLC for the warehouse is covered equally as well.

A note on my "4-star" rating: I'm reserving 5 stars for the book I write! This book is a good value.

Fantastic, the best I've seen on the subject
This book is terrific. I've been involved in implementing a data warehouse, and I wish I'd had this book then, as the author proposes solutions to several problems we encountered, but had less elegant, or no, solutions for. I have read a number of books on data warehousing, and a major portion of every one of them is devoted to the politics of getting management to adopt, and then support, building a data warehouse, and very little on the concrete aspects involved. This book is almost entirely on the nuts and bolts of actual doing the implementation, assuming it is already supported by management. Presents how to do dimensional (star schema) models from elementary to highly advanced. Every important aspect of implementing a data warehouse is covered with real content at all points. Wonderful resource book for the experienced warehouse person, while also extremely helpful the the novice, and anyone in between. Read this book first, then peruse any others in the book store before buying--you may not need a second book.

Excellent discussion of data warehousing from head to toe
This book is invaluable for anyone involved in a data warehouse or data mart project. Kimball's discussion of the data warehouse bus is particularly useful now that data marts are exploding all over the enterprise.

Definitely add this book to your library, but beware that you will probably want additional references dealing with SMP, MPP, and NUMA platforms in more detail. In addition, check out "Data Mining Solutions: Methods and Tools for Solving Real-World Problems" for a strong introduction to Data Mining and Visualization.


The Frog Alphabet Book
Published in Library Binding by Bt Bound (October, 1999)
Authors: Jerry Pallotta and Ralph Masiello
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Bernard Sumter at Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary
I really like the Goliath Frog in the Frog Alphabet book. It's pretty cool that it's the biggest frog in the whole world. In the picture it also looks like it is pretty heavy. Mr.Masiello's pictures are creative. One day, I wish he could come and teach me how to draw like that. I hope he has a nice time when he comes to our school.

... Ashley River EL.
The Frog Alphabet Book has very colorful and creative illustrations. I like this book because it has lots of realistic illustrations.

Shannon at Ashley River El.
I really like The Frog Alphabet Book.I think the book is for children of all ages. You might think this book is just for little kids, but it's not. It's a great study guide. The book also includes my favorite frog, the Poison Dart frog. TUSAhe book and the illustrations are really creative. Try reading it!


Swing Like a Pro: The Breakthrough Method of Perfecting Your Golf Swing
Published in Hardcover by Broadway Books (29 December, 1998)
Authors: Ralph Mann, Fred Griffin, and Guy Yocom
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The best full swing book on the market
My wife recently asked "how many golf books do you own, can there be that many ways to swing a golf club?" My answer after reading this book is this is the last golf book I'll ever buy, at least on the full swing. The information in this book has helped me to improve my game dramatically. I am hitting all my clubs twenty to thirty yards longer and straighter. I used to hit my 7 iron 135 yards and I'm now hitting it 155 to 160 yards. Since taking up the game four years ago, I have taken lessons and read as many books as possible on the full swing. The information presented by this book has demistified the grip, setup and most importantly the transition into the downswing. I've reduced my score at least 10 shots per round in the last three months. The information is presented in a crisp manner with lots of diagrams. Follow the drills and you will see a huge difference in the quality of your shots. Combine this with Dave Pelz's book on the short game and you should see a dramatic overall improvement in your game.

The latest in high-tech swing analysis
Mann and Griffin have brought swing analysis into the computer age. Using video of over 100 PGA, LPGA, and Senior PGA tour pros, the authors constructed a composite, digitized "Pro" who exemplifies the best swing characteristics of tour players. Each chapter explains the characteristics of a given swing position or movement first. Following this, the authors present drills to aid the reader in perfecting that phase of the swing. Each chapter then concludes with an examination of the most frequent errors, keyed to the drills that will correct that error. Despite the high tech nature of the swing model, the good news is that the book is an easy read. Unlike "The Golfing Machine" or "The Search for the Perfect Swing" the language is clear. The artwork is detailed in presenting the model swing, as it should be. The training aids recommended by the authors are simple to find, inexpensive, and easy to use. I would recommend this book to any player who is serious about improving his or her swing.

The final word, the real deal
Complexity sells, but simplicity is truth... and the simple truth is that the best players in the world have better swing mechanics than the rest of us. The research behind this book proves this empircally, and the results obtained through this astounding transfer of knowledge--fact, not opinion--are immediate. Ralph Mann has provided an incredible service to serious students of the game.

I can't tell you the struggle it's been for me to learn this game. I'm reasonably athletic and coordinated, but I could not hit a golf ball. In hindsight, the problem was simple: I had no basis of reference for understanding precisely what I was doing wrong, relative to what I am SUPPOSED to be doing. This book provides that basis. The results? I've gone from scoring in the 100's to the 80's, and can now begin to focus on my short game for even greater improvement.

I submit that until you are given a means of SELF-diagnosis (rather than a "pro's" diagnosis based strictly upon his knowledge of what works for him), you will see little improvement. If you are not 100% certain that you know the proper swing mechanic and have the ability to diagnose your problem areas, I wholeheartedly suggest that you invest in your game by studying and implementing the concepts in this book, and stop buying all of those silly golf training gimmicks, videos, and singular-opinion books & lessons.

I'm proof that ANYONE can master the fundamentals of the correct golf swing--including you!


The Data Warehouse Toolkit: Practical Techniques for Building Dimensional Data Warehouses
Published in Paperback by John Wiley & Sons (02 February, 1996)
Author: Ralph Kimball
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A very practicle guide
I have been working in the commercial reporting / data warehousing market for over 5 years. I have read many books on the subject, most of which deal with the higher level conceptuality of data warehousing and implementation. Since reading this book I have designed and implemented a multi-dimensional data warehouse, using most of the techniques laid out in this book, with a European manufacturing company in BD2/400 and SQL datamarts. I found this book outstanding in terms of breaking down the problems of creating a multi-dimensional data warehouse and giving a very practical analysis to implementation model. It is possible within the right company to implement a large data warehouse following the methods in this book. To complement this book I would recommend reading other books that deal with client expectation management and the use of middle ware tools to ease the actual building and management of a multi dimensional design. Also look at other design models, make sure that a multi-dimensional design fit's the client situation, there are other designs...

An execllent book on Dimensional Data Warehouse Modeling
Kimball has done an excellent job by writing this book. You don't require any mentionable knowledge about data warehousing or dimensional modeling to completely comprehend this book. He has explained all of the concepts of Dimensional Data Warehouse with the help of real-life examples. Perhaps that makes this book so unique and pragmatic.It is easy to read and also chapters are well arranged to gain a very systematic progression of the subject. All the concepts are explained and postulated in the context of some examples. So don't plan to skip any chapters. That doesn't work with this book.

I would recommend this book, to anybody who wants to practice DDW, as the first book to be read on the subject to gain most.

Because of its entirely example-based approach, the book may not be of much use in an exclusive conceptual/academic perspective.

The only omission I have noticed in this book is, it doesn't speak much about data extraction complexities. Even though Kimball dedicates a few pages towards the end of the book for this purpose, it is largely insufficient and gives no worthful advice to a practioner of data extraction process. So if you are looking for a solution to your data extract nightmare, this book is of little use.

Beginning a Data Warehouse Project? BUY THIS BOOK!
All the good reviews are true: this is a FANTASTIC book. Within a couple of days you will understand DW design completely, especially if you have experience in normal OLAP database design, as it makes a great contrast. Kimball's writing style -- showing how to apply DW design to real-world business problems -- makes the material really sink in, unlike reading a reference book. (You need to actually read this book cover-to-cover -- and it's a great read if you are a Database geek!) And yet you can still use it as a reference book. The companion books by him are fantastic additions to this..


Oscar and Lucinda
Published in Audio Cassette by Random House (Audio) (December, 1997)
Authors: Peter Carey and Ralph Fiennes
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Anglo-Australian Eccentricities
The story of Oscar Hopkins who, despite being the son of a Baptist (or because of that), becomes an Anglican priest. And the story of Lucinda Leplastrier, who inherits a glass factory in Australia.

The early parts of the novel, in fact nearly the first half of it, are taken up with Oscar and Lucinda's life stories up until the time they meet. Carey switches the narrative between England and Australia, and does so with skill - the chapters are short, helping the reader skip along with the story.

Thereafter, as Oscar and Lucinda meet and they agree on an ultimate bet (the plot device which underpins the latter half of the novel) I thought that the pace and flow of the novel slowed. The real problem I had with it though, and why I think I struggled to maintain an interest the longer the novel went on, was that in fact its characters are very two-dimensional. All, without exception, are eccentrics, reminding me of the worst of Dickens: a series of whimsical characters whose quirks are supposed to amuse and interest the reader. I'm afraid for me, that kind of stuff has a very limited effect, and my boredom threshold is reached very quickly.

To be fair, one could make an argument that Lucinda's character is more fully drawn. Her obsession with gambling could be interpeted as a way of seeking acceptance in the male-dominated world of the mid-nineteenth century. She struggles with the burden of her inheritance and with her feminity - for example, Oscar gains the instant acceptance from her workers she has never had when he visits her glass factory, and she resents that.

But this wasn't enough to ease my struggle with finishing the book - even quite shocking events near the event lost their impact due to the fact, I think, that Carey over-loaded the novel with whimsy, and because I felt that Carey is a cold, somewhat distant author: difficult to describe what I mean here, but it's almost akin to feeling the author views his characters in the same way as a chess player views his pieces - to be moved about with the object of winning the game rather than worthy of development in their own right.

Beautifully powerful...
I am hard-pressed to remember two more strange protagonists in all of literature than Oscar and Lucinda. That they meet, fall in love and make a bet on whether a glass church can be transported and constructed "by Easter Sunday" for the benefit of an out-of-the-way congregation and its minister is even more absurd. Yet, page after page, I read, absorbing the wonderful and vibrant detail of mid-nineteenth century England and Australia. Only in the world of this novel could these two characters be "perfect" for each other. And in being written, this book issues a challenge to this world to accept that which is odd and unconventional, that which is outside societal and religious standards.

Somehow I am reminded of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice; the interplay between Oscar and Lucinda amongst "strict society" strikes the same chord as that struck in the love story of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, a man and a woman outside the "norm." This book is wonderful reading to get lost in.

An epic of obsession
Oscar and Lucinda are a pair of unusual characters , both victims of childhood trauma, who share a weakness for gambling and a penchant for obsessions of all kinds. Carey might have created a simple romance here about two misfits who find each other, and on the surface that is indeed what happens; however, the story is far more complex and is peopled with assorted other characters that give the book added richness. Mr. d'Abbs, Mr. Jeffris, the Strattons, Oscar's father, Theophilus, and others serve to demonstrate that we are all subject to our own foibles and obsessions. One of Carey's messages is clearly that none of us is "normal"; that behind the mask we wear for society lurks a mass of insecurities and imperfections. Oscar and Lucinda give each other what they each seem to need, and it is not at all what the reader expects. If this book has a fault, it may lie in the sometimes disjointed method of narration. It can be intrusive. However, the identity of the narrator--not revealed until the end of the novel--is a nifty twist itself. A challenging read that is well worth the effort.


Golden Age of Radio: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes
Published in Audio Download by audible.com ()
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The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes--A Great Adventure
I rate this book 4 stars because it reel you in on a hook and it will not let go until you have read the whole thing. Its a keeper any person thats read it would say. It on the egde, exciting, and most of all it is very clever. Did I tell you that it is also Adventurous.

The book is about two main people. One is the great Sherlock Holmes and his ever faithful Dr. Watson. They go on Adventures together and make there murder look like a fool for even thing to fool the great team.

A quick example from the book is a evil uncle and two women in the house that the woman own. One day one woman was found dead and the local law enforcement had no clue until the great team of Sherlock and Watson were on the case. ...
That is just one of the many stories told. So if you want a fast pace book. Read The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

Holmes and Watson -- The Neverending Adventures
Did you know that Holmes never, ever said "Elementary, my dear Watson" in any of the sixty stories Arthur Conan Doyle wrote?

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes were initially published in "The Strand" magazine as a series of 24 short stories. These stories saw publication between 1891 and 1893. When they were published in book form, the first twelve were published as "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" and the last twelve were called "The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes." Today, when we speak of the original "Adventures," we usually refer to the first twelve Holmes short stories. These twelve stories include some of the best of Holmes: "The Speckled Band," "The Red Headed League," "A Scandal in Bohemia." Doyle continued his Holmes saga with other collections of short stories: "The Return of Sherlock Holmes," "Reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes," "His Last Bow," and finally "The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes." Almost every Holmes short story bears the title "The Adventure of . . ." One of my favorite Holmes stories is "The Problem of Thor Bridge." Not only is it a very good yarn, it is a "Problem" and not an "Adventure!" Although Conan Doyle ran out of Holmes stories, the public did not run out of its appetite for new Holmes stories, and production of pastiches continues to this day.

To me, the most satisfying way to relive the adventures of Sherlock Holmes, both original and pastiche adventures, is through the medium of audiotaped radio plays. There are at least four collections of adventures currently available. "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," a publication of BBC shows starring Clive Merrison, reprises the original twelve adventures. This is probably the best radio collection of adventures. National Public Radio has published four "Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" consisting of four one hour productions starring various actors as Holmes. The quality is uneven. "Smithsonian Historical Performances: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" has twelve stories, four of which are original. Edith Meiser wrote the pastiches, and John Stanley starred as a rather disagreeable Holmes. Some stories are very good; others are woeful. Simon and Schuster publishes a series of six "New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes." Each collection has eight Holmes stories. Of the pastiches, these are the best. Nigel Bruce stars as a loveable, bumbling Watson, and Basil Rathbone portrays the archetypical Holmes. Anthony Boucher and Dennis Green wrote the scripts and did a very good job. Holmesaholics will also want to listen to "More New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes," published by the Brilliance Corporation, and starring Tom Conway as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Watson. These stories are on the whole better than the Smithsonian Historical Performances, but not as good as the Rathbone/Bruce "New Adventures." They also have the drawback of being published as individual cassettes. The avid collector can run to some expense getting all of these.

Holmes survived Conan Doyle's attempt on his life at the Reichenbach Falls; he has survived his creator 80 years without showing any signs of loss of vitality. The latest (and quite enjoyable) addition to the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is the BBC Television series starring Jeremy Brett.

This is an adventure filled mysterious book that takes you non stop into the life of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.
You meet ordinary and strange characters in this book. Every adventure is different, and a spectacular story. They are first class mysteries. Sir A.C.Doyle is a very talented author. You try and break the case before Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes- quite a hard chore. Sherlock Holmes adventures are always fun filled and very, very, very exciting


Beware the Night: A New York City Cop Investigates the Supernatural
Published in Mass Market Paperback by St Martins Mass Market Paper (October, 2001)
Authors: Ralph Sarchie and Lisa Collier Cool
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DEMONS ON THE RUN!
Having had more than a few experiences with shape-shifting "inhuman" demons, (and written about them in my most recent novel, REFLECTIONS OF A VAMIRE) I feel compelled to warn the unwary reader that this book is for real.

I am a little hesitant to encourage the reading of Ralph Sarchie's BEWARE THE NIGHT for those who are prone to be highly suggestive. You might find yourself getting paranoid about the paranormal. As well we all should be.

Be that as it may, BEWARE THE NIGHT is one of the best books I've read on Demonology written by a demonologist to date.

Along with Malachi Martin's HOSTAGE TO THE DEVIL, Ralph Sarchie's book is one of the most informative, cautionary and helpful sources for protecting those who are dealing with the misfortune of being under demonic attack, or know someone who might be... for there are signs of evil infestation. There are stages of diabolic possession. There are incremental degrees of insidious bodily attack and overt physical take-over, including irreversible total possession, where the demon has lured one to willingly give their soul over to the devil.

If these things are of interest to you and you'd like to read the candid experiences of a professional demonologist who also happens to be a NYC cop, pick up this book. Then curl up under the covers in bed and pray if things go bump in the night.

I highly recommend BEWARE THE NIGHT. It accurately represents the dangers inflicted upon us by the invisible dark powers all around us. Read it... and perhaps you too will beware the night!

Beware The Night by Ralph Sarchie
Whether you believe in them or not, demons are at work in this world and they are all around you. The evidence is everywhere, and I knew that before I read this book. Ralph Sarchie is not trying to convert anyone to christianity through his book, but merely explain to you that you need to consider your sprirtial side because anyone and everyone will face encounters with evil at some time or other. Although I question some of the people in this book (not Mr. Sarchie himself, who is obviously credible), this book deserves a note a tremendous praise! It will definitely make you think twice about the forces of evil and how they can work against you in your life, and what you can do to battle them... I personally found this book to be well written and highly informative. I appreciate Sarchie's strength to make these cases of the demonic public, but most of all his courage to reveal his own beliefs and faith despite the fact that when a book like this is written there will inevitably be public criticism. It's unavoidable. Nevertheless, this book is great and I hope he writes more of them pertaining to this subject matter in the future. Five stars absolutley!

A brave man with an interesting hobby
Mr. Sarchie has done an outstanding job describing the torment that evil entities can inflict on unsuspecting, innocent people. What makes this book an invaluable resource, however, is he candidly defines the problem then outlines the solutions, giving hope to those who suffer under such unfortunate, extraordinary circumstances. Scary, yes; but also powerful for all the right reasons.


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