I enjoyed this book so much, I created focusyourday.com and focusyourday.org to pay tribute to the book. You can see the current day's message there to get a sample of the book. I highly encourage you to get a copy for daily reading. This book made me a happier person and I have to read it again. It reduces the stress of living life!

This book has changed my life for the better! I highly recommend it. I have purchased several copies. I buy a new copy whenever I have worn out the previous copy or given it to someone in need. I have been reading this daily devotional for at least three years. I will continue to read this book over and over again because it is that good!

My husband and I have prayed together for the 40 years we've been married. This daily spiritual reader has given our prayers a new dimension and depth. We're giving a copy to each of our eight children for Christmas, hoping they will each enjoy it even though each will "hear" it from a different perspective.

Many Americans have probably never heard of East Timor, and most of us--including those who are active followers of world affairs--would probably have some difficulty pinpointing it on a map. Arnold Kohen does a remarkable job of introducing this unfamiliar land. It's very hard not to feel sympathy and a healthy dose of admiration for the inhabitants of this long embattled nation. The book simultaneously serves as a hagiography of East Timor's heroic favorite son, and Bishop Belo's extraordinary life greatly enhances the work's inspirational level.

Among East Timor's striking characteristics is the fact that it may be the strongest seat of Catholicism on Earth today. Over 85% Catholic (less than half was in the 1960's) its rate of practicing members puts most other countries to shame. The cathedral's 6 a.m. weekday Mass regularly has an overflow crowd of 1000+. John Cardinal O'Connor once told Bishop Belo how envious he was at East Timor's teeming seminarians. Even its Indonesian occupiers concede the Church's massive influence. Although they disdain Bishop Belo for his tireless devotion to human rights, they often unhappily allow him to mediate disputes with Timorese resistance fighters.

The East Timorese greatly need this faith because the world has turned a blind eye toward the genocide inflicted upon them. Those of us in America who seethed under the reign of Bill Clinton probably never realized how culpable he was for tacitly approving these crimes against humanity. The author on numerous occasions sites examples where the United States after decades of inexplicable silence at Indonesia predation became a veritable proponent when Clinton--abandoning his campaign rhetoric about the suffering East Timorese--wanted expanded trade with the highly populated interloper. Bishop Belo is probably the only person in history to be awarded a Nobel peace Prize without a word of praise or congratulations from the Unites States Government because it was bestowed at a very inconvenient time for pending trade deals.

The island nation faces an uncertain future, and all Catholics and others concerned with human rights should monitor the situation closely. Despite the unending brutal assaults bravely endured by the East Timorese citizens, their bold faith is a good omen that eventually their struggle will be victorious.

Many books have already been written about the tragic events of East Timor between 1998 and today, namely since when the regime of president Suharto of Indonesia collapsed, and the territory started on its slow, exciting, yet very painful path towards independence. Some books are more academic, others more journalistic and speculative. This book by Arnold Kohen, a long-time East Timor expert, makes it clear that the author is no academic or journalist in search of quick success. He is someone who has followed East Timor for a while, and has also been active and become known as a prominent East Timor lobbyist. He has now been able to recollect in this book some excellent material, excellently edited, about Monsignor Belo's role in the struggle for independence. The book is written in a vivid style, it is chilling, it is direct, yet (despite the rather eye-catching and shocking title) without leaving the place to any sensationalism... All the book says is, very unfortunately, totally true. Whether Bishop Belo's struggles could be defined as "epic" is another matter. Meanwhile, this book makes a strong and meaningful contribution to knowledge on the recent events, and also makes excellent, educative and even pleasant, if shocking, reading.

Now that Archbishop Belo has been driven into exile, and his beloved Timor transformed into an abbatoir, this superb book is more important than ever. I will not praise Belo, save to say that I hope that he is eventually canonized. I will just say one thing. This book reveals such a consistent record of perfidy, stupidity, and cupidity on the part of the United States government as to make even the most patriotic man or woman ashamed of being an American. As readers of some of my other reviews will know, I am fairly Conservative Republican. Reading of Fords, Reagans , and Bushes short-sightedness and incompetence in the matter of Timor saddened and enraged me.The only ( slight)point in their favor is that the Democratic Presidents, Carter, and Clinton, were just as bad; Carter through simple incompetence, and Clinton through cowardice and greed. Let it be asaid and said plainly: The Clinton campaign became so dependent on the Riady families money that they turned blind eye to the atroicities occuring in Timor. With the laudable exception of a few republican members of congress such as Malcolm Wallop and Frank Wolf, practically no American public figure-Republican, democrat, or independent- has spoke out on the horrors occuring in Timor. Now, when it may well be too late, the world has begun to wake up.It is time for all men and women of good will, of all political and religous faiths, to cry out "Enough". We cannot be so dependent on the raw materials and sweat shop produced sneakers and toys emanating from Indonesia that we would let theese horrors continue. I am going to phone and write every member of congress I know, asking them that they vote to discontinue ALL foriegn aid to Indonesia. I will also openly ask ALL presidential candidates- Republican, Democratic, and independent,if they will continue to support our bankrupt policy toward this outlaw state, Indonesia. I hope EVERY responsible American does the same.I beg my fellow Americans;have the courage to read this book, and the sensitivity to be outraged by what it contains.

God At The Ritz: Attraction To Infinity is the candid discourse by Lorenzo Albacete (a Catholic priest and physicist with a degree in Space Science and Applied Physics), about the essence of life itself, its meaning, God's plan, and a great deal more. From surveying the balance between science and faith; to addressing the eternal questioning of why such suffering and horror exist in God's world; to the "big three" contemporary issues of sex, money, and politics; God At The Ritz is a refreshing, insightful, articulate, "reader friendly", and highly recommended attempt to make sense of the great mysteries of life, and to acknowledge that there are some concepts that can only be understood by God himself.

Monsignor Lorenzo Albacete has written a serious and humorous book about the human longing, desire, and attraction for the infinite, the eternal, the mysterious "beyond." Albacete is an intellectual, and his brief critiques of other thinkers testify to a brilliant mind, but his illustrations and vignettes always spring from life: a very earthy life, his life. And so the relationship between reason and human experience forms the thread that ties this book together. That thread is a kind of judgement, but his judgement is so humble, so full of humanity and understanding, because it flows not from an abstract theory, but from a life fully lived, from a mind and a man engaged with human reality in his search for the meaning of that reality, for what lies beyond it and ultimately constitutes it. Here is a book capable of speaking to any man of any time, brimming with the humanity and generosity of its author.

Msgr. Albacete is a modern day Pascal, and this is his Pensees'. Albacete writes a column for the NY Times Magazine, and is respected by the cultural elites (the recent PBS special on "Faith and 9-11" ended with his comments). Yet, he is a Catholoic priest completely committed to the teachings of the Catholic Church, as well as a personal friend of Pope John Paul II. How so? Read this book and find out. Where Pascal shattered the smug rationalism of his day, now Albacete performs aikido on modernism and post-modernism, reconciling all that's true and good in them with genuine faith, while exposing modernity's fallacies -- its hidden ideologies, utopias, and deceptions that keep us from fulfilling our genuine desires, especially our inborn longing to know the meaning of life and the universe. While written for seekers of all kinds, this book makes it possible, for the first time since Darwin, Marx, Nietzsche and Freud (and Seinfeld), to be a really intellectually satisfied believer. If you think you've given faith every chance, and it's always come up short, this is the book for you.

When I got this book I couldn't wait to read it to my 4 kids! Finally a book that ventures out to expose the love and greatness of God through a loveable character(with shortcomings and all)who happens to be a squirrel named 'Nutsy'!! My kids loved it.......!!

This book was an enjoyable story about the temptation every child faces. Nutsy has fun and sometimes doesn't know when to stop. Luckily he is aided by a "super" hero. I'm sure anyone would enjoy this book for their children or grandchildren. The pictures are very colorful.

"I Don't Want to be Lunch" is a delightful tale about a young squirrel named Nutsy that momentarily forgets his mother's orders to stay in their tree. Instead, Nutsy jumps to the ground to get the biggest and most beautiful nut he has ever seen. Nutsy does not mean to disobey but the nut is too tempting. Learn what Nutsy gets into and how he gets out of trouble in this wonderful and colorful adventure. Recommended for all children.
- Dr. Kathleen Kain, Scientist and Educator

My girlfriend and I met via a web personals site. A friend of her's told us about Roman's book and said we would enjoy it (even though we no longer needed it). She said we would enjoy the commentary. We ordered a copy and we both read it. Let me tell you, it is fantastic! We both found more than a few things that we never thought of and never would have. This book is a wealth of knowledge and if you have ever gone the internet dating route you can identify with 100% of the book. He not only touches upon some very important aspects but makes it all so entertaining. The book is downright funny and fun to read. I just wanted to say that my girl and I have been there and if you're looking for a book that gets to the guts of it without the fluff, Roman Griffen's is the way to go. This could easily be classified as a sociological study as well. It's great!

I've read a lot of books, and I have written many reviews, but never before have I enjoyed a book on dating as much as this one. In the most entertaining fashion, Roman Griffen leads his readers through the landscape of Internet dating, pointing out roadblocks and hazards along the way. In his insightful manner, he outlines the do's and dont's of posting an Internet singles ad, and more importantly, how to identify the ads that are of interest to you.
This book really 'decodes' Internet dating AND it's a pleasure to read. Insigtful, ironic, and oftentimes downright funny. I'd really like to read Roman writing about other topics as well! Excellent book.

This book is hilarious. But it is also a sensible and highly informative step-by-step guide to meeting someone through the web personals. I wish I had read it before subscribing to a major website for meeting singles - Roman's useful suggestions kick in even before you set up your account and start creating your "profile." And although he takes you all the way from the initial soul-searching that he recommends - am I ready for this? - through the first date (who you will find thanks to his sound advice), this slender primer is a quick and easy read. You can walk into your last singles bar on Friday night, enjoy this delightful little book, get a friend to take some digital photos of you (without your children or ex, and not all with your dog - advises Roman), and be up and running on one of these websites before the weekend's over. In addition to offering practical ideas on how to describe yourself and the person you'd like to meet, Roman explains the theories behind his suggestions, which helps resolve questions you'll have throughout the process of searching for and interacting with singles on-line. He offers tips (and yes: tricks and tactics, too) about safety, the searching process, how to grab someone's attention, and about how to be found that you wouldn't otherwise think of. And if you're a novice on the computer or an inexperienced web-user, this book was also designed for you: it provides basic instruction on navigating the web-site screens. But whether or not you're a member or considering joining the fast-growing community of on-line singles, Roman Griffen's book is worth reading for its candid comments about human nature. He confronts in an amusing way some of the fascinating issues surrounding the whole internet dating scene - what people find attractive in others and what makes for chemistry between two people - through his unapologetic defense of the role of photographs in the search for that special someone. The thought-provoking essay he includes at the book's end - "Lust" - examines a related theme. I highly recommend this book.

This is truely a book to enhance your everyday living. It is one that will help you, not only know you have a guardian but put you in touch with yours and help you begin to pray and ask help of all the angels. Patricia's story is not only a story of bravery in the face of many obstacles (Patricia is completely blind and has much suffering to endure)but one of God's love for us that He would permit communications between a human and these heavenly creatures so that we might learn of His great love and care for us. Patricia's writing (another amazing thing since she uses a braille machine to help record her messages) will surely keep you reading and learning about your own spiritual life while being amazed at hers and the wonders God has performed in her soul.
This book has made a big difference in my daily prayer life and has helped me make the angels an important part of my existance.
Her view of suffering and uniting our life and suffering with that of Our Lord's, is a real blessing and one to help all who have open hearts and are open to God's plan for us.
This is well worth your money and time.

This book tells the story of Patricia Devlin, a woman who is blind but who was blessed by God with many gifts, including the gift of being able to communicate with her guardian angel. She chronicles various conversations she has had with angels about the love of God and what He wants in our lives, and also talks about the usefulness of pain and suffering and how it can be offered to God for the salvation of others. This is an amazing and yet very true account which I highly recommend.

Patricia Devlin was certain she was "loosing it" when she could see light (since she was blind and even had her eyes removed at a young age)and heard voices. Her sincere writing chronicles her conversations with her guardian angel and others. The book was fascinating and I have never thought of angels in the same way since reading this book.

This book offers a mosaic of situations all of which conclude in the same destination: redemption. The true stories herein offer tremendous value over and above common biographies and works of fiction in that the resolution of each plot is of having found the truest and only satisfying answer to the problem within.
Never preachy and always hopeful the editor (Ms. Benkovic) provides a no-holds-barred approach to her research, thereby illustrating for us serious and often dire life circumstances from which the reader can draw optimum hope.
A must read.

Unlike more formal lessons in Christian spirituality, this small volume beams a spotlight on actual Grace, huge doses of it, and how that Grace transformed deeply wounded people, from every social strata, into reflections of God's love in the world. There is no magic pill here, no instant resolution for the damage caused by the rape, parental abuse or neglect and poverty. Instead, the reader will find hope that by applying the prescriptions of childlike acceptance of God's love for every person regardless of the life he has chosen, the reader, like the protagonists in "Living" can gradually and patiently turn their lives around. I recommend this volume for anyone and everyone, those of us who are damaged and trying to make it through life will find practical encouragement and suggestions for recovery; those of us whose lives are less impacted will be convicted to reflect God's grace in our lives to those around us. Either way, the reader wins.

I found this book a joy to read and one that gave me great hope for my life and the life of those who would read it. Each Story is different and moving and very inspiring.

Many People encounter God in their lives and many never tell of their experiences. This book made me recall the times God made His presence known and again makes the fire of love rekindle in my heart. I will keep this book by my bed and read it again and again.

It is amazing how such a seemingly easy-to-read book, gently walks the reader deeper and deeper into a path of self-discovery. By sharing his own experiences, the author, makes you get in touch with your own spiritual self. This book truly makes you think. A gem of modern story telling.

THIS IS A REALLY GOOD BOOK (SORRY, KINDA SLOW 2-DAY, CAN'T THINK OF A BETTER WORD THAN JUST "GOOD"!) ANYWAY THIS A EXCELLENT BOOK AND A GREAT GIFT THAT REALLY OPENS YOUR MIND, ESPECIALLY TO THE CATHOLIC RELIGION. IF YOUR NOT CATHOLIC, IS STILL TALKS ABOUT LIVING AS CHRISTIANS IN GENERAL TOO. I AM PRIVELEGED ENOUGH TO LISTEN TO THE AUTHOR DELIVER A SERMON NEARLY EVERY SUNDAY. HE ALWAYS HAS A STRONG AND POWERFUL MESSAGE. I HOPE HE WRITES MANY MORE BOOKS LIKE THIS.

In a time when "gimicky religion" is all too easy to come by this book is a reality check of the first order. If the specific events which are the catalysts for the musings which follow are not ones with which you can identify, you have not been long on planet Earth. This is a book that reminds us all that after "we've found Jesus we still have to brush our teeth and take out the garbage." Hooray for an author who reminds us that all life is holy!

Scullard takes a rather unique approach to Roman history, stopping before the Gracchi and thus avoiding the increasingly confused history of the nation just as it is unarguable moving from city-state status. As always, Scullard's work is well researched but not the best presented for the undergraduate audience. A good text if the instructor is able and willing to explain things to students.

Scullard's work has been and continues to remain the single best introductory text book to Roman history. I have used this book at the Graduate and undergraduate level, and even chosen to use it in my own classes. Scullard makes the subject learnable at all levels and using a clear thematic scheme aids even the novice reader. I highly recommend this book to anyone desiring to gain a good foundation of Roman history.

This is one of the first books I read on Roman history. This along with Scullard's other book that covers from the Gracchi to Nero make a great pair that covers the entire Roman Republic plus the first few emperors. The book is pretty easy to read, and the author has provided an extensive bibliography and series of endnotes for the reader who wants more. I high recommend this book to anyone interested in Roman history.

My personal theology is considerably more liberal than Dr. Brown's. Nevertheless, I think that he does a good job of explaining what many Christians believe about the divinity of Jesus and why. I also believe that his scholarship is thourough and honest, albeit not always impartial. But then again, I doubt that anyone's scholarship is totally impartial.

i guess this will be just another five star review for father brown! raymond brown (now deceased) was a catholic priest and a moderately critical new testament theologian PAR EXCELLENCE. this, like his other works, is well-reasoned, thorough, and essentially impartial. probably the best overall introduction to Christology (which one might define as the study of not only of Jesus, but of His relationship to His surroundings). father brown concentrates on subjects such as Jesus' preception of Himself and His purpose, the probable reaction of His comtemporaries to His teachings, and the overall picture we get from the gospels. this is tremendous scholarship distilled into a brief readable capsule! you will respect this work whether you are fundamentalist or pagan!

I am currently using this book while enrolled in a course in Cristology in graduate school. I have found it to be very helpful and fact filled. The author is very staitforward and does not stray from the subject matter.