This is in important publication in view of current pest introductions and eradication programs. This book serves as an invaluable resource to outline the biological significance of exotic pests as well as issues regarding public policy of eradication efforts. Failures and successes are discussed.

In 2000 we are revisiting many of these issues- the citrus canker eradication effort in Florida took 30 years... and now we are battling another infestation of this devastating plant disease. Fire ant has spread to California. Repeated infestations of exotic fruit flies are found in the US.

Dahlstein and Garcia's compilation of case histories can help the general public, eradication and regulatory personnel, policy makers and scientists to understand issues and concerns that also apply to our current problems.

"Men Seeking Women" is a genuinely entertaining collection of stories that all, in one way or another, center around sexual relations on the internet (with the curious exception of the last story by Po Bronson which, while good, doesn't seem to have anything to do with the rest of the collection). This is a really strong group of stories that explores the impact of the internet on the interactions between the sexes in a variety of different ways and from a variety of different angles. Some of the stories were better than others, of course, but I particularly liked "Payback Time" by Gary Krist, which takes as its theme the way men develop powerful crushes on enigmatic women they encounter on-line but of whom they know nothing; "Minesweeper" by David Liss, which is about a serial internet liar and how he justifies his awful behavior to himself; "The Face in the Glass" by Paul Hond, which is basically just effective and creepy; and "Prisoners of the Heart" which is, perhaps, not particularly realistic, but a whole lot of fun.

I bought this book for a friend a few years ago, and fell in love with the story, so I bought a copy for myself. I ended up giving the book to my nephew when he was born. Now that I've had my own child, I will buy it again and I look forward to reading this story to her. I like the cultural portrayal of spirits - not frightening-- that they may be spooky but we also take them for granted. It's a fun story, with bright, colorful illustrations.

This book has it all. Stories from fans, DeadHeads, personal friends, associates, etc. Touching anecdotes. Humor. Love. Peace. And of course...THE MUSIC! No matter what your story is or how you "got on the bus" you deserve to have the oppurtunity to read this book. I promise you, whatever your connection to the Dead is, there is a story in here expressing your feelings. AMAZING. Please buy it, it is well worth it. All DeadHeads need to read this book (although I feel even someone who didn't even like the Dead would find this book equally amazing). I cannot say enough good things about this book. When I got through with my copy, I gave it to a friend because I was so touched I had to do something generous. Keep the "Unbroke Chain" alive my friends. Peace!

Amazing poetry that will blow the top of your head off!

The subtitle of this book should be "The Story of the Music of Karen and Richard Carpenter." The book does not tell the story of their lives, as the title suggests. It is obviously written by a fan who has done a lot of fact gathering from fan clubs, magazines, and album covers. Garcia goes into agonizing detail on the chart history of many Carpenters songs, and no detail on the real lives and circumstances in the lives of the Carpenters. The writing is amaturish. It would be considered an excellent school report, although he describes the sound of an alto flute as "picturesque" (you can't paint a picture of a sound). Garcia has also provided a lot of facts, in list form -- every song, album, concert, and public appearance made by (the) Carpenters. The illustrations included in this book however, are lovely.

Overall, this was a very disappointing read.

This is a book that I really enjoyed reading. I've been a Carpenters fan since the 70s and I really appreciate another viewpoint of this famous brother and sister team. The author finally gives credit where credit is due. Because Karen and Richard were great talents, who were totally devoted to making their music perfect. I also enjoyed reading and learning new things about the Carpenters that the Ray Coleman biography didn't cover.

Example. This book gives Karen's solo album a positive review over some of the unfair criticism made by others. I am so happy that this is written down for everyone to see it. Karen would have loved this very much. Another example. When I first started buying the CDs in the mid 80s, I noticed that some of the songs sounded different. This book confirms it, thanks in part to the author's vast knowledge of the Carpenters recordings.

I think fans and the newer fans would enjoy this book very much. Karen was a real person who was a lot of fun to be around and sincere without being phony. The same is true for Richard. He knew what worked for Karen and they were a team.

I've enjoyed reading and re-reading this book and I think you will too.

"Close to You...The Story of Richard and Karen Carpenter" by Ronald Garcia, is a well written, easily read book on the Carpenters. There is a great deal of information, not found elsewhere, and there are some lovely portraits of Richard and Karen that are suitable for framing. The Carpenters were a very underrated musical family and I think books like this one will remind people just how talented Richard and Karen were as a team, and what a tremendous loss to the world Karen's death from anorexia nervosa was.

This book is not recommended for those interested in accurate information on the subject. Whereas I counted countless errors, I think the most telling is that the authors did not know that Cesar Chavez was the eldest son in the Chavez family. At least three times they mention his brother Richard as being older. If biographers can not get this important fact correct, you can imagine how accurate the rest of the book is. I would say reading it is a waste of time.

Cesar was the second born in the chavez family that had 6 kids. After reading this incredible book (TWICE) I have found no errors. This book is true to the core. GOOD BOOK! The other reviewer was obviously a drunk monkey!

Unless you are forced to read this book for a class my recommendation would be to avoid it at all costs. There is precious little useful information or guidance for the prospective teacher.