Benedict and Yeager describe a vast array of criminal patterns of dozens of current and former NFL players -- including some hideous and barbaric acts for which certain players suffered far too little (if any!) jail time. Because of the variety and brutality of the crimes described, more than the quality of the writing itself, the book is riveting reading; although there is a strongly sensationalistic, tabloid-style undercurrent to the whole piece which may repulse more careful readers. I finished this book with three outstanding impressions:

1) Far too little attention is given to the successful redemption of specific players who have stopped their criminal ways and become solid, admirable citizens (e.g., "Hollywood" Henderson or Cris Carter);

2) The writes make a convincing argument that the pampering which star players recieve in late childhood immunizes them (in their minds) from consequences for their actions; and

3) The authors clearly intended to be shocking at least as much for their own fame and fortune as for any noble social reform. After all, these criminal records are public, and were already well documented in the popular sports media.

Serious football fans and sociologists alike should read this book to learn of a surprisingly sinister element that is liberally sprinkled among Sunday's heroes. But while reading, cast a healthy dose of skepticism at the intent of the writers.

The NFL loves to portray its players as gladiators on the field, but gentle giants off. Benedict and Yeager let us in on the truth, which is that the brutality doesn't end when the whistle blows. I was disgusted not only by the crimes revealed, but also by the lack of adequate punishment in most of the cases. This book is not always a page-turner, as the authors document many players' criminal histories in great detail, but it's a must for professional football fans who want to know the truth about Sunday's heroes.

This is a book that every sports fan with a conscience should read.

No. It doesn't say that "all football players are criminals," but it does say that the behavior of male athletes off the field is not highly scrutinized before they are in the professional ranks and even when iniscretions of players or coaches (often an understatement of some of the acts described in the book) are made public while an athlete is professional, the team wants the incident swept under the rug.

Parents of star high school male athletes need to see this book so they know what's going on in their students' high schools.

The stories hit you one after another. They may shock you, but after the shock wares off, you'll realize you're reading a classic investigative masterpiece that could bring about change, if the forces in the NFL are willing to listen to the authors.

Fr. Gabriele Amorth's portrait of demonic possession and exorcism casts detailed light on this dark area of inquiry which is fraught--more often than not--with controversy and misunderstanding.

Though less poetic or descriptively-gripping than the late Fr. Malachi Martin's classic study on the topic HOSTAGE TO THE DEVIL, Fr. Amorth's book manages to patch up some of the existing knowledge gaps left in the wake of several other pertinent works like Dr. M. Scott Peck's THE PEOPLE OF THE LIE (a psychiatrist's view of evil based on the case histories of his patients), and Bob Larson's IN THE NAME OF SATAN (Tales of a Protestant exorcist).

Fr. Amorth covers critical, new ground by exposing the dangers of Magic and Sorcery (namely spells, hexes, incantations, and curses) and their ability to adversely affect an individual psychologically, physically, and spiritually, even to the point of inducing demonic possession.

Conversely, Fr. Amorth details the various remedies that the Catholic Church offers to the afflicted--in the form of Sacramentals--such as blessed oil, water, and salt, which can be effectively applied--in conjunction with the solemn rite of exorcism--to facilitate an easier and quicker liberation from the fetters of and attachments to the Devil.

Examination is also given to those tell tale, mental and physical signs (Fr. Amorth calls them 'negativities') that often confirm the presence of a possessing demon. Attention is paid to the various forms of bizarre behavior that unfortunate victims of possession exhibit--both prior to and during an exorcism--and how these capital signs authenticate the source of existential torment as evil spirit, and not merely psychophysical malady as the genesis of their suffering.

The author effectively concludes the book with a look at the new attitude (pastoral directives) of Vatican II toward possession, demons, and--as Fr. Amorth says--'the influence that they can exert on single individuals, on communities, on entire societies, or on events,...(as)...very important...for Catholic doctrine.' And how, by calling attention to the ever-present danger posed by these evil entities, the Catholic Church can better assert itself--in the name of Jesus--as the leading organization with the designated spiritual authority to most effectively route the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

In the final analysis, Fr. Amorth's straight-forward, no frills, 'meat and potatos' examination of demonic possession and exorcism succeeds where other fail, providing a terra firma of understanding and solid addition to anyone's private library on the topic.

Father Amorth's purpose in this book was to give practical help to the faithful in recognizing the physical evil of demonic oppression, obsession, and possession. Father Amorth's other purpose is to call all bishops and priests to take up their pastoral duty of gaining the knowledge which would allow them to recognize the signs of demonic activity as compared to psychological problems which may be handled medically. Father Amorth points out that the problem in today's Church is with bishops who do not appoint exorcists and priests who do not believe in the office of exorcist.

Father Amorth argues that to deny the reality of Satan is, in essence, making the redemptive death of God's Son on the cross meaningless. If the devil is not real and does not actively seek the ruin of souls, Christ's mission was for naught.

Of course, this is not the Christian, and particularly Catholic, faith. Father Amorth reminds all the faithful of the primary truth that Satan exists and must be fought with all available means and by all persons within their vocation (i.e., religious, laity). Exorcism, the subject of this book, is one tool to combat Satan.

Father Amorth accurately asserts the problem with many of today's Christian; many will assert the existence of demons because they do not wish to be perceived as holding to some kind of false belief or heresy when, in reality, they do not believe because at the practical level all they believe is natural science.

Of course, this book is sprinkled with practical examples of those physically possessed by the devil. The approach is balanced. To that end, don't expect the accounts to be as titillating as you would find in a Hollywood exorcism (i.e., the Exorcist). Father Amorth does not write for the purpose of sensationalizing the devil. All the same, truth can be stranger than fiction.

Father Amorth, at the time of publishing this book, had been an exorcist in the Diocese of Rome for 9 years. Of the 30,000 people he has personally exorcised, 93 of them have been possessed by demons.

This book reads well. It is highly informative. Buy the book.

Fr. Gabriele Amorth's revealing portrait of demonic possession and exorcism casts detailed, spiritual light on this dark area of inquiry which is fraught--more often than not--with controversy and misunderstanding. It also supplements other pertinent texts such as Father Malachi Martin's classic study HOSTAGE TO THE DEVIL, and Bob Larson's IN THE NAME OF SATAN.

Fr. Amorth covers critical ground by exposing the dangers of magic and sorcery (namely spells, hexes, incantations and curses) and their ability to adversely effect a recipient individual psychologically, physically, and spiritually, even to the point of inducing demonic possession. Conversely, he details the various remedies that the Church offers to the afflicted--in the form of Sacramentals--such as blessed oil, water, and salt, that can supplement the solemn rite of exorcism, ensuring an easier liberation from the fetters of and shackles to the Devil.

He also examines those tell-tale, mental and physical signs (he calls them 'negativities') that often confirm the presence of a possessing demon. Attention is also paid to the numerous forms of bizarre behaviour that the unfortunate victims of possession exhibit--both prior to and during an exorcism--and how these capital signs authenticate the source of their existential torment as evil spirit, and not merely psychophysical malady as the genesis.

The author effectively concludes the book with a look at the new attitude (pastoral directives) of Vatican II toward possession, demons and--as the good Father says--'...the influence that they can exert on single individuals, on communities, on entire societies, or on events...(as)...very important...

In the final analysis, Fr. Amorth's objective, straight-forward presentation of the complexities of demonic possession and exorcism facilitates a terra firma of understanding--partially unravelling the ageless mystery of good versus evil--thereby, providing a solid addition to anyone's private library on the topic.

This is an excellent book for understanding the present "state" (no pun intended) of the world. Why is the globe chopped up into these seemingly arbitrary political units?, is Anderson's question. How can one make sense of nationalism and its development throughout the world in the last few hundred years?

Anderson's reliance on "print capitalism" and the literate class (elite and educated bourgeois) as the predominant community to imagine itself seems limited to me. The politically dominant group's use of nationalism as a reinforcement of power structures, or in order to re-form power structures in the case of revolution and resistance, in Anderson's argument, developed through a widespread choice of language and access to information within that language group. Religious affiliations, and ethnic communities shaped not only through spoken/written languages in the pre-capitalist period were gradually replaced by nationalistic groups developed through colonialist projects.

If you read this book, you will open your eyes to the present reality of nationalism, which is now being contradicted by the rise of super-national constituencies based on religious affiliation. Almost a step backward to feudalism, and I await Anderson's next book and some illuminating theory on recent world conflicts.

In Imagined Communities, Anderson gives a detailed analysis of nation building projects and their relationship to print media. Nationalism has been a difficult concept to define. Some like King Faisal's right hand man, Sati Al-Husri, defined nationalism by language. In contrast, Anderson defines nationalism as a construction created in imagination by print media. "It is imagined because the members of even the smallest nation will never know most of their fellow-members," Anderson explains. Moreover, "It is imagined as a community, because, regardless of the actual inequality and exploitation that may prevail in each, the nation is always conceived as a deep, horizontal comradeship. Ultimately, it is this fraternity that makes it possible, over the past two centuries for so many millions of people, not so much to kill, as willingly to die for such limited imaginings."
Anderson looks at the early communities, which he says were mostly constructed around religious ideologies and were linked by the publication of books on those religious concepts. These original "communities" did not necessarily confine themselves to a given geo-political unit. However, newspapers made it possible for people in a geographically vast region to discuss the same topic at the local coffee shop, coffer or workshop. This, says Anderson, had a powerful impact on the creation of an imagined community, called a nation. Anderson then begins to look at conglomerate pioneers as a contrast to nation-state building projects. In this area, he discusses market-zones, similar to, but preceding organizations like the European Union. Who would die for such a construction? asks Anderson. He makes a distinction between this kind of imagined community and the imagined community of the nation-state.
Anderson's historical examination of the construction of nationalism seems to have merits. However, he leaves open the idea that it is an ongoing and dynamic process. This text lays the foundation for future examinations of "imagined communities" in new forms. Media appears to be a critical social component in Anderson's argument. If that is the case, there is another question that follows. What happens when the forms of media change? What happens when media, that was, at one time, limited to a geographical location becomes global? What happens when media forms that were at one time, linguistically limited, expand to bilingual or possibly even multilingual components? Anderson's book provides a great framework from which to do future scholarship.

Benedict Anderson's Imagined Communities is one of the most important and influential books on the phenomenon of nationalism currently in print. The primary contribution he makes concerns the notion of the development of a community with shared or common cultural media that generate a sense of communal self-awareness or consciousness. Although he uses as his primary example the experience of reading a newspaper (which makes readers conscious of others who share their values, concerns, and experiences, even if they have no direct contact with those people, often over a great distance), the imagined community has broader implications.

This book will make you think about how you conceive of the communities you belong to, and how these communities are created and reproduced. Beyond the obvious importance of broadcast media, in modern American culture, the mall, with its ubiquitous chain stores, is an important motor of our imagined American community: you will find the same basic stores, carrying the same basic styles, in every town in America, creating a sense of common tastes and culture.

While some may complain that the book is dry and boring, it is a scholarly work intended for an educated audience. It is not a popularization intended for the general public. Nevertheless, if you are up for it, it is more than worthwhile.

'Moon Shot' is an excellent tome that gives a clear and consise insider look at the Space program from Explorer I to Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Apollo-Soyuz! At times, Al Shepard (one of four authors and original Mercury astronaut) seems to take the word processor away from the others and begins to change the story into, "Moon Shot: The Al Shepard Story." If you saw the adaption of this book into a documentary on TBS, you will understand. Page after page is devoted to Shepard's Apollo 14 flight but hardly anything for many of the Gemini missions. Hmmm, Shepard wasn't flying during that program...connection? All together, through, Slayton's views on the events he helped run are the real jewel. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

This is the only true insiders acount of Americas race to the moon. Co-written by Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton two of the original Mercury astronauts it tells the story from the beginning. The book shares not only what they said and what they did,but also what they thought. It's candid and straightforward. From the tragedy of Apollo 1 to the triumph of Apollo 11 you'll read about how it was to be inside the pressure cooker of the space program from the astronauts themselves. Shepard was the first American in space and ultimately walked on the moon. Slayton flew on the historic Apollo-Soyuz mission that closed out the Apollo program. Their story is the one that you need to read if you want to know how we got to the moon. Don't miss this book!!

Great book! You get the point of view of two who were on the inside (Shepherd and Slayton) and two reporters who help make the story flow. The wording replicates the true drama of the moments as if you were actually there during the key moments in America's drive to land men on the moon. You'll swear you are beside Alan Shepherd as the Apollo 14 LEM descends toward the moons surface as the computer and radar problems amount. Good, thorough history of the major trials and triumphs of the Apollo program set against the backdrop of getting to the moon before the Soviets. If you enjoy reading about Space Exploration, you owe it to yourself to get this book

Anyone who wishes to seriously study Japanese civilization and culture should read this book which is considered a classic, seminal text on the subject. It introduced insights into Japanese culture that are now old hat but were fresh and new to American minds when the book was first published. Although the book is a bit dated as more anthropologists have studied the subject and have been able to conduct field research - which Benedict did not do -, scholars in the field still refer to Benedict's work, so its still worth reading if you want to be fully versed in the literature and discourse. However, if you're entirely new to studying Japanese culture and civilization, this is very readable and a wonderful beginning since Benedict wrote about her Japanese interviewees with real insight and the desire to truly understand the Japanese. Just keep in mind, that this book should be supplemented with other, more recent texts, particularly ones in which the anthropologists actually did conduct field research.

Chrysanthemum and the Sword : Patterns of Japanese Culture by Ruth Benedict was intended as a commissioned anthropological study of the Japanese culture at the end of WWII. The study was harshly treated and criticized by some of the anthropologists and by many in the near-political university circles because the author use of circumstantial and indirect evidence, since she never went to Japan and did not know the language.

In my opinion, the study however is clear, unencumbendt by assumptions, fairly objective. I feel that Benedict accomplished her goal in laying out the foundation for understanding of what American Japanese administration can do in rebuilding the Japan society so the WWII aggression won't be repeated.

Personally, Benedicts clear explanation of hierarchy of cultural obligation (to the emperor, family, and to ones honor), descriptions of the child upbringing gave me useful insights into Japanese literary and esthetic traditions; and to the history of the development of Buddhism. I would highly recommend it for anybody who wants to understand cultural foundation of Japanese character; and also as a curious piece on how Japan was perceived circa 1946, when nothing of the impending economic recovery, political reorientation and cultural shifts of today were known.

Okay, so maybe it's out-of-date. But it's still a classic. I have essentially no interest in Japan, but this book fascinated me so much I read it in one sitting. It's an easy read, and Benedict has a light, interesting style. At the time it was written, after the end of WWII, I suspect it was a huge best-seller. The author attempts to explain the bizarre behavior of the Japanese, e.g. their shock that American POWs would want the U.S. government to be informed of their capture. In the Japanese mind at that time, POWs were considered "dead" to their culture. Other strange beliefs are covered. Why, for example, did not the other Asian countries Japan conquered welcome the Japanese, who were only going to show these countries the proper place in the hierarchy (of course with Japan at the top)? Intriguing book, and very educational.

This controversial book raises questions about the legitimacy of the claims of Skip Hayward and his family that they are the Pequot Indian Tribe and deserving of the federal recognition that allows them to operate Foxwoods, the world's largest casino, free from government regulation and taxation. The author presents thoroughly researched information, which is well documented. The claims made in the book have stirred up quite a controversy in Connecticut and California. Opponents of the book, and specifically the Tribal representatives, criticize the credibility of the author and the information he presents. However, their focus on minor typos can deter attention from the true issue for only so long. If the claims made by Benedict are not true, then the Tribal Representatives should have no problem turning over the appropriate documentation and genealogical records to prove that they truly are the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and do meet the various requirements of the BIA's review process to determine whether or not they qualify for the benefits afforded them by their status as a Federally recognized tribe. Benedict does an excellent job of telling this fascinating and complicated story. Even the difficult legal and political sections are handled well and are easy to follow.

Without Reservation by Jeff Benedict is an expose on how an extinct Native American tribe's heritage was expropriated by a small group of individuals who have used it to become fantastically wealthy. The author has documented in extraordinary detail (with his sources identified) how this occurred, including the deception of the US Congress. I live in the town that neighbors Foxwoods and have been living with its effects since it opened. I also have been directly involved in dealing with the "tribe" and I can attest to the accuracy of some of what has been exposed by this book. But even I have been amazed at what the author has discovered and documented. You may hear claims that this book is anti-Indian and even racist, but it is far from it. Indeed it points out how true Native American tribes have not been helped by Indian gaming while this bogus tribe has become incredibly wealthy. This is an absolute must read.

When I tell people I live 25 miles from the worlds largest casino they think I must live in NJ or Nevada. No. Right here is Connecticut the Pequot nation has built a facility that is really hard to believe.

This beautiful structure seeps out of the earth and towers over the surrounding hills. It is pretty. It is unique. It is a smashing success. But everyone in CT wondered and now everyone everywhere wonders if this business is legit or not. Jeff Benedict has certainly planted a seed of doubt in this book.

Although much of the book is bogged down with more details than you may want to know the basics are pretty easy to understand. Are they really Indians? Do they deserve what they have? Can it happen in other places? Who knows.

The Mashantucket Pequot tribe has a reservation of some 2000 acres. Twenty years ago this area was woods. But can a group of self proclaimed Indians claim this area and build what has become the largest casino in the world? Yes because they did it. But how it happened will probably infuriate you. A collection of screw ups, political favors, politicians with no sense of ethics and fear of turning down yet another minority group finally got the Pequots what they want.

Read this and other books about Ledyard CT to be totally disillusioned with government on a local and federal level.