Accurate, Funny, and informative. This book captures the real (and not so real) world of government and other large projects spot on. Having been on both sides (NASA and contractor), there be truth in this wit. Enjoy. To be appreciated, best read while sitting on a $600 toilet seat.

I would not have ever expected to find myself laughing out loud, nor even smiling often while reading a book that discusses government projects and corporations who contract them. Norman Augustine provides a clear and critical insight into the corporate-government affairs world with just enough graphs and charts to make it comprehensible yet not overbearing. I found it as light reading - which is a virtue on it's own when reading about such complex a subject.

Norm Augustine has captured the government defense aerospace industry "sprawling on a pin" for dissection. In one particularly humorous bit he points out that just when the aerospace industry's trend to more and more expensive combat aircraft looked like it might be stalled since adding weight is anathema to aircraft -- along came something expensive and weightless to fill the gap -- software! This is one terrific book! Just the figure showing there is no correlation between what executives are paid and the performance of their companies is worth the price of admission.

If you are familiar with the holistic concept of health, then you know that it recognizes that all of the systems of the body must be in balance in order for the whole to work properly, that each part of the whole is connected in some way with every other part. A holistic approach to life leads us to the unavoidable conclusion that there is a oneness between the cells of our bodies, between the people who inhabit a city, between the planets and stars that inhabit the universe. What if this oneness could actually be experienced? What if it could actually be seen and felt? Imagine how differently people would treat each other if they realized that we are all part of one being? That what we do to another we are actually doing to ourselves?
I found Christ Consciousness, by Norman Paulsen, to be a wonderful book that shows us that within each one of us exists the ability to establish communication with and to experience the brilliance of an inner light, and our oneness, through this light, with all of creation.
Norman reveals the subtle nature of consciousness, as he unfolds his own journey and the evolution of Christ Consciousness that has taken place within him. Norman's search for God led him to Paramhansa Yogananda. As related in this book, his autobiography, his continued efforts produced a face to face meeting with that Being of Light called I Am That I Am, Christ. Norman was ordained by Yogananda to teach others how to experience this most wonderful meeting, and how to begin to be able to have direct communication with this Being of Light, our Creator.
If there is actually a way to establish communication (communion) with God, and realize our inherent oneness with all of the wonderful images of light and sound that dance around us, everyone and everything, who would not wish to accomplish it? Norman Paulsen's writings offer us the opportunity to become aware of the sacred forces that enable us to live from one moment to the next, and to see how to balance these forces within ourselves and within others. Paulsen shows us a glimpse of how different life could be: illness being treated by working with the underlying cosmic forces of life, buildings being built in accordance with sacred geometry, people being conscious of the connection between themselves and the earth, plants, minerals, and animals. When people realize the essential oneness of all created images, everyone will approach life in a holistic manner.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for guidance in the search for God and the understanding of the creation that surrounds us. This book is such an inspiration because it gives us all hope ... the hope that we can accomplish what Norman did ... the hope that we can find out for ourselves, beyond the shadow of any doubt, that there really is a God ... and that He is very much alive and wanting to be involved in our lives.

This is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. This book is a “must read” for anyone having chosen a conscious spiritual path and who has ever had experiences they could not explain or thought just too far out to be real. As one who taught meditation and other spiritual practices for sometime, I can tell you with confidence that aside from Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”, nowhere else do I know of a personal account of spiritual awakening so revealing, rich, and honest. Incredibly affirming, so many of Mr. Paulsen’s experiences mirror my own -- but especially attunement to the distinctive, tranquil, inner voice -- his guiding light since birth.

In this biography, Mr. Paulsen relates his innermost spiritual experiences and adventures in a most candid and sometimes child-like way (most refreshing!) that is quite engaging and easy to read. Many spiritual biographies I have read were a bit hard to follow; either too cerebral, ungrounded, or offered in poetic and even nebulous terms leaving the reader to fill in the gaps. However, Mr. Paulsen’s account is presented in straightforward language and lends credence to the experiences each one of us may yet be destined to have or have had along the spiritual path. Most importantly, his account leaves the reader with a greater sense of oneness; offering many examples to any longer wonder at the reality of your soulful encounters. This book also contains an abundance of wonderful photographs and excellent sketches that richly illustrate his encounters that bring to life his journey in a most incredible way.

Spiritual seekers have long questioned the validity and value of their epiphanies, the purpose of their dark nights, and the meaning of their illuminations; as well as doubted the sanity of their thoughts about these on an interior level. Look no further: Mr. Paulsen covers all the bases, and then some! Once began, you won’t want this book to end. I can only hope Mr. Paulsen will choose to write a sequel since I understand he is still teaching, alive, and well.

Read this book with the open heart of a child and I dare say you shall be transformed. A true blessing for all of us!

this book is about fearlesness, which is the number one rule, i chose to be here at this time, fighting everyday wearing my armour of wisdom. i have yet to find one true warrior in the ranks of this earth. a great warrior in deed was yogananda a great warrior, he was fearless, it seems some of the diciples of today are still frightened and scared, trying to convince themselves of his teachings, norman, aspra per aspra. bring it on!

This is quite possibly the finest tactical instruction manual on the market. Despite regional variences in tactics, this book will expand your understanding of your current SOP's and allow you to try something new with a proven record. Masterfully written and not the boring text you're used to in textbooks. This is a must read for anyone wishing to advance in the fire service...truly a new essential.

Firefighting... you never learn it all.
John Norman and I have come from different firefighting backgrounds. Most of his book reflects his experience in larger metropolitan areas. His book's chapters on ladder companies and high rises raise issues which are seldom used in smaller, semi-rural communities like the one in which I live. Likewise he does not address wildland fires or oil well fires such as the ones which we deal with here in East Texas.
However I appreciate our differences and it here that I learn how to become a better firefighter than I am. When I was first taught scene size-up, I was taught four basic questions: What do I have? What do I need? What do I want? and Who's in command? Norman prefers the acronym COAL WAS WEALTH. (Pardon me if I refer to page 17 of Norman's book at this time.) The last of my four questions should reflect my adherrence to the Incident Command System which is something that Norman's index cites only on page 70.
You never learn it all. Norman includes chapters on ventilation, search and rescue, forcible entry, firefighter survival, etc. Even though Norman writes for larger metropolitan areas, all firefighters can learn from it. Every page of my copy has something highlighted.

This is the first fire service manual that I have ever read that does a good job of putting all of the pieces together. Mr. Norman talks the talk after obviously having walked the walk. The book is very well laid out and won't bore you to death. Includes plenty of real life examples to support the strategies and tactics being presented. A very good read for anyone involved in the fire service at any level.

Although written for kids I believe this book is worth reading for everyone. I only read the original German issue but I'm sure any translation can't change much. Even though all of Pausewang's books are really recommendable this one is the very best! Try it!

This book was amazing. I got it in the morning at the scool library and finished it that night. It is about an atomic bomb that was dropped on a city in Germany. Even though it was fiction, the possibility that it could happen is very real. I don't think children younger than ten should be reading this book, it is extremely intense. It has some very vivid and intense seens which can be disturbing. For instance, people without faces, or people that had their skin burned off of them. As gruesom as it may sound, which it is, this is an exelent reader if it is presented with the right audience. Don't let this book go by you unread!

This book really opened my eyes. I couldnt put it down. I never thought that an atomic bomb could cause so much disaster. It is the first book i have got in to for a long time (a good read). I will definanatly be reading this book again

I first saw this book at my niece's home Christmas day; her husband had given it to her as a present. I thumbed through it and couldn't wait to get home and order it. Lovely illustrations and poems and stories. This would be a perfect Christmas present. Keep this in mind for this year's gift giving and keep one for yourself. You won't be sorry.

This is an ideal gift or a treasure to keep for yourself. I am a 25 year old that has enjoyed this book with my family every Christmas since I can remember. The stories and pictures will warm your heart! It has been a tradition in my family and one I recommend for any family!

I am 26 years old, and my father has read my sister and I a story from this book every Christmas Eve since I can remember. Even the few times we have spent Christmas away from home, we have brought this book with us. This Christmas will be the first Christmas I have ever been apart from my family. I will be spending it with my new husband. We'll be starting Christmas traditions of our own - but this is one we will always carry on... Thanks Daddy.

This is a wonderful book, one of my five favorites when it comes to paleontology. Where to begin! First all, the book covers the entire history of life on earth, beginning with the origin of the earth itself, through the beginning of life, the advent of multicellular life, the bizarre Vendian fauna of the late Precambrian, through the now famous world of the Burgess Shale, into the explosion of life in the seas of the Cambrian, on into the debut of fishes, the conquering of land by plants, insects, and amphibians, to the development of reptiles, all the way through early mammals, dinosaurs, pterosaurs, the Cenozoic "Age of Mammals," the Ice Ages, and early man. As I have pointed out in other reviews, too many books focus exclusively or mainly on dinosaurs, and David Norman deserves high credit for not negelecting other aspects of the development of life on earth.

Second, he is thorough in his coverage on most aspects of the paleonotological record. In his section on trilobites for instance, he has photographs of trilobite fossils and artists illustrations of trilobites swimming, molting, walking, curling up in defense, egg laying, and plowing the seabed for food. The accompanying text is no less detailed and useful. On the lengthy section of conquering the land, Norman has a great diagram showing the major structural changes that fishes underwent to conquer the terrestrial world (particularly in the areas of the pelvic and pectoral girdles and the spine), several illustrations of amphibian skeletons, and several nice illustrations of early amphibians, both individually and in the context of their environment. Dinosaurs as you might imagine get a huge section, with an entire additional chapter devoted the evolution of birds and dinosaur-bird relationships (including discussion of issues of dinosaur endothermy). Marine reptiles of the Mesozoic are not neglected, with many excellent illustrations including some very fine paintings, photographs of fossils, and a diagram illustrating the differences between the swimming and body styles of three main groups, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and pliosaurs. The section on extinct mammals and mammalian evolution is quite thorough and one of my favorites, as extinct mammals are otherwise very poorly covered in the popular literature. In a readable and engaging format Norman discusses such varied topics in this area as the differences between birds and mammals with regards to the efficiency of their breathing systems, the evolutionary history of Australia's marsupials, the Great Faunal Interchange between North and South America, the evolution of whales, and the rise of grasslands and the role that played in mammalian evolution.

Third, the book, as you might gather, is richly illustrated. Though very much a great text one can sit down and read, it is packed with excellent photographs, drawings, and paintings of fossils, skeletons, animals and plants as they appeared in life, and prehistoric environments. Personal favorites include on pages 100-101 the early reptile Hylonmous scampering after a meal in a coal swamp, on pages 136-137 a scene of two Late Triassic pterosaurs fishing for a meal, and a Gigantopithecus family with associated fauna and flora on page 219.

Fourth (do you still need a reason to buy this book?) the book is very readable. Though quite accurate (though unfortunately one or two aspects of its coverage of the Burgess Shale and dinosaurs are a bit dated, hard to avoid), it is not a difficult read and one need not be a professional biologist. Relevant terms are well explained, often with the aid of diagrams and charts.

Norman planned this book ir order to provide a pleasant and highly understandable reading without lack of information, covering everything related to pre-historic life, from the greatest animals to the life development hypotesis. It also brings to the reader one of the best visions of life sucession and evolution on Earth. It's wonderfully ilustrated with some pictures that you can see in famous museum exibitions, such as the Deinonychus attack, from Uk National History Museum (pages 158-159) and many others. It is my favourite pre-historic book and I strongly believe that it is a must for every natural science library or collection. It's suitable for everyone interested in a good and clear aproach in this subject. It's not properlly a scholar book but it can be a great help even for paleontology students.

This book is one of the best of its kind. It uncoveres the Evolution of vertebrates in a perfekt way. Beautifull illustrations, which make the animals feel closer to you then ever. This book is really a pleasure to read!!!

Although I have some formal chemistry training I am not a professional chemist, nor teacher. However, since childhood I have been fascinated by the chemical elements. I suppose it is similar to the fascination for prime numbers, Platonic solids, and elementary particles.

I suspect there are many others out there sharing this fascination. If so, and you are interested in any of the following, this book might be for you:

1) why are most elements metals? 2) why are there so few liquid elements? 3) why are there no gaseous metals? (Well actually there is: hydrogen) 4) why is there an island of super-dense elements centered about osmium? 5) why is carbon unique in that it is the progenitor of a vast family of commpounds (the subject of organic chemistry)? 6) why do carbon's two nearest neighbors, silicon and boron, not have similar empires? 7) what makes "heavy metals" heavy, and why are they so toxic? 8) why is there virtually no technetium in the Earth, though it is a relatively light metal, and not a member of the "heavy" radio-active series? 9) why is deuterium virtually a distinct elements (rather than a form of hydrogen)?

The book is "friendly" enough so as not to intimidate non-specialist, but at the same time it contains sufficient details and technical information to interest the expert. A special asset is the grouping of elements according to the periodic table. The mysteries of the transitions elements are especially well covered.

The book is enhaced by excellent graphics.

The price, while high for say a novel, it quite reasonable for a technical book.

Happy browsing!

I bought this book as a recommended text to accompany a senior/graduate two semester inorganic chemistry of the elements course. One of the few "texts" I would have had no problems buying outside of school. The information is extensive, but well organized and useful.

This book is an essential component of the practicicing inorganic chemist's library. The fundamental information contained within are the seeds for the further study of chemistry.

Dr. Kisamore wrote a masterpiece. A wonderful and tragic story that allows you to become part of it. The story begins with a brief history of the Kisamore legacy and ends with the sacrifice and glory of a young warrior and hero. Dr. Kisamore masterfully brings the reader into the story. After reading the book, I felt like I had lost a friend and Big Brother. Thank you Dr. "K" for allowing me to get to know " Leo, Your Big Brother".

This is an excellent book that contains the elements of both a great tragedy and comedy. It is strange that these two can exist in a work of non-fiction together. Dr. K's witty writing and sense of humor create a different light to his memories. This book gave me an excellent insight to the horrors of war, and I impaciently await any new releases Dr. K plans to release!

"Leo, My Big Brother" (A World War II Story,in which the author brings a loving tribute to his big brother)

Leo was a WWII hero. He flew off to war and never came home. He had the same dreams and aspirations as all American young men of that era as he bravely went off to fight for his country. He left a young war bride behind as well as a loving family. His life as a youngster, growing up in rural Western Maryland, brings back memories to those of us who lived there and shared those memories. We relive those happy times through the eyes of Dr. Kisamore (the "litttle brother"), and we remember with loving pride and gratitude those young heroes who eventually gave us back a peaceful world.

Although not on quite the same level of Volumes One and Two in this five book set of all of Philip K. Dick's short fiction, Second Variety and Other Classic Stories is a worthwhile read for any PKD fan.

Dick cranked out stories very quickly in his early years, and some of these tales do have a certain sense of being rushed, but others, including the title story are nothing short of brilliant. As usual, Dick focuses on dystopic futures that are politically and/or environmentally ravaged; usually these stories have a level of humor too, but others in this collection are more purely downbeat.

While some stories are just okay, I particularly enjoyed "The Golden Man," "Second Variety" and "Foster, You're Dead." There are some other great ones, too. I would recommend this to any science fiction fan who wants to read some truly original fiction; this is another good collection of Dick's short stories.

The man is good. If you have not read any of Philip K. Dick I would highly recommend any of his books. He is by far the best Sci-Fi writer ever. Some of my favorite short stories from this book are "The Father-Thing, The Golden Man, The Hanging Stranger." Heck, they are all good. They remind me more of episodes of "The Twilight Zone" then just Sci-Fi.

This book, third in a set of five from Citadel Press (who are doing similar definitive collections of Robert Bloch & Theodore Sturgeon), collects all of Dick's short stories, the vast majority of them from the 50s - not coincidentally, the high-water mark of the sf pulps. All are introduced by later-era sf writers like Tom Disch, Norman Spinrad & this volume's John Brunner; unfortunately, all take pains to point out that the true value of these stories was in their raw wealth of ideas, which Dick later cannibalized and expanded upon in his novels. During his short-story tyro period, Dick wrote fast and furious (how does a story a week sound?) and the conventional wisdom states that these tales are too one-dimensional, formulaic and crudely-written to have much artistic quality on their own merits. I strongly disagree. While Dick's later novels are of course worth reading, these early stories literally SEETHE with fevered imagination: it's important to note that he does not employ recurring characters or settings here. He literally starts each story with a blank canvas, which only makes his prolific output that much more astounding. All of his obsessions and central themes are already present, but emerging as they did against the backdrop of the American 50s, the oft-noted 'flaws' in these small gems lend an eerily authentic surrealism and subversive power that his 60s and 70s work (when the world he lived in was already waist-deep in 'science fiction time', to use a Spinrad phrase) somewhat lack. Actually, Dick's COLLECTED STORIES, like much of the most resonant 50s sf, can be savored as much for their horror-story frissons, or their mythic and allegorical properties, as they can as pure speculative fiction. (And one could make the argument that such work, produced under the spectres of McCarthyism, The Bomb, flying-saucer sightings, a growing militarism and the incipient gray-flannelled paranoia festering in the newly-minted utopia of suburbia, was much more daring and revolutionary than similar Dick-inspired work published in the far-less-restrictive, anything-goes 60s). Sure, many of the characters in COLLECTED STORIES read like print versions of Kenneth Tobey and Morris Ankrum, but therein lies their power; they're true to the era in a way that 'better-written', more fully developed protagonists probably couldn't be. Anyway, to cut a long-winded sermon short, readers drawn to either sf or horror, as well as those who nominally detest both genres but do enjoy a touch of strangeness and obsessiveness in their fiction, should run out and buy SECOND VARIETY and the other four books in this series. You may be surprised to find many of these 'one-dimensional' stories, written hastily for money, clinging like burrs to your subconscious long after the work of Great Authors have slid noiselessly from memory. Mandatory reading.