Dr. Thompson (author) in the introductory pages of the book- "The question naturally arises as to whether modern astronomical themes as seen in the old texts are really there, or are they simply being read in hindsight. Were such themes intended by the original authors or is their presence in the text due to coincidence or loose interpretation. It is difficult to answer this question in all cases."

A book that starts off with such an honest thought - you can see that the author did work really hard on the matter in anticipation of any skepticism.

I have been reading Dr. Thompson's works for quite some time now. This book is just amazing - the detail and information packed in this book - simply amazing.

There are very clear explanations, pictures and references to Vedic texts and there is no ambiguity. The author presents a very clear picture of how the Universe was thought of or perceived in the Vedic period. This book is based on 25 years of hard work from a Cornell mathematician.

I recently atteneded a seminar presented on this book. You may also want to purchase the Sacred Universe CD with Dr. Thompson's mulimedia presentations and pictures (NOT included with the book).

If you are interested in Vedic cosomology and astronomy and how the Puranas correspond to the Universe, you MUST read this book. period.

Simply stated, this book was not at all what I had expected. It far exceeded my expectations. I had expected another treatise on the mythology and belief systems of Puranic literature mixed with some way of tying it to today's understanding of life and the cosmos. Instead it was a very scholarly work that delved into the knowledge of ancient India and how it was expressed in terms of mythology. The author's interpretation of this mythology brings it into focus and ties it to what we have learned in the field of modern astronomy. Instead of viewing the Puranic literature as being composed by those who were less knowledgeable and limited in their understanding and superstitious in their ways, his interpretations shows that they had a very advanced understanding of the universe around them. A little complex and confusing at times, it required rereading of several sections before I really understood how they were tied together. Not a work that I would recommend to a new-comer to the Puranic literature but a highly recommended volume to anyone with an intermediate knowledge.

The "Bhagavata Purana" is one of the classical scriptures of Hinduism. In Mysteries Of The Sacred Universe, Richard Thompson draws upon his considerable research and expertise to show that the cosmology of the "Bhagavata Purana" is a sophisticated system with multiple levels of meaning encoding at least four different astronomical, geographical, and spiritual world models. Thompson shows how ancient scientists expressed exact knowledge in mythological terms. He also compares the ancient traditions of Egypt and the Near East to reveal early cultural connections between India and these regions. Mysteries Of The Sacred Universe is informative and thought-provoking reading, which offers an insightful understanding of how the spiritual dimension was integrated into ancient Indian cosmology. Also highly recommended is the Mysteries Of The Sacred Universe Interactive CD ... which is enhanced with 250 color pictures, 23 computer graphics animations, 13 interactive picture sequences, and a 48-minute video of all topics covered in the book edition.

The Special Operations Forces Medical Handbook is absolutely the best medical handbook that I have found to date for remote medical support operations. Besides being very compact, which makes the manual a very functional travel companion, the book is packed with an incredible amount of useful medical information. If you are a remote medical practitioner, this is a medical reference manual that you will not want to be without.

C. Leigh Culver
CEO, Global Med-X LLC

Not only is the content in this book exceptional (especially for you survivalist types), the best part is the writing. The style editor must be incredibly talented. I happen to know he recently used some information from this book when he had to relocate his own shoulder...

The best wilderness/expedition medicine field guide bar none. I have had a chance to speak to most of the Special Forces Medics who have been in Afghanistan and the one thing we all agree on is that this book is the best thing that the military has put out ever for SF medics. I carried this book along with a Sanfords and Pocket Pharmicopia and ran sick call on my guys and the locals and didn't need any other references. The only negative is that this is some heavy book. Not something that you would want to carry on your ultra-light backpacking trip. Great for base camp or vehicle travel though.

This is a very comprehesive account of the air campaign during America's involvement in vietnam. VERY comprehensive- covers operational, deployment and political details for a very indepth look into this period. This is a great resource but it is not for the casual reader and even for serious research not something to read from cover to cover in one sitting. A great book to read if you are interested and you have the time to spare. Earlier reviews have already covered much of its contents very well- not much more to add there except for my own reading "experience"

Having flown combat missions over North Vietnam in 1968-1969, I was especially interested in this book. One of the great strengths of the American Air Force is that it has a history office with well qualified historians who are committed to pursuing the truth even though this often means criticizing the Air Force. Hallion and Thompson have both worked in this office for many years. They are truly experts and whatever they say or write you can take to the bank. I salute them for writing a first rate book. Mandatory reading for anyone interested in the evolution of combat airpower.

The book, as its title suggests, is a history of the United States Air Force in Vietnam during these years, but it offers the reader much more than an operational narrative. It is written chronologically during the seven years that encompassed Operations Rolling Thunder, Linebacker I, and Linebacker II, as well as the many other minor operations during and in between the larger ones. The real value of the book though, for the airpower strategist, is the skill with which Dr. Thompson weaves the contextual elements that ultimately decided how effective airpower could be during this period. As each operation unfolds we are given not only the details of the air campaign itself, but also the personalities and relationships among the various three and four star flag officers charged with planning and implementing the strategies. The political considerations and the lenses through which the president and key cabinet members viewed the conflict are important factors that affected operations down to the tactical employment of individual units and aircraft. Dr. Thompson smoothly transitions between the macro and micro view of how these pieces are related.

Dr. Thompson amply illustrates the political, technological and geographical constraints which have an often-underestimated effect upon airpower employment. The goal of precision engagement of ground targets from aircraft has a long history. Billy Mitchell described it in his Provisional Manual of Operations of 1918. Army Air Force planners in World War II hoped to achieve unprecedented bombing accuracy with the Norden bombsight. In Vietnam, as today, the goal of accurately bombing the desired target was also highly sought after but the right technology had not yet emerged. Thompson traces the parallel development of Navy and Air Force weapons systems, from the Navy's TV guided Walleye bomb, to the use of LORAN to guide aircraft to their bomb release points, to the final employment of Laser Guided Bombs (LGBs) with warheads large enough to take down the bridges that helped supply Hanoi with materials from the north. But perhaps more than any other factor, Dr. Thompson clearly shows us the enormous effect that weather had on the effectiveness of the air campaign over North Vietnam. Planners on both sides understood the affects of the large block of time lost during the monsoon season. Thompson even states that, "the most effective North Vietnamese air defense had always been weather" (pg. 244). This is an operational reality that can easily derail even the most elegant air strategy and can preclude political leaders from effectively controlling the application of force they require to achieve their stated objectives as well.

Overall To Hanoi and Back is a very well researched and documented history, composed in a very readable style. It is written with the operator in mind, giving future air strategists, planners, and users a very comprehensive view of not only the restraints under which one must operate in a war of limited objectives, but also in an environment where, although airpower's effectiveness may not be optimal, it is still the main instrument chosen to deliver the message we wish to send our adversary. The only possible improvement a reader could wish for would be more maps and charts in the text to visualize the many battlefields and data that an average operator needs to appreciate the area of operations. Even so, this is an excellent book that every professional should add to their personal library.

What a find! I was looking for something for my 8-year-old to read when I came across this fantastic novel. The protagonist is a young boy, Frankie Brown, who lives in Cape Cod in 1944 and who magically can predict the weather. Word gets out about Frankie's "gift" and pretty soon General Eisenhower is enlisting his services to help the Allied Forces in WWII. I bought this for my son and we couldn't put it down. Suspenseful (wait to you see what is in "the magic case")! Great characters (like Dr. Proctor, Dr. Stagg, and Cap)! Tremendous climax (Frankie helps to rescue his father who is behind enemy lines)! Funny! Educational (readers learn about Churchill, Normandy, the London Bombings, and Paratroopers)! I would recommend this book to readers of all ages, not just kids. My son always asks me to read it to him and to be honest I think I enjoy it more than he does.

This is really a great read. Every child and adult I know who's picked this up can't put it down. Weather Boy is the story of a 10 year old boy who plays an important role in the landing of D-Day. The book is full of adventures (including an exciting parachute jump with his father, who is a paratrooper), humor, poignancy and, of course, history. My grandchildren have learned a lot reading Weather Boy, as have I. I recommend this to all. Enjoy!

History and fun in the same book - what a concept! My kids, and my friends' kids, couldn't put it down. Weather Boy is the story of 10 year old Frankie who is shocked while listening to a weather report on the radio. The U.S. Army finds out and brings his family to England, where Frankie helps predict the weather for the D-Day landing. I loved his adventures - especially the parachute jump with his dad - and the characters. Be sure to share this book!

This is a clear, well-written book that examines those elements of the therapist-client relationship which can either be therapeutic or anti-therapeutic. Kahn gives a brief overview of the different perspectives of transference/countertransference and how to use these aspects effectively while avoiding common pitfalls. I strongly recommend this text for beginning graduate students of psychotherapy.

I love how Mr. Kahn writes, he takes concepts that are difficult and simplifies them so even though I don't know much about psychology I was able to understand the fascinating theories he outlines.

As a graduate student newly entering the world of psychotherapy from a professional standpoint, I found Michael Kahn's book a real reading treasure. His explanations of issues such as transference (and countertransference), and the way in which these phenomena have been viewed over time, was interesting to read and valuable learning for any therapist-to-be. He does a beautiful job of taking theoretical information and explaining it in such a way that it can be understood and utilized immediately with clients. Also, Michael brings a personal touch to his book which I found increases it's worth even further. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about psychotherapy, particularly self-psychology; and I sincerely hope he decides to write more in the future!

This AudioCD with Michael Dell, Jack Welch, Jack Greenberg and Quincy Jones is worth a lot more than it's weight in gold. The listener is given the rare opportunity to view the business landscape from the perspective of great leaders who captain some of the biggest and best run companies on the planet. Success in business is about vision, innovation, customers, branding, team building and execution. The candid interviews on this CD bring these points home very clearly. If Tom Peters ever decides to write In Search of Excellence - the millennium edtion, he would do well to begin with the leaders featured on CD #1. Job well done by Mark Thompson and Richard Wilson.

Forget all the theory and nonsense you hear from the gurus and academics about what they 'imagine' a leader should or could do! This is the real thing. Real CEOs talk about their best ideas and worst mishaps. Finally we hear what works and what doesn't in plain English from people who actually have done it! No secret sauce. No bull. I listened to Leaders of the New Century during my commute this week and I'm requiring my senior management team to listen to the whole set.

This audio CD was a refreshing change from the usual audiobook on leadership. Instead of the typical announcer reading from a script - or author reading from a script - this had the interviewees speaking off the cuff about their experiences as leaders.

I particularly enjoyed the interview with Michael Dell. As a business owner, I could take and apply much of what he discussed to my business.

Overall, a very well done CD, with some fascinating guests, discussing what it takes to lead. I look forward to hearing the rest of the series.

Every CEO should require their team to listen to these leaders. When I think of all the time our management team has wasted with consultants and gurus, I know now that the first thing you should do is get a copy of this series for everyone who works for you and require them to listen to it. This is what leaders have done to win their people and customers from actual interviews with the CEOs themselves. Easy listening format with some interesting insights from leaders in many fields.

When I think of all the time our management team has wasted with consultants and gurus, I know now that the first thing you should do is get a copy of this series for everyone who works for you and require them to listen to it. This is what leaders have done to win their people and customers in the words of the leaders themselves.

Thompson and Wilson have put together a remarkable series here, with wisdom from people who have fought for their dreams, suffered setbacks and yet succeeded in every imaginable part of the human experience. Will it make you a better leader and manager? Sure. But the reason is that it's not just about leadership; it's about finding out what matters, then going out and making a difference.

North Star Bay is an exciting novel by Richard Thompson which is set in 1968 when a clandestine clash takes place between diverse nations over lost megatonage H-Bombs, one of which has survived in the sea near Greenland. A fast-paced, action-packed thriller about deadly scuffles and desperate machinations, acts of heroism and terrible tragedy, North Star Bay is a compelling read from beginning to end.

His first book (Tiger Cruise) was great. With the luck of the Irish, I managed to purchase the Proof for North Star. I was actually in fear that Thompson could not meet the high bar he set in penning Tiger Cruise. Nothing is worse than being let down by an author. As I began to read the proof, my mental state was totally absorbed within it. Thompson has done it again! He manages to take facts, slide in amazing and totally believable fiction and presto... another suspense novel with real life action. The plot twists and turns, keeps your mind racing with the result of your eyes wanting to absorb the words on each page faster than your brain can process. IT is a Winner! He has brought "Clancyism" to a new era. I now call it "Thompsonism"! Read the book! Few new author's of our era have the ability to come out of the box swinging like Thompson.

This is our first fiction review and we picked a dandy. By a stroke of luck we got our hands on a galley copy and it almost found its way into the circular file had it not been for the first chapter in the book, which is factual.

As a maritime and military history book reviewer we were quite familiar with the January 21, 1968 incident in Thule, Greenland when a B52, flying the Strategic Air Command, caught fire and crashed into the ice spewing radiation from its cargo of four hydrogen bombs. The U.S. has long maintained that all four bombs were destroyed in the fiery crash but many Greenlanders believe otherwise. The theory is that one of the bombs survived the crash and lies on the bottom of North Star Bay.

The author turns the theory into fictional fact when a local fisherman inadvertently snags the weapon while fishing the fjord. Not surprisingly, the bad guys (Libya and China) learn of the discovery when alarm bells go off in the CIA - activated by sensors placed on the H-Bomb 34 years ago. The CIA, FBI and the NSA, not all that concerned with an antiquated nuclear weapon, aren't really worried about its discovery until they get word that the Libyans are going to sail halfway around the world intending to snatch the bomb and bring it home. It seems that America's National Missile Defense (NMD) pet project is located in Thule's backyard and the thought of the Libyans snooping around the area makes for some very nervous bureaucrats in Washington.

Things deteriorate quickly for the U.S. when the bad guys find out there's more in Thule than the bomb. When a test of NMD goes awry resulting in a live "shoot," the Chinese and Libyans decide against snatching the bomb but instead plan to detonate it and destroy the NMD site that, heretofore, they did not know existed. That's enough for now; we don't want to give too much away.

A page-turning thriller set on top of the world, North Star Bay will keep you on the edge of your seat until the exciting, surprising ending. Grab it wherever you can and get ready for the best darn fiction to come your way for some time. Five stars all the way!

THE best book on Basquiat out there! A very talented New York artist that started out doing graffiti on the New York Subways as SAMO and instantly became famous after one day meeting Andy Warhol and giving him a postcard of his artwork. They became quick friends and Warhol had a great influence on his very short career even though Jean-Michel's work is totally different. Jean Michel died tragically from a drug overdose. Cool little known fact - He dated Madonna! Great photos of the Jean-Michel and an incredible extended chronology in the back of the book. Best yet info on the artist existing anywhere in the the book. Color plates of his art work are superb, large, and mostly one per page, incredible color. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of Jean-Michel or his friends Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, or Andy Warhol.

If you are looking for a wonderful combination of Basquiat's work and biography, this is the book to own. This book is full of many beautiful color plates of his work, as well as the story of his short, successful, but tragic life as an artist who had his brief moment in the sun before succumbing to the drugs.

This is a great book with many of Basquiat's paintings and drawings. It also has various essays by art critics and people who knew him. I suppose the reviewers who slammed Basquiat also think anybody could knock over a couple of paint buckets and be Jackson Pollock. The genius of Basquit in my mind is his ability to create truly beautiful paintings while painting in a seemingly uncontrolled, primitive (I hate that word) fashion. The way he layered colors, and added details is incredible. My favorite is "Untitled (Skull)" 1981. Here is a brilliant example of how Basquiat combines dissarray, ugliness, harmony, and beauty all into the same striking painting. I know Basquiat idolized Hendrix and ultimately went out much like he did, unable to cope with his talent and the attention it brought. To me Basquiat's painting very much mirrors Hendrix's musical talents. They both created wild, noisy, seemingly unharnessed, unpolished art. But to the careful, sensitive observer the true beauty and magic is revealed.

There is a story told, of a poor Italian man who lived in a small house with dirt floors. His only true possession was a painting that has been handed down through his family. He hung it over his fireplace. Well, rumors spread and a investigating Art Historian found that the painting was a lost Bottichelli , valued at several million dollars. After the discovery was made public, the man was forced to sell the painting as he could not afford security or insurance for it. This painting that was once appreciated for its beauty was now appreciated for its large price tag.

The point of this, and there is one, is that comics were once valueless pieces of old paper. People loved them anyways, and loved them enough to write this little book. "All in Color for a Dime" has a secret that modern comic collectors may have lost. It exudes joy for the four-color wonders know as comics. There is so much excitement in recounting the lost but not forgotten Captain Marvel, or even gaining new found respect for Popeye. All those little treasures are recounted in personal stories. Comics for the love of it, and not for the price tag. Reading Golden Age comics for the stories, what a great concept!

However, as a modern comics collector, I seem unable to ignore price tags entirely. I must admit I chucked when one of the writers was astounded to learn that a mint Action Comics #1 could be sold for up to $300.00. Those were the days.

This is a classic reprint. Authentic information from when comics were real.

I read this book four times when I was in junior high and high school, and I'm so glad to see it in print again. Great history, great pictures, and must have for comic book fans everywhere.