Philip Mattera's anecdotal and statistical analysis of the "loss" of prosperity amounts to nothing more than an intellectually and economically incoherent rehashing of Marxist principles. Fortunately, he is so good at showing the absurd and evil roots of his "thinking" that even the most dense reader will see right through the ideas presented. In this sense, Mr. Mattera has performed an invaluable service for freedom---the equivalent of an antidote for the very ideas he claims to promote.

A specific example: He proposes (since we are "humane" enough to have a minimum wage even though it has been shown unequivocably to destroy jobs and harm the workers at the bottom of the employment ladder), we should also have MAXIMUM wage law, so that entrepreneurs, the people who CREATE all those jobs, will have no further incentive to do so. The idea is simple enough: Mr. Mattera obviously recognizes that the minimum wage law has too subtle an impact, and harms too few people. He proposes to undo decades of development in one fell swoop, preventing millions of jobs from being created and eliminating millions of already-existing jobs. He is ambitious! Of course, this law would have one effect which Mr. Mattera does not openly consider--it would make many more people dependent on the government, which is, of course, the final goal of this Marxist screed. Read it for laughs, and to learn what the enemy calls "thinking."

As an attorney, I've read many books on estate planning and asset protection. Protecting Your Financial Future is the best treatment of the subject I've seen. It's got powerful info that even financial and legal professionals will learn from, but it's easily understood by the layperson too.

One of the best aspects of the book is its writing style. It was actually enjoyable to read; intermingling strategies with anecdotes that illustrate principles.

Living trusts and other asset protection tools are often used incorrectly. The authors of Protecting Your Financial Future help readers avoid common pitfalls and build wealth with strategies all my clients should use. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a trust or thinks they will benefit from a trust. This book will give you the answers you need for the best possible plan.

I THINK THIS A WONDERFUL BOOK ON DECORATING PUMPKINS.
THE PHOTOGRAPHS BY MADDIE LEVINE ARE BEAUTIFUL, YOU CAN FEEL THE PUMPKINS LOVE OF DOING THIS. THE STORY THAT GOES ALONG WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHS IS DELIGHTFUL. THIS BOOK WOULD BE WONDERFUL FOR ADULTS YOUNG AT HEART, AS WELL AS CHILDREN

As treasurer of a small obesity support group with charitable status I am always looking for ways to raise funds, and at times it's a real drag. But this book really does put the "fun" back into fund raising. Financially we're having the best year ever, and that's not even counting this Autumn's Butter-Chug, which should be good for £1000 after expenses.

How-to gift books are famous for featuring recycled projects (you know, the ones you've seen over and over, but in a different fabric or color). Not so for Quick Gifts and Decor. These famous authors and television celebrities aren't resting on their laurels...the projects are really unique, easy and truly elegant. (Sort of Martha Stewart simplified for the rest of us short on time and exotic materials.) My favorites were the Festive Packages (fabric gift wrap), the Starburst Table Scarf (made from napkins) and the Hanging Hamper (for diapers, towels or laundry). Well worth the price...complete with all cutting directions, grids and patterns included.

An awsome book. Terrific instructions with great projects. I recommend this book to any quilter!!

"The Quizm message(Book One: Trash Landing) sends a message that is loud and clear. What better friends than the benevolent little alien Quizzles who come bearing the timely message: "Love and Respect Each Other and Your Planet" What more enduring message could any children learn? It comes to them free of political concerns, free of race or creed or nationalism, and it comes from the idea of Roni Kan and the pen of Gretchen Phillips.A delightful book recommended to all!

R. I. P.: A Poetic Sequence is a marvelous collection of poetry by Louis Phillips about Washington Irving's famous literary figure of Rip Van Winkle, the man who fell asleep for an age and awoke into a time he could barely comprehend. R.I.P.: A Poetic Sequence is soulful and recommended examination of the human spirit, of belonging, and of the yearning for something more from life. "But what freedom cd I have, / Being asleep all the time? / Ask me what I have learned, / I reply: The gods are no further away / Than the closing of my eyelids."

Dear Sharon Denslow: I wish to thank you as the great granddaughter of Nathan Bernard Stubblefield (that's Bernard, not Beverly) I am most greatful that the truth is being told. Though you wrote the book mainly for children, the new breed of kids will at least have a chance to learn the truth of who truly invented the radio, as you know. Your father must have really admired my great grandfather, and I thank him too for teaching you. I hope you will personally read this message too, Ms. Denslow, for I am truly tickled pink. I am going to give some copies to the Stubblefield youngsters in my family. Thank you again.

Bye bye "hello Rainey"

Sincerly, Priscilla Stubblefield

I will have to admit that on my first glance at this book, written by two doctors and a public health expert, I felt overwhelmed by its checklists and inspection suggestions to use in our home. Did I really want to know if our home was toxic? Did I want to know if my son's school was a safe place for him to be? I wasn't sure at first, but as is typical for me and other moms I know, my parental guilt got the best of me and I sat down to read this amazingly interesting book.

The environmental checklist at the back of the book proved to be more than just another thing to do; it helped me to focus in on areas of our home where we are at risk of being exposed to toxins.

Did you know, for example, that magic markers that contain xylene can cause your child to experience headaches, dizziness, confusion, and balance and breathing problems? Scented markers can be dangerous in addition because they encourage children to taste them.

The book does contain some good news. For example, olive oil can be effective in treating head lice, therefore avoiding the potential dangers of the more caustic over-the-counter head lice treatments.

Forget about creating a germ free kitchen or bathroom - it can't be done. Using antibacterial, germ killing, sterilizing sprays will rarely result in a germ free environment, even if that were something one would wish to do. Using toxic cleaners simply replaces the germs with a synthetic chemical hazard. Overuse of such products can actually increase the potency of germs that can rise up and revolt against the products themselves. For disinfecting, simple "green" products work and are safe, or a homemade solution of ¼ cup of bleach to a gallon of water will suffice.

I was further surprised to learn that commercial peanut butter might be better for your child than the ground peanut version. This is largely because there are government regulations limiting the amount of aflatoxin, a naturally occurring toxin produced by mold that contaminates peanuts. A child who eats a product with high levels of aflatoxin may develop liver failure. Some fresh ground peanut butters tested at natural food stores were found to have levels higher than the government standards of this dangerous substance.

Raising Healthy Children in a Toxic World has now joined the other reference books that sit on my kitchen counter for a quick thumb through when needed. I recommend other parents add it to their bookshelves as well.

--Reviewed by Carol LaLiberte