Harry Crosby's account of the 100th Bomb Group and the air war against Naze Germany from mid-1943 till the end is one of the most informative and thoughtful memoirs of those dark days. Crosby relates many stories in his accounts, of his own experiences as a navigator, of the impact that Curtis LeMay and other group commanders had on combat techniques, of the sometimes touchy relationships between AAF personnel and their British hosts, and some thoughtful observations of the nature of war and the overall bombing campaign.

Crosby with a degree in English and considerable writing experience writes lucid, stripped-down prose, and his accounts of navigating under difficult circumstances brought a reality than few other accounts--written mainly by former pilots--have done. His story of an early mission to Trondheim, in Norway, is a gem of the navigator's problems--of unexpected cloud cover, of flying over Norway where, as Hobler put it, one fjiord from the air looks like another, and the element of luck and chance in any mission. As a WWII navigator in the Pacific, these types of details were welcome, as was his understanding of the "place" of navigator's in the AAF pecking order. When I was informed in December 1945 that I was on a preferred list of those to man the postwar Air Force, I politely declined knowing that navigators would be highly unlikely to advance at the rate of pilots. (I did, however, remain the reserves for 20 years}.

What comes through most clearly, however, was the terrible losses that the 8th suffered in its campaign against Germany's manufacturing capacity and infrastructure, and of the courage and perseverence of those who served. The 100th BG, for example, arrived in midyear, 1943, with 35 crews; only one intact crew completed 25 missions, though a few other crew members from crews broken up because of casualities and other reasons also survived. Was it worth it? Did the damage done justify the loss in life, not only of the air crews but also those of German civilians and others killed by the raids. Crosby is a bit ambilavent--he joined the anti-war movement in the 1960s. Nonetheless, no one can take away from the aircrews, and those who did not return, their courage and belief that they were part of a grand but terrible endeavor to bring the war to an end and of the demented policies of Hitler and his Nazi cohorts . May they rest in peace.

Harry Crosby was a navigator in the 100th Bomb Group in World War II. He was one of the original members of the 100th, a bomb group that, because it ventured into battle with less training than groups preceding it, and because of its unenviable position flying in the lower part of the formation on many missions, suffered heavy losses and became known as "The Bloody Hundredth". Crosby uses his obvious skill as a student of the English language to recreate the drama, the humor, and the terror of flying B-17's out of East Anglia in the war. He describes many of the historic missions flown by the 8th Air Force as an eyewitness. I have read the book several times and it is good history as well as a good study of human beings and the stresses they face daily in war. I highly recommend this book.

Find a copy of this book somewhere, it is well worth the extra effort. Only the new WWII airwar novel, The Triumph and the Glory, moved me as much as Crosby's epic tale of the 100th Bomb Group

I actually still have my 1962 Hardcover edition and wouldn't part with it for the world! My children even love it. It is 64 pages, but is very easy to read. (My 5 year old can read it too!)

I loved this book as a kid and was thrilled that my six-year-old niece enjoyed it enough for repetitive reading (I still don't mind reading it over and over). The main character is endearing and the text is funny and fast-paced. I keep it on my bookshelf with my childhood classics and keepsakes.

I loved this book when I was a child. It was one of my favorites and I was so excited when I learned how to read it to my mother. Now I want to share it with my niece and hope she laughs as hard as I did.

Brian Crosby understands what is happening in our public schools. Our public schools really are facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions, especially in Crosby's (and my) home state, California. He understands that a society that pays its prison guards more than its teachers has its values distorted. His solution is a noble one, one that will work, and he outlines in considerable detail the steps necessary for its implementation in this easy to read, well thought out presentation. However, I am sorry to say that I don't think the $100,000 teacher is going to happen any time soon.

Why? Mainly because there is a perception on a significant part of the public that teachers have it easy because they only work 180 days a year and therefore shouldn't be paid more. As a former teacher myself, one who retired young from the profession because of the inequities experienced, I can tell you that this perception is grossly mistaken for any number of reasons, but is true in at least one sense. To put it bluntly, it is true for the teacher who doesn't care, for the teacher who just wants to get a paycheck, for the teacher who has tenure and sees his or her responsibility as not extending beyond that of a glorified babysitter. And this goes for administrators who only want glorified babysitters. Crosby understands this and that is why his program is designed to weed out the teacher who doesn't care and reward the teacher who takes pride in teaching and wants to help his or her students succeed. That teacher IS a $100,000 teacher, if only we knew.

The salient point of this book then is a realization that the problem of adequate public financial support for education and for upgrading the teaching profession will not be solved until the present tenure system is abolished. As Crosby expresses it, "...no matter the lousy job one performs, once tenured (after a two or three years of teaching), one is in it for life." (p. 106)

The immediate effect of this system is to tie the hands of administrators. They cannot easily influence poor teachers, nor can they get rid of them. Conversely those teachers who really care and give their best to their students are not rewarded and so they leave the profession in frustration. As Crosby points out on the very first page of the book, "One-fifth of all new teachers quit within three years" and "Half of all new teachers quit within five years."

An unintended consequence of the present system is to make teachers and administrators adversaries. Administrators want teachers to do more, but teachers are not rewarded for doing more, so they (the ones that stay) resist. In addition, typically the school principal leads the negotiating committee for the school district against the teacher's union. So instead of working together for student achievement, teachers and administrators become adversaries. This dissipates their ability as educators.

In the long run the effect of the tenure system is synergistic in a negative sense in that it tends to attract and keep only mediocre teachers poorly supervised by mediocre administrators who are at odds with one another. Although this truth is well-known to everybody in the profession, suggestions for abolishing the system will not sit well with the various teacher's organizations since they are addicted to tenure and cannot kick the habit. An enlightened and energized public is necessary to help them. This in essence is what Crosby is calling for.

His solution must be taken seriously because there are standing in the wings other "solutions" to the problem including the privatization of education through something like a voucher system. Vouchers will lead to the end of public education in America, that is, to the dismantling of a system that was largely responsible for the fabulous economic growth of this country. Privatization will then lead to a further economic polarization of society. Those who have the wherewithal will be able to afford a good education for their children; those who do not, will not.

In any case, teachers and their professional organizations should be aware, that the time of the mediocre teacher and the adversarial system between mediocre teachers and mediocre administrators is coming to an end. I hope that the public sees the light in time and the reforms outlined by Crosby become a reality.

Finally, a teacher not an outside consultant writes a book about the teaching profession. Brian Crosby accurately examines the long-standing problems with the antiquated public school system. His proposals, from paying teachers based on performance to a career ladder for teachers, could help revolutionize the teaching profession for the better, thus attracting higher talented people into it. Let's hope people read this to see how it really is like to teach in the public schools. Politicians could take a lesson from this book on how to improve our schools.

Mr. Crosby's well-written book is a must-read for anyone interested in the state of our educational system today. I do not agree with every single thing he has to say, but he does come up with some good ideas and well-thought out solutions to our current public school problems. He states his case clearly and concisely. This is a book that should be read by every teacher in the country. Bravo to Mr. Crosby for a job well done!

This book truly captures the essence of New York at Christmas. Mr. Crosby has done a remarkable job of capturing the known and the unknown, both of which make Manhattan a spectacular place to be.

The presentation is wonderful, the content is great, and the author/photographer is to be thanked for sharing his art with us.

I look forward to future books by Mr. Crosby.

Being in New York at Christmas is one of my favorite things...and now I can relive that time whenever I pick up this book. The selection of subjects for the photographs is fascinating, the quality of the photography is excellent and the comments throughout the book are illuminating. I recommend New York Christmas as an ideal book for your library or as a gift.

This is an amazing piece of work which deftly displays a wintry charm that I never knew New York City possessed. It's funny that only by looking at familiar places through someone else's eyes can we really see what's there. Whether you're a New Yorker, a transplanted New Yorker, or just an occasional visitor, this wonderful collection of Christmastime photos surely deserves a prominent place on your coffee table. Hats off to Mr. Crosby for a job quite well done.

The Europeans' displacement and replacement of native peoples in the temperate zones were more a result of "superior" biology than military conquest, according to Crosby in this book.

Europe held an unassailable biotic mix that some native peoples and ecosystems could not withstand. This biota fucntioned as a team wherever Europeans took it. European germs swept aside native peoples. Europe's cattle, pigs and horses filled native biotic niches. European weeds and agriculture squeezed out native plants. This biological expansion of Europe created "Neo-Europes" which still function today in North America, Australia, New Zealand and southern South America.

European imperialism often failed or was considerably delayed in areas where Europe's biota could not prevail. In China much the same biota was already present. Africa, the Amazon and southeast Asia were too hot, too fecund and too disease-ridden for Europe's animals, plants and humans. These areas were among the last to be dominated as a result, and then only briefly, when Europe's technology gave temporary edge to its armies.

Alfred Crosby's "Ecological Imperialism" is a provocative, well-written and definitely fascinating book. Crosby examines the reason Europeans were able to defeat the Indigenous people in American, Australia and New Zealand. Crosby argues that the biology and ecology factors played tremendous roles in their win. Crosy argues that the weeds, animals and the Europeans best allies, the germs or diseases that they brought with them to the New World dominated the Indigenous people. The Europeans sought to make the New World as similiar to that of the Old World. It was interesting for me because we were taught that the military superiority of the Europeans was the main factor. In addition, Crosy also examines the unsuccessful attempts of the Europeans at dominating Asia and Africa.

"Ecological Imperialism" definitely is a groundbreaking book in the field of environmental history.

'Ecological imperialism: The biological expansion of Europe, 900-1900', by A. W. Crosby, is a cogently argued and well written book. The main thesis of the book is that the expansion by Europeans to the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and a few other enclaves (what Crosby calls the Neo-Europes) wouldn't have succeded if the biota the Europeans brought with them had not suceeded. This biota included not only humans, of course, but pathogens, weeds and grasses, and horses, cattle, goats, and pigs, among the most important. Crosby addresses the reasons why this biota was so succesful in the new territories, and concludes that, in general, the climatic regimes there were sufficiently similar to those of its European origins and the indigenous biota was so 'naive' that 'victory' was almost assured to the invaders. To be sure, this is not an original conclusion, but the wealth of data Crosby uses, along with his synthetic power and sense of humor, makes of this book an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. People interested in searching for the biological causes of the successes (and failures!) of Europeans in the world should read this engaging book.

Heroine: generously-curved

  Venture capitalist and gallery owner Gabe "Romeo" Marquezis is determined to mete out his own brand of justice against power-rich-money-poor Senator Chandler and his wealthy-but-shady business associate Richard Grimes. His plan? To seduce lovely socialite Cristina Chandler and destroy any possibility of the two families merging through matrimony. 
 
After a "chance" meeting at an art exhibit, Gabe puts his scheme in motion by offering to paint Cristina's portrait. But as artist and model become intimate, the unthinkable happens to this world-weary Casanova: Cristina not only gets inside Gabe's bed but also his heart. Will the financier play against the odds, carry out his destructive plan, and risk losing the only woman he has ever loved? 

What worked for me:
Gabe was very well-depicted as the smooth, gorgeous man that no woman can tie down but whom every woman wishes she could. And I loved Cristina's portrayal as a woman on a journey of self-discovery, yearning to break free from the mold her parents had crammed her into. The sexual tension between the two characters was absolutely delicious!

Size-wise Cristina was lushly-built, having put on some weight after coming to the decision that being thin was not for her.

What didn't work for me:
      There's a reason why I don't usually read category romances; namely that they are so darn short! :^) But on the plus side "His Seductive Revenge" is part of a series, so perhaps I'll catch a glimpse of Gabe and Cristina in book two or book three.)

Overall:
     A great read! If you savor sexual tension between your protagonists, you'll love this story. Be aware that there are some pretty steamy scenes toward the end.  

The cover is all wrong for this book. The heroine, Cristine, is a plus-size redhead while the hero, Gab, is Hispanic. Yet, by the cover you would have not thought that. This book was HOT!You come to care for both characters in a short time.
For anyone who is tired of reading books about skinny women who get their man and want to read a story about a plump and beautiful woman get her man, this is for you.

Of all the books I've read, this one has become my favorite. I could really relate to Cristina, and I loved the fact that she was portrayed as a beautiful woman even though she did not fit the CONVENTIONAL image of beautiful women. I thought Ms. Crosby did a wonderful job of rounding out her characters, giving them layers, which made them people I cared about. I am looking forward to reading more by Ms. Crosby soon.

I read this book to my kids in the 1980s and both loved it. It's nice to change some of the words to keep them interested. We made it into a funny story. Can you guess what we said the spot in the snow was?! I'm now trying to find my copy of the book from the attic, but am glad there are still a few out there in case I can't find mine. I can't wait to read to my grandson who is now 2.
Book about 2 animals, a bear, and another one (don't remember what kind), who see a spot in the snow and try to guess what it might be. It ends up being a wagon.

How many children would have never known what a puffin was, if not for this book? The simple but lovely illustrations are captivating as we look through all that white snow for that little black spot. A favorite of mine as a child, when I worked in a daycare a few years back I went looking for this book to read to the children and found it at the library. They were actually a little young for the book (3& 4 mostly) but I can guarantee those are now children who know what puffins are, and to always look for spots in the snow.

My favorite book from childhood. I have enjoyed it again as an adult reading it to my children. the story is beautifully self contained, the simple repetitive text is positively lyrical and despite the simplicity the story is full of charm and character. Perfect

What an entertainer! You just never get sick of this book. The basic concept is finding mistakes (or "nits") in the Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series. It includes episode reviews, trivia questions & tote boards. He spots things that you'd never think of seeing: before this i could go through an entire episode without seeing anything wrong, but he'd find 2 pages of nits on that episode. Another plus-point is the size of the book, great value for all ages. All in all, a MUST for all TRUE Next Gen fans!

Though not as outrageously funny as the Nitpicker's Guide to Classic Star Trek, this volume had me, a grown man, giggling like a naughty schoolgirl (and that's quite a confession). All the inconsistencies and plot oversights are handled by a very sarcastic and wry author (Phil Farrand) who knows how to make us laugh at a great but sometimes pretentious and pompous TV show in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

I've had this book for quite sometime and I still go back and read parts of it every now and again when I need a laugh.

This book is for the serious Trekker (or Trekkie) who can take a joke.

I have read this book hundreds of times. I love getting it out when I watch a Next Generation rerun, so that I can see the mistakes and it is hilarious! Phil Farrand has a unique sense of humor that only Trek lovers can understand. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys watching Star Trek: The Next Generation.

I bought this book in the mid-80s when I was a fledgling copywriter in New York City.

It was helpful in focusing on what was important in putting my book together. But not everything in this book is a hard-and-fast fact. For example, in the author's opinion, it is okay to simply have stick figures for your visuals. But every ad person I talked with said this thinking was completely wrong. The truth is, you need to have as professional-looking a book as possible, which means you need to hire, at the very least, a professional art director to draw your visual for you. Better yet, get some photos for your ad if that is what is meant to be there.

Competition for jobs is just so fierce, you need to do whatever you can to package yourself ahead of the next guy. Great ideas are not enough anymore; they need to look great, too.

In the end, I was always given the "great book, no jobs" refrain. After three years of pounding the streets of NYC, I never got a job. There was even an ringing endorsement from a New York creative director on the back cover which read "I will give anyone who follows this book's advice an automatic interview!" I never even got a return phone call from the guy.

I would recommend this book to a beginner, but with the caveat that the ideas inside are just one person's opinion, and should not be considered gospel.

A few years ago, as a college student, I had the opportunity of hearing a speaker who got his start as a copywriter at Ogilvy & Mather. While speaking, and in private group sessions, he disclosed that before going into advertising, he had just gotten his degree in Political Science, a subject totally unrelated to the fast-paced, crazy-creative, lucrative world of advertising. He bought this book, followed it to a T, built his portfolio, and was able to bluff his way into his first job in NYC. He impressed me so much, that I've been looking for this book ever since. I'm so glad that I was able to find it, (still in print, thank goodness) and am anxiously waiting for its delivery. As of December 2000, I have my degree in advertising, but I wasn't prepared for the angst of breaking into the business, and I was given so little guidance in preparing a 'book'. I think this book is really going to help.

This is one of those books that even the laziest of readers will finish in one sitting. Alright, maybe two, but I'm pioneering a higher kind of lazy.

I have enjoyed all three books in the Lone Wolf series. When I read the last book, I was left hanging on the the last "Lone Wolf" being Sabastian and his would be mate Carly. Please let me know if I have just missed this book or if the series will be continued.

I have really enjoyed all of the Lone wolves series, but I really would like to know more about Sebastian. Is she going to come up with follow-up book about him.

This whole 'Lone Wolves' series has had me sucked in since the very first book. Susan Crosby certainly knows how to write about things from the heart. I really felt for this group of characters to the point of tears at times. It was almost like they were real people with real problems. All of the 'Lone Wolves', Chase, Gabriel, Ben, Leslie and even Sebastian, are a group of people that know what real friendship is about. But, I can't help but wonder. Will she follow up with a story for Sebastian? It seems a bit empty without him being able to clear his name and finding a love of his own. But as for 'His Most Scandalous Secret', 'His Seductive Revenge', and 'His Ultimate Temptation', Susan Crosby has created a story that will move you. Keep up the good work, Susan.