James Lange is a practicing lawyer (drunk driving and accident cases) and a former investigator. Katherine DeWitt is a writer and editor. They claim other writers on this topic lacked legal knowledge and knew nothing of forensic science (p.ix). The writers were jurors who applied common sense and general knowledge to a problem. The authors research led them to a theory previously buried.

Joe Kennedy Sr. was not a common bootlegger during Prohibition (p.3); he made another fortune by holding import licenses for Scotch whiskies. He had made several fortunes in banking, shipbuilding, and stock brokering earlier. Like some other bankers, he supported FDR in 1932 and was given the Ambassadorship to Great Britain. Kennedy's defeatist attitude killed his political career, but his sons were ready to be all they could be. Pages 6-8 summarize Ted Kennedy's life. Ted did well as a Senator; he was a team player. Like most Senators and Congressmen, he worked in his car while someone else drove. Ted relied on other people's talents (p.10). Chapter 2 tells of Mary Jo Kopechne. No one has ever proven any irregularities in her life (p.18). The July 1969 party was at Chappaquiddick so Teddy couldn't miss it (p.20). Mary Jo didn't feel well and asked Ted to drive her to her motel. Ted made a wrong turn and ended up on the wooden bridge.

After Ted returned to Hyannis Port he was examined by a doctor (p.47). The retrograde amnesia and current confusion was diagnosed as a concussion, acute cervical strain. Ted still walked around in a daze on Monday (p.51). Ted and Joan attended Mary Jo's funeral on Tuesday. On Friday Ted plead guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. Ted's candidacy for a higher office was the other victim of this accident.

Chapter 5 discusses various theories about this event. Retrograde amnesia always occurs with a concussion, and explains anyone's loss of memory (p.73). Page 117 suggests they did not report the accident immediately because of Ted's confused mental state. A tearful, emotional Ted would have ended his career. This is as good a theory as any (p.123), and avoids multiplying suppositions. Chapter 7 discusses the rumors of Ted's guilt. There was nothing wrong with a closed inquest because Mass. always did it that way (p.159). This can prevent prejudicial pre-trial publicity. Pages 160-2 explain why Ted Kennedy did NOT "get away with it".

Ted Kennedy has continued to get re-elected Senator, but has no chance for higher office. This is described as due to a "flaw in judgment". Would a drunkard and adulterer make a good President? The authors imply "no" but the history books (or the present?) suggest at least a "maybe". They ask if Nixon deserved to be hounded out of office for a "third-rate burglary" (p.166)? Yes, if "Watergate" was a cover story for the attempted assassination of George Wallace.

Edgartown was the locale for filming "Jaws" in 1974. Did the Dyke Bridge appear in a background shot of the pond? Martha's Vineyard was in the news again in 1999 when JFK Jr, his wife, and sister-in-law perished in a plane crash. We later found out JFK Jr intended to get elected Senator of NY.

Michael Moore's writing provides a catharsis to readers who want to relax. He reminds us of the beauty in everyday things, ordinary objects. The simplicity of haiku allows one to treasure a thought all day long much like savoring a delicious bite of cake. In this regard Moore is a culinary expert. Highly recommended to readers who want to treat themselves!

My little boy received this when he was 1; however, this Christmas he hasn't been able to put it down. Lifting the flaps seems to help him grasp the story better. One of the best books I've seen for the littlest ones to understand the Christmas story!

This is a thorough dictionary of terms used in the Episcopal church (most of which would apply to other denominations as well). It covers everything from architecture and furnishings to people and robes and even traditional movements (like genuflecting). For each entry there is a description of what it is, when it is used, and the background of how it came to be part of the service. Each entry was originally written as a bulletin insert, and they can be reproduced that way for use in churches. Very interesting and helpful.

Henri Nouwen, author of Compassion and 40 other books on community and spirituality, writes:
"a truly excellent book, well-written, very convincing, very down-to-earth, and deeply pervaded with the Spirit of Jesus."

Senator Mark Hatfield writes:
"City Streets, City People affirms the biblical truth that the poor, sick and suffering are truly blessed, and that we will be judged by our response to them."

Bob Lupton, President of FCS Urban Ministries, writes:
"...captures the fundamentals or urban ministry more concisely and comprehensively than anyone I have read or listened to..."

Ron Benefiel, President of Nazarene Theological Seminary, writes: "a practical, helpful manual in the day-to-day how to's of ministry in the city. I highly recommend this book for anyone ministering in the urban context."

City Streets, City People is both a book of stories about homeless persons and a "user-friendly" guide that outlines how people of goodwill--volunteers, clergy, students and professionals--can respond compassionately and effectively to outcast groups in society. Christensen draws on his own experience in working with the homeless and persons with AIDS on the streets of New York, San Franscisco and Calcutta. He also shares how active urban workers can cultivate their own "inner garden of contemplative spirituality" and avoid burn-out so common in urban ministry.

Nominated for the 1989 Book of the Year Award, sponsored by Campus Life Ministries, and was selected by the United Methodist Church as official denominational curriculum. Widely used by colleges, seminaries and church groups as a handbook on urban ministry.

A classic urban ministry text from a broadly evangelical Christian perspective.

Great Book, Great Guy. You won't be diappointed.

Being of Irish descent, I am very particular about hearing Irish stories in recorded form. There are some really good editions out nowadays. But this one is the best. I knew I was in the presence of greatness when I beheld the wonderful packaging, and it just got better the longer I listened to these truly wonderful stories. My favorite is one I've read many times, by Joyce, entitlled "The Boarding House." Here it is transformed into something that is difficult to describe and thrilling to experience. The narrator, who must be Irish, has perfectly deciphered Joyce's intent. He has also given us some of the very finest renditions of Irish stories I have ever encountered. "The Weaver's Grave" comes to life as if by magic. There is wonderful music here and very lifelike sound effects that are very skillfully and gently woven into the fabric of these great works. It is such a pleasure to listen to these recordings, you will be listening over and over again, as I have.

Most books on hearing loss are written at a very basic level. This book explains in detail the dilemmas faced by a person with cochlear hearing loss and the limitations of current hearing aids-even digital programmable aids. This book would be appropriate for a person with a cochlear (neural) hearing loss who wants more information or for an audiologist or speech and hearing professional.

This book will bring back memories of stomping through cemeteries, days spent in hot musty libraries, and the days you waited anxiously for the mailman. A book geared to the lighter side of genealogy!

What an entertaining and moving collection of stories. I couldn't recommend this more.