christen Books

Norwegian tales were first written down in the mid-1800s by two friends, Peter Christian Asbjornsen and Jorgen Moe. Joanne Asala has searched through these early stories to find the gems of wisdom-the proverbs-sprinkled throughout the tales. Illustrations are reproductions of nineteenth-century engravings of Norwegian life and scenery. Full-color cover features artifacts from Vesterheim: The Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa.

The book is printed on heavy paper, making each page a work of art to be framed. The cover shows an Olkjeng (a two-handled ale bowl) carved and painted by Jon Enderson Folkedal in Granvin, Norway, in 1816. The photograph was taken by Joan Liffring-Zug. The bowl was last used for drinking toasts at a Folkedal family wedding in the 1970s.The back cover shows a variety of Norwegian objects. An Ambar (a porridge container) made of birch in 1820, an early nineteenth-century birch Olbolle (a large ale bowl) and an Olkanne (ale tankard) made of pine staves are shown. Small plates and a coverlet are also pictured.

Some examples of Norwegian Proverbs are:

"Everyone is nearest to his own self."

"Necessity teaches new arts."

"What a man sews he shall reap."

"A home is a home be it ever so homely."

"True love does not grow rusty."

"Silence is sometimes an answer."

"He who follows the river comes at last to the sea."

Pictures in "My America", though having qualities of many different genres and styles (political photojournalism, new topographics and fashion photography) are not manneristic, in a sense that they can't be tied to or inscribed to neither of the aesthetics. Those perfectly studied shots are simple yet discerning. People's faces are partially cropped out to focus our attention on particularities of their outlook: blood red lipstick of a young republican supporter open up in an expression of a blissful awe; a picture of a marine in his camouflage printed uniform shows only his lips pressed together tight in a grimace of pride; neatly tailored suit of the President with hands at his side and some fingers typically lifted up as if by some invisible strings. We see glassy eyes, full of hope and admiration, staring and mesmerized. We see flags, limousines, deserted areas, landscapes, car parks with men in black suits standing, waiting, watching, controlling. "My America's" cinematic narrative is disturbing. The opening photo shows a close up of a tapestry of the Presidential Seal: an eagle clutching in its beak "E Pluribus Unum" motto. Stars, rays, brown wings of the eagle, blue background knit with yarn feel almost palpable. As well as golden grasses in the field in Maine that fill up the second spread. A man in an elegant black suit stands amidst of it. His posture is unnaturally stiff, like a mannequin in a tailor's shop. We see golden buttons on his cuff and a lock of clear coiled tube on his neck. Though "My America" revolves around the President he can hardly be noticed. Fragments of his figure appear four times in the whole story, and the only time one can see his face is in a dark portrait where his calm profile shot against spotlights gives an impression of a pianist giving a concert. Almost unrecognizable is his tiny figure in an image shot from above where a crowd is circled around the Presidential Seal. He stands in the middle of it with his hands on a lectern. There is a huge distance between the tribe and the orator. An empty ring of a fiery red carpet separates the people from the podium guarded by figures in black suits - a closing brace and a metaphor for the whole book.

One of the problems with buying photo books online is that you have no idea of how you feel about the photos ... because you CAN'T SEE THE PICTURES.

On an intial run through this book, I was initially very drawn to the pictures. They really are very beautiful. But then I noticed something ... when you get about halfway through the book, you start noticing that everyone in the book looks the same. Then, you try to figure out what it is. You read some more of the book ... and you realize that everyone in the book is WHITE. The only people who might be considered to not be white are a few janitors somewhere in the middle of the book.

So, I'm not really sure what this author is trying to say ... apparently his America only consists of white people and a few colored janitors? To me, that's either seriously closed-minded, or something more insidious.

Whether it is due to the threat of terrorism or the president's inability to turn a clever phrase, George W. Bush has been a difficult person to truly capture in photographs. Sure, there are the many images of him that lampoon his expressions or make him appear awkward in public. But because his press office and/or handlers offer little or no opportunities for the news media to see him in a candid - or "non-canned" - moment, photojournalists are left grasping at straws and attempting to glean what they can while he enters and exits one photo opportunity after another. Not so with Christopher Morris' book "My America."

Instead of aiming the camera at the President while he waxes on about terror, taxes and family values (after all, a man at a podium is just a man at a podium), Morris looks away from the preacher and into the eyes of the congregation. Here, reflected in their awestruck faces, you can really see what kind of affect Bush has on this audience. Soldiers, cheerleaders, young women in uniform and boys in braces, all appear hypnotized by the presence of the world leader just off camera. In Morris' America, the beautiful landscape (be it a wheat field or a parking garage) is void of any humans and dotted only with the occasional black, monolithic Secret Service agent. Here life is staged, cut-out, removed from reality.

And because the President believes in God, and God is said to live in the details, Morris leaves none of them untouched. In the spirit of full disclosure, I sometimes work at the White House and cover the president. So, I've seen these details, too. But Morris frames them and captures them in a way that takes my breath away: the ice blue eyes, the ruby red lips, the diamond necklaces, the masking tape that says "THE PRESIDENT." And the ever-present American flag, hoisted, bannered, pinned and planted in every available place so as to raise it to a near false-idol status.

So, despite the President's best efforts, something very honest about him and the personality of his administration has crept into every photograph in this book. Tucked into the corner of each frame or sitting blurred in the background is a sense of loss and detachment. In Christopher Morris' America, people don't touch, or hug or cry or laugh. They just stand frozen in anticipation of the next word from the great leader.

Photographically speaking, the book is beautifully printed. The tones are muted so to extend the effect of uniformity and sincerity. Also, its size (about 8x9 inches) is not overwhelming like so many other books published by photographers of Morris' caliber. If you enjoy the work of Alec Soth, Alex Webb, Jonas Bendiksen, Martin Parr and Morris' colleagues at the VII Photo Agency, then this book is a must.

After having to climb through so many books looking for the information I required to understand the issues and response to terrorism I came across Understanding Terrorism by Maniscalco & Christen. What a relief to find a comprehensive, cohesive and no nonsense book.

These authors have done a remarkable job with synthesizing complex data and rendering it into a discussional and informational manner easily comprehended by all emergency planners and responders. The constant reinforcement of "system" play and interoperability as well as a function rather than an agency approach lent great assistance to my team being able to immediately apply the knowledge to the crafting of our contingency response templates.

Great job by the composers, fantastic text for you or your organization!

This book is fantastic. It articulates the issues in a discussional format and make sense of the many confusing topics of terrorism planning and response.

I like the fact that the authors have taken the time to include a very robust reference appendix section. It has proven to be unquestionably my go to book on this subject matter.

In addition to the front matter which is invaluable, I now have to only grab one book to reference the myriad of references, case in point is the streamlined access to federal response plan, MSDS sheets, radiological references etc.

If you are an operator, supervisor, manager, planner or instructor this text is for you!

A lot of books on terrorism response have been written by 'experts'; fine folks who understand the theory, but in reality lack the practical experience. This book is NOT one those.

The authors are well organized, show their writing experience, as well as their provider and leadership experience.

The book is a comfortable read, not a scholarly tome that is an alternative to Xanax. Illustrations are good.

If you have a need to plan for medical response to terrorism, this book is an excellent resource to aid in your preparations.

The authors of Understanding Terrorism have done a great job with presenting complex and difficult material in a manner that is easy for all responders to understand.

This book covers all the bases and met all of my expectations. It has become a permanent fixture in my response bag should I need a ready reference. Frankly, this is perhaps the best book on the subject for emergency responders that I have seen to date. A great value for the price!

I was skeptical at first about another book on terrorism. After being disappointed by several other terrorism response books allegedly written for emergency planners and responders, I was very satisfied with Understanding Terrorism and Managing The Consequences.

This book is a breath of fresh air that restores my confidence that responders who have the experience and background of planning for & operating at terrorist events are sharing their expertise & knowledge.

Understanding Terrorism provides you the VITAL information you need to perform your duties as a responder as well as provides security directors & safety managers expanded knowledge on what is expected for their functional areas in times of terrorist events.

The information is provided in a cohesive manner that aids the users with easy comprehension and utility of the material. It also compiles all the needed references under one cover to make your job easier.

The approach the authors have adopted with this book is a big bonus. Frankly I am tired of books that adopt a "shotgun" approach or use theoretical [terminology] to convey the message of safe and effective response strategies; they fail to address the implementation and operational application issues effectively. THAT IS NOT THE CASE WITH UNDERSTANDING TERRORISM. This book helped me each step of the way as well as provides me with the benefit of being a "one book" planning and response reference.

Public or private sector emergency managers, responders or security officials, if you are responsible for the emergency response, Understanding Terrorism is the one book you should own, read and use.

While there are a "ga-zillion" books on travel destinations, there are relatively few manuals for what travelers require before, during and after their journeys. Knowing where you want to go is only the tip of the iceberg. Knowing how to go about getting there IS the iceberg.

This is why I think Travel Wisdom is so very important for any traveler. It is a tutorial on preparedness for travel. And, the emphasis is on "wisdom" which to me means first-hand experience and not simply theoretical deductions, conjecture, self diagnosis or guesswork. In short, both Lynne and Hank Christen have infused their wealth of travel knowledge into a concise and practical package for travelers of all levels.

The underlying theme of the book lies in the fact that following the events of 9-11, both domestic and international travel have been greatly impacted by new and greater issues regarding security. We no longer can take for granted many of the routine activities of yesteryear.

Furthermore, no two travelers have the same needs, wants, desires or questions. Yet, somewhere in Travel Wisdom there are easily located answers to almost every question that can be posed on travel preparations, expectations, etiquette, booking, lodging, shopping, and a continuing litany of relevant travel-related subjects.

I highly recommend this book to be read thoroughly by all novice travelers. For the somewhat experienced and veteran travelers, I suggest allowing for a few more ounces of carry-on weight to have Travel Wisdom close by on any trip as a handy reference companion.

I received this book a week ago. I think it is the best book of genereal travel info I have ever read (and I have read many!) The authors include lots of "travel tips" that I had never thought of, as well as some excellent packing lists and a great list of resources on the internet.

(...)
Very practical guide. Well-organized into helpful chapters on every travel subject imaginable. But not a dry read. Funny little travel predicaments and stories are interspersed throughout. Heavy on the cruise ship/group tours, style of travel; light on low budget treks. Geared a bit more towards the older traveler. An attractive couple. Lynne, a former Flight Attendant, their great love for travel comes through on every page. Attractive cover with a definite lazy tropical appeal. (...)

Travel Wisdom: Tips, Tools, And Tactics For All Travelers is a highly practical guide to packing like a pro, managing travel money, shopping smart, bargaining for goods and services, dealing with setbacks, enjoying traveling with a group or going solo, creating travel lasting memories, and so much more. Collaboratively written by Lynne and Hank Christen for anyone who needs to prepare for a long journey, Travel Wisdom offers no-nonsense health, safety, and financial advice and is enthusiastically recommended for those about to travel the country or around the world for business, pleasure, or both.

The authors have packaged checklists and practical advice that simply is not available anywhere else. As a writer and frequent traveler I found this book essential for the experienced globetrotter and a revelation for those who are novices. Anyone will find fresh and instantly usable info on planning, packing, shopping, and savoring their trip. Can't recommend it highly enough!

Are you looking fo a response guide that focuses on the critical issues of emergency responders by emergency responders for terrorism events? Then this is your book.

This guide is chock full of the information you need to be safe and effective at terrorist incidents.

It is in a very user friendly format and it is big enough to refererce and use at the scene of an incident (unlike some other guides I have gotten that are too small and fail to remember in its design what its like at an emergency scene).

The authors have taken the steps to ensure that the information is applicable to emergency responders and the operations we are required to initiate.

I am highly satisfied with this book and carry it with me in my duty bag!

I bought this book to give to my son for Christmas, and a quick look indicates that it has some very useful information. The author takes a very matter-of-fact approach to the legal profession and its culture. Much of the job-hunting and general professional conduct advice applies to other professions as well. However, I cannot forgive Ms. Carey for her omission of the entire state of Maine in the list of law firms by state and alphabetically! Wyoming made the list. What gives?

The information that's present seems to be reasonable and helpful, but I wish I'd known before I ordered it that there's nothing at all in the book about solo practice, or starting a small firm with other attorneys. The advice in the book is all about how to get someone else to hire you, how to work for them and get along with them, and what sort of job you might want to look for. That's pretty good, if that's a good match for your personality. However, if you're not inclined in that direction (most of the attorneys in the US work as solos or in small firms), this may not be that helpful after all.

While this book's title is a little misleading, it does contain useful general information that might prove handy for an aspiring lawyer. "Full Disclosure" is by no means a "must-read career guide"; however, it might be worth skimming through if you have time. For those who are thinking about law school, I would definitely recommend "Law School Confidential: A Complete Guide to the Law School Experience" over "Full Disclosure" for practical advice.

"Full Disclosure" seems like a big book but it actually is not. The book tries to give an overview of finding a job and then building up your career, but it gives pretty short simplistic advice that can be found for free online. For example, www.findlaw.com gives more extensive information on career information for attorneys.

If you are looking for a legal job-hunting book I would recommend "Guerrila Tactics for getting the Legal Job of your Dreams" by Kimm Alayne Walton. Career strategies is best covered by "The Young Lawyer's Jungle Book" by Thane Josef Messinger" and "What Law School Doesn't Teach You" by Kimm Alayne Walton.

Honestly, I don't understand the point of "Full Disclosure." The book was published in 2001 when job-hunting tips and career strategies were already extensively covered online--for free. Moreover, why is half the book given over to an appendix that covers a listing of law firms? Law firm information can alreadybe accessed online at sites like Martindalehubble.

Altogether, I would recommend that you save your money on this book. The ground that "Full Disclosure" covers is better covered by other books, and the advice it gives is the standard stuff you can already find online.

This book is a JOKE.
This mindless compilation is as if to suggest that the reader has no comprehension of fundamentals or is innately lacking.
"Work well and play with others?"

This publication just goes to show you that just about anybody can fill pages with asundered text from who knows what source for certain, publish it and call it a book.

This is a GREAT book. The authors have done an outstanding job bridging the EMS and medical aspects of disaster management with the IMS system. Surely a must include text in any disaster training program

As I scrambled to meet the direction of my CEO to get our disaster plan updated in order to deal with the pressing threat of terrorism it was recommended to get this text by a peer. After reading this book, I can say without a doubt, that it is one of finest disaster works I have ever been exposed. It has taken complex issues and presented them in a real world method that makes comprehension and application quite easy. Frankly this is a must have reference for emergency service and management personnel in public and private sectors. Outstanding work!

This is a GREAT book. The authors have done an outstanding job bridging the EMS and medical aspects of disaster management with the IMS system. Surely a must include text in any disaster training program

Outstanding work that takes you through a logical and sequential path concerning the application of Incident Command for EMS/Ambulance/Rescue operations.

Without a doubt the best text on the subject that I am aware of. Great reference and operational manual.

Well written and informative. Good review of incident management system. The information provided regarding disaster medicine is from the EMS response point of view and is useful for Emergency Physicians and Disaster researchers from the point of view of understanding EMS response in disasters. This book should be part of the overall collection of any physician working in area of Disaster Medicine.

A Time For Trolls is a wonderful collection of Norwegian fairy tales. The tales are a little more graphic than similar American counterparts; not necessarily for very young children, but not as dark as The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tales. The stories often start by following a trio of brothers. The youngest is usually a good-for-nothing called Askelad (literally, "Ash Boy") who does nothing but sit around and poke at the ashes in the hearth. However, he is wise and kind and determined, and he always ends up with the fortune and the girl. The translation from Norwegian is beautiful and lyrical, with a rhythmic quality reminiscent of oral tradition. A must-read for any fairytale or fantasy enthusiast, and a great look into the history of Norwegian culture!