[NOTE: Bumped up from yesterday.]
There’s still plenty of time left to order from Amazon via the handy neo-neocon widgets on the right sidebar. I’m a big procrastinator, so I know. And there’s even time to sign up for 2 free months of Amazon Prime, which allows you to mail items for free.
I don’t usually push products, but here’s one I think many of you will like: the book Touching History by Lynn Spencer. The only thing wrong with it is the title, which seems too general to describe the contents properly. The subtitle, The Untold Story of the Drama That Unfolded in the Skies Over America on 9/11, is somewhat better, but it really doesn’t really begin to convey how exciting this book actually is.
Think you know what happened in the air on 9/11? Think again. If you haven’t read this book, you’re only aware of a small fraction of the story. The frantic attempts of controllers, NORAD, the FAA, and everyone involved to piece together an understanding of the whole picture unfolding in real time, and to intervene to save lives, makes for extraordinarily gripping reading. I devoured the entire book in a single night. Be prepared; you may, too.
Previously a lifelong Democrat, born in New York and living in New England, surrounded by liberals on all sides, I've found myself slowly but surely 
December 16th, 2011 at 11:25 am
How about a recommendation for a good and subtle book to give to your kid, nieces, nephews . . . whomever, who are in college and you’d like to raise their suspicions about what their learning just a little.
December 16th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Curtis: Maybe Sowell’s Vision of the Anointed?
Or perhaps Bloom’s Closing of the American Mind?
I haven’t read this one, but it’s on point, although it might be too heated: Horowitz’s One Party Classroom.
December 16th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
Touching History by Lynn Spencer
The reviews I read were good.
Thanks I will purchase and read.
December 16th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
I know I’d like Horowitz’s book, but the title and cover already reduce its sneak attack ability.
Vision of the Anointed looks good.
“Intellectuals” by Paul Johnson is a favorite.
You see, with a 19 year old daughter as an English major at a liberal college, I have to use every sneaky advantage possible. A head on approach only provokes resistance. She’s a great kid. Responsible. Has a part time job. Gets pretty much straight A’s–although that doesn’t mean that much in today’s academic environment. She pretty much acts conservative and thinks moderately liberal, so I’m actually quite thankful after years of education in the liberal/progressive public school system.
Thanks for the suggestions.
December 16th, 2011 at 5:33 pm
I got a serendipitous email from the Claremont Review of Books:
http://www.claremont.org/publications/crb/
One book looks very interesting: “Rehabilitating Lochner” by David Bernstein. From the Amazon website: This 1905 decision invalidated state laws limiting work hours and became the leading case contending that novel economic regulations were unconstitutional.
December 16th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
Neo,
I donate to you directly via paypal. I see no reason to give you a mere % via Amazon. You provide a wonderful, welcoming space for the exchange of ideas. You open up my mind by your frequent forays into music, art, and dance that I would never have examined on my own. Please keep up the good work.
Thank you.
December 16th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
I think your right, Parker. I’m a stingy Irishman so you know if I’m contributing, there’s naught aught but gut.
December 16th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Hope your daughter is doing okay.
December 16th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
Parker: thanks so very much!
December 17th, 2011 at 1:07 am
“Hope your daughter is doing okay.”
Thanks for remembering Curtis…. the latest news is very good, in fact its excellent! The various scans show no further cancer beyond the one breast & one lymph node (extracted) AND the pathology results show the tumors had a protein on the cell membrane that a reliable chemo drug attacks and destroys with 99% effectiveness.
She’s in for a hard 9 months of chemo, just to make sure, plus reconstructive surgery; but all in all we are going to celebrate a very merry Christmas and happy new year. We are thankful for the ‘miracles’ American research provides. Let no one doubt the life saving benefits provided by the capitalistic American medical/health care research paradigm.
As a family (and our circle of friends who have strongly supported us during this crisis) we give thanks for this positive news and recognize it as the best gift we have ever received. Across 3 generations we have decided that no presents will be exchanged this season as each family member will be donating to cancer research as best as they are able. (My grandson, age 6, is donating $5.68.)
“Parker: thanks so very much!”
You are more than welcome neo. I am so fond of your blog as to call it love of this tiny landscape in the digital world. So thank you Neo and all who post their ‘treasonous’ thoughts at neo-neocon. You are a unique and distinctly knowledgeable group of people. I discover so much info and gain a greater perspective of the world (past and present) at this outpost in a world of insanity.
Bless neo and each and everyone who posts here.
December 17th, 2011 at 1:51 am
What wonderful, wonderful news. We have each other which is something to be thankful for.
December 17th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
Parker,
That is truly great news. Have a fantastic Christmas.
Neo,
I’ll try to place my order (for US relatives) this weekend.
December 17th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
Parker, I was not aware of your daughter’s fight with cancer. This sounds like very good news. Yes, thank God for the research that brings us new blessings each passing year. What a gift it is! My best wishes for a complete recovery for her.
I echo the sentiments of all who come in praise of neo. It is a place of reasonable discussion in an unreasonable world. A place of learning as well.
Merry Christmas to neo and all her loyal readers and commenters.
December 17th, 2011 at 7:40 pm
Parker: I want to add my best wishes for your daughter’s continuing good health.
December 18th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
I am preparing for my productive visit through the PORTAL. If I’m not back before the shipping cut off date for Christmas delivery, please reach in and pull me out.
December 18th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Parker, I too was unaware of your daughter’s tribulations, and am delighted that it is all coming right. Best wishes for her full recovery!