Shocking Secrets of American History

This book is full of anecdotal stories about people and events in American history.  The book contains some shocking stories; some more than others.   The stories are very short (at most 2 pages) but very interesting.  I used it as a springboard for additional subjects to add to my "to read" list.

One example is how the son of Francis Scott Key (the author of the poem which later began the Star Spangled Banner) was murdered by then Congressman Daniel Sickles for having an affair with his wife.  Congressman Sickles was the very first case where the "temporary insanity" plea was used and was successful. 

It is a great book to have in the bathroom.  Since the stories are so short, you do not get bogged down with lengthy WC visits. :-)

I recommend this book.

ISBN 10: 1567318975 / 1-56731-897-5
ISBN 13: 9781567318975
Publisher: MJF Books
Publication Date: 2006
Binding: Hardcover

Six Frigates By: Ian W. Tolls

A great book about the establishment of the U.S. Navy.  Covers some of the more famous battles and some not so famous.  Does use many nautical terms but for me, a formal Navy guy, I was right at home. 

Not only does it cover the frigates, their captains and crew; it also goes into a small history lesson since there was some back-and-forth on the subject of even having a formal navy since Britain was "THE" Super Power.

This book is perfectly safe for someone 12 Years or older (although nautical words COULD be a hindrance).  Describes death from cannon balls, grape shot, and muskets.  


Paperback: 592 pages
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (March 17, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 039333032X
ISBN-13: 978-0393330328

The Rivalry (Library Edition Audio CDs) [Audio CD]

The Lincoln/Douglas debates.

I absolutely love Paul Giamatti.  Anything he does is excellent.  He knocked it out of the park.  The CDs are a recreation of the Lincoln Douglas debate for the Senate seat which was ultimately won by Douglas.  Although I make no secrets about my feelings towards Lincoln, this work, taken from the transcripts of the seven debates gives you a window into what made Lincoln appealing to people.

A L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring: Paul Giamatti, David Strathairn, James Gleason, Lily Rabe and Shannon Cochran

http://www.amazon.com/Rivalry-Library-Audio-CDs/dp/1580815693/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323471029&sr=1-1

Meltdown: A Free-Market Look at Why the Stock Market Collapsed, the Economy Tanked, and Government Bailouts Will Make Things Worse

By: Thomas Woods

This book is an excellent read for any TRULY interested in the money issues this country has experienced as well as the ones we are heading straight for.  Mr. Woods details the the first money, how it came to be, how it was monopolized, and eventually, and more important today, how it is manipulated to enrich some.

Woods explains the Austrian School of economics as well as the failed Keynesian School of Economics. He introduces you to the champion of Austrian Economics, Ludwig Von Mises as well as Hayek and Rothbard.

If you are looking for book that pins the current economics debacle on the Democrats or the Republicans, move on!  This book shows you how both parties are to blame and how the fiat currency is destroying our economy.

It explains in detail the "Boom/Bust" cycle caused by the Federal Reserve and uses the Von Mises analogy of the bricklayer building a house without knowing how many bricks he has in total.  When the bricklayer runs out of bricks and the house is not even close to completion, all the materials and services put into that project are lost.

I HIGHLY recommend this book.  This is written in a way that the layperson will fully understand the economics of this and other countries.

Hardcover: 194 pages
Publisher: Regnery Publishing; 1 edition (February 9, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1596985879
ISBN-13: 978-1596985872

http://www.amazon.com/Meltdown-Free-Market-Collapsed-Government-Bailouts/dp/1596985879/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Do as I Say (Not as I do) By: Peter Schweizer

 
This is a very interesting book.  It only serves to solidify my assertions about those that feel they can make decisions for "me" in the government and in the media on both sides of the isle.  The book covers the hypocrisy of many of the left's heroes.  It focuses on:

Noam Chomsky

Nancy Pelosi

The Kennedy Clan

The Clinton Clan

Michael Moore

George Soros 

Barbara Streisand 

And a few others.  The saddest and most disturbing part of this is the genius of the book's title, Do as I say, not as I do. These people are the antithesis of their public persona.  The author points out something that is very interesting, he says that when a conservative goes against what he preaches, it ends up hurting them and their families, however when the liberals do the same, it enriches them and their family.  I believe the country would be better off if we did this kind of Expose on ALL politicians and media folks that try to influence the masses.

It truly makes me sad that many people today, are actually struggling to live the life these "Heroes" pain as the "way to live" while those same heroes are lying to them.


Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Anchor; 1st Paperback Ed edition (October 10, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0767919025
ISBN-13: 978-0767919029