THE BOOKSHELF

books for Amazon's kindle

ABOUT BOOKS FOR KINDLE

For a number of years, I have been writing articles on a variety of subjects. Most of these subjects dealt with either military training, military history, Amateur Radio, church administration and related subjects. Some of this material is now available here free here to download and read on a PC for your enjoyment.  I used the well known Adobe .PDF© eBook format to provide easy and immediate computer access for you the reader.  To open the book to read, just click on the .pdf title at the end of each description.

I also have published several novels and other books/papers for Amazon's KINDLE. These can be obtained for your KINDLE or PC at Amazon's KINDLE Bookstore as noted below. (One Civil War novel, Deo Vindice, is also available in paperback). For information about the amazing KINDLE, check out the Kindle section at the bottom of this page.

If you should select one of Kindle books and find it enjoyable, I would appreciate a positive review Amazon's Kindle site. Thanks very much! 

Enjoy!

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Amazon's Kindle   As a very satisfied owner of an older KINDLE 2, I am convinced that Amazon got it right with my version of their book reader.  Having said that, the newer current KINDLE readers gives the reader even more options, more features, and a better reading experience not to mention a lower price!  It comes in a a Wi-Fi (only) version or a Wi-Fi and 3G version and the Kindle Fire comes in color. (The model determines how you access the Kindle Bookstore, newspapers, magazines, blogs, etc.)  The Wi-Fi version works just like a laptop accessing a network at any Wi-Fi hotspot. The 3G version works just like a cell phone and doesn't require a Wi-Fi hotspot so you can connect on the move, even while riding passenger in a car or at the lake. Its connectivity is fully paid with no monthly charge and is included with your Kindle when you buy one. It connects to the Amazon bookstore anywhere your cell phone works to include while moving or from areas where no Wi-Fi connections are available.    

No thicker than most paper magazines and with a screen as clear (or clearer!) than newspaper print, it offers selectable print size options and you have a choice of over 2,360,000 books (at last count!) to download and read. This number of available books grows daily and all available for download directly through Kindle's included free wireless connection or common Wi-Fi connections.  Most KINDLE books sell between $.99 and $9.99, with a number of books such as many of the great classics being free.  Once you set up your new KINDLE, you simply browse the bookstore listings, press a button, and the book you selected is downloaded to your personal KINDLE library in about one minute.  No setup, no cords, no waiting, no hassle!  The new KINDLE can hold up to 1400 to 3500 books in its on-board memory (depending on the Kindle version) giving you an incredibly powerful library in your hand!  A battery charge lasts from 10 days (wireless on) to 1 month (wireless off). 

It might interest you to know that in July 2010, Amazon reported that its Kindle book sales for the previous quarter surpassed its paper book sales for the first time in history. In early 2011, Kindle book sales surpassed ALL other forms of book sales, paperback and hardback sold by Amazon and Amazon is the largest bookstore in the world! In April 2011, eBook sales surpassed all printed books sales in the U.S. Clearly, the eBook has arrived as the primary medium for publishing and printing books!  

There is far to much to say about the various KINDLE readers for this webpage, so why not go to the website shown here to learn more.   Check out the KINDLE readers at: 

http://www.amazon.com

Kindle Reading experience is now available for the iPad, iPhone, PC, etc... For times when you don't have your Kindle with you, or perhaps if you don't own a Kindle, you can still create and access your Kindle library and the Kindle Bookstore.  Free Kindle Apps are available for most Smartphones, Computers, and  Tablets! You can use one of these free Kindle Apps to read Kindle books anytime, anyplace.  To learn more about the apps available for your device, all you need to do is to check with Amazon at the following link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771

You must have an account with Kindle to purchase and download books, but this is very easy to set up and this gives you access to the Kindle Bookstore.  Once you have set up your Kindle bookstore account, you can read any book that you purchase on your PC, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, PC, Blackberry, as well as your Kindle.

I don't always have my Kindle with me, but I can enjoy reading any of my Kindle books on my 3G iPhone or my wife's iPad 2 while waiting as she makes a quick shopping stop or runs an errand. At first, I thought the iPhone would be too small to enjoy reading a book, but I quickly found that I don't even notice the smaller screen since this Kindle app is optimized for this platform. It's like always having a mini-size Kindle reader in your pocket!  As for the iPad, it is a great reader as well everything else it does!  Okay, if you are set up, let's see what books I currently have available for you...

These are my current Kindle offerings. For more detail on each of these books, click on the title. Also note some free downloadable items in the next section.

(Click on the Title for book details)

Faulkner’s hands adjusted on the grip of the .40 caliber Glock as he inched his back along the barrier. He took one deep breath and then in rapid motion he spun to the left, quickly placed the sights on the silhouette of a man and fired 3 rounds…two in the chest and one in the head.  He knew he had good hits and this brought an inward smile of satisfaction. Moments later the whistle blew followed by the range master’s call to “Cease Fire… Clear all weapons”. He had finished another enjoyable session on the range and shot another perfect score for his efforts.

Clay Faulkner was a 6’2”, handsome and physically solid. He handled a handgun like it was part of him. Indeed, he had grown up with guns that he used for hunting, target shooting, then in the military and now in the FBI. In a dark suit he looked the part of an FBI agent on TV; in jeans and sweatshirt with his red and white Alabama ball cap, he just looked like another guy shopping at the Bass Pro Shop. Clay cleared his handgun, returned it to his holster and began policing up his empty brass when his cell phone rang.

The voice on the other end was Sid Stokes. “Clay…Brice needs for you to come to the office…we have a situation.” There was the sound of seriousness in Sid’s voice.

“On the way”, was Faulkner’s simple reply. He quickly picked up his few items and as he passed the range officer he said, “I’ve got to run, Bill…the office called” and he was on his way as the range officer waved him on. The trip to the office took about twenty minutes and he was soon parked in front of a neighborhood Stein Mart. He walked past Barnes and Noble Booksellers and entered the upscale strip mall through a set of glass doors that led to the offices upstairs. He passed a large accounting office, several attorneys’ offices and a nice architect’s office all of which took most of the office space on his floor, or so it seemed. 

 At the end of the hall he stopped in front of one of two office doors marked Private, held his ID card up to the magnetic access pad next to the first door, and when the lock clicked he entered. An attractive middle aged receptionist was typing a letter on her computer that sat next to the color TV monitor which monitored Faulkner coming down the hall and entering the door.

“Hi Clay…Conference Room B…they are waiting for you”, she said with a little smile. What’s up, Carol”  Clay asked in a low voice?

Carol raised her eyebrows and whispered...”Don’t know, but it’s a hot one!”

As he entered the conference room, Clay saw that there were five other agents already in the room.  Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Brice Williams was sitting at head of the table and on his left were Assistant SAC Roy Cassin and Agent Sid Stokes.  On his right, Agent Lou Montoya was seated next to Agent Doug Garrison, the computer guru of the office. Doug was intently working on his laptop that was plugged into the table.

“Sorry to take so long…I was at the range” Clay said as he took a chair next to Agent Stokes.

“No problem”, said Williams. “There has been a couple of incidents and I need you pack your bags for a few days.”

“Roger that…When and to where” replied Faulkner?

“Now… and Germany”, said Williams.  Looking around the table, he continued, “Okay gentlemen, here’s the situation.  Just a few hours ago, a suicide bomber drove a vehicle into a Catholic seminary just outside of London. At almost the same time, another suicide bomber attacked the U.S. military hospital at Landstuhl, Germany.”

“The first bomber drove what was believed to be a DHL van full of explosives right into the front of the seminary during an early afternoon chapel service and triggered it. Casualties among the students and teachers at the seminary are heavy.  Doug is trying to get more details as they become available.”

Faulkner was shaking his head in disgust…“and Landstuhl” he asked?

That guy didn’t quite hit his target”, replied Williams. He tried to crash the gate with a civilian ambulance to get at the main hospital but the gate barriers worked and the security guards engaged him. Unfortunately, he still set the bomb off and two Air Force personnel and a civilian were killed and a number of people were wounded, but at least he was stopped before he got to a building full of people.”

“Al Qaeda’s work no doubt”, said Clay.

“It has all the marks of their work, but no one has claimed credit.”

 “You said you want me enroute to Germany”?

“Yes”, answered Williams.  “The Bureau called and need someone to go to Landstuhl to gather details on that situation ASAP. They are sending an agent from the New York office directly to London to do the same there. Your name came up for Landstuhl because you are fluent in German and you lived in Germany.”

“Right, when you want me to take off?

Carol is set to book you out of Cinci International as soon as you touch base with her. I think the first flight is early tonight. I asked her to book you into Frankfurt and I’d like you to roll out on the earliest flight.  Can do?

“Can do.” said Clay.

Williams looked at Doug Garrison. “Doug, anything coming through on the attack in Germany?”

Garrison shook his head. “Negative, nothing yet.”

“When you do get anything on either of these attacks, send it directly to Clay by text message to his phone and cc me.”

“Right, I will stay on top of it”, said Garrison.  “Clay, when you get to Germany you will have messages waiting if I have gotten anything.”  Faulkner nodded.

“Good”, said Williams turning to Faulkner… “Clay, talk with the Germans. Find out as many details as you can on this bomber and see what they can pass along.  Offer our help anyway they can use it. Plan for a stay of at least a week…maybe two, but take as much time as you need to get what you can out of this.  Pass info directly to me...I will get it to the Bureau. Also…we will have someone from the Consulate meet you at the airport with transportation. They will also arrange quarters for you. The Bureau’s Legal Attaché’...our LEGAT…will make contact with you at the Consulate. You know the drill… That’s about all I have.  Questions?”

“No questions.  I'll touch base with Carol, run by my condo and be on my way on the first available flight.”

After a bit of conversation and a fast chat with Carol who supplied a briefing folder of names, places, background info and other details, the meeting was over.  As Faulkner drove to his home he was thinking… Get my passport, clean my weapon, get the charger for my Blackberry, pack the digital camera…  A quick mental checklist was forming. Three hours to wheels up.  Just enough time to grab a Ham sandwich before getting to the terminal at CVG.

(This book is available for the KINDLE at the KINDLE BOOKSTORE - $1.99 )  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0043BYWVU

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  DEO VINDICE   A Novel -     (Now also available in the Kindle Lending Library and as a paperback)

The date was July 1863 and Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia collided with the Union Army of the Potomac under George Meade at a little town named Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Both Generals knew this might be the decisive battle that could influence the outcome of the Civil War. After talking with General James Longstreet, his trusted subordinate, it was obvious that Lee had decided to attack the center of the Federal line in an all out effort to break the Union forces once and for all. Longstreet had argued against this, but his argument appeared to be in vain.  Longstreet could see that Lee’s mind was made up.

Very early the next morning General Lee’s commanders gathered for the briefing that would outline how the coming battle would be fought. Longstreet knew it would be a difficult day...a very difficult day.

SAMPLE CHAPTER EXTRACT

   "Good morning, gentlemen,” Lee looked over the assembled officers with an already intense face. "Everyone here?” he asked.

    Generals Ewell and Hill nodded that everyone had arrived as Lee looked around to confirm that the key officers were indeed present. Then he began, "Gentlemen, as you all know, destruction of the enemy force in the field remains our primary purpose.  We must defeat the enemy once and for all.”

Lee paused for some time.  “However, after careful review and consideration, I am convinced that this is NOT the place to accomplish this task."  Ewell looked noticeably puzzled, if not somewhat disappointed.  A.P. Hill was likewise surprised, since his conversation with Lee earlier had convinced him that there would be an attack and a major battle here today.  Longstreet slowly put his unlighted cigar in his mouth holding back a smile.  It seemed that he had convinced Lee after all.

General Lee began to explain his plan, now pointing at the map before them. "I propose to disengage the bulk of the army and move in this direction."  He ran his finger behind his own lines southwest through South Mountain, then south, then turning east through the Catoctin Mountains toward Frederick on the road to Washington.  Several officers openly smiled and looked at each other. Washington!  At last!  Now they would let the Federals experience what Richmond had experienced these past two years!

Lee quickly brought them back to focus, "I do not expect that we will actually attack the Federal city.  Instead, I plan to destroy the enemy reserve corps here at Frederick. The enemy will move quickly to stop us and when he does, we will use his haste, our good plan, and our superb army to destroy him once and for all!"  He waited for a response.

"Sir?” General Ewell spoke. Lee nodded. "We won a substantial victory here yesterday. Might it not be counterproductive for morale and spirit of the troops to move away from the Federals when we have such an opportunity here?"

The commander of the Army of Northern Virginia seemed to have been waiting for this question. It was one he had pondered over and over. He responded, "It is true that we won an impressive victory here yesterday and I have considered that. However, General, this victory is out of proportion to the battle that is surely to come. I must say honestly to you all, I feel we could very likely defeat the Federals today…right here.  But we must be certain of this victory.  A near victory will not do, nor will just any victory do.”

“Consider the facts. The enemy grows stronger each day.  If we fight now and win but in doing so we take heavy losses, we cannot look for help. We are in enemy territory and it is no secret that the South has little left to send us. If we win a victory without completely destroying his army, the enemy will once again move away to replenish and refit. We will be unable to pursue and continue the fight. No, we must plan carefully to assure total victory as much possible. This next battle must be decisive. We must completely defeat these people."

The generals now understood. They would indeed fight, but their commander wanted as much in his favor as he could get.  He would not trade his army away for a victory; he wanted to end the war if he possibly could!  How exactly did he plan to defeat the Federals?  The Army of the Potomac was just over the tree line and they had no intention of letting Lee's army just walk away to fight another day!

"The plan to defeat the enemy in the next few days will require the greatest effort of all of our forces. Timely movement without hesitation or delay is a primary factor here."  Lee was looking at his Corps commanders, particularly at Longstreet. "For this plan to succeed, coordination and control will be paramount. At times we have been slower than necessary and coordination has suffered.  For the coming days we must move quickly and in a timely manner." He placed his spectacles on and looked at the map, "We shall proceed in this manner."

General Longstreet, you will demonstrate this afternoon before the Federal left here, near these two hills.  Give the enemy great reason to believe you will attack momentarily.  Your demonstration should start after lunch toward early afternoon today.  The days are long this time of year, so early afternoon will do well for us."

Lee continued, "You should give the appearance of preparing for an attack, but I want you to look disorganized.  Get some of your troops into position late in the afternoon, but make it appear that owing to the now late hour, you decide to wait for an attack early tomorrow morning.  You should make use of cavalry, artillery, and wagon movements to appear that you are strengthening here-in the wood line west of-Emmittsburg Road.  Then, well after dark, as soon the enemy settles in and continues to prepare for your attack in the morning, you will disengage the bulk of your Corps.  You will move southwest through Fairfield and then rapidly towards Boonsboro, turning to go through Turner’s Gap…here. Proceed toward Frederick looking for a suitable location west of the Catoctin Mountains where you can hold until the rest of the army can assemble with you.  I again stress that you must give the appearance that your main body is still in place at Gettysburg even as you move south." Lee looked at Longstreet, "Is this clear so far, general?"

General Longstreet paused, then responded, "Yes sir…you mentioned cavalry."

Lee replied, "Correct, General Stuart will provide cavalry elements from his command for this work.  I would suggest General Imboden, who is already detached, join General Jenkins’ brigade for this duty."  Lee looked at Stuart who was still smarting from his little talk with his commander about being gone too long and being out of touch.

Stuart quietly voiced a simple, "Yes sir". Longstreet indicated understanding by nodding as the generals all looked again to the map.

"General Hill, when General Longstreet's main body moves south, you will immediately fall in behind him and follow in close order with most of your Corps.  This will place you second in the movement.  The cavalry elements from General Stuart that I mentioned will remain behind when you depart.  They will keep up campfires and the appearance that there is a strong force before the enemy lines.  They must appear to be infantry and not just cavalry."  Lee was looking over his spectacles waiting for confirmation of understanding from General Hill and General Stuart.

A.P. Hill responded, "Yes sir, I follow immediately behind General Longstreet."  He was thinking that this was a lot of people to be moving at night, but if it could be done, the Army of Northern Virginia would do it.  Moving south would certainly help the men to move smartly, as everyone was ready to get out of Pennsylvania and get on home soil.

Lee nodded and now looked to Richard Ewell, "General Ewell, you will follow General HillEwell immediately as he moves to follow General Longstreet. In like manner, detached cavalry elements will stay behind as you depart. As you move through the mountains past Fairfield, you must watch to your rear and be prepared to turn and hold up any enemy elements that might try to follow us.  I do not foresee this happening, but if it should, you must provide us time to get the bulk of the army south and into place for a fight.”

"Very well, sir," Ewell answered.  “But should the enemy follow us through the mountains, rather than move south from Gettysburg, or if he does both, how will we address such a move?”

General Lee responded, “I do not think the enemy will follow you in any real strength.  If your rear guard is alert and strong enough, it will be able to handle any cavalry units he should send against you. I fully expect that General Meade will be late in moving, and by the time he realizes we are disengaged, we will make sure he knows we are now due south of his main force. General Meade will be forced to also move due south directly toward us to cut us off from attacking Baltimore or Washington.”

Dick Ewell replied with a nod of his head and a “Very well, sir.”

"General Stuart, the main body of your cavalry will be out in front of the army as we move south. You must maintain contact with the main body and keep me informed as we proceed. I want to be very clear about this. I must know what is to our front. The Army will be advancing in a broad column and we cannot engage piecemeal.” JEB Stuart was looking almost embarrassed at the specific guidance he was being given. Lee continued pointing at the map, "Just southeast of Hagerstown, we will turn east and move through the mountains here.”  He pointed toward the small dot on the map called Middletown. The enemy may well be on his way to close on us by the time we reach this point, but if not, we will continue south toward Frederick. You must also have elements of your cavalry take and secure the bridges across the Potomac at Williamsport, as well as the fords there and here at Falling Waters for our possible use.”

“The bridge here across the Monocacy southeast of Frederick may need to be destroyed, so be ready for this order should it come.  Do not, I repeat Do Not, destroy this bridge until you receive orders from my headquarters to this effect.”

Lee continued, "General, after you have cleared the way to Frederick, be prepared to turn north to contact the enemy and determine just where he is and how he is approaching us.  At this point, you must also delay him and gain us as much time as possible without you becoming decisively engaged."

"General Stuart," Lee smiled warmly as he removed his spectacles, "as a cavalry officer you are unsurpassed.  You must find the way for us and then provide us some time as we prepare for the enemy. I have the utmost confidence in you."  Stuart was deeply moved at the compliment given to him before his fellow officers. In an instant he knew that all was truly forgiven.  He returned the smile, "Yes sir, I will get us some time."

Lee again continued speaking to Stuart, "Once you have accomplished this last task, return directly to the main body by way of Frederick City. By then the enemy will surely be following you, and I want you lead him right to us.  When you rejoin us, you must quickly move to protect our rear and flank from any approach from Washington or Baltimore.  By this time, Washington will be in a panic and the Meade's forces will be moving as quickly as possible to try and stop us."

General Hill raised a question, "Sir, reference to Washington, do you think the Yankee troops there will be sent against us?"

"No,” Lee said as he leaned on the table looking at the map.  "The troops in Washington are not prepared to meet us in the field, and the government would never leave the city undefended. I expect they will man defensive positions in or near the city and wait for us to attack.”

“And they will pray to the good Lord all the while that we do not do so!” loudly interjected George Pickett.  Everyone laughed as Robert E. Lee smiled.  Spirits were high.

Lee hesitated as the seriousness of the moment returned, “I expect the enemy to move south out of Gettysburg by forced march as rapidly as possible.  He will surely lead with his cavalry.  Meade will want to fight us immediately, hoping to catch us strung out as we move toward Washington.  The enemy will probably want to catch up to us in the open at Frederick, only we won't be moving, we will be waiting. He will be trying to stop an attack that we never intended to make. They will be the ones that are caught.  Gentlemen, we have the army and we will have position.  Here!"  Lee was pointing at the hills of Monocacy just south of Frederick.  "Here we shall defeat the Federal army once and for all."

The assembled commanders realized this plan was bold, just as were always the plans of Robert E. Lee. They also realized the Army of Northern Virginia had a reputation for accomplishing such bold plans. This one would be no different. They were going to make a long and dangerous night move.  Then place themselves between the Federal army and Washington. The enemy will surely come at them like a charging bull!

For the next half hour or so, details were discussed and the commanders looked at the maps, asking questions, making plans, and coordinating their efforts. They discussed the need for being seen to prepare for an attack at Gettysburg, but at the same time, not being too obvious. The need to avoid observation as they prepared to move, the need for quiet but fast movement, the need for route reconnaissance before dark, the need for troops to rest while looking as if they were preparing to attack, these were but a few of the topics of discussion. The coordination would continue through the day as preparations were made, but they had to start now before the Federals might decide to attack. Actually there was very little chance that the Federals would attack them at Gettysburg.  The federal army had good positions and were not about to give them up.

Shortly, Lee dismissed his officers from the formal briefing. He talked individually with his Corps commanders alone before they left, stressing the need for rapid and steady movement.  He encouraged them, pointed out specific details and wished each of them well as they left.  Longstreet was the last to take leave of his commander. Lee walked with him to his horse.

"Pete, your counsel yesterday was important in helping me reach this decision."

Longstreet was uncomfortable and immediately replied. "General, I hope I did not step out of line with my comments, I would never...."

"No," said Lee, "I asked you to speak your mind and you did.  I need officers who will give me their honest opinion.  Now, our plan is in place.  As I mentioned to you, I have not been well physically. Should anything happen to me, you must see this plan through.  One thing I do want to mention to you. I have noted that of all my Corps commanders, you in particular tend to get too far forward and place yourself in greater danger than necessary."

"Sir, nothing will happen to you.  You will outlast us all!”  Longstreet was trying to speak and not seem dramatic.

"Well, you take care of yourself and you stay well clear of the front line.  That’s an order," said Lee as he smiled and they walked a few more steps.  Then he stopped and faced Longstreet, "General, for this plan to succeed, you must move quickly, be bold, strike hard, and you must win decisively.  I am convinced that this battle could well determine the war.  That’s why I have your Corps leading in this march. I want you to help me end this terrible conflict."

Longstreet realized just how much Lee really had come to depend on him since he had lost “Stonewall” Jackson.  He was deeply moved, "My Corps will give you everything we have, General."

As he mounted up and rode back toward his headquarters, James Longstreet had much on his mind.  It was shaping up to be a very long day just as he had thought it would be, but it was certainly different than he had expected.  When he looked toward the Union lines, he felt relieved that there would be no fight there today.

For a moment, he wondered what would have happened if the two armies had indeed fought at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

DEO VINDICE, A NOVEL ISBN: 1-58500-297-6 Paperback version available online from www.AuthorHouse.com, Amazon.com, as a special order from your bookstore, or from Amazon Books -

(This book is available for the KINDLE at the KINDLE BOOKSTORE - $2.99 ) http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0043BYWVU

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   INCIDENT ON BEAR MOUNTAIN -  A Kindle short Novel (Novella) 

  
The deep woods of the Northwest U.S. are virtually uninhabited and known for its isolation. Venture too far into these dark forests and the rules of everyday civilization may not apply. Such was the case for three men who went looking for strange footprints spotted during a plane crash investigation. In doing so, they disturb and anger something that feels the men are a threat and must be punished for trespassing, but the encounter goes wrong...terribly wrong.

This will be a perfect companion for a cold, dark winter evening... but make sure your doors are locked!  

An excerpt from the book:

When there was a pause in the conversation, Eric blew on his hot coffee cup. “So Jay, tell us what you found at the crash site.”...

“Footprints. I saw footprints”, said Jay. “Large, fresh footprints… five of them. I know your next question is what kind of prints and just how big were they? I think this will answer those questions.” He pulled a iPhone from his pocket and in a few seconds he turned it around and moved it across the table in front of the two excited men.

The photo showing on the phone was a very clear cell phone photo of a large foot print with a stainless steel handgun lying right next to it. “That gun is my normal carry gun when I am in the woods. It’s a Smith and Wesson Model 629 .44 Magnum and it has a 5” barrel. Overall, that gun is 11 ½ inches from end to end. You will note the footprint is almost 4” longer than the gun. That print is about 15 inches long.”

“Good grief! What a photo and what a footprint!”, said Rich. “How about the other prints? Were they as clear?”

“Well, that is what makes this find really special, Rich. First of all, this is no bear print. I’m not exactly sure what it is, but it’s no bear track…that much I know. Secondly, three other prints were similar to this first one and each was also pretty clear too. Click the arrow at the bottom of the screen and look at the next three photos.”

Rich clicked the button and studied each photo carefully comparing the length of 44 Magnum lying next to each print. These three photos weren’t quite as clear as the first picture, but you could clearly see the footprint outline and you could tell they were large, just like the first one.

“You said you saw five prints”, said Eric.

Jay hesitated for moment and then said, “That’s the most interesting part. Press the button one more time.”

Rich pressed the button and as he and Eric looked at the photo they were puzzled at first, then their eyes widened as they realized what they were seeing. The photo was clear enough, it was another footprint and had the handgun lying next to it, but this footprint was only about the same length as the gun. This footprint was 4” to 5” shorter than the other prints!

“Rich looked up, mouth open as if searching for the right words.

Jay nodded, “Yes, it’s another footprint but it’s different from the others. It means that there were at least two Sasquatch at that site....!”

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    A CIVIL WAR REFERENCE FOR KINDLE   A CIVIL WAR REFERENCE THAT GOES WITH YOU FOR SCHOOL, STUDY, WRITING, OR RESEARCH…

(Updated in 2011 for easier use) Almost like having a Civil War expert on call, A CIVIL WAR REFERENCE FOR KINDLE contains hundreds of items of information on multiple areas for the historian, student, teacher, re-enactor of the Civil War period. This reference book gives you hundreds of fact and information in one place that you can access.

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  A PROPOSED STRUCTURE FOR TODAY'S STATE DEFENSE FORCE - A FORCE STRUCTURE TO MEET TODAY'S THREAT.  

We Americans are in the midst of a worldwide pernicious terrorist war of subjugation or elimination.  This war is as much social and religious as it is political and economic regardless of what we are told.  Every day there are terrorist groups killing and destroying to demonstrate that what we believe, what we stand for, is of no value.  Historically, the National Guard is the immediate force available to the government for response to such internal threats and attacks.  Today's Guard has developed into a semi-regular military force that rotates on and off federal active duty to meet overseas force requirements. While no one doubts or questions their ability or commitment to meet state needs, this almost semi-active status has reduced the ability of our state governors to have a force they can count upon to be available for state activation and use.  In particular, perceived terrorist threats and actual terrorist attacks inside the U.S. will almost certainly lead to immediate federal activation of a state's National Guard to insure 'unity of command'.  This leaves governors with no troops left to call at a time when state troops are most needed to meet state Homeland Security needs. 

Many State Defense Force (SDF) organizations, authorized by United States Code Title 32 (32 U.S.C., § 109, 1956), NG Regulation (National Guard Regulation 10-4, 1987) and various State Military Department and legislatures have not reorganized their State Defense Forces (SDF) to keep pace with a changing world and changing threats. Active military, reserves, and National Guard forces on the other hand, have reconfigured, reorganized and modernized repeatedly in the last decade. To be able to respond to another 9-11 type attack, a Katrina disaster, a New Madrid earthquake event, or any other major disaster, states should take the initiative to step forward and modernize their SDF structure and response capabilities now while there is time to prepare and train.   

This paper presents a proposed organizational structure to meet current needs and threats while doing so at little or no additional costs to state government. If you have an interest in a federally authorized and approved organized state militia that can help both the state's bottom line and its ability to respond in an emergency, this forward looking proposal will be of interest to you.

Watch for several other papers to follow in this series to include organizing an effective SDF Communications structure, an SDF Aviation structure, an SDF Naval structure, an SDF Reconnaissance structure, etc. These will also be offered as Kindle publications. 

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 A STRUCTURE FOR THE STATE DEFENSE FORCE (A SERIES) (Signal, Aviation, Naval, Security Police, Reconnaissance)

Each of these very short booklets(~15 to 30 pages) discusses the organization and employment of federally authorized State Defense Force units into one of the types of units as noted.

In an emergency, when the state and the governor need trained manpower to augment other state assets, such assets can be out of reach. National Guard units are often federalized and as federal entities, they are no longer directly responsive to the state needs. Landline telephone circuits can fail due to flooding or other damage. Cell phones likewise can fail for the same reasons or due to being jammed by overuse. The governor needs information to know how to respond, and he needs assets with which he/she can respond for the short term until services have time to return to normal. An all-volunteer State Defense Force can provide answers to these issues. Recommended unit structures and how they might be generally organized are discussed in these booklets.

Much of each booklet is common to the other booklets, with common background and support structure. The difference is the the specific subject being discussed as to how it can be formed, integrated into the SDF, and used for SDF mission accomplishment. The primary goal is minimum organization and maximum effectiveness. If only one booklet is read, it should probably be the SIGNAL booklet. Communications applies to every SDF unit regardless of where it is located and how it is organized. It discuss how an effective communications system can be created to allow the SDF to communicate and function when all other communications have failed or used for other priorities. 

The other subjects, AVIATION, NAVAL, SECURITY POLICE, AND RECONNAISSANCE, address units that can help to protect state assets such as buildings, warehouses, docks, locks, waterways, bridges, airports, forests, coastal areas, pipelines, power lines, etc. These units can respond quickly to emergencies or disasters much as do volunteer fire departments. In some cases the cost to the state is simply for fuel for vehicles, small water craft, or small aircraft used when responding to SDF requested missions. Most of the SDF operations are done at no cost to the state. SDF units remain totally responsive to the governor.

These .99 cent booklets will serve as a 'think piece' for SDF leadership and SDF members looking to move the SDF concept into the 21st century.

(These papers/booklets are available for the KINDLE at the KINDLE BOOKSTORE $.99 each)  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0043BYWVU

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  WELCOME TO THE BOARD - A Manual for newly elected Church Board Members -    

For many church members who are elected to serve on their church board, it is their first Board membership experience of any kind.  They don't really know what is expected of them and they don't know how they should serve in this new important position.  Not specific to any one denomination, this manual can help most anyone seeking to know how to help the Pastor and serve the church.  This small 25 page book has been used by state districts and local churches.  Many churches and Pastors print it and give a copy to every newly elected board member to help them get started on a good course.   

 (This book is available for the KINDLE at the KINDLE BOOKSTORE $.99 )  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0043BYWVU

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    A PASTOR'S GUIDE TO AN EFFECTIVE CHURCH BOARD - A Companion to WELCOME TO THE CHURCH BOARD     

This is a companion book to WELCOME TO THE BOARD. While it covers much of the same material as the other book, it does so as viewed by the pastor of a church rather than as a board member. As a pastor you may want to give your board new direction, or a some new ideas on how to support the work of the church, or perhaps you are working with a new church plant and need a board structure to follow. This book will help you as you as you structure a new or 'refreshed' board. It also will give you a good understanding of what your board will be looking to you to do and what they expect from you if they have read WELCOME TO THE BOARD.   

 (This book is available for the KINDLE at the KINDLE BOOKSTORE $1.99 )  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0043BYWVU

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  NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR LICENSE...WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE? -

This 40 page book is written for the "Brand New" Amateur Radio Operator who just got, or is about to get his/her General or Extra "ticket", but who has questions about setting up a station and actually making that first contact on High Frequency (HF).  Written in conversational language that newcomers can understand, this book explains the "Ham terms" used and assumes the new Ham is in fact, 'brand new'.  It provides some suggestions and thoughts on assembling a comfortable station.  Topics include how to select your first HF rig (radio) as well as your first FM rig, what  antennas might work well for several situations, what to say in your first HF contact, and how to QSL (exchange postal or electronic cards to acknowledge a contact).   It also will provide many good links for a world of additional information on these subjects that you can find on the Internet (if you know where to look).  This book won't help you get a license since it assumes you already have one, but it will certainly help you get your station set up on HF and then start making contacts.  Think of it as having your personal "Elmer" at hand to help you along.  This eBook is free here for personal use, and is a contribution to Amateur Radio.  ENJOY and PASS IT ALONG!    WHAT NOW.pdf   

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  HOMELAND SECURITY COMMUNICATIONS HANDBOOK  -

Most of us say we "Remember 911", but for the Amateur Radio Operator, there is much more we can do beside just remembering.  We can prepare.  Even if you don't don't get really pro-active in emergency communications, there are things you can do...in fact things you should do to prepare in case you are needed. Just showing up with a radio in hand or coming up on a frequency during an emergency is not enough, you need to know what to do and you need to be prepared and need to be trained.  Designed to be an Amateur Radio Operator "Think Piece", this little booklet can give you some ideas of what you can do on your own as an Amateur operator in your local community.  This eBook is free here to my fellow Amateur Radio Operators.     HOMELAND SECURITY COMM 2008.pdf

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  WELCOME TO ARLENE'S HOSPITALITY COLLECTION -

My wife, Arlene, is a well known national speaker who travels across the U.S. speaking on the subject of Church Hospitality and assimilating the new guest into the local church.  She also has collected recipes from our military and church friends for years. Now she has published her very special updated collection of 450 recipes. This attractive hard back printed cookbook is in its 4^th printing and has just arrived. Copies are $15 plus $3 shipping per copy.  

It makes an ideal gift for Christmas, holiday, birthday, wedding gifts, good friends or just as a special keepsake.  Many of our friends say it is the only cookbook they actually use on a daily basis! It very well may be the last printing of this cookbook, so to get copies of this limited edition cookbook, please visit her website at www.HospitalityPlus.org and check the Contact Us page for details.  You will be glad you did!

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  ARLENE SELECTS - 25 OF HER VERY BEST RECIPES - VOL. I - A Selection of recipes from her hard cover cookbook above just for Kindle readers. -  (Now a Kindle Book)

This made for Kindle collection is sure to please you and your family. Each recipe was selected by Arlene for publication in this Kindle format. The toughest part was selecting which recipe to include and which to omit. With 450 great recipes to choose from, you can imagine that getting down to just 25 was tough! I kept telling Arlene to be sure and add this one, add that one, and not to forget this one that I like so much.... Ultimately, she arrived at 25 great winners.   Visit the Amazon Kindle bookstore and pick up a copy of Arlene Selects, but prepare to get hungry as you read it! Order it at:  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0043BYWVU    

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A SALUTE TO ALL THOSE WHO  FLY THE UNFRIENDLY SKIES...

   ARMY AVIATION