As U.S. military forces appear overcommitted and some ponder a possible return to the draft, the timing is ideal for a review of how the American military transformed itself over the past five decades, from a poorly disciplined force of conscripts and draft-motivated "volunteers" to a force of professionals revered throughout the world. Starting in the early 1960s, this account runs through the current war in Iraq, with alternating chapters on the history of the all-volunteer force and the analytic background that supported decisionmaking. The author participated as an analyst and government policymaker in many of the events covered in this book. His insider status and access offer a behind-the-scenes look at decisionmaking within the Pentagon and White House. The book includes a foreword by former Secretary of Defense Melvin R. Laird. The accompanying DVD contains more than 1,700 primary-source documents-government memoranda, Presidential memos and letters, staff papers, and reports-linked directly from citations in the electronic version of the book. This unique technology presents a treasure trove of materials for specialists, researchers, and students of military history, public administration, and government affairs to draw upon.

Medical X-rays, including fluoroscopy and CT scans, are a major cause of both cancer and coronary heart disease, according to this new study. This reader-friendly work uses no complex statistical operations. It shows each step between raw data and conclusions, and defines basic terms and concepts. Startling conclusions are supported by detailed reviews of medical studies from the 1940s through the 1990s. The author recommends X-ray procedures at much lower dosage levels. Includes a booklet summarizing conclusions of the study. The author is a professor of molecular and cell biology at the University of California-Berkeley, and has investigated the effects of medical X- rays since the 1960s. Paper edition (unseen), $27. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

A modern retelling of Hamlet, except with a few twists. It's seventies Vegas. Amid the glitz, neon lights, poker players, and flood of cash, Jack Romano, a well-respected self-made casino owner and patriarch, has died. His only son, Nick, arrives home for the funeral and discovers that the death may not have been so accidental. Now he must decide what to do about Claudio, an ambitious, seasoned mobster who is also his dad's so-called business partner. Complications arise as Nick finds himself falling in love with Rosalie, the daughter of one of Claudio's crew. Nick must not only save his family's casino business, but also his dad's hoard of silver, amassed over decades, and stashed in the casino's basement vaults. "The only thing missing are the cement shoes. Malanaphy's tumultuous and thrilling ride through the wise-guy back rooms of not-so-old Las Vegas is a sometimes funny, sometimes not, but always captivating whodunnit that'll keep you turning the pages. The Prince of Las Vegas has it all: Romance, mystery and a fresh take on a Cosa Nostra-esque underworld where behind every poker table there's a mobster looking to grab the great, late Jack Romano's loot. If you can't read this well-honed mobster thriller without cheering on the good guys and boo-hissing the bad ones, well ... fuhgeddaboudit!" - Andy Scontras, author of When You Are Strange "A well written, nostalgic and fun, Vegas crime thriller. Malanaphy's novel does not disappoint!" - Gary Braver, author of Tunnel Vision "Would make a great Scorsese or Tarantino movie." - Douglas Corleone, author of Good As Gone.