Ever wonder what politicians mean by words like "transparency," "reform," "diversity,""nation-building?" Award-finalist author John Clifton shows you in this handy guide that it's never what you think! It's all here, from "academia" to "Zionism," insightfully and perversely defined for you in terms that leave the language laid bare, and, occasionally, laid in ruins. Here is a "Devil's Dictionary" of political words and phrases, illustrated with cartoons by the author, that will have conservatives and liberals laughing and thinking at the same time.

Most pet owners aren't aware of the dangers in animal vaccinations that have been discovered in recent years. In this compact, easy-to-understand volume, John Clifton explains the very real risks involved every time a dog or cat gets a shot. The major veterinary associations now agree that vaccinations can trigger all sorts of maladies, from allergies to cancer - but most pet caretakers (and many veterinarians, it seems) haven't gotten the word. This is an important book for every pet owner to read. In a conver- sational, direct, non-technical voice it guides the reader in formulating an intelligent approach to animal vaccinations. Clifton lays out all the major issues: whether to vaccinate or not, which shots to give and which to avoid, how to know if and when a shot should be repeated. And, importantly, the risks in over-vaccinating. Holistic as well as orthodox medical opinions are presented. Despite the title, readers are not advised flat out to abandon vaccinations. Rather, they are encouraged to learn about the risks and benefits - and "stop the shots" until they are fully informed.

The true, heartwarming story of a courageous terrier that conquered "incurable" cancer. Sparky was diagnosed with lymphoma at age six and given four to six weeks to live without treatment. With chemotherapy, his life might be extended by as much as one year. But his owners (the co-authors), inspired by the dog's indomitable spirit, decided to do all they could to save him. Sparky succeeded beyond all expectations. A special section, "If Your Dog Gets Cancer," is included at the end of the narrative, as well as a list of resources for caretakers of cancer-dogs.