As we approach another April 15th, my thoughts turn once again to those young men who sacrificed so much to help save the world from tyranny during World War II.
I am so grateful for those young soldiers and what they did for all of us. Our world would be a much darker place if they had not lived.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
iPhone and iTouch versions of BookOnBrowser

You're reading Ordinary Heroes on an iPhone?
If you have an iPhone or iTouch you might want to try out the modified version of the Ordinary Heroes BookOnBrowser that will run on either device.
It's surprisingly readable for such a small screen and includes links to the video clips and Web resources.
To try it, visit the BookOnBrowser page at www.sixstarsinthewindow.com.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
New reviews of Ordinary Heroes
Tyler Tichlaar, author of several outstanding historical novels about Marquette, recently agreed to review Ordinary Heroes, including the printed book, digital book, and the documentary video.
Like many readers, Tyler was initially a bit skeptical about the digital book as he really enjoys the look and feel of traditional books. But once he get started, he really go into the digital version of Ordinary Heroes.
You can read his reviews at the links below:
Review of the book:
http://www.superiorbookpromotions.com/superior_book_reviews/OrdinaryHeroesBook.html
Review of the documentary video:
http://www.superiorbookpromotions.com/superior_book_reviews/OrdinaryHeroesDocumentary.html
Like many readers, Tyler was initially a bit skeptical about the digital book as he really enjoys the look and feel of traditional books. But once he get started, he really go into the digital version of Ordinary Heroes.
You can read his reviews at the links below:
Review of the book:
http://www.superiorbookpromotions.com/superior_book_reviews/OrdinaryHeroesBook.html
Review of the documentary video:
http://www.superiorbookpromotions.com/superior_book_reviews/OrdinaryHeroesDocumentary.html
Author/book site
If you're looking for some good books, or if you're an author with a book that needs exposure, be sure to check out http://www.book-club-queen.com. It's a good site with informative reviews on books you might not otherwise discover.

Sunday, February 15, 2009
February 18, 1945: Riva Ridge
On the night of February 18th, 1945, the 10th Mountain Infantry Division started its first significant engagement of World War II when several companies of the 86th Regiment scaled Riva Ridge at night, with unloaded rifles. They took the Germans by surprise and were able to hold Riva Ridge against determined counter-attacks.
In the following days, the 85th and 87th Regiments advanced on Mount Belvedere and the adjacent peaks Mounts Gorgolesco and della Torraccia. It was a brief, but bitter battle, with the 10th suffering 900 casualties in just a few days.
John Koski had not yet joined the 10th and did not participate in the actions on Riva Ridge, Mount Belvedere, and della Torraccia. He was still in the 8th Replacement Depot waiting to be assigned to a unit. But many of the men that he later served with did participate in the assault on della Torraccia, including his future platoon sergeant, James Orwig, and his future squad sergeant, James Winterbottom.
When John was assigned to the 1st mortar squad of F-85 on Feburary 28th, it was as a replacement for one of the men killed or wounded on della Torraccia the previous week.
In the following days, the 85th and 87th Regiments advanced on Mount Belvedere and the adjacent peaks Mounts Gorgolesco and della Torraccia. It was a brief, but bitter battle, with the 10th suffering 900 casualties in just a few days.
John Koski had not yet joined the 10th and did not participate in the actions on Riva Ridge, Mount Belvedere, and della Torraccia. He was still in the 8th Replacement Depot waiting to be assigned to a unit. But many of the men that he later served with did participate in the assault on della Torraccia, including his future platoon sergeant, James Orwig, and his future squad sergeant, James Winterbottom.
When John was assigned to the 1st mortar squad of F-85 on Feburary 28th, it was as a replacement for one of the men killed or wounded on della Torraccia the previous week.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Ordinary Heroes featured at Atlas Books
Atlas Books is featuring Ordinary Heroes: Six Stars in the Window on their Web site.
I think they did a good job with the write-up, part of which I'll post below.
"That detailed information and first-person interviews made it possible to for Dan to reconstruct their experience in a very detailed and compelling manner. "It's difficult for us as civilians to fully appreciate what soldiers have to do," he explains, "but I believe that those who read this book will get a glimpse into the heart of the WWII generation, they'll get a glimpse of what it means to be a soldier."
To read the full review, go to:
http://www.atlasbooks.com/authorspotlight/asoja.htm
While you're there, browse through the other books available from Atlas Books. They feature some very good books, many of which you may not find at your local bookstore.
I think they did a good job with the write-up, part of which I'll post below.
"That detailed information and first-person interviews made it possible to for Dan to reconstruct their experience in a very detailed and compelling manner. "It's difficult for us as civilians to fully appreciate what soldiers have to do," he explains, "but I believe that those who read this book will get a glimpse into the heart of the WWII generation, they'll get a glimpse of what it means to be a soldier."
To read the full review, go to:
http://www.atlasbooks.com/authorspotlight/asoja.htm
While you're there, browse through the other books available from Atlas Books. They feature some very good books, many of which you may not find at your local bookstore.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
BookOn Digital Publishing Technology
Those of you who've tried the BookOnCD that's included with each printed copy of the book already know how compelling it can be to read a digital book where photos turn into videos of actual WWII events or interviews with family members and veterans.
If you haven't yet tried, it pop that BookOnCD into your Mac or Windows computer and give a try. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
It doesn't need any installation--just insert the disk to start.
If you don't have the printed book with BookOnCD, you can download essentially the same product from the Ordinary Heroes Web site. Just click the BookOnDownload icon on the right side of the screen and use the appropriate link to download the Mac or Windows version.
That digital publishing system can used for many product types, including textbooks (like our college computer textbooks), historical books (like Ordinary Heroes), or any type of book that could benefit from the use of video, animations, Web links, and learner feedback or assessment.
We're always on the lookout for publishing partners, authors, and content, so if you have a product that might benefit from use of this technology, please contact support@mediatechnics.net.
If you haven't yet tried, it pop that BookOnCD into your Mac or Windows computer and give a try. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
It doesn't need any installation--just insert the disk to start.
If you don't have the printed book with BookOnCD, you can download essentially the same product from the Ordinary Heroes Web site. Just click the BookOnDownload icon on the right side of the screen and use the appropriate link to download the Mac or Windows version.
That digital publishing system can used for many product types, including textbooks (like our college computer textbooks), historical books (like Ordinary Heroes), or any type of book that could benefit from the use of video, animations, Web links, and learner feedback or assessment.
We're always on the lookout for publishing partners, authors, and content, so if you have a product that might benefit from use of this technology, please contact support@mediatechnics.net.
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