The 60th Anniversary of the Greatest Conspiracy Theory: JFK's Assasination

 

The U.S. has a rich history of conspiracy theories ranging from Watergate to attempts to assinate former Cuban President Castro, from Project MKUltra to the 9/11 attacks. However, at the upcoming 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 it is this dramatic event that stands out as the mother of all conspiracy theories. 

Therefore, as the 60th anniversary of this assasination approaches, we dwell on one of the most mysterious events in American history, and present Trauma Room One: The JFK Medical Coverup Exposed by Charles A. Crenshaw with a foreword by famed Holywood director Oliver Stone.

In this gripping account, Dr. Charles Crenshaw, one of the Dallas surgeons who worked on JFK in Trauma Room One, shares what really happened within those walls.

In November of 1963, the doctors who tried to save President John F. Kennedy at Parkland Hospital agreed - either out of respect or fear -not to publish what they have seen, heard, or felt. But in 1990, Charles Crenshaw stepped forward and decided.....

St. Nicholas - Dutch Folklore and Santa Claus

Next month, Tuesday December 5, the Dutch will celebrate their feast of Sint Nicolaas, with poems, marzipan, ginger biscuits, hot chocolate, and with presents for the children.

The history of Saint Nicholas is a colorful and storied one: he lived from 270 to December 6, 343 AD, was the Greek Bishop of Myra - located in modern day Turkey - and he was a Christian saint known for his miracles and secret gift-giving. Saint Nicholas attended the First Council of Nicaea, which was the first effort to attain consensus in the Church through an assembly representing all of Christendom. Later on Saint Nicholas became an important figure for Italians and Greeks, honored in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church. Throughout Europe he is celebrated for his generosity, especially towards children.

In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas became a figure of folklore, who would visit the Netherlands every November traveling by steamboat from Spain, riding a white horse and joined by.... 

The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects by Edward Ruppelt

Cosimo is excited to present our February Classic of the Month, The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects: The Original 1956 Edition by Edward J. Ruppelt with an introduction by UFO expert and investigative writer Colin Bennett.

In 1947 the phrase "flying saucer" gained national attention when a pilot named Kenneth Arnold reported seeing nine unidentified objects flying in formation near Mount Rainier in Washington State.

The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects was the first serious, unbiased account written about UFOs by anyone connected with the official government investigations of UFO phenomena. Ruppelt, who coined the term "unidentified flying objects" and headed Project Blue Book from 1951 to 1953, includes his personal investigations and findings in his extensive research on UFOs. He discusses both well-publicized UFO sightings and lesser-known accounts, as well as the inner workings of Air Force UFO research.

About the Author
Edward J. Ruppelt (1923-1960) served at the Air Technical Intelligence Center, where he took over Project Grudge, a formal investigation by the U.S. military with the goal of debunking extraterrestrial and UFO activity. Under Ruppelt's supervision, the project, later named Blue Book, experienced its most fruitful years, when investigations were properly conducted without judgment or disdain.

About Colin Bennett
Colin Bennett was an internationally-recognized expert on ufology and extraterrestrial activity, and is the author of Politics of the Imagination, Looking for Orthon, and Flying Saucers over the White House.  For more information, visit his new website

The Moynihan Report - The Negro Family and the Case for National Action

 

While the United States is celebrating Black History this February, this not only offers the opportunity to honor the accomplishments of Black Americans, but is also a time to consider the problems facing the African American population, such as continued higher than average poverty. 

One of Cosimo's popular reports dealing with the history and background of black poverty is:

The Negro Family: The Case for National Action aka The Moynihan Report. This is an important 1965 report by then Assistant Secretary of Labor under President Lyndon B. Johnson, the liberal Daniel Moynihan, who addressed the problem of black poverty.

Different from the orthodox view at the time that economic conditions determine social conditions, this report concluded that the conditions under which black children were being raised, generally in single-mother households, were the leading cause of black poverty. In order to address this, Moynihan called for jobs programs and vocational training for blacks. In his words:

"The fundamental problem… is that of family structure. The evidence - not final but powerfully persuasive - is that the Negro family in the urban ghettos is crumbling.”

While this report was believed to have influenced the creation of President Johnson's War on Poverty, its conclusions were criticized by many black and civil rights leaders. Whatever the various criticisms, this controversial report... 

Celebrating 200 years Anniversary of Old Santeclaus with Much Delight

 

"Old Santeclaus with much delight
His reindeer drives this frosty night,
O'r chimney tops, and tracts of snow,
To bring his yearly gifts to you."
-Anonymous, Old Santeclaus with Much Delight (1821)

This December, we not only celebrate a month of festivities leading towards Christmas and New Year, but also the anniversary of Old Santeclaus with Much Delight which was published 200 years ago in New York City. 

This short, illustrated children's poem is the first mention of flying reindeer pulling Santa Claus's sleigh with the first colored lithography in the United States showing the earliest images of Santa dressed in red. While the author remains anonymous, it may have been written by its original publisher, William B. Gilley (1785-1830). 

Cosimo Classics is proud to announce it just released - similarly to the original, also in New York City -  a beautifully recreated hardcover replica of this unique 1821 booklet, which is a true holiday delight for all ages.

                                                                                MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hans Brinker, The Silver Skates - Cosimo's December Classic

This December, pick up a classic for the little one in your life! We recommend our Classic of the Month, Hans Brinker by Mary Mapes Dodge and illustrated by Alice Carsey as the perfect stocking stuffer.

A beloved childhood favorite for a century and a half (and a book that readers continue to enjoy and appreciate long into adulthood), Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates went through more than 100 editions during the author's lifetime alone.

First published in 1865, this replica of the 1917 edition features the exquisite illustrations by Alice Carsey, whose sensitive eye and delicate pen-and-ink lines enliven the tale of the poor but virtuous Dutch boy in a way that few other artists have achieved. This replica edition brings the enchanting work of Dodge and Carsey to a new generation of children.

Dodge's book takes place in the Netherlands and is a fictional portrait of early 19th-century Dutch life. The perfect gift for the young reader, children's lit lover, and readers among your friends & family.

About the Author
Author and editor Mary Mapes Dodge (1831-1905) was born in New York City. She served as editor of the children's magazine St. Nicholas, to which she attracted such writers as Mark Twain, Louisa May Alcott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Rudyard Kipling. She also authored the short-fiction collection Irvington Stories (1864).

The Christmas Mice - A Children's Tale - Cosimo's December Book

"Isn't that strange? It took some babies to teach grown-ups to be nice to each other. Do you suppose that has anything to do with Christmas?" - The Christmas Mice

Our festive Book of the Month for December is The Christmas Mice by John White and illustrated by Dorothy L. Hall.

The Christmas Mice, a tale for children, is a heartwarming story of love and acceptance. It tells of two mice, Roger and Emily, who are outcasts from their community because they are different. One is green, the other is red-the colors of Christmas.

Encouraged by the birth of his children and the beauty of a Christmas tree, Roger teaches the rest of the meadowmice an important lesson about love and brotherhood. As the two main characters gain acceptance and understanding from the other mice, the importance of peace and oneness of all life is sensitively communicated. Especially relevant this year due to the tumultous times, this book would make the perfect bedtime story or gift.

The Christmas Mice is a touching tale with a powerful message that will delight young readers of all ages. The book is available in paperback at Amazon, and in paperback at Barnes & Noble. It is also available for your Kindle.


About the Author
John White is an internationally-known author in the fields of consciousness research and higher human development. His writing has appeared in magazines and newspapers around the world, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reader's Digest, Omni, Esquire and Woman's Day, and his books have been translated into ten languages. He holds a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College and a master of arts degree in teaching from Yale University. He has served on the governing and consulting boards of various academic and research organizations. He has also lectured at various colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada, and has made numerous radio and television appearances.

About the Illustrator
Dorothy L. Hall is an illustrator, art teacher, and cartoonist. She worked as a visual journalist for 20 years and taught Newspaper Design and Magazine Editing and Production at Southern Conn. State University. During the 70’s she was a muralist for the Peabody Museum in New Haven, Connecticut, and has had seven one-woman shows of her paintings.

The Santa Clause & St. Nicholas Connection

The history of Saint Nicholas is a colorful and storied one: he lived from 270 to December 6, 343 AD, was the Greek Bishop of Myra - located in modern day Turkey - and he was a Christian saint known for his miracles and secret gift-giving. Saint Nicholas attended the First Council of Nicaea, which was the first effort to attain consensus in the Church through an assembly representing all of Christendom. Later on Saint Nicholas became an important figure for Italians and Greeks, honored in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church. Throughout Europe he is celebrated for his generosity, especially towards children. Next Sunday evening, December 5, the Dutch will celebrate their feast of Sint Nicolaas, with poems, marzipan, ginger biscuits and hot chocolate, and with presents for the children.

In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas became a figure of folklore, who would visit the Netherlands every November traveling by steamboat from Spain, riding a white horse and joined by.... 

Thanksgiving with Johnny Cash

While today Thanksgiving is being celebrated in the United States, everyone, Americans and also others around the world, could give thanks to the positives in their lives: from appreciating the small things, to being grateful for one's challenges; from being thankful to be alive, to breathing fresh air; from having family and friends to having access to technology, such as cars, cell phones and the internet; from being able to be entertained and inspired by art, movies, books and sports, to see the seasons changing, and much more.

In these bizarre and difficult times, or especially in these times it is even more important to be grateful and show appreciation for what one does have, and realize that we take many good things for granted. 

Listen above to what legendary country and western singer, Johnny Cash, once said and sings about the importance of Thanksgiving.

On behalf of Cosimo, Happy Thanksgiving!

The Night Before Christmas - Cosimo's Classic of December

 

It's December again, the season of thanking, giving and celebrations - a season which wouldn't be complete without a Visit from St. Nicholas!

The Night Before Christmas, originally published as A Visit from St. Nicholas on December 23, 1823, in the Troy Sentinel, became America's favorite Christmas poem. After the poem was published anonymously, it was attributed to Clement Clark Moore in 1837. However, scholars have debated the identity of the author of this poem and some believe it was written by Henry Livingston, Jr., (1748-1828), a New York farmer who also wrote poetry.

The Night Before Christmas has had a great influence on the American notion of Santa.... 

The Anniversary of the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy - Trauma Room One

 

In this country, the U.S., with a history of conspiracy theories ranging from Watergate to attempts to assinate former Cuban President Castro, from Project MKUltra to the 9/11 attacks, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 still stands out almost 60 years later. 

Therefore, today we dwell on this event , one of the most mysterious ones in American history, and present Trauma Room One: The JFK Medical Coverup Exposed by Charles A. Crenshaw with a foreword by famed Holywood director Oliver Stone.

In this gripping account, Dr. Charles Crenshaw, one of the several Dallas surgeons who worked on JFK in Trauma Room One, shares what really happened within those walls.

In November of 1963, the doctors who tried to save President John F. Kennedy at Parkland Hospital agreed---either out of respect or fear---not to publish what they have seen, heard, or felt. But in 1990, Charles Crenshaw stepped forward and decided.....

The Joy of Family Ritual - Book of the Month

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we chose The Joy of Family Rituals Recipes for Everyday Living by spiritual teacher and motivational speaker, Barbara Biziou, as Cosimo's book of the month.  

The Joy of Family Rituals is a guide book for families who want to further enrich their lives with rituals. By reflecting on the significance of the everyday rituals and making them a part of daily life, families can strengthen their bond. Rituals help a family communicate, foster spiritual connections, and provide a secure foundation for growth. Though rituals are probably already a part of your family life, especially during these dark times of Covid, The Joy of Family Ritual can help incorporate even more rituals into your daily life.

See here what Barbara Biziou says not only about the importance of Thanksgiving, but also 

The African Unconscious - an Afro-centric look at human history - Classic Book of the Month

For an Afro-centric look at human history this month's Book of the Month The African Unconscious Roots of Ancient Mysticism and Modern Psychology by Edward Bruce Bynum.

This book, originally published in 1999, has become a true classic offering a fascinating view on the roots of our human existence, positing that all humans at their deepest core are variations on the African template, creating a shared identity and collective unconscious in all. 

Author Edward Bruce Bynum looks at both phenotypical types and psychic structures that form and identify us as human beings. During these times of the Black Lives Matter movement and many question the position of African Americans in American society, this book provides an intriguing backdrop to humanity and our daily life.

Praise for The African Unconscious:

The Moynihan Report - The Negro Family and the Case for National Action

 

While 2020 is the year that the Black Lives Matter movement has drawn attention to the problems facing the African American population, the problems of black poverty had already been addressed years ago in an important 1965 report by then Assistant Secretary of Labor under President Lyndon B. Johnson, the liberal Daniel Moynihan: The Negro Family: The Case for National Action aka The Moynihan Report

Different from the orthodox view at the time that economic conditions determine social conditions, this report concluded that the conditions under which black children were being raised, generally in single-mother households, were the leading cause of black poverty. In order to address this, Moynihan called for jobs programs and vocational training for blacks. In his words:

"The fundamental problem… is that of family structure. The evidence - not final but powerfully persuasive - is that the Negro family in the urban ghettos is crumbling.”

While this report was believed to have influenced the creation of President Johnson's War on Poverty, its conclusions were critized by many black and civil rights leaders. Whatever the various criticisms, this controversial report... 

Black Fatigue - the Intergenerational Impact of Racism

 

It is not a common occurence that we present books by other publishers, but we are happy to make an exception for an unique book, Black Fatigue - How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit by Mary-Frances Winters and published by Berrett Koehler Publisher (an Oakland based publishing company dedicated to change the world for the better).

Black Fatigue is the first book to define and explore Black fatigue, the intergenerational impact of racism on the physical and psychological health of Black people--and explain why and how society needs to collectively do more to combat its pernicious effects.

Positive reviews

“Black Fatigue is unbelievably well-written, unrelentingly honest, and unapologetically focused on the specific experiences of Black people. This book is indispensable for anyone who wants to thoroughly analyze and dismantle racism.”

—Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, award-winning author, and Professor of Media Studies and Urban Education, Temple University

“Black Fatigue tells the truth. Mary-Frances Winters brilliantly shows us how......