New Releases by MIchael J. Sullivan

The past two years have seen the Congress and the DoD take meaningful steps towards addressing long-standing weapon acquisition issues -- an area that has been on the high risk list since 1990. This testimony focuses on the progress DoD has made in improving the planning and execution of its weapon acquisition programs and the potential for recent acquisition reforms to improve program outcomes. The testimony includes observations about: (1) DoD''s efforts to manage its portfolio of major defense acquisition programs; (2) the knowledge attained at key junctures of a subset of 42 weapon programs from the 2009 portfolio; (3) other factors that can affect program execution; and (4) DoD''s implementation of recent acquisition reforms. Illus.

The DoD has planned to invest billions of dollars in development and procurement of unmanned aircraft systems. This testimony is based on an exam¿n. of 10 unmanned aircraft acquisition programs: Global Hawk, Reaper, Shadow, Predator, Sky Warrior, Fire Scout, Broad Area Maritime Surveillance, and Unmanned Combat Aircraft System-Demo., and Multi-Platform Radar Technol. Insertion Program, and Airborne Signals Intell. Payload. The testimony focuses on: (1) Cost, schedule, and performance progress of the 10 programs; (2) Extent to which the mil. services collaborated and identified commonality among the programs; (3) factors influencing the effectiveness of the collaboration; and (4) recent DoD investment decisions related to these acquisitions.

As of July 2008, about 75% of casualties in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan were attributed to improvised explosive devices. To mitigate the threat from these weapons, DoD initiated the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) program in Feb. 2007, which used a tailored acquisition approach to rapidly acquire and field the vehicles. To date, about $23 billion has been appropriated for the procurement of 16,000 MRAP vehicles. This testimony describes the MRAP acquisition process, the results to date, lessons learned from that acquisition, and potential implications for improving the standard acquisition process. The auditor reviewed DoD''s plans to buy, test, and field the vehicles and discussed the plans with department and contractor officials.

In 2006, the cumulative cost growth in DoD¿s portfolio of 96 major defense acquisition programs was $296 billion and the average delay in delivering promised capabilities to the warfighter was 22 months. These are very poor outcomes. The auditor has used metrics to review the mgmt. and health of these programs from within the framework of best practices. This testimony discusses: (1) ¿knowledge metrics,¿ used to determine how well programs manage tech., design, and manufacturing risks; (2) outcome metrics -- concerning cost, schedule, and capability -- that serve as ¿health indicators¿ of how well programs are being executed in terms of predicted outcomes; and (3) the prerequisites that must be met in order for a program¿s plans and goals to be realistic.

A FORCED WEDDING. A DOUBLE EXECUTION. TWO THIEVES HAVE OTHER PLANS. The New Empire intends to celebrate its victory over the Nationalists with a day that will never be forgotten. On the high holiday of Wintertide the empress will be married. Degan Gaunt and the Witch of Melengar will be publically executed. Then the empress will suffer a fatal accident leaving the empire in the hands of the new emperor. It will be a perfect day. There is only one problem-Royce and Hadrian have finally found the lost heir.ABOUT THE SERIESInstead of a string of sequels The Riyria Revelations is a fantasy series conceived as a single epic tale divided into individual self-contained episodes. All were written before the first was released so that plot elements are intertwined, yet each book has its only story and conclusion. AWARDS AND ACCOLADES2010 Fantasy Book Critic Top 12 Novels as of First Quarter (The Emerald Storm)2010 Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Finalist (Avempartha)2010 Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Finalist (Nyphron Rising)2009 Winner of Book Spot Central''s Fantasy Tournament of Books (Avempartha)2009 Top 10 Books by Dark Wolf Fantasy Reviews (The Riyria Revelations)2009 National Indie Book Award Finalist (The Crown Conspiracy)2008 ReaderViews Annual Literary Award Finalist (The Crown Conspiracy)2007 Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Finalist (The Crown Conspiracy)BOOKS IN THE RIYRIA REVELATIONSThe Crown Conspiracy (October 2008)Avempartha (April 2009)Nyphron Rising (October 2009)The Emerald Storm (April 2010)Wintertide* (October 2010)Percepliquis* (April 2011)AUTHOR WEBSITESWeb: http://www.michaelsullivan-author.comBlog: http://riyria.blogspot.com/

Since 2003, the Future Combat System (FCS) program has been the centerpiece of the Army''s efforts to transition to a lighter, more agile, and more capable combat force. In 2009, however, concerns over the program''s performance led to the Secretary of Defense''s decision to significantly restructure and ultimately cancel the acquisition program. As a result, the Army is outlining a new approach to ground force modernization. This statement outlines the Army''s preliminary post-FCS actions and identifies the challenges DoD and the Army must address as they proceed. The report on which it is based emphasizes the December 2009 decision to begin low-rate initial production for Increment 1 of the Brigade Combat Team Modernization. Illustrations.

A MESSAGE HAS BEEN INTERCEPTED. A SINISTER PLAN LAUNCHED. TWO THIEVES STAND IN THE WAY.#13;Ex-mercenary Hadrian Blackwater sets course on a high seas adventure to find the lost Heir of Novron. His only hope lies in confronting the ruthless and cunning Merrick Marius. Fearing his friend is not up to the challenge, Royce Melborn joins his old partner for one last mission. Their journey finds them adrift amid treachery and betrayals forcing Hadrian to face a past he hoped never to see again. #13;#13;REVIEWS#13;"The Riyria Revelations is shaping up to be one of the most original and entertaining fantasy series I?ve seen in years." -- King of the Nerds Fantasy Reviews#13;#13;"Mr. Sullivan continues to impress. In Royce and Hadrian he has created some of the best characters the genre has seen in some time." -- Speculative Fiction Junkie#13;#13;ABOUT THE SERIES#13;The Crown Conspiracy is the first book in the captivating Riyria Revelations. Instead of a string of sequels this six-book fantasy series was conceived as a single epic tale divided into individual episodes. All were written before the first was released so that plot elements are intertwined, yet each book has its only story and conclusion.#13;#13;BOOKS OF THE RIYRIA REVELATIONS#13;The Crown Conspiracy (October 2008)#13;Avempartha (April 2009)#13;Nyphron Rising (October 2009)#13;The Emerald Storm (April 2010) #13;Wintertide (October 2010)#13;Percepliquis (April 2011)

Since FY 2000, the DoD has significantly increased the number of major defense acquisition programs and its overall investment in them. However, acquisition outcomes have not improved. In most cases, the programs failed to deliver capabilities when promised -- often forcing warfighters to spend additional funds on maintaining legacy systems. This testimony describes the systemic problems that have contributed to poor cost and schedule outcomes in DoD¿s acquisition of major weapon systems; recent actions DoD has taken to address these problems; and steps that Congress and DoD need to take to improve the future performance of DoD¿s major weapon programs. Illustrations.

A PUPPET IS CROWNED. THE TRUE HEIR REMAINS HIDDEN. A ROGUE''S SECRET COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING. War has come to Melengar. To save her kingdom, Princess Arista runs a desperate gamble when she defies her brother and hires Royce and Hadrian for a dangerous mission. As the power of the Nyphron Empire grows, so does Royce''s suspicion that the wizard Esrahaddon is using the thieves as pawns in his own game. To find the truth, he must unravel the secret of Hadrian''s past-what he discovers could change the future for all of Elan. The Riyria Revelations is shaping up to be one of the most original and entertaining fantasy series I''ve seen in years. King of the Nerds Fantasy Reviews Another absolutely riveting installment in The Riyria Revelations series! Once again, Michael J. Sullivan did not disappoint. There was suspense, humor, action, treachery, and even a tiny bit of love thrown in. Ramblings & More Mr. Sullivan continues to impress. In Royce and Hadrian he has created some of the best characters the genre has seen in some time, and in Avempartha he shows that he knows what to do with them. Speculative Fiction Junkie

A broad consensus exists that weapon system problems are serious, but efforts at reform have had limited impact. Last year, it was reported that DoD''s portfolio of weapon programs experienced cost growth of $295 billion from first estimates, were delayed by an average of 21 months, and delivered fewer quantities and capabilities to the war-fighter than originally planned. This testimony describes the systemic problems that contribute to the cost, schedule, and performance problems in weapon system programs, recent actions that DoD has taken to address these problems, proposed reform legislation that has recently been introduced, and additional steps needed to improve future performance of acquisition programs. Charts and tables.

About 75% of casualties in current combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are attributed to improved explosive devices. To mitigate the threat from these weapons, the DoD initiated the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program, which uses a tailored acquisition approach to rapidly acquire and field the vehicles. MRAP is DoD¿s single most important acquisition program. To date, more than $22 billion has been appropriated to acquire more than 15,000 MRAP vehicles, and about 6,600 of the vehicles have been fielded. This report: (1) describes DoD¿s approach for and progress in implementing its strategy for rapidly acquiring and fielding MRAP vehicles; and (2) identifies the challenges remaining for the program. Illustrations.

In The Crown Conspiracy, Royce Melborn, a skilled thief, and his mercenary partner, Hadrian Blackwater, make a profitable living carrying out dangerous assignments for conspiring nobles until they become the unwitting scapegoats in the murder of the king. Sentenced to death, they have only one way out and so begins this epic tale of treachery and adventure, sword fighting and magic, myth and legend. Whether you are looking for a single novel, or a multi-book saga, The Crown Conspiracy is the place to begin. It is a heroic fantasy adventure written for a general audience and conceived as a single epic tale. This series is told through six self-contained episodes, each complete in its own right. Across the entire chronicle, mysteries build, characters deepen, and plots thicken, but none of the books end in a disappointing cliffhanger or require you to read a previous book to fully enjoy the one you are on.

The DoD plans to invest $109 billion in its tactical air forces (TAF) between 2007 & 2013. Long term, DoD plans to replace aging legacy aircraft with fewer, more expensive but more capable & stealthy aircraft. Recapitalizing & modernizing TAF within today¿s constrained budget environment is a formidable challenge. DoD has already incurred substantial cost & schedule overruns in its acquisition of new systems, & further delays could require billions of dollars in additional investment to keep legacy aircraft capable & sustainable. This report describes the current status of DoD¿s new TAF acquisition programs; identifies current impacts on legacy aircraft modernization programs & retirement schedules; & assesses DoD¿s overall investment plan for TAF. Illustrations.

This book provides a comparative analysis of 30 American interventions into Third World countries. An historical approach is used to place the featured cases into a more general history of American Diplomacy. The author uses his assessments to prove that U.S. foreign policy has been driven by the goal of being the ultimate power in the global capitalist economic system. The author makes his work unique by giving a critical view of America''s place in the world during an anticipated time of war and raised patriotism. He provides a scholarly look at U.S. diplomacy leading up to the era of the War on Terror. Sullivan explains how over the past 50 years the U.S. has come to succeed Europe as ruler of the global economic system. The political systems which have been promoted by the U.S. to preserve worldwide capitalism range from one-party rule to monarchies and recurring civil war. The interventions discussed have proved to be short-term successes for U.S. policy, but more often tragic for the local societies affected. Sullivan draws on his 1996 release Comparing State Polities to create a number of tables that place U.S. involvement into geographic and hierarchic perspective. The reader is ultimately provided with a provocative thesis that challenges traditional interpretations of America''s role in the world. This book will be an asset to any undergraduate college student taking classes in political science or history. It will also appeal to a general audience.

Includes the solutions to the odd numbered problems in the textbook.

The ultimate layperson''s reference on scanners and their capabilities, with information on technical aspects of the scanning process and types of scanners, and instructions for achieving effects in color and bandw, color correction, using 3D objects, restoring damaged photos, scanning from negative to positive, and creating custom computer screens. A gallery section shows what eight artists and companies are doing with this versatile art and design tool. Includes color and bandw photos, vendor lists, a glossary, and discussion of legal issues. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Measuring Global Values is a major book that represents an enormous research effort. The book enables careful and systematic comparisons over time and across space as to whether a society is improving or losing ground. . . . It provides world order scholars with a fully elaborated framework for future research. . . . [Sullivan''s] book is certain to be the foundational work for future developments relating to normative assessment. Richard Falk Princeton University This volume profiles 162 countries using as a basis for comparison more than a hundred indicators measuring how each country reflects 5 global values: peace, economic well-being, ecological balance, social justice, and political participation. The use of data-based management software systems for the collection of information results in a broad-based analysis which yields thoroughly documented conclusions and affirms the five values as appropriate evaluative tools. Introductory material outlines the methods used in the study, defines the measurement criteria, and identifies the study''s objectives. Each of the five subject areas is then addressed separately, its findings supported by numerous tables and excerpts, and its data supplemented by a bibliography at the end of each chapter. Students of political science as well as global policy scholars will consider this unique application of current technology to the examination of global values a significant contribution to literature on the subject.

“What do you think a hero is? It’s just the right person in the right place making the right choice at the right time. Heroes aren’t born. They’re made.” A demonic assassin. A half-orc boxer. A ratman necromancer. Though they take many different shapes and forms, there are heroes all around us. Bravery can be found in the most unexpected places: a subterranean dwarven city; the sands of a temple courtyard in Ancient Egypt; a besieged castle, a Victorian brothel, a goblin warren, the post-apocalyptic ruins of a demon-infested village. Heroes dwell in the shadows as well as the light; you just have to look a little harder to find them. Who do they fight? Some heroes challenge injustice in all its numerous guises, while others hunt monsters both human and bestial. Others battle inner demons, the ghosts of their past, their deepest nightmares – or even the gods themselves. Why do they fight? For glory? Sometimes. For honor? Perhaps. There are those who instinctively strive to protect those weaker than themselves, and there are others emboldened only by a sense of obligation, or the promise of wealth. Whether by the blade or other means, they endeavor to take down all who threaten what is good and right in their world. By hook or by crook, through cunning or combat, with tooth and claw or iron and steel, they are all united in one goal, willingly or not: to live – and die, if necessary – a hero. Choose your weapon. Fight for what you believe in. Never give up. Nineteen fantasy writers gather to bring nineteen tales to life, each one a unique glimpse into a wholly original world.

Continues the epic story of the war between humankind and the elves--and of ordinary people becoming legendary heroes. It introduces a set of new characters: the dwarves, whose magical weaponcraft could decide the war. It''s up to our heroes to win over the dwarves to the side of humankind--or else lose the war forever.

Ellis Rogers is an ordinary man who is about to embark on an extraordinary journey. All his life he has played it safe and done the right thing, but faced with a terminal illness he''s willing to take an insane gamble. He''s built a time machine in his garage, and if it works, he''ll face a world that challenges his understanding of what it means to be human, what it takes to love, and the cost of paradise. Ellis could find more than a cure for his illness; he might find what everyone has been searching for since time began - but only if he can survive Hollow World.