A public works project that exploded into protests, mass arrests and political upheaval. A decades-long feud between two of the region's best-known elected officials. Judges who feared their own constitutional rights were being ignored. The travels and travails of two candidates who went on to win statewide office, albeit with more than a few nervous moments along the way. Controversies that were sparked by such diverse issues as the drugging of racehorses, a nuclear freeze resolution and who exactly was it that spilled water on First Lady Barbara Bush. And, of course, a look at the 2020 election.

These are among the issues authors Andy Warren and Hal Marcovitz examine in Notes on Bucks County. At one time, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was known for its lush farmlands, charming small towns, covered bridges and as a home to authors, artists and other celebrities. Over the past 75 years, the county has emerged as a sprawling suburban community that has found itself playing an important role in regional, state and national politics. Indeed, readers of Notes on Bucks County will learn that politics in Bucks County can be two-fisted, as local elected officials spar over issues that affect the quality of life for the county's more than 600,000 citizens.

Andy Warren has been involved in Bucks County politics since the 1970s, most notably serving for 15 years as an elected county commissioner. Hal Marcovitz spent 30 years in daily journalism, and for much of that time was assigned to cover the tumultuous politics of Bucks County. They have combined their expertise to analyze the major political events that have occurred in Bucks County over the past 75 years, providing insight for readers who are likely to agree that Bucks County is Pennsylvania's most curious and captivating collar county.

President Abraham Robbins has a few problems...The First Lady likes to hang out in biker bars. The First Daughter has been kicked out of college. The Chief of Staff has tried to kill himself. Scandal is in the air. The press is closing in. Is this any way to run a government. But there is good news. An ordinary house painter shows up to repaint the walls of the White House. Soon, he finds himself at the center of the intrigues and adventures inside America's Executive Mansion and becomes a confidant to the most powerful man on Earth. Hal Marcovitz is a former journalist. He is also the author of the novel My Life With Wings.Painting the White House has been awarded First Place in the category of General Fiction/Novel-Under 80,000 Words by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Says book reviewer IndieReader.com: PAINTING THE WHITE HOUSE, a novel by Hal Marcovitz, is an imaginative and fictional fantasy of a painter hired to do just what the title describes, and while doing so becomes a confidante to the First Family and some of the the other main players. The author brings readers into the mind of the painter, who gets caught up in White House drama and with an engaging and curious nature, this well-crafted story is a fun read, allowing one to think, what if?

Torture. According to Henry Shue, professor of politics and international relations at the University of Oxford in England, No other practice except slavery is so universally condemned in law and human convention. Yet, unlike slavery...torture is widespread and growing. Why is torture so common? Is it an unavoidable component of human psychology?

Exposing Torture tackles these complex questions, delving into the history of torture around the world, from the flayings, burnings, and other methods of torture in ancient societies to the humiliating forms of psychological and sexual torture of the twenty-first century. But is torture an effective means of controlling human behavior? Can it help root out information about terrorism and prevent loss of human life?

Over the centuries, many people have supported the point of view that it can, while others vehemently disagree. In this book, readers will examine the ethical and moral dilemmas of torture, while learning more about the international efforts to ensure the humanitarian treatment of individuals in a variety of circumstances. Exposing Torture also delves into the system of international courts and tribunals that work to bring known torturers to trial. Readers will hear from victims of torture who not only survived but sought justice and founded organizations to help other victims. After reading this in-depth examination, readers will be able to make a persuasive argument to answer the question: Is torture ever acceptable?