Product Description
Award Winning Finalist 2008 National Best Books Award, USA Book News
5th graders write about what patriotism means to them. Eighteen years ago Rolling Thunder Veterans stopped in a small town in West Virginia on their way across America to the Vietnam Wall in Washington. They were greeted as Heroes in Rainelle, West Virginia and have been coming back ever since. Rolling Thunder, Run for the Wall and Task Force Omega have donated over $100,000 to the elementary school over the years and the children have now written a book with children s book authors Martin and Delia Wach. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Read the book, visit the town!!
Back in 2001 I had the honor of riding with a Rolling Thunder chapter out of Indiana (I'm from Illinois) to The Wall on Memorial Day. A highlight of the trip was the stop in Ranielle, WV to visit with school kids and the rest of the townspeople. WOW! What a day!I still get goose bumps thinking about how we were received at that town and I shed tears while reading this book.It's not a sad story but one of great appreciation.I congratulate the students for this book.

Run for the Wall
I have been riding through this town off and on now for the last 11 years and the highlight of the Run for the Wall is still the stop at Rainelle.I have signed more shirts and books than I can count.I have seen the things the school has bought with the money that we have raised over the years by SGT. Rock and the RFTW gang.This book is from the kids in whose lives we have made a difference.I am proud of the work they did to make this book and I know that it has spoken to the over 300 bikers that were there this year.No it may not be a great novel but it is the heart beat of a small town with real Americana dreams and values.Enjoy it and be moved.

Awesome Children's View of Veterans
I live in Rainelle WV...the town wherethis book was written. I have spent time with the authors who assisted the children writing this wonderful book. This was a great learning experience for the children and a fun project for the 5th grade class.Very well illustrated!!! ... Read more

Product Description
An impassioned, excoriating account of how Bush and big business are plundering the environment - and raking in the profits. Robert F. Kennedy, one of the world's most prominent environmental lawyers, charges the White House with the crime of pursuing private profit and personal power at the expense of clean air, clean water and live wildlife, enriching the President's pals while lowering the quality of life for the rest of us. Kennedy lifts the lid on an administration whose policies have looted American money, helped its most notorious polluters and deceived its public. He shows how, in a cabinet that boasts more CEOs than any in history, industry lobbyists wield an unprecedented influence on policy; how the government has rolled back key environmental laws and suppressed reports on issues like global warming while covering up its true agenda with clever PR; how Bush preaches individualism yet doles out lavish subsidies to the energy barons; and how everyone's health and security worldwide are being sacrificed at the altar of profit.Written in the belief that there's another way, Crimes Against Nature powerfully makes the case for democracy against the corrosive effects of corporate corruption. - ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A must-read for everyone
This book is a must-read for all Americans.A real eye-opener on what you wish you had always known was going on behind the doors of the Bush Administration.Well-researched, and told from a somewhat unbiased point of view.This book doesn't hate on republicans or democrats, and should appeal to both because it gives not only environmental arguments against ridiculous policies, but economic and social ones as well.Buy this book, and pass it on to all your friends. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a series of eight essays on diverse public policy concerns that asks the questions: What does racial justice, or environmental protection, or family policy look like when approached from a Christian-democratic perspective? And what about the civil-society questions of welfare, education, and political participation? The author, James W. Skillen, argues that the roots of a Christian-democratic approach are neither liberal nor conservative, but pluralistic, opening the way to a healthy regard for both social complexity and government's responsibility to uphold political community. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

In Pursuit of Justice: Christian-Democratic Explorations
Groundbreaking. It is not a regurgitation of other views. ... Read more

Product Description
In this second edition of the bestseeling Hawaii cookbook, enjoy over 190 outstanding recipes from Hawaii’s chefs, and discover 78 of the Islands favorite restaurants. Recipes include simple to gourmet: appetizers, entrees, desserts and more; and a variety of cuisines: Hawaii Regional, Pacific Rim, Euro-Asian, Thai, Japanese, Italian, French and more. Complete with a map and section for each island (Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Hawaii and Kauai), many award-winning restaurants and other nationally and locally acclaimed eateries are presented - from award-winning restaurants and other nationally and locally acclaimed eateries are presented - from elegant to artsy. Each restaurant is featured with an artistic illustration and essential information. This second edition features all new recipes and information! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Perfect
Book in perfect condition, I couldn't be happier.Fast ship, great price. excellent transaction.

Very good recipes, easy to work from
Have used this from a friend. Am so sad that it is not available anymore. It should be republished so many more people can enjoy it!

Incredible
I just returned from the Islands yesterday and couldn't wait to open my cookbook I purchased a few years ago.. I have made many many recipes from this book and I am always amazed at how great the recipes turn out.Iwould love to see another edition come with some recipes from some of thenewer resturants.Aloha and Mahalo ... Read more

Product Description
- Dr. Charles Swindoll guides readers on a tour through the Bible, introducing key concepts, characters, and themes- Extensive introductions, and section and chapter summaries, provide a comprehensive survey of the Bible- Brief in-text notes illuminate and apply key passages, while in-depth articles explore themes and doctrines of the faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

The Living Insights Study Bible
This Study Bible lives up to its name - providing insightful, thought provoking, easy to understand commentary from Charles Swindoll.As someone who has never read the Bible before, I am grateful to have found this study Bible to help me in my understanding of God's Word.

This is a great Bible!!
I received this Bible as a gift a few years ago and fell in love with it.A couple months ago, a gentleman who did not have a Bible asked if he could have mine.I gave it to him, but then began searching for another to replace it.I finally emailed Insight for Living and they told me it was no longer in print.However, they sent me a link to Amazon's seller's network where I found a new one for a very good price.It arrived last week--Praise the Lord!Chuck Swindoll's insights are great, and I love all of the book introductions and mini-articles throughout.Definitely a keeper!

An Out-of-Print Gem
Radio teacher and pastor Charles Swindoll put out this study bible a few years ago--only to see it virtually disappear off the book shelves soon after.Today (January, 2007) getting a used copy will cost $25 and above (for the softcover), which is a pity.Swindoll has an expertise for putting Biblical truths with descriptive clarity and insight.This Bible is a compilation of his best writings.The book introductions are excellent, as well as the pithy comments that are sprinkled throughout the text.

I e-mailed the publisher to see if a new printing was forthcoming.Unfortunately, Bible students will have to buy used copies for now as there is no prospect of newer editions.

Wonderful tool to study God's Word!
I have worn out my first copy of "The Living Insights" Bible by Charles Swindoll (Editor).It is printed in the NIV version and which makes the text easy to read. It has Book introductions, articles, that digdeep into the Christian faith and tear down any misconceptions one may haveabout doctrine. The Living Insights Bible contains character profiles ofboth well known and not so well known men and women of the Bible and makesthem real! It has charts and time lines to help you understand and see moreclearly when and where things happened.A few of my favorite things aboutthis Bible is that it contains section summaries and introduces not onlythe Book but chapters as well.Also, under many of scriptures Mr. Swindollrelates the passage in way it's easily understood in what he calls"Living Insights."The Living Insights Bible is an awesome toolto use to study God's Word to make it more real and personal and reallydevelop and deepen your relationship with the Lord! ... Read more

Product Description
That Sweet Enemy brings both British wit (Robert Tombs is a British historian) and French panache (Isabelle Tombs is a French historian) to bear on three centuries of the history of Britain and France. From Waterloo to Chirac’s slandering of British cooking, the authors chart this cross-channel entanglement and the unparalleled breadth of cultural, economic, and political influence it has wrought on both sides, illuminating the complex and sometimes contradictory aspects of this relationship—rivalry, enmity, and misapprehension mixed with envy, admiration, and genuine affection—and the myriad ways it has shaped the modern world.

Written with wit and elegance, and illustrated with delightful images and cartoons from both sides of the Channel, That Sweet Enemy is a unique and immensely enjoyable history, destined to become a classic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Those impossible people next door...
As Frost wrote, "a fence a good neighbor makes." In the case of France and Britain, apparently not even an entire Channel of water has been enough to keep them off each other's nerves. Somewhat misleadingly titled, *That Sweet Enemy* begins its survey of this historical love-hate relationship in 1688 and covers the last three centuries and change--if you're interested in their relationship before that, you'll have to look elsewhere.

Even with this "limitation," there's a lot of history to cover and *That Sweet Enemy* does so admirably. This is a book dense--both factually and typographically. Tombs and Tombs attempt to make it all more readable by occasionally breaking up the text with boxed material, illustrations, and sidebar information, as well as with their generally "light" and witty writing style. For the most part, they alleviate what could have otherwise been a tedious and exhausting read. Instead, they've managed to present a serious historical study in a relatively entertaining way through 710 tightly written pages.

Writing this book could not have been easy given the enormous amount of research involved and the long and complex relationship between France and Britain over the last three centuries, which includes some of the most momentous world-historical events of western culture. Just to think that this period includes the French Revolution, Napoleon, World Wars 1 and 2 is to realize the staggering task the authors set for themselves. But *That Sweet Enemy* manages to succeed and succinctly cover this wide-ranging material without being superficial. The only part of the book I thought flagged a bit was the last part--the post-WW2 years leading into the struggle between France and Britain to define the European Union. Nonetheless, even here, I came away with a better understanding of the stakes involved and the issues at hand than I had before.

The authors, a husband and wife team of historians, make playful use of the fact that one is French, the other British andmore serious use of the same to present what they feel is a balanced look at the same story from both sides of the Channel. The result is a book well-worth the time and effort it takes to read. A rewarding and entertaining study of what is more than likely the most important international relationship in western world history.

A fascinating exploration of the rivalry between Britain and France
Yes, I read a lot of books. And I review the books I enjoy (there is no point to reading what one dislikes, is there?). Once in awhile I run across a book I find to be very special and am especially enthusiastic about. This is one of those books.

Robert and Isabelle Tombs are scholars on the history of France and Britain and the combine their wonderfully expansive knowledge of those histories to give us a tour of the social, economic, military, political, and cultural histories of these nations from Louis IV through the first few years of the Twenty-First Century. As an American who grew up while America was always a dominant (if not the dominant) world power, it is particularly interesting to see how the world's major powers interacted and contended when America was largely, as yet, unpopulated by the Europeans.

Even our Revolution, so central to every American's understanding of our nation, takes a minor role in a much larger global struggle for supremacy. Both Britain and France tried to cause the other to stretch their ability to hold their growing Empires together. Each had to make choices on what to hold onto and what had only secondary importance, and what to let go. This happened over and over again. Eventually, their mutual struggles became a mutually cooperative relationship to deal with the rising German (and other) threats.

What I like about this telling is that the authors do not feel the need to side with anyone in particular. They provide quite a number of side articles (in the shaded areas) to flesh out specific points. There are also special sections such as the "interlude" (a couple of pages) on the French and Shakespeare. We also get some wonderfully chosen illustrations. However, what I like most are the chapters where the authors draw their separate conclusions and disagreements on various topics. The provide differing perspectives on the same topics that through the subject into better relief than one side alone. These sections provide for a rich perspective and help make the reading experience seomthing I wanted to savor.

The book has a tremendous amount of information about economic expenditures, the great leaders, the common folks, the literary digs at each nation, the technological leaps, the balancing of the benefits of a strong navy with the amazing costs incurred to build and maintain it. The authors are also quite clear about what was fortune (for good or ill) and what happened that actually looks like good judgment and skillful execution.

For Americans, this is can be a very helpful and educational book. It has been for me and I am grateful to the Tombs for writing it.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

You might also consider this wonderful dual biography of Washington and Lafayette and their roles in the American and French Revolutions:

For Liberty and Glory: Washington, Lafayette, and Their Revolutions

Unique perspective
There is no doubt that Britain and France have had a long and tenuous relationship. For over three hundred years, their histories have threaded together in a detailed and often confusing tapestry. That Sweet Enemy takes on the task of untying the Gordian Knot that is this tapestry-and it does a detailed and entertaining way. The authors are a husband and wife team; one from France and one from Britain. This brings a unique and interesting perspective to the topic.

The book kicks off with a review of the state of the countries as of the late 1600s. Details about the power struggles of kings and their underlings set the tone for what would be a relationship that would span centuries. The chapters are laid out in a timeline format, which helps the reader keep all of the details and facts straight. The decades are laid out through current day, touching on Iraqi war tensions.

One of my favorite features of the book is the photos, pictures, and illustrations, especially the political cartoons and satire. These cartoons and drawings add so much to the written word. They bring points into focus and often made me laugh out loud. The maps and diagrams help explain sometimes confusing facts.

This is no quick, easy read; it is over 700 pages of small type. But the length is due to the immense detail that is packed into the book. The authors do a great job of keeping all of this detail clear and readable. Detailed notes and bibliography sections will give any inquisitive reader a wealth of further research.

Set some time aside to enjoy this trek through the history of England and France and you will be glad you did!

Armchair Interviews says: That Sweet Enemy is an informative and entertaining read. ... Read more

Product Description
In this informative, iconoclastic book, veteran foreign correspondent Martin Sieff offers a jaw-dropping survey of the history and politics of a region that people know surprisingly little about--even though it's never off the front pages of the morning papers.

In The Politically Incorrect Guideâ„¢ to the Middle East you'll learn:

Why Islamic fundamentalism isn't ancient--making it more dangerous;

Why the Saudis are part of the solution, not the problem;

Why democracy and a Marshall Plan for the Middle East would only make things worse;

Why Arab-Israeli peace is impossible; and

Why we'll miss the old Arab dictators when they're gone--because the alternative is Islamic fundamentalism ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

it's almost like the Saudis paid him to write it
I don't recommend this book.

1.I don't think the author has any special insight or knows anything that others don't.

2.You'd think the author's main focus would be to explain things in a balanced way, but instead the real point of the book seems to be to convince the reader that he's an unconventional thinker.

3.Outrageous statements are not sourced.

4.The author seems to buy into the idea that Islam is a "religion of peace," and that all those crazies in the caves of Tora Bora have got things all twisted around.Here's just a whiff:". . . far from being any kind of local extension of traditional Islam, the kind of nihilistic violence and revolution advocated by Osama bin Laden and others is akin to the revolutionary utopianism of Bolshevism and the Russian and Chinese revolutions.Except this time, it is wrapped in the imagery of one of the world's great, ancient, monotheistic religions, and among its goals are the overthrow of secular and moderate traditional Muslim governments and the establishment of an idealized super-powerful caliphate over the entire Muslim world." (p. 78)

5.Most disturbingly, the real thesis of the book is -- believe it or not -- that everything in the Middle East would settle down if the U.S. embarked on a course of action that would slowly make the Saudis the hegemons in the area.Probably because they've got the most to lose, they're most serious about security.Other powers in the region, according to the author, are either uninterested in stability or unable to tend the rudder.

Interesting contrarian viewpoint
THE POLITICALLY INCORRECT GUIDE TO THE MIDDLE EAST by Martin Sieff.

A highly informative book about the current(2008) situation in the Middle East that is guaranteed to annoy everyone.For example, while the author heavily criticizes George Bush Jr for the invasion of Iraq and, by implication, Afghanistan, his reasons for doing so will drive Bush haters aka liberals insane.Which I will get to later.He has as many bad things to say about Bill Clinton AND especially Jimmy Carter for being primarily responsible for the problems with Iran---which in many respects led directly to both the first and second Iraqi wars.He loathes Yassir Arafat and reveals something that I did not know namely that he was a rampant homosexual which might explain the Left's idolization of him.
Bottom line. The author makes the point that Muslims are basically ignorant savages who are incapable of functioning in a democracy ergo Jimmy Carter's disastrous attempt to grow democracy in Iran led to the Iranian revolution. Bush Jr invaded Iraq too nicely and attempted to raise them up to civilization when he should have just leveled the place, set up a dictatorship obediant to the will of the US and then left.The Middle East needs another Ottoman empire and, baring that, should support both Israel and Saudi Arabia and let them deal with the Muslim Barbarians as they see fit.
I do not agree with all of the author's points but the book was educational.

Time to learn about the Middle East
Very informative.As usual, I check out some of the infromation with some factual web site to verify before I state facts from it.This book appears to be right on.

Strong But Biased
This is a an informative book but Sieff's political loyalties stop it short of greatness. He adeptly destroys many of the myths about the middle east. The history alone is worth the cover price.

His main contentions are well supported:
· Liberal Democracy is not going to wok in the near future in most nations in the region
· That Saudi Arabia is a great Ally of the USA not an enemy
· That peace between Israel and the Palestinians is not going to cure the problems of the region.
· The USA may have to pick able monarchs and dictators as allies even though they would prefer otherwise. He is not scared to point out that things were better for the West when Saddam and the Shah were in power


His realism should be applauded, but Seiff can't hide his republican loyalties and, I fear, it will make many ignore the valid points of the book. At times he digresses into bitter little tirades about the popular media and their unfair treatment of republicans. This issue and this book deserve better. You can feel the hate with each time he mentions Bill Clinton and he uses insulting personal attacks on those he disagrees with. By the time he explains (convincingly I may add) why Jimmy Carter failed in the Middle East he has called Carter names (idiot is one of his favorites) for 150 pages. He would have served his purpose better to disguise his personal feelings.
Even if the personal emotions were taken out the republican bias is obvious. The best Presidents were Nixon, Reagan and Ford was the best of them all. Carter and Clinton are, of course, the worst. Bush the first is discussed briefly and blandly, and W is deemed a failure, but his failures are curiously explained as following Carter's example. Carter did (and does) believe in democracy for the region but it is unfair to equate the invasion of Iraq with his efforts.
Seiff also ignores that Reagan's withdrawal from Lebanon after the terrorist attack on US forces has been cited by Bin Laden as proof Americans are week. He gives Iran Contra a scant paragraph. He also discusses the rise of Bin Laden during the Afgan war with "US support" but does not mention that it was Reagan that sent Bin Laden the weapons. He also incorrectly states Clinton did "nothing" (remember the rocket attacks Rush called "wag the dog"?) about Bin Laden.
His support for the ruling Saudi royalty is pragmatic and sensible, but he ignores the influence Saudi oil money in private hands has played in spreading extreme Islam. Yes the house of Saud, is on our side but many rich people in the Kingdom are not. Though he ignores this fact, he makes it clear there are no better alternatives for allies in the region.
If you are interested in these issues at all, this book is a must. I was able to get over the bitter delivery, and axes the author needed to grind. He lists "Books you're not supposed to read" and there are great recommendations included. The fact is this book claims to be honest and pull no punches and that is what it does. The fact Bill Seiff did not blindly defend the invasion of Iraq shows he is far more than another conservative blow hard.
(Note: Just read this book before you read what he said about Sarah Palin!)

Decent arguments obscured by politically correct hysteria
The book continually berates the "politically correct" establishment that produces falsehoods on the middle east.But it turns out the "PC establishment" is nothing more than Michael Moore.It also attacks the middle eastern policy of nearly every US president other than Gerald Ford.(Carter and Bush the younger are given the most scathing treatment, apparently showing that the anti-PC venom is no respecter of parties.)

Once you get past the tone of attacks and victimhood, the book actually has a well defended argument in favor of a "forceful" middle east policy.From the American policy perspective, having a friendly despot (as in Saudi Arabia) is much preferable to having democracy.The author argues that the Muslim Middle East is governable only by force.The Saudi Arabian response to al qaeda is given as the ideal way to squash terrorists with force.For the US, it would be great to see the rest of the middle east ruled like Saudi Arabia.

He briefly discuss the importance of oil to the current situation in the middle east.Unfortunately, his argument here begins to unravel. The need for fertilizer is given as one of the main reasons that we will always need Arabian oil.(Thus, it follows from his argument that organic agriculture would be a great way to wipe out Islamic terrorism.)Saudi Arabia's restriction of rights and quick disposal of al qaeda is presented as a preferable response - however, the consequences of responding like this in western countries could be even worse than the threat of terrorism they attempt to fight.In the end, the policy of subjugating the people under an oppressive state in order to maximize oil extraction is about as sustainable is a large SUV.
An alternative viewpoint can be found in Sleeping with the Devil: How Washington Sold Our Soul for Saudi Crude. ... Read more

Product Description
The whirlwind of Europe's longest war in half a century has produced this powerful collection of personal narratives--essays, letters, and poems--from refugees fleeing Bosnia and Croatia. Taking us behind the barrage of media coverage, these stories tell of perseverance, brutality, forced departure, exile, and courage. With startling immediacy and in moving detail, speakers tell of stuffing a few belongings--a handful of photographs, a rock from the garden, a change of clothes--into a suitcase and fleeing their homeland.
Contributors from all ethnic groups and every region of Bosnia and Croatia describe their sense of lost community, memories of those left behind, recollections of town squares that no longer exist, and homes now occupied by neighbors. The editors of The Suitcase, themselves representing the diverse peoples of the region, traveled to camps and temporary homes across the globe to collect these stories. An antidote to apathy, this work moves beyond and outside the vicissitudes of daily politics to portray the human tragedy at the center of present-day Bosnia and Croatia. Probing the intimate losses of countless individuals, it delivers a powerful indictment of injustice, militarism, prejudice, and warfare. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Strong And Inspiring Stories By Strong And Inspiring People!!
I could not put this wonderful book down. These people needed to have their stories told, and this wonderful book make this possible. The way their stories were told, I not only learned a lot, but felt like I was traveling right along with this. A 5-star book, for sure.

The Suitcase
This is a very good book about the refugees from the Bosnia war. The authors have a collection of thoughts, poems, and stories from the refugees that were driven away from their homes. The horrible living conditions some had to go through was horrifying.The thoughts and stories make you feel what they have went through. It is very touching and moving from what the refugees have to say. You can tell the authors put in a lot of work into this book.

Poignant and Powerful Voices of Refugees
Who are refugees?People who fled the wars in Bosnia and Croatia are scattered in Missouri andOntario, Germany and Austria, Israel and Pakistan, and they are displaced to other towns within their own countries.They are not voluntary emigrants whose bags are packed with hopes insearch of a dream.They may be wealthy, or at least they may once havebeen.The refugee cleaning floors for minimum wage may have been a surgeonin her own life.The eight-year old girl may be the only one in her familywho has learned English, so it is only she who can speak with governmentofficials and store clerks.Refugees are anyone and everyone.They areprofessionals and farmers and little boys and criminals and poets, butmostly they are women and children and the elderly.

The Suitcase givesvoice to the people "without context".They speak of theirdreams and their losses.Their poems are here and sad scenes of smallthings washed away forever by tides of war."War taught us a lot. How the fear makes people irrationally greedy.It is difficult to resistbecoming greedy.It is almost like an instinct.To possess, to hold on tosomething.In shelters, to hold on to somebody.To hold on to yourprayer, even if you never prayed before".Some refugees long only forthe day when they can return to their hometowns to begin to reglue theshards of their old lives.Some can speak only of Bosnia's beauty or thepleasures of a cup of coffee with friends.

Others close and lock thedoor on the past with determination."We arrived here safely. Everyone is fine.Please do not write us or try to contact us.We do notwant to be reminded of anything", reads the postcard sent by a Bosnianfamily after they arrived in Canada in 1994.

The book is well-edited andwell-organized along five broad themes.These are followed by threepowerful afterwords, of which Dubravka Ugresic's is the strongest as shemuses on the fact that the people of the Balkans are one people.Dividedby the same language, they look alike, and yet "not one generation inthe Balkans manages to escape war, in every family there is at least onekiller and one killed, new life only begins on somebody else's deadhead."There is one minor error(p.11, Vukovar was attacked in 1991,not 1992).

The Suitcase rings powerfully and true.The simple messagehere is that refugees are people, and the lives they lead are but a shotaway for us all.

EXPERTLY EDITED AND BOTH A TRAGEDY AND DELIGHT TO READ
The Suitcase is a wonderful and sorrowful journey into the hearts of an oppressed and victimized land. the personal stories are of those who, throughout history have had no voice. Any person with a sense of history will surely feel the magnitude of the plight of a refugee. ... Read more

Product Description

A wide variety of extremist groups -- Islamic fundamentalists, neo-Nazis -- share the oddly similar belief that a tiny shadowy elite rule the world from a secret room. In Them, journalist Jon Ronson has joined the extremists to track down the fabled secret room.

As a journalist and a Jew, Ronson was often considered one of "Them" but he had no idea if their meetings actually took place. Was he just not invited? Them takes us across three continents and into the secret room. Along the way he meets Omar Bakri Mohammed, considered one of the most dangerous men in Great Britain, PR-savvy Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard Thom Robb, and the survivors of Ruby Ridge. He is chased by men in dark glasses and unmasked as a Jew in the middle of a Jihad training camp. In the forests of northern California he even witnesses CEOs and leading politicians -- like Dick Cheney and George Bush -- undertake a bizarre owl ritual.

Ronson's investigations, by turns creepy and comical, reveal some alarming things about the looking-glass world of "us" and "them." Them is a deep and fascinating look at the lives and minds of extremists. Are the extremists onto something? Or is Jon Ronson becoming one of them?Amazon.com Review
In Them, British humorist Jon Ronson relates his misadventures as he engages an assortment of theorists and activists residing on the fringes of the political, religious, and sociological spectrum. His subjects include Omar Bakri Mohammed, the point man for a holy war against Britain (Ronson paints him as a wily buffoon); a hypocritical but engaging Ku Klux Klan leader; participants in the Ruby Ridge and Waco, Texas, battles; the Irish Protestant firebrand Ian Paisley; and David Ickes, who believes that the semi-human descendants of evil extraterrestrial 12-foot-tall lizards walk among us. Despite these characters' disparities, they are bound by a belief in the Bilderberg Group, the "secret rulers of the world." In a final chapter, Ronson manages, with surprising ease, to penetrate these rulers' very lair. He writes with wry, faux-naive wit and eschews didacticism, instead letting his subjects' words and actions speak for themselves. --H. O'Billovitch ... Read more

Customer Reviews (68)

Overly-long poor writing
I heard Mr. Ronson speak locally, and wasn't impressed.I thought his talk was disjointed, jumping from subject to subject, and filled with superficial details when following one detail in depth would have been more appropriate.When my book club chose this book as their August selection, I thought that he might be a better writer than a speaker.He isn't, IMNSHO.I think he spends too many pages dealing with people whose behavior and ideas deserve at most half a sentence.Like his talk, I found his coverage was far too superficial.I think that if you're going to spend ten pages covering someone and their views, you should put some effort into getting some details.I was left with the impression that I learned everything Mr. Ronson knew about the subject in the first paragraph, and the rest was just repetitive filler.I recommend you don't waste your time reading this book.

I usually donate books I've read to the local library, but this went in the recycling bin.Maybe it'll be made into something good.

Jon Ronson vs the 20 foot Reptelians
Jon Ronsondoes his best to make conspiracy researchers David Icke and Alex Jones look bad. Ronsen is funny at times but he has a way of making everything seem meaningless.Icke became famous in the conspiracy would when he reveled that many world leaders are shape shifting reptilians.Recounted is the scene where Icke dodged a meringue pie. Ronson sort of set Icke up for this.Ronson also goes to talk to Randy Weaver which was rather disturbing since this book is a kind of exploitative gag.

Jon Ronson also allegedly got in to the infamous Bohemian Grove with Alex Jones. Which is ridiculous and leads one to believe they are all bloody fakers. Either Bohemian grove is not such a big deal or the the 2 journalist infiltratedareenactment of an Moloch ritual. The activity at the grove for rich elite old men is very disturbing on one hand and on the other who cares.
See also
Dark Secrets Inside Bohemian Grove [VHS].

Again Ronson is funny and has an ability to make people look bad and come of harmless. Yet some of his topics are no joke.
A fascinating and insulting read for conspiracy people.

Them
Ronson goes around with various political radicals and conspiracy theorists in this book. Islamic radicals, Randy Weaver, Alex Jones, David Icke, a KKK leader that won't say the "n word", a guy that stalks every Bilderburg meeting and more. While at times grudgingly admitting that there is something to what most of these people are getting at when he is confronted with undeniable truths he obviously set out to mock everybody he dealt with.

Ronson is a Jew so he is most concerned with any hint of a Jew related conspiracy theory and seems to always be attempting to find "anti-semitism" in people that really don't have a bone to pick with the Jews in particular. To his credit he does make the ADL and anti-racist groups look like the paranoid idiots and anti-free speech fascists that they are because of their harrassment of David Icke during a book signing tour of Canada. They all seemed to think Ickes bizarre ideas about high level politicians and business elite being shape shifting lizard people were code words and symbolic of Jews. At times Them is slightly entertaining but overall I wouldn't recomend it because I believe his whole purpose in writing this book was to mock and discredit everyone he talked to in Them and it certainly isn't a serious look into any of these peoples beliefs or worldviews. So just go on about your business and continue believing that anybody that thinks globalism is happening and is pre-planned and engineered by cabal of rich and powerful people is an insane kook. Enjoy your new world order!

Overhyped and Oversold
After I read the book, I re-read the cover and was surprised at how overstated it seemed.Maybe that's part of the joke on the reader.

Much of the book can be found on YouTube... word for word if you search for David Icke and Jon Ronson.If you want to read the transcripts of the video, and more like it, then this book is for you!

Hilarious! Better than fiction!
This book was hilarious I read it in 2 days because I just couldn't put it down!I bought THEM because I had been really obsessing over conspiracy theories and what not, I thought it would be more of the same but was pleasantly suprised!Y'know conspiracy theorists constantly complain that the truth is being supressed that the masses are deaf dumb and blind (well maybe) that only they know what's really going on, yet as a fence sitter I could barely find anyone writing about the theorists and validity of there ideas. Everytime I run searches about what they are talking about I was only drawn deeper into their world of madness and irrational conclusions.So I stumbled upon THEM which doesn't dispute the individual theories but delves deeper into their world and really exposes the way these people think.Other books I found helpful were Enemies Within by Goldberg and Culture of Conspiracy by Barkun very informational but not as entertaining as THEM. With this book we've got PR friendly Klansmen, ice cream munching Jihadists, and the consistently psycho Alex Jones exposed as an over-caffienated paranoid school boy!I loved this book and it's a great gift for conspiracy minded friends (not that it'll change their minds) enjoy! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

Awesome!
I have shot a bare bow nearly all my life.When I finally decided to buy a new bow with all the accessories, I wasn't sure where to start and how to use all the new stuff.This book was excellent in helping me become familiar with my new bow.The pictures are great and the text very educational.I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn or re-learn about the bow and arrow.

Great Overview book of archery
This book is great for highlighting many aspects of archery and providing information that is useful for a beginner and experienced archer.It is a nice text that compiles information that would be useful to have as a reference.There are tuning methods, suggestions for shooting form, tips on how to fix your bow and add accessories.A very solid book with plenty of pictures for any archery fan.

GREAT FOR THE BEGINNING BOWHUNTER
I very much enjoyed this book.It was a great refresher since I haven't shot a bow in quite a few years.It also had lots of great information I didn't know, such as paper tuning, in depth information on arrows and arrow selection. I highly recommend this book.

Amazing in Detail and Information
EVERYTHING you always wanted to know about Bow Hunting but were too intimidated to ask.Being a woman just picking up the sport of bow hunting at age 37 I would walk into sporting goods and archery stores and be overwhelmed by the amount of information I needed to know before I ever purchased a bow.This book helped me know what equipment I needed and what equipment was just smoke and mirrors.It also prepared me for "target panic" and explained in detail about every other facet that I could have ever thought of and even some I didn't consider.Great for anyone just picking up the sport.

I hope to become a bowhunnter
i cant say i have any bow hunting skill whatsoever but this book has taught my what to look for in equipment and to practice my posture. i recomend this for people looking for a vague idea on equipment to buy, but not for the specifics.
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Scientists and policymakers must work together if solutions to the biodiversity crisis are to be found. Yet all too often, scientific data are unknown or incomprehensible to policymakers, and political realities are not fully appreciated by scientists.

Environmental Policy and Biodiversity addresses this problem by presenting both an overview of important concepts in the field of conservation biology and an examination of the strengths and limitations of the policymaking process. Topics covered include:

• the ethical and scientific bases of conservation biology
• the effectiveness of existing environmental policy in protecting biodiversity
• case studies from California, the Great Lakes region, southern Appalachia, and the Florida panhandle
• an examination of overall environmental policy goals and processes

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Based on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's five-million-dollar, five-year study on the future of the automobile, a groundbreaking analysis of the worldwide move from mass production to lean production.

Japanese companies are sweeping the world, and the Japanese auto industry soars above the competition. Drawing on their in-depth study of the practices of ninety auto assembly plants in seventeen countries and their interviews with individual employees, scholars, and union and government officials, the authors of this compelling study uncover the specific manufacturing techniques behind Japan's success and show how Western industry can implement these innovative methods. The Machine That Changed the World tells the fascinating story of "lean production," a manufacturing system that results in a better, more cost-efficient product, higher productivity, and greater customer loyalty. The hallmarks of lean production are teamwork, communication, and efficient use of resources. And the results are remarkable: cars with one-third the defects, built in half the factory space, using half the man-hours. The Machine That Changed the World explains in concrete terms what lean production is, how it really works, and--as it inevitably spreads beyond the auto industry--its significant global impact.

Customer Reviews (32)

Congress should have read this book
Wow.These guys in 1990 predicted the bailout of GM and Chrysler of 2009 and said that Ford was not going to be a victim.It is kept my interest during the entire read and did not feel I was reading a dated book.Anyone one that has an interest in autos, manufacturing or retention of jobs in the US should read this.

Theory of Constraints
Great book for introduction into lean manufacturing, a must read.This book gets you thinking abou the bottle necks and "Theory of Constraints".

The machine that changed the world
For interesting and thought provoking book.The big three, as well as American in general, is reaping that which we failed to grasp 30 years ago - the need for lean and a different approach to manufacturing overall.This book is very concise and informative with adequate data to back up its conclusions.

used books worth the money
I purchsed 6 of these books from different places on Amazon. They said the condition was very good to good. A couple of the very good ones were more like fair, and some of the very good ones were excellent.All in all worth the money spent.

The rest of the story
This and other books on Lean and the Toyota Production System, while valuable, present a very one-sided, idealized and incomplete view. To get the view from the inside, you must read Notes from Toyota-Land: An American Engineer in Japan. You will also learn surprising things about Japanese culture. ... Read more