Book Description
Bill O’Reilly is the very embodiment of the idea of a Culture Warrior—and in this book he lives up to the title brilliantly, with all the brashness and forthrightness at his command. He sees that America is in the midst of a fierce culture war between those who embrace traditional values and those who want to change America into a “secular-progressive” country. This is a conflict that differs in many ways from the usual liberal/conservative divide, but it is no less heated, and the stakes are even higher.
In Culture Warrior, Bill O’Reilly defines this war and analyzes the competing philosophies of the traditionalist and secular-progressive camps. He examines why the nation’s motto “E Pluribus Unum” (“From Many, One”) might change to “What About Me?”; dissects the forces driving the secular-progressive agenda in the media and behind the scenes, including George Soros, George Lakoff, and the ACLU; and dives into matters of race, education, and the war on terror. He also shows how the culture war has played out in such high-profile instances as The Passion of the Christ, Fahrenheit 9/11, the abuse epidemic (child and otherwise), and the embattled place of religion in public life—with special emphasis on the war against Christmas. Whatever controversies are roiling the nation, he fearlessly confronts them—and no one will be in the dark about which side he’s on.
Culture Warrior showcases Bill O’Reilly at his most eloquent and impassioned. He is an unrelenting fighter for the soul of America, and in this book he fights the good fight for the traditional values that have served this country so well for so long.
Customer Reviews:
interesting read.......2007-09-27
Well written book. I'm not sure of the validity of all the things he talks about because he is often defending himself, but I think he makes some very smart points. I can see some of the effects of the sp movement that Bill mentions in his book almost everyday.
Bill's strawman.......2007-09-25
Mr O'Reilly is somewhat of an enigma to me. I find his show entertaining. He sometimes speaks very rationally about current issues and presents his point of view very reasonably. But there are times when he appears to let his emotions completely overrule his logic, and then he looks foolish and petty. So it is with "Culture Warrior."
Bill blames nearly all of America's ills on secular progressives. The S-P movement (according to O'Reilly) wants to completely dismantle all that is good and replace it with atheistic, socialist programs that would undermine America's moral fiber and promote malaise and complacency.
Pure bunk! The truth of the matter is that Bill's Republican Party has held the White House for all but 12 years since 1968. In all this time, the party of "family values" and "personal responsibility" has done little, if anything, to improve our nation's social problems. A good argument could be made that many of those problems have actually gotten worse. And yet, here's Bill trying to shift the blame to some small minority of the population with practically no political power.
Of course, he's preaching to the choir with his simplistic scapegoating. If you're a Fox news fan and an O'Reilly-phile, you'll no doubt be blind to his flaws in logic and his stretching of the facts.
I would love to have Bill as a dad .......2007-09-16
My grandma read me this book.I thought it was good and it's fun too.It never gets boring and I feel like he is the greatest guy in the world.My grandma says she will read all the books he writes to me and that will make me real happy and I'm looking forward to that.
I Enjoyed This so much.......2007-09-16
This book is great from cover to cover.Bill has so many ideas and he should be making lots of money with this wonderful book.I also would like you to know about the great book he wrote just for kids.It should be on everybody's list for a birthday comming up or A present to some special kid.So far all of his books have been a joy reading.
The Hobo Philosopher.......2007-09-02
Bill has discovered a conspiracy. Now I'm a true believer in conspiracies so I can't knock him on that one. It seems that there are a group of people, living right here within the borders of the United States who are presently involved in the overthrow of "our" government. They are not doing this by means of a revolution or violent overthrow. They are too cleaver to come right out and fight like men. They are doing it by guile and persuasion and trying to sway voters and by real sneaky, underhanded, dirty methods like using their money to twist the media and the "truth". Bill has a lot of terrible names for these people but overall he benignly refers to them as Secular Progressives or S-Ps.
These S-Ps are a very cleaver group of evil and vile people and they have a horrible anti-American agenda; wait until I tell you about it, you won't believe it. It is truly beyond your widest dreams.
First and foremost these S-Ps do not believe in God; they are very anti-Judeo/Christian. They want to take all the money from the rich people and use it to make their version of a "better world". For example they want everybody to have their own home - with no mortgage; they want all children to have an education - for free! And that includes college; they think that everybody should make a living wage - whether they deserve to be alive or not! (my God! these people are horrible); they want businesses and corporations to act and conduct themselves in the world market place with a moral conscience (what a pernicious method for undermining capitalism and the American way); they want prisons to be reformed and drug crimes to be looked upon as an addiction to be treated as a sickness and not simply incarceration; they want any and all sick and even healthy people to have access to health care - even if they don't have a penny!; they actually want the United States to be attacked before the United States attacks anybody else; and one can only conclude from all of the above that these S-Ps would probably try to outlaw war if they could get away with it.
This book is powerful on emotion but very short on thought. If your ideas are on the far right you will love this. I was told by a friend that Bill is actually not on the far right but is really only moderately right. Since I didn't find much of what he had to say "right" in any way and many things very "wrong", I can't really find all that much to recommend . But Bill seems to be doing very well without me as a backer.
Amazon.com
During his junior year at the University of California, Dan Millman first stumbled upon his mentor (nicknamed Socrates) at an all-night gas station. At the time, Millman hoped to become a world-champion gymnast. "To survive the lessons ahead, you're going to need far more energy than ever before," Socrates warned him that night. "You must cleanse your body of tension, free your mind of stagnant knowledge, and open your heart to the energy of true emotion." From there, the unpredictable Socrates proceeded to teach Millman the "way of the peaceful warrior." At first Socrates shattered every preconceived notion that Millman had about academics, athletics, and achievement. But eventually Millman stopped resisting the lessons, and began to try on a whole new ideology--one that valued being conscious over being smart, and strength in spirit over strength in body. Although the character of the cigarette-smoking Socrates seems like a fictional, modern-day Merlin, Millman asserts that he is based on an actual person. Certain male readers especially appreciate the coming-of-age theme, the haunting love story with the elusive woman Joy, and the challenging of Western beliefs about masculine power and success. --Gail Hudson
Book Description
Way of the Peaceful Warrior is based on the story of Dan Millman, a world champion athlete, who journeys into realms of romance and magic, light and darkness, body, mind, and spirit. Guided by a powerful old warrior named Socrates and tempted by an elusive, playful woman named Joy, Dan is led toward a final confrontation that will deliver or destroy him. Readers join Dan as he learns to live as a peaceful warrior. This international bestseller conveys piercing truths and humorous wisdom, speaking directly to the universal quest for happiness.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book!!!!.......2007-09-16
This book is great. Must read for all human being to understand bigger picture of life and to get succeed in daily life.
A Book That Changes Lives.......2007-09-05
Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman is a first-person narrative of the author's search for happiness. A student at the University of California at Berkley, Dan's life revolved around school and gymnastics. Stressed with his life Dan left his apartment and took a stroll around town. What he did not know is that this walk would change his life forever. His experiences and outlook on life changed once he entered the doors of the infamous gas station. Dan walked in the gas station and saw an old man sitting in a chair. When he walked out of the gas station, the same man was on the roof. Wanting to know how the man got on the roof, Dan returned nightly to obtain his answer. Over numerous years, Dan learned lessons that aided in his quest to become a Warrior.
Dan Millman is a University of California at Berkley graduate, a world trampoline champion, and member of the Gymnastics Hall of Fame. He was the director of gymnastics at Stanford University, and later became a professor at Oberlin College. He has written 13 self-help books and gives talks and seminars all over the United States and abroad. He currently lives in Northern California with his family.
This book is incredibly powerful and leaves the reader with a new perspective on life. The vividness of word choice creates a surreal vision. An explanation of The Warrior is offered by Socrates, Dan's guide on his new quest. Socrates, 94, incorporates Eastern philosophy and Western fitness to embark on a spiritual odyssey to discover the meaning of life and becoming a warrior. Socrates uses humor, kindness, and love in his teachings to convey that happiness, creativity, and fulfillment can be achieved by developing one's human potential. By the end of the book, it is difficult to have dry eyes. The reader really connects with Dan and has a desire for him to be successful in his journey.
This book was very hard to locate and is found in the New Age section of bookstores, an unusual area to search for a personal growth/fiction book. It is a story based on true aspects of Millman's life.
This book is recommended for teenagers and older. It is important to have a good grasp of vocabulary and some life experience to understand the concept of this book. Other books by Dan Millman are: The Life You Were Born to Live: A Guide to Finding Your Life Purpose, and Wisdom of the Peaceful Warrior: A Companion to the Book that Changes Lives. The reader must be open to new ideas, and new ways of looking at oneself and the world to appreciate this story.
Way of the Peaceful Warrior has been made into a movie starring Nick Nolte, Scott Mechlowicz and Amy Smart. The movie version recently came out on DVD.
Something for Everyone.......2007-08-31
This is a great book. I have read it four times and still find something new or benefitical each time. This book has something for everyone.
Lots of wisdom...if open to it.......2007-08-29
For me, the book is full of wisdom, of challenge, & insight for living in the here and now in a mindfull way. I was challenged to empty my cup (partially succeeded) of my preconceptions, ideas and belief systems to be able to take in what I saw as stretches for me and ah-ha points that help me along.
Is the book for everyone? Maybe. Maybe not. That depends on the readers want, need and openess.
It will open your eyes.......2007-08-27
I first saw a trailer for Peaceful Warrior when I attended a film festival in Washington DC back in April of 2006, to see Hard Candy. I didn't quite grasp it, and forgotten it - then somewhere along the line, Peaceful Warrior has resurfaced (the June 30 release) I haven't seen it in theatres, but my interested had once again peaked. I then watched the trailer countless times on youtube. I finally saw the film, and was amazed. It had struck me, and I've decided to purchase the book right after my viewing.
Last Wednesday, it had arrived, and I started reading - I have only a few pages to go before I am finished..and I can safely say, this is one of the best books I have read in my life. I do not judge it on entertainment, or on escapism or writing, or anything else (although yes! this book IS entertaining) i judge this book on the LIFE LESSON it teaches, and I can't recommend it enough. This book will be passed on to my friends and to everyone I know, who is willing to OPEN THEIR EYES and to REALIZE what has been missing in their lives. Constant thoughts were running through my mind when reading the book - and as I read it, I highlit every lesson Socrates taught. Some of them hit home so much, some of them made me realize and open my eyes a little bit (Yes, I can't say I have yet opened my eyes, I'm only a fool in kindergarten by Socrates standards!). Since reading the book, I've been practicing the lessons taught, and I've been trying to be more self-aware. I have been searching for something like this, searching for something I did not know myself - I was searching for THIS LESSON that THIS BOOK TEACHES, In movies, and in film but could never find it - and THIS is the one literary work that SATISFIES my search. We can choose to start living NOW, PRESENTLY. I will continue my journey through reading more of Millman's works, and my journey in general.
Book Description
There will be three, kin of your kin . . .
The wild cats have flourished in their new home on the banks of the lake for several seasons, and the Clans are growing strong and healthy with new kits. The time has come for three kits of ThunderClan to become apprentices.
Hollypaw, Jaypaw, and Lionpaw spring from a strong legacy: children of Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw, two of the noblest ThunderClan warriors, and grandchildren of the great leader Firestar himself. All three young cats possess unusual power and talent and seem certain to provide strength to the Clan for the next generation.
But there are dark secrets around the three, and a mysterious prophecy hints at trouble to come. An undercurrent of rage is rising against those who are not Clanborn, and the warrior code is in danger of being washed away by a river of blood. All the young cats' strength will be needed if the Clans are to survive.
. . . who hold the power of the stars in their paws.
Customer Reviews:
Good!.......2007-10-01
I really think that this book kind of created a new writing style for all the series. I mean, there was one for Warriors, there was one for New Prophecy, and there is a new one for this, and I think that it is really good. I really think that the Erin Hunters outdid themselves on this one.
Great Book.......2007-09-19
I really liked the new Warriors book! I can't wait until the next book comes out. This book is by far Hunter's best book. Jaypaw, the main character, is angry most of the time because he believes his clanmates think he is weak. Jaypaw, Hollypaw and Lionpaw are the grandchildren of Firestar, Sandstorm, Goldenflower and Tigerstar, from previous books. And they are the children of Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight. Hollypaw becomes the medicine cat apprentice, but then realizes she has special abilities as a fighter just as Lionpaw is a fine hunter and Jaypaw has mysterious powers with StarClan.
Choose your poison: Predictable Plot or Irritating Characters?.......2007-09-05
The Sight tries to recapture the original series, but Firestar's grandkits are tiresome. Jaykit in particular is exasperating; being blind apparantly means that nothing in the world is good enough, and your handicap gives you grounds to continuously complain. Hollykit's arc in exploring medicine cattery seems pointless, (because it ultimately is), and Lionkit is instantly forget-able as an ... arrogant cat who falls into a tunnel?
Being a Warrior apparantly means that you have to be miserable, while you're upholding a code that keeps changing every time the elders feel you need chiding. There have to be 4 Clans, but not really, because there were 5, and StarClan just decided not to tell you. You can't abandon a kit, no matter what, but not really, because Shadowclan likes watching the ones that get caught in snares. And don't forget that StarClan is all-powerful, except when they tell you they aren't, and helpfully offer obscure prophecy. A true Warrior doesn't trespass or steal prey, but no one ever seems to call Shadowclan or Windclan out on that during the Gatherings. And even though the code says a cat is supposed to help a cat that asks for it, none of the leaders ever do, because it'd look bad. They'd rather keep their pride than feed their dying elders.
Ultimately, I can't understand why an animal as naturally disdainful and independent as a cat would swear allegience to such smoky laws. Gatherings especially irk me, because no cat would ever bother to find out how another pack is doing, especially if they're not on their territory. Why go to see a bunch of cats brag about how well they're doing?
The world-building in Warriors doesn't stand up to a lot of scrutiny, and any reader that bothers to start looking closer will find themselves disappointed. Young readers are more likely to forgive the large holes (suspesion of disbelief is always easier when you're little), but that will last only as long as that reader is young. But they grow up, and Warriors will become replaced by better anthropomorphic fantasy, like Tailchaser's Song by Tad Williams, and Fire-Bring by David Clement-Davies.
You don't have to be a kid to love the Warrior Cats.......2007-08-29
I am 54 yrs. old and a grandmother. A year ago I was unemployed and was at the bookstore and they had one of the Warrior Cat books on display up front. I am a huge cat/dog lover and I foster cats for a local rescue. Well, I couldn't put these books down. I bought one after another. I hadn't been to the bookstore in awhile as I am working again. Last night I bought The Sight and I can hardly wait to read it this weekend. I'm addicted and I know this book will be just as good as the first. For young and old alike...read The Warrior Cat books....they are delightful!!! Kudos to Erin Hunter for providing an intermediate book series so entertaining to adults...I am reminded of the years I spent in Study Hall reading horse and dog books and I still cry when anything sad happens!! Grammy
A Great Start to a Great Series.......2007-08-16
Without giving too much away, let me say that The Sight is about Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight's kits, Jaypaw, Hollypaw, and Lionpaw and their incredible abilities from StarClan. Most other previously key characters fall back a bit to allow the three kits to take center stage. Don't believe what you hear when others say that Firestar is dead. He isn't. He's still leader of ThunderClan, it's just that he isn't the main character anymore.
This book is an excellent beginning to the series, although I dock a star for the cliche "dog attack" and "fox attack". However, Jaypaw's abilities are original and intriguing, Hollypaw is a lovable character, and Lionpaw seems to be getting a love interest in Heatherpaw of WindClan.
This is an excellent book for any Warriors enthusiast and can give any fanfiction writer the right sort of inspiration they need. If you haven't read this yet, do so!
Book Description
Warrior of the Light: A Manual is an inspirational companion to The Alchemist, an international bestseller that has beguiled millions of readers around the world. Every short passage invites us to live out our dreams, to embrace the uncertainty of life, and to rise to our own unique destiny. In his inimitable style, Paulo Coelho helps bring out the Warrior of the Light within each of us. He also shows readers how to embark upon the way of the Warrior: the one who appreciates the miracle of being alive, the one who accepts failure, and the one whose quest leads him to become the person he wants to be.
Paulo Coelho is one of the most beloved storytellers of our time. Now, in the long-awaited companion to his first novel, Coelho presents a collection of philosophical stories that will delight and guide seekers everywhere.
Customer Reviews:
Very good book for self improvement.......2007-08-23
I have not finished to read the book, but I am satisfied with what I have seen.
Joe's Review.......2007-07-20
Book is somewhat repititous with a religious bent. After a while it became a bit boring.
Handbook for Living.......2007-04-26
Anyone who has read Paolo Coelho, knows how much wisdom there is in his words. This book of short passages are an excellent intro to Coelho if you have not read any other of his books. Wisdom for life, help through everyday issues and plenty of thoughtful insights for all kinds of situations. A must for anyone who ponders 'The Meaning of Life'.
One limping warrior .......2007-03-26
I found this book an immense pleasure. It relieves me of the need to think I must be perfect to be of any use. It can also be used as a daily meditation book. I find every page enlightening
Comfort reading.......2007-01-20
What I like most about this book is that it celebrates the journey of life by putting equal value upon the inevitable successes, failures, mistakes, heartbreak and joy we all experience along the way. The book imparts comfort along with it's wisdom, very important I think.
Average customer rating:
|
Whoosh Boom Splat: The Garage Warrior's Guide to Building Projectile Shooters
William Gurstelle
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Toymaking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Do-It-Yourself | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Science | Subjects | Books
General & Reference | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
-
Backyard Ballistics: Build Potato Cannons, Paper Match Rockets, Cincinnati Fire Kites, Tennis Ball Mortars, and More Dynamite Devices
-
Adventures from the Technology Underground: Catapults, Pulsejets, Rail Guns, Flamethrowers, Tesla Coils, Air Cannons, and the Garage Warriors Who Love Them
-
The Art of the Catapult: Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient Artillery
-
Vacuum Bazookas, Electric Rainbow Jelly, and 27 Other Saturday Science Projects.
-
Gonzo Gizmos: Projects & Devices to Channel Your Inner Geek
ASIN: 0307339483
Release Date: 2007-03-27 |
Book Description
These are the homemade machines that you’ve dreamed of building, from the high-voltage Night Lighter 36 spud gun to the Jam Jar Jet, the Marshmallow Shooter, and the Yagua Blowgun. Including detailed diagrams and supply lists, Gurstelle’s simple, step-by-step instructions help workshop warriors at any skill level achieve impressively powerful results. With Whoosh Boom Splat, you can build:
- The Jam Jar Jet—the simple pulse jet engine that roars
- The Elastic Zip Cannon—a membrane-powered shooter that packs a wallop
- The Mechanical Toe—a bungee-powered kicking machine
- The Vortex Launcher—a projectile shooter that uses air bullets for ammunition
- The Clothespin Snap Shooter—the PG-17 version of a clothespin gun that fires fiery projectiles
- The Architronito—the steam-powered cannon conceived by Leonardo da Vinci
And many more!
In addition to learning how to make these cool gadgets, you’ll find sections packed with information on what makes each machine unique. Gurstelle describes the machine’s historical origins as only he can: with verve, fun, and the sort of quirky details his legions of fans love. Whoosh Boom Splat is a must-have for every extreme tinkerer.
Customer Reviews:
Another Gurstelle Great!.......2007-04-24
I just received this book in the mail and was so excited that I did a quick scan to see what I could "put together" NOW! There were so many fun things to do in this book. Very inventive. I love the way Gurstelle gives praise to the past by creating a steam cannon designed by DaVinci (which was inspired by Archimedes). I can't wait to build even more!
Book Description
In the early 1960s, American conservatives seemed to have fallen on hard times. McCarthyism was on the run, and movements on the political left were grabbing headlines. The media lampooned John Birchers's accusations that Dwight Eisenhower was a communist puppet. Mainstream America snickered at warnings by California Congressman James B. Utt that "barefooted Africans" were training in Georgia to help the United Nations take over the country. Yet, in Utt's home district of Orange County, thousands of middle-class suburbanites proceeded to organize a powerful conservative movement that would land Ronald Reagan in the White House and redefine the spectrum of acceptable politics into the next century.
Suburban Warriors introduces us to these people: women hosting coffee klatches for Barry Goldwater in their tract houses; members of anticommunist reading groups organizing against sex education; pro-life Democrats gradually drawn into conservative circles; and new arrivals finding work in defense companies and a sense of community in Orange County's mushrooming evangelical churches. We learn what motivated them and how they interpreted their political activity. Lisa McGirr shows that their movement was not one of marginal people suffering from status anxiety, but rather one formed by successful entrepreneurial types with modern lifestyles and bright futures. She describes how these suburban pioneers created new political and social philosophies anchored in a fusion of Christian fundamentalism, xenophobic nationalism, and western libertarianism.
While introducing these rank-and-file activists, McGirr chronicles Orange County's rise from "nut country" to political vanguard. Through this history, she traces the evolution of the New Right from a virulent anticommunist, anti-establishment fringe to a broad national movement nourished by evangelical Protestantism. Her original contribution to the social history of politics broadens--and often upsets--our understanding of the deep and tenacious roots of popular conservatism in America.
Customer Reviews:
Interesting Subject..........2006-03-09
I was assigned this book for class and therefore didn't have a huge interest in the subject before I read the book. I haven't finished it, but I also don't plan to finish it. The subject was interesting, but the book wasn't captivating.
I found that the author sometimes became overly concerned with statistical information and details which left me (as well as my classmates) confused and frustrated. When too many facts are thrown at you at once, you just want to skip it and move along.
If you actually know about the John Birch Society and are highly interested in the Conservative Right, I'm sure you will like the book, even in spite of those "factual" sections. Historically, it's very accurate and I know that those who were interested really enjoyed the author's style.
Analyzes the 'warrior' battle plan of the 1950's and 1960's.......2005-05-30
This book is neat precisely because it takes a scholarly approach to examining the new right. Instead of writing a frenzied treatise why the right is bad, Lisa McGirr lets readers draw conclusions from her fact-based historical analysis.
The suburban new right emerged in the 1950's and early 1960's out of a desire for self-preservation. People in these newly emergent suburbs were alternating between the 'self-reliant' model of conservative libertarianism and 'big-government' social conservatism which placed its premiums on social and political conformity as a tool for ensuring order in the community. The then cold war united the two periodically disparate strains of conservatism into a unified school of thought; conformity was good for national security.
Because it upheld the values which they supported (and felt were in the best benefit for America) the people who would become part of the New Right honestly did not mind when they and/or their companies received economic subsidies from the government. They had to defend the country against the reds after all. This was not mooching off the system, but ensuring the country would be able to produce the best resources and the brightest people to outmatch 'the reds'.
The 'red-baiting' and 'race-baiting' which I and other people have publicly and psychologically associated with the right only came into existence when the status quo was being threatened.
The same people who had not protested (and in fact welcomed) government benefits for themselves became genuinely anxious upon realizing that the civil rights movement was attempting to reconfigure the American state to offer more benefits to more groups of people. This exposed contradictions in the American state as it currently existed and hinted that a reconfigured American state would not provide exactly the same order of things as they had known it to exist.
Fearful of these 'other' people, some southern states undertook the-then shocking action of voting for Barry Goldwater in 1964, disrupting the solidly Democratic south. Prior to this time, a southerner voting Republican was unthinkable. The party of Lincoln after all was responsible for both emancipation and reconstruction.
Although Goldwater would loose to Johnson, his candidacy and campaign positions (including against the civil rights act) further laid the foundations for the present day situation. Voting shifts in the 1964 presidential election ultimately encouraged the Reagan revolution of the 1980's and George W. Bush's promotion of faith based initiatives today.
Good, but not great.......2004-05-05
McGirr's book traces the rise of what I would call the (white, middle-class) suburban right and the Christian right, beginning in the early 60s. The new right coalesced around anti-Communism, laissez faire capitalism, states' rights and local government, the "traditional" family, Christian values, individual economic responsibility, and low taxes.
It was the suburban Christian right that first brought these views together. Barry Goldwater, who ran for President in 1964 against Johnson, was an early exemplar of new right views. However, his strong opposition to the Civil Rights acts won him the lower South and, along with his virulent anti-Communism, helped him lose the rest of the country.
The suburban Christian right shed the virulent and conspiratorial anti-Communism that they initially directed at domestic enemies; south-eastern politics moved away from the New Deal order and shed legal segregation and overt biological racism; they all joined their Christian and conservative forces and formed a conservative coalition behind Ronald Reagan.
McGirr's is a "bottom up" analysis that begins with the grass roots social base of the suburban Christian right, using Orange County as a prototypical case study. She also examines the interplay of grass roots leaders, rank and file members, regional business elites, and national intellectual and political leaders.
The book doesn't delve into how the suburban right teamed up with south-eastern conservatives, but their shared Christianity, shared social conservatism, and shared opposition to civil rights, busing, and affirmative action makes it fairly easy to guess what that part of the story in general looks like. However, McGirr's would be a better book if she examined some of these connections, at least briefly. This is what makes the book good but not great.
Post-script: Today, the Cold War is over, terrorism has replaced communism as America's global enemy, and George W. Bush has combined the Christian right with the post-Cold War, neo-conservative, neo-imperialist right. Bush has tried to combine anti-terrorism, neo-imperialism, and Christian conservativism without provoking Christian-Islamic antagonisms--antagonisms already strained by Christian conseravtive and neo-conservative support for Israel. These topics would make an interesting post-script to McGirr's book.
Rhetorical, but ok.......2004-05-01
I had to read this book for a history class. It provides enough incite on the origin of conservatism in Orange County, but to me, she overemphasizes her status as a historian. Instead of telling one point just once, she repeats it again in another segment, which, as a reader, I already knew because she said it before. She is non-biased in her approach of the conservative uprooting, yet she does seem to make them out to look like the enemy rather than a large group of people that were encouraging enrollment for causes they believed in. I recommend it to anyone who likes to read the word "Knott" over and over again.
Absorbing,Thorough Analysis Of Neoconservative Ascent !.......2002-04-27
This book represents both a fascinating study of the evolution of `60s politics as well as a historical attempt to document and explain the perplexing fact that a country flirting with the danger of a social and political revolution from the left suddenly veered so much farther to the right toward a broad-based popular conservatism. Herein Lisa McGirr, a gifted author and Harvard professor comes closer to making her prose swing than one would expect of a book of this type. Meanwhile, she also spins a convincing argument regarding the origins of the American neo-conservative revival in the late `60s and early `70s. At the time, domestic conservatism had been badly eclipsed by the burgeoning youth culture and their radical leftist notions. To her credit, the account rendered here is not only academically spirited, but is written in a way that makes this serious work of scholarship accessible to the general public.
She focuses meaningfully on the activities within a specific congressional district, in Orange County California, where, she argues quite persuasively, the seeds of the neo-conservative revival were most fruitfully planted and sown. Within this district, literally thousands of affluent and educated suburban "warriors" combined to launch a powerful movement destined less than a decade later to propel Ronald Reagan into the White House. In the process they also helped to chisel a new agenda into the granite pillars of the American pantheon, one that helped to define the very nature of domestic political battles for decades to come.
This book gives us a graphic and detail introduction to these hearty, healthy and enthusiastic warriors; housewives arguing political strategy over coffee and Danish, young and well-educated defense engineers arriving to live out the American dream, impressionable young religious workers convinced that the only way to save the country and themselves from Hellfire and brimstone was to work fervently against the designs of the "godless democrats". From this well-detailed work we begin to see how the movement came into being, how it organized itself, what motivated the individuals as well as what their evolving political agenda became and why.
McGirr demonstrates that this was far from being a movement of marginalized or isolated extremists; on the contrary, from the beginning it was more accurately characterized as an intensely enthusiastic enterprise, one formed and energized by the social, economic, and political elite, people with both means and motive for becoming involved to better control their own futures as well as those of the country at large. In what is perhaps her best set of insights, she demonstrates how these young and innovative neo-conservatives established a new set of political philosophies and precepts, forged in a alloy of Christian fundamentalism, misguided nationalism, and more traditional true conservatism (i.e. an old-style libertine attitude).
This is a seminal work, an effort at true scholarship which dares to look at Rosemary's baby in the face by searching through the afterbirth of the not so immaculate birthing of modern neo-conservatism. What she discovers and demonstrates along the way may often upset our traditional notions of what happened and why, but it never fails to inform or edify us as to what transpired or why. This is an interesting and worthwhile book, and one that I can heartily recommend. Enjoy!
Book Description
IN combating terror, America can no longer depend on its conventional military superiority and the use of sophisticated technology. We are fighting guerrilla wars, against insurgents hidden in remote regions, often deep among the local population. In battles such as these, squadrons of billion-dollar bombers and naval fleets mean much less than on-the-ground intelligence and the ability to organize local forces. That’s why, more than ever before, we need men like those of the Army Special Forces—the legendary Green Berets.
In Chosen Soldier, Dick Couch—a former Navy SEAL widely admired for his books about SEAL training and operations—offers an unprecedented view of the training of the Army Special Forces warrior. Each year, several thousand enlisted men and several hundred officers volunteer for Special Forces training; less than a quarter of those who apply will complete the course. Chosen Soldier spells out in fascinating detail the arduous regimen these men undergo—the demanding selection process and grueling field exercises, the high-level technical training and intensive language courses, and the simulated battle problems that test everything from how well they gather operational intelligence to their skills at negotiating with volatile, often hostile, local leaders.
Green Berets are expected to be deadly in combat, yes, but their responsibilities go far beyond those of other Special Operations fighters; they’re taught to operate in foreign cultures, often behind enemy lines; to recruit, train, and lead local forces; to gather intelligence in hostile territory; to forge bonds across languages and cultures. They must not only be experts in such fields as explosives, communications, engineering, and field medicine, but also be able to teach those skills to others. Each and every Green Beret must function as tactical combat leader, negotiator, teacher, drill sergeant, and diplomat.
These tasks require more than just physical prowess; they require a unique mix of character, intelligence, language skills, and—most of all—adaptability. It’s no wonder that the Green Berets’ training regimen is known as the hardest in the world. Drawing on his unprecedented access to the closed world of Army Special Forces training, Dick Couch paints a vivid, intimate portrait of these extraordinary men and the process that forges America’s smartest, most versatile, and most valuable fighting force.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent!.......2007-09-20
Very well written and hard to put down. An excellent insight into SF traing from beginning to end. I've seen many books on the subject of SF traing but none as complete as this one. WOW, brings back a lot of memories! This is a MUST READ for anyone thinking of going SF.
Great job Mr. Couch!
Great!.......2007-08-31
This book is great! Of course, I am partial since it is from my son's training and all those with him. I believe anyone interested in finding out just what a special type of man it takes to become a Green Beret, you will thoroughly enjoy it. Throughout this book the author made it possible for me to go through each part of his training and feel even more proud of not only him, but all the men that would dedicate themselves to such unbelievable physical and mental training, dedication, and tasks to learn and become one of the strongest, smartest, educated and trained special forces for our country and for our freedom.
book review.......2007-08-23
One of the most interesting books about soldiers I've ever read - it certainly sheds quite a different light on SF training and the quality of our people.
Good book, but needs a step back?.......2007-08-14
No question Couch does a great job explaining the incredible training and selection of SF soldiers. He knows the ground and covers it well. But, the role of SF seems to have changed, and could be viewed with some thoughtful questions. Has the SF mission been changed and more emphasis placed on their being small scale Ranger units or substitute CIA para-military units? Has the Blackwater thought process taken over? The SF I knew was "the best and the brightest". True warriors who knew that sometimes having to shoot it out was the first sign of a failed mission. I'd love to see Couch explore what the role of these heros has evolved into.
Great book, explains the challenges an SF canidate must endure........2007-08-05
Overall great read! As an american soldier with a significant time in service,both stateside and overseas, I found this book to be very informative and motivating. It shares with the reader all phases that an SF canidate must endure to earn the sacred Special Forces tab and be able to call himself a special operator. I have been considering a life in SF and I think this book might have pushed me over the edge and motivated me enough to try out. As I said before, great read and very well written.
Specialist M
US Army
Average customer rating:
- Brilliant!
- Prepare for the unexpected.
- Interesting motive, fails to deliver
- Interesting Perspective Rarely Seen
- who's talking now
|
The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts
Maxine Hong Kingston
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Chinese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Asian American | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Special Groups | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | China | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
California | State & Local | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
-
Ceremony: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition)
-
No-No Boy
-
Beloved
-
China Men
-
The House on Mango Street
ASIN: 0679721886
Release Date: 1989-04-23 |
Amazon.com
The Woman Warrior is a pungent, bitter, but beautifully written memoir of growing up Chinese American in Stockton, California. Maxine Hong Kingston (China Men) distills the dire lessons of her mother's mesmerizing "talk-story" tales of a China where girls are worthless, tradition is exalted and only a strong, wily woman can scratch her way upward. The author's America is a landscape of confounding white "ghosts"--the policeman ghost, the social worker ghost--with equally rigid, but very different rules. Like the woman warrior of the title, Kingston carries the crimes against her family carved into her back by her parents in testimony to and defiance of the pain.
Book Description
A Chinese American woman tells of the Chinese myths, family stories and events of her California childhood that have shaped her identity.
Customer Reviews:
Brilliant!.......2007-08-25
An excellent book, funny, insightful, poignant. Ms. Kingston brilliantly conveys how cultures can clash within the minds of those who straddle them. After reading this book I bought half a dozen copies to give to close friends.
Prepare for the unexpected........2007-03-22
This is a tremendous novel. The author threads the stories her mother told her when she was a child, through the retelling of her own life, using them to draw you into her own imagination. As she grows up, living half immersed in traditional myth and half in gritty reality, where mothers and daughters are only human, the reader grows up with her. The first person telling of her childhhood stories puts the reader directly in the shoes of a child/young adult working through the stories she has been told, using them to form her hopes and dreams and her understanding of the world.
(N.B. You may not think that your childhood stories influenced the way you live, but if you think for a minute, I am certain some will come back to you and you'll realize that just the other day you did something based on or combatting that belief. Maybe you even still wish on stars?)
Interesting motive, fails to deliver.......2007-01-12
While the perspective and ideas of this novel are ones rarely seen in modern day literature, Maxine Hong Kingston fails to captivate a reader in a way that one would expect from a novel dealing with the difficulties of not only being a minority in the U.S., but for simply being female.
The story starts off with the tale of Kingston's deceased aunt, who brought shame to the family and was unmentionable due to the fact that she bore an illegitimate child. As she gets into the tale and finds a parallel between herself and her aunt, both not wanting to conform to societal expectations, the story quickly changes to a story of a legendary girl trained by two old people to battle evil. The narration is filled with melodramatic elements and disorganized and often random occurences that make no sense at all, thereby losing the reader's interest early on in the book. The story then changes a few more times to different events in her family occuring in different eras, making it hard to grasp the relationship between themand her purpose for doing so. As you can see, the organization in this novel seems to be its biggest flaw. Instead of focusing on one tale and going in depth about it, the fact that Kingston changes stories so frequently and often before they are fully developed is annoying and seems to be pointless. While the stories she includes share a common theme of decpicting independent and strong women, her melodramatic and ineffective ways of narrating not only loses the reader's interest but in the process, I think even Kingston got confused about what she was trying to say!
Interesting Perspective Rarely Seen.......2007-01-12
Kingston combines the use of allegory, fantasy, and real life elements of her childhood to explore the social status of Chinese American women from the 1940s to the present in The Woman Warrior. While at first all of her stories may seem random, they all connect to Kingston's point of view as to how not just being a minority but also being a female made life difficult for her in both cultures. Her interwoven stories were so fascinating, as she brilliantly compares what she truly wants and what society is willing to allow her to do. It is crucial that the reader pay close attention to when her stories shift. My one problem with her plot organization is that she focuses on one story, and then suddenly shifts to another story. I couldn't understand until I was at the middle of the plot to comprehend each story's purpose in the bigger picture. But once the reader succeeds in getting over that one flaw, the rest is amazing. Kingston develops a unique style all on her own as she somehow connects the fantastical parts of her dreams to what she is forced to experience in everyday reality. In the backdrop of her personal experience, Kingston describes America's problems with racism and sexism different women in her lives are hurt by this. Kingston needed to maintain her flow; but the intriguing connections involving fantasy and reality work effectively to enhance her purpose.
who's talking now.......2007-01-11
This book tries to do too much! and doesn't succeed.
Even though this book had a good story over all, the confusing narration completely distracts from the intended message.
The entire story is in first person, no matter who is talking. This gets very confusing when the story suddenly shifts to another woman's story and you still think you are reading about the previous person. Suddenly you are reading and you think that the same character has somehow appeared on the other side of the world having no idea how she got there.
You will end up spending the whole book just trying to figure out who is speaking that you will miss most of what the book tries to say.
This is supposed to show the reality of what it is like to be a chinese woman but this is too hard to see when everything else is in the way.
This book does do some things well like its clever incorporation of irony in the narrator's retelling of a story that she has been forbidden to tell. It also incorporates superstitious elements such as her mother's battle with ghosts while at college and the enticing tale of the woman warrior. There is more irony seen here when most women in the story are seen as being weak, yet the woman warrior is strong and represents all the women with its title.
Book Description
Every day, we face challenges in relationships, sexuality, money, work, and health. While there is a wealth of information and advice available on all of these subjects, we still have trouble turning knowing into doing. Here, Dan Millman presents a peaceful warrior's way to turn our intentions into action, our challenges into strength, and our life experiences into wisdom.
Based on the premise that by changing ourselves we can change the world, No Ordinary Moments presents simple yet powerful ways to balance our body, liberate our mind, accept our emotions, and open our heart.:
Customer Reviews:
Good Condition.......2007-09-18
I bought this book used for school and it was in very good condition. Thanks for the timely shipping. I recieved it only a few days after class started.
Wonderful Writings.......2007-09-18
As always, a Millman book that is wonderful and heart felt with thoughts. I enjoy reading his books and rented the movie of the Peaceful warrior which was good as well. thoughts throughout the book make you stop and think about goings on in your own life. all his book are wonderful.
A life-changing book.......2007-08-03
This book has absolutely changed my life. For the past 4+ years I have been having personal issues that I refused to deal with until they all came at me at once. Dan's book helps you take your first steps on a personal journey of exploration, self-improvement, and spiritual-awakening (as your own beliefs allow). The first section of the book is a new way to look at yourself, a new way of thought, setting goals for yoru life. The next section called "tools of transformation" helps you begin that journey, which is a life-long one.
I have read several books along this genre, scanned through an untold number trying to find that one book that was easy to understand in everyday conversational writing and not Dr speak, and this is that book. It's an easy read, so easy to say "that makes great sense", "i can apply this to my own life by..." We've all seen Phd books, they talk about their practice, their patients...but I've seen so many that are completely not helpful as a guide to starting that path. This book, I can guarantee, is the book.
I'm no longer an angry person, not nearly as impatient as I once was, nor do I take for granted the things I've been given. I have to say...if I hadn't read this book...I'd be in a much worse position than I ever was...downward spiral.
Dan - thank you so much for illuminating the path of my journey.
Powerful.......2001-04-13
I RatMouse am telling you that this is a very powerful book when it comes to 'self-help' books! It has helped me to find my way out of the sewers more than a few times! I RatMouse hereby prescribe this book to anyone who is struggling with themselves (which we all do at one point or another).
No Ordinary Moments:A Peaceful Warrior's Guide to Daily Life.......2000-06-14
To me, this book reads like a conversation between the reader's mind and Mr. Millman. Mr.M. has interspersed several useful mental and physical(i.e. breathing) exercises amongst the various chapters of this great book, giving the publication a very practical appeal. The use of quotes is also very effective. There is no preachy, judgmental "fire & brimstone" tone to the teachings either. Mr. M. uses examples from his own life, which helps the reader get "closer" to the author.
I like Mr. M.'s approach to self-help issues such as addictions, relationships and success. One begins to realize that it is all up to the individual to CHOOSE their path when faced with ANY circumstance.
My favorite section is "The Time is Now" (pp.291-295) which truly drives home the truth that every moment of one's life can be an unreasonably happy microcosmic "lifetime".
Thank you Mr. Millman!
Book Description
Soon after the cats reached their new home by the lake, ThunderClan's medicine cat Leafpool received an ominous warning from StarClan: Before there is peace, blood will spill blood, and the lake will run red. As the Clan slowly recovers from a devastating badger attack, Leafpool can't help but wonder . . . do her prophetic dreams mean there are even worse dangers still in store for the warrior cats?
At the same time, shadows of the past continue to haunt the forest as some old friends struggle to find their place, others appear to be lost forever, and an old enemy finds a new way to resurface in a quest for dark revenge. A sinister path is unfolding, and the time is coming for certain warriors to make the choices that will determine their destiny . . . and the destiny of all the Clans.
Customer Reviews:
A Whole Lotta Buildup for Nothing (SPOILERS).......2007-10-06
I think the things that bothered me the most about Sunset was that the completely jumped-up prophecy Yellowfang fed Firestar came down to the death of a single cat. Does anyone else out there feel that if they were told, more or less, that slaughter would drown them in blood, they'd still be waiting for the real thing to happen?
Starclan: Oh no. Yeah, the cat bleeding into the lake is what we meant.
Firestar: Gotcha. Whoof, sure glad that's over.
I think I'd be yelling at my ancestors to get a handle on hyperbole, because I as a Clan leader would have enough to worry about ASIDE from dire threats of war, death, etc., etc. StarClan continually irritates me, because they react in limited ways: A) They refuse to help you; B) They refuse to lay it out pat for you, and instead throw out riddles and obscure prophecy when they DO decide to help you; C) They chide you with the fact that they do know what's coming, and man, it's going to suck, but they can't do anything to stop it; or D) Tell you there's nothing you can do to stop it, either.
And let's not forget that Warrior Code everyone's gotta uphold! There have to be 4 Clans, but not really, because there were 5, and StarClan just decided not to tell you. Warriors, if a Clan dies because of tragedy, neglect, and apathy, that's fine. But don't you dare ruin the sacred laws by making friendships that form us all into one big Clan! Don't forget that StarClan is all-powerful, except when they tell you they aren't, but block the moon out to keep you thinking that. A cat is supposed to help any cat that asks for it, but Clan leaders who don't want to lose face by admitting they have starving elders and sick kits need not obey that rule. And while we're calling a spade a spade, there's not a single good deed of Firestar's that goes unpunished or unnoticed.
The worldbuilding of Warriors is always pounded and broken to fit the plot. Surely, since there are hundreds of other books out there that are actually able to seal every plot hole, there's something better you could buy for your kids?
Warriors rocks!!!!!!!.......2007-10-04
The devastating badger attack left me stunned, the death of Cinderpelt made me cry hard,cold tears.When Leafpool got the prophecy I was eager to find out what would happen next.Later, I couldn't believe that CHEATER Tigerstar was still after Firestar,with his sons Brambleclaw and Hawkfrost to help him(Brambleclaw didn't want to kill his leader).When Brambleclaw had to kill Hawkfrost to save Firestar it made me feel joyful that he was dead.Overall, I love this book.It screams awesome!!!!
Great book.......2007-09-16
My daughter is 12 and loved this book. She is hooked on the whole series.
Sunset:: Great Summer Reading.......2007-08-23
Sunset was a great book. It was a lot different from the other books, with very little fighting and twists. It's slower paced, making this great summer reading. A lot of it is about life in the Clans more then battling some higher evil. It's very good, and the plot isn't so in-your-face big. It's the bunch of different plots that are the undertone of the book that make this so very good. Plus, to keep us action-lovers happy, there is a great twisted-minds type plot, and the outcome will have you reading it over and over just to have it sink it. Hope you like it! A great ending to the prophecy.
Excellent doesn't even say it all!.......2007-06-26
I fell in love with ALL of the warrior books from the very beginning and each of them has been (in my opinion) five star books. This one met my expectations all the way! I must say that I thought Erin Hunter summed up the series quite well and left me waiting to read "The Sight".
The four clans: ThunderClan, WindClan, RiverClan, and ShadowClan have made their journey to their new home for some time now and many things are starting to unfold in slow motion. Leafpool, the ThunderClan medicine cat has been having visions and they say:
"Before there is peace,
blood will spill blood,
and the lake will run red..."
Leafpool is still not sure what it means but all in all she's got a bad feeling about what's going to happen. Mothwing, a medicine cat that doesn't believe in the great StarClan has a new apprentice...but how will she teach him if she doesn't believe in StarClan?
As dangers unfold Leafpool See's BrambleClaw and his half brother Hawkfrost. They're talking to their dead, murderous father, Tigerstar...
I hope that you read this book and enjoy it as much as I have!
Books:
- Dakota: A Spiritual Geography
- Devlin's Light
- Extraterrestrial Contact: The Evidence and Implications
- Fahrenheit 451
- Fires of Winter
- Fires of Winter
- Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood (Sisterhood of Traveling Pants, Book 4)
- Free to Choose: A Personal Statement
- Gluttony (Seven Deadly Sins)
- Harrington on Hold 'em Expert Strategy for No Limit Tournaments, Vol. 2: Endgame
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Winning Your Husband Back Before It's Too Late: Whether He's Left Physically or Emotionally, All Tha
- Seduced by Moonlight
- Developmental biology: Pattern formation, gene regulation
- History: Fiction or Science
- Map Use & Analysis
- Public School Law: Teacher's and Student's Rights, Fifth Edition
- New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats: Over 1,000 At-Home Remedies for Your Pet's Probl
- Irving Penn: Platinum Prints
- Gustave Alexandre Eiffel
- Metal Ions & Bacteria
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook: Everything I Know About Love and Marriage (with corrections by Mrs. Doocy)
Godless: The Church of Liberalism
State of Emergency: The Third World Invasion and Conquest of America
Rediscovering God in America: Reflections on the Role of Faith in Our Nation's History
Who's Looking Out for You?
