Book Description
James Conaway picks up the story begun a decade ago in his earlier book about Napa Valley, the premier American wine country and a place synonymous with the good life. By now the struggle over the valley's future has grown sharper and its success more glaring. Awash in dollars generated by the boom economy of the 1990s and the social ambitions it inspired, Napa is beset by too much of a good thing: new arrivals determined to have a vineyard of their own despite the fact that available land is running out, cult-wine producers in thrall to fabulously expensive "rocket juice" (cabernet sauvignon) that few locals can afford, established families wishing to hold on to the old ways, and camp followers caught up in the glamour of it all.
What has transformed a natural and agricultural beauty spot into a coveted global destination has left inevitable scars, and a small, impassioned band of environmentalists determine to resist further change. Alarmed by the wholesale felling of trees to make way for vines, the diminishment of the Napa River, and the decline in the health of the watershed, they strike back in a way rivets the valley and strongly divides the valley between those in favor of unbridled economic development and those insisting on limits.
Written by the author the New York Times credits with "a Saroyan-like sense of humor and and Balzac-like eye for detail," The Far Side of Eden takes us to the frontlines of America's ongoing conflicts about money, land, and power to tell a tale that has ramifications for us all.
Customer Reviews:
Refreshing and to the point.......2007-03-27
James Conway cuts to the chase in new money vs established money in a battle for land in Napa Valley. Detailed stories of conflicts between new money mentality of expand at any cost and old money in keeping things in check.
Good story lines. I hope James returns with an updated book as this was written in 2002 and much has changed since.
Well written???.......2003-10-14
Reading the other reviews, I cannot help but shake my head in astonishment...."Well Written"??? Ideas move in and out of paragraphs with no real logical flow of ideas. Few dates are presented to help the reader follow the timetable (which is likely because the scenes are re-sequenced for dramatic effect). I am an avid reader of literature, but found myself constantly rereading passages to try and decipher the idea being presented or the scene being described. I finally decided that the editor either gave up or never tried. Much of the book reads more like a stream of consciousness than a documentation of events witnessed by the author.
Furthermore, this book is an amalgam of ad hominem attacks on everyone who dares to make money in the wine industry. Those with family money are dismissed as "lucky spermers" unless like, Peter Mennen, they use their money to stop big business. Mennen is portrayed as the noble hero but seems to be more a naive idealist. Certainly, there are forces of good and bad in any capitalist industry, but let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater. Ending vineyard development would lead to one of two things - more houses in place of vineyards or higher and higher prices for vintners as the scarcity increased their profits. Certainly, there is a middle ground yet Conaway, by following the bull-headed extremists, would have us believe that there can be no compromise.
Check this book out from the library if you must read it, but support more even-handed works with your dollars.
How can he type with a massive chip on his shoulder?.......2003-10-03
This is a book for people who hate Starbucks and complain incessantly about gentrification (while drinking expensive boutique coffee and loving the appreciation in their real estate). After reading half of it I got tired of the constant pot-shots and nasty, one-sided characterizations and had to put it down.
I'm not clear on who the author approves of, but he's clearly against anyone who lives, builds, or conducts business in Napa Valley -- plus anyone crass enough to actually visit for a weekend and enjoy the place.
If you are a part of the Napa community then you might enjoy the gossipy anecdotes in this book. If you are a hard-core, disgruntled environmentalist then you might find validation for your views. But if you are just interested in the region and land issues in general then you'll find a pissy, overblown screed that irritates more than it informs.
Sometimes the Truth Hurts.......2003-08-11
As a Napa resident and former winemaker, I can say that this book truly pulls back the curtains to expose the overinflated egos that are rapidly transforming our valley into just another trendy, overpriced tourist trap.
It is a much more entertaining and accurate read than Kolpan's Sense of Place which basically parrots Coppola's publicity agent's "approved" history. This is a must have book for anyone interested in what goes on behind the scenes in the Napa Valley.
Some interesting points, but heavily biased.......2003-01-11
As a former Napa vinter, I eagerly looked forward to reading Conway's excursion into my home county. While there are interesting ideas in the book, they lurk beneath the soil like potatoes, never springing forth to see the light of day. Many of my neighbors (and, I should add, close friends) are presented in this book as gross parodies; this, I suppose, might be expected from an outsider to the region, but I had a difficult time getting past these rough characterizations.
Average customer rating:
- Best commic I have ever read
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Valley of the Far Side
Gary Larson
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
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ASIN: 0836220676 |
Book Description
The Far Side® and the Larson® signature are registered trademarks of FarWorks, Inc.
Customer Reviews:
Best commic I have ever read.......1998-09-29
My English and my background to understand Larson's humor are not the best but anytime I grab one of his books from my self I crack with the old jokes I have read many times. Each time I find a new sense and a new kind of humor, and all depends on my animus and circunstances. If someday I don't crack with a single one, I'll know my illusion for the common things of life and my youth have come to an end. David
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Valley Of The Far Side
Gary Larson
Manufacturer: Andrews and McMeel
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ASIN: B000V71R72 |
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Valley of the Far Side
Gary Larson
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Pub
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ASIN: B000NSMN5O |
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VALLEY OF THE FAR SIDE
Manufacturer: Andrews and Mcmeel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H20MWM |
Average customer rating:
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Valley of the Far Side
Gary Larson
Manufacturer: Kansas City: Andrews, McMeel & Parker, 1985
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ASIN: B000NXCB4W |
Book Description
With his latest national best seller, Peace Kills, P.J. O'Rourke casts his ever-shrewd and mordant eye on America's latest adventures in warfare. Imperialism has never been more fun.
To unravel the mysteries of war, O'Rourke first visits Kosovo: "Wherever there's injustice, oppression, and suffering, America will show up six months later and bomb the country next to where it's happening." He travels to Israel at the outbreak of the intifada. He flies to Egypt in the wake of the 9/11 terrorists' attacks and contemplates bygone lunacies. "Why are the people in the Middle East so crazy? Here, at the pyramids, was an answer from the earliest days of civilization: People have always been crazy." He covers the demonstrations and the denunciations of war. "A moral compass needle needs a butt end. Wherever direction France is pointing-toward collaboration with Nazis, accommodation with communists, existentialism, Jerry Lewis, or a UN resolution veto-we can go the other way with a quiet conscience." Finally he arrives in Baghdad with the U.S. Army and, standing in one of Saddam's palaces, decides, "If a reason for invading Iraq was needed, felony interior decorating would have sufficed."
Customer Reviews:
Observances of a post 9/11 world.......2007-03-03
Book Review for: PEACE KILLS
I read his previous book "Give War a Chance", which I thought was awesome. Awesome, but a tad outdated as it centered around the 1st Gulf war. So I purchased this book to see the author's take on current events. The critics of the previous Gulf War I think were a little easier to make fun of.
The author, P.J. O'Rourke doesn't really disappoint when it comes to making fun of peace protesters. They tend to be a stupid bunch, I have noted that myself when I witnessed a protest march in DC. The book is awesome hilarious when the author makes fun of Nobel prize winners and their illiterate and easily disprovable political assertions about poverty.
What I wanted to read about when I read this book is how if at all the author modified his opinions from the fist book. In the fist book he talked about all the evil things the Iraqi army did in Kuwait when they invaded. And at the time just after Gulf War 1 it seemed that the cost of the liberation of Kuwait was easily worth it, restoring freedom to the Kuwaitis, keeping the lion's share of the world's oil out of the hands of an evil dictator.
I wanted to see, now that it seems that the situation we are in now is the direct, perhaps inescapable result of the 1st war, how the author judged the cost effectiveness of the 1st war. Was it still worth it? Was it still the right thing to do? I like the author's style and I admire his logic, and I would have liked to read him having written either for or against the conflict in its entirety. But in this book he does neither.
Still the book was entertaining. The author makes fun of homeland security (I would have liked him to be more cruel in making fun of the incompetent joke and waste of taxpayer money that organization is). He makes fun of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is both funny and tragic. He is entertaining but goes on a little too long about his travels in Egypt, and he has some interesting insights into the Arab mindset. He also poses an interesting theory about why the Arabs have not been successful at freedom or wealth, despite the fact that Mohammed said something to the effect of "it is not governments place to set prices". Even the small Arab countries that are simply a plot of land sitting on a spigot of liquid money offer little in the way of opportunity or freedom.
(My theory is that the spigot of liquid money is counterproductive because it creates a welfare nation. And a welfare nation is a nation that has no incentive to produce anything, and when the government is your provider you have no moral grounds to ask the government to leave you alone. The author's theory has something to do with initial wealth being derived from taxing commerce of the trade routes that went through their countries, thus there is a history of taxation and government regulation without visible consequences. As my theory does not account for the Arab countries that have no oil, and are still poverty ridden dictatorships, I think that the real answer is both and then some. Maybe it is something about no legitimate government power in Islam, so the most ruthless ones that don't care about legitimacy are the ones that gain power.)
Perhaps the funniest part of the book was the mocking of the peace protesters. A protest march of many different groups of protesters, all protesting together. Many of the groups with no clue, many others whose goals were in direct opposition to each other. Gays, Communists, Militant Islamists, Vegans all together, and some other groups with whose demands were uncertain, either because of the poor English in their signs, or because their message was a contradiction. None of the various groups seeming to grasp that, if any of the individual groups in the protest were actually in charge of our government; it would be pure hell for everyone in the other groups.
A little thin.......2007-01-08
I've enjoyed PJ's books before - he is often incredibly funny and informative even if you disagree with his politics. But this work is a bit thin, both in terms of length, information and humour. Rather than a detailed look at something (eg. O'Rourke's brilliant Parliament of Whores) this is a selection of snapshots. There is less humour and even less politics - the author himself seems unsure about what point he's making. The only chapter I really loved was his description of a peace rally in Washington, complete with dozens of hilarious banners as displayed by the protesters.
Even his hardcore fans will probably not appreciate this as much as others, if you're new to O'Rourke, get Parliament of Whores instead.
Shtick.......2006-07-09
A liberal goes to war and brings back horrific images of carnage and suffering. A conservative goes to war and brings back - images of bureaucratic ineptitude and ugly overstuffed couches. That's P.J. for you. This collection quickly gets tiresome, supercilious, and condescending. I'm not a conservative, but I have enjoyed P.J. before as a good writer, wickedly observant and self-aware. This ain't it, though.
Jaklak sez check it out if you're a member of the choir and want to be preached to. Otherwise, keep walking.
Peace kills is funny.......2006-06-17
Mr. O'Rourke is recognized as a conservative who hangs about with people of a type I find tiresome, politicians. The conservative Cato Institute publishes some of his books.
This author sometimes advances ideas that are wrong and meanspirited, sort of.
But he is also very funny and his mockery of tragic events sometimes has a valid point. What do we do about about many world problems? The answer sometimes is nothing because nothing we are likely to do will help.
Would that he was able to appropriately mock the people who have successfully broken a working country, our own, and taken it budget surpluses to an unending string of deficits that will only grow -- even with Bushian fuzzy math.
But read this and his work in magazines. He's very funny and sometimes his observations are so acute it hurts. A conservative with a genuine sense of humor? Can't be possible but it is. Here at least he mocks the new imperialism that has cost so many lives.
O'Rourke conservative humorist?.......2006-02-22
Is this the best the right has to offer when it comes to humor?
No wonder the best comedians are always liberals.
Book Description
Let's face it, sex sells. Posters that teem with muscle-rippling heroes in skimpy loincloths, frail beauties in diaphanous gowns, pointy-bearded tyrants, and evil queens with heavy makeup and beehive hairdos were all classic lures that used to tempt patrons into theaters to see the sword-and-sandal movies of forty years ago. The posters advertising the films were every bit as dramatic and alluring as the movies themselves, and theater patrons lined up to SEE these "surging spectacles of savagery and sex!" Studio marketing departments learned quickly how to keep the public interested in this distinctive genre. Retro Stud displays beautifully reproduced artwork from around the world—replete with the sly sexuality and lithographed excitement that was typical of these posters.
Customer Reviews:
Delightful collection!.......2007-02-26
Retro Stud is a great collection of color poster art from the era of the Italian peplum/sword and sandal movies. It is a book that will please fans of the genre, artists, and bodybuilders. Printed on quality paper in hardbound format, Retro Stud is a great addition to any coffee table.
Retro Stud muscle movie posters from around the world.......2005-01-23
As a collector of every Hercules and Gladiator movie i can find,i was thrilled to find out there were actual posters to go with the movies.This book really delivers the goods with hundreds of posters.this being said the book could have been so much better.there are posters overlapping destroying the total artwork when they didn't have to.ALso on foreign posters he gives the foreign translation in english but not what the movie was know as in America.i'd like to know what movies i am missing.Despite these big flaws it is the best Hercules-gladiator poster book available.
The Era of The Gladiator Movie Posters!.......2003-04-10
Who could ask for more? This book is a stunning achievement and a must for any collector or fan of Gladiator movie posters that were produced during the period of 1959-1965. Chapman had his work cut out for him in gathering this comprehensive collection, and he did a terrific job. These color posters are from around the world and feature complete descriptions and author's commentary about each poster that is quite fascinating. Who can forget "Hercules" Steve Reeves, the first to debut in a gladiator movie, in his skimpy loincloth, his muscles rippling, and the frail beautiful women he had to save from the evil tyrants. People all over the world couldn't wait for the next Gladiator movie to be released to their theaters; they were new, sexy, dramatic, erotic, and filled with many different musclemen who followed in Steve Reeve's shoes. This was an era that was fresh and new to everyone who wanted something different and exciting to watch at the movies. They were our heroes, and our fantasy. Take a look at this collection of posters, and re-live history, and remember when Gladiators ruled the earth! Enjoy this collection, I know I did!
Joe Hanssen
For classic movie fans and bodybuilding enthusiasts.......2003-03-04
Compiled by David Chapman, Retro Stud: Muscle Movie Posters From Around The World is an impressive full-color showcase of "Gladiator" era movie posters from 1959 to 1965, a cinematic trend that was initiated by the American debut of the 1959 movie "Hercules" starring bodybuilder and physical hunk Steve Reeves. The eroticism, muscular posing, and sexual symbols of these international posters are discussed in thoughtful detail. Retro Stud is a thoroughly enjoyable reference and a highly recommended presentation for all classic movie fans and bodybuilding enthusiasts.
RETRO STUD is a work of art!.......2003-01-05
I was pleased when I heard this volume was being released... I have loved the old Italian Muscle Movies and the posters were part of the mystique of those films. I was delighted because I did not expect the book to be so beautifully designed. It has a hard cover, slip cover, and thick coated paper, all finished in full colour throughout. An impressive opus on a the lost art of bodybuilding art from the classic gladiator film genre! Not only was I was thrilled at the great quality of the book, but also David Chapman's insightful and thoughtful writing, which is a joy to read. This is clearly one coffee table book that will delight my guests for quite a while.... I enjoy it over and over and see things in it that I did not see on previous viewings... a real treasure!
Average customer rating:
- ANOTHER FINE BOOK FROM DR. LORD
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Bands and Drummer Boys of the Civil War (Music Reprint Series)
Francis A. Lord , and
Arthur Wise
Manufacturer: Da Capo Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Chamber Music
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ASIN: 030679571X |
Customer Reviews:
ANOTHER FINE BOOK FROM DR. LORD.......2007-09-11
It seems as if I over use the word "pioneering" when it comes to Dr. Lord's works, but this is yet another that falls into that category. It would be decades before another author would add to this field. I would definitely add one to my shelf while they can be found, and I'm not even into music!
Average customer rating:
- good ideas and basic information, but a little dated
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Closets: Designing and Organizing the Personalized Closet
Patricia Coen , and
Bryan Milford
Manufacturer: Grove Press
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ASIN: 0802132286 |
Customer Reviews:
good ideas and basic information, but a little dated.......2003-05-06
This book has lots of color photos which provide good inspiration and ideas. There is also a good amount of basic information about closet sizing and design requirements. However, some of the designs are quite dated looking.
Customer Reviews:
Very Interesting.......2007-02-17
This book is a lot of fun to read. Lots of interesting facts...not just about the series itself, but about what was going on in the world at the time. Also, the author is good to tell us where the ideas came from for episode titles, meanings of certain points in the scripts, etc.
sweet.......2006-04-19
This is the best book of Gillians island i have ever read its just like the show. I think boo to those who didnt like the book
Just like the series, you never get rescued.......2000-05-06
The author of this book apparently never watched any of the episodes to the ending. The plot summaries of each show sound like something the TV guide would offer. Just enough information to get you to watch the show, but nothing about how it was resolved. I found the book extremely disappointing.
Gilligan's Island TV Treasures is a great book for any fan!.......1998-07-14
TV Treasures: Gilligan's Island is a great book for information on this show. This book offers great information, facts, and a great episode guide! It also has information about the three Gilligan's Island Movies. It includes eight pages of rare photos a must see. Episode facts from every episode are found in this book. A must for any GIlligan's Island Fan!!!
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- The Two Art Histories: The Museum and the University (Clark Studies in the Visual Arts)
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