Customer Reviews (4)

Beautiful rods & photographs...
LA Garcia looks to be one of the premier rod builders out there. The photographs are spectacular and are not lacking. The only area lacking in my opinion is in instruction. I still had many questions after reading this book. It is helpful in the craft, but other books and instruction (preferably from an experienced rod builder) will be required for building rods. Tom Kirkman's book is much more thorough.

Beautifully done
The layout and photographs of this book are beautiful. Ritzy flyrod shops should have this one lying around for people to read and admire. In general it is a very good introductory book on building a graphite fly rod and I built one using it. I did find the explanation of how to determine the rod blank's spine to be confusing. However, there are several good explanations of rod spine on the net. It has a good description of how to do a two color thread wrap, that is, a one color main wrap with a different color accent. Mine looks mighty nice, cobalt blue accented with gold on a charcoal blank. (St. Croix SC-III 6wt. 9ft.)

Great Step by Step Color Photos
LA Garcia does a great job of taking you through the way he builds rods. Close up photographs are great, and the chapters are in sequence of building the rods. He has a great section on all the materials needed too. Garcia includes equipment made of materials at home along with more expensive store bought rigs. He does fail to go into detail the differences between guides (single foot, hialoy,silicon carbide guides) and why NCP thread doesn't meet his standards. I actually found consulting the internet on assembling alternatives easier (material written by a gentleman named Al Campbell). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies   2. Design and construction   3. Fishing - Flyfishing   4. Fishing - Flytying/Lures   5. Fishing Sports   6. Fishing rods   7. General   8. Hobbies/Crafts   9. Sports & Recreation   

Subjects:  1. History - General History   2. Photo Essays   3. Subjects & Themes - Travel - U.S./Midwest   4. United States - State & Local - Midwest   

Subjects:  1. Bible   2. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament   3. Bible - Study - General   4. Biography   5. Biography/Autobiography   6. Christian saints   7. General   8. Leadership in the Bible   9. N.T   10. Paul,   11. Religion   12. Religion - Biblical Studies   13. Tarsus   14. Turkey   15. the Apostle, Saint   16. Paul   

Subjects:  1. Devotional   2. Religion   3. Religion - Classic Works   

Subjects:  1. Devotional   2. Devotional calendars   3. Inspirational   4. Inspirational - General   5. Meditations   

Customer Reviews (1)

The Passive Righteousness of Faith
The justification of self is the continual pursuit of fallen humanity. Indeed, the very questions of "whom am I" and "what am I here for?" are the perennial questions of this age. Oswald Bayer, in Living by Faith, seeks to answer these questions through the Biblical doctrine of justification by faith. He argues that the justifying work of God turns humanity's self-ward gaze toward the gospel of Christ. While sinners are consumed with self-justification as they grope helplessly in this world the gospel of God offers them the gift of self-forgetfulness. It is in the gospel where one looses self and discovers God in Christ.

The world poses various questions to humanity, which are inescapable. We are put on trial for our very existence. These questions penetrate down into the depths of human existence. Who are you? Why have you done this? What were you thinking about? These questions and many others haunt fallen humanity and cry out for the necessity of justification. Bayer writes, "To be recognized and justified; to cause ourselves to be justified or to justify ourselves in attitude, thought, word, and action; to need to justify our being; or simply to be allowed to exist without needing to justify our being - all this makes for our happiness or unhappiness and is an essential part of our humanity" (2). With this thinking there also arises the necessity of justifying God. Why is God who he is? Why has he allowed this condition, which oppresses humanity? How can God be justified in light of evil and suffering? For Bayer all these questions find their answer in the doctrine of justification.

Justification is not just one theme but it embraces the totality of all of reality (9). The questions of our lives are questions about justification and while humanity has removed God from the equation he is the one who is capable of providing that justification which is necessary. Until we are justified by Christ, the pursuit of self-justification is our law. There is no ultimate justification through this pursuit but nonetheless we struggle endlessly under it. We then become pilgrims kicked out of paradise and lacking a home.

Bayer argues that the answer to this needed justification is found in God's justification of sinners through the person and work of Christ. More specifically, "This justification and righteousness which cannot be attained and won by us is the righteousness of faith. It is neither a justifying thinking nor justifying acting, neither contemplative nor active righteousness. It is a passive righteousness" (19). It is when we allow God alone to work in us and therefore there is nothing accomplished through our own powers or achievements. Our justification then becomes solely a work of God. Our faith is God's work, our justification is God's work and indeed our very salvation is the work of God to his glory.

Bayer's thesis offers humanity a profound hope in God, which no other vain pursuit can offer. Fallen humanity does struggle in seeking to attain self-justification and it is only through the actual justification of God through Christ whereby one may be redeemed from this vain worldly pursuit and then may have their worldview changed toward being God-ward focused. This is the ever present need of humanity and the answer to that need in God's gracious gift.

The problem of justifications while primarily philosophical in nature actually flows out of the radical fallenness of humanity. This does prove that the only adequate and sufficient answer to this problem is to be found in the reconciling work of Christ. Bayer correctly argues that the doctrine of justification touches much more then individual sinners but effects the entirety of creation. Since all of creation is fallen all of creation groans for its recreation by God in the eschaton. This groaning of creation is seen in humanity's pursuit of self-fulfillment and self-justification. The only answer is the biblical doctrine of justification.

If this is true then it follows that preaching and proclamation of the Word of God must be central to the task of believers and the church. For it is only through preaching whereby one will be set free from the law of self-justification and become a slave to Christ through the passive righteousness of faith. This preaching must be distinctly law and gospel preaching. The preaching of the law will point to the continual human pursuit of self-justification, which is bound to failure while the preaching of the gospel will declare the remedy to that problem in the justifying work of Christ.

Bayer's Living by Faith offers a helpful and needed antidote to the failed human attempt of self-justification. This way is only the law, which offers no hope of salvation but only further damnation. It is then only through the passive righteousness of faith obtained as a gift from God through the hearing of his Word whereby one will be saved. It is the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone that serves as the remedy to human attempts at self-justification. The passive righteousness of faith frees us to live captive to Christ. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - General   2. Christianity - Theology - Soteriology   3. Doctrines   4. Justification (Christian theol   5. Justification (Christian theology)   6. Lutheran Church   7. Religion   8. Sanctification   9. Theology   

Customer Reviews (2)

The Riddle of His Life
This 1978 book was made possible by support from the 'Reader's Digest'. It is about Oswald's relations with the intelligence services of 3 nations. The book starts with the defection of Nosenko (Jan 1964) who personally oversaw the KGB file on Oswald (p.7). Nosenko claimed that radar operator Oswald was never debriefed, and of no interest to the KGB (p.8); this story had problems (p.10). The CIA prepared 44 questions to clarify Nosenko's story, but the FBI refused to allow them (p.21). Marina's statements were accepted (p.24). Were her stories accepted because they told what the Govt. wanted to hear (p.42)? Pages 37-7 tell of Nosenko's deceptions, and failing a lie-detector test. But stress reactions measure other emotions besides lying; the Soviet Union did not use lie detectors, the CIA didn't rely on them (p.38). Nosenko's memory proved faulty. This didn't matter: the Warren Commission wanted a "lone gunman" verdict.

Chapter I tells of Oswald's youth. His favorite program was 'I Led Three Lives for the FBI", his ambition was to join the Marine Corps (p.59). He was elected president of his 8th grade class, his intelligence was above average. But schooling in NY city gave him Karl Marx as a hero (p.60)! Oswald joined the Marines, took the Radar Operator's course, and was sent to Atsugi where the CIA's U-2 was flown. Oswald minded his business and did his job well (p.68); he would travel to Tokyo on a 48-hour pass and keep it a secret (p.71). Oswald romanced a high-class hostess and brought her to the base. "There was nothing dumb about Oswald" (p.82). After he left the Marines he went to Moscow; someone there told him "the USSR is only great in literature" [fiction?] and he should go back home (p.106). Oswald was sent to Minsk, and again advised to go back home (p.108). Oswald learned more about "The New Class" and the reality behind the fiction. Pages 110-1 analyze Oswald's diary, and why it was fabricated. Page 137 wonders about Lee's marriage to Marina; but don't girls with an unhappy life at home marry the first chance they get? Oswald's changing statements when preparing his return are analyzed (p.153).

Book Three introduces George De Mohrenschildt, who made arrangements in October 1962 to move the Oswalds to Dallas from Fort Worth (p.189). (You wonder who was in control then?) Page 212 claims Oswald took a shot at General Walker, but presents no physical evidence. Oswald's' activities portrayed him as pro-Castro (p.229).

Other sources said Oswald had David Ferrie's library card in his possession; there is no mention in this book. Were other facts omitted? The 'Epilogue' says Nosenko was sent to deliver disinformation to the CIA, FBI, and Warren Commission (p.260); the latter wanted to believe this double-agent. Appendix D has a number of questions to clarify Oswald's life. Was this the last book to repeat the conclusions of the Warren Commission? You can find other books that offer more insight into the events of November 22-24 1963, and the aftermath. (The book "High Treason" goes into more detail on the JFK assassination and cover-up.)

Reads like a great spy novel, but it really happened!
I've read lots of book on the Kennedy assassination, and without question LEGEND ranks as the best, along with the other two books in THA ASSASSINATION CHRONICLES. LEGEND reads like a spy thriller, taking lots of twists and turns, studying the hidden agendas of all government agencies that had something to gain or lose by revealing Lee Harvey Oswald's real purpose in Russia. Through a careful analysis of the available evidence, Epstein points the finger at both the CIA and KGB for hiding and obscuring key facts about Oswald's life in Russia, and uncovers evidence that indicates Oswald was more than he appeared to be. Even handed and thouroughly documented, LEGEND is a must read in assassination lore. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (John Fitzgerald),   2. 1917-1963   3. Assassination   4. Cuba   5. Intelligence service   6. Kennedy, John F   7. Oswald, Lee Harvey   8. Soviet Union   9. United States   

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance   2. Economics - Theory   

Subjects:  1. Animals - General   2. Children's Baby - Fiction - General   3. Children: Grades 2-3   4. Concepts - General   5. Juvenile Fiction   6. Movie Tie - In   7. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / General   

Customer Reviews (2)

A great complilation from a great writer
This book is composed of gems on the topic of prayer from Chambers' various books --- regrouped for concentrated study of various "requirements" of prayer: Obedience, Simplicity, Communion, etc. All the excerpts are conveniently indexed back to the original source. Questions are interspersed throughout the text to provoke deeper consideration of each subject. Every turn of the page brings another profound insight, and it's a book that can be referred to again and again.

Chambers really knows how to get to the heart of the concept of prayer as a relationship --- one that changes us, not through answers to prayer, but simply through the act of prayer as communion with God. He challenges us to take charge of our prayer life as "our only business." He reminds readers that prayer isn't about getting what we want from God, it's about God drawing us to Him through our obedience.

Chambers writes, "Prayer is the outcome of our apprehension of the [true] nature of God, the means whereby we assimilate more and more of His mind, and the means whereby He unveils His purposes to us." In this process our priorities are properly aligned with His, we can more accurately intercede in prayer for others, and we see answers to prayers we might otherwise perceive as unanswered.

Anyone who has read or considered reading "The Prayer of Jabez" especially needs to get this book for the balance it brings to the topic.

Wow
This book has been a great blessing to me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity   2. Christianity - Christian Life - General   3. Devotional   4. Prayer   5. Religion   6. Religion - Prayer & Spirituality   7. Worship   

Customer Reviews (2)

for the specialist only
Schenker's special theories were still largely undeveloped when he wrote this. Begin with INTRODUCTION TO SCHENKERIAN ANALYSIS by Allen Forte. Or if you just want to learn basic music theory use Robert Ottman's ELEMENTARY HARMONY and ADVANCED HARMONY or an early edition (unmangled by Mark Devoto) of Walter Piston's HARMONY. Readers interested in music theory will probably also want to look at PENTATONIC SCALES FOR THE JAZZ-ROCK KEYBOARDIST by Jeff Burns.

A different approach to music theory and composition
For the studied musician or composer, this book offers a new approach to the way we veiw both music theory and composition. Schenker begins with a detailed description of how we perceive music based on the natural laws of overtones. He then demonstrates how the "old systems", i.e. the church modes no longer, or ever really could be consisdered as independant systems of tonality. The only valid systems are the major and the minor. The first half encompasses his broad yet clarifying theories and the second half demonstrates these theories in practical applications. The concepts of "compositional unfolding" and many others have increased my understanding and comprehension of theory as it should be.....the way Bach, Beethoven, and many of the greats perceived it before Ramaeu. This is definetly worth the time! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General   2. Instruction & Study - Theory   3. Performing Arts   4. Performing Arts / General   

Customer Reviews (5)

not so great...
In contrast to other reviewers, I was less satisfied with this text. I have two main complaints:
1) Too many stretches are described as dangerous or damaging. I'd argue the key to avoiding such injury is to learn to listen to the body...performed gently, most of their 'bad' stretches are perfectly safe.
2) Since stretches are identified only by numbered photos, it's rather awkward to use the book to find stretches by muscle group or common name (eg., side-kick stretch, neck roll, etc).

Exactly what I was looking for!
This book is so comprehensive. I love that it covers the basic stretches for everyone as well as sections on stretching for chronic conditions. I have asthma and carpul tunnel syndrome, just two of the conditions it specifically addresses. A bonus to me: it gives suggestions for children and pregnancy. I was originally intending on buying at least two books on stretching, but because of all the ground that this one covers, and the fact that it was written by two chiropractors, I don't feel the need to invest in any other texts.

Very Informative and Easy to Read
As an athlete myself, I have read all kinds of books on stretching and fitness. I found this to be the most informative manual on stretching that I have ever seen. A virtual encyclopedia of stretching! It covers every sport & activity known. Ranging from competitive athletics, to household chores, to certain ailments and even pregnancy. Also, simple exercises are outlined to help strengthen the back and joints of the body, helping to rehabilitate and prevent injuries. It is very easy to read - explaining technical concepts in a simple and understandable manner. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to increase their flexibilty, prevent injuries, and improve their health. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diet / Health / Fitness   2. Exercise   3. Health & Fitness   4. Health/Fitness   5. Healthy Living   6. Stretching exercises   7. Health & Fitness / Stretching   

Customer Reviews (6)

If it's like the TV show on Nickelodeon...it's great!
I have not read this book, but the TV show (starring same Octopus and airing on the cable channel Nickelodeon) is wonderful. It is very gentle and promotes good values. Most importantly, it is not drawn in that weird "hurky-jerky" style that so many cartoons are drawn in today. My kids love the show, and will probably love this book after it arrives. PS to the previous reviewer, a CD of music from the show is available on the nickjr.com website. An interesting note: Fred Savage (from the Wonder Years) is the voice of Oswald, and other notables are: Squiggy from Laverne and Shirley as the Penguin, Lorraine Newman, Mac Davis, and Tony Orlando as other characters. The show is great, check it out!!

Very nice
The illustration style and plot is well done. I only wish I could have some of that quaint music from the TV series included herein.

Meet Oswald!
My children love the show and so I bought this book for them. They love it. It is repeative as Oswald keeps meeting more and more neighbors in Big City. This type of repeative reading is good for young children. Funny sounds and friendly characters adds to the charm of this tale of how Oswald meets all of his friends. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General   2. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks   3. Children: Kindergarten   4. Humorous Stories   5. Juvenile Fiction   6. Movie Tie - In   7. Social Situations - Friendship   8. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Customer Reviews (2)

An Excellent Collection of Essays and Journalism
First, it must be said that this book is misleadingly packaged. The cover copy promises a disinterested, comprehensive overview of the JFK assassination and all the competing theories of how it happened. Instead, it's a collection of essays, journalism, and reviews spanning two decades, covering the assassination in particular and secret government in general, written by a left-leaning political analyst who presents his own ideas and opinions (except for a truly perfunctory afterword entitled, all-too-aptly, "Round up the Usual Suspects").

As such, however, it is an excellent book. If you've never read Carl Oglesby, you should try him. His work is characterized by laser-like intelligence and crystalline, energetic writing. He is always a pleasure to read. If I had to characterize him in terms of better known writers, I'd call him a cross between Robert Christgau and Renata Adler (in terms of both content -- Christgau for politics, Adler for analytic ability -- and style).

This is an ideal starting place. After this, scramble to find a copy of The Yankee and Cowboy War, his major work. For me at least, the lack of a steadily accumulating body of work by Oglesby over the last two decades is a gap in our national intellectual life. With any luck, the Y2K coup will get him writing again.

Very Important Comments of JFK's Assassination
This book addresses the issues from the Warren Commission to the theories at hand about "Who" killed Kennedy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (John Fitzgerald),   2. 1917-1963   3. Assassination   4. General   5. History - General History   6. History: American   7. Kennedy, John F   8. Oswald, Lee Harvey   9. U.S. History - 1960s   10. United States - 20th Century/60s   

Customer Reviews (3)

Good Doctrine
I think Mr. Chambers's book is exciting because unlike most people, he actually read the book of Job. He uses Job's experiences not as a springboard in to general, vague, and platitudinous ramblings about suffering in general, but he discusses Job's suffering in specific. His loyalty and love of the text is reason enough to buy this book.

The book is divided up into several small lessons which takes several chapters and provides several paragraphs of commentary and sermons about the subject matter. I love Chambers's prose. It is powerful and direct. You do not get the marshmallow emoting, and greased truism that you would find in other books. If you do not know what good doctrine tastes like, buy this book an feast.

A last piece of advice: if you loved this book, and are electrified by chamber's power, then I strongly exhort you to buy the "Complete Works of Oswald Chambers." You will love running along side this man's mind and heart.

Good and gracious
Sometimes the healing process can hurt. Job was a person like us and all of us can see a little bit of Job in us. Chambers masterfully brings out the fact that suffering IS NOT the curse of God or because we have committed wrongs. Job is shown to be moving CLOSER to God in his tribulation rather than further from God [which some modern commentaries do]--suffering, trials and problems ARE a part of human existence and better is the person who will see God ABOVE it as they must travel through it.

Baffled to Fight Better is EXACTLY what postmoderns need to lessen the anger against God when rough times come. God is NOT the author of confusion.

Hope for the Devastated
This book is incisive and speaks life into the heart of a bewildered Christian who is at a loss to grasp the "higher ways" of God; a prophetic perspective on suffering that may ease the pain and add grit to the soul... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible   2. Bible - General   3. Bible - Study - Old Testament   4. Biblical teaching   5. Christianity   6. Christianity - Christian Life - General   7. Criticism, interpretation, etc   8. Devotional literature   9. Job   10. O.T   11. Religion   12. Religion - Christian Living   13. Religious aspects   14. Suffering   

Customer Reviews (1)

The Holocaust of Spiritual Wisdom
Oswald Sanders was a missionary in Far East Asia, and field director of the Overseas Missionary Fellowship for many years. This book, Spiritual Maturity, is one in a series of three on serious discipleship. The other two are Spiritual Discipleship, and Spiritual Leadership (which Chuck Colson said was the best book on Christian leadership that he has read).

For Christians who have been demoralized by the shallow and superfluous popular "fluff" that abounds on the topic of discipleship, this series will come as cool water in a desert. Sanders deals with the brutal struggles in discipleship, and makes it clear there is no spiritual growth without a price. If we are not willing to pay the price--we will not grow towards maturity. As Oswald Sanders said during a series on dispcipleship at Gull Lake Bible Conference, "There are spiritual Christians, and there are unspiritual Christians. And most are unspiritual."

This kind of brutal language needs to be revived, in an age in which most Americans confuse Christian discipleship with self-help or self-optimization. In reality, the gate is still narrow, and the path hard, which leads to life (Matthew 7:14). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General   2. Inspirational - Protestant   3. Religion   4. Religion - Christian Living   5. Spirituality - General   

Customer Reviews (1)

A Jewel- Una Joya
The depth and maturity of J. O. Sanders glows in the pages of this book, as well as his humility. It is a must for the leader and for the trainer of leaders. A few quotes include: "Desiring to be great is not a sin... greatness comes through servanthood... hope and optimism are essential qualities... the touch of the supernatural... often our skills lie dormant until a crisis arises... latent talents... when God calls us, we cannot refuse from a sense of inadequacy..." Many pitfalls will be avoided by learning from the years of seasoning shared in this book. It is a very practical work. It is not to be read in one sitting but should be taken up in quiet moments. It is not fast food. It is a jewel worthy of time and reflection. ===Spanish=== La madurez y profundidad de J. O. Sanders se palpa en este libro, tanto como su humildad. Debe de ser requisito para el líder y el que entrena líderes. Muchas problemas se evitará al aprender de los años de experiencia que se comparte en este libro. Es muy práctico. No se debe leer rápido de una vez, sino es para leer en los momentos quietos. No es comida rápida. Es una joya digna de nuestro tiempo y reflexión. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Church Administration - General   2. Christianity - Pastoral Ministry   3. Leadership   4. Religion   5. Religion - Church Administration   6. Spanish: Adult Nonfiction   

Customer Reviews (1)

A superb historical tarot deck!
This is arguably one of the best and most exciting tarot decks ever published.Created in 1899 by the famous Swiss occultist Oswald Wirth,it is not only a collector's item because of its beauty and artistic quality,but also a fascinating compendium of occultism.Rich in symbolism,esoteric and complete, this is a must for the serious student or collector! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cards - Playing / Tarot   2. New Age   3. Non-Classifiable   

Customer Reviews (1)

Care-full advice
The Alban Institute is a well-known and respected source of publications for clergy and congregations. Their many monographs deal with issues of vital importance to the well-being of the church in a clear, concise, and useful manner. The same is true of this text, Roy Oswald's 'Clergy Self-Care: Finding a Balance for Effective Ministry.' A senior consultant with the Alban Institute, Oswald combines authorial and parish leadership experience into a practical, and in many ways inspirational, guide. It is written with an ecumenical mindset, so ministers of any denomination should find useful information here.

It is somewhat ironic that those who go into the helping and caring professions of ministry seem to be the most likely to neglect their own needs in the process of doing their jobs. Oswald begins with the basic assumptions that health and wholeness on several levels (physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual) are both our business and our self-responsibility. An unhealthy minister lacks effectiveness in dealing with congregations and individuals in need.

Oswald looks at the issues of stress and burnout. Ministry is a profession with a high level of professional burnout. The stress involved in day-to-day ministry over time can be overwhelming, and the temptations toward becoming overcommitted and stretched too thin are great. Few ministers are good at saying 'no' - saying yes is, after all, what got them to where they are in the first place! The psalmist who talked about the cup running over could have been talking about the pace of ministerial life in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries; the overflow is not always a good thing.

The bulk of this text examines strategies for self-care, in practical terms. The various aspects of life (physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual) are all taken into account, and different strategies developed to address the need for wholeness and completeness in life. These include things to be done individually (time out, letting go, therapeutic 'tune-ups', etc.) and things to be done in cooperation with congregation or community (support systems, detachment, etc.). Ministers need to become skilled at living with conflict and tension, as this will never go away. Ministers also need to be aware of what the best role for themselves is - perhaps ambitions for the bigger church, the higher office, etc. will not be the best outcome; as followers of gospel principles which include the appreciation of 'the least of these' and of servant ministry, ministers should examine their ambitions and hopes for proper grounding.

Oswald's final section looks at the kind of transformation possible with a congregation lead by ministers with an appropriate sense of self-care. Oswald gives examples of healing ministries and emphases on wholeness by clergy and parishes that are inspiring. As chaplain in a retirement community where healing is often a primary concern, this is the part that intrigues me most. More about practical steps for starting a ministry such as this would be helpful, but perhaps off-topic for the book as a whole.

In all, this is a tremendously important book for ministers, future ministers, family members of ministers, and congregational leaders to read, to examine their own roles in the ministry (as all have a role, explicit or not) and provide for the care not only of the priest or minister in charge, but for the whole congregation and community. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Missions & Missionary Work   2. Religion   

Customer Reviews (48)

What ever happen to Ray and Jane?
I would to know what ver happen to Ray and Jane LaFontaine. Seem like Geral Posner is done very well for himself as author of many fine nonfiction but what ever happen to Ray and Jane they seem to just vanish. In Dallas last November I ask many people "what tehy think of LaFontaine theory" and they laufgh at me.

please who is lance payless???
and who are you calling a 34 star loony???

you sound liker disonfo

Worthwhile for a couple of key points
Even by the standards of Weird Reviews, the "reviews" that this book has provoked below are so bizarre as to be suspicious in themselves -- is someone intent on creating the appearance that only a 32nd Degree Loony would bother with this book? Are the "reviews," in fact, part of some nefarious conspiracy??? Does it take a 33rd Degree Loony such as myself to recognize all this? In any event, the book is undeniably tedious and self-congratulatory, and I admittedly skimmed entire sections as the authors launched into ever-more-convoluted theorizing about Oswald's role in the assassination. I assume they did this because it's very difficult to publish A 500-Page Book when all you really have are A Couple of Pieces of New Information that could be summarized in three pages. The only things you really need to know, which I will now tell you, are that (1) the authors were responsible for bringing to light Dallas Police Department arrest records showing that the "three tramps" were, in fact, three tramps and not E. Howard Hunt and two aliens from Zeta Reticuli, and (2) the authors were also responsible for bringing to light the facts that in addition to the three tramps another derelict was arrested and placed in the same holding cell area as Oswald on 11-22-63, that he overheard Oswald commenting on a pre-assassination meeting about gun-running with Jack Ruby and another character (who was being brought through the holding area as Oswald made his comments), that he gave this information to police in Memphis in 1964, that he was interviewed by the FBI at that time but his story was discounted because -- mysteriously -- there was no record of his arrest in Dallas, that in 1992 the authors discovered his arrest records in Dallas and documented from a phone log that he was in the same cell block area as Oswald, and that he is still alive (or was in 1996). Anyway, that's about it for useful information, and frankly I wish the authors had fleshed out the facts in item #2 a lot more thoroughly instead of launching off in other directions. The part about "Oswald talking" hardly seems to me to be the sort of stuff of which hoaxes are made -- the gun-running is clearly established, what the derelict overhead Oswald say doesn't amount to much apart from the reference to Jack Ruby, the fact that the derelict told his story in Memphis in 1964 is beyond dispute, and the whole thing would've gone unnoticed if the authors hadn't discovered the derelict's arrest records nearly 30 years later and managed to locate him. So the authors' evidence seems to fit nicely in the overall scenario that Oswald didn't act alone, even if you reject 95% of everything else they have to say. This book is understandably unpopular with assassination researchers who have made their livings out of theories that the Three Tramps Who Weren't Really Tramps are the key to it all, but it does seem to me that the authors are responsible for some genuinely new and important evidence. There are some other interesting tidbits as well, and overall my assessment is that this book is worth your time so long as you're prepared for it to be six or eight times as long as it needs to be, very confusing at times and self-congratulatory to the point of being irritating. The authors also fail to make any connection between the assassination of JFK and the Roswell UFO crash, which was a big disappointment to those of us on the 33rd level of looniness. What's the frequency, Kenneth? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (John Fitzgerald),   2. 1917-1963   3. Assassination   4. General   5. History   6. History - General History   7. History: American   8. Kennedy, John F   9. Oswald, Lee Harvey   10. U.S. History - 1960s   11. United States - 20th Century/60s   12. United States - Revolutionary War