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The No Spin Zone : Confrontations with the Powerful and Famous in America

The No Spin Zone : Confrontations with the Powerful and Famous in America

List Price: $25.00
Your Price: $15.75
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 1 stars
Summary: Waste of valuable paper
Review: After reading this book, I was actually seeing if theres an option on this site where I can give it 0 stars. This book is one-sided and close-minded, and downright garbage just like the author who wrote it. Even if somebody hasnt read this book, he or she should have a light bulb spark in their head telling them not to buy this trash. One could get brain damage from this BS...WASTE OF PAPER!!! ENOUGH SAID!!!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: This is how it is
Review: Bill O'Reilly is (*gasp!*) a media figure who presents material in an unbiased fashion, and while he may seem overly opinionated, the man says it as it is. He attacks the liberals who try to fool the American people into believing their lies and following their master plan, which will ultimately lead to the destruction of ethics in humanity. From blasting Puff Daddy to digging up dirt on Jesse Jackson (one of the main people responsible for the continuation of racism), O'Reilly asks questions that Americans NEED to have answered. Now, I don't agree with Bill on everything; for example, he's too soft on abortion. You're either for it or against it... well, if you have a conscience, you're against it, but conscience doesn't exist in America anymore... anyway, there's no middle ground. This is great reading for anyone truly concerned with the fact that America is going down the toilet because of corrupt politicians, morons in the entertainment industry, and flat-out high-profile liars. Of course, liberals (I don't hate you for the way you feel, I just don't agree with you) probably won't like it. Fortunately, unlike Rush Limbaugh, who does more to hurt the conservative cause than to help it, O'Reilly has the ability to control his Irish temper and resist the urge to rip some folks a new one... although sometimes the temptation overwhelms him! But for the most part, I found this to be a very good depiction of why this very vocal "right-winger" feels America needs to reform.

On a side note, I think it is worthy to mention that one of the most beautiful aspects of our freedom as Americans lies in our ability to voice opposing opinions and not be punished for it. You may not agree with Bill's point of view, but I personally feel he bases his opinions on thorough research, analysis, expert opinions, and other means to produce the point of view that best suits his moral standing. Very entertaining reading.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Just Some things to consider...
Review: I am a college student writing a book analyzing the effect of Bill O'Reilly on America. We are comparing him to former Senator Joe McCarthy, founder of McCarthyism. I don't have a real problem with O'Reilly's opinions; everyone is entitled to his own. What I object to is his claim to un-biased reporting, his deliberate distortion of facts which he presents as truth, and his manipulation of the population's fear. Sound familiar? McCarthy played on those same things during the red scare. They are both amazing propagandists.
I am not just making this up to slander this man, there are many sources who can actually prove that O'Reilly misquotes, misuses statistics, and manipulates information to support his cause. And this is not just found from stupid other pundits like Al Franken (i am EQUALLY disturbed by his loose idea of what constitutes truthful).
Frankly, i don't really care whether you are liberal or conservative, i don't think it is too much to ask of ANYONE to research what they say. The lack of any research or citing in this book is pitiful. By scholarly definition, if you don't cite, you CAN'T prove an argument and its opinion. so bill, lay of the "surveys show" examples if your not gonna back it up. Generalizing America is no way to prove a valid argument, neither is attacking people less prepared than you to make it look as though you have the stronger argument (come on, there are clearly better adversaries for you than Puff Daddy if you're discussing rap in america), or cutting people off who dissagree with you well enough it might challenge your view point. its poor journalism, and you know it. I expect better from all the pundits of today, liberal and conservative. STOP LYING, ALL OF YOU. confusing the american public is all you are doing.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: A penchant for clarity, an oversimplification of issues
Review: I am a fan of Bill O'Reilly's television program. Often, I find myself agreeing with his stances on issues and, even more often, enjoying the rigorous debates of important issues. However, though a fan of the television program, I believe that this book is simply "good," despite my expectations of the book being something "great." At the risk of angering staunch O'Reilly supporters, allow me to offer a few opinions.

First, O'Reilly's talent is clarity. Though his analysis is generally adequate, his true strength lies in his ability to clarify issues. This is important on an informative front, but rather weak on a persuasive front. Instead of devoting pages to analysis (and I am referring to analysis, not spin) O'Reilly prefers long excerpts from interviews followed by a nice wrap up of his position. I would have appreciated more reasoning. Weak reasoning under the premise of "no spin analysis" is still weak reasoning.

Secondly, some of O'Reilly's claims are a blow to his credibility and simply feed fuel to a longstanding criticism of O'Reilly's arrogance. For example, his claim that Al Gore would be our president had Gore had a successful appearance on O'Reilly's television show is laughable (And besides this point, does O'Reilly ever consider a guest's appearance successful to the guest?)

Finally, (admittedly, this is a weaker criticism), O'Reilly's over-reliance on support from TV Guide (quoted several times, particularly toward the end of the book) is ineffective. O'Reilly doesn't need it. He is a clearly intelligent, talented journalist. But TV Guide as an endorsement?

The book is a fun read. But unlike other reviewers, I can't make the statement that "fans will love it." I'm a fan, and I didn't love it. Entertaining, though not particularly insightful.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: They'll Let Anybody Write a Book
Review: I'm absolutely astonished that people would buy this trash. If it were possible to give this negative stars, I would. The pieces of it that I have read (of course I wouldn't dare pay for and support this nonsense) were an absolute abortion. Words can't describe how amazingly bad this really is. Bill O'Reilly is the reason there's a way to turn off televisions or at least change the station (yeah, like any self-respecting individual would be caught dead watching Fox News in the first place).

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: O'Reilly cuts through the crap.
Review: Why the title of my review? Because O'Reilly is one of the best when it comes to needling someone and getting the real story. In this case, O'Reilly establishes the parameters of a "zone" where lies, spin, and misdirection are unallowed ("lies are rejected and equivocations are mocked"). .... Professionally however, I applaud his candor and efforts to seek the truth. ....)

Some of the more interesting pieces in this book involve Dr. Laura (a great piece if you're not a Dr. Laura fan), P. Diddy (the artist formerly known as Sean Combs and Puff Daddy on why the name changes and the current state of rap music), and former First Lady and current NY Senator Hillary Clinton (I'll save the subject matter for your read!). O'Reilly cuts these folks very little slack but, by so doing, creates a poignant picture of why, how, who, etc.

"The No-Spin Zone" truly zaps the spin associated with so many political or celebrity interviews. Barbara Walters this ain't. But if you're looking for a straight-up, no-holds-barred look into many of our current public figures, their thoughts and why they do the things they do, read this book. Again, you have to admire O'Reilly for achieving what so many can't....a true insight into the questions we want answered.


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