Rating:  Summary: Digging Up the Facts, Hard Questions and Personal Integrity Review: Caution: This book contains some coarse language, but not enough to make the book offensive to most people.Mr. O'Reilly is well known for digging out the truth with investigative reporting. He is also forthright in sharing his views, and why he holds those views. As an interviewer, he seeks candor by using unexpected questions and interruptions to keep his guests away from canned responses. Many of his potential interview guests duck him. Those who appear frequently wish they hadn't. If you have watched Mr. O'Reilly on his television show for more than a couple of years, you will find little that is new here. It is simply a condensed version of the most dramatic and newsworthy interviews he has done over the years. For those who have not watched his show much but are curious about the show and his journalistic work, this book is a good choice. If you want to know what Mr. O'Reilly's views are on the subjects in the book, you can go to pages 174-176 and find them neatly summarized. Each of these points is explored in one of 16 chapters that are mini-essays interspersed with interviews. Each chapter begins with what Mr. O'Reilly's views are, then switches to the background of the interview, then the interview, and the aftermath of the interview. In some cases, there is a second set of backgrounds, a second interview, and a second aftermath section. If you are like me, you will find the chapters with or about Puff Daddy, Eminem, Susan Sarandon, Al Sharpton, George W. Bush, Jesse Jackson, John McCain, and Dan Rather to be the most interesting. Mr. O'Reilly holds himself to a high standard of personal integrity, and expects others (including national leaders, politicians, government officials, celebrities, educators, and parents) to do the same. He is also blunt, preferring straight talk to euphemisms. Whether you agree with all of his views or not (and I suspect that there is no such person), you will respect him. The book has a major weakness though. The people who speak for views that Mr. O'Reilly does not agree with are usually not prepared for his questions, not very quick witted, and often poor candidates to debate the point for other reasons. If Mr. O'Reilly really wanted to write a book to explore these topics, he should have found better and more prepared spokespeople to debate him. I suspect that such a book would have made better reading. Perhaps that will happen in a future book. As it is, the prominent people in the book tend to come off primarily as not having much intelligence . . . or being so corrupt that they cannot even tell that they are lying to themselves. If you know a young person who is interested in journalism, this book could make an inspiring gift. Call it like you see it . . . and set a good example!
Rating:  Summary: COMMENT Review: Included in the list of those who bought O'Reilly's book, is the name "Barbara Olsen", the deceased wife of Ted Olsen, who died in the plane that crashed into the Pentagon on 9/11. Yes, Bill's latest book "The No Spin Zone" is so sought after, that even the dead return to buy it. YEAH,...RIGHT!!!
Rating:  Summary: A great book by a great American Review: This is a must own book. Easy to read and well thought out. This would make a great stocking stuffer this Christmas
Rating:  Summary: From my own "No Spin Zone" perspective Review: I started reading "The No Spin Zone: Confrontations with the Powerful and Famous in America," by Bill O'Reilly, on a flight to Florida where, after arriving at my final destination, closed out the world in a rather anti-social manner to finish the book. I found the book to be similar to the show, "The O'Reilly Factor" (Fox News Channel), except that the book allowed the host the freedom to extend his talking points without fear of commercial - or guest - interruption. I find myself watching The Factor most nights, but skip the shows when surrogate hosts sit in for Bill on his days off. Some of the best interviews I've witnessed are now memorialized in this book, word for pithy word, accompanied by the thoughts O'Reilly was unable to express on the air. At times I've considered O'Reilly's views to be conservative, at other times, liberal; but most often I find them populist, or, "in tune with the majority of working Americans." In the book, O'Reilly challenges his readers to create their own "No Spin Zone," where truth and hard evidence trumps political ideology. It is in that Zone where I find myself in disagreement with a few of O'Reilly's fundamental beliefs, but in total agreement with his methods of synthesizing the truth and discarding rhetoric. For example, in his treatment of the death penalty, O'Reilly argues that Jesus Christ would not have tolerated such punishment, and he further claims that "studies" clearly indicate the death penalty's lack of deterrence. Now, I've studied the Bible, and it contains numerous examples of God's extreme (terminal) punishment for those who commit evil. Further, there are admonitions such as "[a]n eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," and "[t]he wages of sin is death," and other references to justice. One of the Commandments is "thou shalt not kill," which - in context - refers to murder, not capital punishment, as that penalty was certainly observed in those days. Finally, while there is no record that Jesus killed anyone while on earth, he did allow himself to be a recipient of capital punishment. As for the "studies" on deterrence, O'Reilly doesn't reference any specific studies, however, according to law enforcement statistics, the odds are just 1-in-10 that a convicted murderer will be put to death in America. If the Justice System in this country lets proven killers "off" 90 percent of the time, it's no wonder that the death penalty isn't a deterrent! In my opinion, if criminals were certain - without a single doubt - that they would pay for violent crimes with their own lives, they would definitely think twice before pulling the trigger. The bottom line, without spin: If justice is consistently and swiftly enforced in all 50 States, violent crime will plummet. Instead, criminals take their business to the more lenient ("politically correct") states. Within weeks of Governor Bush's passage of the "right to carry" law in Texas, violent crime dropped dramatically. The mere possibility that criminals could be shot down by law-abiding citizens, was an effective deterrent. That said, would O'Reilly's idea about banishing violent criminals to a federal prison in Alaska, for hard labor and no cable TV, be an effective deterrent? Possibly. But, it would still be subject to "social tinkering" by ever-changing political administrations. Only consistency in punishment will deter; ask any parent raising children. Since "The No Spin Zone" was released, two major events have been added to O'Reilly's talking points: the War on Terrorism, and the "9/11" Charity Funds. O'Reilly's expose' of the mismanagement of charity donations collected under the pitch, "to help the families of the victims," has been right on the mark. The ongoing saga has escalated with O'Reilly's relentless battle of words with the Hollywood Left, who - for some unknown reason - are more willing to discredit the messenger than act upon the message, which is to show some concern about the use of the money. Many years ago, I heard Eddie Murphy ("Beverly Hills Cop") explain his sudden rise to acting fame by stating that acting is merely lying, and that he was a better liar than most. Celebrities who make impassioned pleas on behalf of charities should be asked if they are "acting" or truly committed to the stated causes. George Clooney, for example, says that O'Reilly is an egocentric, ratings-hungry, cable-news-show hack with no genuine regard for the families of the victims. OK, so O'Reilly can seem egocentric at times. That's showbiz, and Clooney isn't immune to the problem. Mr. Clooney, on the other hand, must think his fans are totally stupid to now believe that he is sincere about his fundraising efforts. Unlike Clooney, O'Reilly has actually helped some of the affected families receive financial relief. And, unlike Mr. Clooney, to at least 4,500 families, and thousands of viewers, O'Reilly looks like a real champion and patriot. As for me, having been a fan, I have seen my last Clooney film. Meanwhile, back in "The No Spin Zone," here is my pithy conclusion: buy the damn book and learn to filter out spin, whatever its source.
Rating:  Summary: The No Spin Zone - Primetime Mayhem at it's best! Review: This book covers some of the most rigid and often non-confronted items in American life. Bill O'Reilly brings them front and center in "The No Spin Zone". A lot of people don't like Mr. O because of the way He conducts himself. Personally, I see Mr. O as a concrete individual who wants the truth, even if it hurts people and their careers. America has become a society of sheep, who run and hide and the first sign of danger, believing whatever they are told by the US Government. Some of it's true, but most of it lies. Bill is right in the middle of it gathering the facts while everyone else is whimpering like a frightened puppy in a kennel. For all the spinners out there who didn't like the book, one question. Do you get dizzy often? Mr. O, keep up the good work, let the spinners grind themselves into the ground, and people like you, me and the rest of the honest Americans travel on solid ground into the future!
Rating:  Summary: Naked ignorance in-search of a cause. Review: I relented. I purchased the book of the TV-Show. What a horrid mistake, I wish I had the t-shirt. Mr. O'Reilly has managed, I assume through a series of lucky sound-bites and greedy media producers, to establish himself as a commentator of some import; and with 25 years to do it, his fame comes late for his ascribed ‘talent’. Sadly, Mr. O'Reilly has managed to wield his unique journalistic crayon yet again, transcribing comments from his luckless interviewees and (turning) them into a tawdry pastiche, loosely disguised as a 2nd Grade term paper. I have placed my copy in the bathroom, atop the commode, in the hope that my guests will find a use for it. If you must read it, do so understanding that Mr. O’Reilly, really has nothing to say; until someone disagrees with him, at which point they are either ‘…anti-American, stupid or a democrat…’.
Rating:  Summary: Classic O'Reilly -- primarily for his fans Review: The latest literary rant from Bill O'Reilly entitled The No Spin Zone, offers little in terms of original insight into the mind of O'Reilly. Yet it does provide a healthy dose of his refreshingly honest (though sometimes abrasive) commentary. O'Reilly's modus operandi holds true. He speaks for regular people who think for themselves. It is the critical thinker who he befriends while he openly declares war on the intelligencia, the mainstream media, and Hollywood. This is not a start-to-finish book. It is, in fact, a good book to jump from chapter to chapter, as they are each independent from one another, save last-second loose transitions. The No Spin Zone is light and easy read throughout thanks to the format and the content. Each chapter includes an interview snippet with O'Reilly - trying to be adversarial - usually jabbing at a newsmaker to entice debate on the topic of the day. The rest of each chapter is devoted to O'Reilly's summary of his opponent, the issue they discussed, and his solution if applicable. It is an entertaining formula indeed. Avoiding overly troublesome issues like abortion and gun-control, O'Reilly does offer a wide array of somewhat interesting topics; from sex education to sexual deviance, and deceitful politics to dishonest media. He displays aggression toward hypocritical Leftist groups such as the National Organization of Women and the American Civil Liberties Union. But, his most interesting foray into modern political corruption are his continual criticisms of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. O'Reilly exposes the true intentions of these self-anointed civil-rights leaders. From Jackson's fraudulent tax returns to the common motive of greed that drives both Sharpton and Jackson to literally extort millions of dollars from corporate America. The No Spin Zone doesn't pull any punches on these enemies of sister Liberty. One chapter is entirely devoted to the death penalty - one of O'Reilly's strongest issues. It is in this chapter that he displays his interviewing prowess with a display of classic surprise tactic in an interesting discussion with then not-yet President-elect, George W. Bush. While Bush does hold true as an honest politician, O'Reilly does have him against the ropes, and characteristically lets up after his point is driven home. O'Reilly is not merciless, as much as he tries to give that impression. With wide margins, large font, double-spaced type, and only 190 pages, O'Reilly means to keep things "pithy." He succeeds. This is a wonderful airport or bathroom reader - a true bite-sized morsel to be snacked upon in between more substantial readers. With proven high television ratings and best-selling books, as well as a nationwide syndicated radio talk show in the works, there seems to be no end to the consumer demand for Bill O'Reilly. Perhaps his success is more a testament to the lack of honesty in the media than to his entertainment genius. Regardless, any fan of 'The Factor' will certainly be satisfied with his latest work. (...)
Rating:  Summary: Sock it to 'em Bill!!!!! Review: "The No Spin Zone" by Bill O'Reilly is an excellent and much needed work. Bill O'Reilly asks all the tough questions that the Lily-Livered Liberal Media are afraid to ask. Bill O'Reilly was nothing short of a true hero to take on the extortionist tactics of Jesse Jackson's criminal empire, but a true gem was the interview with Dan Rather. O'Reilly asked Rather if he thought Bill Clinton was an honest man. Rather said yes and went on to say that someone could lie about any number of things and still be an honest man. WOW!! That's right up there with "what the meaning of 'is' is." O'Reilly has been falsely accused of being a Conservative talking head by Liberals who believe all their foibles are caused by a mysterious and elusive Right Wing Conspiracy. But would a Conservative lackey with no independent thought take on a veritable pantheon of Republican leadership- George W Bush, Trent Lott, Newt Gingrich, George Pataki and others? He has, making obvious the lie that he is some two-bit pundit. Bill O'Reilly is a free-thinking, freedom loving man who has the courage to ask the tough questions. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a fair and balanced and well thought out political debate.
Rating:  Summary: No Spin Zone........ Review: I have to admit, I'm a fan of Bill O'Reilly. The no nonsense journalist really knows how to pack a punch. In this book there are short stories on the rich and famous that he has interviewed. I think Bill is fair and honest and in most cases makes those who are politically correct (for the most part it's celebrities)look like the fools they really are. With Bill O'Reilly it's either you love him or hate him, either way one has to admit the guy has guts. It's no wonder Hilary is afraid to enter "The No-Spin Zone"
Rating:  Summary: Steely-composure, man of facts without the fallacies Review: Bill O'Reilly and his plethora of machine-gun like cold hard facts standing in waiting make his demeanor and book worlds apart from the laboratory-rat diatribes written by his competition which read like assembly instructions. The manner of this book's content as its reflection upon the author shows a one pointed laser like ability to dodge all fallacious reasoning and strike to the heart of the matter. Bill O'Reilly has quite a following amongst my Buddhist monastic community which adore this book and his methodology of direct attack with facts that make his guests sweat bullets in anticipation. Wonderful book with highest recommendation from a humble monk. [...]
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