About this product: When first released to Muggles in March 2001, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages further enlightened Harry Potter fans about the dangers and delights of the wizarding world. Now these two charming works of non-fiction are available in hardcover -- in a special keepsake slipcase edition!
“Fascists,” “Brownshirts,” “jackbooted stormtroopers”—such are the insults typically hurled at conservatives by their liberal opponents. Calling someone a fascist is the fastest way to shut them up, defining their views as beyond the political pale. But who are the real fascists in our midst?
Liberal Fascism offers a startling new perspective on the theories and practices that define fascist politics. Replacing conveniently manufactured myths with surprising and enlightening research, Jonah Goldberg reminds us that the original fascists were really on the left, and that liberals from Woodrow Wilson to FDR to Hillary Clinton have advocated policies and principles remarkably similar to those of Hitler's National Socialism and Mussolini's Fascism.
Contrary to what most people think, the Nazis were ardent socialists (hence the term “National socialism”). They believed in free health care and guaranteed jobs. They confiscated inherited wealth and spent vast sums on public education. They purged the church from public policy, promoted a new form of pagan spirituality, and inserted the authority of the state into every nook and cranny of daily life. The Nazis declared war on smoking, supported abortion, euthanasia, and gun control. They loathed the free market, provided generous pensions for the elderly, and maintained a strict racial quota system in their universities—where campus speech codes were all the rage. The Nazis led the world in organic farming and alternative medicine. Hitler was a strict vegetarian, and Himmler was an animal rights activist.
Do these striking parallels mean that today’s liberals are genocidal maniacs, intent on conquering the world and imposing a new racial order? Not at all. Yet it is hard to deny that modern progressivism and classical fascism shared the same intellectual roots. We often forget, for example, that Mussolini and Hitler had many admirers in the United States. W.E.B. Du Bois was inspired by Hitler's Germany, and Irving Berlin praised Mussolini in song. Many fascist tenets were espoused by American progressives like John Dewey and Woodrow Wilson, and FDR incorporated fascist policies in the New Deal.
Fascism was an international movement that appeared in different forms in different countries, depending on the vagaries of national culture and temperament. In Germany, fascism appeared as genocidal racist nationalism. In America, it took a “friendlier,” more liberal form. The modern heirs of this “friendly fascist” tradition include the New York Times, the Democratic Party, the Ivy League professoriate, and the liberals of Hollywood. The quintessential Liberal Fascist isn't an SS storm trooper; it is a female grade school teacher with an education degree from Brown or Swarthmore.
These assertions may sound strange to modern ears, but that is because we have forgotten what fascism is. In this angry, funny, smart, contentious book, Jonah Goldberg turns our preconceptions inside out and shows us the true meaning of Liberal Fascism.
Sock and Glove presents thirteen delightful softy projects that are quick to make-and certain to amuse and delight. Full of individuality and mischief, these stuffed creations are all pieced together from ordinary socks, gloves, and mittens. Step-by-step illustrations and instructions make it easy to craft and dress a whole menagerie, including monkeys, elephants, piglets, bunnies, and even an insouciant fish.
Endearing to adults and children alike, these whimsical creatures make perfect gifts and inspiring companions.
Thomas L. Friedman’s no. 1 bestseller The World Is Flat has helped millions of readers to see globalization in a new way. Now Friedman brings a fresh outlook to the crises of destabilizing climate change and rising competition for energy—both of which could poison our world if we do not act quickly and collectively. His argument speaks to all of us who are concerned about the state of America in the global future. Friedman proposes that an ambitious national strategy— which he calls “Geo-Greenism”—is not only what we need to save the planet from overheating; it is what we need to make America healthier, richer, more innovative, more productive, and more secure. As in The World Is Flat, he explains a new era—the Energy-Climate era—through an illuminating account of recent events. He shows how 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the flattening of the world by the Internet (which brought 3 billion new consumers onto the world stage) have combined to bring climate and energy issues to Main Street. But they have not gone very far down Main Street; the much-touted “green revolution” has hardly begun. With all that in mind, Friedman sets out the clean-technology breakthroughs we, and the world, will need; he shows that the ET (Energy Technology) revolution will be both transformative and disruptive; and he explains why America must lead this revolution—with the first Green President and a Green New Deal, spurred by the Greenest Generation. Hot, Flat, and Crowded is classic Thomas L. Friedman—fearless, incisive, forward-looking, and rich in surprising common sense about the world we live in today.
The United States has released 425 terrorists from Guantánamo, at least 50 of whom have returned to the battlefield to fight our troops.
Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both say they're fiscally responsible. But each has called for $1 trillion in tax increases over the next ten years—and dressed them up as tax cuts!
Mainstream Media has been given marching orders from the Society of Professional Journalists: never refer to "Islamic terrorists" or "Muslim terrorists." And they are obeying! Whenever our brave agents disrupt a terror plot, The media dismisses the culprits as a gang of idiots—lulling us into a false sense of security.
If the liberals win the 2008 election, they will cripple talk radio—forcing stations to give equal time to left-wing programs, and insisting that liberals play a key role in station management.
Up to a quarter of all state pension funds in the United States are invested in companies that are helping Iran, Syria, North Korea, or the Sudan—for a total of nearly $200 billion.
The Do-Nothing Congress is still doing nothing—and the worst offenders are the presidential candidates Clinton, Obama, and McCain, who never show up for their day jobs as senators . . . except to pick up their $165,000 paycheck!
Is it any wonder that Americans feel fleeced at every turn?
As more and more critical problems develop that need national attention, the White House and Congress appear to be AWOL.
Who's calling the shots instead?
Big business, big government, big labor, and big lobbyists. And their self-serving agendas are doing nothing to help the ever-increasing number of American people who are losing their homes, paying credit card interest rates higher than 25 percent, and finding their jobs increasingly outsourced to foreign countries.
In this hard-hitting call to arms, Dick Morris and Eileen McGann reveal the hundreds of ways American tax-payers are routinely fleeced—by our own government; by foreign countries like Dubai that are gobbling up American interests and spending millions to influence government decisions and American public opinion; by Washington lobbying firms that are pushing the agendas of corrupt foreign dictators on Capitol Hill; and by hedge-fund billionaires collecting huge tax breaks courtesy of the IRS.
With their characteristic blend of sharp analysis and insider insight, Morris and McGann call offenders of all kinds on the carpet—and offer practical agendas we all can follow to help turn the tide.
About this product: The Audacity of Hope is Barack Obama's call for a new kind of politics—a politics that builds upon those shared understandings that pull us together as Americans. Lucid in his vision of America's place in the world, refreshingly candid about his family life and his time in the Senate, Obama here sets out his political convictions and inspires us to trust in the dogged optimism that has long defined us and that is our best hope going forward.
About this product: The Little Book that helps investors avoid big losses in an economic downturn
In the wake of falling stock and real estate prices, the American economy is poised for a decade-long bear market, so says Peter Schiff. After he accurately predicted the current market turmoil, savvy investors should pay attention--and start protecting their assets now, before the markets take their toll. The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets shows investors how to stay safe and stay liquid during economic downturns.
Using economic history as a guide, Schiff looks at the bear markets that followed the bull markets of the 1920s and 1960s to predict what the American economy will look like after it corrects for the tech and real estate bubbles of the 1990s and early 2000s. Combining financial, economic, and political perspectives, Schiff looks at what worked in those earlier bear markets and predicts what strategies are most likely to work over the next ten years. In the end, Schiff argues that the next decade will most closely resemble the 1970s, complete with inflation, rising interest rates, and soaring commodity prices. This reversal of trends will make past investment strategies obsolete and pose a challenge for investors trying to build and protect their wealth. Smart investing will always pay off; the key lies in using the best strategies for the market at hand. For investors who see the writing on the wall but don't know what to do about it, The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets offers a timely, critical answer.
About this product: When cleaning lady Lily Bard discovers the dead body of her nosy landlord, her plan of starting a quiet new life may end in her death.
�Matthew's newest book, Investing in Apartment Buildings, couldn't have come at a more poignant time in our lives. He offers a modern day, step-by-step survival guide for the ever growing economic war on the middle-class. Win your own financial war by arming yourself with Matthew's systematic, hands-on experience and sound principals for investing in apartment buildings.�. --Ryan Zahoruiko, principal, Forest Street Property LLC
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�Matt Martinez is able to take the complicated world of real estate investing and put it into terminology that the average person is able to understand. Understand the acquisition of apartment buildings is not an easy task but Matt makes it clear and concise in his book. He gives the reader the tools, knowledge, and desire; it is only up to the reader to follow what he reads to give him success.� . --Seth Heller, VP of Acquisitions, GREC Conversions LTD
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�Matt Martinez makes a compelling case as to why real estate investing remains the best path to financial independence. Investing In Apartment Buildings provides step by step advice that gives newcomers to real estate investment the practical advice they need to learn the business from the ground up. The Chapter Summaries provide an excellent tool to focus the reader and the real life �war stories� provide great context for each lesson. If you want to get started in developing an independent income stream Investing In Apartment Buildings should find a place on your bookshelf.�. --Jordan C. Paul, CEO Aquila Property Company, Inc.
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�I bought my first rental property around 1990. Since that time I've bought, operated and sold more than 3,000 apartment units which have generated more than $30MM in net profits. If I would have had Matt's book in 1990 I could have avoided dozens of pitfalls and accelerated my growth MUCH FASTER...". --David F. Atkins, president, Alexander Forrest Properties
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�Matthew Martinez has done it again! His books are clear, compelling, and always offer tremendous knowledge and value for anyone wishing to get into the real estate market. Speaking from experience, Matthew, provides great insight into real estate investing and you'll even get to read personal email exchanges from Matthew's treasured mentor.�. --Phoebe Chongchua, real estate columnist
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�Matt has really hit the target; a concise, complete and organized approach to investing in this asset class. Apartments, with their short lease terms, are true inflation hedges and this book can help your investment approach, whether new to the business or a seasoned veteran. He really gets it, and you will too.". --Gary Kachadurian, chairman, Apartment Realty Advisors
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�A must read for anyone looking to invest in apartment communities. Matt's book is both informative and interesting!". --Mark H. Stern, senior vice president of acquisitions, Waterton Residential
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�An outstanding summary of the key principles of real estate investment and wealth accumulation. Matt Martinez has the unique ability to transform sophisticated ideas and concepts into highly readable and entertaining prose. This is required reading for anyone serious about learning the basics of apartment building investment in these complex times.". --Richard N. Bernstein, attorney and principle shareholder, Greenberg Traurig LLP
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�Because of Martinez' s vast understanding of the real estate industry's many nuances, he is able to provide real and sustainable advice for investment professionals and novices alike. Martinez will show you where the rubber meets the road when it comes to multi-unit success. Buy this book!". --Charles Byron Andrews, founder of Blue Coast Asset Management
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�This is an outstanding guide for those who are interested in investing in apartment buildings. Matt Martinez has created a well-thought-out and informative book for the novice, intermediate and experienced multi-unit apartment investor. He discuses in great detail farm areas, sourcing properties, value-add deals, property management, value determinations, financial analysis and underwriting guidelines, negotiating strategies and how to succeed in this challenging but rewarding business. He also uses real-life examples to help the reader better understand the principles he teaches. This is an outstanding book that anyone who is seriously interested in apartment buildings must read!. --Rob Sena, partner, Alterra Capital Group
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�When I started in real estate investing, Matt Martinez sat down with me and explained how to do things properly. His guidance gave me both the analytical framework and courage to succeed. In fact, I just bought my third apartment building. This book encapsulates much of his wisdom and is definitely a must read for anyone serious about real estate investing.. --Ben Goodman, founder, FastForwards Management LLC
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�Investing in Apartment Buildings is not only another story of success, but one that lets you profit from Matthew Martinez's experience. The writing style makes you feel like you're talking with a friend. This book provides a great description of the current industry's situation, ideas to capture opportunities and tools to assess each investment. It represents a very compelling guide to help you ask the right questions and understand the answers when considering real estate deals.. --Javier Dborkin, director, Boston Andes Capital
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�Any seasoned multifamily investor will tell you that the fortunes you hear about are made and lost in the details. Many of the lessons I have learned through years of trial and error have been clearly laid out in a highly accessible format in Matt Martinez's Investing in Apartment Buildings.". --Matt Wanderer, principal, Alterra Capital Group
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�Matt's approach to investing in Multi-Family Apartments is concise, strategic, and up-to-date. This book is well thought-out and informative for today's multi-family investors. Matt knows what he is talking about. His book is a must read.". --Joel Webb, founder of TheCreativeInvestor.com