History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

The Color Scheme Bible: Inspirational Palettes for Designing Home Interiors

Average customer rating:

My New Home Decorating Bible
Great Inspiration
Colour combination chart in spiral book form with hard cover
just one little thing I didn't like
Just what I needed!

The Color Scheme Bible: Inspirational Palettes for Designing Home Interiors
Anna Starmer
Manufacturer: Firefly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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ASIN: 1554070325

Book Description

A practical guide to using color successfully.

The power of color is its ability to influence mood, create atmosphere, and enhance perception. As a result, one of the most effective ways to transform any room is by changing its color. Which colors to use is the challenge.

The Color Scheme Bible is a practical, yet inspiring reference for those who want to take advantage of different colors without clashing. It contains 150 color scheme ideas for home decorators and interior designers.

The book explains how to choose colors that will complement each other for a subdued effect, and which colors and combinations will energize the room.

Topics covered include:

How color creates ambiance and atmosphere
Using color to give a small room the illusion of space and depth
How to create the feeling of warmth and light with color
Distinctive color schemes inspired by nature, art, travel and even a favorite possession.

The book also includes a variety of color combination palettes that can be used with different materials for refreshingly original color schemes.

The Color Scheme Bible is an essential handbook for home decorators and interior designers.

Customer Reviews:

My New Home Decorating Bible.......2007-08-22

I bought several books trying to help me get my home decorated in my style, but not really knowing my style. I have never really had enough money to decorate a home before so after 10 + years of marriage, I wanted this home to show a bit of my personality. This was the key ingredient I needed to spark my imagination. The color combinations really do have emotions that are triggered and helped me to find the right colors for the moods I want in my home.

One fair warning, after reading this, you may end up wanting to go with colored trim. We are learning quick, changing your trim color is either time consuming (if you are a diy) or expensive (if you hire it done). But so far it has been worth it; the colors really play off each other. Even one of the painters I had give me a bid wants a copy of Color Scheme Bible.

The other decorating books will end up more of coffee table items for looking, but not very helpful. You can't copy someone else's style when you know you have your own. It just helps to have something to spark that style, and since I didn't have a treasured fabric or plate or something that designers like to use, I had to use this Bible.

My English written book came with several pages in German, though. Hopefully, they have resolved that problem. But I wasn't willing to part with it long enough to return it and wait for a new one to be sent, it has been a well used resource for my new home.

Great Inspiration.......2007-06-14

This book has a lot of ideas and inspiration about colours. Some schemes are daring, but all of them seems an professional work!

Colour combination chart in spiral book form with hard cover.......2007-06-08

A book that is more for carrying around when colour schemes are being planned. It is small in size. Each page has an imaginative and inspiring title that distinguishes one combination of colour from another. It does not have many interior design photographic examples of the combinations suggested. It is like a palette with suggestions.

just one little thing I didn't like.......2007-04-13

The color combinations are nice, but the photographs do not represent
all different kinds of design styles, only one, simple and sparse. Most people don't live in homes that are so plain, so it is impossible to know how these colors would look in more expensive "designer" spaces.

Just what I needed!.......2007-03-01

I love color and I was always working to try to find color schemes for rooms in our home and often ended up finding that I'd picked something that felt lifeless or didn't fit us. This book is just exactly what I was looking for! I stumbled across it in the library when we moved to our most recent residence. What a find! The authors include dozens of potential palettes along with information about the mood, potential executions and inspirations behind the choices they offer. This is now my secret decorating weapon. For the first time, I feel like a grown-up when I set up a home!

Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus: New Insights From a Hebrew Perspective

Average customer rating:

Insightfully clarifying!
It was in Hebrew not Aramaic, stupid.
Good Start
Eye-Opener
Bold and Insightful

Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus: New Insights From a Hebrew Perspective
David Bivin , and Roy Blizzard Jr.
Manufacturer: Treasure House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 156043550X

Customer Reviews:

Insightfully clarifying!.......2007-09-07

I found this perspective to be solid and sensible. I am blessed by it.

It was in Hebrew not Aramaic, stupid........2007-08-27

The book is based on the premise that Jesus spoke in Hebrew, not Aramaic, and that his words had been first recorded in Hebrew before they were translated into Greek. The authors justify their position by pointing to many expressions in the gospels, which don't make sense either in English or in the original Greek, but which make perfect sense when they are traced back to idiomatic Hebrew. They argue that their translation into Greek, and later into other languages, caused them to lose their original meaning and to become incomprehensible.

They explain away the famous Aramaic "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani," that Jesus supposedly uttered from the cross in Mark's Gospel as having been misheard or misquoted. It should have been "Eli, Eli..." they insist, which is Hebrew for "God, God..." but could also have been understood as a diminutive for Elija. Their opinions are in some agreement with the more recent belief that in Jesus' day Judeans spoke in Hebrew to each other, in Aramaic to people in more distant parts of the Middle East, and in Greek to gentiles in general. On the other hand, each gospel places different words in Jesus' mouth while on the cross, from which we can conclude that all these words are creations of the evangelists, not history. So why did Mark think that Jesus would have spoken in Aramaic? The authors neither ask nor answer this question. In any case, according to them, the strange syntax of the gospels resulted from the translations of earlier Hebrew writings into Greek. But again the authors miss the point that the syntax would have been no different had the gospels been written directly in Greek by people whose mother tongue was Hebrew.

Perhaps a third of this short book is directed to proving the Hebrew origin of the gospels. The rest, and far more interesting part, examines some of the more difficult-to-explain sayings of Jesus, and how they make sense when translated back into the alleged original idiomatic Hebrew.

This short book should be read by all who are interested in what Jesus may have actually said and meant. It could also form the basis of short Bible Study group discussions.

(The writer is the author of "Christianity Without Fairy Tales: When Science And Religion Merge," and of the forthcoming "The Way of the Butterfly: A Scientific Speculation on God and the Hereafter.")

Good Start.......2007-07-20

This is a good start for those just learning that Jesus needs to be seen as a Jew and Hebrew. Bivin's other book on Jesus's Words is better because it goes into fuirther detail regarding what is in this book.

Eye-Opener.......2007-03-08

Truely a work based on historic facts that opens your eyes to understanding who Jesus is.

Bold and Insightful.......2006-04-11

This book is a persuasive argument for the Hebraic background to the gospel writings.

The preliminary argument actually defends the claim that the gospels themselves were written in Hebrew, not Aramaic, and only later translated into Greek. The argument against Aramaic is detailed, and I am not at all versed in Aramaic so as to respond to it. At some points it seems forced, as when the authors argue that Jesus' words on the cross, "Eloi," (Aramaic) were actually "Eli" (Hebrew), leading to the claim that he was calling Elijah (p. 10). It would be just as reasonable to assume that his hearers mistook what he was saying and assumed he was calling Elijah.
Furthermore, the two-page response to the Greek theory (p. 14-16), seems absurd, given that our only extant manuscripts are Greek. That only one counter-argument is given seems like the authors are avoiding the obvious. Furthermore, there are obvious plays on Greek words in the gospels, as with Peter's conversation with Jesus after the resurrection and the play on varying forms of the word "love," only true in Greek. The authors are not arguing merely that the authors were from a Hebrew context, but that their writings themselves were Hebrew. Given that Greek was the standard language of diplomacy in the first century, this seems ridiculous.

Still, the Hebraic background to the texts was clearly in the minds of the authors. Even if they wrote in Greek, that they were translating Hebrew idioms still seems likely (even if not in print). The first few chapters simply belabor an unnecessary argument, while Chapter 5 (p. 53-65), is the most valuable. Here, the Hebrew idioms are exposed and translated. The meaning of offering your peace to a house (p. 57) is infinitely more clear given the Judaic context of the text.

Chapter 6, an analysis of a couple of potential theological errors that can stem from misunderstanding the nature of the text, is fascinating. I like the argument that Jesus was not intending a strict pacifism (p. 67-72) and that he didn't intend an unwise generosity when he talked about giving (p. 72-75).

The appendix is a wealth of sermon material for the particular texts addressed. It plunges into the possible Hebrew intentions to verses which seem senseless in English and even in Greek. Sometimes I am not entirely compelled by their exegesis, since, for instance, the phrase "cast out your bad name" (p. 115) is not radically different than what we assume it meant in the English. Nonetheless, there are some priceless revelations here, such as the meaning of the tittle on the jot, the mark on the top of the yod.

All considered, I like the direction of the book, though it would be more compelling if they had spent more time on theological ramifications and less time arguing for an implausible nature of non-extant texts. In the end, I found myself simply wishing the book was longer.

Average customer rating:

great companion to Learn Old Testament Hebrew
A great way to practice basic vocabulary
This book prepares you to read the NT on your own
This Course is Great
One of The Best New Testament Greek Books I've Bought

Learn New Testament Greek,
John H. Dobson
Manufacturer: Baker Academic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0801031060
Release Date: 2005-04-01

Book Description

Want to be able to read meaningful verses from the Greek New Testament after just one hour of study? In this comprehensive and helpful guide, John Dobson uses a highly effective teaching method to introduce readers to New Testament Greek. The third edition includes accented Greek and updated information. The book is accompanied by an audio CD-ROM.

Customer Reviews:

great companion to Learn Old Testament Hebrew.......2007-04-11

As a Bible student, this has been a great help.

A great way to practice basic vocabulary.......2006-11-14

As a beginner who is studying on my own ,I've found this to be great for practicing vocabulary in short sentences , instead of just rote memorization , which I find very boring . Also he uses made up sentences in the practice exercises which is good because you can remember scriptures after getting just a couple of words in the sentence , with made up sentences you actually have to translate it all . The only real drawback is Dobson does'nt really cover grammar , so I recomend a grammar such as Mounces Basics Of Biblical Greek In addition to this , for someone who's really trying to learn the language well . I wholeheartedly reccomend this to anyone studying on their own .

This book prepares you to read the NT on your own.......2006-04-01

This is the best language learning book I have ever used in my entire life, and I was a language major in College and I teach EFL for a living. This book is simply amazing, every single thing that can possibly be done right, is done right.

Because it's much easier to understand a language (passively or receptively) than to produce it (in conversational situations, for instance), learning Koine to the level of being able to read the NT is actually not as difficult as you might think.

After following Dobson's course of study, will you know Koine as well as a seminary student? No, but you will be able to read the NT on your own, provided you use an online concordance or a dictionary, plus a grammar book for the trickier parts.

The best part of this book are the insights that Dobson succinctly makes on the biblical texts that are being used. Since Dobson knows both Koine and Hebrew, he is able to show exactly what the authors were doing when writing the NT. Not only is this spiritually empowering, it also provides a background context for remembering the information being given.

In the new edition being sold on Amazon, there are accents. Also, there is an audio CD which complements the lessons nicely. This is the best value I seen in any product in quite a long time.

This Course is Great.......2006-03-18

'Learn New Testament Greek' is a great and easy way to learn to read the Greek New Testament, and it allows you to go at your own pace. The lessons are easy to handle, and the audio CD helps with pronounciation. I highly recommend this book; it is well-worth it. I cannot say enough how great this book is.

One of The Best New Testament Greek Books I've Bought.......2006-03-01

Simply one of the best. Put in a steady 20-30 minutes a day, and watch how quickly your NT Greek starts to improve. No use buying the book and just sitting it down. Repetition is the key, with this or any other book on a foreign language.

Contains good explanations, good, clear, examples, and helpful exercises, giving enough repetition to instill the basic principles. A good start for anyone who wants to get a solid foundation in Koine Greek.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Reference
Very Good
Dictionary of Biblical Imagery
biblical understanding delight!!
Reveals Fresh New Paradigms for understanding the Bible!

Dictionary of Biblical Imagery

Manufacturer: InterVarsity Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0830814515

Book Description

A Christianity Today 1999 Book of the Year!Every reader of the Bible has encountered the powerful, comforting and sometimes puzzling imagery of Scripture. These concrete pictures with their hidden force have struck sharp and lasting impressions on our minds. Their imprint has etched itself on the language and grammar of Christian faith and Western culture.Why then do traditional Bible dictionaries and reference works offer so little help to explorers of the Bible's galaxy of verbal pictures? They excel in describing the climate, borders and location of Galilee or Sinai. But they are often blind to the artistic expressions and deaf to the musical meanings that echo from within the world of the biblical text.The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery is the first contemporary reference work dedicated to exploring the images, symbols, motifs, metaphors and literary patterns found in the Bible. More than that, it examines the Bible's universal archetypes or master images--including the plot motifs and character types that recur throughout life, literature and the Bible.This unique dictionary explores the dazzling variety in which the Word of God comes dressed in clothes of everyday life. It traces the trail of images from Eden to the New Jerusalem. It captures the plotted patterns of biblical narrative. It surveys the imaged texture of each book of the Bible. In short, The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery is an inviting, enlightening and indispensable companion to the reading, study, contemplation and enjoyment of the Bible.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Reference.......2007-03-11

The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery is an excellent reference for obtaining expanded meanings of the different words and images of the Bible. And even if it's a "dictionary", it is an enjoyable read straight through or even just when you want to hop from one entry to another. And for the price, it's a steal.

Highly recommended!

Very Good.......2007-03-09

This is a very good reference book. I have a couple of seminary graduates that recommended it to me.

Dictionary of Biblical Imagery.......2007-03-09

This is an excellent study guide to help the reader understand symbols and imagery in the Bible.

biblical understanding delight!!.......2007-02-25

a tremendous work of explaining the imagery found in the bible. The range of subjects are vast in scope. A must have reference resource for serious bible study. Goes a long way towards helping one to understand the various levels and ways that symbolic and picturesque meaning is used and construed in the bible. Deals with individual concepts, broad ranging themes, people, places, books of the bible, events and more. Top notch resource!!!

Reveals Fresh New Paradigms for understanding the Bible!.......2006-11-16

This book was one of the most unusual presents I have ever received. It was given to me by an individual who had enjoyed my teaching and thought I would find it helpful. It has proven to be an indispensible aid to Bible study and the understanding of deeper underlying themes of the symbolism which are so prevalent in the scriptures if you have the eyes to see them. The reader/researcher will find the material easy to use and well refrenced with historical and theological explanations. Although the Dictionary is written from a Protestant viewpoint, seekers of wisdom from a variety of different experiences will benefit from the insights and cultural revelations which can aid in unfolding deeper meaning through the symbolism, stories and pictures of the Bible.

New Testament Greek for Beginners (2nd Edition)

Average customer rating:

I love learning Greek with Machen
This is the one. Get it.
New Testament made Easy
a true classic
Agreement!

New Testament Greek for Beginners (2nd Edition)
J. Gresham Machen , and Dan G. McCartney
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 013184234X

Book Description

This book is intended primarily for learners who are beginning the study of the Greek Testament either without any previous acquaintance with the Greek language or with an acquaintance so imperfect that a renewed course of elementary instruction is needed. This revision, over seventy-five years since the first edition was published, retains much of the character and organization of the first edition while accommodating readers today who lack an understanding of Latin and grammar necessary for fully comprehending the original edition. For an introduction to the Greek Testament.

Customer Reviews:

I love learning Greek with Machen.......2007-09-13

I am pleased with the book. Machen provides excercises which are incredibly helpful in learning Greek. Each lesson is broken up effectively making it easy to follow. However, I found it necessary to receive instruction from a teacher along with each lesson.

This is the one. Get it........2007-06-22

I started Greek with this book and went on to major in Greek. Machen's systematic presentation of grammar is as clear and approachable as you'd want it to be. I've been away from Greek for decades and after spending my career teaching Latin, I've returned to this little book and found it invigorating as I relearn what I once knew so well. I own other Greek grammars, but Machen's is really all I need. If you buy this--and I highly recommend it--get Thompson's workbook too. As a combination they can't be beat. Thompson, by the way, provides excellent additional review and practice material that makes a difficult language more accessible.

New Testament made Easy.......2006-08-31

This is a great textbook for anyone who has never studied Greek and needs to have an understanding of the languages for New Testament studies. The chapters are short and easy to understand and the exercises are well paced.

a true classic.......2006-08-02

I am partial to Machen because I first learned Greek with his book, but the more I use this text to teach Greek to others, the more impressed I become. The genius is the organization and the exercises. No grammar does a better job of systematically leading one through Greek and the exercises are wonderful at reenforcing the vocabulary and paradigms. This book is great for reviewing or refreshing Greek and is perfect for teaching children, again because of the exercises.
Machen's writing style is succinct if not eliptical, and this is the polar opposite to Mounce's user-friendly, wordy text, but its nice that it is small and you don't need a separate workbook. I would recommend that you buy both Machen and Mounce. The only reason I give it four stars is that no grammar is perfect and you really need to work through several. Machen is also to be honored for defending the faith against liberalism and he belongs in every Greco-phile's library.

Agreement!.......2006-03-04

I have to voice agreement with those who praise this as the best introduction but I wonder how much of our love for the book is because it has sat on our desks for so many years and along with our Liddell and Scott is the first place we go to check something!

Average customer rating:

Great way to learn Hebrew on your own!
great companion to Learn Biblical Greek
Very fast learning through constant dedication
Very user friendly
Great book.

Learn Biblical Hebrew,
John H. Dobson
Manufacturer: Baker Academic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0801031028
Release Date: 2005-04-01

Book Description

From his experience in teaching biblical Hebrew to beginners, John Dobson has developed a teaching style that enables people to read actual passages of Scripture from an early stage. With this book, readers can learn Hebrew on their own and will find themselves reading meaningful verses from the Hebrew Bible after just two hours of study! The second edition has been updated and revised and includes an audio CD-ROM.

Customer Reviews:

Great way to learn Hebrew on your own!.......2007-05-19

I've been using this book for about 5 months now to learn Hebrew from scratch. Been going rather slowly through it (I'm in no hurry), and although the lessons do go at a fairly fast pace, you can take your time through them (I'm currently 1/3 through the book). There is some repetition of words, to help you review along the way. Having no prior knowledge of Hebrew (but having learned other languages), this book is wonderful. The CD is quite beneficial too. Writing Hebrew is not stressed much in this book--just learning to read and speak Hebrew, using passages from the Bible.

great companion to Learn Biblical Greek.......2007-04-11

As a Bible student, this has been a great help.

Very fast learning through constant dedication.......2007-01-04

This review is based on my personal experience, I do not have the qualification for a technical rating of this work. Having this statement in mind I recommend other students John H. Dobson's "Learn Biblical Hebrew" as a rapid and efficacious method to grasp the essencials of this difficult, but rewarding language. An immersion in biblical hebrew is an irreplaceable tool to better enjoy and understand the Old Testament, the unfolding of the living message that came to us by means of the writings of many sons of Israel during centuries of agitated history. Dobson's system of learning, on the other hand, demands tough dedication from the student. The rapid pace of the work takes the learner's language skills for granted. If you are not skillful enough to catch the subject you would be stuck for weeks in the same lesson. Of great help is the CD provided with the book, it enables you to get the ear training on the unfamiliar sounds of this semitic tongue, so remote from our closer indo-european superfamily of languages. The presentation of the alphabet in the first chapter is a challenging but unavoidable step in the process of learning. Again, dedication and hard working are necessary to take the most from this work. Doing so is the key to a successful introduction to the amazing benefit of reading the word of God in the original language.

Very user friendly.......2006-05-04

I first studied biblical Hebrew in college forty years ago. Hebrew is so very different from Western European languages that it was hard for me to wrap my mind around it. Dobson's book aims at making the study of Hebrew fun and at giving the student success each step of the way. He aims to get the student reading worthwhile sentences and many of them as soon as possible. It is still the learning of a language, so it is not a "for dummies" project. But, Dobson presents the most frequent verb forms first and gets those drilled into the student's mind so they become very familiar. He does this rather than the approach used by Weingreen in my college class in which the student memorizes all forms in a paradigm and then later tries to pull some meaning out of the paradigms in the experience of translating. I especially like the audio CD. It allows the student to engage hearing as well as seeing in fixing a lesson in the mind. Dobson attempts to use current understanding of how one learns in order to make the material familiar territory for the student. I think I might not have let my Hebrew lapse over the decades had I learned with an approach like Dobson's the first time.

I have the advantage of using this book for a review and refresher. I already remember some vocabulary and some grammar. I can tell that makes using Dobson's book easier than it might be for a newbie to Hebrew. I would be curious to observe someone with no Hebrew who learns it with Dobson's approach. Still, the results he describes in the introduction are impressive. He speaks of students who struggled with Hebrew winning awards for their progress when they began to use his approach.

Great book........2006-03-26

Mr. Dobson teaches in a way that is both very informative, and often humorous. By the completion of this book, I had translated the book of Jonah, as well as passages from nearly every book in the Old Testament. I would highly recommend this book to someone who wants to learn Biblical Hebrew, even if you (as I did) already have some knowledge of the language. This is truly a profound book. I learned much more than I expected to learn when I bought this book. My only complaint, is that the meanings listed for words are in (abstract) english, such as the Hebrew word "chai" which Mr. Dobson says means "life" which it does, but the word actually means "stomach" and was a Hebrew sign of life. Though you would rarely even consider translating the word as "stomach" it is nice to know the ancient meanings behind the Hebrew your reading... still, a very good book.

The Grown-Up Girl's Guide to Style: A Maintenance Bible for Fashion, Beauty, and More . . .

Average customer rating:

How old is a "Grown-up Girl"?
Ridiculous
Fantastic Guide for "Grown Up Girls"!!
Check it out from the library first and save your money...
Good ideas for the over 40 set

The Grown-Up Girl's Guide to Style: A Maintenance Bible for Fashion, Beauty, and More . . .
Christine Schwab
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 006078458X
Release Date: 2006-09-26

Book Description

Turning forty, fifty, or sixty is not about getting older, it's about becoming ageless . . .

Renowned style expert and fashion consultant Christine Schwab sees aging as an opportunity to revitalize your style and enliven your attitude. In her frank, opinionated, and provocative style, she writes the book that defies many of the fashion and beauty industry philosophies.

Now more than ever, women have the ability to look and feel fresh, chic, and fabulous at any age, simply by understanding age maintenance. Schwab is adamant that with all this new ageless information and technology, it is imperative to be informed about what works and what does not..

In this honest and empowering book, she offers the first open-minded approach to style, beauty, health, and well-being that will help every forty-plus woman achieve a classic look while maintaining her edge and personality.

A personal stylist and support group within a book, The Grown-Up Girl's Guide to Style addresses every aspect of aging, from hair and makeup to sex and family life. Straightforward and candid, Schwab even embraces once taboo subjects, offering the lowdown from leading doctors and surgeons on injectable skin treatments, cosmetic surgery and dentistry, and hormone replace-ment therapy. Accompanying her eye-opening advice are dozens of fun, revealing photographs—including celebrity profiles, woman-on-the-street snapshots, stunning professional photography, and even personal photographs of Schwab herself—that demonstrate style disasters (sleeveless tops, head-to-toe denim, and more), and dazzling triumphs.

The Grown-Up Girl's Guide to Style holds the ultimate insider's secrets to a beautiful, sexy, and healthy life after forty. An essential book for the modern "grown-up girl," it is sure to dramatically rejuvenate the already-stylish, the aspiring-to-be-stylish, and the simply style-challenged woman in her prime.

Customer Reviews:

How old is a "Grown-up Girl"?.......2007-09-30

Generally, the book was interesting with lots of information for the "older" reader, but she probably knows a lot of this stuff already.

I primarily bought the book for a person who is close to forty and needs help with wardrobe choices as she approaches the age between rock star and chic "grown-up". She's still young, but not young enough for her wardrobe.

This book was aimed at a different age group than I anticipated. How old is a "Grown-up Girl"?

Ridiculous.......2007-09-28

I was so excited to recieve this book but was tremendously disappointed by it. Unless you are out of shape and have let yourself go please do not waste time reading this stupid book. If you are attractive and in shape this book will have nothing of value for you.

After reading this book you come away with a sense that the authors unfortunate point of view is in believing that over 40 women have nothing to offer and should cover up as much as possible. Total bunk!

Fantastic Guide for "Grown Up Girls"!!.......2007-09-05

As a certified "grown-up girl", it has been so difficult to find books about fashion and style for women my age. Christine's book, however, is perfect. She gives practical advice with honesty and flair, teaching women how to not only hide their flaws, but to accentuate their attributes as well- all without breaking the bank. This book has become my ultimate guide to fashion, beauty, and style, and I wouldn't get dressed without it! Thanks, Christine, for not forgetting that "grown-up girls" want to be beautiful too!

Check it out from the library first and save your money... .......2007-09-04

I'm sorry that I wasted my money on this book. First of all, I can see that my idea of what is beautiful differs greatly from that of the author's: she thinks that unless your arms are buff like Madonna's and Cheryl Crowe's then you should not be wearing sleeveless or even short sleeve tops. Personally I would not want arms like theirs...in dresses they look like drag queens at a party in the Village because of their overworked arms. Also the author points to Diane Keaton's style in accessories as outstanding. I like Miss Keaton and enjoy her movies but I think that her fashion style is absolutely awful! She dresses like a goofball. I think that much of what the author suggests we hide is due to her own insecurities. I am 54, very slim and in very good shape and I do not go around in inappropriate clothing but nor do I wear long sleeves when it is 99 degrees outside as the author would have me do simply because of my age and her issue that if some body part is not exactly as it was in your youth you'd better hide it. She thinks in extremes. I've only gotten about a quarter of the way through this book and I can't stand it anymore. I was truly disappointed; I had really expected to like it. This book is in need of balance. It spends too much time on what is "wrong" with our bodies after a certain age. It's neurotic and leaves me with a bad feeling. It's a real downer. Better fashion guides are: Cool At Any Age, What Not To Wear (the one by Stacy and Clinton - not the one by the BBC gals) and my favorite: Frumpy to Foxy in 15 minutes. Read fashion books and keep in mind to tailor things to what is appropriate to your age and lifestyle but don't go nuts over what is not perfect...

Good ideas for the over 40 set.......2007-07-17

This guide is well written by Schwab. The "before photos" (of the "don'ts") are sometimes hillarious and the author makes a good case for why the "don'ts" are shown.

The models in this book that are modeling the correct way of wearing outfits are beautiful and poised (though I wish they had been a bit heavier to show the true sizes of most 40-50 year olds).

Average customer rating:

The Artfulness of Hebrew Bible stories
An Eye Opening Approach
The literary approach deepens our understanding of the Bible
Art of Biblical Narrative by Alter
A most fascinating introduction into how to read the Bible

The Art of Biblical Narrative
Robert Alter
Manufacturer: Basic Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 046500427X

Book Description

A distinguished professor of Hebrew and comparative literature examines the Old Testament stories from a literary point of view.

Customer Reviews:

The Artfulness of Hebrew Bible stories.......2007-02-19

This is a great book. I love how Alter points out the literary artfulness of some of the great stories of the Bible. He shows how the writers use symmetry, repetition, parallelism, wordplay, and tension to hold the interest of the reader. He begins with Genesis 38, the story of Judah and Tamar. Scholars have written this text off as a later insertion with little relevance to the Joseph narrative, but Alter shows how Judah's sexual indiscretion is perfectly and deliberately in contrast with Joseph's sexual purity. He notes how both narratives have themes of betrayal and deception (which is consistent with the rest of Genesis).

Alter also discusses stories from the life of David, how the extensive speech by David climaxes at the point of Saul's choked cry "Is that you, David, my son?"

Alter also points out names in the Hebrew Bible which carry meaning and significance for the meaning of certain narratives.

The book is an eye-opening look at the narrative art found on the pages of Holy Scripture. It is well written and holds your attention. Recommended.

An Eye Opening Approach.......2005-04-22

I recently purchased Alter's Five Books of Moses, and decided to follow that up with some of his earlier works. The book was a real eye opener for me in the way it presented the use of various narrative and literary techniques in the Bible. I think this book will prove insightful for anyone looking to appreciate the Bible as something to be read, rather than merely as a "text" to be analyzed for historical layers. I'm not sure that higher criticism does much for the average person once you've seen it; a literary approach allows for modern scholarship to be applied in a meaningful way.

The literary approach deepens our understanding of the Bible.......2004-12-08

This is a pioneering work. Robert Alter uses the techniques of literary criticism to deepen our understanding of the Biblical text. He shows us methods and themes which illuminate the text in a way we have not seen before. This is not in my opinion a question of his having found the right interpretation, but rather of revealing yet another of the ' panem' the various faces, seventy, traditionally through which the Biblical text is interpreted.
Alter interprets the text in a clear non- jargoned language that is refreshing .
Here he explains something about his approach," This sort of critical discussion, I would contend far from neglecting the Bible's religious character, focuses attention on it in a more nuanced way. The implicit theology of the Hebrew Bible dictates a complex moral and psychological realism in biblical narrative because God's purposes are always entrammelled in history, dependent on the acts of individual men and women for their continuing realization. To scrutinize Biblical personages as fictional characters is to see them more sharply in the multi- faceted , contradictory aspects of their human individuality, whichis the biblical God's chosen medium for His experiment with Israel and history. Such scrutiny, however, as I hope I have shown , cannot be based merely on an imaginative impression fo the story but must be undertaken through minute critical attention to the biblical writer's articulations of narrative form. " p. 12
This work as Alter makes clear is intended for both students of narrative, and students of the Bible. There is much to learn here.

Art of Biblical Narrative by Alter.......2004-03-11

This work begins with connecting archaeological discoveries to
important biblical perspectives. It teaches that the Bible is
sacred history and that the 3rd person narrative is a bridge to
future meanings/interpretations. The author shows where there
is much verbatim repetition in Biblical stories/themes. The
book anticipates a more meaningful theological purpose with the
passage of time and experience with Biblical themes. This is
a wonderfful work for biblical scholars, theologians, historians
and a wide constituency of academicians of all faiths.

A most fascinating introduction into how to read the Bible.......2001-01-11

Robert Alter's The Art of Biblical Narrative is the sort of book that comes around once in a generation. For the most part, modern Biblical scholars are divided into two camps - homileticists, who tend to reduce every story in the Bible to a moral, and source critics, who chop up the text into various sources. Alter goes a third way. Alter's thesis is that the literary quality of the Bible has been sadly overlooked. To atone, so to speak, for this glaring omission, Alter sets out to show how the narratives in the Bible, even if constituted from a redacted text, nevertheless exhibit exquisite literary qualities. Alter convincingly demonstrates that if we overlook the art of how the stories are told, then we miss much of their meaning.

Alter reveals various techniques used by the Biblical writers to make the stories so compelling. One technique is the reserve of the narrator who often leaves unspoken the motives of the characters, thereby drawing us into the story by compelling us to try to supply what the narrator has withheld. Wordplay, the skillful repetition of words and phrases - so often lost in translation, connects seemingly disparate narratives into a fascinating montage. Type scenes, similar settings and stories such as meeting a future spouse at a well, play off each other, inviting the reader to compare and contrast what happens in one scene with its counterpart and to find meaning in these similarities and differences. The often laconic and subtle remarks of the narrator tend to support or undermine the words spoken and poses struck by the characters, which most of us will miss unless we learn to read the stories closely.

Perhaps the most delicious part of Alter's book is his frequent recourse to the stories themselves in order to demonstrate his points. For example, Alter begins his book by examining the story of Judah and Tamar that falls in the middle of the Joseph story. Tamar, you will recall, was Judah's daughter-in-law. His son and her husband dies and the other brothers do not fulfill their obligation by levirate marriage to carry on the dead son's name by fathering children with Tamar. Tamar ultimately rights this wrong by seducing Judah and conceiving two children by him. Alter reads the story closely and convincingly argues that the story has been woven tightly into the Joseph story by various narrative techniques so that it becomes the fulcrum upon which the stories hinge, making Judah a different person in time for his momentous meeting with Joseph in Egypt. Alter's treatment of the Judah and Tamar story alone is worth the price of the book. Buy the book and read it, you'll never regret having done so. In fact, you'll find yourself rereading it over and over.

Average customer rating:

Pretty Pictures

Excellent purchase - highly recomended

Review from someone who's not known as a handyman

Fences: In thought, word, and deed.

Fully lives up to its name

The Fence Bible: How to plan, install, and build fences and gates to meet every home style and property need, no matter what size your yard.
Jeff Beneke
Manufacturer: Storey Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Fences & Gates: Plan, Design, Build

How to Build Paths, Steps & Footbridges: The Fundamentals of Planning, Designing, and Constructing Creative Walkways in Your Home Landscapes

Ortho's All About Fences & Gates (Ortho's All about)

Wooden Fences

How to Build Wooden Gates and Picket Fences: 100 Classic Designs

ASIN: 1580175309

Book Description

A fence is more than just a barrier. Used in imaginative ways, it can become an architectural feature that blends well with the style of your house, a landscape element that enhances the appearance of your property, or an accent piece that helps define a part of your yard or garden.

In The Fence Bible hands-on home improvement expert Jeff Beneke provides an in-depth, comprehensive how-to encyclopedia that enables homeowners to choose and build the fences and gates that are best for their landscape--both for appearance and function.

Beneke suggests the appropriate types of fence to keep the swimming pool secure, con fine the livestock, keep deer away from the garden, or create outdoor living spaces. He then discusses the essentials of proper fence design and provides step-by-step illustrated instructions for planning, building, maintaining, and repairing any style of fence.

Beneke covers every kind of fencing: wood, masonry, and metal, as well as shrubs, hedges, and trees.

Whether you have a tiny urban backyard, a sprawling suburban plot, or a small spread in the country, this book is sure to help you find the perfect fence.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Pictures.......2007-01-17

This book has lots and lots of pretty pictures of fences that are not explained or detailed. There is decent information about rock walls, but otherwise this book really lacks in the substance needed to build fences.

Excellent purchase - highly recomended.......2007-01-16

The author (Jeff Beneke) has a nice way of explaining options in a approachable and casual manner making the project of designing/building a fence and/or gate much more fun. This book is very complete in it's review of latches, hinges, fence options for consideration along with beatiful photography and sketchs to illustrate ideas or concepts.
Even the guys at our local fence supply company where we bought our materials were impressed with this book when I used it to reference a particular piece of hardware.

Review from someone who's not known as a handyman.......2006-07-05

I bought this book to build a 6' privacy fence. I didn't know the first thing about building a fence but this book takes you by the hand and walks you through each step. The author does a great job of keeping things simple for the reader/beginner and includes illustrations and photos to help you envision the process. I keep referring back to sections of this book as I continure to build. Highly reccomend this book to all beginners.

Fences: In thought, word, and deed........2005-09-21

"The Fence Bible: ..." by Jeff Beneke is an excellent, comprehensive guide. The title says it all, and the author delivers. Whether you want to build your own fence, or contract the project out this book can help you get it done right.

Fully lives up to its name.......2005-04-06

Jeff Beneke is an expert woodworker, house renovator, gardener, and author of more than a dozen highly commended home-improvement books designed specifically for the non-specialist general reader wanting to renovate, remodel, or otherwise improve their home and property values. The Fence Bible: How To Plan, Install, And Build Fences And Gates To Meet Every Home Style And Property Need, No Matter What Size Your Yard is Beneke's latest (and in many ways) his best "how to" title to date. This 272 page instruction manual is superbly illustrated with full color photographs and exemplary illustrations from cover to cover. If you want any kind of fencing on any kind of property, then The Fence Bible is the complete reference on how to build one whether you choose wood, stone, brick, concrete, mesh, wrought iron, living hedges, or anything else. Also available in a hardcover format (1580175864, $34.95), The Fence Bible is one reference that fully lives up to its name! Also very highly recommended from Storey Publishing is Peter Jeswald's How To Build Paths, Steps & Footbridges: The Fundamentals Of Planning, Designing, And Constructing Creative Walkways In Your Home Landscape (1580174876, $19.95, paperback; 158017-5759, $29.95, hardcover)

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