Product Description
The new host of NBC's Tonight Show uses sharp wit to shred some absurd yet real headlines from the nation's newspapers in a hardcover collection of three of his best-selling paperbacks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A chuckle a day
Great comic relief in book form. Jay's side notes and comments are throughout so it is just as funny as catching the "Headline's" Monday nights on T.V.

Bucks man admits attacking house; must go to Florida
If you like words and aren't opposed to humor, this book will have you laughing your brains out within the first 5 minutes. Not every headline is funny to everyone, but there are so many in here that no matter what your style is, you will be laughing and you will be enjoying it. The absurdity of everyday life has never been so enjoyable. Yay for Jay!

You need this book-- 10 isn't a high enough rating...

When I first bought this book, I was expecting a few good laughs... what I got was amazing. I cracked open the book and cracked a grin, a few pages later I was chuckling, a couple misprints later, howling... after about five minutes with this, I was reduced to nearly to tears with sides so sore and so out of breath, I was worried I had to stop before I got a hernia or a heart attack, but I couldn't. You cannot set this book down willingly, and it would take a major nuclear war to get me to part with it in the middle. Still, I don't recommend taking this out in public-- you'll be laughing and twitching like you were insane. I loaned it to a friend of mine one day... he got kicked out of study hall for laughing too hard.

With headlines like "Dead man found in cemetary", "Mimes banned for abusive language" and "USPS begins program to help 'stamp out literacy'" you can see what I mean here. And that's just the tip of the iceberg-- these aren't even the best ones in the book. Sure, you can't give Lenoall the credit (that goes to the many, many editors across the world who screwed up) but his observations on many of these articles were hilarious. Once you have this book, you just begin to wonder how you ever survived without it.

This is probably the funniest book I ever read--even over Dave Barry's. Somehow, a 10 doesn't seem adequate to describe it.

One last note to parents, though: don't let your young kids see this book... some of the misprints are ones that get a little blue.
... Read more

Product Description
One of America's top comedians has turned his attention to serious matters--only he's not taking them very seriously! Jay Leno has compiled the hilarious headlines and articles sent in by his fans to come up with page after page of outrageously funny material on the subject of police foul-ups and bungling criminals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Make the next one longer!
I gave it 4 because it was, for the most part, very funny, butit could have been bigger. I hate finishing a book in a few hours!

Hysterical!
This book is so funny. I took it to work with me one day to read while on break. I read some of it aloud to some of my co-workers who were reduced to tears. My personal favorite story in here is "Burglar Can't HurtAnyone". Buy this book, it's hysterical! Jay, if you're reading this,please release more headlines books!

Was this supposed to be Funny?
I found this book to be a complete waste of time.It wasn't very funny and probably wasted more of my time than it did take them to put it together. ... Read more

Product Description
Yet another compilation of today's goofiest and most illogical newspaper headlines features ""Man Forced to Cook Spaghetti at Gunpoint,"" ""Man Gets Probation for Violating Probation,"" and ""Quarrelling Disrupts Violence Conference."" ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Three and a half stars, really.
A funny book, typical of Jay Leno. Some of these headlines are typos (Ada Kring, 67-year old Orick resident, dies at age 94), some are simply indications of how strange the world we live in is (Arsonist elected fire department chief), and still others would only be minorly odd were it notfor Leno's chirping from the peanut gallery (Condoms only work if used,study finds) (to which Leno's comment was, "Oh, sure, but who wants aused condom?"). Then again, some fit two or more of the abovecategories (Store clerk better after being shot) which is an odd enoughphraseology on its own, but becomes even more bizarre when Leno chips in"I think if we knifed him, he might feel even better still."

Ifyou like your humor sophisticated and mature, this book is not for you. Butif you enjoy a bit of unreserved silliness with your humor, and appreciateplays on words, this book is good for more than a few chuckles.

Jay's Headlines books r so funny
when i first bought and read his first book of headlines, i was cracking up so much, i waityed for him to release his next books

FUNNY!
It will show you a world of messed up headlines.The pictures section had me rolling on the floor. ... Read more

Product Description
The king of late-night television and America's hardest-working comedian delivers the monologue of his life.

Against the odds Jay Leno has emerged as the undisputed king of late night television as host of the # 1 -rated The Tonight Show. His twenty-year stand-up career; working alongside the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Carry Shandling, and David Letterman, was a long, hard, and laugh-filled battle to the top. In this entertaining, anecdote-filled book, Leno delivers the monologue of his life, leaving readers admiring his unstoppable wit and tenacity.Amazon.com Review
So what do you expect from a celebrity autobiography? Tales of animpoverished childhood and an unappreciated early career? Angst-riddenrevelation? In Jay Leno's take on the genre, tales have only onepurpose--laughs. This is a book of jokey anecdotes and humorous storiesmarking the comedian's progress to the top. The persona of the young Leno isnot so different and just as likable as the one appearing nightly ontelevision. Whether it is his mother's advice, his teachers' complaints, orthe awkward situations he finds himself in (for example, standing before anOrthodox Jewish audience who have been mistakenly led to expect a Yiddishstoryteller) Leno always sees the funny side. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

Happy
The book was packaged well and sent very timely as promised. My Dad says he is enjoying the book, Jay has some funny stories about growing up.

A funny and fast read
This book was very enjoyable and funny.It's a great read for anyone looking to relax and forget about their problems.

Hilariously Funny
I thought this book would be interesting but didn't realize it would be this funny.There are several stories in this book that made me laugh out loud, to the point where I had to be careful reading it at night and waking up hubby.Jay Leno's memoirs of growing up in Massachusetts and breaking into show business are both poignant and hilarious. You get an appreciation of what he had to go through to get to where he is, and he tells all these stories for the funny absurd situations that they were.

Having also grown up with Italian family in the Massachusetts North Shore area, I could relate to many of the scenes in the book, for example his dad loudly demanding "WHAT KIND OF POTADAHS ARE THESE?!" in the audience of a club where Jay was performing.But there are also plenty of stories from his days in New York and later in Hollywood that you don't have to be from Massachusetts to relate to.

Funny, enjoyable, exactly what you would expect from Leno
Comedy is difficult to rate because personal taste accounts for a large degree of one's perception of the material.I have always been a fan of Jay Leno and appreciate his sense of humor, hence Leading With my Chin was very enjoyable.It falls right in line with the sense of humor you anticipate from watching the Tonight Show or any of his stand-up routines; however it is not merely a series of jokes as Leno presents an account of his life growing up in Massachusetts.If you appreciate Leno's wit and have interest in discovering the life that helped developed his sense of humor, you will enjoy this book.

My Favorite in the Genre
As a comedian starting the biz in 1990 myself, I enjoy reading these comedian autobiographies.It is very interesting to see how different the industry was back when some of these guys, who paved the path for the rest of us, started.I've always heard great things about Leno, that he is the hardest working guy in show business and one of the friendliest guys in the industry.He is supposedly very supportive and I know he did a free show every year at Zanies in Chicago for all unemployed people, who showed their unemployment checks to get in.

The book tells some of the best stories I've heard of coming up in the business.Leno started back when there weren't comedy clubs, more playboy rooms and strip clubs.He was one of the first club regulars and no doubt his skill, along with the others at that time, helped make the comedy club scene big.(Although I've heard criticisms about his Tonight Show monologues, Jay is known in the industry to have been one of the most talented comedians ever back when he was touring regularly.)

Jay recalls episodes of his life in an easy-to-read style and isn't afraid to tell stories revealing his strong respect and love for his parents.My favorite story wasn't a funny one at all; it was the one where Jay got his first car, even a passion back then, spent lots of time and money to get it all fixed up and was sitting in his high school classroom, staring out the window at impending sudden doom of rain, looking at his convertabile with the top down.He couldn't get to it.Suddenly, his parents drove up and... you'll have to read the book for the rest of the story.

It's also really cool to read about the other up and comers Jay came in contact with in his early years, as well as those who didn't make it or passed before their time.Among them are Jerry Seinfeld and Robin Williams.A fun, quick read for anyone who enjoys standup comedy or wants to read about a grateful star, of which there is a great shortage of today. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is a collection of celebrity vignettes and anecdotes from the peak years of the Tonight Show, and includes behind-the-scenes looks at more than two dozen celebrities, including Joan Rivers, Bill Cosby, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Tony Randall, Don Rickles, Stevie Wonder, Martin Short, Liza Minnelli, Ed McMahon, and Johnny Carson himself. With an eye for the eccentric, amusing, or downright bizarre, Sweeney's brief portraits offer a glimpse at celebrity from the other side of the curtain. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Interesting, if a bit narrow in scope
Sweeney lays out a large number of anecdotes and behind-the-scenes goings-on from his 20 or so years working on "The Tonight Show", mostly during Carson's reign.Bear in mind that Sweeney's job centered around the show's music, performance fees, band wages, etc, so that is the sphere around which most of his stories revolve.

He spends a great amount of time talking about some of his music experience outside "The Tonight Show" too, though much of it involves personnel from that show or gigs that he got directly or indirectly as a result of working for the show.

Structurally, the time line of his stories jumps around quite a bit.It is almost as if he typed these anecdotes in the order in which he remembered them, not in the order in which they happened.He also gets a few dates wrong (e.g., the George Burns/John Denver movie "Oh God" was NOT released in 1973, as he says.I think it was '77 or '78).

This book should not serve as a definitive look behind the scenes, but rather as a "Gee whiz, what a cool job I had" diary. Still, one can tell it was written with a lot of love and fond remembrances.

Worth a peek.

A real page turner
As a life-long fan of the Tonight Show, from Jack Paar to the present Conan/Leno debacle, I found Don Sweeneys book "Backstage At The Tonight Show" a fascinating and very entertaining read.From the forward by Ed McMahon to the hilarious ending mispronounciations of Al Lapin, each page was an entertaining and sometimes, touching insight to the everyday goings-on backstage at Americas greatest talk show.I read it in one sitting as I could not put it down."Bravo" Don Sweeney!!!I hope you have some more for us.

An Insider's Perspective...
Don nails the behind the scenes drama of his 20 years working on the most successful talk show in history. Remember that in the 70's and 80's there were only three major TV stations, so the power of Johnny Carson in those days was enormous compared to the diluted ratings of today's unlimited channels.
Being a musician and communications major myself, I found Don's insight to be hilarious and informative. Things I never knew about Johnny Carson, Buddy Rich, and Frank Sinatra. If you want an honest portrait of the backstage aspect of the most successful tv show in history from a true insider's point of view, this book is it.
Highly recommended!

Not much new information
I get the feeling that Mr. Sweeney, who seems like a nice guy, would tell folks that he used to work with Johnny, Ed and Doc at the Tonight Show.

(Technically he did, although not in a high capacity in which he would be privy to juicy info.)

He might share a celeb anecdote or two, then somebody would say, "Hey Don!You ought to write a book!"So he did.

Unfortunately, there's not a lot of new info here.You get the recycled stories about Johnny being shy, Jay being a hard-working nice guy, and Don Rickles is not as mean as he seems.

There's even the obligatory "Dave Letterman is truly a nut" story...that's no surprise either, although it is one of the more entertaining stories in the book.

I give it 3 stars. It's a good read, and Mr. Sweeney seems genuine inhis awe of working with his childhood idols.However, I agree with another reviewer.If you're gonna call it "Backstage at the Tonight Show," from the perspective of someone who was allegedly a witness to some big-star behind-the-scenes moments, tell me something I didn't already know.Share a secret or two, and put in the good with the bad.After all, that's life, that's reality, and that's honesty.

Backstage at the Tonight Show: From Johnny Carson to Jay Leno
Book came in the time frame and in the condition specified. ... Read more

Product Description

The Tonight Show's Jay Leno draws on a true story from his childhood to make a generation of young readers laugh out loud.

Little Jay's mom is maniacally thrifty, his dad is extravagant, and little Jay always seems to be caught in the middle. So when Jay's dad decides that his next big "project" is going to be an ENORMOUS barbecue patio, the only way it's going to happen is if Jay, their neighbors, and Bruce, the laziest dog in America, help him out.

When the party to launch the patio arrives, there's more food than anyone could eat, and at the center is a HUGE roast beef that Jay would do anything to get a taste of. No one will notice if he sneaks a bite, will they? That is, until Jay's secret plan backfires!

What is Jay's secret weapon to sample a bit of the roast beef? Will he keep his dad from finding out? And finally, what could make a roast beef fly?Amazon.com Review
Tonight Show host and bona fide household name Jay Leno tries his hand at writing children's books with this fun embellishment from his own childhood--a story of an effusive Italian father, a stingy Scottish mother, and a rotisseried roast beef gone airborne.

Many celebrities--and even some fellow comedians, like Jerry Seinfeld--have tried to write children’s books in recent years, all with varying degrees of success. Thankfully for Leno, his readily recognizable and affable voice keeps this effort above average, with plenty of help from S.B. Whitehead's playfully busy illustrations. Not unlike a Tonight Show monologue, though, If Roast Beef Could Fly relies more on delivery than substance: Leno’s trademark comedic style comes through clearly (right down to an asterisked aside to the audience: "Kids, don’t try this at home!"), but the story sometimes seems to sputter--albeit in that ingratiating Jay way--from one gag to the next.

Tonight Show fans (and hopefully their kids, too) will surely enjoy this personal glimpse into the late-night king’s early years, especially as Leno reads along with the included audio CD. Plus, If Roast Beef Could Fly also appears to clear up a long-standing question among serious Leno scholars: Yes, even as a child, his chin was just that big. (All Ages) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

"You Glad You're A Vegetarian, Kev?"
A cute, goofy, funny book. The exaggerations here actually worked and hats off to Jay Leno for producing a children's book that's worth reading and should be liked by about anyone. He should keep writing them.

Very different and realistic embellishments
If Roast Beef Could Fly, The Tonight Show's Jay Leno uses a story from his childhood to tell of a thrifty mother, an extravagant father, and a son always caught between the two. A family barbecue party will only work if the family and neighbors help out - and if differences are resolved in the process. S.B. Whitehead's drawings are very different and realistic embellishments

Leno fans should buy this book.
This is a story from Jay's childhood that reads like a monolog on the Tonight Show. Jay's dad is larger than life, but the characters feel like caricatures. Whitehead's colorful and detailed drawings also remind me of caricatures. While this is a loving family story, it contains some stereotypes about national origin. The book comes with a CD of Jay reading the story. Leno fans should buy this book.

Another Celebrity Disaster
A book completely predicated on Leno's celebrity status and old steroetype jokes about American immigrant groups.This book relies solely on personal Leno gags and leaves much to be desired in terms of actual plot development.It is not an engaging book for children but rather for their parents who are fans of Leno. Basically, If Roast Beef Could Fly is a disappointing book especially if you're not interested in performing second-hand stand-up routines for children.

Father, son and dog story
Greatest thing about reviewing a children's book is that you don't have to read 500 pages. This book is shorter than a short Leno monologue.This reviewer only read the book. Did not listen to audio. Nice illustrations by S.B. Whitehead are a major part of the book. The story shows an energetic father, slightly mischievous son and forgiving father and loveable dog who saves the situation. Good for children and enjoying it can help adults to relax. ... Read more

Product Description
This big book of humor and WISECRACKS contains hundreds of original JOKES and bits of ADVICE from Jay Leno, host of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Chock-full of KNOCK-KNOCK jokes, HILARIOUS puns, and Jay's tips for making a career in comedy, this totally NEW joke book for the twenty-first century is an essential starting point for anyboby looking to find their FUNNY BONE. ... Read more

Product Description
Since Mattel introduced Hot Wheels diecast cars in 1968, millions of children worldwide have enjoyed playing with and collecting America's topselling brand of toy car.Today, Hot Wheels cars are as popular with children as they ever were, and auction websites abound with classics from the past. Depicting cars from the nationally known collection of Lance Joseph, author Mac Ragan's color photography presents the 33-year history of Hot Wheels from a child's-eye view.Utilizing techniques like extreme close-ups, colored theater gels, and micro-spotlights, Ragan highlight the unique features of these scale-size race cars, hot rods, dragsters, and musclecars. Attention is given to regular production vehicles, limited edition sets, theme groups, and promotional cars like those offered at fast-food restaurants. Eatures an entertaining foreword by Jay Leno. ... Read more

Product Description
A dramatic account of the politics and personalities behind NBC's calamitous attempt to reinvent late-night television.

When NBC decided to move Jay Leno into prime time to make room for Conan O'Brien to host the Tonight show-a job he had been promised five years earlier-skeptics anticipated a train wreck for the ages. It took, in fact, only a few months for the dire predictions to come true. Leno's show, panned by critics, dragged down the ratings-and the profits-of NBC's affiliates, while ratings for Conan's new Tonight show plummeted to the lowest levels in history. Conan's collapse, meanwhile, opened an unexpected door of opportunity for rival David Letterman. What followed was a boisterous, angry, frequently hilarious public battle that had millions of astonished viewers glued to their sets. In The War for Late Night, New York Times reporter Bill Carter offers a detailed behind-the-scenes account of the events of the unforgettable 2009/2010 late-night season as all of its players- performers, producers, agents, and network executives-maneuvered to find footing amid the shifting tectonic plates of television culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Sometimes Funny Book
"Ohio man, 79, pronounced dead, but says he feels much better now"

"Boys cause as many pregnancies as girls"

"Bush gets briefing on drought; says rain needed to end it"

For anyone who has ever watched The Tonight Show with Jay Leno these real but ridiculous headlines from American newspapers are easily recognizable.In this book Jay Leno has compiled numerous headlines contributed by the viewers of The Tonight Show.This book is broken up into 14 different sections covering such topics as little-known facts, crime and punishment, family fun, death, and much more.Also, most of the headlines are accompanied by some type of comment by Leno.I must admit, some of these headlines and some of Leno's comments are pretty humorous.Although this book will not make you fall down laughing, in all probability it will cause a smile and elicit a chuckle.Overall, it's a pretty enjoyable book. ... Read more

Product Description
In 1958 George Smith started a small company called S & S Cycle.His mission:"To make all bikes go faster."Fifty years later, S & S Cycle is everything Smith envisioned.To celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, the world's premiere builder of aftermarket V-twin motorcycle engines and components commissioned custom motorcycles from fifty top builders.The competition that grew out of this challenge unfolds in the pages of S & S Presents Today's Top Custom Bike Builders, which showcases the splendid bikes built for S & S's fiftieth anniversary show.The book, beginning with a brief history of S & S Cycle, featuresfour-page spreads on each motorcycle, along with profiles of the builders--including Chica, Cory Ness, Paul Cox, Jerry Covington, Jesse Rooke, Redneck Engineering, Arlen Ness, Kim Suter, Brian Klock, Kendall Johnson, Roger Bourget, Rick Fairless, Fred Kodlin, and Paul Teuttel Sr.With illustrations by master custom-bike photographer Michael Lichter, this is as much a celebration of the custom builder's art as it is a tribute to S & S Cycle's accomplishment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Today's Top Custom Builders reviewed by Ken Aiken
This piece of propaganda was financed by S&S Cycle to celebrate their 50th anniversary, but such creative marketing surely merits recognition. Broken into six sections, each representing a type of engine sold by S&S Cycle (P-, SB-, SH-, V-, T-, and X-Series), the book features top custom builders and a bike made by each of them.
It's unfair to generalize yet this volume provides a glimpse into the different aesthetic styles and engineering approaches of today's custom builders. Bertrand Dubet, Kendall Johnson, Jesse Rooke, Aldo Querio Gianetto, and other less familiar names take their place beside Chica, Paul Cox, Kris Krome, the Teutels, and the team at Redneck Engineering. Naturally, Arlen Ness is included, but Cory and Zach who have too long been overshadowed by the creations of the (their) big daddy of customs are also showcased.
One commendable feature of the book is that it doesn't mention that the 50th anniversary project was a competitive build-off with judging by the builders, S&S personnel, media, attendees at the 2008 exhibition show, and by Internet, nor does it include an index listing the winners or their prizes . The fifty bikes -and their builders--stand on their own merits and the reader is responsible for choosing their favorites.
The book is a delicious bit of fluff that has a luscious look and feel to the final product. I love well-crafted books, more so when the glossy pages are filled with photos of beautiful bikes.

awesome book
This is a beautiful book filled with amazing photos of all the top builders and their bikes.The cover is a synthetic material but it looks like leather.The book is heavy on pictures and light on writing, which we found to be the favorable balance.My dad went to the S&S 50th anniversary bike build-off in wisconsin last year and I can't wait to givehim this bookfor Christmas.Definitely worth the price, especially since the shipping was free!! ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Cnbc Europe Programmes, Late Night With Conan O'brien, the Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Squawk Box, the Mclaughlin Group, Morning Call, Power Lunch, Worldwide Exchange, Squawk on the Street, Closing Bell, Squawk Box Europe, Asia Squawk Box, Squawk Australia, Capital Connection, Power Lunch Europe, Europe Tonight, Patricia Szarvas, Street Signs, Questions for the Future, Asia Market Watch, European Closing Bell, Cash Flow, Today's Business, Morning Exchange, Business Centre Europe, Asia Market Week, Europe This Week, European Market Wrap, World Business, Strictly Money, European Market Watch, Europe Today. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 128. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: Late Night with Conan O'Brien is an American late-night talk show hosted by Conan O'Brien that aired 2,725 episodes on NBC from 1993 to 2009. The show featured varied comedic material, celebrity interviews, and musical and stand-up comedy performances. Late Night aired weeknights at 12:37 a.m. Eastern/11:37 p.m. Central and 12:37 a.m. Pacific in the United States. From 1993 until 2000, Andy Richter served as O'Brien's sidekick; following his departure, O'Brien was the show's sole featured performer. The show's house musical act was The Max Weinberg 7, led by E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg. The second incarnation of NBC's Late Night franchise, O'Brien's debuted in 1993 after David Letterman, who hosted the first incarnation of Late Night, moved to CBS to host the Late Show opposite The Tonight Show. In 2004, as part of a deal to secure a new contract, NBC announced that O'Brien would leave Late Night in 2009 to succeed Jay Leno as the host of the Tonight Show. Jimmy Fallon began hosting his version of Late Night on March 2, 2009. Upon Johnny Carson's retirement from The Tonight Show in 1992, executi...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=174688 ... Read more

Product Description
A discussion of the life and humor of The Tonight Show's Jay Leno describes Leno's childhood antics, his frequent targets, his work in his present job, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The World of Jay Leno: His Humor and His Life
I think it sucked because it wasn't good. Leno is an ass!

Jay Leno
I thought this was a good book it talked about Jay's whole life.It started from his younger years in school and just kept getting a little more interesting.They talked about the kind of jobs he had to take at bars and clubs to get started.People would boo him and make fun of him, but he kept working hard because thats what he loved to do comedy.He bacame popular by being on Dave Lettermans show and Ed Sullivans.He then took over for Ed Sullivan and is now on the Tonight Show ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses Jay Leno's unique sense of humor, from his days as a New England schoolboy to his role as the top-rated late-night TV talk-show host, and examines some of the challenges and conflicts he faced to make it to where he is today. ... Read more

Product Description
If you want to be funny, this book is for you!

This big book of humor and wisecracks contains hundreds of original jokes and bits of advice from Jay Leno, host of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Chock-full of knock-knock jokes, hilarious puns ("Is it true that if it takes a corner too fast, a Mercedes-Benz?"), and Jay's tips for making a career in comedy (he got his start at a MacDonald's employee talent show), this totally new joke book fr the twenty-first century is an essential starting point for anybody looking to find their funny bone. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Good inspiration for aspiring young comics
Jay's jokes are geared to the 8 to 12 year-old and mostly ones I hadn't heard before.However, the real gold in this book is his side commentary about how to be a comedian.These are very inspirational.My 12 year-old read it cover to cover.

my son enjoyed this book
My son received this book as a gift when he was 10. He doesn't take to books real well but he really enjoyed this one. He rereads it often. I wouldrecommend it for any child who strives to be funny.

DON'T LET YOUR KIDS READ THIS!
The trend of celebrities penning books for children reaches its nadir with this one. There is nothing funny or interesting or the least bit intriguing about this book. I thought as an adult, maybe I'm out of the loop. Let me show it to some kids. So I did. And they hated it!

Jay Leno can't make adults laugh, let alone children. The book is also in bad taste. Some of the jokes here woujld be offensive to children with their innuendo. What in the world were they thinking when they published this?

I wish I could give it zero stars!

THE FUNNIEST KID
MY GRANDSON AGE 9, HAS A GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR, AND HAS ENJOYED READING THIS BOOK.
PORTER S. KALLISH

Be Aware That This Is A Joke Book
I didn't realize this was a joke book and bought it for an adult that claims he is the funniest man in the world.I didn't do my homework and thought this was Mr Leno's autobiography.I returned it promptly. ... Read more

Product Description
In his inimitably droll and bestselling fashion, top comic star Jay Leno presents and comments upon this all-new batch of hysterically funny headlines that find their way into America's newspapers when editors aren't looking . . . or are just asleep at the typewriter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Funny book
I read this book to my parents while we were in the car.My father started laughing so hard that he had to pull over to the side of the road!I don't belive I have laughed as hard before.I would really recommend buying this book, you'll laugh for awhile. : ... Read more

Product Description
From the head writer for "The Tonight Show" comes an irreverent parody that exposes the "real" God as a cranky, self-centered Supreme Being who has a lot to get off His chest about White House interns, divorce lawyers, and eternal damnation.Amazon.com Review
"God's tip of the day: If you're at a fancy restaurant, don'tfill up on bread" is not very funny just sitting there on thepage. The problem with a book of stand-up jokes is that if you don'tread them with the timing and verve of a polished comedian, they justaren't funny. So as Jon Macks is the head writer for The TonightShow (now transcribing divine revelation), what you have to do ispretend you are Jay Leno giving his monologue. Do this: stand up, putyour hands in your pockets, and take them out to gesture at a criticalmoment; finish a joke with a shrug of the shoulders and a coy, "Idon't know"; and if all else fails, look over at Kevin Eubanks and askhim about his girlfriend. Okay? Now try this one: "What gender is God?I am what I am. I am neither male nor am I female. So technically,you are not in my image, Michael Jackson is." There, wasn't thatbetter? How about this one: "I have a plan for each and every one ofyou. The problem is, the last time I merged my files, I lost it." LikeNealeDonald Walsch's books, this is a conversation with God. Is itsacrilegious? Yes. But, hey, He's God; He can do what Hewants. --Brian Bruya ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

God, as Heard by Jon Macks
Jon Mack's book tells of his conversations with God.Jon believes God speaks in clear sentences, suitable for publishing.Before we decry either the irreverence of this book, and definitely before we divest all our assets to devoutly follow Jon's every word, we do have to wonder if Jon hears God correctly.Especially when he writes God as stating "You want to play God?Be my guest, it's all yours.Guaranteed, two weeks on the job, you quit from all the aggrevation."
The book does provide some interesting insights into the Supreme Being.God appears to feel He is being taken advantage of, as when He reportedly asks us "Just once I'd like to have someone make a sacrifice or a burnt offering without immediately following up with a demand.Surprise me this weekend."
The book contains a bonus interview with God along with a forward from Jay Leno, for whom Jon authors jokes.Jan Leno complains about being unable to book God for the "Tonight Show", a move that would guarantee a rating win that evening over Letterman and maybe even Ted Koppel.
Some may be disappointed with this book's small size.While less wordy than, say, the Bible, the book does contain many more yucks than lenghthier humor books.

In the pursuit of honesty, we must lobby for 0 Star Ratings
How odd that someone from NBC gave it their highest rating...

Pathetic.Glad I borrowed it from someone or there'd be some slappin'.

I looked for the humor, but.........
If I don't like this book it's because I don't have a sense of humor?????? (That's what one of the customer reviewers said.)I am a writer, and believe me, this is not funny, not a bit.This is someone who has connections toget a book published. It's as simple as that.I am astonished that peoplethink this is funny.They must be the people that go to see Beavis andButthead and Ace Ventura movies.They probably think those movies arefunny also.Now you know why they like this book.It's not for a verysophisticated group.

I also am surprised that so much of the material isold stuff that's been used ad infinitum. I mean, do we need to hear anotherMarv Alpert joke? Jewish jokes?Author Macks only need to feel proud thathe got this one by the publishers.He's not clever, just lucky to havecaught the publisher on an off day....

If you don't think this book is funny, then...
you don't have a sense of humor.Jon Macks does a wonderful job of poking fun at our daily lives.I bought a copy of this book for my brother who spent most of Christmas day reading it and laughing...and my brother is aminister!This is a great book for taking a lighter and funnier view oftoday's world.

boring
I don't think you could find a book that is more boring which is especially annoying when you think you're buying a "humor" book.A humor book is fun to have because they help you "escape".Thisbook made me feel like a prisoner - I felt complelled to sit and read andfind SOMETHING, ANYTHING that would make me laugh.I gave it two starsbecause the joke was on me, God got me good.He got me to stare and stareat this book and then buy it.I'm losing my faith! ... Read more

Product Description
Celebrating "Time"'s 75th anniversary, this book presents 75 works of art commissioned for the magazine's cover by some of America's best-known artists, from Andrew Wyeth's portrait of Dwight Eisenhower to Andy Warhol's Michael Jackson. Among the covers featured are Roy Lichtenstein's dynamic 1968 image of Bobby Kennedy, Ben Shahn's Martin Luther King and Gerald Scarfe's papier-mache caricatures of The Beatles. Frederick Voss recounts in detail the history of "Time" covers, providing a virtual history of the magazine and explaining why appearing on the cover of "Time" has become, for many, the ultimate accolade. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Wow!
I bought this book for my classroom and wondered later why I picked it up.When I really looked through the book, I found some really great art focusing on important personas from the 20th Century.It is a really nice book to have.A keepsake.

Summary
'Celebrating Time's 75th anniversary, this book presents work commissioned for the magazine's cover by some of the century's best-known artists, ranging from Andrew Wyeth's portrait of Dwight Eisenhower to Andy Warhol'sMichael Jackson.This book presents seventy-five artworks commissioned forthe magazine's covers by some of the century's best-known artists, fromDwight Eisenhower by Andrew Wyeth to Michael Jackson by Andy Warhol. Facesof TIME accompanied an exhibition organized by the National PortraitGallery, Washington, D. C. Among the outstanding covers reproduced are RoyLichtenstein's dynamic 1968 image of Bobby Kennedy, Ben Shahn's MartinLuther King, Jr., and Gerald Scarfe's papier-mache caricatures of theBeatles. Jay Leno relates his feelings - and his mother's reaction - tobeing pictured on the cover of TIME. Frederick S. Voss provides a visualhistory of the magazine and shows how making it onto the cover of TIME hascome to be the ultimate accolade.' - From The Publisher ... Read more

Product Description
Motorcycles are mythic, far more than mere transportation, but some are in a class of their own, truly legendary machines. There are the Triumphs: James Dean's, Marlon Brando's in The Wild Ones, the one Steve McQueen took over the fence in The Great Escape. There are Evel Knievel's and Elvis's Harleys, the Easy Rider Stars `n' Stripes bike, and T. E. Lawrence's Brough Superior SS100; Von Dutch's Condor, Craig Vetter's Mystery Ship, and Mike Hailwood's Honda RC162. These are just some of the machines that have made motorcycle history, and that make this book a feast for the eyes and a fact-filled odyssey for the motorcycle aficionado.

Illustrated with commissioned photographs and historical images, the book profiles the bikes--not just the models but the actual motorcycles--that have achieved legendary status in the last century. Their stories, told here in detail for the first time, make up the story of the motorcycle in American culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Legendary Motorcycles: A Vivid History of Men and Their Machines
Legendary Motorcycles: A Vivid History of Men and Their Machines


Legendary Motorcycles is a book that is aimed at two-wheel enthusiasts, but it will be of interest to anyone who appreciates fine machinery or even recent cultural history.The book consists of a number of short, magazine article size chapters on famous motorcycles or motorcycles that belonged to famous people.Each chapter is beautifully illustrated with images of the motorcycles today and a series of period photos of the motorcycle in action.Legendary Motorcycles is written by Basem Wasef, a Los Angeles motor sports enthusiast. The forward is by Jay Leno, a man who is truly passionate about automobiles, motorcycles, or almost anything mechanical.

In his book, Wasef has covered a wide range of motorcycles, but his subjects are drawn primarily from the last forty years, rather than from the early years of motorcycle history, so if you are interested in early board trackers, pre-war road racers or exotic 1950s Grand Prix bikes, this is not the book's focus. The single early bike and rider is the chapter on T.E. Lawrence and the Brough Superior he loved to ride and that met his death on, the superbike of its day.There are a number of chapters on the motorcycles that are perhaps most identified with a number of famous racers including AMA stars Dick Mann, Mert Lawwill and Cal Rayborn. Then, there are ones on Wayne Rainey's Kawasaki Superbike, Freddy Spencer's World Championship winning Honda and Kenny Robert's infamous TZ750 powered flat-tracker.

There are articles on the eccentric painter and pin striper, Kenneth "Van Dutch" Howard, who in death, has become what he may have wanted to be least - a pop culture figure.In reality, Van Dutch - who was someone some of my mentors grew up with in days of early hot rodding - was an alcoholic, anti-social curmudgeon.He was a brilliant pin-striper but a crusty misanthrope who happier with his motorcycles than with most people.Its important to note here that many early hot rod and sports car enthusiasts were just as passionate about motorcycles, there was always an overlap between the car and bike communities.Evel Knievel is another legendarily difficult man who is featured in the book.He was a great showman and a household name in the same era as Joe Namath and Muhammad Ali. His long jumps and broken bones helped to contribute to the daredevil image motorcyclists enjoyed.

The addiction to "salt fever" is well covered in the book with no less than four men who were obsessed with record setting on the Bonneville Salt Flat covered including Rollie Free, Marty Dickerson, Leo Payne and Burt Munro.Two of these men raced big Vincents across the "big white dyno" in Utah, one rode a Harley Davidson and the last an Indian.For a book with twenty-six profiles, this may be enough salt content to raise some reader's blood pressure.

There is a nice chapter on the late John Britten, who was without a doubt the most original thinker in motorcycle racing in the past half-century.This New Zealander deserves to have a film made about him as his countryman Burt Munro did with World's Fastest Indian.What an eccentric, free-thinking and innovative man who died far too young. There is a welcome chapter on the great Motorcycle Top Fuel Champion Terry Christenson who those of us who attended drag races in the 1970s remember for his record runs on his Nortons. Mike "The Bike" Hailwood is also here, but not curiously for his great MV Augusta or Honda Grand Prix bikes of the 1960s, but for the Ducatis he made his brief Isle of Man comeback on at the age of thirty-eight.

For chopper fans, there is an article on the motorcycles from the film Easy Rider.Though I can appreciate some of the workmanship on these extreme motorcycles, I am not generally a chopper fan.There isn't much any of them seem to do well and most of them are viewed rather than actually ridden. And, for many of us who grew up in the 1960s, outlaw bikers gave motorcyclists a poor image that it took decades to undo. However, the bikes in Easy Rider did become cultural icons, especially the chopper with the "Captian America"paint job. For film fans, James Dean's two motorcycles are covered, but his inclusion in a book about famous motorcycles seems to be a bit of a stretch.However, it's a nice thing knowing that the same people who lovingly restored the house he grew up in also have his Triumph twin.

Steve McQueen may have not been known as a famous motorcyclist if it wasn't for On Any Sunday, the classic motorcycle documentary.Bruce Brown's classic film did for motorcycles what his Endless Summer did for surfing, it showed people who were suspicious about motorcyclists that riders were normal people and that what motivated most of us was the freedom and pure joy of riding on two wheels.For better or worse, On Any Sunday helped mainstream motorcycling and those scenes of McQueen and his buddies riding on the sand left an indelible impression on thousands of young viewers. I know that the Husky from that scene has been restored in recent months by the retired motocrosser Marty Tripes.Steve McQueen had the legendary racer and stunt man Bud Ekins as a mentor and so like Ekins, McQueen developed a deep appreciation for the sport.They were true motorcyclists as they appreciated not only the modern bikes they rode and raced, but the early motorcycles they came to collect.

The inclusion of Elvis is also a questionable one. He was probably such a captive of his fame that I can't see that he would have had a lot of time or the freedom to really ride.Basketball great Michael Jordon's racing team is also an inclusion that isn't warranted.While Jordon is certainly famous, the bikes he has sponsored are not.The late Renzo Pasolini who was killed racing back in 1973, is a bit of a quizzical entry as he is probably not familiar to most of the American and British readers who will buy this book. Also, there is hardly a real identification of him with the Harley XR750 that is featured, other than the fact that he raced it and it survives in the same condition as it was raced in, a rarity for a racer.

There are not enough continental or British riders included in the book.I would have enjoyed a chapter on the legendary Giacomo Agostini and any one of his MV-Augustas.Motocross competition is also largely ignored.I would have liked to see a chapter on Bob Hannah and his Yamahas, Roger De Coster and his Suzukis or any one of the many Swedish, Finnish, British or Belgian motocross heroes.What about Bruce Penhall and his World Champion speedway bike?A chapter on the Rickman brothers of England, who not only won many races, but won on the Rickman-Metisse kit bikes they built and designed themselves would have been a natural.Curiously, there isn't a mention of McQueen's Triumph-Metisse in the chapter on the star, especially as his appreciation for the innovative British bikes was so well known.Perhaps a Part Deux is being worked on and will broaden the coverage in this volume.

Overall, the well-written and beautifully produced Legendary Motorcycles is an excellent addition to the bookshelf or coffee table of anyone who loves motorcycles or simply appreciates the history and development of the eternal combustion engine.It would be an excellent holiday gift for the motorcyclist in
your life.

Great motorcycle reading with excellent photographs
This is an excellent book highlighting some very interesting motorcycles. Personally I found the chapter on the (Craig) Vetter Mystery Ship very illuminating both about the motorcycle and more about the man behind it.

Another noteworty chapter was on Burt Monroe's World's Fastest Indian. After watching the 2005 movie ofthe same title recently, I was able to pour over the pictures of the restored 1920 Indian Scout in the book with my wife giving us a multimedia motorcycle experience in the comfort of our family room.

I have recently read it from cover to cover and it is now in our "coffee table book" rack in the living room for future explorations and sharing with others.

David Thom

book
This is a great book. Purchased for a gift for a motorcycle lover. Makes a great addition to your library or a great coffee table book!

Wow - great book, pictures and words....
If you are into motorcycles, I think you will really enjoy this one.The author also writes for many motor related publications including, Robb Report, www.About.com and www.UltimateMotorCycling.com . So you can check out his quality work online before you buy.

Maybe a great gift idea!

Sort of misleading...
I thought this would be more like info on the bikes owned by the elite & famous. It is mostly people who raced bikes or owned racing empires. Not popular names like the title implies. ... Read more