Bob Neeris writing his dissertation to complete his Ph.D. in U.S. history at Columbia University. He received a M. Phil. in U.S. history in 2007, and a J.D. and M.A. in U.S. history in 1991, all from Columbia. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1986. He is a co-founder and co-editor ofBlueMassGroup.com, the most widely read independent political blog in New England.Joe Leeis an illustrator, cartoonist, writer, and clown. With a degree from Indiana University centering on Medieval History, Joe is also a graduate of Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey's Clown College. He worked for some years as a circus clown. He is the illustrator of a baker's dozen of For Beginners books including,Barack Obama, [Howard]Zinn, Shakespeare, Postmodernism, Deconstruction, Eastern Philosophy, andGlobal Warmingamong others. Joe lives in Bloomington, Indiana with his wife Mary Bess, son Brandon, cat George, and the terriers (or rather terrors) Max and Jack.