Interrogation Machine: Laibach and NSK (Short Circuits)

Book Description

NSK is considered by many to be the last true avant-garde of the twentieth century and the most consistently challenging artistic force in Eastern Europe today. The acronym refers to Neue Slowenische Kunst, a Slovene collective that emerged in the wake of Tito's death and was shaped by the breakup of Yugoslavia. Its complex and disturbing work -- in fields including experimental music and theater, painting, philosophy, writing, performance, and design -- has an international following but a powerful and specific cultural context. Within the NSK organization are a number of divisions, the best-known of which is Laibach, an alternative music group known for its blending of popular culture with subversive politics, high art with underground provocation -- reflecting the political and cultural chaos of its time.

In Interrogation Machine, Alexei Monroe offers the first critical appraisal of the entire NSK phenomenon, from its elaborate organizational structure and its internal logics to its controversial public actions. The result is a fascinating portrait not only of NSK but of the complex political and cultural context within which it operates. Monroe analyzes the paradoxes, perplexities, and traumas of NSK's work at its deepest levels. His investigation of the relationships between conceptual content, stylistic method, and ideological subtext demonstrates the relevance of NSK in general and Laibach in particular to current debates about culture, power, war, politics, globalization, the marketplace, and life itself. As Slavoj Zizek writes in his foreword, "Today, the lesson of Laibach is more pertinent than ever."

Monroe uses a variety of theoretical and historical approaches, as is appropriate to the shifting and elusive nature of his subject. The use of theory reflects NSK's own theoretical engagement; it is also a valuable way to read the issues raised by the work. Neither oversimplifying nor uncritically mystifying, Monroe leaves intact the "gaps, contradictions, and shadows" inherent in his subject, demonstrating that "it should still be possible to appreciate the work as art that moves, confuses, agitates, or fascinates."

Customer Reviews:

Difficult, but generally on target.......2007-04-24

OK Laibach fans, I broke down and bought the book knowing that it would probably be very academic in style. Well, it is. Somewhat surprisingly, the author admits as much in the Preface. He flat out states that there are some chapters that people may want to skip and that that's just fine.

Here's some comments in a fairly random order:

-This book is interesting in that it provides a lot of the Slovenian context for Laibach's work. As an American, I have always found Laibach's use of totalitarian imagery as challenging. But, I always saw it as an aesthetic statement, often intended with humor behind it. Which I still believe it is. However, in the Slovenian context, it's more than that. The specific images chosen and in some cases the exact music and lyrics/quotes sampled were very provocative to Slovenes. I believe that the author is correct in describing that both reactions were intended. Laibach was trying to make a very Slovene statement AND were trying to make an international statement. Most Laibach art is intended to have multiple interpretations, leaving the audience to either figure it out or be faced with other audience members right in front of them having the opposite reaction. The authors description of Laibach audiences including both right wing skinheads and left wingers touches on this. The bigger idea is that Slovenia became part of the world by becoming itself.

-The author describes a number of times that Laibach was also interrogating western market economics in the 90s in the same way that it interrogated eastern totalitarianism. I get that this is partially true but to me the case is weaker. "Market censorship" is self-chosen by the audiences and therefore is not the same as using force. It's much more of a situation like in the movie The Matrix where as long as people know they have a choice at some level, they are willing to go along. And, just as there was always an option for some number of people to opt out, that case exists in the West. It's even becoming more practical as the interconnections between people expands across the internet.

-There is some really interesting philosophy embedded here describing how the most threatening thing that can be done to power is to actually embrace its vision rather than be cynical about it. Anyone who has worked in a large corporation will get this because there is nothing that stops business productivity more than literally following a company's procedures to the letter. Laibach did this exact thing in Yugoslavia by be more totalitarian than the totalitarians. It's truly interesting to reflect on how power structures actually benefit from people not believing in them rather than believing.

-Ultimately, my interpretation of Laibach's and the NSK State's overall message is that we need to make our peace with tribalism in order to get past it. So, Laibach bring forward the instinctive human desires for power and purity within a group and turns it into an aesthetic experience. We can express it, enjoy it, and participate...then go home. By creating a state without borders, people can choose to be part of a defined group but without the need to fight over territory or force others to do believe differently. Rooting for sports teams, worshipping rock stars, these are all manifestations of this. Laibach's brilliance is that they allow you to see the inherent irony and humor in all of it. And, anything that can be laughed at ceases to be a real threat.

End Result: This is a philosophy book and not a music review. Although, it does have one chapter that talks about the first 4-5 records. If you naturally read philosophy and like Laibach, go for it. If you only like the music, then you may want to pass. If you don't like either the music or philosophy then I am really surprised you're reading this review.

Interrogation Machine: Laibach and NSK (Short Circuits)

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Interrogation Machine: Laibach and NSK (Short Circuits)
Alexei; Zizek, Slavoj Monroe
Manufacturer: The MIT Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQWL34

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Introduction to Photographic Principles
Lewis Larmore
Manufacturer: Dover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UGG43Q

Average customer rating:
Introduction to Photographic Principles
Lewis Larmore
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0486213854

Book Description

Collection of "Cowtown" cartoons by Kansas City cartoonist Charlie Podrebarac. Nice gift book that will make you giggle if you like barnyard animals, clowns, barbecue, and Elvis.

Book Description

Covering every aspect of the short-film production pipeline, this book demonstrates each concept and technique through a combination of general theories, examples, exercises, case studies, and interviews with short-film directors and industry specialists. Full of amazing imagery and one-of-a-kind content (including a robust DVD filled with dozens of award-winning short films) it is a must-read book for current and future animated filmmakers.

Customer Reviews:

Totally fantastic!.......2007-05-13

This book has everything you need to know about making a short 3D film. (I'm making one about a box turtle (I love turtles!) and a butterfly using Hexagon and Carrara.) The CD containing 39 short films is icing on the cake. This book makes the best kind of teacher - you don't just learn from it, but are inspired by it!

Great for the true beginner.......2005-12-20

I bought this hoping that it would teach me how to create a short film. The story I already have, it's just the skills and schedule that I need. This book gave me a GENERAL IDEA but it wasn't specific enough. It would say, "then use your compositing softare to put the renders together." Ummm... How?
I know it wasn't meant to be a complete-all-included-only-this-needed kind of book, but even so...
I would say that unless you are a true beginner to this field, look for something else, but if you are a true beginner, it is excellent. It taught me alot and I am very VERY glad I bought this book.

3D Short Film Production is Fantastic.......2005-08-22

It's a great book that I would recommend to anyone serious about creating their own Short Animated Film.

More informative than I could have ever imagined. It's everything you will learn at a 20,000 dollar a year university.

The included DVD is also filled with some great examples.

ENJOY and happy film making!

Not bad, but too much spend on things better covered in another book.......2005-08-20

I love the case studies in this book, as well as the format of using a workflow to structure the book, much as a project might be. But the authors spend too much time on story and character, material which is better covered in books dedicated to the subject (and written to hold your interest a little more as well). While the importance of these elements is significant and must not be overlooked, this is not why I bought this book. I would have been more satisfied had the space been used for more interviews and case studies (where an emphasis could have been placed on the storytelling). Other than that, I found the book inspirational and very helpful in encouraging my own ambitions towards making a short CG film - I especially appreciated how it stayed away from the platform and software wars, and focused on the things that just about every platform and software can (or should be able to) do.

Amazing!.......2005-01-11

This book is great for everyone who wants to create a short 3d animated film, covers all the production stages, from story to distribution and marketing (festival submissions, etc). Beautyfully designed and very well written.

Comes with a dvd with lots of shorts.

It's more than I espected..

Customer Reviews:

Good for younger grades.......2000-11-18

This book was interesting - and has some good ideas. But, most of the book is for younger grades (3-4).

Book Description

This book covers a variety of topics on newspaper and television coverage including the media and voting in presidential elections, coverage of the 1980 debates, the primaries, polls, economics and energy issues, print and broadcast coverage as compared with the 1976 and 1972 elections, and the influence of TV treatment of the campaign on voting behavior.

Customer Reviews:

A Great Read - Even for Dads.......2000-12-31

An incredibly heart-warming story of a person and a family that manages to pull off what appears to be a rarity these days: living a real life, in spite of everything the cruel, real world of patriarchial American society throws at it.

Blakely's story is interesting - even for a guy - because she is able to reflect so well on issues that must be of interest to anyone raising a family. She repeatedly points out where the primary blame for a deeply troubled society lies: not with the children, or the parents of those children, but with the attitudes, norms and expectations of that society. Blending this with an uplifting tale of a true survivor struggling through 18 years of raising two kids, she offers a hyper-realistic glimpse of what child-rearing is about for most of us: ups and downs, cookies, and anxieties, frustrations and guilt trips.

"American Mom" is a "must-read" for all Moms........1997-02-27

"American Mom" is a book that should be passed from Mom to Mom until every women who ever washed Cheerios off the floor for the seventeenth time this week has read it. It will make you laugh, cry, and shout "yes" as you live life with a woman who tried to do it all. Although she failed (big time), she survived, and lived (but just barely) to tell the tale. Do you know any women who try to take care of everybody and everything? Give them this book! It may not change their life, but it will make them laugh. You will never again stand and watch a child screaming in the checkout line at the grocery store without thinking of this book. Moms of the world, read this book, and UNITE!

American Mom: Motherhood, Politics, and Humble Pie

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American Mom: Motherhood, Politics, and Humble Pie
Mary Kay Blakely
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WAER98

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American Mom: Motherhood, Politics, and Humble Pie
Mary Kay Blakely
Manufacturer: Chapel Hill, North Carolina Algonquin Books 1994.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O36SU4

Book Description

Take away free peopleÂ's firearms, and they will make others. Through vivid descriptions and rare photos, this book documents the extremes to which people Â- including armies, gangs, guerrillas and prisoners Â- will go when normal supplies of firearms are denied.

Customer Reviews:

review.......2007-08-24

poor content, it is only a mean for obtaining loose information regarding improvised and modified firearms.

Buy this book before it is out of print........2002-05-21

Apart from some poor proof reading in parts (the one reason it only gets 4 stars instead of 5), this book categorically "rox" , covering its subject material precisely. Plenty of rare & interesting photo's of modified or home made firearms from all corners of the world. The text is fairly light but covers the background of most of the pieces pictured , although it is not strictly a "how to ...." book , you only need to look at the pictures to see how most of the guns work & were made.
The book contains a _lot_ of pictures & diagrams including simple but effective prison & guerilla weapons , the full auto ported 20 shot 1911 .45ACP used by Baby Face Nelson in the 1930's , a 4 shot .32 Nazi belt buckle gun , pen , knife & cane guns etc etc etc. There really is a lot of cool pictures inside this book.
Improvised Modified Firearms would make an excellent coffee table book , it's the type of book you can pick up regularly & browse through for home engineering inspiration , see something you missed last time you looked through it or use for further research (yes it does have some usefuul patent numbers in it)
This book is actually the first & second edition combined into one ,so you are really getting your monies worth , if you have any interest in the contents mentioned in the title , I guarantee that you will not be disappointed with this book , it would also make an excellent gift for the gun owner who has everything.

Improvised Modified Firearms: Deadly Homemade Weapons

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Improvised Modified Firearms: Deadly Homemade Weapons
J. David and Minnery, John Truby
Manufacturer: Paladin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IW6QD0

Book Description

Oliver Sacks has been described (by The New York Times Book Review) as "one of the great clinical writers of the 20th century," and his books, including the medical classics Migraine and Awakenings, have been widely praised by critics from W. H. Auden to Harold Pinter to Doris Lessing. In his last book, The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat, Dr. Sacks undertook a fascinating journey into the world of the neurologically impaired, an exploration that Noel Perrin in the Chicago Sun-Times called "wise, compassionate, and very literate . . . the kind that restore(s) one's faith in humanity."
Now, with Seeing Voices, Dr. Sacks takes us into the world of the deaf, a world he explores with the same passion and insight that have illuminated other human conditions for his readers everywhere. Seeing Voices is a journey: a journey first into the history of deaf people, the (often outrageous) ways in which they were seen and treated in the past, and the new understanding that started to dawn in the eighteenth century; and a journey into the present situation of the deaf--a situation which, all too often, is still one of misunderstanding and mistreatment.
Dr. Sacks writes of how he has come to see deaf people "in a new light, as a people, with a distinctive language, sensibility, and culture of their own." Indeed, it is only in the last ten years that the extraordinary and beautiful visual-gestural language of the deaf--Sign--has been fully recognized as a language, as linguistically complete, rich, and expressive as any spoken language, a language with its own distinctive basis in the brain. The one overwhelming peril for the deaf is to be kept from achieving language competence of any kind, to be denied access to both Sign and speech, and that tragedy is completely preventable by early exposure to Sign.
Sign is also social and cultural. It lies at the heart of the many manifestions of "deaf consciousness" in the past twenty years, among them the remarkable uprising of the deaf students at Gallaudet University in 1988. The revolt gained international attention and showed the world decisively that deaf people have "come of age" and no longer want to be treated as "disabled." Dr. Sacks gives a vivid personal account of the revolt and ponders its implications for the future. All his encounters in the course of this exhilarating journey raise issues of surprising depth and richness which, though of paramount interest to deaf people and all concerned with them, also extend powerfully to the human condition in general.

Customer Reviews:

Struggling to read!.......2007-06-14

This book is extremely difficult to wade through as there are an endless amount of footnotes and one feels as if they will never get to the "real" story. There is, however, a lot of valuable historical information about deafness and the obstacles the deaf population has had to endure. Many times during the reading of this book, I was struck with the awareness that I hadn't even considered certain aspects of living in a hearing world as a deaf person that seemed obvious upon reading them. The book is enlightening but a struggle to read.

Life-affirming, life-changing, must-read!.......2006-04-16

Stop whatever you're doing and read this right now. More than any of Sachs' wonderful books, it changes the way you perceive. A feast of ideas, a beautiful tribute to the genius of sign language, and a slap in the face for the hearing majority, who for so long have assumed that to hear is to fully understand. Not just a book; Seeing Voices is an essential experience.

"...the deaf have something to teach us.".......2005-02-05

In this extraordinary study, Dr. Sacks gives the general reader a penetrating insight into the world of the deaf. In his acclaimed "The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat", as a practicing neurologist, he brought his readers into the bizarre world of terrible brain related illnesses, presenting twenty-four cases of individuals afflicted with such diseases as agnosia or prosopagnosia, where "normal" reality is turned inside out, and how some of these diseases are treated and how the patients cope with their condition. In "Seeing Voices", he permits us entry into the silent, at times strange, though culturally rich world of the congenitally and pre-lingually deaf.

As someone who has had no previous experience or knowledge in this area, for me this text opened a whole new area of culture and history that is continually growing and developing.

Sacks' explores the nature of language, touching upon Noam Chomsky's paradigm-shifting studies, "Syntactic Structures", "Cartesian Linguistics" and Language of Mind", where he proposes his theory that language is innate, lying dormant until it is made active through human interaction and culture. Sacks connects these theories to the pre-lingual deaf and its implications and manifestations.

We are also given a history lesson on the language of SIGN, how it has developed, why it was jettisoned, out of ignorant prejudice, in the late nineteenth century, and its miraculous come back in the twentieth century. Through Sacks' concise and straightforward prose, he connects us to the foreign world of another language not depended on speech, its intricacies and its wonder, and how those of us who have the ability to hear and to verbalize, all too often take language for granted. He also makes clear the sophistication of Sign as a form of legitimate communication, its grammatical foundations and its many nuances, and how, in some ways, it is a superior form of active exchange between people.

In chapter three, Sacks tells us about the cultural breakthrough at Gallaudet University in March 1988, where after massive student protest, the school literally closed down, the first ever deaf president of the university was appointed. Sacks witnessed this social changing event first hand, which in the end affected him more than he realized,

"I had to see this all for myself before I could be moved from my previous "medical" view of deafness (as a condition, a deficit, that had to be "treated") to a "cultural" view of the deaf as forming a community with a complete language and culture of its own." (P.129-30)

Indeed this entire text has changed my view that deafness is not simply a condition or human deficit, but another way of being in the world. In fact the deaf, with their shared language are forming a world community and culture crossing all barriers. And as Dr. Sacks points out, in this way, "...the deaf have something to teach us." (P. 167)

A fascinating glimpse into the world of the deaf.......2004-01-05

I've read most of Oliver Sack's books and this one is perhaps my favorite. While I am not deaf myself and cannot begin to comprehend the complexities of living in a world that in so aural-dependent, I think Sacks has done an excellent job of introducing the layman to the world of the Deaf. This book is part a scientific exploration and part social history. It is probably incomplete as one previous reviewer indicated but I don't think that Sacks meant for the book to be a comprehensive history of the Deaf, nor a complete medical look at deafness. I found the book to be fascinating and , like most of the author's books, left me wanting to know more about the subject.

Incomplete.......2003-08-31

Being a Deaf person, I enjoy reading about the culture, the history, the outlook of others. That's why I was particulary excited when I got my hands on this book. And while I was interested throughout the book, I found my blood pressure frequently rising as I read the author's biased and one-track-mind approach.

He speaks as if all deaf people are the same and that one language is right for all. I, personally, use the language he speaks of, however, it is simply not healthy to presume all deaf people do as well. The largest thing he fails to even mention once is the fact that the large majority of deaf people became deaf after the age of 18.

Customer Reviews:

good book, one sided though.......2007-07-22

I found this book to have alot of information that was quite interesting. The beginning was very dry and boring, after that very informative yet this book was pretty one-sided. Not a quick read either

This will truly take you on a journey!.......2007-05-24

I am a CODA and have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. This book goes deep into the heart of numerous issues. I will admit, there are portions of the book that seem to be dry, but within a few paragraphs it becomes riveting. I have learned so much about the world I grew up in and appreciate the honest and straight-forward material. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about Deaf people, Deaf culture, and deafness.

A Journey into the Deaf-World.......2007-03-18

The book is just filled with so much information regarding the deaf-world.

I have been working with the deaf for over 20 years and had no idea the nuonces of the ASL language.

I recently started talking sign language over again just to catch up.

You will begin to really understand how little the hearing understand about the deaf world.

I highly recommend this book for those who truely want to understand the deaf culture.

A Must-Read for parents of Deaf children!.......2006-11-09

An excellent book, which spans the subjects of Deaf education, history, culture, communication, language, and social interaction.
Very enlightening as to the aspects of everyday life for a Deaf individual. This book opened my eyes to how it would feel to be Deaf, living in a world controlled (for the most part) by hearing people.
For those studying to be interpreters, or the casually interested reader, this book will be a wonderful addition to your library.

Deaf Culture.......2006-10-30

This book is packed full of information. Can be a bit overwhelming and boring at times. Chapters are long. I feel much of what is said is very interesting and informative, but could have been said in a more concise manner.

Seeing Voices: A Journey Into the World of the Deaf

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Seeing Voices: A Journey Into the World of the Deaf
Oliver Sacks
Manufacturer: Univ. of California Press c1989
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OO28WK

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Seeing Voices: a journey into the world of the deaf
OLIVER SACKS
Manufacturer: Picador
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H5KTOK

A hearing man's journey into the world of deaf softball.: An article from: Palaestra

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A hearing man's journey into the world of deaf softball.: An article from: Palaestra
David Stewart , and Robert Nulf
Manufacturer: Challenge Publications Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Sports | Subjects | e-Docs | Formats | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Palaestra, published by Challenge Publications Limited on September 22, 1996. The length of the article is 2475 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: A hearing man's journey into the world of deaf softball.
Author: David Stewart
Publication: Palaestra (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 22, 1996
Publisher: Challenge Publications Limited
Volume: v12 Issue: n4 Page: p23(4)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Journey into a silent world
Simon J Carmel
Manufacturer: American Museum of Natural History
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Hearing Problems | Disorders & Diseases | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00071ZYH6

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A Journey Into the Deaf-World
Harlan; Bahan, Ben; Hoffmeister, Robert Lane
Manufacturer: Dawn Sign
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LZCGG0

Seeing Voices: A Journey into the World of the Deaf, inscribed and sig

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Seeing Voices: A Journey into the World of the Deaf, inscribed and sig
Oliver SACKS
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MXGGO4

Book Description

For anyone who has ever thrilled to a cloud of blackbirds or a solitary falcon against the prairie sky, Paul Johnsgard has written a book that will both inspire and inform.

One of America's preeminent ornithologists, Johnsgard blends science, nature, and personal observations to tell the life histories of thirty-three grassland birds. Writing with precision and passion, he draws from his own observations to convey the magic of prairie birds, taking readers hawk-watching at Scotts Bluff or beside a prairie river on a spring evening with song sparrows in the willow thickets and cranes at the water's edge.

In graceful prose, Johnsgard provides an overview of the history, current status, and uncertain future of prairie birds, from falcons and shorebirds to larks and sparrows. Some are intercontinental migrants that winter in South America, others sedentary species or short-distance travelers who may frequent the grasslands of Mexico. Johnsgard describes each species, its features, habits, habitats, migratory patterns, and breeding season ecology, with the knowledge and flair that has made his books indispensable for birders of every level of experience.

More than a book on birds, Prairie Birds is a compelling portrait of the native grasslands of the Great Plains, which constitute nearly a fifth of the continent and are the most imperiled of North America's terrestrial ecosystems. He tells how birds evolved along with this "ancient sea of grass" over eons of time and also warns of the effects of human interference on the future of grasslands and birds alike as grazing, burning, and agriculture threaten the native grasses on which many birds depend for survival.

The book features forty-seven drawings by the author, including graphic keys to birdsongs. Appendixes provide an annotated list of more than one hundred prairie preserves, bird checklists for primary refuges and sanctuaries, and a list of all birds and plants mentioned in the text. A list of more than 600 citations makes this a definitive reference as well as a pleasurable read.

Prairie Birds is an essential book for readers everywhere who love birds and are concerned about their future. It invites us to stop and listen for the song of the pipit or longspur as it shows us America's grasslands in a new light.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Detail and well written.......2006-01-02

Johnsgard's books always excell because they are written in a way that everyone from birding experts to novices can understand. This book details the many prairie bird species in North America. Well written and illustrated, the book is a great addition to the bird enthusiast's library.

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