A History of Art in Alberta: 1905-1970

A History of Art in Alberta: 1905-1970
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A History of Art in Alberta: 1905-1970
Nancy Townshend
Manufacturer: Bayeux Arts, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1896209718

Book Description

The book provides, for the first time a comprehensive coverage of the development of art in Alberta from 1905 to 1970. This book tells how the inique conditions of time and place impacted on ALbert's artists, forging their self-reliance and tremendous individualism. it tells what Alberts's art was rather than what it wasn't.

Alberta 2005: A New History of Art in Alberta, 1905-1970

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Alberta 2005: A New History of Art in Alberta, 1905-1970
Nancy Townshend
Manufacturer: Dundurn Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 1550025953

Book Description

This book tells how the unique conditions of time and place affected Alberta's artists from 1905 to 1970, forging their self-reliance and tremendous individualism. At the same time, it tells of the challenges of Alberta's art trying to take root, only to be usurped by outside interests - until, that is, Albertans' visions triumph. Alberta 2005: A New History of Art in Alberta 1905-1970 is truly comprehensive, including the work of Maxwell Bates, W.L. Stevenson, Peter Whyte, the Calgary Group, John Snow, Marion Nicoll, Doug Haynes, Greg Arnold, and many others. Commissioned by the Alberta 2005 Centennial History Society, this book will make an original contribution to our understanding of Alberta art, giving Canada a more informed sense of itself.

Book Description

Just in time for the holidays, Visionaire, the fashion and art publication extraordinaire, enters the world of toy manufacturing. But this ain't no Hasbro enterprise. For their 44th issue, Visionaire has collaborated with vanguard toy wizard Kidrobot to create an original Visionaire soft vinyl toy, and then further collaborated with 10 fashion designers--including Donatella Versace, Hedi Slimane, Karl Lagerfeld, Dolce & Gabanna, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, and Viktor & Rolf--to customize the toy into 10 different characters. The issue is released in two sets of 5 toys, but each set contains photographs of all 10 characters. The characters and booklets are packaged inside an opaque molded plastic case.

Kidrobot is the world's premier creator of limited edition art toys designed by world-renowned artists with backgrounds in graffiti, industrial design, fine art, graphic design, illustration, and music. This issue marks the first time Kidrobot has entered the world of fashion and the first time Visionaire has entered the world of toys. Christmas present, anyone? Slipcased, 4 x 19 in.

Book Description

In the early 1990s, the animist and Hindu traces in adat, or Malay custom, became contentious for resurgent Islam in Malaysia. Reclaiming Adat focuses on the filmmakers, intellectuals, and writers who reclaimed adat to counter the homogenizing aspects of both Islamic discourse and globalization in this period. They practised their project of recuperation with an emphasis on sexuality and a return to archaic forms such as magic and traditional healing. Using close textual readings of literature and film, Khoo Gaik Cheng reveals the tensions between gender, modernity, and nation.

Khoo weaves a wealth of cultural theory into a rare analysis of Malay cinema and the work of new Malaysian anglophone writers. Reclaiming Adat makes an essential contribution to our knowledge of the complexities embedded in modern Malaysian culture, politics, and identity.

The book will be a useful source for students interested in postcolonial film and literature, Asian culture, and gender studies, as well as the general reader keen to learn about contemporary Malaysia.

Reclaiming Adat: Contemporary Malaysian Film and Literature.(Book review): An article from: Pacific Affairs
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Reclaiming Adat: Contemporary Malaysian Film and Literature.(Book review): An article from: Pacific Affairs
Richard Baxstrom
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | e-Docs | Formats | Books
Contemporary | Literature & Fiction | HTML | Formats | e-Docs | Formats | Books
ASIN: B000LXSPOY
Release Date: 2006-12-13

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Pacific Affairs, published by Thomson Gale on June 22, 2006. The length of the article is 674 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: Reclaiming Adat: Contemporary Malaysian Film and Literature.(Book review)
Author: Richard Baxstrom
Publication: Pacific Affairs (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 22, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 79 Issue: 2 Page: 352(3)

Article Type: Book review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Customer Reviews:

Good.......2006-05-20

A great guide by James W. Dearing dealing with issues that concern entry and survival in the music world, with good structure and easy to read language. Most of the information in here is based on real life experiences ant theory is kept to the minimum. This book will teach you how to make money fast without hassle, hot to keep your profits from decreasing and how to start your fortune from scratch. So if you want to make your living by making music and you don't know anything about that, then this is the best title for you.Recommended for all the novices out there

A Great Book for Aspiring LOCAL Artists.......1998-10-29

This book has it all. A step-by-step guide to making money as a local musician. He emphasizes the fact that getting a record deal is not necessarily the best thing for a group or solo artist. He says that, although it can be done successfully, it is better to stay local so you will always have a fan base. I find it refreshing to see a book that is more realistic and less fantastic.

Making Money Making Music: No Matter Where You Live

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Making Money Making Music: No Matter Where You Live
James Dearing
Manufacturer: Writer's Digest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Business | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0898791014

The Mah-Jong Pack
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The Mah-Jong Pack
D.B. Pritchard
Manufacturer: Carlton Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 1844424723

Book Description

Mah-Jong is different from all those other cerebral Oriental games, like chess, Go or Chinese chess in that it is not intended to be played with calm contemplation but rather at high speed, calling for luck, skill and fast thinking in equal proportions. It can be played just for fun but is also known, especially among the Chinese community, as an exciting gambling game that is often played for high stakes. However you want to play Mah-Jong, you will find it utterly fascinating and quite addictive.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Coverage of the Subject Matter

Common knowledge stuff

Comprehensive and Fun

Not of much use

My View of The Entrepreneur's Guide to Patents, Copyrights,Trademarks, Trade Sectrets, & Licensing

The Entrepreneur's Guide to Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Trade Secrets & Licensing
Jill Gilbert
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Law | Subjects | Books
General | Intellectual Property | Law | Subjects | Books
General | Intellectual Property | Law | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Look Inside Reference Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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Patents, Copyrights & Trademarks for Dummies

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Patent Pending in 24 Hours

Patent It Yourself

ASIN: 0425194094
Release Date: 2004-08-03

Book Description

Clear, comprehensive advice from an intellectual property lawyer--for every artist, inventor, and small business owner.

Today, virtually all companies, artists, and innovators run the risk of losing their competititve edge-and big money-by not adequately safeguarding their intellectual property. Written by an expert in intellectual property law, this is the first book to address the full range of legal protections available-patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, and licensing-with innovative information you won't find elsewhere, including:

€ Legal landmines every successful entrepreneur must avoid
€ Business practices that can be
protected-but are often overlooked
€ Protecting your intellectual property on the Internet
€ What are your ideas and the rights to them really worth?
€ Why trade secrets are a powerful and under-utilized protection
€ Lessons learned from Amazon.com, Microsoft, and other elite entrepreneurs
€ How even smart, savvy AOL lost exclusive trademarks, including "YOU'VE GOT MAIL!"
The Entrepreneur's Guide to Patents, Copyrights, Trademarks, Trade Secrets and Licensing is the definitive guide for the entrepreneur and innovator who is ready to protect what he or she has created-a

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Coverage of the Subject Matter.......2007-09-24

This is a wonderful book. For starters, it's well written, nicely organized, and easy to read. Just as important, it's targeted to entrepreneurs and does a great job of focusing on the issues that relate to starting and growing a new business venture -- rather than simply covering the technicalities of patent drafting, for example.

Perhaps the most valuable contribution this book can make for most entrepreneurs, especially those involved in technology-based ventures, is that it provides a strong foundation for conversations with an attorney. At the end of the day, most of us rely on the expert counsel of a patent attorney (or corporate attorney specializing in licensing transactions, for example). Being prepared to ask the right questions, present the relevant information, etc. is invaluable. It is also cost-effective. Beyond the simple fact that you'll learn a lot by reading this book, if you're using (paying for) patent counsel in any US city this book will pay for itself in about 10 minutes or less.

Steven K. Gold
Author, Entrepreneur's Notebook: Practical Advice for Starting a New Business Venture

Common knowledge stuff.......2007-09-12

I was hoping to learn some really helpful information about licensing, but I was disappointed finding that the writer only scratched the surface. I learned more in a 15 minute conversation with an attorney.

Comprehensive and Fun.......2007-06-28

This book provided a very enjoyable read, as well as comprehensive information that every inventor and entrepreneur would find useful. It answered my questions about the law, and allowed me to really understand how IP law applies to small business, artists, inventors, etc. The tone of the book is very entertaining, and to the point, which makes for a good read.

This book is not a patent cookbook, but rather an excellent reference that allows its readers to really understand the big picture of intellectual property, and how it affects them.

Not of much use.......2006-11-03

There was very little useful information in the book about the details of obtaining patents or trademarks - a lot of legal definitions and the like but few nuts and bolts for anyone looking to apply for them.

My View of The Entrepreneur's Guide to Patents, Copyrights,Trademarks, Trade Sectrets, & Licensing.......2006-08-09

Attorney Jill Gilbert has given us a well written, well researched, highly informative, and easily understandable book on patents, copyrights, trademarks, etc. There is something for everyone, be it businessman, artist, musician, or entrepreneur.

Book Description

It's Friday night and you're on a red-eye to the city of sin. Strapped to your chest is half a million dollars; in your overnight bag is another twenty-five thousand in blackjack chips; and your wallet holds ten fake IDs. As soon as you land in Las Vegas, you are positive you are being investigated and followed. To top it all off, the IRS is auditing you, someone has been going through your mail -- and you have a multivariable calculus exam on Monday morning. Welcome to the world of an exclusive group of audacious MIT math geniuses who legally took the casinos for over three million dollars -- while still finding time for college keg parties, football games, and final exams.

In the midst of the go-go eighties and nineties, a group of overachieving, anarchistic MIT students joined a decades-old underground blackjack club dedicated to counting cards and beating the system at major casinos around the world. While their classmates were working long hours in labs and libraries, the blackjack team traveled weekly to Las Vegas and other glamorous gambling locales, with hundreds of thousands of dollars duct-taped to their bodies. Underwritten by shady investors they would never meet, these kids bet fifty thousand dollars a hand, enjoyed VIP suites and other upscale treats, and partied with showgirls and celebrities.

Handpicked by an eccentric mastermind -- a former MIT professor and an obsessive player who had developed a unique system of verbal cues, body signals, and role-playing -- this one ring of card savants earned more than three million dollars from corporate Vegas, making them the object of the casinos' wrath and eventually targets of revenge. Here is their inside story, revealing their secrets for the first time.

Master storyteller Ben Mezrich takes you from the ivory towers of academia to the Technicolor world of Las Vegas, where anything can happen -- and often does. Bringing Down the House launches you into the seedy underworld of corporate Vegas -- deep into the realm of back rooms, ever-present video cameras, private investigators, and the threats and tactics of pit bosses and violent heavies. Equipped with twenty different aliases and disguises, the group of young card counters struggles around these roadblocks to live the high life -- until one fateful day when Vegas violently follows them home to Boston. Suddenly, there can be no more hiding behind false identities; the high life folds like a bad hand of cards.

Filled with tense action and incredibly close calls, Bringing Down the House is a real-life mix of Liar's Poker and Ocean's Eleven -- and it's a story Vegas doesn't want you to read.

Download Description

"It's Friday night and you're on a red-eye to the city of sin. Strapped to your chest is half a million dollars; in your overnight bag is another twenty-five thousand in blackjack chips; and your wallet holds ten fake IDs. As soon as you land in Las Vegas, you are positive you are being investigated and followed. To top it all off, the IRS is auditing you, someone has been going through your mail -- and you have a multivariable calculus exam on Monday morning. Welcome to the world of an exclusive group of audacious MIT math geniuses who legally took the casinos for over three million dollars -- while still finding time for college keg parties, football games, and final exams. In the midst of the go-go eighties and nineties, a group of overachieving, anarchistic MIT students joined a decades-old underground blackjack club dedicated to counting cards and beating the system at major casinos around the world. While their classmates were working long hours in labs and libraries, the blackjack team traveled weekly to Las Vegas and other glamorous gambling locales, with hundreds of thousands of dollars duct-taped to their bodies. Underwritten by shady investors they would never meet, these kids bet fifty thousand dollars a hand, enjoyed VIP suites and other upscale treats, and partied with showgirls and celebrities. Handpicked by an eccentric mastermind -- a former MIT professor and an obsessive player who had developed a unique system of verbal cues, body signals, and role-playing -- this one ring of card savants earned more than three million dollars from corporate Vegas, making them the object of the casinos' wrath and eventually targets of revenge. Here is their inside story, revealing their secrets for the first time.

Customer Reviews:

Non Fiction.......2007-09-03

A look at the ever growing sophistication of the duel between casinos and the professional card counters who realise that they do, indeed, have an edge at blackjack.

Technology and increased surveillance is slowly and surely bringing this to an end. Where it doesn't, there is still the good old beat up the winners technique if you fancy try it in Uzbekistan or somewhere.

Great Book.......2007-08-04

If you like Vegas, Money, and an awesome time, read this book. I read it in 2 days, and I hardly read.

Dad's fathers day gift.......2007-07-22

Amazon website wouldn't let me type in a zip code; website defaulted the zip based on city name and the zip was incorrect. As a result, package couldn't be delivered. I was issued a full refund (I think).

Fiction.......2007-07-19

A reviewer below who gave this book 5 stars noted that it is a dramatization based on real events. There is a label for those types of books--fiction. It bothers me tremendously that this book is billed as non-fiction and was listed on non-fiction bestseller lists. As soon as it became obvious to me that the book was fiction (which should happen very quickly if you approach the book with any sort of a critical perspective), it became difficult for me to enjoy the book. If you can suspend disbelief and are interested in a story based on events the general framework of which I'm sure are true, then you will probably find this to be a quick, entertaining read.

I get it.......2007-07-08

This is an interesting story, but it would have been better as a feature article in a magazine, not a 257 page book. It was a ballsy thing for these geeks to do, but we didn't need to hear about every trip, and every close call. And where were the serious consequences besides getting banned from casinos, and audited by the IRS? I kept waiting for some real trouble for Kevin.

4 Books: 1) Bringing Down the House: Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions / 2) Busting Vegas: The MIT Whiz Kid Who Brought the Casinos to Their Knees / 3) Ugly American / 4) Barbarians at the Gate (Bryan Burrough) (Unboxed Set of Books, 3 by Mezrich, 1 by Burrough)

Average customer rating:

4 Books: 1) Bringing Down the House: Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions / 2) Busting Vegas: The MIT Whiz Kid Who Brought the Casinos to Their Knees / 3) Ugly American / 4) Barbarians at the Gate (Bryan Burrough) (Unboxed Set of Books, 3 by Mezrich, 1 by Burrough)
Ben Mezrich , and Bryan Burrough
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000WWBDXO

Product Description

4 Books: 1) Bringing Down the House: Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions / 2) Busting Vegas: The MIT Whiz Kid Who Brought the Casinos to Their Knees / 3) Ugly American : The True Story of the Ivy League Cowboys Who Raided the Asian Markets for Millions / 4) Barbarians at the Gate (Bryan Burrough) (Unboxed Set of Books, 3 by Mezrich, 1 by Burrough), in either Hard or Softcover, (See Seller Condition Comments), Shipped in one package to save on shipping costs.

Armor in Detail No. 2: Panther Ausf. A
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Panther Ausf. A up close

Armor in Detail No. 2: Panther Ausf. A
Francois Verlinden
Manufacturer: Verlinden Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Models | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Armor in Detail, No. 1: Tiger 1 Ausf. E (Sd.Kfz. 181)

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Panzer Modelling (Rev Second Ed): (revised second edition) (Modelling Masterclass)

ASIN: 1930607296

Book Description

This book is designed to provide the scale modeler with beautiful color photo-reference of a popular WWII German subject, in this case the Panther Tank. Photographed at the SAUMER tank museum in France, this is a rare opportunity to study the details of an original Panther tank. Details covered include zimmerit, stowage equipment, side skirts, engine deck, hatches, and many interior details. An invaluable resource for the armor modeler, this book will also come in handy for the military enthusiast, as well as the WWII historian.

Customer Reviews:

Panther Ausf. A up close.......2007-08-11

A very detailed look at the SdKfz 171 that is at the Saumur Tank museum. Color photo's of every section of the tank. Many close up pictures. If you have not been on a real Panther, this is as close as you can get. Though it is worth travelling to the nearest muesum that has a Panther to see it in person. This is a very well done booklet and makes a nice souvenir of my visit to the Saumur Tank Museum.

Liars! Cheaters! Evildoers!: Demonization and the End of Civil Debate in American Politics
Average customer rating:

Great Title, Tough Reading

Risking the Mantel of Reason in dangerous times

Must be read by everyone who feels strongly that our politcal discourse much match our best ideals.

FINALLY, A HOPEFUL OUTLOOK

A Necessary Book

Liars! Cheaters! Evildoers!: Demonization and the End of Civil Debate in American Politics
Tom De Luca , and John Buell
Manufacturer: NYU Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Practical Politics | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Cultural | Anthropology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Political Science | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0814719759
Release Date: 2005-08-01

Book Description

"After reading and hearing so many epitaphs to political discourse in a polarized nation in the wake of 9/11, I take heart from Tom De Luca's and John Buell's realistic but hopeful argument for one last mighty effort to pull democracy back from the brink."
—Bill Moyers

"Masterful! Fascinating! Unsettling! Explains why Americans regularly demonize political opponents then suggests how we might free ourselves from a long, angry legacy. This rousing book should be required reading for scholars interested in the troubled past and citizens looking to a more democratic future."
—James A. Morone, author of Hellfire Nation: The Politics of Sin in American History

"In a lively and illuminating fashion, De Luca and Buell chart the politics of demonization in America, placing its temptations into correspondence with the sacrifices it imposes on democratic life."
—William E. Connolly, author of Why I Am Not a Secularist

"Mines diverse sources--newspaper columns, films, commercials, popular music, academic scholarship--offering a truly fair and balanced treatment of Democrats and Republicans, left and right, utterly refusing to demonize the demonizers. This vibrant book could not be more timely."
—Jane Bennett, co-editor of The Politics of Moralizing

" Liars! Cheaters! Evildoers! captures the power of demonization in our polarized politics, though as the authors rightly point out, this is deeply rooted in our history and political economy. Rather than give in to a diminished civic life, Tom De Luca and John Buell set out a compelling course for restoring democratic civility to politics. This should be on the short list for those who wish to ready themselves for the next battle in our culture wars."
—Stanley B. Greenberg, author of The Two Americas: Our Current Political Deadlock and How to Break It

The level of vitriol in American politics has been rising with no end in sight. Terms like "evildoer," "war on terror," and "axis of evil" have become commonplace in our discussion of international politics. What ever happened to civil debate? Where has all this moralizing come from? And what harm has this new level of attack caused to democracy in America?

In this compelling and cogent account, Tom De Luca and John Buell chart the rise of what they rightly label as the "demonization" of American politics, showing how political campaigns often neglect debates over policy in favor of fights over the private character and personal lives of politicians. Political interests are still served by this style of politics, but democracy, the authors contend, is the loser. Covering everything from the Clinton impeachment to the war on terrorism to the 2004 presidential campaign, the authors show the distinctly American qualities of demonization and how their frequency and intensity has grown in the last four decades.

Suggesting that demonization is not inevitable or irreversible, this important book offers ways out of the political mudpit and back to a more civilized debate where democracy and freedom of speech can coexist in a productive, idea-rich environment.

Customer Reviews:

Great Title, Tough Reading.......2006-04-01

Although I agree with other reviewers that this is a much-needed and thoughtful study of a serious problem in American political discourse, I found the text tough going. I suspect that previous reviewers might have some background in Political Science that I lack. Although I have a PhD from the University of Chicago, it's in a Humanities field, and not Social Sciences.

The title suggests a lively, down-to-earth volume, with a lot of specific examples, but instead the book turns out to be dry, abstract, highly theoretical, and filled with the kind of jargon academics use in communicating with one another, while shutting out the general public.

Despite this problem, the book does have many interesting insights to offer, particularly on the role president Bush's religious fundamentalism plays in his political behavior. But that's old news. Anybody who's been paying attention in the years since Bush became president knows that he and his circle are determined to turn the United States into a fundamentalist theocracy, and are succeeding at a terrifying rate.

In a televised speech, co-author Tom De Luca noted: "It's not demonization when you have the goods on somebody." De Luca's book did not succeed in changing my opinion that America is now in the hands of the most absolutely and irredeemably evil people ever to hold power in the entire history of this country-- and we DO "have the goods" on them. But the opposition (the spineless and cowering Democrats) lacks the courage to do anything with the edivence.

This book rewards close reading but be warned-- you're going to have to work to get the message!

Risking the Mantel of Reason in dangerous times.......2006-03-03

Liars, Cheaters and Evil doers helps us chart a course for civil debate...not a polyanna treatise, but the importance of real debate,
calling things the way you see them based on information, reason and justice, not hysteria in which relative truth is subjected to the acid tongoue and the basist instincs, but one that tries to articulate points of view in which people of good intent can forcefully disagree in a way that promotes truth rather than inflames the worst in us. It is an ancient desire and De
Luca and Buell should be commended for risking to take up this mantel in these dangerous times.

Must be read by everyone who feels strongly that our politcal discourse much match our best ideals........2006-02-20

In "Liars! Cheaters! Evildoers!" authors Tom De Luca and John Buell admirably examine the corrosive phenomena of "demonization" in American politics and the harm it has done to our civic discourse and democratic institutions. The scope of their work is breathtaking as they trace the trajectory of "political demonology" in America from its infancy as a clash between puritan conservatism and hedonistic liberalism, to its contemporary manifestation in the virulent culture wars of recent decades as "culture warriors" on both sides of the political divide disparage and demonize their foes. Delving deeper, De Luca and Buell uncover a "moral paradox" inherent in our national character that appears to fuel our need to transform political opponents into enemies. The authors contend that our political culture has now reached a zero-sum impasse engendered by the approximate parity of the two political parties as each seeks victory through mobilizing their core constituencies by exploiting wedge issues and engaging in character-driven politics. Liberals, conservatives, and moderates have all been guilty of this, while those victimized and demonized are very often the most vulnerable among us. De Luca and Buell offer a thoughtful antidote to the polarized partisanship that has seized hold of us. Their goal, a "more generous democratic politics" forged out of a new political covenant based upon true equity and opportunity, is a noble one. This well-crafted and insightful book should be read by everyone who feels strongly that our political discourse must match our best ideals.

FINALLY, A HOPEFUL OUTLOOK.......2006-02-15

"Liars! Cheaters! Evildoers!" by Tom DeLuca and John Buell is a welcome antidote to the shrill ideological slugfests that fill the airwaves disguised as political discourse. Their simple formula, "proper condemnation requires appropriate distinctions," is a call to end the simplistic retreat to demonization in civil debate, and demands that we aspire to, and require, a higher standard of discourse from ourselves, colleagues, elected officials and the media. This book offers valuable analysis and a hopeful conclusion to so many of us who despair of the current political climate.

A Necessary Book.......2006-02-14

Before reading Liars! Cheaters! Evildoers! I was certainly conscious that the tone of our political discourse has always left much to be desired. In the back of my mind, until the last few years when the demonization deepened, I assumed this was to be expected in adversarial situations like politics and we had to live with it. The last few years, though, has only left me feeling hopeless that the situation has progressed beyond the possibility of it ever being civilized.
Since reading Liars! Cheaters! Evildoers! I have become aware that there are so many facets that contribute to the current climate than I ever dreamed of. It is like trickles of water washing down from the melting snows of the mountains. A trickle here, a trickle there, and soon it unites and a mighty river flows. We seem to be in that might river now feeling a force that seems beyond our control.
That is not necessarily so. Reading the thorough and deep analysis of political demonization by Tom De Luca and John Buell will educate on all of the ways in which this situation came about. You can't solve a problem unless you first understand it. This book does that and more. It offers insightful solutions.
This is a must-read book for anyone who cares about having a country that does right by all of its citizens. We can't have serious debate over issues that affect all of us if we can't learn to be civilized, respectful of differing opinions and, most of all, to listen to each other with an open heart. Liars! Cheaters! Evildoers! is a first, and major, step toward that end.

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