Meatphysics

Book Description

A progressive and uncompromising work that merges fiction and theory to create an intense yet gloriously deviant look at the world through the eyes of controversial Brit-artist, Jake Chapman (of the Chapman Brothers). With protagonists who-like his mutated Nike-wearing child mannequins-exhibit similar aberrations, Chapman engages with Freudian theory, genetic engineering and consumerism, to create a highly original and intellectually stimulating work that is as challenging and confrontational as any of his acclaimed works of art.

Customer Reviews:

Completely insane.......2005-06-21

Being an avatar of all things ridiculously and needlessly complicated, I picked this book up at The Strand Bookstore. I knew by staring at the first page that I had, indeed, encountered a literary monstrosity so completely indulgent that I would have to force myself to read through it word-for-word just to give myself the pleasure in the knowledge that I could mentally endure something so pretentious. The book is a dense mixture of ranting, archaic codes, numbers, and patterned letters. For example "aehaaaheheheeeeeehehehnsnsnsnsnheweiw923393939393hdendndndbdhehe
hehehendndndhehendndhehendnehe9239393satanicdogface". Can you imagine a book comprised of 85% of the aforementioned? It seems that Jake must have written about five large essays based around his hatred of everything ever and mixed them into a microsoft word document that had some sort of horrifying computer virus in it. Needless to say I finished the book, but I wouldn't recommend it to just anyone. This book is for aesthetes of the highest nihilistic nature and mental concentration, or else you just won't be able to get past the first sentence.

Average customer rating:

MEATPHYSICS
Jake Chapman
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N6OSKY

The Significance of the "Mystical" in Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico - Philosophicus.

Average customer rating:

The Significance of the "Mystical" in Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico - Philosophicus.
Bruno Arcenas
Manufacturer: Our Lady Of Holy Cross College. LA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000PBXF06

Product Description

8.5 x 5.5 Inches. Staple-bound softcover. Light age discoloration to covers. Clean, complete, unmarked, uncreased interior with tight binding. 70 Pages. Notes. Bibliography. Author's signed inscription on the title-page.

The Creative Photography Handbook: A Sourcebook of Techniques and Ideas
Average customer rating:

Creative Photography Handbook

Expanding Horizons

Good...But not his best.

Excellent guide for techniques and new ideas

The Creative Photography Handbook: A Sourcebook of Techniques and Ideas
Lee Frost
Manufacturer: David & Charles Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Reference | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | How-to | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Equipment | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Lee Frost's Simple Art of Black and White Photography: Easy Methods for Making Fine Art Prints

Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition)

The A-Z of Creative Photography: Over 70 Techniques Explained in Full

The Q&A Guide To Photo Techniques

The A-Z Creative Digital Photography

ASIN: 0715315374

Book Description

Are you keen to broaden your photographic horizons but not sure how to go about it? This invaluable sourcebook of techniques and ideas from best-selling author, Lee Frost, is guaranteed to put the creativity back into your photography.

With photographic technology reaching new heights of sophistication, producing technically perfect photographs is now easier than ever before.

Unfortunately, no matter how clever a camera is, it's still a tool and can only do what you tell it to do - so if you want to produce anything more than mere record shots, you need to use your imagination and apply a little photographic magic.

The Creative Photography Handbook sets out more than 70 creative techniques and subject ideas to help you produce exciting, innovative images. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced photographer looking for something to spice up your picture-taking, The Creative Photography Handbook will prove to be an invaluable sourcebook of ideas and effects.

Lee Frost is an acclaimed landscape photographer and bestselling photography author whose previous books include The A-Z of Creative Photography, The Complete Book of Night and Lowlight Photography, Photos that Sell and The Photographer's Guide to Filters (all published by David & Charles). A regular contributor to several UK photography magazines, including Photography Monthly, Outdoor Photography and Black & White Photography, he also leads photographic holidays and workshops. He lives in Peterborough.

Customer Reviews:

Creative Photography Handbook.......2004-05-08

This terrific book covers photography basics and advanced techniques. What sets this book apart from other photography references is its readability and inclusion of fun, creative techniques. The author has broken the subject matter down into brief, easy to follow, stand alone sections. You can go directly to the topic of your choice, e.g. exposure, lighting, twilight photography etc. In a matter of minutes you will understand the technique involved. This book is appropriate for beginners and intermediate photographers. Advanced photographers may find specific sections helpful.

Expanding Horizons.......2003-09-17

Okay, you've been through lots of other photography books that walk you through the basics. This book helps you to use those skills and apply them in creative ways. Well written and illustrated with a broad range of material presented almost as mini assignments to get you to use the techniques presented straight away. This book provides a good basis for expanding one's photography in a fun, and informative fashion!

Good...But not his best........2003-05-20

This is an informative photography book. Based on general ideas of photography such as back lighting and zooming. Informative for the Novice or someone who want to break out of there regular line of photography to get some ideas.

I find that Lee's previous books are significantly better and more informative than this one. But, ALL of Lee's book are informative and helpful.

Excellent guide for techniques and new ideas.......2003-05-19

This is absolutely an excellent book. Without going into the basis stuff that's in almost every book (by now, you should now what dept-of-field and shutterspeed is), Lee Frost gives a new idea and the belonging technique in every chapter.

The book is written in a very simple, story-telling way. Every chapter tells what the creative technique is, how to use it, what materials you require and gives you some useful tips for further discovery of the subject. I read the book from A to Z, almost without stopping.

Next to that the great text, the book is stuffed with beautiful photos that are not only really beautiful, but help you understand the subject they illustrate.

A real good buy, I can't imagine anyone being disappointed after buying this book.

Customer Reviews:

Reprint of the 1898 Golpher's Alphabet.......2003-05-12

This is a reprint of the 1898 book, The Golfer's Alphabet, a fun and funny book which today's golfers will appreciate just as much as their great-grandfathers did.

Average customer rating:

The golfer's alphabet
Van Tassel Sutphen
Manufacturer: C.E. Tuttle Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Satire, General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Golf | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007ERRTQ

The Golfer's Alphabet: A Celebration of Golf from A to Z

Average customer rating:

The Golfer's Alphabet: A Celebration of Golf from A to Z
Kenneth G. Hess
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0671748823

Average customer rating:

THE GOLFER'S ALPHABET: A CELEBRATION OF GOLF FROM A TO Z
Kenneth G Hess
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000J3T8L0

The golfer's alphabet;: Illustrations by A. B. Frost, rhymes by W. G. Van T. Sutphen

Average customer rating:

The golfer's alphabet;: Illustrations by A. B. Frost, rhymes by W. G. Van T. Sutphen
Van Tassel Sutphen
Manufacturer: Harper & Brothers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006FBKO4

Book Description

Discover the Scottish Highland Games, celebrated in over thirty U.S. states every year. Participants compete in the caber toss, Highland dancing, piping and drumming, fiddling, and many more competitive and non-competitive events.

"The Scottish Highland Games in America" is a tribute to the players and events that keep the modern Games alive and exciting. You'll also discover the history of the Games, rooted in Scotland and celebrated in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries where Scots have settled. A complete state-by-state listing of the Games and their events is also included.

Customer Reviews:

Breathtaking.......1999-09-30

Real men throw kegs. Real women sleep with real men. I love Scotland and all the hairy drunk bastards that call it home.

A disgrace to my culture.......1999-09-29

How dare any woman to write a book on a man's sport. I wonder if Mrs. Donaldson knows that women are peed upon in Scotland.

This book really opened up my heart.......1999-09-16

Before I read this insightful study into the athletic world of drunken Scots, I must say that I wanted to never visit Scotland. Now that I read the book i want to go there and pee on their culture. They throw keg up in the air. Wow how cool is that. They throw cabers, but can they win a war?

Book Description

Documentary Film: A Primer provides a succinct introduction to the nature of the documentary, drawing on examples from the work of Robert Flaherty, Dziga Vertov, Leni Riefenstahl, Woody Allen, Warren Beatty, Spalding Gray, Cindy Sherman, Susan Sontag, and others. The documentaries discussed cover a range of subjects including the Russian Revolution, the Holocaust, and the worlds of fashion and sports. This incisive foray into the essentials of documentary is then buttressed by an in depth discussion of the career of Jill Craigie, a British director/writer who brought to the cinema an uncompromising socialist and feminist perspective during the Second World War. How Craigie got her films produced by a major studio, and why her work could not be replicated in postwar Britain, reveal not only the way documentaries are made but also why they remain a controversial and problematic genre.

A selection of Rollyson's reviews of contemporary documentaries provides a model for discussing the genre. Students and fans of documentaries will find his list of classic documentaries on VHS and DVD and his excerpts from other critics of the genre of special interest. His topics for discussion section make this book a valuable resource for teachers as well.

Customer Reviews:

Another short and useful book from Rollyson.......2007-04-09

It so happens that I ordered both this and Rollyson's "Reading Biography" for an interdisciplinary course. One segment of the term covers how to think critically about documentary film, and this book is perfect for my very capable but non-specialist students. The book focuses on a case study (here, Jill Craigie) but includes broader material (particularly in the first chapter and the five examples of film reviews). I happen to think this is the perfect balance and would like to see more books (on a variety of disciplines) follow Rollyson's lead.

Rediscovering an important filmmaker.......2005-01-10

Rediscovering an important filmmaker
I wrote this book not only to provide a succinct account of documentary film as a genre but to introduce to film scholars and buffs the work of Jill Craigie, an extraordinary woman whose work has been neglected. Her passion for politics (she was married to British Labour leader Michael Foot) informs all her work, and she was unique in her generation by bringing a feminist and socialist perspective to filmmaking. You won't find her in histories of documentary films, and that is a great shame which I have attempt to rectify.

Book Description

He's (She's) No Good for Me * I'm Way Ahead * In Tune * It's Not Where You Start * My City * Nobody Does It Like Me * Poor Everybody Else * Ride Out the Storm * Seesaw * Spanglish * We've Got It * Welcome to Holiday Inn * You're a Lovable Lunatic.

Customer Reviews:

Seesaw Is Great for Auditions.......2000-05-11

This features great songs for auditions that used to be common in auditions. They are perfect for today because most people have forgotten about them. Seesaw has great songs you can do a lot with and you might just be the only one at your audition who's doing it!

Average customer rating:

Vocal Selections From Seesaw
Coleman
Manufacturer: NOTABLE MUSIC CO INC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000SHCXZK

Average customer rating:

Vocal Selections from Seesaw.
Michael. Bennett
Manufacturer: Notable Music Co. c
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KIP5WU

The Principle Of Restricted Talent And Other Bridge Stories (The Chthonic Bridge Chronicles)
Average customer rating:

this lowly human bridge player has been educated :-)

The Principle Of Restricted Talent And Other Bridge Stories (The Chthonic Bridge Chronicles)
Danny Kleinman , and Nick Straguzzi
Manufacturer: Master Point Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Bridge | Card Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Persistent Human Bridge Errors

Abbot's Great Sacrifice (Master Bridge Series)

Off-road Declarer Play: Unusual Ways to Play a Bridge Hand

The Hands Of Time: The Most Exciting Bridge Deals ever Played!

Cardinal Sins (Master Bridge Series)

ASIN: 1894154924

Customer Reviews:

this lowly human bridge player has been educated :-).......2006-01-15

There are certain categories of bridge books, to which most of the genre belong; bidding, declarer play, and defense being the most obvious, of course. Bridge as entertainment is a category that is rarely attempted, and the best such books combine this entertainment with interesting deals or lessons. The exploits of Chthonic are probably more in the "interesting deal" category, but well worth the read. Of course, Bridge World subscribers will be familiar with a number of the stories, but having all of those together, along with some new ones, is a nice bonus for the reader. If you're looking for a lesson tome, this is not for you. If you know the game, enjoy this "biography" of the world's best bridge playing computer...

You've Got to Be Believed to Be Heard: Reach the First Brain to Communicate in Business and in Life
Average customer rating:

Still the Best on the Topic of Speaking

one of the best !

One book we all need to read and use

A must for any professional who influences people

On Target

You've Got to Be Believed to Be Heard: Reach the First Brain to Communicate in Business and in Life
Bert Decker
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Speaking With Bold Assurance: How to Become a Persuasive Communicator

Business Writing: What Works, What Won't

Cultural Dimension of International Business, The (5th Edition)

How to Get Your Point Across in 30 Seconds or Less

Crisp: Communication Skills for Leaders, Third Edition: Delivering a Clear and Consistent Message (Crisp Fifty-Minute Series)

ASIN: 0312099495

Book Description

Are you uncomfortable--even afraid--about the prospect of speaking before a group of people? Do you have trouble getting your message across? When you speak, do others listen--or can you feel their attention wandering?Effective communication is essential in business and in everyday life. The most powerful communicators reach not just our minds, but our hearts: They win our trust. You can learn to impress and persuade other people by following Bert Decker's program in You've Got you Be Believed To Be Heard.Decker trains over 10,000 professionals each year in the art of communicating. In this book, he distills his expertise into a fresh new approach to speaking, with examples and how-to exercises that anyone can follow. Spend a few evenings with his book, and you will discover how to win the emotional trust of others--the true basis of communicating in any situation.How to conquer "stage fright"How to inject dynamic energy into your voiceWhy eye contact helps win trustWhen and how to use humor to make a pointA proven technique to eliminate "Umm" and "Ahh" from your speechEight steps to transforming your personal impactA Main Selection of the Newbridge Book Club Executive Program

Customer Reviews:

Still the Best on the Topic of Speaking.......2007-10-02

If you read one book on speaking and presenting, this is still the one. I've read it five or six times and I'm still incorporating Bert's ideas into what I do. The basic science he describes also applies beyond speaking to one-on-one interaction, so it's on my recommended list of the nine best sales books of all time.

one of the best !.......2007-04-11

This is one of the best communication texts written ... I use it as a text for forensic accounting [adult professionals]

One book we all need to read and use.......2007-02-23

This is a classic. Well written, clear and full of very useful tips that you can put into effect today. Lesson learned. The words you use only convey 7% of your message., yet we sweat bullets over the words, neglecting how we deliver it. If you have to communicate in your life, you need this book. I found it in bargain bin, but its a treasure. He has had over 35 yrs experience helping people become better and more spontaneous speakers. Recommended.

A must for any professional who influences people.......2007-02-19

After 24 years of being a Marketing Consultant to physicians &
professionals, I've found that there is no replacement for having
good, solid "Communication skills."

You can be a great practitioner/professional, but if you can't
effectively communicate to your staff, your patients, or to your
family members -- your life is going to be filled with constant
pain & conflict.

"You've Got To Be Believed To Be Heard," is one of those rare
"How To" books that truthfully leads you to being a better
presenter of solutions.

The best thing about this book is that you will stay being you.
You won't become a phony persona of yourself. Plus, you'll soon
learn that when you are believed by others -- you can stimulate
positive and lasting change that can truly enlighten.

This is a powerful book. Use it wisely.

On Target.......2001-12-08

Bert Decker is on target with "You've got to be Believed..He helps us understand how our mind works and what works with the people we speak to. Its more than just saying the words. Mr. Decker gives the reader critical insight into the communication process. This is a must read for those who truly want to connect .The information learned is based on proven principles that are timeless.Effective communication is the lifeblood to effective living. This book nails it!

Book Description

Reagan In His Own Voice features Ronald Reagan's radio addresses from the late 1970s. Edited by Kiron K. Skinner, Annelise Anderson, and Martin Anderson, they are introduced by George Shultz and feature additional introductions by Nancy Reagan, Richard V. Allen, Judge William Clark, Michael Deaver, Peter Hannaford, Edwin Meese III and Harry O'Connor.

From 1975 to 1979 Ronald Reagan gave more than 1,000 daily radio broadcasts, the great majority of which he wrote himself. This program represents the opening of a major archive of pre-presidential material from the Reagan Library and the Hoover Institution Archives. These addresses transform our image of Ronald Reagan, and enhance and revise our understanding of the late 1970s -- a time when Reagan held no political office, but was nonetheless mapping out a strategy to transform the economy, end the cold war, and create a vision of America that would propel him to the presidency.

These radio programs demonstrate that Reagan had carefully considered nearly every issue he would face as president. Reagan's radio broadcasts will change his reputation even among his closest allies and friends. Here, in his own voice, Reagan the thinker is finally fully revealed.

Customer Reviews:

A real convervative in his own words.......2007-10-03

This product is simply amazing. Ronald Regan was one of the best Presidents this country has ever had. These recordings are amazing. Many of the issues that he addressed in his radio announcements are still relevant to today! Decades later!!!

This should silence the "nay sayers" about Regan's abilities and opinions. All these announcements were written by Regan himself between his term of Governor of CA and President. He clearly laid out his plan of defeating communism. It is amazing to hear how a "true" conservative thinks.

Each section is set up and reviewed so that you know the actual context in which Regan was speaking.

It was a true pleasure to hear Regan's views on Government, Freedom of Speech, and faith in the American people.

This series is a must for anyone who doesn't understand what it means to be a conservative. I just wish our current President (George W) would listen and practice Regan's example of what it means to be a conservative.

Ronald Regan knew how the world works, and the role the US Government should play in the lives not only US Citizens, but to the entire world.

Ronnie, we miss you.......2006-10-01

I doesn't really matter if you're a dem or a rep, this is a voice that can speak to you if you're an american.

No, I didn't agree with everything the Gipper said but I always listened.

First rate audio. First rate documentary. First rate ideas.

Simply Amazing.......2006-02-19

No matter what your political affiliation is, there is no denying Ronald Reagan was one of the greatest speakers and leaders of our time. The collection of audio commentaries by the 40th president of the United States is an everlasting testimomy to the personality and opinions which reached out and captivated a nation. After listening to his warm voice and sharp wit,it soon becomes apparent how he could almost effortlessly attract and win most people over with his words. The collection of commentaries contained in this CD, were recorded from his radio days prior to becoming president and provide insight into some of the issues and concerns of the American public during the 1970's. Its such a great collection, that his voice, thoughts and charisma remain with you long after listening to the CD.

Excellent - Thank you Kiron Skinner!.......2005-08-17

It was during the 2000 and 2004 elections that my father would often reflect upon the Reagan radio addresses of the late 70's, further convincing me that Reagan's greatest ideas were spread, not by text or television, but by radio, at first

To my father, and to many others, Reagan's Presidency started with these radio addresses, that gave Reagan the greatest opportunities in expressing his greatest concerns for our country, and his best solutions towards them

In turn, I was eager to hear some of these addresses, and I'm extremely thankful that scholars like Kiron Skinner have finally put them together

In this Audio CD, you will find a cluster of many radio addresses ---- humorous, political, storytelling, etc ----- most of them focus upon the Soviet Union, and many spotlight exactly how Reagan presented his thesis against the "Evil Empire" ---- listening to them makes you wanna travel in a time machine and cast a vote for President Reagan

They are also easy to listen too, as 95% of this audio CD is Reagan's addresses, and little of it is taken up by commentators or other authors --- the best part is that they take all of Reagan's best commentaries and play them through completely! No interruptions, and no quick takes --- just pure Reagan!

And as always, Reagan's optimism and love of storytelling definitely comes through

For me, I purchased this version off of the iTunes music store (iTMS), and loaded it onto my iPod, where I was able to listen to it during long drives over this last year ----- it made me feel like I was driving in the year of 1979, being convinced to vote for Reagan over Carter ---- I don't even know if President Reagan, himself, knew that his greatest immortalization would be within an Apple iPod???

In turn, its a great set! My biggest appreciation goes to Kiron Skinner, a very accomplished scholar of African American heritage, and Hoover Institute Fellow, who has put together this great set

My only criticism is that it is too short ----- even for 5 to 6 hours!!!! My deepest hopes are that Skinner considers a sequal

Thank you all and happy listening!!!!

Reagan at his best.......2004-09-13

I was too young to Remember Reagan prior to his Presidency and was therefore surprised to learn that he was a fixture on radio during the mid to late 1970s. It's going to be hard for historians to peddle the notion that he was a dunce after sifting through his writings on all of these far-ranging subjects. The media darling Clinton certainly couldn't focus long enough to present so many arguments so clearly and for such a long time.

The book of these 3 minute radio pieces is fascinating, but it can't compare to the great man reading the entries himself. Reagan can be serious and humorous, but he never loses his optimism. He brought to America a different kind of politics. He could lay out serious problems facing the country and yet positive changes that could make us a better nation. It allows his commentaries to be serious without the whining associated with so many out-of-power politicians.

Many of the policy decisions he would later make are included here, but some of the most interesting entries are on government operations you don't think about.

A good example is Reagan explaining the monopoly of the postal system with such precision that it is amazing that the system lasted throughout his eight years. Reagan tells of how small companies learned better ways to transport first class mail locally and were shutdown for doing so. He then compares the postal rates to long distance phone rates and how you could once send a 100 letters for the price of a long distance call, whereas by the 1970s you could only send three. Of course, nowadays you could read a ten page letter cheaper than sending it, only further proving his point. Reagan ends by reminding listeners that although a real monopoly exists in the Post Office and the inefficiency therein causes rising prices and reduced services, the government is chasing down ATT as a monopoly although they have outperformed the government in every way. Reagan proves, in essence, that the only monopoly that wins is the one at a point of a gun.

In addition to the Reagan entries, the set has a nice commentary by Reagan associates and the editors of the series. It's well produced and no less than fine entertaining history.

Reagan in His Own Voice: Ronald Reagan's Radio Addresses

Average customer rating:

Reagan in His Own Voice: Ronald Reagan's Radio Addresses
Ronald Reagan
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B00005U7Y3

Book Description

When the San Jose Mercury News ran a controversial series of stories in 1996 on the relationship between the CIA, the Contras, and crack, they reignited the issue of the intelligence agency's connections to drug trafficking, initially brought to light during the Vietnam War and then again by the Iran-Contra affair. Broad in scope and extensively documented, Cocaine Politics shows that under the cover of national security and covert operations, the U.S. government has repeatedly collaborated with and protected major international drug traffickers. A new preface discusses developments of the last six years, including the Mercury News stories and the public reaction they provoked.

Customer Reviews:

A shocking indictment of US foreign policy.......2007-03-17

I wouldn't say the book needs better editing. Some people may find the sheer amount of names and information presented to be cumbersome. I think the information could have been presented better by the authors, laying out facts and relationships between major parties involved such that the material is better digested by the casual reader. But this is my only criticism, otherwise this work is superb.

It is also frightening. This is a well documented, scholarly work; there is nothing here to point the dismissing charge of `conspiracy theory'. There are nearly 100 pages of references, and a great amount of this is from congressional testimony during the Kerry commission. The book documents how the CIA permitted, and one could say sanctioned, drug smuggling to reward American allies during the Contra wars against Nicaragua. The CIA did not seem to care that the drugs were destined for the US. Where was the DEA in all of this? The DEA office in Honduras was closed down after a year of operations. They could do nothing so they closed the office down. Whatever investigation leads they had were connected to the CIA, so they just quietly moved away. The authors also suggest that the DEA had information about certain drug shipments, but just looked the other way.

Meanwhile the Reagan administration, in order to bolster support for their illegal war, tried to misinform the American public by saying the Nicaraguans and Cubans were engaged in `narcoterrorism'. In classic doublespeak, Reagan told us that the evil communists were trying to peddle drugs on American streets in order to destroy us. What liars! They knew full well where the drugs were coming from. Reagan's poor memory came to his rescue, he should have been impeached.

The authors suggest that using drug smuggling as an instrument of foreign policy seemed blase to Washington, like it was nothing shocking or new. For example, heroin smuggling was a major part of the reason for the involvement in Vietnam. So maybe oil isn't the reason for the current US involvement in Afghanistan. It just happens to be the biggest opium producing region in the world..

Needs better editing.......2005-11-16

This book provides a well-documented and comprehensive study of US involvement with drug runners and drug lords in the Central American countries of Panama, Guatemela, Honduras, etc... The book shows how this involvement was run by the executive branch of the US federal govt, often with minimal knowledge or consent by the American people, Congress, or the citizens of the Central American countries. Many of these interventions transgressed US and international law, and most likely broke laws in the local countries of action.

The goal of these interventions was to prevent the spread of communism in the area, regardless of whether the local communists were imports from Cuba/USSR or homegrown products. Specifically, Central America was formerly part of the Spanish empire. During this subjugation, society throughout the region became stratified into a land-holding minority, and a tenant majority. After WWII, many of these nations saw popular uprisings by the lower classes intent on wealth (land) redistribution. This smacked of communism, and the US government would not have any of this. Therefore, one US president after another ordered the CIA to provide arms, funding, training, and other support to groups in the region that promised to fight communists. Often times these groups were involved in the drug trade.

The result was that elected governments and local economies throughout the region were undermined by well-trained and well-armed drug lords backed and funded by the CIA. This destroyed these nations, and allowed drug lords in latin america to enter the US market. The result, a drug war on American streets.

The subject matter of the book is very important, unfortunately the text is poorly written. The book is essentially one fact (person, place, event) after another, and I easily got bogged down in the text trying to swallow all the data being presented. The book should have been edited better; specifically, half as many facts in a book twice as long would have made for a simpler and more digestable read.

A Corrupted Patriotism that Trafficked in Guns and Drugs.......2004-07-17

This is a densely packed book that serves more as a collation of other sources - the exhaustive task of assembling it was no small feat and much thanks is to be given to Mr. Scott and Mr. Marshall for doing so. The story of drug corruption south of the border during the seventies and eighties is an epic of near mind- numbing detail, with dozens of story lines and characters intersecting at multiple junctures. This is, admittedly, no easy read, nor, for that matter, is the violence and corruption the book describes easy to stomach. But if we are to understand anything about the drug wars, aside from our government's own culpability, we must recognize how the US's unending appetite for narcotics is an integral part - if not extension - of our Cold War legacy. Forget the sanctimonious anti-drug bumper sticker slogans. Cocaine Politics shows us the Big Lie behind the fatuous eighties era motto of "Just say no."

An eyeopener.......2002-06-18

Most Americans will not want to believe the contents of this book. Scott & Marshall compile mountains of evidence to support their conclusions. This book deserves more attention.

disturbing and sobering necessity.......2002-05-24

This book has all the possibilities of being an academic pot boiler. Divided into two parts, "Right-Wing Narcoterrorism, the CIA, and the Contras," and "Exposure and Cover-Up" and covering twelve chapters, including a glossary of terms, the book is one part investigative journalism and another academic treatise. In general, the book details the toleration or complicity of the American government with drug traffickers to protect the interests of national security or covert operations.
The book has a number of advantages and disadvantages. First, while perhaps a moot point is that a considerable amount of discussion focuses on South America rather than on Central America as promised in the title. Second, and perhaps an editorial point, while there is a four-and-a- half page glossary of names and organizations at the back of the book, there is a sort of breathless spouting off of a succession of names and organizations in the book. This is distracting and tiresome for the reader. Third, even though there is a phenomenal amount of documentation (i.e., approximately 23 percent of the book (a total of 64 pages) is devoted to notes) and a 14-page index, the authors rely on the same basic sources, including Kerry's subcommittee report and american and mainstream newspaper and magazine coverage; few articles come from the spanish speaking press, and few interviews are conducted with sources. Fourth, while the book is highly descriptive and reads like a murder mystery, it is short on analysis, theory building or testing, and/or recommending policy changes. Regardless, this book is a disturbing and sobering necessity for those wishing to understand the so-called war on drugs in the United States and the reasons U.S. foreign policy in Latin America is problematic, a best.

Jeffrey Ian Ross

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books