Book Description
Meet BLACKWATER USA, the world's most secretive and powerful mercenary firm. Based in the wilderness of North Carolina, it is the fastest-growing private army on the planet with forces capable of carrying out regime change throughout the world. Blackwater protects the top US officials in Iraq and yet we know almost nothing about the firm's quasi-military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and inside the US. Blackwater was founded by an extreme right-wing fundamentalist Christian mega-millionaire ex- Navy Seal named Erik Prince, the scion of a wealthy conservative family that bankrolls far-right-wing causes.
Blackwater is the dark story of the rise of a powerful mercenary army, ranging from the blood-soaked streets of Fallujah to rooftop firefights in Najaf to the hurricane-ravaged US gulf to Washington DC, where Blackwater executives are hailed as new heroes in the war on terror. This is an extraordinary exposé by one of America's most exciting young radical journalists.
Customer Reviews:
Not worth it even if you despise the War.......2007-09-30
This book was such a letdown. I had no idea it was written with such an agenda. Even though I probably agree quite a bit with the author, I did not buy this book to read someone's column. I expected a history of Blackwater to better understand it. Instead this book ruins any interesting tidbits by always throwing in a biased opinion. It made reading the book very difficult even for someone who is anti-war. Really a shame since this could have been an important book. The only ones who will like it are those so close minded that they can only read books that share their viewpoint. Hence the 5 star reviews. Not for anyone with an open mind.
Thrilling!.......2007-09-25
Highly enjoyable book if you can overlook the preachy and somewhat hysterical tone. I can't decide if it's inadvertent, since this is ostensibly some sort of exposé, but the author gives Blackwater this highly appealing aura of danger and excitement and glamour.
Have you ever seen one of those lurid B-movies from the 50s, narrator lectures on the dangers of marijuana, fast women, go-go dancing and other sensational trash? Yet, at the same time, promoting it because it's hot? It's a bit in that tradition I think.
Rabid Anti-Americanism passing itself as "investigatory journalism".......2007-09-22
Blackwater
A vile and thoroughly despicable book wherein nothing an American does is for a good motive and nothing an American says is the truth unless, of course, they are speaking against the military or the leadership. In Mr. Scahill's view, there are no moderate Americans. They are all "extremists," "theoconservatives," and, most frightening of all, "Christian conservatives." In this book the only people telling the objective truth are the reporters from that paragon of honesty and objective reporting, Al Jazeera
This is not, as some reviewers here have commented, a book written from a "hard left viewpoint." This is a book written from a fanatical anti-American view point. Seen from that bias it matters not that the book is "thoroughly researched" for, how can we rely on the author to present us with an objective product of his research when his intention is so obviously to damage the reputation of both the private and government forces.
One would think that a more or less objective investigation would have found that in five years, in several provinces, in numerous battle fronts, our forces would have done something right in at least one single instance. One would think that the same objective review could clearly identify at least one occurrence where the Islamic fanatics are described as well, fanatics. The absence of any such incident in Mr. Scahill's book speaks volumes of his complete lack of objectivity and hatred of things American. Apparently he missed the news on the various beheadings, rapes, and torture that occurred on a more or less constant basis before we got there.
His bias is so intense that it leads to blatant inconsistencies as he tries to paint a dismal view of the Iraq situation. This is not to say the situation is all rosy but one would think some things are going right and yet Mr. Scahill finds none. Incongruence abounds in his writing but I will provide just one example. On page 134, the Marines preparing for Operation Vigilant Resolve "set up blockades with concertina wire, effectively locking people in..." and we later find in the very same paragraph that "Thousands of Fallujans fled the city..." So Americans are portrayed as imprisoning the town but at the same time, to make it seem even crueler we have the population taking flight across that so called effectively sealed city.
For Mr. Scahill, American leadership (military or otherwise) does not plan anything, they "plot," and American companies seeking to purchase petroleum rights do not invest, they "exploit." He repeatedly derides the "coalition of the willing" as a non-existent fantasy but then goes on to complain that there are mercenaries from a variety of countries where human rights abuses were frequent. This maybe true but the internationalization of the Iraq conflict is a fact that Mr. Scahill blithely ignores. Apparently, internationalization does not count unless it is done by people not being paid for their efforts (not that there aren't plenty of those for Mr. Scahill to ignore).
There are many things wrong with the Iraq war and with an unfettered private security force. A review of them can be enlightening but one will not find that enlightenment in Mr. Scahill's book. For the rabidly anti-American crowd this book will prove delightful. For the thoughtful, discerning person who reads it is a barely readable piece of biased trash. And yes, I read the whole book seeking that illusive "they must have done something right" item.
Death for hire.......2007-09-22
Blackwater is back in the news, killing with impunity in Iraq. This book gives all the information on how it got to where it is today. Those reviews that knock this book simply do not enjoy the idea that the mess in Iraq and the rise of all that is going wrong with the U.S. policies can be traced back to the lies that were told to get the religious/conservative element in the U.S. to buy into all these policies, which are about one thing: making money. Blackwater is a prime example of how even death and destruction can be marketed and result in huge amounts of money.
Frightening.......2007-09-22
This is the most frightening book I have ever read. It makes Stephen King look like a nursery book writer. But the most horrific thing about this book....is that it is not fiction.
Product Description
Volume 61 features the winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for 2005, and the Tony Award-winning Best Play, John Patrick Shanley's Doubt, which also earned star Cherry Jones the Best Leading Actress in a Play Tony Award and the Best Direction of a Play Tony Award for Doug Wright. Kathleen Turner and Tony Award-winner Bill Irwin sparred memorably in the critically acclaimed revival of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Spamalot and its director Mike Nichols took home a Tony for Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical respectively for the bonafide Monty Python megahit. Other highlights of the season include the Off-Broadway hit The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which would eventually land on Broadway. Regionally, the world premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Tony winners John Lithgow and Norbert Leo Butz began life at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and transferred successfully to Broadway. The Light in the Piazza, first produced at the Intiman Theatre in Seattle and at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, went on to win more Tonys than any other production in 2005 when it arrived at New York's Lincoln Center Theater. Billy Crystal also shone in his one-man Broadway smash 700 Sundays, originally developed at the La Jolla Playhouse. Theatre World's outstanding features include: - A color section of highlights. - A listing of all the major theatrical works - The longest running shows on and Off-Broadway listings. - Biographical data, obituaries, and a comprehensive index.
Customer Reviews:
A PALE IMITATION OF WHAT IT USED TO BE.......2007-09-09
I STOPPED BUYING THE ANNUAL THEATRE WORLD PUBLICATIONS BACK IN THE EARLY 90S WHEN THE RELEASE DATES KEPT COMING LATER AND LATER, AND THE INFO CONTAINED IN IT STARTED TO BECOME RIDDLED WITH ERRORS THAT A GOOD EDITOR SHOULD HAVE SPOTTED - WITH THE ADVENT OF THE INTERNET I FORGOT ALL ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION, AS ALL THE INFO IS AND WAS WIDELY AVAILABLE ONLINE. SEEING A GOOD PRICE ON THE LAST FIVE EDITIONS, AND FEELING NOSTALGIAC, I PURCHASED VOLUMES 57-61 ASSUMING WITH ALL THE COMPETITION OUT THERE THE PUBLICATIONS WOULD HAVE TO HAVE IMPROVED. WRONG. THEY ARE WORSE THAN THEY EVER WERE. THE BROADWAY LISTINGS, ESPECIALLY OF THE LONG RUNNING HITS, ARE DISGRACEFUL. THE SAME STOCK PHOTOS ARE USED YEAR AFTER YEAR DESPITE THE VARIOUS CAST CHANGES; THE ACTUAL CAST LISTS USED ARE VERY OUT OF DATE TO THE TIME PERIOD COVERED, AND BY THE TIME OF THE CURRENT VOLUME THE CASTS LISTED ARE THE ORIGINALS - EVEN IN THE CASE OF PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - WHICH HAS BEEN RUNNING 18 YEARS! THE REGIONAL LISTINGS ARE NOT AT ALL AS DETAILED AS THEY USED TO BE, AND MANY OF THE PHOTOS ARE NOT OF HIGH QUALITY. PREVIOUS FEATURES THAT USED TO BE IN THE VOLUMES THAT ARENT INCLUDE: COMPREHENSIVE LISTINGS OF THE VARIOUS TOURING COMPANIES OF BROADWAY SHOWS, AND BIOGRAPHIES OF THIS SEASONS CAST - WHICH USED TO INCLUDE PHOTOS OF THE MANY PLAYERS WHO APPEARED ON BROADWAY THAT SEASON. WHERE THE BOOK STILL DOES WELL IS THE DETAILED OBITUARIES OF THOSE THE THEATRE WORLD HAS LOST IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. ANYWAY, SAVE YOUR MONEY - I WISH I HAD. THIS BOOK (AND THE FOUR VOLUMES THAT PRECEDE IT)IS A SLAP IN THE FACE TO THOSE WHO WANT A DETAILED, RELIABLE, ACCURATE, COMPREHENSIVE RECORD OF THE PAST BROADWAY SEASON. BUY ONE OF THE VOLUMES FROM THE EARLY TO MID 80S AND BACK, AND COMPARE IT, AND YOU WILL SEE THE DIFFERENCE. AS FOR TODAY, A BETTER CHOICE FOR THE BROADWAY SEASONS WOULD BE THE EXCELLENT PLAYBILL YEARBOOKS, AND FOR THE SEASON AROUND THE COUNTRY TRY THE BEST PLAYS VOLUME.
Average customer rating:
- Must have
- useful book but too thick
- don't leave home without it!
- the onofficial guide to walt disney world
- A little pessimistic, but complete
|
The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2004
Bob Sehlinger
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0764526316 |
Book Description
For Travelers Who Want More Than the Official Line!
"A Tourist's Best Friend!"
-Chicago Sun-Times
"Indispensable"
-The New York Times
Ten Great Features and Benefits offered ONLY by The Unofficial Guide®:
- The most comprehensive coverage of Walt Disney World
- Exclusively patented, field-tested touring plans that save as much as four hours of standing in line in a single day
- Every attraction rated and ranked for each age group
- In-depth profiles of all the Disney resorts, including the best rooms to request
- Almost 250 hotels rated and ranked for quality and value, including the top non-Disney hotels for families
- A complete Dining Guide with ratings and reviews of all Walt Disney World restaurants, plus extensive alternatives for dining deals outside the World
- Tips, advice, and opinions from hundreds of Walt Disney World guests in their own words
- The most complete and detailed insider coverage of shopping in and out of Walt Disney World
- Timed comparisons of getting around by the Disney Transportation System or using your own car
- Extensive, objective, head-to-head comparisons of the Disney and Universal theme parks
This guide is a completely independent evaluation of Walt Disney World and has not been reviewed or approved by Walt Disney World or the Walt Disney Company, Inc.
Customer Reviews:
Must have.......2005-09-30
This book was VERY useful. All categories were very detailed. The reviews of the how different age groups liked the attractions was very helpful. I would definitely buy this book again.
useful book but too thick.......2005-09-27
This is a really useful book, tons of tips, saved me a lot $$ and time. The downside is too heavy to carry in the parks.
The most valuable thing I learn is to rent a multi-family vacation house with my friends, 16 people for only $199 a day. We all enjoy the stay at a spacious luxury resort. check this out: http://www.cyberrentals.com/index.cfm/property/126687
don't leave home without it!.......2005-09-26
I had the the 2002 edition and now that the package & ticketing structure has changed, the new edition was really helpful. This book is a great tool in preparing to go; eg. where to stay, when to go, how to get the most bang for your buck. I can tell you that I got priority seatings for breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table and saved 20% at my moderate resort because of the information in this book. The book more than pays for itself!
the onofficial guide to walt disney world.......2005-09-25
Excellent resource for anyone planning either a first trip or repeat visit to the WDW. Be sure to read the reviews on restaurants, because they include readers reviews.
A little pessimistic, but complete.......2005-09-16
A very thorough book. There are excessive transcripts of opinions, which are confusing at times and make the book a little too big. The touring plans are a bit commando style, but they're interesting nonetheless.
Book Description
Celebrating its 60th year, this Theatre World remains the authoritative and pictorial record of the Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway seasons and touring companies. Volume 60 features the winner of the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for 2004 and the Tony Award-winning Best Play, Douglas Wright's I Am My Own Wife, which also earned star Jefferson Mays the Best Leading Actor in a Play Tony Award. Avenue Q, the human-plus-puppet Tony Award winner for Best Musical, made news announcing that it will only play on Broadway and in Las Vegas. Other highlights of the season include the six-time Drama Desk Award-winning blockbuster musical Wicked; two of Off-Broadway's most successful and acclaimed shows, Bug and Sarah Jone's bridge and tunnel; and the world premieres of August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, and Imaginery Friends with Cherry Jones and Swoozie Kurtz, at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. As always, Theatre World's outstanding features include: An expanded highlights section of professional regional productions from across the U.S.; A listing of all the major theatrical awards; The longest running shows on and Off-Broadway; Biographical data, obituaries, and a comprehensive index.
Customer Reviews:
Theatre World Volume 60 2003-2004.......2007-03-09
Love the book. I'm very happy that Amazon had the book for sale. I used
to be able to purchase the book at the in NYC but the book store closed.
I'm looking forward to Volume 61. The book lists all shows that opened in NYC for the season, with all casts, directors, awards. Also lists off broadway, off off broadway, regional productions. So if theatre is your love this series is for you. Thanks.
The At Least Semi-Official Record of the Year in Theatre.......2006-06-02
One of the delights each year is to get the new copy of this book. It covers a year that's always a year or two back. This gives an opportunity to remember and reflect on the season that was.
2003-2004:
Some great new shows opened: Wicked, Avenue Q
Some others opened, and closed: Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, which didn't even last six weeks.
Some shows opened to great critical aclaim: Anna in the Tropics (a couple of Tony's and a Pulitzer) -- I found it pretty boring and it lasted from November 16 to February 22.
There were some revivals: Fiddler on the Roof, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Was this the roof year?).
There was some Shakespeare: Henry IV and King Lear.
Some really good shows closed: Cabaret, Man of La Mancha.
Some shows continued that may just go on forever: Beauty and the Beast, The Phantom of the Opera.
Not the best year ever, certainly not the worst. This book is the at least semi-official record of the year. It is basically the statistics and record of the year. It's a delight to read and remember. It's a permanent record of what happened.
Comprehensive!.......2006-05-03
After some lovely color photos, John Willis and Ben Hodges delve into Theatre year 2003/2004. Photos, cast lists, and running dates for hundreds of shows. Shows are also grouped according to theatre company. At the end are more photos of Theatre World award recipients, past and present, as well as the longest running shows on Broadway (CATS comes in first, with 7, 485 performances. yikes.)
A must for any theater fan!
Book Description
Twenty year old USC student James Zetlen launched sorryeverybody.com on November 4, as an outlet for Americans to express their disappointment about the political situation in our country and how it will affect people around the world for the next four years.
Customer Reviews:
I though it'd be cool, but it turned out to offend me.......2007-01-10
I bought this book kind of impulsively because I felt it would be a good momento -- a symbol that I was there, like having a burnt stub of a draft card from Vietnam. The rest of the world, I feel, has suffered under the 2nd Bush administration and I feel it is our duty as Americans to apologize. That's what I thought I was buying.
Instead, I bought a collection of photos which seems to be a self-righteous and elitist circle-jerk. Many boast of being from a 'blue state', which no doubt would ease the woe of an Afghani mother whose son was bombed on his wedding day.
I fully support the idea of 'Sorry, Everybody'. However, I feel that the book nevertheless has become a thing of poor taste.
Two words, thousands of voices, thousands of faces.......2005-12-23
This book, what it is and what it represents, is a part of what makes America great. It's the voice and image of the people (well, around half of them), made into something tangible that you can see, read, and experience for yourself. It is the concept of freedom of speech made into reality. Whether one agrees with the message or not, one has to admire the power of the idea itself, and how it caught the imagination of so many.
This is not a book by one person, but thousands. It is not a single voice, but many voices, speaking from the heart in simple terms words of apology for a wrong they felt was done. From anger to sadness to hope, the feelings expressed in these images and on these handwritten signs are honest and true and heartfelt. The word "grassroots" is thrown around a great deal these days, usually inaccurately, but that word describes the idea behind this book perfectly...something that started as a simple idea and inspired many others to follow suit. It was not planned. It just...happened. This is the essence of a true grassroots effort.
The pictures willl show you that the people represented here are not stereotypical in the least. They're not all hippies, peaceniks, or college students. They're not even all Democrats! There are people here from red states and blue states, from Boston and Seattle but also from Texas and Georgia and yes, even from Ohio and Florida. There are people young and old, blue collar workers, teachers, high school students, farmers, mothers, and members of the United States military. There are no celebrities here, no political pundits, no "loony lefties." Just everyday people, most of whom you've probably never met and never will, but they all have something to say.
Each page has something funny to offer, or something touching... often both. It is a reminder of how we took that difficult time after the election in 2004 and turned it into a unifying moment, showing the world that we were better than how it seemed on November 2nd, speaking the same words in the voice of thousands, reaching across the country and around the world to spread the simplest of messages: "We're so sorry."
Like it or not, this book is not the voice of the loudest few. It is the voice and the image of the many, who are usually silent but on this occasion had to speak, to make their voices heard so that their silence was not interpreted as acquiescence or agreement. These are the voices we don't normally hear from, speaking honest words from the heart.
This is the face and the voice of America. Whether we agree or disagree with what they're saying, maybe we should all at least take the time to listen to them, and to see them for what they are. Americans.
Touching and humorous.......2005-09-10
All political debate aside (since this isn't the forum for it), this book is a collection of photos sent in just after last year's presidential election by (mostly) Americans who were disappointed and upset over the results (though there are a few photos of people from other countries, commiserating).
The website was a great outlet for people to express their feelings, and they did so with wonderful photos of themselves with signs that were sometimes very touching and often quite funny (like the woman who offered to bake everyone cookies). Each photo expresses a lot with few words, and you get a sense of their genuine love of their country, their hurt over the election and irrepressible sense of humour.
I don't think this book was intended as anything other than a snapshot (pun intended) of a portion of the country in a vulnerable moment in history, but it's very well done, and will renew your faith that there are many people out there who, after sending in their photo, probably took a deep breath, dusted themselves off, and are now working very hard towards the next election.
The left shows its inner child(ishness).......2005-08-30
I had the misfortune of seeing this book in a store in Bangor, and recognized the contents from a website that was being touted in a right-wing chatroom I visit on occasion. I flipped through it, and was thoroughly disgusted with what I saw: Emaciated-looking punk college kids, hammerheaded adults hanging billboards over their babies' heads like ads for local bistros, pink-haired degenerate drop-outs with the mother-of-all-puss-faces front and center, and other assorted anti-intellectual appeasers of Islamofascism.
And the beauty of it all was a foreword by the political cartoonist, Ted Rall, a man whose abiding hatred for the right and George Bush is stronger than even that of Michael Moore. Yes, the same Ted Rall who raised a nation's ire with a scathing commentary on the life and death of Pat Tillman, an ex-NFL'er who gave up millions of dollars and a life of luxury to fight as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan, and died in "friendly fire" during combat operations; the way Rall ripped this good man's sacrifice to pieces got him knocked out of syndication in some newspapers (but not a lot). This is all one needs to know about this book.
To the appeasers who participated in this worthless tome: You should be ashamed of yourselves. Your abominable and all-consuming enmity of President Bush has blinded you to the reality that there are monsters known as Radical Islamicists who are right now killing your brothers and sisters. These monsters don't give one flying care about your political affiliation, your religious beliefs (or lack thereof), or whether or not you care for politics: they would just as soon hack off your heads than spit on you and call you "infidel."
Remember that those who appease the devil get nothing but hell in return. You on the left who support this work have no idea how petty and hypocritical this book makes you look. Just the mere fact that Rall is involved tells one all one needs to know about this book's contents. The election is over...get on with your lives.
Freedom of speech and democracy in action.......2005-08-10
This is a great book. It is a tribute to what a wonderful country America really is.
Aside from the politics, this book is well-done. The photos are high-quality and there is no unnecessary commentary or chatter.
The only thing is, now I'm really sorry because I didn't know I had to specifically give permission to get my submission to sorryeverybody.com into the book. I had a really great picture but it won't be published :(
Book Description
Kaplan's AP U.S. History 2004 Edition comes complete with a targeted review of U.S. history, two full-length practice tests, plus proven test-taking strategies. This winning combination makes AP U.S. History 2004 Edition a powerful tool to help you score higher. You'll get:
- Two full-length practice tests with complete explanations for every question
- In-depth coverage of the material on the exam
- Review of essential terms, significant people, and notable events -- and the important connections between them
- Powerful strategies to help you take control and succeed on the exam
Customer Reviews:
A great study guide for anyone.......2004-10-29
I used this book to review for the AP U.S. History exam in 2004. The review that the book gives in the beginning of each chapter is well-selected, and the practice questions asked in the book are of a very similar nature to those on the actual test. Also, I found the full-length practice tests in the back to be a very good indicator of how I'd do on the exam. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to take this AP exam; it is very versatile. There is no set method as to how to use this book, so it will complement almost any learning style.
Average customer rating:
- Never Recieved It
- Thoughtful and Thought-Provoking... A Must Read
- Reason and responsibility
- THREE STARS BECAUSE THERE ARE POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES!!
- Food for thoughts.
|
State of the World 2004
Brian Halweil ,
Lisa Mastny ,
Erik Assadourian ,
Christopher Flavin ,
Hilary French ,
Gary Gardner ,
Danielle Nierenberg ,
Sandra Postel ,
Michael Renner ,
Radhika Sarin ,
Janet Sawin ,
Amy Vickers , and
The Worldwatch Institute
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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State of the World 2005: Global Security
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Vital Signs 2005
ASIN: 0393325393 |
Book Description
In State of the World 2004, the Worldwatch Institute's award-winning research team focuses on consumption, pointing to the many ways in which our consumption habits drive ecological and social deterioration, as well as how these habits can be redirected to reinforce environmental and social goals. As always, State of the World 2004 provides government officials, journalists, professors, students, and concerned citizens with a comprehensive analysis of the global environmental problems we face along with detailed descriptions of practical, innovative solutions—like charting the most environmentally sound path to a hydrogen-fueled economy, or accelerating the rapidly growing conversion of farmers worldwide to organic farming and sustainable agriculture.
Written in clear and concise language, with easy-to-read charts and tables, State of the World 2004 presents a view of our changing world that we, and our leaders, cannot afford to ignore.
Customer Reviews:
Never Recieved It.......2005-09-20
I never recieved this book. I have no clue what has happened.
Thoughtful and Thought-Provoking... A Must Read.......2004-12-17
Timely and Thought-Provoking
Once again the Worldwatch Institute has published an important summary of the state of the world, using a sense of both urgency and hope.
The special focus of the eight chapters in the 2004 edition is "The Consumer Society". The authors document how we in the "developed world" continue to waste vast quantities of water and energy, despite having access to technology that, were we to embrace it, could dramatically reduce our "environmental footprint". We continue to eat more food than we need, and our diet includes more resource-intensive choices, such as beef, than are sustainable long-term. We continue to "inventory" in our homes more clothing than we realistically need, in effect storing in our closets the land, water and pesticides that it took to grow the cotton to make our shirts and sweaters, and the diesel fuel to run the ship that brought the clothing from south Asia.
Consumption for many is a mantra reinforced by the economic systems of "free enterprise", advertising, government policy that puts great emphasis on GDP as a measure of aggregate well-being, and the right of individuals to make choices. The challenge is that unbridled consumption cannot be sustained, especially if the growing middle class in the developing world aspires to acquire possessions and to consume to the degree that people in North America, Europe and Japan have already been doing for at least twenty years. Indeed, there are moral and social justice issues about the developed world warning the likes of India and China to resist embracing a full consumer society, when one considers that a) the developed world continues to consume and pollute at disproportionately high levels per capita; b) so much of the raw resources the developed world uses are extracted from the developing world, and c) a great deal of waste generated by the developed world, such as decommissioned ships dismantled on the shores of India, ends up in the developed world.
I highly recommend this book. In addition to the well-researched eight chapters, which can be read in any order, there are several sidebar articles, usually each two pages long, discussing the environmental impact of our producing and using such everyday items as plastic bags, computers, cell phones, bottled water, shrimp, cotton t-shirts, and paper. There is even an article that describes the ecological damage done by our using antibacterial soap. In short, what seem at first glance to be innocuous choices of what to consume, turn out to have profound implications on the viability of our ecosystems, if enough of us make unsustainable consumption choices.
On the one hand, there is great disparity in consumption patterns from one corner of the planet to another. Some don't get enough to eat, while others literally kill themselves by excessive and ill-advised eating decisions. On the other hand, the authors offer guidance, in chapters such as "Watching What We Eat", "Better Energy Choices", and "Boosting Water Productivity". The good news is that most of us can reduce our ecological footprint, attain better health and greater happiness, and often save money, by adopting practices that relate to consuming less, and to consuming more wisely. As Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, "To know when you have enough is to be rich."
Reason and responsibility.......2004-12-05
By focusing on consumerism, this book addresses the practices of our current society and the impacts those practices will have on future societies. I found it provides easily comprehended summaries of factual data that allows its readers to consider the issues of global consumption from their own individual perspective and from their particular societal perspective as well.
Throughout the book examples are given of individual and community practices that affect consumerism and global health for better or worse. Examples of consumer trends which illustrate how individual members of societies of abundance are willing to make choices based on their perceptions of global health (such as sharing cars or buying organic food) are included, as are examples of communities, companies, and governments that are attempting to move toward more sustainable production policies. The scope of the book is broad, well-indexed, and documented enabling opportunities for follow up research on material of interest. Additionally, the writers reach for an inclusive approach to personal and global well-being by emphasizing the inherent sociability of the human species and the need for solutions that are not just environmentally responsible but are globally equitable as well.
THREE STARS BECAUSE THERE ARE POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES!!.......2004-10-08
The alternatives the good reviewer asks for are to be found on newenergymovement.org I, too, get very frustrated to hear of all the "facts" and then have the people involved deny there are any alternative possibilities ever because the world is flat!!
Food for thoughts........2004-02-28
Although I like the extended reading list provided by angry-bear and agree that SOTW 2004 provides mostly facts than solutions, I wouldn't say that it is disappointing. On the contrary, this is what the series is all about. Facts are the food for thoughts, and I dare to say that every reader of SOTW has her/his own ways of facing the challenge.
The reasons are simple. The dire facts prompt us to think, to act, rather than simply to sit back in distress.
In case you haven't heard about other publications by Worldwatch Institute, please visit http://www.worldwatch.org.
Book Description
The Internet Election analyzes the unprecedented role of the Web in the 2004 presidential campaign with an eye toward future elections. Leading political communication scholars cover grassroots organizing via the Internet, candidate e-mail strategies, blogs, online discourse about candidates' spouses, and the gendering of (other than presidential) candidates on websites. Political strategists and Internet enthusiasts, as well as political communication scholars, will welcome this well researched and informative book.
Amazon.com
These are rich times for writers of Hendrik Hertzberg's political persuasion. The stalwart political commentator has plenty of qualified company on the left when it comes to critiquing the conservative revolution, notably Lewis Lapham, William Greider, and Paul Krugman. But the former New Republic editor and current New Yorker executive editor has a voice that is particularly suitable for an on-the-outs observer. Hertzberg seems almost delighted to pinpoint hypocrisy, inconsistency, greed, and masked cynicism. At his best, he makes indignation fun. Politics gathers dozens of Hertzberg's editorials and essays in one hefty volume, organizing them in loose subdivisions ("The Wayward Media," "Wedge Issues," "2000 + 9/11"). The former Jimmy Carter speechwriter isn't above lancing those on the left who fail to match their ideals with their actions, but, naturally, he's at his best when scrutinizing those on the right. The Reagan and Bush II administrations proved to be particularly inspirational. Keen, pithy, and daring (if not always right; in 1988, he ruefully forecasted a Dan Quayle administration), Hertzberg ranks with the finest political writers of his era. The proof is in this wide-ranging and smartly edited compilation. --Steven Stolder
Book Description
Here at last are Hendrik Hertzberg's most significant, hilarious, and devastating dispatches from the American scene he has chronicled for four decades with an uncanny blend of moral seriousness, high spirits, and perfect rhetorical pitch. Arranged thematically, each section contains the choicest, most illuminating pieces from his body of work and begins with a new piece of writing that frames the subject at hand. A tour of the defining moments of American life from the mid-'60s to the mid- '00s, Politics is at once the story of American life from LBJ to GWB and a testament to the power of the written word.
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"Cause for jubilation: At last, one of America's wisest and most necessary voices has distilled what he knows about politics, broadly speaking, into one magnificent volume. Imagine if the Rolling Stones were just now releasing its first greatest hits album, and you'll have some idea of how long overdue, and highly anticipated, Politics is. Here are Hendrik Hertzberg's most significant and hilarious and devastating and infuriating dispatches from the American scene-a scene he has chronicled for four decades with an uncanny blend of moral seriousness, high spirits, and perfect rhetorical pitch. Politics is at once the story of American life from LBJ to GWB and a testament to the power of the written word in the right hands. In those hands, everything seems like politics, and politics has never seemed more interesting. Hertzberg breaks down American politics into component parts-campaigns, debates, rhetoric, the media, wars (cultural, countercultural, and real), high crimes and misdemeanors, the right, and more-and draws the choicest, most telling pieces from his body of work to illuminate each, beginning each section with a new piece of writing framing the subject at hand. Politics 101 from the master, Politics is also an immensely rich and entertaining mosaic of American life from the mid-1960s to the mid-2000s-a ride through recent American history with one of the most insightful and engaging guides imaginable."
Customer Reviews:
Progressive America at its most eloquent.......2006-05-24
Hendrik Hertzberg, speechwriter of President Carter and editor for The New Republic and the New Yorker, has collected the best of his essays in this book. Describing a variety of subjects and experiences, Hertzberg consistently takes a fiercely progressive and compassionate position, while at the same time never stooping to the level of the mud-flinging political 'books' so often published by Beltway insiders.
The book's essays are about a great variety of issues, both inside and outside the United States. Notable are his experiences as speechwriter to Jimmy Carter, his activities as election observer in Nicaragua and Pakistan, his work as a journalist during various presidential campaign candidates and his brilliant and insightful essays on the structural flaws in the American political system, in particular the elections.
Personally I do not agree with Hertzberg on many things (I'm more on the left than he is), but this book will appeal to any reader regardless of his or her political position. As long as you have even a passing interest in American politics, you will find this book provides some very pleasant, eloquent and humane reflections on the workings and effects of Washington and its policies. Despite the anecdotal nature of this collection, Hertzberg never loses sight of the bigger picture. It is hard to find a more intelligent and responsible defender of the weak and downtrodden in the United States today.
a shame.......2005-08-15
Others have drawn attention to Hertzberg's civil tone. We have all become accustomed to discourse via amplified insult; measured voices such as Hertzberg's are refreshing indeed. Having said this, it amounts to nothing more than a shame. When a leftist advances his argument with the typical manic lunacy, we may simply dismiss him as a fool. Hertzberg, however, cannot be so dismissed. He is bright and learned. Unfortunately, he's got it all wrong. All the facts are on the table, and the judge appears to be fair. Yet the judgment is random and chaotic - the judge has added it up as if following a different arithmetic altogether. After reading Hertzberg's work, one has the queasy feeling one gets watching news coverage of the person dragged off to the asylum, leaving puzzled neighbors in his wake saying "he seemed so normal." Something's gone wrong, and no one can quite figure out how it happened. A shame, indeed.
A Pleasure To Read.......2005-05-03
One of the finest nonfiction titles I've ever read. I can't recall having derived so much enjoyment from a book since Brave New World.
It's a must-own, especially in times where most politically oriented "Non-fiction" titles are so abysmal both in prose, substance, and veracity. Regardless of whether your passion is history, politics, or cadence and style (he is a former speech-writer), the book should prove fascinating (all the more if you're passionate about all of the above). The pieces on the 1988 election were especially well written.
Just an all-round pleasure. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
a useful, thought-provoking book.......2005-02-25
There is no better way to be introduced to a piece of writing than hearing its author discuss his work. In January, I attended a lecture entitled "Politics and The New Yorker," given by the magazine's senior political editor. In a calm, earnest, reflective manner, Mr. Hertzberg spoke about writers of previous generations and about enduring relevance of the issues they raised. He talked of his hopes and his vision for the country. A book by this logical, articulate, sensitive person should be a worthwhile read, I thought. Too bad I could not get a copy right then and there, and have it inscribed - the organizers did not accept credit cards, and I did not have enough cash on me.
The next day I was at Borders, and found the book. It promised to be a real treat - the first impression that was fully confirmed as I kept reading. All of a sudden, my daily commute became both short and interesting. As an ex-Russian, I appreciated the breadth of the subject matter of this collection of essays, and its vivid writing. I learned a lot about recent American history; an American-born reader who is too young to remember Kennedy and Nixon, hippies and weathermen, will reap a similar benefit.
It is a given that a book by someone of Mr. Hertzberg's standing should be a brilliantly polished piece of literature. Poetics, irony, wit, sarcasm and plain lucid logic are masterfully employed, and perfectly fitted to the subject matter: an interview with John Lennon is pure poetry; passionate, argumentative language is used to convey dismay over the flaws in our political system. Descriptive passages are brilliant; and the punch line is always sharp and unexpected.
But aesthetics of writing is not the only attraction of this book. Its discussion of our political system, and suggestions for fixing its flaws are of no lesser interest. Not that one necessarily agrees with everything, but the book sure does make the reader think. For example, I cannot possibly agree with a suggestion to reserve some Senate and House seats to represent minority views of those who, while sufficiently numerous to potentially have seats in the House, are spread too thinly across the country to be able to win actual representation on the Hill. To give them representation in a way suggested by Mr. Hertzberg would be to institute in Congress a genuine inequality. One congressman would arrive at Washington shackled hand and foot by all manner of obligations to his local constituents; for him, to vote his conscience would be to risk political demise. The other one, sent by a constituency so vague as to be indefinable, would be beholden to no one, and at full freedom to vote his conscience. That's a huge inequality. And the very idea of a congressman or a senator voting his conscience is hugely problematic in itself; it goes against the very grain of representation. My representative should vote my conscience, not his. A representative who votes his conscience embezzles delegated power. But many of Mr. Hertzberg's points are very well taken indeed. He is perfectly right in criticizing the internal rules by which both chambers of Congress operate. His attack on the legality of filibuster makes perfect sense, as does his analysis of pernicious side effects of seniority. The most important effect of Mr. Hertzberg's criticisms and suggestions, of course, is having us realize that our political system does have room for improvement, and that improvement is indeed possible.
All in all, "Politics" is a superb book, a joy for a one concerned with the future of the country and interested in observing the sometimes tragic, sometimes amusing interplay of human ambitions, vanities, and interests that is called "politics."
Humane, broad-minded.......2005-02-01
Unlike Christopher Hitchens whose prose screams "Look at me, look at me," Hertzberg is a more modest stylist: the words he uses are meant to carry his ideas and to explain them simply and clearly. He's an avowed liberal and makes no bones about it, but he is not strident or offensive in any way. Conservatives: If you find HH offensive to your sensibilities, it is unlikely that you are capable of holding a serious, rational, and thoughtful conversation. This is not "talk radio" or "cable news" fodder, both of which he discusses. And he is critical of both cowardly Clinton as well as the amnesiac Reagan. It is engaging from start to finish, though it gets a little confusing on Proportional Representation (but I'm not good with numbers). There are many short pieces written for The New Yorker and The New Republic making it easy to bounce around and read in short spurts; I didn't see any real need to read it in order from beginning to end. Inspiring Idea: Stop revering the Founding Fathers and start emulating them. Great quote I hadn't heard before: When told that George W. Bush said he sleeps like a baby, Colin Powell replied: "I sleep like a baby, too. Every two hours I wake up screaming."
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