Book Description
The man lies dead in the middle of the railroad tracks, head and hands amputated by an onrushing freight train. Dressed in tattered clothes, he looks like a vagrant. Yet Gunther is suspicious. Why would a bum in dirty rags wear crisp white underwear? And what's with the odd sores, which, according to the lab boys, come from exposure to toxic chemicals rather than poor hygiene? Gunther's doubts are soon confirmed when an abandoned vehicle turns up north of town leaking hazardous materials. Several witnesses surface, and all vouch that they saw three men in a dark sedan with no lights or visible license plates, and that the victim looked dead, drugged, or unconscious. None of them heard so much as a single sound. Not a shout. Not a shot. Nothing. Even as Gunther begins to investigate, another grisly slaying rocks Brattleboro. First a thirtyish woman is savagely knifed to death. Then an anonymous phone call links a local politician to both the woman's murder and the killing on the rails. At a loss, Gunther is reminded of an old philosophical adage-Occam's razor-which advises that too many theories can muddle clear thinking. But clarity's hard to achieve when you're grappling with homicides, an excess of crossover witnesses, and a grab bag of sleazy lowlifes, ruthless blackmail, a mysterious woman, and a political contest driven by a poisonous thirst for power that would do the Borgias proud.
Customer Reviews:
Another good Joe Gunther entry........2001-05-17
A dead body is found on the railroad tracks, its head and hands crushed by the locomotive. A young prostitute is found murdered in her home in the poor section of town, her head almost severed from her body. Two seemingly unrelated crimes and yet a powerful Vermont legislator's name keeps popping up whereever Joe Gunther looks. And as Gunther and the Brattleboro police department dig further, more and more suspects and theories emerge. But who's the real killer? And how does this all tie to a toxic dumping scam.
Once again Mr. Mayor writes a good, solid small-town police procedural. The characters are all well drawn and they interest you. Mr. Mayor knows his procedure and it all rings true. I've remarked in past reviews of this series that perhaps Brattleboro is too small a venue for so many crimes and Mr. Mayor seems to agree. Joe Gunther will be joining the new Vermont Bureau of Investigation for his next novel. It should open up a great many more possibilities. Anyway, this is a fine book like most of the Joe Gunther novels and I recommend it.
A Fine Addition to a Fine Series.......2001-03-06
For those interested in police procedural work and how small town law enforcement operates,along with the politics involved, there is no better series. Rich in geographical detail; I like to keep a roadmap of the North Eastern states beside me as I trace Joe Gunther's travels around the area, invetigating and running down clues,in this case strange killings linked to hazardous waste. This is the tenth entry in the series and each book builds upon it's predecessors. In order to fully understand Joe and Gail's relationship in this book, one should go back to "Fruits of the Poisonous Tree" and go on from there. Or better still, start at the beginning "Open Season" and read the whole series in order of publication.
Great Read, Great Sense of Place.......2001-01-30
In a former life (as an architectural historian, of all things), I spent a lot of time on the same mean streets of Southern New England as Joe Gunther (albeit with a clipboard and a camera instead of a badge and a gun). Mayor's books are really notable for their sense of place -- I can call up clear pictures of his over-grown millyards and sagging tenements every time I read one of his books.
Mayor gets the people right too. Even though his is a cop's-eye view, the villians are not simply generic "bad guys." They are individuals, with individual strengths, weakenesses and even talents.
Mayor's books are procedurals with lots of procedure (he's a real-life Vermont constable) and now and then I lose track of a pawn or two in the bureaucratic chess game just because there are so many of them. But overall, an incredibly solid and admirable series.
Perfect.......2000-08-28
By far, one of my favorite Archer Mayor novels. I really liked the clash of politics and law enforcement in this great book. It is the pinacle of the Joe Gunther series, and offers a different mind set as a valid explanation on how things can change for better or worse. This book was a huge step into a new frontier for Mayor and his fans. I highly reccomend this for a cold, winter night. It really makes you want to turn the pages. I cannot recomend it more highly.
So happy to see another Archer Mayor book!.......1999-12-20
Even before I open it,I knew this book would be another winner. What a treat to see this talented writer finally begin to get the notice he so richly deserves. The three Cambrige (MA) bookstores I called were already sold out. If you haven't had the pleasure of reading this series, start with the first one and look forward to countless hours of enjoyment.
Amazon.com
Despite the odd title, which refers to one of the guiding principles of scientific and philosophical inquiry, this is an accessible collection of essays, ideas, and personal experiences. As far as author Bill Jay is concerned, photography encroaches on all aspects of life, and he touches on a wide range of topics. He addresses young photographers in particular, whom he advises that "each photograph you take is like a pebble dropped into the pond of consciousness, its never-ending ripples lapping upon everything." The book is illustrated with Jay's wonderfully inventive montages of Victorian wood engravings, which alone are almost worth the price of the book.
Customer Reviews:
Thoroughly entertaining.......2006-02-26
I bought this collection of essays for the title and its implications in connecting one of the core intellectual principles of science to photography. Bill Jay succeeds quite will in this endeavor through positive assertions of the value of the artisan and photojournalistic aspects of photography over "Fine Art" photography. However, the criticisms of "criticism" and other pseudo-intellectual posturing, including some very funny send-ups, dominated my reading and enjoyment of the book. A particulary acerbic example from a section of the essay "Madonna Made Me Do It" entitled "Get a Rap" goes as follows:
"Copy down a paragraph (any one will do) from a current critical theorist. Memorize it. Then, in front of the mirror, practice a halting, stumbling delivery with screwed-up face until you can recite it as if ther words were being laboriously dredged up from deep in your psyche with gut-wrenching sincerity."
The book was a joy to read and I recommend it to anyone who likes photography but isn't very fond of the blather that surrounds so much of it. The "woodcut" illustrations were a nice bonus.
A few ideas but much rambling.......2003-01-04
An uneven and loosely connected collection of essays on photography ranging from very instructive (the insight on the cultural context surrounding "The Family of Man" exhibit) to absolutely uninformative (the interview with Diane Arbus where much is made of her reluctance to speak but what is actually discussed after she relaxes & actually gets to talk remains a mystery. Likewise the interview with Bill Brandt where nothing is discussed).
The text is written in a very readable fashion but the style is patronizing and dominated by cliches and commonplace arguments.
In my view, many of the discussions address the concerns of teen-agers interested in becoming photographers. This is perfectly legitimate but it may put off readers who do not fall in this category.
3 stars for the truly informative discussion on Steichen's exhibit and for the lovely illustrations which together justify the purchase.
Bill Jay: A Superb and Thoughtful Writer About Photography.......2001-11-24
This book is a companion volume to Bill Jay's book entitled "Cyanide & Spirits: An Inside View of Early Photography" which focuses on 19th century photography. Occam's Razor discusses 20th Century photography in a series of expertly crafted essays on a wide variety of subjects. One essay discusses disturbing images and is especially worthwhile in the aftermath of September 11th. Jay concludes that the "most disturbing subjects threaten our survival as a species." It took a lot of thought to reach this conclusion, which is well supported. I also enjoyed the essays on Diane Arbus, W. Eugene Smith and the explosion of the Hindenberg.
Even if all the essays don't interest you this book is a must read because Jay writes so well and thoughtfully about photography. He is one of a rare breed.
Must reading for anyone who thinks in images........1999-08-09
For forty years I thought there was something wrong with me. I never understood the writing about the subject which is my life's blood. Bill Jay has given me a photographic rebirth. I now know the problem is not my understanding, but the esoteric babble of academic writers. I can not thank Bill Jay in the proper terms. --- Yes I may be able to. I will also pass the word.
A liberating experience for all involved in photography.......1999-08-08
Bill Jay gives everyone permission to think broadly about photography and less about little boxes of categories such as Commercial and Fine Art. He does this with humor and a true love of photography that is contagious. Underscoring his message about clear thinking, his straightforward writing is a model for anyone trying to communicate about art.
Book Description
The "Theory of Nothing" explores the radical idea that the reality we see around us is but one of an infinite "library" of alternate realities, the sum of which contains no information and is in fact "Nothing". The necessity for observed reality to be consistent with the observer's existence implies a strong connection between fundamental physics and cognitive science. A revolutionary understanding of why physics has the form it does, and why our minds are the way they are is forged. This book is also available electronically. Hardcopy purchasers are entitled to a free electronic copy.
Customer Reviews:
Standish's Theory of Nothing a must-read .......2007-08-08
There's some very important and fascinating work going on these days in the intersection of algorithmic information theory, computer science, physics, and cosmology that may very well be leading us to a much deeper understanding of the world. The long-sought "Theory of Everything" may in fact turn out to be much simpler and more beautiful than previous attempts at such a thing might have lead us to believe. Over the last several years a mailing list, the Everything List, has been home to much discussion and debate among researchers from a variety of disciplines who are individually and collectively converging on a common understanding of the way things may actually work at the deepest level.
Dr. Russell Standish is one of these researchers, and has contributed significant and novel insights in this field. In authoring this book, Dr. Standish has served a different and much needed purpose. The book is an excellent and very approachable introduction to the subject at hand; it skillfully navigates the territory between expert and layman. It provides a very concise yet thorough overview of several years of discussion and debate on the aforementioned mailing list, and in doing so sets the stage for Standish to present his own startling and compelling conjecture about the ultimate nature of the universe in which we live.
This book may well be the vehicle by which these ideas become well-known and generally understood by the scientifically-literate public. As such it may be one of the most important popular science publications of our time.
If you only ever choose to read one book on the topics of algorithmic information theory, quantum mechanics, cosmology, eschatology, the nature of mind / consciousness / experience, the Simulation Hypothesis, ontology, scientific philosophy, or mathematical reasoning - make it this one.
Average customer rating:
- Amazing! Captivating! Educational!
- Poignant and Profound
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Occam's Razor
Michael James Martineau
Manufacturer: Nightengale Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 193344908X
Release Date: 2005-05-13 |
Book Description
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Customer Reviews:
Amazing! Captivating! Educational!.......2004-11-18
This was one of the most amazing novels I have ever read. Not only were the characters entirely human, but the book informed you on issues that make an important part or our present day life. Throughout this book I laughed, I cried, but most of all I was fascinated by the way Mr. Martineau tenderly adressed the issues at hand, and the way that he placed the setting in that it was somewhere that people would not want to see disappear. I throughly enjoyed the intrigue that this book brought as well. His writing style is not to be believed, as is his experience in life. I would reccommend this book to all who, whether or not they like to read, would be captivated by the characters and the point that Mr. Martineau is trying to convey.
(To you Mike from your friend Kate)
Poignant and Profound.......2003-03-26
I loved this book. I was captivated from the first page and found myself caring deeply for the noble characters as well as completely absorbed by the fascinating story line. I couldn't wait to see how it ended!
This book is fiction however it relates to many very important issues that are currently occuring on this planet. It is a rare book indeed that leaves me with a lump in my throat and wondering how I can make a difference in the world. This was one such book. I highly recommend Occam's Razor.
Product Description
multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.
Average customer rating:
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Occam's Razor
Ben Weiss
Manufacturer: Vantage Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0533147476 |
Average customer rating:
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Occam's Razor
David Duncan
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J0IFJY |
Average customer rating:
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Occam's Razor
David Duncan
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O8GD9K |
Average customer rating:
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Occam's Razor
Manufacturer: Ballantine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000B79JL8 |
Customer Reviews:
Greenbriar Queen.......2005-02-14
The Greenbriar books are very complex and interesting. I read them over and over. The Queen and her son and the friends that gather around them are fascinating. Anyone looking for a new fantasy world to curl up in should give these books a try. They are simply wonderful
Customer Reviews:
If Only Her Books Were Back in Print!.......2000-01-26
The Greenbriar trilogy belongs to that category of fantasies that I think of warm-cup-of-cocoa-by-the-fireplace fantasy. This is not to say that the stories are sweet and frothy - far from it. At the beginning of the first book, the lovable wizard dies, but if you expect him to be (like Gandalf) restored to life to rescue everyone later on, you will be disappointed. Instead you will be treated to someting that is more honest about life in general. Tragedy, comedy, special effects, lovable characters, wonderful settings - it's all here. The world-building has an Irish flavor, and you will also be reminded of Tolkien or C. S. Lewis (another author you will be reminded of is Theresa Edgerton, by the way). Don't lose heart if you can't find the books through Amazon.com - the paperbacks are sometimes found at second-hand book stores, which always mystifies me (why would anyone have traded them in?).
Amazon.om
Of the many well-documented horror stories associated with the U.S. Healthcare System, none are more shocking and hard to believe than that exposed by investigative reporter Katherine Eban in Dangerous Doses: How Counterfeiters are Contaminating America's Drug Supply. By riding shotgun with a small group of investigators in South Florida who refer to themselves as "The Five Horsemen of the Apocalypse," Eban outlines in chilling detail a vast system of criminality underpinning the wholesale trade of prescription drugs throughout the country. The Horsemen are a committed and colorful cast of characters not even the best crime novelist could create, who are hopelessly underpaid, rarely sleep, receive little respect, and face bureaucratic obstacles at every turn as they fight to keep tainted drugs out of hospitals and off pharmacy shelves. Their chief target is Michael Carlow, a flamboyant ex-con turned pharmaceutical wholesaler who has amassed millions through the sale of both stolen and fake prescription drugs. The more evidence the Horsemen uncover about Carlow's network of shell companies, phony labeling techniques, Medicare scams, and other tricks of the trade, the more deadly the picture becomes. By the end, you don't only want to see Carlow and his associates behind bars, but the entire pharmaceutical industry put on trial. You also want to give a copy of Dangerous Doses to everyone you know, as it is not just a great page turner but an important book that demands the widest possible audience. --Patrick Jennings
Book Description
In the tradition of the great investigative classics, Dangerous Doses exposes the dark side of America's pharmaceutical trade. Stolen, compromised, and counterfeit medicine increasingly makes its way into a poorly regulated distribution system-where it may reach unsuspecting patients who stake their lives on its effectiveness.
Katherine Eban's hard-hitting exploration of America's secret ring of drug counterfeiters takes us to Florida, where tireless investigators follow the trail of medicine stolen in a seemingly minor break-in as it funnels into a sprawling national network of drug polluters. Their pursuit stretches from a strip joint in South Miami to the halls of Congress as they battle entrenched political interests and uncover an increasing threat to America's health.
With the conscience of a crusading reporter, Eban has crafted a riveting narrative that shows how, when we most need protection, we may be most at risk.
Customer Reviews:
A good book.......2007-08-26
I am using some of the facts in this book for my novel writing. Thank you Katherine Eban for writing this book
Excellent Research.......2006-07-22
This is a well researched book (really well) and uses easy to understand language. It was a bit confusing to me in the beginning since he used some flashback type story telling. I was hoping to pull some powerful statistics out of this book, but was only to get some weak ones. This a a great book to have if you like having evidence that the U.S. Government is no saviour.
Dangerous Doses.......2006-07-16
This is an outstanding book every American should read. This book was recommended to me by a Vice President of a large mail order pharmacy corporation. I am the Assistant Vice President for Supply Chain Pharmacy Operations of a large healthcare system. As such I am responsible for making our Supply Chain Pharmacy Operations more safe and efficient. This book has been an eye opener for me. I have already quoted it several times in meetings and on conference calls. We all need to be engaged in making our healthcare supply chain as safe and efficient as possible. This is a non-fiction book, but it reads like a fiction one because its so unbelievable. It could very easily be made into a movie and be very successful in that media.
More Government Bungling!.......2005-12-13
While the FDA and drug companies rail about the potential dangers of imported drugs, they ignore or downplay reports about adulterated, counterfeit drugs from within the U.S., and fight efforts to improve the reliability of the system. Meanwhile, law-enforcement efforts to correct the problem are frequently blocked by political intervention for donors, legal threats, a patch-work of varying State laws, fraudulent paperwork, regulators giving drug wholesaling licenses to known criminals, and inter-departmental squabbling over who's in charge or gets the credit.
Sources of problem drugs include theft from warehouses, trucks, and hospitals, diversion from lower-priced markets (eg. foreign sales), purchase from Medicaid recipients, relabeling vials containing weak doses with fraudulent labels claiming much stronger contents, and pills made from worthless ingredients.
The book also summarizes the serious impact in two instances of seriously ill patients receiving adulterated drugs.
MUST READ THIS BOOK,.......2005-10-13
As a Professional working in the Pharmaceutical business and living in the State of Florida, I can identify very well with the contents of this book.A great deal of bureaucratic barriers are set causing obstacles to efficiently operate our Pharmaceuticals within State Law.The Investigators listed in this book were committed, determined, tireless and underpaid servants of the State, that worked in a system that was largely unappreciative and at times seen unorganized.Dangerous Doses is a very scary and real story about the importance of regulating and overseeing the buying and selling of drugs.I highly recommend this book, because of its informative and real look into the world of counterfeit drugs. Remember this effects us in one way or another.
Book Description
The must-have publication for anyone who buys Ontario wines.
Interest in Ontario wines has exploded. No one apologizes any more for serving them; wine snobs compete instead to find the next great producer. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario reports that Ontario wine now accounts for more than 20 per cent of its wine sales.
The market is clearly ready for A Pocket Guide to Ontario Wines, Wineries, Vineyards, & Vines. This is the only comprehensive and fully authoritative reference on Ontario wines. In addition to providing up-to-date listings for wineries and vineyards — from the Niagara Peninsula, the North Shore of Lake Erie, Pelee Island, Toronto, and Prince Edward County — it reviews practically every Ontario wine currently available and includes many older vintages. Thousands of wines are graded from “undrinkable” to “extraordinary,” and Ejbich’s appraisals, based on scrupulously careful
tastings, are completely independent and free of bias. Entries also include tasting notes, notes on when a wine is ready to drink, grape varieties and soil types, and the winemaker’s approach to his art.
This pocket-sized book, modelled on Hugh Johnson’s celebrated international wine guide, will be the must-have publication for anyone who buys Ontario wines, from the average consumer to the serious aficionado.
Books:
- One Fearful Yellow Eye
- Paragon Walk
- Parthian Shot: A Marcus Corvinus Roman Mystery (Marcus Corvinus Mysteries)
- Play with Fire (Kate Shugak Mystery)
- Prayer of the Night Shepherd (A Merrily Watkins Mystery)
- Ratchet: Deadlocked (with DVD) (Prima Official Game Guide)
- Requiem at the Refuge: A Sister Mary Helen Mystery (Sister Mary Helen Mysteries)
- Rounding the Mark
- Rueful Death: A China Bayles Mystery
- Running Dark: A Woods Cop Mystery (Woods Cop Mysteries)
Books Index
Books Home
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- Twentieth-Century Russian and East European Painting: The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection
- A Savage War of Peace: Algeria 1954-1962
- World of Culinary Supervision, Training and Management, The
- Lost Twin Cities
- The New Zone System Manual
- Mrs. Jeffries Stalks the Hunter
The Marble Mask
The Disposable Man (Joe Gunther Mysteries)
Tucker Peak
Bellows Falls (Joe Gunther Mysteries)
The Dark Root (Joe Gunther Mysteries)
