Editorial Review

Throughout the developed world, debate is raging over the use of genetically modified (GM) food and food additives. This debate, Canadian agricultural scientist McHughen holds, is not well-informed. "Everyone, it seems, is concerned about GM food," he writes, "but most admit they don't really know much about it." This is especially true in North America, where millions of acres of GM crops are now produced and GM foods are widely consumed, although it is no less true of Europe, where production and consumption alike are comparatively low.Read more

Reviews (4)

In a future not so far!
It easier to destroy an atom instead a prejudice , stated in certain opportunity Albert Einstein.
A Science based approach to a scientific issue
When I wanted to learn more about GM, I looked for a book to read that was based on science, not on rhetoric from activists that have only preconceptions and no real understanding of science.That is why I chose this book.Alan McHughen is not only a scientist, but he has done research on GM plants.This gives him a unique perspective into the pros and cons of GM plants and the GM process.He does a good job of describing the science behind GM, which is essential to understand for anyone interested in GM.Then he goes on to describe the application of GM technology and current issues.He emphasizes that one should separate the process of GM from the products of GM; something that the media and activist groups rarely do, further clouding the issue.If you would like to learn facts about GM so that you can decide for yourself, then this book is for you.

PROPOGANDA!!!
The author Allen McHughen promises the reader an unbiased view on GM, especially the potential and hazards or risks associated with it. In the end however, he clearly explains the benefits, but belittles the REAL problems of GM which he avoids. It is a gross manipulation of the truth. He is funded by MONSANTO, a totally pro GM company whose products have ruined farmers in India. He calls all the hazards of GM mere myths - invented by the media. He fails to address any hazards and tells only half the truth. How can he provide an unbiased viewpoint when he has genetically modified food himself? If you read VERY carefully between the lines you will realize he contradicts himself several times. The uncareful reader is easily swayed by his complex yet empty arguments into thinking that GM is only good and has no risks. It is just a book of lies!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biotechnology    2. Consumer Health    3. Food    4. Food Content Guides    5. Food Science    6. Genetically modified foods    7. Life Sciences - Biochemistry    8. Nutrition    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Technology    11. Transgenic plants    12. Agriculture | Biotechnology & Plant Breeding    13. Consumer guides & advice    14. Consumer issues    15. Food & Drink / Cookery    16. Food & beverage technology    17. Medical / Public Health   

Reviews (1)

Symbolic exchange
This book is an earlier text of Baudrillard. Baudrillard is considered as a major theorist of postmodernism. But at the time he wrote this book, he was not postmodernist but Marxist. In 1973, Baudrillard divorced with Marxism. But before that year, he maintained the Marxist stance. His main subject was the political economy in Marxist style and the society of consumption in Frankfurt school��s style. He was a pupil of Henry Lefevre who expanded the scope of Marxism into the study of everyday life. Baudrillard took the area his mentor opened up, but approached it somewhat differently: he borrowed frameworks of structuralism. He transformed Marx��s distinction of use value/exchange value into the semiotics of consumption. Society is the field where symbolic exchange, in Marcel Mauss��s term, takes place. What is exchanged in symbolic exchange is not use value but exchange (or symbolic) value. We consume the object not only of its use value but of its symbolic value. Object is exchanged as sign in symbolic exchange. Goods could signify the social status. Object could be desired not only in its use value but in its symbolic value that make difference to its owner from others: consumption could be interpreted as the logic of social distinction. In later texts, he asserted that capitalist society is centered not on production but on consumption. There could be not much objection upto this point. But, he argues, the logic of social distinction is not produced by consumer. It��s the system of signification that is imposed on consumer. In this point, Baudrillard depicts such an unreal picture of iron cage as Frankfurt school did. The system of signification is illustrated as the something of a big brother we can��t exercise any say. But that kind of image is not the one we experience in daily life. Marx said, ��Men make history, but not in their own choice.�� Social fact like language transcend individual. We didn��t choose our own mother tongue. We were born into it. But it doesn��t deny the point that we make history. The system Baudrillard delineated is not unearthly fantasy. But where does it come from? It��s the creature we make and change day by day. But in Baudrillard��s world, such a point is lost. On Baudrillard��s picture, the individual is lost. Baudrillard only takes a shot of horror film. In terms of methodology, Baudrillard makes non-sense. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. General    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Sociology - General    7. Consumer issues    8. Cultural studies    9. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Reviews (2)

Truly Comprehensive
After almost 40 years, I am just returning to the world of shotgun bird hunting.As a kid, my uncle taught me everything he wanted me to know - and nothing else.This is exactly the comprehensive guide I needed to find!
It's Okay
Covers too many subjects.I was hoping for a book more about shotguns and less about shotguns and hunting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Firearms & Weapons    6. Guns/Rifles For Hunting    7. Reference - Price Guides    8. Shotguns    9. Consumer guides & advice    10. Reference works    11. Small firearms, guns & other equipment   

Reviews (3)

Smart, engaging history
This book ain't perfect. Slade neglects to carefully distinguish planned obsolescence from other sorts. And the Cold War chapter really doesn't belong in the book. But there are no conspiracy theories here; the only conspiracy in Slade's argument is the profit motive. That is, to the extent that selling products with a short lifespan is more profitable than the alternative, companies will seek to do it. Far from being a lunatic "theory," this is marketing 101. And Slade -- as Vance Packard did before him -- documents it with the words of marketers themselves.
Made to Mislead
The title "Made to Break" evokes the impression that in some grand conspiracy of sorts the vast majority of products are purposely manufactured to fail, a notion that borders on an urban legend. Giles Slade, billed as an "independent scholar", seems to have started with this premise and then gone in search of support for it. He finds possible clues for variants of this premise in 1920's and 30's business writing but little evidence for any organized, widespread and purposeful manufacturing of modern products so they will break in a short period of time (page 79). Upon failing to find a strong case of what he is looking for, he dismisses arguments to the contrary and assumes it happens anyway (page 81). Failing to show planned physical obsolescence by programmed product failure, he next appeals to the concept of "planned psychological obsolescence". He then blames advertising for whipping consumers into a habitual buying frenzy, a case that has been made by many previous critics of our consumer culture. Of course, there's nothing at all new or particularly revealing in his accusation.
Must read Book About the Environment
Giles Slade makes clear in his new book, Made to Break: Technology and Obsolescence in America, that while American history is often portrayed as the history of innovation, it is also the history of waste. The book covers the development of our "throw-away ethic."
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Subjects:  1. History    2. Science/Mathematics    3. Social Aspects    4. Technological innovations    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. United States    8. Consumer issues    9. Cultural studies    10. Impact of science & technology on society    11. Social & cultural anthropology    12. Technology / Social Aspects    13. USA   

Reviews (5)

Cigar companion
Excellent book for beginners and people who wants to know more of the world of cigars

A nice quick propaganda book.
It's a nice read for anyone starting in Cigars, or even if you started a while back but want to know more about the lore and the background of big cigar companies.It's a real basic fast read of cigar information, history and making (nothing special, just the basics).It tries hard to cover all of the basis, that's why it got a 3 and not a 2.
Good content, poor overall style...
This book does have a lot of good information for the beginning cigar fan (hence the 3 stars), the bulk of which lies in the Cigar Reviews section. The rest of the book is an attempt to cover all the bases quickly without much elaboration if any. If you are looking for an in-depth reading, you should look elsewhere or you will be disappointed.
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Subjects:  1. Consumer Guides    2. Cooking    3. Reference    4. Family, Home and Practical Interests   

Reviews (1)

A plethora of modern design ideas
This book shares many images with both "Ultimate Shop Design" & "The New Boutique: Fashion And Design" (both of which are likely recommended on the page you are looking at).Despite the common images, there is different information contained within this book than the others.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Consumer Guides    3. Designs and plans    4. Interior Design - General    5. International Architecture - General    6. Psychological aspects    7. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    8. Reference    9. Specialty stores    10. Store decoration    11. Architecture / Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    12. Interior design    13. Public buildings: civic, commercial, industrial, etc   

Reviews (1)

Amazing Product
This is the very first book ever to be published on beauty products that also comes out with more than 30 actual samples of beauty products WITH THE BOOK.I heard about it through the grapevine and am waiting with anticipation 'til the 5 that I ordered arrive at my doorsteps! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - General    2. Consumer Buying Guides    3. Consumer Guides    4. Fashion    5. Fashion & Grooming    6. Health & Fitness    7. Health/Fitness    8. Reference    9. Health & Fitness / Beauty & Grooming   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Medical / Nursing    3. Personal Growth - Success    4. Self-Help    5. Consumer guides & advice    6. General practice    7. Medical / Family & General Practice    8. Risk assessment    9. USA   

Reviews (15)

Narrow Market
Choosing the Right College is a helpful guide book but it is directed to a specific market.The selection of schools is a bit random.The insights are mostly helpful; however, this book seems to be written for parents and their teens who are interested in attending colleges that are friendly to their ideological preference. Don't expect to see all major state or public universities.Interesting but not thorough.If you have money to spend, buy it; otherwise, look for a more complete guide.

Great minus the narrow mindedness of authors
Initially, I did like this college guide when looking for colleges. It wasn't the fluff seen in the Princeton Review or Yale Guides (which seem more like an extention of the school guides than something which might actually be helpful in picking a college). However, on my second reading, I realized that Choosing the Right College was well, just that: a guide to choosing the RIGHT (as in right wing) college. Anything that isn't focused on and doesn't glorify Western Civilization is somehow not serious. If a college has a core that just happens to require a course on diversity (even if the other 99% of the core is focused on Western Civilization and topics like Math and Science), the core is no longer "serious" and you'll be advised to send Johnny to a place where he never has to know that there is whole other world outside of the West and Japan (for some reason, the authors didn't mind courses on Japan). According to the authors, learning about gender is wrong and thus no one should ever think about taking a course on gender. Also, learning about race and class is not even remotely scholarly. If you major in something African American studies and Latina Studies, then you aren't a serious student. Thus, you'll get the impression that just about half of all the most prestigious colleges (Harvard, Amherst, Oberlin, Berkeley just to name a few) are not "real" academic institutions but places for liberals to air their political views and stiffle academic progress. Yeah, right. I'm all for learning about Socrates, Hobbes, and Kant but it isn't a crime to also be exposed to Confucius, DuBois, or Al-Ghazali.
Distorts the Truth
This book could have been the best college guide book had the authors not used it to promote their ultra-conservative agenda.I stumbled across this book while applying to college's last year.Unlike Princeton review and others, the reviews are lengthy and detailed.However, the authors derail courses such as AA studies, women and gender, and Latino studies and suggest that they are for non-serious students and a waste of time.They are quick to praise schools that require a senior thesis and a structured curriculum, but are at the same time notorious for their Greek culture and ubiquitous hard drinking. Some of the opinions offered can be out right offensive and reflect a narrow and ignorant point of view that was integral in elite college life of yesterday.The authors fail to realize the importance of multiculturalism and diversity on the college campus.The extreme political angle of this book distorts the truth and therefore the book fails to deliver on its promise on delivering the truth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. College Guides    2. College choice    3. Directories    4. Education    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Reference    7. Research    8. United States    9. Universities and colleges    10. Reference / Consumer Guides   

Reviews (13)

Nothing new and/or exciting.........
Good reference for someone just starting out.......but is not a definite "must have." You can spend very little time on the internet to find the same and MUCH MORE information for free. I was very disappointed to learn I had already signed up for the same sites mentioned in the book and have been a member for at least 5-6 years on those sites.

Good on saving resources, not so much on earning
I have been making money online since 1998 and am always checking out resources to help me make more. The Mom's Guide to Earning and Saving Thousands on the Internet offers some terrific savings ideas and resources in one place. It's especially helpful for busy moms who don't have time to research and investigate resources themselves.
The Mom's Guide to Earning and Saving Thousands on the Internet
This book is a great resource for oodles of websites for almost everything.Over the last few years I have spent a lot of time on the internet and already am aware of most of the content offered, but there was lots of stuff that was new to me as well.I was hoping for a little more on the earning 'thousands'aspect, but I think that is in part due to limitations on what is available on the internet.Of course, it also depends on how much time you are willing to spend doing these things.Overall, I thought this was a great comprehensive guide to anyone who uses the internet, not just moms.
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Subjects:  1. Budgeting    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Computer network resources    4. Consumer Behavior - Consumer Guides    5. Consumer Buying Guides    6. Consumer Guides    7. Consumer education    8. Family    9. Family & Relationships    10. Family/Marriage    11. Finance, Personal    12. General    13. Mail Order    14. Mothers    15. Shopping    16. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Subjects:  1. Consumer Guides    2. Discography & Buyer's Guides    3. Genres & Styles - Blues    4. Music    5. Music/Songbooks    6. Reference    7. Music / Blues   

Reviews (6)

purple book
Disappointing. The sections on womens' clothing & accessories tends toward the frumpy, or sites everybody knows already. If you are into fashion this probably isn't for you.

Great benchmarking tool!
As an online retailer, this book will really help me benchmark the competition - easy to read and use!

Purple Book Review
Best internet guide I've seen, but still a long ways to go. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Buying Guides    2. Consumer Guides    3. General    4. Internet - General    5. Reference    6. Business & Management    7. Consumer guides & advice    8. Reference / General    9. Reference works   

Reviews (8)

Read It At The Library
This is A very good book... but it if your looking for help with grants and other things this is not the book for you.. its more of usful information for silly stuff...

Matthew Lesko is a JOKE
I have one of his books from the library.Often he mentions websites where you can go to to get help.These website are always down or old!!!He mentions ways to save money on groceries.His solution:clip coupons!!!!Need help with high utility bills or rent?Get a roommate!!Come on now, Matthew, you imply that you know of agencies that can help with rent, utilities, grocery bills.All the average person has to do is google the same things you suggested on the internet and their advice is free.I thank God I checked this out at the library instead of wasting good $$ on it!!!

this man and his books are a joke
i purchased this book with a couple of his other titles 'on sale' a few years ago thinking that i could save money on travel,health,legal and household items and all i got was B---S---..and to boot i got junkmail for months telling me that i could get rich by SELLING the same books to others...a f&*%ing PYRAMID SCHEME....i'd seen this dorky fool on several talk shows throughout the nineties and thinking maybe he's onto something.WRONG!Read more

Subjects:  1. Bibliographies & Indexes    2. Consumer Behavior - Consumer Guides    3. Directories    4. Free material    5. Reference    6. United States   

Subjects:  1. Consumer Guides To Health Care    2. Diagnosis    3. Diagnostic Imaging    4. General    5. Medical    6. Medical / Nursing    7. Medicine, Popular    8. Popular medicine    9. Reference    10. Consumer issues    11. Health & Fitness / Reference    12. Health systems & services    13. Medical diagnosis    14. Medical imaging   

Reviews (1)

Much Ado About Nothing...
I bought this book for a trip to Bejing and Shanghai - and was quite disappointed. There is nothing in it that is not in other guidebooks. Several of the recommendations were hyped. And the attitude - snobby, awful. I'd suggest the Luxe guides, which not only tell you where to shop but also suggest places to eat, to drink, etc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. Commerce    3. Consumer Buying Guides    4. Europe - France    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel Guides    8. China    9. Consumer guides & advice    10. Hong Kong    11. Travel / Asia / China   

Reviews (7)

Excellent source of information for the new home buyer!
Tip & Traps when Buying a Condo, Co-op, or Townhouse, was an excellent source of information. It is a "must have" for any new home buyer looking for property. I found it to be very helpful while searching for my home.

Read this book before you leap into a shared ownership
This book showed me the "red flags" to look for when evaluating a shared ownership developement and helped me to avoid buying into a nightmare. Ohhh, I'm so glad I read this book. not for city buyers
The title may talk about "condo, co-op, or townhouse" but it is clear the author has nothing in mind but those awful suburban townhouse or condo developments.There are numerous references to density being bad and to things like counting the number of parking places.Not of use to someone who is interested in purchasing actual city housing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apartment houses, Cooperative    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Condominiums    5. Consumer Guides    6. House buying    7. Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes    8. Real Estate Investment    9. Real estate business    10. Reference    11. Row houses    12. Business & Economics / Real Estate    13. Housing & property for the individual   

Reviews (24)

Great shopping guide
This book is great as a shopping guide and a shopping list for a new baby.It strikes just the right balance between not wasting money on useless products and spending money on useful products that go beyond the most basic things to make life easier.It also tells you how to allocate the money - when the cheapest product will do and when it is worth the extra dollars to buy the more expensive but also more functional product.In the latter cases the book offers brand or even specific product recommendations most of the time.As a bonus, the book is funny and enjoyable to read.

A Good Reference Guide
Though not as entertaining to read straight through as Vicki Iovine's other great books, this one is still a good book to own.It's hard to figure out what you really need and what you don't when you're looking at all those happy, smiling babies in the ad photos.Who wants to deprive their precious muffin of anything?Your best bet is to ask your friends who have kids what they found useful and what they found a waste of space and money.But this book is a great resource as well, with lots of information.

Entertaining and useful
I love Vicki's style of writing. While the book is very helpful, it's not a thorough as Baby bargains. It's a very entertaining supplement. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Care    2. Consumer Guides    3. Consumer education    4. Equipment and supplies    5. Family & Relationships    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Family/Marriage    8. Infants    9. Infants' supplies    10. Life Stages - Infants & Toddlers/Infants    11. Parenting - General    12. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Reviews (1)

Well written guidebook
I am curently a student at Gallatin High School, where i am engaged in an Advanced Placement American History class.I have found this book to be beneficial in helping me study.Although i would have liked it to review the chapter more rather than only having questions on the reading.Overall this book is a good study tool for taking an American History class.NOTE this book will be useless if you do not have the textbook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Consumer Guides    2. History - U.S.    3. Reference    4. United States - General   

Reviews (1)

Don't Go Offshore Without It
Some books that you read just come across with the ring of truth. This one does. I think that this is best explained by referring to one short example. On page 60 he reports that he noticed rust stains on the rudder of his boat. Upon finding out that the rudder had a mild steel web in the middle he decided to rebuild it. After all, you really don't want the rudder coming apart half way across the ocean.
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Subjects:  1. Boating And Sailing    2. Fiberglass boats    3. Maintenance and repair    4. Sailboats    5. Sailing - General    6. Ships & Shipbuilding - Repair & Maintenance    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Transportation    10. Boating    11. Consumer guides & advice    12. Sports & Recreation / Sailing   

Reviews (4)

Excellent investment for your money whether you are a buyer or a seller.
I have only read about half of the book so far and already I have used many of the tips and scripts. All the scripts mentioned in the book are available online so you don't have do all that typing.Many of the hacks are not really hacks, but tips and recommendations on how to do things.
Good eBay Toolbook
Author: David A. Karp
The "best practices" guide to eBay...
If you use eBay (as a buyer or seller), this is the "user's manual" or best practices guide that should be part of your signup...eBay Hacks by David A. Karp.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers    3. Computers - General Information    4. Internet - General    5. Internet auctions    6. Online Services - General    7. Online Services - Resource Directories    8. eBay (Firm)    9. Business & Management    10. Computers / General Information    11. Computers / Online Services / Resource Directories    12. Computers/Internet - General    13. Consumer guides & advice    14. World Wide Web (WWW)    15. ebay, internet, sell, buy, auction, hacks