People like to get f'd up...and Americans even more so. (I read a book once, a long time ago, that asserted that the Inuit (?) were the only people wh...morePeople like to get f'd up...and Americans even more so. (I read a book once, a long time ago, that asserted that the Inuit (?) were the only people who didn't have a native intoxicant/psychotropic tradition, and that's only because there's nothing to make anything from.) Only touches on the early years very lightly: the now well-known (to me) fact of the early settlers' amazing drunkenness, and all that, spending much more time with the late 19th and 20th centuries.
His basic premise is that if one substance is unavailable or unpopular (booze, acid) people will turn to something else (opium, adderall). Lots and lots of examples, plus plenty in the strange stupid history of prohibitions, including the WCTU, Reagan's crazy fixation with pot, and the confluence of events that led to the disappearance of acid in the late 90s; an interesting detour into the medical marijuana trend, plus a startling amount of personal (if a little wink-wink-nudge-nudge) experience. And of course DARE, that famously counter-productive and yet predictably popular program.
The challenge, it seems to me, is discovering an educational process that is honest about people's appetites and at the same time focused on personal safety. Until then, we're stuck in a useless -- but expensive! -- cycle of fear-mongering and forgetting.(less)
A review/history of anti-trust law in the information age, how the laxity in antitrust law enforcement in the last 20th/early 21st century has coincid...moreA review/history of anti-trust law in the information age, how the laxity in antitrust law enforcement in the last 20th/early 21st century has coincided with the rise of software companies and the consequences. Reading about Microsoft in particular was like watching a slo-mo car crash. It's interesting -- I followed that for a while starting in about '97 or so, but this had lots more detail that I either didn't know or had forgotten.
More fascinating for me was reading about the consolidation in legal publishing companies, because it was entirely new to me, and a good illustration of the issues involved with information-based antitrust law.
A little slow/dry in spots, but generally a good book.(less)
**spoiler alert** My first non-library book in a while. ($1.99 at Goodwill!) Gripping story, both the legal and the personal aspects. The author draws...more**spoiler alert** My first non-library book in a while. ($1.99 at Goodwill!) Gripping story, both the legal and the personal aspects. The author draws rich portraits of the players, making even the "villains" into interesting and sometimes sympathetic characters. I found the ending almost unbearably depressing, which I guess is the way life actually works. Only the smackdown by the EPA redeemed the flameout of the lawsuit.(less)
Had to take it back to the library -- a good sign of its quality: there were IIRC several other people with holds. A cheerful and encouraging guide to...moreHad to take it back to the library -- a good sign of its quality: there were IIRC several other people with holds. A cheerful and encouraging guide to starting as a creative freelancer. I'm feeling a little too overwhelmed at the moment to really take it in, but I want to get my own copy when I'm in a better space for it.(less)
An exploration of the psychology of traffic, mostly in the US, but with some travels abroad (particularly to the UK, the Netherlands, India and China)...moreAn exploration of the psychology of traffic, mostly in the US, but with some travels abroad (particularly to the UK, the Netherlands, India and China). Amazing stuff. Basically, unless you're a brain surgeon, driving is the most mentally complex thing you will ever do. And of course most of the issues that make traffic so insane are psychological. We're just not designed to go that fast. Also, lots of little nuggets of wisdom to save for future conversations. I hope our governor and state/local transportation folks read this book!(less)
I wanted to like this book a lot, and I think he was getting at some important points about the constitutional "stuff" that's not in the constitution....moreI wanted to like this book a lot, and I think he was getting at some important points about the constitutional "stuff" that's not in the constitution. Problem is, I found it too dry & slow to finish.(less)
I need to buy a copy. Clear and even funny (!) explanation of bicycle laws, including some potential differences across states. (Biking under the infl...moreI need to buy a copy. Clear and even funny (!) explanation of bicycle laws, including some potential differences across states. (Biking under the influence isn't against the law in WA. Who knew?) Plus fun anecdotes from the early days of cycling. Maybe not something to read like a novel, but definitely worth dipping into & keeping on hand.(less)
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