Book Description
He was, for decades, one of the most recognizable figures in the cultural landscape, his image epitomizing a golden age of American show business. His career spanned a lifetime, but for years he has remained hidden behind the persona he so vigorously generated, and so fiercely protected. Now, in this surprising, illuminating, and compulsively readable biography, we are taken beyond the icon, into the extraordinary, singular life of Sammy Davis, Jr.
In scrupulous detail and with stunning powers of evocation, Wil Haygood takes us back to the era of vaudeville, where it all began for four-year-old Sammy who ran out onstage one night and stole the show. From then on it was a motherless childhood on the road, singing and dancing his way across a segregated America with his father and the formidable showman Will Mastin, struggling together to survive the Depression and the demise of vaudeville itself.
With an ambition honed by poverty and an obsessive need for applause, Sammy drove his way into the nightclub circuit of the 1940s and 1950s, when, his father and Mastin aging and out of style, he slowly began to make a name for himself, hustling his way to top billing and eventually to recording contracts. From there, he was to stake his claim on Broadway, in Hollywood, and, of course, in Las Vegas.
Haygood brings Sammy’s showbiz life into full relief against the backdrop of an America in the throes of racial change. Sammy grew up trapped between the worlds of blacks and whites, with so much invested in both. He made his living entertaining white people but was often denied service in the very venues he played. Drafted into a newly integrated U.S. Army in the 1940s, he saw up close the fierce tensions that seethed below the surface. Dragged into the civil rights movement, he witnessed a hatred that often erupted into violence. In his broad and varied friendships and alliances (with Frank Sinatra; Martin Luther King, Jr.; Richard Nixon; Sidney Poitier; Marilyn Monroe, to name just a few), not to mention his romances (his relationship with Kim Novak and his marriage to the blond beauty May Britt drew death threats), he forged uncharted paths across racial lines. Admired and reviled by both blacks and whites, he was tormented all his life by raging insecurities, and never quite came to terms with his own skin. Ultimately, his only true sense of his identity was as a performer.
Based on painstaking research and more than 250 interviews, Wil Haygood brings us a sweeping and vivid cultural history of the twentieth century, chronicling black entertainment from its beginnings and the birth of popular culture as we know it.
In Black and White transcends simple biography to become an important record, both celebratory and elegiacal, of a vanished America and its greatest entertainer.
Customer Reviews:
Not A Definitive Biography.......2007-05-18
Maybe the definitive biography of Sammy Davis Jr. can never be written. Or maybe it simply hasn't been done. This book is a mixed bag.
The book filters the story of Sammy Davis Jr. through race, everything is either black or white. As a result, you do get some interesting concepts, that Davis did not want to "be" black, as if all blacks (or for that matter, all whites) had something in common.
You do get extensive thoughts about his love for blonde women, and his affairs with Kim Novak is given a prominent amount of space.
You also have a wonderful portrait of Will Mastin, a man who is ignored in every other book about Davis.
But other things are glossed over, his drug and alcohol abuse, his Rat Pack days, even his marriage to May Britt.
Oh, do not expect anything about his music in here, absolutely nothing about any of his records.
A Biography filled with Historical Landscapes.......2007-05-09
A must read! Wil Haygood's book, In Black and White, The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr. not only captures the mesmerizing and oftentimes daunting physical movement of the man- Sammy- in the seemingly separate worlds of black and white but unapologetically captivates the reader with Sammy's human quest for love and approval.
The author skillfully provides the reader with a historical landscape to navigate the multidimensional aspects of the making of "Sammy" from his vaudeville childhood days to the inscription on the headstone of his final resting place--
Sammy Davis Jr. "The Entertainer" He Did It All...and indeed he did.
After reading the book, I can't wait to see Sammy "in living color" thanks to Denzel Washington's insight to purchase the screen rights.
Written by Deleso Alford Washington, J.D., LL.M.
Not the real story..........2007-02-03
This book does not reflect the spirit of the life of Sammy Davis, Jr. I'm afraid that it relects the spirit of the life that the author, Wil Haygood, unfortunately must have led.
I am very familiar with the details of Sam's life, I have heard it in his own words. Sam was a very pragmatic optimist who imagined the world in a very color-blind way. This is where Mr. Haygood leads the un-informed reader very far away from Sam's actual beliefs.
Sam didn't want to be white, he wanted to be the best. That is what he constantly strived for. Sam stood up to racism so many times, in so many ways. How many times was his nose broken in race baited fights from his hitch in the Army ? Sam experienced the ignorance of racism many, many times, from many different people. But for every racist he had to battle, he also saw many more people who he loved, trusted & repected, and who he knew felt the same way towards him.
Almost all of the material in this book is 'lifted' from the books co-written by Sam and Jane & Burt Boyar. These works are the true story. These people were there when these events happened, they witnessed them first hand. Not only has Mr. Haygood taken what actually transpired and twisted it to fit his agenda, he berates the people who daily lived through these experiences with Sam.
excellent.......2005-11-06
This is well written, thorough, entertaining, and really a superb history lesson. Great Job Mr. Haygood.
Impressive and entertaining biography of Sammy Davis jr........2005-05-10
Wil Haywood, staff writer for the Washington Post, won the 2004 Hurston-Wright Legacy Award in Nonfiction, plus a host of other awards for In Black And White: The Life Of Sammy Davis Jr., so it's only fitting his impressive and entertaining biography of the life of Sammy Davis Jr. be reprinted in paperback to reach new generations of audiences with his award-winning life of one of America's most popular and versatile performers and entertainers of the 20th Century.
Average customer rating:
- Astute observations in a thesis style
- It's about time
- He takes you behind the Marketing Curtain
- Marketing practices are finally exposed
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In Your Face: How American Marketing Excess Fuels Anti-Americanism
Johny Johansson
Manufacturer: Financial Times Prentice Hall
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0131438182 |
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"Globalization, commercialization and Americanization are changing the lives of almost everybody on the planet. The uniqueness of this book is that it tackles these trends together, and head-on. The balance of knowledge and feeling makes it an important book in a field plagued by one-sided pro- and anti- pieces.¿David Arnold, author of The Mirage of Global Markets
Millions of people around the world have come to despise the United States. One of the biggest reasons is American ""in-your-face"" marketing, which treats people everywhere as 24 × 7 consumers, drives U.S. free market materialism at the expense of local values, and seeks to ""McDonaldize"" the entire globe.
In this book, one of the world's leading experts on global marketing steps back to see its true impact. Johny K. Johansson looks at American marketing from the perspective of the non-U.S. consumer: as the first wave of a cultural assault by an arrogant, wasteful society of overfed, gas-guzzling, SUV-driving bullies.
Johansson considers the Bush administration's ""repositioning"" of America and the post-9/11 collapse of American popularity from the perspective of a professional global marketer. He then offers practical guidance for marketers who wish to succeed in global markets without becoming ""ugly Americans.""
- Meet the new ""ugly American""¿American marketers abroad: loud, short-sighted, and ineffective
- Live by the brand, die by the brand¿Why American brands are the #1 targets of the anti-globalization movement
- One size does not fit all¿No matter how much global marketers say it does
- After 9/11: The disastrous ""repositioning"" of America¿Bush unilateralism versus traditional American values
- Toward a more humane global marketing¿Local awareness and respect and the long-term route to sustainable profit
The new global rebellion against American marketing
- ""In-your-face"" American marketing¿the not-so-hidden cause of global anti-Americanism.
- The ""repositioning"" of America and why American popularity overseas has collapsed
- How to profitably market internationally, without promoting anti-Americanism
- A desperately needed wake-up call for American companies in global markets
In Your Face reveals the new worldwide rebellion that's brewing against American marketing. Renowned international marketing expert Johny K. Johansson explains why global customers will no longer put up with the traditional tactics of western companies. Most important, he offers a new path to sustainable profits¿a path based on respect, not domination.
Along the way, Johansson shows why American brands are especially susceptible to attack, how global politics is reshaping the playing field for U.S. companies, and how to overcome the hidden ""one-size-fits-all"" ethnocentrism that's fatal to marketers abroad."
Customer Reviews:
Astute observations in a thesis style.......2005-01-25
This is an interesting read that makes astute observations about the effect of American marketing. Statistics and studies are cited, though some observations are more empirical in nature. The book becomes even more engaging when the author adds some personal stories.
It's a short book and a quick read. The content is suitable for laymen who want a new perspective of how America approaches marketing versus other countries in the world.
It's about time.......2004-07-06
This book captures the sentiment of non-Americans worldwide. It's great that Johansson discusses both sides (that of American Companies, George W. Bush, Ad agencies, AND that of consumers around the world). It's time to discover better marketing techniques, methods that are not as In Your Face.
He takes you behind the Marketing Curtain.......2004-07-06
An old MBA buddy of mine Fedexed me a copy of this book (he and I were disgruntled grad students, disappointed in the way American firms seemed to have culturally insensitive ways of marketing). After our MBA several years ago, we were indoctrinated with the mantra "shareholder wealth!". We sadly cling to this idealogy to this day (food on the table anyone?). He's now in marketing, while I am in Finance/Public Policy.
I opened the FedexPak and lauged at the cover of the book (very in your face indeed). I was happy that it didn't read like a textbook, it reads like a long conversation with the author. Johansson has strong (sometimes biased) solid opinions about the state of marketing around the world, linking what was never obviously linkable: Marketing, Anti-Americanism, and Globalization. He makes you realize that we (as individual consumers) are forever surrounded by marketing media (and it's true!) and we take for granted our ability to "control" the marketing that we receive. After telling us that Marketing is no longer the friendly innocent shopping helper that we believe it to be, he shows us why American-style Marketing indirectly fuels other countries' hatred of Americans. It's not just about oil, or weapons, or Christianity. It's about Marketing. Sad but true again.
This is a very timely book. Be careful though, once you read this you'll develop a healthy level of paranoia everytime you see an advertisement, hear a jingle, or watch a commercial. You'll ask yourself, what are they really selling?
Marketing practices are finally exposed.......2004-06-10
J. Johansson's introspective look at the state of marketing and the cultural sprawl it is causing throughout the world is a worthwhile read. The arrogance of American marketers, illustrated by the Bush administration, has caused havoc for humans throughout the world. Marketers such as Nike and McDonald's have taken advantage of globalization and free trade with standardizations they perceive as efficient while the of the world perceives them as imperialistic. Their assumptions on the desires and wants are falsely measured - leading to increasing resentment towards the nation which harbors and promotes capitalism.
My favorite sections of the book are Johnansson's own personal experiences growing up in the States - how he has seen the country change from what it was in the sixties, how his MBA students really don't leave understanding global marketing, how marketing practices lead to greater social inequalities and homogenized, stale thoughts. The lowest common denominator has been created by brand strategists. He provides an interesting comparison of the practices in Europe and Japan vs. American and relates it back to much of the recent WTO protests.
This is the perfect follow-up to Naomi Klein's No Logo. Towards the end of the book, Johansson provides a way out and shows us that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I suppose the results of this November's election is tied to whether we reach that point.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Competitiveness Review, published by Thomson Gale on January 1, 2005. The length of the article is 457 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: In Your Face: How American Marketing Excess Fuels Anti-Americanism.(Book Review)
Author: Bala Subramanian
Publication:
Competitiveness Review (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Page: 81(1)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
Writing for Broadcast News makes the storytelling elements that comprise a broadcast news story for radio or TV accessible to beginning broadcast writers. Its step-by-step approach shows how to structure a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end through a framework that ties together the anchor lead, reporter narrative, and actualities or sound bites. Emphasizing that people are interested in people, this handbook highlights the human element and putting a face on the story. It gives practical advice to aspiring broadcast reporters and writers toward becoming effective storytellers.
Customer Reviews:
Mixed Bag.......2007-09-16
A strength of this book is the last chapter which discusses convergence and online journalism. Students need to be prepared for the reality of preparing copy for myriad delivery systems. Each medium has unique requrements for writers seeking to get their messages across. Some media forms are more visually oriented than others, for example.
The beginning of the book is another strong area as he discusses writing in conversational style and goes on to identify key terms in the industry. Chapter three on "people-izing" gets to the essence of what broadcast journalism is all about. If it isn't relevant to people there's no point.
While the book has a lot of valid things to say about the subject matter, the author has a blind spot. He's biased. This comes out in his examples. This illustrates how bias enters news when instructors and textbook writers are unaware of their own prejudices. I don't think it's intentional, but it's there nonetheless.
Average customer rating:
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Rewriting Network News: Wordwatching Tips from 345 TV and Radio Scripts
Mervin Block
Manufacturer: Bonus Books
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Binding: Hardcover
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Writing Broadcast News, Rev. Ed.
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Associated Press Broadcast News Handbook
ASIN: 0929387155 |
Product Description
This soft cover book is just under 8.5" x just under 11". Copyright 1988/1995 - with numbering beginning with a 3. The top of the front cover has a medium blue background which fades to a light blue at the bottom. 'Air Words' is in an aqua color, 'Second Edition' is in black at the bottom of the page, and the remainder of the print on the front cover is white. ISBN 1-55934-437-7 The 212 pages offer thirteen chapters. Just some are: Facts/Formata/Readability, Shifting from Print to Broadcast, Writing Compelling Leads, Interviews: Getting What You Need From Them, etc.
Average customer rating:
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Crafting the News for Electronic Media: Writing, Reporting and Producing (Radio/TV/Film)
Carl Hausman
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Pub Co
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 053414358X |
Average customer rating:
- Great intro text for the broadcast student
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Radio-TV News Writing: A Workbook
K. Tim Wulfemeyer
Manufacturer: Iowa State University Press
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0813807476 |
Customer Reviews:
Great intro text for the broadcast student.......2000-03-04
A good primer and practice guide for the beginning broadcast journalism student. Excellent glossary and exercises to help students master the art of writing for the broadcast medium.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from American Journalism Review, published by University of Maryland on December 1, 2004. The length of the article is 875 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: The magic lantern: election night reminded us how wonderful television can be.(ABOVE THE FOLD)
Author: Thomas Kunkel
Publication:
American Journalism Review (Refereed)
Date: December 1, 2004
Publisher: University of Maryland
Volume: 26
Issue: 6
Page: 4(1)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from St. Louis Journalism Review, published by SJR St. Louis Journalism Review on October 1, 2002. The length of the article is 1860 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Old timers are new again. (AM/FM).(new St. Louis, MO, radio stations)
Author: Lynn Venhaus
Publication:
St. Louis Journalism Review (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 1, 2002
Publisher: SJR St. Louis Journalism Review
Volume: 32
Issue: 250
Page: 14(2)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
This digital document is an article from American Journalism Review, published by University of Maryland on December 1, 1996. The length of the article is 860 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
From the supplier: Americans are listening to the radio more than three hours a day, and the medium is offering TV some serious competition. The radio industry is quickly consolidating, with CBS becoming a leader in the radio business. CBS took over Infinity Broadcasting, and now operates more than 80 radio stations in the US. Expansion into radio has become a top goal for CBS, which is owned by Westinghouse.
Citation Details
Title: Tune in: radio's still a big player. (radio becoming a rival of TV)
Author: Douglas Gomery
Publication:
American Journalism Review (Refereed)
Date: December 1, 1996
Publisher: University of Maryland
Volume: v18
Issue: n10
Page: p44(1)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
What began as an intrepid U.S. Government initiative in the early 1970's has turned into a global way of life. Indeed, with more than 500 million current users (and counting), the Internet has revolutionized the way societies function the world over. From dating and shopping online, to conducting informational research, to communicating via email, today seemingly everyone uses the Internet for one purpose or another. How, then, can something so vast and powerful be defiled by something as trivial as spam? It's true. The fact remains that despite the leading-edge technological sophistication fueling the Net, there are still many related annoyances that complicate and tarnish the Internet experience. And it doesn't matter if you're a homemaker in search of a fresh chicken recipe, or a civil engineer researching plans for a new skyscraper, the problems are the same. Internet Annoyances understands the universal nature of the Internet and strives to make its use as stress-free as possible. This insightful guide shows you how to overcome the most annoying Internet-related quirks, bugs, and hassles. You'll learn how to make a seamless connection, thwart would-be hackers, ensure greater security while surfing, eliminate pop-up ads, maximize online services, conduct more effective Google searches, better utilize digital media (music and video), and much more. In addition, Internet Annoyances discusses how to design and host a personal web site something once thought of as only possible for the technically gifted. Topics like blogs, domain names, setup, HTML, fonts, and graphics and are all dissected and analyzed for easy consumption. Unlike other books on the subject, Internet Annoyances assumes readers already possess a working knowledge of the Internet. By fully recognizing the experience level of today's Internet culture, author Preston Galla is able to cut immediately to the chase and not waste time on the more obvious points. Internet Annoyances, therefore, is a quick read that presents succinct solutions for the many glitches that still populate the Internet experience.
Customer Reviews:
still informative even after two years.......2007-05-03
I read this book two years after it came out. Surprisingly, there are only a few out-of-date items (dead urls, new Google features, Internet Explorer 7 now has tabs..). There's still quite a lot of useful, relevant information in it. It's worth at least a loan from the library.
The sections I personally learned something new from were the fixes to Privacy Annoyances and the Shopping Annoyances (warning about restocking fees at online electronics stores).
Althought it's true you can google for solutions to a problem, this is worth having as a handy reference because it's a big help if, say, you're having issues getting connected to the Internet in the first place. And all the solutions are categorized already, so all you have to do is flip to the relevant chapter instead of wading through search-engine results.
Sometimes the Internet Makes Me Go &*%^*&*&&^%!.......2005-09-03
How many times have you gone online to only get frustrated? Web sites do not work the way you think they should. How many times have you had problems with your computer or wireless connection, and have no idea why? Do you have a website and often wonder who is linking to you? Does your email client drive you batty? It is these things and more that drive Internet Annoyances (256 Pages, O'Reilly, 2005, ISBN 0596007353) by Preston Gralla.
Laid out like a text book, Gralla attempts to cover a wide range of topics in a condensed space. For the most part, he succeeds. Where I get lost is that it is such a whirlwind that jumps from one topic to another, which can be disconcerting. But you know what? That's OK, because there is a lot to be aware of, especially as technology matures. The book satisfied my need to learn at least one new think from a book, and I learned a few. What did I learn? Extra ways to protect a wireless router that I was not aware of. I learned how to find hidden products on E-Bay (the book does not mention that sellers are also now taking advantage of this human error trick. Gralla also does a good job, at a high level, of covering pop-ups, spam, instant messaging and more.
While this book is not on my "must read" recommendation list, you will not be disappointed if you buy it. And it is also a good book to pass along to people looking for quick guidance. This means it will not make you an expert, but will open you to new knowledge and experiences.
The Scorecard
Par on an Average Par 4
Internet Annoyances.......2005-06-14
SCUG Book Review: Internet Annoyances
By Gregory West
Editor, SCUG Report
Sarnia Computer User's Group - www.scug.ca
By Preston Gralla.
Published by O'Reilly Media, Inc.
Category: Internet.
ISBN: 0-596-00735-3
Format: Paperback, 239pp
U.S. $24.95 / CAN. $36.95
Anyone who has been surfing the Internet knows that around every corner there is always something new and exciting. "Internet Annoyances" is one of those things, a cyberspace goldmine book that is loaded with far too many tips and tricks for Internet travelers to mention here. Preston Gralla is an author of more than 30 books about the Internet and computing, as well he was the founding editor of PC/Computing. He helped establish ZDNet online service and now he shares these experiences in this fascinating book.
Preston Gralla spent years collecting emails about annoying issues that Internet users have complained about and turned these problems into solutions. This book is organized into 10 chapters covering various aspects of computering problems and their solutions: Email and Spam, Making the Connection, Wireless, Web Hosting / Design and Blogs, Browsers, AOL, Instant Messaging, Searching Annoyances, Security, and Shopping / Auction annoyances. This book is deigned for you to flip about looking for those computer annoyances that irritate you the most. Of course, if you have a specific problem you can easily find a solution in the well-organized Index at the back of the book.
The pages are loaded with tons of screen shots identifying the specific topics, along with the problem stated and "The Fix" where you will be led systematic in a correction process that is easy to follow. Along with the screenshots, there are many highlighted features of both manufacturers programs and links to many free programs. A lot of the time these work just as well, if not better than those you have to pay for do. To take you a bit farther there are periodic "tip" boxes that help explain why you need to do this certain action, thus helping you learn more about the Internet and its various aspects of use. For instance, in the Security chapter you are given warnings and solutions about how to "Block Snooping Neighbours", "Spoofed Emails", "Phishing Expeditions", and of course a great section on Adware and Spyware, Trojans / Worms and Viruses. In the Shopping and Auction chapter you will learn about the various frauds such as identity theft and how to prevent it, faster form filling, and many Ebay tips.
Anyone who has a wireless setup at home, or for those who travel and use public WIFI access, Chapter 3: Wireless Annoyances is a must read. This section leads you into safe surfing and gives you step-by-step tips on how to secure your system from hackers and how to stop "BANDWIDTH VAMPIRES". You will also learn how to boost your signals, extend your wireless range, and find those hotspots while on the road.
This book is great for those who are just heading out on their first adventure into the World Wide Web, and for those who want to take their adventures to the next level. As the author points out, "Don't expect to read this book straight through from cover-to-cover. It's best to jump around, first solving those annoyances that annoy you the most, then discovering other annoyances you can head off at the pass." It pays to be aware out there on the World Wide Web, and this book does just that for you.
some annoyances are dangerous.......2005-02-25
For most of us, a huge value of our computers is being able to hook to the Internet. This once science fictional dream has now become an everyday reality. Alas, as this book mentions, such a reality also includes many annoying problems.
One way to read this book is to divide those annoyances into two groups. The first group is the little things, like tweaking the various Microsoft Office products. The second group of annoyances can be more troublesome. Like viruses/worms and spam. Malware.
Consider spam. The universal scourge. The book has a good, quick discussion of the main antispam techniques, like Bayesians or hashing. Plus advice that is a little cynical, but realistic. Like how the Can Spam act has largely proved useless. Or how you should not use naughty words in your outgoing email, to minimise chances of it being tagged as spam by your recipient's email provider.
Hotspots are also discussed heavily, due to their popularity and often insecure mode of operation. There is a great danger of someone running a packet sniffer. So your key communications should use https, if you are engaged in sensitive matters, like using your credit card. But the book does not go into how a phisher could launch a deadlier man in the middle attack. Where she replaces the hot spot device with her own, or subverts the device's software. Then, she runs a pocket universe, where she might have copied the websites of various banks, and she directs http queries to those banks to her fake websites [pharms]. This method totally negates https. Granted, it is technically quite hard to do and so is still somewhat uncommon. But the book should warn of it, if you want to stay ahead of the curve.
Another outstanding Annoyances book..........2005-02-10
I recently had the chance to read and review the book Internet Annoyances by Preston Gralla (O'Reilly). All I can say is that I'm really getting hooked on this Annoyances series. Internet Annoyances is no exception...
Chapter List:
Chapter 1 - Email and Spam Annoyances: General Email Annoyances; Spam; Outlook 2003 and Outlook Express; Gmail; Eudora 6
Chapter 2 - Making The Connection Annoyances: General Connection Annoyances; Broadband: Cable and DSL Connections; Routers and Home Networks
Chapter 3 - Wireless Annoyances: Home Wireless Networks and Routers; Cell Phones and the Net; WiFi Security; HotSpots
Chapter 4 - Web Hosting, Design, and Blog Annoyances: Domain and Hosting Hassles; Design and Maintenance Help; Blogging
Chapter 5 - Browser Annoyances: Pop-Ups, Ads, and Flash; Favorites and Bookmarks; Working the Interface; Speedups and Shortcuts; Cookies
Chapter 6 - AOL Annoyances: General AOL Annoyances; Email
Chapter 7 - IM Annoyances: General Instant Messaging Annoyances; AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Windows Messenger; Yahoo! Messenger; ICQ
Chapter 8 - Searching Annoyances: General Search Annoyances; Government and the Law; Google; Amazon; eBay; Yahoo!
Chapter 9 - Security Annoyances: General Security Annoyances; Spyware; Trojans, Worms, and Viruses; Firewalls
Chapter 10 - Shopping and Auction Annoyances: General Shopping Annoyances; eBay Annoyances; Amazon Annoyances
Index
As you can see, this book covers quite a bit of ground. Each chapter/subsection consists of a number of annoyances in the form of "questions" from readers or contributors. Imagine a weekly newspaper Q&A column and you get the idea. Gralla then answers the question in a straight-forward, understandable way that often includes a liberal dose of humor. What's even better is that he often includes links to websites that offer some unique service or twist on the subject (like using Teoma as a search engine for tech subjects) or a lead to a piece of software that will dramatically change the way you do something (like the Asterisk Key utility to show you the passwords behind the asterisks in a password field). And sometimes its just letting you know that Amazon.com *does* have a 1-800 number for customer service where you can speak to a real person (1-800-201-7575).
You won't necessarily learn something from every tip included in the book. You may even skip entire chapters (don't ask me questions about the AOL chapter, OK?). But that's OK and to be expected. Odds are that you'll pick up at least 10 - 20 tips or tricks that will make the whole book worth every penny you spend on it. Just the fact I don't have to continue to see IE launched as a quarter-size window any more was worth the price of admission for me!
Great stuff here, and a recommended read...
Books:
- International Phonetic Alphabet for Singers: A Manual for English and Foreign Language Diction
- Is Jazz Dead?: (Or Has It Moved to a New Address)
- Jackie Wilson: Lonely Teardrops
- Jazz: The First 100 Years (with Audio CD)
- Jimi Hendrix's Electric Ladyland (Thirty Three and a Third series)
- King of Ragtime: Scott Joplin and His Era
- Lennon Legend
- Louis Armstrong's New Orleans
- Materials and Techniques of Twentieth-Century Music (2nd Edition)
- Materials and Techniques of Twentieth-Century Music (2nd Edition)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- Son of the Morning Star
- El modulo judicial
- Make Your Own Hollywood Movie: A Step-by-Step Guide to Scripting, Storyboarding, Casting, Shooting,
- Intermediate Accounting
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- Miss Julia Strikes Back
- European Accounting Guide
- Governing Financial Globalisation: The Political Economy of Multi-Level Governance
- The Great and Small Game of India, Burma and Tibet
Gonna Do Great Things: The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr.
Sammy: The Autobiography of Sammy Davis, Jr.
King of the Cats: The Life and Times of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.
Rat Pack Confidential: Frank, Dean, Sammy, Peter, Joey and the Last Great Show Biz Party
Sammy Davis Jr.: My Father
