Narcocorrido: A Journey into the Music of Drugs, Guns, and Guerrillas

Book Description

In the first full-length exploration of the contemporary and controversial Mexican corrido, award-winning author Elijah Wald blends a travel narrative with his search for the roots of this genre -- a modern outlaw music that fuses the sensibilities of medieval ballads with the edgy grit of gangsta rap.

From international superstars to rural singers documenting their local current events in the regions dominated by guerilla war, Wald visited these songwriters in their homes, exploring the heartland of the Mexican drug traffic and traveling to urban centers such as Los Angeles and Mexico City. The corrido genre is famous for its hard-bitten songs of drug traffickers and gunfights, and also functions as a sort of musical newspaper, singing of government corruption, the lives of immigrants in the United States, and the battles of the Zapatista rebellion in Chiapas. Though largely unknown to English speakers, corridos top the Latin charts and dominate radio playlists both in the United States and points south. Wald provides in-depth looks at the songwriters who have transformed groups like the popular Tigres del Norte into enduring superstars, as well as the younger artists who are carrying the corrido into the twenty-first century. In searching for the poetry and social protest behind the gaudy lyrics of powerful drug lords, Wald shows how popular music can remain the voice of a people, even in this modern world of globalization, electronic media, and gangsters who ship cocaine in 747s.

Customer Reviews:

A Journey into Understanding.......2007-02-28

I was originally attracted to norteño because of its generally clear lyrics and upbeat tempo. I was studying Spanish, and lyrics of groups such as Los Tigres were easy to understand. The more words I understood, the more I realized that I knew too little of the culture behind it to truly grasp what they were saying.

In his book, Wald opens up an entire world. There is a base assumption that the reader will be somewhat familiar with some of the grupos, the political situation in Mexico, and how the politics of criminalizing drug trafficking have been manifested in Mexico and other countries. Wald clarifies the politics, social pressures, and social dynamics that have caused narcocorridos to become possible.

He also clarifies one of the more perplexing manifestations: why it is that in some areas of Mexico, all one hears in the mercados, blaring from busses and shops, and blasting from cars are Corridos, but all one hears on the radio is Banda, cumbia, and rock. (not that I don't like Banda/Duranguense, Cumbia, etc.)

Wald also goes to great lengths to pay homage to the artists. He opens the listener to Chalino Sanchez, El As de la Sierra, and others. He spends time with the writers and how they truly see the world that they're writing about.

This book will give the aficionado of Mexican music a deeper understanding and appreciation - and perhaps open new horizons.

going home.......2005-10-13

I grew up in the 50's in Los Angeles, California and I heard norteño, Tex-Mex, corridos as part of the background (musical wallpaper for me)of being Mexican-American. I say musical wallpaper because it smacked of country, of the recently immigrated. I prefered instead R&B. Later, I preferred anything (ragas, jazz, American folk, soul, tropical) other than the music that Elijah Wald writes about. After visiting Mexico several times as an adult and hearing rancheras and pop and cumbia, the feeling for the music of Mexico began to grow. After reading Mr. Wald's book I realized that I had ignored a genre of music that had, in fact, been a part of my life from the beginning. Read this book and then buy the music. If you are learning Spanish as a second language, you can generally find the lyrics on-line. There is no better way (short of taking a Mexican lover) to learn and love this beautiful language. The book is well-written, well-reasearched, and will open your musical mind.

Great read for Corrido fans........2004-09-28

Once i opened this book up i couldnt put it down. Its that good! Mr. Wald goes hitch-hiking through all of Mexico in search of famous composers and interviews. My favorite part is when he kicks back with 'Luis Y Julian' and gets loaded Mexican Style! Pick this book up. I highly recommend it.

What this book is(among many other things)..........2003-07-20

I'd like to issue several warnings about this book:

1. It isn't an ethnomusicological manifesto. There will be no kinship studies(although there's plenty of kinship amongst the author and his subjects), no chapters dealing with forms, scales, microtones, etc., and there will be no schenkerian(sp?) analysis to the rear of the book. Heck, I don't think he even mentions the workings of the keying system of a diatonic accordeon! So, if you want to play this music, this book will not tell you how.

2. This isn't a feminist disection of the Narcocorrido, of the Mexican male/female dynamic, or the moral differences between "Chicanas" & "true" Mexicanas. I don't even think there's one chapter about whether El As or Valerio Longoria was more culturally sensitive to women's issues in their music. Best look to other books for these things, folks(or write it! I'd love to read it! Better yet, find some Mexican women and ask them! ;:^)

3. This isn't a socially moralist work. Mr.Wald doesn't go into the reasons why the Tigres or Tuchanes aren't fluent in English, don't wave the American flag, and why they play this "backward", provincial, "ethnic" music that doesn't try to "cross borders" or have "modern" rhythms, like their more socially conscious neighbors, N'sync, who don't sing about drugs, and serenade their chosen markets in a target-appropriate tongue(come on, El As, write me a corrido in English!) ;:^)

Anyway, with those things said, I'd like to say what Mr. Wald has done(in my view, of course). He's written a very personal, anecdotal book, one that can take you on an exciting adventure of discovery in first person. I've been to Sinaloa many times(and bought & smoked alot of la hierbia buena, in my younger days), and the atmosphere is perfect. Many of my friends in Sinaloa would consider themselves Valientes, and a number of them lived la vida. This book will safely take you through a compelling music and an equally captivating culture, without bogging you down with judgements. Make those yourself. If you want to know more about this music than the liner notes to an Arhoolie release will tell you, and about what Mexican people are actually listening to, this is the book for you.

If you don't own it, it's my opinion that your book collection is the lesser for it! ;:^)

An excellent portrait of the Corrido music........2003-07-09

Elijah Wald goes to Mexico in search of the roots of the corrido, and does a superb job as he finds and talks to the main composers and singers of the true and authentic mexican music. the book it's direct and extremely enjoyable. I read it in one afternoon and was unable to put it down until I finished it all.
The book it's about the corrido, it is not a political document or passes judgements on anyone lifestyle, only when it pertains to the corrido itself then he goes and gives you a little taste of the political, social and economic factors that relate to the music and living conditions of the people involved. It is a great research job very well done and estremely informative, specially for the novice in this kind of music. A winner!

Narcocorrido, a journey into the music of drugs, guns, and guerrillas

Average customer rating:

Narcocorrido, a journey into the music of drugs, guns, and guerrillas
Elijah Wald
Manufacturer: Rayo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEZ6W4

Average customer rating:

Narcocorrido: A Journey into the Music of Drugs, Guns, and Guerrillas
Elijah Wald
Manufacturer: Rayo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEOGDO

Book Description

A timely collection of essays examining the controversy surrounding the use & display of Confederate symbols in the modern South. Scholars from many disciplines explore the battle between traditionalists who favor use of confederate symbols and reconstru ctionists who decry them. Should the Confederate battle flag fly atop a state capitol dome? Should public funds be used to maintain Confederate monuments? Should such flags and monuments be removed completely? These are the questions contributors tackle.

Confederate Symbols in the Contemporary South. (Book Reviews).: An article from: Journal of Southern History

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Confederate Symbols in the Contemporary South. (Book Reviews).: An article from: Journal of Southern History
Joan Marie Johnson
Manufacturer: Southern Historical Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008EUWPQ
Release Date: 2005-07-29

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Journal of Southern History, published by Southern Historical Association on February 1, 2002. The length of the article is 797 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: Confederate Symbols in the Contemporary South. (Book Reviews).
Author: Joan Marie Johnson
Publication: Journal of Southern History (Refereed)
Date: February 1, 2002
Publisher: Southern Historical Association
Volume: 68 Issue: 1 Page: 234(3)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

A witty and irreverent look at the collision of two dangerous subjects -- live television and sex "Sue, I have a question about vaginal odour." The young woman on the phone sounds earnest. On the television screen, the sixty-something host leans forward with the concern of an attentive great aunt, listening intently. "Yes?" It's late Sunday evening, and all across Canada, 300,000 viewers are watching The Sunday Night Sex Show, eavesdropping on this most intimate of conversations. "Well, I don't think mine smells very good, and a friend told me I should take a bath in vinegar." Without a second's hesitation, Sue Johanson exclaims: "What are you trying to do? Pickle it?!" And then she laughs, a warm, inclusive, non-judgmental laugh that tells the young woman on the phone that she's poking fun at the suggestion, not the caller. Viewers chuckle at the gag, and then settle back to listen to the country's best-loved sexual educator give a well-informed, honest answer to an honest question. For six seasons, Sue Johanson has been ruining people's Mondays by making them stay up late Sunday night. Sex sells, but it's really not the topic that keeps viewers tuning in. It's Sue. They love her. In this book, RJ Gulliver, Sue's long-time director and consultant, tells the stories behind the shows. Transcripts of classic phone calls (both funny and poignant), stories of the erotic toys that didn't make it on the air, what goes on behind the cameras, and Sue's own story fill this book that will make you laugh out loud, and give you a new appreciation of Canada's favourite sex ed teacher. It also includes a chapter written by Sue about the best herbal remedies to common sexual problems. In Canada, if Saturday night belongs to hockey, Sunday night belongs to Sue.

Customer Reviews:

There's More Going on Here Than you Might Think!.......2003-10-15

"Talk Sex" with Sue Johanson (formerly the Sunday Night Sex Show) is a popular show in Canada and is growing in popularity here in the United States. Much of the show's success can be attributed to the host and resident sexpert, Suzie J, but there are others who worked behind the cameras, in the sound room, in the call screening area, and all around the set to make the show the smooth- running operation that it appears to be. In this book, "Nocturnal Admissions", authors RJ Gulliver and Julie Smith (two people who also work on the show) take the reader backstage to meet the folks who help bring Talk Sex into the living rooms of millions.

This book is part biography, part social tabloid. There is one full chapter that covers Sue herself, discussing her young life and her brief stint as a nurse and later a radio talk show host. It was the latter that led her to the television screen. Her phone- in radio show was successful to the point that a television producer decided it would also perform high in the television ratings. He gave Sue her chance, and the show took off like a bursting prophylactic.

The rest of the book presents a humorous look at the other people on the show and some of the funny moments that have taken place on the set, both on camera and off. Finding someone on the show to test the various sex toys is often hilarious, and so are some of the interesting phone calls that sexually curious people call in and ask Sue. Some of the best ones are highlighted in the book. Some of the individual crew members are discussed briefly, too, along with a few black and white photos so you can match a name to a face.

Watching Talk Sex gives one the feeling that Sue is just about the only person involved in the making of the show. Nothing could be further from the truth as RJ Gulliver explains in the pages of "Nocturnal Admissions". This book lets you get a feel (no pun intended) for the people, the hectic schedule, and the hard work that goes into the production of a live television show. Sue might be the main star, but there are plenty of people who go out of their way to make sure that sexual education remains an inportant part of your weekly viewing pleasure.

Simply Irresistible!.......2003-10-06

This book is as irresistible as its two subjects: Sue Johanson and sex. Put them together - as the Sunday Night Sex Show and Talk Sex do - and you're in for a wild ride, on screen and on the page. Fans all over North America are used to Sue's frank, non-judgmental approach to talking about sex, so it's fascinating to learn about the terror that lurked behind the show's first episodes - would this work? What vocabulary would be accepted?

As we know, it all worked - and then some. The book traces the evolution of the show and reveals its inner workings and the personalities that put it together. Plus some of the best calls -the ones that made it to air and the ones that didn't.

There's lots of laugh-lout-loud humour in this book, blended with good information. There's a gripping chapter about Sue's background and her transition from bored housewife to sexpert. And great detail about the contents of the infamous Pleasure Chest and the mystery of toys that get lost in the night...

A real pleasure to read and a great gift, too. Simply irresistible

Good but not what I thought.......2003-08-09

I thought this would be more about the callers that don't make it to tv. It was more about the people behind the scenes. I enjoyed it, but it was not what it sounds like.

Nocturnal Admissions : Behind the Scenes on the Sunday Night.......2002-05-13

The Sunday Night Sex Show has been one of Canada's most popular shows on TV for years. Now here is your chance to get the behind-the-scenes scoop on the show, its star and its programming. The author is the long time producer of the show, and close friend of the star, Sue. Who better to regale us with anecdotes about the show? Mr. Gulliver takes a light-hearted approach, and keeps the reader chuckling at the many hilarious calls and new products "screened" by the members of the show.

I found this book fun and easy to read, as well as giving me a closer look at the people involved with the show. I really enjoyed the many examples of real products sent for Sue to "test", and the interesting calls taken during the show. The book grabs your attention right away, and never lets it go.

I highly recommend this book to any fan (old or new) of the Sunday Night Sex show! Luckily for those of us in the US, this Canadian favorite is now available for us on cable.

Have fun and good reading!

Book Description

With this concise, problem-solving guide, networking professionals will learn how to identify network security threat implement uniform security throughout their networks, secure remote dial-in access with CiscoSecure ACS and Cisco IOS AAA features, protect Internet access on their perimeter routers with the CiscoSecure IOS firewall software, and implement secure VPNs using IPSec and Cisco Encryption Technology. Step-by-step instructions and immediate solutions will help administrators implement and update security defenses. Every configuration in this book has been completely tested and perfected with actual Cisco routers.

Customer Reviews:

Handy and cheap.......2002-10-19

A friend recommended this book to me as a cheap book that covered some of the higher-end issues with Cisco Security. I bought it and while I'm still working through it I'm really happy with it so far.

I should probably give this one star off due to some exceedingly long paragraphs (give me a break to catch my breath!) and a few small spelling errors but none of this stuff made me disappointed in the book which has good information, decent organization, and is clearly written by someone who knows his stuff.

Pretty Good.......2002-09-09

This book is a pretty good value considering some of the advanced topics it covers for the price. The book has a lot of real-life examples and scenario and it provides concise information on almost all the Cisco IOS Features, CBAC, Access-Lists, Authentication Proxy, Intrusion Detection and Port Application Mapping. There are even some hidden commands revealed. The true power of the book lies in the handiness of having the debug output in an easy-to-reference place. The book is an easy read that is not to long on any subject but detailed enough to help you through the basic features of the Cisco IOS as well as the advanced. There are some spelling errors and some IP address in the figures that are wrong, but I guess this is expected as I haven't read many books that didn't have some errors included in them. Also I think the chapter on Cisco Encryption Technology (CET) should have been left out as this feature has been replaced by IPSec. Overall not that bad for the price.

The Little Black Book of Computer Security

Average customer rating:

Great Tool For Assessing and Improving Security
Great book for anyone in the technical field, whether hands on or in management.
Helping the novice feel smart about computer security

The Little Black Book of Computer Security
Joel Dubin
Manufacturer: 29th Street Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1583041206

Product Description

Every day, new reports of viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, and just plain hacker mischief appear. If you're an IT manager, it is hard to keep up and can seem like a losing battle. The hackers are winning the war -- or are they? The Little Black Book of Security tells you how to go about keeping your network hacker-free. As a concise guide to IT security presented in an easy-to-read checklist format, this book provides a quick reference to the whole range of procedures required for keeping your networks and systems safe -- despite any future changes in your hardware or software technology. Ever wonder how a hacker could break into a computer system simply by using a screwdriver? That and other technical tricks are explained here. Moreover, this book goes beyond explaining such gimmicks -- it also makes clear why taking care of physical security, creating readable IT security policy, and maintaining best practices when hiring employees are just as important as understanding the dirty tricks that hackers possess in their toolkits. Social engineering -- the low-tech but most effective way to break into a computer system -- and how to defeat it are described in detail. IT security managers and auditors will find the checklists useful for organizing a comprehensive IT security program. However, even if you just need to secure your e-mail and Web servers or want a guide to intrusion detection and incident response, The Little Black Book of Computer Security offers something of interest to any IT professional, whether that person is a project manager, system administrator, or software developer. Handy references to useful Web sites and tools are included.

Customer Reviews:

Great Tool For Assessing and Improving Security.......2006-05-20

Some computer security books are written for complete novices, while others assume some level of knowledge on the part of the reader. The Little Black Book of Computer Security does neither.

Joel Dubin's book is written in such a way that anybody can pick it up and use it as an action plan. Dubin does not bother going into great detail explaining the security concerns or the various steps that he includes to resolve or mitigate the issues. But, there is enough information there to point you in the right direction.

That is the strength of the book really. It is small and concise, but provides the information that administrators, or I.T. managers, or even everyday computer users, need to analyze their own security and identify areas that need strengthening.

If the reader is going through the Secure Your Web Site chapter and doesn't understand what the 'Root Directory' is, or what the difference between a POST and a GET command are, they will need to go elsewhere to educate themselves. But, this book will at least have let them know that those are areas they should be concerned with.

The Black Book won't make you a security guru, but it can be a great tool to help you audit and lock down your computer security.

Great book for anyone in the technical field, whether hands on or in management........2005-10-29

This book is a very different approach to Information Security. I have to say, I think this style is long over do. The style that Joel uses is a checklist format to most security issues facing companies today. The book starts off with an introduction to Information Security, including many definitions and terms. This is the only place I really have any issues with the book. Some of the definitions are not in line with the Information Security community's definition. Without going into too much detail, I highly recommend that anyone who reads this book, please take the definitions lightly. Focus more on the actual content of the book.

The first step the author takes is to categorize attacks. He does this to help layout the rest of the book. After categorizing attacks and risks, he introduces you to assessing your systems. This is where this book excels. The format from this point forward is in the form of lists. Almost checklist like in some chapters. The checklist could be used by anyone in technology that needs to understand or quickly get a grasp of what should be considered when auditing systems.

The Email chapter is a good example of how these outlines are provided and how they can be helpful. The chapter starts out with a few paragraphs about overall security of email, such as sniffing and spoofing as threats. It then quickly turns to outline format starting with overall posture, encryption, providing privacy to specific users, and then heads to Spam and Infections. In this chapter the author also tangents and provides a sidebar on how fake emails can be generated and sent. This information could help one understand the simplicity in the attacks as well give some firepower to the reader to present to management when trying to gain funding for extra protection.

Chapters that follow are Writing Policies, HR and Physical security, Software Access Controls, Email Security, Malware protection, Web site and Perimeter protection, Intrusion Detection and Response, Disaster Recovery, Wireless, Securing Code, Operating System Security, Protecting Privacy, Preventing Identity Theft, and Protecting Children.

Each of these chapters provides an outline of absolute items that must be considered when discussing security on any of the subjects. The outlines are very well organized and some will even go into detail about other considerations. The book rounds out with future security trends and some cheat sheets, useful web links and other goodies that any reader could find helpful.

Overall this book is for anyone in the technical field, whether hands on or management. The book is written in such a way that anyone wanting to audit or assess a specific in their environment would find this book helpful.

I recommend this book and give it 4 stars.

Helping the novice feel smart about computer security.......2005-08-17

As a complete novice, I found this book to be very helpful. I oversee a growing business with equally growing IT needs, and I have been increasingly concerned about the security of my computer systems. I was looking for something to give me a brief overview of the process and found it in this book. It also wasn't too technical for a businessperson, such as myself, to understand. I recommend to any business manager involved in IT security.

Computer Viruses, Artificial Life and Evolution: The Little Black Book of Computer Viruses

Average customer rating:

A great book
Excellent
I wanna be like you (Hackers)
An excellent study of the basis of evolution

Computer Viruses, Artificial Life and Evolution: The Little Black Book of Computer Viruses
Mark A. Ludwig
Manufacturer: American Eagle Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0929408071

Customer Reviews:

A great book.......1999-12-02

An excellent discussion on what life is, evolution, and how it all may apply to computer viruses and what we may learn from them. I would recommend all books on computer viruses by Dr. Ludwig.

Excellent.......1999-12-01

A great discussion of evolution - the author takes us through the basics of evolution, and the arguments for and against it, and how this all might apply to computer viruses. Also has an interesting virus designed to emulate Darwinian evolution.

I wanna be like you (Hackers).......1999-05-17

I want This Boo

An excellent study of the basis of evolution.......1997-11-30

Have you ever wondered if the theory if evolution is true? Evolution has passed into scientific doctrine, not because there is overwhelming evidence, but simply because there is no alternative. And yet, evolution seems to propose the impossible, that life could spontaneously appear from the random interaction of chemicals, and that the simplest single celled organism could, through mutation, transform itself into something as astoundingly complex as a human being. This book examines evolution using powerful new insights gained from the study of computer viruses and other artifical life programs. Computer viruses reproduce, mutate, are killed, become extinct, or prospher in much the same way as organic live forms. This book does not propose any alternative theory to evolution. It does, however, confront the reader with some impossible aspects of its fundamental principles. Even if we don't have any alternative but to believe in evolution, we should still approach that belief with all the caution we would give a theory that had many viable alternatives.

Windows 2000 Security Little Black Book: The Hands-On Reference Guide for Establishing a Secure Windows 2000 Network

Average customer rating:

Empty, Unorganized, and Stale
A very comprehensive overview of Windows 2K security
Excellent Win 2K security overview
A book for all Seasons

Windows 2000 Security Little Black Book: The Hands-On Reference Guide for Establishing a Secure Windows 2000 Network
Ian McLean
Manufacturer: Coriolis Group Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Certification Central | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

Covers NT security at system deployment and at upgrade time, as well as during routine system administration. Organizes the NT security topic functionally, according to tasks a system administrator would be called to perform. Advises the system administrator on "best practices" for assigning permissions in a complex organization.

Customer Reviews:

Empty, Unorganized, and Stale.......2002-08-18

This book suffers from lack of organization, content, and insight, seemingly copied from a Microsoft Website lesson, assumes far too much without authority and delivers too little. We tried contacting the author, Ian McLean, but his email address bounced. Then we found his website does not answer and even the name server email address bounced. Perhaps he received too many negative emails.

As an example, the use of Active Directory best requires a DC installation. But the author fails to mention this which can be disastrous and lead the inexperienced reader on an endless quest. This sort of problem is rampant throughout. He writes in a rambling dialog guised as decent reference to the layperson but usually without a reference point. Even experienced Network Administrators would have problems following his chaotic, amateurish chapters.

There are far too many omissions in the book, far too many inaccuracies. But the main problem is trying to follow what he's written in some kind of decent order. This is not a reference, but a mess. I was quite surprised at how badly written it actually is.

Robert Jennings
Computer Science Editor
The Oregon Herald

A very comprehensive overview of Windows 2K security.......2000-06-16

A must-have for windows 2000 administrators and security personel.

Excellent Win 2K security overview.......2000-06-16

This book is a must-have for system administrators and security professionals.

A book for all Seasons.......2000-04-22

Well to start, I really like this book, PERIOD. I am a MCSE, MCT. We are using NT 4, and most likely be evaluating Windows 2000. I have already used w2k for months, home lab, will be teaching w2k, implementing w2k. I need quick, precise info on w2k security. I am taking the w2k security design beta/real exam as well. I am also taking the w2k betas (including the w2k Security Design 70-220 in about 2 hrs). I also plan to teach the MOC for w2k Security as well as become "expert" on security issues as well as implementation in w2k.

Its best if you have w2k adv server set up, parent/child domain but while waiting this book will get you up to speed in a hurry. At work we are using buzz words like public key, VPN, Radius server as well as doing this. Also smart cards and certificate services which I wish I read his book before I took the betas but I will be ready when the real exams come out. With this book I get to read about w2k security and there are quick little exercises to demo the w2k security features. Oh yes the price of the book is quite reasonable. So get the book, become an expert on w2k security. The review is a bit rambling but in 70 min or so I am taking the w2k Security Design beta, a "neat" way to spend 3-4 hrs on a Saturday morning.

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