Not an easy read. Didn't expect it to be, but still a bit tough to plow through.Not an easy read. Didn't expect it to be, but still a bit tough to plow through....more
This is a wonderful story about the challenges faced by a female scientist in the world dominated by males, and her pursuit of the cure for HIV. This This is a wonderful story about the challenges faced by a female scientist in the world dominated by males, and her pursuit of the cure for HIV. This is also a fascinating story about the molecular biology behind emotions, neuro-receptors, peptides and the mind-body relationship. The author reveals the bi-directional molecular connection between our brains and immune systems, providing powerful evidence of the power of the mind to heal....more
I was excited to read this book as the growing field of epigenetics is finally gaining interest and momentum in the scientific community. It's adoptioI was excited to read this book as the growing field of epigenetics is finally gaining interest and momentum in the scientific community. It's adoption will change the face of evolutionary theory. In this book, the authors define four basic categories of epigenetic transmission of information and develop them fully including providing evidence of how this information is passed. The authors are renowned in this field for their work. I was hoping to discover a little more profundity in their work, but as I have been following the field fairly closely over the last 3 years, I found this book to be quite conservative. As scientists, these researchers are simply being cautious in their claims. This is completely acceptable. However, I was hoping to find a few more hints of what might be forthcoming; which seemed to be absent from the work. ...more
I enjoyed the first half of this book which describes in excruciating detail the nature of her work with Bonobos. The second half of the book providesI enjoyed the first half of this book which describes in excruciating detail the nature of her work with Bonobos. The second half of the book provides a detailed analysis of language and how our historical understanding exempts apes from a capacity for it. I was not prepared for the degree of deep philosophical study towards language and syntax. I was more interested in the first half of the book, which describes the Bonobos and their fascinating communication skills. Still very worthwhile to read, even for those not so interested in the story of linguistics....more
This is one of the most fascinating books I've read in a while. The author spent many years inside the archives of the CIA, interviewing hundreds of cThis is one of the most fascinating books I've read in a while. The author spent many years inside the archives of the CIA, interviewing hundreds of contacts, and unearthing the detailed history of this sadly corrupt and failure-ridden organization. This book details of the complete history of the CIA from it's predecessor through the debacle with Saddam Hussein. The author provides a plethora of evidence from known sources describing the parade of disastrous campaigns all in the name of democracy. As an American, I'm ashamed at this history both for what we've done under false pretenses in other countries but also what we've done to our own people. EVERY American should read this book. Make up your own mind. The evidence is there....more
This book can be divided into two parts. The neuroscience part and the scathing assessment of conservative vis-a-vis liberal political tactics. From aThis book can be divided into two parts. The neuroscience part and the scathing assessment of conservative vis-a-vis liberal political tactics. From a scientific perspective, the author develops a well supported argument that the electorate votes their emotions, not their rational minds. He cites numerous studies and compelling examples to make this case. It will change the way you think about your politics.
If you can't handle liberal-biased books, then you might find the majority of the work difficult to absorb. However, no matter what your political leanings, you should plough through. He does an excellent job of identifying how the Republicans have excelled time and again by using highly emotionally charged tactics and issues to sway voters, while the Democrats focus almost exclusively on using rational arguments to make their case - and losing almost every battle along the way. It's a fascinating story that is well written, easy to understand and emotionally charging in its own right. This is a book that continues to improve throughout and is a must-read for political junkies....more
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