Wild Lives: Wild Lives (Guinness World Records)

Book Description

GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS: WILD LIVES presents the world's most awesome records from the animal and plant kingdoms. Take a close-up look at real insects, reptiles, vegetables and minerals, such as:
· The world's most dangerous bird
· The world's driest place
· The world's smelliest flower
· The world's strangest insect defense system
· The world's tallest waterfall
· And much more
What are nature's biggest, smallest, loudest, tallest, deadliest, and smelliest?
Read GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS: WILD LIVES to find out!

The Guinness book of wild flowers (Britain's natural heritage)

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The Guinness book of wild flowers (Britain's natural heritage)
Mary Briggs
Manufacturer: Guinness Superlatives
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Wild Lives (Guinness World Records)
Dina Anastasio
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Curiosities & Wonders | Fun Facts | Reference | Subjects | Books

Mystery & Wonders | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1417693770

Book Description

Within an easy daytrip of our nation’s capital are countless historical, natural, and cultural attractions, removed from the urban bustle and political intrigue of the Capital Beltway. You can explore the very origins of our nation at early colonial settlements around the Chesapeake Bay and at numerous Revolutionary War sites. Or you can trace centuries of growth and progress through the cradle of American history: Civil War battlefields on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line; Harpers Ferry and other landmarks of African-American history; forts, plantation homes, and presidential birthplaces; covered bridges, lighthouses and maritime museums; historic mills and railroads; and more. For those in search of more leisurely pursuits, there are quaint towns and fishing villages, wineries, and oceanside boardwalks--and the charms of Amish Country are a short buggy ride from the Beltway. From the Shenandoah foothills in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east, the region is home to diverse wilderness areas and nature experiences, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park, and Assateague Island National Seashore. Hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and more, all just hours, and in some cases minutes, from the White House.

Authors Pat and Chuck Blackley present more than two dozen tours throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey---all within 200 miles of Capitol Hill.

Book Description

The Iron Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, leading the rising German Empire based on Prussian militarism and discipline, and Lord Odo Russell, Liberal Ambassador of Great Britain when the British Empire was at its most powerful, serene and confident, were politically and socially worlds apart. The astonishing friendship of Bismarck and Russell endured intense national rivalry which would change the face of Europe and the world and end in world war. The result is a moving personal story and one which illuminates European diplomacy at the highest levels. This book vividly illustrates all the major themes of the complex relationship: the Franco-Prussian war, Turkey as the "Sick Man of Europe" and the Eastern Question, relations with France, Russia and other European powers, the beginnings of imperial rivalry, the clash of ideologies between liberal Anglo-Saxon beliefs and the militarism of the new Germany. In addition, a glittering picture is painted of the German Imperial court and of British political society at its highest.

Customer Reviews:

High Politicts Made Entertaining.......2000-03-04

When I first saw this book at the AHA conference I was immediately taken by the cartoon of Russell on the cover. The book itself turned out to be as much fun to read as the cover was to look at. This is high politics told in an entertaining way. We need more stuff like this.

Book Description

Former Texas prison chaplain Rev. Carroll Pickett, working with two time Edgar Award-winner and New York Times best selling author Carlton Stowers, provides this eloquent, unflinching look at capital punishment.Within These Walls is the powerful memoir of Rev. Pickett, who spent fifteen years as the death house chaplain at "The Walls," the Huntsville unit of the Texas prison system.In that capacity Rev. Pickett ministered to 95 men before they were put to death by lethal injection. They came with sinister nicknames like "The Candy Man" and "The Good Samaritan Killer," some contrite, some angry-a few who might even have been innocent.All of them found in Rev. Pickett their last chance for an unbiased confessor who would look at them only as fellow humans, not simply as the convicted criminals the rest of society had already dismissed them as.This first-hand experience gave Rev. Pickett the unique insight needed to write an impassioned statement on the realities of capital punishment in America.The result is a thought-provoking and compelling book that takes the reader inside the criminal mind, inside the execution chamber, and inside the heart of a remarkable man who shares his thoughts and observations not only about capital punishment, but about the dark world of prison society.AUTHORBIO: Rev. Pickett is today an outspoken anti-death penalty activist.He is retired from the Department of Corrections but still preaches near Huntsville, Texas.Carlton Stowers is the author of more than two doze non-fiction books, including the Edgar Award-winging Careless Whispers, the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Innocence Lost, and Open Secrets.He has also written two books for children-A Hero Named George and Hard Lessons-which are being used by elementary schools as part of their drug and gang prevention program.He and his wife live in Cedar Hill, Texas.

Customer Reviews:

Great Read.......2007-03-15

Whether you agree or disagree with the way the death penalty is played out in TX or the US in general this book is a great read. The author has "lived" all sides of the issue from having friends who where murdered to ministering to those who killed them. It's a very well-written and well-rounded look at the issues.

State Sanctioned Murder.......2007-01-16

Rev. Carroll Pickett speaks with the authority of a man who is tough in every way, tough enough to have the respect of prison authorities and tough enough to have the respect of inmates in the toughest prison system in the country, Huntsville, Texas. This tough man is also one of the kindest persons you will ever meet. His honesty makes this a compelling book. He started out as a prison chaplain in favor of the death penalty but after accompanying a hundred inmates to their deaths, he is now so vehemently opposed to the death penalty he no longer refers to it as execution but murder. He now works full time for its abolition. I don't see how anyone could read this book from the beginning and come out at the other end in favor of this barbarism.

Decent reading material.......2006-12-14

I enjoyed this book and the authors feelings on the death penalty. I felt like something was missing when I was done reading it though.

One of the best I've ever read--.......2006-01-28

I guess it's true you either love it or hate it as I can't imagine being ambivalent about this book. I first read the book only because I had met the author, Rev. Carroll Pickett. I found it to be very interesting & thought provoking. I have recommended it to numerous people. I have since had the great fortune to get to know Carroll & his wife, Jane. He is a truly remarkable man & I feel priviledged to know him & to have read his book. He is definitely a man of intergrity. I'm glad he shared his experiences with all of us!

You'll love it or hate it.......2002-12-03

No one escapes this book without being confronted with the tragic realities of the death penalty. Rev. Pickett does not fluff this story with hype but tells it as he lived it. This is not just a testament about the death penalty but is also about the meaning of life, death, family systems, ministry, and, in the end of the book, loving one's enemies. You can argue that Pickett is wrong about the death penalty perhaps but you cannot argue with the fact that he did his job with integrity and love. You'll love it or hate it but will not escape the power of Carroll Pickett's experience.

Within These Walls: Memoirs of a Death House Chaplain

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Within These Walls: Memoirs of a Death House Chaplain
Carroll Pickett Carlton Stowers
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTMX5W

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some serious inaccuracies

the author speaks

Cat Care Redefined

Not what I was looking for

Best combination of pictures and words.

KISS Guide to Cat Care (Keep It Simple)
Steve Duno
Manufacturer: Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cats | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Cats for Dummies

ASIN: 0751334294

Book Description

Kiss the competition goodbye! Find out how to keep your cat happy and healthy with DK's KISS Guide to Cat Care. Uncover the origins of these mysterious creatures, from their feline ancestors, the Miacis, to today's fascinating breeds. Investigate the inner workings of the cat in simple diagrams. Master cat-care basics, from food and toilet training, to exercise and typical costs. Learn all about cat psychology to help you understand the quirks of different breeds. Discover how to care for a sick or injured cat, when to call the vet, and what can harm your cat. Find out about behavioral problems and tips for dealing with all personalities, from furniture scratchers to attention-seekers. The Keep It Simple Series is the new standard in how-to books! Written by leading experts, each book includes full-color photographs and illustrations throughout, making these the first and only truly accessible guides for beginners. The KISS format is designed to help readers build confidence from the start, and learn gradually and thoroughly to the very last page. Much more than introductions to various subjects, these inspiring and innovative books are the ones that readers can trust!

Customer Reviews:

some serious inaccuracies.......2003-04-28

I generally like the DK series, so I thought this one would be good. But there were some serious inaccuracies here. The one that bothered me most was the photo of a kitten tangled in string, titled "if you provide your cats with enough stimulation . . ." Many cat books warn against letting cats play with string or thead as it can cause serious damage passing through the intestines if swallowed. After having to cut a cat free from a big tangle of string, I am careful not to leave it around anymore. In general the book had some good information, but not much of it. I'm finding Think Like a Cat by Pam Johnson-Bennett much more useful. It isn't full of cute pictures, just good information.

the author speaks.......2002-12-04

Hi. I wanted to thank the reviewers for taking the time to read my book. Thanks for all those stars!

Regarding the lone criticism regarding the lack of a section on pregnancy, let me say that both I and the publisher decided not to cover the topic, for one very good reason: we did not want to help add to the already burgeoning cat population. Why would I want to coach people on how to care for the pregnant cat? That amounts to tacit approval of in-home breeding, the main cause of millions of cat euthanasias every year. Millions of pets killed because someone wouldn't spay or neuter, or at least keep the cat indoors. On that note, why would anyone actually have a pregnant cat in the home (besides a professional breeder, that is)? Having an unneutered cat in the home (and presumably wandering the neighborhood) is irresponsible, and cruel. The days of farm ratters are over; to continue to allow cats to mate willy-nilly only serves to increase the misery. Been to a cat shelter lately?

Before pretending to be an authority on cats (as any competent reviewer should be), one should first have the common sense to spay or neuter, don't you think? How else can we take your sage opinions seriously?

Cat Care Redefined.......2002-07-23

I got a little black kitten a few months ago. This being my first cat, I decided to purchase a book that would help me take care of him. I am not sure how I came across this book, but I found it and bought it. I was more than surprised to find that my favorite actor did the forward. This book was very helpful in raising Azrael Walken-Serrine to the healthy cat he is today.

Not what I was looking for.......2002-06-06

I see that other reviewers loved this book, but I have to admit that I was disappointed. My cat recently had kittens, and this book was no help at all. It has no section on pregnancy, only a very small section on breeding your cat for profit. Well, this was purely accidental, but I still wanted some help on caring for her during her pregnancy and labor, as well as some tips on caring for the kittens. It doesn't have anything like a section on kitten developmental stages. When do they eat solid food? When can I separate them from their mother? When should I get her fixed so we don't do this again? It also didn't have much on caring for sick or injured cats. What it did have, and I really didn't need, was a section on teaching your cat tricks. Hello! She's a cat, not a dog. I don't really need to teach her tricks. Of course, if you are interested, then this book may help. But it didn't have what I was looking for at all.

Best combination of pictures and words........2002-03-06

I am a new cat owner. I have never had pets before so I have purchased several cat books recently, the Illustrated Cat book and Cats for Dummies. Both were good books but KISS Cat Care offered the best combination of pictures and information, perfect for the new cat owner. The best things about this book were that it included references to websites and offered great tips on training. I definately recommend this book.

Litterbox Training Your Kitten or Cat: A Simple, Effective Guide to Stopping and Preventing Your Cat from Using Your House As a Litterbox, Plus Basic

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Litterbox Training Your Kitten or Cat: A Simple, Effective Guide to Stopping and Preventing Your Cat from Using Your House As a Litterbox, Plus Basic
Steven Appelbaum
Manufacturer: Metacom
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0886763630

The Simple Guide to Cats (Simple Guide to...)

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Excellent "How To" book

The Simple Guide to Cats (Simple Guide to...)
Sandra L. Toney , and Kelli A. Wilkins
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0793821118

Customer Reviews:

Excellent "How To" book.......2005-04-20

This is an excellent beginning to end book. It includes how to pick a cat, and covers characteristics of the most popular breeds, including if they are better for households with children or not, should you choose to pick a special breed rather than any kitty. All the basics on cat care and safety are present as well. It does cover some good information on shelters, but does not go over how to evaluate the quality of a shelter or the tests and vaccines available at that shelter, which would have been helpful. Also, it only includes a half a page on death and dying and funeral arrangements. It does cover just about everything else, including how to pick a vet.

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Breyer Guide

Great to browse, durability needs work...

Outstanding & Comprehensive Collectors' Guide

A Must for Breyer Collectors

A MUST Have!

Breyer Molds & Models: Horse, Riders, & Animals 1950-1997
Nancy Atkinson Young
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Manufacturing | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Breyer Animal Collector's Guide: Identification and Values (Breyer Animal Collector's Guide)

ASIN: 0764306596

Book Description

This new edition of the encyclopedic reference on five decades of Breyer plastic molded horses has over 1800 color photos and detailed information on the horses, riders and animals released by the Breyer company. This edition has 240 new models released in 1996 and 1997 and updated suggested values for all the models 1950-1997. Much new information on many pre-1996 models is presented, including previously unknown pieces from earlier decades. This book covers every known model, production dates, model numbers, variations, and the true stories behind the horses. Breyer's other lines are pictured and described in equal detail as well. Breyer collectors refer to this book as the "Breyer Bible."

Customer Reviews:

Breyer Guide .......2005-02-22

This Breyer Guide is very good for Breyer Collectors. This book shows all the models and the newly painted models from the old models history. This Breyer book shows all the old and retired models turn into the newly painted olds that are very popualar.

Great to browse, durability needs work..........2002-10-22

I love this book! It's a great referance guide... the only beef I have is that I've had mine a little over a year and it's already falling apart. :(

This may just be because I use it lots, but the pages are beginning to come loose and I've ended up with a lot more page tears than I had in similarly used books.

*shrugs* Still, it's a GREAT reference guide! ^_^

Outstanding & Comprehensive Collectors' Guide.......2002-06-21

"Molds & Models," known around my house as "the blue book," is an indispensable reference to the Breyer collector. Outstanding cross-references and notations on each mold and model make it easy to use. There is an extensive section on the history of Breyer Molding/Reeves International that makes for some fascinating reading as well. Photographs are clear and demonstrate changes in molds over the course of time. I would love to see an updated version, since this one stops at 1997. Along with Felicia Crowell's "Collectors' Guide," this book will help you enjoy and appreciate your Breyer collection even further. (I've been collecting Breyers since childhood.)

A Must for Breyer Collectors.......2000-05-18

This is the "bible" for Breyer model horse collectors. The research is thoroughly documented, the amount of information about the molds and models is astonishing. The only reason I give it four stars is because many photographs are dark and hard to "read." I keep mine in the car for value references at antique shows and collectible fairs.

A MUST Have!.......2000-03-30

If you collect Breyers, you can't live without this book. It is the complete history of the Breyer Molding Company and their products. If you need the history of your model, this is the book! Nancy has done YEARS of research to complete this epic. Don't miss it!

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Gardening Without Irrigation: or without much, anyway
Steve Solomon
Manufacturer: Hard Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

Gardening When It Counts: Growing Food in Hard Times (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series)

$Organic Gardener\'s Composting$ Organic Gardener\'s Composting

Water-Wise Vegetables: For the Maritime Northwest Gardener (Cascadia Gardening)

ASIN: 1406956678
Release Date: 2006-11-03

Book Description

A related problem many backyard gardeners have with establishing the winter and overwintered garden is finding enough space for both the summer and winter crops. The nursery bed solves both these problems. Instead of trying to irrigate the entire area that will eventually be occupied by a winter or overwintered crop at maturity, the seedlings are first grown in irrigated nurseries for transplanting in autumn after the rains come back. Were I desperately short of water I'd locate my nursery where it got only morning sun and sow a week or 10 days earlier to compensate for the slower growth.

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Gardening Without Irrigation or without much, anyway

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Gardening Without Irrigation or without much, anyway
Steve, Soloman
Manufacturer: Echo Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1406805947

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a good place to start

Clark smart kids

great advice

Very Practical Advice

short read with good ideas

Clark Smart Parents, Clark Smart Kids : Teaching Kids of Every Age the Value of Money
Mark Meltzer , and Clark Howard
Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Bargain Books | Stores | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Bargain Books | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Get Clark Smart: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Rich from America's Money-Saving Expert

Clark's Big Book of Bargains : Clark Howard Teaches You How to Get the Best Deals

CLARK SMART REAL ESTATE: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUYING AND SELLING REAL ESTATE

50 Simple Steps You Can Take To Improve Your Personal Finances: How to Spend Less, Save More, and Make the Most of What You Have

The Fair Tax Book: Saying Goodbye to the Income Tax and the IRS

ASIN: B000ETQQ0A

Book Description

From the bestselling author of Get Clark Smart comes this valuable new resource enabling parents to pass 'Clark Smart' skills for saving and spending wisely on to kids of every age lark Howard-bestselling author, money-saving expert, and host of the popular syndicated radio program The Clark Howard Show-is back with more of his winning financial wisdom, this time aimed at helping parents teach kids real-world financial skills for today and every day. Parents of children of all ages-from elementary school through high school, college, and beyond-will benefit from Clark's sound, uncomplicated advice across a comprehensive range of topics. In Clark Smart Parents, Clark Smart Kids, he addresses everything from allowances-when and how much to give-to teaching teens about credit cards and navigating the purchase of a first car-how to get it, pay for it, and insure it-to saving for college, paying off loans, staying out of debt, and much more!

Customer Reviews:

a good place to start.......2007-05-11

Broad overview of many of the choices that impact finances. Suggests an allowance plan, recommends matching child's savings (p26). Discusses saving for retirement vs. college (48). Teaches separating income into spending, short term, long term, and giving (54). Includes worksheets for kids of all ages about understanding what things cost, when to get a job, what kind of a car to get, living on your own expenses, and investing. Extensive list of internet resources.

Clark smart kids.......2007-03-09

This book is good for a variety of reasons, some things are no-brainers but then I understand there are lots of people out there trying to figure the value of money. So to those people...hang in there, being financially free can happen, it just takes some work.

great advice.......2007-01-10

This book has wonderful ideas to help parents understand why teenagers don't know how to manage their money as well as the ideas and worksheets to help correct the problem. The earlier you begin the longer you have to teach the necessary lessons.

Very Practical Advice.......2005-10-11

The advice is very well put, and definitely will save you money, more than what the book sells for. I was in particular looking for advice for my son to get his first car. The advice was good and made sense, so as the rest of the book.

short read with good ideas.......2005-08-22

This book has all the worksheets you can think of and some great ideas for your child(ren). Now I'm much more prepared and excited about teaching my little boy how to be responsible with money. He gives some fun and easy ways to teach children as well as adults how to handle money to your benefit.

Book Description

It's 1985 and 29-year-old family man Anthony Papa is the owner of a failing radio repair business. Offered $500 to deliver an envelope for an acquaintance, the desperate Papa agrees, unaware of the cocaine inside or the sting operation that awaits. Though it's his first criminal offense, New York drugs laws dictate a mandatory 15-year-to-life prison term.

Papa's life is ruined. His wife leaves, he can't see his daughter, and he's consumed by regret and thoughts of suicide until discovering painting — a pursuit that sustains him and gradually inspires him to fight for justice. When his self-portrait is exhibited at the Whitney Museum in 1994, a burst of public sympathy catches the attention of the governor and leads to Papa's eventual release just three years short of the full sentence. A riveting story featuring a 16-page signature with color photos and reproductions of Anthony Papa's art, 15 To Life is also an important social critique of America's draconian drug laws and a clarion call for reform.

Customer Reviews:

The Urban Book Source.......2007-08-13

Anthony Papa, just one of the thousands of victims of the draconian drug laws that hit America in 1973, tells his tale of how he "painted his way to freedom." It is similar to Life on the Outside, by Jennifer Gonnerman, but unique in its first hand account. This is not your usual story of a notarized drug dealer from the streets serving his bid and coming home to stir up more trouble. This is a story of a family man who gets caught in the web of the penal system, but fights his way back to personal triumph. Commended by the likes of Russell Simmons, Susan Sarandon, and Jack Black, 15 to Life will have you singing its praises after the first few chapters.

Tremendous.......2005-08-03

Anthony Papa only took one risk to find the $500 he needed to pay rent so his
family could live. Like being asked to do some landscaping for a friend, Papa
was to deliver four and one half ounces of coke for some quick money and quick
resolution to his financial crisis. The deal was a setup to break the fall of
a dealer higher up in the hierarchy of the drug market and Papa endured the
mandatory 15 year minimum in court. Thereafter Papa lived an ordinary story of
acclimation to prison life as a first-time offender, as well as an extraordinary
story of discovery of latent talent, and a strategic engagement of that talent
to pursue his freedom. Through the pages we see the scant resources prisoners
have for advocating for their freedom. We see those scant resources exhausted
as Papa becomes a jailhouse lawyer creating appeals that are manhandled to his
misfortune by outsider law firms. In the end, as the title suggests, it is the
resource of art that prevails. Both as an occupation that allowed Papa to
transcend his despair in the cell and the afflictions of civil bureaucracy.
Papa wins his freedom through playing the ooh's and ah's of the art world and
its media following. His builds his campaign for clemency from then governor
George Pataki on the moral/aesthetic arguments that only his art is allowed to
communicate. And `moral argument' ought not be confused with plastic sympathy.
It is no puppy dog stare from a pet store window.

Papa's story is a milieu of competitiveness and resigned cooperation with an
inhuman system of power. Papa is forced to wile and trick a system to gain an
advantage that should be afforded to him on the basis of human rights. Papa
competes against many characters: lawyers, judges, dealers, other inmates,
CO's, high society artists and critics. And the prize of this competition is
not the fame associated with hanging portraits in galleries. That is just the
means to the real finish line: the freedom those on the outside all readily
take for granted. Papa literally paints for his life; it may well be the
reason he paints ("I knew that participating in the show [at New York's Whitney
Art Museum] was the break I had been waiting for. As I re-read the lines, they
blurred into a single word: FREEDOM.").

So art, the aesthetic realm all too often valued as transcendent of the hard
truths of life, finds a very practical cause. Art's power is used for a very
focused and determinate end: to sow a campaign for public opinion. Papa's
sentence at Sing Sing faces the opposite direction Oscar Wilde experienced
during his stay at Reading Gaol. Whereas Wilde was an aesthete whose genius
was eroded by the toil of his imprisonment, Papa finds his genius because of
the toil, because the normal argumentative paths to pursuing freedom (court
appeals) in maximum security prisons ultimately don't exist in his favor.
While Wilde may view art as those things that are unnecessary, Papa makes art
(and maybe more precisely the outside world's mass-mediated appreciation of
art) the absolutely necessary path to his campaign for clemency and his
freedom.

15 to Life reveals the conflicts and cooperation between the artist's brush,
jailhouse-law study, and numerous letters from legal bureaucracy. Papa
struggles through them all, playing them with and against each other in hopes
that he can freely reclaim his humanity. It leaves a lot of questions for the
reader such as "What happens to the inmates who don't have talent or technique
to entice the sympathy of the free world, what about the rest of them?"
Fortunately, Papa doesn't take his freedom and run. As co-founder of the
Mothers of the New York Disappeared he uses his clout as a cultural and moral
sensation to campaign for the rights of those he left behind the gates of Sing
Sing. Papa leaves the story of 15 to Life with a strong and quickening gaze
toward liberation for the Rockefeller incarcerated.

Papa's memoir will be easy and important reading for those who want to figure
art as a politicizing and strategic resource for creating real change for
social justice. It will inform the reader not only about Papa's artistic
process but also the political process he must engage to make his art work for
social change and his freedom. This process includes mobilizing audiences,
critics, press, and other locations of power toward an ethic or political good.
Papa's art is great and can stand alone as a form of beauty. However, "How I
Painted My Way to Freedom" is a complex subtitle and ought not conjure an image
of the paintbrush as a mystical key to the cellblock latch. Papa's story does
not let one underestimate the amount of work and struggle Papa needed to endure
to direct his art toward political resolution.

amazing story, cannot put this book down!.......2005-04-27

This book is one of the besst stories I have read recently. 15 to life starts right out w/ an exciting beginning and keeps you hooked the whole time. Anthony Papa's story will shock you. Every law and sociology class should be required to read this book. Buy it and support the cause.

Justice Gone Wrong - Fighting the Rockefeller Drug Laws.......2005-02-01

In 1985, Anthony Papa was a 29-year-old small business owner living in the Bronx with his wife and young daughter. Bills were mounting, rent was due and tensions were rising in his marriage when a gambling acquaintance stepped up and offered him a quick $500 to deliver a package. Papa had doubts and misgivings, but he accepted the proposal. The package Papa carried was full of cocaine and he delivered it directly into the hands of undercover cops. To make matters worse, this particular event came with an added twist; namely New York's Rockefeller drug laws, which mandate a 15-year-to-life sentence for the weight of the drugs Anthony had delivered.

15 to Life details how Papa transformed himself while in prison, from a convicted drug courier into an artist and later into an activist. The first 80+ pages cover his dealings with a shady lawyer, codefendants turning on him and his initiation into the jail system. Papa reinforces that what you see in the movies about prison life is not far from reality. Sex, violence, drugs, deals made and deals broken all take place on a regular basis behind the prison walls.

15 to Life takes a turn from prison narrative to survival tale when Papa realizes that he is going to serve a good deal of his sentence. Papa finds his inspiration to not give up when he sees a prisoner painting in his cell and becomes mesmerized by the act. A short while later, emerging from a three-day lockdown Papa has an epiphany as he looks around his cell. He considers the ten paintings he has completed and sees his freedom on the canvas. At this point Papa becomes committed to his art, realizing it is the only way he can survive prison.

While Papa works on his art he starts to realize that his lawyer is not doing much to help him. While in the library studying his case, a prisoner tells him about the law that has sentenced him to 15 years to life. The Rockefeller drug laws state that a judge must impose a minimum sentence of 15 years to life to anyone convicted of selling two ounces or possessing four ounces of a controlled substance. Kingpin or first time bust, everyone receives the same minimum sentence. Papa now had another focus besides his art, his case and more specifically, the law that put him behind bars.

Papa gets a break in September of 1993 when the Whitney Museum contacted Sing Sing about a show they would be putting together. The Whitney was looking for art by a murderer for their show. Papa saw an opportunity and pursued it, telling The Whitney that he was a convicted killer. In his mind the lie would expose his are and hopefully get him closer to freedom.

After the Whitney show Papa received his first press exposure, an in depth piece in the Gannett Suburban Newspaper. An article in Prison Life magazine followed, then a NY Times letter to the editor penned by Papa in regard to the Rockefeller drug laws. Later, an Associated Press story that is printed in six New York newspapers follows. Papa welcomes the press; the prison does not and reassigns him to a harsher area of the prison.

Papa later learns of an opportunity to join a Master's Degree Program from the New York Theological Seminary. While he is enrolled in the Master's Program Papa starts the ball rolling on his plea for clemency from Governor George Pataki. Papa details his attempts at clemency and his joy at finally receiving the news that it had been granted.

After his release Papa tells of his days outside of prison. His major focus is on the group he co-founds, Mothers of the New York Disappeared, named for the mothers and relatives who have had family members disappear behind prison walls. The group is focused on repealing the Rockefeller Drug Laws. The efforts of the group have helped change public opinion on the law, however the public and the government that represents them are not on the same page and the laws remain unchanged.

The story of Anthony Papa is a great read and at points a heartbreaking story. Papa is a man that did not give up when he could have easily done so. Papa capitalized on every chance he had while in prison and his story is one of triumph. His story is also one that should make the reader think about the prisoners that do give up, that are not given any chances. 15 to Life should make you think about the prisoners that are left to rot behind bars due to unfair and restrictive sentencing guidelines. Papa's story helps the reader to realize that the Rockefeller Laws are not putting away the big dealers like they intended and need to be reevaluated and ultimately scrapped.

Up the river.(prison life)(Excerpt): An article from: The Humanist

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Up the river.(prison life)(Excerpt): An article from: The Humanist
Anthony Papa , and Jennifer Wynn
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Humanist, published by Thomson Gale on September 1, 2005. The length of the article is 3234 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: Up the river.(prison life)(Excerpt)
Author: Anthony Papa
Publication: The Humanist (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 65 Issue: 5 Page: 17(7)

Article Type: Excerpt

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