A Primer on Securitization

Book Description

Gathering fourteen lectures by the pioneers of securitization and by current practitioners--from Freddie Mac, Paine Webber, JP Morgan, Chrysler, McKinsey & Co., and other major players--A Primer on Securitization introduces readers to America's newest system of raising capital: what it is, how it operates, and what difference securitization makes.

The securitization process bypasses financial intermediaries that have historically collected deposits and loaned them to those seeking funds, and links borrowers directly to money and capital markets. Authoritative and practical, these lectures show how securitization was developed to fill a gap in financial markets. They discuss the nature and causes of the market imperfections that made securitization a valuable source of funds, and describe how securitization has linked local mortgage markets with international capital markets. Readers will gain a broad perspective of the different parties--the borrower, the loan originator, the servicer, the rating agency, the special purpose vehicle, the credit enhancer, the underwriter, and the investor--as well as a detailed analysis of how these parties relate to one another.

Customer Reviews:

Great background but dated.......2005-08-31

Kendalll and Fishman's book provided a wonderful historical perspective on the rise of mortgage-backed securities, including the roles played by several of the GSEs (government-sponsored entities) and the Resolution Trust Corporation, which was responsible for cleaning up the balance sheets of failed S&Ls in the early 1980s. I would have liked to see more math, but other than that, the various lectures describe the demand for securitization, how it benefits the housing market, as well as how mortgage-backed securities were received by institutional investors.

As has been noted in other reviews, you have to ignore the publication date of July 31, 2000 because most of the lectures were collected from the mid-1990s! Also, it's difficult to understand the perspective of each article, because there is no detailed biography of the contributor.

Despite these caveats, the articles are very well written, and the historical perspective is quite valuable.

Insightful!.......2003-01-01

Editors Leon T. Kendall and Michael J. Fishman adapted these first-hand accounts of the early years of the securitization industry from a lecture series at the Kellogg School of Management. The contributions from financial service pioneers are the book's greatest strength. They elucidate the economic and regulatory forces that made securitization a powerful, versatile financial tool. Each chapter stands alone, but the book does not follow a linear narrative. Caveat lector: these lectures were given in 1994, so the sections on current trends and future expectations are out-of-date. Hence, this primer doesn't cover massive changes in financial regulation, an explosion in the types of asset-backed securities (ABSs), the popularity of derivatives or off-balance-sheet accounting to hide fraud. We from getAbstract suggest this book for those entering the financial services industry or for those who need background history. This does not tell you how today's capital markets work, but it is an illuminating eyewitness account of yesterday's.

Securitization:Most important financial innovation in 25 yrs.......1999-07-01

The Primer offers an introductory read for those wishing to understand the factors that have been driving the securitization process, how it reshaped the financial industry, and the issues it poses for monetary authorities and regulators. The book's uniqueness rests in that the story of the origins of securitization is told by its founders. Lew Ranieri, Larry Fink, Leland Brendsel, Dennis Cantwell, working at Saloman,First Boston, Freddie Mac and Chrysler Financial respectively, along with others, relate both the challenges they faced and the promise they sought in launching the concept. Every effort is made to identify the principles necessary to expand securitization to new products and fields domestically and internationally. Professor Leon Kendall, Kellogg GSM, Northwestern University, Editor.

Appendix I: the regulatory treatment of asset securitisation--the bis proposals on securitisation.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer) : An article from: The Securitization Conduit

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Appendix I: the regulatory treatment of asset securitisation--the bis proposals on securitisation.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer) : An article from: The Securitization Conduit
Andreas A. Jobst
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Securitization Conduit, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2003. The length of the article is 4829 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: Appendix I: the regulatory treatment of asset securitisation--the bis proposals on securitisation.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer)
Author: Andreas A. Jobst
Publication: The Securitization Conduit (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2003
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 6 Issue: 1-4 Page: 56(9)

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Appendix II: ABS payment structures.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer)(asset backed securities) : An article from: The Securitization Conduit

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Appendix II: ABS payment structures.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer)(asset backed securities) : An article from: The Securitization Conduit
Andreas A. Jobst
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Securitization Conduit, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2003. The length of the article is 897 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: Appendix II: ABS payment structures.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer)(asset backed securities)
Author: Andreas A. Jobst
Publication: The Securitization Conduit (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2003
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 6 Issue: 1-4 Page: 65(2)

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Endnotes.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer) : An article from: The Securitization Conduit

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Endnotes.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer) : An article from: The Securitization Conduit
Andreas A. Jobst
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Securitization Conduit, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2003. The length of the article is 2239 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: Endnotes.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer)
Author: Andreas A. Jobst
Publication: The Securitization Conduit (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2003
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 6 Issue: 1-4 Page: 68(2)

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FASIT primer. (financial asset securitization investment trust): An article from: The Tax Adviser

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FASIT primer. (financial asset securitization investment trust): An article from: The Tax Adviser
Anthony Donadio , and Mark Leeds
Manufacturer: American Institute of CPA's
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Tax Adviser, published by American Institute of CPA's on March 1, 1997. The length of the article is 3966 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: The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 provides for the creation of financial asset securitization investment trusts (FASITs). The election will allow entities holding securitizations of nonmortgage assets to obtain treatment similar to that available for real estate mortgage investment conduits. The legislation identifies the types of interests and assets that can be held by a FASIT and the valuation rules that will be applicable. Taxation occurs primarily at the ownership interest holder level and not at the entity level.

Citation Details
Title: FASIT primer. (financial asset securitization investment trust)
Author: Anthony Donadio
Publication: The Tax Adviser (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 1997
Publisher: American Institute of CPA's
Volume: 28 Issue: n3 Page: 139(5)

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I. Introduction.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer) : An article from: The Securitization Conduit

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I. Introduction.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer) : An article from: The Securitization Conduit
Andreas A. Jobst
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Securitization Conduit, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2003. The length of the article is 3095 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: I. Introduction.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer)
Author: Andreas A. Jobst
Publication: The Securitization Conduit (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2003
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 6 Issue: 1-4 Page: 7(7)

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II. Asset-backed securitisation--motivation and advantages of collateralised debt obligations (CDOs).(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer): An article from: The Securitization Conduit

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II. Asset-backed securitisation--motivation and advantages of collateralised debt obligations (CDOs).(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer): An article from: The Securitization Conduit
Andreas A. Jobst
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Securitization Conduit, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2003. The length of the article is 2785 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: II. Asset-backed securitisation--motivation and advantages of collateralised debt obligations (CDOs).(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer)
Author: Andreas A. Jobst
Publication: The Securitization Conduit (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2003
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 6 Issue: 1-4 Page: 13(6)

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IV. Analytical consequences arising from the characteristics of securitisation.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer) : An article from: The Securitization Conduit

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IV. Analytical consequences arising from the characteristics of securitisation.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer) : An article from: The Securitization Conduit
Andreas A. Jobst
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Securitization Conduit, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2003. The length of the article is 3576 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: IV. Analytical consequences arising from the characteristics of securitisation.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer)
Author: Andreas A. Jobst
Publication: The Securitization Conduit (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2003
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 6 Issue: 1-4 Page: 38(6)

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References.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer) : An article from: The Securitization Conduit

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References.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer) : An article from: The Securitization Conduit
Andreas A. Jobst
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Securitization Conduit, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2003. The length of the article is 3588 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: References.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer)
Author: Andreas A. Jobst
Publication: The Securitization Conduit (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2003
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 6 Issue: 1-4 Page: 69(5)

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V. Credit enhancement.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer): An article from: The Securitization Conduit

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V. Credit enhancement.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer): An article from: The Securitization Conduit
Andreas A. Jobst
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Securitization Conduit, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2003. The length of the article is 1067 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: V. Credit enhancement.(Collateralised Loan Obligations (CLOs)--A Primer)
Author: Andreas A. Jobst
Publication: The Securitization Conduit (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2003
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 6 Issue: 1-4 Page: 43(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

An international text that integrates the relevant facets of law, banking, and taxation in the use of Offshore Financial Centers.

Customer Reviews:

Comprehensive Offshore Resource.......2004-08-11

I am a blue-water admiralty attorney who is very familiar with offshore financial centers. I asked the author on a professional basis if he could lead me to materials to facilitate a more complete understanding of offshore centers and their multi-facted use. This text provided an understanding on levels that I had no idea existed. It is fascinating and the information just has not been available previously.

The Handbook of Offshore Financial Centers

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The Handbook of Offshore Financial Centers
William L. Richards Jr.
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MUAJVI

Book Description

The book deals with the economics of conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in low income countries. This is done by developing concepts and discussing case studies. Only discussing the issues of access to and benefit sharing of plant genetic resources, unfortunately public discussion has neglected the serious problem of financing the conservation efforts because to date the issues of access to and benefit sharing of plant genetic resources have merely been discussed. The global situation of the conserved genetic resources is alarming, mainly due to the fact that the institutes, above all those in developing countries, do not have enough financial resources. Hence, it is imperative that the costs are taken into consideration. The contributions are grouped around theoretical approaches and empirical studies. The estimation of conservation costs help to allocate the appropriate financial assistance to the relevant countries for conserving their natural resources and assist in rationing scarce resources among competing crops which need to be covered under the conservation programmes.

Book Description

The role of experience is crucial in the development of the nervous system. The definition of experience includes neural activity, hormonal environment, and social interactions, as well as exposure to sensory stimuli. There are a variety of organism-environment interactions that guide the development of the nervous system. There is evidence that early sensory experiences enhance brain development and make for a more intelligent adult. A common theme throughout the book is the biological mechanism of early experiential influences in neural development. The book covers three stages of development: (1) embryonic or perinatal manipulations; (2) manipulations early after birth or hatching; (3) major periods of transformation in the organism's life.
The first stimuli felt by an organism is at the embryonic stage. For example, the expression of prenatal reflexes and movements regulates the life and death of developing neurons and is necessary for the normal development of the nervous system. Another example is the sensory system, the development of which starts before the organism has any sensory input. Furthermore, interactions between a pregnant or nursing female and her environment can influence the environment experienced by her offspring.
As regards the organism's development right after birth, evidence suggests that sensory deprivation of a particular system may lead to the death of its neurons. Experiments have been conducted on the olfactory bulb in the rodent and chick auditory systems.
The major periods of transformation refer to clear changes in neural structure and function. One of the most extraordinary transformations observed in developing organisms is metamorphosis. During this stage, some neurons may die, others alter their anatomy, take on a new function, and die at a later time. In some organisms, an entirely new sensory epithelium is formed, while in others, learned behavioral changes become biologically possible due to growth of cells that comprise a neural circuit.

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Catullus and His Renaissance Readers
Julia Haig Gaisser
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Renaissance | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0198148828

Book Description

This is the first general study of the fortunes of Catullus in the Renaissance. After a brief introduction tracing the transmission of the poet from antiquity to the middle of the fifteenth century, the book follows his reception and interpretation by editors, commentators, university lecturers, and poets from the first edition (1472) through the sixteenth century. The focus is on Catullus but also on his Renaissance readers. Their text and interpretations not only influenced the ways in which later generations (including our own) would read the poet, but also provide windows into their own intellectual and historical worlds, which include Poliziano's Florence, Rome under the Medici Pope Leo X and his puritanical successor Adrian VI, the Paris of Ronsard and Marc-Antoine de Muret, post-Tridentine Rome, and sixteenth-century Leiden - as well as fifteenth-century Verona, where Catullus was an object of patriotic veneration, and Pontano's Naples, where poets learned to read and imitate him through Martial's imitations.

Early Life Origins of Health and Disease (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology)

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Early Life Origins of Health and Disease (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Anatomy | Biological Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

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The Fetal Matrix: Evolution, Development and Disease

ASIN: 0387287159

Book Description

Early Life Origins of Health and Disease is a new book which presents and discusses the many factors that may have impact on normal development. In a concise and readable manner, the authors consider both the proven and suggestive evidence that the high prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity and, in some populations, kidney disease, may not be all due to genetics or adult environment alone. There is good evidence that stress and more subtle dietary deficiencies, as well as placental malfunction, may increase the risk that the offspring will develop these problems in later life. Finally, new and emerging evidence for other areas of human health and disease such a motor control and mental health is critically reviewed for the first time. The book is a ‘must’ for all scientists interested in researching these areas, as there is a critical evaluation of the methodology used and suggestions for the ‘optimal’ way in which to investigate these phenomena.

Theophrastus of Eresus: Sources for His Life, Writings Thought, and Influence (Philosophia Antiqua)

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Theophrastus of Eresus: Sources for His Life, Writings Thought, and Influence (Philosophia Antiqua)
R. W. Sharples , and Theophrastus
Manufacturer: Brill Academic Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

This is the first to appear of the projected volumes of commentary to accompany the texts and translations on Theophrastus of Eresus: Sources for his Life, Writings, Thought and Influence, edited by W.W. Fortenbaugh and others ("FHSG" (Philosophia Antiqua 54); Leiden, E.J. Brill, 1992). It covers the ancient secondary evidence for Theophrastus' views on physiology, zoology and botany; the transmission, reliability and doctrinal content of the reports in the text-and-translation volume are all discussed in detail, and general overviews are provided. The commentary is an indispensable accompaniment to the text-and-translation volume, and the two together will be an important resource for students of the history of the biological sciences in antiquity.

Does sea level rise influence propagule establishment, early growth and physiology of Kandelia candel and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza? [An article from: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology]

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Does sea level rise influence propagule establishment, early growth and physiology of Kandelia candel and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza? [An article from: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology]
Y. Ye , N.F. Tam , Y. Wong , and C. Lu
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Elsevier | By Publisher | e-Docs | Formats | Books
ASIN: B000RQZ6XS

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, published by Elsevier in 2004. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
Responses of Kandelia candel and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza in loamy-sandy (coarse) and silty (fine) soils to water level rise and prolonged inundation were investigated under mesocosm and field conditions. Acidity due to simulated sea level rise of 30 cm was more serious in fine soil than that in coarse soil. Propagules of K. candel had more rapid establishments under high water level and prolonged inundation, but establishments of B. gymnorrhiza were not significantly influenced by tide condition. Water level rise of 30 cm and prolonged inundation stimulated early growth especially in stem height increments during the first 2 months for K. candel and B. gymnorrhiza. However, relative growth rates (RGRs) during the second 2 months did not significantly change for K. candel and even decreased for B. gymnorrhiza with water level rise. The root/shoot biomass ratio in both K. candel and B. gymnorrhiza treated with high water level was significantly lower than that treated with low water level, especially in coarse soil. Biomass percentages of coarse roots of K. candel and B. gymnorrhiza seedlings significantly increased with water level rise. Water level rise led to decreases in Chl. a/b ratios in leaves of K. candel seedlings, but the ratios did not significantly change with water level for B. gymnorrhiza. Decreases in RGRs of B. gymnorrhiza were due to decreases in total leaf area resulting from increases in stomatal density. Contents of N and P in roots tended to increase with water level rise and prolonged inundation. Under both high and low water levels, all propagules of K. candel and B. gymnorrhiza successfully established and the seedlings survived throughout the mesocosm experiment. For the field trial, K. candel seedlings had similar high survival rates of over 90%, while B. gymnorrhiza seedlings had much less survival in lower intertidal zones than in upper intertidal zones. These differences were ascribed to stronger tidal action and more sedimentation in the field than under mesocosm conditions. Survived seedlings of K. candel and B. gymnorrhiza from both propagule plantation and seedling transplantation in field trial also showed higher stem increments during the first 4 months in lower intertidal zones.

Product Description

The collection of papers forming this volume is intended to provide a deeper study of some mathematical and physical subjects which are at the core of recent developments in the natural and living sciences. The book explores some far-reaching interfaces where mathematics, theoretical physics, and natural sciences seem to interact profoundly. The main goal is to show that an accomplished movement of geometrisation has enabled the discovery of a great variety of amazing structures and behaviors in physical reality and in living matter. The diverse group of expert mathematicians, physicists and natural scientists present numerous new results and original ideas, methods and techniques. Both academic and interdisciplinary, the book investigates a number of important connections between mathematics, theoretical physics and natural sciences including biology.

Book Description

Candid Science IV: Conversations with Famous Physicists contains 36 interviews with well-known physicists, including 20 Nobel laureates, Templeton Prize winners, Wolf Prize winners, and other luminaries. Physics has been one of the determining fields of science in the past 100 years, playing a conspicuous role not only in science but also in world politics and economics. These in-depth conversations provide a glimpse into the greatest achievements of physics during the past few decades, featuring stories of the discoveries, and showing the human drama behind them. The greatest physicists are brought into close human proximity as if readers were having a conversation with them. The interviewees span a wide range of scientists, from such early giants as Eugene Wigner and Mark Oliphant to members of the youngest generation such as the 2001 Nobel laureate Wolfgang Ketterle. The list includes famous personalities of our time, such as Steven Weinberg, Leon Lederman, Norman Ramsey, Edward Teller, John Wheeler, Mildred Dresselhaus, Maurice Goldhaber, Benoit Mandelbrot, John Polkinghorne, and Freeman Dyson.

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I love this book!

If only there was a ZERO star!

The Anti-Bridget Jones

Some crass fun, but a seriously flawed humorous novel

Funny, Fluffy, Mean-Spirited, Goofy

Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber: The Katya Livingston Chronicles
Adele Lang
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber

The Second Assistant: A Tale from the Bottom of the Hollywood Ladder

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ASIN: 0312313616

Amazon.com

It's really not a bad idea. Adele Lang joins the throng of post-Bridget Jones novelists with Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber, a fictional diary by Katya Livingstone, an advertising copywriter-turned-journalist who is, in short, a nasty piece of work. Katya has never met a friend she didn't stab in the back, a boss she didn't take advantage of, or a man whose net worth she didn't appraise in five seconds flat. Most of Ms. Jones's offspring are dear, dewy, put-upon creatures. Sure, they crack wise, but mostly they seem to mope around hoping for Mr. Right to happen upon them. The idea of a vile anti-heroine out to screw the world before it screws her has a certain appeal. Unfortunately, Lang's reach has exceeded her grasp, and the result is far from heavenly. The book veers wildly in tone. We never know quite how we're supposed to feel about Katya: Should we despise her? Admire her for her chutzpah? Or just shut the book in frustration? Meanwhile, sloppy grammar and unfunny jokes topple this tenuous house of cards. --Claire Dederer

Book Description

Bitingly written with wit and style reminiscent of Candace Bushnell, Adle Lang's novel is a cutting, bitchy, hilarious take on the young-single-woman genre. When weasel-eyed tax inspectors question her claims, Katya is forced to keep a financial diary. As well as documenting the cruel and parsimonious ways of her ad agency boss, Katya waxes lyrical about putting up with loser friends, mortal enemies, and thoroughly bad restaurants. She also throws in a candid account of her love life, in case it is tax deductible. A private account of expenses rapidly becomes, through Katya's chronic delusions of grandeur, a matter of public record: first as a tawdry gossip column, then as a salacious book, and finally as a Hollywood B-movie.

Customer Reviews:

I love this book!.......2007-08-29

"Confessions" is one of my absolute favorite books and I have read it multiple times. I get a tickle out of the people who hated the book. The complaints all seem to stem from the fact that there was not a single deep moment, or any kind of introspection, no one grew as a person and the vile main character recieved no real comeuppance.

That is the point! From the first chapter its clear we are dealing with someone who wouldn't know she'd recieved her comeuppance even if you explained it to her. She -in point of fact- was humilated by the end of the book, but she was far too self-involved and egotistical to see it as such. The books humor comes from the idea that Katya is completely devoid of introspection and empathy. This frees her from any guilt or shame she should have over her behavior. Katya is free to behave as badly and as meanly as she wants, which is great fun for this reader.

I love dark comedies where the good guys don't always win and the bad guys REVEL in their badness. If you like those kinds of stories, you will LOVE this book. If you are looking for redemption in a character the title refers to as "sociopathic", this book is not for you.

If only there was a ZERO star!.......2007-01-15

This may be one of the worst books I have read in years. I don't expect much from chick-lit -- it's a good way to pass an afternoon with no drain on the brain. This book was just insultingly stupid. Why the author (let alone the publisher) thought this drivel was worth killing trees is beyond me. If you want to read the boring diary of a self-centered egotistical whiner, this may be the book for you, everyone else take a pass!

The Anti-Bridget Jones.......2006-11-08

This is one of my favorite books. It's hysterical. Katya Livingston is both the protagonist and the antagonist at once. If you like British humor you will especially enjoy it.

Some crass fun, but a seriously flawed humorous novel.......2006-02-12

If you want to thrill vicariously to the wicked thoughts of a caricature shallow English career woman, this book has some good chuckles. Men are humiliated, women rivals are defeated, friends and family are exploited and cast aside, cute little animals are thoughtlessly murdered, and all business contacts are left to wallow in failure.

The trouble is the thing has no plot, none of the characters are remotely sympathetic or believable, and it's just too darned long. As a result, it's funny enough for the first few chapters, but there's a point where you realize it's just going to meander and repeat similar gags forever. Even if you like this sort of crass humor, you look to see how much longer you have to go and wonder if you should bother to finish it. Would have been great as a short story or novelette.

Funny, Fluffy, Mean-Spirited, Goofy.......2005-09-26

This is cheesy light reading and it doesn't try to pretend it's anything else. In my view that makes it even more likable. This is a comedic record of the life of a deeply flawed, fantasy-prone, sociopathic woman in the business world whose ambition and willingness to do anything, sell out any friend, rival or co-worker, flatter any boss or hatch any plot to get ahead is the darkly funny antidote to the increasingly silly misadventures of a certain diarist named Jones. Should I be ashamed to admit I read this because Kelly Ripa said it was her favorite book ever? Ha, I don't care, cause this little novel made me laugh!

Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber: The Katya Livingston Chronicles

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Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber: The Katya Livingston Chronicles
Adele Lang
Manufacturer: Thomas Dunne Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NXUHMK

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Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber : The Katya Livingston Chronicles
Adele Lang
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O3TDS8

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