To the Brink of Destruction

To the Brink of Destruction
Author: Timothy J. Sinclair
Publisher: Cornell University Press
Total Pages: 227
Release: 2021-11-15
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1501760262

To the Brink of Destruction exposes how America's rating agencies helped generate the global financial crisis of 2007 and beyond, surviving and thriving in the aftermath. Despite widespread scrutiny, rating agencies continued to operate on the same business model and wield extraordinary power, exerting extensive influence over public policy. Timothy J. Sinclair brings the shadowy corners of this story to life by examining congressional testimony, showing how the wheels of accountability turned—and ultimately failed—during the crisis. He asks how and why the agencies risked their lucrative franchise by aligning so closely with a process of financial innovation that came undone during the crisis. What he finds is that key institutions, including the agencies, changed from being judges to being advocates years before the crisis, eliminating a vital safety valve meant to hinder financial excess. Sinclair's well-researched investigation offers a clear, accessible explanation of structured finance and how it works. To the Brink of Destruction avoids tired accusations, instead providing novel insight into the role rating agencies played in the worst crisis of modern global capitalism.

The Eve of Destruction

The Eve of Destruction
Author: David W. Dickey
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Total Pages: 320
Release: 2010-11
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1616638370

As I mingled among my fellow graduates, my view of the future did not extend much beyond the following day, when I would be heading to the beach. College in the fall was too far in the future to contemplate now. The only days that held relevance were the next ninety-nine, which would fashion what I hoped to be my best summer yet. So begins The Eve of Destruction, David Dickey's coming-of-age tale about the summer of 1965, a tranquil time when the country rested unwittingly on the brink of a cultural revolution. Follow eighteen-year-old Dane, Woody, and the crew around their Southern California neighborhoods as they experience the ups and downs of friendship and young love, and wrestle with some of life's basal choices. Join them on misadventures and general teenage mischief as they seek revelry and endure summer jobs. With music, cars, and popular culture of the decade woven into the backdrop, The Eve of Destruction is a nostalgic story about the 1960's and a worthy ode to the Boomer generation.

The Ballad of a Small Player

The Ballad of a Small Player
Author: Lawrence Osborne
Publisher: Hogarth
Total Pages: 273
Release: 2015-01-13
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0804137994

A riveting tale of risk and obsession set in the alluring world of Macau’s casinos, by the author of the critically acclaimed The Forgiven. As night falls on Macau and the neon signs that line the rain-slick streets come alive, Doyle – “Lord Doyle” to his fellow players – descends into his casino of choice to try his luck at the baccarat tables that are the anchor of his current existence. A corrupt English lawyer who has escaped prosecution by fleeing to the East, Doyle spends his nights drinking and gambling and his days sleeping off his excesses, continually haunted by his past. Taking refuge in a series of louche and dimly lit hotels, he watches his fortune rise and fall as the cards decide his fate. In a moment of crisis he meets Dao-Ming, an enigmatic Chinese woman who appears to be a denizen of the casinos just like himself, and seems to offer him salvation in the form of both money and love. But as Doyle attempts to make a rare and true connection, all that he accepts as reality seems to be slipping from his grasp. Resonant of classics by Dostoevsky and Graham Greene, The Ballad of a Small Player is a timeless tale steeped in eerie suspense and rich atmosphere.

Crack City Rockers

Crack City Rockers
Author: John Gentile
Publisher:
Total Pages: 296
Release: 2021-08-10
Genre:
ISBN: 9781644281109

An oral history in the vein of Please Kill Me Leftöver Crack is a band of drug abusing, dumpster diving, cop-hating, queer positive, pro-choice, crust punks that successfully blend ska-punk, pop, hip-hop and death metal genres. They've been banned from clubs, states and counties and kicked off multiple record labels. They've received teen-idol adoration and death threats from their fans. They've played benefits for a multitude of causes while leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. But, if you dig below the crusty, black metal-patch encased surface, you'll find a contemplative, nuanced band that, quite literally, permanently changed the punk rock community. By combining catchy ska-punk with lyrics that referenced political theorist Michael Parenti, drug usage, and suicide, the band formed a unique mélange that was both provocative and challenging. In fact, the band's hooks were so sharp that after releasing their debut LP, Mediocre Generica, an entire culture of "Crack City Rockers" grew around the band, pushing the youth towards both the positive and negative aspects of extreme punk rock. Of course, being the combustible band that they are, the band has gotten involved in its far share of fiascoes: full-scale riots in Phoenix and NYC, getting punched out by their own fans, showing up to tour Florida with machetes after receiving death threats from the local gang. Architects of Self-Destruction: An Oral History of Leftöver Crack traces the band's entire history by speaking to the band members themselves, fellow musicians, their fans, and of course, those that still hold a grudge against the LoC... FYI, that's a lot of people.

Soldiers of Destruction

Soldiers of Destruction
Author: Charles Sydnor
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 400
Release: 1990-05-21
Genre: History
ISBN: 9780691008530

Surveys the emergence of the Nazi SS and its Death's Head Division, noting the impact of this elite and powerful army upon military history.

Secret Corruption

Secret Corruption
Author: Scott Wallis
Publisher: Xulon Press
Total Pages: 180
Release: 2012-02
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 161996211X

"This book will refresh and revive you to the beginning stages of a new revolution!" JEREMY LOPEZ, D.D. Identity Network, Inc., President "I recommend this book to everyone who is concerned about truth and justice being smothered and suppressed within the U.S." MARYAL BOUMANN Pray California, Director DO NOT go to court without FIRST reading this book! Reading it could save you BIG money! Not Reading it will cost you more! Rev. Scott Wallis, a leading pro se litigator, has represented himself in 50+ cases worth $5+ billion dollars before Illinois state and federal courts against top law firms. To date, his largest victory, the reversal of his $500+ million dollars lawsuit against parties that bankrupted USA Baby(R), Inc., America's Leading Specialty Retailer of Infant and Children's Furniture and Accessories(R). Court Street, a Multi-Trillion dollar industry, routinely dispenses injustice in justices' name. The attorney "fraternity" has ordained a black-robed wall of silent perdition, an inseparable barrier preventing what America and Main Street needs most - justice. Why? Money! Court Street is overseeing the greatest redistribution of wealth in mankind's history - from Main Street to Wall Street. Secret Corruption exposes hidden corruption taking place daily behind the walls of Court Street. Court Street's corruption is impacting your life; it is literally bankrupting America. Take a revealing look at our nation's most secretive and corrupt enterprise! Buy this book! "I urge everyone who desires that America returns to its Just Foundation to purchase this book and let your voice be heard!" MARK SILJANDER Member of Congress (ret.), 1977-81 United States Ambassador, 1987-88 Mohandas K. Gandhi Peace Award, 1996 Author, A Deadly Misunderstanding, 2008 "I commend this book to you, if you can keep your blood pressure under control: as you read it, you will share the outrage Scott expresses." GENE REDLIN Business Owner