Word: sell
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Dates: during 1970-1979
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CARL SAGAN'S MISSION--to popularize contemporary science--is beyond reproach. Yet, like a hard-sell broker, his execution is chronically faulty. In this collection of 25 essays he spreads before the reader a whole gamut of the most tasty scientific ideas, concepts, and predictions, ranging from the prospect of extraterrestial life to the role of gestation in shaping world religion. But he skips frenetically from one to the next, milking only the most sensational aspects and indulging freely in irresponsible speculation. Our aggravation is heightened by his persistent editorial voice in the background, applauding the genius of this...
...gold as a centerpiece. Fritz Leutwiler, the president of the Swiss National Bank, quotes from the Book of Job: "I have made gold my hope or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence." Some leading Americans are even beginning to challenge Carter's policy of selling off the U.S. gold reserve. Former Federal Reserve Chairman William McChesney Martin says that if he were still in office, the U.S. would sell gold only "over my dead body...
Precious stones are also being snatched up, though unwary investors can lose disastrously. In the past year, high-grade "investment diamonds" of one carat or more have risen 45% in value and now often sell for $31,000 per stone. But smaller and flawed gems, which are normally sold only for jewelry to hide the imperfections, may be poor buys; four quarter-carat, lesser-quality stones are usually worth much less than a single good-quality, one-carat stone...
Also mired in the crude is a slick performance by Marilyn B. Johnson as Jewel, the brothel's caretaker. In a rousing number, she tells the houses residents that she gives away for free what they sell. "Twenty four hours of Lovin''' sends you reeling in a steamy frenzy; it's Whorehouse at its best. Alas, Johnson is also a stereotype: she is black. So one thing stands out about Whorehouse: this celebration of Texas is a mere confirmation of the rest of America's suspicions. If you're easily offended, don't go. But, great gushers...
...real issue." On the third day of meetings, the Vietnamese presented Kissinger with 23 changes, some major, in the draft peace treaty; later that figure would triple, to 69. Finally the talks broke down completely as Thieu, between tears of rage, accused the Americans of having "connived" to sell him out. "Obviously the negotiations could not continue without his agreement," writes Kissinger. Yet "turning on Thieu would be incompatible with our sacrifice, "he adds. Further, "we had to make Hanoi understand it would not be able to use our differences with Saigon to jockey us at the last moment into...