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The CIA Factbook is an online almanac created
by the Central Intelligence Agency that offers
statistical, historical, and cultural background
notes on every nation. One may choose from a category
of interests – complete with an introduction
to a country’s historic profile. This resource
is valuable for those interested in international
business as well as for those with a mere curiosity
about foreign lands.
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Categories
include concise encyclopedic topics. Under "geography"
one can find data on a geographical location, map
references, climate, and natural resources. Looking
at "people", information is provided about
the population, demographic structure, birthrates
as well as life expectancies of a certain country.
The "government" heading discusses topics
on capitals, holidays, legal system, and political
parties. Overviews on the GDP, household incomes,
inflation rates, labor force, currency, exchange
rates are profiled in the reference for "economy."
In addition, the CIA Factbook gives more
detailed aspects on a nation’s infrastructure.
Reports found in "communications" statistically
counts telephone lines, Internet, and other various
media outlets. "Transportation" lists
how many railways, highways, ports/harbors, airports
there are. "Military" summarizes figures
on the different branches, manpower, and expenditures.
"Transitional" covers information on international
on international disputes. Annual updates from this
web tool give a framework for understanding the
diversity of different nations and how we all might
interrelate.
Reviewed by R
& RC Staff Member – Glenda Ronduen
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Author(s): Dominique Nabakov
Publisher: Assouline Publishing, Inc.
601 West 26th Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212.989.6810
212.647.0005 Fax
Website: http://www.assouline.com
ISBN: 2-84323-369-0
Pages: 127
Copyright: 2002
Price: $9.99
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Paris Living Rooms offers a fresh take
on the photography of interior design. Photographer
Dominique Nabakov arrives at a residence to be
photographed and insists that nothing be altered
or added, and that there be no people in her photographs.
She also uses an unusual film stock (Polaroid
Colorgraph 691) that feels a bit off-kilter, almost
hazy. This definitely isn’t the high-gloss
imagery one finds in top interior design magazines
and coffee-table books, but something more austere,
individualistic and ultimately more revealing
of its subject matter.
Nabakov trains her camera on the living rooms
of Parisian artists, writers, designers, intellectuals
and the occasional celebrity. There is an almost
voyeuristic pleasure in seeing these documentary-like
photographs. You feel as if you’ve just wandered
in for coffee or tea; things feel unfussy and
natural. That is not to say that these rooms don’t
possess style. This is Paris, after all, and the
uniquely French ability to appear completely polished
without an ounce of effort is evident throughout.
Fashion Designer Agnes b.’s living room is
formal with its elegant molding and Louis XIV’s
chairs, but also comfortable, with mismatched
oriental rugs that are frayed at the edges. Meanwhile,
the actress Irene Jacob’s apartment is remarkably
stark, but with a Zen elegance rather a harsh
minimalism.
Paris Living Rooms offers one a glimpse
into the residences of France’s artistic
and intellectual elite. It’s a perfect book
for those looking to add a little Parisian flair
to their homes, as well as for those who simply
enjoying seeing how other people decorate their
lives.
Reviewed by R &
RC Staff Member – Mollie Jones
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