I read that book "The Corner" and really liked it too...of course I love The Wire too!
Tommyboy, that's sad about your friend; sometimes it takes a big-time wake-up call for someone to start practicing harm reduction. I used to do all kinds of stupid shit-using the same stale glass of water day after day, reusing cottons and rigs, etc. I was just a complete moron. Until i went to the doctor with this high fever, and he told me i needed to go straight to the hospital b/c he suspected i had endiocarditis (not sure is i spelled it right). Well, it turned out that i didn't have it, but the idea of possibly needing heart surgery or dying because of my own stupidity kinda woke me up. I say "kinda" because i'm still getting high, but at least now I try to be safe about it. Those seemingly "little" things like fresh water and brand-new rigs are no fucking joke. I know that now but look what it took to make me realize this-i've got a couple degrees but seemed to be lacking in COMMON SENSE!