Drafted by a committee of 19 (but sufficiently well edited to read as if it were written by a single author) this book provides a well-argued, detailed and wide-ranging analysis of the consequences of economic globalization (the term corporate globalization is also extensively used in the book) and an examination of alternatives and the action required to move towards those alternatives. It has succeeded brilliantly, and deserves very close study, whether or not you agree with the drafting committee's views.

This is no extremist anti-corporate, anti-capitalist text, although it does clearly come to the conclusion that the vector of economic globalisation that we are on is neither inevitable, desirable nor sustainable. It is notable for arguing at the level of underlying principles and their practical consequences - it makes explicit the assumptions underlying corporate globalisation and questions them. This, in itself, is a valuable service as so much of the 'debate' in the media proceeds on the basis of bald assertion of essentially fallacious economic dogma.

The report starts with a critique of 'corporate globalization'. The term itself is useful, because the term 'globalization' has become something of a 'Humpty-Dumpty' word ('when I use a word, it means exactly what I want it to mean, neither more nor less'). 'Corporate globalization' describes a process driven and promoted by the large global corporations which, whatever its other consequences, gives primacy to the benefits that will flow to global business.

The critique identifies eight key features of corporate globalization:

1. 'Promotion of hypergrowth and unrestricted exploitation of environmental resources to fuel that growth
2. Privatization and commodification of public services and of remaining aspects of the global and community commons
3. Global cultural and economic homogenization and the intense promotion of consumerism
4. Integration and conversion of national economies, including some that were largely self-reliant, to environmentally and socially harmful export oriented production
5. Corporate deregulation and unrestricted movement of capital across borders
6. Dramatically increased corporate concentration
7. Dismantling of public health, social, and environmental programs already in place
8. Replacement of traditional powers of democratic nation-states and local communities by global corporate bureaucracies.'

It demonstrates each of these propositions and explores who are the beneficiaries of application of these policies. One of the complexities of trying to follow the arguments of the pro- and anti- globalisers is that both use statistics, both from apparently authoritative sources, that directly contradict each other. It is almost as if the two sides inhabit parallel universes that operate in different ways. Suffice it to say that the report puts forward convincing arguments in support of its case.

The critique proceeds to a devastating analysis of the impact of the World Bank, The IMF and the WTO, the three pillars of corporate globalisation, over the last four or five decades.

The report then argues ten principles for sustainable societies, as a basis for identifying ways of realising these principles in the subsequent chapters of the report. It argues that these principles 'seem to be the mirror opposites of the principles that drive the institutions of the corporate global economy.'.

One of the minor problems in the debate is that, whereas 'globalization' rolls easily off the tongue, 'the principle of subsidiarity' is neither easy to say nor obvious in its meaning. The report contains a chapter on the case for subsidiarity, and it is a strong one. The counter argument is almost entirely concerned with power. While there are many elements of conflict between corporate globalisation and the principle of subsidiarity - local control - they are not entirely antithetical. But the reach of the large corporates would unquestionably be reduced.

You may or may not agree with the arguments in this report, but they deserve serious attention. They are well and carefully argued, they represent (in fairly sophisticated terms) the views of a growing number of people around the world who believe that current beliefs and institutions serve them poorly, and they show those who wish to promote change a path for doing so.

This book is excellent for all those who think we can do better-that small farmers needn't be driven from the land, our water needn't be polluted, people need not go hungry while others are overfed genetically engineered chemically altered junk food, etc. It has great thinkers presenting clear, well thought out ideas about what's wrong and what we can do about it. It helps when getting in that classic argument of keynesianism/communism v. neoliberalism because it outlines the thrid alternative very well. I am a grad student and I used it for a paper i wrote recently refuting neoliberalism and it was very helpful. I highly recommend it! Also, look into Maria Mies. She is the anti-capitalist-patriarchy bomb, yo.

A friend of mine who is involved with Rabbi Michael Lerner's Tikkun Community movement recently gave me a copy of Alternatives to Economic Globalization: A Better World is Possible. I'm not an expert in this field at all, but I found the book worthwhile and very accessible. (So accessible that I read the entire thing in a week!) The writers include Jerry Mander, David Korten, Lori Wallach, and many people working around the world in the anti-globalization movement.

What makes the book really important is the positive solutions and alternatives offered. The authors offer real ways to put into practice the Tikkun Community's first and second core principles (interdependence and ecological sanity, and a new bottom line in economic and social institutions).

I think other Tikkun readers, progressive-Democrats, Green party members, and thoughtful people everywhere---who want to see the world change from how it is now to how it could be---would want to read a book outlining specifics of how to create sustainable energy, transportation and food systems. And Alternatives to Economic Globalization does just that. I can't recommend this book enough (in fact I've already bought several copies to give to some of my friends).

I read, and reread this book, probably 5 times. I came to Amazon.com to find another copy since I have lost mine. It is a story of redemption and finding your way in life. The hero is a children's author, who has some kinky sexual habits (bisexual, S&M). He simultaneously becomes involved with a small child with emotional problems (and part of the text is a children's story starring Harold), and a homeless man who wants to be killed. You have to read it to understand the subtext, but it is truly a marvelous novel. I heartily recommend it, and hope Amazon can find me another copy.

It's amazing more people haven't found this book! Wry, passionate, aloof, deeply moving and disturbing at the same time. (Perhaps its explicit qualities turn some away, but for once an advertising blurb is profoundly correct: it IS "about everything important that goes on between people". Although it may be catagorized as a "gay" novel, it is not narrowly focused on gayness, just as gay people ourselves are not "just gay" but have the full spectrum of human concerns. At times painfully funny, at times hauntingly poetic, and times even fierce, unafraid to show its darkest shadows as well as its piercing lights, everyone with a heart and a head should experience this novel.

This is one of my all-time favorites. The narrator is an author of children's books (and according to the cover, "Terry Andrews" is the pseudonym of a well-known children's author!) who is in a series of relationships with both men and women. Unfortunately, his one true love (and hottest sex partner) is married and doesn't love him back. This isn't really a "gay" novel, but has some pretty explicit same-sex (and hetero sex) scenes. Oddly enough, it's ultimately a warm, thought-provoking, and pretty funny book.

I found this handbook well written, organized and thorough. A must have for anyone interested or involved in this specialized field of cadaver dog handlers.

For the starting cadaver dog handler this book is a must. I recommend it to all my students. It does an excellent job of detailing the scent imprinting training, establishing a readable alert and the advancement of training. Not only does it cover the handling and training of the dog but discusses in depth the handlers responsibilities and information useful to any agency wishing to deploy the cadaver dog. Excellent information in a basic readable form. Not much experience in scent work needed prior to implementing these techniques. A wealth of information.

Here is another Dumpy story with just the right amount of action, suspense, and the slightest hint of danger, as well as lots of vehicles, for little boys to enjoy. My 4 year old loves Dumpy books and this one is no exception! The illustrations are bright and the text is substantial--not dumbed-down for small
children. We look forward to more Dumpy books in the future!

The latest in the Hyperion "Dumpy the Dump Truck" series, Dumpy And The Big Storm is an engaging picture book for young readers ages 3 to 7 about a cheerful dump truck, who along with friends Stinky the Garbage Truck, Tommy the Tow Truck and Big Red the Fire Engine, who must combine their efforts to help when lightning strikes the harbor lighthouse and Saucy Sue the fishing boat is in trouble. A heartwarming and adventurous story collaboratively written by Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton, and enhanced with full color, cartoon-style artwork by Tony Walton, Dumpy And The Big Storm is commended as a delightful, "kid friendly" addition to family, school, and community library collections.

My grandson loved this book before he could crawl. He would pick this book out of several and hand to us to read. We couldn't even "trick" him by reading a different one. He's now 18 months old and just dumped it in the tub so we are now having to replace it!! I highly recommened it for any little baby boy...

"Hessians in the American Revolution" provides an in depth look at the service of the German auxiliaries during the Revolutionary War. From the sea voyages to America through to their service during the Southern campaign of 1781, the experiences and observations of the German officers prvide many vivid pictures of American Life during the war. The author accessed contemporary diaries, letters and other printed and unpublished materials to complete this work. The results stand today as one of the most important contributions to the susbject of the Hessians during the Revolution. The cover provides a full color Lefferts print of the Grenandier Regiment von Rall. Highly recommended classic for those researching or reading about the period.

This may be somewhat of an unpopular opinion, but I encourage you to read it all the way through before "bashing" me for only giving it three stars when it averages a "5."

Ok, so what plot does this sound like? 5 travellers (3 male, one female, one animal) set off to the middle of a fantasy land, seeking its mysterious ruler who has never been seen? Nope, forget Dorothy and the Tin Man. What Julie Andrews has basically done with this story is copy the Wizard of Oz in a far less original manner.

There are weird, freaky characters with bizarre, over-the-top names. There are dangers along the way, with someone (in this case the Prock) determined to stop them from reaching the castle (Wicked Witch, anyone?).

And the book is quite predictable. We all knew full well that they would all find the Whangdoodle in the end, because gosh darnit, this was such a pure and sweet story that its readers just can't handle a sad ending. We all knew that the High-Behind cat that visited Lindy was up to no good. I am normally terrible at predicting what can happen in books, and yet this novel, which encourages readers to "use their imaginations" left little to it as far as the plot.

Another thing that annoyed me was the obvious "morals lessons" that were prevelent throughout the story. Other children's books, such as Harry Potter, slyly weave morality throughout without force-feeding it to kids. No kid wants to hear the Professor give a speech about how, "Sometimes our greed gets the best of us and we do things that aren't always right." It was also full of 50's-style "father knows best" mentality (whether when the kids were all gathered around in the family room with mom and dad, looking up words in the dictionary, or when the professor insisted that they always do what he said without questioning). Granted, this book was published almost 30 years ago, but good grief.

I would have also liked the book better if the three children weren't such boring, predictable little puppets. Get some spirit already, and stop being such goody-goodys!!

Mrs. Andrews did do a good job of not "over-describing" the characters in order that readers might come up with their own mental descriptions.

As much as I have pointed out the shortcomings in this book, it is still a quick, fairly interesting read. Just don't expect spectacular originality or plot twists.

I read this book at least a dozen times growing up...checking it out from the library each time. It is truly the most imaginative and wonderful book possibly EVER for children. I only found out once I grew up that the author is Julie Andrews (her name listed as Julie Edwards in the book itself). That just endeared it to me even more. The characters are so distinct, especially the professor. The premise may seem off-the-wall...going to another world using the power of your mind...but the way it is written, it seems plausible. And the world they travel to is so magical and special. You feel as if you are along for the ride. I am so grateful I was introduced to this book at an early age, because it fosters in children a creativity and an idea that anything is possible. However, I think anyone of any age would get something out of the book. You have to be willing to open yourself up to something completely unrealistic, but it is worth it.

I first read "Whangdoodles" in 1977 when I received it as an eleventh birthday gift from my sister. Since then, it has become one of my favorite children's books which I have revisited countless times and shared with my nieces and nephews. "Whangdoodles" is a whimsical, fantastic adventure which underscores how a well-developed imagination can be a tool for discovering the important lessons of life: goal-setting, training, trust, teamwork, creativity, open-mindedness and determination.

Lindy, Thomas and Benjamin are three ordinary children who meet and are taken under the wing of the extraordinary Professor Savant. Together they discover a unique land filled with rare and wonderful creatures like the Slippery Prock, the High-Behind Splinter Cat, Tree Squeaks and Flutterbies. They take a ride on the Jolly Boat, cross trecherous terrain and face many challenges on their way to meet the reclusive Whangdoodle.

With the Professor's guidance, the children prove that preconceived notions can be a handicap, and that faith and perserverance can help one achieve nearly anything.

This book is right up there with "Edward Eager's "Half Magic" and E. Nesbitt's "Five Children & It."

This is one of my top 10 favorite books ever. I first read Mandy when I was 11 or so and I've read it over and over since then. I've given this book to 6 nieces and each one has loved it as well. A young English girl, a secret cottage, different flowers she plants, and odd English foods (to an American) she snacks on all add up to a book one could read over and over. I only wish J.A.Edwards wrote more for this age group. It's a beautiful story you'll never forget. You'll find yourself thinking of people you'd like to give it to - and not necessarily children!

In first grade I bought this book at a school book fair. Finally two years later I read the book and was so glad! It's an outstanding book, perfect for girls ages seven to ten. It's about an orphan named Mandy who is very lonely. One day she climbs over the wall of her orphanage and finds a cottage which she makes her own. She learns a lot tending the garden and working at her cottage every day. One day there is a problem. The orphanage is looking for her. When I read that I wondered will she be okay? When I started reading that part I couldn't put it down. Anyone who reads this should really love it..
-S.L.B. granddaughter of Barbara Seaman (10 years old)

--Ten-year-old Mandy lives at a girls' orphanage and wants her own family and own home. Her latter wish is granted when she discovers a small cottage in the woods behind the orphanage. Over most of the year, Mandy fixes up the cottage and plants a lovely garden, but when she suddenly falls ill at the cottage one night, no one can find her. Or so she thought: Mandy actually has a good friend whom she doesn't even know about. --This is a rare type of book: it was sweet yet still lively, which is something which is both unusual and great to read. --Marisa

As a child I fell in love with the actress Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. Still an outstanding actress, I enjoyed her recent Princess Diaries, I am continually amazed at her abilities. If singing like a nightingale and acting weren't enough, she has also proven to be equally talented as an author! My eleven year daughter bought Little Bo two years ago with her hard earned allowance money. She couldn't put it down then and frequently goes back to enjoy it over again. She is currently reading it to her five year old sister who can't wait for bedtime now since she so enjoys her bedime story. The only problem is that their eight year old brother runs off with it at the most inopportune times thus wreaking havok! He thought if he could sneak away and read it in hiding no one would tease him. Boys who are almost nine are only supposed to read cool stuff, you know. He, too, found Little Bo irresistable and no longer even tries to hide it. I'm beginning to wonder if Mary Poppins wasn't really a fictional character at all but a chapter in Julie Andrews life. Don't stop now Ms. Andrews. We love you!

Bonnie Boadicea "Bo" is a little kitten born into a family with a loving mother and father, but not to kind owners. She is the runt of the litter, and doesn't eat much due to her small size. Her father loves her, and to make her feel special gives her a big name, but calls her "Bo" for short.

One day it is time for the kittens to leave their mother, and the nice warm house. They realize that they are going to be hurt unless they escape from Mr. Withers, who was supposed to take them to the pet shop. So all the kittens run in different directions, and are soon scared, wet and hungry.

Bo meets a nice sailor and gets into all kinds of mischief with him on the boat he works on, and is soon a sailing cat with a nice home and a kind owner.

This is a must read children's book that anyone, young or old, would enjoy.

The CD/book edition of _Little Bo_ is a must for young children. Julie Andrews Edwards reads as well as she sings. This edition adds much to the written text. The CD can be used as a series of short readings. The conclusion of each chapter is accompanied by gentle music that tells the child or parent that there is a natural break. The author researched the book well, and the portions of the book that take place on a fishing boat during a severe storm are very plausible. Henry Cole's soft drawings do much to convey the flavor of the story.

Bo, the kitten, and her siblings were sent away during a snow storm by the owner because their sire was an alley cat. Bo finds a friend in Billy Bates, a sailor aboard a fishing boat. Bo survives a severe storm and the dislike of the boat captain. Billy and Bo leave the boat to find new lives for themselves.

Most Americans either fear public speaking or do not know how to properly give a presentation. Get To The Point gives many helpful insights to the many aspects of presenting your points in the best light.

Very often, the average audience member comes away with 10% of the content of a speech. Get To The Point helps the presentator maximize that 10% and maybe even icnrease it. Authors Berg and Gillman emphasize the importance of getting to know your aduience from many points of view. Know your relationship to the audience and the aduience within itself. From there, a good presentor will use clear concise jargon and possibly throw a few key buzzwords for effect. The importance of a conservative dress code as well as a confident animated matter are also emphasized.

Many other key details are explored such as the types of questioners at a presentation such as the fillibuster. Gillman and Berg detail well how to deal with this type of personality as well as how to handle yourself when interrupted. The conservative approach is very level headed.

Other topics such as meetings, job interviews, and introducing speakers are discussed in detail. Special effects in presentations are also discussed. Because this book was written before the invention of PowerPoint, many fo the visual aid examples are a bit out of date. However, the bottom line point illustrating that the speaker makes the presentation rather than the effects, still overrides any technology advances taht Get To The Point does not incorporate.

To summarize: Get To The Point meets its mark and will help out budding speakings greatly.

Gilman and Berg achieve two primary objectives: They help their reader to determine, first, what the most important "point" is; then, they help the reader to "get" to it ASAP with clarity and precision. The same principles of the program are relevant to every situation in which there is a need to communicate but it is important to note that this is not a "how to" book for those who need help preparing and then presenting formal speeches. "Rather, we are referring to the relatively short and informal talks with clearly defined objectives that take place most often in a work-related context." The authors prefer the word "presentations" to "speeches" as in a one-on-one situation in which someone must persuade her or his supervisor to make a certain approval decision or take a specific action. I think this book is very well organized. The authors have dozens of key points which they get to in exemplary fashion. Their approach is practical rather than theoretical, based on many years of real-world experience with training all manner of persons who needed to understand how to say what they meant inorder to get what they wanted. Although most of the examples in the book are in a business context, the lessons to be learned are also relevant to presentations elsewhere, such as a committee report to members of a church, a briefing to members of a social organization, or participation in a "Career Day" program at a school. The authors also explain "How to Introduce a Speaker" (Chapter 24). In earlier chapters, they offer some excellent advice on other subjects such as "Clothing: What the Well-Dressed Presenter Wears", "Picture Perfect Videoconferencing", and "The Job Interview." For many people, this may well be the most valuable book they read during the next 12 months.

This book tells it like it is. How to get the point across to various audiences using a variety of media. This book must be in every executive's library.