Stability and Growth in Europe: Towards a Better Pact (Monitoring European Integation)

Book Description

The fiscal policy framework of the EMU is in a states of crisis. Since the start of EMU, fiscal conditions in some member states have slipped considerably beyond the limits set by the Maastricht Treaty and the Stability and Growth Pact. It is clear that the preventive arm of the Stability and Growth Pact has failed to preclude excessive deficits.

There is no shortage of proposals to reform the current fiscal framework in this crisis situation. They range from calls for softening their implementation, and to proposals for closer coordination of national fiscal policies. None of these proposals offers a convincing solution to the problem at the heart of the current crisis: how to balance the need for effective long-run fiscal stability in EMU with the need for short-run flexibility of fiscal policy in the member states.

After a detailed analysis of the virtues and defects of the current fiscal framework, this report presents a proposal for reform that addresses this issue. The authors argue that EMU should move away from rigid fiscal rules for annual deficits towards a more judgmental process of monitoring the sustainability of fiscal policies. This approach is guided by three principles: independence, transparency, and legitimacy. Together wit the ability to assess the fiscal situation and outlook of each euro-area member state, they are the keys to designing a framework that provides enough flexibility and, at the same time, can build the required credibility and political support.

The authors propose the creation of a Sustainability Council for the EMU, and independent body with the sole statutory task of safeguarding the sustainability of public finances in the euro area. The Sustainability Council regularly and openly reports to the public and the European Parliament its assessment of the member states' fiscal policies, taking into account past performance, current perspectives and the future course of fiscal policies. Its mandate is the counterpart of the ECB's principal task of maintaining price stability. However, the Sustainability Council has no operative role in fiscal policy; it relies solely on the pressure of informed public opinion to discipline national governments. The use of the instruments of fiscal policy is entirely left to the national governments, and the Sustainability Council can only be conceived as a judge of national public finances.

Book Description

Prillaman argues that a sound judiciary is critical for building popular support for democracy and laying the foundations for sustainable economic development, but that most Latin American governments have made virtually no progress toward building a more effective judiciary. He shows that the traditional approach to judicial reform is flawed on several levels. Reformers are wrong to focus on a single aspect of the judiciary on the assumption that one reform naturally leads to another. In fact, all aspects of the courts are so closely related that failure to reform one aspect creates a "negative synergy" that ultimately undermines the reformed areas. Instead, a successful reform strategy must simultaneously tackle independence, accountability, access, and efficiency; otherwise, it is virtually assured of failure. As Prillaman points out, judicial reform is not merely a technical process that can be isolated from broader economic and political forces. Rather, it is an inherently political process that will be opposed by forces ranging from politicians accustomed to stocking the courts, to judges and court personnel reluctant to accept greater oversight and professional norms. Based on four case studies, Prillaman concludes that failed judicial reforms have led to growing support for mob lynching and vigilante justice that promises to fill the void created by ineffectual courts--ultimately challenging the quality and sustainability of democracy. An invaluable survey for political scientists, students, and researchers involved with democratic consolidation, institution building, and comparative judicial politics in Latin America specifically and the developing world in general.

The Judiciary and Democratic Decay in Latin America: Declining Confidence in the Rule of Law

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The Judiciary and Democratic Decay in Latin America: Declining Confidence in the Rule of Law
William C. Prillaman
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ORMEBM

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The Judiciary and Democratic Decay in Latin America: Declining Confidence in the Rule of Law
William C. Prillaman
Manufacturer: Praeger Paperback
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ORPOZU

Book Description

Life in rural communities is bound to change with historically unprecedented speed in the coming decades. How will this change be guided by local, national and global policies in order to enhance the livelihoods of rural inhabitants and to overcome the growing division of rural and urban areas? The contributions in this publication, ranging from scientific papers to short reports from practitioners, are grouped around 4 major themes: political and institutional frameworks to foster rural development; natural resources management; broadening the technological base of rural economies; and improved linkages between urban and rural areas. The overall message is unanimous: there is a promising future for the rural areas worldwide if adequate policies can be enforced and more efficient and fair institutions can be created. A 30-min video, attached as a CD-ROM, can be used to foster the dialogue and to reflect the multi-dimensional approach taken.

Book Description

This volume provides an up-to-date coverage of an organism of major importance to basic biological research and aquacultural operations around the world. It is a unique contribution because each one of the chapters is a thorough review of the existing literature. Graduate students in a variety of disciplines, new researchers wanting or starting to use Artemia or other closely related organisms, and established investigators studying this organism may benefit from this book.

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Handbook of Moisture Determination and Control : Principles, Techniques Applications Vol 3
A. Pande
Manufacturer: Dekker
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LZG5P8

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Handbook of moisture determination and control: Principles, techniques, applications
A Pande
Manufacturer: M. Dekker
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Inorganic | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books
General & Reference | Chemistry | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0824762010

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Handbook of Moisture Determination and Control : Principles, Techniques Applications Vol 3
A. Pande
Manufacturer: Dekker,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000R07TGQ

Book Description

Graduate-level text examines propagation of thermal radiation through a fluid and its effects on the hydrodynamics of fluid motion. Topics include approximate formulations of radiative transfer and relativistic effects of fluid motion; microscopic physics associated with the equation of transfer; inverse Compton scattering; and hydrodynamic description of fluid. 1973 edition.

Customer Reviews:

Best description of radiation hydrodynamics.......2000-06-16

I had the fortune of finding this book while I was interested in studying the radiative transfer of polarised radiation. It was really great! I am convinced that this book is a real jewel for anybody interested in radiative transfer. A rare subject like Stokes polarisation is treated with simplicity, great detail and deep understanding of the underlying physics of photon transfer. Some years later I had the privilege of meeting personally the author during one of his visits to the University of Bologna. I treasure the remember of this meeting with such a fascinating mind which had deeply impacted the whole field of radiation diffusion and my own career.

Book Description

Introduce your students to some of the most notable examples of Spanish-language literature with this comprehensive anthology of modern works.

Customer Reviews:

Great Compilation of Hispanic Literature.......2005-02-04

This book is by far one of the most superior and enjoyable books regarding Hispanic literature that I have ever read. It contains short stories such as: "El Brujo Postergado", "El Stadium", "Jaque Mate en Dos Jugadas", "La Rebellión", and "El Venado". Along with these and 8 other short stories, the book also consists of around 33 poems by different authors of various genres, two essays (La Raza Cosmica by José Vasconcelos and Máscaras Mexicanas by Octavio Paz), and finally a brief 50 pg. excerpt of the novel El Túnel by Ernesto Sábato. Overall, the difficulty of this book is intended for advanced readers who have studied at least three years of spanish or more. It would also be very handy for people who are either considering taking the AP Spanish Literature course or for those who are currently taking the course. The book has a seemingly endless array of complex grammatical structures along with a sea of new vocabulary - which would undoubtedly prove to be useful for anyone looking to extend his or her vocabulary. While the price may be a little steep, the timeless stories and adventures with which the book has to offer are priceless, and can thoroughly be enjoyed by all who simply love a good read. Very highly recommended.

The doorway to Hispanic literature........2000-01-29

Gonzalez has put together a marvelous anthology for review by anyone interested in Hispanic literature. This book contains some of the great works by Neruda, Nervo, and Paz. It will give the reader a new level of appreciation for Spanish language poetry and writings. The poetry section was by far my favorite. I am now hooked on several of the authors included, and have even used some of the background information given for each author to introduce their works to my own high school Spanish class. A must buy for the person interested in learning more about this area of literature.

El Final De La Novela: Teoria, Tecnica Y Analisis Del Cierre En La Literatura Moderna En Lengua Espana (Biblioteca Romanica Hispanica)

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El Final De La Novela: Teoria, Tecnica Y Analisis Del Cierre En La Literatura Moderna En Lengua Espana (Biblioteca Romanica Hispanica)
M. Kunz
Manufacturer: Gredos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spanish | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Infantil y juvenil | Libros en español | Formats | Books

No ficción | Infantil y juvenil | Libros en español | Formats | Books

Majos contra petimetres. El siglo XVIII y la 'Espana de pandereta'.(La España exótica. La formación de la imagen española moderna)(Reseña de libro): An ... Revista Hispánica de Cultura y Literatura

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Majos contra petimetres. El siglo XVIII y la 'Espana de pandereta'.(La España exótica. La formación de la imagen española moderna)(Reseña de libro): An ... Revista Hispánica de Cultura y Literatura
María del Mar López-Cabrales
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000GFR6QK
Release Date: 2006-06-21

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Confluencia: Revista Hispánica de Cultura y Literatura, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2006. The length of the article is 1314 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Majos contra petimetres. El siglo XVIII y la 'Espana de pandereta'.(La España exótica. La formación de la imagen española moderna)(Reseña de libro)
Author: María del Mar López-Cabrales
Publication: Confluencia: Revista Hispánica de Cultura y Literatura (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Page: 161(3)

Article Type: Reseña de libro

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Superposiciones y yuxtaposiciones de la vida moderna.(Noche de rumba)(Resena de libro): An article from: Confluencia: Revista Hispánica de Cultura y Literatura

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Superposiciones y yuxtaposiciones de la vida moderna.(Noche de rumba)(Resena de libro): An article from: Confluencia: Revista Hispánica de Cultura y Literatura
Gladys Ilarregui
Manufacturer: University of Northern Colorado, Department of Hispanic Studies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008G988G
Release Date: 2005-07-31

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Confluencia: Revista Hispánica de Cultura y Literatura, published by University of Northern Colorado, Department of Hispanic Studies on September 22, 2003. The length of the article is 1188 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Superposiciones y yuxtaposiciones de la vida moderna.(Noche de rumba)(Resena de libro)
Author: Gladys Ilarregui
Publication: Confluencia: Revista Hispánica de Cultura y Literatura (Refereed)
Date: September 22, 2003
Publisher: University of Northern Colorado, Department of Hispanic Studies
Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Page: 170(3)

Article Type: Resena de libro

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Discover the best books, Web sites, audiovisual items, and other materials to research notable women of the United States. Learn about women from Colonial times to the present day who have made strides in many fields of endeavor including the arts, literature, politics, religion, science, and sports. Materials listed feature women from all regions of the country and from many American cultural groups. The guide concentrates on materials published or produced during the 1990s, and its final section outlines the field of women's history in terms of its historiography, theory and methodology, and its place in education.

American Women and the U.S. Armed Forces: A Guide to the Records of Military Agencies in the National Archives Relating to American Women

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American Women and the U.S. Armed Forces: A Guide to the Records of Military Agencies in the National Archives Relating to American Women

Manufacturer: National Archives & Record Administration
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books

General | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0911333908

The Black Women in the Middle West Project: A Comprehensive Resource Guide, Illinois and Indiana : Historical Essays, Oral Histories, Biographical Pr

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The Black Women in the Middle West Project: A Comprehensive Resource Guide, Illinois and Indiana : Historical Essays, Oral Histories, Biographical Pr
Darlene Clark Hine
Manufacturer: Indiana Historical Bureau
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guide to Women's History Resources in the Delaware Valley Area

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Guide to Women's History Resources in the Delaware Valley Area
Trina Vaux
Manufacturer: Univ of Pennsylvania Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Demography | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Social History | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

Women in the West: A Guide to Manuscript Sources (Garland Reference Library of the Humanities)

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Women in the West: A Guide to Manuscript Sources (Garland Reference Library of the Humanities)
Susan H. Armitage , Helen Bannan , Katherine G. Morrissey , and Vicki L. Ruiz
Manufacturer: Taylor & Francis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Demography | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Social History | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books

U.S. women's history: A bibliography and guide to resources in the University Research Library, UCLA

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U.S. women's history: A bibliography and guide to resources in the University Research Library, UCLA
Denise Sallee
Manufacturer: [UCLA Print Communications]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

U.S. women's history: A guide to resources in URL

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U.S. women's history: A guide to resources in URL
Denise Sallee
Manufacturer: UCLA]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Women in the United Methodist Tradition : the central Illinois example: A guide to research methods and resources

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Women in the United Methodist Tradition : the central Illinois example: A guide to research methods and resources
Linda V Carlisle
Manufacturer: Central Illinois Conference Commission on Archives and History
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Customer Reviews:

Black Texas History.......2000-07-20

This is a book that should be in the School History curriculum. Me being a white american. I was not exposed to the history of black americans. But the author refers to themselves as African Americans. But I really feel the term should be Americans (Americans with African decents) I was never aware of the history until now, other than media history. Which I feel that if America is going to get past this racial war, than the history needs to be brought forth. This book is a wonderful experience into the trials and tribulations that were experienced by the slaves of yesteryear.

Interesting History.......2000-03-04

I really enjoyed reading Black Texans! It gave me, an African American living in Texas, a lot of in depth history and insight to the journey of the black person, especially in Texas. It is not biased and is not written in a negative tone. The book does not even portray other races in negative light. It simply tells the facts as they are. I recommend this to book to everyone.

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Excellent overview of the concept of the Unconscious

Efforts to identify and classify the unconscious mind

Long Time No See

Hidden Minds: A History of the Unconscious
Frank Tallis
Manufacturer: Profile Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Consciousness | By Topic | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 186197311X

Book Description

The concept of the unconscious has staged a comeback. New research, employing brain scans and other techniques, has shown that the unconscious is not only real but indispensable. HIDDEN MINDS traces our enduring fascination with the unconscious and our attempts to tame it through hypnosis, psychoanalysis, subliminal manipulation, lucid dreams, and even the principles of the +quantum mind.+ Drawing widely on scientific research, art, literature, and philosophy, Frank Tallis shows that an understanding of this +hidden mind+ is essential to understanding our true selves.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent overview of the concept of the Unconscious.......2003-03-28

I read this book on a whim - it looked interesting in the new books area of the local public library - and was enthralled. Tallis begins with the Locke/Leibniz disputes of the 18th century and moves to the present. I especially appreciated the attention he gave to Romanticism's views of the unconscious - I had ascribed much to Jung that actually began long before Analytical Psychology - and the career of Janet, whose immense contributions to the concept of the Unconscious have been undervalued as Freud got most of the attention. I enjoyed Tallis' observation that Jung's final personal apotheosis into something like the Wise Old man was the kind of inflation that he tried to cure patients of! All in all, I would heartily recommend this book to anyone wanting an overview of concepts of the Unconscious- it's only deficiency is that it's too short - less than 200 pages, but packed with information, analysis and human insight.

Efforts to identify and classify the unconscious mind.......2002-12-09

Hidden Minds is a history of the unconscious offering the non-specialist general reader with a fine synthesis which argues that the unconscious is one of the three big ideas of modern science. It may have lost favor recently, but new research in neuroscience and psychology has supported not only the concept of the unconscious mind, but identified its importance in psychology and the arts. The history of efforts to identify and classify the unconscious mind makes for an involving account.

Long Time No See.......2002-08-20

Frank Tillis has done a noble job of showing just how important the idea of the unconscious has been in philosophy and science since the time of Plato. He traces its articulation through Romanticism, psychoanalysis, information theory, computer modeling, cognitive and perceptual studies, and neuroscience. Not only has he got it right, but he shows that at least some aspects of Freud's work have been vindicated by the seemingly contrary empirical approaches of the latter half of the twentieth century. Of course, the term "empirical" is a loaded one, and its authoritative presence is often invoked without deep philosophic reflection. For example, why is a phenomenological analysis of dream material less empirical than a study of the delay response between a brain stimulation and a conscious correlary to that stimulation? Or why is a reductive information model more empirical than one that deals with archetypal formations within the unconscious? Tallis seems to assume an implicit (and narrow) understanding of conceptual and experiental warrant (i.e., the empirical) that philosophically reduces the self to a passing cluster of febrile forms of consciousness that quickly return to the dark origin from which they have come. Specifically, in his conclusion to the book he quickly dismisses quantum theory and its evocation of non-located consciousness as entailing a reductio ad infinitutum that posits something analogous to a conscious homunculus within the brain that stands behind the curtain generating macro-consciousness. Further, he argues that neuroscience and the Buddhist doctrine of an-atman (no self) are conceptually isomorphic. But what about a Hindu notion of atman (infinite self) in its stead, which could really explain the out of the body experiences he mentions? In fact, it may well be the case that quantum theories of consciousness can only work on a Hindu model of the infinite realm and scope of consciousness within and without the finite self. And what about the correlation of the unconscious and telepathy (fairly well documented)? I do strongly agree with Tallis on his call for a unified theory of the correlation between consciousness and the unconscious, although it will most likely come from philosophy rather than the conjunction of dynamic psychology and neuroscience. And I further agree that the evidence for the unconscious is so overwhelming that it has the same status as the evidence for evolution. If fact, evolutionary psychology, which he describes very well, is one place where we can expect great advances (in spite of some crucial gender issues that must be dealt with). My suspicion is that the unconscious is much bigger than Tallis believes, and that the prospects of consciousness are less confined than he asserts. His constricted view is seen, for example, in his slightly distorted understanding of Jung's probes into the unconscious. Specifically, he accuses Jung of being a victim of psychic inflation rather than being a thinker who actually probed its power and worked through and out of it. His total neglect of Wilhelm Reich is even more astonishing insofar as Reich is the one psychoanalyst who really did attempt a unified theory around energy dynamics and sexuality, thus, in many respects, outdistancing Freud. But these comments are somewhat minor irritations on my part. Tallis is a fine writer and every sentence is lucid and well crafted. His rich historical and conceptual knowledege has really nailed home the argument that the unconscious is here to stay. I would urge psychologists, neuroscientists, and philosophers to take this book to heart and gain some perspective on the depths of the self that are so often ignored, repressed, or denied.

Book Description

"Chapple's short, humorous essays echo Hunter S. Thompson and Hemingway's 'Big Two-Hearted River,' with a skewed touch that's all Chapple's...thoroughly entertaining and surprisingly wise." -Booklist.

Confessions of an Eco-Redneck collects the best of outdoor writer Steve Chapple's short pieces. This is outdoor adventure writing at its best, in a league with Tim Cahill, Randy White, or PJ O'Rourke, and the essays range from fishing: for tigerfish on the Zambezi, tarpon in the Keys, trout on the Yellowstone; to hunting: the "Bambi Syndrome" (Hollywood's bias against the sport), "Dinner Bell Grizzlies," and stalking televisions in Montana; to the larger questions: "Now or Never for American Rivers," and the great unasked question about the Lewis & Clark expedition: "How were the bugs??" Underneath Steve Chapple's laugh-out loud wit there's a serious plea to environmentalists to remember that sportsmen (the eco-rednecks of the title) are among the most passionate and effective advocates for conservation of the environment that we've got.

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Confessions of an Eco-Redneck OR How I Learned To Gut-Shoot Trout & Save The Wilderness At The Same Time
Steve Chapple
Manufacturer: Plenum Publishing Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OS7060

Average customer rating:
Confessions of an Eco-Redneck: Or how I Learned to Gut-Shoot Trout and Save the Wilderness at the Same Time

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0641542925

Product Description

From the Publisher "Chapple's short, humorous essays echo Hunter S. Thompson and Hemingway's 'Big Two-Hearted River,' with a skewed touch that's all Chapple's...thoroughly entertaining and surprisingly wise." -Booklist. Confessions of an Eco-Redneck collects the best of outdoor writer Steve Chapple's short pieces. This is outdoor adventure writing at its best, in a league with Tim Cahill, Randy White, or PJ O'Rourke, and the essays range from fishing: for tigerfish on the Zambezi, tarpon in the Keys, trout on the Yellowstone; to hunting: the "Bambi Syndrome" (Hollywood's bias against the sport), "Dinner Bell Grizzlies," and stalking televisions in Montana; to the larger questions: "Now or Never for American Rivers," and the great unasked question about the Lewis & Clark expedition: "How were the bugs??" Underneath Steve Chapple's laugh-out loud wit there's a serious plea to environmentalists to remember that sportsmen (the eco-rednecks of the title) are among the most passionate and effective advocates for conservation of the environment that we've got.

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