The Development Of The National Economy: The United States From The Civil War Through The 1890s (Early American Economic Thought, 3)

Book Description

If you are an experienced trainer, an instructional designer, a specialist in performance improvement, or a manager responsible for learning and performance, Performance-Based Evaluation . . . offers you the proven tools and information to evaluate programs and people performance. Filled with real-world examples, this practical resource will help you to determine what to do and (just as important) what not to do.
Performance-Based Evaluation contains a wealth of information including:

Suggestions on how to measure both hard and soft skills
Guidance on measuring required and mandated programs
Ideas for measuring elective training and employee relations programs
Procedures for comparing different delivery systems
Information on how to sample people and documents
Tips for both collecting data and information on analyzing data using descriptive and inferential statistics

In addition, the book includes a CD-ROM with customizable and reproducible job aids, charts, and exercises.

Customer Reviews:

High Marks for Performance-Based Evaluation.......2004-04-29

Judy Hale's bio explains that she is known for explaining complex things clearly and understandably. Reading her books gives one an idea why that is true. In this particular work, she tackles training evaluation, walking the reader through the concepts of evaluation strategy and working into the nuts and bolts.

Trainers, training directors, and evaluators looking for evaluation tools with substance will likely be pleased with this book. Hale addresses the differences between measuring effectiveness and efficiency, technical and soft skills, mandated and elective programs, and even gives clear, concise explanations of the gathering and proper use of data. Each chapter opens with discussion of the content, then notes common missteps and means for avoiding them, then tips and techniques from Hale's experience, and concludes with a list of references where the reader can learn more.

The CD-ROM has more worksheets and job-aids than any other I have seen with a book of this type. It's a tremendous value that, if used with consideration and careful planning, will in and of itself pay for this book many times over.

Book Description

"I enthusiastically embrace the fabulous new discoveries of astrophysics, but I do not want to stop there. I want these discoveries to swim in our imaginations, to open our hearts to new ways of thinking and feeling about life, about men and women, about catastrophes and rituals. I want us all to hear how the music of the spheres resonates with the music of our hearts."

With these words, Dr. Fiorella Terenzi launches readers on a thrilling, emotional and empowering journey that extends from the farthest reaches of space to the innermost secrets of the soul. No one can better serve as inspirational teacher and guide on this very personal expedition to humanity s place in the universe. Internationally renowned both as an astrophysicist and a recording artist, Dr. Terenzi performed the first experiment in acoustic astronomy--translating radio waves from distant galaxies into audible sound. She leads a new movement blending science and art, knowledge and emotion.

Dr. Terenzi shows that most of us have heretofore contemplated only portions of the majesty of the cosmos. In HEAVENLY KNOWLEDGE, she presents clear and accessible scientific facts, then goes much farther she also makes unique connections between the way we live our daily lives and the vast universe that surrounds us. Through her telescope, Dr. Terenzi brings to life a sensual universe where comets roar through space, spreading life like the process of human reproduction; the hidden galactic core becomes a metaphor for self-knowledge; and dying stars act out great truths of being, nothingness, and rebirth.

Customer Reviews:

Intriguing.......2001-09-18

Dr. Fiorella Terenzi, Heavenly Knowledge: An
Astrophysicist Searches for Wisdom in the Stars (Avon,
1998)

availability: amazon

samples of the celestial music she talks about in the
book... First, it's simply impossible not to like a chanteuse
with a PhD in astrophysics. That's just not a point
anyone can argue. Period. End of story.

Terenzi's book gives us an intriguing mix of astronomy
and astrology (but no, don't start thinking we're
going to be talking about Polaris in the eighth house
of Scorpio rising, or whatever); hard science backed
with hypothesizing about what we can learn from the
relationships of the stars themselves. It's
fascinating stuff, certainly thought-provoking. If
self-help manuals were written in this style (and by
people with advanced degrees who actually knew what
they were talking about and could effectively
communicate it), they might be worth something.
There's a little something for everyone here: sex,
rubbing elbows with the high and mighty, a bit of
autobiography, more than a bit of sex, relationships
gone bad, Thomas Dolby, Timothy Leary, and did I
mention sex?

Seems to me (as an unrepentant male chauvinist) that
Terenzi links the extrascientific (for lack of a
better term) hypothesizing a bit too strongly to the
feminine essence-- after all, Einstein did speculate
on some of the same things (though not usually in
public)-- but it is rather hard to refute the
empirical bent of traditionally male-dominated
science, so I'm willing to cut her some slack based on
her background. But hey, we males can dream, too! ***

"Heavenly Knowledge" is a truely interesting read!.......2000-03-21

Having studied astronomy and science all my life I have read numerous books on various scientific topics. Many are dry and difficult to read, many are pleasant, but a few are really extraordinary. I recall back to Loren Eisley's books that deals with anthropology in a very poetic fashion. After reading Dr. Terenzi's book, I got the same feeling I remember after reading Dr. Eisley's books. She paints a unique picture of the study of astonomy on a personal level, not just using facts and figures and formula, but using your imagination and sensabilities to understand the universe, and at the same time understand yourself. She paints parallel pictures of galaxy interactions, and inter-personal relationships, and along the way tells her unique story of how she became a scientist, then a writer and musician, all the while synthesizing them into a whole. If you like astronomy, and poetry, you will love Dr. Terenzi's book!

A dream of reason and imagination married in wonder.......1999-09-29

"I dream of a cosmology in which reason and imagination are not enemies but rather partners...in wonder," says the author. My perusal of this slender volume in a famous unnamed bookstore chain (but which borders a coffee-shop) suggested an unwarranted cover price. But peruse I did. I value the author's insight that "purely objective scientists have fostered a materialist worldview" which finds humanity "isolated in a world of things" and results in "religious nihilism" [p. 15]. Her solution: "We [women, that is] seek a science which learns more by conversing...with Nature than by putting it on the rack to force it to reveal its secrets....[p. 9]" Evidently, men don't qualify for an intuitive, aesthetic, feeling approach to science. Why? Evidently, she has only met brutes. She tells a sad story of a friend seduced by a serial Romeo, and so turns her passion toward the stars in a kind of post-modern feminist mythology of the heavens. She yearns for "a dynamic relationship with data, a dance between the knower and the known...to indulge in metaphors for our lives based on what we observe [p. 9]." Through her telescopes, she glimpses an erotic union between two heavenly bodies engaged in exquisite dance round their common center of gravity. An interesting if slender volume, which should sell well if only for the voluptuous cover photo (itself strangely antithetical to the feminist spirit of the book). One can only imagine her lectures, or wish her book had sampled her celestial music, discussed her philosophy and technology of processing interstellar electromagnetic signals into music, or pondered what that might mean to our understanding of the nature of the universe. Ever seen those faces and pyramids on Mars imaged by Voyager then filtered away by NASA computer programmers? One need not believe they are "really," physically there to wonder who determines how such signals are filtered and processed, anyway? And why? Would that this author had delved a little deeper into such mysteries, we would have had a far finer work.

A Poetic Vision of the Universe that Touches Your Soul.......1999-06-06

I love this book. Fiorella writes beautifully to weave a synthesis of her personal experience, poetry, music, philosophy and metaphysics, all around her love for the great science, astrophysics. After we have studied the common thread throughout the arts, sciences, philosophies and theologies we turn to the Light of the stars for inspiration, for from it we have come and to it we shall return.

Astronomical!!!.......1998-03-03

This book is truly astronomical!!!

Book Description

Successful Management of the Analytical Laboratory provides a comprehensive discussion of the problems that face analytical laboratory managers and presents proven techniques for improving the operation and performance of analytical labs. A wide range of topics are covered, including functions of various laboratory types (including a discussion of legal proceedings that involve defending laboratory data), staffing and organization, motivation, management and development of personnel, personal relations and communication, sample handling, workload optimization, equipment selection and justification, budgeting and cost control (including methods for calculating the dollar return on investments in capital equipment), and information management systems. The book emphasizes measures that managers can take to ensure quality performance in both the laboratory and its personnel while maintaining the overall cost effectiveness of the operation. The author uses case histories from his experience to illustrate the application of the management principles presented in this excellent book for new and experienced lab managers alike.

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How Creationism can poison an intelligent mind

Exposes the flaws in evolution THEORY

Childish nonsense

Methodically refutes Darwin's theory of evolution

Critique of a Theory is NOT a Theory

Tornado in a Junkyard: The Relentless Myth of Darwinism
James Perloff
Manufacturer: Refuge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

The Case Against Darwin: Why the Evidence Should Be Examined

Not by Chance: Shattering the Modern Theory of Evolution

Pro-Life 101: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Case Persuasively

Icons of Evolution: Science or Myth? Why Much of What We Teach About Evolution is Wrong

How Should We Then Live?: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture

ASIN: 0966816005

Book Description

In an easy-to-read text, this book examines growing scientific evidence that is challenging Darwin's theory of evolution: lack of transitional forms in the fossil record, the impossibility of mutations (almost universally destructive) serving as evolutionary building blocks, the bad logic of natural selection theory, the stunning lack of evidence for "ape-men," the mathematic impossibility of life beginning by itself, more. Also explores how Darwinism helped foster Hitler's racial policies and examines how Inherit the Wind grossly misled Americans about the Scopes trial. Addresses the ever-vital question: Are we here by chance or are we created by God? Indexed, over 80 illustrations, hundreds of quotes from scientists.

Customer Reviews:

How Creationism can poison an intelligent mind.......2007-06-30

I gave this book three stars because it is a fascinating peek into how a Creationist mindset can blind even an intelligent person seeking the truth.

As one reviewer said previously, a "hole" in a theory doesn't mean that an alternate theory is immediately true, especially one as farfetched as Creationist theory. The "holes" in Evolutionary theory are miniscule compared to those is Creationist theory.

Using your rationality, I ask you this question: which is more believable to you: Darwin's theory of evolution or the literal belief in Noah's Ark? Please, use your head!

Exposes the flaws in evolution THEORY.......2005-12-23

If you read this book with an honest open mind and evaluate evolution logically, chances are you will walk away amazed that the THEORY of evolution has gotten so far. I had no idea there was such a lack of evidence for evolution until I read this. I am encouraged to see that evolution is not advancing as a theory...more and more people (and scientists) are recognizing it for what it is: pure speculation.

I think Darwin himself said it best in his letter to a colleague in 1858. He said evolution "will be grievously too hypothetical." I couldn't agree more.

Childish nonsense.......2004-04-20

I just finished reading this mind-numbing waste of time and now I really need to take a shower. I always thought that creationists, with their childish arguments and Santa Claus logic, were semi-amusing and ultimately harmless. But now that I have a child of my own I think it may be time to circle the wagons of intellect. Dig?

Methodically refutes Darwin's theory of evolution.......2003-11-11

Darwin's theory of evolution and "survival of the fittest" are taught as fact in nearly all of today's schools. Any other theory of the source and principles of life on earth are shouted down, belittled and attacked with vigor. But how sound is Darwin's theory?

James Perloff uses statements from evolutionist scientists and those of prominent scientists to expose the weaknesses of evolution theory. In the end, you have to have more faith in miracles to believe in evolution than you do for "intelligent design" theory.

Some of the areas discussed:
* Darwin's own concerns of the weakness of his theory.
* Difference between variation within a species, and transformation of a species into another species.
* Lack of evidence of evolutionary development in the record of 250,000 fossils, or even in the known history of animal life.
* Order does not accidentally arise from disorder.
* Living organisms are rife with examples of irreducible complexity. That is, mechanisms such as reproduction that require many complex components to be available at the same time; there is no means by which the components could be evolved independently.

With so many weaknesses in evolution theory, and so many indications of intelligent design in nature and especially life, why is it that evolutionists are so adamant and vigorous in the defense of their own theory and in the attack of competing theories? In other areas of science multiple theories are acccepted and taught simultaneously until hard proof is developed to disprove one or the other. But when it comes to the origin of life the evolutionists are religious zealots of Darwin. It seems obvious their position is not based on science but on a strong desire to eliminate God (or some supreme intelligent being as the creator and designer of the universe)from science. The premise of a creator God is a more valid and consistent theory of life than evolution.

Perloff extensively documents the premises of evolution theory and the multitude of "holes" in the evidence, or even evidence to the contrary. He uses the words of evolutionists, Nobel honorees, and prominent scientists from microbology to astronomy to introduce and validate his points.

If you are weary of evolutionsist forcing their theory as fact on you, your children and society in general, or are actually a disciplined scientist that wants to explore *all* the aspects of a theory, then read Perloff. James Perloff offers a detailed explanation of the premises and weaknesses of Darwin's theory of evolution. Intelligent design or creationism will appear much more likely as a workable theory than evolution. Science is a useful an honored employment of our rational brain to understand the workings of the world around us. But can we eliminate God from science and still understand the world, especially living organisms? Read Perloff to stimulate your mind.

Critique of a Theory is NOT a Theory.......2003-08-04

Creationists just don't wish to understand the scientific process.

Contrary to what some others have said, I will not argue that the complete book is a straw man. It contains some valid critique of the evolutionary theory. Critique of a theory DOES NOT mean validation of another, considerably more farfetched theory. If there is critique to be found in the theory, the model changes, it is not destroyed. Once creationism is able to destroy the central tenets of the theory, I will buy it.

In the current case, it is simply redundant. Peer-reviewed critiques change the model already; creationism introduces NOTHING new to the debate.

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Tornado in a Junkyard: The Relentless Myth of Darwinism
James Perloff
Manufacturer: Refuge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KXYJ0Y

Book Description

This volume assembles the texts of presentations given at the NATO-sponsored Advanced Research Workshop on Quasi-Optical Transmission of High-Power Microwaves, held in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia in February 2004. The presentations bridge a wide range of technical areas, but share common tools of analysis and design. Applications of quasi-optics extend to the use of high-power microwaves—including millimeter-waves— for radar and communications (especially deep space millimeter-wave systems, space debris detection radar, and radar for the detection of small targets moving over heavy clutter); particle accelerators (especially for a future high-acceleration-gradient electron-positron collider); plasma research (especially for controlled nuclear fusion and waste decontamination); and material processing (in particular, ceramic sintering with millimeter-waves, and the coating of metal surfaces with protective dielectric films.). Scientists and engineers working in any of these areas should benefit significantly from exposure to this broad range of timely expositions authored by many of the world’s foremost experts in these fields. The editors, themselves being original, principal proponents of many of the concepts discussed here, have integrated important contributions from many fields into a cohesive entity.

Book Description

More than 1000 jokes make this a marvelous collection of humorous anecdotes and witty tidbits. Here is the human condition in all its high hilarity--from the bizarre to the bittersweet. Divided into fifteen categories with a range of subjects that includes: Children and Adolescents, Family Life, Sexuality, Language, Religion, Politics, Government, Fund-Raising, Old Age, History, and more. This up-to-date anthology of wit and wisdom is great for speakers, jokesters, and anyone who loves a good laugh!

A Treasury of Humor: An Indexed Collection of Anecdotes

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A Treasury of Humor: An Indexed Collection of Anecdotes
Eric W. Johnson
Manufacturer: Ivy Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NY5T9K

Book Description

How does the U.S. Coast Guard create, instill, and maintain leadership throughout a 40,000 member force spread across the United States? A former Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard and a best-selling author combine their knowledge of the subject to offer a formula for success. Donald T. Phillips, who has written eight books on leadership, asserts that the Coast Guard is a superlative example of an organization with effective leadership, loaded with leaders at all levels. From a guardsman scraping barnacles off buoys in the Gulf of Mexico to the captain of a cutter in the Gulf of Alaska to the Commandant in Washington, they know exactly what leadership is, how it works, and why it is important. This case study in leadership uses the Coast Guard as an example for other organizations who want to imbue leadership to every single one of its members. An effective leadership beacon, the book is replete with tangible examples, vivid anecdotes, and explicit guidelines on how to instill leadership throughout an entire organization. Stories abound on Coast Guard efficiency, innovation, and heroism and many are used to illustrate the service's effectiveness and to engage the reader. From the military and government communities to the business world, a variety of organizations can benefit from this outstanding leadership guide. 5 x 8 inches.

Customer Reviews:

Recruiting Propoganda.......2006-03-09

This book is great Coast Guard Academy recruiting propoganda, nothing more. Not real accurate. If you seek an accurate view of Coast Guard leadership effectiveness, start by asking the people who actually make the agency run - it's Active Duty Enlisted forces. (Concur with "Ethically Challenged Management") To find out about how effective a service's leadership is, start at the deck plates. I found the innacuracies of this book extremely annoying. "Be, Know, Do," or The Army Leadership Field Manual would better serve your money & time.

Right book at the right time.......2005-07-20

I was provided a copy of the book when I became a contractor for the USCG. Having a military background already, I was interested in the military history of the USCG. This book has provided me with a glimpse into the mission of the USCG and its leadership style. There are many heart-warming stories of real life heroes that inspire one to the esprit-de-corp that the military resonates.

If your looking for a turnkey book on leadership this is not it, but if you are looking for ways to inspire people, and to refine your own personal style than this book is definitely what you are looking for. It is food for thought.

Hope you have found this review helpful.

Tom

Worth reading and a couple bucks.......2005-02-12

I thought that this book was definitely worth reading. It was a very easy read, and offered some useful insight. It did a great job characterizing the organizational culture of the USCG.

After reading some of the other reviews, I feel it is necessary to say that this book was written by an person who oversaw an organization on a macro level. It is a book about executive level leadership, not functional level leadership.

In total, it consisted of nothing more than a typical book about leadership - touchy feely advice...shoulds and should nots...yada yada yada. There were some unique ideas presented in this book compared to other leadership books. Again, it was a really easy read...definitely worth a couple bucks and the few hours it takes to read it.

Well-oiled machine, but what about conflict management?.......2005-01-31

As I read through this book, I did not encounter any case studies of conflict management between U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) personnal that required resolution, though there were the occasional references to "Coasties" who felt that they were really doing unimportant jobs (like looking after a power generator) - until a more senior man comes in and convinces them otherwise.

The USCG prides itself in recruiting talent who can do more than one job and can take command in field situations on their own initiative without waiting for orders from on-high; basically, it has an "act-first-tell-me-later" approach, which appears to have served this two-centuries-old organisation well, including during the terrible events of 9/11.

Yet, though Phillips and Loy, the co-authors, give the impression that the USCG runs like a well-oiled machine, they appear to have avoided any discussion of when it does not. Conflict resolution is part of any big organisation, yet no information appears in this book about it. Since the Coast Guard is a culturally homogeneous entity, there is nothing about any clashes of mentality or management styles or thinking.

Like the other four main branches of the U.S. armed forces, the USCG is a full-time organisation, and all five do have their Reserve units manned by part-timers who have civilian jobs. It is common practice for selected military personnel to be sent on exchanges, not just within their own country, but also to other countries. U.S. Coast Guardsmen must surely be sent on exchanges, too, yet Phillips and Loy mention nothing about this.

I would have liked to have read something about the experience of U.S. Coast Guardsmen temporarily serving in the coast guard of a foreign power, because it could say something useful about the differences in mentalities and in approaches to similar situations, and about any resolutions to disagreements or conflicts. Would the visiting USCG personnel have ideas and suggestions listened to and discussed and implemented - or would they simply be ignored?

Armed forces are not the same as civilian corporations, of course, since they are concerned with national defense and power projection rather than profit-making, yet interaction between, say, western and non-western organisations sometimes results in clashes, and I think it would have served the book better, seeing that Phillips has written books on management, had there been examples of conflict and resolution.

Ethically Challenged Management.......2004-04-03

The Coast Guard has studied and attempted to teach leadership since the inception of the Revenue Cutter Service in 1790. What is missing in this treatise is the view from those being led. At the deck plate, this theory and feel-good tome does not resonate. Those working in Coast Guard blue respond to leaders of good moral character, who lead and care, and who show fairness and compassion. The past relationship between the Coast Guard and Admiral Loy's progeny lends serious questions about morality and nepotism. That the Admiral's progeny continues to receive preferential employment now from the TSA, leads any thinking person to question the credibility of the author. The Admiral's words ring hollow. Should we "judge one by his actions, not his words" or should we, "do as I say, not as I do?"

Save your time, there is not much here.

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Character in Action: The U.S. Coast Guard on Leadership

Manufacturer: Naval Institute Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1591146739

Product Description

Book Description

Ecotourism is defined as "responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and improves the welfare of local people." Many see it as a panacea for developing nations-a source of clean development that can bring wealth to rural communities while simultaneously helping to preserve pristine environments. But has the reality lived up to the promise? And is that even possible.

In Ecotourism and Sustainable Development, Martha Honey presents an overview of the ecotourism industry and a first-hand account of ecotourism projects around the world. Based on interviews and visits to ecotourist hotspots in Latin America and Africa, she offers a vivid description and analysis of projects that meet the goals and standards of ecotourism as well as those that claim to be ecotourism but in reality fall short. She presents in-depth case studies of seven destinations (Galapagos, Costa Rica, Cuba, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa) that serve to illustrate the real world of ecotourism. For each, she offers an ecotourism scorecard, grading it on its adherence to the enumerated principles of ecotourism and sustainable development.

Honey addresses topics such as the evolution and principles of ecotourism, where profits go, and the mechanics and politics of the tourist industry as a whole. The case studies highlight the economic and cultural impacts of tourism development on indigenous populations as well as on ecosystems. Honey also surveys current thinking and policies of environmental groups, and looks at how political situations, human rights records, and natural resource management influence travel decisions.

Ecotourism and Sustainable Development provides a unique and compelling look at the promise and pitfalls of ecotourism. It is the only such account of worldwide ecotourism available today, and is an important guide for students and researchers involved with international development, geography, or tourism, as well as for anyone interested in becoming a more environmentally sensitive traveller.

Customer Reviews:

good buy, long wait.......2005-09-27

The book was in great condition and I saved a lot of money. However, it took almost a week to get my shipment, even though I paid for express delivery.

Not so good.......2004-04-11

Disappointing tome with numerous factual mistakes and a lack of understanding of those the author is interviewing. The book is far too dependent on paper sources and fairly clueless on the ground.

First-hand account of ecotourism projects around the world.......2002-04-07

Martha Honey argues that the responsibility of ecotourism operators stretches far beyond their physical impact on the land. She argues that real ecotourism must involve seven vital and interrelated characteristics: travel to nature destinations; minimizing negative environmental impact; building environmental awareness; direct financial benefits for conservation; financial benefits and empowerment for local people; the respect of local culture; and the support of human rights and democracy. Her book is an excellent account of worldwide ecotourism.

Snoozer.......2001-03-14

I cannot believe I paid money for this book. We need information about ecotourism, particularly in the developing world. But the author shows no first-hand knowledge. She includes a lot of reports and obviously attends many policy meetings. But outside of the classroom, I do not think this book is of much use.

Ecotourism the inside perspective.......2000-02-10

I found Martha Honey's book to be thought provoking and informative. During the Fall semester of 2000 I plan to incorporate this text into my tourism studies course. The author successfully addresses the truths and myths surrounding the latest buzz in travel "ecotourism" and brings it together with real-world nation studies topics. I strongly recommend this book for anyone wanting to examine this topic to the fullest.

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