Latin America Transformed: Globalization and Modernity (Arnold Publication)

Book Description

Now in a second edition, this book explains Latin America's economic, political, social and cultural transformations, its association with globalization and search for modernity, and how these transformations are affecting the people of the region. Using a political economy approach to unravel these concepts, the emphasis is placed on interpreting the macro-level structures that frame the transformations taking place. Updated and revised to include more student friendly features, the authors have substantially rewritten the material, including three new chapters, to examine the challenges facing Latin American in the twenty-first century.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent analysis of current issues in Latin America........1999-03-28

The is a most impressive analysis of economic, political, social and cultural life in Latin America. This excellent book offers an holistic approach to understanding these changes, relating them to the wider processes of modernization and globalization. An international group of scholars with impressive credentials and from a wide range of disciplines attempt to contextualize their different disciplinary foci within a broad political economic approach that provides a critical yet balanced view and detailed analysis of the neoliberal policies pursued by almost all countries in the region. They contend that a new political economy is being contructed in Latin America, as national economies become radically reconstructed and transformed, democracy becomes the instituional norm, and new social arrangements are being created. The constestation and alternatives to this new global modernity are also explored. In sum, this excellent book fulfills a much needed market niche for students, scholars, and the educated avid reader, who require an interdisciplinary and contemporary approach to Latin American development.

Roberto Cabello-Argandona

Complete, coherent political-economic analysis of Lat. Am........1999-03-28

Robert Gwynne and Cristobal Kay have put together an impressive and timely analysis of current trends in Latin American Development. The coverage of the countries of the region is excellent, as is that of their economic, political, and social trends...The range of issues raised and the quality of their documentation make this an excellent text for teaching and for research. Prof. Bryan Roberts, University of Texas at Austin

Latin America Transformed 2ed Globalization and Modernity

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Latin America Transformed 2ed Globalization and Modernity
Bob Gwynne , and Cristobal Kay
Manufacturer: Hodder Arnold
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Economic Policy & Development | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0340809299

Latin America Transformed: Globalization and Modernity

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Latin America Transformed: Globalization and Modernity
Robert N & Cristobal Kay Eds Gwynne
Manufacturer: A Hodder Arnold Publication
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OV9A24

Book Description

Click 'Additional Materials' for downloadable sample chapter

Many managers and organizational leaders face shrinking budgets, growing competition, and changing organizational alliances and missions A bewildering array of new technologies and management techniques offer help in handling these challenges. To respond effectively and avoid wasting resources, decision makers need to diagnose organizational conditions, plan changes carefully, and apply appropriate technologies and management techniques.

The Third Edition of the bestselling Diagnosing Organizations shows how consultants and applied researchers can help decision makers quickly and flexibly diagnose problems and challenges and decide how to deal with them.

Key Features

Models for framing diagnostic problems, identifying underlying conditions, and providing feedback
Methods for gathering and analyzing diagnostic data
Processes for working on a diagnosis with clients and other members of an organization

This thoroughly revised edition can help practitioners of diagnosis directly address concerns that are critical to clients, rather than just provide feedback on current conditions and operations. In an authoritative, yet readable fashion author Michael I. Harrison presents updated treatments of the uses of diagnosis, evaluating organizational effectiveness, improving team performance, planning organization redesign projects, and assessing organization-environment relations and competitive strategy. Also treated are the politics of change management, professional dilemmas, and ethical issues confronting practitioners.

Professors of research methods across the social sciences will find Diagnosing Organizations, Third Edition an invaluable text for their courses. The second edition was widely adopted in departments of Management, Public Health, Nursing, Education, Public Administration, Psychology, Criminal Justice, and many others.

Customer Reviews:

Diagnosing Organizations - A step by step approach.......2000-05-01

Michael Harrison's book Diagnosing Organizations Methods, Models and Processes, is just that, a book that explains and gives a format for consultants to utilize while diagnosing an organization. Harrison's approach is more academic in nature and is very detailed. The methodology used in Harrison's book is meant to equip a consultant with the necessary information, tactics, and tools to best complete an organizational diagnosis accurately. The methodology Harrison puts forth is also designed to aide the consultant to be able to provide the client with clear, objective, valid and reliable data and information regarding (but not limited to) various existing work functions, the working environment and employee morale. Thus, in order to be able to come to a point of understanding of where exactly the organization is at today and to strategize what needs changed. In addition to, how the consultant can effectively create such an organizational change to help the clients get to tomorrow. Throughout his book, Harrison stresses the importance of the role of the consultant. A consultant might be called in for many reasons. The client organization might seek to use the diagnosis as an independent or "outside" resource for evaluating organizational work functions, existing programs, or as a means to carry out organizational change. The consultant's job is very broad, especially in relation to assisting the client with implementing organizational change. It is very important for the consultant and the client to have an open and communicative relationship and to agree upon the terms of the relationship and contract at the very first meeting or initial contract agreement. It must be understood that in order to perform his or her job to their best abilities the client must trust and support the consultant and the consultant reserves the right to end the diagnosis at any time for any reason (withholding information or not collaborating with the consultant are examples). Harrison uses the open systems model of diagnosis as a means for the consultant to evaluate the entire organization. The open systems model is a method that views the organization in an objective manner and attempts to interpret organizational activities without focusing on the political powers that might exist within the organization. This model encourages consultants to examine every aspect of the client's organizational functions and for the consultant to look beyond the problems presented and addressed by the client. The open systems model evaluates the condition of the client's inputs, outputs, goals, strategies, culture and other important facets of the organizational process. By examining every aspect of the organization, the consultant can better understand the origins of the problems and design methods to effectively accommodate change. The diagnostic process itself is broken down into three key steps. The first step in the process is to identify how the study will be conducted and what type of relationship will exist between the client and the consultant. As mentioned previously, it is of utmost importance that the client and the consultant reach an agreement that is amicable for both parties before any work begins. The second phase in the process deals with the how the consultant's view on how the diagnosis should proceed taking into account the client's concerns and timeline. The third step in the process entails the various scientific and analytical methods of data collection and analysis. Harrison explains that these three steps do not necessarily have to be completed in the order listed, but should always be present in any organizational diagnosis to ensure accuracy.

Harrison stresses that the role of a consultant is not to tell the client what they want to hear. At the same time, nor is it the consultant's place to use the client's organizational problems as a platform for his own research ideas or interests. Rather, a good consultant will listen to what the client expresses as their concerns, set those concerns aside and go about the organizational diagnosis to get a true concept of where the organization is and see if it adds up to the client's original statements of concern. Yet, at the same time, the consultant must keep the client's needs in mind throughout the entire diagnostic process and also not let the client's needs compromise the scientific method utilized in the collection and analysis of data. The dynamics of the individual to the group, the group to the organization and the individual to the organization are examined throughout the book. By analyzing these perspectives a description of the working relationship that each group within the organization can be understood in addition to the effects each group has upon the others. The descriptions and various information that the consultant gathers during personal interviews, observation and other methods can then be used as an informational tool to show how and what motivates employees to perform in addition to how various groups and their interactions with each other might be causing organizational dysfunction. Harrison also examines the distribution of power amongst groups in the organization in relation to how that power is used to effectively turn resources into services or products. Often, groups within an organization may not possess the power to fully achieve their objectives or tasks while other groups in the same organization might abuse or neglect their power indicating too much power might have been given to said group. The analysis of power distribution goes much further than just the hierarchy of the organization and can tell the consultant a great deal. However, this is often one of the more "touchy" and difficult areas to assess. It is critical that the client is willing to endure the analysis of the power distribution and to hear the consultant out in relation to his findings. Ultimately, a redistribution of power might be suggested to improve work effectiveness of the divisions and organization to create a more efficient organization. Yet, this very discussion makes many clients nervous for a redistribution of power is much more than shifting power and responsibilities. The client and consultant also must take into account the psychological factors that accompany power and empowerment and the taking away of power from individuals or a group. I found the case nine example on page 99 of the text very easy to identify with in relation to power relationships and it also helped me begin thinking and analyzing my place of employment more. Strengths and Weaknesses of the Book: Harrison's book, Diagnosing Organizations Methods, Models and Processes, provides details and examples for what seems might be every case scenario that a consultant could face. His examples give the reader a better understanding of the open systems model in addition to applicable case scenarios to transfer the theoretical into practice. Harrison's focus on the "macro" organizational elements of environment, organizational structure, technology, goals and strategies, inputs and outputs rather than the traditional low morale, or high turnover was fascinating. By understanding how these macro or "underlying" elements work and effect the organization the consultant is able to derive the reasons for low employee morale or high turnover rates. This new way of looking at organizational problems and organizations as a whole is very enlightening.

Diagnosing Organizations: Methods, Models, and Processes Volume 8
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Diagnosing Organizations: Methods, Models, and Processes Volume 8
Michael I. Harrison
Manufacturer: SAGE PUBLICATIONS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J4JSDC

Diagnosing Organizations - Methods, Models, and Processes {Applied Social Research Methods Series Volume 8}
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Diagnosing Organizations - Methods, Models, and Processes {Applied Social Research Methods Series Volume 8}

Manufacturer: Sage Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000F7EVQ2

Book Description

Discusses the critical role of host-pathogen interactions in developing new and alternative biocontrol agents that promote plant health and disease resistance in crop pathosystems. Describes state-of-the-art as well as future technologies leading to more effective biological control programs.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent comparison of Jung mostly with Hindu thought.......2005-05-24

This is a well-written book balancing Jungian & Eastern thought in an unbiased manner-both similarities & differences. It covers yoga (Patanjali's)/Taoism; alchemy/Gnosticism, the collective unconscious=Self/ Brahman, synchronicity; mandalas/quaternity/circumambulation, karma/reincarnation, prana/libido/prajna, & Upanishads/kundalini. It has general topics & a very detailed comparison of Jung/Patanjali's yoga with considerable discussion of the Upanishads. Thus, it focuses mainly on Hinduism. There are a great many parallels, if not identities, between numerous concepts & views: p. 5: quoting Jung: "Taoist philosophy as well as yoga have very many parallels with the psychic processes we can observe in Western man." Perhaps the main similarities lie in the extensive comparisons of Jung's libido vs. yoga's prana, self-knowledge & prajna, mandalas & circumambulation as symbols of wholeness/Self, the relationship between the self & the All, & yoga vs. psychotherapy. It is erudite, convincing, yet readable.

Main differences between Jung & Eastern thought include Jung's view of the 2 directions-[Western extroverted sensing thinking judging (ESTJ) vs. Eastern introverted intuitive feeling perceiving (INFP)]:
p. 8: "The truth of the East is not in the Eastern way itself, but in the demonstrated need for a balance between intellect and intuition, between thinking and feeling...To be overbalanced in any one aspect of consciousness is a sign of immaturity and "barbarism", to use Jung's word for it. Consequently, it is not the case that the modem West should give up its highly developed scientific intellect-only that the intuitive and feeling aspects of psychic function must achieve an equally high development in Western consciousness so that a creative balance can be achieved, and a widening of consciousness result. While Jung openly admired the Eastern yoga principle of inclusiveness and balance between the opposing aspects of psychic function, it is clear that he felt that the East had overstressed the intuitive, just as the modem West had over-developed the scientific."
p. 14: "In Jung's view any unbalance in the split of psychic energy, while it may produce the short-term gains of rigorous specialization (e. g., modern Western technology), will, in the long run, prove detrimental."

This is the basis for Jung's several arguments against Westerners directly adopting Eastern methods:
p. 18: "Here Jung again sounds his warning that the solution for the Westerner cannot be found by taking up the direct practice of Eastern yoga. Says Jung, the neurosis or split within consciousness would then simply be intensified But what can be learned from the East is a general approach to be adopted so that the split, the imbalance between the opposites may be brought into harmony."
p. 22: "because the Westerner typically does not know his own unconscious, it is quite likely that when he finds the East strange and hard to understand he will project onto it everything he fears and despises in himself...he felt the direct practice of yoga by a Westerner would only serve to strengthen his will and consciousness and so further intensify the split with the unconscious...The outcome would be just as disastrous for the Western neurotic who suffers from the opposite problem of a lack of development of the conscious and a predominance of the unconscious."
p. 23: "Jung pointed out that if we try to snatch spiritual techniques directly from the East `'we have merely indulged our Western acquisitiveness, confirming yet again that 'everything good is outside.'"

Specific differences include those between Jungian empirical psychology & Eastern philosophy:
p. 61: "lack of distinction between philosophy and psychology that seems to typify much Eastern thought."
p. 62: "the older psychologies of the East and the medieval West are founded on metaphysical concepts which often have little relation to empirical facts."
p. 104: "Throughout his life Jung admitted his strong attraction to Indian karma and reincarnation theory, but its lack of empirical verification was the obstacle to its full acceptance."
p. 188: "The error of Eastern thought in this regard is that it is not firmly grounded in the empirical method and instead has allowed itself to become lost in unsupportable metaphysical speculation."
p. 189: "Jung never thought of his own psychology as a closed theory. To his last years he remained open to new ideas that could come from either East or West. But throughout his life it was his activity as a psychotherapist that kept Jung skeptical of Eastern metaphysics and rooted in the tradition of Western medical science."

Nonetheless, Jung strongly supported studying Eastern thought & adapting it to Western usage:
p. 9: "The West must not simply attempt to copy the Eastern spiritual yoga, or the East blindly adopt Western science. Each should study the other and gain inspiration from its example, but each must pursue its own development within its own historical consciousness.'"
p. 23: "we must get at Eastern values from within and not from without, seeking them in ourselves, in the unconscious."
While this may seem antithetical to Eastern approaches, the Buddha advised individuals to carefully weigh his words themselves and see how applicable they were to them. Also Vajrayana masters continue to advise caution in accepting a guru/lama and even in considering what the guru tells the to do-in light of their individual discriminating wisdom.

Most interesting is the high impact issue of full Samadhi (absorption or Buddhahood) which Jung denied since it involves the dissolution of the ego and, thus, of individual consciousness:
p. 142: "Can there be mystical experience without an individual ego?" Or put another way, ''Is unlimited consciousness of the fullness of reality psychologically possible?"
p. 161: Jung: "They do not realize that a 'universal consciousness' is a contradiction in terms, since exclusion, selection, anti discrimination are the root and essence of everything; that lays claim to the name 'consciousness"
p. 177: "To Jung, consciousness is very narrowly defined as that quality of being related to the ego. `Consciousness needs a center, an ego to which something is conscious. We know of no other kind of consciousness, nor can we imagine a consciousness without an ego.'"
However, IMHO this revolves around a differing definition of consciousness. And, even Jung once implied that it might be possible for the Self to assume consciousness vs. the ego. Of course, Jung viewed himself as an empiricist and, apparently, never met an actual Buddha.

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Jung and Eastern Thought
J. J. Clarke
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Consciousness & Thought | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Jung and Eastern Thought (Suny Series, Transpersonal & Humanistic Psychology)
Buddhism and Jungian Psychology
The Archetypes and The Collective Unconscious (Collected Works of C.G. Jung Vol.9 Part 1)
The I Ching or Book of Changes

ASIN: 041510419X

Book Description

In Jung and Eastern Thought, J. J. Clarke seeks to uncover the seriousness and relevance of Jung's dialogue with the philosophical ideas of the east, which arise from the various forms of Buddhism, Chinese Taoism and Indian Yoga. Through his commentaries on the I Ching, The Tibetan Book of the Dead and various essays on Zen, eastern meditation and the symbolism of the mandala, Jung attempted to build a bridge of understanding between western psychology and the practices and beliefs of Asian religions, and thereby to relate traditional eastern thought to contemporary western concerns.

This book offers a critical examination of this remarkable piece of intellectual bridge building: first by assessing its role in the development of Jung's own thinking on the human psyche; second by discussing its relationship to the wider dialogue between east and west; and third by examining it in the light of urgent contemporary concerns and debates about intercultural understanding.

The book will appeal to all those who wish to broaden their understanding of Jung's thought as well as to those who value eastern ways of thinking and who believe that by engaging with it westerners have much to gain both intellectually and spiritually.

Book Description

That part of the Indian Ocean bordering Saudi Arabia is a rich mosaic of coastal and marine ecosystems, both natural and man-made. Among these are coral reefs, mangroves, tidal flats, seagrasses, and other hard and soft substrata. Some ecosystems are relatively simple, while others such as the coral reefs are highly complex and among the most diverse in the Indian Ocean. The region divides into several large, semi-enclosed water bodies whose different physical characteristics result in distinct habitats. The overall aridity, extremes of water temperature, and often very high salinities have produced some of the most extreme marine climates on Earth.
This book summarizes the available information on the region, then reviews the processes shaping the various marine and coastal systems. It relates patterns in marine assemblages to the strong environmental gradients and biogeographic barriers in the region. Finally, the book considers the human dimension. Some of the world's poorest and richest nations border these seas, making diverse claims on fisheries and other natural resources. The 1991 Gulf War is only the most recent of a range of impacts affecting the region. Approaches for resolving the increasing resource use conflicts are described.
This volume will be of immense value to research workers, students of marine biology, and environmental managers in general, as well as to those with a particular interest in this part of the world.

Key Features
* One of the few published works on this unique and diverse region
* Serves as a basic introduction to the area
* Provides a detailed analysis of ecosystem function
* Discusses human pollution and its effects

MANUAL OF THE AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CALIBER .45, MODEL OF 1911
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MANUAL OF THE AUTOMATIC PISTOL, CALIBER .45, MODEL OF 1911
U.S. Department of War
Manufacturer: Paladin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MNR8UK

Model 1911 Automatic Pistol
Average customer rating:

Too basic

Good book on the 45 auto

Model 1911 Automatic Pistol
Robert Campbell
Manufacturer: Stoeger Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Firearms & Weapons | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Similar Items:

The Gun Digest Book Of The 1911: A Complete look At The Use, Care & Repair of the 1911 Pistol, Vol. 2

Tactical 1911: The Street Cop's And SWAT Operator's Guide To Employment And Maintenance

Gunsmithing: Pistols & Revolvers

The Government Models: The Development of the Colt Model of 1911

Clark: Complete 1911 Disassembly/Reassembly--DVD

ASIN: 088317295X

Book Description

Firearms expert Robert K. Campbell presents an in-depth exploration into the development, and continued career of America's most popular modern handgun--the Colt Model 1911. Adopted by the U.S. Army in the years preceding World War I, the powerful 1911 has evolved for nearly a century through many generations in military and civilian hands and the design is still going strong. The author has tested and analyzed both the original models and popular modern varieties and provides a concise look at their performance, design and engineering along with capabilities and how to use it. Model 1911 is an indispensable addition to any firearm buff's library.

Customer Reviews:

Too basic.......2006-09-22

I recieved this book from Amazon and after a couple of days sent it back. The material covered in the book is very basic and you may be upset you bothered ordering this book if you are looking for anything like a reference as opposed to a very light overview. The chapters are usually 2 pages long, sometimes 3 pages long and rarely 4 pages long. As you can imagine, a couple of pages of information on any given topic is very limiting. This is partially offset by the fact that there are a lot of chapters. I got the impression the author was enamored with the idea of two page chapters and, consequently, added fluff or removed germane information just to fit this artifical requirement. I really hate giving a bad review in general but I feel this book deserves it, especially if you already know a little about the model 1911 (that a couple of days surfing the internet would give you). I can however recommend Patrick Sweeny's books (The Gun Digest Book of the 1911 for example) on the model 1911 which have the opposite problem this book does: Sweeny's books come with a lot of information covering a breadth and depth that this book doesn't even approach. The only thing you may not like about Sweeny's books is that, arguably, they contain too much information.

Good book on the 45 auto.......2006-04-15

If you are just getting into the 1911 this is a great book to start with, Campbell is a good writer and doesn't need many words to tell you a lot. The best part is the pages of reviews of different 45's .... very interesting - he tested several dozen different ones and it really helps you decide what is good and what is not. If you are looking for a 1911 this is a must buy.

The Manual of the Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, Model of 1911

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The Manual of the Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45, Model of 1911
U.S. Army
Manufacturer: Paladin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Product Description

The history of the 1911 is a saga that spans more than a century and combines military, police and civilian use for combat, self-defense and sport. And it begins with this Army manual, printed during World War I and crammed with useful information for the 1911 aficionado. In the early 1900s, the U.S. Army decided to replace its inadequate .38-caliber service revolver with a more efficient "manstopper." John M. Browning submitted his design for a Colt manufactured semiautomatic pistol and a new .45-caliber cartridge to the Armys selection process. The U.S. Army selected the Colt and designated it the Model of 1911. Accurate, reliable and hard-hitting, John Brownings magnificent 1911 pistol has been the benchmark by which all combat pistols have been judged ever since. A wonderful 2007 Reprint by Paladin Press, this book is now offered in high-quality paper with a cover to match. Made to last as a reference manual for generations to come!

1001 Things Everyone Should Know/South
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1001 Southern "thangs".

A Funny Guide for a Confused Yankee

About time!

Superb!

Slowing Down

1001 Things Everyone Should Know/South
John Reed , and Dale Volberg Reed
Manufacturer: Main Street Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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My Tears Spoiled My Aim: and Other Reflections on Southern Culture

Suddenly Southern: A Yankee's Guide to Living in Dixie

How to Speak Southern

Southern Ladies & Gentlemen

A Southern Belle Primer: Why Princess Margaret Will Never Be a Kappa Kappa Gamma

ASIN: 0385474423
Release Date: 1997-06-16

Amazon.com

The South is different from the rest of the United States, and it's not just because most folks who live there speak with a southern drawl. In 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About the South authors John Shelton Reed and Dale Volberg Reed, both Southern academics, examine the ideologies and traditions the have historically set the South apart from the rest of America. Topical sections include "The Central Theme: Race and Politics" and "Grit Lit: Literature" and cover such diverse subjects as Bourbon Street, clogging and Paul "Bear" Bryant.

Book Description

In 1,001 short, eminently readable mini-essays, Dixieologists John Shelton Reed and Dale Volberg Reed illuminate every nook and cranny of this fertile land and culture, clarifying with an authoritative but humorous touch what everyone should know about the South but probably doesn't. Interspersed with their incisive entries on history, politics, life, and literature in this great collection of Southern trivia is a whole mess of fun facts--like how barbecue differs from state to state, where kudzu originally came from, why chivalry is so important to Southern males, and how bluegrass music first developed.

From Stonewall Jackson to Mahalia Jackson, from William Byrd to "Free Bird," 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About the South covers it all.

Customer Reviews:

1001 Southern "thangs"........2007-10-05

Best of Dr. Reed's books I have read. One can't put it down. If you love the South or hate it you must read this masterpiece.

A Funny Guide for a Confused Yankee.......2006-02-19

I had to buy this for a class I'm taking on "The Southern Identity." It was very entertaining and informative. I would recommend it.

About time!.......2004-02-17

It's about time someone compiled this valuable data concerning one of the country's most interesting areas. This book is great for Yankees AND Southerners alike. The most wonderful thing about this book is that you'll find out what some of those expressions, terms, and shibboleths mean--the ones you always heard but were afraid to ask about for fear of being labeled ignorant of your own culture! A must-have for anyone interested in the culture of America and especially the South. Highly recommend this book along with McCrae's BARK OF THE DOGWOOD--a fascinating read about Southern culture and what it means to be from the South.

Superb!.......2002-12-28

This boook includes, well, a thousand interesting facts about the South. Being Southern myself, I never knew what was in a mint julep (along with 90% of the rest of the South). This is a book that you can pick up, flip to any page and just read. Everything is interesting, and you might learn something, too. Recommended!

Slowing Down.......2001-07-20

Slowing down along all those back roads of the world that is the South is the only way to appreciate the unique outlook of the southern spirit where life and events are often taken with a grain of salt due to the fact that the important things were the same yesterday, and the day before, and all the days before that. Emotional health is probably the most valued commodity, and perhaps the most scrutinized quality of southern communities. In many cases, it is the most important development to watch and gauge since much of the south is far from the pyramids of power that are often created in locations like New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago or Los Angeles. It is eons away from foreign influences of Paris, London, Asia or Japan. The living is easy and the sun is hot requiring local dynamics to be the most valuable in terms of acceptance. It gives a new meaning to the idea of majority and minority but not necessarily confined to color. To know the south, time spent there is a must. Southerners appreciate the meaning of home grown and honor their own perspective on life, which sometimes isn't the same as it is in other parts of the country. Rebel yells have a different meaning than up north and don't always reflect the civil war years. It helps to understand Hank Williams, Jr. and some of the other country singers who have it in their blood. 1,0001 facts about the south can only help people appreciate this unique part of the country where life is meant to be savored, not swift. It is greatly aided by a partner of commensurable sentiments.

Book Description

The hilarious holiday handbook for those who are starting to see Scrooge's point of view.

Let's face it-sometimes the joys of Christmas are enough to make us want to run away from home-with all of the eggnog, of course. But with a little wry humor, Ann Hodgman is here to tackle Christmas stress and bring cheer back into the holiday. Delving into such diverse topics as making Christmas for kids and adults, how many traditions are just too many, and much more, I Saw Mommy Kicking Santa Claus is full of helpful advice, recipes, and true holiday horror stories to let you know you're not alone.

Customer Reviews:

How good is this? I loved it, and I don't even do Xmas!.......2005-01-25

As a longtime fan of Ann Hodgman, I bought this book because I thought she would have some nice points about reducing holiday stress, and because I knew she'd make me laugh.

Right on both points. As I said, I don't celebrate Christmas, but I have relatives who do. And as a mother with school-age kids, it's difficult not to get caught up the whole generic-holiday whirl.

Yay, Ann, once again--a wonderful book! Not only do I recommend this for buying for yourself, it's a perfect gift for a frazzled friend to read BEFORE the leaves start falling this year. She includes just a few recipes, but I highly recommend her recipes for grapefruit terrine and for cut-out sugar cookies that don't spread into unrecognizable blobs. (I used to make dreidel-shaped cookies that bore a spooky resemblance to Xmas trees before I spread the blue frosting on them.)

The survival guide for the holidays!.......2004-12-15

I usually find myself getting more and more flustered about the holidays the closer they come. By the time Christmas rolls around? Forget it! I was talking to a friend about how I feel, and she recommended this book. What a good investment! Not only is "I Saw Mommy Kicking Santa Clause" absolutely hilarious (the real-life holiday stories are a riot!)it offers concrete, sensible advice on everything from how to deal with the in-laws to how to what Christmas really means. If you've ever felt stressed around the holidays, buy this book. And I mean now!

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