The Illicit Global Economy and State Power

Book Description

Illicit cross-border flows, such as the smuggling of drugs, migrants, weapons, toxic waste, and dirty money, are proliferating on a global scale. This underexplored, clandestine side of globalization has emerged as an increasingly important source of conflict and cooperation among nation-states, state agents, nonstate actors, and international organizations. Contrary to scholars and policymakers who claim a general erosion of state power in the face of globalization, this pathbreaking volume of original essays explores the selective nature of the state's retreat, persistence, and reassertion in relation to the illicit global economy.

Book Description

A Yuletide free-for-all.

It starts innocently enough in the town square of Possum, Virginia. But it ends up as a spectacular national scandal: Can a federal judge outlaw Christmas?

Thomas Hammond and his wife play Joseph and Mary in the annual live nativity scene in their hometown. But a federal judge rules the display unconstitutional — and a Christmas showdown ensues. Thomas refuses to abide by the court order…and ends up in jail. From the courtrooms of Virginia to the talk shows of New York City, the battle escalates into a national media spectacle. Caught in the middle is law student Jasmine Woodfaulk — assigned to represent Thomas as part of her school’s legal aid clinic.

Whatever happened to peace on earth?

Only a surprising series of events — nearly as humbling and unexpected as the origins of the season itself — can reconcile a stubborn father, a crusading law student and a recalcitrant judge.

The Judge Who Stole Christmas, by acclaimed author Randy Singer, is a charming, warm, and thought-provoking Christmas tale that explores in a fresh way the real reason for the season.

Customer Reviews:

A seasonal winner!.......2005-12-02

I always love picking up a new Randy Singer novel, and I wasn't disappointed when I finished THE JUDGE WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS, a novella that includes many of the quirky characters from his earlier books such as SELF-INCRIMINATION and DYING DECLARATION.

Singer, a Christy Award winner and trial lawyer (think John Grisham), excels in his multi-dimensional characters and even-handed portrayal of the difficult dilemmas faced by Christians. In this novella, he specifically addresses what constitutes the separation of church and state during perhaps the most controversial season of all --- Christmas.

In the small town of Possum, Virginia (yes, Possum, you heard it right!), the Freewill Baptist Church's living nativity on the town square incites the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to serve papers ordering the town to close it down. Rather than complying, the mayor tries "Operation Xmas Spirit," loading up the square with some displays of Santa Claus, The Twelve Days of Christmas, and Frosty the Snowman as a counterbalance to the nativity. It isn't enough, and the wheels of legal action begin to crazily spin.

As the courtroom drama heats up, readers of the earlier novels will rejoice to see that one of Singer's most fully dimensional and intriguing characters, Judge Cynthia Baker-Kline (nicknamed "Ichabod"), is back, combining a "hair-trigger temper with a razor-sharp tongue that could slice up even seasoned litigators." Central to the story is the return of conservative fundamentalist Christians Thomas and Theresa Hammond (from DYING DECLARATION), who play Mary and Joseph in the living nativity scene.

As in all his novels, Singer's bad guys are not all bad, and his Christian guys are not all nice. His character portrayals are something other inspirational novelists could learn a good deal from in making their characters believable, real and engaging. For such a short story, there are a lot of characters and points of view to keep track of. Singer keeps the main plot and subplots moving smoothly. Some readers may find that law student Jasmine "Jazz" Woodfaulk's personal story (involving basketball and her legal career), while interesting, is less compelling than the Christmas conundrums she's trying to mediate in the courtroom.

You'd almost take it as a given that in a Christian novella in which the ACLU faces off against the Baptists (Singer is one himself) that there would be a clear winner implied. But Singer doesn't go for easy clichés, which has always been part of his appeal. Readers familiar with the Christian world of televangelism will immediately recognize the machinations of the Freddie Hester Evangelistic Association, which attempts to turn the controversy into a fund-raising appeal for its organization and create a media circus, using Theresa Hammond as a pawn. Judge Baker-Kline, who would at first glance seem to be anti-Christian, turns out to have some complex motivations.

The definition of the separation of church and state is rife with minefields, and there is plenty of room for interpretation. Singer does a wonderful job leaving clues along the way without giving away the whole plot twist until the closing pages, and there's a terrific turn in the story that will catch readers off-guard. Enough said.

You'll be able to enjoy THE JUDGE WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS even if you skipped Singer's earlier books. But you'll have a better understanding of some of the characters if you (at the very least) read DYING DECLARATION first. I'm planning on sharing THE JUDGE WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS with my friends and family. A seasonal winner --- don't miss it!

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby. Contact Cindy at phrelanzer@aol.com.

Randys at it again............2005-11-25

Have just finished this, and thought that while it was fresh in my memory I drop down a few thoughts. Point 1) To really enjoy this book, I would suggest that you read his 4/5 other novels, as the characters re occur in each of his other novels. This wiil give you a feel for them, and you can see the development between books.
I think that you will enjoy this book, even if you are not a Bible believeing christian. The issues mentioned, and the arguments to support them, may give you reason to question your stance, or, at least appreciate the other side of the argument.

I throughly enjoyed this book, as I have done with all Mr Singers novels thus far.

Is There a Better Gift?.......2005-11-13

If you're like me, you may be tempted to settle with this book into an armchair, sipping at egg nog while wiggling your toes by the fireplace. Be forewarned. Singer has a way of tossing in humor that'll have you sloshing the nog across your lap. As he does so well in his legal thrillers, the author ties law and Scripture and original characters into a suspenseful story. This time, he adds a Christmas bow on top, just in time to provide a fantastic holiday gift.

It all starts when a simple manger scene in a town square sparks a nationally-followed court case. ACLU lawyers cry "separation of church and state," while churchgoing citizens demand the right to speak freely what they believe. Jasmine Woodfaulk, a law student, is caught in the middle when she chooses to face the imposing figure of Judge Baker-Kline (known as Ichabod, and for good reason). Some will recognize characters from Singer's other books, which will only add to the enjoyment while in no way diminishing it for those who've yet to discover them. Regardless, all readers should be able to recognize something of themselves in these believable, likeable characters. Singer, in his typical fashion, refuses to paint people in simple black and white; rather, he gives them strengths and weaknesses we can all understand.

"The Judge Who Stole Christmas" speeds along with clockwork precision, with nostalgia, and with "good tidings to all." The story touches on politics and legal wranglings, but it more accurately deals with the law of love in our hearts and the call for "peace on earth." Whichever side you might choose in a court battle such as this, Singer's latest will bring a smile to your face and an evening's worth of reading enjoyment. Is there a better gift an author can give?

fine legal thriller.......2005-10-25

The ACLU filed in federal court that Possum, Virginia was violating the separation between State and Church with its annual Nativity gala. Resident Thomas Hammond who plays Joseph in the Manger show is subpoenaed to appear in the Norfolk Federal Courthouse. The University legal aid clinic assigns law student Jasmine "Jazz" Woodfaulk to "represent" Thomas in the courtroom though he is only a witness. Federal Judge Cynthia "Ichabod" Baker-Cline rules that the annual live Possum, Virginia nativity scene in the town square is unconstitutional. Thomas Hammond and his wife who play Joseph and Mary in the gala ignore the ruling as he is irate that the government will not allow the celebration of Christmas. For disobeying the court order, Thomas is held in contempt and jailed.

The case soon receives national media attention as the TV and radio talk shows focus on Thomas spending prison time for his beliefs in honoring the nativity as more sensational to the media than the wider issue of separation of state and church vs. religious freedom.

With the recent Supreme Court rulings on this topic, THE JUDGE WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS is a timely insightful look at the Constitution and the interpretation of the issue of public support to a particular religious theme. The story line grips the audience once the case comes before the Ichabod as readers obtain a deep understanding of the issues. Though the climax is perhaps a bit too smooth, fans of tales that dig deep into deep constitutional, religious, and social issues will appreciate this fine legal thriller.

Harriet Klausner

Lighting a new candle this season! .......2005-10-22

Sometimes you kind of know what to expect, and sometimes you haven't got a clue. So, taking a look at the back of the book, you think you see everything coming, right? NOT!! When you thought you'd seen the last of her, Judge Cynthia Baker-Kline, (known to Randy Singer fans as Ichabod) is BACK! AAAAHHHHH!!! But taking her on is Thomas Hammond, and HIS manger scene. And if you enjoyed "Dying Declaration" and you loved little Tiger and Stinky, they're back as well! YEAH! BUT... oh yes, there is a but in this little, but powerful taste of Christmas. That would be Jasmine, "Jazz" Woodfaulk, a girl getting ready to graduate law school.

So, what does this do, put Christ back in Christmas? Uh, yeah. We're given doses of Ichabod's vicious onslaughts, Thomas Hammond simply not giving in, and even a little hard-core, hip-hop basketball! In all seriousness, this book even gives you a few hard looks about Christmas. It gives a big witness about loving your neighbor, even though you may want to cuss them out. This is also a message of not giving in, and hanging in there, even when you want to just up and quit.

Randy Singer challenges us, and that's a good thing. This lights a new candle for this Christmas season. It packs in a few well needed laughs, and then levels it off with some somber moments, along with some love.

My personal challenge would simply be this. Take 2 words out of your vocabulary this Christmas season. Those 2 words are "happy holidays". Replace them. And say it loud, like you mean it. Say it because God loved you enough to send His son, Jesus Christ, to be born in a manger. The least you can do is say "Merry Christmas". But here's how I say it...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Book Description

This book is packed with valuable state specific information for quick, smart startup small business solutions.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful primer on starting a business with contact information for locating startup funds if necessary........2006-12-13

This is a valuable book (resource) for budding entrepreneurs. It seems to try to cover all the bases for starting a small business, but it can't do them all well in the space available between its covers. The book is only 288 pages long. If you are in the planning stages of starting a small business, then I highly recommend you get a copy of this book. Read it, study it, and outline it. There are helpful checklists to help you grasp the subjects. You will come up with a plethora of keywords and terms that you will want to google to find Web pages giving more detailed (and maybe more current) information.

I am a SCORE counselor (Senior Corps of Retired Executives) who typically does face-to-face counseling sessions three nights a month. It would really be neat if my clients would read this book BEFORE they came to their session with me because they would pretty much be "educated customers" ready to ask educated questions. Our sessions would be so much more beneficial.

My favorite chapters were:

1. Initial business concerns
2. Your business' structure
3. Business start-up details
5. Sources of business assistance (SCORE is mentioned here)
7. Your smart business plan (and a good sample plan is included)
8. Obtaining the financing you need

The book is weak when it comes to how the Internet can be used in corresponding, hiring, and marketing. But this is just one example of how googling keywords and concepts found in the book will make the book more complete. Don't treat the book as authoritative on the law. It isn't. Nor was it ever intended to be. It is light on tax information as it relates to small business.

I was particularly impressed with the material presented in Chapter 2: Choice of Legal Entity. That subject is sorely ignored in most small business books, and it is critically important. It is a subject I regularly must spend a great deal of time discussing at my SCORE sessions. This book does a pretty good job on the topic.

Chapters 4 and 9 through 12 are easy to find fault with. The topic of each could fill a book. But having these topics covered definitely will help a budding entrepreneur know some of the issues they raise.

I would have liked the book more if Chapter 6 (marketing) had been less superficial. When I read it I got the impression that the author was more a public relations expert than a marketing expert. I generally categorize public relations as a subset of marketing. Marketing includes advertising, public relations, and a whole host of other promotion techniques. I did not get this message when I read the book. I also would have liked the book better if the Internet, email, and Web sites had been discussed more. But there are many books on those subjects. Therefore, I can't complain too much about the limited discussion of computers.

When you read this book it may feel a little like it was produced on an assembly line. Maybe it was? There are 51 versions of this book sold; one for each state and the District of Columbia. Content is king, and this book has it. 5 stars!

How To Incorporate and Start a Business in Indiana

Average customer rating:

How To Incorporate and Start a Business in Indiana
J. W. Dicks
Manufacturer: Adams Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

Over 30 books covering individual states!

How to Incorporate and Start a Business in... covers every essential topic you need to understand to start a business right. Protect yourself and your business with expert knowledge provided in this book. The easy-to-follow steps and worksheets guide you through every aspect of incorporation and starting your own business. This book discusses in detail:

Selecting an operating entity-which one is best for you? Learn the pros and cons of each type:
Sole proprietorships
Partnership-general and limited
"S" corporations
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

The five necessary steps to incorporation-five essential moves you must know and follow:
Choose a name: learn the legal ramifications of this simple step
Prepare the Articles of Incorporation
Write the bylaws
Hold the organizational meeting
Issue the stock

Raising Capital-Avoid costly mistakes and financing pitfalls that leave other business owners behind:
Identify potential investors
Sell stocks, notes, bonds, or convertibles
Borrow money from banks, credit unions, and venture capital firms

Dealing with the law-Legal issues always come up, so be prepared:
Learn how to arm yourself with knowledge
Handle disputes
Tips to keep you out of court

Preparing Contracts and Leases-Learn the tricks of the trade to save you time and money:
Identify the essential elements
Master unique aspects of your business
Negotiate a lease for maximum benefit, minimum risk

Understanding copyrights, trademarks, and patents-How does this apply to you?
Learn how to copyright material
Identify the key elements of a trademark
Navigate the patent process

Mastering your taxes-Save money by following advice outlined in this chapter:
Choose an accounting method
Keep accurate records
Learn what you can deduct, and what you can't

How to Incorporate and Start a Business in... will also each you how to hire the best employees, extend credit to your customer, acquire the proper insurance for your business, and maximize corporate and executive benefits.

Don't be left out in the cold! How to Incorporate and Start a Business in... How to Incorporate and Start a Business in... will guide you past common snares and pitfalls that hamper the efforts of many new business owners. This book contains dozens of profit strategies engineered to maximize your profit and prevent common mistakes. Plus, this book outlines specific laws and procedures you need to be aware of to do business in your state. It's specifically designed for you. How to Incorporate and Start a Business in... is easy to read, informative, and will save your business both time and money. Use its expert advice to get you started and keep you business on the path to success!

Book Description

This book explains digital branding and how to implement it in the current marketplace.

Download Description

This book explains digital branding and how to implement it in the current marketplace.

Customer Reviews:

DOUG MILLSTIEN IS OUT OF THIS WORLD .......2007-08-07

This person cant write if his life depended on it, i read it and now used it for a door stop. I wouldnt recommend this to anyone. I might use it if hes lucky for my son to sit on at the dinner table.

Setting your brand on fire........2001-06-09

There are so many books on the market that discuss the concept of 'brand' from so many different points of view, that it's difficult to sort out the good from the bad. This is one of the good ones.

Moon and Millison define the basic concepts around brand. They explain in clear buzzword-light language what influences the growth and positioning of a brand. Finally, they provide ample and well-explained pointers to further reading to help understand some of their basic ideas more clearly.

As a consultant working for a systems integrator, one of the things that impressed me the most was the focus on execution. Many books about branding seem to imply that the technical details are irrelevant to brand success, but _Firebrands_ makes the point that a relationship with a customer only has brand value when supported by appropriate policies, training, and technical infrastructure. This is a message that can't be, IMO, repeated often enough.

Well worth the time to read.

my review.......2001-03-08

I have read Firebrands and found it extremely useful. As a systems integrator in St. Louis, I have used this book to help my clients understand the importance of a technical infrastructure in building a vibrant brand.... Mind you, this is not a 60 second brand manager book.

Not Hype! A System for Reality...and innovation........2001-03-05

Firebr@nds is not a bedside book, it's a cookbook, a tool for being AT CAUSE when it comes to building successful, powerful communications for the internet.

As a Technology Interface Architect , the building of brand into the interaction of the product is vital to it's success.

My clients over the past 12 years have been besieged by what appears to them this mysterious thing out there that will grow over some process, that we will somehow invoke, and it will be successful if the powers that be are on our side.

This book makes it all very clear, while eliciting sympathy for all of us who have built brands. A genuine appreciation for its complexity is gained as you read a systemization of brandbuilding in Firebr@ands.

Moon has given us a thorough and deep taxonomy for building the brand from many different pragmatic angles. The dramatic distinctions in language make it easy to use the language as a tool in any company when it comes to educating organizations in building brand.

This is a book that I will return to over and over again as I help my clients grow their products into the future. It was a very brave, and necessary book to write. BRAVO!!!!

Beyond the Frontiers - A genetic approach to the Brand.......2001-03-01

As the Chief Technical Officer of a Texas based e-services and print communication firm, I live in this interactive brandspace on a daily basis. The problem with this brave new world of pixels is simply that much is said and much is written but little intelligent communication occurs. I find the innovative and far reaching approach taken by Michael Moon to be the de facto foundation for the next "big thing".

The approach that one must take to these new media spaces and channels is not readily discernible from the clearly defined trails blazed in the more traditional areas of branding. This new territory is as different as the Earth is from the Moon [no pun intended]. The book travels beyond the areas marked as "unknown - there be dragons here" and opens a clear and understandable path into formerly mysterious areas.

What we need out here in the field is less hype and more substance. Firebrands is a rational, ground breaking treatise on the evolution of Branding. This is a pivotal work that serves as a wonderful deskside companion, as indispensible to me as my spell checker or my browser.

Michaels' best practices mental evolution from the time of the Jeff Martin led Digital Brand Building Seminars of the mid-90's to this opus show an extraordinary depth and breadth of thought and research . The Firebrands book is the Gray's Anatomy of Brand "science".

As my company moves forward with ground breaking, market defining services in the area of brand guaranty we will continue to consult the Firebrands roadmap. We anxiously await any follow-up materials that might come from this mind trust.

Customer Reviews:

Dated and disappointing.......2001-02-13

This book promises to teach you how to "Globalize your business with digital and online technology". Unfortunately the book was first published in 1998, so the information is at least four years old. Furthermore, the author is much too pedantic for my tastes. (He begins chapter 1 : "In the eigth century B.C., when Homer wrote the The Odyssey ...).

If you are interested in expanding to international markets via the Internet, this book is unlikely to help.

More global marketing than "digital marketing".......1998-07-30

I was looking for a book that would help me understand what I needed to both consider and execute in order to sell internationally on the internet.

The book helps somewhat with what to consider - having some good rankings of countries and their relative abilities to accept/use the internet and internet based purchasing. However, the book doesn't really tell me how to sell; fulfill orders, manage exports/imports at the nitty-gritty level that I need.

I know there are many anecdotal accounts of the buying habits of individuals in different countries that might help me avoid some pitfalls in marketing to them. I found very few of those in this text.

The text is at a very high level. It provides a framework for thinking about marketing globally. However, aside from the country rankings, I found the actual content to be somewhat superficial.

Another book that takes a more nuts and bolts approach is "How to build a Successful International Web Site" by ! Mark Bishop. However, that is at a very rudimentary level as well. Another text designed to help you sell on the internet is "Selling on the Internet" by Gonyea and Gonyea. This has a helpful "Storefront Planning Worksheet" that helps organize the development.

Book Description

The tremendous volume in online commerce has deepened the distinction between commodity sales and consultative selling. Vendors must decide which category their products or services fall into and adjust their selling techniques accordingly. The article includes a sidebar entitled "What kind of seller are you?"

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