Posts (page 2)
Diet for a Dead Planet
Christopher D. Cook
The New Press
ISBN: 978-1-59558-084-9 $13.10
Christopher D. Cook’s latest book Diet for a Dead Planet offers the American public with a wake up call view of the food industry today. As an investigative journalist, he gives a complete overview of the socioeconomic and political ills facing food production. He begins the supermarkets and ends with the global agricultural market.
Cook inspects the multifaceted complexities which have arisen due to cheap labor, often exploited and without healthcare. He also depicts the plight of migrant workers, processed food, and pesticides manipulatively spread over crops with the able assistance of government subsidies. The findings are thorough, compelling, and difficult to ingest at times. However, they are warranted as he introduces authorities to backup his claims.
The statistics Cook presents are real, yet harsh. Yearly, 75 million Americans are sickened by the food they eat, while an estimated 67 million birds are killed by the millions of pounds of toxic agricultural pesticides sprayed on crops. Meanwhile, farmers that remain take home only about 19 cents per food dollar spent by the average consumer (this is in comparison to 37 cents in 1980 and 47 cents in 1952) according to Cook.
Cook closely examines every branch of the food industry. In doing so, he reaches a necessary reason for change. The socioeconomic, environmental, and political injustices currently practiced weigh heavily on ’s well being. Within each chapter, he goes into great detail explaining, expanding, and scoping the historical difficulties and how they adversely impact today’s food industry. Beyond that conclusion, Cook explains that unless a new solution, specifically changing how food is “made”, Americans will continue to spiral downward.
Cook clearly maps out the issues beleaguering and tormenting many workers in the food industry from farmers, supermarket employees to higher up executives. All problems such as exploited migrant workers, sickened Americans, corporate control, and government subsidies carry negative consequences for the future if nothing is done soon. In Cook’s last chapter, he outlines a solution which focuses on changing the role of the food industry in the future. This book is powerful in its own right. However, more pages need to be devoted to envisioning that solution than one final chapter. I hope to see more works from Christopher Cook. I recommend this book as a read for anyone who eats. This is also a book for anyone who wants to learn the truth about a topic in urgent need of active change and tired of complacency.
While driving she hits a stranger. Someone who appears to be from another century; the sixteenth century to be exact. Sir Dougray Fitzpatrick, Lord of Dunhaven’s history not much brighter than Aislinn’s, encounters each other with much suspicion. However, they are destined to meet. Sir Fitzpatrick, a widow, was told by a psychic he would meet a traveler who would help him set the future right.
Through their fights, turbulent battles, sometimes, humorous trickeries, and always wild adventures, Dougray discovers Aislinn to be a woman of great strength, heart, and love. Aislinn finds Dougray as a man of courage, bravery, and honor. Their beautifully told story keeps readers in constant suspense.
Nutt is an excellent storyteller with a knack for pace, rhythm and description. She conveys the story without giving away too much too soon with artistic grace. Lost in the Mist of Time is precisely where the readers will find themselves as soon as they turn the first page. It is truly a thrilling read.
reviewed by: Mona Lisa Safai
Virtual Assistant: The Series is a complete reference guide and more for new and experience Virtual Assistants. Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker have successfully touched upon all aspects being a Virtual Assistant.
They begin by defining a Virtual Assistant’s role, examine the skills and training required, where an individual may acquire such skills (and give links), what services a VA may provide, and how they may complement a VA practice.
Next, Ennen and Poelkner discuss the types of business entities in depth, offering advantages and disadvantages between sole proprietorship, partnerships, and corporations. They also give pearls of wisdom regarding naming a business and obtaining business license.
Ever essential is the business plan which they discuss in great detail and confer great strategies as to how to weave through financial and marketing obstacles. In Virtual Assistant: The Series, Ennen and Poelker also explore the diverse specialty services which a VA may offer, how to determine rates, and establish a web presence on the Internet.
Lastly, they present the readers with a glimpse of a day in the life of a VA. For each section, there are testimonials from other VAs, giving their opinions on the topic at hand. They also provide many resources for the readers to further research questions they may have regarding training, opening a small business, daily operations, or finding a support group among peers and colleagues (many listed in the appendix).
The book is extremely well written, organized, and easy to follow. It offers an abundance of useful information and wealth of advice in a meaningful way.
reviewed by: Mona Lisa Safai
At Miss Oliver’s School for Girls everything stayed the same. That is until the Board fired Marjorie Boyd their beloved headmistress. Unfortunately, she was ill-equipped as a financial manager to run Miss Oliver’s. So, the Board decided to bring in someone else. The next headmaster, Mr. Kindler, tackles the inadequately managed budget and faces the turbulent environment of Miss Oliver’s. Stephen Davenport writes Saving Miss Oliver’s: A Novel of Leadership, Loyalty, and Change in the spirit of intended for anyone who has experienced adolescence, high school, and education.
When Mr. Kindler arrives at Miss Oliver’s, only three options remain for the school. Recruit more girls, Enroll boys, or close Miss Oliver’s for good. Davenport writes from the perspectives of students, teachers, trustees, administrative staff, and parents. Throughout the book, twists and turns, some victories and disappointments occur.
The sense that an educational institution is immune from all outside problems is immediately lifted. As in any environment, Davenport also illustrates the inter-politicking between faculty and administration. Carefully crafted characters, each with their own set of dilemmas move the reader. A private school or not, high school is a difficult time for teenagers.
But, most probably most important about Miss Oliver’s is the reader identifies with the characters quite quickly the urgency of the situation. Davenport’s talent is in his ability to create an emotional bond between the reader and the characters. This book is a genuine read.
reviewed by: Mona Lisa Safai
In our contemporary age, many perceive American society as male-dominated and view women as traditionally submissive, less likely to succeed, and lacking certain abilities depending on the subject or topic in question. At least that is what conventional wisdom dictates for the adolescent girls growing up in America. In his latest book, Alpha Girls Dan Kindlon challenges traditional views and amasses new evidence that proves the opposite to be true.
In fact, Kindlon writes passionately about the need to define who “alpha girls” are, what characteristics set them apart from other non-alpha girls, and how they compare to boys. His findings include commissioned studies, interviews, and graphs. He studies self-esteem levels, college degrees earned (BAs, MAs, and PhDs), attitudes about education, careers, and relationships. His evidence is fascinating because today’s girls perceive their lives as filled with opportunities, not the restrictions that once hindered many women a generation before.
Alpha Girls are a newly defined phenomenon that is quickly sweeping the nation. Kindlon speaks well of this growing positive change. He embraces these girls as a beautiful tapestry of mentally, emotionally, and physically determined group that encompasses various abilities to accomplish anything they desire.
As the best-selling author of Raising Cain, Kindlon again comes to his audience with another intriguing study of questioning the gender perceptions of today’s female adolescence. His writing is quick, concise, and stimulating. The young women, now known as alpha girls, are sure to play increasingly key roles in changing the world’s landscape.
reviewed by: Mona Lisa Safai
Are There Any Good Jobs Left?: Career Management in the Age of the Disposable Worker
R. William Holland
Praeger
ISBN: 0-275-99044-3, $34.95, pp. 161
In our global community, many individuals experience career transition either by choice or more frequently these days by forced layoffs, downsizing, outsourcing, off shoring, and the ever increasing emergence of international economies such as and . What many individuals are beginning to feel for the first time is the impermanence of their employment and livelihood. In Are There Any Good Jobs Left?: Career Management in the Age of the Disposable Worker, Holland purposefully writes his book and explains “why” Americans have reached this point and how each individual can creatively succeed in each given situation.
His book is written two parts. The first is a background beginning with the 1940s and how WWII eventually impacted corporate . He focuses on white-collar positions from receptionists to presidents of huge companies. With the global economy expanding at a rapid pace, many individuals who thought they would have job security for a lifetime, were faced with “pink slips” and faced with having to relocate. He chronicles historical precedents on race and gender. By identifying how their roles continue to change in the workplace, he also alerts readers to pressing issues unsolved in the regarding minorities in the workforce.
The second part is a practical guide to career and job placement. He focuses on resumes, networking, interviews, negotiating, and concludes with a case study. offers suggestions and many resources about career transition. ’s book is a contextually enriching asset for many who find themselves in need of valuable career information.
Reviewed by: Mona Lisa Safai
Whether sitting in the Burnt Toast Café gossiping about who the newest stranger in town was, getting that last minute tool at the Eternal Hinge Hardware, or learning about the long history of Stumpton at Museum from the ever knowledgeable Betty Phelps Thomas, this town never lacked charm or a unique style of its own. In Encountering Stumpton: An Adirondack Tale, John Vesty writes an only too common story of the struggle between communities and government.
Stumpton is a small town, untouched in the Adirondack Mountains. The characters in Stumpton are lively, resourceful, and overall good natured. There is a strong sense of loyalty and belonging. Their devotion to Stumpton becomes apparent when the state agency wants to overtake the town through eminent domain.
When a state agency lawyer sees Stumpton for beauty it has to offers changes sides and helps the town, things heat up. He begins to use his knowledge against the state agency. Hence, the fight to possess Stumpton escalates.
Through imagery, humor, and precise dialogue, Vesty brings these characters to his audience full force. Stumpton grows on its visitors for all its natural delights and real human appeal. Encountering Stumpton: An Adirondack Tale is refreshing, entertaining, and clever.
reviewed by: Mona Lisa Safai
In the wake of the Fifth Anniversary September 11th, 2001 Nicholas Sparks graces his audience with his latest novel about romance, friendship, loss, loyalty, and explores the depths of how far people will go for love. In Dear John, two lives meet and are forever altered. Their happiness is jeopardized with the invasion of a cruel war, uncontrollable circumstances, and the reality of long term separation.
Young rebellious John Tyree meets sweet, good hearted Savannah Lynn Curtis, his life changes for the better. He knows she is the one for him. He wishes he had not enlisted in the army so quickly after high school. Instead, he wants to settle down with Savannah. Then September 11th happens?
While in Iraq, Savannah sends him a “Dear John” letter. After John returns, he must come to terms with Savannah. While his feelings remain unchanged, circumstances have. After serving his country, coming home, and finding Savannah, John is left with a decision to make. Throughout the novel, Sparks vicariously asks “What does it mean to truly love another?” and “What does true love really mean”?
Sparks writes Dear John passionately, honestly, and with an undertone of sadness. Within the context of September 11th, he carefully constructs a soldier’s tale. He writes apolitically; without dogma. Two lives once intersected then changed by the destruction of war. Sparks intertwines romance, joy, emotion, and loss into a world which we are all uncertain but willing to brave in the hopes that love may reach us someday.
reviewed by: Mona Lisa Safai
Set in early1900s Poland, Rosenbaum takes her audience to the depths of a small town, Zokof, where the family story begins. As a young boy, Itzik Leiber accidentally kills a Polish peasant when he sees three children in harm’s way. To save himself and his family, he must flee Zokof. Years later, his son, Nathan, a professor travels to Poland only to find links to his father. Nathan’s daughter, Ellen, a ballet dancer, by trade, less religious later travels to Poland. What she discovers unravels more of their family mystery. Ellen’s search for understanding enables the Leiber’s to finally come full circle.
Rosenbaum writes a gorgeous piece, filled with twists and turns. There is conflict between historical and cultural peoples that she brings to surface beautifully. Her storyteller’s voice is apparent through her choice of characters and dialogue is unforced. This debut novel will definitely keep the reader intrigued and laughing as well.
reviewed by: Mona Lisa Safai
Spring and Fall is a poignant read for anyone who has ever been young and in love. Nicholas Delbanco gently tempts the winds of fate and offers his readers an opportunity to balance love with nostalgia. He writes a genuinely meaningful story which asks the question- do we get second chances at true love?
Lawrence, a senior at Harvard meets Hermia, an independent and somewhat rebellious junior at Radcliffe. They quickly fall in love. The year, 1962, represents the beginning of many political changes around them. She was ready to settle down with her love after college. However, Lawrence was restless. As an architectural student, he wanted to see the world and all its gems. After graduation, they drifted and went their separate ways but never forgot about the time they spent together.
Forty years after college, three failed marriages, and grown children, fate brought them together on a Mediterranean cruise. Both characters were unsure of the present and future but unwilling to forget their youth. Through Lawrence’s explanation of the beautiful architecture, endless history, and artistic knowledge which Hermia contributes they find their way back to each other. Their conversations reminded them of the ease they first felt in college. The rekindling of their attraction also brought forgiveness.
Delbanco has written a story about first love, loss, and nostalgia. He also has brought his audience a hopeful notion that second chances exist. There is pain, laughter, love, and even wonderment about what binds the human spirit.
reviewed by Mona Lisa Safai
