History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Has history been tampered with?.......2007-10-23

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RAZQNMXM4M9CL Has history been tampered with? Yes, it has! Did events and eras such as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Roman Empire , the Dark Ages, and the Renaissance, actually occur within a very different chronology from what we've been told? Yes, they certainly did!

The history of humankind is both drastically shorter and dramatically different than generally presumed.

Why is it so? On one hand, it was usual custom to justify the claims to title and land by age and ancestry, and on the other the court historians knew only too well how to please their masters. The so called universal classic world history is a pack of intricate lies for all events prior to the 16th century. World history as we learn it today was entirely fabricated in the 16th-18th centuries. It's likely that nobody told you before, but

there is not a single piece of firm written evidence or artefact that is reliably and independently dated prior to the 11th century.

Naturally, after what you've learned in school and university, you will not easily believe that the classical history of ancient Rome, Greece, Asia, Egypt, China, Japan, India, etc., is manifestly false.

You will point accusing finger to the pyramids in Egypt, to the Coliseum in Rome and Great Wall of China etc., and claim, aren't they really ancient, thousands of years ancient? Well, there is no valid scientific proof that they are older than 1000 years!

The oldest original written document that can be reliably dated belongs to the 11th century!

New research asserts that Homo sapiens invented writing (including hieroglyphics) only 1000 years ago. Once invented, writing skills were immediately and irreversibly put to the use of ruling powers and science.

The consensual chronology we live with was essentially crafted in the 16th century by the Jesuits.

The world history was compiled from contradictory mix of innumerable copies of ancient Latin and Greek manuscripts and other irrefutable proofs delivered by late mediaeval astronomers that were cemented by the authority of writings of the Church Fathers.

Early in life, we learn about ancient history. Children love the magical lessons of history - they are like fairy tales. Teachers recite breathtaking stories; very soon We learn by heart the names and deeds of brave warriors, wise philosophers, fabulous pharaohs, cunning high priests and greedy scribes.

We learn of gigantic pyramids and sinister castles, kings and queens, dukes and barons, powerful heroes and beautiful ladies, emaciated saints and low-life traitors.

Ancient history is based documents, manuscripts, printed books, paintings, monuments and artefacts - called primary sources.

The problem is that neither these ancient documents, nor events described therein can be irrefutably dated, moreover they contradict each other for the most part.

When a school textbook tells us that Genghis Khan in year X or Alexander in year Y, have each conquered half of the world, it means only that it is so said in some of the written sources.

There are no answers to simple questions:

When were these primary sources written?

Where and by whom were these sources found?

It is wrongly presumed that ancient and medieval chronicles, written by Genghis Khan's or Alexander the Great contemporaries and eyewitnesses, are readily available. Actually, only sources written hundreds or even thousands of years after the events are there, compiled mostly in the 16th 18th centuries, or even later.

As a rule, these sources suffered considerable multiple manipulations, falsifications and distortions by editing. At the same time,

innumerable originals of ancient documents under various pretexts were destroyed in Europe under various pretexts.

The names of persons and geographical sites often changed meaning and location during the course of the centuries.

Geographical locations became clearly defined on maps only with the advent of printing.

This made possible the circulation of identical copies of the same map for purposes of the military, navigation, education and governance tasks.

Historians from Oxford say: "hey, everybody knows that Julius Caesar lived in the first century B.C.

`Julius Caesar' statement is only a point of view as

there is simply no irrefutable documentary proof that Julius Caesar or any other great name of antiquity ever existed.

Better than that - extremely rare sources that can be reliably dated back to the 10th-14th centuries A D, do not show the polished picture of classical history.

They show a picture both contradictory and confusing.

All methods of dating of ancient sources and artefacts are erroneous:

Radio-carbon C14 method produces dating with exactitude of plus minus 1500 years, therefore it is too crude for dating of events in historical timeframe!

The Almagest tractate, which lies as corner stone contemporary chronology, compiled in the 2nd century A D by Ptolemy, the founding father of astronomy, contains astronomical data of 9th to 16th century!

The Bronze Age,that has supposedly began 5000 years ago. Bronze is made of 90% copper and 10% tin, but the technology for tin extraction dates back to 14th century A D!.

All eclipses contained in manuscripts, like Thucydides one, relating 'ancient' events have exclusively medieval dating. All horoscopes cut in stone or painted in Egyptian temples, like Dendera have exclusively early medieval dating solutions.

Not quite what you have learned in school? Open your eyes, and, you will find sufficient proof to reach step by step the inevitable conclusion that the classical chronology is false and therefore, that the history of ancient and medieval world universally accepted today, is also false. Have a fresh outlook on everything said or printed about "ancient" and "enigmatic" Roman, Greek and Egyptian, medieval as well as all other "lost and found" civilizations.

Antiquity and Dark Ages are phantoms invented in the 16th 18th and polished in 19th 20thcenturies. Human civilization is in fact barely 1000 years old!

This book will change your perception of History forever!
What if Ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt were invented during Renaissance?
What if The Old Testament was a rendition of events of the Middle Ages?
What if Jesus Christ was born in 1053 and crucified in 1086 AD?
Sounds Unbelievable?
Not after you've read "History: Fiction or Science?" by Anatoly Fomenko, the genius mathematician.
Armed with astronomy and computers Anatoly Fomenko turns History into a rocket science.

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

China The Balance Sheet: What the World Needs to Know Now About the Emerging Superpower (Institute International Econom)

Average customer rating:

Little, No Credibility!
China Background
A book for politicians!
Another American type of arrogance
Typical American bias

China The Balance Sheet: What the World Needs to Know Now About the Emerging Superpower (Institute International Econom)
C. Fred Bergsten , Bates Gill , Nicholas R. Lardy , and Derek Mitchell
Manufacturer: PublicAffairs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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China Shakes the World: A Titan's Rise and Troubled Future -- and the Challenge for America
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ASIN: 1586484648

Book Description

C. Fred Bergsten, Bates Gill, Nicholas R. Lardy and Derek Mitchell are the principal authors of this investigative analysis, full of new information and perspectives on China, the result of a year-long task force jointly sponsored by CSIS and IIE, to which distinguished China experts have contributed. It is accessible, narrative-driven, filled with facts, but written for the general reader. The expert judgments presented in China: The Balance Sheet will inform policymakers in Washington, scholars and the business community for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

Little, No Credibility!.......2007-01-11

Pg. 4: "China's average wage is one-thirtieth of the U.S. and its average productivity level is equally lower (and wages, in any event account for only 20% of the cost of producing textiles and 5% of the cost of producing semiconductors)." If so, manufacturers that offshore in China would be stupid; alternatively, "China: The Balance Sheet" has a serious credibility problem. I go with the latter.

Nonetheless, this is still some value to the book for its statistics. For example, the authors believe China's foreign exchange reserves reached $1 trillion in '06, far more than any other country's, and probably more than enough to make serious improvement in its pollution and poverty problems. By 2050, China's economy is projected to be the world's largest; foreign investment only accounts for 5% of its capital growth - the Chinese savings rate of about 33% is more than enough to handle China's growth with money left over.

As for social services, "The Balance Sheet" asserts a mid-90's adult literacy rate of about 80% (vs. 50% in India) and graduates 800,000 scientists and engineers/year, while spending only 2.8% of GDP on education. Healthcare accounts for about 6% - far less than the U.S.' 16%.

Only 16% of China's land is arable, and most of its population lives on it. China's leaders are pressured to improve employment to absorb those leaving rural China, as well as those 40% released from state-jobs (including 80% from state-owned manufacturers).

Bergsten et al are most concerned about the possibility of conflict between the U.S. and China re Taiwan, and they point out that China uses its political (U.N. Security Council membership) and economic muscle to "encourage" others to support it re Taiwan.

China Background.......2006-12-19

I haven't read this book but have read several others by Nick Lardy and studied with him at Yale. I disagee with several reviewers who characterize Nick and his colleagues as ignorant about China and are simply imposing a western view. Nick was studying China and the economy (in Chinese) long before it was a popular subject and is intimately familiar with the country's economy. In a country where data is often obscured by politics, he has done an excellent job of piecing together disparate facts to achieve a coherent whole. He may be skeptical, but he's often correct.

A book for politicians!.......2006-11-05

I find this book extremely dull because it is mainly made up of statements. But then I realise that, written by government think tanks, this book is for politicians.

If you are a general reader and want to understand how China is affecting the world, I recommend China Shakes the World or China Inc. And if are interested in the recent history of China (pre-1978), read Wild Swans.

If you are a business person and want to understand how to do business in China, I recommend The China Executive by Dr Wei Wang.

Another American type of arrogance.......2006-10-27

I can't agree with . Shih "M.Smith"'s review even more. I just can't stand the arrogance tone shown in this book. I got a feeling that the authors simply don't like the progress in China. It seems like the authors are simply trying to minimizing the progress China made and relishing the problems China has.

I seriously doubt the authors ever read any Chinese sources or talk to any Chinese scholar. The authors seem to imply that if the Chinese to follow the American way, then they will never succeed. True, China has a tons of problems. But the Chinese leaders and Chinese people are trying their best to solve them. What annoys me is that some of these authors seem to relish over the fact that China has so many problems

You won't get that much new info about China in this book. Yea, China has tons of problems. Who doesn't know. The authors are trying to answer the most complex questions of China with simplistic answers.

Typical American bias.......2006-10-26

Well, what can I say about this book? With a due respect to the authors, it's the same usual American bias toward developing countries. As an American living and working in China for the past 2 years:

1)It's hard for Americans/Westerners to understand how business is done in China? Well, my answer it's because China is NOT in the West and Chinese people are not westerners. Try learning the language first, be respectful, and don't be so obnoxious.
2)This is the same background noise that I hear from overeducated ideologues: If a country is not like the US, then it must be wrong. I guess the Chinese should have a 4th world healthcare system like the US?
3)I personally feel that some authors wish China to stay poor so Madonna can have a concert there and pretend that the rich countries care. Well, maybe Africa, but not China.
4)Just because you watch CNN, FOX, and NBC, it does not make you an expert.
5)Just because you went to an Ivy League school, it does not make you a genius about other countries and cultures. As matter of fact, it does not make you a genius (period)
6)US should comment less on China and worry about the pointless war in Iraq, the death of our soldiers for a pointless cause, broken US healthcare, outsourcing of the American jobs, broken borders, broken education system, children killing each other at schools...and the list goes on.
7)China has many societal problems; please tell me something I don't know. China is working on it, it takes time, and they are not magicians.
8)If China is so awful please don't do business there nor go visit there. For the fact that there are SO many foreign investments there, makes all business executives and companies from the West idiots.

World Trade and Payments: An Introduction (9th Edition)

Average customer rating:

Excellent text for open economy macroeconomics
The Big Picture Missed
The Big Picture Missed
Very clear instruction on international trade and finance
Thought provoking, intelligent textbook

World Trade and Payments: An Introduction (9th Edition)
Richard E. Caves , Jeffrey A. Frankel , and Ronald W. Jones
Manufacturer: Addison Wesley
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Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0321089049

Customer Reviews:

Excellent text for open economy macroeconomics.......2005-03-29

We used this book in a one semester graduate class for International Economics. We used the book mostly for open economy macro as opposed to trade theory i.e. Chapter 16 & on. Like our professor told us, the book builds on concepts in a gradual fashion starting from the Marshall-Lerner condition right up to the Dornbusch Overshooting Model covering along the way, the basic Keynesian framework, Mundell-Fleming framework and, the policy assignment problem. The concepts helped us trace the causes for UK's renouncement of the Exchange Rate Mechanism in 1992 (and also how George Soros made his billions!). Using the book in this integrated fashion (Theory + Case Study) makes it a valuable addition to one's library.

The Big Picture Missed.......2003-10-07

Currently I am a student of Professor Jones, one of the text's authors. The text is as drawling and insufficient as Jones' lectures. My first complaint is that there is a crisis of definition. Having only taken one economics course prior, I find that the text tends to move too quickly through topics of international economics, failing to provide illustrative examples so one can better understand how theory is put into practice. Second, the conceptual framework, as in all classical economic theory, is rooted in a place far from reality, a point Jones fails to make clear. The world is not perfectly competitive and does not contain countries equipped with fully developed capitalist institutions (like banking and credit), necessary to make internal economic adjustments in the face of free trade prices. I find the utility of the course to be very low, especially when free-trade is non-existent in the world. Discussions on the state of the contemporary world are sorely needed, if at least to serve as as comparison to the theoretical one constructed by this text. My last complaint is Jones' characterization of "anti-globalizers," those who he claimed "rioted" and were "violent" on the streets of Seatle in 1999 during the meeting of the WTO. The irony is that many of those protesters were advocating for FREER trade, pointing out that US farm subsidies cripple the economies of some underdeveloped nations who primarily produce agricultural commodities. The text's mypopic view of economics will not help those interested in learning how the world economy actually operates.

The Big Picture Missed.......2003-10-07

Very clear instruction on international trade and finance.......2003-02-17

I found this book to be a very good learning tool, as the course reader for an introductory international economics course. I find that most textbooks are good as reference, not as learning tools, but this book is an exception. In a very concise manner, it builds theory upon theory of international trade, until the student has developed a strong set of analysis tools. The portion on international finance is good intro as well, even though it does not compare with more specialized texts. This text is sufficient to prepare the reader for any advanced trade issues, with the exception of more mathematically based arguments (which the book does not develop, given its focus on beginners).

Thought provoking, intelligent textbook.......2001-01-15

This textbook for International Economics is a rarity. It's intelligent, exceptionally well written by the experts in the field. It does include a thorough review of the state-of-the-art theory of international trade and finance. To facilitate learning and yet challenge the reader, the authors equipped each chapter with really tough exercises. Only having solved them one might have an impression that he grasped the metarial really well. Good exercises are an indispensable companion of a student. Here we have one of the best I have ever seen. And I have seen a lot. Superior to other textbooks and highly recommended.

China: The Balance Sheet: What the World Needs to Know About the Emerging Superpower (Institute International Econom)

Average customer rating:

Great
An incredibly efficient review of what's up in China

China: The Balance Sheet: What the World Needs to Know About the Emerging Superpower (Institute International Econom)
C. Fred Bergsten , Bates Gill , Nicholas R. Lardy , and Derek Mitchell
Manufacturer: PublicAffairs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1586484354

Book Description

China's emergence on the world stage will be one of the most momentous--and challenging--developments of the twenty first century. To help us understand this country--the world's largest with 1.4 billion people--scholars at CSIS and IIE have compiled data accumulated over years of investigation into an accessible narrative for the general reader.

Hailed as one of the most definitive books on China, China: The Balance Sheet is the fullest attempt to understand and describe the most important emerging power in the world.

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2007-09-21

I like the book, it gives a interesting perspective. I think the author thinks China will be not burst but rather continue growing. I haven't gotten through most of the book yet, though.

An incredibly efficient review of what's up in China.......2007-09-05

This book is the best primer on the rise of China and the consequences to the United States that I have come across. Most other authors on the subject feel the need to have a strong thesis, either "China: House of Cards" or "China: Unstoppable Juggernaut". The team here presents a balanced and clinical view while venturing to conclusions on reccommended US actions as well. Well worth the quick read to cut through all the China hype/noise out there.

Average customer rating:

World Migration in Cultural Perspective
A balanced view
Insightful!
A useful guide to a changing global business environment
Tomorrows Business World Will Be Different

World Out of Balance
Paul A. Laudicina
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

Understanding, planning for, and thriving in the global business environment

Business leaders face a global environment that is increasingly complex and treacherous. Written by the managing director of A.T. Kearney's prestigious Global Policy Institute, World Out of Balance draws upon the insights of an elite group of business leaders, academics, and government officials from around the world, focusing on the five factors that are shaping tomorrow's business environment:

Globalization--rising levels of trade, communication, and travel
Demographics--slowed population growth in developed countries, and increased growth in the third world
Consumption Patterns--increasingly diverse consumer markets, causing fierce market competition
Natural Resources and Environment--oil markets reaching a crisis stage, and other shortages predicted in the coming decades
Regulation and Activism--calls for greater regulation point to long-term business challenges

With intelligence and insight, World Out of Balance provides executives, consultants, and business thinkers with the high caliber of information and insight you need to plan for, rather than react to, important emerging trends shaping the global business environment. Author Paul Laudicina offers compelling snapshots of key trends and how they may evolve in the years ahead--and provides practical scenarios and expert guidelines to help you prepare your organizations to meet these challenges and profit by them.

Download Description

Understanding, planning for, and thriving in the global business environment Business leaders face a global environment that is increasingly complex and treacherous. Written by the managing director of A.T. Kearney's prestigious Global Policy Institute, "World Out of Balance draws upon the insights of an elite group of business leaders, academics, and government officials from around the world, focusing on the five factors that are shaping tomorrow's business environment: Globalization--rising levels of trade, communication, and travel Demographics--slowed population growth in developed countries, and increased growth in the third world Consumption Patterns--increasingly diverse consumer markets, causing fierce market competition Natural Resources and Environment--oil markets reaching a crisis stage, and other shortages predicted in the coming decades Regulation and Activism--calls for greater regulation point to long-term business challenges With intelligence and insight, "World Out of Balance provides executives, consultants, and business thinkers with the high caliber of information and insight you need to plan for, rather than react to, important emerging trends shaping the global business environment. Author Paul Laudicina offers compelling snapshots of key trends and how they may evolve in the years ahead--and provides practical scenarios and expert guidelines to help you prepare your organizations to meet these challenges and profit by them.

Customer Reviews:

World Migration in Cultural Perspective.......2007-09-04

Paul A Laudicina performs an analysis of globalizing trends in business. He draws an understandable picture of the international character of the world economy and moves us form "multinational" to global in understanding the current business patterns of the 200s. The state of culture and economy worldwide is analyzed.

This analysis, however, is invitingly written in narrative style, with quick-moving stories of specific situations and events. This book is not a compendium of facts, statistics and demographics. But as you are reading this engaging volume, you are getting all that as well.

The ethnic and linguistic characteristic of world migration and market changes are well laid out here. I especially liked Chapter 3, dealing with the effects of ethnic worldview and culture on expectations and preferences. He provides his usual pertinent and insightful examples to show how products and advertising for them must meet cultural values and worldview norms, names, shapes and sizes carry moral values or social implications.

Laudicina analyzes 5 "drivers" of the global business environment. In the final chapter, he combines these to make projections of various scenarios that could arise out of the factors in our current global situation.

Laudicina is addressing the business community. But his incisive analyses and practical; suggestions will be helpful to anyone engaged in cross-cultural communication. It is too easy to overlook the importance of worldview differences in any international setting. Even in diplomatic circles, the common focus is on social aspects, not the decision-making aspects.

Laudicina raises our awareness here of the deep-level processes of decision-making that make cross-cultural communication so precarious. Anyone dealing with people of other cultures in some manner that intends to lead to a cultural change, such as business management structures, marketing and purchasing patterns, new products or anything affecting lifestyle changes, must be aware of how the target culture makes decisions.

This is an entertaining as well as academically sound volume. Cross-cultural religious workers and aid agencies will gain much from the scenarios Laudicina develops in this book. Likewise, international aid and medical workers can gain helpful insights.

A balanced view.......2005-09-08

The best thing about this book is that serves as a refresher course on integrating risks into business strategy in the first quarter of the twenty first century. Business environment undergoes dramatic changes driven by macro economic and political factors and hence it is important to redefine the strategic maps continuously. The author has listed the five most important factors - Globalization, Demographics, Consumption patterns, Natural Resources and Environment, Regulation and Activism that play a significant role in shaping business success. One chapter is devoted to each of these factors. Frankly, I did not find anything original in any of these. However each chapter is a very good summary on the topic which otherwise need a separate book for each. MBA students will be glad to hear this.

Different scenarios are discussed under each chapter and the impact of these on business is discussed. Honestly, this treatment is grossly inadequate. A good overview emerges at the end but again it lacks depth.

The book is not industry specific and to that extent is balanced. I recommend further detailing in another book by the author so that we can put concepts into practice. As pointed out rightly in the book, this is the `why' of the topic. We need also to understand the `how' of implementation.

Insightful!.......2005-04-11

Author Paul A. Laudicina invites you to, "Come and look into my crystal ball!" His book, largely based on the research and insights of A.T. Kearney's prestigious Global Business Policy Council, casts a wide net of future possibilities. After you put it down, you may feel its conclusions could best be summarized with a shrug and a muttered, "Who knows?" To say that five factors - globalization, demographics, consumers' needs, natural resource limitations, and governmental regulation - will be the primary influences on future world markets is well and good, but what will their impact be? Given the variety of future scenarios here, you may be tempted to resort to John Maynard Keynes' attitude that, "In the long run, we're all dead." Be that as it may, Laudicina proves that any astute portrayal of future possibilities must reflect multiple, complex uncertainties. In this rapidly changing world, companies have a profound need to consider what may lie ahead. This volume should provide substantial assistance. We strongly recommend it to corporate leaders, business prognosticators and futurists of every ilk.

A useful guide to a changing global business environment.......2005-01-16

This book is a fascinating and useful guide to the challenges that companies face in today's networked global economy. Over the past few decades, corporations have become increasingly dependent on global networks of suppliers and customers. Yet at the same time, the political and economic environment has become increasingly hard to predict. In order to survive in this rapidly changing world, it is critical that businesses understand global trends and the risks and opportunities they imply. This book shows you how to do just that.

The book is a great way to get up to speed quickly on the main trends that are shaping global politics and economics. But it also presents a simple yet powerful framework for understanding how these trends might affect your business-either positively or negatively. It not only describes the key macro trends, it also analyzes them for their potential impact on business strategies.

The discussion begins with six drivers that are shaping the global environment: technology, globalization, demographics, consumers, the environment and regulation. There is a chapter on each driver summarizing the key trends and illustrated with fascinating and useful facts. There are new ways of looking at familiar issues-like the demographics of aging in developed and developing countries-and surprising discussions of less familiar topics-such as the political consequences of water scarcity around the world.

After laying out the drivers, Laudicina brings them together to build three scenarios for how the world might change over the next few decades. Laudicina also describes a number of low-probability, high-impact "wild card" events that could change all of the rules of the game.

The final chapter offers a practical methodology for mapping your own organization's risk profile so that you can begin to leverage the drivers and scenarios to better understand the specific risks and opportunities that your company faces. Avoiding the typical checklist approach to risk management, it presents a process to engage all levels of your organization in thinking strategically about the future of the company in a changing world.

Tomorrows Business World Will Be Different.......2004-11-16

As has been said, nothing is certain but change. And with increased transportation and communications the business world is changing faster than it ever has before. With changes of this magnitude and frequency, it is likely that the traditional slow moving companies of the past are indeed a thing of the past.

Two Examples:

We've all watched the AT&T breakup as then president Bob Allen traded the breakup of the corporation for permission to enter the computer business. The AT&T companies failed to understand how to make the move to an open competitive environment and this has been reflected in their stock prices.

There was a time when the computer industry was characterized by the term "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" -- IBM and Univac, Burroughs, NCR, DEC, CDC, GE and RCA. Where are these companies now, the industry is Microsoft, Intel and the companies that implement their technologies.

Such changes will happen in the future. The internet, the collapse of the two superpower world, the emergence of the European Common market, the changing world of Islam, rising Government intervention and more.

Successful transition will require flexibility and foresight. Without making any guarantees, this book at least points out how to approach the problems.

No More Ramen: The 20-Something's Real World Survival Guide: Straight Talk on Jobs, Money, Balance, Life, and More

Average customer rating:

Great guide for things you didn't know about life
No More Ramen Review- Nicole Walker, Penn State University
A MUST READ!
Perfect
Oodles of Noodles

No More Ramen: The 20-Something's Real World Survival Guide: Straight Talk on Jobs, Money, Balance, Life, and More
Nicholas Aretakis
Manufacturer: Next Stage Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less

ASIN: 0977622401

Book Description

Based on 200 interviews with students at colleges and technical schools across the nation, this advice book identifies the biggest concerns and stumbling blocks associated with entering the workforce. Presented in a question-and-answer format—and interspersed with interactive exercises and personal stories from the interviewees—topics include job hunting, pursuing an advanced degree, goal setting, managing money, choosing a health care plan, defining success, and finding happiness. The final chapter culminates in "My Eleven 'Must-Knows,'" and the author's reassuring message that today's 20-somethings are no more uncertain than previous generations, and have all the necessary potential to achieve their dreams for the future.

Customer Reviews:

Great guide for things you didn't know about life.......2007-10-15

Tiffany Chang
Junior, 20 years old
New York University

Like the typical Entitlement Generation-er, I've always considered the future as a puzzle that would work itself out, the world as my very friendly oyster, and success to fall easily at my feet. Lo and behold, we face the real world and realize, oh my goodness--we are in way over our heads. Nicholas Aretakis's No More Ramen is a great read for those who suffer similar revelations and need guidance...and actually to anybody who THINKS they don't need guidance--because you'll be surprised at what you don't know about the real world.

This self-proclaimed "real world survival guide" is exactly that--a manual for figuring out the little details of the work place and personal obstacles, and just how to be a personal success in life. Aretakis's book is a casual, conversational read, privileging readers with forgotten tips like what to say in a conference, what to look for in a job, and how to translate academic success to professional success. For all of you out there who have heard too often the clichéd schpiels about dressing to impress, running over portfolio pitches or simply following your heart to that perfect job that seems nonexistent, Aretakis gives you a little bit of that--and then blows you out of the water with the more important specifics.

From personal rating charts, goal sheets and answers about everything from sick days to tax forms to housing plans, No More Ramen is a clear shot of a book at giving you success in life in a nutshell. I recommend this book to all 20-somethings, and even those younger, and definitely to parents. Everyone must take a bite out of this delicious No More Ramen--the solutions offered are answers to questions you never even thought to ask! Guaranteed this is not just a guide, but a 20-something's key to avoiding regretful hindsight and future panic attacks.

No More Ramen Review- Nicole Walker, Penn State University.......2007-09-30

Nicole Walker
Senior, 20 years old
Pennsylvania State University

I have to say, I was a little skeptical in reading a book entitled "No More Ramen". It wasn't exactly seeming like it would be very informative but boy was I wrong. I picked up this book and couldn't put it down. It was extremely insightful and surprised me with how true everything in the book was. Nicholas Aretakis takes complicated subjects that are plaguing all of us college age students such as budgets, graduation, work, interviews, co-workers, investing and other topics that most of us are clueless about, and gives advice on how to handle it. The book is also written so it's very easy to read. It's written in a no B.S. style and he really tells it how it is. It includes numerous charts and spreadsheets that will help you map out your goals and plans and even sample charts on how to set up a budget and start investing. He provides answers to questions such as: "How can I get what I want out of life? How do I balance work, family, and fun? How do I gain financial independence? How do I keep myself on track? Why does it feel so overwhelming to be a 20 something heading out into the real world?" These questions and many more are all answered in this book and I really gained valuable insight.

As a graduating senior I'm in the process of looking for a job, planning my future, figuring out how to pay for everything, and planning to live on my own which can be a scary thing but this book definitely give some good guidelines to help get you started so you don't flounder once you leave the safety net world of college. I know I have a ton of questions that I'm sure I wont know the answer to until I actually have to experience them but this book definitely gave me a head's up on how to handle those situations.

Even though this book is geared to 20 something's, I really believe a person of any age could benefit from this book because it speaks to a lot of different topics and concerns that even some 30 and 40 year olds haven't quite gotten the hang of yet. Nicholas Aretakis went cross country and interviews thousands of 20 something's and compiled and analyzed all the data and turned it into this book in an easy to understand format. It really lets you know that you're not the only one panicking and having problems but that a majority of the rest of the youth of the country has the same worries and anxieties that you have. At the end of the book there is the chapter entitled "My 11 Must knows" where he gives a sweeping overview of the book and his last words of advice and he does a fantastic job condensing all the information. He says that there are 4 qualities that make up a happy and balanced life: Freedom, Accomplishment, Money, and Enjoyment. Nicholas Aretakis takes them 4 pillars and explains ways throughout the book on how to achieve them. I very highly recommend this to be on every 20 something's bookshelf and maybe even their parents' bookshelves because it truly is a very useful and insightful book to read. Well done Mr. Aretakis.

A MUST READ!.......2007-09-30

Penn State, Stephanie Kirkpatrick, September 26, 2007

As I was creating my resume to go to the upcoming career fair, I was confused about what I was going to do. I was confused and thought I was the only one going through this pain. So I turned to No More Ramen. The title may sound funny, and ironic that I would read it because I actually enjoy eating a cup of ramen, but it was really a guide to help me with the job-search process. It gave me hope because I was not the only college senior who was trying to find myself. The author, Nicholas Aretakis recognizes all of the struggles there are in not only trying to find that first job, but also finding a career that will bring enjoyment to life. He realizes there is struggle between personal and professional goals.

Aretakis once a 20-something year old himself, used his experiences to answer hundreds of questions that young adults think about when they enter into the real world. He includes self-check lists to guide in important decisions such as rating the employer, rent vs. buy, and the interview prep form. He also includes all the little things including: appearance, first impressions are vital, practice your handshake, email, phone, and voicemail etiquette, importance of insurance, negotiating salary, and living with the parents.

No More Ramen is a must read for every "confused" 20-something year old that is trying to find where they fit into the real world. I recommend every college student read it and use it as a reference as they go through their journey into the next stage of life.

[...].

Perfect.......2007-09-24

This is the book your looking for. I am a recent college grad and finding this book helped me so much. It really is the guide to life after college or at a turning point in your kinda adult life. The author of the book did a great job with his website that supports the book and he even takes the time to write back to you with questions. If you ever felt like you dont understand life, when you just been given a degree and prised by many for your work, dont worry, this book shows you, that your not alone.

This is one book I will let a friend borrow but make sure I get back.

-David Sergi

Oodles of Noodles.......2007-09-18

Ramen noodles, or "oodles of noodles" as my family calls them, are a staple food for college students. As the author of "No More Ramen" suggests, the goal of most students is to reach that point in their life where it is no longer necessary to eat ramen noodles. This so-called "self-help" book contains the critical information, advice, and resources essential to elevating one's status from a struggling, ramen-eating college student to a successful, goal-achieving, filet mignon-eating adult. No More Ramen teaches life-lessons that you can not and will not learn in the classroom. Aside from the book being an easy, useful read, it is eye-opening to real world questions that all college students have about topics such as budgets, job interviews, office etiquette, goal-setting, and others. Another key aspect of No More Ramen is that it is current; the author, Nicholas Aretakis, references many situations and celebrity figures that are relative to the 20-, 30-, and even 40-year age groups. As a senior in college myself, I would suggest No More Ramen as a necessary read for any college student to prepare for and focus on the fast approaching "real world," but the book offers tools - spreadsheets, resources, and tips - that will be highly useful when I actually enter the "real world' in order to maintain my goals, stay focused, budget my money, and organize my time. Whether or not you enjoy self-help topics and whether or not you are preparing for the "real world," No More Ramen is a must read for anyone who wants to be successful and reach their own potential.

Doing Right in a Shrinking World: How Corporate America Can Balance Ethics and Profit in a Changing Economy

Average customer rating:

A novel idea!

Doing Right in a Shrinking World: How Corporate America Can Balance Ethics and Profit in a Changing Economy
Louis Dethomasis , and Neal St. Anthony
Manufacturer: Greenleaf Book Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Ethics | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1929774397

Book Description

In this innovative book, DeThomasis and St. Anthony explore timely issues of corporate ethics and revolutionize our understanding of the controversy. The golden rule, religious tenets, and other static belief systems are no longer viable options in our ever-changing world. With the diverse cultures, religions, and organizations in our global economy, we must continuously adapt to unique situations and make decisions that benefit all people. By framing business ethics not as a higher calling or a legal minimum requirement, but as a realistic tool for increasing profit, the authors offer solutions to spread wealth and improve quality of life and human rights worldwide.

Customer Reviews:

A novel idea!.......2006-07-18

What does a Christian Brother Monk and a big city business columnist have in common? A terrifc book about ethics. Both say being ethical is a myth; but they explain how DOING ethics is what really counts. I personally liked the idea that the authors introduced executives who recognize that cultural differences play a large role in this discussion. The book is a great teaching tool with its special end-of-chapter questions for the reader.

Finding Global Balance: Common Grounds Between the Worlds of Development And Faith

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Finding Global Balance: Common Grounds Between the Worlds of Development And Faith
Katherine Marshall , and Lucy Keough
Manufacturer: World Bank Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Development & Growth | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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

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Mind, Heart and Soul in the Fight Against Poverty

ASIN: 082136247X

Product Description

This book relates the latest chapter in the story of a remarkable partnership between the worlds of faith and development, launched in 1998 by Jim Wolfensohn and then Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, when they convened a meeting of faith and development leaders in Lambeth Palace. The intervening years have seen the growth and enhancement of a network of world faith and development leaders who share a common passion to eradicate global poverty, extend social justice and ensure global security for all of the world's people. Periodically this group of leaders gathers together to debate issues of common concern and global significance. The most recent meeting took place in Dublin, Ireland in Janaury 2005. Debates over two days were rich and provocative, examining issues ranging from the recent Asian tsunami, to HIV/AIDS, gender and youth, and the roots of conflict, all viewed through the lens of equity. References to the ethical dimensions of poverty alleviation and the need for a strong moral underpinning as a foundation for equitable and sustainable development lay at the heart of every session. The uniqueness of this partnership is the fresh perspective it offers on critical development issues and the opportunity for faith leaders and development leaders to seek new avenues for collaboration. This book tells the story of this partnership, within the context of the Dublin meeting.

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Power and Resistance in the New World Order (International Political Economy)

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Power and Resistance in the New World Order (International Political Economy)
Stephen Gill
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Activism | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

This challenging work develops a radical theory of the new world order to argue that as the globalization of power intensifies, so too do globalized forms of resistance. Stephen Gill explains how the dialectic of power and resistance involves issues of governance, economy, and culture. This struggle is reflected in the questions of American supremacy, the power of capital, market civilization, and surveillance power. Thus new forms of political agency and collective action are emerging to challenge dominant powers.

America and the Japanese Miracle: The Cold War Context of Japan's Postwar Economic Revival, 1950-1960 (Luther Hartwell Hodges Series on Business, Society, and the State)

Average customer rating:

Excellent Treatment
excellent source of information

America and the Japanese Miracle: The Cold War Context of Japan's Postwar Economic Revival, 1950-1960 (Luther Hartwell Hodges Series on Business, Society, and the State)
Aaron Forsberg
Manufacturer: The University of North Carolina Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

International | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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The American Occupation of Japan: The Origins of the Cold War in Asia

ASIN: 080782528X
Release Date: 2000-04-19

Book Description

In this book, Aaron Forsberg presents an arresting account of Japan's postwar economic resurgence in a world polarized by the Cold War. His fresh interpretation highlights the many connections between Japan's economic revival and changes that occurred in the wider world during the 1950s.

Drawing on a wealth of recently released American, British, and Japanese archival records, Forsberg demonstrates that American Cold War strategy and the U.S. commitment to liberal trade played a central role in promoting Japanese economic welfare and in forging the economic relationship between Japan and the United States. The price of economic opportunity and interdependence, however, was a strong undercurrent of mutual frustration, as patterns of conflict and compromise over trade, investment, and relations with China continued to characterize the postwar U.S.-Japanese relationship.

Forsberg's emphasis on the dynamic interaction of Cold War strategy, the business environment, and Japanese development challenges "revisionist" interpretations of Japan's success. In exploring the complex origins of the U.S.-led international economy that has outlasted the Cold War, Forsberg refutes the claim that the U.S. government sacrificed American commercial interests in favor of its military partnership with Japan.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Treatment.......2007-05-24

There have been several prominent books and journal articles on Japan's postwar economic success (my personal favorite is The Misunderstood Miracle: Industrial Development and Political Change in Japan (Cornell Studies in Political Economy)). However, understanding the true nature of this flourishing is a somewhat different matter. While Friedman addresses the ECONOMIC aspects, Fosberg ably addresses the political and diplomatic aspects.

Prior to the War, Japan had been a major industrial power, and while a stupendous amount of plant and materiel had been physically destroyed by Allied bombing, it was clear that Japan possessed the trained personnel and deepened industrial institutions to recover. What was not clear, however, was if the US political establishment had the will or vision to help out.

Political establishments are heterogenous things, with complicated networks of competing and colluding interests; and while this is something so obvious it ought to be vapid, it's a point usually overlooked by ideologically zealous historians. For those interested in a serious, well-documented treatment of how the network of myriad US interests coalesced towards a strategy of helping Japan develop, and then integrate into the US economic sphere, this is a good beginning.

Students of economics will possibly be perturbed because Forsberg does not strictly adhere to neoliberal economic orthodoxy. This book tends towards neutrality on controversial issues in development economics, and rather, deals with what actors expected to happen as a result of the policies they pursued. So, for example, for much of the period covered the US Congress wavered between accommodating Japanese home markets protection (for the purpose of defeating Communism in the region) and demanding that the Japanese authorities open their market to US goods. An orthodox economist might object that protecting domestic markets was a stupid "payout" for either Japanese or US constituencies generally, but the point is that in 1950 very few political actors anywhere thought such things.

In general, the account tends to be fairly favorable to the US polity in terms of "generosity" (in this case, willingness to sacrifice short-term regional preferences for long-term success in the project of Japanese development), and emphasizes the success of Japanese industry interests in protecting specific markets. At the same time, the difficulty of getting the US polity to support Japanese economic recovery is not ignored. The terms of the bilateral agreements with Japan were sometimes one-sided, allowing the USA bases without commitments to actually defend Japan. Partly this was an ugly byproduct of the fact that Japan had become a US client by virtue of defeat in a war; but it also reflected internal divsions in the Japanese polity over the relationship with the USA.

In any respects, the book is an outstanding companion to the above-mentioned Friedman book on the economics of Japan's development. While Friedman emphasizes the overlooked entreprenuerial aspect, Forsberg explains the institutional and diplomatic aspect that actually prevailed. Readers of varing ideological or economic dogmas may draw their own conclusions based on what actually followed.

excellent source of information.......2000-06-12

in my world history class i was doing a project on the japanese economic miracle after world war ii. this was the main source of information i used. i thought that this book was full of information involving the japanese and their sturggle to gain economic success. this book also taught me a lot about how the americans felt about the japanese. although in war they were enemies, after the war, since the US occupied Japan, due to their help, the japanese were able to get the success they wanted. if you are working on a project or just want to know about the japanese economic miracle, then i strongly suggest this book.

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