Localist movements in a global economy.

 by David J. Hess, In an era of ecological limits, Hess (science and technology studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute) argues, the fixation of globally embedded, publicly traded corporations on short-term profits and shareholder interests undermines environmental sustainability and social justice. The solution is locally owned, independent businesses that recapture the "economic and political sovereignty of place-based communities." Local ownership is more likely than corporate ownership to produce a more sustainable and just society. This argument is explored through a review of numerous local initiatives in retailing (e.g., "buy local" campaigns), urban agriculture (e.g., community gardens), local energy (e.g., wind turbines), public transportation (e.g., the use of biofuels), and media (e.g., alternative newspapers). To give larger relevance to the many examples, Hess situates localism within ideological debates over neoliberalism and considers differing approaches to economic development, ultimately opting for import substitution. He concludes with proposals ranging from community currencies to public ownership of high-carbon-consuming industries. His goal is a "localism" that is globally connected but not subordinate to global institutions. Less a thorough analysis than a broad overview, the book is an informative introduction and a first attempt to theoretically and practically craft an alternative political economy. --Choice (Check Catalog)

How the economy works : confidence crashes and self-fulfilling prophecies

 by Roger E. A. Farmer. Chair of the UCLA economics department, Farmer has two purposes in this book. First, he offers a summary of the many decades' debate between classical and Keynesian economists. Second, he presents his own prescription to resolve the current economic crisis. The historical account of economic theory is especially useful, introducing the reader to key figures in the debates and pointing out strengths and weaknesses in competing points of view. The focus is on mainstream US economists who have struggled to reconcile a classical individualistic model of markets with Keynesian insights about market failures. The summary of policy recommendations is based on Farmer's book, Expectations, Employment and Prices (2010). He uses a market model of job search as well as behavioral economics insights on financial markets to explain why the crisis occurred and what should be done to resolve it. Readers interested in policy recommendations should also consult works by Dean Baker, Joseph Stiglitz, and Richard Posner. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers; all levels of undergraduate students; practitioners. --Choice (Check Catalog)

The complete guide to planning your estate in New York : a step-by-step plan to protect your assets, limit your taxes, and ensure your wishes are fulfilled for New York residents

 by Linda C. Ashar. To ensure your assets are protected and final wishes are carried out, there are some common actions that should be taken now. Proper estate planning allows you to plan for yourself and your loved ones without giving up control of your affairs.Your estate plan should also allow for the possibility of your own disability. It should detail what you own and whom you want to leave it to at a time of your choosing and the way you want. Your estate plan should include fully disclosed, controlled costs for you and your loved ones. The last thing you want to worry about is having your estate drained of value through taxes and legal costs.The right plan can protect the value of your estate and spare your loved ones unnecessary hassles and legal conflicts. The Complete Guide to Planning Your Estate in New York will help you glide through this complicated process. --Publisher (Check catalog)

Plan B 4.0 : mobilizing to save civilization

 by Lester Russell Brown. This new title in the "Plan B" series (e.g., Plan B 2.0: Rescuing a Planet under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble, CH, Nov'06, 44-1627) outlines how human demands on the environment have undermined Earth's natural capacities to sustain civilization. Arguing that every major environmental trend, from climate change to deforestation, threatens the food supply, Brown (Earth Policy Institute) urges immediate action to avert severe food shortages that could bring down civilization on a global scale. Part 1, "The Challenges," describes the causes of food shortage: loss of cropland, diminishing water supply, use of grain for fuel, and a growing population to feed. Part 2, "The Response," identifies actionable solutions using existing technologies and practices already in use. Highlights include successful climate-stabilizing innovations such as the garment-recycling program of retailer Patagonia and the shift to solar power in the villages of India. Part 3, "Can We Mobilize Fast Enough?" considers whether it is too late to save civilization. The author calls for immediate and rapid change akin to a massive wartime mobilization effort, and offers specific actions that can effect change. There are extensive notes. The book is also freely available as a PDF download from Earth Policy Institute along with extensive supplementary materials. --Choice (Check Catalog)

Marketing accountability : how to measure marketing effectiveness

 by Malcolm McDonald. Marketing experts McDonald and Mouncey (both affiliated with Cranfield Univ. School of Management, UK) articulate what a predictable and controlled marketing program would look like from the perspective of the financial control function. Often marketing activities are terra incognito to financial managers and those seeking to assess and align marketing with corporate strategy and financial accountability. So, in this work the authors attempt to view marketing from the largely different perspective of financial management and corporate strategy, and they present strategies and tools for making marketing activities more accountable. This work also offers a different cultural perspective in that it presents a largely European perspective on the above described divide. The very first sentence of the introduction sets the volume's theme: "This book is a major breakthrough for marketing and a must-read for all marketers who are depressed by the very low regard in which marketing is held...." Marketers and other corporate executives will find this book a useful guide to deciphering the Rosetta stones of their corporate functions and perspectives, but they should take the "depressed" theme with a large dollop of proverbial salt. The book is well organized, written with clarity, and contains nice graphics. --Choice (Check Catalog)