Greed to Green

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Vanity Project

Worthwhile and Highly Enjoyable Memoir

Be careful where your shrewdness leads you...

A Brilliant Book!

An inspired journey!

Greed to Green
David Gottfried
Manufacturer: WorldBuild Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0974432601

Book Description

The U.S. and World Green Building Councils have transformed the world more than any other environmental organizations according to author Paul Hawken. In this inspirational and personal memoir, David Gottfried tells the story of his creation of these pioneering industry coalitions, as he transformed himself from a greedy real estate developer during the s to his role as a founder of the global green building movement.

Customer Reviews:

Vanity Project.......2005-10-26

David Gottfried grows up in a fairly wealthy family, gets his first real estate job through family connections, and makes hundreds of thousands of dollars in his first ten years in the business. He then quits his job, apparently not because he strongly objects to the business practices he witnesses, but because he can't stand his domineering co-worker/girlfriend. He takes solace in his old pastime - photography - taking pictures of homeless people, whom he calls his "new friends". He struggles for a while, claiming that he is nearly out of cash, musing that he might become homeless himself. Thankfully, he manages to start a consulting company where he resumes making a six-figure salary. He also starts a non-profit where, to paraphrase one of his friends near the end of the book, he "changes the world."

I have a tough time empathizing with the author and his riches-to-riches story. The whole book feels like a vanity project. He spends the first section, "Greed", detailing his many shopping trips to buy expensive clothes. The "Green" section is intended to be a 180 degree turn, but still the author can't resist telling a story about buying a Rolex, feeling he has really "earned" it this time. His motivation doesn't seem to be as much about improving the world as it is about gaining his father's approval. Maybe all these things were intended to show that the author is a human being with weaknesses and insecurities, but his writing style really turned me off to any message he might have been trying to convey.

Worthwhile and Highly Enjoyable Memoir.......2005-07-14

David Gottfried, the founder of the U.S. Green Building Council and the World Green Building Council, started his career with a privileged entry into real estate development (his cousins were in the business). But unlike many or most Baby Boomers, Gottfried was not seduced (at least not permanently) by a high income at a young age, Armani suits, power and illicit sex with an enticing, if manipulative, co-worker. Instead, he chucked it all to codify and promote the emerging industry of green (read: environmentally sound or healthy) real estate development.

Gottfried's rebirth as a do-gooder was not without its setbacks: his workload rocketed, his income dwindled for a time, and he briefly succumbed to the allure of venture capital and the tech boom with disappointing results. But he emerged from the tumult of his transition successfully and has had an enormous and positive effect on the real estate development industry both in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Greed to Green works on a number of levels. It is a good story, clearly told, for those interested in the real estate industry and in environmentalism. Gottfried ably discusses both fields with a minimum of technical mumbo-jumbo. But the story is more important as a tale of personal transformation and the influences that shape a life. Gottfried is especially moving when he discusses his father's influence and when he relates his search for personal meaning and balance. Such candor is rare and unexpected, especially in the commercial real estate industry, even in its greenest segment. Best of all, Greed to Green is written with real humor-- Gottfried is smart enough to laugh at his foibles and to include us in the joke.

Altogether a fine read, a worthy four stars.

Be careful where your shrewdness leads you..........2005-04-10

In the world that we live in sometimes money can paradoxically become a source of sorrow rather than happiness. This is especially true when people use the name of God for their own personal profits. One must remember that God moves in mysterious ways and that no lie or deceit is so thick that it cannot be penetrated by his vision. Sooner or later justice is served...

A Brilliant Book!.......2004-06-11

I loved this book! David Gottfried has captured the zeitgeist of my generation as we search for meaning within our careers and families. His arc from greedy pig developer to environmental entrepreneur is totally inspiring and has broad appeal. His writing style makes the sometimes fusty/techie area of "green buildings" very accessible and fascinating. People outside of the movement, like me, will love it. Thank you, David Gottfried!

An inspired journey!.......2004-06-11

David Gottfried weaves a crucially important save-the-environment story with great drama and panache. I really enjoyed the memoir style as a vehicle for learning more about how we can "green" buildings & our lives. His work has been pivotal in bringing the environmental agenda to the table with the stakeholders -- mostly developers & investors. Bravo, David!

Patterson and the Great Green Greedy Galumpus

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Patterson and the Great Green Greedy Galumpus
Sean Harrington
Manufacturer: Harrington Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

David Shearman and Gary Sauer-Thompson, Green or Gone: Health, Ecology, Plagues, Greed and Our Future.(Book Review) : An article from: Journal of Australian Studies

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David Shearman and Gary Sauer-Thompson, Green or Gone: Health, Ecology, Plagues, Greed and Our Future.(Book Review) : An article from: Journal of Australian Studies
Mary Jenkins
Manufacturer: University of Queensland Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B00099PV9M
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Journal of Australian Studies, published by University of Queensland Press on June 1, 1999. The length of the article is 466 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: David Shearman and Gary Sauer-Thompson, Green or Gone: Health, Ecology, Plagues, Greed and Our Future.(Book Review)
Author: Mary Jenkins
Publication: Journal of Australian Studies (Refereed)
Date: June 1, 1999
Publisher: University of Queensland Press
Issue: 61 Page: 210(2)

Article Type: Book Review

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GREEN OR GONE: Health, Ecology, Plagues, Greed and Our Future.(Review): An article from: The Australian Journal of Politics and History

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GREEN OR GONE: Health, Ecology, Plagues, Greed and Our Future.(Review): An article from: The Australian Journal of Politics and History
W. Ross Johnston
Manufacturer: University of Queensland Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Australia | Australia & Oceania | History | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Australian Journal of Politics and History, published by University of Queensland Press on March 1, 1999. The length of the article is 610 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: GREEN OR GONE: Health, Ecology, Plagues, Greed and Our Future.(Review)
Author: W. Ross Johnston
Publication: The Australian Journal of Politics and History (Refereed)
Date: March 1, 1999
Publisher: University of Queensland Press
Volume: 45 Issue: 1 Page: 152(1)

Article Type: Book Review

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I Can't Believe I Read the Whole Thing
Disappointed
Ambition Run Amok, Back Stabbing, Murder and Intrigue
A real page turner
Unlike all the others

Kingdom Come
Tim Green
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000FMQQBK

Book Description

Bob King is a self-made billionaire who parlayed a rusty backhoe into the 27th spot on Forbes list. Now, his corporation is a multi-billion dollar construction company that instills greed and competition among friends, including his son Scott and his two best friends, Thane and Ben. But instead of handing over the companys crown, Bob reveals a massive public offering that will make him CEO for life. Thanes wife, Jessica, is furious and goads him into a conspiracy to kill Bob. When the board of directors makes Thane CEO, Ben investigates the truthand Thane realizes that he can only be safe if his old friend is also dead.

Customer Reviews:

I Can't Believe I Read the Whole Thing.......2007-05-22

Normally, when I find a book to be as bad as this one was, I put it down. But somehow I kept holding onto the hope that there'd be a twist in the novel that would make my time worth spending. That twist never came. From the outset we know who the bad guy is and what he did. The rest of the novel is just him trying to explain why he perpetrated his misdeeds.

Gluttony and greed.

Save yourself the time and money, and go read something else.

Disappointed.......2007-04-01

I am a Tim Green avid reader...up to this point. I found Kingdom Come a total disappointment. From page one I disliked the book and could find not a single character likable. I found it hard to read and certainly not enjoyable. If I had read Kingdom Come as his first novel would not have read a second.

Ambition Run Amok, Back Stabbing, Murder and Intrigue.......2006-08-09

When James King decides to take his company public there are a few people who want to be the CEO who's going to make like 20 million bucks. His son Scott and his loyal employees and best friends Thane and Ben. However Thane has an ambitious, stop-at-nothing-to-get-to-the-top wife named Jessica. Jessica talks Thane into killing James in such a way as to make it look like son Scott did the horrible deed. However, she conspires with evil union boss Johnny G. who is going to want more and more. Then there is Thane's best pal Ben who begins to suspect all is not kosher in Denmark in this MacBeth like story that will have your fingers ripping through the pages.

True, there is nobody really worth liking in this finely crafted story. After all, our hero here lets his wife run roughshod over him and he is a murderer, still Mr. Green has crafted a story full of twists and intrigue that will keep you up, burning the midnight oil. I liked it. I liked it a lot.

A real page turner.......2006-07-19

I have read all of Tim Green's books, and this was, in my humble opinion, his best work to date. Green has clearly developed as a novelist. This work is crafted. While the lead characters are hard to like, the plot moves along quickly, and Green's style and attention to detail keeps you turning the pages. While the dialogue in some of Green's earlier works is, by his own admission, "clunky", in this book it is excellent and well written.
While "Kingdom Come" is not Shakespeare, it is definitely the suspenseful mystery novel Green is becoming a master at.

Unlike all the others.......2006-07-16

Two Stars. I was very eager to get my copy of Kingdom Come as Tim Green's previous books made me a huge fan of his style. Tight prose, quick chapters and an exciting plot. Instead I was bored as I plodded through the book. It seems to me, that the author wanted to try something different from his previous work. I hope his next novel will be more thrilling.

Nader renews call to fight greed.(Politics)(Green Party: The former presidential candidate is in Eugene to raise funds for grass-root efforts.): An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

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Nader renews call to fight greed.(Politics)(Green Party: The former presidential candidate is in Eugene to raise funds for grass-root efforts.): An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

Manufacturer: The Register Guard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008EX9WY
Release Date: 2005-07-29

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on March 8, 2002. The length of the article is 905 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Nader renews call to fight greed.(Politics)(Green Party: The former presidential candidate is in Eugene to raise funds for grass-root efforts.)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: March 8, 2002
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: C1

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

This book explores for the first time the intersections between Victorian literature, painting, and photography. Taking as a starting point mid-nineteenth-century developments in the understanding of visual perception, Lindsay Smith examines the representation of a pervasive desire for a literal understanding of the process of seeing and perceiving. This is played out in the aesthetic theory of John Ruskin, the early poetry of William Morris, paintings of the Pre-Raphaelites, and in the photographic technique of combination printing. She demonstrates how the novel presence of the camera in nineteenth-century culture not only transforms acts of looking, but also affects major social, aesthetic, and philosophical categories. By exploring the intricacies of photographic discourse she shows how Ruskin and Morris produce a critique of the earlier Cartesian perspectival model of vision.

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Crock: You'll Pay for This ... All of You]
Brant Parker
Manufacturer: Hodder & Stoughton General Division
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0340264632

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Crock: You'll pay for This... All of You
Parker; Rechin; and wilder
Manufacturer: Fawcett
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000NQA042

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You'll Pay for This
Brant Parker
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0449141217
Release Date: 1979-05-12

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Crock; Crock Marches On; It's a Bird..It's a Plane..It's a Crock!; Who Pulled My Plug?; You'll Pay for This.. All of You!; I Hate Mondays
Bill & Wilder, Don (Parker, Brant) Rechin
Manufacturer: Fawcett Gold Medal
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000TYI0RM

Book Description

The geographies of retailing and consumption have become one of the key topics of the twenty-first century, both in terms of research and and undergraduate teaching. The undergraduate literature has been slow to keep up with this rapidly developing field and students have to look to a wide range of sources - often relatively obscure - to obtain a clear overview of current research into retailing. This major new text provides students with such an overview in a single, accessible volume. It brings together the authors' own writing and a wide range of short "readings" drawn from other sources, which have been integrated into the flow of the text.

Book Description

How doing business is undergoing a major historic transformation--and why we’ve only begun our productivity upswing

America’s economic troubles have had a dramatic impact on how investors view markets and the businesses that drive them. And for now they have overshadowed a profound and ongoing revolution--still taking place after twenty-five years--in the way the economy operates. Just as in past economic revolutions, today’s "new economy" emerged from the combination of powerful new technologies--in this case, information and communications technologies--and the methods companies adopted in order to use those technologies effectively. The bubble in technology stocks, its collapse, and the recession that followed are part of a larger pattern of dramatic transformation of markets and businesses. And unlike the bureaucratic companies of the past, today’s leading firms are lean, flexible, entrepreneurial, and more productive—and the new ways in which they operate are still evolving. These trends are likely to continue for some time, and their effects are only beginning to be understood.

In The New Economy, Roger Alcaly describes how the economy has changed in response to new pressures and opportunities--created by new technologies, global competition, and innovations in world financial markets; he shows how the impact of these changes is real and substantial, and suggests why their biggest impact on the economy may be yet to come.

Customer Reviews:

FROTHY CHEER-LEADING FOR THE POST-INDUSTRIAL STATE .......2005-05-18

It was common in the latter stages of the Great Bull Market of the Nineties to hear talk, especially among Wall Street types, about a "new economy". What exactly the phrase meant was unclear, but all were agreed, (including the Chief Gnome himself, Alan Greenspan), that it was "a good thing." Since those heady millennial days however, the economy has soured somewhat, and with gas prices rocketing past the $50-per-barrel mark, and jobs disappearing into the all-consuming global Black Hole affectionately called "Out-Sourcing", one hears considerably less talk these days about the glitzy "new" high-tech economy that was going to make us all rich.

But ... not everyone has given up.

Roger Alcaly, a hedge-fund manager in New York City, remains bullish!

He believes that there really IS a "new" economy, and he provides a three-step argument to prove his position.

First, he says, the existence of the "new" economy is revealed by the recent remarkable growth in productivity.

Second: he claims that this sudden surge is a (belated) result of the IT-revolution.
[IT = "Information Technology"; i.e., personal computers and the Internet].

And third: because the new economy is the product of a technological breakthrough leading to higher productivity, it is part-and-parcel of a capitalist pattern of technologically-driven growth which can be traced back at least as far as the First Industrial Revolution (1750 and after). This is why Alcaly babbles on so much (albeit unconvincingly) about Schumpetrian periods of "creative destruction."

Unfortunately, Alcaly's tri-partite thesis isn't tenable, and he himself gradually and grudgingly admits this before we've even finished the First Chapter!

First, about the recent surge in productivity growth: Alcaly admits "it's still too soon to know for sure whether a lasting new trend has been established, or how powerful it will be ..." (p. 34).

This leaves us, and him, on pretty thin ice. I mean, if the productivity growth is a mirage, where's our "new economy"?
[In fact, the productivity growth is largely the result of a new accounting procedure introduced by the Commerce Dept.'s Bureau of Economic Analyis! See page 40, and following.]

Second, the alleged connection between technology and growth (now or in the past) is not entirely self-evident. In fact, as Alcaly admits, "technological breakthroughs cannot be identified unambiguously, and some scholars reject the view that there have been a number of relatively discrete bursts of critically important innovations over the last two centuries." (p. 30) In other words, economic historians have long since dropped the simplistic notion that new gadgets "cause" economic growth. And Alcaly's own attempt to tie technological change to the business cycle (pp. 25-35) also comes a cropper! (Think about that! He provides TEN pages of evidence to DISPROVE his own position!)

So, before we've even come to the end of his FIRST chapter, Mr Alcaly's entire case for a "new economy" has collapsed! So much for the superior knowledge of Wall Streeters! (Now might be a good time to check your retirement portfolio!)

------------
That said, there really IS a new economy. We may characterize it as we will, but what it clearly is NOT, is a manufacturing economy. The "old" economy (Made In America) has long since disappeared, and will never return to these shores. In its place we have the Post-Industrial Economy. We don't make anything anymore; we flip burgers. We don't even earn enough to buy what we import; we have to borrow ... $2 billion per day ... from foreigners!

This "new" economy, unlike the old, is dedicated exclusively to improving the lot of the rich as it ignores the growing ranks of the poor. Because Economists have always been cheer-leaders for the Haves, we should perhaps not be surprised that Mr Alcaly finds this "new economy" so heady. But he might find it less exciting were he to acquaint himself with its real human costs. Ms Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed [ISBN: 0805063897] would be a good place to start.

Excellent analysis of the New Economy.......2003-11-02

Roger Alcaly, an economist, makes a strong case that information technology, like electricity before it, will support economic growth for decades. Making a parallel with electricity, he notes that for decades, industrialists would electrify only parts of their plants, but only to supplement the older steam engines. It wasn't until the 1920s (40 years after the discovery of electricity), when new immigration laws slowed the arrival of cheap labor, that U.S. industry plugged fully into the new electric technology and reaped the resulting prodcutivity gains.

Alcaly suggests that a similar lag is holding up the computer revolution. He argues that the full impact of the New Economy won't be felt until vast sectors upgrade their basic processes, transmitting data over the Internet between suppliers and customers.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Issues in Science and Technology, published by National Academy of Sciences on September 22, 2003. The length of the article is 1825 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: New economy lite.(The New Economy: What It Is, How It Happened, and Why It Is Likely to Last)(Book Review)
Author: Kenneth Flamm
Publication: Issues in Science and Technology (Refereed)
Date: September 22, 2003
Publisher: National Academy of Sciences
Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Page: 82(3)

Article Type: Book Review

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The New Economy: What It Is, How It Happened, and Why It Is Likely to Last

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The New Economy: What It Is, How It Happened, and Why It Is Likely to Last
Roger Alcaly
Manufacturer: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OXC394

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