Corporation Nation: How Corporations are Taking Over Our Lives -- and What We Can Do About It

Book Description

Foreword by Ralph Nader. In Corporation Nation Derber addresses the unchecked power of today's corporations to shape the way we work, earn, buy, sell, and think-the very way we live. Huge, far-reaching mergers are now commonplace, downsizing is rampant, and our lines of communication, news and entertainment media, jobs, and savings are increasingly controlled by a handful of global-and unaccountable-conglomerates. We are, in effect, losing our financial and emotional security, depending more than ever on the whim of these corporations. But it doesn't have to be this way, as this book makes clear. Just as the original Populist movement of the nineteenth century helped dethrone the robber barons, Derber contends that a new, positive populism can help the U.S. workforce regain its self-control. Drawing on core sociological concepts and demonstrating the power of the sociological imagination, he calls for revisions in our corporate system, changes designed to keep corporations healthy while also making them answerable to the people. From rewriting corporate charters to altering consumer habits, Derber offers new aims for businesses and empowering strategies by which we all can make a difference.

Customer Reviews:

Unbelievably Brilliant!.......2004-08-12

I don't give top ratings lightly, but this book is breathtakingly well written and carries a powerful message. Any given chapter is a great eye-opener to how our society works and what's REALLY going on in the world around us... with all the distractions stripped away.

Unlike Arianna Huffington's "Pigs at the Trough," which consists entirely of disjointed anecdotes on "what's bad," this book tackles the underlying reasons for WHY it's bad. Corporations have quietly and efficiently consolidated their economic muscle and merged it with political power--witness the everyday complaint that Special Interests hold sway in Washington. But as Derber shows, few are willing to make the obvious connection--that the problem is not simply government per se, but unrestrained corporate power.

And Derber is no hippie anti-capitalist wacko, either. He acknowledges that globalization is inevitable, but simply notes that we need to ensure it's the right KIND of globalization... the kind that's accountable to the public and that serves the public good. For all the conservative and libertarian whining about how the evil UN represents a "loss of U.S. sovereignty," notice that they never say a word about the WTO and similar business deals that have _already_ undermined our sovereignty, setting up arrangements that subordinate our laws to corporate profits--all with zero accountability to anyone but the executives and stockholders.

This books outlines real, practical solutions for putting the brakes on corporate power while still promoting economic growth and profitability. Environmentalists and unions don't HAVE to be at odds, not when they can unite against the common enemy and take positive action to force corporations into their proper, subordinate role to public government.

Maybe good for beginners.......2004-06-23

If you haven't read any other critiques of corporate power, this isn't a bad introduction. It covers the basics adequately (deregulation, privatization, monopolies, anti-unionism), but you have to wade through prose like "The language of responsibility -- rather than accountability or democracy -- reflects the depoliticizing of a movement that claims to speak for empowerment." For more experienced readers, I would recommend "The Corporation" by Joel Bakan.

Verbose unstructured rambling.......2002-11-12

The essence of the book is "corporations behave badly". I happen to agree but I don't need 339 pages to tell me this. I was hoping to learn something here. I was hoping for some history of how corporations developed. Nothing of the kind. Just a comparison to the gilded age (late 1800s) repeated throughout the book that is obvious to anyone who knows American history. Those liberals who love to read long winded tirades that support their point of view may enjoy this book. But if you aren't a liberal or if you are a liberal with a brain, this book will bore you to tears.

An easy read that includes consumer responsibility........2002-09-22

This is a book that shoud be read by anyone who is in the least bit interested in global economic affairs, sweatshop-labor, and flight of capital.

Charles Derber gives an excellent description of the history of corporations within the United States and elsewhere as well as timeline leading into what they have become. He advocates careful legislation, but more importantly - grassroots activism. His solutions include educated consumerism, socially-responsible investing, and cooperation of non-profits.

This book is an easy read that doesn't require an MBA to understand - it should be required reading for political economics courses.

Fine ideals, recommendations lack pragmatism.......2002-05-31

Derber, a sociology professor at Boston College, gives us a noble, yet futile effort to bring change to our overbearing corporate culture. He does a commendable job of describing the historical role of corporations, starting with their charter as entities that are beholden to public scrutiny and will and with finite lifespan through the sea change of the Gilded Age where the Rockefellers, Carnegies, Goulds and others forced the country to accept corporations as private enterprises that also had the protection given to individuals. Much of Derber's best work is describing how this took place and what the ramifications have been through today.
He also does a decent job of describing how corporate power has been consolidated and is now so powerful that it holds an ever increasing dominance on public policy. With behemoths such as GM, GE, Disney, Microsoft and others holding vast amounts of power, Derber argues that government has become an unbalanced lackey of private enterprise and no longer is a trusted countervailing force to the private sector. As a prime example, Derber points to the merger activity in media companies which compelled the FCC to relax ownership constraints on media companies and has effective consolidated media power in the hands of very few companies. He rightly asks the question, how does this effect the quality and balance of news and information that the public receives and is this a threat to our political, economic freedoms.
He speaks of the corrupting power of contributions to political campaigns and how the legal fiction of the corporation as a person has allowed companies to wield undue influence in our political process. Derber does not make a significant distinction between Democrats and Republicans, arguing that both have become suckled to the corporate dollar, thereby diminishing their role as independent keepers of the public gate.
While Derber sees some silver lining in efforts by companies such as Ben & Jerry's, Tom's of Maine and others to practice corporate responsibility and bring a different set of values to corporate decision making, he believes these efforts will essentially fail to create fundamental change due to the divisive influence of financial markets, globalism and other pressures on companies to produce short-term profit for shareholders. Indeed, while Derber sees large financial institutions and money managers as potential harbingers of change due to their large ownership stake in companies, he doesn't think they will provide the type of change necessary to force companies to take into account, social, regional, environmental and other issues when making decisions.
Derber spends the final third of the book describing his antidote to this issue, however, while he consciously tries to evade sounding utopian and idealistic, that is exactly how he sounds. He puts his faith in a movement called 'positive populism' which looks to change their fundamental values while at the same time selling this idea to a skeptical public who may look upon it as threatening their own livelihood and security. He believes four separate movements can come together, labor, the 'third sector' of volunteer-based organizations associated with community, church, clubs, neighborhoods, etc., women's and civil rights movements and finally, environmental organizations. By demonstrating to all four their common goals and by shifting emphasis in labor from one of narrowly-defined interests to one of a broader social context, he believes they can be a powerful countervailing force to the corporate giant. While noble in theory, Derber gives very little direction on how this can happen. It seems he wills it to happen more than anything. As mentioned earlier, Derber has put his finger on a bedrock issue in today's world, but his solution has more to do with slinging arrows at Goliath.

Book Description

Written for practitioners and nonprofit corporations, this concise guidebook offers a basic introduction to what is a nonprofit corporation and how it is formed; options for organizational structure; operating the corporation; tax exemptions; directors' responsibilities; and much more. This title is written as an example of a practitioner advising a client on the necessary steps to starting a new nonprofit organization. A related bibliography is included plus a sample form for an organization addressing a policy on conflict or interest.

The ABCs of D & O. (directors and officers liability insurance): An article from: Association Management

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The ABCs of D & O. (directors and officers liability insurance): An article from: Association Management
John Mahoney
Manufacturer: American Society of Association Executives
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Association Management, published by American Society of Association Executives on January 1, 1996. The length of the article is 864 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.

From the supplier: Officers of nonprofit associations should make sure that risk management procedures are in place to cover for possible lawsuits. An effective type of tool for this purpose is the directors and officers liability insurance (D & O). This insurance is a claims-made-and-reported policy which covers only the year when the acts occurred. Additional insurance can, however, be purchased to cover a longer period. Such insurance guarantees that the personal financial assets of association officers will not be unduly jeopardized in the course of their work with the association.

Citation Details
Title: The ABCs of D & O. (directors and officers liability insurance)
Author: John Mahoney
Publication: Association Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 1996
Publisher: American Society of Association Executives
Volume: v48 Issue: n1 Page: pL60(2)

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The ABCs of grant writing or "Always Be Certain.".: An article from: Fund Raising Management

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The ABCs of grant writing or "Always Be Certain.".: An article from: Fund Raising Management
Norma R. Murphy
Manufacturer: Hoke Communications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Fund Raising Management, published by Hoke Communications, Inc. on August 1, 1999. The length of the article is 1446 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.

From the supplier: Nonprofit institutions should pay close attention to the application requirements of the foundations they hope to secure grants from. Institutions should make certain that they clearly explain their mission to prospective grant-givers. They should also do research on the target foundation's selection criteria and ensure that grant applications are properly prepared. Tips that they should keep in mind when sending out grant applications include the need to properly address proposals and the need to adhere to application deadlines.

Citation Details
Title: The ABCs of grant writing or "Always Be Certain.".
Author: Norma R. Murphy
Publication: Fund Raising Management (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 1999
Publisher: Hoke Communications, Inc.
Volume: 30 Issue: 6 Page: 30(2)

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A very highly recommended primer for employees

The ABCs of Building Better Boards
Jean Block
Manufacturer: Jean Block Consulting Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Nonprofit Organizations & Charities | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0971452709

Book Description

How to build, strengthen and maintain an effective Board of Directors of a nonprofit organization. Geared to start-ups and existing nonprofits, volunteers and staff. Contains sample forms and guides. Written by author with more than 40 years experience in nonprofits. Easy to read and apply principles that work in the real world, not just theories. Examines and clarifies the roles of volunteers and staff. Discusses recruitment, retention and recognition of volunteer Board members. Clarifies fiduciary responsibilities of volunteers. The book was written at the request of workshop participants who have urged the author to "write it down!"

Customer Reviews:

A very highly recommended primer for employees.......2003-01-05

In The ABCs Of Building Better Boards, non-profit organizations consultant Jean Block draws upon her more than 30 years of experience to present a handy, effective, spiral-bound, and "user friendly" primer on the art of recruiting for, planning, organizing, and running more effective corporate boards. From making the most of an annual planning retreat, to structuring committees for maximum efficiency, to the importance of recognizing jobs well done, The ABCs of Building Better Boards is a very highly recommended primer for employees at an level of middle management and above, whether the corporation is a for-profit or a non-profit organization.

ABC der Gemeinnutzigkeit: Steuerbegunstigung gemeinnutziger, mildtatiger oder kirchlicher Vereine

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ABC der Gemeinnutzigkeit: Steuerbegunstigung gemeinnutziger, mildtatiger oder kirchlicher Vereine
Jurgen Rader
Manufacturer: Verlag Neue Wirtschafts-Briefe
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Nonfiction | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books

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ASIN: 3482490414

Reflections on the ABC of profit and nonprofit organization: Benefits and hazards in the exchange of ideas (Discussion paper series / Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations)

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Reflections on the ABC of profit and nonprofit organization: Benefits and hazards in the exchange of ideas (Discussion paper series / Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations)
David Billis
Manufacturer: Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations, Case Western Reserve University
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006PHXVS

Book Description

What is involved in restoring a river? River Quality: Dynamics and Restoration answers this question through a series of articles and case studies written by some of the field's leading researchers and practitioners. The first part of the book covers the physical, chemical, and biological dynamics of a river system. The second part describes monitoring programs and remedial measures used to restore river systems back to healthy and functional states. The Willamette River in Oregon and the Vistula River in Poland are used to illustrate the dynamic and restoration processes. Each river is in a different stage of restoration and is subjected to different degrees of stress from agriculture, industry, and urbanization. The Willamette is an internationally cited example of a restored river, while the Vistula is a river that has just recently begun the restoration process. Contrasts and comparisons of the two river systems enable readers to learn the limitations of restoration processes and what is involved in the different stages of restoration.

Customer Reviews:

Sleeping Chem-pill.......2003-07-21

I suppose all IB textbooks are roughly as boring as each other.
Look at the Glanville on for Economics, it's kinda the same type.
OK! Let's go on with this Chem one. I did made me sleep one night while I was trying to revise........ So, if you can't sleep, simply just read it!

Could be clearer.......2002-12-04

It is very comprehensive but not spaced out enough. The whole book is really one thick mesh of text with not enough order too it. I use an A-Level book to help me with unclear stuff and together with the revision book they make a good combination.

The upside is that if you are looking for a good grade you really have to sit down and ruminate until it all becomes clear. After doing that you remember it better, but still, it really has room for improvement.

what a GREAT book.......2002-10-10

This book helps so much in IB Chemistry. It actually prints each point on the IB Syllabus and answers it. Nothing could prepare you more.

This Book Needs Improvement.......2001-11-07

I am currently enrolled with the IB Program, taking HL Chemistry. Although this book does guide us through what the syllabus for the Ib is, it definitely needs improvement. It is not a bible, as one hopes it to be. It doesn't cover half of the syllabus, and if one studies from this book for an IB Exam the person can do nothing better than a 2 or 3.

Average customer rating:

A VERY VALUABLE BOOK FOR IB STUDENTS

Baccalaureate Chemistry
Philip Jones
Manufacturer: Universal Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General & Reference | Chemistry | Science | Subjects | Books

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1581125755

Customer Reviews:

A VERY VALUABLE BOOK FOR IB STUDENTS.......2003-07-31

After using this book to study for the international baccalaureate Chemistry, I can't but give it my best compliments. The book is broken down into very absorbable chapters with examples and illustrations that the reader is sure to remember (especially useful on the IB exam). A lot of fundamentals that aren't clear in other chemistry books due to the author(s) attempt to use too many refined, more complicated vocabulary. I expect that this book can be used by anyone, including those with English as a second language because the diction is simple and straight to the point. Instead of troubling you with searching the dictionary, it allows you to concentrate on its content. I personally feel that this book helped me a lot with the IB exam. On a more genreral note, I would highly recommend this book for anyone having difficulties with Chemistry and even for those who have a very good understanding of chemistry. It can also be used for non-IB purposes due to its diverse contents. A very good book to study from.

Book Description

This book is based on a graduate level course offered by the author at UCLA and has been classed tested there and at other universities over a number of years. This will be the most comprehensive book on the market today providing instructors a wide choice in designing their courses.
* Offers computer problems to illustrate real life applications for students and professionals alike
* An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutions to all the problems in the book is available from the Wiley editorial department.

An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutions to all the problems in the book is available from the Wiley editorial department.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Book .......2005-04-09

In this book, the ideas and formulas are well presented to the readers. Notations are very consistent throughout the entire book. I have enjoyed reading this book.

Excellent.......2004-03-25

This is the best textbook I've ever read. The mix of theory and practice, examples and math, and the ordered introduction of concepts flows so well it reads like a treasure quest. Everything has its place, and the place is known - you just have to follow the signs and keep an eye out for those which are subtler than others, just to keep things alive and interesting. It's indicative of the clarity of thinking and broad sweep of this work that you would refer to it (I do and other students I know as well), for other subject matter such as communications, linear algebra, digital filters, probability and control theory. The homework problems are not just a series of one-liners as in most graduate level text books, but well-marked road maps addressing points discussed in the text and opening up new possibilities. The computer projects are very well commented and the results analysed. The language is concise yet fluid, and there are extremely few typos of any kind. This is a very, very high quality work.

Just what I needed.......2004-02-05

I work on 802.11b and 802.11a/OFDM modems and was looking for some kind of coherent text on decision feedback equalization and other tracking schemes when I stumbled upon this book. I'm deep into chapter three and I can already draw the following conclusions.

There are two things that make this book really great.
1) The teaching style. Besides having a wonderful way with words, the author uses plenty of subtle teaching principles that help in the understanding of the material like frequent repetition of the main concepts and slowly building up examples over different sections inside each chapter.

2) Content !!!! Its hard to assimilate abstract material like estimation theory without at the end having some type of useful application or algorithm to show for. The author's examples and computer projects on channel estimation, channel equalization, maximum ratio combining and Rake receivers are very popular building blocks for a variety of modems. It is very motivating to know that after labouring through the chapter the authors feels that you are now ready to understand decision feedback equalizers and so he presents you with a nice DFE computer project.

Difficult topics require competent teaching approaches and that is exactly what you will find in this book.

The only thing that would make this book even better would be a very brief introductory chapter on statistics and linear algebra. So if you are going through the book and you want to quickly revisit the definition of covariance or hermetian transpose there is one centralized section that has all the useful mathematical tools nicely listed.

As a practising engineer, I highly recommend this book.
Andreas S.

A True Masterpiece.......2003-10-07

This book is a true masterpiece. It contains the most complete treatment, theoretical and practical, of adaptive filtering that I've ever seen and I've seen just about every book on this topic on the market. In addition to the detialed theoretical derivations, this book is rich with numerous design examples and computer projects with provided matlab code. This equips the reader with proper tools to quickly understand the concepts and put them to practice with relative ease. I highly recommend this book to anyone serious about understanding adaptive filters.

A good book........2003-10-01

For all those of us, working in beamforming or OFDM or equalization or noise control, who find Haykin's writing uninspiring, Sayed's work has all the elegance of Prof Kailath's pedagogical style. This is one scrumptious intellectual meal. Every extant variation of the LMS and RLS algorithms is detailed, and some histroical context provided. The mathematical background needed or assumed is rudimentary. The Matlab projects are extensive in scope - yet, like most Matlab sources, they will take work in understanding their nuances.

Fundamentals of Adaptive Filtering.(Book Review): An article from: IIE Transactions

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Fundamentals of Adaptive Filtering.(Book Review): An article from: IIE Transactions
Mark H. Weatherspoon
Manufacturer: Institute of Industrial Engineers, Inc. (IIE)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from IIE Transactions, published by Institute of Industrial Engineers, Inc. (IIE) on December 1, 2004. The length of the article is 681 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: Fundamentals of Adaptive Filtering.(Book Review)
Author: Mark H. Weatherspoon
Publication: IIE Transactions (Refereed)
Date: December 1, 2004
Publisher: Institute of Industrial Engineers, Inc. (IIE)
Volume: 36 Issue: 12 Page: 1214(2)

Article Type: Book Review

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FUNDAMENTALS OF ADAPTIVE FILTERING
A. H. SAYED
Manufacturer: JOHN WILEY AND SONS LTD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N5A6GU

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Fundamentals of Adaptive Filtering
A. H. SAYED
Manufacturer: JOHN WILEY AND SONS LTD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N5GR5Y

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