Chicken: The Dangerous Transformation of America's Favorite Food

Book Description

Anthropologist Steve Striffler begins this book in a poultry processing plant, drawing on his own experiences there as a worker. He also reports on the way chickens are raised today and how they are consumed. What he discovers about America’s favorite meat is not just unpleasant but a powerful indictment of our industrial food system. The process of bringing chicken to our dinner tables is unhealthy for all concerned—from farmer to factory worker to consumer.

The book traces the development of the poultry industry since the Second World War, analyzing the impact of such changes as the destruction of the family farm, the processing of chicken into nuggets and patties, and the changing makeup of the industrial labor force. The author describes the lives of immigrant workers and their reception in the small towns where they live. The conclusion is clear: there has to be a better way. Striffler proposes radical but practical change, a plan that promises more humane treatment of chickens, better food for the consumer, and fair payment for food workers and farmers.

Customer Reviews:

4 stars for Chicken.......2006-11-10

This book is a must read for anyone who eats Chickens. You should know what you are supporting and the dangers of the product.

A readable informative look at a little-analyzed subject.......2006-09-06

A harsh indictment of the aggressive tactics of the poultry giants, Striffler's work gives a grim view of the consequences for farmer, worker, and consumer. This book can be enjoy equally by activist, academician, and voracious reader all equally. Imminently readable, Striffler's work not only conveys a sense of the author's ideology but more importantly, backs up his concerns with hard and fast statistics.

Even for those who don't wish to endure a frontal assault on Tyson Foods and other major agribusiness corporations, the discussion on how American consumerism around chicken has changed over the last 20 years. For those who are old enough to remember a world without McNuggets, its an interesting cultural retrospective.

the best available book on workers and the meat processing industry.......2006-04-03

I bought and read Striffler's book to gain a better understanding of the largely immigrant-filled workforce in the meat processing industry. This book more than satisfied me. It serves not only to introduce you to the growth of the chicken industry, but also to describe insightfully immigrant workers' experiences, in any industry.

It is a very timely book given this year's focus on immigration reform. This industry will likely be more affected than any other if any major legislation is enacted.

grisly and hazardous work.......2006-01-25

Striffler gives an inquisitive peek at an industry that most people have little awareness of. Much of his book studies the workforce that mans the chicken abbatoirs. The prose shows a somewhat grisly job, that is also repetitive, mind-numbing and dangerous. The ever sharp knives and scalding liquids give rise to the inevitable workplace injuries.

Yet hope shines through in portions of the book. Many of the workers are Mexicans, who more or less legally migrate to these factories, which are often located in the American South. To the Mexicans, the work offers a good income that can support entire families back home.

A Must Read!.......2006-01-10

Wow! An academic who can write! This is a great book from beginning to end. Striffler actually worked in poultry processing plants and lived to tell about it -- and tell about it he does! He really provides an excellent, if critical, look at not only the industry, but how we raise, cook, eat....food in general. And he is a great writer. It really makes you think.

One other thing. I noticed one reviewer on Amazon was critical of Striffler for caring more about poultry workers than chickens. Uhh? I hope he cares more about people than birds! Is this a bad thing? I am an animal rights activist, and I wish there was more on this subject in the book, but that would be a very different book for a very different audience. This is just not a book about animal rights; it is much broader in perspective. But I found the book to be very informative, and even suggestive for those of us interested in animal rights....because Striffler provides the whole picture. The fact is that most people eat chicken, and will do so for some time -- so the question is how do we make the system better for everyone, including the birds. On this, Striffler is very critical of the industry; his analysis is superb and his ideas suggestive. Let's not lose perspective!

Chicken: The Dangerous Transformation of America's Favorite Food

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Chicken: The Dangerous Transformation of America's Favorite Food
Steve Striffler
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OS57BU

Book Description

The Coaching Effectiveness Profile provides a detailed process for assessing an individual's capacity to coach others. This is done by measuring coaching ability in seven separate categories.

When individuals or organizations face significant situations or challenges, one of the first priorities is to understand the issues involved and to work out what needs to be done. In many cases, we do not need any formal assistance to help this process and can think our way through the steps that seem to be most appropriate. However, on occasion the issues or the problems may not be entirely clear and a structured approach can help considerably.

To meet this need, HRD Press has a suite of simple and easy-to-use but comprehensive diagnostic assessment profiles to help people understand their skills or the situations they face more effectively. HRD Press' diagnostic assessments fall into three categories:

Assessments that measure the individual are concerned with competency. These profiles provide participants with an inventory of their relative skills in subcategories within each topic.

Assessments that measure the team's or organization's performance as a whole (usually relative to the individual's perception of his or her own performance or level of competence).

Assessments that measure a particular task or situation in which the style that is adopted or utilized by the individual or by others is important to understand.

All of these assessments are described in detail on the subsequent pages. In most cases, assessments have comprehensive facilitator guides to explain the underlying structure of the profile and to help facilitators to provide structured feedback. Person and organization assessments also have detailed coaching guides which provide practical "how to" tips on each question in the relevant profile.

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Communication Effectiveness Profile Facilitator's Guide
Jon Warner
Manufacturer: HRD PRESS, INC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Ring-bound

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Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0874256690

Book Description

Assessments that measure the individual are concerned with competency. These profiles provide participants with an inventory of their relative skills in subcategories within each topic.

Assessments that measure the team's or organization's performance as a whole (usually relative to the individual's perception of his or her own performance or level of competence).

Assessments that measure a particular task or situation in which the style that is adopted or utilized by the individual or by others is important to understand.

All of these assessments are described in detail on the subsequent pages. In most cases, assessments have comprehensive facilitator guides to explain the underlying structure of the profile and to help facilitators to provide structured feedback. Person and organization assessments also have detailed coaching guides which provide practical "how to" tips on each question in the relevant profile.

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Creativity & Innovation Effectiveness Profile Facilitators Guide
Jon Warner
Manufacturer: HRD Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Ring-bound

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Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0874257832

Book Description

One of the HRD Press Learning Profiles Series. A Packet of 5 Assessments. With over 20 assessments in the series, you'll be able to present clients with a great solution for almost any training need. Each Learning Profile takes about 20 minutes to complete, and includes both general interpretation information, and developmental feedback. Each Facilitator's Guide includes an entire 1 to 2 hour feedback workshop session, extensive coaching tips, and action plan templates.

Book Description

There are some broad categories from which most good leaders will draw. Ideally, these categories should be viewed as pieces in a "leadership jigsaw." Although no one piece makes for effective leadership by itself, each piece does work in combination with the others to reveal a fully integrated model.

With over 20 assessments in the series, you'll be able to present clients with a great solution for almost any training need. Each Learning Profile takes about 20 minutes to complete, and includes both general interpretation information, and developmental feedback. Each Facilitator's Guide includes an entire 1 to 2 hour feedback workshop session, extensive coaching tips, and action plan templates.

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Listening Effectiveness Profile Facilitator's Guide
Jon Warner
Manufacturer: HRD PRESS, INC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Ring-bound

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Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0874256755

Book Description

An Instrumental Facilitator's Guide is available for all Profiles. The Facilitator's Guides explain the underlying research of the Profile design, as well as providing structured feedback material to help a facilitator guide an individual. This Guide will provide facilitators with material to debrief individuals and groups after completion of a Profile.

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Management Effectiveness Profile Facilitators Guide
Jon Warner
Manufacturer: HRD Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Ring-bound

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Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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

General | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0874257484

Book Description

The Management Effectiveness Profile Facilitator's Guide—a complete how-to manual for facilitating a workshop based on the Management Effectiveness Profile.

Conduct a one-of-a-kind learning experience that helps all the managers and supervisors in your organization leverage their strengths and improve upon weaknesses. The guide is also perfect for individual use and self-improvement.

The guide introduces facilitators to the instrument and how it can best be administered. It describes the 12 most-important competencies and how they fit into an overall model of managing effectively. Included are a variety of exercises, discussion ideas and suggestions for workshops and additional learning activities.

Book Description

In an increasingly competitive world, an effective salesperson needs a wide variety of skills and competencies in order to be successful. These skills and competencies include the ability to:

Appreciate Customer Needs and Expectations
Listen Attentively
Be Analytical
Problem Solve
Handle Objections and Complaints
Communicate and Present Effectively
Show Personal Warmth and Empathy
Demonstrate Tenacity and Self Motivation
Be Well Organized and Resourceful

Book Description

This instrument looks at the ability to effectively build a team using the Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing model. It is critical to understand the stages through which a typical team will travel over time. Within these stages seven categories of teambuilding competency can be derived.

With over 20 assessments in the series, you'll be able to present clients with a great solution for almost any training need. Each Learning Profile takes about 20 minutes to complete, and includes both general interpretation information, and developmental feedback. Each Facilitator's Guide includes an entire 1 to 2 hour feedback workshop session, extensive coaching tips, and action plan templates.

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Time Management Effectiveness Profile Facilitator's Guide
Jon Warner
Manufacturer: HRD PRESS, INC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Ring-bound

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0874256674

Book Description

The Time Management Effectiveness Profile assesses an individual's existing capacity to manage his or her time efficiently and highlights specific areas where improvement might be possible.

The facilitator guide provides everything required to fully utilize this assessment within an organization and with groups.

Book Description

This book includes rare photographs and the author's own stunning renderings of actual house front paintings and screen partitions.

The fascinating but nearly extinct native tradition of monumental house art in Alaska is richly documented in this sumptuous book. Through rare historical photographs and his own stunning renderings in vivid color, pioneering anthropologist Edward Malin captures the vanishing riches of Northwest Coast house front paintings and interior screen partitions. With abiding respect and wonder, Malin considers every aspect of the works and explores the ways of the Tlingit, Coast Tsimshian, Haida, Northern Kwakiutl, Southern Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka'wakw), Bella Coola (Nuxalk), Nuu chaa nulth, and the communities that nurtured them. For all admirers of native art, this book is an essential reference and thoughtful, in-depth guide.

Customer Reviews:

An outstanding book - worth the price just for the art.......2004-07-31

This is one of my top-5 books about Northwest Coast artwork. It is really two books in one.

The first half of the book goes into all sorts of information about the Northwest Coast tribes, including where and how they lived, and on and on. The tone occasionally is a bit more academic than I'd prefer, but for the most part is well-written, easy to read, and very interesting.

The second half of the book is page after page after page of Northwest Coast artwork examples. To be honest, I'd have thought the book was worth the price even without the first half. The artwork section is wonderful, with a really nice variety of examples, And the layout of the book (semi-landscape) allows the author to show us much larger versions than we normally see of this type of art.

This is especially true for the things this books features (house fronts and interior screens), which naturally are much wider than they are high. I definitely recommend this book for someone building a collection of books about Northwest Coast INdians and Art.

Northwest Coast Indian Painting goes far beyond "art"..........2002-01-19

First, it is a mystery to me why this title doesn't appear from search words "Tlingit, Haida or Salish" since its content goes far beyond Indian Painting/art. While Indian painting, specifically house fronts and interior screens (dying arts enjoying a resurgence) are extremely well covered and illustrated in this book Malin adeptly intertwines culture, geography and history which makes these art forms come alive and take on meaning beyond 'art for art's sake.' This book could have been complete with just the 120 pages of fantastic color and black and white picture and illustrations -- that combined with 160 pages detailing and clearly explaining geography, culture and cultural influences and historical information relating to the Northwest Coast tribes of Alaska and Canada (Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Tsimshian, Bella Coola, Kwakiutl, Salish and Nuu chaa nulth) make this a "must" for anyone interested in these tribes -- either in their art or culture and history! Art was integral to the daily life of these natives...tools made and used for daily subsistence and living were artistically fashioned using the crests "owned" by each clan. Social rank and wealth were at the heart of exterior house painting and interior screens. The author's 55 year fascination with the tribes of the northwest coast is clearly evident in this book.

Book Description

In this recent edition of our classic bestseller, all trail descriptions have been updated. Schaffer also covers the practical aspects of hiking including regulations, permits, trailheads, campgrounds, and more. Comes with folded topo map.

Customer Reviews:

the Yosemite Guideline.......2005-08-11

I was planning a solo backpacking trip to Yosemite.

I called and talked with a ranger, asking for advice. The only advice I received was to read the Natural-History Guide to Yosemite and Its Trails, by Schaffer. The ranger said: "we all still use it as the definitive guide - even though it was printed in the '70's."

He was right. It's a great comprehensive review of the trails. If you are interested in getting an in depth understanding of where you are headed in Yosemite, this book it worth the money.

Still the one for Yosemite.......2004-06-19

This is still the best for selecting among the hundreds of miles of Yosemite trails: but for on the trail please carry (and know how to use!!) a detailed topo map and compass and for the techies go ahead and GPS but remember batteries die.

The federal topo maps are works of art in their own right. If on the trail descriptions are a must either photo-copy the pages as others have suggested or pick up one of the smaller Wilderness Press guides that focus on topo maps worth of the area.

A recent alternative to individual maps is the state CD from National Geographic / Trails Illustrated that gives you the entire state of california on your computer in zoomable, annotatable detail: then you print out what you need.

In any case for keeping safe nothing beats the map and compass (altimeter is good in the Sierra also) though the books are great for armchair dreaming and making choices and every Wilderness Press product lets me hear the crunch of granite gravel under my boots like no others.

Thorough, essential guide for backpacking Yosemite.......2002-09-10

I have to disagree with the two previous reviewers. First, as someone with no previous knowledge of the park, I did not have too much difficulty using this book. The excellent topo map that is included helps to locate the trails in the book (in contrast to Falcon Guides, which to my disappointment, don't include topo maps). There is also a very nice table at the beginning that summarizes the different trails (organized by location in the park) - trail length, difficulty rating, whether it is "exceptionally scenic", how likely you would see other people on the trail, whether there is water/swimming/fishing, and number of days to travel route - very useful for planning a backpacking trip!

Second, the details about the landmarks along the trail route proved to be useful for confirming whereabouts and distance travelled, especially when searching for potential campsite locations. I disagree with one of the reviewers about the detail - more is better than less, especially if you've lost the trail (which we did at one point - but thanks to the description of the flora and fauna, we knew that we were in the wrong place!). If you don't want to lug the book around, just photocopy the relevant pages and pack them in a ziploc.

I've used this book successfully and without any major problems for a 5-day backpacking trip in one of the lesser traveled loops of Tuolumne Meadows - which by the way was certainly "exceptionally scenic" and a must-see for anyone going to Yosemite. The only complaint that my husband and I have is that the estimated trail lengths might sometimes be inaccurate by a mile or so, because occasionally the numbers differed from those on the trail signs.

Not great for Newbies.......2002-05-28

We tried to use this book to help guide our trip and find some great hiking during our first time to Yosemite. While the book is a wealth of knowledge and information (if difficult to read in parts), it was overwhelming for us to figure out what we should do and what we should save for our next trip - which we definitely plan to take! More specifics about what is worth it and what is not as well as more trail maps would be extremely valuable. Even a basic overall map of Yosemite Valley or the Tioga pass would have made a big difference. For example, the map given by the park as you enter Yosemite is excellent.

Perhaps this book will be more valuable as we become regular visitors to and hikers in the park, but if you are planning your first trip, I would start with a different book - or better yet, follow the advice of locals and previous visitors. Some obvious suggestions: Glacier Point, Mirror Lake (great view of Half Dome), Bridalveil Falls, somewhere along Tioga pass (e.g. Lake May, Tenaya Lake, Tuolumne Meadows), Mariposa Grove.

Have fun in Yosemite!

A dissenting opinion.......2001-05-31

I bought this book to prepare for an upcoming return to Yosemite and found its contents adequate, but I wouldn't go beyond that. For me, a good trail guidebook is a must when exploring the national parks, and as far as this book is concerned, I've seen better. First, although the topographic map included is a nice freebee, I think most people would rather have a detailed map for each trail- or even close-up maps covering multiple hikes in the same vicinity- if forced to choose, similar to what you find in the Falcon Guide series. I was disappointed to see there were no maps included in the book proper- the topo is all you get, and since it spans the entire park, you may need a magnifying lens to see the individual hikes, and sometimes it seems locating the roads requires microscopic vision.

Second, while I am aware that this book was written with geology as a focal point, I found the extensive geologic information strewn all through the trail descriptions distracting. Some people enjoy reading such things as they hike, I suppose, but I prefer having the background in the background, in its own chapter, leaving my trail guides uncluttered. If you're like me, you'll just get annoyed with continually having to skim and skip through the hike descriptions to find the pertinent information you're really seeking. So if you're not particularly interested in wading through DETAILED coverage of Yosemite's geology and prefer concise, straightforward descriptions of what to expect along your hikes, choose another guidebook (which is what I would have done had I had the option).

In general, the book is useful and covers a substantial number of hikes in Yosemite. It will help you to choose your treks and plan for your trip. But I wouldn't want to lug it around with me on the trail. Unless you're interested in all the extra details (excepting practical ones, such as useable trail maps), look for something a little less studious.

Book Description

While family and future in-laws squabble over the menu and the table decorations, brides are supposed to sit and smile and bask in the prospect of their happiness-even though that prospect is guaranteed to include the post-wedding depression that hits some 90 percent of women during their first year of marriage.

This is a must-have book for any woman who has found the partner she wants to be with for the rest of her life and has made up her mind to celebrate that commitment.

Bridal counselor Sheryl Paul interviewed a diverse group of women who share their true feelings about the many concerns that can make an engagement a roller coaster of emotional ups and downs. Along with practical advise and support, you will find welcome acknowledgement of shared doubts and feats that so often run amok as wedding bells take their toll.

Customer Reviews:

On Being Present..........2007-08-24

This book is about being present to the transition of going from singlehood to couplehood, on leaving the girl behind and stepping into the next phase in life...we are so much more than just "wife" - but this book explores the psychological transformation of one of the most important times of our life - like a changing of the seasons.

I highly recommend this book for every bride. Educating myself and being present to the inner changes of our psyche has helped me navigate through this time - and appreciate everything that occurs as divine order.

Political and outdated.......2007-01-19

This book was kinda strange. I was put off by the language which seemed to me to have very feminist undertones, and yet seemed to perpetuate gender inequality. E.g. it talked about women 'giving everything up' when they get married, but men gaining. I wouldn't reccommend it.

All Soon-to-Be's Should Read This!!.......2007-01-16

This book is a must read for all soon-to-be brides! While everyone's asking you about the dress, the plans, the decorations, they forget to ask you how you're feeling, how you're handling this emotionally, if you have any worries, or doubts, etc. (Which is NORMAL!!) Even if they did ask you, society has trained us (women) to smile and say "Great!! I'm so happy!" This book helps get you to think about your true inner feelings before getting married so that when it comes to the actual day, you're stress & worry free! A great, easy to read book...a must!! (I bought 4 have have given them to the engaged women in my life...they love it! It's a great engagement gift!

A Must for Brides and Grooms!.......2006-08-27

I discovered this jewel about halfway through my engagement, hidden, in all of its simplicity, amongst all of the big, beautiful wedding books at Barnes and Noble. I thought it sounded interesting, and my mom was buying, so I figured, "what the heck?" From the moment I opened it up, I couldn't put it down. I even convinced my fiance, who isn't much of a reader, that it would be good for him to read it. Read it he did, and he loved it just as much! Since then we let one other engaged couple borrow it...and when they never returned it and I had another friend about to get married, I sent it to her as an engagement gift.

So if you're engaged, and especially if you're in the throes of planning a wedding (and the pretty pictures in all of those bridal magazines just don't seem to give you the best advice on how to deal with your mother, your soon-to-be mother-in-law, etc.), this book is a MUST!

Not what I had hoped it would be..........2006-08-07

I really was looking forward to something that explored the emotional whirlwind that I have been going through. This was certainly not it. It touches on what I wanted and then veers off into mythologically-based new age nonsense (and I have nothing against new age stuff in general).

If you are looking for a treatment of what weddings and marriage mean in the modern world, I recommend Kamy Wicoff's I Do But I Don't. I also hear that A Walk Down the Aisle is good. I'm ordering it now, and we'll see.

The Conscious Bride - Women Unveil Their True Feelings About Getting Hitched

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The Conscious Bride - Women Unveil Their True Feelings About Getting Hitched
Sheryl Bissinen
Manufacturer: New Harbinger
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JZLOWY

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