Benefits of Books

As a legal advisor to a Section 501(c)(3) hospital who is not a dyed-in-the-wool tax expert, I have found this book to be of immense help. It is well-written and the examples are chosen carefully.

This book is a treasure of information for those of us who are trying to become more informed and in charge of our own financial future. It gives insight into the insurance, securities and financial professions. Mr. Odishelidze is not trying to sell anything except common sense and a philosophy which has worked for him.

Dr. Don Mayes was able to represent in a excellent way the knowledge requirements for a professional management of dental care. I have read you book many times and also used it as a parameter for the development of the first commercial dental plan with capitation concept in Brazil, the second largest private health market in the world. I am looking forward reading your next and most modern edition, with a lots of new informmation about the dental plan management.

This book is an insightful review of the major aspects of the tax code as it relates to buiness construction. It is an intelligently written and screamingly funny examination of the "zany" world of investment tax credits. The prose is "Shakepearean" in style and a pleasure to read.

This book is the best book on basic personal finances and debt handling that I've ever read - and in my business as a CPA, JD, I've read more than a few. I have recommended to all my clients that they purchase this book or audiotape (the latter my preference). Everyone, no matter what their financial situation, can gain from this book. It's great!--John Elwell

Paraphrasing the author's words in this short booklet, those who reject biotechnology do so on full stomachs. Fortunately she is not one of these individuals, but instead has focused much of her energy and intellect on bringing the benefits of agricultural biotechnology to the country of Kenya. She is unashamed in her support of the introduction of genetically modified crops and does not hesitate to state her position clearly and concisely. In a work this short, it is impossible to set down the scientific justifications for genetic engineering, but the author does give the reader a general overview of how it can help alleviate the widespread hunger in Kenya. It is refreshing to know that there are some competent researchers who are ready to stand up and be counted in their defense of genetic engineering. It seems that there are many in the biotech industry reluctant to do the same, unfortunately.

The author is careful to note that biotechnology is not the only answer for all of Kenya's nutritional needs, but she does expose, within the limits of space, the unsubstantiated opinions of some regarding genetically modified crops. Transgenic crops in particular have been viewed by some as being extremely dangerous, due to the suspicion that `horizontal gene transfer' is more likely for such crops. The author believes that the likelihood of such `gene escape' is extremely low, but she does not include detailed evidence to support her view, no doubt because she wanted to make the book accessible to a general readership. The author does however view the phenomenon of herbicide resistance as one that requires further study, quoting a modeling study that indicates that herbicide-tolerant sugar beets for example, would affect the skylark population in the UK. Thus the author seems fair to arguments that both support the incorporation of agricultural biotechnology and those that don't. Readers who require a more comprehensive viewpoint can consult the references that she gives at the end of the book.

Treadwell and Alexander have written an excellent book that should be on the shelf of every manager of technical professionals. Written in a clear, readable style, the book presents practical information about how to win the labor battles we've all been witnessing. Even if the economy turns sour, attracting and retaining techies will be tough. This book is a "secret weapon" you can count on to help you attract - and keep - the best players.

As written by Schuster and Zingheim "understanding what pay and benefits can do to help organizations succeed is essential and best learned early in a career. Edward Lawler's Strategic Pay and this book were the first books to address pay outside of the context of traditional pay grounded in the 1940's, when challenges and opportunities were remarkably different from what are today."

Within the context of comparison between the new pay and traditional pay approaches Schuster and Zingheim discuss some crucial concepts such as :

* base pay (market-based pay/skill-based pay, job-based pay)

* variable pay (group performance, individual performance)

* indirect pay (obtained results, employee's tenure)

* job evaluation (external/market based equity, internal/point factor based equity)

I higly recommend this pioneering study to HR professionals.

See also :

*J. Schuster and P. Zingmeim-Pay People Right,

*T. Wilson-Rewards That Drive High Performance,

*H. Risher-Aligning Pay and Results,

*J. Belcher-How to Design and Implement A Results-Oriented Variable Pay System

We all hear about using too much oil, but this basic resource goes beyond that. It helps you to make simple changes that not only help the environment, but your purse as well. I've been doing most of these things since the eighties. I will pass this book on to a friend now that I've updated.

The book combines sound marketing principles with personal anecdotes, sports quotes and literary references to make the book an enjoyable read.