Product Description

A no-holds-barred, controversial exposé of the financial profiteering and ambiguous ethics that pervade the world of humanitarian aid

A vast industry has grown up around humanitarian aid: a cavalcade of organizations—some 37,000—compete for a share of the $160 billion annual prize, with "fact-inflation" sometimes ramping up disaster coverage to draw in more funds. Insurgents and warring governments, meanwhile, have made aid a permanent feature of military strategy: refugee camps serve as base camps for genocidaires, and aid supplies are diverted to feed the troops. Even as humanitarian groups continue to assert the holy principle of impartiality, they have increasingly become participants in aid's abuses.

In a narrative that is impassioned, gripping, and even darkly absurd, journalist Linda Polman takes us to war zones around the globe—from the NGO-dense operations in "Afghaniscam" to the floating clinics of Texas Mercy Ships proselytizing off the shores of West Africa—to show the often compromised results of aid workers' best intentions. It is time, Polman argues, to impose ethical boundaries, to question whether doing something is always better than doing nothing, and to hold humanitarians responsible for the consequences of their deeds.

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent Book, Sobering Insights -
An estimated 37,000 aid organizations compete for shares of $120 billion/year spent on aid. That early revelation in "The Crisis Caravan" immediately alerts readers that there are serious problems in the aid industry, beginning with duplication of effort and overheads, continuing with inflation of need statistics, and the likely overstatement of accomplishments. Other problems include soldiers demanding money for everything aid organizations bring in, including food and medicine for those in need, and taking part of your supplies - partly for their own use, and partly to sell to obtain money for more arms. Thus, some thoughtful aid representatives end up wondering whether they are doing more harm than good; many of their more worldly-focused focused leaders, however, are simply concerned with boosting publicity, contracts, revenues, and donations so they can continue living in lavish quarters while raking in big salaries. Unfortunately, American politicians often contribute to the problems.

Readers also cannot help but be affected by the repetitive location of man-made civil-war 'tragedies' (that's putting it mildly) within Africa - Algeria, Angola, Burundi, Chad, Darfur, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda.

Complex Problem Needs More than This
What a pity that such an incredibly important issue with such incredible complexity basically gets the following solution: the USA needs to be less arrogant and coordinate its efforts with everyone else.

Which means, of course, that America has to be humble, which wouldn't be a bad idea, except that it also means America is supposed to make everyone else behave. America is to blame simultaneously because America is too controlling and because America isn't leading an international effort. America is thus not only to blame for its own failed charity efforts, but for the rest of the world's failure as well.

And just to seal the deal, if you object that "cooperating" with the world isn't supposed to mean "leading" the world, just take note of the number of times the author says "United States" instead of "United Nations" and "US Congress" instead of "international organizations."

In other words, it's not just that America is to blame for not effectively helping the starving children, but also for the fact that there are starving children in the first place.

So look.Call America arrogant for trying to tell everyone what to do, OR blame America for not effectively telling everyone what to do.Don't do both.

America has serious problems.Charity on a global scale is a problem so complex as to reach a sort of infinity of sorrow.The issues here need better books than this.

Sometimes shocking, sometimes tragicomic, always enlightening
I happened on this book by accident, but I'm very glad I did.I think one result from reading it will be that I won't be giving any money for aid in a conflict zone unless the would-be recipient NGO convinces me it has very strong controls to ensure that what I might give will not become part of the problem.

The book is a very quick and easy read.It consists of a series of chapters that talk about one particular negative phenomenon associated with foreign aid.Chapters that stand out for me include:

the one about how the victims of forced amputations in Sierra Leone have become a magnet for aid that they frequently don't need, want, or can use while other deserving souls go without

-one about how the Governments of Sudan and Ethiopia have manipulated aid organizations into subsidizing murderous campaigns against their own people

-one about how the aid community responded to the genocide in Rwanda by deluging the Hutus who had perpetrated it against the Tutsis with aid while the Tutsis went without.

The book is not perfect however.I found myself disagreeing with her on several arguments she made:

1. The US dropping food aid along with bombs in Afghanistan in 2001:The author seems to share the belief that some NGOs expressed about this that such action blurs the difference between armed forces and humanitarian groups.My rejoinder on that is that given the US was in the process of occupying Afghanistan, it had obligations under international law to take care of the population there.

2.The fact that the US and EU make NGOs taking their money conform broadly to what the US and EU would like to see happen in Afghanistan:The author argues that this makes the aid workers targets of the Taliban, who see the aid workers as an arm of the US and its allies.To that, I'd say that NGOs expecting to get large sums of money from governments with no strings attached is totally unrealistic.As for the Taliban targeting the aid workers, I'd argue that it has a very elastic definition of what being an arm of the US and its allies are.

3.Claiming the US tried to starve out the city of Fallujah in Iraq in 2004:The author argues that this is an example of deploying hunger as a weapon.I'd respond to that by saying that by the time of second Battle of Fallujah most civilians had left the city and that "food aid" was likely to wind up in the hands of the insurgents.

4.Madeleine Albright's stupid comment about deaths in Iraq supposedly caused by sanctions:The author cites Albright's unbelievably foolish statement that the supposed deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi children from sanctions "was worth it" as another example of using the "food weapon."Albright was wrong to say that because the number of Iraqi children who died because of the sanctions is very much in dispute and that those who did die, died mostly because of the intransigence of Saddam's regime.

But despite these four flaws, "the Crisis Caravan" is an outstanding book and very enlightening about the darker aspects of something that normally gets dressed up as something utterly noble and beyond reproach.

Humanitarian Aid Indicted
Only a few books over the last decade have noted adverse results of humanitarian aid.Here now is the most extensive and disturbing catalogue by a Dutch author who spent 15 years reporting from war zones for European media.

The author intends to provoke soul-searching by the "humanitarian industry" of the western world.In a long series of disturbing anecdotes, she demonstrates that humanitarian projects have increased famine and lengthened wars.Oxfam, Bob Geldorf's Band Aid, Bill and Melinda Gates, Madeline Albright, the International Red Cross--no one escapes this book's indictment.Anonymous aid workers are derided for living in a style unimaginable to the local population with Land Cruisers, drivers, interpreters, expensive meals and exploitation of children."Wherever aid workers go, prostitution instantly soars." Journalists come off no better, depicted as co-conspirators overeager to glorify and propagandize the aid effort, while averting their eyes from deleterious effects.

Equally frank is the "Aidspeak" chapter in the appendix.While the book is primarily focused on Africa, this section explains why those of us concerned with the 1999 Kosovo war observed the KLA coercing Albanians to leave Kosovo.Refugees must be outside their home countries to command major international aid.Of course, there were other tactical and propaganda reasons as well.And that is the shocking story this book details--the unintended but crucial assistance by humanitarian organizations that helps violent actors achieve their goals."If you use enough violence, aid will arrive, and if you use even more violence, even more aid will arrive."

It's not pleasant to learn how badly our efforts to help may turn out, but closing our eyes is no solution.
... Read more

Product Description
A "must read" before weight loss surgery...A life-long resource after weight loss surgery The second edition of this book (244 pages, paperback) is written for anyone who wants to change his or her life through bariatric weight loss surgery. Learn realistic and practical strategies for dealing with emotional difficulties encountered before and after your weight loss surgery-strategies that help you:? Relieve stress without using food? Modify unhealthy behavior? Overcome hurdles to establishing a consistent exercise program? Deal with negative reactions by friends, family, and spouse to your weight loss? Prevent relapse...and more. These psychological tricks of the trade will help you make your weight loss journey a successful one. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

emotional first aid
This is a great book,full of no nonsense information and should be a great help to folks who purchase it. Thanks again

A True Winner !
This book is a MUST for all contemplating WLS or already have had the surgery. It is a no nonsense book about howyou can control your emotions when it comes to eating. Its not a big book but do not be discouraged by its size. This book packs a punch. It helped me tremendously. I wish I could enter excerpts from the book but I am sure amazon would frown upon it. It is definitely a worthwile investment.

Almost-Excellent Resource
This is a wonderful book for those considering bariatric surgery or other substantial life-cycle changes for weight loss.Organized into 17 chapters, each presents a series of related problems and offers specific suggestions on dealing with the issues.These include such topics as self-talk, stress relief, weight maintenance, and relapses.

The content is excellent and provides important information for anyone considering bariatric surgery.I think it would also be very useful to anyone looking at major life-style changes associated with long-term dieting.

The book has two minor flaws that cause me to give it 4 instead of 5 stars.It desperately needs a complete index.Every section has important information, but it is difficult to find again without re-reading substantial portions of the chapter.The resources section at the end of the book is also disappointing.It gives a number of books, articles, and web sites but all are presented without annotations.And they are given alphabetically instead of by category, making these even less useful.One hopes that the third edition of this valuable book will correct these omissions.

great little resource book
This is a great book with lots of info.Lots of suggestions and ideas of what to do with your relationship with food.I will keep it handy as I approach my lap band surgery.As I was reading it I found myself highlighting things.The only thing I really wish is that it was available on Kindle.At times when I will want to read it and keep on track, I do not want to share the title with others around me.The Kindle keeps what I am reading discreet.There are a lot of books on here that I would love to get and have for reference for after my lapband surgery.Just don't want to have to carry around a suitcase to read them.I bought my Kindle so I could store books and have them there when I need them.I just wish the Author and Publisher could see how nice it would be to have this available for Kindle.I really like that this Author is not sugar coating anything.She pretty much says it as it is.Lapband is just a tool and if you don't change your brain and how you think about food and exercise, you will not be sucessful.She gives techniques on staying in control and again makes it perfectly clear that you weight loss is only going to happen and stay off if you can get in control of your brain.Learning new ways to communicate with yourself and talking nicely to yourself can make a difference.I wish I had purchased this book months or years ago.Again, just wish i could have gotten it on Kindle for convenience and privacy.Now I need to get a book cover for it. Overweight people are tired of being judged, so reading a book call The Emotional First Aid Kit is something they don't necessarily want people to see them reading, no more judgement.

GBS Book
This book was a disappointment.I found all of my answers in "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" and found the information in this book to be redundant. ... Read more

Product Description

Everything you need to build a foundation for learning the basic medical sciences in one comprehensive review!

4 STAR DOODY'S REVIEW!
"I would recommend this book to those preparing for USMLE Step 1. The chapters are inclusive with useful color pictures and charts. The many sidebars that include clinical correlates and mnemonics further help with retaining information. I would also recommend this book as an adjunct for those in the first and second year of medical school. It can help students focus on those aspects of the curriculum that are most important, both for Step 1 and during the clinical years as well."-- Doody's

From the authors of First Aid for the® USMLE Step 1 comes this comprehensive summary of essential basic science general principles covered in the first two years of medical school. It provides the background you need before reviewing for the board and distills important coourse material down to easily understood parts.

Features:

• Emphasizes the major basic science concepts taught in medical school
• Covers the high-yield topics and facts tested on the USMLE
• Includes a framework for understanding anatomy and histology, embryology, behavioral science, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, pathology, and pharmacology
• Written by top students who aced their exams adn the USMLE
• Organized in the same manor as First Aid for the® USMLE Step 1 to facilitate cross-study
• Packed with hundreds of full-color images and tables
• Great for PBL and integrated curricula
• Can be used with its companion volume, First Aid for the® Basic Sciences: Organ Systems for a complete, high-yield review of basic science

Visit www.AccessMedStudent.com and www.FirstAidTeam.com

Customer Reviews (8)

Awesome book to review the Basics
This book has helped me but understand the Basics AFTER have learned the more advanced. Good review

Error Filled, wait for next edition
There is a 5 page errata available from first aid for this and that was just in the first few months it was released. This thing is a great book; good organization, nice charts. Everything is great EXCEPT THE ERRORS. I would not buy this until the next edition

Not bad for a follow along with first year material
The book is easy on the eyes and would best be used along with your first year material if you have to time to do so. It is fairly detailed and may even be useful for a foreign doctor preparing to sit for the US boards after a few years away from the basic science material.

excellent book
This book and First aid organ systems really help me for step 1. You don't need any other books, such as Kaplan, high yield, BRS. These two books have everything you need to know for step 1. Know them in and out!

Wait for the next edition
The concept behind this book (and its counterpart Basic Sciences: Organ Systems) is excellent as an alternative to the $400 Kaplan home study set.The depth to which the information is presented is quite appropriate as a review for the USMLE Step 1 and to supplement coursework in both first and second year of medical school.Unfortunately, it seems as if both this book and the Organ Systems book were rushed to the publisher without so much as a single proofread and revision.The errors in these books are too numerous to count.From simple typos to significant variation and contradiction in the content (less common, but still there) to figures being used inappropriately to show what they were not meant to, there is nearly an error on every single page.The majority of these errors can be easily recognized by anyone who has put in a decent effort with a good primary source and is reviewing, but the frequency of errors only makes it possible for the reader to review what they have already learned; nothing new can be learned from this book so long as the content cannot be trusted.Furthermore, the First Aid Team generally provides a fairly complete listing of errata on their website for their entire series, but the corrections for these books were published months ago with a very small proportion of the problems (maybe only 60 corrections between the two books) and has not been updated despite readers submitting their corrections constantly.I am sure that the response regarding errors has been overwhelming, but it sure would be nice to be able to quickly and reliably check on the occasions when you suspect an error but are not sure.I almost feel like they have realized that correcting these editions is essentially rewriting them and that they have given up on these to work on the next edition, but it makes me feel like I have been left with only half of what I thought I was buying.So my best advice is to keep these books in mind for when the next edition is published, but in the meantime stick to more refined sources such as Kaplan.Also, if studying for the USMLE, be sure to pick up Goljan's Rapid Review: Pathology.You will not regret it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Flax Oil - Great Book
Excellent book, I recommended it to all my family.Everyone should read it and change their eating style.

TO LEARN THE HEALING PROTOCOL... GET THE DVD!
If you are looking to learn and understand the COMPLETE PROTOCOL used by Dr. Budwig to heal thousands of cancer patients, then check out the amazon link below.
A Day in the Budwig Diet - Learn the complete home healing protocol to prevent and heal cancer, arthritis, heart disease & more

You will learn that "Yes, It's not just adding Flax Oil to ones diet", but all of her guidelines must be followed precisely, which are explained on the DVD. The body will then quickly begin to heal. The books do not explain the protocol.

A different Approach
Dr.Budwig has a sterling reputation in the scientific world; her fidings are presented in a clear, comprehensive manner. This is serious reading even for the lay person. Perhaps specially for the lay person.

Important lectures from an innovative scientist and healer
This volume contains the text of 3 lectures given by Dr Budwig in 1959, 1976 and 1972.They present insights into the foundations of the philosophy and science behind her successful treatment of cancer over a 50-year period with her Oil-Protein diet.

As a blood specialist and biochemist Dr Budwig understood cancer as a fat problem.In these lectures she asserts that electron-rich seed oils (especially flax oil) combined with a sulpherated protein can re-activate the body's vital functions.She discusses the nature of sunlight, its relation to the human organism and how the sun's energy is stored in a concentrated form in these electron-rich seed oils.She discusses this in relation to quantum physics.

The treatment of fats and oils to make them keep longer alters their molecular structure and creates problems which can result in serious illnesses.The healing of such illnesses is therefore dependent on dietary and lifestyle alterations, in particular on the ingestion of the "good fats" (properly bonded with the protein) and the complete elimination of the "bad fats".

This little book by one of the world's most innovative scientists offers hope to those who are suffering serious illness.It is based upon an holistic but scientific understanding of the human being and offers a convincing explanation (and solution) for some of the main degenerative diseases that have been the curse of humanity throughout the 20th Century.

Her other works currently in English translation are "Cancer: The Problem and the Solution" and "The Oil-Protein Diet Cookbook" which offer further science and practical recipes respectively.

Little book with lots of information
This small book is full of chemistry and physics of metabolic electrons and photons, and the benefit of flax seed oil when combined with a protein to make it water soluble in the system.

There are definitive sections on Sunlight as the energy source for all living things-if they are healthy; and if they are not they do not derive the great benefit.

There is a section on Oxygen since it is necessary for all the processes in living persons.A decrease in oxygen decreases vitality and longevity.

Overall you will have to read and digest this book because of the chemistry and physics the author talks about, and this material is mostly what was presented to fellow scientists.

As a wellness practitioner I found this book to reinforce my already confirmed knowledge about flax seed oil but it goes further and explains the electron basis for these things.

The author is one of a handful of people who studied fats and oils in the body, or more accurately how they act in the body.

If you are a student of nutrition and supplements, a wellness doctor, or in a related field, this small text will surprise you with the density of facts and knowledge you will obtain.

Highly recommended.

Joe Morgan ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Must have for your first aid kit
I've had an older copy of this book in my trailer's first aid kit for years, and it has been very helpful.It is not a complete veterinary reference -- it is for first aid and emergencies, and is excellent for that.It's very well organized, with color coding to help you easily flip to the right section when you're on the verge of the panic.Each section is very straightforward and concise, and is keyed toward letting you know what needs to be done immediately, and whether to call out the veterinarian or not.The spiral binding makes it easy to leave it open to the correct page, for easier handling.

My older copy was finally getting moisture damaged, and I knew I needed to replace it.I bought a few extra copies to give to horsey friends as gifts.

The Perfect, Basic Veterinary Guide for any Horse Owner
I have browsed through many, many veterinary and emergency type horse books. Some big, some small, some immensely detailed, some laid out well. But when I found this and flicked through the Quick Look, I knew I found something that would fit in with what I was looking for. I only own one horse, but I really care about him. I've attended a horse first aid seminar and have a great first aid kit, but something was always saying to me in the back of my mind, that in an emergency situation I could either panic or forget everything I'd learnt. So I wanted something that had a quick and easy index to understand, I wanted something set out in sections so that I could quickly browse through to what I needed, especially if no one topic covered the specific problem. I also didn't want some hard-cover book or paperback because they get damaged easily and sometimes aren't easy to quickly flip through, so I wanted something on a binding system where I could flip the book back on itself and not worry about pages closing if I had to lie it on the ground. You're probably wondering when I'm getting to the review!

The whole point is this book has everything I wanted; the binding, the color-coordinated sections, color photographs and case studies, quick and easy to understand directions to look after your horse and address the issues while the vet is on the way. The index is fantastic, the cover is a great plastic/laminate type material that won't get soiled easily and the pages flip like a breeze. It covers all the major (and minor) injuries that could happen to a horse, whether out in the paddock or in a float. The color-coordinated sections is to me a brilliant feature, as I can just look at the spine of the book and flip the the color I want immediately. It is small enough that it fits in my first aid kit without taking up masses of room, yet it is long enough that it covers nearly everything a horse owner would want while awaiting a vet. It is so well-written that a 12yo kid could read and understand what they have to do, but so that an adult still feels like they have the necessary information they need. I really believe that this is THE book to put in your first aid kit - it is extreme value for money.

Better to have it than not
A general overwiev of most possible emergency situations and the right reactions to have. Everyone who handles with horses should read it to be prepared even in the worst situations.

Easy to Read
It just wasn't what I expected. Had some good information, but not sure if it is going to be very useful.

only OK
Took awhile to arrive, arrived slightly damaged, and no one returned my email when I wondered where it was. ... Read more

Product Description

Use the successful First Aid formula to pass the National Board Dental Exam Part II with flying colors!

The new “bible” for NBDE Part II preparation!This high-yield, comprehensive review of topics examined on the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part II is written for dental students by recent dental graduates who aced the boards.

• Written for students by students who aced the exam, and reviewed by top dental school faculty
• Hundreds of high-yield facts and mnemonics boost exam-day performance
• Five case studies for top performance on the case-based component of the NBDE Part II
• Four-page color insert of images
• 100+ clinical images and illustrations you must know on exam day

For the ultimate NBDE study package, be sure to purchase First Aid for the NBDE Part 1.

Visit: www.FirstAidfortheBoards.com

Customer Reviews (10)

must have study tool
great book to have when studying for boards, its concise and helps focus on information.i used this with the decks only and did very well

Don't waste your money on this.Get something else
the first aid for part I was great, I always used it in conjunction with Dental Decks.But the First Aid Part II is NO good.You might as well shell out your money for Mosby's instead, because this book does not have any statistics, patient management chapters, and is extremely weak in pharm and oral path.Oh, and there's not much help with Prosths, either.Honestly, go buy Decks/Boards Busters/Mosby's instead!!

NOT A COMPREHENSIVE SOURCE, but a good SUPPLEMENT
This is NOT a one stop source for even PASSING the boards as the preparation will be more demanding than this book. Having taken the boards twice; I've come to the conclusion that this guide goes superficially into MOST topics that you will find on the NBDE part II. Its great for glossing through once you have gone through the Decks a number of times, Mosby's part II (which I highly reccomend), and as many ADA released examinations as you can. Once you have gone through those recources THEN hit first aid and that will help you identify any type of deficiences you will have in the subject areas. The next step is to obviously use all your resources to fill in those gaps as the boards can ask you the question from different aspect and in varying levels of detail.

Here are some examples of what I'm talking about as far as detail is concerned:

Pharmacology: First Aid does list the name of the drugs; their basic effects; and what they are prescribed for. However what it does NOT give much of are drug interactions, contraindicaitons, and adverse effects: which is essential information.

Oral Pathology: The descriptions are brief and to the point. However the examination has evolved in this section and has become heavier in radiographic/histological
interpretation; and I found first aid to be weak in this area.

Perio: I would like a further description on the flap procedures, perio Tx planning, and grafting (as these are MAJOR issues for the exam).

Operative/Prosth: Simply needs a bit more info; I would like to see illustrations of tooth preps/retention and how to Tx plan restorations.

Oral Surgery: I found this to be a bit on the inadequate side, as there are a lot of things like fractures, osteotomies, anatomy, and healing; that was on the lacking side.

Pediatrics: Excellent Review here.

Radiology: They gave a good review here.

Ortho: OK review; should have gone an explained more on the appliances and their indications.

In conclusion, this is one source you can do without if you already have the DECKS, Mosby's for part II, and some exam questions; as all the information is repeated in those sources in much greater detail.

Very Good Study Guide
First Aid for the NBDE Part II is a helpful study guide.Using this book in combination with other references will help students really understand the material.I would recommend this book to others looking for a solid dentistry test-prep book.

First aid book: waste of time
In comparison to the mosby's book this is a better review, but that is also it's downfall... A more detailed approach is recommended for nationalsl part II- decks are better. Normanwood's book is a good book for centrals as it gets you in the mindset for case based questions ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

Really great book!
This book covers so many knowledgeable ways to use crystals to heal.It talks about each crystal in turn and what symptoms/illnesses it can treat.It also very usefully covers the other way round, i.e. if you have a symptom or illness, it tells you which crystal to use.It has fabulous pictures in it of all the crystals that he mentions and explains how to cleanse and charge the crystals too.So far, it has covered all my questions about crystals and healing.A really great book!

My go-to guide
I have over 25 books on this subject and have been studying crystal healing for many years.This is the book to get for physical crystal healing.It tells you clearly what stone for what ailment.And it works!

Healing Crystal's
Wonderful book I learned alot about the powder of healing by using Crystal's. I found this book to be very helpful.
1stepaheda

The Healing Crystals First Aid Manual
A good condensed version of his original work.Easy to use and contains a list for travel, a short list for home, and a long list for home.It's exactly what I was looking for.

The Healing Crystals First Aid Manual
This author is just outstanding. I bought my first book Crystal Power, Crystal Healing by him and never found a need for another. Even tho I looked at times I never found one that was so clear, intelligently written and epecially important ILLUSTRATED! The photos of the stones are crucial and many dont have them. The other thing is that he covers the physical, mental and spiritual ways the stones can affect you.I have made some discoveries of my own beyond the first book, but it gave me an excellent platform from which to start. I was excited to see this book as it deals in more detail with alot of phyical issues. I have an autoimmune muscle disorder and found muscle recommendation and much to help deal with immunity and stress to help.
Another book at the library here that was lost in the flood this summer suggested time in stone circles so I began to experiment this way for sleep. I am sorry I cannot remember this author but do try circles. ... Read more

Product Description
Written by an acknowledged expert with 20 years of experience building world-class brands, Brand Aid is a day-to-day quick-reference guide that provides solutions for the 40 most pressing problems faced by brand managers. This comprehensive, practical how-to guide also gives readers 17 invaluable end-of-chapter checklists to help them assess and advance their own brand management efforts. Succinct and easy-to-read, it features exercises, formulas, case studies, proprietary research findings, and other useful tools -- including a template to help them do a complete brand audit.

Brand Aid covers topics ranging from research, positioning, and advertising to brand equity management, legal issues in brand management, and creating a brand-building organization. It includes an overview of the entire brand management and marketing process, as well as in-depth discussions of brand building on the Internet and internal brand building. A treasure trove of techniques, templates, and rules of thumb, Brand Aid! is an indispensable roadmap for anyone responsible for building their organization's brand. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A branding reference guide to keep
A really comprehensive branding manual, with an almost textbook feel to it.Every branding concept is thoroughly explained.Not necessarily a book to read cover to cover in a few days, but definitely an invaluable reference guide to keep close and handy by anybody involved in marketing and branding products, services and companies.Excellent.

Most thought provoking branding book I've ever read
I run a very small business that designs and manufactures products for a crowded micro market. We were looking for a book or resource that would help gather our thoughts into a concise executable plan.

Wow does it feel like this book came through for us. It is quite literally a well structured set-by-step guide at how to look at your brand, dig down into its nitty gritty and focus on building a better brand. The end of each chapter has numerous questions that it wants you to answer. Though not every business can answer all of these, they do force you to take a deeper look into what the heck you are really doing.

Of all the business, marketing, branding, positioning books I have read, this has to top them all.

This book should have far more positive reviews and should be at the top of your list!

Don't believe me? then get it from your local library first as I did. I now have my permanent copy on its way. I will forever reference this book.

brand aid
I'm half way through the book at this point and find it to be very useful as a marketing tool. I teach at the college level and have my own marketing services company (SkyLimit Marketing, Lebanon, Pa). I am a firm believer in the integrated marketing approach to the whole marketing process for my clients. Everything begins with customer needs and works out from there.
The input found inBrand Aid is consistent with this approach and sheds light on the value and power of "the brand". The book is structured in a practical and useful way for any marketer or teacher of the subject. Good work! Jack Cantwell

The Good Brand Book
Our company does web design, graphic design, corporate communication. I like this book that is not only an easy reference guide, but also a comprehensive approach to branding. The book can stand alone as a Brand teach-in, and require no prior knowledge about branding. The book is also relatively complete and can be used as taxt book or self-learning Branding book. This book is good.

most helpful marketing book I ever read
Most helpful marketing book I ever read. It had information I never knew I needed in a brief,descriptive format that I put to use while finishing the book. The reference materials were also very helpful. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Great Condition!
I ordered this book a week before my sister ordered her book off of Chegg and I got this book before she got hers! nice, fast service with great quality.

Great Service
The book came in better condition then it was stated.I used expedieted shipping and it came 2 days earlier then projected!

Just as described
The book is just as described, I found a few markings but thats no biggi.
Shipping was fast
Thank you

still no book!!
We ordered a book for my sons first term of college.We thought we had plenty of time to get the book before classes started on 9/22/08.We still have not received this book.

Is there a way we can track it to see where it might have been delivered? We ordered used books to save some money but there is no savings in never receiving the book!

Maureen Jaworski
moejaws@msn.com

AAmerican Red Cross First Aid: Responding to Emergencies
This is an Excellent manual for teachers of First Aid ... Read more

Product Description
·Revised to meet the current standards of first aid care by the American Red Cross and the Wilderness Medical Society
·Updated figures and drawings that illustrate essential first aid skills
·New quick-reference boxes that summarize recognition and treatment of many first-aid problems

This completely revised and updated fifth edition gives you all the latest information on assessing and treating conditions you may encounter in the wild, from serious injuries such as dislocations and fractures to unexpected major illness to weather-related problems. With quick-reference checklists of symptoms and procedures, recommendations on first aid kits and equipment, and more, Mountaineering First Aid will prepare you for anything in the backcountry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

American Red Cross use this book for the Mountaineering First Aid Course
The Mountaineering First Aid Guide covers various subjects about first aid when help is delayed.The book is for when you are out in the woods, mountains, destert, away from our normail EMS response we all are accustomed too.Several items are a little different than the Red Cross Course, so if you are taking the course use the Red Cross answers.This would be a very good book to have with you in your first aid kit.

Handy guide by highly experienced authors
This is a great guide to the basics of first aid in the mountains, whether it is a climbing or backing situation.For a fairly short book (170 pages or so) it covers a lot. Combine this with the chapter on first aid and alpine rescue in "Mountaineering the freedom of the Hills" (same publisher) and you have about everything you need."Medicine of the Outdoors" by Paul S. Auerbach, M.D.is more complete on many medical aspects, if you are looking for yet more information.

Safety above all else
Although this book may not cover EVERY detail about back country survival, it definitely gives some good pointers whether a person is in a large group or a small one.

Mountaineering is a dangerous sport, and the tactics andprocedures in this book can be applied to every day situations aswell.

This is a definite must-read for anyone who is responsible foranother life -- from trail guides to backpackers to parents to babysitters-- it is a must-have for every household! ... Read more

Product Description
Duesberg argues that HIV is merely a harmless passenger virus that does not cause AIDS. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (102)

Ignoring the data, and the truth
When Duesberg first began to talk about AIDS he was correct in saying that Koch's postulates had not been fulfilled. Some 20 years later both Koch's postulates and Bradford Hill's criteria for causation have been fulfilled, meaning it has been proven that HIV causes AIDS, according to established medical principles.

What's astonishing about Duesberg is that he continues to pretend that this data, and data from hundreds of related articles, simply does not exist. That's what we see in his talks and his writing: if you just ignore the published research, and selectively focus on the smaller, unresolved details,you can convince any gullible or predisposed person that established fact is false.

Outstanding book. Highly readable and genuinely convincing.
My only complaint is that an updated edition is needed, as this version was published in 1996. Yet much about HIV/AIDS remains the same: the risk groups, the number of Americans with HIV, the continuing lack of a vaccine, the expanding "latency period", the expanding list of AIDS-defining diseases, the conditional diagnosis, the different AIDS of Africa, etc.

The initial section on the history of misdiagnosed diseases going back to the acceptance of the germ theory through scurvy, beriberi, pellagra, and Legionnaire's Disease is essential background reading.

Amazing information
I'd heard of the battle of the gay community and AIDS researchers with Mr Duesberg and wanted more facts. I'm delighted that his information is finally written down; clearly and thoughtfully and more importantly to my non-scientific brain, accessibly. Since the author has gained nothing but making a target of himself, and the researchers refusing to acknowledge any of his information stand to lose $$billions in grant and research money, to say nothing of the drug companies and the $$billions in drug sales, I have to admit that I am have been willing to 'hear' his information. And after the AIDS conglomerates have quashed his attempts to respond to the Harvard paper accusing the author of genocide (really, he 'caused' the death of 300,000 plus Africans, in a country whose population DOUBLED during the same time he is accused of these deaths? Not rational, Harvard, not rational at all) I am doubly delighted to find this book. I would hope, several centuries ago, I would have been willing to look at Galileo's findings in as willing a mood. Meanwhile, regardless of your stance or interest, the book was interesting, and can make for spirited conversations around the table/water cooler/bar of your choice. It certainly has for me.
And what if he is correct and the research is wrong? Those folks who refuse to listen to his information may be committing even larger wrongs and more deaths in the name of their own pride. And I regret that, for my friends, for myself, and for our communal humanity.

Convoluted and wrong
Duesberg uses psuedo-science to "prove" his wildly wrong information.I've seen many of my friends with HIV go from near death to good health due to HIV meds, while I've seen AIDS denialists like Christine Maggiore die.Don't buy the Duesberg myth, and don't buy this book.

The Denialism IS the Conspiracy
It is shocking...and shameful....that over a decade after this book came out, and after the wealth of information gathered about HIV since then, some humans can still possibly think that:

A) HIV isn't real

or

B) HIV doesn't lead to full-blown AIDS

or

C) AIDS isn't real

But, even before we had a decade of deeper understanding (leading to significantly more effective antiretroviral treatments), this book was deeply, decidedly refuted by the vast majority of the people fighting on the front lines to educate and help people against a REAL, causal, viral killer.

The best refutation from "back then" can be seen here:

http://www.aidstruth.org/inventing.php

That was written in 1996.

I am dismayed....heartbroken....that here, 12 years later, people still log in to Amazon and give this tragically errant relic five stars, and glowing reviews.I suppose that people who WANT to believe in a conspiracy will simply believe it, and no amount of current, global, overwhelming scientific consensus can breach such an impenetrable ideological conviction.

For anyone reading this review who is NOT a zealot, and is NOT conspiracy-biased, I encourage you to read EVERYTHING YOU CAN, including Duesberg.Know the full history.Understand the controversies, real and imagined.Learn about all the present and past actors including some of the more prominent dissidents who died from AIDS in the midst of denying that they had it.

And most importantly, keep up with the field.Virology...like all of life science...is moving very fast now.As regards good science, concurrent, independent, global peer review is the lifeblood of healthy discussion here.Colorful contrarianism lives and breathes only when validated by redundant, independent, repeatable corroboration on a world scale.Without that, it eventually, rightfully dies, at least in the realm of practical scientific endeavor.

Think, read, and stay sane. ... Read more

Product Description
Used wherever the English Language is spoken or taught, New First Aid in English has proved invaluable in class and as a reference book, both to native English speakers and to students of English as a second language. Covering vocabulary, spelling, syntax, idiom and correct usage it provides the background information needed plus a wide range of exercises to test knowledge and skills. This second edition retains the structure and approach of the previous edition but has been produced to ensure that all the terms and information are up to date and reflect the international readership of the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The realo Quens English from England!
I used this book as a student in Jamaica, and it has carried me through life. My entire family has used this book. I have 9 other brothers and sisters plus my parents, and we all grew up on this book like many other Jamaicans and English students.
In Jamaica, the standard of education is very high, and English is broken down to the last letter unlike in the USA. No one in my family has ever failed English or gotten anything less than an A in English. In college I received 113% for English composition and 103% for English comprehension.
This book is easy to follow, and will equip you to speak proper English and to become impressively eloquent to others. If you practice to speak proper English, writing proper English will become a natural thing to do, and you can wrack up the A's.
It is the foundation of the English language, and everyone who is interested in presenting themselves to others in this like manner, should try to get a hold of this book. Your life will never be the same I can guarantee this.
... Read more

Product Description

From the Castro bathhouses to AZT and the denial of AIDS in South Africa, this sweeping look at AIDS covers the epidemic from all angles and across the world. Engel seamlessly weaves together science, politics, and culture, writing with an even hand&#8212noting the excesses of the more radical edges of the ACT UP movement as well as the conservative religious leaders who thought AIDS victims deserved what they got.

Customer Reviews (6)

CF: Book Review for The Epidemic
The Epidemic: A Global History on Aids

The topic of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is broad, complex, catastrophic, and incredibly interesting. ¬¬¬ Jonathan Engel's The Epidemic: A Global History of Aids does a coherent job in explaining the complex history of the AIDS epidemic.Engel breaks down the AIDS/HIV timeline and its catastrophic effect on the world beginning from the 1930's. He begins with the origins of AIDS and continues with its vast effect on people, its effect in different countries, differences in trends, societal views and morals, government action, civil rights, and global connections.
Engel jumps right into the topic in the preface, leaving out unnecessary boring anecdotal information. As Engel focuses on the many facets of AIDS and its problems, he jumps from different topics, focusing one chapter on the science of AIDS and focusing on government and society in other chapters. This book is a comprehensive collection of short books. Engel, for instance, sums up the origins of AIDS with its similarity to the SIV (Simian Immunodeficiency Virus) in monkeys in Africa and then begins to tell the long story of AIDS how it made its way to the West. The book is interesting, making it a relatively easy read. Engel breaks this broad topic into chapters with sub-chapters
This history itself is fascinating and the evidence Engel uses to support his information is excellent. Engel makes it easier to understand AIDS and HIV as it progressed in the 1930's through the 1990's. This book is a great resource to build a foundation to understand this virus from a social perspective. The Epidemic does not provide very much information about the myths that are associated with the denial of HIV causing AIDS. Although a few myths were mentioned, Engel refuted those claims in short, swift sentences in his summary.
Engel portrays a very neutral connotation when describing controversial situations regarding AIDS and society's reaction to it. The flow and cohesiveness of the book is more objective in its reporting on AIDS. For example, when relaying the details about the beginning of the outbreak, starting with its prevalence in homosexuals, and IV drugs users, Engel does a good job in explaining the situation from an objective point of view. He describes how AIDS is used as means for political gain, if not for moral humiliation by religious parties, then for homosexuals' Civil Rights or other political agendas.
The Epidemic is very informative and does an excellent job in explaining and summarizing these difficult subjects. Instead of going too in-depth about how HIV and AIDS work, Engel simplifies this topic with more general terms, making it easier for any reader who is unfamiliar with this topic to understand. Engel describes how AIDS redefined the world, from its first appearances in homosexuals and how some people thought they deserved what they got, to how the third world countries struggled to cope with such an expensive and difficult disease. Engel also incorporates stories, experiences, and perspectives regarding AIDS from either a victim or by-stander viewpoint in order to get a reaction from his readers. Engel illustrates the trials and errors America took in trying to tame this epidemic. Despite the complexity and how far the AIDS effect reached, Engel is able to explain everything in a concise and fluid manner. Also, because Engel focuses on the global aspect of AIDS, he talks about AIDS and its transition. He discusses changes in demographics, how AIDS spread between different genders, and trends within race groups, sexuality, countries, and government involvement.
One of the best features about The Epidemic is its list of sources in the back of the book. Engel has broken down all the sources he has used for each chapter, therefore providing more sources to readers who might want to look for more in-depth information on all of his subtopics.
If a reader's purpose is to find more research into the skeptical claims made about HIV and AIDS, this is not the book to get. It offers good background information so far as its history, but it does not offer much science behind the virus nor does it delve into how the virus works or evolved. This book only scratches the surface with what AIDS and HIV is in detail. The Epidemic offers its readers a quick history of the aids virus and also compares its effect in different parts of world and to different groups of people. It is easy to navigate through the book or skip parts of little interest because not all of the chapters must be read to fully understand its topic. For example, Engel focuses a section to AIDS in Africa as well as AIDS in Asia. Therefore, a reader would not be left in the dark if they chose not to read certain chapters. This book takes readers on a trip, from the origins of AIDS in Africa to the homosexual bathhouses in America.
This book is intended to intrigue general readers who are either unfamiliar or who know very little about the AIDS epidemic. The purpose of The Epidemic is to explain in coherent detail the facts. This book is not intended for medical doctors. As the book begins with basic information about AIDS, it also continues to describe the AIDS/HIV more complex history and how it effected the world on every level. In Engel's conclusion, he describes how many countries and societies had to adapt and change and the differences are even more interesting as countries such as Africa remained in denial and ignorance. Engel's novel is both thorough, easy to read and quite interesting.

Carefully documented history of AIDS
Not only is this book well documented and thorough, it is well written and interesting. So many opportunities for teaching AIDS awareness and prevention and opportunities for saving lives were missed because of misguided fear of teaching human sexuality and AIDS prevention.Because of such ignorance and fear, too many lives were lost. This is an excellent book for libraries, and should be on every church and school library shelf.

Language Matters
I read The Epidemic hoping to find new, useful information to use in updating my own 1999 AIDS history, Victory Deferred: How AIDS Changed Gay Life in America (University of Chicago Press). I have to admit I was skeptical that any book could capture the global breadth of the HIV pandemic, and The Epidemic proved my skepticism well-founded. Not only does it skim along the surface of important, even profound, events, but the book is written in language that leaves the impression the author has not learned anything from what the pandemic has taught about the vital importance of language. I was surprised to learn the author holds a PhD in the history of medicine from Yale.

Here is what I mean: Throughout the book the terms HIV and AIDS are used interchangeably; they are not interchangeable. As it has been used since HIV testing became available, in 1985, AIDS refers to the advanced stage of HIV disease (the preferred term for the spectrum of HIV-related infection and illness) at which the virus has seriously damaged the immune system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers a CD4 T-cell count below 200, a CD4 T-cell percentage below 14 percent, or the presence of an opportunistic infection in someone who has HIV to be what "defines" AIDS. A person cannot "catch" AIDS, though an HIV-positive person can progress to AIDS if his/her HIV infection is not managed with antiretroviral therapy. Throughout The Epidemic, the author refers to people "catching," being "infected with" or "spreading" AIDS. This is inaccurate, misleading and even a bit histrionic.

Other examples of poor language choice (and sloppy writing): "the gay community has been uniquely vulnerable to the virus." No, individuals who practice particular activities (primarily unprotected receptive anal intercourse) are uniquely vulnerable to the virus; the gay community includes such men, though not all gay men practice such activities. "Diseased already, the prostitutes could both more easily get the disease as well as give it." This is highly stigmatizing language. "AIDS babies." What is an "AIDS baby"? I will assume it's a "baby born with HIV infection"?

In a 300+ page book, the tremendously important role of AIDS service organizations in caring for the sick and preventing further HIV transmission is considered in a few paragraphs. The global impact of gay American men with AIDS in the early 1980s insisting on an active role in their health care decisions, demanding respect and rejecting the label of "AIDS victim" isn't even considered. But maybe that isn't surprising because they were the very people with AIDS (as they insisted on being called) who pointed out that language--how one refers to a person or describes a disease caused by a retrovirus--matters.

Clearly this book has not benefitted from some of the most basic, and most important, lessons of the history of the HIV pandemic. It breaks no new ground, and offers only a superficial, not very well polished, gloss on what was called as early as 1983 "the most important health crisis of our time." I wish I had found something useful here to help update my own book, but unfortunately I didn't.

Fascinating look at the epidemic of our age
This is a well-written, fascinating account of a disease that will define our generation.The discussion of the social and political construct surrounding the epidemic was extremely interesting.I would highly recommend this book to any person who wants to understand the global AIDS crisis and its challenges a little better.

An excellent overview
This book gives an excellent overview of the history, spread and consequences of HIV as it spreads through the global population.Written in a clear and easy to read style it provides a depth of accurate information to the layperson that I do not think can be easily gotten elsewhere.

I was particularly impressed with the author's grasp of the cultural aspects of the disease and the way in which beliefs, traditions and practices contribue to how effectively specific populations are coping with the virus.

This book should be recommended reading! ... Read more

Product Description

Trust the world's #1 selling medical review book to help you excel on the USMLE Step 1!

"When I was preparing to take the USMLE Step 1 exam two years ago, I used this book as my primary review source and found it extremely helpful. 3 Stars."--Doody's Review Service

This annually updated collection of the most frequentlytested high-yield facts and mnemonicsdelivers everything you need to pass themost anxiety-provoking exam of your career. Writtenby students who just passed the boards, this is theundisputed “bible” of USMLE Step 1 preparation -- used by more than half-a-million students.

• 1100+ must-know facts and mnemonics organized by organ systems and general principles
• Hundreds of high-yield clinical images you need to know before the exam -- including 24 pages of full-color photos
• Rapid review section for last minute cramming
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• Updated test-taking advice from USMLE veterans
• Strategies that maximize your study time and deliver real results

Customer Reviews (31)

v good
the book was in beter condition than it was described infact it looked new. thanx

Right on!!!
I first want to say that in my study process, I must have read all of kaplan books, goljan, and some BRS books. I spent so much time doing this but my scores were not improving much.You learn something really well, then 1 month later its lost in translation.I was getting very frustrated. At that point I decided to put all my faith into this book as well as U world.The key is to read this thing over and over, to the point were you see the pages in your mind.Do all of U world and wright notes into your first aid.In the end of doing all the questions youll have a excelent source. I can't stress this book enough. I got to the point were i could read this book in one week, and in one month I improved my NBME scores by 40 points. Lastly, U world assesment is almost identical to the actual test, the nbmes are slightly easier. I hope this helps you in your studies.

Love the book but I don't like the Kindle Version
I love the book just like most people who reviewed it. However, I purchased it for my new Kindle and the only texts I could read are from the introduction pages. The content itself is microscopic, even after I adjusted the font to the largest setting possible. I'm extremely dissapointed!!! So I ended up getting a refund. Thanks Amazon for understanding. First-Aid publishers please solve this problem!
Otherwise, the book is awesome!

great prep source
previously was using an older edition, so bought the updated version.love, and swear by this book for step one prep.

First Aid is the bible of step 1.
First Aid is essential for Step 1 prep. I would recommend buying it at the start of your second year, so you can read the chapters along with your corresponding courses. Don't worry that you won't have the newest edition that comes out in January (I think) each year. They just try to make it a little better each time, but the basic information is still there and it will be worth it to have read through the major chapters already when you get closer to boards. It also has useful tips that will help you on your course exams, but it probably won't be enough for those exams. ... Read more

Product Description
From one of the world’s best-known development economists—an excoriating attack on the tragic hubris of the West’s efforts to improve the lot of the so-called developing world

In his previous book, The Elusive Quest for Growth, William Easterly criticized the utter ineffectiveness of Western organizations to mitigate global poverty, and he was promptly fired by his then-employer, the World Bank. The White Man’s Burden is his widely anticipated counterpunch—a brilliant and blistering indictment of the West’s economic policies for the world’s poor. Sometimes angry, sometimes irreverent, but always clear-eyed and rigorous, Easterly argues that we in the West need to face our own history of ineptitude and draw the proper conclusions, especially at a time when the question of our ability to transplant Western institutions has become one of the most pressing issues we face. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (67)

Aid problems--the view from the inside
Easterly is highly critical of the approach of which he was a part for many years. As an economist with the World Bank he was one of the "Planners", those involved in aid and development that he criticizes for being the main architects of failure in the first world's attempt to help the poor of the world.

Top down planning from those not involved in the areas to be helped lead to wasted efforts, refusal to take responsibility and very loose goal setting allowing almost anything to be declared a success.Easterly is highly critical of the approach of which he was a part for many years. As an economist with the World Bank he was one of the "Planners", those involved in aid and development that he criticizes for being the main architects of failure in the first world's attempt to help the poor of the world.Their opposite are the "Searchers" those who are actively involved in the countries where aid is targeted, often indigenous workers who have a working knowledge of the values and mores of the target populations and how to best intersect them with aid vectors.

The Planners find it easier to get funded since but more difficult to show results while the Searchers are often successful but without the large scale funding and clout of the larger "Establishment" groups.

One excellent example Easterly uses (which has been reported by other authors) is the distribution of insecticide treated bed nets to mothers and their children in Malawi. The incidence of malaria, a disease spread by mosquitoes, has drops significantly in areas like Malawi where the nets are actually used. Through a simple system of having local health care workers sell nets to families for the equivalent of 25 cents each with the worker keeping 9 cents and being responsible for following up with the mom's and kids to make sure they were properly using the nets, new malaria infections dropped over 55% during the period studied. Only those who needed and were likely to use the nets were willing to pay even 25 cents for them.

In other areas where the top-down Planners carried out their program of free distribution of nets to everyone with essentially no follow-up and little local input the nets got a lot more people but were used much less often.

This is only one of many instances in Easterly's convincing book, a book that should be part of the training of development professionals

Wants to be two different books
William Easterly's book "The White Man's Burden" is a fascinating and engaging read about the reasons why the efforts of many well meaning aid organizations have done so little to battle poverty throughout the developing world. The book however sounds like it wants to be two different, yet interconnected books. The first two-thirds of the book present a very detailed if long winded view of why the big goals of Planners at the UN, World Bank and other aid organizations in the Western world fail to improve the poor. Some of these reasons include: putting money in the hands of bad governments that are corrupt and will use the aid to line their own pockets, imposing Western solutions on societies where they are in incompatible, and the broadness/impossibility of the utopian goals themselves.

The last third of the book becomes a critique of colonialism and Western particularly American interventions through both aid and military means. Although I enjoyed the section, it felt like it was the foundation for another book on the legacies of colonialism and military intervention by Western powers into the developing world. I understood the point that he was generally making that military intervention and Western support for dictators has undermined our efforts to do larger scale good within the developing world. However, the linkage between the two ideas needed to shored up a little bit more instead of here are a few case studies and these show that military interventions have done more to hurt those we seek to help [even though there's truth in the statement.] What I might have done is write two books because the link between the two parts could've been better stated.

Ask the Wrong Questions, Get Meaningless Answers. Why This Book is Irrelevant.
Easterly's framework for analysis is what seems most impoverished here. Professor Esther Duflo of MIT (a bit more prestigious and rigorous than NYU) has better questions, better stats and more interesting observations that blow Easterly's intellectual dishonesty out of the water. There are obviously many reasons that certain regions may be impoverished, but to say aid has "failed" is a statement without meaning or scientific basis. As one cannot know what things would be like if there had been no aid, how can one judge or define failure?See Duflo's fascinating TED talk here: [...]

Pointing out the obvious is obviously not obvious.
Easterly winds(could not resist the pun)up this critical analysis with some recommendations to reform Western foreign aid - which he repeatedly reminds us - does not work the way it should. How should it work? Well the poor ought to benefit at some elementary level at least, say having their educational and health needs met. This a worthwhile read just for the history of this screwed up mess. The only faults with the book are its length, sometimes tedious going, and the eyewash (i.e. small captions on some diagrams). After digesting the politics behind foreign aid one wonders are people really this stupid or is there some evil genius behind these machinations? For another take on this subject, I recommend "World on Fire" by Amy Chua.

Essential reading for everyone working in international development
The New York University professor and former World Bank economist, Bill Easterly, provides a scathing critique of the grand plans to transform entire Third World societies through development aid, as promoted by academic and other luminaries such as Jeffrey Sachs and Bono, as well as by many bilateral and multilateral development agencies. Building on a thorough historical analysis and deep understanding of how the development business works, Easterly convincingly argues that such utopian plans have never worked--despite all the billions of dollars put into development aid, poverty is still rampant and many countries (especially in Africa) remain destitute and the Millennium Development Goals remain elusive. He divides the people and organizations working in development into `Planners' who promote a vision of instant and complete transformations through a big bang; and `Searchers' who seek solutions to concrete problems that actually can be solved.

Unlike Dambisa Moyo, whose much less sophisticated book `Dead Aid' received wide attention for her extreme views, William Easterly does not condemn development aid as the cause of all evil in the poor countries. He sees a role for development aid, but is concerned about its effectiveness (or rather the lack of it). He advocates for focused aid that addresses concrete development problems facing the poor, such as health, education, roads or water. He also calls for innovative ways of approaching development, especially at the local level, arguing that local people know their own problems better than planners in some faraway capital (one of the last chapters is called `Your Ideas Are Crazy, but Are They Crazy Enough?'). One of the problems is that official development aid always goes through the government, no matter how inefficient or corrupt it is, with the result that the poor people who are intended to benefit from the aid never see any of it.

A Leitmotif in the book is accountability towards the intended beneficiaries, giving them what they want and need--and making sure that it is delivered to them.Therefore, he sees independent evaluation of aid programs as one of the most crucial solutions to ensure that aid is effective in helping those it is intended to help.

The book is written in a very lively manner drawing directly from the decades of experience in Africa, Asia and Latin America that Easterly has. He gives credit where credit is due, but does not spare anyone--left or right--from a piercing look into the motivations and results of their actions. His prose is at times outraged and irreverent, often laced with humour, always well argued. Everyone working in international development should read the White Man's Burden.
... Read more

Product Description
The urgency of reducing poverty in the developing world has been the subject of a public campaign by such unlikely policy experts as George Clooney, Alicia Keyes, Elton John, Angelina Jolie, and Bono. And yet accompanying the call for more foreign aid is an almost universal discontent with the effectiveness of the existing aid system. In Reinventing Foreign Aid, development expert William Easterly has gathered top scholars in the field to discuss how to improve foreign aid. These authors, Easterly points out, are not claiming that their ideas will (to invoke a current slogan) Make Poverty History. Rather, they take on specific problems and propose some hard-headed solutions.

Easterly himself, in an expansive and impassioned introductory chapter, makes a case for the "searchers"—who explore solutions by trial and error and learn from feedback—over the "planners"—who throw an endless supply of resources at a big goal—as the most likely to reduce poverty. Other writers look at scientific evaluation of aid projects (including randomized trials) and describe projects found to be cost-effective, including vaccine delivery and HIV education; consider how to deal with the government of the recipient state (work through it or bypass a possibly dysfunctional government?); examine the roles of the International Monetary Fund (a de facto aid provider) and the World Bank; and analyze some new and innovative proposals for distributing aid.

Contributors:
Abhijit Banerjee, Nancy Birdsall, Craig Burnside, Esther Duflo, Domenico Fanizza, William Easterly, Ruimin He, Kurt Hoffman, Stephen Knack, Michael Kremer, Mari Kuraishi, Ruth Levine, Bertin Martens, John McMillan, Edward Miguel, Jonathan Morduch, Todd Moss, Gunilla Pettersson, Lant Pritchett, Steven Radelet, Aminur Rahman, Ritva Reinikka, Jakob Svensson, Nicolas van de Walle, James Vreeland, Dennis Whittle, Michael Woolcock. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Foreign aid and all we don't know
This collection of studies illuminates one of (probably THE) problem with the theories and practice of development assistance:we just don't know what we're doing, and don't really understand the effects of our actions.This book, along with others, should become required reading within the development institutions.It should also incite those institutions and their staff to greater modesty as they go about their work -- modesty to the point of admitting their agnosticism.

Correction on authorship
This book is actually edited by William Easterly and with a forward by Nancy Birdsall (President, Center for Global Development) ... Read more

Product Description

The #1 selling medical review book in the.world�updated with the very latest must know.facts and test-taking advice for the.USMLE Step 1

Customer Reviews (31)

Review of First Aid 2008
I have enjoyed using this book so far. It condenses important points very well, and includes easy to remember mnemnonics and pictures. If you med-school has shelf exams it is a great resource to condense your studying so that you cover the most important topics.

Kindle version is a WASTE OF MONEY!
I wanted to give this zero stars, but that is not an option. (This is a review for the Kindle version of the book.)
I own the 2009 physical book, but bought this because of the text-to-speech function on the Kindle, since I wanted options when I study. Unfortunately what they neglect to tell you is that the actual main text is scanned in as an image, and so is not compatible with this. The device just skips over all the main text and reads out only the headings to you. If this isn't bad enough, the text is absolutely unreadable. It says it's optimized for the Kindle DX, but still usable on other devices - the text is so tiny that there's no way I could make any of it out. I had checked out the sample for the book before purchasing, and conveniently the beginning part of the book, which the sample covers, is all actual text (that you can make larger, and is compatible with the text-to-speech), while right after the sample ends, the text becomes the tiny scanned image which is compatible with nothing, including my vision. This was a huge waste of money - stick to the actual book.

Excellent Service
The book is an excellent practice guide for the USMLE exam. I loved it instantly. Also, Amazon service impressed me a lot. This was my first time shipping international, and I was afraid the items might be delayed for long. However, the items arrived earlier than Amazon had estimated. I was very happy. Thank you.

sufficient to ace step 1
If you memorize First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 comprehensively, you WILL ace step 1. It does contain errors, but many are obvious and few are misleading. Furthermore, FA is diligent about publishing a list of errata on their website.

Start using this book early
I got this book at the beginning of my first year so I could get familiar with the format as well as the extent of material on the USMLE 1. GOOD IDEA! This book will not supplement your text or lecture, but it is really nice to dig out what are the most important concepts I need to understand. The book also offers very helpful ratings for study review books. This is awesome. I first read the ratings in this book and then went to Amazon for more reviews. The downside for me is that there is no color. I think that is so that you can draw the pictures yourself with just a pen, but sometimes it makes it harder to understand. But then again, that is why you use this book with another text. Definitely get this book from the start (especially if you are in problem based learning). ... Read more