Securing America's Pension Promise

Customer Reviews:

It wasn't your fault........2004-02-02

If you are a college educated American and underemployed (i.e. working at a job that does not utilise your specific degree, or ANY degree) then you are far from alone. Over half of all college graduates are in the same boat. This figure is even higher for liberal arts and sciences graduates. You did nothing "wrong"- the economy just hasn't been able to generate enough good jobs since the '60's.

A big part of the problem was the high level decision to move manufacturing jobs out of the country. This meant the loss of tens of millions of mid-level management jobs that should have gone to college graduates. The plan in the 60's was for American industry to modernise and automate (and train workers) to overcome low-wage foriegn competition. However, instead of following this government endorsed long-range plan, most manufacturers simply moved their manufacturing off shore to utilise the cheaper labor. This was cheaper and easier than developing efficient high-tech facilities in the U.S.

Secondly, there was a complete disconnect between the needs of industry, and the numbers and type of training in the colleges and universities. For the most part business and higher education mistrusted each other and excluded each other from each other's decision making. This resulted in millions of college grads whose training bore no resemblance to the actual practical needs of industry. Nor were most graduates trained to think in terms of starting their own businesses- it was indoctrinated into them that they would naturally work for large corporations that would "look after" their career development.

So cheer up if you could never found a job that matched your training. It wasn't your fault. It was a failure of "economic democracy."

good book........2000-10-16

its a good book, opens yourself on the world that is declinning in most aspects, and awares us of solutions to solve unemployment by changing society as a whole. Interseting reading.

The Education-Jobs Gap: Underemployment or Economic Democracy.(Review) (book review): An article from: The Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology

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The Education-Jobs Gap: Underemployment or Economic Democracy.(Review) (book review): An article from: The Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology
Robert D. Hiscott
Manufacturer: Canadian Sociology and Anthropology Assn.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology, published by Canadian Sociology and Anthropology Assn. on May 1, 2000. The length of the article is 1480 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The Education-Jobs Gap: Underemployment or Economic Democracy.(Review) (book review)
Author: Robert D. Hiscott
Publication: The Canadian Review of Sociology and Anthropology (Refereed)
Date: May 1, 2000
Publisher: Canadian Sociology and Anthropology Assn.
Volume: 37 Issue: 2 Page: 239

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Amazon.com

The debut volume from the new L.A. Weekly imprint at St. Martin's Press, Diana McLellan's witty and penetrating study of the golden age of Hollywood sapphism will delight the armchair detective as well as the lavender movie buff. Thanks to McLellan's obsessive sleuthing, The Girls offers not only the most detailed biography of Mercedes de Acosta, seducer of the stars, but provides tantalizing evidence of an early affair in Germany between Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo, women who in later life claimed never to have met. Much of the book is devoted to Garbo--another sign of the author's good taste--and revelations abound. Sadly, the golden age gave way to McCarthyism. Even the "gayest" of Hollywood lesbians retreated into the closet, or, like de Acosta, left for Europe. McLellan tracks their disappearance in the 1950s and 1960s against the first stirrings of the gay rights movement, providing a satisfying conclusion to a fascinating but not always happy tale. --Regina Marler

Book Description

From the complex love life of the elegant Mercedes de Acosta through Isadora Duncan and Tallulah Bankhead to Garbos lover Salka Viertel, McLellan untangles a passionate skein of connections that stretches from the theater to brazenly bisexual socialites deep into the heart of the film industry.

Customer Reviews:

fantasy.......2007-10-09

Nearly all of Dianne McLellan's accounts of Greta Garbo's lesbian liaisons are unreliable,and therefore fail to titillate. Otherwise this book is well written, entertaining and informative.

McLellan's tone makes the book.......2006-11-19

Homosexual activity in Old Hollywood was wrapped in such a thick shroud of secrecy, it's doubtful there will ever be a "definitive" book on the subject. The reviewers who criticize this book as being too speculative miss the point that, with so little provable fact to work with, any book on the subject winds up being speculative. (Even interviewing surviving family and friends doesn't guarantee the researcher will avoid opinions, lies and personal agendas.)

Since there are so many holes chroniclers must fill in, the books end up being more of a Rorschach test of the authors than an objective presentation of the history. (And in reading the reviews here, I'd hazard the opinion that it becomes a Rorschach of the READERS, too!)

Here's my personal Rorschach:

I couldn't disagree more with the comment that McLellan's tone was off-putting. Her tone was precisely what I liked best about this---yes---speculative romp. (The term "my girls" is patronizing? Funny, I felt the author's distinctive *affection* for her subjects with that phrase.)

I have read far too many Old Hollywood biographies written by disapproving authors. In these books, lesbianism was presented as a seedy, shamefaced, sideline activity which resulted from either inebriation or narcissistic hedonism.

However, McLellan dares to create a tone of celebration when talking of her subjects and their attraction to each other. Yes, these women were catty and manipulative and their affairs were short-lived and often shallow. However, throughout the book, McLellan creates the feeling that these women were capable of genuinely loving life and each other between melodramas. Wow. Women-loving-women being portrayed as actually being FUN? How radical is that? (wink)

Take the book with a grain of salt, (like all other books on the subject, even William J. Mann,) but enjoy the fact that women-loving-women in Old Hollywood DID exist and that some of it was actually a celebration.

Herta von Walther was in Joyless Street, not Dietrich.......2006-07-15

`"I'm of course aware that some believe that Herta von Walther played the Dietrich role in the Garbo film Die freudlose Gasse, "The Joyless Street",' so writes Diana McLellan.

Despite the author's claim that Marlene was in Pabst 's "The Joyless Street," there is absolutely no evidence that any actress other than Herta von Walther played the part of the woman in the butcher line.

McLellan certainly has no proof that Marlene played the part. Therefore any thing she says about her in that role is opinionated speculations.

There is, however, much evidence that Herta von Walther was in that role.

Marlene and Herta did appear together in one film in 1923, Tragödie der Liebe.

There is no evidence that Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich ever appeared in any films together.

The fact is that Herta made four films with the director of The Joyless street between the years 1925 and 1928. The four are Joyless Street, Secrets of a Soul, Love of Jeanne Ney, Abwege.

There is no record of director Georg Wilhelm Pabst having ever made any films with Marlene Dietrich.

Too much conjecture.......2005-10-07

Interesting book, a quick read, and an interesting perspective about the evil influence of Salka Viertel on the career of Greta Garbo. Ironic that the only friend she ever trusted ruined her career (Salka Viertel). I did not like Greta Garbo's treatment of her loyal friend/lover Mercedes. Greta Garbo is depicted as a young woman who developed some strange coping mechanisms in order to survive in Hollywood. Some things that the author wrote about seem fictional or conjecture, for example, Greta stripped down to nothing in front of Georges Schlee for a fitting by his designer wife. How could the writer know such things unless she interviewed Mr or Mrs. Schlee themselves?

Fun, But Too Many Flaws.......2004-08-16

Sure, I had fun reading this book. But the Amazon reviewer who termed it "highly speculative" is understating the case. Opinion, conjecture, hearsay, and speculation too often take the place of thorough, solid documentation. And unlike many other Amazon reviewers, I found McLellan's tone off-putting. She alternates between patronizing her subjects (the very notion of calling them "my girls," for instance) and setting them up primarily as sources of voyeuristic thrills for the herself and the reader. Is the book dishy and intriguing and flamboyant? You bet. But is the topic of lesbianism in Hollywood well-served here? I don't think so.

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Sappho Goes to Hollywood : The Girls
Diana McLellan
Manufacturer: Robson Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1861053819

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The Girls : Sappho Goes to Hollywood
Diana McLeallan
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IXSECK

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The Girls Sappho Goes to Hollywood
McClellan Diana
Manufacturer: LA Weekly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UDUBP6

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The Girls: Sappho Goes to Hollywood
Diana (Author) McLellan
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTK606

Book Description

This is a source work of medieval magic that gives complete sets of zodiacal lames, characters, and planetary sigils, with full details for their manufacture and consecration, often omitted by later writers. Paracelsus is essentially concerned with the practical applications of magic, especially with regard to healing, rather than the extravagant fantasies of theorists. His sections on alchemy include details of the planetary spirits, the conjunction of the male and female principles, and each step on the path to the Tincture—one of the most complete descriptions in the whole Hermetic canon. Paracelsus outlines techniques for the exorcism of evil spirits, conjuration, and counteracting witchcraft. Stephen Skinner's introduction provides a brief biography of Paracelsus and explains the influence of his work on the Western Mystery Tradition.

Customer Reviews:

The Archidoxes of Magic.......2006-11-10

This is the classic Renaissance manual on magic. Paracelsus falls midway between Marsilio Ficino and Athanasius Kircher in the exploration of hermetic systems as keys to understanding the inner workings of creation. This particular edition reproduces the actual pages of an early English translation, which makes it slightly harder to read but lends it great charm. The soft cover has a smooth, waxy feel.

A Symphony of Occult Topics!.......2005-09-05

Leaves you blitzed and bemused by the stupefying collection of topics. Just when you thought you knew a good chunk of this stuff, along comes a book like this and it proves you still have a universe within a universe to learn. A great read.

A medieval occult manual and reference.......2005-01-04

A facsimile reprint of the original edition from the English translation of 1656, down to the somewhat uneven typeface, The Archidoxes Of Magic is a medieval occult manual and reference that includes complete sets of zodiac lames, characters, and planetary sigils. Covering alchemy, medieval magic, and some alternative healing techniques, and herbal remedies, this groundbreaking work includes an introduction by Stephen Skinner, which offers a brief biography of the Swiss physician and author Paracelsus, as well as an overview of how Paracelsus' work influenced the Western Mystery Tradition for centuries to come. A core reference for magic, alchemy or occult studies shelves.

Four Treatises of Theophrastus Von Hohenheim Called Paracelsus

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Four Treatises of Theophrastus Von Hohenheim Called Paracelsus
Paracelsus
Manufacturer: The Johns Hopkins University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

General | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books

History of Science | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books

History | Special Topics | Medicine | Subjects | Books

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Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0801855233

Book Description

Born near Einsiedeln in 1493, Philip Theophrastus von Hohenheim, who later called himself Paracelsus, was the son of a physician. His thirst for knowledge led him to study arts in Vienna, then medicine in Italy, but the instruction left him disillusioned. He had learned to see nature with his own eyes, undiluted by the teachings of books. He was a rebellious spirit, hard-headed and stubborn, who travelled all over Europe and the British Isles to practice medicine, study local diseases, and learn from any source he could, humble as it might be. In these years of wanderings, Paracelsus developed his own system of medicine and a philosophy of theology all his own. Though he wrote a great many books that covered a wide range of subjects, only a few of his works were ever published in his lifetime. When he died in Salzburg in 1541, one of the most forceful personalities of the Renaissance died with him.

Here are collected four treatises which illustrate four different aspects of Paracelsus' work. The first gives a passionate justification of his character, activities, and views, and gives a picture of the man and his basic ideas. The second treatise is a study of the diseases of miners, with whom Paracelsus had spent a great deal of time. Then follows a treatise on the psychology and psychiatry of Paracelsus. Written at a time when mental diseases were beginning to be studied and treated by physicians, this pioneering essay anticipates a number of modern views. The last essay, entitled "A Book on Nymphs, Sylphs, Pygmies, and Salamanders, and on the Other Spirits," is a fanciful and poetic treatment of paganism and Greek mythology, as well as a good sample of Paracelsus' philosophy and theology. Together these essays show one of the most original minds of the Renaissance at the height of his powers.

The Archidoxies Of Theophrastus Paracelsus

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The Archidoxies Of Theophrastus Paracelsus
Theophrastus Paracelsus
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1425350399

Book Description

THIS 96 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Hermetic and Alchemical Writings of Paracelsus Part 2, by Theophrastus Paracelsus. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766126226.

Agrippa Von Nettesheim and Theophrastus Paracelsus

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Agrippa Von Nettesheim and Theophrastus Paracelsus
Rudolf Steiner
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1425319521

The Alchemist Of Nature And Concerning The Entity Of Poison

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The Alchemist Of Nature And Concerning The Entity Of Poison
Theophrastus Paracelsus
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Magic | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1425350461

Book Description

THIS 14 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Hermetic and Alchemical Writings of Paracelsus Part 2, by Theophrastus Paracelsus. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766126226.

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Alchemy - Pamphlet
Theophrastus Paracelsus
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1430416130

Book Description

THIS 11 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Three Famous Alchemists, by Theophrastus Paracelsus. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 092280284X.

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Alchemy And Astrology
Franz Hartmann , and Theophrastus Paracelsus
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Magic | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Alchemy | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1425327249

Book Description

THIS 30 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Paracelsus: Life and Prophecies, by Franz Hartmann. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1564599817.

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Alchemy The Third Column Of Medicine
Theophrastus Paracelsus
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Magic | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Alchemical Medicine

ASIN: 1425350437

Book Description

THIS 24 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Hermetic and Alchemical Writings of Paracelsus Part 2, by Theophrastus Paracelsus. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766126226.

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Anthropology and the Generation of Man
Theophrastus Paracelsus
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1419112260

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As Above, So Below
Theophrastus Paracelsus
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1430416092

Book Description

THIS 9 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Three Famous Alchemists, by Theophrastus Paracelsus. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 092280284X.

Download Description

THIS 9 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Three Famous Alchemists, by Theophrastus Paracelsus. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 092280284X.

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