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THE ONCE AND FUTURE SUPERPOWER

Name: THE ONCE AND FUTURE SUPERPOWER
Author: Joseph J. Romm
ISBN: 0-688-11868-2

HOW TO RESTORE AMERICA'S ECONOMIC, ENERGY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY

by Joseph J. Romm ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 17, 1992

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Romm (Research Scholar/Rocky Mountain Institute) details a strategy for restoring American economic primacy. At the close of what he says have been five decades of obsession with ``national security,'' Romm proposes that broader meaning be given to that term. He argues that economic and environmental issues pose as great a threat to our nation right now as any political enemy—and that reversing the country's economic decline is as important as military preeminence. Romm calls for a national industrial policy, for federal R&D spending to concentrate more on civilian projects and to develop critical technologies, and for a reexamination of progressive energy sources like wind or solar power, rejected as inefficient in their technological infancy. He also points out that, in 1970, photovoltaic cells needed to convert sunlight into electricity cost $60 per kilowatt- hour each to produce; they now cost 30 cents apiece. Far from being antigrowth, Romm contends, a progressive energy policy will help revitalize the economy. Behind his suggestions lies a call for pragmatism and efficiency and the widespread application of the O- O-D-A Loop (observe situations; orient oneself to them; make a decision; and take action), developed by an Air Force colonel and the reason, Romm says, for our success in the Gulf War. The specter of Japanese economic strength is constantly called up, but Romm doesn't offer the typical anti-Japanese screed; rather, he calls for reorienting our foreign-aid budget away from military priorities towards fostering development; ending global warming; and increasing exports. Finally, Romm says that the Pentagon must be more realistic about distributing its reduced budget. Well researched, thoughtful, evenhanded (if repetitive at times)—and distinguished by its wealth of detailed suggestions rather than rhetoric.

Pub Date: Sept. 17, 1992

ISBN: 0-688-11868-2

Page Count: 320

Publisher: Morrow/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1992

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.