Business Ecology: Giving Your Organization the Natural Edge

Book Description

Business ecology is a new field that synthesizes centuries of cultural wisdom, a close observation of natural systems, and proven business success strategies, such as strategic planning and total quality management. It emulates nature's systems design to provide a harmonious, relationship-oriented approach that reveals how your organization really works. This book applies these principles to help you integrate profitability, stakeholder relations, and environmental performance ¦ giving your organization the natural edge in emerging ecological economy.

Business ecology measures not just financial but overall viability by revealing vital flows and relationships that sustain your business. It is a lens for seeing those intangible elements of your organization's design -- such as core values, value-creation cycles, and innovative thinking ¦ that are essential factors shaping its success.

The Business Ecology Network (BEN), founded in 1995, is a catalyst for life-sustaining enterprise. BEN is a learning community for leaders and managers who want to apply a new way of thinking ¦ business ecology ¦ to create new, sustainable opportunities for their businesses and non profit organizations. Visit the BEN web page at http://naturaledge.org.

· Applies nature's organizing elegance to everyday business situations
· Offers the reader profit AND environmental integrity
· Unique and valuable blend of traditional business concepts with cutting-edge field of ecology

Customer Reviews:

This book is a MUST for any business or organization leader!.......1999-01-23

Business Ecology is about the direction all businesses will have to go if we are to preserve a good quality of life on this planet. One of the most important messages for me was that people need to realize that money is not the only way that we pay for things! We pay for things by giving up clean air, clean water, and clean soil. In this light, things like "cheap" gasoline are not so cheap after all. This book has helped my life, and I think that it will help everyone's life.

Average customer rating:

very poor

Funny but too short

Great Book for NASCAR fans

NASCAR's Most Wanted: The Top 10 Book of Outrageous Drivers, Wild Wrecks and Other Oddities (Most Wanted)
Jim McLaurin
Manufacturer: Potomac Books Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Racing | Automotive | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
History of Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books
Motor Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Wildest Ride: A History of NASCAR (or, How a Bunch of Good Ol' Boys Built a Billion-Dollar Industry out of Wrecking Cars)

NASCAR Confidential: Stories of the Men and Women Who Made Stock Car Racing Great

Official NASCAR Trivia: The Ultimate Challenge for NASCAR Fans

Real Men Work in the Pits : A Life in NASCAR Racing

Then Junior Said to Jeff--: The Best NASCAR Stories Ever Told

ASIN: 1574883585

Book Description

Tim Flock once raced with a monkey in his car. When the 1961 Western North Carolina 500 was declared over after only 250 miles because of a deteriorating track surface, 4,000 fans held the drivers hostage. Driver Lloyd Seay was shot and killed by a cousin in a dispute over payment for a load of sugar used in their moonshining operation. One of NASCARâ€™s earliest tracks, in Daytona, Florida, used a beach for one straightaway and a public highway for the other.

Containing fifty lists of the top-ten drivers, tracks, finishes, technological innovations, and so on, NASCAR's Most Wantedâ„¢ will inform and amuse diehard fans and newcomers to the fast-growing, always exciting world of stock car racing.

Customer Reviews:

very poor.......2004-01-05

Numerous factual errors, incomplete, rehash of the same old stories, it adds nothing new to interest the reader. The author has an obvious bias against Dale Earnhardt Sr. Example: Earnhardt's death was 10th most important fatality in NASCAR acccording to his book. More important ones to the sport were J.D. McDuffie and Michael Ritch.

Funny but too short.......2002-06-07

Some really off the wall funny stories, however, it seemed like it was just 'bits and pieces', nothing really complete.

Great Book for NASCAR fans.......2001-08-04

This is a very well written, informative book. I really enjoyed reading the "top ten" for each section. left me wanting more

Customer Reviews:

Very good for latin studies reforcing.......2007-10-12

It has so many structures (verbs and nouns forms) in each fabula that make it a very good reforcing in Latin studies.

Absolutely wonderful!!.......2007-07-22

This book is a great way to enhance my learning of Latin. Because the stories are already familiar, it is easier to understand but still interesting.

Latin Fairy Stories.......2007-01-04

Light and well known subject matter - I should think youngsters starting in Latin would like it, with help.

Excellent reader!.......2006-08-17

What do you do when you've completed a text of basic Latin grammar, but aren't ready yet for Cicero? For me, FAIRY TALES IN LATIN is a great solution:

1. I know the stories so well, they almost tell themselves.

2. I found myself breezing through grammar that gave me grief when I was learning it. I read right through the subjunctive, conditionals, and more without even realizing it!

3. The writers put to good use the repetition common to fairy tales by using different voices and vocabulary.

4. While you'll probably never again see a few of the new vocabulary (did the ancient Romans eat porridge?), there's *plenty* that you will.

Word order is more English than Latin. But at this stage of the game, I think that's a good thing. The experts may hold a different opinion.

All I know is that this book has solidified my ability to read selections that include many areas of grammar, and has expanded my vocabulary.

There are no macrons in either the stories themselves or the glossary. Don't panic! It becomes easy fast. Hey, we'll have to face de-macroned Latin sometime :-)

I just love that, with only a little effort, I can read through these stories. In Latin! Get this book.

A great intermediate transition book.......2006-07-10

I found this book to be an enjoyable, easy read. Only a few times have a had to look in the back dictionary. The stories are familiar to most people, and this helps, I believe in the Latin understanding. The style of writing is simple and also facilitates learning.
One should probably have studied at least a year of Latin before reading this book, although I imagine that even beginner students would be able to get something out of the book. The book uses subjunctive clauses often and so it would be good to be familiar with them.
It is a great way to make the transition from reading "stilted Latin" to "living Latin". A great preparation for reading classic texts.

Book Description

A homeless boy who lives in an airport with his father, moving from terminal to terminal trying not to be noticed, is given hope when a trapped bird finally finds its freedom.

Customer Reviews:

Fly Away Home.......2007-09-24

This is a wonderful book about homelessness from a child's point of view. The child likens himself to a bird trapped in the busy airport where he and his father live very carefully as to be undetected. A job for his father will free them to fly away from their temporary home like the bird that finally flies away when an automatic door opens one day.

Great, realistic story.........2007-05-30

This book is more true to life then may people would like to a admit. As a school teacher, I have been using this book for years to share the plight of the working homeless. I have also worked in the homeless shelters of Boston and can't tell you how many people are struggling just to get on their feet. This book is sad, however you would been amazed how much empathy and new awareness an older child has after reading is wonderful piece of literature!

Sticks with you.......2007-01-08

I'm now 20, but I remembered reading this book when I was much younger. It's come into my mind more than once, and I'm glad to've finally found the title of the book again. You see, this is the kind of book that'll stick with you for a very long time. You've read the plot summary, so you know that this isn't exactly a regular children's book in its mood, but if it is possible at all for a children's book to truly change the way a child looks at the world in such a way that the impression remains, this is such a book. The illustrations are beautiful and hazy and dreamlike, though the story exists not in a fantasy world, but in a very mature reality. The story is pretty unique, but the feelings of comfort and love are threads that any child could stand to learn from. I highly recommend this as a much needed book for any child's collection.

Bizarre Homeless Tale.......2006-12-21

This story is quite bizarre and depressing. I'm keeping it for the collector's value. Thoughtful and synmpathetic. Problem: Sadly, there's no way a homeless father and son could live in an airport for more than a day or two in the post 9-11 era. Even the most ignorant security guard team would discover them and kick them out.

Fly Away Home.......2006-05-26

This book is great and kind of sad. The way it's sad because it was about the kid and his father being poor and they got to live in an airport and they could be kicked out from there. Also, they are trying everything to get out of there and live a good life. Out of all the way the writing of the book is good.

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill: A Love Story . . .with Wings

Average customer rating:

Really good book
Parrots for everyone!
Love on Wings
Even better than the movie
On the Wings of Love...

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill: A Love Story . . .with Wings
Mark Bittner
Manufacturer: Harmony
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0609610554
Release Date: 2004-01-20

Book Description

The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill is the inspiring story of how one man found his life’s work—and true love—among a gang of wild parrots roosting in one of America’s most picturesque urban settings.

Mark Bittner was down on his luck. He’d gone to San Francisco at the age of twenty-one to take a stab at a music career, but he hadn’t had much success. After many years as an odd-jobber in the area, he accepted work as a housekeeper for an elderly woman. The gig came with a rent-free studio apartment on the city’s famed Telegraph Hill, which had somehow become home to a flock of brilliantly colored wild parrots.

In this unforgettable story, Bittner recounts how he became fascinated by the birds and made up his mind to get to know them and gain their trust. He succeeds to such a degree that he becomes the local wild parrot expert and a tourist attraction. People can’t help gawking at the man who, during daily feedings, stands with parrots perched along both arms and atop his head. When a documentary filmmaker comes along to capture the phenomenon on film, the story takes a surprising turn, and Bittner’s life truly takes flight.

Customer Reviews:

Really good book.......2007-07-20

This book was recommended to me by someone whose taste in books I questioned. However, I must say this is a well-written, fascinating book. For animals lovers, in particular, you will truly enjoy this story.

Parrots for everyone!.......2007-07-12

What a thrill to learn about Mark Bittner's love and care of the flock of (mostly) cherryheads. I'm not even a bird person, but I was just mesmerized a couple of years ago by a story I heard on NPR about a flock of parrots. I'm still not sure it was the San Francisco flock, but imagine my surprise when I saw Mark's book on my emailed Page-A-Day calendar.

Reading the story was like being there. I learned to like Mark in spite of my reservations in the beginning; couldn't wait to watch the film.

Only a week after finishing the book, I was reading the intro to another book and the author (Jim Palmer) introduced himself as a lover of quirky films that no one else knows about, like "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill." I considered it a "God-sign."

Read this book; you'll love it.

Love on Wings.......2007-06-27

I throughly enjoyed this true story with a happy ending.
It was written with heart and soul.
And touched mine.

Even better than the movie.......2007-01-03

I watched the movie prior to reading the book.

I enjoyed both but in particular the book.

Mark is a very good writer, especially when you consider that he has no formal training, that I am aware of.

This is a book that you can read again a few months later and be entertained all over again.

On the Wings of Love..........2006-12-26

They say he may have been a modern bohemian Saint Francis living in San Francisco and befriending wild parrots. Or maybe he was simply a man returning (for some time) to the original state of humankind living in harmony with the creatures. Yes, this is the story of wild parrots and a semi-wild man and how they danced, sang, ate seeds, and lived together for six years. Perched high upon a hill overlooking the San Francisco bay, the ancient story of human befriending wild beasts unfolded. The kind of tale that fascinates us today just as it would have fascinated our ancestors in ancient times. Such stories will always fascinate us humans, whenever a gentle, loving heart opens itself to the magic and mystery of creation and engages in a dance of truth with life.

Mark Bittner writes: "In 1988, I took a job as the caretaker of a house on the east side of Telegraph Hill. Two years later I spotted four parrots in the gardens outside my home. Within three years the flock had grown to twenty-six, and I was in love. I spent the next six years making friends with them and learning their ways... I watched them for several years with tremendous curiosity. What were wild parrots doing in San Francisco? Then one day a few of them flew to my fire escape, and my whole life changed..."

In 1996 Mark began writing a book about his experiences with these colorful, fascinating birds. He came to know each parrot individually and personally. Each one has its unique personality, quirks, friendships, courtships, and life pathways. Mark wrote his observations in a journal of the lives of Mingus, Connor, Picasso, Sophie, Olive, Pushkin, Tupelo, and many other parrots whom he named, fed, observed, cared for, and befriended. He also photographed the birds, with stunning results. The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill: A Love Story... With Wings is the highly acclaimed, charming, and best-selling result of Mark's six years with the birds.

Judy Irving, a filmmaker, began creating a documentary of Mark's work with the parrots in 1998. This resulted in her extraordinary documentary, also called The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill. Although the title is the same as the book, the book and film focus on somewhat different aspects of the story. The film (available on DVD) is as much a study of Mark as it is of the parrots. While working on the film, Judy and Mark fell in love. They are now married and living in the gardens of Telegraph Hill. Mark is currently working on a book about his years of living on the street prior to his encounter with the parrots. Judy continues making her high quality films on the environment.

If you read the book or watch the film, you will find that Mark's bird-friends become your friends. James D. Gilardi, Ph.D., Director of the World Parrot Trust, writes: "By falling in with a flock of wild parrots, Bittner has learned more about a real parrot society than those of us studying wild or captive parrots could ever hope to learn." But of course, the book isn't just about parrots. As one reviewer of Mark's book wrote: "By the end of his tale, you will no longer see humans as the center of the universe, if you ever did." And by the time the screen credits are rolling at the end of the film, you will find yourself transformed by this beautifully touching and compelling story.

What I loved especially about both the film and the book is experiencing how Mark himself evolves and transforms through his relationship with the parrots and eventually through his relationship with Judy. He was a lost musician, a street person, a post-beatnik, searching for truth and "right living" as taught by Buddhism. He took odd jobs, tried this and that, but never quite found his path. Until he met the parrots. And then Judy. We sense that the story is far from over, and we yearn to know more of its unfolding... I wish that Judy and Mark would write, or document in film or photographs, more about their personal lives since the publication and dissemination of their book and film. The film opens you up to the delight of these two people, and one yearns to know more. Like the parrots, Judy and Mark have become our friends through the magic of the book and film.

To experience the magic yourself, view the film or DVD, read the book, view Mark's photos, and check out Mark's and Judy's websites. You'll be glad that you did! Beautiful story, beautiful people, beautiful birds.

Yes, if you are a lover of nature, both human and animal, I highly recommend this book and the film/DVD.

Average customer rating:

Great Book!
A beautiful book
Review by Selena Knight
interesting plot
Homeless bird

Homeless Bird
Gloria Whelan
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Popular Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Book Clubs | Specialty Stores | Books

Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

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ASIN: 0064408191
Release Date: 2001-08-21

Amazon.com

"What if I don't like him?"
"Of course you will like him."
"But what if I don't?"
Maa impatiently slapped at a fly. "Then you must learn to like him."

But Koly never gets a chance to find out if she does care for her intended groom. Married and promptly widowed at 13, Koly finds herself in the grim position of being cast out by a society that has no place for girls like her. With a seemingly hopeless future in India, this courageous and spirited young woman sets out to forge her own destiny. Through perseverance, resourcefulness, and sheer luck, she manages not only to find a niche for herself, but even to find happiness again.

Gloria Whelan's tale of a remarkable girl in an extraordinary situation will linger with the reader long after the last page is read. The shaping of Koly's life, as anyone's, is in her own hands, as well as the hands of the society in which she lives. Her ability to express herself--and ultimately support herself--with her exceptional skill in embroidery is a symbol of the creative ingenuity that will serve her well throughout her tribulations. (Ages 8 and older) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

Gloria Whelan's National Book Award–winning novel, chronicles the breathtaking story of a remarkable young woman who dares to defy fate.

Like many girls her age in India, thirteen–year–old Koly faces her arranged marriage with hope and courage. But Koly's story takes a terrible turn when in the wake of the ceremony, she discovers she's been horribly misled; her life has been sold for a dowry. In prose both graceful and unflinching, this powerful novel relays the story of a rare young woman, who even when cast out into a brutal current of time–worn tradition, sets out to forge her own remarkable future.Inspired by a newspaper article about the real thirteen–year–old widows in India today, this universally acclaimed best–selling novel, characterized by spare, lyrical language and remarkable detail, transports readers into the heart of a gripping tale of hope.

Ages 10+

Customer Reviews:

Great Book!.......2007-07-03

This book was a refreshing read. It was also an easy read. The characters were all very believable and I just really enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended!

A beautiful book.......2007-06-09

This is the book that took me to India when I was a young girl. When I was 11 years old, it was the first book that brought me to another country, and it placed me in the heart of Koli. Rereading it now that I am older, I find that the prose is just as lyrical, simple with a clarity of feeling and imagery. I can't tell you how much I lived with Koli and hoped for her, lost in the streets, sitting and sewing--everything. And I so completely smelled and tasted her world! A girl in a situation so different from mine, to be able to experience that when I was so young was wonderful, I still remember it now. Such a moving work for young girls, Gloria Whelan is a gifted writer!

Review by Selena Knight.......2007-06-05

Koly, a young 13 year old girl, is married off at the age of 13 for her dowry. Not wanted for herself, Koly is soon widowed as her dowry is not able to save the life of her young husband who is so ill. Koly learns the injustice of her society when she is mistreated and later abandoned by her husband's parents. Koly is thrust into a harsh world where she can not go back home, nor does she have the means to move forward. Through strength of spirit, and the help of a wealthy benefactor, Koly uses her talents to create a living for herself. She even finds true love with a boy that also has to work to overcome poverty. Koly's journey allows her to find an inner strength and pride in a society where women are less than equals.

interesting plot.......2007-04-02

I would recommend the book Homeless Bird, by Gloria Whelan, to other people. It is realistic fiction, so it is something that could actually happen to somebody, which I find interesting. Also, it is a book about a different country, so by reading it, you can get some incite into what other cultures are like. Finally, I would recommend this book because it is not boring. It has a way of making you want to read more and find out what happens

Homeless bird.......2007-03-29

The book Homeless bird was a great book, this book made me want to keep reading, this book was very interesting because Koly was very brave because she had to learn to live on her own. I wanted to find out what was going to happen to Koly. I think that many people would like readying the book Homeless Bird because it is a good book and many people might like it because they might want to find out how she survives her life being left alone in the village.

Average customer rating:

Homeless Bird

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

The Giver

ASIN: 0439329248

Average customer rating:

Bird Springs
Carolyn Marsden
Manufacturer: Viking Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 067006193X
Release Date: 2007-05-17

Book Description

Eleven-year-old Gregory and his family had to leave the Navajo reservation at Bird Springs—the only home they've ever known—and move to a motel in Tucson, Arizona. Gregory misses his absent father, but he likes school, particularly art class with the kind teacher. He also makes a new friend, Matt, who promptly informs him art class is really art therapy and that Gregory is staying in a shelter, not a motel. Even though Matt can be outspoken, he's just what Gregory needs now. He's honest and generous with his allowance so they can ride the Ferris wheel at the carnival.

Award-winning author Carolyn Marsden paints a poignant story of a little boy who, as he confronts the more painful aspects of his past, is filled with a sense of hope.

Average customer rating:
Homeless Bird

Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Harriet the Spy

Number the Stars

Through the Eyes of a Child: An Introduction to Children's Literature (7th Edition)

Folk and Fairy Tales (3rd Edition)

A Single Shard

ASIN: 0439296919

Average customer rating:

Original masterpiece

If Birds Are Free
Evelyn Wilde Mayerson
Manufacturer: Ty Crowell Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0690018908

Customer Reviews:

Original masterpiece.......1999-09-17

This was a great book which dealt with homelessness, and the community's reaction to a homeless woman. The opening scene in this book was surprising, and the book continues that way until its resolution. There are no sympathy games played in this novel, but you can't help but loving each one of its characters.

Petey Yikes (A very, very true story about a homeless little blue bird in New York City)

Average customer rating:

Petey Yikes (A very, very true story about a homeless little blue bird in New York City)
Carter Conlon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Product Description

Bonus CD Included About the author: Carter Conlon is the Senior Pastor of Times Square Church in New York City. As a grandfather, it is his desire to communicate the great truths of Gods love in a manner that children will both enjoy and understand. Pastor Carter lives in new York City with his wife, Teresa, and their dog Rocky. This is his first childrens book.

ROSIE AND PENNY: A Tale of Two Homeless Teenage Red Headed Chickens

Average customer rating:

ROSIE AND PENNY: A Tale of Two Homeless Teenage Red Headed Chickens
Bonnie True
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1418424447

Fostering feathered friendships.(Animals)(An animal welfare group pairs homeless birds with residents of local group care facilities) : An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

Average customer rating:

Fostering feathered friendships.(Animals)(An animal welfare group pairs homeless birds with residents of local group care facilities) : An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000DZVF4C
Release Date: 2005-12-20

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by Thomson Gale on December 13, 2005. The length of the article is 919 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: Fostering feathered friendships.(Animals)(An animal welfare group pairs homeless birds with residents of local group care facilities)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: December 13, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: c1

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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