The suppression of Tibet’s cultural heritage has the potential to set a precedent for all oppressed peoples of the world. Perched on the top of the world; changes in Tibet’s ecosystem affect the entire global climate. And; most importantly; Tibet is the spiritual and physical home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; though he can never return. But why should Tibet matter to you? Tibet is more than its mountains; its monks; and its martyrs. Robert Thurman; renowned Tibetan scholar; teacher; and activist; presents his provocative; five-point plan that will enable China to win the respect of the entire world by allowing Tibet to regain its cultural; economic; and political autonomy. Thurman shows how the Dalai Lama’s tireless work is the harbinger of peace for the world and essential for human survival. The book outlines several key factors that will educate and empower readers to take action: What is the history of Tibet; and how do the political; religious; ecological; and social factors affect each other?- Who is the Dalai Lama; and why does his work matter to the world? What does the China-Tibet relationship mean to the global community? What can individuals do to bring attention to this issue; and make a change where they are? How can the five-point plan be used as a model of peaceful change throughout the world?
#1847246 in Books Ten Speed Press 2004-03-01 2004-03-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 1.24 x 7.84 x 9.83l; 2.21 #File Name: 1580081312336 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Book; Needs MapBy E. S.This is a wonderful book and I am devouring it slowly to absorb all the wonderful history. I soon found that each chapter should be viewed as separate books in a way because just when you think you are in modern times; the next part takes you back to the late 1800s and you start all over again with the chapter's subject. Some facts seem to contradict each other. But I do love this book. The only BIG improvement that could be made; would be to include a very simple map of California showing the counties by name and the valleys by name; for easy and interesting reference while reading. I have no clue about California's layout and sure I could get out an atlas but if the book had a simple map; it surely would help so much for the reader. And make it alot more interesting.3 of 6 people found the following review helpful. A Shallow PerspectiveBy reflexivityThis book has good information. Yet I frequently found myself staring at the pages in disbelief.The author states that in 1848 the population of California was several hundred. In fact there were thousands of Native Americans (tho many would be subsequently killed by white newcomers). This genocidal oversight admittedly caused me to cast a critical eye on the rest of the book.Still; with all the objectivity I can muster; the writing to me seems stodgy and halting; formal and uninspired; like someone published a research report. That's how the content feels too: the dots might be mostly there but few seem connected with analysis; commentary; or sense of humor.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Readable history that focuses on the developersBy Dennis LittrellThis is an interesting and handsome history which focuses on the people who initiated and developed the olive oil and canned olive industry in California from pre Junipero Serra times into the 1990s. There are drawings and black and white photos; a chronology; a couple of lists (with comments) of olive oil makers and olive processors in California from 1869 to the present; a list of olive cultivars imported into California (and some synonymous names for the types); a listing of nurseries that provided the trees from 1872; and a solid bibliography.The material was thoroughly researched by Dr. Taylor and written in a style accessible to academics; professionals; and interested consumers or hobbyists such as myself. She tells the story of how the olive came to California; how the industry developed and how California producers competed with the giants in Spain and Italy; and how the canned ripe olive became; after a scary bout with botulism in 1919; the most important product of the California olive growers; up to the near present day when boutique and upscale California olive oil has become something of a rage--although a major part of this growth has taken place since this book when to publication in 2000. Taylor captures the feel of California's mission days; the ranchero days; the gold rush days; and the great growth thereafter through an olive-colored lens. She writes about how the trees were cultivated; how the fruit was picked and processed; and how the product compared and compares to the European competition.I got interested in olive trees after discovering some long abandoned groves in and around the Sacramento; California area. What surprised me was how abundant the fruit even though the trees were untended and overgrown; and had been that way for decades; and even though they were crowded by other types of trees; such as scrub oaks; wild figs; digger pines and others. In many places; including on and around the UC Davis campus; the shady trees heavy with fruit in the fall are like stately ornaments of California's past. But what a waste to see the dark; ripe olives just fall to the ground to become black greasy spots! Why is this? The main reason is known to anyone who has ever plucked a ripe olive off the tree and taken a bite. It tastes awful! Olives have to be processed; usually in brine with many changes of water before they become edible. And to press the oil from the olive requires equipment; knowledge and skill.Although this book does go into many aspects of processing; it does not go into enough detail to help the beginning olive enthusiast. I'm still looking for the book that explains the processing techniques explicitly; especially for small producers.
