Sport Tourism: Interrelationships, Impacts and Issues (Aspects of Tourism, 14)

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This digital document is a journal article from Tourism Management, published by Elsevier in 2006. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

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Book Description

Making Fiscal Policy in Japan is written for those who want to understand the role and performance of fiscal policy as an integral component of macroeconomic policy, and the attendant effects on economic growth. The case explored here is post-Second World War Japan, but the approach is one of international comparison. Ishi traces and analyses the central features of postwar Japanese fiscal policy and considers the institutional framework and policy objectives which shaped the budget process. The first part of the book provides a detailed overview of the topic, with detailed institutional and empirical information. In particular, the role that government played in Japan's postwar economic growth is explored in depth, with specific focus on the four sub-periods of occupation, rapid economic growth, internationalization, and the bubble economy. Part II explains the basic framework of budgets, the budgetary process in Japan, and fundamental strategies of fiscal authority. It looks in depth at the unique aspects of the balanced budget policy for 1953-65 and then at how financial resources for budgeting were automatically generated in a growing economy. The final part analyses specific policy issues in the public sector, among them human resource development, the ageing population and the social security system, tax incentives for export promotion, the Fiscal Investment and Loan Programme, and intergovernmental grant policy. Ishi argues that the Japanese government has been generally passive in guiding the state's economic activities, using fiscal policy to support the private economy rather than directly to influence the economy through deliberate expenditure and tax policies. The approach has been one of enhancing the market rather than of government intervention.

Book Description

The focus of this outstanding book is the politics, economics and social policy of the UK Labour Government of Tony Blair. There is always a problem in the attempt to make sense of something that is still taking shape. However, there is equally a problem of writing with hindsight. While hindsight provides the opportunity for perfect vision of the past - the art of policy making is about the here and now. While the experience and impact of the Blair Government can only be described as unfinished business and work in progress - there are already a series of pillars, which are giving shape to the Government. Although the shape of policy is not yet clear some analysis can be made of the emerging structure. This book elucidates the Labor Government's underlying pillars and clarifies the developing structures.

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Michael Thomas Ford is Hilarious!

Poignant, funny, and self-revealing

Bitter, bitter, bitter

Yes, Sir! Another Bulls-eye for Michael Tomas Ford

Outstanding

That's Mr. Faggot to You : Further Trials from My Queer Life
Michael Thomas Ford
Manufacturer: Alyson Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

It's Not Mean If It's True

Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me and Other Trials from My Queer Life

The Little Book of Neuroses: Ongoing Trials From My Queer Life

My Big Fat Queer Life: The Best of Michael Thomas Ford

Skipping Towards Gomorrah

ASIN: 1555834965

Amazon.com

Michael Thomas Ford garnered lots of laughs in 1998 with Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me and Other Trials from My Queer Life. The follow-up collection of pieces from his syndicated column, That's Mr. Faggot to You, continues Ford's exploration of contemporary gay life. In the title essay, reports of a teenager who successfully sued his school district for failing to prevent physical and mental abuse by his classmates prompts Ford to recall his own traumatic high school experiences and leads him to recognize that, years later, "he is happier, more successful, and a great deal more attractive" than his classmates. In other essays, he discusses the you-and-me-against-the-world relationship he has with his black Labrador, proposes a new line of Christian-friendly action figures (including a Jonah and the Whale Play Set, "appropriate for bath-time use or fun in the pool"), and even manages, despite his uncertainties, to offer an adolescent nephew dating advice (concluding that "guy problems were guy problems, regardless of who the person creating the dilemma was or how many holes she or he had"). That's Mr. Faggot to You is a humorous slice of contemporary gay life that's bound at least to elicit a smile from any reader.

Book Description

An Excerpt

The Perils of P.E.

Summer is here, and I should be in shape. I even promised myself that this year I'd go to the gym and just do it. But once again I'm not ready. My stomach is still too big, my shoulders too small. Blame it on Wally Shufelt.

Wally Shufelt--Mr. Shufelt--was my fifth grade gym teacher. One of those aging ex-jocks who failed to make it to the majors, he told us at least once a month how the Dodgers almost signed him right out of high school but a knee accident sidelined him before the start of spring training. Instead, he spent his years taking out his frustrations on the boys he used to be, dedicating his life to making men of us. And he took to it with a fervor generally found only in missionaries and defenders of the spotted owl.

I think for most gay men gym class was a black or white thing. For those of us who could actually do things like tackle, hit balls, and sink free throws, it was a junior version of nirvana, complete with sweaty bodies and blossoming hormones. For those of us completely bereft of any coordination whatsoever, it was a different story altogether.

Today I can enjoy physical activity--I have even been known to watch sporting events from time to time--but back in my school days I was decidedly in the second camp. Although my father had been the star athlete at the same school 25 years earlier, I inherited none of his talent. And in a backwoods school where excelling in academics was nothing compared to being able to score 42 points in the first half of whatever game one was playing, this was a decided disadvantage.

How I dreaded those alternating days when fourth period came and I had to enter that cavernous, wooden-floored palace of misery with its stench of varnish and unwashed adolescence. Many were the mornings when I would wait for the bus and pray as hard as I could for God to bring about the Second Coming before 11:00 rolled around and I was forced to see what new ordeal Mr. Shufelt had prepared especially for me.

You see, although we engaged in the usual seasonal gym class cycle of soccer-basketball-baseball, Mr. Shufelt was happiest when putting us through the paces of some activity of his own design. He was of the firm opinio

Customer Reviews:

Michael Thomas Ford is Hilarious!.......2003-12-05

I recommend all of his books (Alec Baldwin doesn't love me) - they are very funny, well written and really amusing. I am constantly disappointed by gay humorous books (like Bob smith's lame book) but Mr. Fordn never disappoints.

Since the chapters are so short it is great for reading on the train or before bed.

I can't wait for his next one.

Poignant, funny, and self-revealing.......2003-08-19

You'll love this book. Ford takes the quirky side of his life and adds his own bitter take on things. If you like David Sedaris or Augusten Burroughs, you'll enjoy Michael Thomas Ford.

Bitter, bitter, bitter.......2002-04-15

It's a bitter book written by a bitter man. I suppose it's funny. There are some great one-liners in it, but mostly the book just drones on and on. Frankly I hated it, but my partner found it to be a laugh riot. You choose.

Yes, Sir! Another Bulls-eye for Michael Tomas Ford.......2002-02-25

Michael Thomas Ford is not only funny but his humoresque take on gay life is so dead on it is frightening how honest and true it is. Highly recommended! You may not agree with everything he says but you'll at least laught for the his honesty and comedic view on gay life. Even though this book is a couple of years old it is still very fresh and funny. Do yousrself a huge favor and read at least one of his "My Queer Life" books, I don't think you'll be disappointed. I certainly wasn't and I doen't give authors five star ratings very easily, unless it is well deserved. I would love to see his mini essays transfered into a one-person stage show. I think it would do very well.

Outstanding.......2001-11-10

While reading this book you will find yourself laughing outloud. It shows what being a gay man in the 21st century is TRULY like. I absolutely loved it!

The Little Book of Neuroses: Ongoing Trials From My Queer Life

Average customer rating:

Hmmm...
He speaks to me!!!!!
Diary of a Gay Man
Fabulously skewed
More of the same, but more personal

The Little Book of Neuroses: Ongoing Trials From My Queer Life
Michael Thomas Ford
Manufacturer: Alyson Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1555836437

Book Description

"These are modern, urban tales you will want to share with friends, reading passages over the phone and drawing comparisons with characters recognizable in just about everybody's life. A fresh voice...revealing new truths, reminding us of folks we know and making nearly everything just a little funnier"-Rain Taxi

"Acute, acerbic and endearingly grumpy...Unlike some humorists - think David Letterman and David Sedaris- Ford isn't afraid to forgo quick punch lines when he comments on more serious topics"-Publisher's Weekly

The multi award winning humorist is back with an in depth, on target, and of course, very, very funny guide to all things queer. Why are lesbians fascinated by acoustic guitars? Why are gay men compelled to buy Madonna CD's and face care products. Does Tiger Beat make boys gay? What happens if the Boyfriend Within is sleeping around? No one satirizes and celebrates gay life in twenty-first century America with the unerring accuracy and zeal of Michael Thomas Ford. With the same unerring eye for what makes queer life so delirously weird and worth living that has earned him legions of fans among critics and book buyers alike, Ford examines gay archetypes, attitudes, fashion and gossip; you know…the good stuff!

Marketing Plans:
Advance reader copies.
Media targets: Politically Incorrect, Entertainment Weekly, The Advocate, Out, Genre, Instinct, XY, Hero.

Michael Thomas Ford is a two time Lambda Literary Award winner for the best selling "My Queer Life" collections Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me and That's Mr. Faggot to You . A longtime resident of Boston, Massachussetts, he recently located to Los Angeles to make it big in the movies.

Also Available by Michael Thomas Ford:
Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me

TP12.95, 1-55583-431-0 CUSA

That's Mister Faggot to You

TP 12.95, 1-55583-496-5 CUSA

It's Not Mean if It's True

TP 12.95, 1-55583-599-6 CUSA

EXCERPT
How I Got This Way, or,
Did Tiger Beat Make Me Gay?

A couple of weeks ago I was in line at the post office, standing behind a woman with three boys. One was a

Customer Reviews:

Hmmm..........2006-09-30

I realized after reading Augusten Burrough's "Magical Thinking" and Ford's "The Little Book of Neuroses" and the like that I'm not really a fan of collections of witty/humorous essays and personal stories. I guess because I expect all the essays to crack me up. So far, I've yet to read a book that has made me laugh from front to back (...yet).

"Neuroses" was an entertaining read. Some were hilarious, some serious and some thought-provoking. I found myself laughing at some parts. I also found myself nodding in agreement as if Ford read my mind, such as gays in monogamous relationships.

It's worth a read and perhaps you'll laugh more than I did.

He speaks to me!!!!!.......2006-04-08

I love all the books in this series. Much better than his current books. These books just hit right home! LOVE THEM!

Diary of a Gay Man.......2003-05-02

This was one book I was unable to put down. Michael Thomas Ford's THE LITTLE BOOK OF NEUROSES: ONGOING TRIALS FROM MY QUEER LIFE was a good read overall. Although I didn't like the quizzes, even though they were meant to poke fun and not be taken seriously. I thought he hit the nail with the hammer on so many issues, so many things that are relevent to everyday life. I found his thoughts on queer life interesting, and the misconceptions that come with it. For the first few short stories he discusses his neurotic behavior and how he believes its the way to be, which was quite humorous. His humor is a bit off center which is a good thing. He is quite humorous, and the short stories were nice to read. An easy book to read, and well worth the effort.

Fabulously skewed.......2002-02-20

Michael Thomas Ford's latest collection of quirky essays has a wide range of topics (my favorites are the ones on gay monogamy and queer bookstores and being neurotic). I was surprised by the more serious ones, but I do feel they are a great progression for his voice. What I didn't like were the plethora of cutesy quizzes. After the third one, I felt they lost the attraction Ford probably meant, and they became tedious. Overall though, the collection is still vivacious and brilliant, but it does seem to lack a bit of that spunky skewering that he's most known for.

More of the same, but more personal.......2002-02-04

On this new installment Mr. Ford serves us more of his now well-honed recipe to describe his gay life trials, but with less pages than the previous opus. Some are quite amusing such as his self-tests on how to decide whether one should become a drag queen or a leatherman (in a way both are drag I suppose). It is perfect reading for a beach stay, or waiting at your dentist office and having people look weirdly at you while you hold the book in front. But it still feels the same as the previous ones: well written, slightly biting, but not that novel anymore. Though this time there is a slight change: Mr. Ford has moved to LA and he seems to comply more with your average gay-cliches: he works out now and wears sunglasses. Perhaps his early steps in his middle age crisis? In other words, under his cleansing tone we seem to detect a more personal, and perhaps insecure, persona. I hope that this bodes well for his next installment since I think that Mr. Ford is uniquely qualified to describe the aging process of gay men by lightening it up with his irony.

Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me and Other Trials from My Queer Life

Average customer rating:

Alec Baldwin and His Hairy Chest...are Something to Write About!
A little insight in an insecure world...
Michael Thomas Ford is Hilarious!
How can Alec not love this book?
Straight Talk

Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me and Other Trials from My Queer Life
Michael Thomas Ford
Manufacturer: Alyson Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1555834310

Amazon.com

The short humorous essay is a form that few writers can master. Sure, pithy and funny are easy enough (if you are, in fact, pithy and funny), but the failings of most humorous essays come from a lack of seriousness. Humor is most effective when the writing articulates a clear, thoughtful point of view. The essays in Michael Thomas Ford's Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me & Other Trials from My Queer Life are perfect models of the form. Ford, who writes a syndicated column titled "My Queer Life," can muse on anything from Martha Stewart's manias to his devotion to Alec Baldwin's chest, from the elusive gay gene to right-wing Fundamentalist Christianity (in which he was raised), and he manages to make us laugh and sometimes even cry. His ironic view of a world that keeps threatening to be wonderful but never quite succeeds dovetails perfectly with his desire for world peace, freedom for gay people, and better sex. Witty, funny, and surprisingly moving, Michael Thomas Ford explains life to us and it actually begins to make sense.

Customer Reviews:

Alec Baldwin and His Hairy Chest...are Something to Write About!.......2006-06-27

This title was one heck of a fun read! Especially enjoyed the chapter "Dyke The Halls" and "Singing A Different Tune". This book was enjoyable as it served as a reminder of some of the same situations that happened to me in my younger queer life. The two chapters I have cited were very funny and caused me to often laugh aloud. The other chapters were fun as well. Ford is an excellent writer and I don't think you can miss with any of his work. I have read several of MTF's novels "Last Summer", and "Looking For It" among them. This title was very different than the above mentioned novels but every bit as enjoyable. I highly recommend anything written by this talented author. You can't miss with him. Don't miss this one! It's a fast read (I read the entire novel on a flight from California to Florida). Thanks Mr. Ford, I look forward to your future endeavors.

A little insight in an insecure world..........2003-12-05

I have all of Michael Thomas Ford's books (just ordered the newest collection today!), and I'd have to say that him and I are pretty much alike. I'm glad that there are people out there that, like me, just don't get it. I thought I was the only one who worries about things such as the dog sleeping on the bed or my boyfriend not calling enough. It's nice to know there are some people out there who are neurotic as I am...

Michael Thomas Ford is Hilarious!.......2003-12-05

I recommend all of his books (That's Mr. Faggot to you etc) - they are very funny, well written and really amusing. I am constantly disappointed by gay humorous books (like Bob smith's lame book) but Mr. Ford never disappoints.

Since the chapters are so short it is great for reading on the train or before bed.

I can't wait for his next one.

How can Alec not love this book?.......2002-01-03

Michael Thomas Ford finds humor everywhere, but especially in his sexual orientation, and how different kinds of people respond to it. I laughed constantly while reading his observations on life. Alec Baldwin might not love the author, but how could he not love this book?

(Duane Simolke's books include The Acorn Stories, Degranon, and New Readings of Winesburg, Ohio.)

Straight Talk.......2001-12-09

Perhaps I should preface this by stating that I've always considered myself to be someone who, if nothing else, is a man whose politics tend to lean definitely to the 'left'. On more than one occassion I've been accused of being ( gasp! ) Liberal so I now, throwing caution to the wind, wear the badge proudly....so to speak. It must be my Irish/Democrat upbringing! Nevertheless, although my sexual orientation may be considered 'straight' ( Gwynneth Paltrow please call me! ) I one day found myself in Lambda Rising, a gay bookstore here in Wash.D.C., browsing the racks ( and only the racks, thank-you! ). Being the odd man out has never truly bothered me.... plus where there are books, so there am I!

Without going into detail of the experiences of a 'straight' man finding himself in a gay bookstore ( a book in itself! ) I spied Michael Ford's novel and finding the title so engaging, and with my curiosity piqued, I started to read....and I read and read, all the while laughing, so hard that I thought they were going to physically throw me out of the store for vagrancy! Well, I succumbed and purchased a copy ( with little self-respect intact after embarrasing myself to no end! ) of "Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me...." and still after owning my copy for a little over a year I find myself still chuckling.

I won't pretend to truly understand anyone's else's lifestyle ( alternative? ) other than my own ( and who really understand's the opposite sex? ) but I must say that Mr. Ford's book of essay's not only left a smile on my face but perhaps gave me a little more of an understanding into the life of the average ( average? ) Gay individual. Can straight people say Queer...I'm really not sure what is PC here. Just curious! Anyway, upon hearing that even in humour some truth's abound I find Michael's book a compelling read, and not just for other's of the same sexual proclivity, but for other so called 'straight' guys as well, if nothing else than to help us all better understand each other. Granted some of the book does seem rather like a cliche at times but that's a small point indeed. Michael makes some valid points about these little crisis that each of us face in our everday lives. Plus, I guess I was pleasantly surprised ( why I don't know ) to learn that after all is said and done that we all , to one degree or another, want basically the same thing.... love , security, a little happiness and secure in the knowledge that each of us, in some small way, is helping make the world perhaps just a little better than we found it. Fortunately, Michael finds humour in these everyday complexities and thank-goodness for that! Yes, I did laugh at Michael's book but I also found someone who was perhaps searching....and, like many of us, still is.

So whether you're gay, straight or 'somewhere in between' (I'm not sure what THAT means! ) pick up a copy, call up a friend, hopefully one of a diffrent sexual orientation, and laugh and learn at the same time. It's a start. I'm certainly glad I did! Now if I could only get Gwynneth's phone number!

Average customer rating:

Superb

My Big Fat Queer Life: The Best of Michael Thomas Ford
Michael Thomas Ford
Manufacturer: Alyson Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

It's Not Mean If It's True

That's Mr. Faggot to You : Further Trials from My Queer Life

The Little Book of Neuroses: Ongoing Trials From My Queer Life

Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me and Other Trials from My Queer Life

Last Summer

ASIN: 1555835740

Book Description

The publication of Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me in 1998 launched a fresh, vital voice in comedy. Publishers Weekly has called Michael Thomas Ford a "cranky, bemused, and extremely funny." Lambda Book Report has described Ford as "genially misanthropic," and Southern Voice has named him "our freshest, most fearless satirist." Ford's series of My Queer Life books ( Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me, That's Mister Faggot to You, It's Not Mean If It's True, and The Little Book of Neuroses) have racked up four Lambda Literary Award nominations, with two back-to-back wins, and appeared on bestseller lists from New York to Dallas to Sacramento. Now the best of his writing has been collected along with five new, brilliantly funny essays to create the essential My Queer Life -compendium.

Raves for Michael Thomas Ford's My Queer Life:

"Ford is a delightfully inventive wit."-Publishers Weekly

"He truly entertains by being meaningfully hilarious."-Booklist

"One of the funniest books I've read this year."-Kelly Justice, Carrytown Books-Richmond, VA; Book Sense 76 Pick

"A fresh voice, unafraid to tackle any subject and tickle, if not outright hit, below the belt."-Rain Taxi

Michael Thomas Ford is the author of more than fifty books in a variety of genres, including biographies and young-adult fiction. His books in the My Queer Life series have been national bestsellers and earned him two Lambda Literary Awards. He lives in San Francisco.

Customer Reviews:

Superb.......2003-11-15

MTF is a wonderful, entertaining, gifted writer. Like I am with Sade albums, I am with MTF books---i'll buy on the day its released!

Average customer rating:

refreshing and funny
A Laughing Rolic!

My Queer Life
Michael Thomas Ford , and The Author
Manufacturer: Fluid Words
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

Humor | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

Gay & Lesbian | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

General | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books

Essays | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Love, Sex & Marriage | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Book Description

A collection of unabridged essays selected from each of the two-time Lamda Literary Award-winning author's bestselling books, ALEC BALDWIN DOESN'T LOVE ME, THAT'S MR. FAGGOT TO YOU and IT'S NOT MEAN IF IT'S TRUE.

A laugh-out-loud audio "scrapbook" of the author's perspective on the "queer" world in which we live. Take a listen as Michael explains his hilarious take on everything from the fickle nature of (near) fame, the manly ritual of outdoor barbecues, his "non-writing" life, Martha-holics, the curse of the fashion-challenged gay man, the explosion of gay fathers, lesbians who date men because "guys are a lot simpler," man's best friend and how to get him to give you some space in your own bed, and -- of course -- Alec Baldwin. Witty and extremely funny, MY QUEER LIFE will not only make you laugh but you may just learn a few things between guffaws.

Includes two songs from the musical based on ALEC BALDWIN DOESN'T LOVE ME

Customer Reviews:

refreshing and funny.......2001-12-21

Listening to this book I found myself laughing. The essay regarding his first sexual encounter had to be the funniest of them all. Ford has a way of pointing out the abserdities of life and the oddities in people. I like the fact he is a down to earth kind of guy and a true gay man. this book however would appeal to both gay and straight alike because it is quite funny. The only thing I did not like about this audio production was the two songs included at the end of each section. I would have preferred another essay or two in place of the songs. Still I enjoyed it and hope there will be another volume on audio. Highly recommended.

A Laughing Rolic!.......2001-04-24

I read this Authors book "Alec Baldwin Doesn't Love Me," and he dosen't disappoint hear either. His sence of humor is both catty and unforgetable. A must for ever gay, or gay at heart. Even if you don't want to admit it.

Queer And Pleasant Danger - Writing Out My Life

Average customer rating:

Queer And Pleasant Danger - Writing Out My Life
Louise Rafkin
Manufacturer: Cleis Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JZZH7W

Average customer rating:

Queer and Pleasant Danger: Writing Out My Life
Louise Rafkin
Manufacturer: Cleis Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

My queer life
Jeri
Manufacturer: Manifest Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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