This Almanac of Environmental Trends is an example of the creative destruction of the marketplace, or, in the language of popular culture, a “reboot” of a stale franchise—the annual Index of Leading Environmental Indicators. Since 1994, the Index has reported highlights of environmental trends in the United States, most—though not all—of which have been steadily improving. The 2011 Almanac of Environmental Trends brings tracking environmental progress fully into the 21^st century of real-time analysis and commentary. The Almanac explores the nature and sources of environmental progress, affirming the central role of markets, technology, and human creativity in solving the environmental challenges of our time.

Steven F. Hayward is Senior Fellow at the Pacific Research Institute and the F.K. Weyerhaeuser Fellow in Law and Economics at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington DC. He holds a Ph.D. in American Studies and an M.A. in Government from Claremont Graduate School, and has been a visiting professor at Georgetown University and Ashland University. He writes frequently on a wide range of current topics, including environmentalism, law, economics, and public policy for publications including National Review, Reason, The Weekly Standard, The American Spectator, The Public Interest, the Claremont Review of Books, and Policy Review. In addition to being the principal author of the Index of Leading Environmental Indicators for 15 years, his most recent book is Mere Environmentalism.

First published in 1960 to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Bill Buckley’s brash, consequential magazine of opinion, An Evening with National Review: Some Memorable Articles from the First Five Years is republished, in its exact form, for the enjoyment of today’s conservatives, who can see why the great writers who made National Review their journalistic home in the late 1950s — people such as Whittaker Chambers, Russell Kirk, Morrie Ryskind, and many others(including renowned cartoonists C.D. Batchelor and John Kreuttner) — remain worthwhile, entertaining, and timeless.

* William F. Buckley Jr. — founder of National Review
* Whittaker Chambers — author of the classic memoir Witness
* Russell Kirk — godfather of the modern conservative movement
* James Jackson Kilpatrick — leading conservative journalist
* Morrie Ryskind — renowned humorist and screenwriter
* Frank S. Meyer — influential conservative thinker and advocate of “fusionism”
* Garry Wills — award-winning author first published in National Review
* Ralph de Toledano — important conservative journalist and music critic
* Dorothy Sayers — best-selling British novelist and essayist
* John Chamberlain — America’s premier book reviewer
* James Burnham — preeminent conservative thinker and writer
* Priscilla L. Buckley — National Review’s managing editor

A giant in stature and influence, the late Henry Hyde’s defense of freedom, justice, and the sanctity of innocent human life left a powerful legacy on Capitol Hill and around the world.  Catch the Burning Flag: Speeches and Random Observations is a handsome hardcover collection that captures the most important thoughts and deepest reflections by the great conservative, renowned for decades as the House of Representative’s most persuasive orator. A must for your library, Catch the Burning Flag includes Hyde’s most powerful speeches (with his own insightful commentary) on a range of topics, from the Clinton impeachment trials, term limits, and abortion to flag burning, the Iran-Contra affair, and the fate of Democracy.

From the Foreword:

“These speeches reflect a rare combination of eloquence and erudition, and something more. In an age of increasing specialization on Capitol Hill, Henry Hyde was the Renaissance man there. Readers of this book must be impressed by the breadth and variety of his expertise. Considering the liberal assault on Hyde as a Catholic extremist who keeps poor women from abortions and persecuted Bill Clinton, the tone here may come as a surprise to some. These selections are free of Republican partisanship and remarkably non-ideological.

A collected book of speeches is rare in 21st Century American politics because hardly any members of today’s political class have anything to say that is worth putting between hard covers. It is painful even to contemplate reading the pabulum passing for oratory–tired rhetoric distilled from partisan talking points. I cannot think of more than two or three sitting members of Congress who conceivably would publish a collection of their speeches that anyone other than members of their immediate families would want to read.

Hyde delivered two of the rare speeches in the contemporary House that were recalled beyond the moment of their presentation: one in behalf of a constitutional amendment against flag burning, and the other against term limits. In each, he was able to take two unpopular causes derided by the liberal establishment (the news media in particular) and elevate them with the combination of eloquence and scholarship that has marked his Congressional oratory.”–Robert Novak

Henry J. Hyde (1924-2007) served as a Republican Congressman from the Illinois 6th District from 1975 to 2007, following service in the state legislature from 1986 to 1974. Considered to be the most persuasive speaker on Capitol Hill, he was chairman of the House Judiciary and International Relations Committees. The Chicago native graduated from Georgetown University and Loyola University School of Law, served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, and the United States Naval Reserve until 1968.

What They Are Saying:

“Henry Hyde’s luminous career demonstrated that strong convictions, strongly fought for, need not be impediments to bipartisan respect and affection. Readers of this volume will be delighted by the power of a much-loved man’s public life. Their delight will be dampened only by the melancholy realization of how rare such men are.”–George F. Will, Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist

“For more than three decades, Henry Hyde was one of the most respected Members of Congress. No wonder that this collection of his speeches and essays is wise and inspiring, poignant and funny, candid and insightful–sometimes all at the same time. Hyde recently received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor. This book shows how richly he deserved it.”–Carl Anderson, Supreme Knight, Knights of Columbus

While conservatives are presumed to be critical of Darwin’s theory, many on the right, such as George Will, James Q. Wilson, and Larry Arnhart, have mounted a vigorous defense of Darwinism. As Discovery Institute’s John West explains in his book, Darwin’s Conservatives: The Misguided Quest, their attempts to reconcile conservatism and Darwinian biology misunderstand both.

In this small but incisive book, Dr. West addresses how Darwin’s theory, contrary to its conservative champions, manifestly does not reinforce the teachings of conservatism. According to West, Darwinism promotes moral relativism rather than traditional morality. It fosters utopianism rather than limited government. It is corrosive, rather than supportive, of both free will and religious belief. Finally, and most importantly, Darwinian evolution is in tension with the scientific evidence, and conservatism cannot hope to strengthen itself by relying on Darwinism’s increasingly shaky empirical foundations.  This book issues a challenge to conservatives they cannot afford to ignore. According to According to,  Prof. J. Budziszewski of the University of Texas, Austin, hails the book for “showing clearly that Darwinism is not a source of conservative insight into human nature, but only a source of confusion.”

Dr. John West is a Senior Fellow at the Seattle-based Discovery Institute, where he is Associate Director of Discovery’s Center for Science & Culture and Vice President for Public Policy and Legal Affairs. Dr. West holds a Ph.D in Government from Claremont Graduate University and a B.A. in Communications from the University of Washington.

What They Are Saying:

“Darwin’s Conservatives is concise, precise and convincing. …” — Phillip E. Johnson author of Darwin on Trial

“John West rolls through the arguments for a pro-Darwin conservatism like an Abrams tank leveling a street barricade: methodically and irresistibly. If there are any conservative Darwinists left after this rout, it’s only because they won’t stand and fight.” — George Gilder, author of Wealth & Poverty and Telecosm.

Flunked is the story of schools that are breaking the mediocre mold of American education by attaining superior results in college preparedness, test scores, and graduation rates. Discovering that one size truly does not fit all, these schools and their administrators, teachers, and students are finding different ways to make education work in their neighborhoods.  Narrated by Joe Mantegna.

Results of national and international tests show that our students are falling further and further behind. The average American student is no longer able to compete with foreign students, and in many cases, they’re failing to meet even basic academic standards. Success rates are plummeting, and remediation and dropout rates are skyrocketing.  Students entering the current American education system are in for a grim ride. It truly is a national scandal. One size does not fit all.

Complaining about the problem is easy, but it produces few productive results — especially when many schools nationwide are truly “getting it right.” Flunked is the story of these schools—their founders, leaders, and students—who are breaking the mediocre mold by attaining great results in terms of college preparation, high test scores, and graduating competent workers for tomorrow’s economy. Discovering that one size truly does not fit all, they are finding different ways to make it work in their area, with their students.

The main characters of Flunked are our “heroes,” men and women from all walks of life—parents, teachers, principals, business professionals—who are making a difference to our students.  These individuals have defied the odds, pressed the system, and succeeded in seemingly impossible situations.  Through it all, they have proven that solutions in education are available here and now, if we will only follow their examples.

The Freedom Foundation is a non-profit educational research organization based in the state of Washington.  The Freedom Foundation’s mission is to advance individual liberty, free enterprise, and limited, accountable government. We have a vision of a day when opportunity, responsible self-governance and free markets flourish in Washington State because its citizens understand and cherish the principles from which freedom is derived.

What They Are Saying:

“A half century ago, American education began a decline. Presidents lament the decline in their speeches. Politicians pontificate about it…but the problems persist. Now, here comes a movie that’s all about fixing it.”—J. Caldera, KOA Radio, Denver

“A fine film. Very informative, very challenging…”—Michael Medved, nationally syndicated radio show host, author, and film critic

Charters are by nature different not just from traditional public schools, but from one another. With their freedom and flexibility, some charter schools have opened doors and opportunities for many poor minority children who were previously trapped at failing campuses run by school district bureaucracies. These successful charter schools have perfected alternative models of organization, management, and discipline that shatter the status quo orthodoxy. In Free to Learn, successful charter principals and teachers – who often do things contrary to the public education establishment – offer hope and practical advice for the charter movement. After Hurricane Katrina, Free to Learn served as an inspiration and handbook for charter school administrators in New Orleans.

Now Available as an E-Book!

In Generosity Unbound, Claire Gaudiani mounts a spirited defense of philanthropic freedom addressed to conservatives, liberals and centrists. She acknowledges the good intentions of those who favor greater regulation of private philanthropy, but powerfully demonstrates the dangers of this approach.

But this book is more than a warning. Gaudiani also uncovers the fascinating history of philanthropy in America, showing how this nation’s distinctive tradition of citizen-to-citizen generosity has been a powerful engine of economic growth, social justice, and upward mobility.

Finally, Gaudiani calls on foundation leaders, legislators, and concerned citizens to take up anew the great challenge set forth by our nation’s Founders in the Declaration of Independence.  She proposes an all-out citizen-led effort to deliver on the Declaration’s promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all of us, particularly our poorest citizens.  The success of such a ‘Declaration Initiative’ would enable us to justly celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday on July 4th, 2026.

Claire Gaudiani is adjunct professor at the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University and a senior fellow at the Institute for American Values. She served from 1988-2001 as president of Connecticut College and from 2001-2004 as a senior research scholar at the Yale Law School.  She holds ten honorary doctorates and was awarded the Henry Rosso Medal for distinguished service to philanthropy from the Center for Philanthropy at Indiana University. Her previous books included The Greater Good: How Philanthropy Drives the American Economy and Can Save Capitalism and Generosity Rules! A Guidebook to Giving.

What They Are Saying:

“Claire Gaudiani has a well-earned reputation as one of the leading thinkers about American philanthropy. Here she analyzes the challenges of coming years and shows how we can unleash the full idealism and generosity of the nation. She has made yet another welcome contribution.”—David Gergen, Director, Center for Public Leadership, The Kennedy School, Harvard University

“Generosity Unbound unmasks Gaudiani as an unreconstructed, unapologetic believer in the transformative potential of American-style philanthropy. Drawing on appeals to history, reason, pride, and passion, she invites us to envision a role for philanthropy that is worthy of its past. Gaudiani’s ‘Declaration Initiative’ would commit philanthropy to a cause no less noble, ambitious, and essential than that of ending persistent poverty and, at long last, affording all Americans true access to the equal opportunity that lies at the core of the democratic ideal.”—Ralph Smith, Executive Vice President, The Annie E. Casey Foundation

“Gaudiani presents a timely solution to the economic and political crises facing our nation. Generosity Unbound is a fresh look at America’s philanthropic past and how private foundations can be the vanguard of a path back to prosperity— for those hit hardest by the recession, and for our entire nation. ”—Edwin J. Feulner, Jr., President, Heritage Foundation

“Critics of wealthy foundations would do well to read Claire Gaudiani’s powerfully argued defense of American philanthropic freedom. And those who wish to preserve this freedom would do well to consider her bold ‘Declaration Initiative.’ Let’s see what entrepreneurial generosity can accomplish when mobilized around a set of goals consistent with this country’s founding vision.”—J. Gregory Dees, professor, Center for the Advancement of Social, Entrepreneurship, Fuqua School of Business, Duke University

“Claire Gaudiani shows eloquently that the generosity of the American people is rooted in our freedom and our freedom is rooted in our generosity. And she issues a stirring call for new philanthropic leadership that will open the gates of opportunity for all Americans.”—Adam Meyerson, President, Philanthropy Roundtable

“While some would suggest that philanthropy is on its heels, Claire Gaudiani shows us the potential that America’s philanthropic sector has to activate our country’s moral leadership and unleash citizen generosity for the purpose of addressing our unfinished quest for justice for all.”—Tracy Gary, author and founder, Inspired Legacies and The Progressive Legacy Project

“Claire Gaudiani’s Generosity Unbound is a welcome dose of ‘common sense for the common good’ of our nation. Her challenge to philanthropic leaders of all political stripes—left, right, and center—to gather around a shared goal of meaningful opportunity and prosperity for all Americans should be heeded. Perhaps philanthropy can model what too many of our political leaders seem to be unable or unwilling to do: construct a safe place where our nation’s ideas are not needlessly trampled by ideologies.”—Robert K. Ross, M.D., President and CEO, The California Endowment

“Generosity Unbound shows how the philanthropic tradition is firmly rooted in American history and culture. It serves as a critical inspiration and challenge to today’s leaders to preserve the freedom and opportunity that make this tradition a uniquely vibrant force for good in the world.”—James Piereson, President, William E. Simon Foundation

“In this vitally important book, Claire Gaudiani convincingly makes the case that philanthropy has the capacity—and must use it—to heal the divisions in our society and to advance a renewed and enduring commitment to social justice that meets the challenges of our times.”—Stephen Heintz, President, Rockefeller Brothers Fund

Published in 1998, Global Greens narrates the story of international environmental groups in world affairs. It examines how nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) work with the United Nations and other international organizations to promote environmentalist policies and treaties. To understand many of the current foreign policy controversies it is increasingly important to know how international environmental groups are involved.

Global Greens describes in detail NGO activity at some of the most significant UN environmental conferences through the end of the 20th century, including the global warming conference in Kyoto, Japan. Most of the story is serious, but some of it amuses. Inside the Kyoto conference hall, four men disguised as world leaders play soccer with a large inflatable balloon of the planet, activists blanketed the building with propaganda leaflets, and a group of grim-faced individuals stand solemnly around three ice carvings of penguins begging the little creatures to forgive mankind for permitting the global warming that causes them to melt.

As recent news developments have confirmed, environmental groups have been accomplishing–and continue to accomplish–their objectives gradually and under a cloak of secrecy. Few Americans know that nonprofit organizations, staffed by professionals, primarily Americans, and financed by a mix of private and public funds, exercise real power in the conduct of diplomacy and the creation of international policy. A global environmental movement is using international agencies to undermine national self-government, economic freedom, and personal liberty.  Global Greens exposes the behind-the-scenes efforts of this well-funded and ideologically driven force.

James M. Sheehan is an adjunct scholar at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. He specializes in policies concerning international environmental regulation, trade, finance, and foreign aid. Sheehan speaks and writes about such international institutions as the United Nations, World Bank, NAFTA, and the World Trade Organization. He has presented his views on television programs for CNN, C-SPAN, CNBC, Fox News and America’s Voice. His writings have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Baltimore Sun, San Francisco Examiner, Washington Times, and Journal of Commerce. He has testified before Congress and is a frequent guest on radio programs across the country, including National Public Radio.

Sheehan holds a Master of Business Administration from Duke University and a BA in international politics from the Catholic University of America.

What They Are Saying:

“Mr. Sheehan does a masterful job of exposing yet another way the U.S. Constitution is undermined at taxpayer expense–by non-governmental organizations acting in concert with the United Nations.”–Hon. Ron Paul, U.S. House of Representatives (R-TX)

“James Sheehan presents the classic libertarian arguments against the international environmental movement. In his zealous attack on environmental organizations, Sheehan misses the boat on almost every subject but the World Bank.”–Brent Blackwelder, President, Friends of the Earth

“Sheehan meticulously documents how ideological advocacy groups use international organizations and treaties to shape public opinion and policy in this country. His book is a much-needed wake-up call–Americans must thoughtfully but unhesitatingly oppose the agendas of global governance if we are to preserve our system of self-government.”–Alan L. Keyes, former Ambassador to the UN Economic and Social Council