Over the last fifteen years the world's largest developing countries have initiated market reforms in their electric power sectors from generation to distribution. This book evaluates the experiences of five of those countries - Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa - as they have shifted from state-dominated systems to schemes allowing for a larger private sector role. As well as having the largest power systems in their regions and among the most rapidly rising consumption of electricity in the world, these countries are the locus of massive financial investment and the effects of their power systems are increasingly felt in world fuel markets. In-depth case studies also reveal important variations in reform efforts. This accessible volume explains the origins of these reform efforts and offers a theory as to why - despite diverse backgrounds - reform efforts in all five countries have stalled in similar ways.

As cofounder of the Velvet Underground -- regarded as one of the most significant groups of the 1960s -- and solo artist, Lou Reed has influenced a wide range of rock musicians, from David Bowie to the Sex Pistols, from Patti Smith to U2. His innovative skill as a singer and songwriter of over 250 songs, including "Heroin" and "Walk on the Wild Side", and his multiple musical transformations during a twenty-year career have thrust Reed into the forefront of alternative rock, from garage to glitter, punk, disco, and rap. Based on exclusive interviews with Reed and his friends, family, and associates, and including incisive portraits of John Cale, Andy Warhol, Nico, David Bowie, and others, Transformer offers an uncompromising and compelling view of a true rock 'n' roll chameleon.

Artist, filmmaker, magazine publisher, instigator of Pop Art, Andy Warhol (19281987) used his canvasses of dollar bills, soup cans, and celebrities to subvert distinctions between high and popular culture. His spectacular career encompassed the underground scene as well as the equally deviant worlds of politics, show business, and high society. Warhol is the definitive chronicle of Warhol's storied life.