Book Description
An economist's version of The Way Things Work, this engaging volume is part field guide to economics and part expose of the economic principles lurking behind daily events, explaining everything from traffic jams to high coffee prices. The Undercover Economist is for anyone who's wondered why the gap between rich and poor nations is so great, or why they can't seem to find a decent second-hand car, or how to outwit Starbucks. This book offers the hidden story behind these and other questions, as economist Tim Harford ranges from Africa, Asia, Europe, and of course the United States to reveal how supermarkets, airlines, and coffee chains--to name just a few--are vacuuming money from our wallets. Harford punctures the myths surrounding some of today's biggest controversies, including the high cost of health-care; he reveals why certain environmental laws can put a smile on a landlord's face; and he explains why some industries can have high profits for innocent reasons, while in other industries something sinister is going on. Covering an array of economic concepts including scarce resources, market power, efficiency, price gouging, market failure, inside information, and game theory, Harford sheds light on how these forces shape our day-to-day lives, often without our knowing it. Showing us the world through the eyes of an economist, Tim Harford reveals that everyday events are intricate games of negotiations, contests of strength, and battles of wits. Written with a light touch and sly wit, The Undercover Economist turns "the dismal science" into a true delight.
Customer Reviews:
dry wit and real world examples make this a mostly enjoyable introductory course in economics.......2007-10-07
Harford offers us an introductory course in economics with a dry wit and lots of interesting, real-world examples. There are a few dry stretches (such as the extensive treatment of agricultural land prices), but the book is mostly engaging and some parts are very entertaining. For example, Harford's treatment of price targeting and how supermarkets and Amazon have used technology to target customers is intriguing and fun. I also found the treatment of stock valuations insightful. In explaining the reasons that poor countries stay poor, he tells quirky (albeit disheartening) tales of his time in Cameroon. It isn't quite as fun a read as Freakonomics, but it does a better job of teaching fundamental economic principles. (Freakonomics shows that economics can be interesting and can answer questions you wouldn't expect it to; The Undercover Economist shows that economics can be pretty interesting and answer fundamental questions that you would expect it to!)
Harford is refreshingly aware of the weaknesses of the free market but does a solid job of characterizing its strengths. Sometimes the analysis is simple (the history of China's recent development, for example) and may miss important points. The key to remember is that Harford is teaching basic principles with a great deal of explanatory power but not with _all_ explanatory power. Take away the principles from your reading, but don't treat the analysis of a given application as definitive.
Relative to a similar volume, Landsberg's Armchair Economist, this is more enjoyable: Harford relies more on real-world examples and empirical research (not entirely, but more) than does Landsberg with his hypothetical scenarios, although I also enjoyed Landsberg. (I guess this isn't surprising: would you rather shadow an Armchair Economist or an Undercover Economist? The answer is clear!) I have yet to read some of the others, such as Naked Economics (I'd rather _not_ shadow a Naked Economist, given most economists I know) or Discover Your Inner Economist.
Robert Ian MacKenzie does a good job reading the unabridged audiobook, which consists of nine compact discs.
Much better than Freakonomics indeed!.......2007-10-04
I've read a number of "popular economics" books recently, and Tim Harford's is my favorite by far! His writting is witty and very much to the point.
flawed.......2007-06-11
Yes it is well-written. Yes it enlightens people ignorant re: economics like myself.
Unfortunately, anyone who bothers to match up his premises and conclusions will find gaps - no matter how rational and convincing the writing seems. There is a strong and obvious bias, especially at the concluding sections of each chapter, which diminishes the value of almost anything he says. At least I know what the issues are now, but from his writing I can't depend on Harford for unbiased data.
A clear, enjoyable, and educational read.......2007-06-11
The strength of this book is that Harford explains pretty traditional, mainstream economics in a way that the non-economist can appreciate and realize its importance. With all sorts of politicians and special interest groups touting economic policies to make the world a better place, Harford's book helps us to be better citizens and make informed decisions. And I found Harford to be a pretty engaging writer that made the chapters breeze by.
Most interesting to me with the chapter on health care, which explains why it is so costly and unsatisfactory in the United States with private insurance, and quite frankly, isn't much better in other countries with national health care plans, such as the UK. Harford cites Singapore as an example where patient choice coupled with governmental intervention in the event of extremely costly health care as a system that works, and explains the economics behind it.
Given the enormous discussions on free trade, immigration, health care reform, and effective economic policies for developing nations, Harford's book is quite welcome in neatly spelling out the economic issues and the paths to progress in what I felt was a balanced view of the issues. I'm glad I read it.
CD verson was very insightful and great fun!.......2007-06-06
First I will point out that I never had a course in econ, so that may be part of the reason I found this work to be so wonderful. In the CD version Robert Ian MacKenzie reads the book so that you think some devilish man is taking great delight in revealing to you the wicked ways of how the world works. Trickery and trust issues are a big part of this. The author, through MacKenzie, points out that the difference in a few cents worth of ingredients differentiates a product sold for about one dollar from one, more special, sold for three dollars.
I do agree with another reviewer that the used car argument made by the author is not that tight. But an important concept is being advanced nonetheless.
One of the many good takeaways for me is the economists' notion of truth, wherein the truth is determined by what people do and not what they say. What is important to people is shown by what they freely choose when they have the chance, and may have little to do with what they want their government to do or provide for them.
It clearly is pro-capitalist, and well defends that view. E.g., while not being in favor of harsh conditions, it notes that sweatshops are not the problem but rather a symptom of worse alternatives the workers in a sweatshop have available to them. Sweatshops didn't cause terrible poverty, but even sweatshops make the lives of workers better.
Overall I found this to be great fun to listen to. Intellectually, it is a powerful source of information and ideas to anyone who is not familiar with economics (I can't speak for those who are).
Book Description
“The economy [isn’t] a bunch of rather dull statistics with names like GDP (gross domestic product),” notes Tim Harford, columnist and regular guest on NPR’s Marketplace, “economics is about who gets what and why.” In this acclaimed and riveting book–part exposé, part user’s manual–the astute and entertaining columnist from the Financial Times demystifies the ways in which money works in the world. From why the coffee in your cup costs so much to why efficiency is not necessarily the answer to ensuring a fair society, from improving health care to curing crosstown traffic–all the dirty little secrets of dollars and cents are delightfully revealed by The Undercover Economist.
“A rare specimen: a book on economics that will enthrall its readers . . . It brings the power of economics to life.”
–Steven D. Levitt, coauthor of Freakonomics
“A playful guide to the economics of everyday life, and as such is something of an elder sibling to Steven Levitt’s wild child, the hugely successful Freakonomics.”
–The Economist
“A tour de force . . . If you need to be convinced of the everrelevant and fascinating nature of economics, read this insightful and witty book.”
–Jagdish Bhagwati, author of In Defense of Globalization
“This is a book to savor.”
–The New York Times
“Harford writes like a dream. From his book I found out why there’s a Starbucks on every corner [and] how not to get duped in an auction. Reading The Undercover Economist is like spending an ordinary day wearing X-ray goggles.”
–David Bodanis, author of Electric Universe
“Much wit and wisdom.”
–The Houston Chronicle
From Publishers Weekly
Nattily packaged-the cover sports a Roy Lichtensteinesque image of an economist in Dick Tracy garb-and cleverly written, this book applies basic economic theory to such modern phenomena as Starbucks' pricing system and Microsoft's stock values. While the concepts explored are those encountered in Microeconomics 101, Harford gracefully explains abstruse ideas like pricing along the demand curve and game theory using real world examples without relying on graphs or jargon. The book addresses free market economic theory, but Harford is not a complete apologist for capitalism; he shows how companies from Amazon.com to Whole Foods to Starbucks have gouged consumers through guerrilla pricing techniques and explains the high rents in London (it has more to do with agriculture than one might think). Harford comes down soft on Chinese sweatshops, acknowledging "conditions in factories are terrible," but "sweatshops are better than the horrors that came before them, and a step on the road to something better." Perhaps, but Harford doesn't question whether communism or a capitalist-style industrial revolution are the only two choices available in modern economies. That aside, the book is unequaled in its accessibility and ability to show how free market economic forces affect readers' day-to-day.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Bookmarks Magazine
Harford exposes the dark underbelly of capitalism in Undercover Economist. Compared with Steven Levitt’s and Stephen J. Dubner’s popular Freakonomics (*** July/Aug 2005), the book uses simple, playful examples (written in plain English) to elucidate complex economic theories. Critics agree that the book will grip readers interested in understanding free-market forces but disagree about Harford’s approach. Some thought the author mastered the small ideas while keeping in sight the larger context of globalization; others faulted Harford for failing to criticize certain economic theories and to ground his arguments in political, organizational structures. Either way, his case studies—some entertaining, others indicative of times to come—will make you think twice about that cup of coffee.
Copyright © 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.
Customer Reviews:
Good Read About How Economics Affects Us.......2007-10-05
"The Undercover Economist" by Tim Harford gives readers an economist's view of many aspects of how the free market works and how it can bring about certain societal conditions.
Topics discussed in "The Undercover Economist" include the power of controlling scarce resources, how supermarkets price goods to maximize profits and confuse consumers, and how inside information affects negotiations.
An interesting chapter Why Poor Countries Are Poor evaluates the role corruption and kleptocracy play in keeping poor countries poor. Harford points out that corruption is not only unfair, but it's also ineffective at distributing resources and growing a country's economy.
As one resident of a poor country notes, even if the country receives massive financial aid to improve infrastructure, it doesn't matter, because the dictators tend to pocket the money. And, what is actually spent on infrastructure is often wasted.
Harford writes: "Development projects are often commissioned by people with no great interest in success but a great interest in bribes and career advancement. If the effectiveness of the project is a minor consideration, then it can hardly be a surprise if the project does not deliver on the publicly announced aims, even if it has delivered on the real aims of enriching bureaucrats." [Unfortunately, this is happening more and more in America today due to the growth of earmarks, where politicians set aside government investment for specific projects. These projects benefit cronies who in turn support the politicians.]
People have little incentive to get an education in a corrupt country, because people don't receive jobs based upon meritocracy. Jobs are given to political cronies. Governmental institutions then become dysfunctional. The institutions tend to become more corrupt. The lesson: institutions do matter, and an objective rule of law is crucial to a country's economic well-being. The citizens of a country ultimately pay for political corruption.
"The Undercover Economist" devotes one chapter to understanding what happened during different government auctions of cellular radio spectrum, i.e., the right to create cellular networks and thus sell phone service to customers. How the auctions were set up played a major role in determining if the auctions were effective in raising revenue for the government.
Harford compares the spectrum auctions to auctioning off your house, worth $300,000 and receiving either $3,000 or a whopping $2.3 million. The author includes a good discussion of poker and game theory. In the case of the successful U.K. auctions, Harford says economists showed they could "earn their keep."
"The Undercover Economist" argues it's important to set rewards and penalties, so it's in the best interests of people and industries to behave responsibly (we'll just define "responsibly" as meaning what broader society wants). By doing so, Harford suggests economic policies can address major problems not usually considered economic in scope.
For example, Harford discusses how sulfur emissions were reduced by auctioning off the rights to produce a given quota of sulfur emissions. Harford explains: "They [the EPA] set up an auction for the right to emit sulfur dioxide, which causes acid rain. Polluters were given a quota of emission permits and could either buy more permits in the auction or reduce their emissions by shutting down, installing sulfur scrubbers, or buying cleaner coal. When the EPA simply tried to tell them to install sulfur scrubbers, the power generators argued that it would be very expensive to do so, and they lobbied hard to stop the mandatory regulation. Even the EPA estimated that the cost of reducing sulfur dioxide emissions by one ton would probably be in the range of$250 to $700 and might be as high as $1,500. But when the EPA conducted the auction in 1993, very few polluters made high bids. The companies had been exaggerating their costs. By 1996, permit prices had fallen to $70 a ton, and even at that price many polluters were buying cleaner coal or installing scrubbers rather than buying permits to continue polluting. ... The regulators discovered that getting rid of sulfur dioxide was so cheap that few people were willing to pay much for the right to keep producing it."
Harford says economists today could create the same sort of auctions for dealing with greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming. Through such an auction system, Harford says, we'd quickly learn just how much it really costs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"The Undercover Economist" by Tim Harford is a readable introduction to many aspects of economics and how they play out in everyday life.
The Economist as Detective.......2007-09-19
Ever since the surprise success of "Freakonomics", a flood of economics books for the general public have been published, all trying to cash on the success of that peculiar best seller. According to the principles explained in Tim Harford's book, that is probably a mistake: profits come from scarcity - so further books about `the economics of everyday life' face diminishing returns. And yet, Harford offers several explanations as to why such books may continue to be published: one is that if everyone thinks that economics books are going to be best sellers, an editor who wouldn't publish economics books may lose her job. I'm merely speculating, of course, but this is what happened (with dotcom stocks instead of econ books) to Tony Dye, chief executive of Phillips & Drew (pp. 135-137).
Tim Harford's stuff, though, is worth reading. A regular contributor to slate.com and the financial times, Harford has the gift of explaining complicated economic ideas in accessible language.
Although the comparison to "Freakonomics" is made prominently by the book's cover (which in my version includes an endorsement from Freakonomist Steven Levitt himself, as well as a description as the "elder sibling" of Freakonomics by `The Economist'), `The Undercover Economist' is the better economics book. Freakonomics, after all, doesn't teach too much economics: beyond emphasizing that "people respond to incentives" (an important message, for sure) it answers such questions as whether Sumo wrestlers cheat (They do) and what name should you give your child (It doesn't matter). Harford, on the other hand, explains such valuable economic concepts as rent seeking, externalities and asymmetrical information, and does so in a language that suits both academics and laypeople, with fun examples and a little history of economic though to boot. What more can you ask for in a popular book?
For those with a little knowledge of economics (I have an undergraduate degree in Business Economics) much of it will be familiar. And yet there are enough interesting tidbits that don't make it into your average introductory economics textbook. The chapters about the stock exchange and the application of game theory for auctions were both informative, thought provoking, and fun to read.
For me, the great revelation was the discussion of the environmental effects of globalization. I admit that I have long considered environmental damage to be the most credible counter argument to economic benefits of trade; But Tim Harford makes a good case that that ain't so. "Races to the Bottom" in which countries compete for the worse environmental regulations are unlikely, Harford argues - the advantage in producing "dirtily" is simply not big enough. Rather, Harford shows that protectionism leads to over production, and thus to pollution. And yet, Harford acknowledges that economic growth as such does hurt the environment. And therefore the dilemma of environmentalism or growth is not entirely imaginary - just exaggerated.
There are times when Harford does not raise his opponent's best arguments. In the chapter on free trade, Harford does not discuss various theories of Path Dependencies and learning curve. In the chapter of poverty, he hardly discusses the effects of the environment on economic growth (a major issue in Jeffrey Sachs'The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time), or the questionable legacy of western imperialism. I'm not saying that these are irrefutable objections - quite the contrary - but Harford doesn't quite do them justice.
Still, Harford's book is well written, entertaining, and informative. It targets the economically challenge but has something to offer to all readers, no matter how economically astute.
An excellent treatment of everyday economics.......2007-08-26
I must begin by saying that I liked this book very much. Not to cut suspense, since the review is obviously favorable all along, but just to set a positive tone for the start.
On the surface, "The Undercover Economist" is just another popular economics book, of the kind that is quite common lately (Freakonomics is one example that immediately comes to mind). However, once you finish reading it (paying attention all the way, of course), you realize it presents some relatively deep ideas, explaining them very thoroughly and logically connected pieces from different aspects of economics.
The book begins by a thorough overview of supply and demand, providing simple and befitting examples, both from real life and imaginary. Next, it treats the topic of price targeting (also called "differential pricing") - with really a huge assortment of examples from diverse fields. Then, it explains about free markets and what's good about them.
The connection of market freedom to "finding the truth" is enlightening, and becomes even more so while reading further. The author then moves to more macro-economic topics, discussing globalization and the economic situation in third world countries, such as Cameroon. Finally, he concludes the book with a thorough treatment of the changes in the Chinese economy in the past 30 years. This is the best part of the book, in which all the concepts presented in previous sections come together to explain why the communist system prevailing in China before 1976 failed, and why the gradual freeing of its economy in the years that passed since succeeded on a magnificent scale.
Here are another few topics that I found interesting, in no particular order:
* Why is wine always very expensive in restaurants ? Because one of the big costs in a restaurant is table space. Restaurants would therefore like to charge customers for dawdling, but because they can't do that, they charge higher prices for products that tend to be consumed in longer meals, like wine, appetizers and desserts.
* The story of how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the USA reduced sulfur pollution problems in the 1990s by cleverly issuing "pollution permits" that factories could buy. This way, the "truth" was exposed - the real costs of pollution reducing equipment to companies.
* Did you ever think about what an "efficient economy" means. Simple. If we can point to a change that could make at least one person better off, and nobody worse off, we (economists) say that the current situation is inefficient. This simple explanation is much deeper than it first appears, as it sets one of the basic rules of free markets - in an efficient market, everyone lives on the margins (excepts of one having scarcity power). If some field is too profitable, more competitors will enter it.
* There is an excellent treatment of the problems with the USA's current health care system that's worth reading, not only for Americans.
* When we bash dictatorships in third world countries, we must keep in mind that not all dictatorships are equally bad. In fact, stable dictatorships damage their country's economy much less than unstable ones. This is because stable dictators expect to stay in power for a long time, and hence don't have an interest to rob the economy too much, because that will reduce from their future profits. Unstable dictators, OTOH, are the worst kind - they just come to power, steal as much as possible and disappear. The author cleverly compared stable dictatorships to biological viruses, that have over time evolved not to kill the host body, but rather to use it in order to feed and reproduce to other bodies.
As I mentioned, I really liked this book. In fact, I think it's one of the best popular-economics books I've ever read. It is very highly recommended.
Powerful and fun!.......2007-08-08
Who said that economics was boring?
Tim Harford, a young English economist, has written a splendid book, probably the best I have read of its kind, about the application of the basic economic principles to little things. This book is for anyone with common sense ---even economists--- who want to better understand the world we live in.
The analysis is rigorous and consistent, yet simple and fun. In a natural way, Harford reaps the rewards of almost 300 years of economic doctrines to explain how things work, why frequently they fail to work properly, an what can be done to fix them.
Setting "good economics" at the service of anyone who wants to learn from it, the author explains with a clean logic why freedom and trade probably are the main pillars of modern societies. Indeed, it seems that there is not more direct way for achieving sustained economic growth and social development.
Harford emphasizes the goodness of a free market, in which prices give adequate information for efficient resource allocation, but without idolatrizing this system of exchange. In fact the author devotes many pages of the book to explain the serious problems that emerge when imperfections, as the lack of competition, the presence of externalities, information asymmetries, and inadequate institutions, are important.
Current affairs as corruption, poverty, globalization, environmental problems, and the emergence of China are analyzed with good detail under the magnifying glass of the "undercover economist", who always offers a fresh perspective of the problem and an opportune remark. If these remarks were listened by at least some of the people that actually takes policy decisions, no doubt it will deliver some gains to more than one person without taking from any other.... Pure economics!
Econ 101 Deja Vu.......2007-07-21
Not as incisive as all the reviewers seemed to think....that is all those folks in New York and Washington. A nice review of how principles of economics work out in the marketplace. A bit thin on decisions made by individuals. Still, a useful primer for the person who never thought about economics before.
Book Description
This is it--THE handbook for cashing in on the huge boom in reselling new and used products for big bucks
At last, a soup-to-nuts primer on how to tap into the exploding market for new and "previously owned" merchandise flying off online sites and elsewhere. This book has it allwhat to buy, where to buy, what to pay, and then how to sell it for big profits.
You get a complete lowdown from a true expert on:
- How and where to buy overstock, out-of-season, and slightly damaged goods to "flip" for big returns
- How to register for auctions and bid and buy for bargain-basement prices, then sell goods via low-cost ads
- How to negotiate dirt-cheap prices for salable items from estate sales, government surplus, liquidations, flea markets, and more
Customer Reviews:
202 reasons anyone starting a new business should buy this book . .......2007-03-16
This book takes you thru all the steps of starting a business , not just online business. I thaught it was extremely helpful !
Good source tool.......2007-01-09
This book is a handy source for just about every catagory of products you want to find to sell on or off the internet. Concise and resource filled, it is a valuable tool for sourcing a wide variety of goods. The only drawback is the unavoidable fact the many businesses come and go and some links are already dead in a book that is 2-3 years old. Overall it is a definite time and effort saver for finding most any type of product you can imagine selling. Highly recommended.
Needs updating badly, many web links old and not working.......2005-09-29
This book needs a serious updating. When I did find something that interested me, the chances were very good that the web links to their site were old and not working. Further searches for the company usually lead no where. Wouldn't recommend
How-to guide for anyone looking to make money as a middleman.......2005-02-10
Expererienced marketing consultant James Stephenson presents 202 Things You Can Buy And Sell For Big Profits, which is much more than a list of goods that anyone can buy and sell. Chapters address how to operate a buy-and-sell enterprise, where to find goods available (including wholesalers, manufacturers, auction sales, private sellers, and online auctions), legal issues with direct impact on a buy-and-sell enterprise, and much more. Each of the 202 items, including new toys, software, fitness equipment, licensed products and more is listed with a two-paragraph description and a point-by-point summary of where to buy, sell, and find resources concerning it. An excellent, basic and practical how-to guide for anyone looking to make money as a middleman.
A Good Place to Start.......2004-12-14
Having been in the small business area just like Mr. Stephenson is talking about for many years, I feel that I can say his book is pretty good. Just a couple of points I want to add. Under Buying Sources, don't forget: thrift shops, particularily sales at thrift shops. Here one of them is half off every Friday. buying overseas. No you don't have to be big. You can find small suppliers of specialty items that are not imported into the US and bring them in.
Under selling venues: <BR>don't forget Affiliate programs from companies like Amazon. They have a tremendous marketplace and handle all the paperwork. <BR>And the internet is very, very important, go take a class on how to do a web site.
Under business organization: <BR>e says that the biggest reason for incorporating is that you can greatly reduce your own personal liability. I've never found this. Any good lawyer that wants to sue you can frequently get around the corporate shield. <BR>He also talks about the double taxation of a corporation, you file as a Subchapter S corporation and this doesn't happen. And you can create your own corporation, look for the book Ultimate Guide to Incorporating in any State.
Business License: Eventually you'll need one, but I have found that towns and cities are sticky about granting licenses to individuals who want to work out of their house. Furthermore enforcement is rare, and there are basically no penalties if you get caught - but you may want to check on this in your area.
Finally he lists some 202 things you can guy and sell for big profits. No question that in evey one of these things someone has developed his own business. But just pick one or two of these things, if they can be combined, you can scatter yourself too thin.
Average customer rating:
- Very funny, denser layout would be more realistic
- Shave Me, I'm Drowning
- very disappointing
- Laughed out loud and still do when I think about it
- So hilarious.
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SkyMaul: Happy Crap You Can Buy from a Plane
Robert Baedeker ,
Dan Klein ,
John Reichmuth , and
James Reichmuth
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Business
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Parodies
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Air Travel
| Specialty Travel
| Travel
| Subjects
| Books
Look Inside Entertainment Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
Look Inside Travel Books
| Trip
| Specialty Stores
| Books
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ASIN: 0312357478
Release Date: 2006-10-31 |
Book Description
The funniest catalog in America. Guaranteed.
Let award-winning comedy troupe Kasper Hauser transport you into the sublime universe that is SkyMaul, where Banana-ganizers and Reality-Canceling Headphones coexist with Crack Pipe Chess Sets and Llamacycles. More than just a catalog parody, SkyMaul explodes with razor-sharp wit, boundless creativity, and a keen eye for the absurd. This smart, edgy satire will earn your laughter again and again.
Customer Reviews:
Very funny, denser layout would be more realistic.......2007-09-21
These guys are just plain funny. A few of the products in this catalog have entered my girlfriend's and my vernacular. It would be funny to leave this on a plane and watch some unsuspecting reader's reaction to it, but it would be hard to part with it, plus it's not free like the real ones on the plane. I wish the layout were a little denser to make it look even more like the real catalogs, but maybe that's just a subtle way of wishing there was even more funny stuff in here to read. This is a good thing to get if SkyMall catalogs have a special relevance for you, or if you are a die-hard fan of Roy & Gil and the other fellows that brought you the indie comedy classic Fishing With Gandhi.
Shave Me, I'm Drowning.......2007-06-11
The surrealist comedy troupe Kasper Hauser puts their unique spin on airborne shopping with this wonderful spoof of the utterly ludicrous offerings of SkyMall catalogs. I was especially entertained by the narrative of "A Message From SkyMaul's CEO..." extolling how shopping saved his life (in Las Vegas, of course) and kept his family ("lovely wife, Pfepfer," "two children, Horace and Candy," and "Labrador buddy, Melchus") together. With that premise firmly ingrained, the catalog moves from the twisted and bizarre, to the surreal and other-worldly.
It's impossible for me to pick my favorite product in the catalog, though I think the Llamacycle would be near the top of the list. I also loved the concept of the "'Cut Above' Electronic Hair-Salon-Naming Computer," ("Hairly Legal," "Shave Me, I'm Drowning," "Banged 'n' Feathered," "From Hair to Eternity," etc.), which with additional modules can also help name your scone cart, coffee shop, or crepe restaurant. The scientific part of my brain loved the "Air Straightener," while the animal lover in me liked the "'Moby Dick' Hamster Coffin." Perhaps my favorite concept in the book is the collection of "motivational posters" from "Probletunity Knocks." I utterly loathe motivational posters, so mocking them was a certain hit with me. For the extremely deranged there's the "Hitler-Turning-into-Werewolf Nightlight," sure to be useful because it's "new monitor function allows the wolf's eyes to follow you or your baby around the room and emits a 'safety growl' anytime someone moves toward it."
Although the type of humor in the catalog is occasionally a bit base, the book is funny across the board and is the definitive skewering of the excremental products in the actual SkyMall catalog.
very disappointing.......2007-06-05
The concept was excellent but the execution disappointing. A banal miscellany of unimpressive photo editing, mild vulgarisms, and shock words in place of inspiration. Doesn't even reach sophmoric. That it got published is a testament to P.T. Barnum's evaluation of American taste.
Laughed out loud and still do when I think about it.......2007-04-20
This is not just dumb humor. It is hard to describe without it sounding dumb, though! The writeups are as funny as the pictures. This does contain some profanity so you might not want to get it for a younger kid.
So hilarious........2007-04-02
Being a flight attendant myself and looking through the SkyMall magazine countless times on long flights I can tell you...this book is AMAZING. I have never laughed so hard from a book all my life. I really want to get another one and put it in the crew lounge. I'm sure the flight crews will get a kick out of it :)
Book Description
Owning your own business may sound like paradise, but being the owner also means taking the responsibility for the business's health. Now, Garrett Sutton gives potential business owners the practical information they need to fulfill their dream of owning their own business.
Customer Reviews:
Simplistic Guide in a Complicated Process!.......2007-06-27
'How to Buy & Sell a Business' by Garrett Sutton is a very enjoyable read on what really is a complicated subject. It is written with the assumption (I assume) that one is completely new to the process of buying a business and a first-time seller of an existing business.
Written in very easy-to-understand language, Sutton has divided up the processes of buying and selling a business into chapters with case studies presented and key points to look for and/or execute as you are buying and selling your business. Some points and pages worth noting are as follows:
Pg(s) 98 - 107: Valuation of a business is very complicated. It involves everything from the FMV of assets, intellectual property, current and potential revenue, accurate accounting and finance, and of course goodwill. There are books written that cover this topic by itself and Sutton does a good job in outlining the basic concepts of valuation. His coverage of the three principles of valuation (future benefits, substitution, and alternatives) are informative though brief. He manages to provide the IRS-recommend approach to valuing a business as well, which is of course very important.
Pg(s) 114 - 116: The negotiation phase of buying a business next to valuing the business and reviewing accounting and finance records is arguably where it comes down to (along with the ability to obtain the needed financing). Negotiations is an art with a lot of science involved. Specific to Sutton's work the section on Representations and Warranties should prove helpful from a broad view on things to look for when negotiating on the other side of the table.
Pg(s) 120 - 123: Covers structure and the pros and cons of an asset sale versus a stock sale. He manages to cover both pretty well and covers the concept of indemnification, which is often overlooked when one buys and sells a business. The stock versus asset structure is very complicated, but Sutton manages to point out high-level concerns you may have.
Pg(s) 131 - 134: Covers financing structure. Financial structuring can be the key (along with terms) on rather a deal is even "do-able." These pages point out quick-cut ways to obtain the money (at least where to look) while giving you some common sense approaches to obtaining the financing and to have sources of funds compete for your business. A strong section within the above pages is the discussion on convertible securities as a form of payment - common in large-scale sales of businesses (corporate and private), but may be overlooked by smaller businesses owners and prospective buyers.
The case studies are very entertaining (at least to read) and put the chapters in perspective. This book is not designed to be a standalone guide to buying and selling a business, but to give you a quick overview of the process as you proceed forward in buying or selling your business. It is not fluff as many would assume from the Rich Dad's Advisors (TM) book series. Also, Dianne Kennedy's chapter may make your eyes glaze, but this chapter is a must even if you are seasoned at buying and selling small businesses - yes, it covers the tax strategies and consequences. As an managing partner of a capital funding group that specializes in assisting small to medium size business owners obtain cash for their businesses, I see small oversights and mistakes that are made by buyers and sellers of businesses that if one thought about in the beginning would make the buying or selling of businesses a more pleasant experience. That's the key to my review recommendation: You will finish this book with some knowledge and/or key reminders especially if you are a novice at buying or selling a business.
In summary: If you're new to the buying and selling of a business - this book is strongly recommend. If you're a current business owner, but it's been a while since you bought or sold a business - this book is recommend for a quick review prior to going to your team of professionals. If you're a seasoned buyer and seller of businesses this read will be too basic for you. If you work with businesses as a professional adviser - this book is strongly recommended.
Good Advice.......2006-09-23
This book is great for anyone that is just starting off in the business realm. I'll assume that whose who gave bad reviews on this book are people who already have a good amount of expereince in the business world. For them this book is just too basic of information that they already know. I, on the other hand, am just starting out in the world of business. I am 21 years old and this book was perfect for me in teaching me the basics and where I need to go to get some of the information I need. This book was also very motivating for someone starting off like myself. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone that wishes to begin learning about what it takes to buy and sell a business.
"The richest people in the world learn to buy and sell businesses, not work for them.".......2006-04-07
The most motivational part of the book is in the forward when Robert Kiyosaki quotes his rich dad, "The richest people in the world learn to buy and sell businesses, not work for them."
What the book lacks in motivation it makes up for in facts and detail. I would say it's more for someone that has already decided to buy a business and is working through the details than someone looking for the motivation to make that leap from an employee to a business owner.
There is a great Henry Ford quote, "Never complain, never explain."
The topics covered are basic in a business 101 type of layout, sort of like a text book, but well worth pushing yourself through for the basic knowledge you'll get.
Get the foundation with this book then move on to some biographies of business whirlwinds who give you the real drive and push to start doing deals.
By Kivin Kingston author of, A 20,000% Gain in Real Estate: A True Story About the Ups And Downs from Wall Street to Real Estate Leading Up to Phenomenal Returns
My Blog: bloglines.com/blog/KevinKingston
beware of reviewers.......2006-02-11
I find Michaels review disturbing that in the end he points you to his web page that is tempting, tantalizing and then he wants the routing numbers to your check book. What a guy! If he is not really a lawyer, it sounds like he has all the makings!
Keg
Excellent Primer for Budding Entrepreneurs.......2005-08-26
Excellent primer for the budding entrepreneur thinking of buying or selling a business. Will help the novice engage in intelligent conversation with his or her team of experts as well as with the prospective buyer or seller. If you want to get top dollar when you sell your house, you take the time to fix it up and know the market...same goes for a business. Consult with the expert as Mr. Sutton has proven to be time and time again.
Book Description
In The 100 Best Stocks You Can Buy, 2007, investment analyst John Slatter reveals the 100 stocks you can't afford to miss this year. Having painstakingly researched thousands of stocks, Slatter shows you only those that demonstrate the best potential for both long and short-term growth-the stocks of companies known for their innovative marketing, great products, cutting-edge research, sound management, and consistent growth.
Each stock is evaluated and assessed based on a variety of factors, including:
Management practices
Growth opportunity
Investment risk and price per share
Listings reveal company background, contact information, stock and ticker symbols, Web site addresses, S & P rating, as well as insider tips on reasons to buy, potential shortcomings, and a snapshot of company financials. The 100 Best Stocks You Can Buy, 2007 is the guide you'll rely on-year after year.
Customer Reviews:
One Great Book for Evaluating Stock Options.......2007-07-14
John Slatter has once again written a book that will enhance any newby or verteran stock invester. I admire his humor that coincides with usefull information for stock purchasing and other options. I got hooked on his books about 2 years ago and have had to check them out from public libraries to read them, but once I had the chance to purchase his latest version, I had to just to settle my minds peace over it. Thank you once again.
E Scott Hollingsworth
Just a list of 100 stocks, no good explanation of why buy.......2007-06-11
This book is essentially a listing of 100 stocks that the author thinks are worth buying. Overall, the book leaves a lot to be desired. The details on any specific stock are too short to base an intelligent decision on. I wish the author had instead limited the list to 25 stocks and provided detailed analysis on why he thinks they are worth my money. He should also have described price points where it makes sense to buy them. The categorization that the author uses are Aggressive Growth, Conservative Growth, Growth & Income, and Income. This was useful, but I would have liked to see classification of these stocks based on industry segments as well so that I could build a diversified portfolio. Of course, that information is available on the Web. My advice: skim this book to find a few companies that interest you, and read details on them at Google or Yahoo financial websites.
Excellent Reference book.......2006-10-12
This is a great place to start if you are looking for stocks to buy. It gives a great breakdown of a stocks 8 year history of:
>Revenue
>Net Income
>Earnings per share
>Dividends per Share
>Highest and Lowest stock price for each year
It gives you the basic profile of the company,the shortcomings to bear in mind,and reasons to buy.
It is great for ideas on companies to buy with a great overview of the stocks history. It divides stocks into its industry, sector, and category. This book will be useful to use to understand and create a diversified portfolio of individual stocks.
But be warned of three things:
1). Use this book as a history book not a newspaper, go to Quotes/Yahoo or marketcenter.com for up to date information.
2). These are all large cap stocks, this book is not for investors looking for small cap stocks.
3) This is a basic beginners book, great for them, but an experienced investor will already have this information from other periodicals and tools.
I personally like to use these books each year to look for value stocks, I have had great fortune buying the stocks that appear in these books that are trading at P/E multiples between 15-20. Also buy these stocks at or near their 52 week low. These companies are solid, buy them when the prices cycle down.
Book Description
For every prospective homebuyer there is a unique financial situation. Some may have past or current credit issues, others lack cash-on-hand for a down payment, and many have unpredictable incomes. But this doesn't mean these folks are any less entitled to own a home.
Who Says You Can't Buy a Home! gives readers plenty of proven, powerful ways to overcome perceived obstacles to home ownership. Real estate and home-buying authority David Reed tells hopeful buyers everything they need to know about establishing credit, using government mortgage and zero money down programs, buying foreclosures, getting subprime loans, buying without a mortgage, and much more.
And for those with shaky credit, Who Says You Can't Buy a Home! offers priceless advice on managing credit scores and reports, repairing bad credit, and other crucial steps that can make the difference between owning a home and being turned down. The book also shows how to avoid predatory lenders and common mistakes, while giving readers the confidence and know-how to get the home they've always wanted.
Customer Reviews:
Opens up your options!.......2007-05-22
I meet lots of first time home buyers who have bad or no credit. Often times they are frustrated and start to assume that most lender and brokers don't want to deal with them. What this book does is open up those options.
I let one of my clients borrow this book. He came back to me and felt more confident with his decision to pursue to signing the papers.
Great information, easily explained, lots of ideas.......2006-05-29
Although this book has chapters devoted to people with no credit or bad credit, this new book tells how people can get a home loan - at competitive rates - that might not have any money for down payment or closing costs, regardless of credit history.
I'm in the real estate business and thought I had heard it all but this book points out strategies that I didn't know existed. Perhaps the best sections are those which address people with damaged credit and how to not just shop around for the best loan but maybe more importantly how to protect themselves from "bad" loan officers who are only in the business to take advantage of someone and charge super high rates and fees.
I bought several copies of this book to give to clients who think they can't buy a home. Then wait for their phone call!
Book Description
Good news for those who think they cannot scrape together a down payment and get approved for a mortgage
This latest book from million-selling real estate author Bob Irwin brings a ray a hope to the millions who dream of owning their own homes but who either aren't sure they can afford one or lack the "official" financial qualifications for a mortgage. Pitched exclusively to the needs of this market, How to Buy a Home When You Can't Afford It is a treasure trove of innovative tactics, tips, strategies, and methods for finding financing and closing on a home. Irwin shows readers how to determine how much they're really worth, how to uncover hidden assets they never new they had, and how virtually anyone can improve his or her credit rating in just six months. He then cuts right to the chase with dozens of proven options, including:
- First-time home owner benefits
- Creative ways to cover closing costs
- Bargaining down sellers
- Obtaining "sweat equity" government homes
Customer Reviews:
Impractical advice.......2005-07-22
I found this book to lack usefulness, more of a "cheerleader" for "Yay you CAN buy a house" rather than a useful tool to help you do so.
Practical Reference For Home Buyers.......2005-07-10
This is a practical book for home buyers. However, it does not contain a wide-spectrum of information one'd expect. For example, information about town-house and condo are superficial. And there are other sections I'd expect the author to go a little bit more in detail. Even with all these concerns, this book and author should get credit where credit is due. It gives good guidelines and portrays a clear system of how to determine a good house buy.
From San Francisco Chronicle 12/8/02 (by Robert J. Bruss).......2002-12-11
#1 of year's 10 top real estate books. This survey book explains virtually all the home-purchase alternatives, such as different types of houses and condos, as well as low-cost finance alternatives. Aimed at first-time buyers, this well-designed book explains home-buying techniques that less-than-perfect buyers should consider.
This is not Just a Catchy Title.......2002-10-13
This book is a godsend to anyone who feels there is no way they will ever be able to afford a house. In the last few years many things have changed in the home mortgage market and this book walks you through how to buy a house with 0% down, how to avoid PMI insurance with a 80/20 Loan , not to mention where to look for bargains, how to low-ball etc.
This book is worth every penny. It is well-written, researched and up to date. If you would like to buy a home and are waiting to save up for a downpayment order this book today. You won't be sorry!
Book Description
Complete profiles of today's most successful annuities... Expert tips on how to maximize your returns...
Variable annuities now outpace mutual funds as the number one choice among street-smart investorsâand it's easy to see why. Tax-deferred, commission-free, easy to purchase and redeem, carrying less risk than most other instruments, and exhibiting a superb overall performance, they are an indispensable addition to any low-risk, high-yield portfolio. Now, in the first book of its kind, financial planning expert Gordon Williamson demystifies annuities investing. Writing in a straightforward, down-to-earth style, he:
- Clearly explains how annuities work, profiles their return potential, and frankly assesses their relative advantages and disadvantages
- Steers you to the 100 best annuities for your investment dollar
- Emphasizes risk reduction without sacrificing returns
- Supplies complete annuity profiles, including average annual returns over the past 3, 5, and 10 years
- Ranks and evaluates today's entire spectrum of annuity productsâaggressive growth/small cap, international, growth and income, balanced, money market, and more
- Pinpoints the best performing variable annuities
- Includes investment options within each annuity recommended
The word is out: variable annuities are one of the best investment instruments developed in this century. Now find out how you can take full advantage of their unprecedented earning potential with The 100 Best Annuities You Can Buy.
Book Description
After carving up the once lovingly cared-for downtowns of Small Town America, Wal-Mart launched a frontal assault on mom-and-pop businesses all over the globe. With 1.5 million employees operating more than 3, 500 stores, Wal-Mart is now the world's largest private employer. In this third edition of HOW WAL-MART IS DESTROYING AMERICA (AND THE WORLD), intrepid Texas newspaperman Bill Quinn continues the fight. Featuring detailed accounts of Wal-Mart's questionable business practices and the latest information on Wal-Mart lawsuits, vendor issues, and efforts to stop expansion, Quinn shows why Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., is arguably the most feared and despised corporation in the world. Whether you're a customer fed up with Wal-Mart's false claims, a vendor squeezed by strong-arm tactics, a worker pushed to increase the Waltons' bottom line, or a concerned citizen trying to save your hometown, this book will show you how to get Wal-Mart off your back and out of your backyard.
Customer Reviews:
pamphlet that accuses Wal-Mart of, well, everything BAD.......2006-01-03
This is an activists' handbook for those who want to attack Wal-Mart, which is not only the world's biggest retailer but the world's largest nongovernmental employer. The author sees Wal-Mart as bearing the principal responsibility for an awful lot of terrible things that are happening to small-town America and that are now spilling into the rest of the world as WM invests in stores overseas.
There is no denying that WM is a catalyst for a lot of distrubing trends: the use of scale economies to underbid mom&pop shops in America's rural areas, its transforming impact on communities (heavier traffic, depopulation of traditional downtown areas, etc), its heavy-handed approach to negotiations with sometimes desperate local authorities, and lastly, its use of near-minimum wage labor while crushing labor union activity in its stores.
But as a catalyst, it is much more the instrument of fundamental economic forces - globalisation and also vast integrated operational networks - than the sole or even the governing cause. In my view, that throws the questions into the political arena. Sure, you can attack WM, but what its managers are doing only makes business sense to them: expand shops that are incredibly profitable while selling at far lower prices than traditional outlets could because they lack the scale and organization of WM. That cannot be fought at the moment.
The bottom line then becomes: WM will continue to win unless there is some kind of concerted political action that changes the fundamental economic logic that is operating behind it - and that is way beyond just blocking the change of zoning laws or boycotting the company. I am not arguing that WM's impact is good or inevitable and unstoppable, but that the current economic environment favors it.
As such, I believe this book fails to look at most of the deeper problems. Instead, the reader is served up with a simplistic villain, WM, and urged to protest and buy elsewhere. The assumption is: get rid of WM and we can go a long way back to how things were. Alas, that is a strawman.
What we need to do is change the playing field. And this book will not help much in that. WM and its imitators need to be regulated and channeled into certain areas of competition that are less destructive to traditional communities and their economies, and that is as complicated and difficult to effect as it would sound. Of course, WM must also be forced to provide healthcare, allow unionization, and take the environment into consideration in its decisions.
Nonetheless, from the evidence as it appears to me, WM has not yet become a responsive corporate citizen. THe incredible size and power that it has attained is a relatively recent phenomenon, and there are many managers inside of it who are arguing that it needs to change, including CEO Lee Scott. But it needs to evolve and pay attention to what the outside world thinks of its practices, which leave a lot to be desired to put it mildly. That is where protest comes in and where books like this have a vital part to play. If WM leaders are smart, they will see that it makes business sense for them to listen to consumers and adapt their practices as far as they can while maintaining profitability.
Later, if the company has a culture that is capable of learning, the protests may become a more productive kind of negotiation, as it has with some companies such as adidas or even McDonald's. But to blame everything on just one company is as silly as holding McDonald's alone as responsible for America's obesity epidemic - they play a role to be sure, but are only cogs in a far greater economic and cultural phenomenon.
Recommended as this is a piece of the debate, but it is badly incomplete and simplistic.
Some good points made; but...........2005-12-09
This book caught my eye at a rummage sale for twenty-five cents. Many folks on my wife's side of the family are big supporters of Wal-Mart, so naturally when I brought this book home my wife wanted nothing to do with it. I'm indifferent to the large retailer, so I kept an open mind, and decided to read it anyway.
The book's biggest problem is that Quinn spends too much time ranting and raving about how horrible Wal-Mart is. It's like listening to a cantankerous old man who just got fired from his position as a Wal-Mart greeter. Sure, he raises some good points, but Wal-Mart does not need to "Burn in Hell" as it seems he wishes it would.
If the author wants to point out how Wal-Mart is destroying America, he out to provide solutions and alternatives to the problem. So you hate Wal-Mart...okay; we've established that. Now how about telling me some actual good things the retailer is doing? There are very few things in the world that are totally corrupt, and Wal-Mart is not one of them. Wal-Mart has good and bad points, and not pointing out some of it's good points is what makes this book's bias so distasteful.
While the book will give you pause, I doubt this will be a thorn in Wal-Mart's side. The book is just too personal. It reminds me of a child who was picked on by a school bully, and now he is crying to his parents instead of confronting the problem head-on.
If you don't want to shop at Wal-Mart, then don't! There's not one thing you can buy at Wal-Mart that you can't get somewhere else. You don't need a 165 page book to tell you that.
An easy read with some good points.......2005-12-08
This is a fairly simple book outlining many of the problems with Wal-Mart and the practices that they've created or improved on (many started by Sears) which have gutted America's downtown and factories.
This book isn't very deep, and doesn't have as much reference material as I'd like. I recommend The Case Against Wal-Mart by Al Norman if you're looking for more about Wal-Mart's practices.
I think Bill Quinn is very passionate about his subject, which makes him seem less reliable. Nevertheless, if he was libeling Wal-Mart, rest-assured, this book would be out of print. Wal-Mart is very litigious, and I'm sure they would not hesitate to sue the publisher.
This is a great book if you're wondering why everyone is so upset about Wal-Mart. It isn't about just cheaper prices or lower wages. Wal-Mart is a revolutionary company that has completely changed the American landscape in the last ten years.
If you haven't read this book, I recommend it.
This Book is Jerry-Built.......2005-09-03
This book was horribly written. Don't get me wrong, I loved the analogies used... describing the American consumer as Wal-Mart's whores... that was great. However, a lot of the author's claims were highly unsubstantiated. As a Wal-Mart associate, I know that a lot of what he said is untrue. We are NOT allowed to work off the clock, and we are not victims of Wal-Mart's corporate greed. I really like my job, and while I don't approve of all Wal-Mart's policies, I certainly don't think they're as bad as they are portrayed in this book. I'm sure many of the stories ARE true. However, if the author spent half as much time spotlighting GOOD things Wal-Mart did, this book would be much more balanced. I'm not impressed by his research, the book is lacking in fact, and is full of baloney. The research he did do could have been much better presented. The book was rambling, he repeated himself constantly, and it just felt like the book was slapped together last minute to be rushed out onto Target shelves...
Sometimes you just want to yell "I hate Wal-Mart".......2005-06-03
I've hardly ever been in a Wal-Mart. Despite not liking to shop at Wal-Mart myself I don't have any stronger feelings against them than against other "big box" stores such as Home Depot, Target, K-Mart or Lowe's. As far as I'm concerned they're all temples of materialism that blight the landscape and cause traffic jams.
So what's wrong with Wal-Mart in particular? Bill Quinn, the curmudgeon author of this blog-like diatribe, relies on unnamed sources, data (some of it improbable) without references and lots of anecdotes that may or may not be true. His redundant message is that the Bentonville blankety-blanks, as he repeatedly refers to Wal-Mart, possesses the (in)human characteristics of "evil" and "greed" and manages, apparently thorough some satanic process, to violate the laws of economics and simultaneously treat all employees, vendors AND customers like dirt and single handedly destroy small town America's utopia-like "mom and pop" main street commerce (whatever that meant in the 1990s after decades of Sears, K-Mart, etc.).
But every so-called shady or dirty tactic the author singles out to revile Wal-Mart with is practiced in some form by all aggressive, professional retailers. And do so-called "mom and pop" stores always provide health insurance and pay more than minimum wage? Hardly. And if vendors and service suppliers lose money selling to Wal-Mart then 1) why did they sign the deal and 2) why are they selling to Wal-Mart more than once? These complaints make no sense.
Quinn's suggestions for "fighting" Wal-Mart range from common sense (storekeepers update your business skills) to ineffective (letters to the editor) to improbable (running for political office). This moonbat even suggests such retro-60s touches as forming a protest to chant (I'm not kidding here) "one, two, three, four, we don't want your lousy store."
Quinn is a fanatic. He sums up by writing, "The long and the short of it for me is, I hate Wal-Mart." And that, in essence, is all he says in 171 pages with lots of white space that reads like it was written over a long weekend and is six years out of date.
If you're a Wal-Mart hater you might enjoy this. Otherwise save your money and fight Wal-Mart by spending the same amount on something fun at a "mom and pop" store. Or from Wal-Mart or an Internet retailer, whichever you like, because in America we're not only free to say what we want but we're free to shop where we want.
No index, no references for many key assertions, no new information since 1999.
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- Value Stream Management
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- Why Didn't I Learn This in College?
- Zaha Hadid
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Books Index
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