History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Making Big Money Investing in Foreclosures: Without Cash or Credit

Average customer rating:

Powerful evidence
Excellent overview of Foreclosure purchasing
Making Big Money Investing in Foreclosures: Without Cash or Credit by Peter Conti
Another Finkel disaster
Wish they would hire a prof'l editor for all their books.

Making Big Money Investing in Foreclosures: Without Cash or Credit
Peter Conti , and David Finkel
Manufacturer: Kaplan Business
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0793173655
Release Date: 2003-08-15

Book Description

Life can be tough for real estate professionals these days. Even with interest rates at historically low levels, the uncertain economy makes homeowners hesitant to relocate or trade up. There just aren't that many clients out there, and the few who exist generate fierce competition. In fact, it seems the single ""hot area"" is foreclosures. But that's not necessarily bad news.

Conti and Finkel's book is a good ""crash course"" for real estate brokers and agents wanting to understand this area and explains the intricacies involved in funding investment deals, using various buying/closing methods and employing exit strategies. Thanks to the book as well as workshops and seminars offered by the two authors, thousands of people each year learn the art of lucrative real estate investing.

Customer Reviews:

Powerful evidence .......2007-05-25

Making Big Money Investing in Foreclosures without cash or credit is a morally courageous examination of real estate investing!! Peter Conti gives powerful evidence of new ways of investing. In this successful oriented book the author minimizes risk taking and explores objective ways towards successful investing. Must read!!

Excellent overview of Foreclosure purchasing.......2006-12-22

I had run across my first pre-forclosure deal and needed to get a basic understanding of the steps and processes. Peter and David's book provided that wonderfully. I was able to use the steps and scripts to sign up a deal, provide help to a stressed-out seller and reach the proper department at the lender. The suggestions of how to talk to both the seller and the lender have been very helpful with dealing with the human side of things. I felt very comfortable with the style and the seller has been very appreciative. I didn't feel manipulative at all.

Making Big Money Investing in Foreclosures: Without Cash or Credit by Peter Conti.......2006-11-09

An official Library Weekly book review.

REVIEW:
This book generically highlights a few ideas on how to invest in
foreclosures and how to finance it without using cash or credit.
Part of the formula is the use of "double closings" which allows
you to simply invest with a minimal amount and use the sell price
as the payment during the title closing. The difficult aspect of
this is it doesn't truly describe certain foreclosure techniques
available in each state (generically applied). Additionally,
you may need to read this with a grain of salt with the current
real estate market conditions.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS ON FORECLOSURES:
1. The Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Tax Lien and Tax Deed Auctions [ISBN 0978834607]

EXCERPT:
"There's never a better time to invest in real estate."

RATING:
3 of 5

Another Finkel disaster.......2006-06-28

How to get the most money for your property. This topic, worthy of a book, gets a couple of pages which are platitudes. This is the second book of his I've read recently in which he talks about determining the market price. The approach he advocates will result in a variance with the market of 40%, if not more. And, he lumps apartment buildings in with houses as if they were valued the same way. Of course, they are not.

On the plus side, in this book he recognizes that people do tend to get legal advice before signing a contract. He tells you how to diffuse the lawyer's criticism before it happens.

During my years as an apartment broker, I dealt with more than a few lawyers, including clients. Maybe his approach will work, but I'd think not.

This is another feel-good, cheerleading book. Rich Dad, Poor Dad does a better job of cheerleading, but has even less substance than this lightweight work.

Once again, the author has silly sales techniques that don't work. Once again, let me point you to the best writer in sales: Neil Rackham.

Spare yourself time, money and effort. Pass on everything David Finkel writes or promotes (as I shall hereafter).

Wish they would hire a prof'l editor for all their books........2006-03-27

I own and/or have read their other books and regretfully have to say that their books aren't professionally edited. Their works seem to project an "aw shucks" tone but I find them to contain too much hyperbole.

I don't bother with their new books anymore since the writing is tiresome and predictable. They may have new information to share but that fact is lost because of the book's poor editorial presentation.

Why Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes And How To Correct Them: Lessons From The New Science Of Behavioral Economics

Average customer rating:

Great Introduction to Behavioral Finance
Entertaining and good stuff
One of my favorite personal finance books
Out of the ivory tower and into your real life
Are you mentally fit to make money decisions?

Why Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes And How To Correct Them: Lessons From The New Science Of Behavioral Economics
Gary Belsky , and Thomas Gilovich
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0684859386

Amazon.com

Why do so many otherwise rational individuals make irrational decisions when it comes to money? Financial journalist Gary Belsky and Cornell University psychology professor Thomas Gilovich contend the answers can be found--and the deficiencies remedied--with help from a relatively new science called behavioral economics. Still largely unknown outside academic circles, the field can be traced to research on the impact of rewards and punishments on human judgment and decision- making that first were undertaken at Jerusalem's Hebrew University some 30 years ago. In Why Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes , Belsky and Gilovich update this pioneering work and show readers how to understand exactly why they invest, spend, and save as they do. More importantly, using examples that everyone can identify with and language that anyone can understand, the authors offer dozens of workable suggestions that can help readers manage their money better. "We believe that by identifying the psychological causes behind many types of financial decisions," they write, "you can effectively change your behavior in ways that will ultimately put more money in your pocket and help you keep more of what you already have." --Howard Rothman

Book Description

Why do so many otherwise smart people make foolish financial choices? Why do investors sell stocks just before they skyrocket -- and cling to others as they plummer? Why do shoppers overspend when using credit cards rather than cash? What do our habits of tipping or buying lottery tickets indicate about our relationship with money?

In this fascinating investigation of the ways we spend, invest, save, borrow, and waste money, Gary Belsky and Thomas Gilovich reveal the psychological causes -- the patterns of thinking and decision making -- of irrational behavior. Most important, they focus on the decisions we make every day and, using entertaining examples, provide invaluable tips on avoiding the financial faux pas that can cost thousands of dollars each year.

Download Description

Why do so many otherwise smart people make foolish financial choices? Why do investors sell stocks just before they sky rocket -- and cling to others as they plummet? Why do shoppers overspend when using credit cards rather than cash? What do our habits of tipping or buying lottery tickets indicate about our relationship with money? In this fascinating investigation of the ways we spend, invest, save, borrow, and waste money, Gary, Belsky and Thomas Gilovich reveal the psychological causes -- the patterns of thinking and decision-making -- that result in irrational behavior. Most importantly they focus on the decisions we make everyday and, using entertaining examples, provide invaluable tips on avoiding the financial faux pas that can cost thousands of dollars each year.

Customer Reviews:

Great Introduction to Behavioral Finance.......2007-07-21

For more than 20 years I have been fascinated why so many people make financial decisions which defy rationality. Unfortunately, I find it extremely difficult to read and comprehend most of the research papers that has been done in the field of behavioral finance. The last 5 years have seen several good books explaining the results of the emerging field of behavioral finance. This book is one of those good books.

As a fan of index funds, I enjoyed reading this book's explanation and recommendation for suggesting index funds.

This book is very readable and is an excellent primer on the major concepts which are emerging from behavioral finance research.

Socrates was right when he uttered his famous quote "Know Thy Self". One of the hardest things to do is to understand why we do what we do sometimes. This book helps explain some of this natural human behavior, and how we can manage it to make more rational financial decisions.

I would suggest companion books to supplement this book including:

Index Mutual Funds: How to Simplify Your Financial Life and Beat the Pro's
How to Use Psychology to Achieve Your Financial Goals
Are You Using the Right Rules to Plan Your Retirement?
The Richest Man in Babylon
Bogle on Mutual Funds: New Perspectives for the Intelligent Investor
The Millionaire Next Door
The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio
A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing, Ninth Edition
The Coffeehouse Investor: How to Build Wealth, Ignore Wall Street, and Get On With Your Life
The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing

Entertaining and good stuff.......2007-07-03

The book is easy to read and it also covers a lot of interesting topics. Highly recommended.

One of my favorite personal finance books.......2007-05-15

It's been years since I first read this book, but I still reference it often when talking about money decisions. It's readable, fun, and informative. I also enjoy the situational questions that begin each chapter. Even when you can see what point they're getting it, it's easy to see yourself making the same mistake in a moment of decision.

Out of the ivory tower and into your real life.......2007-01-09

this book is an easy well-written guide to understanding the academic field of behavioral economics and to bring it into the real world of our lives. The original research studies are really dry and hard to read even for a psychologist (I am one).....this is reader friendly and practical. Helped me understand some of the errors I made and still fall into....like noticing the stocks I have really done well with and forgetting about the ones that did not do so well so I think I have done really well in the market the past year..but then I look at the cold hard numbers and guess what? I did not do nearly as well I thought. Very helpful to use with patients who are having credit card woes (future dollars are so cheap). Dr. Mary Gresham Atlanta Ga

Are you mentally fit to make money decisions?.......2006-12-21

This book helps to show you some of the common pitfalls that people make when making decisions involving money. While there are topics related to investing, there are also general "money-decision" topics. There were actually some mistakes that I did not even think of but when I read them I realized that many of my friends made these mistakes. For me the biggest lesson that I learned was the part about mental accounting. This is one of those books that you think is all common sense but when you think about it, you realize that you too make these mistakes.

Ruff's Little Book of Big Fortunes in Gold & Silver: A Middle Class License to Print Money

Average customer rating:

Ruff's Little Book of Big Fortunes in Gold & Silver
Why does anybody even listen to this guy?
Good First Start
Ruffs little book on gold and silver
Little book of Big Fortune is right!

Ruff's Little Book of Big Fortunes in Gold & Silver: A Middle Class License to Print Money
Howard Ruff
Manufacturer: 10 Finger Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 193317496X
Release Date: 2006-11-08

Book Description

"Ignoring gold and silver this year will cost you more than all the dumb financial decisions you can make put together."

Ruff's Little Book of Big Fortunes in Gold and Silver is not written for Wall Street, but for Main Street.

It is a detailed guide to a once-in-a-lifetime chance for middle-class Americans to get rich investing in one of history's greatest bull markets. Ruff makes a usually arcane subject easy to understand, and even humorous. This bull market will dwarf even the 500% to 1700% profits his readers made in the metals in the 70s, and as usual, Ruff is out in front.

As Yogi Berra said, "It's déjà vu all over again."

This small book is deliberately designed to teach the investment novice exactly what to do as the bull market unfolds, including why, how and where to buy precious metals and mining stocks - as well as how to avoid costly mistakes. It is also an essential review for dedicated gold bugs to help them in this new and ever-changing market.

Customer Reviews:

Ruff's Little Book of Big Fortunes in Gold & Silver.......2007-09-05

Another wonderful EZ to read book by our long time advisor, Howard Ruff. The message is always the same and it is refreshing to learn that we are still on the same track or trail. I'm loaning my copy to my friends who are a bit behind times but are anxious to learn how to save themselves from the big flush and I don't mean anything about playing cards or action in the bathroom.

Why does anybody even listen to this guy?.......2007-07-30

This is the guy who told people to stay out of stocks and plow their money into gold in the beginning of the 1980's. Right as gold peaked and went lower for a couple decades. A couple years after this sage advise, in 1982, the greatest bull market in stock market history began.

I have a confession. I read all his earlier books and subscribed to the "Ruff Times". What a dummy I was!

Good First Start.......2007-04-24

I thought the book was a good book for explaining the reasons why a person should invest in gold or silver. Ruff repeats himself several times in this short book. He probably could have reduced the book by another 30%. The book did serve a purpose for me. It left me with the desire for more knowledge about the topic. Ruff tells us where to buy the gold and silver, but doesn't explain much about how to sell it once you are ready. No information about the tax requirements etc...

Ruffs little book on gold and silver.......2007-04-03

This is a simple and rather short book describing how and why to invest in PM:s. Easy to read and compelling. I reccomend it to everybody who is investing or thinking about investing in PM:s.

Little book of Big Fortune is right!.......2007-03-23

This is a GREAT book for anyone who's interested in participating in the Gold (and Silver according to the author) bull market. One of the easiest-reading books I've come across on the subject, it feels like a grandfather advising you on the subject. If you want to know why to buy Gold, how to buy Gold, and what Gold to buy, this book's got it covered. The biggest surprise (at least for me) was how much greater he expects Silver to do than Gold. My reaction at the end of book was to jump on the internet and phone to get my precious metal investments squared away, and I definitely had more fun doing it after reading his book than the doom-and-gloom ones (although he recommends investing in Gold and Silver for the same reasons they do - I think they're all on to something here, Tonto). I had the added reaction of feeling more confident about the future of Gold and Silver and not worrying about their day-to-day fluctuations. I really don't think you can go wrong with this practical little book.

How to Make Big Money Mowing Small Lawns

Average customer rating:

Too Old
Great book for a start up in business! Or refinement of existing.
Outdated but informative
Outstanding
Real life experiences in starting a lawn care business

How to Make Big Money Mowing Small Lawns
Robert A. Welcome
Manufacturer: Noble Publishing Associates
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1568570805

Customer Reviews:

Too Old.......2007-06-09

The book over all was OK. I was able to get some pointers from it. However, the data and examples are very outdated (in some cases more than 20 years). A re-write with more modern information would make this book much better.

Great book for a start up in business! Or refinement of existing........2006-04-04

The paperback is a little dated, however on greenfromgreen.com you can get the 2006 version. I found this updated version to be much more helpful. Thanks for the tip OLDSAGE it has helped me lots.
Who would think I can get my execise and make money at the same time. Great book that any lawn care professional would want to ban in his area least he face stiff competition. It takes complex buisness planning and simplifies them for the average reader.

Outdated but informative.......2006-02-27

I recieved the above book, although it was a bit outdated the techniques and tribulations seem to have remained somewhat the same. Do not purchase this book if you are new to the business.

Outstanding.......2005-05-27

Easy read with very simple instructions on how to be sucessful at a mowing business. I read this at a library, however I did just notice there is a more up to date version, but only available as an electronic book at greenfromgreen.com. I found this book like a handbook that filled my wallet. I recommend it without reservation.

Real life experiences in starting a lawn care business.......2004-04-26

Great, easy to understand charts. Simplistic pricing method. Simple to understand and extremely helpful/useful in earning extra income. This book offers unique and insightful ideas to help get you off the ground. If your children/grandchildren read this book, the real life experience of the author will enable them to have insight into business that is fundamental to becoming entrepreneurial.

The Big Picture: Money and Power in Hollywood

Average customer rating:

An authoritative, mesmerising read
a good book about recent changes in the industry
The New Hollywood Chicken/Egg Theory Exposed
Interesting book, but a lot of redundant information
Hollywood in the spotlight

The Big Picture: Money and Power in Hollywood
Edward Jay Epstein
Manufacturer: Random House Trade Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0812973828
Release Date: 2006-01-10

Book Description

In this unprecedented, all-encompassing, and thoroughly entertaining account of the movie business, acclaimed writer Edward Jay Epstein reveals the real magic behind moviemaking: how the studios make their money.
Epstein shows that in Hollywood, the only art that matters is the art of the deal: Major films turn huge profits not from the movies themselves but through myriad other enterprises, from video-game spin-offs and soundtracks to fast-food tie-ins, and even theme-park rides. The studios may compete for stars and Oscars, but their corporate parents view wth one another in less glamorous markets such as cable, home video, and pay-TV.
Money, though, is only a small part of the Hollywood story; the social and political milieus–power, prestige, and status–tell the rest. Alongside its remarkable financial revelations and incisive profiles of the pioneers who helped build Hollywood, The Big Picture is filled with eye-opening insider stories. If you are interested in Hollywood today and the complex and fascinating way it has evolved in order to survive, you haven’t seen the big picture until you’ve read The Big Picture.

Customer Reviews:

An authoritative, mesmerising read.......2007-05-01

If you want to understand how Hollywood became what it is today then this book ticks all the boxes: it tracks Hollywood from its beginnings in the early-20th century and the early part of the book focusses on the development of the big six media corporations in the world and who runs them and why TV and DVD are now far more important to the bottom line than straight theatrical release.

Some of the real examples of Hollywood's incredible loss-making ability are startling: one studio's 'greatest success' actually lost over US$60m, and you learn that the drivers of money and power are not the strong but actually it all boils down to children: what they want and don't want fuels the whole industry.

Fascinating stuff and very easy to read...five stars, no questions asked.

a good book about recent changes in the industry.......2006-09-26

Edward Jay Epstein's book provides an excellent overview of how business has changed in Hollywood since the 1970s. The book will give the reader a chance to think about how the industry moderates its relentless pursuit of money occasionally in order to pursue loftier goals. The book is particular strong in identifying key industry leaders, such as Lew Wasserman, who were able to respond quickly to changing circumstances and to rebuild the studio system in a new form after the rise of television. For a more complete history of the studio system, see Douglas Gomery's recently published book. But this one is a good read and it does a good job of recounting the recent history of the industry.

The New Hollywood Chicken/Egg Theory Exposed.......2005-11-16

Hollywood quality controlled by the bottom line? Gee, what an original concept. The question is, does Tinseltown point its checkbook any which way new media outlet winds blow or does it take a moral philosophical stance in a chaotic evil-is-hip era defined by a fantasy video game role playing culture of death?

Do most films today suck because they're only made for kids? And should it not matter because they're an easy target audience? That's a cop out. In the days of old Hollywood, moguls created demand across a wide demographic spectrum. Only advances in home media in the past 30 years have disaffected the issue of quality.

Epstein's new age filmic disorder tome basically applies cold harsh statistical reality to a cultural traffic accident and doesn't make a reasonable value judgment on what's happening. He's too busy dotting his is and crossing his ts with stat data to care. His beef is to say that's the way it is. Tough cookies.

As such, stating the facts and stressing the obvious is not rocket science when the largest demographic of Americans in 40 somethings are left out in the cold in ageist exclusion. Mature adults would rather stay at home because suits have decided only kids are worth making movies for. So they fear good filmmaking.

Any entertainment consumer with a clue is staying away in droves because the current generation of talent have no brains, style, taste or creativity for anything except that which will appeal to the lowest common denominator. And when the dream machine's quality control chicken is its egg, apathy becomes its own vice.

So don't blame the the demise of Americana on the rise of home video. Instead, blame the missing vision and low IQ of modern media decision makers and end users. Generations X and Y rule the roost. At the end of the alphabet, only Z is left. Does this signal our end days? Take in the latest 50 Cent flick to decide.

If we live in a world where movies and music contain no more important civil messages and merely serve as escapist pastime and we experience societal downfall as a result, soon there will be no bottom line to speak of. A show business peddling dreck to kids while good will falls to ruin doesn't deserve to survive.

The only useful thing this book has to say is that corporate entities make most of their profits in direct home DVD sales. So if you're making a movie, bypass bohemian green lighters who set the substandards and go straight to digital video. Not only is quality old hat these days. Film itself is an endangered species.

Interesting book, but a lot of redundant information.......2005-11-15

This is a good book about the evolution and the workings of the modern Hollywood system. (For summaries, see the other reviews.) I enjoyed the first third of the book a lot, but then it became more and more repetitive. A lot of the information contained in Part 4 ("The Economic Logic of Hollywood"), Part 5 ("Social Logic"), and Part 6 ("Political Logic") had been already presented in the preceeding parts. For example, I don't know how many times Epstein mentions the 29 million USD Arnold Schwarzenegger received for "Terminator 3" - it sure seems like a million times. In the end, you get the impression that the author had access to more detailed information about a limited number of movies (T3, Gone in 60 seconds) and then used them as examples for each and every point he is trying to make. All in all, some serios editing would have turned this really good book into an excellent one.

Hollywood in the spotlight.......2005-11-09

There's no business like show business, goes the old adage. But we now need a clarifier; which show business? The old show business of the 1940s-1950s of the big-budget epics starring the big name stars, or the new show business of DVD's, toys, stand-alone soundtracks, digital piracy, multi-national crews and casts and computer animation...

This book examines the evolution of the Hollywood business throughout the 20th century and into the early 21st century. Unlike other books of the same topic, this one looks at the major players, both individuals and companies, and covers a lot of the technological changes such as the advent of talkies, color movies, VHS, DVD, and the Internet. The book also deals with a lot of the legal / political issues, such as free-agency of actors and actresses, unions and guilds within the industry, copyright laws and intellectual property, and interconnected web that links TV, video, toy sales, franchise names, and company logos together.

The author shows how changes in technology and laws have changed the Hollywood business by changing relations between movie companies and their employees, between directors and the actors and actresses, and between moviegoers and moviemakers. The role of advertising is examined to see how it has changed over the decades from posters and previews of previous decades, to the TV spots, toys in food boxes, pre-screenings, and guest-show appearances of today. The book also shows how changes in Hollywood have affected the movie industry in other countries, and vice versa.

Overall, a well balanced and comprehensive book on the movie-making history.

The Big Ripoff: How Big Business and Big Government Steal Your Money

Average customer rating:

Tim hits the point that most people miss
I suggest everyone should read this before they vote in the next election.
Frightening collaboration between government and Big Business
Great Book. It gets close to hitting the target.
A wake up call

The Big Ripoff: How Big Business and Big Government Steal Your Money
Timothy P. Carney
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471789070

Book Description

Praise for THE BIG RIPOFF

"Politicians like to say that government is on the side of the little guy. But with impressive documentation and persuasive examples, Tim Carney shows how government power and regulation are typically used to assist the powerful."
-Paul A. Gigot Editorial Page Editor, the Wall Street Journal

"Exposes the dirty little secret of American politics: how big businesses work with statist politicians to diminish the prosperity and freedom of consumers, taxpayers, and entrepreneurs. Carney employs top-notch writing ability, passion for liberty, and understanding of economics to demolish the myth that big business is a foe of big government. Everyone who seeks to understand who really benefits from big government should read this book, as should anyone who still believes that the interventionist state benefits the average person."
-Congressman Ron Paul U.S. House of Representatives, 14th District of Texas

"Small entrepreneurial businesses are the backbone success of our great economy. They are the biggest job and wealth creators. Is that why big corpocratic behemoth firms collude with big government for a liberal agenda of higher taxes and overregulation that will punish the small risk-takers? Tim Carney's new book describes how anti-business big business can be."
-Lawrence Kudlow Host of CNBC's Kudlow & Company

"Tim Carney explodes the myth that big business and big government are natural opponents. All too often, as he points out, they're both engaged in a common enterprise: picking your pocket."
-Ramesh Ponnuru Senior Editor, National Review

"A romping tour de force of the love affair between big business and big government from Teddy Roosevelt and the Robber Barons to Enron and the Kyoto Treaty. Indispensable for understanding how government regulation really works."

-Donald Devine Grewcock Professor of Political Science, Bellevue University

"Every CEO in America should read this book today, issue new directives to their bureaucrat-appeasing Washington lobbyist tomorrow, and join in the fight for economic liberalization."
-Fred L. Smith, Jr. Founder and President, Competitive Enterprise Institute

Customer Reviews:

Tim hits the point that most people miss.......2007-09-25

There is a misconception by many that:

- Big business wants free markets
- Government protects us from big business
- Government regulations are intended to restrict big business
- Big business is more aligned with the political right than the political left

This book meticulously chronicles the mechanism by which big business partners with government in order to:

- subsidize its operations
- create its own government customers, both foreign and domestic
- eliminate the free market, and replace it with a corrupt one
- tilt the playing field so that small business has no change
- control who wins elections

By the end, you realize that the government's primary function is to redistribute wealth from the middle class to the corporate class. You also realize we don't actually live in a free market. In a free market, the businesses that succeed are the ones who customers decide are providing value. In our system, the businesses that succeed are the ones who effectively suck money from taxpayers via the government, regardless of what they provide to the health of society.

This book is important because its message is unique. It is not the same tired old republican theories about trickle down economics or left-wing theories about the evils of the market. Thank you, Tim Carney, for advancing the debate past the usual left/right myths.

I suggest everyone should read this before they vote in the next election........2006-11-01

Many times I complain when I see a large portion of my paycheck stripped of income. Occasionally I declare in a frustrated tone, "where is my money going?". As shown in Timothy P. Carney's book The Big Rip off, our money lands in the pockets of big business from our government through our tax dollars.

Before reading The Big Ripoff, I discovered the largest supporter of the Kyoto Protocol was Enron. I began wondering if this was good for our environment, or was it just making a select few rich. But not having the time to research the subject I let my curiosity simmer.

Carney has taken time to research the age old question "what does the government do with my tax dollars?". Carney will open your eyes to many corporate welfare programs and abuses of eminent domain by politicians for the benefit of companies. Furthermore, you will learn that big companies are the most adamant supporters of more government regulation because it restricts smaller less powerful companies from entering their field.

I suggest everyone should read this before they vote in the next election. You will learn that the piles of cash the government gives to big corporations is not determined by the political party, but by the political system itself.

If you wish to discover how and why your hard earned tax dollars are sent to these large companies, you need to read this book. You will be shocked in what you learn. You will also be delighted to find a bibliography helping you discover resources for your own research.

Frightening collaboration between government and Big Business.......2006-08-22

I was drawn to this book becauase I saw Robert Novak's Foreword. I was blown away how honest and fair Carney was in The Big Ripoff. One thing is apparent after reading this book. People for big government will not like this book because he calls for an end to government regulation of businesses. Carney's thought process can be illustrated like this: less gov't= better business practices. I loved his points that show a blatent intent to profit by businesses by supporting government regulations or protocols. For instance, Enron supporting the Kyoto protocol because it would give them a chance for more business. Then business lobbyists working with Congress. Dare I say Jack Abramahoff.

Carney also attacks the myth that Republicans are the party of the rich. Carney accomplishes this by facts and scenarios outlining contributions. Carney also shows that both parties deal with Big Business. The only reason Republicans have been in the news more goes back to who is in power.

The rest of the book shows some interesting ties between certain companies and big business. If you want a book that shows the truth and also makes you feel helpless then get the Big Ripoff. His stories of the companies are enough merit to purchase this one.

Great Book. It gets close to hitting the target........2006-08-21

I've read the book and it's hard hitting and very close to the truth. Today I saw Tim Carney with CSPAN's book review. Very interesting and this is a book that should be on your reading list for the month. However, Tim is dealing with the obvious SYMPTOMS of corruption and collusion on the part of government and big business. The real CAUSE is deeper. As a companion book to this I would HIGHLY suggest reading G. Edward Griffin's: Creature from Jekyll Island. Then you will find out the cause. But congratulations to Tim for helping expose "The Ripoff" to the American Taxpayer. Nothing like using the middle class to have CEO's Million Dollar salaries subsidized by the overtaxed American worker, including small business owners. After the reader has read these two books they need to start asking some deep questions and take action. That means getting involved politically and sadly it's not with our two, bought and paid for political parties anymore. Wait until the reader finds out this coupe occured almost a hundred years ago and is now beginning to strangle the nation economically, morally and now imperils our civil liberties.

A wake up call.......2006-08-11

An important book, particularly before election time. Carney uncovers the millions (maybe billions) of dollars that go directly to big business, compliments of our elected officials (of both flavors), and how big business lobbies government to protect its interests at the expense of smaller business and individuals. It's one thing for government to tax people to provide for the needy, but I don't see how Boeing can ever be described as "needy." Maybe government gets too much money from taxpayers, and politicians need a reminder that they are there to serve and protect -- individuals. Not to take our money to give to the likes of Boeing and ADM and other big companies! You will be shocked, as we all should be. Hopefully this book will inspire some action on the part of voters.

U.S.A.: The 42nd Parallel / 1919 / The Big Money (Library of America)

Average customer rating:

Post WWI, Literary Modernism, and History in American Society
Pessimistic and plotless....
Words like old newsreels, 1920's here we come!!!
The real history of America
Excellent social inquiry, mediocre work of literature

U.S.A.: The 42nd Parallel / 1919 / The Big Money (Library of America)
John Dos Passos
Manufacturer: Library of America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1883011140

Book Description

Unique for its epic scale and panoramic social sweep, Dos Passos' masterpiece comprises three novels--"The 42nd Parallel," "1919," and "The Big Money"--which create an unforgettable collective portrait of modern America. This one-volume edition includes detailed notes and a chronicle of the world events which serve as a backdrop.

Customer Reviews:

Post WWI, Literary Modernism, and History in American Society.......2005-09-26

What does history mean to you? For every college student who has taken an American literature class that covers the early twentieth century, they will come across excerpts of THE USA TRILOGY: 42nd Parallel, 1919, and BIG MONEY. Through out the reading of John Dos Passos' THE USA TRILOGY, this question may penetrate through the mind of each reader that encounters these three books, which were quite innovative during the time in which they were published. This three-volume publication is rich with historical references that pertain to the Civil War, WWI, Industrial Age, and the Russian Revolution. This may be a travel log through Post Modern twentieth century history when writers spontaneously wrote about every bit of observation and engraved them in large volumes of text. Dos Passos was one of those novelists that evolved during the post-WWI age.

Dos Passos wrote about the ever-changing American landscape after World War I that affected the politics as well as the social structure that occurred as a result of the inclusion and exclusion of immigrants that erupted with much nationalistic and xenophobic fervor as well as paranoia. Historians may consider this period in history as the first wave of the Cold War. However, his topics concentrate on the build up of urban development and union formation in the city versus break down of rural and small town constructs of the country. From New York to the coastline of Hampton Roads, Dos Passos covers a wide terrain.

With its experimental poetry and newsreel and newspaper headline layout, the book reads like countless interruptions or intermissions between the narratives. Dos Passos creates a tremendous amount of vivid images that may create a mental picture of the words conveyed in the book. There are splashes of imagery and symbolism that represent the atmosphere in which Dos Passos experienced, which resembles a biographical and bibliographical array of experiences that influenced what he wrote. Therefore, the reading of this fine text takes both an objective and subjective point of view because of its creative nonfiction slant.

Dos Passos' work may be critiqued by literary academics, but speaking from a historical perspective, this set of novels have the history of the early twentieth century in the form of snapshots of the period from narratives that resemble oral histories to commentaries of US history that span from regions divided by the war of the states to the upheaval of the Great Depression. This book is recommended for those who are enticed with US history in the form of a novel. It may take months or a summer to seriously read, but it will be worth the read.

Pessimistic and plotless...........2005-09-07

USA is billed as a trilogy, but I defy anyone to read The 42nd Parallel, 1919, or The Big Money as a stand-alone book and come away satisfied that they've read a story. Indeed, it's difficult to milk a plot out of the combination. Dos Passos presents a steady stream of characters throughout the "trilogy" whose paths occasionally cross. But, the interaction of characters doesn't ensure a plotline and USA singularly fails to develop one. What there is instead are sequential experiences of men and women in the early 20th century either battling it out with the evils of capitalism or, far less frequently, riding high upon it's rising tide.

Dos Passos wrote these books while in total thrall with socialism and, not surprisingly, somewhat taken with the communists. Accordingly, he offers a gritty, pessimistic, cynical rendition of America that is more artifice than actual. Indeed, one is hard-pressed to find a Dos Passos character making something as mundane as a wise decision. All too often, his creations choose the path that is destined to end in personal tragedy. As the reader, I often felt I was privy to a 1920's version of Jerry Springer with the never ending supply of relentless drunks, STD sufferers, deserters, suicides, serial adulterers, batterers, and child molesters. Interwoven within these character "studies" are abbreviated newreel clips (largely obscure), real-life contemporary bios (well done), and autobiographical stream of consciousness bits that work on some levels, but not on most.

Though there's no doubt that many industrial labor practices of the early 1900's were abhorrent by any reasonable standard, Dos Passos might have preferred our progress thereafter to Solzhenitsyn's gulags. Far less sanguine about the prospects of communism, he undoubtedly would have created a less cynical American novel. Indeed, by 1964 Dos Passos had completed an ideological 180 with his support of Barry Goldwater. Though some may think this a pendulum swing too far, such political nimbleness might explain the strong whiff of subjectivity emanating from his earlier social commentary. 3 stars.

Words like old newsreels, 1920's here we come!!!.......2003-08-10

John Dos Passos wrote three novels that are encapsulated by the title: "USA."

These novels are beautiful and sublime in their composition. While reading of some sad stories as well as some humorous ones, the readers is taken on a journey through the 1920's in America. We get a sense of what it was like then. His chapters begin and often end in a "NEWSREEL" imitation. In an age where we as readers have so much "bit" information flashed before our eyes, this mode works well at getting the snapshot ideas he is alluding to in the novels.

Dos Passos is a genius of words-- I recommend taking this one to the beach, especially if you are an American city history buff.

The real history of America.......2002-09-07

I read this book first in 1967 while in high school, given to me by a teacher who wanted me to understand the real American History. When he told me an American general marched on World War One veterans in Washington, DC after WW I and killed many who were looking for veterans benefits I knew this book would be special. It delivers history in a most compelling and unique way, unlike any other book I've read. Americans don't know the whole truth of US History. These three books pick a period and educate, entertain, horrify and overwhelm you with our culture, our past, our politics. It is a must read for anyone remotely interested in US history. One of my favorite books of all time.

Excellent social inquiry, mediocre work of literature.......2002-08-08

Long heralded as a monumental portrait of American society in the early decades of the 20th century, John Dos Passos' U.S.A. trilogy is, if nothing else, an amazing display of intellectual endurance. Few novels that I have come across are more ambitious or broader in scope. In 1240 pages, Dos Passos attempts to characterize a vast, growing nation in one of its most dynamic periods in history. While he gloriously succeeds as a sociological study, it is unfortunately at the expense of producing a mediocre work of literature.

It is important to point out that while the three installments of this trilogy were written several years apart from each other, this is most definitely one book, not three. The first and second books, The 42nd Parallel and 1919, have no proper conclusion, and The Big Money, the trilogy's final installment, is a logical progression in terms of style and chronology, if not plot. So reading any of these books on their own, or reading them all out of sequence, would be a thoroughly unsatisfying experience.

It is clear from early on that Dos Passos has bitten off more than he can chew, at least from a literary perspective. His goal is to capture the essence of an America caught in the throws of industrialization and fervent capitalism, and the inevitable wealth gap and social class struggle that result from this economic expansion. He also tackles the difficult task of explaining this country's painful ambivolence towards the war in Europe and the sense of euphoria in the years following it's conclusion. But these themes are vast and unwieldy, far bigger than any one character in the novel, and as a result, the characters themselves become forgettable and quickly get lost. In a sense, there is only one main character in this novel, and it is America herself.

But America is not a person, it is a country and society, and as such the U.S.A. trilogy at times takes on the feel of a social inquiry more than a work of fiction. The other characters, through whose experiences we study the social landscape and fabric of early 20th century America, lack depth and dimension. They are mere stereotypes chosen by Dos Passos to represent various segments of society. There is the down-and-out vagabond, wandering the country and living hand-to-mouth, bitterly condemning the economic wealth all around him from which he is excluded. You have the quintessential rags-to-riches success story, the boy who started with little more than a dollar in his pocket and a whole lot of ambition, and amassed an economic fortune, but at the expense of his humanity and health. We also find the New York socialites, the Communist activists, the labor union organizers, the proud and rowdy GI soldier. But there are no real people, as such characters would not serve the greater purpose of defining American society in the way that Dos Passos sees it. And as a result, the experiences and interactions among these characters are also stereotypical.

Despite its shortcomings, the U.S.A. trilogy is worth reading, as it constitutes an important contribution to the understanding of our nation and its history. And in many ways, the great ambition of this novel encouraged other writers to strive to create works of fiction that were not just of literary merit, but also of important social significance. However, for a far more satisfying literary experience, Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy accomplishes on a micro-level what Dos Passos attempted to achieve on a broader scale. But unlike the U.S.A. trilogy, Dreiser's work is a true pleasure to read.

Average customer rating:

Great seller!

Hostile Takeover: How Big Money and Corruption Conquered Our Government --And How We Take It Back

Good, But Biased

Give them as Gifts

Hostile Takeover: How Big Money and Corruption Conquered Our Government--and How We Take It Back

Hostile Takeover: How Big Money and Corruption Conquered Our Government--and How We Take It Back
David Sirota
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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American Theocracy: The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money in the 21stCentury

ASIN: 0307237346
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Book Description

Do you ever wonder if there’s a connection between the corruption scandals in the news and the steady decline in the quality of life for millions of Americans?

Do you ever wonder what corporations get for the millions of dollars they pour into the American political system?

Do you ever think the government has been hijacked by forces hostile to average Americans?

Do you ever want to fight back?

Millions of Americans lack health care and millions more struggle to afford it. Politicians claim they care, then pass legislation that just sends more cash to the HMOs. Wages have been stagnant for thirty years, even as corporate profits skyrocket. Politicians say they want to fix the problem and then pass bills written by lobbyists that drive wages even lower and punish those crushed by debt. Jobs are being shipped overseas, pensions are being cut, and energy is becoming unaffordable. And our government, more concerned about maintaining its corporate sponsorship than protecting its citizens, does nothing about it.

In Hostile Takeover, David Sirota, a major new voice in American politics, seeks to open the eyes of ordinary Americans to the fact that corporate interests have undermined democracy, aided and abetted by their lackeys in our allegedly representative government. At a time when more and more of America’s major political leaders are being indicted or investigated for corruption, Sirota takes readers on a journey that shows how all of this nefarious behavior happened right under our noses—and how the high-profile scandals are merely one product of a political system and debate wholly owned by Big Money interests. Sirota considers major public issues that feel intractable—like spiraling health care costs, the outsourcing of jobs, the inequities of the tax code, and out-of-control energy prices—and shows how in each case workable solutions are buried under the lies of lobbyists, the influence of campaign cash, and the ubiquitous spin machine financed by Big Business.

With fiery passion, pinpoint wit, and lucid analysis, Hostile Takeover reveals the true enemies of reform and their increasingly sophisticated—and hostile—tactics. It’s an essential guidebook for those of us tired of the government selling us out—and determined to take our country back.

Also available as an eBook

Customer Reviews:

Great seller!.......2007-08-08

The book was in excellent condition as promised, it was well packed and delivery was prompt. Great buying experience; highly recommended!!!

Hostile Takeover: How Big Money and Corruption Conquered Our Government --And How We Take It Back.......2007-07-31

I am not sure how I can say I love this book when what it is saying makes me so angry that I can only read it for a short period of time before I have to take a break from it. It/he speaks truth to power---a very ugly and perverted power. I fear that no politician is free from the corruption; and, I wonder how we can ever take back our government.

Good, But Biased.......2007-07-24

"Hostile Takeover" was an excellent book showcasing just how tight Corporate America and the US government are when it comes to domestic issues. It is highly recommended for everyone to read. I found a few flaws in it however. One was that it did not focus on the hostile takeover of US foreign policy for big business interests. However, this subject could be a different book entirely, which is the job of Noam Chomsky. It is good he doesnt focus on the same subject as Chomsky and many others, but I felt he could have at least mentioned some of the issues of foreign policy. Another problem for me was that the author had no problem calling out think tanks and institutes as conservative, but never labeled others that he supported as liberal, instead constantly calling them "nonpartisan". I am a libertarian, but I enjoyed this book. He is most certainly a liberal but he does have some pretty good ideas to the solve problems of the hostile takeover and I continually found myself agreeing with him. Recommended for any thoughtful person concerned with our counry's future.

Give them as Gifts.......2007-02-23

I got this book from the library and read it over a month. It took me that long because every night I read it, I was sick to my stomach. It is so chock full of facts that I want the paperback when it comes out just so I can use it as a reference tool when I argue with my conservative friends about politics. Come to think of it, I'd like to buy copies for anyone that still feels free trade is a good idea, that CEO's really deserve the pay they are getting, and it would be a good idea to privatize social security.

Hostile Takeover: How Big Money and Corruption Conquered Our Government--and How We Take It Back.......2007-01-09

goood

How to Make Big Money in Your Own Small Business: Unexpected Rules Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

Average customer rating:

Easy & Motivating Reading...
Good reminder of Nothing new..
Value Depends on Where You Are in Small Business Cycle
Worth the read...maybe not a buy.
Tax Deductible Purchase

How to Make Big Money in Your Own Small Business: Unexpected Rules Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know
Jeffrey J. Fox
Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0786868252

Book Description

ver dream of starting your own business? According to USA Today, more than 47 million people want to own their own businesses and over 20 million actually do. In How to Make Big Money in Your Own Small Business, bestselling business author Jeffrey Fox offers sound rules to succeeding in small business, whether you're running a bookstore, consulting business, or restaurant. In short chapters that range from administration and cash flow to marketing and hiring, Fox reminds entrepreneurs what's important and what's not, what makes a business succeed, and what causes it to fail.

Download Description

HOW TO MAKE BIG MONEY IN YOUR OWN SMALL BUSINESS is an extensive collection of unusual, unpredictable, but sound rules to succeed in starting your own business and making it a success.

Customer Reviews:

Easy & Motivating Reading..........2007-08-30

The book inspired and motivated me to do bigger things. There were lots of free space between the chapters whereon I took numerous notes that created my topics for brainstorming. I wished that all the books are published in the same manner, so that we have free space to take notes-think and create new ideas.

Good reminder of Nothing new.........2007-08-20

You will probably not find anything new in this book. However, it lists you several things that we tend to forget in our everyday activities.

Easy to read and motivational.

Value Depends on Where You Are in Small Business Cycle.......2007-08-07

The book is divided into roughly 3 sections: for the budding entrepreneur, for the micro (i.e. one man) shop, and for the small (under 50 person) business.

Pages 1-25 and then 129-144 focus on what to do/understand before you actually start your business. Based on my own mistakes in the professional service field, I'd like to have seen a statement or two about don't quit your day job until you have a paying customer, but Mr. Fox gets close enough to the ideal. That said, if you are a micro-sized business (10 or under people), this is good refresher stuff and may even give you some ideas to tackle to improve your business. If you are over 10 people in your business, consider skipping these sections.

In between page 26 and page 128, the advice applies equally well to micro and small businesses, although pages 92-97 are only applicable if you have more than 10 people working for you.

Throughout are some real gems of advice ... and more importantly ... the logic behind the advice. The ones that I found most intriguing and resonating were:

1. Cash in the bank is more important than "to be collected" profit
2. Stay off committees, boards and other time-intensive activities that networking gurus often proclaim as key to building business
3. The difference between a penny-saver and a penny-pincher, and why you want one but not the other.

I've read nearly all of Mr. Fox's books, and this is certainly a good one that deserves to be read by anyone thinking about starting up their own business or anyone currently running their own business...or anyone working in a small business.

Worth the read...maybe not a buy........2006-11-07

I've decided, as I've started to do some more extensive reading in the area of small business, in the hopes of shortly starting our own family business, to provide some more thorough reviews for books, whether good or bad. I started with this one, from the library I might add and I have to admit some of the recommendations and the fact that it seems more of a motivational book almost geared towards some type of stereotypical "soccer mom" or "housewife" wanting to start her own business put me off.

The book, though short (150 pages) makes for a good read I must confess. It seems centered on providing a lot of good motivational passages and some of the later chapters that I'll mention make it worthwhile in the end. He starts off early on by giving a nice little small biz priority list one should keep in mind at all times.

I'll start off with the negatives. The author makes several over the top suggestions by the author, you be the judge. In section XII, "Hire ex-paperboys", he suggests that those who were (and you can imagine the millions that were...) are "mentally tough", "independent" are better businessmen because of this. I tend to disagree seeing that any work done in teenage years can teach the importance and value of working. But what really disturbed me is that he went on to say "good child labor produces good adult employees" and last but not least "if you interview someone who washed out as a paperboy, wash your hands of that job candidate". Advice I think most business owners would be wise enough NOT to follow.

It however gets worse when the author makes the suggestion that in order to "maximize" your time and money, we hire I kid you not, a personal driver. He goes at some length to explain the benefits of this, suggesting it's not a luxury, but that driving is a "time thief", doesn't allow an owner to maximize his time and money and that there are plenty of retired people and part time works who would fit the bill. Unfortunately for me this is just a ridiculous point that I could only see happening in either Manhattan or possibly LA, if even that, especially if meeting clients or going to them is part of your job and what you enjoy.

I also disliked the following chapter on how to cope with the loss (firing or quitting) of an employee in that you should treat it as a death! The section itself is entitled "What if he had died". Not something I think needs to be brought up in such a way for a small business book especially in such a sinister comparison. He ends that section with "What if he had died? You can't care. You have customers to sell, to serve. You have a business to run. Get on with it."

As for the positives, and there are many spread throughout the book including tips such as the difficulty of truly doing productive work from a home office, and the difference between "fame" and "fortune" when stating "unless fame is part of your marketing plan, fame is for ego. You can't put ego in the bank."

What I enjoyed the most from the book, not necessarily being a numbers person but rather someone who understands its importance in day to day operations, was the chapters regarding the break point analysis. I don't believe many small business owners consider it from the get go, especially in retail, and it is definitely more applicable for those types of businesses versus "service" businesses (consulting, landscaping, painting, etc).

This is obviously a very if not overly thorough summary of this book but hopefully one that will provide the best possible insight into what you can get out of it. I would have given this book most likely a 2.5 out of 5 if not for the last few chapters that actually could benefit many small business owners as well as for some of the useful motivational tips the author often quotes, some of which can definitely be ignored and others that provide more food for thought.

Tax Deductible Purchase.......2006-03-27

I am impressed by the simplicity of this book. The text says what it has to say so you can get through it quickly and start applying the lessons. Sure, many of the things are common sense approaches to business but they work. Whether you have one employee or several, the book gives equal advice on the importance of continuous learning and training with the customer in mind throughout the book. I highly recommend this book. Remember: it's tax-deductible as a business expense. What do you have to lose?

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