Reviews (8)

One of the most thought-provoking books I've ever read
This book is both meticulous and very clearly written. Every time I had, while reading Conley's analysis, a nagging question in the back of my head, he went on to address it in far more detail than had even occurred to me. A Wealth of Ideas
This book expands the research base that identifies wealth as a key component of mobility, and an important factor that explains why blacks and whites have divergent outcomes. However, Conley may be overemphasizing the role of wealth, and forgeting that race is still a critical issues. In fact, his models show that wealth is only a small part of the story. A great deal of the unexplained variance in Conley's models may be attributed to discrimination in society. Although Conley mentions this briefly, more attention needs to focus on this aspect the issue. Nevertheless, the discussions of wealth are rich and well developed, making this an important addition to the literature.

problems abound
The analysis is sound. This is to say, the examination of the relevant history and current structures, coupled with an examination of effects, is accurate and valid. However, the argument for implications is unsound - dangerously so. It seems that those driven to understand precisely why some people are faced with more challenges than others are usually willing to go the next step - to argue for engineered adjustments, blind to the fact that such programs engineer even more odious, systematic inequities. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1975-    2. 20th century    3. African Americans    4. Economic Conditions    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Histor    6. History    7. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    8. Political Science    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Social classes    11. Social conditions    12. Sociology    13. Sociology - Social Theory    14. United States    15. Black studies    16. Central government policies    17. Equal opportunities    18. Social Science / Sociology / General    19. USA    20. Urban communities   

Reviews (21)

One sided and out dated
Much of this book is very one sided.In particular the sections on the environment are distorted and now known to be incorrect.The book would be much better if they had not shown their bias.

it nails the big picture
This is an absorbing survey of the petoleum industry by two highly knowledgeable oil guys.The prose has a dry academic flavor to it, but the strength of the book's ideas and the way they are propounded bereft of politically correct sentiment almost makes one forget this shortcoming.
Absorbing
I am a Geologist's daughter and one of the authors (Michael)is a friend and associate of my father's (Dr.S.N.Visvanath). The book was with my father and out of idle curiosity I started reading it. The book gripped me from page 1. Facts and information were presented in an absorbing and creative manner. Dividing each chapter into colors and making socio-economic connections was a brilliant idea. For those outside the industry this book is an eyeopener. The language flows mellifluosly and I have learnt more about how petroleum dictates international politics. Congratulations to both the authors!
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Corporate & Business History - General    5. Economic Conditions    6. History    7. Industries - General    8. International - Economics    9. Petroleum    10. Petroleum industry and trade    11. United States    12. 20th century    13. History of specific subjects    14. Petroleum & oil industries   

Reviews (1)

Decent analysis, but bad editing
To start off, the editors of this book must have been asleep when it crossed their desks: the numerous erros in spelling and grammar interrupt a generally lucid writing style, with numerous, critical errors even in charts and graphs. The worst editorial aspect of the book is that in several places, entire passages are repeated, sometimes immediately, other times in a different chapter. Being in the field, I know economists are not the most skilled writers, but I place all the blame at the doorstep of the publishing house. Read more

Subjects:  1. 1991-    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Economic Conditions    4. Economic policy    5. Economics - General    6. Globalization    7. Political Science    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Russia (Federation)    10. Soviet Union    11. Economics    12. Former Soviet Union, USSR (Europe)    13. Political Science / Globalization   

Reviews (17)

Thought-provoking, irresponsible, and sometimes comically incorrect. But fun.
Powerful Times has promise as you plow through the first handful of chapters. I've done quite a bit of future `ideating' mostly for product innovation to have concepts like `clarity vs craziness' - something we called, `synthesized sense-making' at work - and `technology acceleration vs pushback' - resonate with me. His arguments make sense and they feel like they're pointing to a powerful conclusion.
Good Cliff note summary of current events
Airplane read. Book is current ... data based. Diverse news roundup with links to future implications. Can't recall any high concept take aways.
Interesting read
Powerful Times is an examination of what the author presents as seven powerful dynamic tensions that will fundamentally reshape human life.What are these seven tensions?Some we are already seeing regularly in the news as the conflicts between the secular and the sacred.Others are also obvious like the tension between clarity and craziness.Still others become fascinating in the way the author develops them; like power and vulnerability, technology acceleration and pushback, intangible and physical economics, prosperity and decline, and people and planet.This is an in-depth exploration of the challenges and changes of governance and innovation.One of the more interesting ideas presented here are what the author sees as the three different scenarios for potential world orders that might evolve as a result of these tensions.This is a bold look at the forces molding our world as we know it and how they will change that world in the near future.Powerful Times is an interesting read and recommended to business and civic leaders at all levels. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1950-    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Civilization    5. Civilization, Modern    6. Economic Conditions    7. History    8. History Of Civilization And Culture (General)    9. History: World    10. Management - General    11. Business strategy    12. History / General    13. International business    14. International economics    15. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (1)

A Good Economic text which lacks important details.
I would reccomend this textbook for students or someone who is just begining economics. This book is for the most part easy to follow. It gives basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. However, more pedagogyis needed in some chapters as well as with explanations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Economic Conditions    5. Economics - General    6. Business & Economics / Economics / General    7. Economics   

Reviews (23)

A good diagnosis but wacky solutions
Louis Uchitelle does a nice job of highlighting the mental and social trauma that often comes from being laid-off, and he arguesg that these non-economic dimensions of layoffs do not get enough attention.
Masterful exposition on employment issues
This excellent book examines the phenomenon of job insecurity in America. Author and newspaper reporter Louis Uchitelle traces the development and decline of the American expectation of stable, remunerative, virtually lifetime employment. Republicans may have taken the boldest steps in rolling back the expectation of job security (Ronald Reagan's firing of the air traffic controllers spoke eloquently for the new order), but they did not do so alone or unopposed. Democratic presidents and politicians did not make preventing layoffs a major campaign issue or administrative priority. Uchitelle writes smoothly and evocatively, particularly about the individual experiences of laid-off workers for whom the surviving avenues of American opportunity were dead ends. We recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what killed the historic American trust between workers and employers, and how to staunch the bleeding caused by layoffs.

Not a disposable book - highly recommended
As a career consultant I talk to people who have experienced layoffs first-hand. As author Uchitelle observes, layoffs take an enormous toll on individuals and we have only begun to calculate the cost to society. He accurately compares diverse responses to layoffs, from paralyzing depression to proactive coping. And, unlike many authors, he demonstrates the toll a layoff can take on an entire family.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Ethics    4. Business/Economics    5. Dismissal of    6. Displaced workers    7. Economic Conditions    8. Employees    9. Labor    10. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    11. Labor Market    12. Unemployed    13. United States    14. Business & Economics / Business Ethics   

Reviews (5)

The sound of a different drummer
My father, of blessed memory, Reuben Kelly Freedman used to say ,"Be a worker, not a shirker". And all my life I have been driven by the idea that I must be working , doing something useful at each and every moment. Now the paradox in my case is that I chose a way of work which to many people is not work at all ( writing) and which in terms of earning power certainly fits more in the 'shirking ' category than the working one.
A true pleasure to read cover to cover, especially while the reader is allegedly at work
Doing Nothing: A History Of Loafers, Loungers, Slackers, And Bums In America by Tom Lutz is the true story of the American anti-work ethic from Benjamin Franklin's "air baths" to Jack Kerouac's dharma bums to the notorious slackers of Generation X to doctors declaring the medical problems of overwork and much more. The history, philosophy, and justification of goofing off, supplemented with careful research and statistics, makes for engaging reading whether for expert sociologists researching the cultural phenomenon's of shirking or lay readers making the most of their own relaxation time. A true pleasure to read cover to cover, especially while the reader is allegedly at work.
Much amusing ado about something. Or nothing.
Anyone who's ever questioned the actual industriousness of Ben Franklin, envied the sylvan sloth of Henry David Thoreau, or felt indignant over the perceived indolence of Douglas Coupland will find (most of) the real story in Tom Lutz's entertaining survey of American productivity and slackerdom. Lutz begins on the couch, where his teenage son, Cody, has parked his lethargic, jobless self, leading Lutz to meditate on his own lack of motivation as a youth and throughout his life. From there, he journeys through the Agricultural and Industrial revolutions through to the dot-com explosion, chronicling the lives, philosophic musings, and artistic output of lazybones and workaholics alike.
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Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Ethics    4. Cultural And Social Anthropology    5. Economic Conditions    6. History    7. Laziness    8. Public Policy - Social Services & Welfare    9. Slackers    10. Social Classes    11. Social Science    12. Sociology    13. United States    14. History / United States / General   

Reviews (48)

Well-written and mostly fair, but far from insightful
I really enjoy reading studies of America by foreigners, spending so much time abroad has really reinforced my ideas about what it means to be an American.I picked up "American Vertigo" because I was genuinely interested in what this man had to say about America, its people, its culture and its role in the world.
Who Are We?
A French philosopher with liberal leanings tours America to parallel Tocqueville's journey.Basically there are two sections: the tour and his philosophical conclusions.The tour is interesting.Yes, he discloses his political leanings and mentions Clinton and our obsession with a puritanical sexual view (in a European opinion).There is much discussion of Kerry as the tour starts a week after his loss.But the journey touches many varied subjects with excellent thought and particular emphasis on subjects Tocqueville covered in his early 1800's tour, none bigger that our barbaric prison system including Gitmo.Opinions are varied as he moves through the country and varied subjects with in my opinion, no particular leanings but just observations.
The oddest characterization Mr. Levy makes in this book: Senator "Norm Coleman, Jewish," has "the smile of a wolf."
"Travelling America in the footsteps of Tocqueville" is the subtitle of this book by fellow Frenchman Bernard-Henry Levy.But Mr. Levy had nothing to do with proposing this trip and little to do with the itnerary of it.Rather, The Atlantic Monthy magazine proposed and set it up for Mr. Levy; although the author does say of the stops proposed that "it was glanced at before leaving."So where did the Atlantic send him to look for America?Mr. Levy's first destination is New York's Rikers Island jail (just the first of 5 prisons he ultimately visits).Next he goes to Cooperstown.Cooperstown is the home of the baseball hall of fame of course, but also the "town of James Fenimore Cooper, and thus of the symbolic responsibility for the slaughter of the Indians," says Mr. Levy.Mr. Levy finds it hard to believe why "every year millions of men and women come, like me, to visit a town devoted entirely to the celebration of a myth."The myth he is referring to is the fact that baseball (as we have since learned) has origins older than Abner Doubleday in Cooperstown.So, presumably it's ridiculous to travel there anymore.Obviously, however, folks go there for the Baseball Hall of Fame, not to pay homage to Mr. Doubleday.Apparently Mr. Levy believes that a celebratory museum of America's pasttime has to be located in the actual place baseball was invented, otherwiseAmericans are saps for visiting it.(The Rock n Roll Hall of Fame is a myth too then and, presumably, not at all worth visiting either, in Mr. Levy's view, presumably.)Likewise, he attacks Gutzon Borglum for proposing to carve Mount Rushmore in Indian territory.Borglum, however, had nothing to do with choosing the sight.And even less justfiable is his criticism that Mount Rushmore is far more grand than the monument for Wounded Knee (also in SW South Dakota), as if everything in America is proposed and commissioned out of Washington D.C.Mount Rushmore was NOT a federal government project.Its size (and the lack of size for the Wounded Knee marker) has nothing to do with decisions made in America's capital.It was a South Dakotan project pure and simple.Conclusion: Mount Rushmore is another huge American myth not worth visiting either.I suppose if Mount Rushmore was carved at Mt Vernon then it be be worthwhile.Such is the reasoning of this Frenchman; who, incidentailly, could have phoned in this book from his homeland as it is full of cliches: Americans "are armed like Nazis" (yes, Mr. Levy uses the term "like Nazis." He also calls America's "obsession with the flag" to be "strange," because, apparenty, it only flies at government buildings in France.Care to know where else Mr. Levy was sent to by the Atlantic Monthy?Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, San Francisico, et al.But it is not just places he visits.He also meets with a number of representitives of America culture along the way.Any guesses who the Atlantic Monthy set up for him to meet to take the cultural pulse of America?Answer: Norman Mailer, Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, and Warren Beatty. This book's jacket describes Mr. Levy as a "brilliant and sympathetic foreign observer" who "has arrived to help us begin a new conversation about the meaning of America."That's the biggest myth, actually, of this book.(06Aug) Cheers! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1980-    2. 20th Century Description And Travel    3. Description and travel    4. Economic Conditions    5. Essays    6. Essays & Travelogues    7. National characteristics, American    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Social Situations And Conditions    10. Social conditions    11. Travel    12. United States    13. United States - General    14. Political Science / General   

Reviews (42)

Old predictions that have not come true
This book is old news and is filled with predictions for 2005 & 2006 - most of which are inacurate.His boom and subsequent bust theories are not materializing - and at this point even if they do will be of much smaller scale than his grand predictions (DOW over 40,000) presented in this book.

Excellent book - A Must Read!
This book is a must read for anyone interested in demographic stock market trends from the early 1900's to present.His analysis of the coming boom in the stock market, specifically the large capitalization equity markets, is both insightful and mesmerizing.The author does an excellent job in showing demographic/technology driven market cycles and how they CAN be forecasted accuratly. He manages to do it in a way that keeps the reader interested and makes some startling comparisons to the roaring 20's stock market boom and the last great boom cycle that we are currently experiencing.Harry S. Dent proves that the baby boom generation will change the world we live in and the economic market conditions for decades to come.When you read this book, these economic cycles become both exciting and frightful. This book is highly recommended and it is hard to put down.

An awkwardly written look at booms and bust ahead
This bestseller has some methodology problems and it is written awkwardly, but it might nonetheless be true. Author Harry S. Dent, Jr., claims to have predicted the great stock market boom of the 1990s. He contends that demographics, economics, modern markets and information technology make the future almost surely predictable, though most experts would disagree. In fact, common knowledge challenges some of his data, such as his contention that newspapers are a growth opportunity. However, his suggestion that a stock market bubble in the first decade of this new millennium will end in a crash of historic size is a possibility worth considering. Moreover, his comments about demographic trends, especially the slowing of population growth and the graying of developing-country populations, have ample support from other sources and should be part of the calculus of any international investor. We suggest reading this intriguing book with the caveat that soothsaying is a chancy undertaking. Read this book as you would read science fiction - with the thought that, in spite of everything, it just might come true. In other words, keep Dent's advice in mind, but don't get carried away. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 2001-    2. Bull markets    3. Business & Economics    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business/Economics    6. Economic Conditions    7. Economic Forecasting    8. Forecasting    9. General    10. History - General History    11. Investment Finance    12. Investments    13. Investments & Securities - General    14. United States    15. Business & Economics / General    16. Finance   

Reviews (6)

The Trouble with Africa.
Ata time when the right wing is delusional, and the left is mired down in it's own special version of conservatism; ie "Political Correctness", it is refreshing to see pragmatic solutions offered by someone close to the subject of Africa.AsMr Calderisi puts it:
buy easterly instead
this book was not all that i'd hoped it would be; i was very disappointed.why?
Finally - An Assessment that Faces Facts!
Every 12 hours the same number killed at the WTC perish from AIDS in Africa, which has 2/3 of the world's cases.In a year 150,000 die giving birth,It is the only region of the world with regular savage wars, and the only continent that has grown steadily poorer over the last 30 year - between '70 and '00 Africa lost half its share of world markets to other developing nations.Over 50% of its population is under eighteen.Finally, making improvement even more difficult, at least 70,000 skilled graduates leave every year.
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Subjects:  1. 1960-    2. Africa    3. Africa - General    4. Economic Conditions    5. Economic assistance    6. International Relations - General    7. Political Science    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Social conditions    11. Political Science / Economic Conditions   

Reviews (2)

Great book - buy it now!
OMG, I'm sitting in front of the guy and he's so cool.Buy the book now!

A Much Needed Book
This book offers a much needed intelligent look at the impact that China's successful globalization may have on the United States.The book is data driven but is also entertaining and very well-written.It is an important read for anybody concerned about the U.S.'s potential rivalry with China and what U.S policy makers and leaders are doing about it (or not doing about it).If you wonder how China's rapidly increasing economic power might impact you or your children, you should start with this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. China    3. Civilization    4. Economic Conditions    5. Entrepreneurship    6. Foreign economic relations    7. General    8. History    9. History - General History    10. History: World    11. International - Economics    12. International Relations - General    13. United States    14. History / General    15. International business    16. International economics    17. USA   

Reviews (4)

The Great Risk Shift
In his ethnography (PDF) of Grover Norquist's weekly breakfast meetings, Thomas Medved tells us how Newt Gingrich sold reluctant conservatives attending the meeting on Medicare reform. A Good Start!
Hacker reports on a broad-based risk-shift from society to individuals - across healthcare, pensions, and job security.The shift has been obscured for many by its slow movement across several stages.For example, pensions have been trending from defined-benefit to defined-contribution to 401(k) - each leaving more risk and less benefit to employees.Similarly, in healthcare we are moving from employer-provided full coverage to higher deductibles, co-pays, and exclusions to employee-provided HSAs.As for job security, those starting new careers are less and less likely to finish with the same employer, or even in the same industry - thanks to intensifying foreign competition.Meanwhile, leaders of our federal government are trying to weaken government programs providing pension (Social Security), healthcare (Medicare, Medicaid), and job security (unemployment insurance).
Collectivism is no panacea
This is an important book, because it brings to light a very important sociologic/economic trend. I found the section on job volatility very pertinent (I'm a programmer). My only caveat is that many collectivist/socialist countries have problems equal to or worse than ours. Some of them are even trying to emulate us and add more capitalistic elements into their societies. (I grew up in England and am familiar with the problems in France and Germany). I guess that's why economics is called the "Dismal Science". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Economic Conditions    2. Economic security    3. Health Care Issues    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Social Science    6. Social policy    7. Sociology    8. Sociology - General    9. United States    10. Economics    11. Political Science / Economic Conditions    12. Political science & theory    13. Politics | American Politics | Public Policy    14. USA   

Reviews (1)

Explorations inAmerican Economic History
American Economic History is a challenging, extensive, and complete economic history of the United States from the establishment of the Jamestown settlement to modern economic issues and trends.Hughes and Cain give an overview appropriate to the college upper classman or graduate student.The book does a particularly fine job of discussing and analyzing the slavery question that, for the most part, led to the Civil War and the various causes, such as the Stock Market Crash of 1929, that led to the Great Depression. The authors survey the various strains of thought on most of the central economic issues in American History: sometimes giving the most logical view(s) as based on the emperical evidence available to the economist-historian. In addition, to being, generally, well written and accurate, the text lends itself to a short or moderate length essay as a means of evaluation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Economic Conditions    5. Economics - General    6. United States    7. Business & Economics / Economics / General    8. Economics   

Subjects:  1. Earth Sciences - Geography    2. Economic Conditions    3. Economic geography    4. Geography (General)    5. Globalization    6. Human Geography    7. Science    8. Science/Mathematics    9. Science / Geography   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Developing countries    5. Development - Economic Development    6. Economic Conditions    7. Economics - Theory    8. Finance    9. Globalization    10. Monetary policy    11. Public Policy - Economic Policy    12. Business & Economics / Economics / Theory    13. Economic forecasting    14. Economics    15. International relations    16. Political Science and International Relations   

Reviews (8)

Eye-Opening
Get your dictionary out for acronyms... very confusing at times.Great storytelling in the first half of the book, but much finger pointing at the end.Van Heerden is very passionate about his work and point of view.Story matches reality I guess in relation to this catastrophic, horrible event.Very eye-opening, as our government continues down the same road, levee's ...FEMA... wars..... cover-up after cover-up.... Etc...

The Sad Truth
As a former emergency management planner, I found this book to be an excellent analysis of what really went wrong in New Orleans.It is a treatise for government officials to learn what not to do and an outline of what we as citizens should demand from our government leaders.It presents very technical information and scientific analysis in a manner that even an elected official can understand.But, beyond presenting the scientific basis of why New Orleans flooded, it presents an outline of solutions that should and must be considered. It is an great testament to the fact that some issues should be above everyday politics and that some important decisions that a government may be asked to make should be based upon science and not political considerations. This is a must read for every citizen and should be a mandatory read for every elected official.
Follow this recipe, Dammit!
Katrina was the "medium one", not the "big one". For those who are not on the gulf coast, it wiped out an area about 5 miles deep by 100 miles wide. The damage was mostly to middle class suburbs, but also include alot of very wealthy beach front neighborhoods, working neighborhoods, and a poorer neighborhood (the Lower 9). I personally owned 2 houses whose slabs were 10 feet above sea level, and were 10 miles from the "normal" coast, that took 9 feet of water from the surge. There are "below sea level" areas, but Katrina's surge wiped out high ground too.
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Subjects:  1. Disaster Relief Services    2. Disaster relief    3. Disasters & Disaster Relief    4. Emergency management    5. Gulf States    6. Hurricane Katrina, 2005    7. Hurricanes    8. Natural Disasters    9. Nature    10. Nature/Ecology    11. Sociology    12. Weather    13. Political Science / Economic Conditions   

Reviews (48)

Gore those sacred cows!
The dark side is revealed! Our national hubris is spotlighted in this gutsy expose' of things we don't talk about as "loyal Americans." As in most cases of blind loyalty, this is a perfect breeding ground for our shadow side as Americans. Hat's off to Berman for blowing the whistle on some of the traits we export as "the American Way." While it may be painful or embarrassing in the short-term, we will be a far healthier nation in the long-term if we are willing to look at ourselves candidly and truthfully. Kudos to the author for guts and frankness.

Strongly argued, if not sometimes unscholarly
Morris Berman's Dark Ages America was a mixed bag for me.I found his analyses and critique of corporate culture and degenerating morals and values in American culture as well thought out and superbly argued, for the most part having strong supporting evidence to back up his claims.I find citing sources such as Jay Leno and Seinfeld as a bit unscholarly, however, even if they superficially serve to bolster his points.Also, much of his statistical evidence is too general.He speaks about world economics and U.S. foreign and domestic policy very broadly for the most part, and much of i