Subjects:  1. Conduct of life   2. Inspirational   3. Inspirational - General   4. Motivational & Inspirational   5. Personal Growth - General   6. Personal Growth - Happiness   7. Psychology   8. Self-Help   9. Self-realization   10. Self-realization in women   11. Spiritual Healing   12. Women   13. Women In The U.S.   14. Women's Studies - General   15. Self-Help / Happiness   

Customer Reviews (22)

Relevant, Practical Ideas -- a Must Read
I am an equities trader and I have read over 20,000 pages about investing in the stock market, fundamental and technical analysis, and many related topics. The ideas presented in Trader Vic's book are extremely practical and relevant and I've not seen many of the ideas expressed in it anywhere else. His ideas about weighing the odds of the future course of the markets based on historical, statistical measurements of time and how far the markets have moved are truly useful. The background he gives about economics made sense and are useful as well. I'd rate it in the top 5 books I've ever read about the markets.

A Must Read for any Student of the Market
This book has tons of practical advice. I have referred to it countless times when analyzing market conditions. My stock portfolio was entirely in cash two weeks prior to the massive selloff on October 27, 1997. The information in this book is directly responsible(the 2B criterion in particular). If I had even more experience with the author's methods, I probably would have been in cash in August when the correction began or possibly even initiated short positons. This book in conjunction with other informative volumes such as William O'neil's "How to Make Money in Stocks" and Nicolas Darvas' " How I Made Two Million in the Stock Market" provide incredible insights into the mechanics of Wall Street. Sperandeo's followup to this book, "Trader Vic-II" is also excellent. Read books by investors with PROVEN track records and you will greatly increase your odds of success in the markets. Thank you very much Mr. Sperandeo.

Consistency is the key
Victor Sperandeo says that if there were a Hall of Fame for trading he wouldn't be in it but he sees himself as a career pro who consistently performs at an elite level year after year. In fact consistent performance is his central theme, which he says requires not only a successful approach to trading but to life itself. He delves into this in the second part of the book that is dedicated to the psychological approach. Sperandeo says that he trained a group of traders but only a few were successful, and in searching for why he discovered the most important cause was false pride associated with the 'idealised self'. I found this interesting in that paying a ton of money to be taught by any of the world's so called greatest traders isn't any guarantee of success!

His reasons for writing the book it seems is frustration with the image the world has of traders in which the unsung career pro goes unnoticed. Whatever his reasons are it is a privilege to gain an insight into the mind and methodology of a New Market Wizard.

His methods are a mixture of fundamental and technical analysis. He uses economics as a forecasting tool and says that cycle analysis actually just gets in the way. If you can understand the fundamentals of economics you can interpret government intervention in the market and profit from it.University taught economics is useless for this. All booms and busts are a result of credit expansion in an effort to lower interest rates, whereas Keynesian economics attempts to use interventionalist policy to smooth out the peaks and troughs but in fact is the predominant cause. Surplus production, savings and innovation create wealth as much for the individual as the economy on the whole. Wealth is actually consumed by government created prosperity via deficit spending. You can't get something for nothing. By understanding these cycles, you can speculate profitably.
Technical tools can then be used for timing entry. He demonstrates how trendlines can be drawn objectively to determine a change in trend using his 123 and 2B rules. A unique approach in this book is an approach to measuring risk by calculating market life expectancy profiles which he says has been instrumental to his success along with his business philosophy of protecting capital, consistent profitability and the pursuit of superior gains.

This book is as much a confession of the soul as a guide on trading methods, which I've found most of the best trading books are. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics   2. Business / Economics / Finance   3. Business/Economics   4. Investments & Securities - General   5. Business & Economics / Investments & Securities   6. Investment & securities   

Customer Reviews (3)

This is about ALL OF US!
I was born in America, like Victor. I am not Hispanic. I relate to this book because my ancestors were from Italy. They came to America with very little, and with no knowledge of English. They built businesses, some of which flourish to this very day! They worked hard - often much harder than the people for whom they worked. They educated their children, often with very little help from the American school system. They survived drought, hunger, abuse, unfeeling teachers, uncaring political leaders. This is about Victor. And it is about all the people who built America. It is about you, me, our friends and relatives, our neighbors. Please read this. And please read WALKING STARS with your children. You are, after all -- each and every one of you -- a Burro Genius Miracle Maker!

Villasenor does it once again.........
Burro Genius has been added to my list of favorite books, along with some of his previous work....

Learning about the way his teachers abused him and the way his classmates disrespected and hated him because he was Mexican made me feel helpless.....it made me wish many times through out the book that it would've been me who they'd disrespected and slapped around just so that I could do something about it.

It's an experience that makes him feel out-of-place and turns him into an angry child who, at one point, becomes ashamed of who he is and where his family comes from.

It's crazy how Villasenor, along with other Mexican kids, was forced to speak "English Only" and now that's all changed. America encourages and almosts expects of people to learn more than one language. Like a slap in the face....

Something very special
Victor Villasenor has written well before, but this is something completely new and special. It's his story, compelling, heartbreaking, and funny. You want to keep reading just to find out what happens to this kid, who is at once precocious, confused, and angry.

Victor's voice rings through the pages. Even if you have never heard him in person, you will know his voice by the words he writes. And you'll know him, in a more personal way than you probably know your neighbors.

The book is definitely psychologically and politically challenging. You can't help but wonder why his world is the way it is, and what you can do, years later, to change it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century   2. Authors, American   3. Biography   4. Biography & Autobiography   5. Biography / Autobiography   6. Biography/Autobiography   7. California   8. Ethnic Cultures - General   9. Hispanic American Literature   10. Literary   11. Mexican American authors   12. Mexican Americans   13. People of Color   14. Villasenor, Victor   15. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Customer Reviews (29)

A great spirit...
Most of the series of 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' has the kind of warm and fuzzy story that many find endearing and sweet. They are not 'deep' most of the time, but do point to things beyond themselves; for my own use, I often find sermon illustrations and stories within the pages of volumes of Chicken Soup -- as chaplain at a retirement centre, many of the stories help people to recall happier times, and help them deal with their present situation.

This particular volume involves stories with specifically Christian themes. The broad topics of the Christian life - love, giving (generosity), family and parenting, faith and hope, overcoming obstacles, death and dying - all these are addressed here, the contributing authors making explicitly Christian connections in their narratives. Much in the manner that Readers Digest accepts unsolicited stories from amateur authors, so does the Chicken Soup series. Often the most meaningful stories are those that happen to people who are not professional writers. However, there are 'names' among the contributors to this volume;

Each of this stories can easily be read in a short time. This makes it a good source for 'falling-asleep reading', for use in public speaking and preaching opportunites, for shared reading-aloud times, and for simple enjoyment and entertainment. Many of the stories here are ones that stay with you; these are stories I use again and again in my chaplaincy, and they are always appreciated.

The editors of the primary series 'Chicken Soup' are Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen; for purposes of this volume, they are joined by Patty Aubrey and Nancy Mitchell, who also helped with the 'Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul' volume.

Your heart and life will be touched like never before...
The scores of short stories contained within this emotion-impacting book span a wide range of life-affecting topics that include love (15 stories), giving (11), parents and parenting (15), faith (12), levity (11), overcoming obstacles (11), perspective (11), and death and dying (15). The carefully selected stories (from thousands submitted) provide insight into the person God has called us to be, the actions God expects us to take, and the faith and attitude God expects us to adopt and profess. Scattered between the selections are both comics and thought-provoking quotations relevant to the section that they appear in.

Contributions for this outstanding 375+ page work were supplied by individuals such as the late Norman Vincent Peale, Corrie ten Boom, Dick Van Patten, Charles W. Colsen, Gary Smalley, Joan Wester Anderson, and Dick Van Dyke.

All stories are presented in a very readable level in which the reader can relate to the themes discussed and are short enough that single stories can be read in a session and then pondered. Your life will be more spiritually fulfilling and be more positive upon completion of reading this book if you take these stories to heart.

Do yourself a favor... A MUST read!

A Warm Blessing
If you are a Christian, you need this book on your book shelf. The stories are moving, faithfilled and filled with joy. Prepare to laugh, prepare to cry ... prepare to further BELIEVE! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian life   2. Christianity - Christian Life - General   3. Inspirational   4. Inspirational - General   5. Motivational & Inspirational   6. Religion   7. Religion / Christian Life   

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes   2. Animals / Pets   3. Cats - General   4. Dog owners   5. Dogs   6. Human-animal relationships   7. Motivational & Inspirational   8. Pets   9. United States   10. Pets / Dogs / General   

Customer Reviews (44)

Book Review: Chicken Soup for the Soul

The book "Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Heart & Rekindle the Spirit" is an excellent book. The book was originally given to me by a friend who thought that I "would enjoy it". Me, the person who genuinely dislikes reading any kind of book for pleasure, "enjoy" this book. Definately not me, I thought to myself.

I had to travel on a business trip alone, therefore I took the book along (just in case I got extremely bored). Thoughtout my trip, the book didn't get cracked open. I found other things to do with my time, than read a book.

Yet, on my return flight, my reservations were mixed up for some reason or another. Therefore, I ended up having a 4 1/2 hour layover in the Dallas Airport. Being upset, I didn't even want to shop. I also didn't want to look out of place, so, I opened the book and started glancing at first, pretending to read.

Then all of a sudden, as if a magnet were pulling me closer, I began to read the first short story in the book. It was so real and inspiring that I continued to read. I couldn't wait to flip a page. As a matter of fact, I was really thirsty. Not wanting to put the book down, I continued reading. Every story hit close to home and I could relate to most everything being read.

At one point, I heard a young man say "I think you could use this tissue more than I can", as he handed me a tissue. Looking up at him, I noticed that my eyes were filled with tears. The story I had been reading was so real that I found myself crying and feeling the characters emotions. Being a little embarrased (but not much), I explained how I typically do not shed a tear for most books. I told the young man how this book was so capturing and inspiring, that it pulls you in and holds your mind,emotions, and attention captive. He laughed and said something to the effect of "most women cry over mushy things".

Sitting next to me, he read over my shoulder as I continued to read. When I finished the short story, I turned and looked and him and noticed that he too had tears in his eyes. I didn't say a word, but the spiritual emotions were evident. We were both captured by this wonderful book.

Till this day, I thank my friend for giving me this book. I have also given a copy of this same book to many friends (the first one, being my new friend that I met at the Dallas Airport that day).

I highly recommend this book to everyone, it will rekindle the spirit of everyone who reads it (especially the ones who think that this is just another one of the "mushy" books.

If I could, I would put a money back guarantee if not fully satisfied on this book. That is how much I enjoyed reading it.

Thank You, and I hope that you have the opportunity to pick up this book and give it a chance, I did and I loved it.

From a real Skeptical, Lucy R. Fonseca 3127 S. Nelson Amarillo, Texas 79103 (806) 379-9201

Have tissues handy!!
What a book!! I loved it! There are so many touching, moving, inspiring, beautiful, heart-wrenching stories, you can't help but cry. I read this book the night before I graduated from college 2 years ago. I couldn't put it down, so I stayed up until 7:00 am and then finally fell asleep with my head in the book. I was on top of the world and I wanted to fill myself with all of the positive things in this world. I was moved by "Puppies for Sale" and "The Hugging Judge" and "All the Good Things." These stories stay with you. If you're a news junkie and are constantly bombarded with bad or sad news, these stories are the glimmer of hope, love, and happiness in a world that sometimes seems uncaring and cold. One last thing: Use as often as necessary for a guaranteed pick-me-up!! You won't be able to quit smiling. It's true therapy!

These stories make me cry!
What a great book!

Jack Canfield is my motivational role model. His love for humanity and his desire to make this world a better place to live is a stunning example of what someone can achieve when he sets his heart to something.

Jack and Mark did a terrific job of compiling really great stories about love, caring and achieving success. Chicken Soup for the Soul is a true classic. If you want some more positive thinking stuff in your life - get a hold of this book today. Reading about love and hope is the only way to combat all the negativity we hear about on the radio and from the media.

Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Inspirational   2. Motivational & Inspirational   3. Personal Growth - Success   4. Self-Help   5. Spiritual life   6. Self-Help / General   

Customer Reviews (3)

The Premier Book On Craps.
Hi All,
After reading this book, I have to say it is without a doubt the most IMPORTANT book ever written about the game. Royer realizes that the game presents its players various anomalies, that, when spotted, will turn the player onto excellent profits.
I am a professional player in Las Vegas. I incorporate other anomalies that I gathered by doing an exhaustive 1,000,000 live casino roll empirical study of the game. Trust me, the game is'nt what you were taught during Undergraduate Statistics in relation to the percentages. It can be beaten!!!!
The first step is to buy this book and read it twice. Then ladies and gentleman, you are on your way!!!!
Way to go Victor Royer, BRAVO!!!!

Finally a Book that Makes Craps Easy and Profitable
It's all in this book. What pays what, how much, when and why, what's a good bet, what isn't and why. All the best and simplest strategies, all the bets on the layout, all their true odds and house pays -- everything, all in this one book.

This is the only book that has been able to make Craps simple. Most other books are always mired in the many confusing bets, their odds, and the mathematical knowledge necessary to play the game with even the most rudimentary strategy. As a result, Craps is always considered confusing by the general casino player, and so they stay away from the game. Royer's book is able to make the game of Craps simple. For the first time, Royer's book demystifies the game, and shows just how easily it can be played for profit.

Royer takes the reader through all the complexities of the game, showing what pays what when, how and why. He shows the true odds, and the house odds. Other books only show the good and bad bets, but don't explain why. Royer shows WHY some bets are good, and others not, and under what conditions they should be avoided, and why some can actually be played profitably. Finally, Royer makes Craps so easy that even totally novice gamblers can immediately play the game without fear or intimidation.

Craps is one of the best casino games. If you've ever wondered about it, but were afraid to play, or thought it just looked too confusing, or cost too much to play -- now you can rest easy. Royer's book shows you the way to a great game, with many strategies that even the most novice player can play conformably.

For the more advanced Craps players, Royer offers a series of strategies, including some new strategies shown in this book for the first time.

Finally a Great Book That Makes Craps Simple and Easy
Everything is there -- all the odds, all the pays, what pays what, how and when and why. Also all the strategies, from the simplest to the more adventurous, even some new ones.

No other book has ever been able to make Craps look simple. All other books are always mired in the many confusing bets, their odds, and the mathematical knowledge necessary to play the game with even the most rudimentary strategy. As a result, Craps is always considered confusing by the general casino player, and so they stay away from the game. Royer's book is able to make the game of Craps simple. For the first time, Royer's book demystifies the game, and shows just how easily it can be played for profit.

Royer takes the reader through all the complexities of the game, showing what pays what when, how and why. He shows the true odds, and the house odds. Other books only show the good and bad bets, but don't explain why. Royer shows WHY some bets are good, and others not, and under what conditions they should be avoided, and why some can actually be played profitably. Finally, Royer makes Craps so easy that even totally novice gamblers can immediately play the game without fear or intimidation.

Craps is one of the best odds games in the casino, but it looks so complicated that many new players, and young players, just won't try it. There is also a lot of misleading information out there, and many long-time players will try to "teach" the new ones how to play, when they don't even know it themselves, but think they do. If you've never tried Craps because of this, or haven't considered this great game at all, read this book and you'll see just how simple and easy it can be. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Craps (Game)   2. Gambling   3. Gambling - General   4. Gambling - Table   5. Gambling systems   6. Games   7. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords   8. Games/Puzzles   

Customer Reviews (1)

Architectural Lighting
This is an excellent book. It provides a comprehensive overview while supplying specific design applications on the topics of natural and electric lighting. It illuminates many technologies and design principles with straight forward language and clear reinforcing graphics.
I teach architectural lighting at the School of Architecture at the University of Hawaii. I have reviewed many lighting books for this class and have found the Egan and Olgyay text to be very appropriate for the beginning and advanced student as well as a very useful desk reference for design proessionals. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural Detail   2. Architectural Lighting   3. Architecture   4. Engineering - Electrical & Electronic   5. Home Improvement / Construction   6. Interior Design - General   7. Interior Design - Lighting   8. Lighting, Architectural and de   9. Lighting, Architectural and decorative   10. Architecture / General   

Customer Reviews (1)

Homer restored to his rightful place as serious competition
...for Pokemon, dinosaurs, ghost stories, Robin Hood, and piratical history! I am no classical scholar, as is obvious from that last sentence, but I am a mom who reads alot to her children and I've a working understanding of Homer's poetic tale, The Odyssey. Ms. McCaughrean's version was gripping! We had a very hard time putting it down the first time, and on our second read through we just kept going until the end! This book enthralled a 7 and a 4, while remaining as true to the text as I've seen yet in a children's version (slight editing may be required for the very squeamish or quite young.) My children acted the tale out on their own when we were through and held impromptu literary discussions for days afterwards. Like Bible stories, Greek myths have been done a thousand times over for children. Before you set off to wade through to find the diamonds, take my word for it that this is definitely one of them. Also, her collection of classic mythical stories is recommended although, dare I say it, this is even better than that. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Literature - Classics / Contemporary   2. Children: Grades 4-6   3. Classics   4. Legends, Myths, & Fables - Greek & Roman   5. Classical languages: literary criticism   6. English   7. Other prose: classical, early & medieval   

Subjects:  1. 1935-   2. Bstan-dzin-rgya-mtsho,   3. Buddhism   4. Buddhism - Tibetan   5. Compassion   6. Dalai Lama XIV,   7. Dalai lamas   8. Forgiveness   9. General   10. Interviews   11. Psychology   12. Religion   13. Religion - World Religions   14. Religious aspects   

Customer Reviews (66)

Will California have 40 million or 70 milion in 50 years?
Some 35 million people live in California, the fifth or sixth largest economy in the world. Yet it only took thirty years to bring it down to the present mess. In 150 pages, Dr. Victor Davis Hanson presents a meaningful picture of how this happened. From his book I have come to a better understanding of what has taken place and continues to this day.

This overwhelming invasion by illegals of the most populated state in the nation is well on the way toward "Mexifornia" unless something is done to change it. Hanson suggests four alternative solutions for Californians to consider. It is for them to decide.

I am concerned about the uncontrolled, massive illegal immigration that continues daily across our borders, aided and abetted by vote-seeking, self-serving politicians, especially in Sacramento. They seem not to care about the State of California as a whole.

Victor Hanson grew up as a white minority kid in Selma, near Fresno, where the other kids were mostly Hispanic. He knows how good it was then, learning about America, and how it has changed over the years. I bought the book after reading numerous reviews. The author was established and recognized. I haven't been disappointed.

Persuasive...But Less Than Entirely
Professor Hanson is a very good writer in my opinion. This, for the most part, is an elegantly written and well argued short book (150 pgs).

The author's diagnosis of the illegal immigration problem and his recommended prescription cures were fairly compelling. He speaks from a great deal of personal experience given his life on a small south Central Valley farm. I don't believe the author is a racist nor do I believe myself to be a racist because I largely agree with him. However, that doesn't mean that I think neither one of us has prejudices. Every human that I've ever known has possessed some degree of prejudice. To qualify for the term "racist" you really have to buy into the idea that your racial (or perceived "racial") group is "it." By this definition I still notice that there are a lot of American racists of the white, brown, black, yellow, etc. variety still circulating in our culture. Care to 2nd that motion, Rush?

Nevertheless, the author has written a very timely, well expressed, and reasoned book on one of our most critical national issues. An issue that neither the conservative business interests or the liberal political interest groups want examined too closely. Our spineless politicians and insipidly politically bland news media are well versed in effectively evading this one.

The book is published by Encounter Books. This publisher appears to be a right wing funded publishing house. However, Hanson much of the time sounds like someone wistfully desiring that the charming forever lost rural Central California past come back to him. Sort of a mossback conservative's version of E.F. Schumacher's "Small Is Beautiful." However, he invariably snaps out of that temporary trance and will go off about some of the "democratic" benefits of "free markets" and corporatism. I fail to see how corporations--which by their very nature are emblematic of the concentration of wealth and privilege--can be the spreaders of "democratic" values. But the author is usually pretty elegant in his arguments. He also goes off on jeremiads about "multiculturalism." I am sure there is some merit to these arguments, too. However, I think he rants a bit too much on this particular subject. Same with bilingualism. Probably a misguided policy, however, please recall that in years past--and not that terribly long ago--children were very severely punished for speaking any other language than English amongst themselves while in school.

David Amram lyric: "If you worship the good old days, beware of returning to the bad old ways."

He also argues that the U.S. is superior to Europe because of our endless supply of cheap goodies. Whilst those miserable Europeans live in small houses, drive small cars, take long vacations, have guaranteed health care, work 35 hours per week, have a less manic way of life, etc., etc. You'll have to be the judge on that issue. If the reader is still interested, I would refer him/her to the 1896 classic "Theory of the Leisure Class" by the American radical economist/sociologist, Thorstein Veblen. The writing style is turgid and convoluted, but old Thorstein covered the absurdity of excess consumption better than anyone else before or since--in my opinion.

I subscribe to the author's view that seems to coincide with Morris Berman's ("The Twilight of American Culture") view that America is becoming "moronized." The evidence certainly is strong--from what I can see. He likes to push his own antiguity classics curriculum--a noble goal I think. I would push the classics, too, along with history, philosophy, foreign language, physical sciences, social sciences, literature, etc. However, I would push more contemporary--like within a thousand or a hundred years--classics.

Separatist and ethnic studies are not the only majors that have watered down the educational experience. Never forget business admin management courses, formal education courses, PE, etc., etc. There are many guilty parties in the devaluation of the college experience. It's hardly any wonder that we are a nation of airheads--"college educated" and otherwise. Care to invade another country, anyone?

In conclusion, this is a good book, worth a serious read. Regardless of how insanely partisan your political ideolgy is....

A balanced look at a problem out of control
Outstanding! This book is writed by someone who truly sees both sides of this issue. Well thought out, well written, and well researched. A very balanced look a problem out of control. Thought provoking. Don't be fooled by anyone who tells you the book is racist, it simple is not! This is a fair look at what we as a state/country did in the past and the how and why it worked, and what we are doing now and why it is not working. A must read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. California   2. Emigration & Immigration   3. Ethnic Studies - Hispanic American Studies   4. Government policy   5. History   6. History: World   7. Immigrants   8. Mexican Americans   9. Social conditions   10. Sociology   11. United States - State & Local - General   12. United States - State & Local - West   

Customer Reviews (77)

Best trading book of this century
This book gives treasure maps, minefield maps, and road maps for the market. The treasure maps tell you how to make money by analyzing the balance sheet, (beware of inventory and accounts receivable), by buying the growth companies in the first and fourth quarter, by following after interest rates, by buying the biotech with the insider buying, by bargaining for a good price, by waiting after a bad year, by waiting until real estate is down.

The minefield maps tell you how to avoid the blowups from earnings propaganda, the heads and shoulders and all that, the low book value stuff, the short term mentality, the boastful companies, the propagandist who's always gloomy, the road maps show how to use scatter diagrams, return data from all countries, the value line, the conservation of energy, tennis, baseball and chess to provide a foundation for investing. It's all documented with dozens of original tables, also very funny, and scholarly. I think i've read every other book about investing, and this one is head and shoulders way above them. I read a review in active trader magazine that said this is the best trading book of this century, and that's an understatement.

Exceptional Insight
Overflowing with observations and interconnections from disparate fields such as sports, finance, and physics, the reader will find this text highly refreshing, especially when compared to typically available trading literature. As the title suggests, Practical Speculation eloquently bridges the gap between financial theory and potential opportunities for the trader, delivering several testable trading/investment ideas and a statistically based methodology for ongoing research.

Undoubtedly this book will be derided by hordes of chartists, and other interests who the authors have challenged. However, readers should keep in mind that the observations, studies, and wisdom in this book are the result of decades as practitioners in the field. Unfortunately the vast majority of books about trading are written by those whose writing and ideas are too infrequently disciplined by real money risks (and rewards) in the markets (often emboldening charlatans to suggest making money is easy).

Practical Speculation is successful in helping the reader establish a systematic approach to testing, and more generally to apply a healthy does of skepticism to the pronouncements of market gurus (and other experts). Ever wary of their own fallibility, the authors encourage the readers not to take the strategies proffered in the book at face value and test for themselves. To this end the chapter on How to Avoid Spurious Correlations alone is worth the price of the book, especially for quantitative traders. There are only a handful of trading and investments books worth reading - this is one of the best.

what is wrong w/ the other reviewers?!?
if you have a rudimentary knowledge of speculation (i.e. you know how to translate pop culture into hypothesis of mkt bubbles), then this book has absolutely nothing to offer you. if you don't know how to, suffice it to say you shouldn't speculate, and if you still want to, then this book is definitely going to lead you to the same ruin that the author himself found.

vic knows how to build an audience / loyal cadre far better than he can write, which in turn is far better than he can manage a hedge fund. ---i make this statement on the premise that some 70-odd lunatics thought this book was insightful! ---outside of running some rudinemtary regression analyses that offers support to preconceived notions (i.e. selective interpretations as a result of selective data sets), the authors take it upon themselves, high in their ivory towers, to tear down such sacred cows as value investing, trend following, ben graham (and likewise buffett), and market timing. ---and the fact that the authors have no success to show for themselves is not lost on this reader (whereas buffet's success speaks for his philosophy).

as an aside, i find that any book, ANY, that finds it necessary to put in testimonials and stories about individuals is obviously lacking in content, insight, and data. this book is full of testimonials (both in support and contrast of the authors).

here's a great example of non-information that the authors package as profound: if a stock went up 3 weeks in a row, would you bet that next week it would go up or down? decide! --vic's answer is that its more likely to go up--did you bet wrong? probably. i did....but i don't know, i'd like to look at the stock, the news, developments, chaikin $ flow, inst ownership, overall mkt sentiment, etc etc before i decide, thank you very much! for the rest of you who would throw your $ into an investment / object of speculation without asking any questions, then vic is your guy.

i often go back and re-read select investing books (eg: alchemy of finance: 3x; reminisces of a stock operator: 3x; intelligent investor: 4x; etc). this book: 1x, and my strongest recommendation to avoid. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics   2. Business / Economics / Finance   3. Business/Economics   4. Commodities And Commodity Exchanges   5. Corporate Finance   6. Finance   7. Investment analysis   8. Investments & Securities - General   9. Speculation   10. Stocks   11. Business & Economics / Finance   12. Investment & securities   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography   2. Biography / Autobiography   3. Biography/Autobiography   4. General   5. Latin America - General   6. Personal Memoirs   7. Political   8. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes   2. Animals / Pets   3. Cat owners   4. Cats   5. Dogs - General   6. Motivational & Inspirational   7. Pets   8. United States   9. Pets / Cats / General   

Did you know that the stock market had reached a "permanently high plateau" in October 1929? You would have thought so, had you listened to the experts back then. Christopher Cerf and Victor Navasky of the "Institute of Expertology" have made it their mission to compare the actual statements of professional prognosticators with the events following their predictions. Knowing better than to comment directly, they let the reader decide about the (ahem) reliability of the experts.

Brilliantly organized, using the categories of Adler's "Outline of Knowledge," The Experts Speak will educate the naive and entertain the cynical with its thousands of well-documented quotes by wise men and women, from Aristotle ("The brain is an organ of minor importance") to Albert Einstein ("There is not the slightest indication that [nuclear]energy will ever be obtainable"). Concise, well-written descriptions of the events that actually happened--usually at variance with informed opinion--add to the dry humor. If you've always wanted to be a self-assured talking head, The Experts Speak will make you an authority on definitive misinformation.--Rob Lightner ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Shows how easy one's foot fits in one's own mouth!
Awesome list of some of the most ignorant statements made by some of the most "important" people in recent history.I found it rather satisfying to know that even the "SMART" people in this world are just as "DUMB" as the rest of us from time to time.Read this book and you will probably think a little harder before you make any quick comments about things you aren't educated about.You will find some of the most outrageous comments ever made by people who are supposed to "know what they are talking about"Not only is it good to know everyone speaks too soon once in awhile, this book is so good it will also have you laughing and perhaps wondering how these "people" got into the high social position they did.Who knows perhaps anyone can be a big wheel if we're in the right place at the right time!!

The best (and funniest) antidote to punditry in the universe
This highly quotable and humorous--but accurately researched--book fills an important gap. It provides a unique window on history by demonstrating the uncertainty principle of so-called factualness. Using laughably fatheaded predictions from the ages as well as from just a few weeks ago, the authors show how profoundly wrong the "experts" are during any given moment. During the present bombardment of expert opinion from every direction, this book is especially valuable. You will never again be able to listen to the talking heads or read the newspaper in quite the same way after consulting even a single page of Cerf and Navasky! An excellent reference book, cautionary guide for any authority in any field, and a fine teaching text as well.

I predict this book will be the biggest seller in the universe from now until the end of time. Buy it for your great-great-great grandchildren at the present low price.

Misinformation, Misquotations, and Bad Sources
When a book claims to be "definitive" AND "authoritative" one might expect some level of accuracy and even a broadcast-quality fact checking. These authors use second and third party sources when inaccurately quoting reputable figures, even when primary sources are easily available. In three instances I researched, they claimed to "quote" from a book that has NO SUCH QUOTE! I own the source book and found it nowhere between the covers.

I was appalled at the extent to which this method is used in _The Experts Speak_, ultimately leading to the spreading of misinformation--not the cataloging of it. I personally checked the book for persons and subjects familiar to me to find that 3 of 4 quotes were both innacurate and the sources were mislabeled AND misquoted. The problem is so widespread, and the resulting misinformation seems designed to support a political agenda of the authors. Buy at your own risk. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General   2. Humor   3. Quotations   4. Quotations, English   5. Reference   6. Reference / Quotations   

Customer Reviews (14)

If You Like to Fish, Feast on This
If you like to fish, this is a book you'll want to savor slowly so it'll last longer. Do what I did: Read one story every night for the next 87 days. You'll crack up, connect with, cry over, delight in, and feast upon a smorgasbord of stories about fishing that will make you impatient for the second serving.

What a wonderful collection of stories!
I'm a woman who enjoys fishing and hadn't seen many books that covered my favorite topic from both sides of the gender line. I loved this book! Many of the stories could have been pulled from my own experiences they seemed so familiar. I highly recommend this book for a summer read. I love the fact that I can pick it up, read a story and put it down to do some chores, then pick it up again later without missing a beat. My favorite stories are the Bologna Wars by Tanith Tyler, and Tadpoles Triumph by Banjo Bandolas. I've passed the book on to my children now and they seem to enjoy it as much as I have.

Too sentimental for me
The Chicken Soup stories follow a formula, and are too sentimental for me. Some people like them though, and that's okay. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes   2. Conduct of life   3. Fishers   4. Fishing   5. Fishing - General   6. Fishing Sports   7. Inspirational   8. Inspirational - General   9. Motivational & Inspirational   10. Sports   11. Sports & Recreation   12. Sports & Recreation / Fishing   

Customer Reviews (7)

Powerful Organizational Focus
Quite simply, this book was one of the best business management and leadership books I have ever read. It was well-written and expertly balanced management and leadership concepts with real-world examples of effectively aligned organizations, such as Federal Express and Southwest Airlines. This book should be read and discussed by leaders and managers at all levels, especially by mid- to senior-level executives.

In brief, alignment deals with the relationships among the people, processes, strategy, and customers of an organization relative to that organization's purpose, or what the authors called "the main thing." Alignment is both a noun, a state of being, and a verb, a set of actions. Vertical alignment connects organizational strategy with the people responsible for transforming that strategy into meaningful work. Horizontal alignment deals with understanding your customers' wants and then creating processes to deliver what your customers want, when and how they want it. Effective leadership nurtures the organizational culture that is built around and upon "the main thing," and it is this culture and leadership combination that drives and sustains self-aligning organizations in turbulent times.

The authors' analogy of landing a plane helped me to visualize the dynamics involved with organizational alignment. To land a plane, a pilot must adjust and react to multiple simultaneous factors and conditions (i.e. air speed, altitude, angle of approach, wind speed and direction, etc.) and then understand how a change in one will affect the others. Likewise, to align an organization, a leader must adjust and react to feedback about his people, processes, strategy, and customers, and then understand how a change in one will affect the others.

The authors clearly and thoroughly explained the alignment factors and conditions throughout the book. They followed their explanations with incisive questions for readers to ask about themselves and their organizations to assess their degree of alignment. Those questions were definitely a highlight of the book for they really helped to stimulate my thinking and should help inspire organizational progress to alignment. Another highlight was the appendices that contained examples of actual tools and products used and created by some of the aligned organizations studied by the authors.

The inside back cover jacket sums up why I give the book my highest recommendation: "Essential reading for all managers and executives, "The Power of Alignment" offers a new way to reestablish focus and sustained energy, and is a dynamic approach for staying balanced and achieving extraordinary levels of performance."

Alignment is Key Essential Usually Overlooked
I found this book easy reading, concise, and presented it's basic premise well with specific examples and good suggestions for creation and implementation.

Working as a Director in Managed Care for several pharmaceutical companies, it creates a focus for any organization and a roadmap for the future(physician, health plan, pharmaceutical company) to avoid many of the mistakes and pitfalls that have already been experienced in an attempt to align with the ever changing healthcare landscape.

For those who do account management, it provides a construct and roadmap to use to optimize alignment with internal customers and maximize resources to create value and return with the external customers (....and their customers.) As the authors point, alignment is a continuing process, not a single event in time. Many companies become quickly aligned with the past, and misaligned with the present & future, and can not sustain the competitive edge because they forget this basic premise that the authors reinforce.

The concepts are basic and fundamental, but usually overlooked and forgotten in the day to day business of rapidly growing companies and changing environments.

The Power of Alignment: How Great Companies Stay Centered
The book was required reading in one of my graduate management classes. I found the information immediately usefull and am presently integrating much of the material into my company. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get their company or employer focused on the main thing: Service. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics   2. Business / Economics / Finance   3. Business/Economics   4. Competition   5. Executive Management   6. Information technology   7. Management   8. Management - General   9. Organization Development   10. Organizational change   11. Strategic Planning   12. Structural Adjustment   13. Business & Economics / Management   14. Business strategy   15. Management decision making   16. Personnel & human resources management   

Customer Reviews (2)

For caregivers everywhere--and for those who love them!
Over 54 million people are involved with caregiving, yet everyone feels alone with their roller coaster of emotions. This inspirational book will give you a quick pick-me-up at any moment you feel that you could really use a hug. These lovely short stories are by real voices of courageous caregivers who share their triumphs and sorrows, helping you to have an easier journey. Your heart will be warmed as you smile and nod in recognition, and realize that you've gained valuable insight, solutions and hope.

Jacqueline Marcell, author, 'Elder Rage', and host of the 'Coping with Caregiving' Internet Radio Program.
I was honored to have my story included in this delightful book.

A heartfelt read for all caregivers
I received my copy of the Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul as one of the book's contributors, and read it cover to cover. LeAnn, Jack and Mark have really captured the heart and soul of the caregiving experience with this finely edited book. As founder of Today's Caregiver magazine and caregiver.com (as well as a family caregiver), I have been blessed to read many books and articles about caregiving over the past nine years, and I find this to be extremely inspirational, touching and true. I would recommend it not only to caregivers but also to all of their friends and family members. I am proud to be associated with this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caregivers   2. Caregiving   3. Inspirational   4. Inspirational - General   5. Motivational & Inspirational   6. Personal Growth - General   7. Personal Growth - Happiness   8. Religious life   9. Self-Help   10. Self-Help / Motivational   

Customer Reviews (2)

Muy útil
Este libro es muy útil para la gente que se sienta mal o sufre dolores al tocar. Te explica cómo hacer para tocar libremente y sin dolor.

Finally, an ergonomic cello technique
So, after 30 years of semi-professional recording and performance, my back is getting pretty tweaky. Plus, I was starting to get some repetitive stress injury after a dense season. My doc said I may have to quit. Well, this book is totally revolutionary. It gives many many ideas about how to reposition myself while playing; things I'd never thought of. I am back playing. I have many ideas still to incorporate, but I already feel much better. I now require my students to get this book. Everyone is excited about these ideas. This is, I repeat, revolutionary, and should be required for those of you who want to play without pain for many years. I deducted one star because there is just so much information, that it looks a little overwhelming. It would probably have been better to do two books. But, since it's not, take a look at it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Instruction and study   2. Music   3. Musical Instruments - Strings   4. Pain   5. Physiological aspects   6. Violoncello   

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent!
This book is really excellent. I was in a diving trip in the islets of spratlys when i started reading this book. It really had my eyes fill with tears. The book not only did touch my heart but also my soul. Never did i regret buying this book!

The best book in the chicken soup series!!!
Wow! I received this book as a gift from a co-worker who knew I was a fan of the work of the artist Wyland. I had seen the Chicken Soup series for years, but found most of the stories to be a little too similar. This book was a VAST improvement and really deserves a look from anyone who thought the Chicken Soup series has burned itself out. I was particularly drawn to the story, "The Sea and the Wind that Blows," by E.B. White, the author of "Charlotte's Web." White, a long-time sailing aficionado, realizes for the first time that he is getting older and is becoming a risk to himself by sailing alone ... and must make a painful decision to give up his beloved pasttime. He ultimately decides that the point of life is to do what you love, and in so doing, decides to continue his sailing adventures, regardless of the consequences. It's a message for everyone who has ever considered giving up on something precious. The other stories are great too -- they come from around the entire world -- but are too numerous to explain in this review. This was simply a great gift that I will treasure as long as my paperback copy holds out.

soul finding
This is a warm and wonderful book filled with stories, poems and art that will fill your heart with gladness. I can relate to many of these stories as I am a diver and a snorkeler, but anyone with a love for the ocean or even just a love for nature and life will find this book a treasure. I am going to order 3 more copies to give to my daughters and a friend because I don't wish to part with my own copy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes   2. Human-animal relationships   3. Inspirational   4. Inspirational - General   5. Marine animals   6. Motivational & Inspirational   7. Ocean   8. Oceans & Seas   9. Psychological aspects   10. Sports   11. Sports & Recreation   12. Water Sports   13. Nature / Oceans & Seas