The Science of Success: How Market-Based Management Built the World's Largest Private Company
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The Science of Success
  • Amy Buick
  • Management Philosophies and Methods of a Successful Long-Term Leader
  • A Distinct Worldview
  • Integrating Theory and Practice
The Science of Success: How Market-Based Management Built the World's Largest Private Company
Charles G. Koch
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ManagementManagement | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
All Amazon UpgradeAll Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Business & InvestingBusiness & Investing | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable
  2. Give Your Speech, Change the World: How to Move Your Audience to Action Give Your Speech, Change the World: How to Move Your Audience to Action
  3. The Halo Effect: ... and the Eight Other Business Delusions That Deceive Managers The Halo Effect: ... and the Eight Other Business Delusions That Deceive Managers
  4. Radicals for Capitalism: A Freewheeling History of the Modern American Libertarian Movement Radicals for Capitalism: A Freewheeling History of the Modern American Libertarian Movement
  5. The Last Tycoons: The Secret History of Lazard Frères & Co. The Last Tycoons: The Secret History of Lazard Frères & Co.

ASIN: 0470139889

Book Description

Praise for THE SCIENCE OF SUCCESS

"Evaluating the success of an individual or company is a lot like judging a trapper by his pelts. Charles Koch has a lot of pelts. He has built Koch Industries into the world's largest privately held company, and this book is an insider's guide to how he did it. Koch has studied how markets work for decades, and his commitment to pass that knowledge on will inspire entrepreneurs for generations to come."
—T. Boone Pickens

"A must-read for entrepreneurs and corporate executives that is also applicable to the wider world. MBM is an invaluable tool for engendering excellence for all groups, from families to nonprofit entities. Government leaders could avoid policy failures by heeding the science of human behavior."
—Richard L. Sharp, Chairman, CarMax

"My father, Sam Walton, stressed the importance of fundamental principles—such as humility, integrity, respect, and creating value—that are the foundation for success. No one makes a better case for these principles than Charles Koch."
—Rob Walton, Chairman, Wal-Mart

"What accounts for Koch Industries' spectacular success? Charles Koch calls it Market-Based Management: a vision that nurtures personal qualities of humility and integrity that build trust and the confidence to enhance future success through learning from failure, and a culture of thinking in terms of opportunity cost and comparative advantage for all employees."
—Vernon Smith, 2002 Nobel laureate in economics

"In a very thoughtful, creative, and understandable way, Charles Koch explains how he has used the science of human behavior to create a culture that has produced one of the world's largest and most successful private companies. A must-read for anyone interested in creating value."
—William B. Harrison Jr., Former Chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

"The same exacting thought, rooted in the realities of human nature, that the framers of the U.S. Constitution put into building a nation of entrepreneurs, Charles Koch has framed to build an enduring company of entrepreneurs—a company larger than Microsoft, Dell, HP, and other giants. Every entrepreneur should study this book."
—Verne Harnish, founder, Young Entrepreneurs' Organization, author of Mastering the Rockefeller Habits, CEO, Gazelles Inc.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars The Science of Success.......2007-09-30

I really enjoyed this book as you get to get into the mind of Charles Koch. I would have given it a 5 star, except I felt he could have added more substance to the book.

5 out of 5 stars Amy Buick.......2007-09-16

The Science of Success packages a lifelong study of the conditions that support or conversely, stymie greater prosperity for all, adding a new dimension to the definition of corporate responsibility. I will continue to recommend this book to young, promising entrepreneurs who not only seek success but more importantly desire to add value to society.

5 out of 5 stars Management Philosophies and Methods of a Successful Long-Term Leader.......2007-09-04

The privately held Koch companies have compounded their book value by about 20 percent a year since 1967, an enviable record that's made even more impressive by realizing the diversified nature of the enterprises the companies include. At the time of the writing, the combined firms account for $90 billion in annual revenues and employ 80,000 people in 60 countries. That's big-league success. What's more remarkable is that the author, Charles G. Koch, has headed these operations for 40 years while this success was accomplished. When Mr. Koch speaks, wise people should listen.

In The Science of Success, Mr. Koch describes the management philosophy and methods he has employed to direct his organizations. A well-read and thoughtful engineer, Mr. Koch's methods are not unique to him, nor are they originated by him. Rather the philosophies and methods are ones that he has combined in a novel way that few companies pursue.

Mr. Koch is a bigger thinker than that, seeing his methods (Market-Based Management) as a stepping stone between how individual performance can be improved and how liberty can free societies to accomplish more.

In focusing on Market-Based Management, Mr. Koch describes five key elements that need to be combined with one another for full effectiveness:

1. Vision (using experimentation to improve value delivered for customers based on a sense of what the best opportunities are and what the organization can most effectively accomplish)

2. Virtue and Talents (attract and retain people who want to follow the right principles with appropriate talents for the tasks)

3. Knowledge Processes (systematically add to, disseminate, and apply knowledge related to profitability)

4. Decision Rights (encourage people to become better decision makers after they have developed their skills and to be accountable for the decisions they make)

5. Incentives (reward employees as much as possible by the long-term value they have helped deliver for the organization)

Several things are noteworthy about the book that will interest you. Today, many organizations have "vision statements" which encourage everyone to do good while doing well. Mr. Koch finds that statements inadequate: He encourages instead that employees find out what improvements will expand sales and profits the most and focus on those . . . that's what he means by vision. Back when strategic planning was being formulated, that was the original meaning of vision . . . a meaning that's mostly been lost since then. I endorse Mr. Koch's view as an important one.

Another of Mr. Koch's valuable perspectives is to measure by opportunity cost: When you picked up a dime while a $5 bill rolled by, you didn't gain a dime . . . you lost $4.90. In today's quarter-by-quarter drive for profits among public companies, opportunity cost is all but ignored. That's a major mistake.

Mr. Koch is also a believer in being sure that the message is heard and understood. He points out how often when introducing new practices that no improvements followed because people didn't understand the purposes of the initiatives.

I found his concern about how success hobbles organizations matches my own research on the stalls (bad mental models and habits) that plague successful organizations . . . and turn them into unsuccessful organizations.

If you decide to read only one book about how to be an effective business leader this year, I encourage you to make it this one.

I also suggest you go further and visit Mr. Koch's company. You won't really understand what he's talking about until you see people applying this management philosophy.

Bravo, Mr. Koch!

5 out of 5 stars A Distinct Worldview .......2007-08-06

Before reading The Science of Success, I had heard of Koch Industries and Charles Koch in passing, but had never really thought about the company, its people or, most importantly, their philosophy. After reading it, however, I've come to understand, just a bit, why Koch and his company are so successful in every way.

His Market-Based Management is much more than a recipe for success. It's a distinct, ethical and principled worldview in a world and age often lacking in well-thought out and much-less adhered to worldviews. I am not a businessman and work for myself. Nevertheless I found The Science of Success far more than just a book which explains why the company is so successful. The worldview expounded upon by Koch involves an understanding of history, human nature, the economy, culture and politics, among others. He draws on these as he explains, in greater detail, his Market-Based Management and how it applies to Koch Industries. But I believe it can be applied not only to business, but individuals as well and how we live our lives. The subjects of vision, virtue and talents, knowledge processes, decision rights and incentives (the five dimensions which make up MBM), can all be applied to us as we go about our busy lives, in our interactions with family, friends, co-workers, bosses, and others. It is this philosophy which makes The Science of Success an important read to those wanting to make a positive impact on the world around them.

5 out of 5 stars Integrating Theory and Practice.......2007-08-06

By putting complex philosophical ideas into a practical context, Charles Koch's primer for prosperity demonstrates that voluntary exchange and individual responsibility are at the heart of success. Koch recognizes that his investment is in people--and that encouraging each employee find his inner entrepreneur creates value for the organization. Businessmen and bureaucrats alike will benefit from Koch's reasoned and readable discussion of how markets foster transformation, innovation, and ultimately, a freer society.
The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Diverse
  • Mildly of Interest
  • Black Swan CEOs
  • Expect the Unexpected...
  • The Black Swan - An Epistemic Fowl
The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ManagementManagement | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
EpistemologyEpistemology | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Information ScienceInformation Science | Library & Information Science | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets Fooled by Randomness: The Hidden Role of Chance in Life and in the Markets
  2. The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World
  3. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
  4. Way of the Turtle: The Secret Methods that Turned Ordinary People into Legendary Traders Way of the Turtle: The Secret Methods that Turned Ordinary People into Legendary Traders
  5. A Demon of Our Own Design: Markets, Hedge Funds, and the Perils of Financial Innovation A Demon of Our Own Design: Markets, Hedge Funds, and the Perils of Financial Innovation

ASIN: 1400063515
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Amazon.com

Bestselling author Nassim Nicholas Taleb continues his exploration of randomness in his fascinating new book, The Black Swan, in which he examines the influence of highly improbable and unpredictable events that have massive impact. Engaging and enlightening, The Black Swan is a book that may change the way you think about the world, a book that Chris Anderson calls, "a delightful romp through history, economics, and the frailties of human nature." See Anderson's entire guest review below.


Guest Reviewer: Chris Anderson

Chris Anderson is editor-in-chief of Wired magazine and the author of The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business Is Selling Less of More.

Four hundred years ago, Francis Bacon warned that our minds are wired to deceive us. "Beware the fallacies into which undisciplined thinkers most easily fall--they are the real distorting prisms of human nature." Chief among them: "Assuming more order than exists in chaotic nature." Now consider the typical stock market report: "Today investors bid shares down out of concern over Iranian oil production." Sigh. We're still doing it.

Our brains are wired for narrative, not statistical uncertainty. And so we tell ourselves simple stories to explain complex thing we don't--and, most importantly, can't--know. The truth is that we have no idea why stock markets go up or down on any given day, and whatever reason we give is sure to be grossly simplified, if not flat out wrong.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb first made this argument in Fooled by Randomness, an engaging look at the history and reasons for our predilection for self-deception when it comes to statistics. Now, in The Black Swan: the Impact of the Highly Improbable, he focuses on that most dismal of sciences, predicting the future. Forecasting is not just at the heart of Wall Street, but it's something each of us does every time we make an insurance payment or strap on a seat belt.

The problem, Nassim explains, is that we place too much weight on the odds that past events will repeat (diligently trying to follow the path of the "millionaire next door," when unrepeatable chance is a better explanation). Instead, the really important events are rare and unpredictable. He calls them Black Swans, which is a reference to a 17th century philosophical thought experiment. In Europe all anyone had ever seen were white swans; indeed, "all swans are white" had long been used as the standard example of a scientific truth. So what was the chance of seeing a black one? Impossible to calculate, or at least they were until 1697, when explorers found Cygnus atratus in Australia.

Nassim argues that most of the really big events in our world are rare and unpredictable, and thus trying to extract generalizable stories to explain them may be emotionally satisfying, but it's practically useless. September 11th is one such example, and stock market crashes are another. Or, as he puts it, "History does not crawl, it jumps." Our assumptions grow out of the bell-curve predictability of what he calls "Mediocristan," while our world is really shaped by the wild powerlaw swings of "Extremistan."

In full disclosure, I'm a long admirer of Taleb's work and a few of my comments on drafts found their way into the book. I, too, look at the world through the powerlaw lens, and I too find that it reveals how many of our assumptions are wrong. But Taleb takes this to a new level with a delightful romp through history, economics, and the frailties of human nature. --Chris Anderson



Book Description

A black swan is a highly improbable event with three principal characteristics: It is unpredictable; it carries a massive impact; and, after the fact, we concoct an explanation that makes it appear less random, and more predictable, than it was. The astonishing success of Google was a black swan; so was 9/11. For Nassim Nicholas Taleb, black swans underlie almost everything about our world, from the rise of religions to events in our own personal lives.

Why do we not acknowledge the phenomenon of black swans until after they occur? Part of the answer, according to Taleb, is that humans are hardwired to learn specifics when they should be focused on generalities. We concentrate on things we already know and time and time again fail to take into consideration what we don’t know. We are, therefore, unable to truly estimate opportunities, too vulnerable to the impulse to simplify, narrate, and categorize, and not open enough to rewarding those who can imagine the “impossible.”

For years, Taleb has studied how we fool ourselves into thinking we know more than we actually do. We restrict our thinking to the irrelevant and inconsequential, while large events continue to surprise us and shape our world. Now, in this revelatory book, Taleb explains everything we know about what we don’t know. He offers surprisingly simple tricks for dealing with black swans and benefiting from them.

Elegant, startling, and universal in its applications The Black Swan will change the way you look at the world. Taleb is a vastly entertaining writer, with wit, irreverence, and unusual stories to tell. He has a polymathic command of subjects ranging from cognitive science to business to probability theory. The Black Swan is a landmark book–itself a black swan.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Diverse.......2007-10-25

Nassim Taleb uses information from many diverse fields to prove that life is more random and less predictable than people want to believe. Botony, history, sales, economics, finance, logic, psychology, anatomy, physiology, mathamatics, gambling, technology and philosophy are discussed. Taleb's writing is choppy at times and his intellectual snobbery is obvious. However, "The Black Swan" is well worth reading because of the connections drawn to a wide variety of fields.

2 out of 5 stars Mildly of Interest.......2007-10-24

Mr. Taleb makes some interesting statements but I'm glad I didn't buy the book. What comes across in a most repetitively annoying way is an enormous axe to grind instead of an argument to make. "Only I know" seems to be what shouts from every page and after a while it masks the important contributions his book could have made if he sounded a little less like a know-it all adolescent.

Mr. Taleb seems to be caught up in other people's past evolutions. Another reviewer points out correctly that the Gaussian models have lasted so long simply because we lacked the computing power to develop more accurate models. Other models certainly exist now and we should play with them, but making blistering rebuttals against people whose contributions were limited by the physical and mental technology of the time seems to me like calling Edison an imbecile because he didn't go straight to the development of the MP3.

I'm not a computer whiz, mathematical modeler, or Nobel prize winner. I'm just a speculator who has made a living at being right in the markets for over 30 years, all of it the result of self education through observation. Maybe I would have made more money over the years by being more mathematical. But I've found that it isn't the mathematics of the market that is as important as the psychology....what people think of their models of the market. If people want to believe in Black Swans, Myron Scholes, or Ed Thorp I really don't care. What I make money on, what every speculator makes money on, is the fact that I know what model is predominant in the minds of most other traders regardless of any connection to any so called objective reality. What speculators make money off of isn't models but other people's belief in them. Which explains why despite waiting for the next unforseen event....which by definition can't be predicited...we mere mortals watch the EIA reports, and employment numbers, etc. because other people are making decisions based on them. Are they right? I don't know nor care...I only know that I ignore their beliefs at my peril.

Speculators understand that our knowledge of the markets is imperfect. We know that our failings aren't the result so much of failing to see answers but failing to forsee relevant questions. We are all at some time blinded by our model/map of what is there...the quest for exact knowledge blinds us to systematic wisdom. We all tend to over estimate what we know, or can know and so overestimate the permanence of our current trends or models upon which they are built. A speculator like me may not know the mathematics of dynamic hedging and how it should fit in with chaos therory but I know that my judgments of necessity must be "fuzzy" enough to allow for the possiblity of the "unplanned" model that is or maybe unfolding in the market. In this sense I agree with Mr. Taleb's apparent goal to expand and evolve new models. It's just that he could have done it with a little more grace and with a simple respect for the ideas upon which he will inevitably build his own models.

5 out of 5 stars Black Swan CEOs.......2007-10-23

This book really helped me to understand why some companies and some CEOs are not only outliers, but SPECIAL CAUSE outliers. It explains Google, Warren Buffett, and other superperforming phenomenon. Black Swan CEOs are rare, have tremendous impact, and their astonishingly successful companies always seem predictable when you look back. Makes a great case for change if you are stuck in "Mediocristan"

also read Superperformance

5 out of 5 stars Expect the Unexpected..........2007-10-23

Taleb takes aim at those (especially in the financial markets) who predict the likely outcome and how we in society rarely examine the unpredicted. He argues that knowing the future is unknowable. He has covered this topic before in his 2001 best-seller, "Fooled by Randomness." Overall an interesting book.

I also highly recommend the book Understanding: Train of Thought; you won't be disappointed.

4 out of 5 stars The Black Swan - An Epistemic Fowl.......2007-10-22

The Black Swan - The Impact of the Highly Improbable could have been titled The Black Swan - An Epistemic Fowl, but this might have impaired sales. Nassim Nicholas Taleb arrives at his erudite but not arrogant story after a childhood in war torn Lebanon, obtaining a Wharton MBA and years trading on Wall Street. He makes abundant use of these experiences as he weaves a complex story about the importance of these inadequately appreciated rare events to our increasingly quantified and specialized world.

His journey takes us from Plato to Popper, from Gauss to Mandelbrot and from errors of induction to errors of confirmation. An appreciation of epistemology (the philosophy of knowledge) is not required but will make the journey more enjoyable. He sets up a straw horse by showing the inadequacy of the Gaussian distribution to account for events which are several standard deviations from the mean and, therefore, are the events in which we have the least confidence. He offers some hope by using a fractal (power series) model which allows him to transform some of his black swan intractable problems to tractable gray swan problems. However, his analysis is non exhaustive and he does not consider non Gaussian models or discontinuous distributions.

We are left with an adequate argument against Gaussian quantitative models but with no replacement except the traditional qualitative narrative of boom and bust, creation and destruction which has been part of human culture for thousands of years.
Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ok, How did Communities get their wealth?
  • If You Care for the Earth
  • Useful Inefficiencies
  • Turbines and Prayer Wheels
  • Quite a scary future
Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future
Bill McKibben
Manufacturer: Times Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Policy & Current EventsPolicy & Current Events | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Development & GrowthDevelopment & Growth | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Economic Policy & DevelopmentEconomic Policy & Development | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
TheoryTheory | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
EnvironmentalismEnvironmentalism | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming
  2. The End of Nature The End of Nature
  3. Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution
  4. Consumed: How Markets Corrupt Children, Infantilize Adults, and Swallow Citizens Whole Consumed: How Markets Corrupt Children, Infantilize Adults, and Swallow Citizens Whole
  5. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

ASIN: 0805076263
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Book Description

In this powerful and provocative manifesto, Bill McKibben offers the biggest challenge in a generation to the prevailing view of our economy. For the first time in human history, he observes, more is no longer synonymous with better -- indeed, for many of us, they have become almost opposites. McKibben puts forward a new way to think about the things we buy, the food we eat, the energy we use, and the money that pays for it all. Our purchases, he says, need not be at odds with the things we truly value. McKibbens animating idea is that we need to move beyond growth as the paramount economic ideal and pursue prosperity in a more local direction, with cities, suburbs, and regions producing more of their own food, generating more of their own energy, and even creating more of their own culture and entertainment. He shows this concept blossoming around the world with striking results, from the burgeoning economies of India and China to the more mature societies of Europe and New England. For those who worry about environmental threats, he offers a route out of the worst of those problems; for those who wonder if there isnt something more to life than buying, he provides the insight to think about ones life as an individual and as a member of a larger community. McKibben offers a realistic, if challenging, scenario for a hopeful future. As he so eloquently shows, the more we nurture the essential humanity of our economy, the more we will recapture our own.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Ok, How did Communities get their wealth?.......2007-10-08

I read Deep Economy with an open mind, however, I found it to be riddled with particular political emphasis rather than real data about economics. In short, the ideas advanced are communal farming, environmentalism through global warming mandates, and outright communism.
These are not tools for the advancement of society, as McKibben suggests, but a return to the comfort of the Dark Ages.
I was very disappointed in the content of the book, being lectured for the first 36 pages on the same uncredited drivel that Al Gore had preached about in his tour on global warming, the very irony of which, wherever Al Gore went, it snowed.
In later chapters, McKibben actually comes out as a liberal by advocating what he believes is the solution for all the societal 'chaos' going on - state socialism.
Truly this book would have been better written if it had been left blank.

5 out of 5 stars If You Care for the Earth.......2007-09-29

This book is a must for anyone who wants to make a change to save the earth. The author has insight and experience about how our present course of living will lead to the destruction of the world as we know it. It's real, but there is hope and Mr McKibben shares that hope with the reader.

4 out of 5 stars Useful Inefficiencies.......2007-08-29

McKibben is one of our best modern thinkers on environmentalism and conservation, ever since debuting with his classic "The End of Nature" in 1989. In this new book he has largely tackled mainstream economic theory and how it has inflicted worldwide damage on the environment and on human communities. Standard development economics suffers from an unyielding focus on efficiencies and consumption, but this more often than not leads to widespread damage and unhappiness. Planners and politicians focus obsessively on per capita utility and efficiency, and vehemently disdain anything that may reduce efficiency for some individuals but may very well improve communities and the planet. McKibben's great contribution here is his coverage of new studies of human happiness. Especially in America, we have passed the point of gaining any more happiness from increased consumption of things, and we have become largely unhappy over the ensuing loss of community and nature. A new worldwide understanding of how economics really works has become imperative - more is no longer better.

McKibben has located many useful examples around the world of communities practicing new sustainable development strategies with demonstrated benefits for all involved. Unfortunately, the areas in which such great things are happening have particular political and economic conditions that make such experiments beneficial (including the American location McKibben covers most often - politically distinctive rural Vermont). The underlying flaw in this book is that McKibben must resort to pretty wishful idealism when applying these local success stories to the world economic system. A related problem is that the second half of the book, where the rubber should be meeting the road in realistically applying the local to the global, largely degenerates into repetitive descriptions of benefits in lieu of real prescriptions for change. However, McKibben definitely deserves credit for explaining in an accessible way all the tragic flaws of mainstream economic theory (see the books and articles he cites for the real lowdown), and it's about time us regular folks resisted the power players - for the benefit of ourselves and our larger community. [~doomsdayer520~]

5 out of 5 stars Turbines and Prayer Wheels.......2007-08-06

This is a wonderful book that swings your emotions from despair to joy and back. I marveled over the story of the village of Gorasin in Bangladesh where the people said no to pesticides after living with their devastating effects and the village has become an organic oases. That is the theme of the book, communities with members from near or far working together to make lives better.

McKibben mentions Heifer International, one of my favorite organizations, and their impact on one man in China with the donation of 48 rabbits and lots of technical advice and the wave of change in his community because of his successful rabbit enterprise.

A group called Future Generations trained some villagers in Tibet and the villagers devised and installed a system that carried water "through a series of split-bamboo pipes, and then through a turbine that used the dynamo from a junked car. A hydrology expert could have helped them build a more efficient system, but all the locals knew how to repair this setup."".....(Also, the hydrology expert might not have thought to use the water pouring out of the turbine to spin a prayer wheel.)"

World community - helping local people meld the old and the new.

But, McKibben asserts, it is time for the haves of the world to share more than knowledge, it is time to cut back on what we use. "Most obviously, if the rich world began making less extreme demands on the planet, poor countries would have more physical margin to work with - a little slack. ...If we Americans can use less coal and gas and oil, we'll in effect free some of the atmosphere to absorb the carbon that the poor world must emit to meet basic needs."

There is so much more in this book to ponder and act on, put it high on your reading list.

5 out of 5 stars Quite a scary future.......2007-07-23

Wow, makes me want to move to Vermont and become an organic farmer. I found this book to bring up some very good points about our current unsustainable economic situation. Over the past 300 years we have created an economic "machine" based on efficiency and production that will be very hard to change intentionally. McKibben offers some ideas on what the new New Deal will need to be if we want to continue a sustainable economy, which includes taking everything back to a local scale. Food, work, consumer goods need to develop inside the community where one lives. Less efficiency, more community and "neighborliness". It's a great idea. I just wonder if people will choose this before the collapse of our current system or try to figure something out after it's too late. I pesimistically think the latter.
The 48 Laws of Power
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Made up stories
  • VERY USEFUL IF YOU ARE NEW TO A BIG CITY
  • Disgusting! Don't buy this book!
  • Portrays a realistic view of the world while rising up in power.
  • USMC- Commandant's reading list
The 48 Laws of Power
Robert Greene
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
SuccessSuccess | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Social Psychology & InteractionsSocial Psychology & Interactions | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Ethics & MoralityEthics & Morality | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
PoliticalPolitical | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Social PhilosophySocial Philosophy | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
History & TheoryHistory & Theory | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. The Art of Seduction The Art of Seduction
  2. The 33 Strategies of War The 33 Strategies of War
  3. Get Anyone to Do Anything: Never Feel Powerless Again--With Psychological Secrets to Control and Influence Every Situation Get Anyone to Do Anything: Never Feel Powerless Again--With Psychological Secrets to Control and Influence Every Situation
  4. The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists
  5. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Collins Business Essentials) Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion (Collins Business Essentials)

ASIN: 0140280197
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Amazon.com

"Learning the game of power requires a certain way of looking at the world, a shifting of perspective," writes Robert Greene. Mastery of one's emotions and the arts of deception and indirection are, he goes on to assert, essential. The 48 laws outlined in this book "have a simple premise: certain actions always increase one's power ... while others decrease it and even ruin us."

The laws cull their principles from many great schemers--and scheming instructors--throughout history, from Sun-Tzu to Talleyrand, from Casanova to con man Yellow Kid Weil. They are straightforward in their amoral simplicity: "Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit," or "Discover each man's thumbscrew." Each chapter provides examples of the consequences of observance or transgression of the law, along with "keys to power," potential "reversals" (where the converse of the law might also be useful), and a single paragraph cleverly laid out to suggest an image (such as the aforementioned thumbscrew); the margins are filled with illustrative quotations. Practitioners of one-upmanship have been given a new, comprehensive training manual, as up-to-date as it is timeless.

Book Description

Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills three thousand years of the history of power in to forty-eight well explicated laws. As attention--grabbing in its design as it is in its content, this bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun-tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other great thinkers. Some laws teach the need for prudence ("Law 1: Never Outshine the Master"), the virtue of stealth ("Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions"), and many demand the total absence of mercy ("Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally"), but like it or not, all have applications in real life. Illustrated through the tactics of Queen Elizabeth I, Henry Kissinger, P. T. Barnum, and other famous figures who have wielded--or been victimized by--power, these laws will fascinate any reader interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Made up stories.......2007-10-12

The book is interesting but most of the stories sound made up to fit the author's point. He even admits in one of the last chapters that when something has happened in the past, you can reinterpret it and insert your own lines (p.397).

5 out of 5 stars VERY USEFUL IF YOU ARE NEW TO A BIG CITY.......2007-10-08

The world as battle-field. It doesn't get any better than this if success is what you're looking for!

1 out of 5 stars Disgusting! Don't buy this book!.......2007-10-06

If you want a guide on how to be manipulative, amoral and corrupt at everyone else's expense...this is for you. As for me, I was disgusted from page one....it goes completely against everything I believe in. "Never put too much trust in friends" ...must be awfully lonely in such a world where you can trust no one. Perhaps that's because you've stabbed everyone in the back. This "looking out for #1" at all costs is what is wrong with the world today. If any book EVER deserved to be burned...this is it!

4 out of 5 stars Portrays a realistic view of the world while rising up in power........2007-09-16

When I first acquired this book, I delved into the text and was fascinated by what is never taught in school, hardly at work, even with people; as this book states wisely, many people would like to keep to themselves and therefore many who have power hardly share it, unless a deal is behind it. The book itself may be a paradox in parts, and the methods used may be controversial; yet it has the essential basic "training" in order to strive to the top.
Sometimes one wonders if this will work, or does this author fool us into purchasing this book. It may show a pessimistic world of beguile, secrecy, envy and greed; however this portrays a realistic view of the world while rising up in power.
Brilliantly written, with worthy examples of great thinkers, philosophers and military officials of history; this concise edition will keep you on the ground reading, whilst teaching you how to propel in the air and on top of the world.

2 out of 5 stars USMC- Commandant's reading list.......2007-07-25

In the interest of full disclosure, I'm Army - 16yrs. From 2000 thru 2006 I was stationed in Okinawa and the best place for all service members to buy books so deployed (Amazon aside) was from the bookstore on Camp Foster (across from the movie theatre). For at least a good 6 months (in 2002) this book was prominently featured on the shelves with a tag identifying it as having made the USMC Commandant's Reading List (or, a book senior commisioned Marine Corps leadership consider beneficial to Marines (enlisted and commisioned) seeking guidance on professional development). Intrigued, I bought it. I won't go into a lengthy review here: in a nutshell; the book lists a series of TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures) designed to maximize one's advantage when negotiating interpersonal realationships both professional and personal. Some of these TTPs involve elements of manipulation, subterfuge, and dishonesty that clearly cross the boundaries of unethical behavior. It bothered me not just a little that Marines or Soldiers (young and old) might consider using the advice in this book as means of advancing their careers or solidifying leadership positions within their respective units.

I do know some of the book's reccomendations are in direct conflict with The Army Values, and according to at least two USMC Staff NCOs (both good friends) this is also the case regarding their own code of professional conduct. One of the Marines in question wrote a letter (to whom -I don't know) expressing his concern. A few months later the book assumed a less prominent residence on the shelves. Nonetheless; I never failed to see it lodged in the odd bookshelf in someone's (usually an officer) professional space - from time to time. I consider its presence an indicator for stepping up one's vigilance when dealing with the books's owner.
International Economics: Theory and Policy (6th Edition)
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • Get the 7th edition, instead.
  • An important and useful text for understanding trade theory
  • Krugman
  • Not What I've Come to Expect from Krugman
  • The Undergraduate International Economics Standard
International Economics: Theory and Policy (6th Edition)
Paul R. Krugman , and Maurice Obstfeld
Manufacturer: Addison Wesley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
InternationalInternational | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
TheoryTheory | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
GlobalizationGlobalization | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Business & InvestingBusiness & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
NonfictionNonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Macroeconomics Macroeconomics
  2. Contemporary Strategy Analysis: Concepts, Techniques, Applications Contemporary Strategy Analysis: Concepts, Techniques, Applications
  3. Matching Supply with Demand: An Introduction to Operations Management Matching Supply with Demand: An Introduction to Operations Management
  4. International Economics International Economics
  5. Macroeconomics (4th Edition) Macroeconomics (4th Edition)

ASIN: 0201770377

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Get the 7th edition, instead........2007-09-13

This is an older edition of the book. Get the newer, seventh edition. The ISBN for the 7th edition is 0321451341.

5 out of 5 stars An important and useful text for understanding trade theory.......2006-02-27

Krugman and Obstfeld, two world renowned international economists, provide a full detailed analysis and examples for the basis of trade among nations. It is relatively straightforward to comprehend for both economists and noneconomists. International trade is an important component of economic policy for the growth and development of countries. This book examines various theoretical trade models and provides real world examples of policy formulation and their impact. The authors do not take any political positions, thus making their analysis a purely objective, or positive study.

I would highly recommend this book to students interested in doing research in international trade and development. It is a must read for prospective international economists. Noneconomists might also find it as a useful reference. I found the book to be invaluable in my graduate research and dissertation.

4 out of 5 stars Krugman.......2006-02-25

Some complicated theories explained in a way that can be understood.

Esay flow from a concept to the next.

1 out of 5 stars Not What I've Come to Expect from Krugman.......2005-04-03

First off, even if you totally discount the rest of my review, buy the low price international version of this book. On the March 10, 2005 episode of the daily show Krugman elucidated his feelings quite clearly. "The real money is in textbooks. With other books, people need to decide whether to buy them or not. Students have to buy textbooks." Thanks Paul. I think I'm being charitable when I say that at $125 this book is a ripoff. It isn't even full color.

Anyway, on to the actual content of the book. I have to say that I was excited when I found out that my International economics course at Stanford was going to be using Paul Krugman's book. I've enjoyed his articles for the New York Times because they manage to cut right to the core of issues with an unusual amount of punch. Yet, time and time again I was disappointed with the frequently inpenatrable language and obtuse, unrealistic examples in this book. Unfortunately, the only part of Krugman's characteristic writing style that came through was a feeling of overwrought vitriol, which makes sense in an op-ed but has little place in a textbook. Furthermore, this book occupies a strange niche in the world of econ texts, it is not mathematically rigorous, nor is it well written. Usually we see one or the other but rarely both. Initially, I thought these observations were mine alone, but other students began openly voicing pointed criticisms of the book during class (and I am perhaps being too kind here in not repeating them). I've been in school nearly as long as I can remember and I have never seen such discontent with a text.

During the second half of the course even my econ prof became fed up and abandoned the book altogether. Given that, I find all of the positive reviews for this book rather astounding. My suspicion is that there might have been open rebellion amongst my classmates had not the professor decided to leave this text by the wayside. I also found that it is brimming with misplaced, one-sided arguments that come across as Krugman blatantly strawmanning arguments opposed to his own. One of many examples of this comes out of nowhere near the end of chapter 2. Krugman implies that anyone who doesn't believe in unmitigated free trade is intellectually irresponsible!?! This book pushes for unrestrained market fundamentalism throughout, primarily by misrepresenting any arguments that would effectively challenge it's simplistic and seemingly outdated dogma. This book, in particular, feeds into the same system of self serving scientism so prevalent in economics for the last 60 years.

Please don't mistake this review as the bile of a jilted student, I did quite well in the course. However, this is almost certainly the result of looking for alternative explanations of virtually every topic covered. The reason this book gets one star instead of two is because it lacks a lot of the modern learning tools prevalent in almost every other textbook. Things like quality questions, keywords, vocabulary and historical context all get short shrift in this this volume. If you're into learning about incomplete models that only represent a theoretical version of the world, this book is for you. Unfortunately, just like Krugman said on The Daily Show, if you are a student there is probably little chance that you have a choice on the matter. Buy the cheap international edition for 20 bucks. I would recommend that you use to the difference to buy William Easterly's Elusive Quest for Growth...and a beer.

5 out of 5 stars The Undergraduate International Economics Standard.......2004-06-29

Well, I will start off by saying that the book really probably only deserves somewhere between 4-4.5 stars, but I'll give it 5 to offset some of the questionable reviews below.

No, the book is not perfect. However, it is an academic standard at pretty much any major college or university for teaching undergraduate International Econ/Trade theory, and for good reason. The book makes a clear a concise presentation of basic theory and policy, perhaps in points it is a little too simple. As pointed out, while I'm not sure about the 6th edition, there were some diagrammatical mistakes in the 5th...I bet, however, these were done by a graduate student. A quick bit of reasoning and a second of thought should yield the appropriate picture, however. And yes, I think a bit of Krugman's bias comes through, though its not terribly off-putting.

The book could use a bit more math I think. The real equations and difficult problems are few and far between, and are, for the most part, pretty straight forward. At the very most it would take a basic understanding of calculus, but the majority of the problems and equations can be explained and done without it. I have read a number of undergraduate economics books with far more intensive math. Despite this lack, however, the intentions come across pretty well.

No, this book is not for beginners to economics. At least an undergraduate course or reading in both micro and macro are needed, and really and truly, an intermediate level in each is probably better if one wants to get the most out of the book.

If you find the subject matter within to be terribly math intensive and you cannot get motivated to read the subject matter because it doesn't use "pizza and beer" (and um...I don't think I'd want an imported pizza anyway, but thanks), well I guess the subject and this book are not for you. However, if you are trying to enrich your understanding of economics at a very basic level, this book provides a good way to do so.

And, if you want graduate level book, and like Obstfeld, I recommend he and Rogoff's book.
Evidence-Based Technical Analysis: Applying the Scientific Method and Statistical Inference to Trading Signals
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Why not to include in the book the other, successful studies? Why only the negative?
  • Fantastic!
  • Useless
  • Make backtesting meaningful
  • Best for professional, intellectual and philosophical trading system developers
Evidence-Based Technical Analysis: Applying the Scientific Method and Statistical Inference to Trading Signals
David R Aronson
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Science & NatureScience & Nature | Bargain Books | Stores | Books
GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Bargain Books | Stores | Books
All DealsAll Deals | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
Business & InvestingBusiness & Investing | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
ScienceScience | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
All Amazon UpgradeAll Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Business & InvestingBusiness & Investing | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Professional & TechnicalProfessional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
ScienceScience | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
GeneralGeneral | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Investing | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Finance | Accounting & Finance | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Enhancing Trader Performance: Proven Strategies From the Cutting Edge of Trading Psychology (Wiley Trading) Enhancing Trader Performance: Proven Strategies From the Cutting Edge of Trading Psychology (Wiley Trading)
  2. Way of the Turtle: The Secret Methods that Turned Ordinary People into Legendary Traders Way of the Turtle: The Secret Methods that Turned Ordinary People into Legendary Traders
  3. Entries & Exits: Visits to 16 Trading Rooms (Wiley Trading) Entries & Exits: Visits to 16 Trading Rooms (Wiley Trading)
  4. Beating the Financial Futures Market: Combining Small Biases into Powerful Money Making Strategies (Wiley Trading) Beating the Financial Futures Market: Combining Small Biases into Powerful Money Making Strategies (Wiley Trading)
  5. New Trading Systems and Methods (Wiley Trading) New Trading Systems and Methods (Wiley Trading)

ASIN: 0470008741

Book Description

Evidence-Based Technical Analysis examines how you can apply the scientific method, and recently developed statistical tests, to determine the true effectiveness of technical trading signals. Throughout the book, expert David Aronson provides you with comprehensive coverage of this new methodology, which is specifically designed for evaluating the performance of rules/signals that are discovered by data mining.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Why not to include in the book the other, successful studies? Why only the negative?.......2007-10-15

The author mentions: "[while] the set of rules I tested did not give significant results many footnotes point to studies that do" and "I certainly don't claim that there are no TA rules that work. In fact I cite references to numerous peer reviewed studies that discuss TA rules that have proven out in rigorous testing. However, for the rule set that I specified, which I felt at the outset would contain some good rules, none had sufficient performance to reject the null hypothesis".

In other words, the chosen rule set did not contain some good rules as the author expected. The question is then:
why not to include in the book (= to submit to test and select those that in fact worked) some of these "numerous peer reviewed studies that have proven out in rigorous testing"? Any fear that getting them published would make them no longer useful? Well, but they have already been published as cited in the book.

The author does mention that "the purpose of the book was to present a method of testing rules". But instead of just using this method to disprove every single study presented in the book, it would make a lot more sense to use the very same method to confirm at least some successful studies too. This would make the book a lot more useful, well-balanced and positive.

5 out of 5 stars Fantastic!.......2007-09-26

Just wanted to add to the praise of this book. If you're not following the backtesting practice of this book then you're playing slots with your trading (hey, maybe you'll get lucky!!). Some of the material is tough going and will require a second reading, but it'll be worth it. As another reviewer said about this being a kind of in-depth follow on to "Fooled by Randomness", I couldn't agree more. As matter of fact it's what I read just prior, so I couldn't help smiling as I went through this book, because he was putting the meat on the plate that Nassim set! Thank you, thank you..

The previous reviewer (Useless..) that gave it one star clearly did not get the concepts of the book. Did he even read it? That review does not compute. The *only* negative I would say is that if you're just looking for how to do robust backtesting, then the extensive material on the scientific method might be a bit much (but you can always read lightly those sections). But I understand why he put it in there, since it's the entire premise of taking a different and more rigorous approach to TA.

Now back to re-reading Chapter 6... Thank you Mr. Aronson!

1 out of 5 stars Useless.......2007-08-29

I found this book useless..a total waste of time and money.Instead of analyzing the results obtained by using the various technical indicators,the author simply trashes their use,and does so in a preverse use of mathematical formulas,from which the reader gains nothing.I truly felt like my money was taken,for the purchase of the book,under false pretenses.

5 out of 5 stars Make backtesting meaningful.......2007-08-24

Most trading books are pseudoscience or entertaining reminiscences of successful traders. Aronson has done an admirable job of applying the requisite rigor to the many difficulties associated with analyzing the results of historical backtesting.

4 out of 5 stars Best for professional, intellectual and philosophical trading system developers.......2007-08-08

I had thought of using another review title "For fans and followers of Victor Niederhoffer" as inspired by his praise on the front cover. Pardon me to assume the following: if you had not heard of Niederhoffer, the chance is high that you have no prior experience/idea of testing the statistical significance of various TA tools, nor dwelling into the philosophical/scientific aspects of TA at all. Please accept the fact that this book is not for you. For trading professionals who deem themselves philosophical and intellectual (preferably with a college level of knowledge on statistics), this book is an inspiration. Highly recommended!
Linked: How Everything Is Connected to Everything Else and What It Means
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Not deep enough (?)
  • Network theory and its applications
  • Superb popular science: the laws of networks.
  • Great for the layman
  • If you liked Freakonomics...
Linked: How Everything Is Connected to Everything Else and What It Means
Albert-Laszlo Barabasi
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
High-TechHigh-Tech | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Chaos & SystemsChaos & Systems | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Dynamics | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Science | Subjects | Books
Chaos & SystemsChaos & Systems | Mathematics | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
DynamicsDynamics | Physics | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Organizational BehaviorOrganizational Behavior | Business Management | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Six Degrees: The Science of a Connected Age (Open Market Edition) Six Degrees: The Science of a Connected Age (Open Market Edition)
  2. Sync: The Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order Sync: The Emerging Science of Spontaneous Order
  3. Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities, and Software Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities, and Software
  4. Nexus: Small Worlds and the Groundbreaking Theory of Networks Nexus: Small Worlds and the Groundbreaking Theory of Networks
  5. Smart Mobs: The Next Social Revolution Smart Mobs: The Next Social Revolution

ASIN: 0452284392
Release Date: 2003-04-29

Amazon.com

How is the human brain like the AIDS epidemic? Ask physicist Albert-László Barabási and he'll explain them both in terms of networks of individual nodes connected via complex but understandable relationships. Linked: The New Science of Networks is his bright, accessible guide to the fundamentals underlying neurology, epidemiology, Internet traffic, and many other fields united by complexity.

Barabási's gift for concrete, nonmathematical explanations and penchant for eccentric humor would make the book thoroughly enjoyable even if the content weren't engaging. But the results of Barabási's research into the behavior of networks are deeply compelling. Not all networks are created equal, he says, and he shows how even fairly robust systems like the Internet could be crippled by taking out a few super-connected nodes, or hubs. His mathematical descriptions of this behavior are helping doctors, programmers, and security professionals design systems better suited to their needs. Linked presents the next step in complexity theory--from understanding chaos to practical applications. --Rob Lightner

Book Description

A cocktail party. A terrorist cell. Ancient bacteria. An international conglomerate.

All are networks, and all are a part of a surprising scientific revolution. Albert-L&aacuteszló Barab&aacutesi, the nation's foremost expert in the new science of networks, takes us on an intellectual adventure to prove that social networks, corporations, and living organisms are more similar than previously thought. Grasping a full understanding of network science will someday allow us to design blue-chip businesses, stop the outbreak of deadly diseases, and influence the exchange of ideas and information. Just as James Gleick brought the discovery of chaos theory to the general public, Linked tells the story of the true science of the future.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Not deep enough (?).......2007-06-23

For some reasons both this one and 'The Tipping point' didn't really appeal to me. As an example in this book there is this attempt to superimpose the 'Bose Einstein condensation' to network properties. I personally didn't see any beef there

5 out of 5 stars Network theory and its applications.......2007-06-07

After reading Mitchel Resnick's Turtles, Termites, and Traffic Jams: Explorations in Massively Parallel Microworlds (Complex Adaptive Systems), my exploration of decentralized networks went down a very viral path. This book, in particular, discusses the application of network theory in the context of its historical significance. The author explores how it can be used as a tool and device to understand cities, computer networks social networks, human-human interactions (speech), human-computer interactions (HCI), computer-computer interactions (protocol), diseases, computer viruses, nature. Based on this book and its related siblings, it inspires tremendous amounts of ideas for the next big thing in marketing strategy.

5 out of 5 stars Superb popular science: the laws of networks........2007-04-14

Networks all have a meaningful similarity. Whether the network at hand is a party, a cell's molecular reaction, or the puzzling old bridges of Königsberg, Prussia, you could describe each one by using a branch of mathematics called "graph theory," invented by Leonhard Euler in 1736. His long-dormant concept bloomed in the 1990s with the advent of the Internet and continues to yield insights into many important problems. Sounds a bit dry? Don't worry. Albert-László Barabási writes in a lively style (there's nary an equation in sight) with fun, informative anecdotes. The tale of how he and other scientists discovered "the laws of networks" unfolds like a detective story. After reading this book, you'll see networks everywhere and gain deeper insight into disparate phenomena, from biological systems to business organizations to the economics of "increasing returns." We recommend this clear, accessible book to anyone who has ever wondered about the ubiquitous webs that encompass all things. This is popular science at its best.

5 out of 5 stars Great for the layman.......2007-04-11

One of the best books I've read about the subject, especially good for those being introduced to the subject of graph theory and network thinking. One of the few technical page-turners I've had the pleasure to enjoy! Really, could not put it down!

5 out of 5 stars If you liked Freakonomics..........2007-01-12

...then you'll love the connections drawn in this text. It more than touches on the realities of "Six Degrees of Separation" (as well as Kevin Bacon!)in an interesting, readable format. You don't need to be a scientist or a mathematition to understand the links, networks, and nodes assessed in this book.

I must admit that it started out a bit slow, but I recommend you stick it out for an enlightening outlook on the interconnectivity of everything.
Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Your First Year as a Nurse
  • This book saved my career in the first months and beyond!
  • Buy this book as early as your can, even if still in nursing school
  • Prescription for Success
  • It is about time someone had the courage to write a book like this.
Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional
Donna Rn Cardillo , and Donna Cardillo
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

GeneralGeneral | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GuidesGuides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Fundamentals & SkillsFundamentals & Skills | Nursing | Medicine | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Nursing | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Issues, Trends & RolesIssues, Trends & Roles | Nursing | Medicine | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Nursing | Medical | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Fundamentals & SkillsFundamentals & Skills | Nursing | Medical | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Issues, Trends & RolesIssues, Trends & Roles | Nursing | Medical | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Training Wheels for Nurses: What I Wish I Had Known My First 100 Days on the Job: Wisdom, Tips, and Warnings from Experienced Nurses (Training Wheels) Training Wheels for Nurses: What I Wish I Had Known My First 100 Days on the Job: Wisdom, Tips, and Warnings from Experienced Nurses (Training Wheels)
  2. The Everything New Nurse Book: Gain Confidence, Manage Your Schedule, And Deal With the Unexpected (Everything: School and Careers) The Everything New Nurse Book: Gain Confidence, Manage Your Schedule, And Deal With the Unexpected (Everything: School and Careers)
  3. Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul: 101 Stories to Celebrate, Honor and Inspire the Nursing Profession (Chicken Soup for the Soul) Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul: 101 Stories to Celebrate, Honor and Inspire the Nursing Profession (Chicken Soup for the Soul)
  4. What Nurses Know: And Doctors Don't Have Time to Tell You What Nurses Know: And Doctors Don't Have Time to Tell You
  5. Memory Notebook of Nursing: Pharmacology & Diagnostics Memory Notebook of Nursing: Pharmacology & Diagnostics

ASIN: 0761533338
Release Date: 2001-07-10

Book Description

Survive and Thrive As a Nurse from Day One!
Welcome to the compassionate and caring world of nursing! You are entering a profession that offers great rewards and endless opportunities. But you must prepare for the challenges ahead and do everything you can to ensure that you experience the best that nursing has to offer. This invaluable book will get you started!
Written by an experienced R.N., Your First Year As a Nurse provides practical, real-world solutions to the profession's most common and difficult issues. Inside, you'll find out what you really need to know, who you need to know, how to avoid missteps, and where you can go for help when you need it. Gritty, witty, and full of invaluable tips and advice from first year nurses, this book is your personal mentor for your new career.
Ensure a healthy first year by knowing how to:
·Acquire the job that's perfect for you
·Create your own patient-centered style of nursing
·Develop positive relationships with doctors, patients, and other nurses
·Stay positive, deal with conflict and adversity, and avoid burnout
·Network, enhance your education and career, and become a leader
"Combines common sense with the wisdom of a seasoned professional. A valuable resource for new graduates as they begin practice."—Lucille A. Joel, R.N., Ed.D., FAAN, professor, Rutgers College of Nursing, and former president, American Nurses Association
"A must-read for all nurses, not just new graduates!"—Joan Orseck, R.N., president, National Association for Health Care Recruitment

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Your First Year as a Nurse.......2007-06-04

Timely, sensible, practical, & reassuring info for new nurses entering hospital nursing.

5 out of 5 stars This book saved my career in the first months and beyond!.......2007-03-01

I have seen Donna speak several times. My most memorable was the first time hearing her speak at the National Student Nurse Association convention. She was so inspirational and helpful. Donna personally signed a copy of this book that book got me through some of my roughest times as a new nurse. Yes, her advise is logical common knowledge to some, but when your are new to a profession and somewhat timid, the words are a great gift of help! Thank you Donna for helping me survive my first year. Now, 5 years later, I am a thriving nurse that continues to reference the book at times as a refresher. I also encourage as many new grads as I can to read it.

Nursing is so fortunate to have a person like Donna to positively promote the profession.

Additionally, I educate nurses about bullying and typically refer my audience to Donna's site and her article "Do Nurses Really Eat Their Young." It's a great article and I agree with Donna wholly that there truly are more helping nurses than bullies. Unfortunately those few bullies have a large impact on the nursing profession. I attempt to help nurses "bully-proof" themselves and see there are ways to avoid the bullies and those bullies are not the majority in nursing. Donna has encouraged me in this endeavor. She also encouraged me to reinforce to my audience the new mantra she would like to create for nursing..."Nurses nurture their own."

All in all, what I have tried to get across to you here is:
1.) Nursing is a great profession,
2.) Donna is a great mentor for nurses,
3.) THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ!

5 out of 5 stars Buy this book as early as your can, even if still in nursing school.......2006-12-09

Over the weekend I purchased Your First Year As a Nurse: Making the
Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional because I wanted
a new start. Let me just say that 1) it was money well spent and 2)
purchasing this book should be made a mandatory requirement to any
student who starts a nursing program.

So far, I have read half the book. Already I have found some renewed
energy, and my enthusiasm about nursing is increasing again. I
graduated five months ago and took a job in an ICU where I have been working for four months and half months. Recently, I made the decision to leave the ICU.

I am starting in a step down unit tomorrow and I am very excited about
starting over. I experienced all of the following prior to making this
decision: frustration, fatigue, anxiety, dreading going to work, fear of
making mistakes, and many other emotions. Had I read your book prior to
starting this position, I could have avoided this painful period in my
nursing career. Of course, I have learned many valuable lessons. But I
do think nursing would earn a better reputation if newcomers did not have
to go through this experience. And I know that I am not the only one who has felt this way. I have read countless numbers of blogs on the internet of new grads who described the same feelings I shared earlier.

Thank you Ms. Cardlille for all the wonderful advice that you have shared. I joined the ANA today and contacted my state's Nurse Association regarding future events. I am looking forward to networking because you make it sound so much fun and rewarding. Please continue the work that you are doing. You are very inspiring to new nurses.

A grateful new grad.

5 out of 5 stars Prescription for Success.......2006-07-07

An outstanding resource filled with valuable nuggets of information. From staying organized, becoming a team member, and developing clinical proficiency through the guidance of a capable preceptor, to taking care of yourself, networking and planning for career advancement, Ms. Cardillo covers it all. Your First Year As a Nurse is a significant prescription for success for all nurses and nursing students who desire to bloom and grow professionally.

5 out of 5 stars It is about time someone had the courage to write a book like this........2006-02-26

A great book for the new grad and for all nurses. I can appreciate this book even though I am a Director of Nursing.
Well written, Thanks.
Investment Science
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • It might be a good finance book,
  • superb coverage of subject matter
  • good but not excellent
  • Good book to understand quantitative finance
  • Investment Science must have
Investment Science
David G. Luenberger
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

GeneralGeneral | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Public FinancePublic Finance | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
TheoryTheory | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Investing | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Operations ResearchOperations Research | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
AppliedApplied | Mathematics | Science | Subjects | Books | Biomathematics | Computer Mathematics | Differential Equations | Engineering | Game Theory | General | Graph Theory | Linear Programming | Probability & Statistics | Vector Analysis
GeneralGeneral | Business & Finance | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books
GeneralGeneral | Economics | Business & Finance | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books
InvestingInvesting | Finance | Business & Finance | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Business & InvestingBusiness & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ScienceScience | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Options, Futures and Other Derivatives (6th Edition) Options, Futures and Other Derivatives (6th Edition)
  2. Enterprise Risk Management: From Incentives to Controls Enterprise Risk Management: From Incentives to Controls
  3. Introduction to Probability Models, Ninth Edition Introduction to Probability Models, Ninth Edition
  4. Stochastic Calculus for Finance II: Continuous-Time Models (Springer Finance) Stochastic Calculus for Finance II: Continuous-Time Models (Springer Finance)
  5. Heard on the Street: Quantitative Questions from Wall Street Job Interviews Heard on the Street: Quantitative Questions from Wall Street Job Interviews

ASIN: 0195108094

Book Description

Fueled in part by some extraordinary theoretical developments in finance, an explosive growth of information and computing technology, and the global expansion of investment activity, investment theory currently commands a high level of intellectual attention. Recent developments in the field are being infused into university classrooms, financial service organizations, business ventures, and into the awareness of many individual investors. Modern investment theory using the language of mathematics is now an essential aspect of academic and practitioner training. Representing a breakthrough in the organization of finance topics, Investment Science will be an indispensable tool in teaching modern investment theory. It presents sound fundamentals and shows how real problems can be solved with modern, yet simple, methods. David Luenberger gives thorough yet highly accessible mathematical coverage of standard and recent topics of introductory investments: fixed-income securities, modern portfolio theory and capital asset pricing theory, derivatives (futures, options, and swaps), and innovations in optimal portfolio growth and valuation of multiperiod risky investments. Throughout the book, he uses mathematics to present essential ideas of investments and their applications in business practice. The creative use of binomial lattices to formulate and solve a wide variety of important finance problems is a special feature of the book. In moving from fixed-income securities to derivatives, Luenberger increases naturally the level of mathematical sophistication, but never goes beyond algebra, elementary statistics/probability, and calculus. He includes appendices on probability and calculus at the end of the book for student reference. Creative examples and end-of-chapter exercises are also included to provide additional applications of principles given in the text. Ideal for investment or investment management courses in finance, engineering economics, operations research, and management science departments, Investment Science has been successfully class-tested at Boston University, Stanford University, and the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, and used in several firms where knowledge of investment principles is essential. Executives, managers, financial analysts, and project engineers responsible for evaluation and structuring of investments will also find the book beneficial. The methods described are useful in almost every field, including high-technology, utilities, financial service organizations, and manufacturing companies.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars It might be a good finance book,.......2007-08-14

but it's a terrible math book.

Too often, explanations, examples, and problems do not clearly explain the meanings of variables and applicable assumptions. This poor presentation of material makes the book barely usable to someone trying to learn the material for the first time.

5 out of 5 stars superb coverage of subject matter.......2007-07-30

Prof. Luenberger currently teaches at Stanford and this book is used as the textbook for a 2-quarter series in investment science there. The coverage is concise and the math is manageable and yet extremely practical. I agree that this an excellent self-study book in the subject of investment science.

4 out of 5 stars good but not excellent.......2007-03-15

This book serves very good introduction to mathematical finance. Particularly,
I enjoyed the discussion of bonds immunization, mean-variance theory, CAPM, APT.
It's most suitable for senior undergraduates or any junior graduate students.
But it doesn't deserve 5 star for the following reasons:

1) Most of the theories discussed so far in the book are TOO idealized and
over simplified. Financial data is dynamic and massive. In model quantitative/computational finance, the most important thing is to understand what the data says rather than what one thinks the data structure might be. With the book, one probably can only do some macroeconomic/very coarse analysis. Author should incorporate more data analysis evidence together with proposed theories.

2) The proof of ito's lemma is wrong(i.e. "Deltaz^2 --> deterministic as Deltat --> 0"). It's surprising since most books make the same mistake. It is the law of the large number contributes to the equality!(i.e. integration sense). The misunderstanding of the proof might lead to the misunderstanding of the hedging process.

3) In the commodity option pricing session, author demonstrated the use of futher market to price the option. This should be discussed further (i.e. black's model).

4) The volatility pumping session should be further researched. The explanation is
not satisfactory.

5 out of 5 stars Good book to understand quantitative finance.......2005-06-10

Luenberger was a professor of optimization and his books on that subject are also very good. Clear and Precise. But sometimes he is extremely concise, so that you need to work a bit to completely understand a point.

In this book, we have again the same style (after all, it is the author style): Clear and precise book, GOOD choice of notation (I cant say the same thing about HULL's books) but sometimes extremely concise.
Overall, a good book to start learning and on a solid foundation.

5 out of 5 stars Investment Science must have.......2005-03-24

Great book, covers lots of material and goes beyond by using the log utility to portfolio growth. Great buy!!!!
History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Has history been tampered with?
  • Calculations are only as good as your numbers
  • Pants on fire?
  • Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
  • Very Interesting
History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ChineseChinese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
IrishIrish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
JapaneseJapanese | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
WomenWomen | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Augustine, SaintAugustine, Saint | ( A ) | People, A-Z | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Doctors & MedicineDoctors & Medicine | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Lawyers & CriminalsLawyers & Criminals | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Love, Sex & MarriageLove, Sex & Marriage | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Assyria, Babylonia & SumerAssyria, Babylonia & Sumer | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
Early CivilizationEarly Civilization | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books
HistoriographyHistoriography | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | World | History | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Asian American | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Asian AmericanAsian American | Poetry | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
FrenchFrench | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
VictorianVictorian | Erotica | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
EpicEpic | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GermanGerman | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
RussianRussian | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
SpanishSpanish | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ChineseChinese | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Conspiracy TheoriesConspiracy Theories | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
War on DrugsWar on Drugs | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
English (All)English (All) | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ArabicArabic | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ArmenianArmenian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
CzechCzech | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
GreekGreek | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
HungarianHungarian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
JapaneseJapanese | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
KoreanKorean | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
NorwegianNorwegian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
Persian & FarsiPersian & Farsi | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
PolishPolish | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
PortuguesePortuguese | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
RomanianRomanian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
RussianRussian | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
SwedishSwedish | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
TurkishTurkish | Foreign Language | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
ScienceScience | Dictionaries & Thesauruses | Reference | Subjects | Books
Online ResearchOnline Research | Genealogy | Reference | Subjects | Books
Native AmericanNative American | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Science | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
History of ScienceHistory of Science | History & Philosophy | Science | Subjects | Books
Magic & WizardsMagic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Sailor MoonSailor Moon | Popular Characters | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
PilatesPilates | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
HistoryHistory | Fashion | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
  1. History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology) History: Fiction or Science? Chronology 2 (Chronology)
  2. History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III History: Fiction or Science? Astronomical methods as applied to chronology. Ptolemy's Almagest. Chronology III
  3. Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored Discovering the Mysteries of Ancient America: Lost History And Legends, Unearthed And Explored
  4. Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory Before the Pharaohs: Egypt's Mysterious Prehistory
  5. They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies They Cast No Shadows: A Collection of Essays on the Illuminati, Revisionist History, and Suppressed Technologies

ASIN: 2913621058

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:

5 out of 5 stars Has history been tampered with?.......2007-10-23

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RAZQNMXM4M9CL Has history been tampered with? Yes, it has! Did events and eras such as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Roman Empire , the Dark Ages, and the Renaissance, actually occur within a very different chronology from what we've been told? Yes, they certainly did!

The history of humankind is both drastically shorter and dramatically different than generally presumed.

Why is it so? On one hand, it was usual custom to justify the claims to title and land by age and ancestry, and on the other the court historians knew only too well how to please their masters. The so called universal classic world history is a pack of intricate lies for all events prior to the 16th century. World history as we learn it today was entirely fabricated in the 16th-18th centuries. It's likely that nobody told you before, but

there is not a single piece of firm written evidence or artefact that is reliably and independently dated prior to the 11th century.

Naturally, after what you've learned in school and university, you will not easily believe that the classical history of ancient Rome, Greece, Asia, Egypt, China, Japan, India, etc., is manifestly false.

You will point accusing finger to the pyramids in Egypt, to the Coliseum in Rome and Great Wall of China etc., and claim, aren't they really ancient, thousands of years ancient? Well, there is no valid scientific proof that they are older than 1000 years!