Party The Books

No Bull. Anyone with even a passing interest in national politics will find this book invaluable. The author, clearly a Jack of many trades, brings a wealth of evidence to show a shift in the political landscape that may well affect the outcome of the next election and certainly clarifies positions taken by each party. The stories, facts and humor made it eminently readable.

This book was a quick read and explained in an entertaining manner with wit and stories about the public policy issues and players in today's economy. There was a laugh a paragraph and it was a quick read. I enjoyed the characterization of his parents as academics who accrued wealth through TIAA-CREF.

There have been major shifts and changes in the American financial world over the past two decades driven by the aging baby boom generation, the Internet and computerized day trading, global economic crises, and the "democratization" of the stock and markets. In Bull Run: Wall Street, The Democrats, And The New Politics Of Personal Finance, Daniel Gross examines how the changes in attitudes and policies of the Democratic party under the influence of the Clinton administration has led to an unprecedented period of sustained stability and growth in the American financial community, the rapidly increasing percentage of Americans owning stocks and mutual funds, with the result that today a majority of citizens have a personal stake in public equity and debt markets. Gross offers provocative opinions backed with true-life stories illustrating the new relationship and interdependence of politics and finance, Wall Street, Main Street, and Washington. Bull Run is highly recommended, informative reading for do-it-yourself investors seeking to understand American financial markets -- and what the on-coming decade might bring.

This is a short economic tract from the acclaimed Austrian economist known for his stern defense of free-markets. Mises' sharp verbal logic and analysis of the adverse affect that bureaucracy, socialism, and a bloated public sector has on the economy. This book is a classic. I recommend reading in tandem with his other classics like Human Action, Liberalism in the Classical Tradition, Socialism.

Bureaucracy is the clearest and most concise version of the calculation critique of socialism. This books is vastly easier to read that the original 1920 article on socialist calculation. It is far shorter and more focused than Human Action. It is also much shorter than Socialism, an Economic and Sociological Analysis. Mises managed to achieve brevity without sacrificing much important content. Bureaucracy is probably his best written book.

There are many subtleties to this book, but the main points are straightforward. Mises contrasts profit management with bureaucratic management. To Mises Bureaucratic management is necessary as far as a few basic public services are concerned. However, the adoption of socialism would mean the extension of bureaucratic management to all areas of the economy. The problem with this is that bureaucracies are inflexible. Changing economic conditions require the adaptation of production. Entrepreneurs implement changes in production because they seek profit. Mises explains why bureaucrats would act irresponsibly- they are not checked by profit and loss accounting. Since public services lack a cash value as generated by markets the costs of increasing public services are unknown. Bureacratic managers would thus over expand their operations without realizing it. Such bureaucratic excesses must be limited by restrictive rules. Hence bureaucracies lack the flexibility of entrepreneurial capitalism.

Mises also considers psychological and political issues, but these points are not as well developed as his economic arguments. One could see this as a weakness, but those who want a more complete version of the von Mises critique of socialism can read his 1922 book- Socialism.

Bureaucracy is the shortest and surest path to understanding the merits of free markets and the dangers of socialism. I can think of no other book that contains so many important insights in so few pages. The closest contenders for this honor would be Menger's Principles, Buchanan's Cost and Choice, and Hayek's Road to Serfdom. Fortunately one can find accessibility and genius in some books, and Bureaucracy excels in both of these attributes.

Written by professor former Vienna Chamber of Commerce economist Ludwig von Mises (1881-1973), Bureaucracy is a classic economic treatise, first published in 1944, about how the efficient aspects of private ownership and control of public good production ultimately produces superior results compared to the mishmash of publically administrated plans laced with codes of "officialdom", government incompetence, unforeseen legal wranglings, graft, and other ills. "Bureaucracy in itself is neither good nor bad," Mises states; rather, bureaucracy is a valuable resource for managing certain spheres of human activity, such as policing and courts of law, yet ultimately a failure or even harmful when applied to private enterprise, simply because forced obedience to strict rules hobbles entrepreneurial managers' room to maneuver amid fluctuating market situations, and stifles their innovation in response to evolving consumer wants. "Under socialism... the beginner must please the already settled. They do not like too efficient newcomers. (Neither do old-established entrepreneurs like such men; but, under the supremacy of the consumers, they cannot prevent their competition.) In the bureaucratic machine of socialism the way toward promotion is not achievement but the favor of the superiors... The rising generation is at the mercy of the aged." As timely and insightful now as it was over half a century ago, Bureaucracy is highly recommended especially for college library and economic studies shelves.

I thought this book was totaly excelent. This book was mostly about Miko acting different and hanging out with a very popular boy named Cleve who hangs out with the Ones. The CSGs see Miko acting this way and get worried and decide to throw a party for Miko to make her feel better. Miko decides to totaly change her image and asks Rockett to help her but Rockett isn't so sure this is a good idea. I thought the ending of this book was excellent, I recomend this book to everyone. But make sure the read the 3 books before this one so you kind of know whats going on with the people at Whistling Pines Junior High.To find out what's wrong with Miko read this totally phat book.

I really liked this Rockett book! I found it to be more detailed and longer then the others and it was more entertaining. The storyline was captivating and it was great to see a character go through a major change. THe final climax was sorta unexpected, but so was the whole story! Find out why Cleve and Miko start hanging out and also find out why Rockett is spending so much time with Nakili and Dana, and actually getting along with Dana! This is a great book in the Rockett Series and i loved it!

This book tells about friendship and trust between friends. Rockett, a grade 8 studeny, wants to cheer up her friend Miko by throwing a surprise party for her, but things start to go very wrong. I like this book because it portrays the problems that pre-teens go through and how they try to solve them.

This is an incredible book. The photos are exquisite and I can't wait to try out all of the recipes, even if I don't necessarily celebrate ALL of the holidays! I was especially impressed with the history behind the holidays -- information I wasn't aware of and all the craft and decorating tips. I love the idea of having different time periods for each holiday. It will really be fun to try out all these different themes on friends and family!

I've liked Jeanne Benedict's recipes since the Sophisticated Cookie. This book continues her unique style of combining recipes with party-hosting tips. I love the holiday traditions she's incorporated into this book. I've also watched her on CBS' Morning Show, doing a meal for four people for under $20. She's hip, funny and really knows her stuff. Highly recommend this book!

What a beautiful book! My mom gave this to me as a gift as it reminded her of her childhood. All the holidays are set in different time periods with the most gorgeuos photos I've ever seen. And there are easy recipes, craft instructions, and great table setting ideas with photos. The Thanksgiving picture is in the 1940's with women that look like my mom at her Thanksgiving table. We actually cried as we remembered my Grandfather. The book tells how traditions started and how the holiday came to be and has funny facts too. Valentine's Day is Victorian, St. Patrick's Day is Renaissance and Christmas is Art Deco and is dripping with jewels. There is a Chocolate Peppermint cake that I'm going to make for Christmas dinner and this beaded garland craft for a napkin ring that I'll make for the table along with the Calla Lily and Dangling Crystal Chandelier. This was one of the best gifts I've ever receieved and I can't wait to share it with my little girl.

For teachers who have a student who is a little different and not easily accepted by the others in the class, this book is an excellent springboard for a discussion about compassion. My 4th graders were able to talk about how Della would have been treated at school and how they could make a difference to someone who is never chosen as a partner.

The reviewers might consider it didactic, but my kids loved the story! I also enjoyed reading it to them. And I think they took an important lesson from it!

A picture is worth thousand words. Reading the story can choke up the maturest of woman. But when you see the pictures next to the paragraphs, you could just stare at the images and truly feel you were there even if you never had an experience like this

This "cleaning book" is funny and a different twist on standard boring clean up jobs. Perfect for bachelorette parties, bridesmaids, girlfriends, and divorcees. You will laugh and you will raise your friend's eyebrows too.

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This book is hilarious !! I laughed and I learned from page one - till the very end. This book is a MUST READ for anyone that ever had a family, for anyone whoever has been in a relationship, and whoever eats to stay alive. Great for bridal showers, great for newslyweds, great for those that live on the clean side !

With sexy, sly humor and a frankness that could make a porn star blush, Laura Goodman, the Dirty Diva, shares her vast knowledge of cleaning up stains caused by just about any circumstance out of just about any fabric – not to mention household furniture, flooring, and appliances. The girl may get down and dirty, but she sure knows how to clean up the mess. With a bawdy anecdote for each of 37 stains, 31 fabrics, and 24 stain removers, Goodman shares a lifetime of naughty behavior and the dirty little secrets she’s kept hidden with her superior sanitation skills. There’s also much to learn here for wild and crazy guys -- Bill Clinton should have been so lucky.

Practical but provocative, helpful but hilarious, the Dirty Diva turns laundry day into a sexy, stimulating adventure. Here are the lessons that your momma or your Home Economics teacher never taught you. In this age of Safe Sex and condom use, one wonders about all the spillage, but apparently today’s Dirty Diva must contend with incidents outside the norm, whether it involves copier toner, chocolate syrup, or tree sap. Reading her numerous nicknames for the human sexual organs is worth the price alone. Part cleaning manual and part sex-liberation manifesto, this steamy little book grabs you by the privates on page one and never lets go.

Former Congressman, now Senator, Sherrod Brown's book is an ensightful look into the inner-workings of the most powerful branch of our nation's government. As a U.S. History and Government teacher, I found it very informative. Senator Brown is one of the few politicians today who is in it for us - "We the people . . ." In short, he is a true public servant. I recommend this book highly!

An honest Democrat tells it pretty much like it is. We need more books and politicians like these.

This is a great book that takes us from Representative Brown's first election victory in 1992 that also gave us the first Dem. Prez in 12 years. After the Republicans Contract with America takeover of Congress, Brown gives a detailed account of Speaker Newt's agenda and the many mistakes he made. Brown does all of this in a very short 300 or so pages and I couldn't put the book down. I read the whole thing in just a few nights of before bed reading.

When I saw the YouTube video of Burt Prelutsky reading one of the vignettes I had to buy the book. Search BurtPrelutsky at YouTube and you will see what I mean.

This is a collection of Burt Prelutsky's columns over the years. He advanced from tasting the weed to walking the straight and narrow, and from a lefty to darn good conservative. He's a great writer and has written a lot for television---check out his M.A.S.H episodes.

Go Burt! Keep up the good work.

I absolutely loved this book. Of course, if you're a liberal you will not find it funny. Mr. Prulutsky really hits the nail on the head on so many isues. I found myself laughing at his commentaries of current issues and also scared because they're so true. So, if you are a liberal and easily offended, don't buy it. Want to know what's really going on ? Read it.

This book is unfortunately a specimen of what Joan Didion called (when describing Bob Woodward's books) "political pornography." Schlesinger is in love with the New Deal -- which, for all I know, he has every right to be -- and wants us to be in love with it too. So he deploys the standard political-pornographic arsenal. Hard-charging politicians don't just politely smoke cigars; they "chomp" them. People don't write each other letters; they "dash them off." There are lots of people sleeping on couches, the better to wake at the crack of dawn, slam down limitless quantities of black coffee, hastily knot ties and return to the service of the people.

For all I know this is exactly how the Roosevelt campaign worked. Maybe it was filled with brilliant political operators who only had the nation's best interests in mind on their way to crafting the New Deal. Schlesinger hasn't convinced me that he's the man to tell me this story dispassionately, however. He has interviewed all the participants in the Roosevelt campaign, and like Bob Woodward he seems to take all their statements at face value. Either the 1950's were a simpler time, when people really did act virtuously and never misrepresented themselves to interviewers, or Schlesinger was misled. I'm inclined to guess the latter.

As literature, this is a splendid book. All those pots of black coffee and shining beacons of virtue really do add up to a great story; this was a brisk book to tear through on a 10-hour plane ride. I don't feel like I learned much, though. If you're an American liberal steeped in the mythos of the New Deal -- that time when progressives accomplished much for the less fortunate -- then this book won't add especially much to your store of knowledge. You'll observe Roosevelt heroically overcoming polio to win the presidency. You'll watch the nation bow before the altar of commerce, the stock market soar to new heights, a succession of presidents do nothing about it, and the inevitable crash. Herbert Hoover will withdraw further and further from reality before your eyes, and the eventual hollow shell of a man leave the presidency in disgrace.

You know all this already; you can't not know it as an American in the early 21st century. From Schlesinger's introduction, it sounds like maybe the world wasn't aware of Roosevelt's greatness when he wrote the book in the mid-1950's; the forces of reaction (including Senator Joseph McCarthy) were still doing their best to tear down what Roosevelt had put up. Schlesinger's book may be a victim of its own success: what looks obvious now was anything but obvious then.

The second volume in this three-volume series is The Coming of the New Deal, which came highly recommended in Paul Krugman's Conscience of a Liberal. The third volume, The Politics of Upheaval, may or may not touch on McCarthyism and allied reaction. I'm hopeful that the first volume is just prologue to the real meat of the story in the final two. I expect as much from a man with Schlesinger's sterling reputation.

This masterpiece book won the Bancroft Prize for excellence in history in 1958 and the Francis Parkman Prize for excellence in American history at the same time. The four-volume "Age of Roosevelt" is the greatest history of the Great Depression era, written by a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author. This is the benchmark.

This book, the first volume, covers the years leading up to the Great Depression and then the three long years of Depression under the Republican Congress and Herbert Hoover. The facts are reported as if you were there. Hoover is portrayed as appearing stiff, aloof and callous, which was a popular impression at that time. Hoover callously said that unemployed people desperately selling apples in the street were actually doing so because selling apples paid more than their regular jobs. His image was made worse by the Hoovervilles where unemployed people lived in small, hastily-built shacks.

Flawed Republican policies caused the Depression, and Republican policies clearly caused the Depression to continue three long years until FDR was elected.

I also highly recommend the second volume of this history. Schlesinger details the bold actions that FDR and the new Democratic Congress took to confront the crisis during FDR's legendary first 100 days, including a detailed analysis of the pragmatic programs they enacted to fix (and save) capitalism.. It describes the radicals who found receptive audiences during the Depression, like Long/Coughlin/Townsend, and how FDR outmaneuvered them to avoid radicalism. Schlesinger also presents a sobering view of the economic hardships that still continued despite the moderate economic recovery under FDR.

FDR won reelection in 1936 with the biggest electoral landslide in modern history, a triumphant endorsement. He won 98.5 percent of all electoral votes, which stands as the most in American history except for James Monroe, who won 99.6 percent in 1820, and George Washington, who won 100% of the electoral votes (although the general was not allowed to vote yet for Washington or Monroe). FDR's 1936 election still stands as the biggest in modern history. FDR's 1936 win was the largest popular vote landslide in history at that time with a massive 60.7% of the popular vote.

"Crisis of the Old Order" is the outstanding first volume of Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.'s trilogy, the "Age of Roosevelt." Unlike some biographies, this volume provides the reader with the background to understand the world into which FDR strode. After a Prologue of Inauguration Day in 1933, Schlesinger takes the reader back to the Age of Wilson as the world tried to emerge from the horror of World War I. Following that, he follows the nation into the Age of Normalcy presided over by Harding and Coolidge.

While narrating the events of the U.S., Schlesinger skillfully weaves the story of the rising Franklin D. Roosevelt. Part biography, he primarily follows the political career of FDR as he rises from the State Senate to Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Governor of New York. While Roosevelt is rising, Herbert Hoover is shown as losing touch with the nation and the demands of the presidency. The evolving relationship between Roosevelt and Al Smith is revealed layer by layer. This book ends where it began, on Inauguration Day, 1933.

I appreciate a book which helps me to see things differently than I had before. This one meets that test. I had long viewed Roosevelt's unwillingness to support Hoover's initiatives to meet the crisis as a petty politician's use of the nation's misery for personal gain. Schlesinger explains Hoover's messianic belief that only he and his policies can change America and shows his post- election proposals for action to be in the nature of a last attempt to snatch policy victories from the ashes of political defeat. It gives me a greater respect for FDR than I had before this reading. This book gleans the political meanings from seemingly innocuous events, such as pointing out that it was the need to mend political fences which brought Chicago mayor Anton Cermak into the president-elect's car when Zangara's shots rang out in Miami. Schlesinger raised the question of how history would have been different if Zangara's aim had been true and if the car which struck Winston Churchill in New York the year before had ended his life.

Another test which I apply to a book is whether it interests me to read more. This one does. I finished it with a real zest to continue into the second volume. Look for my review on it in a few weeks.

I have read a lot of U.S. history covering the New Deal and World War II, so I am quite familiar with Franklin D. Roosevelt and his presidency. This very well written history of the period between World War I and Roosevelt coming to power in 1933 filled in an important gap for me, and I found some very interesting parallels between Hoover and G.W. Bush, which has helped me further understand why our current president acts as he does. The events leading up to, and immediately following, the Great Depression impact today's politics and issues in ways I did not understand prior to reading this book. I find the author, Arthur M. Schlesinger, to be very readable and a very fine writer. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it has helped me to further understand and appreciate the first half of the 20th Century in America.

This book took me a while to find on the site and hopefully I'll be able to buy it from a seller soon. I read this book maybe 3 years ago and I haven't forgotten about it since. The stories are interesting and you get absorbed in the book.

This book is awesome! The only bad thing is that the stories didnt last that long, but it was still awesome! All three stories are great, but my favorite was the first one, Mason & Erin. It was the perfect story. Anyways, it was real great reading about three different couples going to the same dance, and how it was different for all of them. And I also really liked how in each of the stories the same characters from the other stories were talked about (example: Michael & Caroline were in Mason & Erin's story, and vice versa. Also, Serena and David were in all three stories.). Anyways this was a great book, and you should definitelyget it!

All three of the stories in this book were awesome. The first is about a sophomore trying to get elected "queen" of this dance, just so she can dance once with her brother's best friend, the guy she likes. The second is about 2 class clowns who decide to go in gag outfits, but in a series of mix ups, they go in proper formal wear. The third story is about a foreign exchange student who has to leave the next day and has only this night to get together with the girl he's had a crush on since he got there. All three stories are good, and hilarious! Especially the one about Caroline and Michael, the class clowns. Even if you don't normally go for these kind of books, read this one. It's worth it.