Bernstein Books

I have used the Entrepreneur's Guide for several years. It is an excellent tool - comprehensive yet easy to understand and logically organized. It presents a very complex area in a clear fashion that goes a long way to helping the interested person decide on a general approach to equity compensation that will fit their needs and help reach their goals for a very reasonable cost. I recommend it to anyone considering exploring an equity compensation strategy of any kind.

This excellent and clear explanation of approaches to equity plans, provides a guide to creating an employee ownership strategy. The book covers: stock grants; direct stock purchase programs; stock option plans; qualified employee stock purchase programs (ESPPs); employee stock ownership programs (ESOPs); 401(k) and other qualified retirement plans; nonqualified deferred compensation plans; stock appreciation rights and phantom plans; stock programs for American companies operating abroad; and the most suitable equity arrangement for various types of legal forms of companies. Explains the concept, pros and cons, and tax and cost implications. Viewing this work as a compensation consultant, I find it to be an outstanding reference, providing highly accessible explanations. Very highly recommended.

Now in an fully updated third edition, The Entrepreneur's Guide To Equity Compensation from the Foundation for Enterprise Development provides an excellent and highly recommended introduction to the hows, whys, and wherefores of employee ownership, as well as how empowered employees can help build a cutting-edge, proactive organization. Individual chapters address both individual-based and company-wide stock plans, savings plans that can hold employer stocks, crucial issues that can interfere with success, and much, much more. A recommended primer for any employer, for The Entrepreneur's Guide To Equity Compensation costs far less than what an unwise stock options decision would impose upon a corporate bottom line!

I found this quite useful as a concise reference to the legal and tax implications of various forms of stock compensation.

Terrible book and great disappointment. It's too much outlined with little elaberation. The authers just assume the readers already have great comprehensives how employee equity compenstion works and all the tax isses reated, such as section 1042. But for those who are knowledgable enough, then this book will be too much ABC. I'll return the book

A book about investing that all should read. Not only is it readable, but the author makes the concepts interesting and enjoyable; the writing is tinged with humor as well. Brilliant exposition of the pitfalls of Wall St hype and financial management. A well-researched groundwork for a the rational approach to investing.

This is an excellent overview for anyone beginning to invest or who has become disillusioned with active investing. It does a solid job of arguing the merits of asset allocation and index investing as a worry-free means to long-term financial security. I felt the most original part of the book and one of its most useful was the scathing but accurate indictment of financial journalism. As the author admits at the outset, this material is rather dry despite his attempts to inject some wit, but is truly valuable.
My only criticism is that, in terms of winning converts to this unexciting but intelligent approach to investing, the same objective has already been achieved more concisely, entertainingly and convincingly by the original works of John Bogle (Bogle on Mutual Funds, for example), whose contributions are glowingly acknowledged here.

This book is superbly written and can enormously benefit all investors whether novices or experts. It is patrticularly suited for investors who want to manage their own money.
It starts with pillar one(the theory) and explains asset alloction with scientific and historical data that are convincing. It explains the risk and reward of diferrent asset classes throughout history.Diversification into domestic stock, international and fixed assets are explained with historical returns and asset correlation.
The chapters on history of the different markets are excellent and tell you what to expect in the short, medium, and long run.
Behaviour finance discusses the mistake investors almost always make, following their intuition and the conventional wisdom of the era, and how to realize them and avoid them.
Withdrawing money in retirement is discussed in great detail with different scenarios, very useful.
The book is eminently readable; I have read it 3 times to reinforce some tough to implement ideas, including rebalancing, not selling in a panic, and to look at stocks as if they were tomatoes. Try to buy them when the're cheap and on sale.
After reading over 50 books on investments, this is the one to go to and to recommend to friends. You will not be disappointed

One of the best investment books I have read. It is a must read for all the investors.

The "Four Pillars of Investing" CD was very useful. Very easy to follow the basic fundamentals of investing. Explored some complex issues but broke each idea down to its most fundamental form. Well worth listening to for the beginner or intermediate investor.

Bernstein's work screams TRUTH

This is best book I have read in a long time. Bernstein's writing is gripping and vivid, and one of the most original things I've ever read.

bernstein makes you see the brutality and evil in the world. each story is a facet in the gem of this book. a real must read.

This collection of previously unpublished works by Steven J. Bernstein provides readers with an over-view of his multiple narrative voices, styles, and themes. Fans of Bernstein's spoken-word performances may find this collection more accessible than his longer works (The Wraith and Hermoine). Furthermore, Grant Alden's introduction to this collection positions Bernstein's shorter prose in relation to his other fiction, musical work, and biographical/fictional life. While no one volume could capture the Post-Beat deconstruction of form, the self-depricating satire and fluid hallucinations, the thoughts of a man as they turn upon and brutally lascerate his own bound-and-gagged self, this collection of Bernstein's prose gives readers glimpses of his rage, his humiliation, and his annihilation.

"If you dare condemn my life, it will come after you with a sharpened rake!" said Steven Jesse Bernstein, the legendary dark sun shining in the steel-grey of a Seattle sky. (...) had come into his own a s a poet...all he had to do was wield a pen and scrawl what was already there, gushing out so fast he had to catch it all in his hands or it would be lost forever...(...) ...Read the works of a man from the very streets you come from, (...) ...You need take this Writer's works with you as a close and trusted companion, both Poetry and Prose, it's more than Lost than anything the Lost generation made out with like bandits; more Beat than anything the Beats as its got a modernized Rhythmic Bass back-beat to it, all the more akin to old Blues than Jazz, and the only generation is the Generation X=conmmunicated, where the only "alternative" is drugs or death, otherwise the compromise of a scared hypocrite wanting to repeat the secure sins of those who are of an entirely different breed of poets altogether...no, Bernstein knew what he was; and even more than that he focused on what he had become (...)
(...)

I am completely, and utterly in love with England, every single aspect of it is lovely. I was surprised that a book on British Slang was out, I went out and bought it the very next day. As soon as I got home I stuffed it into my bag for school the next day. During one class when I had finished my work earlier I decided to open this book up, what a horrible decision! This book was absolutely hilarious! Which was bad since the rest of the class was finishing a test, and I had to leave the room to get rid of my laughter.

Now I use these terms all over the school that leaves other students stare at me with bewilderment. It's great to know terms that others are not familiar with.

A funny book to read, and very interesting to see the similarities and differences in the English language. To see words that look and mean things so very different from the English I know.

There were a few words I didn't find in the book that I'd already heard, but other than that... I'd have to say add it to your collection. It's a bit small, still the vocab is worth reading. Reading this you'll gain some insight that will make you drop your mouth open at some point.

A very well compiled and concise collection of British slang and colloquial expressions that seemingly date back two hundred years. However a good fifty percent are more common to the last forty years and probably another thirty percent are the last fifteen to a close ten. While this tome might be devoid of the more obscure statements like: "Jimmy Hill", no one's going to notice or fault the compilers for it.

This is a good writers reference for anyone on the island or across the pond. Anyone interested in seeking other quality slang reference books can look here:

1. The Unabridged Devil's Dictionary

2. The Oxford Dictionary of Idioms

3. Urban Dictionary: Street Slang Defined

4. Depraved and Insulting English

5. The Highly Selective Dictionary For The Extraordinarily Literate

6. The Oxford Dictionary of Allusions

7. How Not To Say What You Mean: A Dictionary of Euphemisms


Got that, Gaffer? Cheers, me old son!

Knickers in a Twist: A Dictionary of British Slang

Although some of the phrases mentioned in the book are widely used in the USA, it still is a very interesting and educational book for the about-to- be tourist, or just English movie fan. I know I found out what "bobby dazzler" means.

Bernstein provides a penetrating insight to this brilliant novel of ideas. Included are: a brief synopsis, a list of characters, a character map, critical commentaries on each of the four parts (with glossaries of important terms), detailed analyses of the major and minor characters, and an essay on Ayn Rand's writing style. There are even review questions, essay questions, and practice projects. The only complaint I have is that Bernstein doesn't describe the differences between the novel and the movie script--and there are differences. In some respects, Objectivist philosophy is an outgrowth of (and considerable improvement over) Nietzsche's philosophy. Bernstein points out on p. 59 that Rand kept a quote from Nietzsch at the head of her manuscript which says that there is "some fundamental certainty that a noble soul has about itself, something which is not to be sought, is not to be found, and perhaps also, is not to be lost."

This book really helps a reader see "the big picture". I read it when I was about 60% of the way through the book when I grabbed the Cliff Notes. It's a good way to do it; I wouldn't have been able to grasp the overall concept of Fountainhead without it.

Bernstein clears up many misunderstandings or deliberate distortions by unsympathetic critics. Rand's style of writing may be jarring to those who prefer Naturalism. It is worth reading or re-reading Rand with a guide and/or commentary. However, don't deprive yourself of the experience of entering and immersing yourself in Rand's world, which requires reading the novel. Use the guide sparingly as clarification is needed. Unfortunately, Bernstein sometimes refers to future events in chapters not yet read - be forewarned.

Dr. Bernstein is becoming a prolific writer. This helpful assistance for those studying The Fountainhead will not dissapoint. I could've used this more than twenty years ago, when first reading that wonderful novel. Be glad it's available for you today.

I have read the Fountainhead many times and I was pleasantly surprised by this cliffs notes summary and analysis of the book. It includes a short biography of Ayn Rand but the bulk of the book is spent on detailed going over of Ayn Rand's plot, theme, and characters. It is fascinating to read an intelligent analysis of the characters I love. The gems of the book are the two critical essays; The Literary Integration of the Fountainhead and Ayn Rands Writing Style. This book is written by an Objectivist author and is definately worth buying.

Unbelievable. That is, in a word, perhaps the most appropriate word to best describe life story of professional wrestler Adnan Alkaissy. Alkaissy's incredible journey begins in Iraq, where as a young boy he grew up the son of a prominent religions seik in the 1940s and `50s. A childhood friend of future dictator Saddam Hussein, Alkaissy went on to become a very successful prep wrestler and soccer player in Baghdad.
As a top-flight athlete, Alkaissy was recruited by a secret U.S. agency operating in the Middle East and given a scholarship to play football at the University of Houston. Despite the fact that he had never played American football before, Alkaissy came to America to make the most of his unprecedented opportunity. He eventually transferred to Oklahoma State University, however, where he emerged as an All-American wrestler. From there, Alkaissy got into professional wrestling as an Indian character named "Chief Billy White Wolf."
After traveling the world as a pro grappler for several years, Alkaissy returned home to Iraq as a modern day hero of sorts. Meanwhile, Saddam was rising to power in the ruling Baath Party at the time and had big plans for his old friend. With that, Saddam summoned Adnan to his palace and told him that he wanted him to wrestle for Iraq and make him proud. Adnan, who was only home for a visit to see his family, respectfully declined the generous offer. But when Saddam told him it was not an offer, but an order, he realized that his life would never be the same.
So, under Saddam's watchful eye, Alkaissy began promoting his own wrestling matches in Iraq - importing professional grapplers from around the world to compete against him. Literally hundreds of thousands of crazed fans poured into local soccer stadiums to see Adnan emerge as the Middle East Heavyweight Champion of the World, and before long a superstar was born. Adnan was rewarded with his own palace, a fleet of Mercedes complete with chauffeurs, and money beyond his wildest dreams. He was even named as the Director of Youth at the Ministry of Youth, a very coveted and prominent government position.
Soon, there were thousands of adoring fans sleeping outside his home at night just hoping to catch a glimpse of their new hero. It was utter insanity. What Adnan didn't realize, however, was that Saddam was using his old friend as a clever ruse to entertain and occupy the masses while he began his own murderous regime of torture and terror throughout the Middle East. Eight long years later, Alkaissy was fearful of being killed. So, he left everything behind and escaped in the dark of night, leaving his friends and family behind forever.
With nowhere to turn to, he came back to America, where he would start over as a professional wrestler - only this time, instead of being an adored national hero, he would be transformed into a villainous Arabian madman named "The Sheikh." Alkaissy would spend the next several decades making a new life for himself working in the American Wrestling Association. Then, in 1990, a career ending knee injury forced him to retire and become a ringside "manager" instead of a headlining villain. That same year, when Iraq invaded Kuwait and the Gulf War began, he was lured back into the limelight as a new character called "General Adnan," which was created by the head of the vaunted World Wrestling Federation, Vince McMahon. McMahon saw dollar signs with Adnan, who would now dress up like Saddam and enter sold-out arenas across the country as a real-life enemy of the state. With a wife and kids and a home in Minnesota, Alkaissy was torn between cashing in and doing the right thing amidst the backdrop of his two homelands going to war. The events that ensued were simply incredible.
This is a true story about a man's journey across two continents which has finally come full-circle. In many ways it is an unbelievable rags-to-riches-to-rags story about wrestling as a metaphor for life. It is also a story that can now finally be told only because Saddam Hussein is at long last in U.S. custody awaiting trial, and poses no threat to Alkaissy's family which still resides in Iraq. This is also a story about an Iraqi-American wanting to make a difference in this post 9-11 world and hopefully provide a small ray of hope in the quest for peace in the tumultuous Middle East.
While the book is a very odd juxtaposition of two very different worlds, albeit so is Adnan's life story. On one hand there are hilarious tales of what life was like both in and out of the squared circle of professional wrestling. On the other are stories of heart ache and despair about a man whose country is once again trying to find itself. Mixed in are truly amazing stories which will make you laugh and make you cry. It is also about a man's desire to obtain a sense of closure while telling his personal accounts about a separate life lived many years ago. Finally, it is a story about a man, now in his mid-60s, who wants nothing more than to go home to a free and democratic Iraq, where he can finally introduce his new family to his old one.

Adnan Bin Abdulareem Ahmed Alkaissey El Farthie, who is known in professional wrestling circles as Sheikh Adnan Alkaissy, recalls in his book, The Sheikh of Baghdad, that when he and Saddam Hussein were teenagers hanging out in Baghdad coffee shops, the tall, lanky, well-dressed and polite young man always had a book or newspaper with him, anxious to talk about Middle Eastern politics. Saddam was fascinated by the Baath Party that was gaining influence in Iraq at the time, and young Adnan could see that his friend would, one day, become one of their recruits.
Meanwhile, Adnan Alkaissey, who is allowed to use the title "Sheikh" because his father was the imam, or, spiritual leader of the Almahdia Mosque in Baghdad, was anxious to travel and see the world. Since he excelled in sports, particularly amateur wrestling, he decided to come to the United States via the American Friends of the Middle East on a football scholarship.
Adnan earned a masters degree in education from the University of Portland. Using his immense amateur skills, he financed his education as a professional wrestler. In a showbiz world where Canadians made the best Russian villains (Ivan Koloff); native Nebraskans the most believable Germans (Jim, "Baron"von Raschke), Adnan followed the example of Italian Joe Scarpa (Chief Jay Strongbow), and became Chief Billy White Wolfe. Adnan became a huge wrestling success.
In 1969, on one of several trips back home to Iraq to visit family, Adnan was "asked" by Saddam, now the Chairman of the powerful Revolutionary Command Council, to replicate his work at home. He had made a big name for himself in America, so, Saddam reasoned, Adnan owed it to his countrymen to show them that they, too, could be successful. Saddam wanted an Arab Champion whose struggles could mirror those of the Baathist Party. As you will read, Adnan could not refuse his old friend.
Sans Indian headdress and tomahawk, Adnan, who was appointed Saddam's General Director of Youth at the Youth Ministry, stages wrestling matches throughout Iraq and the Middle East. He becomes rich, a cultural icon as the Arab champion, and performs before hundreds of thousands of cheering fans. All the while, Saddam, who is giving the people bread and circuses and diverting attention away from his own plans, does not realize the matches he watches are performances.
Fame, as you will read, comes with a price.
The Sheikh of Baghdad is not a typical wrestler autobiography because it is a well-written, gossip-, beer binge-, drug- and raucous sexual exploit- free work. You'll laugh at how Saddam, fearful that Andre the Giant might actually defeat his champion, brings a solid gold pistol to the match, forcing Adnan to protect his huge opponent. You'll read sobering tales of Baathist cruelty but also of a man's desire to go back home one day and visit his family. Finally, you'll befriend an Iraqi who becomes an American, who lives the American Dream, and who wants others to have the same chances he did. The Sheikh of Baghdad gives a close look at life in Iraq under Saddam Hussein. It is evidence that Muslims and Americans can be friends rather than enemies, both in the ring and out.

Over Christmas, I was stunned to see a new wrestling autobiography, from wrestling's infamous "General Adnan". I snapped it up and read it, and was pleasantly surprised. This is one of the more interesting wrestling autobiographies to come out recently. (I've also read Ric Flair's and William Regal's.)

Older wrestling fans will remember the WWF's 1990 storyline coinciding with the Gulf War. In the storyline, Sergeant Slaughter teamed up with an Iraqi manager, "General Adnan", to side with Saddam Hussein's Iraq. In epic battles with Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior, these evildoers were eventually defeated. Slaughter became a behind-the-scenes employee at the WWE (still on television occasionally to this day), and Adnan disappeared. Who was this guy? I assumed he was just some taxi driver that Vince McMahon picked to play the role. Boy was I wrong.

Adnan Al-Kaissy really was from Iraq, and more than that, he was Saddam Hussein's official World Iraqi Champion for eight years! Adnan has a wealth of stories from his life, both from Iraq and wrestling in America's AWA as "The Sheik".

Older wrestling fans will be surprised that Adnan first wrestled in America as "Chief Billy White Wolf", and was the tag partner of Chief Jay Strongbow during the late 70s. (This shocked me, because I actually saw these two wrestle Mr. Fuji and his partner at the Capital Center in Washinton DC when I was a child.)

Later, Adnan returned to Iraq and introduced Pro Wrestling there. He would fly over friends from Europe and America, including Andre the Giant, to wrestle in the Baghdad arena. His opponents never won a match, however, as the Iraqis believed the wrestling was real, and would have killed the victorious foreigner. At every victory of Adnan, the crowds would fire off their guns in appreciation, terrifying the guest wrestler.

Adnan's stories about Saddam Hussein are the most interesting of all, and the most disturbing. Adnan knew Saddam from the time the dictator was 16 years old. Saddam was very political even then, he murdered a man who was a Communist rival. As Saddam climbed the ranks of the Baathist party, Adnan relates, he became more bloodthirsty and paranoid.

Saddam's paranoia, interestingly, was not unfounded. In 1960, Adnan relates how the entire Iraqi country watched on live television as their president was assassinated. They watched as he was strapped down to a chair, as thousands of machine gun bullets made his body smoke. The killings of Iraq's political leaders continued, president after president was murdered as the decades passed. Very informative, especially considering the political process that Iraq has today.

Adnan's story of how he became an American citizen, and how he yearns for a better future for Iraq, is spellbinding. Whether you're a pro wrestling fan or interested in the people of Iraq, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

I haven't quite finished this book yet, but what I've read thus far is maybe 10% fact and 90% fiction. Sure, making up stories about links to famous people makes for more interesting reading, but personally I'd be more interested in hearing the real story. It becomes a lot more readable once he gets to the AWA years. Not the worst book on pro-wrestling by far, but not in the top 50% either. Oh, and I'm not impressed that relatives were able to get signed copies. LOL.

Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissy signed my copy to me! Any collector out there must have this! The book is not only about his life on the road as a wrestler but also his life in Iraq growing up as a friend of Saddam Hussein, it is incredible! You will actually learn some remarkable history with this book. Unbelievable what Sheik went through.

Excellent, valuable introduction and sampler to this topic; complements well Bob Edwards' work on Murrow and The Murrow Boys (and Girl)....
Appreciated especially:
the brief bios of the various chartacters, not only the well-known (Murrow, Shirer, Collingwood, etc.) but also the now lesser known (Paley, Paul White, Tom Grandin, for example).
The operative word here for both the book and CD is Intro....
What may be needed to supplement this work are CD sets of the actual broadcasts from archival sources, complete with the original intros and back-announces if extant. Indeed a sampling of a few original CBS evening news broadcasts in toto, to show how these overseas reports fitted in to regular domestic broadcasts. Of value would be the complete transcription of the first CBS Evening News Roundup, at the time of the Munich Crisis.
Years ago, CBS/Columbia issued a 2-LP set in the "I Can Hear It Now" series, of a sampling of Murrow's 1939-1946 broadcasts, from BBC and CBS archival material. This has been art of print for decades. A reissue of this on CD by Sony would be valuable, especially for the student of broadcast journalism.
Again, a very fine beginning.

I bought this as a gift for my stepdad who is interested in all things World War II, and I could tell by his reaction as he read it that it wasn't the most engrossing material he'd ever read.

I read the Rise and Fall on the 3rd Reich in high school, and I had always thought of Wm Shirer as a historian - I had no idea that he was a reporter during the war, and had a unique seat and understanding watching the Nazi drama unfold.

Great book. You can really appreciate the difficulty of getting a live broadcast from Europe done in 1938, and how hard Murrow and company worked at it. There was no "press freedom" then, and the deference the press is shown today didn't exist then. They were a courageous bunch, Morrow's boys. And look at the roster! Murrow and Shirer, Eric Sevareid, Howard K. Smith, Charles Collingwood, and back in New York, William Paley was calling the shots and rooting Murrow on. What a collection of talent. Amazing.

The only irritating thing about it concerns the CD - why did Rather narrate it and not Walt Cronkite? Cronkite had front line reporting experience in WWII (was on the beach at D-day and made a jump with the 101st) and ended up working for Morrow after the war. Every time I hear Rather narrate, I have the feeling he doesn't deserve to be talking.

Otherwise the radio clips are superb.

This is a unique and intriguing book which creatively captures the history of Edward R. Murrow and "Murrow's Boys." The book includes a CD containing 51 broadcasts just as they were heard live during World War II, with narration by Dan Rather. The text has symbols throughout, keying the reader to the CD track which compliments the written words with the voices of these brave men as they broadcasted from all over the world. The text includes concise profiles of the various members of Murrow's team: William Shirer (author of RISE AND FALL OF THE THIRD REICH), Eric Sevareid, Howard K. Smith, Larry LaSueur, Charles Collingwood, Winston Burdett and Richard Hottelet, among others. To those who remember WWII these names will be very familiar, and for those who do not, they tell the war's story with passion, intensity and professionalism. The authors have painstakingly researched the intricate details of how William Paley took the embryonic Columbia Broadcast System from a largely soft entertainment network to the premier news gathering and reporting organization which eclipsed all others during the war. The role Murrow plays in this evolution reveals a man of tremendous commitment to his craft, despite almost no previous experience in radio, with a great capacity for judging and selecting the others who became the critical reporters on his team. The travails of Murrow and the others as they faced death in flights over enemy territory, beach assaults and other combat assignments and suffered the tyranny of technological challenges with equipment strained to the breaking point make for great reading. The authors weave the complexities of personalities, politics, warfare and technology into a comprehensive and coherent book. The CD is haunting and chilling as these now dead voices bring back to the present momentous events which told America about the fighting of the war and the slow and painful process of winning peace just as they were happening. This book will be a superb addition to the library of any student of WWII and is also recommended for any reader who enjoys fast paced history in the making.

Collaboratively compiled and written by Mark Bernstein and Alex Lubertozzi, World War II On The Air: Edward R. Murrow And The Broadcasts That Riveted A Nation presents the stories behind the implacable and courageous radio correspondents who brought the reality of war itself into living rooms across the nation for the first time in history. More than 50 actual broadcasts, and an audio CD narrated by Dan Rather, enhance this unique and very highly recommended look at World War II events and personalities as the home front experienced it through the medium of radio broadcasting.

This book is a somewhat easy read, and somewhat enlightening when it came to beanballs and drilling batters in retaliation for violating the code. However, there are better baseball books out there on the other topics. For example, on cheating and steroids, check out "The Cheater's Guide to Baseball".

And to the previous reviewer - yes, the author had previously written a book on the hockey code, which is referenced several times in the book.

I am relatively new to understanding baseball and have been learning more about the game from my partner who loves it and has lived it her entire life. Baseball is a difficult game to ignore -- and with that in mind I wanted to learn more about the grit and grizzle of the game. I wanted to understand more about the psychology of baseball and why certain things are done the way they are.

Bernstein's "The Code" reads a lot like a documentary. You will find the pages splashed with gray boxes containing dialog from past and present players and coaches on such topics as retaliation, running hard into second base and beanballs (just to name a few).

As you read the book, you begin to understand some of hidden agenda and etiquette in baseball -- they call this "The Code" and it colors the way the game is played. You'll begin to watch your favorite team (for me, the Boston Red Sox) and understand why a player might run stone-faced around the bags after a home run with very little celebration. It's all part of the code. You'll understand why "pussy pads" can be frowned upon and how The Code has evolved throughout the history of the game.

I loved the book. I watch each BoSox game with a little bit more intrigue and understanding on why a certain action that looks retaliatory is done. It's all part of The Code.

If you love baseball and enjoy learning some of the inner workings regarding behaviors and etiquette, I think you'll enjoy this book just like I have.

Recommended!

I must admit to approaching this book with some apprehension. I thought it would revolve around justifications for bean balls and steroids. Instead it is a thoughtful and very interesting insight into how baseball players view the game and how it should properly be played. The book really does cover it all. It provides a subject by subject overview of what the code more or less is. Granted, we can not treat this like a text book as the code is well not very codified.

The examples given by former ballplayers are intriguing as are all of the historical examples going back to the start of the game. As you might imagine former players do not believe current players have proper respect for the code, but I see that as more generational then anything else. In fact I believe that is something the players themselves note in the book. I also liked the section on cheating and what is OK (stealing signs by observation) and what is not (steroids and using equipment to steal signs). The views of relationships with fans is also very interesting to see.

All in all this is a must read for serious minded baseball fans who would like to broaden their knowledge of the game. My only hope is that the author follows this book up with one about football, basketball and hockey!

Like hockey, baseball too has its own sacred code of honor. While it differs somewhat in scope from its icy brethren, the baseball code, like hockey, is also all about respect and disrespect. Baseball is a game steeped in tradition with rules dating back to the game's inception more than 150 years ago. Yet, while the code has been around since the early days of the game, it still remains a very taboo subject shrouded in a veil of secrecy. In fact, most players are downright uncomfortable talking about it on the record. You see, if they did, then that would be acknowledging that a code actually exists at all. Ross Bernstein, the author of 40 sports books, brings it all to life with the help of some 100 current and former Major Leaguers who he interviewed for the project.
The game of baseball is governed not only by an official rulebook, but also, and maybe more importantly, by an unwritten rulebook which is otherwise known as the code. It's the game within the game. So, just what is the baseball code? It is a system of intimidation, retribution and retaliation between pitchers and hitters; all in an effort to keep the game on an even playing field. Fear, and the fear of excruciating pain, plays a huge role in baseball. It takes a brave man to stand in front of a 95 mph fastball and not be intimidated when it comes flying straight towards his face. That fear, of being hit and injured, is what keeps the players honest. It is the basis for the code.
The wheels of the code are sent into motion when any number of certain situations occur on the field. For instance, when a teammate gets plunked, retaliation of some sort is required -- typically a retaliatory plunking of a similar caliber player on the opposing team. This of course changes if the game is a National League game, where pitchers are required to bat and there are no designated hitters. Pitchers in the NL understand that they are fair game if they so choose to drill a batter. These nuances between the American and National Leagues are all a part of the intricacies of the code.
With regards to the actual act of plunking the batter, there are many messages and meanings to consider. For starters, it is generally understood that when retaliating, it is a no-no to throw above the shoulders. There is a fine line between "chin music," and a rising fast ball to the head which leaves the batter no chance to duck out of the way. One is a nonverbal threat, a warning shot over the bow, so to speak. The other, meanwhile, is extremely serious and can permanently injure or even kill the batter.
Other innuendos which may require retaliation include such things as a hard slide to break up a double play at second base; or a batter celebrating too much after hitting the ball out of the park and then taking his sweet time to trot around the bases. This is considered very disrespectful to the pitcher and will be dealt with the next time the batter comes to the plate. Nobody likes to be showed up in baseball, and that is a lesson that sometimes must be learned the hard way. It is just understood that when you hit a homer, you had better get on your horse and start running. If you want to smile and gaze at the ball with love and affection as it clears the fence, then you better not think about digging in the next time you come to bat... because you will more than likely get nailed.
Exceptions to this rule might include a guy like Sammy Sosa, who jumps like a ballerina as he tosses his bat and then blows his trademark kiss as he is about to round first. Pitchers know that this is just Sammy being Sammy, no disrespect. Other guys like Barry Bonds, who stands there and watches the ball land in the outfield seats from home plate, they are detested. Bonds is also despised because he wears hockey-like elbow pads which allow him to crowd the inside part of the plate with no fear of being plunked. On the other hand, pitchers know that the code frowns upon plunking future Hall of Famers. So it goes both ways.
Further innuendos may include a pitcher trying his damndest to prevent back-to-back-to-back homers in an inning. The third guy up is going to get nailed because no pitcher wants to give up a hat-trick, or he will find himself on the bench pretty quickly. Even jumping on the first pitch with aspirations of hitting if out of the park may warrant a pitcher taking offense. It just depends on the situation. It is also OK to bowl over the catcher when trying to score at home plate, but not if the catcher has left a lane for the runner to slide by safely. It is also a no-no for a middle infielder to pretend to catch a ball to trick the runner or hitter. The same is true for a base runner who tries to trick the infielder by yelling or lunging at him to get him to drop a fly ball. Those things will get you drilled. Baseball players have memories like elephants and will get even, even if that means waiting weeks, months or into the next season.
And here is another thing: If a batter gets nailed with a 95 mph fastball on the fleshy part of his thigh, he had better not act like a baby and start rubbing it. No way. He should suck it up and be a man by simply "walking it off" on his way to first base. Period. A batter can never let a pitcher know that he hurt him with a pitch, that would be a psychological advantage and a clear sign of weakness. The code forbids it unless he is knocked unconscious or bleeding bad enough to warrant some medical attention.
Another innuendo which may require retaliation occurs when either the batter or a base-runner sneaks a peek at the catcher's signs to the pitcher. If a batter is caught doing so, he will be nailed. If the base-runner is caught doing so, when he is on second base and has a clear view of the catcher's hand signals, and then relays what the upcoming pitch or pitch location is to the batter, then he too will be dealt with accordingly. In addition, stealing the third base coach's hand signal signs for communicating orders such as base-stealing, bunting or to hit-and-run, are also part of the code, and may warrant retribution. Sign stealing plays a big part of the code. Doing it with your eyes to figure out the poker-tells is kosher; using electronics or technology is outright cheating. Both have been a part of the game for more than a 100 years.
Plunkings are just a part of the game and players understand this. The pitchers do too, which is why it is oftentimes tough for them to have to plunk an innocent bystander who may even be a personal friend outside of the white lines. The batters know the situations and usually know when it is coming, and they accept it. They also know the history of bad blood between certain players or between certain teams. Maybe there were words spoken after a game; or in the media; or even a blow-out game that was deemed as disrespectful -- all or any of those things may warrant a plunking. Or, perhaps a flame-thrower such as Pedro Martinez is simply carrying a grudge. Needless to say, there are many reasons as to why retaliation strikes may occur.
Pitchers are so accurate, to within millimeters, that they can place the ball with pinpoint precision exactly where they want it. If a player gets hit in a certain spot, and the situation is ripe for payback, then there is no doubt as to whether or not a bean ball is just that, versus a mis-thrown wild pitch. That's the ballplayer's intuition, or sixth sense, taking over.
The unwritten rules of baseball are not just about payback and retribution. In fact, there are many, many more fascinating aspects and innuendos to it. Situations such as what a hitter should do on a 3-0 count in a blowout game are a part of the code too. If he is swinging for the fences in that situation, then the opposing team will have reason for retaliation on grounds of disrespect by both the hitter as well as the manager who gave him the green light in that situation. Run up the score on a team and payback will be certain, that much is for sure.
It is also understood that you don't try to steal a base or bunt with a five or six-run lead in the last three innings of a game either -- that is considered rubbing it in and may warrant retaliation as well. Furthermore, a hitter shouldn't try to embarrass the pitcher off whom he just homered, and conversely, the pitcher shouldn't try to mock the hitter that he just struck out. The code goes both ways.
Other idiosyncrasies which may warrant a pitcher taking issue may include something as nonchalant as a batter trying to gauge the rhythm and speed of a pitcher while he is in the on-deck circle. This is deemed as unfair and disrespectful to the pitcher and he may take offense as soon as the batter steps into the batter's box. There are just certain things that you don't do on the ball field, and that is one of them. These unwritten rules of the code oftentimes are learned the hard way by trial and error and baptism by fire. It usually only takes one 95 mph fastball to the ribs to figure it out.
Sometimes the pitcher will just toss what's called a brush-back pitch, to get the batter to back off the plate a little bit. Nowadays it's called "throwing inside." Pitchers want the batter to be a little bit scared and to back off a bit, so that they can have the outside of the plate to their advantage with the umpire. Sometimes, however, the batter will not budge. That may warrant a plunking, depending on the situation. Other times, the batter may take offense, claiming that real estate next to the plate to be his, and his alone. When this happens, bench clearing brawls are oftentimes the end result of two alpha males barking loudly and holding their ground. When emotions take over, it's on, and the fans love it.
When a bench-clearer ensues, usually the batter will charge the mound. The catcher will try to tackle him from behind, but it all happens very quickly. Punches are thrown and serious injuries can occur in the ensuing melee. Pitchers have to stand their ground, but don't want to risk breaking a knuckle on their throwing hand by doing something foolish. It is a dangerous few seconds to be sure.
Players wear long metal spikes and foreign objects such as bats, gloves and catcher's masks oftentimes end up as part of the fray. Opposing players from both sides sprint in from their positions on the field and are joined by the reserves from both dug-outs, as well as the players from the outfield bullpens. Everybody pairs up and tries to make sure there are no unfair two-on-one scenarios. The umpires try to keep order, but things can get ugly in a hurry. The code says that if a guy charges the mound, then the rest of the team had better follow... or else. There is no room for cowards on a baseball team, so players know that they better "show up," or else they may find themselves sent down to the minors, or worse yet, traded or even released.
Other rules of charging the mound include the batter never bringing the bat with him. Back in the old days of baseball there are many a story about batters getting revenge on pitchers who nailed them with their 44 oz. hunks of lumber. Stories of players getting maimed are legendary, and are an ugly sidebar to the history of the game.
Most big league managers want their players to police the game themselves, rather than the umpires. Legendary manager Tony La Russa, of the St. Louis Cardinals, acknowledged in his book that he has ordered pitchers to retaliate and drill guys in certain situations. Probably every manager has done so, but few admit it publicly. A manager can't just yell out to his pitcher from the dug-out to plunk a batter, so he must have other creative ways of communicating to him about what he wants done. Those nonverbal innuendos are all part of the code. It might be a look or it might be a sign called in to the third base coach which is then relayed to the catcher. If justice needs to be served, then the pitcher must react and do as he is instructed -- or he too will be breaking the code.
The code has changed in recent years though, for better and for worse. Major League Baseball has gone through more than its fair share of heartache and controversy as of late and it has been forced to tighten its belt so to speak. The commissioner's office put a greater onus on umpires to reduce the number of benches-clearing brawls these days, and as a result a warning system was put into place back in 2001. Now, when an ump has reason to believe that a batter is being thrown at, he warns both teams instantly that the next hit batter, intentional or not, will result in the pitcher and manager both getting ejected from the game. A fine and suspension may ensue as well. This has changed the landscape of the code, forcing the players to change and evolve their tactics to conform to the new rules.
The code also deals with other random subtle issues on and off the field as well. Issues such as "what happens in the locker-room, stays in the locker-room..." are a big part of the player's code of honor. "Perks" that veteran ballplayers receive, such as the prime locker location in the clubhouse, may also be a part of the code. Other intricacies include: the media not talking to the starting pitcher until after he is done pitching. In fact, some managers don't even want their own players talking to the starting pitcher before or during a game, as to not mess with his mental preparation or perhaps for superstitious reasons. And a player knows never, ever to remind a pitcher at any point during a game that he has a no-hitter going. That can jinx it all in a nanosecond. Consider things like this to be "subchapters of the code."
Lastly, there is an entire section of the code that deals with the relationships between the players and managers, and the umpires. Just exactly what can be said and not said to an ump without getting tossed is an art form all to itself. It is just understood that players do not talk about the ump's mother, or he will be given a one-way pass to the club house. Knowing what to say, how to say it and when to say it are all a part of the code, and it can get pretty humorous for sure. Stories here are plentiful. Beyond that, it is generally understood that if a batter disrespects an ump or tries to show him up, then he will not be getting any special favoritism, or "good calls" in the future. Cross the line with an ump and he will make you pay one way or another. Some claim that there is a code within the code when dealing with the umpires.
The bottom line with baseball's unwritten rules is that it all comes down to one word: respect: respect of the game, respect of the past history of the game, and a respect of the opposition. The code, in a nutshell, is about players sacrificing individual glory for the good of the team. Professional baseball players make millions of dollars on the field, and for many, millions more off of it through endorsement deals. Players want to be individuals and stand out in the crowd. They have big egos and big personalities, which put a big "I" in team. But, they have to know that if they choose to showboat and act disrespectful towards an opposing pitcher or opposing team, then there is a price to pay for that type of selfish behavior. The code makes sure of that. That is why the game polices itself at this level.
The book will delve into many taboo subjects surrounding the code, including bench clearing brawls, the abolishment of the designated hitter, and even the issue of drugs and steroids in the "juiced ball era." Yes, the code is about respect, but it is also about how the game polices itself; accountability; and even about how players build team camaraderie amongst one another through intimidation and retaliation. It is amazing what standing up for a teammate can do for team morale. Boys will always be boys, and when a teammate gets nailed, intimidated or disrespected, then the wheels of retaliation are set into motion. It could be bad blood between two players or teams, or a heat of the moment incident -- either way, baseball players will always find a way to even the score. Welcome to the baseball code. Play ball!

This book is a must for everyone. I purchase this book every year to receive the "What's New" changes within the year. The book is very simple to follow with examples to explain in detail. Includes all the forms with example of filled-out forms as well. I read this book first, collect what I can use in my itemized items, and then file electronically. This book has saved me thousands. Best book out there!

This book is simply a compilation of the IRS publications found at www.irs.gov. I mean they didn't even change the wording one bit. Look at education credits then go download Publication 970 from the IRS' website. It is verbatim.

The only real reason to get this book is if you don't want to go get it from the IRS website. I give it 3 stars since it does provide an easier layout than searching the IRS website, but it really doesn't provide it in an easy to understand language so non tax professionals can truly understand what is going on.

I am not sure what book the previous person read, but it wasn't this one!!

Not only do they give you IRS documents and forms, but explains them line by line in real peoples language. Citing court cases and explains what to do and not do to get the best out of each line and every form.

File however you want, but this baby sits on my desk and is used to reference when I need to know how to get the best deduction or the legal view on a purchase, debit, sale or credit.

If you run any business or household.... Get the most from the money you make. E&Y help you do it with this guide

This continues to be my annual favorite. Although I now do my taxes electronically, I still get a "real" guide as both a reference and tutorial. It also makes for an easy way to see the big changes for the year. This guide has all kinds of information with very good detail and examples. The printing is easy to read and the quality is good. I have not found anything better in the competition ... yet.

What a delightful gripper this book is, chock full of impressive facts and tasty trivia rolled into a well researched sampler that's part cinematic history, part travel guide. You can thumb through for location addresses set off in bold type, followed by brief descriptions of the films associated with each, and then you can plan a proper movie maniac's pilgrimage. Just don't expect directions to private residences: You won't get to ring the doorbell where Macaulay Culkin was left "Home Alone" (1990) or hang out at the house where Tom Cruise ran his "Risky Business" (1983). You can, however, eat breakfast where Timothy Hutton and Dinah Manoff met for coffee in "Ordinary People" (1980) or have a "cheezbooga, cheezbooga" at the Billy Goat Tavern, made famous by John Belushi on "Saturday Night Live" and revisited in his 1981 romantic comedy "Continental Divide."

Bernstein delves into the early years of moviemaking, before Hollywood's crass monopolization of it, when the burgeoning film industry was nurtured in Chicago. Among the developmental milestones: the invention of the first cameras and projectors, the establishment of two of the world's first film studios, the practice of creating movie adaptations out of contemporary news events, the first African-American owned and operated film productions in the United States, the genesis of the independent film community, the weekly film serial, and the gore flick that typified the drive-in era.

The book covers an amazing list of films and TV shows shot in Chicago and traces the contributions to celluloid history by actors, writers, and directors who have roots in the city -- an illustrious roster too long to post here. Rounding out this special chronicle are interviews, film profiles, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of a specialized Chicago art, the innovative technology it demanded, the visionary gumption that birthed an industry, and the tough dreamers behind it all.

What a delightful gripper this book is, chock full of impressive facts and tasty trivia rolled into a well researched sampler that's part cinematic history, part travel guide. You can thumb through for location addresses set off in bold type, followed by brief descriptions of the films associated with each, and then you can plan a proper movie maniac's pilgrimage. Just don't expect directions to private residences: You won't get to ring the doorbell where Macaulay Culkin was left "Home Alone" (1990) or hang out at the house where Tom Cruise ran his "Risky Business" (1983). You can, however, eat breakfast where Timothy Hutton and Dinah Manoff met for coffee in "Ordinary People" (1980) or have a "cheezbooga, cheezbooga" at the Billy Goat Tavern, made famous by John Belushi on "Saturday Night Live" and revisited in his 1981 romantic comedy "Continental Divide."

Bernstein delves into the early years of moviemaking, before Hollywood's crass monopolization of it, when the burgeoning film industry was nurtured in Chicago. Among the developmental milestones: the invention of the first cameras and projectors, the establishment of two of the world's first film studios, the practice of creating movie adaptations out of contemporary news events, the first African-American owned and operated film productions in the United States, the genesis of the independent film community, the weekly film serial, and the gore flick that typified the drive-in era.

The book covers an amazing list of films and TV shows shot in Chicago and traces the contributions to celluloid history by actors, writers, and directors who have roots in the city -- an illustrious roster too long to post here. Rounding out this special chronicle are interviews, film profiles, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of a specialized Chicago art, the innovative technology it demanded, the visionary gumption that birthed an industry, and the tough dreamers behind it all.

Having lived in the Chicago area for most of my life, I really didn't need this book. However, I enjoyed it anyway. It does not contain everything (and doesn't tell you interesting stuff like how they distort locations in movies by traveling in the wrong direction in movies, etc.), but it does provide accurate information on shooting locations, etc. and how Chi played a minor role in the early film industry. The problem is one of Chicago being used in many movies.....so many, in fact, that you can't cover everything (and this book doesn't try to do it, either). Obviously, one of the great things about living here is that anything can happen. You can get off an early train and see Robert DiNiro looking like Al Capone.....or find out they are shooting a Tom Hanks movie two miles from your house. The really positive aspect of what this book does, is that it reminds you of the regional prominence Chicago has played in the movie industry. It makes me appreciate something I have always taken for granted. Wonder if Angelenos feel the same way? This is a book a Chicagoan or a traveler to Chicago can enjoy.

I can honestly say once I picked this book up, I didn't set it down until every page had been read! I'm not a film buff, but I was fascinated to learn about Chicago's rich past in the movies!