Review of Confidence Games: Money and Markets in a World without Redemption (Religion and Postmodernism Series) (Hardcover)

Having read-or having attempted to read-a few of Mark C. Taylor's recent books, I was delighted to discover that this one, "Confidence Games" was both entirely different and more of the same. Where his always lucidly written, often provocative and sometimes esoteric reviews of contemporary science, art, architecture and fashion have often left me grasping for a conclusion, this book, "Confidence Games" delivers-BIG.

If writing about the meaning of it all were a physical sport, I would hazard that this fleet-footed journey from the birth of money to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center is Taylor's marathon: a long, fast ride that covers as much ground as an old school Hollywood epic without the tin-eared dialogue.

Throughout, Taylor deftly summarizes insights from celebrated economic and cultural thinkers of the last several centuries without getting bogged down in the dense foliage of history, all the while reminding readers that what paths may look today like a straight line are almost always a zig zag.

What can you expect to get from this book? For many, it will be a pithy introduction to the incredibly complex financial world we have inherited. Others will likely nod their head as Taylor provides intriguing evidence for the parallels and connections between high finance and high art, God and Mammon, computers and contemporary culture.

Like the best music, this book finds a deep groove early on and smoothly segues from pleasant chords to surprising riffs, never missing a beat even as the drummer gets wicked. This is clearly not summer or beach reading. But, given the often-cited consensus that 9/11 changed everything, a book like "Confidence Games" gives readers an unabashedly pleasurable opportunity to struggle with the very complicated questions that define the world in which we have found ourselves.

Taylor's tenacity in pursuing "the meaning of it all" through the lens of money and markets provides us with the rare opportunity to see the big picture in sharp focus.

Disclosure: Over a decade ago, I was a student of Mr. Taylor's and continue to correspond with the author on current affairs.



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Review of Designing Instruction for Technology-Enhanced Learning (Hardcover)

Patricia Rogers' ambitious book includes valuable contributions from educators in all kinds of institutions and from all over the world.This book tries to be everything you need if you are new or fairly new to technology-enhanced learning, covering history, relevant educational theory, and how-tos for K-12, higher education, and business training.Clearly written and carefully organized, it's easy for any teacher to get something from this book.For any library with teachers as patrons, this book is essential.

If there is a fault to this book, it's that breadth of coverage means limited depth of coverage.This is a strong book for getting started, but most teachers will find sections of the book that are very helpful and others that can be skipped.Also, although each chapter is well-documented and scholarly, there is relatively little acknowledgement of objections to technology-enhanced teaching.Some of the strongest objectors are acknowledged and answered, but more subtle issues about technology and teaching could be dealt with more seriously.The book's general attitude is that technology-enhanced teaching is a realm of vast possibility as long as it is designed properly.

For teachers who want to get started exploring that realm, this is a great guidebook.



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Review of In the Space Left Behind (Hardcover)

A wonderful book. It combines a pitch perfect rendering of a teenager's point of view in a story that rings true to adults as well.
Should make a GREAT movie someday!



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Review of J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2007 (Hardcover)

I have purchased this book each year for the last 15-20 years.It is awesome.

Barbara
Jacksonville FL



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Review of On the Edge of Certainty: Philosophical Explorations (Hardcover)

It is unfortunate that Tallis' views seem to be rather obscure compared to the large piles of tripe put out by people such as Dennett, Dawkins, Foucault and the Churchlands.In the series of essays contained in this book Tallis mehodically dismantles many aspects of both modernism and its antithesis, post-modernism.

Both have needed to have their fundamental frameworks laid bare but few have been able to cut through all the self-grandizing hyperbole to really go for the jugular.Tallis' essays demonstrate his wide range of knowledge and very perceptive views.

The first essay, "Explicitness and Truth (and Falsehood)" is worth the price of the book alone since it brings to the fore how the nature of truth itself has been obscured and twisted to suit modernism and post-modernism.Not only does Tallis' argument lay bare the problems but this is one of the few philosophical works that is quite readable.That is, Tallis' tone and style make this book quite enjoyable to read.

The "A Critical Dictionay of Neuromythology" neatly debunks the interesting variations on definitions readily invented by authors such as the Churchlands and Dennett.I suspect they will bluster and perhaps produce some responses but the true nature of their arguments, incoherence, shines forth after reading this work.

I enjoyed Tallis' references to Wittgenstein and the critique of de Saussure in addition to the other essays.Throughout the book Tallis displays a quiet brilliance that will hopefully be recognized by others in the philosophy of mind.

Enjoy.



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Review of Talking Money: Everything You Need to Know About Your Finances and Your Future (Hardcover)

When I found out that Robert Kiyosaki had good things to say about this author and this book I just had to get it. I didn't want to wait to buy the book so just downloaded the e-book to get started. This book is a winner.

I liked the section on buying cars. Other than Charles Givens, Chatsky is the only financial author that I know of who warns about dealers price (sucker stickers)vs the markup. This piece of information alone can save you thousands.

Also, like Givens, Chatsky recommends buying a 2 year old car vs a new one. The basis for this is that a new car will depreciate by 50% as soon as you drive it off the car lot. Buy your dream car, but 2 years old and put the saving in a good mutual fund.

The money market fund advice was also interesting. Chatsky offers a website to compare rates and shop for the best funds. This makes more sense than depending on your broker.

The investment advice is also right on and one of the only financial authors to explain the best time to be in stocks and bonds. A nice departure from the usual "buy and hold" or "dollar cost averaging" theory.

Chatsky also discusses "power buying" or how to save a bundle on almost everything you'll buy.

The credit card information was pretty basic but informative.

Overall, Talking Money is a winner and will offer you some new insights on how you spend your money and how to invest.

Good, solid advice that really works. I highly recommend this book.



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Review of Protecting and Rebuilding Your Retirement: Everything You Need to Do to Secure Your Financial Future (Hardcover)

This book is simply written, easy-to-understand, and provides practical advice for everyone. The author recommends a realistic approach to investing that includes buying a diversified portfolio of index mutual funds. Other topics covered are investing in annuities ? fixed and variable, IRAs, and 401(k)s, and insurance (life, health, and disability).

Abromovitz, an attorney and financial educator, provides readers with a well-written explanation of the key components of developing, protecting, and rebuilding decimated retirement accounts. He recommends a pro-active hands-on retirement planning approach.In this 224-page, nineteen chapter book, Abromovitz covers how to make relatively safe investments that will continue to grow, how to plan for health issues and large medical bills, how to maximize your social security benefits, and how your financial safety can be improved by investing in stocks, real estate, annuities and 401(k)s.

There is no earth-shattering advice in this book.However, the author provides straightforward advice that can help individuals get and stay focused on the right track so that they can accomplish their retirement dreams.

Most individuals have not really thought about all aspects of the retirement process and have let the chips fall where they may.The devastating bear market of 2000-2002, unfortunately changed the retirement landscape for millions of individuals whose retirements have been postponed and many potential retirees have been forced to keep working to make ends meet. The reason for this was that most individuals did not understand or consider the risks of investing in the stock market.

By reading, studying, and implementing the wisdom in this book, readers will put the odds in their favor to obtain a secure and peaceful retirement.This book should be required reading by all individuals, whether or not they are approaching retirement since the advice provided will help all readers better manage their financial issues.



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