Book Description
Selectively painting over much of a forgotten nineteenth-century book, Ruefle's ninth publication brings new meaning to an old story. What remains visible is delicate poetry: artfully rendered, haunted by its former self, yet completely new. A high-quality replica of the original aged, delicate book in which Ruefle "erased" the text, this book will appeal to fans of poetry as well as visual art.
Mary Ruefle's poems and prose have appeared in Best American Poetry and The Next American Essay. Her many awards include a Guggenheim and an NEA. She is currently teaching at the Iowa Writers' Workshop.
Customer Reviews:
A wonderful tribute to A HUMUMENT by Tom Phillips?.......2006-11-25
I see no mention of the great artist, Tom Phillips, whose great work, "A Humument", surely must have been an influence for Mary Ruefle's wonderful "A Little White Shadow".
For such a small volume, and even without Mr. Phillips imaginative artwork, this publication packs in a great amount of emotion and wonder. I hope to send copies to a few dear ones :-)
Interesting, very interesting........2006-09-21
Mary Ruefle, A Little White Shadow (Wave Books, 2006)
I have no idea what possessed Mary Ruefle to take the text of an obscure nineteenth-century book (the author of which I've been trying to uncover ever since reading this, with no success) and turn it into poetry by whiting out most of it, but whatever it was, I like it.
I originally took it as one long piece, but others have suggested it's actually a collection, and it does make more sense that way. What Ruefle does here is to white out most of the words on the page, leaving just enough to give an intelligible image here, an interesting twist of action there. It's all quite exciting from a creative standpoint, as there are obviously any number of texts out there which can be used to the same ends, but Ruefle's eye for what to leave in makes for some extremely interesting reading, as well. I'm quite fond of this. ****
fascinating creative exercise ... poetry in unlikely places.......2006-08-18
This "erasure" is true beauty. Ruefle's unceasingly profound and genius spirit comes through in this tiny treasure. It is truly something to behold ... something to hold ...
Average customer rating:
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The little white shadow
Sara B Bradbury
Manufacturer: Vantage Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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ASIN: B000734VXC |
Book Description
The updated biography of the most spectacular fashion and artistic muse of the twentieth century.
Customer Reviews:
An Excellent Biography of an Amazing Woman!.......2005-11-21
"I loved 'Infinite Variety' for the way the authors brought the Marchesa Casati vividly to life."--Robert Fulford, author of 'The Triumph of Narrative: Storytelling in the Age of Mass Culture'
Elegance Supreme!.......2005-04-14
'This book about the Marchesa Casati (1881-1957) is called "The Definitive Edition" about a lady of extravagant leisures. It is an excellent book reviving the roaring twenties in Europe and gives you a fairly good insight of the lifestyle of the truly rich and famous through to the 1940s. Part of this set was the Marchesa Casati, who is a source of inspiration to this very day for fashion designers, artists and wealthy heirs. So if you squander your vast inheritance, at least do it in style!' (review from Elegant Lifestyle)
The Original Goth Girl!.......2005-01-04
"'Infinite Variety' is a thoroughly unbiased and well-researched biography. The 'Definitive Edition' includes a plethora of new information as well as artwork and photos. Thanks to the efforts of Ryersson and Yaccarino, the story of the Marchesa Casati, with all its splendor, will continue to astonish.--Jonathan Williams, Gothic Beauty Magazine
Clearly Fabulous!.......2004-11-30
"Mesmerizing and revealing, 'Infinite Variety' is the definitive account of the Italian femme scandaleuse. A great glimpse, and more, into the life of a larger-than-life individual."-Mar Yvette (Clear Magazine)
Casati Raves On!.......2004-10-27
"'Infinite Variety: The Definitive Edition' provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the bizarre and spectacular life that Casati led...All you fashion-conscious history buffs will love the in-depth exploration the authors take into Casati's stylish life."-Denise Dandeneau (Zink Magazine)
"This meticulously researched and completely updated biography vividly details Luisa Casati's extravagant life...Fashionistas, art history buffs, aficionados of Belle Époque and Jazz Age culture-and general readers-will be pleased."-Lorraine Thompson (Primo Magazine)
Book Description
The historic "Love Showdown" story, originally appearing in ARCHIE #429 (Part One), BETTY #19 (Part Two), BETTY & VERONICA #82 (Part Three) and VERONICA #39 (Part Four) took the nation by storm as Archie vowed to choose between Betty and Veronica once and for all! Now you can relive this epic in one convenient, upscale paperback.
Customer Reviews:
A must have for those that loved the love triangle!.......2007-02-01
This was so great... it was in comic format but they collected all the, "to be continued" parts and put them in order. The story is so great, the artwork beautiful as usual; and the twist at the end is hillarious. I only wish that these books could be longer because I read through them too quickly. LOL
ARCHIE FINALLY MAKES HIS CHOICE.......2005-04-05
In the 1990's there were a lot of epic comic book storylines that made major news such as the death of Superman and Superman and Lois Lane getting married. Archie Comics proved it, too, could generate national publicity with their own major storyline. Namely, after over 50 years of a love triangle battle, Archie was finally going to choose between Betty and Veronica! You can imagine how much interest this generated among long-time fans. Often overlooked is the fact that Archie and the gang had been among the longest running comic book series in history with legions of fans, young an old. Could it be that the love triangle that started before WWII would finally be resolved? The tale would play out over the course of four issues in 1994: Archie #429, Betty #19, Betty & Veronica #82, and Veronica #39, and they are all collected in this one historic volume. As noted in the introduction, fans were clamoring for months, begging for hints as to who would finally win Archie's affection.
The tale begins as Archie is seeing hearts over a love letter he received. Betty and Veronica demand to know who sent Archie the letter but Archie is having so much fun seeing them squabble he decides to make them wait. Betty and Veronica each think the other sent the note and so begins a no-holds-barred battle for Archie as we've never seen before. The under-handed tricks fly fast and furious! Veronica fools Betty with some tickets to a charity dance with the wrong date. Veronica ends up at the dance with Archie while Betty is fixing his car! Betty crashes the party in style wearing one of the skimpiest dresses ever seen in an Archie comic. Veronica fights back in her own "dress to kill" style, eventually leading two a duel of super soakers between the two long time rivals. But in the end, Archie has a big surprise for both of them.
This was just a fun story from beginning to end. Betty and Veronica are at their most "catty" with claws fully extended as they go after each other like never before. And one cannot but laugh as Archie sits back, watching the pair fight over him, knowing he has a huge ace up his sleeve. Absolutely hilarious! Reggie, of course, makes an appearance and stirs up as much trouble as he can and Jughead makes a brief cameo as well. Archie Comics proves that in 1994, and now in 2005, that they can still delight their fans, young and old. The great thing is that even if you have not picked up an Archie comic in decades, you can still read this story as it is truly a stand-alone classic for the ages. This is a 48 page Prestige format comic with the beautiful Archie-style art that you've come
to know and love.
Who will Archie choose?.......2004-05-31
I remember buying the comics that this epic story appeared in. There was a lot of excitement and promotion around the time of this story being released. Part 1 appeared in Archie #429, Part 2 in Betty #19, Part 3 in Betty & Veronica #82 and Part 4 in Veronica #39. The story revolves around the central conflict, and practically the basis of Archie Comics: Will Archie choose Betty or Veronica? Of course there was no resolution, he didn't choose, but there was Cheryl Blossom thrown into the mix. Overall it's a fun story and definately a collectors item!
Customer Reviews:
Three and a half stars, really........2000-04-25
A funny book, typical of Jay Leno. Some of these headlines are typos (Ada Kring, 67-year old Orick resident, dies at age 94), some are simply indications of how strange the world we live in is (Arsonist elected fire department chief), and still others would only be minorly odd were it not for Leno's chirping from the peanut gallery (Condoms only work if used, study finds) (to which Leno's comment was, "Oh, sure, but who wants a used condom?"). Then again, some fit two or more of the above categories (Store clerk better after being shot) which is an odd enough phraseology on its own, but becomes even more bizarre when Leno chips in "I think if we knifed him, he might feel even better still."
If you like your humor sophisticated and mature, this book is not for you. But if you enjoy a bit of unreserved silliness with your humor, and appreciate plays on words, this book is good for more than a few chuckles.
Jay's Headlines books r so funny.......1999-02-17
when i first bought and read his first book of headlines, i was cracking up so much, i waityed for him to release his next books
FUNNY!.......1998-08-02
It will show you a world of messed up headlines. The pictures section had me rolling on the floor.
Book Description
It's Only a Movie is the best book ever written about my father. It really is amazing." -Patricia Hitchcock North by Northwest. Psycho. Rear Window. The Birds. Vertigo. When it comes to murder and mayhem, shock and suspense, the films of Alfred Hitchcock can not be surpassed. For this book, Charlotte Chandler interviewed Hitchcock, his wife, daughter, film crew members, and many of the stars who appeared in his films, including Kim Novak, Janet Leigh, Cary Grant, Tippi Hedren and James Stewart. Throughout the book, Chandler shares Hitchcock's wit and wisdom. When actors took themselves too seriously, he would remind them, "it's only a movie." Chandler introduces us to the real Hitchcock, a devoted family man and notorious practical joker, who made suspenseful thrillers mixed with subtle humor and tacit eroticism.
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"Author of acclaimed biographies of Groucho Marx, Federico Fellini, and Billy Wilder, Charlotte Chandler spent several years with Hitchcock discussing his life and his amazing career. She also talked with his wife, Alma, and daughter, Pat, as well as many of the screen legends who appeared in his films. The result is an intimate yet expansive portrait of a unique artist who, from the 1920s through the 1970s, created many of history's most memorable films. A quarter-century after his death, Hitchcock's distinctive profile remains an instantly recognizable icon to millions, while his films continue to grow in popular appeal and critical esteem. Chandler introduces us to the real Hitchcock: a devoted family man, practical joker, and Englishman of Edwardian sensibilities who was one of the great masters of cinematic art. "
Customer Reviews:
Movies From the Past........2005-05-26
I saw many (probably most ) of the Hitchcock's movies in which he always made a surprise appearance. The best part of the occasion was trying to find him out in the crowd somewhere. He always was a practical joker, even in the serious films he directed. He had the most distinctive profile of anyone alive at that time (Twenties to the Seventies).
Now, he has been dead for twenty-five years and Ms. Chandler has released this comprehensive history -- why not earlier? Why now? For many years she talked with the big man himself, and later his wife, Alma and daughter Pat. She also interviewed at least sixteen of the stars he used -- he always chose a blonde female co-star and the best looking males available. Some were Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, Henry Fonda, John Gielgud, Grace Kelly, Tippi Hendren, Kim Novak, Doris Day, and Janet Leigh.
Being a Britisher made him different for us young moviegoers, but we could overlook that English accent as it was just plain fun to find him right there in his own movies. He told Ms. Chandler in one of their conversations, "I remember Ingrid Bergman coming up to me in a terrible state. Worried, miserable, high-strung, romantic, idealistic, sensitive, emotional." She said, "There's something I must tell you about my part. I don't feel it. I can't find my motivation." "I said to her, 'Ingrid, fake it. It's only a movie."
Last spring that is what a young man told me when I had written a bad review of ANCHORMAN starring Will Ferrell which I hated -- "it's only a movie." But it did not make me like it any better.
Life today is like one of Hitchcock's advice. We fake it. If we worried about terrorism and instant demoliton from an atom bomb, we'd all be basket cases. Just fake it, as he would say.
Some time ago, Ms. Chandler wrote THE ULTIMATE SEDUCTION in which she included an interview with Tennessee Williams. Now, she is finishing a book about Bette Davis. I haven't liked Bette Davis since she was the crazy one in 'What Happend to Baby Jane.' And I hated that song, 'Bette Davises Eyes." You'd think she could chose someone more respected and more talented.
Hitchcock Once Over Lightly.......2005-04-16
It's no wonder that Alfred Hitchcock continues to fascinate a quarter century after his death as his work resonates still. Author Charlotte Chandler has written a breezy history of Hitchcock the master filmmaker. It's by no means the best one on the market, as I feel Donald Spoto wrote the authoritative biography in 1983, "The Dark Side of Genius: The Life of Alfred Hitchcock", and Francois Truffaut published his famous comprehensive interview with Hitchcock in 1967. I would recommend either before diving into this dishy memoir, but it's good fun about his professional life nonetheless.
Chandler breaks down Hitchcock's story movie by movie in chronological order. Each section deals anecdotally with each film, noting the little triumphs and failures inherent in any project and including the actors' impressions of working for the master of suspense. Contrary to popular belief, many were genuinely impressed by Hitchcock's genius almost to the point of genuflection, and the book is full of recollections of his kindnesses, hardly the dark portrait Spoto painted nor Hitchcock himself with the characters in his films. In fact, according to Chandler, he did not readily abandon his actors as is widely believed. Rather, everyone simply agreed he knew what he wanted and with supreme confidence, Hitchcock dictated a set like a consummate professional. To the thinner-skinned, he was an icy control freak. His no-fuss filmmaking style comes across in Chandler's colorful descriptions of the classics he directed. Sometimes, Chandler insinuates herself into the narrative to the point of being intrusive, as if she needs to validate her qualifications for writing this biography. It can get irritating, but luckily her insights offset much of the over-personalized perspective. Just reviewing his filmography in such gently provocative detail is reason enough to buy this book, whether it's "Rebecca", "Shadow of a Doubt", "Notorious", "Strangers on a Train", "Rear Window", "Vertigo'', "North by Northwest", "Psycho", "The Birds", or his earlier English pictures. An entertaining read about a true character and a deservedly legendary director.
A gentle, entertaining look at the "Master of Suspense".......2005-04-03
IT'S ONLY A MOVIE: Alfred Hitchcock -- A Personal Biography is the latest (and certainly not the greatest) look at the life of the famed suspense director.
Charlotte Chandler, whose other celebrity biographies include NOBODY'S PERFECT: Billy Wilder -- A Personal Biography; I, FELLINI; and HELLO, I MUST BE GOING: Groucho and His Friends, concentrates on Hitchcock primarily as a movie maker. The aspects of his early and later life get relatively short shrift, which many readers will no doubt appreciate, wanting to get to the meat of the matter.
Chandler presents the talented "Hitch" as a visionary, creating cinematic effects and manipulating the emotions of moviegoers for more than fifty years. His classics --- The Man Who Knew Too Much (both versions), Psycho, Vertigo, Rear Window, Rebecca, Lifeboat, Spellbound, Notorious...the list of work from one person seems ridiculous and unfair --- defined fright films that endure to this day, despite the pyrotechnical toys and other gimmicks modern directors employ to get a rise out of us. Hitchcock knew how to use a patch of light or the absence of sound to set up the audience for the constant rude awakening. He was the master of the "MacGuffin," a plot device that defies conventional explanation, which Chandler describes as "something that motivates characters to take dangerous chances for something they must have.... In The 39 Steps it's a secret airplane engine design. In The Lady Vanishes and in Foreign Correspondent it's a secret diplomatic message...."
Hitchcock was a bit of an overgrown imp, she writes, not a stuffed shirt. Despite his formal bearing, he always enjoyed a good joke, particularly when it came at the good-natured expense of one of his actors. And what actors! Jimmy Stewart, Ingrid Bergman, Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Kim Novak, James Mason, Anthony Perkins --- a veritable "who's who" of Hollywood nobility.
Although his art was complex, Hitchcock's directorial style was simple: actors should be able to get by with a minimum of instruction. Those looking for guidance learned that it must come from within. Insecurity was tolerated with great reluctance. Hitchcock had little patience for "method" actors who needed to know their motivation. Basically, he believed their motivation should be to do a good job to earn their paycheck. Chandler employs the filmmaker's catchphrase, "It's only a movie," on several occasions as evidence of Hitchcock's refusal to take anything (or anybody) too seriously.
Chandler breaks down Hitchcock's story movie by movie. Each section deals anecdotally with each film, noting the little triumphs and failures inherent in any project and including the actors' impressions of working for the master of suspense (overwhelmingly positive). Many were in awe of the legend, especially those early in their career. There are many recollections of small kindnesses, such as dinner invitations, that portray Hitchcock in an almost saintly light, despite the evil inclinations of many of his characters.
Because of its style, IT'S ONLY A MOVIE gives short shrift to the fine points that define a thorough biography, despite the title. For example, although Chandler devotes a section of the book to "The Last Years," she does not go into any substantial details about Hitchcock's own physical ailments, only that he had lost the will to live, ostensibly depressed over the illness of Alma, his beloved helpmeet.
Chandler writes in a very gossipy mien, insinuating herself into the narrative, letting the reader know that she was in with the "in crowd." One wonders what she had in mind with the subtitle "A Personal Biography." Which "person" is she talking about? It often seems to be herself. She peppers her remarks with phrases like, "He told me..." or "I said to him...." Not that there's anything wrong with that, but it can be wearing after a while.
IT'S ONLY A MOVIE may not be on a scholarly par with other Hitchcock biographies, such as Patrick McGilligan's ALFRED HITCHCOCK: A Life in Darkness and Light or THE A-Z OF HITCHCOCK: The Ultimate Reference Guide, by Howard Maxford, or the dozens of studies of specific films or groups of films (Murray Pomerance's AN EYE FOR HITCHCOCK or FRAMING HITCHCOCK: Selected Essays from the Hitchcock Annual, edited by Sidney Gottlieb and Christopher Brookhouse). But it is a gentle, entertaining look at a paradoxically gentle and entertaining man.
--- Reviewed by Ron Kaplan
Book Description
You've watched celebrity poker on TV; you've witnessed an accountant come from nowhere to win the World Series of Poker; now you're ready to cash in on the online action yourself!
But before you do, you'll want to invest in a copy of
Beat the Odds: The Smart Player's Guide to Online Poker for clear, no-nonsense instructions to savvy online poker playing. Learn the difference between online and real poker, how to set up an account and join a table, and where to go to find the most popular games--5-Card Draw, 5-Card Stud, 7-Card Stud, Texas Hold 'Em, and Omaha, as well as how to choose the right casino for you.
Step-by-step instructions, plenty of pictures, and real world tips will show you the ropes and help you quickly develop online expertise.. You’ll learn how to put on your best poker face with strategies (understanding the differences between poker sites and choosing the right casino, avoiding getting cheated, and software programs to track competitors) and your know-how of online poker legal issues, tournament play, and more!
Download Description
"You've watched celebrity poker on TV; you've witnessed an accountant come from nowhere to win the World Series of Poker; now you're ready to cash in on the online action yourself! But before you do, you'll want to invest in a copy of Beat the Odds: The Smart Player's Guide to Online Poker for clear, no-nonsense instructions to savvy online poker playing. Learn the difference between online and real poker, how to set up an account and join a table, and where to go to find the most popular games--5-Card Draw, 5-Card Stud, 7-Card Stud, Texas Hold 'Em, and Omaha, as well as how to choose the right casino for you. Step-by-step instructions, plenty of pictures, and real world tips will show you the ropes and help you quickly develop online expertise.. You'll learn how to put on your best poker face with strategies (understanding the differences between poker sites and choosing the right casino, avoiding getting cheated, and software programs to track competitors) and your know-how of online poker legal issues, tournament play, and more!"
Customer Reviews:
From recognizing and avoiding online cheats to understanding the quicker environment of the online play.......2006-05-27
Millions play poker online monthly: while it's similar to playing in person, there are some important differences. BEAT THE ODDS: THE SMART PLAYER'S GUIDE TO ONLINE POKER explores these differences - and tells how to overcome obstacles by choosing the best online casinos, playing for virtual or real money, and interacting with other players. From recognizing and avoiding online cheats to understanding the quicker environment of the online play, BEAT THE ODDS is for any poker player seeking entry to a whole new online gaming world.
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch
Very narrow target market-- and it's probably not you........2006-05-18
Marty Cortinas, Beat the Odds: The Smart Player's Guide to Online Poker (Peachpit Press, 2006)
This is, perhaps, a worthwhile book for the complete novice to online poker; if you don't know where the sites are, and are still learning your way around a computer, there's likely a lot to be gotten out of this. If you're already registered at a poker website, however, there's very little you're likely to find here that will be new. (I did learn about PokerTracker from the book, though, so I can't call it a total wash.)
If you think a more advanced book would be right for you, it probably would. Flip through this one before putting out your hard-earned cash; you may already know everything to be found in it. **
Useless.......2006-03-14
Except for a very brief list of on-line poker sites (and their structure differences) and a warning about cheaters that you can't do anything about, this book offers nothing that even a brand new player doesn't already know about poker. There is nothing about how to play poker, nothing about how to play poker on-line, nothing about on-line strategy, on-line players, no tips, no hints, nothing about odds or how to beat them - nothing!
I never write reviews but I had to warn others about this book.
I felt very ripped off.
What a Manual Should Be.......2006-02-02
"The Smart Player's Guide..." is, happily, what's rarely made available these days; a smartly written, intelligently illustrated, concise instruction manual. In this case, for the evolving world of online poker. Those interested in anteing up to online gaming will find find the author's mixture of gaming knowledge, descriptive analysis, and personal experience with several popular sites a godsend. Those looking for the great american novel will probably want to wait for the first published effort of one of the other reviewers contributing here.
Not worth the time nor money.......2006-01-12
This is just a superficial book about online poker. It is neither worth the time nor money to buy. I have been playing online poker for a little over one month and I could write a better book than this.
I was disappointed in the book.
Book Description
After two consecutive elections in which Democratic candidates failed to turn clear economic advantages into electoral victory, a debate is raging over what the Democrats should donow. The narrow, red state-blue state argument between chest-beating populists and soulless centrists offers the answer to neither the country's economic future nor the political future of the Democrats. In The Pro-Growth Progressive, President Clinton's longest-serving national economic advisor, Gene Sperling, argues that the best economic strategy for our nation -- and the best strategy for progressives whether they be Democrat, Republican, or Independent -- is to pursue policies that are both progressive and pro-growth, that promote progressive values of upward mobility, fair starts, and economic dignity as well as embrace markets and innovation.
Sperling describes how both parties offer the American public impoverished choices: Democrats in the-sky-is-falling party too often pretend that the way to promote progressive values and expand the American middle class is to slow the pace of the global economy, stop all outsourcing, and intervene in the market. Republicans of the don't-worry-be-happy party hold fast to the bankrupt vision that the best thing for economic growth is the smallest government possible, and have made the conservative deficit hawks of the 1990s an endangered species. But The Pro-Growth Progressive is neither an all-out assault on the Bush agenda nor a partisan call for Democrats to move further left. Both conservatives and progressives have to accept hard truths about the limitations of their approaches. Drawing on his years of policy experience, Sperling lays out a third way on the issues that are dominating the news and Bush's second term: social security, ownership, globalization, and deficit reduction. He explains the policy alternatives that respect the power of free markets while giving government a role in ensuring that the markets benefit all working families. Focused and timely, The Pro-Growth Progressive offers a realistic vision of free enterprise and economic growth in which government can improve education, reduce poverty, and restore the country to fiscal sanity.
Download Description
"After two consecutive elections in which Democratic candidates failed to turn clear economic advantages into electoral victory, a debate is raging over what the Democrats should do now. The narrow, red state-blue state argument between chest-beating populists and soulless centrists offers the answer to neither the country's economic future nor the political future of the Democrats. In The Pro-Growth Progressive, President Clinton's longest-serving national economic advisor, Gene Sperling, argues that the best economic strategy for our nation -- and the best strategy for progressives whether they be Democrat, Republican, or Independent -- is to pursue policies that are both progressive and pro-growth, that promote progressive values of upward mobility, fair starts, and economic dignity as well as embrace markets and innovation. Sperling describes how both parties offer the American public impoverished choices: Democrats in the-sky-is-falling party too often pretend that the way to promote progressive values and expand the American middle class is to slow the pace of the global economy, stop all outsourcing, and intervene in the market. Republicans of the don't-worry-be-happy party hold fast to the bankrupt vision that the best thing for economic growth is the smallest government possible, and have made the conservative deficit hawks of the 1990s an endangered species. But The Pro-Growth Progressive is neither an all-out assault on the Bush agenda nor a partisan call for Democrats to move further left. Both conservatives and progressives have to accept hard truths about the limitations of their approaches. Drawing on his years of policy experience, Sperling lays out a third way on the issues that are dominating the news and Bush's second term: social security, ownership, globalization, and deficit reduction. He explains the policy alternatives that respect the power of free markets while giving government a role in ensuring that the markets benefit all working families. Focused and timely, The Pro-Growth Progressive offers a realistic vision of free enterprise and economic growth in which government can improve education, reduce poverty, and restore the country to fiscal sanity. "
Customer Reviews:
Givens Review is Superb, This Amplifies.......2006-05-01
Anthony Gibbens' review is superb, and I endorse it and amplify on it. THis book loses one star to two flaws: it begs too many key issues (such as health care, and corporate accountability), and it has no budget and no section on tax reform and increasing government revenue by eliminating fraud, waste, loopholes, and bribery-induced subsidies. That is always my litmus test for serious books about economic policy. One can use the National Budget Simulation, for example, and actually test all these ideas. I, for example, have taken the trouble to identify $550 billion a year in readily available increases in federal tax revenue, and another $300 billion a year in defense and intelligence spending that could be redirected toward soft power and open source intelligence/revitalization of education and national research. It's not real until it's in the budget. This book is platitudinous, worthy of consideration, but not legislatively enactable.
There is no question but that Gene Sperling performed ably for President Clinton EXCEPT that he sacrified the American worker by opening the door for broad indiscriminate lay-offs (see my review of "The Disposable American" by Louis Uchitelle) and he evidently did not see the economic urgency of completely recasting our national educational system (including exile of the stake-holders in the old system to Chinese re-education camps near Mongolia).
On balance, Sperling is now one of those "has experience, listen to him" guys, but he is part of the last gasp of the old guard in the Democratic party, and for my money, a combination of Return of Rubin and Elevation of Matthew Miller would do more good. See my reviews of the books by both these stars.
The author lacks real familiarity with emergent technologies, especially bio-technologies that are CRTICIAL to reducing poverty and illiteracy (see my review of Tofflers "Revolutionary Wealth"), and over-all the book does not represent a comprehensive strategy that reflects an understanding of system dynamics, both internal to the Republic and globally.
Bottom line: worth reading, 30% of this will be useful, somewhat tired. Rubin is more mature, Miller more innovative. Sperling needs to be in the car, but not driving.
A vision for Democratic Party domestic policy.......2006-01-03
The Pro-Growth Progressive is an outline that promotes the agenda of the liberal movement (now self re-named as Progressive). This outline contains both strategy (to link policy ideas to American values of work, self reliance, fairness, equality of opportunites, etc.) and substance.
Both strategy and substance are well organized and mostly balanced. I tend to overlook the occasional rhetoric and one-sidedness, since it was probably inserted to help maintain the interest of the extreme left. In short: this outline is mostly a re-statement of the Clinton adm. domestic policy goals, with some expanded, some re-worked, and with some interesting new ideas presented here.
The main policies suggested here are:
1. Universal 401(k)with $2-to-$1 matching tax credits on the 1st $2,000 invested (and portability, since ALL americans will be offered this program).
2. Universal Pre-school.
3. Universal after-school.
4. Job re-training programs, and education assistance programs.
5. Maintain Social Security in it's present form (fix it by adding a new 3% tax on all income above $200,000).
6. Reject any/all attempts at protectionist trade policy.
7. Maintain and improve the current progressive tax system.
8. Reverse the Bush Tax cuts (at least on the top 2% and on the reduction of estate taxes).
9. Modest increase in Fed. min. wage (to $7.00 - $7.25 in 2006).
10. Expand/increase the Earned Income Tax Credit.
11. Balance the budget (except in times of recession or other national urgency situation).
While most moderates can agree with most of these policies, at least in principle, the author has presented few estimates of actual costs to taxpayers. This summary of costs should have been included in a final chapter - such final chapter was notably absent. The estimated costs are a necessary component of any serious policy discussion and should have been summarized in table form.
Left to my own rough estimates, it seems that the Progressive agenda presented here would cost:
- reverse the Bush tax cuts
AND
- increase taxes BY TWO TIMES the Bush-tax-cut-reversal-amount to balance the budget, to fully fund SS, Medicare, the Universal 401K, etc.
While the policy objectives presented in this outline are noble and honorable, much elaboration is still needed on each item that would further examine the cost of the income transfers and the benefits to America as a whole.
I did enjoy the author's style and his aggressive and fair debate. (BTW, I am a moderate Republican...) His relentless pursuit of a balanced budget is absolutely correct, and the proposal of Universal 401k is also a policy whose time is right. Finally, his analysis that free trade is good for all Americans proves that he is a Democrat that "gets it". It fact, the author thinks like an economist - understands there are ALWAYS trade-offs and secondary effects, and thereby measures his policy goals by their likely overall consequenses to the US economy. (Hence the "pro-growth" objectives.) The major question left TBD is whether the policy results themselves can provide more contribution to a "virtual cycle" or will the costs of poorly re-distributed capital create an excessive drag on the economy (thus hurting those that such policies are designed to help)?
Republicans better get their act together - strategists like Gene Sperling have an agenda that if follwed by Dem candidates - will probably change the political landscape for a very long time. If Democratic candidates were to follow these guidelines, there could be a new majority in congress in 2006 and the WH in 2008.
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Progressives for growth.(The Moral Consequences of Growth)(The Pro-Growth Progressive: An Economic Strategy for Shared Prosperity)(Book review) : An article from: Policy Review
Peter Berkowitz
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
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ASIN: B000FPVF2M
Release Date: 2006-05-16 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Policy Review, published by Thomson Gale on April 1, 2006. The length of the article is 3973 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Progressives for growth.(The Moral Consequences of Growth)(The Pro-Growth Progressive: An Economic Strategy for Shared Prosperity)(Book review)
Author: Peter Berkowitz
Publication:
Policy Review (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Issue: 136
Page: 69(9)
Article Type: Book review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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