Myths of Rich & Poor: Why We're Better Off Than We Think

Customer Reviews:

Does government spending end poverty?.......2006-03-22

Some of the reviewers of Myths point out that the authors do not account for the role of government welfare programs in reducing poverty. Actually poverty in the U.S. declined steadily during the past century UNTIL Johnson's "war on poverty" started. Poverty for the elderly has declined somewhat since then at least partly due to social security (at what cost?) and poverty for those under 18 has increased.

Between 1965 and 1994 poverty programs cost taxpayers $5.4 trillion. It has been calculated that with $5.4 trillion you could purchase every U.S. factory, all manufacturing equipment, and every office building. With what's left over, one could buy every airline, trucking company and our commercial maritime fleet. If you're still in the shopping mood, you could also buy every television, radio and power company, plus every retail and wholesale store in the entire nation.

And the welfare bill has now risen past 7.9 trillion. One might question the cost of welfare programs versus the benefits.

attacks the myths.......2004-10-26

We all hear about how the Japanese make better cars, we cannot compete in the steel industry, Indian engineers work for less, our graduate schools are filled with Asians, etc. People use these as evidence that the U.S. is no longer competitive and that we are losing our position as the most powerful economic leader in the world. This is pure nonsense.

The two authors go through a detailed explanation of why the U.S. is better off now than it ever has been. Some of the critics of this book say that we are doing so well now because of government programs. Well how do these people explain the success of the U.S. before FDR and Johnson. The Great Depression is also proof that the government shouldn't meddle with a capitalist society.

This book should be read by anyone who hears the media's and polticians'spin on the welfare of the U.S. The U.S. is still the most powerful economic giant in the world and the facts are there to back it up. Some people can spin some stats to show that we are not doing as well as we think, but it is just spin and I truly believe that these people just want the U.S. to be less powerful because they dislike the success of our country.

this book holds up over time.......2004-07-16

Michael Cox, of the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank and Richard Alm, a journalist by way of the university of Kansas, wrote this book five years ago prior to the 2000 presidential election. It addressed the same issues that we're dealing with today in 2004: how well off is the electorate and the definition of "real income"; the issues of downsizing or job exportation, an offshoot of the economic condition called creative destruction; the trade deficit as a sign of national economic strength or weakness; and how income mobility between the earning quintiles is alive and well in America i.e those who start poor don't remain poor, they can move up quickly. In fact, no one "oppresses them", the caveat of Marxist class warfare ideology. Isn't it amazing that students are still being taught the efficacy of Marxism in our universities by professors who act as hand-maidens for the Denmocratic Party (which has fallen off the proverbial cliff to the Left)?

You might suppose that the leaders of the Democratic Party, the one's who talk about the "two America's" and the wealth division that separates them might avail themselves of the realities extant in the country today, but no, they'll probably go down to defeat by a far larger margin than the current polling indicates due to their hard headed need to fight yesterdays wars. In fact, the workers of the world never did unite so the political Left has had to export a whole new working class of illegal immigrants to serve their mythology and win elections. Keeping that in mind, this book addresses the continuing progress of these very immigrants.

For starters (in 1997) the richest 1% of earners earned 17% of the income, but paid 35% of the taxes. Today they pay closer to 40%. By contrast, the bottom 50% of earners earned 14% of the income, but paid only 4% of the income taxes. To flesh this out, the top 25% of wage earners paid 82% of income taxes while earning far less of a percentage of the income. You'll also learn here that the percentage of Americans owning any household appliance you can name has increased markedly in the past 30 years. That passage of time has also yielded an additional benefit by requiring fewer hours of labor with regard to providing sufficient income for those purchases.

The book shows how America, with its rule of law protecting personal property rights, is the most successful economy in world history (and it's pulling away from the rest.) It highlights how we're immeasurabley better off than our forefathers - for easy reference, see Julian Simon and Stephen Moore's book "It's getting better all the time: 100 trends over the last 100 years." There you can see that longevity increases yearly which is a a pretty good ongoing indicator of the direction of our quality of life.

When Virginia Postrel of Reason magazine says that "no honest debate can ignore this book", she hits the nail on the head because the neo-communist left-wing in America doesn't want an honest debate. While facts don't win arguments a democracy via a constitutional republic, as imperfect as it is, is still the best political system available on the planet. Read "Myth's of the Rich and Poor" to find out why.

This is a terrific book for getting your head on straight when it comes to the realities by which all of us live. Buy a copy for your children and discuss it with them; they won't learn about it in school.

The spin does not match the facts........2004-04-16

The authors clearly have a good grounding in basic economic concepts, which they discuss clearly. They make a number of excellent points, but it is sometimes hard to find them among the spin.

Early in the book, the careful reader will notice that many of the statistics that they use to demonstrate improved living standards across the economic scale are significantly dependent on a variety of social programs such as welfare, food stamps, unemployment insurance, and social security. This is particularly true of the statistics used to show that "Even the Poor Have More". Although it is not mentioned as explicitly, the government role in education has also been very important, whether for public schools, public colleges, or even the G. I. Bill. All of these have played a large role in bringing prosperity to many people, not just the rich.

At the end, however, they forget about any helpful role of government and give all of the credit to free enterprise. Perhaps they had forgotten the first chapter of the book by the time they wrote the last chapter. Even accepting the facts as given, they don't justify the spin. The FACTS given here show the benefits of both free enterprise and the role of government.

The "we" in the title is the middle class........2004-04-01

I teach this book in my philosophy of social science class. It is easy and entertaining to read, and full of provocative claims because it makes no attempt at being balanced or cautious. In general, they do a decent job explaining basic economic concepts. It is, thus, an excellent book to analyze statistical reasoning. For example, throughout the book they offer data on the "average" or "per capita" American rather than providing the more illuminating median figures, but when they deal with executive pay suddenly the median (the middle of a distribution) is the right number, thus, underplaying excess at the top. When they try to convince the reader that wages are not the right tool to measure living standards, they use the buying power of a "typical manufacturing worker." Not only is that worker disappearing (as their own data shows, but they call it "improvements in productivity") and thus not very typical, he cannot be a good proxy for somebody on minimum wage, which has not kept up with wages in manufacturing sector. Nevertheless, the book is unintentionally very insightful: it turns out that on the authors' own account the reason why even the poor are better off (as measured by their ability to consume) than they were a generation ago is, besides the lower real cost of some necessities, the existence of welfare payments! Of course, this is not trumpeted. Moreover, when trying to show (in chapter 4) that minorities and women are sharing in rising living standards, they inexplicably shift, as my students pointed out to me, from their favored measure (consumption) to data on wage-income, which they had castigated as misleading earlier in the book. Even so, they conclude the chapter with the remark, "income distribution doesn't say much about...the opportunities [an economy] offers." (88) Thus, undermining their own argument! Finally, when they analyze upward mobility they fail to control for class; so the post-collegiate income performance of students, including those that have upper middle-class and wealthy backgrounds, is cited as evidence of upward mobility. Furthermore, their data-set excludes the homeless and others that do not have regular sources of income. So, their result tells us little about the upward mobility of what is known as the (new) "underclass."

Customer Reviews:

I cannot say enough good things!.......2007-09-11

I cannot say enough good things about this book! It is a must for anyone who formulates their horses' diets to any extent and needs specific information on feedstuffs. Particularly helpful if you have a horse with a nutrition-related disease, like insulin resistance or mineral deficiencies.

Applied Animal Reproduction, Sixth Edition

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Applied Animal Reproduction

Applied Animal Reproduction, Sixth Edition
H. Joe Bearden , John W. Fuquay , and Scott T. Willard
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals, 6th Edition

ASIN: 0131128310

Book Description

Comprehensive, up-to-date, and readable, this book offers unique coverage of both basic physiology as related to reproduction AND the application of physiology to the management of reproduction in livestock species. KEY TOPICS A five-part presentation covers anatomy, function, and regulation; reproductive processes; artificial insemination; management for improved reproduction; and causes of reproductive failure. For animal scientists, reproductive psychologists, animal caretakers, and herd managers.

Customer Reviews:

Applied Animal Reproduction.......2000-10-10

Was a very good book for those with iterest on how repoduction in animals works. The first chapters help to better understand the book rather then assuming that everyone knows all the tec. terms.

Science of Animal Husbandry, Sixth Edition

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this book is biased

Science of Animal Husbandry, Sixth Edition
James Blakely , and David H. Bade
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0137933657

Customer Reviews:

this book is biased.......2005-08-26

i was really put off by the author's theory of horse evolution. The authors are biased toward special creation, which sounds stupid to me. It sounds like someone who is trying too hard to make the bible more believable to scientists. National geographic magazine says Darwin was correct. I don't think a school textbook is the proper place to talk about Noah's Ark, or any religious references at all. The whole book lost appeal after that. I wouldn't go to church to learn about animal husbandry, so I am offended to learn about the author's religious views in a book about animal science.

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Science of Animal Husbandry, Sixth Edition
James Blakely;David H. Bade
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MCTFC0

Book Description

The importance of carbon dioxide extends from cellular to global levels of organization and potential ecological deterioration may be the result of increased CO2 in our atmosphere. Recently, the research emphasis shifted from studies of photosynthesis pathways and plant growth to ground-breaking studies of carbon dioxide balances in ecosystems, regions, and even the entire globe.
Carbon Dioxide and Terrestrial Ecosystems addresses these new areas of research. Economically important woody ecosystems are emphasized because they have substantial influence on global carbon dioxide balances. Herbaceous ecosystems (e.g., grasslands, prairies, wetlands) and crop ecosystems are also covered. The interactions among organisms, communities, and ecosystems are modeled, and the book closes with an important synthesis of this growing nexus of research.
Carbon Dioxide and Terrestrial Ecosystems is a compilation of detailed scientific studies that reveal how ecosystems generally, and particular plants specifically, respond to changed levels of carbon dioxide.

Key Features
* Contributions from an international team of experts
* Empirical examination of the actual effects of carbon dioxide
* Variety of terrestrial habitats investigated
* Specific plants and whole ecosystems offered as studies

Don't count on carbon sinks. (Environment).: An article from: Energy

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Don't count on carbon sinks. (Environment).: An article from: Energy

Manufacturer: Business Communications Company, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Energy, published by Business Communications Company, Inc. on September 22, 2001. The length of the article is 615 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: Don't count on carbon sinks. (Environment).
Publication: Energy (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 22, 2001
Publisher: Business Communications Company, Inc.
Volume: 26 Issue: 4 Page: 29(1)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Carbon Dioxide and Terrestrial Ecosystems (Physiological Ecology)

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Carbon Dioxide and Terrestrial Ecosystems (Physiological Ecology)
George W. Koch
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MUGQYW

Book Description

For the ultimate adventure by canoe or sea kayak, this guide to paddling the Everglades offers detailed information about every significant paddling route in Everglades National Park. The 53 designated paddling routes--including the renowned Wilderness Waterway, the spine of the paddlers' pathways--provide access to Florida's endangered natural paradise, the wide sheet of water that includes pristine beaches, sun drenched keys, and the world's largest mangrove forest.

Customer Reviews:

everglades paddle.......2007-03-08

We used this book to plan a trip to the glades. The info inside and maps helped a lot. WE still needed a good chart but the maps made it easier to nav. The info on camp sites and routes were pretty accurate.

A MUST READ if you plan to paddle the 'Glades.......2007-01-23

I found this book extremely helpful; even having paddled the 'Glades twice already. This book will allow me to take "The road less travelled," on this, my third trip thru the 'Glades. I would highly recommend this to anyone planning to paddle the Wilderness Waterway, or parts thereof.

Don't leave home without it!.......2002-10-23

As an experienced Everglades paddler who has logged over 400 miles in the Everglades backcountry, I can't say enough about this book. Johnny Molloy has provided a level of detail that is truly extraordinary, and his descriptions of the trails and campsites are dead on the money. The maps alone make this book worth having. This book should find a permanent place of your list of indispensable equipment for planning and conducting an Everglades backcountry expedition.

Planned my trip with this book.......2001-02-28

I spent four days paddling in the Everglades in January. This book was essential in choosing a route, where to camp, etc. Highly recommended if you canoe or kayak in the glades

A Paddler's Guide just in time for next years trip!.......2000-08-14

I have done numerous loop trips in Everglades National Park by kayak. However, I have never done the entire Wilderness Waterway Trail end to end. I needed a guide to plan my next trip and after some searching, I came across A Paddler's Guide. Having read and used Molloy's "The Best in Tent Camping Florida" with much success, I ordered his new Paddler's Guide. I was really impressed with the amount of information, detailed maps, important campsite descriptions and very good general advice for anyone paddling this area. He gives you many trip options with the best possible route to get there. Even if you only have a couple of days to enjoy this wonderful area, you can easily pick from an overnight to a week long adventure. I highly recommend this book to anyone planning a paddling trip to the Everglades. I certainly will use it to plan my next journey through the wilderness waterway!

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Confusing, missing details, bad attitude

Entertaining

Helpful but feeds the beasts

first time bridesmaid = needs this book

The Perfect Wedding Gift

The Bridesmaid's Guerrilla Handbook
Sarah Stein , and Lucy Talbot
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0425156761
Release Date: 2003-12-30

Book Description

In weddings as in war, it always helps to be well prepared. With "biting good humor" (Indianapolis Star), The Bridesmaid's Guerrilla Handbook leads the bridesmaid through her tour of duty. Armed with this guide full of smart strategies and useful maneuvers, the bridesmaid will feel a little less frantic...and have a lot more fun.

Answers the questions:

Â€ Who should give the shower?
Â€ What's expected of me during pre-wedding preparations?
Â€ Am I allowed to object to that hideous dress?
Â€ How much is this going to set me back?
Â€ Can I just say no?

Now, the armed bridesmaid can make the most of a harrowing ordeal-from dress fittings, to pink organza, and back to civvies.

Â€ Includes innovative ideas, such as preparing a bridal emergency kit
Â€ Plus worksheets to help limited budgets

Customer Reviews:

Confusing, missing details, bad attitude.......2007-05-11

I thought this book had a fun title, so I bought it for my maid of honor for my wedding, and then for myself when I was in her wedding. It is not full of all of the practical advice I had expected.

This book does have some useful tips, but it is way too light on covering protocol for traditional weddings. It glosses over important points too quickly, without the explanation and emphasis they deserve.

Also, it gave some bad advice. It suggested this: if your intended Maid of Honor is married, to make her Matron of Honor, and appoint an additional Maid of Honor! Although I believe in complete flexibility and customization, this was very impractical, and has only led to confusion in my friend's wedding.

Also, it seemed to often take a high-society attitude, and to assume that everyone wants an absolutely traditional wedding (I certainly didn't). I want to be guided by tradition, but everything should ultimately be what the bride prefers (barring "bridezillas", of course). I hoped that a "guerrilla handbook" might be in line with these ideas, but it wasn't.

I am going to look around for other books. There has to be something better.

Entertaining.......2007-03-26

This little book was not only helpful, but entertaining- I bought three different books that were all useful in their own right, but this one seemed to insult one's intelligence a little less, and if it did, it was deliberate and funny. A GREAT gift for a bridesmaid who may or may not know a little about being a bridesmaid. The trouble I had with other books was that they were a little mundane in the details of one's duties. This one laughed at them all.

Helpful but feeds the beasts.......2006-06-06

The bridesmaid's only real duty is to stand up for her friend who is getting married. NO ONE is "obligated" to hold a shower, since these are a gift to a bride, not something she is entitled to have and absolutely must get.

A bridesmaid with sense should ask up front if she has to pay for her own dress, shoes, hair, etc, and a considerate bride will tell her anyway. Only a bridezilla would give this to her maids and say "this is your job. Do it."

I suggest Bridezilla or a visit to the etiquettehell dot com site for real, free instructions on what one's polite duty is to the bride, and what a considerate bride's responsibilities are to her maids.

first time bridesmaid = needs this book .......2006-02-27

I have never been a bridesmaid before so this book was perfect for me! It was very helpful with timelines, budgetting, and what to expect. Not to mention, it was a great easy read. I sat down and read it all in one go. It gave me more confidence in what I am supposed to do to get ready for my best friends wedding. It was definitely worth it.

The Perfect Wedding Gift.......2004-10-24

My wife gave this book to each of her bridesmaids prior to the wedding (the best day of my life), and they all had a blast utilizing the excellent tips and cute facts. Its a fun, informative well designed book. My wife said it was great for bonding between her bridesmaids, made the whole wedding a lot more enjoyable. I say buy it.

Average customer rating:

The Bridesmaid's Guerrilla Handbook
Sarah Stein & Lucy Talbot
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000U78NMK

Customer Reviews:

another fantastic clueless book.......1999-11-04

Once again it's cher to the rescue. I mean totally classic book, in which cher's fantastic people skills are put to great use. It is a bit more mature than the other books. in response to the above comment - IT'S A NOVEL. Hello ! We all want the clueless lifestyle, and these books are such guides for life.

In the words of Cher, "Totally Random".......1999-09-12

I used to love the Clueless series, but this one was dumb. The other Clueless books were funny and humorous, now all it talks about is Cher and her nails. If you want to read a funny Clueless book, read "Cher Negotiates New York", "True Blue Hawaii", etc. In the words of Cher, this book is "totally random".

Lame and not worth your time.......1999-07-29

How many people does Cher makeover? It seems as though makeovers are the only topic of the recent Clueless books. The "Gwenyth Fair" was a total rip-off of Lilith Fair. Anyone who knows anything about music could see that. And Talia D'Art's so-called songs were practically word-for-word copies of Hole and Alanis songs. The plots are getting tiring, and Cher is a snob. If you want my opinion, these books need a makeover. P.S. Is it just me, or is Bronson Alcott a totally unrealistic highschool? How many schools have a valet student parking lot and let you phone in orders for lunch? At my school, you could get suspended for having a cellular. Don't waste your time or money with this so-called novel.

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