User Profile

A recent book from these writers/creators. They do not take a left or right view - they sling mud both ways to both sides. They revisit government decisions and show them as short sighted and not taken in our best interests.

This book covers the United States history and potential. They do focus on several building block programs and opine on what could be done to improve the situation. They cover artificial scarcities and how those have persisted over the decades, along with the impacts of such.

All in all, it's a well thought out and honest look at some huge problems the United States has, with prescriptions that may or may not work, but are probably worth trying. For the better of all of us.

The book does say that some of the content comes from their columns; fans may feel deja vu while reading.

This is 95 pages, and almost 10" x 11". It has two short essays about Barbara Ramos, then has 60+ photos from her time in California between 1969-1973.

Most of the shots are from San Francisco; several from LA, and a few from the region. All in black and white, they are stellar shots of people going about their day and living their lives.

My favorites: * Friends in Laundromat, Leavenworth Street * Bejeweled Woman Reaching Out, Venice, California * Man Singing, North Beach (close your eyes, you might hear him sing).

A great selection of photos from this time. I'm sure there are hundreds of other shots though.

This was a great book, starting out with the Antonine Plague and perhaps subsequent infection waves, and how these affected the various economies (for instance, producing less coins or pottery). Steps through subsequent Roman emperors and summarizes details about their reigns and how they dealt with other waves brought on by trade, travel, and movement of armies.

The Antonine Plague is probably the worst disease event in human history to that point, the book dives into all things that were affected. Obviously tons of research and some rough connections are made, but it paints a vivid picture of what was actually happening during those years.

Fascinating read. This was very enjoyable as a history book, Roman book, virus outbreak/impact book. Comparing to what we went through in 2020 with COVID, it's probably a near equal comparison, factoring in that the Romans of the time had no idea how viruses spread.

While I've always known that insurance companies don't have your best interests in their actions, I was kind of surprised to read this 2010 era book and read it's stories. Even since then, I doubt there's been much change in the industry.

The author lightly goes through the history of insurance to modern day, and how consultants came through the major insurers and helped them overhaul their businesses and focus on margins and profits.

The last couple chapters deal with things one can do to challenge the insurance companies three usual tactics of delay, deny and defend. It's not much - essentially ensure you are insured properly; use a company that is known for treating their customers well; take notes; send notes in so they get attached to your record/claim and some other actions.

Well written and an easy read. About 220 pages plus notes and index.

This is really a philosophy book. A modern well written eye catching book. It aligns with Buddhism and Stoicism, and as 2000+ year old philosophies, you know it's going to work.

She starts off with her 5 second rule for reactions/responses. Then brings in the Let Them Theory, which is essentially the topic that you can't control other people, so let them do whatever and don't worry. She then gets into Let Me, which is where you align, push, motivate yourself to get stuff done.

Lots of modern day examples and topics. I enjoyed reading this. I was not familiar with her work, but heard her on another podcast and was intrigued. My library has 80 copies, and 240 people waiting. This appears to be somewhat popular.

I do like the author's content, although it's usually somewhat generic given her role at Morningstar.

This book exceeded my expectations. It's 20 interviwes with other retirement experts and the ensuing discussions about a particular retirement topic. Some slightly overlap, but overall, this is a solid book.

Would be good for anyone maybe 15-10-5 years away or just into retirement. My take is that retirement is pretty darned complicated and most people should get some trusted hep.

I liked this book. It covers early history of our nation, and what those founders were reading from philosophy and classic writing that influenced their approach and documentation for starting the United States.

In many places, you see that the founders did not have it easy. Businesses would burn by mobs. Mobs would come and rough up people. Etc etc.

The end of the book takes a rather quick turn through and up to modern times, which didn't feel like it fit. Ruth Bader Ginsburg? Ok.

A good read, especially if you are interested in history and philosophy. Would I re-read it? Probably not. Would I recommend it? Yes, to the right person who is interested in history and philosophy.

Sam Dogen aka Financial Samurai's book. This covers all sorts of basic and intermediate financial and life advice. Covers for areas, being philosophy and mindset, putting money to work for you, working and maximizing wealth, and focus on the most important areas of life.

285 pages of text plus extra content. Includes a list of his blog posts for each chapter, should you wish to dive in deeper on a topic and type in a long-ish URL.

All in all, a good book. It's a great summary and rather general advice. Personal finance is a huge category so there was little here that was new. Couple of the chapters he gets analytical with data used to help make decisions.

Would I reread it? Unlikely. Would I recommend it? Probably to the right person who needs help with their finances and life and they are in their early to mid career.

This is the second in a series of books from the author where he brings ancient Stoic philosophy and quotations to the modern world and using recent situations that others were in.

Being Ego based, upon reading some of the examples you may be able to realize the outsized personalities involved. Ego isn't straightforward to change, but has to be analyzed and worked on piece by piece. Readers of this book may be able to realize their situations and attempt to change. Some of the examples were done by really large personalities, which may be hard to relate to for most readers.

I really liked this book. 50 short chapters, each about 5-8 pages in length, and very digestible. It's written in an common tone that should apply to most.

Each of the chapters touches on some aspect of wealth or approaching wealth and life and approaching life. Often times these intersect.

Most chapters should be relatable. And perhaps a goal if one is early in their career / path. Definitely should create some action items and things to think about, some of which may involve family discussions.

Of the 50 chapters here, I'm wondering what didn't make the book. Somehow I bet the author is working on a second edition or related theme. This was nice, and recommended to friends who also enjoyed it.