The Half-Life of Policy Rationales: How New Technology Affects Old Policy Issues (Cato Institute Book)

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View the Table of Contents. Read the Introduction.

"Whether you are interested in the role of government and markets, or the role of technology in society, or in specific policy areas, Half-Life makes for stimulating reading. Foldvary and Klein should be commended for bringing together many disparate policy areas under one roof, and assessing the role of technology in promoting choice, freedom, and prosperity."—Knowledge, Technology, & Policy

"The Half-Life of Policy Rationales is one clever book. Nothing in recent years on economics of new technology comes close."
—The Independent Review"This makes for provocative and profitable reading."
— Markets & Morality

"A useful volume for those interested in the rationales for regulations and other government policies."
— Choice

The Half-Life of Policy Rationales argues that the appropriateness of policy depends on the state of technology, and that the justifications for many public policies are dissolving as technology advances. As new detection and metering technologies are being developed for highways, parking, and auto emissions, and information becomes more accessible and user-friendly, this volume argues that quality and safety are better handled by the private sector. As for public utilities, new means of producing and delivering electricity, water, postal, and telephone services dissolve the old natural-monopolies rationales of the government.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Independent Review, published by Independent Institute on January 1, 2005. The length of the article is 1542 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: The Half-Life of Policy Rationales: How New Technology Affects Old Policy Issues.(Book Review)
Author: Bryan Caplan
Publication: Independent Review (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 2005
Publisher: Independent Institute
Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Page: 442(3)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Since biological tissues are unstable in an oxygen atmosphere, a great deal of effort is expended by organisms to metabolically limit or repair oxidative tissue damage. This volume of Methods in Enzymology and its companion Volume 233 present methods developed to investigate the roles of oxygen radicals and antioxidants in disease. It includes techniques and assays of the activity of biothiols in soluble systems, their interaction with lipids and proteins, and the various new thiol enzymes, such as thioltransferases, being elucidated. Antioxidant reactions and gene regulation are also included.

Oxygen Radicals in Biological Systems, Pt D

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Oxygen Radicals in Biological Systems, Pt D
Lester Packer
Manufacturer: Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OH56V2

Book Description

Ion chemistry and physics, primarily in the gas phase, underpins all types of mass spectrometry. An understanding of the principles underlying the production, reactions, separation and detection of ions is therefore essential to the effective application of mass spectrometry. The technique continues to be most versatile, providing fundamental information on ions in the gas phase, on surfaces, in clusters, etc., and also finding increasingly widespread use in the chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. The present book draws together leading workers in the fields of mass spectrometry and gas phase ion chemistry, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas ind information. In addition to the 14 lecture summaries, the book also contains accounts of seven workshops with contributions from many groups in Europe and North America. It will be of interest to all who work in the field.

Customer Reviews:

the second worst textbook out there.......2004-03-05

the only thing that makes this book shine is that it isnt as incomplete as my professor's own personal book... its almost as if any teacher that requires these materials secretly wishes the students to fail miserably... written at the third grade level with plenty of, "Isn't physics nifty!" and no actualy help in the computational realm... for a class that is supposed to have advanced calculus as a prereq, the math is presented in an oversimplified matter making the only way to learn the material to struggle through the problems to discover something that could have been explained in place of one of the many cartoons that litter this exscuse for scholorly material...

Not the Best Physics Textbook.......2001-01-13

I have used several physics textbooks both as a high school and college student. This is one of the worst textbooks I have used however. It is very inconsistent. Some chapters are overly simple and progress too slowly. Others are short, difficult and lack sufficient examples and explanations. The book rarely explains the origins of a formula enough to get a good understanding of its use. Furthermore, there are frequent misprints throughout the text. Unfortunately, most of the people who purchase this book have no choice because it is required for a class.

Study Guide Student Solutions Manual to Accompany Principles of Physics

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Study Guide Student Solutions Manual to Accompany Principles of Physics
Serway
Manufacturer: Saunders College Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O914H0

Study Guide Student Solutions Manual to Accompany Principles of Physics (Volume 2)

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Study Guide Student Solutions Manual to Accompany Principles of Physics (Volume 2)
Raymond A. Serway
Manufacturer: Delmar Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O96FM4

Book Description

The Duel, Excellent People, Mire, Neighbours, At Home, Expensive Lessons, The Princess, The Chemist's Wife.

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The Duel, Excellent People, Mire, Neighbours, At Home, Expensive Lessons, The Princess, The Chemist's Wife.

Customer Reviews:

Review of The Duel and Other Stories.......2003-07-12

Having read several of chekhov's plays, I decided to read some of his stories. In reading the stories you will see, I think, that it is obvious he was also a playwrite. This is because of Chekhov's amazing ability to compress someone's entire life, all their feelings and emotions into, in some cases, 20 pages. There were 6 stories in all, but I will just review the 3 I like best, though I'm not saying the other stories are bad, just not as good.

The Duel is the main and longest story, but I don't really think it was the best. It is the story about a man in the Caucasus and his troubles with his wife and a biologist which culminates in a duel. All the characters are excellently written, and the story was very well done, but the end leaves much to be desired, and seems like he tried too quickly to wrap up the story. It could have been almost a masterpiece, but the faulty ending really ruined it.

My Wife was a very good story about a man who, after having married a woman who does not love him, struggles with the situation they have put themselves in, living in different parts of the same house and hardly ever speaking. I really liked this one and it reminded me very much of some of his plays.

The Black Monk was my favourite story, it is about a young scholar, idolized by his adopted father and bride to be, who suffers from maglomania, and sees hallucinations. Finally, when he is cured, he is no longer the same person, acting cruel and spiteful towards the people he once loved.It was incredibly done and you really feel for all the characters. I think it best shows off Chekhov's ability as a writer.
This book is definitely a good introduction to chekhov's short works and shows you that he was more than a playwrite

a great (short) novel.......2001-12-04

Those seeking a dramatic duel should go for A Hero of Our Time. This, like the best Russian literature, is about how to live, a drama of outlooks on life and love. The superficial couple at the story's centre are less offensive than most of the "respectable" figures. The zoologist in particular, is truly shocking in his callous view of "inferiors". Only the character of the doctor is absolutely likeable. In its evocation of the stultifying atmosphere of a time and place, this is both lyrical and profound. ...

The Duel, a review.......2001-11-15

"The Duel" by Anton Chekhov, is a classic exploration of the human mind. One reason I would recommend this book is it's moral. This book is an incredible story told through the eyes and minds of many completely different people all striving for the same thing; to forget the days they lost and make the best of the days they still have. This is a good wake up call to all those who waste time, telling then to appreciate the little things and not waste life on petty squabbles. But most importantly, it's intriguing story. Anton Chekhov pits a general, an adulterous doctor, a zoologist, a deacon, and a mistress against each other in a small town in the Caucasus. He tells the story through their eyes, and the reader find out all of these people, whether they are in love, friends, rivals, or just acquaintances, all just wish for wings to fly away and escape the tediousness of everyday life. All this centers around the hatred between the zoologist and the doctor which eventually explodes into a duel. When faced with possibility, the doctor comes to reason with his faults and his future and in the face of death, he resolves his life and what he must do to make his life right.

The Duel and Other Stories: The Tales of Chekhov (Chekhov, Anton Pavlovich, Short Stories. V. 2.)

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Exploring the Mind

The Duel and Other Stories: The Tales of Chekhov (Chekhov, Anton Pavlovich, Short Stories. V. 2.)
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
Manufacturer: Ecco Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

British | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Eastern European | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Russian | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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The Lady With the Dog and Other Stories: The Tales of Chekhov (Chekhov, Anton Pavlovich, Short Stories. V. 3.)

ASIN: 0880010398

Customer Reviews:

Exploring the Mind.......2001-11-10

"The Duel" by Anton Chekhov, is a classic exploration of the human mind. I would definitely recommend you read this book because it is an incredible story told through the eyes and minds of many completely different people, all striving for the same thing; to forgot the days they lost, and make the best of the days they still have. This is a great message and a good wake up call to all those who waste time, telling us to appreciate the little things, and not waste a life on petty squabbles. That is another reason I would recommend this book, because of the moral. But most importantly, it's intriguing story. Anton Chekhov pits a general, an adulterous doctor, a zoologist, a deacon, and a mistress in a small town in the Caucasus. He tells the story through all their eyes, and you find out all of these people, whether they are in love, friends, rivals, or just acquaintances, all just wish for the wings to fly away and escape the tediousness of everyday life. All this centers around the hatred between the zoologist and the doctor, which eventually explodes into the duel. When faced with the idea of the duel, the doctor comes to reason with his faults and his future and in the face of death, resolves his life and what he should do.

The Tales of Chekhov Volume 2: The Duel and Other Stories

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Masterpiece

The Tales of Chekhov Volume 2: The Duel and Other Stories
Anton Chekhov
Manufacturer: Echo Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1846379857

Customer Reviews:

Masterpiece.......2007-06-22

This author needs no introduction. He is the inventor of the modern short story. A forerunner of authors like Somerset Maugham, James Joyce, Virginia Woolf to name a few. Chekhov's stories are unique in the sense that they are hardly ever judgemental. They are supposed to be objective and as real as it can be. But I doubt this claim because he makes you weep without him weeping even once in his stories. How does this happen ?
Well in all his stories , the central characters run a whole gamut of feelings that are highly judgemental. The author paints these characters and the readers identify themselves with them. You are swayed to make judgements , nurture prejudices and become biased , along with these central characters. To that extent , his stories are subjective and emotional. The simple reason being , he penned these characters and their feelings are his. But again it is nearly impossible to be absolutely objective and rational in story telling. Because we want to read stories and not police reports about a crime. The readers want the stories to be alive and kicking with emotions and feelings. Any attempt at telling stories otherwise, will only make for drab and lifeless reading.
One of few occasions where I regret not having known Russian. Oh how I would have loved it to hear his stories as it is ! But this is not to be taken as any criticism of Constance Garnett's translation. She has done a marvellous job. Iam not capable to judge the quality of her translation, as I dont know Russian. I thank her all the same as Iam able to read this master story teller's works because of her.

The bishop: And other stories ; [The duel, and other stories] (The Tales of Chekhov)

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The bishop: And other stories ; [The duel, and other stories] (The Tales of Chekhov)
Anton Pavlovich Chekhov
Manufacturer: Willey Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008A2UZU

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THE DUEL and Other Stories
Anton (Translated with an Introduction by Ronalsd Wilks ) Chekhov
Manufacturer: Penguin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000RB090S

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The Duel and Other Stories

Manufacturer: Penguin USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GRQ74A

The Duel on the Creek: And Other Tales of Victorian New Zealand

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The Duel on the Creek: And Other Tales of Victorian New Zealand

Manufacturer: University of Otago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Australia & New Zealand | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0908569912

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Bishop/Duel and Other Stories
Anton Chekhov
Manufacturer: WILLEY BOOK CO.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WTBH42

Book Description

Hardbound.

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Great Book

Western Civilization: A Brief History, Volume I: To 1715 (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac®)
Jackson J. Spielvogel
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
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Classics of Western Thought Series: The Ancient World, Volume I (Classics of Western Thought)

Western Civilization: A Brief History, Volume II: Since 1500

The Social Dimension of Western Civilization: Volume 1

Microsoft Office Excel 2003: Introductory Tutorial (Computer Education)

Biology: Exploring Life

ASIN: 0534627226

Book Description

Take a fascinating look at western civilization that reveals the diversity and richness of the human experience! Explore Duiker and Spielvogel's brief, best-selling WESTERN CIVILIZATION: A BRIEF HISTORY, VOLUME I, TO 1715 and discover the common challenges and experiences that unite the human pastÂ¿and inform the future. The authors weave the political, economic, social, religious, intellectual, cultural, and military aspects of history into a gripping story that is as memorable as it is instructive. In each chapter, you'll find introductions and conclusions that give you a context within which to understand these disparate themes. And the authors include dozens of maps and primary sources--including official documents, poems, and songs--that enliven the past while introducing you to the challenges involved in interpreting history.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-09-08

This is a great textbook for Western Civ. I. Very easy & interesting to read & understand.

A Brief History of Western Civilization: The Unfinished Legacy, Volume I (to 1715) (4th Edition) (MyHistoryLab Series)

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A Brief History of Western Civilization: The Unfinished Legacy, Volume I (to 1715) (4th Edition) (MyHistoryLab Series)
Mark Kishlansky , Patrick Geary , and Patricia O'Brien
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0321196767

A Brief History of Western Civilization: The Unfinished Legacy, Volume I (to 1715) (5th Edition) (MyHistoryLab Series)

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Western Civilizations

A Brief History of Western Civilization: The Unfinished Legacy, Volume I (to 1715) (5th Edition) (MyHistoryLab Series)
Mark Kishlansky , Patrick Geary , and Patricia O'Brien
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0321449975

Customer Reviews:

Western Civilizations.......2007-10-09

This helped my Western Civilizations Class schoolwork so much. It's very educating on ancient history

Western Civilization, Volume I, To 1715: A Brief History

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Western Civilization, Volume I, To 1715: A Brief History
Jackson J. Spielvogel
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

Medieval | World | History | Subjects | Books

Renaissance | World | History | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0534560628

Book Description

This brief version of WESTERN CIVILIZATION retains all of the best selling features of the larger book in a condensed manner. Chapters 1-17 of the comprehensive volume are included.

Western Civilization, Volume 1: A Brief History to 1715

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Western Civilization, Volume 1: A Brief History to 1715
Jackson J. Spielvogel
Manufacturer: WADSWORTH
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Early Civilization | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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Western Civilization Volume II

ASIN: 0534587089

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This brief version of WESTERN CIVILIZATION retains all of the best-selling features of the larger book in a condensed format. Three versions are available: Comprehensive (Chapters 1-29), Volume I: To 1715, and Volume II: Since 1500. The author writes, "I began this project with two primary goals. First, I wanted to write a well-balanced work in which the political, economic, social, religious, intellectual, cultural, and military aspects of Western civilization would be integrated into a chronologically ordered synthesis. Second, I wanted to avoid the approach that is quite common in other brief histories of Western civilization - an approach that makes them collections of facts with little continuity from section to section. Instead, I sought to keep the story in history. Narrative history effectively transmits the knowledge of the past and is the form that best enables students to remember and understand the past. At the same time, I have not overlooked the need for the kind of historical analysis that makes students aware that historians often disagree in their interpretations of the past."

A Brief History of the Western World, Volume I: To 1715 (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac®)

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A Brief History of the Western World, Volume I: To 1715 (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac®)
Thomas H. Greer , and Gavin Lewis
Manufacturer: Wadsworth Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Early Civilization | Ancient | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0534642373

Book Description

Greer/Lewis's A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WESTERN WORLD, VOLUME I TO 1715 provides you with a comprehensive view of the development of Western civilization in half the pages of other texts. Each chapter provides broad coverage of political, social, cultural, and religious themes. Includes a CD-ROM and access to an online university library.

The Western Heritage, Volume I: To 1715 (Brief 3rd Edition)

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Taste depends on student...high schooler or college?
Kristen
A well balanced study guide with heterogenous perspectives

The Western Heritage, Volume I: To 1715 (Brief 3rd Edition)
Donald M. Kagan , Steven Ozment , Frank M. Turner , A. Daniel Frankforter , and Donald Kagan
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0130415766

Book Description

This concise, full-color survey of Western civilization provides an exceptionally balanced survey of the political, social, and cultural development of Western civilization--its strengths and weaknesses, and the controversies surrounding it. Covers the major eras of Western civilization from its birth to 1740. Focuses on several critical themes--1) the development of political freedom, constitutional government, and concern for the rule of law and individual rights; 2) the shifting relations among religion, society, and the state; 3) the development of science and technology and their expanding impact on thought, social institutions, and everyday life; 4) the major religious and intellectual currents that have shaped Western culture. For anyone interested in Western Civilization and European History.

Customer Reviews:

Taste depends on student...high schooler or college?.......2003-01-18

If you are in college and like to read technical documents, hey, it's probably the book for you! If you're like me, a high schooler, and you really like and remember documentaries from the History Channel but have a hard time reading extensive historical info, don't get this book! You'll end up spacing out from boredom because it gets too complex and you have to reread each paragraph 3 or 4 times just to remember it for the next 10 minutes.

This book is so boring that I often find myself staring blankly at the page for long periods of time wondering why I even signed up for Dual Enrollment Western Civilization (we use this book, unfortunately). The text, which bombards you with facts, dates, names, and geographical locations one after the other unceasingly, is enough to scare anyone away from a history major. It has numerous maps (one every couple pages), but geez, the book is the cure for insomnia for crying out loud! Two words into the text and I'm out like a light! It is far too technical. It also talks of things as if you already knew what they were talking about, like it's supposed to be a refresher for us.

As an 11th grader on block schedule, I have already taken World History (1 year ago), and I have to say, I remember more from THAT textbook right now (which wasn't fun either) than from that which I read last night from this textbook. Lists of dates and names don't cut it. It doesn't give interesting info, and some areas are surprisingly summarized into only a few sentences while others are unmercifully long winded; and should not begun to be read past 6 PM! God forbid a battle come up, it's like a list of geographical locations: so and so fought at the [insert place], whereafter they fought at [name] and so forth until I can't even clearly distinguish from the text WHY the battle even started in the first place. The Persian War and Peloponnesian War are what we've covered on the war fronts, and they listed what the militaries did and where they fought. It was like a manual. I'm sure that's great reading for a historian, but for the average Joe, it's equivalent to staring at a blank wall for 10 hours- you don't accomplish or remember anything.

That's a high schooler's take on the book. For a high schooler, this book equals doom! For older people, it might be a pleasant read....(*yeah, sure...)

Kristen.......2002-09-03

The book looked brand new. It arrived in about a week. I would recommend to anyone!

A well balanced study guide with heterogenous perspectives.......2000-03-29

This is a well balanced study guide with a variety of questions and answers. There are no tips or model answers for the considerations of specific documents, it would help to also have an orientation. Just as there are answers to multiple choice, true false, and completion it would help to have answers on further consideration of the documents section. The Map exercises should also have there answers in order to benefit from such exercises especially when your working with distances between cities, locations. Take the case of Chapter 14, how long would it take to reach the Moon on a mountain bike, with a car, on a jet, or a cruise ship, it all depends on the speed that you may assign to the vehicle. This is like playing TRIVIA, pag. 143. Suggestions for further consideration should have a model answer unless you require just an opinion.

Book Description

Aimed primarily at those outside of the field of statistics, this book not only provides an accessible introduction to measure theory, stochastic calculus, and stochastic processes, with particular emphasis on martingales and Brownian motion, but develops into an excellent user's guide to filtering. Including exercises for students, it will be a complete resource for engineers, signal processing researchers, or anyone with an interest in practical implementation of filtering techniques, in particular, the Kalman filter. Three separate chapters concentrate on applications arising in finance, genetics, and population modelling.

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