The Art of Self-Renewal: Balancing Pressure and Productivity on and Off the Job

Book Description

A major contribution to the study of bankruptcy and to our understanding of debtors and creditors who end up in bankruptcy court.

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Study.......2007-02-19

The authors add a lot of substance to the basic tautology that people who are broke declare bankruptcy. Not only do they both acknowledge and recognize this basic tautology, for the first time, in quantitative terms, they define just what it means to be broke. For the authors, merely coming up short at the end of the month does not qualify one as being broke (though most of us wage earning schmucks would tend to disagree). They demonstrate exactly what level of indebtedness generally forces people to seek the protection of the bankruptcy courts. Based on their work, the key metric appears to be the debt to income ratio, and their analysis shows that the bankrupt tend to have debts that exceed their gross annual income, or in quantitative terms, a debt to income ratio greater than one. Finally, they establish a tipping point based on the debt to income ratio that specifies the point in time at which the indebted fall into the abyss of bankruptcy, which appears to be when debts are eight-tenths of a household's most recent full employment annual gross income.

Honestly speaking, although the material presented is dense, and the text is top-heavy with citations, footnotes and whatnot, the book still reads well. The authors manage to provide a comprehensive treatment of the topic without sacrificing readability. The reader learns about the history and function of US bankruptcy, the various debtors in bankruptcy and also gleans a fair bit of knowledge about creditors in bankruptcy. One slight improvement to the text would have been a summary chapter for the time pressed which could have highlighted the major findings of the study. Otherwise, the authors succeeded admirably in contributing something of value to the bankruptcy literature and to general scholarship.

The book does have several severe limitations, most likely put in place by a colluding cabal of federal agencies and private banking/financial institutions (one could speculate with giddy glee as to why these parties would not want a clear picture of bankruptcy to emerge). I noticed that the sample size, which stood at about 2400, was barely adequate for good statistical inference. The authors pulled the sample from records obtained in three states. A more appropriate (and comprehensive) study would have obtained samples of about this size from each and every state of the union. A statistically literate observer would note that any inferences about the larger population based on such a small sample size would be highly suspect, given that obvious socioeconomic and demographic differences exist within each state, and also that bankruptcy laws tend to vary from state to state. Still, at no point did the authors reason beyond the limits of the available data, nor did they engage in any speculation. In the authors' defense, I must concede that subsequent studies into the US bankruptcy conundrum have affirmed all of their conclusions and most disturbingly, their predictions. The other crippling limitation of this study was the inability to glean the actual reasons for and the progression toward bankruptcy in each particular case. This particular handicap could not have been addressed based on the methodology employed by this study; however, the authors did address these specific points in a follow-up study, which they published in 2000 titled, The Fragile Middle Class- Americans in Debt.

Still, the amount of information that the authors uncovered, as well as their findings based on this information, caused me considerable discomfort. Throughout the narrative, the authors skillfully slay several myths surrounding bankruptcy, and lay bare some disturbing truths about who goes into bankruptcy, and just how bankruptcy comes to pass, albeit in general terms. I found the following observations and conclusions from the book to be the most disturbing:

Bankruptcy is largely a middle-class phenomenon, and generally is not an avenue available to the poor. By middle-class, I mean those that have upwardly-mobile economic aspirations, generally some education beyond high school, and gainfully employed, wage-earning schmucks (the authors present their own more elaborate and more comprehensive definition in the text).

The powers-that-be have progressively made bankruptcy less generous and more difficult for the debtor to obtain. Additionally, the system has steadily funneled more debtors into chapter 13 and fewer and fewer into chapter 7, while simultaneously depriving the debtor of a fighting chance to emerge from bankruptcy and achieve the promise of a fresh start.

The likelihood of bankruptcy increases not only with debt levels, but also with marital status and homeownership. Apart from the obvious observation that married people tend to have higher incomes and assets than their single counterparts, and that homeownership (by this I mean mortgages) go hand in hand with higher debt, the major finding of the study was that a married homeowner was way more likely to go into bankruptcy than a single renter. As such, the results seem to support the counter-intuitive notion that marriage and homeownership are far from being the safe harbors and islands of stability that all of us generally consider them to be, and usually are the key ingredients for a bankruptcy. I do not mean to say that marriage and homeownership cause bankruptcy; they merely tend to be pre-existing states which in more than a few cases further exacerbate, rather than ameliorate, a financial crisis, which in all honesty is usually caused by some other precipitating event. A critical reader should, as a given, bear in mind that other forces are always at work (such as divorce, job loss and illness to name a few).

Women tend to seek bankruptcy protection more frequently than men, and both sexes tend to seek bankruptcy protection in equal frequencies after a divorce. Interestingly, single men (who may also rent) tend to have the lowest bankruptcy rates, while single females as a group (inclusive of all marital and childbearing combinations) have the highest bankruptcy rates (note also that married women have lower bankruptcy rates than unmarried women). This disturbing outcome seems to strongly imply that from a financial standpoint, marriage is a stabilizing force for women and a de-stabilizing force for men.

In sum, the authors have produced a detailed analysis of the socio-economics and the demography of failure, both economic and financial, in America. As such, I believe the book should be required reading for anyone looking to own a home or get married in this great nation of ours.

SELF-FULLFILLING PROPHECY OF DEBT.......2004-03-07

This book does an outstanding job of delivering the message that Americans are tapped out of money. From record setting personal bankruptcies to U.S. government's pension for borrowing, it is very easy to see that we as a populis and as a nation are on the edge of a new financial depression. An Excellent Read for Anyone interested in the Truth. - Mason Johnson, President, www.tomorrowsgold.com

A Federally-Funded Tautology?.......2002-07-29

The federal government funded this "empirical" study of the "choices" available to those who have filed for bankruptcy.

The principal finding? People who file for bankruptcy are broke. A true revelation.

So where is Senator Proxmire when you need him?

Landmark Study of Consumer Bankruptcy in the U.S........2000-05-16

As We Forgive Our Debtors is a result of a landmark study of bankrupt debtors in the 1980s. The authors, three of the leading experts on bankruptcy in the United States, focus on who files for bankruptcy. Contrary to widespread myth, most bankrupts are not irresponsible spendthrifts who could afford to pay their debts. Instead, they cross all income and occupational levels. What they do have in common is they have insurmountable financial problems resulting from crises in their lives, including divorce, job loss, and medical problems.

What is perhaps most disturbing is that single women have been and are increasingly filing for bankruptcy, thanks to their much lower salaries to begin with. It is this group who would suffer most from any kind of so-called bankruptcy reform.

This book, while it is geared for an academic market, is actually highly readable, with copious footnotes at the end of each chapter. The book, while originally published in 1989, is more timely than ever as Congress is considering a fatally flawed bankruptcy reform bill which would be devasting to the vast majority of people filing for bankruptcy but a boon to the credit card industry.

I highly recommend this book and its sequel, The Fragile Middle Class.

Average customer rating:
As We Forgive Our Debtors - Bankruptcy and Consumer Credit in America
Teresa A. and Warren, Elizabeth and Westbrook, Jay Lawrence Sullivan
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Credit Ratings & Repair | Personal Finance | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000OKIUM6

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As We Forgive Our Debtors: Bankruptcy and Consumer Credit in America
Teresa A.; Warren, Elizabeth; Westbrook, Jay Lawrence Sullivan
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Credit Ratings & Repair | Personal Finance | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000OKQCM6

Average customer rating:
As We Forgive Our Debtors: Bankruptcy and Consumer Credit in America
Teresa A.; Warren, Elizabeth; Westbrook, Jay Lawrence Sullivan
Manufacturer: Oxford Univ Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Credit Ratings & Repair | Personal Finance | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000KPXUS4

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Clinical Legal Education: A Textbook For Law School Clinical Programs
David A. Chavkin
Manufacturer: Anderson Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 158360779X

Book Description

Agricultural policy developments in OECD countries in 1996 unfolded against a background of high commodity prices, budgetary pressures, the BSE crisis in the beef sector, and the implementation of the Uruguay Round trade agreement on agriculture. Agricultural policies are becoming more complex and diverse. The environment and rural development are attracting increasing attention of policy-makers. This tenth annual report evaluates progress made in reforming agricultural policies and agricultural trade measures. There is a greater reliance on budget-financed measures, with weaker links to agricultural commodities. While overall support to the agricultural sector decreased in 1996, there are considerable differences in levels of support across countries and commodities. The report is in two parts. The Monitoring and Evaluation provides an evaluation of overall agricultural policy developments, together with a description and evaluation of developments in OECD countries. The detailed background tables, which include data from 1986-88 to 1996, and information on policy developments, are provided in the Measurement of Support and Background Information. This years report also includes sections on the Czech Republic, Hungary, Korea, Mexico, and Poland.

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Describes the use and misuse of the environment and where we seem to be headed as a species on the planet. Emphasizes the geographic aspects of problems, such as air pollution, locational factors, scales considerations, distributions and spatial associations. Provides an overview of the modern environmental dilemma and the factors which need to be examined in order to gain an understanding of the problem. Features a review of our planet's open lands and the effort to preserve and manage them.

Book Description

Excellent study provides detailed account of the Hamiltonian treatment of aberration theory in geometrical optics. Important for design of laser cavities, electron optics, crystal physics, other areas. Author deals in logical progression with many classes of optical systems, defined in terms of the symmetries they possess. Detailed solutions. 1970 edition.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent book with a lot of nice stuff inside.......2007-03-11

This book is so cheap but with so many interesting stuff inside, I guess everyone in optics should know something about symmetry and the general thoery.

Analytical methods.......2001-01-07

This book is by far the best in the field of geometrical optics dealing with 3-d, 5-th and higher orders aberrations in symmetric optical system. The language is very clear and easy to follow, it is written for a broad audience. I would personally recommend it for all how has an interest in the theory of optical aberrations.

Introduction to Hamiltonian Fluid Dynamics and Stability Theory (Chapman & Hall/Crc Monographs and Surveys in Pure and Applied Mathematics, No 102)

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Introduction to Hamiltonian Fluid Dynamics and Stability Theory (Chapman & Hall/Crc Monographs and Surveys in Pure and Applied Mathematics, No 102)
Gordon E Swaters
Manufacturer: Chapman & Hall/CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1584880236

Book Description

Hamiltonian fluid dynamics and stability theory work hand-in-hand in a variety of engineering, physics, and physical science fields. Until now, however, no single reference addressed and provided background in both of these closely linked subjects. Introduction to Hamiltonian Fluid Dynamics and Stability Theory does just that-offers a comprehensive introduction to Hamiltonian fluid dynamics and describes aspects of hydrodynamic stability theory within the context of the Hamiltonian formalism. The author uses the example of the nonlinear pendulum-giving a thorough linear and nonlinear stability analysis of its equilibrium solutions-to introduce many of the ideas associated with the mathematical argument required in infinite dimensional Hamiltonian theory needed for fluid mechanics. He examines Andrews' Theorem, derives and develops the Charney-Hasegawa-Mima (CMH) equation, presents an account of the Hamiltonian structure of the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation, and discusses the stability theory associated with the KdV soliton. The book's tutorial approach and plentiful exercises combine with its thorough presentations of both subjects to make Introduction to Hamiltonian Fluid Dynamics and Stability Theory an ideal reference, self-study text, and upper level course book.

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Dawn of the Beloved: A Novel of Suleyman the Magnificent and the Rise of the Ottoman Empire (French Millennium Library: Contemporary French Fiction)
Louis Gardel
Manufacturer: Studio 9 Books & Music
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Book Description

This gripping novel propels the reader back into the 16th century and the opulence of the empire that ruled the civilized world for several centuries from its Turkish center. The lives of three people -- the Emperor Suleyman, and two former slaves, his wife Hurrem and his Prime Minister Ibrahim -- become intertwined in a lifetime of passion, conflict, conquest and defeat that was the political motor force of European, African and Middle Eastern history. It would end with murder in a fit of violent jealousy. Louis Gardel's style is as stark as the emotions of his main characters and the society and time in which they lived. Cruel practices ruled this center of power, where the victors often physically eliminated not only their rivals but also all of their rivals' male relatives to forestay any eventual challenges to their new rule. High civil servants were appointed then beheaded if they made costly mistakes, plots and machinations in the harem often led to exile or execution, tasters met their fate eating poisoned food destined for their masters, and so on. The center of the Turkish Empire was aswirl with finery and degradation, lofty poetic ideals and base plots, devotion to the Q'ran and devious ignorance of its teachings. It was a place, a time, and a civilization, still not quite understood by Americans, and it spawned a culture we continue to ignore at our own risk. This personal and historical tragedy, played out on the spectacular backdrop of Islam's struggle with other cultures, has been recounted many times in various literary forms and in many langages. This fictionalized version by Louis Gardel is perhaps the truest of all.

Book Description

Yab Ugyen's memoirs reveal the story of a remarkably close and loving family, brought to life through historical photographs of five generations of its members as well as contemporary photographs of those temples, houses and palaces associated with the family. The book includes a description and the only extant photographs of the royal wedding in 1988 of His Majesty the King of Bhutan with four of Yab Ugyen's daughters.

The latter part of the book chronicles Yab Ugyen's struggles as he grows from a fledgling shopkeeper to a successful merchant. Through the dramatic and gripping vicissitudes of his life and fortunes, beautifully narrated by his daughter, Yab Ugyen reveals a simple and inspiring philosophy of life that has enabled him to tide him over hard times and deepened his spiritual faith and belief in the invisible forces of karma.

This biography provides a fascinating and vivid insight of Bhutan. There are intimate and revealing glimpses of traditional life in monastic retreats, remote villages, forts and palaces.

Customer Reviews:

I can't believe people think this is well written.......2007-01-12

I could barely make it through. The beginning is filled with endless Bhutanese names of places and events that eventually are very oblique and confusing. Her story telling ability is very limited and misses any real immediacy since it is a life told to her by her father and then told to the reader. I do not know anything about the history of Bhutan but I had a sense that this was a story only somewhat related to any fact. Her father told her this story and she remembered all of the details to eventually write down? She has a far better memory than most if that is the case! The photos were adequte, but the country is beautiful and the photos could have been so much better. The photos at best illuminated the simple nature of the country and showed the modest situation of the royalty totally devoid of the opulence of a European crown. I would not buy this book.

Great writing and Photoes........2006-07-31

I read many books about bhutan, Mostly, They are seems fictions.

But this book provide me more real informations and photoes.

Her Majesty other book. A portrait of Bhutan also nice.

But The books about Bhutan words and Study of Bhutan are rarely find.

I wish Her Majesty the Queen will find more time to write more books for our understanding.

Many people are discussing about is it real informations?
I do not know but .. We have to research and study more..

Additional reading.......2006-01-07

If you are interested in Bhutanese history, you should read Michael Aris' "The Raven Crown" (1994) first. Unfortunately Aris covers only the period up to about 1960. Despite his intimate knowledge of the royal family (he was tutor to the royal children around 1970) he does not mention the Queens at all and their family only in passing.
"Rainbows and Clouds" offers some interesting glimpses at 20th century Bhutan and at somebody who lived through the huge changes this country has undergone, maybe even helped to shape it. Also there are some interesting pictures. But naturally this is a very personal book without any claim to objectivity and there are some big holes. Especially the issue of Ugyen Dorji's oldest brother "Chogley" Jigme Tenzin is rather perplexing, since Aris does not mention him at all. However, both books basically agree on the death of the Shabdrung in 1931, although as a historian Aris is naturally more careful.
I got the strong impression that this book is in part meant to establish a defined and clean record of the maternal ancestry of the future king and it should therefore be read very critically.

Historians, take note ..........2005-10-22

There is very little written in English on the modern history of Bhutan. This book is a valuable addition to the historical literature of the Himalayan region. In particular, this book reveals facts and circumstances surrounding an assasination, which had been whispered but not recorded.

I am compelled to add that I felt saddened by the several anonymous reviews accusing that this book is a fabricated fiction and was written by a ghost writer. The book's publisher would know that neither of these accusations are true. As a matter of rule, I have always thrown away anonymous hate mails -- which is the category these reviews belong to. I have always learned a great deal from those who offer constructive criticisms and comments honestly. Such people never hide their identity.

What a funny, but saddly false book!.......2004-07-10

As a real Bhutanese who has read this book, I have to say that grand liberties taken by Ashi Dorji Wangmo are truly funny. So what if she writes well? She had a ghost writter anyway. She has totally invented her family's tree to give legitimacy to some claim to royal origins even though she is already married to the His Majesty the King. Big mistake on her part because the people she claims to be related to are still living. I wonder why she would do this when everyone in Bhutan is laughing at her fantasy behind her back? Could it be that the truth is relative and if you tell a lie long enough it becomes the truth? Of course most people would never in a million years say anything publicly. Maybe her father the notorious land stealer (because he is the king's infuriating father in-law) told her this and she really believes it. HM is really a good guy, but his in-laws do as they wish and the local people who only have a plot of land to grow rice really don't like it when she comes on official visits to the Dzongkhags. The people respect HM and love him and would do anything for him and the country are weary of self aggrandizing ashies at the people's expense.

It's too bad that I have to use a pseudonym, for fear of my own business being ruined by the newly royals monopolies .

Book Description

In the early 1600s, Francis Bacon could encompass all knowledge of both the physical and the metaphysical in a single term: natural philosophy. Over the next two hundred years, however, natural philosophy gradually split into philosophy—the study of first causes and ways of knowing—and science—the study of the material world, based on direct observation and verifiable experiment.

Science was not initially an exclusively masculine domain. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, women received doctorates in physics and taught at universities. They corresponded with Descartes and dared to question his premises and conclusions. In astronomy, they worked side-by-side with men to make observations and calculate cometary orbits. They not only translated and illustrated scientific works but published original syntheses and reports based on their own research. Gradually, however, as access to the new knowledge became institutionalized, women were excluded, and by the beginning of the nineteenth century, the roles open to women were deemed secondary to those of men. Women's ideas or discoveries were subsumed under the names of male colleagues, dismissed as the work of amateurs, or viewed as marginal and easily forgotten. This subtle combination of changed circumstances gave the new science a gendered dimension.

Men, Women, and the Birthing of Modern Science traces the division of natural philosophy into the modern categories of philosophy and science and the gradual marginalization of women as intellectuals. Here, ten scholars of gender, women's history, and the history of philosophy and science write on these twin themes, allowing the opportunity for cross-cultural analysis and yielding insights into the history of both science and women.

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