The production and diffusion of public choice political economy: reflections on the VPI center [A book review from: Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization]

The production and diffusion of public choice political economy: reflections on the VPI center [A book review from: Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization]
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The production and diffusion of public choice political economy: reflections on the VPI center [A book review from: Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization]
E.P. Stringham
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000RR55HY

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, published by Elsevier in . The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

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Book Description

With this book, Richard A. Epstein provides a spirited and systematic defense of classical liberalism against the critiques mounted against it over the past thirty years. One of the most distinguished and provocative legal scholars writing today, Epstein here explains his controversial ideas in what will quickly come to be considered one of his cornerstone works.

He begins by laying out his own vision of the key principles of classical liberalism: respect for the autonomy of the individual, a strong system of private property rights, the voluntary exchange of labor and possessions, and prohibitions against force or fraud. Nonetheless, he not only recognizes but insists that state coercion is crucial to safeguarding these principles of private ordering and supplying the social infrastructure on which they depend. Within this framework, Epstein then shows why limited government is much to be preferred over the modern interventionist welfare state.

Many of the modern attacks on the classical liberal system seek to undermine the moral, conceptual, cognitive, and psychological foundations on which it rests. Epstein rises to this challenge by carefully rebutting each of these objections in turn. For instance, Epstein demonstrates how our inability to judge the preferences of others means we should respect their liberty of choice regarding their own lives. And he points out the flaws in behavioral economic arguments which, overlooking strong evolutionary pressures, claim that individual preferences are unstable and that people are unable to adopt rational means to achieve their own ends. Freedom, Epstein ultimately shows, depends upon a skepticism that rightly shuns making judgments about what is best for individuals, but that also avoids the relativistic trap that all judgments about our political institutions have equal worth.

A brilliant defense of classical liberalism, Skepticism and Freedom will rightly be seen as an intellectual landmark.

Customer Reviews:

Almost a classic.......2003-06-10

Anyone looking for a balanced, albeit compassionate, but not mushy, defense of limited government should be directed to read this superb book. All writing is social. For some time Epstein has been having a running dialogue - or shall we say a running battle of words - in his books with apologists for the welfare state such as Cass Sunstein's contrapuntal book The Cost of Rights: Why Liberty Depends on Taxes (1999). Epstein deftly exposes the flawed assumptions of his opponents - that more taxes and regulation do not result in greater liberty, compassion, or even a bigger economic pie. The problem with Epstein's book, as opposed to those of his rivals, is few outside academia may read it. Epstein can sometimes write eloquently - such as when he summarizes the "melancholy truth" that wealth redistribution works for the powerful not the needy with the apt phrase: "there is many a slip between cup and lip." Epstein can out-reason both his opponents on his Left and Right - such welfare absolutists as Cass Sunstein on one hand, and such moral relativists as laissez fairest Richard Posner on the other (Economic Analysis of Law 1998). But his book appeals to the rational and those of his Big Government opponents to the emotional. Unfortunately, few may find Epstein's first chapter on "Two Forms of Skepticism" (which he never really explains) as engaging and may likely put the book down at that point. Epstein explains that this is perhaps the last book in his trilogy (Simple Rules, 1995 and Principles for a Simple Society, 1998) and apologizes to his family for taking time to write a book for which he says they don't entirely approve. I would hope that Epstein would write a fourth book, albeit a dumbed-downed, more emotional and experiential book that would have wider appeal and of which maybe even his family would approve. But then if he did that maybe his compelling arguments for limited government would be diluted and lost. So my suggestion for readers is to plod through Epstein's "inepstein" beginning of his book and you will find it worthwhile. Then again, a classic is a book that appeals to a wide range of readers, and maybe Epstein will someday write us such a book. He nearly does it with this one. Highly recommended.

A noble failure.(Skepticism And Freedom: A Modern Case For Classical Liberalism)(Book Review): An article from: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life

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A noble failure.(Skepticism And Freedom: A Modern Case For Classical Liberalism)(Book Review): An article from: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life
Daniel J. Mahoney
Manufacturer: Institute on Religion and Public Life
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life, published by Institute on Religion and Public Life on January 1, 2004. The length of the article is 1842 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: A noble failure.(Skepticism And Freedom: A Modern Case For Classical Liberalism)(Book Review)
Author: Daniel J. Mahoney
Publication: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life (Refereed)
Date: January 1, 2004
Publisher: Institute on Religion and Public Life
Issue: 139 Page: 57(5)

Article Type: Book Review

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Probing liberty's first principles.(Book Review): An article from: Regulation

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Probing liberty's first principles.(Book Review): An article from: Regulation
Donald J. Boudreaux
Manufacturer: Cato Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Regulation, published by Cato Institute on March 22, 2004. The length of the article is 2008 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: Probing liberty's first principles.(Book Review)
Author: Donald J. Boudreaux
Publication: Regulation (Refereed)
Date: March 22, 2004
Publisher: Cato Institute
Volume: 27 Issue: 1 Page: 60(3)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Skepticism And Freedom : A Modern Case For Classical Liberalism

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Skepticism And Freedom : A Modern Case For Classical Liberalism
Richard Epstein
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPEFO8

Skepticism and Freedom: A Modern Case for Classical Liberalism (Studies in Law and Economics)

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Skepticism and Freedom: A Modern Case for Classical Liberalism (Studies in Law and Economics)
Richard A. Epstein
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OPCH2U

Book Description

All twenty-seven papers in this collection share a concern to promote a 'holistic' ecological approach to farming. They survey a range of ecoagricultural topics: soil management, integrated pest management, farming systems, institutional supports and barriers, all with specific reference to Eastern and Southern Africa. The papers reflect some of the variety of indigenous knowledge, current research and training efforts that will contribute to agricultural renewal in Eastern and Southern Africa. The volume is one of five of the output of the Environmental Capacity Enhancement Project - a four year project involving participants from thirteen African countries.

Book Description

Dreaming of a business of your own but spooked by the recent changes in the economy? Starting a niche business could be the answer! By finding a niche in which you can build your own unique stronghold, you can attract and maintain customers who will pay you top dollar for your goods and services.

Customer Reviews:

niche: what makes a business different.......2007-06-23

A niche business is one that serves a small geographic area or a small portion of a big market where the needs of the customers are more specific, more specialized. The main advantage of a niche business is the lack of direct competition.

I was first introduced to this concept reading J.J. Luna's books. One of J.J. Luna's own experiences of niche businesses is the alarm company he established in Canary Islands in 1960's. There was virtually no crime in Canary Islands until there was an increase in international trade and the seamen from foreign ships started breaking into jewelry shops and stealing the goods just before their ship left the harbor for high sees. In response to the new need, J.J. Luna ordered some alarm systems from the U.S., analyzed them and developed a system of his own. His company was the only company which can address a specific need.

This excellent book by Jennifer Basye Sander and Peter Sander is about the same concept of niche business. It starts with a section describing what niche is and goes on to other chapters about how to discover such a niche idea; how to evaluate if your idea is a good, feasible one. In order to better clarify the meaning of the concept, perhaps it is a good idea to give examples of niche businesses from the book.

One of them is the mother who had children with milk allergies. She experimented baking with different ingredients and ended up with a number of recipes which tasted excellent and children with such allergies could eat. When she discovered that there is an interest coming from other people with the same problem, she started a bakery specializing in allergy-safe products. She was, and continuous to be, the only one serving a small section of the public.

Another one is the gentleman who wanted to get back to his teenage hobby of riding a unicycle. He discovered that there was nobody around who sells unicycles and it was difficult even to get them through mail order, and there wasn't a large selection. He launched unicyle.com as a side business but in a short time, his business grew big enough to convince him to quit his job at IBM after 23 years. It turns out there was a good number of people who are interested in unicycles, who had the same problems as this gentlemen in finding them. He had discovered a niche market.

"Niche and Grow Rich" goes beyond just describing what a niche business is and how to discover one of your own and evaluating if your idea is a good one. In later chapters, it examines related topics about establishing your company, protecting your idea with trademark laws, considering going online, getting recognition, etc. Many enthusiastic would-be internet entepreneurs might find the "taking your niche online" chapter interesting. Generally, the book suggests caution and a resistance to the temptation to going online under the assumption that any new idea is sure to make a lot of money on the internet. In fact, it says that internet serves only as a brochure for many businesses and nothing more. In the case of unicycle.com it worked because the needs of unicyclist can't be efficiently served through traditional channels. There simply aren't enough riders for a small bicycle store owner to justify stocking more than one model, if they stock any at all.

Overall, this is an excellent book which I can wholeheartedly recommend to anybody.

Differentiate your business from the competition, and you will probably succeed. This book can help........2007-05-13

The title confuses me a little. I keep thinking of Think and Grow Rich, or Speak and Grow Rich. I think the title would have been better if it had not included the word "niche." In fact, I kind of liked the tag line to the title better: Practical Ways to Turn Your Ideas into a Business.

I enjoyed reading this book which appears to have been written for novice entrepreneurs. My SCORE clients will probably get something out of it. It's practical, conversational, and very basic.

I think if you read this book as advising you to DIFFERENTIATE your business idea from your competition, then you will get a lot more out of it. Creating a true niche business is very difficult, and usually costly, to do. And anyone starting a new business has enough trouble trying to fit into an already established market rather than trying to invent a new one. My understanding of a niche is having your own market.

The material covered in this book can be very helpful to anyone who has to analyze their business idea and figure out a way to turn it into a profitable business. It won't act as a blue print to success, but it will be an educational read providing a general overview of what one should think about when trying to be successful as an entrepreneur.

The online Table of Contents for this book is very detailed. By giving it a quick look on Amazon you can see for yourself what is covered and determine whether the book will discuss things that might interest you in your research on how to start your business. I recommend it. 4 stars!

Best book on why and how to narrow your niche ..........2006-06-24

... I've discovered after reading five books that covered this topic for my book, SmartPartnering.

The authors' extensive experience in publishing, and in running niche-based businesses shows. Their writing is practical, conversational and - most importantly - specific (no fluff).

Niche and Grow Rich is helpful for both those fleeing corporate life and the seasoned business owners who are seeking higher profitability.

Every boomer looking for more independence, money and satisfaction with their work in this next chapter of their life should get this book to smooth their way: matching their interests and experience with the kind of market they will be adept at and happy to serve.

I've recommended this book from the platform at 48 conferences so far and have received only raving emails from those who bought it.
- Kare Anderson, author SmartPartnering, Walk Your Talk, Getting What You Want, Resolving Conflict Sooner, Beauty Inside Out, etc.(sayitbetter.com)

5 stars for those who are new to business...........2006-06-22

I only gave this book 5 stars for those who are new to business and marketing. If you have no background in neither this would be a good general overview book. For those who are at least knowlegable of the subjects mentioned this book would not be a good read, it is very basic in content. It appears to be an updated edtion with of course the added chapter on "web marketing",this seems to be popular with authors these days with tring to get additional sales of there old outdated books. DO not read this book if you are already into business or have an understanding of the marketing process. I'm giving my copy away free, Anyone want it?

Great Book for entrepreneurs!.......2006-03-03

This book was mentioned in Black Enterprise (February or March 2006) magazine article featuring successful niche businesses. The book does not disappoint. You can find your niche and dominating it with this book.

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Niche and Grow Rich
Jennifer Basye Sander
Manufacturer: Entrepreneur Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MC0FO2

Book Description

This classic Internet marketing manual is an advanced guide to setting up your own Internet sales channel with affiliate programs. Put into action by many of the biggest programs, this is a must read to build performance marketing that pays on results, instead of paying for impressions.

Customer Reviews:

great guide.......2000-06-29

This is great book on how to set up affiliate programs. It really goes in depth & walks you through in a step by step manner. Whether you are a novice or a pro on the web, this book will definately help you create, manage, and improve your affiliate program.

Good Start for Affiliate Selling.......2000-06-23

To get a good start on all the basic business concepts for how to establish a network of affiliates to sell your product through the internet, this loose leaf binder (with a tape inside) isn't too bad. It pulls together in one place the information that it would take a lot of searching on the web to pull out.

However, because the author also runs one of the affiliate web sites, he is very light on talking about the services that are competitive to his AdNet business. (AdNet is the publisher of the book.) The case histories he discusses are somewhat detailed -- but they are OLD -- from 1998 or so, and the world has changed since then. Also the companies' write ups have the feel of the clients from his firm, so they are not particularly sharply written or edited.

From Heaven to Earthsoft Landing Your Family Budget: Soft Landing Your Family Budget14 Steps to Manage Downsizing Family Finances in Downsizing Times
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Thoughtful, lot of good material, simple language

From Heaven to Earthsoft Landing Your Family Budget: Soft Landing Your Family Budget14 Steps to Manage Downsizing Family Finances in Downsizing Times
Michelle Eagles
Manufacturer: Writers Club Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Budgeting & Money Management | Personal Finance | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0595259162

Book Description

In 1999, according to IRS data, my family got into the first 5% of American households by income. Surprisingly, we were not rich. We still were uncomfortable about the time when our kids will go to a college, and our retirement plans were far from clear, but it was not too bad either. We were able to have what we need, keep accounting loose, and the balance on the checking account was still slowly but persistently coming up. In 2001, with the dot-Com melt, my company had downsized and I lost my job as a software developer. We started to live on my husband’s salary and every month became a struggle. Sounds familiar? Today many families find themselves in a complicated financial situation. Families who lived on two salaries, have to adjust to only one. Families who counted on stock options, now have to live on salary. But salaries don’t grow today as they used to, if they grow at all. And despite all the money you still bring home, and all the efforts you apply, you are still slowly, but consistently going down. These are the families that this book is written for.

Customer Reviews:

Thoughtful, lot of good material, simple language.......2003-02-18

When I first started to look through this book, I decided that it's all trivial. Then I looked again, hm-m-m... I actually never thought about most of this "trivial" stuff before. The language was simple, true, but it's amazing how many good hints are there. I regularly read books on personal finance, and this book does not repeat them. Say, did you ever wonder how banks make money on those "0% APR introductory offers"? And did you even thought why it is important to know? Yes, good question contains most of the answer. Because that's what you pay, if you use this "free" credit. And this book is good with both questions and answers. Another example: if your income is $100 short from your expenses, how much expenses you should cut? $100, right? Now, if you cannot cut expenses, how much you have to earn? $100? Not keeping in mind income tax! Assume your effective federal income tax rate last year was 15% and your tax bracket was 33%, then how much? $115? $133? $150? Wrong, quite a bit more!

The cover says, it's good for teenagers, and that's true. I'll try to make my teenager kids read it. In a few years they are going to a college, and I want them to be smart about their money. The cover says that it's also good for everybody who has come to this country and tries to make sense of our financial life. I suppose that's true too. But it's also definitely good for a lot of other folk. It was good for me, and I am not a teenager.

In Charge of Customer Satisfaction (In Charge)
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In Charge of Customer Satisfaction (In Charge)
Roger Cartwright , and George Green
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Customer Service | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0631200878

Total quality practices in service organizations: Results of a research study by Take Charge Consultants, Inc. and the Philadelphia Area Council for Excellence
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Total quality practices in service organizations: Results of a research study by Take Charge Consultants, Inc. and the Philadelphia Area Council for Excellence
Daniel N Kanouse
Manufacturer: Take Charge Consultants
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006P5V1W

Book Description

This book provides an evaluation of Peruvian politics and economics in the 1990s, on the evidence available up until the end of 1997. The purpose is twofold: to detect continuities and discontinuities between the Fujimori period and earlier ones, and to offer an answer -- however tentative -- to the question of whether the Fujimori government has laid the basis for greater future stability. The answers to these questions are mixed. There appear to be more continuities than many suppose, even though 1990 in many ways was a 'turning point.' And while the Fujimori government helped provide a more stable context than the one it inherited, it is by no means clear that the changes it has brought about will prove sustainable over the longer run. The political model looks particularly brittle.

Democracy Derailed?: An article from: Harvard International Review

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Democracy Derailed?: An article from: Harvard International Review
M. James Faison
Manufacturer: Harvard International Relations Council, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books