Reviews (8)

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability
Not at all helpful if you are filling out an application for SSDI benefits.More than 3/4 of the book is on the appeal process and social security system jargon.You can tell it is written by a lawyer, its worthless.

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability by Iii MD et al.
This book is invaluable for anyone contemplating a disability claim or for anyone seeking to preserve benefits. The authors explain the elements of a claim; namely the severity of an impairment and its impact on the ability to function in a work environment or setting. The MINE claims are predefined by the law. These are "Medical Improvement Not Expected". i.e. a number of debilitating arthritic diseases or diseases of the musculo-skeletal system
A great reference book overall
This is an excellent book of the whole area of Social Security Disability benefits and how to fill the forms out completely, when to seek an attorney for appeals etc, and a rather extensive section on what the term disability means to Social Security and what diseases, conditions etc qualify and which do not.The only area lacking was disabled spousal Social Security Disability coverage, which a spouse under age 50 with no minor children must file for in the same way the working spouse who becomes disabled would have to do.I plan on donating my copy which I bought via Amazon.com to my local public library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Compensation And Benefits    2. Disability    3. Disability insurance    4. Government - National    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Human Resources & Personnel Management    7. Insurance, Disability    8. Law    9. Legal Reference / Law Profession    10. Public Policy - Social Security    11. Reference    12. Social Security    13. United States   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (209)

Very intelligent economist could have done better
I thoroughly enjoy Krugman's academic work, and the man is a world-class expert on international macroeconomics.
Mark Twain revisited: starve the beast
In 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court', Mark Twain characterizes the relationship between the privileged class and the rest of the population in King Arthur's times as follows: 'sweat blood for them, starve that they might be fed, work that they might play, go naked that they might wear silk and jewels, pay taxes that they might be spared from paying them.' In other words, starve the beast. Keynesian Schmeysian
I hated most of Paul's economics, and, in fact, I hated his stated politics in this book even more, but the book is not about my personal opinions or judgements of Paul's political/economic opinions or his previous job.
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Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Economic Conditions    3. Economic forecasting    4. Government - National    5. Government - U.S. Government    6. Monetary policy    7. Political Science    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Prices    10. Public Policy - Economic Policy    11. Stocks    12. United States    13. 21st century    14. Economics    15. Investment & securities    16. USA   

Editorial Review

With a slew of simultaneous scandals to his credit and numerousongoing investigations pending, President Clinton has been bombarded bythe media in a fashion not seen since the last days of the Nixonadministration. Despite this unwanted attention, Clinton hasmanaged to maintain lofty approval ratings and successfully deflecteven the most ardent attacks. How does he do it? This question isanswered in full in Read more

Features

• Abridged

Reviews (38)

Not the Fluff Cycle
Being a fan of President Clinton I always read a book on his administration with a bit of a bias view.At times this book upset me and other times I was shouting "right on", given these duel responses I have come to the conclusion that, no matter that I did not agree with a number of items, the book is an overall fair look at the Clinton scandal fest. I thought the author did a great job in weaving together the pertinent facts about each of the scandals / issues with the response from the White House.I was very interested in the inside info on how the White House tried to either spin or deflect each of the stories.The author had a great deal of direct quotes of conversations, which really made the book come alive.The information about the White House briefing is worth the price of the book alone.You can actually see this type of activity at work today with the current briefings that are televised. Interesting, but some definite narrative problems
As a political "junkie" and avid reader of political memoirs, pundit rantings, etc., I looked forward to reading Kurtz's Spin Cycle. It was worth the read, but it was ultimately disappointing. and this was just the dress rehearsal (so to speak)
The presidential flacks had done their job.For 1997, at least, their spin had carried the day.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. History    4. Mass Communication Media And Politics    5. Media Studies    6. Political Process - General    7. Political Science    8. Politics - Current Events    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Politics/International Relations    11. Practical Politics    12. Press    13. Press and propaganda    14. Propaganda, American    15. U.S. Government    16. U.S. Public Opinion (Political Aspects)    17. United States    18. United States - 20th Century    19. Central government    20. Clinton, Bill    21. Current Events / Mass Media    22. Propaganda    23. USA   

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Government - Legislative Branch    3. Lobbying    4. Political Process - General    5. Politics - Current Events    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Reference    8. United States    9. Central government    10. Political structure & processes    11. USA   

Editorial Review

Two crusading journalists investigate the FBI's forensic crime lab and deliver a strong indictment against what goes on there. Federal agents regularly dupe the public into accepting "scientific" findings that aren't based upon science at all, they charge, and the lab is infected with a troubling culture where truth plays second fiddle to prosecutorial interests, with information potentially useful to defendants withheld. The book's hero is FBI-scientist-turned-whistle-blower Frederic Whitehurst, and most of the chapters focus on the crime lab's controversial role in high-profile cases involving O.J. Simpson, the World Trade Center bombing, the Unabomber, and others. The authors at times appear to have a pro-prosecution bias of their own, but their conclusions shouldn't be ignored. They probably won't be; as one attorney tells the authors, "No defense lawyer in the country is going to take what the FBI lab says at face value anymore."Read more

Reviews (13)

Extremely Well Done
"Tainting Evidence" is a book about the FBI crime lab.Stop wondering why the FBI always gets their man.They perjure themselves in court.
Excellent
John contributed a chapter to "Into The Buzzsaw". Exposes serious malpractice within the forensic dept of the FBI, how it's been compromised in some of the biggest cases, requiring them to be reopened. From the Oklahoma City bombing to the OJ Simpson trial. Even the FBI explosive expert on the WTC. John's a brave guy, find out why.

God Bless America
How many people remember when this report hit the news? How many people have thought about it since? (show of hands) Since then, how many times have we continued to seek justice utilizing this overblown, corrupt, self-serving organ of the Federal Government? Would you want their evidence at *your* trial, should you for some inauspicious reason find yourself at the wrong end of the military-industrial-prison-pharmaceutical-industry? Read this book and I'm sure you will say, out loud, in unison, with me -- I think not! Nothing has changed since that report hit the airwaves, the FBI continues to fly by the seat of its pants, making things up as it goes along, following orders in order to make sure the prisons are full of the candidates properly chosen by those it *is* accountable to...and it hasn't been accountable to the American people for a very long time. And to think we are basing a *war* on their "evidence" -- and it's a wonder I don't believe a word of it. Frankly, this book is only the tip of the iceberg in FBI complicity and complacence in a world that has gone crazy -- but it's a very important tip. This book is very thorough, documented, professionally written and very readable. A must for the library of any professed patriot. Read more

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Criminal Evidence And Analysis    3. Criminal investigation    4. Criminology    5. Evidence    6. FBI Laboratory    7. Forensic Science    8. Law    9. Political Process - Leadership    10. Political Science    11. Sociology    12. U.S. Government - Intelligence Agencies    13. United States    14. Criminal investigation & detection    15. Political Science / Government / National    16. USA   

Subjects:  1. Civil service    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. Personnel management    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Public Affairs & Administration    8. Public Policy - General    9. Reference    10. United States    11. Central government    12. Personnel & human resources management    13. Political Science / General   

Reviews (4)

Still a key to new ways of thinking for public managers
Mark Moore postulates creating public value as a mode of practical reasoning and an alternative way of conceiving of the public policy challenge in relation with the public administrative enterprise.Moore offers a notion of strategic management in government as a way of linking the traditional study of ends in public policy with the traditional study of means in public administration.Moore postulates a strategic triangle, arguing that a useful conception of public value can be envisioned by managers if they integrate (1) substantive judgments of what would be valuable and effective (2) a diagnosis of political expectations (and legal parameters) and (3) hard-headed calculations of what is operationally feasible.The text articulates ways of thinking about and enacting public value in government, considers approaches and techniques for managing upwards toward politics and downwards toward organizational operations in relation to a wide variety of case studies, and concludes with a consideration of what consciousness or temperament is required of public managers if they are to be successful in managing, effectively and democratically. Excellent and comprehensive
An excellent overview of the public manager as a creator of value.Moore does an excellent job drawing parellels to the private sector to illustrate how public managers need to address the needs of their consumers by creating value.The only downside of the text is the high level style of the writing, which sometimes makes it difficult to follow.

Strategistand Technician
This book is an excellent source for practising public managers and academics and students who interest in public administration. As time passed, people, their representatives and public managers change or need tochange their paradigms. Moore indicates the reason why public organizationsmust change. Organizational posture and position always must be inaccordance with external environment.From the perspective of Moore,public managersmust move away from the technicians that work torealizethe goals imposed by elected officials with the maximum efficiency to thestrategists that analyze the environment and find new ways for creatingmore value for people. This does not mean bureaucratsare completely freeand can think and do whatever they desire. We know this situation points tothe demolishing of the democracy. But Moore stresses that public officialsmust be made accountable for the results and all the time they must beoversighted by citizens, representatives, press, interest groups and publicat large.This book is not a How-to-do guide. But we can adapt theprinciples proposed to the unique circumstances of our organizations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Government - U.S. Government    2. Political Science    3. Politics / Current Events    4. Public Affairs & Administration    5. Sociology    6. Central government    7. Civil service & public sector    8. Political Science / General   

Subjects:  1. Emigration & Immigration    2. Emigration and immigration    3. Emigration and immigration law    4. General    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Political Science    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Public Policy - Social Policy    9. Central government    10. Immigration & emigration    11. Political Science / General    12. USA   

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Reviews (1)

Current Mexican affairs
Anyone interested in Mexico�s modern politics and current events must read this book. I thought the first chapters, those dealing with Mexico's history previous to the 1910 revolution, were a bit useless to the overall effect. However, most of the book deals with the country's cultural and political aspects in such a way as to make it a necessary companion to the study of present day Mexico. There are many revealing ideas, and above all, I think, the author is able to transmit to the reader more than facts or oppinions about Mexico's government: heis able to clarify and express those things one always notices about Mexico without one ever beeing able to conceptualize into words.Althoug the author does not inted to be prophetic, I think that he was knowledgeable enough to foresee many of the developments that have just recently taken place after this book's publishing, so that one can clearly see the underlying motives and reasons of those changes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Economic Conditions    3. General    4. History    5. Latin America - Mexico    6. Mexico    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Social conditions    9. Social conflict    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - General    12. American history: from c 1900 -    13. Central government    14. History / Mexico    15. MEXICO_HISTORY    16. MEXICO_POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT    17. Social history   

Subjects:  1. Directories    2. Government - National    3. Government - State & Provincial    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. Reference   

Reviews (4)

Napoleonic complex on a national level
Ever wonder why North Korea is such a ... arrogant little country? This book will tell you exactly why. Guerrilla leaders scarred by years of eating rats, living in the hills, and butchering Japanese invaders do not necessarily possess the skills needed to run a country! This book is a must for anybody interested in the current standoff between America and Pyongyang, which North Korea seems to believe will end with the Korean peninsula being devoured by a sea of fire. Kim Il Sung's early days as a revolutionary and guerrilla fighter are given much attention, as are the purges he carried out in order to become the supreme leader. If you're looking for a play-by-play account of the Korean War, look elsewhere though- this book sweeps quickly through that period. The author focuses primarily on Kim's tight-rope act between the Soviet Union (which gave him the job in the first place), China (which saved his butt from the American-led U.N. forces), and the U.S. (which has refrained from crushing lil' Kim's summer camp of starvation in the name of East Asian harmony). Other topics addressed by the author include: Kim's frustration at not being acknowledged as the Emperor of the Third World, Kim's frustration at not being able to feed his population while spending 99.99% of his country's slight earnings on military hardware, Kim's frustration that the rest of the world didn't care much about the Korean problem (until now, of course), and Kim's frustration at not receiving a THIRD honorary degree from some university in Africa or Southeast Asia (naw, just kidding...but you get the point). The only complaint I have is this: the avalanche of names and details that sometimes disrupts the narrative. Perhaps a little too scholarly for anybody not specifically interested in the history of the North Korean Communist Party from 1946-1980's. Still, if you can get past this, the book is rewarding, and one will walk away knowing who Kim Il Sung was, how his son maneuvered into power, and why North Korea is a country with a Napoleonic complex.

Good for explainig North KOrea and understanding it.
This is essential for understanding North Korea and how it relates to the world of today.To undestand North Korea you must understand it's founder Kim Il Sung.The book goes on to show how he created a Stalinist State and huge army to insure it's survival.It talks about the many attempts on the lives of south korean presidents and his unpredictable nature that he passed on to his son and successor.Understandin Kin Il Sung will help the reader understand why Noth Korea is today run more like a cult than a country and why it is the most secretive country in the world today and a failed society.

Very helpful book if visiting North Korea
In 2001 I visited North Korea and found this book very helpful because our guides would only give us the official version of their history. The book is packed full of information and the only one I have found that explains how Kim Il Sung gained and kept power. Dae-Sook Sue has put a great deal of reseach into the book and let's hope he writes another book on North Korea covering Kim Jong Il present reign and the future of the country. There is no other county like North Korea so I recommend reading the book then visiting the country. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1912-    2. Asia - Korea    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. General    8. Heads of state    9. Kim, Il-s‘ong,    10. Korea (North)    11. Korea - History    12. Political    13. History / Asia   

Reviews (28)

This was most likely written by the fool himself
Rumsfeld is not only a disgrace to the American Nation, rather he is a disgrace to humanity and all that it stands for.Apparently the author fails to confront any actual news sources, instead taking tiny tidbits that the idiot Rumsfeld had accomplished (believe it or not, he was able to "assassinate a terrorist"), and blows them to epic proportions, portraying Rumsfeld as some sort of mythical god.This book is a digrace to the American Nation.If the crap this author wrote is considered "factual", than apparently the War in Iraq is going just as planned, and believe it or not, the Iraqi insurgents love us!This book is absolutely disgusting.Resign Rumsfeld, resign now.

Revolt Of The Wimpy Generals Explained
Though Rowan Scarborough wrote this book a good two years before a half dozen retired generals decided to publicly reveal their lack of the necessary intestinal fortitude to bandy sharp words with a septuagenarian, his book makes the reason for their incessant whining crystal clear: as a boss, Donald Rumsfeld is a real hard-ass.
portrait of an intellectual
I was as profoundly impressed with Scarborough's book as with the subject. This is as detailed a history as anyone would ever want. From his early years as a contemporary of Gerald Ford and his influence in that administration after the Nixon disaster, to the man who claims title as the youngest and oldest secretary of defense our nation has known.
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Subjects:  1. 1932-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Cabinet officers    5. Government - U.S. Government    6. Military - United States    7. Military Policy    8. National Security Issues    9. Political    10. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    11. Political Science    12. Politics/International Relations    13. Rumsfeld, Donald,    14. United States    15. War on Terrorism, 2001-    16. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    17. Political Science / Government / National   

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Asian Americans    3. Communication    4. Encyclopedias    5. Government (Specific Aspects)    6. Government - National    7. Government - U.S. Government    8. Intercultural Communication    9. Minorities    10. Political Process - Leadership    11. Political Science    12. Political activity    13. Politics / Current Events    14. Politics and government    15. Reference    16. United States    17. Ethnic studies    18. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    19. Political Science / Government / National    20. Reference works    21. USA   

Reviews (3)

Gives great insight to American government
I was amazed at how interesting this book was.I used it for a class I was taking, and I had many preconceived notions that I would not like the class.I was very surprised that everything was so interesting. The author has gathered all of the latest information that was available during the publication of the book, and intergrates the ideas and concepts very well.The book gives you information that a normal person of the "general public" would not have known.I found that every chapter had something to learn that benefited me and that everything in this book applied to me as an American.Great text for my online class; I'm glad we used this book.

Great Intro to American Politics Textbook
Excellent intro to politics text. I highly recommend it for a classroom or for anyone really who wants to sit down with a plain-spoken piece to get you to understand our government. Whether it is for someone with little knowledge as to who this vast bureaucracy works, or for someone with a fairly good knowledge of it all - I don't think it will disappoint. I love their attitude,I want to read it in English!
I'm reading this book in Chinese,I love it! Our teachers never told me about it, they just teached us what is 'right'. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Government - National    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. Local government    4. Political Ideologies - Democracy    5. Political Science    6. Politics - Current Events    7. Politics and government    8. Politics/International Relations    9. United States    10. Political structures: democracy   

Reviews (7)

Great read for anyone/everyone
Whether starting to explore the American government's workings or brushing up, this is a great guide. Nick Ragone's straight-forward approach breaks it down, creating a refreshing, interesting read.

Another great college read!
This text is great for the 100-level Econ course; includes almost everything one would want to know.

Bravo Nick
An excellent primer by a lawyer, political wiz and PR practioner extraordinaire.I highly recommend it for those that didn't take government or civics in high school or college. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Democracy    2. Government - National    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics and government    7. Politics/International Relations    8. United States    9. United States - General   

Reviews (21)

David Brock admits he was wrong about Anita Hill
I do not understand why this book is still in print, or at the very least is not published with a huge disclaimer on the front cover.The author himself has admitted in more recent books (_Blinded by the Right_ and others) that he was *lying* when he wrote this book, and that he deliberately spun every piece of information about Anita Hill to discredit her.
This is a smear job trying to pass off as real literature.
This book is clearly partisan without any objectivity whatsoever.All attempts at actual journalistic integrity totally failed.

Anita Hill: Slave Girl for Feminazis
Brock did an excellent job sifting and analyzing how Anita Hill's charges do not add up. This is very well written and Brock approaches the case in a very independent-minded way (his latest self-flagellating recantation notwithstanding). Doubts from both sides are aired. Corroborating (or non-corroborating) testimony is matched. Character witnesses, consistent or inconsistent statements, chronologies are included.
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Subjects:  1. 1948-    2. Courts - Supreme Court    3. Federal Jurisdiction    4. General    5. Government - Federal    6. Government - National    7. Hill, Anita    8. Judges    9. Political Science    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics/International Relations    12. Selection and appointment    13. Sexual harassment of women    14. Thomas, Clarence,    15. United States    16. Biography: general    17. History / General    18. Law-Government - Federal    19. Laws of Other Jurisdictions & General Law    20. Political Science-Government - National    21. Thomas, Clarence    22. USA   

Reviews (2)

Planning has failed in capitalist societies, Poltical economy rules
That was the message I took from this book. Planners, for the most part, are mandarins of the state, performing bureaucratic and policy functions to further the needs of capitalist political economies. The influence this book has had on practicing planners is clearly minimal: most college educated American planners are not radicalized by their university experiences and end up entering the sprawl industry (private or public sector). Friedmann's favorites, advocacy and radical planning, are essentially POWER politics in whatever realm one deems important (env., energy, urban, social, etc.). Friedmann never says it, but I think the GREEN movement comes closest to what he wants 'radical' planners to engage in-- rather than process permits for the real estate industry. Good for a history of planning, but a review of the last 20 years of what planning has accomplished (anything positive?)would be nice for the next edition.

The western tradition of planning and a radical proposal
Professor John Friedmann presented back in 1987 this complete review of the modern traditions of social planning: how did revolutionaries, engineers, politicians, sociologists and social prophets designed humangroups and resources to meet diverse kinds of goals? And what has been therole of people themselves in this adventure during the last 200 years? Theinformation in this book is complete, the analysis deep, and the authorachieves the highest level in gaining the attention of the reader. Thethird part of the text is a zestful and documented proposal for therecovery of the political comunity, as the way to solve the contradictionsof our modern market-driven world. Philosophers, sociologists, politicians,third-sector leaders (and inteligent social-driven individuals) will findthis modern planning classic of enormous help in their tasks. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. Planning    3. Political Science    4. Political planning    5. Politics/International Relations    6. Public Affairs & Administration    7. Public Policy - Social Services & Welfare    8. Sociology    9. Sociology - Social Theory    10. Central government    11. Political Science / Public Affairs & Administration    12. Political Science and International Relations    13. Social issues   

Editorial Review

Who says the left wing doesn't have a sense of humor? Maybe it doesn't, but documentarian Michael Moore sure does--Exhibit A was Read more

Reviews (139)

Back When Moore Had a Real Issue......
This is from an era where Micheal Moore actually made valid points.I'm a Republican, but I'm also a Christian. That means I believe that people are supposed to give a darn about something besides just money.Greed and heartlessness in the corporate world are very real... though I'm a capitalist, this greed thing is something thatIstruggle with.There are folks who lose their jobs for no reason at all, hard working people with nowhere to go.
If you work hard and the company prospers, you lose your job
Of course, this book is partly out-of-date. It covers mainly the Clinton years. But the issues it tackles are still very actual.
Michael Moore Throws a Tantrum
I've seen Michael Moore on TV, humorously trying to get an appointment Roger Smith (then General Motors chairman). The book "Downsize This!" has the moral high ground concerning the looting of corporations by CEOs, accompanied by plant closings. However, I rapidly lost interest because author Moore strayed from this subject.After thirty-sevenpages of wandering. I concluded that he'd forgotten about it.
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Subjects:  1. 1993-2001    2. American wit and humor    3. General    4. Government - National    5. Humor    6. Politics and government    7. Social conditions    8. United States    9. Modern fiction    10. Political Science / Political Freedom & Security / General   

Subjects:  1. Administration - General    2. Education    3. Methodology    4. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Public Affairs & Administration    7. Public administration    8. Research    9. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    10. Central government    11. Civil service & public sector    12. Research methods: general   

Reviews (5)

Eloquent but Slight
The lectures reprinted in this book were delivered in 1951 by George Kennan, the legendary American diplomat who authored the "containment" doctrine that guided U.S. relations with the Soviet Union throughout the Cold War.Each lecture analyzes a key episode or turning point in American foreign policy between 1898 and the onset of the Cold War. A misleading title covers a gem
The original title of this book, American Diplomacy 1900-1950, is misleading.It implies that this is a study of American diplomacy between the two dates.Wrong.The book is split into two parts. Canonical Foreign Policy
Mr. Kennan is a fine example of the best in American thought. Europeans who complain that U.S. policymakers are not thoughtful about the world would do well to read this book. Fantastic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Foreign relations    3. General    4. Government - National    5. History - General History    6. International Relations - General    7. Political Science    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Soviet Union    10. United States    11. Diplomacy    12. Political Science / Government / National    13. Political science & theory