General-Average

Book reviews for "General-Average" sorted by average review score:

The Dow Jones Averages 1885-1995 (Serial)

Published in Hardcover by Irwin Professional Pub (June, 1996)

Author: Phyllis S. Pierce

Amazon base price: $95.00

Average review score:

A whole bunch of numbers

If you need this book, you know you need it. It contains a daily history of the Dow Jones Averages (Industrials, Transports/Rails, Utilities and Bonds (early is 40 bond, later is 20 bond). Of particular value is the very early history of the initial Dow Averages (pre-modern era). The list of component stocks, and dates of changes is also very useful. Watching them pull the moribund typewriter/adding machine company, International Business Machines, from the DJIA, and then re-insert it (after it was a behemoth, on the verge of playing dinosaur to the DEC minicomputers) is great reading.

There are several introductory articles included that are why I only rate it at 4 stars. Those articles aren't worth the time to read.

A few words of caution: While this is a great resource for those wanting to check on data, it is not perfect. First, it does not contain the Dow Jones 65 Stock Composite Average. It also does not contain the history of the divisors. Many of the pages are copies of pages from earlier editions. That means that it is not unusual to find digits that are only partially readable. Finally, the book does contain errors. A simple check of whether the close is between the high and the low will find quite a few.

As I type, it is almost the end of 2001, and the 1885-2000 update has not yet been published. That is late, and is a concern.

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Better Chess for Average Players

Published in Paperback by Dover Pubns (02 April, 1996)

Author: Tim Harding

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Average review score:

Average doesn't equal Beginner

I had thought the "average" in the title was equating it with the many beginners' books available. It isn't. Or doesn't. Average here means someone who already has alot of basic chess knowledge under their belt. It was a bit over my head and for that reason disappointing. As I mature as a chess player I'm sure this book will be one I'll go back to however.

Fun for this 2000 Player too

I have the original edition from the '70s. This is a very enjoyable book. Although my rating is about 2000 USCF, I still find much of the material to be enlightening and simply fun. For the price there is a LOT of nice chess packed into this book. You won't finish it in a week. And the sense of fun and humor are great.

I'd say any player from about 1200 USCF up to high expert level (maybe 2150) would find this a good book, with perhaps those around 1400-1700 getting the most benefit. And like I said, it's priced well and covers a lot of ground in an enjoyable fashion.

I may buy another copy to see what's been changed since the '70s. The extra copy will make a great gift.

Classic chess book from late 1970's

The layout of this book is not the greatest presentation, but this corrected edition is interesting- it presents a fictional account of an imaginary tournament as the author discusses various middle game techniques. Its written in algebraic notation so the style is modern. This book is useful for players rated under 1900 ELO strength.

The Life And Loves Of A Not So Average Joe :

Published in Paperback by Writers Club Press (13 January, 2002)

Author: Jaye E Seay

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Tales of a Good Guy

Jaye E. Seay's book, THE LIFE AND LOVES OF A NOT SO AVERAGE JOE, tells the story of Hill Taylor, a young man who is coming of age and discovering himself. Hill is a college educated young man who is trying to make a difference by teaching. He does not fit the usual stereotypes that one often sees in the media, depicting Black men in a negative light. Instead, despite what the title suggests, Hill is an average guy. The book follows Hill as he experiences true love and heartache while all the time trying to define himself and what he wants to achieve in life.

Seay has written a novel that shows men in a positive light and debunks the old myth that "nice guys finish last." He gives a realistic portrayal of the life of a positive, young Black man.

Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Such as Life

The book, The Life and Loves of a Not So Average Joe by Jaye E. Seay is a realistic dating scenarios in which many readers will not only enjoy but will also be able to relate to it in one context or another.

Honest

Get this book! A honest book about what life/love is like through the eyes of the new generation. Way to go Jay =).

Jeryl C.

The Average Family's Guide to Financial Freedom How You can Save a Small Fortune on a Modest Income

Published in Hardcover by John Wiley & Sons (15 March, 2000)

Authors: Bill Toohey and Mary Toohey

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Bill and Mary Toohey are about as average as a couple can be. They live in Iowa, pull down about $65,000 a year combined, and have three children. What's not average about them is that they have a net worth of about a half-million dollars. They've paid off their mortgage, and they paid cash for their cars. Their oldest daughter graduated from college with no debts and with money in the bank. How did they manage? It takes a book to explain the particulars, but the executive summary is this: They lived on about half their income, and saved and invested the other half. Part of their plan is simply saying no to impulse purchases such as soft drinks and candy bars. (They show how they accumulated $26,733 in eight years by investing the money they didn't spend on junk.) Their strategy involves, in part, shopping around for the best price on their big-ticket purchases. (They take you step by step through a few transactions, from research to purchase, so you can do this yourself.) But the biggest part is living small. They have a modest house (one bathroom). They don't try to keep up with the Joneses. Their investment strategy is very simple, mostly stock index and bond funds. By never trying to be more than average, they made themselves extraordinary.

It's hard to imagine that many people will be able to follow their entire program--that one-bathroom house will probably stop most readers in their tracks--and some of their ideas about cheap entertainment seem a little far-fetched. For example, if you're thinking of taking the children to the circus when it comes to town, they advise, take them instead to watch the circus troupe setting up tents and feeding the animals. Imagine the family fun when the kids go to school and realize all their friends got to see the actual circus. Still, there should be plenty of useful advice in this Guide to Financial Freedom for any family. Most of it is simple and makes intuitive sense, and the Tooheys' breezy, conversational writing style makes you feel as though you were sitting with them in their (small) living room while they shared it. Best of all, their plan clearly works. A half-million in savings on a middle-class income is a pretty good leg to stand on when offering advice. --Lou Schuler

Average review score:

Average Family with Above Average AdviceIf

If you ever wonder whether anyone really follows the advice in financial magazines, read this book. Bill and Mary Toohey were avid readers of MONEY but wrote to the editors, suggesting that their advice didn't help families with several kids and a modest income. The editors asked the Tooheys for their best financial tips. This book includes the Toohey family strategy for saving and investing and also for recognizing the importance of traditional family values. The book includes sound and simple advice that works for everyone. The Tooheys write for the majority of Americans who recognize they will never be millionaires.

Common sense living in a non-sensical age

I find myself returning to this book periodically for inspiration. You don't have to be a wage slave forever. If you are willing to live well within (or drastically under) your means, you can accumulate enough wealth to chart your own course in life.

The Tooheys give a number of concrete examples of ways to cut expenses. They also call into question a number of the assumptions we make as a result of our brainwashing by modern media. For example: Why does a family really need more than one full bath in a house?

To someone fully immersed in our culture's consumer rat-race, the Tooheys are going to seem a bit radical. We are all a bit too accustomed to focusing on convenience and immediacy rather than long term cost. Try to keep an open mind and remember that the best things in life can't be found in a shopping mall.

Helpful Book

I've read a few financial books and this one was very helpful. I also liked Personal Finance for Dummies which I read first, and I noticed that these authors also recommend that book. I liked them both a great deal. This book really is for average people. It deals with things others don't and the investing section clarified some things I didn't quite understand. I really liked the car buying section and plan to use that next time I'm in the market. The record-keeping section is very unique and leaves you wondering why you didn't think of that! A good book.

Stock Index Futures & Options : The Ins and Outs of Trading Any Index, Anywhere

Published in Hardcover by John Wiley & Sons (22 October, 1999)

Author: Susan Abbott Gidel

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Average review score:

Sub-title a bit misleading

While the book contains much detailed information about the history, regulatory environment and composition of the world's index futures, it does not provide much practical information about the "ins & outs of trading" these contracts.

Everything need to know about stock indexes worldwide!

Whether you think a CAC is the sound your cat makes when coughing up a hairball or a stock index in France, if you're a new investor or an experienced trader this book is an excellent reference to stock indexes worldwide. Susan Abbott Gidel starts with a brief history of the index and futures markets. Followed by an explanation of what makes the market move, definition of the market "players", and strategies for investing in stock indexes and index futures.

The worldwide market indexes are summarized by region. Each index is individually defined in very readable layman's terms. Gidel explains what equities make up each index, how each one is calculated and how the index and index futures are traded. The book has a glossary and index that easily guide the reader through it's wealth of information making it easy to find an index comprised of stocks that suit your investment need.

I enjoyed the book and plan on making it a permanent part of my financial library. Consider this book an investment. Think of it as an essential tool for understanding equities markets and diversifying your portfolio. It is a reference you'll find yourself going back to again and again.

Arco 100 Colleges Where Average Students Can Excel

Published in Paperback by Arco Pub (March, 1997)

Authors: Joe Anne Adler and Joanne Adler

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Average review score:

A descriptive list, good--but not great

Nowhere in this book does the author give any justification for selecting the colleges she includes. There is no real preface, and nothing to guide a student (or a worried parent) to schools with a certain strength, schools in a defined location, schools of a particular size, or schools with any other characteristics.

That's it. Just jump in and start reading. Maybe you'll find something that sounds good.

This is an easy-to-read, helpful, thorough list. But some kind of serious introduction with a guide to help the reader navigate would have made the book truly useful.

Easy to use

I didn't read this book, I saw it because a friend that was looking for a college to study. Of course, no one will ever read it all! It's a list of colleges (the title say that) but is very well organize and easy to use. I'm not a reader of lists, but I like this one.

Great suggestions for your underachiever

After having to admit that my child is a very average student, the rest was easy. This book was very informative and helped me find several serious college options that stress small interactive student/teacher discussions, work/study experiences, and teacher-student mentoring that may help the underachiever grow. Excellent introductions to a variety of colleges/universities I had never heard of before, that look very promising. 5 stars!

Average Single Male (ASM) : Uncovered

Published in Paperback by Writers Club Press (23 December, 2001)

Author: James Parker

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This book made publication?

By reading Jim Parker's already posted reviews I can only assume that these people are close personal friends of his and do not want to hurt his precious ego. But, come on already. What was this garbage I read titled "Average Single Male"? I can see why this man is single. And how does he have the right to group all average single males into this farce of a book? I am ashamed for him. I am a single male and what I read does not come close to how I would treat or act around a woman. The problem with this clown is he thinks he knows what women want or need when in reality he has no clue and probably never will. Stay away from writing, it is not your calling.

Full of Smiles

Jim Parker brings truth and understanding to the average single male's mind. As an average single female, I found this book helpful and provided insites that made me think. I especially liked the chapter on 'The ASM and Eye Candy". I never laughed so hard. It's about time someone 'tells it like it is'.

A woman's view

I always wondered what was going on in the ASM's mind. Jim Parker has brought this to light, even if it his own views. A great read.

Fat, Dumb, and Ugly : The Decline of the Average American

Published in Paperback by Simon & Schuster (Paper) (01 March, 2004)

Authors: Peter Strupp and Alan Dingman

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Average review score:

idiotic and cliche

does Peter think he;s being unique and witty by presenting us with meaningless statistics? This book is utterly pointless. For one thing, numbers and statistics don't mean anything since you can make numbers say anything you want. Second, the numbers Peter DOES give are useless!!! Who CARES how many people buy plastic flamingos!? is that supposed to show how stupid we are? give me a break. Peter manages to hit on every cliche and stereotype of America. I frankly found this offensive because this is still the greatest country on Earth. Are we perfect? no! by no means!! But this book paints an unrealistically negative point of view. Yes, Americans are fat. But so are many other countries! No, Americans aren't the "smartest" but, we are no dumber than most other countries. Peter seems to think obesity and stupidity are totally unique to America, when this is simply not the case. I beg of you, find something worthwhile to read and don't bother reading about how stupid and ugly we Americans are. Shame on you, Peter. Go move to Iraq and see how you like over there.

Made me think...

This book is AMAZING. Peter Strupp has taken hundreds of statistics about the American way of life and compiled them into this little wonder of a book. At first read, it's very humorous, but when you step back for a moment and consider that all of these statistics are FACTS, it really makes you think about where our culture is heading...

And to 'a reader': if buying a quarter of a million pink flamingos annually doesn't make us dumb, or doesn't highlight the fact that a big percentage of us have bad taste, then waht does?!

A Wake Up Call to America

Thank you Peter Strupp, for holding up a mirror of truth to our culture. Sure, America is a marvelous country that has achieved wonderful things. But we're forgetting ourselves. No one improves by resting on their laurels. Our game has gotten sloppy, and it's high time we shape up!

The Stock Market Barometer

Published in Hardcover by John Wiley & Sons (February, 1998)

Authors: William Peter Hamilton and Marketplace Books

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An unecessary defense of the stock market

The stock market barometer is a completely unecessary defense of what the stock market is. It provides an incredible amount of uninteresting and completely trivious information. It is definitely NOT a must read.

Classic elaboration of the Dow Theory

William Hamilton was the successor (both at the Wall Street Journal and in expounding the Dow Theory) to Charles Dow, and the one who clarified the Dow Theory as most people understand it today. To students of the Dow Theory, and of Wall Street and Investment history in general, this is a must-have volume. Also see works by Robert Rhea.

Financial books of the past, still tell you the same truths.

This is a great book. There is just one update in the introduction. The rest of the book still maintains its 100 year old roots.

As a financial author I am always inclined to look to the past for answers. This book orignially written by Mr.Dow, of Dow Jones Industrial Average fame, still is very relevant today.

Dow 40,000: Strategies for Profiting From the Greatest Bull Market in History

Published in Hardcover by McGraw-Hill Trade (26 June, 1999)

Author: David Elias

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To a growing number of analysts (see James Glassman and Kevin Hassett's Dow 36,000 and Charles W. Kadlec's Dow 100,000), it's not a question of if the Dow Jones Industrial Average will blast into the financial stratosphere, but how high it will go.

One such lofty projection comes from financial advisor and author David Elias, who believes that the Dow's collection of blue chips are poised to reach unprecedented levels, hitting 40,000 by the year 2016. It's heady stuff, to be sure, but not, as Elias carefully documents, if a record-setting bull market continues its mad charge into the new millennium. Formed in May 1896, the Dow took 76 years to reach the 1,000 plateau. After striking 4,000 in 1995, the market has required less than one year for each new 1,000-point milestone, touching 10,000 in March 1999. The Dow needs 9 percent annual growth to hit 40,000 in 2016, but how can the economy sustain this growth? Elias believes that forces such as direct foreign investment, domestic savings, and cooperative central-banking policies will drive this vigorous market, as will the dynamics of the New Economy, which allows for the coexistence of high economic growth, low interest rates, and low inflation. Elias describes the changing economic landscape as "unlike any seen in the twentieth century. In fact, the New Economy idea is heavily contingent on continued global growth and capitalization. New and expanding markets are opening their doors to the world, and investors will profit."

After building his case for the Dow's ascent--which includes a lucid study of classical and contemporary economic concepts--Elias looks at massive opportunities for new-millennium investors. He lists his criteria for investing in a company: seasoned management, experience in the global marketplace, brand-name recognition, a frontrunner position of in a specific industry, and financial strength to weather turbulence. Finally, Elias offers 12 sample portfolios, drawing from three sectors that he believes will lead the marketplace: technology, financial services, and health care. His "Rip Van Winkle" portfolio--one that an investor can buy and ignore for a year--includes Merck & Co., Citigroup Inc., and AT&T Corp. Of course, as with individual stocks themselves, it's impossible to predict what new levels the Dow will reach, but by book's end, 40,000 looks attainable. --Rob McDonald

Average review score:

Buy MCI Worldcom!

Yes, this book actually recommends Worldcom (among a host of other lesser losers). It's interesting as a historical relic of the irrationally exuberant nonsense that pervaded in the late 90s. It should have been called Dow 4,000.

Total Waste-Try Sy Harding's "Riding the Bear"

At least Harry Dent made a lot of $$$ with his silly, highly inaccurate stuff, this poor guy Elias is similiarly hopelessly wrong and the book is already out of print, just 3 years after release.
Sy Harding is flexible enough to make money in all types of markets, check out his personal website and read his outstanding book "Riding the Bear." One would need the leverage of options (specifically put option buying) to recoup $$$ lost by listening to silly bulls like Elias, read "Tools of the Bear" by Charles Caes.
Books like Dow 40,000 are a sure sign of a market top.

A Good Read!

Call David Elias an optimist. He expects the Dow Jones Industrial Average to hit 40,000 by the year 2016, and he stands by his prediction, even in the wake of the stock market down turn. His target doesn't sound so outlandish if you consider that, in order to hit 40,000, the Dow must rise by only 9% annually in the next 16 years. (Investors already have accustomed themselves to much grander annual returns.) However, Elias, an investment adviser, might strike some readers as a bit too cheery. He says interest rates and inflation will remain low for a decade, and he predicts that the developing world will goose profits by buying ever-increasing quantities of products from U.S. companies. Elias also argues that the much-feared backlash from Baby Boomers pulling out of the market after they retire will prove a myth. While Elias' outlook is relentlessly buoyant, we [...] recommend his information to investors and his book's ripe conversational fodder to futurists and analysts.

General-Average

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