Money

Totally enjoyed this book, and completely recommend everybody read it. Too bad there are not more books about Czech women that are out there -- what a point of view!! Gets into New York and all its seduction, from the people to the danger... Makes you want to become a taxi driver!!!

This book is just a fantastic joyride -- I read it in one breath!! I cannot believe it was written by an immigrant -- the writing is just so smooth and cool... Makes you want to become a taxi driver in New York and... grab a life!!!

Driven. This is the only way to describe Iva Pekárková's _Gimme the Money_ (Dej mi ty prachy, 1996), impeccably translated from Czech into New York slang by the author herself and her husband Raymond Johnston. Fresh, gutsy, hilarious, the novel is one terrific (and terrifying) joy-ride through New York, propelled by a Czech taxi driver-a woman taxi driver at that.

The fast-paced plot rivets the reader's attention completely; there is simply no way to put the book down once one has begun this rollicking roller-coaster ride. Intrigue, passion, delicious detail, crazy characters-this novel has something for everyone. It is a novel of epic proportions, reminiscent of Jack Kerouac's _On The Road_, yet, in its anecdotes it also zooms in close-up to capture intimate intricacies of City life in sharp shots paralleling Jim Jarmusch's film "Night on Earth".

BUCKLE YOUR SEATBELT!!!

Forget the glassy ordinariness of cab-rides you have experienced in the past! And, with Gimme the Money, get into the driver's seat to discover first-hand that every pick-up is "speckled with little shards of adventures" (p 114). As Gin, our heroine, explains, "Every real taxi story is like a short story mystery novel with the first and the last few pages torn off" (p 118).

The plot follows the exploits of Jindøiška, a somewhat naive and trusting Czech immigrant, who becomes wise to the ways of the world in her encounters with foreboding New York and its outrageous inhabitants. In the end, she becomes Gin, a spirit as tough as the City itself.

Mesmerized, the reader observes this metamorphosis unfold through a myriad of adventures, as Gin deftly maneuvers her way (and will) with slippery taxi drivers, punk clients, exasperating lovers and even psychotic killers. Ultimately, Gin becomes the sum total all of these multi-faceted tones, which make up the throbbing pulse of the City, so that "submerged into the City, (like it was a whirling foam)... every cell of your body got permeated by its rhythm, its plasma circled in your veins, and therefore you became, just like everyone else, a building block, a cell, a molecule in that humongous, colorful mosaic..." (p 34).

TRACES OF A CZECH PAST...

Although her thick Slavic accent learns to meld with the groove of Ha-a-lem, in the throes of passion, it still whispers solo in Czech; and though her body is marked by the brutality of the streets, it still preserves that old appendectomy scar lousily sewn up in Czechoslovakia-in all, despite her hard-knock street education, Gin's original spirit remains undaunted. Indeed, the novel is a Bildungsroman, but it is a cool, fresh, hip, happenin' version of the genre. In fact, the book transcends, no, defies, any and all generic categorization, because, unlike the ordinary novel, it so clearly arises from real life.

Pekárková belongs to that "brotherhood of those who DARED" (p 19), as she describes it in her book. She herself, upon leaving Czechoslovakia, worked as one of the few female taxi drivers in New York. Her descriptions are those of a veteran:

When night drivers arrive home at night and fall into bed, the film of everything they'd seen on their shift, of everything they drove past, gets projected onto their eyelids... With the conviction that THEY are not drivers of taxicabs. They are actors. And writers. And screenwriters. And visual artists...On the spool thread of Gin's head, a whole movie sequence was being filmed, about 200 miles a day, and every morning as she was falling asleep, the dailies were getting projected in her head, projected, rewound and fast-forwarded... Days and nights got fused into a single yellowish tint, the reel of the film got melted together, and you couldn't see though it-except in multiple exposure, and each time she went to sleep to the cooing of pigeons, the City reverberated in her head like a single clear, crisp tone of a golden gong (pp 50-51, 54-55).

In Gimme the Money, Pekárková, the former cab driver, became the Czech Republic's hottest new writer, screenwriter and visual artist as she transformed these melting multiple exposures and this cacophonous metropolis into sharp crystal-clear images with penetrating prose.

Pekárková's attention to detail is painstakingly meticulous. By her deft pen, even the tiniest or most banal object is painted in a surprising new light, such as "the weather-worn, wet Yellow Cab [which] fluttered around glistening streets like an insomniac butterfly" (p 29) or a crack in the sidewalk, "where the asphalt is caving in and crumbling apart or where it's bubbling up into space like tiny, tit-shaped volcanoes" (p 103). The language is so smooth, such a subtle mixture of perfect American idiom and rhythmic Uptown slang, that one suspects this is not the translation-that the Czech version is the copy and this the original.

MANIC WORLD

In all, by virtue of Pekárková's covert knowledge and her blatant writing talent, the reader becomes completely, if not obsessively, absorbed into the manic underground world of taxi drivers, with its subterfuges, (such as illicit "dummy cars"), its oily garage romances (bosses oozing charm from greasy pores), its accidents and mechanical breakdowns (see the chapter "The Tree"), and above all its brazen, heroic survival on the road (where, ultimately, one must kill or be killed).

However, it is not merely Pekárková's savvy expertise on the road that makes this journey passionate; rather it is her innate knowledge of people and relationships. Pekárková's character casting is most certainly the acme of the book. In her careful modulation of caricature sketches, she creates believable, yet incredible characters.

We come to love Gin's "chéri" (now husband) Talibe, with his African inedibles, debile ideas (such as wanting Gin to get married for a second time to his "cousin" Ougadougou) and indelibly magnificent sexual delights. However, we also love Gloria, Gin's Cuban roommate, the artiste, who manages to aesthetically plaster exactly 365 immaculate, immolated cockroaches on canvas, as well as all the grease-monkeys, illegals and hobos that make up Pekárková's vast array of characters.

Pekárková's prose also comments critically on contemporary issues, such as immigration and assimilation, multiculturalism and racism, sex and gender, performance and drag or art and trash. Most importantly, our heroine shows us how to maintain one's vital energy and wonder in the rough, drab modern world-unmitigated zest for life being perhaps the ultimate rebellion in the face of today's strident, monotonous, capitalist parroting of "Gimme the money." In sum, Iva Pekárková's _Gimme the Money_ is a definite MUST for all those who want to experience a thrilling, breath-taking read.

David Scott goes the extra mile in this one. he shows so many ways to save money, after the first chapter i was ready to go out on my own and use my new knowledge. i was very curious to see if what i had read could be put to use in the real world, low and behold it worked. the ease at which it worked was the most valuable and welcomed edition. not only did i save money i got that tingling feeling you get when you make a large purchase. in other words i got " high" on the buy.if you are looking for something that can save you money , give you a good feeling and become a healthy hobby give mr Scott a read.

Most in the United States have a tendency to spend more than they earn. Consquently they end up paying hugh amounts in interest on money borrowed. This book turns this way of life around so the average consumer can save money, get rid of debt and even achieve a higher standard of living while spending less and saving more. Highly recommended reading for those just graduating and starting life. For those who have slipped into over spending this book will show you the way to turn your life around and achieve financial success.

Another Money Smarts publication succinctly written by noted financial author, Dr. David Logan Scott, is entitled The Guide to Saving Money. Throughout the 200-pages, Dr. Scott has outlined numerous practical pointers toward controlling a larger portion of one's own financial pie. Particularly relevant, I thought, were the suggestions in dealing with the selection of a new vehicle and the options available in purchasing its extended warranty. Utilizing the author's sensible, prudent tips may result in expanding one's cash flow while simultaneously s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g the dollar bill. The Guide to Saving Money-an investment for today!

and the best will come back to you." (Unknown)

A cute little boy wants a doggie but doesn't have enough money. He has saved some money but it isn't enough. (Oh! I wish there were more books on saving money! Kids need them.) The pet store owner shows him other pets he can afford but the boy's mind is made up. He goes home and has a lemonade stand but it rains and he catches cold and can't do anything to make money to buy that doggie in the window. In the meantime, his sister, mom and dad each have a need that he can fill with some of his money and he gladly does so without hesitation. At the end of the week, he counts the money in his piggy bank and realizes he can't afford the doggie. He accepts this (another great lesson for kids to learn--to accept when they can't have something) and goes to visit the doggie just to say, "Hello." How sweet.

Good things happen to that little boy, I think, for the rest of his life with such a kind, giving heart. Thanks, Iza for a very special story with lots of takeaway value.

Soar!

We checked this book out from our Library and my 16 mo. old daughter loves it so much. Since we could only renew this book twice I had to buy our own copy. She loves to point out the fact that the dog is juggling in one picture. And she is so sad when the little boy discovers that the doggie is gone ("Some people stopped by and bought that dog for there very special young son. They wanted to thank him for all the nice things he had done.") but is elated when we turn the page and discover that the doggie is now his ("Oh what a surprise I never figured that lucking young boy would be me!")

I am a Pre-K director and buy many children's books. This was terrific! The first few times I sang it to my students, and after hearing it several times, they enjoyed singing it with me. I had no idea a book could be so much fun! I came on line to find other books by this author and I will most certainly buy the others for our nursery school library.

Privatization has become a popular strategy to promote economic development in emerging, developing, and developed economies. Despite the growing trend towards privatization and all the valuable ideas and literature generated by privatization experts, little attention has been devoted to the actual implementation and completion of privatization transactions. "How to Implement Privatization Transactions" filled this gap... with brilliance! Trivedi has brought to bear his considerable experience and expertise in chapters by answering critically important questions such as: How to prepare a public announcement for inviting expressions of interest? How to prepare a request for proposal? How to organize a preproposal bidders conference? How to organize evaluation of bids? How to prepare a position paper on strategic options for privatization? Trivedi goes a step further than most in his penultimate chapter by dealing with select issues related to implementation of a proposed privatization transaction. This 250 page practical guide is an easy read, and is expertly packaged with sample forms and tables; sample outlines and documents; sample prequalification advertisements; as well as "how-to-information" that guides step-by-step those charged with implementing privatization transactions. This is an essential and invaluable guide to public policymakers, as well as those attending or organizing privatization training programs and those who serve as privatization consultants. Highly recommended!

Praja Trivedi once again wrote a very important book which needs to be at the fingertips of all privatizers (those working for the governments, development agencies and/or the private sector) so that they can all follow this meticulously explained and yet user friendly road map to get good results. Moreover, the politicians, members of the media and even the ordinary citizens in privatizing countries would benefit enormously from reading this book if they are willing to understand the best practice process and become better informed and equipped to support or intervene if things go wrong. I wish I had a book like that to follow earlier in my career. But it is never too late. I am grateful for Trivedi's continued willingness and energy to share his expertise.

For anyone looking for information or just curious about the economic effects of privatization, Prajapati Trivedi's book is a fascinating manual for practitioners. Being an Economics major in college, I truly appreciate the information provided by this world-class economist and brilliant educator.

This Book is absolutely riviting! "How To Make Big Money Grooming Small Dogs!" lies next to my bed at night, and before I doze off I read another interesting chapter. I have really learned a lot about styling Poodle faces, and my friends have commented on how lovely my dogs look. I have followed the proceedures and details step by step. I'm not ready for a dog show yet, but my doggies are the best on the block.

Thanks to the author,for a facinating,well illustrated, practical book.

Marietta Nel, Somerset West, South Africa

Judy McGlaughlin Moscow, PA USA

My interest in learning Dog Grooming has been with me most of my life, but being a single mother it was an impossible dream to go away to school to learn it. By my purchasing this book, and studying it, and purchasing an inexpensive clipper, and practicing on my own toy poodle it was enough to give me the confidence to apply for a groomer trainee position at a local kennel/grooming shop. They are putting me on payroll, on a part time basis for now.

Anyway, the purpose of my writing this is to tell you that without this book I know I would never had gotten this far. I can never thank the author enough. This book is EXCELLENT! It covers every topic!

I am usually sceptical of books that make big promises, but "How to Make Big Money Grooming Small Dogs" is a winner. I've always wanted to be a groomer, but couldn't afford the cost of a grooming school. Well I'm here to tell you that this book is all you need. Nine months ago I couldn't even hold a clipper, and now I have my own profitable mobil grooming business!

This book is clearly written, beautifully illustrated, and easy to follow. Best of all, the author generously reveals numerous trade secrets and sources of unique equipment to save you time and money. I highly recommend this excellent "how to" guide to current and would-be groomers alike. If you ever thought of going into the dog grooming business, this book is the ticket!

A Variety of Material Covered In This Book;
"How To Make Big Money, Find Great Happiness, and
Be Beautiful (ALL IN ONE). It has some different
and unconventional material within the book, but
it's a great and useful book. Recommended and
appreciated.

How To Make Big Money, Find Great Happiness, and Be
Beautiful (ALL IN ONE)is a fantastic book with great
insights on these subjects. Appears to really work.
Wisdom worth applying in real every day life.

How To Make Big Money, Find Great Happiness, and Be
Beautiful (ALL IN ONE)is a fantastic book with great
insights on these subjects. Appears to really work.
Wisdom worth applying in real every day life.

Rather than lecture you on what to do, Stein takes a sarcastic view of personal finance and tells you to gout there and spend, spend, spend -- you rock star, you! Every single thing you could possibly do to lead you into financial ruin is promoted here, till you stop laughing (especially when you see yourself already messing yourself in your real life by doing what he is saying) and realizing you need to shape up or be broke. In which case -- thanks, Ben!

Ben Stein's real point is that financial success in life doesn't require being a genius at handling money -- it's about avoiding the dumb, completely preventable mistakes that we all make sooner or later. If I had read this book when I was sixteen, I would be far richer today. Read it yourself, and then get copies for your children. It's everything you wish they knew but won't listen to coming from you. If this means you don't have to bail them out of debt later on, the money you save may be end up being your own!

A Wonderful book detaling many simple ways to ruin your financial life. Ben Stein does it again! This great little book is the opposite of all the 'how to be succesful' books because here we learn how to not ruin our lives. In a way this book is more important because most of us are more concerned with protecting our finances then we are with making millions. This little instruction book details everything not to do, from credit cards to wasting time watching the late night financial success stories. A wonderful fun book.

Broz provides an easy to read text. His premises are clear, leading to true understanding. I've read much on this subject, but never such a complete work. It is as economical as can be expected; and I would argue more general than others have claimed. I highly suggest this book, and thank Dr. Broz for his contribution.

Broz's "The International Origins of the Federal Reserve System" is a excellent example of how single-case qualitative empirical research should be done. By providing a detailed formal theory framework, Broz is able to derive specific hypothesis about the development of the Federal Reserve in a manner that is both scientifically rigorous and historically detailed. While comparison with other cases would have been helpful (and neccessary if the model is to be generalized), this book is one of the best qualitative works in political science in general and political economy in particular in years.

You can't find a more accessible text for this topic. I have scoured the librarys of academia and find that this text is not only readable and enjoyable, but it is superior in its treatment of subject matter. A look at the index will tell any reader that Mr. Broz's volume is the compleat guide.

Don't miss your chance to read this welcoming introductory text.

A terrific book with no-nonsense down-to earth advice especially for women but for anyone who's been intimidated by investing. I read it and bought them for my mother & sister!

This is a great book! Anyone interested in learning about investing would benefit from reading this since it acts almost as a primer for the beginner. Definitely a must read for any beginner, not just for women.

I picked up this book out of a dozen other investment books, because it was written specifically for women. It does respond to our special needs. I liked the clarity of the language, how the information was organised, and the many examples of real-life women who have begun taking more control of their money. This is a quick read and yet very informative. Since reading this book, I now understand and enjoy the business pages of the newspaper. I've even passed the book on to my husband so he can become more investment-savvy.

For one reason or another, there are many women today who know little, or nothing, about how to handle money. Perhaps their parents never taught them the value of it, or their husband wanted to shield them from the financial world by saying that women shouldn't get their hands dirty with money. This book aims to change that.

It's natural to feel anxious and ashamed about your lack of money knowledge when everyone around you is financially on top of the world. Start with something simple like balancing the checkbook. Remember that hubby won't be around forever, either through death or divorce, so becoming familiar with the family finances is a very good idea.

Tell a neighbor or best friend, someone you can confide in, your fears and fantasies about money. She may be in the same position as you, but afriad to admit it. Don't be afriad to ask the "dumb" questions about money; perhaps together, you can find the answer. Listen to stories from other women about money; not how much they saved, but how they saved, through investing, budgeting, etc.

The author leaves the more specific money-saving tips until the end, but her biggest recommendation is to get rid of your credit card debt. With interest rates at anywhere up to 20 percent and with the average credit card debt at several thousand dollars per person, paying off that debt as fast as possible is the single best thing anyone can do to save money.

Acken knows something about women's fears concerning money. Growing up in a Baltimore record store, she could make change from an early age, but never learned what money was all about. Years later, a divorced mother of two, she found herself with a PhD in psychology and a $50,000 student debt. She learned about money real fast.

For those who get nervous and panicky in the personal finance section of the local chain bookstore, this book is for you. It's written in a very down-to-earth style and is very easy to read. It's recommended for women of any socio-economic status. This isn't rocket science; like the title says It's Only Money!

At first I was a little insulted that "It's Only Money" was subtitled "A Primer for Women." I had a hard time imagining that such a book would be directed at men.

Then I noticed that the author (Allison Acken) is a Ph.D. who had trouble learning to handle money herself. That piqued my interest.

Then--when I opened the book--I noticed all the little facts about the disparity between women and men and their finances. That's when I decided that women darn right NEED this book more than men.

I grew up knowing how to manage money but I thought I'd review it. I'm here to tell you that even if you know what to do with a quarter, you'll probably learn something from this book you didn't already know.

Not only that; This is fun reading.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of "This is the Place"

It's Only Money! A Primer For Women by financial expert and money management consultant Allison Acken is a very practical, "reader friendly" introduction to basic money matters, and written especially for those women who may be inexperienced at handling personal finances. From overcoming psychological conditioning to "be a lady" and always turn money matters to a man, any man, regardless of his qualifications, to quotable quotes from famous women including Ivana Trump and Dr. Joycelyn Elders, to keeping a financial safety cushion in case of emergencies and much more, It's Only Money! is an absolute "must-read" for any woman who isn't already expertly handling her own finances.