5 comments about Hershey: Milton S. Hershey's Extraordinary Life of Wealth, Empire, and Utopian Dreams.

1. Michael D' Antonio has written a wonderful biography of Milton S. Hershey, the man who became a multi-millionaire by making milk chocolate a five-cent treat in the United States.
   
   Very much to his credit, D' Antonio delivers a biography of a complex man from another era without super-imposing contemporary politically correct value judgments. D' Antonio deserves a gold star or two for that.
   
   Milton Hershey's life is not an easy one to document; he was not an overtly public man. Rather, he led two lives. The first as reservd tycoon in his native Pennsylvania locale, the other as a a sometimes free-spending bon vivant traveling the United States, Europe and Cuba.
   
   D' Antonio chronicles Hershey's beginnings with his stern, no-nonsense mother with her Mennonite background and Milton's dreamy, never successful father. Backed with the unwavering faith of his mother and aunt and funds from his extended family, Milton pursued a career in confectionary. One business failure followed another, but Milton's faith in himself never faltered. Then he discovered caramels - and became the caramel king. Working with clearly limited resources, D' Antonio weaves an interesting story of an interesting man that becomes still more interesting when Hershey sees that the caramel market is limited.
   
   He sells out and could have easily retired to a life of luxurious ease.
   
   He had surprised everyone and married Catherine Sweeney, some fifteen years younger, whose actual background remains a mystery. She may, according to some, have been a "working girl".
   
   Though rich, Hershey pursued the dream of creating an inexpensive milk chocolate candy - and through native ingenuity and peristence succeeded. He built a multi-million dollar business that at one time controlled more than 90% of the U.S. market.
   
   The story of Hershey is fascinating. He built a town, Hershey PA, incorporating his utopian beliefs - and it worked. He created a sugar empire in Cuba that almost bankrupted him. He set up a unique orphanage and then endowed it with all his wealth. He was a mercurial man who could fire long-time employees in a moment of pique. He overlooked the failings of favorites.
   
   But no one (except perhaps some left-wing academics) could call Hershey a bad man. Almost alone among the mega-rich of the era, Hershey was animated by a true humanism and D' Antonio fully describes this without turning Hershey into a saint.
   
   Hershey is an exceptional biography. It describes an American original, Milton S. Hershey, a self-made man who shared himself with his workers, his community and his nation. Quite a guy and he has found himself in the hands of a very competent biographer.
   
   Jerry



2. "This book is almost as good as the chocolate bar. This biography of Milton S. Hershey and the chocolate company shows how hard work, ingenuity, and just plain luck produced the world's largest chocolate factory. The only thing that would have made this book better would have been a free sample of the product."



3. Michael D'Antonio has given us a serious biography of a complicated, but highly admirable, man. A "chocolate king" who founded a town and created and endowed schools and home for orphans is not a figure to be treated lightly, and D'Antonio does not fail. While there is no question that D'Antonio likes his subject, Hershey is not given a free pass. His enormous philanthropy is described right alongside irrational temper tantrums and firings. Spying on worker's drinking habits is described alongside his own gambling habits. The rise of the Hersey empire, and the town he founded, is described in great detail. The book opens with the drama of a challenge to the Trust of his school for orphans and the reality of business in this day and age. "What would Milton do?" is the question. What the book tells us is that it is by no means certain what Milton would do. He had contemplated selling his empire at more than one point, ensuring the resources for the continued care of the orphans in his charge. We see the rise and life of the Hershey empire, and Milton's relationships with others. The possibility of the true nature of his wife's illness is mentioned and described. Some have been offended by this, I'd suggest they get over it. It has no bearing on what type of person she was, or how much he loved her. We see the evolution of the business, the international interests, the town and school. It is a satisfying read. The only additional material I would have liked is some more description of Hershey's interactions with some of the other business and political leaders of the day. We are told of a feud with Wrigley, and the suspicion that Wrigley had cheated in gambling, but little else. We know of TR's trust busting, and that Hershey was considered to be quite apart from the Robber Barons of the day. Did TR and Hershey ever interact beyond the one or two mentioned invitations? If so, how? This historical information may not exist in the archives, but was the only gap I felt while reading.



4. The only thing I really knew before reading this book is that Hershey chocolate has been around a long time and there is a town themed after it somewhere in Pennsylvania near Amish country. Boy was I undereducated in this realm.
   
   Milton S. Hershey or M.S. as he was later known was the epitomy and poster-boy for American capitalism at it's grandest hour. Starting off as an apprentice to a Confectioner he was able to start learning the tricks of the trade. He found his life's calling and tried his hand at a few candy businesses primarily focusing on caramel chews. At this time in America, chocolate was not like the chocolate we have today (which is due almost entirely to M.S.) it was a rough texture that wasn't that tasty. The only people in the world that understood how and mastered the making of milk chocolate at the time was the Swiss and they guarded their secret with a passion. Eventually, after a few failed attempts at businesses in both Philadelphia and New York, he returned to his home to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It was then that he started experimenting with trying to master milk chocolate. In fact after he had begun construction on his new factory in what would be known as the Town of Hershey, he still had not gotten it right, he was experimenting with a chemist up until the time the factory was completed when he got it right.
   
   The book is wonderfully written, It makes you really take a step back and think about not only the history of Hershey, but America itself. A time when companies and products were an explosion onto the American scene more than any other time in our Country's history. The book also takes a very intricate look at Hershey and his drive to support the Orphans that were taken in by Hershey's Industrial School, that, on paper own the Hershey company which has been a major issue over the years.
   
   I was so enthralled by this book that I am going to be picking up another book on the same industry called "The Emperor's of Chocolate" about the wars between Hershey and the Mars Candy Company. If you are looking for a great read and knowledge of corporate American history this is a wonderful book to read.



5. This is a very interesting book about Milton Hershey's life. I read this book around the time the residents of Hershey were upset about the prospect of the candy company being sold to one of the other big candy makers. It helped me, as a resident of the local area, to have more appreciation for "all things Hershey". It's exciting to think of a man building this company from the ground up and to imagine what life was like when it was happening. The book also helped me to appreciate the fact that Milton Hershey's REAL passion was helping the children in the Milton Hershey School, and if he were alive today (I believe that) he would have seriously considered selling the candy company as well. Sorry, I know that wouldn't sound good to the residents of Hershey, but there was a time in his life when he nearly did sell the company.
   
   Another point of interest for me is the fact that a lot of the candy making has been moved to Mexico. That was a big disappointment for me. However, when I think about Milton Hershey and his business dealings in Cuba, even he may have considered this option if he were here today. The world has changed a great deal from when he was just getting started.

5 comments about The Smartest Guys in the Room: The Amazing Rise and Scandalous Fall of Enron.

1. This is probably the best corporate bio of Enron you'll find, at least for now. Very readable, the pages turn quick and it never gets boring. Some of the technical accounting details were beyond me, but it wasn't difficult to understand the bottom line: These schemes were illicitly lining a few pockets with massive amounts of cash.
   
   The amount of work that went into this account is mind boggling. I can't imagine the hours of conducting interviews and poring through complex legal and accounting documents to understand what happened over Enron's 15-20 years of existence.
   
   However, as with most journalistic novels like this, you need to be careful to not be influenced by the slant of the prose. I wouldn't say that this account is neutral enough to be good for a "historical" perspective. It was written to sell first, inform second. There are countless statements throughout that could be construed as overly opinionated and even unfair to some of the players.
   
   This is the story of Enron for the layman, not for an MBA student performing a case study on the company. If you're an interested layman like me, do yourself a favor and read it!



2. When one reads 'The Smartest Guys In The Room' there is one question that keeps recurring. How did no-one at Enron foresee the company's grizzly demise. The folly of mark to market accounting was reason enoough to expect certain problems, but the endless treadmill that Enron placed itself on concerning the stock price made those problems an inevitability.
   
   Although Elkind and Mclean portray the story well, they really don't have to do much with the material to make a fantastic story of the blistering story with which Enron rose and the calamitous pace at which it fell. The Enron tale is one of brash arrogance in almost every possible facet of a business, allied to a stubborn refusal to accept the economic reality even when it is staring you in the face. The real shame about the whole mess is that these were bright guys and this was potentially a great company. All they had to do was have a little common sense and regular business accumen and they could have been on to a real winner here.
   
   I would ultimately say to everyone that has an interest in business or the financial markets, however slight, that this book is a thumping good read and is worth some money ouot of anyone's pocket.



3. Very well researched account of the rise and downfall of Enron. It chronicles the start and the ultimate demise of this company, which never really had a great business model - (sorry Jeff Skilling). It is amazing that so many "smart" people did not understand basic business skills and the simple difference between economic and accounting gains. Jeff Skilling, a former McKinsey partner, should have stayed with the consulting firm where theory is safely differentiated from real world. Skillings' first mistake was not understanding his own limitations first and foremost. He breaks out a bottle of champagne to celebrate SEC's acceptance of a change in Enron's accounting system. Accounting does not create value - it does not appear that many Enron executives (especially Skillings who should have known better) understood this.
   
   McLean and Elkind do a nice job presenting some of the schemes and scams that Enron executives used to make themselves look good to investors, analysts, bankers and the general public. There are some scams that I had a hard time following, but the reader will grasp the general idea behind them. In light of recent accounting scandals, this is an important book to read for any investors and the public in general. Unfortunately the book ends around summer of 2002 and we do not find out what happens to some of the key characters. My interest was sparked enough that I researched some of the more recent findings after reading the book. Despite its difficulty to read at times I highly recommend it.



4. Actually read this a few months back but thought I'd pen this short review on the day Lehman brothers filed for Chapt 11, Merril Lynch bought for a bargain by BOA, and AIG "restructuring" (ie throwing everything it can overboard). But, I hear you cry, what does Enron have to do with merchant banks? Well if you read this excellent book, you'll find that by the end of its existence Enron was essentially a merchant bank. It traded risk (and made some handsome profits doing so). The original hard infrastructure (real things that make real money in real, steady time) based pipeline and energy distribution business having being stripped, sold or just neglected. It wasn't the byzantine, dishonest finest pyramids, that really led to the fall, although they greatly speeded it up. It was the out of control trading floors. Live by the sword, die by the sword. Making your core business the trading of risk, is, well, a risky business. Add to this a complete lack of any moral compass, plus the attitude that you are always smarter than the other guy and this is what you get in the end - a dime sale of your computers, carpets and inspiring front lobby art.



5. This book is about a reality so different from my own, I use it as escapism. Although the transactions described are Byzantine, the book nevertheless holds the reader's attention for over 400 pp. Events are presented roughly chronologically; the characters and information accrue like an approaching balloon note; some questions are answered only after the reader has had time to stew. Tension mounts as the house of cards gets impossibly higher!

5 comments about Spinning Disney's World: Memories of a Magic Kingdom Press Agent.

1. Charles Ridgway was Disney's public face to the world for almost forty years. In an easy style, he takes us through some of the behind the scenes stories and anecdotes that are of interest to Disney students.
   Ridgway is a Disney fan which results in the book lacking any real meat. Gentle memoirs written in a gentle style do not make compulsive reading. The book is imbued with the Disney spirit where everyone loves everyone else and everyone lives happily ever after. Ridgway seems to have only met wonderful people who create wonderful experiences in his lifetime. Thus the book lacks OOMPH and bit.
   The author though does have a nice pleasant writing style who takes us through many enjoyable anecdotes and adventures as to how he helped create noise and media excitement around a wonderful brand.



2. Has there ever been an organization that had as many books written about it as Disney? From its movies, television and Broadway shows to its fabulous theme parks, even on to its corporate strategies; there are enough books to garner its own section of most bookstores. But still, most fans will scour the pages of any new tome in hopes of uncovering a small gem or two of knowledge. When a new book comes along that is penned by a true Disney legend, it is sure to be a treat.
   
   Charlie Ridgeway began his Disney career as a press agent in 1955. He has attended openings of all the theme parks from the original Disneyland to the most recent park in Hong Kong. His fifty year association with Disney has resulted in a vast offering of experiences, and each one evolves into a story or two. So, it's easy to pick up Charlie's new book "Spinning Disney's World", and find yourself taken in.
   
   Charlie devotes his time to stories focused on situations and stories directly related to his duties as press agent; whether it be guiding ducks down Main Street USA or posing Walt behind the wheel of a fire truck. So many of Charlie's "Adventures" are as globe-trotting as a James Bond novel but he remains as humble and accessible as possible. The book is a must for anyone interested in a career in public relations, especially when penned by the man who pretty much created Disney public relations from scratch. But more than likely, it is going to be read be fans (and detractors) of Disney.
   
   At its heart, the book is a reminiscent journey through fifty years of a man s career - a career that he loved. At times, his memory hops around a bit, so the book can meander. But if you're willing to go along with Charlie, you're sure to have a good time.



3. The book is a must for Disney fans. The item was shipped in such a short time and was in my hands earlier than I expected.
   
   Overall I enjoyed the book and the service was excellent.



4. As always we read just about anything from anyone who ever worked at Disney, in an effort to further our ongoing education about the theme park design process. Even a janitor might provide insight as to the almost mystical inner workings of the Disney corporation. However, Mr. Ridgway never really grabbed us. His writing style is pleasantly folksy, like hearing a story from a good neighbor... but he really never reveals anything of consequence that you cannot find out in any of the multitude of other books on The Disney Brothers, or their company. We suspect that if he really wanted too, he could reveal much more than he is willing to tell. Understandable, as he paints himself as a devoted employee. Personally I would like to spend a day with Mr. Ridgway, just picking his brain... but his book isn't really going to "let you in on anything". We hope he has some success because he is a likable fellow, but if you're really after information that you cannot get from other Disney "Tell all" books... you will not discover much in Mr. Ridgway's book. The title attracted us with promises, which never seemed to materialize.



5. This informative book is a true treasure. Thank you Mr. Ridgway (although they misspelled your name as a Legend inductee) for sharing your take on history with those of us in the field of public relations who are inspired by your trailblazing.

5 comments about Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles.

1. I read a tremendous amount and haven't read a book through twice since I was 13. I cannot recommend this book any higher for a Beatles fan. This is an incredible read with so many gems. My favorite quote from a good friend who read the book: "So what were you doing at 19? This guy was engineering REVOLVER."
   
   There are so many gems in this book that you'll find yourself going back many times just to reread how a recording was done. I'm a musician, but this will be a great read for any fan of the Beatles. To hear how they recorded things back then with such limited equipment and with some pretty insane politics at the recording company EMI gave me a much greater appreciation of just how the Beatles broke the mold. Geoff was the unsung hero of these albums and is humble in his recounting of the recording sessions.
   
   I couldn't recommend this book any higher. If you're bothering to read this you are definitely a Beatles fan, and you need to buy this book!



2. I've read many books over the years about the Beatles. It was fascinating to learn from the inside how all that wonderful music was created. The true Beatle fan will enjoy this book. Songs that have literally been a part of my life for over 30 years were explained with precision. I never knew about Paul's expletive in Hey Jude!



3. great book. very interesting bought it as a gift for my uncle. it was a little beat up for what i thought it was going to be.. but just the same it was in good condition and arrived quickly



4. "People don't realize, it but George had a great sense of humor," Emerick recalled. "He was also such a gifted musician. On "Taxman," from the Revolver album, I can remember him writing the guitar parts backwards to get the effect. He could do anything. At first, John and Paul didn't realize how well he could write songs. But then they saw what he could do."
   This is not a quote from the book. It is, however, a quote from Geoff Emerick after he heard a cut from the then unreleased Brainwashed album.
   Don't expect anything like this in Here There and Everwhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles. If anything, George Harrison comes off as a no-talent, mean spirited spoiled brat who, apparently, didn't much care for Mr. Emerick.
   The bulk of the book is an unabashed tribute to Paul McCartney, whom he apparently not only liked but idolized. John and Ringo don't fare much better than George, so...unless you've never heard anything else about the recording sessions and think the recollections from the vantage point of a 16 year old is definitive, I can't recommend this book. If you like any of the other Beatles and don't have an altar to Paul in your home, it will be disappointing.
   I actually do like Paul, but the shots taken at the other three in this "memoir" are tough to take. Ken Scott, one of the other engineers who went on to produce many other artists (including George Harrison) has publicly disagreed with much of what is written in this book.
   So, in spite of glowing reports, and especially if you think George Harrison was a superb musician and not some knee jerk wannabe...well, you know...don't buy it.
   Now, I'm going to amend my earlier thoughts on this and say that it does have some interesting stories about various recording sessions. The account of Yoko in bed during the Abbey Road sessions is still hard to imagine, but the description of the final guitar solo blow out at the end of the medley raises the unfulfilled hope that it might have all worked out in "the end".
   So, depending on your susceptibility to the bias, consider the book an interesting read, but still not what I, personally, had hoped for.
   Good luck on your decision.



5. I have been an avid Beatles fan for over forty years, and I know a few people who where part of the inner circle of the Beatles, and knew first hand of the dynamics of the band, and watched how they changed, particularly after Brian died.
   And this book is the only book that supports all of the information which has been misrepresented until now. So my feelings on this book, is that some fans might be a little disappointed to hear what really went on in the studio, picturing this genius as four lads having the time of their life, however, better to know the truth, than to listen to third parties writing what they thought the world wanted to hear. As disappointing as it may be to many fans, this is without question the most accurate portrayal of what really transpired in the studio, and in their minds of The Beatles, as they proceeded through this unprecedented time in musical history. A great deal of time was spent on the changes the group went through after Brian died, for this was where the Beatles really began the turmoil and emotional descent really took hold of the group. As discomforting to many as this might be, this is the most accurate, truthful and intimate look at the goings on inside the studio with The Beatles. This is the finest book about the real story of the Beatles, based on all eyewitness account, from the beginning of the pandemonium that embraced them, to the bitter rivalries which led to the Beatles demise. This book lays it all out for you, and gives you insight into their lives, their thoughts, and the tremendous pressure the group lived with, to the millions of people waiting desperately to hear their next genius effort, and the expectations were no less than that. It took many a masterpiece before they were ready to call it quits. This is the book, from Geoff Emerick, the assistant engineer on all of the Beatles studio recordings, aside from part of "Let It Be", through every session, watching it all transpire right in front of his eyes.
   Geoff Emerick tells it like no other could possibly could, and makes this the finest and most insightful book to be written about The Beatles of all time. An absolute must for any serious Beatle fan who really wants to know the truth about the band, the changes, resentments, and how and why they were left with no choice but to split. You wont find a more accurate book on the subject anywhere. This is the book for any and every Beatle fan who wants to know the real story behind The Beatles success, and what led to their calling it quits after only a total of 8 years recording.

5 comments about The Turnaround Kid: What I Learned Rescuing America's Most Troubled Companies.

1. I expected more. An exciting book that would provide insight on financial workouts. Well I didn't get, I wanted to close the book several times, but I hate leaving a book half read. If you are looking for a interesteing read, this isn't it.



2. THE TURNAROUND KID: WHAT I LEARNED RESCUING AMERICA'S MOST TROUBLED COMPANIES recounts the high points of the author's career rescuing American business disasters - and in the process offers college-level business libraries the opportunity to understand the evolution of a business genius. Blending business management concepts with a memoir, THE TURNAROUND KID shows how the author turned around his own life as well as businesses, reshaping and restructuring the very foundations of big business procedures in the process. An inspiring, enlightening account.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. Very interesting read--both the business as well as personal. I felt as though the author was speaking to me on a one to one.



4. The story line concentrates a lot on the personal side and, as described in the sub-title, the learning derived from human behaviour in crises. Mr. Miller does go into a lot of detail on the completed turnarounds, but as you might expect given that it is unfinished business the Delphi story is a bit open ended. There is a good but short postscript on the political impact of American corporate social security arrangements on national competitiveness in international markets. The book covers the moral issues of corporate cash crises and Mr. Miller's values from his childhood as they evolved with his turnaround experiences. Overall an easy and enjoyable read with the story line flowing fast and the book well written.



5. I generally liked this book and recommend it for those interested in the business world. Steve Miller has had something of an unconventional career. Mid-level auto executive, tucked away in a foreign sub away from the power center of his company, that rises to a challenge that his previous experience would not have seemingly prepared him for. From there, he builds a career as a leading turnaround manager and a guy that is generally thought of as a realist when dealing in very difficult situations. That part of the story reinforces the view that successful careers are a marathon and that sometimes the path that you didn't expect is the one that bears the most fruit. (How's that for buzzword laden sentence!)
   
   In terms of those who are looking at this as a road map on how to execute a turnaround and value a business following a Chapter 11, do not pass go. It isn't that kind of book. If you're a novice looking to understand the Chapter 11 process, this is not the right book for you. (Try Distressed Debt Analysis by Stephen Moyer.) But, for those who are trying to run a business that needs a kickstart, there are some valuable comments on how to deal effectively with your employees, creditors, and customers. I think Mr. Miller comes across as honest and candid when he is involved in those situations.
   
   What makes this book unique is the personal part of the story. By his own account, Mr. Miller's greatest asset and greatest source of concern. perhaps, was his spouse. I found his honesty on that subject to be refreshing and the sign of a man who is comfortable in his own skin.
   
   The one knock I have are some inconsistencies in aspects of his career that did not go well. His efforts to explain why the Board at Waste Management failed in their duty to provide effective oversight of the company's management came across as a CYA answer to hold off plaintiff's attorney in a lawsuit.
   
   Mr. Miller also completely bypasses what occurred at Chrysler's finance subsidiary within just a few months of leaving the company in 1992. He is candid about his attempt to unseat Lee Iacocca, but he makes no mention of the fact that the finance sub had a gun to their head with an expiring, and fully funded, bank deal in the summer of 1992. His lack of oversight with the folks at the American Center should have been noted, if for no other reason than as a cautionary tale.

5 comments about Baruch: My Own Story.

1. This is a brilliant book, full of exciting details of a time in Wall Street that will never be lived again.
   Baruch writes about his childhood in South Carolina as well as his first accounts of New York. This is where he makes all his first big breaks, mistakes and important acqaintances.
   Baruch offers much thought and philosophy on some of the major achievements in his life, including working with the Guggenheims & other great figures, and presents wisdom on economics, politics and personal relationships.
   Highly reccommended to those interested in stock market history, global economics or commodities.



2. This book is the best autobiography that I have ever read. Baruch, the Wall Street financier and advisor to Presidents Wilson through Truman, lived an amazing life. Unlike many autobiographies, which are written with an eye to aggrandizement, this one accurately portrays Baruch as a decent humanitarian that did not let his success and power go to his head. There are no intimations here (or elsewhere) that Baruch was dishonest or untrustworthy, and he served in many public service capacities without pay. Baruch writes about his friendships with guys like John "Bet a Million" Gates and "Diamond" Jim Brady. As an investor, I was impressed about how Baruch was able to write about his early failures in the market and was steeled by the fact that he made so many mistakes in his youth but was undeterred on the path to wealth. This book was so good I read it in one day.



3. A fantastic writer, a brilliant business leader and judicious statesman. Bernard Baruch's explanation of the background and definition of the term speculator in chapter IX, is one of the finest pieces of business mentorship and insight available in print. He believes it is an ability of priceless value in human affairs, especially the need to act in time. Practical wisdom in any age.



4. This biography is a great read for anyone interested in this great man who counseled presidents and was associated with Winston Churchill. It is interesting in showing how far ahead of his time Mr. Baruch was in not only stock speculating but also discrimination and economics. He was a millionaire in his early thirties after a few good runs in the stock market and devoted the remainder of his life serving the public and helping the U.S. when WWI and WWII. If you are reading it for only his advice on stocks just read chapter XIX My investment philosophy. It is one of the greatest chapters you will find anywhere on successful stock speculation. He will explain to you that economic conditions do not drive prices, peoples perceptions do. Cut your losses fast. Sell your worst performers keep your best. Know what you are investing in. You can only truly learn the rules of stock trading by experiencing the losses personally. Here is a summary of his 10 rules summarized:
   
   1. Only speculate if you can do it full time.
   2. Ignore inside information and tips.
   3. Have a complete understanding of a companies fundamentals before you buy the stock.
   4. Don't try to buy bottoms or sell tops.
   5. Cut your losses quickly.
   6. Focus on and buy only a few stocks.
   7. Review and update your investments periodically for changes.
   8. Study your tax position to know when to sell at greatest advantage.
   9. Never invest all your funds. Keep a reserve.
   10. Stick to the field you know best in investments.
   
   Chapter 19 is a must read for all serious stock traders.



5. You may not agree with many of his philosophies on life, markets or politics. Like Soros, he wasn't a supporter of uncontrolled laissez faire capitalism. He was a disciplined man who espoused discipline and control in public and private affairs.
   
   I was drawn to this memoir through the mention of Baruch by Jim Rogers (who founded the Quantum fund with Soros) in an interview two decades back. Then at another place i had heard he sold off his stocks in 1929, just before the big break, when a shoe-polish boy gave him a tip.
   
   Who was Baruch? One of the most successful men in speculation and politics in his time - a wall street partner at 25, a millionaire at 30, a statesman by 50. A very rational observer, he trusted his own judgement above all else. There are many lessons for the trading/investing mind. The one i liked the most was his insistence on never trusting inside information above one's own rational judgement.
   
   This is a fabulous book written by a great man in his closing days. A man who was as big a success in public life as he was in his private.

1 comments about Flash of Genius: And Other True Stories of Invention.

1. I love books like these that show how regular people can create amazing gadgets. I grew up seeing my Dad fashion problem solving devices from junk in the basement. I can't get enough of books like these. I already bought and read Gadget Nation Gadget Nation: A Journey Through the Eccentric World of Invention a similar book, but a little funnier because it showcased quirky gadgets. I ended up buying a couple from the store at http://GadgetNation.net/store. Hope that helps. ;)

5 comments about The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed.

1. I have inherited and purchased a few Gucci pieces, and have been so fond of the quality of their products that I thought I would read this book as a "light read." I was completely surprised by the first chapter that I just kept on turning the pages. It's anything but a light read, but a great read! This book really does have it all, including a tremendous education into the fashion empire. I also love the Italian detail and family disfunction. The author did a fantastic job of weaving the intimate details of a family, a business, and a family business. I have not lost an ounce of respect for the Gucci product, in fact I am more of a fan. Blood, sweat, and tears.



2. The subtitle said it all: "A sensational story of murder, madness, glamour and greed". The perfect combination for a successful novel that in reality has been real life. Read it!



3. Yes, the Gucci story is intriguing. And yes, Ms. Forden provides some historical facts. But remember, this is a book. It should be readable. Ms. Forden's constant and trivial inclusion of far too much 'stuff' is more annoying than enlightening.
   
   This book could be condensed into 200 pages. Thoughtfully written and entertaining by someone other than Ms. Forden. It is a laborious task to tread through the boring an completely unnecessary details. Ms. Forden, no one cares about the work history of then-Head-of BergdorfGoodman.
   
   Poorly written, this book is one long magazine article. Paragraph after paragraph of unnecessary filler. I suggest you find some other way to capture the history of the Gucci company.



4. This is a very interesting book about the Gucci family, but it at times delved too much into all the business and acquisitions. It got at times really complexed. Having said that, it was a really good and interesting book. It was almost as if the author didn't want the story to end. I am glad I read it.



5. I absolutely loved this book. I only wish I had been more cognizant of the events as they were happening (I was young at the time). Forden truly captures all of the bastardly splendor of Gucci and made me nostalgic for the Tom Ford days.

5 comments about Jack: Straight from the Gut.

1. Jack Welch's life has been about excellence, winning....and having fun. His autobiography, "Jack: Straight From the Gut", tells how he rose from small town roots to become CEO of General Electric, arguably the greatest corporation in America and the world at the end of the 20th Century. During his life's journey, Welch accomplished more than most ever dream of. He earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering by the age of 25. During his 20 year tenure as head of GE, company revenues soared from $27 billion in 1981 to $130 billion in 2001. GE's annual growth rate averaged 18.9 percent during this period, and its stock rose a staggering 3,098 percent.
   
   Without any formal management training, Welch worked his way up from "process development specialist" in 1960 to CEO of GE in 1981. His management secret? Welch attributes his success in life and business to living the lessons his mother drilled into him during his youth. She taught him early that he had better face the facts of any tough situation if he was to succeed: "Don't kid yourself. It is the way it is." she would tell him repeatedly. "Grace Welch taught me the value of competition, just as she taught me the pleasure of winning and the need to take defeat in stride,"... "If I have any leadership style, a way of getting the best out of people, I owe it to her," Welch writes.
   
   And getting the best out of people, himself included, is what Jack Welch did best. He was such a great manager largely because he focused on bringing out the best in his employees, making GE into a "people factory". He knew that a business cannot afford to be soft-hearted when it comes to grading and rewarding, or punishing, employees based upon their performance. He knew that the value of a business is primarily the talents, skills, and knowledge of its people. Under Jack Welch, GE changed from bureaucracy to meritocracy - focused on grading its people, rewarding the best, encouraging the middle, and getting rid of the rest. As he writes: "Performance management has been part of everyone's life from the first grade. It starts in grade school with advanced placement. Differentiation applies to football teams, cheerleading squads, and honor societies....There's differentiation for all of us in our first 20 years. Why should it stop in the workplace, where most of our waking hours are spent?"
   
   Welch characterized the traits that made him successful and that he sought in others as "The Four E's": 1. Energy of personality, 2. the Enthusiasm to communicate that energy to others, 3. the Edge to make tough decisions, and 4. the Execution to see those decisions implemented. The Four E's were connected by the "Big P: Passion". Welch's integrity to this vision of employee excellence is seen repeatedly in the book when he promotes unrecognized and unrewarded employees because he saw the four E's and big P in them, where others did not. Most of these individuals went on to become successful upper managers at GE and even CEO's of other large corporations.
   
   Whether being blasted in the media as "Neutron Jack" for laying off thousands of employees while building a state-of-the-art management training center, or executing the buyout of other companies, such as RCA with its NBC network, or implementing a system to share best practices among GE companies world-wide (a concept he termed "boundaryless"), Welch dove into each project with seemingly inexhaustible passion and zeal. He brought the same dedication to implementing each company-wide program he initiated: Globalization, Growing Services, Six Sigma, and E-business. Welch loves what he created at GE. The company definitely became his baby - and he was the heart and soul of GE during his time as CEO.
   
   As an autobiography, Jack Straight from the Gut, is a pleasure to read. Welch's A-type, straight talking personality comes through, with the help of co-author John A. Byrne, in a natural, down-to-earth writing style. Jack Welch's rise from small town Irish immigrant roots to chairman of General Electric is one of the most engaging and inspiring business tales you will ever read. Welch is a late Twentieth Century version of Andrew Carnegie: rising to fame and fortune from a humble background. His life is a confirmation of the American virtues of free enterprise system, with its focus on the values of hard work, integrity, ambition and excellence. Jack Welch is a real life Ayn Rand business hero. Like Howard Roark or John Galt, he struggled across his career, and despite numerous set-backs, he ultimately rose up to create a life of great achievements. Welch sought excellence in himself and those around him. As a result, he drove GE, its thousands of employees, and the American economy to unprecedented levels of productivity and prosperity.



2. Jack Who? People who are in college at this moment might not know the name. Does that really matter? No!
   
   This book is about Jack Welch and his amazing story up the ladder of corporate America. It teaches us about guts, hard work and true dedication. It actually reads like 'Once upon a time in America' featuring Robert de Niro.
   
   As Jack begins his journey with childhood memories, it shows how anyone can achieve great things and have an amazing career. It features hard work and some luck, but most of all the book shows there are no shortcuts. As so many books tell you how you can get that promotion as fast as possible, this story shows no 'dot-com millionaire' or 'america's next top model'. These are all longshots.
   
   If you value a career and are ready to learn from someone who's been there and done that, grab your copy. When you want to succeed in business, it'll take more than just a fancy website... it'll take a lot of guts.



3. It's very interesting, entertaining and fun to read the autobiography of Jack Welch, the CEO icon of the 80's and 90's. He's very direct, honest and detailed on his professional life while touching sometimes on his personal one. He explains how hard work, wit and a mix of luck made him the man he has become. It's full of General Electric episodes - the good and the bad - which makes it a very compelling read. I highly recommend it.



4. I've met Jack Welch in Pasadena few weeks after the book came out. Jack Welch just confirmed his keen intellect," tough" guy fame but he discussed with passion about Six Sigma, one of initiatives he championed together with globalization and e-business. This book though is not the textbook on Welch Style of Management but is a good inside in some of his thinking and approaches. This book is for those who want to listen to what he wants to say.



5. What makes an 'A performer'? Jack's years at GE have seen their share of successes, narrow escapes, and missteps along the way - and it is Jack's treatment of the former that makes this an incredibly insightful book to read. You cannot be right all the time, nor should you expect your peers or subordinates to be, but at the same time, it is your role as a leader to identify and cultivate the best performers continuously. Yes, that means letting go of your bottom 10%, every year.
   
   Aside from being an inspiring and educational read, the book also offers a rare glimpse of the corporate growth strategies and acquisitions made by GE - a side of corporate America that is rarely covered and poorly understood outside of the top financial circles.
   
   Highly recommended for any entrepreneur and business owner out there. (Yes, the lessons apply outside of multi-billion dollar corporate context.)

5 comments about Good Guys and Bad Guys: Behind the Scenes with the Saints and Scoundrels of American Business (and Everything in Between).

1. While most of us end up working in business of some sort, little in the way of fiction gets published that's about business. Nocera, who could have been a really compelling sports writer, writes about business in a driven but succinctly intelligent way. His features read like fiction, because he's good at dramatizing and characterization. He gets very close to his subjects too - which is difficult when you're dealing with moguls. Nocera has never been far, the last quarter century, from major figures in business or the dramas that ensnare them, whether Microsoft, Apple or Enron. This is a very enjoyable book.



2. Enjoyed the book; however most of it are reprints of columns from over the years...old news, that is. The book is well written. Read it if you enjoy reading about insights into the personalities of the business world.



3. I just finished reading this book today, and I am almost sad to be done with it. I consider myself a casual business reader, as I recently read "The Biography of the Dollar" by Craig Karmin as well as The Age of Turbulence by you know who. Both were great reads, but Nocera's work tops my list.
   
   I studied economics in college, and work in the financial field now, so I stay up to date with the business world, but I never got a chance to learn about the big players of American business past. This collection of Nocera's previous articles/columns combined with his current reflections and insights is a perfect way to become familiar with the stories and personality characteristics of American business icons from Charles Merrill to Steve Jobs.
   
   Nocera's writing style and his ability to become close with his interviewees is very engaging and provides for great storytelling. As he says in the beginning of his book, business stories can be some of the most drama filled and compelling tales to read, and he does a great job at doing just that.
   
   If you enjoy reading gripping stories, opinions, and insights of American business icons, I recommend picking this up. I will now look forward to reading his columns and articles in the NY Times/Magazine.



4. This book consists of a nice compilation of Joe Nocera's business stories over the past 25 years or so. Readers interested in business histories and people connected to some of the corporations will not be disappointed. The title is simplistic and inaccurate. The characters are certainly a lot more complex and cannot be characterized as "good" or "bad". In all fairness coming up with a title that unifies all the stories is a challenge. Book consists of 14 main chapters:
   
   1) Boone Pickens (the 1st and last chapters cover him)
   2) Steve Jobs
   3) "Ga-Ga Years" covers the stock market boom and October crash of 1987
   4) Michael Milken
   5) Charlie Merrill
   6) Lawyers involved in silicon breast implants litigation
   7) Bancrofts
   8) Warren Buffett
   9) Henry Blodget
   10) Enron collapse
   11) Clifford Asness (a hedge fund manager)
   12) Steve Parrish of Philip Morris
   13) One chapter dedicated to 6 short articles including Starbucks, Walmart, and Home Depot
   
   Nocera is an excellent writer whose stories are engaging. The articles, which vary in length, explore the companies and more importantly the individuals connected to the companies. We learn that human nature is perhaps the biggest force that shapes businesses.
   
   Highly recommended.



5. I found this book to be just a collection of Nocera's articles. True he has added a preface to each article to make it a chapter, but those small additions don't tie the separate pieces together for me. Reading this book also made me realize the difference between magazine articles and books. The magazine article typically has a point of view (so-and-so is a jerk or a good guy) and everything in the article supports that point of view. I expect a book to be more nuanced pointing out both sides of a person or issue.