5 comments about If You're Clueless About the Stock Market and Want to Know More.

1. First of all I like the way Seth writes. Hes a good writer and an expert on issues regarding the web.
   
   This particular book is fine as a general reference on the stock market, but frankly beginners will need concrete strategies to make it as online stock traders.
   
   The reality is that the stock market doesn't care if you are a beginner or not. It will gladly take your money away if you don't know what your doing. So the bottom line is, you better be well PREPARED before you even think about making the first trade.
   
   Stock trading is a very competitive field and in order to succeed you need to FOCUS on a set of simple strategies that you can implement without hesitation.
   
   This game is all about buying and selling according to your set ups. So the clearer your set ups are, the easier for you can be to make a profitable decision. You defenetly gotta know what kind of stocks and scenarios to look before you place your buy. Hopefully some sites on the web do offer more relevant and updated stock trading information.
   [...]
   They focus mainly on short term momentum stock trading strategies, that in my opinion are easier to implement than many other technical systems outhere.
   
   Stock trading doesn't have to be complicated as many people perceive. But you do need to follow a well organized set of rules and tactics, that once you master them, you can aspire to replicate profitable trades with consistency.



2. These days it's really hard to find trading knowledge that is practical & simple to understand.
   
   Most of the info outhere is full of the same thecnical analysis jargon that makes you lose a lot of times. Basically most tehcnical trading books tell you the same story but organized in different chapters using different words and charts as examples.
   
   Some places on the web have pretty practical information. One site that I recommend is StressFreeTraders com. They have a pretty clear way for trading stocks with momentum using easy to understand strategies. This is also one place where you can understand why knowing how to approach the rally is critical for your stock trading success.



3. An interesting read for anyone who knows very little about the interworkings of the market and global economics.



4. the book was fairly uninteresting and almost too broad. I felt like after every tiny section, he assumed you understood and just moved on. I was really clueless and was wanting just any information I could get my hands on. I did learn a little but it wasn't necessarily that helpful. The other reason I chose this book was because the author's name came up when I was discussing Malcolm Gladwell with a friend of mine. I assumed he might be just as intriguing but I got quite the opposite within the text.



5. Picked this up thinking it would be a good intro to the market. I was badly mistaken. You can tell the author knows a lot about the stock market, but he does not know how to explain it to someone new. I do not recommend this to beginners because of the wordage, and also don't recommend it to more advanced users as it is probably a rehash of what you already know.

5 comments about How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.

1. How to Stop Worrying and Start Living focuses on the importance of ones attitude. It is as applicable today as when it was written. A good attitude is crucial in helping a person improve his or her life and relationships with others. Although we all know these principles, this book is a great reminder that by appreciating life we enjoy life.
   
   The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking



2. I'm not sure what influenced me to buy this book but I sure am glad I did. The author, Dale Carnegie, has been dead for over 50 years but the principles in this book are timeless.
   
   You dont have to sit and read the book from cover to cover either. To be blatently honest, its a great bathroom reader. Each chapter is independent enough so that you do not have to really read them in any order. Or if someone just happened to pick it up, they could read the first chapter and walk away with something and not have to read the rest.
   
   The principles that he covers in this book are ones that we knew were right in our minds already. The problem is, we dont incorporate them into our lives even though we know better. What this book really does is enables you to trust yourself on what you already know. I know this sounds odd, but no matter how well you know yourself and trust your own judgement, the things said in the book will still help you. Plus there are plenty of examples of how people have incorporated the doctrines into their lives and it made all the difference in the world to them.
   
   Final Note: The way things have been going for myself and pretty much every one that I know in life, times have gotten fairly tough. Everybody hates their job or doesnt have enough money to make ends meet. Its really easy to find yourself in a gloomy state of being. Anyone that comes to me and says their having problems dealing with this or that, i recommend they pick this book up. So far nobody has complained that it didnt help them.



3. I have had this book for many years since the time I took part in a Dale Carnegie Course in the early 70's. I found it helpful then and I keep going back to it whenever I feel blue. It helps me put things back into perspective. While doing the course I won Dorothy Canegie's book "Don't Grow Old, Grow Up" which I have also reread many times over the years.



4. Dale Carnegie wrote some great books back in the 30's and 40's, and this book is one of them. Readers who liked Carnegie's bestselling How to Win Friends & Influence People won't be disappointed in this book.
   
   The writing style is classic Carnegie. To put it simply, the guy just writes like he talks. This makes for a very friendly and easy to understand book, rather like a good friend giving you a piece of advice.
   
   And a lot of advice he gives. The book is divided up into ten sections, each one tackling some aspect of worrying. I could give you a rundown of the topics, but you don't really need me to repeat the table on contents to decide if you want to read the book. Rather, let me just say that book covers just about every major "worry issue" that might be causing a troubled mind, such as your work, your finances, other people's criticisms- and them some.
   
   While there are no earth-shattering, never-before-seen tips in the book, I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend it to anyone who is looking to ease their mind a bit. That's because it does a GREAT job of conveying simple wisdom that really make you think good and hard about why you're worrying and if those things are really worth worrying about at all.
   
   In short, its a bestseller because it makes a lot of sense and its advice can do a lot to re-frame your thinking about things. And if you can re-frame your thinking, well, you've about found the best "Compound-W" for worry warts. Readers who enjoyed this book might also enjoy Finding Happiness in a Frustrating World.



5. I have few book CD's i keep and review and this is one of my favorates, DC's stories do not get old or dated, also the reader is outstanding.

5 comments about Complete Guide to Robert's Rules of Order Made Easy: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply.

1. The title of this book says it all. The author does an impressive job of breaking down the components of Roberts Rules and making it easy to understand, especially for someone who has never heard of this way of conducting meetings.
   
   In the beginning of the book, the author lays out ten rules that basically summarize Robert's Rules and the template to implement for the majority of meetings. Not all meeting require Robert's Rules of Order so the author explains what meetings are best suited for Robert's Rules. When the rules are applied properly, it can be beneficial for your meetings.
   
   This book is very informative and answers what's in it for me and why I would want to adopt this way of conducting meetings. Great utilizations of real life examples at the end of each chapter making this book a great resource for those starting an organization or creating a local chapter of an existing organization.
   
   From opening a meeting, to agenda, motions, proper way to vote and closing, this book has it all. Would recommend distributing to Board and encourage members to obtain copy. If you are developing a new company/organization or tweaking one that has existed for years, this would be a resource to have to ensure your meetings are ran in the most efficient way possible.



2. The subtitle to this book is "Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply." "Complete," "made easy," "everything to know," "explained simply" this is just what you need when it comes to understanding and using Robert's Rules of Order.
   Also, this is what makes this book well written, it's clearness of style and use of language are a fine example of the use of plain language in writing about difficult and complex subjects. It's the kind of book suited for first time and occasional user to even a veteran who needs a quick guide for reference.
   
   Starting with the history behind the rules, the author brings you current to using the rules today within an organization. Along with this, the topics of electing officers and types of meetings are discussed. The key point, however, is the use of motions and voting procedures. This is rightly pointed out as the heart of the matter. It relates to running your average club meeting right up the halls of government and big business. Once you understand this key point, you are in command of what is most necessary to participate in just about any kind of meeting.
   
   The rest of this book deals with topics, such as providing the necessary paperwork in terms of having an agenda, recording the meeting by taking minutes, and presenting reports on key matters. Also, covered are the points regarding debate, how and under what conditions such an engagement takes place.
   
   Chapter eight discusses the rules for everyday use by calling attention to at least fifteen basic rules to follow, most of which are already familiar, such as calling a meeting to order, adjournment, recess, making a motion and discussion. Discussed also are those rules used occasionally as well as how to lead and control a meeting by displaying certain key characteristics of leadership.
   
   What is often overlooked in regard to meetings is how etiquette and Robert's Rules are closely related in that the niceties of our usual behavior are also appropriate in conducting and participating in meetings, such as having polite manners, not being rude, or talking out of turn or interrupting. In addition, when there are no direct applications of Robert's Rules, you can adopt a more "relaxed" or "modified version of the rules."
   
   The added values to this book are the appendices which illustrate by example such documentation as: notices and minutes; sample bylaws, committee reports, resolutions, ordinances, and conventions. Also provided is an excellent glossary followed by a user friendly index to key topics.
   
   All considered, this book is a valuable addition to anyone's library especially for those who engage in attending or participating in various civic, political and business functions where meetings are an important part.



3. Now the title itself gave me no indication of what was in store with its contents. I had no idea of Henry Martyn Robert was or what his rules were. The basic rules Robert wrote about in the 1870s and implemented and used are as important today as they were then. And with this book to guide you are basic enough for everyone to comprehend and use.
   
   Now, running a meeting is not just about getting the right people there at the right location, it is about respect, listening and agreement.
   
   Beginning with a test to determine if the rules will apply to your organization and ending with what to do if there is no rule to use in your company, this book is thorough. It delves into each rule with gusto. It also incorporates how the digital age has changed the way meetings are held. International conversations happen effectively and ineffectively every day. You get an idea how to apply the Robert's Rules to online and teleconference meetings alike.
   
   While the book is geared toward more formal types of meetings, such as diplomatic and board committees, I believe everyone should read this book. Its simplicity can be applicable to many types of conversations. The rules are respectful and effective.
   
   Whether you're a formal meeting planner or board member, this book is a must for your arsenal.



4. Who is Robert and why are his rules so important? For anyone who has to attend or manage regular meetings for their workplace or organization, "Robert's Rules of Order" are vital to know how to best manage the order of the meeting itself with the intent of it being productive and respectful of others in attendance.
   
   The author of this book explains that "Robert" or rather General Henry Martyn Robert was an important figure in history as he was a leader of his community in Massachusetts in the 1870's with a great interest in the methods of the English Parliament, the prototype of what is now referred to as Democracy. The Parliament model demands that meetings are held in such a way that all members are heard in a respectful and civilized manner. Robert modified the ideas that he gathered into a set of ten rules that can be applied to meetings in the modern age. Specific case studies of the rules are provided as well as ideas you can use to introduce them into your own organization's meetings.
   
   "Roberts' Rules of Order" are illustrated in a clear and concise manner so that the average reader can understand and apply the principles of "Roberts Rules of Order" easily. Not only will you find this book a very interesting and often humorous read, but you will find out more about why meetings and time management are valuable tools used by organizations to improve things and bring people together to come up with innovative ideas. While the rules themselves are based on traditional ideas, one could learn a great deal about how best to manage a company as a whole from reading this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is in a management role or who may be in the process of starting their own venture.



5. The author was able to explain a complex legislative idea in an extremely simplified manner. For someone who had no idea what Robert's Rules were before reading this book, it is impressive how easily understood the concepts could be. Cook provides an interesting description of how Robert's Rules came to be which fluidly sets the foundation for understanding its basis. Information is organized logically and examples/instruction are used to apply the rules to the reader's own business or group endeavors. I would recommend this book as a fantastic guide for anyone who needs to acquire skills on how to manage a productive meeting of individuals. Star rating: 5

No comments about Sales and Operations Planning: The How-to Handbook, 3rd ed..

5 comments about The Coffeehouse Investor: How to Build Wealth, Ignore Wall Street, and Get On With Your Life.

1. Wish I had read this a long time ago.
   First read this three years ago. Have made a bundle using this method of investing.



2. This is an excellent, short book that puts an individual's emotion in perspective. It illustrates the simple principles to basic investments that will not consume much of your noncareer working hours.



3. After five years of honing skills as an individual stock investor, I realized there's got to be a better way. And this book is a simple guide to a stress free, but strategic method. With the gyrations of the market currently, Bill's philosophy is a remedy for riding the waves and sleeping easier. Thanks, Bill.



4. This book could work if the goal is to introduce an investor to the concept of efficient markets and index investing. However it is a little too laid back and short on content. It is easily skimmed, and summarizes the major points of how you can't beat the market, how indexing and low expenses work. However I doubt that someone serious about revamping their portfolio or changing their investing style would be convinced from this short book to do the overhaul. I would say that at the minimum, this book would whet your appetite to explore further. Three books I would recommend are Bernstein's Four Pillars of Investing, Rick Ferri's All About Asset Allocation, and John Bogle's The Little Book of Common Sense Investing. These books furnish the investor with the education, the rationale, the evidence, studies and statistics, as well as the practical how-to's of assembling a personal portfolio and sticking to it. Otherwise, someone reading the Coffeehouse Investor would just treat Indexing as another investment fad, and abandon it when the next bear market hits, not understanding risk/reward, diversification, correlation, asset allocation and rebalancing.



5. I agree with other reviews that point out that this book could be reduced to be basically a pamphlet with the main points. In fact, the web site for the coffee house investor pretty much does just that. What is it that fills the pages you ask? Stories of climing mountains, baking pumpkin pies and life in Seattle. Now, I'm not saying that's bad, but I am saying it tends to get pretty off topic in several parts of the book. It's not a wonder why it took the author so long to find a publisher. That being said, the author makes good, clear, understandable points that anyone can follow. He is not trying to teach anyone how to get rich quickly or beat the market, just the opposite. His approach is to create a balanced portfolio made up of mostly index funds and keep putting money into the account regularly. He also makes a good point in the book about why working with financial advisors is a huge drain on your earnings, I loved his charts on this. Bottom line, if you can match the market's returns year after year on your own by investing in low cost (expenses) index mutual/bond funds why hire someone to do this work for you who will put you into loaded funds with high expenses and fees plus pay them a commission on top of that? The answer really is 1) you hope they can beat the market (which only 20% of mutual funds have done historically) and 2) that they'll prevent you from doing something incredibly stupid that could cause you to lose even more than you would lose through fees paid.

5 comments about Section 8 Bible, Vol. 1.

1. Thank you so much Mike! You make it so much easier for us how to handle section 8 Tenants. I've learned so much from it and we are looking to get our next rental property.



2. Everyone and anyone who owns property or is involved in real estate ought to have this book. Michael does not beat around the bush. He gives so many "things you must do" tips. He gives invaluable advice about various aspects of real estate- from how to manage property, how to manage people in your property, how to acquire real estate, and how to leverage yourself and property against financial institutions. Mike really wants people to succeed at being landlords. Although, this book is about being a Section 8 landlord, it really is about just being a landlord regardless of who your residential tenants are. Do not be concerned that Mike and Nick are from Philadelphia. The information is basically the same for Section 8 across the board and any slight variances can easily be tailored to your region. Be warned, delaying to purchase this book is costly. Thanks Nick and Mike.



3. I am in the process of rennovating my first Section 8 property, and I have already saved myself hours of time and thousands of dollars by reading this book. I also highly reccomed Volume II available at section8bible.com. A great read with tips you won't find from your standard "guru" real estate books. Pays for itself in the first 10 pages!



4. If you are considering renting section 8, there are MUCH better books out there- keep looking. I was able to find a more informative book at my local library that applied to my state and was written by a lawyer. This book is TERRIBLY written, gives very little useful information, and was a waste of money and time. Let me sum up what I got from the book: remove anything from the property that isn't required by section 8 (your local office can give you that info.) so that you don't have to deal with the tenant when unnecessary items break. I cannot tell you how many times this is repeated in different ways and illustrated with stories in the book.



5. this was a well written book with very good info in regards to section 8 inspections.

4 comments about How to Start a Solo Law Practice - 2008 Edition.

1. To start a solo law practice, you need to know more than just how to practice law. You need to know how to do the research to find out if you can make living in the kind of law you want to practice. You need to know what kind of marketing will bring clients in to your office. You also need to to know how to set up the everyday things that associates in large firms take for granted, like how to set up a filing system, what kind of furniture your office needs, and what kind of phone and computer systems will help you. The list goes on and on, and if you've never started a business, you probably have no clue how much you don't know that you need.
   
   It's all overwhelming without a guide. Hal Davis is that guide, and this book contains a wealth of information that would otherwise have taken me years of experience to gain. My copy has post-it notes every couple of pages, and every page generated notes and entries in my to-do list for starting my office. I would not even think of trying to start a solo practice without the information here, and it's all contained in a readable format that fits into my briefcase.
   
   I highly recommend this book to both those who are new grads and those who are going solo after years of practice.



2. I am currently in the process of starting my own law practice and found this book very helpful. It is well written, well organized and easy to read. I found this book to be inspiring because it shows that someone who does not have a huge bank account can still start and run a law practice. I purchased both this book and the one by Jay Foonberg; I have found that between the two books every aspect of starting and running a practice is covered. Foonberg's book offers a lot of good advice, but it is geared towards the lawyer who wants to start their own "white Shoe" law firm and has an unlimited budget. This book is written for the lawyer who wants to get away from that type of practice and has a limited budget.
   Additionally, this book offers ways to achieve some of the suggestions Foonberg gives, for a person of more limited means, without sacrificing the quality of service. There are so many aspects to starting a law firm and once you jump in, there are things that are easily overlooked. This book lays them all out so that you don't forget anything. It provides a wealth of information in a compact form and is an excellent resource that I highly recommend.



3. I thought this book was helpful in some ways, but what I remember most is how the author got bogged down in the details of selecting a font and entering his time through his handheld PDA. Ultimately, my review is positive, but if you're only going to buy one book about starting a solo practice, I would buy another. This is probably a pretty good second reference, though.



4. Overall, a very good book and well worth buying. As the title says it gives the "nuts and bolts" on starting and running your law office. The book is easy to read and digest.

3 comments about Real Power: Stages of Personal Power in Organizations, Third Edition.

1. This book is excellent at helping to identify your personal leadership style and the style of those around you. It also provides concrete suggestions on how to work with others at different phases of leadership development and also how to further develop your own leadership style



2. I have read this book years ago and find its wisdom still relevant. It shows personal power in progressive stages with the ultimate stage being the most healing and metaphysical.

   It has helped me understand the power dynamic in the organizations I have worked in and has given me a way to help chart my course in becoming a better employee/manager/employer.

   Even though it is easy to read, one shouldn't pigeonhole others into the various categories of personal power, but should use this book to help understand and spur spiritual growth in the organizational life of yourself and others.




3. Power affects all relationships in a way that is, arguably, either underestimated or misunderstood. Or both.

   So a book that takes a fresh-eyed view of personal power is a welcome addition to understanding the complexities that underlie all human relationships.

   In "Real Power," Janet Olson Hagberg has delivered a book of profound insights. It is one of those rare works that forever alters how you view yourself and the world around you. It is replete with wisdom you can leverage to shape your personal destiny in ways you could not before encountering its ideas.

   REAL POWER IS PERSONAL POWER
   Personal power, Hagberg instructs, results from combining external power -- the capacity for action -- with internal power -- the capacity for reflection.

   The crux of her thesis is a simple, but richly developed, model. It describes six stages of power that individuals can experience, "which we layer one upon another as we develop."

   The six stages are:
   1. Powerlessness (feeling that you have little to no power)

   2. Power by Association (a sense of power derived from others who have power, or from learning)

   3. Power by Achievement (power that originates from having accomplished feats or acquired the culturally accepted signs of achievement; the stage within which most professionals and managers and their employing organizations function)

   4. Power by Reflection (the power of thoughtful competence and integrity, marked by a search for and transition to deeper meaning)

   5. Power by Purpose (the power that transcends ego, intellect, and will -- difficult hurdles that Hagberg collectively labels "The Wall" -- to serve a larger cause by empowering others)

   6. Power by Wisdom (the power that flows to one who is exceptionally capable and mature and, paradoxically, neither seeks nor desires power)

   According to Hagberg, individuals operating mainly in the first three stages perceive that their power comes from outside themselves, while those in Stages 4 thru 6 view their power as emanating from within themselves.

   THE REAL FOCUS OF "REAL POWER"
   While the subtitle of the book suggests that it emphasizes the role of "power in organizations," it quickly becomes obvious that organizational dynamics is *not* the main focus of the book. "Real Power" (fortunately for its readers) really unveils the potent role that power plays in fueling everyone's actions and shaping everyone's relationships. On the job, at home, in houses of worship, everywhere.

   In fact, Hagberg routinely includes comments aimed at helping women, minorities, and the economically or politically disadvantaged to see (and re-think) their limiting views of power. (Throughout the book and in a special chapter, Hagberg even gives attention to how traditional roles and power expectations for men can limit or trap *them* as well.) Moreover, she includes thoughts about how each stage of power relates to one's spirituality (a theme she has more fully developed in a separate book devoted to her view of spiritual development).

   POWER AT WORK
   Since most of us work in organizations to pay the bills, "Real Power" is useful in decoding the sometimes cryptic forces that drive organizational dynamics. And the book does specifically and thoroughly address how *personal* power issues affect organizational leadership (with helpful chapters devoted to the topic).

   So the book certainly is useful for understanding how power issues shape organizational behavior. But to cast "Real Power" only onto the burgeoning mountain of business tomes purporting to explain organizational life is to do this book (and thereby alienated potential readers) a great disservice.

   "Real Power" deftly blends personal psychology and organizational sociology. It renders a great service to anyone fortunate enough to learn the Hagberg model and heed her actionable advice for consciously moving through the personal power stages.

   THE SPIRIT OF THE AUTHOR
   Hagberg, an organizational consultant and activist, writes with refreshing humility and candor. And unvarnished self-disclosure.

   "The seduction of success and recognition are almost irresistible for me.... I have a hard time knowing when to draw the line, when I've had enough."

   And (surprisingly):

   "I have also experienced two divorces, both after many years of marriage....It astounds me to realize how far we grew apart over the years, despite our best efforts to work at the spiritual and psychological aspects of our marriage. It is a mystery to me..."

   In an extraordinarily generous gesture of service, Hagberg gives blanket permission to others to produce seminars on her work and even to reproduce her graphics. All she asks in return is a donation to an organization, with which she is involved, dedicated to eradicating domestic violence.

   THIRD SWING
   This is the third, and quite expanded, edition of "Real Power." And while it bursts with provocative thinking, the book quietly moans for an editor who'd inject more organizational discipline into its many insightful pages. (Notably to maintain a consistent voice and to segregate asides and supporting examples into approachable sidebars.)

   Perhaps that will be the case with a fourth edition of this profound work that richly deserves both A) a bit of re-working to be most useful to readers fortunate enough to learn from Hagberg's illuminating model, and B) blockbuster best-seller status.

   But don't wait for the perfect iteration. No matter your station in life, get and read a copy of "Real Power" just as fast as you can. All hyperbole aside, you'll forever see yourself and the world with greater clarity. And you'll possess far more power to choose and shape the kind of life you are capable of living -- especially if that doesn't seem to be in your power right now.

   -- Don Blohowiak, Lead Well® Institute

5 comments about Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance.

1. This book can help you put a plan into place that you can follow to be successful. If you have trouble motivating or keeping on track, this book will help you do that. Marcus helps you discover what your strengths are so that you can focus on your strengths which in turn will help you be successful.



2. Focus on playing to your strengths instead of focusing on improving your weaknesses. Doing so will help you be a more all around satisfied and productive person. Buckingham's "strengths revolution" could revolutionize the way people think about themselves and production in the workplace. Imagine sitting with your supervisor as he or she reviews your strengths and blazes the trail for you to improve those strengths--as opposed to confronting your weaknesses, which Buckingham says you'll never really master anyway.
   
   Good book, could be a brief, one hour read.



3. Marcus Buckingham brought to light strengths in my life that were buried. Since reading, Go Put Your Strengths to Work, I have used my strengths and am living a richer life.
   CK - Author of, Dean Ransom, Restored.



4. Really useful. For everybody that works with Competences, a great skill. Absolutely recommended.
   
   I work with SME's and executives, and It functions.



5. `Go Put Your Strengths to Work' gives us six clear steps for increasing our personal productivity. Author, Marcus Buckingham, draws our attention to several myths, for example that as we age we improve in the areas we have always been weakest. In fact such a myth only perpetuates a tendency to focus on what we are not good at. Instead we should be shifting our time management to focus upon the areas where we work best
   
   Naturally, Buckingham's core piece of advice is that we will not be able to build our strengths if all we can see is what we are not good at. Once we truly clarifying our strengths we are better set to enter a workplace and soar. Not only that, but knowing exactly what you are good at and how to articulate it in a job interview is a fantastic advantage to have.
   
   [...]

5 comments about Ruff's Little Book of Big Fortunes in Gold & Silver: A Middle Class License to Print Money.

1. Another wonderful EZ to read book by our long time advisor, Howard Ruff. The message is always the same and it is refreshing to learn that we are still on the same track or trail. I'm loaning my copy to my friends who are a bit behind times but are anxious to learn how to save themselves from the big flush and I don't mean anything about playing cards or action in the bathroom.



2. I particularly value the author's 1970s investing experience, not because his (claimed) excellent market timing -- as I have no resource to verify that -- but metal investment story in 1970s has always been one of my interest.



3. The book is mostly, though not at all exclusively, about silver investing. The first half of the book makes the case for owning the precious metals. While interesting, it has little to do with investing.
   
   I did find some valuable information about silver.
   
   I found a few problems with what Ruff says. He, and many authors on this topic, make the same mistakes. He suggests the investor use ETFs if they want to. ETFs that specialize in gold and sliver and the like, are great. But what so many people do not know and fail to report is that they are not treated like investments by the IRS. So when you sell, you pay 28% because the IRS treats gold and silver as collectibles. With cap gains, they charge the regular lower cap gains rate if you hold an asset over one year.
   
   So when an author makes a glaring mistake like this, I question some of the other things he says. For example, he says that ALL GOLD COIN sales are reportable to the IRS unless they're semi-numismatic. That's not true.
   
   While I'd want you to verify what I say, it's my understanding that you can own gold or silver American Eagles without any reporting being done when you buy or sell (unless the amount you sell meets certain criteria.)
   
   The California Numismatic Investments has a report on its site, which says in part:
   
   First: You can place any size order and pay with a check. No one cares, not even the government. The only time they want to hear from us is if you invest more than $10,000 in cash. Then you must fill out I.R.S. Form 8300. There is nothing wrong with large cash transactions, but the government wants to know about them. And, by the way, you can't spend $5000 today and $6000 tomorrow, for Uncle Sam does not like to be fooled.
   
   Second: There are rules which apply only to bullion and only when you sell. They have nothing to do with your purchases, and do not apply to rare coins. Kilo bars are 32.15 troy ounces of gold and are subject to reporting. We are also required to report any gold bar sale totaling 32.15 ounces are more. Concerning 1 troy oz. gold coin transactions: If you sell 25 coins or more of the Krugerrand, Maple Leaf or Mexican Gold Onza we are required to report them on I.R.S. Form 1099B. Such reporting is not required on transactions involving the U.S. Gold Eagle the Australian Kangaroo or the Austrian Philharmonic. There is also no reporting on any small gold bullion coins.
   
   Third: We are required to report $1000 face 90% silver bags and 1000 ounce silver bar transactions only when you sell to us. We are not asked to report the sale of 40% bags or less than $1000 face in 90% silver coin. The 10 and 1 ounce silver bar is exempt as long as the sale does not exceed 1000 ounces."
   
   Another gold company says, "Totally Private Gold, Non-Reportable - We keep all American Eagle transactions strictly private and do not report your the purchase or sales of American Eagle gold coins to the IRS or any government agency."
   
   I bring these issues in only to point out that the author may not be totally correct in his information and that the reader should study other material. When you start investing in gold or anything, you enter legal areas that can complicate your life. You also meet up with unsavory sorts who tell you numerous lies. I've run into several. So you should know the real truth and not what a few ill-informed people say.
   
   Ruff doesn't really go into what to buy to a large degree. But for the person just getting into gold or silver investing, I recommend this book as a good starting point.



4. Mr. Ruff is right on the money (or gold). In a short and succinct volume he lays out the rationale for owning gold investments ( physical as well as gold stocks) In these perilous times, his book is a veritable 'Bible" on owning precious metals. His "down home" style of writing adds to the enjoyment as well. The book is not for the professorial type and academic but for the middle class American who simply wants to know WHY he should have gold and silver in his portfolio. I would like to recommend a wonderful website for gold investments that will add to the information in his book: WWW.GOLD-ULTIMATESAFETY.NET. Highly recommended!



5. This is a very informative book for those who don't understand the system or conformation for those that do. It confirmed what I thought I had known for 35 years. I highly recommend it.