5 comments about How Firms Succeed: A Field Guide to Design Management.

1. Too many design professionals think that design excellence and financial acumen are mutually exclusive. Thanks to the authors of How Firms Succeed for putting this myth to rest. This book addresses the issues that, if practiced, will allow for both. One can only imagine the impact of a firm that provides best-of-class design and its impact on our communities.



2. How Firms Succeed transforms the poetry of architecture into the prose of practical management advice. This book offers solutions to the questions and problems that distract firms from their quest to provide excellent design. It should rapidly become an indispensable part of every architect's working library.



3. How Firms Succeed should be on every Design Firm's must read list. It is the closest thing to a how-to manual in running a design firm. Anyone who follows the principles of the text will reap the rewards as their business grows.



4. I was very pleased to find this book. It is a clear, concise resource for people who need to better understand design firms. It provides an insight into the nature of the design business - and it unique culture - that is invaluable to both practitioners and managers who want to create a successful and healthy organization.



5. Although I am not an Architect but I enjoyed reading this book. It tells you exactly what you want to know about running a design firm. I also liked the simple, clear language that was used. If you are planning to start up your own business then I really recommend you to read this book.

5 comments about You Got Screwed! Why Wall Street Tanked and How You Can Prosper.

1. Jim Cramer rules. Anyone who can mix schadenfreude (German for vicarious pleasure in others' misery), Pangloss from CANDIDE, sports analogies, and pop culture references with a straight shooting approach to finance and investing is cool. More importantly, he does a better, more readable job of dissecting big bad Corporate America than Michael Moore ever could (Cramer and Moore both got skewed in a bad-guy list of RADAR that stated the scariest facts about both, respectively, were "Is married and has children," and "Won an Oscar"). Jim Cramer isn't a get-rich-quick franchise.



2. James J. Cramer is responsible for much of what occurred during the tech bubble. He was a cheerleader for the tech boom and now says that others got screwed? HE WAS DOING THE SCREWING! This is hypocrisy at its best.
   
   From his near firing at Goldman to the collapse of his own company (TheStreet.com is down 90% plus from its IPO price) Cramer is a genius - at cashing in on his own failures.
   
   Do not touch this book with a 50 foot pole.



3. Don't get me wrong, I kinda like Cramer. He's entertaining. He's funny. He's run a successful Hedge Fund. He's made a lot of money. He's also often wrong.
   
   Here's my personal experience with Cramer. A few weeks before the collapse of Tyco, Cramer was hyping the stock on his Real Money radio program. If I remember the quote correctly he said, "I would be remiss if I didn't buy Tyco at these levels". So Tyco fell to $32, I bought 1,000 shares. Tyco went to $35 a week later, I sold and made a sweet profit. A week after that Tyco tanked. The rest is history.
   
   I got lucky.
   
   Even though I made money, I suddenly realized how foolish it is to buy stock on the advice of any pundit. I counted my blessings, thanked God I didn't get creamed, and learned a valuable lesson. I wonder how many others weren't so fortunate.
   
   This book fires bazooka rounds at the corporate excesses of the 90's and early years of the millennium. It lobs well deserved grenades into the boardrooms of the brokerage industry. Then it spits a pea shooter's worth of advice at how to avoid getting "screwed" again. Like I said, Cramer is entertaining.
   
   Clearly, Cramer is angry at something or somebody. Maybe he's feeling guilty about his own contributions to the largess of Wall Street and wants to make amends. If that's the case then I understand why he wrote this book. It's a laudable goal. Who knows?
   
   What I do know is there's nothing really new in this book. It provides some very interesting background information about a pivotal point in the country's financial history. It readdresses some of the deck stacking practices of the financial services industry, and it rehashes, in a minimal way, sage self-help advice that can be found in numerous other places for free.
   
   It's not a bad book. And Cramer is not a bad guy. I actually believe the Real Money Cramer is a far different man than the Hedge Fund Cramer. A man for the better in my opinion. So I give him the benefit of the doubt.
   
   If you know nothing about how corporate shenanigans work or how Wall Street works this book is a good primer. You'll just have to go elsewhere for the details.



4. In late December 1999/early January 2000 at the height of the tech bubble, Jim Cramer appeared on CNBC and screamed this mantra like a maniac at viewers, "If you don't buy ICGE now you are an idiot!! ICGE -- ICGE -- I SEE GE -- I SEE THE NEXT GE -- Get it -- Get it now!" If I remember correctly those were the words he screamed in a fury. The word "idiot" may have been "imbecile" but the point is he wanted to make you feel really stupid if you missed this golden opportunity.
   
   Shortly afterwards the stock started dropping like a rock and Internet Capital Group fell from something like $220 a share to half that in no time flat. Now check out a chart to see where the next General Electric is.
   
   How Jim Cramer got away with this is beyond me. I just found an article in my archives dated 12/20/1999 about "Why Jim Cramer is a Big Fan of Internet Capital Group" but because of copyright laws I don't believe I am allowed to post it here. In the article he stated that his hedge fund owned a large stake in the company and that he was looking to buy more on any pullbacks. What a load of bull. When he says BUY, you should say BYE as you switch to another TV channel.
   
   Good luck if you put your trust in this guy.



5. This short but very informative book gives you a history lesson on how companies have been screwing over the public for years to make a small group of people a lot of money, It teaches you how to watch for it and avoid becoming a victim of insider trading yourself.
   
   Worth every penny.

3 comments about Hit and Run Trading: The Short-Term Stock Traders' Bible, Updated.

1. I have read many reviews on other sites on this book and I am amazed by the amount of people that think for one second that Jeff Cooper would just give you a trading system for $100. I must admit, that with a little ingenuity one can make a lot of money with these strategies. You won't find an easier method of trading if you use just a little common sense and approach these strategies with a well devised trading plan. However, this system isn't for everyone, as it usually comes with intra-day drawdowns in your p-n-l, but it's the end of the day that counts. The strategies look to capture the big moves and not the quick bucks, there is more money to be made that way.
   
   The Hit and Run strategies follow the best trading practices:
   
   -enter as a stock is moving in your direction (the trend is your friend)
   -know your risk (have your stop-loss in place)
   -lock in profits
   -maximize your gains
   -being prepared before the market opens
   -solid strategies based on price-action that have worked for years
   
   The only problem that I have with the strategies are that it seems to me to have too large of a stop-loss for the intra-day trader. Once again, with a little thinking I devised a way that works for me...risking less per trade than what Cooper mentions in the book.
   
   What's so amazing about trading is that so many people are looking for "Something for Nothing" and it just isn't going to happen. Why, who wouldn't pay $100 for a trading system that worked? The truth once again is that many people could be 'given' a trading system that was profitable, but they would somehow mess it up. Trading systems that work, work because the emotional element (the human mind) has been eliminated. So I must say get the book and study the market, you can be successful using the strategies in this book!
   
   Then again, read the other reviews, convince yourself it doesn't work and let me keep trading the strategies my personalized way and let me make the money.



2. I have entered strategy in the system, but seems like that most of them not quite accurate. Any help?



3. Everything I mentioned in my critic about the orignal Hit and Run stands still true for this one, but don't expect to be a fantastic trader from the start either. You have to study his setups, what works now and what doesn't. It would help to get his swing/day trading service for a while and pick up on the ideas. Of course, Jeff's daily commentary are the BEST, bare none. Well worth to invest in his books and service, but don't expect instant miracles either.
   
   And yes, Jeff is a successful trader himself, working out of his home in Malibu. The book and setups are not just text book varieties, they come from real life every day trading.

5 comments about Invest Like a Shark: How a Deaf Guy with No Job and Limited Capital Made a Fortune Investing in the Stock Market.

1. Fun read, but most people fail using these methods. I finished the book without knowing many specifics about the author's momentum methods.



2. I read this book from cover to cover in three hours .....and it is a total nonsense. It is filled with the author's constant ramblings abt some shark attitude and stuff. He has nothing useful to say. Just one of those guys who got lucky in the dot com boom. The book does not have even one good concept or idea as to how one should trade . May be he is just interested in promoting his website etc. This kind of people should never be allowed to write books. They bring disgrace to the subject.
   Pls dont waste yoyr time and money.



3. The author has given good tips on buy and sell timing on the stocks. The theme is around preserving your capital and not making too much loss.



4. I have seen many reviews stating that this book "offers nothing new". I agree, however there is one important point that I would like to address about this book:
   
   Even though this book doesn't offer anything new, it offers for experiences individuals a path back on track. Before reading this book, I knew investing and often hedged, however over time I began be become emotional about the stocks. This book allowed me to get on track and I wasn't derailed no more.
   
   So if you are experiencing some bearish portfolio outcomes, it may be the book to read, even if you are experienced trader or investor.
   
   Newbies: It doesn't stop here!



5. This is a surprisingly mediocre book. And I say that as someone who respects James DePorre a great deal. When I finished the book (in about two hours, and I'm a slow reader) I found myself asking, "where's the beef?"
   
   There's not much beef here. It's very simplistic. It's a pedestrian read, which feels as if it were written in about a weekend, as if a publisher said, "hey Jim, you're popular now, why not write a book real fast and we can make some money?" No humor, no style, no real imagination.
   
   Again, I really respect RevShark. I have been reading his work for years on RealMoney. His columns are witty, insightful, and literate. But his book reads as if it were written for a first-grader, and a slow first-grader at that.
   
   I don't understand it. The only explanation I can come up with, was that it was written by someone else. Shockingly mediocre. Save the money on the book, and subscribe to RealMoney, and read RevShark's columns on the web site. It will be money much better spent.

5 comments about Confessions of a Street Addict.

1. Takes you right into the heart and guts of this crazy business.Makes you feel you are in the room with him.A wild and crazy ride. Re-read it immediately after completing the first read.



2. I bought this book because I saw a recommendation somewhere together with One Up on Wall Street. I had my doubts when I saw the cover (close up of the author's face) and unfortunately when I began reading my fears became true. It is one big ad of Jim Cramer. I strongly recommend against buying it however One Up on Wall Street is highly recommended.



3. This book is the best. I laughed reading this book because not only is Cramer so funny but I can tell he is to honest and almost to reveling. There are many trading and investing books out there that sell you techniques and Strategies but this book gives you everything and teaches you the side of investing that the wanna be books don't tell you.Even though this book is a bio of Cramer's start I can promise you will get more than just that. I learned so much out of this book. I am a big fan of Cramer mostly because of his honesty. I hope he comes out with more great books. I wasn't a big fan of his last book that was based more around safe investing. I really like the the real dirt on what Street Pros really do-
   
   Thanks Cramer!



4. James Cramer wrote a great autobiography. I love the show and wanted to learn more about the host. After hearing about this book, I bought it and read it without stopping. Cramer begins with his childhood and describes all the seasons of his life. His time in college, LA and at Goldman Sachs. I enjoyed reading about someone who never quits. There were many times in his life when he could have given up, but he never did. He also shows the importance of having someone in your life who always believes in you no matter what. To me, this novel shows the hard work and grit that are required to become great: whether you are lucky or not.



5. If you like Cramer even a little you will truely enjoy this book. It really helps to understand where he has come from, and how he got to where he is today.....
   I have passed this book along to many and they also loved this easy read. I, too, believe it would make an interesting movie....enjoy.

5 comments about The Only Three Questions That Count: Investing by Knowing What Others Don't.

1. Fisher's book explodes a number of market myths that are taken as conventional wisdom by most investors, very much to their disadvantage. Fisher not only puts matters in perspective, he teaches you how to think about markets, how to identify opportunities, when to take risks, when to play safe, when to get in, when to get out, etc. I like the way he writes, stating general principles and backing them up with solid facts. I think it's a good book for new investors, because he takes the time to explain basic investment terms and concepts experienced investors and professionals know backwards and forwards.



2. The book has a repetitive writing style that simply doesn't get to the point. It would be a good read if it was about 25% as long.



3. What a valuable read. This is not like any other investing book I've read. The chapter on oil is worth the price of the book alone, particularly now that everyone's so worried about oil. This was just one eye-opening shocker after another.
   
   If you want real advice on how to beat markets, get this book. If you want another fad diet book on some magic formula that doesn't really work, this isn't it.
   
   Also, its pretty darn funny in parts! That was another nice surprise. I found this to be a good read, not too technical, but with enough real, front-line-of-the-war advice.



4. Ken Fisher is an interesting guy. But don't let me tell you about him - let him talk about himself. He does that a lot in this book.
   
   The book itself feels like a sort of wandering conversation in which Ken takes you through his mindset to approaching stocks, how he questions market myths that the unwashed common masses take as gospel truth. To avoid following the herd, he asks three questions to make sure his mind is focused on uncovering 'real' truths of market movement. Stuff like 'deficit spending is good for the economy', and 'high p/e ratios do not necessarily signal over-priced stocks'.
   
   Ken Fisher is a smart guy; having a conversation with him that lasts this long is a lot of fun, and it will make you all the wiser in your general approach to investing. I enjoyed his random rants on politics, and his general advice on finding your own causations and correlations in an increasingly complex world.
   
   Where I fault this book is in its organization and its mild contradictions. Ken flat out denies for example that he's a contrarian by defining what he thinks is a contrarian and then describing why he isn't like that definition. He's also quite contradictory in his effusing of the efficient market hypothesis while bragging about his discovery of the p/s ratio to find undervalued stocks.
   
   Finally, Ken has a lot of pent-up anger toward the financial industry, and he writes like he feels he's never received the respect he deserves. Kind of put a sour taste in my mouth when taking in the advice.
   
   I recommend this book all the same. Like I said - Ken is an interesting guy; see through the faults, and you'll realize a wealth of interesting advice from a guy who knows what he's talking about.



5. I haven't gotten all the way through the book yet. But so far so good. Questioning what we all "know" makes sense. And I am a believer in most data is already built into the stock price. So you have to determine what is true that everyone else does not know. Good so far.

5 comments about Jim Cramer's Mad Money: Watch TV, Get Rich.

1. Jim Cramer's Mad Money: Watch TV, Get Rich
   I have read his first book, Sane investing in and insane world, and learned a TON;..this is better, updated more for todays markets. The third book, goes on to holding on to what you have and it's really practical info. I think he's good if not a genius in his field. Just does what he preaches, homework...Rose Germaine



2. Jim Cramer has allowed me to have peace of mind about my small investments. I am 77 and have not known who to believein this trepid market; however, I have found him to be straight forward, honest and dedicated to help the little investor. I have read all his books and watch his program. I wouldn't consider a move without him. Right now he is advising me to sit still and believe you me, I am following Jim Cramer's advice.
   Love ya',
   Peggy Wildman
   Dallas, Texas 75205



3. This book is more of a suppliment to one of Jim Cramer's earlier writings with some updates to his previous commentary. It's a shorter read than his earlier two investment books and focuses on some of the same topics as in earlier books but with updated information.
   
   I personally take notes when I read books like this and find his strategy to be a very good one. The cream of the crop in this book however is his detailed explanation and back of the book hand out for "doing the homework". As you may or may not know, Jim Cramer doesn't believe in Buy & Hold, but Buy & Homework. In review of a stock I now do the following:
   
   1. Review companies balance sheet
   2. Compare companies current PEG to it's peers, sector and industry
   3. Review it's trading multiple
   4. Review it's dividend yeild (and compare to others)
   5. Develop a thesis on why I like the stock
   6. Listen to the quarterly conference calls (this is a BIG tip and as boring as they can be, you really should do this)
   7. Review the quarterly and annual reports
   8. Become as familiar with where I believe the stock is GOIGN rather than where it's been.
   
   Jim goes into some specifics about how to watch his show, what to take seriously, how to and what to listen for when he has guests on his show, and a key one, that the Lightning Round is really just for fun and there is no real work that has been put into this segment of the show.
   
   Overall, Jim Cramer writes about investing in a way that is enjoyable and understandable for the common investor who believes that we can manage our own portfolios well enough on our own. I would recommend that you take these writings seriously and come to terms with what you believe to be true and then test them.
   
   While I prefer his previous two books in regards to this subject more, I found this book to be worth the buy and I'm proud to have it in my library.



4. A great follow-up by Jim Cramer to his book "Real Money." In "Real Money" (read that one first), Jim explains some of the basic ideas you can use to stay slightly ahead of the market. Jim often says (in his books and on TV) that he doesn't believe in a pure "buy and hold" strategy, but rather "buy and homework." In Real Money he explains some ways you can know the time to BUY... in this book he adds more detail, and further explains all of the required HOMEWORK you have to do before buying, and what you have to do to know when to SELL SELL SELL. His style is entertaining, and his language is straightforward. A great book for those small investors looking for plain talk and a way to understand the market.



5. I've heard all Jim's books and I remain a huge fan of his teachings. I have utilized his advice for my investment strategy.

5 comments about Jim Cramer's Real Money: Sane Investing in an Insane World.

1. Very easy to understand book. The author knows the audience very well and the strong and weak points about them. He has tried honestly hard to make sure the amateur stock investors learn the tricks of the game and equip themselves with knowledge they need before venturing into a brutal game of stock investment.



2. Jim Cramer's books and tv programs provide expert help to every investor; however, as a small investor on a fixed income with small investment money available at 77 woman, I have to be very cautious with my money. I am confidence in anything that he says. If he makes a mistake, he steps up to the plate and says,"I called it wrong, let's do something about it."
   His writing and TV program are not only an inspiration to me, but have given me the confidence to influence my grandchildren to learn from Jim as I have done.
   Thanks a million,
   Love ya, Jim,
   Peggy Wildman
   Dallas,Texas 75205



3. Before reading this book I knew nothing about stock market investing. This book has so much info that I feel it is not a one time read but rather a reference book. Many terms are clearly defined and many situations in the market are clearly explained. For the first time in my life, I understand how basic options work. There is far too much for me to cover in a review. If you want to learn about the stock market, this is the book for you.



4. Really, I figured what could it hurt to read & listen. Tried all his ideas, watched his picks on TV etc. Set up HIS ideal portfolios on my trading page where I trade stocks. After 2 years what are the results? Cramer's picks as well as Vectorvest picks got CREAMED compared to MY own idiotic attempts at making money long term as well as short term.
   So, do what you like, but if ever in San Diego & you want this book? You can have mine for FREE. Do however pay attention to his common sense "get out of debt" strategy.



5. After reviewing "Cramer's Real Money" my wife and I started to put this trader's guidebook method to work.
   
   I am happy to report that from last January until April we had a twenty four percent gain. We researched and searched and purchased and sold stocks that we felt comfortable with. Not bad for beginners. We now call Cramer a stock guru.
   
   After gaining our trust in Cramer we started watching Mad Money on MSNBC. We watched and learned. Every now and again Cramer would make stock pick suggestions. Saying things like boy if you can get this stock for under xxx amount then "that is a gift". Buy Buy Buy.
   
   So we thought this stock trading guru has helped us make money with his trading guidebook why not take his advice from Mad Money and trade those "gift stocks" that he gets so excited about.
   
   Well I can say that the stock guru is our leader no more. Since Cramer's guidebook clearly states "tips are for waiters" we feel foolish. The twenty four percent we gained is now less than one percent. If we would have not believed the tips from the stock guru himself and we would have just continued with the traders guidebook methods we would have been much better off.
   
   It is hard for us to believe that this man's reckless "GIFT" stock picks are from the same person that wrote the book. From what I have been reading online there are many that consider Cramer very reckless with total disregard for his own books methodology.
   
   So buy the book but do not take TIPS even if the TIPS come down from the stock guru himself.

5 comments about The Little Book that Saves Your Assets: What the Rich Do to Stay Wealthy in Up and Down Markets (Little Books. Big Profits).

1. This "Little Book" delivers a big message. It's another jewel from the David Darst collection.



2. I am obsessed with investment books, and have read everyone I can get my hands on. I have never read one that puts the potentially dry concepts of asset allocation into vivid stories so that investors of all sophistication levels can learn them. This should be required reading for every investor and prospective investor so that they can build plans that will give them the highest odds of success on their financial journeys. Thank you David for an instant classic.



3. As the book explains, asset allocation is tremendously important for long term returns. Most individual investors should be spending time figuring out asset allocation rather than worrying about picking stocks. This book shows you how to do it.



4. This book is one step short of basic. Total waste. Unless you are into similes.



5. David Darst has successfully managed to write a book that is informative and an easy read . Whether you are a novice investor or an experienced advisor " The Little Book That Saves Your Assets " should be on your desk at all times !

5 comments about Jim Cramer's Stay Mad for Life: Get Rich, Stay Rich (Make Your Kids Even Richer).

1. While this book has some valid theory and elementary education on market cycles, there is without question a definitve arguement against anything that Jim Cramer writes or speaks. Now take this as you may, but for nearly 10 years I followed Jim like a hawk and I lost a lot of money. I thought it was me, I just didn't have it. Please look at this YouTube.com vidoe and decide for yourself.
   
   I am not affiliateed with either party.
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt8pd9xd2h4



2. "He explains what professional money managers do right that amateur investors do wrong." And has forgotten that its the amateurs that watch his program, read his books and heed his advice. Then when he reverses himself and a stock falls off a cliff overnight and "amateurs" lose much of their hard-earned money, he hides behind a disclaimer.
   
   Jim Cramer talked up Sirius Satellite Radio stock for a year, and on the night the merger with XM was made official, he compared the stock to lottery tickets. And the "amateurs" were supposed to see this coming?
   
   Jim Cramer should be ashamed of himself.



3. Marketspath is considered by some-as the masters of market timing. Since March 20, 2008-when we started tracking our etf pro-share trading system (we have been in business since 2004) we have made 43 etf pro-share trades and have recorded only 2 losing trades..with an unbelievable 95.63% accumulative profits.
   
   If you want to make consistant profits each and every week-the esy way..check out www.marketspath.com



4. A great book by Jim Cramer to explain some basics of how you can use some simple rules and ideas to invest in the stock market. Cramer explains in simple terms how to understand the market and use the ideas he used at his hedge fund for your benefit. It's not a "get rich quick" book, and explains that this isn't for people who have no time and little interest in stocks, companies, and business. But for those that have time and interest, this book is a great resource. My only real negative would be that there isn't a lot of in depth information about what he means by "homework" for your investments... but for that, you can read his next book "Mad Money," which does cover that topic in detail. If you have time and interest in doing your own investing, read this book and then follow it up with Mad Money.



5. I love the third book. The section of the new rules are fascinating. I have learned a lot.