November 12th, 2010 — Books Tagged B001QIGZEK, Books, Get reviews for the Lords of Finance HERE!, Lords of Finance
Lords of Finance
ASIN: B001QIGZEK
List Price: —-
Our Price: Price Too Low To Display!
“A magisterial work…You can’t help thinking about the economic crisis we’re living through now.” –The New York Times Book Review
It is commonly believed that the Great Depression that began in 1929 resulted from a confluence of events beyond any one person’s or government’s control. In fact, as Liaquat Ahamed reveals, it was the decisions made by a small number of central bankers that were the primary cause of that economic meltdown, the effects of which set the stage for World War II and reverberated for decades. As yet another period of economic turmoil makes headlines today, Lords of Finance is a potent reminder of the enormous impact that the decisions of central bankers can have, their fallibility, and the terrible human consequences that can result when they are wrong.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #1625 in eBooks
- Published on: 2009-01-22
- Released on: 2009-01-22
- Format: Kindle Book
- Number of items: 1
The Four Bankers of Apocalypse
Liaquat Ahamed, a former World Bank economist and investment fund manager, began research on this book long before the current financial crisis, having no idea of the relevance it would have upon its publication. It is a history of the financial and economic turmoil that began in 1914 and didn’t really end until after World War II. He traces the development of this crisis through the lives and actions of four central bankers: Benjamin Strong of the Federal Reserve of New York, Montagu Norman of the Bank of England, Emile Morceau of the Banque de France, and Hjalmer Schacht of the Reichsbank of Germany. The liquidity crisis of 1914 has suddenly become a subject of interest as it bears relevance to today’s problems.
Ahamed’s central thesis is that the critical decisions made by these four bankers not only caused the Great Depression but also created the conditions for World War II. The most fateful event of all was the decision to adhere to the gold standard. In retrospect, tying the amount of currency a country has in circulation to the amount of gold it has in its vaults appears arbitrary and nonsensical. However, it seemed like a good idea at the time, it provided a universal standard against which countries could stablize their currencies. Unfortunately it became a straight jacket which gave them little room to maneuver.
When the big four bankers came into power in the mid-1920s, the use of the gold standard actually seemed to be working, currencies were stabalized and capital was once again flowing. The problem however was that there was not enough gold in existence to proide enough capital to finance world trade. According to Ahamed, this was the central flaw in the financial system that led to the Crash of 1929 and the subsequent Great Depression. Of course, the chain of events was more complicated than that and Ahamed recognizes the complexity. Each of the four bankers and their respective countries were pursuing their own agendas as opposed to trying to save the system as a whole, the gold standard was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.
Ahamed has written an interesting history of what otherwise would be a fairly dull story. It makes one think about flaws in the system – like sub-prime mortgages, derivatives and the excessive use of credit – and how things could have been different if they had been recognized earlier.
Central Banks in the First 40 years of the 20th Century
First, let me say that this is an extremely well written book. I was expecting to have to plow through the usual dreadful writing that finance and economics seems to generate. To my surprise I found a book that was crisp, clear, and interesting. Fun, in fact. Second, the author covers a period and a topic that is sadly neglected in most histories – the inter-war period, and especially the financial events that played a major role in the rise of Hitler and the origins of the Second World War.
The book is primarily the story of 4 Central Banks – those of the US, England, France, and Germany, and of the heads of those banks. The book actually covers a longer span than the inter-war period, it includes important information about the banks just prior to the First World War, their activities during the war, and extends into the Second World War. The lead-in is especially important, because it explains so much of what happened during the inter-war period.
The events are too complicated to review in detail, but the author explains them well and shows how the personalities of the Bankers as well as the politics of the times influenced events. Let us just say, mistakes were made.
My one quibble with the book is that the author is rather unsparing in his criticism of the bankers. Although this is somewhat justified, I ended up feeling sympathetic to at least the heads of the US Federal Reserve and the Governor of the Bank of England. Their primary fault was an inability to see beyond the conventional economic wisdom of the times. In point of fact, the only person who seemed to get it right during this time was Maynard Keynes. If we are to judge everyone against the standard of the most brilliant mind in their field, very very few of us are going to come out well.
The most important point the book makes is how factors other than purely economic issues play a role in making economic decisions, but how the consequences of those economic decisions then rebound onto the wider political history of the times. While the book deals with a different time and political landscape, the parallels to our own times are VERY frightening. The author does not emphasize the parallels, and the book was actually completed before many parallel events occurred. To my mind that just makes them more compelling.
Four Men Could Have Prevented the Depression: Hopefully, Treasury Secretary Geithner and Adviser Larry Summers Have Read It!
Lords of Finance is a gripping story with forgotten yet worthy characters and villains hidden inside the drama of The Great Crash and Depression. It is a lively and fascinating “event by event” look at the slow motion lead up to The Great Crash, and the four men that could have prevented the Depression.
Each thought they were pursuing a reasonable course (think prisoners dilemma), yet their tragic lack of vision and coordination doomed the world to a long and painful decade of decline.
This book will keep you up at night (probably afraid for what is left of your IRA, portfolio, or home value) reading to find out what has happened to these four men and how they continually missed opportunities.
In the end they were overtaken by their biases, rivalries, vacations and countries they represented: The United States, Britain, France and Germany.
Falling stock prices, falling international trade, falling prices, falling commodities, a rush to hold dollars, declining interest rates but lack of loan availability, decisions to save some politically connected banks but not others, and a lack of consensus on an answer, all make 1929 and 2009 have an eerie similarity?
Substitute a real estate bubble for fixed priced gold, reparations for sub prime, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson for Treasury Secretary Paul Mellon, and the book reads like an echo of the slow motion days leading up to the Great Crash and the Depression that followed.
November 11th, 2010 — Health And Personal Care Tagged B000LK17WE, Don't Wait! Buy the Imperial Touch Razor Bumps Solution 4 oz NOW!, Health And Personal Care, Imperial Touch Razor Bumps Solution 4 oz
Imperial Touch Razor Bumps Solution 4 oz
ASIN: B000LK17WE
List Price: —-
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Imperial Touch Razor Bump Solution is specially formulated to relieve razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and razor burns. Healing process begins immediately upon application! Guaranteed results in 24-48 hours. This amazing razor bumps solution is a non-greasy gel that helps controls production of sebaceous oils, kills bacteria, disinfects without irritation, stimulates and balances skin. Non-irritating even on sensitive skin. It exfoliates dead skin cells from pores, allowing blemishes to heal.Imperial Touch Razor Bump Solution is a clear way for visible results. Undisputed when it comes to fighting ingrown hairs. It can be used by men as well as women. This razor bump solution is useful for bumps on the face, neck, back of neck, scalp, legs, underarms, and bikini lines. Helps relieve dry skin, unsightly shaving bumps and ingrown hairs. Improves the appearance of acne after facial extraction and reduces unsightly redness/irritation due to razor burn. Say goodbye to those unsightly razor bumps and ingrown hairs! You have additional questions on razor bumps and ingrown hairs?
- Amazon Sales Rank: #50244 in Health and Beauty
- Brand: Imperial Touch
- Model: 11140
- Dimensions: 5.00″ h x 1.25″ w x 1.25″ l, .25 pounds
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Imperial Touch Works Very Well
I was a little skeptical but decided to try based on the “money back guarantee offer.” I have razor bumps around my bini area. They are extremely bad during the summer. I like it because not only does it work but it doesn’t sting.
Imperial Touch works
My husband loves it ! A barber referred this product to my husband. We were able to see a change by the third day.
GREAT FREAKIN STUFF—-WORKS GREAT—-A++++++
Man does that Imperial Touch Razor Bump Solution WORK!!! I used it with some apprehension but after a couple of days with no razor bumps, I’m a BELIEVER. Thanks Imperial Touch, you’re GREAT!
November 9th, 2010 — Industrial And Scientific Tagged B000F6WY2G, Get an amazing discount on the Milwaukee 49-58-0060 Eye And Eye 2-Inch-by-10-Foot Nylon Web Sling!, Industrial And Scientific, Milwaukee 49-58-0060 Eye And Eye 2-Inch-by-10-Foot Nylon Web Sling
Milwaukee 49-58-0060 Eye And Eye 2-Inch-by-10-Foot Nylon Web Sling
ASIN: B000F6WY2G
List Price: $71.90
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Due to prolonged, heavy use some components may need to be replaced. Use only Milwaukee specified replacement parts to achieve maximum life and performance from your Milwaukee tool. If unable to locate an accessory or repair part please contact Milwaukee at milwaukeetool.com.Use only Milwaukee specified replacement parts to achieve maximum life and performance from your Milwaukee tool
- Amazon Sales Rank: #171408 in Home Improvement
- Brand: Milwaukee
- Model: 49-58-0060
- Number of items: 1
Features
- Use only Milwaukee specified replacement parts to achieve maximum life and performance from your Milwaukee tool
November 9th, 2010 — Jewelry Tagged B002N0XCPA, Buy Heritage Cameo Pin for $22.00 at Amazon!, Heritage Cameo Pin, Jewelry
Heritage Cameo Pin
ASIN: B002N0XCPA
List Price: —-
Our Price: $22.00!!!!
A nostalgic glimpse at 1920’s fashion, this hematite tone pin features an intricate maiden cameo situated atop a vintage floral frame accented by petite glass crystals.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #66685 in Jewelry
- Brand: 1928 Boutique
- Dimensions: .0″ h x 1.00″ w x 1.50″ l, .10 pounds
Features
- Pin Measures: 1 1/1″L x 1″W
- Made in the U.S.A
September 18th, 2010 — Health And Personal Care Tagged B00142PG3E, Get the MetaboSpeed - Slim Down Faster! Burn Fat Quickly! - for Rapid Weight Loss. -As Seen on Fox News And RTL- here!, Health And Personal Care, MetaboSpeed - Slim Down Faster! Burn Fat Quickly! - for Rapid Weight Loss. -As Seen on Fox News And RTL-
MetaboSpeed – Slim Down Faster! Burn Fat Quickly! – for Rapid Weight Loss. -As Seen on Fox News And RTL-
ASIN: B00142PG3E
List Price: $59.95
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A metabolism booster with extraordinary results! MetaboSpeed is a unique diet pill blending ingredients clinically designed to reduce weight by boosting the metabolism, while at the same time reducing hunger. The increased metabolic rate will burn energy more rapidly but without the cravings for food that usually accompany energy consumption. This boost to the metabolism promotes a more active healthier lifestyle while trimming down the weight. More and more celebrities have been turned on by the amazing results of MetaboSpeed. Celebrities are always watching their weight and if theyre not, then the cameras certainly are! They need to keep in the best shape and are always on the go. The high quality results of this metabolism booster have gotten the attention of those in the know, and celebrities have taken the hint. Guarana Extract is used in this product to stimulate the nervous system and increase metabolism. Bitter Orange Extract also found in this product, contains synephrine, a drug comparable to ephedrine without the negative side effects.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #6449 in Health and Beauty
- Color: red-capsules
- Brand: MetaboSpeed
- Ingredients: Guarana Extract: 800 mgBitter Orange Extract: 200 mgCalcium: 35 mgPhosphorous: 25 mgProprietary Blend: 160 mg(Cellulose, Green Tea, Korean Ginseng, Garcinia Cambogia, Bee Pollen, White Willow Bark, Vanadium)
- Dimensions: 4.50″ h x 2.00″ w x 2.00″ l, .17 pounds
Features
- Burn Fat Quickly, Diminish Your Appetite & Lose Weight
- Boost Your Metabolism, Slim Down Faster!
- The increased metabolic rate will burn energy more rapidly but without the cravings for food that usually accompany energy consumption.
- Please note: Due to International Regulations, we are no longer able to ship to Germany. We apologize for the inconvenience.
- Recently reported by Fox News that Britney Spears was using Metabo Speed xxx to lose weight.
Not a good product
I decided to order Metabospeed because someone gave it a good review. It made me
feel angry, jeetery and sick. Do not take it. My hands shook and I could not go to sleep. It is dangerous.
Not good
I have taken this product for a month, and have seen no results, It just made me very jittery. At work my hands shook so bad I could not write.
Save your money take a walk
The product didn’t work for me at all. I used as directed worked out walked, had two small meals and one normal dinner, and didn’t lose a pound.
September 18th, 2010 — Jewelry Tagged 0.25ctw chanel set diamond wedding band 14k gold wb295-5, B003076LKS, Get the 0.25ctw chanel set diamond wedding band 14k gold wb295-5 here!, Jewelry
0.25ctw chanel set diamond wedding band 14k gold wb295-5
ASIN: B003076LKS
List Price: —-
Our Price: $282.00
5-stone diamond chanel bar set wedding ring. 47stcloseouts is pleased to offer this beautiful 14k solid white or yellow gold 5-stone diamond wedding ring. carat weight 0.25ctw.^Rings can be sized – please contact us^
September 17th, 2010 — Automotive Tagged 1 Shot Pinstriping Paint Primrose Yellow 1/2 Pt, Automotive, B002RY4E72, Get the 1 Shot Pinstriping Paint Primrose Yellow 1/2 Pt here!
1 Shot Pinstriping Paint Primrose Yellow 1/2 Pt
ASIN: B002RY4E72
List Price: —-
Our Price: $14.96!!!!
Add the brilliance of these top quality enamel paints to your vehicle’s design. They can be applied by airbrush, roller, or brush. The choice paints of professionals for pinstriping and lettering because of their excellent flow and durable, long-lasting finish.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #176355 in Automotive
- Brand: 1 Shot
- Dimensions: .84 pounds
September 14th, 2010 — Office Products Tagged B00004Z4DW, Buy Scotch HB-903 Scotch Tartan Pistol Grip Box Sealing Tape Dispenser, Office Products, Scotch HB-903 Scotch Tartan Pistol Grip Box Sealing Tape Dispenser, Uses 2"-Wide Tape, Uses 2"-Wide Tape for $9.13 at Amazon!
Scotch HB-903 Scotch Tartan Pistol Grip Box Sealing Tape Dispenser, Uses 2″-Wide Tape
ASIN: B00004Z4DW
List Price: $9.99
Our Price: $9.13!!!!
This easy-to-use, refillable, one-hand box sealing tape dispenser excels in fast-pace environments. Features an adjustable braking mechanism for accurate and effective tape dispensing.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #9278 in Office Product
- Color: Black
- Brand: Tartan
- Model: HB903
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 2.80″ h x 5.60″ w x 9.80″ l, .0 pounds
Features
- Refillable, one-hand box sealing tape dispenser with adjustable breaking mechanism.
- Easy-to-use, refillable, one-hand box sealing tape dispenser.
- Has an adjustable braking mechanism.
Packin’ it away
If you’re heavily into selling on eBay/Half.com/Amazon Marketplace, I’d recommend you look for something a bit sturdier. Otherwise, this little packaging tool is a godsend for the occasional-to-medium-duty online auction purveyor! It’s also good to have around when you’re shipping Christmas presents off to distant relatives.
Instead of havin’ to fumble around on a bare roll of packaging tape in a frustrating effort to find the leader, the gun keeps it in place and ready to use on the next box! Just put the free end of the tape down on one side of the box, then-SKHKHKHKT!-all the way down to the other end, and let the serrated cutting blade sever the length from the rest of the roll! This particular model even has a tension knob on the spool that helps keep the tape roll in place with a clockwise turn, and also loosen it up when spent (counterclockwise turn).
On a final note: if you give the buyer the option of shipping via standard mail or Priority Mail, I recommend you keep two of these handy-one for the regular tape, and one for the Priority Mail tape. Believe you me, it’s worth not having to go through the hassle of taking the regular roll off, then putting on the Priority roll, find the leader, thread it through the gun, etc.
`Late
Don’t buy this model
I bought this item when I’m moving. The dispensing mechanism is not adjustable. Spend few extra dollars and buy a better one.
This Tape Dispenser is awful
The clear packing tape gets stuck on the metal guide each time I try to use it. Most dispensers of this type have a flexible or hinged guide, this one is unmoveable and evidently welds itslef to packing tape. It’s useless.
September 12th, 2010 — Kitchen And Housewares Tagged B0000YOMK0, Buy Rosle 17.8" Basic Rail At Amazon!, Kitchen And Housewares, Rosle 17.8" Basic Rail
Rosle 17.8″ Basic Rail
ASIN: B0000YOMK0
List Price: $25.00
Our Price: $24.95!!!!
The “Open Kitchen” in a genuine Rosle concept, lifting beautifully designed professional utensils from invisibility in back draws and setting them out for both show and utility. The expandable system incorporates adaptable modules offering infinite possibilities for modifying and enhancing the work ambient as convenient. Paper towel rolls spices, jars ,kitchen clock can all find a practical position and every item is clearly displayed close at hand and ready to use. The standard rail can be directly mounted or fixed below kitchen cabinets. With its innovative design and orderly system for organization, the Open Kitchen has grown on to become most popular concepts incorporated in to contemporary kitchen planning.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #337035 in Kitchen & Housewares
- Brand: Rösle
- Model: 19503
- Dimensions: .10″ h x 1.00″ w x 17.80″ l, .56 pounds
Features
- A basic component of the Open Kitchen, rails have a 3mm /0.1 in gauge and are made of stainless steel with a matte finish
- Rails can be directly wall mounted or fixed below kitchen cabinets.
- System is highly flexible and easy to add to.
- Assembly is simple and easy to install in a matter of minutes
- Rails up to a length of 21.7 inches are designed for fixing at 2 points
September 12th, 2010 — Health And Personal Care Tagged B00069EG96, Buy IQAir HealthPro Air Purifier At Amazon!, Health And Personal Care, IQAir HealthPro Air Purifier
IQAir HealthPro Air Purifier
ASIN: B00069EG96
List Price: $899.00
Our Price: $799.00
The HealthPro features the same advanced micro- and nano-particle filter technologies as the HealthPro Plus, however without the gas and odor filter (V-5 Cell). The HealthPro effectively removes every type of particulate air pollutants, including all common allergens. The system has a spare compartment that can at any time be upgraded with a the V-5 Cell (wide-spectrum gas and molecular filter) to help eliminate gaseous chemicals and odors. This makes the HealthPro the ideal choice for allergy sufferers and other health-conscious individuals that need ultra high-efficiency particle removal with the option of later adding gas and odor removal
- Amazon Sales Rank: #30067 in Kitchen & Housewares
- Size: IQAir HealthPro Air Cleaner
- Color: White
- Brand: IQ
- Model: HealthPro
- Dimensions: 28.00″ h x 15.00″ w x 16.00″ l, 29.00 pounds
Features
- Incorporates H12/13 class certified HEPA filter, normally used in multi-million dollar cleanrooms.
- IQAir systems remove particles down to 0.01 microns with close to 99% efficiency.
- Digital Controls : Integrated timer, remote control, filter life indicator, and 6 fan speeds.
- 1100 sq ft coverage area (based on maximum fan speed and an 8.5 ft ceiling).
HIGHLY SATISFIED – WORTH THE PRICE
After 1 month of use, this unit earns my highest recommendation. I researched air purifiers for about a week before buying two IQAir units, one with the odor filter (Pro-Plus), and one without (Pro) to help with allergies and asthma symptoms that my family suffers from. Both of them work absolutely perfectly, with significant symptom relief within the first week of use. The packaging was very secure, with each unit contained in double boxes similar to what you find with high-end stereo equipment, including thick styrofoam inserts for cushioning. The unpacked units were sparkling new and clean, with an inspection page that detailed the performance at each of the five individual speeds. The manual was nicely organized and easy to comprehend.
These are sturdy units that are somewhat heavy, but come with a convenient handle recessed on the top, as well as caster wheels to roll the unit if you need to move it periodically. The manual recommends clearance of at least 12 inches on all sides for optimal performance, so keep this in mind for placement in your room. It is noisy at the highest setting, but works very effectively at quieter settings 2 or 3 in my 13′ x 16′ room. I also use an IQAir unit in a 20 x 20 room, and it cleans the air very well at setting 3. My son noticed so much improvement in his allergies and breathing after just two days of use, that when I moved the unit to another room for a night, he begged me to return it to his bedroom. We went on vacation for a few days, and he said that he could not wait to get back home because he missed the IQAir purifier.
If you are comparing the units with and without the odor filter, even the one without the odor filter leaves the air smelling fresh and clean. In fact, for the first week, the one with the odor filter had a bit of a peculiar smell to it, which might have been coming from the odor filter itself. Unless you have a really significant odor problem, you can save the extra $100 that you pay for the “Pro-Plus” over the “Pro” model. The units look identical from the outside, and you can order a retrofit assembly from the IQAir if you later want to convert your “Pro” to “Pro Plus.” Each unit has a remote that is slightly larger than a credit card, which is very convenient if I want to change the setting after I get into bed.
In summary, these IQAirs are well worth the price, which isn’t as much as it seems after you factor in the yearly filter replacement cost, which is lower than most other brands. I wish that I had discovered IQAir years ago, before wasting my money on other air purifiers. I am so impressed that I am about to order a third IQAir to use in my office. I have previously owned the following air purifiers, none of which came anywhere close to my IQAir units: Oreck XL Air8D, Oreck XL 4000, Holmes (various sizes), Honeywell (the largest big round one), Sharper Image (Ionic Breeze). I hated cleaning the Oreck units, which were overpriced, and their replacement filters were also very expensive on a yearly basis. The Orecks also left a lot of dust all around them. The motor burned out on my large Oreck unit just after the two year warranty expired. The Honeywell filter was also very expensive, and the unit was extremely noisy. The Holmes units were ok for very small rooms, but had to be on the noisiest high setting to notice any air cleaning, had flimsy construction, and required frequent filter changes. The Sharper Image units were basically useless, as they did not improve the air quality or our allergy symptoms; they went back to the store after three weeks.
It makes a difference
My siblings went together and bought this unit for our parents five months ago. Dad’s cancer, an aggressive type of lymphoma returned unexpectedly with a vengence. Because his spleen was removed five years ago he has a very low immune system. We were concerned about infections setting in – especially thru the flu season and chemotherapy period. He has survived the flu season without even a cold! My mother put the unit in the bedroom and left it on continuously. One day she decided it was not needed on warm sunny days. After only one night she was miserable with a stuffy nose, raspy throat and headache. She just laughed as she thanked us again for the air purifier and said that she didn’t “KNOW” wheter or not it was helping Dad, but that it sure did make a difference for her.
Great Product
I bought this air purifier after reading several rave reviews all over the web. After much consideration (mostly due to the price) and research, I decided to purchase one for my apartment. I was not disappointed. Delivery was prompt and the product arrived in perfect condition, it was packed very well and came with great documentation. I also noticed when unpacking the unit how well built and solid it is.
This air purifier works great and I immediately noticed a difference in air quality, so much so that I have even been sleeping better. My apartment is prone to exhaust fumes and I also have a couple of pets, so dander was a concern to me. Based on how much better I have been feeling lately, I would say that the IQ HealthPro is doing it’s job.
My only minor gripe would be when the purifier is in on any setting over 3, it is fairly noisy. Just be mindful of placement and you will have no worries.