This book contains some very interesting essays on Balthasar, especially on his use of Goethe's thought, and an essay on him and Rahner. Very interesting.

Thinking evangelical Christians should find this book helpful. So would any other thinking person. Gary Moore brings his personal experiences, profound wisdom, and deep spirituality together to strip away the smoke and mirrors that all too often confuse people both spiritually and financially. He never promises riches. He does provide a firm, spiritually-oriented foundation that should help most people do very constructive things for others and themselves with their financial resources.

Some of what he has to say is the insight he has gained as a financial advisor and student of theology. Some is time-honored common sense. Sadly, as he reveals, too often religious and other leaders have advocated other paths, and the results may have been painful for those who took their advice.
Virtually anyone, from the wealthiest to those with very modest incomes, can find something in this volume which will be helpful and not difficult to follow. Moore empowers by giving the reader possibilities into what he or she may personally do to be a responsible steward, and his approaches literally work around the world. If you want to strengthen or renew your hope in your faith, yourself, and your world then "Faithful Finances 101" is an excellent place to start.

How to Get Rich in Russia received a favorable review in the Financial Times on Friday, July 12, 2002, article by Paul Taylor entitled: "A how-to manual for tapping Russia's riches and reforms. Paul Taylor looks at the advice offered by a specialist in investing in the country." "As Jack Matlock, the former US ambassador to the Soviet Union, notes in the foreword, there are very few books that describe as succinctly and clearly how the Russian stock market works as well as its legal and regulatory context."

It seems an opportune moment, with the United States poised to declare victory in the Second Gulf War, to review this little classic.

Hayek famously declared that his 'Road to Serfdom' was dedicated to socialists of all parties as he warned against the dangers of totalitarian rule for liberal(I use the word advisedly) democracies.

This pamphlet is a reprint of an 1949 essay of Hayek wherein he pursued the dictum of Keynes' contained with the 'General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money' about the influence of ideas.

In the essay Hayek questions the view that intellectuals are original thinkers. For him, original thinkers are few and far between but their ideas and views are percolated through society by the intellectuals. Those 'second-hand dealers in ideas' as Hayek referred to them are not necessarily the greatest scholars or the most brilliant minds but are adept at taking ideas and regurgitating them as teachers or journalists or through some other profession such that they pass through to the general public. Hayek contends that intelligent people consider intelligence to be more important than it is and in the world of men and thus tends to be more socialist orientated as those people view the market with disdain. He recognises that the market is a fundamental part of establishing value through individuals participating in a trial and error system of exchange which the intelligensia overlook but which directly affects them anyway. For Hayek, the battle of ideas was to be won, not by the original thinkers, but by the spread of classical liberal ideas by the class of intellectuals who could be convinced of the power of new, or perhaps not so new, ideas.

As Edwin Feulner, one of the editors, remarks, this article was a clarion call to those who espoused a classical liberal standpoint. Following on from this was the establishment of the free market think-tank, the Institute of Economic Affairs and other such institutions around the world. The story goes on to celebrate to some degree at least the success in bringing classical liberal ideas to the fore in many countries around the world and the success of some of those ideas.

So far, sort of, so good. A word of warning should be sounded. Whereas I agree with the aims of the paper I am circumspect about the current situation. To me there is more to classical liberal ideas than just a free economy. It does appear from my point of view that the battle of ideas is being won by neo-conservatives and authoritarians of all parties rather than by liberals. Others may disagree but the lesson I have taken from reading this marvellous little book again is that all who rally to the flag of Classical Liberalism need be extra vigilant in these uncertain times against the further development of neo-conservative and authoritarian ideas because they threaten not only the gains that have been made in the last fifty years but also many of the liberties we all cherish in our western democracies.

Liberals of the world, Unite!

Deftly translated for an English readership by Byron R. McCane (Associate Professor of Religion and Chair of the Department of Religion at Converse College, Spartanburg, South Carolina), The Place Of The Gospels In The General History Of Literature the distinguished biblical scholar Karl Ludwig Schmidt (1891-1956) presents a scholarly and articulate argument that the gospels of the New Testament represent a literary genre which does not derive from others in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern antiquity. Schmidt's contention was that the gospels are the written record of an oral tradition rather than a biographical or historical text. An erudite and seminal body of work, this edition of The Place Of The Gospels In The General History Of Literature is further enhanced with an informed and informative introduction by John Rices (Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism, University of Glasgow) and is an invaluable and much appreciated contribution to New Testament Studies.

It is now virtually impossible to find a good biography of John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Most are interested less in telling about his life, every aspect of it, than about his love life. But Nigel Hamilton returns some honor and polish, eschewing sensationalism for the sake of actually writing a book about his life.

This book recounts JFK's life until his election in Congress, beginning years before his birth with accounts of his grandparents and parents and what drove Joseph Kennedy to obsess on politics. While it includes JFK's assorted premarital affairs, there is also a great deal of complicated and in-depth information on his Navy service, his health, his political life, his family life, and the things that would affect him when he later became president of the United States.

Hamilton manages to pull more material -- only a portion of Kennedy's life -- into more pages than most Kennedy biographers could if they tried. He does this by incredibly in-depth investigation into just about everything in Kennedy's life. This approach not only gives much-needed depth to Kennedy himself, but to other people in his life. While his parents are no more sympathetic here than they ever were (meaning that they probably were as they seem), people that he interacted with (and in some cases, slept with) are given new attention. For example, his first serious lover Inga Arvad is explored in greater depth. Here she is not a promiscuous gold-digger or a clingy adulteress, but a woman who is willing to give up her love for his own good. Her Nazi sympathies and marital status are not downplayed, but her emotions and feelings are presented to the readers to make us realize what she was like.

And Hamilton's skill as a writer shows in how he is able to include all this detail and all these anecdotes without boring the readers silly. The eight-hundred-plus pages fly by like those of a book half its length, sprinkled with occasional pictures of JFK, his parents, "Inga Binga," Lem Billings, and others. These pictures are relatively few and far between, but make up for it in quality rather than quantity.

If you read one Kennedy biography, make sure that it's this one. Nigel Hamilton's "Reckless Youth" is written with style, class, and skill. Definitely worth the read.

"Reckless Youth" is a remarkable achievement. It combines breezy, fast-paced narrative backed up by exhaustive research. The book is never dull. Indeed, Kennedy's "reckless" "youth" would have made an interesting reading, yet without Hamilton's dogged research and exemplary narrative skills, "Reckless Youth" could have ended up a run-of-the-mill biography. Hamilton should be congratulated for his exceptionally fine work. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. I do realize, however, that I may have to wait awhile.

This was an excellent book, really inspirational. The narrative is fast-paced and fascinating (despite its 800 or so pages). Sometimes it's even too fast - a time when JFK managed to get a girlfriend pregnant (and his reaction to the news) is just used as an example of his selfish side, rather than saying what happened to her. The story is written with enthusiasm and just enough subjectivity, as with Hamilton's condemnation of Joe Kennedy's fraudulent behaviour yet allowing that 'at least he cared' about his son. Where is the sequel though?

Chernow is one of the few biographers who can take an enormous amount of information on a subject and create a book that is even-handed and interesting. Since this is a figure that is both reviled and lionized, I think the author's purpose was to present all sides to this complex person and let the reader come to his own conclusions. Chernow's research of Rockefeller's childhood reveals a lot about the way he turned out as an adult, and the author's writing style points out both his strengths and shortcomings as well as showing how Standard Oil's rise to the top came about and the ruthless actions Rockefeller took to get it there. In the latter part of the book, as Rockefeller retires and ages, the book concentrates mostly on John Jr. as well as his daughters and heirs. While this was necessary for a complete story, I felt some of this could have been edited better. This is still a first-rate, detailed biography.

Backed by an impressive research effort, Chernow presents the long life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. in lucid and gripping prose. Presenting an objective, balanced portrait of the "Titan," the author convincingly refutes older biographical works that characterized Rockefeller as either wholly just (Allan Nevins) or evil incarnate (Ida Tarbell). Here is a man who exemplified the American "can-do" spirit through his creation of the modern oil industry from an initial $1800 investment. Rockefeller's Standard Oil trust produced a cheap and reliable illuminant used by tens of millions in America, Europe and Asia, providing many with what quickly became a necessity of life. His University of Chicago went from virtual nothingness to a world-class learning institute within a decade; his medical charities saved tens of thousands of lives by eliminating hookworm in the American South and yellow fever throughout the world. Chernow, however, does not gloss o! ver Rockefeller's use of political corruption and predatory business tactics to achieve these ends. Chernow concludes that Rockefeller's approach did not arise from a Jeckyl and Hyde complex, nor from a desire to use his charities as a balm to soothe his conscience. Instead, Chernow convincingly argues that Rockefeller's misdeeds and acts of kindness arose from the same peculiar source: his firm belief that both his business and his charities performed the work of God. "Titan" is an amazing work, which details not only Rockefeller's rise to power but the intricacies of his complex personality as well. A must for any fan of American history.

I think that Ron Chernow faced a difficult task in the writing of 'Titan'; taking one of the most controversial figures of American business and cultural history and delivering a profile that is relatively balanced and insightful. Although it was fairly apparent that Chernow resides in the "JDR was a benevolent robber baron" camp, he was successful. 'Titan' delivers a fascinating portrait of a complex individual. The contrast between Rockefeller's strict Baptist principles, as well as nearly monastic physical habits, and his aggressive pursuit of wealth through ruthless business practices was well illustrated. The two constants in his life revolved around wealth: its creation and its distribution. From his youth, Rockefeller expressed a desire to make money, and once he earned it, to distribute it charitably.

I think that what should be taken away from 'Titan' is that John D. Rockefeller was neither an angel nor a demon, but like most people, had a complex personality that included self-directed rationalizations for his actions. Granted, the scope of his accomplishments was wildly different from most peoples', but in the end he was like any other person: eager for success, concerned with the well-being of his family, and full of his own personality quirks and contradictions.

Roth to Riches enables the average person to understand the complexities of IRA's in detail. This is an outstanding book that should be recommended to anyone with a substantial amout of money in an IRA.

this book is an excellent resource book for ordinary people with large ira's who do not know what their options are or why they should consider a roth ira. It is a great way to check and balance the advice you are getting from other sources. I have utilized this book thoroughly with many of my clients.

Roth to Riches is a must read for anyone who has ever considered or currently owns an IRA. Written in plain, understandable English (my native tongue), Mr. Bledsoe demonstrates the advantages and disadvantages of both the ordinary and the Roth IRA's. In this book, unlike other books that are also written in my native tongue but which make me wonder if English is in fact my native tongue, Mr. Bledsoe displays a unique ability to explain technical tax and financial planning concepts with candor and clarity. This book is interesting, informative and easy to understand. A bargain at this price. Thanks for the insights.

10 Years after the previous novel RABBIT REDUX, Rabbit Angstrom is now the owner of his late father-in-law's Toyota dealership. The Angstrom's belong to a club. They pal around with the rich element in town. Rabbit's son Nelson is starting to take after his father in some negative ways.

The living characters from the previous novels all show up again. Rabbit spends much of his time reflecting not only basketball, but people now dead, and his own mortality. His marriage is now stable, though always dysfunctional, and he realizes he is entering into the 2nd half of his life.

Money hasn't made Rabbit any happier. If anything he was much more easy-going when he worked with his father as a printer.

The book, like the others, ends in a false hope happy ending. Read Updike if you want to ponder life or be shocked. The effort is well worth it.

No question about it: Updike knows how to do middle-aged, middle-American angst as well or better than any other writer. His Rabbit Angstrom grieves for his lost youth and tries to hold on to it while he settles into middle age as into a hot bath. Rabbit is so self-centered, so unable to act appropriately despite his best intentions, so obsessed with sex, so crass that we have no trouble distancing ourselves from him, but in our heart of hearts we know we are not much different -- and that's Updike's genius. His characters are at the same time archetypal and familiar. If you have entered middle age, you'll shudder in recognition; if you haven't yet, here's a taste of Things To Come. (And if you like this novel, try Joseph Heller's Something Happened for a different, similarly brilliant, take on this phase of life.)

As good as the first in the "Rabbit" series. "Rabbit Is Rich" is Updike at the peak of his powers, describing in rich, vivid, compassionate detail the feelings, observations, memories, and dreams of recognizable people in mainstream American situations.

As in "Rabbit, Run," the sex scenes (and the sexual energy in general) are poignant and unforgettable.

Through these characters, Updike offers us a portrait of life's restlessness and the pitfalls of growing older. Like "Rabbit, Run" (and unlike "Rabbit Redux") this novel can be read as a standalone and be rewarding.

During Robert Kennedy's campaign for the American presidency in 1968 he would sometimes disappear from the wild crowds and sit alone for hours on end. When aides would ask what he was thinking about, he would reply, "Just thinking about Jack."

The relationship between the two brothers, and the dynamic political partnership it generated, was one of the most important in American politics.

This is the subject of Richard Mahoney's Sons and Brothers. But the book also documents their father Joe's relationship with the corrupt worlds of the mafia, the labour unions and J. Edgar Hoover's FBI.

Although the research is copious, there are no revelations. The author draws on the work and ideas of conspiracy kings Anthony Summers (The Arrogance of Power) and Seymour Hersh (The Dark Side of Camelot), while the controversial movie director Oliver Stone gets a thank you in the acknowledgments.

While they were growing up, John and Robert were not particularly close. After the death of their older brother, Joe jnr, during World War II (and sister Kathleen a few years later) the family's political prospects rested with John. The brothers' relationship became close: Robert managed John's 1952 Senate campaign, his ill-fated bid for the Democratic vice-presidential nomination in 1956 and his run for the presidency in 1960.

Following the Kennedy win, the new president - and his father - wanted Robert as attorney-general. Robert protested but in the end John's desire for someone he could trust won out. Anticipating criticism over the appointment, John explained to the press: "I can't see that it's wrong to give him a little legal experience before he goes out to practise law."

Robert was an activist attorney-general, tackling problems like the civil rights movement, the mafia underworld and the corruption endemic in many of the labour unions. He was also included in all the administration's important decisions; his access to and influence over his brother was unmatched.

After hearing for the first time that the Soviet Union was building nuclear missile sites in Cuba, it was his brother that the president immediately summoned to the White House. In the ensuing days of the crisis, Robert played an integral role in securing a peaceful outcome.

But the darker side of the brothers' lives is also examined. Mahoney uses FBI reports to describe John's and his father's numerous sexual escapades, and claims that Robert strayed only once with Marilyn Monroe.

The Kennedy connection to the mob is not a new allegation, but Mahoney emphasises its depth: in the 1960 presidential election, for example, he explains how the Kennedys used the Mob already a major financial contributor to falsify ballots and buy votes.

In addition, he claims that Democratic Party bosses in Chicago and New York "periodically received briefcases full of campaign money" from Joe in return for political favours. A portrait emerges of a father and his two sons negotiating their way through American politics to power, using their connections with Hollywood, the mafia, the unions and party bosses to achieve their ambition.

Conscious of Machiavelli's dictum that men "seldom or never advance themselves from a small beginning to any great height except by fraud or force", Joe Kennedy knew that the price for power was a moral one. John went along with the dictum while Robert resisted it.

Mahoney's overarching theme builds to a climax through the nexus he develops between the Kennedys, the mafia and the CIA. Essentially, his thesis is that the mafia grew resentful of Robert's pursuit of it; that anti-Castro Cubans were frustrated with the administration's apparent detente with Cuba in the wake of the missile crisis; and that the CIA had a contract with the mafia to assassinate Castro.

He suggests that the CIA hired mafia figure and Kennedy acquaintance Johnny Rosselli to assassinate the Cuban leader, and that both John and Robert approved of the arrangement.

Mahoney writes that it was the Kennedys' pursuit of Castro that led Cuba to seek protection from the Soviet Union, which eventually led to the crisis and the showdown between Kennedy and the Soviet leader Khrushchev.

Robert was deeply traumatised by John's death. Mahoney describes him as "like a widowed spouse" who was paralysed by grief. He was haunted by the idea that he himself had contributed to the murder of his brother, given his pursuit of Castro, the mafia and his bad relations with Hoover.

Robert's rising political star had been hitched to his brother's; but under Lyndon Johnson's presidency, he became an outsider.

Tortured by his brother's death and their unfulfilled legacy, Robert ran successfully for the Senate in 1964 and later for the presidency in 1968. He became a fierce critic of the Johnson administration's policies on Vietnam, civil rights and poverty.

Sons and Brothers is well written and documented but the author does not discuss in depth the nature of the brothers' personal relationship beyond the politics. John and Robert's iconic status was enhanced by their sudden and violent deaths. Their lives are now frozen in time remembered for the dream of what they might have been.

As Robert exited through the kitchen of the Ambassador Hotel after claiming victory in the 1968 California Democratic presidential primary, he was gunned down. Lying on the floor losing consciousness, his last words to an aide were, "Jack, Jack."

* This review was published in The Sydney Morning Herald

I thought I knew everything there is to know about the Kennedys but this book took me to a new place. Other versions tell one of two stories: the Kennedy brothers were great or they were terrible. This tells a different story, a clasic tragedy. Because they did terrible things to achieve wealth and power, the Kennedys had to pay the price just when they (particularly Bobby) were on the brink of doing good things for the country and the world. The anguish of Bobby is right out of literature. He (and old man Joe) were the Kennedys most guilty of making deals with the devil -- and JFK may have paid for his dad's and Bobby's sins with his life -- and he was also the one determined to do good after 11/22/63. Tortured by guilt, he reached out to heal those hurting, rather than inflict hurt as he had in the past. But the past caught up with him and killed him.Terribly sad.An incredibly good book: the best on the Kennedys.

It is interesting to go through those turbulent years of the 1960's and get a clearer understanding of what took place. The author shows how vulnerable a country can be when people in high places such as President Kennedy and F.B.I. Director J. Edgar Hoover place themselves in compromising positions subject to possible blackmail from others. President Kennedy wouldn't get away with his extramarital relations now as he did in the '60's. I was especially impressed with Robert Kennedy in this book. This man was a doer who showed a genuine concern for the improvished in this country (the blacks, Indians, Mexicans, and poor whites) when he could have chosen not to get involved. His attacks on the mafia may have led to his brother's death, but he had the courage to face up to the problem rather than pretend it didn't exist. Leaders always have someone who don't like them, and the Kennedy's, along with Dr. Martin Luther King, paid the ultimate price for this. It's too bad that there was such friction between the Kennedy's, King, Johnson, and Hoover. Working together, they could have accomplished more for the country. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and it was interesting to revisit this turbulent period in history.