Mike Able Xray.:Further Reading

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Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

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Its not about monitary policy, or micro econmics, or the carry trade or any of those nifty things. It's largly about cheating, crime, and corrumption and what economics can tell us about these things. How do drug gangs work? How does standardized testing get subverted? Whats the real effect of money in ellections? Whats the effect of reproductive rights policy on violent crime? Why is your real estate agent lying too you? Why do used cars suck? All interesting questions.

How to Start You Own Country

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A non-fiction that indeed tackles the topic of the title. In its 168 pages this out of date (1984) book goes into fairly heady depth about the philosophies, methods, diplomatic strategies and theories behind successful micro-nation development. The bulk of the volume is dedicated to case-histories of almost exclusively failed attempts. The author seems to be a pretty extreme libertarian of questionable moral character. The primary example being how many times he recommends weapons of mass destruction as a negotiation tool. But then again he has a book "Basement Nukes" so perhaps it's simply cross promotion. It’s a short wacky read that will inevitably dispel any fantasies you might have about establishing your own sovereignty.

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

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I hate self help books. They pander to wussies with worthless feel good mumbo-jumbo. Self help stuff inspires people for a day or two and then the euphoria wears off and the wussy needs a new book. The message boils down to "just decide to feel good". Which usually glosses over what ever the real issue is. They are as worthless as an Oprha shrink.

That said I was surprised to hear real buzz about this David Allen guy from people who do real work for a living, The book was cheap so I'd though I'd give it a try. Well sure as *@$#; "Getting Things Done" has real value. Allen enumerates his reasonably simple process for handling all the "stuff" on our plates and on our minds. The upshot is you can free yourself from actually thinking about anything other that what your doing; and feel quite confidant that what your are doing (or aren’t) is what you should be doing. I'm sure that made no sense.

I went from borderline worthless to a solid producer and feel better to boot. I recommend this book. I'll throw out a warning; I've recommended this book to others and have yet to see anyone repeat my success. It's possible that it only works with total sad sacks like me.

Sun Tzu: Art of War

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Conflict is part of the natural order of any human interaction. Naturally we will come to loggerheads with our mortal enemies, as well as our spouses, family, coworkers over some issue. Thus it is equally natural to study conflict resolution.

Sun Tzu wrote the original work on the subject of conflict resolution. While the focus is military, the language is sufficiently abstract that the lessons can be used in all other forms of conflict. I was surprised at how illuminating it was.

It's probably not for everyone. The language can be difficult and it will force you to think and reflect in order to get at its true message. I would recommend it on audiobook. The original text wasn't text at all but an oral tradition. So audiobook is probably the most natural way to absorb it.

Investing in Vice: The Recession-Proof Portfolio of Booze, Bets, Bombs & Butts

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A big trend (that seems to be dying) is "socially responsible investing". Its the notion that we should only invest in the "double bottom line" of profitable and ethical. It doesn't work. So in the mean time here are some unsavory sectors of the market, some major players, and why they will outperform. Its not the best book I've ever read but it's short and cheap.

The Fair Tax Book: Saying Goodbye to the Income Tax and the IRS

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Income tax sucks. Beyond just paying it, it does bad things to the economy. And the real rub? It’s not even particularly necessary. This book details the history of the income tax, why it suck more than you know and proposes an alternative plan. The plan might need a few tweaks but its worth a read. This book is about a real piece of legislation, so better to be informed for the coming public debate.