Book Recommendations

Strictly Speaking: Will America Be the Death of English?

Author: Edwin Newman

September 3, 2007

            Edwin Newman's book alternates from extremely entertaining to sandy desert-like dryness, but overall it is worth a read..  Published in 1974 according to descriptions of first editions that I have found online, I think this book makes for a quality reference that will be applicable for all of time.  It barrages the reader with examples throughout history of improper word usage.  The reader will have fun and learn a great deal from the words of people, many times politicians and news reporters.  Their speaking and writing styles may intend to grab attention and impress but, as the author points out, they inadvertently cause the rolling of eyes of anyone who makes some effort to competently use the English language. The reader will be amazed that the awkward diatribes made forty-plus years ago so closely resemble the verbal gaffs of last night's newscast or the last election.  Personally I found the book empowering, a reminder for me to constantly analyze and reanalyze everything that I speak or write.  Newman's book is not currently being printed, so a used copy will have to do.  I suggest that you treat yourself to a hardcover edition in good to new condition, which is my usual recommendation for establishing an impressive book collection.

Head To Head:  The coming Economic Battle Among Japan, Europe, and America

Author: Lester Thurow

December 3, 2007

            This book is a spectacular analysis of the major economies of the world.  It details the inner workings of them and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each system.  From a birth in 1992, the book is aged, but its foreshadowing of America's escalating economic problems is almost haunting.  It is easy to use the slogan "history repeats itself", but Lester Thurow details economic histories in unparalleled fashion and foreshadows the dreadful state of America's economy that can be witnessed  here in 2007.  For example, Mexicans have become frustrated in recent years because many American corporation jobs in Mexico have gone overseas to countries like China with wages lower than Mexico.  In 1992 Thurow wrote, "When under competitive pressure, American firms first go to the low-wage nonunion parts of America and then on to a succession of countries with even-lower wages...Eventually others with even lower wages enter the business...prices fall, and the higher profits generated by lower wages vanish."  As another example, if you have searched for work these past several years in the United States, you will know that in general, corporations no longer look for vastly talented employees.  The job postings stipulate near experts in whatever field is being described.  A person who has worked successfully with vastly different complex systems throughout their career may not qualify for any sort of interview if the job posting describes, "Must have 5 years experience in supporting [fill in a computer system here.]  In relation to this phenomenon, Thurow wrote, "'Following Joe around,' the American system of on-the-job training, simply isn't a system.  The resulting skills are very narrow and do not lead to workers who can absorb new technologies."  If we can all agree that learning new technologies is essential in many of Americas service jobs, this explains the myopic nature and ineffectiveness that so many corporate employees demonstrate.  But they have the required experience in XYZ system...

This is another book that has been difficult to get through.  It constantly throws details of economic systems and the author's analysis at the reader.  It is as detailed as any textbook could be.  Yes, I need to read and recommend a fictional tale next time for this reason.  I can, however, verify that if you want to know the "why" and "how" America reached its current state, if you want to lead your community, or even your nation someday to a better economic situation, read this book,  learn this book, and keep this book as a reference.  It is an outright plenary analysis of America's economic system and how America relates to the rest of the world.

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