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A biography of Abraham Lincoln that examines his untold legacy as the Great Builder of American infrastructure. Abraham Lincoln's view of the right to fulfill one's economic destiny was at the core of his governing philosophy―but he knew no one could climb that ladder without strong federal support. Some of his most enduring policies came to him before the Civil War, visions of a country linked by railroads running ocean to ocean, canals turning small towns into bustling cities, public works bridging farmers to market. Expertly appraising the foundational ideas and policies on infrastructure that America's sixteenth president rooted in society, John F. Wasik tracks Lincoln from his time in the 1830s as a young Illinois state legislator pushing internal improvements; through his work as a lawyer representing the Illinois Central Railroad in the 1840s; to his presidential fight for the Transcontinental Railroad; and his support of land-grant colleges that educated a nation. To Lincoln, infrastructure meant more than the roads, bridges, and canals he shepherded as a lawyer and a public servant. These brick-and-mortar developments were essential to a nation's lifting citizens above poverty and its isolating origins. Lincolnomics revives the disremembered history of how Lincoln paved the way for Eisenhower's interstate highways and FDR's social amenities. With an afterword addressing the failure of American infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how Lincoln's policies provide a guide to the future, Lincolnomics makes the case for the man nicknamed “The Rail Splitter” as the Presidency's greatest builder. “In this unique blend of biography and policy prescription, journalist Wasik... casts Abraham Lincoln as America's “foremost moral architect of economic and social opportunity” and looks to his life and political career for lessons in how the nation might rebuild its infrastructure and redress income inequality.... Wasik convincingly argues that [Lincoln's] economic policies deserve more credit.” —Publishers Weekly “While revealing as history, Wasik's account about the first Republican President's launches of infrastructure shame the ignorant, obstinate, narcissist Republicans of today who wish instead to build up tyrant Trump's political infrastructure. This is a book to be read and used today.” —Ralph Nader “Wasik invented a new word for this book because his theme bears new force: Abraham Lincoln sought a better-built nation and a freer legal space to help every individual, regardless of background, to aspire and rise. Most historians know this too vaguely about Lincoln; Wasik finally gives the great democratic idea the prominence it deserves.” —James M. Cornelius, Ph.D., editor, Journal of the Abraham Lincoln Association

This book will examine the history of robotics and explicate what massive automation means for the present and future of labor in all its forms, from mills and factories to the white-collars offices of suburbia and more.While warnings of a robot world-takeover could seem dramatic, the truth is more mundane—robots have come to take our jobs. Winning in the Robotic Workplace: How to Prosper in the Automation Age will teach you the skills needed to reprogram the way you work in anticipation of this technological shift. Author John F. Wasik believes learning to thrive in the automation age can in fact humanize the workplace once again. In Winning in the Robotic Workplace: How to Prosper in the Automation Age, you will learn to emphasize the conceptualization and pursuit of creative ideas, a practice that most robots are unequipped to perform in a meaningful way. You will learn that the successful integration of automated elements with humans is the most effective business model moving forward, and that an eagerness to collaborate demonstrates a will to succeed.

Seventy years after his death, Nikola Tesla has become a rock star. Lightning Strikes examines his complete life and legacy, including Tesla's profound influence on everything from systems integration to drone warfare. Engineers, entrepreneurs, and academics will find it invaluable not only for the never-before-published interviews and archives, but also for the creative principles that visionaries like Larry Page and Elon Musk have used to build iconic brands and groundbreaking inventions. The book also reveals why the government and business leaders wanted to shut down Tesla's bold experiments, and how hundreds of his ideas are now being implemented globally—including clean power, robotics, alternating current motors, and wireless transmission of power and information. As a bonus, a free augmented reality app from Yetzer Studio allows you to scan beautiful full-color illustrations in the book, unlocking an interactive 3D animation as well as videos honoring Tesla's life and legacy.

A “brilliant” account of an American mogul who inspired Citizen Kane “brings Insull back to complicated life... should revive interest in a forgotten giant” (Chicago Sun-Times).A timely rags-to-riches story, The Merchant of Power recounts how Sam Insull—right hand to Thomas Edison—went on to become one of the richest men in the world, pivotal in the birth of General Electric and instrumental in the creation of the modern metropolis with his invention of the power grid, which still fuels major cities today. John Wasik, awarded the National Press Club Award for Consumer Journalism, had unprecedented access to Sam Insull's archives, which include private correspondence with Thomas Edison. The extraordinary fall of a man extraordinary for his time is revealed in this cautionary tale about the excesses of corporate power.“[A] focused look at one of the most interesting historical figures you've never heard of... fascinating.” —Fortune“Does a fine job of telling the early story of utilities, moguls and scandal.” —Chicago Tribune“I found the work of John Wasik not only personally enthralling but an informal history of that traumatic time.” —Studs Terkel, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Good War“[A] bittersweet biography of one of the titans of American industry, business and finance... Highly readable.” —Fort Worth Star-Telegram“A complex man whose life and times makes worthwhile reading.” —Publishers Weekly“Wasik [has] taken his cue from current corporate scandals such as Enron and WorldCom in deciding to pluck Insull from semiobscurity, as many of Insull's contemporaries (including FDR) believed him to be guilty (he was acquitted) of orchestrating the first large-scale corporate deception.” —Library Journal

One of the hottest trends currently evolving, investment clubs are groups of ordinary people who pool their money to invest in the stock market. This easy-to-understand guide reveals the secrets of some of the country's leading clubs, explains how to start and run an investment club, offers savvy tips on building a portfolio, and more.

“Mr. Wasik's distillation of how Keynes made--and then remade--his fortune is instructive. And the principles that Keynes followed have stood the test of time. As Mr. Wasik adds,'The object of investing is to ensure prosperity, not to become obsessed with making money.''The New York Times John Maynard Keynes indelibly made his mark on global economics... Few people know, however, that he was also a daring, steel-nerved investor who built a multimilliondollar fortune in the stock market while providing financial counsel to the likes of Winston Churchill and FDR. Now, you can learn from--and imitate--Keynes's success by examining the story of his lifeand investment strategies, masterfully told by awardwinning author John F. Wasik. As you follow Keynes from his early years with the Bloomsbury Group, through two world wars and the Great Depression Keynes's theories and practices come to life by way of the historic and personal events that shaped them. Like today's investors, Keynes faced markets roiled by panic, inflation, deflation, widespread unemployment, and war--and he developed a core set of principles to prosper in every climate. With the individual investor in mind, this straightforward guide makes it easy for investors at all levels to implement the action-oriented strategies presented in each of the 10 chapters and start investing like Keynes today by: Buying and holding quality stocks Ignoring short-term news Building diversified portfolios Trading contrary to market momentum Getting the most out of dividend stocks Using the eloquent insight of a seasoned investment writer, author John F. Wasik digs down into what investments Keynes owned, how he bought and sold them, how his theories guided his investments, and vice versa. He illustrates why Keynes's ideas, insights, and portfolio strategies have withstood the test of time, and how they will continue to produce financial gains for dedicated investors. In a nutshell, Wasik delivers a pragmatic guide to the style of portfolio management practiced by such Keynes followers as Benjamin Graham, Warren Buffett, and Charles Munger. The smart money gets richer in all types of weather, and so can you by following Keynes's Way to Wealth. PRAISE FOR KEYNES'S WAY TO WEALTH:'Intelligent investing ultimately depends on having an intelligent theory of the economy. This story of Keynes's life as an investor illustrates this beautifully.'-- Robert Shiller, professor of Economics, Yale University; New York Times columnist; and author of Finance and the Good Society'The great economist John Maynard Keynes speculated and lost big-time. Out of the ashes, he evolved some great long-term investment strategies that will work for every prudent investor. While picking up tips, you'll also find that this book is a great read.'-- Jane Bryant Quinn, author of Making the Most of Your Money NOW'I'd always heard Keynes was a talented investor but never knew any of the details. John Wasik's excellent book uncovers that story and reveals Keynes's considerable investing skills. If you enjoy studying great investors, add this book to your list.'-- Joe Mansueto, founder and CEO, Morningstar, Inc.'With the possible exception of Mark Twain, no one surpasses John Maynard Keynes as a source of pithy financial wisdom and sayings. Keynes's Way to Wealth mines the reasoning and investment experiences behind his quotability, a bounty that will simultaneously edify, entertain, and augment your bottom line.'-- William J. Bernstein, author and principal, Efficient Frontier Advisors

An incisive look at the consequences of today's costly and damaging suburban lifestyle In The Cul-de-Sac Syndrome, Bloomberg News'John Wasik exposes the economic, cultural, environmental, and health problems underlying life in suburbia. Wasik provides powerful insights into how the U.S. suburban lifestyle has become unsustainable and what can be done to salvage it. His observations are firmly grounded in exclusive on-the-ground research, interviews with thought leaders, and the latest studies and statistics. The book Exposes the untold truths about suburban home ownership: green isn't always so green, life isn't cheaper after accounting for gas, water, and taxes, and modern suburban living isn't so idyllic considering the toll it takes on our health Includes exclusive research and analysis by experts in the field that debunks the many myths associated with suburban living Explores innovative solutions being developed in cities across the country The American Dream of moving further from a city to buy a bigger house and find better schools has become a costly nightmare. The Cul-de-Sac Syndrome examines why and what can be done.

The United States confronts its greatest economic crisis since the 1930s. President Obama has taken quick and decisive action to enact an economic stimulus package strong enough to address problems of historic proportions. What does this new package mean for American families, businesses, investors, and taxpayers? The Audacity of Help unrolls the blueprints and offers insights on how the economic stimulus package—as passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama—will affect healthcare, education, the environment, energy, taxes, and more. The book includes analysis of sectors and industries that will benefit, as well as those that will not. Wasik's conclusions are firmly grounded in a comprehensive and enlightening evaluation of the final economic package passed into law. Extensive study and interviews with experts from each economic sector support his analysis.

The Up-to-the-Minute Guide to ETF Investing: Pick the Right ETFs for Your Unique Goals! “The authors cover the ETF waterfront. Whether you are a young investor just starting out or a seasoned stock veteran looking for new investment opportunities, this book is a valuable resource.” Sam Stovall, Chief Investment Strategist, Standard & Poor's Equity Research'Finally! Lydon and Wasik objectively analyze exchange traded funds for the average person. We particularly liked iMoney's comparisons with more familiar mutual funds, the clear discussions about risks, and the varying viewpoints from some of the industry's smartest minds.'Alan Lavine and Gail Liberman, syndicated columnists for Marketwatch.com and authors of Quick Steps to Financial Stability. Smart investors have made ETFs today's hottest investment. iMoney is the only ETF investment guide with up-to-the-minute advice that reflects today's ETF marketplace: advice that is fully customized to your specific investment goals. The authors explain exactly how ETFs fit into today's investment universe. Even better, they present specific roadmaps, strategies, and model portfolios for a wide range of investors, from recent college graduates through retirees. You'll learn how to build and monitor your ETF portfolio; choose among the fast-growing array of ETFs; and profit from changing global market trends. The authors discuss domestic and foreign stock ETFs; sector, commodity, and currency ETFs; fixed income ETFs, long/short ETFs, and even “actively managed” ETFs. They preview emerging industry trends, and objectively assess the key criticisms that have recently been leveled at ETFs. · Tomorrow's ETF book, not yesterday's! Reflects the newest ETFs and strategies, and prepares you for emerging market trends · By two of the world's leading ETF experts......Tom Lydon, founder of ETFTrends.com, the nation's #1 consumer ETF site, and John F. Wasik, global personal finance columnist · Provides specific strategies and portfolio recommendations Not just theory! Discover what to buy, based on your unique investment profile · Covers every major type of ETF......including overseas, sector, commodity, currency, and bond ETFs...even long/short ETF strategies!