The Money Machines advances the provocative thesis that the mechanisms for financing state and local government in the Northern United States from 1860 to 1920 were deeply enmeshed with those financing the extralegal—often illegal—activities of the major political parties, complicating reform or change mandated by the post-Civil War breakdown of the North's legal fiscal machinery. Few reformers then recognized the interdependence of government and the party money machines; fewer still acknowledged the effectiveness or social value of the extralegal machines. On the contrary, basic fiscal reform in this period was characterized by attempts to exorcise "politics" in any form, which in turn provoked counteraction from politicians whose organizations had the same need for efficient, reliable revenue systems as did governments. Dr. Yearley demonstrates the failure of the established legal money machines to cope with the demands of postwar governments facing industrialization and urbanization. He characterizes the revolt of old and new middle classes against fiscal inequity and inefficiency and shows how much of the North's new wealth escaped taxation altogether while much of its old wealth similarly went into hiding. Because of its forbidding complexities, tax reform was sustained by a small group of experts from the middle class, whose sincerity and competence were unquestionable, but whose reformism evidenced the peculiar views and prejudices of their class. Here, therefore, the graft-grabbing politician is presented in a fresh light. In his efforts to maintain his sources of revenue and power, he emerges as a vital instrument of mass democracy, of the new politics of the ever-growing urban lower classes as well as their principal source of government welfare or support. The author reevaluates the Gilded Age politician in several important ways, principally regarding his power relationship to the business communities and his ability to perform his job well despite middle class disdain and continual allegations of fraud and incompetence. Further, Dr. Yearley shows that often politicians were ahead of reformers in their fiscal thinking in recognizing and utilizing taxation of income rather than of property. The volume considers in some depth several individual reformers, revealing them to be, among other things, prototypes of present academic experts used by government to manage problems too complex for laymen. The book then proceeds to explain essential changes made in local fiscal systems and which of these were to be the most effective, explanations that are of particular interest in view of the continuing crises in state and local financing today.

What happens in the City has never affected us more In this excellent guide, now fully revised and updated, leading financial journalist Philip Coggan cuts through the headlines, the scandals and the jargon to explain the nuts and bolts of the financial system. What causes the pound to rise or interest rates to fall? Which are the institutions that really matter? Why is it we need the Money Machine - and what happens when it crashes? Coggan provides clear and concise answers and shows why we should all be more familiar with a system we so intimately depend upon.

This book is a shocking indictment of a Wall Street money machine spinning wildly out of control and how it uses its power to influence the economy, the markets, and America's free press.

While we have become increasingly vulnerable to the ebb and flow of global finance, most of us know very little about it. This book focuses on the role of technology in global finance and reflects on the ethical and societal meaning and impact of financial information and communication technologies (ICTs). Exploring the history, metaphysics, and geography of money, algorithms, and electronic currencies, the author argues that financial ICTs contribute to impersonal, disengaged, placeless, and objectifying relations, and that in the context of globalization these 'distancing' effects render it increasingly difficult to exercise and ascribe responsibility. Caught in the currents of capital, it seems that both experts and lay people have lost control and lack sufficient knowledge of what they are doing. There is too much epistemic, social, and moral distance. At the same time, the book also shows that these electronically mediated developments do not render global finance merely 'virtual', for its technological practices remain material and place-bound, and the ethical and social vulnerabilities they create are no less real. Moreover, understood in terms of technological practices, global finance remains human through and through, and there is no technological determinism. Therefore, Money Machines also examines the ways in which contemporary techno-financial developments can be resisted or re-oriented in a morally and socially responsible direction - not without, but with technology. As such, it will appeal to philosophers and scholars across the humanities and the social sciences with interests in science and technology, finance, ethics and questions of responsibility.

Make financial freedom real with the right mindset, right process, and right action steps Does it feel like you’re missing out on life because you can't get your finances in order? Are you seeking a life free of financial fear and full of meaning, purpose, and impact? The key to building the life you desire and deserve is to build your Money Machine—a powerful system designed to generate income that’s no longer tied to your work or efforts. This step-by-step guide goes beyond the general idea of personal finance and wealth creation and reveals the holistic approach to transforming your relationship with money to allow you to enjoy financial freedom and peace of mind. Part money philosophy, part money mindset, part strategy, and part tactical action, these powerful frameworks will show you how to: · Demystify wealth creation through proven processes like The Wealth Priority Ladder™ and The Five Incomes™ · Build the three pillars of your Money Machine—Earn, Grow, and Protect · Optimize your earnings, transform them into assets, and protect them from loss Whether you are a dreamer, doer, or believer—or all three!—your financial freedom is a birthright. Now is the time to embrace your financial potential with confidence and courage.

Much of finance is shrouded in a web of complicated theories, mathematics, and jargon. In equal measure, much of Christian financial theology is cloaked in inaccessible abstraction. Yet, the Christian needs both to navigate the financial complexities of life. The Financial Machine presents one integrated system, built upon the firm foundation of God’s Word, that will guide you in stewarding your finances. It will: Challenge misguided beliefs that shackle you to financial mediocrity; Reveal two fundamental principles that will transform the way you handle money; Present a simple set of blueprints you can follow in constructing your financial machine; Show you a stable and efficient path to financial freedom. You can also visit the-financial-machine.com for more information.

Praise for The Smart Investor's Money Machine "Kraft writes in a style that is easy to read with attention to a large audience of investors and retirees (current and soon-to-be) that may have avoided some financial market opportunities because of perceived complexities. Bill makes clear sense of investor and retirement income possibilities. Apropos and useful to the financial market today." —Kerry-Ben Kelly, small business owner and friend "If you liked his first book, you'll love his second. Kraft builds on what the reader learned in his first book by going much deeper into the strategies and by discussing some new products, as well as viewing these from an investment perspective as well as a trading perspective. A must-read if you are serious about wealth accumulation." —Phil Schwegler, Vice President, Investments, Smith Barney "The Smart Investor's Money Machine is essential reading for investors of all ages. The timeless and tested strategies detailed by Mr. Kraft are well written and logically set forth. Superb information for the investor who desires to learn the intricacies of investing for maximum returns." —Eric Aafedt, Publisher of MarketFN.com

Discover the Future of Finance with Cutting-Edge Technology Navigating the intricate world of finance can be complex, but "Money Machines: How Algorithms Are Shaping Finance" offers a comprehensive guide that illuminates the revolutionary impact of AI and algorithms in the financial sector. Venture into the dynamic realm where technology reshapes every financial decision. From the breakneck speed of high-frequency trading to the personalized touch of robo-advisors, this book demystifies the core technologies that are rewriting the traditional rules of finance. Each chapter dives into a specific innovation, outlining its evolution, current applications, and transformative potential. Imagine leveraging these insights to enhance your understanding or career in finance. The book's real-world case studies reveal how successful companies harness algorithms to gain a competitive edge. Learn about AI tools for risk management, the pivotal role of machine learning in shaping investment strategies, and the ethical considerations guiding these advancements. The detailed exploration of natural language processing and predictive analytics showcases their groundbreaking use in market sentiment analysis and fraud detection. Encouraging readers to look beyond the headlines, this book details how AI not only streamlines financial operations but also opens new frontiers in sustainable finance and global collaboration. Picture a world where finance is more efficient, accessible, and secure due to these technological marvels. Whether you're a seasoned financial professional or a curious newcomer, seize the opportunity to enhance your expertise with this essential guide. Join the cutting edge of finance by understanding the algorithms driving today's financial machines and how to position yourself advantageously in this rapidly evolving landscape.

An extraordinary tale of an American firm’s astounding success in China In Money Machine: A Trailblazing American Venture in China, Weijian Shan delivers a compelling account of one of the most significant deals in private equity history: the first and only foreign acquisition of control of a Chinese national bank. Money Machine is the fascinating inside story of the transaction as told by the man who led it, from the intrigues of dealmaking to the complex and uncharted process of securing control by a foreign investor of a Chinese nationwide financial institution, a feat that had never before been attempted, nor has it been repeated. Shan also describes the astonishingly successful turnaround of the institution under the control of the American firm: the clash of cultures, the growth to strength and profitability, and ultimately, the extraordinarily profitable exit from the investment. In the process, he reveals new insights into how finance operates in China’s capital system and how private equity firms can add real value to companies. Readers will also find: A peek behind the curtain of a process usually shrouded in secrecy: private equity dealmaking and moneymaking The complex negotiations between American private equity executives and Chinese regulators to implement a series of unprecedented changes The riveting details of the challenges that had to be overcome to return the bank to growth and profitability An exceptional firsthand account of truly singular deal-making and money-making, Money Machine will be of interest to investment bankers, investors, financial analysts and anyone who appreciates a suspenseful, true-life story.

Mobile Persuasion Design presents ten conceptual design projects (or ‘Machines’) for new mobile application's (smartphone or tablet with Web portals) that combine theories of persuasion and information design to change people’s behaviour. Areas such as the environment, health, learning and happiness are explored, looking at ways of marrying people’s wants and needs to make simple, usable and desirable mobile applications. A user-centred design approach has been used, adopting user experience (UX) methods, in-depth case studies and market analysis to see what a modern user needs from their mobile application. By applying concepts like persuasion theory and information architecture, try to find ways to satisfy these needs and positively change their user habits. In 2011, the Green, Health, and Money Machines won design awards in an international competition hosted by the International Institute for Information Design, Vienna.