Two Words, One Answer.
Internal Revenue Service
 A Token's View From Inside the Internal Revenue Service $14.95 This book is a humorous satire about the inner fumbling, bumbling and sometimes just plain chaos which the Internal Revenue Service would like to keep away from the public eyes. A few of the things which this book illustrates are a failed equal employment opportunity program; an antiquated payroll system which kept the employees in turmoil; an awards program which gave away hundreds of thousands of tax payer dollars, just because employees came to work or because of the color of their skin; failed management development programs which cost the taxpayers millions of dollars; and the whimsical expensive penchant the IRS has for chasing today's fads and abandoning them when the new ones come along. These are a few items in the book, but there are many more which will leave the readers shaking their heads in disbelief. There are no technical tax matters in the book. The author describes the events in an easy going conversational style. It is guaranteed to make the readers laugh at the inept IRS management system and at times it might make the readers a little bit angry when they see how their hard earned tax dollars are foolishly squandered.  Barn Red $14.99 There is no denying that this film lacks the polish of a major studio release, but its heartfelt charm and sincerity makes the absense of theatrical "slickness" a true benefit. The acting may be uneven and rough at times, giving it the look of a dramatization but the end result, remarkably, is a realism that makes other films seem artificial and contrived. I can honestly say the film appeared to be made by "amateurs" -- but only in the true sense of that word: one who does something out of love rather than for money. Borgnine, who talent has always been greatly undervalued, is perfect as the aging farmer facing a world pushing him to sell his farm. He exudes the type of all-American nobility that is more myth than reality, but the movie never depicts him as a caricature. Scenes of him cooking and baking, for instance, show that he's not your stereotypical 'farm boy.' Guerrero is equally convincing and "real." Although attractive, her beauty never draws primary attention or makes her simply another pretty face. She's smart, compassionate, and comes with a complete set of personal issues that give her character dimension. The villain is the only weak character, comical to the point of absurdity. Sadly, in real life, developers are usually far more clever and effective in manipulating zoning laws and come with an army of lawyers in tow. But that's a minor flaw in the film. As a resident of Oregon, which is in the midst of a land use crisis, the issues explored in this film are close to my heart. Yes, I recognized that the real purpose of the movie was to promote proper land use policies, and I think it worked on that level. But it also worked on the level of good entertainment with people we care about and can root for. I applaud all those involved in making this movie and recommend it. |
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