Bahadur Shah: the Regent of Nepal

Book Description

COVERS A DETAILED STUDY OF THE NINE YEAR REGENCY OF BAHADUR SHAH. BASED MAINLY ON UNPUBLISHED DOCUMENTS AND PAPERS.

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Andre Agassi, a Wimbledon champion, is one of the top tennis players in the world. After winning the U.S., Australian, and Canadian Opens, Agassi went on to capture an Olympic gold medal in 1996. Notorious for his outrageous clothes, quick temper, and aggressive backhand, Agassi quickly earned a reputation as the bad boy of the tennis world. As a sports superstar, he has shown amazing determination. But Agassi is also a sensitive person who gives much to charity, and a deeply religious man who speaks out against drug and alcohol abuse. In On the Court with ... Andre Agassi, popular sports writer Matt Christopher provides an inside look at this remarkable young athletes life. From Agassis childhood and rigorous early training through the ups and downs of his path to international tennis acclaim, this biography will inspire all young sports fans.

On the Court With Andre Agassi (Matt Christopher Sports Biographies)

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On the Court With Andre Agassi (Matt Christopher Sports Biographies)
Matt Christopher
Manufacturer: Little Brown & Co (Juv Pap)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

Cool Rules introduces the reader to a new cultural category. While the authors do not claim to have discovered Cool, they believe they are the first to attempt a serious, systematic analysis of Cool's history, psychology, and importance.

The contemporary Cool attitude is barely 50 years old, but its roots are older than that. Cool Rules traces Cool's ancient origins in European, Asian, and African cultures, its prominence in the African-American jazz scene of the 1940s, and its pivotal position within the radical subcultures of the 1950s and '60s. Pountain and Robins examine various art movements, music, cinema, and literature, moving from the dandies and flâneurs of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries through to the expropriation of a whole cultural and psychological tradition by the media in the 1980s and '90s. What began as a rebellious posture adopted by minorities mutated to become mainstream itself. Cool is now primarily about consumption, as cynical advertisers have seized on it to create a constantly updated bricolage of styles and entertainments designed to affect the way people think about themselves and their society.

Customer Reviews:

complex, insightful, pandoras' box.......2005-04-02

These guys open to door for new discourse on the complexities and contradictions of our everyday lives. While there's a sense the book is a little Arnoldian(What is a clean, proper, civilized body?) it maps out an engaging history. Much is missing from their last chapter of Cool in Politics and globalization- Perhaps where this discourse needs to continue.

Exceptional.......2003-08-10

This book is important reading. I read a great deal,and
I have used ideas from this book in my college classrooms.
It is a kind of academic yet popular treatment of a subject deserving of a more lengthy study. COOL is very underrated as an attitude and way of life and that is why this book seems important to me. One reviewer said it was uncool. In a sense, yes, because it tries to be impartial rather than just being another youth culture "cool" book. I liked it so much that I bought the book AFTER I have read it from the library. The book is more of an introduction to the subject and it makes good points that young people in particular should know about.

Shows how the concept of "cool" evolved.......2001-02-11

In Cool Rules: Anatomy Of An Attitude, Dick Pountain and David Robins successfully collaborate to provide readers with insights into American popular culture from African history and jazz, through 60s cinema, to 90s loft living -- all in service to defining "cool". Cool Rules reveals the line between "hip" and "cool"; shows how the concept of "cool" evolved in different cultures, the influence of British attitudes and styles on American fads and reflections of the "cool"; and a great deal more. Always informative, occasionally iconoclastic, Cool Rules is highly recommended reading for students of cultural anthropology, psychology, sociology, semiotics, and the evolution of American lifestyle fads and fancies.

Positively, absolutely, awful!.......2001-01-08

Cool Rules has to be in the "Top Ten Worst Books Published In 2000" list. Whatever made the authors think they could write about this subject?!? This book is definitely un-cool!

The coolest book on Amazon!.......2000-10-17

This is a terrific book. If you believe in Platonic essences and you want to touch the essence of cool, then read this book. If you do not believe in Platonic essences, reading this book may change your mind.

Whether looking at music, drugs, work, consumption, politics, aesthetics or relations, Pountain and RObins identify Cool as the dominant attitude of the age. Combining obsessive aversion to authority, ironic detachment, hedonism and narcissism, Cool rules indeed. But, it no longer stands for rebellion, at least not a rebellion which threatens directly market-led consumerism. On the contrary, Cool discovers in rebellion a style, an attitude of mind which can easily be satisfied by fashion, image and advertising.

This book deserves to be ranked with Sennett's and Ritzer's recent works as one of the sharpest cultural critiques of our fin-de-siecle.

What is cool then?

Cool is unpredictable, unconventional, non-routine, anti-bourgeois, anti-domestic, dangerous, uncomfortable, non-rational, detached, engaged, self-contradictory. It is youthful, it is thin, it is passionate but not sentimental. It is dying in many different ways.

Cool rules! But for how much longer?

Amazon.com

In 1994's Cyberia: Life in the Trenches of Hyperspace, Douglas Rushkoff extolled the democratic promise of the then-emergent Internet, but the once optimistic author has grown a bit disillusioned with what the Net--and the rest of the world--has become. His exuberantly written, disturbing Coercion may induce paranoia in readers as it illuminates the countless ways marketing has insinuated itself not just into every aspect of Western culture but into our individual lives. Rushkoff opens with a series of pronouncements: "They say human beings use only ten percent of their brains.... They say Prozac alleviates depression." But "who, exactly, are 'they,'" he asks, and "why do we listen to them?"

Marketing continues to grow more aggressive, and Rushkoff tracks the increasingly coercive techniques it employs to ingrain its message in the minds of consumers, as well as the results: toddlers can recognize the golden arches of McDonald's, young rebels get tattooed with the Nike swoosh, and news stories are increasingly taken verbatim from company press releases. "Corporations and consumers are in a coercive arms race," argues Rushkoff. "Every effort we make to regain authority over our actions is met by an even greater effort to usurp it." As he surveys the visual, aural, and scented shopping environment and interviews salesmen, public relations men, telemarketers, admen, and consumers, Rushkoff--who admits to being one of "them" in his occasional capacity as paid corporate consultant--concludes that "they" are just "us" and that the only way the process of coercion can be reversed is to refuse to comply. "Without us," he assures, "they don't exist." --Kera Bolonik

Book Description

Noted media pundit Douglas Rushkoff gives a devastating critique of the influence techniques behind our culture of rampant consumerism. With a skilled analysis of how experts in the fields of marketing, advertising, retail atmospherics, and hand-selling attempt to take away our ability to make rational decisions, Rushkoff delivers a bracing account of why we buy what we buy, and helps us recognize when we're being treated like consumers instead of human beings.

Customer Reviews:

as enjoyable and scary as a thriller.......2007-02-11

This is the most enjoyable and frightening book I've read about various forms of thought control in everyday life. Rushkoff explores and compares phenomena like cults, MLM schemes like Amway, neuro-linguistic programming, shopping mall design, and used car salesman training -- which features a script almost identical to the one in a CIA interrogation manual obtained through the freedom of information act. I recommend this book to everyone, as it treats things that we all face, but I think it's an essential read for anyone interested in cults and mind control.

Good, but not solid enough .......2006-10-29

I've bought the book after reading on Key23 that it is "The best book on black magic written by someone who does not practice it." Meaning that the usage of language, icons, and space to influnce people by bypassing their rational, subjective mind is almost like magic and should be known to anyone living in the modern world where we are always exposed to various forms of influence. As Jello Biafra once said: "It's odd how many people I knew while growing up don't remember anything important that happened politicaly or socially, BUT if I hum a radio commercial no one heared for 10 years - BAM! They remember THAT!"

While the book is a great deal of fun to read (The saleman's character is wonderful, as well as the parts about how music is used to effect shopping behaviour, "the bum-brush effect", and the usage of scent in the air vents to effect Japanese workers.) I felt it does not follow through on many of it's promising leads. To say that office designers use ancient Chinese space-arranging techniques to influnce others is well and good. But DOES it? If so, HOW? Where the writer might have brought in a second opinion on the social fads around "Spirituall Things" or even on why the brain is wired this way the reader is gently lead on to see THIS wonderful bit of info and hear THIS person who watches the tapes that record our shopping behaviour and writes ideas on how we can be influnced to buy more or faster. That person IS interesting (Haven't you ever wondered what they do with these tapes?:) But there is little scholarship in it. In 2006, to say that big companies mind-bend their clients is not much of a novelty.

HOWEVER, for curious people with an intrest in the world around them, this book is one of the nicest bargains out there.

Sam Green

PS
For all wondering, the "Bum-Brush" effect is this. When women bend over to look at a product they will STOP and GET UP if they feel someone or something is brushing their bum. Even if it's a hand bag or a person walking next to them. Once they are up they may NOT BUY the product. To prevent this from happening store owners are making bigger passages to prevent the bum brush. This took many hours of tape watching to formalize:)

Is persuasion coercive?.......2006-09-14

If you have been a Chomsky fan ever since you read "Manufacturing Consent" then you may like this book- if you ignore the sloppy reasoning, and unsupported conclusions.

The author's thesis seems to be that persuasive techniques (political and commercial, but mostly commercial) are so effective that the targets of these persuasions essentially lose the ability to resist.

As others have pointed out, definitions of "coercion" almost always include the phrase "force, or credible threat of force." Yet, even the slimiest car dealership is not going to beat you up if you refuse to buy the car. Indeed, this would be a far better book if the author at least considered the possibility that the dealership needs customers far more than any customer could possibly need any particular car dealer: after all, a dealer who can't sell enough cars will suffer large losses and go out of business, but a customer who walks to another car seller will lose- perhaps an hour or two.

In short, unless you can accept the book's thesis- that people lose their ability to resist in the face of these powerful persuasions- the book makes no sense. Which would be acceptable if only the author would provide evidence to support his thesis- but, he doesn't. As the old saying has it, "evidence" is not the plural of "anecdote."

Are Promise Keepers rallies truly Hitlerian (as the author implies), or (at most) just mildly annoying? Is it truly coercion when a chain-store salesperson tries to sell you additional stuff that you really didn't want and probably don't need, or is it just mildly aggravating? Is Rushkoff's attempt to convince you that ordinary, everyday politics and commercialism are coercive itself coercive and cult-like (by its own definitions)- or is it, too, just mildly annoying?

Scary. .......2004-09-11

This is one of those books that is at once fascinating, horrifying, thought-provoking, and makes me want to have nothing to do with advertising. It covers all kinds of methods people use to coerce others, from car salespeople to marketers and copywriters. An interesting read.

Why we buy?.......2004-05-13

I was wondering why I bought this tape. Well, it was because Walgreen's had a bunch of bargain tapes prominently featured in their store, and the music playing had a subliminal message that said buy me. Seriously, Rushkoff does a good job of detailing how people are influenced to buy a product, subscribe to a belief, or follow a messianic leader.
I think Rushkoff is suspious of all people or companies trying to sell a product. However, in most cases, he details how Western style societies have been influenced by consumerism, and how companies have refined their selling habits to sell their services and products. Rushkoff does not just stop at the selling of products. He talks about why people join and stay in cults, why people follow political leaders, the effects of the worldwide web and internet on people, and pyramid schemes. In modern marketing, as well as these, people are coerced in subscribing to alien beliefs or products. This is why people need to understand these principles in order to avoid the damage of coercion on their person.
The book is relatively interesting. A good book for those interested in the decision making process of the Western consumer.

Coercion: Why We Listen to what "They" Say

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Coercion: Why We Listen to what "They" Say
Douglas Rushkoff -
Manufacturer: Riverhead Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OMGYHM

Information Technology and Public Policy.(Review) (book review) : An article from: Policy Studies Journal

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Information Technology and Public Policy.(Review) (book review) : An article from: Policy Studies Journal
Steffen Schmidt
Manufacturer: Policy Studies Organization
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Policy Studies Journal, published by Policy Studies Organization on December 22, 1999. The length of the article is 1559 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Information Technology and Public Policy.(Review) (book review)
Author: Steffen Schmidt
Publication: Policy Studies Journal (Refereed)
Date: December 22, 1999
Publisher: Policy Studies Organization
Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Page: 893

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards
Average customer rating:

Invaluable for the American card collector

The Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards
Tom Dawson , and Judy Dawson
Manufacturer: U.S. Games Systems
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1572812990

Book Description

This 332-page volume (plus 24 in color) is based on Gene Hochman's The Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards which was originally published in six parts between 1976 and 1981. A complete cataloging of American playing card makers as well as details, types, and brands of playing cards from the late 1700s to the early 1930s. 2,700 black and white illustrations, 324 color illustrations, Index. This Limited edition of 500 is signed and numbered, hardcover.

Customer Reviews:

Invaluable for the American card collector.......2006-08-31

If you are interested in knowing the history of American playing cards, this through book is the best reference I know of. It has an amazing number of illustrations, most black & white but with a thick section of color in the middle of the book.

The authors are members of the club "52+Joker", and have done a real nice job with this book. Note that there are no playing-card rules in this book.

American Playing Card Price Guide, October 2000: Based upon the Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards

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American Playing Card Price Guide, October 2000: Based upon the Hochman Encyclopedia of American Playing Cards
Tom Dawson , and Judy Dawson
Manufacturer: U.S. Games Systems
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN PLAYING CARDS, PART ONE OF SIX

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ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN PLAYING CARDS, PART ONE OF SIX
Gene Hochman
Manufacturer: Gene Hochman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J0OOE4

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Encyclopedia of American playing cards
Gene Hochman
Manufacturer: Author
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Antiques & Collectibles | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006WEM7Y

101 Games for Trainers: A Collection of the Best Activities from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter
Average customer rating:

Great resource

Very Good but needs some re-organization

A lot of Prep Time is Needed!

101 Games For Trainers

101 Games for Trainers: A Collection of the Best Activities from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter
Bob Pike , and Chris Busse
Manufacturer: Lakewood Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Training | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Vocational Guidance | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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The Big Book of Humorous Training Games (Big Book of Business Games Series)

ASIN: 0943210380

Book Description

101 of the best games from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter gathered into one book. These classroom-tested games, exercises and activities add spark and energy to your training sessions and help adults really learn without even knowing it. Included are games for improving communication skills, developing conflict resolution skills, breaking the ice, creating team players, and more.

Customer Reviews:

Great resource.......2003-03-17

I have used several of these games with great success. Most are intelligent and fun, unlike several other books I have read. The organization of the book is a little odd but that's only a minor complaint. It's still fairly easy to find what I'm looking for.

Very Good but needs some re-organization.......2002-02-10

A small book that is very popular among trainers. The Games and activities are chosen from the Creative Training Techniques Newsletter (By Bob Pike) and are suitable for a variety of topics and situations. The activities are very eclectic and many are unique since they are contributed by different people. The presentation is also very clear. However, the one thing that the book lacks is a topical index so that you can check the type of the activity and its suitability to different training topics and areas: You have to go through the whole book looking for the icebreakers, the activities, etc. and the areas that they suitable for.

A lot of Prep Time is Needed!.......2000-11-02

I came across this book while buying another one at Amazon. I've always followed Bob Pike so I bought this book unseen.

The book is laid out nice so all you have to do is pick a game and follow the brief instructions. There is one game per page so that tells you that it's not difficult to follow.

The one thing I didn't like about this book is that you really have to plan on a lot of time to prepare for each game way before the class. Some of the games, each participant needs a specialized tool or article such as a photo, paper cups, toothpicks, candy bars, etc.

Also some of the more detailed games require you as the trainer to do a lot of advance prep for items such as a paper license plate, index cards, lists of objects, cartoons, nickels, and lottery tickets. Once you have any of these items prepared, then the game is fun....but I found that I don't have a lot of extra time to prepare items such as these for large classes.

Nutshell: Easy Instructions, Great Games, Tons of Advance Prep Work Needed (for most games).

101 Games For Trainers.......2000-09-06

While looking for a variety of training games I came across this book. What I like about this book is that it offers a variety of games for different situations. Whether looking for an opener or a team-building event, I can find an activity to go with a multitude of topics. It's often difficult to come up with enough activities to go with your presentation. I like this book because it had so many options for me to choose from without using the same one over and over again.

Average customer rating:

101 More Games for Trainers: Another Collection of the Best Activities from Creative Training Techniques Newsletter
Robert W. Pike , and Christopher Busse
Manufacturer: Lakewood Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0943210445

Book Description

Now Bob Pike brings you 101 More Games for Trainers. This is your sourcebook for engaging participants while they are in your classroom. You'll find dozens of games, exercises and activities specifically designed to: bring a weary group back to life; lead an audience through a spirited, comprehensive review session; break the ice and grab participants' attention, and more.

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