The Making of a Blockbuster: How Wayne Huizenga Built a Sports and Entertainment Empire from Trash, Grit, and Videotape

Book Description

Named "The #1 Entrepreneur in America" by Success Magazine, March 1995 "The Making of a Blockbuster is an engrossing depiction of an out of nowhere, self-made American industrialist, Wayne Huizenga. It captures with intensity the true grit and dynamic, unwavering character of a blockbuster personality and his rise to this country's preeminent entrepreneur." —Sumner Redstone Chairman of the Board, Viacom Inc. "This is more than a book. It's a fantasy about a man with great vision. A must read for anyone with dreams for their future." —Aaron Spelling Spelling Television Inc. "Wayne Huizenga has been a major league player in every project and enterprise to which he has applied his considerable talents and wisdom. The corporate boardroom, the VCR in every family's living room, and the fields of athletic endeavor, all have become a part of Wayne's World. The name Huizenga is synonymous with heavy-hitter, winner, and most valuable player in everything he does. The Making of a Blockbuster is a modern Horatio Alger story that is sure to inspire and make everyone a fan of Wayne's hard-work ethic." —Lawton Chiles Governor of Florida "I have known and respected Gail DeGeorge's work as a business journalist for some time. Her considerable reporting skills provide an insightful look at the management style of one of America's most energetic entrepreneurs. In this age of mega-mergers, The Making of a Blockbuster takes the reader on a fascinating journey profiling a consummate deal-maker—from hauling trash to renting videos." —Linda O'Bryon Senior Vice President & Executive Editor, Nightly Business Report "I have always admired anyone who makes it on their own and Wayne has done that in a big time way while never forgetting where it all began. The whole story is between the covers of this fascinating book, The Making of a Blockbuster." —Frank Gifford ABC Sports

Customer Reviews:

6 Stars, $25k to $1 million in 7 years or 4,000%.......2006-06-24

That's the return an investor in Blockbuster in Jan. 1987 would have had. And for Wayne's investment, $17.5 million, that grew to $600 million in 7 years.

This is a truly intriguing story of how Wayne (and team) built TWO multi billion dollar companies, Blockbuster Entertainment and Waste Management. The author, Gail does a great job of taking you through Wayne's early days when all of his garbage company's credit lines were exhausted and meeting the day to day expenses were a struggle, up to the point that he realized that the best bet was to go public so he could use the stock as currency for rapid expansion. And rapidly expand he did. In the 10 months between March and December 1972, Waste Management bought 133 different businesses.

During his forays in the water business Wayne and his right hand man Steve Berrard scooped up 16 water companies in eight months, going from zero to the thirteenth largest bottled water company in the nation, which was sold to Clorox for a profit of $16 million within 3 years.

Berrard's deal making skills:
-Don't paint yourself into a corner
-Never say anything that won't let you come back in the front door
-Don't say something is a deal breaker
-A deal is never dead if you don't let it die
-Always let the other side set the initial price
-Always leave room to back up
-Recognize what the other side really wants out of a deal
-Know when to walk
-Don't take no for an answer

Talking about Blockbuster Wayne would point out that the stores were paying for themselves in roughly 3 years from the cash flow. (mental not for business buyers)

As anyone who reads my other reviews or my blog knows, I zero in on the structure of the deals mentioned in the book. Interestingly you get a good idea of how the whole Blockbuster - Virgin deal was structured. Blockbuster was to be an even partner in Virgin's 15 stores in Europe and have 75% ownership of the US stores (other than the LA store which they had 1/3). Virgin would retain managing control along with its 25%. Blockbuster would fund the expansion.

Great Quotes:

"The biggest lesson I learned is that when you say you're going to do something, be darn sure you do it."

"Huizenga held fast to two rules: Don't loose a deal because you're not paying attention to it and never talk about it until its done and in writing."

"His father says, Wayne is still driven by the same force that's driven him since the purchase of that first garbage truck in 1962. (The Deal) The excitement of making the deal. I think that's what drives him"

By Kevin Kingston, author of: A 20,000% Gain in Real Estate: A True Story About the Ups and Downs From Wall Street to Real Estate Leading to Phenomenal Returns

Great Read.......2006-02-14

This is a great book that shows the natural born ability of a deal maker. This book shows how Wayne can spot a business that has a lot of potential and take it over to make it a giant. This was a great book,

B. Fitz

Great Read.......2006-02-14

If you want to build wealth read it.......2006-02-01

This book tells the story of a guy w/ modest means and how he created two of the best businesses in U.S history starting w/ nothing. This is not just some ego pumping motivational biography. This book tells you exactly what is required of you if your goal is to build a business starting from scratch and putting everything together working over 100 hours per week and eventually listing your company on the NYSE and becoming a billionaire. Wayne is the ultimate deal maker, and you can see very clearly in these pages how one can reach the highest levels of business succes through extremely hard work, and single minded determination and drive. Bottom line if you want to know what it really takes to build a 2.5 billion dollar net worth and get your name on the Forbes 400, and also building an international multi billion dollar company from scratch... well than spend your money on this book you won't be dissapointed... Blake bldgassets247@yahoo.com

You will treat your trash man diffrent after reading this........2005-08-28

I liked the book really well. I was suprised that Wayne was completly a self made billion-aire. When other guys like Donald Trump was in private school wayne was doing odd jobs to earn money. I just wish I had invested in Blockbuster when I was in high school.

Book Description

Two of tennis's hottest stars went head-to-head in the youngest matchup ever in a Grand Slam final. Now Martina Hingis and Venus Williams are together againin a back-to-back-bio!

Martina Hingis (Champion Sport Biographies)

Average customer rating:

great book

Martina Hingis (Champion Sport Biographies)
Bev Spencer
Manufacturer: Warwick House Pub.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Teens | Subjects | Books

Sports | Biographies & Memoirs | Teens | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1894020499

Customer Reviews:

great book.......1999-07-23

i cannot express my review in only a thousand word

Average customer rating:

Martina Hingis (Sports Superstars)
Richard Rambeck
Manufacturer: Child's World
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1567665195

Book Description

A brief look at the tennis career of the young woman who won three of the four Grand Slam tournaments in 1997.

Average customer rating:

Quality of the book almost matches quality of the player

Martina Hingis (Women Who Win)
Christin Ditchfield
Manufacturer: Chelsea House Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0791061574

Customer Reviews:

Quality of the book almost matches quality of the player.......2000-09-23

A quick but near-perfect insight into the most talented player of all time. I recommend it to any tennis fan.

Average customer rating:

Martina Hingis, ou, la beaute du jeu
Etienne Barilier
Manufacturer: l'Hebdo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Nonfiction | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books

All French Books | French | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

French | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 2881823009

Crónica semanal del mundo.(TT: Weekly chronicle of the world.): An article from: Epoca

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Crónica semanal del mundo.(TT: Weekly chronicle of the world.): An article from: Epoca

Manufacturer: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008IXXKI
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Epoca, published by Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA) on July 23, 2000. The length of the article is 1820 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: Crónica semanal del mundo.(TT: Weekly chronicle of the world.)
Publication: Epoca (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 23, 2000
Publisher: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
Page: 38

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Desde París.(celebridades)(TT: From Paris.)(TA: celebrities): An article from: Actual

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Desde París.(celebridades)(TT: From Paris.)(TA: celebrities): An article from: Actual
Ivonne Muñoz de Rossignol
Manufacturer: Editorial Contenido, S.A. de C.V.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008IGB8O
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Actual, published by Editorial Contenido, S.A. de C.V. on August 1, 2001. The length of the article is 1349 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: Desde París.(celebridades)(TT: From Paris.)(TA: celebrities)
Author: Ivonne Muñoz de Rossignol
Publication: Actual (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 2001
Publisher: Editorial Contenido, S.A. de C.V.
Volume: 8 Issue: 95 Page: 38

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En duelo por el trono. (tenistas Lindsay Davenport y Martina Hingis son favoritas para ganar torneo de Masters femenino)(TT: Duel for the throne) (TA: ... championship): An article from: Semana

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En duelo por el trono. (tenistas Lindsay Davenport y Martina Hingis son favoritas para ganar torneo de Masters femenino)(TT: Duel for the throne) (TA: ... championship): An article from: Semana
Tay Polo Miranda
Manufacturer: Spanish Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Semana, published by Spanish Publications, Inc. on November 19, 1998. The length of the article is 516 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: En duelo por el trono. (tenistas Lindsay Davenport y Martina Hingis son favoritas para ganar torneo de Masters femenino)(TT: Duel for the throne) (TA: tennis players Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis are favorites to win female championship)
Author: Tay Polo Miranda
Publication: Semana (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 19, 1998
Publisher: Spanish Publications, Inc.
Volume: v5 Issue: n300 Page: p17(1)

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gente.(TT: People.): An article from: Epoca

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gente.(TT: People.): An article from: Epoca

Manufacturer: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008GX94A
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Epoca, published by Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA) on March 6, 2000. The length of the article is 843 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: gente.(TT: People.)
Publication: Epoca (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 6, 2000
Publisher: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
Page: 52

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Hingis y Seles, fuera de línea. (Martina Hingis y Mónica Seles, tenistas profesionales)(TT: Hingis and Seles, out of shape) (TA: Martina Hingis and Mónica ... tennis players): An article from: Semana

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Hingis y Seles, fuera de línea. (Martina Hingis y Mónica Seles, tenistas profesionales)(TT: Hingis and Seles, out of shape) (TA: Martina Hingis and Mónica ... tennis players): An article from: Semana

Manufacturer: Spanish Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Semana, published by Spanish Publications, Inc. on July 3, 1997. The length of the article is 501 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: Hingis y Seles, fuera de línea. (Martina Hingis y Mónica Seles, tenistas profesionales)(TT: Hingis and Seles, out of shape) (TA: Martina Hingis and Mónica Seles, professional tennis players)
Publication: Semana (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 3, 1997
Publisher: Spanish Publications, Inc.
Volume: v4 Issue: n228 Page: p11(1)

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Book Description

Design touches virtually every aspect of our lives, imbuing the most humdrum of objects with meaning. In Toothpicks and Logos, John Heskett illuminates a subject as vast and complex as human life itself, ranging from the earliest found implements in our history--the stick, the shell, the
cupped hand--to modern advertising logos, software interfaces, and even the lowly toothpick.
Here is a truly groundbreaking book, one that will transform the way we think about design, revealing how integral it is to our daily lives, from the spoon we use to eat our breakfast cereal, to the car we drive to work in, to the medical equipment used to save lives. Design, Heskett writes,
is one of the most basic expressions of what it is to be human--the reshaping of the environment to meet our needs and answer our desires, capturing both utility and aesthetics. Going beyond issues of style and taste, he describes how different cultures and individuals personalize objects--even
simple objects, such as a toothpick, can have their design modified to suit the specific cultural behavior in different countries. Heskett examines architecture, multimedia, computers, software, and even the role of government in influencing design trends and he offers fascinating insights into how
major companies such as Nokia, Ford, and Sony approach design. Finally, we are shown an exciting vision of what design can offer us in the future and especially its role in humanizing new technology.
Learned, thoughtful, and filled with lively examples, Toothpicks and Logos offers an entirely new slant on design, bringing clarity and insight to a sprawling and staggeringly complicated subject.

Customer Reviews:

clear and concise overview on design today.......2004-05-05

This is a well written snapshot of what comprises the disciplines of "design," from industrial products or even entire environemnts to the crafting of organizational images. In a perfect economy or detail, the curious reader can explore the modalities of all these disciplines as they are practiced today. It is useful and indeed fascinating. I know of no better source for those interested in these issues.

For example, according to Heskett, there are product design companies that rely on single maestros - designers celebiritries such as Philippe Starck. Then, there are team-based groups springing up in the US, like IDEO, that can design anything very quickly on demand, from toothbrush handles to Palm Pilots. Finally, there are sepcialised design groups within corporations, some of which act like consultencies that have to bid for business in competition with outside competitors (this occurs in Philips). Heskett does the same for graphic design, public relations, etc., so there is much here for those seeking specific answers to certain questions as well as a larger contextual overview.

It is nice to find a design book that is not a picture book, but one based on content and analysis. I will consult this for years to come for its holistic perspective on the multi-faceted disciplines that make up "design."

Recommended warmly.

Well designed overview of what design is and why it matters........2003-06-24

This book held my attention and enjoyably helped me understand the concept of design from a holistic point of view rather than a "graphic design," "industrial design" or "any-other-niche design" point of view. Heskett has written a very readable (5-6 hours, and I don't read fast) book that successfully communicates what design is and why it is important. He helped me understand why design is personal, cultural and everywhere. Most of us, at some level, understand why design is important (especially when we experience poor design), but it was very educational to be reminded of this by someone with his perspective and understanding. He provides foundation (The 1st three chapters are "What is Design?," "The Historical Evolution of Design," and "Utility and Significance") and then details five applications of design (a chapter per application). The areas of application are "Objects," Communications," Environments," Identities," and "Systems." He concludes with a chapter on the contexts in which design exists and a look at the future of design. It is well written, and packed with great insights. I look forward to reading it again and gleaning more.

great book.......2003-04-23

Gives a quality overview of the layers of design concerns and approaches for industrial design. No topic is examined in depth, which keeps the book flowing and light.

Toothpicks and Logos : Design in Everyday Life

Average customer rating:

Toothpicks and Logos : Design in Everyday Life
John Heskett
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKMO2S

Book Description

Learn about koalas, tapirs, a fruit bat, and other unusual creatures as you help them make their way through 46 fascinating mazes.

Customer Reviews:

ok for it's size.......2006-06-20

It's my fault I didn't look at the size of the book in the description, I was expecting a size of a regular coloring book. But the mazes seem too small for my [...] to do in the car during trips, which is what we had planned on using them for.

Overpriced.......2004-12-15

This book is really small - not your average sized coloring book. I felt like a chump after I received the book and saw the $1.50 price on the back and I paid $3.50. I should have just gone to my local book store and paid full price there.

However, as far as content, it is a good maze book for small children - very simple mazes. But again, the book is so small, it's not that easy to work on.

These mazes are cute but too easy for a child over 5........1999-03-06

Each maze has black and white drawings of jungle animals involved in the maze. Each has a one line objective that a child of 4 to 5 would enjoy. I disagree with the age range of 4-8, these mazes are not suitable for children over five.

Amazing Magic Mazes: Jungle Mazes: An Amazon Adventure (Magic Color Books)

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Amazing Magic Mazes: Jungle Mazes: An Amazon Adventure (Magic Color Books)
Clint Twist
Manufacturer: Sterling/Pinwheel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1402715943

Book Description

Down in the jungle, the mighty jungle, finding your way around can be hard. It’s important to choose a route carefully, because lots of hazards await: tumbling waterfalls with slippery rocks; shaky rope bridges; and of course, anacondas, and other jungle wildlife. So pick up a pen, join the daring explorers.

Amazing Mazes:jungle (Amazing Mazes Adventures)

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Amazing Mazes:jungle (Amazing Mazes Adventures)
Kaye Quinn
Manufacturer: Price Stern Sloan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0843127058

FANTASY MACABRE (4) Four - July 1983: Come the Eaters; Brief Biography; The Kelpie's Mask; Problem Child; Death; Jungle Breath Jungle Death; The Enchanted Maze; Incident in a Graveyard; Water Above Electricity

Average customer rating:

FANTASY MACABRE (4) Four - July 1983: Come the Eaters; Brief Biography; The Kelpie's Mask; Problem Child; Death; Jungle Breath Jungle Death; The Enchanted Maze; Incident in a Graveyard; Water Above Electricity
Dave (editor) (Jessica Amanda Salmonson; Tanith Lee; Peter Tremayne; Frank Belknap Long; Janet Fox; Robin Ansell; Karen Young; Thomas Wiloch; David Cowperthwaite; Herbert Swartz; Joel Lane; Mike Ashley) Reeder
Manufacturer: Fantasy Macabre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GVXMB2

Average customer rating:

Jungle Mazes
Roger Moreau
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Puzzles | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0806908769

Book Description

Explore worlds nobody has ever seen before in these exciting and dangerous jungle scenes made into 21 mazes that will test your stamina as much as a real safari. You'll encounter friendly and unfriendly animals, plants, insects, and people inhabiting the jungles of Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. You'll climb the roots, vines, and trees of a rain forest. Sail up the alligator-filled Amazon, and keep your eyes peeled for an endangered species of jaguar. In Africa you'll track your way through forests so dense you'll be the first human to set foot in them. You'll come across gorilla families, and a charging bull elephant. Exotic spiders demand that you trace their web mazes, monkeys show you their rope maze, and golden pottos challenge you with their twisted vines. Next, it's on to New Guinea, and the temple ruins of Angkor in Cambodia. But watch out for the suspicious local tribal hunters. Still other mazes threaten to pitch you over waterfalls. Once you've done your best, if you get lost you can find your way out with the section of solutions. Sterling 64 pages, 44 b/w illus., 8 1/4 x 11.

Average customer rating:

Hours of constructive engagement for the late elementary school child

Jungle Mazes
Roger Moreau
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0439057329

Customer Reviews:

Hours of constructive engagement for the late elementary school child.......2007-09-01

This book is a collection of trace-through mazes of the type that I adored when I was young. When I acquired a new book, I spent hours moving through all the avenues and options of all the mazes until I had solved them all. As the title implies, all of the mazes in this book have a jungle theme. Snakes, lizards, bats, heavy undergrowth, alligators and spiders are some of the hazards that must be avoided. Solutions to all the mazes are included at the end.
Developed so that the elementary school students can solve them, this collection of 21 mazes will keep your child constructively engaged for some time.

Average customer rating:

Jungle Mazes (Magic Mazes)
James Harrison
Manufacturer: Pinwheel Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1902249933

The Lost Treasure of the Green Iguana: A Jungle Maze Adventure (Explorers' Club)

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The Lost Treasure of the Green Iguana: A Jungle Maze Adventure (Explorers' Club)
Judith Rossell
Manufacturer: Lark Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

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The Mystery of the Golden Crocodile: An Egyptian Maze Adventure (Explorers Club)

ASIN: 1579909493

Book Description

Judith Rossell has created an exciting maze mission that will entice kids everywhere! With pencil (or pen for the brave) in hand, they’ll set out to rescue Doctor Fortuito, who’s lost somewhere deep in the jungle. And that means solvers will have to figure out a pathway through the dense foliage and across the lush, exotic terrain. Can they do it? Children will get help from the good Doctor’s notes on the cover gatefolds, and sneak past some pretty dangerous forest creatures…and adventure towards the lost treasure that Fortuito was trying to find. Attractive picture-book quality art and an involving story create a wonderful challenge.

The Maze of Maal Dweb: The Alien Worlds Series, Volume I (Unabridged)

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The Maze of Maal Dweb: The Alien Worlds Series, Volume I (Unabridged)
Clark Ashton Smith
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B000LE16N0

Book Description

The average American child sees about 40,000 television commercials every year. Companies target younger viewers all the time, selling everything from sugar cereals to minivans, and cross-promotional marketing influences everything from the food stocked in school vending machines to the characters who appear in children’s books. Kids are requesting specific brands as soon as they can talk. American corporations spend over $15 billion yearly on marketing to children in an effort to cultivate nagging, insatiable, “cradle-to-grave” consumers.

In this shocking and engrossing exposé, psychologist Susan Linn reveals how the marketing industry preys on kids from the day they’re born, exploiting their vulnerabilities and skewing their values in order to influence what they eat, wear, and play with. This advertising blitz stifles creativity and exacerbates obesity, eating disorders, violence, sexual precocity, and substance abuse. Linn—a mother herself—recognizes that parents alone are no match for the marketing experts. What they need is the concerted help of healthcare professionals, educators, and legislators who have children’s best interests in mind. Consuming Kids is a call to action for anyone who cares about the well-being of children.

Customer Reviews:

Scary, but necessary.......2007-10-04

This book was a real wake up call to an already wary consumer. After reading this, you will understand exactly how relentless and saavy the advertising industry is at getting kids to successfully beg/nag for unneeded and/or potentially harmful products. One of the main conclusions of the book is that television is not appropriate for children 2 and under. Over that age, parents should use extreme discretion. Don't give advertisers the "cradle to grave" brand loyalty they are seeking. That's just nuts.

Excellent.......2006-01-21

This book has really helped us to open our eyes and look at our current culture and how it might impact our new son. It covers media and mass marketing and how unscrupulous marketing to children has become. Before I read this I didn't understand just how insidious some of the marketing is and I would just mark parents who complained about it as "a little crazy or too strict".

I know of parents who are experiencing some of the issues brought up in the book: the wrestling and anger mgt problems, girls trying to dress too old etc. And these kids live in good homes, with parents trying their best to raise them right. As I read the book I started to make correlations all over the place. I think the author hit the issues spot-on.

Because of this book we do NOT turn on the TV when he is awake anymore and make purchasing decisions more wisely.

I originally checked this out of the library, but decided it was a keeper and purchased it. I am also recommending it to many of my friends of kids of all ages.

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