Why Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes And How To Correct Them: Lessons From The New Science Of Behavioral Economics

Amazon.com

Why do so many otherwise rational individuals make irrational decisions when it comes to money? Financial journalist Gary Belsky and Cornell University psychology professor Thomas Gilovich contend the answers can be found--and the deficiencies remedied--with help from a relatively new science called behavioral economics. Still largely unknown outside academic circles, the field can be traced to research on the impact of rewards and punishments on human judgment and decision- making that first were undertaken at Jerusalem's Hebrew University some 30 years ago. In Why Smart People Make Big Money Mistakes , Belsky and Gilovich update this pioneering work and show readers how to understand exactly why they invest, spend, and save as they do. More importantly, using examples that everyone can identify with and language that anyone can understand, the authors offer dozens of workable suggestions that can help readers manage their money better. "We believe that by identifying the psychological causes behind many types of financial decisions," they write, "you can effectively change your behavior in ways that will ultimately put more money in your pocket and help you keep more of what you already have." --Howard Rothman

Book Description

Why do so many otherwise smart people make foolish financial choices? Why do investors sell stocks just before they skyrocket -- and cling to others as they plummer? Why do shoppers overspend when using credit cards rather than cash? What do our habits of tipping or buying lottery tickets indicate about our relationship with money?

In this fascinating investigation of the ways we spend, invest, save, borrow, and waste money, Gary Belsky and Thomas Gilovich reveal the psychological causes -- the patterns of thinking and decision making -- of irrational behavior. Most important, they focus on the decisions we make every day and, using entertaining examples, provide invaluable tips on avoiding the financial faux pas that can cost thousands of dollars each year.

Download Description

Why do so many otherwise smart people make foolish financial choices? Why do investors sell stocks just before they sky rocket -- and cling to others as they plummet? Why do shoppers overspend when using credit cards rather than cash? What do our habits of tipping or buying lottery tickets indicate about our relationship with money? In this fascinating investigation of the ways we spend, invest, save, borrow, and waste money, Gary, Belsky and Thomas Gilovich reveal the psychological causes -- the patterns of thinking and decision-making -- that result in irrational behavior. Most importantly they focus on the decisions we make everyday and, using entertaining examples, provide invaluable tips on avoiding the financial faux pas that can cost thousands of dollars each year.

Customer Reviews:

Great Introduction to Behavioral Finance.......2007-07-21

For more than 20 years I have been fascinated why so many people make financial decisions which defy rationality. Unfortunately, I find it extremely difficult to read and comprehend most of the research papers that has been done in the field of behavioral finance. The last 5 years have seen several good books explaining the results of the emerging field of behavioral finance. This book is one of those good books.

As a fan of index funds, I enjoyed reading this book's explanation and recommendation for suggesting index funds.

This book is very readable and is an excellent primer on the major concepts which are emerging from behavioral finance research.

Socrates was right when he uttered his famous quote "Know Thy Self". One of the hardest things to do is to understand why we do what we do sometimes. This book helps explain some of this natural human behavior, and how we can manage it to make more rational financial decisions.

I would suggest companion books to supplement this book including:

Index Mutual Funds: How to Simplify Your Financial Life and Beat the Pro's
How to Use Psychology to Achieve Your Financial Goals
Are You Using the Right Rules to Plan Your Retirement?
The Richest Man in Babylon
Bogle on Mutual Funds: New Perspectives for the Intelligent Investor
The Millionaire Next Door
The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio
A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing, Ninth Edition
The Coffeehouse Investor: How to Build Wealth, Ignore Wall Street, and Get On With Your Life
The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing

Entertaining and good stuff.......2007-07-03

The book is easy to read and it also covers a lot of interesting topics. Highly recommended.

One of my favorite personal finance books.......2007-05-15

It's been years since I first read this book, but I still reference it often when talking about money decisions. It's readable, fun, and informative. I also enjoy the situational questions that begin each chapter. Even when you can see what point they're getting it, it's easy to see yourself making the same mistake in a moment of decision.

Out of the ivory tower and into your real life.......2007-01-09

this book is an easy well-written guide to understanding the academic field of behavioral economics and to bring it into the real world of our lives. The original research studies are really dry and hard to read even for a psychologist (I am one).....this is reader friendly and practical. Helped me understand some of the errors I made and still fall into....like noticing the stocks I have really done well with and forgetting about the ones that did not do so well so I think I have done really well in the market the past year..but then I look at the cold hard numbers and guess what? I did not do nearly as well I thought. Very helpful to use with patients who are having credit card woes (future dollars are so cheap). Dr. Mary Gresham Atlanta Ga

Are you mentally fit to make money decisions?.......2006-12-21

This book helps to show you some of the common pitfalls that people make when making decisions involving money. While there are topics related to investing, there are also general "money-decision" topics. There were actually some mistakes that I did not even think of but when I read them I realized that many of my friends made these mistakes. For me the biggest lesson that I learned was the part about mental accounting. This is one of those books that you think is all common sense but when you think about it, you realize that you too make these mistakes.

What's the Big Deal?: Why God Cares About Sex (God's Design for Sex)

Average customer rating:

Give a gift that matters
An Absolute Must For Every Christian Family!
Excellent book in a series on a necessary subject!

What's the Big Deal?: Why God Cares About Sex (God's Design for Sex)
Stan Jones , and Brenna B. Jones
Manufacturer: Navpress Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sex | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Facing the Facts: The Truth About Sex And You (God's Design for Sex)
Before I Was Born (God's Design for Sex)
The Story of Me (Gods Design for Sex)
How And When to Tell Your Kids About Sex: A Lifelong Approach to Shaping Your Child's Sexual Character (God's Design for Sex (Unnumberd))
Preparing for Adolescence: How to Survive the Coming Years of Change

ASIN: 1600060161

Book Description

A GIFT TO BE SHARED-GOD'S WAY. You know what sex is. You've heard other kids joking about it, and maybe you've seen actors talking about it on TV. But you probably still have some questions, and that's great-because What's the Big Deal? was written to help kids like you, ages 8-11, find the answers you need. What's the Big Deal? explains the basic facts about sex and such related issues as: 1) Why God made adults so that they want to have sex; 2) Why God designed sex to be shared only within marriage; 3) What God actually says about sex in the Bible; 4) The amazing changes ahead of you during puberty; and 5) How to respond when you feel sexual pressure from peers, TV shows, movies, and magazines. Your parents will read this book with you or discuss it with you as you read it on your own. They'll answer any leftover questions you might have and help you understand what a beautiful and exciting gift from God your sexuality is meant to be. TABLE OF CONTENTS: Introduction Chapter 1: What's the Big Deal? Chapter 2: Why Do People Do That? Chapter 3: Sex Outside of Marriage Chapter 4: What Does God Really Say About It? Chapter 5: The Changes of Puberty Chapter 6: But Why Can't I Do That? Chapter 7: What Is AIDS? Chapter 8: What Does Gay Mean? Chapter 9: God's Response to Wrong Chapter 10: What Is a Period? Chapter 11: What Is Sexual Abuse? Chapter 12: Growing Up

Customer Reviews:

Give a gift that matters.......2007-03-08

I bought this book as a gift for my 9 year old grandson. His mom recommended it to me, and I bought it. I only glanced through it before mailing it to him in England. I cannot comment further on the editorial content. The outside appearance of the book was pleasing. The small size will make it easy to hold in a small hand. My grandson told me just the other day that he had started reading it, and had some questions. I referred him to his parents.

An Absolute Must For Every Christian Family!.......2002-07-07

I recently purchased this book to go through with my 10 year old son. I have been so pleased with the dialoge provided in the book! It asks the questions kids really have and helps us parents give answers based on scripture! This book is a wonderful tool for using with your children as you talk frankly about sex and the consequences of going against what the bible teaches. I have already recommended this book to family members with children 8 to 11.

Even though my son is 10 years old now I have decided to go back and purchase the two previous books to this one to go through with him. They certainly couldn't hurt!!!!

Excellent book in a series on a necessary subject!.......1999-08-25

There are two books prior to "What's the Big Deal" and we have used these wonderfully illustrated books with all three of our children. We followed the age suggestion and found that the subject matter was presented in a very natural and positive way. The main reason these books are such a blessing is that we need to tell our precious and innocent children the truth so that they are prepared mentally and emotionally when the "lies" inevitably come their way. Don't wait! Your child needs this healthy information.

Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me?

Average customer rating:

JEN ROCKS
Fantastic
So FUNNY it makes being bad look good!
Jen Lancaster's world
HILARIOUS!

Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me?
Jen Lancaster
Manufacturer: NAL Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Women | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Essays | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Bitter is the New Black: Confessions of a Condescending, Egomaniacal, Self-Centered Smartass,Or, Why You Should Never Carry A Prada Bag to the Unemployment Office
There's a (Slight) Chance I Might Be Going to Hell: A Novel of Sewer Pipes, Pageant Queens, and Big Trouble
I Love Everybody (and Other Atrocious Lies): True Tales of a Loudmouth Girl
We Thought You Would Be Prettier: True Tales of the Dorkiest Girl Alive
The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club: True Tales from a Magnificent and Clumsy Life

ASIN: 0451221257

Book Description

Jen Lancaster hates to burst your happy little bubble, but life in the big city isn't all it's cracked up to be. Contrary to what you see on TV and in the movies, most urbanites aren't party-hopping in slinky dresses and strappy stilettos. But lucky for us, Lancaster knows how to make the life of the lower crust mercilessly funny and infinitely entertaining.

Whether she's reporting rude neighbors to Homeland Security, harboring a crush on her grocery store clerk, or fighting-and losing-the Battle of the Stairmaster- Lancaster explores how silly, strange, and not-so-fabulous real city living can be. And if anyone doesn't like it, they can kiss her big, fat, pink, puffy down parka.

Customer Reviews:

JEN ROCKS.......2007-10-10

This is one of the funniest books I have ever read, and I read a lot! It made me laugh out loud. Everyone should read Bright Lights. I have bought this book for my friends because I don't want to lose my copy of it. I look forward to Jen 's next book.

Fantastic.......2007-10-09

It was embarrassing to read this book in public as I could not control my laughter.Jen Lancaster is witty, brilliant and beautifully honest, right up there with Burroughs and Sedaris.

So FUNNY it makes being bad look good!.......2007-10-03

Jen takes on temp jobs while waiting for her advance check from selling her first book. To fill the extra hours, she has written a hilarious memoir about her ordinary life experiences. Cross her and you may be the lucky recipient of one of her crafty letters that you wouldn't believe someone would have the nerve to write. (And what a great tool for releasing anger) If your one of her stay at home friends, you may be on the recieving end of funny daily scoops that rival a soap opera drama, and much more interesting by far. -The thing is you never read any e-mails from them, so their lives must be dreadfully boring in comparison.

I've never had a book make me laugh out loud (even in public) like this one did! This girl has lightning quick wit and humor. Actually, reading this made me feel a little more sane. (Thanks Jen:) I thought I had an overactive mind, she's definately got me beat, and her thoughts are way funnier than mine could ever be! Her behavior and mouth are so excusable because she's just hilarious. She really does make being bad look good.

This is a keeper. When I'm feeling low and needing a good laugh, I'll be reaching for this. Reading this will make passing the time (in line or Dr's office or anywhere) much more pleasant. Just know that it is very likely to make you bust out laughing in front of everyone!

Jen Lancaster's world.......2007-09-27

Bitter is the New Black, Jen's first book, was wonderful. This second book is great, but I feel it falls a little short of the fullness of BINB. Not as much of an actual story line, just tons of funny scenarios and banter - which are all great, but I'm not as anxious to find out what happens next (when does Jen find a job, how will they survive the next month, etc). It definitely still keeps me chuckling page after page though. Since there is not much drama in this book, I am enjoying getting to know Fletch a little more.

HILARIOUS!.......2007-09-10

I couldn't put this down, it is so funny! I was laughing and chuckling so hard that I even annoyed my husband (who is not nearly as patient as Jen's husband, Fletch). She writes what the rest of us are thinking, but are now too politically correct to say out loud. Awesome. I check www.Jennsylvania.com every morning in my little cube farm for a chuckle. I can't wait for the next one.

Why Not?: How to Use Everyday Ingenuity to Solve Problems Big And Small

Average customer rating:

Master your creativity
Invention is the Mother of Necessity? Why not?!
a great book on creativity
Entertaining
Well, maybe 3.5 stars

Why Not?: How to Use Everyday Ingenuity to Solve Problems Big And Small
Barry Nalebuff , and Ian Ayres
Manufacturer: Harvard Business School Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Systems & Planning | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Co-Opetition : A Revolution Mindset That Combines Competition and Cooperation : The Game Theory Strategy That's Changing the Game of Business
Thinking Strategically: The Competitive Edge in Business, Politics, and Everyday Life
Medici Effect: What Elephants and Epidemics Can Teach Us About Innovation
Changing Minds: The Art And Science of Changing Our Own And Other People's Minds (Leadership for the Common Good)
Economics of Strategy

ASIN: 1422104346
Release Date: 2006-12-01

Amazon.com

Yale professors Barry Nalebuff and Ian Ayres engage readers in an intriguing oxymoron. They believe invention can be automated. Why Not? outlines a populist high-octane approach to creative problem solving. "We aspire for this book to change the way people think about their own ability to change the world." The authors' ideas and examples--from adopting British water conserving toilets to having telemarketers pay you to listen--bristle with energy, conviction, and occasional loopiness. Their approach upends cliched problem solving models by asking, "What would Croseus (the ancient rich king) do?" They take Edward de Bono's lateral thinking out for a spin, suggesting pay for view television might include a fee for eliminating commercials.

Nalebuff and Ayres are at their best in exploring "Idea Arbitrage," a tool for applying one solution to a host of other problems and yielding day care at IKEA, corporate vanity stamps, and library coffee houses. Some promising concepts, such as the technique of leveraging mistakes to create new solutions, are not as clear as others. Overall, the authors make an entertaining case for the idea that innovators are made and not born. --Barbara Mackoff

Book Description

Why Not? is a primer for fresh thinking, for problem-solving with a purpose, for bringing the world a few steps closer to the way it should be. Idealistic? Yes. Unrealistic? According to Why Not? authors Barry Nalebuff and Ian Ayres, no. Illustrated with examples from every aspect of life, Why Not? offers techniques which will help you take the things we all see, every day, and think about them in a new way. Great ideas are waiting. Why not be the one to discover them?

Customer Reviews:

Master your creativity .......2007-09-16

A recommended read for those who need structure in conjuring up the creative forces of their intellect. The book is punctuated with tons of relevant examples to illustrate each method. A great resource for existing and would be entrepreneurs.

Invention is the Mother of Necessity? Why not?!.......2007-07-19

A couple of ingenious and creative Yale professors started ideating in good humor and out came this hidden gem. Everyday situations that might frustrate most people are actually opportunities for discovering new ideas - if only one can condition the mind to respond to situations in a restorative fashion. If you simply take away this one concept from this book, life will become way more rewarding all of a sudden.

Besides making that one powerful switch in the brain, this book has helped me in a few other ways from time to time. It provided a stimulant to the brain to find new business ideas and fired up my neurons to find investment opportunities out of everyday situations. It provided contrarian tips and techniques for first-principles based problem solving.

I especially love this book for supplying a bag of interview questions that helped me get into the head of my interviewees. They are simple enough to solve within minutes and have enough tracks to the right answer that you can understand how they go about solving them. This book has helped me make hiring decisions!

a great book on creativity.......2007-07-03

I love this book - lots of good ideas on how to be creative. Very fun and inspiring!

More at: Notes on the book "Why Not?" (How to Use Everyday Ingenuity to Solve Problems Big and Small)
http://ideamatt.blogspot.com/2005/05/notes-on-book-why-not-how-to-use.html

Entertaining.......2007-06-20

This is a very entertaining and somewhat thought-provoking book. I'm uncertain whether it had much effect on my creativity. It certainly demonstrates the authors' creativity, and gives some insights into how their creative thought processes work. But it's probably more valuable as a collection of interesting ideas than it is as a recipe for creativity.
While they focus more on presenting interesting ideas than on evaluating how well they would work, the do a decent job of anticipating problems and understanding the relevant incentives.
Possibly the most important idea is mandating anonymity of political campaign contributions (see also the book Voting with Dollars) as an alternative way of ensuring that it's hard for contributions to influence politicians votes, with plausible suggestions about how to ensure that it's hard for donors to evade the anonymity rule.
Their examples often leave me wondering why the ideas they describe are so little known (e.g. the anonymity requirement has been tried in 10 states for judicial elections - why hasn't that been reported widely?).
Another interesting idea is how tests of black boxes in cars (similar to those in planes) cause drivers to drive much more safely (20 to 66 percent declines in accident rates - "Fear of getting caught may be a more powerful motivator than fear of getting killed").
I am disappointed that it doesn't have an index.

Well, maybe 3.5 stars.......2007-01-13

Through their clearly written chapters, the authors provide a decent framework for approaching problem-solving. And through myriad real world and conceptual examples (mostly real-world) they demonstrate how to implement it.

One of their main points is that there really is very little that is new under the sun. Most innovations are derivative or otherwise improvements of (or opposites of) existing processes/products/etc... Through examples they show how many ideas are borrowed from different industries, etc... (and importantly, how YOU could use this same process).

That is all fine and good, and I found the book pleasant and entertaining to read... it is NOT (nor does it seem to be intended to be) a particularly deep or scholarly textbook -- though the authors are highly regarded professors in the Yale Business School.

Also, on the negative side, a large percentage of the examples in the book are well known to MBA's and those that regularly read business journals, businessweek, etc...

But all-in-all, it seems to be a worthwhile intro book in the topic. While I would not consider this book a blockbuster, it certainly ties together ideas from pure "creativity" books to real world examples.

Too Small to Ignore: Why Children Are the Next Big Thing

Average customer rating:

Inspirational Eye Opener - rethink children's role in our priveledged society
A Must Read!
What Can I Say
Too Small to Ignore
An eye opener

Too Small to Ignore: Why Children Are the Next Big Thing
Wess Stafford , and Dean Merrill
Manufacturer: WaterBrook Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Fields of the Fatherless
Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions
Postmodern Children's Ministry: Ministry to Children in the 21st Century Church (Emergent YS)
Children Matter: Celebrating their Place in the Church, Family and Community
Joining Children on the Spiritual Journey: Nurturing a Life of Faith

ASIN: 1400070430
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Book Description

The time has come, argues Dr. Wess Stafford, for a major paradigm shift: Children are too important and too intensely loved by God to be left behind or left to chance. Children belong to all of us and we are compelled to intervene on their behalf. We must invest in children–all across the world.
There are strategic, persuasive reasons–beyond love and kindness–to invest in children. Today they may snuggle into your lap, if you let them. But tomorrow you may not have access to them in the corridors of power they might occupy. Now is the time to shape the future.
Dr. Stafford issues an urgent call for change. His adventures as a boy raised in a West African village provide an often-humorous and always-captivating backdrop to his profound and inspiring challenges. Wess lived the reality of “it takes a village to raise a child” and calls us to “be that loving village for children everywhere.”
This book will encourage you to turn your good, loving intentions into strategic actions and empower you to help change the world–and the future–forever: one child at a time.

Customer Reviews:

Inspirational Eye Opener - rethink children's role in our priveledged society.......2007-09-03

This book is a wonderful eye opener that guides the reader through a journey of experiences on so many levels. A MUST READ for any and everyone who cares about the future of our society, our world - which is our children. It raises many questions that need our attention BOTH WORLD WIDE AND IN OUR PRIVELEDGED COUNTRY OF THE USA. As a Mother, the book speaks to my heart and covers so many topics I have thought about and struggled with as I am challenged to raise connected loving children in this priveledged distracted media intensive society.

Please read it and change the world one child at a time starting with the children you know. It can be done and the author explains how.

Then buy a copy for everyone you love.

A Must Read!.......2007-08-01

Every human being NEEDS to read this book! Children are our future and should be most important! A wonderful book and one that I will be passing on!

What Can I Say.......2006-12-13

What can I say that hasn't been said here in other reviews? A timely, riveting piece of writing. Highly, highly recommended.
Rick Evans Chaplain Childhelp Of Ohio

Too Small to Ignore.......2006-11-10

Informative, well written, and disturbing regarding the abuse that the author and other children suffer in terms of their caretakers. At the same time uplifting in terms of the author being able to overcome the effects of his childhood abuse.

An eye opener.......2006-11-05

Dr. Stafford forces us to think about the plight and condition of children outside the industrialized world. And after he makes the case for our consideration he gives us practical ways to help. If you care about the Third World and the countless masses of the next generation growing up there, this is a must read.

Defending Government: Why Big Government Works

Average customer rating:

A Brilliant Treatise

Defending Government: Why Big Government Works
Max Neiman
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Public Affairs & Administration | Government | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Nonfiction | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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Rulemaking: How Government Agencies Write Law and Make Policy (Rulemaking: How Government Agencies Write Law & Make Policy)
In Search of National Economic Success: Balancing Competition and Cooperation
The Accountable Juggler: The Art of Leadership in a Federal Agency (part of the Public Affairs and Policy Administration Series) (Public Affairs and Political Education Series)
Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, And Alternatives
Law and the Administrative Process (with InfoTrac )

ASIN: 0133730441

Book Description

This book explores the decline in public trust in government, and the efforts of the public to use the powers of democratic governing to improve the lives of people—especially people who require such government intervention. It focuses on the debate over government size and the role of the public sector, with a look at the implications of unqualified disdain for politics, institutions, public servants, elected officials, and the very process of democracy itself. A look at the key and current issues helps expose the anti-democratic sentiments that underlie much conservative criticism of government size. For individuals who want to make their lives more rewarding, productive, and just—through the use of the tools of governing in democratically

Customer Reviews:

A Brilliant Treatise.......2006-05-23

It's all too rare that one finds a book like this. Neiman addresses nearly every aspect of government, cleverly and entertainingly explaining not why it needs to be big, but why government is an essential part of our society, despite many Americans' claims to the contrary. I've used it in many of my courses, and find my students not only interested in it, but generating new thoughts of their own. My only question is this: When will Neiman's next work appear, and where can I get it. Sincerest thanks.

Big Book of Tell Me Why #2 Answers to Hundreds of Questions Children Ask

Average customer rating:

Great Book For Children...and others
A childhood favorite
Fun & Very Informative - Answers To Hundreds Of Questions

Big Book of Tell Me Why #2 Answers to Hundreds of Questions Children Ask
Arkady Leokum
Manufacturer: Barnes Noble
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

The Big Book of Tell Me Why
1000 Questions and Answers
Why?: The Best Ever Question and Answer Book About Nature, Science, and the World Around You
How Come? Every Kid's Science Questions Explained
Tell Me Why

ASIN: 0880299991

Customer Reviews:

Great Book For Children...and others.......2006-01-21

I'm not sure about the modern printing. However, I recently came across a copy my brother got as a gift in the early 80's. I started reading it and was amazed at how good it was. I will certainly give copies to my young relatives. Actually, I learned some things from the book! It doesn't assume stupidity in children and really answers their questions and gets them to think. Certainly a better gift than video-games or DVDs.

A childhood favorite.......2005-03-30

When I was a child (about 12), my mother bought this series for us. I loved them! Being an inquisitive child who was always asking "WHY?", these books scratched what itched. 30 years later, I have come to Amazon to see if these books are still available for my children, and so they are!

Fun & Very Informative - Answers To Hundreds Of Questions.......2005-01-10

This book is absolutely wonderful. It has the three volumes of "Tell Me Why" books combined into one volume of about 620 pages. The book has the answers to the questions that children and inquisitive adults often ask.

Following are some of the many questions covered by the book. You will have to read the book for the answers.

1. Why does soap clean?
2. What is the body temperature of animals?
3. Why do dogs bury bones?
4. What are freckles?
5. What makes a boomerang return?
6. What is the purpose of the firefly's light?
7. What is quicksand?
8. What makes mirrors work?
9. Why do we stop growing?
10.How is an atom exploded?

Average customer rating:

Amazing Book. What they don't teach in college
Clear explanations, practical ideas
crappy book
The #1 Branding Book for Anyone
So Smart!

Why Johnny Can't Brand : Rediscovering the Lost Art of the Big Idea
Bill Schley , and Carl Nichols Jr.
Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Storytelling: Branding in Practice
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Designing Brand Identity: A Complete Guide to Creating, Building, and Maintaining Strong Brands
A Clear Eye for Branding

ASIN: B000GUJHE4

Book Description

Too many companies think that splashy advertising and cool packaging is the same thing as branding. Marketers talk about brand charisma or brand warfare, spend millions on entertaining ads starring dancing chimpanzees or cowboys herding cats, but fail to differentiate their product or give consumers a real reason to pay attention. Then they wonder why their campaigns fail.

This in-your-face, down-to-earth guide explains real branding: the process of creating an exclusive idea of value that consumers can trust you to deliver consistently. It offers a unique eight-week program that can help any company create a #1 brand by focusing on the one big idea that will make people really want your product or service.

The same principles apply to Ford Motor Company and Frankie's Lawn & Garden shop. Schley and Nichols teach readers how to:

• abandon their precious lists of features and benefits
• focus on a simple, singular message
• distill a killer dominant selling idea
• roll out a new brand identity

For anyone who wants to harness the true power of branding, this enjoyable book is the place to start.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Book. What they don't teach in college.......2007-10-04

I am 21 years old and in my senior year of college with a marketing major. The CEO of the company I did my internship at this summer recomended this book to me. I am glad he did. This book gives amazing examples of what an organization must do to not only advertise correctly, but to make their product/service stand out. There are tons of great examples of prolific organizations that made simple changes to their company, and are now leaders in the market. I almost feel cheated at school because this book teaches more than any marketing class I have every taken.

Clear explanations, practical ideas .......2007-08-03

Don't let the unfortunate choice of title turn you away from this book. It is full of clear explanations and practical advice, especially if you're trying to build a new brand. One drawback: It is too focused on consumer brands and doesn't really address the issues of branding for business-to-business sales.

crappy book.......2007-07-28

i found this book very hard to keep my interest. It is poorly written. I can't believe I wasted my money.

The #1 Branding Book for Anyone.......2006-11-07

I'm only halfway through this magnficent book and have already recommended it to half a dozen people. I am fortunate to have stumbled across this book as I prepare to makeover my business (freelance writer) and web site. This book has me thinking in new ways and different directions than I would have without it, and I'm spending time identifying what my DSI truly is. Although this book is probably written more for companies, I think it should be a mandatory read for every independant contractor out there. Entertaining, common sense, and plenty of examples. Two thumbs up.

So Smart!.......2006-05-26

This is the "big picture" book. Anyone involved or interested or even schooled in marketing will have references and citations on how to do the many activities and understand trends that come under the "marketing" banner: creating great design, conducting a focus group, creating buzz, etc.
While technique and expertise in these areas are important, it is all for naught if you don't stop to think about WHY you are doing them. This book drives home the point that everything you do must be consistent with the tenets relative to your business objective. Moreover, the book provides programmatic steps on how to discover those objectives and tenets.
The stories and insights along the way are enlightening and lend such common sense to the book's overarching messages to stay focused and remember that buying decisions are made by people.
I was totally engaged by the book which shifted my perspective. To me, that's the mark of an excellent book.

Taking on the Big Boys: Or Why Feminism Is Good for Families, Business, and the Nation

Average customer rating:

Taking on the Big Boys
Bravo!
A must read!

Taking on the Big Boys: Or Why Feminism Is Good for Families, Business, and the Nation
Ellen Bravo
Manufacturer: Feminist Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Women & Business | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Feminist Theory | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1558615458

Book Description

"Please, please, please. All working women must read this book! Ellen Bravo not only vividly exposes workplace inequities, she gives real-life solutions, picking up where my film 9 to 5 left off."-Jane Fonda

Enough about "breaking the glass ceiling." Here are blueprints for a redesign of the entire building, ground up, to benefit women and men-and even the bottom line.

The feisty humor of Molly Ivins and the journalistic flair of Barbara Ehrenreich meet when longtime labor activist Ellen Bravo relates stories from business and government and women's testimonies from offices, assembly lines, hospitals, and schools. Bravo unmasks the patronizing, trivializing, and minimizing tactics employed by "the big boys" and their surrogates: They portray feminism as women against men, and they dismiss as outrageous demands for pay equity, family leave, and flex time. Practical tips on everything from dealing with a sexual harasser to getting family members to share chores (and build equal relationships) enliven many chapters.

Bravo argues for feminism as a system of beliefs, laws, and practices that fully values women and work associated with women, while detailing activist strategies to achieve a society where everybody-women and men-reach their potential.

A former director of 9 to 5, National Association of Working Women, and a recipient of a Women of Vision Award from the Ms. Foundation, Ellen Bravo lectures nationwide and teaches women's studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She wrote The Job/Family Challenge: A 9to5 Guide (Not for Women Only) and is the co-authored The 9to5 Guide To Combating Sexual Harassment.

Customer Reviews:

Taking on the Big Boys.......2007-09-04

Taking on the Big Boys answers - finally! - the one question that students, staff people at my university, and audiences at feminist gatherings most frequently ask: "We know about the injustices working women face," they say, "but what can we do to change it?" Writing with wit, anger, compassion and joy, Ellen Bravo tells the stories of women who have banded together to wrest victories from the top guns who profit from their labor in business and government. Drawing from her own experiences and those of the many, many people she worked with during her years as a feminist labor organizer and long-time director of 9-to-5, National Association of Working Women, Bravo recounts their successful struggles for pay equity, child care, welfare rights, parental leave, health care, quality family time, and equality in the home. In Bravo's writing, all of these issues reclaim a fresh urgency as essential building blocks for a socially just society: "We have to do more than smash the glass ceiling - we have to redesign the building," she says. What makes this book such a page-turner is that it works on many levels at once. Every chapter is packed with factual information, as Bravo uses surprising statistics to shatter the myths the Big Boys and their mass-media buddies have concocted to justify gender discrimination. The narratives recount tragic injustices toward working women and inspiring victories. There are plenty of practical, creative, effective - and hilarious - strategies for taking on bosses, legislators, and government bureaucrats. All of this is wrapped in accessible and succinct progressive feminist theory that clarifies how a small class of "Big Boys" can profit from discriminating against women, and how we can change all that.

Bravo! .......2007-07-25

Taking On The Big Boys, should be required reading for all. Ellen's years of experience and hard work are now captured in writing and ready for the rest of us to enjoy, learn from and laugh with.
I've been waiting decades to receive practical tools for social change. Ellen Bravo's insightful myth-busting should be front page news.

A must read!.......2007-07-19

I loved this book. In an accessible and entertaining way, Bravo explains how the "Big Boys" operate to maintain the status quo and then, more importantly, describes how change can be and is being made. It reenergizes and inspires those who have worked for years on issues like equal pay, welfare, sexual harassment and balancing work and family. It is also invaluable for those to whom these issues are less familiar. Particularly for young women who are just being faced with sex discrimination for the first time, this book helps illustrate how the Big Boys affect their lives (not just that of their mothers and fathers) and how they have the ability to fight back. And the book is fun to read! Bravo has had so much experience and so many experiences that really make the discussion come alive, instead of being just theoretical.

Average customer rating:

Why They Killed Big Boy
Michael Perry
Manufacturer: Whistlers and Jugglers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

United States | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 096316953X

Book Description

A collection of previously published essays and humor on subjects including gun-toting country music stars, the iconography of Big Things, hair loss, backpacking and firefighting in Central America, and a traveling butcher.

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