Trendspotting: Think Forward, Get Ahead, Cash in on the Future

Book Description

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This is the book that will show anyone how to discern true signs of change. Here are the hottest tips on what to expect from the economy and technology, arts and entertainment, politics and society at large. Written by a public relations expert, this new insider's guide goes beyond other books on forecasting by revealing the hows and whys of ""trendSpotting,"" offering hundreds of compelling predictions, and revealing how these ideas will impact your life. With trendSpotting, the future's in your hands. Featuring original insights from: * Edwin Schlossberg (Founder, ESI Design) * Kurt Andersen (journalist and author) * Robert Thurman (Jey Tsong Khapa Professor of Indo-Tibetan Studies, Columbia University) * Gloria Feldt (President, Planned Parenthood) * Christopher Buckley (Forbes magazine columnist) * Jeffrey Zucker (President, NBC Entertainment) * Curtis Gans (political expert) * Devra Davis (breast cancer researcher) * and many others

Customer Reviews:

Much more a "what" book than a "how" one.......2005-01-29

I expect this book to tell me "how" to spot the trend. Instead, it keeps on telling me "what" (10 chapters out of 11) experts predicted on or before 2002. Today is 29th Jan 2005 and well it's natural for me to comment that it is quite outdated and irrelevant.

In short, not recommended.

p.s. To justify my rating of the book, below please find the ten ways (taglines) to be a better trendspotter from the last and only relevant chapter for your reference.

1. Faddy Trends
2. Note + Phone + Mail
3. Books for the lover
4. This web I am tangled in (websites)
5. News or lose (newsletter)
6. Grassroots trendspotting from our packed files (talk to experts who would be moved by your enthusiasm)
7. Trade Ya! (trade and non-mainstream magazines)
8. Pay attention to little guys (Alan Greenspan would track something as seemingly insignificant as the production and sale of packing paper)
9. Information, please. (newspapers)
10. Anything rhyme with Google?

Great read for beginning futurists.......2004-07-09

Richard Laermer presents a entertaining and informative look at the future in "Trendspotting." Laermer takes a holistic approach to envisioning the future, focusing on entertainment and spirituality as well as technology. This is important, as trends converge and combine in unexpected ways -- which is the central challenge of futurism. "Trendspotting" also strikes a balance between optimism and a wariness of unanticipated consequences, which sets it apart from the Internet-will-change-everything enthusiasm of future guides of just a couple of years ago.

One thing "Trendspotting" is not is in-depth... which is not necessarily a bad thing. The generalist approach makes it a great introductory text for beginning futurists.

The book, however, has two funamental weaknesses. One is Laermer's very clear liberal bias. In of itself, that isn't a problem, but a more politically balanced viewpoint would allow the book to be even more enlightening. The second, more serious problem is not so much the fault of the book or author, but of time. My edition is dated 2002, and it makes absolutely no reference to the most profound events of our time: 9/11 and the subsequent war on terror. Books like this ought to be updated every year or so, as even the most subtle of current events can change the outlook of the future.

Does not deliver on it's promise........2003-12-01

I have read a number of trendspotting books over the years, and this one does not deserve a place in this genre.

There are three major shortfallings:

1. Laermer makes the crucial error of letting his liberal/progressive political bias affect his interpretation of culture. I agree with his politics to a great extent, but introducing it into his research affects his perceptions and make his findings shallow. This is most obvious where he discusses "The Family" and "Spirituality" where he is clearly an outsider.

2. Unlike genuine trendspotting books by Rushkoff, Naisbitt, Toffler and Popcorn, this book does not offer any new thesis in decoding culture. Why is there only one chapter on the "how" of trendspotting?

The book should really be titled "My Trendspotting".

3. The back cover claims "original insights" from various industry insiders. Don't be misled, these guys don't get much input in the book, and they are also hampered by their own interests or bias.

I suggest you use the Amazon browse feature and read a few pages before you make your purchasing decision, and compare it with serious trend spotting books by the authors mentioned above.

Wake up and smell the future guide.......2002-04-01

Clues to the future are right in front of those willing to look for and use them. The author's easy to read prose, personal point of view and down to earth tales, provide often funny examples of how to ride or miss the opportunity boat. This book is a definite read for researchers trying to spot the next "Big Blue."

A true guide to where society is heading.......2002-03-18

Mr. Laermer is a forward thinker with the ability to bring ideas from many different places together. His book gives us insight as to where society is heading over the next few years. This book is your ticket to get on the train.....with out it you may be walking.

Customer Reviews:

My experience with the Weismantel family.......2005-11-19

I too have not read this book. However, I am friends with Mr. Weismantel's son, Rob. Rob likes to go by Bob or Bobbie if you know him well. Rob is doing an MBA, and right now he is sitting next to me in class. Rob is playing online poker while pretending to pay attention. He seems to do this during most classes.

I also know 2 of the other Weismantels, Mark and Greg. They are both characters. Especially Mark, who lives in the closet.

They all seem pretty smart, and a little eccentric. For example, Rob gave me an accordian for my birthday. Greg gave me a painting of ducks. Both, I can honestly say, are excellent gifts.

Therefore, this book must be great.

I bet the Book is good.......1999-07-06

Well I didnt read the book, but Im friends with his son and have met Mr. Weismantel before. My guess is the book is decent yet compelling.

Average customer rating:
Irrigation and agricultural development: In a CADA
Niranjan Pant
Manufacturer: Ashish Pub. House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Agricultural Sciences | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 8170245125

Book Description

Metabolism is the sum of the chemical reactions in cells that produce life-sustaining chemical energy and metabolites. In the post-genome era, metabolism has taken on new significance for biological scientists: metabolites are the chemical basis of phenotypes that are final expressions of genomic information. This book covers research on metabolomics, ranging from the development of specialized chemical analytical techniques to the construction of databases and methods for metabolic simulation. The authors have been directly involved in the development of all the subject areas, including capillary electrophoresis, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, metabolic databases, and metabolic simulation. Breakthrough achievements and the future of metabolome studies are described, making this book a valuable source for researchers in metabolomics in diverse fields, such as plant, animal, cellular, microbial, pharmaceutical, medical, and genetic sciences.

Book Description

This volume presents contributions given at the international symposium on The Vertebrate Gas Transport Cascade: Adaptations to Environment and Mode of Life, held in São Sebastião, São Paulo, Brazil from September 10-15, 1991. Recent developments in the field and the unifying principles of basic respiratory mechanisms are covered, and reviews in major areas of respiratory physiology are complemented by recent experimental data. Principal topics discussed include conditions for gas exchange in selected special environments, ventilation of the gas exchanger, diffusing capacity and exchange between respired medium and blood, respiratory pigments and oxygen transport by blood, cardiovascular function and oxygen transport by blood, oxygen delivery to tissue, and transition to anaerobic metabolism. The Vertebrate Gas Transport Cascade: Adaptations to Environment and Mode of Life will be a useful addition to the reference collections of respiratory physiologists, comparative physiologists, cardiovascular physiologists, experimental biologists, students, and others interested in the topic.

Average customer rating:

An engaging and entertaining reminder for the yesteryears of Pebble beach

My son read it the day before he played Pebble -- and loved it!

Entertaining and interesting book about Pebble Beach

An interesting, fun, easy-to-read history of the "Forgotten Men"

Pebble Beach: Golf And the Forgotten Men
Jerry Stewart
Manufacturer: Sports Media Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Golf | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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When War Played Through : Golf During World War II

Pebble Beach: A Novel in 18 Holes

A PARADISE CALLED PEBBLE BEACH

Pebble Beach Golf Links: The Official History

Wanna Bet? : The Greatest True Stories About Gambling on Golf, from Titanic Thompson to Tiger Woods

ASIN: 1587262614

Book Description

As anyone who's experienced it knows, there's nothing like walking the Pebble Beach Golf Links. In fact, walking has been described as the only way to truly experience Pebble Beach. This famous destination has played a vital role in the development of golf worldwide and has a storied and entertaining history.

Author Jerry Stewart has researched and written a truly unique perspective on Pebble Beach and unearthed little-known stories from its legendary past—the stories of the forgotten men (the Pebble Beach Caddies.

No one knows the course better. No one has experienced all of the funny, some not-so-funny, and pressure-packed moments—more than the colorful and dedicated bag men.

Pebble Beach: Golf and the Forgotten Men covers the hilarious Bing Crosby Clam Bake and the antics of the rich and famous, the important tournaments and major championships, and the history of the course every golfer wants to play. It is an official publication of The Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Customer Reviews:

An engaging and entertaining reminder for the yesteryears of Pebble beach.......2006-03-11

Pebble Beach: Golf And The Forgotten Men by Jerry Stewart is an engaging and entertaining reminder for the yesteryears of Pebble beach. As history pours out of every page with diligent remembrance of what is one the most beautiful golf courses in the world. Pebble Beach will move its readers and bring a sense of nostalgia to all. Author and golfing fan Jerry Stewart includes many fitting anecdotes drawn from the history of Pebble Beach, adding a rightful laugh here and there. Pebble Beach is a strong recommendation for all golfers, and is sure to delight its readers.

My son read it the day before he played Pebble -- and loved it!.......2006-02-25

I gave this to my son to read before he played Pebble Beach a couple of weeks ago. While playing, the caddies talked to him about stories of the famous and infamous reported in the book. It made the experience even more fabulous. He gave the book -- and the Pebble experience -- rave reviews.

Entertaining and interesting book about Pebble Beach.......2006-02-08

A well-written and enjoyable book with plenty of interesting history and insight about Pebble Beach and those who have experienced it. Perspectives from caddies, pro golfers, and celebrities keep the stories exciting and make for a great read. Terrific anecdotes and cool photographs make this a must for any golf library.

An interesting, fun, easy-to-read history of the "Forgotten Men".......2005-11-09

Jerry Stewart has written an interesting, fun, easy-to-read history of the "Forgotten Men", the caddies of Pebble Beach Golf Links.

I've enjoyed Jerry's well-written, informative articles in The Monterey County Herald for years and was eager to read his first full-length book. The stories of the colorful caddies, the famous folks they assisted and Pebble Beach are very enjoyable. It's easy to think of a caddy as someone who simply carries golf clubs, but, as you will see, at Pebble Beach the role of the caddy is so much more! Also, there are many photographs in the book to bring the people to life.

Everyone from scratch golfers to par 3'ers (like me) to non-golfers will enjoy the stories Jerry tells.

Book Description

Sign Language Made Simple will include five Parts:

Part One: an introduction, how to use this book, a brief history of signing and an explanation of how signing is different from other languages, including its use of non-manual markers (the use of brow, mouth, etc in signing.)
Part Two: Fingerspelling: the signing alphabet illustrated, the relationship between signing alphabet and ASL signs
Part Three: Dictionary of ASL signs: concrete nouns, abstractions, verbs, describers, other parts of speech-approx. 1,000 illustrations. Will also include instructions for non-manual markers, where appropriate.
Part Four: Putting it all together: sentences and transitions, includes rudimentary sentences and lines from poems, bible verses, famous quotes-all illustrated. Also, grammatical aspects, word endings, tenses.
Part Five: The Humor of Signing: puns, word plays and jokes.

Sign Language Made Simple will have over 1,200 illustrations, be easy to use, fun to read and more competitively priced than the competition. It's a knockout addition to the Made Simple list.

Customer Reviews:

easy to use.......2007-10-06

Got this book for a class. It's easy to use, includes different variations of signs that might be used. As with any sign book though, you have to try to figure out what the sign will look like in action from a drawing.

comprehensive start to ASL.......2007-02-04

I have taken ASL classes and was using this book as a review. It's pretty comprehensive and contains substantive amounts of nouns (both concrete and abstract), verbs, adjectives, etc. The pictures and the descriptions are very helpful too.

Good introduction for self-teaching of the basics of ASL.......2002-05-17

Good book for getting started... after reading and using it you may want to get a more complete education in Sign Language.

Excellent Resource.......2001-05-18

This is very helpful for those wishing to learn some basic sign language.

Great for beginners.......1998-10-24

This book is great for beginners. It shows you alot of signs that would get you started and on your way. However, our class has learned that because all of the signs are not 'universal', we needed an ASL dictionary to go along with it. The discriptions of the signing actions need to be read a couple of times in some instances to understand what you are susposed to do. But is is good for a beginner to get the basics.

Average customer rating:

Format for PSE is Excellent
Sign Language Made Simple
Good place to start with ESL
Sign Language Made Simple
Very comprehensive and easy to follow

Sign Language Made Simple
Edgar D. Lawrence
Manufacturer: Gospel Publishing House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0882435000

Book Description

This kit consists of:

40 lesson plan
instructors guide
class activities
student handouts
review pages
tests & answers
3 ring binder

Customer Reviews:

Format for PSE is Excellent.......2007-03-08

I teach ASL at a college level. I would still recommend this book to everyone who is interested in learning sign language, but who does not have constant contact with Deaf people, or limited occassions at a work place. The format of learning elementary to more complex sentences (and the vocabulary along the way) puts the didactic and practical together in one easy to use resource. It comes with a comparatively inexpensive DVD with all of the chapters in visual format. I think it's one of the best for non-ASL users.

Sign Language Made Simple.......2005-07-04

This book is great. We were able to communicate with a deaf person (limited of course) with just the first two lessons. Rather than learning each word individually, like you would with a dictionary, you learn in sentences. We really enjoy our sign language class using this book. It makes learning SL fun.

A Student of SL

Good place to start with ESL.......2002-08-08

This book is very helpful for starting to learn sign language, but truth of the matter is, all deaf people sign somewhat differently. No matter how much you try to learn, unless you actually communicate with a deaf person who will correct your signing, it's useless. It is a good place to start learning English Sign (uses alot of initialization). I do recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn, but I even more recommend immersing yourself in the deaf culture.

Sign Language Made Simple.......2000-05-31

I checked this book out from my local library and I'm enjoying it so much, I'm considering buying it. I have just completed a 4 month American Sign Language course and I found this book to use as a study guide. I have to admit that I find their method of teaching Sign confusing. But I think this is particularly due to the fact that the book incorporates ASL and Exact English (my class instructor was very against the use of Exact English). However as I work through the book, I enjoy that they show both forms of Sign. Particularly since I am interested in becoming an interpreter myself someday and will need to know both. I find the chapter reviews to be excellent - very helpful. An additional plus is the set up of the reviews that give you quick reference to where the signs can be located in the book plus memory aids for the signs. I wouldn't recommend this book as your only tool for studying the language, but I would highly recommend it as an additional tool.

Very comprehensive and easy to follow.......1999-09-30

My daughter had the first edition of this book and we had enjoyed working with that. Yet, when we received the second edition it was more compatible to American Sign Language, deleting many of the incidental words (the, to, a, etc.)The review exercises at the end of each lesson offer focused practice on the signs already learned. This enables the reader to quickly use the new words in actual conversation. Although just learning, I have been able to converse somewhat with hearing impaired friends.

Average customer rating:

Sign Language Made Simple
Edgar D. Lawrence
Manufacturer: Gospel Publishing House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K1NC2W

Average customer rating:

SIGN LANGUAGE MADE SIMPLE
LAWRENCE EDGAR D.
Manufacturer: GOSPEL PUNLISHING HOUSE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PGQTBI

Average customer rating:

Sign Language Made Simple
Edgar D. Lawrence
Manufacturer: Gospel Pub House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OLWEUO

Average customer rating:

SIGN LANGUAGE MADE SIMPLE

Manufacturer: GOSPEL PUNLISHING HOUSE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HGQNZS

Average customer rating:

Signing Made Simple (Not So Itty Bitty)
Cathy Rice
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

Book Description

A beautiful overview of the development in style of the miniature. From the anonymous and modest early Romanesque illustrations to the luxurious late Gothic miniatures of Simon Marmion or Lucas Horenbout who, in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, exported their Flemish masterpieces as far afield as Spain and Russia. Never before has the reader-viewer been presented with such a complete overview of the art of Flemish miniatures from the eighth to the sixteenth centuries. Never before has a book presented such a fascinating history of eight centuries of the art of miniatures from the Low Countries. Never before have so many miniatures - more then 600 colour illustrations - been reproduced in one book.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful book.......2006-11-22

Got this book as a gift and am very pleased with it! Lots of gorgeous full-color pics of manuscript illuminations from several centuries. Great commentary on the pics and the styles of each period. Although pricey, this book is quite large and quite full of illuminations and the history of Flemish manuscript making. Well worth it for the modern scribe or anyone interested in medieval book illumination.

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