The following reviews are my personal opinions and thus are
never objective nor politically correct..
REVIEW #1
Title: e Sub: A Novel Author: Matt Beaumont Publisher (Year): Plume Books (2000) ISBN: 0-452-28188-1 Extent: 346 pages
Published amidst
the dotcom mania, this hilarious novel is a pain to
read. Literally I mean. Be prepared for some serious
hard laughing marathon. The premise of the story is
simple enough: an ad agency in London, Miller Shanks,
is pitching for the Coco Cola ad account. Told through
vignettes of emails between the employees. Yes, the
whole book's collection of emails will any IT manager
proud. Thus the reason for its short, snappy title.
Get a kick out
of reading the latest of office warfare: backstabbing;
theft of intellectual property (also known as stealing
ideas); "it's not my fault, he did it" syndrome;
bootlicking urges; fighting bitches (ooh...) and some
late night quickies.
Instant gratification dominates the storyline -- but who
cares anyway? Read it like you would down a shot of whisky.
Hot, burning stuff that ultimately loosens up your mind.
A real (e)asy read.
REVIEW #2
Title: Honey, Mud, Maggots and other Medical Marvels Sub: The Science behind remedies and old wives'
tales Author: Robert and Michèle Root-Bernstein Publisher (Year): Mariner Books (1998) ISBN: 0-395-92492-8
Extent: 279 pages
Cellophane
paper that heals wounds faster? Maggots feeding on your
putrid, rotten flesh? Drink your own piss and even sterilise
wounds with it? Or even eating dirt for specific ailments?
It was not that long ago that all these "medical"
practices were used to treat various diseases. In this
highly-informative and deeply-researched guidebook, Bob
and Michele leads us back into time where Romans practise
bleeding for headaches and honey was almost treated like
a panacea.
Providing scientific explanations for some of these very
bizarre treatments (from the present perspective), you
will discover that in many instances, modern medical science
has its roots in some folk remedies and old wives' tales.
Anyone game for leeches on your bleeding wounds?
REVIEW #3
Title: Why We Buy Sub: The Science of Shopping Author:Paco Underhill Publisher (Year): Simon & Schuster (1999) ISBN: 0-684-84914-3
Extent: 256 pages
Ahhh!
The lure of shopping. Who can resist splurging on that
fantastic dress or those expensive stilettos?
Paco takes us on a journey to unveil the reasons why customers
buy and how men and women, kids and seniors shop differently.
Concepts that affect the shoppers' decision to buy or
not include:
the "butt-brush" factor,
PoP (point of purchase) signage design, and
the font size on the packaging of vitamin pills!
They are illustrated through real life case studies garnered
from his consulting company -- Envirosell Inc.
Whether you're a merchandiser or retailer, this book will
provide you with insights on how minute changes to the
store layout or shelving design can mean a huge increase
in sales.
There's also a short section on the online shopping experience
and how you can make your online mall a success.
