Emotional Branding

Emotional Branding – By Marc Gobé

This book is more like a textbook. It comes from a person who has been working in Branding business for years and has observed the changes in the industry. He is in the emotional aspect of the product. How a brand engages consumers on the level of the emotions. He explains that branding is about mind and emotion share not market share. He explains the “10 Commandments of Branding” (everyone in business needs to read this).

He also keeps his brand active on Twitter and Facebook in a way that is not totally self-serving. This just reinforces what he teaching about branding in his book. The book is divided into sections which cover the four pillars for Emotional Branding: relationship, sensorial experiences, imagination and vision. He covers the customers up to Y generation. If you are going after Teens and Tweens, then you won’t find much on that in this section. He devotes time to the different races, gay and lesbian consumers as well as the women’s market. He covers how to use shape, touch and sound in your store. Emotions sway everyone’s buying power, so why not put it to use for your business? He discusses packaging and ends the book with some great ideas on what to do with your website.

You won’t fly through this book; however, you will have specific ideas on how to improve your customer’s experience. And if you are smart, you will execute them. This book is a California 8!

Emotional Branding

Charles Dickens' History

The renowned writer Charles Dickens was a very meticulous chooser of his character’s names. He was a guru at choosing names, which would give the readers an idea of what kind of person the character was. You would know about Pecksniff, and Fagin if you read some his books.

Take a random person in the streets and ask him a simple question about his favorite sounding names. You will hear all sorts of fancy words but these will often not feature a K or G sound. You can argue that most of the K & G sounds do not have a glamorous and classy sound to them. The same applies with how Charles Dickens chose names for the people featuring in his books. The people like PumbleCHook or the more conspicuous Fagin were villainous characters. The same works for Montague Tigg and Quilp and Bill Sikes.

For the person in the luxury, beauty and romance sector, it stops being a storybook. There is no forgiveness when your brand has those harsh sounds like G and K.

Charles Dickens was a believer of this theory but something else too. Some names give the listener a reminder about some other word or scenario. This is why some Dickensian names worked well. For that, thinking Mr. Pickwick’s name does not mean he is a villain. He is instead a loved character.

The expression that flickers in our mind when Dickens named a character Gradgrind is nose to the grindstone. Not the softy character at all. Pecksniff is another perfect example. Put the words peck and sniff together and see a character who has inconsequential traits. Headmaster Wackford gives the sound Whack.

During the 19th century, the word screw was commonly used to mean miser. It is the right fit for Scrooge.

Analyzing other names in the series, for example Tom Pinch, Little Nell and Pip Pirrip shows that they were good-natured characters. They have the e, I alongside the o in common.

Writers therefore observe this simple trend regarding a character’s name. Villains will have certain sounds while nice guys will have others. Simply put, the reader or the person on the receiving end should be assisted to see through a character by his name. Brand names need to do that too since they deal with customers.

Charles Dickens' History

Great Dystopian Novels - The 12 Best Dystopian Novels

Literature has been a defining part of culture since the beginning of language. The dangers of modern times have led to the writing of dystopian novels, novels which warn of an unhappy future. Many people think of Dystopian novels as purely science fiction-while science fiction is a natural fit for a dystopian story, not all dystopian books are considered science fiction. Without further delay, here are the 12 best dystopian novels.

#12 Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954)

This novel isn’t the 12th best on the list (it would be rated much higher in my opinion) but it’s at number twelve because of the on going argument whether this is truly a dystopian novel or not. The definition of dystopia isn’t necessarily clear, though the general definition is that it is a society in which misery and negative conditions prevail (or a seeming utopia gained at horrifying costs.)

As far as a dysfunctional society, the island with its stranded little boys is it, and once the conch shell is no longer seen as authority, everything breaks apart. If anyone wants to argue that an anarchy could work, this book would be an immediate argument against it. This is an incredible psychological work, and I’d say their society is definitely dysfunctional enough to count as a dystopia.

#11 The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985)

This story comes from the first person Offred. Offred is a maid in a time when fertile women are forced to be breeding machines to keep the human population going. This takes place because the world is a post-nuclear world where many women can’t have children. This is a very theocratic society, and this book tends to be very pro-feminist and anti-religious, which causes it to often be protested. This is a great dystopian tale that is frightening because the logic of how the society became the way it is happens to be very believable.

#10 Neuromancer by William Gibson (1984)

Most of William Gibson’s novels revolve around a dystopian future society, but Neuromancer may be the best of them all. This novel won the sci-fi “triple crown” for writers by winning the Nebula, Hugo, and Philip K. Dick awards. In the seedy underground of a Japanese city, a computer hacker is hired to work on the ultimate hack. In a world flushed with AI, virtual reality, genetic engineering, and corporations overpowering nations, the adventure follows. Gibson beat many modern sci-fi writers to the punch, and this dystopian novel is one of the most influential in modern times.

#9 Iron Heel by Jack London (1908)

Iron Heel is an excellent dystopian novel about the rise of a tyrannical corporate oligarchy in the United States. This book doesn’t pay attention to technology the way most future dystopian science fiction novels do now. This work stressed changes in society and politics, with the oligarchy formed by robber barons whom bankrupt all the middle class and seize power before enforcing a “caste system” of workers. This was a fantastic dystopian novel that was far ahead of its time.

#8 The Running Man by Richard Bachman (1982)

Written by Stephen King under the penname of Richard Bachman, “The Running Man” is a fantastic dystopian novel about a frightening future where ratings and entertainment takes form in a man hunt, and where even the “winners” are losers. This novel is far superior to the movie, and in my opinion is one of the best novels written by Stephen King. “The Long Walk” is also an honorable mention.

#7 Armageddon’s Children by Terry Brooks (2006)

I’ve probably read over 200 books the last two years, and among many good novels, “Armageddon’s Children” has been one of my favorites. This is one of the best novels written by Terry Brooks, and takes place in a post apocalyptic world around 2100, following (among others) a lone remaining knight trying desperately to fight off the demon onslaught and a group of street gang kids who roam the remains of Seattle trying to survive. The fantasy world of Shannara was supposedly spawned from the post apocalyptic wastes of Earth, and this series bridges the gap between the two.

#6 The Chrysalids by John Wyndham (1955)

This dystopian novel is another example of a post-nuclear world. This time the dystopia comes from a “need” for purity. As humans are being born with increasing levels of mutations and deformities, the state decides to execute anyone who isn’t “perfect,” meaning even one extra toe can be a death sentence. This attempt at forcing perfection in a post apocalyptic world is disturbing and effective, and has spawned many imitators.

#5 The Children of Men by PD James (1992)

Most people will know about the film with Richard Gere and Julianne Moore. The movie was very good, but is far different from the book. In this world, for reasons unknown, all men’s sperm count plummeted to zero, and without reason or explanation, mankind now faces its own extinction. The fear mongering during this time has allowed governments extraordinary powers to keep the peace, and when a woman becomes pregnant, the implications are enormous.

#4 The Time Machine by H.G. Wells (1895)

“The Time Machine” is one of the best science fiction novels to ever be written. This novel is the story of “The Time Traveler” who builds a machine that allows him to travel to the far distant future. While this might not seem dystopian at first glance, but a seemingly gentle and happy society is plagued by predators who harvest people for food…if that doesn’t qualify as a crappy dystopian society, I don’t know what does. The hero tells his story to a man of his time, grabs weapons, and goes back into the future never to return. This novel is where the term “time machine” even came from.

#3 1984 by George Orwell (1949)

This isn’t the best written novel, but it is one of the big three of the dystopian science fiction novels. This could very well be the most recognizable of the big three, as “1984″ is synonymous with tyrannical governments, fascism, and dystopian science fiction. Even the phrases “1984″ and “Big Brother” are now part of the common culture. Orwell’s detailed novel shows how a government can manipulate the people by manipulating the truth and manipulating the news. This book is the source for arguing against a far right government getting unfettered power.

#2 Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)

Guy Montag begins this classic novel as a fireman: meaning he is a man society calls on to burn all books, which are outlawed. Unlike “1984″ or “Brave New World,” “451″ doesn’t speak politically against the left or the right politically, but speaks against the dumbing down of society, specifically on how Hollywood pop culture slush and TV entertainment can create an entire nation of people who are not only incapable of fighting for their rights, but who don’t even realize the importance of doing so. This is a brilliant novel that shows Guy going from soldier of the state to an independent free thinker who must go on the run to survive.

#1 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932)

While this dystopian masterpiece and “Fahrenheit 451″ could be interchangeable as the top two, “Brave New World” gets the nod because the writing itself is the best. This novel is incredible, showing a society where left leaning thinking and self hedonism is taken so far to the extreme that one person’s utopia turns out to be an appalling place where the irony of a peaceful existence has caused society to lose all concept of art, honor, religious beliefs, or anything that often defines culture. The “utopia” has people who have no sympathy, no empathy, and this vision of a future is as chilling as any other on this list.

Great Dystopian Novels - The 12 Best Dystopian Novels

Professional Blackjack by Stanford Wong

This is currently the best blackjack book for learning how to play blackjack in my opinion. Even though it was originally written in the 1970′s this is the one book that I always take with me on all of my gambling trips. It contains a basic strategy for single and multiple decks. There is, also, a powerful simple plus and minus strategy for card counting for single and multiple decks with differences for the dealer hitting soft 17 and standing on soft 17.

If you seriously want to win at blackjack this is the one book that is a must have. Once you become a proficient card counter you will have to know how to win with out being asked not to play. Wong devotes a chapter on how to win with out being kicked out. There is an excellent chapter that explains your long term risk and ruin and how much money you need to back you depending on how much you like to bet.

Over betting is, probably, one of the main things that a lot of players do that causes them to lose their bankroll. Wong explains this in great detail.

I have seen other posts say that you can bet 2 to 3% of your bankroll and you will make a lot of money fast. In realty betting 1% will lesson your chances of going broke. You may not win as fast if luck is with you but will you will still be in the game if your luck heads south for awhile.

Do get this book if you are serious about winning.

Professional Blackjack by Stanford Wong

The New Abs Diet: The Six-Week Plan To Flatten Your Stomach And Keep You Lean For Life

“The New Abs Diet: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Stomach and Keep You Lean for Life” by David Zinczenko, Editor-In-Chief of “Men’s Health” is a good basic book on diet and exercise that was written with Ted Spiker. The book was a New York Times Bestseller and does provide a simple plan for losing fat and flattening your stomach. There is nothing real earth shattering for those that are well read on nutrition and exercise, and in fact, many well read in this area may find this book to simple and will seek more advanced sources of information. This book really is for the person who is overweight, doesn’t know what to eat and lives on fast food and junk food, and who doesn’t exercise at all.

It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the book, or that I didn’t find it useful. For those who are really out of shape and don’t know how to eat or exercise, this guide may be just the book to get them started on the road of being in shape and looking good. For the athlete or fitness buff, not much new here, and rather simple.

The book starts with an introduction that is motivational and lets you know if you follow the diet and exercise plan in this book you will find your long lost abs. The author discusses a few of the popular diets that have sold many books and describes what he feels is wrong with them and why this diet is better. (I happen to agree with much of his reasoning)

The diet itself is based around what the author calls the “power 12.” These are more 12 categories than only 12 foods. They are: almonds and other nuts, beans and pulses, spinach and other green vegetables, dairy (skimmed milk, fat-free or low fat yogurt and cheese), instant hot oat cereal, eggs, turkey and other lean meats, peanut butter, olive oil, wholegrain breads and cereals, extra protein (whey) powder, and raspberries and other berries. Overall, a very good list of categories to eat from, and that is what Zinczenko encourages. Eating primarily from this list is what the diet is about, but please do read the book and get the why and how much behind the categories. Zinczenko, however, also allows you to eat other stuff. In fact, one good thing about this diet is it is not super strict or something that will be difficult to follow. (Well, any diet will be difficult if you are used to eating only junk and fast foods.)

The book provides menus and recipes to help you eat from the power 12. The book then includes the other important ingredient to find those lost abs. You must exercise, and not just aerobic exercise, but muscle building exercise. Zinczenko explains why, and provides a very basic and simple program to follow. Again, not much for the person who actively exercises, but for the couch potato, this program is a good basic place to start.

The book concludes with a section that explains and illustrates 56 different ab exercises. They are in five categories for you to mix them up and keep your ab workouts varied. I do believe if you follow the guidelines in this book, both eating and exercising, you will lose weight and start to see your abs. How long it will take will depend on your starting point and how faithful you are and how much you put into your exercises. For a basic book on eating healthy and exercising to lose weight, this is a good book.

The New Abs Diet: The Six-Week Plan To Flatten Your Stomach And Keep You Lean For Life

The New Abs Diet: The Six-Week Plan To Flatten Your Stomach And Keep You Lean For Life

“The New Abs Diet: The Six-Week Plan to Flatten Your Stomach and Keep You Lean for Life” by David Zinczenko, Editor-In-Chief of “Men’s Health” is a good basic book on diet and exercise that was written with Ted Spiker. The book was a New York Times Bestseller and does provide a simple plan for losing fat and flattening your stomach. There is nothing real earth shattering for those that are well read on nutrition and exercise, and in fact, many well read in this area may find this book to simple and will seek more advanced sources of information. This book really is for the person who is overweight, doesn’t know what to eat and lives on fast food and junk food, and who doesn’t exercise at all.

It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the book, or that I didn’t find it useful. For those who are really out of shape and don’t know how to eat or exercise, this guide may be just the book to get them started on the road of being in shape and looking good. For the athlete or fitness buff, not much new here, and rather simple.

The book starts with an introduction that is motivational and lets you know if you follow the diet and exercise plan in this book you will find your long lost abs. The author discusses a few of the popular diets that have sold many books and describes what he feels is wrong with them and why this diet is better. (I happen to agree with much of his reasoning)

The diet itself is based around what the author calls the “power 12.” These are more 12 categories than only 12 foods. They are: almonds and other nuts, beans and pulses, spinach and other green vegetables, dairy (skimmed milk, fat-free or low fat yogurt and cheese), instant hot oat cereal, eggs, turkey and other lean meats, peanut butter, olive oil, wholegrain breads and cereals, extra protein (whey) powder, and raspberries and other berries. Overall, a very good list of categories to eat from, and that is what Zinczenko encourages. Eating primarily from this list is what the diet is about, but please do read the book and get the why and how much behind the categories. Zinczenko, however, also allows you to eat other stuff. In fact, one good thing about this diet is it is not super strict or something that will be difficult to follow. (Well, any diet will be difficult if you are used to eating only junk and fast foods.)

The book provides menus and recipes to help you eat from the power 12. The book then includes the other important ingredient to find those lost abs. You must exercise, and not just aerobic exercise, but muscle building exercise. Zinczenko explains why, and provides a very basic and simple program to follow. Again, not much for the person who actively exercises, but for the couch potato, this program is a good basic place to start.

The book concludes with a section that explains and illustrates 56 different ab exercises. They are in five categories for you to mix them up and keep your ab workouts varied. I do believe if you follow the guidelines in this book, both eating and exercising, you will lose weight and start to see your abs. How long it will take will depend on your starting point and how faithful you are and how much you put into your exercises. For a basic book on eating healthy and exercising to lose weight, this is a good book.

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The New Abs Diet: The Six-Week Plan To Flatten Your Stomach And Keep You Lean For Life

Review of "In the Shadow of the Glacier"

In the Shadow of the Glacier by Vicki Delany is somewhat like a marshmallow. It’s easy and fun to ingest the characters-they’re sweet and quite believable. When you’re through, it leaves you wanting more.

Set in a small mountain town in British Columbia it tells a story which includes many elements known to make a good mystery. There’s the murder of a rather flamboyant newcomer, a string of bicycle thefts, two main characters who are hiding major secrets from us and each other (those unfortunately were not explained very well) and various problems for several of the more prominent couples.

The mystery revolves around an American draft dodger who settled in the bucolic mythical berg of Trafalgar and left land and money to the area with a caveat: it must be used to create a garden honoring draft dodgers and their quest for peace.

This sets the normally tolerant residents to taking very explosives different views on the matter. The main opponent of the garden, the flamboyant newcomer is found bludgeoned to death in an alley.

The hunt for the killer is on by another newcomer, big city Detective John Winters and his very green assistant Constable Moonlight (she prefers Molly) Smith. Throughout the investigation, they are also trying to figure out the reason behind a rash of mountain bike thefts. Are these related?

Egging the duo and the community on is a very irritating muck-raking TV “journalist” Rich Ashcroft who has enlisted the naïve local reporter Meredith Morgenstern.

To find out the rest, I highly suggest getting a copy of In the Shadow of the Glacier by Vicki Delaney. Coming in at a bit over 300 pages, I was so entertained that I read the book almost non-stop in one afternoon. It went by as quickly as eating the aforementioned marshmallow.

by Vicki Delany is somewhat like a marshmallow. It’s easy and fun to ingest the characters-they’re sweet and quite believable. When you’re through, it leaves you wanting more.

Set in a small mountain town in British Columbia it tells a story which includes many elements known to make a good mystery. There’s the murder of a rather flamboyant newcomer, a string of bicycle thefts, two main characters who are hiding major secrets from us and each other (those unfortunately were not explained very well) and various problems for several of the more prominent couples.

The mystery revolves around an American draft dodger who settled in the bucolic mythical berg of Trafalgar and left land and money to the area with a caveat: it must be used to create a garden honoring draft dodgers and their quest for peace.

This sets the normally tolerant residents to taking very explosives different views on the matter. The main opponent of the garden, the flamboyant newcomer is found bludgeoned to death in an alley.

The hunt for the killer is on by another newcomer, big city Detective John Winters and his very green assistant Constable Moonlight (she prefers Molly) Smith. Throughout the investigation, they are also trying to figure out the reason behind a rash of mountain bike thefts. Are these related?

Egging the duo and the community on is a very irritating muck-raking TV “journalist” Rich Ashcroft who has enlisted the naïve local reporter Meredith Morgenstern.

To find out the rest, I highly suggest getting a copy of In the Shadow of the Glacier by Vicki Delaney. Coming in at a bit over 300 pages, I was so entertained that I read the book almost non-stop in one afternoon. It went by as quickly as eating the aforementioned marshmallow.

Review of "In the Shadow of the Glacier"