The Paradox of Choice This book is simply fascinating. For in utilizing the compulsion to choose, author Barry Schwartz unfolds the mind and lays out all the layers of thought we give every little consideration. In the introduction he proclaims:

1. We would be better off if we embraced certain voluntary constraints on or freedom of choice, instead of rebelling against them.
2. We would be better off seeking what was "good enough" instead of seeking the best (have you ever heard a parent say, "I want only the 'good enough' for my kids"?).
3. We would be better off if we lowered our expectations about the results of decisions.
4. We would be better off if the decisions we made were nonreversible.
5. We would be better off if we paid less attention to what others around us were doing.

What makes this exploration so fulfilling in the end is not just that he teaches you so much about the way we all think, but that he provides insightful ammunition with which to take on those countless future decisive battles.

Jerry Brown is the mayor of Oakland, CA. He also was once governor of California and host of a radio show called We The People, in which he interviewed men and women of significant thought and action. Its these conversations which became Dialogues , in which he discusses the killing instinct fostered by the military with a lieutenant turned psychologist, a nun recounts her time amongst Death Row inmates, and a groundbreaking architect gives his views on how we must move our civilization towards a truly sustainable future. A great collection real inspiration.

"Storytelling is a classic form of experience sharing. And it is not limited to brands that make it their product benefit. At jetBlue, mythologies have a currency among staff and customers alike as ways of creating common meaning. Steve Jobs is a story creator for a company that sells boxes of electronics. His master story of iconoclast who became rich and changed the world is a narrative vicariously shared by the millions. It is the classic American dream. A mass finger at faceless monopolistic empire builders is what most ticket buyers are gesturing, to some degree, when they fly on Virgin."

The The Culting of Brands is an interesting read to the passing reader, an instruction manual for the corporate exec, and a terrifying view into the belly of the beast for consumers. A healthy reminder that one person's belief is usually another person's profit. Like a cultural car-wreck, it's hard not to stare at how manipulated our belief systems have become.

As one of the best movies you've never heard of, Illuminata is a triumphant soliloquy by John Turturro on the bitter-sweet acting spirit, lovelorn beauty, and the mouthwatering stench of lust. Christopher Walken also happens to give the best performance of his career.Flamingly fantastic.

{Adam}