VIDEOS

America's Ad Icons

This informative and entertaining program uses case studies of Tony the Tiger, Charlie the Tuna, the Energizer Bunny, Jack in the Box, Colonel Sanders, Kool-Aid Man, Mr. Peanut, Morris the Cat, and Mr. Clean to illustrate different approaches to creating memorable brand icons. The psychology behind their remarkable consumer and cultural appeal is also discussed. Many commercial clips are included. A Discovery Channel Production. 51 minutes, color. (From Cambridge Educational)

Barbie’s Midlife Crisis: Mighty Mattel Fights Back

At 44, Barbie had been the queen of fashion dolls for generations of children. But her sales and profits began to slip as she was forced to fend off attacks from enemies both new and old: the fashion-conscious Bratz pack and Sindy, a former rival that may yet prove to be her nemesis. After providing Barbie’s history and some background on competitors, this program focuses on Mattel’s strategy, which includes giving traditional Barbie a makeover, dumping Ken, and unleashing My Scene Barbie on the Bratz—all to capture the potent new KGOY (kids growing older younger) market. Original BBCW broadcast title: Barbie’s Midlife Crisis. 30 minutes. (From Cambridge)

Professional Image

The secret to presenting a professional image goes much deeper than external appearances. This video investigates not only the visible factors of proper attire and hygiene, but the issues of attitude, professional self-esteem, familiarity with technology, and knowledge of business trends as well. The image a person communicates through written correspondence and in after-hours settings is also addressed. A Cambridge Educational Production. 23 minutes. ( From Cambridge Educational)

NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS

CPA Magazine

CPA Magazine is a multi-use, comprehensive reference tool for members of the public accounting profession designed to make the application of technology easier by utilizing case reviews. Each issue brings an evaluation of applying the latest technology to client problems. The CPA has been called upon to be a strategic business studies and professional in every area of business and personal financial success.(From publisher)

Book of the Month

The Samurai's Garden

Gail Tsukiyama

Seventeen-year-old Stephen leaves his home in Hong Kong just as the Japanese are poised to invade China. He is sent to Tarumi, a small village in Japan, to recuperate from tuberculosis. His developing friendship with three adults and a young woman his own age brings him to the beginnings of wisdom about love, honor, and loss. Given the potentially interesting subplot (the story of a love triangle doomed by the outbreak of leprosy in the village) and the fascinating period in which the book is set, this second novel by the author of Women of the Silk (St. Martin's, 1991) has the potential to be a winner. Unfortunately, it is sunk by a flat, dull prose style, one-dimensional characters who fail to engage the reader's interest, and the author's tendency to tell rather than show. Nancy Pearl, Washington Ctr. for the Book, Seattle. (From Library Journal)