This encyclopedia defines and contextualizes the Baby Boomer generation and the wide-reaching contributions of its members throughout modern American history. Comprising some 80 million Americans born between 1946 and 1965, the Baby Boomers have significantly changed every aspect of American history and culture. The members of this generation experienced some of the most tumultuous times in American history; indeed, the Boomers helped create these pivotal eras. From the advent of rock and roll to disco and rap, from the sexual revolution to the arrival of AIDS, and from race riots to the election of a black president, Baby Boomers have seen it all. Through nearly 100 alphabetically arranged entries, this encyclopedia gives later generations insight into the contributions of the Baby Boomers, and it helps members of that generation better contextualize their own experiences. Included entries are written in a clear and engaging manner, covering politics and activism, entertainment, the economy, gender roles, arts, pop culture, sports, religion, drug and alcohol use, and many other subject areas.

First published in 2010, this book explores the legacy of the baby boomers: the generation who, born in the aftermath of the Second World War, came of age in the radical sixties where for the first time since the War, there was freedom, money, and safe sex. In this book, Francis Beckett argues that what began as the most radical-sounding generation for half a century turned into a random collection of youthful style gurus, sharp-toothed entrepreneurs and management consultants who believed revolution meant new ways of selling things; and Thatcherites, who thought freedom meant free markets, not free people. At last, it found its most complete expression in New Labour. The author argues that the children of the 1960s betrayed the generations that came before and after, and that the true legacy of the swinging decade is in ashes.

The bestselling Name Game is back, completely revised and updated for parents of the 80s as it reveals the impact of names on behavior and helps parents choose names that will ensure their child's emotional well-being.

“A sharp and unconventional book — a swirl of memoir, travelogue and biography of some of history's champion day-dreamers.” —Maureen Corrigan, "Fresh Air" A spirited inquiry into the lost value of leisure and daydream The Art of the Wasted Day is a picaresque travelogue of leisure written from a lifelong enchantment with solitude. Patricia Hampl visits the homes of historic exemplars of ease who made repose a goal, even an art form. She begins with two celebrated eighteenth-century Irish ladies who ran off to live a life of "retirement" in rural Wales. Her search then leads to Moravia to consider the monk-geneticist, Gregor Mendel, and finally to Bordeaux for Michel Montaigne--the hero of this book--who retreated from court life to sit in his chateau tower and write about whatever passed through his mind, thus inventing the personal essay. Hampl's own life winds through these pilgrimages, from childhood days lazing under a neighbor's beechnut tree, to a fascination with monastic life, and then to love--and the loss of that love which forms this book's silver thread of inquiry. Finally, a remembered journey down the Mississippi near home in an old cabin cruiser with her husband turns out, after all her international quests, to be the great adventure of her life. The real job of being human, Hampl finds, is getting lost in thought, something only leisure can provide. The Art of the Wasted Day is a compelling celebration of the purpose and appeal of letting go.

Boomers will be digging through their closets in search of their childhood after paging through this colourful nostalgic photo reference of the toys and playthings from the baby boomer generation. All ages will want to pick up this book and see what's inside -- from the common to the obscure -- brining back memories like the sound of tinker toys being dumped from a can. Each of the 100 chapters includes photographs and text discussing the origins and history of the popular toys, as well we other toys of the same type. For collectors, values listings are included for many more than the 100 featured toys. As a nostalgic picture book, it should become one of the primary gift books of the year.

The baby boomers—those born between 1946 and 1964—are a generation that consists of nearly 76 million Americans. Beginning in 2011, this large and influential population will begin their transition out of the workforce. As baby boomers enter retirement, they will be looking for opportunities in fitness, sports, outdoors, arts and cultural events, and other activities that suit their vibrant lifestyles. With their varied life experiences, values, and expectations, baby boomers are predicted to redefine the meaning of recreation and leisure programming for mature adults. Though many researchers have forecast the boomers’ impact on the future, only Leisure Programming for Baby Boomers addresses key information that recreation and leisure professionals need in order to make program decisions with baby boomers in mind. The authors combine their research, programming, and marketing expertise to provide insights into the values and lifestyle choices of boomers and offer programming and marketing strategies to reach this large and influential population. Leisure Programming for Baby Boomers will help you move beyond the traditional offerings of bingo, art classes, and social dances to capture the attention and imagination of your baby boomer community. This comprehensive guide offers these features: An in-depth review of current research to help you understand the values, interests, and needs of the boomer generation Guidance in adopting a “boomer lens” so you can more easily recognize the opportunities in working with this group and create and market programs that appeal to the values of this unique generation The Cochran Baby Boomer Quiz, a tool that can be used not only in assessing the programming preferences of the boomers in your community, but also in testing your staff’s knowledge of boomers and preparing them to work more effectively with this group Strategies, guidelines, and ready-to-use ideas for boomer-specific programming in arts and culture, outdoor recreation, education, wellness, and tourism Marketing templates and strategies that will attract boomers and keep them coming to your programs With Leisure Programming for Baby Boomers, you’ll discover what distinguishes the baby boomer generation from previous generations in regard to their demographic makeup, gender differences, cultural influences, brand loyalty, consumer behavior, and spending patterns. Based on current research, Leisure Programming for Baby Boomers explains the boomer generation in terms of five value areas specific to recreation and leisure programming: cultural influences, healthy aging and society, retirement, leisure pursuits, and economic levels. Using this knowledge, you’ll learn how to consider these generational values to create effective marketing messages and plan appropriate programming. Leisure Programming for Baby Boomers presents a range of detailed program ideas and formats that fulfill the interests of this new clientele so you can start offering new programs right away. It also offers guidelines and examples that will help you plan your own programs to meet the needs of your community. You’ll find all the tools you need to market your new programs, including techniques for attracting boomers to your programs and marketing templates that make implementing your marketing strategies simpler. Information on key topics such as marketing psychology; advertising beyond the brochure; motivating, recruiting, and communicating at the front lines; and creating and maintaining a focused image will help you better understand how to market programs. In this demand-driven occupation, recreation professionals must be prepared to market and deliver a wide range of leisure opportunities to serve the boomer generation. Is your recreation or leisure program ready for the baby boomers? Leisure Programming for Baby Boomers will help you understand the unique profile of the boomer generation and respond with creative programs that will add value and quality to the leisure lives of this new generation of mature adults. For information on system requirements or accessing an E-book after purchase, click here.

This book examines the phenomenon of the "knowledge vacuum" that is occurring in the business world as experienced Baby Boomers retire or leave the workplace and take with them their soft skills, practical knowledge, and business acumen. By examining various aspects of this phenomenon the authors provide a practical guide for capturing and retaining Baby Boomers' advanced skills and expertise before they retire so that knowledge can be transferred to Gen X and Y employees. This book examines methods for assessing a company's knowledge gaps and creating a knowledge transfer and storage plan. Readers will find scenarios, case studies, tips, templates and checklists that will help managers capture and retain intellectual capital as Baby Boomers leave the workplace.

A Baby Boomer's Decision Making drives the nation's 75 million baby boomers to examine life through the decisions they make, whether they are considering finances, changing national priorities or the needs of aging parents. Boomers will explore decisions of love, school, career, family and fun. From 1956 Chevrolets to Martin Luther King Jr., Vietnam and the 21st century, memoir snippets expose the author's best and worst decision making. From these engaging stories, a model of decision making emerges driven by individual experience in a distinctive combination of understanding, relationships and God. A Baby Boomer's Decision Making creates a bridge from abstract theoretical manuscripts to the daily reality, dreams and apprehensions of baby boomers. Mathematics unlocks the tools of decision making, and prejudice is an omnipresent force. The peaks and valleys of love, family and career highlight the ingredients of decision making. Guidelines and principles of decision making solidify and further assist readers in reviewing the past, assessing the present and preparing for their future. A series of activities and questions at the end of the book encourage individual reflection or small group discussion. Francis J. Kostel earned a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. As superintendent of schools in suburban Chicago's St. Charles, he led the district of more than 13,000 students, 1,600 staff members and 17 schools. He also served as principal of St. Charles High School, a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon high school, as a leadership consultant and as a mathematics teacher. From the working-class neighborhoods of Chicago to the White House Rose Garden, Kostel has experience with organizational success and conflict resolution. Through August One Consulting, Kostel serves as an executive coach and mentor. Kostel has given presentations throughout the country on leadership, strategic planning, personnel evaluation, change and policy decisions. He has written several articles and served on statewide and regional boards. Kostel is a choir member and ballroom dancer. He and his wife, the love of his life for more than 38 years, have two adult sons. Comments and inquiries regarding A Baby Boomer's Decision Making and August One Consulting are welcome at [email protected].

How ministry leaders can help older adults be a vital part of Christian community With the explosion of the older adult population, this important book explores the opportunities and challenges that this presents for the Christian community. Amy Hanson challenges us to let go of many old stereotypes regarding aging and embrace a new paradigm that sees older adults as active, healthy and capable of making significant contributions. Debunks the myths of aging that keep us from fully embracing the potential of people in life's second half Offers suggestions on how to re-invent ministry with older adults Focuses on unleashing older adults to serve and make an impact on churches and congregations A volume in the Leadership Network series The author shows church leaders how they can unleash the power of the baby boomer population to strengthen their congregations.