Cheryl Russell – författare

Without the baby boom, the United States would be a different place. The Vietnam War would have lasted longer. Rock and roll would be less pervasive. The civil rights movement would have changed laws and attitudes more slowly. But women might be further ahead in job status and pay if there had been no baby boorr.. Hous­ ing would be cheaper. The economy would have done better in the 1970s, and people now in their 20s, 30s, and 40s would be making more money. For the past 30 years, the baby boom generation­ all those born between 1946 and 1964-shook American economics, politics, and culture. But the full impact of 7 8 PREFACE the baby boom is yet to come because the generation is just now gaining the economic and political power to de­ termine events. Though the baby boom is a diverse generation linked only by its date of birth, that link is critical. The gener­ ation spans 19 years, which means many boomers ex­ perience the same things at the same time-going to col­ lege, getting a job, marrying, divorcing, buying a house, starting a family. Because of this, the baby boom in­ fluences what America's businesses produce, what the media write about, and what the politicans support. It focuses the nation's attention on itself; its concerns be­ come the nation's concerns. Whatever age the baby boom is becomes the nation's age.

The Baby Boom generation is leading the nation into the future. Having elected one of its own to the White House, this generation - the largest and best educated in history - is poised to place its imprint on the 21st century. Cheryl Russell - acclaimed author of 100 Predictions for the Baby Boom and former editor-in-chief of American Demographics - meets the challenge of predicting the daunting future of this most singular of generations. Russell perceptively shows why members of the Baby Boom generation, born between 1946 and 1964, have always embraced their independence. This individualism has become the master trend of our time. But the Baby Boom generation is now finding itself in the midst of a midlife crisis as it is pulled in one direction by its sense of individualism and in another by its children. Baby Boomers, known for following the beat of their own drummer, are suddenly awakening to the urgent need to bring society together for the sake of their children's future. The Baby Boom generation prizes individualism so highly that it has become the first generation of what Cheryl Russell calls "free agents." Like Curt Flood - baseball's first free agent - the Baby Boomers play by their own rules. Free agents have become both the creators and the eager customers of a new, fast-paced, hotly competitive "personalized economy" that seizes on cutting-edge technologies to produce the innovative and custom-designed products and services the world so sorely needs. Will this personalized economy bring prosperity to Americans? Can the free agents of the Baby Boom generation make life better for all of us? Will they learn to work together for the good of society? Most important, what kind of society are the Baby Boomers leaving to their children? In a culture that values individualism above all, what will happen to the unprepared millions who are trapped in the ma rgins of society? In a world where the disparity between rich and poor has grown dramatically what kin

Without the baby boom, the United States would be a different place. The Vietnam War would have lasted longer. Rock and roll would be less pervasive. The civil rights movement would have changed laws and attitudes more slowly. But women might be further ahead in job status and pay if there had been no baby boorr.. Hous­ ing would be cheaper. The economy would have done better in the 1970s, and people now in their 20s, 30s, and 40s would be making more money. For the past 30 years, the baby boom generation­ all those born between 1946 and 1964-shook American economics, politics, and culture. But the full impact of 7 8 PREFACE the baby boom is yet to come because the generation is just now gaining the economic and political power to de­ termine events. Though the baby boom is a diverse generation linked only by its date of birth, that link is critical. The gener­ ation spans 19 years, which means many boomers ex­ perience the same things at the same time-going to col­ lege, getting a job, marrying, divorcing, buying a house, starting a family. Because of this, the baby boom in­ fluences what America''s businesses produce, what the media write about, and what the politicans support. It focuses the nation''s attention on itself; its concerns be­ come the nation''s concerns. Whatever age the baby boom is becomes the nation''s age.

Tired of droning pundits and politicians, or the almost daily tirades on the radio, TV, and in print? Ever wonder what the facts are behind so many diverse opinions on such a variety of topics?Statistics maven Cheryl Russell — editorial director of New Strategist Publications and the former editor-in-chief of American Demographics magazine — has spent a career tracking down the facts that many pundits in the media avoid, don't know, or don't care to know. In Bet You Didn't Know, a fast-paced adventure in trend spotting, she separates facts from fantasy and applies a hefty dose of common sense to provide a deeper understanding of the processes at work in American society.Whether you're planning to look for a job, invest in the stock market, get married, have children, buy a house, vote, run for political office, or are just looking for some luscious tidbits to drop at your party, you'd better check Russell's book first to get your facts straight. And you are guaranteed to be amazed by what you find!Russell knowingly focuses her perceptive eye on America's top obsessions: Our bodies—health, weight, food, sex, drugsFamilies—relationships and childrenMoney—earnings, spending, debt, poverty, and wealthJobs—school, work, and retirementLuxuries and Stuff—homes, cars, and everything elseFree Time—sports, TV, the Internet, and moreBig Issues—religion, politics, and national phobiasOur Country—race, immigration, regions, and citiesIn each case, she spotlights the most significant facts and then offers pithy, illuminating commentary to provide a rational perspective and a full-blown reality check.Before making big or small decisions or major pronouncements, you'll want to check this engrossing, concise, fun, and factual guide.