Everything You Pretend to Know And Are Afraid Someone Will Ask

By Lynette Padwa

Book Overview

You can fool some of the people all of the time--but wouldn't you rather really know what you're talking about? Why are conservatives on the "right" and liberals on the "left"? What is an archetype? Most people drop these and other cultural references in conversation all the time without really knowing much about them. But with this witty, information-packed book, you can quickly bone up on the actual facts behind the multitude of data, events, and words that come at you each day--and that you've been casually bandying about without really understanding. Here are invaluable explanations of a wide range of topics that are assumed to be common knowledge, from deciphering newsspeak (What is a spin doctor?) to psychobabble (What's the difference between the ego and the id?) to cyberlingo (What is cyberlingo?); from the supposedly obvious (What makes cholesterol good or bad?) to the deceptively simple (What is a formula race car?). Perfect as a quick reference tool, for browsing, or simply for sharing impressive, newfound knowledge with family and friends, this handbook will endow you with genuine cultural literacy in just a few hours of fun-filled reading.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140513221
• ISBN13: 9780140513226
• Release Date: April 1996
• Publisher: Penguin Adult Hc/Tr
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.3"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Now you really know what you're talking about!

When I picked up this little tome;I didn't really expect it to amount to much. As usual,I read the customer reviews,and was really left wondering.Quite a spread of opinions! After reading,I have to say that I fully agree with those who gave it top marks. I didn't count the things covered exactly;but there are about 45 or so. When you finish;you are going to feel there could easily be thousands of things and expressions we use all the time,without really knowing what they mean or how they came about. An excellent little gem to lay around for people to pick up and wile away a little time. However;don't be suprised if,as the Irish so aptly put it; "it gets nicked"....oh,how I love that word! If you think this little book is superficial, and just might not be one of the pinacles of greatness in the world of books;you may be right.But wait till you see the extensive Bibliography at the end of the book.If you think the subject of this book is minor ,just skimming through this Bibliography,will show you how little we really know of what we speak. Here's a smattering of what to expect: What is the legal definition of insanity? Why are the Liberals to the "Left" and the Conservatives to the "Right"? What is the difference between a Republic and a Democracy? How do microwaves work? What makes food Kosher? How do subiminal messages work? Did The Three Musketeers actually exist? What pasta names go with whatpasta shapes? If you know the answers to all these questions,you might find this book dull;but if you want to know some of what you're talking about;now's your chance!

Good, except the computer section

I did learn a lot from this book and the writing style allowed me to just read straight through. I would suggest ignoring the entire section on computers though. Too much has changed since the book was written.

Neither a dictionary nor the Word of God. . .

This book doesn't pretend to be the end all be all of knowledge compedia. It's a relatively humorous look at some of the things that you may have fudged on in the passed and hoped you wouldn't get caught on. Roughly one in 120 people are allergic to peanuts. Fewer than 1/20th of that amount are allergic to MSG (if such an allergy even exists). Sorry, but it's a medical fact. N.E.J.M. Mar. 1998- If you want to read something humorous and mildly insightful, read this book. If you have serious concerns about allergies, see a doctor.

Not intended to be an authority of "everything". . .

This book doesn't pretend to be the end all be all of knowledge compedia. It's a relatively humorous look at some of the things that you may have fudged on in the passed and hoped you wouldn't get caught on. Roughly one in 120 people are allergic to peanuts. Fewer than 1/20th of that amount are allergic to MSG. Sorry, but it's a medical fact. N.E.J.M. Mar. 1998- If you want to read something humorous and mildly insightful, read this book. If you have serious concerns about allergies, see a doctor.

Interesting and informative.

Lives up to its title. Offers insights into things we pretend to know about. Very informative and with many relevent subjects. Now, if only I can remember the answers if anyone ever asks.