Thursday, September 9, 2010
Great Quote Thursday
That which grows fast withers as quickly; that which grows slowly endures- Josiah Holland
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Book Review- The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews
A wonderfully animated book, "The Boy Who Changed the World" is the children's version of author Andy Andrews' book, "The Butterfly Effect". Written to encourage children that every action that they take is important, Andrews focuses on the story of Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug who through a series of events and situations is connected to the well-known inventor, George Washington Carver.
As the book makes the linkages from Borlaug to former Vice President Henry Wallace to inventor Carver to Carver's adoptive father, Missouri farmer Moses Carver, children are reminded that they are important, that they can make a difference and that they can change the world. These are lessons that every child needs to hear.
The book is animated by Philip Hurst in a bright, colorful, vivid manner that can keep a child's interest. The artwork is quite child-friendly from the cornfield surrounding a childhood Borlaug to the scientist Carver in his laboratory to the synopsis page near the end. There are butterflies depicted throughout the book as well.
Because of its focus to encourage children to be responsible and to understand their impact on their world, I enjoyed this book more than I did Andrews' "The Butterfly Effect".
I reviewed this book in conjunction with Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.
As the book makes the linkages from Borlaug to former Vice President Henry Wallace to inventor Carver to Carver's adoptive father, Missouri farmer Moses Carver, children are reminded that they are important, that they can make a difference and that they can change the world. These are lessons that every child needs to hear.
The book is animated by Philip Hurst in a bright, colorful, vivid manner that can keep a child's interest. The artwork is quite child-friendly from the cornfield surrounding a childhood Borlaug to the scientist Carver in his laboratory to the synopsis page near the end. There are butterflies depicted throughout the book as well.
Because of its focus to encourage children to be responsible and to understand their impact on their world, I enjoyed this book more than I did Andrews' "The Butterfly Effect".
I reviewed this book in conjunction with Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.
Book Review- The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews
A quick read, along the lines of gift books, The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews attempts to remind the reader of the importance of every moment, every action. From the back cover: "Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world". Andrews references the work of scientist Edward Lorenz to explain the butterfly effect or as it is more scientifically known, The Law of Sensitive Dependence Upon Initial Conditions, to lay out this premise.
Andrews tells the Civil War story of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain of Maine and his heroic role in the battle of Gettysburg and explains the importance it played in a chain of future events. However, Andrews then links a list of assumptions to the extent that he claims that because of Chamberlain's actions the United States was victorious in World War II and in saving Europe from the clutches of Adolf Hitler and the continent of Asia from the advances of Emperor Hirohito and his Japanese forces!
The book also shares the linkages between Moses Carver, a Missouri farmer in the 1800's and the feeding of billions worldwide. This story is also shared in a children's book, "The Boy Who Changed the World".
The concepts that every life impacts others and that every life matters should not be forgotten. However, although an interesting take on the "six degrees of separation" or "ripple effect", Andrews' book "The Butterfly Effect" makes some assumptions that are a bit stretched.
I reviewed this book in conjunction with Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.
Andrews tells the Civil War story of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain of Maine and his heroic role in the battle of Gettysburg and explains the importance it played in a chain of future events. However, Andrews then links a list of assumptions to the extent that he claims that because of Chamberlain's actions the United States was victorious in World War II and in saving Europe from the clutches of Adolf Hitler and the continent of Asia from the advances of Emperor Hirohito and his Japanese forces!
The book also shares the linkages between Moses Carver, a Missouri farmer in the 1800's and the feeding of billions worldwide. This story is also shared in a children's book, "The Boy Who Changed the World".
The concepts that every life impacts others and that every life matters should not be forgotten. However, although an interesting take on the "six degrees of separation" or "ripple effect", Andrews' book "The Butterfly Effect" makes some assumptions that are a bit stretched.
I reviewed this book in conjunction with Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Book Review- James K. Polk by John Seigenthaler
Being from Knoxville, I've always been intrigued that the state of Tennessee was the home state to three U.S. Presidents in a relatively brief span of time in the mid-1800's (Andrew Jackson, James Polk and Andrew Johnson). Much has been written of Jackson, he of the fiery temper and strong and effective, although often divisive, leadership. On the opposite spectrum is Johnson, who achieved the Presidency by default upon Abraham Lincoln's assassination, who twice faced impeachment charges and is generally regarded as one this country's worst Presidents. And then there is Polk.
Serving as President in the span between Jackson and Lincoln, Polk is included in a group of former Chief Executives whom are not highly noted in history (others include Tyler, Pierce, Fillmore, Buchanan). Many are lowly regarded for their poor leadership, yet Polk's accomplishments stand out in comparison. The back cover notes by author John Seigenthaler provide a brief snapshot of Polk's presidency:
"James Knox Polk surely is history's most underappreciated president. Few Americans have any awareness that in four years he engineered the annexation of Texas, bluffed the British out of Oregon, waged war with Mexico to take California and New Mexico, enlarged the country's land mass by a third and made the United States a continental nation. To read his presidential diary is to be retrospectively introduced to a chief magistrate who was tough-minded, strong-willed, egocentric, sometimes petty, usually predictable, often duplicitous, and always partisan. He served but one term by his own choice, pledging as a candidate that he would not seek reelection. He kept his word. A complete workaholic, he left office worn and ill and went home to Nashville to recover his health. It hardly seems fair that three months after leaving the White House he was dead".
Upon reading Seigenthaler's concise yet quite detailed account of Polk's life, my impressions of Polk include the following: he was very driven; he was probably too beholden to Andrew Jackson; he was an ultra-partisan politician; his ability to keep a detailed journal/diary while President was impressive; he was probably not highly likable; he was obviously quite effective. Seigenthaler is fair in his presentation of both Polk's qualities as well as his weaknesses.
Seigenthaler includes notes throughout the book, a detailed bibliography and a chronological history of Polk's life. This was an excellent book that I can highly recommend if you are interested in learning more about the 11th President of the United States. Based on this work, I will also be likely to read other works by Seigenthaler.
Serving as President in the span between Jackson and Lincoln, Polk is included in a group of former Chief Executives whom are not highly noted in history (others include Tyler, Pierce, Fillmore, Buchanan). Many are lowly regarded for their poor leadership, yet Polk's accomplishments stand out in comparison. The back cover notes by author John Seigenthaler provide a brief snapshot of Polk's presidency:
"James Knox Polk surely is history's most underappreciated president. Few Americans have any awareness that in four years he engineered the annexation of Texas, bluffed the British out of Oregon, waged war with Mexico to take California and New Mexico, enlarged the country's land mass by a third and made the United States a continental nation. To read his presidential diary is to be retrospectively introduced to a chief magistrate who was tough-minded, strong-willed, egocentric, sometimes petty, usually predictable, often duplicitous, and always partisan. He served but one term by his own choice, pledging as a candidate that he would not seek reelection. He kept his word. A complete workaholic, he left office worn and ill and went home to Nashville to recover his health. It hardly seems fair that three months after leaving the White House he was dead".
Upon reading Seigenthaler's concise yet quite detailed account of Polk's life, my impressions of Polk include the following: he was very driven; he was probably too beholden to Andrew Jackson; he was an ultra-partisan politician; his ability to keep a detailed journal/diary while President was impressive; he was probably not highly likable; he was obviously quite effective. Seigenthaler is fair in his presentation of both Polk's qualities as well as his weaknesses.
Seigenthaler includes notes throughout the book, a detailed bibliography and a chronological history of Polk's life. This was an excellent book that I can highly recommend if you are interested in learning more about the 11th President of the United States. Based on this work, I will also be likely to read other works by Seigenthaler.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Fun on Friday
College football kicks off this weekend and the NFL kicks off next week. Glad football is back.
Speaking of the NFL, I've watched enough preseason game action to be reminded that NFL players are required to wear some ugly NFL officially designed caps and visors. Not NASCAR cap ugly, with the flames and all, but still some bad designs.
Recently, we tried one of the new banana berry smoothies at McDonald's. Our 3 year old, Turner, was not impressed. Apparently, it was a bit too sour for him. After taking a small sip, he replied, "Ooo, that hurt my feelings".
Speaking of the NFL, I've watched enough preseason game action to be reminded that NFL players are required to wear some ugly NFL officially designed caps and visors. Not NASCAR cap ugly, with the flames and all, but still some bad designs.
Recently, we tried one of the new banana berry smoothies at McDonald's. Our 3 year old, Turner, was not impressed. Apparently, it was a bit too sour for him. After taking a small sip, he replied, "Ooo, that hurt my feelings".
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Quality Customer Service
At the Target store in Maryville, TN is man a named Bill. I don't know Bill. I don't know Bill's last name. I only know he's "Bill" because that's what his name badge says.
In the check-out area at the front of the store, he often works the express lane. As my family is a regular Target guest, we've been through Bill's line on several occasions. In each instance, he's provided excellent customer service. Always a "how are you today?". Always a "did you find what you were looking for?". Always a "thank you" and a "have a good day". In addition, he takes time to speak to our boys and that's always a plus.
And over time, here's what I've noticed. Unless we're in a real hurry or unless we can walk directly up to another cashier, we'll wait and go through Bill's checkout lane. Why? Because he provides quality customer service.
Which makes me wonder, do I provide quality customer service where I work? What about you?
In the check-out area at the front of the store, he often works the express lane. As my family is a regular Target guest, we've been through Bill's line on several occasions. In each instance, he's provided excellent customer service. Always a "how are you today?". Always a "did you find what you were looking for?". Always a "thank you" and a "have a good day". In addition, he takes time to speak to our boys and that's always a plus.
And over time, here's what I've noticed. Unless we're in a real hurry or unless we can walk directly up to another cashier, we'll wait and go through Bill's checkout lane. Why? Because he provides quality customer service.
Which makes me wonder, do I provide quality customer service where I work? What about you?
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