Hold on to your pants!!!!

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Just finished this book. It was more entertaining than anything. For those of you not familiar with this story. It's the true story about the guy whose arm got caught between a bolder and a canyon wall. He goes five days surviving on very little before he amputates his own arm. Very intriguing and I recommend it to all.

Mafia to Mormon

A DVD you need to watch....

Forgiveness

I miss hearing this man's voice. This is part of one of my favorite talks that he gave. Enjoy!

The Google Story

So I just got done reading this book. Since I am part of the Google followers I really found it interesting. For most people that use the internet Google is just a website that helps you find the things you are looking for. But in reality this company is slowly taking over the world. Maybe not to that extent but they are doing somethings that are mind boggling.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the company it was started by two guys that met at Stanford. Their names are Sergey Brin and Larry Page. What I found most interesting about the book is the way these two think. They don't think like most people. When they get an idea that can make the world better they don't think of how it can't work...they just make it happen. Very inspiring book. Highly recommended!

The Power to Change Anything

I often wonder if someone was to take a walk around my brain they would be a little confused as to what is going on in there. At times I get so passionate about things/subjects and share them with others and find it surprising that they are not as passionate about it as I am. I am sure this is something everyone goes through but sometimes people aren't just passionate about it but they seem confused why I am SO passionate about it.

Those of you that know me know that I am always reading something. I enjoy a good novel but for the most part whatever I read has to teach me something not just entertain me. Ever since I left school in the dust I am like a little boy in a candy store. I am reading all those books I resisted while I was plagued with the reminder to study boring books that contain information that seems useless (that's a post for another time).

A year or so ago I was introduced to a book called Influencer. It looked interesting and others I knew were reading it so I thought I would take some time and get through it. And it struck a chord with me and made me think differently. I like a book that makes me think, but when it makes me think differently it's a book that everyone has to read. I would preach the principles it taught to those around me and they would all look at me like I needed medication. I have read parts of this book over and over and feel that it is applicable to everyone's life. Now before I start a crazy cult and wait for the mothership to come get me, I kindly invite you to take a week and read this book and apply the principles.

Now, that brings me to the original point of why I was writing this posting. I finished another book that was just as good. In fact, it was written by the same company that put out Influencer. The company is called VitalSmarts by the way. And the book that I just finished is called Crucial Conversation: Tool for Talking When Stakes Are High. It basically teaches how to talk with others about sensitive issues without making them give you the silence treatment or making them bit your head off. I have even started using the techniques with my wife (without her realizing it) and I am amazed how she has stopped slapping me. Anyway...it's another good book that all should take the time to read.
...and to quote Lavar Burton...."But you don't have to take my word for it".

Word Play

Now that the "schooling" part of my life is behind me, I am allowing myself to do the things I always wanted to do instead of studying, and that includes watching interesting (but worthless) movies. Last night I watched Word Play and I highly recommend it. I am sure a lot of normal people do crosswords everyday...but this movie proves there is a different breed out there that isn't just doing them but winning crossword competitions. The only part that caught me off guard was when a man called another man "dear". You'll have to watch it and you'll see what I mean.

It did inspire me to figure out an anagram for my name which is Truck For Man. Also, I have a buddy named Derek and I was surprised to see that he was in the movie quite a bit. Which leads me to my next warning.....Don't watch this movie if you are a gingerist.

But seriously...get his movie...it's hilarious and very very interesting.