Month: January 2019

When

January 22, 2019 / Troy / 0 Comments

The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing

When, The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink is another in a great line of books by Mr. Pink. When continues on with the style of Mr. Pink’s previous books. This is a good thing. The book is extremely easy to read and follow.

The underlying theme of the book is that When we do things can have a great impact on what and how we do those things. As humans, we frequently discount the concept of when. Mr. Pink makes some great arguments for understanding the power of when.

The book begins with the Hidden Pattern of Everyday life. We learn about the power of napping (limit to about 29 minutes), resting, and socializing.

We move on to the power of Beginnings, Endings and In Between. Stories are told throughout the book to reinforce the concepts. These stories help cement the argument.

Finally, we get to Synching and Thinking. Here we learn about the power of being part of something larger than ourselves. We also get a peek at the impact of working together.

All in all, a very quick read. I enjoyed the information. The book has reinforced many things that I’ve learned in a variety of previous experiences as well.

Making a Difference

January 14, 2019 / Troy / 0 Comments

The following video was shared with me recently. I think that it is GREAT. It’s all about making a difference. We often don’t realize that we make a difference. I’ll let the video speak for itself.

Gods Without Men

January 6, 2019 / Troy / 0 Comments

First book of the year has been completed. I received “Gods Without Men” by Hari Kunzru as a gift. It was a wonderful gift. The book takes place around a particular stone formation in the desert of southwest America. There are three rocks (Pinnacles) that jut toward the sky. This area is the center of several plots that could be mystical or alien. That is, events happen in this area that are claimed to be mystical or alien based.

The book skips around chronologically. A chapter set in 2009 is followed by a chapter set in 1775. The effect is to keep the focus on the place and the happenings around that place. All of the different times are at least loosely connected. There is a thread of continuity that Kunzru weaves throughout the book.

The major theme revolves around a couple from New York. They have an autistic child that vanishes from the stoller while they are visiting the Pinnacles. After a few months, the child is found. Lisa (the mom) is now convinced that divine intercedence has occurred. The father (Jaz) can’t get over the feeling that “this isn’t really our kid”.

There are several sub themes running through the book as well. One could be a a “hippie cult” or a group that has experienced contact with a higher level of “aliens”. Another storyline involves a native American that can “run the old way” and traverse great areas of land quickly. Yet another is set during World War II. All of these share the setting and some details which allow the reader to tie them together.

The story isn’t filled with final answers and definitive chronicles of truth. Rather, the reader is left to search for those on his/her own. There are more questions than answers here. The story has a certain plausibility that allows the reader to make connections and determine their own belief.

All in all, this is a terrific read. No matter where you fall on the continuum of belief once you have finished the book, you will be better off for having read and considered the story.