INSIGHTS GAINED ALONG THE WAY

Thursday, April 30, 2009

BOOK REVIEW--HOW I GOT TO BE WHOEVER IT IS I AM BY CHARLES GRODIN

In this candid, moving, and laugh-out-loud book, Charles Grodin reminisces on the events and moments that have shaped his life. Grodin is one of the best storytellers around. His book is entertaining while offering insights he gained along the way.

You probably will not agree with Grodin on some things. But you may be surprised at how much you do agree on. I know I was. If you are one of those people who just can't tolerate somebody you disagree with or don't want to take time to listen to another point of view--then don't read this book. But I decided a long time ago that I will accept truth wherever I find it. I found a lot of truth in this interesting, humourus book.

Charles Grodin shares backstage stories from his performances in Same Time, Next Year and other plays, and movies like The Heartbreak Kid and Midnight Run. He also reveals what it was like to work with icons such as Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Johnny Carson, Orson Welles, Warren Beatty, Robert Redford, Gene Wilder and many other actors, directors, producers, and journalists.

As the host of his award-winning talk show and as a commentator for 60 Minutes ll he interviewed extraordinary and renowned men and women. In and through his relentless advocacy, he has been instrumental in the reform of New York drug laws and the granting of clemency to nearly one thousand people.

Grodin tells many interesting stories and makes you glad that he took you on his journey. I recommend this as a book to read on a plane trip, when waiting for an appointment or anytime that you just want to read for a while. The book is made up of about sixty short stories--all very interesting.

WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK

• The generous folks at Hachette Book Group are allowing me to host this book giveaway for five (5) copies!
• Winners are restricted to the US and Canada. No PO Box mailing address please. You do not have to be a blogger to win.
  
• I must have a way of contacting you, so be sure to leave your email address in your comment.
• Some choose to omit the @ sign and the . dot by writing it in "code" like this: you (at) your email (dot)com.
• I'll close the comments May 7 and pick the five winners. I will contact the winners via email to get their mailing information. The winners will have three days to respond. If I do not hear from them within three days, I will select another winner(s).

GOOD ADVICE

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Often visiting bloggers, when leaving comments will end with, "Have a good day."

I like that! I also leave that comment on many blogs.

Joel Osteen says, "The key to living your best life starts with how you approach every new day."

You can't do anything about the past, and you don't know what the future holds. But when you wake up in the morning, you can make up your mind to do your best to enjoy your day.

Have a good day!

THE BEST BISCUITS AND GRAVY IN THE UNIVERSE

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

He said, "The 40th Street Cafe has the best biscuits and gravy in the universe."

A blogging friend's husband made this bold statement. No, he hasn't tasted all the biscuits and gravy in the universe. He just doesn't think there could possibly be any better. Maybe he's right.

Since we live close to this cafe, we went to try the best biscuits and gravy in the universe. The gravy was great. The biscuits--not so great, in my opinion.

The 40th Street Cafe has good biscuits and gravy. The best in the universe? Maybe, maybe not.

Since my friend has moved away from the 40th Street Cafe and now lives in the western part of the big valley, I suggest he try the biscuits and gravy at Mike and Rhonda's The Place at 4925 West Bell Road. They also have a restaurant in Flagstaff. This has to be some of the best biscuits and gravy to be found anyplace. (No, I haven't been everyplace!!!)

My wife, when she was a young girl, went to school sick one morning. The teacher asked her what she had for breakfast. She said, "Biscuits and gravy." The teacher said,"My goodness, no wonder you're sick!"

Try the biscuits and gravy at The Place or the 4oth Street Cafe. They won't make you sick.

A MOVING STORY OF COMMON WISDOM

Monday, April 27, 2009

BOOK REVIEW--THE NOTICER BY ANDY ANDREWS

“This is the best book I have ever read in my life.” These are the words of Nancy Lopez, LPGA Hall of Famer. She also said, “The Noticer is completely absorbing. Anything less than stunning would be an understatement.”

The Noticer by Andy Andrews, New York best-selling author of The Traveler’s Gift is, as Nancy Lopez said, “completely absorbing.” It may not be the best book I have ever read, but it is not far from it. I recommend it as a book that everybody needs to read and a book that everybody will enjoy reading and profit from. Most of us find it difficult to find the “perfect gift” for our friends graduating from high school and college. Andy Andrews’ book is that “perfect gift.”

The only reason I didn’t read this book through in one sitting is because I was interrupted to do something else. When I picked it up again I read straight through to the end.

An old drifter named Jones taught a community of people how to develop the proper perspective about poverty, failing marriage, old age, lost dreams, failing business, and more. He taught them one by one that they did not have to feel desperate and at a dead end. He gave them hope by showing them they needed to change and how to do it. To him there was no such thing as a dead end. It only takes a little “perspective,” he says, to recognize the miracles in our moments, the seeds of greatness tucked into our struggles.

This splendid book will make you think, learn, pray, plan and dream.

You must read this book. It was written for you!

GOD'S GOODNESS EVERYDAY

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Ponder the following words from Joel Osteen:

"When you live favor-minded, you'll begin to see God's goodness in the everyday, ordinary details at the grocery store, at the ball field, at the mall, at work or at home. You may be out to lunch when you "just happen" to bump into somebody you've been wanting to meet. Perhaps that person is somebody you admire or hope to learn from, or possibly he or she is someone with whom you have been hoping to do business, but you couldn't get to them. That is not a coincidence. That's the favor of God causing you to be at the right place at the right time."

"When those kinds of things happen, be grateful. Be sure to thank God for His favor, and for His special assistance in your life. Don't take God's favor for granted."

LADIES I NEED YOUR HELP

Ladies I need your help and I don't mind saying so.

I can beg if I have to.

I got this wonderful idea that I would give away five copies of a great book about basketball and leadership. I knew that not many men read my blog but I thought that many of you ladies would say, "That looks like a great book for my husband, son, grandson or friend." I'm even dumb enough that I thought a few of you might want to read it yourself. NOT!

I know this is a good book for parents,CEO's, Pastors and anybody that wants to build a great team, I'm asking you to go to my review of this book and leave a comment and your email address. I would like to send you a copy of this splendid book.

I'm a proud man so I'll hold off on the begging for a few days. But I will say, "Please."
Oh what the heck--PRETTY PLEASE.