The No Asshole Rule

Do you want to know what is a very interesting book? It’s The No Asshole Rule, Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t by Robert I. Sutton, PhD.

For several months I have seen this title on the book shelves and just couldn’t bring myself to read it. Finally, I decided to get a copy and see what it was all about. I have to say I was surprised. I know the title may be offensive to some people, but when reading the book, I have to admit that the term butt-hole isn’t what I’m thinking when I have to interact with certain people.

Anyway, this book is full of case studies that explain the advantages, disadvantages, remedies, and qualifications of being an @#$hole. I enjoyed the book and it was good for a little self evaluation. It is definitely one of those books where it is easy to picture someone else while reading it.

For Cause, For Country

For sometime now I have gradually been reading Eric A. Jacobson's For Cause For Country. A friend of mine gave me an autographed copy and it has been the book that has taken residence on my bedside table for the past several months.

This book gives a wonderful account of the Battle of Franklin along with the affairs that took place in Spring Hill during the US Civil War. There is a great deal of detail and research put into this book. In fact, this book will continue to stay on my bed side table, so I can continue to learn about the battle that took place just a mile or two away from my house.

This is the second book I have used this year to learn more about the Battle of Franklin. The more I read about it the more I feel connected to this great city. I love knowing the stories that took place at the various locations I drive by everyday.

If you live somewhere that has a rich history tied to a major event in history, I encourage you to know more about it. It really changes your perspective.

I'm a Mac Daddy Now

As of this morning, I can now walk into a Starbucks or some other coffee shop and pop open my new iBook and look important. According to my friend Smitty, all I need to do now is lose about 30 lbs., buy a graphic T-shirt and blazer, and grow some hair so I can put gel in it. Then I will be the ultimate mac user.

Frankly, I hate bandwagons and I kind of feel like I am jumping on the apple one except for the fact that we need a new laptop and my budget was not big enough to get a HUGE machine just so I could run Windows Vista. That's what finally convinced me to try a Mac. It was good timing for Apple.

I actually just bought this thing from a guy at work and I don't have a clue about how to use this thing. Everyone is telling me that I will love it. I hope they are right.

Always, We Begin Again

John McQuiston II classifies himself as a middle aged lawyer who grew up in church. After the death of his father several years ago, an Episcopal Priest who was close to his father recommended that he read Living With Contradiction: Reflections on the Rule of St. Benedict by Esther de Waal. After a few other experiences, McQuiston wrote a paraphrase of St. Benedict’s rule.

Always, We Begin Again: The Benedictine Way of Living, is a short and very simple read. Although you could spend hours giving thought and discussion to just a single page. The Monastic way of life has always intrigued me. I appreciate very much the insight that is offered to our own spiritual growth.