I made a really big push with the GTD system this year. I listened to the GTD Live audio sessions and then I read Ready for Anything. More than ever I...moreI made a really big push with the GTD system this year. I listened to the GTD Live audio sessions and then I read Ready for Anything. More than ever I'm relying on GTD to manage my life.
What I learned this time around is how connected organization and creativity are. We're either being creative and making new stuff, or else trying to organize all the stuff that we have created so that we have more space (psychological or physical or otherwise) which will then allow us to be creative again.
The format of this book is nice because each principle is just a page or two long. It's easy to pick it up at any time. Some of the principles really hit home, a few didn't help me much. I really like all the quotes; each principle includes several quotes from a wide variety of people. I marked up many of them for future reference.(less)
Franklin was an amazing initiator. He thoughts things up and then made them happen; from a new stove design to academies and fire houses. This book on...moreFranklin was an amazing initiator. He thoughts things up and then made them happen; from a new stove design to academies and fire houses. This book only covers the first half of his life, it stops short of the revolution period. To me it feels like it downplays Franklin's accomplishments. I definitely want to read more about him now.(less)
Very in-depth look at various business models. While reading I felt like it validated a lot of what I already thought and that I was learning a lot. L...moreVery in-depth look at various business models. While reading I felt like it validated a lot of what I already thought and that I was learning a lot. Looking back what I can remember learning is that almost all software companies end up being a hybrid of product and services. Oh, and a lot of seemingly solid software start-ups fail. (less)
My in-laws brought me a signed copy of this book from New York. It's a decent thriller. The characters are engaging, though not particularly believabl...moreMy in-laws brought me a signed copy of this book from New York. It's a decent thriller. The characters are engaging, though not particularly believable. Many of the included stories and incidents are true which makes it interesting to learn more about. (less)
If you need a way to communicate high level project status information then this book offers the solution. It describes an excellent format; especiall...moreIf you need a way to communicate high level project status information then this book offers the solution. It describes an excellent format; especially for communicating to upper management.
However you do have to ignore the employee recognition philosophies as they're all wrong. The author works (or worked) for a company that creates employee recognition awards and this bias shows through. Or maybe I should say they're wrong for the highly skilled class of workers like those found in the software development business.(less)
Mercurial rocks. So many things I've wanted to do with version control for years and now it's all possible. If you're using Subversion or anything lik...moreMercurial rocks. So many things I've wanted to do with version control for years and now it's all possible. If you're using Subversion or anything like it I highly recommend switching if it at all possible. We actually use Kiln, which is just Mercurial with a nice web interface and integration into Fogbugz.
This book is a decent reference, though I still find I need to use other sources too at times.
Fun and very fast paced. The only bummer was when my 1st grader wouldn't let me read book 3 until he had finished it. For the last two books though I ...moreFun and very fast paced. The only bummer was when my 1st grader wouldn't let me read book 3 until he had finished it. For the last two books though I insisted I had to read them first to approve them.(less)
Excellent book about doing presentations properly. It doesn't teach anything about using common tools like PowerPoint or Keynote, but instead focuses ...moreExcellent book about doing presentations properly. It doesn't teach anything about using common tools like PowerPoint or Keynote, but instead focuses on what makes a good presentation/presenter and how you can give better presentations.(less)
This book is about being an artist. Whether you're a painter or an accountant you can bring unique talents to the job and become indispensable, a linc...moreThis book is about being an artist. Whether you're a painter or an accountant you can bring unique talents to the job and become indispensable, a linchpin. I've been reading Seth's daily blog for a long time, but I'm embarrassed to say this was my first time reading one of his books. It was eye opening.
This reviewer summed it up nicely:
"Too many people accept a day's pay for a day's work. They clock in, do their work like automatons, and clock out. Most businesses never tap the creativity or passion that people have, and most people believe that stuff belongs at home, or in the gym, the lodge, the classroom or the garage, rather than in the cubicle. The truly indispensable people are ones who bring all that passion and energy to work, and deliver incredible experiences for their partners, customers and compatriots. I think many people are unsatisfied at work because they aren't willing to tap into their real energy and passion, and don't believe that that work would be rewarded and valued. In a time when everything can be outsourced, only commitment, passion, creativity and engagement will be differentiators." --http://innovateonpurpose.blogspot.com/2010/01/book-review-linchpin.html(less)
I really have no idea when I read this book. I read all of the Louis L'Amour books starting in grade school and enjoyed all of them. This is one of th...moreI really have no idea when I read this book. I read all of the Louis L'Amour books starting in grade school and enjoyed all of them. This is one of the best.(less)
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