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June 06
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PlatKat
gave  to:
The Starbucks Experience: 5 Principles for Turning Ordinary Into Extraordinary (Hardcover)
by
Joseph Michelli
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my rating:
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recommended for: business owners and managers
read in June, 2009
PlatKat said:
"I enjoyed the positive nature of this book, and it was nice to learn more about the practices of a company to which I've devoted a large portion of my coffee patronage. But after awhile, it started to read more like a long promotional pamphlet touti...more
I enjoyed the positive nature of this book, and it was nice to learn more about the practices of a company to which I've devoted a large portion of my coffee patronage. But after awhile, it started to read more like a long promotional pamphlet touting Starbucks' excellence.
Since I'm thinking about starting my own business, this book was helpful to me because it identified some important ideals to strive for. It made me think about my message, how I want to brand myself, and what inconsistencies I need to solve.
On page 58, the author writes, "Great leaders look for ways to maximize the felt sense that their business generates." This made me think about the feelings I want to inspire in people when they meet me and when I have the opportunity to serve them.
I stopped to reflect on my business goals and intended practices pretty often while reading this book. It devotes a chapter to each of Starbucks' five principles with thinking points at the end of each chapter that anyone can apply to their own business. I also liked the call-out boxes that help readers relate Starbucks' practices to their own situations.
Starbucks has indeed made a commitment to providing for its employees, the community, and the environment. If more businesses (large and small) operated with the integrity described in this book, the world would be a much better place.
The author appeared semi-unbiased when he talked of Starbucks' success stories, and he did not hesitate to address some of the bad press the company has received over the years. He discussed China's resistance to the opening of Starbucks stores in their country, saying the overall first impression was a prime example of "US imperialism" (pages 121-123). Then he goes on to discuss how Starbucks solved the bad image by getting involved in the communities they served and tailoring the Starbucks experience to the Chinese culture.
At times, however, it goes to far with its "Starbucks saved the day!" anecdotes. It is a testament to how much effort the company puts into employee training though. I don't think I've ever had a rude barista at Starbucks. Actually, I haven't had any problems with baristas in the other coffeeshops I visit either.
The book talks about how Starbucks raises the bar for the other businesses in the area when it sets up shop in a new place. I am sure there are examples to the contrary, but I have to take the book's word on it since I haven't been anywhere that Starbucks is considered "new" in a really long time!
I think this book has some value for people going into business for themselves or those at the management level at a company where they have some decision-making power. Otherwise, it's just a feel-good read about people making positive changes in the world (which is fine if you're into that... haha).(less)
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May 26
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PlatKat
gave  to:
Revelation (ebook)
by
Chris Odom
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my rating:
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recommended to PlatKat by:
Sean
recommended for: People interested in male/female dynamics
read in May, 2009
PlatKat said:
"When I finished reading The Game, Sean had another book for me. This was more of a how-to guide than a story, and it clearly wasn't written by someone who intended to make a career of writing. Still, I was intrigued so I dug right in.
I ...more
When I finished reading The Game, Sean had another book for me. This was more of a how-to guide than a story, and it clearly wasn't written by someone who intended to make a career of writing. Still, I was intrigued so I dug right in.
I agree 100 percent with the advice to be more open and talkative. If I don't feel like you're "with" me, I'll use the spare room to second-guess why I'm hanging around in the first place.
On pages 186-187, the writer suggests using the "Are you a dog person?" opener. At first it sounded like a good idea, but he went a little too far with the description. His long diatribe about how cute puppies are and how much he wants to nuzzle them would have me weirded out and walking away pretty quick.
He also suggests "games," most of which I find altogether irksome. Here's a quick breakdown:
Thumb-Wrestling: Maybe if I'm drunk, but I don't like playing games I can't win.
Patty-Cake: Don't even try to come at me with that gay bullshit.
Back-Writing: I don't turn my back and make myself vulnerable to people I don't know. Plus, I don't want some random dude touching my back.
IVDs, or Instant Value Demonstrations: These make sense, especially the "best friends test" because people love hearing/talking about themselves.
On pages 230-231, the writer suggests making fun of a girl's eating habits as a way to "neg" her. Unless you know the girl well, I wouldn't touch that one. Too many chicks, especially the ones you meet in clubs, have had or are well on their way to a full-blown eating disorder. Bugging any girl about her food intake and/or weight is asking for trouble. I can laugh off a guy making fun of my big milkshake, but I think the example in the book crossed the line.
The list of DLVs in the Notes section toward the end is the most useful part of the book. It should have been titled Stuff Not To Do Unless You Want to Look Like a Total Schmuck, and perhaps subtitled Seriously, Read This.
One key theme throughout the book is to use emotional and sensory descriptions instead of factual and logical descriptions. Everything about me should completely thwart this line of thinking, but I must admit it has merit. The example used in the book is something like a girl saying, "Yeah, I guess we could hang out, but I live all the way across town."
You could say: "Oh! That's okay. I can come pick you up. Or we could meet at the shithole burger joint in between or..."
You could also say: "That sucks for you. All the cool stuff happens over here!"
As much as I like being picked up, I also like someone who is confident right where he is and isn't in a desperate hurry to appease me in every single way possible before we even get to know each other. I know the guy will end up picking me up anyway, but I like that this book advises readers not to be so quick to be a "fixer" and to just come across happy and relaxed with the way things are.
Emotional heath is very important. Too many people think that if they talk ad nauseam about how cruel their parents were or how badly they were mistreated by an ex, the "rules" for what is attractive and desirable will be relaxed for them. While the person you're trying to woo will be impressed that you were able to overcome the issues from your past, if you talk about them all the time and use them as excuses for damaging behavior, your target is going to eventually seek a more stable person who not only talks about putting the past behind him, but actually does so.
The book also encourages using impressions when telling humorous stories. This can backfire and make you sound more annoying than the person you're talking about. Also, if you're going to do an impression of me while I am present, it better be spot-on and fucking hilarious.
References to Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" are scattered throughout the book. I recommend reading that before reading this. Its applications are more extensible and will improve your entire life, including romantic relationships.
On page 288, the writer suggests "Contrast this with Integrating DHVs into your story via subcommunication. For example, telling a story that includes a DHV (demonstration of high value) spike such as an incidental detail where some girl gave you indicators of interest." This can seriously backfire. Last year, I was dating a guy heavily for about a month and then my interest began to wane. He still instant messaged me every day, but he had stopped asking me to go places with him so I found it all rather pointless. He would tell me all these stories about what he did over the weekend with his friends or whatever--really one-sided stuff. One time he was hell-bent on telling me about going to a birthday party at a trendy club in Capitol Hill and kept going on about how the birthday girl's mom was all over him, trying to hook him up with her daughter. His attempts to prove his social worth and desirability were so thinly veiled and pathetic, I finally just blocked him on gchat. This book does a good job of explaining how to SHOW that you have social value as well as talk about it, but I warn men following this book's advice to be cautious when telling stories. Become a master in the art of conversation, or you'll just look like you're seeking approval.
On page 291, the writer emphasizes "Drawing Contrast. You’re like this on the inside, but like that on the outside." For example, "You know HB (I think this means 'hot blonde'), on the outside, you act all tough and strong and independent, but I know that deep down you are just a little girl." Proceed with caution! Only say this if you can actually discuss it. If you just met me and you're trying to convince me that even though I'm having a really good time, there's a part of me that is still worried about a family member, thinking about my ex, mad at some aforementioned character, whatever, it's going to annoy me. Even if you happen to fall into the small fraction of possibility that you're right, I probably don't want to talk about it. I'm out because I want to have fun, not have a depressing personal discussion with some guy looking for a way into my pants.
I'm still deciding how much I agree with the notes on plausible deniability and the anti-slut defense (ASD). This section basically tells you, "Make it look like an accident." I consider this good advice in many realms (heh), but it may not work for everyone. The game is to take the emotional responsibility away from the woman so she doesn't get buyer's remorse. Some girls have a personal rule about how long they need to know a man before sleeping with him. There are some guys who just plain aren't ready to sleep with a girl on the first/second/third date. Whether or not he wants to admit it, HE needs some emotional investment to be... functional. And some of us are fucking machines. Instead of learning how to pretend to listen to a potential mate, it's a really good idea to actually listen to a potential mate to see if they're in sync with what you're looking for. In my experience, people are often not-so-stealthy about their intentions. Sometimes people just want to hook up, sometimes people are looking to settle down, sometimes people need to be left the hell alone until they're ready to deal with whatever you're packing. We're all different. Communicate.
On page 305, I was reminded of an incident that I recounted in my review of The Game:
I was using my laptop in the lobby of my apartment complex when a guy approached me and asked if the lobby had free wireless. I looked up and replied, "Yes." And the guy turned to his two friends and loudly exclaimed, "Man, Seattle women are BITCHES! I just asked a question! Why are girls here such BITCHES?!?" He proceeded to mimic my answer as he stormed out of the building. Um... yeah. Boy was I missing out.
This book says:
"IN YOUR MIND: She was rude for no reason, therefore I was rude
back. Whatever. Fuck her. I don’t care. Women are bitches.
IN HER MIND: I didn’t do anything wrong. He was being weird to me
and then he was being rude to me so I filtered him out. Just another loser."
Yes, that's what happened! The lesson is to stay relaxed even if you're feeling baited to become a violator of social norms. It's a Very Good Lesson. If this guy wanted to keep talking to me, he could have asked follow-up questions or sat down and started a conversation. I still wasn't interested in meeting people that night, but he wouldn't have totally disqualified himself AND looked like a complete ass if he had taken a stab at being pleasant.
Anyway, I'm sure I'm almost over the character limit, so I'll end here. I wish I could give the book three-and-a-half stars. It's a quick read, but some parts are still wordy and muddled.(less)
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May 22
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PlatKat
gave to:
The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists (Leather Bound)
by
Neil Strauss
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my rating:
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recommended to PlatKat by:
Sean, Dan, Balki, etc etc
recommended for: Everyone
read in March, 2009
PlatKat said:
"I watched the TV show, "The Pickup Artist," a couple of years ago, and this book got rave reviews from some men I know very well. Some wanted to gain an edge when talking to the average woman (ugh) and others just read it for entertainment...more
I watched the TV show, "The Pickup Artist," a couple of years ago, and this book got rave reviews from some men I know very well. Some wanted to gain an edge when talking to the average woman (ugh) and others just read it for entertainment value. As someone astutely questioned, why am *I* reading it? Well... "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." (Sun Tzu)
I watched some of the show with mixed feelings and found myself feeling the same way about the book: proud of these men for taking their life into their own hands and learning how to communicate with people they used to find intimidating, but also annoyed with the misogynistic trickery that went along with it.
I actually recognized the tactics of "The Game" from my own past experience in bars, clubs, and even just leaving the house. As the author insists, they do work on a certain type of girl. I'm happy to report after extensive "field-testing" that I am NOT that type of girl.
A few examples of hapless misplaced "sarges":
I was having drinks with a colleague in a hotel bar when an older man interrupted us to demonstrate a magic trick involving a coin and my participation. He had one too many directions for my liking, so I finally asked him to just explain the expected outcome. Hoping to bait me further, he refused to tell me, so I turned around and ignored him. He proceeded to drop his coin on the floor and touched my legs while he was down there. Suffice it to say words were exchanged with my rather large male colleague, and his friends saved him what could have been a good physical beating on top of that.
I was at a club with some friends when a younger guy approached me, asking if I'd seen the fight outside. He assured me that it was still going on and I should go check it out. Several of my friends were dancing and I wanted to keep our seats for when they returned. I told him I wasn't interested, but he kept nagging me. I told him if he didn't go away and leave me alone, I'd punch him in the neck. I don't remember all of what happened after that, but it was confirmed that I made good on my promise.
I was waiting at a bus stop when a guy asked me to "settle a bet" because he thought he could guess my name. It was an obvious ploy to talk to me, and I had to be aloof because walking away meant missing the bus. He kept trying to talk to me, even though I was wearing sunglasses and headphones and a posture that screamed, "Don't talk to me." I finally ended it by saying, "You are out of guesses. This conversation is over."
I didn't know these approaches had been hand-selected from a book, but something them felt contrived and wrong. These were "openers," lines and scripts that were premeditated and designed to lure me in. *sigh* I wish it were that easy.
Perhaps my broken female brain isn't wired to heed such pithy calls to action, even when I'm in my regular state of three sheets to the wind. I don't mind idle chat as much as I used to, but I still don't enjoy talking to strangers who have nothing to say.
This hostile mindset does not make me particularly smart or even astutely aware of my surroundings. It more likely means I was bred with a level of skepticism that is unlikely to change. The book is about how to open the lines of communication leading up to seducing the opposite sex. Do I want to be seduced? Of course, more than anyone would believe. But since I'm apt to loathe the regular tricks and immediately search for a true connection or at least clever conversation, it's going to take extra effort from whoever feels they are up to the challenge.
*crickets*
Yeah, I thought so.
I appreciate that the author notes: "If I didn't get the phone number, I didn't blame it on the girl for being cold or bitchy, as so many other sargers did. I blamed myself and analyzed every word, gesture, and reaction until I pinpointed a tactical error."
This is not common for most men, both in his experience in mine. This calls to mind a particular instance when I was using my laptop in the lobby of my apartment complex, again minding my own business, when a guy approached me and asked if the lobby had free wireless. I looked up and replied, "Yes." And the guy turned to his two friends and loudly exclaimed, "Man, Seattle women are BITCHES! I just asked a question! Why are girls here such BITCHES?!?" He proceeded to mimic my answer as he stormed out of the building. Um... yeah. Boy was I missing out.
The author also points out a sad truth: "Most men make the mistake of believing that an attractive woman who doesn't talk to or acknowledge him is a bitch. Most of the time, however, she's just as shy or insecure as the less attractive women he's ignoring—if not more so."
I often think something along those lines when talking to people I don't know very well. They could feel just as uncomfortable not knowing me as I feel not knowing them, so I should give people the benefit of the doubt and appear as happy and confident as I can.
Anyway, this book obviously did its job. It got me to think about the social dynamics between men and women, and it entertained me too. Even if you're female, not interested in dating, married, or a hermit, you'll likely find at least some value in this book.(less)
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PlatKat
gave  to:
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream (Hardcover)
by
Barack Obama
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my rating:
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recommended for: Everyone
read in May, 2009
PlatKat said:
"Barack Obama is an amazing speaker, so I opted to hear the recorded version of this book. He organizes his thoughts well, explains them clearly, and discusses his obviously slanted point of view without getting personal or sounding accusatory. He a...more
Barack Obama is an amazing speaker, so I opted to hear the recorded version of this book. He organizes his thoughts well, explains them clearly, and discusses his obviously slanted point of view without getting personal or sounding accusatory. He also discusses his family life more candidly than any politician in history I'm sure, and it's a good thing. This guy isn't overly success-driven and power-hungry, I can actually believe that he wants to make the world a better place. I am proud to live in a country led by this man.(less)
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April 23
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PlatKat
gave to:
Negotiating For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance))
by
Michael C. Donaldson (Goodreads author)
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my rating:
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recommended to PlatKat by:
Dad
recommended for: everyone
read in March, 2009
PlatKat said:
"I found this on my dad's shelf and decided to give it a try. I don't typically enjoy books that call their readers "dummies," but I'm willing to overlook that for the sake of learning something useful. The author does a good job of pullin...more
I found this on my dad's shelf and decided to give it a try. I don't typically enjoy books that call their readers "dummies," but I'm willing to overlook that for the sake of learning something useful. The author does a good job of pulling you in at the beginning, and he invites you to skip around to sections that are relevant to what you're trying to accomplish, which I like.
I pulled a bunch of good hints from this book. Since most of my previous jobs involved a metric ass-ton of research and asking the right questions, I was happy to find some ways to "do my homework" more effectively and make sure I was prepared when talking to my interviewees.
Even if you don't have to enter a formal negotiation, this book is great for dealing with the day-to-day "surprises" that befall all of us and have the potential to screw up our lives. Much of it is common sense (keep a cool head, don't raise your voice), but it really helps to have a written reminder.
The author is also really good about using examples, many of which come from classic movies and some of which come from his own experiences. I also appreciated that he provided kind of a script for what to say when things get tough. Of course you're not going to use them word-for-word, but these little dialogues act a great guide to having the right thing to say. Perfect for people like me who feel prone to saying the wrong thing.
Overall, this is a fantastic guide to communicating with just about anyone, and I'm thinking about picking up a copy to keep for myself (once I'm permanently living somewhere, that is!).(less)
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PlatKat
gave to:
Richest Man in Babylon (Paperback)
by
George S. Clason
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my rating:
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recommended to PlatKat by:
Dad
recommended for: everyone
read in April, 2009
PlatKat said:
"When people want to learn how to make money, they read huge finance books, watch MSNBC, buy in to phony get-rich-quick schemes, or get business degrees. But the average person need not look further than this simple book.
My father lent me...more
When people want to learn how to make money, they read huge finance books, watch MSNBC, buy in to phony get-rich-quick schemes, or get business degrees. But the average person need not look further than this simple book.
My father lent me his copy, probably to ensure that I would continue my post-college streak of never asking him for money (or big-ticket items, which is the same as asking for money) EVAR. Lucky for both of us, the principles laid out in this book are common sense to me. I don't mean to sound all high and mighty, but living in a country that's up to its ears in debt, it looks like more than a few people could stand to read this.
Although it's hard to get on board with the dowdy language (it was written in the 30s), the anecdotes throughout the book prove to be interesting, useful, and even though they describe life in ancient Babylon, quite relatable. Even if you've never found yourself in one of the book's situations, it can still serve as a good reminder to save for a rainy day, honor your debts, and consider your purchases carefully.
The book is less than 150 pages--you could read it in an evening. I recommend it!(less)
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April 19
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March 13
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PlatKat
gave to:
The Kite Runner (Paperback)
by
Khaled Hosseini
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my rating:
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recommended to PlatKat by:
Dan
recommended for: bored people
read in March, 2009
PlatKat said:
"I really, really wanted to like this book. Really, really, REALLY. Everyone else likes it, and I just want to be popular.
Wait, no I don't. In fact, I take issue with people who run their lives based on what is popular and safe, which i...more
I really, really wanted to like this book. Really, really, REALLY. Everyone else likes it, and I just want to be popular.
Wait, no I don't. In fact, I take issue with people who run their lives based on what is popular and safe, which is why I couldn't relate to the main character of the book.
Since I'm probably the last person on earth to read The Kite Runner, I'm including some spoilers. I hate that Amir just sits there and watches Hassan get violated and doesn't even TRY to do anything. Even worse, he deprives Ali and Hassan a home because he's too chicken shit to face his demons and come clean about the incident. He carries it with him until he meets Hassan's attacker decades later and gets the living shit (and the guilt) beaten out of him.
I could deal with all this. Really, I could. Guilt in exchange for disloyalty. Fine. BUT Amir goes on to attempt to adopt Hassan's son after he is orphaned thanks to the Taliban.
He goes through all the crap of getting Sohrab out of the orphanage and eventually Sohrab warms up to him. Although there's a lot of red tape involved with bringing him back to America, the boy had a shot at living a normal, happy life.
Then, like the spineless moron that he is, Amir tells Sohrab that he might have to go back to the orphanage. WHAT THE HELL. Why would you even put that thought into a kid's head unless it were absolutely going to happen? He described the place as horrid before he even found Sohrab: not enough beds, not enough food, dirty, rats, a manager who sells children to anyone who's buying... What. The. Hell. Amir's wife had told him she was going to get the ball rolling in America so they could adopt the child... why didn't he just wait to see what she came up with before assuming he and Sohrab would have to separate? Throughout the whole book, he's stuck on preserving his own safety and not considering the feelings of others.
I know people make mistakes, but damn. So yeah, Sohrab understandably attempts suicide and becomes totally distant when he is unsuccessful. I'm sure I'm in the minority here, but I think suicides should be honored (even if the person is below the age of consent). Saving the boy was selfish too.
To sum it up, I'm not upset with the unhappy ending, I'm upset with the main character being a spineless douche. Even after he got the snot beaten out of him, he still didn't learn anything, and a little boy suffered.
It gets three stars for being well-written and discussing issues of loyalty.(less)
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