What Is It About Art?

This book was quite revealing. I had no idea what to expect, but the information I learned help me realize there was more to just the installation of the Eiffel Tower . I see drama, politics, and outright honest. A very good read!  I picked up this book a few months ago at a book store in Sonoma county , it was a used book, great for a summer read, but finally finished reading at the end of summer. So many players behind the story of the tower being built. One because it was for the world exposition hosted by Paris, France . Participants included Thomas Edison , Buffalo Bill , Annie Oakley , Impressionists artists , and many others that played a role in being part of this magnificent install.  Definitely, I'd like to go back to Paris and really take steps to learn more about the tower than just it's look of beauty. Many Parisians hated the tower, but as it rolled out to be part of the Parisian skyline, they came around. Such a page turner! Let me find more historical books l...

If there is one thing I like about Malcolm Gladwell 's book called, The Tipping Point is the take on the broken windows theory .  I like this Broken Windows theory . "If a window is broken and left unrepaired, people walking by will conclude that no one cares and no one is in charge. Soon, more windows will be broken, and the sense of anarchy will spread from the building to the street on which it faces, sending a signal that anything goes. In a city, relatively minor problems like graffiti , public disorder , and aggressive panhandling , they write, are all the equivalent of broken windows, invitations to more serious crimes ." Who would have thought, near inaction causes a huge and negative outcome in a community. Don't I know that, living in a big city. Lesson learned, and will apply. Did that the other day, someone left trash unattended and decided to grab it and manage before it became a dumping ground for more trash.... Living in a City that is notorious for t...

This is a book that was given to me by a friend. She thought it would be a good read. The book is about a man named Arthur Less , a writer , who will soon turn 50 years old . He looks back on this life as he anxiously awaits the new reality of turning middle age .  Though the character's reflection on his life has been interesting, comical, and adventurously hopeful. I liked how Arthur Less seems to run away from his shortcomings in relationships and in his own writing career. He travels to a few countries as part of his book tour ; encountering a few awkward interactions with locals. In the end, as he travels to these countries, he really never forgets why he "flees" home. He realizes that he never can forget things as they follow you in memory and thought.  Source: Goodreads

I really wanted to try something different in helping me lose a few pounds and reignite a better healthy lifestyle. I'm already moderately physically active, but when it comes to food, I'm a total failure. I love my savory food, McDonald's French Fry to those kettle chips you find at Trader Joe's . They are indeed my salty kryptonite !  After reading and trying this 10-day detox , I would have to say it was hard to literally follow step by step instructions but what I got out of it was to rethink the way and what  choices I make in what I put in my body. This past 10 days has been interesting, I lost a few pounds but don't really see physically any changes. But as the book mentions, page 206, "... it gave you a taste of what is possible".  Purged for now, any carbs , trying more protein , vegetable , and salads . I hope this will be a great new way to enjoy food in my life.  blog

Agent. Of. Change.  I've always gravitated towards strong women in my life. My mother, my grandmother, my tennis captain, my female classmates, and strong characters depicted in TV and film. They include Bionic Woman , Wonder Woman , and oh of course, Hilary Clinton .  Photo Credit: AbeBooks But one that has stood out the most in my life is Billie Jean King . As a preteen I really did not have any dream or life direction. When I saw this woman compete against a guy who is twice her age in a tennis match, it really helped me view and solidify the idea that women are just as good and should be respected as such. Even though I'm a guy, this imagery and motivation was a positive aspect.  This is one of the reasons why I picked up tennis, I wanted to be part of a group or have some sense of belonging and accomplishment. As a youth, you constantly struggle to develop an identity , or begin to find one. BJK was a motivator. Based on her platform and abilities in her career sport...