Book Review: The Tipping Point

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"It is safe to say that word of mouth is still the most important form of human communication."

-The Tipping Point

For those of us who make our living with our words, communication seems to be changing constantly. Athletic departments and teams are rushing to put up Facebook pages and create Twitter accounts to stay up-to-date. But it turns out that our (verbal) word still trumps all forms of social media...or so Malcolm Gladwell says in his book, The Tipping Point.

The rundown: The Tipping Point is about how epidemics start. He talks about regular old epidemics of sickness, but his major focus is on social epidemics. Like how certain books, cartoons, or clothes become popular. In our youTube world, I suppose we'd say "viral" now to mean social epidemic. For coaches interested in making an idea go viral on their team, this book could be helpful.

He identified three different types of people who are required for ideas to go viral: Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen.

Connectors are people who operate in many different social circles and have a gift for bringing those folks together in a way that's not awkward. Mavens accumulate and share knowledge...they're information brokers. Salesmen are the folks who persuade us when we are unconvinced of what we're hearing.

Recommended for: Coaches who are interested in how teams work. To me, Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen are almost like personality types. If we've got what we think is a great idea or we're planning on changing some things around on our team, identifying these key people on our teams will help us get buy in from the rest of the team. Using this information could prove vital in team management.

Not recommended for: Folks who don't want to have to stretch for coaching connections. This isn't a book about coaching or about sports. It's about how to make ideas go viral. If you're looking for quotations to put up in your locker room, then this isn't the book for you.

I enjoyed The Tipping Point, it made me think about my communication with my recruits, my current team, my alumni...everyone. Gladwell is a researcher with a gift of making tedious information more interesting. This isn't my favorite book of his, Outliers was a game changer for me, but I highly recommend this one as we think about how to get our ideas across to others.

Dawn Redd is the Head Volleyball Coach at Beloit College. Come visit Coach Dawn's community of coaching nerds and team leaders over at her blog, http://www.coachdawnwrites.com/, where she teaches how to become an excellent coach, motivate individuals, and build successful teams.

Her book, Coach Dawn's Guide To Motivating Female Athletes, is available for purchase on her website.

Follow Coach Dawn on Twitter: @CoachDawnWrites

Maphead - Book Review

Today, there's a subculture for everything. If you like white ponies, then you're part of that subculture and if you like pugs, you are a member of pug-lovers subculture. There is one culture, though, that has facets of not only being a subculture, but also culture, as well, and that is the map culture.

There are those people out there, such as Ken Jennings, who consider maps the Holy Grail. Maphead is the map to that Holy Grail. Mapping has facets that cut across all parts of just about every culture and subculture you can find because of one simple fact: you have to know where you are.

Whether you use GPS via your laptop, smartphone, Garmin or TomTom or whether you are into Google Earth mapping or just love to look at the directions to a place and back again on Mapquest or on the older "Road Guides" that many people keep in their cars, along with their TomToms and Nav systems, "just in case," then you're probably a maphead too.

Ken Jennings is probably the biggest Maphead around as he became legendary for his geographic and mapping knowledge on the long-running TV information show "Jeopardy." So, who is better placed to tell the story of the real mapheads of the world.

They are people who read maps for the fun of it. For example, there was a gentleman who lived in New England some years ago who, for pleasure, was always seen with an ancient copy of the Atlas of the late British Empire. He could cite names, places, routes and more and knew just about every plate in that huge (it was at least 12 by 14 with 400-velum pages and maps of every description, plus the description of the areas -- at that time and it must have weighed nearly 30 pounds with it gorgeous leather and gold leaf binding). The same gentleman, by the way, read the entire "Encyclopedia Britannica" twice for fun, always stopping at the maps along the way.

In essence, he was an early Jennings, who did this not because he had to, but because he loved it.

There are countless men and women out there who love nothing more than poring over maps just to see what they look like and where they may be going, using them for more than the usual "where are we lost now?" that every passenger seems to ask every driver on the road when they reach areas they aren't familiar with. Usually, the same person takes the map book -- eschewing the GPS or Nav -- in hand to rectify the situation and in most cases they do, sometimes outracing the computer/satellite system.

Mapheads come in all shapes and sizes and have been with us through the ages. For example, you'll find examples in "Maphead" of the maps that ancient mariners used that had phantasmic dragons and sea serpents drawn on them for areas that were unexplored. And, for many, the world began at the coast and ended at the horizon, so that ancient maps were studies in narrow looks at areas. Yet, there were those who knew those maps by rote and could recite the routes to take or towns and villages along the way.

Mapping as a culture continues today as the National Geographic holds its mapping bees and future little mapping masters strut their stuff. Some of the youngsters are brilliant.

Which brings us back to the author whose work on "Jeopardy" is still the stuff of TV legend. He was able to have his encyclopedic knowledge because, he notes, he went to bed and woke up with a huge volume of the world Atlas as his daily routine. One could almost call it a fetish if it wasn't so widespread and necessary because like it or not we are all slaves to directions and mapping. One person may use Mapquest to find all possible routes and times from here to there and back again and then pick up the local copy of the mapbook to find the same information. Mapheads come in all sizes, shapes, ages, ethnicities, sexes and any other pigeonhole you care to put around them.

Yet, at the bottom of it all, the "they" in this is actually us. Just look at yourself, the next time you're taking a trip somewhere and we'll bet you're consulting Google Earth or Mapquest to program your Garmin or TomTom or car's Nav system so you'll get where you are going. We're all Mapheads whether we know it or not.

Roberto Sedycias works as an IT consultant for ecommUS-Books

Book Review of "Journey of Dreams" by Joan Bridgeman

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Journey of Dreams: 40 Years of Dream Keeping [Paperback]
by Joan Bridgeman
352 pages, $12.95
ISBN-13: 978-1456514761
Nonfiction

Since dreaming is a common occurrence for us all, one would think we would have discovered a purpose for dreaming by now. Sadly, no consensus exists to answer the question of "why" humans dream. Theories abound insinuating that dreams are necessary for our development and others maintain that dreams are merely the underpinnings of the dreamer's subconscious.

Into this fray comes Joan Bridgeman, who has written a captivating treatise covering forty years of her dream experiences. From the outset, it is impressive to note the tenacity required to type and catalog four decades worth of dreams - particularly in an era where the cataloging was done on a manual typewriter. Bridgeman gives the reader a very personal glimpse of her life and the ardor which surrounds single parenting, remarriage, and the tumultuous waters of career change. Perhaps the only real anchor for her during these years was the reality demonstrated by her dreams.

Bridgeman came to trust that her life is guided by spiritual beings who explain life's nuances in the dreamscape. Certain dreams are meant to foretell doom, unexpected change, or even unanticipated light at the end of the tunnel. These guides are in place to ensure the dreamer does not deviate from the master plan determined for her life. Such revelation encouraged the author to trust her instincts which had been corroborated by various disclosures in her dreams. If many of your dreams actually came true...would it make you more interested in writing them down?

Woven into this biological dissertation is an exposure to various paranormal concepts; such as, astral travel and OBE's (out-of-body experiences). Throughout history, various cultures have endorsed the idea that a separate "astral body" disconnects from the physical body during sleep and is free to travel along the astral plane. Whether or not the person who reads this book agrees with the mystical content portrayed - the experiences described are quite interesting. This well-written, rather unusual book is commended to the open-minded reader. Dream interpretation can be a very revealing endeavor.

Journey of Dreams presents a unique understanding of how life can change when one learns to trust one's dreams. As an accomplished thespian, musician, and teacher, Bridgeman's life proves the lyrics made famous by Carly Simon: It's your heart and soul's desire; It's the stuff that dreams are made of...

Review by Steven King, MBA, MEd

In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin

Award-winning and best-selling author Erik Larson pulls back the screen and exposes the world behind the glamor of 1933 Berlin with its beribboned, dashing young officers. Its seeming gaiety and the never-ending round of parties. This was the world into which the first Ambassador to Hitler's "Thousand Year Reich", William Dodd and family were thrust when he accepted the post.

Larsen is a skilled story-teller who has a rich body of material to work with. Indeed, it takes a craftsman to walk the fine line where his work remains true to the moment so that Dodd's unusual and sadly frustrating years as America's top diplomat to Hitler's Reich remains the centerpiece without slipping off as a sad sideshow to the life his family led as they were seduced, wined and dined by the country's ruling elite.

Dodd was just a college professor when he was tapped by then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt to become the top diplomat in Berlin. He brought his wife, son and daughter with him on this assignment. Martha becomes the chief protagonist in this piece as the flamboyant young woman is not only swept off her feet by the royal treatment she receives, but is swept into the arms of lovers such as Rudolph Diels, first head of Hitler's feared secret police, the Gestapo and then into the arms of others.

Larsen, using Dodd's accurate reporting, skillfully recounts the rising horror as he hears reports of Jews disappearing and of regular beatings in the streets. Dodd knew there was a "special program," as it was easy to see, aimed at Jews and he reported the facts to a State Department that seemed not care enough.

By now nearly every Dodd's cable to the State Department seems to be met with not much concern even as Hitler enacts the racist "Nuremberg Laws," where the degrees of "jewishness" are established with penalties attached. Larsen shows us Dodd's frustration mounting, also as the Reich leadership becomes more and more oppressive and erratic. Newspapers are censored; reporters and other disappear.

Larsen, whose gripping writing takes us through this dark period in history, builds his work like a composer builds a symphony as the intrigue, excitement and romance lead inexorably to the cataclysm called "Crystal Nacht," where Jewish shops are burned and ransacked, their owners beaten senseless by thugs with clubs and ax-handles, all in the name of the "pure" Reich.

Larsen's portraits of the bizarre behavior of Goering and the slimy Goebbels are spot on.

This work deserves a place on your reading list if you enjoy good history and it most certainly deserves a spot there if you like good writing and portraits painted as if by a painter. Larsen deserves high praise for his work. It was chosen for an Amazon Best Books Award.

Roberto Sedycias works as an IT consultant for ecommUS-Books

Book Review: Ana's Story: A Journey Of Hope by Jenna Bush

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What I love about reading is that it does not only entertain but it educates as well. There are many things I have learned through reading which I may not learn anywhere else. I must say though that most of the books that I really like are those that make me emotional - those that leave me breathless with suspense or make me cry buckets of tears. Indeed, I rate a book highly if it has affected me emotionally such as when I get too attached to the characters or when I am totally caught by surprise by the unexpected plot twists. These emotional attachments are most often results of reading fiction books, which I are the staple books in my shelf. I am not fond of reading nonfiction books because

1) I am more interested with fictional plots, and
2) I am also interested in beautiful prose - two things I think I cannot find in nonfiction books (I might be wrong).

This year, though, the very first book I read was a nonfiction book. I wanted to read something light but inspiring and positive to start the year but most of the books in my TBR are heavy (and thick!)readings, i.e. A Game of Thrones, Pillars of the Earth, The Unbearable Likeness of Being. It's a good thing I was able to borrow Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope from a friend late last year so when I saw it sitting in my (disorganized) shelf, I figured it would be the best book to start the year with, plus, I would be able to return it sooner to its owner.

Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope is a true account of a girl named Ana who suffers from HIV/AIDS. Written by Jenna Bush, the daughter of then US President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush, while she was involved with UNICEF, Ana's Story portrays the struggles of Ana against poverty and abuse and how she is finally able to live with purpose and meaning despite being infected with the dreaded disease. I first learned basic information about HIV/AIDS while I was in high school and though most of the myths clarified in this book I know already, it is still a wonderful experience reading this book because of the additional information I am able to learn about HIV/AIDS and the recent developments for its treatment.

Jenna Bush writes with simplicity but with candidness and I like how the narrative is accompanied by beautiful pictures. Ana's Story is a very easy and quick read, but it is also emotional and touching more so because it is a true story. What I love the most about this book is because more than being entertaining and informative, Ana's Story spurs its readers into action. At the end of the book are tips on how to help abused children as well as those who are suffering from HIV/AIDS. It also lists websites of organizations that provide additional information about HIV/AIDS. For so long a time I have wanted to get involved with UNICEF or World Vision or any organization that helps abused children and women. After reading this book, my desire has been reinforced. I hope this year I will finally be able to get involved and with what little help I can give, I hope to make a difference.

What a way to start my reading year. I highly recommend Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope. Read it and share it to your friends and family members. It is a good thing to be informed, but it is much better, way better, to act and make a difference.

5 stars.

Pujols: More Than The Game By Scott Lamb and Tim Ellsworth

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My husband is a huge baseball fan. I, via osmosis, have come to enjoy the game - mostly. OK so I can keep up and read or do a crossword simultaneously. I read biographies occasionally and found that I would probably enjoy this one. I like to hear about people who proclaim their faith and actually do something with their wealth instead of just spending more on sex, drugs and alcohol or whatever floats their boat. Silly me - when there are people hurting in first world countries and we are obsessed with knowing what celebrities are doing I find that a little obnoxious - let alone other places where hurt is rampant.

Anyway I had high hopes for Albert Pujols. Well, he is a great guy. He gives back specifically to two areas and his entire family is involved. I love hearing about this stuff! This is what makes a difference in so many people's lives. He is really committed to these causes and knows that his gift (of which there is no question) comes from the Lord and that someday he won't be quite as successful. This is lovely stuff - all of it.

Now the problem for me comes with the extent of the details of what seemed like each and every one of Pujols' games. The authors seem to do an almost play by play of every game he has ever played in. Oh man. Now I know that a lot of people will enjoy that but just be forewarned. I had a hard time concentrating when I was reading about who was covering what base, the team the St. Louis Cardinals were playing or his college team back in the day. Now it is not confusing as to the timeline just so detailed about every player and play he makes. I wonder if they put every at bat in the book. OK I'm kidding but it certainly felt like it at times throughout the book. I would have appreciated a more in-depth look at some of the lives the Pujols family foundation has helped. It could have included maybe some more individual stories that focus on the people not just the sport.

He sounds like a great guy and he is really doing his part for the kingdom and maybe they didn't want to name any names as far as the charity is concerned but they could change the names. I loved reading about his wife who is a star (in a Godly sense not Hollywood) and who has helped him along the way as well as probably keeping him grounded. Again not sure how much the family allowed to be 'picked apart' by the authors it would just have made them a little more real.

You can find more of my book and movie reviews at: http://ukchica.com/

Here's Looking at Euclid: A Surprising Excursion Through the Astonishing World of Math - Book Review

If you were to have known before you started this book, that it was written by a genius, who was also a top-flight writer and mathematical theoretician -- albeit with a playful bent -- you probably would have left it right where it was, but still you would have had a playful mathematical "theoretician" doing the research.

Bellos does go over the great Euclidian discoveries and the math theory behind them. It makes sense that if you are going to pun on the name of the master, that you look at his work. Yes, this homage to the Greek mathematician makes it seem as if this will be one of those books you skim and leave on the coffee table to show that you are an intellectual. If that is as far as you get, then you are doing yourself and mathematics a great injustice.

There's far more to Bellos' mathematical journey, not only across mathematical space, than the title would indicate. It is a journey around the globe, following Bellos' journey, that takes you to some surprising places. Bellos can pull this off because he is a snappy writer with a surprising command of the language. Because of these abilities, he pulls you into math, using some real gems that include:

His theory that ants actually count the number of steps in trips to and from their colonies, an interesting construct that anthropromorphizes insects, giving them human-like qualities to them. How else can you explain ant behavior?

His side trip to the Amazon where he meets the only native tribe that uses a base-5 number and counting system because they can only understand numbers up to 5, yet their numbering system works at a highly sophisticated level. They use it to get as any being done anywhere else, which is quite a start to a person schooled in two theories (rote learning with the table cards and "the new math" and "set theory.")

His jump to the zen master of the theoretical math involved in oregami is priceless, as is his proof -- in a way -- that chaos theory is just about chaos and nothing more as he shows that in a chaotic system it is nearly impossible to introduce true randomness into iPod music list building. He theorizes, one cannot get to the absolute randomness as there are too many other distractions in the search for randomness, including the fact that many people like the same musical groups and will inevitably include their music on other music lists.

Bellos' book is so surprising that is also based on our prejudices about math. Just one example reinforces our prejudices. Of course, the teachings of the Buddha are surprising, quickly turning around our prejudices. This lasts until we meet the two New York "mathheads," who would rather build a supercomputer to use to write and argue about their "pi" mania, at a huge number of teraflops per second, rather than put their considerable talents to work on other, more important work.

Yes, Bellos' work is truly dense and takes an understanding -- and rereading of parts -- to make it all understandable, but Bellos, if you stick with him, is a witty, accurate writer who gets his educational point across. That, in itself, makes this a master work.

Roberto Sedycias works as an IT consultant for ecommUS-Book