Read…

It’s been a while since I’ve updated you on the latest reads. Here’s the last couple months…

Crosley. This is the story of the Crosley brothers who grew up in Cincy and left quite a legacy of companies. Interesting look at the early 1900’s and how creative and innovative these times were.

The Devil in the White City. This is the story of the Chicago Worlds Fair of 1893. You will not be able to put this one down.

The Irresistible Revolution. This is Shane Claiborne’s story. Talk about big dreams.

This Beautiful Mess. This is the story of a “start up” Church in Oregon. I really connected with their message.

June Carter Cash. I love stories of the hero’s journey. This is hers as recorded by her son John Carter Cash. Talk about a struggle!

The Real All Americans. This is written by Sally Jenkins the author who cowrote It’s Not About the Bike with Lance. This is the story of the wild west, Indians, Carlisle, and the beginning of football. This is another one that you will burn through. Tons of hero’s journey material.

Opening Day. This is another book about the life of Jackie Robinson. The history here ties to Crosley and The Real All Americans. This ones well written and challenging.

Velvet Elvis. This is written by Rob Bell and describes Christianity in unique, interesting ways.

Ten Tortured Words. This is another cool story about America’s founders. This one centers on Religious freedom.

The Sushi Economy. I love sushi. This book is about the making of an industry. You will see creativity and innovation all over this old story. Very cool.

To Own a Dragon. This is written by Donald Miller who attends the Church mentioned in This Beautiful Mess. He is the author of Blue Like Jazz. This ones about what it means to grow up without a father. Funny and challenging.

Here’s a little background on the book,The Real All Americans. Pratt had a big dream to educate, instead of anniliating the Indians. His vision wasn’t shared by many. He faught for it and eventually started the first school for the redmen. It was called Carlisle. By the early 1900’s they were playing football and were know as the most innovative of teams. Here’s the taste..

“As Thorpe walked out onto the field he thought, ‘If I have to lick all these men to play football, now is when I start.’ Warner tossed the ball at Thorpe and ordered an open-field drill. About thirty of forty players were scattered around the field. Thorpe began to sprint, cutting and weaving through them. Thorpe ran through the entire varsity ‘like they were old maids,’ Warner remembered. Some of them he outran; others he faked out and left facedown in the turf. Standing on the sideline, Warner was furious at his defense, but he caught his breath at Thorpe’s performance. After he crossed the goal line, Thorpe skipped back to Warner and tossed him the football.

‘I gave them a good practice, right Pop?’ Warner was goaded by Thorpe’s cockiness. He slapped the ball in Thorpe’s middle. ‘Well let’s see if you can do it again, kid.’

Thorpe cheerfully went back onto the field, while Warner had a loud word with his varsity. ‘This isn’t a track meet! Who does this kid think he is? Hit him so hard that he doesn’t get up and try it again! Hit, hit, hit!’

Thorpe ran through the entire defense a second time. Once more he tossed the ball to Warner, who stood there cussing both Thorpe and his defense.

Years later, Pop Warner wrote, ‘Jim’s performance at practice that afternoon on the Carlisle varsity playing field was an exhibition of athletic talent that I had never before witnessed, nor was I ever to again see anything similar which might compare to it.’

In 1907 the football went airborne, and so did the world…in popular histories, the first use of the forward pass on a major collegiate stage tends to be WRONGLY ascribed to Notre Dame in 1913, and the tandem of Gus Dorais and Knute Rockne. In fact, the Indians were the FIRST team to throw the ball deeply and regularly downfield, in 1907.”

What are you reading?

How are you challenging your deepest held beliefs?

What are you doing differently as a result of what you are learning?

How are you innovating and creating to get better?

Why, Why, Why?