Look, do not go another day without reading this book. It is just fantastic. I loved it. It was amazing, and now it is the best book that I have read. I loved it. Mitch Albom is my favourite author, by far, and I think I might have a slight man crush on him (in a platonic way, of course).
This book is about his uncle, who dies, and meets five people as he enters into Heaven. I am not going to spoil the story for you, by telling you about it, suffice to say that the five people are special people from his life, and each one is there to give his uncle a key message about the life that he lead on earth.
See, Mitch's uncle was a maintenance man at a theme park, and he worked there well past his retirement years. He died doing a great deed, though he never ever really accepted the value that he added to the world during the course of his life - that was until he met five people on his way to heaven.
Look, I asked my wife to read this book, and she was not as taken by it as I was, but I just loved it. I read it in a day, and I cried on the plane, as I was reading it. Loved it.
I have since read another Mitch book, and have got another on the list, too.
Watch this space, or go to www.antonguinea.com.au for motivational products.
5 out of 5 for this book.
Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Book 16 - The Accidental Zillionaire - Demistifying Paul Allen
Laura Rich really did a good job of this book. It was extremely well researched and very factual, albeit a little bland (given all of the detail included about Paul Allen's business dealings through the middle part of the book).
Paul Allen was actually the co-founder of Microsoft - yep, with Bill Gates. I have never heard of him, and I certainly didn't know Bill had a business partner in the early days. Paul was actually the 'geek' of the operation, from all reports, and he was into the technical side of the business. Bill was the business man, and drove the business forward.
Microsoft started in the mid 1970s, and eight years later, after a cancer scare, Paul decided to finish up with Microsoft. He had, though, prior to that, obtained a 35% share of the business. Now, there is no need to explain to you how much money that would equate to. Paul Allen is one of the richest people in the world, and he has just been living off the profits of a company he started, and then left, over 25 years ago. No wonder they call him an accidental zillionaire.
He seems to be the real nerd, still. He dresses poorly, and apparently has no social skills. Maybe he doesn't need them, with all that moolah. And, he spends like crazy - millions here, billions there, all on business ventures, most of which have not been successful, apparently. But, in saying that, he could make several hundred million on an investment, and that is not successful (at least compared to Microsoft). There you go.
Other key points from the book:
One thing he seems to do well, is to create loyal employees. He has had the same people rotate through his businesses for many years, apparently. He likes mixing in influential circles, as you would, and he is a fan of Jimi Hendrix - loves his music, apparently.
Anyway, it would be good to have just 1% of his money - you would never have to work again. Good on him. Kudos to Paul Allen, I reckon - go son!!
Overall, not a great book, but interesting. 3.5 out of 5.
Paul Allen was actually the co-founder of Microsoft - yep, with Bill Gates. I have never heard of him, and I certainly didn't know Bill had a business partner in the early days. Paul was actually the 'geek' of the operation, from all reports, and he was into the technical side of the business. Bill was the business man, and drove the business forward.
Microsoft started in the mid 1970s, and eight years later, after a cancer scare, Paul decided to finish up with Microsoft. He had, though, prior to that, obtained a 35% share of the business. Now, there is no need to explain to you how much money that would equate to. Paul Allen is one of the richest people in the world, and he has just been living off the profits of a company he started, and then left, over 25 years ago. No wonder they call him an accidental zillionaire.
He seems to be the real nerd, still. He dresses poorly, and apparently has no social skills. Maybe he doesn't need them, with all that moolah. And, he spends like crazy - millions here, billions there, all on business ventures, most of which have not been successful, apparently. But, in saying that, he could make several hundred million on an investment, and that is not successful (at least compared to Microsoft). There you go.
Other key points from the book:
- Him and his people would not support the book
- He is still followed around for investing advice, even though he is not considered a successful investor
- He has invested in everything from movies to cable companies
- His vision is a cable world (I think we might be moving past that now - wonder if he has)
One thing he seems to do well, is to create loyal employees. He has had the same people rotate through his businesses for many years, apparently. He likes mixing in influential circles, as you would, and he is a fan of Jimi Hendrix - loves his music, apparently.
Anyway, it would be good to have just 1% of his money - you would never have to work again. Good on him. Kudos to Paul Allen, I reckon - go son!!
Overall, not a great book, but interesting. 3.5 out of 5.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Book 12 - Worthless - Marilyn Hardy
Marilyn Hardy is one tough woman. She has had one of the hardest life you will ever read about. But, in saying that, she is very happily married now, she is healthy (ish) and she is comfortable in life. Her third and current husband is a self employed plumber, who loves her dearly.
So, born in England, she was born to a miner and a house wife. She had a very tough, and a very poor, upbringing. She craved love from her mother, which she never received, and who disowned her, and her siblings later in life. She never ever got her mother's love, or her mother's affection, which hurt Marilyn badly. Marilyn did, though, get that love from her father, though he was a hard worker in the underground mine and it was her mother that she spent most time with.
Now, she worked very hard to support her mother, especially during times when her mother was bed ridden with illness, which was regularly during her childhood. Marilyn really did do it tough. She was sexually molested by a young male at about the age of 11. Her mother scorned her for being 'dirty'. Her father never found out to support her. Very sad.
As she grew, she finished school, she married, and was happy. That was, until her husband started beating her, after drinking heavily. Actually, both of her first two husbands were viscous alcoholics. She was beaten badly, though through all that, and through three pregnancies, she managed to qualify as a nurse. Marilyn ended up working in a mental home, were she was assaulted by one of the patients. That really rocked her.
Marilyn struggled financially to raise her kids. She was severely poor. She struggled to put food on the table. She went to bed hungry regularly, though she managed to raise happy, healthy kids. She has a very happy family, given all that she has been through.
From a health perspective, she has had more issues that are worth mentioning here, from heart problems, to a twisted bowel, though it appears that she is over most of her challenges. Go girl.
Perhaps the most tragic issue in her life has been the loss of her teenage nephew, who was killed in a car accident. Very sad. Her sister and family had moved to Australia, of all places, and Marilyn travelled home for the funeral. Again, a tragedy.
In saying all that, this is a book that will just keep you reading. It is hard to put down, and you will really support Marilyn on her journey through life. She is a real trooper, and she should be proud of what she has achieved in life. Her kids love her, she is close to her siblings and she is happily married. Very inspirational.
A 4.25 out of 5 for this one.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy
So, born in England, she was born to a miner and a house wife. She had a very tough, and a very poor, upbringing. She craved love from her mother, which she never received, and who disowned her, and her siblings later in life. She never ever got her mother's love, or her mother's affection, which hurt Marilyn badly. Marilyn did, though, get that love from her father, though he was a hard worker in the underground mine and it was her mother that she spent most time with.
Now, she worked very hard to support her mother, especially during times when her mother was bed ridden with illness, which was regularly during her childhood. Marilyn really did do it tough. She was sexually molested by a young male at about the age of 11. Her mother scorned her for being 'dirty'. Her father never found out to support her. Very sad.
As she grew, she finished school, she married, and was happy. That was, until her husband started beating her, after drinking heavily. Actually, both of her first two husbands were viscous alcoholics. She was beaten badly, though through all that, and through three pregnancies, she managed to qualify as a nurse. Marilyn ended up working in a mental home, were she was assaulted by one of the patients. That really rocked her.
Marilyn struggled financially to raise her kids. She was severely poor. She struggled to put food on the table. She went to bed hungry regularly, though she managed to raise happy, healthy kids. She has a very happy family, given all that she has been through.
From a health perspective, she has had more issues that are worth mentioning here, from heart problems, to a twisted bowel, though it appears that she is over most of her challenges. Go girl.
Perhaps the most tragic issue in her life has been the loss of her teenage nephew, who was killed in a car accident. Very sad. Her sister and family had moved to Australia, of all places, and Marilyn travelled home for the funeral. Again, a tragedy.
In saying all that, this is a book that will just keep you reading. It is hard to put down, and you will really support Marilyn on her journey through life. She is a real trooper, and she should be proud of what she has achieved in life. Her kids love her, she is close to her siblings and she is happily married. Very inspirational.
A 4.25 out of 5 for this one.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy
Book 11 - Gordon Ramsay - The Biography
Gee, I am glad I can read. Reading is so much fun, and you can learn so much from these amazing people. Which I try to do. With this book, as good as it started, and as good as it finished, there was a period in the middle where I was not sure that I would actually finish it. To the point of reading 3 other books in the time that it took me to finish reading about Gordon Ramsay. Neil Simpson is the author, and he did a good job, without doing outstandingly. He researched well, and told a reasonably good story.
I have said this again, and I will say it again - am I really qualified to talk about someone who is so famous and healthy. Being my blog, I guess I can.
Starting with his early life, Gordon Ramsay was raised in an interesting environment. He never got much love or much support from his father. His father never showed him any support or encouragement, which he actually craved.
Get this, Gordon Ramsay was headed to a professional soccer (or football - depending on where you are) player. He was fit, he was a machine, and he was driven from a young age. He did what it took. What a machine, even at an early age, hitting his goals. Go son. He got to the top of the sport, but then, like a lot of sports people, he did a knee. He had to have an operation and never ever really recovered. He was sacked from the team on a Friday afternoon. He was shattered. To the point that he does not have business meetings on a Friday, for that reason. He is worried about what could happen. Unbelievable.
Then, as well as his dad not supporting him through the failre, he had to find something else to do. Yep, you guessed it, he took up cheffing. Really, the rest is history, but what we don't see is how much work he has put in. He sourced the most famous people in his industry, did huge hours and massive shifts for many years, until he was ready to purchase his own restaurant. Again, the rest is history. Gordon Ramsay genuinely loves cooking and loves food. He is a natural chef, and lives his dream.
He is though, a tough boss, and swears like a trooper, and gives it to his staff. But, in saying that, they love him, and some have worked for him for many, many years. By doing that, they have learnt heaps, and have got heaps of awards in their own rights. Good on them, and good on Gordon, who is big on mentoring.
Gordon is happily married with children, though he spends Monday to Friday nights at his restaurants. He then goes home to his wife, where they chat into the night. She is now running her own business also, so they are a busy lot. He does not work on weekends. What a great strategy.
In many ways, he is very motivational. One of his life's challenges is his brother, who has been a life long drug addict. He has tried many times to help his brother, without success, but finally that has happened, and his brother is clean. Get this - at support groups for his brother, they told Gordon that he also has an addictive personality. That, he craves attention from others, his father included - he works so hard just to get kudos from others. There is a thought ...
Finally, to Gordon's on screen stuff, where he is a swearing trooper. He has got records for the most amount of swear words in short periods, and in short shows. He is a swearing machine. Some people respond, others don't. Most of his shows have been acclaimed, though some have been criticised by many. It has not hurt his ratings overall. He is still extremely popular. Good on him.
He is in huge demand. Gordon Ramsay runs several restaurants simeltaneously. He can do heaps of work at the same time, and people love having him in their restaurants. He turns them around.
Overall, apart from a lot of the pages through the middle of the book, it was quite motivational. I did enjoy it.
Overall, a 3.75 out of 5. Gordon rocks really, and there are many lessons to be learnt from him. Obviously.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy
I have said this again, and I will say it again - am I really qualified to talk about someone who is so famous and healthy. Being my blog, I guess I can.
Starting with his early life, Gordon Ramsay was raised in an interesting environment. He never got much love or much support from his father. His father never showed him any support or encouragement, which he actually craved.
Get this, Gordon Ramsay was headed to a professional soccer (or football - depending on where you are) player. He was fit, he was a machine, and he was driven from a young age. He did what it took. What a machine, even at an early age, hitting his goals. Go son. He got to the top of the sport, but then, like a lot of sports people, he did a knee. He had to have an operation and never ever really recovered. He was sacked from the team on a Friday afternoon. He was shattered. To the point that he does not have business meetings on a Friday, for that reason. He is worried about what could happen. Unbelievable.
Then, as well as his dad not supporting him through the failre, he had to find something else to do. Yep, you guessed it, he took up cheffing. Really, the rest is history, but what we don't see is how much work he has put in. He sourced the most famous people in his industry, did huge hours and massive shifts for many years, until he was ready to purchase his own restaurant. Again, the rest is history. Gordon Ramsay genuinely loves cooking and loves food. He is a natural chef, and lives his dream.
He is though, a tough boss, and swears like a trooper, and gives it to his staff. But, in saying that, they love him, and some have worked for him for many, many years. By doing that, they have learnt heaps, and have got heaps of awards in their own rights. Good on them, and good on Gordon, who is big on mentoring.
Gordon is happily married with children, though he spends Monday to Friday nights at his restaurants. He then goes home to his wife, where they chat into the night. She is now running her own business also, so they are a busy lot. He does not work on weekends. What a great strategy.
In many ways, he is very motivational. One of his life's challenges is his brother, who has been a life long drug addict. He has tried many times to help his brother, without success, but finally that has happened, and his brother is clean. Get this - at support groups for his brother, they told Gordon that he also has an addictive personality. That, he craves attention from others, his father included - he works so hard just to get kudos from others. There is a thought ...
Finally, to Gordon's on screen stuff, where he is a swearing trooper. He has got records for the most amount of swear words in short periods, and in short shows. He is a swearing machine. Some people respond, others don't. Most of his shows have been acclaimed, though some have been criticised by many. It has not hurt his ratings overall. He is still extremely popular. Good on him.
He is in huge demand. Gordon Ramsay runs several restaurants simeltaneously. He can do heaps of work at the same time, and people love having him in their restaurants. He turns them around.
Overall, apart from a lot of the pages through the middle of the book, it was quite motivational. I did enjoy it.
Overall, a 3.75 out of 5. Gordon rocks really, and there are many lessons to be learnt from him. Obviously.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Book 10 - Blog 1 - Left for Dead, How I survived 71 days lost in a desert hell
10 books down, now. Wow, I am about 20% of the way through this challenge for the year.
Well, the lasest book was about Ricky Megee, who was basically mugged, and left for dead in outback Northern Territory. It was an amazing read, and I would probably rate it as the best of the books that I have read so far.
In this book, Ricky share the trials and tribulations of surviving in a desert with no food, no water, no shoes, pretty much nothing of anything apart from his car keys and a few dollars of change that was left in his pockets when he was dumped.
Ricky tells the story from his early years, when he was a bit of a rat bag, he held down jobs like debt collecting and night club bouncing, among others, which exposed him to drugs and alcohol. Now, I don't think he ever suffered from addiction to anything, but being around that scene I think appeared to sour his reputation and it bought him to the attention of police officers and he appeared to end up with a big file, though not much in the way of criminal record.
After moving constantly, to run away from trouble, he had decided to settle in WA (Port Hedland), and was on a final drive back up there to start work when he stopped to pick up some locals in an outback country town. That is when the fun started. After stopping, Ricky was drugged, mugged, had his car stolen and was left for dead under a tarp out in the middle of outback Australia. No shoes, no water, nothing other than the clothes he was wearing. What a position to find yourself in. Bugger that.
Anyway, Ricky details brilliantly how he had to drink his own urine, amongst other things, just to survive. He went through a world of hurt, walking and starving and suffering from dehydration for days on end. Finally about half way through the 71 days, he came upon a water hole (wet season - thankfully) which was full. He camped next to the water hole for the remainder of his 'adventure' until he was finally rescued by the station owner. He found an old feeding trough, which he turned upside down and used as a shelter. It got hot enough during the day to cook food on. He lived on vegetables from around the water hole, grasshoppers, frogs and a range of other things. He tried to catch a big goanna, without luck. He tried cockroaches, which he said were the vilest thing he tried whilst he was out there.
When he was finally rescued, the police would not help him, due to his huge file, and they went to the point of trying to convince the public that he had staged the whole thing. What a load of bollocks, why would anyone in their right mind do that. He finished the whole experience a shadow of his former self. He was that skinny, he looked like he was from the third world. He endured so much, that he could not have possibly done that deliberately.
Again, a great read. Loved it. Go Ricky. I want to meet him one day.
I rate this book a 4.75 out of 5.
Ricky's key messages are to never give up. Do what it takes to overcome the obstacles in your life and move forward, how ever difficult that may seem at the time. Great advice Ricky!!
Well, the lasest book was about Ricky Megee, who was basically mugged, and left for dead in outback Northern Territory. It was an amazing read, and I would probably rate it as the best of the books that I have read so far.
In this book, Ricky share the trials and tribulations of surviving in a desert with no food, no water, no shoes, pretty much nothing of anything apart from his car keys and a few dollars of change that was left in his pockets when he was dumped.
Ricky tells the story from his early years, when he was a bit of a rat bag, he held down jobs like debt collecting and night club bouncing, among others, which exposed him to drugs and alcohol. Now, I don't think he ever suffered from addiction to anything, but being around that scene I think appeared to sour his reputation and it bought him to the attention of police officers and he appeared to end up with a big file, though not much in the way of criminal record.
After moving constantly, to run away from trouble, he had decided to settle in WA (Port Hedland), and was on a final drive back up there to start work when he stopped to pick up some locals in an outback country town. That is when the fun started. After stopping, Ricky was drugged, mugged, had his car stolen and was left for dead under a tarp out in the middle of outback Australia. No shoes, no water, nothing other than the clothes he was wearing. What a position to find yourself in. Bugger that.
Anyway, Ricky details brilliantly how he had to drink his own urine, amongst other things, just to survive. He went through a world of hurt, walking and starving and suffering from dehydration for days on end. Finally about half way through the 71 days, he came upon a water hole (wet season - thankfully) which was full. He camped next to the water hole for the remainder of his 'adventure' until he was finally rescued by the station owner. He found an old feeding trough, which he turned upside down and used as a shelter. It got hot enough during the day to cook food on. He lived on vegetables from around the water hole, grasshoppers, frogs and a range of other things. He tried to catch a big goanna, without luck. He tried cockroaches, which he said were the vilest thing he tried whilst he was out there.
When he was finally rescued, the police would not help him, due to his huge file, and they went to the point of trying to convince the public that he had staged the whole thing. What a load of bollocks, why would anyone in their right mind do that. He finished the whole experience a shadow of his former self. He was that skinny, he looked like he was from the third world. He endured so much, that he could not have possibly done that deliberately.
Again, a great read. Loved it. Go Ricky. I want to meet him one day.
I rate this book a 4.75 out of 5.
Ricky's key messages are to never give up. Do what it takes to overcome the obstacles in your life and move forward, how ever difficult that may seem at the time. Great advice Ricky!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Book 7 - Blog 2 - Ian Thorpe, The Early Years
Book Details:
Ian Thorpe, The Early Years - unauthorised biography
Pages: 154
Pages read: 154
Words on page 50: 385 (35 x 11)
Words in book: 59, 290 (averaged)
ISBN: 1-877096-12-1
Author: Will Swanton
Published: 2002 by Legend Books, Melbourne
Price: $5
Onto blog 2 from Thorpey. Here are some details about the man:
* He obtained the name, the Thorpedo
* He didn't like it at first
* Then, he patented it
* He manages, and always has, 99% of his money and earnings
* He has size 17 feet
* His mum had to get his shoes through the Sydney Kings basketball team
* At home, he is just a normal son and brother
* He never puts a foot wrong, and that is why we love him
* He always has the right answers
* He had the same coach for many years (Doug Frost)
* He broke it off during the Sydney Olympics, and got a new coach (not good, he didn't do that well)
* He is very likeable
* He just loved swimming
* That is why he did it, and did it so well
Alright, I think that is it on Ian Thorpe. I really liked the book, and I really liked the subject. Well done Will Swanton.
Key Messages
1. Set goals, and work towards achieving them
2. Do what you love, and you will do it well
3. Keep focused and live the dream
4. Grow up, quickly, and say the right thing
5. Ever burn your bridges, and never piss people off
That is a good way to live. I try to do the same, actually.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy
Ian Thorpe, The Early Years - unauthorised biography
Pages: 154
Pages read: 154
Words on page 50: 385 (35 x 11)
Words in book: 59, 290 (averaged)
ISBN: 1-877096-12-1
Author: Will Swanton
Published: 2002 by Legend Books, Melbourne
Price: $5
Onto blog 2 from Thorpey. Here are some details about the man:
* He obtained the name, the Thorpedo
* He didn't like it at first
* Then, he patented it
* He manages, and always has, 99% of his money and earnings
* He has size 17 feet
* His mum had to get his shoes through the Sydney Kings basketball team
* At home, he is just a normal son and brother
* He never puts a foot wrong, and that is why we love him
* He always has the right answers
* He had the same coach for many years (Doug Frost)
* He broke it off during the Sydney Olympics, and got a new coach (not good, he didn't do that well)
* He is very likeable
* He just loved swimming
* That is why he did it, and did it so well
Alright, I think that is it on Ian Thorpe. I really liked the book, and I really liked the subject. Well done Will Swanton.
Key Messages
1. Set goals, and work towards achieving them
2. Do what you love, and you will do it well
3. Keep focused and live the dream
4. Grow up, quickly, and say the right thing
5. Ever burn your bridges, and never piss people off
That is a good way to live. I try to do the same, actually.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy
Book 7 - Blog 1 - Ian Thorpe, The Early Years
Book Details:
Ian Thorpe, The Early Years - unauthorised biography
Pages: 154
Pages read: 154
Words on page 50: 385 (35 x 11)
Words in book: 59, 290 (averaged)
ISBN: 1-877096-12-1
Author: Will Swanton
Published: 2002 by Legend Books, Melbourne
Price: $5
Yep, another book that was bought on sale. It was bought at a discount book shop in Murray Street, Perth. I bought about 4 books, while I was there, and you will hear about them over the coming weeks. See, not only is Jimmy a bargain hunter, but if Jimmy paid say $30 (average price for a new book from the Gold Plated Borders book store), it would be over $1,500 this year alone, just to read one book per week. This way, it will cost an average of say $5 per book, which will be about $250 for the year. Jimmy loves that, but understans that Borders will have to cut back on some of the diamond casings. Poor dears.
Now, onto Ian Thorpe. This book is one of those ones that not only have I read it before I start blogging, but it is one where you love the subject even more after you have read the book. Ian Thorpe really is the epitomy of all things mature (for a young successful guy), all things committed and all things focused and driven to achieve all of his life goals.
Will, like others (particularly) that have put together unauthorsied biographies, did an amazing job of researching this book. He really was thorough, and he covered every base during the life of Ian Thorpe, up to the time of writing, which was pretty much, just after the 2000 Olympics.
Look, Ian Thorpe is the man, we all love him, we all admire him, we all try to relate to him, and we all want him to keep representing Australia and living his dream (and ours).
Strangely enough, Ian Thorpe only started swimming because his sister was a swimmer, and he got sick of going to her training. He jumped in one day, and kept swimming. Go you good thing. It was evident from early on that he was going to be successful. He just had it, apparently. He had a great stroke. Even more importantly, he had big feet ... Apparently, they are like flippers. They push him through the water like an outboard motor, and he uses them to produce a turn of speed at will. His big feet got him into drama at one stage though. Get this - a German swim trainer, although never stating tha the was talking about Thorpe, said publicly one day that big feet are a sign of performance enhancing drug taking. What a load of crap, of course, but Ian Thorpe took it personally, and to prove his innocence decided to be the first tested for drugs at the Sydney Olympics. Go son, step up and prove them wrong.
By the way, he smashed them at the Olympics, his first and went home with golds and silvers. Go again, son.
In his personal life, he is very human, and donates oodles of cash to charities, particularly cancer research. This is due to him having a young mate that had to recover from cancer. His mate was (and probably still is) his best friend. He made every effort to help his buddy, and connected him with famous sports stars, and did everything to brighten his spirits. As you should, as a famous personality. Good on Thorpey, though.
Actally, I have got too much to write, so I might do anohter Blog about this book.
See you soon. Keep reading.
Jimmy
Ian Thorpe, The Early Years - unauthorised biography
Pages: 154
Pages read: 154
Words on page 50: 385 (35 x 11)
Words in book: 59, 290 (averaged)
ISBN: 1-877096-12-1
Author: Will Swanton
Published: 2002 by Legend Books, Melbourne
Price: $5
Yep, another book that was bought on sale. It was bought at a discount book shop in Murray Street, Perth. I bought about 4 books, while I was there, and you will hear about them over the coming weeks. See, not only is Jimmy a bargain hunter, but if Jimmy paid say $30 (average price for a new book from the Gold Plated Borders book store), it would be over $1,500 this year alone, just to read one book per week. This way, it will cost an average of say $5 per book, which will be about $250 for the year. Jimmy loves that, but understans that Borders will have to cut back on some of the diamond casings. Poor dears.
Now, onto Ian Thorpe. This book is one of those ones that not only have I read it before I start blogging, but it is one where you love the subject even more after you have read the book. Ian Thorpe really is the epitomy of all things mature (for a young successful guy), all things committed and all things focused and driven to achieve all of his life goals.
Will, like others (particularly) that have put together unauthorsied biographies, did an amazing job of researching this book. He really was thorough, and he covered every base during the life of Ian Thorpe, up to the time of writing, which was pretty much, just after the 2000 Olympics.
Look, Ian Thorpe is the man, we all love him, we all admire him, we all try to relate to him, and we all want him to keep representing Australia and living his dream (and ours).
Strangely enough, Ian Thorpe only started swimming because his sister was a swimmer, and he got sick of going to her training. He jumped in one day, and kept swimming. Go you good thing. It was evident from early on that he was going to be successful. He just had it, apparently. He had a great stroke. Even more importantly, he had big feet ... Apparently, they are like flippers. They push him through the water like an outboard motor, and he uses them to produce a turn of speed at will. His big feet got him into drama at one stage though. Get this - a German swim trainer, although never stating tha the was talking about Thorpe, said publicly one day that big feet are a sign of performance enhancing drug taking. What a load of crap, of course, but Ian Thorpe took it personally, and to prove his innocence decided to be the first tested for drugs at the Sydney Olympics. Go son, step up and prove them wrong.
By the way, he smashed them at the Olympics, his first and went home with golds and silvers. Go again, son.
In his personal life, he is very human, and donates oodles of cash to charities, particularly cancer research. This is due to him having a young mate that had to recover from cancer. His mate was (and probably still is) his best friend. He made every effort to help his buddy, and connected him with famous sports stars, and did everything to brighten his spirits. As you should, as a famous personality. Good on Thorpey, though.
Actally, I have got too much to write, so I might do anohter Blog about this book.
See you soon. Keep reading.
Jimmy
Monday, January 4, 2010
Book 1 - Blog 1 - The Girl in the Picture
Book Details:
The Girl in the Picture
The story of Kim Phuc, the Photograph, and the Vietnam War
Pages: 372
Pages read: 266
Words on page 50: 297 (33 x 9)
Words in book: 110, 484 (averaged)
ISBN 0-14-028021-9
Author: Denise CHong
Published: 1999 by Simon and Schuster Australia
Comments:
Well, this book is an amazing read. Kim (or Phuc, as they call her in the book) has had a terrible life since she was burnt by a Napalm bomb (dropped by South Vietnamese fighter planes) on their own civilians on June 8, 1972. She as photographed by a Vietnamese journalist as she ran away from the blast, still on fire, with burns to a high percentage of her body. Her face was not burnt, thankfully, and she notes "thank God my face was not burned. Even if my character was as good as an angel, if my face were ugly, it would be better that I had died".
That might have been one of the things that ensured Kim maintained a strong positive attitude both during her recovery, and into her life as a recovered burns victim. She was burnt at the age of nine, and after the Vietnam war ended in her area, the Vietnam - Cambodia war started, so Kim and her family lived in constant fear for many years.
She came from a strong Caodai (religious denomination) background, and she was thankful to Caodai that she was alive and was able to live a somewhat normal life. She lived in pain constantly, though, and her mother and father were there for her always. That is, until later in life (early in her twenties) that she adopted Catholicism. That was against her parents wishes, and although they did not disown her, they stopped supporting her when she needed it most.
Communism came to Vietnam, and where her family were previously wealthy restaurant owners, they were now stripped of their ability to earn a living by a communist government. Kim tried to study medicine (to follow her passion to help people - that she developed in the hospital during her recovery). She told her parents that they gave her life, but the doctors and nurses kept her alive. This drove her to enrol in Medicine.
It was about ten years after her burns, that things started going horribly wrong for her. Her mum (who had all of the families lives taken responsibility for supporting everyone, including all of her children and her husband) cut off her support, due to her Christianity. Kim was forbidden by the state from continuing to study medicine, then she started to become an international celebrity, as the face of the Vietnam war. She was the girl in the picture.
As she was 'forced' by Vietnam to take interviews, both domestically and internationally, she was forced to lie about her position in life, which was one of poverty and near starvation. She enjoyed the overseas 'adventures', though life for her in Vietnam was unchanged, and she returned each time to poverty. It was not until she befriended the then president of Vietnam that her situation changed.
Feelings
Kim Phuc is a very resilient woman. She is struggling in life (at age 23 - currently as far as I have read).
It was amazing that after she turned to Catholicism, and was baptised in that faith, things started changing for the better in her life. She asked the Lord for very specific things, and he delivered each time, further strengthening her beliefs.
Although I am a catholic, in my mind, it is more a case of the universe provides. What you want and need in life, will be yours, if you are committed and do what it takes to make it happen. Kim is an example of how to do that.
I can't wait to finish the book, and give you some more insights into her life.
The Girl in the Picture
The story of Kim Phuc, the Photograph, and the Vietnam War
Pages: 372
Pages read: 266
Words on page 50: 297 (33 x 9)
Words in book: 110, 484 (averaged)
ISBN 0-14-028021-9
Author: Denise CHong
Published: 1999 by Simon and Schuster Australia
Comments:
Well, this book is an amazing read. Kim (or Phuc, as they call her in the book) has had a terrible life since she was burnt by a Napalm bomb (dropped by South Vietnamese fighter planes) on their own civilians on June 8, 1972. She as photographed by a Vietnamese journalist as she ran away from the blast, still on fire, with burns to a high percentage of her body. Her face was not burnt, thankfully, and she notes "thank God my face was not burned. Even if my character was as good as an angel, if my face were ugly, it would be better that I had died".
That might have been one of the things that ensured Kim maintained a strong positive attitude both during her recovery, and into her life as a recovered burns victim. She was burnt at the age of nine, and after the Vietnam war ended in her area, the Vietnam - Cambodia war started, so Kim and her family lived in constant fear for many years.
She came from a strong Caodai (religious denomination) background, and she was thankful to Caodai that she was alive and was able to live a somewhat normal life. She lived in pain constantly, though, and her mother and father were there for her always. That is, until later in life (early in her twenties) that she adopted Catholicism. That was against her parents wishes, and although they did not disown her, they stopped supporting her when she needed it most.
Communism came to Vietnam, and where her family were previously wealthy restaurant owners, they were now stripped of their ability to earn a living by a communist government. Kim tried to study medicine (to follow her passion to help people - that she developed in the hospital during her recovery). She told her parents that they gave her life, but the doctors and nurses kept her alive. This drove her to enrol in Medicine.
It was about ten years after her burns, that things started going horribly wrong for her. Her mum (who had all of the families lives taken responsibility for supporting everyone, including all of her children and her husband) cut off her support, due to her Christianity. Kim was forbidden by the state from continuing to study medicine, then she started to become an international celebrity, as the face of the Vietnam war. She was the girl in the picture.
As she was 'forced' by Vietnam to take interviews, both domestically and internationally, she was forced to lie about her position in life, which was one of poverty and near starvation. She enjoyed the overseas 'adventures', though life for her in Vietnam was unchanged, and she returned each time to poverty. It was not until she befriended the then president of Vietnam that her situation changed.
Feelings
Kim Phuc is a very resilient woman. She is struggling in life (at age 23 - currently as far as I have read).
It was amazing that after she turned to Catholicism, and was baptised in that faith, things started changing for the better in her life. She asked the Lord for very specific things, and he delivered each time, further strengthening her beliefs.
Although I am a catholic, in my mind, it is more a case of the universe provides. What you want and need in life, will be yours, if you are committed and do what it takes to make it happen. Kim is an example of how to do that.
I can't wait to finish the book, and give you some more insights into her life.
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