Author Archives: Dana Carmichael
Uplifting Business Reading
Earlier this year in my “recommended reading phase,” a good friend suggested I read Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. At the time, I think it was the title that put me off, though I dutifully downloaded it into … Continue reading
Holiday blues
Like a lot of families, ours has been impacted by the economy in general. We decided to ask the kids to buck up and bit and not be disappointed Christmas morning when they had fewer presents than years past. The … Continue reading
The Girl with Dragon Tatoo!
OK, OK – perhaps I was the last person to read this. There is something annoying about jumping on the band wagon. But I must say now that I have finished Stief Larsson’s trilogy, I am a happy reader. Elizabeth … Continue reading
Fall of Giants, by Ken Follett
Last month I had the good fortune of being given a galley copy of Follett’s latest book, Fall of Giants. It will be available in stores on September 28, 2010. What a delight – 987 pages about five main characters … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Initial thoughts about “Connected”
So this book was great! Nikolas Christakis and Jame’s Fowler’s “Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks” is worth a read. And it relates beautifully to this year’s theme, which ideas change us and why? I already finished it and … Continue reading
Posted in brain science, personal change, social science
Tagged book recommendations, Change, James Fowler, Nicholas Christakis
Leave a comment
From Light Scones to Connectedness
Since the last blog, I have read the The Unbearable lightness of Scones, by Alexander McCall Smith. I read it primarily because I needed some light reading after Ronald White’s A. Lincoln. Smith is a great author when you want … Continue reading
Posted in brain science, personal change
Tagged Connectedness, James Fowler, Nicholas Christakis, social networks
Leave a comment
Olympic Opening Ceremony
WOW – The Olympic opening ceremony was spectacular. Sure there was flash and sparkle, but the delicate way in which the ceremony celebrated the majesty of Canadian geography and the rich cultural heritage was fantastic. I was especially struck with … Continue reading
Phew – Finished the Biography
White’s awarding winning book, A. Lincoln (2009), is a good read, perhaps even a great one. BUT you have to REALLY like history. Truly for those who want to learn about the remarkably complex President Lincoln, this book is a … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
How Much is Too Much for the Brain ?
This morning, while cooking breakfast, I was listening to the radio. A great show from the “Science Lab” (NPR) came on talking about will power, or at least that’s what I thought it was about. The people in the experiment … Continue reading
Friendship: Organic or Not
In a recent conversation, a long time friend and I argued about the nature of friendship. I was lobbying strongly for an organic metaphor, that relationships are like plants. One person provides the sunshine while the other provides the water. … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Leave a comment
Essential Questions for Life 