Major: A Black Athlete, A White Era,and the Fight to be the World's Fastest Human Being by Todd Balf

Marshall Major Taylor was one of the United States most unlikely heroes. During an era of Jim Crow laws and lynching, Taylor managed to rise to the top of America’s favorite new sport to become the “fastest man alive”. Despite racial injustice and setbacks, he never lost his dignity, moral virtue or his love for the sport of bicycle racing. This is a classic underdog story detailing the life of a little known American hero.

The Song of Everlasting Sorrow: A Novel of Shanghai by Wang Anyi

The Song of Everlasting Sorrow: A Novel of Shanghai by Wang Anyi opens with exquisite descriptions of Shanghai and its distinct and mysterious longtang - neighborhoods that are as much a character as Wang Qiyao, a former beauty queen whose life has gone sadly awry. Wang Oiyao, comes together with people, only to drive them away in the end, unaware of her impact on others as her country is on its people.

Birthday Month

Birthday month is on its way and it has been pointed out to me that planning is essential for a good birthday month. Since my birthday is on a Tuesday night (January 6th) I will be having the usual birthday dinner somewhere tasty but I will also need to start planning the Birthday extravaganza night out. Therefore, please mark your calender for January 10, 2009 to join me in my birthday celebration.

P.S. If you can't make that, I am open to more parties/dinners/cakes...throughout the month of January.

Cats

My friend needs to find a home for her two cats. Ideally she would like them to stay together but realizes that may not be possible. They will be five years old in April 2009 - up to date on all their shots and are declawed. She will provide new litter boxes and first supply of food and litter. If interested, please email me at notablereading@hotmail.com .

November KC Blogger Meetup

I am not sure I will be able to make it but...the next blogger meetup is next week. All blogger types are welcome.

Tuesday, November 18th anytime after 5:00 p.m.
Harry's Country Club in the River Market area
112 Missouri Avenue
Kansas City, MO

RSVP on Spyder's post

Motivational DNA Type is CSI (Connection-Stability-Internal): The Supporter

I am having a stressful day and I find personality tests to be soothing. Thank you, Bea for giving me something to do to regain my balance.

Supporters are practical, dependable and loyal. They are both people-oriented and detail-oriented. Supporters are natural supervisors. They thrive on helping others excel in their positions and will fight for the underdog. Methodical in their methodology, they like to have the facts before they act. They respect authority and organizational structure. Caring and careful with people and projects, Supporters are skillful at implementing procedures. They possess a strong work ethic. Having a clearly defined goal to work toward is important to them and they follow through on objectives with steady conscientiousness. Psychological pay is of primary importance to them. They need to feel good about what they are doing and sense that their work makes a positive contribution.

CSI Motivators: Facts and information, peer respect, sincere appreciation, private recognition, specific positive feedback, an inspiring work environment, co-workers they enjoy, clearly defined objectives, a sense of accomplishment, and time to reflect and plan.

CSI De-Motivators: Hype and hyperbole, infringement on personal or family time, perceived inequity and demands for rapid change.

Quick-Start Tips for Goal Achievement.

From Bea's Blog

Life and Death are Wearing Me Out: A Novel by Mo Yan

Alternating between funny and horrifying, this satire sends executed landowner Ximen Nao through the second half of 20th century China in a variety of reincarnated forms, starting as a donkey and finally ending as a child. In each form, he witnesses the results of the Land Reform Movement and Great Leap Forward into present day China. In spite of the light tone, this is a profoundly disturbing and enlightening look at the impact each change had on the Chinese people.

Well...I do have a few ideas...

You Should Be a Politician

Confident, assertive, and dedicated - you know what you want in life and how to get it. Stubborn and opinionated, you can stand your ground... even if it's unpopular. And while you have strong views, you never overwhelm people with your opinions. A true charmer, you subtly influence people into seeing things your way. You do best when you: - Work according to your own rules - Can change the world with what you do You would also be a good lawyer or talk show host.

What Should You Be When You Grow Up?