How Daniel Patrick Forrester’s ‘Consider’ Challenges Conventional Thinking

‘Consider: Harnessing the Power of Reflective Thinking in Your Organization’ by Daniel Patrick Forrester

Daniel Patrick Forrester founded THRUUE, Inc., an expert consultancy that supports leaders and boards bridge the gap between strategy and culture. With the explosion of data and hyperconnectivity, Daniel’s curiosity led him to research how leaders responded to the onslaught of available data and to publish his first book, “Consider: Harnessing the Power of Reflective Thinking in Your Organization.” It centers around the role reflection can play in dramatically improving corporate outcomes. As a top nonfiction leadership book, it has impacted the lives and work habits of small and large organizations from around the world. (Amazon, 2024)

“Consider: Harnessing the Power of Reflective Thinking in Your Organization”

“STOP, THINK, AND DON’T DO SOMETHING STUPID!” This is the warning Dr. Robert Bea drills into his Civil and Environmental Engineering students at the University of California in Berkeley. Bea wants to dramatize what he terms the inevitable “oh shit” moments that present themselves—before an actual engineering calamity like the Deepwater Horizon/BP disaster happens.

There’s an intangible and invisible marketplace within our lives today where the products traded are four fold: attention, distraction, data and meaning.

The stories and examples within “Consider” demonstrate that the best decisions, insights, ideas and outcomes result when we take sufficient time to think and reflect. While technology allows us to act and react more quickly than ever before, we are taking increasingly less time to consider our decisions before we make them. Reflection supplies an arsenal of ideas and solutions to the right problems. Including interviews with leaders such as General David Petraeus, attorney Brooksley Born and global investor Kyle Bass, Forrester shows us that taking time and giving ourselves the mental space for reflection can mean the difference between total success and total failure.

Review:
This book is an insightful exploration into how reflective thinking can revolutionize organizational dynamics and decision-making. Forrester suggests that the ability to pause, reflect, and engage in deep thinking is essential for encouraging innovation and strategic clarity in today’s fast-paced business environments.

It is organized around practical strategies and real-world examples, demonstrating how reflective practices can be systematically integrated into organizational cultures. He explains that reflection is not necessarily a passive activity but an active, intentional process that can lead to more informed and creative decision-making. By introducing concepts such as “reflective leadership” and “strategic pauses,” Forrester provides actionable tools for leaders seeking to cultivate a reflective culture within their teams. One term that stands out is “plastic time,” what people are now experiencing when they are in “a constant state of interruption and movement between many different tasks.”

It is divided as follows:

Introduction: The Space between Data and Meaning
1. The Human Need for Think Time
2. Forcing Think Time
3. Thinking Out Loud
4. Promoting Think Time
5. Taking a Step Back
6. Too Big to Think?
7. Rapid Contemplation
8 .Outside the Day-to-Day
9 .Reflection and Extreme Situations
10. The Future of Think Time and Reflection

By combining theoretical insights and practical advice, the information is accessible to both senior executives and mid-level managers. Forrester’s writing is clear and engaging, with a focus on real-world applications rather than abstract theories.

Overall, “Consider” is a valuable resource for leaders looking to harness the power of reflection to drive organizational growth and resilience. It is recommended for readers interested in books on workplace culture and leadership/motivation.

“I do not wish to suggest that being alone and thinking always leads the mind to positive and beneficial outcomes… Alone time and reflection when one’s mental model of the world is perverse can give rise to the unimaginable.”

*The author received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Navigating Life’s Challenges: Brian Hampton’s ‘It’s a Great Life If You Don’t Weaken!’

‘It’s a Great Life If You Don’t Weaken!’ is Brian Hampton’s motivational new book. Photo: Amazon

Motivational books inspire readers to overcome challenges, set goals, and achieve their potential. They offer practical advice, personal anecdotes, and powerful strategies to cultivate a positive mindset and drive personal growth. By sharing stories of triumph and resilience, these books empower individuals to push past obstacles and embrace their strengths. They often provide actionable steps and reflective exercises to help readers stay focused and motivated. Whether through renowned authors like Tony Robbins and Brené Brown or lesser-known voices, motivational books can serve as a catalyst for change, encouraging people to pursue their dreams with confidence and determination.

If you’re looking for the next best self help/motivational book, consider Brian Hampton’s “It’s a Great Life If You Don’t Weaken!’ At 80 years of age, this first time author has written a life empowerment book and is dishing out advice based on his experiences. Check it out!

Brian Hampton has earned two master’s degrees, but it is through his hard-earned experience in different jobs and even occupations that he learned all the techniques he shares with his readers. He has been an Advertising Ex., Political Consultant, Federal Gov’t. employee at the national headquarters of the Federal Trade Commission, a Fundraiser with the USO World Headquarters, a Bill Collector, Telemarketer, and Entrepreneur. Earlier in his career, he earned a commission as an Infantry Officer in the US Army and taught classes in Psychological Operations and Persuasive Communications to Special Forces Majors and Colonels at the JFK Center for Special Warfare. Later in the active Army Reserve, he had tours at the Pentagon where he held a top -secret clearance. His new book “It’s a Great Life If You Don’t Weaken!: How to Deal with the Ups and Downs in Life and the Jerks In-Between” goes beyond the self and dives into the art of how to deal with the distressing predicaments and people that we encounter all too often in our daily lives. (Amazon, 2024)

“It’s a Great Life If You Don’t Weaken!”

Brian Hampton shares a treasure trove of tried and tested techniques, honed through personal experience and a successful career spanning many fields, which empower readers to triumph in the realm of office politics and handle encounters with anyone, from plumbers, veterinarians, lawyers, and doctors, to dentists, insurance companies, bad drivers, and even discourteous customer service representatives. 

The practical transactional techniques within are particularly appealing to men between the ages of 30 and 60, a demographic that has been traditionally underserved in the realm of non-fiction literature. However, women will also discover its relevance to the obstacles they have long faced. Additionally, the concise chapter index caters to the shorter attention spans of younger generations, offering them quick answers to their immediate concerns.

“It’s A Great Life If You Don’t Weaken!” stands out not only for its invaluable content but also for its reader-friendly format. Hampton’s compelling techniques for a better life are delivered in an engaging and often amusing fashion, captivating readers from start to finish. This guidebook is a must-have addition to the toolkit of anyone seeking practical strategies to conquer life’s challenges, triumph over difficult people, and find success in both personal and professional spheres. It offers a refreshing perspective and addresses a crucial interest of the audience—how to navigate the world outside themselves with confidence and resilience.

Personal Memories and Untold Stories: A Review of ‘Remember the Time’

‘Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days’ by Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard. Photo: Amazon

Experts in the field of private protection, Bill Whitfield and Javon Beard served for two and a half years as the personal security team for Michael Jackson and have worked with numerous other high-profile clients, including Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Alicia Keys, and Shaquille O’Neal. (Amazon, 2024)

Coauthor Tanner Colby is the author of the New York Times bestseller “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in The Acts,” “Belushi: A Biography,” and “Some of My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange Story of Integration in America,” which was nominated for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction by the American Library Association. He is also a frequent contributor to Slate magazine.

Their book “Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days” is the story of a man struggling to live a normal life under extraordinary circumstances and the story of a father fighting to protect and provide for his children. It dismantles the tabloid myths once and for all to give Michael Jackson back his humanity.

“Remember the Time” – Hounded by the tabloid media, driven from his self-made sanctuary at Neverland, Michael Jackson spent his final years moving from city to city, living with his three children in virtual seclusion, a futile attempt to escape a world that wouldn’t leave him alone. During that time, Bill Whitfield, a former cop and veteran of the security profession, and Javon Beard, a brash, untested rookie, both single fathers themselves, served as the singer’s personal security team

Stationed at his side nearly 24/7, their job was to see and hear everything that transpired, and to keep everyone else out, making them the only two men who know what 60 million fans around the world still want to know: What really happened to the King of Pop?

Driven by a desire to show the world who Michael Jackson truly was, Whitfield and Beard have produced the only definitive, first-person account of Michael Jackson’s last years: the extreme measures necessary to protect Jackson and his family, the simple moments of happiness they managed to share in a time of great stress, the special relationship Jackson shared with his fans, and the tragic events that culminated in the singer’s ill-fated comeback, This Is It. The truth is far more compelling than anything you’ve yet heard.

It is divided as follows:

Prologue
Part One: Can We Go Back to Neverland?
Part Two: Why Don’t They Just Leave Me Alone?
Part Three: This Is It

Review:
This book gives readers an intimate and compelling look into the last years of Michael Jackson’s life. It provides a unique perspective on the King of Pop, revealing the challenges and complexities of protecting such a high-profile figure.

Whitfield and Beard, who served as Jackson’s head of security and bodyguard respectively, deliver an insider’s view that humanizes the pop icon. Their accounts are filled with personal stories and reflections that paint a portrait of Jackson as a deeply private man struggling under intense public scrutiny. By exploring the logistical and emotional strains of safeguarding someone so constantly in the limelight it highlights the lengths to which they went to ensure Jackson’s safety and well-being.

Overall, while the book’s revelations are sometimes sensational, they offer valuable insights into Jackson’s final days and the pressures he faced. It’s a poignant read for fans and those interested in the complexities of celebrity life, providing a detailed understanding of Jackson beyond the headlines.

“Remember the Time” feels authentic, especially the heartfelt respect the authors clearly have for the late singer. An easy read, it is an important piece of pop-culture history and recommended for readers interested in knowing more about the late King of Pop, including the early years.

“Because all I felt was anger. That overtook everything else. I sat there with all these people getting up onstage and talking about what a great friend Michael was and how much he meant to them, and the only thing I could think was: Where were they?…Where were all these people when he needed them?” – Bill Whitfield

*The author received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Story of G.I. Joe: Rediscovering a WWII Film Classic in Stunning Restoration

The 1945 classic WWII war film The Story of G.I. Joe is now available on HD Blu-ray and DVD. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

In today’s movie news, if you like military/war movies, here’s a movie release just for you. The enhanced restoration of the 1945 classic World War II classic The Story of G.I. Joe was released last month on HD Blu-ray and DVD. 

Ignite Films, which released the 2023 critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning 4K restoration of the 1953 sci-fi classic Invaders From Mars, recently dropped the reconstructed 1945 trailer and the new poster for its next release, the 1945 World War II classic The Story of G.I. Joe. The long-lost trailer, which has never been online before, in any condition, has been meticulously reconstructed by Ignite Films using the severely damaged 1945 original nitrate trailer provided by the Library of Congress. (Roberson Public Relations, 2024)

The Ignite Films 2024 enhanced restoration of Director William A. Wellman’s 1945 classic WWII war film, The Story of G.I. Joe starring Robert Mitchum and Burgess Meredith, is now available for purchase on HD Blu-ray and DVD. The 2024 enhanced restoration, spearheaded by film restoration supervisor Greg Kimble, also includes a full restoration of the audio by John Polito of Audio Mechanics. 

Ignite Films considers the film to be of such importance that The Story of G.I. Joe necessitated a release right now on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the end of Second World War. The potent message of the film deals with everyday life and the sacrifices of the brave soldiers, and is as relevant in today’s world as it was in 1945, and is no different in intensity. That is the primary reason to release this film now. “The Story of G.I. Joe is a true classic which has been undervalued for years,” said Jan Willem Bosman Jansen, CEO and Founder of Ignite Films.

An unforgettable journey through the harrowing yet heartwarming landscapes of WWII, The Story of G.I. Joe is based on the true-life experiences of renowned war correspondent and columnist Ernie Pyle. This cinematic masterpiece immerses audiences in the camaraderie, courage, and sacrifices of the brave soldiers of the 45th Infantry Division, Company C, 150 of whom played extras in the film.

Through the lens of Pulitzer-winning Pyle, portrayed with unparalleled depth by Burgess Meredith, witness the everyday grit and bravery of the foot soldier as they navigate the perils of combat in the Italian campaign. Joining him is the incomparable Robert Mitchum in his breakthrough role as Lieutenant Walker, whose leadership and unwavering dedication to his men inspire hope amidst the chaos of war.

The Story of G.I. Joe portrays the camaraderie and bond between soldiers, a timeless tribute to unsung heroes who fought and bled for freedom. Experience the raw emotion and gritty realism of this war drama, beautifully restored in high definition. It is more than a movie; it is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit.

“What makes The Story of G.I. Joe different from other war movies is that it was directed by Bill Wellman with an eye towards keeping it focused on the day-to-day dilemma of the ordinary combat soldier. It specifically deglamorized war despite being made in an era, 1945, when Hollywood was cranking out a lot of these friendly propaganda heroic films with John Wayne leading the charge — which were great entertainment and good for the home front morale, but not particularly realistic about what the troops had to cope with. The Story of G.I. Joe dealt with this. They used over 150 actual brave soldiers as background actors. The movie holds up so well because it was authentic, and it was deliberately made that way.” – Alan K. Rode, writer/historian

Wellman’s melancholy study of soldiers would not immediately become a popular form of expression in war films, but his soulful treatment of life on the front lines, in which real combat soldiers mingled freely with actors, forming an easy camaraderie, would become an inextricable part of cinematic language. The Story of G.I. Joe would not become a model for war films for quite some time, but eventually its poetic form would become more popular than the more gung-ho patriotic variety.

 The Academy® Film Archive preserved the film in 2000. In  2009, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant. For educational purposes, Ignite Films will provide both institutions with the new 2024 enhanced version for their film preservation archives.

Blu-ray slipcover and Bonus Features available only on the Blu-ray:

  • Blu-ray slipcover
  • “Here he lies where he longed to be…” Wild Bill’s Dog Face Blues – A new video essay by author and filmmaker Scout Tafoya
  • New interview with Bill Wellman Jr.
  • “The Story of ‘The Story of G.I. Joe’,” a new featurette on the restoration by film restoration supervisor Greg Kimble
  • Audio commentary by Alan K. Rode
  • Original nitrate trailer
  • Reconstruction of the original 1945 trailer
  • Photo gallery with original press book pages and stills

The Story of G.I. Joe
Starring Robert Mitchum Burgess Meredith with Freddie Steele Wally Cassell Jimmy Lloyd John R. Reilly Bill Murphy and the Sicily and Italy Combat Veterans of the Campaigns in Africa
Screenplay by Leopold Atlas Guy Endore Philip Stevenson
Edited by Otho Lovering Cinematography by Russel Metty A.S.C.
Produced by Lester Cowan
Directed by William A. Wellman
Program Content: © Lester Cowan Productions, Inc. 1945. Copyright renewed by Lester Cowan Productions, Inc. 1972.

The film is based on by Ernie Pyle’s books “Here Is Your Way”(New York, 1943) and “Brave Men” (New York, 1944).

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Shake Up Your Summer: New Twang Products Perfect for Refreshing Cocktails

Twang’s homage to National Watermelon Day. Photo: Giant Noise Partners, used with permission.

With this intense summer heat, there’s no better excuse to dive into fresh fruit and delicious libation than National Watermelon Day. Saturday, August 3, is a day dedicated to the summer-centered, hydrating life-saver that is watermelon. Enthusiasts can celebrate in a variety of ways, be it through a refreshing drink, a themed party, or taking advantage of the perfectly ripe fruit through seasonings like salt and chili. No matter how you celebrate, it’s clear that watermelon is a staple of the season. (Twang, 2024)

A major player in online snacking trends all over the country is Twang. Embodying the principles of Hispanic-American nostalgia in the form of premium-flavored salts, sugars, and seasonings, Twang is best known for its bold Mexican flair in every shaker. The best part about Twang is that its iconic flavors can be carried around with you at any time, whether that be in the palm of your hand, the pocket of your jeans, or the bottom of your purse, Twang makes every moment more exciting.

In honor of National Watermelon Day, Twang wants to share an innovative cocktail made by one of the frontrunners of San Antonio’s mixology world: Aaron Peña. Owner of Amor Eterno, a vibrant and intimate cocktail lounge known for its imaginative flavors and classic bartending, this Grilled Watermelon Margarita featuring Twang embodies true summer-lovin’. 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup fresh grilled Watermelon
  • 1 ounce fresh squeezed Lime Juice
  • ¾ ounce Agave syrup – adjust to your taste
  • 2 ounces of Madam Paleta’s Premium Pineapple Tequila
  • 1 cup of Ice

Instructions:

  • Add all ingredients to blender on high speed
  • Rim the glass with Twang’s Lime Drink Rimmer or your favorite Twang seasoned salt
  • Pour into your rimmed glassware and enjoy!

Twang is also excited to unveil its new branding and packaging, along with several new delectable products: Chili Lime Beer Salt, Tangy Tamarind Snack Salt, and Classic Chamoy Snack Salt. Twang’s new packaging can be found online and in stores such as Walmart and HEB. 

Twang has seen tremendous growth since its founding in 1986. The brand currently has four product categories in its portfolio and a thriving food service division. Until now, the product lines had their own branding and were previously referred to as Beer Salt, Twangerz, Twang-A-Rita, and Reserve Michelada Mixes. In an effort to streamline the branding as the company continues to expand, all products will live under the Twang banner – shifting from a “House of Brands” to a “Branded House.”

Beer Salt is now Twang Beer Salt, Twang-A-Rita is now Twang Drink Rimmers, Twangerz is now Twang Snack Salts and Reserve Michelada is now Twang Michelada Mixer. Twang’s products are still retaining their great flavors and the brand is even adding new ones, they simply will all be united under the Twang name. In addition to its new monikers, the brand’s packaging has been redesigned to represent the brand’s Latino heritage and its fun and playful culture. Twang’s Snack Salt shakers are now decorated with ‘papel picado,’ the traditional Mexican craft of cutting intricate designs out of colorful paper, typically used for celebratory decor. In addition to Twang’s Drink Rimmers moving from a bag to a tub container, the lids are decorated with icons unique to each flavor profile. Each Twang Beer Salt depicts a scene being played out on the bottle, and each Michelada Mixer features clear and bold packaging that reflects the flavors inside.

“This brand refresh has been a labor of love for the Twang team. We are excited to bring everything together in a cohesive, but fun way that really highlights who we are as a company.” – Twang CEO Elysia Treviño-Gonzales

As part of the brand’s refresh, Twang is unveiling three new flavors amongst its existing product categories: Chile Lime Beer Salt, Tangy Tamarind Snack Salt, and Classic Chamoy Snack Salt. Twang’s Chile Lime Beer Salt offers a zesty punch of lime and chiles that pair perfectly with beer, hard seltzers, canned cocktails and sodas. Twang’s Tangy Tamarind Snack Salt combines the fruit flavor with spicy chile and tangy lime, while the Classic Chamoy Snack Salt is Twang’s granular take on the beloved condiment that merges the flavors of pickled fruit, chiles and lime. Both new Snack Salt flavors transform everyday snacks like fruit, veggies, and candy into extraordinary treats.

The new Twang branding and products are rolling out in stores now and will be widely available in the coming months.

Established in 1986, Twang Partners, LLC is a trailblazing Latino-founded company dedicated to crafting premium-flavored salts, sugars, and seasoning blends. With a rich history spanning over three decades, Twang consistently delivers top-quality products authentically made to enhance the taste, appearance and enjoyment of food and beverages. At the heart of Twang’s diverse portfolio are grab and go Flavored Snack Salts, Beer Salts, Drink Rimmers, and an All-In-One Michelada Mix. Additionally, Twang specializes in crafting blends tailored for the foodservice industry. Their commitment to quality and innovation has driven successful collaborations with top food and beverage companies worldwide, resulting in custom toppings and inclusions that redefine culinary experiences.

Twang announces exciting new products and fresh looks. Photo: Garrett Smith/Giant Noise Partners, used with permission.

How Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden Redefines Valley’s Musical Landscape

Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden is Valley’s forthcoming new album. Photo: Becca Hamel, used with permission.

JUNO Award nominated band Valley returns this year with their most intimate and personal record yet. Water The Flowers, Pray For A Garden is an exploration of grief and resilience from one of today’s most exciting alternative-pop bands. (Big Hassle, 2024)

Since forming in 2016, Valley has accrued over 1 billion streams globally, having appeared on viral charts in the US, Philippines, Korea, Japan, and more. Along with their three JUNO Award nominations, the band has also garnered praise from Consequence, Wonderland, American Songwriter, and CBC. Helping prompt much of their global recognition was “Like 1999,” a gold certified hit that went viral on TikTok.

Valley has also become known for their high-energy live shows, which have been brought to renowned festivals like Life Is Beautiful, Governors Ball, Slow Life, and Wunderstruck as well as their debut US TV performance as part of Stephen Colbert’s #LiveAtHome session.

The three-piece alternative-pop band, comprised of Rob Laska (lead vocals, guitar), Alex Dimauro (bass), and Karah James (vocals, drums), recently released “Bass Player’s Brother.” This infectious, drum-driven track features dreamy synths and grooves, all the while telling the story of a toxic, ever-repeating relationship. The song drops on the heels of the singles “When You Know Someone” and the album’s title track “Water The Flowers, Pray For A Garden,” with the full album set to arrive on August 30 through Capitol Records/Universal Music Canada. 

“‘Bass Player’s Brother’ is a song about cyclical love and obsession. In life we often find ourselves in realities that don’t suit our truth, yet we continue to drag ourselves back to the feeling of staying for love’s sake. It’s cyclical in nature yet rooted in heartache and hurt. It’s the back-and-forth outcome of these habits that cause us to stay when we know we should leave. This is the only song on the album where we didn’t reference real names. Sometimes we like to play characters in songs even though we’re always thinking about someone in our lives. We wanted to paint a picture of a classic Americana heartbreak love story.”- Valley

Water the Flowers, Pray For A Garden is a brave exploration of the full spectrum of emotions with an invitation to also surrender control and trust the process. Recorded over the span of a month in the Smoky Mountains and produced by COIN’s Chase Lawrence, Valley captures a specific moment in time. Through embracing the transformative power of death and rebirth, the band finds themselves reinvented and the most inspired they have felt thus far in their careers.

In addition to the summer festival appearances and Canadian shows with friends The Beaches, Dizzy and Arkells, Valley have announced their Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden North American headlining tour spanning coast to coast in the US and Canada. The tour includes shows at iconic venues and some of the biggest rooms they’ve played to date, including Brooklyn Steel in New York, The Wiltern in Los Angeles, History in Toronto and more.

WATER THE FLOWERS, PRAY FOR A GARDEN US TOUR DATES
September 28 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer*
September 29 – Boston, MA – House of Blues*
October 1 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club*
October 2 -Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel*
October 4 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel*
October 5 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre*
October 6 – Nashville, TN – Cannery Hall*
October 8 – Chicago, IL – The Vic Theatre*
October 9 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue*
October 11 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theatre*
October 12 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre*
October 13 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Centre*
October 15 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren*
October 16 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park*
October 18 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern*
October 19 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre*
October 21 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall*
October 22- Seattle, WA – The Showbox*

*support from Mickey Darling and Charli Adams

Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden Tracklist: (Courtesy photo)

1. Water the Flowers, Pray for a Garden
2. A Little More
3. Growing (Apart)
4. When You Know Someone
5. Let It Rain
6. Crawlspace
7. Mosquito
8. Bop Ba
9. I Didn’t Even Ask For This
10. Bass Player’s Brother
11. Life Goes On Without Me
12. Cocoon

Elevating Leadership: A Review of ‘Power’ by Sarah Morgans and Bill Thorness

‘POWER: How J.D. Power III Became the Auto Industry’s Adviser, Confessor, and Eyewitness to History” Photo: Amazon

Sarah Morgans has documented the history and culture of some of the country’s most celebrated corporations, organizations, and individuals. In addition to writing milestone anniversary books for Ariel Corporation, Brady Corporation, and Modjeski and Masters, she has co-authored the biography of J.D. Power and Associates founder J.D. “Dave” Power III.

Bill Thorness is a Seattle-based writer and editor who has authored three books, contributed to many others, and writes regularly for the media. He reported for more than a decade in the business press before becoming a freelance writer.

Their book “POWER: How J.D. Power III Became the Auto Industry’s Adviser, Confessor, and Eyewitness to History” is a compelling study of an intelligent, polite, market-research genius who unblinkingly spoke truth to power, and ended up making customer satisfaction a watchword not just in automotive but in all manufacturing and service industries.

“POWER” – No other individual has had as broad an impact on the auto industry during the past fifty years as Dave Power. He founded J.D. Power and Associates in 1968, a year when revolutionary cultural and political changes abounded. His persistence in getting auto executives to listen to customer concerns was key to the across-the-board rise in car quality, and the influence of his J.D. Power and Associates rankings has permanently raised the bar on customer satisfaction.

The book is divided into:

Section 1: Independence
Chapter 1: The Outsider’s Perspective
Chapter 2: End Run to the Decision Maker
Chapter 3: Forging Relationships

Section 2: Impact
Chapter 4: The Gold Standard of Quality
Chapter 5: Revolutionizing Retail
Chapter 6: Marketplace Insights

Section 3: Integrity
Chapter 7: Managing the Brand
Chapter 8: Tough Calls
Chapter 9: Controlled Controversy

“POWER” is a compelling exploration of the man behind one of the most influential names in the auto industry. It explores J.D. Power III’s impact on automotive marketing and consumer feedback. The authors present a detailed and engaging portrait of Power, recording his rise from a relatively modest background to becoming a pivotal figure whose insights and surveys reshaped the industry.

The narrative is informative and entertaining, combining biographical elements with industry analysis to illustrate how Power’s approach to customer satisfaction changed the game for automakers. Through detailed research and insightful interviews, the authors uncover the nuances of Power’s methodologies and his pivotal role in driving a customer-centric culture in the automotive world.

“POWER” is a valuable read for anyone interested in business innovation, consumer behavior, or automotive history. Sarah Morgans and Bill Thorness balance technical details with personal stories, making the book accessible to both industry professionals and general readers. Overall, it not only chronicles J.D. Power III’s professional journey but also offers a broader commentary on both consumer feedback and business strategy.

“Dave Powers not only wanted to remain independent in his efforts to help automobile manufacturers improve by listening to the voice of the customer, he also wanted to have as big an impact as possible on consumers and clients.”

*The author received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Bucket List Destination: WorldSprings Dallas

WorldSprings Dallas, the first mineral springs wellness destination, is now open. Photo: WorldSprings, used with permission.

WorldSprings is now officially open at Grandscape in The Colony. Debuting as the first outdoor mineral springs immersive experience in Texas and the largest of its kind in the United States, WorldSprings has 46 outdoor soaking pools, eight saunas, a 12-room first-class spa facility, a premier food and beverage program, and more. Located only 20 minutes outside of Dallas, WorldSprings is the second water retreat from investment firm Off Road Capital, preceded by its sister site, Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. As the largest location to date under Off Road Capital’s portfolio, WorldSprings spans 9 acres, cementing its status as a landmark destination for travelers and residents alike. (WorldSprings, 2024)

“After years of dedicated planning and preparation, we are overjoyed to open our doors and contribute to the wellness and community improvement of the vibrant DFW area. Our vision is to create a welcoming space where everyone can focus on their wellness and come together to build a stronger sense of community spirit.” – Amelia Wohrle, General Manager

Thoughtfully designed by architectural and engineering solutions firm HFA-AE, WorldSprings is an all-encompassing social and recreational wellness destination that features mineral soaking pools inspired by the world’s most famous hot springs – such as Jordan’s Dead Sea, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, and Mexico’s Grutas Tolantongo, all once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list destinations. The pools are meticulously formulated with minerals and ranging from hot to cold temperatures in order to bring the restorative soaking benefits all to one place. 

Visitors are greeted in the check-in area where they can browse a highly curated retail section and begin their experience. The Spa and Wellness Center brings world-class body treatments, facials and athletic recovery to guests, making WorldSprings a truly singular destination for the wellness-minded. Once checked in, guests make their way to the locker room, which serves as home base during their WorldSprings experience. The neighboring The Springs Kitchen & Bar welcomes guests to dine in. WorldSprings has a total of 46 pools ranging in temperature from 45-degree cold plunge pools to 104-degree bodies of water to ensure a completely personalized wellness journey. VIP cabanas are available for rent.

Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of water experiences, including:

  • The freshwater Globe Pool, created for all ages
  • The Dead Sea pool, a saline-enriched pool for 18+ adults only
  • Four minerally dense destination areas are formulated to replicate the soaking experience of the Americas, Europe, Asia and South Pacific regions of the world. These pools are for 18+ adults only. 

“This venture represents not only a new chapter for our company but also a testament to our commitment to offering exceptional hospitality centered around making our guests feel better. We look forward to sharing the magic of WorldSprings with the local community.” – Chris Barrett, WorldSprings CEO

WorldSprings Dallas
3240 Plano Parkway
The Colony, Texas 75056

Iron Mountain Hot Springs is located on the bank of the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs. Soaking options include 16 thermal water pools filled with 100 percent pure mineral water, a new mineral pool, and a freshwater family pool with a whirlpool spa. WorldSprings is the property’s latest expansion for adults 21 years and older, adding 10 new mineral experience pools, a cold plunge pool, two large freshwater pools and a new cafe. 

Intrigue and Justice: ‘Righteous Assassin’ is a Suspenseful Thriller

‘Righteous Assassin’ by Kevin G. Chapman. Photo: Amazon

Kevin G. Chapman is a writer and corporate labor and employment lawyer who works for a major US media company. He frequently speaks at Continuing Legal Education seminars, has taught legal writing to law students, and is the past chairperson of the Labor & Employment division of the global Association of Corporate Counsel. He is the author of the award-winning Mike Stoneman thriller series and other novels, short stories, and screenplays. His book “Righteous Assassin,” a Mike Stoneman thriller, is a thrilling page-turner with twists you’ll never see coming. (Amazon, 2024)

“Righteous Assassin” – The story begins with four unsolved murders in four months, each on the last Saturday of the month. A mob boss is eaten alive by tigers at the Bronx Zoo, a sweatshop owner is mutilated and left to bleed out, a pharmaceutical baron is tortured and frozen to death, and a fashion designer is poisoned in her Upper East Side apartment.

NYPD homicide detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson must stop the elusive killer before he completes his decathlon of death. Each murder adds a piece to the killer’s puzzle, but even unravelling the clues and finding the killer’s pattern may not be enough to catch him.

The task force includes an FBI profiler, and Mike gets an assist from Medical Examiner Michelle McNeill, who seems to be on his mind a lot lately. She’s an asset to the investigation, but is this any time to be starting a romance? Each month is a race against the calendar. Only one thing is certain – on the last Saturday of the month, there will be blood.

This crime thriller is a pulse-pounding novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Detective Mike Stoneman finds himself in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a cunning serial killer who’s targeting the city’s elite. The killer’s meticulously planned murders, each with a disturbing biblical twist, add a chilling layer of complexity to the case.

Chapman’s writing is sharp and engaging, drawing readers deep into the gritty world of crime investigation. The plot is intricate and filled with unexpected turns, making it difficult to predict the killer’s next move. While the character development could be deeper, Stoneman emerges as a compelling protagonist, driven by a relentless pursuit of justice.

The narrative is tight and immersive, skillfully weaving together suspense and character-driven drama. Narrating the killer’s intentions in the first person makes his actions seem more disturbing “I shall now sleep the untroubled sleep of the righteous.” The pacing is relentless, ensuring readers are on edge with each twist and turn. Sam is a deeply flawed protagonist, struggling with internal demons as much as external threats, which makes his journey both compelling and relatable. Even though the murder scenes are gruesome, they are not overly graphic.

Overall, “Righteous Assassin” is a gripping dive into the world of vigilante justice and moral ambiguity. The author’s portrayal of moral dilemmas and the consequences of vigilantism is thought-provoking, making this more than just a thriller. It challenges readers to reflect on justice, ethics, and the cost of taking the law into one’s own hands. A fast paced, thrilling, and intense read, it is reminiscent of the movie Se7en and is recommended for fans of crime thrillers that revolve around serial killers similar to Thomas Harris’ “Silence of the Lambs.”

“I am confident that the description of the mystery man will yield no accurate details, since I carefully crafted a backstory to go along with my false identity. I have nothing to fear.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Discussion: I am new to this author and can’t wait to read more of his Mike Stoneman novels. Have you read any of them? Which one would you recommend? Are you a fan of the author? Have you read “Righteous Assassin”? If so, what are your thoughts?

What Makes ‘Crash Course’ by Ricardo Jiménez a Must-Read for 2024

‘Crash Course: A Founder’s Journey to Saving Your Startup and Sanity’ by Ricardo Jiménez. Photo: Amazon

Ricardo Jiménez is a Puerto Rico- and Barcelona-based writer, entrepreneur and active angel investor. Since 2014, he has performed direct investments in over 30 tech projects, including the Ethereum token launch. Jiménez, who was born in Spain, holds an MBA from Duke and is fluent in Spanish, English and conversational Indonesian. In his new book “Crash Course: A Founder’s Journey to Saving Your Startup and Sanity” he recounts his personal startup failure so that other entrepreneurs and business founders may learn from his mistakes as they chase their own business dreams. (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)

“Crash Course” – For every Miracle Mop, Bombas sock or Squatty Potty, there’s a Plushky. What’s a Plushky? It’s a stuffed, colorful plushie shaped like a country. For six years, from 2010 to 2016, then Austin-based entrepreneur Ricardo Jiménez engaged in a relentless pursuit to find the market, customers, distributors, investors, partners and sellers that would make his line of Plushkies the next big thing.

Given these cuddly plush stuffed toys can’t be found on shelves of any major retailers or on any online marketplace, we already know the ending of this story. Jiménez failed in his efforts to get others to see his vision that these toys would bring the children of the world together. But not every entrepreneur can be a Joy Mangano, Dave Heath or Bobby and Judy Edwards. In fact, nine times out of ten, entrepreneurs fail.

But is it truly the ending of his story or his Plushkies? Jiménez shares what it’s like to pour your heart, your passion and your financial resources into a dream and vision that few others see and, most excruciatingly, fail at it.

“There are enough stories about entrepreneurs who lived their American dreams, but what about those of us who put ourselves on the line, worked endless hours, did everything we could to give our companies life, and still faltered and lost our money without ever creating a true profitable enterprise? That’s not a story people usually want to hear, but I am convinced it’s important—maybe even more important than endlessly studying Cinderella-like success stories” – Ricardo Jiménez.

Have we been given a how-to on what it’s like to fail at a startup? In “Crash Course,” Jiménez asks: Can failure inform a different narrative of accomplishment, as opposed to success by mainstream measures? 

In his book, he offers advice on how to:

  • Learn the most valuable information first. What do your customers want? What are they willing to pay? How are they going to use the product?
  • Know your motives before you leap. Are you doing this for yourself or others? What is the number one driver of your decision to start a business?
  • Trust yourself. Follow your heart and do not fear the outcome, he says. You are bigger than your company or your enterprise. Life comes first, business second.
  • Learn when to let go. He shares the spiritual journey he took that led him to understand that sometimes the best thing to do is to let go.

Jiménez takes a clinical and honest approach of why his international toy company did not succeed, and he does not shy away from how his missteps, misguided decisions and mismanaged. He did not experience the classic happy ending of success; he lives in the real world. Accordingly, his book is for would-be entrepreneurs who want a clear-eyed vision of where they are headed and what they need to survive the journey. For those already on the entrepreneurial path, Jiménez shares the clarity, inspiration and self-understanding needed to decide whether to step off or continue the journey.

“Crash Course seamlessly merges spiritual wisdom and
business savvy, providing a lesson-packed road map
to prosperity with purpose.”

— Daven Michaels
New York Times Bestselling Author & CEO

“A game-changer for entrepreneurs, it redefines success
as a holistic journey in which the heart leads
and financial achievement is trusted to follow.”

— Grace Ramírez
Chef, Author, Entrepreneur and Global TV Personality