Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Delivering Value for Leaders

Editor’s Note: Richard Botkin is a former USMC Major.

By Richard Botkin

March 24, 2010 - Andrew Harvey and Raymond Foster have crafted an exceptionally outstanding learning resource--it is far more than a 'book' if the reader accesses all that is available through their generous and dynamic leadership website--for leaders of every experience level. "Leadership Texas Hold'em Style" is a great read for the young leader starting out with its wealth of ideas and thought-provoking real-world situations. For the very same reason the book has as much or more significance for seasoned folks in positions of responsibility who simply need to continue to improve their level of expertise and excellence.

As I read the book and was underlining idea after idea, I was struck by how critical the information contained in it is for young people. I immediately thought of my oldest son who is set to graduate from college and how valuable the knowledge included herein is. Clearly he will receive a copy from his dad--his own copy since I will continue to refer to the gems identified as I go back to it again and again. Similarly I can think of any number of friends operating at all levels of business who would benefit by the dozens of ideas and practical issues covered.

"Leadership Texas Hold'em Style" is, as mentioned above, the kind of resource, very much like the Bible, something to return to again and again. Be prepared to read it through once highlighting as you go. Then go back and drill down into those portions most germain to your own situation. Check out the incredibly dynamic supplemental website the authors have created and continue to update. This 'book' truly is a superior investment for everyone who is interested in improving his or her impact/positive contribution to any organization--be it family or business or governmental. Harvey and Foster deliver incredible value. Well done!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Dog Fighting

Dog Fighting Conspiracy Charged


March 22, 2010 - A. Courtney Cox, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today that on March 18, 2010, a federal grand jury sitting in East St. Louis returned an indictment charging JUDIOUS KIZEART, age 41, of Springfield, Illinois; BRENT CASH, age 31, of Eldon, Missouri; DARRYL MADISON, age 28, of St. Louis, Missouri; THADIUS PAGE, age 33, of Fairview Heights, Illinois; TERRILL CLARK, age 33, of Lithonia, Georgia; MICHAEL WILLIAMS, age 29, of Red Bud, Illinois; and GARY PAYNE, age 48, of St. Louis, Missouri, with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Activities of Dog Fighting. The violation allegedly took place between November 18, 2008 and, at least, April 18, 2009 in St. Clair County, Illinois.

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release to follow any term of imprisonment.

An indictment is a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Headed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, this dog fighting investigation is the latest in a series of major animal fighting investigations conducted throughout the country since the passage of the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, signed into law in May 2007, which makes it a felony to participate in the blood sport. Participating in the investigation were the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Humane Society of Missouri, the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is assigned to Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Hudson and Mike Thompson.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Leadership: Texas Hold ‘em Style

“one that should be read, re-read and intellectually digested.”

A few weeks ago, Charles Ashbacher, a Top 50 Reviewer on Amazon.com posted a review of Leadership Texas Hold ‘em Style. According to Amazon.com, a “Top 50 Reviewer” identifies Ashbacher as having “helped his fellow customers make informed purchase decisions on Amazon.com with his consistently helpful, high-quality reviews.” Charles Ashbacher has reviewed over 4,800 books and received nearly 14,000 votes from readers with an 88% ranking as finding his reviews helpful.

He said, in part, about Leadership: Texas Hold ‘em Style, “This is without question one of the best books on effective leadership ever written and it is profound and entertaining as one of the most unusual yet best possible analogies is used.” And, “Many books on leadership tend to be correct in their content but dull in their delivery. In this case the content is superb and the delivery is even beyond that, the comparisons between poker and quality leadership are apt, educational and make this book one that should be read, re-read and intellectually digested.”

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

What is a Hero?

What is a Hero? This collection of short stories indirectly asks the question - what is a hero? Each of the 13 authors wrote about a specific person whom the author identified as an American Hero. Each author had a different take - some heroes were thrust into danger; others were comedic, yet heroic; still others were role models because of their heroic nature. While all different, there is a common thread: heroism.