Sunday, January 25, 2009

Day 26: Outliers

Bonnie is also quite interested in this book, which I just finished reading (Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers.) I managed to catch a picture of her, using my flash, while she studied a chapter.

Actually, she was most agreeable to be my model, to get back into good graces, after knocking my husband's laptop over yesterday, and bending part of the charger. Many bad words emanated from our house, and are probably still floating around in frozen ice chunks up and down our block.



All of Gladwell's books have been fascinating reads! This book is making me think about my own growing up years/culture/class background, and the impact on my life decisions. It makes me think about decisions I've made regarding my children, and how my husband and I bring our different life stories to bear on this.

I think this is one of those books where now that I've gotten to the end of it, I want to start all over and read it again, because I just keep thinking about new implications.

Unfortunately, the author doesn't address gender, at all, in any of his three books. I'm seriously thinking about writing to him to tell him what his next book should include! Freud said, "Biology is destiny," and I think Freud had some points, but was a nutcase. I think, though, it may be that "Biology(gender), as interpreted by culture, is destiny."

But within Gladwell's framework, being aware of our cultural learnings gives us much more choice in changing what needs to be changed (like when you're trying not to crash into a mountain!) Seriously! Read the book! The whole part where he talks about reducing mitigated speech among pilots, and how it tremendously reduced accident rates in the airlines industry over the last 15 years, is well worth the price of the book alone!

25 comments:

Chell said...

She makes an adorable model. All she needs is a pair of reading glasses

CindyTykie said...

What a cute model. I love this shot

Sharon said...

Snork! Very cute!

Vanessa said...

oh man what a cute photo!

Diana said...

OMG that is the cutest photo ever!

janett said...

That picture totally made me laugh!

lcp said...

Such a cute moment!

Rachel @ The Little Blue Room said...

Such a cute photo! Sorry about the laptop incident. :(

Reds said...

Cutest model - she looks like she is enjoying the book!

Lauren Hartman said...

Love the moment you captured! I've never heard of this book, but it sounds like something I should go look for at the library!

Michelle said...

I love this! It so looks like she is reading. Too cute.

Susan Beth said...

Well now, that's one smart dog - well at least the reading part, not the knocking computer part.

Becky Anderson said...

I could only imagine what was said! Anyway, thanks for the info on the book. DH said 'Blink' is from the same author. He is currently reading it. Is it any good? Maybe I should pick it up when he is done. Great shot!

Maria said...

I've never read any of Gladwell books, but now I know I want to. I'm always fascinated by cultural influences. It's very coincidental, but I've been working today on a cultural piece for my blog. I think destiny is gender plus culture plus a certain amount of randomness, that is, luck.

Julie said...

great photo and she is so cute! I'm also going to check out that book.

Becky said...

I'm glad you propped the book for her what with her having no thumbs and all. I have never seen a sun dog (maybe I just haven't been paying attention) and had never even heard of one until POTD last year. Those are cool captures.
And sorry about your dead plant. I've been getting away with plant murder for years.

Jeanne said...

Just what did you stick in front of the book to get her to look like that? LOL This photo is terrific and makes me smile!

The book sounds interesting...might have to check it out one day. I love that I get to see neat photos and commentary when I come visit!

Anonymous said...

Hahahahaha...that is such a cute shot. I love it. She seems quite involved in the story line too so it must be a captivating read.

Lori said...

Haha!!!! That's too funny! That would make a cute poster in a library!

Margaret said...

That shot is just too hilarious. Sorry to hear about the laptop incident. That book sounds interesting. Another one to add to my list. I just finished "Keys of the Kingdom" by A.J. Cronin (That's my book club's book this month. And now I'm reading "Same Kind of Different As Me. Have you read it?

Amy said...

How cute, what a fun shot!!!

Bobbi said...

That is so cute! And that's how you know dogs are so smart ;)

Barb said...

She is a well educated dog and she was having a good hair day. She looks beautiful.
The book sounds interesting and I think I will get it and take it to Mexico with me.

Krista P said...

I took one look at that shot and though "that's awesome." Great shot.

Jeanne said...

Hope all is going well with you and that you haven't frozen into a human popsicle! Been missing your posts...

Hugs!