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The Power of Books in a Changing World
It sounds cliché, but you really can travel all over the world and open all sorts of doors just by reading books. The importance of books in my development as a businessman, a husband, a father, and a person is, ironically, almost impossible to put into words. That being said, I’ll give it a try. Books opened me up to new ideas, helped me become a better problem solver, and have absolutely made me more successful in the insurance industry. With how I stress the importance of books and reading, you might be surprised to learn I didn’t read a book the whole way through until I was in 10th grade. The book was “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” and I’m not sure what got me to stop being so antsy for once and sit through it (I remember liking my teacher for that class, so she might have convinced me), but I finished the book. Admittedly, I don’t remember much of what the book was about, but I remember thinking after I read that last page, “Is this what I’ve been missing?” It was like when you finally try a meal you disliked vehemently as a child and find out it tasted incredible all along. I’ve loved reading ever since.
They say the average CEO reads about 60 books a year. I don’t see how that’s possible, but I definitely read my fair share — even if I do cheat a little bit with Audible. The books on my to-read list are mostly business and “self-awareness” books (I dislike the label “self-help books” — I think we have the tools to help ourselves, but books can make us aware of them), with a few other genres scattered in between. If I ever see a book that seems interesting to me on a shelf at a store or in a magazine, I’ll take a picture of it, so I can look it up later. Every book is a door to a new world, and I want to open as many doors as I can. I think there was a time in America when there was a greater desire to open those doors. Back before the internet, and even before television, when the only way to learn anything was by reading it in a book or listening to it on the radio. When a football game played on the radio, someone had to describe the throws, tackles, and touchdowns — and the listener had to imagine it. Exercising your imagination leads to innovation, and most people aren’t using their imagination when they watch TV. With books, you have to use your imagination to create both the sights and sounds of a new world, and that practice of creation is something we’re
–Duane Hamilton 1 770-744-1855 you’re not constantly learning, you’re not growing, and if you’re not growing, you’re dying. Things may be changing fast, but through books, we have the power to stay along for the ride. missing right now. I doubt the guys that created “Star Wars” conjured up the idea for their universe out of thin air. I think it was inspired by the things they had read. The innovation that reading inspires goes far beyond just creating more stories, though. Anything you want to know about or learn how to do can be found in books, including cooking a meal or solving a math problem. I’ve been told smart people learn from their mistakes, but wise people learn from other people’s mistakes — and you can get a lot wiser by reading books full of these lessons. If I weren’t an avid reader, I probably would have failed in the insurance business. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve solved a problem in my business by using information from a book I’ve read. We live in an age where information is coming at us from every angle, and industries are changing faster than ever. A professional has to stay on top of their game to grow the business, and if
bookstores host lectures, signings, reading groups, game nights and more — none of which you could achieve online. Support for Local Businesses You might think of farmer’s markets or local co-ops when you hear the phrase “buy local,” but the same idea applies to independent bookstores. When customers buy local at a bookstore, they ensure that their money will go back into the local economy and support other local businesses and initiatives, instead of vanishing into the vast depths of the internet. A Unique Experience Handmade signs and art. Hot coffee and tea. A cozy reading nook to check Though Guiliano’s evidence is anecdotal, the science confirms that lifting weights can be an indispensable aid to healthy aging for both men and women. A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information recommends strength training 2–3 times per week to lower your risk of health problems and preserve bone density, independence, and vitality. According to WebMD, “Muscle loss is one of the main reasons people feel less energetic as they get older. When you lift weights, work out on machines, use resistance bands, or do exercises with your own body weight (like pushups and situps), you build strength, muscle mass, and flexibility.” You don’t have to join a gym to reap the benefits, though; just pick up a set of free weights and a resistance band and research how to safely use them in your own home. Bodybuilding.com recommends
designing a workout routine that includes one or two exercises for each of the major muscle groups: legs, back, shoulders, arms, chest, and abs. Try 8–10 repetitions per set, but don’t push yourself to use heavy weights. Even options that are 10 pounds or less should be enough to keep you chasing after your grandchildren for years to come. One public figure who has taken the weightlifting creed to heart is Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The documentary “RBG” shows the 86-year-old judge at the gym, pumping lightweight iron with her personal trainer, and she even walked spring chicken Stephen Colbert through her routine on “The Late Show.” Ginsburg has called her trainer “the most important person” in her life apart from her family, which is a ringing endorsement for lifting weights if ever there was one.
In her best-selling lifestyle guide “French Women Don’t Get Fat,” Mireille Guiliano advises women in their 50s to invest in a set of free weights — nothing too heavy, perhaps 3–5 pounds — in order to maintain their toned, youthful appearance and range of motion. She notes that lifting weights isn’t entirely necessary during your 20s and 30s, but it’s essential to maintain muscle tone and bone density in your later years.
The Power of Authenticity What Makes Independent Bookstores Great
Anyone who frequents their local independent bookstore knows how alluring the environment can be. It’s hard to believe that not too long ago, many people thought independent bookstores would die out at the hands of online retail giant Amazon. Despite this gloomy speculation, just the opposite has proven true. The number of independent bookstores has grown by 35% between 2009 and 2015. So how did these community mainstays defy the odds? A Sense of Community Buying books for the cheapest price possible isn’t the only reason to visit an independent bookstore. They are a place for readers of all ages and demographics to gather together under one roof. Many independent
out new releases or visit old classics. Beautiful book displays designed to draw you in. Whatever little quirks your local bookstore has, you can be sure that no bookstore anywhere else is quite like it. It’s probably run by a staff just as enthusiastic about reading as you are, who can point you in the right direction. Plus, they’ll be able to give you recommendations that no algorithm would ever pick up on. Sept. 6 is National “Read a Book Day,” and Sept. 8 is International Literacy Day. What better way to observe these holidays than by visiting your local independent bookstore, finding your next favorite book, and reading the day away?
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B eyond the C lassroom 3 Key Benefits of Being a Lifelong Learner
In every profession and all over the world, advances in technology are changing how we work. Luckily, just as the job market changes, how we learn changes as well. Online resources have made it more possible than ever to be a “lifelong learner,” or somebody who continues their education outside of traditional education structures. The benefits of lifelong learning are not merely economic but also influence countless areas of your life. Here are a few positive outcomes of lifelong learning. Improving Mental Health Multiple studies have linked lifelong learning to improved mental health. In many ways, the brain is like a muscle — you have to work it out to keep it healthy. A brain that is constantly learning and growing can become a terrific defense against
mental diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, later on in life. Learning New (and More Relevant) Skills and Knowledge According to IBM, the average human’s knowledge doubles every 13 months. With that knowledge comes new skills and new jobs. Basic computer skills are necessary for many careers, and coding is becoming an increasingly important skill to have. But whether you’re teaching yourself a new skill for your work or for fun, there are online resources for everything like coding, photoshop, and even home repair. All you need to do is find the resources and use them! Setting an Example for Your Kids (Or Grandkids) If you think the world is moving fast now, imagine how fast it will move for
future generations. A great benefit of habitual lifelong learning is showing your kids, or even your grandkids, that you shouldn’t stop learning just because you’re not in school. Getting them interested in exploring the resources at their fingertips and learning new skills will not only set them up for success in the workplace but will also instill them with healthy habits for every stage of their lives. Even if you’re not going back to school this month, take this time as an opportunity to add to your skillset. Would learning Microsoft Excel help you in your workplace? Have you always wanted to learn the guitar? Whatever the skill, the pursuit of learning new things can only be positive.
T omato S alad W ith H orseradish
Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine
I mportant A nnouncement !
Savor the end of tomato season with this spicy and healthy salad. Because the horseradish-spiked dressing packs a punch, you only need a little to add a lot of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise • 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 1/2 lbs. heirloom and cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
Medicare Annual Election Period Begins Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 This is when everyone has an opportunity to change their health plan. If you are happy with your plan, it will automatically renew. If you are interested in seeing if there is a new plan that may be a better fit or you simply want to review your benefits for 2020, please call today to schedule an appointment. Remember, the early bird gets the worm.
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish • Salt and black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, and horseradish in a mixing bowl; season to taste. 2. In serving bowls, arrange tomatoes and top with scallions. 3. Lightly drizzle tomatoes and scallions with dressing and serve.
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The Power of Books in a Changing World Stay Toned by Lifting Weights at Home What Makes Independent Bookstores Great The Benefits of Lifelong Learning Tomato Salad With Horseradish Celebrating Math and Puzzles
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I nternational S udoku D ay
International Sudoku Day brings puzzle and math lovers together to enjoy the perfect in-between! Specifically chosen on Sept. 9 by the World Puzzle Federation, this holiday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the beloved 9x9 puzzle game. History of Sudoku One of the first mathematical puzzles was published in La France, a French newspaper, in 1895. However, the puzzle we now see in newspapers, sudoku books, and newsletters wasn’t invented until 1979 by Howard Garns. Originally published in Dell Pencil Puzzles and Word Games magazine, Garns named it “Number Place.” It was later given the name “sudoku” in 1984 when it was published in Japan. However, the puzzle didn’t catch the interest of Americans until 2004, when it began to be regularly published in newspapers.
Interesting Facts The name “sudoku” is short for the Japanese expression “sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru,” which translates to “the numerals must remain single.” In Japan, sudoku quickly became very popular, mostly because it’s so much easier to play than other puzzle games like crosswords. Sudoku continues to be a popular puzzle choice in Japan where, according to Sudoku.com, over 600,000 sudoku magazines are purchased every month. Observing Sudoku Celebrating this holiday has never been easier! Grab a sudoku book, magazine, or newsletter and start solving! The best thing about sudoku is that the puzzles can be done anywhere: while you’re enjoying breakfast, during a lunch break at work, or while you’re relaxing at home. They can also be
done in one sitting or over an extended period of time. Filling out a puzzle doesn’t have to be an individual task, either. Challenge family or friends to see who can finish a sudoku puzzle the quickest or work on one together. Pick up a few sudoku puzzles today and start solving!
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