Part 1 of 2 in our series: The Core of the "And Then Some" philosophy
Richard L. Weaver II
Both as a college student and as a college teacher I was always astounded at the number of students who would do what they needed to do to “get by” rather than go the extra mile. Going the extra mile (and then some) is simply doing more than you are asked or expected to do.
Often I attributed this to laziness, but in talking to students I discovered that there were a wide variety of causes. Some told me they were stretched too thin, or the course had little value to them. Some said college was simply a hurdle that needed jumping; others stated they were unwilling to give something for nothing. They had tried it before and found it a waste of their time. They could see no value in working harder, doing more, or giving greater effort.
I have discovered there is a great deal more to it than that. First, life is unpredictable, and it is impossible to see exactly what’s coming down the road next. You may think you are prescient (having knowledge of events before they take place), but nobody truly is. A belief in serendipity makes a great deal more sense: making fortunate discoveries when not in search of them. Second, it is impossible to predict how you will feel when faced with a new circumstance, new people, or new demands. Sometimes going the extra mile results in added insights, needed preparation, or the necessary knowledge that will help you deal. Third, it is impossible to gauge all the effects of what you do right now. Sometimes there are effects that can be seen, like smiles as a result of a good deed, clapping after a great speech or presentation, or “thank-yous” for gift giving. But going the extra mile in business or in your personal life may result in no immediate effects that can be seen.
Waiters go the extra mile to get bigger tips. Employees go the extra mile to get promoted. Businesses go the extra mile to get more customers. So, why should you go the extra mile? There are a number of reasons.
First, going the extra mile can make you stand out. Few people, unfortunately, are so motivated. Thus, going the extra mile can set you apart, reveal your conscientiousness, establish your reliability, or increase your value. Second, it is likely to bring out positive emotions in others. When positive emotions are connected either to you or something you did, it will cause others to both remember you and feel good about you. Third, it will help you move ahead of your competition and succeed where others fail. Fourth, and finally, it can bring personal rewards.
In one college course, I became so absorbed in the term project that I exceeded all the parameters of the assignment. I knew what the value of the project would be to me, and what I needed to know to help me, so, like the Energizer Bunny, I just kept going, and going, and going. It resulted in a grade of A+ in the course, but that was never the goal; it was simply an unintended, and unexpected reward for my excessiveness. I did the project and then some.
In another example of personal rewards, Kerrie Moreau, Ph.D. and research associate at the University of Colorado at Boulder, studied postmenopausal women and found that walking an extra two miles every day, in addition to the walking that the participants did as part of their normal daily routines, significantly lowered their blood pressure, regardless of diet. Moreau concluded saying “It gives you another lifestyle strategy to lower blood pressure instead of pharmacological intervention.” 50 million Americans have hypertension. Walk and then some.
Can you apply the “And Then Some” philosophy to others? Of course. When you borrow a pan or dish from a neighbor, show your appreciation for the loan by placing a goodie inside when you return it. When someone asks you for a piece of gum, give him or her the whole pack. When going for groceries, ask a neighbor if he or she is out of milk, needs a prescription picked up, or a loaf of bread. Give people an un-birthday treat—something that they had their eye on but wouldn’t pick up for themselves. Give thank-you notes to people for something they have done for you—even the small, often thankless, little courtesies.
Often, it is the small things—the little ways we have for showing respect and caring—that count the most in others’ lives. Run errands for a parent; take a friend out to dinner; call your existing customers just to make sure they are happy with their purchase; help a co-worker with their heavy workload; do a personal favor for an employee; say little things that will build others up. Do what is expected and then some.
But, too, you can be a model for the “And Then Some” philosophy. Going the extra mile in your own life is often revealed in a positive, optimistic, cheerful outlook. For example, people are more likely attracted to those who avoid swearing, vulgar language, and gossip. People, too, do not like to be talked down to. When you say nice things to others, give out compliments, help others when they are cranky, and tell the truth, you are showing others you are confident and self-assured. When you reveal the traits above, too, you show others you care about them. True, it is hard to do when you are in a bad mood, but by lifting the mood of others, you will lift your own as well. Set an example and then some.
You all know people who say if they paid them more, they would work harder. Or, if the world treated them better, they would be nicer. Or, if they went to nicer places, they would wear nicer clothes. Or, if they were in a better relationship, they would work harder at it. Or, if they were richer, they would give more. If, if, if, if.... You have also probably discovered that the situations are likely to be irrelevant, people who possess this kind of approach, use it no matter the circumstance. Work harder? Be nicer? Wear nicer clothes? Work harder at relationships? Give more? Not a chance.
The “And Then Some” philosophy is clearly revealed by people who work hard because they are a hard worker. They are nice because they are nice people. They believe that everything and everyone is special because that is the kind of person they are. They dress for the kind of person they are, not for where they are going. They give more because they are givers. And, they always do what they have to do and then some, because they follow the and then some philosophy knowing that it isn’t the key to the good life, it is the good life.
-------------------------------
© Copyright 2007. All rights reserved worldwide by Richard L. Weaver II and And Then Some Publishing, L.L.C.
No part of this essay, except in brief quotations embodied in reviews, may be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Richard L. Weaver II or the publisher, And Then Some Publishing, L.L.C.---or, in the case of photocopying, electronic duplication, or other reproductive copying, a license from the United States Copyright Licensing Agency---is an infringement on the copyright law. The best way to obtain copies of the essays is to purchase the book /And Then Some - Book I: Essays to Entertain, Motivate, and Inspire/ (And Then Some Publishing, 2007).
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
And Then Some News
And Then Some News: Thursday September 27, 2007
The website you see now at andthensomeworks.com has been our preliminary site. We are currently uploading the new site and beta testing. There are a few kinks to work out, but so far so good. And Then Some Publishing is pushing for the October 1st deadline of the andthensomeworks.com re-launch and are confident we will attain this goal.
And Then Some has "hooked up" with the annual tradition of the BarnJam for the official release party of And Then Some, Book 1, Essays to Entertain, Motivate, and Inspire. We are excited about the opportunity to visit with family, relatives, and friends for food, campfires, dancing, and games. Can't wait to see you!
And Then Some Saturday Essays - Saturday Sept. 29, 2007
Part 1 of 2 in our series: The Core of the "And Then Some" philosophy
AND THEN SOME - A value added approach to the good life!
by Richard L. Weaver II
Excerpt:
First, going the extra mile can make you stand out. Few people, unfortunately, are so motivated. Thus, going the extra mile can set you apart, reveal your conscientiousness, establish your reliability, or increase your value. Second, it is likely to bring out positive emotions in others. When positive emotions are connected either to you or something you did, it will cause others to both remember you and feel good about you. Third, it will help you move ahead of your competition and succeed where others fail. Fourth, and finally, it can bring personal rewards...
And Then Some... We can't wait to see you on Saturday!!
andthensomeworks.com
The website you see now at andthensomeworks.com has been our preliminary site. We are currently uploading the new site and beta testing. There are a few kinks to work out, but so far so good. And Then Some Publishing is pushing for the October 1st deadline of the andthensomeworks.com re-launch and are confident we will attain this goal.
And Then Some has "hooked up" with the annual tradition of the BarnJam for the official release party of And Then Some, Book 1, Essays to Entertain, Motivate, and Inspire. We are excited about the opportunity to visit with family, relatives, and friends for food, campfires, dancing, and games. Can't wait to see you!
And Then Some Saturday Essays - Saturday Sept. 29, 2007
Part 1 of 2 in our series: The Core of the "And Then Some" philosophy
AND THEN SOME - A value added approach to the good life!
by Richard L. Weaver II
Excerpt:
First, going the extra mile can make you stand out. Few people, unfortunately, are so motivated. Thus, going the extra mile can set you apart, reveal your conscientiousness, establish your reliability, or increase your value. Second, it is likely to bring out positive emotions in others. When positive emotions are connected either to you or something you did, it will cause others to both remember you and feel good about you. Third, it will help you move ahead of your competition and succeed where others fail. Fourth, and finally, it can bring personal rewards...
And Then Some... We can't wait to see you on Saturday!!
andthensomeworks.com
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Live life to the fullest!...
And Then Some Saturday Essay by Richard L. Weaver II
Essay #12 from And Then Some Book 1: Essays to Entertain, Motivate, and Inspire.
Live life to the fullest! Seize every minute of it, and never give that minute back until there is nothing left of it .
You often hear comments like “Sue has a passion for what she is doing,” or “Are you passionate about this issue?” And the reason you hear such responses is because people who pursue their passion in life tend to be powerful, positive, proactive, and purposeful.
Passion is an intense overpowering emotion. As I began college, mine was to go into medicine, until I had to take a required speech course. Those in the pre-med curriculum had no use for, interest in, or identification with this hurdle we had to jump to complete our coursework.
The assignments, activities, and enthusiasm of a dedicated and committed speech instructor hit a chord that changed my life. To follow my new passion—becoming a speech major—required taking more courses, being in college longer, and making major decisions that would affect the rest of my life. For me, this was a bold and risky move.
William James said, “Compared to what we ought to be, we are only half awake. We are making use of only a small part of our physical and mental resources.” When was the last time you did something bold? When was the last time you grabbed life by the tail and took a risk? When was the last time you turned down an opportunity to play it safe?
If you have been lucky enough to follow your true passion—utilizing the gifts and talents you’ve been given—you know what “being alive” means. Life is wonderful; life is exciting; and life is bringing rewards and opportunities you may never have dreamed of.
Making the right choices has valuable and worthwhile benefits. It generates tireless energy. It keeps you on track. It keeps you moving towards following your gifts and talents.
Finding your passion makes you look at life differently. There is a love there that motivates you to do the best you can and to learn as much as possible about your chosen field.
When you find and follow your passion, too, your life doesn’t seem wasted; your life has a meaning and purpose; and despite difficulties and adversities, you are optimistic, and you always know that what you’re doing is the “right thing.” Your passion comes from within, and you know it’s right.
How do you find your passion in life? Ask yourself, what’s the ultimate drive in your life? What do you get excited about? What do you love to talk about? When you talk about it, do you radiate with enthusiasm? If you were to announce to the world, “For me, living is . . . ,” with what would you fill in the blank?
The key ingredient to being passionate about life is—loving what you do. Just having a goal or a plan is not enough. Academic preparation is not enough. Prior experience is not enough. Passion and productivity are Siamese twins in these fast-paced times.
First, decide the kind of person you want to be—and do something today to make it true. The Air Force core values offer worthwhile standards: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all you do.
Everyone can do better in some area of life. Take an inventory of your life and decide where to make positive changes then live that life.
Second, focus on what you want to give, rather than on what you want to get. Many people think backwards. They think happiness comes from having things instead of living a life of significance.
Instead of setting a goal of how much money you will make, set a goal for how much money you will give. Instead of setting a goal for attaining promotion, set a goal for what you could do to make yourself a more valuable member of society. The difference is a matter of focus.
Third, and finally, look for lasting significance in all you do:
• It may seem insignificant, but time spent with young people may result in a youngster hearing something life-changing.
• It may seem redundant, but sharing an insight, discovery, or perception with another may result in their increased knowledge or understanding.
• It may seem useless, but time invested with fellow workers, family, and friends is never wasted.
There are no throw-away moments. Every day matters. Look for the lasting significance in your work, your relationships, and your actions. Seize the day! Be a sponge for knowledge!
What is passion? Passion is the attitude of life that makes a person shine. It’s what people see that is special about a person when he or she walks into a room. Whatever you do in life should be done with the passion of a summer kiss, of a joke with multiple punch lines, of a brisk, refreshing walk.... Passion makes a difference.
In the late Erma Bombeck’s column “If I had my life to life over...?” she concludes, “There would have been more of ‘I love you...,’ more of ‘I’m sorry...,’ but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute of it. . . look at it and really see it . . . live it . . . and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it.”
And what of the passion in my life having switched from pre-medicine to speech? It resulted in over 30 years in the college classroom and lecture halls, more than 30 college textbooks (counting all editions), 19 speeches published in Vital Speeches of the Day, 14 essays published in The (Toledo) Blade, and close to 100 published academic articles.
When you are aligned with what feels best for you, you create an inner sense of joy and happiness. Your actions are based on enthusiasm. The key is allowing yourself to feel joy and enthusiasm often and continually. Energy attracts energy. Suppressing your natural expression is to suffocate that energy that attracts abundance and prosperity. Live life to the fullest—seize every minute of it, and never give that minute back until there’s nothing left of it.
-------------------------------
© Copyright 2007. All rights reserved worldwide by Richard L. Weaver II and And Then Some Publishing, L.L.C.
No part of this essay, except in brief quotations embodied in reviews, may be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Richard L. Weaver II or the publisher, And Then Some Publishing, L.L.C.---or, in the case of photocopying, electronic duplication, or other reproductive copying, a license from the United States Copyright Licensing Agency---is an infringement on the copyright law. The best way to obtain copies of the essays is to purchase the book /And Then Some - Book I: Essays to Entertain, Motivate, and Inspire/ (And Then Some Publishing, 2007).
Essay #12 from And Then Some Book 1: Essays to Entertain, Motivate, and Inspire.
Live life to the fullest! Seize every minute of it, and never give that minute back until there is nothing left of it .
You often hear comments like “Sue has a passion for what she is doing,” or “Are you passionate about this issue?” And the reason you hear such responses is because people who pursue their passion in life tend to be powerful, positive, proactive, and purposeful.
Passion is an intense overpowering emotion. As I began college, mine was to go into medicine, until I had to take a required speech course. Those in the pre-med curriculum had no use for, interest in, or identification with this hurdle we had to jump to complete our coursework.
The assignments, activities, and enthusiasm of a dedicated and committed speech instructor hit a chord that changed my life. To follow my new passion—becoming a speech major—required taking more courses, being in college longer, and making major decisions that would affect the rest of my life. For me, this was a bold and risky move.
William James said, “Compared to what we ought to be, we are only half awake. We are making use of only a small part of our physical and mental resources.” When was the last time you did something bold? When was the last time you grabbed life by the tail and took a risk? When was the last time you turned down an opportunity to play it safe?
If you have been lucky enough to follow your true passion—utilizing the gifts and talents you’ve been given—you know what “being alive” means. Life is wonderful; life is exciting; and life is bringing rewards and opportunities you may never have dreamed of.
Making the right choices has valuable and worthwhile benefits. It generates tireless energy. It keeps you on track. It keeps you moving towards following your gifts and talents.
Finding your passion makes you look at life differently. There is a love there that motivates you to do the best you can and to learn as much as possible about your chosen field.
When you find and follow your passion, too, your life doesn’t seem wasted; your life has a meaning and purpose; and despite difficulties and adversities, you are optimistic, and you always know that what you’re doing is the “right thing.” Your passion comes from within, and you know it’s right.
How do you find your passion in life? Ask yourself, what’s the ultimate drive in your life? What do you get excited about? What do you love to talk about? When you talk about it, do you radiate with enthusiasm? If you were to announce to the world, “For me, living is . . . ,” with what would you fill in the blank?
The key ingredient to being passionate about life is—loving what you do. Just having a goal or a plan is not enough. Academic preparation is not enough. Prior experience is not enough. Passion and productivity are Siamese twins in these fast-paced times.
First, decide the kind of person you want to be—and do something today to make it true. The Air Force core values offer worthwhile standards: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all you do.
Everyone can do better in some area of life. Take an inventory of your life and decide where to make positive changes then live that life.
Second, focus on what you want to give, rather than on what you want to get. Many people think backwards. They think happiness comes from having things instead of living a life of significance.
Instead of setting a goal of how much money you will make, set a goal for how much money you will give. Instead of setting a goal for attaining promotion, set a goal for what you could do to make yourself a more valuable member of society. The difference is a matter of focus.
Third, and finally, look for lasting significance in all you do:
• It may seem insignificant, but time spent with young people may result in a youngster hearing something life-changing.
• It may seem redundant, but sharing an insight, discovery, or perception with another may result in their increased knowledge or understanding.
• It may seem useless, but time invested with fellow workers, family, and friends is never wasted.
There are no throw-away moments. Every day matters. Look for the lasting significance in your work, your relationships, and your actions. Seize the day! Be a sponge for knowledge!
What is passion? Passion is the attitude of life that makes a person shine. It’s what people see that is special about a person when he or she walks into a room. Whatever you do in life should be done with the passion of a summer kiss, of a joke with multiple punch lines, of a brisk, refreshing walk.... Passion makes a difference.
In the late Erma Bombeck’s column “If I had my life to life over...?” she concludes, “There would have been more of ‘I love you...,’ more of ‘I’m sorry...,’ but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute of it. . . look at it and really see it . . . live it . . . and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it.”
And what of the passion in my life having switched from pre-medicine to speech? It resulted in over 30 years in the college classroom and lecture halls, more than 30 college textbooks (counting all editions), 19 speeches published in Vital Speeches of the Day, 14 essays published in The (Toledo) Blade, and close to 100 published academic articles.
When you are aligned with what feels best for you, you create an inner sense of joy and happiness. Your actions are based on enthusiasm. The key is allowing yourself to feel joy and enthusiasm often and continually. Energy attracts energy. Suppressing your natural expression is to suffocate that energy that attracts abundance and prosperity. Live life to the fullest—seize every minute of it, and never give that minute back until there’s nothing left of it.
-------------------------------
© Copyright 2007. All rights reserved worldwide by Richard L. Weaver II and And Then Some Publishing, L.L.C.
No part of this essay, except in brief quotations embodied in reviews, may be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, photocopying, electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Richard L. Weaver II or the publisher, And Then Some Publishing, L.L.C.---or, in the case of photocopying, electronic duplication, or other reproductive copying, a license from the United States Copyright Licensing Agency---is an infringement on the copyright law. The best way to obtain copies of the essays is to purchase the book /And Then Some - Book I: Essays to Entertain, Motivate, and Inspire/ (And Then Some Publishing, 2007).
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Introducing Saturday Essays!
And Then Some News: Thursday September 20, 2007
David Shutt (dshutt@theblade.com, 419-724-6067) of the Toledo Blade informed us "For the time being, at least, I've decided to give Saturday Essay a rest ... It may be revived in time but every feature wears out after a while ... Thanks for your interest."
How do you take a negative: The extinction of Saturday Essays in the Toledo Blade, the basis of And Then Some Book 1 and in turn, what has lead us all the way here to this blog...
How do you turn this negative into a positive? Think And Then Some...
Introducing "And Then Some Saturday Essays" by Richard L. Weaver II
Every Saturday author Richard L. Weaver II will post an essay from the expansive And Then Some essay library or post an essay on a current theme of the day whether it be politics, religion, education, travel or just plain fun!
Essay Topic: Saturday September 22, 2007 - Live Life to the Fullest
Excerpt:
If you have been lucky enough to follow your true passion—utilizing the gifts and talents you’ve been given—you know what “being alive” means. Life is wonderful; life is exciting; and life is bringing rewards and opportunities you may never have dreamed of.
Making the right choices has valuable and worthwhile benefits. It generates tireless energy. It keeps you on track. It keeps you moving towards following your gifts and talents.
Finding your passion makes you look at life differently. There is a love there that motivates you to do the best you can and to learn as much as possible about your chosen field.
-------------------------
You can subscribe to our blog via Reader or Email. If the links don't work for you... and you don't see the graphic at the bottom of this post properly... try clicking the graphic for instructions. If nothing works, let us know. We want to hear from you.
And Then Some... We can't wait to see you on Saturday!!
andthensomeworks.com
David Shutt (dshutt@theblade.com, 419-724-6067) of the Toledo Blade informed us "For the time being, at least, I've decided to give Saturday Essay a rest ... It may be revived in time but every feature wears out after a while ... Thanks for your interest."
How do you take a negative: The extinction of Saturday Essays in the Toledo Blade, the basis of And Then Some Book 1 and in turn, what has lead us all the way here to this blog...
How do you turn this negative into a positive? Think And Then Some...
Introducing "And Then Some Saturday Essays" by Richard L. Weaver II
Every Saturday author Richard L. Weaver II will post an essay from the expansive And Then Some essay library or post an essay on a current theme of the day whether it be politics, religion, education, travel or just plain fun!
Essay Topic: Saturday September 22, 2007 - Live Life to the Fullest
Excerpt:
If you have been lucky enough to follow your true passion—utilizing the gifts and talents you’ve been given—you know what “being alive” means. Life is wonderful; life is exciting; and life is bringing rewards and opportunities you may never have dreamed of.
Making the right choices has valuable and worthwhile benefits. It generates tireless energy. It keeps you on track. It keeps you moving towards following your gifts and talents.
Finding your passion makes you look at life differently. There is a love there that motivates you to do the best you can and to learn as much as possible about your chosen field.
-------------------------
You can subscribe to our blog via Reader or Email. If the links don't work for you... and you don't see the graphic at the bottom of this post properly... try clicking the graphic for instructions. If nothing works, let us know. We want to hear from you.
And Then Some... We can't wait to see you on Saturday!!
andthensomeworks.com
Saturday, September 15, 2007
The Toledo Blade ceases "Saturday Essays"
The decision to discontinue The (Toledo) Blade’s “Saturday Essay” has a direct effect on And Then Some Publishing, L.L.C.
Let me preface the following information and letters with a brief explanation. I have had 14 essays published in The (Toledo) Blade since February, 2004, and those essays form both the starting point and foundation for this book of essays. The history of when and how this connection to the Saturday essay feature occurred is discussed in the preface to And Then Some - Book I. When The (Toledo) Blade changed editorial directors (from Tom Walton to David Shutt) suddenly the Saturday Essay feature no longer appeared, so I wrote the following letter:
Dear Letters Editors,
With Tom Walton's retirement, has there been a change in policy regarding the nature of Saturday essays? Will you continue publishing Saturday essays from your local stock of area-wide writers? I guess the real question comes down to this: Should I send you any more essays that may have the potential of being published as a Saturday essay? Just curious.
The following is the reply I received from the new editorial director, Mr. David Shutt:
Mr. Weaver: For the time being, at least, I've decided to give Saturday Essay a rest ... It may be revived in time but every feature wears out after a while ... Thanks for your interest.
David Shutt
Editorial Director
I immediately sent Mr. Shutt a reply; however, most of the content of the letter I sent to him is contained in the following letter I wrote for possible publication in the “Readers Forum.” Because it objects to Mr. Shutt’s new policy (the discontinuance of the Saturday Essay feature), and asks for those who disagree with his policy to respond in some way, the letter may not be published; however, this is the letter I wrote:
Dear Letters Editor
At the risk of sounding self-serving, I want to call readers’ attention to an unannounced (to my knowledge) editorial change. I noted that in my experience the "Saturday Essay" feature is always looked forward to with enthusiasm and interest. It involves the community, always relates to topics of relevance and immediacy, and is written by credible members of the community who readers admire, respect, and hold in high esteem, this writer not withstanding. I told Mr. Shutt that I was under the exact opposite impression. Rather than thinking it had “worn out,” my thinking was that it had not only caught on, but it had become a feature of the paper that made Saturday issues prized possessions. I can’t begin to count the number of times and places I have seen Saturday essays posted for others to read and admire. I regret the decision to discontinue the Saturday Essay feature for personal reasons, of course, but I feel it deprives the reading public of a significant and essential source of information regarding issues of vital and, often, critical importance, that can be found nowhere else. I wonder how many readers of the Blade agree with Mr. Shutt's decision? Has the "Saturday Essay" worn out?
It is true that I have an emotional attachment to the Saturday Essay feature since it set things in motion for this (and future) compilations of my essays in the series of books, And Then Some: Essays to Entertain, Motivate, and Inspire. The (Toledo) Blade supplied the parameters for the essays in length, style, and approach. More than that, however, the Saturday Essay feature served as the impetus for the establishment of And Then Some Publishing, L.L.C. which is the publishing arm of as well as the driving force behind the creation of this website for which my son, ANT, is the webmaster. You can see why this change in editorial policy at The (Toledo) Blade had a direct effect on me and those who work at And Then Some Publishing, L.L. C. We would like to see it brought back—not just for us, but for the community service it has clearly served.
Contact David Shutt Editorial Director and help get The (Toledo) Blade "Saturday Essays" back!
DAVID SHUTT - dshutt@theblade.com ~ (419) 724-6067
Let me preface the following information and letters with a brief explanation. I have had 14 essays published in The (Toledo) Blade since February, 2004, and those essays form both the starting point and foundation for this book of essays. The history of when and how this connection to the Saturday essay feature occurred is discussed in the preface to And Then Some - Book I. When The (Toledo) Blade changed editorial directors (from Tom Walton to David Shutt) suddenly the Saturday Essay feature no longer appeared, so I wrote the following letter:
Dear Letters Editors,
With Tom Walton's retirement, has there been a change in policy regarding the nature of Saturday essays? Will you continue publishing Saturday essays from your local stock of area-wide writers? I guess the real question comes down to this: Should I send you any more essays that may have the potential of being published as a Saturday essay? Just curious.
The following is the reply I received from the new editorial director, Mr. David Shutt:
Mr. Weaver: For the time being, at least, I've decided to give Saturday Essay a rest ... It may be revived in time but every feature wears out after a while ... Thanks for your interest.
David Shutt
Editorial Director
I immediately sent Mr. Shutt a reply; however, most of the content of the letter I sent to him is contained in the following letter I wrote for possible publication in the “Readers Forum.” Because it objects to Mr. Shutt’s new policy (the discontinuance of the Saturday Essay feature), and asks for those who disagree with his policy to respond in some way, the letter may not be published; however, this is the letter I wrote:
Dear Letters Editor
At the risk of sounding self-serving, I want to call readers’ attention to an unannounced (to my knowledge) editorial change. I noted that in my experience the "Saturday Essay" feature is always looked forward to with enthusiasm and interest. It involves the community, always relates to topics of relevance and immediacy, and is written by credible members of the community who readers admire, respect, and hold in high esteem, this writer not withstanding. I told Mr. Shutt that I was under the exact opposite impression. Rather than thinking it had “worn out,” my thinking was that it had not only caught on, but it had become a feature of the paper that made Saturday issues prized possessions. I can’t begin to count the number of times and places I have seen Saturday essays posted for others to read and admire. I regret the decision to discontinue the Saturday Essay feature for personal reasons, of course, but I feel it deprives the reading public of a significant and essential source of information regarding issues of vital and, often, critical importance, that can be found nowhere else. I wonder how many readers of the Blade agree with Mr. Shutt's decision? Has the "Saturday Essay" worn out?
It is true that I have an emotional attachment to the Saturday Essay feature since it set things in motion for this (and future) compilations of my essays in the series of books, And Then Some: Essays to Entertain, Motivate, and Inspire. The (Toledo) Blade supplied the parameters for the essays in length, style, and approach. More than that, however, the Saturday Essay feature served as the impetus for the establishment of And Then Some Publishing, L.L.C. which is the publishing arm of
Contact David Shutt Editorial Director and help get The (Toledo) Blade "Saturday Essays" back!
DAVID SHUTT - dshutt@theblade.com ~ (419) 724-6067
Friday, September 14, 2007
And Then Some Book 1 Release Schedule is here!
The excitement is brewing here at And Then Some Publishing. The final proof of And Then Some Book 1 was delivered last Wednesday, Sept. 12. We know we are biased, but it looks fantastic and we are "fired up" with the result! With a couple minor adjustments the new files were sent to the printer, in turn....
And Then Some Publishing is ready to announce:
And Then Some Book 1 Release Schedule 2007
- Monday, October 1st we will begin "beta" testing the redesigned andthensomeworks.com. Our redesign will include a better way to contact us, buy the book using Google Checkout, and have much more information about And Then Some Book 1 including excerpts and some selected full essays!
- Thursday, November 1st is the official release of And Then Some Book 1!
- Saturday, November 3rd is the official book release party. The And Then Some crew is excited to be teaming up with weaverworks.net to combine a fall party tradition with a book release party. Author Richard L. Weaver will be on hand to sign your book! We will keep you informed as we hammer out the details
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Effective Learning Means Being a Student of and for Life
Learning new information is difficult. Learning does not always come as naturally and comfortably as might be thought. There are three fundamental problems to effective learning. The first is that students are never really taught how to learn. Second, they are never introduced to the obstacles to learning and, more specifically, third, they are never given strategies to overcome the obstacles. It doesn't matter how old a student is, the physical setting in which learning is to occur, or the delivery methods used to convey the information. If these basic problems are not addressed, learning may be inhibited if not terminated entirely, and what can be a disaster for students, is that their ability or willingness to be students of and for life can be extinguished.
The And Then Some philosophy is not only explained in the speech at the back of the book, but essay 18, "'And Then Some' is a Value-Added Approach to the Good Life," develops the approach even further. Both the speech and the essay encourage readers to be students of and for life everyday of their lives. It is that strategy---that way of thinking---that forms both the foundation of and the cornerstone for andthensomeworks.com.
On a day like September 11th it is hard to find words to say. And Then Some... "student of life"... can sound hollow and hard to reach. Well... it is. But in the end somehow, in some way And Then Some works. It's tough.. and that's why we want to hear how you have made "And Then Some" work for you.
What is And Then Some working on now? Currently we are working on a better way to contact us. This has been a known trouble spot and we are currently working to resolve the issue. We are trying to resolve another problem spot which is working to get your stories posted, whether linked to our blog or posted on our blog. Currently the task is troublesome; the stories are neither easy to read nor see without going through a bunch of hassles.
And Then Some Book 1 release schedule will be posted on September 14th, 2007.
Thank you... And Then Some!
andthensomeworks.com
The And Then Some philosophy is not only explained in the speech at the back of the book, but essay 18, "'And Then Some' is a Value-Added Approach to the Good Life," develops the approach even further. Both the speech and the essay encourage readers to be students of and for life everyday of their lives. It is that strategy---that way of thinking---that forms both the foundation of and the cornerstone for andthensomeworks.com.
On a day like September 11th it is hard to find words to say. And Then Some... "student of life"... can sound hollow and hard to reach. Well... it is. But in the end somehow, in some way And Then Some works. It's tough.. and that's why we want to hear how you have made "And Then Some" work for you.
What is And Then Some working on now? Currently we are working on a better way to contact us. This has been a known trouble spot and we are currently working to resolve the issue. We are trying to resolve another problem spot which is working to get your stories posted, whether linked to our blog or posted on our blog. Currently the task is troublesome; the stories are neither easy to read nor see without going through a bunch of hassles.
And Then Some Book 1 release schedule will be posted on September 14th, 2007.
Thank you... And Then Some!
andthensomeworks.com
Friday, September 7, 2007
andthensomeworks.com - Growing with "And Then Some"
andthesomeworks.com is growing... growing fast. This is really exciting! We continue to learn, grow, and learn some more! Help us create our blog, in turn, creating an And Then Some philosophy based blog that continues to Entertain, Movtivate and Inspire!Great News: And Then Some Book 1: Essays to Entertain, Motivate, and Inspire is about to be released! We are awaiting the final "proof" copy that is reviewed for final release. Current prognostications say the And Then Some Publishing team should expect release of And Then Some Book 1 by October 1st, 2007.
About the Author: Richard “Dick” Weaver is a retired professor of speech communication after having taught more than 80,000 students at the University of Massachusetts and Bowling Green State University in Ohio where he was nominated for “Best Teacher of the Year.” He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees from... more
andthensomeworks.com and ANTworkstudio along with other partners have graciously helped bring the And Then Some philsophy to light. We would like to thank all of our partners for their hard work, determination, and the belief that And Then Some Works!
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