From Ignorance of Guinness

I finished The Search for God and Guinness by Stephen Mansfield and cannot stop sharing about this great book with my friends, my coworkers, my family and almost anyone who will listen. Beginning with Arthur, the founder of Guinness Brewery, the book chronicles the family of Guinness. It tells the stories of Guinness men and their comrades who were missionaries, brewers, public officials, and doctors. The stories unique biographical take on this family with far reaching impacts, intentionally draws a line through a lineage of religion and public benevolence.

After I chose to review the book, I began to have second thoughts. What was I, who had never consumed Guinness, doing reviewing book about the great brewing family. Then I began to read the book and was enthralled. Helping start Sunday Schools in England and supporting Hudson Taylor in China were things I immediately connected with. Yet their benevolence also goes deep into the heart of Dublin and through that all of Ireland and the Irish people. The why is explained in the book. One example still paying dividends is the Iveagh trust, which is still provides affordable housing, started as part of the Guinness plan for urban restoration.

This book was reviewed for Thomas Nelson Publishing. For more information on the book, visit their product page In Search of God and Guinness.

Coupon Savings

I went to Safeway today armed with a flexible list, my coupon book and a willingness to not buy things unless they were on sale. Finally after a few months of clipping coupons, I am in the groove. I used coupons and sales to really maximize my budget. Crackers, Chocolate Chips, Yogurt, Diced Tomatoes, and Frozen vegetables all were on sale and savings maximized with coupons. I finally see the rewards. I spent $33 today and saved $29.

My sister-in–law has been an amazing inspiration. At her site she is always encouraging coupon use and thrifty shopping techniques. So I have been watching ads better and clipping coupons. Now I am cross-referencing them and the savings is really adding up. I am convinced it is worth my while. I have room to grow, and am aiming for saving more than I spend when I leave the grocery store. So my words to you. Stretch your food budget with some wise shopping. Get the Sunday paper, clip the coupons, check the sales ads and watch the token sales that only offer 5-10% off. Have fun saving.

Eli Gold writes a Golden Book

Eli Gold's book, From Peanuts to the Pressbox is a certain win for any sports loving reader. In a semi-sequential format, he brings stories of his life and his interactions with an array of sports legends to life. Beginning from youth, the reader is taken on a journey as we read about Eli's broadcasting experiences throughout his life. From errand boy to minor league hockey and from broadcasting for NASCAR to the voice of the Crimson Tide Eli Gold has brought to the forefront an amazing collection of anecdotes.

Two of my favorite things about Eli's book is how his stories were entwined and the unassuming method in which he presented his biography. The book had the feel of a friend's stories by the fire or over a good cup of coffee. The stories wove through his life and between sports arenas, leaving me with a feeling that I know Eli Gold. Not only do I know about his life, I know a bit more about the person behind legendary names like Dale Earnhardt Jr., John Brophy, and Butch Owens. When he told stories of Arena football, he provided enough details so that I understood the primary differences between that and the American Football I am used to watching. When he told stories of NASCAR, I was able to follow them because he took the time to explain how the track and the broadcasting is set up at a race. These measures enabled me to understand his sports stories when I was unfamiliar with the sport.

For more information check out other reviews at the Book's Thomas Nelson Publishing's site.