Books24X7 and Promiscuous with Reading

I love reading and at times find myself reading more than one book at a time. I am promiscuous with reading!

I was curious about Business Pro, which is a collection under Books24X7 and recently received access. Since my subscription, I have been submerged in it time permitting; as it is such a fantastic resource for on-demand learning and has really assisted me with brainstorming ideas, research, and creative solutions and recommendations. It really does offer instant searchable access to top quality books which cover a range of topics and thousands of titles from leading authors and publishers, such has Harvard Business School Press, McGraw Hill and Oxford University Press!

The thing I really like about the tool is that I create my own personal folder, then search topics and browse titles and save those which interest me to my appropriate folder(s) for accessing when it is convenient for me. In addition Books24X7 on the go allows users to access Business Pro from any compatible PDA or handheld device.

In Business Pro alone, there are currently over 5777 online books and in 2010 12 new books have already been released!! Some of the business topics in Business Pro are: Business skills, Corporate Case Studies & Interviews, Training & Development, Finance & Accounting, HR, International Business, Management & Leadership, Marketing & Sales, Project Management, Quality & Manufacturing Management, Sustainability, Team Skills, and Technology in Business.

Ask yourself, might this be a great tool for your individual learning, or for a group in your professional community, or perhaps for individuals working on a special project whereby there is a requirement for quick information to either acquire new skills, enhance or refresh existing knowledge? How might such a tool be helpful for yourself or with the design of training for a team, or as a reference/resource in a project, or simply to fulfill a desire to read on a topic of curiosity.....

A Long Horn Ironman

What motivational forces and factors or theorists come to mind when you think of anyone interested in a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride followed by a 26.2 marathon? Are there any Ironman triathletes in the University of Texas, or UT alumni who are keen to tap into learning’s from a seasoned triathlete?

Jack Cartwright recently qualified for Kona and will be headed to the big island of Kona in October to compete in the World Championship. Congratulations Jack, on your remarkable personal achievement! If you take a close look at all Jack’s finishing photos, you will spot the well known “Hook 'em" horns hand signal.....yep that’s right, he isn’t too fatigued to “Hook 'em" on the way in.

If you are interested in how he fits in a 50+ work week, 20+ hours of training as well as coaching athletes, and what lessons learned he can share, feel free to drop him a line at: jack.cartwright@gmail.com.

Also, what comes to your mind about various perspectives of teamwork, team-building, communications, planning and preparation, as well as capability and potential when you review the accomplishments of this alumni student? What about his ability to create targets and goals, inspiration and role-models, skills/knowledge/attitude factors? Is there much humour and fun with such serious dedication? Consider his personal project management skills, encouragement and self-coaching as well as what project support required in order for such achievement and recognition. Lastly, what about evaluation and measurement, what does success look like to Jack and how does he measure it?

Free Questionnaires

Are you interested to have access to various free questionnaires? I found a site by University of Pennsylvania which offers free questionnaires supporting learning about yourself in various topics.

Check out this site:
http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/register.aspx

It explains you have to register on the site, and then it offers access to the following questionnaires:

Emotion Questionnaires:
Authentic Happiness Inventory Questionnaire
CES-D Questionnaire
Fordyce Emotions Questionnaire
General Happiness Questionnaire
PANAS Questionnaire
Measures Positive and Negative Affect

Engagement Questionnaires:
Brief Strengths Test
Measures 24 Character Strengths
Gratitude Questionnaire
Measures Appreciation about the Past
Grit Survey
Measures the Character Strength of Perseverance
Optimism Test
Measures Optimism About the Future
Transgression Motivations Questionnaire
Measures Forgiveness
VIA Signature Strengths Questionnaire
Measures 24 Character Strengths
VIA Strength Survey for Children
Measures 24 Character Strengths for Children
Work-Life Questionnaire
Measures Work-Life Satisfaction

Meaning Questionnaires:
Close Relationships Questionnaire
Measures Attachment Style
Compassionate Love Scale
Measures your tendency to support, help, and understand other people
Meaning in Life Questionnaire
Measures Meaningfulness

Life Satisfaction Questionnaires:
Approaches to Happiness Questionnaire
Measures Three Routes to Happiness
Satisfaction with Life Scale
Measures Life Satisfaction