And Then Some News

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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have discovered a brilliant way to begin the New Year.&nbsp; This does not include the traditional celebration, gorging on food that you will have to work hard to remove from your waistline, clinking glasses of champagne at midnight, or even partying with friends.&nbsp; My way to begin the New Year has the potential of making you very happy or very sad.</span>

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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As you might imagine, there are hundreds (probably more like thousands) of websites that not only list New Year’s Resolutions, but give advice as to how to accomplish what you plan to do.&nbsp; One website makes it very clear that most resolutions are broken within 48 hours of when they are made.&nbsp; That can be easily explained by talking about laziness, habits, and comfort zones — but everyone already knows this.&nbsp; Changing any of the ten areas where you realize you could use some change requires huge amounts of planning, persistence, and patience, not to speak of time and effort.&nbsp; Most people just say to hell with it and live their lives the same way they have been living it.</span>

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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And Then Some News</span></div>
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Happy Holidays with a Christmas Joke

And Then Some Publishing News

At And Then Some Publishing we celebrate Christmas, however we don't want to leave anyone out... in that vein: 
 
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from And Then Some Publishing, LLC!

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:
Thursday’s essay is called, "Christmas Jokes." I decided to compose a different kind of essay to celebrate Christmas this year.  Here, then, I have listed some of my favorite Christmas jokes.  Although some of the jokes are clearly better than others; however, there is no order in their presentation here.  Some are a little more sophisticated than others, but most are quite silly.  I begin with one that fits the “silly” category very well—and I apologize in advance.

Christmas Jokes
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
Three men die in a car accident Christmas Eve. They all find themselves at the pearly gates waiting to enter Heaven. On entering they must present something relating or associated with Christmas.
    The first man searches his pocket, and finds some Mistletoe, so he is allowed in.
    The second man presents a cracker, so he is also allowed in.
    The third man pulls out a pair of stockings.
    Confused at this last gesture, St. Peter asks, "How do these represent Christmas?"
    The third man answers, "They're Carol's."

Find lot's more jokes and a joke every Friday at Laugh... And Then Some!

How do you deal with people different from you? - Essay Preview

And Then Some Publishing News

How to achieve and support relationship rules is what the book, Relationship Rules: For Long-Term Happiness, Security, and Commitment, is all about. There are numerous suggestions, steps, and additional ideas that will motivate, encourage, and challenge relationship partners. Relationship Rules is available at Amazon.com.

The books Richard L. Weaver II enjoys reading offer a look at the truth. One of the reviewers of Willis's book said, “While some veterans would be content to simply remember through a haze essayof rose-colored reflections, Dr. Willis clearly reports the truth as he knows it.” Civilian In an Ill-Fitting Uniform: A Memoir of World War II, by Edgar E. Willis, reports the truth—unvarnished as it may be. The book is available right now from Amazon.com.

See more book reviews every Monday: Book Club... And Then Some!

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "How do you deal with people different from you?"  Sometimes in a new communication situation with a person different from us, we may interpret the other person as abnormal, weird, or simply different.  It is important to learn to control the human tendency to translate “different from me” into “less than me.”  Rather, we need to raise questions.  Are there effective ways of dealing with different kinds of people?  Can I develop a repertoire of five or six approaches that will help me reach others in real and meaningful ways?  I will discuss seven different ways taken from the book, Communicating Effectively by Hybels and Weaver.

How do you deal with people different from you?
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
How you learn to deal with people who are different from you depends entirely on your willingness to seek, discover, and experience.  Today, the Internet is one of the most important influences on the knowledge and information at our disposal.  We are increasingly linked together across the globe, and we can connect with people on the other side of the world as quickly as we do with friends and family at home.  You will quickly find out that the knowledge and understanding you gain is well worth any effort you put forth.


And Then Some Works!

Choice Overload Essay Preview

And Then Some Publishing News

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "At what point do customers have choice overload?"  Choice produces paradoxical effects.  For example, people feel an enormous burden to get enough information to make good decisions.  Do they have the time to find the best digital camera, the best cell phone plan, the best 401(k), the best health insurance, the most economical automobile?

At what point do customers have choice overload?
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
Studies have proven that when customers are given a narrow-range of choices, they are more likely to make a purchase.  In one study, significantly fewer choices increased purchasing propensity by ten times. It is true that without any freedom of choice, life would not be worth living.  But, it is also true that more choice does not necessarily mean greater happiness.  You do wonder, at what point customers have choice overload?

And Then Some Works!

New SMOERs Video and Women are Superior Essay Preview

And Then Some Publishing News


We've been talking about the SMOERs book and now the video interview is here! Watch the video and find the book at SMOERs.com.


Author Richard L. Weaver II talks about his book of quotations, "SMOERs: Self-Motivation, Optimism, Encouragement, Rules".  Discover this tasty treat of quotations based from his delicious book. From the famous, the infamous, and quotes you have never heard before. Listen as Dr. Weaver shares quotes from the book and answers questions about the inspiration for his books, the setup, plus the reasoning behind the concept. Think of the delicious S'Mores... just spelled funny: S M O E R s





Watch the video and find the book at SMOERs.com. 

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "Women have superior leadership traits."  Although I cannot make the complete case that Dee Dee Myers makes in her book, Why women should rule the world (HarperCollins, 2008), and although her conclusion resides in the title of her book, in this essay I am interested in the research that supports her conclusion.   

Women have superior leadership traits
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:

Whether liked or not, stereotypical males are “aggressive, ambitious, assertive, forceful, [and] self-confident” whereas stereotypical females are “helpful, kind, friendly, sympathetic, and affectionate” (p. 149).  Perhaps the key now is to redefine leadership and redefine power.  In the information age in which we are living, fortunately, that is already happening. 

And Then Some Works!

S'Mores and Celebrating Daily Life Preview

And Then Some Publishing News

How do you turn a unsavory situation and make it tasty again? Sometimes you have to throw it all away and start again. That is not the situation we are in. Richard L. Weaver II and Anthony Weaver filmed numerous videos on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 and they turned out fantastic! We were hoping to release the first video today, however due to technical difficulties the first release has been delayed. 


The first video we are releasing is all about S'Mores... wait... no SMOERs. What is SMOERs? It's a tasty book quotes compiled by Richard L. Weaver II. In the video he explains the inspiration for the book... and then some!

We will continue to try and figure out what the problem is and will let you know when the video is available in the next couple of days.

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "Celebrating daily life."  Most often when we think of celebrating, it is just at those special times (e.g., birthdays, Christmas, New Years, athletic victories, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, etc.), and we seldom believe (or think) about celebrating on a daily basis.  What do most of us have to be thankful for?  A brief list may stimulate your thoughts: parents, family, children, health, abundance of resources, liberty and freedom, friends and neighbors, independence, self-sufficiency, and life itself, to name a few.

Celebrating daily life
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:

And I want to close this essay on celebrating daily life with my own quotation: The beauty of celebrating everyday life is the joy of having a carnival of the spirit, a festival for our frame of mind, and a tribute to our way of thinking that boosts our morale and provides an ongoing force that drives our daily espirit de corps.  Celebrating our daily life may not seem that important; however, it gives each of us a chance to show our appreciation for those things that really matter to us, and daily celebrations remind us of how fortunate, privileged, or simply lucky we are.

And Then Some Works!

And Then Some Book 1 and Taking Healthy Risks Preview

And Then Some Publishing News

Anthony Weaver and Richard L. Weaver II will be shooting new videos this week. Dr. Weaver has authored many books about relationships, motivation, and optimism. Relationship Rules, SMOERs, You Rules, and And Then Some Publishing's first book And Then Some Book 1 all have have something in common. They all need videos to help explain more about each book.

Specifically, And Then Some Book 1 is hard to explain. To start it was their first book. Anthony and Richard L. Weaver II (Dick) didn't know if they were going to be able to produce another one. There were many complications from technology, building the first website, beginning blogs, and then some! From the book conception to the finished product the book took two years to complete. 

When you take the complications into consideration and the wonderment if another book would be produced, everything and the kitchen sink was put into And Then Some Book 1. Containing 50 essays with subjects that include family, humor, education, travel, and more, this book reads sometimes as advice, a little bit of education and learning from personal life experiences, or as a short story about Dick's travels... and then some! 

And Then Some Book 1 covers a wide gambit of essays and is a fun read... and now Anthony and Dick will be shooting a video to better explain this book.


We hope to start releasing the first videos from this shoot by next weeks news, however we're not sure which videos will be released first.


Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:
Thursday’s essay is called, "Take healthy risks for positive rewards."  You have to learn how to take healthy risks. The important thing to remember when it comes to taking risks is that you live life only once.  Life is too short to be wasted on things you don't want to do or on things that you have done over and over.  That’s how comfort zones develop.   

Take healthy risks for positive rewards
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:

There were several important learnings that emerged from my run for student-council president.  First, and this is supported by research, I never regretted the effort.  A report in the journal Psychological Science reveals that whether you miss achieving a goal by a little or a lot, you won’t lament going after it nearly as much as you think you will.  The failures from risk-taking behavior, for the most part, don’t last long with respect to regret, sorrow, sadness, disappointment, or residual unhappiness.

And Then Some Works

Blind Spots in Relationships that Rule!

And Then Some Publishing News

Have you seen all the books, videos, and blogs from And Then Some Publishing? An easy place to get started is the black and yellow links at the top of this page. We don't want you to get lost so every link opens in a new tab/window. Get more information about World War II, baby books, public speaking, relationships, great art... And Then Some!

Coinciding with this week's essay about relationships, author Richard L. Weaver II offers a book to help you in your relationship. Once you understand the "rules" of relationships you will be able to create a long lasting bonds built for long-term happiness, security, and commitment. There are numerous suggestions, steps, and additional ideas that will motivate, encourage, and challenge relationship partners. Relationship Rules is available at Amazon.com.

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "Blind spots in early dating often jeopardize the ability to make proper decisions."  Just as I had completed my essay on “Judging Others,” and how important it is to be aware of our limitations, I read an article by Kaja Perina (the editor of the magazine) in Psychology Today (January/February, 2007) entitled “Love’s Loopy Logic,” which explained the reasons why our ability to judge others is so limited — a situation in which Perina explains, “it sometimes pays to deceive ourselves.”  I found it to be such a perfect example of what I wrote in my essay last week, that I felt an obligation/responsibility to share it with readers.

Blind spots in early dating often jeopardize the ability to make proper decisions
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:

You [the reader] will best profit from [at the very least, identify with] the observations in this essay if you can transport yourself back to the time when you were trolling for the wit, kindness, curiosity, intelligence, and “chemistry” that would allow you to make the proper decision regarding a future mate.  It is often within the parameters of such a quest that an explanation for the limitations of our observations and judgments can best be understood.  Perina casts both her observations and descriptions within the broad rubric of “mating intelligence,” which, she explains, is as oxymoronic as the term suggests.  The key sentences in Perina’s article are, “We’ve all got blind spots about the opposite sex.  And sometimes that’s for the best.”

And Then Some Works!

S'Mores and Essay Preview | In judging others, we need to be aware of our limitations

And Then Some Publishing News

Do you need some motivation, encouragement, and/or inspiration? Sometimes an inspiring quote is just the ticket. Our words of wisdom blog, SMOERs, has tons of quotes and we guarantee you will find a quote that will spark your inner being. 

The SMOERS quotes on our blog are derived from the compilation quotes in our book of the same name. SMOERs is based on the delicious snack S'Mores... just spelled funny. The quotes are based upon the title, Self-Motivation, Optimism, Encouragement Rules. The book is broken into 365 days with an average of 4 quotes a day. Pick any day and read some great quotes!

Visit our SMOERs blog or go to SMOERs.com and get a taste of our book with 30-days of quotes.

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "In judging others, we need to be aware of our limitations."  You cannot make accurate predictions about how even top-rated individuals might behave in specific circumstances---even though you have judged their character positively in other instances. The point is simply that it is not easy to assess the character of a person. 

In judging others, we need to be aware of our limitations
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
In most cases in life, we decide who we like or dislike for no good reason.  It is truly an unfair decision based on little or no evidence.  But, if we waited until we knew everything about someone before we made up our mind, we would spend much of our time with no commitments to anyone—in relationship limbo.  Not only do we not have access to the kind of information we need to make up our minds, but even when we think we have gathered sufficient evidence to confirm a decision, the person behaves in such a way as to counter our judgment—totally repudiating not just our evidence but our ability to root out the essential information we need.

And Then Some Works!

S'Mores, Campfires, and Communication

And Then Some Publishing News

The leaves are changing colors, campfires are cooking up S'Mores, and friends to help keep you warm. It's Fall. The smells, sensations, and of course the gooey warmth of melted chocolate, marshmallows, with a graham cracker crust rushes memories of times well spent with friends. 


When sharing S'Mores with friends invariably quotes come up from famous and not so famous people. Some quotes you remember far into next week, the next month, and in the end become a staple of your conversations retold numerous times. It's that S'More and your friends that fire those memories and keep that time alive.


This is what SMOERs is all about. Quotes that inspire the mind. Find out what SMOERs stands for and delicious examples. Find your quote... find inspiration. SMOERs offers more... and then some!

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "Communication competence builds on competence."  The most important reason that competent communication is important is because it has been proven to aid in gaining success in a wide range of social and occupational situations.  It is a process through which interpersonal impressions are shaped and satisfactory outcomes are derived from an interaction.  So, the real question becomes, how often do you offer others the impression you intend and derive the outcome you want?  In this essay, I will define the characteristics perceived to comprise competent communication.

Communication competence builds on competence
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
These five characteristics provide a fairly broad foundation; however, if you consider them overall goals to be achieved, you will find the important perception, listening, feedback, language, and nonverbal skills necessary for moving closer to achieving them on a regular basis.  The nice thing is that awareness of these five characteristics that can establish a solid and interpersonally competent foundation and as you gain more experience — especially positive, supportive, and rewarding results — you will have constructive, practical, and productive personal examples that you can use to build an even more competent future.  That is why it can be said that competence helps build greater competence.

And Then Some Works!

Two Baby Memory Books gets a Face-lift and Feedforward your Communication Preview

And Then Some Publishing News


We previously built a one page website for Special Delivery: A Baby Memory Scrapbook for Boys or Girls at BabyMemoriesBooks.com. That website was o.k. for the time being, but we knew it needed an upgrade. The upgrade is here! 


The new website features multiple pages with better explanations of the baby books. Now that the website presents you with a better idea of what the books are about stay tuned. We will be adding more videos and How-To articles from Lynne Hall and Anthony Weaver, plus links... And Then Some!


Visit the new BabyMemoriesBooks.com and see why both books make a great baby shower gift!

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "Feedforward will improve the accuracy and quality of your communication."  We use feedforward prior to future messages.  It is the information sent before new messages are delivered.  They may help recipients predict, anticipate, understand, or prepare for forthcoming messages, but their point, clearly, is to set the stage for what might come next.  They don’t always appear at the beginning of a message sequence; they can occur at any time during an interaction.  The only prerequisite for feedforward messages is that they come before what may follow. 

Feedforward will improve the accuracy and quality of your communication
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
Like feedback, feedforward is something often taken for granted in our communication.  We just do not think about it often.  But, as demonstrated here, it is not only common, but it relates to a wide variety of situations; thus, the more we understand it, the better we will be able to control our use of it and get the results we desire in communication situations.  Understanding simply gives us better control.



And Then Some Works!

New Facebook Pages and Essay Preview - How to reach students in today's technology-driven world

And Then Some Publishing News

Have you seen our new Facebook pages? We've added a page for And Then Some Publishing, Edgar E. Willis' World War II memoir, Civilian in an Ill-fitting Uniform and How to Be Funny on Purpose, plus Lynne Hall's Special Delivery baby memories books.


Facebook Page: And Then Some Publishing
Website: AndThenSomePublishing.com
The library of And Then Some Publishing books, videos, and blogs.


Facebook Page: Civilian in an Ill-fitting Uniform: A Memoir of World War II
Facebook Page: How to be Funny on Purpose
Website: EdgarEWillis.com
Books by Edgar E Willis, videos series and interview, 
It's how to be funny and not for dummies including the video series "How to be Funny on Purpose." It's World War II in an unvarnished approach and shockingly truthful account with a video interview of Edgar E. Willis at 96 years old!


Facebook Page: Special Delivery: A Baby Memory Scrapbook for Boys or Girls
Website: BabyMemoriesBooks.com
Baby memories books that are a keepsake for a lifetime for you or as a gift. Theme based illustrations and text so you can add as much or as little as you want. Add comments, pictures, and special memories. Videos, Table of Contents, and page examples.


Visit And Then Some Publishing's Facebook pages and don't forget to "Like" us!

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "How to reach students in today’s technology-driven world."  The point of this essay isn’t really what these two gentlemen [playing Lewis & Clark] said during their talk, it’s about what they did to make history come alive for their listeners.  In a Time magazine article entitled “History Goes Hollywood” (September 18, 2006, pp. 64-66), Nathan Thornburgh points out that schools are teaching less history, “so kids have less of an idea about what happened ...or why it matters (p. 64).” 

How to reach students in today's technology-driven world
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
Teachers can’t dress up in costumes every day and use a wide array of props to make their points.  Daily lessons do not need to be dumbed down and the intellectually challenging assignments eliminated and replaced by vapid video presentations—less in-depth education and more seduction.   And teacher-education programs don’t need to begin offering circus training, costume designing, acting, and text messaging courses.  This is obvious.  But what is the answer?  How do educators make certain they are reaching today’s students and making the kind of impression that makes learning—knowledge acquisition—enjoyable enough to inspire a lifetime of continued interest in further learning? 



And Then Some Works!

And Then Some News

And Then Some News

We  have been busy updating our look on Edgar E. Willis' web site.  It has a cleaner smoother look, and is easier to navigate.  Pop over and check it out.  Just click the link at the top of our home page.  While your there be sure to watch Edgar's videos on How to be Funny on Purpose - An Anatomy of Humor and Civilian in an Ill-fitting Uniform: A Memoir of World War II.  You can also read the first chapter of his book Civilian in an Ill-fitting Uniform. I guarantee it is worth the look.

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "Through words, you become the architect of your own reality."  The main problem with catchwords, buzzphrases, and quickie concepts is that they are simply a form of entertainment that anyone can perform.  They connect people instantly and can keep conversations bobbing with humor and liveliness, but they work against taking ourselves seriously.  They are accessible, but they reveal no depth.   They are easy to understand, easygoing, and pleasant, but there is no substance attached to them.   Pop language is fun, useful, and free in the same way that advertising-supported media is fun, useful, and “free,” but there are obvious trade-offs, and the most important one is thought replacement. 

Through words, you become the architect of your own reality
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
If you are like me you are feeling immersed (submerged?) in a world of popular catchwords, buzzphrases, and quickie concepts that Americans seem unable to communicate without using.  This verbal kudzu tells more about how we think than we think.   There is no doubt that many of these words and phrases—when used in the proper context—pack rhetorical oomph and social punch, but, as Savan notes, “today’s pop talk projects a personality that has mastered the simulation of conversation.  It’s a sort of air guitar for the lips, seeking not so much communication as a confirmation that...hey, we’re cool (pp. 10-11).”

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And Then Some Works!

New EdgarEWillis.com website unveils on Friday

And Then Some Publishing News

The new EdgarEWillis.com will debut this Friday, October 1, 2010. Check out the new website on Friday... it rocks! (At least we think so.)

Great book reviews every Monday: Book Club... And Then Some!

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "The lessons of college translate well into life." What are the lessons students learn from their college life?  So many students today doubt the value of college because they don’t believe, first, that it has any practical value.  Will it prepare me for a job?  Second, time spent in college is time wasted when it comes to earning money, as far as they’re concerned.  And the more time that it takes, the more money lost.  Third, it is a lot of work, and they feel they have just put in a lot of work finishing high school, and they just can’t see putting up with a whole lot more of that “crap.” 

The lessons of college translate well into life
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
Students need to understand that if the point of life is to not just to run the race but to succeed, college helps teach them that what they sacrifice today, they will gain tomorrow.  I know that for me college reinforced the importance of hard work, strengthened my ability to work as part of a team, underscored the value of playing by the rules, buttressed the role that rewards played in my life, encouraged my change in direction because of a teacher’s influence, and, in addition, deepened, enriched, and improved my ability to live beyond the college walls.

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And Then Some Works!

And Then Some News

And Then Some News

Well once again I find we have had a slow week with no major news to report.  Rest assured that the news will be coming soon.  Richard has been traveling having more adventures that I am sure he will be writing about.  I can hardly wait to see what he brings back for us. 

For now, here is a little preview of Thursday's And Then Some Essay.   Enjoy and we will be seeing you next week!

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "Essay anniversary III: A writing career and then some." This is what this essay is all about, as I write about it in the essay itself:  "For this anniversary essay, I want to talk about more than simply what I have and haven’t learned from writing essays or the contentment and joy that has resulted from writing them.  I have mentioned both of these in the previous two anniversary essays.   Rather, I want to take a brief moment here to take stock.  At the risk of sounding totally self-absorbed, self-indulgent, and self-important, I simply ask readers of my essays to allow my self-obsession in this single essay.  This is my 'taking stock' opportunity, and despite the egotism it reflects (those who know me well would never suspect the least bit of egotism! —I need a smiley emoticon here!), I will proceed unabated."

Essay anniversary III: A writing career and then some"
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
If I had difficulty accepting the fact that I survived writing one essay a week for a year, then two years, it comes as a major shock to me to accept the fact that I have now been doing it for three years.  Remarkable, to say the least!  It is not just the fact that I have now published on the blog 156 essays (representing approximately 156,000 words!), but that it has taken place uninterrupted, that I had enough “unique” ideas to come up with that many essay topics, and that I have not only maintained interest in doing it but have had great fun as well.

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And Then Some Works!

And Then Some News

And Then Some News

Today's news is just a quick preview of things to come...   We'll see you next week.

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "There is no way to capture the effect teachers can have on you." Although this is not an essay designed to offer a rebuttal to home schooling, a comment by my granddaughter about her desire to be home schooled prompted the essay, and in the essay I talk about some of my outstanding teachers.  I end the essay saying: "These are some of the teachers I had before I arrived at college.  I know my parents could have home schooled me if they had chosen to because both were teachers, but I would never trade the knowledge, background, and preparation of even these few teachers for what might have been a home-schooling experience.  It was from these teachers that my inspiration for learning began."

There is no way to capture the effect teachers can have on you
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
As individuals, teachers did not make impressions on me until I was in junior high school.  They were all good, it seemed to me, and all of them taught me, motivated me, and inspired me.  I can’t think of a single negative experience I had with teachers during the entire course of my educational career.  Perhaps it was luck, but I think teachers like good students, and I was definitely a good student.  It wasn’t because I wanted to be “good”; it was because I loved to learn.  Everything just seemed so new, intriguing, and fascinating.  I was captivated.

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And Then Some Works!

Edgar E. Willis website changes and Romatic Notions

And Then Some Publishing News

And Then Publishing hopes everyone had a safe and happy Labor Day. 

This week we expect to see the new prototype for EdgarEWillis.com. We are very excited to be working with Kinetica Media to help redesign the website. Their professionalism and knowledge has been instrumental in our growth. We expect amazing, and we know we won't be disappointed. 

This coming weekend Anthony Weaver is shooting a new set of videos. Are subject is toilet paper tubes and turning them into fun craft projects. The projects are a car, a spider attacking a city, and a peacock. The projects were picked by McKenzie, Lindsay, and Austen who are Anthony's nephew and neice's. We expect to release the videos a few weeks after they have been shot.

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "Romantic notions help us maintain balance—a stable, steady footing—in our lives."  Romantic notions are pleasant, comforting, and adequately soothe our idyllic, picturesque, fairy-tale side.  They offer, too, more than just a reason for living; they are, indeed, a placid, warm, snug, and cozy place where our thoughts can reside in a calm and peaceful manner without agitation, distress, or upset.  We need romantic notions to maintain a balance—a stable, steady footing—in our lives---and, thus, they are worth discussing.

Romantic notions help us maintain balance--a stable, steady footing--in our lives
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
When we were in Australia for 6 months, our choices were limited, but we discovered that it doesn’t take long to become accustomed to it.  When we returned home, we even discussed the possibility of limiting what we needed to live comfortably, but it isn’t long until the supply catches up with what you want—not what you need, but what you want.  Soon, once again, you begin to appreciate all that you have and all the choices you have in order to have more!

And Then Some Works!

Has anyone seen our Book Club? We need to learn how to fly

And Then Some Publishing News

Have you checked out the And Then Some Publishing Book Club? Every Monday we review books based on the And Then Some Philosophy: Give more, get more, want more from life. We've had reviews from our family of readers, however most of our reviews are written by Richard L. Weaver II. His analysis of each book will let you know if this is the book for you.

Visit our Book Club... And Then Some!

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, "Learning how to fly."  Why would my lessons in learning how to fly merit an essay?  Because, I feel, the requirements that go into learning how to fly are similar to those that signal when a little bird is ready to leave its nest — or, when a child is ready to leave home.  Not to fill the basic prerequisites is likely to create major problems if not disaster.

Learning how to fly
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
Learning how to fly — becoming independent — is much the same as learning how to fly.  Learn the fundamentals, gain as much experience as possible, then rely on yourself.  Many people say it requires a willingness to let go; however, I would contend that it requires use of all your resources.  Your instructor — just like your knowledge and experience — stay with you and, mentally, continue to provide suggestions and guidance.  You never “let go.”   If you have the commitment and the patience, you, too, can learn to fly.

And Then Some Works!

Baby Memories Books and Get Organized

And Then Some Publishing News


Folks, we have put a pause on Edgar E. Willis' Shakespeare series. I know we promised Part 2 of Who Wrote William Shakespeare? this week, however, in September 2010 EdgarEWillis.com is going through a massive revision and we are waiting to release the rest of the videos in the Shakespeare series so we can adjust the website properly. Until then, there is no reason why you can't find out How to be Funny on Purpose and Edgar's World War II memoir.


We are excited to introduce you to BabyMemoriesBooks.com. This is a new website with the specific focus on Special Delivery: A Baby Memories Scrapbook for girls or boys. Do you need a baby shower gift? This is perfect... and after you visit the website you will know if this is the right gift. Watch videos, find out how to print your own affordable pictures.... and then some!

Leave a comment and tell us what you think of BabyMemoriesBooks.com. We want your opinion!

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, “Get organized."  I’ve never been convinced that “organization skills” can be taught; those who are organized can become better organized, and for those whose natural inclination is chaos — disorganization — you can offer guidelines, suggestions, and recommendations and, if you’re lucky, some may penetrate and get used, but in the end, I think, disorganization tends to win out because of the habitual penchant toward disarray.  I have no evidence of this, just an observation based on teaching organization skills for 30 years.  But there is so much available on how to get organized, what you need to know are the benefits, and that is what this essay does---clearly explains the benefits. 

Get Organized
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
Realize that making these changes overnight — as small as some of them are —  is almost impossible.  Change cannot take place that quickly.  Disorganization is as much a habit as getting organized, once it is accomplished.  Make little changes, starting for example, with one small area of your life or living area — papers, computer files, clothes, linen closet, kitchen, mail, children’s room.  When successful there, move on to another area.  Now, reward yourself for the completion of each goal you set — a night at a favorite restaurant, a movie, or a relaxing walk in the park.  Getting organized may be tough, but the rewards make it worthwhile; it is an important area for self-improvement.

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And Then Some Works!

Who Wrote Shakespeare? Part 2 Release Date and Essay Preview - Is there an erosion of standards?

And Then Some Publishing News

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We know so little about William Shakespeare that it has been said of what we know could  be written on a postcard. What does Shakespeare reveal about himself through his plays and sonnets?

1. Asking first, When were the plays written?
   
2. The writer had a broad expansive education.
   
3. You couldn't write these plays without a profound knowledge of the law.
   
4. The writer of the Shakespeare plays was a great traveler.
   
5. These plays and sonnets were written by someone very familiar with court scenes and the ways of the aristocracy.
   
6. The writing displayed extensive knowledge of the theater and that further developed his craftsmanship as a playwright.
   
7. The writer had a deep understanding of human nature.
   

It's Stratfordians vs. Anti-Stratfordians! People who believe William Shakespeare wrote his own works versus those who say he didn't. Why ask if Shakespeare authored his own poems, sonnets, and plays? Anti-Stratfordians contend it couldn't be possible for a person to be born in Stratford, in the kind of atmosphere, environment, and at that time, could have possibly written the plays that are now credited to him.

Part 2 of the video Who Wrote William Shakespeare? by Edgar E. Willis is next Tuesday's News, August 24, 2010. Edgar has more videos on his website... check out How to Funny on Purpose at EdgarEWillis.com.

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, “Is there an erosion of standards?"  In reading a column in the Toledo Blade I was struck by the fact that the erosion of standards in America’s public high schools (which the column discussed) isn’t the only area where erosion is taking place.  It can be seen in higher education, language, manners, honesty, television, and sex as well as in many other areas.When there is an erosion of standards in manners, honesty, and sex, you would expect it to be reflected in the area of ethics as well.  Read this essay---which takes a very definite and strong position---and see if you agree. 

Is there an erosion of standards?
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:

This essay has barely touched the surface of an enormous erosion of standards, but one fact is clear, such erosion undermines individual responsibility and civic values, harms individuals, generates a loss of public trust in the institutions of our society, and leaves everyone searching for guideposts—instructions on how to proceed when faced with complex emerging issues.

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And Then Some Works!

New Videos - Combine a Baby Memory Scrapbook and Post-It Notes, plus "Family Members as Role Models..." Essay Preview

And Then Some Publishing News
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This week we have two new videos that explain what you can do with "Special Delivery: A Baby Memory Scrapbook for Boys or Girls." The first video describes how you can take Post-it® Picture Paper and easily print out a picture of your special delivery, then add your photo to your baby memory book.

In the second video author Lynne Hall and illustrator Anthony Weaver explain and answer questions about their book, "Special Delivery: A Baby Memory Scrapbook for Boys or Girls." They answer questions about the inspiration of the book, how the baby memories are set up, how we arrived at our title, what Special Delivery covers plus plenty of examples... And Then Some!

How-to combine Special Delivery Baby Book plus "Post-It" picture paper - A perfect combination




Special Delivery Baby Memory Book Explained by Author Lynne Hall and Illustrator Anthony Weaver




Do you have any questions about Special Delivery: A Baby Memory Scrapbook for Boys or Girls? Please ask...

Get your Special Delivery NOW: ProductsThatPamper.com

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, “Family members as role models: The first school for young children."  Valuing children as human beings, revealing consistency between what you do and what you expect children to do, creating a positive and supportive home atmosphere, accentuating the positive, and modeling and explaining effective, expected behaviors, are just some of the ways adults can influence children.  This essay is about the important role family members play in influencing children.   

Family members as role models: The first school for young children
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
There is no doubt that parents are a child’s first teachers and role models.  Usually, too, children are more affected by what their parents do than by what their parents say.  They learn how to behave by seeing how their mothers and fathers behave, and they follow their example.  It is like a computer’s default pattern.  That is, when given no specific instructions on how the computer is supposed to deal with a situation, it falls back on the programming it has stored in its memory, and it uses the instructions in that programming.


And Then Some Works!

Who Wrote Shakespeare Video Series, Part 1 by Edgar E. Willis

 And Then Some Publishing News

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It's time for William Shakespeare!

Our new videos series is Who Wrote Shakespeare, Part 1 by Edgar E. Willis. Edgar explains in this introduction that throughout the world William Shakespeare's works have received more translations than any other work except the Bible. The towering reputation is based on two narrative poems, Venus and Adonis and The rape of Lucrece, 154 sonnets that are unsurpassed in their craftsmanship, and some 37 plays. The author told wonderful stories that created characters of such depth and richness that they exist in our minds as real people.  He wrote passage after passage of such transcendent brilliance that absolutely takes your breath away. When you read one of these passages as Edgar has on many occasions, and thought, "it couldn't possibly have been said better." After centuries, the question of whether William Shakespeare actually wrote these works is still being debated? Edgar asks, "Who wrote Shakespeare?" He helps you decide for yourself.   

See all Edgar E. Willis videos including How to be Funny and his Interview about his World War II memoir

William Shakespeare Almost and the Thursday Essay Preview

And Then Some Publishing News
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Last week we worked on updating ProductsThatPamper.com. This website is devoted to Lynne Hall's handmade photo albums for many different occasions and Special Delivery: A baby memory book for girls or boys. The website isn't quite complete, but what we've produced looks a lot better than the previous effort. We will be adding more videos explaining more about what you can do with Special Delivery. If you have any questions about Lynne's book, leave a comment below and we'll cover the answer in the upcoming video. Check out Lynne's Special Delivery at ProductsThatPamper.com.

It's time for William Shakespeare!

Our new videos series is Who Wrote Shakespeare, Part 1 by Edgar E. Willis. Edgar explains in this introduction that throughout the world William Shakespeare's works have received more translations than any other work except the Bible. The towering reputation is based on two narrative poems, Venus and Adonis and The rape of Lucrece, 154 sonnets that are unsurpassed in their craftsmanship, and some 37 plays. The author told wonderful stories that created characters of such depth and richness that they exist in our minds as real people.  He wrote passage after passage of such transcendent brilliance that absolutely takes your breath away. When you read one of these passages as Edgar has on many occasions, and thought, "it couldn't possibly have been said better." After centuries, the question of whether William Shakespeare actually wrote these works is still being debated? Edgar asks, "Who wrote Shakespeare?" He helps you decide for yourself.   

[Video goes here] OOPS! Not yet... we will post another blog post with, Who wrote William Shakespeare, by Edgar E. Willis.

See more videos with Edgar E. Willis at EdgarEWillis.com

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, “People don’t want to know how to live a responsible, accountable, mature life—and they don’t care."  Most people watch the no-brainer, lackluster, uninspired, dull, and unimaginative entertainment provided on television or the big screen because of their own slovenly inertia.  They become immersed in video games, text messaging, chat rooms, e-mail messaging, Internet surfing and other mindless pursuits to fill their boring, nothing lives.  People don’t want to know how to live a responsible, accountable, mature life—and they don’t care. 

People don't want to know how to live a responsible, accountable, mature life---and they don't care."
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
Despite the way I conducted my courses, and despite the basic philosophies I believed in that guided my behavior, I may have over estimated my audience.  How did I arrive at this conclusion?  I discovered it when reading a book, The Healthy Guide to Unhealthy Living: How to Survive Your Bad Habits (Simon & Schuster, 2006), by Dr. David J. Clayton.  Clayton is a medical doctor who is a graduate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.  He has an undergraduate degree in chemical biology with honors from Stevens Institute of Technology.  He trained in internal medicine at Boston University and the Scripps Clinic and Research Institute in La Jolla, California.

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And Then Some Works!

Masculinity and a Shakespeare Video

And Then Some Publishing News
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Hello folks... let's get you up-to-date! 

The new video page at AndThenSomePublishing.com is finished for now. Sure there are more updates soon since we are releasing more videos later this week. (More on that in a second.) We continue to update our websites and our recent efforts haven statistically proven we are on the right track. 


Thanks for being fans and thank you for your support.


Edgar E. Willis' video on Shakespeare will be released later this week. We were hoping it would be ready for this post, but due to some technical difficulties we've decided to delay the release so we make sure you get what you want. It's Shakespeare and this must presented with respect... and we want to get this one right. Nothing is rotten in the state of Denmark... a little patience is definitely worth the wait.

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, “The tyranny of masculinity: Stop trying to be a man; start trying to be yourself."  Men, in general—not all men—can be criticized for being too addicted to cultural definitions of masculinity and for lacking a critical perspective about those definitions.  If you don't believe it, read about it in Thursday's essay.  

The tyranny of masculinity: Stop trying to be a man; start trying to be yourself
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
It is true that most men feel pressured to act masculine.  Why can’t men, instead, emulate people like the Dalai Lama, Martin Luther King, Jr., or Gandhi—men who were both gentle and competent?  These are male culture heroes and icons of highly accomplished masculinity.  Why is it that most men hold as heroes athletes, lawyers, businessmen, and generals?  The answer is: because we live in a speedy, competitive, hyper-masculine culture—a culture that focuses upon and idealizes the most problematic aspects of the male gender role.  If I could give men just one message, it would be: Stop trying to be a man; start trying to be yourself.  If that includes elements that are considered feminine, so be it.

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It's life... And Then Some!

Shakespeare and Assholes?

And Then Some Publishing News
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This week we will be finishing the updates to all of our And Then Some Publishing websites. As we have found out it takes longer to update and remove old information than it is to implement and install the new information. The idea of the updates is to make easier and more efficient with our updates and getting new material to you faster. We expect to have AndThenSomePublishing.com updated by the end of the week so watch for our new updates.

Are you ready for Shakespeare? We will be releasing the first part of Edgar E. Willis video series next week. The videos come from the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Edgar presents a combination of a lecture and a question and answer session all about William Shakespeare. If you love Shakespeare or have to study him, then you are in for a treat! The videos will be posted here first, then on Edgar's website, EdgarEWillis.com. There's a lot more videos to watch... check them out.

Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, “Assholes at work." Who am I talking about?  I’m talking here about people who quickly, and often thoughtlessly, throw out personal insults, invade our personal space, make uninvited physical contact, use verbal and nonverbal means to threaten and intimidate, use unwanted sarcastic jokes, offer-up withering e-mail flames, inject rude interruptions into conversations, appear two-faced—one face cordial and accommodating, the other face condemning, vilifying, and attacking—ready to give dirty looks (in Hawaii they call it “stink-eye”) at a moment’s displeasure, and treating others as if they are invisible.  The essay is based on Robert I. Sutton's book, The No Asshole Rule, and I am indebted to him for the ideas in this essay.

Assholes at Work
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
One problem with assholes is the residual effect they can have on your mind, mentality, and memory.  Just writing this essay, for example, brings back memories I would rather not entertain.  Forgiving and forgetting is a great thought, but sometimes doesn’t serve to purge such experiences.  Although Sutton discusses both revenge and calling their bluff, I have seldom seen these tactics work well.  There are some tactics that work and that are discussed above, and they may be all you have.  Fortunately, assholes make up a small percentage of the population!

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And Then Some Works!

Edgar E Willis Website Remodel Complete and Thursday's Essay Preview

And Then Some Publishing News 
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Have you see the new EdgarEWillis.com? The website has been updated and people are liking what they see! Now you can get all his videos and books in one place. Currently, Edgar has two videos, his interview about his memoir, Civilian in an Ill-fitting Uniform, and How to be Funny on Purpose: An Anatomy of Humor. He has more videos and books on the way. The next video about Shakespeare will be released in the next two weeks. If you love Shakespeare, you'll love this series. We'll keep you posted right here when there is a firm release date.


Click here and check out the NEW EdgarEWillis.com


Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:
Thursday’s essay is called, “It is our sanctuary, our special place, an area of safety, solitude, and serenity."  I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting a place that is quiet, peaceful, and serene.  In this essay I talk about our back yard and how, over more than 30 years, we have created such a place.

It is our sanctuary, our special place, an area of safety, solitude, and serenity
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
Our yard is and always has been a “work-in-progress.”  It was never planned; we are never finished with it; and we never stop purchasing more plants—some that we have no place for—every year.  But when you enter the backyard now, with the songs of the many birds, the sounds of the water from our pond, and the incredible smell of fresh air, it is truly a joy to behold.  It is our sanctuary, our special place, an area of safety, solitude, and serenity.

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And Then Some Works!

Final Part of Edgar E. Willis World War II Memoir and Following the Rules Preview

And Then Some Publishing News
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It might be the final part of the Civilian in an Ill-fitting Uniform interview with Edgar E. Willis, however there's more. What? There's more? 


We have more video's from Edgar coming soon and he is about to turn 97.... YES, 97! The upcoming video series comes from the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Edgar presents a combination of a lecture and a question and answer session all about William Shakespeare. If you love Shakespeare or have to study him, then you are in for a treat! 


Part 4, is the conclusion of Anthony Weaver's interview with author Edgar E. Willis. At 96, Anthony's grandfather, retired Emeritus Professor of Communication at the University of Michigan, penned his memoir Civilian in an Ill-fitting Uniform. This book is Edgar's account of the time before and after he served on the USS Alaska during World War II. In his decommission Edgar faced some big decisions that would choose the path for his life. With an education, he had career choices, a wife and children, what was to happen next?... And what does he hope readers will take away from his World War II memoir?


Click here if you can't see Part 4 of Edgar's interview.





Usually, we provide links to all of the videos in the Civilian interview series here. Instead, this week we want you to go to Edgar's website: EdgarEWillis.com. As soon as this post is published And Then Some Publishing is updating the website for better access to content and where you will be able to see all his videos in one place. Check the progress of our changes EdgarEWillis.com.


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Thursday's And Then Some Essay preview:

Thursday’s essay is called, “Following the rules." After an unabashingly, unsubtle attempt to sell my rules-based books, I talk about a column in the New York Times by Jane E. Brody entitled, “Rules Worth Following, for Everyone’s Sake.”   In this column, Brody reviews Michael Pollan's book called Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (137 pages, $11 retail, $5.50 at Amazon).  I mention some of Pollan's rules and comments by other reviewers of his book.  In the excerpt from the essay located below, I share some insights about those who may not appreciate Pollan's book; thus, you can determine---right here and now!---whether or not my essay is worth reading.

Following the Rules
by Richard L. Weaver II

Excerpt:
There are three types of people who will not appreciate Pollan’s book.  First, those who have read his previous books will find this one redundant.  More than that, it is simply a distillation of and recycled verbatim from his previous book, In Defense of Food, referred to above.  Second, if you are already into food and nutrition, you will find much of what Pollan says, common sense—maybe even, elementary.  The third type of person who can skip this book and his previous one are those who simply adopt Pollan’s approach, which he summarized in just seven words: “Eat food.  Not too much.  Mostly plants.”  Obesity solved!  Diet-related ailments eliminated!
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And Then Some Works!