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Jason

ZEN. LDS. GTD. FTW.

Member Since 2008

6
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 19 reviews
  • 24 ratings
  • 199 titles in library
  • 36 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
8
FOLLOWERS
1

  • Respect for Acting, 2nd Edition

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 58 mins)
    • By Uta Hagen, Haskel Frankel
    • Narrated By Angele Masters
    Overall
    (4)
    Performance
    (2)
    Story
    (3)

    For many years, she was asked to write a book. Finally she did, and here it is: an account of her own struggle with the techniques of acting and based on her teachings. Respect for Acting is a book for people who respect (or wish they could) the theater on both sides of the footlights, for actors and audiences who favor truth in a creative process.

    Jason says: "Fascinating, even for non actors like myself"
    "Fascinating, even for non actors like myself"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to Respect for Acting, 2nd Edition the most enjoyable?

    The narration was excellent and Uta's insights were interesting and informative.


    What other book might you compare Respect for Acting, 2nd Edition to and why?

    This is the first book of it's kind for me.


    What about Angele Masters’s performance did you like?

    Nice cadence throughout, pretty voice.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You

    • UNABRIDGED (4 hrs and 24 mins)
    • By John Warrillow
    • Narrated By Erik Synnestvedt
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (90)
    Performance
    (67)
    Story
    (69)

    A business parable about how to create a start-up that won't trap you when you want to sell it. According to John Warrillow, the number one mistake entrepreneurs make is to build a business that relies too heavily on them. Thus, when the time comes to sell, buyers aren't confident that the company-even if it's profitable-can stand on its own. To illustrate this, Warrillow introduces us to a fictional small business owner named Alex who is struggling to sell his advertising agency.

    M. Muin says: "Good content, Very bad narration"
    "I actually LIKE the narration..."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to Built to Sell the most enjoyable?

    The narrator has a very signature style and it made the so-so story of Built to Sell more listenable. In fact, this is one of the few audiobooks I've listened to twice.

    However, judging by the other remarks, I guess Erik's narration is a love it or hate it proposition. I personally thought it was great.


    Would you recommend Built to Sell to your friends? Why or why not?

    Yes, but with the caveat that the book is a little unrealistic in how fast a business can ramp up revenues (especially a logo design firm).


    Any additional comments?

    Better than E-Myth by a country mile.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • FREE: The Future of a Radical Price

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 2 mins)
    • By Chris Anderson
    • Narrated By Chris Anderson
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1861)
    Performance
    (676)
    Story
    (667)

    The New York Times best-selling author heralds the future of business in Free. In his revolutionary best seller, The Long Tail, Chris Anderson demonstrated how the online marketplace creates niche markets, allowing products and consumers to connect in a way that has never been possible before. Now, in Free, he makes the compelling case that, in many instances, businesses can profit more from giving things away than they can by charging for them.

    Roy says: "Thought Provoking"
    "'FREE' is worth your time"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Visionary Chris Anderson consistently delivers the goods, this time for 'FREE'. His ideas are interesting and organized, and I dig the "sound bar" feature he has in the audiobook.

    I consider this book a timeless classic. Don't miss it.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Power Hungry: The Myths of 'Green' Energy and the Real Fuels of the Future

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 45 mins)
    • By Robert Bryce
    • Narrated By Ax Norman
    Overall
    (61)
    Performance
    (24)
    Story
    (23)

    The promise of green jobs and a clean energy future has roused the masses. But as Robert Bryce makes clear in this provocative book, that vision needs a major re-vision. We cannotand will notquit using carbon-based fuels at any time in the near future for a simple reason: they provide the horsepower that we crave. The hard reality is that oil, coal, and natural gas are here to stay.

    Thomas J. Mahowald says: "Contrarian But Facual; A Thought Provoking Read"
    "Not factual, but yes, a slap in the face"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

    If the author had been more honest about the subject, I would've given it a better rating.


    What was most disappointing about Robert Bryce’s story?

    The distortion of facts. Robert uses facts that support his argument for shale gas etc but doesn't bother to counter-balance them with facts that refute his claims.


    Have you listened to any of Ax Norman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    Ax Norman's narration was fine, and suited to the material.


    If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Power Hungry?

    I would have added truth, something that had already been cut from the book.


    Any additional comments?

    Check out the KunstlerCast and the podcast episode about alternative fuels like shale gas.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • You Are an Ironman: How Six Weekend Warriors Chased Their Dream of Finishing the World's Toughest Triathlon

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 35 mins)
    • By Jacques Steinberg
    • Narrated By Kirby Heyborne
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (140)
    Performance
    (118)
    Story
    (119)

    As he did so masterfully in his New York Times best seller The Gatekeepers, Jacques Steinberg creates a compelling portrait of people obsessed with reaching a life-defining goal. In this instance, the target is an Ironman triathlon---a 2.4-mile open-water swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride, then finally a 26-mile marathon run, all of which must be completed in no more than seventeen hours. Steinberg focuses not on the professional who live off the prize money and sponsorships, but on a handful of triathletes who regard the sport as a hobby.

    Carla says: "Ironman Here I come (someday)"
    "Couldn't Make It To The Finish"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

    Another narrator. It's a subjective thing, but I couldn't stand the narrators voice, even after repeated tries. It was too passive and sort of whiny.


    How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

    More emotion and less of a documentary angle.


    Would you be willing to try another one of Kirby Heyborne’s performances?

    No. Kirby's style and tone isn't a match for my ears.


    What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

    Frustration because of the laid-back pacing of the story and Kirby's voice.


    Any additional comments?

    This audiobook has been the biggest disappointment yet.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Secret Race: Inside the Hidden World of the Tour de France: Doping, Cover-ups, and Winning at All Costs

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 23 mins)
    • By Tyler Hamilton, Daniel Coyle
    • Narrated By Sean Runnette
    Overall
    (304)
    Performance
    (264)
    Story
    (265)

    Here is an explosive book that takes us, for the first time, deep inside a shadowy, fascinating, and surreal world of unscrupulous doctors, anything-goes team directors, and athletes so relentlessly driven to succeed that they would do anything—and take any risk, physical, mental, or moral—to gain the edge they needed to win. The Secret Race is a riveting, courageous act of witness from a man who is as determined to reveal the hard truth about his sport as he once was to win the Tour de France.

    Alan says: "Gripping and fascinating"
    "Quite a Ride!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about The Secret Race?

    It's jam-packed with juicy information. As a casual observer of professional cycling I feel like I have a whole new understanding of the sport.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret Race?

    Lance Armstrong: "That is NOT normal!"


    What does Sean Runnette bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    He read it so good, I thought he was the author. Fantastic narrator.


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    Days later and I still think about it all the time. I have a few more sayings I can use now too.


    Any additional comments?

    Wow, what a confession. The story just doesn't let up at all until about the very last 10 minutes. Highly recommended.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 23 mins)
    • By Alfred Lansing
    • Narrated By Simon Prebble
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1049)
    Performance
    (495)
    Story
    (496)

    In August of 1914, the British ship Endurance set sail for the South Atlantic. In October, 1915, still half a continent away from its intended base, the ship was trapped, then crushed in the ice. For five months, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men, drifting on ice packs, were castaways in one of the most savage regions of the world.

    Thomas says: "The best book I've had"
    "Intoxicating Story of Survival... A Classic"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Endurance?

    As good as everything was, I think the narration by Simon Prebble impressed me the most. It's the best I've ever heard in my life.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of Endurance?

    This question reminds me of a Zen koan when a butcher was asked which cut of meat was best. The butcher replied "they are all the best".

    The story is seamless and it's a riveting listen.


    What does Simon Prebble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    Authenticity, pacing, Simon did a MASTERFUL job.


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    Weirdly enough, it made me appreciate donuts and pastries more. Why, because the men were surviving on penguins and seal blubber and would fantasize about feasts of nothing but sugary oatmeal with crème and pastries.


    Any additional comments?

    With the Endurance, you aren't listening to an audiobook, you're on a journey and having an experience you won't forget. HIGHLY recommended!

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 43 mins)
    • By Eric Ries
    • Narrated By Eric Ries
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (976)
    Performance
    (803)
    Story
    (799)

    Most startups fail. But many of those failures are preventable. The Lean Startup is a new approach being adopted across the globe, changing the way companies are built and new products are launched.

    Zed says: "Great book, fascinating ideas"
    "Informative, mature but not original or essential"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    If you're coming out of high school and are scheming up your first (or maybe second) startup, then this is the book for you. You'll learn a lot.

    On the other hand, if your a consultant, read business blogs and have launched a few products in your time, you probably won't learn much.

    The narration is by the author, laid back but personable. He knows what he's talking about. He offers clarity and direction. The Lean Startup won't teach you everything, but if you are relatively new or confused, or perhaps discouraged by past failures, get this.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 48 mins)
    • By Bill Walsh, Steve Jamison, Craig Walsh
    • Narrated By Dick Hill
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (32)
    Performance
    (19)
    Story
    (17)

    Drawn from a series of deeply revealing conversations with coauthor Steve Jamison, The Score Takes Care of Itself offers Walsh's best leadership principles illustrated by anecdotes from his entire career. Additional insights and perspective are provided by his son Craig Walsh. The book will delight football fans and guide the vast business audience eager to learn how Bill Walsh motivated individuals and crafted winning teams.

    Jason says: "Thank you Bill Walsh"
    "Thank you Bill Walsh"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I don't watch the NFL or any professional sports, and I don't know Bill Walsh from Moses, but the title of this audiobook resonated with me so I took a chance. I'm glad I did.

    There is so much good stuff here. Lots of stories, mostly about football but metaphors for business and life as well.

    Bill Walsh, the legendary coach of the San Francisco 49ers, reveals a mix of intelligence, toughness, humility and empathy in his anecdotes. He shares his successes but is also honest about his failings. It's really remarkable.

    Having listened to this audiobook right to the end, I have a deep sense of respect for this man. If he was still alive I would want to thank him in person for the great insights he shared. But since I can't, I'll say it here: thanks Bill!

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Teachings of Zen Master Dogen

    • ABRIDGED (2 hrs and 57 mins)
    • By Dogen
    • Narrated By Gary Snyder
    Overall
    (32)
    Performance
    (6)
    Story
    (6)

    Dogen (1200-1253 C.E.) founded the Soto school of Zen Buddhism in Japan. His teachings are the very embodiment of the paradoxical blend of mystery and clarity that characterizes Zen. Dogen's approach to meditation has become perhaps the most influential Eastern spiritual practice in the Western world. The selections in this program are from Moon in a Dewdrop.

    Jason says: "Uneven but rewarding"
    "Uneven but rewarding"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    If you enjoy the paradoxical yet profound teachings of Zen Buddhism, then you'll want to listen to this.

    I found both the teachings and the narration a little slow (boring?) until about midway through, when Dogen's teachings became more intellectually interesting, paradoxical and humorous (although it's probably just me).

    Definitely not for everybody, but maybe for you.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 43 mins)
    • By David Kushner
    • Narrated By Wil Wheaton
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (88)
    Performance
    (84)
    Story
    (83)

    Masters of Doom is the amazing true story of the Lennon and McCartney of video games: John Carmack and John Romero. Together, they ruled big business. They transformed popular culture. And they provoked a national controversy. More than anything, they lived a unique and rollicking American Dream, escaping the broken homes of their youth to produce the most notoriously successful game franchises in history - Doom and Quake - until the games they made tore them apart. This is a story of friendship and betrayal, commerce and artistry.

    Keith says: "Fun with a twist of mean!"
    "If you were ever a fan of Doom or Quake, get this"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Masters of Doom was a treat to listen to, and finished it completely in a few short days (I went on extra walks as an excuse to listen to it).

    Wil Wheaton nailed the narration and David Kushner really captured the time and the two starkly different personalities in Carmack and Romero.

    Glad I took a chance on this. Well worth it!

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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