Do you read a lot? Here is a hint for you.

Thriftbooks is a great source for the avid reader.

It doesn't matter if you are looking for a first edition, a signed copy, hard copy, or paperack. You can be searching for collectibles, a book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon, or maybe one to accompany you on your next trip on a plane or a train.  Thriftbooks can become your go to source for good reading material, old and new. 

My wife and my sister found Thriftbooks before I did. (Neither of them bothered to clue me in to this fabulous book seller and I am still upset it took me so long to find it.) A few months ago, when an ad popped up on a page I was browsing on on the internet, I clicked it. It didn't take long for me to decide to give Thriftbooks a try. I haven't looked back. In the past few months I have purchased dozens of books; everything from 1970s spy novels, Faulkner, Hemingway, J. D. Salinger, to recent New York Times Bestsellers. I have purchased books on raising chickens, gardening, history, classics, popular novels, on almost any subject you want or desire. It needs go be mentioned that on thriftbooks you can find titlers you may not be able to find at other book sellers or merchant websites. 

• Get to know the Constitution.
  https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/full-text

Look, if you are an avid reader like me, I seldom sit down without a book in my hand, and this website is now my main source for books. I buy mostly used books in excellent condition but occasionally by some that aren't, but I have never gotten a book in bad condition and I get a lot of books. If you are looking for a book, almost any book even those that have been banned by some sources, give them a try.  

Let me know what you think about Thriftbooks. My theory is one can never have too many books.   https://www.thriftbooks.com/ 

No one paid me or even requested I mention Thriftbooks. This is completely unsolicited. I simply believe it is a great source for great reads and I think a lot of you will think so, too.

...until next time and remember: 

• Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. The United States Constitution. 

• 
  

Shifted Gears a Little Today

Mock Interviews  

Last week, I was asked to conduct a series of mock interviews for graduating high school seniors in Indiana. I was a last-minute substitute for an interviewer who suddenly had a conflict. I received all the information about the mock company, the position for which they were interviewing, and a series of questions I could use as a starting point to prepare for interviews that took place the next morning. The interviews were to be conducted virtually, and although I had a scheduling conflict, I agreed to conduct them from the airport where I would be waiting

I set up a makeshift "office" in a waiting area at the airport, complete with my Mac, iPhone, and the materials I had pulled together the previous afternoon. These were intended to be short interviews designed to make the students more comfortable with and acustomed to the process. Two of the three students I interviewed had previous interview experience, one of whom has held a job for two years and was already familiar with the process.

I won't go into much detail except to say that I tried my best to make the interviews as realistic as possible. I told them not to be nervous. Interviews, if conducted properly, are not a test. Rather, they are questions intended to provide the interviewer with insight into who you are and the assets you bring to a job. I emphasized that there were no wrong answers to the questions I was going to ask, so they could relax and help me get to know them.

As I mentioned, I interviewed three young people virtually: two young ladies and a young man. I don't know whetehr they were average or above average, but I can tell you that each of them displayed characteristics that made them highly employable. All three handled themselves professionally and were very respectful to me as the interviewer. When you see traits like these, you know they have been influenced by positive elements in their lives.

Illustration created in Microsoft Copilot

Throughout my career, I have conducted hundreds of job interviews and have been part of good, bad, and indifferent interviews. These young folks from Indiana knocked it out of the park. They were three different personality types, but it was clear that each had been taught well on how to conduct themselves in a business situation. One was very comfortable with the process; she answered my questions and was able to adjust her responses to align with the direction of the conversation. She interpreted the questions thoughtfully and provided succinct answers. Another interviewee had never been through an interview before. She was noticeably nervous but quickly composed herself and performed very well. She provided answers that fully addressed the questions I asked.

I share all of this to highlight that parents, teachers, and others who come into the lives of our young people influence them immensely. Mentoring doesn't stop there with any one of these influences. We—you and I—should take up that mantle and provide today's young people with role models they can look up to kand aspire to emulate. It is up to each of us to do our part in providing good direction for them. Being a positive role model for the youth is essential. By demonstrating respect, compassion, and providing clear direction and guidance, we can help young people develop into strong, successful adults who contribute positively to society. Through our actions and attitudes, we have the power to inspire and shape the next generation.

...just writing a few lines about what is on my mind today.