Book Review: Surviving Remote Work

 Title: Surviving Remote Work

Author: Sharon Koifman

Publisher: DistantJob (Self-Published)

Publication Date: November 17, 2020 

Rating: 3 out of 5

2020  has changed how we work. Many of us have had to work remotely in this pandemic year. My team and I have been working from home since March. So, when I was offered an advance copy of this book, I jumped at the chance, hoping it would improve my remote management skills. Sadly, most of this information is obvious, or we've worked it out by working remotely.

Koifman's breaks his book into a section for managers and a section for remote workers. His main points are clear: have good technology, such as computers, webcams, headsets, routers, etc; minimize distractions; focus on culture and good worker mental health. But come on, who doesn't know that. Most of us don't need this book; those that do will probably never realize they need it and won't come near it.

What made this worse for me was that the proof copy I received was full of typographical and grammatical errors and plain omissions. In many cases, it was like trying to read something a  5 year-old had written. (Maybe his child did write some of this!) That really distracted me. As much as I love working remotely, this book was not a winner for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an advance review copy for free;  I am leaving this honest review voluntarily. 

Turkey Day 2020

This has been an unprecedented year, with ravaging wildfires in Australia in January, followed by a global pandemic in March. Here in the US, we are celebrating Thanksgiving in our small personal bubbles, wearing masks, and socially distancing or isolating from others. For me, that means just me and my wife for a chicken pot pie dinner.

So, this year, I am focusing on movies that feature pandemics, virus outbreaks, or masks. See if you can recognize and remember these great movies from yesteryear, when we could actually go sit in a movie theater without a mask, and without fear of airborne viruses.

If you are new to "Turkey Films", check out the "rules" laid out in the first of these annual posts from way back in 2011.

Oh, and happy (crappy) Thanksgiving to all.

• Turkey War Z
• The Man in the Turkey Mask
• 12 Turkeys
• Turkey am Legend
• 28 Turkeys Later
• Turkeyland
• The Turkey Strain
• The Silence of the Turkeys
• The Turkey of Zorro
• Conturkeygion

Book Review: The Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy

Title: The Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy -- An Illustrated Guide to Blending Essential Oils and Crafting Remedies for Body, Mind and Spirit  

Author: Jade Shutes & Amy Galper

Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group

Publication Date: November 10, 2020 

Rating: 4 out of 5

I love oil diffusers. In fact I have two in my house, along with over 30 different essential oil flavors. I got this book because I wanted to get some new blending ideas. This book let me down there, since it doesn't have a lot of these. (But you can find many in various on-line blogs or websites.) Instead, this book is a wonderful reference resource to all things essential oils. Combined with beautiful artwork, this is an educational coffee table book.

The authors introduce the subject of aromatherapy in part 1, and the ways that these oils can get into the body in part 2 But it is part 3 that is so informative, outlining dozens of essential oils, what their medicinal properties are, what they pair with, and how to use them. Although not quite what I was seeking this book is a treasure trove of scented knowledge on this topic.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an advance review copy for free;  I am leaving this honest review voluntarily. 

Book Review: Fun Virtual Team-Building Activities

Title: Fun Virtual Team-Building Activities

Author: Hassan Osman

Publisher: Self-published

Publication Date: July 27, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5

In the midst of pandemic with most white-collar workers working from home, how do you maintain employee engagement and morale? As a team manager and leader, I have been thinking long and hard about this question. One way is to have some fun with virtual team-building games. And this is where Osman's little book comes in. He provides 18 activities that anyone can use.

This book is all about quality not quantity, and can be read easily in an hour. Of the 18 activities I plan to use at least half with my team. What differentiates this book from others or from websites that give game ideas is that the author also provides slides and spreadsheets that you can immediately use to help team-members understand the games. Where a game requires tracking answers Osman gives you spreadsheets ready for use. 

I've tried one activity already, weekly reply all, and have cued up half a dozen others to keep my team together and engaged. I would have given this 5 stars if there were a few more ideas or if I thought I would use all 18. Regardless, for the price, this ebook is great value and well worth a shot.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.