I love these “correctional” books on history.
So much of what we learned, is “folklore” that just happens to continue on throughout the generations. Of course, a lot of our early history, wasn’t chronicled or written down as much as it is now, so it was a matter of passing information along through “storytelling” and you know how that goes.
In reading this book, the author, Thomas Ayres, points out several “corrections” to the history that we’ve been taught from grade school. For instance:
- did you know that Benjamin Franklin almost killed himself trying to electrocute a turkey
- the Wright brothers were not the first to fly an airplane
- there was a 14th state that the original 13 wouldn’t let join the union
- July 4th is not really our Independence Day
- and so much more
I really enjoyed reading this book, but I am a fan of history anyway. It doesn’t really change some of the old stories that I’ve heard since childhood, such as “George Washington could never tell a lie”, or that he “threw a gold coin across the Potomac River”. Those things really don’t matter that much when it comes down to it, plus it as a little bit of “drama and colorization” to the overall story.
If you like history, you’ll love this book! I know I did!
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
