Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Book Review: A Century Turns


A Century Turns by William J. Bennett is an interesting adaptation of history by this renowned historian. As he notes in the introduction he lived this period of history. It is interesting to see how the political machine has changed over the past 20 years. Along with that the way the politicians have communicated with the nation has evolved as well. The book is well annotated with 45 pages of references in the back. Footnote space in the book adds his eye witness stories of the time. It is clear to see who have been our strong leaders in light of what the nation and world has challenged them. It is a difficult book to read if your political viewpoint differs from the author. The book is worth the purchase for the three dozen photographs included. In a few pages there is a terrific colorful view of the 1988-2008 time period.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Coffee Fail!

A while back there was an opportunity to receive Tasters Choice coffee samples from Nescafe. Knowing that this sample was typically in a convenient tube shaped package, I thought it might be a match for my new Starbucks travel coffee mug. This mug features slots along the side to hold your instant coffee for Starbucks VIA coffee on the run (from your very own kitchen not the cafe.)

The samples came today in some very nice varieties including Original, Gourmet Roast, 100% Colombian, Hazelnut, Vanilla and Decaffeinated. A $1 coupon for a 20 count stick pack of coffee was included as well. You can print a coupon here at Taster's Choice.

The surrounding packaging showed me that they had already thought about the competition with Starbucks VIA coffee.

Unfortunately, Taster's Choice is not packaged quite as small as the VIA and therefore will NOT easily fit into the mug slots ready to go like the VIA. This was a huge disappointment to me. I was really hoping to have the variety at my fingertips the way Starbucks suggests.

I guess this would be an opportunity for Nescafe to either make packages to fit the Starbucks coffee cup or market their own to go cup. If you are listening Nescafe, please consider a handle on your cup and maybe room for a few more ounces of coffee.