The book,Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration
, describes the lessons learned by Ed Catmull while working at Pixar Animation and Disney Animation. Growing up Ed Catmull had a simple dream. He wanted to produce the first fully computer animated feature film. He had this vision many years before it was technically feasible. Along with the founders of Pixar, they worked at the technical edge of what was possible on screen. In 1972 while at the University of Utah, Ed worked worked on a short film using a computer to digitally animated a hand. He worked out the mathematical models to digitally describe an uneven or curved surface. (4 min.)
Ed provides a more rounded perspective on Steve Jobs. Steve poured millions of his own money to keep Pixar afloat while it was finding its way, changing from a hardware company into a computer animated movie studio. Ed had the opportunity to observe Steve grow and mature and learn from his mistakes. Steve appreciated people with passion and would change his mind immediately if from a previously held position if the other person presented solid evidence.
Recently the managers at Pixar took over the management at Disney Studios. They found a talented workforce afraid to make a mistake. After an initial misstep with the Princess and the Frog. The Disney Animation studio has had a resurgence beginning with Tangled and continuing through Frozen. The management team of Ed Catmull and John Lasseter were able to transfer to Disney the candor and egalitarian values have helped sustain a culture of excellence at Pixar.
At Pixar studios a small group of people known as the brain trust offer critiques of films at various points during production. They point out areas of concern but do not offer a specific way to resolve the problem as that would stifle creativity. (7 min.)
by Thomas Sowell offers a less than complimentary description of intellectuals and their influence on western culture. He adopts a narrow definition of an intellectual as a person who makes a living by presenting ideas without the need to have an output that can be measured objectively as does a doctor, engineer or basketball coach. The intellectuals are often experts in their field but gain recognition by offering ideas and suggested solutions outside their specific area of expertise. They seek the approval of other like minded individuals and view opposition by people with common knowledge as a badge of honor.
by Adam Plantinga offers a gritty and humorous look at the life of a street cop in San Francisco, CA. 
by Martin Short begins with his life growing up in Canada and ends as he moves on after the passing of his wife Nancy. 
covers his life from birth to his pre-Python days. It offers insight into John's falling into comedy. In the beginning of his career projects and opportunities would be handed to him. He chose the BBC over a career in law because the pay was better. 
designed to make it much more likely that a person will succeed in making change if they use six sources of influence rather than just one or two. If we really want to solve a problem use all of the tools in your Batman Utility Belt including the shark repellent bat spray. 
