Sunday, August 31, 2008
Those Welty Millionaires
"Professional football. To me the hardest part of being a professional football player is on the one hand you're a millionaire on the other they blow a whistle and you have to run around after a football. To me the whole idea of being a millionaire is somebody throws a football at me. Maybe I catch it, maybe I don't. I would think you get someone to hand you the football at that point. 'Here you go, sir, that's another touchdown for you. Would you like a fresh-squeezed orange juice before the next play?'" -- Jerry Seinfeld
Alabama Upsets Clemson In Opener
ATLANTA, Ga. -- Nick Saban may face his toughest task yet: Holding down runaway expectations for his inexperienced Alabama team.
Crimson Tide's $4 million-per-year coach gave Alabama backers a reason to think big Saturday night, leading 'Bama to a thorough 34-10 beating of No. 9 Clemson 34-10 at the Georgia Dome.
Fast Facts
• Alabama won its 12th straight game against Clemson and extended its win streak in season openers to seven games.
• Nick Saban won his 99th career game.
• Alabama outrushed the Tigers 239-to-0, its fewest since rushing for minus-1 yard against Boston College in 1947.
"Nobody can be satisfied with a one-game performance," Saban said. "This will be a challenge for our team and it'll be interesting to see how they respond."
Still, as the Alabama band broke into Queen's "We Are The Champions," at the end, you had to wonder if they were honoring the Crimson Tide's past, with 12 national titles and years of dominance in the Southeastern Conference under Bear Bryant, or gazing into the near future.
"It's still early. We still got a long way to go," cautioned quarterback John Parker Wilson, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for a third. "But we've got a good group of guys here who can do it."
Especially if the Tide play like this.
Alabama's defense held Clemson to zero rushing yards to help bat a top-10 opponent for the first time since topping No. 5 Florida in 2005. That was part of the last hurrah for former coach Mike Shula, who followed that 10-2 season with a 6-7 campaign that ended his time with the Tide.
Alabama lured Saban from the NFL last season to lead the 12-time national champs back to glory. Based on the opener, Saban and the Tide are on their way.
Saban hopes his players understand how far they have to go.
Wilson finished 22-of-30 for 180 yards and, with his career total completions now at 500, surpassed Brodie Croyle's old record of 488.
"I think we got something special here," Wilson said.
The Crimson Tide defense held the Tigers' heralded "Thunder and Lightning" backfield of James Davis and C.J. Spiller to 20 yards combined.
The Tigers managed only 188 yards, way off their 403-yard average from last season.
Saban's latest recruiting class included such high-profile prospects as receiver Julio Jones, an Internet sensation who fans have buzzed about for months. Still, Alabama didn't figure to hang with the Tigers, an experienced bunch who entered the season with higher hopes than just their first Atlantic Coast Conference championship in 17 years.
Right from the start, though, Alabama showed it matched up fine with the ACC's favorite.
The Tide ran the ball easily on Clemson's defense, which was ninth in the country a season ago. At one point, Alabama had outgained the Tigers 114-1. By the time, tight end Nick Walker had slipped behind three defenders for a 4-yard TD catch, Alabama was ahead 20-3 midway through the second quarter.
Just for good measure, Jones collected his first college TD pass, a 4-yarder from Wilson that put Alabama up 31-10.
Leigh Tiffin added four field goals, including a 54-yard kick that was Alabama's third longest of all time.
Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper, voted the favorite to win ACC player of the year, was continually pressured and off target throughout.
The Tigers, down 23-3 at the half, got a burst of life when Spiller broke for a 96-yard kickoff return TD to start the second half, then forced the Tide into their first punt of the night a series later.
Clemson, though, could get little going.
"Maybe we needed a wake up call," Harper said. "We'll have to keep working hard this week and correct our mistakes."
So, for the second time in eight months, they left the Georgia Dome with more questions and answers.
"We can't hang our heads down now," Clemson's Davis said.
That could be difficult since the Tigers just can't help but stumble whenever they close in on success.
They lost to lightly regarded Maryland in 2006 at home, 13-12, when victory would've sent Clemson to the ACC title game.
Then last year, the Tigers were beaten 20-17 by Boston College in a showdown for a spot in the league's championship game.
Clemson concluded the season with a 23-20 overtime loss to Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, missing out on its first 10-victory season since 1991.
This was the year, many thought, that Clemson and embattled coach Tommy Bowden would shake off their reputations for not winning the biggest games. Alabama was where it was supposed to start.
Instead, Bowden again must refocus a team filled with veterans and leaders running out of time.
"We were whipped pretty bad," Bowden said.
Clemson's loss also concluded a demoralizing day for the ACC. Earlier, defending league champion Virginia Tech fell to East Carolina, while Virginia was defeated at home by No. 3 Southern Cal 52-7.
The Crimson Tide have won 12 straight against Clemson, although the teams hadn't met since 1975 when the late Bryant laid a 56-0 humiliation on the Tigers.
Maybe Alabama and Saban will soon have more in common with the Bear's championship teams.
Crimson Tide's $4 million-per-year coach gave Alabama backers a reason to think big Saturday night, leading 'Bama to a thorough 34-10 beating of No. 9 Clemson 34-10 at the Georgia Dome.
Fast Facts
• Alabama won its 12th straight game against Clemson and extended its win streak in season openers to seven games.
• Nick Saban won his 99th career game.
• Alabama outrushed the Tigers 239-to-0, its fewest since rushing for minus-1 yard against Boston College in 1947.
"Nobody can be satisfied with a one-game performance," Saban said. "This will be a challenge for our team and it'll be interesting to see how they respond."
Still, as the Alabama band broke into Queen's "We Are The Champions," at the end, you had to wonder if they were honoring the Crimson Tide's past, with 12 national titles and years of dominance in the Southeastern Conference under Bear Bryant, or gazing into the near future.
"It's still early. We still got a long way to go," cautioned quarterback John Parker Wilson, who threw for two touchdowns and ran for a third. "But we've got a good group of guys here who can do it."
Especially if the Tide play like this.
Alabama's defense held Clemson to zero rushing yards to help bat a top-10 opponent for the first time since topping No. 5 Florida in 2005. That was part of the last hurrah for former coach Mike Shula, who followed that 10-2 season with a 6-7 campaign that ended his time with the Tide.
Alabama lured Saban from the NFL last season to lead the 12-time national champs back to glory. Based on the opener, Saban and the Tide are on their way.
Saban hopes his players understand how far they have to go.
Wilson finished 22-of-30 for 180 yards and, with his career total completions now at 500, surpassed Brodie Croyle's old record of 488.
"I think we got something special here," Wilson said.
The Crimson Tide defense held the Tigers' heralded "Thunder and Lightning" backfield of James Davis and C.J. Spiller to 20 yards combined.
The Tigers managed only 188 yards, way off their 403-yard average from last season.
Saban's latest recruiting class included such high-profile prospects as receiver Julio Jones, an Internet sensation who fans have buzzed about for months. Still, Alabama didn't figure to hang with the Tigers, an experienced bunch who entered the season with higher hopes than just their first Atlantic Coast Conference championship in 17 years.
Right from the start, though, Alabama showed it matched up fine with the ACC's favorite.
The Tide ran the ball easily on Clemson's defense, which was ninth in the country a season ago. At one point, Alabama had outgained the Tigers 114-1. By the time, tight end Nick Walker had slipped behind three defenders for a 4-yard TD catch, Alabama was ahead 20-3 midway through the second quarter.
Just for good measure, Jones collected his first college TD pass, a 4-yarder from Wilson that put Alabama up 31-10.
Leigh Tiffin added four field goals, including a 54-yard kick that was Alabama's third longest of all time.
Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper, voted the favorite to win ACC player of the year, was continually pressured and off target throughout.
The Tigers, down 23-3 at the half, got a burst of life when Spiller broke for a 96-yard kickoff return TD to start the second half, then forced the Tide into their first punt of the night a series later.
Clemson, though, could get little going.
"Maybe we needed a wake up call," Harper said. "We'll have to keep working hard this week and correct our mistakes."
So, for the second time in eight months, they left the Georgia Dome with more questions and answers.
"We can't hang our heads down now," Clemson's Davis said.
That could be difficult since the Tigers just can't help but stumble whenever they close in on success.
They lost to lightly regarded Maryland in 2006 at home, 13-12, when victory would've sent Clemson to the ACC title game.
Then last year, the Tigers were beaten 20-17 by Boston College in a showdown for a spot in the league's championship game.
Clemson concluded the season with a 23-20 overtime loss to Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, missing out on its first 10-victory season since 1991.
This was the year, many thought, that Clemson and embattled coach Tommy Bowden would shake off their reputations for not winning the biggest games. Alabama was where it was supposed to start.
Instead, Bowden again must refocus a team filled with veterans and leaders running out of time.
"We were whipped pretty bad," Bowden said.
Clemson's loss also concluded a demoralizing day for the ACC. Earlier, defending league champion Virginia Tech fell to East Carolina, while Virginia was defeated at home by No. 3 Southern Cal 52-7.
The Crimson Tide have won 12 straight against Clemson, although the teams hadn't met since 1975 when the late Bryant laid a 56-0 humiliation on the Tigers.
Maybe Alabama and Saban will soon have more in common with the Bear's championship teams.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Politics And Religion
While driving around recently I overheard some of the Democratic National Convention, and the old adage came to mind about finding happiness by avoiding talk of politics and religion. I'd thought that the common bond between the two was that each is basically an exercise in opinion -- in trying to change the minds of others. It did strike me, though, now that we're in election season, how much energy politics and religion spend convincing us how great one person is, and how bad the alternatives are.
Life's A Beach (Ball)
"Think of your company as a beach ball. Picture the beach ball as having a red stripe, a green stripe, a yellow stripe, and a blue stripe. Let's imagine you are the president of the company. That's you standing on the blue stripe. The blue stripe is where you live, every day, day after day. If someone asks you what color your company is, you look down around your feet and say, 'My company is blue.'" -- Susan Scott
Problems arise though, because your other departments stand on other stripes. And if everyone simply nods politely, or refuses to acknowledge that there are other colored stripes on the ball, then things stay the same or move backward.
It applies to personal lives as well as business -- we win when we follow that basic tenet of humility... acknowledging that there's more than one view, more than one right way to do things, one that might be a better fit than ours.
Problems arise though, because your other departments stand on other stripes. And if everyone simply nods politely, or refuses to acknowledge that there are other colored stripes on the ball, then things stay the same or move backward.
It applies to personal lives as well as business -- we win when we follow that basic tenet of humility... acknowledging that there's more than one view, more than one right way to do things, one that might be a better fit than ours.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Easy Credit
"[Hall of Fame coach] Red Holzman once told me that the true measure of a star was his ability to make the people around him look good." -- Phil Jackson
Outside the lines of the court, is there an easier way to do that than to give credit where credit is due?
- Your co-worker catches a mistake that would have ruined the project. Why not tell the boss?
- Your insurance claim rep was friendly and helpful. Why not call the service hotline with praise?
- Your waiter went the extra mile. How about an extra tip or a comment card?
- Your spouse did the laundry. How about a hug?
Outside the lines of the court, is there an easier way to do that than to give credit where credit is due?
- Your co-worker catches a mistake that would have ruined the project. Why not tell the boss?
- Your insurance claim rep was friendly and helpful. Why not call the service hotline with praise?
- Your waiter went the extra mile. How about an extra tip or a comment card?
- Your spouse did the laundry. How about a hug?
Wooden Sandwiches
"I also attempted to combine a compliment with a criticism when possible. Most people don't like criticism, even when it's for their own good. An acknowledgement - praise - offered as part of the criticism reduces their resistance; for example: 'I like your aggressiveness on defense. Can I see some of that when you drive to the basket?'" -- John Wooden
At another meeting, from another speaker, I heard someone describe the "sandwich" approach to constructive feedback. For example: 'Your work's been really accurate. The only problem is the curse words in the delivery. Can you try to cut that way back, so that it matches the rest of the professionalism of your writing?' Positive-negative-positive.
The pessimistic view is that it doesn't "cut to the chase," is cowardly of the coach or misleading to the player. I think that reality is twofold. First, words are more powerful than they're given credit. A baldly negative comment is like starting a fire in the woods without proper enclosure -- that which was intended for good turns into destruction. Second, people are basically good. Pointing out fault without compliment is inaccurate in most cases.
Mixing positive with negative does require skill, though. It becomes misleading or deceptive when the two are completely disconnected.
"Nice tie Jim. How the hell did you lose the Farkinson account? At least you get to shake it off while driving home in that sweet convertible of yours."
At another meeting, from another speaker, I heard someone describe the "sandwich" approach to constructive feedback. For example: 'Your work's been really accurate. The only problem is the curse words in the delivery. Can you try to cut that way back, so that it matches the rest of the professionalism of your writing?' Positive-negative-positive.
The pessimistic view is that it doesn't "cut to the chase," is cowardly of the coach or misleading to the player. I think that reality is twofold. First, words are more powerful than they're given credit. A baldly negative comment is like starting a fire in the woods without proper enclosure -- that which was intended for good turns into destruction. Second, people are basically good. Pointing out fault without compliment is inaccurate in most cases.
Mixing positive with negative does require skill, though. It becomes misleading or deceptive when the two are completely disconnected.
"Nice tie Jim. How the hell did you lose the Farkinson account? At least you get to shake it off while driving home in that sweet convertible of yours."
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
McDonald's 10th Friend Disputed
The addition of Heather Banks (formerly Holtz) as a Facebook friend has moved me into double digits, prompting speculation that I may be desperate.
Banks, who attended St. Matthew grade school and Driscoll Catholic High School with me for various stretches, had last been in touch with me nearly 20 years ago.
Banks could not be reached for comment.
Officials are skeptical of the "friend" claim's legitimacy, noting that Banks didn't sign my yearbook. In a related study, officials also disputed my diploma.
"To complete four years of high school and have such a blank yearbook is madness," the report's conclusion read.
Banks, who attended St. Matthew grade school and Driscoll Catholic High School with me for various stretches, had last been in touch with me nearly 20 years ago.
Banks could not be reached for comment.
Officials are skeptical of the "friend" claim's legitimacy, noting that Banks didn't sign my yearbook. In a related study, officials also disputed my diploma.
"To complete four years of high school and have such a blank yearbook is madness," the report's conclusion read.
McDonald Only 30: Survey
A Facebook survey called "What's Your Actual Age?" has determined that I'm actually 30 years old, rather than 36.
Questions such as how much coffee do you drink, how many sweets, and how much tobacco no doubt keyed the result. Among the 23 questions asked, my substantial computer time kept me from qualifying for the twenties.
Upon the news, the International Olympic Committee stripped me of my 1992 gold medal, since I was only 14 at the time.
Questions such as how much coffee do you drink, how many sweets, and how much tobacco no doubt keyed the result. Among the 23 questions asked, my substantial computer time kept me from qualifying for the twenties.
Upon the news, the International Olympic Committee stripped me of my 1992 gold medal, since I was only 14 at the time.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Man Survives Encounter With Women Shoe Shoppers
Saturday afternoon Dena and I went to buy us each a new suit. As we rolled up to Eastland Mall, it brought back memories of my first suit-shopping experience fourteen years ago, when a kindly saleswoman helped a fashion-deficient bachelor pick out a quartet of middling suits that satisfied the State Farm dress code of the day.
Entering Bergner's with Dena, right away we spotted a good luck charm -- our cheery friend Carrie was working at a first-floor register. It gave us a perfect rendezvous point -- we'd meet back in a half hour once we got our suits, and then pay at Carrie's register for a chat.
Armed with 14 years of maturity and reason, I marched confidently up the escalator to menswear. Within twenty minutes I'd single-handedly collected a jacket and pants. I matched the colors perfectly. Black.
Off to the registers! Two steps, three...
"How's it going there, sir?" a surprisingly agile retirement aged clerk collared me from behind, in a tone reserved for shoplifters and misbehaving children. She herded me over to a nearby register, flattering me for my lucky timing and great sale price, and then released me and my emptier wallet.
I headed down the escalator, and noting how far ahead of schedule I was, decided to go back up for some shoes and belt. This quest proved even easier, and now I became more determined to bring the spoils down to Carrie for payment. With merchandise in hand, I slowly lifted my eyes and scanned the room for the truant officer. Seeing that she was occupied with another criminal, I made a swift getaway down the stairs toward rendezvous point, not quite taking the steps two at a time.
My self-congratulating smile was tempered when I reached the register and learned that Carrie was on break. The merely semi-cheery replacement became less cheery still when she saw the shoes in my hand. I sensed that at any moment a siren might go off, releasing a troupe of guards who'd been waiting behind the secret panel all day for a chance to draw their guns.
"You need to go back to the shoe department for the shoes," she said grimly. "We can't do it because we don't get commission to."
Quickly I built a winning argument against the overlords and their idea of paying people to not serve me. And then I spoke.
"Okay, thanks."
Dena happened to be walking toward me as I stepped away. "I'm heading back upstairs to pay for the shoes because of the commission rules," I said in the friendly tone that I use in public no matter how illogical something sounds.
Then Cheerless Cashier spoke up from behind. "Actually, you can just go over there if you want," pointing to the register in the women's shoe section.
My mood brightened at the prospect of the shorter walk. I mean, except for the salespeople upstairs being gypped of feeding their families with a commission they'd unwittingly earned, a register is a register, right?
The thing is, 14 years of experience in a man's body brings no preparation for women shoe shoppers. The air seemed to grow slightly thicker with a substance that I soon identified as tension as I penetrated toward the service desk. Briefly, something struck me as odd about the gray-haired worry-lined gentlemen behind the counter. Then I figured it out: They were twenty.
Scattered about were ladies of all shapes and sizes seated in chairs, garrisoned behind mounds of half-opened boxes, idle shoes and swaths of tissue paper. Some chattered animatedly about topics of angst, some sat stoically with one or two bare feet. All of them intermittently shot glances toward the front, re-evaluating their strategy of expectant waiting, and whether to storm the service desk.
I saw two clerks behind the counter frantically mulling about. On my side, I saw one lady customer off to the left, and to the right three stood in a line. Using my mathematics training, I headed to the left.
"Excuse me ma'am, are you in line?" I asked.
The look she gave me said that if she'd had an umbrella, then I'd be eating an umbrella sandwich. Keeping an eye on her for my own safety, I retreated toward the back of the line on the right.
The lady at the front of the line was in heated negotiation about something involving a half-size difference in shoe sizes, though I dared not make eye contact lest I appear to be critical. And soon, Mrs. Umbrella Sandwich lumbered away from her perch, having possibly devoured the other man behind the counter who had disappeared. One of the surviving clerks stepped up and asked who could next be helped in line. The tiny woman in front of me turned and met my gaze, as if to say "Go my son, it's too late for me, paralyzed and mute from the unholy terror of this place." Or maybe, "I no speak English." At any rate, the moment's hesitation was too much, as a shrill-voiced creature came flying over my back screaming something about needing a size six as if it were the last crust of bread on earth.
Eventually I shuffled safely to the front of the line, ignoring the cries of vultures all around, and huddled close to the weary soul on the other side with debit card in hand. I imagined us to be like two countrymen in a strange land. I thought I heard him say "Thank you, my patient brother, and now please flee from here with news to my family that I yet live." What he really said was "These are men's shoes, you have to pay for those upstairs."
I will say, though... these shoes and their gel-sole "technology" are the most comfortable dress shoes I've ever owned!
Entering Bergner's with Dena, right away we spotted a good luck charm -- our cheery friend Carrie was working at a first-floor register. It gave us a perfect rendezvous point -- we'd meet back in a half hour once we got our suits, and then pay at Carrie's register for a chat.
Armed with 14 years of maturity and reason, I marched confidently up the escalator to menswear. Within twenty minutes I'd single-handedly collected a jacket and pants. I matched the colors perfectly. Black.
Off to the registers! Two steps, three...
"How's it going there, sir?" a surprisingly agile retirement aged clerk collared me from behind, in a tone reserved for shoplifters and misbehaving children. She herded me over to a nearby register, flattering me for my lucky timing and great sale price, and then released me and my emptier wallet.
I headed down the escalator, and noting how far ahead of schedule I was, decided to go back up for some shoes and belt. This quest proved even easier, and now I became more determined to bring the spoils down to Carrie for payment. With merchandise in hand, I slowly lifted my eyes and scanned the room for the truant officer. Seeing that she was occupied with another criminal, I made a swift getaway down the stairs toward rendezvous point, not quite taking the steps two at a time.
My self-congratulating smile was tempered when I reached the register and learned that Carrie was on break. The merely semi-cheery replacement became less cheery still when she saw the shoes in my hand. I sensed that at any moment a siren might go off, releasing a troupe of guards who'd been waiting behind the secret panel all day for a chance to draw their guns.
"You need to go back to the shoe department for the shoes," she said grimly. "We can't do it because we don't get commission to."
Quickly I built a winning argument against the overlords and their idea of paying people to not serve me. And then I spoke.
"Okay, thanks."
Dena happened to be walking toward me as I stepped away. "I'm heading back upstairs to pay for the shoes because of the commission rules," I said in the friendly tone that I use in public no matter how illogical something sounds.
Then Cheerless Cashier spoke up from behind. "Actually, you can just go over there if you want," pointing to the register in the women's shoe section.
My mood brightened at the prospect of the shorter walk. I mean, except for the salespeople upstairs being gypped of feeding their families with a commission they'd unwittingly earned, a register is a register, right?
The thing is, 14 years of experience in a man's body brings no preparation for women shoe shoppers. The air seemed to grow slightly thicker with a substance that I soon identified as tension as I penetrated toward the service desk. Briefly, something struck me as odd about the gray-haired worry-lined gentlemen behind the counter. Then I figured it out: They were twenty.
Scattered about were ladies of all shapes and sizes seated in chairs, garrisoned behind mounds of half-opened boxes, idle shoes and swaths of tissue paper. Some chattered animatedly about topics of angst, some sat stoically with one or two bare feet. All of them intermittently shot glances toward the front, re-evaluating their strategy of expectant waiting, and whether to storm the service desk.
I saw two clerks behind the counter frantically mulling about. On my side, I saw one lady customer off to the left, and to the right three stood in a line. Using my mathematics training, I headed to the left.
"Excuse me ma'am, are you in line?" I asked.
The look she gave me said that if she'd had an umbrella, then I'd be eating an umbrella sandwich. Keeping an eye on her for my own safety, I retreated toward the back of the line on the right.
The lady at the front of the line was in heated negotiation about something involving a half-size difference in shoe sizes, though I dared not make eye contact lest I appear to be critical. And soon, Mrs. Umbrella Sandwich lumbered away from her perch, having possibly devoured the other man behind the counter who had disappeared. One of the surviving clerks stepped up and asked who could next be helped in line. The tiny woman in front of me turned and met my gaze, as if to say "Go my son, it's too late for me, paralyzed and mute from the unholy terror of this place." Or maybe, "I no speak English." At any rate, the moment's hesitation was too much, as a shrill-voiced creature came flying over my back screaming something about needing a size six as if it were the last crust of bread on earth.
Eventually I shuffled safely to the front of the line, ignoring the cries of vultures all around, and huddled close to the weary soul on the other side with debit card in hand. I imagined us to be like two countrymen in a strange land. I thought I heard him say "Thank you, my patient brother, and now please flee from here with news to my family that I yet live." What he really said was "These are men's shoes, you have to pay for those upstairs."
I will say, though... these shoes and their gel-sole "technology" are the most comfortable dress shoes I've ever owned!
Obama Impersonation
Three of us at work were asked to present the company's goals to the department. In order to spice up the goals that were mostly unchanged from prior years, we decided to do an election year theme. I volunteered to be the "Democratic" candidate, then studied up on Barack Obama via Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awQkJNVsgKM), wrote a speech, donned a suit, and did the best impression I could. The schtick was that we were each running for Chairman of the company. My campaign platform was "employee development."
It was a blast! The outline's not very funny on its own without the gestures and booming bass voice, but thought I'd at least capture it here for the scrapbook.
Introduction
- I’m not a senator from IL, but the basic principle of my campaign is founded on a man who was
- Part of Lincoln’s legacy was that he taught himself to read by the light of a dying fire
- He became the most eloquent presidents in the history of our nation
- Why? Because he believed in the development of people
- He didn’t point to a bunch of numbers like policy gain ratios, because we are not a nation of numbers, we are not a company of numbers, we are a company of people
- When my opponents talk about these other goals it makes me think of a man who buys an expensive car because he loves the digital speedometer, the outdoor temperature gauge and the retractable DVD player
- But when we commit to development of our people, we are remembering that we need to have enough money for gas. Gas, I’ll remind you, that this administration’s misguided policies have allowed to blow past $4 a gallon.
- Let us first acknowledge that there are three numbers in your handout.
Intentionality of development
- My opponents would have you believe that everything we do is development
- To a certain extent that’s true
- Maybe as a young boy Abraham Lincoln would have said, “I tell you what, splitting these logs sure is great development,” and he might have become the best railsplitter of his time, but this nation would be very different, and it may not exist at all
- We here don’t all aspire to become president or even Chairman
- But we aspire to be happy, the happiness that comes from having the best life that we can
- My friends, that life comes from making the conscious choice to improve ourselves
- For some time, we have been at war, a war I’ve never supported
- It is the war against ourselves!
- The enemy deceives us, saying tha doing what we’ve always done is good enough.
- The enemy says that there’s no time to develop.
- But we are not alone, have an ally in this war.
- Life/Health Company’s web site says and I quote: “that any L/H associate in good standing may participate in development activities."
- So you see my friends that development is not only our opportunity, it is our right.
- It is not only our right and our personal path to greater happiness, it is our duty to our policyholders who are counting on our constant improvement.
- So what do we really mean by development?
Nature of development
- It’s easy to think of development in terms of book smarts.
- And one need only walk down these halls to see that we have it: CLU, ChFC, FLMI, and FSA
- But once again I submit to you that facts and figures only go so far.
- We are in people business, we are in the relationship business, and we concern ourselves to develop as people.
- For one thing each person that we talk to can teach us something about relationships.
- So when we spend time only with the same people day in and day out, is it that much different than holding ourselves back a grade in school?
- When we develop a network of new relationships, whether we call it mentoring or affinity groups or something else, we improve our career as well as our personal life.
- There are courses you can take right at your desk about organizational skills, setting goals, dealing with stress, giving feedback, writing effective e-mails, and balancing work/family.
- There’s also one on presentation skills, which I have taken many times.
Closing
- To bring our time here to a close.
- I SAY to you, that development is the true currency of our future
- I HOPE for you, to create an individual development plan for yourself
- And I PLEDGE to you, that I will champion your cause when you elect me as Chairman
It was a blast! The outline's not very funny on its own without the gestures and booming bass voice, but thought I'd at least capture it here for the scrapbook.
Introduction
- I’m not a senator from IL, but the basic principle of my campaign is founded on a man who was
- Part of Lincoln’s legacy was that he taught himself to read by the light of a dying fire
- He became the most eloquent presidents in the history of our nation
- Why? Because he believed in the development of people
- He didn’t point to a bunch of numbers like policy gain ratios, because we are not a nation of numbers, we are not a company of numbers, we are a company of people
- When my opponents talk about these other goals it makes me think of a man who buys an expensive car because he loves the digital speedometer, the outdoor temperature gauge and the retractable DVD player
- But when we commit to development of our people, we are remembering that we need to have enough money for gas. Gas, I’ll remind you, that this administration’s misguided policies have allowed to blow past $4 a gallon.
- Let us first acknowledge that there are three numbers in your handout.
Intentionality of development
- My opponents would have you believe that everything we do is development
- To a certain extent that’s true
- Maybe as a young boy Abraham Lincoln would have said, “I tell you what, splitting these logs sure is great development,” and he might have become the best railsplitter of his time, but this nation would be very different, and it may not exist at all
- We here don’t all aspire to become president or even Chairman
- But we aspire to be happy, the happiness that comes from having the best life that we can
- My friends, that life comes from making the conscious choice to improve ourselves
- For some time, we have been at war, a war I’ve never supported
- It is the war against ourselves!
- The enemy deceives us, saying tha doing what we’ve always done is good enough.
- The enemy says that there’s no time to develop.
- But we are not alone, have an ally in this war.
- Life/Health Company’s web site says and I quote: “that any L/H associate in good standing may participate in development activities."
- So you see my friends that development is not only our opportunity, it is our right.
- It is not only our right and our personal path to greater happiness, it is our duty to our policyholders who are counting on our constant improvement.
- So what do we really mean by development?
Nature of development
- It’s easy to think of development in terms of book smarts.
- And one need only walk down these halls to see that we have it: CLU, ChFC, FLMI, and FSA
- But once again I submit to you that facts and figures only go so far.
- We are in people business, we are in the relationship business, and we concern ourselves to develop as people.
- For one thing each person that we talk to can teach us something about relationships.
- So when we spend time only with the same people day in and day out, is it that much different than holding ourselves back a grade in school?
- When we develop a network of new relationships, whether we call it mentoring or affinity groups or something else, we improve our career as well as our personal life.
- There are courses you can take right at your desk about organizational skills, setting goals, dealing with stress, giving feedback, writing effective e-mails, and balancing work/family.
- There’s also one on presentation skills, which I have taken many times.
Closing
- To bring our time here to a close.
- I SAY to you, that development is the true currency of our future
- I HOPE for you, to create an individual development plan for yourself
- And I PLEDGE to you, that I will champion your cause when you elect me as Chairman
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Aerosmith Guitar Hero Rock Band "Hire Ground" Debuts
I just started "career mode" in Aerosmith Guitar Hero. Following some actual clips of Aerosmith interviews, I was asked for a band name and chose Hire Ground. The opening act was the song Dream Police by Cheap Trick, and it got a rocking review -- hitting 99% of the notes and 120 in a row at one point. On easy mode, natch!
So-So Basketball Coach Recruited Surprisingly Hard
After one season of coaching middle school at the YMCA to a 4-4 record, I've been recruited to coach in the Game Time Gym league in town. Since launching Hidden Blog, I've lived by the general rule that something new is something bloggable and therefore something good. Still, experience has taught me to have no shame in asking an avalanche of questions before committing to something, especially something that could last six months.
1. How often/long are the practices? Would it be difficult to practice as many as two, 2-hour practices per week?
So far practices have been scheduled for Monday and Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30pm.
2. How long is the drive to Tri-Valley from, say, Corporate? Is there a fee for the gym?
10 minutes or so from Corporate…the fee for the gym is split by the parents.
3. What fund raising is involved?
none
4. When you say three years, are you saying this same group of boys has been together for three years? Or that you've been coaching 5th grade for three years?
I've coached the same group of boys through 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades….
5. I have an assistant (at least from December - March, maybe more). Any issues there?
Nope, no problem at all…I can help only if you need me….my twin boys will be on the team.
6. What if any other duties would be involved besides showing up at practices/games with plans in hand? A pre-season captain's meeting? Reffing? Anything else?
There will be a coaches meeting held at Game Time, but other than that, it's the practices and games (Saturdays)
7. Do they keep score?
Yes, with a tournament at the end...
1. How often/long are the practices? Would it be difficult to practice as many as two, 2-hour practices per week?
So far practices have been scheduled for Monday and Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30pm.
2. How long is the drive to Tri-Valley from, say, Corporate? Is there a fee for the gym?
10 minutes or so from Corporate…the fee for the gym is split by the parents.
3. What fund raising is involved?
none
4. When you say three years, are you saying this same group of boys has been together for three years? Or that you've been coaching 5th grade for three years?
I've coached the same group of boys through 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades….
5. I have an assistant (at least from December - March, maybe more). Any issues there?
Nope, no problem at all…I can help only if you need me….my twin boys will be on the team.
6. What if any other duties would be involved besides showing up at practices/games with plans in hand? A pre-season captain's meeting? Reffing? Anything else?
There will be a coaches meeting held at Game Time, but other than that, it's the practices and games (Saturdays)
7. Do they keep score?
Yes, with a tournament at the end...
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Illinois State Shocks Alabama, 34-27
In what my PlayStation described as "the greatest college football game of all time," the Illinois State Redbirds rallied to beat the nationally-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide 34-27 in the wee hours of Saturday morning video game action.
NCAA Football 09 by EA Sports features current rosters of every college football team that will be kicking off their season in about a week. The game ranks the players according to their real life skill level, and in total assigns a letter grade to the caliber of the team. Despite a grade of "D-", Illinois State alum Joe McDonald was undaunted at scheduling a game against B+ rated Bama, alma mater of someone that Dona knows, or at least she sure acts like it.
"We can beat anyone on our home turf," said McDonald, mindful of the Hancock Stadium faithful, famous for noise levels that rival the top Mennonite churches in the nation.
In the early going the Redbirds made good on McDonald's claim -- except that they had apparently chosen to beat themselves.
Employing a playbook that required the quarterback to drop back five steps after the snap, the Birds' first two possessions resulted in negative yardage. Following the second, a warbling punt by the weak-footed kicker was gleefully carried back to the end zone by Mike McCoy. The Normal crowd seemed dismayed that no tackler had even touched McCoy, but by the end of the game, had gotten rather used to it.
The saving grace for Illinois State was their defense, blitzing on every play and confounding senior quarterback John Parker Wilson in the swirling, snowy conditions. For the rest of the first half, the offense managed only two field goals from Leigh Tiffin.
Meanwhile the Redbird offense finally found a formula for success with the ball. The offense moved to a shotgun formation, with sophomore quarterback Joe DeVries lining up seven yards behind the snap to give extra time against Alabama's crushing defensive pass rush. And when DeVries found senior wideout Jake Rourke on a deep pass pattern down the right sideline, the fans erupted like a nestful of small, flightless baby birds.
Having found a chink in Alabama's armor, McDonald used the DeVries-to-Rourke weapon relentlessly the rest of the game. "Got to use what the good Lord gives you," he said. Rourke's 6'3" frame gave him a clear height advantage over any defender the Tide had at their disposal. By the end of the game, Rourke had amassed an NCAA record 530 receiving yards and DeVries had tallied 620 passing yards, including a touchdown strike that left the halftime score 13-7 Alabama.
When DeVries hit Eureka product Dean Eastman on a 29-yard score at the 4:20 mark of the third quarter, scoreboard watchers across America were in for the stunning reality that mighty Alabama was losing to a team picked to finish seventh in a football conference more famous for its logo (the St. Louis arch) than its talent.
At least, they would have been stunned, if Bama senior Nikita Stover hadn't returned the kickoff for a touchdown eight seconds later, before the score could even be posted.
DeVries-to-Rourke immediately drove ISU to the end zone and back in front, inspiring near-audible cheers that died when Stover returned the kickoff for yet another eight-second touchdown. The Birds' combined sixteen seconds of lead appeared to be the end of the dream, as the unproven DeVries led two drives deep into Alabama territory before being picked off in the end zone. Fortunately the ISU defense was playing the game of its life. Led by senior safety Tom Nelson's five tackles and crucial interception, Wilson was harried into an abysmal 32% passing completion percentage with no touchdowns, four sacks and just 136 yards in the air.
With two minutes left in the game, ISU faced a crucial fourth-and-ten situation at its own 40 yard line, and McDonald gambled by refusing to punt.
"So, you thought I should kick the ball to the guy who we can't tackle?" asked an incredulous McDonald.
Despite the overly mean comments to a perfectly harmless question, the plan struck gold when Rourke snagged the desperation toss to keep the drive alive, igniting the crowd to rise softly to its feet. With just 1:24 in the game, DeVries capped the dramatic stretch with a pass to Rourke in heavy coverage that tied the score. The deflated Tide surrendered the ball quickly, giving Illinois State a shot at immortality.
"There was no way we were not scoring," DeVries said, brimming with newfound confidence and butchery of the English language. "How could we let down all those chirping crickets?"
Rourke, seeming now like a titan guarded by a horde of flailing gnomes, leaped in the end zone and snared the ball for the sixteenth and final time with twenty-six seconds left on the clock. A noble gasp of a drive from Wilson fizzled at the twenty-five yard line. The Redbirds had pulled off the greatest feat since Moses.
Of course, Moses had people watching.
NCAA Football 09 by EA Sports features current rosters of every college football team that will be kicking off their season in about a week. The game ranks the players according to their real life skill level, and in total assigns a letter grade to the caliber of the team. Despite a grade of "D-", Illinois State alum Joe McDonald was undaunted at scheduling a game against B+ rated Bama, alma mater of someone that Dona knows, or at least she sure acts like it.
"We can beat anyone on our home turf," said McDonald, mindful of the Hancock Stadium faithful, famous for noise levels that rival the top Mennonite churches in the nation.
In the early going the Redbirds made good on McDonald's claim -- except that they had apparently chosen to beat themselves.
Employing a playbook that required the quarterback to drop back five steps after the snap, the Birds' first two possessions resulted in negative yardage. Following the second, a warbling punt by the weak-footed kicker was gleefully carried back to the end zone by Mike McCoy. The Normal crowd seemed dismayed that no tackler had even touched McCoy, but by the end of the game, had gotten rather used to it.
The saving grace for Illinois State was their defense, blitzing on every play and confounding senior quarterback John Parker Wilson in the swirling, snowy conditions. For the rest of the first half, the offense managed only two field goals from Leigh Tiffin.
Meanwhile the Redbird offense finally found a formula for success with the ball. The offense moved to a shotgun formation, with sophomore quarterback Joe DeVries lining up seven yards behind the snap to give extra time against Alabama's crushing defensive pass rush. And when DeVries found senior wideout Jake Rourke on a deep pass pattern down the right sideline, the fans erupted like a nestful of small, flightless baby birds.
Having found a chink in Alabama's armor, McDonald used the DeVries-to-Rourke weapon relentlessly the rest of the game. "Got to use what the good Lord gives you," he said. Rourke's 6'3" frame gave him a clear height advantage over any defender the Tide had at their disposal. By the end of the game, Rourke had amassed an NCAA record 530 receiving yards and DeVries had tallied 620 passing yards, including a touchdown strike that left the halftime score 13-7 Alabama.
When DeVries hit Eureka product Dean Eastman on a 29-yard score at the 4:20 mark of the third quarter, scoreboard watchers across America were in for the stunning reality that mighty Alabama was losing to a team picked to finish seventh in a football conference more famous for its logo (the St. Louis arch) than its talent.
At least, they would have been stunned, if Bama senior Nikita Stover hadn't returned the kickoff for a touchdown eight seconds later, before the score could even be posted.
DeVries-to-Rourke immediately drove ISU to the end zone and back in front, inspiring near-audible cheers that died when Stover returned the kickoff for yet another eight-second touchdown. The Birds' combined sixteen seconds of lead appeared to be the end of the dream, as the unproven DeVries led two drives deep into Alabama territory before being picked off in the end zone. Fortunately the ISU defense was playing the game of its life. Led by senior safety Tom Nelson's five tackles and crucial interception, Wilson was harried into an abysmal 32% passing completion percentage with no touchdowns, four sacks and just 136 yards in the air.
With two minutes left in the game, ISU faced a crucial fourth-and-ten situation at its own 40 yard line, and McDonald gambled by refusing to punt.
"So, you thought I should kick the ball to the guy who we can't tackle?" asked an incredulous McDonald.
Despite the overly mean comments to a perfectly harmless question, the plan struck gold when Rourke snagged the desperation toss to keep the drive alive, igniting the crowd to rise softly to its feet. With just 1:24 in the game, DeVries capped the dramatic stretch with a pass to Rourke in heavy coverage that tied the score. The deflated Tide surrendered the ball quickly, giving Illinois State a shot at immortality.
"There was no way we were not scoring," DeVries said, brimming with newfound confidence and butchery of the English language. "How could we let down all those chirping crickets?"
Rourke, seeming now like a titan guarded by a horde of flailing gnomes, leaped in the end zone and snared the ball for the sixteenth and final time with twenty-six seconds left on the clock. A noble gasp of a drive from Wilson fizzled at the twenty-five yard line. The Redbirds had pulled off the greatest feat since Moses.
Of course, Moses had people watching.
Prayers And Thanks
I ran into my friend Jennifer, who works in a retail store. It so happened that she'd just gotten news that her cousin, delivering a child by C-section 45 minutes away in Peoria, had taken a turn for the worse. Amidst a bad hemorrhaging of blood, the hospital staff was fighting for her life.
And Jennifer couldn't get away from the job. Couldn't find someone willing to come in and cover her shift, couldn't get management permission to leave them short-handed. As a person working three jobs to pay the bills, it was surely no easy thought to simply walk away.
Dena and I were powerless to help, and as we walked away we looked over our shoulders, seeing her fighting back tears with red-faced eyes while trying to concentrate on helping a persistent customer.
While our prayers go out to her, we can be so thankful for the jobs that we have, and the good fortune that allows us to be with the ones we love. It's just another example of undeserved blessings that we'd prove to be further unworthy of by insisting on complaining.
And Jennifer couldn't get away from the job. Couldn't find someone willing to come in and cover her shift, couldn't get management permission to leave them short-handed. As a person working three jobs to pay the bills, it was surely no easy thought to simply walk away.
Dena and I were powerless to help, and as we walked away we looked over our shoulders, seeing her fighting back tears with red-faced eyes while trying to concentrate on helping a persistent customer.
While our prayers go out to her, we can be so thankful for the jobs that we have, and the good fortune that allows us to be with the ones we love. It's just another example of undeserved blessings that we'd prove to be further unworthy of by insisting on complaining.
Why Compassion Is Cool
"Compassion flows from an understanding that everything derives its essential nature from its dependence on everything else." -- James O'Toole
Put another way, since everything's connected, whenever we help others, we ultimately help ourselves. As if the simple joy of giving were not enough!
Put another way, since everything's connected, whenever we help others, we ultimately help ourselves. As if the simple joy of giving were not enough!
E-mailing John Wooden
As readers know, this last week has been spent explaining John Wooden to those of us too young to remember him. As part of Hidden Blog's ongoing crusade, I found his official web site:
http://coachwooden.com/
So I sent him an e-mail:
"Coach, my dad coached basketball for 20 years before passing away from cancer. In going through his things, I came across a couple of your books that he'd learned from. Last year, I tried my hand at coaching middle school boys at the local YMCA. I bought your book Wooden on Leadership, and have been quoting it often at my personal blog: http://joemcdonald.blogspot.com/ Thanks for your ongoing inspiration!"
Did you notice... the site is sponsored by McDonald's?
http://coachwooden.com/
So I sent him an e-mail:
"Coach, my dad coached basketball for 20 years before passing away from cancer. In going through his things, I came across a couple of your books that he'd learned from. Last year, I tried my hand at coaching middle school boys at the local YMCA. I bought your book Wooden on Leadership, and have been quoting it often at my personal blog: http://joemcdonald.blogspot.com/ Thanks for your ongoing inspiration!"
Did you notice... the site is sponsored by McDonald's?
Friday, August 22, 2008
"Nothing But Tears" Shampoo
From the Onion (if you'll pardon a curse word or two):
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/johnson_johnson_introduces_nothing
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/johnson_johnson_introduces_nothing
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Favorite Leadership Books
My friend Brandi recently asked me for my favorite leadership book. Here's what I said:
"My personal favorite is Good to Great by Jim Collins. Now, that one is only slightly focused on the characteristics of a leader, and spends more time on the characteristics of great companies. It taught me quite a bit about focusing on what you do well and not on numbers or flashy campaigns.
A book that's more about teamwork is 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, a very quick read told in the form of a parable.
One of my favorites regarding personal change is 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Covey), even though it's not directly about leadership. Two others are How to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie), and Power of Positive Thinking (Norman Vincent Peale) which has a Christian bent.
My favorite leader is Abraham Lincoln, and my two favorites there are Lincoln on Leadership (Phillips) and The Words of Abraham Lincoln which is a collection of his letters, speeches, etc. (Lubin, 500 pages!)."
"My personal favorite is Good to Great by Jim Collins. Now, that one is only slightly focused on the characteristics of a leader, and spends more time on the characteristics of great companies. It taught me quite a bit about focusing on what you do well and not on numbers or flashy campaigns.
A book that's more about teamwork is 5 Dysfunctions of a Team, a very quick read told in the form of a parable.
One of my favorites regarding personal change is 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Covey), even though it's not directly about leadership. Two others are How to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie), and Power of Positive Thinking (Norman Vincent Peale) which has a Christian bent.
My favorite leader is Abraham Lincoln, and my two favorites there are Lincoln on Leadership (Phillips) and The Words of Abraham Lincoln which is a collection of his letters, speeches, etc. (Lubin, 500 pages!)."
Dena's Got A Job Interview
Dena got a job interview with Illinois State University's communications department for a graphic design position! Thursday at 10:00. As she starts to read her book on 250 job interview questions, let the prayers begin!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Where's Wooden?
It's come to Hidden Blog's attention that its regular readership has absolutely no concept of John Wooden.
Studies have shown that readership declines when 20% of a site's material is rated "Who the hell is he?" by 100% of its viewers.
Hidden Blog regrets the error, and offers the following links to give some insight into the winningest coach in college basketball history:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wooden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3RHqqWNHOo (but, like, imagine him 40 years younger)
Studies have shown that readership declines when 20% of a site's material is rated "Who the hell is he?" by 100% of its viewers.
Hidden Blog regrets the error, and offers the following links to give some insight into the winningest coach in college basketball history:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wooden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3RHqqWNHOo (but, like, imagine him 40 years younger)
Leading By Exam-Pull
"To be effective, leaders must begin by setting aside that culturally conditioned 'natural' instinct to lead by push, particularly when times are tough. Leaders must instead adopt the unnatural behavior of always leading by pull of inspiring values." -- James O'Toole, from his book Leading Change
What are those values? As it happens, an employee opinion survey came out today that rated at 100% their satisfaction with me as their manager. How would I describe my interaction with them?
1. Finding a reason to smile in every conversation.
2. Taking interest in their interests.
3. Encouraging them to try, at the risk of failing.
4. Saying thanks for every effort, and congratulations for every achievement.
5. Putting life ahead of work to the fullest extent possible.
6. "You may be right, I may be wrong."
7. "I'm sorry."
Nothing that hasn't been written in a hundred books, just reflections of one person in one good year.
What are those values? As it happens, an employee opinion survey came out today that rated at 100% their satisfaction with me as their manager. How would I describe my interaction with them?
1. Finding a reason to smile in every conversation.
2. Taking interest in their interests.
3. Encouraging them to try, at the risk of failing.
4. Saying thanks for every effort, and congratulations for every achievement.
5. Putting life ahead of work to the fullest extent possible.
6. "You may be right, I may be wrong."
7. "I'm sorry."
Nothing that hasn't been written in a hundred books, just reflections of one person in one good year.
Catch The Hurl
The biggest recall of Coca-Cola in history occurred after 42 children in the Belgian town of Bornem became mysteriously ill after drinking it, leading to hospitalization. Two days later, eight more fell sick in Brugge, then 13 in Harelbeke the next day and 42 in Lochristi three days after that -- and on and on in a widening spiral that ultimately sent more than 100 children to the hospital complaining of nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
Problem was, the pop wasn't contaminated. It simply had an extra touch of a sulfuric compound barely large enough to taint the smell with a whiff of rotten eggs.
In short, kids got sick simply because other kids got sick, and not for any other significant medical reason.
Imagine how similarly contagious confidence could be!
Problem was, the pop wasn't contaminated. It simply had an extra touch of a sulfuric compound barely large enough to taint the smell with a whiff of rotten eggs.
In short, kids got sick simply because other kids got sick, and not for any other significant medical reason.
Imagine how similarly contagious confidence could be!
Smile High Club
Is there anything more challenging, more satisfying, or more influential than to smile at all times?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Dena's Birthday Card
I'm not the most romantic guy by a long shot, but for some reason a song idea popped into my head, so tonight Dena got the last phase of her birthday card played to her in true amateur fashion...
EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL
Joe McDonald, for Dena's birthday, 2008
As I walk in the sunlight
With the wind upon my face
My mind is drawn to brighter things
I've found another place.
Along the trail, beneath the trees
With you alongside me
Everything is beautiful, as long as I'm with you.
As we walk with the promise
Of a love we've known so long
Through tales and toils, and joys and tears
When I was right or wrong
To have the love of a trusted friend
Until the very end
Everything is beautiful
When I'm beside a heart so true.
Everything is beautiful, as long as I'm with you.
As we lay in the comfort
Of the evening turned to night
You sleep with ease and dream in peace
An angel in my sight.
The world can bring whatever's planned
If you'll still hold my hand!
Everything is beautiful
When I'm beside a heart so true.
Everything is beautiful
In all the things you say and do.
Everything is beautiful, as long as I'm with you.
For I'm in love with you!
EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL
Joe McDonald, for Dena's birthday, 2008
As I walk in the sunlight
With the wind upon my face
My mind is drawn to brighter things
I've found another place.
Along the trail, beneath the trees
With you alongside me
Everything is beautiful, as long as I'm with you.
As we walk with the promise
Of a love we've known so long
Through tales and toils, and joys and tears
When I was right or wrong
To have the love of a trusted friend
Until the very end
Everything is beautiful
When I'm beside a heart so true.
Everything is beautiful, as long as I'm with you.
As we lay in the comfort
Of the evening turned to night
You sleep with ease and dream in peace
An angel in my sight.
The world can bring whatever's planned
If you'll still hold my hand!
Everything is beautiful
When I'm beside a heart so true.
Everything is beautiful
In all the things you say and do.
Everything is beautiful, as long as I'm with you.
For I'm in love with you!
The Check's In The Mail
Grab a partner, put your dancing shoes on, and enjoy the most energizing financial lesson of all time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpndbSfSJX4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpndbSfSJX4
McDonald In Concert Part 2: "Please Come Back"
Joe McDonald extended his short-term contract with Calvary United Methodist Church's band Higher Ground through the end of August following positive reviews from service-goers.
The highlight of the morning was the opening song "Forever" by Chris Tomlin, a Dena favorite that Joe'd specifically requested in light of her recent birthday.
McDonald resigned from Higher Ground on a full-time basis in April 2007 following a successful two-year run. He describes the transition to sub as "the right fit," though the current stint has caused some parishioners to actively lobby for his ongoing return.
"For the rest of August God wants me here, and I love being here," he said. "The outpouring of support from these friends makes that clear to me. Beyond that, God shows me in a dozen little ways that he wants me elsewhere. For now, I'm just enjoying the experience."
The highlight of the morning was the opening song "Forever" by Chris Tomlin, a Dena favorite that Joe'd specifically requested in light of her recent birthday.
McDonald resigned from Higher Ground on a full-time basis in April 2007 following a successful two-year run. He describes the transition to sub as "the right fit," though the current stint has caused some parishioners to actively lobby for his ongoing return.
"For the rest of August God wants me here, and I love being here," he said. "The outpouring of support from these friends makes that clear to me. Beyond that, God shows me in a dozen little ways that he wants me elsewhere. For now, I'm just enjoying the experience."
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Give It To Me Straight, Doc!
From Jane's humor list:
Overheard Lance (age 8) in the dental chair. Dr. Zimmerman was explaining to him that his teeth were a little crowded. Lance asked, very concerned, "Is this something that you've seen before?"
Overheard Lance (age 8) in the dental chair. Dr. Zimmerman was explaining to him that his teeth were a little crowded. Lance asked, very concerned, "Is this something that you've seen before?"
Alabama Kind Of Ranked In National Polls
The University of Alabama's Crimson Tide football team was ranked 24th in the Associated Press preseason poll, and outside the top 25 in the USA Today Poll.
Local fan club member Dona Young was not reached for comment, nor even attempted to be reached. If so, she may have been quick to point out that Alabama's 26th slot in the USA Today poll added credibility to the AP poll, and that numbers don't tell the whole story once the teams get between the lines.
Numbers like Georgia's 1,528 AP votes, or Alabama's 89. And they step between the white lines together on September 27th.
ESPN gave more respect than either poll, ranking the Tide 23rd and affirming them as the sixth-best team in the SEC, the nation's toughest conference:
"With senior QB John Parker Wilson and veteran O-line (93 starts), Tide fans want more value from coach Nick Saban than the $500K per win he's cost so far."
Since 2003, the team's average place finish in the conference is 6.8. They kick off their season at the home of 9th-ranked Clemson on August 30th at 7:00 p.m. CST.
Local fan club member Dona Young was not reached for comment, nor even attempted to be reached. If so, she may have been quick to point out that Alabama's 26th slot in the USA Today poll added credibility to the AP poll, and that numbers don't tell the whole story once the teams get between the lines.
Numbers like Georgia's 1,528 AP votes, or Alabama's 89. And they step between the white lines together on September 27th.
ESPN gave more respect than either poll, ranking the Tide 23rd and affirming them as the sixth-best team in the SEC, the nation's toughest conference:
"With senior QB John Parker Wilson and veteran O-line (93 starts), Tide fans want more value from coach Nick Saban than the $500K per win he's cost so far."
Since 2003, the team's average place finish in the conference is 6.8. They kick off their season at the home of 9th-ranked Clemson on August 30th at 7:00 p.m. CST.
Freidinger On Wooden: "I Don't Read Him"
Popular Internet dignitary Jane Freidinger visited Hidden Blog last week and shared her experience with relatives in Eureka, Illinois on Sunday evening.
The minimally-publicized visit was prompted by Joe McDonald's invitation to her to become a Facebook friend.
"I figured that her chances of accepting were decent, since I ushered at her wedding and, you know, we're related," McDonald said.
Freidinger, married to Dena's brother Darren, quickly agreed to the proposal. The move brought her number of friends up to 141, slightly ahead of McDonald's 2.
"Facebook is a terrific gauge of a person's popularity, heck, of a person's basic worth as a human being," McDonald added, noting that they also shared one mutual friend, ICC academic advising phenom Dona Young.
Freidinger, self-described as "direct," readily inscribed a greeting on McDonald's photoless Facebook page. "I see by your profile that you've entered the Witness Protection Program," said the sudoku queen.
Freidinger herself may be in the Wooden Prevention Program, openly uninspired by the words of the 97-year old coaching icon dotted throughout Hidden Blog.
"Who is this?" Wooden said, when alerted to Freidinger's comments by phone.
The minimally-publicized visit was prompted by Joe McDonald's invitation to her to become a Facebook friend.
"I figured that her chances of accepting were decent, since I ushered at her wedding and, you know, we're related," McDonald said.
Freidinger, married to Dena's brother Darren, quickly agreed to the proposal. The move brought her number of friends up to 141, slightly ahead of McDonald's 2.
"Facebook is a terrific gauge of a person's popularity, heck, of a person's basic worth as a human being," McDonald added, noting that they also shared one mutual friend, ICC academic advising phenom Dona Young.
Freidinger, self-described as "direct," readily inscribed a greeting on McDonald's photoless Facebook page. "I see by your profile that you've entered the Witness Protection Program," said the sudoku queen.
Freidinger herself may be in the Wooden Prevention Program, openly uninspired by the words of the 97-year old coaching icon dotted throughout Hidden Blog.
"Who is this?" Wooden said, when alerted to Freidinger's comments by phone.
McDonaldless Softball Team Stuns League Champ
Great news from our captain:
"WOW!! What a great game defensively! We played awesome defense and kept the game close against the league leader. Then in our last at bat, scored three runs to get the come from behind win 6-5 in 7 innings. Now the best part is that we have to play them again next week.
Also, here are the photos we took tonight. Let's try again next week and get some more people out there for a team picture. Love the ones with all the kids. Thanks for all the support from families.
Rich"
One Critic At A Time, Please!
"When mistakes are made, such as missing an easy shot... I insist that the boys never criticize each other but encourage the offender so that it won't happen again. It is up to the coach to do the criticizing and it should be as constructive as possible." -- John Wooden
We're eternally surrounded by willing critics... it's human nature to want to be right, and what better way to feed that craving than to point out someone's wrongs? That kind of temporary rush is like that of a big bar of chocolate or a thermos of coffee: briefly energizing, followed by a crippling crash. Lasting happiness often requires patience, the opportunity we get whenever someone lets us down. And how helpful is it when the number of critics can be limited?
We're eternally surrounded by willing critics... it's human nature to want to be right, and what better way to feed that craving than to point out someone's wrongs? That kind of temporary rush is like that of a big bar of chocolate or a thermos of coffee: briefly energizing, followed by a crippling crash. Lasting happiness often requires patience, the opportunity we get whenever someone lets us down. And how helpful is it when the number of critics can be limited?
Rules, Who Needs 'Em?
"Over the years, I changed from having lots of rules and few suggestions to lots of suggestions and fewer rules. To a large degree, I replaced specific rules and penalties with strong suggestions and unspecified consequences. This gave me much greater discretion and allowed for more productive responses to misbehavior." -- John Wooden
As a corollary to that, over the last few years I've replaced the word "should" with "might" in most situations... it's a little thing, but feels to me like a better reflection of openness and empowerment to others. Who likes to be told "this is the way it has to be?" Not only that, but often "should" is flat out inaccurate. There are exceptions to most every rule, and usually multiple ways to get to the right answer. And sometimes, the outcome isn't nearly as important as they way it was reached -- as a product of the input of the entire team.
As a corollary to that, over the last few years I've replaced the word "should" with "might" in most situations... it's a little thing, but feels to me like a better reflection of openness and empowerment to others. Who likes to be told "this is the way it has to be?" Not only that, but often "should" is flat out inaccurate. There are exceptions to most every rule, and usually multiple ways to get to the right answer. And sometimes, the outcome isn't nearly as important as they way it was reached -- as a product of the input of the entire team.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
14 Years And Counting
Tuesday was the 14th anniversary of moving into the condominium. Condo life has been the perfect fit for a guy who loved living in the college dorms. There's something about a cozy neighborhood of friends that's just always suited me.
A co-worker of mine during my college internship predicted that I'd live in a condo some day, but I didn't give it much thought. When the realtor told me I'd only live in a condo for five years, the competitive current in me did take that almost as a personal challenge. Ironically I didn't like the place enough to buy it during the condo whirlwhind tour that she took me on. When she ran out of places, I switched realtors (figuring, naively and incorrectly, that each realtor had a different collection of homes to show) and the next one I got showed me the same place, somehow it looked better then. Shortly after I bought it, Realtor #1 called me in a fury for having wasted her time. I wonder if I should call her now?
What I'd never have predicted is that I, the laziest homeowner of all time, would be in my sixth straight year on the condominium board, whose monthly meeting was also held that night. It's funny to look around and see that I'm simultaneously the youngest, yet most tenured, resident on the board. And funnier still that they look to me repeatedly for guidance. Strangest of all, I have answers! It just goes to show how easily experience can be mistaken for intelligence.
A co-worker of mine during my college internship predicted that I'd live in a condo some day, but I didn't give it much thought. When the realtor told me I'd only live in a condo for five years, the competitive current in me did take that almost as a personal challenge. Ironically I didn't like the place enough to buy it during the condo whirlwhind tour that she took me on. When she ran out of places, I switched realtors (figuring, naively and incorrectly, that each realtor had a different collection of homes to show) and the next one I got showed me the same place, somehow it looked better then. Shortly after I bought it, Realtor #1 called me in a fury for having wasted her time. I wonder if I should call her now?
What I'd never have predicted is that I, the laziest homeowner of all time, would be in my sixth straight year on the condominium board, whose monthly meeting was also held that night. It's funny to look around and see that I'm simultaneously the youngest, yet most tenured, resident on the board. And funnier still that they look to me repeatedly for guidance. Strangest of all, I have answers! It just goes to show how easily experience can be mistaken for intelligence.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Guitar Zero
So I bought Aerosmith Guitar Hero for PlayStation 2. I haven't been on a video game shopping spree in about 20 years, so I wondered if technology would have passed me by.
I quickly conquered the 6-step quick start instructions with pictures for assembling the guitar-shaped controller. Confidence on the rise.
Turning on the game, I paced myself by choosing "easy" level and jumped right into a song. You succeed in the game by hitting as many correct notes as possible, with the crowd noise indicating how well you're doing.
Ten seconds later, I was booed off the stage, hitting 21% of the notes. Fortunately, you can reset.
Booed off the stage. 21%. Reset.
Booed off the stage. 21%.
Dumbfounded, I fumbled my way to a tutorial section, where a God-like voice came to my aid. As I waited for the instruction, I thought 'What kind of goofy glitches does this game have, such that a real-life guitar player can't hit a quarter of the notes?'. The answer came:
Play with two hands.
Yep, I'd pretty much been trying to play guitar without strumming the strings. Little problem there. Evidently a lot more than technology had passed me by.
I quickly conquered the 6-step quick start instructions with pictures for assembling the guitar-shaped controller. Confidence on the rise.
Turning on the game, I paced myself by choosing "easy" level and jumped right into a song. You succeed in the game by hitting as many correct notes as possible, with the crowd noise indicating how well you're doing.
Ten seconds later, I was booed off the stage, hitting 21% of the notes. Fortunately, you can reset.
Booed off the stage. 21%. Reset.
Booed off the stage. 21%.
Dumbfounded, I fumbled my way to a tutorial section, where a God-like voice came to my aid. As I waited for the instruction, I thought 'What kind of goofy glitches does this game have, such that a real-life guitar player can't hit a quarter of the notes?'. The answer came:
Play with two hands.
Yep, I'd pretty much been trying to play guitar without strumming the strings. Little problem there. Evidently a lot more than technology had passed me by.
Leafin' Lizards!
From the Pantagraph:
BLOOMINGTON -- Applebee’s is investigating a report of a dead but intact four-inch-long lizard found in a customer’s salad during lunch last Friday at the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar in Bloomington.
“We are aware of the report,” company spokesman Miles McMillin said Thursday. He said Applebee’s quality assurance department is working with the franchisee of the Bloomington restaurant, 502 N. Veterans Parkway.
“We’re in the middle of conducting that investigation right now,” said McMillin, adding, the local restaurant is “just as motivated to find out what happened here.”
Bree Davis of the McLean County Health Department said a health department sanitarian went to Applebee’s on Friday after receiving a complaint from the customer.
“This is not a common thing and, from our perspective, the restaurant was not at fault,” Davis said. “It’s just one of those extraordinary circumstances.” No action has been taken against the eatery.
She said the department’s “sanitarian did not see the lizard” because it had been discarded by Applebee’s staff. “But management confirmed it did happen.”
McMillin wouldn’t comment on what may have happened, but said, “Nothing is more important to Applebee’s than the well-being of our guests,” adding the report was being taken “very seriously.”
Davis said the health department notified the Illinois Department of Public Health because that’s standard procedure, and informed the U.S. Food & Drug Administration because the lettuce came from California.
Asked whether the health department thought the lizard came with the lettuce, or whether it was placed with the lettuce later, Davis said, “I don’t want to speculate or place blame.”
The health department has not fined or sanctioned the restaurant, Davis said. The sanitarian’s investigation revealed that nothing appeared out of the ordinary and that Applebee’s staff did nothing wrong, she said.
Employees showed how they wash the lettuce, cut it, then wash it again. “They couldn’t fathom how it (a lizard) got through the process…and they profusely apologized,” Davis said.
The health department would not release the name of the complainant and Pantagraph efforts on Wednesday and Thursday to locate the customer were not successful.
BLOOMINGTON -- Applebee’s is investigating a report of a dead but intact four-inch-long lizard found in a customer’s salad during lunch last Friday at the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar in Bloomington.
“We are aware of the report,” company spokesman Miles McMillin said Thursday. He said Applebee’s quality assurance department is working with the franchisee of the Bloomington restaurant, 502 N. Veterans Parkway.
“We’re in the middle of conducting that investigation right now,” said McMillin, adding, the local restaurant is “just as motivated to find out what happened here.”
Bree Davis of the McLean County Health Department said a health department sanitarian went to Applebee’s on Friday after receiving a complaint from the customer.
“This is not a common thing and, from our perspective, the restaurant was not at fault,” Davis said. “It’s just one of those extraordinary circumstances.” No action has been taken against the eatery.
She said the department’s “sanitarian did not see the lizard” because it had been discarded by Applebee’s staff. “But management confirmed it did happen.”
McMillin wouldn’t comment on what may have happened, but said, “Nothing is more important to Applebee’s than the well-being of our guests,” adding the report was being taken “very seriously.”
Davis said the health department notified the Illinois Department of Public Health because that’s standard procedure, and informed the U.S. Food & Drug Administration because the lettuce came from California.
Asked whether the health department thought the lizard came with the lettuce, or whether it was placed with the lettuce later, Davis said, “I don’t want to speculate or place blame.”
The health department has not fined or sanctioned the restaurant, Davis said. The sanitarian’s investigation revealed that nothing appeared out of the ordinary and that Applebee’s staff did nothing wrong, she said.
Employees showed how they wash the lettuce, cut it, then wash it again. “They couldn’t fathom how it (a lizard) got through the process…and they profusely apologized,” Davis said.
The health department would not release the name of the complainant and Pantagraph efforts on Wednesday and Thursday to locate the customer were not successful.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
McDonald In Concert This Sunday
Guitarist/singer Joe McDonald has been booked to perform with the Christian musical band Higher Ground this Sunday at 11:00, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1700 N. Towanda Avenue, Normal.
The soft roll out of the late-breaking press release is partially to limit throngs from spilling over the worship service's maximum capacity in response to McDonald's delusional fame, but is mostly due to the fact that I just found out a half hour ago.
The soft roll out of the late-breaking press release is partially to limit throngs from spilling over the worship service's maximum capacity in response to McDonald's delusional fame, but is mostly due to the fact that I just found out a half hour ago.
Beware Of Frog
119 illegal African clawed frogs seized in Nevada Wed Aug 6, 7:53 PM ET
RENO, Nev. - State wildlife officials raided three residences in the Reno area where they seized more than 100 African clawed frogs, which they say are prohibited because they can pose a serious danger to native frogs and entire ecosystems.
No charges have been filed against the people who illegally possessed a total of 119 frogs because they are cooperating fully with law enforcement to "get any and all prohibited frogs off the streets," the Nevada Department of Wildlife said in a statement on Wednesday.
"We are very pleased we were able to seize them before they were circulated to people in the area and possibly escaped into the wild," said Cameron Waithman, game warden captain for NDOW's Division of Law Enforcement.
African clawed frogs grow about as large as bullfrogs and can destroy entire ecosystems by voraciously eating native fish, amphibians and just about anything they can swallow, he said.
Scientists also believe these frogs carry and spread an African fungus that has decimated frog populations worldwide, Waithman said. The frog carries the fungus on its skin and is immune to its deadly effects.
Because of the danger the frogs pose, people who knowingly possess such amphibians face up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, he said.
"If people turn these frogs in voluntarily, we don't have an interest in writing them tickets," said Waithman.
"However, if we find even more people involved with keeping and selling these frogs, we will prosecute at the conclusion of our investigations. These amphibians really are a threat to Nevada, and we have a duty to seize any and all that we find."
The African clawed frog was used in hospitals in the 1940s and 1950s as a way to detect pregnancy in women. It produces eggs when injected with the urine of a pregnant woman.
Scientists say the fungus on the frogs works like a parasite that makes it difficult for the frogs to use their pores, quickly causing them to die of dehydration. It has been linked to the extinction of amphibians from Australia to Costa Rica.
Japan reported its first cases of frog deaths from the fungus in January 2007, prompting research groups to declare an emergency in the country. On the Caribbean island of Dominica, the fungus has almost wiped out the mountain chicken, a frog species considered an island delicacy.
___
People with information on these frogs or who have frogs to turn in can contact NDOW through the Operation Game Thief Hotline at (800) 992-3030.
RENO, Nev. - State wildlife officials raided three residences in the Reno area where they seized more than 100 African clawed frogs, which they say are prohibited because they can pose a serious danger to native frogs and entire ecosystems.
No charges have been filed against the people who illegally possessed a total of 119 frogs because they are cooperating fully with law enforcement to "get any and all prohibited frogs off the streets," the Nevada Department of Wildlife said in a statement on Wednesday.
"We are very pleased we were able to seize them before they were circulated to people in the area and possibly escaped into the wild," said Cameron Waithman, game warden captain for NDOW's Division of Law Enforcement.
African clawed frogs grow about as large as bullfrogs and can destroy entire ecosystems by voraciously eating native fish, amphibians and just about anything they can swallow, he said.
Scientists also believe these frogs carry and spread an African fungus that has decimated frog populations worldwide, Waithman said. The frog carries the fungus on its skin and is immune to its deadly effects.
Because of the danger the frogs pose, people who knowingly possess such amphibians face up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, he said.
"If people turn these frogs in voluntarily, we don't have an interest in writing them tickets," said Waithman.
"However, if we find even more people involved with keeping and selling these frogs, we will prosecute at the conclusion of our investigations. These amphibians really are a threat to Nevada, and we have a duty to seize any and all that we find."
The African clawed frog was used in hospitals in the 1940s and 1950s as a way to detect pregnancy in women. It produces eggs when injected with the urine of a pregnant woman.
Scientists say the fungus on the frogs works like a parasite that makes it difficult for the frogs to use their pores, quickly causing them to die of dehydration. It has been linked to the extinction of amphibians from Australia to Costa Rica.
Japan reported its first cases of frog deaths from the fungus in January 2007, prompting research groups to declare an emergency in the country. On the Caribbean island of Dominica, the fungus has almost wiped out the mountain chicken, a frog species considered an island delicacy.
___
People with information on these frogs or who have frogs to turn in can contact NDOW through the Operation Game Thief Hotline at (800) 992-3030.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Jim Carrey New Movie Trailer
Thanks for Dona for the heads-up on this! Looks like a good time...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v730wlOp9QY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v730wlOp9QY
Monday, August 4, 2008
How Strong Is Your Ego?
From Lou Tice: [Note: when I read "program of personal growth," I think of creating our most positive environment... immersing ourselves in optimistic friends and readings... and disciplining ourselves to take baby steps toward becoming happy on the inside so that it radiates to the outside.]
No one wants to think of themselves as having a "big ego," but having a strong ego is definitely a good thing. Today I'll tell you what I mean by that.
How strong is your ego? Many people think that the term "ego" has something to do with being a braggart or totally self-interested, but they're wrong. Actually, psychologists tell us that the ego is that part of our personality that directs our activities, so we can get our needs met and survive. It's a normal and necessary part of who we are.
Having good ego strength means you perceive things accurately and have the ability to make wise decisions. It also generally means that you have self-confidence, self-esteem, and poise under pressure. Ego strength has nothing whatever to do with people we think of as having "big egos"- those macho folks who like to push other people around and blow their own horns.
On the contrary, it often shows up as resiliency - the ability to bounce back from adversity - and the flexibility to take advantage of change. According to Dr. Charles Garfield, author of "Peak Performers," for ego strength, a thoughtful, systematic program of personal growth can help enormously.
No one wants to think of themselves as having a "big ego," but having a strong ego is definitely a good thing. Today I'll tell you what I mean by that.
How strong is your ego? Many people think that the term "ego" has something to do with being a braggart or totally self-interested, but they're wrong. Actually, psychologists tell us that the ego is that part of our personality that directs our activities, so we can get our needs met and survive. It's a normal and necessary part of who we are.
Having good ego strength means you perceive things accurately and have the ability to make wise decisions. It also generally means that you have self-confidence, self-esteem, and poise under pressure. Ego strength has nothing whatever to do with people we think of as having "big egos"- those macho folks who like to push other people around and blow their own horns.
On the contrary, it often shows up as resiliency - the ability to bounce back from adversity - and the flexibility to take advantage of change. According to Dr. Charles Garfield, author of "Peak Performers," for ego strength, a thoughtful, systematic program of personal growth can help enormously.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Carrots And Sticks
"I came to the conclusion that when choosing between the carrot and the stick as a motivational tool, the well-chosen carrot was almost always more powerful and longer lasting than the stick. In fact, simply withholding a properly selected carrot can become a most forceful punishment and powerful motivator. Its denial creates desire; the carrot becomes a stick.
I believe the strongest and most meaningful motivators are not necessarily the materialistic, but the intangible. In that regard, there is perhaps no better carrot than approval from someone you truly respect.
I avoided the phrase 'That's great!' Instead, I would say, 'Good, very good. That's getting better. That's the idea. Now you're getting it. Good.' My tone was measured and my demeanor controlled. And I was honest." -- John Wooden
So many lessons in there... appreciation is ranked #1 above even compensation among most employees according to many studies. Respect is often given to those who care the most. And what better way to show you care than to take notice of something specific that a person's done? Why let a chance to say 'thank you' or 'good job' slide by? We wouldn't buy a gift and let it sit on a shelf. The opportunity to make the most of the good times in life is worth every effort.
I believe the strongest and most meaningful motivators are not necessarily the materialistic, but the intangible. In that regard, there is perhaps no better carrot than approval from someone you truly respect.
I avoided the phrase 'That's great!' Instead, I would say, 'Good, very good. That's getting better. That's the idea. Now you're getting it. Good.' My tone was measured and my demeanor controlled. And I was honest." -- John Wooden
So many lessons in there... appreciation is ranked #1 above even compensation among most employees according to many studies. Respect is often given to those who care the most. And what better way to show you care than to take notice of something specific that a person's done? Why let a chance to say 'thank you' or 'good job' slide by? We wouldn't buy a gift and let it sit on a shelf. The opportunity to make the most of the good times in life is worth every effort.
How Not To Waste Time
"Prior to the daily coaches' meeting, I would privately review my notebook from the previous year's practice for that exact day, looking for clues as to what had been effective and what did not work as well. In fact, I regularly reviewed notes from two or three years back." -- John Wooden
The man's discipline continues to inspire. Other leaders I've read about were similar in their practice of self-review, be it daily or weekly. How else will one improve as quickly?
The man's discipline continues to inspire. Other leaders I've read about were similar in their practice of self-review, be it daily or weekly. How else will one improve as quickly?
Pre-Game Dreaming
"Before each game, I usually do forty-five minutes of visualization at home to prepare my mind and come up with last-minute adjustments." -- Phil Jackson
I'm lucky enough to have a mentor who's the senior vice president of our company. She and I meet on Monday morning, and as of late Friday afternoon I'd recorded my progress from the last month but had little plan for the month to come. As luck would also have it, bright sunshine peeked through the afternoon clouds for a couple hours today, long enough for me to spend some undisturbed time in eyes-closed thought. Picturing my arrival in her office, ideas started to flow. By the time my towel and I headed inside, I felt much more prepared. And I'm sure things will jell further as I clean up in the shower on Monday morning.
I'm lucky enough to have a mentor who's the senior vice president of our company. She and I meet on Monday morning, and as of late Friday afternoon I'd recorded my progress from the last month but had little plan for the month to come. As luck would also have it, bright sunshine peeked through the afternoon clouds for a couple hours today, long enough for me to spend some undisturbed time in eyes-closed thought. Picturing my arrival in her office, ideas started to flow. By the time my towel and I headed inside, I felt much more prepared. And I'm sure things will jell further as I clean up in the shower on Monday morning.
A Peace Of Your Mind
"Peace of mind produces right values, right values produce right thoughts. Right thoughts produce right actions and right actions produce work which will be a material reflection for other to see the serenity at the center of it all." -- Robert Pirsig
Lately I've caught myself examining my own state of mind in the midst of a stressful situation, and that's made the difference in thriving through it:
1. Leadership McLean County class member selection is inherently an exercise in compromise, the class I'd choose varying from that which anyone else on the commitee would choose. What brings peace of mind there? That I'm as error-prone as anyone, and that the combined choice of the group may be the best of all.
2. Watching the Cubs blow a three-run lead for their ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano. In the end, the Cubs might still win the game, and eventually their division; Carlos doesn't get credit for the win, but he's still among the richest pitchers in baseball; and is my own life impacted in any significant way, really?
In the long run, I think it's not most important whether you win or lose, but how you carry yourself and treat others throughout -- hopefully with a smile on the face.
Lately I've caught myself examining my own state of mind in the midst of a stressful situation, and that's made the difference in thriving through it:
1. Leadership McLean County class member selection is inherently an exercise in compromise, the class I'd choose varying from that which anyone else on the commitee would choose. What brings peace of mind there? That I'm as error-prone as anyone, and that the combined choice of the group may be the best of all.
2. Watching the Cubs blow a three-run lead for their ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano. In the end, the Cubs might still win the game, and eventually their division; Carlos doesn't get credit for the win, but he's still among the richest pitchers in baseball; and is my own life impacted in any significant way, really?
In the long run, I think it's not most important whether you win or lose, but how you carry yourself and treat others throughout -- hopefully with a smile on the face.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
State of Disunion Speech 3
Poor Dikembe Mutombo!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23q9UgnrTRo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23q9UgnrTRo&feature=related
State of Disunion Speech 2
Four more years!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwZSQrDuYzo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwZSQrDuYzo&feature=related
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