The Further Mis-Adventures of the Jazzy Cool One

Jazzy Cool World Is Dead...

2009-01-01T12:45:00.002-06:00

...or at least this blog is. Officially.

To keep up with the further mis-adventures of the Jazzy Cool One, aka John "J Cleveland" Payne please direct your browsers to http://fastforwardblog.blogspot.com/ and your RSS feeds to http://fastforwardblog.blogspot.com/atom.xml.

Its been a great ride here. Now, to the next place...

Out With The Old...Throw It Out NOW!

2008-12-30T19:11:00.002-06:00

I’ve got some New Year’s advice that you’re probably not going to like.

If you’re holding onto anything that has become old and useless, throw it away. If you’re holding on the anything that is constantly in your way or carrying around something that only has the purpose of weighing you down (excluding ankle weights for a workout, of course), throw it away.

This applies to the mental and emotional hang-ups that have been nagging at you since childhood. This applies to the relationships with people and organizations that do not empower you.

This applies doubly to all the old physical stuff that you’ve collected over time that you truly hate, and do nothing but get in the way and keep you from getting the new things you truly want.

Feeling cluttered and choked by stuff will make you push back any new opportunities that may arrive at your mental or literal door step. You might be afraid to let the opportunity see your place as such a disaster, or you might just know that you have no more room for more stuff, even if it is the good stuff.

Those hard feelings left behind by an old friend who never apologized from doing you wrong. Years of doubt of your success as you have been actively living it. Shoeboxes of old love letters from a lover three love’s ago, or worse, receipts from ten years ago, long reconciled.

In trying to live a life where every space is a place, if that space is just a place holder for something that brings misery, pain, or even no feeling whatsoever, and you could easily replace it with something that would instantly give you joy, what are you waiting for?

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Free Stuff To Get Your Life In Line For 2009

2008-12-29T13:40:00.001-06:00

I have found myself with some bona fide free time as I am winding down to the end of 2008. As a result, I'm having a less stressful time in my 2009 goal making and business planning. Yes, actually goal making and business planning and not just scribbling stuff down on random sheets of paper to shuffle through for the first few weeks of the year. Even better, I have been able to make time to research and put my ideas into some semblance of logical order (thought spelling and grammar will always be a little suspect).

As I continue setting up my goal plans, I have been sifting through some of the on-line tools I have collected to see which ones will be most useful for getting in gear for the new year (check out my mad rhyming skills, yo!), and wanted to share a few with y'all. Here are some sources for free stuff to get your business or personal life in line for the year 2009 (I'm a poet and I didn't even know it...):

Today's TQ

Today's TQ offers a daily system designed to remind you to achieve your personal best. That's right, remind you that you can and should give your all everyday to stay committed to your dreams. They start you out with a extensive test to gauge you current level in 10 factors to your overall success, and for a small fee you can purchase your own personal book on yourself and audio programs to help you raise your scores. But you want free stuff, and they have plenty of pdfs with calendars and planning tools to help you out.

http://thinktq.com/training/downloads/index.cfm

The Fly Lady

Have you been putting up Facebook status updates for the past three months proclaiming you're cleaning your office? Well I have, and I'm no where near finished yet. Assuming you have the same issue with clutter creep, but aren't so vocal about it, the Fly Lady has all the tricks you could ever dream of, and says if you take it 15 minutes at a time, you'll eventually find your way to clean. We won't go into how many 15 minute intervals you can accumulate in three months.

http://flylady.net/

PortableApps.com

Your need for free software alternatives and mobile access to computer programs are both solved at PortableApps.com, where a USB flash drive is all you need to carry your favorite computer programs with you, along with all of your bookmarks, settings, email and more. Portable versions of popular open source applications are offered here free, with no spyware and no limitations.

http://portableapps.com/

Dailymile

For free ~~guilt~~ moral support for getting yourself in shape this year, I'm offering up a new site I am still getting the hang of: Dailymile. It is described as a social training log for runners, triathletes, and cyclists, and is an easy way to share your training with friends and stay motivated, assuming you need a little one-up-manship as part of your motivation. Look up and share local races and post your workout time to ~~throw in the face of~~ compare with friends you make on the site.

http://www.dailymile.com/

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Proud To Be An American

2008-12-29T07:31:00.004-06:00

The United States of America, while we've got plenty of serious problems, is in my opinion the greatest nation on the planet. I admit my bias, but I also provide here my 'indisputable proof'* to the fact, also know as my list of things I am grateful for in living in this country:

- you are truly born with infinite possibilities
- you are limited by your own imagination
- we are not waring with our neighbors
- stupid, while often annoying and occasionally dangerous, is itself not a crime
- we are nation of ~~second~~ nearly infinite chances (helping those who are stupid...)
- the purely talentless can somehow thrive in any economy

* 'Indisputable proof' may in fact be disputed. My only response is "Yeah, what's your point? U-S-A! U-S-A!”

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Firemen & Vacation Days

2008-12-04T15:51:00.001-06:00

One of early members of child was wanting to be President of the United States. Then, I wanted to be President of NBC. Then a DJ. Then a center for the Atlanta Hawks. Somewhere along the way I ended up going to college to be study to be an engineer, and ended up being an Air Force Acquisitions Officer, to give it all up to become a DJ.

Never once did the thought of becoming a fireman cross my mind. But that is main role with my company, despite every effort I take to make it otherwise. This becomes more apparent every time I take a true day off like I did Tuesday...then came back to mass insanity of half-projects yesterday...which lead to me working about 6 hours (so far) on work related project on this supposed day off...and will drive probably drive me insane as I am slated to take off every Tuesday and Thursday in the month of December to burn my vacation days.

Because the real reason I hate taking the day off and being to myself: I can effectively schedule a productive day for myself. I can also be flexible enough for interruptions and emergencies. In fact, I found I could make a list of things to do for the day, and then could chose to blow off every activity on the entire list, and would have found some way to accomplish something.

At work, I often begin with a long list of things to get done, and find myself quickly confronted with various ‘emergencies’ that take me away from my list that after completion didn’t pan out to be exactly emergencies. And I always end the day by leaving work late, and always leaving work frustrated from not making any actual progress in the job.

Unfortunately, I can not change my fate at work (oh, have I tried...) at this moment, and as I choose to continue showing up every morning, I am stuck with the weary and tireless (yes, I know they mean the same thing) life of a fireman, keeping a corporation from coming down on itself.

But for you, I offer some advice. If you find yourself stressed out at work by maximum effort but minimum, if any, progress, steal a moment to yourself and think about what your workday might be missing:

A Routine: the act of following a ritualistic daily routine will help you easily gage your progress in your daily tasks...unless you routinely never get anything done.

Proper Focus: the ability to focus on a single goal as you move toward it, or even focus on a single task as you try to finish it, will do wonders for your sanity and productivity.

A Score Card: I might not have mastered getting anything checked off my daily master list, but I still attempt it. Your to do list becomes your roadmap to success, or at least a way to gauge when you have finished something.

A System To Keep People Away: If you don’t plan out what you are going to do with your time, someone else will easily fill that time up for you. But if you have bosses that respect what you do for you company and themselves personally, they will find ways to divert some of the problem children and their problem projects far enough away from their office aces (you are an office ace, right?) to minimize distractions. If the boss can’t help, partner up with a co-worker to work a little misdirection for each other. And if you are lucky enough to be a supervisor, make sure you take good care of that assistant who is able to say “no” in just the right manner to get the point across.

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Jazzy Cool World Is Dying...

2008-12-04T15:47:00.002-06:00

Jazzy Cool World is dying...

Start looking for blog updates here

This Or That's For 11/27/08

2008-11-27T14:22:00.002-06:00

You're Thanksgiving Day This or That's include:

The Happiness Project has 7 tips for getting along with difficult relatives over Thanksgiving (you might want to save this line for Christmas)...

Lynn Pierce reminds us that giving thanks relies on your ability to give and receive and acknowledge...

Something we could do ten years ago, a flickr thanksgiving...

And finally feline Thanksgiving love from Anywhere Is...

Mrs. Beasley's

What I'm Thankful For Today

2008-11-27T14:10:00.001-06:00

Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S., and instead of spending time with my family, am stuck at the house alone, with just Puffy the Puppy to ~~meander in the way~~ keep me company for the weekend. And while I’m not to thrilled with the circumstances that are keeping me from enjoying fried turkey and pork spare ribs with my wife stealing food off my plate, I am actually thankful for a couple of days of quiet to get a few things done and to clear my head. Being dubbed a ‘serial starter,’ I have a lot of half-baked schemed floating around that are cluttering my head, my inbox, and my office. A day to clear out some of that mental clutter, and even get started on raking the yard, is actually blessing, despite the sacrifice of alone time on a family weekend.

Not only am I thankful for a crummy weekend leading to a semi-productive weekend, I’m thankful for the crummy year I have had. I pledged that 2008 was going to be my year, and then watched 11 months go by full of false starts, letdowns, and setbacks. But this has been a valuable year for lessons learned, and the price paid for most of those were just frustration and a little time lost. Not a lot of money and definitely no lives or relationships. In fact, some relationships were made stronger do to the strain of a lack of success, and some new ones where created that have the potential to outshine any other.

I am not thankful for the large loss of financial capital I had this year. I am thankful I lost less than most, and that I still have plenty of years to recover, even if my current projects don’t have much time to recover. I am thankful for the opportunities I didn’t get a chance to take, because it has allowed for plenty of opportunities that I am glad I didn’t miss.

And I give thanks to God for lining up all the opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead that I truly don’t want. Only through them will I get to the opportunities and responsibilities that I actually want. I am especially thankful to have just enough wisdom to know they are all opportunities and responsibilities that I AM SUPPOSED TO HAVE.

I’m thankful to live in a country that gives everybody the day off to eat, and I’ve got to get to cooking. Happy Thanksgiving, America.

Ring MD: Your Personal Doctor Is Just $10/Month

Job Motivations Must Be More Than A Paycheck

2008-11-25T04:49:00.001-06:00

Even with the news of more and more layoffs, you CAN NOT lesson your professional goals.

If you are showing up for work with the sole purpose of trying not to get fired, you are selling yourself and your company short.

I work for a company that isn’t doing so well at the moment, but our mission is pretty clear, at least locally. Come to work today, learn a little more, innovate a little bit, keep kicking the competition’s ass, and chances are we’ll get to do the same thing tomorrow.

It IS NOT show up, lay low, and take home a check at the end of the week.

My personal goals are insanely high. That in itself is a personal problem with failure at times to reach expectations...

…but if my only expectation was to show up, lay low, and take home a check at the end of the week, what kind of existence is that? It’s not worth my time, and probably not worth the money my company or personal clients pay me. And they currently aren’t paying that much

I have recently finished the book Fire Your Boss by Stephen M. Pollan and Mark Levine, where the authors pretty much smack you in the face with the notion that your job is your job because they pay you, and you have every right to leave a job if someone offers to pay you more. But what’s going to motivate anyone to pay you more…or let you stay and keep your current paycheck. Marginal effort or massive effort?

The Fruit Company

Rethinking Impossible Missions, Or, Here We Go Again...

2008-11-24T21:53:00.002-06:00

Remember the Impossible Missions?

The batch of posts where I had me on the search for the perfect metrosexual style briefcase and then made a futile effort to become a professional bowler?

Well, its making a comeback.

And since I can’t do anything the easy way, here is my current gamelan for Simulations Impossible Missions:

1) Reclaim the dream of a professional bowler’s life - life got in the way of my bowling practice, so I am even further behind in that goal, but that’s not stopping me from getting back on track...

2) Read like a fiend – I’m want to average reading a book a week next year, but I’m going to cheat a little bit by making my goal 52 books by January 1st, 2010, which gives me the last 5 weeks of 2008 to bulk up my total. I will cheat even further by reading a lot of short and totally useless books...

3) Pay to run like the wind –
The River City 5K is July 18th, 2009, approximately 9 months for now. I should be able to get into good shape by then, especially with all the bowling I’ll be doing right...

And you follow all the insanity that is my attempts to make these things happen, assuming I don’t go on 3 month drought of postings…like that will ever happen...

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This Or That's For 11/24/08

2008-11-24T16:04:00.002-06:00

Nicholas Bate encourages you to be be a rock star, minus the party...

Mark Hengel of Arkansas Business asked the heads of the biggest newspapers in Arkansas about the future of the business in the state, and even got his boss to weigh in...

Apparently, people really do believe what they read on the internet...

And finally, in the spirit in which I am procrastinating cleaning my office, here are
101 tips for getting organized from Ian’s Messy Desk...

4inkjets!: For All Your Printer Needs

Keep A 'What Worked Journal'

2008-11-24T15:28:00.000-06:00

This is a trick I learned from a farmer friend of mine. This person has learned to log everything--and I mean just about everything--attached to growing his crops. He says it’s a lot easier to do today than it was twenty years ago, with computers able to automatically record things as minute as soil temperature and weather condition from his tractor, but the result is the same as if he were taking a pencil to his ledger in the 80’s.

Because he records just about everything, the farmer ends up with an incredible amount of data. Much more that the farmer would seem to need for the normal season. Until he finds himself facing a problem with a growing crop.

Once the farmer stops getting a decent yield from a crop, he goes back to his logs and studies the data. Piece by piece, line by line, step by step. If there is anyway possible to correlate one factor that is not being done that could be the difference in his current yield, this farmer will find it. Just about any good farmer would find it, because they have plenty of examples and information to test to make sure you were doing it right in the first place.

From this example, I’ve come up with the suggestion of a different kind of journaling. I have brought up the power of a journal many times before, and often steal a phrase from Tony Robbins, ’any life worth living is worth writing down.' This time, I am proposing a mostly 'work' journal that will take a good bit of effort, but can save you time in long run in back research, and may prove to be the perfect tool to save you from a CYA situation.

This ‘What Worked Journal’ is simple in concept, but is a bit labor intensive. It requires writing down JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING that is relevant about a project as it happened and notating whether it actually succeeded or failed.

And then you let it sit for a while. You add a little more for you next project, and then it sits. New project, new inputs, then more sitting.

The usefulness of the What Worked Journal is the ability to go back to that place in time when you were working on a similar project, and compared what you are doing now to what you did then. If your current project is on a path heading for obvious failure, open up the journal and look back to the past, and see if you can find some step you missed that could have been the critical key to actual progress. If things going a little too well for you comfort, turn back to your similar projects that did end in failure, follow the road map backward, and find a way to not do it again.

This Or That's For 11/16/08

2008-11-16T15:21:00.001-06:00

If you are like me,and have problems with keeping an inventory of your day, a site like Memiary.com will help you track your top five activities...
http://www.memiary.com/

Plus, Nicholas Bates shares with you 6 tips on how to focus...
http://nicholasbate.typepad.com/nicholas_bate/2008/11/how-to-focus-6.html

Now that you’ve got your focus back, here are 7 fitness tips to try out geared for those who truly spend there days working on the web, from Dumb Little Man...
http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/10/7-important-fitness-tips-for-web.html

Finally, Malcolm Gladwell’s new book “Outliers : The Story of Success” will prove an interesting fact about those who find success, and may make you disregard Allen Iverson’s views on practice...
http://www.booksamillion.com/ncom/books?AID=42121&PID=1589558&isbn=9780316017923

Show Some Love For Green Salads

2008-11-01T14:42:00.001-05:00

Are you not hitting your weight loss goals because of eating? Are you having problems keeping yourself from going to the stove for a second or third helping of food because you are hungry? I've got a secret that will help. A way that will allow you to eat more food. Yes, I said eat more food.

The secret? Well it’s not much of a secret really. It’s eating a salad, and eating and much salad as you would like.

Whole grains, beans, and fruits and vegetables eaten with their seeds and peels contain fiber or protein, both of which help you to maintain a full feeling longer. Protein takes longer to digest that other nutrients and fiber actually remains in the GI track, not being digested at all.

Knowing this, I personally try to eat a salad with dinner every night, and the difference for me is amazing. Along with a concerted effort to eat extra helpings of vegetables and being as strict as possible on limiting but not depriving myself of the things I love (meat, starches and carbs from sides, desert, more meat) eating a salad, (and in my case, a large salad) with meals has allowed me to easily eat more 'food.' I have learned to keep my salads simple (lettuce or spinach plus a few other pieces, like tomatoes, celery, cucumbers, carrots or some beans or peas) and stay a little stingy on my salad dressing to leave the extra food I get to eat pretty close to right as nature made it. I get plenty of extra vitamins and minerals in the form my body is actually supposed to get them from, which is just another added bonus.

So just like you avoid that salad when you go to the all-you-can-eat buffet to save you a little extra room for that third dessert, the use of the reverse of thinking could help you gain control of your eating habits, which is just one more key to achieving your goals for a healthier life.

Go ahead. Try eating a green salad with lunch and dinner. Especially dinner. Every time you have dinner.

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A Little Something For Anne Pressly

2008-10-26T08:21:00.001-05:00

Anne Pressly was 26 years old. She worked in TV news in a small/mid-sized market which allowed her to rise to a fairly coveted position, full time morning news anchor, at a young age. She also happened to be great at her job, which is always a big help.

I use the past tense because Anne Pressly passed away last night. The world might have only known her in the moment for the very brief and uncredited role she picked up in the movie “W.” Anne was in Shreveport, LA covering the making of the movie, and director Oliver Stone picked her out to play a small snippet of conservative pundit Anne Coulter. Pressly proved that even in 2008, you can be discovered sitting at a soda shoppe.

Unfortunately, the world knows her as the Little Rock TV reporter who was attacked and beaten in her home, barely six days ago as I am writing this. Working in a radio news room, we were all stunned as my reporter co-worker and former co-worker's of Anne's read the police report that was fax over to us describing crime scene, and the first mention on television we saw was about 15 minutes later as Tony Harris on CNN gave about a 8 second breaking news line that sounded random and had no linking information, other than her station was a CNN affiliate.

Six days later, Anne is gone. Today, seven days later, there will be a lot of sadness with more to come. It's Sunday, so there will probably be large attendance at churches here in Little Rock, and probably the country, of people praying for Anne's family. The massive world-wide coverage of this story and the explosion of attendees to candlelight vigils and activity on online forums boggles my mind personally, but to those who knew Anne, it is no surprise. It may sound cliché, but Anne Pressly was truly one of those 'sweet girls.'

In life, there is a lesson to be learned in everything, and this is a prime example. You time on this planet is not guaranteed, and you will have no advanced knowledge of when it will ultimately be up. Get out in the world and make an impact, and do it now. Then keep doing it as much as you possibly can. Some will be able to 'give' more gifts than others, some will have larger gifts, some will just be able to show there light just by there presence.

Anne Pressly's parents have announced that they will be donating their daughter's organs. Knowing a few people who received life saving organ donations, I can truly say that Anne will definitely live on in the hearts and minds of those who will receive those precious gifts. More importantly, even after have such a random tragedy befall her, Anne Pressly still gets to have a positive impact into someone's lives.

Anne Pressly is gone to soon. There is no telling what kind of impact she could have had as a reporter or a person if she had lived another 50-years...or just one more day. Don't let a quick moment of inspiration pass you. If you are moved to act on anything at anytime, then act. If it’s not a simple as stepping up to the plate, then get started on a plan of action. Just do something.

Blog Action Day 2008: Poverty

2008-10-15T13:18:00.004-05:00

My return to actual blogging today falls on Blog Action Day 2008, with today's topic being poverty. And despite the fact we are all looking at the corner ticker of our tv's and are wondering about our 401k's, most of us, especially if we are sitting at our jobs reading blogs on company time, don't know and will never experience actual poverty.

I went to the US Census Bureau to check out the current stats poverty for the US, and it scared me. A lot. While I do worry about the economy and the status of my company and my job...there are people out there so far gone that they don't even try to give themselves the false hope that they can pull out of their status. Because, by themselves, they have no chance. And as the ranks of the poor are seriously growing, even with help, it don't look so good.

If you've got a little bit to give, and trust me, I understand the tightening of all purse strings, be sure to give a little bit. Because you'll never know when you just might need a lot. If you don't have a favorite charity, try one of these.

Learning

2008-10-15T08:29:00.001-05:00

When you take on new responsibilities, it is amazing what you learn about yourself.

I have taken on a weird hybrid role with out sales staff in helping them and clients understand our capabilities from the websites. In this time, I have been able to confirm that I am still a horrible sales person. Not exactly earth shattering, but knowing your limits are important.

But I have found that I am a much greater marketer than I thought. Which isn't the same thing. I have been able to rationalize that my 'ability to close the deal' isn't up to par, but my 'ability to push the idea and product' is strong. Very strong. If I am ever able to work full time as on-air talent, I think this will prove valuable.

I have also gain another level of respect for our fine sales staff. While all are trying to do the best they can for themselves, its not every man and women for themselves. No serious jealousy, backstabbing, or sabotage. Our sales staff do there best to hype each other up, just like a solid sports team. Our sales staff know how to work each other to get the best competition for themselves internally, without being over-competitive. They are impressive.

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Your Career, The Little Dutch Boy & The Dyke

2008-09-07T11:20:00.000-05:00

Does your career follow a warped version of the story of the Little Dutch Boy?

The Cliff Notes Version of the Little Dutch Boy has a hole in a dyke that was threatening to burst, and little boy walks up an sticks his finger in the hole and shores up the dyke with the simple act...a decision that is a little tough because it makes him late for school, which will get him in trouble. Eventually, some passerby sees the boy, and brings back help to fix the dyke. The story is told to teach quick action and self-sacrifice, because if the boy leaves, the dyke is back in the same peril that it was in before, and he has no guarantee that help is on the way.

Switch the story to an analogy of your career. Were you on your way to something bigger and brighter, came across a problem that you could offer up a quick fix, and then got stuck supporting your quick fix forever? In real world work, sometimes the people whose job it is to actually fix things will do everything in their power to go nowhere near the problem, sticking you with your quick fix approaches, and bogging you down with unresolved issues that keep you from accomplishing bigger goals and moving forward.

I believe you have three ways to approach this problem:

1: JUST DON’T STICK YOUR FINGER IN THE DYKE: If it’s not your problem, its not your problem, and don’t lift a finger (pun intended) to fix it.

2: PUT YOUR FINGER IN THE DYKE FOR A WHILE, THEN TAKE IT OUT AND DEMAND ACTION: Save the company for just a little while, figure out what the real problem is, then kill your quick fix and get in the faces of those who have the responsibility to fix it, and make sure they fix it.

3: PUT YOUR FINGER IN THE DYKE, AND PRAY THAT THE RIGHT PEOPLE WILL DO THE RIGHT THING ON THERE OWN: …which probably won’t happen…but a little faith might help…

E-Z Rent-A-Car: -The Car Rental Coupons Online!

Introducing...The Anti-Bio

2008-08-19T21:11:00.001-05:00

Inspired by Drea Knufken at BusinessPundit.com (and crossposted at Cool Corporate dot COM).

For those of you having trouble putting down your accomplishments in a CV, resume, or traditional biography, try a new exercise: The Anit-Bio.

This is my attempt here:

J Cleveland Payne hates his bio. While he is extremely proud of all his accomplishments, he hates having to take the time to write them down.

Payne has always been more comfortable being a little bit socially awkward, and spent the bulk of his life trying to prove to others that he was a slacker, and his master plan to accomplish this was by working hard at every day at making sure the job was always done to the best level possible (not one of his more well thought out plans, but he’s had worse). From this, Payne acquired a work ethic that is second to no one, and the ability to outperform in just about any task put in front of him. Payne has never let minor details like lack of talent, resources, or authority get in the way of getting the job done.

Payne has come up with a title to describe his work self: Reluctant Jack Of All Trades Looking To Become A Master In Something. Current goals are to survive the week without killing someone. Future goals include becoming a college business professor (small school, junior college, or vo-tech), a consultant for businesses and personal development, a certified fitness instructor, a certified life, life coach, and a radio talk host (a regular radio talk show host with a regular gig...and getting paid for it).

Payne created “10 Rules For Life” as a basis of his personal beliefs and motivation, but his simply life goal is to live a life by the Yiddish word chutzpa, to live without apologies.

Payne works best when he is in the capacity of being a catalyst, able to make things around him work better without changing, or at least overly taxing, himself. He also works fairly well as a filter or gatekeeper, keeping unwanteds of various kinds out and only allowing the wanted or not-necessarily-wanted-but-necessary in.

Payne believes you can't judge anything, especially life, on a scale of 1 to 10 unless you begin with something that is worth a one and something that's worth a 10, and a lot of things in between.

Payne likes to think of himself as being in the people business. His products are tools and systems used to help people get their business off the ground and keep them in gear.

Go Freelance: Click. Work. Collect.

This Or That's For 8-17-08

2008-08-17T08:27:00.004-05:00

20 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Every Sunday (Marc and Angel Hack Life)
http://www.marcandangel.com/2008/07/24/20-questions-you-should-ask-yourself-every-sunday/
If you believe reflection is the key to progression, here are twenty question to ponder on to either end your week or plan your next one...

5 Reasons to Write Down Everything You Eat For a Week (Dumb Little Man)
http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/08/five-reasons-to-write-down-everything.html
And while you're at it, get a little notebook and begin a food diary. And be honest. You'll thank me latter...

"Who could it be...now?" Who do you need...on your team? (Your Best Just Got Better)
http://www.jasonwomackblog.com/working_outwhile_youre_ou/2008/08/who-could-it-be.html
You should also start talking to your friends and associates. They might have that little tidbit of knowledge you are looking for...

Hump Day Wisdom: Out of the Mouth of Teens… (Entelechy Partners)
http://www.entelechypartners.com/blog/?p=66
And finally, a list of wise lessons learned by a 13-year-old on a long summer camping trip. Maybe you should try to pick up a little from his experience too...

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A Real Change A'Coming

2008-08-17T08:12:00.002-05:00

Doing some work on reorganizing and simplifying my online presence. A big step was re-renaming this blog back to serve its original purpose, to highlight all this I want to about me. I am in turn creating a blog specifically for Fast Forward: Media - Marketing - Life Management, to be completed in a few days. Look for the switch in a few days...

A Quick Eval Can Help You Keep Your Performance Edge

2008-08-12T15:03:00.001-05:00

A little note to the people actually in the media on what to do to make sure that you are giving your audience a great performance pretty much every time.

At the end of your performance, show, set, whatever, take a moment to revisit what you just did. Just take a moment for a mental review, and maybe scribble down a few quick notes.

Then, ask yourself two questions: “What did I just do that makes me glad I'm famous/the big fish in the pond/the name on the door?” and “What did I just do that makes me glad I'm not that famous/that big of a fish/the name on the door?” Ask the same questions of all involved with your show.

Compare the answers to the two questions. Contrast what's good and what's bad, and with enough of these quick evaluations in succession, you get a pretty good picture of how well you actually perform on a consistent basis. With this little evaluation exercise, you may be able to truthfully evaluate yourself and know if your performance are going in the right direction.

Tracfone Wireless

Life Lesson: Don't Stop Growing

2008-08-10T17:30:00.003-05:00

If you’re not growing you’re dying.

If you’re not growing, you’re getting behind.

Anything that is not helping you grow, advance, or get bigger and better is just slowing you down, taking you down, and wasting your time.

And it doesn’t take much.

TrainingCenter.com: Online Training Courses

The Power Of Physical Photographs

2008-08-10T15:38:00.002-05:00

As I spent a few hours this afternoon ~~procrastinating~~ cleaning out my office, I got to go through three entire shoe boxes worth of pictures which I had stashed in the closet. In the quest to declutter my world and life, I had every intention to get rid of as many of them as possible.

While I was able to whittle down my collection to just one over stuffed shoebox, the enjoyment I got from going through the years of memories was immense.

Even thought I only take digital picture these days, and rarely print my pictures, I get much more enjoyment from showing off a photo one at a time in my hand as opposed to the only way I do it now a days, on a slide show in my Palm TX.

Technology has made digital photography the norm. Once you get over the expense of the camera, you’re all set for limitless use of it. Unlike with my old expensive 35mm SLR, I don’t have to buy film, decide whether to pay money for processing or time for my own development (what am I saying? I’ve never processed my own film…), and hope for the best. I can take as many pictures on my expensive digital SLR, with the only limit being the space available on my memory card, erase the bad ones in the camera, and publish the photos instantly with just a few clicks of a mouse to an infinite amount of people and platforms.

And while I am a pack rack in the physical world (three boxes of old photos) and on my computer (I’ve been living on 4% disk space for 8 months), it’s not to same when I stumble on a folder of long forgotten digital pics on my laptop. It’s the same distraction I get from the box of photos in the closet, just not the same experience.

Blame the pictures partially. Chances are, unless your kids are under 10, you’re not going to find many silly playtime pictures on your computer. And you’re not going to find any of your old summer camp pictures, or your parents wedding pictures or pictures of your granddad playing catch with your dad, or anything similar on some old thumb drive in the back of your desk drawer. Unless you’ve made a very deliberate effort to get all those pictures scanned for sharing or safe keeping. Which is another task or ~~procrastination~~ consolidation that I am taking on.

So it’s taken me close to a decade to throw away some of the pictures today. I zapped digital pictures I don’t like without much of a thought. That also comes from the physical nature of the photo, mostly, “This is an awful shot, but I paid cash money…”

If you still keep those old photos in shoe boxes, cherish them as the treasures that they are. But now may be the time to bring them closer to your life, getting them digitized, and shared with a new generation that isn’t as fond for a stack of Polaroids as you were as a kid.

Clark Color Labs

Plan Of Attack Of Your Workload

2008-07-16T18:59:00.007-05:00

A simple, two-part plan for improving your output at work:

Part 1: Do the best job you possibly can today.

Part 2: Tomorrow, try to do a little better.

If it were only that easy…

In order to improve your output, it’s going to first take a little detective work, and then a little doctoring. In extreme cases, major surgery.

Take some time to examine your workload, and do a better job of pre-planning your work before you actually start doing it.

Travelocity.com

Explaining The Joke

2008-07-15T21:11:00.004-05:00

If you have to explain the joke, then the joke isn't funny.

Actually, that's not necessarily true. All you really know is that the joke isn't funny to the person you just explained it to.

THE SIMPLE SOLUTION: Stop telling dirty jokes at church bingo night.

A GREATER REFLECTION: Stop trying to explain processes or sell the idea of a new process to people who can't, won't or don't get it.

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Taking Your New Year Career Audit Halfway Through The Year

2008-07-12T12:06:00.001-05:00

Cross Posted To Cool Corporate dot COM.

I came across Joan Lloyd article's “Career Audit for a New Year” as I was clearing out some old and duplicate files on my computer this morning. It had a great set-up of re-evaluating your mental job contract with your employer, whether there has been major change or not, just to see if you are still the right person for your own job, or if you should start the process of moving on.

There is just one flaw in the New Year time frame. A regularly scheduled audit of your career can be the key to help you maintain your career goals and your sanity. But when do you usually schedule your career audit?

If you are like most people, you set yourself for you annual dreaded time of reflection at the traditional end or beginning of something. For most, that means Christmas time reflections and New Year's Resolutions, where you swear you will take time to sit down and patiently go through your last 12 months in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the over-commercialized holiday season. No, this is not really a good time.

So how about right now? Yeah, right now, in the middle of the summer, just about SIX MONTHS into the year that is and before the year to come, where the only burdens weighing you down are to much potato salad at the 4th of July picnic and how to cut down on use of air conditioning. Waiting around until right now, in the slow days of the summer time could be just the right time to get away from yourself (and possibly get away from the trappings and distractions of work and life for a short period of time) and do a true evaluation of your live and career.

So take a weekend, take a deep breath, and take the time to sit and go through this list. And for more information on how Joan Lloyd & Associates can help you out, visit their website at http://www.JoanLloyd.com.

25 Businesses You Can Start & Run From Your Home From Entrepreneur Magazine

Free Listbuilding Software

2008-07-12T08:10:00.001-05:00

I'm evaluating a viral listbuilding software tool from the folks at ListHero.com. It's the fastest, simplest and easiest way to build your list that I've seen in a long while.

Here's all you do...

Create a short ad that promotes your newsletter or ezine

Add some code to the pages of your website

... sit back and watch your list grow.

ListHero helps you generate 1,000's of highly targeted subscribers for free and pays you generous affiliate commissions as your list grows.

I'll let you know what I think of it once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile go grab access to this free viral listbuilding software while it's still free.

WorkTree.com

Adjusting To Change

2008-07-01T21:49:00.002-05:00

Dilemma: You just worked hard to lose ten pound, but you don't feel any better about yourself.

Problem: You miss that lost ten pounds. Those ten pounds were such an important part of who you were that you don't know how to react without them.

The Wrong Solution: By a ten pound weighted vest. Wear that vest ALL THE TIME, until you can successfully gain your lost ten pounds back, and maybe more...

Sounds silly right? That’s because it is. It’s ridiculous. Yet how many people do you know that will shout to the rooftops about the problems they face and how much they want to change, but give up at the slightest notion that the changes are going into effect, and that people are beginning to notice.

If the change is positive, and the motivation to change is noble, then you know it’s not the actual change that is the problem. It’s your perception of change that is weighing you down.

The reason why change is hard is because it means doing something different and figuratively--although sometimes literally--uncomfortable. Going on a diet and exercise plan will lead to a healthier total lifestyle, and if you're not used to it, it’s going to feel weird living it. It will be like you're living in the body of a total stranger.

And that is because as soon as that chance begins, you become a different person, and the end result could be becoming a total stranger to your learned and established mindset and lifestyle. And your mind's first notion is to stop that change before it gets any further.

The Right Solution: Embrace the change and be prepared to feel a little uncomfortable as you get used to being a stranger in a strange body. Don't fear that what you have become is bad, and don't be discouraged by those who see your change for the better as a threat to their well being, because you will find a lot of those people. You will find that the world around you, including you, will have to adjust to the new you, and that can sometimes be even harder that putting forth the effort to make the changes happen in the first place. Don't get discouraged as you get used to living your new life.

Clark Color Labs

Today Is Recommitment Day

2008-06-29T21:24:00.000-05:00

Today is Recommitment Day.

Today, I have chosen to recommit to my fitness plans that have been ignored as life has gotten in the way.

Today, I have chosen to recommit to learning new things to keep my mind from growing old.

Today, I have chosen to recommit to dreaming just for the sake of dreaming.

Today is Recommitment Day, and I will recommit to everything I had planned to create a better life for myself and those I care about before distractions set in and nay-sayers began to weigh me down.

And if I should stumble and lose focus, I'll pick my self up and prepare myself for tomorrow

Where tomorrow, I will recommit myself. I will make tomorrow Recommitment Day, if necessary. And the next day, if necessary.

You Are A Fully Equipped Gymnasium

2008-06-28T14:06:00.003-05:00

You want to get in better shape, but you don’t have or can’t afford a gym membership. There are plenty of simple devices for your home that can help you get a pretty hefty workout in the comfort of your own home. But if you can’t afford any of the home gym equipment, or just don’t want to be bothered by the space it could take up in you home, you can still get a great workout with some of the best built equipment every designed. Your own body.

The doctors behind Real Age Website and authors of YOU: The Owner's Manual have designed the perfect system for you: the YOU2 Workout.

The 18-move workout is designed to take fewer than 20 minutes without a single piece of external equipment. It may just be the workout plan to help you jumpstart that new fitness plan you’ve been putting off for months.

Travelocity

Impossible Mission #2: My Bowling Stinks

2008-06-22T16:34:00.004-05:00

It’s hard to believe I that at 20 I could bowl a consistent 115, but at 33-years-old, my game is defiantly on a serious decline. Life as a professional bowler is obviously a ways off, with my average this weekend dropping from 105 to 91 (88/89/97), after I dropped taking my wife along with me as a distraction.

I am initiating a list of goals to use as my own personal carrot to dangle in front of myself. First is immediate, once I can average 125 for three weeks straight, I get to buy bowling gear. I also have a target to create a bowling team at work for winter leagues, which means I have to get better quickly if I want to find some people to bowl with me and not embarrass myself, other that from the few people who actually keep up with this blog.

The saga continues…

Think RC

Milestone To Celebrate: 75 Entries For "You Already Have The Answers"

2008-06-22T11:00:00.003-05:00

I might not be able to celebrate a 10-day streak of blog posting, but this morning I have reached a personal milestone a long time in the making. After sending off a weekly "You Already Have The Answers" newsletter for almost 6 years, I have finally reached the mark of 75 original Answers Reminders. It's far from reaching Anthony Robbins or Brian Tracy level status. But I'm working towards it.

I welcome all of you to come and join in my personal celebration by checking out the Answers Reminders archives and sending me some feedback. And if you like it, please subscribe to the email newsletter.

Upromise: Take the time to plan for your child's future

Key To On-Air Interview Success: Don't Be Boring!

2008-06-16T11:54:00.005-05:00

Sure, I want to write a lot of books, but when I do finally complete my book on how to get yourself the media attention you want (and not necessarily deserve), I know what the main principle will revolve around: Don't Be Boring!

After almost 6 years of of being a broadcast gatekeeper, dealing with public relations experts and small business gurus and community affairs directors and public information officers, all trying to get their guys on the radio for a little bit of pub, I am amazed by how many professions in the business screw this up.

There are plenty of people in the world with interesting stories. There are plenty of people in the world with a message that needs to be. There is plenty of open airtime somewhere to get all these people a little bit of exposure. Do not blow your opportunity by putting the audience to sleep.

Here is a quick three step approach to help you know whether or not you have what it takes to keep the attention of the listeners/viewers, and get you number listed on an emergency call back list.

- Read Your Press Release: What does your press materials actually say about you? Is it a canned write-up or a well crafted document? Is it compelling? Is it boring? Is your event or cause laughable? Is it laughable on purpose? Do you even have a press release to give out? Take the time to craft out a press release that tells the prospective media source just what you want to say, and make them want to say it for you.

- Be Exited About Making Contact: You don't know who the true gatekeeper to your on air interview, but there is a good chance that that person on you're on the phone with can easily be a quick route to a "We'll see what we can do," when you call with a last minute interview opportunity. Even if your pre-interviewer sound bored to tears and totally annoyed by having to talk you, you better make them believe you are eager (but not to eager) to talk to them. Be gracious of the time they are taking an patient with explanation if they don't seem to get your information.

- Be On Time & On Topic: Don't miss your opportunity! Get addresses and directions, phone numbers, back-up phone number, email addresses, and emergency back-up phone numbers and email addresses. Don't feel embarrassed by double and triple checking to confirm you have all the details. Know the style and flow of the show you're going to appear on, and then nail the interview by focusing on your host and your topic. Don't leave the host baffled or lost in conversation, don't ramble from one issue to the next, and what ever you do, DO NOT READ DIRECTLY FROM THE BULLET POINTS FROM YOUR PRESS RELEASE! Now is the time to know your material, and care about your material, and hopefully make someone else care. Because if you hope to be back for more airtime an publicity, give them an interview that will have the audience asking for more information. That will almost guarantee you a follow up interview.

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This Or Thats For 6-16-08

2008-06-16T11:05:00.002-05:00

Paralyzed by Overcommitment (The Glass is Too Big)
http://www.wynia.org/wordpress/2008/06/01/paralyzed-by-overcommitment/
Reading so many blogs make you feel like you really know the writers, and J Wynia one of the best. And what is best about him, is his true grasp on the important perspectives of life. Hope to see him back with enough time for serious blogging soon...

How to Avoid Becoming a Workaholic (Ian’s Messy Desk)
http://www.ismckenzie.com/06/11/how-to-avoid-becoming-a-workaholic/
...and is followed perfectly by this post. And yes, I did answer 'Yes' to all five questions.

Parents: You are Their Best Friend (The Cranking Widgets Blog)
http://blog.crankingwidgets.com/2008/06/04/kids-best-friend/
While your outlook on this maxum may change when they become teenagers, for the younger years, enjoy being their best pals.

The Career Employee Bill of Rights (ChangeThis Newsletter)
http://www.changethis.com/47.03.EmployeeRights
In every workplace, they're eight inalienable rights that you didn't know you even had. Study this manifesto and take each right to heart.

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Impossible Mission #2 Selection

2008-06-15T19:33:00.006-05:00

As you would have guessed, I have chosen become a professional bowler as my next Impossible Mission.

Might as well go for something a little more impossible than just buying a man purse.

From the PBA website:

There are three ways to become a member of the Professional Bowlers Association
(PBA):

A 200 average or better for the most recent league season with
at least 36 games in that league.

A 190 average or better in a sanctioned
USBC Sport Bowling League. This is a league run by the USBC using the PBA
patterns. You can find out if there are sports leagues near you by contacting
the USBC at (414) 421-6400.

Cashing in a PBA Regional tournament as a
non-member. You can gain access to information on entering regional tournaments
on pba.com.

My plan is raise my skill level by bowl three games a week, and looking for a league in the fall. Of course, in my first outing a month ago, I was horrible. This time, not much better. Game one score at 124, game two scored at 96, and game three scored at 95, for an average of 105. The main factor to work on is concentration (might need to leave the wife behind when bowling for practice), followed by consistency.

Wish me luck.

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My Very Short Self-Help Book

2008-06-15T11:07:00.004-05:00

I have read far more than my share of self-help books, and want to some day have a self-help bestseller of my own. But after shuffling through pages and pages of books I’ve read and notes I have taken over the years, I think I have the formula whittled down to just three simple steps.

Step 1: Figure out what you are doing that is bad.
Step 2: Stop doing it.
Step 3: Find something to replace what you were doing that was bad with something that is good.

I’m not sure how many pages I can stretch out of that. Plus, who pays for such simple advice?

I guess I’m just stuck with adding on to my You Already Have The Answers website, which is advice free of charge. For the moment…

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Giving Praise For The Small Sucesses

2008-06-14T07:11:00.004-05:00

Sometimes you've just got to be thankful for the small victories and just be happy that you seemed to make some progress, or at least didn't completely lose the war.

With all the frustrations I've suffered at work work last week, compounded with some serious setbacks with this blog/website/company, I end the week with a few relatively minor victories that I am going to blow way out of proportion, just because I can:

- I blogged for 7 days straight: Some posts were a little cheesy, some were mind numbing rambling rants, but I logged in 8 posts in 7 straight days, even while spending 14 hours driving last weekend. A new streak begins today, with my target being ten day in a row. Wish me luck.

- I have cured myself of high cholesterol: Cured is a pretty strong word, but since being diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol in 2000 (at the age of 26), I've been on what seems like a non-stop clinical trial of pills to get everything under control...when I completely ignoring it. But thanks to a wife with great insurance who lovingly nags, and doctor who nags I am slowly starting to get used to, and nurse by phone who gets paid to nag and is good at what she does, and some actual effort on my part, I am apparently so low the doctor almost suggested I start drinking a cup of margarine with breakfast. With a HDL of 46 & a LDL of 43, I am officially off one of my five prescribed medications, Crestor.

I'll spend another week trying to launch dozen of major things again, attempting to not feel the pressure of hitting straight home runs, because while they help, its the number of runs scored that determine whether you win the game. And its almost impossible to win them all. In the meantime, I will lick my wounds of the last two weeks by knowing that I did accomplish something, and hope that next weekend I will will have a few more victories to add to the list.

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Handling Cha-Cha-Cha-Changes & Moving Ahead On A New Track

2008-06-10T13:55:00.003-05:00

It's been a little over two weeks since I shifted duties at work. I was for almost three years the morning show producer at the news/talk station in the radio cluster, a job that had grown well beyond where it should have about a 18 months ago. Luckily, I wasn't losing my job like so many others in this industry, I was getting an opportunity base on the fact that I am pretty much a computer geek with no life to spearhead some cluster wide initiative with our websites.

It's also been a little over two weeks since I have been suffering from a sense of blah, which only subsides when I am flooded in a whirlwind of emergency work (and it's almost never my emergency). Since I technically have less responsibility, I should see more productivity and a cleaner desk. Instead, it seems like a lot less productivity, less energy, more stress, and a desk that is returning to the messy state.

After a little analysis of the situation, I've come up with a few issues that are contributing to the problem:

- no chain of command: I don't have a 'boss' for all the new initiative, per se. There is the head sales manager, the sales exec he put in charge of tracking, then all the sales people, station directors, and air talent, all of who are coming to me with various bits and pieces the ad up to the things I am being told need to be done

- lack of focus: With no hierarchy to follow, there is no straight line to receive inputs, so they come from all directions, and at all times. The piece of paper that ends up at the top of the stack usual gets immediate focus, and that stack is being continually fed.

- lack of energy: I could blame the puppy, since I am getting up at 3am to walk and spend time with him before work. Only I was always getting up at 3am, and sometimes earlier, because I needed that extra time before being at work at 4:30am. And even if I am going home at a decent hour (only working 11 hour days instead of 14 hour days), I find myself even more drained, even earlier in the day.

- lack of resources: As I said, I was giving new duties based on the fact I had a little bit of knowledge a a few share ware programs to make things work for the websites. That being said, my slow work computer is still slow, and my person computers and wallet are not very happy for the extra tasking they are being forced to do.

All these things are making me feel unproductive and extra cranky, and with me not directly producing any shows, I don't get the right to cuss profusely at work anymore. So I'm just going to have to solve my problems. My current plan of action includes:

- establishing a process for incoming and outgoing projects: I've already drafted an 'Interactive Production Order' sheet, have revamped the tracking spreadsheet we threw together to keep up on interactive details, and have learned that while I cannot curse, and can be pretty stern went getting a message across to the inhabitants of the sale bay, as long as I am pushing for positive results. Getting everyone to buy in on a 'process' have take a little effort in the current wild-west nature of the initiative, but I never said I was afraid of challenges.

- pin point focus: Starting with cleaning up my work area, I have to ensure that all the incomings are kept in some semblance of order. I had already established a few methods to keep incoming information in check for producing and show booking, and will attempt to modify them for use on interactive initiatives. Granted, training air staff to working within parameter didn't exactly work out very well either, but I do have plans.

- exercise & diet: To increase my energy, I've got to get a steady exercise habit down, especially since I'm spending $24 a month on a two-year gym contract. The puppy was supposed to help out on getting out to walk, only the puppy isn't quite up to cooperating in the walking park. I do have a cool GPS fitness watch that I like to use (computer geek remember) that has be great in tracking walks and runs to precision, but I have to make the time for them. Also, despite all the convince my wife may do, there will be less eating out. Its way to expensive now anyway. I will have to make more time to cook, which I like to do

- beg for a better computer: This one is going to be tough, since no one is getting anything new, even if we are just asking for an investment for this new revenue source. Aw well...

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This Or Thats For 6-9-08

2008-06-09T19:42:00.006-05:00

Prisoners 'need work experience' (BBC News)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7445342.stm
A quote from the British prison offeners charity Clinks on giving prisoner a chance to to get in the job hunt: "There was also support for day release, such as visits to Jobcentres or college open days."

Retailers quietly shut off Microsoft's Zune (Puget Sound Business Journal)
http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2008/06/09/story10.html?b=1212984000^1646665&ana=e_abd
On a day when the world waiting with bated breath for Steve Jobs to unleash a new iPhone, many second tier retailers of Microsoft's Zune are quietly announcing they are backing away from carrying Bill Gates' iPod killer.

4 Generations of Workers - Can You Relate? (Business Pundit)
http://www.businesspundit.com/4-generations-of-workers-can-you-relate/
I've actually been holding on to this link for a while. this a great comparisons of differances the generations have when mixing in the work place

Easy Ways to Save Money on Gas (Lifehacker)
http://lifehacker.com/395538/easy-ways-to-save-money-on-gas
And now, for something that you really need...

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Quick Introduction To Self-Perception

2008-06-08T14:10:00.001-05:00

We’re keeping the streak alive with this little graphic I eaked out a little time to create today…

Its a graphic on how I view my self (obviously), something I have been thinking a lot about lately as I’ve been motivated to ‘upgrade my personal image,’ which for me means actually caring.

I have a long drive tonight, and a long day expected tomorrow, so I’ll get back to more of an explanation soon, including how come Bryant Gumbel gets to represent my ideal self...

My Site Logo

Hitting The Road...

2008-06-07T03:08:00.001-05:00

I am on the road very early to spend some time with my family in Baton Rouge for the weekend. With gas prices as high as they are, my income as low as it is, and the complete time and energy drain it takes spending 14 hours round trip, with an estimated home arrival time two hours before I have to be at work, this weekend is a total inconvenience. But when the chance to undertake this inconvenience materialized, I jumped at the chance to take it.

Knowing just how weird I am about people, I have a very tight bond went it comes to family (I had to convincing the wife that all the yelling is just the fact we are a pretty loud family on both my mom and dad’s sides). When I get the chance to spend some time, especially with my niece and nephew, just about any amount of pain and punishment turns out to be worth it. It’s a part of my attempts to be more human, more or less, and despite the fact I just take it out on my co-workers when I’m cranky, it works out.

One cousin gets married today at 2pm, another has a dance recital at 2pm tomorrow. I am assuming I’ll be stuck watching the 10-year-old and under cousins, since everyone seemed to get a kick out of watching me be tourtured. But it is well worth it.

Rembermer, some things are really worth the hassle and hardship they may brings. Figure out what they are for your life, and put in the time nessicary to make it work out.

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This Or Thats For 6-6-08

2008-06-06T15:25:00.002-05:00

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone – 10 Tips (Fun Spirit)
http://funspirit.blogspot.com/2008/06/get-out-of-your-comfort-zone-10-tips.html
Sometimes you've just got to get out there and just do it.

The Power Of Intention (Steve's Goal: Self Help and Personal Development)
http://www.stevesgoal.com/the-power-of-intention.html
How much does the desire for an outcome actually have on the outcome?

6 Things Money Cannot Help you Achieve (Dumb Little Man)
http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/06/6-things-money-cannot-help-you-acheive.html
And yes, happiness is one of those things

What Matters (Execupundit)
http://www.execupundit.com/2008/06/what-matters.html
I have got to meet Michael Wade one day to thank him for the wealth I have learn just from reading his blog.

IM Can Reduce Workplace Interruptions, Study Shows (Lifehacker)
http://lifehacker.com/395114/im-can-reduce-workplace-interruptions-study-shows
Believe it or not, efficient use of instant messaging could lead you down the path of increase producitivity. And no, that does not include telling co-workers about the picture at icanhascheezburger.com.

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Process Of Selection For Impossible Mission #2

2008-06-06T14:53:00.005-05:00

Now that I have more or less mastered the man purse, its time to follow my next impossible mission. My current list to choose from, in no particular order or degree of difficultly:

- Eating with chop sticks
- Becoming a professional bowler
- buying a sport coat

While the sport coat would be the obvious easily choice, I am really digging the idea of bowling more (I like bowling shoes).

Any suggestions?

CafePress.com

What Does It Take To Be A Talk Radio Producer?

2008-06-05T18:34:00.003-05:00

Last weekend, I was wandering through Radio Shack on the look out for a few headphone adapters, and the sales guy was doing a little question probing in hopes to eek out a sale (I understand the procedure, being a former Radio Shack sales person myself). When he asked what I did for a living, I told him I was a Radio News Producer. When he asked what a Radio News Producer actually does, I rattled of a laundry list of random things that seemingly any idiot can accomplish, but for some reasons, I am often the only one that can figure it out at the time.

I though about it a few hours later, and my wife. I ofter fire back at my wife when she asks what I did that day at work that I 'basically yell at people and cuss a lot.' Which brings up this new, but soon to be classic sports meltdown by Seattle Mariners Manager John McLaren.

I have a feeling I am grossly underpaid.

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So this makes posting two days in a row...

2008-06-04T18:17:00.003-05:00

...and I can officially start my count of days of continual musings to all of you. And I get to tick off two days straight of blogging on my Seinfeldian Chain Calendar. First made popular from a post on Lifehacker.com on how Jerry Seinfeld made himself into a continual writer, chain calendars became the online rage for a while, and I even used one to convince my wife to eat more salads.

Grab a .pdf version of a Seinfeldian Chain Calendar at the X marks reality blog or keep your chain going online.

Liquidation.com

This Is Pretty Much Cheating, But...

2008-06-03T20:17:00.004-05:00

...I'm going to count it as a blog post. Because my goal is to get a string of posts, and I am honestly to tired to compose anything remotely profound (as if I ever managed profound anyway).

The new things in my life I will get around to filling in the details later: new job duties, new focus for the "company," a new puppy, and a boat load of new starts and restarts all around.

Much more to come.

1-800-FLORALS: Order Flowers Online

Man Bag V2.0

2008-04-21T21:57:00.002-05:00

Two months ago, I blogged about buying my first moleskin notebook to go into 'The Man Bag Project.' This project has not been forgotten, and after a $29.99 purchase a few hours ago from Staples, I now introduce you to Man Bag V2.0. More photos of the new Man Bag, along with a shot of the first attempt, can be found here.

What brought about the whole 'Man Bag Project.' First, a lot like Batman has to to have a utility bill with anything he could need at any time, that's why I am always saddled with a lot of bags and overflowing arms of stuff that doesn't fit in the bags.

Second, and a lot more silly, is my quest to become 'more organized.' I have a list of 'Impossible Missions,' things that I can not do but intend to actually put forth the effort to learn (after getting this Man Bag thing in order, I next plan to tackle eating with chop sticks...that will get ugly...).

So while I might not have the most exciting (or well maintained) blog in the world, I welcome you to follow me on this Impossible Mission of organization and mastering the Man Bag.

LuggageGuy.com - Guaranteed Lowest Luggage Prices

You Already Have The Answers Newsletter For April 21, 2008

2008-04-21T06:16:00.001-05:00

ACT LIKE YOU'RE GETTING PAID FOR IT

You've put off editing that first novel for weeks. You think it has potential, but the work you put into it takes away from the work that is paying the bills right now. There is a big account at the office you've been working on, which could mean a raise and a possible promotion. So you've been putting off some needed editing to your first novel because the possibility of monetary freedom that will finally give you the time to edit that first novel, right?

THIS WEEK'S TIP: Waiting on the right amount of freedom to pursue your dreams will leave you waiting for a long, long time. So treat your personal project as a paid project, and prioritize the time to work on it. Treat your project as a contracted deliverable, and put yourself on a deadline. The sooner you get it done, the sooner you’ll get a chance to actually sell it for real.

To listen to this week’s ‘Reminder,’ click to http://answers.lifeinfastforward.com/audio/answersaudio06.mp3

To subscribe to the You Already Have The Answers Newsletter via email, send a blank message to: youalreadyhavetheanswers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Thoughts for the Day for April 21, 2008

2008-04-21T05:14:00.000-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "I'm going to a special place when I die, but I want to make sure my life is special while I'm here." - Payne Stewart

Today's Topic For Reflection: What come to mind when someone says they live their life for today? Is it peaceful fun, or leading to a chaotic end?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Thoughts for the Day for April 16, 2008

2008-04-16T07:36:00.000-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." - Charles M. Schulz

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you needlessly worry? Why do you worry? Why is it needless? What do you have in you life that could us the attention you are wasting on needless worries?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Eight Things To Talk About For 4/15/08

2008-04-15T17:26:00.003-05:00

Eight Things To Talk About Today For 4/15/08

Cross Posted Daily To The News Hype Project

1: Delta + Northwest = world's largest airline
http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2008/04/14/daily16.html

While all the regulatory hurdles have yet to even be addressed, the management sides of Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines have agreed on the merger of their two companies, in hopes to create the countriies largest airline.

2: Gawker Spins Off Wonkette, Gridskipper and Idolator
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/new_media/gawker_spins_off_wonkette_gridskipper_and_idolator_82334.asp

The world of Web 2.0 may be ready to crumble. Again. Maybe. Gawker Media is spinning off three of its popular blogs for fear it can not keep the site up with ad sells.

3: U.S. to give $200M in food aid
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/04/15/whitehouse.food.crisis/

The White House has authorized a $200 million food package to address needs in Africa and elsewhere.

4: Study: Boomers to Flood Medical System
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iPg5BOlKnQd1U8Z2-EGHAf-trQfwD901PLDG2

A new report from Institute of Medicine, an arm of the National Academy of Sciences, said health care outlook is looking bleak for the 78 million baby boomers about to begin turning 65. The report begins by stating that aren't enough specialists in geriatric medicine, and the ones they have are under trained and underpaid.

5: Floridians can now keep guns locked in cars at work, mall
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/04/floridians-can.html?csp=34

It's official. Florida Governor Charlie Crist has signed legislation earlier today that come July 1, employers and business cannot prohibit firearms in vehicles on their property if the owner is licensed to carry a concealed weapon.

6: Pope arrives to begin U.S. Visit
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/04/pope-arrives-to.html

Pope mania...catch it! Pope Benedict XVI has arrived for his 6 day stay in the States, and before he even put a foot on the ground, the pontiff said on his flight from Italy to Washington that he was "deeply ashamed" of the sexual abuse scandal involving priests in our country.

7: Tax deadline is here
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-taxes-deadline-webapr16,1,7158716.story

Oh yeah. Its tax day. Federal and most state returns and payments are due by midnight tonight.

8: Report: Ex-owner will sue to get Sonics back
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8037850/Report:-Ex-owner-will-sue-to-get-Sonics-back

Claiming he was misled by new owner Clay Bennett, former SuperSonics owner Howard Schultz is not only going to fix Starbucks, but also try to keep the NBA team from moving from Seattle to Oklahoma City.

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Thoughts for the Day for April 15, 2008

2008-04-15T04:43:00.001-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it." - Robert E. Lee

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you enjoy a good argument? Do you have a habit of picking a fight for your own enjoyment? What are you actually losing with this behavior?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Eight Things To Talk About For 4/14/08

2008-04-14T11:42:00.000-05:00

Eight Things To Talk About Today (in no particular order)

Cross Posted Daily To The News Hype Project

1: 'Bitter' remarks cloud faith, values forum
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-forum14apr14,0,2285777.story

Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama faced off on Sunday night in a televised forum on faith and values, but most of the conversation turned to Obama's comments calling small-town voters "bitter," and Clinton's immediate attack calling Obama "elitist."

2: Katie Couric, Larry King, CBS And CNN Do a Dance Of Deceit
http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/industries/media/article/katie-couric-larry-king-cbs-cnn-dance-deceit_559379_15.html

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Katie Couric wants out of her contract at CBS after the elections to get a chance to replace Larry King on CNN. Further rumors hint of a basic swap between the two networks, with CBS replacing Couric with CNN top star Anderson Cooper.

3: Buster busted: The 'oldest London Marathon runner' isn't 101... he's ONLY 94
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=559574&in_page_id=1770

We were all impressed when we heard the news of "Buster" Martin, his 10 hour London marathon performance, his four smoke & beer breaks, and his claim to be the oldest man to complete a marathon at 101. Turns out Buster told a bit of a fib, and is only 94. We're all crushed.

4: Malt-O-Meal Cereal Linked to Salmonella Strain, Reports of Sicknesses Hit 14 States
http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=43093&cat=10

From the press release, Malt-O-Meal voluntarily recalled their unsweetened Puffed Rice and Puffed Wheat cereals after being linked to at least 23 reported cases of salmonella poisoning. The nearly two dozen cases have been spread across 14 states with Maine, New Jersey and New York reporting the most with three each.

5: What People Earn: How Does Your Salary Stack Up?
http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2008/edition_04-13-2008/1What_People_Earn

In the annual rack'em and stack'em list from Parade Magazine, the highest-paid person on the list is 52-year-old hedge fund manager John Paulson, who earned an incredible $3.5 billion last year. The lowest-salaried person in the survey is 26-year-old Peace Corp volunteer Edward Perry, who made $2,900. Somewhere in between 110 other "regular" people and 18 celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey at $260 million, Miley Cyrus at $18.2 million, Eli Manning at $11.5 million, and Scarlett Johansson at $5 million.

6: Kidnapped UK journalist freed in Iraq's Basra
http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSL14468618

Richard Butler, a British photographer on assignment for the U.S. network CBS has been rescued today after being held by kidnappers for two months in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. Iraqi forces rescued him during a sweep of the city in a crackdown of militants, and report Butler is in good health.

7: Uncertain Church Awaits Pope in U.S.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/us/14church.html?em&ex=1208318400&en=8ffcb3586c9dd84f&ei=5087%0A

Pope mania is coming back to the on Tuesday, he's expected to find an American church in which many Catholics are eager not only for his spiritual guidance, but also for his acknowledgment that their church is going through a time of pain and uncertainty.

8: Charges ahead for planted Sox shirt?
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8033686/Charges-for-worker-who-planted-Sox-jersey

It was no April Fool's joke. A construction worker actually did drop a David Ortiz jersey in the new concrete at Yankee's Stadium. And that construction worker, Gino Castignoli, has been told to watch his back, with possible criminal and civil charges on the way.

Snapfish

Thoughts for the Day for April 14, 2008

2008-04-14T08:54:00.000-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "When a thing has been said, and said well, have no scruple. Take it and copy it." - Anatole France

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you seek out people who have already achieved in the fields you pursue? Do you take the time to learn and follow their wisdom?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

You Already Have The Answers Newsletter For April 14, 2008

2008-04-14T08:51:00.001-05:00

DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY

Your customers are on the rampage today. Your cab driver is having a family crisis. Your suppliers have lost your shipment. Everything that could go wrong today has gone wrong. But that is nothing for you to worry about.

THIS WEEK'S TIP: Remember, whatever problem the rest of the world is having, this has nothing to do with you personally. Its not your fault that everyone else world decided to crumble around them today, so you make due. Take a deep breath, and plug away with your day. Give a smile and a few words of sympathy. If you can help, help. Otherwise, focus on keeping your day on track.

To listen to this week’s ‘Reminder,’ click to http://answers.lifeinfastforward.com/audio/answersaudio05.mp3

To subscribe to the You Already Have The Answers Newsletter via email, send a blank message to: youalreadyhavetheanswers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Thoughts for the Day for April 13, 2008

2008-04-13T06:53:00.000-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, however, if faced with courage, need not be lived again." - Maya Angelou

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you relive the past? Is it out of habit or need? Why is it so hard to let go of the past?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Free and Effective Online Tools For You

2008-04-12T09:16:00.003-05:00

From Scott Bradley's blog Networking Effectively, here is an extensive list of free online tools you should consider adding to your online tool box.

Overstock Specials on Gadgets, Software & More

Thoughts for the Day for April 12, 2008

2008-04-12T08:16:00.000-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency, even if I'm in a cabinet meeting." - Ronald Reagan

Today's Topic For Reflection: How much of your time is spent sleeping through daily events? How much more effective could you be if you were to stay awake?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Thoughts for the Day for April 11, 2008

2008-04-11T06:14:00.000-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "Make rest a necessity, not an objective. Only rest long enough to gather strength." - Jim Rohn

Today's Topic For Reflection: Is rest something that recharges you or drains you? Do you look to rest as a reward or as chance to regroup?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Simple.ology Course On Blogging

2008-04-10T04:45:00.000-05:00

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

The best blogging techniques.
How to get traffic to your blog.
How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

Thoughts for the Day for April 10, 2008

2008-04-10T04:41:00.000-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you." - James Lane Allen

Today's Topic For Reflection: How do you mentally prepare for tomorrow? How do you mentally debrief yourself from yesterday?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Template Vs Custom

2008-04-09T16:30:00.002-05:00

Having a bit of a philosophical meltdown based on attempting to live up to 'the customer's always right. Bear with me for a minute.

As we are trying to grow our company wide 'interactive' reach, we're reaching out to advertising to give them more chances and creative ways to get them advertising on the web. That means a very slow and painfully dance with customer not used to dealing with ad sales on the web and working extra hard to alleviate their fears and give them a great experience.

As I've stated many times before, I am a horrible sales person. My skills that made me a pretty efficient Air Force Officer did not translate to any direct selling job I attempted. And while I have the patience of Job in the way of seeing things to a long bitter end, I don't do so well in assuring people that they are truly getting their money's worth when they have gone well beyond what they've paid for.

Our sales staff have done a great job at getting new business to try there hand at getting on the web. And I have been doing my best to accommodate our new customer's every hope and dream for instant sale success on the web.

Actually, I am completely losing my mind.

Here's the problem. I've been working triple time creating banner ad from various logos from the company's, and even creating a few logos in the process. There was a plan to get me a commission from this that wasn't completely settled before the mass sales began. That isn't really the problem for a guy who already works about 60-80 hours a week anyway.

The problem I have is with our new clients and there 'magic' wants from this. I think they expect beautiful flash graphics and there hit rate to skyrocket within hours. What I can produce are relatively simple, but clean and creative banners, which should be pretty good, since they're are getting hours worth of graphic design for free.

I have found this week that I ether get a 'is that all' response, where they sort of shrug and go along with it, or a complete 'this will not work at all' response, where changes and rearranges are commanded, which they think is for the better, but really makes it a lot worse, and their messages either gets confused in the stuff, or comes off as dull putting up a picture of a business card.

I have suggested a template of things we can piece together to send to client to have an idea of what can and should where, and how it will look when presented. But I don't want to do that. I'd like to give a few samples as guidelines for idea to create from, but that obviously isn't working now.

So what is the best approach? Making the new customers stick to a template, or giving them full reign to dream and doing are best to make those dreams come true. I'd like to say lets shoot for the latter, but my current lack of sanity says make them go for the former.

Tough question.

Yahoo! Small Business

Thoughts for the Day for April 9, 2008

2008-04-09T06:55:00.001-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "We were happily married for eight months. Unfortunately, we were married for four and a half years." - Nick Faldo

Today's Topic For Reflection: Can you tell when it is time to give up? Do you tend to hold on to a losing proposition or failing relationship, hoping the situation will improve. Why aren't you cutting your losses and moving on with your life?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Eight Things To Talk About Today For 4/8/08

2008-04-08T09:59:00.000-05:00

Cross Posted Daily To The News Hype Project

1: Sources Say Beyoncé and Jay-Z Are Married
http://www.thecelebritycafe.com/features/15100.html

Accorind to reports, 26-year-old singer Beyoncé and 38-year-old rapper Jay-Z (real name Shawn Carter) have gotten married. Maybe.

2: Petraeus Says Iraq Too `Fragile' for Removing Troops (Update1)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ai9WnIpMutt0&refer=home

General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker spent their morning on Capitol Hill today, giving a status report to lawmakers about both security and political progress in Iraq. While General Petraeus is urging continue patience with the Iraqi government, he also asked to delay the planned troop withdrawal due to the 'fragile' nature of the current situation.

3: Exactly how much housework does a husband create?
http://www.ns.umich.edu/htdocs/releases/story.php?id=6452

Having a husband creates an extra seven hours a week of housework for women. Having a wife saves men from about an hour of housework a week. The world give out a colletive, 'Duh?' in response.

4: Ewing, Riley, Olajuwon Headline HOF Class
http://www.nba.com/encyclopedia/hof_2008.html

NBA centers Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon and head coach Pat Riley have all made the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on their first time on the ballot. Also making
up the members of the Class of 2008 are fifteen-year NBA pro Adrian Dantley, Detroit Pistons owner Bill Davidson, longtime college basketball analyst Dick Vitale and Immaculata University Women's coach Cathy Rush.

5: Tigers pull off historic choke job in OT title loss
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/sportsline/main10766352.shtml

Rock, chalk, Jayhawk...what ever than means. Bottom line, the Kansas Jayhawks rallied from that nine-point second half deficit to force overtime, then cruised to a 75-68 victory over the Memphis Tigers to claim the 200 Men's NCAA Basketball Championship.

6: Officials Expect Torch to Continue on Route
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/world/09torch.html?hp

Based on Free Tibet protesters making the International leg of the Olympic torch relay more trouble than its worth, contradictory reports are being released about whether the International Olympic Committee is for the first time considering cutting short the relay or amending the route.

7: Two Arrested in Probe of Polygamist Ranch
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iIdMpRHjN4hpNKBhfYyAsR4DDo4QD8VTR4M80

Texas authorities have taken legal custody of 401 children and arrested two people from the raid on the Texas ranch compound last week

8: NYC Mayor Loses Big on Traffic Fee Plan
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hKEhyCTD64nlFDmZn1plGoImocFgD8VTRED80

Mayor Michael Bloomberg came up with a plan to charge drivers extra tolls to enter Manhattan's most congested neighborhoods. As everyone but Bloomberg expected, it backfired.

Sony Style

Thoughts for the Day for April 8, 2008

2008-04-08T06:04:00.000-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "Seeing ourselves as others see us would probably confirm our worst suspicions about them." - Franklin P. Adams

Today's Topic For Reflection: Are you painting a favorable picture of yourself?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Eight Things To Talk About For 4/7/08

2008-04-07T08:29:00.001-05:00

Cross Posted Daily To The News Hype Project

Eight Things To Talk About Today (in no particular order)

1: Clinton's top strategist forced to quit
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2008/04/07/MNCV1011LI.DTL

Mark Penn, a pollster and long time advisor to Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton, stepped down Sunday as the chief political strategist for the current Clinton presidential campaign word leaked that his private business arrangements were at complete odds with Clinton campaign positions. Specifically, a controversial bilateral trade treaty with the United States and Colombia. Oops...

2: Charlton Heston, Epic Film Star and Voice of N.R.A., Dies at 84
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/movies/06heston.html?bl&ex=1207713600&en=55b5ab5e7044b201&ei=5087%0A

He's played everything from astronauts to biblical icons in some 100 films. Today, friends are confirming the death of Charlton Heston, how has been suffering for the last 6 years with Alzheimer's disease, at his home in Beverly Hills on Saturday night. He was 84.

3: CBS Poll: 81% Say U.S. On Wrong Track
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/03/opinion/polls/main3992628.shtml?source=search_story

A new CBS News-New York Times survey released Friday counts 81 percent of respondents from across the nation believing the country is headed in the wrong direction. Responding to the statement "Things have pretty seriously gotten off on the wrong track," that number is up from 69 percent a year ago and 35 percent six years ago.

4: In Web World of 24/7 Stress, Writers Blog Till They Drop
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/technology/06sweat.html?ref=us

Also from the New York Times, bloggers beware! All that hard work to stay on top of the world of interactive information and gossip? It might be enough to kill...

5: Olympic torch extinguished amid protests
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2008-04-07-torch-relay-paris_N.htm

More hi jinx on on the path of the Olympic torch on its way to Beijing. Today's hilarity ensues on the steps of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

6: Bad Blood
http://www.hreonline.com/HRE/story.jsp?storyId=14614740

A growing movement among companies are adopting 'no jerk' rules to hiring, targeting nice and friendly people over the more volatile. Even if they get to miss out on more talent.

7: Yahoo Not Opposed to Deal With Microsoft
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g9cE_gI-aemyNxZQb7YOBC3rsNlQD8VT0P7O0

Its not that Yahoo has a problem with a buyout from long time rival Microsoft. They're just asking for just a little more than the the $41 billion that Microsoft had bid.

8:No. 1 Memphis vs. No. 1 Kansas
http://www.cleveland.com/sports/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/12075571374620.xml&coll=2

In the historic first-time meeting of four Number 1's, Memphis out ran UCLA, and Kansas knocked of the overall Number seed North Carolina, making way for what should be a great NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Game tonight.

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You Already Have The Answers Newsletter For April 7, 2008

2008-04-07T06:04:00.000-05:00

IT IS IMPORTANT TO DO SOMETHING

Procrastination and fear are two enemies of motivation that will cause a person to not take needed action. Living your life and fulfilling your dreams is what you should be doing, not worrying about whether the wrong decision will destroy you. Problems from making the wrong decision can usually be recovered from. Indecision can leave you completely in the cold.

THIS WEEK'S TIP: Don't just sit there...do something! Even if you’re not sure what to do, that is really when it is important to do something. Even if you wind up doing the wrong thing, sometimes it’s the only way you can figure out what is the right thing to do. Take a page in your daily journal every day to write down all the things you took a chance on, even if it is a small as trying a new dish at your favorite restaurant. Very soon, you will have a long list of new accomplishments.

To listen to this week’s ‘Reminder,’ click to http://answers.lifeinfastforward.com/audio/answersaudio04.mp3

To subscribe to the You Already Have The Answers Newsletter via email, send a blank message to: youalreadyhavetheanswers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Thoughts for the Day for April 7, 2008

2008-04-07T06:01:00.000-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "The past with its pleasures, its rewards, its foolishness, it punishments, is there for each of us forever, and it should be." - Lillian Hellman

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you have problems leaving the past in the past?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Becoming Popular Can Be Hazardous To My Health

2008-04-07T05:33:00.003-05:00

I guess I should feel a little better for my lack of consistency on my blogs, since the New York Times says steady blogging could kill me...

Thoughts for the Day for April 6, 2008

2008-04-06T08:37:00.000-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "Humor is always based on a modicum of truth. Have you ever heard a joke about a father-in-law?" - Dick Clark

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you have the vision to see the humor mixed into the everyday truth of life?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Thoughts for the Day for April 5, 2008

2008-04-05T07:23:00.000-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential...these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence." - Eddie Robinson

Today's Topic For Reflection: What are the steps you need to take to achieve your view of personal excellence? How did you come to know what they were?

Subscribe to the Thoughts for the Day Newsletter by sending a blank email to daily-thoughts-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Thoughts for the Day for April 4, 2008

2008-04-04T19:22:00.000-05:00

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Today's Quote: "Life is made up of little things. It is very rarely that an occasion is offered for doing a great deal at once. True greatness consists in being great in the little things." - Charles Simmons

Today's Topic For Reflection: Have you mastered the art of handling the little things while they are still little things? Do you expect bigger rewards for handling bigger things, even if you could have taken care of them before they had grown so large?

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Thoughts for the Day for April 3, 2008

2008-04-03T07:21:00.000-05:00

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Today's Quote: "Measure your emotions. You don't need an atomic explosion for a minor point." - Jim Rohn

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do your emotions serve you or master you?

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Thoughts for the Day for April 2, 2008

2008-04-02T06:59:00.000-05:00

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Today's Quote: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you help others around you to achieve? Do you actively help others to achieve? Do those that achieve do it in spite of your efforts?

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Thoughts for the Day for April 1, 2008

2008-04-01T06:41:00.000-05:00

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Today's Quote: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." - The Bible

Today's Topic For Reflection: Are you always prepared to live with the results of your actions? Are they normally positive or negative? What can you do to ensure more positives?

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Eight Things To Talk About Tomorrow For 4/1/08

2008-03-31T17:08:00.004-05:00

In my ~~completely in vain~~ constant attempts to produce something ~~worth a few bucks~~ useful, I have come up with a concept list that could become a vehicle for some sort of morning show prep service. And as my test audience I have you, the ~~one person who reads~~ many reader of the blog to help me out. It's a little rough for a start, but send me some feedback to offer suggestions. And original thought postings are coming soon. Promise...

And so...

Eight Things To Talk About Tomorrow (in no particular order)

1: The Presidential Election In Zimbabwe
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aIPv3G91xECg&refer=home

The world watches an election in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai is leading President Robert Mugabe in presidential elections with 58 percent of the vote, according to an assessment endorsed by his party, amid claims the government may manipulate the results.

2: The American National Past Time Begins Again
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/opening_day/y2008/index.jsp

This time it really is Opening Day for Major Leauge Baseball. In the United States of America. The WashINGTON Nationals open their new ball park with a win over the Atlanta Braves, while the next day the New York Yankees see a rain postponed opening in there finally year in the 'old' Yankee Stadium

3: No Signs Of Fowl Play In Pincess Diana's Death
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSL3164355620080331

The coroner at an inquest into the death of Britain's Princess Diana in a car crash said on Monday there was no evidence that her former father-in-law, the Duke of Edinburgh, had "ordered Diana's execution".

4: President Clinton To Democrats: Don't Worry So Much
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-dems31mar31,1,5324826.story

Former President Clinton urged Democratic Party super delegates and activists Sunday to be patient in selecting a presidential nominee and let the primary election process play out over the coming months, as the political process will play itself out, and the Democrats will win the presidency regardless

5: Cholesterol Drugs In Dispute
http://www.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idUSN3136424920080331

Shares of Schering-Plough Corp and Merck & Co tumbled on Monday after doctors at a prominent medical meeting recommended patients try older cholesterol drugs before the companies' newer medicines. The move is against newer drugs Vytorin and Zetia, which may help with lowering cholesterol and has seen heavy prescriptions and sales due to media hype.

6: Extra Security For Olympic Torch Run In China
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/03/30/ST2008033002377.html

Police in China are working tight security as the Olympic Torch begins its tour of the nation. As the torch runs has seen protesters from its start in Athens, the local authority hope to keep the commotion down.

7: Another Reverend Speaks On Reverend Wright
http://thedailyvoice.com/voice/2008/03/td-jakes-000399.php

The Jeremiah Wright controversy lives on, as Bishop T.D. Jakes speaks out on the issue.

8: Paulson's New Plan To Fix The Economy
http://www.reuters.com/article/bankingFinancial/idUSN3142489220080331

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has revealed new plans for streamlining the financial regulations in hopes of keeping the U.S. Economy from dipping into a full fledge recession.

You Already Have The Answers Newsletter For March 31, 2008

2008-03-31T11:38:00.000-05:00

KNOW YOUR LIMITS

I read an article once on people who do extreme-type outdoors sports-mountain climbers and white water rafters and the like-having what they call a 'bad pain memory'. When at their limits, they will push themselves just a little harder to go a little further, and end up paying the consequences in longer recovery time, and sometimes, with the loss of their life. They usually swear they will never to do it again, but just a few hours later, they’re planning their next excursion-or maybe or just heading straight to the trail with no plan whatsoever.

THIS WEEK'S TIP: There is a point of excess and exhaustion to every activity, and a good part of being responsible for yourself is to know your personal limits, and then actually stopping well before you have reached dangerous levels. Overextending your time, money and obligations are just as bad as overextending your body, for whatever reason.

To listen to this week’s ‘Reminder,’ click to http://answers.lifeinfastforward.com/audio/answersaudio03.mp3

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Thoughts for the Day for March 31, 2008

2008-03-31T06:28:00.000-05:00

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Today's Quote: "Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant." - Cary Grant

Today's Topic For Reflection: Are you putting to much effort into trying to be something you are not?

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Thoughts for the Day for March 30, 2008

2008-03-30T07:32:00.000-05:00

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Today's Quote: "Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations." - Steve Jobs

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you allow your mistakes to hamper you goals?

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Thoughts for the Day for March 29, 2008

2008-03-29T06:59:00.000-05:00

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Today's Quote: "I've been on a diet for two weeks and all I've lost is two weeks." - Totie Fields

Today's Topic For Reflection: How much time will you waste before you realize you have wasted your time?

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Thoughts for the Day for March 28, 2008

2008-03-28T14:48:00.001-05:00

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Today's Quote: "A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past, he is one who is prematurely disappointed in the future." - Sidney J. Harris

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you dread future failures that have yet to happen? Why dwell on bad actions that may not even happen?

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Just About All Of Us Get Away With Something...

2008-03-27T20:54:00.005-05:00

Okay, I'll admit it. Being a pain is not just a pun on my last name. I can truly be a pest some most of the time. But that is something I have learned to live with, and so have most of those around me.

The honest truth is, I am good at what I do. Period. That's not bragging, and I could easily find a handful of folks to attest to that.

Here's the problem: I can't explain how I get things done most of the time. I just get them done. And I get them done in my own way, on my own time table. And while I am pretty good for the bottom line, sometimes my peers aren't as cool with what I can get away with because of it. Sometimes, I'm not to cool with what I can get away with. Sometimes, I'm not to cool on what other get away with because of what they are good at, especially if I think they are not as good as I am.

This is unfortunate, because while there may be some underlying (or even blatant) resentment among the ranks, its natural within an organization. The stars get special treatment, and can get away with near murder because they can out haul, out deliver, and out sell the masses. On the bizzaro flip-side, your slackers will be able to get away with not doing things because, lets face it, as bad as they suck, you really don't want them doing anything important do you?

So as I'm leaving work today, I'm having to explain that I actually like being a socially awkward workaholic who will occasionally push the wrong buttons of the administrative staff...because its natural, and allows me to use my natural talents with our questioning where they come from. And that I get frustrated with a certain social butterfly, but I admire what she can accomplish, so I live with it. And I put up with having to follow an office comedian to double check all his work, because even though he should be able to work it out or himself, its a lot easier to fix it before he finishes then to let it blow up and having to fix it on the back end.

Its also why I offer to often pick-up for everybody, and often go to special lengths to buy lunch for those people I am most likely to upset when I need their help the most.

So don't beat yourself up if you find yourself jealous of the freedom of the super star or angered by your responsibility to keep the village idiot from being, well, the village idiot. Working with others require the wisdom to live by the axiom of the philosopher, The Rock. So know your role, and shut your mouth!

PC Mall - FREE I Rocks USB AC Adapter Offer

Thoughts for the Day for March 27, 2008

2008-03-27T08:58:00.000-05:00

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Today's Quote: "Insane people are always sure that they are fine. It is only the sane people who are willing to admit that they are crazy." - Nora Ephron

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you feel like the world around you is insane? Do you feel like you might be crazy while the world around you seems to make sense?

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Thoughts for the Day for March 26, 2008

2008-03-26T07:47:00.001-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM
http://sponsors.parkedplaces.com/audible.html

Today's Quote: "I say that a man must be certain of his morality for the simple reason that he has to suffer for it." - G. K. Chesterton

Today's Topic For Reflection: Can you live with your own morals?

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The Internet Is All A Twitter

2008-03-25T20:39:00.003-05:00

Twitter

It was all the rage for the second year in a row at SXSW.

Its all the rage in every networking forum I am subscribed to.

What sounds like another silly social networking website with a silly name, Twitter, might be the one bit of Internet 2.0 hype you might fall for.

Twitter is defined by someone as a micro-blogging platform, and a way to keep up with what people are doing. But a more accurate but complicated description would be to call it a way to keep in the middle of a constant stream of conscience (although some may begin to seem unconscious) thought. It’s a way to have a conversation a lot like you would in text messages or IM's but you're not really bound by time, and just about anybody can join in.

And you can only send messages, called tweets, of 140 characters or less.

It’s an interesting way to communicate, and an interesting way to 'meet' people you would normally never run into on the street (because you could be a world away) or online (because you have to have a lot of patience to get past all the stupidity).

You really have to sign up and see it to really get a feel for it. And of course it's not for everyone. But many people find themselves giving it a second or third try when they hear friends and colleagues are getting into it, and eventually find themselves hooked. Just log in to http://www.twitter.com/ and sign up for a free account, and start following people to see what all the fuss is all about. if you need someone to follow, just go to http://www.twitter.com/djazzycool1 and see if what I have to say is worth your attention.

Need a bit more proof?

http://www.commoncraft.com/Twitter

http://uniquefrequency.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/why-twitter-is-so-powerful/

http://www.problogger.net/archives/2008/03/25/how-i-use-twitter-to-promote-my-blog/

MOO - Unique Business Stationary

This Or Thats For 3-25-08

2008-03-25T14:51:00.003-05:00

Designing for Stress
http://www.execupundit.com/2008/03/designing-for-stress.html
Want to ensure an unhealthy workplace? This is the perfect checklist for you...

Dude, It's Just Money...WHATEVER!
http://www.wealth-power-happiness.com/blog/dude-its-just-money-whatever
Sometime you just need a reminder of the wealth you already possess...

Sunk costs, quitting and the value of your brand
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2008/03/sunk-costs-quit.html
Once again, Seth Godin proves his genius...

Eye Catching Resumes
http://www.wynia.org/wordpress/2008/03/19/eye-catching-resumes/
Maybe you want to rethink your resume. Actually, no maybe. Rethink your resume...

Fandango - Buy Movie Tickets Online

Thoughts for the Day for March 25, 2008

2008-03-25T04:20:00.001-05:00

Sponsored By: AUDIBLE.COM
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Today's Quote: "Little by little, one travels far." - J. R. R. Tolkien

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you evaluate your progress step by step? How different will your outcome be if you chose constant evaluation over waiting until you reach your destination?

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You Already Have The Answers Newsletter For March 24, 2008

2008-03-24T04:19:00.002-05:00

THINGS TAKE TIME

Rome wasn’t built in a day, remember? Its rise took decades of careful planning, and its fall was the result of a series of problems that made the situation grow steadily worse day by day. Why would you expect instant weight loss, instant financial freedom, instant career success, or even love at first sight?

THIS WEEK'S TIP: Start by relaxing. Take a deep breath and remember you can only progress one move at a time. Progression works best when you have a plan to follow. Only a plan will help you know if you are going in the direction you think you want to go, instead of hoping to one they end up there. Think things out logically, write down how you want to get there, and remember that every journey will take as long as it is supposed to take. Take your time, and enjoy the journey!

To listen to this week’s ‘Reminder,’ click to http://answers.lifeinfastforward.com/audio/answersaudio02.mp3

To subscribe to the You Already Have The Answers Newsletter via email, send a blank message to:youalreadyhavetheanswers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Thoughts for the Day for March 24, 2008

2008-03-24T04:12:00.001-05:00

Today's Quote: "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes." - Oscar Wilde

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you learn from your past mistakes? How can you advance in life if you do not draw from past experiences?

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Thoughts for the Day for March 23, 2008

2008-03-23T16:51:00.001-05:00

Today's Quote: "Fears are educated into us and can, if we wish, be educated out." - Karl Menninger

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you see fear as a detractor or a teacher? What can you learn from listening and conquering your fears?

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This Or Thats For 3-9-08

2008-03-09T09:37:00.003-05:00

Goals Must Be Clearer than Water
http://www.successismylife.com/blog/2008/01/goals-must-be-clearer-than-water.html
Without clear goals, you have no real plan...

Your Chance to Test God
http://rygel.blogspot.com/2007/07/your-chance-to-test-god.html
Want to test the power of God? Start by testing the power of tithes...

Content Populism: Blogs Are Not Conversations, They Are Echo Chambers
http://coconutheadsets.com/2008/03/08/content-populism-blogs-are-not-conversations-they-are-echo-chambers
Thank you Rob for continuing to blog...

7 Ways to Alienate Employees
http://www.execupundit.com/2008/03/7-ways-to-alienate-employees.html
Not doing enough to drive away good employees? Here are 7 more ways to make it happen...

March Movie Madness at CinemaNow

My First Moleskines

2008-03-01T12:26:00.009-06:00

When you consider all the blogs I read dealing with Getting Things Done , its a wonder why I have not falling into cult of the Moleskine. At least until I stumbled across this display at Barnes & Noble last night...

A shrine to “the legendary notebook of Hemingway, Picasso, Chatwin.” (so says the display of course, and I thought I could get of easy with a few cahiers journals to leave around for note taking…

…and then somehow I found a way to ‘convince’ myself to grab the real deal, and added a 240-page hard-bound notebook to the purchase.

The black notebook will become a part of my Man Bag Project. More of that to come…

Organize your life with Franklin Covey!

Thoughts for the Day for March 1, 2008

2008-03-01T02:13:00.000-06:00

Today's Quote: "Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness; no laziness; no procrastination; never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." - Lord Chesterfield

Today's Topic For Reflection: Are you making the best use of your time? What can you do to become a more efficient time manager?

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Thoughts for the Day for February 19, 2008

2008-02-19T17:07:00.000-06:00

Today's Quote: "Even God cannot change the past." - Agathon

Today's Topic For Reflection: What events from your past are holding you back? Why are you holding on to limiting events from the past?

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You Already Have The Answers For February 18, 2008

2008-02-18T05:40:00.001-06:00

REMINDER #10: EMBRACE THE POWER OF A MENTOR

Wouldn't it be great if for every pursuit you had, there was some sort of blueprint to achieve it? An instruction booklet for your goals and dreams, with an easy to access index to get the exact answer you want when you want it? A teacher who has made the mistakes you don't want to waste you time with, who knows the keys to true success in a field? There is such a thing. It is called a mentor.

THIS WEEK'S TIP: Trailblazers are there for a reason. Whether willing or reluctant, they clear the path for those who are to come after them. You don't have to do their work over again. Find yourself a mentor in the field you are pursuing and take their advice to heart. A good mentor will want to pass their knowledge along to future generations for both the common good and the personal ego. And both are a good thing.

To subscribe to the You Already Have The Answers Newsletter, send a blank message to:youalreadyhavetheanswers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Thoughts for the Day for February 18, 2008

2008-02-18T03:41:00.001-06:00

Today's Quote: "It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers." - James Thurber

Today's Topic For Reflection: How well do you perform when you plan ahead? How often do you actually plan ahead?

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This Or Thats For 2-17-08

2008-02-17T22:11:00.002-06:00

The Secret to Being a Great Friend
http://life-balanced.net/2008/02/07/are-you-a-true-friend/
Not exactly a real secret, but it's amazing how many people can’t do it...

20 Things I'm Glad Life Taught Me
http://www.dumblittleman.com/2008/02/20-things-im-glad-life-taught-me.html
Some of life's hardest lessons are the ones you need to learn the most...

Aspiring Entrepreneurs: No Money? No Problem! Get Started Today
http://www.smallbiztrends.com/2008/02/aspiring-entrepreneurs-no-money-no-problem-get-started-today.html/
I'm following every single one of these steps, hope you come along for the ride...

Wife’s Diary vs. Husband’s Diary
http://2wentysix.com/?p=187
This could be my wife and I...

Dan's Chocolates

Thoughts for the Day for February 17, 2008

2008-02-17T08:44:00.001-06:00

Today's Quote: "Within the problem lies the solution." - Milton Katselas

Today's Topic For Reflection: Does you problem solving expertise resemble wishful thinking? Do you choose to focus on the problem to see what is truly needed to find a solution?

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Thoughts for the Day for February 16, 2008

2008-02-16T08:45:00.000-06:00

Today's Quote: "I can't imagine a person becoming a success who doesn't give this game of life everything he's got." - Walter Cronkite

Today's Topic For Reflection: Do you give 100% effort all the time? Why would you not put in all that you can all the time?

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