It was 10 years ago today that I was sitting in a bar and grill in Florissant, Missouri, having some post-summer chill time with my co-workers from Camp Mo-Val. While we were all eating, drinking and being merry, the TV flashed from a Cardinals game to the footage of the car crash that took Princess Diana's life. Later, we would learn that alcohol, speed and Princess Di's lack of seat belt use would be the main factors that caused her demise.
It's fitting we keep this in mind at the beginning of the Labor Day weekend. As you're headed out on the roadways, buckle up, keep your speed in the legal range and please, please hand the keys to someone sober if you've had a few cold ones while out on the lake. Enjoy Labor Day, friends, and stay safe this weekend!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Bong Vodka
In a trend of stupid piled upon stupid, this takes the cake.
Bong Spirits is the import company for Bong Vodka. It's just what it says...vodka that comes in a bottle that can be used as a bong. If you're not hip to the lingo, a bong is a hollow pipe filled with water(or other liquids) that potheads use to smoke weed.
I have a decent amount of respect for organizations like NORML which(on the surface) use their strength to legalize marijunaa through legal and political means. Their org spells out what they're all about. Bong vodka, on the other hand, tries to make the user believe the bottle's packaging is strictly for artistic reasons. Wrong! And no one with half a brain will believe that it just so happens an artists' sculpture just happens to end up looking like a water pipe.
If a company believes in their product, be proud of it and sell it for what it is. Bong vodka, on the other hand, is attempting to have drinkers believe this is art. It's not. It's deception. But only trying to deceive the public(i.e., non potheads) into thinking it's just a clever marketing scheme. Please. We're not quite that stupid.
Bong Spirits is the import company for Bong Vodka. It's just what it says...vodka that comes in a bottle that can be used as a bong. If you're not hip to the lingo, a bong is a hollow pipe filled with water(or other liquids) that potheads use to smoke weed.
I have a decent amount of respect for organizations like NORML which(on the surface) use their strength to legalize marijunaa through legal and political means. Their org spells out what they're all about. Bong vodka, on the other hand, tries to make the user believe the bottle's packaging is strictly for artistic reasons. Wrong! And no one with half a brain will believe that it just so happens an artists' sculpture just happens to end up looking like a water pipe.
If a company believes in their product, be proud of it and sell it for what it is. Bong vodka, on the other hand, is attempting to have drinkers believe this is art. It's not. It's deception. But only trying to deceive the public(i.e., non potheads) into thinking it's just a clever marketing scheme. Please. We're not quite that stupid.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Billy Graham...He's Not Just For Christians Any More!
Billy Graham was hospitalized for interrnal bleeding a couple of weeks ago. Today, he was released from the North Carolina hospital where he was being treated.
Ten years ago(a little longer than that, actually), Billy Graham was being interviewed on a cable news show about the upcoming election(that of Clinton and Dole in '96). Even in his late 70s, Graham was just as sweet of a guy as he's been his entire life; not a minister like those other embarassments we saw during the 80s. The journalist asked Rev. Graham a question I thought was pretty cool: Does God have a sense of humor? Graham said that yes, he believes God does. I don't remember anything else he said, but I thought this showed such a side of humility and ffriendliness that paints Christians in a positive light. And it's that kind of banter where a topic can be discussed without witnessing and an effort to convert that has made Graham so successful in his ministry.
Today, when he was released, the main thing he wanted known was wwhat superb care he received. He stated that he has been a patient many times in many hospitals and he never received care as good as he got during this stint in the hospital. Awesome!
Health care workers get such little positive feedback that it's great to see the reverand giving props where they're due. And to get accolades from such a respectable person must be some of the highlights of those health care providers' lives.
With so much negative press about the status of the American health care system, it's really great to see docs and nurses getting the accolades they deserve.
Ten years ago(a little longer than that, actually), Billy Graham was being interviewed on a cable news show about the upcoming election(that of Clinton and Dole in '96). Even in his late 70s, Graham was just as sweet of a guy as he's been his entire life; not a minister like those other embarassments we saw during the 80s. The journalist asked Rev. Graham a question I thought was pretty cool: Does God have a sense of humor? Graham said that yes, he believes God does. I don't remember anything else he said, but I thought this showed such a side of humility and ffriendliness that paints Christians in a positive light. And it's that kind of banter where a topic can be discussed without witnessing and an effort to convert that has made Graham so successful in his ministry.
Today, when he was released, the main thing he wanted known was wwhat superb care he received. He stated that he has been a patient many times in many hospitals and he never received care as good as he got during this stint in the hospital. Awesome!
Health care workers get such little positive feedback that it's great to see the reverand giving props where they're due. And to get accolades from such a respectable person must be some of the highlights of those health care providers' lives.
With so much negative press about the status of the American health care system, it's really great to see docs and nurses getting the accolades they deserve.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Closure
Today, I was sent an article written by my good friend, Deb Hart.. Deb is a nurse in Illinois who works in a variety of health care settings, including group therapy for addicts.
The article she sent is actually a fill-in-the-blank letter of closure. The idea is that the "writer" go through the letter filling in, circling and naming the areas where they need closure with another person. Some of these may be directed at a former abuser, an ex spouse, a sister, parent, basically anyone the writer needs closure with. Of course, since Deb has a kick bum sense of humor, there are plenty of funnies thrown in for flavor to a pretty serious and touchy subject.
And know the best part? The letter begins with a statement about how it is written with the intention it never be sent. Yup, that's right. Just for the writer to find closure for himself/herself.
If you'd like a copy of this, just drop me an E mail at:
marcus@marcusengel.com
I'll be happy to send you a copy(it's a little lengthy to include in Engel's Ensights).
Thanks, Deb, for giving me some food for thought and a few good laughs, too!
The article she sent is actually a fill-in-the-blank letter of closure. The idea is that the "writer" go through the letter filling in, circling and naming the areas where they need closure with another person. Some of these may be directed at a former abuser, an ex spouse, a sister, parent, basically anyone the writer needs closure with. Of course, since Deb has a kick bum sense of humor, there are plenty of funnies thrown in for flavor to a pretty serious and touchy subject.
And know the best part? The letter begins with a statement about how it is written with the intention it never be sent. Yup, that's right. Just for the writer to find closure for himself/herself.
If you'd like a copy of this, just drop me an E mail at:
marcus@marcusengel.com
I'll be happy to send you a copy(it's a little lengthy to include in Engel's Ensights).
Thanks, Deb, for giving me some food for thought and a few good laughs, too!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Say What?
I've been working with the news on in the background this morning. One story that keeps coming up is the Miss Teen pagent contestant. Did you see this? If not, here's a quick recap:
A young lady in the pageant from South Carolina was asked this question: One fifth of Americans cannot identify the U.S. on a map. Why do you think this is?
For the next 30 seconds, this poor girl talked-but said absolutely nothing. I heard her say Ussama, education, South Africa,, Iraq, Iran and a whole, whole lot of gibberish in betwixt.
This is all over youtube and break.com and that's where it belongs. It doesn't need to be continually hammered and exhausted by cable TV. Granted, I should know not to expect more from cable news, but c'mon! There are some major news stories happening and what is our time filled by? Embarrasing a teenage girl.
So, I ask, two questions:
1. Uh, why are we paying so much attention to this girl's flub instead of who won the pageant?
and
2. Why do we still have beauty pageants? Isn't this something that had it's day a few decades ago? Why is stuff like this still so important to American culture?
If I had the opprotunity to answer the question posed to the young South Carolinian, here'd be my answer:
Because Americans spend too much time on youtube and MySpace and watching reality TV. How can people be expected to know anything of even elementary importance when so much of the day is taken up by feeding our brains with pure crap? It can't. And I'm almost surprised the number isn't higher!
A young lady in the pageant from South Carolina was asked this question: One fifth of Americans cannot identify the U.S. on a map. Why do you think this is?
For the next 30 seconds, this poor girl talked-but said absolutely nothing. I heard her say Ussama, education, South Africa,, Iraq, Iran and a whole, whole lot of gibberish in betwixt.
This is all over youtube and break.com and that's where it belongs. It doesn't need to be continually hammered and exhausted by cable TV. Granted, I should know not to expect more from cable news, but c'mon! There are some major news stories happening and what is our time filled by? Embarrasing a teenage girl.
So, I ask, two questions:
1. Uh, why are we paying so much attention to this girl's flub instead of who won the pageant?
and
2. Why do we still have beauty pageants? Isn't this something that had it's day a few decades ago? Why is stuff like this still so important to American culture?
If I had the opprotunity to answer the question posed to the young South Carolinian, here'd be my answer:
Because Americans spend too much time on youtube and MySpace and watching reality TV. How can people be expected to know anything of even elementary importance when so much of the day is taken up by feeding our brains with pure crap? It can't. And I'm almost surprised the number isn't higher!
Monday, August 27, 2007
What Is Poor?
This morning, I read an article on the government's report of poverty in America that will be released tomorrow. In this report(according to the article), poor people self reported aspects about their lifestyle; many of which we don't typically associate with being poor. Things like, oh, more than 75% of people who identify themselves by government standards as poor have a car. More than half even have two cars. Just shy of 100% have a color television, more than half have two color TVs and more than 60% have cable or satellite reception for their color TVs. The vast majority have either a land line or cell phone, and over half have both. Only 6% of the poor meet governmental standings and are considered overcrowded.
"Poor" is such a relative term. If we think of the American poor, we're most likely to think of those in the innter city or living in cheap housing in undesirable areas of the country.
Yet, if I ask you to think on a worldwide scale and describe the poor, you're more likely to think of mud huts in third world countries, sub-Saharan African countries in starvation mode from famine or dictators stealing their food, etc.
So, what is poor? Is it relative? To a certain point, yes. So, what do we do about the poor? Again, it all depends on what viewpoint you're coming from.
Think back to the French Revolution. The French rose up against their oppressors because it literally meant food being taken from their tables and lowering their standard of living.
But are poor Americans really poor? Sure, we've seen corporate greed from the likes of Ken Lay, but will the workers of these companies which have been destroyed by corporate greed really rise up like the French did a few hundred years ago? Highlyy, highly unlikely. Why? Well, my opinion is that the corporate greed hasn't caused enough pain. Sure, some people lost their retirement and that's dispicable. But did they lose food off their table? Their home? Their cable TV? Their car? Were things tighter for those effected financially? Sure...but not to a point where anyone organized enough folks to start a revolution of any kind.
What's my point? Basically, we're spoiled. We're Americans who, even those Americans who are considered poor, still have amenities which comfort their life more than Americans(even middle and upper class Americans)had 50 years ago.
Should we help the poor? Abso-freaking-lutely! It's simple good humanitarianism that makes me want to help those less fortunate. But do I help someone in my state who owns his/her home(46% of those who are poor own their own home) or do I try to help those in poverty-stricken countries around the world? For me, let's go where the need is the greatest. Still, do what you think is right, just be sure you ARE practicing good humanitarianism by giving to those less fortunate.
"Poor" is such a relative term. If we think of the American poor, we're most likely to think of those in the innter city or living in cheap housing in undesirable areas of the country.
Yet, if I ask you to think on a worldwide scale and describe the poor, you're more likely to think of mud huts in third world countries, sub-Saharan African countries in starvation mode from famine or dictators stealing their food, etc.
So, what is poor? Is it relative? To a certain point, yes. So, what do we do about the poor? Again, it all depends on what viewpoint you're coming from.
Think back to the French Revolution. The French rose up against their oppressors because it literally meant food being taken from their tables and lowering their standard of living.
But are poor Americans really poor? Sure, we've seen corporate greed from the likes of Ken Lay, but will the workers of these companies which have been destroyed by corporate greed really rise up like the French did a few hundred years ago? Highlyy, highly unlikely. Why? Well, my opinion is that the corporate greed hasn't caused enough pain. Sure, some people lost their retirement and that's dispicable. But did they lose food off their table? Their home? Their cable TV? Their car? Were things tighter for those effected financially? Sure...but not to a point where anyone organized enough folks to start a revolution of any kind.
What's my point? Basically, we're spoiled. We're Americans who, even those Americans who are considered poor, still have amenities which comfort their life more than Americans(even middle and upper class Americans)had 50 years ago.
Should we help the poor? Abso-freaking-lutely! It's simple good humanitarianism that makes me want to help those less fortunate. But do I help someone in my state who owns his/her home(46% of those who are poor own their own home) or do I try to help those in poverty-stricken countries around the world? For me, let's go where the need is the greatest. Still, do what you think is right, just be sure you ARE practicing good humanitarianism by giving to those less fortunate.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Emotions Vs. Reality
A couple of days ago, I was having a conversation with my friend, Jeff. Jeff is one of the ministers who performed the wedding for Marvelyne and I last month. He's a pastor and has lots of training and experience in working with individuals who come to him with their problems and issues.
When we were talking about people, Jeff made a comment I thought was worth sharing. "Of course, when you work with people, you don't deal with reality-you deal with what their perception of reality is. And their perception is often too tied up in their emotions."
This is pretty profound on several levels. First, he's so right. How often have you had an intense convo with someone who is simply not living in reality? I don't mean schziophreniacs or anything, but people who have chosen to see a situation from their point of view, not from the holistic view of everyone else. A few years ago(okay, many years ago), I had a nasty break-up with a girlfriend. For weeks, I'd tried to tell her the problems in our relationship, why it wasn't a good fit for us, all the while trying to be considerate to her feelings. Yet, when I finally had to be strong and break it off for good, all she chose to see was the moment of no return-that I was loud, that I was angry, that I wasn't willing to listen. And she's right...I WAS all those things. The reality, however, was that I'd been trying to get that point across nicely for a long while. Her perception, however, was that I was a jerk who sprung it on her at once.
How do we deal with people like this? Frankly, I don't know. I'm a very black and white personality. That' means I wouldn't make a good counsselor like Jeff. Still, just recognizing that some people will come from a place where they are not able to see anything but their own viewpoint is part of the recognition process. For me, I try to understand where this person is coming from. Whether or not I can accept that as legitimate or not, well, that always remains to be seen!
Next time you're in an argument or discussion with another, try to keep in mind they are coming to the table from one viewpoint: their own. Not reality, not rationality, just one viewpoint. Best of luck!
When we were talking about people, Jeff made a comment I thought was worth sharing. "Of course, when you work with people, you don't deal with reality-you deal with what their perception of reality is. And their perception is often too tied up in their emotions."
This is pretty profound on several levels. First, he's so right. How often have you had an intense convo with someone who is simply not living in reality? I don't mean schziophreniacs or anything, but people who have chosen to see a situation from their point of view, not from the holistic view of everyone else. A few years ago(okay, many years ago), I had a nasty break-up with a girlfriend. For weeks, I'd tried to tell her the problems in our relationship, why it wasn't a good fit for us, all the while trying to be considerate to her feelings. Yet, when I finally had to be strong and break it off for good, all she chose to see was the moment of no return-that I was loud, that I was angry, that I wasn't willing to listen. And she's right...I WAS all those things. The reality, however, was that I'd been trying to get that point across nicely for a long while. Her perception, however, was that I was a jerk who sprung it on her at once.
How do we deal with people like this? Frankly, I don't know. I'm a very black and white personality. That' means I wouldn't make a good counsselor like Jeff. Still, just recognizing that some people will come from a place where they are not able to see anything but their own viewpoint is part of the recognition process. For me, I try to understand where this person is coming from. Whether or not I can accept that as legitimate or not, well, that always remains to be seen!
Next time you're in an argument or discussion with another, try to keep in mind they are coming to the table from one viewpoint: their own. Not reality, not rationality, just one viewpoint. Best of luck!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
How old would you be - if you didn't know how old you are?
I bet this guy could kick the butts of most college players! A truly awesome story!
http://sports.aol.com/story/ar/_a/59-year-old-player-makes-college-cut/20070822182809990001
http://sports.aol.com/story/ar/_a/59-year-old-player-makes-college-cut/20070822182809990001
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
100% Of The Time
While trying to catch up on hurricane coverage this morning, I happened upon the President's speech to the VFW convention being held in Kansas City, MO. As the President pointed out the other politicians and dignitaries in the crowd, he didn't gloss over the fact there were some Congressmen and Senators in the audience who are some of his biggest opposers.I'm paraphrasing here, but as he identified one of his opposers from the platform, he said, "It's not any secret that the Congressman and I don't agree 100% of the time. That's okay. When I was the Republican governor of Texas, I had a Lieutenant Governor under me who was a Democrat. I said, 'We don't have to agree 100% of the time." He leaned back and said, 'If we agreed 100% of the time, one of us wouldn't need his job!'"
Love him or hate him, this was a nice little piece of political humor and world philosophy. We don't have to agree all the time-and we shouldn't, either.
Love him or hate him, this was a nice little piece of political humor and world philosophy. We don't have to agree all the time-and we shouldn't, either.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Happy Happy Joy Joy!
What makes you happy? Think your answers are different as an adult than when you were a kid?
A recent A.P. article discussed a poll of over 100 questions given to 13-24 year olds. The subject? What makes you happy?
The #1 answer from tomorrow's leaders? Spending time with family. Believe it or not, it's true! The #2 answer? Spending time with friends. And rounding out the top three was spending time with a significant other.
Granted, 13-24 is a really, REALLY wide range of ages. I mean, we're talking 7th graders to people who may have three or four kids under their belt. No matter, that simple need for human connection, family love and support and community will always be at the top of the list.This gives me a lot of faith that reality TV and sex-oriented hip hop doesn't have it's choking hands around the neck of American youth. At least, not as much as previously thought.
Plus, 75% of those surveyed say they have a good relationship with their parents. THis is the sort of thing that will help offset the damaging effects of the afore mentioned negative influences. Provided kids are getting solid support and love at home, all other stressors of young life are significantly lessened. So, America, pat yourself on the back! We're actually doing something right!
A recent A.P. article discussed a poll of over 100 questions given to 13-24 year olds. The subject? What makes you happy?
The #1 answer from tomorrow's leaders? Spending time with family. Believe it or not, it's true! The #2 answer? Spending time with friends. And rounding out the top three was spending time with a significant other.
Granted, 13-24 is a really, REALLY wide range of ages. I mean, we're talking 7th graders to people who may have three or four kids under their belt. No matter, that simple need for human connection, family love and support and community will always be at the top of the list.This gives me a lot of faith that reality TV and sex-oriented hip hop doesn't have it's choking hands around the neck of American youth. At least, not as much as previously thought.
Plus, 75% of those surveyed say they have a good relationship with their parents. THis is the sort of thing that will help offset the damaging effects of the afore mentioned negative influences. Provided kids are getting solid support and love at home, all other stressors of young life are significantly lessened. So, America, pat yourself on the back! We're actually doing something right!
Monday, August 20, 2007
All In Favor Raise Your Hand!
Yesterday morning, I caught one of the Sunday a.m. news shows. Being a news junkie, I've grown to detest most reporters' styles of interviewing. Questions that determine an answer, putting their own agenda or just asking stupid questions all make the reporter look foolish...or worse, coniving..
Well, this particular news program showed a reporter talking to about a dozen "average Americans." He asked a question and their opinions to be known by a show of hands. Is there any more unscientific way of determining opinions?
Look, first year psychology classes tell us that, when in a group where the majority thinks one way, most people are more likely to follow. Of course! No one wants to be the oddball! The question asked was, by show of hands, in the next election, are you voting on the basis of domestic issues(all in favor, raise your hand) or the war in Iraq(again, all in favor, raise 'em up). Not only is a show of hands a stupid way of guaging the opinions of the public, but a question with such vagueness of "domestic issues" or "Iraq" is just asanine.
Like it or not, believe it or not, when people are asked to air their opinions in public, you'll never get anywhere near as accurate of a poll as when views are sought in private. People are just followers by nature.
So? Be brave! Be Bold! And don't worry about what others think of your opinion! And reporters...stop asking such stupid questions!
Well, this particular news program showed a reporter talking to about a dozen "average Americans." He asked a question and their opinions to be known by a show of hands. Is there any more unscientific way of determining opinions?
Look, first year psychology classes tell us that, when in a group where the majority thinks one way, most people are more likely to follow. Of course! No one wants to be the oddball! The question asked was, by show of hands, in the next election, are you voting on the basis of domestic issues(all in favor, raise your hand) or the war in Iraq(again, all in favor, raise 'em up). Not only is a show of hands a stupid way of guaging the opinions of the public, but a question with such vagueness of "domestic issues" or "Iraq" is just asanine.
Like it or not, believe it or not, when people are asked to air their opinions in public, you'll never get anywhere near as accurate of a poll as when views are sought in private. People are just followers by nature.
So? Be brave! Be Bold! And don't worry about what others think of your opinion! And reporters...stop asking such stupid questions!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Back to School!
It seems like most everywhere is headed back to school tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then sometime within a two week window of today.
As students go back to school for the 07-08 school year, we're coming off of a really strange past year. The Virginia Tech massacre changed America forever. Remember when we thought Collonbine was the worst that could ever happen in a school? I just pray we never have to see anything worse than what V-Tech has experienced.
Whether you're a student, a parent or just someone oncerned with the future of America by staying engaged with the youth of today, please be careful for kids and buses, walkers and random kiddos running around. It's almost inevitable bad things will happen, but adult diligence is one of the best recipes for prevention. Watch, listen, and tallk to kids about what's going on in their world.
As students go back to school for the 07-08 school year, we're coming off of a really strange past year. The Virginia Tech massacre changed America forever. Remember when we thought Collonbine was the worst that could ever happen in a school? I just pray we never have to see anything worse than what V-Tech has experienced.
Whether you're a student, a parent or just someone oncerned with the future of America by staying engaged with the youth of today, please be careful for kids and buses, walkers and random kiddos running around. It's almost inevitable bad things will happen, but adult diligence is one of the best recipes for prevention. Watch, listen, and tallk to kids about what's going on in their world.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Super Bad
Well, it came out yesterday, but yours truly didn't want to battle the lines. So, at the first showing today, I took in "Super Bad." Wow. It's been a long time since I've watched a flick that is filled with so much profanity, drug abuse and sexual references. So, inn a few words...I loveed it!
Now that I've said that, let me remind you I'm a 32 year old man. While this movie is about high schoolers, I shudder to think some immature high schoolers might see this as an example of how they should live-not as the absurd entertainment it's meant for. We took my 16 year old stepdaughter(who will be 17 in a few months) and, well, I view movies differently now. Would I want her watching this on her own? Not necessarily. But would my parents have wanted me watching this stuff at 16? Highly doubtful.
One of the things that frightens me is that teenagers may see this as reality. In fact, at one point affter the movie, my stepdaughter asked, "Are cops really that dumb?" This was in reference to the two officers who took a high school kid around with them for a night, all three of them drinking in the squad car, having shooting contests with their service revolvers, doing doughnuts in the middle of the street, talking about women, making up lies about the crimes they were doing, etc. Do cops really act that stupid? Well, it makes me happy that she's had no run-ins with the law for her to know differently, but again, this is certainly not reality-not in any way.
If you're an adult and have a tolerence for all things profane, check it out. Chances are, you're going to laugh your tail off! If you don't know that cops don't drink on duty-then just stay away until you grow up a little more.
Now that I've said that, let me remind you I'm a 32 year old man. While this movie is about high schoolers, I shudder to think some immature high schoolers might see this as an example of how they should live-not as the absurd entertainment it's meant for. We took my 16 year old stepdaughter(who will be 17 in a few months) and, well, I view movies differently now. Would I want her watching this on her own? Not necessarily. But would my parents have wanted me watching this stuff at 16? Highly doubtful.
One of the things that frightens me is that teenagers may see this as reality. In fact, at one point affter the movie, my stepdaughter asked, "Are cops really that dumb?" This was in reference to the two officers who took a high school kid around with them for a night, all three of them drinking in the squad car, having shooting contests with their service revolvers, doing doughnuts in the middle of the street, talking about women, making up lies about the crimes they were doing, etc. Do cops really act that stupid? Well, it makes me happy that she's had no run-ins with the law for her to know differently, but again, this is certainly not reality-not in any way.
If you're an adult and have a tolerence for all things profane, check it out. Chances are, you're going to laugh your tail off! If you don't know that cops don't drink on duty-then just stay away until you grow up a little more.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Eat, Pray, Love
Yesterday, I received an interesting E mail from my good friend, Leah Atkinson. Leah has been a close friend since we first met during our freshman summer of work at Camp Mo-Val in Union, MO. We've remained close throughout the last decade; so much so that she was one of the ministers who performed our wedding last month.
Leah sent an excerpt from the book, "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. This is a non-fiction work about a woman in her 30s who travels to certain parts of the world searching for her personal enlightenment. In the excerpt Leah sent, the writer is in Rome, speaking with a Roman about the city's culture.
The Roman pontificates that every city(and every person, for that matter) can be summed up in one word. After looking around the park where they were chatting, the author asks the obvious question: what word sums up Rome? His answer? Sex. He claims that Rome breathes, eats and lives sex in it's every form. She asks what word is Naples. The answer? Fight. New York? Achieve. As the excerpt ended, the writer was still travelling, still searching and still pondering the single word summation of the age old question: Who am I?
Leah's brain was working overtime, so she picked out the cities and people she is closest to and assigned each a one word definition. She then encouraged me(as well as those who received the exercise) to do the same. So, I do:
Ferguson, Missouri: play. The city of my birth and the first decade of my life. When I think back on Kirk Drive, images come to mind of a peacock blue Ross dirt bike with a yellow seat and handle grips. Throw in dozens of Star Wars action figures, plastic Army men and a million Lego building blocks and there, right there, is the city of my primacy.
High Hill, MO: ground. Use this as a verb and a noun. Let's start with the easy one, the noun. Ground. Earth. Dirt. A farming community, I'll never forget the views of vast corn and soybean fields carpeting the rolling hills of Montgomery County. It put food in my stomach, helped put a roof over my head and was the very life's blood of that place. Maybe even more important, though, is the verb of "ground."
My world is grounded in High Hill. The members of the community, my church, my parents and grandparents, my teachers and coaches, you will never meet a more pragmatic, friendly andd grounded group of Americans. No matter where I live, my grounding will always, always be in that mid-American sensibility.
Denver: Practice. I lived in Denver for six months about a year after I lost my sight. Every minute of every day was spent perfecting the skills I'd need once I'd returned to "real life." My most vivid image of Denver is walking down the street, white cane tapping all the way, using my ears to orientate myself while trying not to vomit from terror. What? Me? A 19 year old blind kid, out on his own in the streets of a city I'd never seen? Terror. And practice. And learning. And departure. Denver, I can't say I never want to visit you again, but I don't want to be that kid again.
Springfield: Adjust and reach. What else can be said for my college town? I adapted to my blindness, put it behind me and kept reaching for anything and everything I could achieve.
Camp Mo-Val: Bond. Campfires and roasted marshmallows are the glue that help seal friendships at Mo-Val. Those staffers, campers and counselors in that magical place, especially those back in '96, bonded me back together, too. Thank you for that, y'all.
St. Louis: Development. As a 25 year old transplant to the city of my birth, I was not exactly a STL virgin. Yet, I was inexperienced at living life on my own. The previous five years of dorm and fraternity house living gave me the confidence to move forward, but moving to STL actually shoved me into gear. Two years into it, another major change, the retirement of Dasher, caused a move to another part of the city. When Kirkwood became my home, that's when I really began to thrive. Independence, career boost and friends by the hundreds. Those will always be the biggest aspects of my development into the man I am today.
Orlando: Love. I moved here for it and now I've learned to love my little corner of The Sunshine State. More than anything, though, is that Marvelyne and my now-stepkids have filled a void in my life I didn't even know existed. And maybe that's not right, but it does make me wonder how I've ever lived before.
Marvelyne: Iron. Hands down, the strongest human being I have ever met. Think I'm tough? I ain't got nothing on her.
Me: Messenger. I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing, what my life was intended for. If you've gained anything, even the most teeny weeny piece of growth from anything associated with yours truly, then you are helping me fulfill that role.
Carson: Partner. He's snoozing by my feet at the moment, as he hs for the last five years. He's been through a lot with me and, as a true partner should, he's enjoyed every step along the way.
Family: Transfer. What? Transfer? Yeah. Until last year, my family had only been my folks, my sis, my grandparents, neices, cousins. Now, the roles have shifted a bit. That which I always thought of as "father" has become(gasp!) me! Granted, my Dad is still my Dad, but now that I'm one, too, it gives me a whole different view on the world. And as this development continues, God help me!
I hope you'll listen to Leah's idea and take an internal look into your own life. And share it with the people you love...you may be surprised at what emerges!
Leah sent an excerpt from the book, "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert. This is a non-fiction work about a woman in her 30s who travels to certain parts of the world searching for her personal enlightenment. In the excerpt Leah sent, the writer is in Rome, speaking with a Roman about the city's culture.
The Roman pontificates that every city(and every person, for that matter) can be summed up in one word. After looking around the park where they were chatting, the author asks the obvious question: what word sums up Rome? His answer? Sex. He claims that Rome breathes, eats and lives sex in it's every form. She asks what word is Naples. The answer? Fight. New York? Achieve. As the excerpt ended, the writer was still travelling, still searching and still pondering the single word summation of the age old question: Who am I?
Leah's brain was working overtime, so she picked out the cities and people she is closest to and assigned each a one word definition. She then encouraged me(as well as those who received the exercise) to do the same. So, I do:
Ferguson, Missouri: play. The city of my birth and the first decade of my life. When I think back on Kirk Drive, images come to mind of a peacock blue Ross dirt bike with a yellow seat and handle grips. Throw in dozens of Star Wars action figures, plastic Army men and a million Lego building blocks and there, right there, is the city of my primacy.
High Hill, MO: ground. Use this as a verb and a noun. Let's start with the easy one, the noun. Ground. Earth. Dirt. A farming community, I'll never forget the views of vast corn and soybean fields carpeting the rolling hills of Montgomery County. It put food in my stomach, helped put a roof over my head and was the very life's blood of that place. Maybe even more important, though, is the verb of "ground."
My world is grounded in High Hill. The members of the community, my church, my parents and grandparents, my teachers and coaches, you will never meet a more pragmatic, friendly andd grounded group of Americans. No matter where I live, my grounding will always, always be in that mid-American sensibility.
Denver: Practice. I lived in Denver for six months about a year after I lost my sight. Every minute of every day was spent perfecting the skills I'd need once I'd returned to "real life." My most vivid image of Denver is walking down the street, white cane tapping all the way, using my ears to orientate myself while trying not to vomit from terror. What? Me? A 19 year old blind kid, out on his own in the streets of a city I'd never seen? Terror. And practice. And learning. And departure. Denver, I can't say I never want to visit you again, but I don't want to be that kid again.
Springfield: Adjust and reach. What else can be said for my college town? I adapted to my blindness, put it behind me and kept reaching for anything and everything I could achieve.
Camp Mo-Val: Bond. Campfires and roasted marshmallows are the glue that help seal friendships at Mo-Val. Those staffers, campers and counselors in that magical place, especially those back in '96, bonded me back together, too. Thank you for that, y'all.
St. Louis: Development. As a 25 year old transplant to the city of my birth, I was not exactly a STL virgin. Yet, I was inexperienced at living life on my own. The previous five years of dorm and fraternity house living gave me the confidence to move forward, but moving to STL actually shoved me into gear. Two years into it, another major change, the retirement of Dasher, caused a move to another part of the city. When Kirkwood became my home, that's when I really began to thrive. Independence, career boost and friends by the hundreds. Those will always be the biggest aspects of my development into the man I am today.
Orlando: Love. I moved here for it and now I've learned to love my little corner of The Sunshine State. More than anything, though, is that Marvelyne and my now-stepkids have filled a void in my life I didn't even know existed. And maybe that's not right, but it does make me wonder how I've ever lived before.
Marvelyne: Iron. Hands down, the strongest human being I have ever met. Think I'm tough? I ain't got nothing on her.
Me: Messenger. I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing, what my life was intended for. If you've gained anything, even the most teeny weeny piece of growth from anything associated with yours truly, then you are helping me fulfill that role.
Carson: Partner. He's snoozing by my feet at the moment, as he hs for the last five years. He's been through a lot with me and, as a true partner should, he's enjoyed every step along the way.
Family: Transfer. What? Transfer? Yeah. Until last year, my family had only been my folks, my sis, my grandparents, neices, cousins. Now, the roles have shifted a bit. That which I always thought of as "father" has become(gasp!) me! Granted, my Dad is still my Dad, but now that I'm one, too, it gives me a whole different view on the world. And as this development continues, God help me!
I hope you'll listen to Leah's idea and take an internal look into your own life. And share it with the people you love...you may be surprised at what emerges!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Bob Dylan: The ext Candidate To Have A Religion Named After Him?
Well, I'd worship at the Church of Dylan. Okay, maybe not, but Dylan's lyrics are more poetic than anything this side of Shakespeare...and his guitar playing is better than Bill, too.
Okay, so what's my big fascination? I'm in a Dylan phase once again since starting his autobiography, "Chronicle: Volume 1."
There are a ton of places where I've had to stop and say, "Wow, well put, Bob." One of these was the idea how he was going to break into the folks scene in The Village in the early 60s. He'd look around at the various artists doing their thing, trying to come up with some sorta "schtick"...a gimmick...whatever he could do to get attention.
Yet, the more he thought of gimmicks, the more he disliked the idea. After all, he thought, the music was what he was all about. He wasn't willing to compromise the purity of the songs to achieve fame. Instead, he knew that if he played the songs with all his energy and passion, the rest would fall into line. Thus, we have what Dylan was, became and still remains: a folk singer.
This reminds me of some of the meetings of the National Speakers Association. 've been a member of NSA for over seven years now and have had the chance to learn from some of the best. I've also met a lot of cheeseballs.
The biggest question at an NSA convention is, "What do you speak on?" This is sometimes adapted to, "What's your expertise?" Frankly, I ask the former. Why? Because I don't know if the person has any expertise or not. I say this from experience. Too often, I've heard someone reply, "Well, I want to speak, but I just don't know what my subject is yet."
Beg pardon? You don't have a subject, you are not a speaker. If there isn't a topic eating it's way out of your soul, you have no business speaking. If you, like I've seen many do, look around to see who's making biig bucks and follow their lead, again, what's the point?
Dylan would not have said, "Well, I want to be famous, but I don't know how." Instead, he played the songs to the best of his ability, began to observe the human condition and write his own music, never changing for anyone. And what did that give us? The purest American folk singer the world has ever(and probably will ever) know.
Okay, so what's my big fascination? I'm in a Dylan phase once again since starting his autobiography, "Chronicle: Volume 1."
There are a ton of places where I've had to stop and say, "Wow, well put, Bob." One of these was the idea how he was going to break into the folks scene in The Village in the early 60s. He'd look around at the various artists doing their thing, trying to come up with some sorta "schtick"...a gimmick...whatever he could do to get attention.
Yet, the more he thought of gimmicks, the more he disliked the idea. After all, he thought, the music was what he was all about. He wasn't willing to compromise the purity of the songs to achieve fame. Instead, he knew that if he played the songs with all his energy and passion, the rest would fall into line. Thus, we have what Dylan was, became and still remains: a folk singer.
This reminds me of some of the meetings of the National Speakers Association. 've been a member of NSA for over seven years now and have had the chance to learn from some of the best. I've also met a lot of cheeseballs.
The biggest question at an NSA convention is, "What do you speak on?" This is sometimes adapted to, "What's your expertise?" Frankly, I ask the former. Why? Because I don't know if the person has any expertise or not. I say this from experience. Too often, I've heard someone reply, "Well, I want to speak, but I just don't know what my subject is yet."
Beg pardon? You don't have a subject, you are not a speaker. If there isn't a topic eating it's way out of your soul, you have no business speaking. If you, like I've seen many do, look around to see who's making biig bucks and follow their lead, again, what's the point?
Dylan would not have said, "Well, I want to be famous, but I don't know how." Instead, he played the songs to the best of his ability, began to observe the human condition and write his own music, never changing for anyone. And what did that give us? The purest American folk singer the world has ever(and probably will ever) know.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
You Can't Be A Spectator
This morning, I took a tour of Rollins College here in Orlando. My stepson, Jordan, is going into his senior year and in the decision-making time for next fall.
During the information session, the Dean of Admissions made a comment about the environment of the college that I thought was appropriate for life, inside and outside of college.
"You can participate in anything and everything you want. What you can't do is be a spectator."
Really, who does want to be a spectator in life? Don't answer that...I know plenty of those people, too. But why? We've all been given a life to live, so why would anyone choose to be an observer and not get involved with, well, everything possible?
Obviously, some people are more introverted on the ol' Meyers-Briggs personality profile. I respect that. It takes all kinds to make the world go around. However, when I have a life, a brain, a body that works and a multitude of opprotunities at my fingertips, there's no way I'm going to consider holding a ticket when I can put on a helmet!
During the information session, the Dean of Admissions made a comment about the environment of the college that I thought was appropriate for life, inside and outside of college.
"You can participate in anything and everything you want. What you can't do is be a spectator."
Really, who does want to be a spectator in life? Don't answer that...I know plenty of those people, too. But why? We've all been given a life to live, so why would anyone choose to be an observer and not get involved with, well, everything possible?
Obviously, some people are more introverted on the ol' Meyers-Briggs personality profile. I respect that. It takes all kinds to make the world go around. However, when I have a life, a brain, a body that works and a multitude of opprotunities at my fingertips, there's no way I'm going to consider holding a ticket when I can put on a helmet!
See What Happens When You Have Dog Fights?
I'm generally not someone who makes fun of mental illness nor the mentally ill, but ya gotta admit, this is just pure absurdity! And no, I don't know the prisoner in question is mentally ill, but these examples show a textbook case of someone out of touch with reality.
As reported by both Fox News and digg.com,, here goes!
A prison inmate in South Carolina has filed a lawsuit against Michael Vick. His first claim? That Vick stole his pit bulls and then sold them on EBay! Just wait...it gets better! The inmate also claims Vick pledged allegiance to Al Quita, has used microwaves on people in human testing experiments and has used drugs inside a drug free schools zone.
As if that isn't wacky enough, he's suing Vick for 63 trillion billion dollars(exactly how many zeros is that?) and the payment must be made in bars of gold and silver, delivered to the front door of the prison.
God bless America!
As reported by both Fox News and digg.com,, here goes!
A prison inmate in South Carolina has filed a lawsuit against Michael Vick. His first claim? That Vick stole his pit bulls and then sold them on EBay! Just wait...it gets better! The inmate also claims Vick pledged allegiance to Al Quita, has used microwaves on people in human testing experiments and has used drugs inside a drug free schools zone.
As if that isn't wacky enough, he's suing Vick for 63 trillion billion dollars(exactly how many zeros is that?) and the payment must be made in bars of gold and silver, delivered to the front door of the prison.
God bless America!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Do Kids Really Need to Read the Classics?
Today's USA Today has an awesome editorial by Patrick Williams. In it, he talks about howit's the end of the summer and students who have been assigned summer reading are, well, maybe kinda sorta starting to think about cracking open the books. Troubling, since school starts everywhere within, oh, aa week or so.
Williams' point is that there is such a dilemma within the education world about literature. Harry Potter's world had books flying off the shelves the very minute it was released. Thus, kids read. But can anyone be surprised that kids want to read about Harry and nott, say, Silas Marner?
In high school, I absolutely devoured books on subjects I loved. I spent several months working and then re-working my way through "A Saucerful of Secrets: The Pink Floyd Oddessey." But when it came to works like Dickens and Dickinsonwere known for, uh, sorry, too busy.
I've read loads of the so-called classics. Some are wonderful and deserve the term. Some, well, seem to fall into the old category, "If you can't bedazzle them with brilliance, baffle 'em with B.S." I mean, Henry James? Classic? Maybe, but so ridiculously dense that no one but someone with an English degree would ever find enjoyment in the book.
Why don't we let kids pick? And not let them pick every slasher or sex book to read for assignments, but with as much great literature as there is, why not give them a list of say, 200 books to choose from? I realize this means some potential extra work for English teachers, but any English teacher worth his/her salt already loves to read!
I've read and received more from pop lit like Stephen King, Brett Easton Ellis and Wally Lambb than from Keats or Yeats. Thus, let's stop trying to pretend "high" lit is the only thing that will give young people a taste of the English language.
Williams' point is that there is such a dilemma within the education world about literature. Harry Potter's world had books flying off the shelves the very minute it was released. Thus, kids read. But can anyone be surprised that kids want to read about Harry and nott, say, Silas Marner?
In high school, I absolutely devoured books on subjects I loved. I spent several months working and then re-working my way through "A Saucerful of Secrets: The Pink Floyd Oddessey." But when it came to works like Dickens and Dickinsonwere known for, uh, sorry, too busy.
I've read loads of the so-called classics. Some are wonderful and deserve the term. Some, well, seem to fall into the old category, "If you can't bedazzle them with brilliance, baffle 'em with B.S." I mean, Henry James? Classic? Maybe, but so ridiculously dense that no one but someone with an English degree would ever find enjoyment in the book.
Why don't we let kids pick? And not let them pick every slasher or sex book to read for assignments, but with as much great literature as there is, why not give them a list of say, 200 books to choose from? I realize this means some potential extra work for English teachers, but any English teacher worth his/her salt already loves to read!
I've read and received more from pop lit like Stephen King, Brett Easton Ellis and Wally Lambb than from Keats or Yeats. Thus, let's stop trying to pretend "high" lit is the only thing that will give young people a taste of the English language.
Monday, August 13, 2007
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
Remember the story of the little boy who cried wolf? If not, here's a quick recap:
Kid cries wolf. There was no wolf. Everyone came running to try to protect kid from non-existant wolf. Kid found this funny. Townspeople did not. Kid did it again and, again, he thought it was funny. Again, townspeople did not. Then, wolf really came. Boy cried wolf. Townspeople don't believe him. Boy is eaten by wolf.
Moral of the story? Well, that's up to the reader. Here's my take on it...the more attention you demand, the less people want to give it to you.
I thought of this today after I came home from running errands this afternoon. My E mail in box had a dozen messages from a professional list serve I subscribe to. It's not uncommon to have three or four mesages per day. But three times that many? Some of them were the same story, just from a different point of view. Some were totally worthless. All of them ended up annoying me. Why? I spent a good 30 minutes culling through these. Do I need to? Well, yeah, sort of.
See, sometimes the messages are important. In fact, more times than not they have great info. But after half a dozen in a row, I was tired of reading this stuff. Hence, frequency isn't always a good thing.
I was thinking about this from a professional standpoint. , of course, I am a businessman and I want clients to use my services. Therefore, I have to keep my name in front of them. The balancing act comes when trying to keep my name out there, but not where it gets annoying.
When I began writing The Marcus Engel Newsletter over four years ago, I swore I'd treat people how I wanted to be treated. I would come up with something interesting and entertaining. I'd send only one newsletter per month so as not to oversaturate in boxes. I'd not fill it with meaningless crap that I(if I were a reader) would not want to read(and please notice, there aren't a whole ton of shameless plugs and links to other sites selling products. Never have, never will).
In short, today I'm proud of myself. I've kept my promise to provide relevant, entertaining and informative newsletters...without flooding in boxes with a dozen messages per day. In fact, the dozen is an annual thing. And look for the August edition next week!
Kid cries wolf. There was no wolf. Everyone came running to try to protect kid from non-existant wolf. Kid found this funny. Townspeople did not. Kid did it again and, again, he thought it was funny. Again, townspeople did not. Then, wolf really came. Boy cried wolf. Townspeople don't believe him. Boy is eaten by wolf.
Moral of the story? Well, that's up to the reader. Here's my take on it...the more attention you demand, the less people want to give it to you.
I thought of this today after I came home from running errands this afternoon. My E mail in box had a dozen messages from a professional list serve I subscribe to. It's not uncommon to have three or four mesages per day. But three times that many? Some of them were the same story, just from a different point of view. Some were totally worthless. All of them ended up annoying me. Why? I spent a good 30 minutes culling through these. Do I need to? Well, yeah, sort of.
See, sometimes the messages are important. In fact, more times than not they have great info. But after half a dozen in a row, I was tired of reading this stuff. Hence, frequency isn't always a good thing.
I was thinking about this from a professional standpoint. , of course, I am a businessman and I want clients to use my services. Therefore, I have to keep my name in front of them. The balancing act comes when trying to keep my name out there, but not where it gets annoying.
When I began writing The Marcus Engel Newsletter over four years ago, I swore I'd treat people how I wanted to be treated. I would come up with something interesting and entertaining. I'd send only one newsletter per month so as not to oversaturate in boxes. I'd not fill it with meaningless crap that I(if I were a reader) would not want to read(and please notice, there aren't a whole ton of shameless plugs and links to other sites selling products. Never have, never will).
In short, today I'm proud of myself. I've kept my promise to provide relevant, entertaining and informative newsletters...without flooding in boxes with a dozen messages per day. In fact, the dozen is an annual thing. And look for the August edition next week!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
What It's Like To Kill A Man
Over our Sunday lunch today, one of our topics of discussion was the sickening execution-style murders of the college students in Newark, NJ. This led into the hypothetical question, "How would someone feel after they killed another human being?"
I don't have the answer to this(well, maybe I do), but I'll bet I have a little more insight than your average bear, er, guy. Reason being, as I thought about it, I've met at least six individuals who have taken the life of another. Admittedly, three of these were drunk drivers who's actions caused the demise of others. Three drunk drivers, but eight fatalities due to that preventable crime. Two others Ii've met are law enforcement officers who have had to use lethal force. The first, a U.S. Marshall, actually had to use deadly force twice in the line of duty. The second cop(from a city in Missouri) was the member of the SWAT team who ultimately pulled the trigger in a hostage situation. Finally, I also know a gentleman whowas tried for murder. I do not know the ddetails of his actions and, since he's a friend, I'll never ask that question.
Still, what must it be like to have the knowledge that you ended another life? Would you be distraught and haunted by this, as was the case with the SWAT officer? Or would you look at it in the light of, "Well, all in a day's work" as the U.S. Marshall did?
Frankly, I don't ever want to find this out. I doubt many people really -do- want to know what it's like to end the life of another.I can't imagine what torment and soul searching that must cause later. I can't even fathom the question, "Did I really need to kill that person, or was there another way?"
Human psychology is just so freaking interesting. The different reactions of these different individuals is something that is obserbable and measurable, but something I hope no one has to experience. Fat chance, right? That'd mean no more military personell protecting our country, no more police protecting our streets and cars could ever be driven. It's not a world I want to live in. And it's just simple acceptance that tells us crimes will happen. Accidents will happen. Wars will happen. These unfortunate facts of the world in which we live will continue to give my family discussion topics over lunch. I wish it wasn't that way.
I don't have the answer to this(well, maybe I do), but I'll bet I have a little more insight than your average bear, er, guy. Reason being, as I thought about it, I've met at least six individuals who have taken the life of another. Admittedly, three of these were drunk drivers who's actions caused the demise of others. Three drunk drivers, but eight fatalities due to that preventable crime. Two others Ii've met are law enforcement officers who have had to use lethal force. The first, a U.S. Marshall, actually had to use deadly force twice in the line of duty. The second cop(from a city in Missouri) was the member of the SWAT team who ultimately pulled the trigger in a hostage situation. Finally, I also know a gentleman whowas tried for murder. I do not know the ddetails of his actions and, since he's a friend, I'll never ask that question.
Still, what must it be like to have the knowledge that you ended another life? Would you be distraught and haunted by this, as was the case with the SWAT officer? Or would you look at it in the light of, "Well, all in a day's work" as the U.S. Marshall did?
Frankly, I don't ever want to find this out. I doubt many people really -do- want to know what it's like to end the life of another.I can't imagine what torment and soul searching that must cause later. I can't even fathom the question, "Did I really need to kill that person, or was there another way?"
Human psychology is just so freaking interesting. The different reactions of these different individuals is something that is obserbable and measurable, but something I hope no one has to experience. Fat chance, right? That'd mean no more military personell protecting our country, no more police protecting our streets and cars could ever be driven. It's not a world I want to live in. And it's just simple acceptance that tells us crimes will happen. Accidents will happen. Wars will happen. These unfortunate facts of the world in which we live will continue to give my family discussion topics over lunch. I wish it wasn't that way.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
I'm Up To Date Again!
I just read an article about a businessman who increased his profits greatly AND reduced himself down to a four day work week. His tips and "how to" plan were many of the usual things; look at where the majority of profits are coming from and focus there, outsource menial and time consuming work, blah blah blah.
He also said that he reduced his consumption of news. Now, headlines are the only info he puts in his head. When questioned about this he said something like, "Well, I haven't missed out on anything. My life is no worse off for not being an information hound."
Beg pardon? That may be true , but how does he interact when a topic is discussed that doesn't deal with his business? After all, it sounds like biz is all he pays attention to. Hey, if it works for him and he's down to four days and increased profits, go for it.
Me, I'll take the information. It isn't about making profits, it's about having an educated opinion. It's about having an expanded mindset due to the constant flow of information. It's about seeing what is going on in the world at large, not just in my home and office.
Seven years ago, I discovered NFB Newsline. Newsline is a service whereby blind folks like yours truly can access newspapers with the use of a touch tone phone. For the last several months since my re-location to Orlando, I've been missing Newsline. I've felt uninformed, behind on issues that aren't discussed on cable news and, frankly, a little bored on Sunday mornings(my coffee goes much better with editorials).
But now(drum roll, please), I'm back on board with Newsline. I finally got myself settled enough to search out the local numbers. When I did, I spent several hours bouncing around exploring Floridian newspapers and, of course, the standbys of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today.
If you know someone who cannot utilize newspapers via print, please check out:
www.NFBNewsline.org
This service has benefitted my life in ways I'm still discovering. Maybe this'll keep me from ever being able to enjoy a four day work week, but at least I won't be isolated from the world!
He also said that he reduced his consumption of news. Now, headlines are the only info he puts in his head. When questioned about this he said something like, "Well, I haven't missed out on anything. My life is no worse off for not being an information hound."
Beg pardon? That may be true , but how does he interact when a topic is discussed that doesn't deal with his business? After all, it sounds like biz is all he pays attention to. Hey, if it works for him and he's down to four days and increased profits, go for it.
Me, I'll take the information. It isn't about making profits, it's about having an educated opinion. It's about having an expanded mindset due to the constant flow of information. It's about seeing what is going on in the world at large, not just in my home and office.
Seven years ago, I discovered NFB Newsline. Newsline is a service whereby blind folks like yours truly can access newspapers with the use of a touch tone phone. For the last several months since my re-location to Orlando, I've been missing Newsline. I've felt uninformed, behind on issues that aren't discussed on cable news and, frankly, a little bored on Sunday mornings(my coffee goes much better with editorials).
But now(drum roll, please), I'm back on board with Newsline. I finally got myself settled enough to search out the local numbers. When I did, I spent several hours bouncing around exploring Floridian newspapers and, of course, the standbys of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today.
If you know someone who cannot utilize newspapers via print, please check out:
www.NFBNewsline.org
This service has benefitted my life in ways I'm still discovering. Maybe this'll keep me from ever being able to enjoy a four day work week, but at least I won't be isolated from the world!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Eating Words
"Why can't he just say, 'You guys are a better team and you're going to win!?"
This question was asked by one of my fellow offensive linemen from my old high school football team. He was referring to our coach's speeches during practice earlier that week. Our opponent for Friday night's game had a horrible record and we were, by far, a superior team. So, why wasn't my coach willing to tell us we were going to win? Because there was no guarantee. No promise whatsoever. Instead of having to eat his words later, Coach simply said, "Yeah, their record isn't so good, but you guys can't go out there overconfident. That'll make you think you've already won the game before the first kickoff. If you get cocky and lazy, they're likely to sneak up on you. Play hard and do your job-that's it."
I hate making promises I can't keep. So I don't. I don't believe in saying you can deliver one thing...then not be able to do so.
With the Utah mine collapse earlier this week, I see a lot of word eating going on. The president of the mine, Bob Murray, keeps making promises he can't keep-and promises that make him look like a good guy(not saying he isn't a good guy, but breaking promises, intentional or not, tends to make one seem like a liar).
First, Murray was saying the 2.5" drill would reach the miners by 7 p.m. last night. Negative. It was after midnight. He's not working the drill, he's not the man pressing the buttons, he's in front of the cameras and microphones. And he's making a statement that wasn't correct.
Second, he swore up and down that the collapse was triggered by a 3.9 earthquake. Seismologists say the only activity they've seen has looked more like the mine collapsed, THEN the 3.9 was felt. CYA, Bob Murray? Either way, he's no seismologist and is feeding incorrect and unsubstantiated info to the media.
No matter if it's Murray's mine or Mother Nature, Murray should take a lesson from Coach Klein: talk too much, don't delivver the goods, and end up looking like a fool. Misleading comments, empty promises without corresponding actions do nothing but deliver false hope.
This question was asked by one of my fellow offensive linemen from my old high school football team. He was referring to our coach's speeches during practice earlier that week. Our opponent for Friday night's game had a horrible record and we were, by far, a superior team. So, why wasn't my coach willing to tell us we were going to win? Because there was no guarantee. No promise whatsoever. Instead of having to eat his words later, Coach simply said, "Yeah, their record isn't so good, but you guys can't go out there overconfident. That'll make you think you've already won the game before the first kickoff. If you get cocky and lazy, they're likely to sneak up on you. Play hard and do your job-that's it."
I hate making promises I can't keep. So I don't. I don't believe in saying you can deliver one thing...then not be able to do so.
With the Utah mine collapse earlier this week, I see a lot of word eating going on. The president of the mine, Bob Murray, keeps making promises he can't keep-and promises that make him look like a good guy(not saying he isn't a good guy, but breaking promises, intentional or not, tends to make one seem like a liar).
First, Murray was saying the 2.5" drill would reach the miners by 7 p.m. last night. Negative. It was after midnight. He's not working the drill, he's not the man pressing the buttons, he's in front of the cameras and microphones. And he's making a statement that wasn't correct.
Second, he swore up and down that the collapse was triggered by a 3.9 earthquake. Seismologists say the only activity they've seen has looked more like the mine collapsed, THEN the 3.9 was felt. CYA, Bob Murray? Either way, he's no seismologist and is feeding incorrect and unsubstantiated info to the media.
No matter if it's Murray's mine or Mother Nature, Murray should take a lesson from Coach Klein: talk too much, don't delivver the goods, and end up looking like a fool. Misleading comments, empty promises without corresponding actions do nothing but deliver false hope.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Do We Like Dogs More Than People?
Today, the news reported one of the most sickening cases of animal abuse I've ever heard. To hear the conditions these dogs were in prior to their ultimate euthanization turns my stomach. You could tell from the demeanor of the journalists that they, too, were disturbed by the scenes and tales they were reporting.
A few minutes later, another report aired that talked about the most recent Iraqi car bombing which killed a bunch of people. But we hear reports of Iraqi car bombs every day...so it doesn't effect us as much as hearing about dogs with fighting wounds.
I loathe those who would abuse animals.But does it add up that we seem to be more horrified by a dog's death than the demise of 20 other human beings?
A few minutes later, another report aired that talked about the most recent Iraqi car bombing which killed a bunch of people. But we hear reports of Iraqi car bombs every day...so it doesn't effect us as much as hearing about dogs with fighting wounds.
I loathe those who would abuse animals.But does it add up that we seem to be more horrified by a dog's death than the demise of 20 other human beings?
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Excuse Me Sir - Do You Know You Have a Monkey in Your Hair?
Airline Reports Monkey Business on Jet
AP
Posted: 2007-08-08 10:14:05
Filed Under: Weird News
(Aug. 7) - A man smuggled a monkey onto an airplane Tuesday, stashing the furry fist-size primate under his hat until passengers spotted it perched on his ponytail, an airline official said.
The monkey escapade began in Lima, Peru, late Monday, when the man boarded a flight to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said Spirit Airlines spokeswoman Alison Russell. After landing Tuesday morning, the man waited several hours before catching a connecting flight to LaGuardia Airport. During the flight, people around the man noticed that the marmoset, which normally lives in forests and eats fruit and insects, had emerged from underneath his hat, Russell said. "Other passengers asked the man if he knew he had a monkey on him," she said. The monkey spent the remainder of the flight in the man's seat and behaved well, said Russell, who didn't know how it skirted customs and security. Airport police were waiting for the man and his monkey when the plane landed about 3 p.m., and the man was taken away for questioning. It was unclear whether he would face any criminal charges. The city's animal control agency said the monkey appeared healthy. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was planning to take it for disease testing and keep it quarantined for 31 days, CDC spokesman Tom Skinner said. If the monkey is healthy, it could wind up in a zoo. "It is kind of a spirited monkey," Russell said. "That will be the nickname of the monkey: Spirit."
AP
Posted: 2007-08-08 10:14:05
Filed Under: Weird News
(Aug. 7) - A man smuggled a monkey onto an airplane Tuesday, stashing the furry fist-size primate under his hat until passengers spotted it perched on his ponytail, an airline official said.
The monkey escapade began in Lima, Peru, late Monday, when the man boarded a flight to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said Spirit Airlines spokeswoman Alison Russell. After landing Tuesday morning, the man waited several hours before catching a connecting flight to LaGuardia Airport. During the flight, people around the man noticed that the marmoset, which normally lives in forests and eats fruit and insects, had emerged from underneath his hat, Russell said. "Other passengers asked the man if he knew he had a monkey on him," she said. The monkey spent the remainder of the flight in the man's seat and behaved well, said Russell, who didn't know how it skirted customs and security. Airport police were waiting for the man and his monkey when the plane landed about 3 p.m., and the man was taken away for questioning. It was unclear whether he would face any criminal charges. The city's animal control agency said the monkey appeared healthy. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was planning to take it for disease testing and keep it quarantined for 31 days, CDC spokesman Tom Skinner said. If the monkey is healthy, it could wind up in a zoo. "It is kind of a spirited monkey," Russell said. "That will be the nickname of the monkey: Spirit."
Monday, August 06, 2007
A Recent "Sports" Article
A few nights ago, I had dinner with my buddy, Trace. Trace is the quintessential outdoorsman and his love for hunting is nothing short of contagious. This brief conversation over dinner renewed my desire to do something I thought I’d never be able to do as a person who is blind: hunt. Yes, with guns!
Now, I wasn’t a hunter when I could see, so why would I want to do it now? Simple answer? The challenge.
So, as I have a new interest in hunting and the adaptations I’ll have to make, I did what any good American would do who has an interest in, well, anything! I googled it!
After culling through a few dozen sites selling duck blinds, I finally came to some different articles on blind hunters.
One article was written by a famous sports writer last winter. His topic wasn’t as much related to blind hunting as slamming lawmakers for legalizing blind hunting(in Texas) instead of taking up more important issues(apparently Jeff Pearlman doesn’t think civil rights is an important issue).
He belittled those who are blind and the congressman from Texas who proposed the legalization of blind folks being able to hunt with the assistance of a sighted guide. To Jeff I say…BITE ME! And, I have a lot more things to say to him, too. So, Jeffy, if you have your google alerts set up to feed your feeble little ego every time someone writes about you, then I hope this makes it’s way to your in box. And when it does? Let’s talk! Actually…screw it…let’s just talk right here!
If there is a legitimate complaint about those who are blind hunting with the assistance of a sighted guide, then say it! But to mask this issue into an editorial against Bush, the NRA, Texas or those of us who may actually benefit from such a bill is dishonest journalism. This makes you a dishonest journalist. One who seems to wish he was writing for the NY Times(or some equally despicable publication) instead of for sports rags.
Seriously! Do you think anyone, including those of us who may actually be blind hunters, think this should be done without assistance from someone sighted? You’re right-sending a blind person out into the woods with a firearm IS dangerous. So is giving an idiot a word processor and a column in sports magazines.
I fully plan to contact the Texas congressman who proposed this bill for his state. When I do, I’d like to invite him to hunt with Trace and I sometime in the future. I can guarantee no one will walk away with any injuries. I can’t say the same for those of us who were hurt by your words. Again, Jeff Pearlman, for your December article…you should be ashamed. Oh, and BITE ME!
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=pearlman/070514
Now, I wasn’t a hunter when I could see, so why would I want to do it now? Simple answer? The challenge.
So, as I have a new interest in hunting and the adaptations I’ll have to make, I did what any good American would do who has an interest in, well, anything! I googled it!
After culling through a few dozen sites selling duck blinds, I finally came to some different articles on blind hunters.
One article was written by a famous sports writer last winter. His topic wasn’t as much related to blind hunting as slamming lawmakers for legalizing blind hunting(in Texas) instead of taking up more important issues(apparently Jeff Pearlman doesn’t think civil rights is an important issue).
He belittled those who are blind and the congressman from Texas who proposed the legalization of blind folks being able to hunt with the assistance of a sighted guide. To Jeff I say…BITE ME! And, I have a lot more things to say to him, too. So, Jeffy, if you have your google alerts set up to feed your feeble little ego every time someone writes about you, then I hope this makes it’s way to your in box. And when it does? Let’s talk! Actually…screw it…let’s just talk right here!
If there is a legitimate complaint about those who are blind hunting with the assistance of a sighted guide, then say it! But to mask this issue into an editorial against Bush, the NRA, Texas or those of us who may actually benefit from such a bill is dishonest journalism. This makes you a dishonest journalist. One who seems to wish he was writing for the NY Times(or some equally despicable publication) instead of for sports rags.
Seriously! Do you think anyone, including those of us who may actually be blind hunters, think this should be done without assistance from someone sighted? You’re right-sending a blind person out into the woods with a firearm IS dangerous. So is giving an idiot a word processor and a column in sports magazines.
I fully plan to contact the Texas congressman who proposed this bill for his state. When I do, I’d like to invite him to hunt with Trace and I sometime in the future. I can guarantee no one will walk away with any injuries. I can’t say the same for those of us who were hurt by your words. Again, Jeff Pearlman, for your December article…you should be ashamed. Oh, and BITE ME!
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=pearlman/070514
Sunday, August 05, 2007
The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing
I just finished Melissa Banks', "The Girls Guide To Hunting And Fishing." Now, what would yours truly (a dude) want to read this work for? Simple-I'll read just about anything.
The truth is, I had no clue what it was about when I ordered it from my local library with recorded books. A few months ago, I was purusing a friend's profile on MySpace.com and I noticed she and I had lots of similar book interests. So, I took down the titles I wasn't familiar with, ordered them and, well, now I'm posting.
Believe it or not, there's not a gun, a fishing rod, a lure, a shell nor aanything about camo anywhere in the book. In fact, there's virtuallly nothing to do with hunting and fishing, other than the symbolic "hunt" for knowledge, especially where it concerns interpersonal relationships.
The book is comprised of short stories, each with a little lesson about relationships-info the author has based her life around. The last story(by the same name as the book itself) is just priceless. It is simply a story about being onself. Be yourself, stay true to who you are, stand by your beliefs and convictions and the rest will fall in line. Steer away and try to be someone else? Lose everything!
The whole story can be summed up in the line by They Might Be Giants:
"There's only one thing that I know how to do well,
And I've often been told that you can only do what you know how to do well,
And that's be you, be what you're like, be like yourself."
Chick lit or not, I loved this book. Highly reccomended for adult readers, especially those who are fishing for love.
The truth is, I had no clue what it was about when I ordered it from my local library with recorded books. A few months ago, I was purusing a friend's profile on MySpace.com and I noticed she and I had lots of similar book interests. So, I took down the titles I wasn't familiar with, ordered them and, well, now I'm posting.
Believe it or not, there's not a gun, a fishing rod, a lure, a shell nor aanything about camo anywhere in the book. In fact, there's virtuallly nothing to do with hunting and fishing, other than the symbolic "hunt" for knowledge, especially where it concerns interpersonal relationships.
The book is comprised of short stories, each with a little lesson about relationships-info the author has based her life around. The last story(by the same name as the book itself) is just priceless. It is simply a story about being onself. Be yourself, stay true to who you are, stand by your beliefs and convictions and the rest will fall in line. Steer away and try to be someone else? Lose everything!
The whole story can be summed up in the line by They Might Be Giants:
"There's only one thing that I know how to do well,
And I've often been told that you can only do what you know how to do well,
And that's be you, be what you're like, be like yourself."
Chick lit or not, I loved this book. Highly reccomended for adult readers, especially those who are fishing for love.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
A Lesson At The Men's Store
Anyone who knows me well will tell you I'm a total chick when it comes to clothes. Seriously, there ought to be a 12 step program for dudes who love to shop for clothes(shall I be the founding member?)
Today, I was perusing the selection at one of my favorite stores, Jos A Bank's Men's Clothier. When I was paying for my new shirts, the cashier said, "Are you in our corporate plan?"
I was not, so I asked what a corporate plan entails. She said, "Well, I'm about to make your life easier! You get a free membership that entitles you to 20% off any regularly priced purchases, and sometimes an additional 25% off sale items!" Cha ching!
After we'd done the paperwork that makes me an official card carrying member of the JA Bank's corporate program, she gave me a little insight into their marketing plan: "We used to be real picky with who we gave the corporate membership to, but then we found that those with corporate memberships buy more stuff!"
Bank's gets it. If you give, you get back more than you give. It's not rocket science, it's not some corporate marketing scheme, it's just the way the world works. The Bible says it with the whole "sow plentifully, reap plentifully", the Hindu notion of karma isn't much different, and we all know the law of reciprocation. Give and you will receive... and I'm happy to plug Bank's for making me a new corporate member and pimping me out for my fall speaking schedule!
Today, I was perusing the selection at one of my favorite stores, Jos A Bank's Men's Clothier. When I was paying for my new shirts, the cashier said, "Are you in our corporate plan?"
I was not, so I asked what a corporate plan entails. She said, "Well, I'm about to make your life easier! You get a free membership that entitles you to 20% off any regularly priced purchases, and sometimes an additional 25% off sale items!" Cha ching!
After we'd done the paperwork that makes me an official card carrying member of the JA Bank's corporate program, she gave me a little insight into their marketing plan: "We used to be real picky with who we gave the corporate membership to, but then we found that those with corporate memberships buy more stuff!"
Bank's gets it. If you give, you get back more than you give. It's not rocket science, it's not some corporate marketing scheme, it's just the way the world works. The Bible says it with the whole "sow plentifully, reap plentifully", the Hindu notion of karma isn't much different, and we all know the law of reciprocation. Give and you will receive... and I'm happy to plug Bank's for making me a new corporate member and pimping me out for my fall speaking schedule!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
She Won't Slow Down
Yesterday, I caught an NPR segment about the new head of the education arm of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She left her position as the superintendent of the Portland, OR Public School District to take the position. While in Portland, she was described as a "hurricane" by the local papers. Why? The typical complaints-too many changes and done too quickly.
One of the big complaints was that she made the decision to shut down dilapidated schools. Several of these sub-par buildings were closed. Having been through some similar situations in the school district where I grew up, it becomes pretty obvious pretty fast how attached alumni are to these school buildings-not the schools as much as the building, it seems.
Anywho, when the paper described her as a hurricane, they also said, "She'll listen, but she won't slow down." And to that I say...BRAVO!
So often, big changes are way, WAY too slow in the coming. In this case, the simple fact she'll pay attention to the views of others is commendable. And to keep moving at the rate of speed where things actually get done, all while paying attention to the naysayers? Awesome!
You can read more about this woman, Vicki Phillips, by looking at NPR's web site:
www.npr.org
One of the big complaints was that she made the decision to shut down dilapidated schools. Several of these sub-par buildings were closed. Having been through some similar situations in the school district where I grew up, it becomes pretty obvious pretty fast how attached alumni are to these school buildings-not the schools as much as the building, it seems.
Anywho, when the paper described her as a hurricane, they also said, "She'll listen, but she won't slow down." And to that I say...BRAVO!
So often, big changes are way, WAY too slow in the coming. In this case, the simple fact she'll pay attention to the views of others is commendable. And to keep moving at the rate of speed where things actually get done, all while paying attention to the naysayers? Awesome!
You can read more about this woman, Vicki Phillips, by looking at NPR's web site:
www.npr.org
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
They're Already There
Tragedy this evening in Minnesota has had me glued to the TV for the last hour. As in so many tragic cases, the unquenchable human spirit prevails.
As the journalists described the damage, a news blurb came on saying, "The city of Minneapolis has put out a call for all available emergency personell to come to the scene." This was said about 20 minutes after the bridge collapse.
The thing is, those with the service oriented personality of emergency specialists were probably already on their way, as soon as they'd heard the news!
This is why I'm so thankful for firemen, cops, ambulance drivers, EMS workers, and anyone else who comes out when the sirens and lights go on. Because we don't say it enough...thank you. To those who help in the crisis times that are inevitable...thank you.
As the journalists described the damage, a news blurb came on saying, "The city of Minneapolis has put out a call for all available emergency personell to come to the scene." This was said about 20 minutes after the bridge collapse.
The thing is, those with the service oriented personality of emergency specialists were probably already on their way, as soon as they'd heard the news!
This is why I'm so thankful for firemen, cops, ambulance drivers, EMS workers, and anyone else who comes out when the sirens and lights go on. Because we don't say it enough...thank you. To those who help in the crisis times that are inevitable...thank you.
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