Saturday, June 25, 2011

Saturday Night Classic Music Video

From my radio days:

Fort Wayne Site of the Day


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Friday, June 24, 2011

The Story Behind the 80/20 Rule

From DLM:

Insert a Little Pareto Into Your Day

Posted: 16 Jun 2011 08:30 PM PDT


Joseph Juran died on Feb 28, 2008 at the age of 103. He was the man who coined the ‘Pareto Principle,’ named after the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who observed that 80% of income in Italy was received by 20% of the Italian population.

We’ve all heard of the ‘80/20’ rule – books have been written about it, and the Pareto Principle has been applied to all sorts of things, such as:

  • 80 percent of results come from 20 percent of your effort
  • 80 percent of usage is by 20 percent of users
  • 80 percent of problems come from 20 percent of causes
  • 80 percent of complaints come from 20 percent of customers
  • 80 percent of sales will come from 20 percent of sales people
  • 80 percent of work absence is due to 20 percent of staff
  • >
  • 80 percent of your time spent on this website will be spent on 20 percent of this website
The relevance of Juran’s message is obvious enough – focus on doing things that produce the best outcomes for you, whatever that might mean. It’s not obvious though, and it goes against the grain of much of what we have been taught. Usually, people have a tendency to believe that they should focus on what they do badly in order to improve. And there is some sense in this – some skills (driving a car, for instance) can be improved a lot by practicing. But continually focusing on what is weak instead of working on the ‘bright spots’ can be a fatal mistake since it can cause you to neglect that which you are good at and which you enjoy.

Imagine if Michael Jordan had thought he was pretty good at basketball and had focused on improving his golf game, instead. Or if Tiger Woods had spend time trying to improve his basketball. We would have had two people who were quite good, but not great, at either game.

You can apply the Pareto Principle to your own life in all kinds of ways.

Reduce the amount of time you spend doing any job you don’t like.
I know people who work long hours at a job they don’t enjoy. They might say they have no choice, but in reality there is always a choice – unless you work on a production line, you probably have some freedom in how you approach your job and you can restructure things so that you’re spending more time on what you are good at.

Increase the amount of time you spend doing what you love.

You’re more likely to be productive when doing what you love, so focus on this. We sometimes have a tendency to think that enjoyment is a bad thing; if we’re not ‘working hard’ then we’re not giving value for money. This kind of thinking is self-defeating – doing what you enjoy will increase your productivity.

Delegate

Delegation is not the same as ‘passing the buck,’ or getting rid of your dirty work. It is getting a job done more effectively and leaving you more time to be productive.
Link
The bottom line is: do what you love and you will be more productive.

Written on 6/16/2011 by Mark Harrison. Mark Harrison writes about personal growth, communication, and increasing personal wealth. Check out his new book, Thirty Days to Change Your Life.Photo Credit: OlleOlleOlle

Fort Wayne Site of the Day


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Thursday, June 23, 2011

Tat's?

None for me please.

But if you are interested, read this from the AOM:


Think Before You Ink: A Man’s Guide to Getting a Tattoo

“Show me a man with a tattoo and I’ll show you a man with an interesting past.” -Jack London

Tattoos. Few art forms have such a long history, and even fewer evoke such a broad spectrum of opinions. Revered by some as a sign of honor or distinction, by others as an outward expression of creativity and personality, and by others still as the mark of criminals and lowlifes, the perceptions of tattooing are vast indeed. Perhaps you are considering getting a tattoo in the near future. After all, most men have kicked around the idea at one point or another. While a great deal of information involving tattoos is subjective (design styles, coloring, size and visibility), one thing is certain: the better informed you are, the better your experience and final result will be. Let’s take a deeper look into the ancient art…

Tattoos Throughout History

Archaeological evidence from around the globe has confirmed tattooing to be one of the oldest forms of art and self-expression. Tattooing has been practiced either as decoration, as a mark of high station, or for healing or protective purposes throughout the history of mankind. From Neolithic ice men to Polynesian Maori warriors to the guy in front of you in line at the grocery store, tattoos have become a timeless art form that knows no cultural boundaries.

“Not one great country can be named, from the polar regions in the north to New Zealand in the south, in which the aborigines do not tattoo themselves.” -Charles Darwin, The Descent of Man

While many cultures throughout history are known for their prominent tattoos, such as the ancient Picts of modern day Scotland, the culture most widely associated with tattooing is the Maori of Polynesia. Indeed, the word “tattoo” originates from the Maori word “tatau,” meaning to mark. The Maori people practice two different yet easily confused forms of bodily modification, the tattoo as we know it, and another form of tattoo known as Tā moko. Unlike common tattooing, which repetitively punctures the skin while embedding ink for color, Tā moko involves the literal carving of the skin using a chisel known as uhi. This process leaves permanent grooves on the surface of the skin (usually the face, buttocks and upper legs), giving the tattoo a unique texture. Such marks were a sign of honor in pre-European Maori society, to the extent that those who did not have them were considered to be of a lower class.

“The marks in general are spirals drawn with great nicety and even elegance. One side corresponds with the other. The marks on the body resemble foliage in old chased ornaments, convolutions of filigree work, but in these they have such a luxury of forms that of a hundred which at first appeared exactly the same, no two were formed alike on close examination.” -Captain James Cook, on the Maori Tā moko

It was Maori influence that most likely led to the popularity of tattooing among sailors, which has continued well into modern times. Captain Cook’s men, like all travelers, were always on the lookout for artifacts and mementos of their travels. And what better way to bring home a bit of the exotic than by taking the marks of the native culture you had encountered on your trip? Tattoos blended well with the freewheeling culture aboard ship and the life of a sailor in those days, and the tradition quickly took hold.

“A sailor without a tattoo is like a ship without grog: not seaworthy.” -Samuel O’Reilly, tattooist

As the practice grew in popularity, tattooing among seamen took on its own unique characteristics. Whereas the Maori and other cultures used tattooing to signify one’s standing in society, sailors used the art form to mark various seafaring accomplishments and to invoke good fortune. For example, a tattoo of a turtle would mark a man who had sailed across the equator. A fully rigged ship represented a sailor who had made passage around the treacherous Cape Horn. The ever popular anchor represented a man who had sailed the Atlantic. Other tattoos, such as a pig on the top of one foot and a rooster on the top of the other, were said to protect the sailor from drowning; since neither animal can swim, they would help the sailor find dry land as quickly as possible.

Tattoo Taboo

Sailors historically had a reputation for being quite rough around the edges, and so the tattoo’s popularity with seafarers helped secure its reputation as something practiced by those on the fringes of society. This was true in other cultures as well.

Tattoos became so widely associated with criminal activity in 19th century Japan, for example, that the practice was outlawed completely and remained that way until the mid 20th century. This was a direct result of the popularity of tattoos among the Yakuza, Japan’s organized crime syndicate, who are clearly identified by prominent, often full body tattoos made in the traditional Japanese style known as Tebori. Unlike machine-drawn tattoos, Tebori involves the use of multiple large hand-held needles and a steady artist’s hand, resulting in more artist control of fading and coloring.

While tattooing has surged in popularity in American society over the last few decades, the art form is still considered taboo by many who continue to associate it with gang culture, prison life, and various off-putting subcultures. That being said, the negative connotation around tattooing is slowly fading as the idea of the human body as a canvas once again moves into the mainstream. In fact, tattoos have become so common–there are probably fewer celebrities and professional athletes who don’t have a tattoo than do–that for some, they have lost their appeal as marks of real rebellion.

Tattoos may now be much more mainstream, but they should never be something a man rushes into getting. So let’s take a look at just what you should know before you consider going under the needle, and what to expect when you do.

Think Before You Ink

We can skip the “it’ll be there foreeeeever” line that you have probably heard from most everyone you shared your tattoo plans with. You’re a big boy, and you can make this decision for yourself. The worst case scenario is that you will have a permanent reminder to make well informed and wise decisions in the future (in the form of barbed wire around your bicep). My recommendation to you regarding the choice to tattoo is this: If you’re going to get a tattoo, pick out your design, make sure it is original and has personal meaning, and then wait a year. Thank God I didn’t get some of the tattoos I wanted so badly in my late teens and early twenties. Usually, within a few months of having my heart set on a certain design, I was bored with it and had moved on to something else. When I finally found a design that I loved and knew I was comfortable with having on my body the rest of my life, I still sat on it for months before making my appointment to get it done. Remember, tattooing is a timeless art form. If you are in a hurry to get it done, you probably are not in the right frame of mind to get the most out of the experience.

As a more practical note, really consider where on your body the tattoo is going to go. Odds are, no matter how much you think to the contrary, you will want to cover your tattoo up at some point. Maybe it will be the first time you meet the father of the love of your life, or land a big job interview, or something else totally unexpected, but you will almost certainly want to have the option to cover it up. That being said, go ahead and rule out Mike Tyson-esque facial tattoos, and pretty much anything else you can’t cover up with your standard dress shirt and slacks.

Finding the Right Design

First, a thought on the design of your tattoo…BE ORIGINAL. There is nothing worse than unoriginal tattoos. With that in mind, avoid the flip boards full of tattoo ideas at all costs. They are nothing more than a compendium of tattoos that other people already have. The goal of tattooing (at least in modern Western society) is to express yourself. If the best expression of yourself is something you found on a flip board, you might want to do a little more soul searching before going under the needle. Of course, if your tattoo is signifying something important in your life, such as your unit in the military, you’ll likely want to stick to the design the others in your unit have as well.

An excellent example of originality blended with personal history is a tattoo a close friend of mine, Dave Forest, recently had done. Dave, who tragically lost two grandfathers to suicide in his childhood, wanted a tattoo that commemorated both the time he spent and the time he lost with them. After consulting with a local artist, he finalized a design which so clearly symbolizes his time with them cut short:

My own first tattoo had significant personal meaning as well. I knew that I wanted to get a tattoo done in Scotland, to commemorate the year I spent living there in graduate school. So for me, it is not only what the tattoo is, but where I got it that is significant. I designed a tattoo of the word “If” as a reminder of the Rudyard Kipling poem of the same name, in which Kipling invokes the virtue of stoicism and a “stiff upper lip” among men. Kipling’s words in “If” always struck a deep, resonant chord with me, and I wanted a permanent reminder that they were words to live by.

Doing Your Research

First of all, don’t even consider getting a tattoo anywhere except a clean, reputable tattoo shop. Remember, the tattoo you will get in some stranger’s basement will be permanent. So will the Hepatitis C you contract from his dirty equipment. A clean shop should have several sanitary measures in place to ensure a safe procedure. For example, artists should be gloved and needles should be new and taken out of a sealed package right in front of the client. Inks and any other equipment should also be new. All needles should be run through an autoclave, an equipment cleaning machine which utilizes steam and pressure to sterilize equipment. The work area will likely be separated from the shop and should be sanitized after every use.

Finding a good shop is just the beginning, however. Just as important to the quality of your tattoo is finding the right tattoo artist. Not all tattoo artists are alike. Most experienced artists will be capable of tattooing in multiple styles, but they will most likely have a specialization such as photorealistic work, vibrant coloration, or a certain cultural style. Make sure your artist understands exactly what you want and is capable of bringing it to life just like you imagined it.

Next, figure out what this is going to cost you. If you want a quality tattoo, you better be ready to pay for it. Depending on size and level of detail, tattoos can range from a 30 minute sit-down to several multi-hour sessions. Most artists will give you an upfront estimate, though this may need to be adjusted as the work progresses for larger tattoos. Remember that you are essentially hiring an artist to create a unique work of art for you, so be prepared to pay accordingly. A tattoo is not something you should bargain shop for. As the sign in one of my local shops notes, “Good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos aren’t good.” Also, it is customary to tip your artist, with a range of between 10-20% being a good standard depending on your satisfaction with their service.

Finally, find out what is included in the price. Will you be given a tattoo care kit, or will that have to be purchased separately? Most importantly and often overlooked, find out if touch-ups are included in the price. Often as a tattoo heals it will fade slightly, or uneven shading will appear during the healing process. Many shops will include free touch-ups down the road on any work they have done. It’s the tattoo equivalent of a powertrain warranty.

The Tattooing Process – What to Expect

We’ll offer just a brief outline of what to expect here, since the artist should orient you with the process in more detail before you get started.

The tattooing process involves several steps.

First, the artist may put what amounts to a temporary tattoo on you using a stencil made from transfer paper and a thermal printer. This will allow you to confirm the precise location and angle of your design, and will give the artist a basic template to work with. Now, let the tattooing commence.

The first needlework will be the outline, which will be done using a tattoo gun loaded with a liner needle and thin ink. Because a liner needle covers less surface area, this will be the sharpest pain you experience, particularly over sensitive or boney areas. Once the outline is completed, and following a soap and water rinse, the artist will begin to work on shading the tattoo. Depending on the design, the artist will likely use shading needles (multiple needles known as magnum needles) which deliver more ink to a larger surface area on contact. With the shading complete, any necessary color is added by way of shading needles as well.

With the tattoo completely inked, the area will be cleaned with soap and water, patted (not rubbed!) dry and covered with a sterile bandage. You can expect the tattoo to bleed slightly during and immediately after the process, so don’t be alarmed later when you remove the bandage and find a little blood or ink soaked into it. Over the next several days, you should apply a very small amount of antibacterial ointment to the tattoo to ward off infection and keep the area clean. You can expect redness, irritation, and a little swelling, but keep an eye out for more serious signs of infection. If there is any indication of infection, call a doctor without delay. Healing time will vary from person to person, but you should expect to wait about two weeks before exposing it to significant sun, salt water, or other abrasive elements.

Fort Wayne Site of the Day


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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

21 Ways

Just think....

If we were to implement one of these ideas each day for the next 3 weeks, what would our lives be like?

From DLM:

21 Simple Ways to Live an Exceptional Life

Posted: 16 Jun 2011 08:46 AM PDT


Everyone wants to live an exceptional life. The problem arises when it comes time to define what that means to you. If you embrace someone else’s definition of what an exceptional life is, you will end up disappointed sooner or later, because you alone have to determine what you want.

It can be tough to get clear on what you want, and you won’t always be perfectly clear, but the goal isn’t to be clear, the goal is to move forward and explore. If you knew everything, life would get boring fast. There has to be a degree of uncertainty to keep things interesting.

With that said, I thought I’d throw in a few ways on how you can get
  1. Be Kind
    One of the first things you want to do in order to live an exceptional life is to be kind. Being kind is nothing special, yet at the same time it is. It can be smiling at people in your neighborhood, or helping a friend out. Treat people as you would like to be treated.

  2. Learn
    Become a lifelong learner. Study personal development material and incorporate the lessons you learn into your own life.

    If you do this, you will see your life transform in more ways than you can imagine right now, because even one new tweak each and every week will yield powerful results in a few years.

  3. Exercise
    We all have physical bodies, and the better you take care of yours, the better you will feel. When you exercise regularly, not only will you have more energy, but you will also have more clarity and sense of purpose.

    I know that you’ve heard this over and over. However, most people still haven’t applied it and taken action. If you are in this group, you have to ask yourself why!

  4. Face Your Fears
    Everyone has things that they are afraid of. The truth of the matter is that when you face your fears, they melt away.

    What happens is that you realize that your fears are nowhere near as scary as you make them out to be. So face your fears and go after what you truly want, because that is what you deserve.

  5. Release Blocks
    Throughout our lives we’ve picked up strategies and ways of doing things that aren't helpful anymore.

    There are easy and elegant ways to release emotional blocks and negativity in your life. I personally recommend NLP and EFT, but you may want to do some research and discover what fits with you.

  6. Set Goals
    Setting smart goals can be as simple as writing down what you want to accomplish in three months, one year, five years, and ten years.

    Sometimes you won't reach your goals, but they help you move in the right direction. Set goals, and become clear about what you truly want to achieve and accomplish in life, as well as how you want to feel when you’ve got it all.

  7. Dream Big
    Don't be afraid to dream big. If you’ve always visualized being a world renowned writer, then go for it and see what happens.

    It may come to pass, or it may lead you onto another path that may be even more fulfilling than the one you thought you wanted. Life has a way of surprising you from time to time, so plan for it.

  8. Simplify
    There's no need to clutter up your life. When you simplify and get rid of the stuff that you don't need, you will feel more clear and better about yourself.

    You don't have to spend all your money on “stuff,” because what we truly want is to feel good, and the best experiences in life are free anyway.

  9. Meditate
    Meditation literally opens new doors in life and in your mind. At least that is what I have experienced, having meditated for almost a decade.

    Meditation is as simple as focusing your attention on one thing. It could be focusing on your breathing when you're washing the dishes, or just noticing your muscles as you're outside taking a walk.

  10. Be Yourself
    Almost everyone has been taught that being yourself is not enough. But you may also have realized that you cannot not be yourself, because that is what and who you are.

    You are on this blue planet of ours for a reason, and the only way you can do what you were meant to do is by being yourself.

  11. Be Honest
    I don’t know about you, but honesty and integrity are values that are very high up on my list. If you want others to treat you with honesty, then you have to be honest. That means not telling small lies that might make your life easier. Become aware of the fact that there are no harmless lies.

  12. Focus on Your Strengths
    Life is too short to worry about things that you're not good at, and may not even like. If you like something and aren't good at it yet, then go ahead and learn more about it.

    But you don't have to improve your weaknesses, because you can just focus on your strengths and become even more exceptional.

  13. Trust Your Heart
    In the beginning it can be difficult to trust your heart because your mind tends to get in the way. But, once you start following your heart and realize that it guides you in the right direction, your mind will have enough proof to trust that your heart knows what it's doing.

    Besides, when you start trusting your heart, your life becomes much more interesting, and dare I say: exceptional.

  14. Eliminate Excuses
    Life is too short to make excuses and avoid doing what you really want to do.
    There is no such thing as security or comfort. Most people that have security and comfort are bored out of their mind. And when you're bored, it means that you are shutting yourself out from what the world has to offer. So go ahead and face your fears, eliminate your excuses, and go after what you truly desire.

  15. Kill Perfectionism
    Perfectionism has killed many dreams; don't let it kill yours. You’ve probably learned that making mistakes is bad, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

    It isn't until you fail and make mistakes that you begin learning what works and what doesn't. We are all different, so we have to travel our path and discover what we truly want from life.

  16. Explore the Weird
    Don't hold yourself back from exploring the weird parts of life. I know there are things that you enjoy that you are afraid of enjoying fully, because of what others would think of you.

    There are people out there in the world just like you. And you aren't going to feel fulfilled until you embrace the entirety of who you are.

  17. Surround Yourself with Awesome
    When you surround yourself with exceptional people, your life will become exceptional. If you have friends that drain you of energy, it's time to let them go.

    It's time to set boundaries for what you allow into your life, if you want to live a truly awesome and passionate life. It can be done, but the decision always starts with you.

  18. Learn from Negativity
    Often the most negative events in our lives end up teaching us valuable lessons that come in handy down the road. When you are experiencing negativity, it may not feel like it is there for a reason, but it is. This is what experience has shown me to be true, but I may be wrong.

    You’ll just have to go out there and find out for yourself, won’t you?

  19. Enjoy Life
    And above all else, remember to enjoy life and smell the roses. When you walk, remember to breathe deeply and be grateful for what you already have.

    You can always want more, but stop and appreciate what you already have, because if you don’t do it now, when will you?

  20. Find Your Passion
    Personally, I think finding your passion in life is one of the most crucial things you can do, because it gives you a sense of purpose and it makes you feel fulfilled.

    When you find your passion, it will carry you through the tough times and help you create the life of your dreams. But it all starts by asking the question: What makes you come alive?

  21. Follow Your Passion
    Once you've found your passion, it's time to start taking massive action in making it a reality. I started doing this just a few years ago, and I'm amazed at how far I've come in this short period of time.

    You, too, can do this if you truly decide to start right away. It's easy to put things off and wait for the perfect moment, but if you do that, you will be waiting for the rest of your life.
Do you really want to do that, or would you like to start now?

Written on 6/16/2011 by Henri Junttila. Henri writes at Wake Up Cloud, where he shares his personal tips on how you can live the life you know you deserve. When you feel ready to take action, get his free course: Find Your Passion in 5 Days or Less. And if you liked this article, you will enjoy one of his top articles: 77 Great Quotes That Will Change Your Life.Photo Credit: JKDs

Fort Wayne Site of the Day


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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Why Fort Wayne?

Nearly 11 years ago I decided to stay in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

I grew up here, left, came back a couple of times, but it was my wife who reintroduced me to my hometown.

May 14th, we had a Tedx event in Fort Wayne.

My friend Anthony Juliano gave the first Ted Talk of the day:

Fort Wayne Site of the Day

Link
One of the places recommended to me last week. Click on Pic.

Monday, June 20, 2011

You Can Do This

Advice from the DLM Blog:

11 Things You Can Give When You Think You Have Nothing Left To Give

Posted: 12 Jun 2011 09:14 AM PDT


‘Givers are longer livers.’

Did you know that even if your bank account is at zero, that there is so much that you and I as humans can give? So many people delay happiness in their life because they are waiting for something magical to drop into their laps so that they are, in their minds, ready to give.

But don’t hold back. There is a law in action in our universe that defines that as you sow, so shall you reap. Today is your today, and there is so much that you can give.

Put the wallet down for a second and consider your other currencies - your emotion, your time, your heart, and your compassion. Here are just 11 to start you off.
  1. Give A Smile
    Give a smile and give it to every single person that you meet, and you will receive smiles in return.

  2. Give Out Good Thoughts
    Give out good thoughts about others, and even about what you find yourself doing, and you will live a good life, and good thoughts will be thought about you.

  3. Give A Kind Word
    Give a kind word to others and your kindness will be returned with kindness. Mankind was created to be kind.

  4. Give A Cheerful Disposition
    Give a cheerful disposition and your cheerfulness will be cheered and not jeered.

  5. Give Appreciation
    Give appreciation and your life will appreciate (be added to in value), and in turn you will be greatly appreciated.

  6. Give Encouragement
    Give encouragement and you will be imbued with fresh courage to face each day, and be prepared to attract encouragers to you.

  7. Give Honor
    Give honor where honor is due, for this is the honorable thing to do, and be prepared for fresh applause.

  8. Give Happiness
    Give happiness and you will be unable to avoid the happy feeling that accompanies it, and brings happiness to you as well.

  9. Give Of Your Time
    Give of your time to a greater cause than yourself, and it will cause you to be rewarded in ways that you can only start to imagine.

  10. Give Hope
    Give hope and watch hopelessness disappear, faith rise, and joy abound.

  11. Give Prayer
    Give prayer for your friends and for those who may be perceived as enemies. There is so much anger in the air in our world, and these prayers will go a long way to bringing the miraculous into play amidst the madness.
Give, give, give and live, live, live.

Can you add more to this list?

Motivational Memo: They who give, really live.

Written on 6/12/2011 by Peter G. James Sinclair . Peter is in the 'heart to heart' resuscitation business and inspires, motivates and equips others to be all that they’ve been created to become. Receive your free inhalation of 'motivational' life by subscribing to his Motivational Memo Blog today!Photo Credit: Wonderlane

Fort Wayne Site of the Day


2nd to last week of Media Monday... Click on Pic

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Life on the Plains


A couple years ago, my wife and I took a trip to Maine to attend my son's graduation from the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor.

She had never been east and was awestruck as we drove up and down mountains.

In contrast, sometimes I find driving in the midwest boring.

Often flat, long stretches of road.

Sort of like life at times.

But if you need a roller coaster ride style of life, there will be times when you might get a bit bored.

And that is okay.

Boredom is a time to take a time out.

A time to chill.

A time to appreciate the wonder that surrounds us.

Reflect on where we are going, where we've been and where we are.

As much as I appreciate the exciting times in life, I also cherish the quiet times.

How about you?

Fort Wayne Site of the Day


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