Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Wrong Place Wrong Time
Now, the holes in Michael Vick's story about his birthday party last weekend begin to surface. Whether they are real "holes" or not, remains to be seen BUT it is obvious this man STILL hasn't learned. Why would you put yourself in a position to be in public at a party with hundreds of people you do or do not know? I noticed they charged $50 a ticket to get in to the party. What they didn't do is screen every guest so anyone, with the money, could get in. And that means "anyone"! What were Michael and his "advisors" thinking? This has nothing to do with his involvement in the situation there or not. It is more to do with thinking through everything he is doing. His livelihood is at stake here. I'm sure if it were you or I, we may be thinking twice (or three times) about putting our jobs in jeopardy. There is no second chance for this man and I have a feeling this thing is about to blow up - justifiably or not. We can only hope that this is a close call for the man and he learns that this whole "party" thing is not a good idea.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Spend the Time Before Its Too Late
Last week I had the pleasure of being in Nashville (what else is new these days for me?)for the CMT Music Awards and CMA Music Fest. We were involved in live broadcasts for both,BUT - that wasn't the main reason I was there. I was getting some "Daddy-Daughter" time with my grown daughter. As I booked my trip, I decided to get her into Nashville at the same time. She'd never been there so this would be a great experience for her with all the events of the week. On top of all that, we hadn't had Daddy-daughter "alone time" in about 20-25 years. It was long overdue.
What a week we had!!! We were both totally comfortable doing this and just enjoyed the week. Lots of great memories packed into a little over 3 days. The one main thing that came to mind when it was over was let's do this again so we plan to do it - same time, same place, next year.
What I learned from the week is that I shouldn't have waited this long to do this. 25 years? I am darn lucky we're both still here after that long to enjoy each other's company. I know, now, that this same "daddy-daughter" time needs to be taken with my 11-year old, too. And not in 25 years!!!!
My advice to you if you're a parent...or, heck, even if you are a child? Make the time for your parent(s)or child (children). Make the time to spend with them privately. Enjoy their company and savor every moment. I'm sure glad I got to do that before it was too late!
What a week we had!!! We were both totally comfortable doing this and just enjoyed the week. Lots of great memories packed into a little over 3 days. The one main thing that came to mind when it was over was let's do this again so we plan to do it - same time, same place, next year.
What I learned from the week is that I shouldn't have waited this long to do this. 25 years? I am darn lucky we're both still here after that long to enjoy each other's company. I know, now, that this same "daddy-daughter" time needs to be taken with my 11-year old, too. And not in 25 years!!!!
My advice to you if you're a parent...or, heck, even if you are a child? Make the time for your parent(s)or child (children). Make the time to spend with them privately. Enjoy their company and savor every moment. I'm sure glad I got to do that before it was too late!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
The Power of the Human Spirit
I've spent the past couple of days in Nashville on business and, while here, of course, I had a chance to take a look at some of the damage from the floods of two weeks ago. There were some very sad sights - one which, particularly, struck me was seeing the side of a brick home blown out by flood waters. It looked as if it had exploded. What I also noticed were people helping each other. Neighbors helping one person with his collapsed garage. A group of folks assisting another couple with moving out some furniture.
The common theme with all of this was the fact that all of these folks were moving forward; doing what they could to make things better. You can feel it in the city from the mayor on down. Driving through most of the town, one would never know that that alot of it was under water two weeks ago. Shows you what can happen when all differences are put aside for one common good. Skin color didn't matter; religious or political persuasion was totally insignificant. No one complained about being ignored. The community has just banded together to get it done and they are.
I've seen this before right here in Suffolk two years ago and when Hurricane Isabel hit almost 7 years ago. It's the power of the human spirit.
The common theme with all of this was the fact that all of these folks were moving forward; doing what they could to make things better. You can feel it in the city from the mayor on down. Driving through most of the town, one would never know that that alot of it was under water two weeks ago. Shows you what can happen when all differences are put aside for one common good. Skin color didn't matter; religious or political persuasion was totally insignificant. No one complained about being ignored. The community has just banded together to get it done and they are.
I've seen this before right here in Suffolk two years ago and when Hurricane Isabel hit almost 7 years ago. It's the power of the human spirit.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Just a Very NIce Observation
In my position and business, I get to experience some things that some don't get to experience in a life time. This past weekend, I was privileged to, not only be in the audience for the Martina McBride/Trace Adkins concert, but I was also, with my wife and a couple of others, given the added privilege of sitting in the sound board area to watch the show. That turned out to be a memorable experience but NOT for the reason you might think. You see, Martina McBride's husband, John, is her sound engineer. He controls the sound board for her part of the show. He is one of the best in the business being the man behind the legenday Blackbird Studios in Nashville.
Trace Adkins rocked as he normally does and then the show took a bit of a turn, obviously, with Martina with lots of love songs, ballads, etc. There was one point in the show when Martina made her to the back of the arena to a small circular stage right by, you guessed it, the sound board. Again, the memory is not what you might think. As Martina sang several of her exceptional love songs, I couldn't help but notice John running the controls and turning back looking at Martina with a loving smile. He did this over and over again and that's when it occured to me that this is the same show she has been doing since the beginning of the year, week in and week out, yet there was John looking at her proudly and lovingly on what was the 10th or 11th week of the show plus probably the 10th or 11th YEAR he's been doing this with her. That my friends is total, true love. He sees the same thing over and over again from his wife yet still shows the real feeling he has for her. It was a fabulous show and that was the icing on the cake. Take the time to notice those everyday things that you have always loved about your loved ones. I'll bet you'll be smiling proudly and lovingly.
Trace Adkins rocked as he normally does and then the show took a bit of a turn, obviously, with Martina with lots of love songs, ballads, etc. There was one point in the show when Martina made her to the back of the arena to a small circular stage right by, you guessed it, the sound board. Again, the memory is not what you might think. As Martina sang several of her exceptional love songs, I couldn't help but notice John running the controls and turning back looking at Martina with a loving smile. He did this over and over again and that's when it occured to me that this is the same show she has been doing since the beginning of the year, week in and week out, yet there was John looking at her proudly and lovingly on what was the 10th or 11th week of the show plus probably the 10th or 11th YEAR he's been doing this with her. That my friends is total, true love. He sees the same thing over and over again from his wife yet still shows the real feeling he has for her. It was a fabulous show and that was the icing on the cake. Take the time to notice those everyday things that you have always loved about your loved ones. I'll bet you'll be smiling proudly and lovingly.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Nothing Like Being There In Person
In case you haven't figured it out, I'm a huge sports fan. Love watching them all, especially live and in person. And nothing, and I mean NOTHING, compares to being at a live, professional baseball game. Here, we are fortunate to have a Minor League Triple-A team, the Norfolk Tides (Baltimore Orioles affiliate). Got to my first game this season recently and walking into a ballpark conjures up all kinds of memories. You've got the smell of freshly cooked hot dogs and french fries; two big rosters of players warming up for the game; LOTS of souvenirs. PLUS - no hot dog tastes better than one that is served and eaten at a ballpark. It's totally psychological but it's the best!
Every time I walk into a minor or major league ballpark, I'm reminded of the first time I ever walked into one - in my case, the old Connie Mack Stadium in Phildelphia. What a feeling seeing all of that - the fans, the players in the white and bright red Phillies' uniforms and, of course, the chance to pick out the stars from each team and just stare in awe. Plus, you know what?....every game I've attended, I can tell you, I was into the game, the atmosphere and the experience. Any job issues, family "things" or personal problems all were forgotten for that time period. Spring and baseball - what a combination! Enjoy it when you can.
Every time I walk into a minor or major league ballpark, I'm reminded of the first time I ever walked into one - in my case, the old Connie Mack Stadium in Phildelphia. What a feeling seeing all of that - the fans, the players in the white and bright red Phillies' uniforms and, of course, the chance to pick out the stars from each team and just stare in awe. Plus, you know what?....every game I've attended, I can tell you, I was into the game, the atmosphere and the experience. Any job issues, family "things" or personal problems all were forgotten for that time period. Spring and baseball - what a combination! Enjoy it when you can.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Find Out Who Your Friends Are
Listen to the words of Tracy Lawrence's song "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" (with Tim and Kenny). If that doesn't hit home for you at some point in your life, nothing will.
If there haven't already been, you can be guaranteed there will be times when things aren't going as well for you as they may be now. It may be your job, your marriage, your kids, whatever. Something in your life will present some serious challenges for you. It is times like these(those)that you really find out who your friends are. Don't accept the "It's Just Business" excuse ever. If they are a friend, they are a friend in business, too. There are too many fair-weathered friends out there with whom to waste your time. You find out who those folks are during the trying times. Believe me, I have whittled down my share of "friends" through this process. The "It's just business" folks are no longer in any address book of mine. I want friends I can count on no matter what and vice versa.
Remember the ones who were absent when the chips were down and, especially, remember those who were there with you when those chips were all but gone. I salute my true friends and am thankful for each of you each day of my life. I know now who they are, for sure!
If there haven't already been, you can be guaranteed there will be times when things aren't going as well for you as they may be now. It may be your job, your marriage, your kids, whatever. Something in your life will present some serious challenges for you. It is times like these(those)that you really find out who your friends are. Don't accept the "It's Just Business" excuse ever. If they are a friend, they are a friend in business, too. There are too many fair-weathered friends out there with whom to waste your time. You find out who those folks are during the trying times. Believe me, I have whittled down my share of "friends" through this process. The "It's just business" folks are no longer in any address book of mine. I want friends I can count on no matter what and vice versa.
Remember the ones who were absent when the chips were down and, especially, remember those who were there with you when those chips were all but gone. I salute my true friends and am thankful for each of you each day of my life. I know now who they are, for sure!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
It's Been A While So Some Random Observations
It's been a while since I graced you with one of my blogs so I thought I would just throw out some random observations over the past few weeks:
1) I'm trying to understand why the U.S. Census Bureau sends out a warning to you that they will be mailing your Census form to fill out. I was trying to imagine how much that set us (the taxpayers) back, financially. PLUS, they also send press releases every week to us to make sure we also remind you. I would think that the releases are a bit cheaper than the mailed reminders, don't you? And why wouldn't they suffice?
2) Interesting what's happening with the Norfolk Public Schools and the alleged cheating with the SOL's. Makes me wonder how many other school systems in this country may be doing the same thing with these standardized tests. Do you think maybe it would be better to actually TEACH the kids? Seemed to work okay for past generations.
3) Is it me or is the American Idol TV show a shell of what it used to be? The talent doesn't appear to be as well-rounded and the judges have overtaken the show. I think Ellen DeGeneres is a refreshing addition in one sense but what makes her an expert on music? Last I checked she hasn't written, sung or produced any hit music. Imagine what it will be like without Simon.
4) Finally, in the past 6 months, I have been travelling alot - particularly to Nashville and back. I'm part of a neat, little monthly industry gathering which has been very rewarding BUT what I have realized with all of these trips is how much I really appreciate my family. I really miss the nights I do spend at home with my wife and 11-year old. Those are alot more rewarding than what I'm doing here, although this has been an excellent learning experience. I had the opportunity to spend 3 days, earlier this week, with the little one for her Spring break. What a joy that was to just "hang" with her. Out for lunch....doing a little "sightseeing" or getting my clock cleaned in Wii Sports Resort, it will be a lasting memory! I have a grown daughter, too, and I wish I had spent that time with her when she was growing up but I had been more concerned with being upwardly mobile in my job- more like obsessed. She never complained but I know it had to bother her. Now,I think very differently. Priorities have changed. If you haven't had the same talk with yourself, you should. Very enlightening.
1) I'm trying to understand why the U.S. Census Bureau sends out a warning to you that they will be mailing your Census form to fill out. I was trying to imagine how much that set us (the taxpayers) back, financially. PLUS, they also send press releases every week to us to make sure we also remind you. I would think that the releases are a bit cheaper than the mailed reminders, don't you? And why wouldn't they suffice?
2) Interesting what's happening with the Norfolk Public Schools and the alleged cheating with the SOL's. Makes me wonder how many other school systems in this country may be doing the same thing with these standardized tests. Do you think maybe it would be better to actually TEACH the kids? Seemed to work okay for past generations.
3) Is it me or is the American Idol TV show a shell of what it used to be? The talent doesn't appear to be as well-rounded and the judges have overtaken the show. I think Ellen DeGeneres is a refreshing addition in one sense but what makes her an expert on music? Last I checked she hasn't written, sung or produced any hit music. Imagine what it will be like without Simon.
4) Finally, in the past 6 months, I have been travelling alot - particularly to Nashville and back. I'm part of a neat, little monthly industry gathering which has been very rewarding BUT what I have realized with all of these trips is how much I really appreciate my family. I really miss the nights I do spend at home with my wife and 11-year old. Those are alot more rewarding than what I'm doing here, although this has been an excellent learning experience. I had the opportunity to spend 3 days, earlier this week, with the little one for her Spring break. What a joy that was to just "hang" with her. Out for lunch....doing a little "sightseeing" or getting my clock cleaned in Wii Sports Resort, it will be a lasting memory! I have a grown daughter, too, and I wish I had spent that time with her when she was growing up but I had been more concerned with being upwardly mobile in my job- more like obsessed. She never complained but I know it had to bother her. Now,I think very differently. Priorities have changed. If you haven't had the same talk with yourself, you should. Very enlightening.
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