I've been nervous.
Anxious.
Like a lot.
For the past 6 months.
Apparently so has my co worker at work. 'Cause he just quit this week.
Gray cloud? I now have to work for 2.
Silver lining? I aint gettin' fired anytime soon.
*starts whistling "Put on a happy face"*
I'll miss ya Johnny!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Generalissimo.....
While toting around in my vehicle yesterday, pondering the possible end of an illustrious career at my current company, I happened upon Bloomberg radio. As I listened, sipping at a Irish Cream laden 7-11 Coffee (still the best coffee around- forget that Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts silliness) they hosts of the radio show began discussing some doom and gloom. What hit me below the belt was this little tidbit:"5 of the Dow Industrials are selling below $10."
Just so you know, when a stock hits 10 bucks, this has traditionally been a cost line that would not be crossed by large investors. Sure it's not a penny stock, but the ten dollar mark is a huge hurdle for smaller companies to cross, and it sure as hell is an awful place to be for large companies.
The Dow Industrials only has 30 companies- so 5 of them under 10 is a bit startling. Not remarkable, considering some of the participants are GM, Bank of America, and Citi. Alcoa is a bit of a surprise.
But GE?
GE?????
To quote the greatest character of any show of all time, Gob Bluth "CMON!"
Now honestly, none of this should be surprising, since Warren Buffet threw 3 Billion dollars towards the company a few months ago. The company is not really insulated from any of the damage being thrown around Wall Street. They are a well managed company, and are the number one provider of consumer services in the world. As GE goes, so the United States goes.
And oh yeah, they are the parent company of NBS. Makers of 30 Rock.
I guess what I am trying to say is-- everyone invest in GE now. It's the American thing to do. And dammit I don't think I could take it if I lost 30 Rock like I lost Arrested Development.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Looking ahead
As I sat this morning on my living room couch, with the sounds of Mario Kart dancing through my head, I decided to update some of my business and social networking profiles. After my linkedin facebooking and twittering were complete, I saw a link on "Top five recession proof jobs" on the sidebar. Naturally a curious person, I decide to click on it, to see maybe which basket I should put my eggs in, before they crack.
Lo and behold, right there as the second choice, was listed "pharmaceutical sales representative." The theory being that the positions are servicing the healthcare field, and people are going to continue to get sick.
Naturally, if the "reporter" of this information had done some sort of homework- say- interview someone that works in the field *cough cough* they would understand the landscape a little better. That the "industry" is downsizing on all fronts. Perhaps some biotechs are growing- and good for them btw!- but the "big pharma" industry has been bloated- and has been overfed by the government for the past 8 years.
Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised at the lack of research that was provided in the article. Maybe I am just looking at the wrong companies. But I am of the feeling that there is a information overload going on right now.
What is going to be important over the coming years is prognostication- an ability to anticipate. Not just what is "good" or acceptable- but what is great. Community- in every sense of the word- I would imagine is going to come to the forefront, as people look to each other in times of need. As much as forecasters are saying that the country will respond differently than the Great Depression due to a lack of drive economically by agriculture- the patterns that I know of (deflation followed by severe inflation) seem to be following suit as per the 1930's.
That being said, I am going to read up on some of the books that document economic and social behavior of the recessions and depressions. The gravy train has come to a stop, but that doesn't mean that nothing else is leaving the station.
Lo and behold, right there as the second choice, was listed "pharmaceutical sales representative." The theory being that the positions are servicing the healthcare field, and people are going to continue to get sick.
Naturally, if the "reporter" of this information had done some sort of homework- say- interview someone that works in the field *cough cough* they would understand the landscape a little better. That the "industry" is downsizing on all fronts. Perhaps some biotechs are growing- and good for them btw!- but the "big pharma" industry has been bloated- and has been overfed by the government for the past 8 years.
Perhaps I shouldn't be surprised at the lack of research that was provided in the article. Maybe I am just looking at the wrong companies. But I am of the feeling that there is a information overload going on right now.
What is going to be important over the coming years is prognostication- an ability to anticipate. Not just what is "good" or acceptable- but what is great. Community- in every sense of the word- I would imagine is going to come to the forefront, as people look to each other in times of need. As much as forecasters are saying that the country will respond differently than the Great Depression due to a lack of drive economically by agriculture- the patterns that I know of (deflation followed by severe inflation) seem to be following suit as per the 1930's.
That being said, I am going to read up on some of the books that document economic and social behavior of the recessions and depressions. The gravy train has come to a stop, but that doesn't mean that nothing else is leaving the station.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Keeping me up at night....
So this whole economic mess has me thinking.......
A few years back- probably about 5 ish, since I don't remember the boy being around as much- I got myself hooked onto the series of books that Robert Kiyosaki authored, aptly named "Rich Dad Poor Dad." Now, there has been all sorts of conjecture involving the actual authenticity of the two title characters, but that is not really the purpose of this post. The series revolves around the concepts of "working for a living" versus "having money work for you". I feel the books are appealing (I believe we are talking 23 million copies, when all is said and done for the entire series) mostly due to their simple, easy to digest messaging- which obviously is not the key to getting rich. This does not mean, however, that you can't get a morsel or two out of his work. One of the books that I got a few morsels from is called "Rich Dad Prophecy."
The book does not waste time illustrating a Nostradamus like ability to predict the future, but instead expounds around the following theme:
The government forces retirees to withdraw their money to a certain degree once they reach a certain age (1974- ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). About 2012, barring a change to the law, the baby boomers will all be forced to start withdrawing their money from their 401K's. Which amounts to, in roundabout numbers, about 1000 per month per retiree, and about 20 million people hit over the 3-5 years, amounts to about $20,00,000,000 we are yanking out of the market. A month.
So what this means is that, well, if the economy doesn't turn around anytime soon, all these retirees are going to get their money, and most likely keep it out of the market. With retirement savings most likely dropped a bit over the past year or so- hopefully people that are retiring by 2012 have their money invested less in riskier instruments, such and stocks, and are in more safer investments- I can't imagine that these people will be doing anything but holding onto their cash.
This is just another reason why I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the premise that many seem to embrace- that "well, the market is doing bad, but we should be out of it in a year.....tops". Depressions are not short lived - the last one stuck around from 1930 to... 1939- some say a bit longer. If we are assuming that this all started in 2005.... isn't 2010 a bit premature to say that we are out of the woods?
I am pondering how to make money over the next few years, outside of hard work. I am having a hard time thinking that things are going to get better anytime soon, and I have to have an investment plan that revolves around that thinking. I could go the "safe" diversify route- but even they are barely keeping their noses above water. I was lucky enough to pull out my 401K before the market completely tanked, and move it all into money market funds. But with this possibly looming on the horizon- the only place to put money, IMHO, is into a business that I know will make money for me personally. Thus the gut wrenching dilemma of discovering... what the hell am I good enough at so as to grow my money in, over time?
A few years back- probably about 5 ish, since I don't remember the boy being around as much- I got myself hooked onto the series of books that Robert Kiyosaki authored, aptly named "Rich Dad Poor Dad." Now, there has been all sorts of conjecture involving the actual authenticity of the two title characters, but that is not really the purpose of this post. The series revolves around the concepts of "working for a living" versus "having money work for you". I feel the books are appealing (I believe we are talking 23 million copies, when all is said and done for the entire series) mostly due to their simple, easy to digest messaging- which obviously is not the key to getting rich. This does not mean, however, that you can't get a morsel or two out of his work. One of the books that I got a few morsels from is called "Rich Dad Prophecy."
The book does not waste time illustrating a Nostradamus like ability to predict the future, but instead expounds around the following theme:
The government forces retirees to withdraw their money to a certain degree once they reach a certain age (1974- ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act). About 2012, barring a change to the law, the baby boomers will all be forced to start withdrawing their money from their 401K's. Which amounts to, in roundabout numbers, about 1000 per month per retiree, and about 20 million people hit over the 3-5 years, amounts to about $20,00,000,000 we are yanking out of the market. A month.
So what this means is that, well, if the economy doesn't turn around anytime soon, all these retirees are going to get their money, and most likely keep it out of the market. With retirement savings most likely dropped a bit over the past year or so- hopefully people that are retiring by 2012 have their money invested less in riskier instruments, such and stocks, and are in more safer investments- I can't imagine that these people will be doing anything but holding onto their cash.
This is just another reason why I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the premise that many seem to embrace- that "well, the market is doing bad, but we should be out of it in a year.....tops". Depressions are not short lived - the last one stuck around from 1930 to... 1939- some say a bit longer. If we are assuming that this all started in 2005.... isn't 2010 a bit premature to say that we are out of the woods?
I am pondering how to make money over the next few years, outside of hard work. I am having a hard time thinking that things are going to get better anytime soon, and I have to have an investment plan that revolves around that thinking. I could go the "safe" diversify route- but even they are barely keeping their noses above water. I was lucky enough to pull out my 401K before the market completely tanked, and move it all into money market funds. But with this possibly looming on the horizon- the only place to put money, IMHO, is into a business that I know will make money for me personally. Thus the gut wrenching dilemma of discovering... what the hell am I good enough at so as to grow my money in, over time?
Saturday, February 7, 2009
So yeah...... how bout dem jobs?
Alright, first off- much apologies for not actually writing anything for a month. Or two. Mostly three. I feel however, it would be fair to say that I've been quite busy since November. Work has been quite the bear, and I would not be able to look myself in the mirror and honestly say I have been doing my job proper justice if I had been spending much time blogging.
So yeah- things are a bit scary out there employment wise. For all of you under the impression that a job in the pharmaceutical industry has the equivalent job security as, what say, "the health industry", you may want to rethink that position. I am fortunate to have products that are Cardiac related, so I am not hit hard as those that sell in the "recreational" area- and by that, I mean- stuff that isn't keeping you alive. For example: Sleep medications, anti depressants, anti biotics (outside of, you know, hospitalization type infections), etc. I don't mean the hard stuff!
Nonetheless, the industry is downsizing at about a 30-40% clip. Pfizer announced a merger with Wyeth, just after laying off 4K people (company wide) and further announced another 19K reduction in the next year. And Pfizer sells some big money drugs- I am sure you have heard of Lipitor, have you not?
That being said, since people are having less jobs, people are having less insurance to pay for pesky things like prescriptions, and the companies are projecting a swift kick in the nads to their bottom lines.
What is worst of all is that I have to actually buy my own pens and paper now. THE HORROR
OK, that last part was just an inside joke. But this whole economy/job thing is sort of staggering.
While listening/reading the news as of late, most are easily projecting a double digit unemployment rate. I first looked at things in the light of "Well, that's only a few percentage points away at this point- it's not much of a change. We are already at 7%." Then, I realized, that if we go to 10.5% what say, that we still have an extra 50% to add to the numbers that are already out there. And that's just a low level of "double digits"
I f*ckin' hate math! It has an awful way of sneaking up on you.
What's nice is this........ A few months ago- I predicted $8 gasoline. And then- quite in line with all my other attempts at predicting how markets will go- gasoline dropped to about $1.85 locally. So I am hoping that the job market follows suit.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Greatest Quote Ever
As I was reading the human behavior book "Predictably Irrational", the author Dan Ariely discusses the overlap of social norms, and monetary norms. In particular, he mentions the deadly consequences of mixing the two. For example, if after a spectacular Thanksgiving Dinner you whipped out $400 to give to your mother in law for the great meal, more likely than not you would never be invited back to any future family events.
What was then brought up was the pain of the first, second, and third date, and how the man (usually) has to lay out the cash for everything under the sun. And for what? Which leads to, IMHO, the most greatest quote of all time.
"The most expensive sex is free sex"
Just sayin'.
What was then brought up was the pain of the first, second, and third date, and how the man (usually) has to lay out the cash for everything under the sun. And for what? Which leads to, IMHO, the most greatest quote of all time.
"The most expensive sex is free sex"
Just sayin'.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Shennanigans
Alright- I've been continually remiss in posting. My bad. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, I can 'splain. So just to whet the appetite, some miscellany:
1. Got a new blackberry. As in- today. It's sorta exciting. Except now I realize that I got this thing to help me with work. So now I'll be more efficient. Which means, probably, more work. Blech
2. Shennanigans! Politicians are all pretty much a joke. I have never been more disinterested in politics than I have been lately. In the past few days, I have heard several different "plans" being proposed, all of which involve giving at least 700 HUNDRED BILLION. That looks like that on the screen
700,000,000,000
Which is a million millions. Or..... seven million millions. Something like that. And the money is supposed to go to the people who were supposed to control the money so it didn't get wasted.
Not so coincidentally, many of my old friends/colleagues have been commenting that they may be returning to ye olde homestead (Long Island) because it's become a little too unaffordable to live away- or they are trying to nest up to save for a new house.
3. Wil Wheton is awesome. I say this mostly because I may have wished to God, Satan, and possibly Cthuhlu for his death. Please understand, this was mostly during my 13th year of life, when my girlfriend threw much undue attention his way. I think she broke up with me because of my unbridled madness. Or maybe it was my brillo hair. I prefer to blame Wil, because, hell, he's awesome, was in Stand by Me, and is playing the geek card to the Nth degree, much to the satisfaction of his wallet and his inner geek. Now I hate him for reasons beyond his dimples and his portrayal of teenage angst. Go see him at http://www.wilwheaton.typepad.com/
4. This past monday, my friend Jeff and I were laboring over our hatred of our friend Joe. Then we realized we probably will not have much of a chance to see him- what with him being in St. Louis and all. I then commented that, well, maybe at family funerals I will see him, since he is my wife's cousin. Lo and behold, a half an hour later, my wife texts me with the sad news that her grandfather passed away.
You all are thinking what I am thinking, yes?
Wait for it..... Wait..... Hold...........................HOLD. PULL!
My subconscious somehow killed my wife's grandfather, just so I could see Joe again.
Unfortunately (on many levels- what with Joe's grandfather dying in this scenario) Joe was not able to make it this past week. So now our level of hatred of Joe is rising... cause, quite frankly, WHAT WILL I DO NEXT TO GET HIS ATTENTION?
Just kidding. RIP Grandpa. You had 95 years on this earth, which is more than most, and you are much honored and remembered.
5. My house stinks like dog and BO. I'm not sure how or why, because the place was smelling Spring Fresh for the party this past weekend. My birthday BTW. Hope you all are feeling sorry for not sending me a gift.
That's about it for now. I am nowhere near as industrious as my fellow bloggers, and I hope they forgive me.
1. Got a new blackberry. As in- today. It's sorta exciting. Except now I realize that I got this thing to help me with work. So now I'll be more efficient. Which means, probably, more work. Blech
2. Shennanigans! Politicians are all pretty much a joke. I have never been more disinterested in politics than I have been lately. In the past few days, I have heard several different "plans" being proposed, all of which involve giving at least 700 HUNDRED BILLION. That looks like that on the screen
700,000,000,000
Which is a million millions. Or..... seven million millions. Something like that. And the money is supposed to go to the people who were supposed to control the money so it didn't get wasted.
Not so coincidentally, many of my old friends/colleagues have been commenting that they may be returning to ye olde homestead (Long Island) because it's become a little too unaffordable to live away- or they are trying to nest up to save for a new house.
3. Wil Wheton is awesome. I say this mostly because I may have wished to God, Satan, and possibly Cthuhlu for his death. Please understand, this was mostly during my 13th year of life, when my girlfriend threw much undue attention his way. I think she broke up with me because of my unbridled madness. Or maybe it was my brillo hair. I prefer to blame Wil, because, hell, he's awesome, was in Stand by Me, and is playing the geek card to the Nth degree, much to the satisfaction of his wallet and his inner geek. Now I hate him for reasons beyond his dimples and his portrayal of teenage angst. Go see him at http://www.wilwheaton.typepad.com/
4. This past monday, my friend Jeff and I were laboring over our hatred of our friend Joe. Then we realized we probably will not have much of a chance to see him- what with him being in St. Louis and all. I then commented that, well, maybe at family funerals I will see him, since he is my wife's cousin. Lo and behold, a half an hour later, my wife texts me with the sad news that her grandfather passed away.
You all are thinking what I am thinking, yes?
Wait for it..... Wait..... Hold...........................HOLD. PULL!
My subconscious somehow killed my wife's grandfather, just so I could see Joe again.
Unfortunately (on many levels- what with Joe's grandfather dying in this scenario) Joe was not able to make it this past week. So now our level of hatred of Joe is rising... cause, quite frankly, WHAT WILL I DO NEXT TO GET HIS ATTENTION?
Just kidding. RIP Grandpa. You had 95 years on this earth, which is more than most, and you are much honored and remembered.
5. My house stinks like dog and BO. I'm not sure how or why, because the place was smelling Spring Fresh for the party this past weekend. My birthday BTW. Hope you all are feeling sorry for not sending me a gift.
That's about it for now. I am nowhere near as industrious as my fellow bloggers, and I hope they forgive me.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Professor chimes in- the new semester begins
Well, it's been four months since I've last written to my demanding public. What's worse is that my last postings' displayed a Reubenesque lounger, and quite frankly, the world needs less ugly in it. Let me be the first to say "my bad."
So here's what you've been missing from this side of the thing.
1. I lost 20 lbs. My secret method involved eating less, and exercising more. You can accomplish the same in far less time, but it will require a hacksaw, and the removal of your least favorite leg at or about the knee.
2. My wife and child remain wonderful, beautiful, and the loves of my life. My mutt? Eh, give or take. Right now he is sleeping peacefully, curled on his doggie bed- he is allowed his reprieve.
3. The writing has been in their doldrums. Summer- what with the outside being so shiny, with all it's fresh air and slick water filled pools- has kept me away from the keyboard. Also- there have been some rumblings within my industry that things might get a little shaky. So I've been.... battening down the hatches, as it were. This has, honestly, been taking up a lot of my free time
4. I've been sort of ruminating on what to write. Will it be the Irish fantasy anti hero novel? The fast paced, flashy vampire short story? The bizarre reincarnation story? How about writing...... like, a page for each, once a week?
I suck!
Some Miscellany:
Tonight, I enjoy a early Thursday Night Football Game, involving my Beloved... ahem.... SUPER BOWL CHAMPION......New York Giants. Jacobs and Buress seem to be all the offense the Giants need to win.
Halftime is over. More to come- I believe I will be talking about "growing up geek", or something like that.
So here's what you've been missing from this side of the thing.
1. I lost 20 lbs. My secret method involved eating less, and exercising more. You can accomplish the same in far less time, but it will require a hacksaw, and the removal of your least favorite leg at or about the knee.
2. My wife and child remain wonderful, beautiful, and the loves of my life. My mutt? Eh, give or take. Right now he is sleeping peacefully, curled on his doggie bed- he is allowed his reprieve.
3. The writing has been in their doldrums. Summer- what with the outside being so shiny, with all it's fresh air and slick water filled pools- has kept me away from the keyboard. Also- there have been some rumblings within my industry that things might get a little shaky. So I've been.... battening down the hatches, as it were. This has, honestly, been taking up a lot of my free time
4. I've been sort of ruminating on what to write. Will it be the Irish fantasy anti hero novel? The fast paced, flashy vampire short story? The bizarre reincarnation story? How about writing...... like, a page for each, once a week?
I suck!
Some Miscellany:
Tonight, I enjoy a early Thursday Night Football Game, involving my Beloved... ahem.... SUPER BOWL CHAMPION......New York Giants. Jacobs and Buress seem to be all the offense the Giants need to win.
Halftime is over. More to come- I believe I will be talking about "growing up geek", or something like that.
Monday, May 26, 2008
"Benefits Supervisor Sleeping", Lucien Freud. 33.6 Million. Grandson of Sigmund, I believe.
Couldn't have someone used that sheet there in the background to cover her up? I mean, she's probably freezing!
Apparently the painting is immense, which goes without saying. So maybe they were just charging for material costs.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
The best things in life are free
8 dollars for a gallon of gas within the next 18 months. You heard it here first! And I'm not just talking diesel here.
Personally, I think it's far more important to learn how to make $100 as compared to save $100, but....I think in the upcoming trying times, we can learn to focus on value.
Benjamin Franklin was a smart American, and I believe a rather well respected fellah all around. He invented all sorts of things with Electricity, Waves, firefighting. He got all involved with diplomacy, writing some important country founding documents- but most importantly, he was quite the playa with the ladies. European ladies even. I do wonder sometimes how he found time to do all these things, but then I read that he lived until he was about 84. I'm sure he was somehow hooked up to a bifocally powered Iron Lung or Hyperbaric chamber to get there. Suffice to say, now that I know I have another 50 years, I'm gonna start on catch up.
Maybe the greatest boon from Franklin's brainworks to our society would be....drumroll please.....the lending library. He assembled some rather wealthy printers to create, and thusly lend, books. Books were rather expensive those days. Terms like "two pence threepence full" apparently were todays equivalent of the GDP of Canada.* I can only assume that since people did not have books, that they all carried those adorable hand held chalkboard tablets that the schoolkids had in "Little House on the Prairie." Still not sure how they all learned to read. But I digress.
Considering the explosion of HD and Plasma TV's, I am under the impression that the following image is somewhat foreign to most folk:
** (these asterisks should be next to the picture of the card- I'll fix it if/when I can)
Technically, the library is not "free" since our taxes go to its support, but I think you all catch the drift. I understand the comfortable temptation of having our stories compacted into half hour or hour bites. But honestly, when was the last time that you learned something from TV? Unless you religiously watch HGTV*** or the History/Discovery channel- we're seriously dumbing ourselves down. I'm not saying we need to cut it out, but maybe... in half? Is that so much?
Think of the money you can save just by doing some research and planning through reading. I know that Google and the interwebz covers a great deal of information, but it doesn't cover everything. You can get books, DVD's, even comic books (graphic novels, mindya) through the library. Buying a new book isn't idiotic- but is there a story that is so good that you can't wait a month or two for it to come out for free in the library? Many good ideas for business are sold through a book (with other "products" being upsold after completion of the book.) You can save yourself that initial outlay by just waiting a bit, wading through any information for free once the book/movie is in the library, and then buy the item if you really like it.
I know this sounds cheap/frugal- and I have a hard time arguing. If you are clearing 200-250K a year or more, than this advice is maybe a little too penny pinching. But even saving simply 30 bucks a month, or 360 a year- just by simply waiting a few extra days/weeks to satisfy yourself- can really mean something.
Like, give or take, about 45 gallons of gas for your car
* Ten dollars. Which was a lot back then, since there was no ice hockey or Molson "in the day"
** I used to drink milkshakes from Hershey- a "Cookies & Cream" in a bottle, that had 460 calories per serving- with two servings in the bottle. So if you could polish off 4 bottles- that would ensure that you would be one pound heavier the following day. I assume that they stopped producing these after "regulars" couldn't pinch our fat globby together to grasp dollar bills- nevermind fitting our hands into our pockets anymore
*** I just added HGTV since my wife watches the channel all the time. I know no one else watches it. (I kid I kid!)
**** I have done this blog entry as an homage to Dave Barry. If you haven't already, read "Dave Barry slept Here".
Personally, I think it's far more important to learn how to make $100 as compared to save $100, but....I think in the upcoming trying times, we can learn to focus on value.
Benjamin Franklin was a smart American, and I believe a rather well respected fellah all around. He invented all sorts of things with Electricity, Waves, firefighting. He got all involved with diplomacy, writing some important country founding documents- but most importantly, he was quite the playa with the ladies. European ladies even. I do wonder sometimes how he found time to do all these things, but then I read that he lived until he was about 84. I'm sure he was somehow hooked up to a bifocally powered Iron Lung or Hyperbaric chamber to get there. Suffice to say, now that I know I have another 50 years, I'm gonna start on catch up.
Maybe the greatest boon from Franklin's brainworks to our society would be....drumroll please.....the lending library. He assembled some rather wealthy printers to create, and thusly lend, books. Books were rather expensive those days. Terms like "two pence threepence full" apparently were todays equivalent of the GDP of Canada.* I can only assume that since people did not have books, that they all carried those adorable hand held chalkboard tablets that the schoolkids had in "Little House on the Prairie." Still not sure how they all learned to read. But I digress.
Considering the explosion of HD and Plasma TV's, I am under the impression that the following image is somewhat foreign to most folk:
** (these asterisks should be next to the picture of the card- I'll fix it if/when I can)
Technically, the library is not "free" since our taxes go to its support, but I think you all catch the drift. I understand the comfortable temptation of having our stories compacted into half hour or hour bites. But honestly, when was the last time that you learned something from TV? Unless you religiously watch HGTV*** or the History/Discovery channel- we're seriously dumbing ourselves down. I'm not saying we need to cut it out, but maybe... in half? Is that so much?
Think of the money you can save just by doing some research and planning through reading. I know that Google and the interwebz covers a great deal of information, but it doesn't cover everything. You can get books, DVD's, even comic books (graphic novels, mindya) through the library. Buying a new book isn't idiotic- but is there a story that is so good that you can't wait a month or two for it to come out for free in the library? Many good ideas for business are sold through a book (with other "products" being upsold after completion of the book.) You can save yourself that initial outlay by just waiting a bit, wading through any information for free once the book/movie is in the library, and then buy the item if you really like it.
I know this sounds cheap/frugal- and I have a hard time arguing. If you are clearing 200-250K a year or more, than this advice is maybe a little too penny pinching. But even saving simply 30 bucks a month, or 360 a year- just by simply waiting a few extra days/weeks to satisfy yourself- can really mean something.
Like, give or take, about 45 gallons of gas for your car
* Ten dollars. Which was a lot back then, since there was no ice hockey or Molson "in the day"
** I used to drink milkshakes from Hershey- a "Cookies & Cream" in a bottle, that had 460 calories per serving- with two servings in the bottle. So if you could polish off 4 bottles- that would ensure that you would be one pound heavier the following day. I assume that they stopped producing these after "regulars" couldn't pinch our fat globby together to grasp dollar bills- nevermind fitting our hands into our pockets anymore
*** I just added HGTV since my wife watches the channel all the time. I know no one else watches it. (I kid I kid!)
**** I have done this blog entry as an homage to Dave Barry. If you haven't already, read "Dave Barry slept Here".
Why Family Guy is so important
So I'm reading "The Memory Book" in an attempt to shore up some of the neurons that may have gone adrift in last years Bacchael "Summer of Bob" (a slight derivation from Seinfeld's "Summer of George- I'll write on that later maybe.) Despite being a salesperson who needs to remember an alarming amount of facts- names have recently been escaping my mind with relative ease. Thus, the reading.
As I was soaking in my tub, leafing through some pages, the following proposition is put forth:
Remember, in order, the following words: Airplane, Tree, Envelope, Earring, Bucket, Sing, Basketball, Salami, Star, Nose.
Now, the authors (a founder of a memory school- go figure- and a Hall of Fame Basketball player from my beloved Knicks), recommends that to easily remember these items, you need to formulate in your head the most ILLOGICAL AND ABSURD linkage/associations between the words at the beginning of the list, using mental imagery.
Now dig this. I imagine an airplane cockpit, being driven by a tree pilot, who leans over and opens an envelope. After he opens it, he finds a gold MR. T earring and tries it on, but it doesn't fit, so he tosses it into the bucket that he uses for a wastebasket. The bucket then begins to sing a song about it's favorite basketball team the Salami Dunks, whose star player is called the "Nose", because of his ability to stuff the ball into his nostril and shoot it into the hoop.
I promise you, I will have a hard time forgetting this sequence of events. But the rub is this: This is all very easy to remember for me, because the entire image is framed using the cartoon style in "Family Guy"
Family Guy has it's critics, the first coming to mind being the brilliant creators/writers of South Park. But the deluge of non sequitirs, irreverence and devotion to absurdity (along with an award winning number of inside references) really floats my boat.
Sure, some of the laughs are "easy", but for a thirty-somethingish ummmm.... (what the hell am I now, a Generation X'er? Sure- why not) Generation X'er, it's refreshing to know that someone else out there was watching/reading the same things that I was. For whatever reason, this exercise is really easy for me with any list of words when I use the Family Guy animation/motif.
So in conclusion, with intelligence being a measure of an ability to absorb, maintain and process information, Family Guy is making me smarter. Now put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Book review: Four Hour Work Week
Today, I am moving into uncharted territory, as I am going to perform a book review of a book that I 1) currently do not have in my possession and 2) have not read in over a month. And I will do this without the help of a net, condom, or sherpa. Wait- what's that? The scratching sound of skin crossing skin, as millions of my fans cross their fingers? That's what I thought!Now, The Four Hour Work Week, by Timothy Ferris, is a bit misleading in it's title. If you are a Doctor, EMT, or teacher, please do not try to apply most of the techniques recommended in this book. You all picked your bed, now you got to sleep in it. However, if you are looking to get out of your current job, and start a new one- which may offer some easier hours/lifestyles- then do read. READ I SAID!
OK- this book is basically about life style. The title is so catchy because, quite frankly, many of us work long hard hours just to keep up. We have our typical American dream- white picket fence house, dog/cat, spouse and kid- working 9-5 (at least), with maybe both spouses working- etc etc. But are we all happy? Is the trade off worth it?
Ferris outlines a 4 step process which will allow us to further realize our dreams.
1. Definition: a targeted monthly income, how to get started, dreamlining (ie what is it we really want), fear setting (realizing what our fears are, and overcoming them). As with most remedies of similar nature- the way to begin a process is to break down the plans into attainable parts- even 24 hours plans. Nothing monumental here, except for that whole bothersome "what do I want to do that will make me enough money" hurdle. At least setting up these goals will help frame how much you really truly will need. What is vitally important though is to have mini goals, versus a "I need to make $150,000"
2. Elimination: This chapter is swell for learning how to "trim the fat" in our lives. The Pareto principle, or the 80/20 rule (80% of your results will be achieved through 20% of your efforts), combined Parkinsons law (work expands to fill the time you give it) reminds us that there is much we do in life, as in business, that is just "filler", and does not really add much to the bottom line. The greater our ability to eliminate these distractions, the more time we have. Stop spending so much time watching TV, reading newspapers, and on the interwebz, and *gasp* reading books (save Ferris' book, mind you), and you should be more productive. He even gives some recommendations as to how to handle your boss, or co-workers, if they keep trying to eat up your time. This should hopefully give you more time to concentrate on your business(es)
3. Automation: Now, here is the tricky part. Once you've set up your ideal/side business, you now need to pawn off most of the busy work to someone else. Ferris illustrates the cost ratios for outsourcing most business applications to India/Canada, and quite frankly, it's a little frightening how easy it could be. After reading many books on entrepreneurship, I have come to the realization that this option- the delegation part, is usually the most difficult for any successful businessperson. However, with having a business that you know you design with the forethought of handing over the reigns, perhaps this step is a bit easier.
4. Liberation: What to do with all your time now? If you've been working this all right- you can probably work mobile (mobily? Screw you Webster, and your dictionary!). Ferris Recommends "Mini retirements", a fan-spanking tastic idea of taking large chunks off at a time- ie- 6 months or so.
I hate to say it, but I love this book. A lot. It's an easy read, and the unconventional approach to living life is refreshing to say the least. To successfully realize the benefits of the system, it would probably be easier for someone a little more tech savvy (as most of the recommendations in the book involve working a web site, and ordering/shipping materials after promotion.) But whether we want to categorize our jobs as a "Rat Race" (that you Robert Kiyosaki), or even our lifestyles as such, Ferris tacitly infers that our time is our own, and that for the most part, our tethers are self inflicted.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Tag this!
Normally, I thrash violently and gnash my teeth at those that put me to work. But since Linda is such a doll, and I do need to practice the whole introspection thing, I decided to give this one a shot.
The following was posted at http://www.snoopmurph.blogspot.com/ Linda does all sorts of bizarre word exercises and other wacky tasks that get thrown at her by alleged "friends" out there on the blogosphere. I personally think that this is just Linda talking to her multiple personalities, but I digress. I am now realizing that putting yourself to these tasks may, through vigorous practice, make you more betterer at expressing yourself, while also having the added benefit of opening yourself up emotionally to future online stalkers. So here's my go at it.
Getting To Know You Meme
The following was posted at http://www.snoopmurph.blogspot.com/ Linda does all sorts of bizarre word exercises and other wacky tasks that get thrown at her by alleged "friends" out there on the blogosphere. I personally think that this is just Linda talking to her multiple personalities, but I digress. I am now realizing that putting yourself to these tasks may, through vigorous practice, make you more betterer at expressing yourself, while also having the added benefit of opening yourself up emotionally to future online stalkers. So here's my go at it.
Getting To Know You Meme
The Rules:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 or more people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
4. Let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answers.
5. You don't have to randomly italic or bold answers, as Blogger has done for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. What was I doing 10 years ago?
Holy crow, I dunno……. I would be 24, so I had just started in Pharmaceuticals – Merck. Living in a walk up apartment in Central Islip- where some of the locals stole our bikes from our porch (note, I said a walk up- and yeah, we were on the 2nd floor) It was the middle of the dot com craze, and we always ordered out for things from a new company that would deliver food from regular local restaurants (IE Fridays, Chi chi’s, etc), and we were too young and naïve to realize we couldn’t afford it.
2. What are 5 Things on my To-Do List for today:
1. Go to Dad’s for his birthday
2. Prepare for work (I was away last week for a meeting, so I’m sort of lost)
3. Try to work out
4. My wife
5. Do some thinking as to how I can make some extra money this summer
3. Snacks I Enjoy:
1. Entemann’s Devils Food Crumb Donuts.
2. Chips deluxe Peanut butter Chip cookies
3. When dieting, I love some Ricotta Cheese with Vanilla extract (a low carb diet, obviously)
4. Things I would do if I were a Billionaire:
1. Start up some Business, employ some people, and have them call me “Mr. Bob”
2. Charities- Pediatric Oncology and Autism
3. Find a huge farm, get two down on their luck farmers, and tell them “here’s a farm, and my dog named Buddy. Take good care of both please.”
4. New House, maybe a few blocks away, that is lacking the closeness to the train, and maybe is a better shaped/set up one than I have today. And oh yeah- central air/heating.
5. Write professionally. If people ever questioned me any advice I gave, I would remind them,”Who’s the billionaire, eh?”
5. Three Of My Bad Habits:
Only three?
1. Procrastination
2. Analysis Paralysis (looking at things way too long before I act on them- this is different than procrastination since usually the subjects being analyzed are on topic, as compared to procrastination usually involving subjects that are off topic from that which you are trying to avoid)
3. Blogging while the boy watches TV
6. 5 Places I have Lived:
1.
2.
3. Port Jefferson Sta
4.
5. St. James
7. Jobs I Have Had:
1. King Kullen Cashier/Stock Boy
2. Taco Bell Cashier/Line worker. MMM MMM GOOD
3. Mall Marketing/Annoyer (one of those folks in the Mall that asks you to do surveys).
4. Residential work with the Developmentally disabled
5. Assistant Manager at one home of #4
6. Yellow Page Salesman
7. Drug Dealer
8. People I want to know more about:
Saturday, May 3, 2008
We did it! We're number two! AKA "What it's like to be a Drug Dealer"
I know I promised to write more. I got all your hopes up, and then dashed them with my conspicuous absence. Well, despair no longer! Not that it's an excuse, but I was in Las Vegas, in what we in the pharmaceutical call a POA. I've never quite figured out what POA stands for on my own ("no Bob .... it's not Piece of Ass.") Apparently, it's "Plan of Action." My personal "Plan of Action" was to use our Presidents "Stimulus Plan" to "stimulate the hell out of Craps tables." Ok, maybe not the best use of the money, since that "plan of action" "stimulated the ire of my wife" to "Mushroom cloud laying Motherfucker" levels, but hey listen, I was just following our commander in Chief's orders. A Real American am I.
Now- for those of you just recently tuning in- I am a pharmaceutical representative. To sum my job up in a nutshell- I go and see doctors (or other prescribers, such as Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants) and give them good reasons to write my drug over other options. I currently work as a "Medical Institutional Representative" (I think that's my title anyway)- which means I work in Hospitals. This ups the skill set required to actually educating Nurses on administration, and doing all sorts of other tasks to ensure that a hospital uses my drug as per national guidelines, and uses it the right way.
Basically, I tell folks why and how my stuff keeps people alive, and how to make sure that they do it safely.
So imagine my chagrin when I learned, during a meeting at this POA, that the occupation/industry I work in- for more than ten years mind you- ranked second on the "most reviled" list in America. Arms manufacturers squeaked out the top spot.
Understand, that puts us ahead of the tobacco and the oil industry. And gambling. And Politicians. And Lawyers fer chrissakes.
I get some of the hatin' though. The drug industry is bloated- but I think far FAR less than other industries previously mentioned- throw in Financial as well. Not that being slightly less bloated is a good excuse for throwing away money. There are some ne'erdowells in our industry that cover things up. Those people should be strung up as well. But look at the overall intent of the companies, and how the free market competition pretty much excludes cover ups for long (ie, folks from "company A" tend to comb over data from competing "company B", just in case a new drug from company B is safer/more efficacious than the other.)
Two things really need to happen. One- the Pharma (as we call it) industry needs to clean up it's act, or else the government is going to step in for the good of the people. As much of a Libertarian as I am, I have a hard time arguing that a country as affluent as ours should not spend some money protecting it's people from an industry that is potentially harming the population under the veil of helping the population. Two- the pharma industry needs to get some better PR. Life expectancies worldwide are going up. Child mortality worldwide is going up. People are in less pain. And yes, penises are still on the rise, thank you baby jesus.
There is an awful pragmatist in me, and I often have an internal dialogue involving him, and about 75% of the patients who are on the medications that I push. He tells the folks that complain about "the drugs being expensive" or the "drugs have side effects" a simple statement.
"Well, don't take the drugs then."
"Oh but I have XYZ, I need to take them."
"Oh, you mean thing that may cause you A) pain B) organ damage or C) Death? And oh yeah- that "disease" that you have, which has been caused by years of you abusing your own body. Or maybe that disease which- if you went to your doctor more than once every presidential election- could have been prevented?"
"Yeah that disease."
*sarcastically* "oh, yeah, you should get our stuff for free, you're right"
Now, understand, I side with those that argue "Hell, I have a funky chromosome that give me a genetic disposition for this disease, how about me?" I'm also pissed that anyone would not EXTENSIVELY test anything that is vaccinating children, or is administered to pregnant women. I place those people into the other 25%, and I'm willing to throw some of my tax money/wherewithal towards helping these people have a shot at a normal life. I'm also willing to ground the companies that are lax in their safety investigations into mince.
But the other 75%? Go screw. The stuff we give helps you either A) Feel better or B) keep you above the ground as compared to below it.
As you can guess, I'm not going to be part of any new PR move by the industry.
A typical argument is "Well, why should the rich be the only one's to get the benefits?" To which I answer, "Well, they (at least 85% or so of them) earned it, how about them apples?" And, so you know, EVERY... and I'm talking EVERY pharma company out there worth it's weight has an indigent patient program that helps those that are truly lacking in financing. Most of the companies don't even ask for an income verification, including the company that I work for. That means FREE drugs. Yeah, free drugs for poor people.
So put that in your pipe and smoke it.
I know that the pharmaceutical industry has been getting some black eyes recently, and some of them are deserved. It's a fine line to walk, this defense of this multi billion dollar corporate monster.
But cmon, lawyers?
Now- for those of you just recently tuning in- I am a pharmaceutical representative. To sum my job up in a nutshell- I go and see doctors (or other prescribers, such as Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants) and give them good reasons to write my drug over other options. I currently work as a "Medical Institutional Representative" (I think that's my title anyway)- which means I work in Hospitals. This ups the skill set required to actually educating Nurses on administration, and doing all sorts of other tasks to ensure that a hospital uses my drug as per national guidelines, and uses it the right way.
Basically, I tell folks why and how my stuff keeps people alive, and how to make sure that they do it safely.
So imagine my chagrin when I learned, during a meeting at this POA, that the occupation/industry I work in- for more than ten years mind you- ranked second on the "most reviled" list in America. Arms manufacturers squeaked out the top spot.
Understand, that puts us ahead of the tobacco and the oil industry. And gambling. And Politicians. And Lawyers fer chrissakes.
I get some of the hatin' though. The drug industry is bloated- but I think far FAR less than other industries previously mentioned- throw in Financial as well. Not that being slightly less bloated is a good excuse for throwing away money. There are some ne'erdowells in our industry that cover things up. Those people should be strung up as well. But look at the overall intent of the companies, and how the free market competition pretty much excludes cover ups for long (ie, folks from "company A" tend to comb over data from competing "company B", just in case a new drug from company B is safer/more efficacious than the other.)
Two things really need to happen. One- the Pharma (as we call it) industry needs to clean up it's act, or else the government is going to step in for the good of the people. As much of a Libertarian as I am, I have a hard time arguing that a country as affluent as ours should not spend some money protecting it's people from an industry that is potentially harming the population under the veil of helping the population. Two- the pharma industry needs to get some better PR. Life expectancies worldwide are going up. Child mortality worldwide is going up. People are in less pain. And yes, penises are still on the rise, thank you baby jesus.
There is an awful pragmatist in me, and I often have an internal dialogue involving him, and about 75% of the patients who are on the medications that I push. He tells the folks that complain about "the drugs being expensive" or the "drugs have side effects" a simple statement.
"Well, don't take the drugs then."
"Oh but I have XYZ, I need to take them."
"Oh, you mean thing that may cause you A) pain B) organ damage or C) Death? And oh yeah- that "disease" that you have, which has been caused by years of you abusing your own body. Or maybe that disease which- if you went to your doctor more than once every presidential election- could have been prevented?"
"Yeah that disease."
*sarcastically* "oh, yeah, you should get our stuff for free, you're right"
Now, understand, I side with those that argue "Hell, I have a funky chromosome that give me a genetic disposition for this disease, how about me?" I'm also pissed that anyone would not EXTENSIVELY test anything that is vaccinating children, or is administered to pregnant women. I place those people into the other 25%, and I'm willing to throw some of my tax money/wherewithal towards helping these people have a shot at a normal life. I'm also willing to ground the companies that are lax in their safety investigations into mince.
But the other 75%? Go screw. The stuff we give helps you either A) Feel better or B) keep you above the ground as compared to below it.
As you can guess, I'm not going to be part of any new PR move by the industry.
A typical argument is "Well, why should the rich be the only one's to get the benefits?" To which I answer, "Well, they (at least 85% or so of them) earned it, how about them apples?" And, so you know, EVERY... and I'm talking EVERY pharma company out there worth it's weight has an indigent patient program that helps those that are truly lacking in financing. Most of the companies don't even ask for an income verification, including the company that I work for. That means FREE drugs. Yeah, free drugs for poor people.
So put that in your pipe and smoke it.
I know that the pharmaceutical industry has been getting some black eyes recently, and some of them are deserved. It's a fine line to walk, this defense of this multi billion dollar corporate monster.
But cmon, lawyers?
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Book review- How to Win Friends & Influence People
The whole writers strike got me kicked off my TV habit but good. Where I used to watch about 20 hours of TV a week, I am now down to about 3-4 (that would be, in no particular order, South Park, Family guy, American Dad, Lost, 30 Rock, and occasionally My Name is Earl.) Throw in maybe one Yankees Game a week too. Suffice to say, where I was once a fat bloated dirty Idaho couch potato, I am now a lean, white, peeled spud.
This being said, I have found that I have a glut of time to myself, and to nurture my mind. In particular, I've been having some pretty outstanding reads. One of which was Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People."
For those of you outside the business world, this book is pretty much the Mecca to which salespeople should bow. It was written in the late 1930's, with the advice contained therein holding up 70 years later. The Rules, in a nutshell, look something like this:
The clincher for me buying this book, however, was how effective it made me when interacting with my wife and son.
You know those commercials you hear on the radio, about how you can buy some program that will get a disobedient child to listen with but a few small phrases? With my 4 and a half year old, I just had to throw in the 1) making him feel important and 2) talking in terms of others interests, and that worked a heck of a lot better than "If you don't listen, you won't get xyz". With my wife, I also find that putting out what I think are her feelings/ideas first, so she can understand where I draw conclusions from- this seems to fly well with her. And naturally, as Carnegie proscribes, when I'm off - which is often- I admit it quickly.
In fact, today, when I DIDN'T try things the "Carnegie" way, I could easily tell, halfway through an argument, that I didn't persuade anyone. Luckily, I have good medical insurance.
Although I can see why some modern authors would consider the attitude presented cliche, with the advice worn and weathered, I found the book to be refreshing. Not just in a sales sense, but in a sense of how one should treat others. I haven't read "The Secret", but I hear the gist of the tale is that "think good things, and good things will happen." I think that is just a paraphrasing of what is summed up by this book, which would be "Treat others well, just as you would be treated, and good things will happen." Which, granted, sounds a little like what Jesus said. But I'm sure he probably purloined that from some Roman as well.
This being said, I have found that I have a glut of time to myself, and to nurture my mind. In particular, I've been having some pretty outstanding reads. One of which was Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People."
For those of you outside the business world, this book is pretty much the Mecca to which salespeople should bow. It was written in the late 1930's, with the advice contained therein holding up 70 years later. The Rules, in a nutshell, look something like this:
How to Handle People
1. Don’t Criticize, Condemn, or complain
2. Give Honest and sincere appreciation
3. Arouse in the other person an eager want
How to make People like you
1. Become genuinely interested in people
2. Smile
3. Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and the most important sound in any language
4. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves
5. Talk in terms of the other persons interests
6. Make the other person feel important- and do it sincerely
Win People to your Way of thinking
1. The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it
2. Show respect for the other person’s opinions, Never say “you’re wrong”
3. If you are wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically
4. Begin in a friendly way
5. Get the other person saying “yes yes” immediately
6. Let the other person do a great deal of talking
7. Let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers
8. Try honestly to see things from the other persons point of view
9. Be sympathetic with the other person’s ideas and desires
10. Appeal to the nobler motives
11. Dramatize your ideas
12. Throw down a challenge
The clincher for me buying this book, however, was how effective it made me when interacting with my wife and son.
You know those commercials you hear on the radio, about how you can buy some program that will get a disobedient child to listen with but a few small phrases? With my 4 and a half year old, I just had to throw in the 1) making him feel important and 2) talking in terms of others interests, and that worked a heck of a lot better than "If you don't listen, you won't get xyz". With my wife, I also find that putting out what I think are her feelings/ideas first, so she can understand where I draw conclusions from- this seems to fly well with her. And naturally, as Carnegie proscribes, when I'm off - which is often- I admit it quickly.
In fact, today, when I DIDN'T try things the "Carnegie" way, I could easily tell, halfway through an argument, that I didn't persuade anyone. Luckily, I have good medical insurance.
Although I can see why some modern authors would consider the attitude presented cliche, with the advice worn and weathered, I found the book to be refreshing. Not just in a sales sense, but in a sense of how one should treat others. I haven't read "The Secret", but I hear the gist of the tale is that "think good things, and good things will happen." I think that is just a paraphrasing of what is summed up by this book, which would be "Treat others well, just as you would be treated, and good things will happen." Which, granted, sounds a little like what Jesus said. But I'm sure he probably purloined that from some Roman as well.
To my adoring fan.....s (aka "scriptor vel intereo")
The following comment was entered sometime yesterday
"I have decided that you NEED to write more regularly. I really think you have a lot to say."
~Snoopmurph
I should call her "Snoopmuse" because quite frankly, I am writing because of her. This woman, whose name is Linda, is the blogger @ http://www.snoopmurph.blogspot.com/ . She has more plates spinning than I have in my kitchen and dining room cabinet combined, and she still finds time to tell me to get off my ass and write. By the way, she writes a damn good blog.
I've been doing a LOT of reading lately. I mean a LOT. So much, in fact, that I actually brought a professional speed reading book (called, coincidentally enough, "Speed reading for Professionals" by Barron's) so that I could read more in less time. The reason is not so complex. I want to improve myself. Understand that I'm not down on myself- this is more of a "go from so-so to great" attempt. Sad to say, I'm not getting any younger. And, quite frankly, I'm not anywhere near where I thought I would be when I was a young lad. I wish I had a good amount of role models around me who owned their own businesses, versus being employees- because this is truly what I want to do. Sadly, this is not the case, so I have been looking to outside sources (ie reading) to help build some pillars as a foundation for my future growth.
What is funny, is that in all my reading, most of the folks that are successful mention their ability to communicate, including being able to WRITE well. Shocker eh? I think I have some aspects of "communicate" pretty well wrapped up- and this can be attributed to the various sales experiences I've had over the past 11 years or so (and, thank you to the managers/trainers out there). But I have only been successful in sales (and, in my opinion, in communication) in a small, isolated field (mostly pharmaceutical).
So, yes Linda, you are right, I DO need to write more. This stuff is euphoric, cathartic, and apparently being good at it makes people want to listen to you more. Go Figure. Thanks for reminding me
"I have decided that you NEED to write more regularly. I really think you have a lot to say."
~Snoopmurph
I should call her "Snoopmuse" because quite frankly, I am writing because of her. This woman, whose name is Linda, is the blogger @ http://www.snoopmurph.blogspot.com/ . She has more plates spinning than I have in my kitchen and dining room cabinet combined, and she still finds time to tell me to get off my ass and write. By the way, she writes a damn good blog.
I've been doing a LOT of reading lately. I mean a LOT. So much, in fact, that I actually brought a professional speed reading book (called, coincidentally enough, "Speed reading for Professionals" by Barron's) so that I could read more in less time. The reason is not so complex. I want to improve myself. Understand that I'm not down on myself- this is more of a "go from so-so to great" attempt. Sad to say, I'm not getting any younger. And, quite frankly, I'm not anywhere near where I thought I would be when I was a young lad. I wish I had a good amount of role models around me who owned their own businesses, versus being employees- because this is truly what I want to do. Sadly, this is not the case, so I have been looking to outside sources (ie reading) to help build some pillars as a foundation for my future growth.
What is funny, is that in all my reading, most of the folks that are successful mention their ability to communicate, including being able to WRITE well. Shocker eh? I think I have some aspects of "communicate" pretty well wrapped up- and this can be attributed to the various sales experiences I've had over the past 11 years or so (and, thank you to the managers/trainers out there). But I have only been successful in sales (and, in my opinion, in communication) in a small, isolated field (mostly pharmaceutical).
So, yes Linda, you are right, I DO need to write more. This stuff is euphoric, cathartic, and apparently being good at it makes people want to listen to you more. Go Figure. Thanks for reminding me
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Charlie Wilson's War
In life, there are individuals that somehow escape the clutches of responsibility- who weave in and out of modern convention to blaze a trail whose dust others can only hope to choke on. The crowds adore them, romance envelops them, and their faltering only proves to endear. Such a person is Charlie Wilson- a man whose heart beats for his country, his only true love.
I have to admit that- even with the current occupation of Afghanistan by our armed forces due to the hunt for Osama Bin Ladin- that I was mostly unaware of just what the country is all about. But this lack of historical perspective had little effect on my overall enjoyment of the work, and I would recommend the book even for those who grasp the intricacies of the area.
The story focuses on the machinations of Texan Congressman Charles Wilson- a former military man whose love of Churchill drives him to look for the one great fight- the conceived unstoppable great evil who can only be thwarted by equally great righteousness. With the United States still smoldering after the Vietnam conflict, Charlie sees a chance at retribution through the mujahideen - the freedom fighters- of Afghanistan. As compared to the loss in South Vietnam, Charlie sees a dichotomy- where instead of putting American soldiers on the ground to stand with those who "don't want to fight", instead the Muslim jihadists will fight to their last person to defeat the Communist invaders. To do this- Charlie Wilson enlists the aid of CIA agent Gust Avrakotos- himself a gruff complicated Greek who detests the Russians almost as much as Wilson.
The characters that drive this work are great in their deeds, however unorthodox their methods. Throughout the book, there are times that the reader will question the authenticity of the events transpiring on the pages before them. But moving along through the book, the reader becomes accustomed to the methods applied by the various players. Anyone involved in a bureaucracy finds familiar truths in how the American government runs itself. Is a portion of the budget at risk of going unspent? Time to pull out the pet projects!
Having recently watched "Bush's War", it was refreshing to read about an endeavor in which America actually successfully planned and executed a military action- even if it was with another country's troops. The victory achieved through the CIA's Afghanistan/Pakistan proxies, as compared to - ahem- American soldiers, does beg to question why similar efforts could not be repeated.
The protagonists commitment to remain unconventional was perhaps the one aspect of the book that was most alluring. With the Iran/Contra affair unraveling around them, there was a "the rest be damned" attitude displayed by anyone that surrounded the war with the Soviet Union. Wilson honestly tried to have Islamic Fundamentalists use an Israeli (read "Jewish") missle defense system. No joke.
The book is "funny" in the sense that you will often catch yourself so incredulous at the facts presented, and then have to remind yourself that Crile is not writing fiction here. Despite misgivings about the lack of "character" possessed by Wilson and those that orbit him, it is obvious that his passion for victory, no matter what the angle or ally, succeeds all else. Quite frankly I can't think of anything more American.
Although there is that nagging fact that those Al-qaeda guys are now firing on our soldiers with the weapons Wilson sold them.......
I have to admit that- even with the current occupation of Afghanistan by our armed forces due to the hunt for Osama Bin Ladin- that I was mostly unaware of just what the country is all about. But this lack of historical perspective had little effect on my overall enjoyment of the work, and I would recommend the book even for those who grasp the intricacies of the area.
The story focuses on the machinations of Texan Congressman Charles Wilson- a former military man whose love of Churchill drives him to look for the one great fight- the conceived unstoppable great evil who can only be thwarted by equally great righteousness. With the United States still smoldering after the Vietnam conflict, Charlie sees a chance at retribution through the mujahideen - the freedom fighters- of Afghanistan. As compared to the loss in South Vietnam, Charlie sees a dichotomy- where instead of putting American soldiers on the ground to stand with those who "don't want to fight", instead the Muslim jihadists will fight to their last person to defeat the Communist invaders. To do this- Charlie Wilson enlists the aid of CIA agent Gust Avrakotos- himself a gruff complicated Greek who detests the Russians almost as much as Wilson.
The characters that drive this work are great in their deeds, however unorthodox their methods. Throughout the book, there are times that the reader will question the authenticity of the events transpiring on the pages before them. But moving along through the book, the reader becomes accustomed to the methods applied by the various players. Anyone involved in a bureaucracy finds familiar truths in how the American government runs itself. Is a portion of the budget at risk of going unspent? Time to pull out the pet projects!
Having recently watched "Bush's War", it was refreshing to read about an endeavor in which America actually successfully planned and executed a military action- even if it was with another country's troops. The victory achieved through the CIA's Afghanistan/Pakistan proxies, as compared to - ahem- American soldiers, does beg to question why similar efforts could not be repeated.
The protagonists commitment to remain unconventional was perhaps the one aspect of the book that was most alluring. With the Iran/Contra affair unraveling around them, there was a "the rest be damned" attitude displayed by anyone that surrounded the war with the Soviet Union. Wilson honestly tried to have Islamic Fundamentalists use an Israeli (read "Jewish") missle defense system. No joke.
The book is "funny" in the sense that you will often catch yourself so incredulous at the facts presented, and then have to remind yourself that Crile is not writing fiction here. Despite misgivings about the lack of "character" possessed by Wilson and those that orbit him, it is obvious that his passion for victory, no matter what the angle or ally, succeeds all else. Quite frankly I can't think of anything more American.
Although there is that nagging fact that those Al-qaeda guys are now firing on our soldiers with the weapons Wilson sold them.......
Friday, March 14, 2008
Every last drop.....
**Warning- Sanctimonious Rant to Follow**
As a preface- I will admit I have a very narrow background in accounting and the tax code. If there is some glaring error that I make in the upcoming diatribe when it comes to who is getting screwed, please feel free to lambaste me with a reply.
Apparently we, as a country, are not giving the government quite enough. In essence, a recent Senate vote is kicking up the rates for ANYONE making more than 30K a year (give or take). Some details:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23612342/
And- oh year- there will be no veto on earmarking/pork anytime soon.
Forgive me for being an agitator but- aren't we giving the government enough? Don't get me wrong, I rather enjoy my freeways, social security for grandma, and even our solicitous public servants. But between federal, state, and local real estate tax, I am lucky to clear 55% of my paycheck.
But oh yeah- they allow us to claim the interest on our mortgage loans as tax deductible! Yippie!
I'm not about to do a "Network" type of maneuver, but I'm close. Some of my independence is gently being stripped. I can certainly understand folks that are crying that big business has been sticking it to the little guy for years, and that they should pay their share. I'm all sorts of down with that. But do we really think that the money is in better hands when given to the government?
The recent national administration has shown that there is NOTHING that it wont find money for. I'm not in agreement that there were huge surpluses squandered- as most articles I've read imply that there was some snarky accounting going on. But yeah, an additional 3 Billion added each day in deficits might have SOMETHING to do with the tanking dollar, dontcha think?
Now, to be fair- when it came to earmarking, the only resistance was on the Republican side. I'd have to read more to see if that was just political opportunism/grandstanding or not.
I know that the money isn't just sent into a vacuum. But what truly frustrates me is that there is so little oversight as to where the money goes. As previously posted here, I want to do what I can to help out in some way those children afflicted with cancer. I should be volunteering shortly. Understand, however, that I don't have a lot of disposable income to send their way. Maybe a twenty. That'll help right?
We're in the information age, the world at our fingertips. We know what is going on, almost in an instant. But maybe we're the one's at fault- we are still committed to a two party system, constantly telling ourselves that "well, at least our dopes are better than those dopes on the other side". But the most glaring and frightening aspect of our real time, magnified view is that no one is ponying up to the fact that neither "side" has an answer, and that throwing money at everything, hoping something "sticks", certainly hasn't helped either. Because if they spend money, at least they can say "we are trying", right?
As a preface- I will admit I have a very narrow background in accounting and the tax code. If there is some glaring error that I make in the upcoming diatribe when it comes to who is getting screwed, please feel free to lambaste me with a reply.
Apparently we, as a country, are not giving the government quite enough. In essence, a recent Senate vote is kicking up the rates for ANYONE making more than 30K a year (give or take). Some details:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23612342/
And- oh year- there will be no veto on earmarking/pork anytime soon.
Forgive me for being an agitator but- aren't we giving the government enough? Don't get me wrong, I rather enjoy my freeways, social security for grandma, and even our solicitous public servants. But between federal, state, and local real estate tax, I am lucky to clear 55% of my paycheck.
But oh yeah- they allow us to claim the interest on our mortgage loans as tax deductible! Yippie!
I'm not about to do a "Network" type of maneuver, but I'm close. Some of my independence is gently being stripped. I can certainly understand folks that are crying that big business has been sticking it to the little guy for years, and that they should pay their share. I'm all sorts of down with that. But do we really think that the money is in better hands when given to the government?
The recent national administration has shown that there is NOTHING that it wont find money for. I'm not in agreement that there were huge surpluses squandered- as most articles I've read imply that there was some snarky accounting going on. But yeah, an additional 3 Billion added each day in deficits might have SOMETHING to do with the tanking dollar, dontcha think?
Now, to be fair- when it came to earmarking, the only resistance was on the Republican side. I'd have to read more to see if that was just political opportunism/grandstanding or not.
I know that the money isn't just sent into a vacuum. But what truly frustrates me is that there is so little oversight as to where the money goes. As previously posted here, I want to do what I can to help out in some way those children afflicted with cancer. I should be volunteering shortly. Understand, however, that I don't have a lot of disposable income to send their way. Maybe a twenty. That'll help right?
We're in the information age, the world at our fingertips. We know what is going on, almost in an instant. But maybe we're the one's at fault- we are still committed to a two party system, constantly telling ourselves that "well, at least our dopes are better than those dopes on the other side". But the most glaring and frightening aspect of our real time, magnified view is that no one is ponying up to the fact that neither "side" has an answer, and that throwing money at everything, hoping something "sticks", certainly hasn't helped either. Because if they spend money, at least they can say "we are trying", right?
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