Laughing on the bus, playing games with the faces. She said the man in the gaverty suit was a spy. I said be careful his bowtie is really a camera....Pass me a cigarette I think there's one in my raincoat. We smoked the last one an hour ago.
Where are the days of journeys to the most remote and quaint places in this fine country.
The smiling country faces, the simple life. We get caught up in our lives that we forget how to live.
Amy and I found it. In a few short hours we took a photo journey through Americana. Deep in the woods, a old deserted estate, a cute couple of older women behind the country and some boiled peanuts.
We drive everyday and forget to open our eyes to what is beyond the roads.
Take a journey every day.
Even if it is just for a moment
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Did you ever wonder what it would be like to walk over the platform of the reality of earth and step into a cosmic unknown? Put the bong down and turn off the Pink Floyd. We are not going there right now. Maybe later but at this moment this is a in-body experience.
Last evening as the bars screamed of techno, bad pickup lines and stale beer I journeyed through the quiet pin dropping ambiance of the residential beachfront property to the long narrow path of sand opening up to a planetarium without walls. To the right a perfectly shaped half moon lay high in the sky just above the tranquility of the lighthouse circling the sand and ocean.
Above, the stars winked with such clarity that you felt a personal connection. One I cannot recall.
It brought back memories of my mother and I on top of the golf course staring at the stars and just letting our minds wander.
The constellations were like an orchestra in the sky each playing notes so loud it was peaceful.
Every now and again we get rare moments. This was one.
Last evening as the bars screamed of techno, bad pickup lines and stale beer I journeyed through the quiet pin dropping ambiance of the residential beachfront property to the long narrow path of sand opening up to a planetarium without walls. To the right a perfectly shaped half moon lay high in the sky just above the tranquility of the lighthouse circling the sand and ocean.
Above, the stars winked with such clarity that you felt a personal connection. One I cannot recall.
It brought back memories of my mother and I on top of the golf course staring at the stars and just letting our minds wander.
The constellations were like an orchestra in the sky each playing notes so loud it was peaceful.
Every now and again we get rare moments. This was one.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Hail Mary It's The Millenium Falcon
I often wonder who UFO spottings and Virgin Mary spottings in tree barks, sweat stains and tomatos are always in the remote parts of the midwest. Then again it is the same folks that tend to win powerball. That begs the question, "Am I at a disadvantage for living in a city?" I was starting to wonder that very question not to long ago until it happened.....
Yesterday, I innocently made a pancake. Ok, so I didn't measure the mix and water properly and so I haphazardly watched the frying pan while I worked but something magical happened.
After I finished this ridiculously big pancake and put it on my plate I saw a vision.
One on the sci-fi heavens can bring.
I made the Millenium Falcon. Or maybe it made itself.
Before me was the a fluffy version of Han's vehicle. It was a site to see.
Yesterday, I innocently made a pancake. Ok, so I didn't measure the mix and water properly and so I haphazardly watched the frying pan while I worked but something magical happened.
After I finished this ridiculously big pancake and put it on my plate I saw a vision.
One on the sci-fi heavens can bring.
I made the Millenium Falcon. Or maybe it made itself.
Before me was the a fluffy version of Han's vehicle. It was a site to see.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Text Dating...What's the Point
Why are we a society obsessed with Text Dating. I know that is not the accepted term in the social media superhighway. For now let us call it "emotional complacency" or "emotional distancing" Now I am getting to philosophical.
So we go on a date. Everything is going great. The conversation is flowing, you gaze into each other's eyes, hold hands on the street and have that amazing first kiss or awkward one but not that bad that you don't do it again later on in the night. You both feel that slight weakness in your knees and the feeling of something new in the air.
Birds are singing, children laughing and chimes ring in the night air. Allow me a little literary drama hear. You make plans to see other again "soon"!!!!
Then the texing begins. "How are you?" "How was your day?" "Work is really busy" "We need to hang out sometime soon" "I don't know for sure when I will be free again" "Good morning" "Goodnight" "I miss you" "You were a lot of fun"
When does that stop and the human interaction begin.....
For many new relationships, never!!!
It never gets out of the text relationship phase. For the next few weeks you sleep with your mobile phone thinking it will eventually be the person on the other end of the text.
I don't want to let reality sink in but this phenomenon does not typically have a happy ending.
One day this virtual reality fad will fade away and we will once again catch the "actual reality" bug.
So we go on a date. Everything is going great. The conversation is flowing, you gaze into each other's eyes, hold hands on the street and have that amazing first kiss or awkward one but not that bad that you don't do it again later on in the night. You both feel that slight weakness in your knees and the feeling of something new in the air.
Birds are singing, children laughing and chimes ring in the night air. Allow me a little literary drama hear. You make plans to see other again "soon"!!!!
Then the texing begins. "How are you?" "How was your day?" "Work is really busy" "We need to hang out sometime soon" "I don't know for sure when I will be free again" "Good morning" "Goodnight" "I miss you" "You were a lot of fun"
When does that stop and the human interaction begin.....
For many new relationships, never!!!
It never gets out of the text relationship phase. For the next few weeks you sleep with your mobile phone thinking it will eventually be the person on the other end of the text.
I don't want to let reality sink in but this phenomenon does not typically have a happy ending.
One day this virtual reality fad will fade away and we will once again catch the "actual reality" bug.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
A Spaceship in Charleston
I want to begin by telling a little tale about a father's love for his son. It is full of emotion and intrigue and may even bring a little tear to your eyes. I will be happy to give you a moment to get tissues of you choose...I'm waiting. Are you back yet. Seriously, how long does it take to get a couple of tissues.
My father, who has spent the greater part of the last seven weeks in South America bought me a gift, actually two. Traditionally he brings me back true authentic Colombian coffee but not this year. He told me today he bought me two Cuban Cigars. Even more remarkable he spent $10 each on them. If there is a greater testament to fatherhood, I don't know what it is. I bow and send a high five of kudos to my father. A true humanitarian.
Driving back from market...I thought I would throw in a little European cultural jargon, I saw a spaceship on the 17 south bridge. It was about two feet off the ground, metallic in color, triangular shaped and flashing lights. I could be wrong, but what if I am not.
Are we ready? If so what are we ready for. Something to ponder as you brush your teeth and prepare for what you hope to be a restful and probe-free evening.
My father, who has spent the greater part of the last seven weeks in South America bought me a gift, actually two. Traditionally he brings me back true authentic Colombian coffee but not this year. He told me today he bought me two Cuban Cigars. Even more remarkable he spent $10 each on them. If there is a greater testament to fatherhood, I don't know what it is. I bow and send a high five of kudos to my father. A true humanitarian.
Driving back from market...I thought I would throw in a little European cultural jargon, I saw a spaceship on the 17 south bridge. It was about two feet off the ground, metallic in color, triangular shaped and flashing lights. I could be wrong, but what if I am not.
Are we ready? If so what are we ready for. Something to ponder as you brush your teeth and prepare for what you hope to be a restful and probe-free evening.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Hallalujah!!!
Today is Memorial Day. A day of reflection to express graditude for those that voluntarily or involuntarily protected freedom of democracy and expression in this country. Each of us has a way to support vocally or silently the contributions made by our family, friends and strangers that bear the uniform. I am donning my father's dogtags not just today but each day as a testiment to his importance to me; not as a soldier but a model of influence in my life and the choices I make everyday.
Howard expresses it through an email and I though carrying his military ID.
Each day we remember those that are important in our lives.
Today is more visible but each day is just as valuable to show your appreciation.
Howard expresses it through an email and I though carrying his military ID.
Each day we remember those that are important in our lives.
Today is more visible but each day is just as valuable to show your appreciation.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
I Can See!
Last night I had two very visual dreams with life and expression that took me deep into the night. I was blind. I don't know why, when or for how long but I had no vision. Very intriguing to be blind in a visual dream. I knew I was blind but could I see myself blind. Did I have an out of body dream? So many more questions to be answered. I was lying in the dark and I opened my eyes. It was grey and blurry but I could see. I then focused and saw again. What does this mean?? I don't know and more importantly do I want to know.
Later on I had another dream I was going to a wedding. My family was large and I had Russian family. I don't have Russian family...
hmmmm...The magic of dreams.
Later on I had another dream I was going to a wedding. My family was large and I had Russian family. I don't have Russian family...
hmmmm...The magic of dreams.
Monday, May 18, 2009
New Wave of Internet Pioneers
NEW WAVE OF INTERNET PIONEERS
Move over Chang, Gates, Lewis & ClarkBy Mark A. Leon, Talent Acquisition Specialist - Hewitt Associates
Once a year, an elite group of privileged collegiate basketball programs are invited to “The Dance”. Many in the professional and social world also refer to the three weeks in March as “March Madness”. During this period it is estimated that almost 2.1 billion dollars of lost productivity occurs as workers stream games, gamble and lose site of the task at hand…continuing the growth of the economy.
From the moment beginning with summer practice to the last tip of the ball in conference tournament play, young athletes give their heart and soul on the hard court to compete in this prestigious event.There is so much more to the game than twelve gifted players with pure talent for shooting, blocking, stealing, dribbling and rebounding. A true basketball giant is a result of a great and continuous marketing campaign. The marketing campaign leader is the head coach.
The most successful marketers in NCAA basketball history included Dean Smith, Adolph Rupp, Bob Haskins and Mike Krzyzewski. These men traveled thousands of miles, went door to door, offered a chance at a great education and rewarding growth experience and nurtured new talent year after year to build the reputation and later success of their programs.
This methodology has continued on in the age of Social Networking, the next great revolution in the ever continuing pursuit of global consolidation. Global consolidation is the ability to take the masses of internet tools and provide avenues to condense them into a standardized toolkit at the palm of your hands.Whether you are a Mixxer, Tweeter, Facebooker, Skyper, or MySpacer you have choices to make. How do I want to be represented in my internet community?
Biz Stone, Evan Williams (Twitter), Kevin Rose (Digg), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), and Tom Anderson (Myspace) figured out a way to bring the world together one profile at a time. Capped in sandals, Diesel jeans and worn out retro tees, these pioneers of content integration are marching from New York to Los Angeles launching not just websites but a vision for the future. These are the Lewis and Clark’s of the information age. They are rewriting the rules of technology.
It is no longer enough to be integrated to your small community of professionals and friends but to align yourself with the globe. We each have a voice and these founders of the global social mobility movement have transformed the way we communicate and think. New York Magazine, Vogue, and GQ are praising these men as the next great heroes. They are stepping in where Jerry Chang, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs left off and taking us to heights that either we are ready for or not. Whether you are on board this train, it is moving faster and faster by the second.Are these Gen-Y Warlocks of the Internet Underworld true marketing geniuses or are we just playing a game of follow the leader. More importantly, with copycat sites developing daily, how do they maintain their competitive edge?
The answers are simple:
Understand your customers
Understand trends in technology
Develop the most user friendly capabilities on the marketCater to a global audience
Ensure the tools and applications are available to customize and individualize
Be Trendy…Don’t be afraid to set the bar higher
Many of the web applications in place now are have mobile capability to keep in touch on the run.
Why are these networks some important to our everyday life. There are many reasons including keeping in touch with loved ones, sharing technology and resources, maintaining professional networks, developing personal talents, reconnecting with past acquaintances, developing communities of activities and interests, or just exploiting a unique talent to make a name for yourself, but no matter what these sites do not discriminate but promote self expression. There are many reasons, some noble, some selfish but the tools are now in place to maximize exposure and minimize time.
All major media is now learning that the internet is the key tool to maximize viewer numbers and profitability. Television, radio, print are utilizing the web tools to increase overall visibility. Clearly, the 2008 presidential hopeful understood this immediately and did all could to take advantage of this form of media. The most successful: Barrack Obama.Even with the success of other media, the web can only enhance that stature. With 73 million people watching the premiere of 2009 American Idol, it is the Twitter and Myspace faithful that will launch or destroy a musical career.
Now we find ourselves in a full blown global recession. The topic in the forefront of the news: JOBS. Careers are lost, families are in dire financial straits and people are looking for answers. Many are hoping for exposure.The talent is there and the opportunity to attract, train and harness that talent with limited cost is at a prime.
The utilization of social networking tools as a cost effective and creative method of bringing in the best is at our finger tips. Talent Acquisition has taken the next steps in technology overload. Together companies, agencies, and colleges are using these tools of communication to maximize territorial research and not only find the best regional talent but the best global talent.
Take the lead in the HR Community and step into the world of communication consolidation but be careful. Words can spread like brushfire. Now is the time for us to step away from the conservative framework and become the next pioneers in Talent Acquisition.
Move over Chang, Gates, Lewis & ClarkBy Mark A. Leon, Talent Acquisition Specialist - Hewitt Associates
Once a year, an elite group of privileged collegiate basketball programs are invited to “The Dance”. Many in the professional and social world also refer to the three weeks in March as “March Madness”. During this period it is estimated that almost 2.1 billion dollars of lost productivity occurs as workers stream games, gamble and lose site of the task at hand…continuing the growth of the economy.
From the moment beginning with summer practice to the last tip of the ball in conference tournament play, young athletes give their heart and soul on the hard court to compete in this prestigious event.There is so much more to the game than twelve gifted players with pure talent for shooting, blocking, stealing, dribbling and rebounding. A true basketball giant is a result of a great and continuous marketing campaign. The marketing campaign leader is the head coach.
The most successful marketers in NCAA basketball history included Dean Smith, Adolph Rupp, Bob Haskins and Mike Krzyzewski. These men traveled thousands of miles, went door to door, offered a chance at a great education and rewarding growth experience and nurtured new talent year after year to build the reputation and later success of their programs.
This methodology has continued on in the age of Social Networking, the next great revolution in the ever continuing pursuit of global consolidation. Global consolidation is the ability to take the masses of internet tools and provide avenues to condense them into a standardized toolkit at the palm of your hands.Whether you are a Mixxer, Tweeter, Facebooker, Skyper, or MySpacer you have choices to make. How do I want to be represented in my internet community?
Biz Stone, Evan Williams (Twitter), Kevin Rose (Digg), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook), and Tom Anderson (Myspace) figured out a way to bring the world together one profile at a time. Capped in sandals, Diesel jeans and worn out retro tees, these pioneers of content integration are marching from New York to Los Angeles launching not just websites but a vision for the future. These are the Lewis and Clark’s of the information age. They are rewriting the rules of technology.
It is no longer enough to be integrated to your small community of professionals and friends but to align yourself with the globe. We each have a voice and these founders of the global social mobility movement have transformed the way we communicate and think. New York Magazine, Vogue, and GQ are praising these men as the next great heroes. They are stepping in where Jerry Chang, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs left off and taking us to heights that either we are ready for or not. Whether you are on board this train, it is moving faster and faster by the second.Are these Gen-Y Warlocks of the Internet Underworld true marketing geniuses or are we just playing a game of follow the leader. More importantly, with copycat sites developing daily, how do they maintain their competitive edge?
The answers are simple:
Understand your customers
Understand trends in technology
Develop the most user friendly capabilities on the marketCater to a global audience
Ensure the tools and applications are available to customize and individualize
Be Trendy…Don’t be afraid to set the bar higher
Many of the web applications in place now are have mobile capability to keep in touch on the run.
Why are these networks some important to our everyday life. There are many reasons including keeping in touch with loved ones, sharing technology and resources, maintaining professional networks, developing personal talents, reconnecting with past acquaintances, developing communities of activities and interests, or just exploiting a unique talent to make a name for yourself, but no matter what these sites do not discriminate but promote self expression. There are many reasons, some noble, some selfish but the tools are now in place to maximize exposure and minimize time.
All major media is now learning that the internet is the key tool to maximize viewer numbers and profitability. Television, radio, print are utilizing the web tools to increase overall visibility. Clearly, the 2008 presidential hopeful understood this immediately and did all could to take advantage of this form of media. The most successful: Barrack Obama.Even with the success of other media, the web can only enhance that stature. With 73 million people watching the premiere of 2009 American Idol, it is the Twitter and Myspace faithful that will launch or destroy a musical career.
Now we find ourselves in a full blown global recession. The topic in the forefront of the news: JOBS. Careers are lost, families are in dire financial straits and people are looking for answers. Many are hoping for exposure.The talent is there and the opportunity to attract, train and harness that talent with limited cost is at a prime.
The utilization of social networking tools as a cost effective and creative method of bringing in the best is at our finger tips. Talent Acquisition has taken the next steps in technology overload. Together companies, agencies, and colleges are using these tools of communication to maximize territorial research and not only find the best regional talent but the best global talent.
Take the lead in the HR Community and step into the world of communication consolidation but be careful. Words can spread like brushfire. Now is the time for us to step away from the conservative framework and become the next pioneers in Talent Acquisition.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Late Night at the French Bistro
Last evening at 1:30 AM I found myself at the bar of La Fourchette with Alexandra and Perig, the owner of this quaint four star French bistro. Three hours of wine drinking bantering, a visit from a charming drunk and a newly married greek couple, ended with you confident yet pompous owner offering to take home the woman that I started the evening with. Nothing a little arrogent french charm and money can't buy. I don't know how the evening finished but I personally cannot complain after enjoying sixty plus dollars in free wine. I went home and enjoyed a very nice evening walk at almost 5 AM. By morning , Alexandra's car was gone and had a very relaxing Sunday. The evening finished with all the elements of a true independent character development flick. It was a very sophisticated and stress free evening that ended quite unusually.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Cancer doesn't discriminate..At least it is a non-biased killer
Today, Boston College's All-America Linebacker Matt Herzlich was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma. This 6'4" 240 chose to come back for his senior year instead of pursing a lucrative career in the NFL.
Now he is in the biggest battle of his life against a team that he cannot see or control that is microscopic in size but more deadly than any other opponent he ever faced.
A friend of mine is watching her father lose a battle with cancer right now. There is no press coverage. There is no article all over the world but the same feeling of being lost and having no control is following her and her family each and every day.
When do we wake up and realize that each day is a valuable gift and we should not put off the adventures and goals we want to achieve.
I wish I could say I have not been guilty but I have have but I am doing my best to live out my dreams.
We should all think about that.
Now he is in the biggest battle of his life against a team that he cannot see or control that is microscopic in size but more deadly than any other opponent he ever faced.
A friend of mine is watching her father lose a battle with cancer right now. There is no press coverage. There is no article all over the world but the same feeling of being lost and having no control is following her and her family each and every day.
When do we wake up and realize that each day is a valuable gift and we should not put off the adventures and goals we want to achieve.
I wish I could say I have not been guilty but I have have but I am doing my best to live out my dreams.
We should all think about that.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Look behind...Look forward
How often do we look behind us to reflect on the past. Were they better times? Were they simpler times? or do we just need the memories to keep us moving forward. It is ok to reflect on the past and to some degree even dive back into it but happiness is not in the past but the decisions we make for our future. The future is uncertain for most and that gives us a golden opportunity to shape the true happiness we can only find in ourselves. We have our routines, our careers, our families but we also have dreams and goals. They are the things that will shape our future memories. Enjoy your thoughts of the past but don't stop looking and planning for the future. It is in your control now.
Huilan Shao - Congratulations
Today I found out that Huilan Shao (Sharon) got her first internship with JNET in Warren, NJ. Sharon is a sophomore at Rutgers University who connected with me through Linkedin but unfortunately, I was not able to assist her in finding an opportunity with us due to the timing of the request. We maintained contact and she felt comfortable enough to reach out to me and inform me of her wonderful news and of course seek advise on how to make the summer the most successful. Did this connection have a return on investment. Not in the business sense but in the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, this will carry forward much further. I am proud of her though I never met her and perhaps never will.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
My Boys - The Truth About Facebook
When is reality and virtual reality one in the same; when your past becomes your present. That was the theme of tonights episode of My Boys where the fine line between you true live and in technicolor friends and your virtual friends become the line between devoted and out there. We live in two worlds, one where we can control and better yet create who we are and the world where we make mistakes, share emotions and become part of something real. Which is better? There is no easy answer to that questions. Do you conform to the new reality of virtual reality or remain true to what you grew up believing. I suppose that question will never be answered because soon a new fad will come along and erase all the new beliefs that are hidden over the old believes that are buried with the first beliefs. Believe in yourself...that is what I say.
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