http://bluntrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/
* I was looking at the Big 10 teams in the bowl games. I think is the year the Big 10 is vindicated. I am going out on a limb & saying the Big 10 will be 6-1 in the bowls this year. The matchups:
The U vs. Wisconsin (U favored by 3.5 - I'm picking the Badgers)
Minnesota vs. Iowa State (UM favored by 2.5 - Gophers to win)
Northwestern vs. Auburn (UA favored by 7 - Auburn will win)
Penn State vs. LSU (PSU will drop the SEC)
Mich State vs. Texas Tech (Tech favored by 8, MSU in an upset)
OSU vs. Oregon (Oregon by 3.5, Buckeyes get the monkey off the back)
Iowa vs. Georgia Tech (Tech by 4, another upset)
You heard it hear, the Big 10 will be 6-1.
* Vazquez to the Yankees. Are you kidding me? The rich get richer. Vazquez only trails Randy Johnson in active pitchers with strikeouts....and he goes to a team with Sabathia, Pettite, and all of the other great players. This is ridiculous. This sport is not fair anymore. You have a bunch of poor boys playing all star teams.
* Look at the major league payrolls this past year:
The top 5: Yanks ($201 million - not a typo), Mets $149, Cubs $135, Red Sox $122 (yes the Yankees spent $80 million more than the Red Sox), Tigers $115
The bottom 5: Marlins $37 (yes the Yankess spent 5.5 times the Marlins), Padres $44, Pirates $60, As $62, Rays $63.
Ohio Teams: Indians $82, Reds $74
Just not right.
* The Big 10 hoops teams have started well. Look at Northwestern at 10-1. I expect the Big 10 to be a bloodbath this year with much balance. The champion may have 5 losses this year.
* I can't wait for the matchup of the year - Texas vs. Kansas in hoops. Both teams look strong.
* Tiger's arrogance gets me. How did he not think this would eventually come to light?
* Favre - please just play.
I ran across this great Confucius quote:
"To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right."
In summary - it starts with YOU! Not your neighbor, not your boss, not your kids, not your friends. If you want the world to be a better place...it starts with YOU!
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Get To vs. Got To
Find all of the "Random Thoughts" online at:
http://bluntrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/
* I recently attended an awesome session presented by a friend of mine (Dr. Gary Schwantz). His point was living life as a "Get to" vs. a "Got to". Think of how you use those different phrases. When you are excited to do something it might be common to say...."I get to watch the Buckeyes on Saturday". On the contrary, when you are going to do something that you aren't as passionate about, you might say...."I've got to go to work". His advice was to create a life of "get to".
* His point was summarized in 5 key bullets (hopefully you will find something in here that speaks to you):
1) Do it on purpose - deciding today is the day I notice. If we want to savor life, we have to notice it.
2) Notice the moment - Be in the moment.
3) Celebrate & have some fun - it creates a healthier you.
4) Be grateful - blessing are gifts, not entitlements.
5) Take Time - make time for those things that are important.
* Ohio State owns michigan - 6 straight, 7 out of the last 8. I can hardly remember the Cooper era. It wasn't that long ago the shoe was on the other foot....michigan owned Ohio State. As hard as it is for me to see michigan beating OSU next year, there were a lot of positive signs for the wolverines. That offense moved the ball.....but turnovers doomed them. Just think if they didn't turn the ball over....we might have had to throw a pass or 2 in the second half.
* Bring on the Ducks. I'm convinced we are going to play Oregon in the Grand-daddy of the all...the Rose Bowl. They have looked good everytime that I have seen them. Fast, shifty & they run the spread. It will be a great test for the Buckeyes. Of course the Bucks will be dogs.
* As funny as this sounds - I think the Buckeyes are in the exact same position they would have been had they won all of their games. Just think, there is absolutely no way the voters would have put OSU in the title game. With all of the other undefeated teams, OSU would have been #3 at best. Given that, they would have went to the Rose Bowl. Interesting but most likely true. The Purdue loss & the USC loss meant nothing to the bowl picture.
* Hard to believe the next OSU football game will be January 1st....such a long time. My how time flies. Now it's time to enjoy some OSU hoops. Hopefully they can give us something to cheer for.
* Remember, no matter how bad your fantasy football team is doing, for most leagues it only matters how you do in weeks 14, 15 & 16. You can be 9-2 right now, get the #1 seed in the playoffs & get knocked out by the lowest seed just because they have some no name bust out in week #14. Don't get cocky now. Just make the playoffs.
* There's something wrong with Lady GaGa. Every performance I have seen her do is disturbing. She can't be all there.
* Thanksgiving is a great time of the year. Challenge for you....at the family dinner table have everyone go around & say 1 or 2 things they are thankful for. You may be surprised how cool this turns out.
http://bluntrandomthoughts.blogspot.com/
* I recently attended an awesome session presented by a friend of mine (Dr. Gary Schwantz). His point was living life as a "Get to" vs. a "Got to". Think of how you use those different phrases. When you are excited to do something it might be common to say...."I get to watch the Buckeyes on Saturday". On the contrary, when you are going to do something that you aren't as passionate about, you might say...."I've got to go to work". His advice was to create a life of "get to".
* His point was summarized in 5 key bullets (hopefully you will find something in here that speaks to you):
1) Do it on purpose - deciding today is the day I notice. If we want to savor life, we have to notice it.
2) Notice the moment - Be in the moment.
3) Celebrate & have some fun - it creates a healthier you.
4) Be grateful - blessing are gifts, not entitlements.
5) Take Time - make time for those things that are important.
* Ohio State owns michigan - 6 straight, 7 out of the last 8. I can hardly remember the Cooper era. It wasn't that long ago the shoe was on the other foot....michigan owned Ohio State. As hard as it is for me to see michigan beating OSU next year, there were a lot of positive signs for the wolverines. That offense moved the ball.....but turnovers doomed them. Just think if they didn't turn the ball over....we might have had to throw a pass or 2 in the second half.
* Bring on the Ducks. I'm convinced we are going to play Oregon in the Grand-daddy of the all...the Rose Bowl. They have looked good everytime that I have seen them. Fast, shifty & they run the spread. It will be a great test for the Buckeyes. Of course the Bucks will be dogs.
* As funny as this sounds - I think the Buckeyes are in the exact same position they would have been had they won all of their games. Just think, there is absolutely no way the voters would have put OSU in the title game. With all of the other undefeated teams, OSU would have been #3 at best. Given that, they would have went to the Rose Bowl. Interesting but most likely true. The Purdue loss & the USC loss meant nothing to the bowl picture.
* Hard to believe the next OSU football game will be January 1st....such a long time. My how time flies. Now it's time to enjoy some OSU hoops. Hopefully they can give us something to cheer for.
* Remember, no matter how bad your fantasy football team is doing, for most leagues it only matters how you do in weeks 14, 15 & 16. You can be 9-2 right now, get the #1 seed in the playoffs & get knocked out by the lowest seed just because they have some no name bust out in week #14. Don't get cocky now. Just make the playoffs.
* There's something wrong with Lady GaGa. Every performance I have seen her do is disturbing. She can't be all there.
* Thanksgiving is a great time of the year. Challenge for you....at the family dinner table have everyone go around & say 1 or 2 things they are thankful for. You may be surprised how cool this turns out.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
It's michigan Week
* Yes - we are spoiled as Buckeye fans. We've now won the Big 10 for five years in a row. Yet we still gripe about the coach. Well we could be michigan. They have 1 win in the Big 10....yes ONE. They have to beat the Buckeyes to go to a bowl. We are going to a BCS bowl....AGAIN. michigan is desparate to go to A bowl...any bowl. We need to enjoy it.
* This game will be closer than expected. Yes, michigan's defense is porous (full of holes). But we play Tressel ball in Columbus. Senator Tressel has been known to pull out a trick or two against the team up north. But, when the smoke clears, he still plays it close to his sweater vest. I expect a 20-13 win.
* This game has much more excitement when michigan is good. Does it bother me that michigan is bad.....nope. Penn State is becoming a pretty good rival.
* Why in the heck would a team like the Bengals be considering signing Larry Johnson? It seems the Bengals are just putting their problems behind them & now they are inviting another in? Baffles me.
* I had a pretty strong feeling the Allen Iverson signing would go bad for Memphis. It did. He's not a strong team player unless he's starting & taking the majority of a team's shots. If he's not...he's not a good option for a team....especially a young team like the Grizzlies.
* The new Death Cab for Cutie single "Meet Me on the Equinox" sounds just like a RUSH song. Eerie.
* Brady Quinn was 13-31 last night. That's 42% if you're counting. Not good for an NFL QB. The 2 picks while not directly his fault because they went off receiver's hands, were not great passes - both were off target (behind & high).
* Hang in the Brown's fans, Charlie Weis will be available soon. They've tried all of the other Belichick disciples (Crennel, Mangini & even Belichick himself). Weis has got to be next.
* We are going to see how good the OSU basketball team is very soon. On Thursday they tip-off against the National Champion North Carolina Tar Heels. I like the Buckeye team this year. They are long and athletic. David Lighty's return will be a big boost.
* Speaking of the Buckeyes - just think if they didn't have all of the big guns pull the one & done. This year's team would have Oden, Conley, Cook, Koufas & Mullens in the mix. One can dream.
* The pro careers have really worked for Koufas & Mullens. Last I saw Mullens was in street clothes. Not exactly what he was hoping for I'm sure. But, if you can't play for OSU (which he didn't very well), how are you going to play in the NBA? Don't understand the logic sometimes. Who is helping these kids?
* Remind me why the SEC is such a great football conference again. I'm looking at the Top 25 & there are exactly 3 SEC teams in it. The Mountain West conference has 3 teams in the Top 25. In fact, there are 3 other conferences with 4 or more (Pac 10 - 5, Big 10 - 4, ACC - 4). The SEC is very top heavy. The PAC 10 looks like the best conference this year.
* It's hoop season again - the mighty Otterbein College Cardinals women's team kicks off this Friday in Adrian, Michigan. I can't wait (I help coach there if you didn't know). I'm looking forward to the season. We have a lot of depth this year. We got tougher & deeper. I think it's gonna be a good thing. Time will tell.....
* Go Bucks....beat michigan....beat em bad.
* This game will be closer than expected. Yes, michigan's defense is porous (full of holes). But we play Tressel ball in Columbus. Senator Tressel has been known to pull out a trick or two against the team up north. But, when the smoke clears, he still plays it close to his sweater vest. I expect a 20-13 win.
* This game has much more excitement when michigan is good. Does it bother me that michigan is bad.....nope. Penn State is becoming a pretty good rival.
* Why in the heck would a team like the Bengals be considering signing Larry Johnson? It seems the Bengals are just putting their problems behind them & now they are inviting another in? Baffles me.
* I had a pretty strong feeling the Allen Iverson signing would go bad for Memphis. It did. He's not a strong team player unless he's starting & taking the majority of a team's shots. If he's not...he's not a good option for a team....especially a young team like the Grizzlies.
* The new Death Cab for Cutie single "Meet Me on the Equinox" sounds just like a RUSH song. Eerie.
* Brady Quinn was 13-31 last night. That's 42% if you're counting. Not good for an NFL QB. The 2 picks while not directly his fault because they went off receiver's hands, were not great passes - both were off target (behind & high).
* Hang in the Brown's fans, Charlie Weis will be available soon. They've tried all of the other Belichick disciples (Crennel, Mangini & even Belichick himself). Weis has got to be next.
* We are going to see how good the OSU basketball team is very soon. On Thursday they tip-off against the National Champion North Carolina Tar Heels. I like the Buckeye team this year. They are long and athletic. David Lighty's return will be a big boost.
* Speaking of the Buckeyes - just think if they didn't have all of the big guns pull the one & done. This year's team would have Oden, Conley, Cook, Koufas & Mullens in the mix. One can dream.
* The pro careers have really worked for Koufas & Mullens. Last I saw Mullens was in street clothes. Not exactly what he was hoping for I'm sure. But, if you can't play for OSU (which he didn't very well), how are you going to play in the NBA? Don't understand the logic sometimes. Who is helping these kids?
* Remind me why the SEC is such a great football conference again. I'm looking at the Top 25 & there are exactly 3 SEC teams in it. The Mountain West conference has 3 teams in the Top 25. In fact, there are 3 other conferences with 4 or more (Pac 10 - 5, Big 10 - 4, ACC - 4). The SEC is very top heavy. The PAC 10 looks like the best conference this year.
* It's hoop season again - the mighty Otterbein College Cardinals women's team kicks off this Friday in Adrian, Michigan. I can't wait (I help coach there if you didn't know). I'm looking forward to the season. We have a lot of depth this year. We got tougher & deeper. I think it's gonna be a good thing. Time will tell.....
* Go Bucks....beat michigan....beat em bad.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Yanks & Other Thoughts
* Wasn't a tough call - but I did predict the Yankees would win the series. (definitely not a tough call - they only spent a gazillion dollars to put that all star team on the field.
* I am not a fan of the Yankees. Never have been....never will. I'm totally against the idea of spending as much money as they do. The playing field is not level for all teams. If the Yankees want a player - they go buy him. Simple. Am I a little bitter because the best pitchers on the field were former Indians? - you bet I am.
* I'm waking up after watching the Yankees dominate again & swearing that I'm done with baseball.
* I do like Derek Jeter - I think he plays the game the right way. And he is actually someone that came through the Yankees farm system.
On to other topics:
* Why is it that when a defensive player grabs the facemask it's a 15 yard personal foul.....but when the offensive player stiff-arms & grabs the facemask & torques a guy's head, it's ok? Don't quite understand that one.
* Why is it that 99% of the time it's defensive pass interference? I'd say many times the offense is the one causing the problems....yet it's always the defense that's punished.
* Why is it acceptable to substitute at every position in football with the exception of quarterback? Derek Anderson is playing horrendous at QB & you can't give Brady Quinn a couple of series without it being a huge deal? Terrel Pryor is struggling at Purdue & you can't give a series to Joe Bauserman? Maybe TP would have settled down....maybe JB would have got hot & gave the Buckeyes a shot in the arm. Coaches are stubborn.
* Why are 4-way stop signs so difficult? I go through a few each & every day....I'm amazed at how much more time they take because no one is assertive enough to go.
* As Hollywood as the signing is....Shaq is not the answer in Cleveland. The Cavs are still too reliant on LeBron in the 4th quarter to take every shot. Shaq might be able to guard a couple guys a little better than Z....but I honestly don't see him making much difference offensively. The Celtics (if they stay healthy....and that's a big if given that most of their team is pretty old by NBA standards) are the team to beat in the East. Adding Rasheed Wallace was the best most they could have made. Now they are big & can substitute for Garnett without loosing a beat.
* As good as I feel about the Vikings going in to the bye week....those Saints scare the heck out of me. That offense is as good as it gets. They are shredding defenses at will. Drew Brees is in rhythm.
* I lost a lot of respect for Urban Myer. The initial suspension of Spikes for the eye gouging incident was a complete joke. It wasn't until the media cried foul that they extended it to a game. Come-on Urban....be a man & stand for something.
* As hard as this is for me to say - I expect the Nittany Lions to beat the Buckeyes on Saturday. That Buckeye offense is still not functioning. The defense can't continue to carry all of the weight. Daryll Clark is pretty good. Kind of interesting that OSU's starting QB is from PA while PSU's starting QB is from O-H-I-O (Youngstown).
* LSU at Alabama is the only other good game this weekend. I expect Bama to roll tide at home.
* If you haven't joined Linked-In (www.linkedin.com) , I highly recommend it. As the old saying goes, "it's not what you know, but who you know" that counts. This website is a terrific method of increasing your network. It's sort of like Facebook....but with a professional slant. The website is a great resource to use when you need help or advice. Give it a try.
* I am not a fan of the Yankees. Never have been....never will. I'm totally against the idea of spending as much money as they do. The playing field is not level for all teams. If the Yankees want a player - they go buy him. Simple. Am I a little bitter because the best pitchers on the field were former Indians? - you bet I am.
* I'm waking up after watching the Yankees dominate again & swearing that I'm done with baseball.
* I do like Derek Jeter - I think he plays the game the right way. And he is actually someone that came through the Yankees farm system.
On to other topics:
* Why is it that when a defensive player grabs the facemask it's a 15 yard personal foul.....but when the offensive player stiff-arms & grabs the facemask & torques a guy's head, it's ok? Don't quite understand that one.
* Why is it that 99% of the time it's defensive pass interference? I'd say many times the offense is the one causing the problems....yet it's always the defense that's punished.
* Why is it acceptable to substitute at every position in football with the exception of quarterback? Derek Anderson is playing horrendous at QB & you can't give Brady Quinn a couple of series without it being a huge deal? Terrel Pryor is struggling at Purdue & you can't give a series to Joe Bauserman? Maybe TP would have settled down....maybe JB would have got hot & gave the Buckeyes a shot in the arm. Coaches are stubborn.
* Why are 4-way stop signs so difficult? I go through a few each & every day....I'm amazed at how much more time they take because no one is assertive enough to go.
* As Hollywood as the signing is....Shaq is not the answer in Cleveland. The Cavs are still too reliant on LeBron in the 4th quarter to take every shot. Shaq might be able to guard a couple guys a little better than Z....but I honestly don't see him making much difference offensively. The Celtics (if they stay healthy....and that's a big if given that most of their team is pretty old by NBA standards) are the team to beat in the East. Adding Rasheed Wallace was the best most they could have made. Now they are big & can substitute for Garnett without loosing a beat.
* As good as I feel about the Vikings going in to the bye week....those Saints scare the heck out of me. That offense is as good as it gets. They are shredding defenses at will. Drew Brees is in rhythm.
* I lost a lot of respect for Urban Myer. The initial suspension of Spikes for the eye gouging incident was a complete joke. It wasn't until the media cried foul that they extended it to a game. Come-on Urban....be a man & stand for something.
* As hard as this is for me to say - I expect the Nittany Lions to beat the Buckeyes on Saturday. That Buckeye offense is still not functioning. The defense can't continue to carry all of the weight. Daryll Clark is pretty good. Kind of interesting that OSU's starting QB is from PA while PSU's starting QB is from O-H-I-O (Youngstown).
* LSU at Alabama is the only other good game this weekend. I expect Bama to roll tide at home.
* If you haven't joined Linked-In (www.linkedin.com) , I highly recommend it. As the old saying goes, "it's not what you know, but who you know" that counts. This website is a terrific method of increasing your network. It's sort of like Facebook....but with a professional slant. The website is a great resource to use when you need help or advice. Give it a try.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Hype?
* Can you possibly hype a game more than the Brett Favre saga about to play out? I'm a huge Viking fan....but I'm tired. Can we just play football? I can't wait for this to be all over. I'm ecstatic Favre is a Viking. I think we have a great chance to make some noise this year. But, I just want to be a fan. Let's talk about something else can we?
* The roughing the passer penalties on the Ravens vs. the Pats was atrocious. Those 2 roughing penalites directly resulted in 14 points for the Pats. Not right.
* There is definitely no respect for the Buckeyes. They win handily and get jumped by Cincinnati. Until they win a big game, the Bucks will go no higher than 5 despite what they do the rest of the way. We will get another shot at redemption....expect the Rose Bowl rematch with USC.
* Imagine playing 162 games and it all comes down to 1 baseball game. Imagine being a player & thinking about all of the opportunities you were given throughout the year to win just 1 more game. Could you have focused a little more, ran a little harder, studied the scout chart, warmed up, etc... just a little more to make that one play to create one more win?
* Magical couple of days in Minnesota. The Twins play their last regular season game in the Metrodome, the Vikes are home in the Brett Favre battle, and the 1 game playoff tomorrow night. Fun town.
* The Saints have been ridiculous on offense. They have scored 144 points in 4 games. That is 20 more points than the 2nd best offense - get this....the 2nd highest scoring team is the Baltimore Ravens. Are you kidding me? I thought they only played defense in that city.
* The Broncos have only given up 26 points in 4 games. That's less than 7 per game. It helps that they played the Browns.
* Braylon Edwards is a solid citizen.
* The Indians only lost 97 games. Shrew...I thought they were gonna lose 100. Why fire the manager with only 6 games left? Silly.
* Below is a parenting tip that I recently read & liked.
* The roughing the passer penalties on the Ravens vs. the Pats was atrocious. Those 2 roughing penalites directly resulted in 14 points for the Pats. Not right.
* There is definitely no respect for the Buckeyes. They win handily and get jumped by Cincinnati. Until they win a big game, the Bucks will go no higher than 5 despite what they do the rest of the way. We will get another shot at redemption....expect the Rose Bowl rematch with USC.
* Imagine playing 162 games and it all comes down to 1 baseball game. Imagine being a player & thinking about all of the opportunities you were given throughout the year to win just 1 more game. Could you have focused a little more, ran a little harder, studied the scout chart, warmed up, etc... just a little more to make that one play to create one more win?
* Magical couple of days in Minnesota. The Twins play their last regular season game in the Metrodome, the Vikes are home in the Brett Favre battle, and the 1 game playoff tomorrow night. Fun town.
* The Saints have been ridiculous on offense. They have scored 144 points in 4 games. That is 20 more points than the 2nd best offense - get this....the 2nd highest scoring team is the Baltimore Ravens. Are you kidding me? I thought they only played defense in that city.
* The Broncos have only given up 26 points in 4 games. That's less than 7 per game. It helps that they played the Browns.
* Braylon Edwards is a solid citizen.
* The Indians only lost 97 games. Shrew...I thought they were gonna lose 100. Why fire the manager with only 6 games left? Silly.
* Below is a parenting tip that I recently read & liked.
Parenting Tips – The Importance of Respect and Guidance
This will bring us to our next parenting tip which is guidance. Kids will learn what they live. If we disrespect our kids, they will disrespect us and others. A common way we as parents disrespect our children is by letting them get away with being disrespectful to us.
For example, I say to my four year old son Johnny, “It’s time for bed, hurry off now.” His response is, “NO” and I laugh and say, “How cute.” I have disrespected him. In other words, I didn’t care about his need for guidance. If we walked into someone’s house and smoked after they have expressed their desire for not smoking in their house, I would be showing disrespect for the needs of the home owner. If we laugh at our kids when they are disrespectful to us (which they will be at times) or don’t correct them, we show disrespect for their needs. Children need guidance. But unless our guidance stems from love, it will come off as nothing but orders: “I am parent and you are a nothing child, do as I say!”
As a parent, we owe it to our kids to guide them into being respectful children. Otherwise they will grow to be disrespectful to all authority.
- Guidance takes time and love -- lots of time and lots of love. Never, ever give up.
Friday, September 25, 2009
For Best Results
* I think it's absurd that a toothpaste tube contains the directions - "for best results, squeeze from the bottom of the tube" - are you kidding me?
* As discussed last week, the Indians are gaining ground on hitting the 100 loss number. They have now lost 11 straight. There are 11 games to go & they must win 2. Embarrassing.
* The SI Cover Jinx is alive & well. In the College FB preview issue they highlighted a few teams that were going to make a run this year - Ole Miss, Oregon & Oregon St. - they all have lost.
* Now I'm concerned - Adrian Peterson was on the cover last week. That's not good for a Viking fan like myself.
* Baseball has about 11 games left. There are only 2 races worth mentioning:
- The Rockies are up 3.5 but have dropped their last 2. Meanwhile the Braves have won their last 3 & the Marlin have won their last 2.
- The Tigers are only up 3 on the Twins. But, Detroit was on the cover of SI this week. Oh No.......... Can Detroit handle more disappointment?
* The Russians are coming....it appears one of the richest dudes in the world is going to buy the Nets. The NBA is clearly becoming an international game isn't it? The Cavs have a Chinese owner.
* The NHL kicks off in 8 days. Excited about the Columbus Blue Jackets. Can they continue to improve? I really like the young talent - Nash, Mason, Brassard, Filatov. Just keep healthy....
* Not much in the way of big games for College FB this weekend. The biggest is Virginia Tech vs. Miami - but I really don't care about that one. The Big Ten does have some important conference games - but I don't think they really matter in the national picture anymore. There is no love out there for the Big Ten. People continue to be fascinated with the SEC.
* I ran into this blog on Networking. I liked it & wanted to share it:
Ten Top Tips to Grow Your Network
by KeithFerrazzi.com on August 11, 2009
1. Build it before you need it: The best networking isn’t networking at all. Your goal should be to build relationships. Sure, that takes more time than swapping business cards at some boozy event. But those connections – real, sustained friendships – are what’s going to make a real difference in your life and career.
2. Don’t Be a Networking Jerk: Does the thought of “working a room” make you feel dirty? So don’t. Approach people with the question, “How can I help you?” Leading with generosity will allow you to approach people without the usual nervous inhibitions that bubble up when we feel inauthentic.
3. Don’t Keep Score: Truly connecting with others is a constant process of giving and receiving—of asking for and offering help. You’ve got to be willing to be generous, and accept the generosity of others, without keeping tally. Think big-picture: The more people you help, the more help you’ll have and the more help you’ll have helping others.
4. Create Instant Intimacy: Who really wants to talk about the weather? Why not skip to the good stuff! Creating instant intimacy by talking to people right away about their passions. What is it that really makes them tick?
5. Be Audacious: Nothing will create more opportunity in your life than a willingness to step up and ask for what you need. If you’re not brave enough to get out there and meet the people who are essential to your career, you won’t. It’s that simple. Push beyond what you think is “allowed” and you’ll often find that people are eager to help.
6. Develop Conversational Currency: When meeting someone new, be prepared to have something to say. Keep up with current events. Cultivate some niche interest—a single, narrow specialty that you’re truly passionate about. That passion has power.
7. Learn to Listen: Strive to be interested as much as interesting – or more. People love to meet others who take genuine interest in their lives. It’s frighteningly rare! Ask questions and when they answer, listen! Show them you’re listening with body language and follow up questions.
8. Master Nonverbal Cues: First, smile – it makes you approachable. Uncross your arms, relax, and maintain eye contact. When your eye contact drops below 70 percent, you can come across as rude and disinterested.
9. Get to Know the Gatekeeper: You think an assistant isn’t important enough to be on your radar? Wrong! That assistant has tremendous power as your target’s right hand. Treat them well.
10. Create a Personal Advisory Board: Get other people invested in your success by calling upon them as trusted
* As discussed last week, the Indians are gaining ground on hitting the 100 loss number. They have now lost 11 straight. There are 11 games to go & they must win 2. Embarrassing.
* The SI Cover Jinx is alive & well. In the College FB preview issue they highlighted a few teams that were going to make a run this year - Ole Miss, Oregon & Oregon St. - they all have lost.
* Now I'm concerned - Adrian Peterson was on the cover last week. That's not good for a Viking fan like myself.
* Baseball has about 11 games left. There are only 2 races worth mentioning:
- The Rockies are up 3.5 but have dropped their last 2. Meanwhile the Braves have won their last 3 & the Marlin have won their last 2.
- The Tigers are only up 3 on the Twins. But, Detroit was on the cover of SI this week. Oh No.......... Can Detroit handle more disappointment?
* The Russians are coming....it appears one of the richest dudes in the world is going to buy the Nets. The NBA is clearly becoming an international game isn't it? The Cavs have a Chinese owner.
* The NHL kicks off in 8 days. Excited about the Columbus Blue Jackets. Can they continue to improve? I really like the young talent - Nash, Mason, Brassard, Filatov. Just keep healthy....
* Not much in the way of big games for College FB this weekend. The biggest is Virginia Tech vs. Miami - but I really don't care about that one. The Big Ten does have some important conference games - but I don't think they really matter in the national picture anymore. There is no love out there for the Big Ten. People continue to be fascinated with the SEC.
* I ran into this blog on Networking. I liked it & wanted to share it:
Ten Top Tips to Grow Your Network
by KeithFerrazzi.com on August 11, 2009
1. Build it before you need it: The best networking isn’t networking at all. Your goal should be to build relationships. Sure, that takes more time than swapping business cards at some boozy event. But those connections – real, sustained friendships – are what’s going to make a real difference in your life and career.
2. Don’t Be a Networking Jerk: Does the thought of “working a room” make you feel dirty? So don’t. Approach people with the question, “How can I help you?” Leading with generosity will allow you to approach people without the usual nervous inhibitions that bubble up when we feel inauthentic.
3. Don’t Keep Score: Truly connecting with others is a constant process of giving and receiving—of asking for and offering help. You’ve got to be willing to be generous, and accept the generosity of others, without keeping tally. Think big-picture: The more people you help, the more help you’ll have and the more help you’ll have helping others.
4. Create Instant Intimacy: Who really wants to talk about the weather? Why not skip to the good stuff! Creating instant intimacy by talking to people right away about their passions. What is it that really makes them tick?
5. Be Audacious: Nothing will create more opportunity in your life than a willingness to step up and ask for what you need. If you’re not brave enough to get out there and meet the people who are essential to your career, you won’t. It’s that simple. Push beyond what you think is “allowed” and you’ll often find that people are eager to help.
6. Develop Conversational Currency: When meeting someone new, be prepared to have something to say. Keep up with current events. Cultivate some niche interest—a single, narrow specialty that you’re truly passionate about. That passion has power.
7. Learn to Listen: Strive to be interested as much as interesting – or more. People love to meet others who take genuine interest in their lives. It’s frighteningly rare! Ask questions and when they answer, listen! Show them you’re listening with body language and follow up questions.
8. Master Nonverbal Cues: First, smile – it makes you approachable. Uncross your arms, relax, and maintain eye contact. When your eye contact drops below 70 percent, you can come across as rude and disinterested.
9. Get to Know the Gatekeeper: You think an assistant isn’t important enough to be on your radar? Wrong! That assistant has tremendous power as your target’s right hand. Treat them well.
10. Create a Personal Advisory Board: Get other people invested in your success by calling upon them as trusted
Friday, September 18, 2009
Move On
* Last Saturday was a kick in the gut for Buckeye fans. To be oh so close & miss out again. Texas, Penn State & now USC. All down to the final plays. All losses. Tressel ball can keep us in the games, but the Bucks must be perfect to win.
* Speaking of Tressel & the punt is the most important play. Check out this link.... This coach does not believe in punting & onside kicks every time. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1160256/index.htm
* On to this weekend - I'm a Buckeye fan. To me that means my loyalty & passion will not change from week to week. I hope they smash my alma mater, Toledo (T-O-L-E-D-O, Toledo). I also hope the Rocket offense if very potent so OSU has to learn to put up some points.
* This is the weekend that Lane Kiffin learns to be a little more quiet. Florida will whack Tennessee. Don't expect Florida to take Tebow out until the clock hits 0:00.
* Texas plays Texas Tech this weekend. If you remember, Tech ruined the Longhorns chance to play for the National Championship. Expect Texas to get revenge in a big way. It will be a high scoring Texas win.
* It looks like College football will be the Big 3 this year - Florida, Texas & USC. I hope USC is good enough to run the table & not trip over a lesser opponent. I do think the Pac 10 is much improved. Cal is pretty good. I want USC to dominate that conference.
* Got a chance to see the Vikings & Browns live last Sunday. Couple of observations.
1) The stadium was not full. How does an opening day at Cleveland stadium against a team with so much star power (AP & Favre in particular), not sell out?
2) It was an awesomely beautiful day.
3) I love Browns fans - I really do. They have incredible passion & like me are fans of a team that has not won a Super Bowl.
4) Pro football players are incredible athletes. The speed, size & hitting on the field. How do more not get permanently injured from this sport?
5) Adrian Peterson is not human. I'm watching this guy warm up before the game - there is no one on either sideline that closely resembles him. The size, power & speed of him - whoa! He runs like a receiver & looks like a linebacker. No one like him. His fourth quarter run.....speechless. That run will be shown in the highlights for years to come. If he stays healthy, he will be mentioned in the same breath as Payton.
6) As much as I want to believe it because he's a Columbus kid & I think a good guy, Brady Quinn is not the answer in Cleveland.
* I hope the season hurries & ends & puts the Indians out of their misery. 1-9 in their last 10. Only 16 more games. They stand at 85 losses. Can they avoid loosing 100?
* One more thought from the Browns game - the camera panned to Lebron in the stadium. The ovation & roar for that guy was incredible. He owns the city of Cleveland.
* I know this was made re-popular while USC was in town, but I don't think there is a better was to define being a friend than the song "Lean On Me". I'm not sure there are any lyrics written that are better than these:
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me
So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
* Speaking of Tressel & the punt is the most important play. Check out this link.... This coach does not believe in punting & onside kicks every time. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1160256/index.htm
* On to this weekend - I'm a Buckeye fan. To me that means my loyalty & passion will not change from week to week. I hope they smash my alma mater, Toledo (T-O-L-E-D-O, Toledo). I also hope the Rocket offense if very potent so OSU has to learn to put up some points.
* This is the weekend that Lane Kiffin learns to be a little more quiet. Florida will whack Tennessee. Don't expect Florida to take Tebow out until the clock hits 0:00.
* Texas plays Texas Tech this weekend. If you remember, Tech ruined the Longhorns chance to play for the National Championship. Expect Texas to get revenge in a big way. It will be a high scoring Texas win.
* It looks like College football will be the Big 3 this year - Florida, Texas & USC. I hope USC is good enough to run the table & not trip over a lesser opponent. I do think the Pac 10 is much improved. Cal is pretty good. I want USC to dominate that conference.
* Got a chance to see the Vikings & Browns live last Sunday. Couple of observations.
1) The stadium was not full. How does an opening day at Cleveland stadium against a team with so much star power (AP & Favre in particular), not sell out?
2) It was an awesomely beautiful day.
3) I love Browns fans - I really do. They have incredible passion & like me are fans of a team that has not won a Super Bowl.
4) Pro football players are incredible athletes. The speed, size & hitting on the field. How do more not get permanently injured from this sport?
5) Adrian Peterson is not human. I'm watching this guy warm up before the game - there is no one on either sideline that closely resembles him. The size, power & speed of him - whoa! He runs like a receiver & looks like a linebacker. No one like him. His fourth quarter run.....speechless. That run will be shown in the highlights for years to come. If he stays healthy, he will be mentioned in the same breath as Payton.
6) As much as I want to believe it because he's a Columbus kid & I think a good guy, Brady Quinn is not the answer in Cleveland.
* I hope the season hurries & ends & puts the Indians out of their misery. 1-9 in their last 10. Only 16 more games. They stand at 85 losses. Can they avoid loosing 100?
* One more thought from the Browns game - the camera panned to Lebron in the stadium. The ovation & roar for that guy was incredible. He owns the city of Cleveland.
* I know this was made re-popular while USC was in town, but I don't think there is a better was to define being a friend than the song "Lean On Me". I'm not sure there are any lyrics written that are better than these:
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me
So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
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