Books, Books, Books - Scratch Beginnings

My passion for reading started with Marvel comics when I was a kid. It accelerated when I dropped out of high school at age fifteen. It continued when I finally went on to college ten years later and continues to today. I once said that my image of heaven is a huge bookstore and I get to read every book ever written.

So I Just added another book to my reading list. It's a really long list and I know it just keeps growing and I'll never finish reading all the books on it. But I'll enjoy the journey.....



"Scratch Beginnings" seems like an interesting story of a young student on a journey to see if the American Dream is still alive. He starts out with only $25 and the clothes on his back and sees if he can work his way out of homelessness in a year. I'll review it after I read it.

Thought For The Day - Point of View

How do you see the world? Are you like a frog in a well or an eagle?
How you see the world comes from the perspective you have. It can come from either your personal experiences or how much you learn from others experiences. try to expand your perspective and point of view. Learn to see things from many sides not just one.
Choose a perspective that allows you to see things from above with the broadest perspective possible. Be an eagle not a frog.

Thought For The Day - Do it

"there is no try, there is only to do or do not."
Yoda

Thought For The Day - Lead Don't Follow

It is in times of turmoil, crisis and challenge that leaders and leadership are needed. Leaders are the ones that keep their head in the middle of the storm. They keep things in perspective and look to find solutions. Everyone of us has the potential to be leaders in our families and in our lives. Think and act like a leader and not a follower. Step up.

Thought For The Day - Feel the Fear

"Feel the Fear And Do It Anyway"
Susan Jeffers

Courage is not an absence of fear but the ability to acknowledge the fear and act in spite of it. This is a lesson that I have had to apply many times in my life and I anticipate I will have to apply many more times in the future.
I wasn't a big risk taker or outgoing as a youth. Outwardly I'm sure people couldn't tell but I lacked the courage to overcome a lot of the obstacles in my life. It was only when I pushed myself forward in spite of the fear did I begin to grow.

Every achievement and growth I made was accomplished because I moved through my fear to act.

I remember the first time I spoke in public, I was shaking so bad I could not hold my note cards to read them. Somehow I get through it. I continued to push my self pass my shyness and fear of public speaking and went on to act in theater and in murder mysteries and learned how to become not only comfortable giving speeches but actually enjoying doing it.

I've taken the lesson from this area of my life into all the other areas as well. So I encourage you feel the fear and do it anyway....

Thought For Day - Power of Crisis

Today we are facing great challenges and crisis. How should we react and respond. We need to respond to fear and uncertainty with courage, faith and action. Here is an interesting website that offers a community to help people face and overcome any challenges they face.

Tony Robbins

http://thepowerofcrisis.com/?ec=136580_2

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 2 - You Can Do Magic

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 1 - Knock You Out

Memoirs and Novels - Personal Ramblings

I just committed to a outrageously large goal of writing a first draft of a memoir in sixty days. I used this strategy before to write a script in thirty days and I achieved it. I'm in the process of laying the ground work for my writing by outlining the chapters and brainstorming different ideas for my book. As part of this process I am reading a bunch of memoirs and urban novels before I get started to just inspire myself and to think about how others have told their stories. I've read many memoirs and novels over the years and I plan on immersing myself in them to focus my writing over the next few months.

Some of the memoirs and novels I intend to reading over the next couple of weeks are the following:

Tis - Frank Mcourt
A Drinking Life - Pete Hamill
All Souls Day - Michael Patrick MacDonald
Honky - Dalton Conley
Bodega - Ernesto Quinonez
Sleeping Arrangements - Laura Cunnigham
Fist, Stick, Knives - Geofrrey Canada


Some of the books deal with life in the Bronx, some deal with the Irish American experience, some deal with the New York experience and all deal with the urban experience. I can see pieces of my life in all of them which is why I've chose to read them before embarking on my own writing.

I am determined and committed to having a first draft by the end of 2008. Let the writing begin....

Thought For the Day - You Fix You

"...You need to remember that you need to take control of your life. ...YOU are in charge of your destiny. YOU are in charge of your life....YOU have to fix you!...Go be somebody....."
Dave Ramsey

Thought For Day - "From Jail to Yale"

It's All About the Choices We Make

Last night thanks to a good friend Eileen I attended a performance of "From Jail to Yale" with Charles S. Dutton. You probably know him as "Roc". Mr Dutton shared his story of how he went from Jail to Yale's drama program. A fascinating and inspiring story. I later got a chance to meet him and share stories. It was a enjoyable evening of theater as Mr Dutton performed parts from playwright August Wilson's plays.
Charles story of how he accidently took a book of plays into solitary confinement and after reading it made a decision to change his life is inspiring. I know from my life growing up in the South Bronx and dropping out of HS at age fifteen how the choices you make or don't make determine the life you live. I learned to make better choices later on in life.
And we all have the power to make choices no matter where we start out.
Charles Dutton's life is an example of the power of choices and becoming a positive role model. The Dramatic Arts Education Fund is starting a new and innovation dramatic arts education program inspired by Charles Dutton to reach 1 million "at risk" junior and senior high school students across the country.

For more info, to donate or get involved.....

http://www.actorshalloffame.org/

Thought For Day - Get Your Finances in Shape

"Who's responsible for your financial situation? You Are. No really, You are."

Now is a good time to commit to getting your financial house in order. Here are two online resources.

http://www.daveramsey.com/

http://www.suzeorman.com/

Thought For Day - Power of Questions

"Always make Your Questions Bigger Than Your Answers"
For some people, their entire sense of security and self-image depends on having all the answers -- on never being wrong. As a result, these people try to understand everything in terms of what they know. But all growth lies in the territory of the unknown. What we already know is in the past. What we have yet to discover is the future. Always make your questions bigger than your answers, and you'll keep drawing yourself into a bigger future with new possibilities.
Dan Sullivan

Thought For Day - Attitude is Everything

I received this from my cousin Sharon who is facing some rather large challenges. Yet she always has a smile and a word of encouragement. She is a ray of sunshine on a rainy Irish day.
She really exemplifies the message of this post. So I share it with you....

Attitude

There once was a woman who woke up one morning,
looked in the mirror,
and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.'
So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror
and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
'H-M-M,' she said,
'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.'
So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed
that she had only one hair on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going
to wear my hair in a pony tail.'
So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up,
looked in the mirror and noticed
that there wasn't a single hair on her head.
'YAY!' she exclaimed.
'I don't have to fix my hair today!'

Attitude is everything.

Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle .

Live simply,

Love generously,

Care deeply,

Speak kindly......Walk with God

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...



It's about learning to dance in the rain.

Just Another Day in Paradise - Personal Ramblings

Seventeen years ago I made a big decision to change my life and I drove cross country from New York to California to start a new life. The change was dramatic although it wasn't easy. I arrived with less than $100 in my pocket and had to scramble quickly to survive. With a little help from my friends I survived and strived. Yet no matter how hard it was and it was, I felt like I had gone on a permanent vacation. Maybe it was the weather or the feeling of possibilities I got from the open spaces, the ocean and the mountains but whatever it was I still feel that sense of being on vacation after all these years.

Every day seems like another "Day in Paradise". Now part of that is what I've chosen to focus on and appreciate.

Yesterday was an example. I started the day participating in and cooking at a a Father's Day Breakfast at my daughter's school. The day started with some light showers and turned out great. We had a great time, Later that evening we went to a BBQ at a Horse Ranch where my daughter takes riding lessons. They had a fun Murder Mystery that reminded me of the ones I acted in when I first arrived in California, It was a great day.

So life is good and I feel grateful for the life I have and I know it all started because I overcame my fear seventeen years ago and took a big risk to move to California and go out on a limb to change my life. I have no regrets and hope to be able to always call on the courage to take the future risks I need to take.

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 2 - Hope You Dance

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 1 - Haddaway

"Life"

Thought For Day - Larger, Brighter Future

'Always Make Your Future Bigger Than Your Past"
Dan Sullivan

This philosophy is the opposite of "Glory Days' and living in the past. Your job is to create a brighter compelling future for yourself that will surpass your past.

Thought For Day - Entrepreneurship is the Way to Go

As the father of a young daughter it's great to read the following,

"... the latest statistics show women own almost half, or 10.1 million, of small businesses nationwide, and generate about $2 trillion in revenue."
Entrepreneurs and women entrepreneurs are major driving forces in our economy. Things have changed a lot in my lifetime in this regard.

Thought For Day - Nothing is Simple

"Nothing is Simple"
JD

Just when you thought Soy was the wonder product research is showing the some serious problems with it. Some of the negative reviews are not that new. So is it good or bad? Time to do a little research and make the decision for yourself. Everyone has something to sell but it's up to you to do the work and decide do you want to buy it and is all the hype just that hype.
Life is complex. Educate yourself and be critical. It's your life....
So nothing is simple don't you be simple....

http://www.parentdish.com/2008/07/28/eating-soy-linked-to-lowered-sperm-count

http://www.electroherbalism.com/Naturopathy/Therapies/Diet/Soy/NewestResearchonwhyYouShouldAvoidSoy.htm

Thought For Day - Gratitude - A Daily Habit

"Make Gratitude a Daily Habit"
JD



I've made it a regular habit for a while now to take the time every day to be thankful and grateful for all I have in my life. Recently I received the Irish/Celtic bronze stone as a gift from my cousin and I use it to remind myself every day of all the blessings in my life especially being reunited with my family in Ireland and Europe. I try to share this attitude of gratitude with my daughter as well.

I know there are those who believe that we attract that which focus on and I would say it seems true in my life. But even if it wasn't true it is still worthwhile to put things in perspective and recognize all that is great in your life every day.

Today given the financial challenges the country is facing might be especially a good day to remind ourselves of what we do have and recognize that there is always a spring after a cold winter.

So what are you grateful today? Maybe it's your family or friends or health or so many other things. So take the time and make it a habit.

Thought For Day - Keep Your Priorities In Order

"First comes my God, second comes my wife, third comes my kids and fourth comes my job. I know if I lose a football game on Sunday I have a lot left over."
Dallas Cowboy's Coach Tom Landry
Are your priorities in order?

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 2 - Led Zepplin

I remember this song from a "People's Concert" we sponsored in Poe's Park in the Bronx. it was played by a local band and that night I hooked up with my first girl friend. Long time ago.... colorful memories......

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 1 - Gypsy Kings

Thought For Day - Time

Don't be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in a year as you make use of. One man gets only a week's value out of a year while another gets a full year's value out of a week."

- Charles Richards

Rumba & Street Music Blogs - A Colorful History of the Bronx and New York

My best friend who I grew up with in the South Bronx is sharing his 35 years as a conga player and his experiences with Rumba and percussion music on a couple of new blogs.

It's a fascinating history. I look forward to reading his stories. looking at his pictures and listening to the music videos of Rumba, Salsa and Latin Jazz on the blog site.

The blogs are taking us back to some some very colorful times and a colorful life....... The blogs are the work of a few lovers of the music. Check them out I'm sure you'll enjoy them.......



http://streetlevelproductions.blogspot.com

Rumba / Folkloric percussion site

http://sentimientomanana.blogspot.com/2008/09/rumba-university-of-streets.html

Thought For Day - Broad Shoulders

"Ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders. "
Jewish Proverb


Now is a good time to have broader shoulders and an understanding that better days are still ahead of us. Keep working to find the opportunity in the middle of difficulties.....

Thought For Day - Run Hard

"Run Hard When No One Is Watching"

"I try to apply this lesson to everything I do in life. I try to always behave as I would if people were watching"

Harold Ford Jr.

Support the Success Foundation

Check out Success for Teens Book



http://www.successfoundation.org/book.html


Support the Success Foundation


http://www.successfoundation.org/foundation.html

Thought For Day - Never Too Late

“It is never too late to be who
you might have been.”
— George Eliot

Thought For Day - Your Past is Not Your Future

Your past does not not equal your future.

Thought For Day - It's Up to You

“Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent what you do with what
happens to you.”

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 2 - Against All Odds

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 1 - Blind Faith

Recommendation

If you're not a subscriber to Success Magazine I highly recommend you subscribe.

Click on the link to subscribe

https://sfsdata.com/SUCCESS/subscribereg3.aspx?key=9SMH

Thought For Day - Time for Departure

"there is a time for departure, even when there is no
certain place to go."
Larry Agresto

Hmm. Interesting thought makes you go Hmmm. I guess sometimes in life you have to depart and leave the old or comfortable behind even if you haven't worked out your final destination. Or it's like that quote about jumping off the cllff and hoping you'll fly before you hit bottom. Taking risks are necessary to get to the next level. Where or what do you need to leave behind?

Thought for the Day - Be the Change

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
Gandhi

Be that Change!

A lot of people quote this but how many carry it out and walk the talk. Think about this one long and hard. If you can't walk in someone else shoes and learn to listen before you talk. If you can't respect those you disagree with not just those who you agree with. If you can only be comfortable with those who are just like you but not with those who are different. If you demand others to change but think you have nothing you need to change. If you feel superior to others with different points of view then you might want to check yourself out a little deeper. Or you might not be so quick to throw this quote around. So think about your actions not just your words....

Thought for the Day - Put Your Ideas Into Action

Put your ideas into action. "Success is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. I don't care how good you are, how many good ideas you have-a great idea on the back of a napkin is worth the price of the napkin. A thought has zero value without execution behind it. You've got to start putting the pieces together. It's the middle of the sandwich that makes the sandwich what it's worth. The bread is the ideas, the concepts, how it looks from the outside. The inner workings differentiate true winners."
Dr Oz - Success Magazine

Thought for the Day - KISS & DI - Daily Improvements

I'm a big fan of KISS, Keep it Simple Sammy. I know you might know it with a little cruder word but the meaning is the same. We all have a tendency to complicate life rather than find common sense solutions and strategies.

I came up with DI short for Daily Improvement as a simple strategy for all areas of my life. The first and main area where I use it is in my fitness program. I realized that it was easy to fall into a comfort zone and sense of complacency regarding fitness and health. So I decided that I needed to find a way to challenge myself on a regular basis. So I applied DI to my work outs. Every time I work out I must raise the bar and either do more repetitions or add more weight to every exercise every time I exercise. The result is I am always getting stronger and fitter and never falling into a comfort zone or plateau. Now it doesn't matter what your level of fitness is today if you are willing to keep doing just one more repetition, walk 1 more minute, lift 5 more pounds and over time you will see the positive results.

You can apply it to your diet, your finances, your relationships or any area of your life. Keep raising your standards, keep raising the bar, keep doing just a little more, a little better and the simple application of DI - Daily Improvements will lead to a better life.
So join me in challenging ourselves to make the Daily Improvements that will keep us on the road to a more satisfying life.

So Keep it Simple..... and adopt a strategy of DI.....

JD"s Fifteen Rules to Master Your Life (or at least make it better than it is now)

I decided to recycle these and renew my earlier post of them. They are a reminder to myself as well as my blog readers of some suggestion on how to master your life.

1. Solutions, Solutions, Solutions. Okay, I heard the problem
now what’s the solution? There’s always a way and an answer.
Your job is to find it.

2. Daily Improvement (DI) - Decide – Resolve – Act. Everyday do
just 1 more thing to improve.
What if you improved 1 thing every day?

3. Take Action and then takes some more. Get in the game.

4. Never Quit. - Promise yourself you will never give up.

5. Be A Leader. Step Up. Life needs more leaders not followers.

6. It’s all about Choices. You always have choices, make the right ones.

7. Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude and then some more Gratitude.
We all have so much to be thankful for.

8. You can either get Results or make Excuses. You can’t do both. Your choice.

9. Put everything in Perspective. Things can always get better and
they can always get worse. So no whining, just make it better.

10. Laugh at life, laugh at yourself. Life ain’t all that serious until it is.

11. Celebrate Success. Don’t follow the culture and knock the successful.

12. You are responsible for your life, so take responsibility.

13. Go for your Dreams. No, I mean REALLY go for them.

14. Understand Life is not Fair. So what, just more challenges
to overcome. The stronger the wind the stronger the trees.
Be Strong

15. Master the 3 F’s (Family, Fitness & Finances) and the 1 C (Career)
and you”ll get an A at Life. And life will reward your effort.
So, Just Do It!!!!!!

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 2 Buena Vista Social Club

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 1 - Spanish Harlem

Can I Borrow $25

A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year
old son waiting for him at the door.

SON: 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?'
DAD: 'Yeah sure, what is it?' replied the man.
SON: 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?'
DAD: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the
man said angrily.
SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an
hour?'
DAD: 'If you must know, I make $50 an hour.'
SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down.
SON: 'Daddy, may I please borrow $25?'

The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you
can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then
you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why
you are being so selfish. I don't work hard everyday for such childish
frivolities.' The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

The man sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's
questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money? After
about an hour or so, the man had calmed down , and started to think:
Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $25.00 and
he really didn't ask for money very often. The man went to the door of
the little boy's room and opened the door. 'Are you asleep, son?' He
asked. 'No daddy, I'm awake,' replied the boy. 'I've been thinking,
maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the man. 'It's been a long
day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $25 you
asked for.'

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you daddy!'
He yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled
up bills. The man saw that the boy already had money, started to get
angry again. The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then
looked up at his father. 'Why do you want more money if you already
have some?' the father grumbled. Because I didn't have enough, but now
I do,' the little boy replied. 'Daddy, I have $50 now. Can I buy an
hour of y our time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to
have dinner with you.'

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little son, and he
begged for his forgiveness. It's just a short reminder to all of you
working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our
fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to
us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $50 worth of
your time with someone you love.

If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily
replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we leave
behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.

Can I Borrow $25?

Brett Noel

"California's Success Coach"

Glass is 3/4's Full - What it is and What it Isn't.......

Glass is 3/4's Full Blog:

My life and identity is a Melting Pot, a Gumbo, an Eclectic Mix,. All American with Irish roots, throw in a pinch of Salsa, a dash of Soul, a shake of Rock, a little old school , a little common sense, a little street sense, a little ghetto, a little success, and some common ground,

it's New York, the South Bronx, Hollywood, Puerto Rico, Ireland and mix it all up and shake...

It's writing, and learning and acting and film making and business and friendship and parenting and overcoming all obstacles and a whole lot of motivation.

I've turned a lot of corners... recreated my self many times, walked across hot coals and through the fire. I've explored my life and I attempt here to share it with family, friends and anyone who is interested..... I feel like I've lived at least four lives already.... if reincarnation was true I think I'm trying to get a lot of my lifetimes covered in this one

Glass is 3/4's Full Blog - What it's about:

Motivation - Personal Growth - Transformation
Positive Thoughts for the Day
Book Reviews
Sunday Eclectic Music Videos
Film Production
Entrepreneurship
Ireland & Irish American
Fitness & Health
Financial Management
Personal Journal & Personal Journey
Contribution and Giving Back
Parenting
Cutting Edge Ideas
Life Coaching
Promotion of Friends work
Links and Resources for good books and good ideas
And wherever my curiosity will take me....

Glass is 3/4's Full Blog -What it isn't :

Negative
Political
Cynical
Whining
Defeatist

Thought For The Day - Challenge Yourself

" The measurement of a personality is not in conditions of comfort but in conditions of challenge."

Sept 11 - 2001 - Never Forget

Sept 11, 2001, My city New York and my country America was attacked. I took it personal as I believe many of us did. It changed me forever. I came back to New York City and visited Ground Zero that December and I felt the incredible loss and pain but also saw the strength and resilience of my fellow New Yorkers. Hard to believe it has been seven years ago......
I will never forget and hope we always remember....

Tribute to all the victims of 9/11

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video -# 2 Down in the River to Pray

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video -# 1 Paul Simon

Be World Class - Robin Shawma

Thought For The Day - Keep Learning - Keep Growing

"Keep Learning - Keep Growing"
JD
Watching my daughter standing excited outside her school this morning waiting for the gate to open I thought about my experience as a kid. I wasn't as excited about school when I was her age. It took some hard knocks some growing up and some changing before I gained my passion for learning that i am lucky to have passed on to her. So it's never too late to keep learning and keep growing.

Thought For The Day - Never Give Up

"Never Give Up"
Dr. Ben Carson

Hope is knowing your best days are still ahead of you. So never ever give up.

Thought For the Day - Hang with Winners

"Who you hang around and who you learn from will have a profound affect on your life."

Promotion - Paul Jackson - Production Designer

It's always good to promote the work of others who do great work. I highly recommend him.

If you are looking for a Production Designer for a feature film, commercial, music video etc check out Paul Jackson's web page


http://www.pauljacksondesign.com

Thought For the Day - Masterpiece

"Make Your Life a Masterpiece"
Anthony Robbins

Thought For the Day - Aim High

"Most people don't fail in life because they aim to high and miss, but because they aim too low and hit."
Les Brown

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - # 2 - A Man's World

James Brown & Pavorotti

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - # 1 - You Raise Me Up

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - # 2 - Lesson's Learned

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video - # 1 - Mercy

Duffy

Heaven and Earth

I gave my friend Cookie this cassette when she was very sick. She told me she played it all the time and it made her forget her pain and it made her feel like she was flying in the Heavens...........

It's been a long time since she passed on. She'll always be missed and I hope she is flying in the Heavens....

Goodbye My Friend - Cookie

Dedicated to Nilsa "Cookie"..... 1990

Your life was too short. I know you have a special place in heaven. There's a book that's entitled "The Five People You'll Meet in Heaven", Cookie will be one of them. I'll always remember her and what she taught me about appreciating life.



This is line I wrote for a performance called "Goodbye My Friend". I acted out the story of Cookie's life and mine in a play called "Real Life" and also performed it for runaways at Covenant House in Hollywood.

From the play, Cookie speaking to God....."What's with the harp music. Put on some salsa, this is heaven ain't it?......

Thought For the Day - Leadership

"Enlarging others makes you larger"
John C. Maxwell

Happy Birthday My Little / Big Angel Sofia

I still remember the day you were born and I held you in my arms in the hospital. My life changed for ever that day. It was the greatest thing that ever happened to me and it helped me grow, mature and step up in every way. You always tell me I am the greatest dad in the world and those words from you are my greatest success in life and I will always attempt to live up to those words. Every day I say thank you for having you as my daughter and I wish you a Happy Birthday and may all your dreams come true and always know I will always love you.

Thought For the Day - Get It Right

"Life is like a parachute jump, you got to get it right the first time"
Eleanor Roosevelt

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video's # 2 - Eminem - Lose Yourself

Sundays Eclectic Music Video - # 1 - Many Rivers to Cross

Jimmy Cliff

Back from Ireland

I just returned from another family reunion in Ireland. Excellent trip, fantastic country, great relatives, lots of craic (fun) but limited Internet service. So my blogs has been dark during those two weeks. I'm back and will be blogging about Leadership this week. Just finished reading "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John Maxwell on the plane ride to and from Ireland. I highly recommend this book.....

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video #2 - Falling Slowly

Sunday's Eclectic Music Video #1 - Carry You Home

Thought For the Day - Pain is Weakness Leaving the Body

I saw this slogan on a USMC T shirt on my shoot in Quantico, VA. Maybe a little extreme but it contains a truth especially in the area of fitness. Sometimes we allow minor pain or weakness to hold us back from pushing past it to achieve what we are capable of. Of course we should not ignore real pain or injuries but like the slogan " No Pain, No Gain" it points us in the direction of pushing beyond what we think we are capable of.

Thought For the Day - Give 100%, Get a 100%

This is a real simple one. You get back from life what you give. Give a 10% effort get a 10% return. Give a 100% effort get a 100% reward. Life rewards those who play full out.........

Thought For the Day - Be a Team Player

Everybody wants to ride in the wagon but no one wants to pull it..
Be a team player and pitch in and do whatever it takes. Life is a Team Sport.

Thought For the Day - A Goal with a Plan

"A goal without a plan is just a wish"
--Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Thought For the Day - Empowering Metaphors

What is the Metaphor for your life? Have you ever thought about it? Metaphors can be empowering or disempowering depending on the one you choose. If your metaphor is "Life sucks and then you die", chances are you have a pretty messed up life. I have adopted a few different metaphors for my life at different times to propel my self forward. My metaphor for life is summed up in my blog "The Glass is 3/4's Full". Looking at the world that way focuses my on the opportunities not the problems or challenges.
I look at my life as one of " Walking through New Doors' and " Turning Many Corners". I see the story of my life as either
a " Running Against the Wind" story or the image of the "Phoenix Rising out of the Flames." story combined with the music of "Against All Odds".
We are all the creators and story tellers of our own lives. I suggest you choose to create empowering metaphors and tell stories of victory not victimhood.

John Duffy

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 2 - Linda Ronstadt

Blue Bayou

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 1 - Phil Collins

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Inspiration - I Cannot Be Who I Am Not. I Can Only Be Who I Am

I've seen him on the 3rd St Promenade in Santa Monica painting and always watched him with amazement as he painted with his nose. Yesterday I was taking my daughter for a haircut and his paintings were for sale on a greeting cards. I bought a couple and read his story, went to his web site and share his story with you. He puts life in perspective and challenges us to rise up to the greatness that we have inside us. Enjoy his story, get inspired, buy his art, and create the masterpiece that is your life.......




Gille Legacy was born in Bathurst, NB, Canada.
He was the sixth of eleven children. Afflicted with
cerebral palsy since birth (his doctors performed
last rites at that time), Gille has no use of his
arms or legs.

What he does have is an incredibly talented nose.

When he was eight years old, Gille noticed some
paints and a coloring book a sister had left
open in his room. He scooted over to
the paints and started to dab his nose into
the various colors and onto the paper.
To his delight, he soon realized there
was red paint on his nose, and a
painting of a bird in the coloring book.

The artist inside Gille had emerged!

For over forty years, Gille has created beautiful
impressionistic paintings using the tip of that
very talented nose. He has painted with oils, acrylics
and water colors. He originally painted on canvas,
but the surface was too rough on his nose.
He now paints on ultra-smooth masonite surfaces
of various sizes. Smoooth.

Gille's work has gained international recognition.
He exhibited in 2004-2005 at the Heron Bay Gallery,
Shediac, Chemin du Monde (Acadie 400)
Nova Scotia, Moncton Public Library, St. John Arts Center
and the McCainGallery in Florenceville, Canada.

Gille was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award in
January, 2005, Rotary's highest honor, for his work
with school children.

Gille has also written and published four books
of poetry and short stories. They are all typed
on his computer. With his nose.

In mid-2005, Gille moved to Santa Monica with
his Muse and soon-to-be wife, Sandi. They established
the "Nose Boutique Gallery." It is open to visitors who
make advance reservations at gille@manwhopaints.com
Gille also demonstrates his nose painting skills and exhibits
his work on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica.
Contact Gille at his email address for the dates and times
of his appearances.

Gille and Sandi have given motivational presentations to
various groups and organizations, including schools in
Canada, and most recently, at the Coachella Valley
Rescue Mission in Indio, California

A great deal of artwork is made by hand.

Few are made by nose.

http://manwhopaints.com/

Saturday Story - Tom Hill's Eaglezine

One day, there was a blind man sitting on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet and a sign that read: "I am blind, please help."

A creative publicist was walking by him and stopped to observe that he only had a few coins in his hat. He dropped a few more coins in his hat and without asking for his permission took the sign, turned it around, and wrote another announcement. He placed the sign by his feet and left.

That afternoon the creative publicist returned by the blind man and noticed that his hat was full of bills and coins. The blind man recognized his footsteps and asked if it was him who had re-written his sign and he wanted to know what he wrote on it?

The publicist responded: "Nothing that was not true, I just rewrote your sign differently."

He smiled and went on his way. The blind man never knew, but his new sign read: "TODAY IS SPRING AND I CANNOT SEE IT".

Change your strategy when something does not go your way and it will probably be for the best. Have faith that every change is best for our lives.
From Tom Hill's Eaglezine....

http://www.tomhillwebsite.com/

Thought For the Day - Leadership Is Influence

"He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk". If you can't influence people then they will not follow you. And if people won't follow, then you are not a leader. That's the Law of Influence. No matter what anyone else may tell you, remember that leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less.
John Maxwell

Thought For the Day - No Limitations

A 71 year old woman in Oregon showed us that the only limitations are the ones we set for ourself.

Kazuko Renes of Creswell decided she wasn't going to let her age or handicap get in the way of completing a lifelong dream of skydiving.

Renes lost her sight when she was in her 20s, and while her blindness used to discourage her, that's not the case anymore.

"I want to prove to everybody, handicapped people and old people, if you start thinking positively -- everything, you can do anything, even if a blind, handicapped forever," she said.

Renes jumped and made a perfect landing.

What are you capable of?

Thought For the day - Personal Development

Personal development challenges you to make decisions based on the person you seek to become. "The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it."
John Ruskin, 1869.

Thought For the day - My Philosophy # 1 Daily Improvement (DI)

"Commit to Daily Improvement (DI)"

John Duffy

I have adopted the philosophy of Daily improvement (DI). I first started to apply it in my workouts. I track and monitor my workouts and challenge myself daily to increase the weight or repetitions every time I work out. I came up with the concept of DI as acronym for my internal "Drill Instructor". I also attempt to apply the philosophy of DI to all the key areas of my life:

1. Fitness/Health
2. Relationships/Family
3. Finances
4. Career
5. Contribution/Social involvement
6. Growth/Stretch/Improvement

Little Miracles

Today I am praying for a big miracle for someone very dear in my life.

Thought For The Day - Words Matter

Words matter. The words you use determine the way you feel. Call some condition a "disaster" and that will create a completely different emotional response that defining it as a "learning opportunity."

Every word creates a consequence (whether you realize it or not).

Do you speak like a victim? Is your daily language the Language of Blame. Do you suffer from the dreaded disease of victimitis excusitis? :)

Or do you speak like a Leader Without Title. Whose words inspire and energize and help people move from where they now are to where they've always dreamed of being?

Robin Sharma

Choose your words to empower yourself and others......

.

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 2- Bob Marley

Books I'm Reading - July 12th 08 - Leadership

Just returned from filming a project with the U.S. Marines in Virginia. Spent a week observing the training of leaders in the context of the USMC officer's training program. I met some impressive leaders and some college student candidates committed to becoming leaders. My experience this week feeds into my passion for studying and improving my leadership skills.

I've been a student of leadership for the last fifteen years so I picked up another book on leadership on my return. The book,
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership - John Maxwell will make another contribution to my study of leadership

I"m also finishing up two other books on influence and leadership "Influencer" and "Predictably Irrational". I will be writing reviews of all three books in the next couple of weeks.

My takeway is to step up in life as a Leader and an Influencer and be a student of both,

Thought For The Day - Give Credit to Others

"Credit is infinitely divisible. Give it away every chance you get, and there's always plenty left for you"
Dr. Don Berwick

Thought For The Day - Commitment

"There can be no great results without great commitment."
Robin Shawma

Thought For The Day - Health is Wealth

Health is Wealth. Be Thankful to Have Your Health.
Lou Ferrigno

Thought For The Day - Hard Work

Hard works Pays Off in the Future, Laziness Pays Off Now, But the Size of the Payoff is Different.....

Thought For The Day - Power of Gratitude

"Learning to Be Thankful is the Greatest Secret of Success"
Charlie " Tremendous" Jones

Blessed - Can You Feel the Love

Yesterday I was packing for a week long trip to VA for a filming project. I walked out of the bedroom and when I walked back in my 10 year daughter was inside my luggage. She didn't want me to go and she cried and I tried to cheer her up. I took some pictures of her in my luggage and tried to make her laugh. It's never easy leaving even for a week. She cried again this morning when I left. She gave me a book to take with me to read to her on Ichat. She gave me a piece of gum to chew at the same moment she was chewing hers right after calling her from the plane. So she created a magical ritual to link us. I feel so blessed to be loved that much by her. I'll always try to live up to that love in her eyes and am so touched by the sensitivity she has. I am truly blessed and I know it.....

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 2- Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Another selection from my daughter. I really like this.... Funny it reminds me of both Ireland and Hawaii two of my favorite places. What a journey my life has been.....Who would ever think a boy from the South Bronx would be listening to this.

Sunday's Eclectic Music Videos # 1 Wild Horses

Today selections are my daughters two favorite songs. She turned me on to them....

Books I'm Reading - July 5th 08

I just picked up two new books and started reading them. Both of them deal with similar subjects but from different vantage points. The books are:

Influencer

Predictably Irrational

I have been studying persuasion, influence, change, behavior, psychology, marketing and transformation for over 15 years and feel these books will expand my understanding on these topics. I will write reviews of them when I am finished and share my takeaways from them.

One sentance in "Influencer" is an immediate takeaway. Choose to be an Influencer in life. I would add that we all are unconcious Influencer to all family, friends, community etc but we need to step up and be conscious Influencer's and study how to be effective in this crucial area of our lives.....

Life Comes at You Fast

Today, three billion out of the world’s population of 5.5 billion people carry a mobile communications device.

Real American Stories

Check it Out.... Rediscover the greatness of America again.....

http://www.realamericanstories.com/

Freedom Baby!!!!!


And What Kind of World Do You Want


http://www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/

Thought For The Day - Lead From The Front

I just got back from a location scout at the Marine's OCS Officer Candidate School in Quantico, VA. I am going to be headed back for a few weeks of filming there. We met some dynamic and inspirational leaders there and got to learn about their leadership training for their lieutenant candidates.

They stressed their 5 Pillars of Leadership
1. Mindset
2. Martial Spirit
3. Mental Agility
4. Physical Fitness
5. Tenets of Leadership

My take away lessons:

Lead From The Front
Be a Servant Leader
Lead By Example
Be Exemplary
Be Courageous
Be Ethical
Be Honorable
Be Noble
No Better friend, No Worse Enemy

The Marines provide an example of exemplary leadership in uniform and in life as they move into other careers.

Below is a video of boot camp graduation at San Diego Camp Pendelton. I was there last year as part of an educators workshop and we had a chance to film the training and graduation of the recruits as well as following the educators as they learned about the Marines. A special form of leadership to learn from this 4th of July

The video below is a posting from someone on YOUTUBE

Thought For The Day - A Classic... Seed of a Great Benefit

"Every adversity, every failure and every heartache carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit".
Napoleon Hill

Thought For The Day - Use Pain To Motivate Change

"Nothing changes until the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of changing.".

This principle is called getting leverage to make a change.