I'll let Jim from Brooklyn explain it to you. Yes I know it's a little out of sync. So what? This will change your life.
No kidding.
If you are depending on the economy, your environment or the government to improve your situation... THINK AGAIN! With God's help you have the power to control your destiny. We are here to help do brain surgery on you without anesthesia. You may require a radical attitude transplant. It's for your own good!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Successful women entrepreneurs of Kilgoris, Kenya
The Kilgoris Project (Kilgoris.org) supports
Successful women entrepreneurs of Kilgoris, Kenya, new video#3
Just one component of our work there to development self sufficiency...
and positive self esteem
TKP: Upendo from Jon McCormack on Vimeo.
Successful women entrepreneurs of Kilgoris, Kenya, new video#3
Just one component of our work there to development self sufficiency...
and positive self esteem
TKP: Upendo from Jon McCormack on Vimeo.
Kenya School Number 7 To Be Completed in 2012
Very cool. Check out the Kindle readers... A complete library in the palm of their hand...
The Kilgoris Project now serves over 600 children in 6 schools in Kenya. World Reader has had a huge impact on literacy, attendance and student enrollment. Each Kindle will hold as many as 3000 books. A book can download in as little as 6 seconds. World Reader digitized and translated text books and elementary reading books into both Swahili and English
TKP: Education from Jon McCormack on Vimeo.
The Kilgoris Project now serves over 600 children in 6 schools in Kenya. World Reader has had a huge impact on literacy, attendance and student enrollment. Each Kindle will hold as many as 3000 books. A book can download in as little as 6 seconds. World Reader digitized and translated text books and elementary reading books into both Swahili and English
TKP: Education from Jon McCormack on Vimeo.
Healthy Kenya Kids Learn More and Stay in School Longer
Healthy Kenya kids learn more and stay in school longer. We've been able to wipe out malnutrition among our students while provide on site health and medical care with our own staff medical director.
TKP: Health from Jon McCormack on Vimeo.
TKP: Health from Jon McCormack on Vimeo.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Hungarian Man Speaks Out On Dangers of Socialism
Hungarian Thomas Peterffy describes what socialism did to his native country in a new TV commercial he paid for himself because he is passionate about what it could look like in America.
Looking for financial freedom? The freedom to succeed NOW? This isn't for everyone but it's free to ask questions: FreshStartStore.com
Looking for financial freedom? The freedom to succeed NOW? This isn't for everyone but it's free to ask questions: FreshStartStore.com
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Josh Young and Hydrating Humanity Making a Huge Difference in Kenya
We at The Kilgoris Project are excited about the possibilities of partnering with Hydrating Humanity to bring even more clean water sources to the Masai people of Kenya. Their low tech method of capturing fresh water supplies for villages is a major step forward. For more information go to www.HydratingHumanity.org
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
NASCAR driver team up to surprise paralyzed veteran
The Wounded Warrior Foundation Honors Soldier
A visit and tour of Front Row Motorsports’ NASCAR facilities in Statesville, North Carolina on Monday turned into an emotional, surprise gifting for a military veteran from Charlotte who was paralyzed from the waist down in an April accident.
Chuck Wesson, formerly a Sgt. 1st Class of the U.S. Army, lost all feeling and movement in his legs after a hit-and-run driver struck him from behind, breaking his back, on a city street outside of Fort Campbell, an army base located astraddle the Kentucky-Tennessee border where Wesson was stationed.
While the 34-year-old Wesson has been rehabbing the past several months, he got hooked up with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a nonprofit organization that works to foster a sense of community and bring aid to wounded soldiers. He said a WWP representative found him the first day he started rehab, about a week-and-a-half after surgery.
(Statesville Record and Landmark)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Should I Get A Surfboard?
After a 3200 mile trek across this amazing country, we have survived our relocation from the piedmont of beautiful North Carolina to sunny California. We had a great time in Texas. The next stop, Albuquerque, was really cool. Amazing sunsets. We stayed in Flagstaff Arizona and toured the incredible Grand Canyon just a few miles up the road. We even cruised the historic Route 66 (briefly). So much to see, so little time.
The remaining members of The Beach Boys recently embarked on their 50th Anniversary concert tour this year, INCLUDING Brian Wilson, a musical genius.
Can you believe it? Living here near the Pacific ocean conjures up memories of some of the first Beach Boys songs I listened to on the radio as a teenager. Songs like Little Deuce Coupe, Surfer Girl, In My Room, Surfin' USA, and Don't Worry Baby. Of course who could forget Fun, Fun, Fun and I Get Around?
There are around 76 million American Baby Boomers who grew up with this happy California summertime music. I would dare say we have all been through a lot of changes over the years. Good times, difficult times, even painful times.
Yet there remains one constant through all the changes. It remains the same yesterday, today and forever. It is a statement I once read and heard more than once. "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." That may sound goofy to you, even ridiculous. Even insane. Yet, it has kept me going through it all. Over all the miles and all the trials I have endured, it is real.
If you are looking for peace that has been missing, if you seek the meaning of life, I encourage you to investigate this Jesus guy for yourself. You know who I'm talking about, the one and only Jesus Christ. Don't take my word for it. It's not my job to convince you or even attempt to prove it. All I know is the positive difference it has made in my life.
Let's cut through all the bull being propagated by so called Christians in the name of religion. By the way, Jesus was not a big fan of religion. Don't let that noise distract you from discovering this man Jesus for yourself. He is the answer you've been looking for. Check it out.
Okay, enough of my rambling. I need to go take a bicycle ride.
The remaining members of The Beach Boys recently embarked on their 50th Anniversary concert tour this year, INCLUDING Brian Wilson, a musical genius.
Can you believe it? Living here near the Pacific ocean conjures up memories of some of the first Beach Boys songs I listened to on the radio as a teenager. Songs like Little Deuce Coupe, Surfer Girl, In My Room, Surfin' USA, and Don't Worry Baby. Of course who could forget Fun, Fun, Fun and I Get Around?
There are around 76 million American Baby Boomers who grew up with this happy California summertime music. I would dare say we have all been through a lot of changes over the years. Good times, difficult times, even painful times.
Yet there remains one constant through all the changes. It remains the same yesterday, today and forever. It is a statement I once read and heard more than once. "God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." That may sound goofy to you, even ridiculous. Even insane. Yet, it has kept me going through it all. Over all the miles and all the trials I have endured, it is real.
If you are looking for peace that has been missing, if you seek the meaning of life, I encourage you to investigate this Jesus guy for yourself. You know who I'm talking about, the one and only Jesus Christ. Don't take my word for it. It's not my job to convince you or even attempt to prove it. All I know is the positive difference it has made in my life.
Let's cut through all the bull being propagated by so called Christians in the name of religion. By the way, Jesus was not a big fan of religion. Don't let that noise distract you from discovering this man Jesus for yourself. He is the answer you've been looking for. Check it out.
Okay, enough of my rambling. I need to go take a bicycle ride.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Joe Gibbs Racing Simulcast May 26th
Live Simulcast for Joe Gibbs Racing on
May 26th – 9 am – 11am
Hear Coach Joe Gibbs and Dr. Tony Evans LIVE!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Advertising That Inspires
Is it possible for an ad to connect with people in such a way that it inspires? Creativity is alive and well and better than 99.9% of the dull, boring, forgettable advertising that is out there now. How about this one for waking up your creative juices? Heh, loosen up and be inspired. You can do it. (This video is restricted, so go ahead and click to watch it on YouTube. Don't be lazy. Just do it.)NOTE TO SELF: CRANK UP THE VOLUME.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
March To Read Kenya child literacy campaign
There is still time to help The Kilgoris Project get Kindles to kids in Kenyan schools. Please consider donating either text books ($31) or a Kindle ($155) - find out more at and watch the short video update
"So what's this all about?" You can check out the two international TV news stories below. Thank you!
Monday, August 22, 2011
INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Tremendous growth with Kindles at the Kenya Children's Project
We are returning to Kenya early next year and we are asking your help to raise the needed funds to cover travel,food,lodging and MEDICAL SUPPLIES. Will you help?;
Want to help? For your donation of just $100US another Kenya student can have a Kindle pre-loaded with textbooks in their native Swahili language and English. Just click the donate button on the left. Thank you!
CLICK NOW TO WATCH THE NEW THREE MINUTE VIDEO:
AlJazeera News Reports on Kindles for Kids:
This past June our team of 23 people from churches in California, Texas, and North Carolina returned to Kilgoris, Kenya among the Masai tribe where 5 elementary schools and churches have been built in the last twelve years. The schools now service over 450 students.
Three major events occurred on this trip.
1. The huge dedication ceremony at the newest school with hundreds of guests and government officials.
2. The first distribution of Kindles to the students enabling them to access as many as 3000 books in both English and their native Swahili.
3. The establishment of school medical clinics. The doctor and nurses treated over 110 children the very first day of clinic providing treatments like de-worming medicine.
The summer of 2010 saw the digging of the first well finally providing safe clean water for students. We are partnering with another mission group who are raising money for additional wells at our other schools.
Your gift also covers a daily meal for students, medicine, teachers salaries and building of additional schools in the remote areas outside of Kilgoris.
Want to help? For your donation of just $100US another Kenya student can have a Kindle pre-loaded with textbooks in their native Swahili language and English. Just click the donate button on the left. Thank you!
CLICK NOW TO WATCH THE NEW THREE MINUTE VIDEO:
AlJazeera News Reports on Kindles for Kids:
This past June our team of 23 people from churches in California, Texas, and North Carolina returned to Kilgoris, Kenya among the Masai tribe where 5 elementary schools and churches have been built in the last twelve years. The schools now service over 450 students.
Three major events occurred on this trip.
1. The huge dedication ceremony at the newest school with hundreds of guests and government officials.
2. The first distribution of Kindles to the students enabling them to access as many as 3000 books in both English and their native Swahili.
3. The establishment of school medical clinics. The doctor and nurses treated over 110 children the very first day of clinic providing treatments like de-worming medicine.
The summer of 2010 saw the digging of the first well finally providing safe clean water for students. We are partnering with another mission group who are raising money for additional wells at our other schools.
Your gift also covers a daily meal for students, medicine, teachers salaries and building of additional schools in the remote areas outside of Kilgoris.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
A Living Music Legend- A Message for Our Time
BREAKING NEWS: Two brothers and a sister who robbed a bank in Florida and shot a police officer were captured yesterday in Colorado by the FBI. The "Dougherty Gang" were arrested after a high speed chase of over 100 miles per hour.
Reflecting on the recent riots in London where teenagers and preteens went on a rampage and torched the city, the Bible says "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."
With a career spanning 50 years, Bob Dylan continues to sing his songs,having recorded something like 70 albums and hundreds of songs. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 with the induction tribute speech given by Bruce Springstein. Bob's album, Slow Train Coming, won Dylan a Grammy Award as "Best Male Vocalist" for the song "Gotta Serve Somebody," which he performed live at the 1980 Grammy Awards preceded and followed by a standing ovation!
Reflecting on the recent riots in London where teenagers and preteens went on a rampage and torched the city, the Bible says "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them."
With a career spanning 50 years, Bob Dylan continues to sing his songs,having recorded something like 70 albums and hundreds of songs. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 with the induction tribute speech given by Bruce Springstein. Bob's album, Slow Train Coming, won Dylan a Grammy Award as "Best Male Vocalist" for the song "Gotta Serve Somebody," which he performed live at the 1980 Grammy Awards preceded and followed by a standing ovation!
Monday, June 20, 2011
It Is Never Too Late To Learn
About two years ago I accepted the challenge of finally finishing my Masters degree that I began 36 years ago in Kansas City. At that time our son was born and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. So I chose to drop out of school and go to work full time. About that same time a local radio station changed ownership and format and invited me to host their morning drive radio show. KCNW was the station that Rush Limbaugh once worked as a sportscaster for the Kansas City Royals major league baseball team. The new owner had been a partner with radio celebrity Wolfman Jack.
With the change KCNW became the very first contemporary Christian music station in the greater KC metro area and one of the first in the country. I was privileged to play the music of the earlier contemporary Christian music pioneers like Amy Grant, Second Chapter of Acts, Phil Keaggy, Larry Norman, Keith Green, Chuck Girard, Randy Stonehill, John Fischer, Paul Clark and so many more. It was an exciting time as the Jesus Movement exploded across the United States and young people were choosing to put their faith in Jesus Christ. Thousands of lives were changed as people were being set free from drug addictions, loneliness and other life issues and finding true purpose and meaning.
Now, thirty-six years later I finally complete my Master of Divinity degree and graduated Saturday from a great school in Evansville, Indiana called Newburgh Theological Seminary. What an incredible experience. There were graduates from 24 states and four countries walking across the stage for Doctorates to Master degrees to Bachelor degrees. www.newburghseminary.com
For anyone of any age that wants to further their education, I highly recommend this school.
Now what? I don't really have any plans. We'll see where this leads. And don't worry. I'm not divine... yet.
With the change KCNW became the very first contemporary Christian music station in the greater KC metro area and one of the first in the country. I was privileged to play the music of the earlier contemporary Christian music pioneers like Amy Grant, Second Chapter of Acts, Phil Keaggy, Larry Norman, Keith Green, Chuck Girard, Randy Stonehill, John Fischer, Paul Clark and so many more. It was an exciting time as the Jesus Movement exploded across the United States and young people were choosing to put their faith in Jesus Christ. Thousands of lives were changed as people were being set free from drug addictions, loneliness and other life issues and finding true purpose and meaning.
Now, thirty-six years later I finally complete my Master of Divinity degree and graduated Saturday from a great school in Evansville, Indiana called Newburgh Theological Seminary. What an incredible experience. There were graduates from 24 states and four countries walking across the stage for Doctorates to Master degrees to Bachelor degrees. www.newburghseminary.com
For anyone of any age that wants to further their education, I highly recommend this school.
Now what? I don't really have any plans. We'll see where this leads. And don't worry. I'm not divine... yet.
Friday, May 6, 2011
WISDOM
This has been a historic week in more ways than one. It is said that these thoughts were written about 900 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. The verse was recorded in song in the 1960's by a Los Angeles, California band called The Byrds. They called it Turn, Turn, Turn. The message is timeless. Read the lyrics below and you'll see what I mean.
PS. I love the 12 string Rickenbacker played by Roger McGuinn. Beautiful classic sound.
PS. I love the 12 string Rickenbacker played by Roger McGuinn. Beautiful classic sound.
A young lady produced this video version of the Byrd's song for her World Geography class project:
Monday, March 28, 2011
A Thousand Points of Light
“There is no success in life that does not include service to others”
President George Herbert Walker Bush
President George Herbert Walker Bush
Thursday, March 3, 2011
New Kenya well provides safe clean water
The new well at Ntimigom school was bored last summer. On the last day the Kilgoris Project summer team was there it finally struck water. A church in Lubbock Texas provided the funding for the dig. Clean water helps keep the children from drinking out of muddy ditches where men wash their motorcycles and cows walk through and drink.
Outdoor kitchen at new Kenya mountain school
Lois the cook prepares a delicious healthy meal in this impromptu kitchen at the new Oltikampu mountaintop school. The local families were jubilant and very welcoming. The happy children greeted the team with beautiful singing. An official from the Kenya Department of Education and a local Kilgoris government leader accompanied the team for the long trip up the mountain on treacherous roads.
Kenya Children Playing a Frisbee Game
The Kilgoris Project team had several fun exercise activities prepared for the elementary students at this school
Happy Singing Children At New Kenya Elementary School
A large group of singing children and their parents led the procession to the new temporary school building. The cows in the adjoining field enjoyed having company. This was the first time these wonderful and friendly people saw white skinned people. The community had prepared for the team's arrival and the welcome service that followed. Several leaders and teachers gave inspiring speeches filled with hope and positive expectancy.
More Videos from Kilgoris Project, Kenya
Jehoshaphat shows off his new Lion's Club glasses in Downtown Kilgoris
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Amazing Highlights From Our Trip to Kenya
At the airport headed to JFK, then Dubai and on to Nairobi
Hilltop site of the new administration building
Down the hill to Ntimigom school
You feel great and look great in your new glasses
Kids around the world love the parachute game
A big "Thank You" to the Lions Club for providing a big box of glasses.
Hanging out with a few Maasai warriors
81 year old Pastor Josiah having fun with just a few of his grandkids
Cows loved grazing in front of the school
A special dinner before heading back to the airport
The new school in the mountains overlooking beautiful farms. It was a big celebration ceremony
Downtown Kilgoris
We have a strong Young Life teen group here
Our tea farm, a sustainable crop good for 100 years. It's hard to see, but that's a cell phone tower on the hill. It seemed like just about everyone had a cell phone...and a great signal.
David and Agnes, faithful Kilgoris Project directors and Young Life leaders at home
Back at the Word Ablaze Institute in Nakuru with David
The Little Sisters of Saint Joseph were wonderful hosts and joined in the fun
Steve Larmey, director of Young Life Africa joined Paul Tocco from Word Ablaze Institute and our team at Enkijabe Empiris school
Kids and dogs love me
It's a goat stampede!
The Boys Scouts are active in Kenya
Pastor with very practical transportation
Kids around the world also love bubbles
Willie and Evelyn Lemuso and baby Shari
While there I met Zev Lowe of WorldReader.org from Barcelona, Spain when he joined our team at one of our five schools in Kilgoris Kenya in January.
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Shadrack is one of our Kilgoris Project teachers |
Shadrack Lemiso is the headmaster of our Ntimigom Nursery and Primary School, just outside of Kilgoris. In 2009, he graduated from the University of Nairobi with a Bachelor’s degree in Education.
READ THE WHOLE STORY on the WORLDREADER BLOG
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My Maasai friend Peter with e-reader |
"He clicked the “Buy” button, and 5km outside of Kilgoris, on a small hill overlooking the Rift Valley, with five bars of EDGE coverage; we received his book in 6 seconds!"
.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Health and Positive Thinking Guru Jack LaLanne dies this week at 96
Some of you may be old enough to remember Jack LaLanne prior to his branded juicer commercials. I remember my mother exercising with Jack's famous nationally syndicated television show on our old black and white TV. All he used for exercise equipment was a kitchen chair. Smart marketing. Everyone had a kitchen chair.
Yes, believe it or not... once upon a time there was no color television, no high definition, no endless cable TV channels, no satellite dishes, and not even a WII or X Box. Strange, isn't it?
And yet LaLanne's timeless positive message of health and happiness pre-dates all the modern health experts advice.
Here's a quote from Jack just for you today.
"Anything in life is possible if you make it happen."
Jack LaLanne
Listen to this TV news tribute to a man who lived the way he preached for others to do. This is absolutely amazing!
Some times the old timers, and Jack would never consider himself one, have some incredible wisdom for us youngsters to learn from, IF WE WILL LISTEN.
Click this link below...
Why Jack LaLanne Matters
Listen to Jack's Goodbye Song
Yes, believe it or not... once upon a time there was no color television, no high definition, no endless cable TV channels, no satellite dishes, and not even a WII or X Box. Strange, isn't it?
And yet LaLanne's timeless positive message of health and happiness pre-dates all the modern health experts advice.
Here's a quote from Jack just for you today.
"Anything in life is possible if you make it happen."
Jack LaLanne
Listen to this TV news tribute to a man who lived the way he preached for others to do. This is absolutely amazing!
Some times the old timers, and Jack would never consider himself one, have some incredible wisdom for us youngsters to learn from, IF WE WILL LISTEN.
Click this link below...
Why Jack LaLanne Matters
Listen to Jack's Goodbye Song
Inspirational Thoughts
Oral Roberts is the United Methodist preacher who started a top notch university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Oral Roberts University. He lived to be 91 years old and was a card carrying member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. The University that bears his name has graduated thousands of students in every major field and their sports teams have an impressive history of success. I visited the campus of O.R.U. in the 1970's on my way to my alma mater in Oklahoma City. It is a very impressive campus that reflects Robert's values of excellence.
In the 1980's Life Magazine did a feature pictorial story on Reverend Roberts that talks about his life and legacy.
Roberts was known for making some powerful life transforming statements, that if taken serious could alter a person's life for the better. The author of many books, Roberts had a powerful way with words.
This one crossed my desk this week:
"God always calls us to be and do more-
to reach higher, believe for even greater things,
and to pursue even nobler goals.
God is never content with your status quo,
The truth is, your status quo is far below your God-given potential.!"
(From Roberts book, The Ultimate Voice)
In the 1980's Life Magazine did a feature pictorial story on Reverend Roberts that talks about his life and legacy.
Roberts was known for making some powerful life transforming statements, that if taken serious could alter a person's life for the better. The author of many books, Roberts had a powerful way with words.
This one crossed my desk this week:
"God always calls us to be and do more-
to reach higher, believe for even greater things,
and to pursue even nobler goals.
God is never content with your status quo,
The truth is, your status quo is far below your God-given potential.!"
(From Roberts book, The Ultimate Voice)
Friday, January 7, 2011
I need Les Brown to autograph my copy of his book-Live Your Dreams
The great Les Brown was interviewed by my business partner Darryl Roberts just 4 weeks ago on how to capitalize on today's technology to teach, train, inspire and transform lives...
Okay, its pretty cool, I admit...
Do you know Les's story? He was told at an early age he was labeled educable mentally retarded! Now, is an Emmy award winning public television personality.
CLICK TO HEAR LES TELL IT LIKE IT IS
For more detailed information go to ONLINE MARKETING MANIAC
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Homeless man with Golden Voice Hired by Cleveland Cavs
Wow, what a heartwarming story of a former radio announcer who was down and out, literally homeless as a result of his personal choices with drugs and alcohol. He's been clean and sober for the last two and a half years and as a result of a YouTube video that went viral he gets interviewed on the CBS Today show and the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team decides to hire him and get him a house.
He was really visibly moved when he spoke about flying back to Brooklyn to see his 93 year old mother. He would spend an hour a day during his panhandling praying and gives God the credit for making the dramatic change in his life.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A personal prayer request
A friend of mine passed away today. She had been battling cancer for 3 years and as of early this morning her battle is over. She was a very sweet lady and her husband was one of the pastor's at our church. They have three children, the youngest being 5. I'm sure some of you believe in prayer and I would ask that you keep this family in your prayers as they mourn their loss of a wonderful mom, daughter and wife.
I don't mind sharing with you that my "positive attitude" isn't something I created from some kind of mental gymnastics. It is the result of a hope and a faith instilled in me many years ago as a result of a personal choice I made, that there is one who is worth believing in who has the power to bring peace into our hearts and minds regardless of the personal storms we face. I have experienced this peace firsthand many times in my life. And not some kind of drug induced euphoria. It would be fair to say it is a peace that surpasses understanding. No, I can't explain it. A gentle Spirit that brings calm and tranquility even in the midst of very painful and difficult times.
You may or may not be convinced of this or understand it, that's okay. But there are many that believe that there is a far better place waiting for us after our time here has ended. No, it isn't the Land of Oz and there is no wizard. But I too believe that there is someplace "over the rainbow" that words can't even begin to describe. Someone once wrote that in this place there will no longer be any pain, sorrows or tears.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Blackberry VS Apple, do you own one?

So I always recommend as part of my Attitude Enhancement Philosophy that part of your daily regimen should be to laugh every time you get a chance. Now don't go walking down the street just laughing at everything. You might get a free ride to the looney bin.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
John Maxwell Arrested Carrying Concealed Weapon
Stupid is as stupid does… by John C. Maxwell
In 1988 I had the privilege of spending a week in San Diego at a leadership conference hosted and taught by famous author and leadership expert, Dr. John Maxwell. A few years ago I was able to attend one of John's conferences here in the Carolinas. John graciously autographed the picture of myself with him from the San Diego days. Here's a powerful lesson from John about learning from dumb stuff you do.
"The reason I started blogging was to teach leadership and try to add value to you, my readers. But in today’s post I need to tell you something of a more personal nature.
I’ve done a lot of stupid things in my life. Early in my marriage I would win arguments with my wife, Margaret, and hurt her feelings really badly. I have made business moves that lost tens of thousands of dollars at a time. And I’ve made leadership decisions that led to failures for my organizations. But up until now, none of the dumb things I’ve done has gotten me arrested.
"Here’s how this came about. Last Sunday, I was in Birmingham, Alabama, speaking for the Church of the Highlands. It’s a wonderful church with a marvelous leader named Chris Hodges. He is a good friend, the congregation is fantastic, and I had a terrific time.
Most of the time when I have speaking engagements, I fly commercially, especially when the commitments are far from home. But when the engagement is not very far away and it means that I will be able to sleep at home in my own bed, I’ll sometimes fly on a private airplane. That was the case on Sunday.
As I got on the plane, someone from Chris’ congregation gave me a gift: a handgun. “This is for Margaret,” he said, “so she can feel safe when you’re traveling.”
Now, I’m not really a gun person. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with people who own guns. I have been hunting a few times with friends, so I’ve shot a gun before, but I’ve never bought one. It’s just not my cup of tea. But I knew this was being given as a gift from the heart, so I accepted it, put it in my carry-on, and got on the private plane and flew home.
And then I forgot about it.
For the next several days, I was focused on preparations for an upcoming speaking engagement in Dallas. There was a moment when I thought to myself, “Oh, I’d better remember to get that gun out of my bag,” but because I was in the middle of writing, I didn’t want to stop. By the time yesterday rolled around, it had completely left my mind.
If you’re my age, you may remember a cartoon character called “Mr. Magoo.” He was a man who seemed to wander from danger to danger without ever getting hurt.
My friends used to call me Mr. Magoo. For those of you a little younger, they have also called me Forrest Gump.
Well, off I went to the airport in full Mr. Magoo mode. In security, I put my carry-on bag on the conveyer belt and didn’t think anything of it. Truly, it’s one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done.
You can probably guess the rest. I was arrested, handcuffed, and taken to jail, where I was fingerprinted and photographed. Needless to say, it opened my eyes to a world I’d seen only in the movies. I was glad when I posted bail and was able to leave.
I said this post would be of a personal nature, but there is still a leadership lesson to be learned from it. First, take responsibility for your own actions. What I did was wrong, and it was my fault. I certainly didn’t intend to break the law, but I will face up to the consequences.
The second lesson, to use the words of my friend Kevin Myers, is this: “Stupid hurts.” If you’re not paying attention and you do something stupid, it’s going to hurt you.
In the end, I just hope my mistake isn’t going to hurt anybody but me."
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
I want to stop chasing customers, don't you?
It's a lot more fun when your phone starts ringing and people start calling you. Wouldn't you agree? And I've actually made that happen.
Here are 7 totally free videos that someone gave to me so I could learn the top secrets of a marketing genius who actually magnetically attracts new business all the time. Okay, that sounds a little spooky, even weird. Anyway, I checked it out and I thought these were pretty cool. I like to call this the psychology of sales success. . So I wanted to pass them along to you. Kind of like that movie, Pay It Forward. Enjoy.Here are the 7 free videos that are really helping me grow my business.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Pearl Harbor Survivor Tells The Strangest Secret
Discover the single most powerful and life-changing success message you will ever hear.
Recorded in 1956 in Chicago.
Born in Los Angeles, California in 1921, by 1933, his father had left him, his mother and two brothers. At the bottom of the Great Depression with millions unemployed, Earl’s mother worked at the WPA sewing factory to provide for her three boys. They lived in a tent in Tent City, behind the Mariner Apartments on the waterfront in Long Beach, California, and while being poor didn’t seem to bother most of the other kids, it bothered Earl, and he wanted to know why they were so poor, while others, he observed, appeared to be so rich. Why some people were so miserable, while others, so happy. Simply, what made people turn out the way they do.
When he was seventeen, eager to escape his surroundings, and explore new and exciting places, Earl joined the Marines. He was sent to Hawaii, and stationed aboard the USS Arizona. He was in his station, the morning of the attack on Pearl Harbor and was one of twelve surviving Marines on board that day.
Habits aren't changed overnight, but with discipline and persistence it can be done.
The words spoken here are truly timeless. It means we must take personal responsibility and change the things we can. The principles for success have not changed, and it will be the same 50 years from now. We must chose our thoughts carefully, and have the right attitudes.
The sad fact is that most people do not fulfill their potential. Instead many are satisfied with the status quo..... doing what most other people do.... and not living our dreams. Listening to Earl will challenge you to be all that you can be. It's very motivational. However nothing changes unless we make that decision to do so.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Frank Kern needs your help?
Yes, it's true. My good friend Frank Kern, the internet marketing genius needs your help. What Frank is looking for are personal success stories. Got one? Submit it here and if Frank likes it he may give you a call and include your story in a free success story book he is creating. Plus here's a way to promote your website or business for free, but only if you want to. No pressure. By the way, believe it or not, Frank is NOT SELLING ANYTHING. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself with Frank's latest video.
WARNING! THIS IS VERY COOL INFORMATION. IT COULD RADICALLY ALTER YOUR MIND AND CREATE MASSIVE SUCCESS... or not.
Click this link if you dare! > FRANKKERNSUCCESS.COM
Friday, November 12, 2010
New Series- Fran Tarkenton, "One More Customer"
My business partner, Fran Tarkenton has a new video series. It's called One More Customer. This video he calls Silver Bullets.
Take just 2 minutes to get some solid advice from a successful entrepreneur who also happened to play a little football:
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