By Brendon Burchard
http://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Messenger-Difference-Fortune-Sharing/dp/B0058M4X2G/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328300266&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
This is a book of 156 pages of text with 10 chapters. That means each chapter is approximately 15.6 pages in length in a 6-inch by 9-inch paperback. The book is not very big nor very long. So, does it accomplish what it sets out to do?
The first chapter describes in great detail the car crash that almost took Burchard’s life in the Dominican Republic —being in the Dominican Republic is a bit scary in and of itself, then put an automobile accident on top of that and you sense the anxiety. (We visited the Dominican Republic on one of our Caribbean cruises and, honestly, we never have to visit the island again. It is poor, has little for tourists, and is dirty.)
The story about Burchard’s car crash is well told, but it should be since it has been refined over many years of countless tellings. The point of the story is that it changed Burchard’s life—how he wanted to share his message with others. Tony Robbins was the one who changed his life.
Burchard wanted to "be that voice of inspiration and instruction for people" (p. 12).
I think Burchard can credit much of his success to becoming the best-selling author of Life’s Golden Ticket (HarperCollins, 2007). For me, it was a successful college textbook—Communicating Effectively 10e (McGraw-Hill, 2012). Much as many want to be successful, it is nice to have some kind of financial cushion to rest upon.
(To suggest that some people can become a David Bach, John Gray, Oprah Winfrey, Rachael Ray, Dr. Phil, Marianne Williamson, Bob Greene, Tim Gunn, Nate Berkus, or Dr. Mehmet Oz, is stretching to be certain, but it is great to have someone to emulate. Anyone who sets celebrities up to establish goals for readers, has to be a little bit warped. Who in their right mind would accept such false hope?)
Burchard cites the success stories of numerous non-celebrity individuals, but his main focus is on his readers, so he does not dwell on inspirational stories.
Burchard’s ideas are sound. The fundamentals for success are the same in every profession: 1) passion and knowledge, 2) relating and creating, 3) work anywhere and anytime—start now, 4) work with whom you want, 5) develop promotions, 6) pay equals value delivered, not the reason you work, 7) you do not need a large loan, 8) the tools for success are simple and cheap, and 8) same goes for financial income (pp. 24-38).
Please be aware that this book is for beginners. Anyone who has experienced any degree of success in his or her area of life is unlikely to find anything new or challenging in this book. It is about basics, laying out the essentials, and trying to establish a firm foundation.
The advice given in Chapter 5, "10 Steps to an Expert Empire," are essential and are no quick fix: 1) claim and master your topic, 2) pick your audience, 3) discover your audience’s problems, 4) define your story, 5) create a solution, 6) put up a website, 7) campaign your products and programs, 9) get promotional partners, 10) repeat and build the business based on distinction, excellence, and service. (There is no number 8 between pages 61 and 64. It was forgotten!)
One of the problems with this book is that Burchard explains what needs to be done, but he spends little time discussing how to do it. Someone just starting out needs to know how since much of the what is either obvious common sense or reading that is available on Google. I think this is an important omission.
There is nothing in this book that will astound you, and there is no magic formula—even a unique or unusual perspective. What you do come away with, however, is: if you want to become successful, it is very hard work! There is no such thing as a free ride.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Friday, October 18, 2013
Friday Humor
When Gina got off work up there at Toledo, it was
snowing heavily and blowing to the point that visibility was almost zero. She
made her way to her car and wondered how she was going to get home. She sat in
the car while it warmed up and thought about her situation. She remembered Ole's
advice that if she got caught in a blizzard, she should wait for a snowplow to
come by and follow it. That way she would not have to worry about going off the
road or getting stuck in a snowdrift.
Sure enough, in a little while, a snowplow went by,
so she pulled out and began to follow it. As she followed along behind the plow,
she felt quite comfortable and smug as they continued on their way and she was
not having any problem with the blizzard or road conditions. After some time had
passed, she was somewhat surprised when the snowplow stopped. The driver got out
of the cab and came back to her car. He signaled her to roll down her window and
asked if she was all right, as she had been following him for a long time. Lena
said she was fine and told him of her husband's advice to follow a plow when
caught in a blizzard. The driver replied it was okay with him and that she could
continue to follow him if she wanted, but he wanted her to know that he was done
with the WalMart parking lot now and was going over to Target next.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Knowing when to duck
Essay by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
It was totally unexpected. There was no warning and no way to predict it. Saundra Hybels, the former co-author of my college textbook, Communicating Effectively 10e (McGraw-Hill, 2012)—she died unexpectedly in 1999—called me one day in 1972 and asked if I would be interested in writing a textbook with her. In retrospect, saying "yes" to her question was one of the most important responses I made in my professional life.
There were a number of reasons for saying "yes": 1) I thought it would be fun. 2) A successful textbook would help my career. 3) Writing a textbook capitalized on my interests and background. 4) A textbook was another form of teaching, which I had a deep passion about. 5) I thought it would significantly contribute to my credibility, 6) It could add to my meager financial situation. Clearly, this was not a time to duck!
But, notice that knowing when or when not to duck was based on solid reasons. It was not a flippant nor frivolous response. I took the time, considered the possibilities, and I responded in the most appropriate and responsible way I knew at the time.
What the decision to say "yes" to writing a college textbook meant, however, and unknown at the time the decision was made, was being able to duck a number of other situations. For example, I was asked by one university to become a department chairman. That was an easy request to duck.
There were a number of reasons for saying "no": 1) First, and most important, taking on such a job is an enormous time consumer. 2) Being a chairman is, what a number of chairmen told me, a "thankless" job. 3) I wasn’t certain I was even qualified to become a chairman. Others thought I was qualified. I was not sure. 4) I much prefer the atmosphere of being a teacher and writer, not the public atmosphere of a chairmanship. 5) Having said "yes" to taking on the burden of writing a textbook, I knew that the additional time of a chairmanship would keep me from my family—and I had four young children at the time.
Ducking the request to be a chairman was not a simple, straightforward, easy decision. There is no doubt a chairmanship adds prestige. It is a significant addition to one’s resume. It can substantially add to one’s paycheck. And, probably most important, by being a chairman you can create change. You are in a position of influence, and if you believe in your subject, and you have faith in your department personnel, and you really want to make a difference, a chairmanship makes sense. Although it wasn’t of concern, it should be noted that being a chair can be a stepping stone to higher leadership positions—deanships or even presidents.
Sometimes, knowing when to duck requires listing the pros and cons and giving a great deal of consideration to that list, not just simply looking at the items but considering your own goals and mission, how the items on the list affect you personally—your family and friends—as well as how this may affect your future. Notice, once again, that knowing when to duck, is not a spur-of-the-moment, impulsive, spontaneous response. It is based on good reasons.
One of the things that helps when it comes to knowing when to duck, is to decide what is important to you. If you have well-defined goals—ideas that you want to accomplish—it makes it easier to know whether or not to duck.
The success of the Hybels/Weaver college textbook has actually made it easier to duck a raft of other requests. For example, at various times I was asked to take on department tasks. I have been asked for my opinion on a variety of books—mostly fiction. I do not have the time to read fiction, because of having a successful textbook, my time must be spent in reading books or other material that will contribute to my writing. I have been asked to give speeches, write recommendations, attend a variety of functions, and serve in efforts that I know, in advance, will require more time than I have available or want to spend.
What I discovered is a simple fact: You cannot be productive if you take on too many commitments. Not only will you not accomplish very much, but the quality also goes down. So, knowing when to duck will make your life better. You will be able to focus, become more efficient, lessen your stress, add quality to what you do, and become more productive.
By learning when to duck, you will add value to your life. You will have more time. You will feel confident about your priorities. And you will become more assertive. These are positive attributes that often need reinforcement or encouragement—even on a daily basis.
One of the ways I have learned to duck a request is the same response many use in a relationship to duck commitment—or remove themselves from that relationship. That is, "it’s not you, it’s me." I will say, "I realize that your project is a good one, but it’s just not right for me right now, at least not at this time." I have often used this response to duck telephone surveys about my feelings about a recently purchased product, the service I received at a particular institution, or how I stand politically on a wide variety of issues.
I have often said, "This isn’t the right fit for me," "It’s not what I’m looking for at this time," or "I just don’t feel right about this, but thank you for asking me"
One area where knowing when to duck is important is all the solicitors who come to your front door. We have people who want to mow our lawn, shovel our driveway, put new windows in, add a new roof, fertilize our lawn, construct a new room, contribute to their cause, or buy their products. It happens over and over. But, look at it in a different way. Think of these occurrences as opportunities to practice ducking. Be polite, of course, but be firm. Don’t apologize. Don’t allow unwanted front-door solicitors to take your time. Dispense with them as quickly and efficiently as you can.
One of the things I found, and you may have, too, that the more you accomplish, the more your accomplishments become known, the more likely it is that you will be asked to do more. The old cliche, "If you want something done, ask a busy person," applies here. Rather than shy away from being active, or trying to avoid having your accomplishments become known, the simple solution is to know when to duck—and duck effectively!
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
At Pick Your Brain: Grow Yourself, the essay, "5 Ways to Escape Overwhelm," by Kat Eden suggests that you take a day off for evaluation, cut back your wish list, control your daily list, and accept failure as a good thing. Eden says, "Don’t forget that stress is supposed to be a positive thing—it challenges us, drives us to achieve and conquer."
At zenhabits, the essay, "The Essential Time-Saving Guide for Busy People," offers ten excellent "Tips for Work," six "Time-saving Computer Tips," and fourteen "Tips for Home."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Copyright October, 2013, by And Then Some Publishing LLC
It was totally unexpected. There was no warning and no way to predict it. Saundra Hybels, the former co-author of my college textbook, Communicating Effectively 10e (McGraw-Hill, 2012)—she died unexpectedly in 1999—called me one day in 1972 and asked if I would be interested in writing a textbook with her. In retrospect, saying "yes" to her question was one of the most important responses I made in my professional life.
There were a number of reasons for saying "yes": 1) I thought it would be fun. 2) A successful textbook would help my career. 3) Writing a textbook capitalized on my interests and background. 4) A textbook was another form of teaching, which I had a deep passion about. 5) I thought it would significantly contribute to my credibility, 6) It could add to my meager financial situation. Clearly, this was not a time to duck!
But, notice that knowing when or when not to duck was based on solid reasons. It was not a flippant nor frivolous response. I took the time, considered the possibilities, and I responded in the most appropriate and responsible way I knew at the time.
What the decision to say "yes" to writing a college textbook meant, however, and unknown at the time the decision was made, was being able to duck a number of other situations. For example, I was asked by one university to become a department chairman. That was an easy request to duck.
There were a number of reasons for saying "no": 1) First, and most important, taking on such a job is an enormous time consumer. 2) Being a chairman is, what a number of chairmen told me, a "thankless" job. 3) I wasn’t certain I was even qualified to become a chairman. Others thought I was qualified. I was not sure. 4) I much prefer the atmosphere of being a teacher and writer, not the public atmosphere of a chairmanship. 5) Having said "yes" to taking on the burden of writing a textbook, I knew that the additional time of a chairmanship would keep me from my family—and I had four young children at the time.
Ducking the request to be a chairman was not a simple, straightforward, easy decision. There is no doubt a chairmanship adds prestige. It is a significant addition to one’s resume. It can substantially add to one’s paycheck. And, probably most important, by being a chairman you can create change. You are in a position of influence, and if you believe in your subject, and you have faith in your department personnel, and you really want to make a difference, a chairmanship makes sense. Although it wasn’t of concern, it should be noted that being a chair can be a stepping stone to higher leadership positions—deanships or even presidents.
Sometimes, knowing when to duck requires listing the pros and cons and giving a great deal of consideration to that list, not just simply looking at the items but considering your own goals and mission, how the items on the list affect you personally—your family and friends—as well as how this may affect your future. Notice, once again, that knowing when to duck, is not a spur-of-the-moment, impulsive, spontaneous response. It is based on good reasons.
One of the things that helps when it comes to knowing when to duck, is to decide what is important to you. If you have well-defined goals—ideas that you want to accomplish—it makes it easier to know whether or not to duck.
The success of the Hybels/Weaver college textbook has actually made it easier to duck a raft of other requests. For example, at various times I was asked to take on department tasks. I have been asked for my opinion on a variety of books—mostly fiction. I do not have the time to read fiction, because of having a successful textbook, my time must be spent in reading books or other material that will contribute to my writing. I have been asked to give speeches, write recommendations, attend a variety of functions, and serve in efforts that I know, in advance, will require more time than I have available or want to spend.
What I discovered is a simple fact: You cannot be productive if you take on too many commitments. Not only will you not accomplish very much, but the quality also goes down. So, knowing when to duck will make your life better. You will be able to focus, become more efficient, lessen your stress, add quality to what you do, and become more productive.
By learning when to duck, you will add value to your life. You will have more time. You will feel confident about your priorities. And you will become more assertive. These are positive attributes that often need reinforcement or encouragement—even on a daily basis.
One of the ways I have learned to duck a request is the same response many use in a relationship to duck commitment—or remove themselves from that relationship. That is, "it’s not you, it’s me." I will say, "I realize that your project is a good one, but it’s just not right for me right now, at least not at this time." I have often used this response to duck telephone surveys about my feelings about a recently purchased product, the service I received at a particular institution, or how I stand politically on a wide variety of issues.
I have often said, "This isn’t the right fit for me," "It’s not what I’m looking for at this time," or "I just don’t feel right about this, but thank you for asking me"
One area where knowing when to duck is important is all the solicitors who come to your front door. We have people who want to mow our lawn, shovel our driveway, put new windows in, add a new roof, fertilize our lawn, construct a new room, contribute to their cause, or buy their products. It happens over and over. But, look at it in a different way. Think of these occurrences as opportunities to practice ducking. Be polite, of course, but be firm. Don’t apologize. Don’t allow unwanted front-door solicitors to take your time. Dispense with them as quickly and efficiently as you can.
One of the things I found, and you may have, too, that the more you accomplish, the more your accomplishments become known, the more likely it is that you will be asked to do more. The old cliche, "If you want something done, ask a busy person," applies here. Rather than shy away from being active, or trying to avoid having your accomplishments become known, the simple solution is to know when to duck—and duck effectively!
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
At Pick Your Brain: Grow Yourself, the essay, "5 Ways to Escape Overwhelm," by Kat Eden suggests that you take a day off for evaluation, cut back your wish list, control your daily list, and accept failure as a good thing. Eden says, "Don’t forget that stress is supposed to be a positive thing—it challenges us, drives us to achieve and conquer."
At zenhabits, the essay, "The Essential Time-Saving Guide for Busy People," offers ten excellent "Tips for Work," six "Time-saving Computer Tips," and fourteen "Tips for Home."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Copyright October, 2013, by And Then Some Publishing LLC
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Quotations by Richard L. Weaver II
Beliefs are silent guides to your actions.
Boredom has many root causes, but you can eliminate it by activating your strengths, bolstering your sense of self-worth, and doing things that have meaning.
By giving up the security of a dull, monotonous, repetitive life, you take a chance at increasing your sense of wholeness---a life that is committed, positive, dedicated, and unconditional.
Boredom has many root causes, but you can eliminate it by activating your strengths, bolstering your sense of self-worth, and doing things that have meaning.
By giving up the security of a dull, monotonous, repetitive life, you take a chance at increasing your sense of wholeness---a life that is committed, positive, dedicated, and unconditional.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
And Then Some News
The first paragraph of Thursday's essay, "Knowing when to duck," reads as follows:
It was totally unexpected. There was no warning and no way to predict it. Saundra Hybels, the former co-author of my college textbook, Communicating Effectively 10e (McGraw-Hill, 2012)---she died unexpectedly in 1999—called me one day in 1972 and asked if I would be interested in writing a textbook with her. In retrospect, saying "yes" to her question was one of the most important responses I made in my professional life.
It was totally unexpected. There was no warning and no way to predict it. Saundra Hybels, the former co-author of my college textbook, Communicating Effectively 10e (McGraw-Hill, 2012)---she died unexpectedly in 1999—called me one day in 1972 and asked if I would be interested in writing a textbook with her. In retrospect, saying "yes" to her question was one of the most important responses I made in my professional life.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Succeeding when you’re supposed to fail: The 6 enduring principles of high achievement
By Ron Brafman
http://www.amazon.com/Succeeding-When-Youre-Supposed-ebook/dp/B004KPM144
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
The eleven pages of notes (pp. 181-191) should really be called "Further Readings," not notes, because that is precisely what they are.
This is an easy, fun, quick book to read. It is well-written and full of interesting examples. Also, the way Brafman incorporates research throughout the book is both enlightening and informative.
Basically, this is a motivational book. If, for any reason, you are facing adversity in your life, you will find this book helpful.
If you want to know why some people who face adversity come out stronger because of it, or why some people who succeeded but were not supposed to now live their lives differently, or how you can stay strong when everything around you tries to pull you down, read this book.
Brafman is a working/practicing psychologist who holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has taught university courses in personality and personal growth.
His explanation of the differences between "externals" and "internals" was well explained; the discussion of the importance of having an even-tempered disposition was insightful (and how general temperaments, for the most part, follow individuals throughout their lives), and his discussion of the value of humor in boosting success and its role as an anxiety shield (how it protects people from the intensity of stress), was enlightening.
The author’s specific advice (pp. 164-167) is practical: 1) Shift the focus back to you, 2) Search out meaning, 3) Stay calm, 4) Stay the course, 5) Give yourself a break, 6) Don’t be afraid to use humor, 7) Be on the lookout for satellites (those who seem interested in you, or seem reliable, respectful, and willing to challenge you), and 8) Allow yourself to become inspired. This is useful advice.
There is advice, too, for employees (pp. 167-170), and for children (pp. 170-176) as well.
Whether readers consider any of Brafman's advice "new," is not as relevant to me (for most of it is quite well known), as the contribution he makes to people's well-being. Yes, this is a motivational book; however, it offers useful advice and can certainly lead some people out of adversity. Besides, it's a fun read.
http://www.amazon.com/Succeeding-When-Youre-Supposed-ebook/dp/B004KPM144
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
The eleven pages of notes (pp. 181-191) should really be called "Further Readings," not notes, because that is precisely what they are.
This is an easy, fun, quick book to read. It is well-written and full of interesting examples. Also, the way Brafman incorporates research throughout the book is both enlightening and informative.
Basically, this is a motivational book. If, for any reason, you are facing adversity in your life, you will find this book helpful.
If you want to know why some people who face adversity come out stronger because of it, or why some people who succeeded but were not supposed to now live their lives differently, or how you can stay strong when everything around you tries to pull you down, read this book.
Brafman is a working/practicing psychologist who holds a Ph.D. in psychology and has taught university courses in personality and personal growth.
His explanation of the differences between "externals" and "internals" was well explained; the discussion of the importance of having an even-tempered disposition was insightful (and how general temperaments, for the most part, follow individuals throughout their lives), and his discussion of the value of humor in boosting success and its role as an anxiety shield (how it protects people from the intensity of stress), was enlightening.
The author’s specific advice (pp. 164-167) is practical: 1) Shift the focus back to you, 2) Search out meaning, 3) Stay calm, 4) Stay the course, 5) Give yourself a break, 6) Don’t be afraid to use humor, 7) Be on the lookout for satellites (those who seem interested in you, or seem reliable, respectful, and willing to challenge you), and 8) Allow yourself to become inspired. This is useful advice.
There is advice, too, for employees (pp. 167-170), and for children (pp. 170-176) as well.
Whether readers consider any of Brafman's advice "new," is not as relevant to me (for most of it is quite well known), as the contribution he makes to people's well-being. Yes, this is a motivational book; however, it offers useful advice and can certainly lead some people out of adversity. Besides, it's a fun read.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Friday Humor
I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.
I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.
I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my children, friends, family and work.
I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.
I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.
I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.
Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.
One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!
I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.
I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my children, friends, family and work.
I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.
I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.
I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.
Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.
One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
A thing of beauty
Often when we think of things of beauty we think of artwork, sculpture, musical compositions, or products we have created. And there is no doubt that within each of these categories and many more, there are truly things of beauty. Nature itself offers such a variety of objects and scenes. I remember, for example, going to a hosta and lily show at the Toledo Arboretum some time ago, and while touring one of the inside show areas I could not believe the overwhelming beauty of the show pieces displayed for competition.
My sister-in-law is an artist, and we have a mounted Wood Duck that she did as an exhibit in our living room. We have a chalk drawing she did of all the members of her side of our family including each of us. Every piece or project she has completed is breathtakingly beautiful.
There is so much beauty surrounding us all the time if we just take a moment to see and appreciate it.
I left the house at around 4 a.m. the other morning to begin my jog, and when I opened the front door, the fresh, crisp, clean morning air greeted me, and I had to stop, take a deep breath, close my eyes, and just appreciate the aroma, freshness, and ambience.
There are so many other situations that have the same effect on me.
When I designed a shed to house all of our grilling equipment from a design my older son gave me (in a book of things you could make from 2 x 4s), all the parts had to be cut first and only then could the shed be constructed. So, you do the measuring, make the cuts, lay out all of the parts and then attach them together. I not only found beauty in the final product—a useful, helpful, worthwhile storage place—but I loved the way all the parts came together so precisely and accurately.
I put together a large number of lectures, speeches, and essays. I do the research, construct the outline, then write out the information word-for-word. There is a time when I arrive at a point that everything just "feels right," everything seems to be in place, and I get a sense of closure when I actually feel I have manufactured a thing of beauty—concise, focused, centered.
When I am searching for information, I will often find a quotation that perfectly and completely fits a situation. For example, right now, a quotation from Christopher Morley serves that purpose well: "In every man’s heart there is a secret nerve that answers to the vibrations of beauty." Perfect! Beautiful!
The question, then, becomes a simple one: What are those things that cause my pulse to shake, quiver, and tremble? It can happen in the strangest places.
A vibration of beauty occurred when I had completed a repair job of our snowblower. It was leaking gas, so I ordered a plastic gas tank, spent several hours removing the plastic top of the snowblower, then the plastic tubing that connected to the tank. The leak was actually in one of the tube connections. The tubing had split. It was a thing of beauty when I had it all re-assembled, pulled the starter handle, and the mower started in one pull, and it never leaked again.
When we lived in Hawaii it was truly unusual to have beauty all around us. We went to several botanical gardens, and the lush landscapes, brilliant flowers, and unusual plants startle the imagination—and yet it is all so real.
Traveling to Jasper and Banff (the Canadian Rockies) out among the mountains, every time you turn a corner in the road, a new, fresh postcard seems to present itself.
When we traveled in upstate New York, the AuSable Chasm is the spectacular gorge that has been cut by the River.
On each of our cruise adventures, we have been exposed to true things of beauty. On our very first cruise (February, 2000) it was the ship itself, the Grand Princess, that was the primary thing of beauty. We had never been so close to such a large ship much less onboard one. And all the amenities—the lobby and elevators, the carpeting throughout, the massive dining-room areas, and the cafeteria were sights to behold!
Our second cruise was to the Panama Canal on the Sun Princess with Edgar and Zella Willis, my wife’s parents (January-February, 2002). The Panama Canal is a thing of beauty, and it wasn’t just moving through the locks to Lake Gatun, it was all the information we received about how they worked, given to us over a loudspeaker while out on deck watching it all work.
Our third cruise, with Celebrity on a ship called the Zenith (February, 2005) was to the Southern Caribbean. First, it was our self-guided tour of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Second, our stops in St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Granada, and Barbados. This was our first trip with the Alambre Trio (a singing group from the Phillippines) who learned a song just for us: "All I Have to Do is Dream" to which we did the cha-cha. The Trio is a thing of beauty! After Barbados, we went to Saint Maarten and Saint Martin (same island, two countries), and Cocoa Key. When you travel by cruise ship, take excursions on the islands, the things of beauty you experience never cease.
Our fourth cruise, on Celebrity’s Horizon, to Bermuda (July, 2005). Since we’d ben to Bermuda previously, our thing of beauty on this cruise was, once again, the Alambre Trio.
Our fifth cruise was "The Great Rivers of Europe" with Grand Circle, and the storybook-like European towns (e.g., Passau, Regensberg, and Wertheim, Germany), the 66 locks we traversed, the Melk Abbey, and the sights along the rivers (the Danube, Main, and Rhine) were things of beauty.
Cruise #6, Alaska’s Inside Passage, offers things of beauty all along the route, just as our Mediterranean cruise (cruise #8) offered them at every port-of-call (Barcelona, the French Riviera, Florence, Rome, Greece, Istanbul, Mykonos, Snatorini, and Venice) and on each excursion. Our cruise #10 was similar—things of beauty at every stop: Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Nha Trang, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taipei, Taiwan, Okinawa, Japan, Shanghai, China, and Beijing, China—almost more things of beauty than a single mind can digest and appreciate.
Every stop on cruise #11, our South American adventure, offered places of beauty including Rio de Janeiro, Montavideo, Uruguay, Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Falkland Islands, Cape Horn and the glaciers, Puenta Arenas, Chile, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, and Santiago, Chile. We experienced extraordinary beauty, too, on our trip to the Normandy area of France and at Versailles and all the sites in and around Paris.
If your goal is to see and appreciate things of beauty, you can begin appreciating that which surrounds you everyday, but if you want an onslaught of such things, travel. You will quickly discover, once you assume this new perspective, is that beauty in things lies in the mind which contemplates them—a second quotation that is a thing of beauty!
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At HubPages, there is a wonderful essay, "Photography Tips—Finding Beauty in Mundane Things." four specific tips for finding beauty. The author begins this essay saying, "When I started my photography adventures after retirement, I would always go out to my garden and take pictures of almost anything that I find there. Since I have a very small garden, most of my pictures were that of flowers, insects, raindrops and anything that catches my fancy. However, during times that the rain is too heavy for raindrops photos, I would wander inside the house and look for something to focus my camera on. That’s when I learned to focus on mundane things and find beauty in them. So how do we find beauty in mundane things?"
At "ThinkSimpleNow", the name of the essay is "How to Find Beauty in Life," and Jonathan Mead offers readers three ways for seeing things differently: 1) Practice Listening, 2) Practice Non-Judgment, and 2) Open Your Heart. There are nine tips for daily living, and Mead closes by saying: "It’s through space that air fills your lungs. It’s through space that your body moves. It’s through space in the vibration of the air that sound is heard. It’s in the gaps between veins that blood flows. Without the space between these letters, there would be no words for you to read -it would all be incoherent.
In this way, you realize something—Emptiness truly roars. Silence speaks. Space gives birth to form. It’s in the gaps that beauty is found."
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Copyright October, 2013, by And Then Some Publishing LLC
My sister-in-law is an artist, and we have a mounted Wood Duck that she did as an exhibit in our living room. We have a chalk drawing she did of all the members of her side of our family including each of us. Every piece or project she has completed is breathtakingly beautiful.
There is so much beauty surrounding us all the time if we just take a moment to see and appreciate it.
I left the house at around 4 a.m. the other morning to begin my jog, and when I opened the front door, the fresh, crisp, clean morning air greeted me, and I had to stop, take a deep breath, close my eyes, and just appreciate the aroma, freshness, and ambience.
There are so many other situations that have the same effect on me.
When I designed a shed to house all of our grilling equipment from a design my older son gave me (in a book of things you could make from 2 x 4s), all the parts had to be cut first and only then could the shed be constructed. So, you do the measuring, make the cuts, lay out all of the parts and then attach them together. I not only found beauty in the final product—a useful, helpful, worthwhile storage place—but I loved the way all the parts came together so precisely and accurately.
I put together a large number of lectures, speeches, and essays. I do the research, construct the outline, then write out the information word-for-word. There is a time when I arrive at a point that everything just "feels right," everything seems to be in place, and I get a sense of closure when I actually feel I have manufactured a thing of beauty—concise, focused, centered.
When I am searching for information, I will often find a quotation that perfectly and completely fits a situation. For example, right now, a quotation from Christopher Morley serves that purpose well: "In every man’s heart there is a secret nerve that answers to the vibrations of beauty." Perfect! Beautiful!
The question, then, becomes a simple one: What are those things that cause my pulse to shake, quiver, and tremble? It can happen in the strangest places.
A vibration of beauty occurred when I had completed a repair job of our snowblower. It was leaking gas, so I ordered a plastic gas tank, spent several hours removing the plastic top of the snowblower, then the plastic tubing that connected to the tank. The leak was actually in one of the tube connections. The tubing had split. It was a thing of beauty when I had it all re-assembled, pulled the starter handle, and the mower started in one pull, and it never leaked again.
When we lived in Hawaii it was truly unusual to have beauty all around us. We went to several botanical gardens, and the lush landscapes, brilliant flowers, and unusual plants startle the imagination—and yet it is all so real.
Traveling to Jasper and Banff (the Canadian Rockies) out among the mountains, every time you turn a corner in the road, a new, fresh postcard seems to present itself.
When we traveled in upstate New York, the AuSable Chasm is the spectacular gorge that has been cut by the River.
On each of our cruise adventures, we have been exposed to true things of beauty. On our very first cruise (February, 2000) it was the ship itself, the Grand Princess, that was the primary thing of beauty. We had never been so close to such a large ship much less onboard one. And all the amenities—the lobby and elevators, the carpeting throughout, the massive dining-room areas, and the cafeteria were sights to behold!
Our second cruise was to the Panama Canal on the Sun Princess with Edgar and Zella Willis, my wife’s parents (January-February, 2002). The Panama Canal is a thing of beauty, and it wasn’t just moving through the locks to Lake Gatun, it was all the information we received about how they worked, given to us over a loudspeaker while out on deck watching it all work.
Our third cruise, with Celebrity on a ship called the Zenith (February, 2005) was to the Southern Caribbean. First, it was our self-guided tour of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Second, our stops in St. Kitts, St. Thomas, Granada, and Barbados. This was our first trip with the Alambre Trio (a singing group from the Phillippines) who learned a song just for us: "All I Have to Do is Dream" to which we did the cha-cha. The Trio is a thing of beauty! After Barbados, we went to Saint Maarten and Saint Martin (same island, two countries), and Cocoa Key. When you travel by cruise ship, take excursions on the islands, the things of beauty you experience never cease.
Our fourth cruise, on Celebrity’s Horizon, to Bermuda (July, 2005). Since we’d ben to Bermuda previously, our thing of beauty on this cruise was, once again, the Alambre Trio.
Our fifth cruise was "The Great Rivers of Europe" with Grand Circle, and the storybook-like European towns (e.g., Passau, Regensberg, and Wertheim, Germany), the 66 locks we traversed, the Melk Abbey, and the sights along the rivers (the Danube, Main, and Rhine) were things of beauty.
Cruise #6, Alaska’s Inside Passage, offers things of beauty all along the route, just as our Mediterranean cruise (cruise #8) offered them at every port-of-call (Barcelona, the French Riviera, Florence, Rome, Greece, Istanbul, Mykonos, Snatorini, and Venice) and on each excursion. Our cruise #10 was similar—things of beauty at every stop: Bangkok, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Nha Trang, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taipei, Taiwan, Okinawa, Japan, Shanghai, China, and Beijing, China—almost more things of beauty than a single mind can digest and appreciate.
Every stop on cruise #11, our South American adventure, offered places of beauty including Rio de Janeiro, Montavideo, Uruguay, Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Falkland Islands, Cape Horn and the glaciers, Puenta Arenas, Chile, Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, and Santiago, Chile. We experienced extraordinary beauty, too, on our trip to the Normandy area of France and at Versailles and all the sites in and around Paris.
If your goal is to see and appreciate things of beauty, you can begin appreciating that which surrounds you everyday, but if you want an onslaught of such things, travel. You will quickly discover, once you assume this new perspective, is that beauty in things lies in the mind which contemplates them—a second quotation that is a thing of beauty!
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
At HubPages
At "ThinkSimpleNow"
In this way, you realize something—Emptiness truly roars. Silence speaks. Space gives birth to form. It’s in the gaps that beauty is found."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Copyright October, 2013, by And Then Some Publishing LLC
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Quotations by Richard L. Weaver II
Seek to improve on what you have done. Let your past provide the steps that lift you toward a better—more improved—future. When you improve on what you have done, you will see the results in a refreshed and reinvigorated outlook and point of view, and your life will change accordingly.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
And Then Some News
The first two paragraphs of Thursday's essay, "A thing of beauty," read as follows:
Often when we think of things of beauty we think of artwork, sculpture, musical compositions, or products we have created. And there is no doubt that within each of these categories and many more, there are truly things of beauty. Nature itself offers such a variety of objects and scenes. I remember, for example, going to a hosta and lily show at the Toledo Arboretum some time ago, and while touring one of the inside show areas I could not believe the overwhelming beauty of the show pieces displayed for competition.
My sister-in-law is an artist, and we have a mounted Wood Duck that she did as an exhibit in our living room. We have a chalk drawing she did of all the members of her side of our family including each of us. Every piece or project she has completed is breathtakingly beautiful.
Often when we think of things of beauty we think of artwork, sculpture, musical compositions, or products we have created. And there is no doubt that within each of these categories and many more, there are truly things of beauty. Nature itself offers such a variety of objects and scenes. I remember, for example, going to a hosta and lily show at the Toledo Arboretum some time ago, and while touring one of the inside show areas I could not believe the overwhelming beauty of the show pieces displayed for competition.
My sister-in-law is an artist, and we have a mounted Wood Duck that she did as an exhibit in our living room. We have a chalk drawing she did of all the members of her side of our family including each of us. Every piece or project she has completed is breathtakingly beautiful.
Monday, October 7, 2013
How to work for an idiot: Survive & thrive without killing your boss
By John Hoover
http://www.amazon.com/Revised-Expanded-Idiots-Insanity-Incompetency/dp/160163191X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328228522&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I absolutely loved Hoover’s sense of humor. Whether or not you have worked for an idiot, you are working for an idiot now, you know people who have worked for an idiot, or you know, up front, that YOU are an idiot, this book is for you.
Even the fact that Hoover uses himself as the foil, makes for delicious reading—a true verbal delicacy. His sense of humor is spread throughout this book. Here is just one of many, many, many possible choices:
"Did you notice that I tried to leave myself and my Inner Idiot out of that last rant? I can’t in good conscience do that. I might as well be honest, take my Inner Idiot by the hand, launch off the stage into the mosh pit, and join the party. I am recovering, but I’m still an Idiot. I try to never forget that I’ve been an Idiot employee, an Idiot Boss, an Idiot spouse, an Idiot student, and an Idiot teacher. I’ve been an equal-opportunity aggravation to more people than I care to count. Therefore, I invite you to join me, come clean, experience the cathasis of speaking openly about your idiot-syncrsies, and begin your own journey toward an Idiot-resistant experience" (p. 37).
Hoover’s writing style (i.e., caustic, sarcastic, witty, tongue-in-cheek, humorous, and sometimes honest-to-the-core—sometimes it’s hard to tell!) Leaves you breathless.
The advice, suggestions, and practical admonitions are engaging and surprisingly useful. He knows what he’s talking about, and despite his humor, his ideas (I determined) are quite accurate and worth trying.
I did get the feeling throughout that this book was a total cathartic release for Hoover. He may have started it being totally serious, but as he got farther and farther into the writing process, he found his niche, a channel for his muse, and just let go! Look at the following example:
"Be thankful for small blessings. Unlike the God, Machiavellian, Sadistic, Masochistic, Paranoid, Reluctant, Unprepared, and Buddy Bosses, the I-Boss is simply a chronically clueless mutant from the evolutionary journey of the species. The wagon of human development hit a bump somewhere, and the I-Boss was left sitting in the middle of the road in a cloud of dust, rubbing the bump on his head. From there, he wandered into a nearby office to use the toilet and, before long, was running it—the office, that is. This is the real world" (p. 71).
The nice thing about this book is that Hoover does not leave readers high and dry. Chapter 8, "A Strategic Partnership," (pp. 203-216), Chapter 9, "Idiot-Speak: How to Talk to Your Idiot Boss," (pp. 217-232) and Chapter 10, "Idiot-Eat: How to Break Bread With Your Idiot Boss," (233-246) are practical, useful, and specific, and they offer valuable information.
This book merits a five-star rating out of five stars---maybe even a six! Or, is that just me being an idiot?
http://www.amazon.com/Revised-Expanded-Idiots-Insanity-Incompetency/dp/160163191X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328228522&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I absolutely loved Hoover’s sense of humor. Whether or not you have worked for an idiot, you are working for an idiot now, you know people who have worked for an idiot, or you know, up front, that YOU are an idiot, this book is for you.
Even the fact that Hoover uses himself as the foil, makes for delicious reading—a true verbal delicacy. His sense of humor is spread throughout this book. Here is just one of many, many, many possible choices:
"Did you notice that I tried to leave myself and my Inner Idiot out of that last rant? I can’t in good conscience do that. I might as well be honest, take my Inner Idiot by the hand, launch off the stage into the mosh pit, and join the party. I am recovering, but I’m still an Idiot. I try to never forget that I’ve been an Idiot employee, an Idiot Boss, an Idiot spouse, an Idiot student, and an Idiot teacher. I’ve been an equal-opportunity aggravation to more people than I care to count. Therefore, I invite you to join me, come clean, experience the cathasis of speaking openly about your idiot-syncrsies, and begin your own journey toward an Idiot-resistant experience" (p. 37).
Hoover’s writing style (i.e., caustic, sarcastic, witty, tongue-in-cheek, humorous, and sometimes honest-to-the-core—sometimes it’s hard to tell!) Leaves you breathless.
The advice, suggestions, and practical admonitions are engaging and surprisingly useful. He knows what he’s talking about, and despite his humor, his ideas (I determined) are quite accurate and worth trying.
I did get the feeling throughout that this book was a total cathartic release for Hoover. He may have started it being totally serious, but as he got farther and farther into the writing process, he found his niche, a channel for his muse, and just let go! Look at the following example:
"Be thankful for small blessings. Unlike the God, Machiavellian, Sadistic, Masochistic, Paranoid, Reluctant, Unprepared, and Buddy Bosses, the I-Boss is simply a chronically clueless mutant from the evolutionary journey of the species. The wagon of human development hit a bump somewhere, and the I-Boss was left sitting in the middle of the road in a cloud of dust, rubbing the bump on his head. From there, he wandered into a nearby office to use the toilet and, before long, was running it—the office, that is. This is the real world" (p. 71).
The nice thing about this book is that Hoover does not leave readers high and dry. Chapter 8, "A Strategic Partnership," (pp. 203-216), Chapter 9, "Idiot-Speak: How to Talk to Your Idiot Boss," (pp. 217-232) and Chapter 10, "Idiot-Eat: How to Break Bread With Your Idiot Boss," (233-246) are practical, useful, and specific, and they offer valuable information.
This book merits a five-star rating out of five stars---maybe even a six! Or, is that just me being an idiot?
Friday, October 4, 2013
Friday Humor
11. Give me golf clubs, fresh air and a beautiful partner, and you can keep the clubs and the fresh air.
~ Jack Benny
12. There is no similarity between golf and putting; they are two different games, one played in the air, and the other on the ground.~ Ben Hogan
13. Professional golf is the only sport where, if you win 20% of the time, you're the best.
~ Jack Nicklaus
14. The uglier a man's legs are, the better he plays golf. It's almost a law.
~ H. G. Wells
15. I never pray on a golf course. Actually, the Lord answers my prayers everywhere except on the course.
~ Billy Graham
16. If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play at it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf.
~ Bob Hope
17. While playing golf today, I hit two good balls. I stepped on a rake.
~ Henny Youngman
18. If you think it's hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball.
~ Jack Lemmon
19. You can make a lot of money in this game. Just ask my ex-wives. Both of them are so rich that neither of their husbands work.
~ Lee Trevino
20. I'm not saying my golf game went bad, but if I grew tomatoes, they'd come up sliced.
~ Lee Trevino
~ Jack Benny
12. There is no similarity between golf and putting; they are two different games, one played in the air, and the other on the ground.~ Ben Hogan
13. Professional golf is the only sport where, if you win 20% of the time, you're the best.
~ Jack Nicklaus
14. The uglier a man's legs are, the better he plays golf. It's almost a law.
~ H. G. Wells
15. I never pray on a golf course. Actually, the Lord answers my prayers everywhere except on the course.
~ Billy Graham
16. If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play at it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf.
~ Bob Hope
17. While playing golf today, I hit two good balls. I stepped on a rake.
~ Henny Youngman
18. If you think it's hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball.
~ Jack Lemmon
19. You can make a lot of money in this game. Just ask my ex-wives. Both of them are so rich that neither of their husbands work.
~ Lee Trevino
20. I'm not saying my golf game went bad, but if I grew tomatoes, they'd come up sliced.
~ Lee Trevino
Thursday, October 3, 2013
To this very day
Essay by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
I was standing in line at the post office waiting to mail a copy of my book, Exotic Destinations (And Then Some Publishing LLC, 2011) to my sister in Kanab, Utah, and as I looked back to see how many people were lined up behind me, a woman caught my eye. She was staring at me as if looking at someone she knew well. While looking at her (I was a bit perplexed), she slowly raised her right hand to her mouth, put her thumb behind her front teeth, curled her index finger over the front of her teeth, then thrust her hand out as she pointed at me with her index finger as if saying to me, "Yes, you!"
Suddenly it dawned on me. That woman in line was a student of mine more than 20 years ago. Not only was she enrolled in my required, basic, speech-communication class at Bowling Green State University, but she was present for my once-in-a-lifetime, lecture experience.
To relate this experience, I need to do two things: First, I need to tell you a story. Second, to tell this story I need to quote from a speech I gave. These two things are directly related, because the story is the final portion of the speech.
I gave this speech almost a half-dozen years ago. The title is "Sticky Ideas: Low-Tech Solutions to a High-Tech Problem," and it was published in Vital Speeches of the Day (August 1, 2007, pp. 73-78. The speech was then reprinted (with permission) in a popular textbook, Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach 8e, by Steven A. and Susan J. Beebe (Boston: Pearson, 2012), pp.410-414. The only reason I mention the publication of the speech is that Vital Speeches is a prestigious place for getting a speech published, and Beebe and Beebe’s textbook is one of the top textbooks in the field of speech communication. To be selected to be one of only five sample "Speeches for Analysis and Discussion" in a 440-page textbook (in an 8½-inch x 11-inch format—larger than the normal size of textbooks) and one of those five speeches is Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech, shows you what professional writers in the speech-communication discipline think of this "Sticky Ideas" speech.
Now, for the story. I quote the speech directly:
"To preface my story, you need to know that one of the major fears people have about giving a speech is: "What happens if I forget what I’m going to say?" or "What happens if I lose my place?" or "What happens if I draw a complete blank?" It is the fear of what do I do in case of an emergency—or, I don’t want to lose face in front of my listeners, especially if they are a group of my peers.
"What you see before you right now is a handicapped person—especially handicapped when it comes to being a public speaker. (Pointing to my four front teeth) I have no front teeth. The situation is in the process of being remedied; my son-in-law is an oral surgeon, and he is making implants to support permanent front teeth, but let me get back to the story.
"About fifty years ago, when I worked at one of the first McDonald’s restaurants—the first one in Ann Arbor, Michigan—a couple of us workers were fooling around in the back room fighting. Suddenly, and without warning, a worker by the name of Sonny, raised up his elbow and broke off my front teeth. That began close to fifty years of difficulty.
"What the dentist did was to use the good roots of the teeth to drive pegs into them to support pegged teeth. My two front teeth were pegged together along with my lateral incisors—for those of you into the language of dentists.
"Well, one day while lecturing, the pegs came loose, and the teeth would not stay in place, so that when I talked, the teeth would drop down into my mouth. Now, what I have not told you about my lecture situation is that I had to give the exact same lecture five times a week because Bowling Green, at that time, did not have a venue large enough to hold all the students enrolled—close to 1500 students. There were just over 300 students present on this particular day, and I could not postpone or delay the lecture; I had to proceed forward and finish the remaining 30 minutes of lecture material, because they would be held responsible for it on the next exam.
"I had no choice, so I removed the teeth, and I talked for 30 minutes without my front teeth. Since I made light of the situation, so did my students, and with every lisp we all laughed at first until we became accustomed to it—together.
"But, what I did at the close of the lecture—something that occurred to me right off the top of my head—I would like to do now with everyone here and everyone who may read this speech in the future. Here is what I told my students: Because this is a unique experience—it has never happened to me before, and I hope it never happens again, to be sure—I think we should have a way to signal each other. That is, you should have a way to tell me if we ever meet again, that you were part of this very special experience. So, using the thumb of your right hand, place it behind your front teeth and curl your index finger over the front of your front teeth. Then, bring them forward as if you were taking them out and uncurl your index finger and point right at me.
"For several years after that experience, I would meet students on the sidewalks, in restaurants and stores, even once at Cedar Point, and we would share that special time, and we would simply smile—knowing that we had shared a secret message that both of us understood. Now, you have a way, too, to share this special time."
Standing in line at the post office, close to twenty years after this happened (I have a set of four, implanted teeth securely in place as I write this essay), was totally unexpected, caught me completely by surprise, and brought back those vivid memories of standing in front of 300-350 students at a time, giving lectures on speech communication.
One has no idea the emotional impact that such an experience can have on students. To this day, I’m amazed. I am also pleased that I retired from teaching in 1996 and now write full time. To this very day, this was the worst lecture experience I had during my 22 years as a large-group lecturer, and the worst, too, after teaching close to 80,000 students over 30 years of teaching experience.
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At Wikipedia , the essay "Emotion and Memory," explains how emotions can have a profound effect on memory.
Helena M. Mentis, Human-Computer Interfaces Group, Lockheed Martin – Maritime Systems and Sensors, in her essay, "Insight into Strong Emotional Experiences Through Memory," discusses a number of relevant issues: "Numerous studies have shown that emotionally rich events in one’s life are remembered more often and with more clarity and detail. . . Other studies have supported these findings and assert that the type of emotion is not as important as the level of arousal when the memory is formed. . . . More importantly, emotionally tagged memories seem to be forgotten more slowly then those formed at a time of less intense affect."
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Copyright October, 2013, by And Then Some Publishing LLC
I was standing in line at the post office waiting to mail a copy of my book, Exotic Destinations (And Then Some Publishing LLC, 2011) to my sister in Kanab, Utah, and as I looked back to see how many people were lined up behind me, a woman caught my eye. She was staring at me as if looking at someone she knew well. While looking at her (I was a bit perplexed), she slowly raised her right hand to her mouth, put her thumb behind her front teeth, curled her index finger over the front of her teeth, then thrust her hand out as she pointed at me with her index finger as if saying to me, "Yes, you!"
Suddenly it dawned on me. That woman in line was a student of mine more than 20 years ago. Not only was she enrolled in my required, basic, speech-communication class at Bowling Green State University, but she was present for my once-in-a-lifetime, lecture experience.
To relate this experience, I need to do two things: First, I need to tell you a story. Second, to tell this story I need to quote from a speech I gave. These two things are directly related, because the story is the final portion of the speech.
I gave this speech almost a half-dozen years ago. The title is "Sticky Ideas: Low-Tech Solutions to a High-Tech Problem," and it was published in Vital Speeches of the Day (August 1, 2007, pp. 73-78. The speech was then reprinted (with permission) in a popular textbook, Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach 8e, by Steven A. and Susan J. Beebe (Boston: Pearson, 2012), pp.410-414. The only reason I mention the publication of the speech is that Vital Speeches is a prestigious place for getting a speech published, and Beebe and Beebe’s textbook is one of the top textbooks in the field of speech communication. To be selected to be one of only five sample "Speeches for Analysis and Discussion" in a 440-page textbook (in an 8½-inch x 11-inch format—larger than the normal size of textbooks) and one of those five speeches is Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech, shows you what professional writers in the speech-communication discipline think of this "Sticky Ideas" speech.
Now, for the story. I quote the speech directly:
"To preface my story, you need to know that one of the major fears people have about giving a speech is: "What happens if I forget what I’m going to say?" or "What happens if I lose my place?" or "What happens if I draw a complete blank?" It is the fear of what do I do in case of an emergency—or, I don’t want to lose face in front of my listeners, especially if they are a group of my peers.
"What you see before you right now is a handicapped person—especially handicapped when it comes to being a public speaker. (Pointing to my four front teeth) I have no front teeth. The situation is in the process of being remedied; my son-in-law is an oral surgeon, and he is making implants to support permanent front teeth, but let me get back to the story.
"About fifty years ago, when I worked at one of the first McDonald’s restaurants—the first one in Ann Arbor, Michigan—a couple of us workers were fooling around in the back room fighting. Suddenly, and without warning, a worker by the name of Sonny, raised up his elbow and broke off my front teeth. That began close to fifty years of difficulty.
"What the dentist did was to use the good roots of the teeth to drive pegs into them to support pegged teeth. My two front teeth were pegged together along with my lateral incisors—for those of you into the language of dentists.
"Well, one day while lecturing, the pegs came loose, and the teeth would not stay in place, so that when I talked, the teeth would drop down into my mouth. Now, what I have not told you about my lecture situation is that I had to give the exact same lecture five times a week because Bowling Green, at that time, did not have a venue large enough to hold all the students enrolled—close to 1500 students. There were just over 300 students present on this particular day, and I could not postpone or delay the lecture; I had to proceed forward and finish the remaining 30 minutes of lecture material, because they would be held responsible for it on the next exam.
"I had no choice, so I removed the teeth, and I talked for 30 minutes without my front teeth. Since I made light of the situation, so did my students, and with every lisp we all laughed at first until we became accustomed to it—together.
"But, what I did at the close of the lecture—something that occurred to me right off the top of my head—I would like to do now with everyone here and everyone who may read this speech in the future. Here is what I told my students: Because this is a unique experience—it has never happened to me before, and I hope it never happens again, to be sure—I think we should have a way to signal each other. That is, you should have a way to tell me if we ever meet again, that you were part of this very special experience. So, using the thumb of your right hand, place it behind your front teeth and curl your index finger over the front of your front teeth. Then, bring them forward as if you were taking them out and uncurl your index finger and point right at me.
"For several years after that experience, I would meet students on the sidewalks, in restaurants and stores, even once at Cedar Point, and we would share that special time, and we would simply smile—knowing that we had shared a secret message that both of us understood. Now, you have a way, too, to share this special time."
Standing in line at the post office, close to twenty years after this happened (I have a set of four, implanted teeth securely in place as I write this essay), was totally unexpected, caught me completely by surprise, and brought back those vivid memories of standing in front of 300-350 students at a time, giving lectures on speech communication.
One has no idea the emotional impact that such an experience can have on students. To this day, I’m amazed. I am also pleased that I retired from teaching in 1996 and now write full time. To this very day, this was the worst lecture experience I had during my 22 years as a large-group lecturer, and the worst, too, after teaching close to 80,000 students over 30 years of teaching experience.
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At Wikipedia , the essay "Emotion and Memory," explains how emotions can have a profound effect on memory.
Helena M. Mentis, Human-Computer Interfaces Group, Lockheed Martin – Maritime Systems and Sensors, in her essay, "Insight into Strong Emotional Experiences Through Memory," discusses a number of relevant issues: "Numerous studies have shown that emotionally rich events in one’s life are remembered more often and with more clarity and detail. . . Other studies have supported these findings and assert that the type of emotion is not as important as the level of arousal when the memory is formed. . . . More importantly, emotionally tagged memories seem to be forgotten more slowly then those formed at a time of less intense affect."
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Copyright October, 2013, by And Then Some Publishing LLC
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
And Then Some News
The first paragraph of Thursday's essay,"To this very day," reads as follows:
I was standing in line at the post office waiting to mail a copy of my book, Exotic Destinations (And Then Some Publishing LLC, 2011) to my sister in Kanab, Utah, and as I looked back to see how many people were lined up behind me, a woman caught my eye. She was staring at me as if looking at someone she knew well. While looking at her (I was a bit perplexed), she slowly raised her right hand to her mouth, put her thumb behind her front teeth, curled her index finger over the front of her teeth, then thrust her hand out as she pointed at me with her index finger as if saying to me, "Yes, you!"
I was standing in line at the post office waiting to mail a copy of my book, Exotic Destinations (And Then Some Publishing LLC, 2011) to my sister in Kanab, Utah, and as I looked back to see how many people were lined up behind me, a woman caught my eye. She was staring at me as if looking at someone she knew well. While looking at her (I was a bit perplexed), she slowly raised her right hand to her mouth, put her thumb behind her front teeth, curled her index finger over the front of her teeth, then thrust her hand out as she pointed at me with her index finger as if saying to me, "Yes, you!"
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