Yesterday was a day with a revealing nature to the thinking and planning that occurs when there is no more thinking and planning going on. A businessman I know told me of his plans to develop a marketing plan for a real estate development that will be based on templates. In other words, a cookie cutter system. He believes he is putting together what he referrred to as a great 'team of professionals' to aid in the growth of his move with his company. This company is going in brand new territory, untapped directions that have a lot of risk and unknowns. It has an upside of the possibility to make some people a lot of money but at a tremendous lose if it does not go to fruition, which is highly probable in a depressed over inflated real estate market. When this businessman was talking to me he said they are going to put together a 'template' to quickly know if a given subject property would fit into the mold of this development, if it doesn't fit it is a no go. My first reaction was to think this was a great idea, make it quick, efficient, therefore effective. Later reflecting on what he told me, it hit me. THERE ARE NO TEMPLATES or historical references to go by when going new directions. Even websites built with templates are average at best, it is the ones done in wordpad that begin with the true creative, inuitive process. Even after hitting the finish line with a project does not create a 'good' template, only references as guidance. J.Paul Getty said it best when charting new territory, to paraphrase, 'There are certain guide posts enroute to aid the entrepeneur but every step forward is new in every undertaking, venture.' To hear the truth from a billionaire's years of experience is to much to not be brushed over, overlooked and not validated as truth...which can be the only true guidepost. To get back to my businessman, I can see clearly he is so focused on his belief it is simply a matter of developing a cookie cutter system with a so called team of experts, a system a 'dummy could master' that the money will just keep flowing into the bank continually. I have met with some of his so called team of 'experts' and I can assure you everyone has the same look on their face. It's a case of ' show me the money, because I am the expert.' There are very few visionairies, pioneers, highly creative people willing to put themselves on the line with a goal of a greater expanding outward. It is the difference between the Innovator and the Opportunist. The opportunist 'sees' an opportunity, makes it seem easy, predictable, with a short cut to the top, a 'just give me mine as soon as possible, it was my idea, and you guys can share in some of my idea'. Then we want, no expect consumers to buy into our greatness with our cookie cutter pieces which are really only small fragments of a whole, but at a premium price. Then further want people to buy into like a robot, without doing a lot of thinking, because what we have is the 'greatest' thing ever developed. And to do this actually use OTHER PEOPLES MONEY to develop the concept-idea, then charge a large premium to have a piece. The truth is amazing. When we buy something we always are attracted by the balloons and mascotts, and then are willing to pay the 'price' believing we have recieved 'value'. All in the name of 'fresh' 'new', etc. when it is further from the truth than we could imagine.
True innovation and creativity is a rare bird indeed. It is not with the voice of mediocrity amazing things are done in this world. A correction in the real estate market would quickly send these opportunists running back to their kitchens in retreat with no market demand whatsoever, to play with the only 'dough' available to be made- cookie dough...
Until the next weblog...
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Missing, One Hero...Steve Fossett
I have been, like thousands of others, tracking the news stories daily in hopes of good news finding Steve Fossett alive and hopefully un-injured. The days diminish that possibility but that's all you can hope for. It's amazing the team spirit and collective force that gets into motion to search for a missing aircraft.
I have had the opportunity to search for more than one aircraft that went missing in my years as being a pilot. I remember one experience that has remained in my memory since the occurrence back in the early 70's. We had been searching all day with no results. Exhausted, we were on the final leg heading south after hours of search, homebound at around 7,000 feet with the sun going down in the west. I was positioned in the back seat on the right hand side. I was gazing out the window not looking at anything particular when I caught something very unusual. I saw a one second reflection off the centre of a large lake that was about 5 miles west of our position from the sun setting. It caught my attention and I told this to the crew. Since I was quite young at the time they decided to continue homebound at altitude and did not take serious my observation. I passed it off as nothing special because the flight crew said that area had been searched diligently and the aircraft would have been spotted by several aircraft that had gone over the entire area of the lake. The flight home was uneventful. Two days later I received the news the aircraft had been found EXACTLY where I saw the reflection- the centre of the lake. A lesson was learned by me that very day. you never take NO for a answer when you know or have a gut feeling, an intuition, a feeling you are right about something!
I have flown the type of aircraft, a Citabria, like Steve was flying when he went missing. I believe, in the mountains with winds gusts and heavy turbulance, he would have his hands full and could easily loose control of the bird. He is in unforgiving territory, flying an unforgiving airplane, with little for food or water, and no flight itinerary to find his tracks and alternate plans. It is not a good sign. But, always, there is hope for the best, his best. My prayers go to his wife Peggy and many friends. We all wait for a resolution to this, to find him beside his aircraft, alive and well...
I have had the opportunity to search for more than one aircraft that went missing in my years as being a pilot. I remember one experience that has remained in my memory since the occurrence back in the early 70's. We had been searching all day with no results. Exhausted, we were on the final leg heading south after hours of search, homebound at around 7,000 feet with the sun going down in the west. I was positioned in the back seat on the right hand side. I was gazing out the window not looking at anything particular when I caught something very unusual. I saw a one second reflection off the centre of a large lake that was about 5 miles west of our position from the sun setting. It caught my attention and I told this to the crew. Since I was quite young at the time they decided to continue homebound at altitude and did not take serious my observation. I passed it off as nothing special because the flight crew said that area had been searched diligently and the aircraft would have been spotted by several aircraft that had gone over the entire area of the lake. The flight home was uneventful. Two days later I received the news the aircraft had been found EXACTLY where I saw the reflection- the centre of the lake. A lesson was learned by me that very day. you never take NO for a answer when you know or have a gut feeling, an intuition, a feeling you are right about something!
I have flown the type of aircraft, a Citabria, like Steve was flying when he went missing. I believe, in the mountains with winds gusts and heavy turbulance, he would have his hands full and could easily loose control of the bird. He is in unforgiving territory, flying an unforgiving airplane, with little for food or water, and no flight itinerary to find his tracks and alternate plans. It is not a good sign. But, always, there is hope for the best, his best. My prayers go to his wife Peggy and many friends. We all wait for a resolution to this, to find him beside his aircraft, alive and well...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Midnight Eclipses and other great moments...
Last night was the full eclipse of the moon. Where I live this took place between 1:55 AM and 4:45 AM August 28th. Did I view it? YES, YES YES! Would I have missed it for anything else? Not on your life! I hope you had the opportunity to do the same from your observatory point. Crazy me, I set the alarm for minutes before 2:00AM and opened a can of my favourite beverage and, from my deck, got a first class seat in the observatory of the entire scene of this unbelievable event. I stayed up until about 4:15 at which time a high layer of cirius obscured the balance of it. But, I did get to view the point of no light right threw to the point of new light starting on the other side. Many colors ensued the moon during the 'no light' period- reds, grays, etc. This event, I my mind, is so important. So many things these days seem to be based or referenced by perception and distorted truths being revealed through the laws governed by the universe. The eclipse is a real event, based on real truths, showing the real laws in action. I have viewed other eclipses in the past over the years but this one seemed to have more impact on me. First of all, I was alone. This, by default, allowed me to have only my own thoughts on the matter as it was happening. It also let me have a 'oneness' feeling- like it was only me and this special event. Also amazing was the fact that perhaps, thousands of eyes were doing the same thing from their vantage point, seeing what I was seeing.
All I can say is...WOW! Thank you universe for displaying your true self, your true light, your true darkness, your truths. I toast to the moon and the sun and earth for showing me a great thing at a great moment in time.
Until the next WebLog...
All I can say is...WOW! Thank you universe for displaying your true self, your true light, your true darkness, your truths. I toast to the moon and the sun and earth for showing me a great thing at a great moment in time.
Until the next WebLog...
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
When you Pick the Piper...
...you play the tune.
Life has a funny way of revealing itself. Integrity or lack of it reveals itself the same way every time it is challenged. Do you stand up for what is right or do you yield to the voices of what is unethical, wrong. Recently I was looking over a website which revealed political financial payoffs to companies that supported their 'cause'. You pick the piper, in this case the political party, and when the winnings come home, it's you who gets to pick the tune. Now I know why most of the music I hear these days is crap. And I'm a guy who absolutely loves music! All puns aside, I believe integrity is revealed every time you hear the tune. And this happens in every facet of society, not just politics. I guess a person should not be surprised in this now global competitive environment we all choose to do what we do everyday. I just thank God there are still some people who value high integrity and pick alliances with pipers who also have and operate with a high degree of integrity. By now I am sure you are wondering where all this is going. I work in an environment where I see this behaviour, or lack of integrity, dispayed all the time. i see the actions displayed to pick the piper, and yes, I hear the tune. And it is not a nice tune when it fills the air. Further I see these same people then acting like your are not hearing the tune correctly and do not understand, and therefore should mind your business. Interesting to be told by someone with no integrity what the problem is AND what the solution is, right? Like dah! He who creates the problem knows exactly what solution plays the right tune. What is even more amazing is these same people actually believe there own garbage. Then if and when things go the 'wrong way' against what they are planning, they go so far as to act like they were not responsible for the result and it is someone elses fault.
I believe life only goes forward when people stand up for what is right and speak from the same integrity. Then they do not have to cover their tracks. Someone once said do not do anything you do not want to see printed in the local paper. Yet these days, the most of these same people will keep covering their tracks, because they know the damage control they have to perform otherwise.
I say the smartest thing to do is pick the high side of life where integrity lives, then you will always be able to look forward, go forward, and speak from integrity and never have to cover your tracks. Remember that the person who has to always look over their back all the time easily falls in holes. Pick the right piper and everyone will be influenced in a better way when they hear the tune. And you will be someone people can trust. You will be building your reputation and momentum to greater things in your life. And all the great things will naturally come back to you with true abundance.
Until the next weblog...
Life has a funny way of revealing itself. Integrity or lack of it reveals itself the same way every time it is challenged. Do you stand up for what is right or do you yield to the voices of what is unethical, wrong. Recently I was looking over a website which revealed political financial payoffs to companies that supported their 'cause'. You pick the piper, in this case the political party, and when the winnings come home, it's you who gets to pick the tune. Now I know why most of the music I hear these days is crap. And I'm a guy who absolutely loves music! All puns aside, I believe integrity is revealed every time you hear the tune. And this happens in every facet of society, not just politics. I guess a person should not be surprised in this now global competitive environment we all choose to do what we do everyday. I just thank God there are still some people who value high integrity and pick alliances with pipers who also have and operate with a high degree of integrity. By now I am sure you are wondering where all this is going. I work in an environment where I see this behaviour, or lack of integrity, dispayed all the time. i see the actions displayed to pick the piper, and yes, I hear the tune. And it is not a nice tune when it fills the air. Further I see these same people then acting like your are not hearing the tune correctly and do not understand, and therefore should mind your business. Interesting to be told by someone with no integrity what the problem is AND what the solution is, right? Like dah! He who creates the problem knows exactly what solution plays the right tune. What is even more amazing is these same people actually believe there own garbage. Then if and when things go the 'wrong way' against what they are planning, they go so far as to act like they were not responsible for the result and it is someone elses fault.
I believe life only goes forward when people stand up for what is right and speak from the same integrity. Then they do not have to cover their tracks. Someone once said do not do anything you do not want to see printed in the local paper. Yet these days, the most of these same people will keep covering their tracks, because they know the damage control they have to perform otherwise.
I say the smartest thing to do is pick the high side of life where integrity lives, then you will always be able to look forward, go forward, and speak from integrity and never have to cover your tracks. Remember that the person who has to always look over their back all the time easily falls in holes. Pick the right piper and everyone will be influenced in a better way when they hear the tune. And you will be someone people can trust. You will be building your reputation and momentum to greater things in your life. And all the great things will naturally come back to you with true abundance.
Until the next weblog...
Thursday, August 2, 2007
RSVP me by...
When I think of an invitation to something, especially something special, it seems so appropriate to receive it by RSVP, that special card to requires a response to confirm your participation. That signifies the importance of the event in the mind's eye of the host. It also places on the importance of your participation. You are obviously held in high esteem to be there to be a part of such an event. Hence...a special invitation with a time-line for response.
Many social functions shadow themselves as important activities for the requested participants, but with no RSVP request. Just a phone call or email. Most of these events seem to start informal with people choosing to arrive when they 'want to' or perhaps not showing up at all. They go about activities informally with anyone wanting to participate doing so, while others simply staying out of the way. Many cling to their own close circle they came with, hang out the way they hang out, getting what they want from it, eat what and when they want to, scope others around them and eventually leave, without even saying bye. Even the so called 'hosts' of the party many times do not have expectations nor set the tone and direct it accordingly. It's like most people just 'floating around' and 'hanging out' with no real construct or form to bring order.
I think we should bring back the 'special events' in our lives and set expectation of the event and participants. I think this brings a sense of respect to the event and will raise the event to a better level of enjoyment for all. If you were invited to a Royal event or something of equal status, you know you would recieve an RSVP. You also know you would BE THERE, on time, dressed to the '10's', and would act in an appropriate manner and socialize with everyone you could, and participate in everything you are asked to be invloved with- all the fun! So why would we not choose to do the same at our own events? We can choose to or choose not too. It's that simple. Maybe we do not want to display higher manners and act 'differently' than we do when our 'guard' is off. Isn't it time we start choosing the higher road of fun and activities in our own backyard than waiting for an RSVP from someone else? I bet you would be surprised to find the participants following your lead and enjoying it, right to the end! Lead...don't follow. Set the expectation. Now that's the kind of party I want to go to! So, if you decide to have a party coming up, don't be scared to RSVP me. I promise to answer it timely, and yes show up on time, dress to the 10's, and enjoy your event, your way, and maybe even have an intimate conversation with you! If I RSVP you to come to my event you now know what I expect. I of course will look forward to seeing you and enjoying your company, and you will be treated to a great time hosted by your's truly!
Until the next WebLog...
Many social functions shadow themselves as important activities for the requested participants, but with no RSVP request. Just a phone call or email. Most of these events seem to start informal with people choosing to arrive when they 'want to' or perhaps not showing up at all. They go about activities informally with anyone wanting to participate doing so, while others simply staying out of the way. Many cling to their own close circle they came with, hang out the way they hang out, getting what they want from it, eat what and when they want to, scope others around them and eventually leave, without even saying bye. Even the so called 'hosts' of the party many times do not have expectations nor set the tone and direct it accordingly. It's like most people just 'floating around' and 'hanging out' with no real construct or form to bring order.
I think we should bring back the 'special events' in our lives and set expectation of the event and participants. I think this brings a sense of respect to the event and will raise the event to a better level of enjoyment for all. If you were invited to a Royal event or something of equal status, you know you would recieve an RSVP. You also know you would BE THERE, on time, dressed to the '10's', and would act in an appropriate manner and socialize with everyone you could, and participate in everything you are asked to be invloved with- all the fun! So why would we not choose to do the same at our own events? We can choose to or choose not too. It's that simple. Maybe we do not want to display higher manners and act 'differently' than we do when our 'guard' is off. Isn't it time we start choosing the higher road of fun and activities in our own backyard than waiting for an RSVP from someone else? I bet you would be surprised to find the participants following your lead and enjoying it, right to the end! Lead...don't follow. Set the expectation. Now that's the kind of party I want to go to! So, if you decide to have a party coming up, don't be scared to RSVP me. I promise to answer it timely, and yes show up on time, dress to the 10's, and enjoy your event, your way, and maybe even have an intimate conversation with you! If I RSVP you to come to my event you now know what I expect. I of course will look forward to seeing you and enjoying your company, and you will be treated to a great time hosted by your's truly!
Until the next WebLog...
Sunday, July 29, 2007
'The Art Of Being A Great Canadian, Eh?' - Part 5
The Magical RV, Holiday Adventures on Four Large Wheels
When affluence sets in to the average great Canadian they vow to never feel a rain drop again, never have to start another camp fire, never set up a crappy tent, never share a dirty washroom, never to eat a burnt or raw cold meal again, never, never…you get the picture. After reading the previous plights of the beginner camper in part 1 through 4 I am sure you totally agree. The affluent will do anything to never endure that pain again yet are still lured out to the very same special places that no one will ever know about. So they head out to the local RV dealer and spend whatever it takes to do it right! They do not question spending upwards of one hundred thousand dollars or more to carry on the great Canadian tradition. The man caresses and cleans his RV all winter long in anticipation of that special day. They then plan what goes, place it in the appropriate hideaways and it sits all prepped & ready with everything-a-go for that great Canadian journey on the first long weekend in May. The day arrives. Insurance in place, gas tanks full, secure the house and we are on our way. About an hour into the drive is when you start to notice traffic getting heavier. They are going the same way as us. Your spouse notices in amusement there are other RV’s quite similar to yours. (Do you ever notice after you purchase something special everybody seems to have one?) Pretty soon it is apparent there are not one, two, or three RV’s on the road like yours but hundreds, then thousands. About two hundred miles out is when it hits you like a ton of bricks you are in a convoy of RV’s all moving at the same speed like a military parade but without the music. Upon arrival to your special campsite location which is now somewhat restricted to the ‘RV’s’ section it is then you see that it was smart to reserve your special spot. They are filled with RV’s (doesn’t anyone stay home anymore?). You slowly place yourself into position, hook up the accessories and your home for three glorious days of fishing…right? The entire weekend turns out to be clear, hot weather making it difficult to stay idle inside the RV, the fish aren’t biting because it’s too hot (they bite in the rain here!), the neighbors German shepherd dog loves to pee on your tires at all times, there are fire & water restrictions in place not including the campsite bylaw rules of which include pet, fire, noise, nuisances, touching, walking…you name it. And all this comes with a large fee for the privilege of being in such a lovely spot. God it’s great to be Canadian, eh?
Until the next WebLog adventure...
When affluence sets in to the average great Canadian they vow to never feel a rain drop again, never have to start another camp fire, never set up a crappy tent, never share a dirty washroom, never to eat a burnt or raw cold meal again, never, never…you get the picture. After reading the previous plights of the beginner camper in part 1 through 4 I am sure you totally agree. The affluent will do anything to never endure that pain again yet are still lured out to the very same special places that no one will ever know about. So they head out to the local RV dealer and spend whatever it takes to do it right! They do not question spending upwards of one hundred thousand dollars or more to carry on the great Canadian tradition. The man caresses and cleans his RV all winter long in anticipation of that special day. They then plan what goes, place it in the appropriate hideaways and it sits all prepped & ready with everything-a-go for that great Canadian journey on the first long weekend in May. The day arrives. Insurance in place, gas tanks full, secure the house and we are on our way. About an hour into the drive is when you start to notice traffic getting heavier. They are going the same way as us. Your spouse notices in amusement there are other RV’s quite similar to yours. (Do you ever notice after you purchase something special everybody seems to have one?) Pretty soon it is apparent there are not one, two, or three RV’s on the road like yours but hundreds, then thousands. About two hundred miles out is when it hits you like a ton of bricks you are in a convoy of RV’s all moving at the same speed like a military parade but without the music. Upon arrival to your special campsite location which is now somewhat restricted to the ‘RV’s’ section it is then you see that it was smart to reserve your special spot. They are filled with RV’s (doesn’t anyone stay home anymore?). You slowly place yourself into position, hook up the accessories and your home for three glorious days of fishing…right? The entire weekend turns out to be clear, hot weather making it difficult to stay idle inside the RV, the fish aren’t biting because it’s too hot (they bite in the rain here!), the neighbors German shepherd dog loves to pee on your tires at all times, there are fire & water restrictions in place not including the campsite bylaw rules of which include pet, fire, noise, nuisances, touching, walking…you name it. And all this comes with a large fee for the privilege of being in such a lovely spot. God it’s great to be Canadian, eh?
Until the next WebLog adventure...
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
I am a what? A Dynamic Assertive???...
I just finished a book we brought home from our local library that opened my eyes and pin pointed me and the type of personality/ integrity I am. I read this in 2 days because I just could not put it down. This is the way I am. When I get onto something I believe in strongly or focus intently on, nothing stops me. Gary Null, the Advocate for Health, who you may have seen on public TV or read one of his many fantastic books promoting great health/ smart lifestyle, wrote this particular book a decade ago. Yet it is profound and 'right on the money' in it's accuracy. Gary developed these catagories to aid everyone to understand why we do what we do, and if that is correct for our personality type. He has broken it into 7 key types- 1) Dynamic Aggressive, 2) Dynamic Assertive, 3) Dynamic Supportive, 4) Creative Assertive, 5) Adaptive Supportive, 6) Adaptive Assertive, and 7) Adaptive Aggresive. I am not going to go into great detail about each one but at one end of the spectrum you have a strong charismatic Dynamic Aggressive person who are drawn to power and money, all the way to the Adaptive Supportive person who don't like change, stick to the status quo, and work there 8 to 5, five days a week. The Adaptive supportive represent the masses- 90% of the population. After finishing reading the book, when you go through the test to get an honest view of yourself, you can pin point your type. Hence, I find out my personality type is truly governed by the Dynamic Assertive with the Creative Assertive type as a secondary. Gary Null points out if you are not living out 'your type' it is due to conditioning over the years from your early years. This opened up my understanding of why I have always loved doing certain things and being with certain people and hates other things, such as some of the jobs I have done and some of the questionable relationships I have had with people. The Dynamic Assertive type that I am is a charismatic, do-it-yourself, self made, work for yourself, things like that. At the high end of this energy is a strong dynamic person who can change things and get great people on board to help and have an entourage of people with you. At the low end of this energy is a negative person not a lot of people would want to be around. Now think of this... I identified in myself and can see many times I have been accepting another 'personality type' due to my conditioning, etc. no one to blame here but myself. The result of not living your true type is unhappiness, poor health, relationships, etc. WOW! Talk about a profound realization for me to examine. One key thing is to learn that you may be living negatively BECAUSE you are not living in YOUR true energy type. And that could be why nothing changes, etc.
I will list this book ( and others I feel are important) shortly for reference in my blog if you want to learn more about this. You may be very surprised, as surprised as I was!
So for now, from my dynamic assertive self, I say to you all let's all go together and have ourselves a great day!
Until the next WebLog...
I will list this book ( and others I feel are important) shortly for reference in my blog if you want to learn more about this. You may be very surprised, as surprised as I was!
So for now, from my dynamic assertive self, I say to you all let's all go together and have ourselves a great day!
Until the next WebLog...
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