Well, here we go again…the TV News reported last night, that there is a serious potential danger that your cell phone might blow up. Of course by the time the story was over, they revealed that there have only been 115 instances in the last three years nationwide. Of course each of those instances had to do with mitigating circumstances, like the user shorting out the battery connections, a faulty charger shorting out, or the user leaving the phone on the stove. Of course, the news reporters conducted their own tests. They were able to cause several cell phones to short out. Oh, did I mention that this was only after they removed the safeguards from the battery, placed it on a hot stove, or purposely shorted out the battery terminals.
What is going on with TV News and the cell phone industry? First it was unfounded accusations that using cell phones would cause brain damage. When that didn’t work the media attempted to create a panic insinuating that cell phone usage is a leading cause of traffic crashes. That has petered out, so now they want you to believe that your cell phone might explode for no apparent reason.
I may be oversimplifying things, but I tend to look at the world through my own experiences…
I have been using cell phones since their inception in the early 80’s. I have never had an accident because of my cell phone. You might disagree, but I have not yet suffered any brain damage. My cell phone has never spontaneously combusted.
I don’t know anyone with brain damage from cell phone use. I know plenty of people with “brain damage” from watching TV News. In 14 years of experience ( although limited ) in law enforcement, I have NEVER worked an accident scene where the cause was attributed to cell phone use. I don’t know anyone who has been in an accident because they were on their cell phone. I do know people who have had accidents because they were applying make-up, changing a CD, reading the paper, or just driving with their head up their butts. I don’t know anyone who has had their phone catch on fire, or explode.
Part of me wishes that cell phones could easily explode. In fact, I wish there were a trigger mechanism that I could control remotely…Because I happen to know that virtually every TV News Reporter carries a cell phone…
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Loyalty
I had lunch with an old friend today. This is a guy who started out as a business acquaintance, but over time became a buddy. I think one of the reasons for our friendship is that we are both “high D” personality types that relate on many levels and have the same work ethics. More importantly, he understands and appreciates loyalty.
When I left my career two years ago, I discovered many people who had appeared to be friends, were merely using me for the connection to my company. I found this out, when they stopped calling me, and/or stopped returning my calls when I was no longer in a position to give them business, or provide them with show tickets. I guess I shouldn’t have been so naïve’.
My friend Mark, on the other hand continued to help me network and he hired me on for some special projects. He appreciated me for my talent and ability. More importantly, he kept in touch with me when all I had to offer was friendship.
On my way to meet Mark for lunch, I received a call from another business acquaintance. I will spare you the details, but this guy wouldn’t know loyalty if it bit him, and he proved it today.
When it all jumps off, life and business are about integrity, honesty, ethics, and loyalty. Without those attributes you get Enron.
Mark will probably read this. I didn’t necessarily write this for him to read. But I’m glad he will, because people should know they are appreciated. Loyalty deserves honor.
When I left my career two years ago, I discovered many people who had appeared to be friends, were merely using me for the connection to my company. I found this out, when they stopped calling me, and/or stopped returning my calls when I was no longer in a position to give them business, or provide them with show tickets. I guess I shouldn’t have been so naïve’.
My friend Mark, on the other hand continued to help me network and he hired me on for some special projects. He appreciated me for my talent and ability. More importantly, he kept in touch with me when all I had to offer was friendship.
On my way to meet Mark for lunch, I received a call from another business acquaintance. I will spare you the details, but this guy wouldn’t know loyalty if it bit him, and he proved it today.
When it all jumps off, life and business are about integrity, honesty, ethics, and loyalty. Without those attributes you get Enron.
Mark will probably read this. I didn’t necessarily write this for him to read. But I’m glad he will, because people should know they are appreciated. Loyalty deserves honor.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
A "chance" meeting
She was 12. He was 13. He watched her from across the street and wished he had the guts to cross over and introduce himself. She was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. Unbelievably, she was the exact person he had seen in a dream when he was ten years old. Now, she was within 30 feet of him.
From the next block he could see his best buddy walking toward him. As his friend approached, he said; “you see that girl over there, I know her… you want to meet her? The boy could hardly believe his ears. Before he could answer, his friend has already called to her. He crossed the street and began talking to her. The boy crossed over and waited until his friend would make the introduction. Finally, it happened. They were formally introduced, the boys buddy then took off to do something else.
The boy and the girl began talking and walking. He learned that she was a minister’s daughter. She was in this resort town with her grandparents and would be leaving in just a few hours. They walked together for a while until they arrived at her grandparent’s summer trailer. It wasn’t more than 10 minutes before she had to leave. He didn’t think to get her phone number. As quickly as she came into his young life, she was quickly gone…
It was summer. Three years had past since he met her. He thought about her all the time. At sixteen, he had dated other girls, but he always wondered about the girl he met at Lakeside. He and his best friend were once again roaming the streets of the resort town. They checked out all the girls that walked past them. They knew they would meet someone this week.
He looked down the street to the spot where he had met her three years ago. In that spot were two girls. One of them was her. Before he could say or do anything, his friend was crossing the street calling to her. Before he knew what was happening, his friend made contact and quickly began cementing his relationship with her. He was introduced to her friend, and the four of them were off making plans for the rest of the week.
They hung out for a couple days…he kept thinking that the pairing was incorrect, but he didn’t know what to do about it. She seemed happy with his friend. It was only a week. She probably wouldn’t be interested in him anyhow…after all, she didn’t even remember meeting him three years before…
Parents are perceptive beyond the comprehension of their children...
Late in the week his parents arrived at the resort. They were introduced to both of the girls. His father immediately took him aside and said; “Son, you are with the wrong girl.” He replied, "I know."
...Eight months had gone by since he saw her last. As far as he knew, his friend and her were still dating. Finally one day, he inquired of his friend as to the status of the relationship…”We didn’t have much in common…I haven’t seen her in three months.” It was the reply he had hoped for but didn’t expect.
He called her that night. They spoke on the phone for about an hour and a half. He asked her if he could see her. She said yes.
He was 17. She was 16. It was 1972. They’ve been together ever since.
HER birthday is February 6. He celebrates the day as the most significant day of HIS life.
From the next block he could see his best buddy walking toward him. As his friend approached, he said; “you see that girl over there, I know her… you want to meet her? The boy could hardly believe his ears. Before he could answer, his friend has already called to her. He crossed the street and began talking to her. The boy crossed over and waited until his friend would make the introduction. Finally, it happened. They were formally introduced, the boys buddy then took off to do something else.
The boy and the girl began talking and walking. He learned that she was a minister’s daughter. She was in this resort town with her grandparents and would be leaving in just a few hours. They walked together for a while until they arrived at her grandparent’s summer trailer. It wasn’t more than 10 minutes before she had to leave. He didn’t think to get her phone number. As quickly as she came into his young life, she was quickly gone…
It was summer. Three years had past since he met her. He thought about her all the time. At sixteen, he had dated other girls, but he always wondered about the girl he met at Lakeside. He and his best friend were once again roaming the streets of the resort town. They checked out all the girls that walked past them. They knew they would meet someone this week.
He looked down the street to the spot where he had met her three years ago. In that spot were two girls. One of them was her. Before he could say or do anything, his friend was crossing the street calling to her. Before he knew what was happening, his friend made contact and quickly began cementing his relationship with her. He was introduced to her friend, and the four of them were off making plans for the rest of the week.
They hung out for a couple days…he kept thinking that the pairing was incorrect, but he didn’t know what to do about it. She seemed happy with his friend. It was only a week. She probably wouldn’t be interested in him anyhow…after all, she didn’t even remember meeting him three years before…
Parents are perceptive beyond the comprehension of their children...
Late in the week his parents arrived at the resort. They were introduced to both of the girls. His father immediately took him aside and said; “Son, you are with the wrong girl.” He replied, "I know."
...Eight months had gone by since he saw her last. As far as he knew, his friend and her were still dating. Finally one day, he inquired of his friend as to the status of the relationship…”We didn’t have much in common…I haven’t seen her in three months.” It was the reply he had hoped for but didn’t expect.
He called her that night. They spoke on the phone for about an hour and a half. He asked her if he could see her. She said yes.
He was 17. She was 16. It was 1972. They’ve been together ever since.
HER birthday is February 6. He celebrates the day as the most significant day of HIS life.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
It's a mad, mad world
About an hour before the State Of The Union Address I saw a commercial on TV that referred to "The SuperBowl" as "America's Unofficial Holiday". I immediately thought back to an item that ran in "Mad Magazine" several years ago...
It was right after the concept of the "SuperBowl" was introduced. "Mad" ran an item depicting "SuperBowl Sunday" in the future. It showed a ridiculous scene of special sales at department stores, TV specials, closed businesses, parades in major cities, people hosting/attending "SuperBowl" parties and special activities. They showed churches holding abbreviated services and/or canceling services. Newspapers and magazines were ablaze with headlines about "The SuperBowl". TV and Radio news programs were monopolized by "SuperBowl" features. The country was totally transfixed and focused on "The SuperBowl".
I remember reading the magazine feature and laughing hysterically. I remember sharing the lunacy with family and friends. The writers at "Mad" were really over the top.
It was right after the concept of the "SuperBowl" was introduced. "Mad" ran an item depicting "SuperBowl Sunday" in the future. It showed a ridiculous scene of special sales at department stores, TV specials, closed businesses, parades in major cities, people hosting/attending "SuperBowl" parties and special activities. They showed churches holding abbreviated services and/or canceling services. Newspapers and magazines were ablaze with headlines about "The SuperBowl". TV and Radio news programs were monopolized by "SuperBowl" features. The country was totally transfixed and focused on "The SuperBowl".
I remember reading the magazine feature and laughing hysterically. I remember sharing the lunacy with family and friends. The writers at "Mad" were really over the top.
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