Writing from Paris

I zould attempt a length post, however the configuration of computer keyboards are totally different. So for the sake of keeping this post interesting, I will write you a mesage with this keyboard:



hello!



Todqy ze spent the entire dqy out visiting the ulit,qte stqte,ent of luxury of the 1500 century; Louis XIV Château of Versailles. To say the leqst it zqs q,qwing!

I zill uploqd pictures lqter§

Purdue's Painter dominates!

Even though I am overseas making ginger bread houses and running around checking out the tourist events, I have to show Purdue respect!

Last evening, Purdue's Painter (not to be confused with the basketball coach) took Purdue to a bowl victory over Central Michigan.

Although many people dough Purdue ability to win big games against Michigan or Ohio States. The game proved Purdue can consistently win.

Respect!

Big Ben

I met with Ben. He wasn't all that big.

Heads up!

Zombie is alive and well!

Updated photo.

Barack Odrama dropping knowledge!

Touch down! Barack ODrama and Mr. Thanksgiving arrived in the United Kingdom.

One situation that has come up is the United Kingdom have decide to deport Barack ODrama.

He has a black spot on his passport due to an unforeseen conflict with the agents at the border!

Watch your back.

P.S. I need everyone to show some love to my home boi ICLUBSEALS!

Italian Ice!

I am sitting next to my confidante, ICLUBSEALS.

We are semi snowed in. Our sole source of pleasure is the nintendo Wii.

For the past 6 hours we have been sitting and playing the latest installment of Super Mario; Mario Galaxy.

Lets just says, RIDICULOUS!

More Later....

P.S. Less than six days till my departure.

I've been a very busy boy!

I leave for London, England in two weeks.

Expect updates!

Jersey Etiquette

Josh Heldman wrote this email about Jersey Etiquette. It is so funny!

I have a serious problem w/ improper jersey etiquette used by many fans attending sporting events all throughout the country. How is that we are the mecca of most all major sports in the world minus soccer and our fans can still not grasp onto to such a simply concept. The “Code of Jersey Etiquette” is my personal beliefs as well as beliefs shared by fellow fans and at some point hopefully every rowdy fan seen attending any and every sporting event.

I. The team’s jersey or apparel that is playing

This is by far the easiest of all the rules of the code to follow and you would think would not have to be mentioned but unfortunately there are those who don’t get it. If you have decided to wear a jersey or apparel to support your favorite team, that’s fantastic, but make sure your team is playing in the game!!! If you are attending a Cubs vs Cards MLB game, it is not necessary for you to wear your

t-shirt and cap letting everyone know that you are in fact a Red Sox’s fan. You may be happy your team is in first place, think it will help w/ the ladies or a conversational starter but in actuality you look like a Moron and deserve any off color comments that are directed at you.

II. The Proper sport that is being played

This rule is for all of those fans who support their city or state team but aren’t sure what sport they are supporting. Hey guys, even the girls don’t get this one wrong. Get it together. It’s great you’re supporting your local teams but at an Indiana Pacer basketball game, I don’t want to see you 6 rows up wearing a Colts Jersey…and I don’t care if you just came from the colts game or vice versa. Just because you are going to a sporting event, it doesn’t mean you have to wear something representing sports.

III. Player no longer w/ team Jersey

This is the one that gets right to the core of whether or not you have any clue of what’s going on. I understand you went out and forked over some decent coin to pick up the jersey of your favorite guy, but news flash…he doesn’t play for your team anymore! In fact he was traded 3 yrs ago and is on his 4^th team. Can you really call yourself a fan? This rule gets into a few rules closely connected so we call them 3A, 3B and 3C. (Throwbacks see section V)

IIIA. The player you’re representing is still in the league but is on a different team and his name is blatantly on the back of the jersey. You are no longer allowed to wear that jersey in public anymore and I don’t care if is authentic or not. If he is traded back then you can knock the dust off it and start sporting it again like he never left. Jalen Rose and Edegerrin James don’t play in Indiana anymore so get rid of the jersey. (sidenote…Don’t ever ask your new teams Running Back to sign the old previously traded running back’s jersey that you shouldn’t be wearing out anymore)

IIIB. The player you’re representing is no longer in the league and not because he is a hall famer but because he doesn’t get it done anymore and your team doesn’t want him. This ties closely in w/ IIIA…Not on your team anymore, can’t wear the jersey anymore!

IIIC. Last but not least. If you have a jersey of your favorite football player, say Randy Moss from his early days w/ the Minnesota Vikings. You don’t live in Minnesota but rather in Louisiana. Just because you don’t have an NFL team doesn’t mean you can still wear that jersey around. If he truly is your favorite Player then you better update because your two teams behind. This also goes for fans of Randy Moss in Foxboro who had a Raiders Moss Jersey because it looked tight and went good w/ some black Timbos…Sorry color coordinated dude, you can’t wear it anymore either even if you’re hollering at some ladies in the club…

IV. Wearing proper colors to the game

This is directed mostly towards the ladies but fellas pay attention. Do me a favor guys and gals, know what color your team is and what team the visiting team is. This can be very important depending on what city and stadium you’re in. I once saw a guy get his teeth knocked out because his girlfriend wore the visiting teams colors and needless to say the home team didn’t win that night. I don’t know if every city does this but Indianapolis has PINK colts jerseys. Completely against the code for many reasons plus they just look ridiculous! Get rid of them…all of them!

V. Miscellaneous Etiquette

There are a few categories here. One is the “Throwback Jersey.” This is an exception to a few of the rules but doesn’t give you an exception to every rule when attending a game or when being worn in public. It is only OK if the player being represented is no longer in the league, if so he has to be on the team currently. Also, it still must be for the same sporting event being represented i.e Roberto Clemente jersey worn at a Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball game or a Larry Bird Jersey at a Boston Celtics Game.

This is a new one to the list. This should be completely understood and I don’t care if your playing golf at a Country Club or the worst Public course in any city, you are absolutely not allowed to wear any kind of jersey on the golf course! (Especially not a Minnesota Vikings Daunte Culpepper Jersey 11/20/07. He needs to read section III all the way thru)

FEED BACK

So I know some people are reading this blog.

I would hope that as you are reading it you could offer me some suggestions....

Any thoughts or idea would be welcomed!

I haven't been writing as much but I will pick up the pace!

If Evan Schiffli reads this, quit bsin and write something.

Colts Win, I Win, & We All Win!

The Colts game was an epic performance....NOT!

Colts are looking rough around the edges!

Colts must keep winning to dominate our division!

P.S. Ol' Vinny is making me alittle nervous!

I have feelings!

Now, I am not quite sure what I am thinking. But I couldn't resist posting this picture.

Maybe, I'm just a tad bit emotional about my two other dogs that are missing in action!

Doing business with friends?

When I first started expressing an interest in business someone told me:

"Never do business with friends"

The only time I ever think of this quote is when situations go wrong.

Recently, I made a career change. I did the whole job thing....(insert long story here).... In pursuing that plan I signed a lease with a friend's parents.

Now, I am faced with a challenge. How do I separate myself from this agreement, while keeping my friendship?! One of my best friends asked me an eye opening question to ponder while working out this issue: What do I want the end result to be?

Here is what I want the net result to be: Keep my friend happy and move forward with my life.

My thoughts on the initial quote: Doing business with friend is possible, yet it must be executed with reasonable people.

Often strong emotional ties by both parties involved cloud the arrangement. Therefore situation become emotional rather than rational. Thus feeling are hurt and friends ended.

The point of this entry is: I'm not really sure. But hopefully it makes some sense?!

Your thoughts would be appreciated!

Gordon is Legit!

In Eric Gordon's first regular season game he destroys more than just Chattanooga!

Gordon lead all freshman in points for the first game of the season! He beat out O. J. Mayo and every buddy else with 33 points.

I am one of the lucky people to have purchase the Big Ten Network. I questioned it's value because the football games that were played on the networked sucked. However, now that the college basketball season is starting, I see more value.

I will be watching the Hoosiers closely this season.

Out of Pocket

I haven't been posting enough.

A good friend of mine past away yesterday.

Will write more later.

Good, But not Good Enough!

I hate to say this, but the Indianapolis Colts lost.

It was a very close game. The New England Patriots just played better.

We will have revenge in the playoffs!

3 Ways to work...

Today was my final day at my job.

I had a great conversation for 30 minutes right before I left with the president of the company.

He posed some interest ideas for me to think about before I make my next career move. He told me to make a decision. This decision involves asking ourselves three questions:

Do I want to work for myself?

Do I want to work for someone?

Do I want to work with someone?

I thought about it for roughly two seconds, before the answer came to me.

His idea is helpful because it forces me into making a decision. Opposed to letting my mind linger.

How do you want to work?

Ex-assistant to receive almost $66,000 from IU

Here is a link to the story: http://www.indystar.com/

What I think is the funniest part of this story is the comments section.

The posters come up with the most creative stuff:

Hey Slim, how come you did not answer my call yesterday? I was trying to contact you with my new CB Radio. Go to channel 21 today.(Another way around those NCAA sanctions). My handle is "Hoosier Daddy."

Instead of Kelvin Sampson, how about Cellvin Sanctions?

I think it is all hilarious!

World Champion Colts vs. Pats

Biggest game of the year? I think so!

November the 4th at 4:15 pm Eastern Standard Time!

Make sure you are watching the Colts nation in action!

What is needed to be successful!

To be successful in life we need to focus our attention on a few things. Those few things we focus on we must decide to become the best!

If we try to diversify ourselves to be the jack of all trades we SUCK!

In school we are constantly hammer about our development in every subject. The problem with studying every subject is we never become the BEST in one subject! In turn as a whole most students are average. Point in case: ME!

What I realized as I was growing up, the people who were achieving the results I wanted were not the best at everything. They were great at a few things! Instead of trying to improve their weaknesses they focused on improving their strengths. What an idea?

Focus on what you are good at! SCREW EVERYTHING ELSE!

What'd up with your Boy?

Well....... I have been busy.

In the last three months I've been:

Working.
Thinking.
Eating.

Interesting, huh?

In all seriousness, I made a mistake.

I thought getting a job was a good idea.

What I didn't realize was how I have programmed myself over the past 4 and a half years.

I really don't make a good employee.

It was a good experience while it last. I learned a good amount of information about business.

Friday, I am done with my job.

What is next for the kid?

-I am going to be living in London for ten weeks.
-Traveling to Africa for three weeks.
-Then I will be diving both feet into a new business. However, don't expect me to be too forthcoming with details.

Any questions?

Ask!

Little Cost, Little Value?

"One of the most true and powerful realities of human nature is: IF SOMETHING COMES AT VERY LITTLE COST, PEOPLE TEND TO THINK IT IS OF LITTLE VALUE! We believe that things that are difficult to possess are inherently of better quality and that things that are easy to posses are of little value or quality. In other words, absent knowing what something can do for them, people will make a judgment based on what they have to give up to get it. They confuse price with value."
-R. Jeffries

In the past I was involved with a business that offer supreme value for a small cost. The problem with the business was people did not attach enough value to the product because of the price.

Often in business we aim to be the low cost provider. Or we accept the mindset of people can not afford our service if we charge more.

The father of an old girlfriend speaks professional. He told me the story that when he first started speaking he would do it for free. In turn, the cost to himself raise extremely high. People hosting the event did not place as much value in his ability because he worked for free. What he quickly realized was that if he charged people a sizable sum, everything changed.

People took him extremely professional because they associate high value to high cost!

In your business are you lowering your value because of your low price?

"Be Quick, But Don't Hurry"

""Be Quick, But Don't Hurry. By that I meant make a decision, take action; decide what you're going to do and do it. Keep this word of caution in mind: Failure to act is often the biggest failure of all."
-John Wooden

What timeless advice!

It is amazing how the most important lessons are so simple.

When I read this quote I thought about myself. I have spent time in the area between going to do and doing it. I remember growing up thinking to myself about the laundry list of items that had been assigned to me from my mother. My typical response would be to put the tasks off as long as possible.

One day it finally hit me; all I need to do is identify what I am going to do and do it!

Everything in my life started to change. I would reach and attain just about anything I wanted in little to no time.

The point is simple: Ready your aim and FIRE towards your goal!

Profits vs. Wages: What does this actually mean?

Jim Rohn's said, "Profits are BETTER than Wages!"

I must disagree!

The truth is profits are better than wages. The only problem is some business owners are fighting for profits that are LESS than what the average American's pay for a days work!

Many people decide to involve themselves in a business but work for small profits!

To be honest, I have made this mistake!

I have worked with business opportunities where I had put in an hour of work to earn a few dollars of profit!

The point of saying this: Profits are DESTROY WAGES when the profits are substantial!

Make sure the business you are entering into makes enough money to provide the capital to take the business in the direction that you DESERVE!

Don't settle for little profits!

An Asset YOU already own FREE and CLEAR!

It is easy when taking inventory of ourselves to focus on what we owe.

Around the first of the month, we owe money towards our house, cars, credit cards, and other random bills. When it feels like we are in debt up to our eye blows, we can forget what we do own free and clear NO MATTER WHAT!

Do you know what it is that we own already? It has no monthly payment! You can use it with zero money down! It is even portable!

Did you guess what it is?

Our MIND!

Being a recent college graduate, I have many friends who talk about their financial situation. Typical it sounds something like this: MAN, I am broke! My job only pays me 42 thousand dollars a year! It is going to take me 20 YEARS to pay off school!

YIKES!!!?????!!

Instead of using our most valuable asset that we already own, my friend has decided his fate!

It was over before it started!

What I find most amazing is rather than making a creative plan to add more value to the market place. He settles for what is given.

Don't forget! You own your most important asset FREE AND CLEAR!

Are you an Elephant?

I hate to admit this but I actually attended a full scale, you name it they had it, CIRCUS!

This circus had lions, tigers, horses, magic, midgets, clowns, tight rope walkers and most importantly a ring lead. It had humor, suspense, and creativity. With all these parts of the circus, the crowd could not be more pleased. The children were over flowing with excitement from the spectacles. The parents were expressing positive vibes because their kids were having a blast. The energy inside the venue empowered the entertainers to give even more of themselves.

Towards the middle of the circus, the largest mammals on the plant came out to appease the crowd. It was remarkable to see a group of 30 plus elephants holding each other tails running full speed in a large oval circle. What I found the most fascinating was if an elephant moved out of position, a human (not even a fifteenth of the beast size) would correct the animal. Elephant would immediately rush back into position.

Here is my thought watching this: How is this huge animal going to take abuse from some creature?

The elephants look like they would rather be doing any number of elephant activities opposed to running in a circle wasting the day. What I realized is people are just like a huge elephant.

Human beings fall into the trap of someone else to dictating their lives. They give authority to someone else without thinking.

The question is: Are you an Elephant?

In life, we all have the same amount of time, roughly about the same amount of intelligence, and most importantly we all have the ability to choose!

Cognitive choice determines the life we live!

Don't forget it!

Otherwise, the elephant syndrome will dictate! Every day something or someone will take control and drive our lives opposed to CHOOSING the life we WANT to live.

Again, Are you an Elephant? The strongest animal on land that allows others to control their life?