I've Pushed The "STOP" Button On Blogger

No Comment

For quite some time I have had the comments turned off because back in the pre-Google days of Blogger I got spammed. Nobody ever reads this blog anyway - do they? It didn't seem to be a difficult decision at the time. Frankly, I never thought much about it until today when I read Chris Garrett's blog.

So, the comments are back on.

Oprah, The Secret & The Fleecing Of Naive Wannabe Millionaires

On Monday Peter Birkenhead posted a story about Oprah's advocacy of "The Secret." I confess that I purchased a copy of the DVD before it was released - and my order was filled as soon as the release date hit. Why did I buy it? Marketing. I was curious what these guys were up to - and how they had created such a stir.

It's slick, polished and well produced. It's garbage, but it's well done. Humanism. Fantasy. Dream it and it will come true dribble. As a Christian, I disagree with the sentiment that each of us are our own god - capable of doing anything we want if our desire is strong enough. It's simply isn't true. We're mortals. We lack the full control these people preach.

I know few people, if any, who do not fantasize about having a better life. I know sick people who fantasize about a healthier state. I know less fortunate people who fantasize about having more wealth. I know childless couples who fantasize about having a child. Fantasizing won't alter any of those conditions.

There is a difference in fantasizing about having something and doing something to see if it can be accomplished. For years I dreamed of being more fit, but I never went to the gym until last summer. Since then I've gone daily and now my fitness is better than it's been in the last 25 years. Dreaming and visualizing that didn't make it happen. Sweating every day in a gym while watching what I eat did.

Want to get rich? Dream on. Or, go to work finding out ways you can make more money. Dreamers buy DVD's of "The Secret." Doers are busy getting closer to their goals. The only secret about "The Secret" is that it's a brilliant marketing ploy fleecing many people.

Note:
On February 25th, Allen Salkin wrote a nice piece in the New York Times entitled, "Shaking Riches Out of the Cosmos."

The Picture of Health

Poor Abe. He looks like I feel.

This is a man who saw the Civil War up close and personal. What a toll that must have taken!

I'm intrigued with this photograph. Lincoln had a tough life. It shows. Here's the black and white version of the same photo. An artist added the color.

These were taken in 1865. Below is a photo taken just two years earlier, 1863.

As you can tell, Abe never could keep that tie straight. But notice how 2 years of Civil War has aged him. Lincoln was murdered in 1865. He was 56. He had just been re-elected as President. He delivered his second inaugural speech on March 4, 1865. It was his favorite speech.

"Fondly do we hope — fervently do we pray — that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue, until all the wealth piled by the bond-man's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash, shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgments of the Lord, are true and righteous altogether." With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan — to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."

On April 9, 1865 the war ended when Confederate General Lee surrendered at the Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia. By April 15th - Lincoln was dead, shot by an assassin the day before while attending a play without his main bodyguard present.

My how politicians have changed! In the early years of our country - some of society's best minds were our country's leaders. No more. And we're not better for it.

He was never the picture of health. Whatever fragility plagued him physically was made small due to his incredible mental strength. I think it's time to read some biographies on a man of conviction, courage and stamina.

We're All Just One Event Away

Marriage changes everything. A wedding - no matter if it's simple or elaborate - is a life altering event. Our lives move from being alone to being in the closest partnership known to mankind.


The birth of a child changes everything. Husbands become fathers. Wives become mothers. Together they become parents. Their lives are forever altered.

Good things - pleasant events - often change our lives. All it takes is one event and the course of our life is changed.

Unfortunately, bad things sometimes happen. A job is lost. An illness is diagnosed. An accident occurs. Death pays a visit. Lives change. Sometimes never to be the same.

Should we live in terror that at any moment a phone could ring with news that would change us forever? Hardly. That's no way to enjoy whatever life lay ahead.

Should we live mindful that life can change - and quickly? Sure. Why not? Why not live knowing that the health we may now enjoy could soon be gone? Why not live knowing that those we love most could soon be gone from our presence? I see no downside in approaching life with the zeal or zest to make the most of today.

I've seen and heard many people talk about how their lives are altered by some catastrophe - perhaps an open heart surgery, a heart attack or some other challenge that they survived. Afterwards, they see life differently. They approach life differently. I'm sure that's not true of all of them. I do know out of shape people who suffered heart attacks - and they continue to eat what they want and live without discipline or concern. Sad. But I also know some who are never the same. You see them work hard to never take a day for granted. They now see something they never saw before. Namely, the possibility that in a flash - in one moment or event - it can all change, or be gone!

I'd like to have that fresh approach to life without suffering the disaster often necessary to bring it about. I'd like to live today with a view of importance - making the most of my life today! How?

I'm fairly gifted at asking questions. The answers don't come so easily.

Life happens. Habits take over. We carve out ruts in our lives - where we're most comfortable. Day after day we do the same, or similar, things. We eat the same things, go the same places and do the same things. I realize we can't make every single moment or every single day be completely unique. I know that's hardly possible. It's certainly isn't practical.

But can't we approach our lives in a meaningful way so we make better use of our time, and our opportunities to affect others? Surely.

God is the priority for many of us. That's as it should be. Without getting into a theological debate on what serving God is all about - suffice to say, if you believe in God and believe service to the Creator supersedes all other pursuits - then you're surely living a life that is consistent with whatever faith you hold. If you're devout, then your faith touches all other areas of your life. A life that views the prospect of heaven and hell is bound to be a different life than one that views this life as the end all, be all.

Family is certainly a priority for most of us. We have husbands or wives that we cherish (hopefully). We have sons and daughters. We have son-in-laws or daughter-in-laws. We have grandchildren. We have parents. We have grandparents. There are people in our lives who matter to us more than other people. They're closer to us. We're closer to them.

Careers matter. We want to accomplish something. We want to earn what we're worth. We want a quality of life made possible by doing the best we can where we work. It affects our life and the lives of those we love. So, we want to do the best we can by earning as much as we can - and doing meaningful work.

Recreation and entertainment matter. Often, these focus more on who we're with than in what we're doing, but sometimes we simply like to do certain things. It's rare to find somebody who so enjoys an activity that he doesn't care who he does it with though.

Our lives are complex. And complicated. It's hard to bore it down into simple terms where we can live in simple, easy ways. Life is easier than it once was - in many ways. Many years ago men had to worry mostly about finding food to eat and shelter to protect them. Not a terribly complicated life, but a really hard life. Food, clothing and shelter aren't much of a challenge of most of us. We've got those things - often nice things. Really nice.

One event changes it though. One circumstance can alter it all. Imagine the things that could happen to you right now that would forever change your life. Imagine the good things. And the bad ones. Meditate on it for awhile.

Now, ask yourself, "How should I approach life now - now that I know these things could happen?" Are there things you should do that will help propel you forward, toward those good things? Then why are you waiting? Are there things you should do that might help you avoid those bad things? Then why are you waiting? Get busy with it. Today.

Make the phone call.
Have the conversation.
Hug them. Kiss them. Tell them you love them.
Forgive them. Ask them to forgive you.
Spruce up the resume. Look for the better job.
Go to the gym. Get fit.
Eat better. Eat right.

Whatever is necessary to make today your best day possible - do it. Do it as though today may be your only chance. Because you never know.

Can NASCAR Teach The NHL Anything?

Kevin Harvick's number 29 Chevrolet moves past the number 01 Chevrolet of Mark Martin to take the checkered flag, winning the 49th Daytona 500 NASCAR Nextel Cup series race at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. (REUTERS/Pierre Ducharme)

NASCAR is by far the best sport on television - and I'm not a NASCAR fan, really. But I watch it. The high-definition picture coupled with 90 cameras, countless reporters updating you on the action, cool graphics helped by GPS technology and participants who are always promoting the sport - it's far and away TOPS in sports television.


I wish my favorite sport of hockey would take some lessons from NASCAR. No, I don't expect or need 90 cameras. I do need high-definition. I do need a major network, or at least a more accessible network. Not VERSUS, a channel too few have. I need great announcers like Razor who make the game understandable to those who don't understand it (somebody who can sell the sport) and exciting to those of us who already love it. I need light blue ice because it will look better on TV. I need in game interaction - mic up players (Marty Turco's banter with the announcers during the All-Star Game was excellent) and coaches (yes, use the 7 second delay). I need more physical play. I need more hitting. I need more fighting so players are able to stand up for their teammates. I need goalies to have smaller pads. No, I don't need bigger goals. I need to see Sidney Crosby come to Dallas every season - along with other young, upcoming stars of the league. Fix the schedule. Fix it next season. I need a forward thinking hockey guy as the commissioner. Bettman needs to be gone after this season. A contract renewal for him will be death for the league. Gretzky is ready for that job anyway. The league needs a strong commissioner who will lead the league.

As a fan, I need so much it's almost impossible to consider hockey ever getting what the sport truly deserves. What I'd love to see is a consultation with NASCAR by NHL brass to ask them one simple question: "If you owned our sport instead of yours - what would you do?" Then listen and learn.

Go back to New York and find ways to implement immediate changes that will make the greatest game on earth grow. No, I'm not looking for NASCAR type popularity or growth. I realize everybody can drive a car and fantasize about driving fast in a race. Not everybody can ice skate or relate to playing hockey. I know there are countless dramatic differences between the two sports. My point is that stock car racing found a way to promote the sport, sell the sport and make the sport one of the greatest events each week of their season. Why can't hockey find a way to do a better job of selling the game? Why can't professional hockey learn a thing or two from NASCAR?

They can. They should. They have to do something. If they don't, the sport will never grow. They are no longer in the top 4 of major sports - were they ever? Bowling, golf, soccer are all much more popular. Bowling? Are you kidding me? The NHL can't find a way to get better ratings than bowling? Boys, it's time to fire up your Zambonis and head to Daytona Beach where the NASCAR is headquartered! NASCAR could teach the NHL plenty. The real question is, could the NHL learn anything from them?

High-Stakes Cheating & Low Expectations

Michael Waltrip and a handful of other drivers are suffering the wrath of NASCAR's head of competition. Unlike other sports that culminate in their biggest game of the season, NASCAR begins with their biggest - the Daytona 500. So the pressure to perform is intense, right out of the gate.

NASCAR inspects each car carefully. Teams know that. You'd think they'd exercise more care, or ingenuity.
Last season Jimmie Johnson won over $7.7 million. The teams earn many millions of dollars from sponsorships. The stakes are very high for teams to qualify for each race, complete as many laps as possible, make a top ten finish, make a top three finish or win outright. Points mean dollars. Dollars come from winning. Fans buy merchandise. Sponsors dole out millions for advertising exposure. Cheating isn't surprising.

Catching it is what surprises me. NASCAR is famous for having templates that cars must fit. Specifications are precise. Angles, weights, dimensions, materials - they're all crucial. And NASCAR has figured out a way to police all this - with some certainty of success.

I'm impressed.

I'm not a rabid fan of NASCAR. I do enjoy those behind the scenes type shows about it though. I'm fascinated by the engineering, although I admit I'm much fonder of Formula 1 where real technology rules.

However, I appreciate racing and the skills required to build, tune and drive - whether it's NASCAR, Indy car or any other type of racing. Cheating exists everywhere I suppose. In every sport, racing or otherwise. As the stakes go up, cheating goes up.

NASCAR's roots date back to the days of outlaw bootleggers. And we're shocked at the low ethics of some teams? P-L-E-A-S-E. Baseball players are juicing. Bike racers are doping. Track and field athletes are, too. Football players are steroid-enhanced. And just this past week I saw a mixed martial arts bout that ended in disqualification when a fighter put a knee to the head of his opponent while they were on the ground - a violation of the rules. After he did it twice, the bout was stopped. The injured fighter was given 5 minutes to see if he could continue - another rule. When it was clear he couldn't continue, the bout was ended. The injured fighter won by way of disqualification. The offending fighter said, "I thought this was a fight." His implication was that no rules should apply, yet the opposing fighter's manager appropriately responded by pointing out that if fights we're going to include eye-gouging and other "illegal" tactics, then all the combatants should agree on that before each fight. All participants had agreed to fight by the rules - so he felt his fighter should win the fight (and he was correct). Rules are such a drag.

Cheating, lying, deception - they're just tricks of the trade, aren't they? I mean, how can you ever win if you don't cheat. Sports talk shows lament that every top college program cheats - in every major sport. True? I don't know. My beloved Sooners football program is still stinging from the Bomar scandal of last year - a car dealer paid him for work he didn't perform. On and on and on it goes.

It's like Watergate - follow the money! Where you find money, you'll likely find cheating. And sometimes you find cheating even when there is no money. Sometimes winning is enough motivation for people to cheat. After all, cheating - if you've figured out something that works and can go undetected - can be easier than working hard to prepare to win, especially when you may lack the skills of your competition.

We don't value honorable competition. We value winning.
We don't highly prize hard work. We value the top dog.
We don't value preparation. We value the person who can mount the top of the award podium.

I work out daily. Occasionally I work with a trainer employed at the gym. He admits that probably 75% of the guys - those who are really ripped - are taking steroids. While they're not competing - they are cheating. They're cheating their health. For what? Vanity. Ego. Nothing more. But those are obviously high enough stakes.

I go to work like every other responsible person. Each day I endure lying. Somebody lies to me every single day. Every single day I discover they lie. They cheat. For what? Sometimes there is a money motive, but most of the time it's pride. Ego. Vanity. Again, the stakes are evidently high enough.

Stakes are always high, if only in the mind of the cheater. Cheating is rampant. And it's growing more creative. Kudos to NASCAR for finding ways to think ahead and catch the cheaters. It probably is the only course to pursue. Legislating ethics is impossible. Holding people accountable, while more difficult, is the best means for dealing with cheaters.

Did Michael Waltrip know his team was cheating? I don't know. I don't care. He's the fat cat at the top and he deserves to answer for it. I don't care who wins the Daytona 500. I don't have a dog in that fight or a horse (car) in that race. I just don't care. I do care that daily our world is growing more acclimated to cheating of all forms. I do care that daily we're subjected to passing the buck (see Michael Waltrip's response). I do care that people refuse to do the right thing if there are any costs associated. I do care that principles mean nothing and self-interests are always being served - no matter what. The good news is that it's all quite predictable. Therefore, it ought to be easier to combat, or cope with.

So I go to work expecting people to lie to me. I talk with people knowing some, perhaps many, are trying to deceive me. I'm not jaded, or cynical (no more than is proper for somebody trying to cope with the real world). I'm realistic. And I'm no longer disappointed (very often) because my expectations are so low...especially when I know the stakes are high. Lying and cheating become more extreme as the stakes go higher. And vanity, ego and pride are high stakes.

Michael Waltrip: The Face of Guilt, Regret or
Anger That His Guys Were Stupid Enough To Get Caught?

UPDATE: Around noon today (2/15/07) Waltrip fell on the sword a bit harder and issued another apology. Seems he had to be talked into racing today by his wife and Toyota officials (a qualifying race took place today and Waltrip earned a spot in the Daytona 500). What do you bet Toyota ripped him a new one and threatened to abandon him? Guess sponsors should all have morality clauses clearly stating they can escape contractual obligations if the team is caught cheating. I could be wrong though. Read more about his apology here.