Merry Christmas Mr. President

President Obama has been very busy… never mind the critics that feel Mr. Obama may spend far too much time on vacation and not enough time on the business of the state… (They are misinformed)


The reality is that our President has spearheaded one of the most effective “Lame Duck” sessions in many years. I find it ironic that the critics complain that he moves to slow, he does not do enough and they also complain that he tries to do too much… the bottom line is that no matter what, the critics will always do what critics do…

And President Obama is doing exactly what he said he would do within the realm of his authority and is working with a Congress that is like pushing a boulder uphill with many of the 535 congress men and women pushing it back down the hill…

By the way, Mr. Obama’s family left for vacation without him… below is what he has accomplished over the past several days;

• START ~ Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

• DADT ~ Repeal of the military "don't ask, don't tell" policy gives a major victory to advocates of gay rights and fulfilling a campaign promise to do away with a practice that he has called discriminatory.

• Food Safety bill passed by a 75 – 23 vote margin

• 911 First Responders Bill

• Stop Gap Budget

• The Tax Cut Compromise

It is now time to join your family Mr. President... Merry Christmas to you and your family and thank you for your service to our great nation.

Blaming the Black Man

Jill Quigg, who starred in the 2007 film

"Gone Baby Gone," was arrested Friday

after police were called about a break-in.

 (AP)

Sometimes it is easy to write a blog… most of this posting is from an AP news story; A news story regarding a popular trend of the guilty blaming their bad acts on “a black man”… For any one believing that some “cry racism” too much please read on…

Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2010, 4:35 am
By: Associated Press
QUINCY, Mass. (AP) — An actress acclaimed for her tough-talking performance in the 2007 film "Gone Baby Gone" is facing charges after she and another man allegedly broke into a neighbor's apartment south of Boston and then tried to blame it on a black man, police said Tuesday.

Jill Quigg, 35, of Quincy, who played the role of Dottie in the movie directed by Ben Affleck, was arrested Friday after police were called about a break-in at a Quincy apartment, according to police.

Quincy Lt. Jack Sullivan said Quigg and Georgios Keskinidis, 28, of Lynn, were stopped near the apartment and told police that a black man had broken into it and was running off with a 32-inch flat screen television and a new computer printer.

"That's when the suspects said they all of a sudden became crime fighters," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the pair told police they chased the man as he dropped the items and got into a getaway vehicle. The pair also told police they kept the items in Quigg's apartment.


However, Sullivan said witnesses at the scene identified Quigg and Keskinidis as the ones leaving the apartment.

Quigg and Keskinidis, pleaded not guilty Monday in Quincy District Court to breaking and entering during the day, larceny of more than $250 and wanton destruction of property worth more than $250.

Both were released on personal recognizance

How is that for a mental picture…  a black man running with a 42” television under one arm and a computer printer under the other, in hot pursuit by these two idiots! "C'mon people!"

There are at least 2 disturbing questions left behind in this fiasco; 1. How damaging is this trend to the profiling and stereotyping of the African American race? 2. If a black man had indeed been charged for this crime, would he have been; ‘released on his own recognizances?’

Rod

One of the Things I Love About Houston

I have lived in Houston for the past 6 years... One of the things that I loved from the moment that I moved here is the diversity of the city. Houston is the epitome of what it means when we say "melting pot" to refer to our great country!

On October 1, 2010 I had the honor of attending the "Indo-American Charity Foundation" 22nd Annual Gala. The IACF vision is to; "Foster a local community whose basic needs are met and where everyone could lead enriched lives through better health, education and growth opportunities.

The Houston Mayor Annise Parker was in attendance along with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee... (Seated at the table next to mine) A lot of money was raised and a great time had by all...

This past Tuesday I had the pleasure of attending the National Society of Hispanic Professionals "meet and greet/mixer..." it was a tremendous affair that allowed all in attendance to network, with new friends... and build on existing relationships.

The same diversity can be seen in my affiliations across District 56 Toastmasters ... People from all nationalities coming together to encourage and help each other develop their communication and leadership skills. I have met many new friends and continue to do so daily.

Yes, Houston indeed is the epitome of our so called "melting pot"... and I am glad to be a member of this fantastic community!


Rod

Intimidating?!!!

I was having a discussion with my daughter last week and during that discussion she said, "Dad you are intimidating."  I said "no way..."  She said yes, "you can be intimidating as hell!" I asked, "What do I do that is intimidating?"

She told me, "Dad, all you have to do is walk into a room... it is the way you carry yourself... the way you talk, the way you clear your throat... the way you look at people..."

Readers, I have a question for you... do any of you share her opinion?  If so (just for fun) please send me a brief comment on your experience with me...  Example finish the following sentences... "When I first met you I thought...  or I would never approach you because...

Rod

Encouragement

I went roller skating with my daughter last Thursday… As always it was enjoyable, the time spent with my loved ones always is… However this day came with a bonus…


While trying to maintain my own balance I happen to notice a little boy about 5 years old. He was having an extremely difficult time staying up right! Every 6 or 7 steps down he went! The little boy was determined but never could make it around the rink without falling several times. This went on for about 15 or 20 minutes.

At one point he just laid on the floor, not injured, but just so frustrated because he knew that he could do it! Just when I thought he was ready to give up, he jumped up again and then down again… His sister, after seeing her brother fall for the umpteenth time… And who could barely stay upright, took his hand and then I witnessed something that warmed my heart and gave me insight to what encouragement is really about.

After taking his hand the little boy was able to make it further around the rink than he had all night. As a matter of fact with the encouragement and support from his sister he gained enough confidence to free his hand and continue around on his own… Both the brother and sister made it a full turn without falling and as they skated toward their grandfather (both extremely excited) down they went! 

It was a very cute scene but the message cannot go unnoticed… We all can accomplish much more with encouragement, support and teamwork than we ever can by going it alone.

A few days ago I posted the following on my ‘FB’ page, “Everything worthwhile that I have accomplished in my life was in direct proportion to the encouragement and support that I received…”

Witnessing this experience tells me that I was right on point! Encourage someone every day and let’s help everyone we touch become the success that they are meant to be!!!

Rod
 
"Success is in direct proportion to the encouragement we receive"

Sunday Best

Elder Goldwire McClendon -

There is a show on BET called Sunday Best...  The show is a Gospel Singing competition and this year it features the 79 year old McClendon and all I can say is Awesome, Awesome, Awesome!  His performance brought all three judges to their feet along with everyone in the audience... a standing ovation in a competition that favors the young...

Mr. Goldwire shows tremenous vocal variety, fantastic stage presence and a genuine annointing from the holy spirit.  My wife and I were literally brought to tears and this I did not mind showing my emotion...  I was choked up and could not speak...

Judge Donnie McClerkin was at a lost for words too and only had a "shout" in him... he broke out in a song and a preach... It was truly an incredible experience and I can't wait for trhe next time Elder sings...

For those of you that are on Face Book, I have posted the You Tube video on my FB page... 

Praise his holy name and Happy Mother's Day!

The Gavel Club Experience

I had an awesome experience today!

I am a of member of Toastmasters International in Sugarland TX... Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of meeting locations. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in front of an audience.

Today I, along with 3 of my fellow Toastmasters, we conducted a demonstration for a group of young people.  They are home schooled students and their parents/teachers are getting them involved in Toastmasters...

The is an minimum age requirement for TM of 18 years of age... So they must participate as Gavel Club members...

I beleive that I had more fun than those young people did... the whole experienced reminded me that there are so many ways to "give back" other than giving monetary contributions...

Rod

ABCs of A Successful Life

I would like to share the speech that I gave during my Toastmaster's meeting last night... The speech was inspired by the late R&B singer Luther Vandross... Luther was such a soulful singer that he was once challenged to "sing the ABCs" and he put the letters together as if it were a Top 10 hit on the Billboard charts!

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I am no singer, but I do someday hope to be as good of a "Public Speaker" as Luther was a singer. So I decided to try my hand at "speaking" the ABCs...

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The speech is a giant acronym using all 26 letters in the alphabet to inform, entertain, inspire and teach us ways to live a better life... So let's get started!

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Always Be Consistent - Consistency builds trust and trust builds strong relationships...

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Do everything Enthusiastically and Fundamentally - Enthusiasm and Fundamentals build confidence. Confidence builds your future...

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Good Health Increases opportunities - Proper diet and exercise is a must... Not the fad diets that are out there... I am speaking of portion control, instead of eating from a dinner plate use your salad plate, it will help remain conscience of your portions. Exercise at least three days per week, 30 minutes per day. Walking is as beneficial (if not more) than running... It is a great idea to invest in a personal trainer... If you need one call my daughter! :-) Proper diet and consistent execise will reduce health cost and make us all feel better... I have known people that have lost wieght and were able to discontinue medication that was necessary due to their wieght.

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Journal, Knowledge and Life Coaching - Invest in a writing tablet suitable for journal(ing), start a habit of writing down every significant thing that happens to you daily. In five years you will have enough information to write your first book! Develop a thirst for knowledge, read a book every week, enroll in a class to learn a new skill, vow to learn something new every day. Life Coaching is expensive, but if you can afford the investment I suggest that you get involved as soon as possible! I used a (Success Coach) for 2 years and it changed my life. Sue Pistone, of Sue Pistone and Associates helped me to establish my life goals and I am happy to say that with her help I am realizing most of them.

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Most No(s) are Opportunities for Probing - In sales and in life when someone tells you "no", what they are saying is that you have not given them enough information to say yes. It is your opportunity to ask questions designed to find out what they really want and what they need. Ask them opened ended questions that will elicit the most information... Ask how who, what, when, where why. After proper probing you will be armed to give the information needed to gain the yes you want...

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Quitters never win and winners never quit - sometimes it is just necessary to step out on your faith. What I am saying is that over my career I have seen so many people quit on things in their lives and miss out on the blessing that was intended. People quit jobs, quit school, quit on relationships and in the sad cases of suicide quit on life. When we quit we never know what might have been... don't quit!

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Remeber, Success Takes Undersatnding - You must understand your purpose, you must understand your people (employees and customers) and you must understand your purpose. I have seen so many businesses suffer because people at all levels did not understand these things. High employee turn over, loss of business... it is imperative that we take the time to get this right...

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Visualize Winning Every day and X marks the spot - "If you can conceive it and beleive it, you can acheive it!" Visualize being the winner that you are, every day! And X marks the spot just means that you must start where you are, use what you have and do what you can...

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You - Contrary to popular belief, life really is 'all about you'... a bit of narcissism is healthy. You don't have to look any further than what happens when we board an airplane. The flight attendant always advises, "In case of loss in cabin pressure, the oxegyn masks will drop. In that unlikely event, please put on your own mask first, then help others around you." The bottom line is that you will not be good to anyone else until you take care of yourself. Zig Ziglar always says, "You can have everything in life that You want, if You will just help enough other people get what they want." So yes even when you help others... it is all about you!

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Zip it! (Tiger Woods not withstanding) Although he would have benefitted greatly from this advice! But what I am talking about here is that we must learn to listen to each other. We must learn to use our 2 ears and 1 mouth in proportion. We must know when to Zip It! When to be quiet... heck it is in the Constitution! You have the right to remain silent and everything you say WILL be used against you! (Well that is what my wife tells me all the time!) Well it is time for me to zip it... I hope that you have found the material as useful as I have and I hope that the information will add value to your lives...

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Thank you...