Flying Car

We are slowly approaching the age of the Jetsons - incredible:

Angel Priest at Missouri Accident

Trust me, this will be the best thing you've seen and read all week.  

What a nice way to start the weekend.  




You can read more about the story here

How to Shake Hands - By the Numbers

It is amazing to me how many people don't know the basics of shaking hands, either because they've never been taught, or they don't think it important.  Let me clue you in - first impressions last the longest, and there is not much that comes first in a meeting than the handshake.  Doing it right can advance you to the next steps of your meeting, and missing it can derail things before you get started.

So how does one best shake hands?  Just remember a couple of numbers:

One - As in one target and one target only: the web of your hand needs to hit the web of the other person's hand.  Period.  If something happens and you end up with too much of the fingers, adjust and meet the other person's hand correctly.  They'll appreciate it.

Two - As in two eyes.  Look the person in the eye and smile.  Always.

Three - As in seconds.  Your handshake should last no longer than that.

45 - As in degrees.  Stand directly in front of the person with whom your shaking hands, and have your arms come out 45 degree angles to meet in the middle of you.  That will keep you at the proper distance from them as well (getting too close while shaking hands is a no-no).

50 - As in percent of grip.  Consider your tightest grip possible, and cut it in half.  That's about what your grip should feel like to your recipient.  Another way to think about it is the old golf grip axiom - pretend you're holding a squirming baby bird.  You need to control the bird, but not crush it.  Note that for older folks, you should temper your grip as shaking hands for folks with arthritis can be quite painful for them.

90 - As in degrees.  Your arm should fold to a 90 degree angle, and you should shake hands at mid-torso.  Not at the chest, and certainly not at the waist.

That's it - remember these six numbers and you'll have a successful handshake.  Some other thoughts:

• Practice!  You have other people critique your resume or review your presentation.  Ask someone you trust to evaluate your handshake and provide you with candid feedback
• Never shake left hands, unless the person with whom you're shaking hands does not have use of their right hand and offers their left.  If your arms are full and the only hand free is your left, take the time to free up your right hand and shake hands properly.
• Germophobe?  Get over it.  The world (at least the United States) shakes hands; it doesn't wave or fist-bump.  Carry anti-bacterial hand lotion with you if you need to do so, but shake hands.  
• Leave your left hand out of the equation and keep it at your side.  Don't grab the other person's shoulder or arm with it, and absolutely do not cover up their hand that is shaking your's with it.  Those are awkward power moves, and people do NOT appreciate them.
• Do not pump up and down like you're using an old water pump.  A slight up and down motion, staying respectful of the three second rule above, is all that is needed.
• Remember that the handshake is also your last impression.  It is nearly as important to execute at the end of your meeting as it is as the start.

Did I miss anything?  Feel free to post up.

Advent of the Long Play Commercial

In the past week or so, there have been three viral videos released as commercials.

The first is for NBC sports, which covers a football coach asked to take a new job.  But, it's not THAT kind of football...




The second has the Manning brothers (and even Archie) selling the benefits of Direct TV:




The last is for Fiat, which asks that you never forget that they're an Italian car company (hat-tip to my brother):




Before our eyes we're seeing media totally change.  With traditional touchstones like newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV in free-fall for audiences, a new form of advertising is stepping into the forefront.

And, like all good advertising, it's going where the eyeballs are - online.  But, unlike traditional advertising, there are the massive benefits of multiple shares and unpaid views.  

Things are moving fast for traditional media, and it will be interesting to see where this all shakes out.  But in the meantime, note that two out of three of the ads above are for companies that one would likely define as traditional media.

A very wise ex-boss of mine once said, "Change or die."  I think that is clearly what is happening right now in media.

Closing Embassies - The Terrorists Already Win

In light of "increased chatter," the Obama administration has closed 22 embassies across north Africa and the Middle East.  Although the chatter is not specific (note, we're closing 22 embassies, not just a couple), the administration is hitting the panic button, and is ostensibly surrendering. 

Embassies are our turf on foreign soil.  And instead of defending it, the administration parlays a vague threat into a massive diplomatic reaction.  And by reacting the way we have, we've already been terrorized.

All without one shot being fired.

What happened to Al Qaeda being "on the run," as they were during the election?

To a culture that respects strength and fortitude above most other things, we have to look like bumbling, cowardly fools.  

So, what happens next?

Fiasco at Thornberry

While playing last Saturday, I found my ball near, but not in a water hazard.  Feeling gutsy (or perhaps stupid) I decided to take the heroic (or stupid) way to my next shot.

Result?  See for yourselves.



Ultimately I had to take a lost ball and drop.  My next shot was from the water as well, but with a much better outcome, much to the chagrin of my buddies.

The lesson?  Could be "nothing ventured, nothing gained."  

Or is it "stupid is as stupid does?"

Packer Family Night

My company is the new title sponsor of Lambeau Field's newest gate, and as part of our sponsorship we were granted a bunch of tickets to the Packers' Family Night.

The event is a bunch of on the field activities which culminates into a offense versus defense scrimmage.  Basically, it's a glorified practice.

Only this practice takes place in front of about 70,000 people:

Our section was in the new 600 and 700 section of Lambeau, which definitely rises above the rest of the stadium (as well as the rest of the city).  Here are some views from the top of 600, but bottom of 700:

Note that this is from the bottom of 700 - the stadium rises another 20 rows or so from there.  Not exactly a good seat for those afraid of heights.

Prior to the expansion, it was accurately said that there weren't any bad seats in Lambeau.  Unfortunately, with the addition of the new nosebleed seats, I think that can no longer be said.  But to the Packer faithful - the same people that came out on a Saturday night to pack a stadium and watch a practice - I doubt there's a care.

And all I could think of when looking up at the 700 section was "I know where they'll plan on putting the Vikings fans..." 

Tonic for the Soul

I have to admit that last week was very dark for me.  I was in a horrible, depressive funk.  My life felt like an endless cycle of work, exhaustion, and loneliness.  I felt disconnected, inept, and constantly worried.

Then I took a couple of days of vacation.  What an incredible relief.

It took me about three days to fully decompress and finally feel like myself again, but feeling like myself occurred.  My smile, laugh, sleep, and optimism returned.  In spades.

And when I went back to work yesterday I felt totally on top of my game.  I felt under control, happy, rested, and energized.

It is amazing what a family and good friends can do.  Their hugs, smiles, laughs, conversations, silliness, and comfort are absolute tonic to an injured soul.

So now I'm filled.  Thankfully, the dark place of last week seems like a vague, distant dream.  And it's all because of some quality time with some people that love me and genuinely want to be with me.  

The older I get, the more it becomes obvious to me that the power of love is one of the mightiest there is.  I'm awed, and so very thankful.