tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66216676365852250722024-02-06T21:43:58.341-05:0025 Ways to Reinvent YourselfGot a nagging feeling that your life could be more fulfilling? Want to change direction but aren't sure how to do it? Here's some ways to jump-start your life today. This blog was inspired by an excellent piece in Modern Maturity. I transcribed (& updated) the entire article, but I've also started to add my own thoughts on bringing small, positive changes to your life. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. GTOGTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-8157499867687030532019-06-08T03:46:00.001-04:002019-06-08T04:07:07.686-04:00Reinvent Yourself: Try Something New!<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: center;">I have a video series on YouTube called "Greg Eat$ $hit from the Dollar $tore". (</span><span style="text-align: center;">Sometimes called "Greg Drink$ $hit from the Dollar $tore".)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: right;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: right;">Here's my latest video:</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BFaNduAlKRQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BFaNduAlKRQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/BFaNduAlKRQ" style="text-align: right;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Azul Coconut Water with Chocolate Flavor - Greg Drink$ $hit from the Dollar $tore (Ep. 7)</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love PLAIN coconut water, so the chocolate-flavoring was a new twist for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My cousin Steve really enjoyed the chocolatey flavor! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But what did I think? CLICK ABOVE! :)</span></div>
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<br />GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0Pittsburgh, PA, USA40.440624799999988 -79.99588640000001840.24723929999999 -80.318609900000013 40.634010299999986 -79.673162900000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-415280151222375752018-02-07T03:48:00.001-05:002018-02-07T04:10:51.659-05:00Reinvent Yourself: Find Your ONE Thing<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">GTO's Thoughts:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Listened to The ONE Thing podcast today. Numerous episodes. It was great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Good advice from Michael Hyatt, Shawn Stevenson, Eric Barker, Tammy Verduzco, etc.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">It got me thinking about my ONE thing for 2018.</span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So here's the basic setup:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEkh9StXK9KDILEw4ulGcA20SFcuyi3_s7zLYi2OgjBLo1tpynchrhBEybqOzZQUCkGmOuzesv9bhqLwHAC8I3ClPw67bNOt1ZN49Hu7elXkCwJnryHYPQ0H8Y-fK0049gmyNd7k21Bkp/s1600/What%2527s+the+ONE+THINGI+can+do+such+that+by+doing+it+everything+else+will+be+easier+or+unneccesary%253F-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEkh9StXK9KDILEw4ulGcA20SFcuyi3_s7zLYi2OgjBLo1tpynchrhBEybqOzZQUCkGmOuzesv9bhqLwHAC8I3ClPw67bNOt1ZN49Hu7elXkCwJnryHYPQ0H8Y-fK0049gmyNd7k21Bkp/s320/What%2527s+the+ONE+THINGI+can+do+such+that+by+doing+it+everything+else+will+be+easier+or+unneccesary%253F-2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre;">So I thought about it, and it really didn't take long for me to come up with my answer.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;">The ONE thing I can do that would make everything else easier is: </span><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>lose weight</u></span><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;">.</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My heart and lungs would be healthier. My blood pressure would return to normal. My sleep would improve. My clothes would fit better.</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="white-space: pre;">But I don't want to eat better. I'm still enjoying bad food and sweet, caffeinated beverages. </span></span><span style="white-space: pre;">I'm not ready to give them up.</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So what else would help me lose weight & also help my heart, lungs and blood pressure?</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Exercise.</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What is the ONE thing I could do to increase the amount of exercise I get (which is currently none)?</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Use my stationary bike each day.</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What's the ONE thing I could do to increase the chances of me using my exercise bike?</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Remove the piles of clothes, bills & computer peripherals that buried it alive over the last 6 months. 😆😛😜</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">See? Easy!</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I decided that I will ALSO set a daily alarm for 2:30 p.m. to remind myself that exercise is the ONE thing that would most benefit my life right now.</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This may change. I may decide at a later date that eating better every day is more important than exercising every day. That's okay.</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">For now I've decided that exercise is the ONE thing that I can do, and by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">What's your ONE thing for 2018?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">GTO</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">#garykeller #jaypapasan #geoffwoods #theonething #the1thing</span></span></div>
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GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-89881053978277237752017-12-18T02:20:00.000-05:002017-12-18T14:31:05.398-05:00Reinvent Yourself: Feel Like a Kid AgainGTO's Thoughts:<br />
<br />
I saw "The Last Jedi" this weekend.<br />
<br />
And I was <b><u>not</u></b> disappointed.<br />
<br />
"The Last Jedi" is full of wonder, excitement and, most of all, <b><u>respect</u></b> for the original trilogy.<br />
<br />
And for these reasons, it's the best Star Wars film in 30+ years. *<br />
<br />
<b><u>I'm happy to be a fan of STAR WARS again</u></b>.<br />
<br />
Since Chris Gore (over at Film Threat) summed it up so well, why don't you read his review of the movie.<br />
<br />
Click on Luke.<br />
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<a href="http://filmthreat.com/reviews/star-wars-the-last-jedi/" target="_blank"><img alt="Film Threat Chris Gore Review of the Last Jedi" border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="1143" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMGDhSynbYtt4GqpVFmVCi8e2BIkYIZ1yJnNXLmJFteGOe46uHRGhiYsGL5o2UI8mIS2K8HWJv1RhdzP33cF4wX57Z6mRpK5dBSUuBfwfKKGin3vD6CdShfkbjzf4qrW9MmqcaIJ1j_Ms/s400/Film+Threat+Star+Wars+The+Last+Jedi+Reinvent+Your+Life.png" title="Film Threat Chris Gore Review of the Last Jedi" width="400" /></a></div>
If you scroll down to the comment section of Chris Gore's review, you'll find a quick comment by yours truly.<br />
<br />
I'm currently the only commentator under his review.<br />
<br />
Why? I don't know.<br />
<br />
Film Threat rocks!<br />
<br />
Another group who had insightful things to say about this film were c|net's staffers from around the world.<br />
<br />
I really liked hearing the different thoughts and opinions expressed.<br />
<br />
Click the C-Net headline:<br />
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<a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/star-wars-the-last-jedi-review-best-worst/" target="_blank"><img alt="'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' best and worst: c|net global review" border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="810" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw9vV1KyKPHQTI6mQEiMEEwTW0prPcZRy84Elrd8BStSwy423GaLtiTWw4_Z8x1PwlbT9TrbfVh-WPfQd7CygB-_GprptmLw2YZgOKCWy660NIgk8Ckv8GD2hjeNYM-TKnDJcrPDheX606/s400/++2017-12-18+at+2.27.06+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Now, I had some issues with "The Last Jedi" - a few in fact.<br />
<br />
But there was so much great stuff in it, it's hard to focus on the negatives.<br />
<br />
"The Last Jedi" feels like the final, third film in a grand trilogy.<br />
<br />
It's epic and satisfying and well-made.<br />
<br />
And it feels like a completion to the original films.<br />
<br />
Please bear in mind, I was massively disappointed in the prior four films (those helmed by J.J. Abrams & George Lucas).<br />
<br />
Upon viewing the prior "The Force Awakens" I declared that Star Wars was dead to me.<br />
<br />
Not kidding.<br />
<br />
I was done with Star Wars.<br />
<br />
Ask my buddy Larry (Tweet him @theguestroompod).<br />
<br />
Or my buddy Shawn (Tweet him @SVashaw).<br />
<br />
They'll tell you.<br />
<br />
I take this shit seriously.<br />
<br />
So any new Star Wars film would have to come a long way to erase the anger and sadness I've felt over the last 30 years as a beloved sci-fi trilogy was ripped off, spat upon and robbed entirely of its magic.<br />
<br />
The original Star Wars films had such a hold on me that they convinced me to devote my life to movies. To study film in college. To work in the film business.<br />
<br />
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.<br />
<br />
So for me to overlook the various flaws of "The Last Jedi" and to actually feel the hope in this film, and to relive the dreams of my teen years at the same time, is a major emotional achievement for me.<br />
<br />
I'm <b><u>excited</u></b> to give "The Last Jedi" an 8 out of 10.<br />
<br />
And the best part?<br />
<br />
I will not argue with you if you want to rate it a 10.<br />
<br />
(If you had spoken so highly of "The Phantom Menace" or "The Force Awakens" I would've politely never talked to you again for the rest of my life.)<br />
<br />
So for the time being, I've turned away from the cynicism of the Dark Side that had been growing in me for 30 years.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for this cinematic return to the Light Side.<br />
<br />
I feel like a kid again.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading.<br />
<br />
GTO<br />
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* Apologies to "Rogue One" which is a good (8/10) Star Wars film. But because it exists outside the Skywalker line of stories, and because my heart is so attached to the original trilogy of characters, I consider it an outlier in the canon in the best possible way. No offense intended.GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-44770155689929392642017-11-30T03:16:00.001-05:002017-11-30T16:50:32.212-05:00Reinvent Yourself: Relive Summer with an Easy Sangria Recipe<div dir="ltr">
GTO's Thoughts:<br><br>
I get into these moods.<br><br>
Maybe once or twice a year.<br><br>
Where I just need to remember summer.<br><br>
Usually it's in September, October or November.<br>
<br>
Winter is approaching.<br><br>
June, July & August have faded into sweet memory.<br><br>
My tan is long gone.<br><br>
My skin barely remembers being licked by the warmth of the sun.<br><br>
I barely put a dent in my bottle of sunscreen this year.<br><br>I didn't get enough time in my brother's pool.<br><br>
I didn't get enough sand, didn't get enough surf.<br><br>
And - dammit! - I have no memories of a sweet summer romance.<br>
<br>
My John Travolta did not meet his Olivia Newton-John.<br>
My Frankie Avalon did not find his Annette Funicello.<br>
My Barbara Hershey never became the wind beneath her Bette Midler's wings.<br>
<br>
Those warm, sunny months have come and gone, all in the blink of an eye.<br><br>
And I miss them.<br><br>
But there are a number of ways to remember summer.<br><br>
You could try losing your $500 Nike glasses in the waves of Ocean City, Maryland in July 2012.<br>
<br>
Like I did!<br><br>
OR -<br>
<br>
Even better,<br><br>
Ignore the lessons of Ocean City 2012!<br>
<br>
And lose <i><b>another</b></i> pair of $500 glasses in the gorgeous waters of Playa ParaÃso in Mexico's Riviera Maya in July 2017. **<br><br>
Yep! That's what I did!<br><br>
So the summers of 2012 and 2017 are LOCKED in my brain!<br>
<br>
For.<br>
<br>
Life.<br><br>
And as winter approaches in the Northeastern United States, how do I relive such wonderful summer memories as losing $1000 in prescription eyewear to the oceans of the world?!<br><br>
I GET DRUNK (ha)<br><br>
What helps me get drunk are sweet and colorful adult beverages!<br><br>
THIS is where SANGRIA comes in, because:<br><br>
SANGRIA TASTES LIKE SUMMER.<br><br>
I make it from time to time when I'm desperately trying to hold onto summer for a few cold, getting colder, weekends this time of year.<br><br>
It's easy to make sangria.<br><br>
WINE + FRUIT = SANGRIA<br><br>
It's quick, delicious and refreshing.<br><br></div><div dir="ltr">If you don't like fruit, you're outta luck. More for me.</div><div dir="ltr"><br>
If you click on my photo below, you'll be taken to my 60-second easy sangria recipe.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/rJU9ui5Yeq0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL6DPWzMzSLdXDWXtdthwcUynL40woW8ntObRGL9mfHf6YxD9r8qpVCG0txz9zE8WSNPKclEH83w9lGhtP9R4HcBioyUilF2oRT7T-J29m4Tgaj8J3IRoQBf8F4mh201v_cz-Y89GcQO_/s320/Sangria+Recipe+-+Greg%2527s+Helpful+Videos+25+Ways+to+Reinvent+Your+Life.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Easy Sangria Recipe - Greg's Helpful Videos" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy Sangria Recipe - Greg's Helpful Videos</td></tr>
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** Upon losing expensive eyewear for the 2nd time in five years, I was completely and utterly embarrassed.<br>
<br>
My family was there to witness it BOTH times!<br>
<br>
And I was also very angry at myself.<br>
<br>
SO ANGRY.<br>
<br>
And there was swearing to be had.<br>
<br>
Lots of swearing.<br>
<br>
Lots of LOUD swearing.<br>
<br>
And there were children everywhere!<br>
<br>
And. I. Didn't. Care.<br>
<br>
I was swearing with no thought of social decorum.<br>
<br>
I was uttering profanities in the clear, warm waters of Mexico,<br>
<br>
(Proud of myself, I am not.)<br>
<br>
BUT -<br>
<br>
After about 15 minutes, I finally calmed down and surrendered to the situation.<br>
<br>
It was simple: I was going to be legally blind for my entire vacation in Mexico.<br>
<br>
And then!<br>
<br>
My brother, Doug, stepped on something buried in the sand near the shore.<br>
<br>
He reached down, expecting to be bit by a crustacean, but instead he found my glasses.<br>
<br>
It was amazing. Really amazing.<br>
<br>
I'm still blown away by it.<br>
<br>
My brother found my glasses!<br>
<br>
They could have gone deeper into the Caribbean Sea.<br>
<br>
They could have gone parallel to the shore.<br>
<br>
Never getting closer, never getting further away, just keep moving to the right. Or to the left.<br>
<br>
They also could have drifted just a few feet away from where I had lost them to the large wave.<br>
<br>
Into water that was too deep to gain footing.<br>
<br>
<u>But</u> -<br>
<br>
They headed towards shore.<br>
<br>
Where my brother was able to find them.<br>
<br>
Amazing.<br>
<br>
So,<br>
<br>
As I sip my sangria,<br>
<br>
This is one of the great memories I'll relive from the summer of 2017.<br>
<br>
Thanks for reading!<br>
<br>
GTO<br>
<br>
What are your memories from the summer of 2017?</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr"><br></div>
GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0Pittsburgh, PA, USA40.440624799999988 -79.99588640000001840.24723929999999 -80.318609900000013 40.634010299999986 -79.673162900000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-25603535677694042142017-09-11T01:55:00.000-04:002017-09-11T02:25:09.321-04:00Reinvent Yourself: Help Others Solve Netflix Silverlight Error N8010.GTO's Thoughts:<br />
<br />
I was having trouble getting Netflix to work on my MacBook.<br />
<br />
I kept getting <b>Silverlight Error N8010</b>.<br />
<br />
Which means <u>Safari's Private Browsing Mode</u> was supposedly restricting Netflix from storing settings on my computer.<br />
<br />
<u><b>But there was more to it than that!</b></u><br />
<br />
I finally figured everything out, made a quick video, and wanted to pass it along.<br />
<br />
Just click the photo and you'll be taken to my YouTube video (3 min).<br />
<br />
If this solution helps you, let me know. Thanks, GTO.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://youtu.be/goeQ5zozfAI" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZSk5dAXJYzRdTiYrJgZKhOqcq0V1kw-I_Cw93it-juoGCMTKNVsXjkS6sQOA_fy8XOab_N3p-gvHzy32X8w-4WELq1T8r5Q7-c-lxZbKV0eYo8e_j73_ZOoPtpbxpyiuub4idT6g59Un/s400/maxresdefault.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/goeQ5zozfAI" target="_blank">Using Safari to Watch Netflix? Getting Silverlight-Netflix Error N8010? Here's a FIX!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-42001300724495502002017-08-30T02:54:00.002-04:002017-08-30T03:01:08.735-04:0025 Ways to Reinvent Yourself: Form a Board of Advisers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFi85loemxVeUapiSsrz6vnaFDB9JumD3mpOeDs1Y1Vp1HKp00CvVPByMgQnaIASm5OygA6gqQz6p3vXNmBI2D0HIMlNEx9GAJItfQVjUa-eWVUUlpwZUCrtG6dCEyvlzPE95h1VFAEW8/s1600/25+Ways+to+Reinvent+Yourself+-+Form+a+Board+of+Advisers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFi85loemxVeUapiSsrz6vnaFDB9JumD3mpOeDs1Y1Vp1HKp00CvVPByMgQnaIASm5OygA6gqQz6p3vXNmBI2D0HIMlNEx9GAJItfQVjUa-eWVUUlpwZUCrtG6dCEyvlzPE95h1VFAEW8/s400/25+Ways+to+Reinvent+Yourself+-+Form+a+Board+of+Advisers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Just as a corporation has a team of people who represent an array of specialties - marketing, finance, sales - an individual should have a similar set of personal advisers, according to Marti Smye, author of <span style="font-style: italic;">Is It Too Late to Run Away and Join the Circus?</span> (MacMillan, 1998).<br />
<br />
This informal board should be made up of friends whom you respect and admire, whose opinions you value, and who would be willing to offer you their counsel when you need it.<br />
<br />
[From "25 Ways to Reinvent Yourself" published in <em><b>Modern Maturity</b></em> January - February 2000,<br />
edited by Greg Olszewski]GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-17354712379931575962017-03-27T14:27:00.001-04:002017-03-28T12:52:44.941-04:00Reinvent Yourself: A Motivational Lament<div dir="ltr">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OH5DOAPSlORHxhuaVTmeQN4o7PAckgdxRamjDmTH-pU9ae5v5mQ9zJuyD1dALPIej_tHp-E-SwnXxTHzBQvDpHVItAjv1KJ-mfDwFbTpKWhPzzP-aigntQ7BG8Emt7ANDw001dV87QQ1/s1600/Midnight+Blue+-+from+25+Ways+to+Reinvent+Yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OH5DOAPSlORHxhuaVTmeQN4o7PAckgdxRamjDmTH-pU9ae5v5mQ9zJuyD1dALPIej_tHp-E-SwnXxTHzBQvDpHVItAjv1KJ-mfDwFbTpKWhPzzP-aigntQ7BG8Emt7ANDw001dV87QQ1/s400/Midnight+Blue+-+from+25+Ways+to+Reinvent+Yourself.jpg" title="midnight blue, midnight, time for bed, clock, digital" width="400" /></a></div>
Why are my moments of highest motivation always, ALWAYS, just before I have to go to work - or just before I go to bed?</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
A smart friend of mine suggested that maybe it's a survival reflex. That our subconscious knows that's the only safe time to inspire us because it's the easiest kind of motivation to get out of.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
"You <i>have</i> energy. You <i>could</i> start that thing you wanted to start. But darn! - you have to go to <u>work</u>! Oh well, we'll get 'em later, Tiger. Have a great day!"</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Thanks, subconscious! You have a great day too."</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
And you work. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
And you intend to give that thing you wanted to start another go.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
But at the end of the day, a funny thing happens. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Your work is done, you've eaten, spent time with the family & friends and now, now it's time for sweet sleep. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
You've waited all day for this. The stress is gone. You're relaxed. Your inhibitions are down. You're in the twilight of consciousness, drifting off, and..</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
BAM! </div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
A great idea hits you!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
And your subconscious knew one was coming all along. But it reminds you:</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
"You <i>have</i> energy. You <i>could</i> start that thing you wanted to start. But darn! you have to <u>sleep</u>! Oh well, we'll get 'em later, Tiger. Have a great night!"</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
"Darn you, subconscious. Right again. You have a great night too!"</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
So you'll give that thing you wanted to start another go.<br />
<br />
In the morning. Before work.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
But for now, zzzz :: drool :: zzzz :: snore :: zzzz!</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-47002036990612616822016-11-08T12:01:00.001-05:002016-11-12T00:54:27.165-05:00Election Day in America 2016. And a Promise to eat Maple Cookies.<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprxc76a5jPv0Z1wU6yZaLzjLrqa9jUTszfG1B9Z8-MPrrL8QD0EQhGY1pBzpN7iLauFLvsP9uX5iOeVvn_Tde8QASLxJYIbHRrQQQ8mZOJmeLho7D3qjKMOeIyi7nnRRPM4PHBvc0ffn7/s1600/o-CANADA-US-BORDER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprxc76a5jPv0Z1wU6yZaLzjLrqa9jUTszfG1B9Z8-MPrrL8QD0EQhGY1pBzpN7iLauFLvsP9uX5iOeVvn_Tde8QASLxJYIbHRrQQQ8mZOJmeLho7D3qjKMOeIyi7nnRRPM4PHBvc0ffn7/s400/o-CANADA-US-BORDER.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
I've been very quiet this election season, but I must break my silence & say this:</div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br />
If Donald Trump is elected President of the United States, I will leave the country! **</div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br />
Yes!<br />
<br />
I'll take my passport -- the one I paid for & NEVER USED! -- and I will LEAVE this great country of ours, and I will finally.. </div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
FINALLY.. </div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
See Niagara Falls <u>FROM THE CANADIAN SIDE</u>! </div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;">This I vow! </span>YES! </div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
FOR THE <u>VERY</u> FIRST TIME!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
(... as a full-grown adult...) <span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Sure, I went as a kid! And it was cool. Heck, I went to the Harry Houdini Museum! And Madame Tussaud's too! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
But that was 40 years ago! I don't remember anything!....</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Except the super-cool Harry Houdini Museum & the kinda-creepy Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
.. Or was it Ripley's Believe It Or Not?.. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
That, and the fact that they had legal gambling in Canada! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Oh, and there was some cool Animal Park & Amusement Park, MARINELAND! Yeah! We never made it there! But man, I really wanted to go! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
They also had this cool restaurant that spun around. I don't think we ate there either! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
OH, don't forget, they filmed "Superman 2" on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls! That's the one where Lois Lane is so sure Clark Kent is Superman that she throws herself into the raging floods, knowing that Clark will rescue her. (Spoiler alert: He DOESN'T! He uses his X-ray eyes to cut a tree limb loose so she can grab onto it. Something like that!) </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I DIGRESS!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If Donald Trump is elected as the President of the United States **, I WILL DO IT! I will leave this country! </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
DO NOT TEMPT ME, AMERICA. I'M SERIOUS!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I ALSO WANT TO TRY THOSE AMAZING MAPLE COOKIES THEY HAVE UP THERE! MMM...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
TRUMP! CLINTON! CANADA! HOCKEY! COOKIES! YUM!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
AMERICA!<br />
<br />
(** the same applies if Hillary Clinton is elected!)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
(** a trip to the Bahamas would be nice as well)</div>
</div>
GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-19060906845917005752016-04-22T00:23:00.001-04:002016-04-26T10:47:36.776-04:00The Artist Formerly Known As Prince<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">I know. I'm boring and unoriginal. But I'm going on the record & saying:</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">"When Doves Cry"</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">is my favorite Prince song.</span></span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large; text-align: start;">*</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6vhxd2-mC60/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6vhxd2-mC60?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">The hypnotic, syncopatic keyboards, those dang, unmistakeably-Princely drum synths, the passion with which he cries out at himself and his lover, as they repeat the same behavior he sees in his parents' stormy relationship:</span></div>
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Why do we scream? Why? This is what it sounds like.</span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When doves cry.</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">LOVE </span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"><b>IT.</b> LOVE IT. </span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">LOVE </span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"><b>IT.</b> LOVE IT. </span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">LOVE </span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"><b>IT.</b> LOVE IT. </span></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">LOVE </span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"><b>IT. </b>LOVE IT. <b>LOVE IT.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"><b>---</b></span></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">
<h2 style="color: #141823; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> *</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Followed, so-closely-as-to-be-unmeasurable, by</span> </span></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="color: #141823; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Let's Go Crazy"</span></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></h2>
<div style="color: #141823; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<h3 style="color: #141823; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Dearly beloved. We are gathered here 2day 2 get through this thing called Life. Electric word, Life, it means 4ever, and that's a mighty long time, but I'm here to tell U.. </span></h3>
<h3 style="color: #141823; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">there's something else.</span></h3>
<div style="color: #141823;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">That driving beat. The idea of celebrating even as the world is falling apart. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b style="font-family: inherit;">And if the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy!</b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>PUNCH A HIGHER FLOOR!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></span> <span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And that kick-ass guitar-solo! That solo! </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">That </span><b style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">FREAKIN'</b><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"> solo!</span></div>
</div>
<h2 style="color: #141823; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> TWO MORE-PERFECT SONGS HAVE NEVER BEEN WRITTEN!</span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>---</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;"><br />
</b></div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will also sing my guts out to "Raspberry Beret" and to "Kiss" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(a song I very much disliked in 1986):</span></div>
</div>
<h3 style="color: #141823; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Ain't no particular sign I'm more compatible with, I just want your extra time and your (jangle-jangle-jangle) kiss.</span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="color: #141823; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You were mysterious & enigmatic. Some said shy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought maybe a bit stand-offish & holier-than-thou. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"><b>AND</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"><b><br />
</b></span> <span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">let's not forget </span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">you were way too sexy for my fragile ego. </span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">You flaunted sex in a way that I was never comfortable with. </span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">You rubbed it in our faces. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #141823;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> And then on top of that, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">you go and introduce us to </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>*THE* *SEXIEST* WOMEN*</b> of the 80's:</span><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<h3 style="color: #141823; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sheila E, Apollonia, Vanity.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></span></h3>
<div style="color: #141823;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span> </div>
<div style="color: #141823; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My god, it was just too much for my hormone-rattled youth! </span></div>
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<div style="color: #141823;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">(But you did introduce us to that dude in the headband. He seemed cool.)</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">(You gave him the line: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;">Life is just a party and parties weren't meant to last</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">in the video for "1999".)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">(I just found out his name is Dez Dickerson. Even his name rocks.) </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">(I also always had a soft-spot for Lisa & Wendy too.) </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">But I digress.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></span> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>---</b></span></span></div>
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</div>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"> </span> <br />
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;">Please allow me to close by saying: </span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"> </span> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mr. Prince, </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>sir, </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>U were an artistic genius</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>and your music </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>made an impact </b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>on my life and soul.</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thank U for that. </b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rest in peace.</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit;">GTO</span></div>
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</div>
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GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-90304196609920769312015-12-13T04:03:00.002-05:002015-12-16T17:07:17.241-05:00Reinvent Yourself: LISTEN TO A PODCAST<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://theguestroompodcast.libsyn.com/star-wars-reflection-and-speculation" target="_blank"><img alt="the guestroom podcast, drum groove of the week, guestroom, http://theguestroompodcast.libsyn.com/star-wars-reflection-and-speculation" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FP6qWEia8AhZKM71EpzDRclU73cuvx_TsDn09U8FAIIU93VyP9-Hyf6U9NFUGCXERrL2g7FEkKMgd6XBO_DYTcaQEiM1FElhna5HbzNRH_-vcrCQ3Ro3hDFhO1VpzeLXCSxwrnKCWR7d/s640/The+GuestRoom+Podcast+-+Star+Wars.jpeg" title="the guestroom podcast - star wars" width="584" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theguestroompodcast.libsyn.com/star-wars-reflection-and-speculation" target="_blank">I was a guest on this podcast! Come listen! You like Star Wars, don't you?</a></td></tr>
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I drive for a living. So I spend a lot of time alone in vehicles. One of the benefits of working alone is that you can listen to whatever you want. Top-40. Talk. Sports. Politics. Satellite radio. </div>
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And podcasts.</div>
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I've been a fan of podcasts for years, but most people still don't know what they are. I like to think of them as Internet radio shows. </div>
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The vast majority of podcast are free, and they cover a variety of topics. Have you ever seen the many racks of magazines and periodicals at Barnes & Noble. There's a publication for nearly any subject under the sun. This is the same with podcasts. There's a show for nearly any taste & any interest.</div>
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<b>Some of my favorite podcasts are (in no special order):</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/category/podcast/" target="_blank">Smart Passive Income</a> - </div>
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Teaches you about starting your own business. (SPI has inspired me in so many ways.)</div>
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<a href="http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/ask-pat/" target="_blank">Ask Pat</a> -</div>
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The founder of Smart Passive Income, Pat Flynn, answers questions from his audience.</div>
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<a href="http://www.nichepursuits.com/category/podcasts/" target="_blank">Niche Pursuits</a> -</div>
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A very informative"Starting Your Own Internet Business" podcast.</div>
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<a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/show/archives" target="_blank">The Dave Ramsey Show</a> -</div>
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A tough love approach to making better financial decisions. (Dave's show is also responsible for my getting out of debt.)</div>
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<a href="http://www.podcastone.com/danpatrickshow?showAllEpisodes=true" target="_blank">The Dan Patrick Show</a> -</div>
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The only sports show I listen to now. A great balance of sports information & entertainment.</div>
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<a href="http://problogger.com/podcast/" target="_blank">The ProBlogger Podcast</a> -</div>
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Darren Rowse is a gentle, informative Aussie, who guides you to building a better blog. </div>
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(I haven't applied his excellent tips to my blog yet - so don't blame him for this mess!) ;)</div>
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<a href="http://www.earwolf.com/show/never-not-funny/" target="_blank">Never Not Funny</a> -</div>
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Hosted by Jimmy Pardo & Matt Belknap, NNF is one of the funniest shows I've ever heard.</div>
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<a href="http://www.earwolf.com/show/improv4humans/" target="_blank">Improv 4 Humans</a> -</div>
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Matt Besser leads a cast of rotating comedians as they improvise scenes out of thin air. It's like comedy-jazz. All improv. No scripts. (I envy their comedic abilities; I want to be like them.)</div>
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<a href="http://confabcast.libsyn.com/" target="_blank">The Confabulated Podcast</a> -</div>
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A show about pretty much anything, from crazy scientific facts to strange jobs, from adult beverages & food to the host (Grant) & his wife (Kristi) having deep conversations about life, career & babymaking. (I've been a guest on this show a few times!)</div>
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<a href="http://theguestroompodcast.libsyn.com/" target="_blank">The GuestRoom Podcast</a> -</div>
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A show about music, pop culture, movies, drums & Star Trek. Star Wars too. Larry, the host, has a rotating cast of guests, and they have a good time discussing/arguing about all such topics. (I've been a guest on this show also!)</div>
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So - what do YOU want to learn about? </div>
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Or maybe you just want a laugh?</div>
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<b>Click any of the links above to get started!</b> or, </div>
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Try <a href="http://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Google</a> and search: "funny podcast", "money podcast", "sports podcast" etc. </div>
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or, try iTunes & search for podcasts there. </div>
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You can stream them to your devices and/or download them for later.</div>
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If you're anything like me, you may find that <u>listening</u> is a better way to absorb information than <u>reading</u>. (As I get older, I don't enjoy reading like I used to. Not sure why. But I can listen to an entire book or podcast multiple times.) </div>
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<b>Podcasts have changed my life. </b></div>
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I admit, I haven't put into practice everything they've taught me - and that isn't their fault. I have the knowledge and the information. I've learned a ton. (And laughed a ton.) And I hope to start utilizing this knowledge on a deeper level in 2016. </div>
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Maybe you can too!</div>
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<b>Start listening to podcasts!</b></div>
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Here's to a great new year!</div>
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GTO</div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6621667636585225072" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6621667636585225072" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-24513585106733223742015-04-25T13:27:00.002-04:002015-04-25T13:40:50.563-04:00Reinvent Yourself: Look at Life with a New PerspectiveGTO's Thoughts:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSSJsOt6RclOOCCb_tQ8i3pxBnj3wfbvwYfIZu1ACWzlnquYAdzfWtVNq0p7cAYp5FR2qHhnhzGqXEut8TXxLzvjqN4EZ18xrRO7Kys5Y6nMK10RWMNwychw2img4OrTheRKQmRcNzTD9/s1600/Holcroft+Happiness_kit.jpg=s500x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="reinvent yourself, reinvent your life, john holcroft" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSSJsOt6RclOOCCb_tQ8i3pxBnj3wfbvwYfIZu1ACWzlnquYAdzfWtVNq0p7cAYp5FR2qHhnhzGqXEut8TXxLzvjqN4EZ18xrRO7Kys5Y6nMK10RWMNwychw2img4OrTheRKQmRcNzTD9/s1600/Holcroft+Happiness_kit.jpg=s500x500.jpg" height="320" title="reinvent yourself, reinvent your life, john holcroft" width="243" /></a></div>
Ran across a series of illustrations by artist <a href="http://www.johnholcroft.com/" target="_blank">John Holcroft</a> (via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wired?fref=nf" target="_blank">Wired Magazine</a> (Facebook) via <a href="http://magazine.good.is/slideshows/modern-life-articles" target="_blank">Good</a>).<br />
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Holcroft takes mundane nuances of modern life and juxtaposes them against the larger societal message.<br />
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Holcroft has his detractors (many on Facebook said his work was too focused on the negatives in life, others said his work was childish or too "grumpy old man"-ish), but these illustrations spoke to me & felt like a good fit for my <a href="http://reinventyourlife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog's</a> theme of making small, positive changes in one's life.<br />
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Especially this one: ---------------------------------------><br />
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<b>I WANT A HAPPINESS KIT!</b><br />
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Friendship, laughter, ethnic cuisines, personal freedom, quiet moments, pinball - these are just some of the things that would make up my Happiness Kit.<br />
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What would be in <u><b>yours</b></u>?<br />
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Check out John Holcroft's work <a href="http://www.johnholcroft.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Peace out,<br />
GTO<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6621667636585225072%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-r4a9D_IBUEI%252FVTvKbfBICdI%252FAAAAAAAAAbw%252FgKgw_gnK5wI%252Fs1600%252FHolcroft%25252BHappiness_kit.jpg%25253Ds500x500.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=reinvent%20yourself%2C%20reinvent%20your%20life%2C%20john%20holcroft" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 436px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 54px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6621667636585225072%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F2.bp.blogspot.com%252F-r4a9D_IBUEI%252FVTvKbfBICdI%252FAAAAAAAAAbw%252FgKgw_gnK5wI%252Fs1600%252FHolcroft%25252BHappiness_kit.jpg%25253Ds500x500.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=reinvent%20yourself%2C%20reinvent%20your%20life%2C%20john%20holcroft" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 436px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 54px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-90594646520969614432015-04-20T23:03:00.001-04:002015-04-20T23:29:12.526-04:00Reinvent Yourself: Learn About Favicons & Free Graphics Sites, Pablo & Canva.GTO's Thoughts:<br />
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I've been exploring ways to make my blog more interesting, visually.<br />
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So I've downloaded some free tools from <a href="http://www.sumome.com/" target="_blank">SumoMe</a> & they've immediately added some eye-catching functionality to this old dinosaur of a blogspot blog. I'm very happy with the results.<br />
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I've also been exploring free graphic-creation websites. Two of my favorites are <a href="http://www.buffer.com/pablo" target="_blank">Pablo</a> and <a href="http://www.canva.com/" target="_blank">Canva</a>.<br />
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Both have been instrumental in helping me define my brand. Not that I have much of a "brand" at this point. But working on it.<br />
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While tinkering around in my blog, I discovered an area where I could upload a <b>favicon</b>.<br />
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A favicon is a tiny graphic that loads into the URL of a webpage. Some people call them website icons or bookmark icons (you'll find out why below), and they can look very professional and quite snazzy.<br />
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Here's an example:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ioEaxuKDixV9sqrBqBRKa4utzTe-UUjYbgpgCi5FOUGnBkwsjUarqcFVMGZIkHleP6F8QaegoRV8KoKPGnb0RpWNgzrNvJZ_ByKWQdx_ipaBYpXANAdZuiVOwcnAKC7huh4SBu6aQVmu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-20+at+9.50.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ioEaxuKDixV9sqrBqBRKa4utzTe-UUjYbgpgCi5FOUGnBkwsjUarqcFVMGZIkHleP6F8QaegoRV8KoKPGnb0RpWNgzrNvJZ_ByKWQdx_ipaBYpXANAdZuiVOwcnAKC7huh4SBu6aQVmu/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-20+at+9.50.16+PM.png" height="25" width="400" /></a><br />
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Notice the blue "F" logo there? That's Facebook's favicon.<br />
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Here's another:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-sTSooCL6r6azYO_wAxeSxgJcMa4KfULmdsuJNjDgzF8gngd_TBjSkWOLxlHXyGape-SzcWv7v-Pr17n5qaBEIUgZJD_dQoduMXGoTU4gz-FQAfEhuErzVxKI7uhogfjbNgrSh90c-9l/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-20+at+10.23.48+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-sTSooCL6r6azYO_wAxeSxgJcMa4KfULmdsuJNjDgzF8gngd_TBjSkWOLxlHXyGape-SzcWv7v-Pr17n5qaBEIUgZJD_dQoduMXGoTU4gz-FQAfEhuErzVxKI7uhogfjbNgrSh90c-9l/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-20+at+10.23.48+PM.png" height="23" width="400" /></a><br />
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<br />
<br />
Notice the little sumo wrestler dude? That's AppSumo's favicon.<br />
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When you save bookmarks to your favorites list, you'll see favicons there also. (Hence the name "bookmark icon".)<br />
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They're a really nice way to let your readers know that they're in the right place. They're like your little sign post on the web: "This is where '25 Ways to Reinvent Yourself' lives!"<br />
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I finally created my own favicon & it was very fast & easy (enlarged to show texture).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2HlNBEo7MIk8khb9gCWkl4XX3wyqowvU0wuPk7G3G2DKDdXlggiDwh6dRD4LwvTidNMc8IgXtPAKk9TVueuOSgXwgp3AxqeSYQXVegff6rFz7KykgVtGjI2GDEU2xJx8jD2v2yTYOqAs/s1600/Blogger+Favicon+25+Ways+BEST+w:built-in+link.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="reinvent yourself, reinvent your life, favicon" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2HlNBEo7MIk8khb9gCWkl4XX3wyqowvU0wuPk7G3G2DKDdXlggiDwh6dRD4LwvTidNMc8IgXtPAKk9TVueuOSgXwgp3AxqeSYQXVegff6rFz7KykgVtGjI2GDEU2xJx8jD2v2yTYOqAs/s1600/Blogger+Favicon+25+Ways+BEST+w:built-in+link.png" height="200" title="reinvent yourself, reinvent your life, favicon" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">created with canva</td></tr>
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You should also see it in the URL of your web browser above. What do you think?<br />
<br />
If you want to create your own favicon for Blogger (or any other site), sign into <a href="http://www.canva.com/">Canva.com</a>, choose a template (I like using the Instagram template for nice, square-shaped graphics), choose a layout, add some text, and click "Download".<br />
<br />
Can't get much easier.<br />
<br />
If you have a Blogger blog (like me) you know that Blogger limits the size of your favicon to 100kbs. So what you'll have to do (what I did) is import your Canva graphic into a photo-editing program, reduce its size until it is below 100kb (obviously), and save it with a new name (to prevent writing over the original).<br />
<br />
Then in your Blogger blog, go to Design/Layout/Favicon/Edit and upload your favicon there. (Other platforms allow you to update your favicon as well in a very similar fashion.) (I'll be learning WordPress next week, so expect an update on this post.)<br />
<br />
Even if you don't want to make a favicon, definitely explore making some nice graphics for your blog, Facebook page or Instagram account. Attractive photos with inspiring quotes and sayings are easily shared - and a great way to spread a bit of sunshine or inspiration. You can also share a laugh, or even make announcements. Sky's the limit.<br />
<br />
So explore <a href="http://www.buffer.com/pablo" target="_blank">Pablo</a>, <a href="http://www.canva.com/" target="_blank">Canva</a> and the tools at <a href="http://www.sumome.com/" target="_blank">SumoMe</a>. <b>They're free!</b> (I may not have mentioned that.) :)<br />
<br />
See ya soon. GTO<br />
<br />GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-90886498768466781562015-04-10T02:38:00.003-04:002015-04-10T02:39:45.041-04:00Reinvent Yourself: Bob Goff quote<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxuxKeFUdg43TVGRAm0Cf9QBBLPz_Ku2GInjpkVWmODWLB-JzCey7REd4qrgqGHC4rJ07NoBCllLmB3wYSOHsME4mFo6NNc5dgnn9rsngui_MuBKSjTbJX-3PdlH7oPkcrVJ2nPfaJpWa/s1600/reinvent+yourself+bob+goff.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="reinvent yourself, reinvent your life, bob goff" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisxuxKeFUdg43TVGRAm0Cf9QBBLPz_Ku2GInjpkVWmODWLB-JzCey7REd4qrgqGHC4rJ07NoBCllLmB3wYSOHsME4mFo6NNc5dgnn9rsngui_MuBKSjTbJX-3PdlH7oPkcrVJ2nPfaJpWa/s1600/reinvent+yourself+bob+goff.png" title="reinvent yourself, bob goff" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">made with buffer.com/pablo - #madebypablo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-40042330603069589052015-04-09T00:45:00.001-04:002015-04-20T23:04:01.893-04:00Reinvent Yourself: Try Pablo<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.buffer.com/pablo" target="_blank"><img alt="reinvent yourself, reinvent your life" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2c3lN3EHUI887HaiuFuhPu7IQraoZ-e6A7NPhrV-GcHag_UsOBQUrd6ctC64V6PMhIDhu9lybcHu9gKlTVAtOAuwqVkLdIx3pxQyVKsBsWbRPg8YEPD8qAajKT3GgNSME8aa10GmBBEG/s1600/reinvent+yourself+4+words.png" height="200" title="reinvent yourself 4 words" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.buffer.com/pablo" target="_blank">Created with http://www.buffer.com/pablo - great tool!</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a graphic I wanted to share. (Looks pretty good, right?)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm blowing the dust off the blog, and wanted to try a few free graphic resources.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This graphic was created with Pablo (#madebypablo).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Use Pablo to spruce up your blog, Facebook page, Twitter account - anywhere!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(It especially looks good on Facebook! - the place where photos usually go to DIE!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Feel free to share the love. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
GTO</div>
GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-64294613777675521992015-03-29T01:44:00.000-04:002015-03-29T03:51:24.711-04:00Reinvent Yourself: FLOSS IN THE SHOWER<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">GTO'S Thoughts:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LonxBieIqpy-RhfbZQ25piyFhIKqqWFrbJ_OllWbjBc3vaRJYoJM6XwJD85I44DrWTH7aYCFMJAP8l8NGio9i6aip44-VArDyCYm444eClLDL9-Du-Jw5wgooRbFWab-mdyYHea89a0i/s1600/Ways+To+Reinvent+Yourself+-+Floss+-+Orange.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LonxBieIqpy-RhfbZQ25piyFhIKqqWFrbJ_OllWbjBc3vaRJYoJM6XwJD85I44DrWTH7aYCFMJAP8l8NGio9i6aip44-VArDyCYm444eClLDL9-Du-Jw5wgooRbFWab-mdyYHea89a0i/s1600/Ways+To+Reinvent+Yourself+-+Floss+-+Orange.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yeah, I do this! What of it?!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah, I admit it... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I floss in the shower. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not all the time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Just most of the time.)</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have <b>3 reasons</b> for doing this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>(1)</b> At the bathroom sink, the tiny container of floss gets lost amongst the bottles of pain relievers, toothbrushes, toothpastes, combs, hairsprays, colognes, handsoaps, razors, hand lotions, medicated powders, etc.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If I don't see it, I won't use it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But in the shower, I actually see the tiny container of floss. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's sitting there by itself, right on that handy little shelf that's supposed to hold a bar of soap. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(The soap always slips off! - but that little container of floss stays right where I can see it.)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And if I can see it, I have a better chance of using it. <b>Score!</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>(2)</b> Flossing in the shower protects your mirror -- from FLYING DEBRIS.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I pride myself on <b>not</b> flinging food particles out of my mouth at high rates of speed. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>But you do!</b> (Admit it.) I'm just trying to save you from <b>yourself</b> here! okay? </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, cleaning a food-spattered mirror is kinda disgusting if you think about it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet - getting food from our teeth isn't the main point of flossing... </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We floss. <b>To remove plaque</b>. <b>And to strengthen our gums.</b> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(And for <u>some</u> to fling food from their teeth at high rates of speed!) (Not naming names. <b>Y-O-U.</b>)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If your gums bleed after flossing, it's because you attacked them like a maniac with that razor-sharp floss! <b>Try using dental tape instead!</b> - like my buddy Bob prefers. It's more gentle.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another reason our gums bleed is because they're not healthy. The more you floss, the stronger your gums become and the less they'll bleed. <b>Win!</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And finally,<b> (3)</b> - When you floss in your tub, the shower head offers an immediate, powerful cleansing rinse. It takes some getting used to [see: avoid drowning in the shower] - but once you get the hang of it, the rinsing action of the shower really helps your mouth feel clean. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sure, you could use a Waterpik. I almost bought one. My dentist, Dr Spatz, said water flossers <b><u>don't</u></b> do a good-enough job of removing plaque. (My buddy, Bob, agrees.) Doctor said there is no substitute for flossing.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My dental hygienist told me that flossing is actually <b>more</b> important than brushing. A lot of research backs this up. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dentists don't tell us this because if they do, we'll stop brushing </span><u style="font-family: inherit;"><b>and</b></u><span style="font-family: inherit;"> flossing!) (</span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Admit it!</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Flossing is important. We <b><u>all</u></b> need to do it more often. We know this.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(Yes, we still need to brush too.)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you floss and brush on a regular basis it makes <a href="http://reinventyourlife.blogspot.com/2008/10/have-laugh.html" target="_blank">having a laugh</a> an even more enjoyable experience!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">SO LET'S DO THIS, PEOPLE! </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">FLOSS! FLOSS! FLOSS!</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for listening.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sincerely, GTO</span></div>
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GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-28322922395139672522015-01-13T13:52:00.002-05:002015-03-27T02:36:25.199-04:00Reinvent Yourself: FIND A SHORTCUT<span style="background-color: white; color: #4e2800; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Subtitled</span>:<i> <b>But Stay In the Game</b></i><br />
<br />
<b style="text-align: center;"></b> <b style="text-align: center;">GTO's Thoughts</b><span style="text-align: center;">:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5Y7BvdjCoDL4Q7Y9yD28b8NWVCsqrea9TpH8_qzq21QXNUg6GUnCQR_JwG1v4Whnb8WZP4iNSQePeH6ywvU_92B-JBpsaS1csgN5AmQMrf5joX6EaOZHHl1njJEbSO6sjuAVwyqJ-cAT/s1600/Official+25+Ways+Find+Shortcut.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5Y7BvdjCoDL4Q7Y9yD28b8NWVCsqrea9TpH8_qzq21QXNUg6GUnCQR_JwG1v4Whnb8WZP4iNSQePeH6ywvU_92B-JBpsaS1csgN5AmQMrf5joX6EaOZHHl1njJEbSO6sjuAVwyqJ-cAT/s1600/Official+25+Ways+Find+Shortcut.png" /></a></div>
I was having a pretty rough night.<br />
<br />
The weather in Pennsylvana has not been conducive to safe driving. A serious issue for me since I drive for a living.<br />
<br />
Suffice it to say, everything that could've gone wrong *did* go wrong.<br />
<br />
Until I discovered...<br />
<br />
A SHORTCUT!<br />
<br />
I've been doing my route for over a year. I was absolutely certain that I was running it as efficiently as possible. I was wrong.<br />
<br />
Tonight I found out that the first two east-bound exits on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (from the Ohio border to the Cranberry exit) are FREE!<br />
<br />
After a year of being locked in my own mindset, of being stuck in what I thought was the ONLY way to get from here-to-there, I found a SHORTCUT.<br />
<br />
Utilizing the PA Turnpike's 65mph speed limit (& reliably safe road conditions) may shave 10-15 minutes off my normal running time(!).<br />
<br />
And now I ask:<br />
<br />
Are you locked in a particular way of thinking?<br />
<br />
Are you <u>absolutely</u> sure you're doing something as well as you could be?<br />
<br />
Are you convinced there's <u>no</u> way to make life better?!<br />
<br />
<b><u>Perhaps you're overlooking a shortcut that will help!</u></b><br />
<br />
It could be as simple as:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/100-life-hacks-that-make-life-easier.html" target="_blank">Chilling your beverage in record time.</a><br />
<br />
<u>But</u> - it doesn't have to be a physical shortcut!<br />
<br />
It could even be as important as:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/" target="_blank">Asking someone for help</a>.<br />
<br />
If you think life is hard, you're not alone.<br />
<br />
I think life is hard. Much harder than I was expecting.<br />
<br />
My best friends think life is hard.<br />
<br />
(So, trust me, you're not alone.)<br />
<br />
Find a shortcut. It may help you get through the day.<br />
<br />
But also - keep looking for little ways to make life better, one step at a time, one day at a time.<br />
<br />
(Wow. This is not the way I was expecting this blog post to go. But there you are.)<br />
<br />
These are my thoughts for today.<br />
<br />
I'd like to hear your thoughts.<br />
<br />
Thanks a lot. GTOGTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-18429275130649845792013-06-07T00:30:00.002-04:002015-03-28T00:24:43.383-04:00Reinvent Yourself: REUSING BEATS RECYCLING<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJUAhPoxf04xMRFA2ziLf1r32MPUVpfZ5k4vzB2tcbRQT99xe_NrppptGHrh2vJYEJ6rzRxq35KMkrfbw3cSpvIUfxJmKXKL0upatzxaHcf8mQBYZppYpInSTDNmJmYgJlC_wbQ7ArKfG/s1600/311j2Tu6hEL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJUAhPoxf04xMRFA2ziLf1r32MPUVpfZ5k4vzB2tcbRQT99xe_NrppptGHrh2vJYEJ6rzRxq35KMkrfbw3cSpvIUfxJmKXKL0upatzxaHcf8mQBYZppYpInSTDNmJmYgJlC_wbQ7ArKfG/s200/311j2Tu6hEL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McCormick's Sea Salt Grinder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love McCormick's Sea Salt Grinder.<br />
<br />
It's a pricey little bottle, but man, I love a coursely-ground salt sprinkled on salads, over popcorn, or on the baked potatoes (& broccoli) I've started to enjoy.<br />
<br />
Yep. I've purchased a fair number of these little bottles over the years.<br />
<br />
And always, when I'm finished with the product, I'm faced with something of a dilemma. <i>How do I recycle the thing? It's glass and plastic. Is there a way to get the grinding cap off? </i>It's not an easy task to do by hand. In fact, I'd already decided that it was <u>impossible</u>.<br />
<br />
So this evening, as I was gathering up my recyclables, I decided I'd better find an answer to these questions for the sake of "proper" recycling.<br />
<br />
<b>And then it hit me! </b><br />
<br />
Why the heck was I taking <b><i>another</i> </b>McCormick Sea Salt Grinder to the curb?<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vygIlwH93BAaCS6UiF3Li_xGEcuXCZ0cc4jVS3C9UfhE7UehyphenhyphenbifsbetzPE-z_EbmjW7jZk8ubFm-QeUMvERhFng6wOtLu3X1UCXoiOXmzPiikNSN3rB54FxsOZils4EjPfppLwol2R_/s1600/Giant+Eagle+Market+District+Cypriot+Sea+Salt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vygIlwH93BAaCS6UiF3Li_xGEcuXCZ0cc4jVS3C9UfhE7UehyphenhyphenbifsbetzPE-z_EbmjW7jZk8ubFm-QeUMvERhFng6wOtLu3X1UCXoiOXmzPiikNSN3rB54FxsOZils4EjPfppLwol2R_/s200/Giant+Eagle+Market+District+Cypriot+Sea+Salt.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Market District Cypriot Sea Salt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Earlier in the month, I'd taken a chance and purchased some Market District Cypriot Flake Salt. I didn't notice it at the time of purchase, but when I got home I realized: <b>it didn't have a grinder! </b>It was difficult to hand-grind its hardened flakes to the consistency I prefer. And I had already regretted switching from my beloved McCormick's.<br />
<br />
But you have to understand. The Giant Eagle Market District Cypriot Flake Salt looked so intriguing. It was crystalline & beautiful & exotic-sounding! ha So I took a chance, grabbed it off the shelf and didn't notice the lack of built-in grinder until it was too late.<br />
<br />
Then thankfully tonight, the light finally went off.<br />
<br />
<i>Why not figure out a way to <b><u>reuse</u></b> the McCormick grinder with the Cypriot Flake Salt?</i><br />
<br />
It'd save me a whole lot of hassle.<br />
<br />
After a quick internet search, I found a very helpful page on how to remove the McCormick Sea Salt Grinder for proper reuse:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 33px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">here's the link:</span> <a href="http://inthekitchenatgearacres.blogspot.com/2009/08/how-to-reuse-mccormick-sea-salt-grinder.html" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">How to Reuse a McCormick Sea Salt Grinder</a></span><br />
<br />
And it worked perfectly! (Click the link for DynoChick's (Jan's) technique.)<br />
<br />
<div>
Which leads me to the real point(s) of my post: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>(1) </b>I saved money ($3)<br />
<br />
<b>(2) </b>by reusing a product (a salt grinder)<br />
<br />
<b>(3)</b> that I've not only purchased many times already (??)<br />
<br />
<b>(4)</b> but then always just <u>mindlessly</u> set it at the curb for <u>someone else</u> to recycle.<br />
<br />
Yes. I know it's just a silly salt shaker. (With a super-sweet grinder!)<br />
<br />
I know this doesn't change the world.<br />
<br />
But how many other items are we throwing away or recycling at the curb that we could just easily reuse <u>ourselves</u>?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Could you save yourself more money than I did by retooling (and/or thinking of new ways to reuse) common items?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Give it some thought. The internet is a great resource for finding new ways to look at our old ways.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Perhaps next time, before we take the recyclables to the curb, we could do a quick search on Google to see if there's something <b>cool</b> we could do with them instead: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"How to reuse a pop can"<br />
<br />
"How to reuse newspaper"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Maybe we'll discover other useful, <i>fairly obvious </i>ways to reuse our junk without relying on someone else to do it for us.<br />
<br />
We'll cut out the middle man. Keep more money in our pockets. And make less trips to the curb. ha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you know of any great ways to reuse a product (especially the ones I keep buying <i><b>over and over again! ack!) </b></i>please let me know ASAP!<br />
<br />
Thanks for letting me ramble. I feel better.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
GTO</div>
GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-10893191347594393152013-05-15T01:56:00.002-04:002015-03-27T02:38:32.816-04:00Reinvent Yourself: STOP LIVING FOR "SOMEDAY"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mmYpMlrPE3tMgFQ9k2MAvlDzTSh9CUIvpbslXPrSjGR66k3aGjJd3i_065jvfkWCgXiVZ4fk3WneQfAsQjo3BDo_BeVJEmRnTyLo5yMRNmrXZw9rIqFLWF5yASc2WvP7EOWoX8u9wyWS/s1600/Me+%2526+Parrot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mmYpMlrPE3tMgFQ9k2MAvlDzTSh9CUIvpbslXPrSjGR66k3aGjJd3i_065jvfkWCgXiVZ4fk3WneQfAsQjo3BDo_BeVJEmRnTyLo5yMRNmrXZw9rIqFLWF5yASc2WvP7EOWoX8u9wyWS/s320/Me+%2526+Parrot.png" height="300" width="320" /></a></div>
Subtitled: <i>A Scary Phrase (That's Haunted Me For Years) </i><br />
<br />
I was listening to the <a href="http://internetbusinessmastery.com/ibm-186-internet-business-living-your-purpose">Internet Business Mastery</a> podcast today, and Jeremy and Jason mentioned a phrase that has haunted me for years.<br />
<br />
They mentioned it in passing, so it clearly wasn't something that they've wrestled with to any degree.<br />
<br />
But the fact that this phrase actually <b>had a name</b> distracted me for several minutes as I wrestled with guilt, and the feeling that I had wasted so much time already, clinging to a belief that told me over and over again:<br />
<br />
"<i>Someday, I'll be happy.</i>"<br />
<br />
I rewound the podcast. And listened again.<br />
<br />
The phrase they mentioned was the <b>Arrival Fallacy</b>.<br />
<br />
(Just typing it makes my blood chill.)<br />
<br />
What is the Arrival Fallacy? (brrrr...)<br />
<br />
It's the belief that you will achieve happiness and fulfillment only after certain, future criteria have been met. You cannot be happy now. You will only be happy after <i>this</i> happens. Or when <i>that</i> happens.<br />
<br />
Or when <i>this</i> <u>and</u> <i>that</i> happen!<br />
<br />
Perhaps it's after you get the raise you wanted. Or after you finally buy a home.<br />
<br />
You've decided that you will only be happy when you've <i>arrived</i>.<br />
<br />
Are you like me?<br />
<br />
Does your happiness lie just around the corner, or in some distant future? Does it always seem to be out of reach?<br />
<br />
Perhaps you believe in the Arrival Fallacy too.<br />
<br />
"<i>How can I be happy now? I'm clearly not the person I want to be yet."</i><br />
<br />
"<i>I'm overweight." "I don't make enough money." "I haven't found love yet."</i><br />
<br />
Oh, yeah. I know <u>all</u> about this kind of thinking.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Do you live for a happier time? A better place? Are you wishing you were somewhere other than where you are right now? Do you secretly think: "<i>Someday..."</i>?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
"<i>Someday, I'll start making those changes."</i><br />
<br />
<i>"Someday, life will be better, and I can start fresh."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
"<i>Someday, I'll be happy</i>."</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
These thoughts echo in my mind, and have for years. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Of course the fact that the world is a miserable place isn't helping us at all. How can we possibly be happy <b>right</b> <b>now</b>? While people hurt, or kill, or die?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It's true. The world <u>isn't</u> a perfect place. Not even close.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
I think that's why it's so easy to fall into the trap of thinking, "<i>Someday". </i><br />
<br />
It gives us an excuse, perfectly wrapped in a shiny package. "<i>I'll wait until life is just a little bit better before I start doing that important thing I've wanted to do all my life." "I'll wait just a little bit longer before I start doing the things that make me happy."</i><br />
<br />
I didn't even realize I had this mindset.<br />
<br />
I thought I was just being hopeful.<br />
<br />
<i>Someday things'll get better. Someday I'll achieve the things I want to achieve.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Sure, it's hopeful thinking - but at some point, if you're not careful, it can become an <i>avoidance technique.</i><br />
<br />
That's what it became to me.<br />
<br />
I've pushed so many of my dreams so far into "<i>someday</i>" that I've never had to worry about actually achieving them.<br />
<br />
So I just stay right here. Where it's safe. Locked in thoughts of a happier future. Never having to put my neck out there. Never having to risk failure at achieving my goals.<br />
<br />
... b<i>ecause someday it'll all be okay. </i><i>One of these days, I'll find that elusive confidence I've been seeking. I'll give voice to the artist inside of me. One of these days, I'll create! I'll Do! I'll Be! </i><i>Go me! Yeah!!</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
Sounds wonderful. Like heaven on earth.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But there's bad news. (You knew I'd have bad news. You probably already know what it is. You're smart like that.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The bad news is <u>one of these days we're going to die.</u><br />
<br />
(I hope it's a peaceful death for us. In our sleep, surrounded by family.) <br />
<br />
But what if we end up with a lot of time to contemplate the things that might've been, could've been... <u>weren't</u>? What if we were able to see what needed to be done, but we hadn't done it?<br />
<br />
Don't know about you, but that would be pretty crushing. Living in the shadow of goals unpursued.<br />
<br />
That's the way I've been living. (Have you been living that way too?)<br />
<br />
[insert long sigh of sad realization] [ha]<br />
<br />
There are a few cures to this scary scenario.<br />
<br />
You could try reading <a href="http://reinventyourlife.blogspot.com/2012/12/hear-ye-hear-ye-failed-artists-people.html" target="_blank">this</a> (hysterical and vulgar).<br />
<br />
Or try <a href="http://reinventyourlife.blogspot.com/search/label/eulogy" target="_blank">this</a> (not hysterical or vulgar).<br />
<br />
Or I could just cut to the chase and tell you to:<br />
<br />
<b>START</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
I don't care how crappy it is.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I don't care how scary it is.<br />
<br />
I don't care who'll laugh at you.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>SOMETHING</b><br />
<br />
Take a first step toward a worthy goal.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Do something that matters. Right now.<br />
<br />
It doesn't have to matter to anyone else but you.<br />
<br />
But start doing it. Whatever it is.<br />
<br />
<b>TODAY.</b><br />
<br />
Do it because <i>arrival</i> is a fallacy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
You're already here. You're on the planet. You're breathing air. You're reading these words.<br />
<br />
You've arrived. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>You've arrived at the start of a <i>beautiful</i> new day. </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
And this day is all we have.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
And unlike "s<i>omeday", </i><u><b>TODAY </b>is not a fallacy</u>.<br />
<br />
<b>START. SOMETHING. TODAY.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
It could just make you happy.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thank you. Sorry for rambling, ha.<br />
<br />
GTO<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-43599381048253976572013-01-02T02:16:00.000-05:002015-03-27T02:38:02.264-04:00Reinvent Yourself: MAKE A HAPPINESS JARSubtitle: <i>Ditch the New Year's Resolutions! Make a Happiness Jar! In 3 Easy Steps!</i><br />
<br />
I'm not making any New Year's Resolutions this year.<br />
<br />
There. I said it.<br />
<br />
I've been doing resolutions every year for decades now, but dammit!... it's time to admit the truth.<br />
<br />
I <b>FAIL</b> at New Year's Resolutions!<br />
<br />
And because my friends & I review our resolutions on New Years Eve each year, I begin nearly every new year on a disappointing note by stewing on my failures of the past 356 days.<br />
<br />
And what makes it worse is that I've often recycled the <i>same</i> resolution from year to year because: (1) it's usually a great goal on some level, and (2) it deserves another shot at being accomplished. I think most people have done this.<br />
<br />
But we shouldn't recycle our goals. We should accomplish them! Then move on!<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
I had one resolution for 2012<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Start School.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Did I start school? NO.<br />
<br />
Am I happy about not starting school? NO.<br />
<br />
Did reflecting on "not starting school" start my New Year off with a bang? NO!<br />
<br />
Get the picture?<br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
So I want to try something different for 2013.<br />
<br />
I love the idea of making a "Happiness Jar". (It goes by many names.)<br />
<br />
It's a simple idea. And there's only 3 Easy Steps.<br />
<br />
(1) Get a jar.<br />
(2) When something good happens to you in 2013, write it down on a scrap of paper, and<br />
(3) Put it in the jar!<br />
<br />
Then on New Years Eve 2013-2014, you & your friends can take turns reading notes from your Happiness Jars. (You can even do this alone.)<br />
<br />
To me, this is a great way to <i>honor</i> a year. So much better than reflecting on the failures, don't you think? You get an opportunity to remember and acknowledge and reflect upon the <u>good things</u> that happened to you in a year. I love it.<br />
<br />
Of course if you're really good at setting goals and accomplishing them at New Years, by all means KEEP DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING.<br />
<br />
But since the context for my message is that New Year's Resolutions are more like fun ideas that aren't structured to be taken seriously (not like <i>focused</i> goal setting), and since many of us are tired of slamming our heads against a wall come New Year's Eve, and since many of us would like a boost to kick-off a new year, consider making a Happiness Jar.<br />
<br />
Already started mine.<br />
<br />
"1/1/13: Heard (& Saw) a Trilling Screech Owl!"<br />
<br />
Hey, it made me happy!<br />
<br />
But you need to find the things that make <u>you</u> happy!<br />
<br />
Then write them down & throw them in the jar.<br />
<br />
Maybe, just maybe, 2014 has a chance to start off really great!<br />
<br />
Happy New Years to you, World! <br />
<br />
Action to Us All!<br />
GTOGTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-16561268690698803602012-12-22T02:24:00.000-05:002015-04-04T23:57:00.834-04:00Reinvent Yourself: Read "6 Harsh Truths" by David WongSubtitle: Failed Artists! Disgruntled Creatives! Depressed Citizens! Anyone!.. who expected MORE from life! <b><u>PLEASE </u></b><u><b>READ THIS</b></u>!<br />
<br />
David Wong of Cracked.com has written one of the best articles I've ever read!<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.cracked.com/blog/6-harsh-truths-that-will-make-you-better-person/" target="_blank">6 Harsh Truths That Will Make You a Better Person</a> (by David Wong).</b><br />
<br />
It lays out, in brutally-honest (and brutally-funny) language, what we can do to make our experience on this planet more meaningful. It will especially appeal to people who have lost touch with the dreams and goals of their lives. (I count myself among this group.)<br />
<br />
Be warned: there's plenty of vulgarity here.<br />
<br />
But there's also plenty of <b>truth</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>QUESTION FOR YOU:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Did you enjoy this article as much as I did?<br />
<br />
Please let me know in the comments.<br />
<br />
GTOGTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-87450184530428869902012-10-07T11:53:00.000-04:002015-03-27T02:39:45.834-04:00Reinvent Yourself: ORGANIZE (& ELIMINATE) YOUR SPAMSubtitle: <i>Organize Your Spam Folder (It's Fun!)</i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Do you get a lot of spam? </b><br />
<br />
MagicJack Plus!<br />
Platinum Credit Card!<br />
Want to Add Inches?<br />
Hey! Remember Me?<br />
Grow More Hair!<br />
Pharmacy Online!<br />
Raspberry Ketones!<br />
<i>Real Email from Mom!</i><br />
Solar America!<br />
Urgent Deposit!<br />
Free Coffee!<br />
Online Education!<br />
Pimsleur Approach!<br />
<br />
Did your brain get woozy looking at this list?<br />
<br />
Did you miss the <i>Real Email from Mom</i>?<i> </i>(She wants to know if you'll make it home for Thanksgiving.)<br />
<br />
Well, here's a little trick I discovered that made a huge difference when cleaning out my spam folder. I use Yahoo! Mail, but this should work with most mail services - but apparently not Gmail. (Bad, Google!)<br />
<br />
<b>Before deleting any spam, organize your spam folder ALPHABETICALLY!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
(In Yahoo's case, you do this by clicking on the "From" heading.) <br />
<b><br /></b>
Wow! So much easier on the eyes and brain!<br />
<br />
It doesn't feel like you're wading through a jumbled mass of eye pollution, does it?<br />
<br />
There's a streamlined feel to the preceedings.<br />
<br />
You can see legitimate emails more easily. You can see which spammers are most prolific. You can also see the marketing emails you signed up for, but that are long overdue for unsubscribing. (You bought that car already, so you no longer need your local Ford dealers or Enterprise Rental Cars emailing you on a weekly basis, right?)<br />
<br />
Right.<br />
<br />
So if this technique helps in your fight against spam, let me know, okay?<br />
<br />
GTO<br />
<br />
P.S. - You can also organize your Inbox alphabetically.<br />
<br />
See all of Mom's emails in a convenient, sequential order!<br />
<br />
You sent her a Christmas List in 2009. (Did you remember? Of course you didn't! Time has buried Mom's emails under thousands of other emails, all vying for your attention!)<br />
<br />
There are gift items in that long-forgotten Christmas list that you'd still <u>love</u> to receive from Santa! Add these items to 2012's list! Easy peasy.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
By occasionally organizing your Inbox alphabetically, you'll get a better perspective on your life and the people important to you. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
(Just remember to change your Inbox back to its original "organized by date" setting when you're done. It's really the best setting for <i>receiving</i> emails. Just not the best for fighting spam. Or rediscovering older, important emails.) </div>
GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-40062796800394703402011-03-21T23:02:00.014-04:002015-03-27T02:40:05.324-04:00Reinvent Yourself: LET ME READ YOUR SCREENPLAYS!<div>
Greetings, friends! </div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
Okay, I admit it. My blog looks a little rough. (I hit the wrong button, answered a question incorrectly and unknowingly erased my original template. The template I've used successfully for 3 years. Argh. Now my ads won't display correctly (or at all) and my blog just looks like it's fallen into a state of disrepair.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But rest assured, I am here. Slowly patching things together.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over the next two months, I'm going to try something different with my blog.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have readers from all over the world... (I know this because I can "see" you in my Google analytics page)... but most of you have remained <i>very quiet</i> as you've perused my blog.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
No worries. Really. It's my fault. I accomplished my goal of updating & transcribing an excellent article from Modern Maturity and now there's not much need to keep up with the blog.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(And, yes, perhaps it's time to start a new blog!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(And, yes, perhaps after this little experiment, I will do just that.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(And, yes, perhaps this little experiment will power the new blog!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, listen, forget all that! Here's the deal. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks to Google AdWords, I've been gifted with $100 of free advertising. So I wanted to take this opportunity to turn the tables on my readers and let you know that:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>For the next 2 months, I'm open to reading your original, unpublished screenplays and will provide feedback free of charge to anyone who is willing to share. </b> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(Of course we'll have to work on a proper release form.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And I definitely prefer to focus on screenplays for now. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I studied the form for years - I've practiced the form for years - and it's the form I'm most comfortable with. And yes, it's true I'm not a <i>professional -</i> but honestly, reading screenplays and giving constructive, useful criticism is something I'm pretty dang good at.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So -</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>This is the chance to get real feedback on your screenplay for the low, introductory price of FREE.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I ask that you please put your script into standard script format. (I'll find a link that will explain all the proper formatting tomorrow.) If you use a script formatting program, that'd be best. (Right now I can read screenplays in .FDR, DOC, .PDF & probably a few other formats as well.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then email me with "Screenplay" in the subject line, or leave a comment here (the preferred method) with your contact information - and I'll be in touch! (My email is mynameisgto@gmail.com).</div>
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This is a good time to get feedback on one of your scripts. (Yes, sorry. One script per person please.) </div>
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Perhaps you don't have any friends you can talk "shop" with. Or perhaps you need more input than: "That was good, honey!" (with a friendly pat on the head). Maybe you need to know WHY your script was good. (Or maybe why it <i>wasn't</i> good, egad.) </div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, I don't want to crush your dreams of writing for the movies. I just want to give you more feedback than you may have received thus far. But I'm definitely suited to screenwriters who want real, down-to-earth, & HONEST feedback.</div>
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We'll figure out a way to discuss your script at some point. Perhaps in a live chatroom. Perhaps via email.</div>
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But that's the deal for now. </div>
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Okay?</div>
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Let me know if you have any questions.</div>
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I look forward to getting to know you - and reading some cool stories!</div>
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<br /></div>
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GTO</div>
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GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-31835461569243968952011-01-11T18:23:00.027-05:002015-03-27T02:40:25.217-04:00Reinvent Yourself: TRACK YOUR GOALS<span style="font-size: 100%;">Subtitle: <i>Tracking Goals With The Writer's Store "Don't Break The Chain" Calendar</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /><a href="http://www.writersstore.com/" target="_blank">The Writer's Store</a> sent this very handy <a href="http://www.writersstore.com/dont-break-the-chain-calendar" target="_blank">365-day calendar</a> to the subscribers of their mailing list. Most of these subscribers are, of course, writers - but you don't have to write (or even know how to spell) to utilize the "Don't Break The Chain" calendar. The 365 numbered boxes</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> are small enough to fit on one page. But how do you use it? What is the philosophy behind it? Jerry Seinfeld knows! In a nutshell, </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">it's a year-at-a-glance reminder that can be </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">used to track any goal that needs to occur on a consistent basis.</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> Here's the abridged original email. GTO </span><br />
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><b><i>"This year, I'm gonna write more."</i></b></span><br />
<div style="font: 13px Arial; margin: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">It's a popular resolution amongst our crowd. A great goal, but vague.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">Maybe some of us promised to write <b><i>every day</i></b>. (That's better.)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">But just like hitting a plateau at the gym, we sometimes lose the steam that once powered a new and exciting story idea. We take one day off, which turns into two days off; eventually, we find ourselves opening up a document only to realize it hasn't been touched in two weeks – or more.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">Let's say you do write most of the time, but you take one or two days off each week for any number of reasons. That's still a lot of writing. But consider this: at the end of the year, that's roughly 10 weeks, or 2.5 months' worth of days that you <b><i>didn't write anything</i></b>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">That's where <b>Jerry Seinfeld's</b> productivity tip <b>"Don't Break the Chain"</b> comes in.</span><br />
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Years ago, when software developer Brad Isaac was performing stand-up at open mic nights, he received his best advice ever from the already-famous comedian.<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Seinfeld explained his method for success: each January, he hangs a large <a href="http://www.writersstore.com/dont-break-the-chain-calendar" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1c5a85;"><b>year-at-a-glance calendar</b></span></a> on his wall and, for every day he wrote new material, he had the exquisite pleasure that can only come from drawing a big red </span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">X</span> over that day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Drawing those Xs got to be pretty fun and rewarding, so he kept doing it. Eventually, he began to create a chain of red </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;">X</span><span style="font-size: 100%;">s. </span><span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;">The idea was to never break that chain.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 100%;">Not only does this approach program the body and mind to sit down and write daily – it also motivates you to continue that beautiful string of big, red </span><span style="color: red; font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;">X</span><span style="font-size: 100%;">s. If you don't write one day, you don't get to draw the <span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;">X</span>.</span><br />
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It doesn't particularly matter what you [do]. It can be anything, as long as you're actively and routinely pushing yourself.<br />
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[What are your goals? What can you accomplish - on a consistent basis - that would make you feel better about yourself or your life?]<br />
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Who is going to push you? For many, it's going to come down to self-determination. Your partner or parents or kids can encourage you too. Let them know about the calendar. After you prove you can keep the chain connected for a couple of weeks, they too will motivate you not to miss a single day.
 [I love the support that can come from our friends & family.]</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">
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<div style="font: italic bold 13px Arial; margin: 0px 0px 15px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.writersstore.com/dont-break-the-chain-calendar" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Don’t waste another moment – start building your chain today!</span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
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</span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">[Source: </span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><i>The Writer's Store</i> </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">newsletter, January 2011. As edited by Greg Olszewski.]</span><a href="http://www.writersstore.com/dont-break-the-chain-calendar"> </a> </span></div>
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</span>GTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-70414342385606332602010-06-14T20:11:00.008-04:002015-03-27T02:41:08.556-04:00Reinvent Yourself: REACH THE WORLD, START A BLOGSubtitle: <i>Greetings, World!</i><br />
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This is my first entry in over a year. The reason for that is because my original goal - to get a delightful Modern Maturity article online (and update it slightly) so others could enjoy it - was accomplished, and I felt that I had done all I had set out to do with this particular blog.<br />
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So I put away my keyboard and let the blog collect dust. (It was, after all, my first experiment at blogging and I figured that no one would ever find it - especially considering it placed near the 500th spot on Google - and that was only if you searched exclusively through their blog search!)<br />
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Well, I recently checked my Google Analytics for the past year and - OMG - I'm blown away!<br />
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When I left this little piece of work, I had a total of 50 visitors from 7 countries. That was during the course of its entire 1st year of life (2008-2009).<br />
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But during 2009-2010 - the year when I did NO work on it - I've had <span style="font-weight: bold;">1400 visitors from 48 countries!</span><br />
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OMG! WOW! HOLY MACKEREL!<br />
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I wanted to say <span style="font-weight: bold;">THANK YOU</span> to the folks who have "accidentally" stumbled across this blog. (I'm not going to fool myself into believing that anyone "intentionally" sought it out, ha!)<br />
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[Although I do have one fan, a lovely young woman who goes by the name of Erin Marie Designs. I didn't even know one's blog could have followers. And I usually have to approve all aspects of my blog, from the comments to the followers - but somehow Mrs Erin Marie got through and I'm happy that she did. She seems like a perfectly likeable, well-adjusted woman with cute step-kids and a positive outlook on life! -- so she's staying!]<br />
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So anyways, I wanted to tell the world THANK YOU!<br />
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THANK YOU, WORLD!<br />
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Maybe there's something to this blogging thing after all!<br />
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Perhaps you could reinvent your life by starting your own blog & reaching out to the world! You never know who might read it.<br />
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Please leave a comment & let me know you were here!<br />
GTOGTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6621667636585225072.post-15292799611224881792009-01-28T21:42:00.018-05:002015-03-27T02:41:29.952-04:00Reinvent Yourself: DO IMPORTANT GOALS FIRSTWhen we go to work, there's an extensive system in place to ensure that we punch-in on time, get something worthwhile accomplished (at least on most days), interact effectively (and politely) with our co-workers, and punch-out before heading home.<br />
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Unfortunately, when it comes to accomplishing personal goals, these systems are harder to implement.<br />
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One thing that helps me accomplish goals is building a new routine into the beginning of the day. For example, when I was trying to lose weight, I made sure I woke up early enough to exercise <em>before </em>going to work. ("<em>Before"</em> is the operative word here because after work there's too many excuses not to do things. You're tired. The kids need help with their homework. You're hungry. It's much easier to let yourself off the hook.)<br />
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When you set time aside each day to attend to a goal (and when you put this goal ahead of the other events of the day), you're honoring the goal. You're giving it value. You're proclaiming to yourself and your household and to your day that <u><b>this</b></u> is an important and worthwhile goal.<br />
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In using this technique, you can achieve a wonderful sense of accomplishment - even if the rest of the day goes to crap.<br />
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By putting an important, personal goal ahead of work, your heart and your head begin to accept that no matter how bad the day might turn out, you've already done something important for yourself. You've taken care of your own emotional or physical well-being. You've done something for yourself.<br />
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And that emotional connection is so important. There's power in that feeling. (It gives you confidence. And peace.) And carrying those emotions with you throughout the day will improve your mood, and push your energy level in a positive direction.<br />
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So stop staring at the stationary bike. (.. that's what I was doing..)<br />
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Or maybe you have a treadmill. (.. clean the clothes off of it.. ha)<br />
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And hop on!<br />
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Even 10 minutes is good.<br />
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Start making room for the important changes in your life.<br />
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Just 10 minutes.<br />
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You'll feel much better about your day.<br />
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And yourself.<br />
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GTOGTOhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15639950091274097647noreply@blogger.com0