What happened to phone booths?

Around 10 years ago when cell phones started to become increasingly popular, phone booths started disappearing. I think it is interesting that we use to love our privacy so much that when we were on the phone we felt the need to enclose ourselves inside a stuffy little box.

So, here we are today. All of us carrying cell phones and privacy is the least of our concern. Whether we are in a restaurant, walking down the hall, or sitting on the toilet of a public restroom, there seems to be no boundary for where we'll talk or text on a phone. Even though we don't use pay phones, wouldn't a phone booth still be handy to have?

So, what happen to all of the phone booths? Where did they go? Did we all just get too fat to squeeze inside of them? One day our kids will say, "What's a phone booth? Do you mean Superman's dressing room?"

The Power of Nice

This weekend I wrapped up a short little book by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval, entitled The Power of Nice. It boasts being a national bestseller with the foreword written by television host Jay Leno. The authors run a huge advertising agency out of New York called The Kaplan Thaler Group. They are responsible for things like the Toys 'R Us Jingle and the Aflac duck.

I don't know about you, but I could always use some help being nicer. The basis of this book is the idea that "nice guys" don't finish last. It argues the exact opposite and gives several good tips and reminders on how being nice to others can take you a lot further in your career.

I enjoyed the book a lot up until I approached the end. You see Chapter 5 of the book is all about why you should "Help Your Enemies". Well, then I get to Chapter 8, "Shut Up and Listen". The first story is how these ladies took a CEO of a competitor out to lunch...just to talk. Their point was, if you'll be nice and take interest in others they will divulge a lot of information that you can use to better yourself. So, what did they learn from this CEO? They learned about some leads that they were not aware of and went after them. This CEO and his company were already making plans to pitch ideas when these ladies swooped in and took it away from them. Do you see the problem I have now?

Was that nice? Was that helping your enemies? It sounded more like manipulation to me. I don't know, this other CEO could have been a jerk and had it coming, but what if he wasn't such a bad guy. Didn't they just break their own rules on being nice? Anyway, I feel bad that my review is not "nicer" because most of the book is good. I just need clarification on that story. That's all.

I'd still add it to your list since it is so short.

A Husband's Gun Prank

This had me in tears. It is a video of a husband getting revenge on his wife. Hilarious. You can watch it on You Tube since the poster disabled the embed feature for the clip.

MacGyver vs. A-Team: You Decide

I was reading Seth Godin's post this morning, I need to build a house, what kind of hammer should I buy? He made the following statement.

"Sure, picking the wrong tools will really cripple your launch. Picking the wrong software (or the wrong hammer) is a hassle. But nothing great gets built just because you have the right tools."

He's right. It's not about the tools, but how you use the tools you have. Immediately, MacGyver and the A-Team came to mind. All of them had a way of getting out of a mess with limited resources. So here's my question.

If you were being held captive with one or the other who would you rather have to help you escape and why? McGyver or the A-Team?

Facebook makes people tired

Several of us have discussed the following phenomenon at work. Have you ever looked at the friend status updates of all your Facebook friends from a single day and count how many of them are tired, exhausted, sleepy, or need a nap? I just looked at all of mine and counted 6 of you.

How many of your Facebook friends are tired, right now?

Environmentalists and their message

This may have already occurred to you, but it recently occurred to me. It seems as though environmentalists are not well liked. I realize this is a stereotype and should not be applied to everyone, but often environmentalists are portrayed as unforgiving zealots. They are aggressive, outspoken, and take their cause to extremes. They don't seem intent on listening to other views. Their way seems to be the only way and even then they seem to be living hypocritically according to portions of their message.

It turns people off from their message. I think they are fighting for a good cause but is the message lost because of the methods of delivery? I know I want to be better at saving our environment but I don't want to be the stereotypical environmentalist.

That's when I thought, Christians are guilty of the same thing when it comes to delivering the message of Christ. Being passionate for a cause is good. Being patient on others to develop their own passion for that cause might be even better.

How ironic that the Apostle Paul tells the church in Corinth to "plant".

10 tips for reading non-fiction

I know a lot of people are not readers but I also know a lot of people wish they were. That use to be my story. A lot of people I talk with have a hard time reading non-fiction. Anyway, here is a small list of tips I've picked up from some of the books I've read. Hopefully they will help you get and stay motivated to read.

1. Start with small books. Don't start off with a 300 page book. Go with something that is between 100-150 pages. This way you won't be overwhelmed.
   
   
2. Keep notes. Use a page in the front or the back of the book to jot down little notes of things you want to remember. Be sure to record the page number as well. You'll find that you keep returning to a good book for reference time and time again.
   
   
3. Set a daily reading goal. You can do this in anyway you want but for example, if a book has 120 pages and you want to read it in 6 days you need to read 20 pages a day. You might even break it down by chapter. Whatever the goal is, make it obtainable.
   
   
4. Carry the book with you everywhere you go. You have to learn to read wherever you are at. A page here, a page there, it all adds up toward your reading goal for the day. If you arrive somewhere early, read a page. Let the book sit on your desk at work where you'll be reminded of it all day.
   
   
5. Read hardbacks. If you are going to carry this book around with you, you'll want something durable. It will also be easier to keep notes.
   
   
6. Choose a book by it's cover. Yeah, I know, you've always heard not to do that, but if you are trying to become a better reader, a cool looking cover will help you stay interested in the book.
   
   
7. Read what you like. Read on a subject that interests you or read on a subject that inspires you to be better at what you do.
   
   
8. Go somewhere that makes you feel smart while reading. Whether it's the library, a coffee shop or park bench, every now and then you need to find a nice place to read where you feel smart or sophisticated. It usually means you'll dress a little nicer and you'll feel confident and good about yourself. That will make reading more enjoyable for you.
   
   
9. Take away at least one idea. Some books will be bad. You won't learn a thing. However, if you can pick up just one useful idea by reading a book it will justify the cost of the book.
   
   
10. Think about others. While you are reading, you might come across something that would be useful for a friend or someone you work with to know. Instead of just telling them about it, buy them a copy of the book. You'll feel good about giving something away and they will appreciate the thought. This feeling will motivate you to read more.

Do you have other ideas that help you?

Lottery Tickets & Cigarettes

I've heard a lot of stories from people who get in line at the convenience store, only to get behind someone who is buying a stack of lottery tickets and cigarettes. Have you heard this story from someone before?

Usually, the story tellers just wants to pay for their gas or buy a drink, and go on about their day. Only someone in front of them is holding up the line and their story turns into a big drama. It shouldn't take them more than 30 seconds to make their purchase, and their trip to the convenient store has suddenly turned into a huge inconvenience. Instead, they waste like 10 minutes because the person can't decide on how many tickets and which pack of cigarettes to purchase.

I always thought people who told these stories, embellished them a little. I found out first hand this morning that they don't. It really does happen the way they tell it.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog

I learned about Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog for the first time yesterday (Thanks Phil). Here's the plan: They are only going to release each one of the three acts on certain dates. Two of those dates have already passed. The last date is tomorrow (Saturday, July 19, 2008). The only place you can watch this is on the Web. All three acts will only be available for free viewing through midnight on Sunday, July 20. It stars Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, & Felicia Day. It is a Joss Whedon film.

Well, I got a kick out of it. I really like the storyline, I like the music, I like the quality. In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing this run a lot longer. I was entertained.

Watch it soon - or you'll have to pay.

Ketchup Packets

So with everything "going green¹", why do ketchup packets still exist in their current size? Does anyone really only use one ketchup packet on french fries? Does anyone really only use two ketchup packets with their tater tots? Why not save everyone some time and foil and make a ketchup packet that has the same fl. oz as three packets combined?

C'mon Al Gore, surely you can help me out with the frustrations of eating fast food.

¹ I don't want to discuss any other environmental issue. Just stick to ketchup packets for the time being please.

Super Mario Brothers

I downloaded the old Super Mario Brothers from the original Nintendo to our Nintendo Wii a few weeks ago. I thought it might be fun to have an old game to remind me of how far video games have evolved. My brother who was six years ahead of me started our family out with the Atari 2600. So, my first plea for a gaming system was the Nintendo when it came out. Anyway, I enjoyed this viral video below. I think it has made a trip around the WWW a time or two.

The Book of Micah

I just finished up a study on the book of Micah. As my main resource I used Volume 32 of the Word Biblical Commentary by Ralph L. Smith. I had started buying this series of commentaries several years ago when I was a minister by profession, but I rarely get my money's worth out of them anymore. I have decided to change that.

So, why did I return to commentaries by starting with Micah? Good question. I'm glad I am asking myself that. I think it started with the fact that several years ago, I sat in on a class at a conference that focused on Micah and there was one verse that has stuck with me from that study ever since.

MICAH 7:7
But as for me, I will look to the Lord;
I will wait for the God of my salvation;
my God will hear me.

As was the case with Micah, I was tired and frustrated with seeing people who were doing "evil" prosper, while those who were faithful to Father, often endured suffering and oppression. Micah delivers a "judgment" but he doesn't do it without offering hope at the end. I have to admit that in my life I've not always done what is right. Sometimes it was taking advantage of others for personal gain, something Micah spoke out against. There's no question that judgment on my life would result in a guilty verdict. Repentance can be difficult. For the people Micah prophesied against, I imagine it was even more difficult for them to repent. How could it be easy to walk away from wealth when you worked so hard to take it from others?

Anyway, I was reminded to trust Father. I was reminded that he has saved me - no one else has and I can't save myself. I was reminded that he hears me. Therefore, I gladly wait on Father's timing in everything.

Review of Primal Leadership

One of the books Tim Sanders refers to several times in his book The Likeability Factor is a book written by Daniel Goleman entitled Primal Leadership. As Sanders recommends, you should review books that you've read every now and then.

Here's my review from last year.

Tim Sanders and Dave Ramsey + Dan Miller

Today is the day that Tim Sanders will be interviewed on The Dave Ramsey Show. As an added benefit we all had the privilege of of hearing Tim speak in our weekly devotional here at Lampo. Tim is an an exceptional author and speaker. I am a big fan of his and enjoyed his talk immensely.

Anyway, as you may already know, Dave Ramsey and Dan Miller are friends. So, this morning Dan came to join us for our weekly devotional. Afterward, I wanted to shake Tim's hand and tell him "thanks" for the information he shares in his books and gripping videos he puts on the Web. As I walked up, there stood all three authors (Dave, Dan, & Tim) having a discussion. It was a sobering moment. In front of me stood three icons of "success". I just stood back for a moment and observed.

I saw three men, who were just that...men. Men who work hard, who are passionate about what they do and teach. I saw integrity. I saw humility. I saw greatness. I saw wisdom.

I was reminded that Father has blessed me. I really do work in an extraordinary place. Today, I am especially grateful for my "workplace". Today also marks the beginning of my fifth year with Lampo. What a way to begin this work year, huh?

Tim Sanders and Dave Ramsey

I did not have to wait for Tim Sanders to make the announcement, but I am looking forward to tomorrow. Tim Sanders will be on The Dave Ramsey Show. Tune in.

Great Resource for Mac Users

I'm not going to add this to my reading list, but I thought I would take a minute to mention a thing or two about the Maran Illustrated, book series. I've used a Book for Dummies and an occasional Idiot's Guide and have found them all to be rather helpful. But, a friend of mine let me borrow Maran's book on Mac OS X v.10.4 Tiger a few months back, and I have perused it ever since.

I really like charts and illustrations which is why I like the Maran Illustrated series so much. I bought my first Mac last year and found there was a lot that I had to get accustomed to from switching from windows. This book helped me pick up on some tips and tricks that might have otherwise taken me awhile to figure out on my own.

I know Tiger is not the latest operating system, but if you are a new apple user and this is what you have, it might be worth checking out.

The Forrest Motto

Few of you will care about this, but occasionally I do a little digging on my genealogy. I've discovered that the first Forrests who arrived to America came from Dublin. Here's what I found according to a little research at http://members.aol.com/Harley1369/Forline.html.

"This family bears the following arms: Sable on a fesse three hinds erect and erased argent, an oak tree ppr. crest. Out of a dual coronet an oak tree ppr. Motto: Vivunt dum Virent. {They live as long as they are green}."

I suppose it is pretty obvious that if a tree is green, it is living. I guess I'll just try to keep staying green.

Anyway, what would it be like if our families had arms and motto's today? What if you painted your family crest on the side of your car? What would your motto be?

Would you like to hear what people sound like in Dublin? Listen here.

The Likeability Factor

Tim Sanders has a high likability factor in my opinion. So, a book written by him on the subject of being likable seems like a good idea huh?

Well, I was really liking this book until I took the quiz at the end to see how likable I am. According to the test I am about as unlikable as they come. It's not that I am a jerk, it's just that I don't posses qualities that are...well...likable. It's not that I have "unlikeable" qualities. I just don't have "likable" qualities. Maybe as a reader, you see me differently. Let's hope so.

Somewhat more seriously, I really did like the idea that if you improve on the areas of friendliness, empathy, relevancy, and realness you can get a lot further with people. Some people might see this book as an exercise for manipulating people to get what you want, but after reading it, I don't feel that it was Tim's intent at all. I think this book is just a nice simple book to help improve yourself. After all life is better when you are around friendly people right? Wouldn't it make sense that we all improve our friendliness?

Dave Ramsey & United First Financial

As the rest of the world would say, I've been away on "holiday" for the last several days and I'm just now getting back into my routine. Apparently, I missed some good talk radio while I was out. Here's a link* to Dave Ramsey in a discussion with a lady from United First Financial on the topic of their mortgage software.

Do you care to comment?

* My Total Money Makeover is Dave Ramsey's subscription Web site.

The Potty Train

I don't think I will be officially adding this book to my list of "books read" for the year, but I have read The Potty Train by David Hochman (Author), Ruth Kennison (Author), Derek Anderson (Illustrator), more than enough with our 2 year old. I'm not quite sure why it took 2 authors to write this story, because this blog post has already exceeded the amount of words found in the entire book.

Anyway, we were at the bookstore this weekend and my wife wanted to get a "potty training" book that our son would read. We found it. We're hoping this might inspire him to take an interest in going to the potty. There were several books we liked, but there was just something catchy about saying "Chugga Chugga POOOO POOOOOOO!" everytime we go to the bathroom. Yep...I bet you'll be saying it today when you have to go.