If you have been around network marketing for any length of time, it’s likely that you have been to some cool events.  The industry is known for them.  That’s what we do in MLM…put on awesome, empowering events.

There is one company taking things to a whole new level…and they have figured out how to cross the threshold of mainstream marketing and branding.  How about professional golfer John Daly doing an impromptu live performance of Knocking On Heaven’s Door at your event.  I know, crazy good.

Check out this event in Dallas, TX for a company that is…get this…still in Pre-launch.  If they are pulling off these kind of events in Pre-launch…what is possible in a year, two years, five years?

Click here to view the embedded video.

Not if you listen to this young girl.

She may not enjoy it, but this 8 year old is most definitely on the right track in terms of personality, conviction, creativity and drive!

DemolitionCall-1

If this is what our education system is producing…I’ll take it.  Hilarious and Brilliant!

This post isn’t what you think.  I am not going to talk about the Pagan vs. Christianity debate about Easter or how ironic it is that we have chosen large pink bunnies and chocolate eggs to somehow represent Jesus rising from the dead.

That stuff is funny enough on it’s own.

But as I sit here Easter Sunday morning looking over my backyard in full bloom, the sun bouncing off the pool and a light breeze flowing in through a set of oversized windows…I started thinking about something else.

I love celebrations.  It really doesn’t matter to me what they are for…I just love to celebrate.  I love to celebrate events, accomplishments and most of all…I like to celebrate people.

I started thinking about all the efforts we put into the holidays and occasions mainly because they have become traditions in our families or religions.  We bust out the decorations, rush to the stores (repeatedly) and create elaborate stories for our children.

Please don’t misunderstand me, I think it’s great.  I love holidays.  More specifically, I love what they have the power to support us doing.  They inspire connection.  They cultivate the desire for people to come together.  They get us to stop the noise, sit back for even just a few minutes…and reflect about life and the relationships we have with each other.

What I am sitting here pondering this morning is what we need to do as a species to genuinely celebrate ourselves more often.  To honor ourselves, our connection to each other, our need for each other, our divinely guided creativity, and our ability to truly make this world whatever we choose it to be.

I am up for THAT holiday.

What if we took just a little bit of that special something (I may call it love) that the holidays seem to inspire in us and choose to be aware of it every day?

Can we possibly hold this much love in our hearts next Thursday when there are no menorahs to light, no Cadbury eggs to eat, no jolly fat men in funny suits to sit on, no fireworks in the sky to watch, no dead prophets to remember and no feasts to devour?

I know for most people it’s far easier to celebrate some “thing” or “event” than themselves or another person.  We get to change that.

We are worth celebrating.

You are worth celebrating.

I am worth celebrating.

So as we move through this year of 2010 amidst one of the most interesting times our generations have ever known, I want to make this one simple request of you…

Start celebrating life every day.

Take the same energy you put into getting the house ready for the holidays and put it into your kids every day, your work every day…your SELF every day.

For me, this is what these celebrations were designed to do…reconnect us to the divine love that is within us all and our power as human beings when we choose to realize just how amazing we all are.

Celebrate life.

Please share your thoughts and share this post with everyone you truly celebrate.

When did it happen?  I really can’t recall the time…but it did.  It happened.

Manscaping became popular.  It’s apparently the norm of twenty somethings, thirty somethings and even forty somethings.

I think the baby boomers are safe…I just can’t see it.  Or perhaps I just don’t want that visual of Dad going to town with his clippers.  Ha!  Now each of you has a visual.  Go away, go away, get out of my head I say!

I sent a Facebook post out the other day to take the pulse of people and see what their thoughts were on the whole issue of trimming the lower forty…it was interesting.

For the most part, both men and women seem to prefer some male pruning.  There were a few holdouts…still preferring the “natural look.”  I don’t know what’s natural about having to hack your way through a jungle to find what you are looking for…but that’s probably saying too much!

I suppose this day was coming, right?

Men have for years wanted their women neat and tidy and apparently this is one area women have put their foot down and are demanding equality.  It’s not equal pay for equal work…but it’s a start.

I love our gender but admittedly, we often use a double standard when it comes to appearance.

Many men want their woman to remain a size 2 but they themselves can keep mushrooming from large intakes of food and alcohol.

Men want women to get older while looking younger while they age, well, however they age.  Not much thought is given.

Women have to keep their hair, nails and toes looking perfect.  Men, well, good thing bald is now in!

Of course I am not speaking about all men, these are blanket generalizations…but they hold true so often.  Yes, women are as responsible for these situations as men are…they allow themselves to be okay with it.

This is why I proud of women when it comes to the whole issue of manscaping.  No double standard here, people.

Women have been heard.

They want a clean cut man…everywhere.

Forget hacking through uncharted lands…they want a nicely mowed yard to play in.

So, you have been called out men.  The women have spoken.  Go get your clippers and your #1 guard and get to work.

Someone suggested I trim my chest hair the other day…I am not so into that.  Don’t we have to draw the line somewhere?  Shaved heads is in.  Manscaping is in.  Many shave their arms, legs, chest…where are we headed?  In 10 years are we all going to look like those hairless cats.  I am not down for that.

We are a funny people aren’t we?

Now, I don’t need to write a blog about our reliance on drugs as a nation.  We are so hypocritical.  Dope is still illegal but a pharmaceutical company can create a new drug that they don’t even know how it works and our Nation’s drug approval agency green lights it. 

It’s disgusting. 

I am not advocating for the legalization of marijuana (although there are certainly worse ideas out there), but I think the whole process just stinks.  

Drugs the government doesn’t make money on = bad.

Drugs the government does make money on = good.

I saw a commercial tonight that I couldn’t believe even for pharmaceutical companies.  It was for the new FDA approved drug called Abilify made by the lovely people at Bristol-Myers Squibb. 

Thanks guys!  I appreciate the value you add to the world with this one!

This drug is for people who are on anti-depressants and are still depressed.  It’s for people that Zolaf and such aren’t strong enough.  I am not knocking the use of anti-depressants.  I don’t really understand depression, but I lost a friend to the condition and if anti-depressants could have saved her…then pop away. 

This isn’t about that.

So here’s the deal on how many drugs get to market.   Granted, this is a very simplified version.

Scientists walk blindfolded backwards into many new drugs.   They are looking for something and find something else.  Many are educated accidents.

On the Ambilify website, we’ll find this main tab…

“How Ambilify is Thought To Work”

Are you kidding me?

Let me get this straight.  A drug is created and we test it a bit.  We aren’t certain how it works and our main watchdog agency approves it to market.

Does anyone else have a problem with this?

The FDA could quite possibly be the most disgusting, corrupt agencies in our government…and that is a BOLD statement.

Oh yeah…this is where it gets fun.

This is their warning statement.  I know most of the drugs have long ones, but this sets a new standard.

Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some children, teenagers, and young adults, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are themselves associated with an increase in the risk of suicide. Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient’s healthcare professional right away, especially if they are severe or occur suddenly. ABILIFY is not approved for use in pediatric patients with depression (see Boxed WARNING).

Are you tired yet? 

There is more text copy in the disclaimer than on the entire site.  But I suppose that makes sense since they don’t know how the damn thing works.

This really should be criminal.  The side effects include an “inner feeling of restlessness and anxiety.” 

Isn’t that a lot like depression?

Unbelievable.

What are we doing? 

People…we need to find our center as a society.   We need to strip away all the crap we have convinced ourselves of and reconnect to what makes us happy…whether it fits any of the conventional rules or not.

Until we get clear, we don’t have the ability to go after widespread change, nor do we deserve it.  We are fueling the machine.

Disconnect from the stories and connect with people.

Unplug from the matrix.

Stop believing the movies.

When our drugs start needing drugs…it’s time to do things a bit differently.

If this post made you depressed and your current medication just isn’t cutting it…

http://www.abilify.com/Default.aspx

Perhaps this will help.  But careful, you’ll likely puke on yourself, crap yourself, fall over dizzy and develop a muscle spasm that will be permanent, but I am sure it will be worth it. 

The FDA says so…it must be okay. : )

Are you fricken kidding me?

That is the question that burned like a cattle prod in my mind.  My son and I were leaving Home Depot and this truck was parked in the first handicapped parking spot available.

Every now and again I can be a bit reactionary.  : )  So, after the initial spark of disbelief and disgust went off in my head, I thought…well perhaps there is a good explanation.  Then, as I looked closer at the truck and saw the jacked up suspension, the monster tires, the tricked out features…my blood started to boil.

Generally I think guys with big trucks like this are just trying to overcompensate for other shortcomings (I am guessing he has small hands and feet:), but I can’t even imagine the size of the balls this guy must have to park a truck like this in a handicapped space and proudly display his blue hanging wheelchair sign.  Seriously, it must be why he needs such a big truck…because his balls are riding shotgun.

You may say, “What’s the big deal?” 

Yeah, maybe you’re right.  It’s not like three old ladies with walkers had to circle the parking lot because there wasn’t space upfront.  You’re probably right, what’s the big deal?  I know with millions facing the loss of their jobs and homes, this is just a small, insignificant thing that shouldn’t even be given a thought.   I am sure I am overreacting. 

Bullshit.

It’s this feeling of entitlement and lack of integrity that is a root cause to so many of the challenges facing our world today.

Seriously, what would have to be going through someone’s head to feel good about taking up a handicapped space when they literally have to jump down 4 feet to get out of the driver’s seat pf their monster truck?

It’s mindboggling.

Who does that, really?

Does jackass fit? 

I think we are getting warm.

I was lucky enough to still be in the parking lot when these fine upstanding pillars of society came out of the store carrying some long pieces of lumber.  Three able bodied physically fit men no more than 40 or 45 years old.  I nearly took a picture of them too.  I should have.  But I was a tad fearful for my well being if they got mad as I am sure there was also a gun rack in the truck and a rebel flag sticker somewhere.

I mean, if they can steal parking spots from wheelchair ridden old ladies…I am sure they’d think nothing of running over my little Altima with their personal version of Gravedigger.

It’s people like this that somehow think the world owes them something.  That things like handicapped parking spaces are their right to claim…even if it’s their grandmother’s, wife’s, child’s or parent’s tag.Regardless, do you get to live the rest of your life with your handout because you have challenges. 

Yes, I have empathy for them if that is the case.  Somehow I doubt it is. 

Who the hell doesn’t have tough stuff their working through?  We all do.

Entitlement is such a huge issue in our world and it equally afflicts the poor and the rich, the haves and the have nots. 

No contribution.  No value created.  Nothing added or put into the world…just the belief that you deserve to get something for nothing.

It’s disgusting.

So jackass, let me give you a shout out from the cheap seats. 

J – A – C – K – A – S – S ! ! ! !

I bet you still fly with your 5 year old on your lap.  Jackass!

I just watched the documentary Young @ Heart.

Damn.

I thought it was going to be cute.

I didn’t anticipate being moved so much by it.

Young @ Heart is a beautiful, powerful story of a group of seniors who have been singing together in a chorus since the early 80’s.  The average age of the members is something like 82.

There are so many powerful messages in this film.  It’s really beautiful.

Here is a clip from one of my favorite scenes.  The group has just received news that one of their members died just an hour before they were due to perform at a local prison/correctional facility.

I was able to embed the video, but here’s the link:

Check out the faces of the inmates as they sing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6htLfCI57Q

I was struck by what I thought was a sense of regret on the inmates faces, with few exceptions.  Their faces were amazing.

I wonder if this wasn’t a group of inmates, but just a group of average everyday people, if the looks would be any different.

I think they would be virtually the same.

Whether it’s a feeling of regret or not, who among us can’t reflect on poor choices, bad decisions, moments where we sold out, times when we played small…

I’ve got plenty of them.

What a great lesson from a bunch of spirited 80 and 90 somethings putting themselves out there in life and singing their little hearts out! 

Forever young.

Gotta love it.

What exactly is the deal with the packaging of toys, food and electronics these days?

Ever try to open a child’s toy?  It’s either bionic plastic that simply no mere mortal can break through or the new adventure is 38 industrial strength twist ties securing literally every inch of the toy to the package.

It’s a total conspiracy, but at least it’s obvious.  One look at these packaging fortresses and you know it’s going to be a cage fight.  So, you prepare and arm yourself with an exacto knife or razor sharp wire snips.  You know what you are in store for.

But my nemesis is much more subtle.  They run a brilliant covert ops strategy.  They are sneaky.  They go along their business without drawing any attention to them.  They draw you in.

Blue corn chips. 

I generally buy the ones from Garden of Eatin…they are great.  But dammit if I don’t have the same 1 on 1 gladiator match every time I try to open them.  It’s the same thing every time.  I know it’s going to be a battle.

I mentally prepare and plot my strategy.  Do I go in from the middle like I normally do with a full frontal attack, pulling right at the seam wishing, hoping and dreaming for perfect center splitage? 

Do I change up and try to come in from the side, hoping I can flank them?

Do I pull?  Rip?  Tear? Do I try the daring air-pop?

Seriously, General Patton would be proud…well, almost.

It’s borderline insanity because the standoff always results the same way.

The fricken bag always wins…always.

It will generally just split down a non-seam rendering the bag useless for future corn chip freshness.  Chips fly, I yell explicatives at the great conspiracy over corn chip packaging, damning what I know to exist – a little room somewhere with a bunch of packaging department warped dwarfs laughing their asses off that people all over the world like me are having this experience.   Cmon, you know it exists.

Sometimes I stop just before this happens and lower my head because I have been defeated and I get a knife or scissor from the drawer.  I don’t exactly know why this feels like I have been beaten…but it does.

My ego is bruised.

And I am not exactly sure why I just don’t get a knife from the get-go.  I suppose there is this small part of me that wants redemption over those fucking dwarfs and I think to myself every time I go to open a bag…”This time, I will be victorious!” 

Alas, I am not and it sucks.

So, Mr. or Mrs. Garden of Eatin Executives…what gives?  I challenge the fact that your creative team can come up with a great brand name like Garden of Eatin but you can’t design a fricken bag that opens with any glimmer of normalcy. 

They have to know, right?  I just don’t buy it that they are clueless to this experience.  It literally happens every time.  Surely they have taste-tested their own product.  Someone has to have told them.

Seriously, Eatins, why are you so mad at us?  Did you get picked on a lot as a kid?  Mommy or Daddy issues? 

Well, join the fricken club.

We buy your products.  We eat them.   We love them with salsa and humus.  But for the love of God and all things holy, give us a bag rippin break. 

As for me, I am off to the store, I suddenly have a craving for blue corn chips…I may not even eat them, but this time, I am kicking that bag’s ass.