Dan Pink Tackles The Puzzle of Motivation on TED

Aside from his strong resemblance to Bob Saget, I love most everything else about this guy.  He is able to fuse two of my favorite subjects (human psychology and business) into something not only coherent, but usually spot on brilliant.  Unlike say Drucker or Maslow who also tie the two subjects in brilliant fashion, he is also quite entertaining.  He wrote one of the most eye opening books I've ever read in "A Whole New Mind".  This short speech on motivation is terrific in its own right and a perfect taster for anyone that is unfamiliar with Pink's work and has a with a bent towards this type of subject matter.

Redemption Personofied: Ray Lewis Will Be Missed

Redemption personified ... Guilt by association coming out of the infamous 'U' football program in the 90's, further bolstered by his being linked to a double murder in early 2000, led many, myself included, to question his character. His work on the field, and his charity off of it, have since made me a believer. His ability to inspire is a rare gift. I for one will sorely miss not only his uncanny football talent, but also his unmistakable work ethic, leadership and sheer power to inspire.

Don't Tell Me to Stop Over Thinking It!

I was recently asked about what the worst advice I had ever been given.  While there are many specific situations where I've received advice that was pretty horrendous, there is a more general example that irks me to no end.  That is, the phrase I hear often and the advice I've received more than a few times from certain people who shall remain nameless is "Stop over thinking things."  Really? Really? Seriously?

Petition the Lord with Prayer

I participate often on the social networking site Quora.com, which allows users to post questions and then readers that know something about the topic will chime in with their best take of an answer.  It spurs some very interesting intellectual debate and offers up viewpoints from extremely intelligent people on topics that matter to you most.

A few days ago I came across the a question about "What are some of the best Jim Morrison/The Doors lyrics?".  I am certainly not a rocket scientist or an off the chart IQ specimen, but this question was right in my wheelhouse.  There are few people on this planet that know more about Jim Morrison and The Doors than yours truly.   For better or worse, Jim Morrison was an idol of mine when I was in high school and he remains as one my favorite front men of all-time.  I read every book, saw every concert video and probably watched the movie The Doors 50+ times.

I am not entirely sure this reflects well on my teenage years, but no two ways about it I was a hellion and Jim Morrison at the time seemed like the perfect role model.  Now, if my own future teenager chooses Morrison as an idol, I will probably ground them for life and not ever let them out of my site.  But that is beside the point.

Whatever the case, I could have filled up several pages with my thoughts on the best lyrics.  After all, one of the main reasons I was drawn to The Doors was because of Jim's ever poetic lyrics.  Asked to choose just a couple lines was a challenge for sure, but after giving it some thought, what bubbled up to the top was the intro to one of my favorite Doors' song that nobody knows entitled the Soft Parade.

While the critics panned this album and this song in general, I thought it was one of the more brilliant pieces of work the Doors churned out.  Perhaps the best evidence of this is that there were very few songs on the album suited for radio or for the masses (are asses).  My thoughts on this is a topic in and of itself, which is best left for another time I think. 

Back to the lyrics ...  Jim lashed out at the 50's establishment of his upbringing every chance he could and we all know his thoughts on organized religion. There is just something about the following lines that seem to be a microcosm of Mr. Mojo's anti authority belief system that honed in on the hypocrisy of those that are in power.     

“When I was back there in seminary school
There was a person there
Who put forth the proposition
That you can petition the Lord with prayer
Petition the lord with prayer
Petition the lord with prayer
You cannot petition the lord with prayer!”

A Swimming Lesson

I used to surf all the time and can remember vividly getting caught inside in huge waves when a set rolls in.  Even though I grew up at the beach and would be considered advanced in the ocean by any measure, there is nothing scarier than being out in the ocean with a huge swell and getting pounded one after another by waves.  The moment you are able to arise to the surface and gasp for air, the next wave has pummeled you again.  Pretty soon you are tired, out of air and feeling really desperate.  The ocean does not care though, as the huge waves keep rolling in, taking their toll and stealing your will to come up again.  Finally, after what seems like an eternity, there will be a break between sets and you'll have the chance to regroup and charge back out again.  Looking back, the main thing I takeaway from those now distant experiences is no matter how down you are feeling in the moment, you must  try to stay up under all circumstances.  Even when you are tired and out of air, it's just a matter of time before you'll get the opportunity to regroup, adjust and then give it all another go; this time with some added  wisdom and resilience in your back pocket.    

Warren Buffett, Tax Policy and Cherry Coke

I was recently asked on the social media website Quora.com/Bill-Foote, how can someone hold Warren Buffet's values/beliefs... and still have $45 billion?  The question was specifically in reference to his beliefs on higher taxes.

Most of the answers flowing in were anti-Warren in sentiment.  Mine was not.  Warren Buffett is one of my all time heroes.  The man is a genius and I have been reading about him and studying his every move since I first learned what a stock was back in High School.  Nobody can argue his track record.

As to the question, the problem Sir Buffett faces on taxes is a conflict of interest.  His beliefs may very well be genuine about what sort of tax structure will benefit the majority of Americans.  However, the majority of Americans do not own a share of BRK:A, which was last trading at the lowly sum of $121,450 per share.

So while Warren may quip about taxes needing to be higher for the rich, which make up most his shareholders, it is akin to sneaking in a game of online bridge with good friend Bill Gates.  Meaning, his primary job is not tax policy but rather managing the equity of Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, and perhaps drinking a few Cherry Cokes along the way

The Truth About Lending

I was on my IGoogle.com page today and one of my many "quote of the day" gadgets displayed a Mark Twain remark about bankers.  He says "A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain."  How true that is.  The takeaway is to always borrow as much as you can when you do not need it, because the moment you do need it, the banks won't want to lend it.