Askmen.com: 12 Days to a Better Man

http://www.askmen.com/

We've all met people that we instantly like and want to get to know more or do business with."

 Askmen.com is doing a series of "How To" articles and informative sections on How to be a better man in various ways. No these instructions don't so much focus on the inner workings of a man and it is more aesthetic and vain in its nature than lessons from the Bible or the Dalai Lama, but its what most people want when it comes to the tools to achieve a desired lifestyle. With Sections like, "The Art of Taking Over a Room" and "Proven Ways to Impress Your Boss"  the articles are strong resources for putting yourself in to position to have a more successful 2011. Enjoy...


That means show up last without being late, and always smile like you just did something mischievous...

Putting Stock in Experience

I took a recent vow to myself to FORCE my wife and I to enjoy more experiences together. Anyone who knows us knows that we have accumulated our fair share of "stuff".This would.t be  a concern of mine but for decisions to pass on the college experience of leaving the metroplex, the decision to pass on a long and rewarding search to find our first new house instead building so quickly, and our inability to participate in any  impromptu trips. All of these experiences were replaced by nice TV's, clothes etc. Well I had an epiphany! I suddenly realized that those things make for crappy framed pictures and we have none on our walls. So I decided as a way to get our feet wet we would start first with my new hobby of lawn maintenance and landscaping. Scoping Calloway's and Hardware stores for winter flowers and pots we began to get a small education in what we needed and what we need to know about successfully changing our landscaping. Next on my list was a tour of the Dallas Cowboys new stadium. The tour comes with a picture and something we can look back on doing together. That activity is pending as is a free trip we won for letting an EZ Water rep invade my home and hold Allyson and I hostage for over 2 hours (long story). Let's see how this goes because are walls are looking empty and this TV only holds other peoples experiences. I need my own reality reel. To be continued...

Christmas Starts on the Roof

Both Pissed and slightly petrified high a top an 8ft ladder I throw down the strand of lights in my hand, red and clear bulb glass everywhere, doing my best not be what my mother in law calls "being ugly" to my wonderful wife.  That was the scene an hour and a half  into a new Combs tradition, hopefully minus the shattered glass and frustration. In line step with many firsts this year for my wife an I, as new home owners we (more my wife) decided to embark on the tradition of hanging Christmas lights. We have done this previous years on a much smaller and less dangerous scale at our past apartments where scaling the side of the roof was not an option or consideration. But now the opportunity has presented itself and well you guessed it, too late for Halloween I'll playing spider man for Christmas! So the plan was  to do a red and white themed Christmas exterior (my language during the project was colorful enough) that involved me climbing on the roof of our home and meticulously positioning our lights to the satisfaction of my wife's expectations.  This would be slightly less eventful if I didn't HATE heights. How much do I not enjoy heights, Example, I considered the Bobsled and Mini Mine Train at Six Flags so thrilling that it took the "love conquers all" heart tug of my wife's big blue beautiful eyes to even get me to attempt a larger roller coaster at the age of 20! Now its 2010 and here I am 7 years later with The Batman roller coaster, judge Roy Scream, and The Flashback under my belt crawling up the side of my roof. Why? For two reasons, reason number one, I love my wife and want to prove she can count on her man. Number two, I know for a fact a friend and several other neighbors had climbed their roofs, and me hiring someone was not an option as a two scrotum carrying male. So I braved the project with a slow pace warming up to the height of the roof while still accurately installing our lights. I used these new shingle clips as opposed to traditional stapling of the lights which saved me precious inches when installing the lights.Inches from a slip and broke you name the bone. Fast forward to the job  complete with chest and head held high Allyson and I discovered our original mapping out of the lights had been "changed" due to our urgency to finish.  Here's the fun part, we managed to not only position the lights end to not use the PAID FOR AN ADDED OUTLET built into the roof with the house but we had 2 FEMALE ENDS left to connect for power. For those of you who don't know what that means try to plug in both flat ends of an extension chord and tell me what happens. With this new circumstance at hand a refulsal by me to rectify the issue (HELL NO I'M NOT GOING BACK UP THERE) I head to the local hardware store to see if I can make 2 male ends safely relieve me of embarrassment frustration and "being ugly". Well I came to the realization that they don't MAKE adaptors that can achieve what I needed (which means I can't say it happens enough to other people) so I was shown how to make it one. So I successfully and safely made the 2 male ended electric adaptor before my wife got home. Saving me from a safety speech and her cringing looks of distrust and fright but instead received her excited expression when she her eyes saw her perfectly straight illuminated Christmas lit home. That's one more win in the experiences of 2010 category.  

Date Night: Basketball and Chinese

This past Saturday after 7 plus days off  in a row from an extended vacation I found myself trying to pry Allyson off the couch and into a whirlwind of motivation to finish the week strong on what we had yet to accomplish. The main project to tackle was Christmas decorating. For some reason I was more amped to get it done and over with than she was, and there is nothing like rallying the troops to help you do a project for them that YOU don't look forward to doing. it seems the day would be full of errands and slow starts with her and I picking at each other as we go through waves of frustration and enthusiasm.

Errand #1: Hobby Lobby. After purchasing specialty clips to hang the exterior Christmas lights we decided to take them back because I wasn't OK with trying a "No Ladder' system of hanging lights with an 11ft. pole (BAD). So on the way in to the store I get a call from one of my life long buddy's who calls to tell me not only does he have Dallas Mavericks tickets for Allyson and I on a Saturday night but it for the coveted Miami Hear game. The most talked about team in sports that comes but once to Dallas all year, 16 rows from the court (took the above picture from the seats and was about three quarters of full zoom), for FREE! What a surprise since Allyson and I were just pricing tickets the night before and speaking about how we weren't willing to part with a mortgage payment to enjoy the game in descent seats. What a blessing! Basketball was my first love and I love anything that has to do with it on any level especially a live NBA game with Wade and Lebron! While Allyson's enthusiasm was on par with mind I can't say the motivation was the same. She is a HUGE fan of Mr. Dwayne Wade (not for his ability to get to the basket but more standing at the free throw line, just standing). So what was once an uneventful Saturday with our extended vacations drawing to an end had now turned into a full fledged date night with the wife. We had a great time and really enjoyed each other with us both taking shifts on the 3 B's, basketball, beer, and the bathroom, oh and people watching. People watching is very fun lower level at a sporting event. People watching sometimes will get you hit in the leg if you watch the wrong people, or at least accused of it. Allyson also managed to sit in the unofficial Dwayne Wade cheering section where we were position between 3 black girls who were competing with Allyson for Wade's attention that night (Ally was more of a fan of them then them her) :). After the game was over we made an ashamed late night stop at PF Chang's and ate like it was 6:30 in the evening. But it was nice since the restaurant was very low key and pretty empty. We talked and laughed and got full. I bet for most its not often enough we get dressed with our spouses and enjoy a true date night dressed and smelling good just for each other. My date looked great that night! Of course it makes easier when you have the hottest ticket in town...for FREE! Great night 

Too Young for Posters?

LINK :MoxyCreative.com
Man I haven't got to blog about Kanye West's new album yet but I'll tell you I though early this week when I first heard it if there was a poster on my wall in my office it may be the album cover (not the offensive one). Now that I havebeen poking around on the net I have found a site that does mmen's favorite movies in posters with their own spin. The ones picture here will be what I am requesting from Santa. See if there's one you like. Enjoy

TIME MagazinesTop 50 Inventions of 2010

LINK : Full List of Inventions

I was turned on to this expose on top inventions by my Dad after he picked the most recent  TIME magazine. There are some really amazing things we have mastered that remind us of what we are accomplishing in the future and that while some of this stuff is a long ways away from mass production or being used every in our homes, the fact that it can be done is a feat in itself. One of my favorite inventions of the group was a website called Kisckstarter.com which serves as a forum to building investor interest and earn donations for those seeking start up capital. Another favorite is the OS X2 which is the "real" Iron Man suit, and SHELLY a robotic lifeguard 15 times faster than a human. Several more are very interesting especially those involving biological based science. Enjoy

Another GREAT Resource

LINK:  Behance website and BLOG

I stumbled across this site searching out a new Journal for writing and organizing on a site called CreativeOutfitter.com from a 'Best things 2010' list in the new GQ issue and was able to snake my way to Behance.com which is a creative website that allows you to post created material through their site. I hope to be on it soon while I try to pioneer a portfolio geared towards a business development and Creative based career.

OFFICial Inspiration...

So I know the protocol since being in my new home for about 6 months is to fix every room in the house besides the man's room. So now that the wife and I have tackled the living, dining, guest room and kitchen I guess that MY two rooms, the office and the landscaping are getting their turn in the spotlight. I'm obsessed with resouces as I mention often so my subscriptions to blogs and magazines serve as excellent inspirational material for my office that may last as long as a baby will let stay in his/her future nursery. So in the mean time my favorite piece of the office and main staple is a vintage library table with a single drawer that I was able to score off of my Mother in Law. I really need to stain the desk but the basis is for it to sit in the center of the room like the above pictured desk. I can't seem to find what is deemed a "printer desk which is a slim rectangular table to hold my computer screen printer. It would sit behind the center desk, and on each side I am seeking out bookcases on each end. I can't decide if I prefer the ladder type or the traditional case. I really am in the energy of having an office setup that allows me to not have my back facing the door and a space that you can walk around in with no closed off spaces. Maybe its fung shway, not sure but it creates positive energy for me. I'm going for the modern deco luxury look. Very pretentious, yes but this may be my last time before buying a bigger house or soon enough losing my room to a new baby where I have a chance to enjoy the space. Etsy.com has tons of desk accessories that are vintage modern and are affordable so I constantly check it. I hate cliche' things so everything I buy as I get older is an expression of being different. Being different and owning things that have meaning to me are a must, and really give a room or collection ownership and portray an extension of self. Etsy is a great place for ideas.It's all about the resources for me. I found a great desk lamp at Home Goods that has a vintage modern vibe I really dig. Not quite as regal as the black one pictured in L.A. Reids office above. L.A. Reid is the music executive behind Usher, Justin Beiber, Diddy and many more and when GQ magazine did a spread on his office I knew exactly what I was looking for in an office. The desk accessories and everything all exude a man who has alot more going on in his life than just work. A man of many passions is a man that lives life to the beat of his own drum and the resources to enjoy what life has to offer. That's what eventually I want to exude. So far I have a lamp and an old library desk, I'm looking forward to extending myself through the rest of the work in progress that is the home office.




LINK:  Mad Men Office by Etsy.com

Great 'Combs' think alike....

LINK:  Diddy's Blog

After seeing my cousin Sean Combs new blog I saw the exact replica of what I wished my blog was,clean, precise, and inspirational. I am still trying to figure WHAT exactly I am looking to portray. I believe that I am missing an overal directional theme. Is it hip hop? Is it marketing? Is it insightful? Does it just share what's on my mind? I believe deeply in resources and inspiration and my man Diddy got the inspirational part down. Speaking of part I saw him on TV the other day trying to bring it back, NOT claiming fam on this one.

CNN Chilean Miner Story Inflated : You Say Helmet I say Balloon...

WATCH 'The Daily Show' clip on responsible reporting
The Daily Show is hilarious to me and watching the other day I realized why it has the rare charm of being informative, forces others to accountable and most importantly funny as hell. I see why this show wins Emmy's. CNN embellishes on a boys prop in hand while waiting for the Chilean miners to be rescued. After being allowed to rant the way an illiterate child guesses the content of a story based on the pictures his colleague humbles him gently. Enjoy

Test your skills in the 'Texas Ranger or Chilean Miner' game

Another Ticket inspired segment. In honor of the 2 biggest news stories of the week the segment involves the rescue of the Chilean miners and of course the TEXAS RANGERS. The game involves a list of 20 names composed of Chilean miners and latin Texas Rangers. Read off the names to a less than knowledgeable baseball fan (wife's or girlfriends work great) and see how many they get right. Pretty entertaining. The game was inspired by the shows host wife's who cared much more to watch the beginning of the Chilean miners rescue on CNN instead of  Cliff Lee's legendary showing in Game 5 of the ALDS. Put someone to the profile test of the hosts wife's best score was 12 right. Enjoy

1. Alexi Ogando - R 
2. Victor Rojas
3. Franklin Ramirez
4. Max Ramirez - R
5. Carlos Solis
6. Julio Borbon - R
7. Alex Salazar
8. Estaban Carrizo
9. Estaban German - R
10. Vladimir Guerrero - R
11. Jorge Cantu - R
12. Raul Ibanez
13. Pedro Contreras
14. Andres Blanco - R
15. Neftali Feliz - R
16. Guillermo Moscoso - R
17. Daniel Campos
18. Samuel Acuna
19. Dario Rojo
20. Bengie Molina - R

What's a Ladies price?

LISTEN to Gordo's Interview
The greatness of Gordon Keith media personality from 1310 AM The Ticket here in Dallas has a commitment to both shock factor and hilarious taboo subjects particularly in the subject of females. This past week he hosted a forum on the "price" of a woman's "bathroom parts" as he likes to put it. Probing for questions that expose what amount it would really take for some women to sleep with another man or participate in a video. All of it is very innocent but oh so interesting. I'm sure all women have ran through the Indecent Proposal movie scenario made famous by Demi Moore  who in the film is married to Woody Harrelson and is offered 1 Million dollars to spend the night with Robert Redford. So ladies if you take a listen remember when finding out what that special number is as Gordon says "remember these are tough economic times". Enjoy

Generational Gaps & The Best Gook

Survey of Men 20 vs. 50 years old pop culture, sex, opinions
I found this article in Esquire this month to be really neat. The basis is to ask and get opinions of 20 year old men and compare them to the answers and opinions of 50 year old men. Below is why they chose these two age groups. It's kind've like the generational gap on paper.
'Fact: Among the total population, there are more 50-year-olds in America right now than any other single-age group, and the second largest single-age group (not counting the stragglers around 50) is 20-year-olds. Fact: If you're looking at only the male population, there are more 20-year-olds in America right now than any other single-age group, and the second largest single-age group is — wait for it — 50-year-olds.* Fact: This is pretty cool, and after commissioning a nationwide survey of men born in 1960 and 1990, we learned just how far apart today's 20-year-olds and 50-year-olds are in their attitudes, expectations, and beliefs.' Below are some of the 50 questions asked. 

3. Whom do you consider the coolest man in America?

Barack Obama 21% 14%
George Clooney 12% 21%
Clint Eastwood 26% 55%
Robert Pattinson 3% 1%
LeBron James 20% 5%
Jack White 3% 1%
Justin Timberlake 9% 2%
Mike "the Situation" Sorrentino 6% 1%

17. You've got a big announcement to make to your close friends. What's your preferred method of communication?

Twitter 1% 0%
Facebook 25% 8%
E-mail 4% 8%
Texting 24% 5%
Telephone 16% 30%
In person 31% 50%

18. How many times in the past two years have you cheated on your wife/girlfriend/significant other?

Zero 82% 92%
Once 8% 3%
Two to four times 6% 2%
Five times or more 4% 3%


Next...
Below is Esquire's list of best health and maintenance products for men to use from lower cost to big spending items. I consider a cheat sheet when this stuff comes out each year. The Gillette warming scrub is legit by the way. If you buy the new Gillette Fusion razor it comes with a free sample. Enjoy


See the list of the best products for men according to Esquire

They Saved the Best for Last

In my last day in Florida a myriad of things fell into place that made this trip seem definitely worthwhile. After trotting countless numbers of marketing managers and their social networking and video laden presentations to the main stage today we got something different. Not only did we learn about impacting and visualization on a broad scope, but we were presented with the ultimate example. Chris Carter (Website). A performer/mind reader who performed amazing feats of guess work and manipulation. 

Afterward, for the first time all week we received a decent amount of down time and then off to Universal studios Harry Potter attraction. Accompanied by a dj themed part exclusive to our employees complete with a red carpet beverages, food, free alcohol and free Harry Potter's famous Butter Beer flowed in the heart of a village crafted perfectly in a reflection of the Harry potter books and movies (Universal's Harry Potter website). The experience that most impressed me was a huge castle complete with talking oil paintings, newspaper clippings and all types entertainment in the journey through the line. It all leads up to the coolest and most creative ride I personally have ever ridden. It was like a haunted house, virtual reality roller coaster. This ride to me has it all. Please bear in mind I was legally to drink before I decided the bob sled and mine train at Six Flags Over Texas may not be the coolest rides in the park since I am a roller coaster wimp. 
Lastly, and unfortunately what I thought would be a unique experience turned out ton the flattest when I attended a luncheon promoting the African American council the company is trying to start. The guest speaker was a former colleague of our Company president and an exective at Kraft foods. While she shared some impactful themes and motivating principles the majority of her speech was drowned by experiences that too often came across as petty examples of enduring workplace resistance to accepting blacks and women which was communicated as more of a paranoia. It seemed as if her intent of an uplifting message still had some chain links  attached and she was still dragging them despite her success. But that's a WHOLE other entry. Last day, good day. A good productive trip of networking and being encourage by the profits and cash my company is cranking. 

National Sales Meeting First Impressions: Blending In & Standing Out

Thank God for the few people I have met through various training courses and development groups throughout the year because this whole national sales meeting thing has me feeling like I did as a kid when my parents made me go to a birthday party of  people THEY were friends with and swore since their kids were also your age it would be a great time. That may have been my first experience with the awkward forced introduction. That's what this meeting feels like so far.  The backdrop is better than that old birthday party though. Set in Orlando Florida at the Lowes Royal Pacific Resort setup jointly with Universal Studios. What's hardest blending here so far is every time you see someone you vaguely know they know someone else they have been waiting all year to talk to. These things are such reunions for the employees that have been here a while. And there is nothing wrong with that at all. The majority of the sales force works isolated all year long miles away from our counterparts sometimes with our own regions. Most of the guys minus the newbies have been with the company 15 to 20+ years and some up to 30! So when you introduce yourself for the first time to someone who sees five people they haven't seen in at least a year and they can only catch up with them every sales meeting once a year, "Marcus Combs, out of Dallas ,TX"  becomes "nice to meet you, uhh... yea excuse me (trail off HEyyy!)". From the start a few things were working against me concerning my social circle. The guy who started 7 months before I did and who I previously worked with at General Motors was let go 3 days before departure to Florida. We were the same age, scheduled on the same flight and was fired 3 days before the big trip. Then to make matters worse the second closest person I know, my boss, goes home Tuesday morning for a family emergency. My comfort covers are fading fast. That leaves me closest to a guy from California who will be my bag toss partner at the Halloween party and my teammates for my area that have been honestly working longer than I have been alive. The average age is mid 50s with one not making the trip because of surgery and most importantly no true partner in crime. The guys on my time are really great guys but I just don't know The Eagles, The Beatles, and famous 70's cowboys games the way they do. 
So in the mean time I'll work the room as I do, and enjoy the familiar faces who don't know as many familiar faces for the sometimes overly awkward period that reveals that what we have most in common is the lack of interest in striking up a new awkward or swiftly interrupted moment in exchange for the one we both stand invested in already. This has to get better...

At GM the approach was much less, shall I say "responsible". In Detroit we were introduced to 3 levels of a night club that had alcohol flowing in a sea of your choice of neon strobe lights, fire or a blue ice theme. Executives treated open bar like a unspoken race to see who could be loudest and cross an uncomfortable statement line not only first but sadly most often. My then boss won that race. The prize? A trip home with no pension after 30 years. The people with this company appear to pull the reigns at more than two beers. But maybe there onto something, I haven't read bankruptcy in any of their associated google searches. On to the next awkward introduction...

Arrested Attention (this entry is a result of sitting at the airport gate for longer than I would like)

This week I will be in Florida for my first National Sales Meeting with my company. I really am not looking forward to the idea of interjecting a 15 second who I am and where I’m from hundreds of times to an audience that is comprised of years of friendships and history. One thing I am looking forward to though are the rituals I have started to notice whenever I fly. Number one, break out the Starbucks iPhone app to find the closes gate where one is. It probably is the only reason I have the app besides the fact that I like the icon of it on the phone but not walking 25 minutes the wrong way when you could have walked 5 min the right way counts for a lot if something can save you from that. Second, I must buy Peanut butter M&M’s. Tied with Reeses peanut butter cups, M&Ms are my most favorite candy and I only buy them when I fly now. Most importantly so far not many airports carry them, but DFW does. What’s funny is now I see myself more addicted to the ritual of buying and having the M&Ms more than even eating them. I for some reason really dig the red orange color of the bag so I won’t even eat them until sometimes 3 days into the trip. Lastly on my list of travel rituals is making a playlist for my iPod/most current broken iPhone  to listen to on the plane. I recently loaded up on all the newest Kanye, Rick Ross and Drake and then mixed in some Erykah Baydu and Johnny Cash’s Greatest Hits. Which by the way I am convinced every man should own. No matter the mode of transportation you take Johnny Cash makes a trip instantly edgier and more adventurous. Right before every trip I pray for the mail to bless me with the most current issues of my subscription GQ and Esquire first. Then I usually find a paper or business magazine that I can enjoy with the arrested time that is air travel. As I blogged a couple entries lower I bought the new Rolling Stone with the Mad Men cast on the front so I plan to enjoy that as well. Those WERE my plans. I almost completely forgot that my wife’s talented cousin had given scripts of four different screenplays so I HAVE to finish at least his top two must reads according to him. Oh and I already saw my first celebrity Monday morning, former actor and MTV personality Bill Bellamy. I kid because he really is irrelevant these days but I instantly recognized him and he was taking pictures with what I guess you would call former fans. I must say though, the man had the best hair I ever saw when I approached him to shake his hand. That celebrity money no matter what list you’re on even if it’s D has it benefits; I wanted to steal his sunglasses. Regardless, I’m really looking forward to ingesting all these stimulators in the arrested state that is air travel and praying I don’t get sick since I forgot to participate in my most important ritual, taking my Airborne.

Fake Jerry and Wade Week 2

Link

From Powerpoint to Play.

AskMen.com: 9 to 5 & Beyond Office Tips
I'm a sucker for lists like these. Plus I am more than aware it involves marketing someones product. Someone gets paid to cross market ideas and tips with products. I need that job! Fun to read about etiquette and experiences familiar to us all in the workplace. Let's see how quick the person who brakes the rules most often comes to mind. I miss the office atmosphere. The awkward social norms of asking How someones morning or weekend went just because you both went for the coffee simultaneously from guessing who's stinky microwave food is on rotation or trying to remember names you swore you wouldn't forget. Nothing like your second, dysfunctional family. Behave accordingly...

Because I'm Obsessed

Rolling Stone Slide Show
From the minute I hear of a show set in the 50's based on advertising in New York i thought "man this should be the sweetest show ever!" The director is the guy who did the Sopranos. He makes the show as authentic as possible. For instance, none of the actors are allowed to lift waits during filming since no one did back in the 50's and 60's. They can only do cardio to stay in shape. Interesting to me.I remember counting down to the 1st episode and the first airing, and it hasn't disappointed me yet. I'm starting to by the episodes in Blu-Ray and it's makes re watching an episode that much more enjoyable. I hate that they don't show the show in HD. Above of course is the Rolling Stone cover for this month and I of course had to buy it. It's begging to be read  for my plane ride to Florida on Monday. The link to the rolling Stone site has a bunch of black and whites from the photo shoot. Pretty sweet. Below is my favorite, Mad Men with a MacBook.

The Struggle

So I started this blog in hopes of communicating some ideas and putting forth opinions and experiences I deemed worthy of sharing. Sadly ever since I came up with the idea I have been intensely busy with work, weddings, friends and errands. I don't know that more of my time could be accounted for. What's most disappointing is that I assumed posting blogs would be so fluid and enjoyable but it has been anything but. Despite the fact I feel like I can communicate a story, a struggle, or experience, having enough time to edit myself stands to be my biggest obstacle. By the time I get ready to blog about a current event or article the events luster has passed or surprisingly I spend so much time condensing my wordy text. One of the reasons I enjoy Twitter so much is that you must communicate with 140 characters. It's perfect for me and it can be a fun challenge to say so much within those perameters. My mind thinks over itself when blogging while trying to simultaneously edit punctuation tense and flow. So I am embracing this challenge and now am changing my strategy. I plan to write shorter posts and concentrate on current events based more on personal goings on as opposed to editorials. I have more posts that I ever thought dedicated to...stuff. Fillers that satisfy posting. I leave for Florida or a National Sales Meeting with my company on Monday and I have been told by my co workers that I will be engulfed with seminars workshops and a scheduled whirlwind of activity. I hope I have sometime to myself to crank some better quality posts more worthy than fillers. Let' see...

Fake Jerry and Fake Wade

Fake Jerry and Wade
My favorite time of year is football season and my favorite radio station has started one of its best weekly staples. A fake Jerry Jones and a fake Wade Philips share in post game reflective conversation that almost always equals a great laugh. Another something to look forward to this time of year!

Violence brings us closer

Nothing is better than football season. It represents a set aside day or days (depending on how hardcore you are) of the week on Sunday, Saturday or Monday Night where friends make "plans" on a regular basis to enjoy sport. My wonderful wife has adopted the NFL ritual of Sundays being cleared for football and it may be the longest time that we sit on the couch together and enjoy TV without the dispute of what to watch or being torturing each other through disgruntled sys of boredom. She isn't a movie watcher, or a sports fan in general but she is a football fan. A football fan so much so in my heart of hearts I am convinced our family's recent purchase of a 55" LED Samsung purchase spear headed by my wife secretly was made with football in mind. This time a year in general is special because of football. So many people are fans of the fellowship more than the game. Women (it seems few these days) look forward to cooking and hosting others and their appetites despite quite possibly having zero interest or any knowledge of who's even playing the games. It's the perfect sport for everything. I'm convinced that if the Romans had pay per view or TV for that matter the collesium  would have been packed and the city would have stopped to enjoy our natural  human lust for combat in a Friday Night lights fashion. Today football has become an interactive sport with fantasy leagues online that allow you ample time to prepare and ample time to enjoy without nightly games like MLB NBA and NHL. Football's Sunday and Monday night staple games clear a reserved day of the week where with only 16 games in a season and a "win or go home" playoff you are guaranteed a teams best effort. The same goes for college football. And oh how I am so envious of my buddies who have direct affiliation and loyalties to their alma maters. If there is ONE single regret in my life it is not going off to a school. I went to UTA which is a part of the UT system so I am a Longhorn fan but it will never be the same as attending school in Austin, Lubbock, College Station or anywhere else for that matter. So much of our love for football is our loyalty at all levels from pee wee to pro to both our teams and human nature to root for combat. The Friday Nights or the pee wee Saturday mornings are all centered around an event that is the once a week contest where you look forward to either rooting for your team or enjoying a  guaranteed once a week get together that promises more camaraderie that any board game night would provide. So here's to football and seeing friends more often, here's to the all American spirit of competition and rivalry, and here's to the only event that still brings families and friends to gather around the television in our fast paced world of multitasking. Fellowship is alive in football.

Success and Leadership

 Steps to be a Leader
At my Leadership Academy this year one of our speakers suggested what was needed to be successful in life and in the work place. He said to "become a seeker of resources and then become a resource for others." I believe that advice is applicable to all parts of our life and the first step to becoming a leader. Check out the link under the picture and see what Simon Sinek has to say about leadership. Just started following him on twitter (http://twitter.com/simonsinek) and found several articles of his on Askmen.com. Enjoy the resource.
(You know I had use this picture because of the orange arrow)

It's a Hard Knock Life...Remembering all your kids names

Watch as he tries to name them all: Cromartie plays name that baby
Antonio Cromartie defensive player for the New York Jets should be relieved if he can only list interceptions as things he has caught in the past 5 years. Thanks to HBO's Hard Kocks:Training Camp series the world was made aware that Mr. Cromartie has assisted in bringing 8 kids into this world under the age of five! Three kids are 3 years old! And I not talking Jon and Kate plus Eight fertility drugs here, with that special someone. Although he is married he has six baby mamas! In Kid Cudi fashion he's got "99 problems and they're all women". Here's the roster: Cromartie has eight kids under the age of five. He attempts to name them all, and I attempt to jot it all down and do my best with spelling: Alonzo, 5; Keris, 3; Myjunia, 3; "my daughter who just turned three", 3; Tyler 3; London, 10 months; Lelani, 2; and, finally, Jersey, who looks to be a newborn.  So sad.

Because I Love Ads

Out There Ads

Some of my current favorites are on YouTube to check out anytime. Check out the Swagger Wagon series Toyota minivan clips and the greatness of the Old Spice ads.

Your prettier than I am

Beer Goggles
No wonder guys are so prone to buying drinks for women.Turns out one of my favorite and most hilarious movies 'Knocked Up' may have been on to something.

Phoenix and the Beard

Watch Trailer
Remember the uncomfortable Letterman interview? Remember the rap? Don't know if this movie will really make sense of any of that but this trailert looks damn interesting. Something about the wild Hussein beard that draws one in

Project PASSION at work and live by the 4 P's

10 Ways to show you mean business
I had a professor Ms. Angela Boston in college who said something very profound when addressing us new graduates expectations regarding salary and which career choices to make in life. She said "Pursue your Purpose with Passion, and receive the Payoff". The 4 P's. Your passion for whatever your doing will provide the fuel and intangibles needed to succeed and in turn you will compensated accordingly. Put yourself in a position to be your best, Check out the link for tips to show your boss and your firm you mean business. I really respect people who follow there passions like actors and musicians who risk it all to achieve their dream. I recently heard the story of an actor who after high school he left the Midwest in his Toyota Tercel to live with his aunt and uncle until he could chip in enough to get an apartment in L.A. to share with 3 other strangers. Now, Jon Hamm Mad Men star, is up for Emmy's for his role as Don Draper on Mad Men and his appearances on 30 Rock as well as  his role in the new movie 'The Town'. He made it to the PAYOFF. The rest of just have to decide if we have faith to believe in the 4 P's.
Note: I love using the corporate looking photo that spells HR EEOC diversity in the workplace all covered in one photo. Cracks me up

Black and White is better

Alfa Romeo
I don't know what's better the pics or the car but it doesn't have the same effect without the black and white touch. I would love to dabble in photography one day. I enjoy the simplicity of objects and accesories not so much people. This series would make a great photo book

Sexy Luxury!

Jaguar concept
So I know black people love Jaguars and I have never been that guy but this is dope. Beats the hell out of the Wrigley's minivan

Slowed me down (Edited)

The picture above best represents the picture stained into the back of my mind since last weekend when
I helped my aunt move into an assisted living home. I have a feeling this may come across as corny or minimal but since I can't shake it I'll share it. There was an elderly couple resting together on a bench in the hallway.The man considerably in much better shape than his counterpart  seemed to be putting on his best patient face. Standing from time to time the way one does if concerned about getting stiff joints, and becoming more and more restless with each passing moment. The woman he was with was not in as good of health and seemed to enjoy this pause considerably more. She set on the small bench with relief in her eyes as the bench and the cane she gripped both absorbed her fatigue. She was in no hurry to get up anytime soon and you could tell while the gentlemen remained almost antsy while waiting patiently to get wherever they were headed. After a small while the woman took a large breath, the way you do when you dread the inevitable, which was in this case the momentous task of peeling herself off of that beloved bench. With careful consideration and patience for his elderly counterpart the gentlemen assisted his partner after what I believed to be a stirring pep talk down the hall and to the elevator at the pace she set. This was not an easy task for her because by visual account it seemed 40% of her weight was invested in the canes assistance, another 40% in her exhausted legs and the last 20% invested in the gentlemen's frail strength. And that was the last I saw of them but it got me thinking how selfless the two of them were, particularly the gentlemen. We as more capable, independent and less selfless people so often in relationships seek agendas that earn sex,shopping trips, future permission for activities etc. Sometimes consciously and sometimes not. Most likely because of where the two of them are in their lives these two emotionally and physically leaned on each other in such a platonic and organic selfless way you could feel it. They not only needed each other but what stood out most to me was the gentlemen took pride in being there for his counterpart with the promise of nothing in return. What I'll never know is if this couple had been married for 50+ years or simply friends. But I like to think that after years of spending time together and fighting through life's distractions they have come to a point where all they have is each others whole hearted affection for being there for one another in whatever capacity they could muster. Slowed me down.

Travel, the last ditch effort for the captivity of attention

Manning the road down I-30 early in the morning consuming mounds caffeine from a Venti black Starbucks coffee hoping it will be he perfect supplement to the 4 hours of sleep I had got the night before. On a road trip to little Rock, Arkansas to move my aunt who is suffering from early stages of Alzheimer's back to DFW to a better quality assisted living home. IN route, I spent more quality time enjoying my family than I have since moving out years ago. We shared meaningful conversations, laughed and most importantly solved at least 4 major social issues three quarters of the way to our destination. On our trip we exchanged ideas and asked questions of each other traditionally we wouldn't bother asking  but for only the reason of being too busy, shying away from confrontation or whatever excuse one musters not get delve deep into conversation. The road trip we took revealed perspectives and generational gaps and concerns that we as individuals have never made time to discuss and it was great. This to me is one of the greatest benefits of travel, the undivided attention a passenger van or cockpit atmosphere offers that is so difficult to achieve in a multitasking world of TV, internet, chores, and agendas.


Which brings me to the greatness of travel. the captivity of minimal distractions that bring focus, energy and efficiency to projects. Be it plane, train or automobile I see travel as a resource to connect with projects, pople and most importantly yourself without having the current of life to swim against we seem to swim much easier .Have you ever noticed how much work you can get done on a plane? Or how in the back of a car you can knock out a chapter of a book or crossword puzzle a bit faster than you can even in a serene setting at home? I swear if they could recreate an airplane cockpit in high rises across the nation we all would be significantly more productive.I envy the train commuter in the east who gets unabridged time twice daily to pour themselves into there laptops, the morning news or even their iPod. We rarely are put in situations where distractions are so limited we can do nothing but focus on the singular effort of accomplishing one task, and if your like me it's so special when you get to focus like that.  We often times miss out on relationships to foster the juggling of more lesser relationships. For instance, have you ever had Facebbok interrupt a solid conversation with someone else to just to appease a the passive communication of a facebook reply or message? My point is that we have fallen victim to focusing on the number of tasks completed in a day as opposed to the quality at which they were accomplished. Let's not treat relationships the same way. Put yourself in a position from time to time to infuse quality into your week or month. It may take disconnecting to make a quality connection to what matters be it projects or people. I'm glad I was able to do that to connect with my family last weekend.  

Embracing what stinks?

'We boast the faults we are unwilling to correct.' -Francois de La Rochefoucauld 


This to me is a powerful quote because it operates at the core of who we are. This was the 'quote of the day' one  day on askmen.com . We only reveal so much of ourselves to friends, family and spouses reserving certain flaws and faults in us to known only by us with hope of improvement.These are the faults about ourselves we long to improve, a "secret project" if you will. But it's funny how often we reveal flaws in what appears to be a shameless fashion. Have we given up on these faults of ours and have decided to wear them as a badge due to lack of self control or lack of conviction? You could be guilty of embracing being judgmental, vain, greedy etc. Regardless despite willing to reveal the flaws we are unwillingly to accountable for these imperfections which we all have. I believe accountability is the best treatment to tend to weeds in the lawn of your life. The question we have to ask ourselves is how much do you mind weeds?

9 Ways To Go From Nobody to Somebody

Link: 9 Ways To Go From Nobody to Somebody
Somewhat simplistic in its nature the liat of ways to go about becoming the man has some descent tips for getting noticed in the office or in social circles. A bit more elaborate than Tony Montana's philosphy.

New School sites given the Old School treatment

Link: Old School Social Networking
I found a new random site the other night and one of the things I found was this really cool set of ads done in an old school motif for current web sites. I'm a huge fan of ads and even more of "old school ads" circa the 50's and 60's which is why I jumped all over Mad Men when it came out. I just thought this was really cool. Enjoy

A Hot Tub Time Machine to Idiocracy

In Finland they recently held the Sauna World Championships where men competed to see who could withstand the hottest of temperatures at fatal levels. In fact this year there was a fatality! No surprise since these guys were toughing out temperatures around 230 degrees Fahrenheit! If you've never seen the movie Idiocracy the premise of the movie is that we as a society with each passing year become dumber and more easily entertained by less to the point where, well The Sauna World Championships make the news. Yes this is coming from the guy who put up the "diamonds surrounded by poo" link but in my defense the only thing left bruised were my ribs from laughing the first time I heard the quote. Ah, I can see the "Ouch my balls" debut in our future sooner than it should be. Enjoy!
Sauna Article  Sauna Video

Audio Emmit as you've never heard him before

Congrats to Emmitt Smith who was inducted into the football Hall of Fame this past weekend. A true Dallas Cowboy legend Emmitt gave a heartfelt speech of gratitude and celebration of others. Most would say his most savvy time behind a microphone considering his ESPN stint and some other audio gems such as my favorite here >Diamonds & Poo Poo. Regardless it was a great induction speech so if you didn't here any parts of it feel free to give it a look and listen >Induction Speech


*P.S this post was an excuse to post my favorite  1310 TheTicket drop and the gold anklet in the post picture

Phil Jackson and Kobe make the best movie of the year (NO Spoilers here)

The movie Inception has it all, action, dialogue, a believable and underrated love story you care about, and so much depth at certain points you feel like you may drown in the meaty plot and strategy that never allows your brain take a breather. What's special about the film is each of the features mentioned above are in my opinion masterfully measured into the perfect movie. I will say that it is extremely cerebral but I enjoyed the challenge of keeping up with the strategy and pace of the movie. Not to mention the best part which is the mental hangover the movie leaves you with in its final scene. Even today I've thought of other possible scenarios regarding the movies ending. . Christopher Nolan the director to which I imply the Phil Jackson reference (The Zen Master) is genius while DiCaprio (Kobe Bryant) has to be not only at the top of his game but looking down stories above his peers clearly in his prime just like the NBA Champion athlete he goes to see, DiCaprio is an actor we will talk about for decades. After Nolan brought his talents of dialog and story line to the last two Batman films he's definitely out done himself with Inception.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt from 3rd Rock from the Sun and 500 Days of summer (which I do recommend renting) definitely holds his own in the film as a very likable and savvy character. I have quickly become a fan of his low key and complimenting wit and am looking forward to his future projects. Especially if it's in Nolan's next movie as the Riddler...Batman 3? Inception is a must see but only if you are willing to devote your time to the film free of distractions. Not only will you not be disappointed but you'll be anxious to discuss your take. If you've seen the movie check out the sites here Costume and Full discussion that discusses scenarios and theories regarding the movies end. Enjoy

Abs not included

I forget which marketing campaign endorses "love the skin your in" but its a great tag line and  brings to mind a grand new purchase I made this weekend at the local Sports Authority.  I purchased the above pictured Under Armor O Series Boxerjock for $20 after a buddy turned me on to them about a week ago (Dont look too much into that). Since the purchase I deem them THE BEST pair of "draws" I have ever spent an evening in. You never get too hot,  there super flexible and the leave you like feeling you could run the hurdles or hold your own in a pick up game in whatever your wearing be it a suit or some jeans. Most importantly it keeps "things" (clears throat) in place. These are a must have this time of year and I'm most definitely headed back to get more. These would be a great unsuspecting gift for a friend or family member and you not worry about  receiving kudos for the brave purchase. I'm thinking if I had this campaign I might push a jingle from the "My Buddy" dolls from the 80's but instead "My Undies" and show dudes clearing obstacles and participating in outdoor activities in suits. We'll see one day I guess.  Anyway, you can find the underwear at most sports retailers but be warned, despite the numerous benefits of these underwear by testimony of my wife, abs are not included. 

The Tip that kept on Tipping

Last night my wife and I went for a late dinner to Texas Roadhouse. She recently started a mushroom kick and I'm a big fan of their Fort Worth Rib-eye and a single tall Shiner Bock draft so it sounded like a winner. The only thing different this meal from other meals we have has at Texas Roadhouse was our waiter. A quick talking, hovering, north eastern mannered 20 something who didn't appear to be aware of his top heavy habits. It started with the order of our drinks when he preceded to lean over the top of us and  lean  on his elbows and propping up his head too close within our personal space. At first it was comical until the salad and entrées came and he continued to pear over the both of us as if the table was a glass bottom boat as if he was fighting for the best view.There were several instances I was tempted to shove my steak in his mouth or offer him a big sloppy kiss! In particular there was an instance where he asked my wife Allyson if she wanted some more to drink while he simultaneously laser beamed through the bottom of the glass while standing over it as if he was kid looking for the prize in the bottom of a cereal box. Now traditionally my wife and I are not confrontational people and we let most things go.But this guy's north eastern charm had worn on me by the time he laid out the check HALF WAY through  my steak and beer combo consumption time.When  finished consuming and feeling both well fed and inspired I paid the bill and wrote at the bottom  "PLEASE do not lean over or hover over the table and the food". Mind you I still tipped 15% which is low for me since I tip 20% almost always( in an effort to chip at the "blacks don't tip" stereotype). After finding out was I was up to my wife pleaded with me to scratch over the "additional" tip I had left but I felt this was a "teachable moment" (so often used now). He could either call me an asshole under his breath, OR take the tip to heart and work on it. I may have made the guy 5% more at every table he touched from here on out! No thank you was necessary. Well... he could have thanked me in person as he basically read it in front of me as he so RUDELY picked up the tab while we were finishing dinner. But ya know what? That jackwaggon deserved to be embarrassed if he was because I wasn't. I wasn't holding up his shift, it was still early and he broke so many waiter rules if that one burned him then well he earned it, bullying me through dinner with his fast paced Philadelphia (most known for being rude) charm. So as I finished my beer clearly aware that he was aware of my critique I really did wonder how he would take the suggestion. I also wondered what we would ever do if we had him as our waiter again...I've seen Clerks II, DAMN!

Should you put Pseudo before your title or job description?

Link: Do you have the Imposter Syndrome?
I wonder as young professionals how many of us have felt we would be exposed as "The Pretender" instead of the "ambitious" asset we hope they see us as. Just be ready to step your game up. Take a read

Marcus & the Malaysian Australian

No, the title above is not the name of a new sitcom, or the title of a scandal  I'm trying to keep under the radar and out of the newspapers. The title references a foreign colleague of mine who came to work with me in Dallas this past Wednesday . After a 26 hour flight from AustralIa I was surprised to find out Heath (pictured above) a territory sales manager, a Malaysian born Australian was first and foremost a Texan! . After visiting Texas for the first time last fall, Heath fell in love with the Lone Star State. From maps and magazines, to flags and license plates, Heath was sure to let me know his heart and his home in Australia belongs in Texas. I have never witnessed such a refreshing current perspective of the American dream, patriotism, and the hope of what our nation offers as an alternative. This guy Heath, listens to country music radio and Texas local WBAP by internet just to feel like he is apart of Texas. During the day he rattled off facts like the state bird, flower, governor, our STATE SONG! I didn't even know the title! So after a full day of discussing our regional differences concerning how we go to market in retail outlets for the same company but on different continents and after a very "Texan" lunch at Love and War in Grapevine, I would like to award Heath "Honorary Texan" citizenship. I want thank him for reminding of the greatness that is democracy and the privilege to  pursue success through perseverance and hard work that we take for granted. As Heath put it, its the uniqueness of an "imperfect system that is still the best in the world" is what makes America still the place to be. We as natural born citizens view America as just a place we live when so many others view it as a place where their dreams live. Heath is trying to live that dream and he just applied for a job with company here. Now if I could only get Heath to embrace my Dallas Mavericks instead of those shady San Antonio Spurs!