For the record, I do not believe in the caging of any living being for entertainment purposes.

For most of my life, I have always had to defend my process of doing things.  I’m a person who thrives in doing things my way and has never set out to do things just like everyone else.  Fortunately for me, I never bought into not doing something just because no one else was doing it.  I find this is a great way to continually challenge myself to become better at any and everything I do.

I say that to say…don’t get side tracked by focusing on the WHAT of an action.

The real power is found in the WHY of an action.  So many situations in life could or would be avoided if you were to begin to seek out the true intent of actions instead of merely focusing on the content.

Although this perspective may not always be the easiest to grasp, it has the greatest potential of being the most worthwhile.

If you can stlil udnesrtnad waht you are raednig rgiht now, deos is tkae aawy from the msesgae taht one shuold seacrh for intnet oevr contnet in actoins?

The perfect invention for all of us who burn the midnight oil trying to get out our dreams. 

I’m not saying I know everything about fashion…but I do know this isn’t it!

This video proves my previous point perfectly…THE MEDIA IS NOT BASED ON REALITY!  

Now I do give props to the creators of the video.  I really dig how they made a clearly “don’t try this at home” video look so amateurish.

Now for all the “Little Johnnys” who actually think that by putting on a pair of sneakers by Kobe Bryant will some how allow them to leap over a car speeding towards them…uhmm…I’m sure the entire medical profession will be leaping with joy by your decision!

I had the recent honor of speaking on a panel at North Carolina Central University to discuss W.E.B DuBois’ “The Talented Tenth” theory.  One of the topics covered was the negative influence of the media and artists of today.

After further reflection, I think it’s my responsibility to offer a solution to this matter.  Especially since I’ve been in a position to create many images which are now in the market place for the last 12 years.

Please understand this…the media and art is not based on reality.  It has not, and will not, EVER be based on reality.  It’s based on very creative people coming up with very creative methods to sell either an idea or a product.  And no matter how creative, by default the creativity is limited by the person who comes up with it.

I think a solution is to never believe anything, no matter where you read it, saw it or heard it, unless it agrees with your own common sense.  This way you’ll have complete ownership of how the influence will affect you.  And I’m confident that most people won’t choose the negative ones…right?

I’m not sure of the exact date of this ad, but I’m sure it’s before Hip Hop.  So for all those who keep saying that my beloveth Hip Hop is responsible for the misogynistic views of today…think again my friend!

Although I wasn’t there, I’m confident this ad refelcts the mindset of an INDIVIDUAL who wanted to connect with the general population.  Nothing more than that!  Now ask yourself, did this ad work and more importantly, why?

If you don’t like the ideals being presented, simply put yourself in a position to change them.

Wow, I never knew that Cola could boost ones personality! 

I wonder if this was done by the surviving spouse to express her infinite love?  Or was this done by some freaky bastard who just wanted an adoring naked woman over him forever ever…ever…ever?!

In any case, I do know it’s the best looking tombstone that I’ve ever seen!

…but there is such a thing of consquences to not so good ones!

Don’t waste an opportunity by asking a question that’s not well thought out because you might not be given a second chance to ask it.

Make your next question your best question!

I think the best way to fail is in the act of trying.  It’s the journey where the lessons are learned, not the destination.

I want to direct this message to all those who desire to make a living doing it their own way. First let me say that I’m all for being in a category of one. All those who know me will agree that I have no problem with the spotlight being on me. When you’re attempting to do it your own way, I believe it’s your responsibility to stand out from the crowd. If not, how else would you get noticed?

However, don’t get too caught up in being so unique that you no longer have a use. It’s equally and/or more YOUR responsibility to present yourself in a manner which you can be used.

This three-dimensional face scanner will be used to register individual details of passengers at airports.  It represents the latest technology available from Siemens.

Now if they could only do something where I wouldn’t have to take off my shoes!

When you approach a situation with a flexible mindset, it will…uhmm…I can’t front.  I really don’t have anything thought provoking to say about this picture.  When I saw it, I simply thought…now that’s the kind of flexiblity in life that’s sure to make a good wife!

 

I guess the boundaries of product placement  has no bounds.  You can now find scantily dressed mannequins standing in suggestive poses in the mens’ and ladies’ bathrooms at Portugal’s Eight Avenue mall.

Now I’m all for innovation, but I’m more into creating positive thought associations.  This point of sales location is…uhmm…not so good to me.  I’m sure I wouldn’t be thinking is that the new 08 Spring line in that situation.  However, I do commend whoever thought of the idea and had the confidence to sell it.

Esthetically…I dig it!

…a dog will hump anything!  I guess this one of those times when a hole with some heat will do.

There are times when things won’t turn out quite like you originally planned.  I believe if you face it as it is, stay true to the moment, it will greatly increase your chances to learn from it.

I’ve often use the example, “if someone can sell a Pet Rock, you can sell anything,” when speaking to budding entrepreneurs. Well, someone has proven my point!

Think about those focus group sessions!  Who did they determine would want to give Pee & Poo as a gift?  And what does the person think of whom they’re giving Pee & Poo as a gift  Imagine them saying, “Uhmm…I saw this Pee & Poo and thought of you.”

What fascinates me the most about this product is trying to figure out the inspiration.  Did the thought come when changing a diaper or right before a flush?  Maybe it was while walking a dog or attempting to put a positive spin on cleaning bed pans at a hospital.  Either way, I commend them for taking their thought from concept to completion.

Now for all those who continue to doubt themselves, just always remember what someone did with Pee & Poo!!!

 

I just found this too funny not to share.  It’s just so well thought out and executed.  And judging by the look on that guy’s face in the back…PRICELESS!

So, do you think it was money well spent?

As much as I often over think things, it’s the simplicity of this design which makes it so effective.

(I edited that sentence four times)

Do you think this ad was to get people to STOP or START drinking?

Source: Gnarls Barkley
Album: St. Elsewhere
Song: Who Cares?

You see, everybody is somebody
But nobody wants to be themselves
and if I ever wanted to understand me
I’ll have to talk to someone else
Cause every little bit helps
And I can go on and on and on…but who cares?

I’ve learned the best advice is given when the person asks what you’re attempting to do BEFORE they give it. It has never made sense to me when someone would just give advice without first inquiring about your wants. That makes about as much sense as someone giving you directions without them knowing where you’re heading.

 

This article is a classic example of how people should always question the information presented to them, regardless of the source.

ALLEGAN, MI – Is fifth-grader Kenton Stufflebeam smarter than the Smithsonian?

The 11-year-old boy, who lives in Allegan but attends Alamo Elementary School near Kalamazoo, went with his family during winter break to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington.

Since it opened in 1981, millions of people have paraded past the museum’s Tower of Time, a display involving prehistoric time.  Not one visitor had reported anything amiss with the exhibit until Kenton noticed that a notation, in bold lettering, identified the Precambrian as an era.

Kenton knew that was wrong.  His fifth-grade teacher, John Chapman, had nearly made the same mistake in a classroom earth-science lesson before catching himself.

“I knew Mr. Chapman wouldn’t tell all these students” bad information, the boy told the Kalamazoo Gazette for a story published Wednesday. (more…)

I’ve been known to take things a little too literally myself, so this article appeals to me on some level.

BELGRADE, Serbia – A Serb farmer used a grinding machine to cut in half his farm tools and machines to comply with a court ruling that he must share all his property with his ex-wife, local media reported on Thursday.

Branko Zivkov, 76, told Belgrade daily Kurir he had been ready to give his wife Vukadinka her equal share of everything earned during their 45-year marriage, but was furious at being asked to give away half his farming equipment.

Instead, he bought a grinder and cut in two all his tools, including large items such as cattle scales, a harrow and a sowing machine.

“I still haven’t decided how to split the cow,” he told the newspaper.  “She should just say what she wants — the part with the horns or the part with the tail.”

I recently heard someone say (not sure if it was on TV or not) that a person starts thinking about leaving their relationship at the half way point of the total length of the relationship.  That would mean this farmer could’ve been looking at his wife like she was recurring cold sore, on the outside upper lip, on prom night for 22 1/2 years!

With this being true, do you think this is why the “I want half” rule is generally applied?

This is a great example of how business should be done!

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Jay-Z is close to reaching a $150 million deal with Live Nation Inc., that will give the concert promoter a stake in virtually every aspect of the rapper and entrepreneur’s career, according to news reports.

The contract covers Jay-Z’s music and music-related businesses for the next 10 years, the New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported on their Web sites late Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the agreement.

As part of the arrangement, Jay-Z would get a $25 million upfront payment, plus advance payments of $10 million per album for a minimum of three albums and $25 million toward concert tours.  The company would also pay $20 million in exchange for publishing, licensing and other rights.

Live Nation was also expected to commit $50 million to finance Jay-Z’s investments and his entertainment venture, to be called Roc Nation, which is expected to include his own record label, music publishing, talent consulting and managing projects.

“I’ve turned into the Rolling Stones of hip-hop,” Jay-Z told the Times.

Like I told you before Jay, you inspire me!

DESTINY’S HEART

This piece was done about three years ago.  I wanted to create an artistic expression that represented how my heart is torn due to sacrifices made while reaching towards my destiny.  Unfortunatley there is no way around it.  It’s just a part of the journey that one has to learn how to endure.  

Although those who seek greatness suffer greatly…know that the greater the difficulty, the greater the joy is in conquering it.

In the constant pursuit of obtaining your destiny, you’ll find that the line between persistence and harassment becomes extremely blurred.

“I never would have started JetBlue unless I had the experience of starting another airline and I guarantee that I never would have started JetBlue at J.F.K. airport if I had listened to the experts, who said that you can’t put a low-fare, customer-centric airline in New York.  But I knew we could do it, and I had a wealth of experience behind me that I trusted to make JetBlue a reality.” – David Neeleman, JetBlue founder

I think this is dead on and most entrepreneurs can relate to having a so called expert tell them that their dream won’t work. Never listen to the naysayer!

 

The concept for this page came to me during a career day presentation at a middle school in New Jersey.  In the mist of the Q & A session, I found myself fascinated with the motivational posters above the chalk boards.  They actually motivated me to create my own version of what could be in every class or locker room in the world.  >>> (more…)

First let me say that I fully understand the “lovey duvey” meaning of Alicia Keys’ song “Like You’ll Never See Me Again” and my intentions are merely to offer some constructive criticism.

With that said, that title/concept never made sense to me.  I think the way most people decide how to treat someone is based soley on if they’re going to see them again.  I think a more powerful title/concept  would’ve been “Like You Want To See Me Again.”  Personally, I give much better kisses when I want to see someone again.  If I don’t, I have no problem with kissing them like they’re a burn victim.  It might not be the most politically correct thing to say, but it’s honest.

Lin Chi Yi-Sen founded one of the most influential schools of Buddhism after the Sixth Patriarch Hui Neng. For centuries his followers were the leading Ch’an (Zen) Buddhist masters of China.  In the twelfth century, his teachings spread to Japan and formed the Rinzai School of Buddhism.

Lin Chi rejected the religions conventions of Buddhism and the philosophical and scholarly approach to Buddhism teachings.  In his approach, Lin Chi stressed spontaneity, absolute freedom and emptiness:

“Many students come to see me from all over the place.  Many of them are not free from their entanglement with objective things. I treat them right on the spot.  If their trouble is due to grasping hands, I strike there. If their trouble is a loose mouth, I strike them there.  If their trouble is hidden behind their eyes, it is there I strike.  So far I have not found anyone who can set himself free.  This is because they have all been caught up in the useless ways of the old masters.  As for me, I do not have one only method which I give to everyone, but I relieve whatever the trouble is and set men free.”

“Friends, I tell you this: there is no Buddha, no spiritual path to follow, no training and no realization.  What are you so feverishly running after? Putting a head on top of your own head, you blind idiots!  Your head is right where it should be.  The trouble lies in your not believing in yourselves enough.  Because you don’t believe in yourselves, you are knocked here and there by all the conditions in which you find yourselves. Being enslaved and turned around by objective situations, you have no freedom whatever, you are not masters of yourselves.  Stop turning to the outside and don’t be attached to my words either.  Just cease clinging to the past and hankering after the future.  This will be better than ten years’ pilgrimage.”

This is in response to Hillary Clinton claim of “misspeaking” regarding her trip to Bosnia.  I’ve come to realize there is confusion on the difference between misspeaking versus making stuff up.

Misspeaking is calling your wife by your mistress’ name.  Making stuff up is telling your wife that you didn’t have sexual relations with her.

Get the difference?

This is a well written (and long) article by Jessica Seid, a staff writer at CNNMoney.com, that I often share with my start-up clients.  I relate to most of the tips as it pertains to my entrepreneur journey, especially tip #9.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Starting a business from scratch is the ultimate gamble, so before you throw in all of your chips, take some advice from a former airline executive who built a small business out of helping others build theirs.  Some 464,000 people on average start new businesses each month, according to the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurial Activity.  But according to the Small Business Administration, only two-thirds of new businesses last at least two years, and 44 percent survive for at least four years.  So for those who have already gone down the entrepreneurial road or are just thinking about it, Neil Anderson, president of The Courage Group, a services firm for entrepreneurs, offers these tips for avoiding the start up graveyard. (more…)

What I like the most about the world of art is that it’s all subjective. I’m really fascinated on how two people can look at the same thing and see something totally different.

I did this piece with the intent to have the viewer tell me what they see…so tell me, what do you see?

I think this is a great example of the power of perspective and why it’s important to make the necessary efforts to see things as they truly are.  This really applies in regards to dealing with the media. We are constantly being hammered with the extremely limited perspectives of others. (more…)

Some of my most doubtful moments are when I strive for excellence because I know mediocrity is only needed.

This was one of the early concepts for “Thank You And You’re Welcome.” Kanye and I first wanted to include some illustrations to emphasize some of our theories.  In hindsight, I’m glad we didn’t because it made us focus on using words that would have the most impact…especially since we didn’t want to write that much! (more…)

I just can’t help it… (more…)

Unfortunately I don’t know the name of the artist. (more…)