Gil Rogers.com Blog

My 9,000th Tweet

2011-06-24T08:42:00.000-04:00

To me, the 9,000th tweet is a milestone that signals two things:

I tweet too much
I'm just getting started

We are all in the midst of the book that is our lives ... each day a new page ... each opportunity a new chapter. Twitter gives us the opportunity to share excerpts of our work in progress.

Over the last few days between tweet 8,999 and now I have done more listening. I've always tried to listen but always find myself "talking" at the same time.

“To listen well, is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well, and is as essential to all true conversation” - Chinese Proverb

So ... as I venture on to tweet 10,000 and beyond; I thank those followers on twitter that have stayed with me through the periods of silly television play-by-play, foursquare updates, and the #GilReview (although I feel like a lot of people LIKED #GilReview). Stay tuned for tweets and re-tweets of value, substance, and of course still having fun.

The Resurgence of NMFL

2011-05-27T11:22:00.000-04:00

With great thanks and praise to Joshua Ware, I am proud to say that No More Fathers Lost has a new found fire to fulfill our mission:

It is the mission of No More Fathers Lost to provide communities with the opportunity to support each other in efforts that move towards a world where no families ever have to hear the words "I have cancer" from their father figure again.
No More Fathers Lost exists to:

Raise funds to support cancer research and patient care.
Support community-based events that raise awareness of the affects of cancer.
Provide opportunities for volunteers to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families.

We started NMFL in 2008 when my father passed away the week of our wedding. He was Co-Best Man with my cousin Jamie. After a couple years of losing traction we have found new steam and will continue to host events in Dad's memory.

We have a newly updated website at www.nomorefatherslost.org thanks to Zack Rosen.
We have a new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NoMoreFathersLost (Like it!)
We have a new Twitter account at http://twitter.com/NMFathersLost (Follow it!)

Our Golf Outing on July 16 is coming together nicely ... and our Bowl-a-Thon (That's right ... it's back!) is set for November 12 ... Click here to check out events page!

Thank you all for your support!!!

Mission Accomplished

2011-05-02T21:54:00.002-04:00

With my team having achieved and exceeded it's goal at UNH, it is time for me to make my transition to Zinch. I get a couple days off this week to rest and reflect, a happy hour with friends on Friday, and an early Saturday AM flight to San Fran.

Future ... Here I come!

Passing the reigns

2011-04-21T16:30:00.000-04:00

Earlier this month I announced, fittingly, via social media that I was leaving the University of New Haven for an opportunity with Zinch.com. This will be an excellent chance for me to expand my experience not only in marketing, but also in the field of higher education and enrollment management by connecting and working with a large network of schools with a diverse background of strengths, weaknesses, priorities, and needs.

A few days ago I tweeted about transition, and how a person is not only measured by their achievements but how they handle transition. My biggest failure would be to leave UNH in a position where they would not be able to continue my responsibilities outside of people management without me. That is why I am happy to introduce you to my successors:

Tommy Sapienza - (found on twitter @tsapi1) will take over the work I was doing in regards to receiving data from online recruitment partners, as well as developing communications with prospective students with the Hobsons EMT Connect CRM. If I were to stay, I would be calling him the "Coordinator of Enrollment Technology". In addition to Twitter he can also be found on LinkedIn here.

Elizabeth Stolow - (found on twitter @lstolo) will take over managing our relationships with most of our online recruitment partners with regard to maintaining our presence on sites like Zinch, College Prowler, Cappex, and others. If I were to stay, I would be calling her the "Coordinator of Online Marketing and Outreach". In addition to Twitter she can also be found on LinkedIn here (although she has yet to approve my connection request :-P)

Zack Rosen - (found on twitter @zrosen88) will take over managing social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), online chats, and virtual events (CollegeWeekLive and Virtual Open Houses). If I were to stay, I would be calling him the "Coordinator of Interactive Online Outreach". In addition to Twitter he can also be found on LinkedIn here.

These three folks are smart, dynamic, and will do an amazing job. While I am leaving UNH on May 6 I am confident that we will continue to see the university be recognized as a leader in online outreach and recruitment.

I'm Poking the Box

2011-04-05T22:22:00.002-04:00

A couple weeks ago I read a book that literally changed my perspective on my life and my career. Poke the Box by Seth Godin is a book that rattles your cage to it's core. It makes you think twice about sitting by and letting opportunity pass you for someone else. It encourages you to start something and more importantly finish it ... It asks you the question, "When was the last time you did something for the first time?"

Poking the box means not fearing the unknown ... and more importantly not fearing failure ... not making the mistake of not starting. Think about it ... you can't finish what you don't start!

With that said, I have an announcement today. Beginning May 6, 2011 I will be leaving the University of New Haven for a new and exciting opportunity with Zinch.com as it's new Director of Marketing and Outreach. At Zinch I will have the opportunity to work with an amazing cast of characters that I know has the knowledge, skills, and drive to truly change the game in college admissions. At Zinch we will help students connect with colleges, scholarships, internships, and careers like no one before and will truly "Poke the Box" when it comes to the system of higher education enrollment.

I would like to thank my amazing staff at UNH for a great run. I am confident that we will be able to achieve our enrollment targets for this year, and look forward to continuing to work with you in my new capacity at Zinch to ensure your success and the future success of students who look to connect with the school.

I would like to also thank Zinch for this amazing opportunity. From day 1 you have been an amazing partner in changing the way we did things at UNH, and are a big part of why I have found the personal success that I have. I just hope that I can live up to the hype and deliver!

I'm back on the blog

2011-01-15T11:47:00.000-05:00

So it's been a while since I blogged regularly. To be honest, one of the main reasons I blogged regularly before was because I knew that my dad was an avid follower of it. When he passed away, I didn't really feel the need to do it anymore.

Now that it's been two years, I'm going to try again ... This time the focus of my blog will be what I have always been told a blog should be ... for me.

Welcome back, followers :-)

My 1:30 AM Wake up call (Rocky Hill to Logan to Bradley to Rocky Hill)

2010-06-13T10:22:00.000-04:00

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Pretty cool except it's only possible because it's not true wilderness like Northern Tier

2010-02-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

Aerial Reel - "Philmont" - Ascent Imagery from Brent Murray, Ascent Imagery on Vimeo.

Congratulations Penguins!!!

2009-06-12T22:40:00.002-04:00

Just a reminder ... I called it in 2005 ... 4 years later.

Cleveland Ohio Trip

2009-05-03T21:29:00.002-04:00

My week of Safari

2009-02-15T10:31:00.002-05:00

Today I decided to only use Safari as my web browser. Since I use it on the Mac all the time, I figured I would try to use the one I downloaded for my PC exclusively to see how I like it.

To be honest, I never really understand why people on website reviews get paid to do this ... It's not like every web browser has THAT many differences. Let me know what I should be looking for.

No more reasons to not switch to GMail

2009-01-28T14:06:00.002-05:00

The complete post can be found here.

Hilarious

2009-01-27T12:15:00.001-05:00

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Hi Johanna and Travis

2009-01-25T15:25:00.001-05:00

How are you guys?

A wonderful social commentary on today's internet generation

2009-01-15T14:06:00.000-05:00

I'm on Twitter

2009-01-10T19:31:00.000-05:00

So I've been using Twitter for UNH for a little while now .... Posting updates about events and stuff. I started to notice that some personal life connections started to creep into my professional tweets ... so I decided to create my own .

Follow me if you care!

Windows 7 is coming out in Beta

2009-01-08T23:02:00.000-05:00

Dar: windows 7 is coming out in beta

Me: yay!

Dar: I know

Me: another series of funny Apple commercials are on the way!!!!!!

Congratulations UConn Football

2009-01-03T19:18:00.001-05:00

2009 International Bowl Champions

My New Year's Resolution

2009-01-03T19:01:00.000-05:00

OK ... So after thinking long and hard, I decided that my new year's resolution is to communicate better. I used to be really good at communicating with people in my personal/volunteer life. For some reason this past year, I sortof let that slide a little. Now part of that may have been the wedding ... or losses of loved ones ... or being over-worked ... But there are no excuses. My friends deserve better from me.

To anyone that I have not replied to an e-mail or voicemail or IM or Facebook wall post this past year ... I am sorry. You deserve, and will get better out of me.

Does that mean that I will once again try to post daily to this blog? No. I found that many times I would post just for the sake of posting ... and the posts had no meaning at all. This time around, I will post weekly ... My thoughts about what is going on in my life and/or in the real world. The best advice I have ever been given about blogging is to "blog for yourself and no one else" ... so that is what I am going to do.

So to my family, friends ... My new years resolution is to be better to you.

Help get more funding for Cancer research

2008-11-17T11:28:00.000-05:00

What if I told you that you have an opportunity to make a significant impact on cancer research today? You do! Right now, the United States Congress is considering an economic stimulus package and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is working to ensure that within that package, $1.9 billion is allocated to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the federal agency that oversees cancer and other medical research.

That’s where we need your help! Please email your Members of Congress, and urge them to include $1.9 billion for NIH in an economic stimulus package.

Over the past 5 years, funding for cancer research is down nearly 14 percent. A $1.9 billion increase for NIH would provide a much-needed increase for life-saving research to help detect cancer at the earliest stages and more effectively treat this dreaded disease.

Let your Members of Congress know that increased funding for NIH is a win-win situation, for cancer survivors, patients and caregivers all across the country.

Take action now. This down payment on the future of cancer research is essential to maintaining the progress that has been made in the fight. Make your voice heard today!

Yes we can

2008-11-05T12:07:00.001-05:00

Congratulations Obama

2008-11-04T23:34:00.000-05:00

Now what will we talk about all day?!?!??!

Yesterday

2008-10-28T06:16:00.000-04:00

So yesterday I FINALLY got around to bringing Dad's clothes to the Goodwill. Some people told me I should have taken some of his stuff (particularly belts, khaki's, and button up shirts that did not fit me) to a consignment shop to try to get some cash for them, rather than just dropping them off at the Goodwill store.

It wasn't a real secret that my father had some problems with alcohol. One thing he never really told anyone except me was that there was a point in his life where he had to take advantage of community programs to help get back on his feet. One of those programs was utilizing a very small amount of money to buy new clothes so he could get employed. I am positive he went somewhere like a Goodwill store to find his new clothes.

Dropping off those clothes at the Goodwill is my way of making sure Dad gave back to where he came from. Who knows? Maybe there will be another father having similar struggles that goes to the Goodwill and buys a pair of Dad's pants and shirt for a job interview. If the items were in a consignment shop, they probably would have cost more, and taken more out of his budget ... My coupon/savings happy father would not have had it any other way.

The Man

2008-10-17T00:18:00.001-04:00

Wednesday through Sunday

2008-10-14T22:50:00.001-04:00

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Congratulations Katie and Matt Bradley

2008-10-12T21:21:00.000-04:00

Today Heather and I had the chance to celebrate the marriage of Katie and Matt. Congratulations to you both!!!

Today was a very tough time. When the family met with the pastor before my dad's memorial service, she talked about how hard not only letting go would be ... but also how hard all of the "firsts" would be ... the first Christmas ... the first New Years ... the first birthday celebration ... and of course, the first wedding.

Although this wedding wasn't the "first" wedding (of course ... our wedding was the first) ... Katie and Matt's was the first family wedding that we had without dad. I was OK until I got home ... then it was tough.

I post this blog with tears in my eyes, as I don't mourn the loss of my father ... but I mourn what he is missing. He gave us everything he had until the very end. It is what he will not get to be a part of in his physical being that I mourn. I know he will always be there in spirit ... but the fact that his physical being will not be there is what makes me mourn.

Don't Vote

2008-10-08T21:51:00.001-04:00

Monday's Odyssey

2008-09-28T21:14:00.001-04:00

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I'm so good

2008-09-27T13:53:00.000-04:00

So yeah ... I cleaned the apartment before Heather got home ... go me :-)

For Sale

2008-09-26T23:19:00.000-04:00

So my sister and I have the tough task of going through all of my Dad's belongings to figure out what we want to keep ... who should get things, etc.

For items no one in the family particularly wants to have, and some belongings that Dad collected like Beatles items and stuff, Katy and I have put the items on Amazon.com . The proceeds from the sale will go towards a house fund for Heather and I, and a savings account for my nephew Luke.

Click here to check out the items to see if there is anything you want. Bookmark it, as items will be added and added until it's all gone.

Disk 2

2008-09-26T19:53:00.000-04:00

The power of a compliment

2008-09-23T13:57:00.001-04:00

On my way to the parking garage this morning, I observed one of Hartford's "Business Improvement" personal hard at work. His shirt said "Cleaning District", which I assumed meant he was one of the guys that I normally see in the mornings sweeping up the cigarette butts and buffalo wing bones every morning from the night before. Honestly, the cleaning guys do a really good job around our building. There is A LOT that goes on, and for them to do what they do, the way they do it, every day is amazing.

While walking past him, he gave me the "good morning" nod. I said good morning, and then I stopped. I turned to him and said, "You know what ... I see you guys out here cleaning all the time. And I think you guys do a great job." There was a pause ... and then he said "Thank you very much". I saw a smile on his face, and as I started to walk away I heard him continue "That really means a lot".

A friend of mine once told me that everyone is an artist in what they do. Not necessarily in the traditional sense of an artist that draws, paints or sculpts ... but an artist in the sense that they put their passion and love and commitment into what they do. It can be a painter ... an architect ... a newspaper writer ... or a cleaning guy in Hartford. Having passion and love for what you do helps take that task from simply a task, to a thing of pride.

Be an artist ...

My Netflix for the week

2008-09-22T22:15:00.000-04:00

Long driving Monday

2008-09-21T22:39:00.001-04:00

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Ouch

2008-09-21T15:38:00.001-04:00

What a bad day to be a Pats fan :-(

My Travel Day tomorrow

2008-09-16T22:33:00.001-04:00

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What a Day ...

2008-09-14T21:48:00.000-04:00

The Sox Win
The Rays Lose
The Patriots win despite not having Tom Brady and playing Brett Quatro at his home debut
The Broncos win because the football gods gave them two ridiculous calls that should NOT have gone their way.

What a day ... :-)

Wedding Photos & Videos Page

2008-09-11T21:41:00.000-04:00

We have posted wedding photos and videos on the wedding website at www.gilrogers.com/wedding ... CHECK THEM OUT!!!

Please note that our wedding was 100% run by Google on the web side of things ... We used Google Page Creator for the site, embedded links to Google Maps, embedded a YouTube video of our first kiss, and shared the photos on Picasa Web Albums ... And even used Google Docs to manage our spreadsheet of the guest list ... Yeah, I'm a dork.

My Recent Silence

2008-09-10T19:31:00.001-04:00

Hey Everyone,

I apologize for my recent silence. I have to say that recent events have shifted my priorities. I will still post from time to time, but only when I have something meaningful to say ... I refuse to post just for the sake of posting.

Meanwhile, I have started a work-specific blog at www.newhaven.edu/blog ... It will blossom to include bloggers from all over the campus, including current students, faculty, staff, and students who are currently studying abroad. Check it out, and be sure to tell our students what you think!

~Gil

Tonight!!!

2008-09-05T11:19:00.000-04:00

Tonight on CBS, NBC, and ABC; television history will be made in an unprecidented show of support for Cancer research and care. Here is the Info:

STAND UP TO CANCER
... over 50 of the most renowned personalities in TV, film, sports and music will come together to make history. In an unprecedented television event, NBC, ABC, and CBS will simultaneously devote 1 hour of commercial-free prime time to raise funds for the fight against cancer.
A spectacular line up of talent including Jennifer Aniston, James Taylor, Scarlett Johansson, Meryl Streep, David Cook, Christina Applegate, Lance Armstrong, Jack Black, Kirsten Dunst, Charles Barkley, America Ferrera, Halle Berry, Hilary Swank, Forrest Whitaker, Jimmy Fallon, Keanu Reeves * will make personal appearances on the show. These celebrities and more will educate you, move you and entertain you. They will also be on hand to answer your calls in the celebrity phone bank.

ONE NIGHT ONE STAGE
The premiere TV performance of “Just Stand Up” – the star studded charitable single in support of Stand Up To Cancer will be performed by legendary recording artists Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood.

For more information, visit www.standup2cancer.org ... TUNE IN TONIGHT AT 8 PM EST!!!

Is it possible?

2008-09-02T22:58:00.000-04:00

I am watching Joe Lieberman at the RNC right now ... there are a lot of people cheering him on with every word he speaks. I didn't think that many people could be wrong at once.

Separate Checks

2008-09-02T10:56:00.001-04:00

Are you really undecided? Still???

2008-09-01T16:51:00.000-04:00

After all of the primaries and conventions, can you really still honestly tell me you still don't know who you want to vote for in the November election? Honestly ... Make up your mind already. What more do you need to know? Democrat or Republican ... it doesn't matter. Figure out where you stand, and decide who you are going to vote for.

That is all ... Happy Labor Day.

The Kiss

2008-08-30T14:14:00.000-04:00

I know you have all been waiting ... so here it is. Thanks to Johanna and Travis, the "You may kiss your bride" moment from Heather and I's wedding on August 22. Enjoy!!!

To Dad

2008-08-29T23:07:00.001-04:00

I would like to take a second and share one of my favorite quotes from Booker T. Washington with you. The quote goes “Success is not measured in the heights one attains but in the obstacles one over comes in its attainment”.

To me, this quote is a symbol of many of the lessons we can learn from my father. No matter how far down my dad ever got, he always picked himself up and found a way to be successful.

Dad always went on and on about how proud he was of his experience going through the management training program at McDonald’s. He told me “it doesn’t matter what McDonald’s you go in to … it will all be the same quality because of the strict standards the corporation has. You don’t get that at an Arby’s or a Burger King because they don’t have the same commitment to standards as McDonald’s” … I remember one time I stumped him when I said “I guess that’s why coffee is terrible at every single McDonald’s, right?” … He didn’t like that much.

Dad got a lot of out his McDonald’s experience … and I’m not just talking about his desire to find a McDonald’s on every continent he traveled to. I’m talking about his commitment to excellence in everything that he did. We all know that Dad worked … a lot. He was looked upon as an expert in his field, even referred to as “the foundation” of everything they do at his most recent job. But even when Dad was busy with work, he always found time for me and Katy, bringing us to baseball games, water parks, movies … some stranger than others, and countless other fun times. Dad had his times of challenges, but he overcame them and became a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather to my nephew Luke.

My grandfather, Gil Sr. used to always joke that my cousin and I are so crafty and smart and fun because it “skips a generation”, crediting himself for how we turned out. I hope that grandpa was right. If I have a son, I hope that he turns out to be half the man my father was … caring, thoughtful, articulate, and resourceful … but most of all, filled with life and love.

Dad will truly be missed by all of us, but it is important to remember that he will always be with us. Any time I go to a baseball game, I will remember the numerous times he pulled me out of middle school to go see the Rockies play. Any time I eat a McDonald’s breakfast sandwich I will remember the story he told me about how he used to break the yolks of the eggs for the Egg McMuffins. And every time I see a friend, family member or colleague, I will remember my dad’s commitment to excellence in everything that he did as a friend, father, and employee … and do my best to make him proud.

I love you, Dad.

Services tomorrow

2008-08-28T12:20:00.000-04:00

Gilbert Russell Rogers Jr.
ROGERS, Gilbert Russell Jr. Gilbert Russell Rogers, Jr. passed away peacefully on August 18, 2008, at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford. Born December 21, 1952 in Biloxi, MS. Gil is survived by his devoted wife Debbie, daughter Katy, husband Chris Vereneau, grandson Luke, son Gil III, wife Heather, brothers Steve, wife Sue, Pete, wife Anabel, sisters Cathy, husband Jared, Christy, husband Javier, along with a cherished extended family and many loving friends. Gil had a love for life and enjoyed traveling, music, and most of all spending time with his family. Gil graduated from W. Wilson High School in 1970 and from Southern Connecticut State University in 1976. Most recently, Gil was the Finance Director at Tony March Automotive Group in Hartford. Family and friends will gather for a celebration of life on August 29, 2008 at Wapping Community Church located on 1790 Ellington Road in South Windsor at 5 p.m. with fellowship to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, supporting programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Gifts can be made online at www.rmhc.com.

I did it today ...

2008-08-26T11:05:00.000-04:00

I had no choice but to mark more than 1,000 items in my Google Feed Reader as "read" without actually having read them. I just fell so far behind in reading articles from Seth's Blog, Twenty-five, Icethetics, FirstRead, among others. I had no choice.

Rest assured that my "shared items' are still in tact here ... So you can check out what I in fact have read and shared. I will do better ... I promise.

Welcome back to campus

2008-08-25T22:03:00.000-04:00

I would like to take a moment to welcome all college students back to their respective college campus this week. It is the start of another great semester!

Just an FYI, I heard on the radio today that this Friday is "wear your college color day" ... so wear your school colors proudly!!!!!

No More Fathers Lost

2008-08-24T21:49:00.000-04:00

Join me in the fight against cancer. Through the American Cancer Society, I have created a page to help raise $10,000 in the fight against this devastating disease. You can visit my "No More Fathers Lost" page by clicking this link.

I have lost my grandfather and my father because of the effects of cancer, and am committed to fighting it until we have found a cure. I will work until the day when no one has to hear the words "You have cancer" ever again.

Help me reach my goal ... visit the "No More Fathers Lost" page today!!!

A Week of Mixed Emotions

2008-08-24T20:58:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and thoughts over this past week. They have been high and low of course with the loss of my father on Monday and our wedding on Friday. I just wanted to pass a note to those who expressed their sympathy to my family for the loss, and their praise for the time of celebration on the wedding.

THANKS!

Wedding Day

2008-08-21T23:59:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is the wedding day ... On a day of mixed emotions, we will celebrate life.

Love you.

All Things Must Pass

2008-08-20T10:10:00.001-04:00

My Commitments

2008-08-19T21:40:00.000-04:00

From time to time an individual must evaluate or re-evaluate the obligations and commitments that they have undertaken. To me, that time came over this past summer with the execution of the OA's ArrowCorps5 initiative. At the conclusion of the program I decided that I would take a step back from deep commitments to the OA program. Part of this was motivated by my pure exhaustion and "burn out" associated with 3 years of planning the program, as well as heavy involvement in local lodge event programs. Another motivating factor was of course my upcoming wedding and the desire to ensure I spend time with my new wife.

This past weekend, my father passed away after complications associated with bleeding in his brain. His body has been battered and bruised from two long fights with cancer. His battle with the brain issues was very fast and from what the doctors said peaceful. After a long couple days surrounded by my family I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my commitments. It is with these considerations that I must inform you all that I have decided that for the time being I must take a step back from my Scouting commitments indefinately. I feel that it is time to give the passion and commitment that I have given to the Order of the Arrow, and the Boy Scouts of America to another organization ... the American Cancer Society. My commitment of services to the American Cancer Society is my way of continuing my commitment to a lifetime of cheerful service to others, and helping other people at all times. I feel very strongly that it is the two bouts with cancer that took my father away, and I will put the same passion that I have given to the OA/BSA to the American Cancer Society in my father's memory.

Goodbye, Dad

2008-08-19T12:48:00.001-04:00

December 21, 1952 - August 18, 2008

Left to right:
Gil Rogers, Sr. (1/17/1931 - 4/1/2006), Gil Rogers, Jr. (12/21/1952 - 8/18/2008), and Gil Rogers, III

Let it Be

2008-08-17T21:09:00.000-04:00

~~~

When I find myself in times of trouble

Mother Mary comes to me

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

And in my hour of darkness

She is standing right in front of me

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be

Let it be, let it be.

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people

Living in the world agree,

There will be an answer, let it be.

For though they may be parted there is

Still a chance that they will see

There will be an answer, let it be.

Let it be, let it be

Let it be, let it be.

Yeah there will be an answer, let it be.

Let it be, let it be

Let it be, let it be.

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be

Let it be, let it be.

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the night is cloudy,

There is still a light that shines on me,

Shine on till tomorrow, let it be.

I wake up to the sound of music

Mother Mary comes to me

Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Let it be, let it be

Let it be, let it be.

A there will be an answer, let it be.

Let it be, let it be

Let it be, let it be.

A there will be an answer, let it be.

Let it be, let it be

Let it be, let it be,

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

Boundary Waters Honeymoon

2008-08-15T15:48:00.000-04:00

I am back to posting ... Check it out:

The Value of Customer Service

2008-08-04T23:05:00.000-04:00

So today, Heather and I went to the Mall of America. I must say that the place is HUGE!

We saw the world's largest underground aquarium ... We saw a huge lego display (where the Millienium Falcon kit costs $500!!!). We ate dinner at (where else) Hooters, lunch at Bubba Gumps, and spent some money on some of our loved ones.

The greatest story of the day however, comes from the random custom embroidery guy. You know ... the guy that makes custom embroidered hats at the little kiosk in the middle of the mall.

Well ... our guy sucked. We had a vision for what we wanted. A hat and a visor with canoe paddles and something commemorating our honeymoon in the boundary waters. Needless to say the guy was less than helpful. Could it have been a language barrier? Possibly. But he seemed more than able to help out the kid before us. I chalk it up to lack of motiviation. If this was HIS business, he probably would have been more apt to help us customize exactly what we were looking for.

Alas, we were foced to go to LIDS ... a chain hat store that also offers custom embroidery. Not only were the two guys there able to get us what we wanted ... but they were also NICE. Why shop at the local/little guy, if the big guy is nicer, faster, and more able to meet your needs. This is the challenge to the little guy. Add value, be flexible, and most of all ... be nice.

See the finished product below ... yeah we are dorks:

I made this

2008-08-03T21:49:00.001-04:00

Hartford Airport

2008-08-03T16:35:00.000-04:00

OK, so I will have a post about the BMC3000 wedding later, but I wanted to let you know that the Hartford airport lost points today with their blocking of YouTube and Picasa Web Albums ... For shame.

Cutino Wedding Weekend

2008-08-02T11:40:00.000-04:00

I am in New York for the Cutino/North wedding. From here I will be heading to Minnesota for the pre-wedding honeymoon in Minnesota.

I would like to drop a quick not to wish Brian and Jess the best of luck today, and for the rest of your lives together!

Seth Godin Speaks at Google

2008-07-29T23:23:00.000-04:00

This video got me started on Seth Godin.

Jury Duty

2008-07-28T18:11:00.001-04:00

So I got my first ever notice for jury duty today. Shucks, I thought it would be a lot cooler.

5 Lessons to Learn from Batman

2008-07-26T21:00:00.000-04:00

So today I went with Terrence to see The Dark Night ... the new Batman movie. I saw Batman Begins and I was quite impressed, and I must say that the sequel lived up to the hype for me.

There are many lessons we can learn from Batman in these two new incarnations of a legendary comic book hero. I have picked 5 for you to think about:

1) Be humble. In both movies, Commissioner Gordan says "thank you" to Batman. In both films, Batman replies with "you don't have to thank me." In the first film he even said "and you will never have to." Batman's refusal to be thanked for what he perceives as his duty is an inspiration. How refreshing it would be if everyone just worked out of pride of a job well done. I'm not asking you to fight crime ... but next time you do your job, think about if you are doing it because you WANT to do it, or because you HAVE to do it. If it is the latter ... find a way to make it the former.

2) Serve Others. As we all know, Batman fights crime. He doesn't do it for fun. He doesn't even get paid. He does it because he believes that the people of Gotman City can be saved from the criminals that have overrun the city for far too long. He fights crime because he puts the needs of the citizens of Gotham above himself.

3) Stick to your morals. No matter how far the Joker pushed him, Batman never killed him. That is what the Joker wanted. Batman believes that criminals needs to stand for their crimes, and he stuck with that through the very end. Yeah it is a pain in the ass for the bad guys to keep coming back. But remember ... you either die a hero, or live long enough to become the villain.

4) Never perform magic tricks. It's just mean. (If you don't know what I am talking about ... see the movie).

5) Don't be so serious. No, I don't mean if you are too serious you will end up like the Joker. I mean that you need to have some fun. If the things you are doing stop being fun, take a step back and re-evaluate it. Take a break if you have to.

Well ... Those are my 5 Lessons from Batman. I invite your feedback.

Google Earth is Cool

2008-07-25T21:54:00.000-04:00

OK, So I was playing in Google Earth today and decided to fly to different stadiums. First I flew to Fenway Park in Boston ... then to Coors Field in Denver. Both times I was pleasantly surprised with the 3D modeling of both stadiums.

So out of curiosity I searched for Hartford. I figured that there was going to be nothing, as I am used to Hartford being a hole where everything closes early and is ignored by Google. Of course I had forgotten about how Google Streetview finally included Connecticut.

Well, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was the XL center drawn in 3D, but the Hartford 21, other buildings downtown, and the capital building (shown here) were also drawn in 3D. Hartford still stinks ... but GO GOOGLE!

Winter Classic

2008-07-25T13:39:00.000-04:00

After my post yesterday, it is only fitting that I get to be VERY pleased with the unveiling of the logo for the NHL Winter Classic in Chicago. I am a huge fan of the winter classic, because fans get to watch hockey the way it was meant to be played ... in the blistering cold outdoors. If I could, I would buy a ticket, hop on a plane (or car, or train, or bus) and go to the game in Chicago this winter. It will truly be a game to remember.

I miss hockey

2008-07-24T22:25:00.000-04:00

So today I started reading some news on NHL.com, and realized how much I miss hockey. I think it was because of my dream to go see the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010, and watch the men's hockey gold medal game (which will only cost $350 per ticket!).

Oh well ... the tickets go on sale in October ... who's in?

My Dunkin Donuts Card Number

2008-07-23T12:51:00.000-04:00

So Heather got me a Dunkin Donuts card for my birthday. I figured I would put the number out there for anyone that wants to recharge it out of the kindness of their heart. Anyone who knows me knows that I consume a lot of coffee.

To recharge the card, simply go to the Dunkin Donuts website.

The card number is:
6032175709421677

The PIN/ID Number is:
03459227

Have a great day!

TWENTY-FIVE

2008-07-23T09:54:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who posts on my wall, gives me a call, and all around gets in touch with me on my day of turning "almost thirty". It is appreciated.

I love it when a plan comes together

2008-07-22T21:43:00.000-04:00

Isn't it great when you work to get things done the way you want them ... to improve on past performance ... to make things better than they were last year?

That was a great idea ... if we had a grill for tomorrow.

Thanks BMC.

Grocery Shopping

2008-07-21T22:14:00.000-04:00

It's sad when I am thirlled to spend less than $100 on groceries ...

Getting by with a little help from your friends ... in their absence

2008-07-19T22:53:00.000-04:00

Tonight I hung out with my fiance and my friend from Rhode Island, who happens to be the fiance of one of my groomsmen. Let's just say there was A LOT of wedding talk ... and girl talk ... and talk about weddings, and girl stuff ...

Anyway ... I just wanted to post a blog to all of my male friends that are scattered all over the country. Tonight I made a drink for you. Johanna drank it ... but it was made in your honor.

We missed you tonight guys ... But we will be sure to meet again.

I can't believe

2008-07-18T08:06:00.000-04:00

I can't believe what I get paid to do a good portion of my day ... social media is taking over my life.

The Haircut

2008-07-17T13:53:00.000-04:00

One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked about his bill and the barber replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop.

When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The cop is happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door. Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful'.

Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop. The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut. And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the members of our Congress.

Sorry for the last couple days

2008-07-15T22:31:00.000-04:00

I have to apologize for further failing the goal of a daily post to this blog. The explanation is simple ... I have been tired after long days of work, and have put spending time with my fiance above posting to my blog ... Forgive me.

A funny story happened yesterday though. It was proven to me how small this world is by the sheer fact that while driving home from work, a random glance at a driver next to me proved an unwritten bond of brotherhood. I cannot share much, but what I will say is ... there are SOME hand gestures that you can give while driving that can really make an impact in a positive way, and really show a connection you have with someone regardless of any prior interactions.

Yesterday's random encounter on the highway (which I have only called a few people about) proved to me how small this world really is.

Today

2008-07-12T22:55:00.001-04:00

I really like my job.

That is all ...

Ebilling

2008-07-11T16:16:00.000-04:00

If everyone chose e-billing, how much would rates go down because the banks wouldn't have to pay for postage?

My Partnership with ESPN

2008-07-09T15:25:00.002-04:00

I am proud to announce my recent partnership with ESPN to bring you an ESPN blog! I was told recently that I post too much about sports ... I honestly thought I posted too much about Google and Boy Scouts ... but whatever ;-). I guess this is my way to make sure there is always sports content on my blog.

Thank you to the good folks at ESPN for making this widget available. If you would like to put the ESPN poll on your blog or website, all you have to do is click the "Add this" button and follow the instructions.

Happy polling!

My Room Under Construction

2008-07-08T20:52:00.000-04:00

Join me in Lively ... an online community. My room is still under construction. Want to help?

Your Secret Life Online

2008-07-07T20:16:00.000-04:00

Do you have a secret life online?

Is there an AIM screename you only use with select people? Do you have your privacy settings set to the maximum on Facebook and/or MySpace? Do you have a YouTube account that you have posted but have never shared with anyone?

Recently I was pleasantly surprised to find a YouTube page of a friend of mine that was quite interesting. It showcased a secret talent that was quite good. In fact, one of her videos was viewed over 8,000 times!

This got me thinking ... there are millions of people who post on blogs, YouTube pages, etc ... How many of them are my friends that are just doing it for fun and not sharing with anyone else? Out of respect to my friends privacy I will not post the address to her videos here ... but on the off chance that she reads this post ... Your videos are very, very good.

Sigh ...

2008-07-06T20:11:00.000-04:00

That's all I've got today.

The future of advertising?

2008-07-05T09:22:00.000-04:00

This may be a little far fetched ... but could this be the future of advertising? When will businesses start following around Google's Steetview cars in hopes of getting exposure? Was this inadvertent, or is it already happening?

Curious ...

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T13:43:00.000-04:00

Spend a minute today to think about our men and women in uniform that are serving in the U.S. Military ... not just in Iraq, but all over the world. And if you are lucky enough to meet one of those people today ... Thank them.

My Reflections on AC5

2008-07-03T16:15:00.000-04:00

At long last, I am taking the time to put on to paper (or my blog at least) my thoughts on my recent participation in the ArrowCorps5 project at Washington & Jefferson National Forests on Virginia.

For me, AC5 has been almost 3 years in the making. I was asked by a good friend to take on a role I had no clue what I would be doing exactly. Come to find out, that was the position a lot of people were in until last summer. This happens when you are in an organization that is used to having things a certain way, and they are doing something that is completely new with a new partner (the US Forest Service).

A month before AC5 I was asked to help solidify the training program for the staff members that would be ensuring safety of participants as a part of the Conservation USA program. Along with this came the orientation of participants when they arrive to camp. This proved to be a very challenging task. Working with a close friend in Scouting, we both learned the value of teamwork and communication ... and the value of a John Deere Gator :-)

After a stressful weekend, I had the opportunity to work with the Strike Team ... a group of experienced trail builders that were charged with performing the most difficult trail building tasks throughout the week. This was a great opportunity for me to do what I have come to love in Scouting ... service.

The one thing that is not tainted for me in Scouting in some way is the opportunity to go out and do hard manual labor. This is why I love the OA High Adventure programs so much. My former OA Wilderness Voyage Forman said to me on the way to the base my first summer on staff "The OA Voyage and Trail Crew are the pinnacle of Scouting and the Order's core. They are not infested with politics, and the people who care only about what they can get themselves. They are service ... and its purist and truest." ... To me, that is also what ArrowCorps5 was intended to be.

After my week of service with 6 of what are now some of my best friends in the OA, I am proud to say that we accomplished a lot. Someone said to me "We built a lot of trails to nowhere". My response is the same as Darrell's (my director on site) ... "We have built trails that begin to take people somewhere".

Thank you all.

Be Careful What You Say ... People are Reading

2008-07-02T20:33:00.003-04:00

So this week I received two very surprising e-mails.

The first was an e-mail from a gentleman who found my website looking for a long lost friend (my grandfather) ... Very interesting. I never thought my website would really amount to anything other than a vanity site.

The second e-mail was from an individual I singled out in a past blog post that wanted to reply. Out of respect to this individual I will not cite the post or the person ... but needless to say it was found during a Google search.

These two e-mails have made me really think more about how useful a website I own can be ... and how much power the voice of one can be ... I can do better ... and I will.

P.S. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post about my final thoughts about AC5!!!

R U Ready?

2008-07-01T19:50:00.000-04:00

AC5 Week in Review

2008-06-30T20:50:00.001-04:00

I am still formulating in my mind the best way to blog about ArrowCorps5 ... Until then, here is the week in review video:

AC5 Photos

2008-06-29T13:57:00.001-04:00

I hate to do multiple posts in a day ... but here are some photos from the trip.

More AC5 to come ...

2008-06-29T10:05:00.002-04:00

I will be posting a very thoughtful reply ... but I figured everyone would like to see my ugly mug in the news:

Check it out

Congratulations Boston!

2008-06-18T06:32:00.004-04:00

2008 NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONS

I'm Going to ArrowCorps5

2008-06-17T22:35:00.002-04:00

Well ... the time has come ... It is time for ArrowCorps5!

If you haven't heard, I will be heading down to Goshen, VA for a week and a half to be part of the largest volunteer service project since before World War II. Me and about 600 of my closest friends will be building new trails and installing trail markers along 43 miles of new and existing trail in George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.

This project is the culmination of about 3 years of preparation and communication ... and it should definitely be a blast!!!

I cannot guarantee that I will be able to post during the upcoming week and a half ... but if I do not, I will have a very meaningful post (and probably a YouTube Video) about the trip ... and don't worry, I still have a meaningful post about last weekend's Section Conclave as well.

If I don't post ... I will see you June 29th!!!

A Way to Waste State Money

2008-06-16T22:07:00.002-04:00

This is a shame ... Let the city rot. It's not worth trying to help people that don't want to help themselves.

Forgive my negativity ... but do you remember this post?

Mavelous Mark Twain

2008-06-15T14:54:00.001-04:00

Farewell NE-1B

2008-06-13T19:15:00.001-04:00

I will be able to post a more meaningful post on Sunday ... but as an FYI to everyone out there ... I am currently on Cape Cod for my last NE-1B Conclave (boy scout thing).

Enjoy your weekend. I will try to post throughout ... but no promises.

Reason #742 to Hate Hartford

2008-06-12T22:08:00.002-04:00

1 iPod Nano

1 digital camera

2 pairs of feux diamond earrings

Taken because you go to work and don't lock your door while your fiance is still home. She either a) stays in bed or b) is in the shower, and all of these items disappear ... Either way I am happy she is OK, but pissed that someone would just walk in and take them.

Hartford sucks ... Moving to Middletown, Rocky Hill, Cromwell ... whatever.

No one move here ... Let it rot.

Go Green

2008-06-12T11:02:00.000-04:00

Use Google Transit if it is in your area.

Workplace Dynamics

2008-06-11T21:33:00.003-04:00

Anyone who knows me already knows that I am all about giving people their fair shake ... working with the cards that are dealt to get the job done. I am fortunate enough in my professional life to be surrounded by a group of smart, creative, and patient people that make my job (for the most part) fun.

Today was a little different though. Today I felt ... less welcome.

I don't know if it is because the high stress level our small group was under was what was bringing us together, and now that the stress level is lower that bond is a little weaker ... Or maybe the recent changes in hierarchy have something to do with it ... or possibly the addition of new members into the fold ...

I guess change is a part of everything. People change jobs. People are hired, fired, promoted, transferred, or quit. Whatever it is ... today was different.

Google has come to Connecticut!

2008-06-10T19:47:00.003-04:00

Well I am happy to report that my post last week about Google hating Connecticut has been dis-proven. I read on Google Blogoscoped today about Google expanding street view imagery. The article notes:

Google announced they about doubled the scope of their Google Maps Street View imagery, bringing it to many new locations including Springfield, Atlanta, Knoxville, Reno and others.

I figured this meant "everywhere but Connecticut" ... but I figured I would check it out anyway. Much to my surprise ... I found this image when I zoomed in.

You can even see my apartment building!

THANK YOU GOOGLE!!!

Tweet Tweet

2008-06-09T21:47:00.001-04:00

I have been quiet lately ... I am sorry.

I will do better.

Hiking in Maine

2008-06-07T21:45:00.002-04:00

So I got back from an almost 8 mile hike with my future Father-in-Law. Check out the video from the the top:

Also be sure to check out the web album.

P.S. Sorry about not having a post yesterday. To be honest, after the drive to Maine from New Haven, posting just didn't happen.

A Sad Morning

2008-06-05T07:20:00.001-04:00

When it was 2-0, I couldn't watch ... and then to wake up the next morning to see that the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in a 3-2 thriller in game 6.

Stupid Detroit.