Do we really need to know everything?

Recently I ran across CNN's "Showbiz Tonight". A debate ensued on the leaking of Prince Harry's service in Afghanistan. One the one side, there was the feeling that the "secret" had been kept as to where he was located and it was inappropriate to have his location exposed. On the other hand was investigative reporter, Jane Valez Michell who authored the book "Secret can be Murder". Her stance was that it was the British Military Forces fault for keeping the fact a secret because it can become "toxic". In her view he should have been sent over there, but put in a place where he could not do much harm. She further contended that now that the News agencies had agreed to keep the secret, many terrorist may target journalist as "spies".

It caused me to wonder, since when do I need to know everything about everybody who gains a bit of fame, notority, or wealth. The young man did not opt out of service, followed the call and went into battle with his comrades. He is building resume' for a future leader, if nothing else. But he was sold out by a reporter who appearantly cared nothing for his safety. And that's my beef. In this world , we seem to forget that there are somethings better left unsaid. We are so eagar to "keep it real" that we lost a sense of curtiousness and caring. Had it been "put out there" that Harry was in Afghanistan, he and his unit would have been a huge target. Even if he was just shuffling papers, his file cabinet and those around him could have been a target. Let's get real, He was doing his duty. End of story. Do we know what the other soldiers backgrounds are, should we make them public, should we then broadcast there location.? the answer is in my opinion is no. Individuals are fullfilling their duties with their lives.

We are becoming a society that wants to put it all out there. However, there are consequences for every action. Do we really need to know every time that someone slips at the mall, falls while getting a latte, or has a run in with the parking police? The answer again is no. My mother used to tell me "There are some things better left unsaid". She gets wiser the more mature I become.

Does the Airport Count?

As I have been traveling around the country, a debate has arisen as to whether airports count has having visited the city. I have always stated that it does count, with some restrictions. They are as follows:

1) If you have been in the Airport longer than an hour and a half

2) If you have been on the tarmat and breathed the air

3) If you have spent significant time with law enforcement ( see #1)

I continue to find those who don't agree and state that it does not count. I then modified my statement so that if you have met the above requirements you would have to state the following.

"I have been to _____________ but have not had the full experience."

Experience being defined as having a taste of the environment, food, culture etc. Full experience would then include an extended time. ( At least by my definition.) Even with this many still will not agree. Thus I submit the photo of what is stated in the Houston Airport. Notice what it says.

Let the debate continue.

The Obama Factor

I have wrestled about writing this post as politics is an interest of mine but often is not the interest of those around me. Therefore, silence is often golden. However, most recently, I have been brought into several conversations about politics. With the continuing movement which is Obama, more and more of the average americans weigh in on the issue of politics. It used to be said that Politics is only really important to 1% of the population. However, with the most recent elections, it appears that we in america are waking up to the fact that every vote does count. I call this the Obama Factor.

Let's face it, Presidential Candidates are job hunting and interviewing for about 12-18 months or longer. It is the job candidate that produces a kind of energy. The candidate that shows a sense of confidence and yet a bit of humility, it is the one who captures the imagination which is usually the one who is hired. Obviously, they have the skill and talent but the interview sets them apart. In HR you have a second interview to see if your gut is correct and then work out the details. Does this sound familiar? It should because that is exactly the purpose of the primaries. It is an interview for each party.

It has been said that Obama is not a good candidate because he has achieve a status like a rock star. Yet, that's the point. He has captured the imagination of everyday americans. He's greatest statement is the "what if". He challenges everyone to look at the politics and say "what if" which is far different from "here we go again". I'm not saying that he's on target with all policies however, he is making individuals look at the issues again and ask questions and come to there own conclusions and that is what politics is supposed to be.

Yes there is a question of experience, however, only a previous president can truly say they have "experience" with the position. The rest is up for debate. Can Obama deliver? Can anyone? He has said that there will need to be compromises. But out of all the candidates, he is the one that seems to want to bridge some gaps, which may start with the American people apathy for the political game.

The primaries are the first interview, the National elections are the second and final interview. Finally, we have a pool of candidates that we can say, "What if" not "here we go again." This is going to be an interesting fall season for sure.

Just a little lighter

It has come to my attention that my blog has been very "heavy" and that I need to lighten up a bit. I guess I have a habit of finding the "heavy" issue in the everyday. So with this in mind, I share about the Vegas experience. The city of Las Vegas is quite a feat of human imagination. Set admist the mountains and desert springs a bustling enterprise. Yes, there is money a flowing there. I have been told it is the "wow" factor. Wow not good or bad just "wow" 10 sections off the plane and I said wow, as I looked at the bank of slot machines. probably about 30 machines, right in the terminal waiting area. Just in case you can't wait to start or just in case you want one last chance (to break even). I was just like a little kid, eyes big and wide. I've seen the shows about Vegas and the buildings but it is something totally different when you are there. The sights, the sounds, the sights... It really made me understand that: 1) anything is possible and 2) there is money out there, I just need to look for the right vain. :-) I also learned that when you pick on the airline attendants, they pick back :-) that is a story for another time....

What's the point of pain

I hate pain. I hate needles with the little poke. I hate subbing my toe on the dresser corner, I hate the pain two days after a workout, I hate the pain in the head from the weather changing ( yes I’m becoming a human barometer) but what I hate most is the pain that won’t go away. The pain that no one sees. The pain and agony that lingers after you have hurt someone and can’t repair it. The pain that comes from the self doubt. The pain that comes from the self pity. The pain that comes from feeling alone. The pain of a love lost. Now some reading this may be saying Rodger, you’re just a wimp. Others may just think that I need some professional help. (I always need help). But many will understand what I’m talking about. After all, we are all the same yet different. We may come from different backgrounds, and social environments but pain is somewhat a common denominator. Yet pain serves a purpose. Pain creates a need for change. It is often through the greatest pain comes the greatest personal victory because it is when we are in pain that we do the greatest review of our lives. It is what we do with the pain which is most critical. Some will wallow in it, which is not only more painful but potentially deadly. Others view the pain as something to build upon. It is the second group which finds more success in life because when we are at our lowest, there is now where else to go but up. It is often in the pain that we find the truth of who we are. If you are in pain, I know that there is help but you must be willing to find it and use it. Reaching out can be the most painful of all but the more that we share the pain together the better we are equipped to handle the next life challenge.

The Super Season

It is easy to look at the game of sports and say that there are no real lessons to learn. However, I would argue that there are several great lessons to learn from this year’s NFL. The Patriots won 18 straight games in an era where a player might be with you one season and gone the next. Or even one game and gone the next. One thing that has stood out to me is that they have all stressed a sense of team first. They have also stressed a sense of win today and tomorrow will take care of itself. Focus on improvement. They have not always won pretty but they have won. Whether you like his demeanor or not Bill Belichick has proven that he can develop a philosophy that coaches and players will rally around. Win today. What can we learn? Today does matter. Why? My mother put to me this way” you put on the cupboard shelf today the meals of tomorrow.” Yea what we build and create might not come into play right away but in time those become valuable you don’t want to cook one day and find the cabinets bare. Fortunately, as long as we are alive, we can keep putting away for tomorrow.

The other lesson learned is show up and play hard. The NY Giants were not given a chance by many to win the Super Bowl this year. Although I knew (hoped) it would be a good game, I thought the outcome would be the Patriots in the end. However, the Giants showed why you must show up every game. The game of football is about opportunities and making the most of them. The Giants stayed in the game, made the most of every opportunity and in the end played the game the needed in order to win. The lesson for us, simple...you can’t ”win” if you don’t show up. The preparation must be good, a game plan must be worked out, but nothing happens until you step out on the field. What a game to watch; full of excitement and wonder until the last 2 seconds. How about our lives? Are we preparing correctly for our next opportunity, do we have a game plan? If we do, Great! But remember nothing happens until we take that first step. Not only do we have to “get into the game” but we must keep fighting to the last. So, it’s time to show up and step up. This is your Super Season.

It's always the Little things

I injured my right ankle several months ago at a family wedding (running man is not what it used to be). I did the manly thing and iced them down and elevated. Several months later, I noticed that I was having significant pain on the right side, starting with ankle and running through the hip and shoulders, even headaches. After checking with the Doctor, he referred me to Physical Therapy. At first, I was a bit skeptical because the pain was in several places why start with the ankle. They had me “play “with an oversized rubber band and thus began the journey. I was in twice a week for an hour and all we did was “workout” my ankle using simple everyday movements with a bit of resistance. Well after a few weeks I noticed that the pain in the ankle was going, the pain in the foot was gone, the legs and hip didn’t hurt.

Throughout this process I learned some very interesting things. The ankle is critical to balance. (Well duh! ) But when it is damaged or weakened the rest of the muscles over compensate to continue “normalcy”. However, when they get used in a way they were not supposed to, significant problems can occur.

Sometimes in life we don’t pay attention to the little things that keep us balanced. Things like, just a little bit of time for ourselves to unwind, taking a moment to look at the beauty of a flower, to have that coffee with a good friend, sending a note to someone of significance. We may overcompensate by working harder and longer, pushing ourselves to get things done. and get tired. And before long, we are out of balance. Everything may appear normal, but damage is happening. The Physical Therapy taught me that with some understanding, some wise counsel, challenge and some focused time and attention we can strengthen the area and get balance back “to normal”. As my right ankle improved, I noticed that my left ankle was not as strong, thus needing some attention. And that is the other lesson, once you start down the road to self improvement you might be surprised by what is revealed and learned.

Are you feeling “pain “in unusual places? Maybe you are out of balance. Take some time to check on your “health”, (Physical or otherwise) It might be “Simple, little things” with a bit of challenge and focus that help you move further down your road to “success”.