Undercover Owl

Recently CBS came out with a reality show called, Undercover Boss. The idea is that the CEOs of major corporations would visit and work with their employees in order to see what the work-flow was really like and to see if there might be improvements necessary for their company to succeed in the economic downturn. The show that I was most interested in and the only one I've watched was Hooters. Why? Well, the brand has a significant reputation in our society- and the brand, some despise, some love and most are rather indifferent, like myself. Either way: I was curious to see what kind of CEO runs the company anyway?

Coby Brooks, the son of founder, Robert Brooks actually never had any intention of taking over his father's business but it fell into his lap after his father's retirement in 2003. Needless to say: Brooks noted that he was more than willing to step down for a week and check out several of his stores and their success or failures that he might make the company better...or at least as good as his father had once done.

Brooks worked hard over the course of the week. One manager said he would have fired him, another, a female manager told him (thinking he was working on a documentary about entry level jobs and workplaces) that she thought female mangers might have a better grip than male managers at Hooters. She had been a hooters girl at one time and now older and with a daughter, carried the same "motherly status," with the girls and could better help them and assist them as they needed in their life. She was also willing to get dirty. And still there was a male manager in Texas, that Brooks encountered, who exploited the girls for his own enjoyment, making them play "games" that were derogatory (including them bending over a table and eating beans w/o hands in order to go home even making one girl miss a class for school).

Brooks noted how uncomfortable he was with the latter manager's style and was set for disciplinary action when he revealed who he was. But this is where my disappointment comes in: rather than firing "Jimbo"- he gave him speech about apologizing. Questionable behavior, of that extremity, in my mind, should have terminated him.

However, the one redeeming note for Brooks was that he rewarded the female manager w/ and all expenses vacation for her and her little girl and donated money to a military npo in the name of the manager who would have "fired" him (previously a marine). He went back to his board with his notes on how to make the company more personal and felt that maybe he really did need to get back in touch with his employees, something he said his father had done and had made it a better environment to work in.

He also promoted two waitresses to help with marketing - an area obviously controversial but perhaps, much needed.

Do I care any more about the company than I did before? Nah. But it was interesting and good to see CEO willing to step down and find out what his people really think, see and hear around them...something that is very rare.

waves in sunrise

as i stepped out onto the sand, i couldn't take my eyes off of the glistening waves. the morning sun was perched softly over the water and my toes dug deep into the cold sand as if it was the most natural thing to do. i took a deep breath and moved closer. a little prayer. complete admiration. i sighed with relief. i was at peace. it had been too long. i was so grateful for it's presence, almost as if it had been waiting there just for me.

reflections of winter still lingered. i couldn't help but smirk when i saw large blocks of ice floating to the shore. but when i slipped my feet beneath the ocean, it wasn't cold....or at least not that cold. spring was here. it was a warm beautiful day with a slight refreshing breeze to start a perfect morning.

i snapped a few pictures and stood for awhile, clear of all unnecessary thoughts.

the rest of that day would prove to be resourceful, energetic and fulfilling. day three, opening weekend of the thorn. i was thrilled to be part of something, even if only in a small capacity, something that would change a life.

Rock Star....and a Piano

He's a rock star in his own right. His talent precedes him (as do his giggling-groupies -and their single green glow stick- with their wavy hands.). Dressed in his hipster sweater and nerdy glasses, Ben Folds put on the best one-man show I've seen. After a short half-hour struggling set by local musician Zach Williams, Folds strutted out in style and redeemed the crowd. His loose humor and opening jokes about coming to Georgia with a welcome sign that looked like a "big ass" (aka, the Georgia peach) made the audience feel comfortable. In fact, the entire night was engaged with humor-filled lyrics and stories.

But two things stood out the most: his energetic ability to move his fingers up and down the piano effortlessly with skill (and even passion) and his belief that people who came to his shows "must have better pitch."

Rather than the classical piano bench, Folds had a stool. But for the majority of the night, he either balanced the stool on one leg or didn't sit down at all. He stood over the piano, feet apart, like a mad scientist in anticipation of an explosive substance. His fingers struck the keys with fervor, playing lydian blues that made me feel like I was drinking a pint and sitting with friends at a pub (the song, Piano Man, comes to mind). He played "some old shit" and some "new shit" and jumped around to songs that were hits across the board. He even pulled out two new songs from a collaboration album with fictional author, Nick Hornby. A song called "Levi Johnston's Blues," produced the most hilarity of note. The lyrics take a look at Bristol Palin's former (and political) fiance, Levi Johnston and the challenge he may have experienced being thrust into an unwanted lime-light. Whether he was pounding melodious keys on the piano, shaking a maraca against the microphone or improving wry ridiculous lyrics- Ben Folds showcased his plethora of talent as a musician.

What's more- is how he got the audience engaged. At several points during the concert; he played a series of notes in 3 and 4-part harmonies instructing the crowd to sing. Having grown up participating in choirs, the sound was immaculate. He would often stop in the middle or at the end of a song and conduct the crowd accordingly....mostly for fun and partly to add to the very essence of the song's intended sound.

The night was a success, for the musician and his fans. And in my expert opinion Ben Folds...and A Piano was insanely brilliant!

He's on a Horse...

Let's start the month off right, with a little humor and the probably the best commercial out there right now-

Toyoda, Toyota- Tomato, Tomato

The most interesting story in the news last week, for me, has been the Toyota story. No, I don't own a Toyota and I'm not an expert on cars. But with the massive political coverage has caught my attention. And with interest in the technological world today, I find myself wanting to know the specifics.

Last week, Akio Toyoda wrote an op-ed piece for the Wall Street Journal (click LINK to read). His response has been slower than desired for most- and has been noted to be the "Japanese way," but still in some ways, I find that his approach has been methodical, despite the fact that he is known to shy away from PR. Perhaps in this instance, the slower response has not necessarily been all negative- as all consumers (and non) want an appropriate apology or solution.

He later testified in Washington, answering questions as to why he & his company failed. The whole debacle was criticized as too political and the U.S. Government, once again getting involved in private-sector matters, as it did so with large investments in GM and Chrysler.

After a few conversations over the issue-I went back to the Op-ed piece.Toward the end, he states, "This advanced "Smart Pedal" braking system will automatically cut engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are pushed simultaneously."

Ultimately, my initial thoughts were wondering how suddenly cutting the engine would make the drivers & passengers of the car safer. To me, physics trumps the car- thinking in terms of traction, velocity & speed, or even torque. So, what else would the smart pedal have to do- in order to prevent injury due to jolting the car? One professor's thoughts were fairly simple, not to say they were gospel by any means, but it opens the discussion. When one pulls off of the accelerator pedal, and shifts to the brake, the car seems to pause- it's often too quick to notice, but taking your foot off the gas immediately slows down the car. Wouldn't the smart pedal on the brake work the same way should one accidentally put their foot/feet on both pedals at the same time- pause & "coast" until the driver decides to what to do- keeping everyone safe.

Of course, I'm wondering, however, if one takes their foot off the accelerator to switch to the brake- and the car immediately slows down- doesn't the brake also slowly start moving when one takes their foot off the brake to press the accelerator? SO then, what is the purpose of the smart pedal, if the car already does this? And what of the brakes on the Toyota vehicles that were simply not working?

It was brought to my attention however that perhaps such and "extra" feature may reassure the driver, so that they may respond without a panic. Of course, panic is a psychological state of mind, and regardless of Toyota's error, that is not something they can necessarily control. 

Either way, the potential improvements on Toyota vehicles will continue to press on- and it will be interesting to see if the car provides any innovative additions for the sole purpose of customer satisfaction or whether the statement itself was the PR move to make "fast-food" Americans happy.

The Essence of Great Love

"When we are inside of Great Love, we have a much stronger possibility of surrendering our ego controls and opening up to the whole field of life.  Great Love makes us willing to risk everything, holding nothing back. The feeling of fusion with or acceptance by, another or The Other temporarily overcomes our terrible sense of aloneness, separateness and fear. The ecstasy of this union allows us to let down our barriers and see things inside of a new kind of wholeness and happiness, at least for a while. But as we all know, the honeymoon cannot last.  To remain permanently "in love" something else is needed—some level of mysticism, whether nature-based or consciousness-based or God-based." 

-Richard Rohr

What is it that you love? Who is it that you love? Ironically, this concept, this idea of "Great Love" applies for that which is exalted above us, and for that which stands in front of us. We were given two commands to live this life and for both- one word completes them- LOVE.

It is innate in all of us to love something or someone. This was Created in us- as we live, and move and have our being. We long for it and we long to give it- the kind of relationship that is for the greater good. What I find most fascinating about Rohr's statement is that there must be some sort of "mysticism" in order for it to continue, to be successful- to "remain" intact. There must be a sense of mystery that we experience when we see that other human being, when we look to the Heavens.

Mystery draws us, entices us to what is beyond the obvious- and with every twist and turn we want to know until we solve the puzzle. Truly it takes a lifetime to really know the heart of one man, and an Eternity, to know the One above. And when we play to seek - we savor the moment of small discoveries and we are convinced there is more. Is this not the essence of real love?

How sad it is in our world today that people say they have lost their interest in love- I do not believe that is ever the case- b/c no one loses their interest in mystery. Everyone asks the question "Why?" whether they receive an answer or not. What occurs is a person's lack of satisfaction with the answer they are given- and instead of pursuing the next discovery, they give up and look to find another mystery ...and another. "IT" becomes a case of control- and even self indulgence. I find that there are times- that it is ok, not to have all the answers- and live each day for itself, continuing the love I was created by, and for.

To me, the mystery, the thriller, never stops- therefore, as my mouth waters for more, how can I not give or receive the Great love that follows?

"Meet Me in Montag..."

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is one my all-time favorite movies. If you've not seen it, well the video may not make sense...but it's a love story, backwards. As it begins w/ two people who are fed up w/ one another on a quest to erase each other, and along the way, they re-ignite why they fell in love in the first place. Two of the most diverse characters finding each other...again, through memories. We all have moments when we need to be reminded of who we are, and people we love, and why we love them- and sometimes, we even get a second chance. To erase one's memory is to erase a purpose. Enjoy...

The Boy, The Tiger- The Man

Recently, I received the entire collection of Calvin & Hobbes as a gift. The other day, I read through the first 10 or so pages, in which Bill Watterson, the author, dictates his journey to the two witty characters of his infamous comic strip.

What struck me the most was his passion to be a comic strip writer in the first place. And he tried everything. He admits that he was never the greatest cartoonist or artist for that matter, but he figured that was much simpler than, say, any formidable drawing. He wrote comics for school papers and tried a few political cartoons, but they were never that successful and they weren't really what he was after.

The fact is that Watterson's Calvin & Hobbes started as secondary characters in a comic he was submitting to various agencies and papers. Finally one syndicate that picked him up mentioned that perhaps he should expound on those two secondary characters as they seemed to have the most depth. Watterson agreed, and what he really saw in Calvin & Hobbes was himself.

He was finally drawing and forming characters that developed as he did and with college background in political science (which by the way, he had no real interest or knowledge of until college), he was able to communicate his thoughts, questions, and ideas to the world. What's even more intriguing was the fact that he had no desire to ever be in the lime light. He frequently backed away from interviews and the most well known picture of Watterson is a picture taken in 1985 is his office. He also defended his artistry and other than the books themselves, never officially authorized any other type of merchandise, such as plush toys or animated films.

Watterson as a man, we saw through the eyes of a little boy and his stuffed tiger. He was doubtful that his characters would succeed, esp. b/c Peanuts had already taken children to a whole new maturity level. Nevertheless, he found an audience, he made his wife laugh and he was good at it...

To me? Watterson was about quiet passion and hard work and that is really amazing.

...to keep kids off drugs...

have you seen the new anti-meth ads? the montana meth project has certainly done a fantastic job at scaring its audience. i have heard parents criticize the fact that the commercials are running during prime time television or even daytime television when their young children may be watching. true the images are disturbing. and true, prime time may not be the best hours to air the ad: but then again, drug users are getting younger and younger. the popular d.a.r.e programs of the 80s don't seem to be doing the trick any more. it almost seems appropriate to be realistic, and unfortunately the truth about the drug is scary. what do you think?

Crank

"crank is more than a drug.
it's a way of life. you can turn
your back. but you can
never really walk away."

"the monster will forever speak
to me"

I recently picked up the book, Crank by Ellen Hopkins. My kid-sister had read it and for a person who doesn't read much, her telling me she polished it off in less than a day...well it meant I had to see what all the rage was about.

Ironically, it's a tragic story about a girl named Kristina Wagner, who after a summer visit to her father's quickly dives down the addiction hole and despairingly tries to maintain an image with her family.

On her summer trip, Kristina falls in love w/ the neighbor boy under an alter ego and finds out that he often gets high on methamphetamine drugs with her estranged father. Her first love leads her down a dirty trail in under two weeks- and her first taste of what she calls "the monster" leaves her isolated, gang raped and craving for more.

After going back to her mother, stepfather and sister, Kristina struggles to keep up the relationship and perspective she left with. She has become a meth addict (aka, Crank), she lives in an altered state of mind just to be brave enough to take the drug and live on the wild side. She abandons friends, finds new ones, that aren't so pleasant, is raped a second time and gets pregnant as a result.

Hopkins writes as the character Kristina (or Bree, her alter ego)-her journal and poetic muse are simple, easy to read, and quickly draw you into her mental state of being. The short poems on each page serve a purpose to the story and each word is artistically designed to read as more than one poem. Frankly, I find the writing, itself fascinating.

What's more- is that the dark words that describe an insecure girl's life are something of an autobiographical tale for the author. Hopkins wrote the story as way to reach out to her own drug addicted daughter. The heartbreak described, I felt. And I was deeply saddened, that for this meth addict, there was no real resolve. Even after becoming pregnant and deciding to keep the child, Kristina admits to snorting crank on more than one occasion.

Over the years, I've taken interest in psychology, the function of the brain, and recently, how addiction plays with that. Meth is one of the most addictive drugs out there. With heightened sense of being, self confidence, sexual arousal and restlessness- it has the ability to create severe hypertension and heart problems. It can also cause aggression and causes an obsessive behavior, one that includes the constant need for the drug itself.

The story was heart-wrenching and the effects, the facts about the drug are more scary than comforting. Some countries have prescription allowances for meth, but unfortunately, due to the social high that it's known for: it is networked underground and is destroying people's lives. What I do find most positive about Hopkins story is that, while it may be sad, she shows that the resolve for being an addict is not an easy one and should never be done alone. An addict is always an addict and it is possible to get sober- but one must be willing seek help, therapy and support. It's the only way out. For those who are prone to drug use of any kind, you're not alone and drugs aren't the answer. So don't be afraid to face your fears and overcome your addiction. Don't let it follow the rest of your life....that life could be short.