Weedin 360

When Facebook started years ago (not really sure because now it seems to have been around forever) it was for college kids. They posted what school they went to, who they were partying with, and what they would do over the summer. Then the adults figured it out. And according to many young people…ruined it. I’m starting to think they are right.

Here’s what adults have inflicted on Facebook…

• Facebook has become a venue for a plethora of sappy posters, ramblings, and other inanities. Last year, I had to block all the dumb games. Now my News Feed is filled with these posters. I’ve found one that was funny and I passed it on. Ironically it was on social media. The rest are mostly awful. Now, they are all over the place!
• It’s election season and I may have to take a 6-month hiatus. It’s bad enough to see a gazillion signs littered around our streets; horrid and often inaccurate commercials; and political debates that have become a circus. Now, I get to see every party – Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Tea Party, Tea Drinkers, and the Field – tell me their opinions and attitudes. I get the right to voice your opinion and overall, that’s okay. The problem is the way it now is delivered. This leads me the next bullet point…
• If you’re having a political conversation or discussion in person, you have more at stake to be civil. Now, even with your profile picture showing, it seems acceptable to talk like a belligerent drunk. Bad language, name calling, and vitriol unleashed. It used to be that Facebook was on par with walking around a cocktail party. Now, its 1:30 in the morning in a bar and chairs are flying.
• I don’t care if you are a Republican or Democrat (or one of the others); Pro-Life or Pro-Choice; For Gay Marriage Against Gay Marriage; Baby Boomer or Gen Xer; Like Cats or Hate Cats; Like the Patriots or Hate the Patriots; or on any side of any controversy; do yourself a favor. Be nice. Don’t think that just because someone may have a different opinion than you (and on Facebook you have no idea), that they are damaged. You never know who may be reading and how it may affect your ability to do business with them, or even to remain friends. I think the kids get this better than the adults do.

While I’m firmly positioned on my Soap Box, I’m going to continue…what the heck…I’m probably being “DE-friended” all over the place:

• Think twice about posting a picture of you with a huge cocktail in front of you as your profile picture. Yes, you’re undoubtedly well over 21 years old and it’s legal for you to drink. Just remember that a growing number of employers check out Facebook profiles prior to hiring. Even if they can’t see your wall, they can see your profile picture. Just saying…
• Think about what you can do to enhance relationships and improve others personally and professionally (for you business people), rather than insulting the other person’s intelligence.
• Voice your opinion. Just don’t assume the people on the other side (normally pretty close to 50%) is damaged. They just have a different opinion. Voice your opinion maturely.
• Don’t swear or curse (and that includes all the funky acronyms and spellings – we get it). It doesn’t ever show well for you.
• Use this amazing technology to re-connect with family and friends; help others in their business; promote the value your business can offer others; learn about others; promote your favorite charities; and share photos of your life with your friends.
• Be careful what you say. You never know who is reading. Be certain you’re willing to standby what you say and how you said it.

Okay, I’m stepping off my Soap Box. Facebook is about to go public. I’m certain it’s because they see a huge opportunity to make money as they watch adults turn this once innocuous platform for kids into a place where adults can aggressively spar and spit while sitting comfortably behind their computer screen or cell phone. As 2012 moves closer to elections, my guess is it will only get worse. My guess is that when it does, many adults and kids alike will begin to be more careful about who they “hang out” with…

© 2012 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

 

Perspective on Life.

Legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno passed away over the weekend at the age of 85. Paterno was the head man at Penn State for over 40 years and built a legacy of greatness on and off the football field at Happy Valley over the years.

For many, especially without a lot of football history, they know Paterno as the coach fired abruptly in disgrace last November when it was revealed that a former assistant coach had allegedly abused children. There are still questions on what Paterno knew, when he knew, and what actions he took. On one of his final interviews, he acknowledges he felt he did the right thing, but in retrospect, he should have done more.

There are many ways people will view the life and legend of Paterno. I think I will choose to remember him as a man who had great impact on the lives of countless young men. Yes, I believe he made mistakes in the Jerry Sandusky situation. Yes, he should have done more. But in the end, when you take a look at the entire body of work, the final few pages of the last chapter should be viewed in perspective of the whole book.

How often do we judge people or issues based on a small sample set, rather than the entire body of work? The next time you have to, I hope you consider perspective in your decision.

This week’s quote – “Losing a game is heartbreaking. Losing your sense of excellence or worth is a tragedy.”  Joe Paterno

© 2012 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

Aaron Rodgers now has time to practice his discount double-check for Dancing with the Stars…

The New York Giants came in hot to frigid Green Bay and bounced the defending champion Packers with a smothering defense and methodical offense. As with the year the Giants won it all, momentum played a huge part in their win.

The Giants started their roll with a strong outing against the Jets in Week 16; and followed it up with a thumping of Dallas to win the NFC East and get to the playoffs. Last week in Wild Card weekend, they stymied the Atlanta Falcons by giving up only a safety. Today, they took their great momentum into Lambeau Field.

Green Bay started petering out in a loss to the lowly Kansas City Chiefs to break their unbeaten streak. They just kind of staggered to the end by sitting Rodgers in the final game. Then they got a week off. Any momentum they had was trending the wrong way.

Momentum is powerful in sports. It’s also powerful in business and life. Be careful. You need to be aware of when you are losing momentum and get it back. As a basketball coach, I drilled for momentum. You have to, too. Understand what it looks and feels like to have momentum and be vigilant in keeping the trend upwards.

There are always lulls in life. Make sure you keep them short. Learn a lesson from this weekend’s NFL playoff games. Momentum determines wins and losses…

Everywhere!

© 2012 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

I’d like to take this moment to extend a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my family, friends, and community.

This is a time that I hope wish filled with joy, love, family, friends, and food. It’s always been my favorite time of year. It’s a little bittersweet this year for our family. My Dad is gone and our daughter Mindy had to stay on the East Coast due to work commitments (happy she is working, though). We certainly understand how blessed we are and are grateful for that.

Okay…my gift to you today (easy to wrap and send via cyberspace) is my Top 10 Christmas Movies of all time…

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (C’mon – there’s no discussion, right?)

2. Christmas Carol (George C. Scott version)

3. Miracle on 34th Street (Newer version – sorry old schoolers)

4. White Christmas

5. Elf

6. The Santa Clause

7. Christmas Carol (Patrick Stewart version)

8. The Santa Clause 2

9. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Love Burl Ives)

10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon)

Yes, I know there are some honorable mentions like National Lampoon and Christmas with the Kranks. But…I only had room for 10!

Best wishes to you and yours for a very Merry Christmas from the Weedin family. Ho Ho Ho…

© 2011 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

 

Flying back last Friday from Bogotá, Colombia meant a quick stop at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York before heading home to Seattle. Or, so I thought.

The layover was only about an hour and 40 minutes and getting through customs was brutal. There were 3 international flights all arriving at the same time and only 4 people manning the booths for much of it. By the time I got through and picked up my luggage, my plane was already boarding and I wasn’t even close to security. The nice people at Delta got me on the next plane…at 3:45 (it was only 7:30 am)! They checked in my bags and gave me my boarding pass and directions on how to catch the Air Tran to the A train to get to Manhattan. New York City, here I come!

It all worked seamlessly. I caught the Air Tran to Howard Beach where I jumped on the A Train. I had been to Manhattan once before and knew if I could get to Rockefeller center, I could work my way around. In looking at the map, I saw Cathedral Street. I knew St. Patrick’s Cathedral was next to 30 Rock, so I figured I’d get off there. That was my big mistake.

After getting out of the Subway and walking upstairs, I realized I was not where I wanted to be. I was in Harlem. Oops. I also had a large sum of cash I was carrying for my cousin for a deposit they needed me to make in the States. This only added to my growing apprehension. I started walking in the direction I thought I should. To say I felt out-of-place and a little on edge is an understatement. I remembered what my friend and personal safety guru, Larry Kaminer always says – “Act naturally and be observant.” I also called my wife. I figured if I was on the phone, that was a good thing. It was for me, but it wasn’t for her! Needless to say, Barb was very concerned (and loudly) that I had left the comfort of JFK airport to traipse around Harlem in my quest for Manhattan. Regardless, it was good to have her on the phone as I kept walking in the direction I thought I should be. Finally, I decided to check my GPS on my iPhone. I plugged in the only address I knew…30 Rockefeller Center. I was going in the right direction! However I was 3.6 miles and over an hour walking away! I was glad I dressed casually to travel that day!

Soon, I was very relieved to find the entrance into Central Park (Barb was still not happy at 5:30 am her time). I felt very safe among the joggers, walkers, baby strollers, and dogs in the park. It was a beautiful morning in New York City. As it tuned out, the GPS kept me on my way and in exactly an hour and change from the time I started the walk, I ended up at 30 Rock. I spent the morning walking around Manhattan, sipping on Starbucks, and taking pictures. Several hours later, I was on the train back (the right one), and easily made it to my gate in time to head home. It was a fun adventure and a great way to end my vacation.

Here are a few lessons that I took away from my jaunt into the city…

1. Take a few risks. I could have played it safe and stayed in a stuffy old airport in arguably the greatest city on the planet for 8 hours. I decided to take a risk and do something I’ve never done before. Sure, it came with a little scare, but it all worked out and I have a terrific story to tell. In business and life, you need to take a few risks to gain tremendous rewards.

2. Be prepared when you travel. I had a couple of energy bars in my backpack. I can tell you I was pretty hungry and the availability to have those handy was a life saver. I would have had water too but I couldn’t take it past security leaving Bogotá. When you travel, make sure you have food and water handy.

3. Act naturally in anxious moments. Yes, I admit I was nervous. However, I think I did a pretty good job of just trying to blend in and be natural. Otherwise, you cause unwanted attention to yourself.

4. Laugh. I actually chuckled to myself and then laughed about it when I was in the park. It really was an amusing set of circumstances that occurred. You have to be able to laugh at yourself.

5. Be in the moment. Be observant. Have fun. Take in beauty. Take in life. Don’t become so over-anxious and concerned that you waste precious moments and time.

Well, I’m back from my trip, Labor Day is in the books, and so it’s time to get after it. Captain Jack is laying here next to me as I type, so all is back to normal. Except, I now have new memories and stories because I took a few risks. Go out and do likewise!

© 2011 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One day left…

I’ve told my wife, Barb that this is my perception of Bogota….

1. The food is awesome

2. The people are warm, friendly, and very hospitable.

3. The women are beautiful (including my primas…I thought I should get that in)

and…

4. A new one. They use caddies to play golf. No carts. And this is quickly moving up the line!

They don’t use carts in Colombia. They have caddies. My caddie was a dude named Sebastian. He was awesome. I didn’t have to clean my ball, fix my divots, or even read the green. He would say, “Excuse me Mr. Dan,” and then move me out-of-the-way to read my putt. He was always right…my execution wasn’t. When I’d line up to hit the ball off the tee or fairway, he would say, “Excuse me Mr. Dan,” and then point me in the right direction or fix my alignment. After I hit a bad shot, he told me what I did. If I could stick him in my baggage home, I would! My lasting memory of Sebastian will be reminding me of what I was doing wrong in my swing – he would line me up and then walk away and say “finish.” Gracias Sebastian!

After golf, I went out with my primas and the esposos to dinner. We went to the Gaira Cafe and Cumbio Club. This place is out-of-bounds. The food is great, but it’s more about the music. Cumbio is akin to our blues in American music, however let me tell you there is nothing “bluesy” in this music. It’s all upbeat, up-tempo, exciting, and a lot of fun. The place was jam-packed on a Wednesday night until midnight.

Okay…final preparations for the last day. I will have an epilogue coming up soon. Thanks for following me on my journey…

© 2011 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Down to my last 2 days and it really has been a whirlwind “tour.”

Yesterday, my cousins took me to the Salt Mines at Zipaquira. It’s one of only two salt mines in the world with a cathedral underneath. The entire mine and all its relics and sculptures are made of pure salt. When you touch the salt structures, they feel just like marble. I took a taste and I will tell you pure salt is so much better than the refined stuff!

The facility is unique. They’ve basically turned it into a small theme park. It’s apparently the #1 tourist attraction in Colombia. After visiting, I know why!

On the way home, we ate at a very cool spot in Sopo where there is a large dairy plant. They have a cool little place to eat with products from the dairy. On the way back, we came into Colombia a different way and were able to view the city from a spectacular view.

Last night, was a much-needed break to just relax and catch my breath. More fun in store today and tomorrow, so stay tuned!

© 2011 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had dinner with my Tia Lucia’s family last night at the legendary Andres Carne de Res. My cousin Bernardo told me there are two “must go” places in Colombia and they are the Gold Museum (check) and Andres (now check). This place is unbelievable. The food, the festivities, and the fun that spreads out over a vast area is pretty much indescribable…even for me;)

One thing I’ve learned on this trip (among many), is that when you are with “familia” it doesn’t take long to feel like you’ve known each other forever. It became obvious we all have the same blood flowing through us! What a wonderful group of people I get to call “familia.”

OK…enough mushy stuff. Here’s my review. When you go to Andres (next time you’re in the area, order the Lomo de Res (loin if beef). I was an idiot and didn’t take a picture of it. Thanks to my cousin’s wife Liliana for giving me the recommendation! The waiters keep bringing you other foods like empenadas and others that I can’t remember the name of. It’s that voodoo thing that you keep eating but more food keeps showing up!

One other tip. If you are with family and your native languages are different and you are all sitting at a large rectangular table, here’s what to do…

Park yourself squarely in the middle and put the best two English speakers next and across from you (gracias a Daniel y Laura). That way, you can just swivel your head and get great interpretations! That being said, I’ve found that most of my family (and most Colombians I’ve met) understand English very well even if they have trouble speaking it.

No rest on Sunday for me (which is fine). It’s off to the Finca to be with otros primos (other cousins). Mas manana!

P.S. I also got to meet our exchange student’s parents who made a special 2 1/2 hour trek from there home to meet me. These are wonderful people who are committed and sacrificed for their daughter to come to the States as a Rotary exchange student. I was touched and impressed by their humility and love.

© 2011 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After two wonderful days at the Hotel Sofitel, I was picked up by my cousins. The Hotel Sofitel must be the best hotel in Bogota…I can’t imagine better service. Thanks to Mario and his team for treating me so well.

I enjoyed another wonderful day. Here’s a quick rundown…

• I visited my Tia Lucia. I’m certain we met back in 1971, but I don’t remember. She is delightful and has a spectacular view of the city from her apartment. Going to have lunch with her today.
• Enjoyed the day with my primos (cousins) Maria Eugenia and Eduardo, my Tia Lolo who lives with them, and then got a chance to see their daughter and son-in-law Diana and Jorge. Diana is probably the one person I know best because she had visited the States on two occasions before, however the last one was almost 15 years ago!
• Was invited out to dinner with my cousin Alberto and his girlfriend Sandra. We went to an outstanding restaurant called Club Colombiano (I think). I had this out-of-bounds ( a good thing) seafood chowder in coconut milk. I think there must be some Colombian voodoo going on as it seemed like I kept eating and the bowl never went down! The food and especially the company was terrific. Many thanks to Sandra who helped us as “interpreter;” her English is perfect and Alberto and I can’t say the same about our opposite languages. A great night!

Today I will get to meet our exchange student’s parents. I think I will get to spend more time with them than I did with her when we picked her up!

One thing I learned that was interesting. In Colombia, there are two days of the week you can’t drive our car. Really. It’s based on the last number on your license plate. Depending on what days that falls in (other than weekends), you have to find another way around. The intent was to get fewer cars on the road, but the result was just the opposite. People started buying more cars so they could alternate when the other couldn’t be driven! The auto dealers must love this law.

That’s all for now. I will keep you updated on my adventures!

© 2011 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved

My first full day In Bogotá just rocked. The people are all wonderful and the food is out-of-bounds (that’s a good thing).

I met Mario, the General Manager of the hotel and he pointed me in the direction of a beautiful park right next to the hotel. It’s 2 and a half miles if you walk or run the entire thing. The sub came out and I took a walk mid-day. Sort of reminded me of Central Park – not as big but the variety of people and activity are the same. I saw jugglers, business people, mothers with kids, boys playing soccer, and a whole lot of dogs walking (Captain Jack and Bella can learn manners from these Colombian dogs).

I enjoyed a terrific massage in the hotel. I’ll tell you, a full day of traveling (especially 9 hours in the plane) can be brutal on body and mind, and the massage was a needed treat to be ready for today.

Now the food. I told you I got a tip on a great Colombian dish called Ajiaco (Ah-ee-yaco). It’s a chicken soup with Colombian potatoes, spices, capers, cream, and a whole lot of flavor. The capers are what brought it for me. The side dish was rice, corn on the cob, and a delicious slice of avocado. I think we should be doing more of the avocado on the side in our restaurants. I had a terrific house “tinto”…red wine with dinner. For dessert, I had Postre de Natas. No idea what it was but my server Tatiana recommended it and she was right! Not bad for a smooth $46,164. Oh…pesos. About $27 in dollars;)

I ended the evening meeting with one of my fellow speakers, Tim Ludwig. Tim is a professor and consultant out of North Carolina. He’s an expert in behavior science as it relates to safety o the job. I’m eager to hear him speak.

Well, now it’s game time. I’m ready to knock it out of the park for these folks. It will be a different experience using an interpreter. As you know, humor in stories is predicated on timing and gestures. I really use the audience reaction as part of my speaking. This might have a “delay” through being interpreted. I will let you know how it goes.

Another great day in Bogotá in store!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© 2011 Dan Weedin. All Rights Reserved