Just Plain Bill

“It starts with an itch!”

During an interview I heard the other day, journalist and television personality Charlie Rose asked Sting, singer, musician (formerly of the rock group Police), and current Broadway composer, “What starts the creative process that leads to writing a song?”

Sting paused a bit and said, “It starts with an itch.”

It’s a powerful and insightful response, one that can apply to unleashing the creative force that is found in all of us.

The “itch” may come in the form of an idea about making, or changing, or stopping something. It might be just a few words formed into a verse, a melody that persists in your mind, or a dialogue that appears powerful.

When I heard Sting’s response, I immediately thought of the writing that’s become a part of my daily life - Just Plain Bill - this blog that’s now closing in on two years of weekly creations.

Having also co-authored a best-selling Amazon eBook, The Virtual Office, I now have my sights set on “scratching the itch” and writing another eBook, Thrive at 65. It’s designed to help close the gap between what our growing senior population knows about the Internet and social media, and this population’s awesome opportunity to continue contributing to our society.

What’s your itch, that’s just waiting to be scratched early in the coming New Year?

Just Plain Bill

Do we all have an identical “twin”

in the universe?

Many years ago, while strolling through Children’s Fairyland in Oakland, California, I was shocked to see a man across the way that looked exactly like me. He was the same size as me, had the same hairstyle, the same hair color, and even the same gait as me. We were both moving through a large crowd, and before I could get closer to confirm my observation, he seemed to simply disappear. In spite of searching through the crowd for an hour or so, I reluctantly had to give up my search. Or maybe, just maybe, I didn’t want to find him and confirm that I had a “twin”.

Getting a glimpse of someone who could pass for me sent a cold chill down my spine and I broke into a cold sweat…

I am reminded of a story by Daphne du Maurier, The Scapegoat, in which two men meet at a pub – one man quite well-to-do and the other down on his luck - and they imbibe and chat about their lives a bit. When one leaves to visit the restroom, he is knocked out. When he comes to, he discovers that he is now wearing the other man’s clothes, and has no identification of his former self.

The story is focused on how the chap who was down on his luck, finds himself inhabiting the life of the well-to-do yet not so happy chap…and the story proceeds from there with an ending that leaves one wondering what they’ll do when they meet again a few years hence. 

Not that my brief glimpse of a possible “twin” was something as dramatic and life changing as in The Scapegoat, but I often wonder what it would be like to inhabit the life of another.

I’m not talking about some contrived “reality show” setting here…I mean really assuming my doppelganger’s life, even if only for a short time.

Have you ever allowed yourself to at least mentally escape into the life of your look-alike?

Just Plain Bill

Can I ever see myself as others see me?

About 22 years ago, while chatting with a colleague from Bank of America, I made the observation that it’s not possible for me to see myself as others “see” me. Perhaps this is not so major an observation for others, but when the subject came up while discussing the elements of an exceptional presentation, it blew me away. It also led to a lively discussion about image, perception, non-verbals, ego, vanity, being “on”, self-concept, how to engage your listeners, what people remember, how the speaker’s message filtered - and so on.

That may be a strange realization. After all, can’t we see our image in a mirror, in windows we pass on the street, or even in a puddle of water at our feet?

In short, no, we can’t! Those reflections of “us” are two dimensional and lack depth or other dimensions we may project. It’s been said that we project much more than height, width and depth when we stand up in front of an audience. Time, temperature, even an aura transcend our physical presence. (I remember one experiment that used an infrared light to view the speaker’s image, which remained after that person had left the room.)

Over the 20+ years that have followed, this realization has impacted my teaching of presentation skills to college students and corporate managers. More importantly, it’s impacted how I personally present. There’s a much-quoted (and much debunked) theory, 55-38-7, which I first heard about at a YMCA leadership conference in Downey, California, in 1966. The site Blue Chip Musings provides a succinct definition of what the theory represents:

·     “When making a presentation, 55% of your impact on the audience is related to visual things…the setting, the speaker’s dress, AV aids, etc.

·     38% of the impact is related to tonality as it relates to both the actual sound and the accompanying emotions. (Does the presenter speak with conviction, resolve, passion, etc.)

·     The final 7% of impact relates to the words themselves.”

So, although the theory or rules listed above may not truly be quantified, nor are they the “be all to end all”, I’ve made sure I’m aware of the visual impact I’m making, the tone I’m using, and the words I’m speaking – how affirmative and absolute the content is, saying no more than is necessary.

As much as possible, I need to be aware of how I come across to my audience… which is about as close as I will really come to “seeing” myself through the emotions, reactions, and responses of those who are listening to me.

Just Plain Bill

“Age is a thief…”

I was intrigued by a recent quote, taken from an article written by Frank Bruni in the 11/09/14 edition of The New York Times: Gray Hair and Silver Lining. 

“Age is a thief. But it gives as much as it takes.”

I was especially intrigued with Bruni’s comment about “… lost ambitions. There’s a point at which you have to accept that certain hopes and dreams won’t be realized…”

That realization syncs with thoughts I’ve had for many decades about having “half of my life left” to do the things undone, undo the things I shouldn’t have done, to work on things that should be worked on – and finished – and so on.

The mind talk went something like this: “I’m now 25 and I know many folks who are 50, so I really have over half of my life to get things done.” You may have had a similar, if not identical thought. And, when we’re 30, we know many folks who are active at 60. But eventually the realization starts to set in that we don’t know many folks active at 80 when we’re 40 - and so on.

I’m grateful that Bruni includes the realization that with passing time we can soften our judgments, elect the positives, and appreciate the following: “…you gain as much as you lose, and that there are slivers of opportunity and points of connection where you least expect them.” I’m committed to looking more closely for those “slivers” amongst the woodpile of life.

And a final comment meant to be so much more than an afterthought…if you happen to be a 38-year old reader, relax a bit…you know at least one active person twice your age…me! You still have lots of time…just please don’t take this time thing for granted.

P.S.  Definitely don’t follow the advice seen on a bumper sticker the other day: “Carpe Mañana!” 

Just Plain Bill

No one has lived any further

into the future than I have

When I first read that statement many decades ago, I was amazed with how simple, confusing, and yet true it was. For many folks, there may be a shared school of thought that better educated people, more powerful people, wealthier people, or others with some privilege of celebratory or class status – anyone but us - knows more about something that is about to happen.

I guess the question is - what am I going to do with this statement?

Looking back, I know there have been several occasions when I have withheld a comment, not made a decision or choice, or held back because I consciously or unconsciously “knew” that someone else had more information than I about a future result.

I’ve always been fascinated by those who classify themselves as “futurists.” I’ve attended some interesting presentations and read articles and books about those folks. They are students of what has gone on before and from their acquired knowledge (or insight or premonition), make predictions about events that will occur in the future: stock market movements, falls of leaders or movements, initiation of nature’s major changes, etc.

As I gain wisdom due primarily from living longer, I shall keep this statement about “no one having lived any further into the future than I have” as an extra impetus when “I’m not sure” I should take that risk, write that blog, or express myself in ways that will continue to define who I am and what I’m worth. 

As has been said many times and in many ways, “the future is now.” 

Just Plain Bill

“Here's to the crazy ones…”

Steve Jobs gave us a wealth of incredible devices, and he also provided some meaningful quotes. While in my doctor’s office the other day, I noticed the one about the “crazy ones” on his wall, and I feel it’s worth sharing.

Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.

Over the years, I’ve often felt myself occasionally being “out of step”, coming up with ideas that were out of the ordinary. I do believe this has helped me be an effective problem solver, but, at times, this “misfit” label was something that sometimes threatened those in power.

So, I’ll continue to wear – and even champion that label, as there remain many worlds yet to change!

Just Plain Bill

 “Live - which isn’t.”

It’s a small thing, but it still bothers me.

Lately, it seems there’s been an increase in movie trailers advertising, “Live, the Metropolitan Opera performance of Madame Butterfly on this screen.” 

If it’s being projected on my local movie screen, then how can it be “live”? If the opera company was in my local theater, then it would truly be “live”. Otherwise, it’s a movie; a substitute for the real thing – a celluloid version of the actual experience. Perhaps this is part of the ongoing trend to substitute for, or replicate experiences.

I’m reminded of a 1970s recording tape commercial: “Is it live or is it Memorex?” The commercial asks people to identify whether a song (or note by Ella Fitzgerald) is real or a recording. It was also during the 70s that laugh tracks gave way to shows being “filmed in front of a live studio audience”. These marketing messages are far more truthful than a “live” Madame Butterfly on a movie theater screen.

Once again, my concern might seem trivial to some, but for me, this marketing technique borders on false advertising at the least - and lying at the most. (Kind of harsh, eh?)

I really love live performances of any type you see. From sidewalk buskers to budding rock bands and from professional symphonies to high school marching bands – I find joy sharing in the true creativity of others delivered in real time. A movie-version cheapens, or lessens the emotional, engaging, and enriching experience of the real thing.

Is this an overreaction? To those promoters I say, “Please don’t insult my intelligence by attempting to sell me something so disingenuous.”

Just Plain Bill

“My students can’t write well enough to be taught!”

I used to have neighbors who were a highly educated husband and wife team. They were both published writers, with PhD’s, and the husband also had extensive experience teaching writing at the university level, as well as on numerous Native American reservations in the Southwest.

Soon after the couple moved in, we were conversing about the subject of creative writing, and the conversation led to the statement by the husband, “college kids can’t write today so I quit my university teaching job due to frustration. They didn’t know enough to learn what I was teaching.”

I was somewhat taken aback by such a strong statement, especially since I’ve been teaching business writing at a community college for many years, and, although I find that many students don’t write as “well” as I had hoped, I found the majority of my students were interesting in improving their writing ability and were able to enhance their writing competence level during the semester.

I do believe that if someone hasn’t learned how to write well by the time they’ve completed 12 or more years of school, there could be challenges to overcome to improve their writing ability - and typical teaching methods may not work. This is especially true if the person has been told many times over that he or she “can’t write”

Once I started teaching business writing, I found many students had a lack of confidence concerning their writing, and it was a challenge to get many of them to put much of anything down on paper. In addition to weekly writing assignments on the computer, I also required students to write 100 words or more in class on topics that were of relevant to business writing in general, and specifically of interest to getting a keeping a job.

I realize that there is little, if any writing by hand in the business world but I found by requiring this process, many of my students were able to enhance their writing ability through their hand-written assignments.

In researching the differences between writing on a computer (key boarding) and writing by hand, I found several citings that identified the different mental and physical process at work when using a pen or pencil versus a computer. Without going in the scientific differences, I found, through personal experience, that many of my students were able to write more effectively by hand, regardless of their protestations that “I couldn’t read their handwriting”. (I assured them since I had taught first graders I was proficient at reading elementary-level handwriting.)

As the fruit seller cries out at my local farmer’s market, “don’t be shy, give it a try”, and you may be surprised at the improvement in writing skills that may result!

Just Plain Bill

Surly, with just a touch of arrogance

My wife recently pointed out to me that I’ve been using the word “surly” quite a bit lately when describing someone’s attitude or demeanor when responding to a question. I finally looked up the definition, which led me to realize that I was often mixing up the word surly with arrogant, another adjective, but not nearly the same attitude intensity. 

“Arrogant” describes a person full of himself…a projected superiority based on self-importance. “Surly” however, describes a threatening person full of himself. Take a look at these definitions for surly:

·     Churlishly rude or bad-tempered

·     Unfriendly or hostile; menacingly irritable

·     Dark or dismal; menacing

This research led me to ask: “Self? What gave rise to my increased use of this term, or my increased sensitivity to the “attitude” expressed by the responder?”

The latest occasion when I used “surly” was during an interview with a football coach who was asked what he thought about one of his players getting into trouble with the law. His response was beyond “arrogant” and even well beyond “defensive” for his player or program. To me, his response was to the point of being rude, menacingly irritable, and downright dismal.

Is it my imagination that with the exponential increase of news “coverage”, there is a monumental increase in the opportunity for someone to be “interviewed” to the point of overkill?

Perhaps I’m simply remembering the good-old-days, when we were not subjected to a constant stream of questioners arrogantly probing for a scoop, while poised to catapult even the simplest “incorrect response” into the Twittersphere.

Am I becoming cynical? Am I becoming suspicious when a responder takes on a surly tone - tending to believe there’s something to hide? Or is surliness now a legitimate and necessary defense mechanism?  

What do you think?

Just Plain Bill

Do you have a favorite poem or verse?

As I was researching a few of my favorite poems, I came across a poem written by one my favorite poets, Emily Dickinson, a fabulous writer whose 1,800+ poems were little known until after her death. It’s called This world is not Conclusion, and once I read it, I was blown away. I printed it and taped it above my computer at home where I do most of my work.

This World is not Conclusion.

A Species stands beyond -

Invisible, as Music -

But positive, as Sound -

It beckons, and it baffles -

Philosophy - don't know -

And through a Riddle, at the last -

Sagacity, must go -

To guess it, puzzles scholars -

To gain it, Men have borne

Contempt of Generations

And Crucifixion, shown -

Faith slips - and laughs, and rallies –

Blushes, if any see -

Plucks at a twig of Evidence -

And asks a Vane, the way -

Much Gesture, from the Pulpit -

Strong Hallelujahs roll -

Narcotics cannot still the Tooth

That nibbles at the soul –

WOW!

What role does poetry play in your life? For me, ever since I moved beyond my mother’s edict that poems had to rhyme, I’ve been attracted to several verses that have provided inspiration and meaning to my life. I’ve even been courageous enough to write a verse or two - a subject for a later blog.

My three most favorite poems, ones that I’ve actually memorized…

I would rather be ashes than dust.

I would rather that my spark should burn out

in a brilliant blaze,

than it should be stifled by dry rot.

I would rather be a superb meteor,

every atom of me in magnificent glow,

than a sleepy and permanent planet.

The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.

I shall not waste my days, in trying to prolong them,

I will use my time.

                                                           -    Jack London 

I often recite that poem at the conclusion of my leadership and management seminars, or whenever I wish to leave something for participants to think about after engaging in some meaningful discussion of a variety of intellectual concepts.

Another favorite is one I used when I was an elementary school teacher, asking students to either draw a picture or write a comment about what that poem meant to them. I remember distinctly the picture of a sunrise drawn by Edwin, one of my more quiet third-grade students. He said the poem reminded him that we would always have our dreams, which no one can take away from us, and that dreams are always there, even when things are not going well.

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow

                                                           -    Langston Hughes

Finally, a simple but powerful commitment for not living “in vain.”

If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain:

If I can ease one life the aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain.

                                                 -    Emily Dickinson

What’s your favorite poem? If you have one, jot down a few verses and send them to me. Please.

Just Plain Bill

Surly, with just a touch of arrogance

My wife recently pointed out to me that I’ve been using the word “surly” quite a bit lately when describing someone’s attitude or demeanor when responding to a question. I finally looked up the definition, which led me to realize that I was often mixing up the word surly with arrogant, another adjective, but not nearly the same attitude intensity. 

“Arrogant” describes a person full of himself…a projected superiority based on self-importance. “Surly” however, describes a threatening person full of himself. Take a look at these definitions for surly:

·     Churlishly rude or bad-tempered

·     Unfriendly or hostile; menacingly irritable

·     Dark or dismal; menacing

This research led me to ask: “What gave rise to my increased use of this term, or my increased sensitivity to the ‘attitude’ expressed by the responder?”

The latest occasion when I used “surly” was during an interview with a football coach who was asked what he thought about one of his players getting into trouble with the law. His response was beyond “arrogant” and even well beyond “defensive” for his player or program. To me, his response was to the point of being rude, menacingly irritable, and downright dismal.

Is it my imagination that with the exponential increase of news “coverage”, there is a monumental increase in the opportunity for someone to be “interviewed” to the point of overkill?

Perhaps I’m simply remembering the good-old-days, when we were not subjected to a constant stream of questioners arrogantly probing for a scoop, while poised to catapult even the simplest “incorrect response” into the Twittersphere.

Am I becoming cynical? Am I becoming suspicious when a responder takes on a surly tone - tending to believe there’s something to hide? Or is surliness now a legitimate and necessary defense mechanism?  

What do you think?

Just Plain Bill

Teaching History Backward –

From the Present to the Past

In my early years of public school teaching, I had an opportunity to teach a non-credit history course to a small group of fifth and sixth graders who were part of an experimental class.

After consulting many texts and popular sources on teaching the subject, I decided to adopt a radical approach. I had an idea that the past, or “history”, is of relatively little value to children (and maybe to many adults as well). That idea became a belief as I looked back at events that occurred prior to my age of understanding, what events influenced how I lived my life, and if any events affected the decisions I made.

As children, we hear too many stories that start with “When I was your age” or “You don’t know how easy you have it because in the past…”, and even “You need to learn from the lessons from the past.” In short, I’d concluded anything that has occurred outside of a child’s young life is primarily an academic exercise for that student, perhaps of interest as a special event, but having no real meaning or relevance in terms of the child’s decision-making process.

So, after checking with my principal and informing the students’ parents, I created the six-week curriculum to start with the present – recent current events – and then to take “a look back” and discuss what events might be considered or predicted to become future “history.” We looked back over the previous 20-year period, enough to cover a generation, but focused primarily on the past 90 days. 

And then another thought crept in. What about George Santayana’s prophetic statement: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”  Often quoted when commenting on some major, political, or social edict, it implies that the value of learning and remembering events from the past – “history” – will empower future generations with great wisdom...or at least a chance to make their own different mistakes. By not focusing on the usual pattern for reviewing past events…those that someone has already determined to be historically significant…was I failing to prepare my young students to avoid the mistakes from the past and thereby negatively influencing their decisions in the future?

I chose to stay my “course” for the next six weeks.

Since this experience took place before the advent of the Internet and our 24/7 news cycle, the students had to depend on newspapers, periodicals, and radio and TV news broadcasts for their project research. They also engaged their family and friends while focusing on three specific questions:

Who was impacted by an event? How was the event communicated? And, can a prediction be made regarding any possible lasting impact of an event so important as to be reported in the media? A few events were reviewed for any “editorial” views that were available.

The class created a reverse time line, three feet by 20 feet, starting with the present and moving back into the past for 20 years. We held discussions in class and the students eagerly built our class discussions into their own with their parents, relatives and friends, while weaving a genuine appreciation into their newly discovered perspectives of what would be remembered as a “historical event” in the future. 

The students did not disappoint. Their points of view were enlightening and their debates were engaging. Early on, they assessed why some current events might be memorable, while others would be of temporary interest only. At the end of the six weeks, the students were eager to prepare a formal project. Remember, this was a non-credit course.

For me, this was a very successful approach, although far different than the customary study of history through memorization and recitation of past events. It provided the students the opportunity to better understand why some events are remembered, in contrast to those that are not. I also had the privilege of being able to “look back” from my adult perspective to see how many of my students’ events truly became “historical” in nature.