Remember So We Never Forget

A lot has been written and said about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a great man. He was a brave man. He was committed to human rights. He was necessary to this world. He still is. Today is a celebration of his spirit and what he was all about – that included helping others - through MLK Day.

His life was cut short because of misunderstanding and ignorance.

It takes people like Dr. King to remind us why we are here and what our responsibilities are as a part of the human race. There is much talk about the economy and conflict around the world. We should never stop striving to make things better.

Tomorrow, Barack Obama will become the 44th President of the United States. This is not about the first man of color to achieve this office; it is not about a man of average means reaching for a near impossible goal. It is about how this event can inspire us.

Someone asked me the other day what inspires me about Barack Obama. It’s simple - he inspires all of us. He admits he cannot solve any of this alone. That was proven with his choice in Joe Biden as Vice President.

He means it when he says that we all need to do our part. This is not about the United States of America - this is about every country. I can speak confidently as a proud Canadian that there is a multitude here who are proud of Barrack Obama.

Today and tomorrow we celebrate two great men.

But more importantly, we celebrate ourselves.

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It Was Historic

Last night, Gov. Sarah Palin made history speaking at the RNC as the first woman to be the Republican Vice Presidential nominee. Geraldine Ferraro was Walter Mondale’s running mate for the Democrats in 1984. It’s sad that it has only happened twice.

It was interesting to watch the parade of VP wannabees shower the unknown Palin with accolades. You could hardly see Sen. McCain’s lips move and the fake smiles were barely visible. The GOP pundits and loyalists are all reading from the same teleprompter today. McCain says his VP must be ready to be President on Day One. Hmmm

It will certainly be an interesting election and everyone will undoubtedly be covered in mud by November 4th. The Canadian election will undoubtedly have much less drama.

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And today is historic for many reasons. As we spend countless hours on social networking sites discussing and sharing technological advancements, ideas, and information; there are some events that had to happen before we could update our Facebook status on cell phones or send digital pictures in an instant to Tokyo.

The first occurred on September 4th, 1882. Thomas Edison unveiled the first practical electrical lighting system. He launched it at his steam powered plant and was able to turn on the lights for one square mile in New York City.

On this day six years later, George Eastman patented his first roll-film camera and named his company Kodak.

Perhaps one day a woman will finally be President of the United States and it will be viewed as common as the light bulb and the camera.

In the meantime, Obama-Biden has a good ring to it.

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Is It Five Yet?

You've seen the interview with the actor who didn't win the award or the athlete who failed to medal - they are usually "just glad to be here" and "honored by the opportunity".

Clearly making the Olympics or being nominated for an Oscar is huge ...duh. But once you are at that level, and you feel you have a legitimate chance of winning - are you really going to settle for the honor of the nomination?

I recently saw an interview with Mel Karmazin. Like any high achiever, Mel has his fans and critics - don't we all. The part of the clip I thought was interesting was when he was explaining his mantra. Always go for the win, it's not enough to show up, and to borrow a baseball analogy; win the world series every season.

I used to work for a guy who has a much harsher view of business and believed that you must smack your opponent in the head with a 2X4, take no prisoners and shoot the wounded. How pleasant.

But seriously - who plays for a tie? ...good enough? ...that will do?

I gravitate to high achievers because they give me a constant kick in the ass. I am at my lowest when I get caught up in self-doubt or snag on a patch of inertia. It's not a fun place to visit.

There is no time well spent with those who are satisfied with keeping their heads down and skating their way to 5pm. Life isn't only about work - but if you dog it at work - me thinks that may seep into other parts of life. Trust me, I can couch with the best of them - this isn't about working all the time!

You don't have to be the President of a company in order to contribute or strive for better - but we all know those who are barely showing up. My father used to lament when referring to his staff that quittin' time was the fastest they seem to move all day.

No thanks.

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