I’m infinitely interested in certain things and completely disinterested in others, which includes anything mechanical; you’ll find little middle ground with me.

When I put my key into the ignition of my car, something happens to make it start that I don’t have to understand. I love watching good TV programs, but I don’t care how the picture gets into my TV. However, if you show me a customer service champion, I’m all over it. I’m completely curious about people who make a difference.

This brings me to Captain Dennis J. Flanagan of United Airlines. Here’s what happened that piqued my interest about this man of character.

My wife and I were flying to Arizona to spend a week in Sedona. Our Denver-bound flight was to leave from Baltimore on United Airlines. About 30 minutes before our scheduled departure, we sat at the gate waiting to board when the door to the Jetway opened. The United captain emerged, strode to the ticket counter, and grabbed the microphone. Based on my substantial flying experience, a variety of possible scenarios bombarded my brain – none of them good!

Then this captain began speaking. “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I’m your captain, Denny Flanagan.” He went on to describe the weather we anticipated and our route. Then he said, “We’re flying a Boeing 757 this morning. If you have any questions during our flight about the aircraft or flight, I’ll be happy to answer them. Our plane this morning is in great shape.” A long pause ensued, then, “And I’m in good shape.” The passengers chuckled. “By the way,” he continued, “this is my first flight.” Silence… “Today!” he added with a grin.

Great. He does schtick! He’s a pilot I can relate to.

Among the waiting passengers, I could see their moods quickly change like a wave. They hadn’t previously appeared anxious or worried, just indifferent or tired. After that announcement, they seemed jovial and eager to board.

We wondered what would happen next. Jimmy Buffet with a parrot? A conga line?

As we began boarding, Captain Flanagan stood at the door to the plane handing out cards with a 757 pictured on one side, and a description of the aircraft on the other. Greeting him, I mentioned I was an executive coach and consultant who published a monthly newsletter. I said I’d like to write something about his congeniality and gave him my business card. He replied that he’d love to talk at some point.

An hour into our flight, Anne, the purser, spoke over the intercom saying, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. We here at United believe travel should be fun. So Captain Flanagan is raffling off discounted tickets on United.”

Wait a minute, now we’re having a raffle? What’s next? Karaoke?

She continued, “On your cocktail napkin, please write down the reason you chose United for your air travel. I’ll then draw four napkins and read the responses. Those people will each receive a coupon worth a discount on a future United flight.”

The raffle concluded, and I didn’t win. But a few minutes later, Anne came down the aisle with one of Captain Flanagan’s business cards. On the back was this note: “Mr. Golletz, You are a valued customer and your business is greatly appreciated. Please let me know how we can exceed your expectations. Also, could you wait for me after the flight?” Signed, “Capt. Denny.”

I couldn’t meet him because of a tight connection in Denver, so I asked Anne to tell him I’d call him after my Sedona vacation, saying I was eager to know more about him. Before taking my response to Denny in the cockpit, she told me what she knew about this unusual and extraordinary guy:

• He institutes the raffle on every flight and posts the cocktail napkin responses where United staffers can read them.
• He has a large number of copies of a coffee table-sized book on United’s history and presents them to United associates who respond to customers in exceptional ways.
• He handwrites personal thank you notes on the back of his business cards to every first-class passenger on every one of his flights.
• He provides his personal credit card to unaccompanied minors on his flights so they can use the in-flight phone to call home.
• One of Denny’s co-pilots, Buck Wyndham (how’s that for a pilot’s name?), was so impressed that he asked Denny if he could record him for several days after the brass okayed the idea. The video recording was subsequently used for training at the company.

When I got home from that vacation, I spoke to Denny and a number of people close to him. My primary question was, “What created this dedication to customers?” Denny said, “I do it because it’s my job.” Not a guy prone to self-congratulatory behavior. His wife, Terri, told me he has a profound sense of duty and loyalty that endures despite adverse circumstances. His associate Bud Potts, another United pilot, couldn’t explain this quality in Denny. He expressed his admiration for both who Denny is and what he does.

Keep On Learning from Captain Denny

What have I learned (or reaffirmed) from my experience with Captain Denny? Here are three conclusions:

1. For years, United Airlines has gone through lots of well-documented challenges. Providing a bright spot amid the fray is a leader who demonstrates resilience, persistence, tenacity, a love of people, loyalty, and dedication. Where he got it isn’t as important as that he has it. Character counts!

2. People follow examples rather than orders. Frequently, Denny preaches the word of customer service to other United associates. They listen to him because his actions mirror his words. He’s consistent and authentic. He reaffirms what he says with what he does.

3. When faced with challenging times and circumstances, we have choices. We can focus on the good with a positive attitude or whine about the way things are and harbor resentment. You’ve probably heard it before and I’ll say it again: Resentment is tantamount to drinking poison and expecting someone else to die. I know people at United who want the company to fail because of deep-seated animosity and their need to prove themselves right. At the risk of appearing simplistic, I say, “Find something else to do with your life!”

When times get tough, people throw in the towel and leave out of frustration. To those at United and other firms who have confronted similar challenges and gotten out, I say, “Sometimes leaving is the right answer – for both the organization and the person. Better to leave than seethe.”

To people anywhere who decide to plant their feet and work for productive change – Bravo! Find other like-minded people to provide you with the courage to continue the fight. Incubate ideas; initiate independent action; take risks; build the company you want.

To everyone, but most particularly the executive managers of United, what can you learn from this story and how can you leverage that lesson? Will you have the courage and smarts to place your bets on people like Denny Flanagan?

P.S. I first wrote about Denny in my monthly newsletter in 2005. Since then, others have also noticed his amazing qualities. For example, he has appeared on TV network shows “This Morning” and “Good Morning America” and has been featured in a page-one story in the Wall Street Journal. In an industry that desperately needs heroes, Denny joins pilot Sully Sullenberger (of “put the plane down in the Hudson River” fame) as a guy worth emulating. I’m proud that Denny and I have become good friends. When he’s in D.C. or Baltimore, we still have dinner together. (Come to think of it, Denny, you owe me a meal.)

Copyright 2010 Rand Golletz. All rights reserved.

Because story writing is about conflict, and many compelling stories deal with love, a lot of dramatic tension can be created by using a narcissist as a character. Frequently good-looking and charming, the narcissist, like the psychopath, has the ability to draw people in and use them for their own ends. This article examines the qualities that make up a narcissist and how these can be used to write a compelling story.

What is a narcissist?

Narcissus was a character in Greek myth. A beautiful young man, he rejected all potential lovers and eventually became enraptured with his own reflection in a pool. Modern use of the term ‘narcissist’ refers to a person who is in love with themselves, especially with their own physical appearance. The narcissist expresses this self-love through out of control egotism, self-importance, vanity and conceit. Like the psychopath, narcissists tend to lack empathy for others, seeing them as tools to further their own ambitions.

How does a narcissist think?

To understand the narcissist you need to understand that they are the centre of their own little universe. The world and the things in it are a playground that exists to provide pleasure to the narcissist. The central irony in the narcissistic way of thinking is that, although the narcissist has little regard for the opinions and feelings of others, they desperately crave validation from other people. This makes them vulnerable to flattery and other forms of deceit. Narcissists are also known for their inability to accept blame, which is a function of their predilection to step on anyone to climb to the top.

Ways to write about a narcissistic character

The selfishness of the narcissist creates a lot of scope for dramatic conflict. Characters who get to know them may come to hate them for their selfishness and egotism, especially if they consider that they have been fooled by the narcissist’s charm. A narcissistic character may have exploited or disrespected someone in the past, and that person might now be seeking revenge. The theme of a grandiose character being brought back down to earth as a consequence of his past arrogance makes for a good story. Because narcissists have massive egos, they can be vicious when threatened. A story of tit-for-tat revenge can be made more plausible by having such a character in a central role.

If you write a story in the first person, you could write about a person who manipulates and deceives the narcissist, whether by flattery or by direct conflict. A character with a strong sense of justice might take it upon themselves to destroy a narcissist who they see as evil. If a story is written in the first person with a narcissist as a narrator, you could write a tragedy where the protagonist’s vanity and ego prove to be his downfall in ways that they didn’t foresee (but in ways that might be obvious to the reader).

The narcissist also works well in romantic tales: a character might be attracted to them because of their self-confidence, only to find that they have been manipulated.

In general, narcissistic characters make for a lot of dramatic conflict because of their blind selfishness. Whether you write a story of revenge, romance or redemption, a narcissist is a good choice for provoking strong reactions in the reader.

Many players in Diablo 2 consider Shields a very useful equipment to have. When you wear a shield, you get a % to block all of an attack’s damage. Some builds may not require a shield, like Assassins who can wear two claw weapons but increase points in the Weapon Block Skill and still be able to block, or Barbarians who have high Defense due to their armor and Iron Skin skill and prefer to dish out the damage using two-handed weapons or a weapon in each hand. For most other builds however, a Shield is something that might be the different between life and death.

Requirements:

A Shield with 3 sockets

Runes (in order): Ko + Ko + Mal

The Stats:

+20% Faster Hit Recovery

+20% Faster Block Rate

20% Increased Chance of Blocking

+130-160% Enhanced Defense

+250 Defense vs. Missile

+20 To Dexterity

All Resistances +50-70

Magic Damage Reduced By 7

Level 12 Slow Missiles (60 Charges) 

+20% Faster Hit Recovery

Each time you get hit, there are several frames of animation where your character cannot move, block or perform any other action. With the boost from % FHR mod, this reduces the frames for the hit animation, which is good because you can recover quicker from a blow. The 20% boost to FHR is a nice boost for melee fighters who require more % FHR to break their target breakpoint.

+20% Faster Block Rate

The same thing regarding frames of animation applies to Blocking as well. Therefore, with more + % FBR from items, you will reduce the frames of animation involved in a successful block, thus freeing you from getting caught in block-lock.

20% Increased Chance of Blocking

The chance of your character blocking an attack depends on several factors, but generally, you can improve your chance of blocking by investing points in Dexterity to keep it at the maximum level (75%). There are Skills that improve your Block chance as well (ie. Holy Shield, a Paladin Skill), and shield with the ICB modifier will help up your chance of blocking.

+20 To Dexterity

A good mod for a shield, since it improves your Chance of Blocking.

All Resistances +50-70

Massive boosts to All Resistances make Sanctuary a viable option for a Shield if your character is going to tackle the legions of tough monsters on Hell Difficulty. A near-perfect (65% and above bonus) or perfect Sanctuary will be a very desired armor for any Diablo 2 player. Sock it with an UM Rune for a +22% to All Resistances.

Summary:

Sanctuary is a good Runeword for a shield. There might be other more attractive options for players out there, but a shield with Sanctuary in it can be a good placeholder for players who take their chance of blocking (most players) and Resistances (all players!) seriously.

Cross Border Issues Regarding Social Networking Defamation

Different jurisdictions apply different rules to what is regarded as defamation as well as to what is regarded as the liability of the parties involved. Because of the cross- border nature of the internet, it is important to at least identify the minimum common denominators which apply among various western jurisdictions, in order to deal with online defamation.

Generally speaking, there is almost a universal defence to defamation and this is the defence of truthfulness, which would provide a party, accused of delivering defamatory remarks, with a blanket defence against any such allegations of defamation. Whenever the comments or material posted contain factual information, it is relatively easy to ascertain the facts and decide whether or not they are truthful. If for instance a purchaser of a DVD player online claims that the newly purchased DVD broke down after 2 weeks and that the vendor refused to provide refund – this would be a factual issue.

Opinion And Defamation of Character

The problem normally starts where people post comments, which contain their opinion about the vendor or the goods purchased. For example, if the purchaser of a DVD player in the above example states in a forum comment that the vendor is a fraud or a bogus business, then the person posting the comment may well land himself in a more risky area of posting defamatory comments. To avoid getting in trouble for defamation, it is therefore best to stick with the facts and avoid providing own interpretation for the reasons behind the negative experience.

The most risky comments are those which imply dishonesty or the breaking of the law by the vendor, where this has not been proved in a court of law.

The 2 Most Common Types Of Online Defamation Of Character

The 2 most common types of complaints about online defamation are in regard to those comments which are made by individual purchasers of goods or services and those comments made anonymously by competitors. The comments made by one company against another tend to be more capable of being defamatory because there is almost always an element of malice attached to them, as opposed to being a fair comment.

In relation to defamatory comments made by individuals against other individuals, those tend to be very harmful because of the gossipy nature of those comments. The public regards gossip as an acceptable form of freedom of speech, which means that those who make these defamatory comments don’t necessarily see them as being capable as attracting a claim for defamation. This of course is wrong because defamatory comments, whether made by individuals against other individuals, or whether made by individuals against corporations have the same effect of being lies, which could spread very rapidly across the internet as well as off line and cause serious injury to their subject. The culpability of individuals and corporations therefore is the same and in both cases by spreading lies online they create a potential legal action for defamation.

Who Can Be Held Liable To Libellous Remarks Which Are Posted On Forums And Social Networking

Social networking sites are becoming a safe haven for those who wish to harm others by posting lies or gossip. It is the newest form of bullying and harassment, where the bullies find it convenient to hide behind the obscurity which social networking provides. The nature of what constitutes ‘defamation’ has largely remained unchanged for generations. What is not clear is to what extent those who permit such publications should be held liable. A person who posts lies about another individual whether by using social networking or by more traditional means such as newspaper articles, carries the same liability as they did in the past. But if traditionally newspaper publishers were to be held liable for postings made by readers in their publications, it is not clear now whether or not hosts of social networking sites and blogs carry the same level of culpability in relation to online defamation. There is therefore a grey area here but it is not in relation to what is regarded as defamation or the liability of the person who posts the untrue comments. The grey area is rather in relation to how far down the chain do people and organisations who run the social networking and blogs remain liable to what is being published on websites which are under their control.

Freedom Of Speech And Online Defamation

Thoughts are only capable of being defamatory once they are published. It is almost universally accepted that freedom of speech is not an absolute right and restrictions are being imposed on freedom of speech, whenever a state feels for example that its national security could be compromised. Almost every state in the western world has got in place emergency measures, which very often include at least some sort of restriction on freedom of speech. By definition, laws of defamation have also got an element of restriction on freedom of speech. It remains to be seen whether those restrictions on freedom of speech should or would be further restricted in the future. In the long term, I foresee a shift in the way of thinking in terms of how we perceive and understand freedom of speech should operate. I believe that it will not be long before legislators in various states will come to realise, perhaps due to being personal affected by the issue, that freedom of speech should be restrained in some way in order to protect not only the economic interests of corporations, but also the well- being and quality of life of individuals who would find it almost intolerable to live in a society where everyone in effect, is a fair target to publications of defamatory comments. This however, might not happen immediately and mainly for political reasons, things will probably get worse before any serious changes to rules governing freedom of speech are to take place.

Wuthering Heights is so terrifying and powerful a novel that its final impress is one of tragedy. The concerted operation of its setting, characters and events releases an intensity that is undoubtedly tragic.

The novel has a bleak moorland setting; the title of the novel itself suggests this. Mist and cloud, frost, rain and storm, and gaunt thorns hold the scene. The Yorkshire moors are naturally harsh, sombre and wind-swept, but their valleys can be beautiful in summer. But it is their wildness that prevails in the book. And long stretches of loneliness emphasize the sense of mystery.

Heathcliff represents the basic elemental energies of Nature, including human nature. But in him we see the energy only in its destructive, demonic aspects. There is a tension between two kinds of reality – the raw inhuman reality of natural energies, and the restrictive reality of civilized manners, habits and codes.

The first kind of reality is manifested in the violent figures of Heathcliff and Catherine, children of rock, heath and storm, disrupting all around them with the monstrous appetite for an inhuman kind of passion, and finally disintegrated from within by their very energies. They represent, in terms of human character, a vision of the inhuman.

A gypsy-looking waif, Heathcliff as a child was dark almost as if “he came from the devil”. His eyes were as “the clouded windows of hell” from which a “fiend” looked out. Catherine describes him as “a fierce, pitiless, wolfish man”. Catherine, too, is as a girl, a “carefree, wild little savage”. She has furious tantrums, she lies, she bites, and her chosen toy is a whip. The ravenous love of Catherine and Heathcliff belongs to the realm of imagination. Catherine says that while her love for Edgar is like the foliage that changes with the seasons, her love for Heathcliff resembles like the eternal rocks beneath.

No wonder, Catherine’s marriage to Edgar dooms Heathcliff to be “hell-like in heart and misery”. And her marriage dooms her also, for she is of the same demonic substance as Heathcliff. A civilized marriage and domesticity are opposed to the demonic quality. The excess of this passion is, after her death, channelised into Heathcliff’s thirsting revenge and self-seeking wickedness.

There is something inhuman also in the cruelties perpetrated by the other occupants of Wuthering Heights. Hindley forces a knife between Ellen Dean’s teeth, and also throws his baby Hareton over the staircase. Hareton as a child hangs a litter of puppies from a chairback. Linton as a child gets sadistic pleasure in torturing cats.

But set over against the horrors of inhuman reality is the normal human reality that we find in Ellen Dean, the old family housekeeper, and Lockwood, a city visitor to the country. This human reality is given also in the romance of Cathy and Hareton in an atmosphere of book learning, gentle manners and domestic charities. They live in the Grange, because they do not belong to the world of exposed uninhibited passions represented by Wuthering Heights.

The tension between the two kings of reality – one wild and the other gentle – never seem to attain harmony. They exist, but they remain separate and irreconcilable.

Wuthering Heights, it seems, coveys no moral lesson. Perhaps at its deepest level, what Emily Bronte would have it conveyed is to be understood in Catherine’s feeling: not only are their lives inseparable but that she is one with Heathcliff. On this level Heathcliff does not function as an independent being at all. He is one with the deepest instinctive life. So that by betraying him in getting married to Edgar she repudiates that part of herself on which her fulfilment depends. Eventually, her thwarted passions cause her death within a year of her marriage.

Heathcliff too, had an obsessive love for Catherine who has been his life and soul since their childhood. His agony at her death is appalling. His outlook is completely unchristian and, as death nears, he has no desire for any heaven apart from reunion with her.

Despite a happy ending in the love-making and promise of marriage of the young Cathy and Hareton, the novel is unable to dispel the heavy and brooding atmosphere that, in its intensity and power, imparts to the story a distinctly tragic character.

Bhaskar Banerjee is deeply involved in the quest in unraveling that fountain of strength contained within us all. His diverse inspirational awareness programs, talks, sharing of various articles, newsletters, have helped many take a glimpse of the joy of their being. Currently associated with an affiliate website 24-7 for high demand products, you may like to click below to have a look that could be of interest and value for you.

Bhaskar Banerjee is deeply involved in the quest in unraveling that fountain of strength contained within us all. His diverse inspirational awareness programs, talks, sharing of various articles, newsletters, have helped many take a glimpse of the joy of their being. Currently associated with an affiliate website 24-7 for high demand products, you may like to click below to have a look that could be of interest and value for you.

So, you got all excited about SMS Text Message Marketing and have high hopes for what it can do for your business. Rightly so! Mobile marketing is now coming into its own, and text message campaigns are being used to extraordinary effect by many businesses.

You’ve set up with a service provider and you’ve started building a list of people to send your messages to, but here you are staring at the blank screen of your PC. How on earth do you communicate any kind of meaningful message when you only have 160 characters to play with?

First, the good news

It may seem like an impossibly short space in which to say anything meaningful, but it depends on your perspective. Here’s a thought: you get 20 characters more than a twitter update! Twitter is being used today in some very creative and effective ways by online marketers. So if they can pull it off with even fewer words, there has to be great hope for the SMS text message.

We need to challenge this idea that copy can’t be effective if it’s short. Radio advertising has long been recognized as one of the most consistently effective kinds of advertising. The most common radio ad runs 30 seconds in length. Would it surprise you to know that these ads generally contain fewer than 70 words, and the best radio ad writers insist that repetition is a key ingredient? 70 words with repetition, and it is highly effective.

Some may argue that writing SMS text messages can hardly be called “copywriting” at all when you have so few words to play with. I would say that for this very reason it requires the best, most disciplined and thoughtful of copywriting to consistently achieve results and build an audience.

What About “Serial” SMS Text Message Marketing?

One way around the challenge may be to consider the option of splitting your copy into multiple text messages. There are several factors, however, that would caution we only do this very sparingly.

Firstly, it can be an annoyance to the receiver, and may also encumber them with extra cost, depending on their cell phone service plan.

Secondly, there can be delays between receiving the multiple parts of your message. Sometimes the SMS service provider may be at fault, but it can be as simple a reason as the receiver going in and out of clear reception areas. It’s also possible for recipients to receive the message installments in the wrong order, and all of this may lead to confusion. So this tactic must only be employed sparingly or it may well lead to an increase in subscribers opting out.

So How DO You Do it?

In a way, writing effective SMS text messages is like writing ONLY a headline. Good copywriters often say that if they have 8 hours to write a piece of copy they will spend 7 of those hours on the headline and the last 1 on the rest of the piece. Headlines are THAT critical; they are an art form all in themselves. A headline can make or break your copy because readers will make their decision whether to keep reading based on whether the headline grabs them. For this reason, great copywriters are practiced headline writers.

Writing great headlines is great training for writing SMS text messages.

1. Shoot an arrow.

A great text message is an arrow, not a shotgun. You’re firing one point at a set target, not blasting a pile of buckshot in a general direction. All the best copywriting – long or short – has one definite aim to it. The vast majority of text messages are acted on (if they are going to be) within 20 minutes. So your message must grab attention, be clear, and be immediately actionable.

2. Talk benefits – not features.

The age old principle of all sales writing is more imperative in this form than any other. Sell the sizzle, not the steak. Don’t try to list all the things your widget does; just tell them how you can improve their life.

Great copywriting does not attempt to “create demand”. Rather, it seeks to channel existing demand. In other words, find out what your customers already want, and scratch that itch. That’s the best news ever for short copywriting, because if you had to create demand in every 160 character message before you could call to action – talk about an impossible task!

3. Write the call to action first, and keep it short.

“Call 800-555-5555 now”. That’s a clear call to action in 21 characters. That leaves you 139 characters to hit a need and give your solution. “Can’t face cooking after work tonight? Our delicious lasagna will be hot and ready for you. 20% off with this txt message – $10! Call 800-555-5555 now”… 10 characters to spare.

4. Resist the urge to abbreviate words.

Remember the “KIPS” principle… Keep It Professional Stupid! That doesn’t mean writing an office memo, but you don’t want to write like you’re a high school sophomore texting your best friend after school.

5. Test! Test! Test!

Test different approaches. Once your list begins to grow you should do this within campaigns. Have 2 versions of the same basic message, and send each to half of your list. Over time you’ll begin to develop a sense for what works best.

Writing for SMS Text Message Marketing with just 160 characters? It can be done, and done well.

Reading mental toughness quotes from some of the world’s most formidable individuals is quite inspiring. It’s always helpful to have such words of wisdom guide you along.

From a world-famous philosopher to a certified pillar in history, you’ll definitely find something that applies to you and your situation. Personally, I believe that reading about another person’s experience enriches you and prepares you for success.

Below are some inspirational quotes for you to ponder on.

Mental Toughness Quote #1: “One man that has a mind and knows it can always beat ten men who haven’t and don’t.” – George Bernard Shaw

According to this famous playwright and Nobel Prize winner, you must first know your mind before you can forge it to greatness. Knowing your mind and what it is capable of is ultimately your greatest weapon.

In war, men use guns, tanks and grenades; but behind all these weapons is a mind with a strategy. If you have a mind and know how to use it, then you will always win.

Whether you’re in school or in the working world, your mind is still what will propel you to greatness – not your family name nor your connections.

Mental Toughness Quote #2: “You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body but you will never imprison my mind.” – Mahatma Gandhi

The Indian philosopher really knew what it means to have a strong mind. In this particular quote, he separates his physical self from his mental self and teaches everyone to do the same.

Even when times are tough, you should not let such circumstances defeat you. Your mind is the last frontier. Until the very last, do not give up.

Mental Toughness Quote #3: “Just as iron rusts from disuse, even so does inaction spoil the intellect.” – Leonardo da Vinci

This particular quote from Leonardo da Vinci talks about how the mind needs to be exercised often for it to achieve greatness. Otherwise, it’s just going to spoil.

When you have time, try solving puzzles instead of watching television. Do something that actively engages your mind. Talk to your colleague about a specific topic or learn something new, even if it’s just how the Dewey-Decimal System works.

Mental toughness quotes are here to help you accomplish whatever it is you set out to do in the first place. Take it from these men and start using your mind to achieve greatness.

Before I begin, I wanted to let you know that prior to discovering The Success Principle, I had NEVER heard of this Jerry Clark character.

Seeing as he’s a member of the Maverick Coaching group, I figured it only makes sense to find out for myself if this guy has any CREDIBILITY, and worthy of filling my mind with information:-)

Upon doing a quick search on Google and Amazon, I found that he’s the author of several books and audio courses, including the “Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants” series, “Murphy’s Committee” and a handful of other products.

OK, cool, but still, I had no idea who he is, what his background is, how successful he is, and most importantly why I should listen to him.

I’ll be straight up with you about something: it’s taken me the better part of an hour to REALLY get an idea of who Jerry Clark is, and what he’s got to offer.

Upon further digging, I found a site called “Club Rhino”, who’s “About This Site” area reads:

This Site is Committed to Educating, Equipping, and Empowering Direct Sales and Network Marketing Distributors World Wide… Our Goal Is Simple… To Give You Insights, Strategies, Tools, and Philosophies that can Assist You To Eliminate Commutting, Destroy Your Alarm Clock, Fire Your Boss, and Earn a Least a SIX FIGURE income for the rest of your life… We Believe that Change Begins at the Individual Level; thus, that’s what we focus on… Assisting You with making the Internal Shifts that will begin to shift your External Reality… Be sure to browse around and familiarize yourself with this site… There are a lot of Articles and Resources that can assist in making your Journey Through the Entreprenuerial Jungle more fun, exciting, adventurous, productive, and profitable… Go, Go, Go!!!

Here’s my honest opinion about the site (sorry Jerry Clark)…it’s really quite…dated/ugly! (Oh, and the “Go, Go, Go! thing is a bit cheesy, but c’mon, which motivational speaker doesn’t have some funky slogan like that?)

Network Marketing???…hmmm…not exactly something that I have ANY interest in pursuing, myself! From all the research I’ve done about Jerry “Drhino” Clark, it all leads to Network Marketing, dating back as far as 1996.

That said, I also stumbled across a lot of motivational and inspirational sites mentioning Jerry Clark, and giving him lots of credit. “He changed my life” etc…

So at this point, I’m getting a little skeptical, and really, REALLY hoping that Maverick Coaching The Success Principle is NOT about Network Marketing!

However, as the saying goes, never judge a book by it’s cover, right? Well, that’s what I’m gonna do (not judge), and still went ahead with my purchase of The Success Principle.

One other piece of information that gave my confidence in this program a little boost is the following:

One of the simplest descriptions of a pyramid scam comes from Jerry ‘DRhino’ Clark.

“In a pyramid scheme, value flows just one way – up!”

PHEW! At least I know he’s not plugging any type of pyramid schemes!

Lastly, I found a clip of Jerry Clark on Youtube’s SuccessTraining Channel that further boosted my belief that Jerry Clark has some valuable information to share.

In fact, it’s a 3 minute preview of the first 30 minute video in Maverick Coaching Success Principle (I just bought it today). Here’s the video. http://www.youtube.com/v/PYvakn9YQdo&hl

Hahaha! That “Go, Go, Go!” get’s me every time!:-D

Anyway, although it says you can only get it on “The Success Training Network”, the entire video is in Maverick Coaching Success Principle.

Soon I’ll be posting more reviews on The Success Principle. Till then, take care:-)

Dwad out…

Learning how to draw anime, a Japanese style of animation that has become increasingly popular over the past several years, is easier than you think. Anime televisions shows and movies have influenced many people into wanting to learn how to draw anime.

Genres!

There are several anime genres including action, adventure, children’s, comedy, science fiction, horror, romance and erotica. There are a variety of different thematic elements because of this. Many anime shows combine a variety of different genres in to one. It is not uncommon to have humor and romance in the same story. The characters are very important and are often deep, even if the storyline is not as complex.

Characters!

The character is very important in anime. This is where you want to begin when developing your anime storyline or characters. There is no plot without a good character in anime.

First Things First!

You need to determine the personality of your character first. Is the character a boy or girl? Are they strong willed? Strong? Wild? The most common character in anime is strong willed. A strong willed character features raised eyebrows, a closed mouth in an upside down V, and a defined position. Next, you will want to add a few weapons and armor depending on the character. These are the basics of many anime characters that you will need to know when learning how to draw anime.

Other Characters!

After you have developed a main character you will want to use these same concepts to develop your character’s friends as well as enemies. Research the various different characters to get an idea of the different characters that you can get ideas from. Look at their personalities, likes and dislikes, and how they attack their enemies. The characters in anime are often very deep. They have a lot of personality and a story of their own. You want to work around this in order to develop a good story for your characters.

There are many factors which make up a persons character, everything from genetics, upbringing, allergies as some report having adverse personality changes when eating or drinking some substances, Prescription and non-prescription drugs, hormones, and even beliefs.

In Judaism the sages teach the wisdom of a persons true character called The Personality of Blessings; the phrase Be’Kiso, Be’Koso, and u’ve’Kaso, meaning by what is in a persons pocket (what they spend money on), by their cup (how they respond to the temptation of alcoholic excesses), and by their temper (can they control themselves when provoked?). There is another level of character: “af be’shako,” by their play or how does this person use their leisure time? These are good things to find out about a potential partner while dating. Character is also deeply psychological.

For those whom tend to distrust or fear that which they desire most any long term intimate relationship is not possible. This paradox creates a sense of vulnerability and threat. The defense mechanisms of self induced anger/fear which are part of the excitement attraction are the undoing of the relationship since there will be an ever present attempts to over power and control over the other to reassure the dominance and security. There is a biological chemical evolutionary component as well.

The more sexually roused, erotic stimuli the more testosterone and male produced androgen hormones are released therefore creating a highly emotional state where the lines between anger, violence, or sex can become blurred. For some this creates an irresistible drug like rush that is indeed addictive and is the leading cause of sex addicts who crave the rush and intimacy but then realize their venerability and must either dominate or sabotage the relationship and quickly move on to another.

For example, this is one of the reasons why some less evolved males can not maintain a relationship with a woman who is intelligent, beautiful, powerful, and sensual. The irony is that it is the more insecure less evolved person will seek out a weaker partner to reassure their need for superiority. The more insecure person will do everything in their power to disempower the other and when this fails the insecure persons resort to the only weapons they have left which are emotional warfare or manipulation and passive aggression.

The afore mentioned 4 little insights (Be’Kiso, Be’Koso, u’ve’Kaso, and af be’shako) may seem simple but in the dating world they are essential. The story that follows is one such example sent in by a reader in which her boyfriend who absolutely subscribed to the Be’Kiso, Be’Koso, u’ve’Kaso, af be’shako philosophy and how he chose to show his true character. It is also believed in these insights that when a person’s anger becomes enraged they also break bonds with God as well, and to not look the person directly in the eyes. Let’s see if you can figure it out, there might just be a test at the end!

A recent reader wrote telling of her experience with dealing with her boyfriend’s extreme denial of anger which starts out fairly simply but then cascades into all 4 character aspects. He made no secret of that fact that she was the most exciting woman he had ever known. She had put quite a good bit of time, energy, and even more creativity into creating a fun and sexy little outfit ensuring a romantic evening of theirs was going to be especially romantic right down to the exact shoes she knew he found irresistible. At first he seemed very appreciative but in one swift move the turned the tables for the worst.

She states that she only weighs about 100 lbs and her boyfriend weighed very close to twice that. Obviously, without consideration on his, part he swiftly moved her onto a concrete floor for a more romantic purpose. She writes, “Before even a split second could go by my back was crushed and cracked all the way up to my ribs”. Luckily, she managed to get away quickly. However, she did indeed become upset especially since they had both addressed this exact issue before and that it was especially painful for her and not something that could be done without serious injury to her.

None of this mattered or will matter to a person who can not accept that there is some good in every aspect of character, even anger. The boyfriend never bothered to ask why she was upset. In the boyfriend’s denial he immediately rejected both her feelings and her. Breaking his own beliefs, she writes, “He stood with his third cup of scotch in hand, looked me dead in the eye and instantly renounced every feeling he ever claimed to have for me”. Despite her tears of confusion, hurt, and of being attacked he did not relent, she writes, “nothing I said or did mattered. It was like I wasn’t even there. He had no reaction to me at all”. His true character revealed. Unable to face his own anger he projected it on to her and rejected her which to him was better than him rejecting himself or admitting error.

Contrary to the next mornings agreement of mutual bad judgment his anger type is passive aggressive which drove him to cheat on her with an ex and to replace the most exciting girlfriend he ever had in his life with a new car rather then contribute to him community which were his prior goals.

Result: the replacement ex left for the same reasons as four times before. However, he still can enjoy his new car payments that will never complain about any of his short comings. As for the exhilaration of the new car; any man who gets more exhilaration out of a car than a woman is either with the wrong woman, she just isn’t trying, he needs the blue little pill, or he is a homosexual.

Here is the test:

Can you tell where and when how anger could have played out different?

What if he had asked what was wrong?

What if they had both decided to just laugh about it and relocate?

What if when he was angry with her expressed himself differently and non-aggressively staring her down?

What if there was not alcohol involved or less?What if rather than a new car he invested in helping others or getting help or even healing?

Character: it is our most important a choice because it is who we are, what we do, and how we treat, love or choose not to love others.