Movies 2009
December 30, 2009 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Movies 2009
In 1977, my dear friend Gloria Boileau and I were attending the National Speakers Association Annual Convention in Anaheim, CA. On the last night at the awards banquet gala she said to me, “We need to get our picture taken with the Oscar because we are going to go to the Academy Awards. (On the stage stood a huge 10 foot Oscar statue) And I said to myself, “Yea, right.”
Gloria & Susan 1997
Gloria has always thought BIG! Bigger than life at times it seems to me. Fast forward two years later and I get a call from Gloria saying, “I have two tickets to Martin Scorsese’s Oscar Party at the Beverly Hills Hotel. You want to go?” I was speechless. (One of the very few times in my life)
I share that experience in my presentations when I am talking about the importance of goal setting. I say, “It has been said that if you don’t have goals you will end up living your life based on someone else’s goals. And if that’s the case, make sure you hang out with people who have really good goals!”
That was one of the best days of my life. To watch the Academy Awards on over sized screens in the ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel with so many stars was incredible. And then to stand on the red carpet behind the BBC afterward and watch all the limos pull up with all the stars who were returning from the awards ceremony was just beyond my wildest dreams. Miramax held their private party in the bar (which we tried unsuccessfully to crash) but we did get on the set of Bill Maher’s Politically Incorrect in the lobby. We got pictures with his scheduled guests, William H. Macy and Rod Steiger.
Me & Rod Steiger
I have always loved watching movies. I am probably more tolerant than most. I have never walked out of a movie theater. (I have turned them off at home if they were just so bad I couldn’t watch anymore) I don’t discriminate. Violence and foul language aren’t a problem for me. I try to keep an open mind and seek to understand why someone would make the movie they make.
Since 2000, my movie buddies and I have seen at least one movie almost every week. When we are not watching the latest releases at the theater, we are catching up on the one’s we missed at home. We rarely watch TV shows. And when we do it is usually a season later on DVD, although we do have a DVR. Favorite TV shows include 24, Lost, Six Feet Under, Dexter, The Tudor’s, and Damages.
So far for 2009, my overall favorite movie is “Julie & Julia.” I think Meryl Streep is the finest actress of this generation and Amy Adams is just blossoming! I have loved everything she has done since I first became aware of her in Junebug.
“The Hangover” has to rate because it appeals to all generations. It’s the male version of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” It played all summer and into the fall and brought in over $277,000,000 Definitely a “guy movie” but very funny and clever.
“The Blind Side” was another great movie. Sandra Bullock was voted the 2009 top performer by the theater operators. She is another of my favorite actors. “The Proposal” was cute and since “All about Steve” got panned by the reviewers I waited for it on Netflix. I didn’t think it was all that bad.
My favorite movies for 2009: It’s Complicated, Up in the Air, Invictus, Young Victoria, Star Trek, An Education, Hurt Locker, The Boys Are Back, Inglorious Basterds, 500 Days of Summer, Men Who Stare at Goats, Revolutionary Road, The Reader, Taken, Sunshine Cleaning, The Taking of Pelham 123, The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #283: Golden Rule
December 27, 2009 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #283: Golden Rule
Golden Rule – do to others as you would have them do to you.
Do you treat people the way you would like to be treated? Do you believe in retribution as in “an eye for an eye?” Are you able to view the world through another person’s perspective?
I felt everyone could benefit from reading this San Diego Union editorial comment by Jai Ghorpade. “The Golden Rule is a universally recognized moral principle that is found, in different combinations of words, in all religions and in the writings of the great philosophers. The secular rationale is that the quality of the emotional climate will be enriched, and collective gains will be higher, if individuals obligate themselves to go beyond seeking equivalency and retribution to mutual caring in their relationships.”
“Assuming a willingness to go in that direction, there are four personal qualities that can serve as the foundation for being able to treat others as you would have them treat you in today’s context:
1) Introspection: How well do you understand your own feelings, biases, values, beliefs and motives? Are you ready to ‘treat thy neighbor as thyself’ regardless of the person’s race, religion, gender, age, physical appearance or sexual orientation?
2) Compassion: Do you have sympathy for the suffering of others? Do you have the humility to apologize and to make amends with those you have hurt or treated disrespectfully?
I am going to share the other two next week and allow you to absorb and put into practice these first two qualities. This week focus on introspection and compassion. How well do you understand your own feelings? Do you treat others with respect? Is there someone you need to make amends with?
Reader Responses
I have compassion and treat people as I want to be treated every day. I have to admit, however, that there are times when I probably don’t appreciate what it is like to walk in another’s shoes. Having that kind of empathy is something that I continue to work on. Most of us generally see the world as we WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT – through OUR EYES! And, since we are perfect how could anyone not see the world as we do. In that respect, it can be difficult to see others’ points of view. So, that is something I certainly need to work on. What it requires of me is that I listen to others so that I can learn from whence they are coming. Thank you, Susan. The Golden Rule needs to be taken seriously by all of us. Have a great week, Susan. “Warrior” Joe
Again, I enjoyed your perspective. Today’s subject also had a lot of ‘meat on the bone’. (A primitive expression in Applachia!) I will be awaiting your follow-up next week. Hope your holidays were grand. PC in Tennessee
Happy New Year Susan! I look forward to another year of “WOWs.” Oh, I wanted to ask if you have a Facebook page. If not, why not consider? We could have discussions on your topics for the week, and get to know others who are on your mailing list. It would be very interesting. Just a thought. Thanks again, Linda
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #282: Benevolent
December 6, 2009 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #282: Benevolent
Benevolent – a kindly disposition to promote the happiness or prosperity of others.
Do you feel the desire to help others? Do you support any charities? Have you ever been in a position where you needed the help of others?
My Favorite Charity
Tis the season…it just seemed appropriate to rerun this WOW. The old saying is, “It is better to give than to receive.” And according to a report in the journal of Science people who made gifts to others or to charities reported they were happier than folks who didn’t share.
Studies have shown that having more money can increase happiness. Turns out the way people spend their money makes a difference. Researchers at the University of British Columbia and Harvard University found that, “Personal spending was unrelated to happiness. But higher pro social spending was associated with significantly greater happiness.”
“That doesn’t mean go get a high-paying job so you can spend tons of money on others. The message is, given what you have, how can you make little alterations to do something for others.”
This week focus on promoting happiness and prosperity for others. It doesn’t have to be about giving money. You can give of your time. Who do you know that could use your support? How does it feel to be benevolent? Hope you have a FUN Holiday!
Reader Responses
There is something to be said for benevolence. While I don’t have a lot of disposable income, I do try to help people individually who ask me. I have been asked by friends for $50 or $100, and I have gladly given it when I had it. I did not ask for it back or insist on interest. I just wanted to help someone in need. Generally, I have been asked by co-workers to look over their wedding invitation or English homework to make sure it is correct. I am happy to do that. As my parish priest said on Sunday, giving one’s time is really more precious than gifts or money. And he is right. People who are approaching the ends of the lives don’t want flowers or sweaters or gifts. They want OUR TIME. So, if I can give of my time – and it is precious because I like to share it with my wife and daughters – I do. Gladly. Because in the long run that means more to most people. If I can smile and make someone’s day, I am glad to do it. Our lives are all about relationships. If we can take the time, that shows we care. That is what it is all about. Happy New Year, Susan. I hope you have a great one. “Warrior” Joe
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #281: Paucity
December 6, 2009 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #281: Paucity
Paucity – smallness of number; fewness.
Have you ever seen or heard this word before? I sure hadn’t! Is your business suffering from a paucity of customers, guests, members or clients?
The main article, written by Lori Weisberg, on the front page of today’s Sunday Union Tribune business section is titled, “Holiday party paucity.” Conspicuous consumption is clearly not in vogue these days. The recession has left many employers on the fence about whether they have the funds and as a result, holiday parties have been put off until the last minute.
“Local restaurants and hotels are extending discounts and promotions to induce companies to throw a party, no matter how modest it is. Everything from bonus gift cards and free hotel rooms to live DJs are being offered in hopes of luring indecisive businesses, recognizing that the holiday season is their last chance to boost a disappointing year.”
Does a large part of your revenue in December come from holiday parties? One restaurant in San Diego which does started the season by offering 25% off. “Sometimes holiday parties are the first thing to go. That’s unfortunate, because if anyone needs a pat on the back after last year, the company party is the way to do it.”
This week focus on how you can help the economy and not have “Holiday party paucity.” If you are in the hospitality industry what incentives could you offer to book more parties? If you’re on the fence about whether to have an office party, get off it and go book it! It seems to me that if we all spend a little money instead of hoarding it this recession will be over quicker.
Reader Responses
This morning you awakened me with your thoughts, we are still in control of this recession and how long we stay in it is still our choice as a whole, it makes a lot of sense what you said: “ it seems to me if that if we all spend a little more money instead of hoarding it this recession will be over quicker” You know I was really backwards in my thinking, I need to put money in instead of keep money, I don’t mean extravagant but if we all put a little bread down before you know it we will have the loaf than the loaves and before we know it bakery is going and were baking and before you know it we are feeding the multitudes and the process was done a lot quicker, with everyone putting a little bread down. WOW, Thanks Susan, your insight is a Gift! – Brenda
I have known the word and used it on an occasional basis. Most times I have not sprinkled my conversations with paucity because most people don’t know the word. And, yes, there has been a paucity of holiday parties in America the past two years. Many companies will cut office and company parties as a perk that can be done without. And whenever employees complain about this paucity, the response from the hierarchy is, “Just be glad that you have a job.” Parties build camaraderie in firms. They also give employees a chance to meet others in the company they have never met. Parties do a great job of bringing people together, especially at the holidays. What happens when they are canceled is that morale slowly deteriorates. Employees begin to think they are simply numbers helping to inflate a bottom line. What then results is that employees never go above and beyond the call of duty in their positions. Ultimately, the bottom line suffers. That is what happens. And it is happening all over the country today. Great word, Susan. I hope you have a wonderful week. Take care. “Warrior” Joe Moran.
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #280: Hope
December 5, 2009 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #280: Hope
Hope – the feeling that what is wanted can be had.
Is there something that you hope will happen in your life? Do you have the feeling that it is truly possible? Is there something you can do to move closer toward that possibility?
With the Holiday Season upon us it felt appropriate to rerun this WOW from last year. One thing I shy away from is speaking or writing about religion and politics. However, one of the hottest pastors and authors today is Joel Osteen. His latest book is titled, “Become a Better You.”
When asked what his secret is, Osteen says, “I don’t know if this is the only reason, but I think what I give them is hope. There’s a lot of negative trying to pull people down.”
Boy, is that truth! Just watch the news. Osteen’s goal is for people to walk away “feeling hope, feeling inspired to be better people, to be better parents.”
Sandi Dolbee, of the San Diego Union Tribune writes, “His critics see him more as a motivational speaker than Christian preacher. He encourages people to stop worrying and start expecting that good things will come.”
Osteen says, “You have to conceive it on the inside before you can receive it on the outside.”
Well, I say, “Amen to Joel!” This week focus on those things that you want. What negative thoughts can you let go of? What could you do to be a better person and/or parent? Can you allow yourself to expect that good things lie ahead?
Reader Responses
We have to keep hope alive. We do not watch the network newscasts or the local news. Many of the stories that are broadcast have to do with murder and mayhem. Also, it seems that life’s losers wind up in the headlines. Which is too bad, because there is so much more good in this world than bad. However, the old adage that “If it bleeds, it leads” is very apropos. What we try to do is make sure that we give our daughters positive examples in our everyday lives, and help them to have faith and hope that the best is yet to come. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who, for one reason or another, are just negative. It is too bad. We are only here for a short time and we have to look forward to each day because we don’t know what will happen in our lives. I have always believed that each day is like an entire lifetime because of all of the possibilities out there. Another adage that I follow is, “If you can see it, you can achieve it.” As you noted, it has to come from within. I try to keep that positive attitude every day at work with my co-workers. In many instances, I just try to make them smile. If I can do that, whatever I have inside has made them feel good. We have to ability, if we choose to use it, to touch other people’s lives for the better. We can do it, but we need to take the time. My wife and two daughters give me great hope for the future. Every day my dreams come true. Thanks, Susan. I am getting ready to send out my holiday cards, which is one of my favorite parts of Christmas. It gives me a chance to touch those people with whom I have had limited contact during the year. Also, Santa Claus is going to call my eight-year-old daughter at dinner time. I am also sending the letter Erin Grace wrote to St. Nick at lunch time. Take care. “Warrior” Joe Moran.
Great, as usual. I watch Joel Osteen sometimes, Marilyn turned him on to me. He’s very good. Hope you are having a great time on your trip to Panama. love, Elaine