EZ Wealth Network "Helping People To Improve Their Life Styles"
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
EZ Wealth Network News: The Beggar!
EZ Wealth Network News: The Beggar!: The Beggar A bum on the street asks a guy for $2. The man asks: "Will you buy booze?" The bum says: "No." The man asks "Will you gam...
EZ Wealth Network News: ‘Gonna get along without ya now.’ The words no CEO...
EZ Wealth Network News: ‘Gonna get along without ya now.’ The words no CEO...: by Dr. Jeffrey Lant Author’s program note. In 1952 Teresa Brewer sang a peppy little ditty called “Gonna get along without ya now.” It w...
‘Gonna get along without ya now.’ The words no CEO ever wants to hear…and what you must do to make sure you never do.
by Dr. Jeffrey Lant
Author’s program note. In 1952 Teresa Brewer sang a peppy little ditty called “Gonna get along without ya now.” It was bubble gum music, all bobby socks and pony tails. Sweet sixteen though it was, its lyrics perfect for the soda shop, there was yet a salient point here that none of us can ever forget. We are all expendable, replaceable, just a movable part in any organization. It is a sobering thought for any person, but it’s vital every CEO of every organization not only understand this essential truth, but build his administration on it and rule accordingly.
Before reading the rest of this article, go to any search engine and find this tale of comeuppance warbled by Ms. Brewer. Carefully read its lyrics, including this unforgettable couplet:
“Got along without ya before I met ya Gonna get along without ya now.”
What a CEO is and what a CEO must do… crucial aspects of the job you never learn at Harvard Business School.
For the last almost 20 years now, I have been a CEO, specifically CEO of worldprofit.com, which began its life in 1994 as an Internet hosting company, expanding since then into providing complete Web traffic and online services, tools for every kind of business organization. Let me be perfectly candid with you; the daily education I’ve had over the past two decades has been not only practical, exhaustive and timely, but hands-on and never-ending, as must inevitably be any training and instruction about e-matters.
The necessary training has included, but was never just limited to matters fiduciary, legal, product development, marketing, and sales. But the most important instruction of all has been what I’ve learned about handling people; in this case the other partners, employees, our unique online monitors, and, always, our customers worldwide for together these far-flung people constitute the vital essence of our business… as such people will constitute the vital essence of yours. Just how you handle them will determine not only the degree of success delivered by your administration but whether you will be allowed to keep your lofty position at all.
My father’s insight.
My father, Donald Marshall Lant, spent almost all his life in business managerial positions. As a result he came to develop a keen understanding of why some executives rise, whilst others stumble, fall, and pass as a matter of course into oblivion.
As sharp as a tack at age 86, he is still adamant on a significant point he insisted my siblings and I understand, a principle not only for business success but also for living the best lived life: “Learn to manage people,” he insisted, “and you can achieve anything.” Right as rain here as elsewhere, he reminded us (particularly at such moments when we seemed to have forgotten) of this crucial adage; at these times he also taught us clear, practical and field-tested admonitions, tactics, and the wisdom that only comes from experience.
Now, here, I am enriching you with as many of these people management insights as the space allows.
1) Know their names.
The first rule for successful CEOs is to know the names of the people, ALL the people, who are part of your patrimony. People like to know that you, Poobah of the Western Isles, know them…. and their names.
Hint: Make up flash cards with the names of people associated with the enterprise you head. This is a superb way to turn “scrap” time into stronger relations with your people. 2) Use them.
This ought to be self evident to every CEO; yet how many of you wonder whether your CEO knows you even exist, much less your name?
3) Know their families.
Family and all its elements are most important to the people most important to you. Make it a point to get the names of spouse and children. And when you’ve congratulated their proud mama or papa, send this intelligence to them, so that they understand just how valued their parent is and how essential their services to you.
4) Contact them when they’re ill.
This is a biggie. When those connected with your enterprise fall ill, each wonders whether this will adversely affect their relationship with you and their job. By calling and visiting you reassure them at a difficult time. And, remember, while sending flowers and a fruit basket is nice; they want to hear from YOU!
5) Pop up at their work stations… and never come empty-handed.
Do you know every nook and cranny, every department and project of the company you head? If not master the elements of your enterprise by stopping by the various work stations which constitute the parts of your empire. And never, ever go empty- handed. Bring gifts, gift certificates, checks. Remember, you are the deliverer of the loaves and fishes. Act like it.
6) Share your (particularly edible) gifts and treats.
CEOs by virtue of their high office gets lots of presents. Share these with some of the hard working folks in your business. They will never forget the gesture, your kindness and thoughtfulness. These are the memories that they’ll remember forever… and the person who made it happen — you.
7) Praise and congratulate… and (get the drift?) never come empty-handed.
No one is better placed in your organization to give plaudits and kudos than you are. Thus because you can, you must. Within your company you are, like the sovereign of England in hers, the Fountain of Honor. It is an evocative image, an image of liberality, giving, and above all the empathy that should epitomize your administration.
Make impromptu invitations.
No particular plans for lunch today? Great! Select two or three of the essential people in your organization and invite them to share tuna fish sandwiches with you. Make it clear it’s a chance to get better acquainted and to share their views and informed opinions with you. You’ll soon grow addicted to these “come as you are” events, making friend after friend, supporter after supporter.
9) Deliver promotions, raises and bonuses personally.
When the news is good, make yourself its Mercury. When was the last time you saw your CEO deliver even the best of news? Exactly. That’s why when you get to the top of the corporate tree, you’ll perform this task yourself… and gladly.
10) Implement at least one of these recommendations every day you wish to remain CEO, or advance from your present position. Don’t miss a single day or opportunity. If you do that, Teresa Brewer will have a very different song to sing, for they can’t get along without you now. Boom Boom Boom Boom.
Author’s program note. In 1952 Teresa Brewer sang a peppy little ditty called “Gonna get along without ya now.” It was bubble gum music, all bobby socks and pony tails. Sweet sixteen though it was, its lyrics perfect for the soda shop, there was yet a salient point here that none of us can ever forget. We are all expendable, replaceable, just a movable part in any organization. It is a sobering thought for any person, but it’s vital every CEO of every organization not only understand this essential truth, but build his administration on it and rule accordingly.
Before reading the rest of this article, go to any search engine and find this tale of comeuppance warbled by Ms. Brewer. Carefully read its lyrics, including this unforgettable couplet:
“Got along without ya before I met ya Gonna get along without ya now.”
What a CEO is and what a CEO must do… crucial aspects of the job you never learn at Harvard Business School.
For the last almost 20 years now, I have been a CEO, specifically CEO of worldprofit.com, which began its life in 1994 as an Internet hosting company, expanding since then into providing complete Web traffic and online services, tools for every kind of business organization. Let me be perfectly candid with you; the daily education I’ve had over the past two decades has been not only practical, exhaustive and timely, but hands-on and never-ending, as must inevitably be any training and instruction about e-matters.
The necessary training has included, but was never just limited to matters fiduciary, legal, product development, marketing, and sales. But the most important instruction of all has been what I’ve learned about handling people; in this case the other partners, employees, our unique online monitors, and, always, our customers worldwide for together these far-flung people constitute the vital essence of our business… as such people will constitute the vital essence of yours. Just how you handle them will determine not only the degree of success delivered by your administration but whether you will be allowed to keep your lofty position at all.
My father’s insight.
My father, Donald Marshall Lant, spent almost all his life in business managerial positions. As a result he came to develop a keen understanding of why some executives rise, whilst others stumble, fall, and pass as a matter of course into oblivion.
As sharp as a tack at age 86, he is still adamant on a significant point he insisted my siblings and I understand, a principle not only for business success but also for living the best lived life: “Learn to manage people,” he insisted, “and you can achieve anything.” Right as rain here as elsewhere, he reminded us (particularly at such moments when we seemed to have forgotten) of this crucial adage; at these times he also taught us clear, practical and field-tested admonitions, tactics, and the wisdom that only comes from experience.
Now, here, I am enriching you with as many of these people management insights as the space allows.
1) Know their names.
The first rule for successful CEOs is to know the names of the people, ALL the people, who are part of your patrimony. People like to know that you, Poobah of the Western Isles, know them…. and their names.
Hint: Make up flash cards with the names of people associated with the enterprise you head. This is a superb way to turn “scrap” time into stronger relations with your people. 2) Use them.
This ought to be self evident to every CEO; yet how many of you wonder whether your CEO knows you even exist, much less your name?
3) Know their families.
Family and all its elements are most important to the people most important to you. Make it a point to get the names of spouse and children. And when you’ve congratulated their proud mama or papa, send this intelligence to them, so that they understand just how valued their parent is and how essential their services to you.
4) Contact them when they’re ill.
This is a biggie. When those connected with your enterprise fall ill, each wonders whether this will adversely affect their relationship with you and their job. By calling and visiting you reassure them at a difficult time. And, remember, while sending flowers and a fruit basket is nice; they want to hear from YOU!
5) Pop up at their work stations… and never come empty-handed.
Do you know every nook and cranny, every department and project of the company you head? If not master the elements of your enterprise by stopping by the various work stations which constitute the parts of your empire. And never, ever go empty- handed. Bring gifts, gift certificates, checks. Remember, you are the deliverer of the loaves and fishes. Act like it.
6) Share your (particularly edible) gifts and treats.
CEOs by virtue of their high office gets lots of presents. Share these with some of the hard working folks in your business. They will never forget the gesture, your kindness and thoughtfulness. These are the memories that they’ll remember forever… and the person who made it happen — you.
7) Praise and congratulate… and (get the drift?) never come empty-handed.
No one is better placed in your organization to give plaudits and kudos than you are. Thus because you can, you must. Within your company you are, like the sovereign of England in hers, the Fountain of Honor. It is an evocative image, an image of liberality, giving, and above all the empathy that should epitomize your administration.
Make impromptu invitations.No particular plans for lunch today? Great! Select two or three of the essential people in your organization and invite them to share tuna fish sandwiches with you. Make it clear it’s a chance to get better acquainted and to share their views and informed opinions with you. You’ll soon grow addicted to these “come as you are” events, making friend after friend, supporter after supporter.
9) Deliver promotions, raises and bonuses personally.
When the news is good, make yourself its Mercury. When was the last time you saw your CEO deliver even the best of news? Exactly. That’s why when you get to the top of the corporate tree, you’ll perform this task yourself… and gladly.
10) Implement at least one of these recommendations every day you wish to remain CEO, or advance from your present position. Don’t miss a single day or opportunity. If you do that, Teresa Brewer will have a very different song to sing, for they can’t get along without you now. Boom Boom Boom Boom.
The Beggar!
The Beggar
A bum on the street asks a guy for $2.
The man asks: "Will you buy booze?"
The bum says: "No."
The man asks "Will you gamble it away?"
The bum says: "No."
Then the man asks: "Will you come home with me, so my wife can see what happens to a man who doesn't drink or gamble?"'
A bum on the street asks a guy for $2.
The man asks: "Will you buy booze?"
The bum says: "No."
The man asks "Will you gamble it away?"
The bum says: "No."
Then the man asks: "Will you come home with me, so my wife can see what happens to a man who doesn't drink or gamble?"'
EZ Wealth Network News: What to do before you leave your office… that ensu...
EZ Wealth Network News: What to do before you leave your office… that ensu...: Bushed? Had a long day? On your way out the door for a little liquid refreshment and some R & R? Not so fast! You’ve got tomorrow’s busi...
What to do before you leave your office… that ensures business tomorrow!
Bushed? Had a long day? On your way out
the door for a little liquid refreshment and some
R & R?
Not so fast! You’ve got tomorrow’s business to
think about today and some crucial tasks to
perform before you leave. Whether you do them
and how you do them determines just how
successful tomorrow will be.
1) Report to customers with pressing concerns
Like everyone in business, you have certain
high-ranking customers… certain high maintenance
customers… and those who are both. Before you
leave today, call and bring them up-to-date on
their affairs.
Can’t reach them right away? Leave a detailed
message. Make it as positive and soothing as you
can. Make it clear that you are on their case
doing your best.
2) Try to connect with that elusive prospect yet again.
Have you been trying to reach that will-of-the-wisp prospect?
Try again right now. Successful people work longer
and harder than the average. Show this prospect
just how enthusiastic and interested you are. Call
them again now; e-mail if you fail to connect by
phone. People like to work with eager beavers.
This extra effort on your part indicates you are
one of the best.
3) Send an e-mail that will generate leads and
sales.
An excellent time to e-mail your prospects is
on your way out the door. Why? Because it’ll
produce for you while you’re doing other things.
Want to return in the morning to a handful of
prospect leads and sales? E-mailing before you
leave will deliver… especially if you make a
particularly good offer for immediate response.
4) Update your telephone answering machine
message.
Most people never think of their answering
machine message as a marketing communication…
but it is. Keep yours up-to-date with a spiffiIng
offer… an offer that gets the prospect to stop
in his tracks, listen… and call to hear it again
and respond.
Whatever you’ve got that prospects will see,
listen and respond to is marketing… and thus
needs your focused consideration and an
offer that motivates.
5) Mend a fence
Everybody has one business (or personal)
relationship that could be sunnier. Don’t leave
your office today until you’ve e-mailed a
friendly message that mends a fence. Make
it short, sweet, upbeat. Don’t rehash the
past; make your message forward looking and,
above all, positive. Do this even if you’re the
aggrieved party. Secure the future by
graciousness now.
6) Revive a languishing proposal
Every proposal that one makes in business
isn’t going to secure a positive response. Some
will wilt. Use the time before you leave to see
whether you can revive at least one.
Make this note short, positive…. forward
looking. Ask whether there has been any further
update since you were last in touch. Suggest a
meeting, in person or on the phone. In short,
let the person you’re contacting understand that
you are ready, willing and able to help them out!
One More Thing: Look in the mirror and SMILE!
Ok, you’re a little more tired than you were…
but what matters that compared to the successful
day you’ve had… and the even more successful
day you’ve positioned for tomorrow?
In short, smile. You’re a go-getter, someone smart
in the ways of business and human relations. When
you return tomorrow after such an ending today,
you’ll see just how much that means towards your
bottom line. Ole!
the door for a little liquid refreshment and some
R & R?
Not so fast! You’ve got tomorrow’s business to
think about today and some crucial tasks to
perform before you leave. Whether you do them
and how you do them determines just how
successful tomorrow will be.
1) Report to customers with pressing concerns
Like everyone in business, you have certain
high-ranking customers… certain high maintenance
customers… and those who are both. Before you
leave today, call and bring them up-to-date on
their affairs.
Can’t reach them right away? Leave a detailed
message. Make it as positive and soothing as you
can. Make it clear that you are on their case
doing your best.
2) Try to connect with that elusive prospect yet again.
Have you been trying to reach that will-of-the-wisp prospect?
Try again right now. Successful people work longer
and harder than the average. Show this prospect
just how enthusiastic and interested you are. Call
them again now; e-mail if you fail to connect by
phone. People like to work with eager beavers.
This extra effort on your part indicates you are
one of the best.
3) Send an e-mail that will generate leads and
sales.
An excellent time to e-mail your prospects is
on your way out the door. Why? Because it’ll
produce for you while you’re doing other things.
Want to return in the morning to a handful of
prospect leads and sales? E-mailing before you
leave will deliver… especially if you make a
particularly good offer for immediate response.
4) Update your telephone answering machine
message.
Most people never think of their answering
machine message as a marketing communication…
but it is. Keep yours up-to-date with a spiffiIng
offer… an offer that gets the prospect to stop
in his tracks, listen… and call to hear it again
and respond.
Whatever you’ve got that prospects will see,
listen and respond to is marketing… and thus
needs your focused consideration and an
offer that motivates.
5) Mend a fence
Everybody has one business (or personal)
relationship that could be sunnier. Don’t leave
your office today until you’ve e-mailed a
friendly message that mends a fence. Make
it short, sweet, upbeat. Don’t rehash the
past; make your message forward looking and,
above all, positive. Do this even if you’re the
aggrieved party. Secure the future by
graciousness now.
6) Revive a languishing proposal
Every proposal that one makes in business
isn’t going to secure a positive response. Some
will wilt. Use the time before you leave to see
whether you can revive at least one.
Make this note short, positive…. forward
looking. Ask whether there has been any further
update since you were last in touch. Suggest a
meeting, in person or on the phone. In short,
let the person you’re contacting understand that
you are ready, willing and able to help them out!
One More Thing: Look in the mirror and SMILE!
Ok, you’re a little more tired than you were…
but what matters that compared to the successful
day you’ve had… and the even more successful
day you’ve positioned for tomorrow?
In short, smile. You’re a go-getter, someone smart
in the ways of business and human relations. When
you return tomorrow after such an ending today,
you’ll see just how much that means towards your
bottom line. Ole!
EZ Wealth Network News: Flower power. You never need a special reason to u...
EZ Wealth Network News: Flower power. You never need a special reason to u...: by Dr. Jeffrey Lant I was at the grocery store the other day; you know, the Shaw’s Market at Porter Square, Cambridge. My helper Aime Jo...
Flower power. You never need a special reason to use it. Now will do just fine.
by Dr. Jeffrey Lant
I was at the grocery store the other day; you know,
the Shaw’s Market at Porter Square, Cambridge.
My helper Aime Joseph was doing his usual
efficient job of unloading the groceries onto the
conveyor belt. I was holding the flowers so they
wouldn’t get crushed.
A tired looking lady was at the cash register, a
woman of a certain age. She never looked up to
catch my eye… but when ringing up the flowers she
brightened: “Someone’s lucky today,” she said.
And without missing a beat, I said: “You!”,
whereupon I took a fervent red rose from the
bouquet and handed it to a now very surprised, rather
embarrassed but thoroughly delighted, lady.
Flower power, a little bit of greenery, some blazing
color, had done their work again. And they’ll work
as well for you, too.
Flower from the Latin flos, from the Old French flour
According to my ever useful dictionary, flower means
“A blooming plant.” It also means, and this I think more
useful, “The brightest, finest, choicest part, period, or
specimen of anything.” Thus, when you give flowers,
you give “the brightest, finest.”
Flowers transform the mundane into the memorable.
We are living through difficult times. Millions are
afflicted by a punk economy, by unemployment and
job loss, by house foreclosures and pension
shrinkage. If Charles Dickens were alive today, he
could well and truly write, “These are the worst of
times”. He might well leave off the other half of
his famous line, “These are the best of times”
as being manifestly untrue.
However, we, the living, must do the best we can…
and flowers undeniably help.
Don’t wait for a “special” occasion…. call up the
power of flowers now.
I am always amused when on such holidays as
Valentine’s Day and Christmas, I see the long lines
at the florist shoppes. It is good, of course, that
they are there; any time is a time that flowers
brighten. But these are folks (usually male) who
haven’t quite glimpsed the power of the unexpected
flower. They are there,in that never-ending line,
to cover themselves, lest they be accused of
forgetfulness and insensitivity!
Rather, I applaud the person who, quite clear
on flower power, delivers flowers today
simply because it is today, no further reason being
needed. I think I saw such a person the other
day walking down Massachusetts Avenue in my
neighborhood. A bit sheepish, he held his bouquet
high, a mixture of pride and embarrassment. I was
hopeful there was no other reason for those
flowers except to say “because you’re you…”
Know thy florists
Personally,I make it a point to know and try all the
florists in my neighborhood. I like to see their very
different approaches to the business of brightening
the world.
At Trader Joe’s, for instance, there is always an
eye-catching variety which in the Trader Joe’s tradition
is limited… but always good value. It is a pity they are
rather inconveniently located for my visits.
Tommy at the Montrose Spa added flowers to his
convenience store line about a year or so ago. They
are not his priority and as such he lets them sit too
long, petals and leaves falling off, woebegone and
in need of caring homes quickly. But Tommy waits
too long to bring the price down and so there are
always moribund flowers in the corner, sad, their
powers diminishing by the moment.
There are two florists in Harvard Square, both
conveniently located. However, I don’t patronize them
unless it’s an emergency. The folks at Brattle Street
Florist always seem too rushed to help. I like to have
a good look-see… and always appreciate the
considered opinion of the proprietor. I also like to
know when the roses came in, to be sure I am
getting them at their prime. I’m a stickler for
freshness.
John at Petali, handy in Forbes Plaza, tells me
what I need to know, but he never quite focuses and
though he waves to me on days when he bicycles
past my house, I sense he is distracted, with
other things on his mind. I feel like going into his
shop and buying flowers for… him. He would smile
then.
Then there’s the Central Square Florist. I never
go there in person. (Central Square is another world for me.
Denizens call it “between the brains”, because Harvard
is one subway stop further on and MIT is one subway stop before.)
But I have ordered so regularly over time they sent me a special
“frequent flower” card. I keep it in my wallet, but always
forget to use it. However, they seem to know me when
I call… and perhaps they give me a discount since I
am a member of their club. I never ask.
This brings us back to the flowers from Shaw’s Market.
They always seem a tad brash, bold. But they are handy,
reasonably priced, and employees are happy, when I ask,
to give me extra plant food, which I never hesitate to thank
them for and take, sometimes forgetting to use it after all.
Don’t forget the card
Flowers, despite the power of plant food, do die
in due course, despite my many ministrations.
But the card that accompanies them can last
forever.
After my mother died, I found amongst her many
effects, a few of the cards she found meaningful,
from long-ago events. Often she had taped or
stapled one of the flowers from that bouquet to the
card. In her copper-plate hand she annotated the back
of the card… which touched and reminded me how
much I missed her. Even long-dead flowers and
their cards can do that. This is why I shall never
stop buying flowers and giving them to the people
I care about… or even total strangers who seem to
need them and always smile at the gift.
I was at the grocery store the other day; you know,
the Shaw’s Market at Porter Square, Cambridge.
My helper Aime Joseph was doing his usual
efficient job of unloading the groceries onto the
conveyor belt. I was holding the flowers so they
wouldn’t get crushed.
A tired looking lady was at the cash register, a
woman of a certain age. She never looked up to
catch my eye… but when ringing up the flowers she
brightened: “Someone’s lucky today,” she said.
And without missing a beat, I said: “You!”,
whereupon I took a fervent red rose from the
bouquet and handed it to a now very surprised, rather
embarrassed but thoroughly delighted, lady.
Flower power, a little bit of greenery, some blazing
color, had done their work again. And they’ll work
as well for you, too.
Flower from the Latin flos, from the Old French flour
According to my ever useful dictionary, flower means
“A blooming plant.” It also means, and this I think more
useful, “The brightest, finest, choicest part, period, or
specimen of anything.” Thus, when you give flowers,
you give “the brightest, finest.”
Flowers transform the mundane into the memorable.
We are living through difficult times. Millions are
afflicted by a punk economy, by unemployment and
job loss, by house foreclosures and pension
shrinkage. If Charles Dickens were alive today, he
could well and truly write, “These are the worst of
times”. He might well leave off the other half of
his famous line, “These are the best of times”
as being manifestly untrue.
However, we, the living, must do the best we can…
and flowers undeniably help.
Don’t wait for a “special” occasion…. call up the
power of flowers now.
I am always amused when on such holidays as
Valentine’s Day and Christmas, I see the long lines
at the florist shoppes. It is good, of course, that
they are there; any time is a time that flowers
brighten. But these are folks (usually male) who
haven’t quite glimpsed the power of the unexpected
flower. They are there,in that never-ending line,
to cover themselves, lest they be accused of
forgetfulness and insensitivity!
Rather, I applaud the person who, quite clear
on flower power, delivers flowers today
simply because it is today, no further reason being
needed. I think I saw such a person the other
day walking down Massachusetts Avenue in my
neighborhood. A bit sheepish, he held his bouquet
high, a mixture of pride and embarrassment. I was
hopeful there was no other reason for those
flowers except to say “because you’re you…”
Know thy florists
Personally,I make it a point to know and try all the
florists in my neighborhood. I like to see their very
different approaches to the business of brightening
the world.
At Trader Joe’s, for instance, there is always an
eye-catching variety which in the Trader Joe’s tradition
is limited… but always good value. It is a pity they are
rather inconveniently located for my visits.
Tommy at the Montrose Spa added flowers to his
convenience store line about a year or so ago. They
are not his priority and as such he lets them sit too
long, petals and leaves falling off, woebegone and
in need of caring homes quickly. But Tommy waits
too long to bring the price down and so there are
always moribund flowers in the corner, sad, their
powers diminishing by the moment.
There are two florists in Harvard Square, both
conveniently located. However, I don’t patronize them
unless it’s an emergency. The folks at Brattle Street
Florist always seem too rushed to help. I like to have
a good look-see… and always appreciate the
considered opinion of the proprietor. I also like to
know when the roses came in, to be sure I am
getting them at their prime. I’m a stickler for
freshness.
John at Petali, handy in Forbes Plaza, tells me
what I need to know, but he never quite focuses and
though he waves to me on days when he bicycles
past my house, I sense he is distracted, with
other things on his mind. I feel like going into his
shop and buying flowers for… him. He would smile
then.
Then there’s the Central Square Florist. I never
go there in person. (Central Square is another world for me.
Denizens call it “between the brains”, because Harvard
is one subway stop further on and MIT is one subway stop before.)
But I have ordered so regularly over time they sent me a special
“frequent flower” card. I keep it in my wallet, but always
forget to use it. However, they seem to know me when
I call… and perhaps they give me a discount since I
am a member of their club. I never ask.
This brings us back to the flowers from Shaw’s Market.
They always seem a tad brash, bold. But they are handy,
reasonably priced, and employees are happy, when I ask,
to give me extra plant food, which I never hesitate to thank
them for and take, sometimes forgetting to use it after all.
Don’t forget the card
Flowers, despite the power of plant food, do die
in due course, despite my many ministrations.
But the card that accompanies them can last
forever.
After my mother died, I found amongst her many
effects, a few of the cards she found meaningful,
from long-ago events. Often she had taped or
stapled one of the flowers from that bouquet to the
card. In her copper-plate hand she annotated the back
of the card… which touched and reminded me how
much I missed her. Even long-dead flowers and
their cards can do that. This is why I shall never
stop buying flowers and giving them to the people
I care about… or even total strangers who seem to
need them and always smile at the gift.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
6-Week-Success Means Long-Term Rewards
I hope I'll see you inside 6WeekSuccess real soon. Just stop by and have a look anytime!
Doug Robinson
EZ Wealth Network News: Achtung! Internet readers beware! People are delib...
EZ Wealth Network News: Achtung! Internet readers beware! People are delib...: Psst…….. Michelle Obama is a lesbian who brings adolescent girls to the White House and Camp David! Hillary Rodham Clinton seduced Tom ...
Achtung! Internet readers beware! People are deliberately misleading you online. Here’s why…
Psst…….. Michelle Obama is a lesbian who brings
adolescent girls to the White House and Camp David!
Hillary Rodham Clinton seduced Tom Cruise at her
private chalet in Russian River, California! Bill Clinton
is never invited there!
President Obama has moved over $4 billion of your
taxpayer dollars to Switzerland where he has a secret
bank account!
Hot “news” like this can be found any hour of the day
online… as one “insider” story after another, each more
scintillating, titillating, and scurrilous than the last
catches fire online and captures your attention.
Problem is, every single one of these “hot insider facts” is
not only wrong, but is deliberately invented (like the ones above)
to suit the purposefully invidious and always selfish and self-serving
purposes of the poster.
The question is: why are so many people all over the
world perverting the Internet by posting deliberately
erroneous, always hurtful, and completely false “information”?
Let’s take a look…
Maladjusted kids with too much time and Internet savvy
Did you ever make a prank telephone call when you were
in grammar school? I did… and I suspect most of you did too.
Now, however, the pranks are not directed at one person,
but at millions. And the Internet is so configured that one
maladjusted kid sitting in his basement in Kalamazoo can
(within minutes) prank the whole world. To pimple-faced
Johnny who’s a wash-out with the chicks, this is a thrill that
just won’t quit. Unfortunately, the viruses he invents and
disseminates, the misinformation he circulates are very
real and cause, as he wanted, maximum dislocation and
harm. He’s the man!
With malice towards all and charity towards none (pace
Abe Lincoln)
We live in the era of the empowered haters where daily
people as psychotic as Hitler and as malevolent as Stalin take
center stage. These people are hooligans on speed.
Shunned themselves, they are determined that the
successful of the world shall answer to them….or else.
In the “real” world, such creatures have limited influence
even if they turn into uni bombers, stalkers, and those who
(with cunning and skill) reduce their own pain by inflicting it
on the great of the land… or merely on an unfortunate soul who
happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now the
socially inept and clinically dangerous have scope for their
inadequacies.
For such people the Internet is a dream come true….
because now, without leaving their homes, they can
hurt, really hurt, brutally hurt people who have neither
heard of them… nor offered so much as an offending
word. The empowered hooligan doesn’t care… to hurt
is his objective and if he determines to hurt… he has no
need whatsoever to justify the heinous act. He hurts, therefore
he is.
Misinformation as pay back
Got into an argument with your brother-in-law lately? Got
cut off on the turn pike and wrote down the license plate
number? Chastised by your boss in front of your colleagues
(never mind that he was right). Got blown off by the waitress
you made a pass at? You want pay-back, and you want it
NOW!
Voila! The Internet’s at hand. Post! Publish! Hurt them…
feel vindicated, powerful, happy. Such commentary, posted
by the vengeful daily, floods the Internet. These comments are
invariably abusive, misspelled…and anonymous. You want
to hurt the boss all right… you want to show that girl to be
sure… but hold the name with the mayo. Cut them down to
size… but never,ever tell them who you actually are. Hurt and
hide, the coward’s formula through history.
“Expose” your competitors by riding in on your white
horse
This is a biggie. In business? Got successful competitors?
In a hurry for success? Then use the Internet to besmirch
your competitors. Make up “confidential” information about
them. Pose as the readers’ friend… let them in on the “secret”
about your competition. What matter that every word you
post is made up…. when YOU can benefit from the lie. Paint with
broad strokes: use innuendo, suggestion, go for the big lie.
Poor as you are, hiding behind email and anonymity, you
have license to prevaricate.
This format is used regularly by people in a hurry, by
the corner cutters, the self-appointed “truth tellers”,
and by people with an axe to grind. They know that
online they can not only appear to be virtuous but
ride to the top of the search engines on the coat tails
of their well-known competitors. Such messages are a magnet
for the gullible and the credulous, for people whose “business” is to
manipulate the lazy and uniformed from whom they conjure money
without compunction — and then disappear, the privilege of
the harlot throughout the ages.
Bait and switch
Back in the good old days of mail order there was a famous
ad that ran
SEX
Now that I’ve got your attention, let me tell you
about our terrific air conditioners.
A variety of this ad is launched daily on the net
which is why ads like the one with Hillary Clinton above
are created. Sex, as every marketer knows, sells. And
the more licentious and lubricious the better, no matter
than the message is false from start to end.
Reader Beware!
Today you will be the recipient of online lies, smut, and
vulgarity. That is why today you must be chary and cautious
about what you choose to believe and the judgements you
make.
* Ask yourself whether what you are reading is likely.
If the claim is outrageous and exaggerated, it is unlikely
to be true.
* Is the claim signed? Is someone willing to take
responsibility? If not, it is hearsay and rumor in which
case who is benefiting from it?
* Has the person attacked been given the chance to
respond… or is the claim advanced by one person who
attacks… but will not let his victim respond? Fairness is
never in the repertoire of the irresponsible.
* Is there a clear beneficiary for what is being written?
Is this person assailing because they will benefit thereby?
Below the surface of seeming honesty, there is always
avarice.
* If the claim is attributed, does that person have anything
to lose? Established persons and institutions are responsible
at least in part because they have much to lose by being
irresponsible. Those with nothing to lose can make
the most irresponsible claims with impunity… and so they do.
That they do is a sure sign of their insignificance and
unaccountability.
Consider the source
When I was growing up in Illinois in the ‘forties, my
father had an expression: “Consider the source.” When
some comment or rumor reached us, he’d say these
words. I now think of them often as I, like you, receive
the filth and lies deliberately disseminated by those who
may be Internet savvy but are bankrupt in all other ways.
My advice to you is to ignore, beware, and in all cases
consider who is benefiting from the lies, misrepresentations,
and fabrications before us. When they cannot touch us,
the perpetrators y shrivel and die, fulminating still but powerless
and pathetic.
EZ Wealth Network News: Pension Tips For The Self-Employed
EZ Wealth Network News: Pension Tips For The Self-Employed: “Hello, I’m from the government. I’m here to help you.” Ordinarily, these words have a chilling effect on the self-employed, knowing as w...
Pension Tips For The Self-Employed
“Hello, I’m from the government. I’m here to
help you.” Ordinarily, these words have a
chilling effect on the self-employed, knowing
as we do just how ironic they can be.
However, every once in a while they are
true and advantageous. This is the case with the
tax-deferred pension options the U.S. government
makes available to the self-employed, people
like you and me.
1) Do YOU have a pension plan? It’s crazy
not to!
The sad fact is, a MAJORITY of the self-
employed don’t have a pension plan. Survey
after survey documents the fact that millions
of people — each of whom wants to get old
(it beats the alternative) — are NOT using their
business and the pension guidelines to arrange
for a comfortable retirement. This is madness.
Don’t wait another minute to do the necessary.
Call your accountant today and listen carefully
as he presents your pension options. Make sure
you take notes and question him liberally until
you really understand what you can do.
2) Be clear on how much you can invest in your
tax-deferred pension account.
Your accountant should give you a precise figure
to invest. Keep it close at hand. Knowing this figure,
and doing what’s necessary to achieve it are both
crucial to your long-term comfort and security.
3) Know the next pension deposit deadline.
Ideally, you should deposit the full pension
amount at the time you file your federal taxes.
If not, your accountant should give you the
date (generally six months after you’ve paid
your taxes) that you can still pay into your
pension plan. This date is VERY important
4) Once you know the figure you can deposit
into your pension plan, make achieving it your
#1 goal.
Say you are authorized to deposit $5,000 into your
tax-deferred plan. Say you have until September
1 to do so.
First, you want to deposit this amount in your
pension plan just as early as possible. Today
if possible. Why? Because you want to put
time to work for you. All things being equal, it’s
better to make your pension payment on April
15 rather than September 15. It gives the funds
just that much longer to grow. This makes a
great difference over time.
5) Treat your pension payments like a bill,
your #1 bill.
Most people pay into their pension accounts after
they’ve paid all their other bills, when there may or
may not be anything left. This is a mistake.
If you are unable to pay-off your pension balance
at tax filing time and must make (say) monthly
payments, then ensure you make these payments
the very first thing each month, before you’ve
depleted your available cash.
6) Cash windfall? Think pension!
Made a big sale? Had a bit of luck? Got some
extra cash? Think PENSION!
Remember, deposit into your tax-deferred
pension account as SOON as you can, and if
a bit of extra cash comes your way pay off what
you “owe” your pension account.
7) Pay your pension fund in advance whenever
possible.
Had a good year? Made some extra money?
Already paid the maximum into your pension
account? Then deposit some more! The future
is, by definition, murky and uncertain. That’s
why if you can deposit more, you should. Take
any extra funds you can spare and make an
early deposit into your pension fund. When a
rainy day comes, you’ll be glad you did!
Look but don’t touch!
When that rainy day comes and you need extra
cash, you may think longingly about the funds
in your tax-deferred pension account. DON’T!
You must regard your pension funds as
sacrosanct, not to be touched until commanded
to do so by the federal regulations governing
access and withdrawal. If you withdraw them now,
you will ordinarily pay a hefty penalty. What’s
more you lose the benefits of time… and jeopardize
the comfort and security of your golden years.
Find another way to get the funds you need.
Don’t dip into this till.
Conclusion
We all hope to get old, but to get old without
security and comfort is to be in a most unenviable
situation. Use your business — and the tax-deferred
pension options provided by government –, to
ensure your old age is as ample as you deserve
and desire.
help you.” Ordinarily, these words have a
chilling effect on the self-employed, knowing
as we do just how ironic they can be.
However, every once in a while they are
true and advantageous. This is the case with the
tax-deferred pension options the U.S. government
makes available to the self-employed, people
like you and me.
1) Do YOU have a pension plan? It’s crazy
not to!
The sad fact is, a MAJORITY of the self-
employed don’t have a pension plan. Survey
after survey documents the fact that millions
of people — each of whom wants to get old
(it beats the alternative) — are NOT using their
business and the pension guidelines to arrange
for a comfortable retirement. This is madness.
Don’t wait another minute to do the necessary.
Call your accountant today and listen carefully
as he presents your pension options. Make sure
you take notes and question him liberally until
you really understand what you can do.
2) Be clear on how much you can invest in your
tax-deferred pension account.
Your accountant should give you a precise figure
to invest. Keep it close at hand. Knowing this figure,
and doing what’s necessary to achieve it are both
crucial to your long-term comfort and security.
3) Know the next pension deposit deadline.
Ideally, you should deposit the full pension
amount at the time you file your federal taxes.
If not, your accountant should give you the
date (generally six months after you’ve paid
your taxes) that you can still pay into your
pension plan. This date is VERY important
4) Once you know the figure you can deposit
into your pension plan, make achieving it your
#1 goal.
Say you are authorized to deposit $5,000 into your
tax-deferred plan. Say you have until September
1 to do so.
First, you want to deposit this amount in your
pension plan just as early as possible. Today
if possible. Why? Because you want to put
time to work for you. All things being equal, it’s
better to make your pension payment on April
15 rather than September 15. It gives the funds
just that much longer to grow. This makes a
great difference over time.
5) Treat your pension payments like a bill,
your #1 bill.
Most people pay into their pension accounts after
they’ve paid all their other bills, when there may or
may not be anything left. This is a mistake.
If you are unable to pay-off your pension balance
at tax filing time and must make (say) monthly
payments, then ensure you make these payments
the very first thing each month, before you’ve
depleted your available cash.
6) Cash windfall? Think pension!
Made a big sale? Had a bit of luck? Got some
extra cash? Think PENSION!
Remember, deposit into your tax-deferred
pension account as SOON as you can, and if
a bit of extra cash comes your way pay off what
you “owe” your pension account.
7) Pay your pension fund in advance whenever
possible.
Had a good year? Made some extra money?
Already paid the maximum into your pension
account? Then deposit some more! The future
is, by definition, murky and uncertain. That’s
why if you can deposit more, you should. Take
any extra funds you can spare and make an
early deposit into your pension fund. When a
rainy day comes, you’ll be glad you did!
Look but don’t touch!When that rainy day comes and you need extra
cash, you may think longingly about the funds
in your tax-deferred pension account. DON’T!
You must regard your pension funds as
sacrosanct, not to be touched until commanded
to do so by the federal regulations governing
access and withdrawal. If you withdraw them now,
you will ordinarily pay a hefty penalty. What’s
more you lose the benefits of time… and jeopardize
the comfort and security of your golden years.
Find another way to get the funds you need.
Don’t dip into this till.
Conclusion
We all hope to get old, but to get old without
security and comfort is to be in a most unenviable
situation. Use your business — and the tax-deferred
pension options provided by government –, to
ensure your old age is as ample as you deserve
and desire.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Thoughts on Andrew Cohen: "Peace is Not Enough"
I've only recently begun to delve into Andrew Cohen's writing and thinking. He shares wisdom born of extensive internal and external journeying. My first reaction is to feel a tinge of jealousy - until I remember that I too have journeyed long in both ways, only I have not so far allowed myself to reflect and take in my journey as Andrew has done.
Still, his perspective challenges traditional meditative wisdom in significant respects - searching, even probing thttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifo achieve deeper insight. And it is here where I feel a kin to his quest.
I now share one of his seminars here, hoping that you will also start your exploration of his teaching. And I also draw your attention to Andrew's book: ."Evolutionary Enlightenment: A New Path to Spiritual Awakening."
Doug Robinson
Still, his perspective challenges traditional meditative wisdom in significant respects - searching, even probing thttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifo achieve deeper insight. And it is here where I feel a kin to his quest.
I now share one of his seminars here, hoping that you will also start your exploration of his teaching. And I also draw your attention to Andrew's book: ."Evolutionary Enlightenment: A New Path to Spiritual Awakening."
Doug Robinson
3 Things All Affiliate Marketers Need To Survive Online
Every affiliate marketer is always looking for the successful market that gives the biggest paycheck. Sometimes they think it is a magic formula that is readily available for them. Actually, it is more complicated than that. It is just good marketing practices that have been proven over years of hard work and dedication.
There are tactics that have worked before with online marketing and is continuing to work in the online affiliate marketing world of today. With these top three marketing tips, you will be able to able to increase your sales and survive in the affiliate marketing online.
What are these three tactics?
1. Using unique web pages to promote each separate product you are marketing. Do not lump all of it together just to save some money on web hosting. It is best to have a site focusing on each and every product and nothing more.
Always include product reviews on the website so visitors will have an initial understanding on what the product can do to those who buys them. Also include testimonials from users who have already tried the product. Be sure that these customers are more than willing to allow you to use their names and photos on the site of the specific product you are marketing.
You can also write articles highlighting the uses of the product and include them on the website as an additional page. Make the pages attractive compelling and include calls to act on the information. Each headline should attract the readers to try and read more, even contact you. Highlight your special points. This will help your readers to learn what the page is about and will want to find out more.
2. Offer free reports to your readers. If possible position them at the very top side of your page so it they simply cannot be missed. Try to create autoresponder messages that will be mailed to those who input their personal information into your sign up box. According to research, a sale is closed usually on the seventh contact with a prospect.
Only two things can possibly happen with the web page alone: closed sale or the prospect leaving the page and never return again. By placing useful information into their inboxes at certain specified period, you will remind them of the product they thought they want later and will find out that the sale is closed. Be sure that the content is directed toward specific reasons to buy the product. Do not make it sound like a sales pitch.
Focus on important points like how your product can make life and things easier and more enjoyable. Include compelling subject lines in the email. As much as possible, avoid using the word “free” because there are still older spam filters that dumps those kind of contents into the junk before even anyone reading them first. Convince those who signed up for your free reports that they will be missing something big if they do not avail of your products and services.
3. Get the kind of traffic that is targeted to your product. Just think, if the person who visited your website has no interest whatsoever in what you are offering, they will be among those who move on and never come back. Write articles for publication in e-zines and e-reports. This way you can locate publications that is focusing on your target customers and what you have put up might just grab their interest.
Try to write a minimum of 2 articles per week, with at least 300-600 words in length. By continuously writing and maintaining these articles you can generate as many as 100 targeted readers to your site in a day.
Always remember that only 1 out of 100 people are likely to buy your product or get your services. If you can generate as much as 1,000 targeted hits for your website in a day, that means you can made 10 sales based on the average statistic.
The tactics given above does not really sound very difficult to do, if you think about it. It just requires a little time and an action plan on your part.
Try to use these tips for several affiliate marketing programs. You can end maintaining a good source of income and surviving in this business that not all marketers can do.
Besides, think of the huge paychecks you will be receiving…
EZ Wealth Network News: Night and day’. Of collecting, collectors, the thr...
EZ Wealth Network News: Night and day’. Of collecting, collectors, the thr...: By Dr. Jeffrey Lant Author’s program note. March 25, 2012 the Boston Globe ran a story about the auction of treasures from the estate of ...
Night and day’. Of collecting, collectors, the thrill of victory… and the ones that got away you never forget.
By Dr. Jeffrey Lant
Author’s program note. March 25, 2012 the Boston Globe ran a story about the auction of treasures from the estate of the late Reverend Peter Gomes, the well known Harvard minister who died young (just 68), February 28, 2011. Gomes was a certified pack rat who searched the ordinarily unpromising antiques shops of Boston and New England in search of the elusive “finds” that make a collector’s life so satisfying — or so frustrating.
Gomes was out early and late in hot pursuit of — what? — he couldn’t say in advance, no collector can, but he’d know it when he saw it. I am an obsessive collector myself, and I am writing this article in the hope not merely of understanding collectors in general, but myself in particular… for I’ll be darned if I can figure out why I who have so much spends so much time and treasure collecting — more! Perhaps this article will help you; I certainly hope it helps me!
“You can’t take it with you.” (1936).
We all know this well-known saying, but I long ago reached the conclusion that it most assuredly doesn’t pertain to bona fide collectors. Just how we make the transport and presentation arrangements in heaven (much less in that other place), I cannot say. But I do know this: every single collector I know (serious or otherwise) believes they most assuredly get an exemption. For if it all (every last baseball card, match box or movie star autograph) cannot go… why then we have some serious explaining to do, what with all the trouble (to say nothing of the expense) we’ve gone through to acquire everything that is now mine, mine, all mine. For you see, the more we collect the more others believe us to be (and certainly say right to our faces) that we are mad as a hatter. (That reference, by the way, is from “Alice in Wonderland”, and if you had an autographed first edition (1865) in your collection it would be worth a packet… but I digress.)
Equally if you had the autographed sheet music to Cole Porter’s most famous tune “Night and Day” (1932) that, too, would be a great find and a worthy acquisition. However, for right now, I recommend you go to any search engine and listen up. I selected this incidental music because collectors never stop looking, participants day and night in the great hunt and always know “you are the one” when they find their next “must have” acquisition. Porter would have understood; after all, he was a strenuous collector himself, of the silver cigarette case variety.
Important things you should know about collectors.
There are things you really need to know about us collectors. First, things that alarm and distress more pedestrian people positively make us giddy and thrilled. I mean things like death, economic turmoil, wars, revolutions, even garden-variety mayhem… we positively thrive in circumstances which depress others. When, for instance, a great empire falls with massive misfortune for millions, you can be sure its bibelots, artifacts, and what-nots will, in short order, pop up in the royal and imperial “yard sales” held at the world’s greatest auction houses, names like Sothebys, Christie’s, Dorotheum, et al. We collectors positively thrive on other people’s miseries; it’s what we do.
We have to say, of course, (and we must deliver these sentiments with as much sincerity as we are able) that we regret such catastrophes… but, in truth, that’s generally a little white lie. This lie was very much apparent at Gomes’ estate auction. Gomes had spent a lifetime acquiring items from the overrated antiques stores of Beacon Hill, Essex and Groton… items his many friends, former students, congregants in Harvard’s Memorial Church… even readers of his books and sermons … picked through with avidity, enthusiasm, and a jaundiced eye. For such people, collectors all, a demise, however untimely, means pure, unadulterated bliss… unless they fail at the auction to secure the things they “had” to have.
Scrutinizing you and your possessions.
Collectors love meeting others who collect the same kinds of things… but not for the reasons you suppose. Collectors want to meet you and visit chez vous not to swap tips, bond, or brainstorm. By no means. They wish to see and minutely scrutinize and peruse what you’ve got that they, hopefully sooner rather than later,would like; indeed must have. Thus, when husband calls wife to “see Dr. Lant’s marvelous portrait by Lawrence of Lord Shaftesbury” and lauds it over much whilst taking out his pocket diary the better to take notes, you must understand that he is thinking there is only one thing between where this highly desirable object now resides and its potential new home… and that thing is you. Make a hasty excuse about why such creatures must be shown the door and at once, for they cannot possibly wish you well. Absolutely no collector is or ever will be that magnanimous. After all, you’re not. And neither am I!
Close mouthed before… unendingly voluble forever after.
I aver that collectors would all be suitable for the CIA and all other “spook” organizations. Why? Because we can most assuredly be discrete with information. Consider this: When I was a young man working on my first book (“Insubstantial Pageant: Ceremony and Confusion at Queen Victoria’s Court”) I was the first American ever admitted to the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle. Thus, I was able to walk across to Eton, its famous school, and a High Street well stocked in those days with antiques stores. And there I applied my specialized knowledge to the flotsam and jetsam on display in these stores… scoring, I am pleased as punch to tell you, bulls-eye after bulls-eye; to name but one satisfying “steal”, the acquisition — and for just about 50 cents each –of a pleasant quantity of rare hand-colored royal prints in mint condition; now worth thousands. I have them to this day and whenever I have the need to gloat review them with the greatest possible glee. I tell you this now, decades after the fact, because it cannot help my erstwhile colleagues and fellow sleuths. When this event was taking place, however, nothing, absolutely nothing would have caused me to be so indiscrete. And so it is with all collectors…. secret as the grave whilst in the process of acquiring; the exact reverse, a positive Niagara of self-praise and egotism, once acquisition was secured… self-praise and egotism available anywhere, anytime lavishly applied — whether asked for or not.
Provenance, or Marie Antoinette emptied this stone from her plum-colored slippers as she went to the guillotine.
Collectors collect for many reasons but to one-up friends, family and the ill-educated and credulous is clearly the most important of these. Here provenance is absolutely crucial, that is to say who possessed and may actually have used the object in question. Be clear on this: collectors always want the most detailed and exalted provenance possible. Thus to have a cracked plate from the Siberia service of the Empress Catherine of all the Russias is more desirable and socially elevating that a complete place setting from the 3rd Prince Regnant of Moldava… or an entire and immediately useful service for 12 owned by your next door neighbor. And be clear on this as well: not only do you want such absolutely essential historical reference… but you must learn to say it with hauteur, panache and such exquisite intonation that you must surely be noble yourself. Parbleu!
But enough of these insider secrets. I’ve got important work today… yes, for the benefit of my burgeoning collection. And if you think I’ll share a single syllable about the work at hand, think again. Mum’s the word… that is until I get the this or that I’m after now. And when I get it, prepare to be impressed… and say so… over and over again. I deserve it.
Author’s program note. March 25, 2012 the Boston Globe ran a story about the auction of treasures from the estate of the late Reverend Peter Gomes, the well known Harvard minister who died young (just 68), February 28, 2011. Gomes was a certified pack rat who searched the ordinarily unpromising antiques shops of Boston and New England in search of the elusive “finds” that make a collector’s life so satisfying — or so frustrating.
Gomes was out early and late in hot pursuit of — what? — he couldn’t say in advance, no collector can, but he’d know it when he saw it. I am an obsessive collector myself, and I am writing this article in the hope not merely of understanding collectors in general, but myself in particular… for I’ll be darned if I can figure out why I who have so much spends so much time and treasure collecting — more! Perhaps this article will help you; I certainly hope it helps me!
“You can’t take it with you.” (1936).
We all know this well-known saying, but I long ago reached the conclusion that it most assuredly doesn’t pertain to bona fide collectors. Just how we make the transport and presentation arrangements in heaven (much less in that other place), I cannot say. But I do know this: every single collector I know (serious or otherwise) believes they most assuredly get an exemption. For if it all (every last baseball card, match box or movie star autograph) cannot go… why then we have some serious explaining to do, what with all the trouble (to say nothing of the expense) we’ve gone through to acquire everything that is now mine, mine, all mine. For you see, the more we collect the more others believe us to be (and certainly say right to our faces) that we are mad as a hatter. (That reference, by the way, is from “Alice in Wonderland”, and if you had an autographed first edition (1865) in your collection it would be worth a packet… but I digress.)
Equally if you had the autographed sheet music to Cole Porter’s most famous tune “Night and Day” (1932) that, too, would be a great find and a worthy acquisition. However, for right now, I recommend you go to any search engine and listen up. I selected this incidental music because collectors never stop looking, participants day and night in the great hunt and always know “you are the one” when they find their next “must have” acquisition. Porter would have understood; after all, he was a strenuous collector himself, of the silver cigarette case variety.
Important things you should know about collectors.
There are things you really need to know about us collectors. First, things that alarm and distress more pedestrian people positively make us giddy and thrilled. I mean things like death, economic turmoil, wars, revolutions, even garden-variety mayhem… we positively thrive in circumstances which depress others. When, for instance, a great empire falls with massive misfortune for millions, you can be sure its bibelots, artifacts, and what-nots will, in short order, pop up in the royal and imperial “yard sales” held at the world’s greatest auction houses, names like Sothebys, Christie’s, Dorotheum, et al. We collectors positively thrive on other people’s miseries; it’s what we do.
We have to say, of course, (and we must deliver these sentiments with as much sincerity as we are able) that we regret such catastrophes… but, in truth, that’s generally a little white lie. This lie was very much apparent at Gomes’ estate auction. Gomes had spent a lifetime acquiring items from the overrated antiques stores of Beacon Hill, Essex and Groton… items his many friends, former students, congregants in Harvard’s Memorial Church… even readers of his books and sermons … picked through with avidity, enthusiasm, and a jaundiced eye. For such people, collectors all, a demise, however untimely, means pure, unadulterated bliss… unless they fail at the auction to secure the things they “had” to have.
Scrutinizing you and your possessions.
Collectors love meeting others who collect the same kinds of things… but not for the reasons you suppose. Collectors want to meet you and visit chez vous not to swap tips, bond, or brainstorm. By no means. They wish to see and minutely scrutinize and peruse what you’ve got that they, hopefully sooner rather than later,would like; indeed must have. Thus, when husband calls wife to “see Dr. Lant’s marvelous portrait by Lawrence of Lord Shaftesbury” and lauds it over much whilst taking out his pocket diary the better to take notes, you must understand that he is thinking there is only one thing between where this highly desirable object now resides and its potential new home… and that thing is you. Make a hasty excuse about why such creatures must be shown the door and at once, for they cannot possibly wish you well. Absolutely no collector is or ever will be that magnanimous. After all, you’re not. And neither am I!
Close mouthed before… unendingly voluble forever after.
I aver that collectors would all be suitable for the CIA and all other “spook” organizations. Why? Because we can most assuredly be discrete with information. Consider this: When I was a young man working on my first book (“Insubstantial Pageant: Ceremony and Confusion at Queen Victoria’s Court”) I was the first American ever admitted to the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle. Thus, I was able to walk across to Eton, its famous school, and a High Street well stocked in those days with antiques stores. And there I applied my specialized knowledge to the flotsam and jetsam on display in these stores… scoring, I am pleased as punch to tell you, bulls-eye after bulls-eye; to name but one satisfying “steal”, the acquisition — and for just about 50 cents each –of a pleasant quantity of rare hand-colored royal prints in mint condition; now worth thousands. I have them to this day and whenever I have the need to gloat review them with the greatest possible glee. I tell you this now, decades after the fact, because it cannot help my erstwhile colleagues and fellow sleuths. When this event was taking place, however, nothing, absolutely nothing would have caused me to be so indiscrete. And so it is with all collectors…. secret as the grave whilst in the process of acquiring; the exact reverse, a positive Niagara of self-praise and egotism, once acquisition was secured… self-praise and egotism available anywhere, anytime lavishly applied — whether asked for or not.
Provenance, or Marie Antoinette emptied this stone from her plum-colored slippers as she went to the guillotine.
Collectors collect for many reasons but to one-up friends, family and the ill-educated and credulous is clearly the most important of these. Here provenance is absolutely crucial, that is to say who possessed and may actually have used the object in question. Be clear on this: collectors always want the most detailed and exalted provenance possible. Thus to have a cracked plate from the Siberia service of the Empress Catherine of all the Russias is more desirable and socially elevating that a complete place setting from the 3rd Prince Regnant of Moldava… or an entire and immediately useful service for 12 owned by your next door neighbor. And be clear on this as well: not only do you want such absolutely essential historical reference… but you must learn to say it with hauteur, panache and such exquisite intonation that you must surely be noble yourself. Parbleu!
But enough of these insider secrets. I’ve got important work today… yes, for the benefit of my burgeoning collection. And if you think I’ll share a single syllable about the work at hand, think again. Mum’s the word… that is until I get the this or that I’m after now. And when I get it, prepare to be impressed… and say so… over and over again. I deserve it.
EZ Wealth Network News: Reichen Lehmkuhl reveals all — again. What a boy w...
EZ Wealth Network News: Reichen Lehmkuhl reveals all — again. What a boy w...: by Dr. Jeffrey Lant To be honest, I had forgotten Reichen Lehmkuhl… and apparently a lot of other people had too. That’s the kiss of deat...
Reichen Lehmkuhl reveals all — again. What a boy will do to get ahead.
by Dr. Jeffrey Lant
To be honest, I had forgotten Reichen Lehmkuhl… and apparently a lot of other people had too. That’s the kiss of death for Reichen, a boy who has spent untold hours getting to be “known”, only to slip back into the unfathomable depths of obscurity.
If Reichen doesn’t know about the Myth of Sisyphus, he should. Sisyphus was a figure of Greek mythology, a man condemned to repeat forever the same meaningless task of pushing a boulder up a mountain, only to see it roll down again. It is a tale of frustration, futility, and despair.
Is it better to inform him about Sisyphus, or not? A scene from Sam Spiegel’s epic film “Nicholas and Alexandra” (1971) frames the issue.
The Bolsheviks of Ekaterinburg have decided to assassinate the entire Romanov family, Nicholas II, his Tsaritsa Alexandra, and their five children, along with some members of their court, even their dog. Their jailer knows this. He has been holding a sack full of their mail, wondering whether it would be “kind or cruel, cruel or kind” to give it to them…. He stands in the doorway of “The House of Special Purpose” musing. It is engrossing cinema but difficult to decide in real life…
I am faced by a similar conundrum. For it is painful to see what Reichen will do — and has already done — to capture the “bitch- goddess success”. William James, a Harvard man, coined the phrase in 1906 here in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “The exclusive worship of the bitch-goddess success is our national disease.”
James was celebrated worldwide when he made the celebrated observation. He was a man of family, education, worldwide renown, and substantial achievements.
All that he and Reichen Lehmkuhl have in common is the slender thread of Massachusetts birth, though James’ insight is crucial to understanding Reichen.
Reichen, you see, will do anything, everything for the love and admiration of unknown people… this is his curse, and it is painful watching, and wincing, as he grasps at straws which cannot turn into enduring, useful bricks. He is the bitch-goddess’ prisoner… no parole, no escape.
Born Richard Lehmkuhl, December 26, 1973.
Lehmkuhl’s parents, a policeman and a nurse, divorced when he was five years old. Thereafter his mother moved to a trailer park on the Norton, Massachusetts Reservoir, near Wheaton College geographically, but a world away from its privileged youths. He was known as Richard then; “Reichen” he adopted after 2002. It sounded butch.
At age 16 (so it says in Wikipedia) , he received and accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. After graduating in 1996, he served five years and attained the rank of captain before his honorable discharge.
That’s the official story.
The unofficial story is more difficult, more important, and changed Reichen’s life.
In his first autobiography “Here’s What We’ll Say: Growing Up, Coming Out, and the U.S. Air Force” (2006) , Reichen tells the tale of being a gay cadet at the Air Force Academy, living a secret life that didn’t remain a secret and the harsh reality of harassment based on sexual preference. Writing this book with total honesty was perhaps his finest moment.
But the bitch-goddess success never makes things easy. She exacts a terrible price from those who worship at her shrine and want another dose of addictive fame, success, and the love and admiration of people they will never meet.
That dose, for Reichen, came when he and his “spouse” Chip Arndt were selected for “The Amazing Race 4″ — and won…. a cool million the richer. Life wasn’t only good; it was idyllic. Youth, recognition, fans, money, love… it just doesn’t get any better than that.
Reichen was about to learn just how true that was.The bitch-goddess came with her I.O.U…and, as always, it was staggering.
He and Chip, the picture postcard perfect duo, split.
The money, easily acquired, was quickly dispersed, easy come, easy go.
Worst of all, Reichen, an officer and a gentleman by the act of Congress, a man of goals, deadlines, missions accepted, missions accomplished, now was at loose ends, careerless, without the structure successful people know is crucial to their achievements and emotional well-being. The Air Force Officer who once flew high wasn’t grounded anymore.
For immediate recognition, strip and show all.
Reichen was gifted by God and hard work with an eye-catching bod. Now he decided it could be his passport to greater glories… not to mention lots of dates. And so, no doubt after due deliberation, he decided to put that body, all of that body, on display. Someone should have reminded him of a scene from “Saturday Night Fever.” (1977). A character named Annette wants a relationship with John Travolta’s character Tony. But he warns her, “Good girl or slut,” you can only be one or the other.
Stripped, Reichen started his descent, one provocative image at a time, flexed, nude, the sex tiger…
He was buff, he was tan, he was chiseled, he was out-of-control.
And the bitch-goddess was grinning in the background… she was enjoying her work.
Every time you saw Reichen in the media, and Reichen sightings were frequent, he had less on, showed more beefcake and was with yet another, always younger guy friend. He made the West Hollywood party scene, where he party-hardied. There were the usual rumors of drugs and the usual frantic dissipations.
Then Reichen found love, or so he said. Lance Bass, younger, richer, celebrated (but dowdy), himself a former ‘N Sync band member wanted what Reichen had in spades… sex appeal to the max. Now there were endless Reichen and Lance sightings. For a while… then this relationship, too,tanked, so fast. It got ugly, it got messy, it got in the papers.
Now Reichen is shopping a new autobiography “It’ll Be Great Exposure.” On Twitter and Facebook, he says he’s dedicating this volume to “all who get fed this line.” In short, Reichen has become the “older but wiser boy”; or at least he says so.
The flesh is older now, though still alluring. It isn’t go much fun to do the party thing either. And it gets old, just ask him, being asked to strip and smile. He was after all an Air Force Officer, a order giving man of spit and polish, destined for more than an aging boy toy. Now he’s angling for a second chance, a reformation. Only the bitch-goddess success knows whether he can have it… If you don’t see him in the papers, unclad and oiled, perhaps he got it after all.
To be honest, I had forgotten Reichen Lehmkuhl… and apparently a lot of other people had too. That’s the kiss of death for Reichen, a boy who has spent untold hours getting to be “known”, only to slip back into the unfathomable depths of obscurity.
If Reichen doesn’t know about the Myth of Sisyphus, he should. Sisyphus was a figure of Greek mythology, a man condemned to repeat forever the same meaningless task of pushing a boulder up a mountain, only to see it roll down again. It is a tale of frustration, futility, and despair.
Is it better to inform him about Sisyphus, or not? A scene from Sam Spiegel’s epic film “Nicholas and Alexandra” (1971) frames the issue.
The Bolsheviks of Ekaterinburg have decided to assassinate the entire Romanov family, Nicholas II, his Tsaritsa Alexandra, and their five children, along with some members of their court, even their dog. Their jailer knows this. He has been holding a sack full of their mail, wondering whether it would be “kind or cruel, cruel or kind” to give it to them…. He stands in the doorway of “The House of Special Purpose” musing. It is engrossing cinema but difficult to decide in real life…
I am faced by a similar conundrum. For it is painful to see what Reichen will do — and has already done — to capture the “bitch- goddess success”. William James, a Harvard man, coined the phrase in 1906 here in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “The exclusive worship of the bitch-goddess success is our national disease.”
James was celebrated worldwide when he made the celebrated observation. He was a man of family, education, worldwide renown, and substantial achievements.
All that he and Reichen Lehmkuhl have in common is the slender thread of Massachusetts birth, though James’ insight is crucial to understanding Reichen.
Reichen, you see, will do anything, everything for the love and admiration of unknown people… this is his curse, and it is painful watching, and wincing, as he grasps at straws which cannot turn into enduring, useful bricks. He is the bitch-goddess’ prisoner… no parole, no escape.
Born Richard Lehmkuhl, December 26, 1973.
Lehmkuhl’s parents, a policeman and a nurse, divorced when he was five years old. Thereafter his mother moved to a trailer park on the Norton, Massachusetts Reservoir, near Wheaton College geographically, but a world away from its privileged youths. He was known as Richard then; “Reichen” he adopted after 2002. It sounded butch.
At age 16 (so it says in Wikipedia) , he received and accepted an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. After graduating in 1996, he served five years and attained the rank of captain before his honorable discharge.
That’s the official story.
The unofficial story is more difficult, more important, and changed Reichen’s life.
In his first autobiography “Here’s What We’ll Say: Growing Up, Coming Out, and the U.S. Air Force” (2006) , Reichen tells the tale of being a gay cadet at the Air Force Academy, living a secret life that didn’t remain a secret and the harsh reality of harassment based on sexual preference. Writing this book with total honesty was perhaps his finest moment.
But the bitch-goddess success never makes things easy. She exacts a terrible price from those who worship at her shrine and want another dose of addictive fame, success, and the love and admiration of people they will never meet.
That dose, for Reichen, came when he and his “spouse” Chip Arndt were selected for “The Amazing Race 4″ — and won…. a cool million the richer. Life wasn’t only good; it was idyllic. Youth, recognition, fans, money, love… it just doesn’t get any better than that.
Reichen was about to learn just how true that was.The bitch-goddess came with her I.O.U…and, as always, it was staggering.
He and Chip, the picture postcard perfect duo, split.
The money, easily acquired, was quickly dispersed, easy come, easy go.
Worst of all, Reichen, an officer and a gentleman by the act of Congress, a man of goals, deadlines, missions accepted, missions accomplished, now was at loose ends, careerless, without the structure successful people know is crucial to their achievements and emotional well-being. The Air Force Officer who once flew high wasn’t grounded anymore.
For immediate recognition, strip and show all.
Reichen was gifted by God and hard work with an eye-catching bod. Now he decided it could be his passport to greater glories… not to mention lots of dates. And so, no doubt after due deliberation, he decided to put that body, all of that body, on display. Someone should have reminded him of a scene from “Saturday Night Fever.” (1977). A character named Annette wants a relationship with John Travolta’s character Tony. But he warns her, “Good girl or slut,” you can only be one or the other.
Stripped, Reichen started his descent, one provocative image at a time, flexed, nude, the sex tiger…
He was buff, he was tan, he was chiseled, he was out-of-control.
And the bitch-goddess was grinning in the background… she was enjoying her work.
Every time you saw Reichen in the media, and Reichen sightings were frequent, he had less on, showed more beefcake and was with yet another, always younger guy friend. He made the West Hollywood party scene, where he party-hardied. There were the usual rumors of drugs and the usual frantic dissipations.
Then Reichen found love, or so he said. Lance Bass, younger, richer, celebrated (but dowdy), himself a former ‘N Sync band member wanted what Reichen had in spades… sex appeal to the max. Now there were endless Reichen and Lance sightings. For a while… then this relationship, too,tanked, so fast. It got ugly, it got messy, it got in the papers.
Now Reichen is shopping a new autobiography “It’ll Be Great Exposure.” On Twitter and Facebook, he says he’s dedicating this volume to “all who get fed this line.” In short, Reichen has become the “older but wiser boy”; or at least he says so.
The flesh is older now, though still alluring. It isn’t go much fun to do the party thing either. And it gets old, just ask him, being asked to strip and smile. He was after all an Air Force Officer, a order giving man of spit and polish, destined for more than an aging boy toy. Now he’s angling for a second chance, a reformation. Only the bitch-goddess success knows whether he can have it… If you don’t see him in the papers, unclad and oiled, perhaps he got it after all.
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