You know the old saying, probably your parents or grandparents used to say,

"If you don't have anything nice to say,
 don't say anything at all!"

I was on a  blog last night reading  an interview with a New York entertainer I like. And another entertainer, left a vicious, biting, nasty comment, for the whole world to see! Why would you do that? Even if you are bitter - why publish a rude remark, that puts somebody down,  for the whole world to see?! It only makes you look jealous and bitter.

Is it jealousy? Why are some people so negative and bitter?  I was on another blog this morning called Life Improvement Tips by Alexander Marlin, and he said, "Our society is filled with bitter people, but are we to blame society, our boss, our neighbour, or maybe a friend that did you wrong? The answer to that is, I really don’t care who did you wrong or what has happened in the past. I do believe that many bitter people are simply seeking attention. They walk around as if they are mad at the world and seldom listen to anyone. No reasoning will make them understand what has turned them so bitter."

Read his full article about dealing with bitter people. 

Does knocking someone down make you feel more superior?

And then there are the  hate groups!  That's even more alarming!  Don't even get me started on that!


What is your opinion or experience?

I've recently learned about an incredible event about which I'm pleased to provide some information...

The first ever International
Happiness Day on July 10th!

The goal: Get 1,000,000 people or more to choose to experience deep inner happiness starting on July 10th!  More than 194 countries will be participating.

How much happiness and joy are you willing to experience in your life?

Why happiness? People who choose to experience happiness daily enjoy great health, fulfilling relationships and success. 



The International Happiness Day Panel have created tools, mp3 audios and live phone events to support people in choosing happiness for themselves...all FREE!

And you can find an example of some of the free tools and checking out the "Happiness Increasing Techniques".

Decide that this monumental day will be the first day of the rest of your happy life!  Check out the events, tools and video and the Happiness Panel .

Inform everyone you know and be a part of International Happiness Day on July 10th, 2008!

Every Monday Matters is  an uncomplicated, practical guide of things you can do EVERY WEEK...52 ways to make a difference with your life.

Every Monday Matters is an extraordinary concept. Matt Emerzian and Kelly Bozza have written and designed a beautiful book that can change your life for the better.

Did you know..Every week, the average person receives:

682 e-mails
12 text messages
10.8 pieces of junk mail
1.5 personal letters

Feeling appreciated is one of the strongest human desires.
There is warmth in a handwritten note-it instantly makes the message more personal, creates a more intimate feeling, and makes the recipient feel more valued.

With e-mail and instant messaging, a handwritten note is getting rarer and therefore more special.
A handwritten note costs less than a dollar to write and mail, and the relational value is priceless.

The recipient can keep and reread it forever.

BUY THE BOOK  TODAY  @  Simple Truths

June is  GAY PRIDE month around the world!

It is traditionally celebrated the last Sunday of June, in most cities. Pride celebrations stemmed from the Stonewall Riots in New York City.

The Stonewall Riots were a series of violent conflicts between LGBT people and New York City police officers that began during a 28 June 1969 police raid, and lasted several days. They were centered at the Stonewall Inn and are widely recognized as the catalyst for the modern-day movement towards LGBT rights.

Gay pride or LGBT pride refers to a world wide movement and philosophy asserting that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Heterosexual people have sometimes asked me, "Why do you have to have a  pride day? Why are you so proud? We don't have  straight pride day?" - It's about not feeling ashamed of who we are. It's about showing people our numbers, that we are in fact EVERYWHERE. We come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
Gay pride is about appreciating yourself and other members of our community for being different. GAY PRIDE means accepting yourself and celebrating who you are.


       

Gay pride advocates work for equal "rights and benefits" for LGBT people.  The movement has three main premises:
 
 - that people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity,
 
 - that sexual diversity is a gift,

 - and that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered.

Someone at Cedar Rapids Pride said, "Often the hardest person to come out to is yourself.  GAY PRIDE doesn't just happen. It is hard work to overcome the profound effects of abusive religion and cultural abandonment that afflict all minorities. Self-esteem is the greatest achievement that you can reach in life. Your sense of self-worth is so valuable, that you work hard all of your life to find and express it. To reach your goal of self-esteem and happiness requires knowledge and positive experience."

Jed Ryan from Lick The Web says, "So, what is "Gay Pride?" It may not be so important that we find a universal definition. What's more important is that all of us feel positively and lovingly about being who we are-- in our case, definitely including but not limited to being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered-- at least for one moment in our lives and hopefully more. And that can be in June or any other month, at the Parade or any other location, or whether you're 17 or 70. Ultimately, the real and most important meaning of "pride" is in within each one of us."

Marches celebrating Pride (pride parades) are celebrated worldwide, and every year, the number of gay people and their supporters grows bigger and bigger! We're here, we're queer, you'd better get used to it!


Michael  Snell
New Gay Travel Guide

Someone sent me this video clip a few years back, and I had always thought it was inspirational and though provoking, so I thought I would share it with you.

It's called "LIFE ON THE TRAIN."

It really gives some thoughts about
friendships and the journey of life.



Watch it...

share it...
 
and let me know what you think!

 The Dammann Twins - Eric and Todd.

They sing, play guitar, and utilize YouTube  and MySpace as their PR agents!


YouTube is an amazing tool that wasn't around when I was a kid! Now anyone with a webcam and some talent  have amazing opportunities and in fact, can be discovered through the Internet. Plus artists  can build a huge fan base for their work and even can sell online direct to the consumer. It's a whole new world!


The guys covered Brittney's GIMME MORE and it has been viewed by nearly  half a million people!

At 21, these two Seattle boys are finishing college, finishing up  a demo, packing their bags and heading to sunny California to pursue their dreams!

I caught up with the guys this week in between finals!

"Moving to California is definitely next on our priority list. After we finish up some college work here in Seattle, we will be doing all we can to set up home base somewhere near Los Angeles. With all of the opportunities for performing and promotion down there, it is something we are looking forward to.


We want our fans to know that we are working hard to write and record some great music that is going to be very symbolic of who we are as artists. So many people have reached out to us and given us words of support and encouragement. We appreciate it all so much and everyday are more and more surprised and flattered by the messages and letters our listeners are sending. It is our ultimate hope to someday tour and see all these fans in person!


We don't have a record deal yet. This project is more of a demo than a full fledged album. The record we are working on is about 75% complete. We still have to finish writing and recording a few songs to make sure we have material that is not only work we're proud of, but a collection that is as diverse and well rounded. After that, we will spend some time mastering the tracks and making sure all of the kinks are worked out.

It's our first time really doing something like this by ourselves. Everything from the song writing, recording, and mixing, to the vocals and instrumentals are being done by us alone. It's a big task to undertake but this is something we've always wanted to do. Music is our life, and we couldn't imagine living without it!"



The duo was recently interviewed by Out magazine / PopNography ,

What inspired you to start putting videos up on YouTube?
Eric: YouTube really has become one of the cultural artifacts of this technology dominated/cyber space century. We love to sing and perform, so we figured, why not put it up on a site that would allow all our family and friends see what we're up to? I love the idea of being able to have a digital platform where you can share your creative abilities with anyone who cares to watch.

The guys were asked recently if they have  tried out for American Idol before?

"We tried out for the last season of American Idol. It was an interesting experience to say the least. Out of the 10,000 contestants trying out in Seattle, we made it to the top 100. We were obviously thrilled, but after continuing on, it became increasingly obvious that this was hardly a singing competition. Just like all "reality" shows, there's very little real anything on the show."


Don't worry guys -

you are well on your way!

Keep striving and don't stop dreaming!



Stop by their MySpace page  and listen to their music!

Eric has his own page and so does Todd as well.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., will end her presidential bid Saturday in Washington, D.C., surrounded by supporters, some of whom are devasted and angry that her campaign to become the nation's first woman presidential nominee has ended.

The former first lady is expected to thank supporters, formally endorse Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and urge Democrats to unite behind him in an effort to defeat presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain in November.

It's a dramatic end to one of the longest, most closely fought primary races in recent history, and one that is unbelievable to many of Clinton's most ardent supporters.

READ MORE AT ABC News !

For about 15 years, I have kept Marianne Williamson's  book RETURN TO LOVE, in my nightstand, and use it as a bible. My bible. I have never been big on church or organized religion, but with her book, found comfort - and answers. When I am having  a bad day or need answers, I can usually open the book up to any page, and find something to help me.

No matter how many times I read the passages, they seem to help. But lately, I can not seem to find comfort in the section on work - and purpose in life. So I was at her site today and saw 2 pieces of news which help me!

She has a new book out -   The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife   -   which came out this past January. And she says,  "Sometimes what we appear to have lost is simply something it was time to leave behind. Perhaps our system just lets something go, your having moved through the experience and now needing it no more. "

The need for change as we get older—an emotional pressure for one phase of our lives to transition into another—is a human phenomenon, neither male nor female. There simply comes a time in our lives—not fundamentally different from the way puberty separates childhood from adulthood—when it’s time for one part of ourselves to die and for something new to be born.

The purpose of this book by best-selling author and lecturer Marianne Williamson is to psychologically and spiritually reframe this transition so that it leads to a wonderful sense of joy and awakening.

In our ability to rethink our lives lies our greatest power to change them. What we have called “middle age” need not be seen as a turning point toward death. It can be viewed as a magical turning point toward life as we’ve never known it, if we allow ourselves the power of an independent imagination—thought-forms that don’t flow in a perfunctory manner from ancient assumptions merely handed down to us, but rather flower into new archetypal images of a humanity just getting started at 45 or 50.

What we’ve learned by that time, from both our failures as well as our successes, tends to have humbled us into purity. When we were young, we had energy but we were clueless about what to do with it. Today, we have less energy, perhaps, but we have far more understanding of what each breath of life is for. And now at last, we have a destiny to fulfill—not a destiny of a life that’s simply over, but rather a destiny of a life that is finally truly lived.

Midlife is not a crisis; it’s a time of rebirth. It’s not a time to accept your death; it’s a time to accept your life—and to finally, truly live it, as you and you alone know deep in your heart it was meant to be   lived.                          

Ronnie Kroell  founded 4 + 1 Productions  after he saw the need for someone to address the growing issues created by stereotypes and false assumptions about the differences between people.   Supported by the alarming statistics involving hate crimes and discrimination cases, Ronnie began to engage other members of the community who also shared his passion for positive change. This is a great example of a young person taking charge and doing something positive to create change!
     
        "With an expanding network of multi-cultural affiliates we are confident that our dream to build a bridge between the diverse backgrounds in Chicago will become a reality.  By encouraging individuals to value the unique strengths and differences of each human experience, we will challenge participants to put aside their prejudices and open their minds and hearts to diversity."

Since his fame from MAKE ME A SUPERMODEL, Ronnie has been propelled into the spotlight.
Hopefully, he can keep his mission alive.

You've been putting it off forever —

that secret dream to start a business,
write a book,
run a marathon....
Whatever your desire, ignoring it means denying who you really are.
And don't you deserve better?

I did some research on the topic this week, to see what others had to say. REDBOOK had a great article that said, "Wherever you are on the dream spectrum, your aspiration may be slipping away. "We let our dreams lag because our overcommitted lives make them seem impractical," says life coach Laura Berman Fortgang, author of Now What? 90 Days to a New Life Direction. "We're spread so thin that it's hard to be 'selfish' and put your efforts toward something just for you." Plus, going after a goal may be scary: The fear of failure - or of how your life will change if you succeed - can be paralyzing."

You have got to  create a plan:

GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION
MAKE ROOM FOR YOUR DREAMS
SET A DATE

John Robson at The Happy Guy says, "Choice. It's all about freedom--the freedom to pick one thing over another. Are you choosing what you want from life? "

How do you typically make decisions? Do you do so based on:  

• "shoulds" – doing what you believe you should do.
  
• pleasing others – doing what others want or expect you to do.
  
• fear – choosing the safe route for fear of doing something different.
  
• habit and reaction – you don't even think about what you're doing--you've always done it this way?
  

  On the other hand, you own your power to choose when you decide on the basis of:

• desire – choosing something you want.
  
• need – responding to deeper desires.
  
• authenticity – you know who you are and what you stand for.
  
• creative expression – you strive to be more.

Empowerment arises from the three Cs: choice, courage and change. They are yours to claim. You'll be astounded at how easy it will be to take charge once you've made up your mind to do so. You have the opportunity to create a future that's very different from your past. And remember: not choosing is also a choice.  

 

Do you ever go to party or networking work function and spot people who seem to know everyone and talking to everyone?

Before moving to Chicago full time, my partner and I lived in Michigan and for 18 months, had an apartment in Chicago, before transitioning here full time. It was our "weekend cabin."

After a year of spending weekends here, we were out one Sunday having brunch with a friend who had lived here for 15 years. As we walked down the street and said "hi" to various familiar faces, he could not believe how many people we knew and did not even live here yet! And he questioned how we could possibly know more people than him.

 So many people go through life never talking to strangers. Or they are so self-absorbed they have no desire to meet new people. Or maybe someone is just shy and has a hard time stepping out of their comfort zone. We talk to strangers all the time and are always networking.

Here are a few tips to be that friendly, more out-going person...

Stand up straight and look people directly in the eye when talking to them. Self-assurance is very attractive. If you have to fake it, then fake it. It gets easier the more you practice. People will believe that there must be some underlying reason for your self-confidence.

Smile and make eye contact with every person you speak with. But don't stare. Flirt a little. Even if you are passing by a stranger and happen to make eye contact - do you smile at them? or say hi?


Compliment each person you talk to and find out something interesting about them. It's not ALL ABOUT YOU! It's about THEM. Ask questions. People are most interested in themselves. Everyone has something intriguing about them - you just may have to dig a little to find it.

Work the room - if you are at an event or party, Circulate! Don't get trapped with the same people all evening. Break away within ten-fifteen minutes of meeting someone and move on. You can always come back. If someone drones on and on, excuse yourself immediately and walk away.

Exchange cards with people. You know how many times I go out and give someone my card, and they say they didn't bring any with them!  ALWAYS CARRY YOUR CARDS! And if you don't use a business card, have a personal card made. VISTA PRINT offers basically free business cards! Create a fun and conversational card. I hate seeing people write down their name and phone numbers on a cocktail napkin! - And make a habit to follow up with people afterwards. Amazingly, 67% of people do not follow up in business.

Introduce people you meet to each other. I know so many people who never do this. This gives you the appearance of being popular and helps you to remember names and faces.  -  When I meet a stranger who might be new in town and know no one, if they hang out with us for a day they will met at least 10 new people.

Invest  a couple hours each week, to your own individual personal and professional development. Never stop learning or designing your life! Stretch your comfort zone and take risks. You only go through this life once - maximize it! Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary?!

 

It's here! The so-called  "scandalous book" that has been talked about for 6 months.

            The Secret Life of Siegfried and Roy: How the Tiger Kings Tamed Las Vegas

I read the book over last weekend. As some of you may know, I worked for S & R  for about 7 years, right up until his accident.  I have  the utmost respect for them. They are inspiring and live by example some of thoughts behind this site. They

D - decided what they wanted to do
E - established  goals
S - set yourself up for success
I - internalize the vision
G - go beyond your goals
N - never stop dreaming or designing!

It was an honor to work for them!

Everyone has a personal, private life. Some things they may not want shared with others. VERY FEW people live the life of  an "open book." Everyone has  "secrets" or things they may not be proud of, that they keep private. So what? A lot of gay people in the media's eye choose to stay in the closet. Look at Liberace! ( a close friend to Siegfried & Roy). He denied he was gay till the end, even on his death bed withering away from AIDS.  Eventually, all secrets come out.

The Secret Life of Siegfried and Roy reveals the touching,  little-known story of how two youngsters founded a friendship, a franchise, and a tempestuous on-and-off love affair that would last a lifetime.

Like most celebrities and very public people, they work very hard to control their image and public perception.  In the weeks and months that followed the accident, more coverage was given to Siegfried & Roy than they had ever seen in whole career. In the spotlight as never before, Roy’s mauling triggered the press’ relentless investigation into the secret world of these Las Vegas icons. For the first time ever, author Louis Mydlach, a longtime friend––at Roy’s side throughout his traumatic recovery––describes in detail the agonies of rehabilitating the partially paralyzed performer.  -  Roy was undergoing strenuous rehabilitation. He wanted to present a stiff upper lip to his adoring fans. People hide things because they are afraid of what others may think. Being a gay man myself, I learned at an early age that is too short to lie! Just be yourself. And if someone will not accept you for who you are, do you really want them in your life?

Siegfried & Roy dazzled audiences’ eyes for decades as they masterfully hid a lifetime of secrets. Key players in the duo’s inner circle––Louis Mydlach, his security chief father Jim Mydlach, and show consultant Jimmy Lavery––finally unravel the untold story: The life of Siegfried & Roy was their ultimate illusion.

Is the book scandalous? Not really. I would not call it scandalous. It gives the reader an inside look into  two very private lives of two great men who happened to be gay and involved for numerous years in an on-again  off-again love relationship. 

The book exposes what happened behind closed  doors. THEY ARE HUMAN. They fight. They cry. They have emotions. They are just like you and me. It's the private life we never got to see or read about because they protected their privacy. Unlike Britney!

They are still amazing men who accomplished so many things and changed the face of magic and the face of Las Vegas. Reading the book will not change your feelings about them, but you will probably appreciate them more, by seeing this human side of them. 


Guest writer -   Michael Snell 

The Secret Life of Siegfried and Roy: How the Tiger Kings Tamed Las Vegas



siegfried & roy white tigers magicians secret life of las vegas gay men Turbo Tagger

My whole life I have provided customer service. And 99% of the time, I made it outstanding customer service. It's not hard to do! The customer is handing you money for something - and you want to deliver a great experience, so that they keep coming back! It's not rocket science!

But we have all had it happen to us. You are having a great day. You walk into a store or a restaurant and get a bitter, unhappy person to wait on us. Or, maybe YOU are having  a  really bad day, and it's affecting your mood. And someone tries to provide you good service and you bite off their head for no good reason at all, other than the fact you are having a bad day.

Customer service is in such a bad state right now. I can not tell you how many times I have gotten awful service in the last couple years, yet the person delivering the bad service, thinks nothing of it.  It usually has even nothing to do with someone's bad mood. They just don't care. You know how many nightclubs and restaurants I am a "regular" at?  The owners know me by face and  yet 80% of them never even stop and say  "HI" to me.

GREAT customer service can make a mediocre product shine.  And BAD customer service can tarnish a great product.  Just this past weekend we had brunch at our favorite Chicago Sunday brunch spot - Angeli