Just yesterday evening I was watching Brad Meltzer's TV show, Decoded. In this segment they were doing background on the coming Mayan calendar prophecy of 2012. Now, after really thinking about everything that was "decoded," I got to thinking about this blog which I haven't really paid much attention to lately. So, I'm back.
One of the past blogs I wrote at this site is in regards to a BOB (Bug Out Bag). In my bag, which is a tall, black rucksack, I have a collection of essentials. It is all set to go and though I'm really not paranoid about 2012, I am all about prevention. If I were caught in a catastrophe the likes of Hurricane Katrina, I am already prepared; just slip on my backpack and I'm on the road...bugging out.
If I can't bug out and I have to stay where I am, then I am also covered for that. Every other week, or once a month, I purchase more dry food, canned goods and food bars to store. Just this morning I picked up two cases of water to add to my stack that is occasionally rotated and used. In case of a damaging earthquake scenario, I have water downstairs in my storage unit and I have cases kept in the condo. The same goes for the food, some in storage, some in the home.
So, I know I have food and water for two adults, and one dog that with proper rationing, will last roughly 5-6 months. The next thing to understand about a catastrophic Situations X is that at some point you will grow weary and need to sleep. It was noted in the show that in as little as four days, people who have not made any plans will begin to panic. They realize that they have no electricity, the water doesn't work, the toilets don't empty and food is spoiling in the fridge. When the food runs out, man's best friend becomes an appetizing option, as well as, the dog's best friend starts looking like an option also. If you're going to prepare for the worst case scenario, then include your pet's needs. If you have an aquarium, you might as well eat the fish and filter the water.
So, as the title poses, who has your back? Your spouse and kids may be there for you, but if you haven't planned accordingly, those young minds that truly depend on you for answers, as well as food, will be quickly disenchanted with your ability to handle any and all situations they are being forced to face. There comes a point that staying in the house is no longer safe. There will be certain groups, let's be nice and call them...opportunists, that will be going from house to house in search of any food and water they can get their hands on. Money won't be able to buy these people off. At this point, water is money.
It is suggested that people have a backup plan and that they should not forgo a Situations X like this alone. You need to prepare and know who is on your team. You should have a team of no less than four adult males that know how to handle a weapon. As a matter of fact, women and children should also know how to handle any and all weapons.
It would be nice to believe that in the event of a catastrophe that everyone would act as the Japanese during their tsunami; civil and proud, but that's not likely the case for the American culture. I'm not talking about a catastrophe the likes of one city or small town, but one that devours the country. A catastrophe that shuts off the power grid, backs up filtration systems, pollutes all open sources of water and stops transportation from delivering any kind of hope.
Damn you Brad Meltzer, and your "Decoded" show! I truly hope that this type of event never occurs, but in the chance that it does, will you be ready for a Situations X?
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Prevention is Always Key
"Intelligent people solve problems, geniuses prevent them." - Albert Einstein.
A few days ago I was walking my dog, Harley. It was early, around 6:30 A.M.. Usually when we walk, I let my dog get his sniff on by letting the leash extend a good 6-10 feet ahead of me. If I see another dog in the distance that is coming toward us, I will usually pull Harley in and give him just a couple of feet, this way I'm assured to control any SituationsX...an attack by the other dog or whatever...(prevention).
In a recent book, Breaking You in the World of I, I wrote about the intelligence of the human race, I mention that we are actually 30-60 seconds ahead of what we believe to be present time. Because of this, we are picking up on vibrations and making adjustments though we often don't realize that we're doing so. For this reason, while I was walking with Harley, we came upon a corner and I began pulling him in, ie..cut his lead short. Though some may call it luck, and I will use that word here also, though I'm not a fan of "being lucky," I was lucky to have pulled him short because just as I was rounding the corner, a woman drove a few feet away from me...on the sidewalk.
This woman was going fast enough that if Harley had been allowed to round the corner in his usual lead, he would have been struck by this woman driver. A covered fence prevented me from seeing around the corner at what was happening. As Harley and I rounded the corner, we were narrowly missed by roughly, a foot and a half. The woman smiled at me as if driving on the sidewalk was funny or acceptable.
Whew! I cleared another SituationsX. This happens to me often enough to be recognizable...no, not women drivers almost causing chaos, but the prevention of catastrophe. I'm sure it happens to you, too. Are you aware of it? Are you on the lookout for possibilities that may seem beyond your control? How many close-calls have you experienced and you were thankful that you seemed to have reacted early enough to remove all threats to your livelihood? We have all had those moments at some time in our lives, and just so you know, you weren't saved by "luck," but more so, by the genius that you are.
The more you add those possible SituationsX up, that you somehow avoided, the more you will be able to understand that you have an intelligence going on that is deeper than anything you've ever known or have been taught. Accidents only happen when people are out of "present time." The only problem is, that everyone is pre-present time (30-60 seconds ahead of what appears to be the, right now).
Coming soon to my website, www.booksbyjeffscott.com, is my latest book, Breaking You in the World of I. It explains many things that we take for granted and have never explored concerning the realm we live in and our experiences here on Earth.
Take a moment and comment about your last SituationsX.
A few days ago I was walking my dog, Harley. It was early, around 6:30 A.M.. Usually when we walk, I let my dog get his sniff on by letting the leash extend a good 6-10 feet ahead of me. If I see another dog in the distance that is coming toward us, I will usually pull Harley in and give him just a couple of feet, this way I'm assured to control any SituationsX...an attack by the other dog or whatever...(prevention).
In a recent book, Breaking You in the World of I, I wrote about the intelligence of the human race, I mention that we are actually 30-60 seconds ahead of what we believe to be present time. Because of this, we are picking up on vibrations and making adjustments though we often don't realize that we're doing so. For this reason, while I was walking with Harley, we came upon a corner and I began pulling him in, ie..cut his lead short. Though some may call it luck, and I will use that word here also, though I'm not a fan of "being lucky," I was lucky to have pulled him short because just as I was rounding the corner, a woman drove a few feet away from me...on the sidewalk.
This woman was going fast enough that if Harley had been allowed to round the corner in his usual lead, he would have been struck by this woman driver. A covered fence prevented me from seeing around the corner at what was happening. As Harley and I rounded the corner, we were narrowly missed by roughly, a foot and a half. The woman smiled at me as if driving on the sidewalk was funny or acceptable.
Whew! I cleared another SituationsX. This happens to me often enough to be recognizable...no, not women drivers almost causing chaos, but the prevention of catastrophe. I'm sure it happens to you, too. Are you aware of it? Are you on the lookout for possibilities that may seem beyond your control? How many close-calls have you experienced and you were thankful that you seemed to have reacted early enough to remove all threats to your livelihood? We have all had those moments at some time in our lives, and just so you know, you weren't saved by "luck," but more so, by the genius that you are.
The more you add those possible SituationsX up, that you somehow avoided, the more you will be able to understand that you have an intelligence going on that is deeper than anything you've ever known or have been taught. Accidents only happen when people are out of "present time." The only problem is, that everyone is pre-present time (30-60 seconds ahead of what appears to be the, right now).
Coming soon to my website, www.booksbyjeffscott.com, is my latest book, Breaking You in the World of I. It explains many things that we take for granted and have never explored concerning the realm we live in and our experiences here on Earth.
Take a moment and comment about your last SituationsX.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Are you Ready for the Worst case Scenario?
Though I haven't posted for a while, this doesn't mean that I have been resting. I have continued to work; writing for my clients, while at the same time, preparing for a Situations X, as the world goes haywire.
In case you haven't noticed, there are quite a few major cities across the country that have either filed for bankruptcy, or are on the verge. Where does this leave you when it has already been announced that the police departments will not answer calls regarding a slew of crimes? It leaves you vulnerable is what it does. Now, It would be nice if the world were a friendlier place and we could all count on each other during rough times, the way the Japanese did after their devastating tsunami. The truth is, one cannot afford the chance that his fellow American will act civil when there are no police to beckon during a crisis.
It is during in the pre-chaos that one needs to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Chicken little I am not, but a realist, I am. At this point, I am totally self sustainable. I have my BOB (Bug Out Bag), I have gear for fishing: scuba, spear/free diving and also rod & reel. I have a kayak that only takes an oar to reach my destination (as one should not count on fuel in chaotic times). Next, I have a weapon, and if I could find a barn somewhere, I'm sure I could, at the least, hit the side of it.
There are major marches happening right now and as the mental temperatures change, marches often turn into riots. Monkey see, monkey do, will happen across the nation; who will make a monkey out of you?
What are you seriously doing to prepare for a SituationsX?
In case you haven't noticed, there are quite a few major cities across the country that have either filed for bankruptcy, or are on the verge. Where does this leave you when it has already been announced that the police departments will not answer calls regarding a slew of crimes? It leaves you vulnerable is what it does. Now, It would be nice if the world were a friendlier place and we could all count on each other during rough times, the way the Japanese did after their devastating tsunami. The truth is, one cannot afford the chance that his fellow American will act civil when there are no police to beckon during a crisis.
It is during in the pre-chaos that one needs to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Chicken little I am not, but a realist, I am. At this point, I am totally self sustainable. I have my BOB (Bug Out Bag), I have gear for fishing: scuba, spear/free diving and also rod & reel. I have a kayak that only takes an oar to reach my destination (as one should not count on fuel in chaotic times). Next, I have a weapon, and if I could find a barn somewhere, I'm sure I could, at the least, hit the side of it.
There are major marches happening right now and as the mental temperatures change, marches often turn into riots. Monkey see, monkey do, will happen across the nation; who will make a monkey out of you?
What are you seriously doing to prepare for a SituationsX?
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Emergency Dog Food/Water
I know, I know, it's a strange title, eh? I've been away from my blogs for a few weeks as I work on some books. But, I'm back and ready to continue my blogs here and at, Just Thinking.
So, what is my title all about? One might think that it has something to do with having food and water in stock that is specifically for your pet, just in case there is ever an emergency. Well, one would be right. If you followed the last blog about creating a Bug-Out bag, then you should also be thinking of a bag for your pet, or at the least, reserves of canned or dried food/water that is stored for the sole purpose of your pet during an emergency.
When we stock food or water for an emergency, the one thing we should not do is expect it to sit there for 20 years. Just like in any grocery store, the stock needs to be rotated back to front or bottom to top. Though I usually re-fill my gallon jugs with water from a purifying machine at the store, I do buy cases of bottled water, too. I take these cases of water and stack them in two different places. The first place is downstairs in a storage unit in my building (We live in a condo). The second place is inside of the condo.
So why store emergency gear or food in two different places? Because it's not likely that both places will be so damaged that you can't get to your supplies. Of course, this may not hold true if you live in tornado alley. I live in Southern California and we are notorious for experiencing earthquakes. If our condo should pancake on top of the storage units below, well, at least I have a good supply of food and water that is somewhat easily attainable. Luckily I live on the top floor, so if we do pancakes, then my water is still good. (Don't mean to be callous about the people below but shituations happens....prepare for it)
It's amazing to me that as we watch the economic collapse of our country, that a lot of people are frantically buying up gold and they won't spend five minutes to think about the "superficial" need of personal human consumption. lol Really, do these people ever stop to think that water is worth much more than gold in the long run? I can live without gold for a lifetime, but I can't live without water for more than a few days. I don't know, maybe I have my priorities mixed up. Again -- lol. (yes, I know that buying gold is about making money in the moment)
I'm going to say something in this next paragraph that some may not want to hear, so beware. If or when there is a catastrophe, and if you have a pet, then they should be put on the same routine and rations as you; food and water sparingly. If you are considered obese or you know you are carrying more weight than you should, I'm going to bet, though I could be wrong, but I'm going to bet that you have attached eating to your emotions/issues. Obesity is not just a lack of exercise. If you know that you have an appetite and become emotional in tough times, well, store up for it, but also learn about your position and begin to do something about it. Like this blog is asking of you; it's all about being prepared in life, think things through to a worse case scenario so if it comes along, it won't seem that bad.
If this blog has spoken to you and made you think about your future in a world that is rapidly falling apart, then feel free to comment. If your comment is anything about me being a naysayer or chicken little, perhaps suggesting that I look at the sunny side of life, well, then I would suggest that you pull your head out of the clouds, learn to prepare for the worst and then love the fact that you're ready if and when you find yourself outside of the proverbial rose garden and facing a Shituation X.
So, what is my title all about? One might think that it has something to do with having food and water in stock that is specifically for your pet, just in case there is ever an emergency. Well, one would be right. If you followed the last blog about creating a Bug-Out bag, then you should also be thinking of a bag for your pet, or at the least, reserves of canned or dried food/water that is stored for the sole purpose of your pet during an emergency.
When we stock food or water for an emergency, the one thing we should not do is expect it to sit there for 20 years. Just like in any grocery store, the stock needs to be rotated back to front or bottom to top. Though I usually re-fill my gallon jugs with water from a purifying machine at the store, I do buy cases of bottled water, too. I take these cases of water and stack them in two different places. The first place is downstairs in a storage unit in my building (We live in a condo). The second place is inside of the condo.
So why store emergency gear or food in two different places? Because it's not likely that both places will be so damaged that you can't get to your supplies. Of course, this may not hold true if you live in tornado alley. I live in Southern California and we are notorious for experiencing earthquakes. If our condo should pancake on top of the storage units below, well, at least I have a good supply of food and water that is somewhat easily attainable. Luckily I live on the top floor, so if we do pancakes, then my water is still good. (Don't mean to be callous about the people below but shituations happens....prepare for it)
It's amazing to me that as we watch the economic collapse of our country, that a lot of people are frantically buying up gold and they won't spend five minutes to think about the "superficial" need of personal human consumption. lol Really, do these people ever stop to think that water is worth much more than gold in the long run? I can live without gold for a lifetime, but I can't live without water for more than a few days. I don't know, maybe I have my priorities mixed up. Again -- lol. (yes, I know that buying gold is about making money in the moment)
I'm going to say something in this next paragraph that some may not want to hear, so beware. If or when there is a catastrophe, and if you have a pet, then they should be put on the same routine and rations as you; food and water sparingly. If you are considered obese or you know you are carrying more weight than you should, I'm going to bet, though I could be wrong, but I'm going to bet that you have attached eating to your emotions/issues. Obesity is not just a lack of exercise. If you know that you have an appetite and become emotional in tough times, well, store up for it, but also learn about your position and begin to do something about it. Like this blog is asking of you; it's all about being prepared in life, think things through to a worse case scenario so if it comes along, it won't seem that bad.
If this blog has spoken to you and made you think about your future in a world that is rapidly falling apart, then feel free to comment. If your comment is anything about me being a naysayer or chicken little, perhaps suggesting that I look at the sunny side of life, well, then I would suggest that you pull your head out of the clouds, learn to prepare for the worst and then love the fact that you're ready if and when you find yourself outside of the proverbial rose garden and facing a Shituation X.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Building your BOB - (Bug Out Bag)
Okay folks, are you ready to get serious regarding your safety, should a catastrophe jeopardize your daily existence? Not sure if you saw the news recently about a group called Flash Mobs. Apparently, someone created this group and occasionally posts what could be considered an Executive Order. After the post, people who are followers of this group carry out the order. Sometimes its just an order for everyone to go to a certain location. Instantly, hundreds, if not a thousand people will show up, hence...flash mob.
A few days ago there was a post for followers to wreak havoc in their main local. Followers began beating on anyone; passer-byes. They attacked a young man on his scooter, hit other people in the face and took their belongings. So, what the hell? Is this Flash Mob group going to dictate or do anything that could mean something, perhaps swarm the local IRS offices and lick their office windows in a freakish manner. lol
So what does this have to do with your BOB? Well, nothing! I just wanted to get your attention and talk about Flash Mob. Actually, that's not true. I bring them up because in your BOB, you should have some sort of protection. Though your BOB is really for survival while on the road, one must keep in mind the different levels of survival.
Many states across the country are going belly up. Cities are laying off their police officers at an alarming rate. This is a bonus for the criminal opportunist. They will begin taking advantage of people who have little recourse because they know people are unprepared and unaware; the regular Joe Citizen has never had to really fend for himself and is rarely has the opportunist frame of mind.
If a catastrophe should happen, the criminal element will come out of its hiding within a few days. Homes and businesses will be looted for food and weapons. By having a BOB ready, you can leave within an hour of any major catastrophe, or at the most, a day or so after. What I'm wearing when I head out, which is depending on good weather; cargo shorts, T-shirt (shrt slv), tennis shoes, Buff wrapped on wrist. (Buff is modern day bandanna), Boonie hat.
What I will be carrying when I head out:
Your pack may differ, but these are the essentials in my BOB. Also, I left this out and it's what you'll have to determine. In my pack is plenty of ammunition for my gun which I will carry concealed. I also have a hunting knife that will be within my grasp; attached to my shoulder pad by my chest or at my hip. Remember, expect the worst case scenario so you're not caught off guard.
Depending on my mode of transportation, bike or hike, I will be able to carry other things. If I bike, I also have the ability to tow a small cargo trailer. If you are a family, this would be a good way to go. Cars run out of gas, and in an emergency, there may not be fuel available. If you are hiking, then you can have packs that divide everything up. One person may carry clothes while another carries food and water (used very sparingly). It is actually better that each individual carries his/her own gear because if you're somehow separated, you still have the ability to survive in a SituationsX.
Do you know where to sleep/hide while out on the road? Come back soon to learn more.
Join SituationsX blog by commenting or adding yourself as a friend.
A few days ago there was a post for followers to wreak havoc in their main local. Followers began beating on anyone; passer-byes. They attacked a young man on his scooter, hit other people in the face and took their belongings. So, what the hell? Is this Flash Mob group going to dictate or do anything that could mean something, perhaps swarm the local IRS offices and lick their office windows in a freakish manner. lol
So what does this have to do with your BOB? Well, nothing! I just wanted to get your attention and talk about Flash Mob. Actually, that's not true. I bring them up because in your BOB, you should have some sort of protection. Though your BOB is really for survival while on the road, one must keep in mind the different levels of survival.
Many states across the country are going belly up. Cities are laying off their police officers at an alarming rate. This is a bonus for the criminal opportunist. They will begin taking advantage of people who have little recourse because they know people are unprepared and unaware; the regular Joe Citizen has never had to really fend for himself and is rarely has the opportunist frame of mind.
If a catastrophe should happen, the criminal element will come out of its hiding within a few days. Homes and businesses will be looted for food and weapons. By having a BOB ready, you can leave within an hour of any major catastrophe, or at the most, a day or so after. What I'm wearing when I head out, which is depending on good weather; cargo shorts, T-shirt (shrt slv), tennis shoes, Buff wrapped on wrist. (Buff is modern day bandanna), Boonie hat.
What I will be carrying when I head out:
- 1 black camping backpack that can be adjusted to my back and hips for long hauls. It also has a few side pockets for small and quick need items
- Clothing: Rolled tightly; Pants long (2), T-shirt Long sleeve (2), Under (3), Socks(4) Women: sports bras (3) (Prefer dark clothing for night travel), Thin weatherproof jacket, mechanic work gloves (1), Military boots (1)
- Very small 1-2 man tent
- Sleeping bag (tightly rolled)
- Dried food (previously purchased)
- Small bottled water
- Water purifier bottle - the kind that purifies water from any source and drink through the filtration system. (Don't use LED system. It may zap germs dead, but they still go into your system)
- Small cook set with utensils and tin cup
- Small wire grill I took from my propane stove set (Do not carry propane stove. waste of time)
- Hammer - a good hammer can also act like an axe, and can be used as a weapon
- Rope - nylon 50-100 yards (otherwise known as parachute cord)
- Fire source; lighter, steal wool, (never keep batteries near steal wool)
- Batteries - determine size by how they will be used
- Headlamp - wear on your head so you can work with your hands in dark
- Binoculars
- First aid kit
- Grooming - travel size soap, deodorant, comb, razor (essential to stay clean for health and good frame of mind)
- Fishing string, hooks
- Rain Poncho - tightly folded
- Leatherman - multi-utility tool kept on belt loop or in pack
- Walkie-talkies
- Hand held flashlight - emergency light with 4 modes; flicker, SOS, light, flash
- Maps - know where you're going
- Snack food - beef jerky, gum, energy bars
- Extra knife - small knife for incidentals
- Spool of brown or black thread - strong, for traps
- 10 bungee cords of various lengths
- Fishing pole (broken down and in its case)
- Hammer (same as previous, but hanging through a loop on pack)
Your pack may differ, but these are the essentials in my BOB. Also, I left this out and it's what you'll have to determine. In my pack is plenty of ammunition for my gun which I will carry concealed. I also have a hunting knife that will be within my grasp; attached to my shoulder pad by my chest or at my hip. Remember, expect the worst case scenario so you're not caught off guard.
Depending on my mode of transportation, bike or hike, I will be able to carry other things. If I bike, I also have the ability to tow a small cargo trailer. If you are a family, this would be a good way to go. Cars run out of gas, and in an emergency, there may not be fuel available. If you are hiking, then you can have packs that divide everything up. One person may carry clothes while another carries food and water (used very sparingly). It is actually better that each individual carries his/her own gear because if you're somehow separated, you still have the ability to survive in a SituationsX.
Do you know where to sleep/hide while out on the road? Come back soon to learn more.
Join SituationsX blog by commenting or adding yourself as a friend.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
489 Emails
My God! I got 489 emails in one month. Now I'm sure for some people that's minuscule compared to their daily intake of the inbox, but actually every single one of the aforementioned, was junk. I have a couple of different emails addresses; one is for real business and the other is a yahoo account that I give out when I am forced to subscribe to something I have a small interest in reading about. I find it interesting that many of these companies say they don't give out or sell your email address, but I have to wonder if that's true.
Protect yourself from the world of spam and create an email for the things you're just not sure you want. I belong to a few groups on Linkedin and I need to go back into my settings because every time someone posts in one of the groups, I am instantly informed. I should keep track of how much time I spend deleting these notifications (Though it is my fault).
Because I have a couple of websites, a few different interests, and because when I ghostwrite I must research, I am often times a marked man. Google and FB have it down when it comes to direct market advertising. If I go to a website about rock climbing, within a day or so, I'll begin seeing advertising alongside of my inbox regarding rock climbing. If I mention ghostwriting in one of my out emails, I also get advertising about ghostwriting. Hmmm!
I am inundated with offers to be a better marketer, to have whiter teeth, lose 25 lbs (do they know something), to make my schlong long enough to trip over, and to avail myself of younger women with no integrity and just want to meet me, an older man (because the younger one's just aren't sexy enough?)
Then there are the offers to teach me how to be a consultant (have they not read my works?). There have been many consultants that want me to follow their free newsletter so they can offer me a package deal later. I can even sign up and pay for their courses on how to be a consultant (groups I've never even heard of). Hmm! If you can't do, then teach.
As I often do here in SituationsX, and occasionally at my other blog, www.booksbyjeffscott.blogspot.com I offer information for free that will help people in some positive way. I am about to listen to a webinar on how to expand my business of selling my books and the books of the people for whom I ghostwrite. After the seminar/webinar I will be hit up to join a class for a mere $5000. They have some good information I'm sure, and yes, some of the classes will pay off for those that really accurately utilize the information, but the numbers will be small. Instead, I listen to the free information; taping it on my recorder and then do a reverse analysis. I can usually figure out everything they're going to sell in their program. Is it fair that I do this?...take info and not pay them for figuring out their program?
I say give it away. Give give give until you can't give anymore. I've donated books to youth groups. I've donated my time. I'm about to donate my newly acquired speaking abilities to a few junior colleges. I give of myself and if it comes back to me, then that's great. I make a good living through my ghostwriting and my books (because one does need to make a living). Give of yourself and the universe will find a way to match your vibration.
I'm about to rearrange my website www.booksbyjeffscott.com and offer an affiliate program. I'm not offering a class so I can make money, and then if you do what I say, perhaps you'll make some money also. I'm making an offer that if you have a website and want to be an affiliate, we both make some dollars. I also have a download for those that are Networkers (know how to use small talk for sales) and want to add to their income. Is this your type of gig?
It's a tough economy and you never know what life will present to you (unless Google catches wind of your searches). Learn how to expand with a side income before you're even close to being stuck in a SituationsX.
Protect yourself from the world of spam and create an email for the things you're just not sure you want. I belong to a few groups on Linkedin and I need to go back into my settings because every time someone posts in one of the groups, I am instantly informed. I should keep track of how much time I spend deleting these notifications (Though it is my fault).
Because I have a couple of websites, a few different interests, and because when I ghostwrite I must research, I am often times a marked man. Google and FB have it down when it comes to direct market advertising. If I go to a website about rock climbing, within a day or so, I'll begin seeing advertising alongside of my inbox regarding rock climbing. If I mention ghostwriting in one of my out emails, I also get advertising about ghostwriting. Hmmm!
I am inundated with offers to be a better marketer, to have whiter teeth, lose 25 lbs (do they know something), to make my schlong long enough to trip over, and to avail myself of younger women with no integrity and just want to meet me, an older man (because the younger one's just aren't sexy enough?)
Then there are the offers to teach me how to be a consultant (have they not read my works?). There have been many consultants that want me to follow their free newsletter so they can offer me a package deal later. I can even sign up and pay for their courses on how to be a consultant (groups I've never even heard of). Hmm! If you can't do, then teach.
As I often do here in SituationsX, and occasionally at my other blog, www.booksbyjeffscott.blogspot.com I offer information for free that will help people in some positive way. I am about to listen to a webinar on how to expand my business of selling my books and the books of the people for whom I ghostwrite. After the seminar/webinar I will be hit up to join a class for a mere $5000. They have some good information I'm sure, and yes, some of the classes will pay off for those that really accurately utilize the information, but the numbers will be small. Instead, I listen to the free information; taping it on my recorder and then do a reverse analysis. I can usually figure out everything they're going to sell in their program. Is it fair that I do this?...take info and not pay them for figuring out their program?
I say give it away. Give give give until you can't give anymore. I've donated books to youth groups. I've donated my time. I'm about to donate my newly acquired speaking abilities to a few junior colleges. I give of myself and if it comes back to me, then that's great. I make a good living through my ghostwriting and my books (because one does need to make a living). Give of yourself and the universe will find a way to match your vibration.
I'm about to rearrange my website www.booksbyjeffscott.com and offer an affiliate program. I'm not offering a class so I can make money, and then if you do what I say, perhaps you'll make some money also. I'm making an offer that if you have a website and want to be an affiliate, we both make some dollars. I also have a download for those that are Networkers (know how to use small talk for sales) and want to add to their income. Is this your type of gig?
It's a tough economy and you never know what life will present to you (unless Google catches wind of your searches). Learn how to expand with a side income before you're even close to being stuck in a SituationsX.
Monday, June 6, 2011
America, what happened?
Are there too many rules these days for what seems to be anything and everything? I recently received an email from my mother that actually made a lot of sense, but it had one drawback, which I will share at the end of this post.
The email presented an idea of real freedom that people born between 1925 and 1975 got to experience, and that people of the present day, mostly kids, have never known. There were things such as: not coming home until the street lights went on (we didn't worry about being nabbed), we could ride our bikes and sometimes fall off (maybe we got hurt maybe we didn't) we experienced a life of play while using our imagination (do kids even know what hide & seek is?) In sports, you either made the starting line-up, or you sat on the bench during the whole game (we couldn't cry to our parents because their anti-dote was to say, "step up your game," they didn't complain to the coach for us and make excuses).
A friend of mine, Vince Mancino, who I assisted in writing his book, Down the Drain, has basically said it best, merely by the title, Down the Drain. America has gotten so caught up with "protection" and "prevention" that they have lost sight of the fact that loss or lack, teaches us extremely valuable lessons; how to step up our game. There are a lot of ideas in Vince's book that we need desperately to revert to; we need to not be helicopter parents, stay-at-home moms need to not bitch about how hard their day was when the kids have been in class for most of it, and the husband is sweatin' his brow just so she can have bon-bons. Politicians need to get a clue that wealthy pay more than their fair share of the taxes, willingly make large charitable contributions, and that eventually the well will run dry, or at the least, the donation for a political run will be limited, if presented at all.
The world really is a much different place than when I was growing up. I truly wish every kid of the day could experience it in the same way as my generation. I didn't stay home to play video games during a great summer day. I was either playing a great game of Over the Line baseball, or jumping off the local pier at the beach. Were there risks being taken? Would our parents have objected? I'm sure they would have, but at least we got the experiences before we got the beating. That's another thing; we didn't have a government agency called Child Protective Services to dictate what our parents knew was right or wrong, we learned by a swat, or sometimes a bar of soap. Our parents were the law and we knew it.
As Vince puts it in his book, it seems that the kids of the day, whether in the working field or in school, just don't have the gumption or the spirit of play; as the way of our generation. Maybe that's okay, but maybe it's not. Because they have had so many rules and regulations put on their proverbial plate, they aren't allowed to make mistakes which really, in turn, enable them to learn. It's a proven fact that the more regulations society has pressed upon them, the more dangerous it becomes.
I'm hitting my 50th this year and I've done so many things in my past, some to be proud of and some not, but all in all, I'm so glad I grew up in the era that I have. I was allowed to speak my voice (without a permit), whether anyone wanted to hear it or not. I was allowed to live, experience and many times get things wrong, which as it turns out, has always been at my expense.
The kids of today will never know the freedoms of my generation, and so be it. Though I find the things in their generation, such as technology and quantum theory exciting, I wouldn't trade my era for all the tea in China. If the kids of today took the time and could understand my generation, and then add to it, their information; they'd be unstoppable.
Though each generation has something to offer, I believe it will be interesting to see what the youth of today will show the world...besides a back-flip off of the latest skateboard ramp...which my gen invented.
It's a different world than the one I grew up in and there will always be, no generations excluded from a SituationsX.
The email presented an idea of real freedom that people born between 1925 and 1975 got to experience, and that people of the present day, mostly kids, have never known. There were things such as: not coming home until the street lights went on (we didn't worry about being nabbed), we could ride our bikes and sometimes fall off (maybe we got hurt maybe we didn't) we experienced a life of play while using our imagination (do kids even know what hide & seek is?) In sports, you either made the starting line-up, or you sat on the bench during the whole game (we couldn't cry to our parents because their anti-dote was to say, "step up your game," they didn't complain to the coach for us and make excuses).
A friend of mine, Vince Mancino, who I assisted in writing his book, Down the Drain, has basically said it best, merely by the title, Down the Drain. America has gotten so caught up with "protection" and "prevention" that they have lost sight of the fact that loss or lack, teaches us extremely valuable lessons; how to step up our game. There are a lot of ideas in Vince's book that we need desperately to revert to; we need to not be helicopter parents, stay-at-home moms need to not bitch about how hard their day was when the kids have been in class for most of it, and the husband is sweatin' his brow just so she can have bon-bons. Politicians need to get a clue that wealthy pay more than their fair share of the taxes, willingly make large charitable contributions, and that eventually the well will run dry, or at the least, the donation for a political run will be limited, if presented at all.
The world really is a much different place than when I was growing up. I truly wish every kid of the day could experience it in the same way as my generation. I didn't stay home to play video games during a great summer day. I was either playing a great game of Over the Line baseball, or jumping off the local pier at the beach. Were there risks being taken? Would our parents have objected? I'm sure they would have, but at least we got the experiences before we got the beating. That's another thing; we didn't have a government agency called Child Protective Services to dictate what our parents knew was right or wrong, we learned by a swat, or sometimes a bar of soap. Our parents were the law and we knew it.
As Vince puts it in his book, it seems that the kids of the day, whether in the working field or in school, just don't have the gumption or the spirit of play; as the way of our generation. Maybe that's okay, but maybe it's not. Because they have had so many rules and regulations put on their proverbial plate, they aren't allowed to make mistakes which really, in turn, enable them to learn. It's a proven fact that the more regulations society has pressed upon them, the more dangerous it becomes.
I'm hitting my 50th this year and I've done so many things in my past, some to be proud of and some not, but all in all, I'm so glad I grew up in the era that I have. I was allowed to speak my voice (without a permit), whether anyone wanted to hear it or not. I was allowed to live, experience and many times get things wrong, which as it turns out, has always been at my expense.
The kids of today will never know the freedoms of my generation, and so be it. Though I find the things in their generation, such as technology and quantum theory exciting, I wouldn't trade my era for all the tea in China. If the kids of today took the time and could understand my generation, and then add to it, their information; they'd be unstoppable.
Though each generation has something to offer, I believe it will be interesting to see what the youth of today will show the world...besides a back-flip off of the latest skateboard ramp...which my gen invented.
It's a different world than the one I grew up in and there will always be, no generations excluded from a SituationsX.
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