Thursday, December 31, 2009

LETTER WRITING & END OF A DECADE


Everyone has been publishing the top events of the decade, instead of the past year as usual. I have been thinking of the top good or bad events of the past ten years and think of two major events having good and bad about both.
My two major events are daily reminders through two letters, one was a thank you letter received five years ago and the other a letter congratulating me on a honor that I had received. Several years ago, while attending a conference the key note speaker said to hang on the wall any letters you had received that made you feel good. The plan was to be able to see and allow the letters while dressing in the morning to make you look forward to another day.
My two major events and letters:
1. My mother passed away after a long battle with MS during 2001. Many years before she had written a letter of congratulations to me for an award from our local Board of Realtors, at the time it did not seem very special. I found the letter shortly after the conference and also found that it meant something. She was the person always to impress, so the letter is framed with a photo of us during her last Christmas.
2. Five years ago Christmas Day a tragic event struck the Newark Fire Department, an accident between two fire trucks injuring five firefighters, some seriously and others traumatized from the incident. I was able to step up to the plate and help the "guys" and officers. It met a lot to me, returning so much that has been given to me by the NFD. Shortly after the incident I received a thank you letter, it meant to me more than any I have ever received. It is framed in a cheap frame next to my mother's letter. Everyone goes home.
Kurt of Cultural Offering posted "The Letter" earlier this month, about letter writing and his plans to write more letters. I plan to do so this coming year as a resolution, I doubt any will be worthy of hanging on the wall for reading while one is dressing, but at least some one will have received a letter.
Happy New Year & Decade!

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

NOT YOUR "WATER COOLER" KIND OF GUYS


Attending last night's Columbus Blue Jackets game against the Red Wings was well worth the time and effort.

The photo of Andrew Guanciale, Mark Evans, EO of the Licking County Board of Realtors and Sean Carpenter the Training Director of Coldwell Banker King Thompson and nationally known real estate key note speaker shows everyone with a smile. All three are highly successful within the real estate industry.

Besides the CBJ's win, once again I pulled into the garage afterwards with more knowledge, motivation and a couple new business skills than when I backed out of the garage for the game. This was a three period plus overtime mini motivation conference.

It is amazing how hanging around with the "non water cooler" people will effect your life and business. This was a great way to spend six hours of the last four days of 2009.

Thanks guys for including me.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

COUSINS, CHRISTMAS EVE

Christmas Eve
Andrew Guanciale and his USA cousins.
Christmas Eve
Brunch
NFD Station #3, One Unit


Thursday, December 24, 2009

CHRISTMAS MOVIE, NOT REALLY



As we are about to end the 2009 Christmas Season, there have been many movies on television with a Christmas theme.

One of my favorite movies The Glenn Miller Story is usually on sometime during the Holiday Season, I don't know why it is really not a Christmas movie. Perhaps I think of it as a Holiday movie because during the last scene there is a Christmas Tree.

Maybe it is just because I like Glenn Miller's eyeglasses.

Click below to view my two favorite scenes of the movie:

St. Louis Blues, on the military parade grounds.

Little Brown Jug, the last scene of the movie. Mrs. Miller had to be so proud of Glenn for writing this song for her before his death.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

BULL RIDING, ONCE IN A LIFETIME ATTEMPT

COMING OUT OF THE CHUTE, MY ARM EXTENDED LIKE A PRO.
NOTICE COWBOY DENIM ON WITH A WOOL NY YANKEES CAP.

AFTER, TWO SECONDS, FALLING OFF WITH ONE LEG IN THE AIR, NOT LIKE A PRO. NOTICE THE RODEO CLOWN IN THE UPPER LEFT CORNER,
HE HAS THE EASY JOB.

UP WALKING AWAY WITH A BROKEN BONE IN MY HAND.
FOLLOWING MY NEW FRIEND THE CLOWN.

LESSON LEARNED: YOU DON'T HAVE TO TRY EVERYTHING AT LEAST ONCE
IN YOUR LIFETIME, SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD JUST DREAM ABOUT.

Photos found by Mrs. Guanciale, who did not witness this event.




Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Abbott & Costello, Today's "Who's on First"

Thanks to Gary Donovan for sending this along.
If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their famous sketch, 'Who's on First?' might have turned out something like this:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: Thanks I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about> buying a computer.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.
ABBOTT: Your computer?
COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou.
ABBOTT: What about Windows?
COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?
ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?
COSTELLO: I don't know.. What will I see when I look at the windows?
ABBOTT: Wallpaper.
COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.
ABBOTT: Software for Windows? COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you recommend?ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?
ABBOTT: I just did.
COSTELLO: You just did what?
ABBOTT: Recommend something.
COSTELLO: You recommended something?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: For my office?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yes, for my office
ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.
COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?
ABBOTT: Word.
COSTELLO: What word?
ABBOTT: Word in Office
COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.
ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.
COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows? > > ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'.
COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue 'w' if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with? > > ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?
ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.
COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?
ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge
COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?
ABBOTT: One copy.
COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?
ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.
COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?
ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT
(A few days later)
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?
ABBOTT: Click on 'START'..... ........

Monday, December 21, 2009

THE GOOD & BAD OF CHRISTMAS



THE GOOD AND BAD OF CHRISTMAS
GOOD: My trash day is on Wednesday, so our schedule will not be messed up this year. Never choose a company with a Monday pickup day.
BAD: People start to early shopping, then closer to Christmas they are in a terrible mood because they have had time to think about what gifts they really should have purchased.
GOOD: Many people give, they give their time and money to worthy organizations because of Christmas. It is ashamed so many non profits have to wait until December.
BAD: You can not give a gift to the people who you really want to give a gift to.
GOOD: Having the company Christmas party as close to Christmas as possible, I think the office Christmas party is like a signal to stop working because it’s Christmas.
BAD: Poor planning on vacation schedules, too many employees off at the same time bogs down customer service and at the end of the year when it is really needed.
GOOD: Young children, they are what it is all about.
BAD: Parents that feel a good Christmas is a way to their children’s heart.
GOOD: Saying Merry Christmas to someone, most think it is old fashion. Today in such a mixed society, it may be dangerous. But, we do have a national Christmas tree.
BAD: Being a shut-in cannot be too much fun. A local nursing home had Christmas dinner two weeks before Christmas. Should have been the week before Christmas.
GOOD: The people who take into consideration their older neighbor or friend. The glow in their eyes of being thankful when you stop by to see them for fifteen minutes is what it’s all about.
BAD: Don’t buy caramel candy for the person with dentures and don’t buy alcohol for the person who drinks too much. This is like giving a size 2 when it should be a 14.
Sometimes gift giving hurts more than you think.

All holidays are marked on the calendar because of thankful reasons, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s & Mother’s Day etc. Christmas is the only holiday, when most are not working and stores are closed, making it the perfect day to spend with the people you love?

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Italian Horn offers protection against Evil Eye


Mike McDonald of Park National Bank chose my wrapped Christmas Tree Ornament for an exchange this week. We did not have time to discuss the reason in Italy for people wearing Horns with a Cross around their neck or making sure there is a horn ornament on the tree. I had purchased the ornament while on a recent trip. So Big Mac, here it is:
ITALIAN HORN (Cornicello, Italian for "little horn"). The ancient magical charm or amulet worn in Italy as protection against "evil eye" has also been linked to Celtic and Druid myths and beliefs. Other superstitions link it to sexual power and good luck. It is often worn with a cross (for double protection or luck?). In pre-Christian Europe, animal horns pointed to the moon goddess and were considered sacred.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

SOME OF THE BEST FRIENDS A GUY CAN HAVE

Annual Holiday Dinner and Ornament Exchange
The Licking County Chamber of Commerce Groundhog Committee
Call the Chamber for your January 29, 2010 reservations
740-345-9758

NEWARK, OHIO BLOGGERS MAKES THEIR MARK


Kurt Harden's blog, Cultural Offering and the Licking County Chamber of Commerce's ChatwiththeChamber have made there mark throughout the world.
Known British author and blogger Nicholas Bate has recognized his top Business Blogger for 2009.
Nicholas Bate's "Business of Life + Life of Business" has inspired many readers around the world.
Michael Wade with Execupundit.com was Nicholas's choice.
Cultural Offering made it first on "Who's out there doing awesom work?" Nicholas stated about Kurt's blog: "The incredible magazine blog with politics, music, fashion and family. Forthright, open and generous."
Chat with the Chamber was marked 19th on the list with Nicholas's comment on the Blog driven by LCCC President Cheri Hottinger: "Lots of thoughtful posting from leadership to presenting to books.... Cool."
Nicholas also stated within his post awarding the Top Blog: So, what's the award, I hear you ask? Well, it's already on its way to Michael care of The Royal Mail and The US Postal Service. Of course, I can't reveal what it is at this stage but I can say the award was inspired by something noticed in a snap of Michael's study carried by The Great Cultural Offering.
Congratulation Cheri & Kurt!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Jiminy Christmas!


The other day I heard someone say "Jiminy Christmas", I had not heard the expression in years. I started wondering what it really meant, Google found the origin and meaning: someone perhaps thought an expression chosen to PREVENT swearing was appropriate.)"Jiminy Christmas" is much rarer than, and almost certainly derived FROM "Jiminy Cricket" -- both being "minced oaths" to avoid outright swearing by yelling "Jesus Christ" in what's considered a disrespectful or 'profane' manner. (I'm not sure whether it was originally singular or plural, though "crickets"does SOUND more like "Christ"...At any rate, Disney's use has established the singular.)


In fact, minced oaths for the names of God and Christ, and other terms connected with the sacred, or with eternal judgment, have been a common thing for centuries. More recent cases are based NOT on religious terms (which many people are less bothered about profaning in modern times), but "vulgar"/objectionable terms (the sort Yahoo!Answers turns into asterisks -- e.g., "shoot" and "freaking") They've been formed in many different ways, but one common method is to take the first part of the original word and substitute some other ending, perhaps very similar to the original. . or not. The final word MAY be a real word (like "cricket"), or complete nonsense. Other minced oaths are formed by rhyming. Jesus Christ - Jeepers Creepers, Judas Priest (in this case the LAST part of "Christ" is matched)Jesus - Gee whiz, Gee, JeeshChrist - Cripes or Cripes sakes (for "Christ's sake") CRIMINY (though in this case it starts with the sound of "cry"). Yes, it appears that"Jiminy" and "Criminy" are related. "Jiminy", it seems, came first (attested 1803)-- and was at first used by itself The Online Etymology Dictionary suggests the expression is based on Latin "Jesu Domine" (domine meaning "Lord")--using the first and last parts. "Jiminy Cricket" is first attested later (1848).


Looking at some other minced oaths. Here's a very partial list, with a few notes --
(by) God - (by) golly [perhaps also influenced by "holy"], Gosh, by Jove, egad (O God),damn - dang, darndamnation - tarnation God damn -dadgum (note that this one is based on exchanging the first part of each word gu- da- ) hell - heck

Friday, December 11, 2009

HEISEY GLASS, NEWARK, OHIO

Long time friend and known local news scoop for radio and television Bill Clifford last year made a comment about the movie White Christmas which was posted on my blog. I asked Bill to make a couple of Heisey Glass and where it appeared on the big screen.

"In the finale of White Christmas (1954), the crowd held up their cocktail glasses while joining in the singing. Most of the glasses were made right here in Newark, Ohio...at the A. H. Heisey plant on Oakwood Avenue.

Heisey was visible in dozens of movies, especially in the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. Laurel and Hardy used a Greek Key Punch bowl in one of their films. The old Ma and Pa Kettle shows also used Heisey, in different scenes. And the movie, The Glass Menagerie, many Heisey animals were visible...including posters sent to theatres."

Click here to watch the finale of White Christmas. Always have liked Rosemary's hair style!

Click here to read last years post of different artists singing White Christmas.

White Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas songs to dance, along with Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

PRINT & READ, RONALD REAGAN


Thurs. March 25 • Pres. Pertini of Italy arrived—1st visit to U.S. He's 84 and a terrific old gentleman. We had the full ceremony under a warm sun. Good meeting. He loves America—very touching moment on the way into the W.H. He paused by the Marine holding our flag and kissed it. State dinner a huge success—a really fun time and great entertainment by Perry Como and Frank Sinatra. As published: The Ronald Reagan Diaries, by Ronald Reagan
Several weeks ago Cultural Offering posted an article by Vanity Fair title "Reagan, Unscripted". I printed all ten pages, stapled the corner and kept it in my car. When ever I was ten minutes early for an appointment, waiting in a fast food drive through line I would read a couple of his tremendous segments from his diary. Besides finding it very interesting, I also learned a lot.
Click here for the Vanity Fair article, print it and read it. It will make you a smile a little remembering a better time for our country. We had to have Carter first in order to get Reagan.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

TWO YEARS AGO TODAY

Two years ago today, Andrew married Jill. The day was tremendous and all the details and planing were wrapped up and over by 2:00am on December 9th.

The photo and information below the photo was given to me by Heath's Mayor Richard Waugh. The rule was no cell phones during the wedding (imagine who is brave enough to tell me this, the only lady in black), but nothing was said about the photo session afterwards.

My phone rang, I answered, it was Mayor Waugh. Early the next day, the photographer emailed this photo to me, in return I sent it to Mayor Waugh to explain why I had asked if it was okay to call him back in twenty minutes. Richard felt terrible. Within twenty four hours, this photo was delivered to me with the caption as shown.

Trying to offer customer service, I made sure to discuss his needs of the day. In return, he made special efforts in a very timely manner to give me this photo explaining his appreciation. The photo has hung in my office now for two years and will be there for many years to come.

RIP DECEMBER 8, 1980

Sunday, December 6, 2009

OLD FRIENDS NEVER GROW OLD


I have been lucky to have many friends over the years, Friday night for two hours became a laugh fest with Mike Saporito of Tennessee & Rick Baker of Buckeye Lake (recently elected Village Mayor). Both are in the banking industry, Mike was in town for his father's funeral.


Mike & I shared a townhouse apartment owned by Mrs. Emerson Miller on W. Main Street for a while. When we vacated the townhouse, Mike moved into Rick's home on Mt. Vernon Road. I can not remember the last time the three of us were together. Our discussion was typical guy talk with a head shaking once in a while from Mike's lovely wife Vicki.


At the end of two hours, we had discussed family, careers, cars (Mike lost two park cars to DUI drivers on Mt. Vernon Rd in one year) , health, divorce (Mike & Rick), marriage (Mike & I), parents (felt special with the only surviving parent) , hunting, fishing, boating, golf (Mike), old girlfriends (no names), age (we are within three years), new girlfriends (Rick's), homes, politics (Rick's recent win), children (Rick had photos), seventy is not old, grandchildren (Mike's) and talked about other long time friends.


We initially met because of our membership 30 plus years ago in the Newark Area Jaycees. The Jaycees at that time was an avenue to volunteer to make Licking County a better place, learn skills to advance our careers and to socialize. Friday night's conversation was not any different than 30+ years ago, but at 9:15pm we decided it was time to go home instead of midnight as we would have years ago.

Friday, December 4, 2009

XMAS GIFT THAT COULD SAVE A LIFE OR TWO


Yesterday while in my car waiting for the light to change, I looked over and saw an amazing woman holding a tray of nachos, holding a cell phone to her ear and controlling the steering wheel with her knees. I immediately thought of the CAR SWIVEL TRAY by Harriet Carter.
Click here for a short gift giving video I saw on Cultural Offering this morning. I am not suggesting the video's actions for Holiday gift giving, but I am sure this fellow had his reasons as would many women.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OZZY


"The idea of a band nowadays is five pretty boys, one with a tattoo, one with a shaved head, and on and on. I mean, I like Britney Spears, I think she's pretty, but I'm not from the Mickey Mouse Club - I'm from the Godzilla Club!"
Ozzy Osbourne
Sean Carpenter on Facebook mentioned today was Ozzy's Birthday, born in 1948.
I am not an Ozzy music fan, but The Osbournes was one of the few reality shows I liked to watch. Some times I feel like him sitting on my couch and trying to figure out "what is going on here". I think Ozzy and I have one characteristic in common, we try to keep everyone happy and try to make the day as entertaining as possible to keep us going.
Ozzy has been a tremendous business person outside of the music world, one of the wealthier persons with a value of approximately $183 million. I imagine Sharon has chased Ozzy around with a three iron several times, but it has never rattled Katie Couric chain to make the evening news.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

PROBLEM CHILD, EVERYONE HAS ONE

No matter if it is your child or an employee, everyone has a Problem Child:

A Philadelphia (PA) Firefighter is now on administrative leave after allegedly setting fire to a ladder truck earlier this week. Yeah, a Firefighter, on duty, set a fire that caused their ladder truck to catch on fire, exposing him to potential career ending actions and possible criminal charges.

The incident occurred the morning of Dec. 1 when Firefighter Paul Prendergas (a $46,708-a-year firefighter with almost 3 years on the job) was "engaged in horseplay" as he lit paper and let it burn out inside a firehouse that houses Ladder 2. His boss, Lt. Alfonso Mesete told the Firefighter to stop playing with fire, but FF Prendergas again lit another piece of paper and threw it into the truck's engine compartment, setting fire to the motor compartment, ignoring his bosses orders.

The Philly Fire Commissioner, Lloyd Ayers, stated: "I can guarantee the proper discipline will be handed out. This is a very serious infraction," he added. "We don't take this lightly".
The Lt filed a report about the incident, which prompted the PFD Photo Unit to photograph the damage and a Fire Marshal to interview witnesses. FF Prendergas, who, according to the media, is known by PFD officials as a "problem child," and has faced other discipline in the past year prompting his transfer.

Take Care-BE CAREFUL.
BillyG
The Secret List 12-4-09 / 2252 Hours
https://webmail.cboki.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102868355820%26s=45410%26e=001OiGa0KMYZ1VzsBGNlGDzElSv-yDrbrIAggRQc0Tckib44u2CiuVGfPBH8zi9PeWKD9JvFD3mxtMBHCzG90Omg2PyeV88yP_rI8n3ahh9GTmOxUqoFP16DwFjKF_tc3AX_pAtfMkFZVo=

BLOGGING


I feel very lucky that people do not just read my blog postings, but do make comments to me personally when I see them.

Many ask wondering where I find the time. It has turned out to be an easy thing to do, sometimes I can postdate a new post when I have a certain thought and perhaps want to publish the post closer to Christmas etc. I do send my new blog post to Twitter, Twitter in turns sends a link to my new post to Facebook. Last month, I had 279 people view my blog via Facebook alone.

I have followed several other's blogs, reading and watching other's style, themes and how they really express themselves to many unknown viewers. I don't like to post Youtube videos, if you see one it generally means I could not figure out what to post.

There are so many things I would like to post: personal emotions, business problems or just
complain about someone's actions. This would be boring and get me no where, perhaps loose readership.

When it is all said and done, I just want to make it interesting. Click here for an attractive blog.