Monthly Archives: July 2007

Our Rhythmic Lives in Concert

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Posted by Phil on July 31, 2007 – 11:29 pm
Filed under Just for Fun, perspective

The tide is high in my mind this night as I stop to ponder the rhythms of life. Why does there exist such struggle between people? Do language, culture, beliefs or values create clashes or is it something more natural, more organic that generates friction? When you talk am I listening? Are we on the same wavelength? Is that manner of speaking metaphor or a literal variance in waves of thought?

Answers without questions. Questions with no audience. Being alone when in close proximity to a dozen people. Who understands? Who keeps in time with the pace I run? Why the disconnect in communication?

Ah, yes, written word. How splendid, how sublime to write in frenzy, to articulate the cascading thoughts to be sorted and straightened in methodical manner for others to receive. How much clearer the voice filtered by time, testing and revisited before the premiere of another post, this one slowed by the very nature of delivery in written form to the reader.

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation that seemed as if two radios blaring at each other with no audio input device? Strife in the work place, contention in the home, sparks between neighbors. We all face it in some form or fashion. How human, how profane this act of communication, this means for relation. Are we so advanced that we can write with eloquence our lofty thoughts yet stumble and muddle through the day with those by our side? Are we functionally blind, deaf and dumb in our ability to relate? Or do we run at a different rhythm and pace, on different strokes of time?

Perhaps there is a language of time we have yet to learn. Do we know our own rhythm and recognize our syncopated movements with others of kindred spirit? If we listen closely, does the sounds in our home, the conversations at work not resound with the rhythms of life? Are these not songs of laughter and ovations of a job well done?

What then becomes of our lives, day-to-day, as we run ever nearing to its conclusion? Did we learn the new language, hear the new rhymes, accents and inflections of this concerto of life? Or do we drone along and cover our ears when we hear some dissonance between singers, people voicing their part? Little may be perceived but the banter of souls wrestling with trivial thoughts. For those who hear the song of the heart and the vocals of the living, let’s learn, let’s listen and join the anthem.

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Websites are for People not Engines

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Posted by Phil on July 31, 2007 – 7:01 am
Filed under Google, Google Apps, Search Engine Optimization, Web and Tech Helps

Volumes are written about Search Engine Optimization and how to improve your PageRank. In truth, SEO is a means to an end, getting people to read your site. I thought it worth giving some simple steps to improve PageRanking.

Anyone new to optimization can begin to feel that there is a great chasm of understanding to be gained before beginning web publishing. Posting information to a page that ranks well on search engines and written for ease of use by readers is actually deceptively simple. Going hand-in-hand with my post Search Engine Optimization Do’s and Don’ts, this post will give you a few simple steps to advance your web publishing efforts.

Simple Steps for Writing an Optimized Post

  1. Develop an idea for a post. While research in the subject is valuable, formulate your own well developed content. This cannot be stated too often. Original content will result in higher PageRank.
  2. In Google, search blog titles to ensure there are no exact duplicate results.
  3. Develop a title that succinctly states the point of your post.
  4. Write a short paragraph summarizing the focus of the post. Proof your post for spelling, grammar and awkward sentence structure.
  5. Use bulleted lists and state the essential ideas with key terms to be found in Google in the post like "Search Engine Optimization" or "User optimized websites".
  6. Use subtitles, illustrations and photos to guide the user.
  7. Use online SEO tools such as: http://tools.seobook.com/ to look-up search terms.
  8. Daily monitor your web traffic using Google Analytics or stats from sites such as MyBlogLog.
  9. Write serial or related posts that give users a body of information on a given topic.
  10. Link both to meaningful related information on other sites and back into your own post.

Writing to an audience with some basic guidelines will promote the development of content that users will appreciate and share with others. While it may seem like SEO boils down to learning the tricks of the trade, writing worthwhile and valuable content will create a lasting impression. When quality content is developed, people link to your site which will do more for PageRanking than any trick in the book. I remember one of the Yahoo reps at a Search Engine conference saying, "Do the right thing and you will rank well."

There are many other steps one can take to promote a site, but starting with solid posts is the cornerstone. These are good practices I take with posts. Any tips or ideas you’ve picked-up that I haven’t mentioned in either post on optimization? What’s working for you?

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Wall of Adversity

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Posted by Phil on July 26, 2007 – 7:08 am
Filed under Just for Fun, perspective
Have you ever travelled along a path in life, come around the bend and were faced with something that looked like this canyon wall? Maybe it was a physical ailment, an emotional pain, a financial hardship or loss of a friend. Or perhaps it was a combination of elements that together created the perfect storm in your life.
 
Just as I was wrapping-up my third decade of life on this rock, I came into my personal perfect storm. In the course of a few short years my father passed away, we lost three children to miscarriage, went through some physical suffering, experienced a rocky road in my job oversees returning early, transitioned professionally, moved into a new ring of social relationships and spiritual community, and relocated our family. It took a number of years to work through all these challenges and get our feet back on the ground.
 
Approaching a decade later I now appreciate more than ever what I learned and how that experienced shaped my life. Through it all I found shelter and strength in God. I am thankful that He protected me from growing cynical as some of the darts that came my way were from people that bear His name. People are people and they can do really goofy stuff, myself included. It’s easy to transfer flawed character of humans onto God when in fact, the opposite should be true. Life in Him should mean His character working in us.
 
So I’ve emerged through this decade, approaching 40 and excited about what’s to come. In many ways I feel much younger than I did at 32 and much more at peace in my life as I move towards the future. The challenges loom large. It’s not going to be an easy climb, but oh the view from the top is going to be amazing. And what’s on the other side? I don’t know, but I can’t wait to find out.

Technology Tyranny or Submission

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Posted by Phil on July 24, 2007 – 10:18 pm
Filed under Productivity

Information technology, web-enabled functionality, social online media is a rapidly evolving phenomena that is shaping and altering society in the greater developing world. Technology can either be an empowering or overpowering force in ones life. It gives the illusion that we somehow can expand our days, getting more done in a shorter amount of time. While that is true to a degree, the tyranny is that we then require more of ourselves in proportion to the perception of this increased productivity. If in fact we get caught in this hurried existence like mice running on a wheel, we may find ourselves fatigued without forward motion.

This process can lead one towards a downward cycle of despondency. We have a choice. It is within our power as human beings to choose to place technology and modern conveniences in submission rather than being driven by them. There are the neophytes that would argue against the use of the latest technology contending that it is a source of evil or unreliable. Early adopters see the power of new technology, venturing into new modes with a high tolerance for quirks and kinks as they learn the latest gadgets, techniques and tools. Living in the extremes in either direction provides little help and no real answers to the contemporary delima.

How Shall We Then Live?

As I said, we have a choice. We can choose to bring technology into submission and drive it towards greater good or be drug along by it. Consider these suggestions:

  1. Live life on purpose. Give forethought to your day, your efforts, your habits and your hobbies. How does new technology, tools or toys bring you closer to your intended destination?
  2. Say no. As my boss once said, the word "no" is the most powerful word in the English language. Sometimes new opportunities are better left untouched, new technologies left untried, new services left unused.
  3. Simplify. I love trying new toys, new web concepts. I continually engage with the latest bleeding-edge web sites and services. At the same time I show no brand loyalty to technology new or old.  When it ceases to serve well, it is gone. If the new technology under-delivers, I depart. Insanity ensues if I don’t follow this practice.
  4. Choose a few choice toys. How many gadgets do you touch in one day? Could you live with fewer and get just as much done? If so, why not? Less is more and gadgets can drain one’s pocketbook and one’s attention.
  5. Step away. Blog comments, work requests, projects, side projects, personal agenda items are all waiting and crying out for attention. Are you mastering your work or is it lording over you. Stepping away at times is a powerful statement of who’s in control.
  6. Live for the long-term. Be strategic and put your hands to matters that are worth your while. Trivial tasks, ankle biters abound, but you do have a choice how you will handle those matters. Keep your eyes on the prize, on your dreams and goals day-in and day-out.
  7. Rest. Go to sleep, turn the lights out, meditate, pray, read something inspirational, get away from the florescent lights and enjoy your existence.
  8. Consolidate. I find nagging tasks to go quickly when I group like items. Today is my "do the task list" that I’ve been putting off.
  9. Exchange old for new. When my kids get a new present, we encourage them to get rid of some old items. It’s cleansing, freeing and efficient to dump the old stuff. Others will find good use for it.
  10. Lag behind. The newest tech toys are often the most expensive. Patience will reap financial rewards in a big way.
  11. Build a buffer. Learn people patterns, show-up early to work or stay late. Learn where the pockets of quiet exist at work and home and visit those often.
  12. Get some face time. Spend time playing with the kids, kiss your spouse, tell loved ones what you mean to them. That’s living life on purpose.
  13. Find your rhythm. Find time daily, weekly, monthly and yearly to rest. Flex your muscles, exercise and enjoy the good green earth. What are delighters in your life? Do you enjoy them often?
  14. Funnel distractions. Encourage those around you how you can best help them. I find that bosses and co-workers generally desire to find effective ways of communicating with you. People will respect your work habits if you respect yourself.
  15. Give back. Not just "I gave at the office" but really give of yourself. To those near you, to your church, your community and to friends across the globe. I enjoy helping a blogger solve an issue or find an answer to their questions. You have much to give and you’ll be richer for it.

This post addresses life neck-deep in technology, but it really is as much about living in these hurried days. I’m better sometimes at doing these suggestions than others. How about you? What works for you and where do you feel the need to grow?

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Vacation Tips in the Great Southwest

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Posted by Phil on July 23, 2007 – 6:59 am
Filed under Just for Fun

To save you dear reader from a droning soliloquy of ponderings and journal entries from my vacation, I present to you some practical tips and recommendations for visiting Colorado and New Mexico.

Colorado Renaissance Faire

1. The Colorado Renaissance Faire was a wonderful experience, especially for my older girls. We did indeed meet all the interesting creatures mentioned in the previous post and had a wonderful time. I myself fell into the part as a "big bad wolf" for Mardi Gras days at the faire. My brother Geoff, the creative force behind Stonecraftarts has a booth of his amazing works.

2. Colorado is a wonderful place to visit, but camping spots are scarce. Make reservations early. We missed-out on camping at Mueller State Park, just West of Colorado Springs. Rocky Mountain National Park, though crowded as well is my top destination from previous visits. Do yourself a favor and get there one day.

3. Thanks to my friend and co-worker Keith, we enjoyed rustic but peaceful living in the Cimarron Canyon east of Taos. Northern New Mexico is now my favorite destination with beautiful scenery, less crowded than it’s Northern neighbor and many activities for folks of all ages. The Enchanted Circle that surrounds the Taos Valley is chocked full of adventures waiting to happen. The Rio Grande Gorge pictured above is one of many stops along the way.

4. The most wonderful surprise was a spontaneous trip to Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM. Ghost Ranch, former home to the artist Georgia O’Keefe, is a conference center, education center, overnight camping and much more. It is one of the top paleontology sites in the country with an onsite museum. In our short 48 hours at the ranch we went swimming, hiked to Box Canyon, did some horseback riding, ate the most nutritious and delicious camp food of our lives, checked-out books from their library, dropped into a class on world music, attended a beautiful chapel service, visited with delightful people and connected with God in His creation. The contrasts of greens, reds, browns and blues are amazing. The Ranch is now operated by the Presbyterian Church but has a very open and welcoming attitude for people of all faiths.

5. Travelling light is the way to go. For an inexpensive luggage rack, I picked-up a bike-rack at Wal-Mart for $40. This provided just enough external storage for camping gear, freeing up room inside for a comfy ride for the kiddos. We packed the bare necessities which proved to be a blessing with less stuff to deal with.

6. Napping in Wal-Mart parking lots on the night drive home saved the kids from endless hours of daylight travel through monotonous landscape.

7. DVD’s at truckstops can be purchased for as little as $10. For those awake hours, nothing occupies the kiddos like a new movie.

8. Plan-in slack into your trip. Getting back to town a day and a half provided the readjustment time needed before returning to work.

9. Take along plenty of music. For $30 there’s a short-range radio device you stick in your car lighter that broadcasts back to your radio. It takes either an MP3 player or even better a memory stick full of music. Essential for any long trip. (See Gadget Review for details).

10. A family of five can get away for a delightful nine day trip for $1,000 dollars. Less even if you camp every night. We are committed to staying within a budget and still had a wonderful vacation.

11. Vacation often. Time away, resting from your labors is more than a luxury. I’m committed to daily, weekly, monthly and yearly cycles of rest. I may blog soon on the benefits of what has been called for centuries the sabath rest. It’s a gift God has given us from the beginning of days.

I Take My Leave Dear Friends

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Posted by Phil on July 11, 2007 – 9:15 pm
Filed under Just for Fun, Ponderings

The day, long in coming has arrived, departing to a land that is a drive but will be a flight from the drone of life. With mirth, marvel, mystery and myth, we venture off to a place much missed. What we will do is yet to be, what we will miss is small misery of the day-in and day-out of life. You see, it is for life here we take our respit there, to recharge, renew and find comfort in the verdant lands. Perhaps some creatures we may meet, a unicorn, giant, prince or one of wizardry. Or it may be ourselves we greet, talk a while, laugh and sing. We will chat with one another and bring the most marvellous gifts we possess, ourselves to each other, to this very thing, this practice too distant known as vacationing. Yes, this trifle post is but a glimpse of the passage there and hence with little desire to continue conversation and normal contemplation. You, yes you I will miss, for richer man than I, I have yet to sense, would find more delightful folk than those of you who wander through these ruminations. All that be known, I may not be answering comments ever so quickly. However, and this be known, yes this be true, I will respond to each of you. Do not think though I’m away, my intentions for you would stray. I may peak-in and even say hello, or maybe no. Take heart my friends, in a week or so, I will emerge with new gifts to bring, my mind renewed, my soul revived and spirit very much alive.

A Different Spin on Life

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Posted by Phil on July 11, 2007 – 5:19 am
Filed under Just for Fun, Thought Provoking

If you had the power to change the destiny of people’s lives, would you want it?

Life Drivers

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Posted by Phil on July 10, 2007 – 6:43 am
Filed under Productivity

What guns your engines? What gets you up in the morning and propels you into another day in the story of your life?

I believe everyone is motivated by one, two or three primary factors that provide a greater force than the entropy of life. Is there a love, a fear or a conviction for something that is worth giving your energy, your time and all you possess to pursue? What would you let go of last if you could hold on to only three things?

Knowing and expressing what really matters will both help focus and challenge us out of lethargy that can so easily grip our lives.

My Drivers: Faith, Love and Fear

  • Faith. I want to know God, know Him and His thoughts about me. I want to understand His love and compassion for people. I want to embrace life and live dangerously for that which will not pass away.
  • Love. It is too easy to pass through my day and neglect to live out of love and real thoughfulness for others. There’s a whole lot of me that gets in the way of reaching out to people. I desire to love my wife, children and friends more deeply. I want to be a person who gives cheerfully and serves with a willing heart.
  • Fear. What becomes of oneself if in fact I callous my heart towards others, if I consume my life with the trivial, if I fixate on that which passes as quickly as the day? What if I just numb myself to pain, mine and others? What if I delude myself into thinking I’m okay to just turn a deaf ear to the pain of others? What then? Yep, that’s what I fear.

So What Drives You?

I ask this for two reasons:

  1. I have a real curiosity to know what drives people. Your drivers may look so very different from mine. I appreciate your feedback and honest thoughts. Know that I offer no judgment or criticism, just an honest question.
  2. I am doing research. In September, I will be presenting a message at our Church CedarRidge as a guest speaker and I want to learn from you, what motivates people. Our church is one that loves and accepts people for who and where they are in life. I’m not looking for a prettied-up response, just real life stuff. No matter your perspective on life, what you know, think and feel is valuable and instructive to me as I seek to present information that challenges people to love.

Thank you ahead of time for thinking about this question and gving your response. I value your thoughts. You are an interesting group of folks. I count it a privilege to interact with you and learn from your lives.

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MyBlogLog Pitfalls

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Posted by Phil on July 2, 2007 – 7:25 am
Filed under Blog Tip, Reviews

MyBlogLog is one of the best social media concepts for bloggers. It has many solid features and will likely only get better as it matures. There are a couple of pitfalls however, that it needs to avoid, if it’s going to have lasting value for it’s members.

  1. Spam. Message spam is on the rise. The new feature where you can spam your whole community with one submission is likely to reduce community membership. "Come visit my blog" messages without any warranted information is unwanted traffic. The "Message Members" function would be better served to post announcements to the community page and solicit comments back.
  2. Feed issues. I’ve noticed that my feed is not being updated in MyBlogLog. Other communities like BlogCatalog and applications Google Reader are not having the same issue with the same feed source. Feeds for blogs are an essential element. MyBlogLog needs to do some quality control to make sure that the basic features are rock solid.

If MyBlogLog were to focus on the pull aspect of blogging, giving users the option to view and subscribe to information, they will do well. If it becomes an expedited avenue for spam, for excessive messages to it’s members, another superior product will emerge and they will lose significant market share.

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