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There is no failure except in no longer trying. There is no defeat except from within, no really insurmountable barrier save our own inherent weakness of purpose.
-- Kin Hubbard
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A guy I used to know started commenting on my site here recently when he discovered that I protested my local representative, the leaden Leonard Boswell. In his comments here, he made mention of the Constitution, and brought up "all men are created equal." That renders him to be about as deep a scholar on matters Constitutional as our resident Super Genius in the White House. The founders of the country wrote many pages in description of their beliefs, much of which are found in the Federalist Papers. There, Madison and Hamilton gave more definition around exactly how the government would be defined, articulating why they came to the conclusions and rationales that they did. Unfortunately, most Americans never got a proper introduction to the concerns of freedom. Instead, they rely on a Cliff Notes understanding of the Constitution. Had he understood the Constitution, aside from quoting introductory lines of it, he would have grasped the importance of the 10th amendment, and how nationalized health care is an utter violation of it, and why that's vital. And even if he doesn't take the time to noodle that through today, there's a high chance that his children will acquaint him the ramifications of the concept later. Federalism is brilliant, and a terrific stop gap for when politicians think they're all that and a bag of health care. For those of us who get it now, a writer for Politco warns politicians: Spring forecast: Incivility with a chance of rage. It all depends on how much those clouds are seeded with an invested knowledge of the Constitution. The Super Genius and his ilk are about to discover that elephants have long memories. |
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When You Can't Dazzle 'Em with Brilliance... |
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 This is our new office space, in downtown Des Moines. Duane, Mandy, and I signed papers of incorporation on Friday, and our enterprise is now christened Worldwide Amplified Media Group. The local operation is Des Moines Amplified. Our mantra is very simple: "Amplify the Host." We currently have about 40 hosts, and we're looking to ceiling at 100. I expect that we'll reach that number in two months. Our arrangement for the hosts is simple: each host gets a weekly show, 1 to 2 hours long. It's free to them - they pay nothing for it. Their show is broadcast and recorded, and after the broadcast they can collect the recordings of both audio and video and put them out there for the world. This is part of how we amplify the host. Additionally, we make the very back space available for our hosts to use as a seminar room. There, they can use the Smart Board for presentations to groups of 30 or so people. For a host, they can use the space for $25 for a 90-minute block of time. They can record the video and audio of the session. Yet another part of how we amplify the host. We'll be conducting classes - for free - in the seminar room to teach our hosts how to become better presenters, speakers, entertainers... all taught by local broadcasters and professionals. In this way, we help their ability to educate and communicate. The classes will not only improve their on-air performance, but likely strengthen their career as well. More amplification of the host. There are other things that we plan for them, but our goal is simple: give the host the most attractive space and tools available to become bigger than they are today. Our intention is not that they can make their income as a host, but that they can double their income. We aim to have 100 of the most interesting people in Des Moines, a diverse crowd of varied interests and expertise, showcasing their skills and passions, improving their careers and connections. If we're able to drive value into our business and if we're able to execute our plan, then I expect that we'll open at least 10 affiliate locations by the end of the year, based upon our business model. The fun begins :) |
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 I don't envy celebrities. Fame comes with a price, and when something bad happens in your life, if you're famous, it's suddenly everybody's business. I was at the local grocery store when I noticed that five of the checkout rags had Sandra's picture. For such a horrible circumstance in her life to be played out in public... is the fame worth it? |
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Not for the Faint of Heart |
Business is a tough sport, and without going into a lot of detail about it, these past two weeks have been difficult. Des Moines Local Live is the Internet radio channel of which I was to become a partner. We never did sign papers about it, formalizing the partnership. About two weeks ago or so, I reached an impasse with one of the intended partners. Before entering into any partnership, you have to know that you're all working forward in the same direction. I came to learn that this wasn't the case - there was a difference of vision and in my opinion, it was substantial enough that I believed it would harm my investment in the business. So I stopped dead in my business tracks and informed the third partner that I couldn't move ahead and formalize the partnership. A pattern had been emerging where there would always be contention and drama, and frankly, business is best when partners come together, jointly determine the best direction for the future, and then drive like hell for it. But if someone on the team is constantly yanking the wheel right or left for their desire for ice cream for themselves and you're fighting for course correction to get to the destination, it won't be a safe journey. You'll arrive exhausted, if you arrive at all. No thanks. I don't have time for that nonsense. After stating my position, the third partner (Duane) looked at both sides and decided the original vision was best and urged me to stay with him. I did, and yesterday we signed papers dissolving the previous verbal intentions. Over the next week, the new multimedia company will begin anew as Central Iowa Local Live, under the broader banner of Worldwide Local Live. Lots of cool things will come to play. Exciting stuff ahead! I'll keep you posted. |
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You Might Be a Racist If... |
In honor of the continuing lefty meme that seeks to smear patriots...  |
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You're neither generous nor compassionate when you're spending other people's money.  Well said from last year:  For those who don't get what's happening, it's most simply explained here:  |
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Bruised (aka Today's Beauty) |
 Poor Tyler... ETC: An update  |
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