Lessons Learned from Californication

Posted by Recruiterpoet - Professionalism With Flare on May 6, 2012
Posted in: Californication, Family, Hank Moody, Lessons, Life, Love, Writing. 4 comments

Whether you are a fan or a loather of Californication you must accept the notion that the power of the show is influential and the character development and story lines take on a very rare element in Hollywood: realism. This is a show about flaws. None of us in life are perfect. We all make mistakes and all live with the consequences of those actions. This show has not only dared to force us to look at ourselves but helps us laugh and smile at our own misfortune.

Hank Moody is a man with ideals, a damaged soul in a world lost for direction. He embraces his passions while falling victim to his vices. He is a man that is within all of us. Through his words and his unconditional protection for his family, we see the true guardian who, through the power of love, fights the good fight. In the end, we don’t know if Hank or anyone in his circle will find the Yellow Brick Road, but for those that have discovered Californication, we love the ride.

Over the coarse of five seasons, the words, the music, the relationships have given me room for thought and have challenged my personal pursuits as a writer and a dreamer.

I want to share a few moments that have continued to leave an impact on me and I feel will have a similar effect on you.

Your homework, if you chose to accept it is to feel the power of this rare exceptional piece of television.

Remember:

We all have the ability to love.
We all have the ability to dream.
We will all fail but never stop trying to succeed.

Love of Family (Family isn’t perfect but in the end, they never stop caring)

True Love (When you know she/he is the one)

Say Goodbye with dignity and integrity

Never stop loving your child..Never

The Future is unknown (Sometimes you just have to drive)

Relationships are hard, Life is harder

I Broke Up with Facebook…And I’m doing ok

Posted by Recruiterpoet - Professionalism With Flare on May 6, 2012
Posted in: break up, Culture, Deactivate, Facebook, Loneliness, narcissism, Society. 3 comments

It has been almost two weeks since I broke up with Facebook.
I have not liked, shared, checked-in or uploaded anything and it feels quite refreshing.

How ironic, on the cusp of perhaps the biggest IPO in history that will make a few key individuals billionaires within minutes, I have chosen to break up.

This is by no means finite. I downloaded my file to a zip and I can re-activate at any time. Please don’t shed any tears.

Before we move forward, there are several key points that need to be made:

1. I do much of my professional duties in the Social Media space.
2. I manage a successful blog and chose to walk away from the biggest social network in the world and currently the #2 ranked website in the world (Alexa.com Ranking of Facebook)). Yet there has been no significant decrease in traffic.
3. Since deactivation which removes all comments, likes and administrator duties, only 4 of my 1075 even noticed
4. Without the ability to share every activity of my life with pictures, video and commentary, I do not feel any less valued by society.

Now back to the story.

A recent study came out indicating that Facebook is increasing levels of loneliness and narcissism in people. Duh! A need for instant affirmation is critical with status updates, pictures, videos, comments, likes and shares. For those that stay at home and scroll down on all their friends and contacts out and about doing fun and exciting things could create a sense of loneliness and lack of societal value. That just saved thousands of dollars and labor hours. I should do more of these studies.

Why now do we feel we need instant gratification for each and every move of our lives? Is it society that has always been this way and now we have a tool to feed on these actions or has this tool contributed to the evolution of a new way of life? Interesting coffee time discussion if you ask me.

Whether it is an IPad, laptop or mobile device, millions of people around the globe are creating their own small version of The Truman Show. We are all open for broadcast 24/7 whether anyone is watching or not. Who is our target audience? Is it our friends, our family or ourselves? Maybe in a way, we need to document the timeline of our life to validate its importance to ourselves. These visual journals may create the perception of a higher sense of worth.

Facebook has given us the tool to bring us to the highest levels of happiness and depression almost simultaneously.

Divorce, Stalking, Crime – Facebook Style

Has Facebook become the new face of divorce? Not necessarily marriage divorce alone but relationship divorce. How many relationships are not official until it says so on Facebook. How many break ups happen because your significant other was seen doing something inappropriate or became friends with an attractive person.

Transition into the new face of stalking? Oh stalking. Now you can check up on your friends, your significant other, a potential candidate, a potential vendor, contractors or anyone. Not only does your profile reveal so much but your pictures, likes, comments are all becoming more and more public. All of this allows us to create (in our minds) a picture of who we think you are. If I see you curse on a comment or show what I feel is an inappropriate picture, will I not hire you? If you believe in something I am against, will I not become friends with you? Hmmmm interesting.

Has anything thought through the idea of crime. Take for a moment to think about a family going to Orlando, Florida for a week. They send pictures from the road, laughing with Mickey, dancing at night and all is peachy in the world. Now that means there is a likelihood the house is vacant. Is it that hard to use the White Pages, find an address and burglarize the house? I think not.

Situation #2, take a jaded ex-girlfriend, ex-boyfriend, old boss or criminal that you put away with your witness testimony. If you continue to check in everywhere you go, you take the mystery away from someone who is trying to hurt you to find you.

None of this is new.
Safety and security concerns has come under constant scrutiny on Facebook for years but it is not stopping millions from becoming part of this global domination community.

Facebook is more than a social network
It is more than a business model
It is more than a community sharing device.
It is shaping a world that is weak to cultural acceptance
We all want to belong and what better place than the biggest virtual network in the world.

When we look back 50 years from now and there are more humanoids than humans, this could have been the catalyst that started us on the road to disconnection. It could be the moment that changed the face of Earth.

I have often asked myself, when did things start to go wrong…2003

Now as I begin week three single from Facebook, I can say the following things:

1. I have not thought being on the site.
2. It is very refreshing not having your work, lifestyle and relationships under constant radar.
3. It has freed up more time to live.
4. It’s only a social network. There are many many many more including but not limited to: Our Bucket List, Pinterest,
LinkedIn, Twitter, Deviant Art, Live Journal and Google+,

Whether you stay on Facebook or not is a personal choice and this article is not meant to sway you either way. Just make sure at the end of the day, you are happy.

The Will To Be – Original Poem

Posted by Recruiterpoet - Professionalism With Flare on May 6, 2012
Posted in: Inspiration, Journey, Poem, Poetry, Recruiterpoet, Risk, soul searching, Writing. 2 comments

I may lose the battle but you’ve given me the will to try

You are my sight when I have no eyes
You are a voice of reason when I am speechless
You are the guide in my journey for my legs are numb

The thorns cut my skin and blood drips on the beautiful rose in a cascade of nature and humanity

It is with passion that I say these words
It is with love I have the strength to wander into the temple of darkness
Risking the safety of all that is familiar
Stepping away from the rising sun and entering the eclipse of light

Now; the birth of a moment
Take my hand
With your gentle skin I melt into your fortress

The philosophy of sanity is your bible
Echoing the silent lessons of innovators of past

Acceptance of the end is only the beginning
Greatness is within reach and you have exalted all that is right

With a kiss, I am indebted

Name the Next Book – Your Vote is needed to help us decide

Posted by Recruiterpoet - Professionalism With Flare on May 4, 2012
Posted in: book title, Competition, Poetry, prose, Publication, Writing. 3 comments

The third installation of poetry and prose is close to publication.
For this next edition, I am teaming up with the editor of Sonni’s Abyss, Raquel Avila for a duel effort. Along with Caryn Hull, editor for book II and III and one of the most amazing poets alive, we are seeking your assistance in titling the next book.

We have compiled a number of possible titles and we would like your opinion.

Please help us continue to share the beauty of writing (Please comment below with your vote):

When Hearts Collide: A Collection of Poetry & Prose

Passages: A Collection of Poetry & Prose

Two Lives Intertwined: A Collection of Poetry & Prose

Betrayal and Friendship: A Collection of Poetry & Prose

Connections of Love and Hate: A Collection of Poetry & Prose

Love and Hate: A Collection of Poetry & Prose

Just Breathe: A Collection of Poetry and Prose

A Journey of Discovery: A Collection of Poetry and Prose

Merry Go Round of Memories: A Collection of Poetry and Prose

Together at Last: A Collection of Poetry and Prose

This Time Around: A Collection of Poetry and Prose

Top Attributes of a Strong Candidate in the New Economy

Posted by Recruiterpoet - Professionalism With Flare on May 3, 2012
Posted in: Attributes, Candidates, Career planning, Communications, Creativity, Cultural fit, Employees, New Normal, Skills, Teamwork, Technology. 1 comment

Don’t fear the new economy…Embrace it!

We have officially stepped into the new normal. The evolution of the job market has witnessed some dramatic change in the last decade. Automation, operational cost management, productivity efficiency and M&A have bestowed a new workforce. One that is driven by higher expectations of performance and stronger measurable results. With less opportunities available and more pressure to succeed, what attributes are potential employers seeking in their candidates?

Do you have what it takes to make a difference? With the ever increasing competition, a candidate must look at an application like an audition for a Broadway show. You stand on line back stage for hours and hours and then finally when you get your moment, you have the stage alone with the spotlight on you and 30 seconds to impress five strangers whose shadows lurk in the distance.

After all that effort, sweating and anxiety, it is now down to a waiting game.

How do you get that edge?
How do you make yourself stand out from the hundreds of other aspiring professionals?
Do you have the right characteristics to be the best?

Here are the some of the top attributes of a strong candidate.

1. Research

It is no longer enough to use the throw it and see what sticks approach to job hunting. You need to understand yourself and find the culture, environment, associate base and feel that will keep you focused, motivated and satisfied. Look within yourself and find out what makes you soar above the clouds. Are you a techie, a conservative, do you excel with process and structure or free flow? Do you believe in a chain of command or a flat organization? Do you want to be in a big global culture or a small intimate boutique? These are the questions you must address as you develop your personal marketing strategy and identify companies that are a “Fit”.

2. Long term growth potential

There was a time when two years and out was a common practice. You learned a new skill, job jumped and got a huge pay increase. Those days are dwindling away very quickly. Companies are investing in their human capital with more value placed on training, performance management, growth and challenge. If you are the type that wants to be part of an organization and continue to growth and harness your soft skills and technical skills, you will stand out.

3. Stability / Loyalty

I know what you are thinking, loyalty is dead. Businesses only care about profit and growth and not their associates. The truth is that you are the profits of the company. Without your expertise, those well oiled machines would not be moving very far. If you show that you believe in the mission, values, believe in the products and services, continue to give your best performance each and every day, that loyalty will pay off very well.

4. Creativity

In the workforce, as in life, many of us fall victim to routine and comfort. We get used to the same commuting route, the same restaurants and even the same way of preparing your coffee. Once a routine is developed, we tend to resist change and with that resistance comes the shackling of creativity. A strong professional will never stop mentally growing. These individuals always seek out need information and new ways of accomplishing tasks. As we look through history, it is the innovators from Da Vinci to Steve Jobs that have shaped culture. You of course do not have to be a universally known innovator, but never let your creative juices rest.

5. Motivation to go to the edge of reason

Throw out the normal. Throw out the accepted principles of life. Throw out process. Dare to take the ultimate risk. A strong performer will be present in meetings, will take in information, research the best possible options and implement effective resolution. Sometimes the answer is not about what has worked in the past, but what will work in the future. Thinking about the alternatives will open more doors and increase your probability of success. Being a risk taker does not always mean you will always be right, but it will define you as a leader of change.

Be fearless!

6. Technology

You don’t have to read the hundreds of thousands of blogs and articles to know that keeping up to date with technology is a critical skill set for any professional from an intern to a CEO. As the business world continues to shape and mold itself, one thing is certain, technology is leading the way. Whether that is cloud solutions, programming/systems or social media, we are only beginning a new age of technological advancement. You better be on this train.

7. Focus

Focus, focus, focus. We cannot emphasis enough about career focus. Every great performer has a set of skills that are strong, consistent and focused. Look at the career of a great leader in industry and as you review their LinkedIn profile or resume you will see their academics, professional experience and social experience are very focused. Look at the profiles of people in your circle (Facebook or Pinterest and you will see certain interest and attributes that are translated well in the personal and professional lives of these individuals. Your career is merely an extension of your own life. That is an important aspect to remember.

8. Compassion, adaptability and teamwork

A great candidate is involved. They share resources and expertise but they also participate in gatherings. A work experience is a complete experience. That includes birthday celebrations, stressful deadlines, client interface, collaboration, routine and even water cooler talk. A strong candidate is adaptable to the diversity of their colleagues and can make proper adjustments to be part of the community. With acceptance is compassion. A career is also being part of a family and this includes deaths, marriages, engagements and other life changes.

Whether you are an individual contributor, strategic leader or on a collaborative team you will be leaned upon for assistance as well as put in a position where you will need assistance. Creating honest alliances will help make life in the office more productive and will extend further to friendships and more.

9. Believe in yourself

As you stand on the starting line, looking at the runners to your left and to your right and await the sound of the gun, your heart races, adrenaline levels are rising and the feeling of competition hits new levels. Your blood is racing as you now realize that all the months and years of hard work come down to the next 10 seconds. Do you have the will to win?

How exciting was that?

If you don’t believe you can win, all the intellect, power and skill will not get you to the finish line.
The first step is the hardest, maintaining that belief in yourself maybe just as hard but the reward at the end is so worth it.

Now you have an edge on the other career seekers so go and get your dream job!

The Fall – Original Poem

Posted by Recruiterpoet - Professionalism With Flare on May 2, 2012
Posted in: Poem, Poetry, Recruiterpoet, The Fall, Writing. Leave a Comment

A rainbow over the clouds
Magic lingering high above the Earth
Bouncing in symmetry in an eternal bed of cotton
The sun and stars a mobile glowing in the corner of a newborn’s eyes

Laughter fills the ears; smiles the soul

With beauty, there is awe
A glimmer
A stare
A deep trance
Awakening the endless horizon

Finite infinity

With wonder, we cease
My end realizes a new means
With open arms I release my being and fall

Lonely – Original Poem

Posted by Recruiterpoet - Professionalism With Flare on May 1, 2012
Posted in: alienation, Loneliness, Lonely, Pain, Poem, Poetry, Recruiterpoet, Writing. Leave a Comment

The sun rises on another day and warms my body as I lie in the desert alone
No sounds of birds
No call of the wild
No food to fill by empty belly
No water to drench my dehydrated soul

Alone I rest following the movement of sky as it journeys east to west
My destiny is worn its welcome and now it sits at the train station awaiting a vision of steam that will never arrive

I am stranded
Learning how to walk again but crippled in mental disease

I thought the dawn of a new day would refresh these feelings of alienation
I dreamed of a better tomorrow filled with the sugar drops of yesterday’s memories

I am in so much pain but a drop of blood not to be spilled

How do we measure life?
In moments?
In accomplishments?
In a first kiss or a last breath?

Under this roof, I am homeless. I am a vagrant in a world of impostors
With this money, I am poor. Without a voice to hold my fragile mind at ease, I am without value, without sanity, without reason, without purpose

The sun turns to clouds, clouds to rain, rain to awareness
Showering us with a warm rainfall of reminders of the realization of life

I close my eyes and learn to fly
To fly away into the night’s sky and toward the welcoming comfort of the universe’s mysteries

I Love my girlfriend but can’t afford to take her to expensive places – Great Free Date Ideas!!!

Posted by Recruiterpoet - Professionalism With Flare on April 29, 2012
Posted in: Beach, camping, cost savings, Couples, Dating, farmers market, free dating ideas, open mic, Romance. Leave a Comment

So, you are head over heels in love.
You just look into her eyes and know she is the one.
The one you dreamed about all your life and now that your dreams are complete, paranoia sets in.

How do I keep her interested?
Will she get bored and move on?
She is way to beautiful to be with me.
I am doing ok financially but I how can I afford to buy her expensive things and take her on high priced dinners and trips?

Oh no!
I can’t win.
Wait, wait wait, there are other options.

We are here to help. You are surrounded by 26000 miles of earth who’s beauty and opportunity are waiting at your feet.

Here are a few sure fire and FREE ideas of great things to do with your partner (in crime).

As long as you understand her interests, keep the relationship exciting, diverse and spicy and continue to show her the affection and love she deserves, you will have a long and amazing life together.

1. Wash the car or bathroom together. It is an activity you can do together and more importantly you will both get wet and soapy. I hope I don’t have to explain anymore about this activity.

2. Keep an eye on your local bars and restaurants online and on Facebook. Some offer free food or drinks if you like them or sign up for their newsletter. Free drinks…Bonus!

3. Look around your kitchen. Round up all the food and spices you have, Google what you have and you may just find a great recipe or two you can make that will make her smile and full enough to want to cuddle in bed.

4. Volunteer together. Look for a run, fund-raiser, music or arts festival and work it together. That way you are helping a good cause and getting some free entertainment.

5. Camping under the stars. How romantic is that.

6. Potluck party!!! Call, text, Evite, Facebook all your friends and have an impromptu party where everyone brings a bottle, mixer or snack. Instant party and all you need to provide is the front door.

7. Why not a little education. Go to a museum or art gallery. Many only ask for donations at the door or have totally free admission.

8. There is a model in all of us. Break out your point and shoot, SLR or IPhone and have a couple photo shoot. Go to the beach, bedroom, river, gazebo or anywhere fun and scenic and take photos of each other and then you can make a virtual or physical collage.

9. Hit the rivers and ponds. Go cliff diving (Not in the crazy Acapulco kind of way) or swim and frolic together.

10. People watching and storytelling. Sit at the park with a coffee, tea or latte and try and create a story about all the people that walk by. Be imaginative. It can be better than the movies.

11. Learn a new skill. Can you sing or play guitar or even hula hoop. Teach each other your special skills.

12. Find a free music or comedy showcase. In many cities there are hundreds of free shows from young up and coming performers that are free of charge. You may even have a friend or two in a band. Go support them.

13. Flash mob. You know you always wanted to try it. Learn more at improveverywhere.com

14. If you are in a town where there is a talk show or game show, get tickets. They are typically free and you can say you were part of the audience. Total bragging rights to family and friends.

15. Join clubs that offer free trips or group events (www.meetup.com). Many have biking or running clubs that you can do together and maybe make some new friends.

16. Watch the sunrise or sunset. It is a classic but always one that reminds you of how important you are to each other.

17. Indoor card games…You know what I mean.

18. Dog walking. Hopefully one of you has a dog. If not, borrow a friend’s dog and offer to take them out for a walk together.

19. Health first. Find a farmers market and browse all the vendors. If you are feeling the urge, buy an apple or peach and have a little light fruit or veggie snack together.

20. Go to an open mic night and do a reading or play a song. Showcase your talents and witness others showing their skills and confidence.

21. Sit on a street corner or in the park with a sign that says “Information” and offer advice and tips to tourists who are looking for things to do locally.

22. Make a music video. With flip video cameras, IPhones, IFilm, YouTube and so many other free software options, you can let out your creative side and make a funky music video as a couple.

23. Samples, samples samples – Hop over to Costco or Sam’s Club one Saturday, browse and take advantage of all the samples offered throughout the store.

24. Yoga at the beach or in the park. All your need is a mat, some technique and you have a mental and physical task you can do together.

25. Be a child. Get a group of friends together and play “Duck, Duck Goose” or “Hide and Seek”

Remember – Original Poem

Posted by Recruiterpoet - Professionalism With Flare on April 28, 2012
Posted in: Life, Loneliness, Memories, Poem, Poetry, Recruiterpoet, Reflection, Writing. Leave a Comment

My will is gone but not forgotten
Like a runaway train, I am off the tracks and out of control
My soul is homeless; living on the streets searching for new meaning

Each sunrise deteriorates the spirit

Under the stars, the night protects this fragile pawn naked to a world controlled by neglect and tortured by hatred

Ignite a flame
Rekindle the light that awakened fondness
Remember the hugs
Remember the smiles
Remember the late night talks and always a clear conscious when your head hits the pillow

The flame burns not for today but yesterday
It cannot return to the restfulness it once knew but be comforted by the thoughts represented by this light

Don’t Blink Now..Life is happening (You may cry)

Posted by Recruiterpoet - Professionalism With Flare on April 28, 2012
Posted in: Adventure, Dreaming, Family, Five for Fighting, Life, Love, Pearl Jam, Recruiterpoet, Risk. Leave a Comment

“Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away. Hearts and thoughts they fade, fade away”
- Elderly Woman Behind a Counter in a Small Town – Pearl Jam

I was walking the beach one evening. The air was crisp, the waves crashed in the distance and the reflection of the stars off the face of the ocean created a mystical light show reinforcing the wonder that is all around us.
It was in the moment, deep in thought that I reminded myself of the importance of perception. We all have good and bad in our lives. It is those that can soak the positive energy that feel the presence of true happiness. We all have the ability to feel the goodness of a warm breeze and the scent of fresh lilacs. When we are overpowered by the negative, we often fall into an abyss which we cannot return from. I enjoy swimming in the positive.

In all the frailty of existence we must continue to take advantage of this gift of life. To often we exhibit behaviors of greed, addiction, laziness, routine and denial instead of embracing the endless path of adventure knocking on our door.

Each breathe is a miracle.
Every step is the beginning of a new journey.

Life is as fragile as a bird in flight guided by the freedom of the wind but subject to the poisons that surround us. As we grow, we become aware of our senses and capabilities and begin the journey that will create a unique path that will be looked back upon for generations to come. Others will learn from the choices we make. Our pathway is a personal adventure of discovery, one that will force us to make decisions that will shape the next move in the chess game of life.

Our very being is a shelter for mind, body and soul, protected from the elements but aware of the piercing pain the thorns can inflict. This being will be forever etched never to be forgotten.

How often are you asked the question “What are you skills?” whether that is on a date, an interview, in casual discussion or in a personal moment of reflection. As we are raised, our mental capacities become more aware of our surroundings and capabilities. Like superheroes, we start to see areas of excellence that sets us apart from one another. Once we have discovered these gifts, we have a duty to utilize them for good. No good for ourselves alone but the good we can bestow on others and the legacy we leave as our footsteps are washed away by the oceans powerful waters.

In the blink of an eye, life begins……

Crawling across the room, falling and laughing
Building a fort out of a cardboard box
Playing on the swings
Going to camp and leaving your parents for the first time
The innocence and passion of the first kiss
Hitting the game winning shot in the State Championship in front of a thousand screaming fans
Holding up that diploma with pride and seeing your family weep in tears of happiness
Sitting up at 2 AM writing a paper and feeling the pressure of responsibility
Making decisions about your future for the first time
First day on the job
The grief of watching a loved one lowered into the ground
Falling in love
Declaring forever your dedication to the person you will spend all eternity with
Welcoming a new life into this world as you looking into the baby blues of your newborn
Watching your children run around the house
Waving them off to school for the first time
Watching the car pull away as they begin the next phase of their lives
Sitting on the rocking chair, sipping ice tea and remembering why you fell in love in the first place.
Watching the setting sun…

Life is a dream.
It is a series of opportunities to make imagination a reality
It gives you the potential to reach for the stars or lay under them with someone you love

Don’t forget to dance…The music is all around you.