Showing posts with label Lessons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lessons. Show all posts

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Lessons From Musical Icon Michael Jackson

I still find it hard to believe that Michael Jackson is gone, yet the reality of his absence has forced us all to reflect on what an amazing musical artist and human being he was. Michael Jackson was the epitome of a musical icon. He earned his iconic status through consistently being original, innovative, generous and resilient. Though he is now gone, everyone, especially business owners and leaders, can learn from his unforgettable style.

He Exemplified Originality- Michael Jackson was an original; he created music, fashion and dance trends. From his red leather jacket, the moon walk, to his heart felt lyrics; he was an original. Follow your own lead, copycats get lumped in with everyone else. Be original in your approach , services and delivery. Throw out the cookie cutter and be original.

Michael Jackson

He was Innovative- He was a forward thinking entertainer that had the ability to create music that set the standard for all others. Are you creating new ways to satisfy your customers? MJ's musical innovation earned him 13 Grammy Awards and 13 number one hits. Don't just think outside the box - implement out side the box. Innovation will keep the customers you have and bring in new ones.

Lessons From Musical Icon Michael Jackson

He was Generous- He was known for his generosity and compassion. In fact he was so generous that he obtained a Guinness World Record for the 39 charities he supported, which was more than any other entertainer or personality. You may not have the millions Michael Jackson had to give away, but start where you are. Give of your time, talents and whatever money you are able to give. Generosity goes a long way and it always comes back to you.

He was Resilient - We all watched during Michael's most difficult moments of humiliation on more than one occasion. His resilience was notable. Tough times will come; you'll be prepared for some, and others will catch you off guard. During challenging times, decide you will not give up and turn lemon into lemon juice. Remember: this too, shall pass.

May Michael Jackson's unforgettable legacy of originality, innovation, generosity and resilience live on as we conduct our lives and lead others to do the same.

Lessons From Musical Icon Michael JacksonAzeroth Daily 19/01/2011 Video Clips. Duration : 15.90 Mins.


Azeroth Daily - the only daily World of Warcraft video-cast. Contents :- News - 00:32 Daily Blues - 02:15 Daily Grind - 04:57 Raid or Die - 05:37 Court of Lore - 08:58 Mailbox - 10:53 PTR notes update - www.mmo-champion.com Vast changes to spells and a lot of legendary have had their stats nerfed but sockets added to compensate. Hotfixes - us.battle.net Latest EU community news - eu.battle.net Dessert and Card contest winners - eu.battle.net --- Blues No skill in WoW - us.battle.net Farson's prisoner is an idiot - eu.battle.net Capitalism is cheating - eu.battle.net

Keywords: World of Warcraft, Azeroth Daily, Blizzard, wow, News, Mods, Machinima, contests, blue posts, totalbiscuit, totalhalibut, cynicalbrit, daily show, gaming, pc, warcraft, world warcraft, pvp, raid, wrath

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Money Lessons From Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson


Following the sudden passing of pop superstar Michael Jackson, many people around the world are reminiscing about his music and mystique. However, as a financial advisor, I can't help but focus my attention on Michael Jackson's finances.

As the stories about his financial situation come to light, it appears that Jackson had serious money problems. Despite a lifetime of achievement, Jackson's final curtain call revealed foreclosures, failed ventures and financial chaos. At the end of the day, the 'king of pop' was just another person who suffered the consequences of ignoring the principles of money success.

After coaching hundreds of clients, I have discovered that whether you earn millions of dollars or minimum wages, once you break the rules that govern money, you're going to pay a heavy price. Here are some of the lessons that have been highlighted in the Michael Jackson saga:

No Matter How Much You Make, You Can't Spend More Than You Earn

If I earned a hundred dollars every time I heard someone sincerely say, "If I got a million dollars today, I'd never be broke again," I would be well on the way to creating a similar fortune for myself. The reality is that many people show an amazing propensity to increase their spending in excess of their income.

Unfortunately, Jackson was no different. Although his musical genius made him millions - his 1982 hit album Thriller is still the world's best-selling album of all time - Jackson lived an excessive lifestyle that usurped his earning power. In a 2003 court case, it was revealed that Jackson was spending US$20 million to US$30 million more each year than he earned. (Take comfort if you're only $10,000 over budget every month!)

Living within your means is a simple principle that is perfectly expressed by this ditty, "If your outgo is greater than your income, then your upkeep will be your downfall."

You Can't Borrow Your Way Out Of Financial Difficulties

Financing a budget shortfall by borrowing is a perfect blueprint for financial disaster. The only way to cure this common consumption problem is to trim unnecessary spending and/or earn more to pay your bills. Borrowing to make ends meet will only increase your monthly obligations and your money distress.

Lavish lifestyles, pricey properties and costly court cases all reportedly contributed to Jackson's money problems. In an attempt to rebalance his financial position, Jackson used his assets to secure loans totalling US$200 million from the Bank of America.

Repaying this loan probably created more cash flow problems, as Jackson also had to turn to wealthy friends to bail him out.

Two money principles that can help you to manage debt are: never borrow to finance your lifestyle, and if you're in debt, you can't borrow your way out of it.

Don't Leave Your Family In Confusion When You Die

As reports continue to roll in about the circumstances surrounding Jackson's death, it appears that there is uncertainty about his final wishes. The Jackson family lawyer has commented that there were stories about the existence of a will, "but none has been presented to the family at this time".

Amid speculations that it could be a lengthy and complex process to settle Jackson's estate, there is hope that he had the foresight to set up a trust that would help to cushion his beneficiaries from having to pay out millions in probate fees.

It's never too early for you to institute this important financial rule: make proper provisions while you are alive to take care of your family and assets when you die.

Passive Income Keeps Paying Even When You Stop Working

The Jackson drama isn't all bad news. Thanks to his incredible talent and prolific production of great music, Jackson's income will only increase after his death. Already, the entertainer's untimely demise has led to record-breaking sales of his albums and music videos. Jackson "may be worth more dead than alive," opined Jerry Reisman, general counsel for the recording studio in which Thriller was produced.

Although most of us will never attain Jackson's earning ability, this scenario is a perfect example of the power of passive income. If you really want to be wealthy, you have to create opportunities to earn money even when you are not physically working. Some options include: royalties from music or book sales, Internet sales, network marketing, and franchising a business idea.

You Really Can't Have It All

Although he had fortune and fame at his fingertips, Jackson was reportedly a lonely, isolated man. Some people believe that getting more money will solve all their problems; we can see that didn't work for Jackson. Despite all his wealth, he never seemed to achieve true happiness.

Remember these principles: there is more to financial success than just the accumulation of wealth; your money should help to enrich your life and that of others; and when your time on earth comes to an end, you can't carry it with you.

Copyright © 2009 Cherryl Hanson Simpson.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Vital Lessons to Be Learned From Michael Jackson


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He ruled the music world for almost a whole century. Some hated him, others liked him while others mimicked him but all said and done, Michael Jackson will remain a legend. His rare talent in music will be celebrated by many for a long time to come. This is amazing because other musicians die out two years into their music careers. Today if tributes were to be paid in monetary value Michael would be a tycoon even in death.

The important lesson we should all learn from Michael Jackson is to start early. Thanks to his parents who identified his talent early enough and nurtured it.

Despite incurring huge debts - it is said that Michael was $ 400 million in debt- one fact is that he made millions of dollars from his music. The royalties from his music brought him millions. Before the 2005 child molestation trial Jackson had a lot of assets amounting to over 20 million dollars.

Michael came close to losing his Neverland ranch for failing to pay his workers and was fined by California authorities for this. He even wanted to auction off two thousand items in Neverland though it was later canceled. The concerts he was planning before his death proved his desperate efforts to make a comeback and regain his financial standing. This he should have done earlier.

Poor financial management led to his economic downfall and therefore each one of us should be careful of the way we live our lives. We should be moderate in our expenditure, taking care to save and invest for the future.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Lessons From Celebrity Deaths - Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson


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As a psychotherapist living in Los Angeles and an avid reader of the news, I suppose I should say something about the recent deaths of three American iconic figures: Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson.

From a mental health point of view, or even a "life management" point of view, obviously Michael Jackson stands out, and a therapist could write for eons about those issues for analysis.

My take on these deaths, and I'll be brief, are thus: When I think of the loss of Ed McMahon, long-time (30-plus years) sidekick to Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show", is the thought that, hey, we can't ALL be "Johnny" in this world. Some of us have to be Ed McMahon. We have to be less pretty, less acccomplished, less wealthy, less adored, less regarded, whatever - than some of the people near us. Anyone who has ever been "not" famous and married/partnered to a person who is famous, knows this. But did Ed McMahon have a bad life?

I don't think so. By all accounts, he was a millionaire celebrity in his own right, with various marriages and children. He also hosted very successful shows on his own, with nary a Johnny in sight. So when we think that maybe we aren't as famous and the Number One Star as perhaps we wish we could be or could have been, we have to tip our hat to Ed McMahon, and all the "Ed McMahons" like him, not to mention the bazillion unsung heroes who weren't even as famous as Ed McMahon was. Sometimes, we have to be a star in our own world, in our own way, with no millions, no fame, no notoriety. And you know what? That ain't such a bad life. Most people in the world fall into that category.

With Farrah, as a cancer survivor myself (2002), I have to admire her not just for being a bombshell beauty of the 70′s, but also as a hero to those facing cancer bravely. I've lived 19 years with HIV, and watched dozens of friends die from HIV/AIDS, and I STILL say that cancer is worse - it is THAT bad (thought it's not a contest here; HIV is no picnic, guys, so don't get sloppy on the safer sex, OK?). So for Farrah to show persistence, courage, and bravery as a cancer patient, that makes her a hero, not anything that she might have done in the employ of Aaron Spelling or any other studio. I also admire how, artistically, she went from being frankly a not-very-good actress, to studying hard and learning to hone the craft so that by the time she did "Extremities" and "The Burning Bed", she was decent, at least. It shows you that hard work and training is a worthy investment, regardless of the field you are in. Working to get better in your skills in your chosen field is always a noble pursuit. That's why I admire Farrah - she's just full of "noble pursuits". I hope she really rests in peace; she seemed really sweet. Who knows if anyone will ever write a book stating otherwise.

And for Michael Jackson, what can I say that hasn't been said? He reportedly had major developmental trauma, and possibly other traumas in his history, that include speculations of sexual molestation; substance abuse; and more sycophants around him ("Yes Men") than in the history of humankind. He's also in the same category as Elvis and (my beloved) Judy Garland, stars who became addicts in the midst of their stardom in a way that ultimately took their lives prematurely. It's just tragic all around. He is to be admired for the amazing phenomenon that is talent, where God or Nature or whatever bestows a certain ability or abilities that Mesmerize us in fascination and beauty, in Jackson's case, his singing and dancing and ability to captivate a global-sized audience.

Observing a great talent in action is one of the wonderful things about being alive. But because I work with SO many guys who are survivors of childhood sexual abuse, I reserve my sympathies for Jackson because I hold doubts that he's innocent of seriously abusing young boys. I just think that he MIGHT be guilty, and that he fled the country to escape scrutiny. Surviving from sexual abuse is one of THE hardest conditions that I help my clients with. And while I can help them to heal with certain trauma recovery techniques I've been trained in and have learned to apply with hundreds of case examples and outcomes, I still hold antipathy to ANYONE who indulges his sexual impulses at the expense of a non-consenting person. Age of consent issues are controversial, and not ALL teen-adult relationships are harmful, as discussed in "Harmful To Minors", a great book on the subject.

However, if Michael Jackson harmed ANY of the young boys in his care, either through an "innocent" naivete, or through an arrogant, entitled, Narcissistic self-indulgence, then he is to be held in contempt for it - just as if he weren't mega-rich and mega-powerful; just like the people who are incarcerated for such crimes. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and say rest in peace, but not without wishing the same amount of peace (and more) to anyone who was ever his victim.

I'm sorry these figures are all gone before a normal American life expectancy, but at least we live in a culture where we can come to terms with loss and mortality by seeing it reflected in our cultural icons. We all have to come to terms with death, eventually. Doing it via celebrity deaths is one "channel" or "resource" to do it. Works for me.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Guitar Lessons For Beginners - What Do Michael Jackson, Keith Urban and Creedence Have in Common?


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With the media's focus on visual presentation for music promotion it's easy to understand how somebody learning to play guitar can miss the important clues in learning how to play quickly and easily.

Today's music buying public tend to "listen with their eyes"; if you want to learn guitar fast you need to develop your ability to focus on the audio and develop your musical perception skills.

Learning how to bypass the visual presentation and quickly notice the similarities in the music is an essential skill for the advancing guitarist.

Whilst the majority of guitarists will be either confused or discouraged with the information they are learning from TAB or sheet music you will be able to mentally pigeon-hole songs as you hear them; making it a breeze to remember and instantly recall songs.

To illustrate my point, here are three songs that on the surface all appear to be different; different artists, different music styles... ever different video clips!

But... dig a little deeper and you will discover they are all based on the blues; the same blues chord progression, even the same key, how's that for high speed memorization? Three songs in an instant; just add guitar!

Here we go:

Michael Jackson's - Black or White

E /// | E /// | E /// | E /// |

A /// | A /// | E /// | E /// |

B7/// | A /// | E /// | E /// ||

Keith Urban's - Somebody like You

E /// | E /// | E /// | E /// |

A /// | A /// | E /// | E /// |

B7/// | A /// | E /// | E /// ||

Creedence Clearwater Revival - The Night Time is the Right Time

E /// | E /// | E /// | E /// |

A /// | A /// | E /// | E /// |

B7/// | A /// | E /// | E /// ||

One of the biggest issues to overcome is how music is often stereotyped by the music marketing people in an effort to create soaring sales. When you think of the blues what visual image comes into your head? For many it's some smokey bar in New Orleans or a Jazz band playing in a nightclub in New York.

The last thing that would cross many guitarist's mind would be how the blues could have an influence on a pop or country song, but as you can see the blues is a universal language that can speak to all audiences and age groups.

Sometimes the newbie guitarist does not notice the similarities because a song is preformed in a different key.

Ray Charles plays "The Night Time is the Right Time" in the key of Eb.

Ray Charles - The Night Time is the Right Time

Eb /// | Eb /// | Eb /// | Eb /// |

Ab /// | Ab /// | Eb /// | Eb /// |

Bb7/// | Ab /// | Eb /// | Eb /// ||

Can you see the similarities? Would you have noticed that?

There are thousands of other songs that use exactly the same blues chord progressions and even more songs will be added to the list over time as songwriters continue to utilize this proven musical form.

Keep your ears wide open and you will have much more fun playing the guitar.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Singing lessons to download and use it to get better


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If you are interested in voice lessons, you can download it, there are many options out there now. Day up to a vocal coach rentals are gone, if you wish. For myself, I finally had to start the download.

When I started taking singing lessons from a great teacher, I was excited more quickly with a new found knowledge, I did not bring about some aspects of the song in progress. I also heard, and then after a few hours, I continued to improve on its own account without a songTrainer. Finally, I had to expand my vocal range a little 'more, because I played with various bands.

Well, I started looking for singing lessons is possible, after that I started to examine the Internet with my computer at home. I took some lessons, the kind of useless, which were obviously do together, just a couple of easy money. Now you can find tons of free lessons, if you want.

In addition, there are some software programs have been the song that we have a goodgood job, because they are together, singing coaches who actually do know what they do. I personally do not trust many of the lessons to see that, in common by people I never had to put in place. There are just a lot of scams out there on the Internet, as you probably know already.

Singing lessons Download What Should I?

Some of the lessons are videos from now, the registration of software and educational games that can make the process of getting a better home a little 'more fun.It just depends on what type of learning best suits your style.

Just find a program that touches your hand, the main concerns as a singer and find that one estimated by a singing teacher was created. There are several out there with a good reputation. So if you're a bit 'more and get some advice from other singers who try, there are some singing lessons, and the quality you can get from home.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

5 Lessons entrepreneur life of Michael Jackson


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With the recent adoption of the first Michael Jackson, here are 5 lessons every entrepreneur can learn from some of his mistakes.

Your marketing message can make or break You - there is no doubt that for most of his career, Michael Jackson used the media to their advantage. However, in subsequent years, the media have turned on Michael Jackson and his worst enemy.

Your company must pay particular attention toMarketing materials and message. Make sure they know who you are and what your company will be online. Be careful as you are. And never exaggerated claims about your products or services.

Stay True, who we are - We have all seen pictures of Michael Jackson's transformation from a handsome young black man in a scary white man (no offense).

There have been many speculations about the reasons forTransformation, but the lesson is to learn to always remain true to yourself.

Often the economy - especially under the circumstances - there's a lot of pressure and the temptation to deviate from their fundamental values. But it's more difficult moments when you need to draw on these values, you're through.

Do not let external events or circumstances that are defined. Be honest with yourself and the true success is only a matter of time.

Select your team looking smart --Top Michael Jackson 's life, there is no doubt that many of the people in his "field" is not in his best interests at heart and had just quit what they could from him.

The sad fact of life is bigger and more able to become, the more you win followers. So be careful to build a team of people around you that your vision and have similar values for you.

As we grow, if possible, make this a trusted advisor. And if at any timeit is clear that only one member of your team really play ', do not hesitate to abandon it.

Manage your - it funds is reported that Michael Jackson with serious financial difficulties, before he died. This shows - is not what you earn, is to keep as much as you.

Pay attention to your finances and cash flow. Do not make mistakes - that many entrepreneurs and small business owners believe - that the money= Money.

Make sure you have a good understanding of your overall budget, so you know exactly where you are in relation to the profit and loss are available. Apply to finance the same staff.

Do not Over Stretch Yourself - Shortly before he died. Michael Jackson has committed to implement 50 nights at London's O2 Arena. But many industry experts questioned when Michael Jackson was sufficient to provide such a physically and mentally fitemotionally demanding timetable.

It is now proposed that the stress he felt before this benefit can make a significant contribution to the Michael Jackson 's death was premature.

The lesson to be learned from this is not about to commit. In reality often find that you are much better under-and over-deliver bond.

Because if you could do more death of you and your company.

Ade Shokoya