Steve's 2 Cents

morning bird songs

2013-05-24T06:44:00.001-04:00

listen to ‘morning bird songs’ on Audioboo

stand of trees where the birds are

Talk Show Subway Car

2013-05-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Where does time go?

The long weekend is almost upon us. It is Comedy Week on YouTube and this is the only one I have caught but it is another good situation from ImprovEverywhere.

Enjoy!

Fresh cut

2013-05-19T06:32:00.004-04:00

The lawn is newly cut and smelling good in the long shadows from the setting sun

lawn shadows

morning birdsongs

2013-05-17T06:35:00.001-04:00

listen to ‘morning birdsongs’ on Audioboo

Privacy policy updated on LinkedIn

2013-05-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

The short video highlights the approach

The details can be reviewed here
https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy

One of the common questions during any session discussing LinkedIn is what to share and how to change your settings. These questions will likely be addressed in one or more sessions at the next Job Search Jam Sessions event scheduled for June 14, 2013
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2013/04/job-search-jam-sessions-ready-to-return.html

welcome blossom

2013-05-13T06:15:00.002-04:00

The flower opens up to attract bees who come for the nectar, pollinate and fly on.

flower bud

What is your front porch like? Are you open and welcoming?

Friday morning bird songs and train whistles (audio)

2013-05-10T07:08:00.001-04:00

listen to ‘Fridayorning bird songs and train whistles’ on Audioboo

This is water

2013-05-10T06:20:00.001-04:00

This is water. "The capital T Truth!"

A good video for any day but maybe the best video to spend ten minutes with as this work week ends!

Do you want to get a better LinkedIn photo?

2013-05-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

William Lam will set up his camera and equipment in one of the rooms at the Job Search Jam Sessions June 14. Attendees who want their photo taken should wear professional attire, and a flash drive or some media that can accept images.

Most importantly, you'll need to bring your positive attitude with a glowing facial expression!

William will take about 4 to 6 photos and allow you to view them on his laptop. The file size will be around 2 meg, rather large but these files can be adjusted to fit LinkedIn and other social media sites if you choose.

For more information and to register for this event visit
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/p/tickets.html

This was originally posted to the Job Search Jam Sessions website
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2013/05/do-you-want-to-get-better-linkedin-photo.html

Send BMAC Down Under - status report

2013-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

This is a good example of using social media across multiple channels to convey the message!

Go BMAC!

Read more on BMAC's webpage http://sendbmacdownunder.wordpress.com/

Follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Send.BMAC.Down.Under

Follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/BMAC_DownUnder

Check out her videos on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/SendBMacDownUnder

Chicago birdsongs - May 5th - (audio)

2013-05-05T08:51:00.000-04:00

Recorded on the shores of Lake Michigan while on the morning run through Grant Park in Chicago.

listen to ‘Chicago birdsongs Sunday May 5’ on Audioboo

recording location

I was standing at the Buckingham Fountain when I stopped to record this morning.

The view around me - part 1 - Turning to the right of the fountain

Chicago skyline

part 2 - Turing back and then to the left of the fountain

Lake Michigan waterfront

part 3 - Turning directly to the east to face the rising sun would not have produced a picture worthy of sharing so I resumed running and found this line of trees worthy of stopping for

tree line

My favorite place is 'the bean' or officially called 'Cloud Gate'

Each time I come to SOBCon, I try to make a visit to cloud gate. It helps me focus and put things into perspective. We are so small in this big world.

What is SOBCon and why do I go? The answers can be found in this post that was a collaboration with my good friend Phil Gerbyshak http://www.sobevent.com/what-makes-shersteve-come-back-to-sobcon-over-and-over/

Chicago morning bird songs (audio)

2013-05-03T08:20:00.001-04:00

listen to ‘Chicago morning bird songs’ on Audioboo

Millennium Park, Chicago

#sobcon

Send BMAC down under!

2013-05-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

G’day! I’m Brittany MacLeod, but my mates call me BMAC. I’m an electrically enthusiastic sheila who squeezes the most out of every day. I’m always down for an adventure and to explore. I’m the furthest thing from shy and love meeting new people. Variety is the spice of life, which is why I’m applying for the best job in the world!

The 30 second entry video for this contest wasn’t enough time for me to express just how fun and qualified I am to be Chief Funster, so I decided to create a social media campaign [leading up to the day they announce the final contestants] further convincing why Australia should pick me for the best job in the world!

If you don't already know Brittany, you can quickly find out a lot about her with this campaign for the 'best job in the world.'

I remember Brittany as she was the FHS Student representative to the School Committee for a couple of years. This was in the time where my schedule allowed me to report from more of those meetings than I have been able to recently. She was always a bundle of energy.

So what is one lesson to take away from this? For those in the job market, this is a good example of what it can take to get what you want. That BMAC, an FHS graduate, is now one of the top 25 out of thousands of applications from around the world for a position in Australia is significant.

Will this kind of social media campaign work for every job applicant? No, but consider what you can do for your job search circumstances. This topic will be one of those on the agenda for discussion at the Job search Jam Sessions coming up on June 14th.

Read more on BMAC's webpage http://sendbmacdownunder.wordpress.com/

Follow her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Send.BMAC.Down.Under

Follow her on Twitter https://twitter.com/BMAC_DownUnder

Check out her videos on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/user/SendBMacDownUnder

Blogging 101 (video)

2013-04-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Thomas Beach for capturing my presentation at the recent PodCamp Western Mass. The slide I referred to on the screen doesn't always show well on the video but is shown here.

here is the video:

In addition to the slide, I had previously created a series on basic blogging which covered similar ground.

You can find that series here:
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2010/10/basic-blogging-or-blogging-100101102.html

The "Fire Circle Story" in both text and audio (podcast) versions can be found here
text = http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2005/11/fire-circle-story.html
audio = http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2006/10/fire-circle-story.html

If you have questions on any of this material, feel free to contact me and I'll do my best to answer your question.

My photo essay to recap this event can be found here
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2013/04/pcwm-granted-permission-to-110.html

#pcwm

Concert time

2013-04-29T06:34:00.000-04:00

The Concert for Boston put on by the Dudley House Orchestra and Chorus featured Mozart's Piano Concerto 16 and Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Professor Robert Levin played the piano and was superb.

prepared for Beethoven's 9th

Niece Meghan was in the Violin 1 section. We represented the family contingent for her and enjoy a good dinner and conversation after the concert.

Revs game

2013-04-28T11:55:00.000-04:00

My favorite Revs fans all ready for the game on Saturday evening

Carolyn, Dolores, Allison

The Revs played well to win 2-0. This was the video shown in the pre-game ceremonies

Morning bird songs 4/26/13

2013-04-26T06:59:00.001-04:00

listen to ‘Morning bird songs 4/26/13’ on Audioboo

orchestra pranks? yes, it can be done

2013-04-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, music in good fun!

Thanks to Carl Weston for sharing this

Job Search Jam Sessions return June 14, 2013

2013-04-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

job search jam sessions

The economic outlook still has no prediction on a return to ‘full employment’. Recent Dept of Labor statistics show more than 3 applicants for each posted job and hundreds more dropping off the unemployment count.

This Job Search Jam Sessions event will provide you with help for your job search and explore alternatives like entrepreneurship. Sessions will provide you with the tips and tricks to build your network and explore the use of social media tools.

While many runners train for a long time to start the Boston Marathon in Hopkinton, the Job Search Jam Sessions is an event to help you prepare to deal with your job search. “This is an ‘unconference’ for the unemployed and underemployed,” says Steve Sherlock, lead organizer. “The event’s organizers and session facilitators all have experience dealing with the challenges of layoffs and unemployment, and they are enthusiastic about sharing what they’ve learned to help your job search.”

In coordination with the Hopkinton Networking Group, Job Search Jam Session 4 will offer networking opportunities and motivational support for unemployed and under-unemployed workers. New and recent college graduates are welcome to participate to learn and share the tips and tricks of the job search.

Job Search Jam Session 4 is scheduled for Friday, June 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The location: St. John the Evangelist Parish Center, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton, Mass. The event has the capacity to serve up to two hundred job seekers from Massachusetts, Rhode Island and anyone willing to get to Hopkinton.

Persons interested in attending should register at http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com.

The cost is – $8 per person. You can pay via credit card or cash at the door.

Attendees will be asked to check in at the Parish Center on Jun 14, between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. Coffee, refreshments and snacks will be available for the morning and afternoon break. Lunch will also be served during the conference.

Proceeds from ticket sales will help defray expenses. Any ‘profit’ will be donated to the Church in return for the use of their facility.

Directions to the St. John the Evangelist Parish Center can be found on the church’s website (http://www.stjohnhopkinton.com).

“Job Search Jam Session participants will be able to acquire dozens of new LinkedIn connections. More importantly, they will share experiences from the job search with their peers, learn what has worked for others, and at the end of the day they’ll return home more informed, more confident and motivated to pursue new opportunities.”

Job Search Jam Sessions Agenda

The event will feature both seminar-like sessions and informal opportunities to network in small groups. Speakers are still being lined up. The agenda will be adapted to reflect the needs and interests of participants. There will be sessions devoted to job interviews, your elevator pitch, and the use of social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Information on specific sessions will be posted to http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com as the schedule is filled in.

from the 'failure bow' to inviting happiness (video)

2013-04-21T08:30:00.000-04:00

Let's start the new week by stepping out of 'cringe mode' and open the gate to happiness.

Spend a little over a dozen minutes as Matt Smith tells us about the 'failure bow' and how we can celebrate failure in order to achieve happiness!

Do I see you standing with arms raised and "that dumb ass grin"?

Do I see you applauding someone who has done this?

Not yet... okay. Take it slow but take it!

This was also posted to Franklin Matters.

Thanks to +John Haydon for sharing this

April showers

2013-04-20T07:47:00.002-04:00

The trees are budding. The spring flowers are blooming. All is well. It has been a rough week.

spring flowers

Take some time to smell the blossoms!

morning bird songs - 4/19/13

2013-04-19T06:54:00.001-04:00

listen to ‘morning bird songs - 4/19/13’ on Audioboo

A quiet moment

2013-04-19T06:20:00.000-04:00

Given the rapidly developing events in the search for the Marathon bombing suspects, we can take a moment or two to reflect on the natural good life around us.

spring flowers

The residents of Watertown, Newtown, Belmont, Cambridge, Alston/Brighton are being asked to stay indoors. Businesses are being asked not to open. No vehicle traffic in or around that area.

Be safe folks!

This was also posted at Franklin Matters
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/04/a-quiet-moment.html

SOBCon - here I come!

2013-04-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, I will be back in Chicago for the SOBCon conference this May. My buddy Phil Gerbyshak posted an interview with me on why I return to SOBCon each year.

Millennium Park, Chicago

Why do I return?
You can read the details here

The One Fund Boston

2013-04-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Menino today announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, the purpose of which is to raise money to help those families most affected by the tragic events that unfolded during Monday’s Boston Marathon.

“I am humbled by the outpouring of support by the business community and individuals who are united in their desire to help; The One Fund Boston will act as a central fund to receive much needed financial support,” Governor Patrick said. “At moments like this, we are one state, one city, and one people.”

The One Fund - Boston

According to Mayor Menino, support from the business community was immediate. “Within an hour, I had calls from business leaders and local philanthropists who, like me, were heartbroken by the impact this hideous tragedy has had on individuals, their families, and friends. And they want to do everything they can to help these people physically and psychologically in the future.”

The cornerstone donation to The One Fund Boston is a $1 million commitment from John Hancock. “John Hancock is honored to contribute to The One Fund Boston, aiding those who were affected by this terrible event,” said Craig Bromley, President. “The Boston Marathon is about courage and resilience and community. John Hancock, which has been headquartered in Boston for more than 150 years, will continue to stand by our city, the people of Boston, our
community partners, the runners, and the Boston Athletic Association as we unite in recovery and in renewal of our commitment to the Boston Marathon.”

Other individuals and corporations making commitments to The One Fund Boston include Jack Connors, John Fish, CEO of Suffolk Construction, Brian Moynihan, President and CEO of Bank of America, Paul Grogan, President of The Boston Foundation, Steve Pagliuca, Managing Director of Bain Capital and co-owner of the Boston Celtics, Larry Lucchino, CEO of the Boston Red Sox, and Mike Sheehan, CEO, and Karen Kaplan, President of Hill Holliday.

Boston law firm Goodwin Procter has volunteered to organize The One Fund Boston and has applied for 501(c)(3) status. One Fund Boston, Inc. will apply for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service. Although the Fund cannot guarantee that the IRS will make a determination that the organization qualifies as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity, if approval is received within the expected time frame, the determination will be retroactive to the date of the Fund’s formation, which is April 16, 2013.

“We are one Boston. We are one community. As always, we will come together to help those most in need. And in the end, we will all be better for it,” Mayor Menino said.

To contribute to The One Fund Boston, click on onefundboston.org.