Congratulations, Spain
Jun 30, 2008 Sports
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Congratulations to Spain for winning the Euro 2008 Championships.
I’ve got to admit, I had my doubts about Spain. They’ve got great talent and ability in the squad, but I had my doubts whether they could triumph over the mental strength of Italy and Germany. But they did, and I’m glad they’ve proven me wrong.
Spain’s vicotry is a triumph for more than just the country. It’s a triumph for beautiful football, the way the game is meant to be played, in my opinion at least. There were of course, other teams who played great football along the way - the likes of Russia and Holland spring to mind. Spain went all the way doing so, and proved that you can triumph by being adventurous.
They were brave throughout, and the bravery paid off. Even in managerial decisions, dropping Raul (Spain’s all time top scorer) was a brave choice, but one that has ultimately been proven right. It’s shown that sometimes, the best thing to do is to leave the past behind, and move forward with the new generation. Spain have done that, and they’ve got a really young talented generation now that could go far.
If you look at the team and what they’ve done - throughout the tournament and even in preparation for it - I’m sure there’s a lot of lessons you can learn from them. The teamwork, constant movement, workrate, bravery, willingness to ditch the old and go with the new. These are all lessons that are useful even outside football.
So, congratulations Spain. I’m glad you proved me wrong.
[?]Tags: bravery, champions, change, euro 2008, football, movement, spain, teamwork, workrate
Why I’ve Joined Facebook
Jun 27, 2008 Technology, blogging
Yes, I know I said I’d never do it, but well, I’ve just joined Facebook.
Personally, I still don’t really like the privacy issues and all. But I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the whole thing, and I realized something. This whole social media thing that I’m doing - my blog, twitter, etc - it’s not just about me getting my voice heard. It’s about being part of a community, and connecting with all of you. It’s just as much about you - how you can connect to me and how I can help you - as it is about me.
And since everyone seems to be on Facebook, I figured that it’s time for me to join. I’ve had numerous people ask me to join Facebook, from people who attended the Social Media Breakfasts in Singapore, to the likes of Connie Bensen, and more. And I realize I’ve been missing out on a lot of opportunities to connect with all of you out there.
That’s why I’ve finally joined Facebook. Because this scene isn’t just about me - it’s about the community. And I want to be as accessible as possible, I want it to be as easy as possible for you to connect with me.
So, feel free to connect with me on Facebook. You’re the reason I joined.
[?]Tags: community, connecting, facebook, social media
Strategy above Tools
Jun 26, 2008 Sports
Slightly over a week ago, France were knocked out of the Euro 2008 Championships. Personally, I’m not really surprised, but there are some who were, and understandably so.
On paper, the French have a great team. They should be good enough to match any other squad. They’ve got the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Karim Benzema, Frank Ribery , Saloman Kalou, the list goes on. On paper, they’ve got really talented players.
So why am I not surprised that they failed? Because of their manager, Domenech. Yes, I don’t have his experience, and it’s a lot easier to criticize from here. But that said, he does not seem to know his best team. He doesn’t seem to have been able to build a good atmosphere within the team. And his tactics have been criticized by both past and present players.
I’m not really sad to have seen France go out of the tournament, but it does serve as a lesson for us. It’s not just about the talent you have at your disposal. It’s about how you manage it, and how you plan and make use of what you have - people, tools, anything.
Your strategy is just as, if not more, important than the tools.
How are you using the things you have?
[?]Tags: domenech, euro 2008, france, plan, strategy, tactics, tools
R.I.P, George Carlin
Jun 24, 2008 People
As you may have read already, George Carlin has died of heart failure. I’ve been a huge fan of Carlin since I was 14, when I heard his set on “Airline Announcements“. I first heard it while on a flight, no less, and it really kick-started my interest in comedy.
There’s so much I admire about Carlin - the man is truly a legend and a genius.
He’s never been afraid to say what he believes, no matter how controversial it is. He’s always pushed the boundaries, even to the point of being arrested for his “Seven Dirty Words” routine. A statement released by HBO said that “no performer was more committed to the ideal of freedom of speech”, and that is one of the things that I truly respect him for.
More than just a mere entertainer, he continually questioned commonly accepted beliefs, and in doing so, encouraged and taught us to do the same - to look at the world in a different light, and to always question our beliefs.
Like him or not (and there are definitely some who don’t), you cannot deny the fact that he was a legend, and had a huge influence on the world. By pushing the boundaries, he made a difference, not only to comedy, but even in the legal world - with his “Seven Dirty Words” routine being central to a Supreme Court case.
There’s so much I could write about Carlin, but I could never say it better than his daughter, one of the closest people to him.
“Most people know George Carlin as an icon of comedy and an advocate of free speech. I just know him as Dad … And what a dad he was. He taught me the value of speaking the truth in a world that doesn’t always want to hear it and gave me the gift of laughter. He was loved and revered by so many and will be missed beyond words — but never forgotten.”
R.I.P, George Carlin. Thanks for all you’ve given us. You’re truly a legend, and you’ll never be forgotten.
Picture by thomasroche Picture by Bonnie
Tags: Comedy, free speech, George Carlin, influence, legend, push boundaries, Seven dirty words
Let Me Promote Your Work
Jun 21, 2008 blogging
I’ve just created a new page on my blog, specifically dedicated to you and your content. It’s an idea I sort of stole from Chris Brogan (Chris, hope you don’t mind).
I know there are lots of you out there smarter than me, who have better content than I do. So why not let me promote it? Not much work required on your part, just fill up the form below (or on the Your Content page), and I’ll add it to the list. You get a free link, and free syndication (if you choose).
cforms contact form by delicious:days
[?]Providing Better Performance Isn’t Enough
Jun 20, 2008 Marketing, Random
Seth Godin posted some thoughts on the Amazon Kindle. Great ideas, as always, from him.
Here’s the part of the post that really struck me, though.
Word processing didn’t work because it was typing but a little
cheaper. It worked because it was better than typing. Email didn’t work
because it was mail but a little faster. It worked because it was
fundamentally better than snail mail…
 |
It’s not about improving performance. Just an improved performance will not be enough to make people want to use your product.
It’s about making something that’s fundamentally different. Something that’s better, that redefines what the task is. As Guy Kawasaki puts it, it’s about jumping to the next curve.
Merely providing better performance isn’t enough.
[?]Tags: guy kawasaki, innovation, kindle, performance, revolutionary, seth godin
Share Your Superheroes
We all have people who have influenced us, who have made a difference in our lives. Some of mine are listed here.
Squidoo has organized a really cool contest, meant to honor these people. Make lenses on your everyday superheroes, and stand to win $500 for a charity of your choice.
It’s a great way to thank those who have made a difference in your life, and contribute to charity at the same time.
Who are your everyday superheroes? Here’s a chance for you to thank and acknowledge them.
[?]Tags: charity, contribute, inspiration, People, squidoo, superheroes
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