While autism still remains a mystery in many ways, Carly Fleischmann has revealed much of the previously unknown life inside an autistic person that has certainly lead to a greater understanding.

Watch this story of John Stossel’s.

Learning to Lead

Posted: July 22, 2010 by raystrauss in Leadership

We’ve all heard the quip, “If your going somewhere and no one is following, you’re just taking a walk.”  When it comes to leading, it is essential to understand those you are leading.  People will follow those they trust are leading them to something worthwhile.  Inspiration is the key here.  A leader knows how to help people see what can be.  Then they communicate how those following can have a part in that “bigger than themselves vision”.  Finally, a good leader walks with them shows that follower how to get there.

That is what a leader does.  But all to often, bosses are confused with leaders.  What’s the difference?  A boss leverages your job security or paycheck to motivate you to do what they want.  In other words, fear is their primary tool for getting results.  A leader inspires you with meaning and purpose, revealing your value and significance in the vision.

A boss drives people with the tools of intimidation and volatile emotions that result from insecurities and poorly communicated expectations.  With clear communication and considerate words a leader articulates goals as they relate to the vision.

It is noteworthy to recognize that there is a culture shift occurring in society where loyalty must be earned.  Right or wrong, it is unwise to expect it along with the paycheck.  If your people don’t believe they are contributing to something greater than themselves while having a positive impact in the world, don’t expect them to stick around.  In a world hungry for significance, few will sit at the desk of purposelessness for long.

So, is anyone following you or are you just taking a walk?

I use a Mac and iPhone for one job, a pc (win 7), laptop (XP),  and Blackberry for another.  My dilemma was a quick and simple way to access those files I need no matter where I am.  Enter Dropbox.  In it’s semi onomatopoetic way, Dropbox does what it says.  The simplicity and ease of dropping any file into your Dropbox folder allows you to easily retrieve said file from nearly any computer or smart phone quickly and easily.  Dropbox works crossplatform with Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Blackberry (coming soon), Droid, and more.  Did I mention that it is free?  So, what are you waiting for?  Check it out!

https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTU2MDc5NTE5

https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTU2MDc5NTE5

When you think things are bad, smile…

Posted: March 13, 2010 by raystrauss in Uncategorized

They could always be worse. 

Yes, you can!

Posted: January 12, 2010 by raystrauss in Engaging Culture
Tags: , ,
This is Marcelle.  His birthday is February 16th and he lives in Rwanda.  He is right between two of my own sons in age and grade.  When I see Marcelle, I see a bright future full of hope.  However, I know the difficulties that Marcelle faces.  He lives in an HIV/AIDS affected area.  His parents are sometimes employed as farmers when they can get work.  But I am determined to “walk him down the road to a brighter future.”

Sponsor a child who needs you through Compassion International

Marcelle is like most boys. He loves playing ball and groups games.  He does fine in school and goes to church where he learns that God loves him and has a plan for his life.

I know those things too.

And

I

want

to

help.

How about you?  What better thing can you do with about $1 a day that could have such a meaningful impact?

Whether you are a jock, a geek, a normal person, or an amalgamation of all three, I bet you have a heart.  How about using it here?  Who knows, you might even end up changing the world by changing a child’s life for good.

Take the first step in changing the world by clicking here.  I dare you!

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GIMP, better than Photoshop cause it’s free!

Posted: January 5, 2010 by raystrauss in Uncategorized

If something sounds to good to be true, then it probably is, or so the saying goes. GIMP is proof otherwise! Anyone who tinkers with digital images and creating graphics knows Photoshop is an essential tool in the toolbox. Unfortunately, Photoshop is not something many graphic artists can afford. Enter GIMP. The open source (meaning free!!!) Graphic Image Manipulation Program. It is available for both Mac, PC, and Linux. With increasing popularity, the resources available are nearly as endless as that of Photoshop. The interface is similar as well so the learning curve is small.

So, what are you waiting for? Give it a try! http://www.gimp.org/

A little blast from the past.

Posted: January 3, 2010 by raystrauss in All Thing Jock

Christmas

Posted: December 22, 2009 by raystrauss in Engaging Culture

As much as I’d love to wish you a Merry Christmas, if you take some time to consider the real reason of Christmas and open up your heart to the One who’s birth we celebrate, then you are guarenteed a Merry Christmas! It has been true for me for the last 20 years and I’m confident it will be for you.