raystrauss.com

Think you understand autism? Think again!

raystrauss — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 03:02:41 +0000

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.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Learning to Lead

raystrauss — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:14:07 +0000

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?

Filed under: Leadership

A free, newer, must have tool for your techbox.

raystrauss — Wed, 12 May 2010 14:51:35 +0000

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

Filed under: all things tech



When you think things are bad, smile…
raystrauss — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:43:18 +0000
They could always be worse.  

Filed under: Uncategorized       


Yes, you can!
raystrauss — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:59:18 +0000
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!
//

// 

Posted in Engaging Culture       


GIMP, better than Photoshop cause it’s free!
raystrauss — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:09:33 +0000
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/

Posted in Uncategorized       


4x200m at Drake Relays in 1995
raystrauss — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:46:28 +0000


Posted in All Thing Jock       


Another nostalgic moment for a track career gone by.
raystrauss — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 03:29:53 +0000


Posted in All Thing Jock       


A little blast from the past.
raystrauss — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 23:56:02 +0000


Posted in All Thing Jock       


Christmas
raystrauss — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:39:28 +0000
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.  

Posted in Engaging Culture