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Archive for May, 2009
Who’s in control of the remote?
Do I get frustrated with my significant other? Never.
Am I impatient with her? Never.
Well… there is one time that maybe I do. It’s the *&#*$ remote control. When it’s in her hands, it’s as if an alien takes over her body. She will change channels with the speed of an auctioneer on a triple espresso latte. The amazing thing is that she can make decisions on whether to watch something or not within 5 seconds. The other amazing thing is that within 5 seconds I can get locked into the program with all of my mental faculties only to have the images ripped out of my mind with the flick of the remote control.
Ok, this frustrates me!
Of course couples love to be with each other every minute of every day. But every now and then we need our space to do what we need to do. And on occasion, I need to watch sports and she needs to watch A&E. Obviously, we need two TVs in two separate places of the house. No remote problems here… or so I thought.
On this particular night, I was enjoying watching LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers dismantle the Atlanta Hawks. In another room, she was watching a Cold Case File about a grizzly murder that had remained unsolved. Ahh… my own remote control. Peace, tranquility and locked in the Zone as LeBron goes to the hole for a patented dunk. And just before his coup de grace, the station changed by itself to a detective trying to solve a twenty year old cold case. WHAT?!
I look around to see if my wife was crawling on her hands and knees behind the couch with the remote control changing the channels. No one was there. I turned back to the game. LeBron’s by the three point line with two men on him. He goes up for the shot… back to A&E… the TV mysteriously switches. Noooooooooo!
Ok, this is not funny!
I go upstairs and find my wife in the bedroom munching chips with guacamole watching A&E. “Did you come downstairs?” I demanded.
“No why?”
“Are you sure you didn’t come downstairs and change the channel?”
“What do you mean me? You’ve been changing the channels.”
“What? I’ve been changing the channels? Are you nuts?”
“Yeah I’m watching A&E and right when the case is about to be solved the TV switches to a basketball game.”
We both look outside our windows to see if some phantom has a universal remote and is changing our channels. Is the cable company playing some kind of a joke?
We call our local TV guru and ask about the mysterious channel changing problem. After forking out a service charge here’s what he said. “Your remotes were programmed on the same radio frequency so that when one changes the channel on one TV it changes the channel on the other.”
To that my wife asks, “You really didn’t trust me, did you?”
“Yes, honey, I trusted you.”
“But you accused me of doing something I didn’t do” she said with a look of grave disappointment. “And you were mean!”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I don’t know why I would accuse you.”
I wonder if that murder case was ever solved. She watches that show a lot. Do you think she’d ever know how to cover one up? Maybe we do need to watch TV together. I’ll even let her have the remote.
A New Type of Athlete
I had a chance to spend a few minutes with Pat Riley, former coach of the LA Lakers, NY Knicks and Miami Heat at the Kentucky Derby. We talked about coaching athletes today versus coaching 20 years ago. Riley feels that the fatherless athlete today is far more difficult to coach than any other athlete over the years. They have an entitlement mindset, which is ego-based, due to the lack of a dominant male figure in their lives. He said the most difficult part of his career has been dealing with this type of athlete. Riley feels strongly that it has ruined the game and sports itself.
Ego vs. Intuition: Why Men Think They’re Always Right
Growing up, I knew my Dad was always right… and most of the time he was. Of course, growing up I wanted to be just like my Dad. Therefore, even today, I am always right.
I have been going to the racetrack since I was a little kid. Attending the Kentucky Derby, especially because that’s where I’m from, has always been a big deal. This year, I found myself scouring the racing forms. This can be quite complicated, but with the skills and precision of a scientist, I figured out who would win. I believed and expected it to happen based on previous experience that I am always right- even on something so unsure as gambling on which horse could run around the track ahead of the rest.
With my cash in one hand and racing form in another, I got up from the table to place my Derby bet. I was confident, full of a sense of knowing and assuredness- just like my Dad. Acorns, you know, don’t fall far from the tree.
I turned to my wife to ask, “Who are you picking to win?”
She replied, “The long shot. I just have a gut feeling.”
“Are you nuts?! That’s 50 to 1! There hasn’t been a long shot to win the Derby in over 50 years! I just hope you don’t bet much.”
And with that I proceeded to the betting window.
Boy, did my ego get squashed! As the 50:1 long shot, Mine That Bird, won- seemingly by a mile with no other horse in site- I turned to my wife. She was celebrating like a crazy person while holding up her winning ticket. She shot me a look, clearly telling me that intuition overrides knowledge, experience and wisdom. It’s amazing how a quick look can give so much detail.
And to think, I coach intuition, believe in it and have a razor sharp one. However, I did not listen to it this day. The power of the racing forms and my way out of control ego made me overlook the obvious.
As she came back to the table with 5 crisp $100 bills, I asked her, “Are we splitting that?”
And her response was, “Not on your life… there are 2 more races left. Go back to your racing forms.”
Mike Cameron, One of the Nicest Guys in Sports
One of the nicest guys in sports
For eleven years I’ve had the privilege of coaching one of the best athletes in sports, Mike Cameron. It’s also not a coincidence that every team he’s been with has had a winning season 
. The Milwaukee Brewers are no exception. His off field demeanor equals and many times exceeds what he does on the field. He’s a devoted husband, father and team catalyst. He exemplifies All-Star and true champion.
I’ve talked to him every day during the season without fail- every day. He’s taken my message and then sequestered himself alone. Here he mentally dress rehearses with task and situational imagery to prepare for each game. He is the consummate professional.
On Mother’s Day, the Milwaukee Journal published a poem on behalf of the Brewers that Mike wrote.
It’s been said that behind every great man, there is always a great woman.
Happy Mother’s Day
So strong, so loving, so nurturing.
With big hugs and little kisses, you bring smiles to our faces when they are missing.As sons we may not be perfect, but we strive to be great. Having your support every step of the way is a blessing.
Thank you, thank you.
On behalf of my Milwaukee Brewer teammates and coaches, I wish all mothers a beautiful and delightful Mother’s Day.
With love and respect,
Mike Cameron
Mike Cameron, three time Gold Glove recipient, is off to his best start. He finished the month of April with a batting average of .333, 15 RBI’s and 5 home runs. Keep it up Mike! You deserve the best. You are my MVP.
MOM: World’s Greatest Coach
It’s at this time of year that I reflect on my mother. I probably took her for granted for most of my formative years. It’s only after she’s been gone from this earth that I have come to realize her true impact on molding me to be the man I am today.
I miss her presence in my life so much that I would give up all my earthly possessions just to have Mother’s Day brunch with her one more time. If I could, this is what I would say:
From the moment I took my first breath you were there….smiling ever so bright. Your voice soothed me. Your touch guided and comforted me. You were the first person I saw when I opened my eyes and the last person when I fell asleep. You coached me day after day to be the best I could be.
After all these years I’ve realized the motherly impact on my life. All my decision-making abilities were initiated with your care and concern. You molded my manners and hygienic routines. You coached my ability to communicate. Most of all you filled my mind with possibilities. My dreams have been fueled by your belief in me.
You placed me on a pathway of ultimate self-discipline. You yelled, pleaded, begged, demanded, punished, rewarded, hugged and kissed your ways of living into the fabric of my mind. My decision-making ability today was born and reared by you.
You helped me focus my energies on the tasks at hand and made me realize when I was off-track. You planted seeds of belief, expectancy and knowing that have grown into the confident person that I am.
You let me fail many times only to pick me up after the lesson was learned. These moments were your greatest gifts. Through my failings and your guidance I learned the dynamics of risk and reward that I still use today.
Mom, you taught me about family and tradition and I value them because of you. You made the holidays special and they radiate in my memory like they were yesterday.
You have been behind the scenes in the reality movie of my life. You were the producer and director. You helped me write and re-write the script. With every chapter of my life that ended you were always there at the beginning of the next one. And through each page until now you have never asked for credit. You always let me be the star. Your sacrifices most of the time went un-noticed and not once did you complain or demand attention.
I placed you on a roller coaster of emotions as you watched me grow. Even though I tested you in every way, your intuition never wavered in its relentless pursuit of my well-being. Today I see this as nothing short of amazing.
You were at every major event in my life. You cheered for me when I was failing and you beamed with pride when I was a success. You have been the one constant in a world of variables. Your consistency is remarkable.
Now I know why the biggest and toughest athletes always say, “Hi Mom” to the camera when they appear on national television.
Mom…you are the world’s greatest coach. I love you and thank you.
Lahoma Fannin Crouch
(5/7/26-8/29/98)
The Official Press Release: $50,000 “CHANGE YOUR LIFE” CONTEST ANNOUNCED
Synopsis of video:
If you’ve been away from someone you care about or love for at least two hours, the first 90-seconds that you see them has more impact on the relationship than spending hours with them later.
As soon as your arrive home, make that last phone call in the driveway. Close the door on your tough day at the office or your long road trip. Close your mind to the past so you can fully engage with complete awareness to your loved one.
Walk in the door and be fully engaged in the moment. Regardless of your day prepare to focus your energy toward the people that matter most. Hear their voice tone or inflection. And if your loved one is sad then use a technique inside the 90-second rule called mirroring. Act sad so you can show empathy. Now you can raise them to a level of positivity. If the person you meet is happy, be just as happy to keep their level of positivity the same.
CONTEST AND PRESS RELEASE
Winning Video Testimonial for Coach Jim Fannin’s New, Powerful Film Will Receive $25,000 Cash Grand Prize
Burr Ridge, IL, May 6, 2009 – He’s been speaking about it for years, but now he’s partnered with a legendary celebrity photographer to make “The 90 Second Rule™” movie that teaches his mantra. Jim Fannin, the highly acclaimed “Zone Coach” and “Change Your Life” guru, master teacher, speaker, author and philanthropist has a brand new movie he feels will have a positive impact on people’s lives and he’s offering $50,000 in cash and prizes including a $25,000 cash Grand Prize going to the film’s most compelling video testimonial. Testimonials will be accepted from May 6 through July 6, 2009 and should have a running time of no longer than 3 minutes.
“The 90-Second Rule™” is a short, powerful film about how to empower your family, friends, co-workers, business associates and personal relationships – under any circumstances including recession-related issues like not being able to pay bills or the loss of a job. Pivotal, emotional scenes depict both correct and incorrect adherence to “The 90-Second Rule™.”
The film can be viewed at www.90secondrule.com. After seeing the film, folks from across the U.S. (18 and over) can submit a testimonial about how “The 90 Second Rule™” impacted their life to www.90secondrule.com. The top ten finalists will be posted in July at www.90secondrule.com and the public will have the chance to log-on and vote for the Grand Prize winning testimonial.
“Over the past 20 years the institution of family has eroded. Coming home to an empty welcome has played a part in the unraveling of the family fabric. It’s time to correct this and embrace change,” says Fannin.
The “Change Your Life” Contest featuring Jim Fannin’s “The 90 Second Rule™” film is being strongly supported by a client of Coach Fannin, Fortegra Financial Corporation, one of the top providers and administrators of credit insurance and payment protection services in the United States. Coach Fannin’s tools and “The 90 Second Rule™”, in particular have had a major impact on Fortegra’s staff, management and their families, and the company has helped contribute to the grand prize money.
“The teachings and guidance of Jim Fannin has had a marvelous impact on our employees and their families and we feel privileged to be a part of Jim’s effort to help people protect and in many cases, save their relationships and their family unit,” commented Richard Kahlbaugh, President & CEO of Fortegra Financial Corporation.
Fannin adds, “If you‘ve been away from someone you care about or love for at least two hours, the first 90-seconds that you see them has more impact on the relationship than spending hours with them later on. Make that last phone call in the driveway before you step in the door and get past your tough day at the office or your long trip on the road. Close your mind to the past so you can fully engage with complete awareness to the people you will soon meet again.”
“The 90-Second Rule™” is dedicated to Jim Fannin’s late mother, Lahoma Agnes Crouch, to whom Jim promised at her deathbed to take his message to the masses.
“For decades I’ve privately spoke of my messages of hope and possibility to the rich and famous as well as everyday people. “The 90-Second Rule™” has been one of many tools that I created to offer simplicity and balance in one’s life and now it’s been filmed for everyone’s enjoyment and benefit,” commented Fannin.
Fannin utilized the talents and skill of his client, legendary photographer Bob Davis, to shoot “The 90-Second Rule™”. Davis is known for, among other things, shooting Oprah Winfrey events plus several high profile celebrity weddings (Eva Longoria-Parker, Eddie Murphy, etc.)
“When Bob offered to shoot “The 90-Second Rule™” it occurred to me that Bob’s spent decades documenting the beginning of so many marriages. Now, he’s filming a movie that is going to save countless marriages and other relationships,” noted Fannin.
After watching the testimonials, Fannin and his team will select the top ten finalists on Friday, July 10th and post the movies on www.90secondrule.com. From July 13th – August 5 people will be able to log-on and vote for the winner. Fannin will announce the Grand Prize winner on Wednesday August 12th.
The Grand Prize Winner will receive a personally delivered check from Fannin in the amount of $25,000. The runner-up will receive three months of free personal coaching from the “Change Your Life Coach.” The remainder of the top ten finishers will receive five free coaching sessions with a certified Jim Fannin “Change Your Life” Coach.
Watch “The 90-Second Rule™” movie and enter your video testimonial at www.90secondrule.com.
For further information or to arrange an interview with “The 90-Second Rule™” creator Jim Fannin please call (212) 843-8073 or email amazur [at] rubensteinpr.com or visit www.jimfannin.com.
About Fortegra Financial Corporation
Founded in 1982, Jacksonville, FL-based Fortegra Financial Corporation (formerly named Life of the South Corporation) has grown to be one of the top providers and administrators of credit insurance and payment protection services in the United States. Fortegra Financial serves clients in the automotive, banking, credit unions, consumer finance, retail, credit card and vacation ownership industries.
LOTSolutions, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary, provides a wide variety of best-in-class marketing services, including strategy development and campaign design, management, execution and fulfillment. LOTSolutions is also a premier provider of product administration and technology services. Fortegra Financial is a proud member of the Summit Partners portfolio of companies (http://www.summitpartners.com/).
About Jim Fannin
More than a life coach, Jim Fannin is a “change your life” coach. His thought management system swiftly empowers people to “be the best they can be” without inconvenience. Period! Throughout his 35+ year career as an author, educator, raconteur, life strategist and sports and business consultant he has personally coached over 150 of the world’s most successful athletes and many of its most powerful business leaders. Jim’s client roster reads like a “Who’s Who” list including: bestselling authors, Olympic Gold Medalists, Champion PGA golfers, Major League Baseball All-Stars, NBA All-Stars, NFL All-Pros and seven professional tennis players ranked in the world’s top 10. He’s even coached coaches such as David Leadbetter, voted world’s #1 golf instructor by Golf Magazine; Lou Piniella, Manager of the Chicago Cubs; Peter Nowak, the US Olympic soccer coach; Doc Rivers, Head Coach of the World Champion Boston Celtics. In addition to professional athletes, Jim coaches Bob Davis, the world-renowned “visual storyteller” who’s mastered the craft of still and video photography; and has helped key executives in 36 industries including Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, Honda, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Merrill Lynch, GE Healthcare, AIG and Transamerica.
Watch the 90 Second Rule Movie. Change your Life. Win $25,000!
You can go directly to the contest here (if you want to skip the blog post): http://90secondrule.com/
Several years ago my Mother looked me the eye from her deathbed and commanded with a whisper, “Go for it! Take your message to the masses. Promise me.” I responded, “I promise Mom.” And then she died. With this deathbed promise I embarked on a mission to change the world one life at a time.
For decades I have privately sold the messages of hope and possibility of my S.C.O.R.E. System to the rich and famous. The 90-Second Rule has been one of many tools I created to offer simplicity and balance in one’s life.
The 90-Second Rule has been a “moment of truth” for many men and women. The results from this rule have produced an “aha” awareness on how one can easily impact relationships.
Recently, I embarked on a world speaking tour with a biotech company and a marketing services company called Fortegra. I stopped in Melbourne, Singapore, Milan, Barcelona, Tenerife (Canary Islands), Miami and Jacksonville then home to Chicago. It was the positive and overwhelming reception of the 90-Second Rule from all of my S.C.O.R.E. System tools that made me realize the world needed this information. I immediately thought of my deathbed promise to take my message to the masses.
Although I have received positive feedback from the use of the 90-Second Rule for many years, it was my world trip and the coaching of the husband and wife team of Bob and Dawn Davis that spawned the movie.
Bob and Dawn both expressed awesome results from being fully engaged while seeing their other family members during the first 90 seconds.
Bob is one of the best photographers in the world. Period! He has worked with Oprah and Harpo Studios. His other credits include shooting the weddings of Eva Longoria and Tony Parker in Paris as well as Eddy Murphy in Bora Bora. In addition, he just finished shooting Salma Hayek’s wedding in Vienna. He’s even shot the grand opening of Tyler Perry’s movie studio.
When Bob showed me a short movie he shot about a barge company on a canal near Chicago, I was stunned by his images and skill. Bob can make anything look awesome! This “aha” moment caused me to ask if he’d like to shoot a movie on the 90-Second Rule. Bob didn’t hesitate as he said, “Absolutely.”
The raw footage was shot in one day and delivered to the awesome editor Anton Lorimer and the movie was born.
Why the movie? My mother believed that all of us need this message. I believe she was right. We do!
The movie is dedicated to the memory of my mother:
Lahoma Fannin Crouch
(5/7/26 – 8/29/98)
A Chance to Win $25,000 Below the Video.
Jim Fannin announces The 90-Second Rule™ Movie and $50,000 “Change your Life” Contest
Jim Fannin Brands, Inc. is pleased to unveil the 90-Second Rule™ Movie – a short film that showcases how to empower your family, friends, co-workers, business associates and personal relationships. The 90-Second Rule™ is one of many “Change your Life” tools that Jim’s S.C.O.R.E.® System has to offer.
With Jim’s “Change your Life” Contest, a grand-prize winning individual, family or couple will receive a check for $25,000. By submitting a compelling video story and/or testimonial after viewing and implementing the 90-Second Rule™, 10 finalists will receive over $50,000 in cash and prizes.
To view the movie or to learn more about the “Change your Life” Contest, visit www.90SecondRule.com.
If you are as moved by the movie as we think you will be, we ask that you share this web site with as many people as possible.
It’s time we change!
The Jim Fannin Brands Team
Hats of the Kentucky Derby
For those of you couldn’t make it to the Kentucky Derby I brought back pics of all the crazy hats.
Enjoy:
The first thing you notice when you walk into Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May is that every woman is wearing a hat. But it’s not just any hat- it’s a hat that reflects her personality.
Some were absolutely audacious. I saw one hat that actually showed Churchill Downs in all of its glory on top of her head! There were big hats, small hats, green hats, blue hats, yellow hats, and every other color hats. I can only imagine how much money was just spent on these Derby hats. And I am still trying to figure out how to fly with one, as they don’t exactly fit in the overhead compartment. One bald gentleman joined in on the fun and attached a beer can to his head to wear as a hat. That was the craziest one we saw.
My wife had a hat that was absolutely stunning, which I have to say unofficially was the best hat at the Derby. She had 2 dozen, fresh roses planted on her head. Wearing this, she stood for beauty in all of its regal form. Her shoes even had fresh roses to match her hat!
I could have seen these women walking down the streets of Louisville or wherever they were from on any other day and they wouldn’t have had the confidence or air about them they had on this particular Saturday. Each walked with her head held high, her chin in the air and her shoulders back, as if she owned the place. The Derby is not a day about horses, but a day for the ladies to show off their plumage- what sets them apart from the men.
I heard more “OOOs” and “AHHHs” here than at any other event. For every hat that looked awesome, everyone had to stop and take a picture with her. Facebook must be full of Derby hats!
So what’s the point of this regal plumage? This is the one time a woman gets to preen like a peacock, showing off her finery. I think it’s each woman’s way of saying, “Hello world! Here I am! See me? I’m having a great time and there is no place I would rather be on the first Saturday in May than at the Kentucky Derby!”
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