Even if you do not have fond memories of your school years, certainly there are some friends, you remember fondly. Connsider attending your next school reunion, just on the chance that some of those friends may be there and remember you the same way.
Recently, in preparing for a small reunion of my own, I have, through the internet and 'social media' connected with a few people I knew as a teenager. I certainly could have managed my entire life without seeing some of these people again. There is really not much now that we have in common, after all these years. But the bond that you form during your formative years is very strong. You are, in essence, comrades in arms, trudging your way together through life, adolescence, puberty, school, parents, siblings, etc, etc.
One way to put yourself into the right frame of mind is to spend an hour with your old school year books/memory books. Read the things your friends wrote to you, or about you and I promise it will bring back lots of memories.
Go to your reunion without expectations. Forget about trying to lose weight or get your wrinkles tightened. Nobody who matters will care. Your true friends will certainly not care, as long as you are there. Go with the purpose to connect, or reconnect, with those whom you shared both trials and tribulations.
We carry our entire life somewhere in our memory. Some memories, just need a little spark to come back into focus. Seeing and speaking to your school friends will bring them back like a flood. You will have no regrets, unless you do not go.
O.B Keeler, a reporter for the Atlanta Constritution, wrote that when Bobby Jones, one of the most famous golfers, retired, ..." he will build a house by the sea, so men that were boys when I was a boy, shall sit and drink with me." Just like Bobby, I think we all want a taste of those times, even, if only for little while.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Word to PDF and vice versa
I was having breakfast with my son recently at a local restaurant. There was a man, sitting in the next booth, asking questions of his young breakfast companion about Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF files. This was obviously his grandson, and despite the older gentleman's best effort, he could not get the answer he wanted.
Maybe if he understood that Word and Adobe were created for different purposes. Their interaction was originally in one direction. From Word to PDF. No one expected that we would want to convert both ways and back and forth.
Microsoft Word was originally created to replace the functions of a typewriter, with the added capability to edit and change the resulting document, on the screen before it was printed.
PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It created a two-dimensional document in a device-independent, fixed-layout. Its purpose was to allow you to send the large documents electronically to someone. They received a copy of what you had on your screen when you typed it, but without the ability to alter it.
PDF is a very commonly used format across the Internet. The Adobe Acrobat reader is freely available on a variety of platforms, meaning that PDF documents can be viewed in exactly the same way across all these platforms.
By contrast, Microsoft Word documents can only be viewed on platforms that support Microsoft Word.
So to help this poor guy at breakfast; here's an answer, without knowing his question, since he could not verbalize it. "It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish."
1. If you want to send someone a flyer or brochure, then you would send a PDF. The person receiving it will not alter it, only print it or display it.
2. If you want to send someone a contract, and you want them to make changes, then you will send a MS Word document.
3. If you have a MS Word Document, and want to convert it to a PDF, then you need a "Free downloadable PDF conversion program." Type that phrase in your browser and it will lead you to some of them.
4. If you have a PDF document and want to convert it to a Word document, there are not as many free downloads because it is a lot more complicated, but you can find one the same way.
Now you understand why this poor fellow was struggling. He could not explain what he wanted, and the young person really had no reason to understand. Most young people are computer literate but don't spend their days sending and converting word documents back and forth to PDF.
If the man had asked about an MP3 file, the kid would have been a hero.
Maybe if he understood that Word and Adobe were created for different purposes. Their interaction was originally in one direction. From Word to PDF. No one expected that we would want to convert both ways and back and forth.
Microsoft Word was originally created to replace the functions of a typewriter, with the added capability to edit and change the resulting document, on the screen before it was printed.
PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It created a two-dimensional document in a device-independent, fixed-layout. Its purpose was to allow you to send the large documents electronically to someone. They received a copy of what you had on your screen when you typed it, but without the ability to alter it.
PDF is a very commonly used format across the Internet. The Adobe Acrobat reader is freely available on a variety of platforms, meaning that PDF documents can be viewed in exactly the same way across all these platforms.
By contrast, Microsoft Word documents can only be viewed on platforms that support Microsoft Word.
So to help this poor guy at breakfast; here's an answer, without knowing his question, since he could not verbalize it. "It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish."
1. If you want to send someone a flyer or brochure, then you would send a PDF. The person receiving it will not alter it, only print it or display it.
2. If you want to send someone a contract, and you want them to make changes, then you will send a MS Word document.
3. If you have a MS Word Document, and want to convert it to a PDF, then you need a "Free downloadable PDF conversion program." Type that phrase in your browser and it will lead you to some of them.
4. If you have a PDF document and want to convert it to a Word document, there are not as many free downloads because it is a lot more complicated, but you can find one the same way.
Now you understand why this poor fellow was struggling. He could not explain what he wanted, and the young person really had no reason to understand. Most young people are computer literate but don't spend their days sending and converting word documents back and forth to PDF.
If the man had asked about an MP3 file, the kid would have been a hero.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Never say, "I do not know."
The internet is good for anything I do not know. It keeps me from having to say, " I do not know.", which I do not like to do.
I was watching a pre-season football game and someone asked the group, "where did #84 play his college football?" I follow football, very closely, but could not remember this little tidbit. There are some very obscure players out there. Here is something to remember from today forward.
Google search, "player name, bio." you can do this on your smart mobile phone, or any other computer device. It will give you everything about any player. If I have more info, like, Dolphins, or wide receiver, then I type that as well. It merely helps to narrow the search. I got the information in private, then... a few moments later, I said, " USC. Miami picked him 3rd round in 2009. He's, 6'5", the tallest receiver ever drafted by Miami. "Oh yea. that's right, I remember him now" , someone says. You just smile. Be ready, another question is coming.
There are so many questions like this in every day life. When someone asks , "what movie was she nominated for an Academy Award last year? Use the same Google search. Add Academy to the search. You will quickly gain a reputation as the trivia expert. You can tell them where you found it. Sometimes that story is just as good. It's up to you. Depends on who's asking.
I never have to say, I do not know. Why would I? I do not Know!
I was watching a pre-season football game and someone asked the group, "where did #84 play his college football?" I follow football, very closely, but could not remember this little tidbit. There are some very obscure players out there. Here is something to remember from today forward.
Google search, "player name, bio." you can do this on your smart mobile phone, or any other computer device. It will give you everything about any player. If I have more info, like, Dolphins, or wide receiver, then I type that as well. It merely helps to narrow the search. I got the information in private, then... a few moments later, I said, " USC. Miami picked him 3rd round in 2009. He's, 6'5", the tallest receiver ever drafted by Miami. "Oh yea. that's right, I remember him now" , someone says. You just smile. Be ready, another question is coming.
There are so many questions like this in every day life. When someone asks , "what movie was she nominated for an Academy Award last year? Use the same Google search. Add Academy to the search. You will quickly gain a reputation as the trivia expert. You can tell them where you found it. Sometimes that story is just as good. It's up to you. Depends on who's asking.
I never have to say, I do not know. Why would I? I do not Know!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Naples Coral Reefs
I chartered a fishing trip recently out of the Naples dock, and as we moved west out of the pass into the Gulf, I asked the Captain of the boat if he ever fished off the reefs in North Naples, which were recently discovered. He said he had never heard of a reef and my information was wrong. Well even an old salt like the captain, needs to read the newspaper every now and then, rather than his sextant.
For the benefit of the good captain, and my paradise followers who need a map, here's the skinny: According to the Naples Daily News, in an article, by Jeremy Cox, from October 14th, 2005, " Within the distance of a football field from northern Collier County's shores, researchers have discovered a flourishing and sweeping stretch of coral reefs." The good news is that they are within swimming distance from the beach according to Mr. Cox. North of Doctor's pass. It is not yet the quality of the reefs in the Florida Keys, but it will get there and one day make Naples a much more popular diving destination.
So the next time you are boating out of Doctors pass, head north, and set your depth finder and look for our unburied treasure. Grab your snorkle and have a look. Kindly remember that it is only a 50 year old system, and needs to be treated gently. Don't be dropping anchors on the reef. It would be nice if the county put some permanent bouys up so folks can tie off to, rather than dropping an anchor. There will be grouper, snapper, crabs and many other types of marine life. Unlike the coral in the Key's which has mostly died off, ours is alive, and should be 'teaming' with sea life. Enjoy.
For the benefit of the good captain, and my paradise followers who need a map, here's the skinny: According to the Naples Daily News, in an article, by Jeremy Cox, from October 14th, 2005, " Within the distance of a football field from northern Collier County's shores, researchers have discovered a flourishing and sweeping stretch of coral reefs." The good news is that they are within swimming distance from the beach according to Mr. Cox. North of Doctor's pass. It is not yet the quality of the reefs in the Florida Keys, but it will get there and one day make Naples a much more popular diving destination.
So the next time you are boating out of Doctors pass, head north, and set your depth finder and look for our unburied treasure. Grab your snorkle and have a look. Kindly remember that it is only a 50 year old system, and needs to be treated gently. Don't be dropping anchors on the reef. It would be nice if the county put some permanent bouys up so folks can tie off to, rather than dropping an anchor. There will be grouper, snapper, crabs and many other types of marine life. Unlike the coral in the Key's which has mostly died off, ours is alive, and should be 'teaming' with sea life. Enjoy.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Be Prepared
We live in an area where the median age is over 60. Ignoring that the media says 60 is the new 50, it should tell you that we are a retirement area. Lots of us are older and as a result we need to prepare ourselves and our assets for some ultimate distribution.
I am not a lawyer, and do not want to try and give legal advice. What I do want to do is give you some common sense suggestions I have learned from my experience with others.
A friend's father had a serious stroke. A stroke is nature's cruel reminder as to who is, really, in- charge. One day this man is living in a beautiful home with membership in the golf club, his favorite cars in the garage, his boat at the marina and his cash nestled safely in his investment portfolio. The next day he is unable to function in any way, nor was he ever able to again. He died shortly thereafter. This is a blog about paradise and how to enjoy it, but part of enjoying is being prepared so you can, without any worries.
There are no guarantees, nor promises about our future. So as the boys scouts say, "be prepared." Prepared to have your business and properties arranged for that time when you may not be around. You need to take some time today and ask yourself, "what do I want to happen after I am gone?"
Take the time to write it all down. Information about the succession of your business, your properties, your family, your employees. If you do not get it on paper, it will not happen as you want it to. Perhaps you have a key employee who has contributed to your success. You want to make sure he continues in that capacity for your family. It will not happen if you do not set it up now. I say write it all down, but only for the purpose of taking it to your lawyer. Write it down so you can get it all laid out, before you let them create a legal document.
Once you have done all you can to cover the possibilities, for that time, when you may not be around, then smile and go play golf, or enjoy your boat with your spouse, children, and grandchildren. You have worked, now do some playing, do some enjoying. There is no need to worry, you are prepared.
I am not a lawyer, and do not want to try and give legal advice. What I do want to do is give you some common sense suggestions I have learned from my experience with others.
A friend's father had a serious stroke. A stroke is nature's cruel reminder as to who is, really, in- charge. One day this man is living in a beautiful home with membership in the golf club, his favorite cars in the garage, his boat at the marina and his cash nestled safely in his investment portfolio. The next day he is unable to function in any way, nor was he ever able to again. He died shortly thereafter. This is a blog about paradise and how to enjoy it, but part of enjoying is being prepared so you can, without any worries.
There are no guarantees, nor promises about our future. So as the boys scouts say, "be prepared." Prepared to have your business and properties arranged for that time when you may not be around. You need to take some time today and ask yourself, "what do I want to happen after I am gone?"
Take the time to write it all down. Information about the succession of your business, your properties, your family, your employees. If you do not get it on paper, it will not happen as you want it to. Perhaps you have a key employee who has contributed to your success. You want to make sure he continues in that capacity for your family. It will not happen if you do not set it up now. I say write it all down, but only for the purpose of taking it to your lawyer. Write it down so you can get it all laid out, before you let them create a legal document.
Once you have done all you can to cover the possibilities, for that time, when you may not be around, then smile and go play golf, or enjoy your boat with your spouse, children, and grandchildren. You have worked, now do some playing, do some enjoying. There is no need to worry, you are prepared.
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