Two party communication...

My dad used to get annoyed at Sportscasters and Analysts that would say things like "Boy the Twin's pitching was really bad today." He probably still does to a certain extent, but I think I have taken it to the next level, as I will show in a minute here with a work analogy. He used to say "Do you suppose the other team's HITTERS had anything to do with the outcome, or should we JUST blame the pitching staff?" Even as a kid, this made sense to me. Both parties had something to do with it. Same thing holds true in communication. I actually heard someone say this today...
"I wish someone would explain this correctly."
Since I have the ability to instantly translate what people say into what they actually mean, I will share said translation of the above with you now.
"I don't get it. Can you try explaining it to me in a different way?"
I explain things the best I can, and I have had communications classes from high school, college and the military. I was a Toastmaster, I know how to tailor a message to the audience. I am not saying I am perfect, but what I am saying is this:
"If you don't get it, try to at least entertain the notion that it might be YOU, and not just your perception that I am incapable of the 'correct' explanation."

I'm just sayin...

Update: Dad read it and we should probably credit to the guys he first heard it from.

I first heard that thought on Monday night football, prolly more than thirty years ago--Dan Dierdoof said it to Howard Cosell when Howard had carried on for three quarters on how badly X team was playing. "Howard, you don't think those other guys may possibly have something to do with that?"

My once a month

A young man found himself talking to God.

He asked God how long a million years was to Him. God replied, "A million years to me is just like a single second in your time."

Then the young man asked God what a million dollars was to Him. God replied, "A million dollars to me is just like a single penny to you."

Then the young man got his courage up and asked: "God, could I have one of your pennies?" God smiled and replied, "Certainly, just a second."

No theories left...

Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six children and no theories. - John Wilmot

Ok, I didn't have that many theories, and I don't have that many kids, but you get the idea.

Seth's Blog: The new standard for meetings and conferences

Here's a post from Seth that really, really makes a lot of sense to me.
I come in to my office 5 days a week and some days talk to no one.
Not only is there no face to face interaction, sometimes my emails and voicemails go
completely unanswered until after I have left for the day or even into the next day(s).
Why couldn't I sit at Starbuck's or Caribou and crank out code? I could be anywhere for that
matter, since I HAVE an internet card that works anywhere there is a cell phone signal.
Something to seriously think about.

Michael Yon : Online Magazine » Blog Archive » Joe Galloway 12 March 2008

Michael Yon : Online Magazine » Blog Archive » Joe Galloway 12 March 2008

Everyone should read this guy's blog. Seriously.