The central theme of the book is how tribal leaders are able to move individuals within a group to higher stages of culture. Remember that one video on YouTube called Ron Paul: A New Hope, where the guy has the sign that says, “Ron Paul cured my apathy.” That basically describes the movement from stage 2 to stage 3, from the thought “my life sucks” to “I’m great and I can make a difference.” We are now starting to see a movement of individuals forming groups and saying, “we’re great,” a stage 4 mentality. Stage 5 mentality is, “life is great,” and we are starting to see signs of that mentality forming. The difference between stage 4 and 5 is that stage 4 implies that the group has a common enemy where as stage 5 mentality requires no opponent. A stage 5 group’s noble cause is bigger than that based on competition with others.

One of the key concepts in Tribal Leadership is the idea of Core Values and Noble Causes. Core Values are principles that a company holds as concepts they are not willing to compromise on. They are the pillars that make the company strong. Now this got me thinking…that sounds like Ron Paul and his unwaivering principles. He upholds the core values of the United States Constitution!

I found out about Tribal Leadership because I read a book called Delivering Happines by Tony Hsieh, the CEO of Zappos. His company was bought by Amazon for 1.2 billion dollars. The “crazy” thing about Zappos is that they give their employees so much freedom yet they are still profitable. They are only strict when it comes to their core values, they hire and fire based on them. Now let me ask you, doesn’t that remind you of Ron Paul? What makes Ron Paul so “extreme” is that he is willing to put up with so much, willing to accept that people should have liberty and freedom to do as they wish. Ron Paul is only strict when it comes to The Constitution. Ron Paul knows what he will NOT put up with. He understands what his core values are: They form the foundation from which he bases his decisions.

Another concept central to the book Tribal Leadership is the idea of having a Noble Cause. A noble cause allows people to align themselves with an idea. In Ron Paul’s case, his noble cause is to spread the message of freedom and liberty. Many of us were apathetic when it came to politics until we heard about Ron Paul, I know I was. But when he began talking about freedom and liberty, I knew that this movement was something I wanted to be a part of.

I am so proud of everyone who has taken part of the freedom movement. I feel like we are all part of one big tribe. Thanks to all of you. You are my strength.

Side note: Our main core value at our company is “ALWAYS Take a Principled Stance.” Even when it is inconvenient and impractical, we should take a principled stance. Just thought I would share that.

I would really encourage everyone to read Tribal Leadership. If you would like to find out what your personal core values are here are some links to a worksheet and MP3 audio of the author doing a webinar about the core values worksheet.

Mountains and Valleys PDF

Mountains and Valleys MP3 Call Recording

Sony TX9 Unboxing

**Update (8/26/2010): Here’s the video!

So far, I’ve really been enjoying the TX9. The picture quality is great, but I already expected that considering the quality of the my previous camera, the TX1. What really surprised me though was the quality of the AVCHD video. It is buttery smooth and sharp!

The 2 features that I was really excited about, background defocus and HDR mode were slightly disappointing. The background defocus does an okay job of simulating an SLR’s shallow depth of field, but depending on the subject and the situation, it sometimes defocuses things that shouldn’t be out of focus. The HDR mode does a decent job of increasing the dynamic range. I compared it to some of the other modes (which might not be the best idea considering the sensor already does a great job of capturing a range of highlights and shadows) and could not tell much difference. Maybe Sony should have options with the HDR mode that include intensity of the HDR effect as well as a setting to change the number of pictures it takes using different exposures. Right now it only takes two photos and combines them. Maybe if they combined at least 3+ differently exposed photos, the HDR effect might be more obvious.

The 3D feature works well. I don’t have a 3D TV yet, but the in-camera effect does what I expected…it gives multiple perspectives.

I still need to play with the camera more, I’ve only had it a day as of writing this. I will be getting the WX5 soon, so I can compare the two.

(8/25/2010): Just got the TX9 in the mail today. I am currently working on the video. I will keep you posted once I am done editing.

(8/20/2010): I’m still waiting for the camera to arrive at my doorstep. I am very excited to get my hands on the Sony DSC-TX9. I also ordered a WX5 and will be doing a review of that as well.

In an interview between Rachel Maddow and Kentucky Senate candidate Rand Paul, a discussion is setup by Maddow to expose Dr. Rand Paul’s thoughts on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The entire interview was setup from the beginning and continued to focus on a particular belief that Dr. Paul has about a particular aspect of the bill.

The Video (Part 1& 2):

Some statements made by Dr. Rand Paul regarding his position on the Civil Rights Act:

“I believe we should work to end all racism in American society and staunchly defend the inherent rights of every person. I have clearly stated in prior interviews that I abhor racial discrimination and would have worked to end segregation. Even though this matter was settled when I was 2, and no serious people are seeking to revisit it except to score cheap political points, I unequivocally state that I will not support any efforts to repeal the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”

“Let me be clear: I support the Civil Rights Act because I overwhelmingly agree with the intent of the legislation, which was to stop discrimination in the public sphere and halt the abhorrent practice of segregation and Jim Crow laws.”

“As I have said in previous statements, sections of the Civil Rights Act were debated on Constitutional grounds when the legislation was passed. Those issues have been settled by federal courts in the intervening years.”

“My opponent’s statement on MSNBC Wednesday that I favor repeal of the Civil Rights Act was irresponsible and knowingly false. I hope he will correct the record and retract his claims.”

“The issue of civil rights is one with a tortured history in this country. We have made great strides, but there is still work to be done to ensure the great promise of Liberty is granted to all Americans.”

“This much is clear: The federal government has far overreached in its power grabs. Just look at the recent national healthcare schemes, which my opponent supports. The federal government, for the first time ever, is mandating that individuals purchase a product. The federal government is out of control, and those who love liberty and value individual and state’s rights must stand up to it.”

“These attacks prove one thing for certain: the liberal establishment is desperate to keep leaders like me out of office, and we are sure to hear more wild, dishonest smears during this campaign.”

Read Dr. Rand Paul’s Official Statement from his Campaign Website

What are your thoughts? Please comment below. Lets try to keep this an intellectual debate and not a personal one.

#1. Mayweather Jr. has a tough time with southpaws with speed and power

If you watch Mayweather’s fight against Zab Judah, you will see that Zab was able to catch Mayweather with some clean shots in the first few rounds. Mayweather got the win but some say that it was because of Zab’s lack of discipline in training for the fight.

Watch Mayweather vs. Zab Judah Video.

After that fight, Mayweather Sr. called Roger Mayweather from prison and told him never to put his son in the ring with a southpaw ever again.

#2. Punch Output

Pacquiao is relentless with his punches. Just watch his fight against Clottey.

Pacquaio vs. Clottey Video.

You will also notice by watching the Clottey fight that Manny has incredible stamina.

#3. Willing to take punches to give punches

Manny can take a hard punch. He proved that in his fight with hard hitting Miguel Cotto. Miguel Cotto hits harder than Mayweather.

Watch Pacquiao vs. Cotto Video.

Look what happened when Mayweather got hit by Mosley in the second round – he almost went down. Same thing when Zab Judah and Demarcus Corley caught him.

Watch Mayweather vs. Demarcus Corley Video.

Pacquiao hasn’t been down since he’s started fighting in the US.

#4. Freddie Roach knows how to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mayweather Sr. said that he thought his son lost in his fight with Oscar De La Hoya.

Watch Mayweather Sr. say he thought Oscar won. (skip to 7:53)

Who did Mayweather Sr. say he thought won?
Larry Merchant: Oscar or Floyd, who won?
Mayweather Sr.: “Hey man, If you go by point system, you’re gonna have to give it to Oscar”
Freddie Roach trained De La Hoya for that fight. If you watch the highlights from that fight, you can see that De La Hoya knew how to get past Floyd’s Philly Shell and shoulder roll.
What Oscar did that was effective in that fight (and Pacman’s keys to success):

• He used feints to get in range
• He hit Floyd’s lead arm, jabbed to the body and followed up with straight crosses or overhand rights to the head
• Used overhand rights that that exposed Floyd’s head (when he was doing a shoulder roll.) Floyd was then open for a left hook.
• Used lead left hooks. Pacquiao has a looping left that is much faster, has more range and he can get out of the way after. Just watch some of the looping lefts that Pac caught Hatton and Cotto with if you need an example.
• Banged up Mayweather’s body during a clinch to stop Floyd’s punch and hold tactic. Oscar would follow up with punches to the head once distance was created.

Mayweather got the win but it was controversial. Take a look at Mayweather’s right eye after the fight. He obviously got tagged more than he had hoped.

The Philly Shell defense’s weakness is against fighters with high punch volume. You can only cover certain parts of your body and not without exposing other parts. You can only roll so many times without rolling into a punch. You can only duck at the waist so many times before getting caught with an uppercut.

Factoid: One of Roger Mayweather losses is from Zack “Attack” Padilla who once held the record for most punches thrown in a fight.

Zach Padilla on Wikipedia
Roger Mayweather on Boxrec (Loss to Padilla)

Please take a look at the comments. Almost all of them are in disagreement with what the professor is saying.

http://www.forbes.com/2009/05/12/federal-reserve-bernie-sanders-ron-paul-opinions-columnists-talf.html

When you go to Tonik, a health insurance provider which is part of Anthem Blue Cross, you are required to give them your email address to find out what the cost of the specific plans are. Here’s the trick though, you cannot easily unsubscribe from their mailing list. What’s the problem, did they just make a mistake with the email address? A big company like them, I doubt it. I think that they know and don’t care. If you can’t unsubscribe to their emails, then they can keep sending you spam! It says all I had to do was send a blank email. That’s what I did and this is what I got back.

Here are the email messages I got from Tonik when I tried to unsubscribe.

Tonik Message 1:

This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification

THIS IS A WARNING MESSAGE ONLY.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESEND YOUR MESSAGE.

Delivery to the following recipient has been delayed:

unsub@email.tonikhealth.com

Message will be retried for 2 more day(s)

Technical details of temporary failure:
The recipient server did not accept our requests to connect. Learn more at http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=7720
[email.tonikhealth.com (1): Connection timed out]

Tonik Message 2:

This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification

THIS IS A WARNING MESSAGE ONLY.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO RESEND YOUR MESSAGE.

Delivery to the following recipient has been delayed:

unsub@email.tonikhealth.com

Message will be retried for 1 more day(s)

Technical details of temporary failure:
The recipient server did not accept our requests to connect. Learn more at http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=7720
[email.tonikhealth.com (1): Connection timed out]

Tonik Message 3:

This is an automatically generated Delivery Status Notification

Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently:

unsub@email.tonikhealth.com

Technical details of permanent failure:
The recipient server did not accept our requests to connect. Learn more at http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?answer=7720
[email.tonikhealth.com (1): Connection timed out]

Tonik Message 4:

Subject: Still friends?

Okay, we can take a hint. You only like us as a friend.

We get it, you’re the noncommittal type. And we’re fine with that, but since this is our last conversation, you might consider revisiting tonikhealth.com and applying for one of our plans. As we’re sure you’ll remember, Tonik is straight-up, affordable health coverage offered by Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company. If you’re under 30, we can help cover you for $70 to $227 a month. Prices are subject to change and vary depending on your age, where you live, and your medical history. Hopefully, you’ll reconsider and apply for one of our plans today. If not, please think about us every once in a while. I’d like to save a friend some dough. Send this to them now.

Serving California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. ® Anthem is a registered trademark. ® The Blue Cross name and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association. © 2008 Anthem Blue Cross. We respect your privacy, so we’ll leave you alone if you want us to. To unsubscribe, send a blank e-mail to unsub@email.tonikhealth.com. Or contact us at Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company, 2000 Corporate Center Dr., Newbury Park, CA 91320.

The official release date for the 8900 is February 11, 2009, but we received them early by calling T-Mobile and asking very nicely. These are only supposed to be release early to business accounts, but the option IS available on their upgrade screen. So FYI, they can do it it they want to, all they have to do is press the button. Some of the people you will talk to will not do it, some will.

I’ve been using my phone for a few days and I really like it. It is definitely an upgrade from my old 8700. My favorite features are the camera (very good quality), sound quality, speakerphone quality, screen resolution (very sharp, very bright), the keyboard is solid, the GPS is useful, can upgrade the memory to 16GB for music, pictures, movies, lots of apps to download. I’m getting used to the trackball. Just something about the old trackwheel/scrollwheel that was also very satisfying. The wifi is still too slow for my taste.

You can also watch the video of the unboxing in HD by double-clicking on the video, it will take you to YouTube, then choose “High Quality.”

Here’s a good video to get you thinking. Practicality vs. Principle

Please vote your conscience, your vote is not a wasted one if you vote for the person you believe to be the best candidate for president. Please share this and Digg this up.

Glassbooth is one of many websites that help voters choose the right candidate for them. Glassbooth is different in that it asks the user to weight the importance of a set of issues then asks question based on the important issues. After weighing the issues, you are asked how strongly you support or oppose certain statements based on current issues. After the short questionnaire, you are presented with a candidate who’s beliefs match yours. Glassbooth also shows why they’ve chosen the particular candidate as well as the stats for the other candidates it didn’t pick.

Try it out for yourself. Visit www.glassbooth.org. Just keep in mind that every once in a while, politicians lie to voters to get in, then betray them. Once in a while.

Today, Apple announced the new Macbook and Macbook Pro. The obvious design changes include a glossy screen, slightly thinner, rounder edges, no visible screws, no trackpad buttons, a black screen bezel, and black chicklet keys. I won’t get into the technical aspects since the purpose of this is article is to get an idea of what your views are on the design of the new Macbook. Do you like the new direction that Apple is going with their design? What would you have done differently?

My opinion: I kind of liked how the previous Macbook Pro had a single color. It looks expensive. The black on metal looks cheaper to me. I do like how the newer Macbook Pros have less visible screws and no touchpad buttons. I also like that it looks so much thinner. I like the look of the new Macbook Pro, but I would have preferred that they give the option of a single color instead of the duo-tone. Certain aspects of the new Macbooks have some similarities to Sony Vaio SZ and TZ line don’t they? Chicklet keys, duo tone. That is not an insult either, I think the Vaio SZ and TZ lines look great. Look at this guy’s side by side photos: http://flickr.com/photos/voidobjects/2942455030/