NEGOTIATION

This week I interviewed two of the top professionals in their fields on the topic of negotiation. One from the music & entertainment industry and one from the sports industry.

The one thing every one must admire about Jason P. Rothberg is almost every venture he's been involved with has had a charitable component. Jason is trying to help make the world a better place through his career.

The first thing I wanted Jason to tell me was how he learned the art of negotiation. "I was lucky to have great advisers and legal teams willing to back me in my early years.  I would soak up as much knowledge as these wise men would share or display while negotiating on my behalf. I read every contact I could get my hands on and read the trades to know what industry standards I could expect.   Mostly I wanted to work and to get a job one must learn the art of negotiation."

Jason stated that "Every deal is as different as the people your negotiating with.  Be sure to know as much as possible about the person you're dealing with and what his/her or their end game is.  Knowing your own needs and wants is equally as important.  Knowing when to walk away could save everyone a lot of time and energy in the long run.  Not every deal is meant to happen."Every deal is not meant to happen and sometimes the only way you can discover that is from negotiating. Most of us enjoying the feeling of accomplishment or winning but it is vital to not be caught up in those things and forcing a deal to closing that isn't the right deal.

What is his tactic for a difficult negotiation? "TAKE A BREAK! When you are emotional your heart starts to pump faster, your focus is restricted and your mind closes off to possible opportunities.  Try to have a fresh head and a positive outlook, if possible.  Sometimes a short trip to the restroom and a splash of water on your face can make a world of difference. Emotion, be it fear of loosing the deal or anxieties from an outside experience. As soon as the opposing side feels weakness the negotiation is over. In addition to being prepared and confident that you are the best person for the job, I practice meditation which allows me to remain calm and focused.

When I asked Jason about negotiating on behalf of his celebrity clients he had this to say "Its all about celebrity for most brands... this is how a company can assure awareness.  Again, as long as you're not asking for more then what you're offering, deals can be struck.  If you're representing talent, know what their draw is., fan base is the guide rule  As it's the impressions your celeb can offer the brand which will equal the amount they will be willing to pay."

"The biggest mistake is to come off over eager. It makes you look like you have nothing else going on and need this deal to live, its a big no no! As a manager its your job to calm and reassure the artists of the path he/she is on, giving them the confidence in themselves as well as in you. Trusting that you have the knowledge and ability to make this deal happen. If you are unable to talk your talent through dark moments its time to find a new gig."

Chip Howard is a key member of the University of Florida Athletic Association (UAA). Under the superb direction of Athletic Director Jeremy Foley Chip and the rest of the UAA team has laid the foundation for numerous National Championships, SEC Titles, and various other awards in several sports. The Athletic Association constructed some of our nation's top athletic facilities. While a student at UF, I earned my first real professional experience under Chip's guidance. It was a fantastic experience to gain knowledge, learn how to be a professional, and key lessons in business gained from the Athletic Association. Chip is currently the Senior Associate Athletics Director in charge of Internal Affairs and offered these thoughts on negotiation.

Chip how did you learn to negotiate? Did the Athletic Association provide you with training?

"I have not received any direct training from the UAA. However my work experiences over 23 years has allowed me to take part in many negotiations.  I am also an avid reader and often the topics of my books will be negotiation techniques as well as improving my communication skills."

Do you do you practice game theory prior to a negotiation?

"I always try and rehearse how the negotiation should go but keeping in mind that you need to be willing to move in either direction on a moments notice to successfully win a negotiation." Game Theory should provide a blueprint of possible scenarios that may arise and your tactic(s) when each is presented. Game Theory can help to provide confidence by being prepared for a negotiation.

How do you deal with negative emotions when they arise during a negotiation?

"I usually try to put the person at ease either through humor or through having a conversation relating to a common interest like family."

What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced in a negotiation? How did you resolve it (if so)?

The feeling that who I was negotiating with had no interest in reaching a compromise.  I resolved by focusing on other matters first and having a conversation that was neutral to both of our negotiating goals.  From there I slowly moved the conversation towards the subject of the negotiation.  We both had a better sense of trust and at the end met halfway to accomplish the goal.

Chips two responses above are clear indications of how important it is to build Affiliation during and even before a negotiation. His response below is a indication of how important Status can be in a negotiation.

Do you believe that negotiating on behalf of UAA sometimes provides an advantage because companies want to be associated with UF & UAA?

"Yes I do believe that companies would like to associate themselves with our brand.  I have experienced firsthand the power of the University of Florida during many negotiations." This is a key example of how building your brand and status can help make negotiations more smooth and successful.

FEEDING MY DVR!

I resisted subscribing to DVR service for a longtime. I only caved in last fall but immediately noticed the improvement in my Television experience. I tend to resist new technology formats. I was very happy with tapes for music and video until I finally embraced CD's & DVD's. I resisted MP3's for a while too. I still prefer to hold the CD of my favorite artist in my hand and explore the art work but for artist I am less enthused about and only want one or a few of their songs the MP3 is fantastic, I can always burn it to a CD if I choose (I still do not own an MP3 player other then my phone). The DVR is easy to program, I can set permanent reminders to record shows based on the title and channel of the show. I can also program it to record first run only or first run and repeats of shows. When I view my shows it is easy to fast forward and rewind them. When I no longer wish to store them on my DVR, the deletion is easy and it frees up additional recording space. Unlike a VHS tape it does not lose quality with multiple recordings and I never have to worry about the tape getting stuck.

I thought this would be a good opportunity to highlight some quality Television programs that I am currently interested in. I have been enthralled with the Starz series Spartacus. It is getting ready to begin its third installment Spartacus: Vengeance

 

Spartacus: Vengeance begins where the story concluded but Liam McIntyre assumes the role of Spartacus from Andy Whitfield. Andy was excellent in the role! He was not replaced because he pulled some Hollywood temper-tantrum and wanted more money but because Andy is battling cancer. I hate cancer! I offer my full prayers and support to Andy and his family. Andy had already been diagnosed with cancer while filming Spartacus and when you see his conditioning, acting, and athleticism you cannot help form being impressed and respecting the man! I lost my dog Dakota who was the best-friend I have ever had to lymphoma, so I am praying for Andy to beat the disease and a cure to be found so no one else has to suffer from it. The above trailer is impressive, its a bit challenging for me watching Liam play Spartacus because I am conditioned to watching Mr. Whitfield in the role but I am sure Liam will do a great job. If you have not watch the series it is worth investing in on Starz or DVD rental. 

TNT pulled off a victory in relaunching the Dallas brand on their network. You'll see in this promotional video that the look, feel, and main characters appear to remain in tact. It has potential but my hope is that the for main characters appearing in this are featured and not secondary performers. The scripts need to be original rather then having JR's and Bobby's sons rehash the same plot lines as their Daddy's. JR Ewing is one of the finest and most interesting and iconic characters in the history of TV. It is worth giving the show a chance just for JR.

Entourage just started its final season, the first episode was alright. It was a catch-up the viewer episode on what has happened to the characters since we last saw them. I wasn't overly impressed, it could have been much better but episode 2 is on my DVR to view on command. Reports have surfaced that a script for an Entourage movie already exist and that Producer Mark Wahlberg may finance it himself (why wouldn't he he'll make a killing with it?). The other HBO show that plays on the same night as Entourage that I watch is, Curb Your Enthusiasm. I didn't like episode one at all but episode two was very funny! I wonder if that chicken place actually exist? HBO is also airing one of my favorite shows of all-time in Game of Thrones. It is as well written and produced as HBO's Rome which was prematurely folded despite high-ratings and strong fan base. Game of Thrones will be discussed in greater detail in a future blog.

The movie I am waiting for in 2012 is The Dark Knight Rises! This is the third installment of the Christopher Nolan series. Speculation is that Nolan will only be involved in these three Batman movies but I think he would be a fool to end his involvement. Perhaps he won't direct future Batman films but his role in shaping the story and producing is vital. Nolan has been involved in great films like American Psycho, The Prestige, etc. but his best work comes from the Batman series. He'll never run out of story lines, the studio will continue to give him complete control, and he earns a massive fortune every few years that enables him to do any other type of film project he desires. The main villains appear to be Bane and Catwoman in this film but there are numerous other actors assigned to the project that have yet to be linked to characters, so it will be interesting to see who else crops up in this. The story appears to at least follow the Batman novel/series Knightfall. I will see it twice on opening day just like I have done with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.

My DVD player faithfully records the show Sons of Guns for me. I did not believe I would like this show but its fantastic! It features a cast of characters from Southern Louisiana that are expert gun builders. They create, repair, and modify weapons like few can. They have invented a few specialties of their own. This show sucks you in. Discovery Channel has another show entitled Dual Survival that has the same effect of making you watch it after you started. Two very different survival experts, Cody Lundin and Dave Canterbury demonstrate survival techniques in some of the planet's most unforgiving terrains. Why won't Cody wear shoes & long pants anywhere?

I have recently been watching Lion Country. I love this show and I want David Youldon's job! The work they are doing is reminiscent of George Adamson and Tony Fitzjohn's work. They are teaching captive bread lions to be wild but doing it very gradually and in totally fenced in large natural habitats. The descendants of the lions being introduced to these safe but wild places will be released into the wild. I cannot wait to volunteer at Antelope Park one day and get to work with these lions! A similar show and program with the same purpose is Cheetah Kingdom. The Cheetahs and Lions face the same issues for their survival, poaching and loss of habitat. The programs are very similar and run by people with great hearts. These shows are so inspiring. I wish they would have has shows like this when George Adamson was alive and working with lions and other big cats. Perhaps it would have helped fund their efforts and provided the lions and staff alike some protection from the locals that would end up murdering many animals and humans alike.

Spartacus and Batman are two projects I'd love to act in and one day I will!

HOW THE DEATH OF AMY WINEHOUSE REFLECTS ON THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

It was announced on July 23, 2011 that British singer Amy Winehouse died in her London home. It has created a buzz all around the world but not because it happened but that it finally happened. The world has been expecting Amy's death for several years. Amy was a talented singer and could have had a secure and profitable career for decades to come. She could have done things in her life time with ease that most people dream of doing. She has critical acclaim heaped onto her, she won 5 Grammy Awards,  she won a Brit Award for Best British Female Artist; and she was a three time winner of the Ivor Novello Award. It simply wasn't good enough for her. It wasn't going to make her happy or fulfilled. Amy had dark, dark demons inside of her. She has battled drug & alcohol abuse and several health issues associated with that abuse. What was she hoping to get out of them? Was she trying to mask some pain? Why did Amy begin using drug and alcohol in the first place? Did she do it to fit in or because she was modeling the behavior of famous performers she admired? Was she abusing herself to try to avoid dealing with deep-seeded emotional issues? I do not know and perhaps few others do. I do wonder about those people around Amy who continued to help her use drugs. I know her parents (God Bless them) tried to save her and get her off drugs but there had to be many friends and business associates around her that enabled her. A junkie is much easier to manipulate and control then a person who's mind, body, and soul are sober. I believe some people had an interest in keeping her a drug addict. Could a clean and sober Amy continue to sing her hit Rehab? Did the marketing department help seal her image as Amy the talented druggie who sings Rehab? If you recall how much fame and praise this song earned Amy you'll see that it may have helped seal her identity, self-image, and ultimately her fate. Much of the world's media cheered on Amy's drug addiction and her defiance of a sober life. Perhaps if they had condemned her she would have had more incentive to become clean and sober? How many more artist will fall into the trap of the abuse, manipulation, and exploitation of those in and around the entertainment business?

Amy is already more popular in the hours after her death then she was during her life. Sales of Winehouse's albums increased 37 times between Friday and Saturday, while track sales were up by 23 times according to The Official Charts Co. They are expecting a number one for her shortly. The people purchasing the album now are not fans or lovers of her music, they are those who enjoy the freak show, the rubberneckers slowing down to visit the car wreck, and the Jerry Springer watchers. I often refer to this segment of society as "the sheep". They listen to what the media tells them is good and they embrace it, not because they have made the decision for themselves but because they are going where the largest crowd is. They are often the ones led to slaughter. I remember several people telling me when Britney Spears released her first single they thought it was terrible but they kept hearing it on the radio and seeing the video on TV and eventually thought it was good. It got jammed down their throats enough times by the manipulators in the entertainment business and they accepted it. How sad is it that people are skyrocketing sales of her album after her death when they didn't value it enough to purchase it when she was alive? Amy isn't around to enjoy the increased sales and exposure. I am hoping the money goes to her family but make no mistake, her record company, publishing company, and numerous others are going to profit off of her big time!

Pete Townshend once said that he eventually realized Rock-N-Roll was fueled by bodies. It is true, many musicians die young and most of them do it to themselves. I remember reading other musicians saying they tried various drugs, got a house somewhere, got a certain guitar or car because a musician they admired did so. How stupid and immature is that? However, it fits the emotional profile of many who enter the entertainment business. They want the acceptance and don't realize how expensive the cost is. The musicians I grew up admiring were like De mi-gods to me but the only time they ever looked pathetic in my eyes was when they were talking about drug use. I learned never to use drugs because of the price I observed them paying. Topper Headon was the best drummer in the world until he began abusing heroin. Producer Sandy Pearlman had Topper play the drum tracks once the normal way and then once backwards on every track of The Clash's "Give 'Em Enough Rope".  He could play any style of music expertly, he was a seasoned performer, and was nick-named the "Human Drum Machine". Even when abusing drugs Topper was a great musician, Topper is one of the main writers of Rock The Casbah. The other members of the Clash could no longer tolerate his drug abuse and they fired him from one of the biggest bands in the world. Sadly this was one of the events that led to the premature end of the Clash. This cost all of them in money, fame, emotion, success etc. and it cost their fans dearly. Thankfully after many years of struggle, attempts at rehab and even time in prison for providing the heroin that killed a friend Topper has been clean and sober for many years and still drumming incredibly even if he isn't in a major band. This is what I would have hoped for Amy but I believe Topper had better people around him that put him ahead of money or their own self interest.

I wonder what impact it would have on the world if athletes, artist, entertainers, and politicians actually had to pay severe consequences for their actions? Too often they get away with a slap on the wrist compared to the consequences the average citizen would pay. What message would it send to the next generation that if you do something wrong you pay a severe price? Amy Winehouse paid with her life but the media, those who will profit off her, and others will glorify Amy show much that the only message people will get from it is that Amy's behavior is great and there is a lot of benefits from acting as she did. Amy's body has been tossed onto the fire that is Rock-N-Roll it will help fuel an industry that profits too much of these types of events.

@ All Photos, video, and media rights belong to the owner of those rights.

The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line on Big Audio Dynamite Live at the Roseland Ballroom New York City!

As I entered the Roseland Ballroom in Manhattan I thought that one night many years ago my Father approached my Mother and politely asked for a dance. This was their first meeting and if it had not gone as well as it did I would never have existed. I saw the stairs my Mother had described to me and then my thoughts were quickly interrupted by friends from around the world approaching. It was great to see them again and to finally meet friends that I'd spoken with over the phone or Internet.

 I entered the ballroom and was impressed by it's size and aesthetics. Fantastic looking venue with great acoustics. I quickly bumped into Big Audio Dynamite Gerry Harrington. He is a sharped dress man and a character in his own right. We chatted about the band, the city, and the show. I spoke with a few more friends on the way to the VIP section and was thrilled to see I had the first seat in it. The VIP section is on an elevated side stage to the right of the main stage. The view was not perfect because I couldn't see drummer Greg Roberts and could only see keyboardist Dan Donovans knee caps but I could see Mick Jones, Leo Williams, and Don Letts perfectly.

The show started two hours late or right on time by New York standards. New York is one of the cities that has a notoriously late arriving audience, perhaps they just wised up to the bands or the bands wised up to the crowd but that is how it works there. I recalled watching the Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros special on HBO that was recorded at the venue years earlier. It made me wonder if Mick was thinking about Joe that night or Gerry his former manager. The great thing about concerts in New York is there are always lots of characters. I was not sitting with the friends that I came with but I could see them on the main floor. I was able to strike up conversations with fans and celebrities alike before the show. Seated in my section was Fred Armisen and other members of the Saturday Night Live cast, Mike Demint the bass player from Green Day, members of Talking Heads, famed photographers Bob Gruen, Josh Cheuse, and others. Matt Dillion was buzzing around, executives from Sony, and various other entertainment giants.

Big Audio Dynamite brought their own DJ from London to pump up the crowd. He was appreciated by the sold out audience but the fans could not wait for BAD to take the stage. I spoke with Greg Roberts' drum tech Loki Dread before the show, he is an awesome person with a fantastic Mohawk. Finally I could see the band gathering to the side of the stage ready to take the city by storm. When they rushed on stage it was an explosion of love from the audience.

Mick Jones and BAD have built the most loyal fan base in music because going back to Mick days with the Clash they always put their fans first while pumping out some of the most vital and ground breaking music in history. There is a long history of giving fans jobs, hotels, sneaking them into shows, always taking time with fans, and fighting the record company to sell the albums at a fair price.

Medicine Show was the first song of the night and Rush was the last. It is stunning how amazing this band sounds live! How do they get that sound? They are all veteran performers and it showed. This is a band in top form even having been only recently reunited and performing a handful of dates prior to this. It is stunning to think it will only get better. I am so excited for the next shows and albums. Mick Jones is just comfortable on stage and well in command of the stage and audience. He's one of the greatest guitar players of all time from the most influential band of all time, from one of the top three greatest songwriting duos of all time (Strummer/Jones), and a member of the Rock-N-Roll Hall-of-Fame.

This is the original Big Audio Dynamite lineup. They did the first four albums before the other four members split from Mick Jones. Mick replaced the entire band and I was lucky enough to see them three times on the MTV 120 Minutes Tour, The U2 Zoo Tour, and then in Orlando, FL with the band LIVE. I would manage guitarist Nick Hawkins from that line up of Big Audio Dynamite. Nick passed away in 2005 and I was devastated. He had left Big Audio Dynamite a few years before and Mick Jones decided to take time off. Nick was in great spirits on the day he passed, I could tell from the email he sent me that morning. We often spoke of a Big Audio Dynamite reunion and I wonder if Nick would have been included with this? I think he would have been the only non-original member to be included because he was the only other guitarist other then Mick Jones to ever play in the band. I could almost feel him there beside me. Rush is the only song performed that was not written and recorded by the original line up but it is Big Audio Dynamite's biggest hit-to-date. You can see me to the right of the stage at top of the screen during Rush around 4:10 of this Youtube clip.

The after party took place at the Library at the Hudson Hotel. Don Letts from Big Audio Dynamite was DJ-ing and spinning a tremendous blend of music. All of the celebrities from the show arrived and did all of the band except for bass player Leo Williams. It was great night of spending time strengthening friendships and building new ones and the soundtrack to the entire evening was magnificent! It was worth going there sick, exhausted, the hassle of travel, and being overloaded with projects for school. This is a band that is able to create a live sound and show that few can come close to matching. It is no wonder why so many celebrities and other musicians make it a point to make it to their shows wherever they are playing. If you have the opportunity to see them perform live make sure that you do because they are outta sight and dynamite, its BAD but in a great way!

Final Photo and Mike Dirnt Photo@Joanna Huszcza Hennessy

Mick Jones and Fred Armisen Photo@ Big Audio Dynamite

All Other Photos@George J. Baldacchino

All Video @their uploader.

Fantastic Animal Films!

In the past year several animal documentaries have been released. These are not your Mother's animal films but the next generation of films that are being released to wider audiences. The Disney Nature film African Cats is a wonderful example of what these documentary films are becoming. Shot with the highest possible resolution cameras and the best quality audio, the films are stunning in size and scope.

There is more story telling involved in these films. These films can have a tremendously positive impact on animal conservation programs around the world. Years from now I am sure we will learn the stories of great conservationist who were deeply inspired by these filmmakers. I grew up being fascinated and enthralled with Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. I was plastered to my parents television in silence watching these far away places with these monumental stories of life, death, and survival. The stories often featured a lot of love, tenderness, and family. It seems Mother Nature is the world's finest screen-writer, the stories she writes have it all and the stories are as real as it gets. These types of shows helped to create my love and passion for animals and they continue to help it grow.

The story line of African Cats revolves around a pride of lions and a cheetah mother and her young. They are all trying to survive "in the wildest place on Earth". Like every great story each has their antagonist. The Cheetah family faces problems with lions, leopards, baboons, and hyenas. The pride of lions from crocodiles, buffalo, and other lions. They both struggle with the harsh elements of Africa and the need to feed large families while remaining safe.

The National Geographic film The Last Lions narrated by Jeremy Irons tells the story of a lioness and her surviving cubs as they flee their territory in search of a safe haven. Their pride was taken over and the mother took all of her cubs that she could rather then see them killed. It is a very difficult feat for a lone lioness to raise cubs on her own. She must leave them without protection to hunt to feed them. They do not have the benefit of other lionesses to help to feed or protect them nor does this mother  have her own territory for them to live. Being a nomadic lion is dangerous because other lions may attack if they catch a nomad in their territory.

Morgan Freeman narrates the IMAX 3D film Born Wild. The film features orphan orangutans and orphan elephants. It discusses how something simple like the Palm Oil used for cooking is leading to the murder and mutilation of the orangutan's habitat in the forest of Borneo. The local farmers burn down their ancient forest often burning the animals to death or will kill them in order to plant more palm trees that produce the oil. Two girl scouts recently began petitioning their own organization to stop using palm oil in their cookies. While palm oil does provide income for the local farmers there are numerous alternatives for cooking.

The other orphans in Born Wild are Kenyan Elephants. Wild elephants face most of their dangers from humans poaching, trophy hunting, and in land disputes. Elephants follow the same paths their ancestors have for thousands of years. There aren't many city planners in Africa who thoughtfully research the best place for new human developments where there will be minimal conflict with wild animals. In Africa settlements and farms often crop up in wild places where they should not be. Loss of habitat is the most dangerous issue for all animals in the world and must be controlled.

The new generation of films owe a great deal to the film makers who came before them. I remember watching Tarzan films on Saturdays as a boy and enjoying everything about them. I was fascinated how Tarzan lived with the animals. The shots and sequences were brilliant for the time. I think in a way I wanted to be Tarzan. I try to help animals now because of the example Tarzan set in the films.

The movie Born Free has an enormous impact on me. Born Free tells the story of Elsa the Lioness, who was raised by George and Joy Adamson. They would later be forced to either send her to the zoo (like her sisters) or release her into the wild. Although Elsa was indeed born a wild lion, she did not posses the necessary skills or knowledge of lion behavior. George and Joy went through a traumatic and ultimately triumphant journey with Elsa in helping her to be a wild lion again. Elsa never lost her love or bond with the George and Joy. Even when she lived in a wild pride and had cubs she brought the cubs to visit her human friends.

The actors in the film would grow to love and be devoted to their animal costars and George Adamson who managed the lions on the film. The lions came from a variety of backgrounds but were all hand reared. George, Bill, and Virginia could not understand the logic in making a movie about a lion getting her freedom and then returning lions (and a now famous elephant) used in the filming to captivity. They fought to have has many of the lions from the movie given to George Adamson who would attempt to turn them into a wild pride. Bill and Virginia decided to move into the producers chair and make a documentary film about it to help finance George's cost. Sadly they were only given 7 lions but all seven went onto great success as a wild pride. The remaining lions were sent to Zoo's and circuses. One of the male lions named Boy would become Adamson's closest friends.

George and Boy would later star in another movie entitled Christian the Lion.

  Bill and Virginia found Christian living in a London furniture shop ironically named Sophistocat. Christian's owners wanted a better life for him and new the time was nearing when he would be unable to live in London. Bill and Virginia moved Ace, John, and Christian to their country estate to give him a better life while they worked with George and the Kenyan government to get Christian to Africa. Bill and Virgina used the proceeds from the movie they were filming about Christian to again provide funding to George and his lions. Boy did not provide Christian with a warm welcome but they did become the best of friends.

These films all show the tremendous capacity for love. They illustrate the best potential relationships between humans and many animals. We can live in trust and friendship with many of them and many good natured humans do. These films illustrate the need to educate more people on animals and how our decisions impact them in a matter of life-and-death. It shows how the good people of the world must stop the evil people and those who act without thought before entire species of animals are extinct. Since the 1950's the lion population in Africa has dropped by over 80%! The people of Africa would be wise to protect the creature who most signifies Africa. If the lions and elephants are all gone it is doubtful anyone would visit Africa as a tourist.

All of these films are currently in theaters or available on DVD and will touch you deeply. Please share them with your friends and consider making a donation of any amount to The Born Free Foundation
or Wild Life Now Foundation & George Adamson/Tony Fitzjohn Trust.

All photos courtesty of Derek Cattani, Drew Fellman/Warner Brothers Pictures, Disney Films, National Geographic Entertainment and the Father of Lions website.

PROVOKING INSPIRATION

I watched a fantastic and inspiring speech by J.K. Rowling and wanted to share my insights on her insight. J.K. Rowling is best known for being the author and creator of the Harry Potter series of books. Her books are some of the best-selling of all time and have been turned into a immensely valuable movie & merchandise franchise.

Rowling grew up in a family of little financial wealth and after college graduation would fall to "lowest level of poverty one could endure in Great Britain without being homeless". In her, June 2008 speech at Harvard University Rowling details her life post-college and prior to mega success in a speech she entitled The Fringe Benefits of Failure. She is a enjoyable public speaker. She immediately won the audience by telling them of the weeks of anxiety she had over giving the speech but that it "helped her to lose weight and now all that I have to do is squint at the red banners in the back and pretend that I am at the world's largest Gryffindor convention". She threw in a gay wizard joke and also maintains a enjoyable pace and remains on topic while entertaining her audience.

It is provocative to go to a world renowned university where so many Presidents, Congress people, business leaders, and other titans of numerous fields have graduated from and speak about failure and how it can be beneficial. Harvard sells the success of its university and those who have graduated from it. They don't focus on failure they focus on success. Harvard invited J.K. Rowling to speak because she is so successful and wealthy. The graduates are eager to get our in the world and make their mark and yet she is going to come there and tell them that failure can be a good thing? She did and it may have been the most valuable lesson they learned during their entire tenure at Harvard. She pointed out that although Harvard does not insulate people from life and its ups-and-downs that by the fact they were Harvard graduates they probably had not yet truly come to know failure.

She discusses the importance of following your passion and ambition and not the ambitions and goals that others have for you. Her parents never wanted her to become a writer, they felt it would lead only to a live of unhappiness and poverty yet when she finally began to follow her own passion it led to nearly unmatched wealth in the world, fulfillment, and happiness. Her and her parents both wanted the same things for her but they had different ideas of how she should obtain those goals. After following a path that was her parents and not her own for 7 years after graduation she found herself on government assistance, was diagnosed with clinical depression, contemplated suicide, divorced, a single parent, and directionless.

During her Harvard speech she said "Failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything than what I was, and began to direct all my energy to finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one area where I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realized, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter, and a big idea. And so rock bottom became a solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life."

While living on welfare and odd jobs she began writing her first Harry Potter book. She knew before she ever attended college she desired to write novels but her parents pushed her towards a different path that was not her own.What has she gained from her failure and the insight and perspective to finally follow her own passion?

"As of March 2011, when its latest world billionaires list was published, Forbes estimated Rowling's net worth to be US$1 billion.^[9] The 2008 Sunday Times Rich List estimated Rowling's fortune at £560 million ($798 million), ranking her as the twelfth richest woman in Great Britain.^[10] Forbes ranked Rowling as the forty-eighth most powerful celebrity of 2007,^[11] and Time magazine named her as a runner-up for its 2007 Person of the Year, noting the social, moral, and political inspiration she has given her fandom.^[12] In October 2010, J. K. Rowling was named 'Most Influential Woman in Britain' by leading magazine editors.^[13] She has become a notable philanthropist, supporting such charities as Comic Relief, One Parent Families, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain, and Lumos (formerly the Children's High Level Group)."-Sourced from Wikipedia.org

I found her speech empowering, moving, and 100% similar to my own life journey. My parents, especially my Father often had different goals for me then I did for myself. I have always been drawn to creativity, music, film, writing, reading, sports, communication, animals, history, travel, leadership, innovation, and excitement, etc.. The first job I accepted after graduation was OK but the company was not honest and was constantly trying to rewrite agreements to avoid paying me the agreed compensation as the goals were reached. I quit and formed my own business producing sports related seminars. I organized, sold, promoted the first one in 2.5 months and earned a significant 5-figure profit. I went to my parents house following the event and when asked informed my Dad how much I earned and he replied "that is great now go get a job". He'd often call me up to tell me about the assistant manager he met while shopping that wasn't earning half-annually of what I made in 2.5 months. I had plenty of other people that wanted to offer me low-expectations because that is where their comfort so is but it has never been where mine is. I am a high-achiever and need to be in order to be at my happiest.


I went on to greater success in sports, music, and business consulting. However, I haven't yet achieved the levels I am meant for. The reason is because like J.K.'s parents I had people placing their low expectations, goals, and fears upon me. Often when an opportunity for greater success would be presented it would frighten or overwhelm me because of the programming I allowed to occur over the years. I was leading a good life nonetheless when due to a manufactures defect my Toyota 4Runner lost control, flipped over, and spun around on the roof several times before finally coming to a stop on one of the busiest roads in Gainesville, FL during rush hour. I barely was able to keep my beloved Golden Retriever Dakota in the vehicle by placing my hands on him every time I saw red flash before me. When we came to a stop I was hanging upside-down by my seat belt and he was standing on the roof just above the windshield.  He ran off when they pried the doors open and I was worried I'd lose him after just saving him. Thankfully he came out of the bushes he hid himself in to avoid capture by the good Samaritans that were chasing him. I stood there holding him on the median after the EMT's, witnesses, and most of the police had left, the rain pouring down upon us, my paid off vehicle being totaled and assessing where I was and what I needed to do to make it better. I figured I would just go out and make even more money to again drive a new vehicle without payments, to cover the increased insurance, and to regain my life via the physical therapy I would obviously need. I had no idea of where my life was headed. I spent the next 4 years in physical therapy, working sporadically because of the pain. I faced unsteady income but at times still every substantial.

I was pushed into new lines of work, I would meet my hero about a month later and by the end of the year Joe Strummer would have been dead. My Father passed away in October after a battle with Parkinson's. Reading about J.K.'s Mother battling Multiple-Sclerosis reminded me of my Father and I know how that disease effected her and her Mother even before her passing. I'd have other episodes of very bad fortune, identity theft more then once, numerous friends, dogs, loved ones, and clients dying unexpectedly. Each one a new trauma and brought back the pain of the previous ones. I decided that everyone with low expectations must be right and that was the way to have a good and safe life. It wasn't it was a way to become miserable, unhappy, and directionless. All the life was sapped out of me and I allowed it. Thank God I had my dog Dakota to love and inspire me! I do not know what I would have done with out him, he took care of me during the worst years of my life and often was my only direct companionship and source of love as my family did not live nearby.

What I hope anyone reading gets out of J.K. and my story is the minute you start pursuing those things in life that you are passionate about you become happier and lighter. J.K. is extra inspiring to me because like her I am a writer, work in the entertainment industry, and as it turns out we are both huge Clash fans. Joe Strummer often repeated "What one person can do another can do" and listening to J.K. and the Clash connection it made me think of Joe.


When you start following your life's passions life become significantly easier for you in all areas. It isn't always perfect but it is 100% better. J.K. rightfully states that "achievable goals are the first step to self-improvement."

If you are reading this and unfulfilled be a good student and take to heart the lessons J.K. and I learned the hard way. She passionately implored you to discover your true ambitions and pursue them without delay and I can tell you it is the best lesson you will ever learn and you don't have to go to Harvard to get it.


In Loving Memory of Dakota Oberon Baldacchino June 22, 1999-January 7th, 2011. If I can live my life the way he lived his, I will have a extroadinary and happy life.

Highlighting the Motion Picture Association of America

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), was founded in 1922 to resist increased government censorship and to foster a more favorable image of the motion picture industry. The MPAA evolved the voluntary film rating system (Hays Code) giving creative and artistic freedoms to producers and directors, while fulfilling its core purpose of informing parents about the content of films so they can determine what movies are appropriate for their kids. If they do a credible job of self-policing themselves then they avoid government scrutiny. The MPAA focuses most of its efforts on safeguarding intellectual property rights, creating new markets, innovation, and awareness.
 
On May 12, 2011, the Protect IP Act was introduced to the United States Senate. This act is designed to protect Intellectual Property, from copyright infringement, illegal copying, distribution, showing, downloading, trading and more. This is not just from individuals but from international businesses and other countries. China is one of the leading violators of intellectual property rights. It appears the Chinese have a national policy of stealing from others but is very capable of enforcing these laws if it is a Chinese company.

Businesses and countries have a challenging time enforcing the existing laws when countries such as China have a clear policy to not cooperate in the enforcement of the laws. With China owning large amounts of other countries debts it views this as a license to steal. Much of the pirated materials or knock off items you find on the streets of NY originate in China. Chinese companies without start-up, production, research & development, and marketing cost are able to manufacture very similar items and sell them at a fraction of the cost. This tactic cost legitimate companies billions annually.

The MPAA has produced some figures to prove why it is an important association and why the industry is valuable.

• We support a national community of 2.4 million workers — costume designers to make-up artists, stuntmen to set builders, writers to actors, accountants to dry cleaners — employed in all 50 states of our union.
• We are a powerful engine of economic growth that contributes more than $180 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
• We are an industry overwhelmingly comprised of middle-class workers earning a living wage.
• We are a professional community that contributes more than $15 billion annually to federal and state tax coffers.
• We are one of the few industries to run a positive balance of trade in virtually every country in which we do business.

It is these types of facts that provide the organization with strength and leverage in dealing with other organizations, selling it's services to members, countries, and politicians. While most filmmakers worry more about governments over taxing their profits, their biggest concerns today deal with copyright and intellectual property enforcement. It will be beyond challenging for a filmmaker or studio to earn a profit if street vendors and computer hackers from New York to Honk Kong are allowed to sell pirated copies. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas simply would not be capable of protecting themselves from this international crime. The MPAA must adapt to ever changing technology and varying formats to protect the legitimate members of the industry.

According to the MPAA, "approximately ninety percent of newly released movies that are pirated can be traced to thieves who use a digital recording device in a movie theater to literally steal the image and/or sound off the screen. Camcorder theft is one of the biggest problems facing the film industry. All it takes is one camcorder copy to trigger the mass reproduction and distribution of millions of illegal Internet downloads and bootlegs in global street markets just hours after a film’s release and well before it becomes available for legal rental or purchase from legitimate suppliers."

It is daunting to think of how difficult a mission the MPAA and its partners face in protecting themselves from piracy. They have stepped up surveillance and awareness in theaters, constantly check online file sharing sites, and are working on numerous legislation with many countries to help stop piracy.

Unlike many professional organizations the MPAA is necessary and valuable to its members.