Gung Ho! Book Review

                                       In Control of Achieving the Goal

In Ken Blanchard & Sheldon Bowles book titled: "Gung Ho!" elaborates on the many lessons we can learn by observing God's wonderful creatures. Spirit of the squirrel, way of the beaver and gift of the goose conveys meaningful messages on motivating people to work more efficiently. Only three simple steps were used to save 1,500 jobs as plant manager Peggy Sinclair asked for advice from an old Indian chief.  

Written in an easy to understand format, "Gung Ho!" is an inspirational story about Peggy Sinclair and Andy Longclaw working together to save the jobs at Walton Works. They never explained what they manufactured but what they did fabricate was better morale and more production. My only two questions for this book was the product and where the property was located. That would have gave me a better understanding regarding the economics of the situation.

The Spirit of the Squirrel implements Worthwhile work by helping others to achieve the same goal.  Moral values are the real boss as suggested by Longclaw and stated that these little critters keep the forest clean by removing rubbish. Having the knowledge of making the environment a better place has a reward all its own as decisions, actions and ambitions are shared. 

My favorite part of this book was Gift of the Goose and the TRUE (Timely, Responsive, Unconditional, Enthusiastic) congratulations concept. I learned the reason why geese honk at each other and the motive is to cheer one another on during long winter flights. If people could do the same as our feathered friends, maybe the struggle of life would not be so challenging with the right support. 

Most folks enjoy being bitter and seek pleasure in lashing out at one's mistake. This is not good if you are a business manager and chances are that your employees will quit and find a less hostile place to work. 

The only drawback from this book was that the story lacked detail. However, I did get a better understanding on motivation and determination. This book is ideal for business professionals that offers valuable insight on working together as a team. Without a team, there is no game. Without a game, there is no victory and with no victory everyone becomes a loser.

     

       

110th Chicago Auto Show

                                           Let The Good Times Roll

GMC Sierra Snow Truck

First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the largest car show  in the nation and continues with over a century of Windy City tradition. Spanning over one million square feet of production, concept vehicles and exhibit space, we shall take a look at some of my top choices for 2018. "It's a popular show," explained Ford's Vice President, Mark LaNeeve. "This really kicks off the spring selling season," LaNeeve adds to say.

Despite the blizzard of fear, it will be hard travels for many auto enthusiasts this year as thousands of flights were canceled at both O'Hare and Midway due to inclement weather. Normally the Chicago Auto Show is packed with press geeks and car dealers from around the world. But with the heavy snow, many could not make it to the 2018 Auto Show. Under those circumstances, the McCormick Place has a number of CTA trains and buses along with weekend-shuttles located near Millennium Park. 

1973 Bel Air Police Crusier.

Very soon, I was warm and very comfortable inside this massive showroom floor examining the Klairmont Kollections, a Super Car Gallery and some vintage police cruisers. The Star Wars exhibit was pretty damn weak and not everyone will be happy paying $13.00 seeing the same old cars year after year. By nature, I am a rabid fanatic of both speed,danger, and future concept vehicles. But those were the good old days. Things are different now and looking at an X-Wing Honda  is not my idea of a good time. No Sir. Someone is being very cheap or extremely lazy and not giving the public what they really want.

 Aside from that,  I was all jazzed-up  seeing the Bat Mobile from Larry Klairmont's private collection. With over 300 cars and award winning vehicles from the early 1900's to the present,  Larry has something for just about anyone who loves cars. For those who love crime fighting, Greg Reynolds displayed his 1973 Chevrolet Bel Air police crusier.  Fully loaded with 15 inch wheels, a heavy duty transmission and a BO7 cop chassis, could out preform a felon and split their melon during capture. 

Rolls-Royce Phantom 

On the other hand, I enjoy being an outlaw and would love being in a high speed chase driving a Phantom Drophead Rolls-Royce down Interstate 55 at a reckless acceleration. Topping out at 155 MPH and no toll ways, this 453 horsepower engine is perfect for eluding the Chicago Gestapo. And with this $492,00 price tag, only an outlaw that reeks with fraud could afford such a luxury.  My karma is too clean to own this Super Car and for now, I'll stay green and ride my bike. 

That's about all I have for this report my friends. Being an outlaw journalist and staying out of jail will not be easy this year. But rest assure, let the good times roll.

Bat Man & The Evil Genius
Photos by: Gina Pfeiffer

What Does This Button Do: Book Review

                      The Life & Times of Heavy Metal Vocalist, Bruce Dickinson

Somewhere back in time during 1987 I had the chance to meet Iron Maiden's second drummer, Nicko McBrian at Guitar Center in Chicago while he was promoting Paiste drum cymbals. This was to also spark interested in Iron Maiden's future release titled: "Seventh Son of the Seventh Son," a concept album about a boy with paranormal gifts. In 1995 I was granted an interview with the courtesy of Sanctuary Music Unlimited when I met with Ian Day whom took me back stage where lead guitarist, Dave Murray was waiting. Entering a small private room at the Vic Theater, Mr. Murray and I talked about the success of Iron Maiden and their undead mascot named Eddie. At 15-years of age, Murray told me that he dropped out of school to start a band with Steve Harris. "Bruce and Adrian left on their own, explained lead guitars Dave Murray and after my interview, I got a chance to meet Steve Harris and had seen the best concert of my life.

I never had a chance to acquaint myself with Bruce Dickinson and after several failed attempts trying to contact Rod Smallwood, I said to myself, "Fuck chasing this dead dream, and I quit Heavy Metal journalism. However, in 2018 Bruce Dickinson wrote a book titled: "What Does This Button Do?" and within seven days I was able to complete Dickinson's 366 page autobiography. I learned that dreams die hard for everyone, especially for Dickinson's parents as they ceased to achieve higher learning and stayed locked down to the blue-collar working class. Regardless, Dickinson's list of achievements include: a PhD in music, radio host interviewer, commercial pilot and lead front man of Iron Maiden. 

Pictures courtesy of: Harper Collins 

Under those circumstances, Martin Freshwater, Noddy White and countless names where dropped and that Bruce Dickinson went on tour with Rainbow and .38 Special. Maiden's PA equipment was hi-jacked by bandits over seas and later Dickinson undergone eleven radiation treatments while battling cancer. My favorte part of this book was chapter 30 titled: "Wing Nut." Taking to the skies in southern California is where Dickinson learned to fly a C-152 over Cajon Pass. 

Bruce Dickinson was able to offer some deeper insights on his world travels, touring and his battle with cancer. The language was a bit dry and could have used stronger attention to detail. On the other hand, Dickinson is a master songwriter and a champion of Heavy Metal. Writing a book does not come easy and his overall presentation was well delivered to his fans and new readership. I strongly recommend "What Does
This Button Do" and if you look close enough, you might access that On-Switch to ones imagination.  

The Commuter: Movie Review

Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga Shazd Latif & Liam Neeson

The daily grind of getting up, making coffee and heading to the salt mine as an insurance salesman is nothing new for our ex-cop Michel MacCauley played by Liam Neeson. On his way home from work, a mysterious woman approaches Neeson with a hypothetical question on the train and the trap has been established. Laboring to beat the clock and save his family from captors, Michel must find a person of interest and identify to  Joann played by Vera Farmiga.

Other characters in this high-speed mystery thriller included: Patrick Wilson (Alex Murphy) Sam Neill (Capt. Hawthorne) and Stuart Whelan (Police Detective) whom is uncredited in this motion picture.   In total there are 78 actors and actresses caught up in this criminal conspiracy and locating the hidden passenger will be a daunting task of fights and shoot-outs before everyone reaches the last stop.

Liam Neeson

Written by Byron Willinger & Phillip de Blais offers a strong dialogue between the performers in each scene. The sound and special effects where outstanding and with skilled eye of Director Jaume Collet-Serra gave the audience a thrill ride of death and adventure. Some shots in this film remind me of Total Recall (1990) and a music video by Megadeth called Sweating Bullets (1992) using captivating images and was well produced as the deadly plan unfolds.

As a film producer, I was surprised about the outcome of this film. However, I spotted the bad guy a mile away and regret graduating film school because I know the tips and tricks used to make these incredible motion pictures. Nevertheless, unanswered questions regarding the murders of the FBI Agent and the train engineer will have you on the edge of your seat. The message in this movie suggested that you should never talk to smiling strangers offering large sums of money in desperate situations. However, I would recommend this film to folks that love murder and suspense.