Hillenblog...

Congratulations Wildcats!!

2011-11-27T18:42:00.000-06:00

The 2011

Logan-Rogersville Wildcat's

Class 3A State Football Champions

Rogersville Football

2011-11-20T11:00:00.001-06:00

Oh so many years ago I played football for Strafford High School, and although we were not that good... I'm not sure how many games we won in the four years I played...(it would be single digits) and many of our losses were huge defeats. Even after all of that... I look back on my Football days fondly... And occasionally I even wish I could put back on a helmet & shoulder pads.

However, this magical football season that the Rogersville Wildcats are experiencing this year could not be any better. As a parent, you know that you take your greatest pleasure in seeing your children do good. I am so excited and happy for Barrett & his teammates about this run. You could not want more for your son than to be a part of a winning program. And part of a team that has an opportunity to fulfill a dream they have had for a long time.

I remember back when Barrett was a freshman, and we picked up a game against the Waynesville JV team.... The year after they were the state champs. After the game... Their coach came over and asked Coach Smith if he could adress our team. The Waynesville Coach told them that they were the most talented freshman team he had ever seen, including the team he just lead to the state title last year. He said if they applied themselves, worked hard, stayed together...they could do something special.

As the boys prepare for this week, I can't express how thankful I am for the coaches, staff & everyone that has supported this team for the last 4 years!

It's been a great time & I can't be more proud or more happy of my son...And all these boys that are playing their final game in the Dome... For the State Title.

It's been a great run... But we're not quite done.

GoCats!

Louie Giglio Mashup of Stars and Whales Singing God's Praise

2011-10-17T22:16:00.000-05:00

OneSolePurpose MediaCom Commercial 2011.wmv

2011-08-29T09:59:00.000-05:00

OneSolePurpose News Story on KY3 Ozarks Today!

2011-07-27T08:05:00.000-05:00

My great Uncles, Bill & Monty Matthews

2011-07-24T20:51:00.005-05:00

Joplin Tornado 2011

2011-05-30T15:40:00.002-05:00

This is a 24' Box Truck from St. Johns wrapped around a tree...

I've finally gotten around to uploading my #Joplin Photo's onto my Picassa album. You can view them here. http://tinyurl.com/62u9toq

High Street Baptist Church 75 Year Anniversary Video

2011-04-27T20:20:00.000-05:00

75 Anniversary Promo from High Street on Vimeo.

Hey Hater.

2011-04-24T22:48:00.000-05:00

Hey hater, it doesnt honor the Creator to always be the debater, strong opinion stater, or agitator; build up, encourage, be a verbal elevator. When you tear down your brother, become a theological gladiator, or anonymous commentator; your words make you a traitor to the very Love that should inflate. They should know us by our Love... Not by our hate!

2011-04-17T20:49:00.001-05:00

I can't wait till this full EP is released! So proud of Chad & Skyler.

Listen to all the sample tracks here!

How to Invite Your Friends to the OneSolePurpose 5K on Facebook.

2011-04-02T20:16:00.000-05:00

OneSolePurpose

2011-03-17T20:43:00.000-05:00

Better than Better Homes & Gardens; more livable than Southern Living

2011-02-23T22:13:00.001-06:00

One of our favorites peoples house was reviewed on Smile & Wave. Enjoy!

"Not only is her house flawless, impeccable and adorable....Rachel Burch herself has an endearing personality that is incomparable in quality...highly principled, honest, loving and bursting with creativity and stamina. Thank you so much for featuring her, Rachel. We love her...and we love your blog!"
Amy Boyd

Well said Amy... Who wouldn't want to be spoken of so favorably by there peers.

Remembering Tom Strand

2011-02-16T13:46:00.001-06:00

By Kyle Heironimus

Feb 12, 2011

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die... A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

Some of you may know this as lines from a song sung by the Byrds 40 years ago. Others as verses from Ecclesiastes in the Bible, that the song was based on, written 3000 years ago. Either way, we all know that it is true. A time to be born, and a time to die... A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.Today, we have come here to remember and honor the life of Tom Strand. Some of us knew him as a hard working, dedicated coworker. Some as a great musician to jam with. Some as a computer enthusiast or occasional trout fisherman. But we all knew him as a quiet, friendly, kind man. There's nobody that didn't like Tom.

As his coworker at DMP, I and many others remember him as a hard worker. He designed the hardware and circuit board for nearly every product that DMP sells. He was always very meticulous, making sure every detail of every part was correct before signing off on it. This meant that oftentimes, he worked long hours to get something out the door on a deadline. He never missed a day of work in his first 10 years at DMP.

Before coming to DMP, Tom also worked on custom stainless steel designs, electric motor designs, and the design of heating and air conditioning units. On the side, he had an advanced HAM radio license and built himself a new computer every few years. He was always involved in some kind of technical thing or gadget.

However, I haven't told you about his most interesting job. Anyone who knew Tom well knows that he was very interested in music. As a boy, he couldn't wait to get out of school so he could go home and play guitar. He was in a band throughout his school years. Of course all that had to come to an end when he graduated and got married. He needed to work a real job and move past the rock and roll band ideas, at least that is what usually happens. Not in Tom's case. His wonderful wife Mauna Loa encouraged him to quit his “real” job and give the band a shot. Even though the band didn't take off like they had hoped, Tom would always remember the adventures they had.

Whenever I heard him reminisce of those days, you could see the love and respect he had for Mauna Loa for supporting him during those days. He also told of the first days of their marriage when Mauna Loa got up early every morning to fix him a big breakfast before he went off to work. His love for her was apparent anytime he spoke of her.

This song was important to Tom
Love is the Answer by Todd Rundgren

Many of you here may not be familiar with all that I have just told you. However, there is one thing that everyone here does know. It's that Tom was a genuinely nice, caring person. In the days since his passing, I have had many, many people come up to me with their memories of him, and consistently, the comment I heard was how kind he was. He got along with everybody, even during stressful times with deadlines at work.

He was not just pretending to be kind. If he thought you were off base about something, he would tell you straight up, usually with humor thrown in. I remember several times when I was his supervisor that I would get uptight about a looming deadline and he would tell me to settle down with some kind of quick, dry humor thrown in. It was frustrating for about two seconds, but Tom's smile and the realization of his humor would cool me off immediately.

Over the last several months, I had the pleasure of getting to know Tom, as well as Mauna Loa and his mother Mrs. Owens better than I ever had. During that time, the thought that occurred to me over an over again was “Why did it take him getting cancer for me to get to know him better and appreciate his friendship?”

In the Bible, James, Jesus' half brother says You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

We talked on many occasions about God and we didn't always agree on things. However, he always appreciated the prayers that I and many others prayed for him. He knew that God was a God of grace and that for us to be saved, it must be by God's grace.

In the Bible, the apostle Paul says...For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing;it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

He also knew that God cared for us and that he was a God of love. Jesus says... For God so loved the world that he gave is one and only son that whoever believes in him shall be saved.

Jesus also says...Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gently and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

When Tom asked me to speak here, he didn't tell me what he wanted me to say. Even though I don't know exactly what Tom would want me to say, I'm pretty sure it would be to live intentionally. Don't wait for an illness or a tragedy to make you show how much you appreciate the ones in your life. Don't wait until you, your friend or family member has terminal cancer before you give them a hug. Tell your friends and family how much they mean to you.

Hopefully, we can all live by his example of not getting too worried about the things that seem urgent now, but really are not important. Hopefully we can be like him and keep a sense of humor in all circumstances. Hopefully, like Tom, we can enjoy the blessings God gives us in this life, like music, family and friends. And hopefully we can be loving, caring and kind to all those we meet.

The apostle Paul says... If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. ...And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Four Things to Consider Once Your Company Opens Up Social Media Access

2011-02-08T12:43:00.002-06:00

Interesting read considering I am at the SocialIRL Boot-Camp discussing such issues today. --Hillenblog

From Workforce.com

As the percentage of companies allowing access to social networks grows, you need to realize there are strategic things related to social media that you’ll need to figure out as a progressive HR pro.

By Kris Dunn

When it comes to social media and your organization, you probably fall into one of two camps: You’re either sick of hearing all the hype related to what social media can do for your firm, or you’re frustrated that your company doesn’t trust you enough to allow you to check your personal e-mail or Facebook account at work.

Because I can’t help myself, I’m offering up the following morality play performed millions of times daily within the bowels of corporate America:

Your employee: Opens up browser to post something witty on Twitter or Facebook.

Your network: Blocks the employee from accessing the social network in question, perhaps with the digital equivalent of a little finger wagging at the employee (bonus malice points if the message the employee sees refers to the social network in question as “the” Facebook/Twitter).

Your employee: Promptly swivels in chair to access the social network in question through the browser on his or her smart phone. Your company isn’t blocking cell towers in your buildings, right?

The verdict: Employee continues to think they are smarter than you. Based on this morality play, they have a decent case.

But I digress. With all the workplaces blocking social media, it’s evident that the irony of the social media workaround outlined above hasn’t hit home yet. But it will. It just takes time.

As the percentage of companies allowing access to social networks grows, you need to realize there are strategic things related to social media you’ll need to figure out as a progressive human resources pro. No one else in your organization is thinking about the issues necessary to have a meaningful approach to social media related to human capital strategy.

What issues, you ask? Consider the following gems that will kill you if you don’t figure them out:

1. Purpose. When you grant access to social media across your company, are you doing it because you’re benevolent, or do you think there’s actually a business opportunity in that decision? If you’re simply doing it because it feels good, stop reading now. If you think there’s a business opportunity in granting access, read on. You need to figure some things out quickly.

2. Portability. If you thought portability only referred to moving your cell number across wireless providers, you were wrong. Portability in social media refers to who owns what related to social media, and whether the intellectual capital related to social media moves with employees when they leave your company or stay with the firm. As you might expect, portability is reflected in the following details of ownership:

• Do accounts used in any way for company purposes belong to the employee or the company? The most effective use of social media seamlessly blends company brand and individual personality. While that works from a branding perspective, it’s hell when attempting to lay claim to social media accounts initialized by employees or the resulting networks built over time.

• Who owns the networks established by an employee on company time? When team members capture new members of a social network or a utility like LinkedIn, who owns the network? Do they own it or does the company? You need to figure out what you’re comfortable with now before a recruiter leaves with 60 percent of your recruiting network on his or her LinkedIn account, then disables the ability for you to view the connections. Ouch.

The earlier you figure out portability, the better off you are. Once you figure out the importance of portability, you’ll want to pay attention to the next item on our list—naming.

3. Naming. As you open up access to social media across your company, you’ll find that there are three types of activity, including the following:

• Totally personal. I just had a Pop-Tart for lunch. Who cares? You are correct—no one. Move on, because there’s nothing strategic to do with this segment. You opened it up, so they use it, like the toilets in the bathroom.

• Totally corporate. You couldn’t wait to activate the ACME twitter account. Congrats, it’s active and has the personality of Ben Stein on downers. Play on, because there’s no sizzle to this steak—no one will ever try to steal it from you. It’s yours.

• A mix of personal and professional social media activity. Danger! Here’s the type of social media activity where a naming strategy really comes into play. Looking to engage recruiters or marketing pros to start using social media in a way that develops them professionally and builds the company’s brand? Naming is the main issue you need to figure out before they start. If you’re going to underwrite the investment of time and focus related to social media, get in front of portability issues with a naming convention that makes sense.

Here’s an example of naming issues in the corporate social media realm. Let’s say you engage one of your recruiters to become active on Twitter in hopes of augmenting your recruiting efforts. Her name is Jen Smalls and your company’s name is ACME. Do you require her to do all Twitter work under the twitter handle @ACMEjen or @ACMErecruiter, or do you allow her to do the work under the decidedly personal @jensmalls?

Each name means something different related to portability and Jen’s ability to develop an interesting and compelling presence related to your company’s brand and her personal credibility. Allow the presence to be built via the @jensmalls handle and you have no shot at claiming the brand equity on behalf of your company.

4. Personality. Once you’ve analyzed your purpose for opening up social media access, sorted out portability issues and the naming decisions for social media accounts that follow, you’re free to develop some personality related to your company’s social media presence.

Remember one thing: Unless you plan on doing all company business through a fully corporately branded social media presence, there’s always some probability the social media equity that’s built belongs more to the employee than to you.

If you decide that’s the best path to getting business results for your company through social media (and many companies have been successful with that strategy), play on.

Just make sure you ask the questions before you get started.

Workforce Management Online, February 2011

-- Post From My iPhone

Twitter vs Facebook

2011-01-21T17:08:00.004-06:00

Awesome NYC Video

2011-01-14T20:56:00.001-06:00

NYC - Mindrelic Timelapse from Mindrelic on Vimeo.

-- Post From My iPhone

Just a funny little story about a boy named Kent...

2011-01-14T16:38:00.000-06:00

As you can see...its been so long since I have blogged that they actually have changed the astrological signs...I am now a Capricorn. What the What? But that is a topic for an entirely different post.

As with almost any day, something really funny happened in our family over the course of the last few weeks...and it is too good to not share.

First you must know that at the Hillenblog house we have a strict rule about using curse words...They are absolutely, positively prohibited, with one exception...for humor. If you must use a bad word for the sake of humor...its allowed. We strictly enforce this rule...and it works pretty well, except for occasionally one of your daughters gets married and moves out...and makes up her own rules as to when its acceptable to throw around an expletive...and that might be more often than, say a sailor or a dock worker...(just joking, she is the very picture of civilized, finely mannered conversation).

This long and winding tale has to do with the rules for cussing that are set forth in different branches of our family tree.

First, I must say that in my parents house growing up, the rule was...none, zip, zero use of four letter words...but since my sister and I have both moved out...and possibly since they get to watch us raise their grand kids, an occasional heck or darn or shucks might be heard under the breath of the my Mom & Dad.

That leads me to my sister...since she lives in Italy, they learn all kind of funny words...so its a bit harder to control...but Jon and her have kept a tight lip, we will say, so anytime their kids hear a slip of the tongue...they take great exception to it...and as the good Missionary Kids that they are...they scold whoever the guilty party is.

That brings us to the Annual Family Christmas Poem That my sister did a wonderful job writing this year. The Christmas Poem Tradition goes back to 1917 in our family...and its a fun little thing that I hope to pass down to my kids & grand kids (yes I have considered that possibility). So as you can read from the link above, my sisters poem contains a certain four letter word in it, that when read aloud as part of our family Christmas, immediately after hearing my Dear Sweet Mother reading the Christmas Story from Luke Chapter Two, yielded harsh looks, utter disappointment from her kids...and of course laughter from mine. (you know the humor rule). At the end of her reading, in the midst of the scolding that she was taking from her kids, she explained to them that "you get one bad word per year" and as the mother she was using hers for the poem. This seemed to content them, and we went on with our Christmas celebration with no more utterance or "stubbing of toe language", pardon my French (or Italian) blue words.

Flash forward to last week. As many of you may know, Kent has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome which is a mild strain of Autism that basically causes him to occasionally be socially silly, crave consistency (as far as his schedule is concerned) & become fully focused on a given activity for longer than you or I would care to & spend time by himself. His generally rambunctious behavior comes from being an otherwise perfectly healthy young boy...because those traits are shared by his brother Ethan, and sister Natalie. We think that it comes from the Liles side of the family...if you think I'm joking...lets talk. :-) (Love you Jon)

So, last week, as Bec was rushing Jon to the hospital with crazy high blood pressure (see more proof of my assertion above :-) Kent was lined up in the hall at school to go to music class, undoubtedly one of his favorites, since lately in his "fully focused" tendency he is teaching himself to play the piano...and he's doing a pretty darn good job at it to, I must say. (shout our to my Mom who has given him a few starter lessons I think). So, while in the hallway at school, lined up to go to music, there is a sudden change of plans...not music, mixed up schedule...were going to PE. But first...we must wait in the hall here a few minutes till the gym clears out. When what to Kent's Wandering eye's should appear, but a fire alarm pull station, just next to his ear....Head height and right beside him...it was too tempting. "What does this do?" I'm sure he wondered. "It has a lock on it...so surely its locked in place" he thinks...but how will one ever know, unless you pull it.

So yes...He pulls it. And...happy to report that the Fire Alarm at Strafford Elementary School works just as it should, bells, sirens, Emergency protocol swiftly drops into full motion. The teachers the faculty are evacuating the school...and Kent...sensing what he has just done...starts freaking out a bit. He tells his teacher that he pulled the pull station and he knows at this point that he is going to be in trouble.

After the fire trucks get there, and the administrators (who didn't have a key to reset the pull station) finally get the alarm shut off and the panic resumes to what must be the normal dull roar of an elementary school...The Principal has a talk with Kent...that ends in him being put in In-School-Suspension. (that means made to sit alone in the principles office and do his school work) There is nothing greater than this for Kent...he even got to meet the Strafford Fire Marshal...he probably thought this was the greatest day of school ever...and may very well be plotting at this next moment the best way to land himself in ISS again, after all being left alone in the principals office to do his work is what he would prefer any day. (for my sisters sake I hope he is not).

Now...this story on its own...is stand alone...pretty darn funny...and I could stop here, and you would have gotten your money's worth. But...no...there is more. More to this story that ties it up...nice and neat. Here is the rest of the story.

So...a couple of days go by...and Kent is on the School Bus heading home from school...some of the kids are teasing him (that socially silly stuff) and he is not taking it very well...and after almost enduring the entire ride home, with these older boys teasing him and calling him names...Kent has enough. He decides there is one thing that I have in my bag of tricks that I haven't used...and since its a new year...I have one to burn. So yes...he lets if fly....he says..."You boys are a**holes!!"

To this, the bus driver said, "Kent I'm going to have to tell your mother about this." and he says..."I'm going to tell her right now". As he comes bursting into the door of my parents house...he proudly announces... "Mom!...I used my cuss word for the year" !!

I think after that they had a long talk...however that night at the dinner table...Natalie announces to the family..."I've decided that I am saving my cuss word, for my Birthday..."

So...here is to waiting for Natalie's Birthday...and to see what she has to say. I can't wait.

PS. Jon seems to be doing OK, pray for him, I have no idea why he might have high blood pressure :-)

The surprising truth about what motivates us

2011-01-10T15:56:00.000-06:00

Favorite NYC Photog

2011-01-02T22:07:00.001-06:00

So I've been following a NYC photographer on Twitter...and I just love her Photographs...so I decided to blog about it on my new Blog. Her name is Inga Sarda-Sorensen and you too can follow her on Twitter @isardasorensen.

A Christmas Moment

2010-12-20T20:32:00.000-06:00

Santa Went Down to Georgia- Rockband

2010-12-20T20:22:00.000-06:00

Bed Intruder Christmas Carol song-Liberty University (LU) 2010 Christmas...

2010-12-18T00:46:00.000-06:00

O Holy Night, Original Singer Steve Mauldin.mpg

2010-12-18T00:44:00.000-06:00

Car Wreck...

2010-11-17T19:55:00.000-06:00

So this morning I was involved in a little NASCAR like accident. Except for the fact that there was A dog on the track & we were going opposite directions... It was just like a race. I could see him skidding toward me, I dropped below the white line, into the grass. Almost missed me... But clipped my left side & pushed me into the inside wall(barbwire fence) and blew out my left rear GoodYears. Luckily no one injured, my LogRog-Wildcat-DuPont-O'reilly pit crew fixed me enough to drive it in to the garage & figure out what to do next. Thankful for insurance and God's protection. No Fist fights were reported, & the other guys insurance is already to pay up on Friday... Pray for big $, but not too big :-).

-- Post From My iPhone

Look who dropped by the red chair...

2010-10-23T20:29:00.002-05:00

-- Post From My iPhone

A great Intro to a New HSBC Sermon Series!

2010-09-27T09:34:00.000-05:00

We shall Never Forget

2010-09-11T22:01:00.000-05:00

-- Post From My iPhone
Photo by Susan Taylor... Thx.

I'm Going to Jail for Jerry's Kid's. Help me Post Bail!

2010-08-31T11:38:00.001-05:00

2010-08-08T21:54:00.000-05:00

I am dedicating a song to some of my old friends...

2010-07-29T21:33:00.001-05:00

2010-07-25T18:30:00.000-05:00

2010-07-20T08:52:00.000-05:00

Ma & Pa Kettle Math

2010-07-15T11:42:00.000-05:00

2010-07-13T00:36:00.000-05:00

Van Flips and 28 Illegal Immigrants Jump Out

2010-07-12T23:54:00.000-05:00

Funny, and true...

2010-05-16T21:09:00.001-05:00

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

So I got out my Camera...

2010-05-16T20:55:00.002-05:00

And I discovered that I had a couple months worth of "Red Chair" pictures accumulated on there. Oops...that is my bad. Sorry Red Chair peeps. Hopefully that is everyone and were all caught up.

The Hippest Couple we Know, Jordan & Nikki Nisley: Missionaries to the Phillipines: Hang 10 on the Red Chair

2010-05-16T20:39:00.007-05:00

Kristen Adrian, with some flowers given to her by a secret admirer

2010-05-16T20:39:00.006-05:00

Bryan & Sara Franco, The New HSBC VA Directors...Get Lost in the Red Chair

2010-05-16T20:38:00.006-05:00

Matt Adrian, breaks awkward on the Read Chair. (It wouldn't be so awkward if he were'nt so neat and single)

2010-05-16T20:38:00.005-05:00

The Crew from IBT here for BBC College Days, got a preview of the Red Chair

2010-05-16T20:37:00.001-05:00

Greg Alan (Dad) and my cousin & namesake (Alan) & his daughter Hannah...

2010-05-16T20:36:00.004-05:00

Scott, Shannon & Lincoln...Parked it in the Red Chair!

2010-05-16T20:36:00.002-05:00

Happy Mothers Day Greeting from Skype...

2010-05-08T23:19:00.001-05:00

The Love Dilemma (SATO48 2010)

2010-04-26T21:37:00.000-05:00

To prepare for the SATO 48 2010 YouTube Premier! Watch last year.

2010-04-26T15:55:00.000-05:00

Written, Filmed & Edited by BH Designs ! WTG B!

2010-04-26T15:44:00.001-05:00

Blog

2010-04-17T21:13:00.003-05:00

So...I'm going to give this blogging thing a try. Today...Was one of the best days I can remember. First let me say that SATO48 is going on, and Barrett spent the night at Skyler & Chad's after a late night of film making with Team C O X. (I know that you think...but its not the case) it just means that we were empty nesters for the weekend.
We slept in (which loosely reads got up around 7:30 as empty nesters were old...and can't sleep late) It's my sisters Birthday so we called her and talked to Italy for a while. (My parents may be delayed coming home because of the Volcano in Iceland) wow...what a bummer, longer in Italy :-) I know they are ready to come home... We then got around and headed in to town...
We did a couple of errands, went to the farmers market, I got me truck washed (first time since I owned it...i know thats weak) and went to Rock-n-Ribs. Wow...that was fun. I have wanted to go for several years, but it has just never worked out. Today was awesome...we ate some STELLAR BBQ and bumped into a bunch of people that we knew. We then went to Kaleidoscope and Cindy got a new nose ring. (its great...finally a hoop :-)
We then did a "pop in" visit to the Burchs...had a great little visit with them.
We then went to pick up Skyler at work...took her home, hung out at her loft for a while...and then came home. Been hanging out all night with my gorgeous bride. (who by the way got a bit of sun today) What a great day!
Can't wait for tomorrow.

XTL™ Wireless Security System

2010-03-27T11:32:00.001-05:00

Trey Starks Dunk of the Year

2010-03-16T09:52:00.001-05:00

Pop Vs Soda...

2010-02-28T14:13:00.001-06:00

-- Post From My iPhone

Mahmoud al-Mabhouh's Assassination Timeline (be careful who you make enemy's with)

2010-02-18T22:50:00.001-06:00

By Channel 4 News

Updated on 17 February 2010

Dubai police have released a minute-by-minute account of events they say led to the assassination of Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh last month - most of which was caught on CCTV.

On 20 January Hamas military leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh was found dead in his Dubai hotel after an apparent assassination.
Dubai police have collated hours of CCTV footage in a bid to track down the people they believe killed the leader. In a 27-minute composite police have mapped-out the events they believe led to the murder in at the al-Bustan hotel.
19 Jan 2010
12:09 Nineteen hours before Mahmoud al-Mabhouh is found dead two suspects arrive in Dubai carrying passports with the names Michael Bodenheimer and James Leonard Clarke. Their documents state they are German and British nationals.
12:30 Two more suspects, including the only woman in the group, arrive from Paris holding Irish passports. They use the names Gail Folliard and Kevin Daveron.
01:00 Within the next hour all four suspects check in to two separate hotels in Dubai. Police believe the two pairs are surveillance teams sent ahead to gather intelligence on their target.
Officers believe that none of the suspects made direct calls to one another during their visit to Dubai - however a number of "suspicious" international phone calls were made to Austria, the suspected "command centre".
02:29 A man using the name of French national Peter Elvinger is met on his arrival in Dubai by another member of the team. Ten minutes later they both leave the airport in different directions and check in to hotels.
20 Jan 2010
10:30 Ten hours before al-Mabhouh is found dead a number of the suspects, including Miss Folliard, Mr Daveron and Peter Elvinger, arrive at a shopping centre separately. Within the next hour the suspects leave with Miss Folliard carrying a number of bags.

Five of the 11 European passport holders named by Dubai police including (from left) Peter Elvinger, Kevin Daveron and Gail Folliard.

13:37 Mr Daveron checks out of his hotel room and arrives at another hotel where he changes his appearance by adding a wig and glasses.
14:12 Over the next hour Mr Elvinger and Miss Folliard also check out of their hotels. The first surveillance team also arrive at the al-Bustan Rotana Hotel where al-Mabhouh planning to stay.
15:20 Mahmoud al-Mabhouh arrives alone in Dubai and it tracked by a member of a surveillance team at the airport.
Police say the 48-year-old senior commander of Hamas entered the country under the false name of Mahmoud Adbul Ra'ouf Mohammed. It is unclear why the leader decided not to travel with bodyguards or why he was travelling to Dubai. Unconfirmed reports that Mabhouh was aiming to buy weapons from Iranian suppliers have been denied.
15:25 Miss Folliard arrives at another hotel and also changes her appearance reappearing with a thick center-parted bob.

15:25 Al-Mabhouh arrives at the Al-Bustan hotel and is followed by two members of the surveillance team wearing sports gear and holding tennis rackets.
15:30 Both 'tennis players' follow al-Mabhouh into a lift and follow him to find out which room he is staying in. While one of the squad finds that al-Mabhouh is staying in room 230 another is caught on CCTV talking in a "communication device" on his wrist.
15:32 Al-Mabhouh's room number and the number of the room opposite is communicated to rest of the team.
15:51 Mr Elvinger arrives at nearby hotel and visits business centre where he makes a call to the al-Bustan hotel and books room 237 which is directly opposite al-Mabhouh's. He also books a flight to Munich via Qatar.
16:23 Al-Mabhouh leaves his hotel.
16:25 In the next half an hour Mr Elvinger, Miss Folliard and Mr Daveron arrive at the Al-Bustan hotel and visit room 237.
18:30 Two "execution teams" arrive at the hotel and go straight to room 237.
19:30 Mr Elvinger leaves the country via Dubai airport.
20:00 Police believe that a number of the suspects attempted to enter al-Mabhouh's room by trying to reprogram his electronic door lock which is later picked up via the hotel's internal computer system.
During this time Mr Daveron is seen in the corridor approaching another hotel guest. Police believe during this exchange he was signalling to the team to stop attempting to hack the door system.
20:24 Al-Mabhouh returns to his hotel and goes to his room.
20:27 Miss Folliard and Mr Daveron are seen monitoring the hallway as execution team act.
In the next twenty minutes the assassination is believed to have taken place.
20:46 The two execution teams are seen leaving the hotel while Miss Folliard leaves a minute later with another suspect.
20:51 Mr Daveron leaves the hotel followed by the surveillance teams.
At 1:30 hotel staff find al-Mabhouh dead in his room with the door locked from the inside and the chain in place.
The majority of the suspects leave the country within two hours of the murder.
Initial medical reports state the cause of death due as an increase of blood pressure on the brain but a police investigation later determines that he was murdered.

2010-02-17T12:05:00.001-06:00

2010-02-16T14:29:00.001-06:00

What are Favicons! besides 16px X 16px jpg or png files ?

2010-02-15T14:23:00.004-06:00

Favicons are a very useful method of branding your blog with your personal style, and are a useful recognition tool for your readers to identify your blog. If you are reading Blogger Buster in Firefox (or have bookmarked my site in IE) you will see an example of a favicon in the left hand corner of your address bar.

Here is how to enable a favicon for your Blogger powered blog in a few easy steps

Ensure you have a copy of your blog logo (or another image you would like to use as a favicon). This should be in JPG format for use with the Favicon generator.

Go to the Favicon Generator page, and upload your image, then click on "Create Favicon". After a second or so, the page will reload and you will see your newly generated icon appear in the box.

Right click on your icon and choose "Save Image As...". This icon will be in PNG format, and you can rename this anything you wish. Save the icon to a convenient location on your computer.

Next, go to your Blogger dashboard and create a new page. Upload your icon as an image in the post. If you do not already edit your posts in Edit HTML format, click on this tab and copy the URL of your image from the HTML code. The URL for your uploaded image will appear like this in your post's HTML code:

You need to save this post (albeit temporarily) so it would be advisable to backdate this post, then it will not be confusing for visitors who wonder why you are posting such a small image in your blog!

Finally, go to Layout>Edit HTML in your Blogger dashboard. Just before the closing tag, paste the following section of code:

Be sure to replace the URLs in red with the URL you copied from your post.

Finally, save your template. Your new favicon will now appear in the address bar!

Note: if you use Internet Explorer, the favicon will not appear unless you have bookmarked your blog and refreshed your browser.
If you would prefer to upload your PNG icon to a different image host, you the method is almost exactly the same, except that the URL you will use to enable the favicon should match that where your PNG image is hosted.

2010-02-11T14:27:00.002-06:00

After 2 years, a family circle is complete

2010-02-05T08:50:00.008-06:00

A Houston couple adopting a Haitian orphan thought the wait was over.
Then came the earthquake…

By JENNIFER LATSON
HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Holding her 6-week-old, Jude, Debra Parker hugs Ronel, 9, who arrived from Haiti on Thursday with his dad, Ernest Parker. New sister Carly, 12, and brother Colton, 10, were at the airport, too.

Debra Parker and three of her four children stood facing the baggage claim escalator at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. A semicircle of friends and family fanned out behind them. As step by rolling step flattened at the bottom, empty, the circle grew restless. Debra turned to look back at them.

“This is how I felt for two weeks,” she said.

Debra's husband, Ernest Parker, has spent the last two weeks sleeping on the waiting room floor of the American Embassy in Port-au-Prince, where he was picking up the family's long-awaited fourth child: 9-year-old Ronel. The Parkers have been trying to adopt the boy, an orphan who nearly starved to death, for two years.

Ronel was freed to immigrate to the U.S. after the recent earthquake, but a bureaucratic breakdown delayed his exit while Ernest haggled endlessly with Haitian and American officials.

Finally, just after 8 p.m. Thursday, Debra recognized their feet on the top stair. A cheer erupted from the crowd of more than three dozen, many holding signs reading “Welcome Ronel” in English and Creole.

Debra clutched her youngest son, 6-week-old Jude, in one arm, and hugged her newest son with the other. A cousin thrust a Teddy bear into Ronel's hands, wearing a T-shirt that said “Welcome to the family.”

The last few weeks were harrowing even for a child inured to hardship. Ronel weathered the earthquake and the ensuing chaos, then was given the news he'd been waiting years to hear: He could finally go to America, to the Parkers. But the plane came and went without him. Haitian officials said he was missing some paperwork.

As chaos gripped the country, Ernest went to get the boy himself. But just after he arrived in Haiti, a group of Americans was arrested for trying to bring 33 undocumented children across the border.

“Everything shut down,” said Ernest's mother, Sue Parker. “Even as of Tuesday night, they told us it would be indefinite. Then we really started to get scared.”

Ernest battled on, but each day brought new frustrations and miscommunications. He submitted four sets of fingerprints, and each set was lost. Immigration officials told him he and Ronel were cleared to leave, then rescinded their permission.

Finally, Ernest said, the head of the American Embassy grew tired of the constant calls and e-mails from the family's friends and supporters, including Congressman Ted Poe, and let them leave.

Adoption not yet complete

On Thursday, Ernest wore a scruffy beard and an exhausted smile. He said he hadn't slept since 6:30 Wednesday morning.

Ronel smiled dazedly, his arms crossed over his new Teddy bear.

His new sister, 12-year-old Carly Parker, flipped through a Creole phrase book.

“Can you read this?” she asked, pointing to the words for “Are you OK?”

Ten-year-old Colton Parker reached for the book.

“I need to find ‘I love you,' ” he said.

As frustrating as the past few weeks have been, Ernest said they gave him valuable time to bond with his son. Thursday was Ronel's first time meeting his new siblings.

“All the fighting's over,” Ernest said. “It's just time to love, to be a family.”

Ronel's adoption isn't complete yet: The terms of the American “humanitarian parole” policy allowed Haitian children already in the process of adoption to finish that process here. Because the policy is so new, the Parkers don't exactly know what hoops they will still have to jump through. But, they said, that can wait. On Thursday night, they just wanted to go home.

“I think we're going to go inside, lock the door, and become a family,” Debra said.

In the baggage claim area, Ronel stood largely speechless as he was introduced to his extended family. At one point, he drifted away from a conversation he couldn't understand, among people he had never met.

Ernest reached out, put a hand on Ronel's shoulder, and pulled him back in.

Leprosenhaus an internationally recognized teaching hospital (The Hospital that Gary Wilson is recovering in)

2010-02-04T16:56:00.006-06:00

Chronicle Clinic Traunstein

The history of Traunstein hospitals dates back to medieval times. A leper or infirm was originally constructed in the suburb of the Holy Spirit and is documented evidence already 1431st We will limit ourselves in our little historical perspective, however, essentially on this hospital, which is located below the Guntramshügel.

1909
Decided in 1909 the town council of Traunstein, the definition of a basic program for the construction of a new municipal hospital. Already in July 1912 purchased the large plot at 5.73 Tagwerk Guntramshügel for 18,000 marks from the castle owner Eugene Rosner. The new building was built in the period from 18 April 1912 until the end of July 1914. The total cost amounted to 16,263.86 marks. The outbreak of World War I, however, prevented the assignment of civilian patients and only after the dissolution of the imprisoned, the new hospital in 1919 of his civilian provision could be fed.

Almost simultaneously with the construction of the new hospital, another representative building was completed in Traunstein, which should in future play an important role as a hospital and the First and Second World War, a similar fate as the hospital was given, namely the Prince Ludwig Home. The Society for merchant and recreational homes, Wiesbaden Traunstein had been selected for the first of its holiday resorts, and it was built on the outer Wasserburger Street on the site of today's school center. 25 years after the start of World War I broke out in 1939, the second global war and again, the hospital and Prince Louis were converted home in reserve hospitals. During the summer months of 1945, the American military government released the building for the civilian population, but only in the year 1947 some reorganization could take place the Traunsteiner hospitals.
The hospital at the Cuno Niggl Street (named after the founder of a hospital beneficium) housed the Department of Surgical and Gynecological and Obstetric Department.
As more departments a Department of Oto-Rhino-patient department and an X-ray diagnosis and radiotherapy were connected. The Prinz-Ludwig-Heim was the subject inside medicine.

1963
Even in the 50 years, a new construction and renovation of the hospital in the town of Traunstein conversation, but only in the City Council meeting of 5 was April 1963 after the starting gun was unanimous. On 15 August 1963 was opened between the Cuno Niggl Hospital and the railway line Traunstein-Trostberg a large construction site. It envisaged the creation of 420 beds, including the old hospital.
In early 1967 then saw the merger of the two houses. In 1967, began construction of the new tract function was finished in 1970 so far that the operating rooms, radiology department and the nursery of their future use could be supplied. The remaining modifications were made in 1970/71. The Prinz-Ludwig Heim had thus fulfilled his task. In February and March 1972 the building was demolished.

1984
But in 1984 the bulldozers rolled back to the hospital grounds, as on 8 October began the demolition of the old Cuno Niggl Hospital. It had to make way for a modern extension with a bed and a functional wing. Already on 29 March 1985 was topping out ceremony of the 1st Construction phase. In October 1988 the functional area could be put into operation. It contains the control room, the central warehouse, which Bettenzentrale, the operating suite, anesthesia, endoscopy, an ambulance with Liegendkrankenvorfahrt the radiology department, the urological outpatient clinic and the hangar for the rescue helicopter "Christoph 14". The new feature on the top wing has a unique feature, namely, a helicopter hangar with a heated rooftop landing pad and automatic entry and exit for the helicopter.
During the year 1989, the phase 2, was completed. In it are a bed and the house physical therapy and a dining room for employees, which is now used as a patient and visitor cafeteria.
For example, a hospital was the second level of care, with a total of 490 beds. Hence the establishment of a children's ward (paediatrics) was become possible, which started 1987 states work.

1991
From 1991 to 1994 was in a 3rd Phase, a new functional area for intensive therapy, nuclear medicine, cardiology and ECG created. In it there are also a new kitchen and just needs a new, larger archive. As part of this construction project and the entrance and reception area was redesigned. Under a cooperative agreement between the district hospital and the Traunsteiner Radiology group practice of Dr. Christoph Bartsch, Dr. Michael and Dr. Jürgen Viermetz to Nieden was in June 1995 at the hospital, a magnetic device (magnetic resonance imager) established.
In the spring of 1997, the Hospital Planning Committee of Bavaria agreed to the request of District Hospitals Traunstein-Trostberg set, a neurological station and the planned increase from 490 beds to 506 at.

2000
In 2000, a second linear accelerator was installed. With the now existing radiation therapy equipment in the department treated approximately 150 patients daily. In the same year, was established in cardiology, a second cardiac catheterization test site. The relocation of the dialysis department in the new and most modernly equipped rooms, expanded dialysis places in 1999 to 8 treatment places. With the establishment of the Children's Day-1994, the Day-Operative in 1998, the pain clinic and day clinic of the rays in 2001, they expanded the possibilities of ambulatory patient care.
With the completion of the construction phase 4/Ostflügel in 2002, are 69 beds in modern, bright and with the now expected standard. This construction is, among other things Opportunity to approach in other phases of the rehabilitation of bed houses from the 60s years. The aim of the reorganization is to create station sizes of about 28-29 beds, with a day by the patients expected room facilities.

The "new hospital" after its completion in World War I

The Municipal Hospital Traunstein in 1930

A ward in 1930

Operating Room 1930

The municipal hospital after his 1967 re-opening

The "new" 1967

The Klinikum Traunstein 2003

The hospital in its present size

"Food Inc." A contrarian viewpoint & Fact Checking

2010-01-28T17:13:00.005-06:00

Check out www.SafeFoodInc.org

From POTS to PANS (Hillenblog has been Published)

2010-01-26T09:25:00.003-06:00

Click the Link above or here to go to the actual article online (much easier to read).

Haiti Earthquake Update

2010-01-22T23:03:00.001-06:00

Barrett on KOLR

2010-01-22T22:28:00.001-06:00

The Day After

2010-01-18T20:53:00.001-06:00

This is tough to watch...Donate to Convoy of Hope, they need your money.

Donate Now...

2010-01-17T01:22:00.002-06:00

Donate Now

2010-01-16T12:36:00.002-06:00

Neil Young - Pants on the Ground!!

2010-01-15T17:51:00.001-06:00

Congressman Mike Rogers' opening statement on Health Care reform in Washington D.C.

2010-01-10T14:53:00.001-06:00

What a great way to ring in a new Decade!

2010-01-02T23:02:00.003-06:00

Were so blessed to have close friends that, even after knowing us for many years, still like to hang out with us. Thanks Gary & Lisa, Randy & Tammie! it was a blast. Happy Twenty-Ten!

Traditional Christmas Poem 2009

2009-12-28T09:45:00.002-06:00

Becky wrote and posted the Traditional Family Poem to the Christmas Poem blog. You can read it here. Great Job Bec!!

...& so did Scott & Judy Clark...& their kids...

2009-12-28T09:08:00.001-06:00

...& so did Mike & Kathy Clark...and thier kids...

2009-12-28T09:07:00.001-06:00

Uncle Bill & Sharon Clark dropped by the Red Chair for Christmas...

2009-12-28T09:06:00.001-06:00

My Cousin Tim Doubt was in town...

2009-12-28T09:04:00.000-06:00

and he sent me this snap to print and give to Our Grandma Doubt...which I will, but I am also going to blog it. Grandma Doubt is 92 years old.

Newlyweds...Moviestars...

2009-12-23T12:09:00.001-06:00

2009-12-23T12:06:00.003-06:00

2009-12-12T22:27:00.001-06:00

This is exactly what I mean...when I say..."not Overproduced" :-)

2009-12-12T22:17:00.001-06:00

Whoever thought of making keypads with different designer finishes on them...must have been brilliant!!!

2009-12-10T23:08:00.000-06:00

Christmas in a Nutshell from Dan Stevers on Vimeo.

2009-12-10T22:46:00.001-06:00

Jeff Allen is hilarious...and he was our guest at the DMP Christmas party this week...so funny. It was a great night...

Oh Yeah...it was Crazy fun...

2009-12-06T22:03:00.001-06:00

2009-12-06T20:42:00.001-06:00

Nice Video Primetime...!

2009-12-06T20:40:00.001-06:00

Horns Win! Horns Win!

2009-12-06T01:10:00.001-06:00

Get your shopping on...

2009-11-26T00:09:00.002-06:00

I've been in this meeting...how bout you?

2009-11-26T00:03:00.000-06:00

Christmas Brainstorming from dirt conference on Vimeo.

Had a sweet time with Sugarcube & co...

2009-11-23T18:12:00.002-06:00

To all of you people that are asking...What is the deal with Twitter.

2009-11-09T10:42:00.001-06:00

Here is a great article that explains it...and more. Enjoy! http://www.maclife.com/article/feature/you_too_can_be_twitter_ninja

Integrating this w/ Windows 7 & my new Palm Pilot

2009-10-30T22:52:00.002-05:00

MSHSAA Football Playoff Schedule

2009-10-27T10:19:00.005-05:00

Keep looking at this link as it will be updated with the Class 3 Football Playoff information including game times and locations.

Many of you know...

2009-10-25T12:57:00.004-05:00

That among this blog, there are a few other ones that I try to publish and keep up with. One of those is something that I put at www.Hillenburg.com. I thought that it would be cool to own my name.com so I do.

After a few years I decided to put up some geneology info on it. As of lately, I have had some great people send me lots of research for the Hillenburgs going back to the 1600. Its pretty awesome. However I have also had something else happen.

I keep getting emails from people that think I am Stephen Hillenburg. You know the Creator of Sponge-Bob. I guess Stephen is not so easy to get in touch with and he is somewhat a private person (I really don't know) The truth is I have never watched an episode...and when it comes on TV the voices are so annoying that I immediately turn it over. I know its very popular...but I guess I don't get it.

Anyway...I have recently gotten three emails that I thought I would share with you all for what its worth. Not that its anything earth-shattering...just interesting to me. So its on here...after all this is MY blog :-).

 Hello Mr Hillenburg my name is Daniel Castro I come from Venezuela, South America but I am now living in Australia. I'm 12 years old and I am a big fan of Spongebob Squarepants, in the future I would like to be a big artist I love drawing Cartoons, Manga and lots more. I was wondering if you could send me some facial expressions of your cartoons.Thank you bye

Please reply
Daniel Castro

I am embarrassed to say that I mis-read this email early one morning on my iPhone and I thought that it said that this person was 72 years old. Not 12. I promptly replied to him "Wrong Hillenburg" Sorry for being so abrupt Daniel. I should probably not reply to emails before I wake up.

Hi, this is alaina schafer. I am pretty sure this is stephen hillenburg(the creater os Spongebob) and if is not i am sorry. But i plan on useing you for an upcoming project in history. i am a 7th grader and we are doing something called a history fair. inn this project we have to do a person that had an innovation in hitory and if you could let me know a little bit about u that would be great.
 
Alaina Schafer
p.s: i love your work

Dear Stephen,My name is Seth Elkins. I think you should make an episode of Spongebob when Spongebob, Patrick, Sandy, Mr.Crabs, and Squidward all go to a hotel.The problem is that the restaurant at the hotel tricks Spongebob into telling the chefs the krabby patty formula. will they make the chefs forget it? I hope you turn this into an episode. from,Seth Elkins

SO...now you can see my dilemma. What should I do with these emails? Should I start responding as if I was the super secret identity of my famous (relative?) Stephen. Should I set up the email address Stephen@Hillenburg.com and see what else comes pouring in. Or should I just ignore these and stay focused on my final end goal of making my alter-ego Hillenblog hollywood famous so I can show the world how super hot my first wife is and kill the "Starter Wife" theory for famous men in Hollywood?

Dance party at the Burch's - Canon 7D

2009-10-19T08:45:00.001-05:00

All Fun Times must come to an end...

Look who's hitn the Red Chair.

2009-10-18T15:59:00.001-05:00

Facebook is down. And Twitter is down.

2009-10-18T10:47:00.001-05:00

Blogger don't fail me now. I just had to tell somebody that.
I'm at @hsbc11am looking forward to another great service.
Hillen Tacos tonight at Randy & Lauren Thomas house for small groups. Gittye.

-- Post From My iPhone

2009-10-09T17:41:00.001-05:00

Dirt Promo from dirt conference on Vimeo.

‘Cats cruise past Reeds Spring

2009-09-30T17:24:00.001-05:00

Team prepares for Homecoming showdown with Marshfield

By Alyssa Spradlin
alyssas@southcountymail.com

Published:

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 4:16 AM CDT

The Logan-Rogersville Wildcats may have expected a win over the Reeds Spring Wolves on Friday, Sept. 25, but that didn’t stop them from bringing their “A” game.

“It would have been easy coming into a game like this for our guys to let down, but they did a great job of staying focused,” LRHS head coach Doug Smith said of his defensive line. The D-line held the Wolves scoreless, giving the ‘Cats a 38-0 victory.

Rogersville’s Barrett Hillenburg fights off a Reeds Spring defender during the game on Friday, Sept. 25. Hillenburg was one of several ‘Cats who saw a lot of playing time.

Gabe Zapata’s 31-yard field goal would put Rogersville on the board early in the first quarter. Matt Reuter ran the ball 20 yards to give the ‘Cats their first touchdown, ending the period with Rogersville leading 9-0.

The second quarter was the breakaway quarter for Rogersville with Grant Clouse scoring on a 45-yard run. Quarterback Colton Dill completed a pass to Reuter for the two-point conversion.

Dillon Lassley picked up a 23-yard pass from Dill to take the ball to the 25-yard line less then three minutes later. Three plays later, Dill would score on an 8-yard keeper, followed by Zapata’s successful extra point kick.

Rogersville picked up a Reeds Spring fumble with less than three and a half minutes in the half. Clouse ran the ball 34 yards for another touchdown on the next play. Zapata followed it up with another extra point, making the score 31-0 at the half.

Rogersville’s reserve offense saw significant playing time in the second half, with Joe Zimmer coming in to quarterback after the first play. He had his own successful keeper with 2:32 left in the quarter. Zapata’s successful kick brought the score to 38-0, triggering the turbo clock.

Barrett Hillenburg took over quarterback duties in the fourth quarter. He and Mason Mawby combined for a series of short gains that put the ‘Cats within five yards of another touchdown. Mawby ended the game with six carries for 28 yards; Hillenburg had five carries for 17 yards.

Rogersville ended the game with 305 rushing yards on 39 carries. Dill had 108 yards passing, with 10 carries for 52 yards and one touchdown. Clouse had seven carries for 92 yards and two touchdowns.

The 4-1 ‘Cats host the 3-2 Marshfield Blue Jays Friday for Rogersville’s Homecoming game.

I Am High Street Rachel

2009-09-29T08:38:00.001-05:00

LogRog JV vs Webb City JV

2009-09-29T07:13:00.001-05:00

The Secret to "Likeability" by Pam Holloway

2009-09-24T12:10:00.004-05:00

Strange as it might seem, likeability is not a gift - it's a skill set. Is it worth developing? You decide. Here's what we know about likeable people:
1. They are more successful in business and in life.
2. They get elected, promoted, and rewarded more often than those less likable.
3. They close more sales and make more money.
4. They get better service from all types of service providers, including Doctors and other health care providers - which means they probably live longer as well!

Still not sure? Take a look at these studies.
A Columbia University study by Melinda Tamkins shows that success in the workplace is guaranteed not by what or whom you know but by your popularity. In her study, Tamkins found that, "popular workers were seen as trustworthy, motivated, serious, decisive and hardworking and were recommended for fast-track promotion and generous pay increases. Their less-liked colleagues were perceived as arrogant, conniving and manipulative. Pay rises and promotions were ruled out regardless of their academic background or professional qualifications."

The Gallup organization has conducted a personality factor poll prior to every presidential election since 1960. Only one of three factors - issues, party affiliation, and likeability, has been a consistent prognosticator of the final election result. Of course, the factor is likeability. What makes you likable?

We find a plethora of opinions as to the specific elements that contribute to likeability. Tim Sanders in his book, The Likeability Factor notes these 4:

1. Friendliness: your ability to communicate liking and openness to others.
2. Relevance: your capacity to connect with others' interests, wants, and needs.
3. Empathy: your ability to recognize, acknowledge, and experience other people's feelings.
4. Realness: the integrity that stands behind your likeability and guarantees its authenticity.

7 Components of Likeability
Through research and experience, these seven elements are integral for "likeability":
1. Positive mental attitude
Likeable people exude a positive mental attitude. That does not mean they are silly or giddy. They don't ignore hardships or failures, but consciously reframe those difficulties and negative emotions to healthier positive ones.
Positive means that you can find a better direction out of a problem, rather than wallowing in the problem or negative emotion.
2. Non-judgmental
The truly likable are non-judgmental. They recognize that everyone is trying to get by the best they know how, and they treat everyone with respect and understanding.
3. Open
Passing critical judgment is a sign of inflexibility, a highly unlikable trait. The opposite of that is what we call "openness." The truly likeable are open to new people, other ideas, and different ways of doing things.
They demonstrate openness in their behavior, the tone of their voice and in their language.
4. Secure
Likeable people are, "comfortable in their own skin." They don't feel the need to talk over, correct, constantly make jokes or laugh nervously. They don't brag, talk incessantly or hide behind details or humor.
5. Vulnerable
One of the most likeable characteristics is vulnerability. People who can say, "I don't know," who are able to admit mistakes or show a sensitivity, are seen as more likeable.
6. Able to get outside the Self
Those whose primary focus is on themselves rate low on the likeability scale. Conversely, those who are secure in themselves and able to turn their focus outward rate much higher. It's part empathy - our ability to recognize, acknowledge and experience other people's feelings, which is a key attribute of likeability. This is more than the ability to be empathetic. It is the exercise of this ability. It is about becoming relevant. We become relevant in the lives of others when we learn about their interests, wants and needs.
7. Like me
We like people who like us. We also like people who are like us. As humans we are constantly seeking points of similarity. We look for and are attracted to people who are like us in terms of values, interests and experiences. Studies suggest we are also attracted to people who physically look like us.
More Exposure: Familiarity Breeds Likeability Recent studies have shown that more exposure is sufficient to increase the likeability of a person (or an object). In short, we are more attracted to and tend to like people who are familiar to us. So, in a selling situation, if the prospect likes you a little when you meet the first time, he may like you even more the second time and so on. With that in mind, your objective is to continue to increase the numbers of exposure to your prospects.

How Likable Are You?
How well would you say you demonstrate those likeability characteristics in your meetings with prospects? The key word here is "demonstrate." You can "feel" as though you are being open, relevant or empathetic, but that doesn't necessarily mean that's how you are being perceived by the prospects.
Whether we like it or not, likeability makes a difference in all aspects of how we are perceived. Our likeability follows us all at home, at work and in social settings. The important thing to remember is that it doesn't really matter what we think of ourselves when it comes to others making decisions about us.

About the Author
Pam Holloway is a business psychologist and co-founder of AboutPeople, a unique training and consulting firm that helps companies maximize the people side of business. She is a program designer, author and teacher specializing in Market Psychology and Organizational Dynamics. Pam also delivers keynotes and workshops throughout the United States and Europe.

Hillenblog...

Congratulations Wildcats!!

Rogersville Football

Louie Giglio Mashup of Stars and Whales Singing God's Praise

OneSolePurpose MediaCom Commercial 2011.wmv

OneSolePurpose News Story on KY3 Ozarks Today!

My great Uncles, Bill & Monty Matthews

Joplin Tornado 2011

High Street Baptist Church 75 Year Anniversary Video

Hey Hater.

How to Invite Your Friends to the OneSolePurpose 5K on Facebook.

OneSolePurpose

Better than Better Homes & Gardens; more livable than Southern Living

Remembering Tom Strand

Four Things to Consider Once Your Company Opens Up Social Media Access

Twitter vs Facebook

Awesome NYC Video

Just a funny little story about a boy named Kent...

The surprising truth about what motivates us

Favorite NYC Photog

A Christmas Moment

Santa Went Down to Georgia- Rockband

Bed Intruder Christmas Carol song-Liberty University (LU) 2010 Christmas...

O Holy Night, Original Singer Steve Mauldin.mpg

Car Wreck...

Look who dropped by the red chair...

A great Intro to a New HSBC Sermon Series!

We shall Never Forget

I'm Going to Jail for Jerry's Kid's. Help me Post Bail!

I am dedicating a song to some of my old friends...

Ma & Pa Kettle Math

Van Flips and 28 Illegal Immigrants Jump Out

Funny, and true...

So I got out my Camera...

The Hippest Couple we Know, Jordan & Nikki Nisley: Missionaries to the Phillipines: Hang 10 on the Red Chair

Kristen Adrian, with some flowers given to her by a secret admirer

Bryan & Sara Franco, The New HSBC VA Directors...Get Lost in the Red Chair

Matt Adrian, breaks awkward on the Read Chair. (It wouldn't be so awkward if he were'nt so neat and single)

The Crew from IBT here for BBC College Days, got a preview of the Red Chair

Greg Alan (Dad) and my cousin & namesake (Alan) & his daughter Hannah...

Scott, Shannon & Lincoln...Parked it in the Red Chair!

Happy Mothers Day Greeting from Skype...

The Love Dilemma (SATO48 2010)

To prepare for the SATO 48 2010 YouTube Premier! Watch last year.

Written, Filmed & Edited by BH Designs ! WTG B!

Blog

XTL™ Wireless Security System

Trey Starks Dunk of the Year

Pop Vs Soda...

Mahmoud al-Mabhouh's Assassination Timeline (be careful who you make enemy's with)

What are Favicons! besides 16px X 16px jpg or png files ?

Here is how to enable a favicon for your Blogger powered blog in a few easy steps

After 2 years, a family circle is complete

A Houston couple adopting a Haitian orphan thought the wait was over.Then came the earthquake…

By JENNIFER LATSONHOUSTON CHRONICLE

Adoption not yet complete

Leprosenhaus an internationally recognized teaching hospital (The Hospital that Gary Wilson is recovering in)

Chronicle Clinic Traunstein

"Food Inc." A contrarian viewpoint & Fact Checking

From POTS to PANS (Hillenblog has been Published)

Haiti Earthquake Update

Barrett on KOLR

The Day After

Donate Now...

Donate Now

Neil Young - Pants on the Ground!!

Congressman Mike Rogers' opening statement on Health Care reform in Washington D.C.

What a great way to ring in a new Decade!

Traditional Christmas Poem 2009

...& so did Scott & Judy Clark...& their kids...

...& so did Mike & Kathy Clark...and thier kids...

Uncle Bill & Sharon Clark dropped by the Red Chair for Christmas...

My Cousin Tim Doubt was in town...

Newlyweds...Moviestars...

Oh Yeah...it was Crazy fun...

Horns Win! Horns Win!

Get your shopping on...

I've been in this meeting...how bout you?

Had a sweet time with Sugarcube & co...

To all of you people that are asking...What is the deal with Twitter.

A Houston couple adopting a Haitian orphan thought the wait was over.
Then came the earthquake…

By JENNIFER LATSON
HOUSTON CHRONICLE

By Alyssa Spradlin
alyssas@southcountymail.com