Mr. Besilly's Blog

Microsoft Pulls The Table Out of Portable

In a time when portable devices are redefining the way we live life on-the-go, Microsoft is choosing to reverse that trend by releasing "Microsoft Surface", a touch screen coffee table computer featuring a 30 inch display. We've reached the brave new world of computing for a stationary generation. Forget Zune, ignore the launch of Vista and focus on this innovative new coffee table technology expanding the meaning of user-friendly furniture. It's super-sized touch screen computing designed for greater digital pleasure.

If you can't beat 'em, build a coffee table. If you build a coffee table computer they will come. Surface will re-imagine the future of coffee table books by being the the book. Be the first to have your coffee table book published on Surface (wait... that's actually a cool idea). Remember that you heard it here.

The Sugar Shack, Hiding In Plain Sight

There's a unique little restaurant called "The Sugar Shack" hiding in plain sight on Main Street in Surf City USA. I found this local hot spot during my last trip down to Huntington Beach, California determined to make an encore appearance to sample another amazing breakfast on my trip this week to So Cal. The Sugar Shack is located just blocks up from the Huntington Beach Pier featuring perfect outdoor seating, serving breakfast all day long from 5:00 am to 4:00 pm along with sandwiches and huge omelettes. I hear tell that they serve a special Turkey dinner only on Wednesday nights, but I'm not certain if that's folklore.

Old Friends

I never imagined us growing older together, we were so caught up in being young. Our hearts were strong, our heads were even stronger. There was no way to convince us that we didn't know it all. The hours we shared pushing ourselves so close to empty will forever be etched upon my heart. The most memorable days of my life were spent running side by side with you, my friend. 

Old friends are like pickup trucks, the older they get, the crankier they become, still you would never try to part with them. Not for anything in this world.

Creativity: The Horse Without The Cart

We are a culture obsessed with taking our place in line and following the rules. That methodology works well at the Department of Motor Vehicles and at Target stores, but it doesn't work when it comes to creative expression. In the creative space radical individuality wins. The best and brightest ideas move to the front of the pack where your place in line matters not. In the creative space, breaking the rules is the golden rule.

Don't worry about putting the cart before the horse, not today. I suggest you ditch the cart all together, it's holding you back. The horse without the cart runs so much faster and it's more fun to ride. I dare you to step out of line today and make a difference. Create your place.

Sample: Out of Line Creative  Photo by: Eric M. Gustafson

Brett Dennen is So Much More

As the end drew near on an amazing episode of "House" entitled "Family", a song started playing which is typical in most episodes of "House". I heard a solo acoustic guitar followed by a voice with a nasal quality that sounded oddly familiar, much like Tracy Chapman but clearly it's was not her. I heard the lyrics;

"There ain’t no reason things are this way, it’s how they always been and they intend to stay, I can't explain why we live this way, we do it everyday." Brett Dennen - Lyrics

A few more lines into the song and I was hooked, feeling myself being dragged along like I was connected to a trolling line on the back of a fishing boat.

We Live By Encouragement

"We live by encouragement and die without it - slowly, sadly, angrily." Celeste Holm

The one person that I have the most trouble encouraging on a regular basis is me, myself and I. Each morning I find myself standing right in front of the mirror and still manage to walk away without saying a word. Can you believe that? I'm starting to take it personally. I have no problem encouraging those around me, but it's truly a challenge to whip up a dose of encouragement for myself. Is any of this sounding familiar? Here is a short list of simple ways to encourage yourself.

• Focus on your strengths.
• Resist comparing yourself to others.
• Keep your sense of humor.
• Enjoy your accomplishments.
• Try to see things in perspective.
• Focus on the progress you have made.
• Avoid negative self-talk like; "I can't get it done" or "It's impossible" or "I suck".

If you're a high energy doer like myself, chances are that you are in need of some long overdue words of encouragement. Who is better qualified to deliver that message than yourself? You can do it! I have confidence in you. I encourage you to risk it. These days I'm learning to do it for myself, I'm learning a brand new way and it's good.

"I may not have reached my goal yet, but I'm encouraged by how far I've come." Ray Basile

 

Amy Winehouse Crosses The Pond

British import Amy Winehouse has hit the states with an unmistakable thud on her second album "Back To Black". Right from the opening beat of "You Know I'm No Good", I was captivated by this pint sized soul, jazz and R&B singer songwriter from North London. Her new record is clearly a throw back homage to some of the greats like Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, The Ronettes and The Shirelles. Amy's voice is a mix of smoky, sultry and smooth with a deep infectious quality that resonates with confidence.

About Life

"Life is funny, I’m finally getting the jokes and learning to laugh out-loud." Ray Basile

Life is a four letter word.
Life is what I'm living right now.
Life, worth everything I put into it.
Life is what I wake up for.
Life, one change at a time.
Life, catch up if I start moving too fast for you.
Life, I want more of that.
Life don't fail me now.

Today a friend who works as a life coach lead me in a fun exercise she uses to get a glimpse into a persons belief system. It's a spontaneous way of drawing out how we view life.

Expect Change

"Change is the unavoidable consequence of carrying around large bills while making small purchases. In this
case change is inevitable. Expect change." Ray Basile

Shrek Battles Make Believe Obesity

When it comes to make believe diets, I'm putting McDonald's at the top of my list. At the same time that Shrek is being unveiled by McDonald's in their new campaign to promote salads, milk and apple slices as a healthier alternative for kids, Shrek will also be promoting products like M&M's chocolates and Kellogg cereals, such as Froot Loops and Frosted Flakes. It looks like this beloved 3D animated ogre will be on a make believe diet battling obesity, while sending kids a mixed message about healthy eating. Eating healthy and McDonald's in the same sentence is a perplexing oxymoron for parents. Did you know that McDonald's apple slices are served with a low fat caramel dip containing 43 grams of sugar? Hardly a healthy choice for anyone especially those watching their ogre-ish figure. The last time I checked, obesity among animated characters was not considered a national crisis. Though make believe obesity has hit the big green guy pretty hard.