Connected Well

The below is a moving video I watched earlier this week of a man, Victor Guzman, who was on the 85th floor when the first plane hit the first tower of the World Trade Center. I won’t post more about September 11th today. Two years ago, I posted “9-11: Where Were You?” which I think is enough. Other than this post, I will remain silent today in honor of those who lost their lives.

His life changed a lot after 9-11. Watch the video to see him tell his story of escaping the tower, only to turn around and watch the building collapse.

“Since 9-11, my life has never been the same. It’s actually better.”

He describes his journey from tragedy and trauma to hope, healing, and renewal through Jesus Christ. I realize with soberness everyone’s journey since 9-11 has not been the same, but I believe in the healing power he has experienced, and I appreciate the chance to share.

Please feel free comment, forward, tweet or share on facebook, etc., if this post moves you.

I will never forget those who died that day and since that day in the name of Freedom.

api America, human, life, people, video 9-11, faith, hope, life, tragedy, video

I’ve been thinking about what Community means.

I spend a lot of time online (sadly) and I have spent a great deal of time (too much time, actually) developing and building online communities… or so I thoug[ht. In fact, I now believe strongly that you should spend as much as 10x the time you spend making online friends in connecting with real-life humans.  This might be a good reason why.]

To me, I belive there may be a few requirements that make a difference between just “people you know” and “Community”.

1. Investment: People in the community feel ownership, likely because something is on the line if they don’t… like property values, their children’s education, social benefits, etc.
2. Emotional Connection: This means you actually care (or something that approximates human caring).  You can notice this when you can’t be a part of the community, you feel like you’ve missed out.
3. Sacrifice: When someone else in the community needs help, you’re willing to put aside your own self-interest for the benefit of others… because you know they’d do the same for you.

That’s my list… what’s yours?

api Networking, Social Networking, people community, Networking

In the latest of the “I’m a Mac… and I’m A PC” ads, Apple takes Microsoft head on for their “laptop hunter” ads.

To me, turnabout is fair play, because the worst marketing move Microsoft could EVER make is to directly TALK OPENLY about Apple.

Calling them “the OS that shall not be named” would be more effective.
[Hat tip to GeekSugar]

api consumerism, humor, people, video ads, apple, apple_vs_microsoft, commercial, funny, im_a_pc, mac, marketing, microsoft, pc, video

William Gibson-Futurist, originally uploaded by MichaelMarlatt.

api human, next, people awesome, cool, future, images, photos, quote, william_gibson