Daniel Johnson, Jr.

podcincy image via John Blue

I write this almost three weeks after attending the very first PodCamp Cincinnati, held at Northern Kentucky University‘s College of Informatics at Griffin Hall on October 22, 2011. This is the first time I’ve tried to share some of my thoughts on this blog. I’d certainly like to share about the specific sessions and content that was shared, but I feel compelled to first talk about how important it is that we even had a PodCamp Cincinnati. (more…)

Image by KCIvey via Flickr

Why do anything, for that matter? Well, it’s because you believe in it.

I’m fortunate to live in the United States of America, and I’m in touch with the tremendous sacrifice many men and women have made throughout history, especially in recent history, to make it possible for me to get to vote.

I think it’s easy to take for granted all the freedom I have. I don’t have to worry about my life if I criticize the government. I have the freedom to change it each year. I have the freedom to express myself online, whereas others around the world do not.

I’m grateful for all the men and women who’ve fought so that I get to vote today. Seems like such a small thing to do in return for such a great sacrifice, though.

Related articles

• If young people want to be heard, they need to start voting: (gameofroles.wordpress.com)
• Have You Voted Yet? (domesticrecluse.wordpress.com)
• Who Votes for Democracy? (dakotavoice.com)

Image via Wikipedia

How important is a birthday?

There’s a discussion on the wildly popular Passive Aggressive Notes website about remembering birthdays. To be honest, I couldn’t get through all the discussion — let’s just say it’s obvious that people have strong opinions about it.

As I type this we’re weeks away from the holiday season. Already Christmas music is playing on many radio stations, and several stores are in full holiday promotion-mode, yet Thanksgiving hasn’t even arrived.  Look for many to send Christmas and holiday greetings over the next two months.

I’m reminded of what Keith Ferrazzi says in Never Eat Alone. It’s encouraging to get a holiday greeting, but it’s something everyone sends and receives.  A birthday is something special, however.  Even though you share it with many others, that day is special because you were born.

Not that you had anything to do with that. In fact others (like Mom and Dad) had more to do with that than you did. So why celebrate and encourage you for your birthday? It’s not like you had anything to do with it, right?

I celebrate your birthday with you because I rejoice in the life you’ve lived so far. I’m encouraged because, if you had not been born, we would not have become connected.  My life is different because you were born. Not just because of that, but because of the life you’ve lived since then.

Related articles

• If you’re going to start with the Christmas music already… (christopherspenn.com)
• pantslessprogressive: Happy birthday, Meet the Press! You turn… (shortformblog.tumblr.com)

This week I’ve spent some time letting you in on a secret about why I say good morning online the way I’ve done for over 2-3 years. Just to recap, the first thing I tend to post onto Twitter, Facebook, and now, Google Plus, is “Good morning from beautiful Cincinnati!” followed by something to get me going for the day.

Last time I talked about optimism. Optimism isn’t only seeing life through rose-colored glasses. Optimism is, when faced with a set of circumstances, choosing to see that the best possible outcome is still possible.

There’s still more to this story, however. (more…)

Image by Mundoo via Flickr

Yesterday I mentioned that there’s a reason why I say good morning online each day the way that I do. Today I’ll elaborate just a bit further.

The primary ingredient for progress is optimism. That unwavering belief that something can be better drives the human race forward. – Simon Sinek, via Notes To Inspire newsletter

What keeps me up?   (more…)