Hmm. Let’s start with the fact that I just paid for an entire year and it was less than what Basecamp costs for a MONTH.

After that, I’m compelled to mention that ActionMethod.com is FREE TO NON-PROFITS. Fantastic. Support the helping hand revolution.

ActionMethod.com was crafted by the Behance Team (http://www.behance.com/) who I am proud to say introduced me to the phrase/mantra “It’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen.” These folks know what they’re talking about.

(a brief aside to note that I still have yet to describe any of the actual functions of the tool – and it already kicks ass.)

ActionMethod.com takes the super simple stance that “any project in life” has 5 parts: Action Steps, References, Events, Discussions and Backburners. And they’re right. And keeping your thinking that simple makes it that much more simple to manage projects.

My favorite aspect of the entire Action Method system is that it’s omni-media. I like the sound of that. I think I just made it up. In any case, they have an online version, a mobile version, an Adobe Air desktop version, and my absolute favorite – PAPER VERSIONS. You can purchase any number of bound and padded paper products which are geared towards maintaining this simple view on the run. Check out the store here: Creatives Outfitter.

So, if you don’t believe me yet, check it out for yourself. They offer a free trial here.

Or if you’re already convinced, signup here.

And be sure to tell them Craig sent you by putting this code in the coupon field:

TOMMOLAAF1 – Use this code for a monthly account ($12/month)
TOMMOLAAF2 – Use this code for a yearly account ($99/yr)

Enjoy the simple life by managing your projects, instead of letting your projects manage you.

The Tragedy Of Hope – The Daily Dish | By Andrew Sullivan.

A well written article.  I was not at all familiar with Niebuhr before this, however, I’ll definitely be checking out some books by Niebuhr. Check out a quote …

Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; there we must be saved by hope.

Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; there we must be saved by faith.

Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we are saved by love.

No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as it is from our own standpoint. Therefore we must be saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness.

I find that intriguing.  I definitely agree with Andrew Sullivan when he describes Obama’s Nobel Acceptance speech by saying “It was written and spoken in such a way to reach anyone of any faith or none.”  I appreciate the sincere, universal effort of our President.  And Sullivan’s avid, vehement support of someone on “the other team”.

I suppose you could see this quote, and this perspective, as flirting with cynicism and find a less than favorable way to respond to it.  But I think the raw honesty of it changes things.  It’s no longer “glass half full” versus “glass half empty” … this perspective seems to say “we have the wrong size glass.  but we will get the right one.”  This raw honesty builds calluses on my optimism, and the hopeful and vigilant charge forward, encourages me away from pessimism.  What sound leaders we have in Barack Obama (and Reinhold Niebuhr) – honest and inspirational.  Strong enough for realism, yet vulnerable enough to speak frankly of the need for hope, faith, love and forgiveness in order to thrive in the world.  Much thanks.

Gotta have it

From: http://ping.fm/6ogvD

We need more adults like this child.

From: http://ping.fm/KIEZm

Not that there are an immense number of regular visitors to my personal site, I am testing something out and thought it may be worthwhile to state that this post is, unquestionably and irrevocably not worth paying a bit of attention to, even to the slightest degree. Thank you for reading my elaborate explanation on its irrelevance.

Help a college friend and fellow Hope grad raise money for her son’s innovative Cerebral Palsy therapies. Buy a raffle ticket for $10 or two for $15, enter to win some great art, and warm your heart all at once.

If 600 people buy 2 tickets each, they will meet their target!!

From: http://ping.fm/v3xNp

The first of many tip, trick, idea and brainstorm articles to come from 36SQ. Please lend your feedback on this type of content, and any topics you would like addressed in future articles. Our aim is to inform and educate our clients so we share efficient, effective, successful projects.

Much thanks
CT

From: http://ping.fm/MA3Wc

Intermission: Deadline | GOOD.

An absolutely amazing use of stickies – I hope for the sake of sanity that the majority of this was done digitally.  Either way, fun AND amazing!!

So much great jazz turning 50 this year. Thank you NPR for keeping tabs on it all.

From: http://ping.fm/MLKwW

1. There is no such thing as reverse racism. Racism is treating people differently based on their race. Not better, not worse. Differently. The concept of “reverse” racism is .. racist.

2. Sotomayor’s comments in the speech referred to are not racist. She is not treating someone differently because of their race. She is commenting on life experiences and how they effect thought processes. She is stating that the (implied) negatives of being a double “minority” offer insight that a white man simply cannot have. And I, as a white man, agree.

From: http://ping.fm/VzZtZ