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In the 1970’s, FM radio came of age, supplanting AM broadcasts because of quality, stereo channels and multiple formats superior to AM offerings. For this essay, however, the letters FM have several different meanings. Let me explain.

FM means “Family Man”.

FM indicates “Father of a Man”.

FM also means “Friend Missed”.

Each “FM” applies to a man I wrote about in my November 11, 2011, post. Anthony J. Cabrera, at age 89.5 (89 and ½) years of life, passed away quietly in the early morning hours of December 7, 2011 (Pearl Harbor Day).
Another aged veteran who served his country in WWII, and who formed part of the “Greatest Generation”, left this vale of tears, after a long life. What can we say about that life?

From the perspective of the many who gathered to celebrate his time on this earth, this past Saturday, in California, Tony was a “gem”, a “jewel”, “un gran señor”. Of the 140 residents in his senior living apartment, his presence was always notable, whether at common mealtimes or otherwise. When he was there, in the words of the facility director, his presence (or lack thereof) was always felt in a remarkable way. He was a man who “knew how to have a good time”, said one. Another commented lovingly on his famous “two hour hot baths and a request for a cold beer” during a visit with family in Denver. Still another mentioned how amazed she was that he could speak fluent English, Spanish and French. And my sister, Magdalena, mentioned his love of all things French, and the poetry of Hugo, Balzac and Verlaine. He had lovingly recited a French poem to his 80-something tablemates from memory during a recent mealtime that ended with the phrase, “What have you done with your youth?” He was, to say the least, in tune with the wisdom that comes with age.

He was an amateur musician all of his life and played trumpet from early on, learning and loving jazz improvisation through the big band era, the be-bop era and throughout his playing days. He played “as well as the best of them” when it came to improvisation, said one longtime friend, and I have to agree, having accompanied him on piano many a time. Melodically, creatively and rhythmically, he had it all, including the discipline to practice, or “woodshed” as he would say, till he got his embouchure or breathing or playing just right. Even into his ‘80’s, he would practice his horn two hours per day, which amazed us all. He did so, whether in the seat of his pickup truck in a remote parking lot (so as not to disturb others), or on the side of a mountain road overlooking the Eel River Valley, or wherever he needed to, so as to be able to practice all he felt he should on his beloved trumpet. Later, in his final year or so, he took up the piano, and taught himself how to play, practicing as diligently as ever, and inspiring all who observed his self-discipline and motivation, even at age 88+.

As a child, he grew up in rural California, suffering the challenges of an immigrant Mexican family during the Great Depression. His father always had work, but Pop told us one of his earliest memories was as a small child, sitting under the tables where his mother, Rosalina, worked, sorting apricots or some other fruit harvested from the fields of the Golden State. He shared, too, the trauma of being beaten for speaking Spanish in the public schools, in those long-ago days of the 1920’s and 30’s. Despite the harsh punishments, his father, Isidro, made sure his children learned Spanish, reading the funnies to them in Spanish, after first listening to them read those same comic strips to him in English, and helping them learn to read and write
in his native language. All the same, Tony was one of the most popular kids to swap lunches with, since his mom was putting burritos in his brown bag, and the Anglo kids all wanted to exchange their white bread sandwiches for the homemade Mexican fare that Tony brought to school. I’m sure it was his friendly and outgoing personality, too, that helped him make his way through those years of youth and adolescence.

With the explosion of war, his life took on a massive change. He, like so many others, was swept up in the great militarization of American society, becoming a part of the U.S. Army Air Corps (now the U.S. Air Force), and serving in WWII as a navigator (see my post from 11/11/11), until shot down
over France, where he began his lifelong love of the French language. Forced to hide with the locals of the French Resistance, the Maquis, Tony and the rest of his crew who had crash landed somewhere in France, tried their best to communicate with the locals. Because he was bilingual, with his Spanish, he made good progress in learning some French. This led him to eventually dedicate himself to really studying the language and becoming fluent upon his return to the US, and his completion of college at UC Berkeley, under the GI Bill. His love of France and all things French was so remarkable that twice he took his family to live there, and two or three more times he spent a summer there alone, studying the language and the literature, as part of his career as an educator and community college professor of French. All  because of the unexpected and thoroughly life-threatening experience of crash-landing in a potato field in France during WWII.

In addition to raising three children with his wife of 59 years, Virginia (RIP), he also proudly was the grandfather of six, teaching several of them trumpet technique over the years. Without a doubt he was a lover of books, and had a vast collection cobbled together from swap meets, flea markets, bookstores and other sources. Invariably, he would give someone a book, a newspaper clipping, a magazine article, and tell them he had thought of them when presenting them the item. His talent also included photography, which
he loved enough to become proficient in developing and printing photos (B&W) in a darkroom of his own invention back in my home town of Visalia. He had an eye, too, for the well-composed photo, and one of his legacies is the many hundreds of photos from travels, family events and other moments in his life that we will cherish. He almost always had his trusty 35mm camera with him, and the photos prove that he made use of it with good results.

Thanks for reading,sharing or subscribing. May the Good Lord bless you and yours at Christmastime and always.

© Daniel A. Cabrera, Top Exec Partners, All rights reserved, 2011.

There are days in this sideways economy, when you feel as though everything is tilted against you, just as there are moments when an email arrives from a long-ago contact, or someone reaches out at just the right instant to make your day. This has happened to me multiple times in the past week or two: a friend flew into the area, called me up, and we had an impromptu business breakfast to catch up on the comings and goings of the big computer company she works for (my former digs); a former colleague sent me a long email about career ideas and suggestions as to whom he could introduce me, in addition to his latest news; a networking contact introduced me to a headhunter who in turn drew me into a career placement that sounds promising.....this list could go on.

At any rate, despite the sideways economy, and the upside down employment market and any number of data points that seem to show the USA on a downward slide, I decided to share the following which came my way about 18 months ago. It came at a time when a long-time employee of a certain network security company was let go, after ten years of service; he and many others were abruptly "separated from service" to satisfy the new masters of that particular firm, which in the blink of a shareholders' vote became a privately-held entity, and for better or worse, slimmed its payroll and eliminated numerous positions. Anyone blind-sided by that event or one like it, knows it is not a pleasant nor inspiring feeling, but one that generates sadness, anger, frustration and many other feelings of being let down, stood up and pushed aside.

Still, despite those feelings, this individual chose to send his good-bye note and finish it off with this. I hope you enjoy it, and keep it in mind, when troubles come your way.

The Optimist’s Creed

 I promise myself…

 To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature I meet.

To give so much time to improving myself that I have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not to loud in words, but in great deeds.

To live in the faith that the whole world is on my side, so long as I am true to the best that is in me.

To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.

To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as I am about my own.

*** (adapted from the original "Promise Yourself" from Christian D. Larson, 1912) ***

So, onward and upward, as this year, 2011, winds down. Keep the faith, have faith, believe in yourself and remember that optimism breeds opportunity, which we all seek, cherish, need and deserve no matter how tough things get.

Thanks for reading, and please share your comments here or pass this post along to someone on the road of life who needs a bit of optimism.

© Top Exec Partners, Daniel A. Cabrera, All rights reserved, 2011.

Subject: Letter from Jesus about Christmas...worth reading and then acting...in HIS Name!

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :

I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

*****
This "memo" appeared one day in my email box, and spoke to me, as I have just recently attended a spiritual retreat that lifted me up through His love and guidance. I hope you enjoy it, as well, brothers and sisters. I take no credit for the wisdom contained above, and act only as a messenger, eager to share the Word. Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas! 

On his first day in combat, he navigated his flight crew’s two missions over France on June 6, 1944 --- D-Day. Aboard the “Chris Craft” with his crew for 18 missions, he flew day-time bombing runs over Nazi Germany as the navigator throughout that summer of ’44, until on mission no. 18, they were shot down by enemy fire. The pilot attempted to nurse the plane into Swiss territory from German airspace where they were hit, but for whatever reason they ended up ditching in a potato field in France. Once on the ground, the crew was taken into hiding by the Maquis, France’s resistance. For six weeks, he was listed as MIA by the U.S. Army, and his folks back home were devastated.

Just turned 22 years old two days before D-Day, he came from a small town in California’s delta area, inland from the San Francisco Bay. He grew up as a first-generation Mexican American, one of six children born to two humble, uneducated Mexican people who came to the USA in search of work. Crossing the US/Mexican border with two young infants, in 1918, the couple intended to travel to Washington state to find work, but when they stopped in Antioch word came that work could be found there, and so they stayed. As they settled in, they brought four more kids into the world, Tony being number four of the six.

He grew up in a house full of kids, extended family, music and economic hardship, during the Great Depression, at a time when the US was largely rural, agricultural and still conflicted about the role of immigrants in this great country. California being on the edge of the continent, and for centuries a part of Spain or Mexico, it stood to reason that Mexicans would be welcome, but that was not the case. Just as the Irish, the Chinese, the Japanese, the Oakies and countless other ethnic and economically-challenged groups flocked to the Golden State for opportunity, so too, Mexicans came to work, found their way and became part of the fabric of the USA.

Even before the WW II draft notice came, he was eager to serve his country, attempting to enlist early on, but his folks would not allow it as he was underage. Later, as the war effort needed more soldiers he was drafted, and joined the U.S. Army Air Corps (now the U.S. Air Force), seeking to become a fighter pilot. Despite his desires, he ended up becoming a bomber navigator, and after training in Arizona, Louisiana and other U.S. bases, he made the long flight with his crew and countless others in formation from the U.S. to Brazil, then to west Africa and finally to Great Britain, where he served until the day his bomber was shot down. Ultimately, after six weeks in hiding in France, this young man and his crew were spirited safely out of France and returned to Great Britain by covert U.S. forces.

Not only was he part of the invasion of Europe on that awesomely brave day known as D-Day, Tony was part of what has come to be known as the Greatest Generation. So to him, for his service, and to all veterans who have served this country, no matter what race, ethnicity or origin, we thank you for your service. We honor you for your efforts, and the risk and danger and worry and harm that may have come your way. We appreciate what each one of you has done, in word and deed, to represent and protect us all from those that would attack and hurt us and our country. We count our blessings and thank the Good Lord that each of you found the courage to serve and to protect us, and we pray that you will accept our appreciation, love and respect for all that you gave to your country, and to each of us. May God bless you, Veteran! And in the words of this particular veteran, may we also remember the ones who did not make it home. May their sacrifice and the suffering of their loved ones always remind us of how dear our freedom is, every day.

      
                Tony Cabrera,  1^st Lieutenant, U.S.  Army Air Corps, April 25, 1944

                    Tony Cabrera, 1st trumpet, July 4, 2002, Scotia Band Concert  

Some words of wisdom for those who love to fly. No doubt this short summary of advice to aviators will resonate with those who have actually flown a plane, or crewed a mission, or perhaps even helped to get the craft off into the wild blue yonder. Hopefully, the ideas will also help others to steer clear of, or better plan for, the many challenges that come with flying from one point on the globe, (say, for example, the UK) to another (such as the USA), and do so successfully. It may be your plane, or it may be your business, but these insights, however you apply them, will help you cross the oceans, make landfall safely and attain your goals.

1) Fuel – Never send out your crew on a journey without carefully planning its fuel needs; whether that’s cash or combustible, the crew must have sufficient reserves in the tank to make the journey. Avoid learning in mid-flight that they’re a bit short of fuel (funds, cash, credit or whatever) to complete the journey. Plan ahead, based on your distance, flight speed and other objectives that will determine the crew’s fuel needs.

2) Flight plan (AKA Strategy) – What is the strategy? How are you going to make the journey? Who will be your back-up pilot when the captain needs rest? Don’t expect to be able to change your flight plan once committed to a trans-Atlantic journey just because of some turbulence or headwinds. Be prepared and stick to the flight plan. As Winston Churchill said, “Never, never, never give up.”⁽¹⁾

3) ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) – What measures are you using to reach your goal? Are they realistic? Have you given it thought and prepared yourself for the time and effort it will take to complete the journey (or make your re-fueling stop)? Do you fly with a plan, i.e., a mission that is going to guide you, sustain you and carry you successfully within your estimated time to your destination? If not, better recalibrate, recalculate and make sure that you’ve done your homework on “time to target” as they say in the military, before taking off.

4) Control Tower Communications – Respond! When your crew is communicating to you from the air, asking for coordinates, guidance, landmarks or whatever, the HQ (Control Tower) must be attentive and responsive. What peril you create for that flight braving the skies when you leave them uninformed, or treat them to radio silence. Simple feedback, detailed instructions, flight coordinates, you name it, but it’s all valuable to the crew that is across the sea flying through the night.

5) Payload – No doubt the flight is carrying more than the crew. More than likely the tower (HQ) has determined in advance what the payload is, and how much cargo or other deliverables need to be onboard to make the flight worthwhile. This is sometimes called ROI, and is something that only the Control Tower can initially determine. Later, after multiple legs of successful flights and missions, the pilot and crew will be able to contribute broadly to the details of future journeys. For now, in the midst of whatever else the Control Tower is doing, it is imperative that the crew be kept aloft with the right information, support and capabilities to deliver the payload, and make the ROI that all involved are committed to delivering.

6) Vision – While many pilots can fly by instruments alone, without the benefit of seeing the landscape, seascape or other visual pointers on the journey, it is more important that the crew and the control tower (perhaps also known as the ground crew) have the vision required to see into the distance, and to understand the challenges and values of making the trip. It is of no benefit to the flight crew or the ground crew to plan the trip, load the plane, put the crew aboard and then have to abort the mission for lack of vision about the who, what, where, when and how of the entire trip. Pilots and ground crews without vision are doomed to failure. Ground crews and control towers that keep putting crews into the air, only to shoot them down with poor vision, lack of courage, and other mission-critical elements will eventually have nothing at all left to show for their efforts, and will see crew members bailing out, or worse, being forced out by the shortcomings of the headquarters staff. In either case, the aircraft will risk crashing due to downdrafts or other problems created by the hesitance or timidity of the control tower and ground crew.

Clearly, then, the crew and the control tower (HQ) need to be completely aligned and in synch. Without clear communication and planning, as well as support for the goals of the mission, the flight will fail. On the contrary, with honest, open and continuous communications, any of the problems, challenges or eventualities that arise during a long-distance flight can be overcome. Even those on Apollo 13, the doomed mission to the moon in 1970 were able to say, “Houston, we have a problem,” and still get the vital support, communication and technical assistance needed to return safely from its mission to the heavens. Remember that, the next time you plan your crew’s trip and flight plan. And remember this final quote from Winston Churchill, “Difficulties mastered are opportunities won. “ ⁽²⁾

Share this post with others, or comment, and thanks for reading.

© Daniel A. Cabrera, Top Exec Partners, all rights reserved, 2011.

(1) Quoted from Brainyquotes.com http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/winston_churchill_5.html

(2) Quoted from Brainyquotes.com http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/winston_churchill_2.html

For someone who has traveled the world a great deal, this time of year, December, presents an interesting "reality". Perhaps you can relate.

In the southern end of Florida, this time of year is typically warm, sunny and very temperate in climate. In Kansas City, for example, the temps are likely to be in the 30's (F), in Chicago perhaps in the teens (F), though, as they say in the midwest, "Don't like the weather? Just wait a minute and it will change."

Well as the weather god would have it, just in time for the annual sale of Christmas trees, south Florida has had temperatures dip into the 30's (F) and 40's (F) and deliver what this author calls "Christmas Crisp". It's something he remembers from a San Joaquin Valley (California) childhood, or a Grenoble, France sabbatical year (his dad's), or an every-five-year-family-reunion in the old homeland of Humboldt County (California). South Florida does not generally enjoy cool, let alone "crisp, cold weather".

What makes all these ruminations "relative" is that for those in Perth, W.A., Australia or São Paulo, Brazil, or any number of other parts of the world near or south of the equator, this time of year is absolutely NOT "Christmas Crisp". Rather, it's something like "Holiday Hot" or "Bethlehem at the Beach" or something else that combines the Christian holiday and celebration of the birth of Christ with weather that is (pun intended) the polar opposite of what is happening in North America, Europe or Northern Asia.

So, no matter where you are, and whether you are enjoying "crisp", cold weather or hot, temperate or blazing temperatures, the hope from this part of the world, is that you will enjoy all the blessings and celebrations possible this Christmas. Whether you celebrate His birth, or prefer a different religious or year-end celebration, what matters is that you enjoy it, celebrate it, and look forward to 2011 with optimism, good health, happiness and peace of mind.

All the best, and thanks for reading. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

--- o ---

© Daniel A. Cabrera, TopExec.org, All rights reserved, 2010.

For those who have read this author’s blog postings over the past five years, you might notice a touch of whimsy, humor or even a sardonic , tongue-in-cheek tone from time to time in the comments made. Readers should also have noted a serious side, and taken note of the advice, suggestions or objective analysis pertaining to career search, work issues, Latin America, business issues, life, the mortgage lending industry (in its heyday) and other topics. Ideally, these comments have been useful and pertinent, if not for you, the individual reader, then for someone in particular that you know, or someone that caught a fragment of these thoughts via a friend’s “forward” or a search engine’s delivery of a particular post.

Having said all of the above, as a preamble, it is important to acknowledge an affliction that has come upon the USA in the past several years, the arrival of someone named Reese Eshon, a close cousin of Dee Pression. While Dee never quite moved in, and though Reese did, she seems to have been partially blocked by certain actions of the Federal Reserve Bank. Nonetheless, a large element of Reese’s presence is the consistently high level of unemployment in most parts of the country (approximately 12.4% in California, 11.9% in Florida and nationally stuck at about 9.8% overall, as of this writing, based on October, 2010 data).

With this unemployment figure comes numerous nagging problems that affect the economy across the board.  In a continuum effect exacerbating the difficulties that our nation has in confronting the deficit (now well above $1 trillion per year, and cumulatively over $14 trillion dollars and growing), under-employed or unemployed folks pay little or no tax revenues to the treasury. Further, they draw upon unemployment insurance or other benefits that come from the dwindling stream of income that the nation “produces” from those who are gainfully employed. If the nation has “insufficient funds” in the bank account, then additional borrowing has to take place from the “Bank of China”, the “Bank of Korea” or other sources to cover these transfers to the un(der)employed. How long do you think it takes to borrow your way to prosperity? Just ask those who over-borrowed and now have a home in foreclosure or repossessed by the “Bank of America” or other institution.

A parallel effect of all this is what one might call the Bi-Polar Express (with apologies to Chris Van Allsburg, author of the famous Christmas storybook The Polar Express©, Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, 1985). With the effects of this Bi-Polar Express (BPE) people get up each day to begin their search for gainful employment, and have to face the dual impact of a) motivating him or herself to be optimistic, energetic, creative, persistent and successful  in the search for work, while b) confronting the many thankless tasks, unanswered inquiries, fruitless job applications or constant, invidious delays in hiring cycles of potential employers who have their own pressing issues affected by that same “friend” Reese Eshon. To make matters worse for these job seekers, they constantly see savings and checking accounts depleted relentlessly from the monthly cycle of bills coming due, perennially fear the possibility of a large, unexpected bill (auto repair, health care, etc.) or have a mega tax bill coming due from either a) local property taxes on a home that generates no income (sound familiar?) or b) taxes due on stocks sold, IRAs liquidated or 401(k)s raided to keep hearth and home from falling into arrears, or worse, foreclosure!

So, on the one hand, the individual gets a jump on the day, seeking new contacts, introductions, entry points or interviews to gain employment, and does so with gusto, energy and effort (AKA hard work), and on the other hand, can be knocked down, dragged around and depressed by being stuck in the no-cycle or slow-cycle spin of an economy that is generating few jobs, inadequate opportunities and has far too many applicants for each opening that comes to light. This is a fundamental cause of the high and low of career/job search. Yet, as Winston Churchill said in his famous WWII comment, “Never give in, never give in, never; never; never; never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense” Therefore, people on the Career Path Expressway™ must have the same attitude, must seize the day (Carpe diem) and “fight the power” of the BPE to bring them down.

As thankless as the task is to toil from morning till night on finding work, and as totally uncompensated as it is in the financial sense, each individual must find the inspiration, through prayer, exercise, meditation, support groups, self awareness or whatever it takes to move forward, “play big” on the field of life (including the “red zone” of career search, when you are moving towards crossing the goal line) and make it happen. If the magic of Christmas sounded on one of Santa’s reindeer bells for the child who rode The Polar Express© many years after traveling to the North Pole that enchanted night, by believing in Santa Claus, then the reality of finding a good job, with strong career potential and the right compensation can be accomplished by believing in yourself and your efforts, and by defeating the negative effects of the Bi-Polar Express.

You can do it, and in so doing, please do your part to lift someone else up with you, as you move forward on the Career Path Expressway™. It’s always more fun to car pool, especially if you’re going places.

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Thanks for reading. Please enjoy, subscribe, comment and/or share this post.

For more information on the children’s story book The Polar Express© please see this link http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Polar-Express/Chris-Van-Allsburg/e/9780395389492/?itm=3&USRI=the+polar+express .

For more information on the very serious emotional/medical problem of Bi-Polar Syndrome, see these information sources: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder .

For help in your job search, contact your local state office of employment. In Florida: www.fluidnow.com In California: http://www.edd.ca.gov/ You can also try local church or community self-help groups such as this one: www.BackonTrackNet.org  Good luck and never give in!

If one is perceptive, in general, then not a day goes by without having one of those "ah ha!" moments of inspiration, whether it's something large or small. Among some sweet inspirations that I have observed in recent days:

1) An ex-colleague calls to extend a hand, share notes, commiserate on the state of the economy, the elections and life in the high-tech industry (it has its ups and downs). The genuineness of the call and its content is inspiring.

2) Another friend provides an introduction that might open just the right door at the right time for someone's career. Thanks, that's inspiring!

3) A fellow blogger posts an article ("Jess She Did") about an indomitable person who runs the NY Marathon, in spite of suffering a debilitating disease, and raising money for research to combat the pernicious malady at the same time. That's very inspiring!

4) A young person writes his sage reflections on a summer trip in the church bulletin. Through the words of an observant adult describing the young man's activities on a particular day in El Salvador we see that each of us face an "eternal uphill battle of life...." And yet, there are those around us who provide "...the constant encouragement we receive on this journey through life...." and the help "...needed to make it up that mountain." Scintillating and inspiring, given the youngster's tender age. 

And so it goes. We each have those moments, and should be appreciative of what they are, and what they say to us or about us. Whatever challenges we have, each of us can be better off by seeing (and seeking) those inspirations that carry us through each day lifted higher by the ideas, energies and spirits of everything around us. Try it, you might be inspired!

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Thanks for reading. Please comment, subscribe and share. Perhaps you will inspire someone riding on the Career Path Expressway™.

© Daniel A. Cabrera, TopExec.org, All rights reserved, 2010.

As with most things in life, the more things change, the more they remain the same....and yet, it's imperative that each registered voter in the land take time and exercise his/her right to vote --- to effect change and to create hope, which come from results, which frankly, come from hard work and effort.

How many of us are unemployed, underemployed or "retired" way too soon because we just can't find work? That's not where any one of us should be, and why it's important to vote today (and in every election).

How many of us are confident in the direction of our government, whether local, state or federal? If not, then speak up, and make your voice and your position heard to elected officials who should work for you, not against you.

What is it about politics that turns people into politicians instead of LEADERS? It's time for leadership to come to the fore, and for leaders to speak up and make a difference in our country's direction. Vote, accordingly, and elect those who lead by example, and respond to the voters, not to any particular party line or political agenda.

When was the art of compromise sacrificed on the altar of partisanship? Seemingly forever, though it's not something that we should accept, since this country was fostered on democratic principles, which come through compromise and "working things out" no matter how much conflict and struggle proceed the solutions that make (and have made) this country great.

How about Americans coming together to work out our differences, create solutions to our myriad problems, face the truth about our financial debt, and realize that we are one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all?

Vote!

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Thanks for reading, and remember to take a friend to the polls with you. Other interesting topics on Latin American business can be found on this blog: http://latinknowhow.blogspot.com/\

© Daniel A. Cabrera, TopExec.org, All rights reserved, 2010.

In the days of the sailing ship, or even in modern times, a craft that carries its passengers or cargo well is a "good ship". She's one to be trusted, one to be cared for, and certainly one to be counted on in sailing the seas. She is, the good ship, "Friend".

Among ships of state, that is nations of any size, there are many differences and approaches to sailing the waters of today's governance and today's globalized commerce. Each ship of state (nation) carries out its responsibilities based on guiding principles and resources, in order to best serve its people (the crew) and the interests of the ship (state). Some do this far better than others, some, not so well.

One ship of state, one good ship, Friend, that bears mention is Chile, that stringbean of a country in South America that has just shown the world a precise example of how a rescue mission should be handled with its masterful rescue of "Los 33" --- the thirty-three miners trapped for more than two months at more than 2000 feet below the surface of the earth. This is something that resounds with each of us, and should be remembered for a long time to come. How beautiful for the "crew" of that country, including the 33 trapped crew members below the earth, and all those who remained "on deck" in the light of day and the starlight of nighttime, to see leadership, team work and so much more bring those 33 miners safely to the surface recently.

To be sure, the whole world was watching. In addition, many countries shared their best and brightest technologies, finest engineering calculations and assorted products that would assuage the suffering of those below, and make their recovery (post-rescue) more healthy and more assured, once the operation was concluded. And, just as the whole world watched, Chile sailed proudly along, this good ship, Friend, and showed its people and all of us, how successful a nation can be when it chooses to protect its people with a clear and well-executed strategy, despite all the challenges, fears and risks involved.

May we each count on many a good ship, Friend, to carry us through this life. Whether that be our ship of state, or more locally, the good ship, Companion, or any other ship that helps us sail our way through life's waters. For no matter what, there will always be stormy seas and frigid waters, and we are best served by riding them out with a crew that cares and a craft that carries us swiftly and surely to a calm and safe harbor, in all of our travels.

May your journey on the wide open seas of life be made better by the friends and companions that you ship out with. Smooth sailing!

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Thanks for reading. Please enjoy, comment and subscribe! You may also share this with someone, and take a look at my other blog:

http://latinknowhow.blogspot.com/

© Daniel A. Cabrera, TopExec.org, all rights reserved, 2010.