“TOP 10 SIGNS YOU MISS JACK BAUER ON 24!”

I know that many of you who were fans of 24 have a hole in your heart or a wound that’s infected now that it’s gone forever. Monday nights won’t be the same without a healthy dose of CTU and counterterrorist activities, 10 explosions, and a dozen maimings and killings, plus Tony Almeda coming back to life each year. You don’t find “leadership” role models for effectiveness, efficiency, and durability like Jack Bauer anywhere.(NOTE: After being whacked on 24 as our President David Palmer, Dennis Haysbert decided to get Allstate insurance before starring in The Unit. Smart move.)


As a tribute to Jack and all of you devoted fans and those of you who didn’t know him, but who read my blogs, I threw together a list of some facts you may not know about our hero gleaned from several Internet sources, plus my own twisted spin. I hope they bring back a few fond memories and a chuckle or 2.


ENJOY!

TOP 10 FACTS ABOUT JACK BAUER YOU DIDN’T KNOW!

10. When Google can't find something, it asks Jack Bauer for assistance.


9. The film The Shawshank Redemption is loosely based on events from one of Jack’s summer vacations.


8. In kindergarten, when Jack's teacher said recess was over, he broke her fingers.


7. When Jack does push-ups, he doesn't push himself up, he pushes the earth down.


6. When Jack sees a crime in progress, he doesn't call for backup; he just calls the coroner.


5. Jack irons his own clothes... while he's wearing them.


4. When Jack’s eyes get red and dry, he uses pepper spray to make them better.


3. When Jack meets a prospective date, he tells her: "You've read my file... you know what I am capable of."


2. Jack gives Tylenol a headache.

AND THE #1 FACT ABOUT JACK BAUER:

1. If you want to abolish the IRS, have them audit Jack.

HAVE A FANTASTIC FALL!

COPYRIGHT © 2010 Ronald A. Berk, LLC

OLYMPIANS AND YOU ARE NOT THAT DIFFERENT! Part I

“Are you kidding me? Bending over to pick up the newspaper in the driveway is a major athletic event for me. I’m so glad it’s not timed.” I’m not referring to athletic conditioning. Consider the athletes’ preparation and performance as a professional. Do you share any characteristics in common with those super-athletes? Can you learn anything from their work ethic and practices?

OLYMPIC JOB REQUIREMENTS
Their journey to the Olympics involves the following dozen attributes. These are the job requirements of an Olympian:

• major work commitment and ethic
• commitment to excellence (aka “to be the BEST”)
• unwavering focus on the prize
• ability to overcome obstacles and setbacks
• ability to deal with pressure and stress
• ability to persevere in spite of physical pain and injury
• engaging in your quest because you love doing it
• positive attitude toward attaining the ultimate outcome
• commitment to years of rigorous training
• serving as a role model for the next generation
• willingness to make significant sacrifices
• obtaining financial support for training and preparation

YOUR JOB REQUIREMENTS
Although the Olympians get to march in the opening ceremonies and you don’t, think of the above list as your job requirements. Do you possess any of those attributes as a professional in academia, business, or a semi-illegal activity on 24? Let me ask this another way: Which of those requirements DO NOT apply to you? They seem relevant to faculty and administrators. If some of them don’t apply, you might need to carefully examine what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.

What are the differences between Olympians and YOU? The next blog will answer that.

COPYRIGHT © 2010 Ronald A. Berk, LLC