Travel Kimbrough Media
My work takes me all over the world, so I think it time to start a world travel log.
Let's rewind the tape to the beginning.
Birth place: Chicago, IL.
Schooled in South Bend, IN.
Started my Comedy Career in Chicago, IL.
Moved to Boston, MA. became a Headliner.
Moved to New York, NY. and opened the Laugh Is Hope Comedy Club in Midtown Manhattan.
Made a stop in Orlando Florida to develop web mastering.
Headed to San Diego, CA. to launch the San Diego Comedy Festival.
Landed in Long Beach, CA. where I opened the West Coast Laugh is Hope Comedy Club on the Queen Mary.
I am now developing the Film House in Long Beach where new Filmmakers can develop their movie projects.
I now have my own travel website called www.travelkimbroughmedia.com maybe I will see you on a plane going some where sexy.
Let's rewind the tape to the beginning.
Birth place: Chicago, IL.
Schooled in South Bend, IN.
Started my Comedy Career in Chicago, IL.
Moved to Boston, MA. became a Headliner.
Moved to New York, NY. and opened the Laugh Is Hope Comedy Club in Midtown Manhattan.
Made a stop in Orlando Florida to develop web mastering.
Headed to San Diego, CA. to launch the San Diego Comedy Festival.
Landed in Long Beach, CA. where I opened the West Coast Laugh is Hope Comedy Club on the Queen Mary.
I am now developing the Film House in Long Beach where new Filmmakers can develop their movie projects.
I now have my own travel website called www.travelkimbroughmedia.com maybe I will see you on a plane going some where sexy.
Media: Red Carpet 1.m4v
It's GOAL Season Again
If you are like most people today, myself included, much of your time is consumed by tasks that are not related to your real priorities in life. The ‘ever-present trivial’ seems to always crowd out the ‘truly purposeful’. What would happen to our level of personal satisfaction if, at the end of each week, we realized that we had achieved specific worthy goals? What if we accomplished the things that we really `live for’ rather than just performing the empty rituals associated with existence?
The thing that may be holding us back from that satisfaction is a lack of clarity. We may not be really clear on what our goals are. In fact, research indicates that only a very few individuals in our modern society have “major goals†burning in their hearts and preoccupying their sub-conscious minds. Not coincidently, those few consistently report higher levels of accomplishment.
The principle works like this: Your degree of satisfaction is directly proportional to your degree of focus on what satisfies you.
Put another way: If we don’t focus on accomplishing worthy goals that will satisfy us, time will pass anyway, but we won’t have anything significant to show for it.
Few of us have clear goals and even fewer of us ever write down what we want to get out of life. We have probably heard that written goals are helpful but we don’t really believe it. We don’t think it will make a big enough difference to make it worth our time. We don’t believe it because we don’t practice it enough to get good at it.
TRY THIS EXPERIMENT
For the next 30 days, value yourself enough to take 15 minutes each morning to write down what you want most out of your life. This may be painful, but you will probably find that it is worth it.
Here’s why: You will be programming your subconscious mind to work on your behalf to make you aware of opportunities that you are now missing out on completely.
Why are we missing opportunities? It’s because our brains are acting as a filter. You see, each of us is constantly being bombarded by billions of bits of information. We can’t possibly focus on everything. To protect us from sensory overload, some things just don’t get processed. What criteria does the brain use to determine what gets through? It lets through the information that we have told it is important to us. Have you ever decided to buy a particular model of automobile? Once you focus on a specific model of car, they magically appear all around you in quantities you never realized existed. Those cars have always been around but your subconscious mind kindly spared you from having to deal with that information because it did not matter to you. But once your brain knows that that kind of car is important to you, you notice every one.
How can we put this to work for us? Well, extensive experimentation in human behavior has proven that the act of writing goals down over and over again is an extremely effective way to program our subconscious mind to focus on getting what we want out of life.
So here’s the procedure to follow: get out a pad of paper and find a comfortable place to write. Next, ask yourself: “What do I really want to accomplish in my life?†Then, write down the things that come to your mind. Write down what really matters to you. If you write down: 1. Take out the trash, 2. Buy groceries, etc. you will have only yourself to blame if that’s all you get done. Then, the next morning, do the same thing all over again. Don’t just copy what you wrote yesterday. Write again, from the heart, what you want out of life.
At first it may be difficult to write anything. We are not used to consulting ourselves about our true desires. However, after a few days of following this routine, answers will begin to flow.
Here’s what will happen next: Your subconscious mind will become so involved with your major goals that they will begin to affect every decision you make. At this point you will begin to see a profound change in how you use your time. Your productivity will go up substantially. So will your satisfaction with life. Try it for 30 days and let me know what you think.
PS - I'd like your success stories and your objections. DB
The thing that may be holding us back from that satisfaction is a lack of clarity. We may not be really clear on what our goals are. In fact, research indicates that only a very few individuals in our modern society have “major goals†burning in their hearts and preoccupying their sub-conscious minds. Not coincidently, those few consistently report higher levels of accomplishment.
The principle works like this: Your degree of satisfaction is directly proportional to your degree of focus on what satisfies you.
Put another way: If we don’t focus on accomplishing worthy goals that will satisfy us, time will pass anyway, but we won’t have anything significant to show for it.
Few of us have clear goals and even fewer of us ever write down what we want to get out of life. We have probably heard that written goals are helpful but we don’t really believe it. We don’t think it will make a big enough difference to make it worth our time. We don’t believe it because we don’t practice it enough to get good at it.
TRY THIS EXPERIMENT
For the next 30 days, value yourself enough to take 15 minutes each morning to write down what you want most out of your life. This may be painful, but you will probably find that it is worth it.
Here’s why: You will be programming your subconscious mind to work on your behalf to make you aware of opportunities that you are now missing out on completely.
Why are we missing opportunities? It’s because our brains are acting as a filter. You see, each of us is constantly being bombarded by billions of bits of information. We can’t possibly focus on everything. To protect us from sensory overload, some things just don’t get processed. What criteria does the brain use to determine what gets through? It lets through the information that we have told it is important to us. Have you ever decided to buy a particular model of automobile? Once you focus on a specific model of car, they magically appear all around you in quantities you never realized existed. Those cars have always been around but your subconscious mind kindly spared you from having to deal with that information because it did not matter to you. But once your brain knows that that kind of car is important to you, you notice every one.
How can we put this to work for us? Well, extensive experimentation in human behavior has proven that the act of writing goals down over and over again is an extremely effective way to program our subconscious mind to focus on getting what we want out of life.
So here’s the procedure to follow: get out a pad of paper and find a comfortable place to write. Next, ask yourself: “What do I really want to accomplish in my life?†Then, write down the things that come to your mind. Write down what really matters to you. If you write down: 1. Take out the trash, 2. Buy groceries, etc. you will have only yourself to blame if that’s all you get done. Then, the next morning, do the same thing all over again. Don’t just copy what you wrote yesterday. Write again, from the heart, what you want out of life.
At first it may be difficult to write anything. We are not used to consulting ourselves about our true desires. However, after a few days of following this routine, answers will begin to flow.
Here’s what will happen next: Your subconscious mind will become so involved with your major goals that they will begin to affect every decision you make. At this point you will begin to see a profound change in how you use your time. Your productivity will go up substantially. So will your satisfaction with life. Try it for 30 days and let me know what you think.
PS - I'd like your success stories and your objections. DB
Traveling the world
Jackie Williams, 30, is a freelance writer and journalist from Long Beach, California. After moving to Wyoming, she has taken up and been successful in her writing career. With no formal training, Jackie has had every single article she has written published.
Her writing interests range from travel (luxury to budget and everything in between), adventure and outdoor sports, health and fitness (Jackie is a Certified Personal Trainer), to lodging, gear/product, and restaurant reviews.
"I can't wait to find the next great deal, uncover the newest destination, have the coolest new gadgets, and recommend vacations for all my friends!"
"Hands-on experience is the best way to write an enthusiastic story. There's just no comparison to actually being there and seeing the place or meeting the people."
Jackie has had work regularly published in: Women's Edition, Cairn Magazine, FactiveGRL, Colorado Golf, and Desert Golf. Additional upcoming articles will appear in Canadian Architecture and Design and Edible Front Range.
Her writing interests range from travel (luxury to budget and everything in between), adventure and outdoor sports, health and fitness (Jackie is a Certified Personal Trainer), to lodging, gear/product, and restaurant reviews.
"I can't wait to find the next great deal, uncover the newest destination, have the coolest new gadgets, and recommend vacations for all my friends!"
"Hands-on experience is the best way to write an enthusiastic story. There's just no comparison to actually being there and seeing the place or meeting the people."
Jackie has had work regularly published in: Women's Edition, Cairn Magazine, FactiveGRL, Colorado Golf, and Desert Golf. Additional upcoming articles will appear in Canadian Architecture and Design and Edible Front Range.
Entrepreneurship is a Powerful and Addictive Drug
Life balance is not something I've been known to possess in vast abundance (at least by conventional evaluation)...but my recent plunge into entrepreneurship has made any semblance of it all but disappear.
I often work from 8 AM to 1 or 2 AM, but think nothing of it. Why? Because my entrepreneurship is an extremely powerful and addictive drug - with all of the associated euphoria and danger you'd come to expect with any addictive agent.
After working for many years at Capital One, one of America's great companies, why am I so taken by entrepreneurship?
Because the things that drove me away from Corporate Life are almost non-existent here, and the things that were once tremendously exciting about corporate life abound at my new office.
Let me give you an example or two about the things that drove me away:
I don't spend half of my day combing through a never-ending onslaught of email, voicemail, and IM's. My email is actually manageable, and when it comes, it typically is revenue related - thus, I want to read it
I don't spend 50% of my time putting together presentations. We work hard on presentations here, but when we do, they are are focused on two things - winning new business, and implementable strategy for our clients. In both cases, it's important, and the work we create is actually used
We focus on the important things. Our staff is small, and we're a little ecosystem. We're self-sustaining...we plant seeds through business development, cultivate crops through careful attention and technique, and harvest our product for sale in order to pay the mortgage and take care of our employees. If we focus on the wrong things, we don't eat.
Now the things that excite me (like the old days of a corporation in hyper-growth):
I work with the smartest people in the world - I've hand-selected a staff and board full of world-class minds and we actually get the opportunity to dialogue with each other instead of running from meeting to meeting...quite refreshing
Flexibility in my work day - I never was a 9 to 5'er kind of guy. I'd rather work some, go to the gym, play some basketball, then work some more...grab dinner, work a little more, and go home and watch Letterman. That's my definition of work life balance - my work integrates keenly into my lifestyle.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT - this is the big one. Everyone in our agency knows we have the opportunity to change the way advertising and marketing is done, and we've got the brains and skill to do it. We're smart, talented, and a little cocky, but we're all up for the challenge and locked in on the vision of doing things in communication that have not been done before.
Yep it's a drug alright...but as the song goes - "if loving it is wrong, I don't want to be right"
July 2008
I often work from 8 AM to 1 or 2 AM, but think nothing of it. Why? Because my entrepreneurship is an extremely powerful and addictive drug - with all of the associated euphoria and danger you'd come to expect with any addictive agent.
After working for many years at Capital One, one of America's great companies, why am I so taken by entrepreneurship?
Because the things that drove me away from Corporate Life are almost non-existent here, and the things that were once tremendously exciting about corporate life abound at my new office.
Let me give you an example or two about the things that drove me away:
I don't spend half of my day combing through a never-ending onslaught of email, voicemail, and IM's. My email is actually manageable, and when it comes, it typically is revenue related - thus, I want to read it
I don't spend 50% of my time putting together presentations. We work hard on presentations here, but when we do, they are are focused on two things - winning new business, and implementable strategy for our clients. In both cases, it's important, and the work we create is actually used
We focus on the important things. Our staff is small, and we're a little ecosystem. We're self-sustaining...we plant seeds through business development, cultivate crops through careful attention and technique, and harvest our product for sale in order to pay the mortgage and take care of our employees. If we focus on the wrong things, we don't eat.
Now the things that excite me (like the old days of a corporation in hyper-growth):
I work with the smartest people in the world - I've hand-selected a staff and board full of world-class minds and we actually get the opportunity to dialogue with each other instead of running from meeting to meeting...quite refreshing
Flexibility in my work day - I never was a 9 to 5'er kind of guy. I'd rather work some, go to the gym, play some basketball, then work some more...grab dinner, work a little more, and go home and watch Letterman. That's my definition of work life balance - my work integrates keenly into my lifestyle.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT - this is the big one. Everyone in our agency knows we have the opportunity to change the way advertising and marketing is done, and we've got the brains and skill to do it. We're smart, talented, and a little cocky, but we're all up for the challenge and locked in on the vision of doing things in communication that have not been done before.
Yep it's a drug alright...but as the song goes - "if loving it is wrong, I don't want to be right"
July 2008
Another one bites the dust...
First they took my bank, now they took my stock agency...
“…it’s reasonable to expect a very short period of time for the final resolution of DRR – no less than 30 days, and a maximum of 90, but I expect they will surely want everything either closed down or transferred to a new owner by December 31st at the latest.†— John Harrington, Photo Business News
(For those of you out there who don't know what DRR is see a glossary of terms at the end of this post)
I originally was going to write a blog about the new Orphan Works Bill and the conversation I had with the copyright office today, but that will have to wait. This news is important for anyone thinking about a career in photography.
After a very bold statement about their being very confident about the future (http://blog.digitalrailroad.net/membershowcase/2008/09/drr_responds_to_photoshelter_c.html), which was made a little over a month ago I might add, DRR is going under. This was one of the few agencies which allowed stock photographers to gain the most possible from the sales of their photographs, providing a 70%/30% split in the photographer's favor. Most agencies start at taking 50% of your money and it goes up from there.
It used to be that one could shoot stock practically exclusively and make a decent living, but due to advances in technology like digital photography, digital image processing software like the ever-popular Photoshop, and the internet everybody is a photographer, and this is a beautiful thing except- not everybody is charging!
Many many amateur photographers, some of them even being really good though they don't shoot full-time, do not charge for their images at all even though they allow them to be used by commercial companies under a creative commons license just for the thrill of seeing their work published.
So, what you've got are a bunch of so-so photos lying around in microstock agencies (which sell your photographs to their clients for even as low as $1! Imagine your profit on that!) or on Flickr for the taking, under the Creative Commons license, (as well as a few diamonds in the rough) and you have a perfect formula for putting a bunch of stock photographers out of business. It may not even be that the photography available on these sites is something worth putting on your wall or writing home about, but its FREE or next to it.
Case-in-point, I just got my T-Mobile bill today. It came with a colorful advertisement insert that had some photographs of happy people hanging out together in it. I didn't look at it, I rarely do, in my opinion its just another layer of stuff between me and getting the paying of my bill over with, but my husband did. And my husband, the computer geek, not a photographer or an artist (yet, but I'm working on him), started complaining about the photographs and how bad they were. So I looked. And they were bad. Boy, were they bad.
It was very obvious that they were microstock photos that someone could even have done with their point and shoot digital camera who didn't know anything about photography, common mistakes- lens blur, motion blur, some people looking at the camera like everyone was supposed to while others were not as if they weren't supposed to, bad lighting, etc. They were not attractive nor did they make me feel like looking at the ad any further. But I can see the reasoning: You gotta have pictures, you gotta have eye candy, and since mailers (even ones in the bills) only get maybe at best a 10% response (and that truly is at best) why spend money on them? (Of course, this is ridiculous reasoning because good photography does work- the old adage that says a picture says a thousand words is true, and what these people are saying about themselves is, "It is not really that important if you look at this" and I got that message loud and clear.)
But it used to be that even if you didn't want to spend money, you had to at least spend a little, because you had to buy the rights from a photographer and/or via an agency to use the image. With the advent of the internet, though, companies can now grab images from Flickr that are Creative Commons licensed that they don't have to pay for. Or they go to microstock agencies (which didn't exist before the internet) to get the images for pennies.
I can't help but share the sentiments of Dan from onewordphotography.com:
"With the economy in turmoil, if you make a significant part of your living from stock photography and are not one of the stock rock stars, you need to call your folks and find out if they’ve redone that room in the basement yet. Unless of course you shoot only for micros and upload to every damn one of them, in that case, you might only be making fifty cents an image but, the volume means you’re golden. Shine on you crazy diamonds." -Great New Business Idea, onewordphotography.com
So, in other words, just like the many John and Jane Does who overshot their budget on buying a home and collectively took out a big bank, many hobbyist photographers have been taking too little or nothing for their work and have effected the taking out of one of the greatest alternative options for photographers seeking shelter in a hostile commercial photography world.
Now there is an argument for charging what you are worth!
DRR- Digital Railroad, a stock photography agency (one of the photographer-friendly ones)
RF- Royalty-Free images, meaning that you can use the images repeatedly without violating the owner's copyrights. They are purchased outright, either as single images or on disc volumes in bulk, and can be used any way you want, with certain restrictions.
RM- Rights-Managed images, meaning images that you can rent, so to speak, for a specific purpose at a specific price. Once you negotiate a fee with the agency or photographer for the specific use you have in mind, any other use is subject to an additional fee.
Microstock- stock agencies which source their images almost exclusively through the internet, working with a larger number of photographers than a traditional stock photography agency (usually because they're pretty much part-time shooters/hobbyists), and selling royalty-free images at rates so low that you have to buy more than one to justify the transaction.
“…it’s reasonable to expect a very short period of time for the final resolution of DRR – no less than 30 days, and a maximum of 90, but I expect they will surely want everything either closed down or transferred to a new owner by December 31st at the latest.†— John Harrington, Photo Business News
(For those of you out there who don't know what DRR is see a glossary of terms at the end of this post)
I originally was going to write a blog about the new Orphan Works Bill and the conversation I had with the copyright office today, but that will have to wait. This news is important for anyone thinking about a career in photography.
After a very bold statement about their being very confident about the future (http://blog.digitalrailroad.net/membershowcase/2008/09/drr_responds_to_photoshelter_c.html), which was made a little over a month ago I might add, DRR is going under. This was one of the few agencies which allowed stock photographers to gain the most possible from the sales of their photographs, providing a 70%/30% split in the photographer's favor. Most agencies start at taking 50% of your money and it goes up from there.
It used to be that one could shoot stock practically exclusively and make a decent living, but due to advances in technology like digital photography, digital image processing software like the ever-popular Photoshop, and the internet everybody is a photographer, and this is a beautiful thing except- not everybody is charging!
Many many amateur photographers, some of them even being really good though they don't shoot full-time, do not charge for their images at all even though they allow them to be used by commercial companies under a creative commons license just for the thrill of seeing their work published.
So, what you've got are a bunch of so-so photos lying around in microstock agencies (which sell your photographs to their clients for even as low as $1! Imagine your profit on that!) or on Flickr for the taking, under the Creative Commons license, (as well as a few diamonds in the rough) and you have a perfect formula for putting a bunch of stock photographers out of business. It may not even be that the photography available on these sites is something worth putting on your wall or writing home about, but its FREE or next to it.
Case-in-point, I just got my T-Mobile bill today. It came with a colorful advertisement insert that had some photographs of happy people hanging out together in it. I didn't look at it, I rarely do, in my opinion its just another layer of stuff between me and getting the paying of my bill over with, but my husband did. And my husband, the computer geek, not a photographer or an artist (yet, but I'm working on him), started complaining about the photographs and how bad they were. So I looked. And they were bad. Boy, were they bad.
It was very obvious that they were microstock photos that someone could even have done with their point and shoot digital camera who didn't know anything about photography, common mistakes- lens blur, motion blur, some people looking at the camera like everyone was supposed to while others were not as if they weren't supposed to, bad lighting, etc. They were not attractive nor did they make me feel like looking at the ad any further. But I can see the reasoning: You gotta have pictures, you gotta have eye candy, and since mailers (even ones in the bills) only get maybe at best a 10% response (and that truly is at best) why spend money on them? (Of course, this is ridiculous reasoning because good photography does work- the old adage that says a picture says a thousand words is true, and what these people are saying about themselves is, "It is not really that important if you look at this" and I got that message loud and clear.)
But it used to be that even if you didn't want to spend money, you had to at least spend a little, because you had to buy the rights from a photographer and/or via an agency to use the image. With the advent of the internet, though, companies can now grab images from Flickr that are Creative Commons licensed that they don't have to pay for. Or they go to microstock agencies (which didn't exist before the internet) to get the images for pennies.
I can't help but share the sentiments of Dan from onewordphotography.com:
"With the economy in turmoil, if you make a significant part of your living from stock photography and are not one of the stock rock stars, you need to call your folks and find out if they’ve redone that room in the basement yet. Unless of course you shoot only for micros and upload to every damn one of them, in that case, you might only be making fifty cents an image but, the volume means you’re golden. Shine on you crazy diamonds." -Great New Business Idea, onewordphotography.com
So, in other words, just like the many John and Jane Does who overshot their budget on buying a home and collectively took out a big bank, many hobbyist photographers have been taking too little or nothing for their work and have effected the taking out of one of the greatest alternative options for photographers seeking shelter in a hostile commercial photography world.
Now there is an argument for charging what you are worth!
DRR- Digital Railroad, a stock photography agency (one of the photographer-friendly ones)
RF- Royalty-Free images, meaning that you can use the images repeatedly without violating the owner's copyrights. They are purchased outright, either as single images or on disc volumes in bulk, and can be used any way you want, with certain restrictions.
RM- Rights-Managed images, meaning images that you can rent, so to speak, for a specific purpose at a specific price. Once you negotiate a fee with the agency or photographer for the specific use you have in mind, any other use is subject to an additional fee.
Microstock- stock agencies which source their images almost exclusively through the internet, working with a larger number of photographers than a traditional stock photography agency (usually because they're pretty much part-time shooters/hobbyists), and selling royalty-free images at rates so low that you have to buy more than one to justify the transaction.
10 Questions you may want to ask about Massage Therapy
10 Embarrassing Massage Questions
From Cathy Wong, for About.com
Updated: November 3, 2006
Here are the answers to ten massage questions you want to ask, but may be too embarrassed to.
1) Am I supposed to tip my massage therapist?
If you get a massage at a spa or hotel, a 15% to 20% tip is standard if you were pleased with the services.
On the other hand, there are no real ground rules or norms when it comes to massage in a medical setting. Some massage therapists and massage associations I asked said tipping isn't appropriate in a medical or clinical setting.
If you're not sure, don't be afraid to ask if tipping is customary. You can call ahead to ask if you don't want to do it face to face.
If tipping isn't the norm, you can always show your appreciation by referring friends, family and co-workers to the massage therapist.
2) Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a massage?
Many people prefer to keep their panties or briefs on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you.
If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work, but a thong for women or briefs for men should do the trick.
In North America, if you do remove your underwear, licensed massage therapists must ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.
3) What if I realize I've drooled during the massage?
Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table.
Don't be afraid to ask the massage therapist for a tissue.
4) Will the massage therapist be there when I undress?
In North America, the massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet.
Don't rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you -- the massage therapist always knocks and asks if you are ready before entering the massage room.
5) Should I talk to the massage therapist during the massage?
Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel like you have to make conversation with the massage therapist. After all, you're having a treatment, you're not at a cocktail party!
Feel free to close your eyes and relax, which is what most people do.
Deep tissue massage and sports massage are just some of the types of massage that require more feedback. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.
Be sure to speak up if:
the room is too hot or too cold
you experience pain
you have any questions related to the massage
there's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation
6) What if I get an erection during the massage?
Some men don't get massage therapy because they worry that they'll get an erection. Or they get the massage, but are unable to relax during the massage because of this fear.
But there is no reason to be embarrassed. It's perfectly normal for men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage.
Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection. Your massage therapist (male or female) understands this and will generally ignore it.
If you are still worried, you may wish to wear a men's bikini bathing suit during the massage, which provides more support than boxers.
7) How do I know if it's a legitimate massage clinic?
Although you might think massage parlors that offer sensual or erotic massage may look obviously seedy, it can be sometimes be difficult to spot these places.
If you're trying a new clinic or spa, it's a good idea to call first and ask these questions:
Do you offer therapeutic massage?
Is the massage therapist certified or licensed?
Do you require a health questionnaire of your clients?
A licensed massage therapist will not come into contact with your genitals or nipples during the massage.
8) The pressure isn't deep enough, but I don't want to insult the massage therapist's technique. What should I do?
Communicate openly with the massage therapist. Keep in mind however that it's a myth that massage therapy has to hurt to be effective.
Some of the most effective types of massage therapy are gentle and do not involve deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up.
Here is a good rule of thumb -- on a scale of one to 10 where one is no pain and 10 is extremely painful, the pressure should always be less than seven.
From Cathy Wong, for About.com
Updated: November 3, 2006
Here are the answers to ten massage questions you want to ask, but may be too embarrassed to.
1) Am I supposed to tip my massage therapist?
If you get a massage at a spa or hotel, a 15% to 20% tip is standard if you were pleased with the services.
On the other hand, there are no real ground rules or norms when it comes to massage in a medical setting. Some massage therapists and massage associations I asked said tipping isn't appropriate in a medical or clinical setting.
If you're not sure, don't be afraid to ask if tipping is customary. You can call ahead to ask if you don't want to do it face to face.
If tipping isn't the norm, you can always show your appreciation by referring friends, family and co-workers to the massage therapist.
2) Am I supposed to take off my underwear when I get a massage?
Many people prefer to keep their panties or briefs on during a massage, while others prefer to be completely nude. It's up to you.
If your problem areas are your lower back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work, but a thong for women or briefs for men should do the trick.
In North America, if you do remove your underwear, licensed massage therapists must ensure that you are always properly covered by a sheet or towel. Only the area being massaged will be uncovered.
3) What if I realize I've drooled during the massage?
Many people fall into a peaceful slumber during the massage but when they wake up, they notice a pool of drool on the pillow or massage table. This is very common. It often happens when people are being massaged while lying face down on the massage table.
Don't be afraid to ask the massage therapist for a tissue.
4) Will the massage therapist be there when I undress?
In North America, the massage therapist will leave the room so that you can remove your clothing and lie on the massage table (usually face down) under the top sheet.
Don't rush or worry that the massage therapist will walk in on you -- the massage therapist always knocks and asks if you are ready before entering the massage room.
5) Should I talk to the massage therapist during the massage?
Although some people prefer to talk throughout the massage, don't feel like you have to make conversation with the massage therapist. After all, you're having a treatment, you're not at a cocktail party!
Feel free to close your eyes and relax, which is what most people do.
Deep tissue massage and sports massage are just some of the types of massage that require more feedback. The massage therapist often works on deeper layers of muscle and will want to ensure that the pressure is not uncomfortable.
Be sure to speak up if:
the room is too hot or too cold
you experience pain
you have any questions related to the massage
there's anything you forgot to mention during the consultation
6) What if I get an erection during the massage?
Some men don't get massage therapy because they worry that they'll get an erection. Or they get the massage, but are unable to relax during the massage because of this fear.
But there is no reason to be embarrassed. It's perfectly normal for men to get an erection during a non-sexual, therapeutic massage.
Gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause a partial or full erection. Your massage therapist (male or female) understands this and will generally ignore it.
If you are still worried, you may wish to wear a men's bikini bathing suit during the massage, which provides more support than boxers.
7) How do I know if it's a legitimate massage clinic?
Although you might think massage parlors that offer sensual or erotic massage may look obviously seedy, it can be sometimes be difficult to spot these places.
If you're trying a new clinic or spa, it's a good idea to call first and ask these questions:
Do you offer therapeutic massage?
Is the massage therapist certified or licensed?
Do you require a health questionnaire of your clients?
A licensed massage therapist will not come into contact with your genitals or nipples during the massage.
8) The pressure isn't deep enough, but I don't want to insult the massage therapist's technique. What should I do?
Communicate openly with the massage therapist. Keep in mind however that it's a myth that massage therapy has to hurt to be effective.
Some of the most effective types of massage therapy are gentle and do not involve deep pressure or pain. In fact, too much pressure can cause muscles to seize up.
Here is a good rule of thumb -- on a scale of one to 10 where one is no pain and 10 is extremely painful, the pressure should always be less than seven.
Sharing (10) Healthy Tips For Feeling Good
Tip #1: (Wake Up), and before you have your first cup of coffee/hot shower/glass of grape fruit juice or complete the first sun salutation, say to yourself OUTLOUD, "I Have Never Had It So Good."
Tip #2: Dress Accordingly.
Tip #3: Smile.
Tip #4: Say, "Thank You."
Tip #5: Makes Plans To Spend Time With Someone Who Makes You Feel Good.
Tip #6: Do (1) Thing Exceptionally Well Instead of(3) Well Enough.
Tip #7: Do Those Things That Will Bring You Closer To Your Goals And Don't Do Those Things That Will Bring You Farther From Them.
Tip #8: Look At The Donut Not The Hole.
Tip #9: See Something Differently.
Tip #10: Identify What Today Made It A Happier Day For You Than It Would Have Been If It Hadn't Happened.
Tip #2: Dress Accordingly.
Tip #3: Smile.
Tip #4: Say, "Thank You."
Tip #5: Makes Plans To Spend Time With Someone Who Makes You Feel Good.
Tip #6: Do (1) Thing Exceptionally Well Instead of(3) Well Enough.
Tip #7: Do Those Things That Will Bring You Closer To Your Goals And Don't Do Those Things That Will Bring You Farther From Them.
Tip #8: Look At The Donut Not The Hole.
Tip #9: See Something Differently.
Tip #10: Identify What Today Made It A Happier Day For You Than It Would Have Been If It Hadn't Happened.
Videoteleconference Center
Videoteleconference Center
Inquiries and Reservations
Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Extended hours on request)
Please contact Lori Puchalski
(888) 624-CADY (2239) or (216) 861-9270
Fax: (216) 861-3205
Room Details
10 to 15 person conference room.
Complimentary beverages.
System Details
Polycom ViewStation 512
30" high-clarity monitor
Transmission speed: ISDN 384 kbps
AT&T (long distance line carrier)
Equipment and Site Details
Please specify any additional equipment needs.
Additional Services
With Advance Notice:
Certified Shorthand Reporters for depositions in Realtime with full litigation support
Photocopying
Interpreters upon request
Cady Reporting would be pleased to provide videoconferencing facilities for you in our ideal meeting facilities.
We make every effort to ensure your videoconference meeting is a 100% success. However, Cady Reporting and its network affiliates are not responsible for delays, postponements or cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.
Inquiries and Reservations
Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Extended hours on request)
Please contact Lori Puchalski
(888) 624-CADY (2239) or (216) 861-9270
Fax: (216) 861-3205
Room Details
10 to 15 person conference room.
Complimentary beverages.
System Details
Polycom ViewStation 512
30" high-clarity monitor
Transmission speed: ISDN 384 kbps
AT&T (long distance line carrier)
Equipment and Site Details
Please specify any additional equipment needs.
Additional Services
With Advance Notice:
Certified Shorthand Reporters for depositions in Realtime with full litigation support
Photocopying
Interpreters upon request
Cady Reporting would be pleased to provide videoconferencing facilities for you in our ideal meeting facilities.
We make every effort to ensure your videoconference meeting is a 100% success. However, Cady Reporting and its network affiliates are not responsible for delays, postponements or cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.
The Power of SpeakCorp
SpeakCorp provides an excellent platform for any speaker, trainer or consultant to promote themselves in a positive and affordable way. To be able to feature your own expertise, through words, pictures and video is an amazing opportunity. I highly recommend becoming a SpeakCorp Premium Member.
There's no better way to help you become more successful in whatever your vision.
There's no better way to help you become more successful in whatever your vision.
A Gift to Be Treasured
It's amazing to me that some people would rather die than to engage in public speaking! That's right, Public Speaking ranks as a greater fear than dying. How is that possible?
Whatever the reason, public speaking is an actual Art form that dates back to ancient times. It was often public speeches that defined historical events. It was considered a right of the Nobility and accomplished Speakers were revered by all. From the Parthenon in Greece, to the Senate in Rome to the high plains of Mongolia, the catalyst to history was often a well planned and passionate public speech.
Even today, the charismatic public speaker can motivate large numbers of people to Vote, to wage War or even change their moral beliefs.
Public Speaking is indeed an Art. If you are blessed with such opportunities to influence others by the things you say, cherish it and by all means take it seriously! Work at it and use your craft and talent wisely.
