April 22, 2008
The Mic Is On: We’re Talking about $10 Million …
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:00 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
What would we do if we got $10 Million free and clear?
No taxes. No debts to pay. No strings attached in any way.
Would we
- quit working?
- move to a new part of the world?
- buy something we’ve always wanted?
- build something we’ve dreamed of accomplishing?
- go somewhere we’ve always wished to be?
- give it away?
Of course, we’ll talk about everything under the sun as well. And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)
Oh, and bring links to share about free money and dreams.
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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266 Comments to “The Mic Is On: We’re Talking about $10 Million …”
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Marti said
Hi Liz! If I had $10 million, I’d buy real estate. God ain’t makin’ any more land - LOL
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Marti!
Where would you buy it?
Rick Cockrum said
Hello fellow wealthy people!
Give 2 million to the local branch of Habitat.
Give 2 million to the local housing authority
Buy each of my children a house.
Buy every house on my block.
Set up a trust fund for my grandchildren with matching money for their college tuition.
Build a new theatre - a twin.
ME Liz Strauss said
Ah Rick,
What about moving all of us to your town?
Rick Cockrum said
The housing authority money to be earmarked to fund services for seniors.
Habitat - they’ll also take $5 or a box of nails.
Rick Cockrum said
For $10,000,000 we could probably buy the town. :) Come on in. We don’t have Lake Michigan, but we have the Ohio River.
Marti said
Hi Rick! Those are great ideas!
Liz, I think I’d go for land just outside of major metropolitan areas, where growth is likely to occur. I’ve seen so much farm land get gobbled up by subdivisions, and I’d like to preserve some of it a little longer.
ME Liz Strauss said
So, I’ll be moving into Habitat’s version of Leisure World? :)
Marti said
Rick, I love “buy every house on my block”
What would you do with them?
ME Liz Strauss said
I think I’d start with taking everyone on a vacation — not on the weekend so that Rick could come with. ;)
Rick Cockrum said
Thanks, Liz. :)
Marti - I’d tear them all down and plant a small wood. Kind of a miniature version of Pooh’s 100 acre wood.
Marti said
Rick you work so hard already, I hope you budget for some managers!
Liz, a vacation sounds heavenly! I spent ALL DAY trying to figure out Medicare with grandma (telling myself to relax now)
Rick Cockrum said
So where are we going on vacation?
ME Liz Strauss said
Hallo! Rick!
I could see that. A nice wood would be wonderful.
Marti said
A man after my own heart, I want more woods too.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hmmm,
Let’s start by a short trip to Edmonton to take the railroad through the Canadian Rockies.
Mike Vizdos said
Hi all.
Just ten million (smile)?
Marti said
Liz, my dad was an old railroad man - I love riding the train! What a lovely idea….relaxing now…ahhhh….
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Mike!
Yeah, it was a slow month. :)
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Mike.
Up for a train trip?
Rick Cockrum said
I took a train from Chicago to New Mexico once. Best trip I ever had in my life.
Marti said
Hi Mike (extends hand to shake)
Nice to meet you!
Mike Vizdos said
Hi all. When I was in Russia last year I resisted the temptation to take the train to China…. on my to do list at some point. Hi to “new” people sorry I have not been around in a bit. Actually home tonight.
ME Liz Strauss said
Train travel with friends can be a vacation with a moving background. :)
Mike Vizdos said
[on an side not] anyone interested in meeting for dinner near LAX tomorrow night?
Marti said
Sorry Mike, Kansas City is a long ways from LAX. Best wishes though!
Mike Vizdos said
Will be there soon too :). Another week of travel for me. So how is the 10 million spend going?
ME Liz Strauss said
Send me a ticket and I’ll be there! :)
Marti said
Mike, Rick and I both want to make the world woodsy-er
:-)
Mike Vizdos said
Liz no joking I have a few sitting around for us scare right now :).
Mike Vizdos said
heh… if you have time come in and sit on the class this week - would love your professional opinion of what it is I do (all in one word). Maybe sometime in the future?
Rick Cockrum said
We could buy a few square yards of LA and plant a tree, Marti.
ME Liz Strauss said
Mike,
You need some help with your business. Too many tickets, not enough life. Here take another $10M
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
ten mil? I’d definitely be at SOBcon! Heck, I’d be a Triple Gold sponsor. Then travel to take some time to think what I really want to do. Maybe start the assistive technology camp for kids with disabilities that Darrell and I have talked about.
Marti said
LOL Rick!
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
That would be so cool on both counts. Maybe we could move one branch to Chicago!!
Mike Vizdos said
As usual working on the work life balance. Heh reminds me of a really short blog entry we did a while ago… http://www.implementingscrum.com/blog/2007/03/26/get-a-life/
Rick Cockrum said
We’ll take one, too, Glenda. That’s a fantastic idea.
ME Liz Strauss said
Love that post, Mike!
Marti said
Yes, if I had lots of money, I would attend lots of conferences, so I could meet more of you wonderful people in person. SOBCon would be at the top of my list! (With ten mil I might even be able to manipulate when daughter’s graduation is held, so it wouldn’t conflict)
ME Liz Strauss said
I’m with you on that, Marti!
I think we could move the conference to the graduation! With $10M I don’t think anyone would mind. :)
Mike Vizdos said
… Marti I am sure you could be THE sponsor of the event :). I really need to make that a part of my plans in the near future // next one. As I move into this blogging world I learn I have a ton more to learn from people here.
Rick Cockrum said
I’m ashamed to say I don’t know what I would do with $10,000,000. I got half done and pooped out. I need to work on loosening up my vision more.
Angela Maiers said
Hey Everyone!
Glenda, I am right with you-I would fly everyone to meet at SOBCon-especially those who can not attend (BOO HOO!)
How is your Tuesday everyone?
Todd Jordan said
Howdy and hello! I’d be spending that money on somethings for sure that are easy to think of.
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah,Mike,
I’m learning that I’ve got lots of learning yet to go, too!
Angela Maiers said
Mike- I love the post!
ME Liz Strauss said
Rick,
One thing I would do with the $$ is arrange for a personal / family assistant to run all of the errands.
Todd Jordan said
@Marti - send me that thing you mentioned in the email. Or should I check my junk folder?
I’m so ready for that cruise next weekend. Woot.
$10M? First off, I’d give about $1 M to local churches. Many desperately need the money to do actual down to earth projects. Some can’t hardly keep the lights on.
Next? Pay off all my debt.
Okay, that still leaves well over $8M. Hmmm
Mike Vizdos said
[thx for the posting comments]
Marti said
Hi Todd and Angela! Wonderful to see you.
Oh Lord, my mind has gone soft (again) I was scrolling back up through the replies to see who else was here to say hello to, and thought “Oh, April is here!” Then I realized it was the date stamp - LOL
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Todd,
We could pool our money and buy a nice little corner of the Internet and set it free from the telcos and cable companies. :)
Todd Jordan said
Travel of course is at the top.
But you know what? I’d love to travel and get to know people. Get to know them, help them, inspire them. Not help with money necessarily but be there in person to hold their hand, wash their dishes and show some down to earth support.
Marti said
Todd, I thought I sent it (but as I said my wind is soft) I’ll double check (scurries off)
Todd Jordan said
Hey Liz and hiya Rick and April.
Yes, an internet without ads and crybaby corporations. What a nice dream.
Angela Maiers said
Marti-I love the swimsuits your friend is designing-with $10 million in my pocket-I could get one for everyone w/a private pool to go along with it!
Marti said
Todd, I sent it four days ago. PDF is attached to most recent g-mail correspondence, it is called ROP-2008.pdf
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Angela!
Great to see you here! What’re you going to do with $10Mil. ?
Todd Jordan said
Side note: Private networks will come back in vogue. Private and pricey corners of the internet. Not portals per se but networks of high end shopping and chat rooms. Mark my words.
And heck, why not unlimited phone calls for my family and friends.
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Todd and Angela. Tuesday’s are grand.
Now that’s an idea. Make it wireless running parallel to the celphone system. We could probably get Russia to put up a satellite for us in budget. :)
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti,
What happened with the last book?
Todd Jordan said
Found it. On other computer’s email collection.
Marti said
Hi Angela - a pool with every swimsuit - now that’s a good idea!
ME Liz Strauss said
Rick and Todd,
I think we have a plan. Let’s flush this out and get some funding. :)
Todd Jordan said
@Marti now it’s here on the one I’m using most often. :)
Yes, I’d love to be able to connect with folks in person at a moment’s notice or at least get them on the phone and not worry about minutes.
Todd Jordan said
$10M would get my wife her ideal house and some nice property with lots of redundant systems. :)
I’d fund a startup or two, or start one or two of my own.
Marti said
Liz, I’m still editing the self-help book when I get the chance.
Plus I re-edited the novel and sent the PDF to Todd for critique. Thanks for asking - I haven’t dropped the project, I am usually just too tired after all day with grandma to think very clearly. I figured you’d let me slide as a somewhat foggy thinker *grin*
Todd Jordan said
I’d move my granddaugthers closer or go live by them. :)
ME Liz Strauss said
Todd,
Rent-a-corporate-jet.
I forget what they’re called.
Marti said
I’m glad you found it Todd. I was starting to think you hated it and didn’t want to reply - LOL
Todd Jordan said
@Marti I’m so there if you want help with the self help book, or is that allowed if you are all about helping yourself? :)
If I win the lottery this week, twitter folks will just about be the first to know. Definitely before my relatives. :)
Angela Maiers said
Hi Rick and Liz!
On a serious note, I would open a teacher training institute. Teachers from all over the world could receive 1st class professional development-FREE! When they leave the institute, they are smarter, more passionate, and motivated to change the world! Each students they touch would be infinitely impacted. A much wiser use of $10 million dollars than the current educational spending policy-don’t you think???
ME Liz Strauss said
Aw Marti,
I was just wondering what the story was. I hadn’t heard much lately. Get granny to go to sleep for a nap now and then. :)
Todd Jordan said
@Marti I’m sure I’ll love it. :)
My d-i-l doesn’t want to fly with the three girls. Hmm. Wonder if I could buy my son’s contract out in the army and give him a job?
Trisha said
Hello everyone!
sorry I couldn’t get here sooner!
Todd Jordan said
taking a break. i’ll be back soonest.
Marti said
Todd, I’d love your input! I started the project a year ago, and had chapters from some fabulous bloggers - Liz, Chris Brogan, Becky McCray, Susan Reynolds. Then grandma’s health went downhill and I have had no time to work on it any further. I’ll send you the manuscript to it too soon, I promise.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Trisha!
Not the topic you expected. [grin]
Marti said
Hi Trisha!
Trisha said
Hi Marti!
Liz - no this is not what I expected - but I was right about it not being about the primary!
Marti said
Angela, I love your teacher assistance idea! They are such an asset to society and so undervalued
ME Liz Strauss said
Angela!
I think you’d be spectacular at doing just what you describe. :)
Marti said
Liz, from you lips to granny’s bed
:-)
(That statement will confuse the dickens out of someone just joining the conversation - LOL)
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti!
I love weird sentences out of context. :)
Joe said
Hey Liz Hey all
I would have someone fix the antique cherry coffee table with the glass top that the cat jumped on and knocked the glass out of that I am working on fixing right this very minute.
Angela Maiers said
Liz-working on that now-struggling with the “FREE” part. I so wish I could do that for teachers! It is a great dream for sure!
Hi Trisha! Nice to meet you!
Marti said
Hiya Joe!
Trisha said
Hello Angela!
Mike Vizdos said
…. gotta remember a lot of your dreams CAN actually come true :) even without the “lotto cashout” strategy for the first 10 million.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey, Joe,
The cat broke it — make the cat figure out how to get it fixed. :)
ME Liz Strauss said
Angela,
Work on the path to get there. You just might find it at the end of that road. :)
Marti said
I love that this group thinks of doing philanthropic work first (wow that is a hard word to spell when your brain is soft - LOL)
Trisha said
I would buy a big piece of land, build a house on it, create a big butterfly garden on it, and set aside a large part for a prairie restoration project.
Marti said
Money can’t buy happiness, or good friends like this gathering.
ME Liz Strauss said
Trisha,
I see a vast meadowland. :)
Marti said
Money can make everything else a lot more comfortable though - LOL
Brooke said
Hello all - well I would want to help my family out, and then I would ant to take some trips that I have always wanted to do - and then…well I would think long and hard about what to do with that money…
Trisha said
Then, I would give money to different research projects, mostly those which are underfunded
Trisha said
yes it would be a vast meadowland
Brooke said
Everyone says that everyone is screwed up after getting a lot of money - so I want to take my time nd be careful. Money cannot buy my happiness - but it sure can help a lot of people! :)
Trisha said
of course i would also take a couple really nice vacations each year. one would be to disney world. I love that place.
Joe said
Hiya Marti.
Yeah, but the cat is all thumbs (or paws) when it comes to using a hammer. :-)
Marti said
Then there’s this
http://www.cafepress.com/enterlaughter/2263178
LOL
ME Liz Strauss said
Heya, Brooke!
What usually happens is that folks end up back where they were in a few short years. Some say it’s because we have a “money threshold” state of mind: Some of us think we should only have so much money, and if we get more we find a way to get rid of it.
Marti said
Hi Brooke! So true….
Trisha, I love your meadowland idea.
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
Sit that cat down and explain that (he or she) should have considered that before breaking the darn table. Now, the problem has to be solved. :)
Brooke said
we do we do Liz. As soon as there is more money you’re thinkin “I need more.”
Marti said
Joe, I’m getting a visual with a cat wearing a tool belt - LOL
Trisha said
anyone have a tv on? anything heard from PA yet?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Excuse my disappearance - 3d friends are here, so couldn’t really ignore them, even though it’s open mic night!
Love reading what people would do with ten mil. So much creative potential.
Marti said
via Yahoo:
Hillary Clinton has the early edge in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary, but it’s still too close to call.
Timothy Johnson said
Hi all… what $10 million dollar wishes have I missed?
Brooke said
Well…’nite all. I just had to stop in for a minute. It’s a great topic and I truly hope you enjoy yourselves!!
Marti said
Goodnight Brooke, best wishes to you!
Hi Timothy!
Trisha said
thanks Marti!
Mary Ward said
My kids and I had a plan if we won a million dollars. I said we would pay off our house in Mass, give it to someone deserving like one of my young newlywed nieces, then go buy daddy his farm in Maine with acreage. We’d also construct a snowmobile park, complete with snow machines to make snow when Mother Nature didn’t cooperate. We’d probably have to invest the $1 million and make more before we could do all that, so $10 million would make it all the easier! :)
Incidentally, my kids thought I was making up the part about there really being such a thing as a snow-maker! (We snowmobile, we don’t ski–can you tell?)
Timothy Johnson said
Hi Marti… how’s life? How is everyone doing?
Joe said
I would just hire a lawyer and put it away and think for a really long time about what I could accomplish with that much money.
After a good bit of that, I’d probably just put it in the bank, live off the interest and let the rest accumulate until I was dead.
THEN, with all the extra interest, I would set up a fund to educate the most needy of the needy so that they could do for themselves and share their good fortune with others less fortunate than themselves.
Does that sound too hokey?
Marti said
Greetings, Mary - lovely to meet you!
Joe said
Back to working on that coffee table.
Mary Ward said
A little hokey Joe. I’d do my share of giving (mostly to kids’ charities and cancer programs), but I’d have lots of FUN too!
Trisha said
I got to go - sorry i couldn’t stay long - I’ve got to go turn on the tv a while!
ME Liz Strauss said
Bye Brooke!
Hi Tim!
Hi Mary!
Todd Jordan said
I’m back. Everyone still here?
ME Liz Strauss said
Tim,
Did you ever get the room squared away in Chicago? Or are you going to use the $10Million to buy a hotel?
Marti said
Timothy, thanks for asking. I’m pretty pooped - LOL
I’m caregiving full time for my aging mother-in-law who has Parkinson’s and a host of other illnesses. It’s exhausting, physically and emotionally.
Mary Ward said
Thanks Marti! I’ve been around, commented a time or two, but can’t usually make Open Mic. Tonight the hub is at OSHA training, so I had just a few minutes and thought I’d stop by. I love the concept, it’s just never great timing for me on the East Coast with kids and bedties and all.
Thanks for the warm welcome!
ME Liz Strauss said
Mary!
I love a woman who comes with a plan all figured out. Now will you come over and organize my life?!
Marti said
Welcome back, Todd!
Bye Trisha, best wishes for a good evening
Timothy Johnson said
Hi Liz… yes, the room is squared away. I’m carpooling with and rooming with the two students I’m bringing along. That should save some bucks.
But thanks for the sentiment. A $10 million dollar hotel of my very own… :)
Mary Ward said
Hi Liz!
I had a free minute or two and thought I’d drop in before bed time. At 9:19 in Massachusetts, I’m staying up late! :)
Todd Jordan said
Yes, money can’t buy happiness, so that shouldn’t be why the money is spent. Money should enable our lives and nothing more. If you aren’t a good and generous person before winning, you won’t be changing afterwards.
ME Liz Strauss said
Joe,
It’s hokey, but it sounds like something you’d do. They make movies about guys like you. :)
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Mr T and Todd!
Mary Ward said
Yeah, Liz. Soon as I get a handle on mine! I will, however, take you snowmobiling with me…
Marti said
I’ve been AWOL a lot myself, Mary, but I made an April resolution (I’m a procrastinator - LOL) to stop by more because it rejuvenates me to chat with all of these wonderful people!
ME Liz Strauss said
Todd!
Well said, well said. Money and age don’t make us better. :)
Todd Jordan said
I’ve been absent since I don’t remember all these types of things. Folks should not be embarrassed to remind me.
Marti said
Joe, I love your education plan
Mary Ward said
Marti, I love the April Resolution idea. Since I’m much more energetic this time of year as opposed to January, maybe I can adopt that, too! (I also excel at procrastinating). I do se how rejuvenating these chats can be, though!
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti!
It rejuvenates me to talk to all of you! It’s been lonely lately around here. :)
Phil Butler said
LOL, I would make down payment on Successful Blog :)
Always,
Phil
Angela Maiers said
Hello Tim- How’s your week? I met Delanely yesterday-she is my long lost sister! We had the best day-shoe shopping and everything!
Joe-I definitely do not think your dream is hokey-we should team up!
ME Liz Strauss said
Todd,
There are no attendance requirements. Though, I sometimes wonder what Tuesdays used to be like. :)
I need to find a host for Open Comments on May 13th. I’m going to be in London.
Timothy Johnson said
Hi Miss Glenda. I’ll be thinking of you at SOBCon.
Well said, Todd! (BTW, looking forward to meeting you in person next week.)
Todd Jordan said
Joe’s education plan rocks. Now if we could just get someone in charge to quit spending my money with poor texts, poorer treatment of teachers, and the poorest treatment of students. GAHHHH. If only all it took was wealth.
Mary Ward said
Time for bed. Goodnight All! Thanks for the moments of inspiration! (See I can be hokey, too)
Marti said
eloquent and wise
Todd Jordan said
@Tim likewise and thank you.
@Glenda howdy howdy. :)
@Liz I might just be able to do that if folks think I’m up to it.
Marti said
Hi Phil, welcome!
Good night Mary, lovely to meet you! Best wishes with April resolutions! *grin*
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Mary!!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
looking forward to your tweets from SOBcon, Mr T. I’ll be there in spirit!
ME Liz Strauss said
Todd,
I think you’d draw a fun crowd!!
Go for it!
Todd Jordan said
@Glenda thanks my friend!
I’m bringing the MacBookPro, the Canon, and the Flip. Should be media rich weekend. :)
Marti said
Todd, I wish someone could knock some sense into our school board. They’re putting astroturf on the football field, but the kids don’t have enough books for every student in class!
Todd Jordan said
@liz thanks! I’m excited already. :)
@Marti yeah, they wanted to build a multimillion dollar pool at one of our local high schools but we can’t afford bus drivers. Go figure.
Timothy Johnson said
To be honest, outside of investing in my children’s education, giving at least 10% to my church, and setting up a modest retirement account, I’m not sure why I would need the rest.
As Twyla Tharp says, “Whom the gods wish to destroy, they give unlimited resources.”
(Psssst. Don’t tell my political party I said that… it’s not very “Republican”)
Todd Jordan said
Private schools are looking better all the time. :(
Marti said
Oops, getting myself riled up here, supposed to be calm, relax Marti, relax….
LOL
ME Liz Strauss said
Very cool, Todd!
Schools try to impress the booster clubs and the school boards. It’s sad, but the rule is true “follow the money.”
Marti said
Money certainly won’t fix all of the educational woes in our country. Schools need quality (and logical) leadership
Todd Jordan said
@Marti that’s cool. It’s an easy topic to get riled up about.
Back to the $10M - i’d go back to school part of the time. Part of the time I’d be studying. Just studying and twittering. Studying, twittering, and blogging, Studying….
Oh, well we know how that ends up. :)
Mike Vizdos said
[catching up] trying to make plans to go to a couple of non-hotbed cities for flights next week lol.
Todd Jordan said
@Mike howdy
Marti said
Love the Tharp quote, Todd!
Todd Jordan said
Yes, it’s all about what the alumni/investors want. Sadly those just wanting the best education must look somewhere else.
Marti said
I love education. I agree, it would be wonderful to have the money and time to attend college classes that sounded interesting.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
It amazes me how ‘big’ people are building schools elsewhere ‘cept in their own back yard.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Tim,
You can use the rest of it to fund an even better education for your kids. Don’t think it won’t be in the millions by then. :)
Todd Jordan said
@Glenda oh we build schools in Missouri alright. Our area is the fastest growing school district. The problem? They don’t build them big enough to even hold the current student body, let alone what will be the volume in five years.
It’s all about the short sell on budget. Missouri needs bigger and better schools, and many less government assistance programs for businesses. I’m willing to lose the extra population if they take their kids with them and the schools can get ahead again. Right now they can’t even afford teachers or bus drivers in our area.
Marti said
I am so sorry, but my life battery is going flat. Need sleep to re-charge. Delightful conversation, I wish I could keep my eyes open to participate longer.
Thank you for letting me share a little time with all of you! May peace and joy be with you always.
Rick Cockrum said
I need to tell that one to my children, Marti.
steve said
- Totally cool out the bone marrow transplant ward at the hospital where my son was treated. I’m talking plasmas, Wiis, xbox 360, PS3s, tons of dvds and movies and anything else to help them pass the time. Find other similar wards to do the same thing.
-buy a condo on the mag mile in Chicago
Timothy Johnson said
Thanks, Liz, but I also want my kids to learn the value of their own education by having to work and learn responsibility and how to balance priorities.
Rick Cockrum said
Sorry. I got lost in Marti’s store. Good night, Marti.
Marti said
Ah, Rick’s been cruising my t-shirts - LOL
Thanks hon!
Love and hugs to all - ‘night
Todd Jordan said
@Marti good night
@Steve great suggestion
Angela Maiers said
Great discussion on schools-I am sorry I had missed a few minutes. Homework with my daughter.
Schools actually have money-they just chose to spend it in very unwise ways - ala the pool! It is frustrating to see. There is a lot of talk about “what is best for kids” but there is a lot of “what is best for grownups!
Joe said
Wow, I didn’t realize how many comments and great conversation I missed until I ended up not being here for so long.
Table is half finished, not BACK TO WORK!
ME Liz Strauss said
Steve,
That would be so excellent to “cool out the hospital.” Yeah. I’ve spent enough time in hospitals to know exactly what that would mean.
That condo doesn’t sound too bad either. . . .
ME Liz Strauss said
Night, Marti!
Thanks for being here. :)
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah, Rick!
I like that “not young enough to know everything” quote too. I’ll have to mention that to my son. :)
Todd Jordan said
Well, while I’m visiting with you fine folks, I’m going to go live on Ustream - http://ustream.tv/channel/chat-with-tojo
ME Liz Strauss said
Angela,
Schools and businesses work the same. We spend money and time on things that other people can see. Other people can see buildings, schedules, budgets, but they can’t see quality . . .
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Todd, what use are big fancy schools without teachers and bus drivers? How do we leverage our ten mils to make a sustainable difference?
Todd Jordan said
@Angela you’re right, the visible is so easy to attack and agree on. It’s much harder to battle the less visible and tangible aspects of a business of any sort.
Rick Cockrum said
The work on the children’s ward would be cool, as would Angela’s work with schools.
Angela Maiers said
Liz-if only we ran the world! What we could do! This is the start of my dream-it is a really small start, but it is something. Great teachers really do make differences in kids lives! Love to know what you think!!!
http://www.supportalocalteacher.org/
Love to get your thoughts!
Rick Cockrum said
Our local school district was set to merge with a neighboring one. It would be good for both of them financially and educationally, opening up more classes and opportunities for the students.
Then the neighboring district elected a new board. All of a sudden they stop the process to argue about things like school colors and sports team names, and want to rearrange the prior plans in such a way as to take away all benefit to the students from the merger.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
A few times recently I’ve been tempted to actually plan on paper what I’d do with a large sum of money. How else will the universe know I’m serious? How crazy is that!
ME Liz Strauss said
Angela,
It looks fabulous!!
ME Liz Strauss said
Rick,
Sometimes I think they should let the kids manage the schools.
Todd Jordan said
We should all make such a list. I believe you can’t truly posses wealth but only use it. Why not make a list of good solid things, not just intentions. Intentions are fleeting and emotion based.
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
That’s NOT crazy. That’s strategy. :)
Angela Maiers said
Rick - unfortunately that is all to common. My children’s school spend six months debating the font size and type of the “W” that would appear on the letter head and sports jerseys! No conversations about teaching and learning, standards, student engagement… It seems crazy when you actually say it out loud!
Todd Jordan said
Hey, I’m live on Ustream. Come check it out while you chat here. You can watch me in the window.
http://ustream.tv/channel/chat-with-tojo
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, I’m envisioning a rainy Saturday afternoon/evening, we all meet online and work on our owns but together. Who knows what that would spark!
Angela Maiers said
Todd - that is very cool! Technology is amazing!!!
Angela Maiers said
Todd-I can hear you loud and clear!
Rick Cockrum said
Glenda: That would be an excellent move. A verbal vision board.
Angela: It is crazy. Liz is right. The kids were good with the way things were arranged before. A plan was in place for them to decide the morale/school spirit type things.
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
Tuesday Night Workshop!
Timothy Johnson said
I’m always surprised by the ways schools spend money. I’m sure Angela and I could have a fascinating discussion off-line about some of the silly things done in some of our local districts.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Rick, not sure which ap would work best, but it could be a hoot!
Angela Maiers said
Liz-I am so glad you like it. The project is very new, so if anyone has suggestions…I am open. Glenda is right-you do not need $10 million to dream-you just need to move forward in same way to pursue the dreams you have.
Thoughts anyone? http://www.supportalocalteacher.org/
ME Liz Strauss said
I think we could probably find one that would work . . . let me think.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Perhaps Liz, tho Tues nights are more about hanging out with friends, not really about being productive, IMHO.
ME Liz Strauss said
You’ve got a point, Glenda.
On the other hand, commitments add up. :)
I’m still thinking of a venue that would work for everyone in one place. :)
Mike Vizdos said
#207 — good luck :)
Mike Vizdos said
so anyone up for LAX tomorrow night? figured I’d see if anyone is around for that.
Todd Jordan said
I’m not up for LAX. WRong city. :(
ME Liz Strauss said
What cities are you going to next, Mike?
Rick Cockrum said
I’m a bit too far away, Mike.
Timothy Johnson said
So Liz, what’s the attendance count for SOBCon?
Angela Maiers said
I hate to leave this great conversation, it is a school night, and I have to get the family in bed. (I am not far behind.) You have inspired me tonight! have a GREAT week, all! Night, Night Mic Night!!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Tim!
SOBCon looks to be about the same size as last year. The group has a really interesting focus. The sponsors are fabulous.
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Angela!!
Go do great things!
Timothy Johnson said
Looks like a great sponsor group. I know Erik and Pete are excited about coming.
Rick Cockrum said
Good night, Angela.
I must be off, too. Thank you for all the great ideas on what to do with millions. A train trip sounds like it’s in my future. :) Good night.
Good night, Liz.
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah, I think the sponsors are going to be super participants. I really like them all.
Timothy Johnson said
It will be wonderful just to see everybody again. Big ol’ bear hugs all around.
ME Liz Strauss said
Lots of really smart new people too. :)
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Speaking of friends, where is Mike DeWitt these days? Did the Russian mafia kidnap him again?
ME Liz Strauss said
Oh Glenda,
He got downsized out of his job. I think he’s regrouping. :(
Todd Jordan said
Good night everyone. See you next week.
Timothy Johnson said
I was wondering what was going on there. I’ll drop him a note of encouragement, Liz.
Mike Vizdos said
Am booked in about 25 cities in the coming months.
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Todd!
Send me an email and we’ll arrange for you to host open comment night. Oh wait, we can talk about it at SOBCon!
ME Liz Strauss said
Tim!
A note might be good, but I know he’s going to walk this one alone until he’s ready. :)
ME Liz Strauss said
Mike!
When are you coming to Chicagoland?
Timothy Johnson said
I need to shoot him an email anyway about other stuff, so I can just tuck it in there in a subtle fashion.
ME Liz Strauss said
Tim,
Don’t be subtle. Kick him in the rear. :)
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
oh, I didn’t know that, Liz. I’ll email him. Miss him.
Mike Vizdos said
was just in chicago a few weeks ago, but will be up there again i am sure. just figured out a way to post public schedule using google calendars and the agenda format on my blog. not the prettiest thing but useful for right now.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hey Mike,
That Google Calendar isn’t so ugly. It’s just not cute. :)
Mike Vizdos said
functional works sometimes
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Mr T, one last dance before I go make supper?
Joe said
Wow, did I miss a lot! Went from education to education schedules in all of 100 comments :-)
Joe said
Table’s done. Now to see if it holds up to the animals.
Mike Vizdos said
#238 — hide the catnip
Joe said
Mike, they know where it’s hidden and even found a way to break into the cubbard. ;-)
Timothy Johnson said
Darn right Ms. Glenda… I’m feeling like a little Salsa dancing… or swing perhaps?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
woo, salsa sounds a live spicy! ;)
J. Erik Potter said
Good evening, everyone!
Its been a while.
One final down, one to go (courtesy of Prof Tim).
If I had $10mil, hmmm. . .pay off debts, open drive-in movie theater or classic movie theater in a town square somewhere, eat popcorn/Milk Duds every day (and the occasional Klondike). Hang out with my boys during the day.
Timothy Johnson said
Just remember to let me lead this time, OK?? (LOL) ;)
ME Liz Strauss said
You two are dancing fools!!
So are you, Glenda and Tim. [grin]
Timothy Johnson said
Pul-LEEEZE, Erik. The “final” for Creativity for Business should be the most enjoyable final you’ve ever taken.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
; ) sure thing Mr T
J. Erik Potter said
Just seeing if you were paying attention, Tim.
I’m just a little bitter after last week’s vote. Now I know what Clay felt like when Rubin won. . .
ME Liz Strauss said
Erik!
I think that answer should get you out of the final. That’s A++ work right there before our eyes!!
Timothy Johnson said
Nice try Liz. He ain’t gettin’ outta nuthin’
ME Liz Strauss said
Meanie, Tim, meanie. :)
Joe said
Be nice! as Liz always says. :-)
J. Erik Potter said
I’m with Joe. And think about how much easier your night would be without having to worry about a silly, subjective thing like a grade?
ME Liz Strauss said
Exactly, Tim,
We’re just trying to make your life, easier, faster, and more meaningful. :)
Joe said
I wish I could have spent more time tonight
Enjoying everyones thoughts and dreams and insight
But from what little I did happen to gather
Everyone here would do something for others or rather
Be sure to take care of their family and friends
THen All others are next, on that you can depend
With people like each and everyone here
The world would do well to call you all dear.
Berma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
Timothy Johnson said
Great rhyme, Joe.
Erik, you still have to present on Thursday (and I’m confident that your team will do a smashing job).
Liz, not a meanie… just hyper-accountable.
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Joe!
Sleepy swell. :)
ME Liz Strauss said
I know, Tim.
I just don’t get the opportunity to say “meanie” very often. :)
J. Erik Potter said
Well, I’m cutting out. Need to polish up this presentation for Thursday.
Good night all. Looking forward to the physical meet ups next week at SobCon!
Timothy Johnson said
Yeah, I’d better call it a night as well… still have a few touch-ups to do on the client report I’ve been working on the past few days.
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night everyone!
Rodney Rumford said
3 million in the bank
2 million for an entrepreneur foundation
1 million for a college foundation
2 millon for start up investing
1 million for 2 residences overseas
1 million for home remodel
so that is where my money would go. ;)
Rodney
Kelly@SHE-POWER said
Even though I missed this conversation, it’s a good thing to think about. What would I do with $10 MIL?
$1.75 MIL on my dream home overlooking ocean with a recording studio for my husband. I know just the one too!
$3 MIL in investments for the future - property, some cash, gold and mutual funds
$500,000 on a yacht, two new cars, a sabbatical and a bit of reckless shopping
$1 MIL invested in my son’s name for his first home and education
$1.75 MIL on paying off the mortgages of my family members, a fat home deposit for my youngest sister and to help make a difference to my friends’ lives
$2 MIL in a charity trust to be invested and donated to various causes which aid women, children, education and sustainability
Then back to life as usual I think.
Kelly
Christian said
I love education. I agree, it would be wonderful to have the money and time to attend college classes that sounded interesting.
Nathalie said
$10 Million, that’s a lot in Philippines. maybe a
1 million environmental help
2 million for a mansion on my private island
3 million in the bank
1 million for a vacation outside the country
500,000 investment for a new business
500,000 shopping spree=)
1 million for cars and a yacht to put in my
island=)
500,000 for charity works
500,000 educational plan 4 future kids=)
hope this will come true..lol..i wish..
Marti said
Thank you all, especially Liz, for a divine evening of conversation!
Peace and joy to all!