John J Langan

I wish I had more time, energy and the inclination to read.

I’ve been fortunate in recent years to meet and get to know some – in my opinion – terrific local authors.  In talking to them I see how much they pour their hearts and souls into every story, every word.  The creative process is astounding to me, and I admire them all for sharing their gifts.

There is nothing like completely immersing oneself in a good book or story.  I get that committed to reading only in short spurts, mostly in the summer.  I assumed that when I got an iPad a couple of years ago I would read more, once I got used to not holding a bound book in my hand.  I embraced the technology, but it didn’t increase my reading.

I recently joined Goodreads, a mobile app community where your online friends can rub it in your face that they are reading many more books than you, and the ones they are reading are much more serious and mature.  But I’m not bitter!!  Like I’m sure everyone did, I listed all of the books that I’ve read that would help people find me oh so fascinating.  I also listed a few glimpses into my silly soul, like “Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopy Pants” – check it!  But Goodreads is a neat little thang that I had hoped would motivate me to read more.  Alas, not so much…

I must point out, dear reader, that there are so many distractions these days for me… work, family, friends old and new, soccer games anywhere, bike riding, the previously mentioned iPad, Facebook, Twitter, OMG Instagram, “Big Bang Theory”, CNN, my dog Stan, more work…  Wait!  Is “Wipeout” on TV tonight???  When this list started to form in my mind it was, again, much more serious and mature.

Guess I have to make a effort to read more.  Set aside the time.  Give it the old college try.  And not just because my reasons/excuses for not reading are shit.  But because reading is good for the soul, even one as silly as mine.

UPDATE:  The previously mentioned author friends of mine are Jonathan Mayberry and Dennis Tafoya.  Both dark, troubled men… Check them out!

Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement as manager of Manchester United yesterday. Immediately the questions were being asked as to who would take his place.  I am formally removing my name as a candidate because of my dislike of the UK climate, and the British refusal to use ice in drinks.  David Moyes seems the likely choice to me, but I’m sure it will not be a quick process.  It is clear is that Sir Alex will play a major role in picking his successor, and rightly so. Given his success, he deserves that respect.

Joe Paterno never got that chance, although he was equally deserving. I can hear you all grumbling already about the Sandusky case, but even without that dark cloud JoePa wasn’t going to be involved. There was a movement within the university to remove him for years, which certainly would have translated into a sad exit. And it happened anyway.

Similarly, a local high school coach with a successful resume has retired, and through some behind the scenes machinations has been denied the transition he had hoped. I know this man fairly well, and am very disappointed that the (what I perceive to be) right thing wasn’t done. He is a good man at heart, but has certainly rubbed some people wrong along the way. But does that make it right?

Now that I’ve presented three sports related scenarios, I’ll ask the question… What’s the point of tenure? I don’t think we will see the likes of these three again… people who do a great job in one place for decades. Our attention span won’t allow it. We are always looking for the next thing, and the one after that, and so on… It’s a world of instant gratification.

The same thing applies for people like us.  I’ve been with the same company off and on for almost 30 years. You might think that longevity and a bunch of white hair would make me the wise, elder statesman. Not so much…

I was recently dubbed a social media “expert” in our company. Although I’ve had the skills and knowledge for some time, it wasn’t really recognized until another expert outside the company pointed it out.  No biggie… I get that it isn’t always easy to see something right in front of you.  But I was suddenly aware that I’ve been guilty of this myself, and I’ve recently had several conversations about this very subject.  While the years don’t entitle one to special treatment, the increasing perception that longer tenured employees lack new and exciting ideas is disappointing.  And while we say there is value in experience, our actions sometime say something different.

I’m going to make myself a promise to first look inside, then outside the box. Seems fair to me.

UPDATE:  As I said in my first blog… Writing is difficult for me.  I started this entry 12 hours ago.  Since then it was announced that David Moyes is the new manager at Manchester United.  Of course I will be gracious and wish him the best.

Glory, Glory Man United!

Bicycle rides usually clear my head.  When I jumped on the bike this afternoon, the idea of a blog surfaced in my head for the thousandth time.  “Might be a perfect thing to do on a Sunday evening”, I said to myself.  But just getting started – with anything – has always been most difficult for me, personally and professionally.  Certain friends will want to insert a joke here – please go directly to the comment section below.  But once I get started there is usually no stopping me.

So here I sit… Hopefully this process will get easier as time goes by.

Many people… Okay, two people… have suggested that I should blog.  Not just because I’m funny, smart, creative, and have a point to make to this crazy mixed up world.  These are all valid reasons, of course.  As a marketing professional I get that blogging will give me a credible online presence.  It will increase my Googleability.  And that is a word.  Google it.

So I’m going to make this first blog an easy one… no rants, stands, opinions, essays, controversies or outrageousness – at least for now!  This is my “strategy”… When the mood strikes me I will wax poetically about me and my thangs.  Subjects may include professional stuff I know, like email marketing and social media.  Maybe I’ll write about my love of the beautiful game – I’m a Red Devil, a proud SoB, and an American Outlaw.  As I get more comfortable I may tackle issues of the day and my extremely slow journey from conservative to liberal.  Perhaps I should issue some advance apologies to my family and friends for personal stories I may reference.  Most of all, I’ll be honest.  Otherwise, what’s the point?

I’m not sure why Google or any of you will be interested in my ramblings, so I shall write for myself and let the chips fall where they may.  I’m hoping it will be therapeutic, and maybe get some interesting conversations going.  I’m a proud American, but also an Irishman who loves me some good craic.  Feel free to Google that one too.

So that’s my story, and…