Just Do the Right Thing. He Owned Every Role. Provide Your Answer. It is Already March! “Killing Me Softly…”
- Quote of the Week: “It is never wrong to do the right thing.” – Mark Twain
In a world full of geopolitical conflict, we look for a way to level set everything that is going on in Washington, D.C., Gaza, Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Lebanon, Somalia, Syria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are bombarded with disconcerting information from all regions of the world, while at the same time looking for what is good and positive. Mark Twain’s quote about doing the right thing is my baseline, something I fall back on with both personal and business dynamics, no matter the conflict or possible fallout.
I have made decisions that did not work out for everyone, but I based my decisions on doing the right thing. Mark Twain’s quote is general in nature and reminds us that many things can be better if we try to do the right thing. “Doing the right thing” does not need to be complicated. Sometimes, even if your first thought is to say ‘no’, doing the right thing may gain support, build morale, rally your team, your group, or your family.
It was not in General Norman Schwarzkopf’s typical day to agree to have a beer as the Commander of United States Central Command – but doing the right thing paid dividends in so many ways. Watch and listen to the reaction of Schwarzkopf’s audience when he does agree to have that beer. The last thing General Schwarzkopf wanted to do was interrupt his schedule – but he simply did the right thing.
- RIP Gene Hackman. Has there ever been an actor who could nail every role (and every scene), from his comedic role in “The Royal Tenenbaums” to his sinister role as the terrifying sheriff in “Unforgiven?” His other roles in so many great movies made Hackman a self-styled actor and to me put him in a class of stars including Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy, and James Cagney. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest to ever grace the medium. The French Connection, Get Shorty, The Firm, The Replacements, Crimson Tide, Bonnie and Clyde, and The Birdcage are just a few of the Hackman’s best movies.
This scene from “Mississippi Burning” shows us Gene Hackman’s incredible ability to own a scene. Gene Hackman will be missed.
- Question of the Week is a new addition to JustMyTake. Thank you to all of you who submitted questions – and I am looking to all of you to provide your answer to the Question of the Week. Please reply to my email or put your answer in the Comment section of the blog post. Thank You!
What is a random act of kindness that you recently delivered or received?
Eight Things I Think for the Beginning of March
- Are we ready for March Madness?
- I will give tonight’s 97th Academy Awards show a quick look-in. For the last few years I have stayed away from these award show presentations, no longer interested with listening to presenters and award-winner’s political diatribes. I always watch the start of these shows to take in the opening production, and if the presenters and award winners stay in their lane, I can handle watching the entire show. Maybe.
- In every day, there are 1,440 minutes. Make each one count.
- Is the U.S. stock market on the verge of a meltdown?
- One week until Daylight Savings Time.
- Is the end of the Russia-Ukraine war within reach? What is the go-forward after Friday’s Oval Office spat?
- What is going on with electrical vehicle charging station funding being put on hold? B.K.: you work in the EV space – can you help us with the future of EV?
- Regarding the Academy Awards, Peter Sellers and the film The Pink Panther never won an Oscar. With that said, this is one of the best scenes from the incredible Peter Sellers. “Does your dog bite?” 🙂
Pure Talent. It is always easy to listen to a distinctive voice. Some may feel that the voices of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Barbara Streisand, Steve Perry, Tony Bennett, and Carole King fit the description of distinctive. I cannot disagree that these performers brought us a tremendous range of vocal talent. There are many other performers who fit this definition with one of my favorites passing away last week – someone who could make beautiful vocals seem so simple.
Roberta Flack defined a voice of distinction. Her voice was one of a kind. Her ballads evoked emotion. No matter if you liked jazz, country, or rock, when Roberta Flack performed, everyone listened. She will be missed but I am very sure her voice will be remembered forever. Roberta Flack was Pure Talent.