This painting was inspired by the lyric of a catchy tune from the 80s by a band named Modern English. Most listeners may not realize that this seemingly simple upbeat love song is actually about the end of the world. Lead singer Robbie Grey, who wrote the song with his four bandmates explained, “I don’t think many people realized it was about a couple making love as the bomb dropped. As they made love, they become one and melt together.” Alllllrighty then. On to another fun fact: This was the very first canvas I painted live during the first-ever Madison Night Market. It was also the …
Archives for September 2017
Jim Kramer, September 2017 Adultitis Fighter of the Month
An Adultitis Fighter is someone who rallies against rules that don't exist and engages in ruthless, senseless acts of silliness that undermine Adultitis and its unadventurous version of adulthood. Once a month, we shine a light upon the most remarkable among us, holding them up as a dazzling example of what we should strive for in this epic battle against a formidable enemy. It's obvious that Jim Kramer is committed to living an Adultitis-free life, and those in his life (especially his students and fellow colleagues) are blessed by this commitment. He leads the way by example, spreading …
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A Practical Guide to Mixing Business and Pleasure
"Monkey Business" by Jason Kotecki. Oil on canvas. Original is sold. Prints available here. "He’s all business.” “Let’s get down to business.” “It’s not personal, it’s just business.” Business is usually regarded as serious stuff. Too bad, because it doesn’t have to be. Some people seem to think that when it comes to business, you can’t have fun and be successful at the same time. Which is the dumbest thing ever. Leaders who see the power in bringing fun to the workplace are smart enough to understand that having a little fun in no way diminishes the seriousness in which one …
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Did You Know Your Car Has This Weird Standard Feature?
"Follow No Maps" by Jason Kotecki. Made with Photoshop. Prints and other goodies featuring this image available here. I was talking to a woman after one of my speaking engagements and she told me about an unusual bug her car possessed. She explained that sometimes, while she was driving with her kids in tow, her car would suddenly take on a life of its own. There was nothing she could do to control the direction it was headed. No matter how hard she jerked the steering wheel left, if the vehicle wanted to turn right, it went right, with the kids erupting into a frenzy of excited, …
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What To Do When All The Leaders Stink
For the past seven years, I have had the privilege of doing a program on life balance with young leaders in the field of civil engineering. We talk a lot about the different demands that come from balancing an upwardly mobile career path with a family and other relationships. A lot of venting takes place about the "old guard” and how out of touch some of the senior parters are at some firms. It’s always a fascinating discussion that I enjoy facilitating. Leadership is an interesting thing. The leaders of your country, your boss, and those people on the school board might all very well be …