"Melt With You" by Jason Kotecki. Oil on canvas. Original and Prints available here. 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 first time I had my art for sale to an audience that hadn't just heard me speak. Previously, I’d only sold my art at my speaking engagements, after spending an hour sharing my art on a big screen and telling stories to a captive audience. But here, my art would be standing on its own. No explanation. No …
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 kindness, encouragement and compassion wherever he goes. He’s a darn good storyteller too, and has had some amazingly unbelievable life experiences that are so fun to hear about. Between the famous people he has met, and weird scenarios he has found himself in, he reminds us a bit of Forrest Gump, without the southern drawl. I think we all know someone like that. The thing is, a life filled …
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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 takes his or her responsibility. The cool thing is that fun can be a competitive advantage. The old saw is true: People like doing business with people they like. If two real estate agents or financial advisors or home child care providors are equally proficient in what they do, but one is way more fun to work with, which one will make more money? The truth is, there is no reason you can't …
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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, anxious squeals. The woman explained that there didn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason for the erratic behavior. Sometimes it would happen after school, other times after a long day of chores. The most interesting part of the story is where the car ended up. Without exception, the destination was always an ice cream shop. At that point, the beleaguered mom admitted that it only seemed right to order …
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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 nincompoops. Not much you can do about that, I suppose. But instead of whining about your superiors and the people in charge, it might be more useful to think about the people looking up to you. I’m talking about your kids, your grandkids, as well as anyone you might be responsible for at work. What do they see in YOU? What kind of decisions do they see you making? What priorities do …