The “Pink Rotater” to help breast cancer is now available!
If you read this blog, then you know that I am an entrepreneur. One of the major projects that I am involved in right now is the Rotater. The Rotater is a shoulder rehabilitation and stretching device that:
- provides a way for post-op shoulder patients to participate in their rehab
- helps those who suffer from limited shoulder mobility to regain their range of motion
- allows athletes to self-stretch their shoulders before and after physical activity
- is now allowing us to give something to help breast cancer patients
“Stretching Shoulders to Stretch Lives”
I am pleased to announce that we are now offering our “Pink Rotater”. This is simply a pink version of our already popular shoulder rehab and stretching device, with a couple of added bonuses:
- For every “Pink Rotater” sold, we (Joint Mechanix, LLC) will donate 10% of the revenues to help fund breast cancer
research. - With every “Pink Rotater” sold, we will be including our new “Strong Arm Accessory” at no additional charge. This accessory will soon be available on our web site, if you have already purchased a Rotater.
The need to help
Most people, and until recently, I was one of them, don’t realize the many complications associated with breast cancer. One of these complications can involve the loss of the range of motion of the shoulder. This is due to the removal of the lymph nodes under the arm, which is often a part of the treatment protocol for breast cancer patients.
Due to immobility during the healing process as well as complications that may result from lymphedema, a loss of the range of motion in the affected shoulder can result. The Rotater works very well in helping to regain shoulder function and flexibility.
soupornuts’ reasons to click - #5
In case you haven’t noticed, I have not responded to any comments, and may not have answered your email promptly for about a week. This was due to the fact that my family and I were on vacation at Disney World and I am committed to family time being family time. If I missed you in my efforts to catch up with everyone, I am sorry.
That being said, here is this week’s installment of sites and articles worth your time.
1. Business and Legal information
Do you have business, patent, will, estate planning or other legal questions? If so, then take a look at nolo. This site is vast and deep, so make them one of your stops if legalities arise.
2. The rise of “neurolaw”
Dr. Vaughan Bell, a clinical psychologist in training and a contributor for Mind Hacks writes in his article“My brain made me do it” about a disturbing trend toward the use of brain scans as proof that a person is not responsible for their actions.
3. Increase your creativity
Roger von Oech at Creative Think writes a very compelling article on how to find new ideas (hint: they are not is the same places that you always look).
4. Plugins to help your WordPress blog
Mark O’neill’s article at makeuseof – Another 10 must-have plugins for your WordPress blog, lists some of the often overlooked, but useful plugins that you might be able to put to use. I am going to check out the Subscribe-Remind for soupornuts.com.
That’s all for now. If you know of any cool stuff that you’d like to make soupornuts readers aware of, then leave your thoughts and suggestions in the comments. Thanks and have a soupornuts day.
A great video tutorial site: www.tubetorial.com
The cornerstone of all enlightenment, motivation, inspiration, education and change is knowledge. Knowledge is the accumulation of information. If we sift through our available knowledge base ( the information that we have stored in our brain and other places) and we use this accumulation of information in a way that benefits ourselves in particular or society in general then we are considered wise.
The proliferation of information
In the past, wisdom was a much desired trait. This was due, mostly because of the scarcity of information. In ancient times, the priest hood and royalty controlled the dissemination of information. Later, the church assumed this role and doled out to the common man only what they needed to know in order to control and pacify the masses. The invention of the printing press by Gutenberg in 1447 made available to the common man, first the scriptures and later other works of literature. This led to the first mass proliferation of information which allowed the common man access to facts, thoughts, ideas and teachings that had previously been denied. This was the first step to enlightenment for the common man.
It is tempting to say that today we are at the zenith of the information age. But, to our advantage, I don’t believe this to be the case. Due to the exponential growth of the internet (the second mass proliferation of information), there will be more information available tomorrow than there is today and it will keep increasing.
Information is as close as your nearest computer
If there is any subject or idea that you desire to know about, gain a better understanding of, or want to research then head on over to your nearest search engine and start typing. Within seconds, you will have access to more information than you’ve got the time to view or even knew existed on a particular subject. However, it is up to you to sift through this vast storage media and determine what is accurate and what is not. All this brings me to the point of this post.
It is my goal to help as many people as I can with this website. I do this by writing articles to inspire, motivate and educate. Today, I want to expose you to a website that I found to be very educational and I believe that anyone who has thought of starting their own website or blog will find the information presented timely, easy to understand and applicable. Go to:
This site is a great source of video how-to information. Do you want to know how to start a blog on your own domain? They’ve got it. They have a very large library of pertinent videos dealing with all sorts of subjects like web development, technological issues, legalities, search engine optimization, WordPress help and more. If there are some web related question that you’ve wanted to ask but didn’t know where to go, give them a shot.
All of the videos that I have had the opportunity to view so far have been informative, very well produced and easy to understand. An added bonus is that they are all FREE!!!
My journey for personal growth and development begins with these 6 steps
This blog (soupornuts.com) is written to inspire, motivate, educate and help you become the person you can be. I believe in goals and the power of goal setting. The first step in the journey to becoming a “new” you is to have in your mind a clear picture of the person you want to become. Without a clear picture of what you want in your mind it is like traveling down a road that divides into a number of different options. How do you choose which option to take? If you don’t have a goal, It really doesn’t matter which road you take. Does it? If we don’t know where we are going it really doesn’t make any difference which road we take to get there because they all lead to the same place – the land of lost dreams, lost hope, missed opportunity, and regret.
Today’s decisions create tomorrow’s reality
I also believe that we are the sum total of the past decisions we’ve made. All those little and not so little decisions have resulted in placing us right where we are today. The point? Change your perspective from one of passivity to activity. Make up your mind that today you have a purpose and a goal. And your goals are whatever YOU determine the goals to be. Realize that starting today you can actively determine your future by making decisions today that are in line with achieving your goals. If you can make only a small step in the direction of your goals, you have something to build on tomorrow and you begin to gain momentum.
Be easy with yourself. Here are some of my goals for today.
1. Today, I will make it a point to smile at everyone I meet.
Not a sly or seductive smile, but a “happy, How’re you doing” smile. Researchers say that one of the first things people notice when they meet another person is the presence or absence of a smile. If you smile, 99 percent of the time people will smile back. They can’t help it. Someone has to actively force themselves not to smile, when they see someone smiling at them.
A smile puts people at ease. It comforts them and is welcoming. The vast majority of the time, your smile causes the recipient to smile in response to you. The simple act of smiling causes the release of endorphins in the brain resulting in a pleasurable feeling of happiness. Smiling at someone can cause them to physically feel happy. What power.
2. Today, I will engage someone in conversation.
I’ll ask, how they are doing. An then I’ll actually take the time to pay attention and listen to their answer.
- People like to talk.
- This is my opportunity to give someone what they want.
- People need to talk.
- People want to talk to a willing and attentive listener.
Ironically, if you listen to people, you will become known as a “great conversationalist”.This will provide me with the chance to allow someone to vent their needs and emotions. Or maybe just communicate. Maybe they want my opinion, maybe they don’t. If they do ask for my thoughts, I can spread a little good news, offer a suggestion or provide them with a source of information they might find helpful.
3. Today, I am going to assist someone.
I’ll help a little old lady with her groceries or my daughter with her homework. By offering assistance, we show others that they have value to us – that we care about them. Because we value them, we want to help them.
Who can you help today? Does someone you know need a ride? Can you pick up something for your spouse on the way home from work? Do your kids need some special one-on-one time with you? Take them to the park or play in the yard. Get involved in their lives. Give them you most precious commodity – your time.
4. Today, I will embrace the opportunities that a new day presents.
Today, I have the opportunity to start fresh and handle every situation independently of every previous interaction. Today is a “do-over”. I can attempt to correct or modify my previous mistakes or learn from them what “not” to do again.
I will embrace the changes that a new day brings because all progress and growth involves change. I want change. If I am going to progress on a personal level then it stands to reason that I must change and I will start the changing process today.
5. Today, I will be thankful for all the joy and blessings that are mine.
I choose to see the good in everyone and everything. I will give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I will be appreciative of what I do have and not be upset, saddened or discontent about what I don’t have, because I realize that my happiness is determined by what is inside of me and not what I possess.
I will tell those close to me that I love them because I am not promised anymore than the present moment. I don’t want to ever regret a missed opportunity. I will hold my wife and hug my children and be eternally thankful.
6. Today, I will grow.
I will dedicate a portion of today for the purpose of expanding my mind. I will read or research a topic that interests me because I understand that “a mind is a terrible thing to waste”.
I choose not to watch television because I prefer to be in a meditative state of mind and not a vegetative one. I understand that what I allow to go into my my mind will be revealed in my thoughts, words and actions. I will experience life personally and not through the filter of broadcast media.
These are the things I will accomplish today. Each of these steps, though small and insignificant at first look, will propel me toward the person I want to become.
These are conscious decisions that I make and renew each day. For me, these simple decisions and declarations are the first steps in becoming an enlightened person, a happy person and a productive person with a great life.
The impact of a kind word
On Mother’s day of this year, my wife, my daughters, and I went in search of a digital camera. Having done a little research on our own, we had narrowed our choices down to a couple of manufacturers and models and the decision was made to make a purchase this weekend.
Questions and answers
We went to a couple of retailers who specialize in the camera trade and began to ask questions. Much to our surprise, we found the best, most knowledgeable, most helpful and friendliest representatives at Best Buy. We were so impressed with the two representatives that helped us that after we had completed our purchase, I asked to see the store manager.
I approached the store manager, introduced myself and told him how happy we were with the individuals who had assisted us in our purchasing decision. The manager thanked me, encouraged me to go online and fill out a survey and to note the names of the representatives on a submission form and then he took out his personal business card and told me to present it the next time I was in the store for a ten percent discount on any purchase.
Wow! That was not what I expected or wanted, but it made an impression with me.
Let’s eat
After leaving Best Buy, we headed over to Outback because that’s where my wife wanted to eat. The parking lot was full and people were milling around the front doors. I knew immediately we were in for a wait, I just didn’t have any idea how long it would be. I approached the matre’d and he informed me that the approximate waiting time for a table would be 70 -80 minutes. My wife noticed that there were a couple of empty tables in the bar area and we asked the matre’d about them. He said they were available on a “first come, first serve” basis. After a quick consult, we headed to one of the tables.
There was an empty beer bottle and a wet rag on the table. I quickly wiped the table down and put both the bottle and rag near the edge of the table. A few minutes later, a very harried waitress showed up and began apologizing for the dirty table and her tardiness. I said, “Stop, for just a minute.” She looked at me questioningly and I said, “we all want to wish you a happy Mother’s Day.” Her eyes lit up, her face beamed and she literally gushed appreciation.
Our service and food was excellent
To make a long story shorter, our food was excellent. Our service was quick and our waitress was very attentive. As if all this was not enough, while my wife and daughters were gone to the restroom and as I waited for our check, our waitress returned with a big bowl of ice cream, chocolate syrup, whip cream and a cherry. Gratis. Free. On the house.
I realize that desert did not represent a huge outlay to Outback, but the smiles of delight on the faces of my daughters were priceless. And to think that it all hinged on taking the time to genuinely say a few words of kindness.
Both of these instances illustrate that people appreciate being appreciated. It was a great opportunity to teach my children the power of a kind word.
soupornuts’ reasons to click - #4
1. Human contact
How many times have you needed to:
- contest a credit card statement
- talk with technical support
- have a unique question answered
…and you couldn’t because you did not get through to a real “live” person? Frustrating, isn’t it? Well no longer.
GetHuman.com is a web site that provides you with the telephone numbers and the directions that you need to put you in contact with a real, “live” human being.
2. Manage and view multiple email accounts from one interface
It is easy to get addicted to life online. This leads to multiple ways to communicate with people, which eventually results in a big headache. Fuser is an online service to manage your email and social network messages.
3. Get rid of your “bad” habit
Scott Young has a great article, “Tips for Breaking Bad Habits and Developing Good Habits” that has been published on Pick The Brain.
4. Daylle Deanna Schwartz posts an article about me and the Rotater
I have been corresponding with a great writer, Daylle Deanna Schwartz, for a couple of weeks. This past week she published one of my articles on Lessons from a Recovering Dormat.
Daylle also wrote a very flattering post entitled “Shake your Head and get your Butt Movin” about my promotion of the Rotater. Daylle is living proof that your life changes when you become willing to change it.
Problems provide the opportunities to showcase your talents
As managers, entrepreneurs and parents, we spend a great deal of our time dealing with and trying to solve problems. Problems, problems, problems:
- Who called in sick today?
- Do we have someone qualified to cover that job?
- How is this going to affect our production schedule and thus my appearance to my boss?
- Will he/she understand?
- The bank called today and you’re three months late on the loan you used to finance that big expansions you felt that you had the customers and orders to justify.
- What do you do?
- Will they understand?
- Will this affect future collaborations?
- Your child’s school called and your son/daughter is being disruptive in class. How do we deal with him/her?
- How do we reach them?
- What are the circumstances?
I could go on and on but you get the picture and this is just off the top of my head. I’d bet that if we tried, we could come up with a list of problems so long and complicated that it would boggle the mind.
I was currently analyzing a problem that has been nagging and hindering the startup of a business that I am involved in when I had an epiphany. I am always going to have problems. The issue is not that I have problems or that you have problems, but is how we view those problems. Problems are simply – OPPORTUNITIES in disguise. Let’s notice some simple facts:
1. You will always have problems – that is a fact. And as a businessman, that’s great!
I know, you think that I’ve lost my mind, but it is true. Problems provide the opportunity to showcase your talents. Even if you are on the very bottom rung of the business/corporate ladder, you are able to demonstrate your expertise by how you handle problems.
Those people who become adept at problem solving quickly move to the head of the class. As they say, “the cream rises to the top”. Your boss and his or her boss will begin to notice that your skills are noteworthy. In the business world, a problem solver is highly valued because they are able to:
- make the project come together
- facilitate the collaboration of strong and sometimes opposing personalities
- meet the deadline
- bring the project in under budget
Problems create the opportunities that allow you to showcase your talents and abilities. Do you have special skills? How will you ever be able to demonstrate them without problems? It’s kind of like being an exceptional athlete. No one really knows how good you are until you operate against the pressure of the opposing team.
2. We would all prefer to lead simple and predictable lives – but as an entrepreneur I value problems!
Problems give us the chance to flex our solution producing muscles. Every new product that succeeds is the answer to a problem that someone identified. Then, they sought to offer some way of overcoming this problem. Viola, a new product or service is born. Think about it, every book on entrepreneurship tells you to find a need (another name for a problem) and fill it.
Do you have a problem with the way something works or doesn’t work? Provide a solution and then exploit your ingenuity by marketing your solution. It may be the next big thing. The possibilities are limited only by the parameters that you place on yourself.
3. Problems provide a measure of our dedication and persistence.
It is easy to maintain a positive outlook when everything is going according to plan, but this does not test you. It is when you are struggling to make your lease payments and publicize your business, while at the same time, all of your friends and relatives are asking, “why don’t you give up and get a real job”, that your mettle is tested. Can you take it? Are you a quitter?
Problems are opportunities in disguise. Use them to showcase your:
- skills
- talents
- perseverance
- determination
- dedication
You will never win if you quit along the way. Expect problems. Accept them as a part of life and business. Exploit the opportunities that problems provide.
7 Random Things That You May Not Know About Me
I have been tagged by Daylle Deanna Schwartz at Lessons from a Recovering Dormat to participate in the meme asking to share 7 random things that you may not know about me and then tag other blogs. I’ll give it my best shot.
1. I am an Army brat and as a result we moved around – a lot! In fact, I attended ten different schools before I graduated from high school. Personally, I enjoyed it and feel that that moving and adapting to new environments made me a more versatile person.
2. My current field of employment is industrial maintenance (I’ve got an incredible entrepreneurship thing going on the side as well), even though I have bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Animal and Dairy Science. I enjoy work that stimulates my mind, my creativity, my problem-solving skills, my people-skills and my hand skills.
3. I live in rural Alabama. My wife and I own a 53 acre horse farm with thirteen horses, three dogs and one miniature donkey named Pedro. I don’t take the time to ride much anymore (this blogging thing plus traveling all over the country to demo and promote the Rotater consume all of my spare time).
4. We built a custom, timber frame home about 3–4 years ago and I contracted part of it myself. I operated the crane that set all the timbers. My father-in-law and I handled all of the electrical, telephone, television and computer wiring for the house. And I built custom cabinets for the kitchen from beautiful walnut hardwood.
5. I recently went to Las Vegas to demo and promote the Rotater at the PGA fall Expo. We stayed in the Mandalay Bay Hotel and I did not gamble any. It’s not that I didn’t want to. But after being on your feet all day, answering questions and giving demos, I was just ready for some rest.
6. About six years ago, my wife and I went to Maui for a week-long vacation. That was when I decided that I would own a home or condo there someday. With the response we are receiving from the Rotater, it may be quicker than I thought.
7. On Father’s day of this year, my wife took a pregnancy test and we found out that we were expecting our third child. We just found out that we are having a baby boy to go along with our two beautiful daughters.
Okay, there are seven things about me that you probably did not know. I am going to extend this meme to three bloggers that I am sure will have interesting things to add. I am tagging:
Two simple ways to make huge advances in life and business
Today’s world in general and the internet specifically is all about what’s hot, new and exciting. What is the “next big thing?” Who’s on top? What’s popular? Who’s in the news? Did you Diggit or Buryit? It is exciting to not only be the first to see the latest, breaking news story, but to also be involved in it’s proliferation.
However, regardless of of popular opinion, there are some things that in and of themselves mean something. They stand alone. They do not need the seal of approval of society, popular opinion or any one else. This is my two point “hot list” of inherently valuable principles.
1. KEEP YOUR WORD
If you say that you are going to do something, then do it. And do it in a timely fashion without anyone having to remind you that you said you would do it. There is no value/principle that is more important to you personally than the trust that others place in you because they know “you’ll get it done.”
Like most trends, it’s popular to say, “I’ll get right on it”, “I’ll get in done”, “It’s a done deal”, or the classic “The check is in the mail.” But in order for your word and thus you to be valuable, your word must be carried out. It must be fulfilled. Every time. Every, single time.
This gives the people who surround you, whether in a personal, business or social setting, confidence. Confidence in you and your integrity. Confidence in you and your ability to come through – to get the job done. You become the “go to guy/gal” because “you always get the job done”, regardless of the obstacles.
When you always get the job done, people will begin to seek you and your services/abilities out. Your value increases and you can begin to demand greater compensation because “you always get it done.” This is all a result of the fact that when you say you will do something, you do it. You have created your power because you live up to your word. And take my word for it, that still means something.
2. GIVE RIGHTEOUS COMPLIMENTS
Everyone likes to feel good. Everyone wants to feel good. You have the power to fulfill this need and desire. Stop for just a moment and consider the pride you feel when someone notices your work or your effort. You step livelier. You hold your head higher. You try even harder because it feels good to be appreciated.
It is basic human nature to need to be appreciated. I have personally seen more bad work attitudes develop in industry, simply because workers did not feel appreciated, nor were they shown any appreciation by management. This is simply a bad and ignorant business practice.
The cost of a “thanks”, “nice job” or any acknowledgment of appreciation by management is minimal if anything. But the value is incalculable because you cannot put a dollar value on a good attitude. It is priceless, overlooked and can be obtained with a simple “thank you”.
Do you want to increase your bottom line? Your company’s value? Invest in saying “thanks”, “nice job” and “I appreciate your effort”. A righteous compliment is a small investment with a potentially priceless return. Use them to your advantage. Other managers will be amazed at the devotion your employees feel for you as well as the increases in productivity, efficiency and communication.
soupornuts’ reasons to click - #3
The basement is clean and organized again, so now for the next installment of sites and blogs that I have found of interest to me. For some reason I believe that if you like my stuff, you might like some of the same stuff that I like.
1. Learn a foreign language for free on the internet.
Manga Beta has launched with eleven courses, including:
- Spanish
- Russian
- French
- Italian
- Mandarin Chinese
- German
- Japanese
- Brazilian Portuguese
- Greek
- English for Spanish speakers
- English for Polish speakers
Each course offers over 100 lessons. Don’t put off your desire to learn a new language any longer. The price is right and think about how you may be able to translate that skill into extra income.
2. Do you enjoy telling all your friends about your latest great purchase?
ThisNext is a social networking meets the home shopping network web site. Basically, when you discover some product on the web, you are then able to recommend it (write a review) and share it with the world. I am definitely interested in trying this site. It makes good sense to see what other people are saying about a product before you buy it.
3. Blogs about blogging
Do you have a blog? Are you thinking about starting to blog? I’m sure that you have a million questions. I know that I did and still do from time to time. What do I do? DailyBloggingTips has as great article ( Top 25 Blogs about Blogging ). I use it as a blogging quick reference guide.
If I have a question, I go to all the blogs listed and look through their articles. Sooner or later, the answer will come.
4. Patriotism
Eric Sanders wrote a powerful article on his feelings about the American flag – The American Flag, My American Flag. All Americans should take a moment to remember that freedom is not free, it has been purchased in blood.
5. You don’t need Microsoft
How do you like having the rug pulled out from under you? Have you ever sat down just as someone yanks the chair away? That really pisses me off. Kinda like when a software company puts a trial version of their software on your new computer and it is usable for only 60 days. This happened to me with Microsoft Office.
But you know what? There are alternatives – and get this – they are free. MakeUseOf.com has a list of 6 free Office Suites That Are Not Microsoft.
I personally like Open Office, but I am unfamiliar with the others that they chronicle.
Hey, I’m tired of paying a Microsoft tax every time that I boot up my computer. I have been researching some alternative operating systems. Currently, I like Ubuntu and hope to have it installed on an extra hard drive so that I can make an easy transition. Any thoughts from you guys out in web land?
Okay, that wraps up this edition. How about a little feedback. Do you guys like this segment? Or is it a waste of my time and talent? Let me know what you think.
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External Rotation with The Rotater
"Thanks to the rotater I was able to get back to work and not lose the use of my shoulder in this demanding profession."
- Officer D. Pesko
Internal Rotation withThe Rotater
"...The Rotater has become as much a part of my morning as my cup of coffee...Thanks for a great product!!"
Perry R. Green
Director of Instruction
The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation
Rotator Cuff Strengthening & Stabilization
"I just received the Rotater today and I am instantly convinced that every baseball player needs to have this tool in their arsenal! Not only is it simple to use, it does exactly what you expect it to do with no learning curve."
Coach Dan Huff, CSCS
www.baseballstrength.com
