Recently while traveling, I read an article where the author related the recession to the World of Warcraft. Or as he called it, the the great zombie invasion. As I understand it from my computer geek, Sergey, in the game world, a zombie invasion is a promotional event for a new game or expanded package. "The mechanics of the zombie invasion are simple: zombies spread their infection/new game, causing other players to turn into zombies or die if they don’t buy the new game or update. The mechanism, as set up in the game, was so virulent that it effectively killed off populations of entire cities and made whole parts of the game unusable. Thus you have to upgrade or expand your game at a cost to you."
So what does this have to do with a recession? Well, this author goes on to say, "The zombie invasion also destroyed players’ access the Warcraft economy and the central free marketplace. However, instead of banks not lending, the zombie invasion simply killed off all the auctioneers and auction managers. The net effect, however, was the same as in the real world economy - players, teams, and companies were effectively denied access to the marketplace, credit, and trade."
With games and virus’s you can enter a few strokes on the computer and reprogram your future, OR you can get a virus program going and remove all the bad stuff. On many computers, you can go into the system, and choose a time in the past on your computer when it was working right, and hit SYSTEM RESTORE, and go back to that time. To a point in the "good old days" when your computer ran smoothly, started up right, and didn’t lock up and fail on you. Unfortunately, real life isn’t so lucky. Nonetheless, the strategies that help computer players endure zombie invasions are somewhat applicable to the real life recession. Here is how the game strategies work as applied to the recession.
1. Don’t hoard cash in the recession but DO cut down spending and hoard enough cash to ensure that you can meet your operating expenses without access to revenue for a short or even intermediate time.
2. Stay away from danger in the recession. Capital markets, investments, real estate, any area of the economy which is "infected" by the financial contagion, is a deathtrap. Only the strongest "players" should even consider being in those areas, and even that’s no guarantee that they’ll make it. If you’re not one of the strongest, the edge, the frontier, the fringe is where survival, if not prosperity, lies. If you’re on top of whats going on YOU should be. This is NOT a time to JUST listen to NPR, but to listen to the world news! Feel the pulse of the economy, and of society, society’s attitude is what will bring the economy back. Money value is based on faith, not gold. This era is a new frontier we are forging.
3. Make powerful friends in a recession. Strong partners can help provide additional cover. You still have to pull your own weight, but help from your friends and community can mean the difference between making it and not making it. Band together, work together, don’t eat each other up.
4. Go back to the basics in a recession, back to basics and basic financing is the name of the game. I.e., call mom and dad and ask for a loan, hit up aunt myrtle. Call in all the debts that are owed you, I am finding these old debts are more easily retired if I offer a ‘deal’, for instance, one of my clients owed me $755 for about 6 months. I was about ready to write if off, but, I tried the magic number of $500, and the next day he came with the cash. Yes, I lost $255, but I increased my cash flow $500 NOW. I might have lost the whole $755 anyway.
5. Cash is good now. Don’t extend any more credit cards. Don’t increase your equity line of credti, if you can’t pay cash or have enough cash to buy it, DON"T buy it. Cash value is just that cash value. The equity value you had when your home was at the top of market value was ‘on paper’ value, not cash value. Now that paper value is worthless.
6. There is an end to all this, if you can just make it there. There is a light at the end of the tunnel! Some once said, "yeah, I found the light at the end of the tunnel, but unfortunately it was Hoboken New Jersey". Well today the ind of the tunnel may yield new jersey, rather than utopia and the gold plot BUT, let me tell you as a former NJ resident, right now Hoboken would be not such a bad ending! They are rebuilding, and we will be too. Yup, in a recession things are bad, and can often seem like they couldn’t get any worse, but they will not always be bad. If you can outlast the recession, you’ll be fine, keep some cash in reserve and be ready to roll when the recession ends.
Remember use your brain. Use the tips at the beginning of this article, and play the game as described in the second part. Be nice to your friends cuz they may have to bail you out, and you might have to bail them out, don’t give up even if you do find Hoboken at the end of the tunnel! And what the hell, from Hoboken you can take a train anywhere!!! or the PATH to Manhatten. A good deal for $1.
©2009 Jim Gordon, Ph.D./BHCounseling.com
Psychotherapy, mft lic.12651
204 S. Beverly Drive, #116
Beverly Hills, Ca 90212
(310)271-3784/ fax:271-3785/ e-mail: BHCounseling@aol.com
Copyright 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Monday, December 03, 2007
Why have a relationship ?
I tell my group members that one way to check if the relationship is/was good, is to ask the same question politicians often use - Are you better off today than you were when you met this person? or as they put it, 'are you better off today than when you elected me/or my opponent?'.
For a relationship, the answer should a firm YES. If you respect each other, give to each other, share with each other, you should both have gained. A relationship is a place for both members to grow and succeed.
A group member asked me why I would use the phrase, 'this is my future ex.' when I'm out dating or getting into something new. She said, 'why would you feel that way, why invest in anthing that is not gonna be permanent?'
Well, my quick response to her was, 'have you ever had a pet, a cat? a dog? You know you will live longer than it, so why get one?'
The lesson of course there is, you will and should get great enjoyment out of your pet. You will be able to love it, care for it, grow with it and hopefully it will give you a lot back. Any relationship, should do the same. l have had times with folks who I knew due to some differences in our lives - age, geography, culture, health in one case, etc- would not be 'permanent'. But during our time together, we respected each other, and gave fully to each other. And we grew.
For a relationship, the answer should a firm YES. If you respect each other, give to each other, share with each other, you should both have gained. A relationship is a place for both members to grow and succeed.
A group member asked me why I would use the phrase, 'this is my future ex.' when I'm out dating or getting into something new. She said, 'why would you feel that way, why invest in anthing that is not gonna be permanent?'
Well, my quick response to her was, 'have you ever had a pet, a cat? a dog? You know you will live longer than it, so why get one?'
The lesson of course there is, you will and should get great enjoyment out of your pet. You will be able to love it, care for it, grow with it and hopefully it will give you a lot back. Any relationship, should do the same. l have had times with folks who I knew due to some differences in our lives - age, geography, culture, health in one case, etc- would not be 'permanent'. But during our time together, we respected each other, and gave fully to each other. And we grew.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
VA Tech
Sad that we are so vulnerable to someone's irrational feelings and emotions. Sad that folks lose their lives to someone who wants revenge for things in their lives.
Let's be realistic though, the big discussion over the showing of the video by Cho is very much academic. If it had not been shown, and later TMZ, or another source found it existed, it would be on YouTube in no time. And folks would scream that here was a piece of the news that did not get shared, folks would scream about the news being edited, that our freedoms say we need to make our own choices what we want to see. No, however, I don't think it needs to be shown over and over and over.
Virginia Tech, take your time to sort things out, and take time to process things out. Painful time for all, and for all students everywhere.
Let's be realistic though, the big discussion over the showing of the video by Cho is very much academic. If it had not been shown, and later TMZ, or another source found it existed, it would be on YouTube in no time. And folks would scream that here was a piece of the news that did not get shared, folks would scream about the news being edited, that our freedoms say we need to make our own choices what we want to see. No, however, I don't think it needs to be shown over and over and over.
Virginia Tech, take your time to sort things out, and take time to process things out. Painful time for all, and for all students everywhere.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
"But I've still got Checks???"
"But I’ve still got checks in my checkbook, how can I be broke?" With an incredulous look, and a lot of naivete, and after a few bounced checks, one can say with wonderment, "How can I be broke when there are still lots of checks in my checkbook?."
This weekend I visited Shirley. Shirley is about 80. She has lived a good life. She feels fine, she is active, she has lots of friends and has done a lot of good things in her life, touched a lot of people. The doc tells her she has an aneurism near the brain, 70% clogged arteries, and a few other things. He also tells her, that operating could kill her, and to just hang around til something goes and she expires. Her response, "How can I be so sick and not feel sick?"
Its like the checks in the checkbook, her life is cookin’ along, she is having fun, but... her bank account has run out and she’s gonna be saying goodbye. Goin out with a smile, and ... leaving a few tears behind.
As I drove the 400 miles home, I listened to my Rod McKuen CD’s. I teared up and cried a bit, thought about lots. My life, Shirley’s, and my friend Janette’s too. It’s spring, its Easter, it’s the start of a new year, but... I went to visit Shirley to say good bye, it’s the autumn of her life. And my friend Janette is slowly saying goodbye to her father, who is her best and most trusted friend as well as her dad.
Rod’s song Season’s of the Sun hit me as I drove, listened, and sang along with Rod. Poignant and right on with Shirley, and Janette... and for me as I hit the autumn of my life. Its hard to say goodbye, Shirley still has LOTS of checks in her checkbook, lots of stories to tell, lots of kindness to share, and plenty more brownies to make for her family and friends... but her account has run out on this earth as we know it. And Janette knows its time for dad to leave, but for her they have gone through all the seasons together, lived life fully, shared, talked and loved each other... but its still hard to say goodbye as the flowers bloom and the birds are singing.
"Adieu my friend, it's hard to die, when all the birds are singing in the sky. Now that the spring is in the air....
We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun, but the hills that we climbed were just seasons out of time.
Adieu my friend, please pray for me, I was the black sheep of the family. You tried to teach me right from wrong, Too much wine and too much song, Wondered how I got along
Adieu my friend, it's hard to die, when all the birds are singing in the sky. Now that the spring is in the air, little children everywhere, When you see 'em I'll be there.
We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun, but the wine and the song, like the seasons have all gone.
Goodbye.... my friend, it's hard to die when all the birds are singing in the sky, Now that the spring is in the air. With the flowers everywhere. I wish that we could both be there."
This weekend I visited Shirley. Shirley is about 80. She has lived a good life. She feels fine, she is active, she has lots of friends and has done a lot of good things in her life, touched a lot of people. The doc tells her she has an aneurism near the brain, 70% clogged arteries, and a few other things. He also tells her, that operating could kill her, and to just hang around til something goes and she expires. Her response, "How can I be so sick and not feel sick?"
Its like the checks in the checkbook, her life is cookin’ along, she is having fun, but... her bank account has run out and she’s gonna be saying goodbye. Goin out with a smile, and ... leaving a few tears behind.
As I drove the 400 miles home, I listened to my Rod McKuen CD’s. I teared up and cried a bit, thought about lots. My life, Shirley’s, and my friend Janette’s too. It’s spring, its Easter, it’s the start of a new year, but... I went to visit Shirley to say good bye, it’s the autumn of her life. And my friend Janette is slowly saying goodbye to her father, who is her best and most trusted friend as well as her dad.
Rod’s song Season’s of the Sun hit me as I drove, listened, and sang along with Rod. Poignant and right on with Shirley, and Janette... and for me as I hit the autumn of my life. Its hard to say goodbye, Shirley still has LOTS of checks in her checkbook, lots of stories to tell, lots of kindness to share, and plenty more brownies to make for her family and friends... but her account has run out on this earth as we know it. And Janette knows its time for dad to leave, but for her they have gone through all the seasons together, lived life fully, shared, talked and loved each other... but its still hard to say goodbye as the flowers bloom and the birds are singing.
"Adieu my friend, it's hard to die, when all the birds are singing in the sky. Now that the spring is in the air....
We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun, but the hills that we climbed were just seasons out of time.
Adieu my friend, please pray for me, I was the black sheep of the family. You tried to teach me right from wrong, Too much wine and too much song, Wondered how I got along
Adieu my friend, it's hard to die, when all the birds are singing in the sky. Now that the spring is in the air, little children everywhere, When you see 'em I'll be there.
We had joy we had fun we had seasons in the sun, but the wine and the song, like the seasons have all gone.
Goodbye.... my friend, it's hard to die when all the birds are singing in the sky, Now that the spring is in the air. With the flowers everywhere. I wish that we could both be there."
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
December 12, 2006
Working on a New Blog about Emotional Incest. How to Divorce yer Mom, or Dad, or dammit, both of them if needed. None of the "their your parents, you have to love 'em". We'll talk about your rights to not be harassed, harangued or damaged by Mom or Dad. Watch for the installments, and visit my website when you can. BHShrink.com. Here come the Holidays, tension, stress, and some good stuff too.
Emotional Incest is very much NOT discussed. Its the "mom's little man" and "daddy's little girl" syndrome. No sex, just expectations of loyalty, dedication, closeness - what Mom and Dad should have had between each other. Emotional Incest wipes out being a kid for the kid. Kid becomes 'partner', surrogate spouse, confidant. Mom shares her innermost emotions, fears, concerns with her son. Often with the caveat, "I'm so glad I can talk with you, and that you understand, your father doesn't". or, "Fortunately, we have each other." and many more we'll share in time.
dr. g.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
April 29th 2006 - My Book
We all have that 'BOOK' in us that we want to write... well here is some of it... titled: "I Was Never a Little Boy"
I’m inviting you to share in my journey... what I’ve experienced up to now, what I’ve learned and where I’m hoping to head... what I hope I’ve left for the world as my legacy so far, and what I’d like to add to that... I feel we need to leave a legacy, not just offering our daily presence on this earth as all we offer to the world... but - have we gained more and achieved a bigger/better legacy if we have a few buildings with our names on them?... more expensive toys? rather, i feel a major part of our legacy is living life gracefully, managing life with dignity and class... modeling positive behavior and leaving pleasant thoughts behind when we do take the dirt nap... I’ll share my steps to "Making your life Happen"...
As you read my book, use what works for you, listen to some of the other stuff and glean things that help you, and "delete" from your "memory" stuff that is really useless to you... Though even the deleted stuff then wasn’t totally useless cuz you now made a choice about clearing some stuff out of your life, or at least not letting it into your life! I may have never gotten to be a little boy... at least at the appropriate chronological time in my life, i.e., when I WAS a little boy, but now as an older fart, I’ve found that it is truly never tooo late to have a happy childhood!
First we’ll spend time with me... "it’s all about me" for the first chapters... but not really... its about how life deals us stuff... and how we -you and I-handle it... well and efficient... or not!... and we all can learn from how others -here is where the "me" fits in - handle life... from the crazy stuff I experienced, as well as the good stuff... and the parts of my life where I just took a different path than others... and, those are particularly the things that brought me to the place I am today... developed my character... some like it - my character that is, and some will definitely pass on it... but no one will say that I don’t have character, a personality of my own, or that I’m bland...
So sit back, get comfortable, read on and listen to my life...Life is a gift... Don’t waste it... It’s the only one you’ll get... And along the way, among others, you’ll meet some of the folks who work in my office as therapists, counselors, colleagues ... "we’re here to help you solve your problems, guide you through your life, find your true self"... or... can we? Are we more messed up than our patients? ... Also we’ll hear about my cop friends, entertainment buddies, colorful characters... and those pre-dead who are missing out... breathing yes, existing yes, but just barely ...
......This is a true story, a docu-book based on my career and Life. The events are taking place every day and night in this city, beverly hills, of celeb’s with oscars,... losers with broken dreams, ...the homeless guy "with a script out there", ...confused lonely millionaires, ...wanna be’s and hangers on, ...have beens and one hit wonders, ... mansions, ...limos, ...drugs, ...silicon, and....
dysfunction and depression...!!!
Some of the folks in this town make ideal "poster children" for the Diagnostic Manual of Psychological Disorders. I’ll share some of their lives, the good and the dark sides, the positive and the negative. Under the make up, behind the key-guarded driveway gates, underneath their degrees and titles, behind the badge... They have the same issues as Mr. and Mrs. Average American...these screen idols, sports figures - hear what they feel, what they think, how they live. And... how they destroy themselves......
I’m real - the others - the people on both sides of the couch and the law are composites due to confidentiality issues and that fact that I still want to be able to order a meal in town without the server being p’o’d at me... (though many of my clients are court ordered and therefore their records are public property, and if they are someone real special... you already have read some of it in the tabloids!)... , .
Every story, every emotion...though... is very real!. jg 2004
"i was never a little boy"
Is everybody screwed up? Is it our parents fault? Society’s fault? School’s? The church? Who do we blame? Must we blame? Do we need to have a scapegoat? Or do we ask such questions just to get a handle on life and what makes us tick?
Is everybody screwed up? Is it our parents fault? Society’s fault? School’s? The church? Who do we blame? Must we blame? Do we need to have a scapegoat? Or do we ask such questions just to get a handle on life and what makes us tick?
I’m inviting you to share in my journey... what I’ve experienced up to now, what I’ve learned and where I’m hoping to head... what I hope I’ve left for the world as my legacy so far, and what I’d like to add to that... I feel we need to leave a legacy, not just offering our daily presence on this earth as all we offer to the world... but - have we gained more and achieved a bigger/better legacy if we have a few buildings with our names on them?... more expensive toys? rather, i feel a major part of our legacy is living life gracefully, managing life with dignity and class... modeling positive behavior and leaving pleasant thoughts behind when we do take the dirt nap... I’ll share my steps to "Making your life Happen"...
As you read my book, use what works for you, listen to some of the other stuff and glean things that help you, and "delete" from your "memory" stuff that is really useless to you... Though even the deleted stuff then wasn’t totally useless cuz you now made a choice about clearing some stuff out of your life, or at least not letting it into your life! I may have never gotten to be a little boy... at least at the appropriate chronological time in my life, i.e., when I WAS a little boy, but now as an older fart, I’ve found that it is truly never tooo late to have a happy childhood!
First we’ll spend time with me... "it’s all about me" for the first chapters... but not really... its about how life deals us stuff... and how we -you and I-handle it... well and efficient... or not!... and we all can learn from how others -here is where the "me" fits in - handle life... from the crazy stuff I experienced, as well as the good stuff... and the parts of my life where I just took a different path than others... and, those are particularly the things that brought me to the place I am today... developed my character... some like it - my character that is, and some will definitely pass on it... but no one will say that I don’t have character, a personality of my own, or that I’m bland...
So sit back, get comfortable, read on and listen to my life...Life is a gift... Don’t waste it... It’s the only one you’ll get... And along the way, among others, you’ll meet some of the folks who work in my office as therapists, counselors, colleagues ... "we’re here to help you solve your problems, guide you through your life, find your true self"... or... can we? Are we more messed up than our patients? ... Also we’ll hear about my cop friends, entertainment buddies, colorful characters... and those pre-dead who are missing out... breathing yes, existing yes, but just barely ...
......This is a true story, a docu-book based on my career and Life. The events are taking place every day and night in this city, beverly hills, of celeb’s with oscars,... losers with broken dreams, ...the homeless guy "with a script out there", ...confused lonely millionaires, ...wanna be’s and hangers on, ...have beens and one hit wonders, ... mansions, ...limos, ...drugs, ...silicon, and....
dysfunction and depression...!!!
Some of the folks in this town make ideal "poster children" for the Diagnostic Manual of Psychological Disorders. I’ll share some of their lives, the good and the dark sides, the positive and the negative. Under the make up, behind the key-guarded driveway gates, underneath their degrees and titles, behind the badge... They have the same issues as Mr. and Mrs. Average American...these screen idols, sports figures - hear what they feel, what they think, how they live. And... how they destroy themselves......
I’m real - the others - the people on both sides of the couch and the law are composites due to confidentiality issues and that fact that I still want to be able to order a meal in town without the server being p’o’d at me... (though many of my clients are court ordered and therefore their records are public property, and if they are someone real special... you already have read some of it in the tabloids!)... , .
Every story, every emotion...though... is very real!. jg 2004
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