last data update: 2011/10/18, 06:58

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during the test: 0.49 s

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DSL connection (average): 1.58 s

modem (average): 30.26 s

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jmichaeldolan.comA74.52.26.54IN14400
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Received from the first DNS server

Request to the server "jmichaeldolan.com"
You used the following DNS server:
DNS Name: ns1.jmichaeldolan.com
DNS Server Address: 74.52.26.50#53
DNS server aliases:

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SECTION NOTES:
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Received from the second DNS server

Request to the server "jmichaeldolan.com"
You used the following DNS server:
DNS Name: ns2.jmichaeldolan.com
DNS Server Address: 74.52.26.51#53
DNS server aliases:

HEADER opcode: REQUEST, status: NOERROR, id: 13560
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ns2.jmichaeldolan.com. 14400 IN A 74.52.26.51

Received 265 bytes from address 74.52.26.51#53 in 45 ms

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IP: 74.52.26.54

continent: NA, country: United States (USA), city: Philadelphia

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website build using CSS

code weight: 208.36 KB

text per all code ratio: 52 %

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language: en

Website code analysis

one word phrases repeated minimum three times

two word phrases repeated minimum three times

three word phrases repeated minimum three times

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J Michael Dolan

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Saturday Night Live Producer Lorne Michaels once said: “They don’t call it “Show Art” they call it “Show Business,” and he was right...at the time. But not anymore! More then ever showbiz today is less about the industry manipulating the artist and more about the artist owning their career. However, the biggest problem that faces most artists today is not the constraints or deceptions of a transforming industry, the biggest challenge that faces most artists today is freedom!    Used to be that artists were beholding to the tower for everything, from balancing the books to promoting the show. And the truth is, that made life easier, freeing artists to concentrate on their art, and leave the left-brain responsibilities to the company (who in turn, screwed the artist out of millions). Fact is, artists today now have total autonomy and freedom to assemble their own management/marketing team and design their own destiny (I.E. Adele). That’s bad news for the o'l time gate keepers who continue to resist the technology of the day, and good news for the artist who embraces the “new showbiz” with intelligence, confidence and rigor. There are so many opportunities and possibilities for talented, creative, artists & entrepreneurs today, that there’s only one person to blame for not making a decent career of it—because you can no longer continue to blame an archaic, antiquated system. For pity's sake, you’re sitting right in front of a device that’s connected to the entire world! Are you using it to produce your product, share your art, exploit your talent and educate yourself? Or are you the victim of procrastination; still kvetching that “technology is not your thing,” waiting for the industry of the past to magically manifest your dreams of the future?Thank God for the intelligent, creative artists & entrepreneurs today, because the banker, financier or investor cannot produce a movie, a record, a book, a television commercial, or even a You Tube video without them. If nothing else know this: extraordinary talent and jaw-dropping, innovative projects rule the roost today, and if you’re smart...if you employ all of the available tools of modern technology, and if you surround yourself with a trusted team of astute advisors and committed coaches, you do have a shot at achieving your impossible dream. 16 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

Art is NOT “in the eye of the beholder” like some would say. Rather art is the heart and soul of the artist, living at risk. It’s the blisters on the fingertips of the guitarist, the steady hand of the painter and the filthy fingernails of the sculptor. Art is the skilled precision of the bassist, the surgical timing of the drummer and the naked emotions of the singer. It’s the angst of the writer, the eye of the designer, the ear of the producer and the skilled savvy of a good manager. Art also lives in the fearless entrepreneur who willingly puts at risk who she is, for who she could become. Art begins with spontaneous inspiration from who knows where, and ends when the artist says it’s finished. Art dwells patiently in the deepest part of the soul wondering with uncertainty whether it will ever get the chance to be noticed, let alone loved. However, the artist has an enemy. The enemy is neither the self-serving critic nor the unimpassioned financier. Art’s regal foe is the demon of doubt; tempting and taunting the artist to back down, give up and do something more meaningful—more responsible. When that happens, the true artist, the courageous entrepreneur, the creative professional knows exactly what to do. They put on their boots, grab their shovel and get back to work. It’s the only way they can ever get closer and closer to their impossible vision.What kind of an artist are you? How do you defeat the demon of doubt? 22 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

Back in the day (circa 1981), all of us in the media had our eyes and ears keenly focused on the rapidly emerging Rap scene...actually it was a movement. The crusade was desperately “culture-driven” so not everyone could relate. However, the contentious rhym’n message was clear, as it rode on the back of one of the deepest driving downbeats ever recorded (at the time). An annoying, electronic chest thumping beat so low, and so deep it would rattle the contents of the glove box in the car next to you. The music itself was unique enough, however it’s rapid growth was astounding. It was socially viral, before viral socialism was even born, and certainly before Zukerberg was born. Back then, Rap music was the only music ever to achieve astronomical sales figures with little or no airplay and absolutely zero tour support. Why do you suppose that is? How do you suppose Rap ever got so HUGE, without following the traditional marketing ploys of the day?    Here Are 2 Essential Lessons Every Artist & Entrepreneur Can Learn From Early Rappers:    1) AUDACIOUS INVENTORSEarly rappers remained unbelievably dedicated to their newfound expression, the art of rhyme. They were not going for world domination, they weren’t headed to the Staples Center or Carnegie hall, and they were not interested in the SoundScan tally at Tower Records. The commitment was to just keep writing, keep expressing, keep rhyming, keep improving, and keep inventing. Remember, they weren’t just taking R&B to a new level, or simply playing an off-street style of rock. They were inventing something totally new, that no artist before them had ever done. They were “innovating” before the word became so popular. And as a result, they not only built a following, they built a tribe. This was long before Myspace, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Seth Godin, and it was definitely before Google!     The lesson here is to stay focused on producing outrageous, impossible, extraordinary art, music, products, services, websites, networks, etc. Venture outside the accepted confines of normal behavior. Don’t just make a better APP; create one we can’t live without! Don’t just write another rock ballad, reinvent the genre! That’s what Rappers did. They invented a new sound, a new category, a new Billboard Chart...heck, they even invented a new fashion trend right under the radar of Vogue and Prada. They knew they couldn’t compete with mainstream Pop, so they didn’t even try. They were using the Blue Ocean Strategy before that methodology was ever contrived! When I was CEO of Music Connection, I kept looking for better ways to make our mag, our product, our service even better. While others on the team are figuring out how to market it, someone has to be in the production room or studio constantly improving it. There can be no pause here. You’ve got to keep working and improving your art or product. Really good is no longer acceptable. Heck, “great” only gets a quick glance. We expect extraordinary today. We expect our jaw to hit the floor and our eyebrows to hit the ceiling! We expect Audacious!2) UNSTOPPABLERappers never quit. They never gave up. Mainstream media totally reamed rap a new one in the beginning, but Rappers never quit. TV news blamed Rap as the source of violence in our cities. Rappers never quit. White folks were afraid of it. Rappers never quit. Politicians publicly condemned it. Rappers never quit. Pop musicians were threatened by it. Rappers never quit. Policemen demanded that Rappers cease and desist because they were afraid of being targeted. Rappers never quit. Parents demanded that their teenagers never listen to that devil’s music. Rappers never quit. Women’s rights organizations insisted that Rap lyrics openly degraded women. Rappers never quit. Rappers never quit. And like a slow moving ocean swell headed toward a crowded shore, Rap music kept growing and growing and growing until it garnered a tsunami of followers from coast to coast...still with little airplay and no touring. Then and only then did MTV have no choice but to start airing (soft core) Rap. Then and only then did RUN-DMC and Aerosmith create their breakthrough “Walk This Way” video  (1986). Then and only then, after it had become so clear that Rap wasn’t going away, did it become cooler to love it, then it did to resist it. The lesson: Never quit no matter what.If your company, group, start-up, band or Corp wants to continue to grow and survive in this “uncertain” economy, it may not be a bad idea to swing your “Long Tail” strategy in the direction of a proven path. Follow the tracks that the inventors of Rap laid for us over 20 years ago, and build...rather invent something extraordinary, not just a new way of doing the same thing. Grow your tribe slow, without urgency. And never, never, never quit no matter what. Enjoy this great video memory: The classic 1986 Rap/Rock face off between RUN-DMC and Aerosmith, “Walk This Way.”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B_UYYPb-Gk 10 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

Calling it "writers block” makes it sound like a privileged, private club for writers who have their own exclusive excuse to not do their work—like a secret handshake. Doesn’t it sound so very narcissistic? "I am a writer, therefore I suffer from a recurring disease called writer’s block. It’s very painful and there really is no cure...sorry, you wouldn’t understand." It's a statement told by a victim, filled with ego and loaded with excuses! Truth is, if there is such a thing as writers block, then it should be called "Creative Block” because you can't exclude musicians, songwriters, painters, sculptors, designers and entrepreneurs.    In my second book, Mastering Showbiz, I wrote, “Creative block is simply the head interfering in what the heart wants to say. It’s an internal dilemma caused by either allowing yourself to be distracted, giving way to resistance or succumbing to procrastination.”      Any way you look at it, the enemy is our relentless chattering mind, which constantly questions and doubts every step we take, every thought we think and every choice we make, to the point of creative exhaustion. I recently got a tweet from the recording artist Pink, who asked if there was a remedy for writers block. The truth is, the only remedy that has ever worked for me is meditation. I take 30 minutes (almost) every day to calm down the bully between my ears—I’ve been doing it for over 25 years. I’ve learned that when my mind continues to aimlessly chatter away, my creative muse can’t possibly break thru the sticky silly putty of all my thoughts. So when it all starts to get to the point where my crazy thoughts are getting in the way of my creative projects, I have to apply a little self-discipline—so I meditate. Even when the beast within insists I’m wasting my time, I meditate anyway. If you’re interested, check out my 1-minute blog “Why I Meditate.” That said, when the bully in your brain is on the warpath, just surrender. To the degree you simply allow your persistent thoughts to be, to that degree they will eventually give way to inspiration, intuition and wisdom.    It doesn’t matter if you’re a writer, an artist, a musician or an entrepreneur; you’re still a creative professional. And pros always know the exact, precise spot where the rubber meets the road. Why? Because they take that rough bumpy ride down resistance highway every day.    Your Thoughts? 19 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

My prayer goes out to all my readers on the East Coast (who probably don’t even have a connection to read this). That said, unless Irene directly affects you or your family, don’t let Anderson, Wolf or Piers distract you from your work. Allow others to gather around the TV and get stoned on the drama, while you respectfully step away and return to your studio, office or creative space. You’re an artist, an entrepreneur! You have your own drama unfolding right in front of you; Your Art! Your Company! Your Project! Don’t allow the sensationalism of TV News to distract you from working on your impossible dream; respect your art by giving it the gift of your attention and focus. And be sure to respect humanity by saying a prayer or sending your loving energy to the victims of all the disasters currently happening around our tiny planet. 13 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

Your plight is no different than any other successful artist or entrepreneur who consistently questions and doubts their own abilities, and who is also confronted every day by the armies of distraction, resistance and fear. This is a forever challenge for those who are creative and talented, and it will never end. If you had chosen plumbing, you wouldn't be reading this—you'd be under a house fixing a leak and making a decent living (perhaps). However you chose the road less traveled, the path of the creative warrior, and creating great art always takes place on the “inner” battlefield——ask any successful artist or entrepreneur. 21 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

So perhaps you’re thinking if you’re “lucky” enough, some day you’ll make it. Really? Do you really think that? Still, after all these years? After all the times she’s let you down, you still believe that Lady Luck really cares about you? I’m not sure. She’s never around in the beginning of a project when you really need her; yet she’s always there to claim the credit AFTER the prize has been won. People always say, “Boy, were you lucky,” or “Man, were they lucky,” or they walk away in a huff and proclaim, “Some people have all the luck!” Our hard work and dedication seldom get the credit, because “Lady Luck” always grabs the perk AFTER the fact. Heck, she even shows up at the Academy Awards and claims the credit right on TV, saying “I feel so “LUCKY” to be among such a talented group of nominees.”So it’s time to let her go. I know, I know she’s been there (hiding in the shadows) all your life, but she’s too elusive and unreliable—she’s a flake at best and the truth is she only exists when you say she does. Plus, (need I repeat myself) she’s never around in the beginning of a project when you’re the one busting your ass doing all the work! It’s time to cut her loose, give her the boot and slam the door behind her!I want to introduce you to a new flame. A real hottie! She’s sharp, count-on-able, reliable and someone you can really trust. Plus, she’s always on your side, no matter what, without ego. She’s also someone who’ll come through for you time after time and she will respectfully step aside and allow YOU to take the well-deserved credit. Her name is “Muse” and you’re gonna love her. She’s your creative spirit, your inspiration, your intuition and your bright ideas. She’s the stand you take, the word you give and the 10,000 hours you’ve put into your career. She’s a lover, a giver, a partner and a best friend, and her only request is that you silence your inner critic, and heed her soft whisper of wisdom. Get to know your Muse, embrace her and honor her. With great respect and love, she patiently dwells deep in your soul, waiting to be expressed, eagerly anticipating your acknowledgement and anxiously awaiting her call to action. She’s so intelligent, so brilliant, that some great sages insist that she knows EVERYTHING! She wants to help you write that music, finish that book, sell that script and splash paint all over that canvas. She’s there to help you make executive decisions and there to help tweak your website. Heck, Lady Luck hung around your neck like a noose and did nothing but watch you hang! What have you got to loose? Why not give your “Muse” a chance?Someone once said: “Jump, and the net will appear.” I suggest that you simply TRUST your own judgment, your own intuition, your own creative spirit and your own talent. Then follow your Muse in the direction SHE wants to go. I’d love to here your whisper of wisdom... 12 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

Confidence Is Everything. It trumps experience, rivals talent and beats the beans out of a good education. So what you’re broke, who cares you’re buried in responsibilities, big deal you failed before. You’re an artist, an entrepreneur for pity sake! This is the life you’ve chosen, this is your destiny!    Take a good long look at your career. You’re either living your dream, working on it and making progress, or stalled on the sidelines. Either way, ask yourself this: What If Nothing Changes? What if your current circumstances remain the way they are, and nothing changes?     It’s time to call forth the warrior of confidence that dwells within you, and once and for all confront and defeat the six most relentless enemies who hide in the (inner) shadows of every artist and entrepreneur, and who are hell bent to destroy your confidence and invade your work:- The Persistent Procrastinator who slows your progress - The Relentless Resistor who stalls your choices and decisions - The Taunting Doubter who questions and demeans your talents and abilities - The Constant Distracter who robs you of your focus and attention- The Vicious Saboteur who heartlessly derails your dreams and visionsWhich enemy are you currently fighting? Which ones have you defeated? Keep in mind that every successful artist and entrepreneur fight the same inner enemies you do. They just do what needs to be done—they do the work.    From this very moment forward you have a unique opportunity to stand tall with the sword of confidence in one hand and the flag of victory in the other and proclaim that which is rightfully yours; the life of your dreams! Not magically, but intelligently—simply by doing that which needs to be done. You’re an entrepreneur, go manifest something that makes a difference! You’re an artist, inspire us all with your profound gift of creativity! Just never stop working on your impossible dream...no matter what.    Where do you stand? Where are you stuck? What would it take to break free from the grip of your inner enemies? 21 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

In one of my favorite novels, The Way Of The Wizard by Deepak Chopra, the most famous wizard of all, Merlin, lived “backwards in time.” In other words, he never relied on his past to guide him into the future. He simply created his future minute-by-minute, moment-by-moment, BEFORE he lived it—therefore living life out of a vision of the future, rather than living life from the history of the past. A perfect example of this is when I was the publisher of Music Connection magazine. My team and I would create a theme for an upcoming issue; it could be an exclusive interview with a rock star, a unique directory of industry services or an informative “how to” story or feature article. We would dream up ideas, sketch out graphics, make up headlines and create a grid, a layout of the next issue. That became the vision. Then all we had to do was work backward from that vision and fill in the details; assign writers & photographers, create graphics, solicit the advertising, all in support of a vision called “the next issue.” Same as making a record, writing a book, starting a company or launching a website. First comes the vision, then work backwards and fill in the details. This is what Merlin meant by “living backwards in time,” only in the book he lived his whole life that way. Merlin never paid much attention to that which was rooted in the past, calling it “a waste of good memory.” Rather, he would create his life, moment-by-moment, from a vision of the future and live backwards from there.     How about you? Do you live backwards in time, or forward from the past? 6 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

Do you agree that it’s best to keep your creative projects private until you’re ready for input and criticism? Other than a significant mate or working collaborator, try and resist the tug to tell anyone about your script or allow anyone to listen to a new song or read your works in progress. The meaningful suggestions and opinions of even your closest friends and family will often contaminate your creative process and lure you away from your original intention. It’s like asking an opinion for a painting with only a few dabs of color on the canvas. Some people have so little confidence in their creative ideas that they immediately seek the opinion of others for reassurance or a temporary ego stroke. Often those outside suggestions contaminate the process and provoke an “inner” creative battle that could derail an otherwise worthy project. There’s a time for such input but not during the earlier stages of the work. Rule of thumb: Honor your Muse by keeping your ideas private until you have plenty of paint on the canvass. 19 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

What’s the message here for us in showbiz? Everyone has an opinion on how to make it in today’s new thrilling techno-biz; how to make a hit record, how to get a million YouTube views, how to build a profitable website, how to get your script read. Do we run with Spotify or wait and see? Do we lease a smaller studio and cut the budget? Should I follow my dream or follow the money? All these choices, decisions and opinions are like waving hands in your face attempting to block your shot at the ultimate goal.    Here’s how I make the hands go away: To the degree I have a crystal clear vision of the project; and to the degree I remain committed and true to that vision no matter what; and to the degree that every decision I make correlates with my commitment; then to THAT degree I rarely see the distractions and usually have a clear shot at my goal. Sometimes I hit the rim, other times I swish. However, the less I allow opinions, gossip, hearsay and hoopla to distract me, the closer I get to achieving victory.        So what’s the lesson here? Always keep your eye on the basket? Have clear goals in mind? Don’t be distracted by the hoopla? KNOW that you’re the MVP and just take the shot? You tell me... 8 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

I’m good at “SET” —the last mix before we master; the final proof before we publish; the one last link-test before we launch. I’m also good at “GO” —that instant when the print command is given; the site is finally launched; or the producer yells, “that’s a wrap!” At that moment I’m ready to celebrate!    However, the “READY” part is much more challenging. The READY part is everything that comes before SET. That’s where the real work lives. The planning, the meetings, the choices, the meetings, the decisions, the meetings, the arguments and the approvals—often from folks who are only concerned with the bottom line. The only way to really survive the READY part is to put on your boots and step on to the battlefield.     And why do we do it? Because at that very instant when you arrive at GO, when the curtain opens, the record is released, the book is published or the site is up and running, that divine “rush” is so profound it takes your breath away. That’s when you realize that the satisfaction, joy and bliss you experience when you finally arrive at GO, is always worth whatever it takes to get READY. 3 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

She wakes up before you do every morning, patiently waits for you to open your eyes, then softly whispers, “better check your emails...” She doesn’t say, turn over and hug your mate, she doesn’t remind you to brush your teeth and she doesn’t even suggest that you go in and wake the kids. The very first thing she whispers is, “perhaps there’s something new on Facebook you should see...” She’s compelling, alluring, informative, sexy, seductive, exotic, fun...and you actually believe she likes you!The last thing that “Eve of Distraction” wants you to do is your life’s work. She’s one of your “inner demons” for Pete’s sake! She’s a narcissistic ego-manic who hates it when you ignore her—and she’ll get her revenge if you do! She wants to lure you into her world and she’ll use all of her skillful powers and compelling charms to tempt and entice you; Facebook, Twitter, CNN, Google, Blogs, MSNBC, Angry Birds, iPads, upgrades, emails, family photos, talk radio, weekend plans, “call mom,” Netflix, even NPR and Wolf Blitzer!She’s the Real Terminator! She’s tireless, relentless and demands ALL of your attention! And guess what? She doesn’t like you at all! In fact, she despises you! She thinks you’re weak and unfocused—a loser at best. Her only mission is to constantly tempt you away from your work, your life, and your art. Procrastination is her kingdom and  “Eve of Distraction” is the reigning queen! Don’t allow this vicious “she-devil” to tempt you, or “blindside” you today. Just for today, stay committed to your project, stay true to your life’s work and don’t stop expressing your art. Even if you’re an accountant, you're an artist. Even if you’re a salesperson, you’re an artist. Even if you’re a business owner, you’re an artist. Even if you’re a doctor or a nurse, you’re an artist. Screw Distraction! You’re an artist! Keep work'n it...just for today...stay focused on your art. 9 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

I guess a lot of people have had this experience and now I can proudly add my name to the list. My wife and I rode the rapids down the Rio Grande River in a rubber boat (it was her idea). To this day I still don’t get it; sharp rocks, rubber boat...hellooo! At one point, a few folks decided to get out of the boat and go down the rapids in just their life jackets—same thing, canvass jacket, sharp rocks...huh? I really didn’t want to do this but I just couldn’t dispel my wife’s belief that she married a “manly man.” So I reluctantly volunteered for this potentially suicidal mission. For anyone who has ever done this, you know that the first rule is never put your feet straight down when you slip into a rushing river—always keep them up in front of you. So what did I do? I put my feet straight down and immediately went tumbling head over heels like a Cirque du Soleil contortionist!As I was ferociously swept away by the merciless current, there was definitely a vulnerable feeling of being totally out of control. And the more I fought it, the closer I came to the sharp, jagged rocks. However, once I finally relaxed, put my feet up, and let go of fighting and resisting the strong pull; and once I began to “trust” my own instincts, and just go with the flow, it only took the slightest coaxing of my body, to avoid the rocks and actually maintain control, even though, I was still totally out of control!      Perhaps the big lesson I walked away with (rather, survived) will resonate with you too: That often I feel like all of my gallant dreams, schemes and projects are being ferociously swept away by my own petty circumstances; money, time, my ego, the voices in my head, distractions, you name it. The only real choice I have is to release my grip on the situation, resign my righteous position, surrender to the gods, and ever-so-slightly coax my way around the rocks and boulders of life. When I’m able to do this, I usually wash up on some sandy beach with a smile on my face and a story to tell...a story about surviving one more of life’s challenging adventures. The other lesson I learned: always keep your feet up when you go down the rapids without a boat.Have you ever had that “in control/out of control” felling? Ever gone down the rapids without a boat? 5 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

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If you’re like me I’m constantly reading everything, yet I rarely have time to read anything.  When blogs like mine land in my inbox, the first thing I do is check who it’s from. Then I read the subject line, if that intrigues me I’ll open the email and read a few sentences. If that draws me in I’ll drag the article into that special place of honor, my “Read Later” file. And there it sits, patiently waiting for my return. Rarely, if ever, do I go through my “Read Later” file. It’s a shame to,  because there’s some really good stuff in there. However every time I open the file there  are months of articles screaming at me to read them first: “Pick me... Choose me...” they plead. It’s become too overwhelming to even open the file. So here’s what I did, I had over a years worth of (unread) articles and I trashed everything beyond 3 months. Just dumped it. That took out a whopping 2/3 of the file. It was a tense moment, but I felt lighter after. I figure if I was meant to read it, it will come around again, right? I’ve now committed to reading one “Read Later” article a day. Just one. Like anything else it’s an experiment. I'll let you know how it goes. Next stop, the garage!Do you have a “Read Later” file? How do you handle it when it starts to get ridiculous? Do you have a better system? If so I’d like to hear it. 12 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

Just found this “excerpt” from a book I wrote nearly 15 years go. Thought I’d share it with you:In an interview with acclaimed actor and Oscar-winning director Kevin Costner, he told a story about an incident that took place on an airplane, long before he was a famous actor/director. He said that he spotted someone on the plane that was enormously famous, and as the other passengers gawked, Costner approached the celebrity and struck up a conversation. He said to the man, that according to the fan magazines and tabloids, it seemed as though his personal life was filled with upset and chaos—with all his marriage problems, financial problems, alcohol and drug addictions, fistfights, and problems with the studios. Costner told the man that he was interested in pursuing a career as an actor, but it seemed that along with all the glory came a tremendous amount of turmoil. Then he asked the man point blank: “Is it worth it?” Costner said there was a momentary pause, then Richard Burton replied, “Yes, it is worth it...and I encourage you to follow your dream of becoming an actor.” 5 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

The great Yogis say, that if you go up to the mountain top and ask for what you want, no one listens to you. However, if you go up to the mountain top and proclaim: “THIS IS HOW IT’S GOING TO BE!” then the entire universe “bows” at your feet! 3 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

I have a deep respect as well as a righteous contempt for that divine instant when my brush hits the canvass; my pick plucks the string; my stick hits the skin; or my fingers grace the keys—that magical Muse-inspired moment when the creation begins. It’s at that critical instant when I’m about to express a feeling, an emotion, or an idea, that “IT” shows up, and everything changes.I may have a melody stuck in my head from the night before, but when I sit at the piano the next morning, and my fingers first touch the keys, “IT” shows up and EVERYTHING changes. Or I my have an idea for a client, or a blog theme (like this one), and as soon as I barely touch the keypad “IT” shows up and EVERYTHING changes.In that instant when “IT” shows up to lead the way, “IT” usually sweeps me up inside a mind-storm of possibilities, each one beckoning me to go in their direction. That’s what makes creativity so exhaustibly ambitious for me—there’s too many fantastically impossible choices! I know, I know, poets write about “IT,” songwriters sing about “IT” and philosophers opine about “IT.” And they all use beautiful emotional pithy prose to describe “IT.”  But when I come face to face with “IT,”  I don’t always see beauty, I see BATTLE, and the struggle begins!What ever I choose to call IT; inspiration, divine intuition, my Muse, it doesn’t matter. All that really matters is that I continue to work on resisting the tug to lead, question, doubt and judge, and simply embrace that gentle whisper to follow “IT,” in the direction “IT” wants to go.  Because as I reflect back over my career, my art, my music  and my personal life, although I’ve fought many gallant battles, “IT” has always led me in the right direction.... right up to this very instant. 1 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

Why does everyone say you have to love what you do to be successful? Do I have to love it like my wife, like my drums, like I love racquetball? Do I have to love my job as much as I love spaghetti? And what if I don’t—does that mean I should quit my job and stop working until I find something I love?     Prior to 2010, before I sold my business, if you had asked me if I loved what I do I would probably have said “not really.” If you asked me that today you would get an enthusiastic YES...well, most days. I do love what I do...at long last. It took me forever to finally arrive here because I had to once and for all, conquer the beast of egotism, abandon my quest for personal security, and embrace my secret, deep inner desire to give it all away; my work, my art, the entire expression of who I am; to pay it forward and return it to the source from which it came.    There’s an old myth that says, “Children born in the circus have sawdust in their veins.” It means that they were born to be circus performers, and that their life was pre-planned for them. Erstwhile circus people so honored their profession, they were so devoted to the circus, that it was not only customary that their children become part of the traveling troupe, it was expected. And while most circus people never got rich or famous entertaining audiences from town to town, they loved it anyway. Because this was their destiny (making people happy), this is what they were born to do, this was their dharma or vocation in life! I’ve never heard of anyone running away FROM the circus to join the work’n class—except in the movie Water For Elephants...then again he was a doctor     Are you living your impossible dream? Are you doing what you were you born to do? If not, what is it that continues to stop you? Is it money? If you only had enough money you wouldn’t have to work, and then you could finally pursue your true purpose? Is that it, or some version of it?    It took me awhile to get this, but here’s what I think: Once you’ve gone through the process of discovery and found your true vocation, which isn’t always easy (years for most, minutes for some), but after you finally have that grand divine epiphany and accept once and for all who you are and what it is you’re here to do; you then, run up to the mountain top and plant the flag that represents your impossible dream. Then you make a clear unwavering commitment to the entire universe that you are grateful for the gifts you’ve been given and that you are now “committed” to sharing those gifts (your dream) with the rest of the world...no matter what! Once you do that, once you finally commit to accepting your own fate, conquering your own ego, and coming to grips with why you are here; the pursuit of money and fame become secondary to the quest for personal excellence—and when you’re pursuing excellence, and sharing your gift with the rest of us, then abundance and acknowledgment come banging at your door and bowing at your feet—in all of their may forms.    Have you experienced the grand divine epiphany? Are you living your dharma—your life’s purpose—your impossible dream? Is your first priority to fulfill that deep inner desire to share it—the gift you’ve been given? Or are you still struggling with ego, greed and entitlement—plotting, planning and strategizing how you can get just a little more for yourself? Don’t be offended, I used to be that way too...not really. But I know plenty of folks who still think that the game called “More For Me” is real. 2 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

I've learned (the hard way) that the most revered, respected and time-honored pain in showbiz are the battle scars of rejection. The more wounds you have, the more war-stories you get to tell. You can't even imagine the number of times in the past 33 years I've heard: “I was THAT close to getting my song in a TV show!” Rejection is a regular occurrence in showbiz because that’s the risk you take when you hang a “for sale” sign on your talent—you risk no one wanting to buy it. The payoff, however, is worth the risk. The payoff is the possibility that the world could benefit from the results of your creativity, and you could get handsomely paid for it. That’s a pretty good payoff if you ask me! I believe that the secret to accepting the sting of rejection with grace and dignity is, “DON’T ACCEPT IT WITH GRACE AND DIGNITY!” React honestly, and let your emotions run free! If your reaction is sadness, go ahead and be sad, if your reaction is anger, go ahead and get mad, and if your reaction is apathy, be apathetic for a day or two. Who knows, your reaction to rejection may be joy and gratitude: “I’m SO glad that I didn’t get that gig!” The crucial thing to remember is that whenever your songs, your appearance, or your talent is rejected, don’t allow the experience to halt or stall the momentum of your creative process. React to the rejection honestly; either take advantage of the experience and use it in your art, or simply  “let it go” and keep moving forward. Because the challenge is not the rejection itself, it’s your reaction to it. 2 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

During the youthful days of running our publishing company, whenever my team and I took on an impossible project, I always had to muster a firm “intention” to go for it, along with a profound “commitment” to do the work and get the job done. Most of the time it usually worked out just fine—we got close enough. I learned that simple process from Roger Daltrey. During an interview, the Who’s high baritone said: “I go for the notes I KNOW I can’t hit. But I’ve learned that if I have a firm “intention” of hitting it, and profound “commitment” to go for it, I can usually get close enough.”   The rock star lesson here is; whenever intention and commitment are confidently aimed at an impossible target, you’re chances are very good that you’ll "get close enough" to the bulls eye. 1 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

This week’s Wiener roast was just one more validation that the gift of the Internet is here for the benefit of all humanity, and we have a choice to use it for good or not. Don’t forget that it was the same "Twitter" that Weiner used to raise up his big ego, that was ultimately used as evidence to bring him down. The great technology beast of our time is not only gobbling up governments and politicians like a hungry Pac Man, it’s now going directly after our integrity. But wait, let’s tell the truth here, it’s not the actual Internet or Twitter or Facebook that’s doing the house cleaning, they’re just the tools we use to help us qualify our choices and decisions. WE are the ones who are cleaning the house. WE humans are the ones who are bringing down governments and dethroning our leaders. It’s not the technology—that’s merely the device that has helped raise our collective consciousness. It’s how we choose to USE that technology to benefit the human family that really matters. We the people are still cheering from the bleachers of the ancient Roman coliseum, with all the power to decide if the careers of our politicians and celebrities’ live or die. In those days, 2000 years ago, the only device they had was their thumb! Today the Internet is our thumb. With a simple up/down gesture, now more than ever the fate of ego, greed, morality, trust, pride, lust, envy, deception and gluttony, now lies in the hands of all of us... actually in the thumbs of all of us. Used to be that all a sinning celebrity or politician had to do was go on TV and spill the beans, plead for forgiveness, take their deserving family on a nice vacation, and all would be forgiven. Not so anymore. Those public “Mea culpas” don’t hold the tolerant holy water they used to. And besides, all those celebrity apologies are starting to sound alike. They’re all ashamed of their behavior, they’re all seeking help for it, they all apologize to their family, and some even shed a tear. Got news for you, the rules have changed; in this new techno-world-order if you lie to us, or do anything stupid, you’re toast! 1 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

In the 33 years I co-ran a publishing company I learned the most from the people I fired. And the #1 reason I fired someone was not because of their inability to do the work, it was because of a serious communication breakdown. And 99% of the time, the communication breakdown was not the result of what was being said, it was the result of what was NOT being said! Many times in our conversations with others, we KNOW that the unspoken truth is being withheld behind clever words and bumper-sticker phrases; in fact, you can actually feel the energy in the room shift whenever the truth is being concealed. However we simply avoid confronting the situation, mostly because we want to deflect a showdown. It took me a long time (and plenty of failed attempts) but it finally sank in that saying the unsaid, expressing the unexpressed, revealing the concealed and exposing what’s hiding in the shadows has huge transformative results in any relationship, group, company or situation. It’s like when Toto pulled the curtain back to expose the real wizard—the hidden truth behind the clever show.    Drumming up the courage to speak the unspeakable may be confronting and uncomfortable going in, but it’s the only true way to get to the heart of the matter of any problem or challenge, plus offers a clear pathway to achieving extraordinary results. My wife Nancy always reminds me, “Remember honey, the truth shall always set you free!” 1 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

The warrior within slumps deeply into the sitting-stone, waiting for the call to battle. Her sword is loosely held; her shield has fallen to the ground; her muscles slowly atrophy. It’s been too long since she’s brought her might to the battlefield—too long since she’s heard the trumpets of triumph—too long since she’s heard the rousing battle call...FROM YOU. The opposing enemy of “Procrastination” is mighty. Joined with the evil forces of “Distraction” these two giant armies will stop at nothing to defeat you and pull your attention away from your work...the work you love. They will heartlessly shove you off your path—tempt you off your purpose. And you’re not the only one who’s distracted these days by the internet, news, bills, FaceBook, kids, health, worry, money, and on and on. We all have similar challenges. However, while you’re being blindsided by Distraction, your warrior within quietly waits. Waiting for you to stand up and declare, “ENOUGH!” Summon her now to rise up for battle! And at least for today...just for one day, defeat and conquer the producers of Procrastination and the demons of Distraction! Do your life’s work today and do it well! Your future is waiting... 1 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

There was one final profound factor that helped me decide to sell my company after 33 years, and it had nothing to do with money. I was moved to make the jump after reading a popular quote by Anais Nin: “And the day finally came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Have you ever come to a crossroads in your life where you had the choice to remain tight in your box of appropriate behavior and continue to reap the rewards consistent with safety and security? Or, choose to play a bigger game and risk everything (even putting your family in jeopardy) for an opportunity that could change your life forever? I think most of us at various times in our life dream about how it could be, if only we could muster the courage to take the risk. And sometimes all it takes is a little nudge of wisdom. Let’s listen, while Helen Keller whispers to us from her grave: “Security is mostly superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.” 2 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

The heroic practice of standing alone, on your own two feet, and taking responsibility for your career in showbiz, independent of the opinions of others, is a courageous act that most people avoid like the plague. In fact, some would rather opt for the plague. Not unlike the walking zombies in The Night Of The Living Dead, it’s much easier to follow everyone else in a hypnotic daze, down the futile path called, “I HOPE I make it someday,” chanting that infamous showbiz prayer, “Please God, make me rich and famous. If you do, I’ll build a home for wayward children.” It’s actually the path of least resistance, and the one with the least amount of personal accountability. It’s also (according to MapQuest), the longest possible route to career success and personal achievement in all of show business. So which road do you travel, Easy Street, or the Autonomy Highway? 1 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

In my years of running a business and leading a staff of smart people I learned early that if I asked an employee for a red pen and they brought me a blue one, the problem was not them—it was me! Somewhere in the communication that I wanted a pen, the “red” part was not given the clarity it needed to make it to my desk (with the rest of the pen). Eventually I learned the hard way (over many years) that in my everyday interaction with staff, partners, employees and especially customers, that “Limpidity” provides a no-hype, straightforward path to career success and personal achievement. Limpidity insists on cooperation, quickens response time, provokes clarity, and delivers exceptional results...Fast! So the next time you’re making a request, whether it’s for a red pen or a loan, be sure your communication is Limpid!I’ll save you the time:Wikionary: Limpid: (adjective), clear, transparent, bright, lucid, crystalline. 1 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

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I assert that deep down inside, held hostage by your ego, hidden behind “I wanna be a star,” and just around the corner from “I wanna be stinking rich,” you have a burning desire to make your own personal contribution to the world. I know I do. I also assert that just one level deeper than that, you have a sneaking suspicion that if given the chance you could do great things! Perhaps you think the only thing that prevents you from being great and really making a difference are your circumstances. If you only had more money, you would do more philanthropic work. Or, as soon as you find more time, you’ll get involved in those specific community affairs that tug at your heartstrings. In my 40 years in showbiz, I have learned that  “If only” and “as soon as” are the excuses of the multitude! The world has been waiting for people like you to start doing all the things you said you would do someday. Give up the notion of waiting for your life to turn out before you do the right thing. Take a stand that showbiz, music or media is your calling, this is what you’re here to do, and this is your vocation in life. Pledge to do your best work—honestly, and with integrity. Promise yourself to remain conscious and vigilant regarding the pettiness of our industry, and commit to doing exceptional work that will set an example for all of us to follow. This unselfish shift in attitude may be the only piece missing in affirming your own true Showbiz destiny. 2 comments Pay it forward, send this article to a friend

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“Why I Meditate.”
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michael@jmichaeldolan.com.
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• BRANCUSI'S VICTORY CRY
• Letter From Yoko Ono:
• BONO FIGHTS FAMINE (read time:15)
• SAIL AWAY (read time :43)
• ARTISTS RULE! (read time 1:23)
• SWEET RELIEF (read time :27)
• USE IT OR LOSE IT (read time :53)
• START HERE (read time 1:27)
• UNCERTAINTY (read time 1:19)
• INBOX (read time (1:03)
• STOPPED BY CALAMITY (read time 1:37)
• ART (read time :57)
• AUDACIOUS & UNSTOPPABLE (read time 2:37)
• WRITERS BLOCK (read time 1:47)
• BLOW AWAY DISTRACTIONS (read time :31)
• WAY OF THE CREATIVE WARRIOR (read time :27)
• GOOD BYE LADY LUCK (read time 1:53)
• CONFIDENCE IS EVERYTHING (read time 1:23)
• DEADLINE OR DIE! (read time 1:53)
• MUSIC PEOPLE ON CALL (read time :41)
• THE WIZARDS CLOCK (read time :57)
• CREATIVE PRIVACY (read time :43)
• THE KOBE IN ME (read time 1:13)
• READY, SET, GO! (read time :47)
• James Taylor Guitar Lessons (read time :21)
• EVE OF DISTRACTION (read time 1:29)
• KEEP YOUR FEET UP! (read time 1:09)
• JUST ONE MORE FOOT (read time 1:57)
• THIERRY KAUFFMANN (read time :43)
• MY MUSE DOESN'T CARE (read time :39)
• MISUNDERSTOOD (read time 1:19)
• DUMP IT! (read time 1:19)
• IS IT WORTH IT? (read time :49)
• THE 24 HOUR RULE (read time 2:21)
• MONK ON THE MOUNTIAN (read time: a lifetime)
• “IT” (read time 1:37)
• BORN TO SHOW (read time 3:37)
• THE STING OF REJECTION (read time 1:13)
• THE ACTORS FUND (read time :23)
• LESSON FROM A ROCK STAR
• THUMB POWER (read time 1:59)
• EXPOSING THE WIZARD (read time (1:13)
• HEY, WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA? (read time 1:37)
• THE WAITING WARRIOR (read time 1:07)
• PLAY AT YOUR OWN RISK
• BON JOVI OPENS HIS SOUL (read time :33 sec)
• AUTONOMY HIGHWAY (read time :35 sec)
• LIMPIDITY (read time :45 sec)
• ED NORTON MAKES A CROWD RISE
• WHY I MEDITATE (read time 1:00 min)
• YOUR SHADOW AGENDA (read time 1:05)
• WHY I SOLD MY BUSINESS
• CELEBS STILL HAILING HAITI (read time :57 sec)
• FREE SOCKS! (read time :47 sec)
• MY QUEST FOR BARENAKED PROBITY (read time 1:47 min)
• THE FANTASIES OF POSSIBILITY (read time 5:17 min)
• THE TUG OF WAR (read time 5:09 min)
Michael@jmichaeldolan.com

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