Nick Palmby: The Blog

Quick Braindump

Have a few minutes to spare, and I feel like I owe my blog a quick entry; So whatever pops in my head in the next 8 mins I'm going to write...enjoy!

...starting now...

- Stock Market / Economy: Holding positions in both RTK and CTDC as the world continues to focus on energy.  RTK converts fossil fuel to diesel and CTDC is a solar power products producer out of China.  Both long, both strong.  CTDC I hope gets some buzz with the Olympics, and the construction of their new plant.  Other non energy related positions I like are F (even though they are hurting right now, they will find a way to turn around), S (great service, CDMA will win on the other side), NMRX (rough at the moment but they will surly make some smart moves in the GPS and enabling developers world), HPQ (Uncle is a VP so I'm slightly biased but their products are superb in the industry and they have the best process and marketing around, BBY (only because they are the steady hand in consumer gadgets for the everyday person), TGT (the middle class will continue to grow, and on the flip side of this economy turn people will get tired of Wallmart, Costco, and Sam's Club), and lastly TIF (Christmas will come around, and ladies will want their Jewelry, I remain long on this poistion as well).

- Tech World: The App Store has taken in about $1 million per day for the iphones which is incredible.  I accredit that to the developers who make 70% of the profits from their apps.  APPL confirms that they have a "kill switch" which will delete any malicious apps built...if true, I'm impressed.

- Sports: Still mourning about Brett Favre, he's just not a Jet.  Not sure about Aaron Rogers yet, so I'm longing Tom Brady (YHOO fantasy football is the only reason) and hope the Vikings can pull together a strong worthy season.  I'm sure I'll still sport the GB Favre jersey though...he is a legend.  USA Olympics have been enjoyable, seems like the Chineese have stepped up their game since the past.  I enjoyed the Biking down the Great Wall of China...simply incredible.  Not to mention some great swimming, gymnastics, and more to come.

- World News: Hollywood woke up this morning to the news that actor-comedian Bernie Mac has passed away at the age of 50.  The guy was brilliant, and probably one of the finest Hollywood family guys around.  He brought something unique to all his movies, and my favs in the Oceans 11, 12, and 13 series.  God has won one funny humble guy.

- Personal: One of my clients Bob Ellis Shoes was recently asked to do a radio interview with one of their guys named Bill Dowling about shoes, handbags, blogs, etc.  You can listen in here, and I want to thank Bill for the plug around the 12 mins and 30 seconds mark.  I enjoy working with you and the Bob Ellis Shoes Team to further your success!  If these guys were a publicly owned firm I would hold positions, hot market, great company.  And lastly Michael Buble returns to the United States soon to kick off more of his tour...hopefully he heads out this way.

The end...relatively organized I must say.  Typically my brain wonders much more aimlessly with things like this :D

To The Underdogs...

Found this in my inbox this morning.  Short and sweet, with a dash of powerfulness.

Let the absence of blog entries over the past few months be replaced with the power of this one.

Airports Are Refreshing...

Posting from my blackberry...hope this works...

Many people find airports unorganized, fustrating, and stressful. I won't make the claim that they are peaceful but I find them refreshing. Crisp as a winter morning.

It might seem this way because they are an axis point between two nodes. (one being where you were and the other being where you're heading) Or it may be this way because people are continually shuffled through one place...bringing fresh faces. If the airport were a brain Eienstien would have nothing on it.

After spending most of my life flying and puddle hoping I suppose it might just be natural. Yet I find the node thesis more appealing.

Time to catch my flight...

Reading Quest

The PhDs in my life have inspired me to do some early morning reading over the next few weeks:

• Genesis
• Tao Te Ching
• Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Federalist Papers
• MLK, Lincoln, Douglas speeches

It will be good to shore up my base understanding of the classic works in politics, philosophy, religion, etc.

Sitting Next To You

I meet a man two years ago on a plane.  He and I exchange emails on occasion.  I got this interesting section recently that I thought I would share.  The title of this post was the title of the email.

"You remind me of myself –you have passion and interest. People may think your forward, but I appreciate your Inquisitiveness. Your ability to travel educates you beyond belief. I instruct men who have never left the very county they were born in: and the capacity of their mind reflects it. Stretch the boundaries of your mind, asking questions is vital for this however, diverse situation is crucial –travel accomplishes this. Considering the people about your path is a study in human nature. Every dollar that enters your hand exits the hand of someone you served; success is not coercion but involvement. Disregard the first impression, and search for the similar. These people though you may know nothing of have every need as you –serve that need and serve yourself success."

Summary: Travel to expand experiences and knowledge.  Be inquisitive.   Serve others in their quest for success.

Quote On Effort

"Superhuman effort isn't worth a damn unless it achieves results." --Ernest Shackleton

It's All About: THE UNDERDOGS

I just ran across this video below.  Proof that underdogs can achieve greatness with perseverance.  I'm not a big TV show guy but apparently Paul Potts made a big splash launching his opera career after his appearance on American Idol.   

This man is:  Passionate.  Humble.  Driven.

Today's Quote

“Those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, usually do” -- unknown

Digging For Untapped Energy

My mentor and friend Jeff Smith sent me an email this morning after completing a big Marathon in London this past week.  We were talking about things wrapping up and finishing strong before taking a new task on.  He stated:

Complete things with a burst of energy - it is amazing where it comes from when you must have it - the last 2 miles of the run turn the corner at Big Bend and down to Buckinham Palace where the bandstand is and birdcage walk up St James Park - 3-400,000 people - cheering for you - you have no energy left after 5 hours of running and yet - from somewhere, you dig deep, you burst into a faster run and then a sprint for the finish.

Great words!  Many things in life are like a race with segments in between.  Each part of the race matters but the end is an opportunity to shine.

Vocation Vs Advocation

Vocation is who you are, occupation is what you do. We are all occupied in the pursuit of livelihood. We earn money to support our needs. Vocation however, is usually misunderstood as synonymous to occupation, but could not be more different.  My vocation is the inclination to the volume of my existence; as if a response to a summons.  'Entrepreneur" is my vocation it is the volume of my existence, I may never have earned the first dollar from my vocation but never the less I have been summoned to this position. 

Never let others shade the diversity in your occupation and vocation, be clear in whom you are by what you do. My avocation is revealed, do you see it?  Avocation differs from vocation in that it gives pleasure a hobby as it were.