And so here we are, partway through the last day of August 2009. As I always do on the last day of any given week, month or year, I look back at the time that has passed and assess all that was accomplished.
August 2009 included a wealth of progress towards my ultimate goal, which is of course the grand opening of Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. However, importantly, this past month also included an abundance of wonderful moments with my children, with friends, with nature, with my golf game, and the list goes on. It’s been a wonderful month.
I spent most of yesterday working on a birdhouse with my children. My eldest developed plans for what really should be described as a bird multi-level MANSION. Over the past month we’ve worked together to refine his plans, select appropriate material, develop a full list of the wall, floor and other dimensions, etc. Yesterday we made the first cuts, including the main floor, the “landing pad,” and all of the exterior walls. Lots of fun, and they’re both learning new skills.
To reward ourselves we finished off by making some delicious chocolate chip cookies, from scratch, of course!
This past weekend also included much of the usual, that being lots of office work, a great workout, some house and lawn work, etc. I also took in some of the Waterloo Busker Festival. The various acts were all amazingly entertaining.
I also finished reading Bob Skura’s book, How Great Golfers Think: Perfecting Your Mental Game. I will blog more about this later in the week, as I want to do this local golf offering justice. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
And lastly, during some much needed quiet time, I explored some of my Joseph Rudyard Kipling collection. This excerpt from his poem The Children’s Song captures much of life in a few short phrases:
Teach us to bear the yoke in youth,
With steadfastness and careful truth;
That, in our time, Thy Grace may give
The Truth whereby the Nations live.
Teach us to rule ourselves alway,
Controlled and cleanly night and day;
That we may bring, if need arise,
No maimed or worthless sacrifice.
Teach us to look in all our ends,
On Thee for judge, and not our friends;
That we, with Thee, may walk uncowed
By fear or favour of the crowd.
Teach us the Strength that cannot seek,
By deed or thought, to hurt the weak;
That, under Thee, we may possess
Man’s strength to comfort man’s distress.
Teach us delight in simple things,
And Mirth that has no bitter springs;
Forgiveness free of evil done,
And Love to all men ‘neath the sun!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Parmasters KW Reminder and CPGA ED Resigns
As I sit here in my office I can see that we’ve been greeted by another rainy, soggy morning. Not the best weather for local golfers. It’s a good thing we’ll start construction on Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo someday soon!
As a reminder, for more on Parmasters KW, you can also revisit some of these previous blog posts.
- The Chapters of Indoor Golf
- Don't Check Your Ego At The Door
- Holes For Sale
Today’s post is a mishmash of thoughts and news. I wanted to mention briefly that I visited Southworks in Cambridge recently. Specifically, I spent 90% of my time there in the antique section on the second floor of the north building.
I was amazed to see several extensive collections of antique golf clubs! If you’re a collector of golf lore, you must make the trip to Southworks!
Also, last Saturday, in their email newsletter, Golf News Now reported that current Canadian Professional Golf Association (CPGA) Executive Director Steve Carroll has resigned. His last day on the job will be October 31, 2009. You can find the entire article on the Golf News Now website here, and I’ve also included it below.
CPGA Executive Director Resigns
August 21, 2009 by GNN
Steve Carroll has resigned after five years as executive director of the Canadian PGA, saying he was looking forward to new challenges.
His last day will be Oct. 31.
Carroll came to the Canadian PGA after 12 years as executive director of the PGA of British Columbia. He had previously worked for five years as education program coordinator for the Canadian PGA.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my 22-year relationship with the Canadian PGA,” said Carroll.
“The opportunity and privilege of working with a fabulous group of golf professionals who are passionate about what they do for a living and are experts in the game and business of golf made it a joy for me to come into work every day, I feel blessed,” he added.
Carroll also served as chair of the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA), a group that just last Tuesday introduced the findings of its economic impact study. Canadian PGA president Lindon Garron said it will be difficult to replace Carroll.
“Steve has been a tremendous ambassador for the Canadian PGA. His decision to leave is received with mixed emotions,” said Garron.
“We are sorry to see him leave as he has accomplished a great deal for the Canadian PGA, yet we are excited for him as he embarks on a new career path,” he added.
“We will now be challenged to find a new executive director, but it will allow the board of directors to evaluate the position establishing the current skill sets required,” said Lindon Garron, President of the Canadian PGA.
Carroll said he had accomplished the goals he had set out to accomplish at the beginning of his tenure and the timing was right for somebody new to take on new challenges for the association.
“Thanks to the hard work of the national office staff and the support of my colleagues and friends among zone staff, the Canadian PGA, as a whole, has never been in a better place,” said Carroll, adding that Garron and the current board of directors have treated him well.
“My relationship goes back to the beginning when Steve first worked as the director of education and I was the executive director of the Atlantic Zone,” said Garron.
“Throughout the years, we have become not only associates but also friends. We have traveled much together and both share a passion for the Canadian PGA and improving opportunities for our members,” said Garron.
Watch GNN for continuing coverage.
As a reminder, for more on Parmasters KW, you can also revisit some of these previous blog posts.
- The Chapters of Indoor Golf
- Don't Check Your Ego At The Door
- Holes For Sale
Today’s post is a mishmash of thoughts and news. I wanted to mention briefly that I visited Southworks in Cambridge recently. Specifically, I spent 90% of my time there in the antique section on the second floor of the north building.
I was amazed to see several extensive collections of antique golf clubs! If you’re a collector of golf lore, you must make the trip to Southworks!
Also, last Saturday, in their email newsletter, Golf News Now reported that current Canadian Professional Golf Association (CPGA) Executive Director Steve Carroll has resigned. His last day on the job will be October 31, 2009. You can find the entire article on the Golf News Now website here, and I’ve also included it below.
CPGA Executive Director Resigns
August 21, 2009 by GNN
Steve Carroll has resigned after five years as executive director of the Canadian PGA, saying he was looking forward to new challenges.
His last day will be Oct. 31.
Carroll came to the Canadian PGA after 12 years as executive director of the PGA of British Columbia. He had previously worked for five years as education program coordinator for the Canadian PGA.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my 22-year relationship with the Canadian PGA,” said Carroll.
“The opportunity and privilege of working with a fabulous group of golf professionals who are passionate about what they do for a living and are experts in the game and business of golf made it a joy for me to come into work every day, I feel blessed,” he added.
Carroll also served as chair of the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA), a group that just last Tuesday introduced the findings of its economic impact study. Canadian PGA president Lindon Garron said it will be difficult to replace Carroll.
“Steve has been a tremendous ambassador for the Canadian PGA. His decision to leave is received with mixed emotions,” said Garron.
“We are sorry to see him leave as he has accomplished a great deal for the Canadian PGA, yet we are excited for him as he embarks on a new career path,” he added.
“We will now be challenged to find a new executive director, but it will allow the board of directors to evaluate the position establishing the current skill sets required,” said Lindon Garron, President of the Canadian PGA.
Carroll said he had accomplished the goals he had set out to accomplish at the beginning of his tenure and the timing was right for somebody new to take on new challenges for the association.
“Thanks to the hard work of the national office staff and the support of my colleagues and friends among zone staff, the Canadian PGA, as a whole, has never been in a better place,” said Carroll, adding that Garron and the current board of directors have treated him well.
“My relationship goes back to the beginning when Steve first worked as the director of education and I was the executive director of the Atlantic Zone,” said Garron.
“Throughout the years, we have become not only associates but also friends. We have traveled much together and both share a passion for the Canadian PGA and improving opportunities for our members,” said Garron.
Watch GNN for continuing coverage.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
“2010 Amateur Will Be Best in Class” –Ontario Golf magazine
Ontario Golf reported recently, in their August 21, 2009 email newsletter, that the 2010 Canadian Amateur will be the “best in class.”
As recently mentioned in this blog here, the Dennis Kavelman’s Kavelman-Fonn Foundation, along with Peter McCarthy of Toronto’s Roundtable Capital Partners, “have committed significant funds, along with time and effort, to the betterment of amateur golf competitions across Canada.” The Research In Motion (RIM) executive also committed BlackBerrys to facilitate scoring and communication during events.
Here’s the Ontario Golf Article in its entirety.
As recently mentioned in this blog here, the Dennis Kavelman’s Kavelman-Fonn Foundation, along with Peter McCarthy of Toronto’s Roundtable Capital Partners, “have committed significant funds, along with time and effort, to the betterment of amateur golf competitions across Canada.” The Research In Motion (RIM) executive also committed BlackBerrys to facilitate scoring and communication during events.
Here’s the Ontario Golf Article in its entirety.
As part of an enhancement plan for Canada's national amateur championships, the 2010 Canadian Men's Amateur will be co-hosted by two of Ontario's finest courses: the London Hunt and Country Club and Redtail Golf Course. The first two rounds of the 72-hole stroke-play event will be split between the two courses, allowing for an increase in the field size from the current 156 to 240 players, which will enable the RCGA to now invite the world's top 100 ranked amateurs, including U.S. college and U.S. Walker Cup players, to London, Ontario for the 2010 championship--and that's in addition to the traditional field of Canada's finest players, the bulk of whom qualify through their respective provincial amateur golf championships.
During the championship, competitors will receive first-class hospitality, including a players' banquet, courtesy hotel shuttles and complimentary food and beverage. All RCGA national championships will also feature live scoring, allowing fans from across Canada and the world to follow scoring in real time.
Monday, August 24, 2009
“Stare at the target and glance at the ball”
I wanted to mention another article from the RCGA’s publication, Golf Canada. Interestingly, it too focuses on intentionality as it relates to golf.
This is very much related to the idea of focusing on what you want; being intentional, rather than dwelling upon that which you do not want. As I mentioned in a recent previous post here, a related article was published by Ontario Golf this summer as well.
In the Golf Canada article, titled Watch and learn, Henry Brunton urges all golfers to get out this summer and watch AND LEARN from professional golfers. Brunton offers five key habits and/or tactics, employed by all world-class players.
Item number two drew my attention. Here it is, quoted from Golf Canada.
Focus on what you want!
To quote the movie The Secret, “Energy flows where attention goes.”
The entire article can be found online at the Golf Canada website here.
The article was written by Henry Brunton and included on pages 20 and 21 of the July 2009 issue. Golf Canada is of course published by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA).
This is very much related to the idea of focusing on what you want; being intentional, rather than dwelling upon that which you do not want. As I mentioned in a recent previous post here, a related article was published by Ontario Golf this summer as well.
In the Golf Canada article, titled Watch and learn, Henry Brunton urges all golfers to get out this summer and watch AND LEARN from professional golfers. Brunton offers five key habits and/or tactics, employed by all world-class players.
Item number two drew my attention. Here it is, quoted from Golf Canada.
Stare at the target and glance at the ball. Most recreational golfers pay too much attention to the ball – in fact many are riveted to it – and the ball actually becomes their target. Watch how top competitive players use their eyes effectively. They stare at the target multiple times, usually locking in on it one last time for two or more seconds before they glance at the ball and pull the trigger to hit the shot. The eyes feed the brain the information necessary to effectively calculate distance and factor in environmental conditions so use them to your advantage.
Focus on what you want!
To quote the movie The Secret, “Energy flows where attention goes.”
The entire article can be found online at the Golf Canada website here.
The article was written by Henry Brunton and included on pages 20 and 21 of the July 2009 issue. Golf Canada is of course published by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA).
Saturday, August 22, 2009
TriOS College Coming to Market Square
Our landlord at Market Square, Realex Properties, yesterday announced that a new tenant was coming to Market Square. The new tenant is TriOS College, which will move from their current location at King and Victoria Streets to the main floor of Market Square.
TriOS has leased the space that was originally targeted for Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo.
We’ve known for a while that this deal was a possibility. Realex has been forthright with their negotiations.
So, what are the implications for Parmasters KW?
There are really only two implications that are at all significant. First, we will, of course, have to look at other areas within Market Square and re-work our space/floor plan accordingly. This will definitely involve a reconfiguration of the intended layout for our center. The total foot print, or square footage, that we occupy, may also be adjusted to fit into an alternative area within Market Square.
And second, and more importantly, Market Square is about to become more vibrant, with an estimated additional 350 to 400 future patrons of Parmasters KW coming through the property each and every day! This really is an exciting, and positive announcement for Market Square, and thus for us as well.
In short, we’re very pleased and excited that TriOS College is coming to Market Square, and we look forward to exploring ways in which we can work with them to the mutual benefit of their students and staff, and our members and other patrons.
The Waterloo Region Record ran an article on this development, posted on their website yesterday. I spoke briefly with Business Editor Ron Deruyter. The article can be found here, and I’ve also included it, in full, below.
TriOS College moving to Market Square
TheRecord.com
Business - TriOS College moving to Market Square
Record staff
KITCHENER – TriOS College is moving its Kitchener campus into the Market Square building in downtown Kitchener.
The private career college expects to move into 16,000 square feet of vacant retail space on the ground level of the building next spring. Renovations will begin in the fall and classes in the new premises are scheduled to begin May 1, said Realex Properties, owner of the Market Square.
The college’s Kitchener campus currently is housed in a plaza at King and Victoria streets.
“A major reason for choosing this location was a quality building, well located at the corner of King and Frederick streets, right near the heart of the downtown of Kitchener,” TriOS chief executive officer Frank Gerencser, said in an announcement to staff on Friday.
He added that the new location “provides easy transit access” for the college’s students. TriOS also will have access to 125 parking spots in and near the building, he said.
The new location will contain 15 classrooms, including larger rooms for the college’s pharmacy assistant, personal support worker and physiotherapist programs.
The arrival of TriOS will bring 350 to 400 people to Market Square on a daily basis, said Realex.
“It is tremendous for the food court and gives the retailers on the ground floor a chance to be more successful so it should be a great fit all the way around,” said John Vickery, manager of marketing and leasing for Realex.
Market Square is a former shopping centre that largely has been converted into an office complex. Its major tenants include the Waterloo Region Record, engineering firm Stantec Inc., a Nordia call centre and Goodlife Fitness.
A golf training centre was hoping to move into the space TriOS will occupy. Parmasters Golf Training Center unveiled plans to move into the building in 2007, but those plans have been held up because it has taken longer than expected to line up investors.
“We are almost there,” said Stephen Southern, owner of the Parmasters franchise rights for southern Ontario.
Vickery and Southern said they still hope to work out a deal to move Parmasters into other vacant space in the 300,000-square-foot building.
“We are still absolutely committed to the square and downtown Kitchener,” said Southern.
Mississauga-based TriOS was founded in 1992. In addition to its campus in Kitchener, it has schools in Mississauga, Toronto, Brampton, Hamilton, Oshawa, London and Windsor.
TriOS has leased the space that was originally targeted for Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo.
We’ve known for a while that this deal was a possibility. Realex has been forthright with their negotiations.
So, what are the implications for Parmasters KW?
There are really only two implications that are at all significant. First, we will, of course, have to look at other areas within Market Square and re-work our space/floor plan accordingly. This will definitely involve a reconfiguration of the intended layout for our center. The total foot print, or square footage, that we occupy, may also be adjusted to fit into an alternative area within Market Square.
And second, and more importantly, Market Square is about to become more vibrant, with an estimated additional 350 to 400 future patrons of Parmasters KW coming through the property each and every day! This really is an exciting, and positive announcement for Market Square, and thus for us as well.
In short, we’re very pleased and excited that TriOS College is coming to Market Square, and we look forward to exploring ways in which we can work with them to the mutual benefit of their students and staff, and our members and other patrons.
The Waterloo Region Record ran an article on this development, posted on their website yesterday. I spoke briefly with Business Editor Ron Deruyter. The article can be found here, and I’ve also included it, in full, below.
TriOS College moving to Market Square
TheRecord.com
Business - TriOS College moving to Market Square
Record staff
KITCHENER – TriOS College is moving its Kitchener campus into the Market Square building in downtown Kitchener.
The private career college expects to move into 16,000 square feet of vacant retail space on the ground level of the building next spring. Renovations will begin in the fall and classes in the new premises are scheduled to begin May 1, said Realex Properties, owner of the Market Square.
The college’s Kitchener campus currently is housed in a plaza at King and Victoria streets.
“A major reason for choosing this location was a quality building, well located at the corner of King and Frederick streets, right near the heart of the downtown of Kitchener,” TriOS chief executive officer Frank Gerencser, said in an announcement to staff on Friday.
He added that the new location “provides easy transit access” for the college’s students. TriOS also will have access to 125 parking spots in and near the building, he said.
The new location will contain 15 classrooms, including larger rooms for the college’s pharmacy assistant, personal support worker and physiotherapist programs.
The arrival of TriOS will bring 350 to 400 people to Market Square on a daily basis, said Realex.
“It is tremendous for the food court and gives the retailers on the ground floor a chance to be more successful so it should be a great fit all the way around,” said John Vickery, manager of marketing and leasing for Realex.
Market Square is a former shopping centre that largely has been converted into an office complex. Its major tenants include the Waterloo Region Record, engineering firm Stantec Inc., a Nordia call centre and Goodlife Fitness.
A golf training centre was hoping to move into the space TriOS will occupy. Parmasters Golf Training Center unveiled plans to move into the building in 2007, but those plans have been held up because it has taken longer than expected to line up investors.
“We are almost there,” said Stephen Southern, owner of the Parmasters franchise rights for southern Ontario.
Vickery and Southern said they still hope to work out a deal to move Parmasters into other vacant space in the 300,000-square-foot building.
“We are still absolutely committed to the square and downtown Kitchener,” said Southern.
Mississauga-based TriOS was founded in 1992. In addition to its campus in Kitchener, it has schools in Mississauga, Toronto, Brampton, Hamilton, Oshawa, London and Windsor.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Kavelman-Fonn Foundation Backs Canadian Amateur Golf Championships
There’s a wonderfully encouraging story in the July 2009 issue of Golf Canada. Research In Motion (RIM) executive Dennis Kavelman, along with a Peter McCarthy of Toronto’s Roundable Capital Partners, have committed significant funds, along with time and effort, to the betterment of amateur golf competitions across Canada.
The Blackberry leader, along with McCarthy, have committed to “help finance a five-year RCGA initiative to elevate Canada’s national amateur championships to ‘best in class.’” Dennis is an accomplished amateur golfer and, according to the article, “admits to coming away from a recent national amateur championship he played in underwhelmed by the experience.”
Within the article Kavelman notes, “To me it’s just as important for an amateur golfer like me who works hard on his game, plays well in his home province and qualifies for the Canadian Amateur or Mid Amateur. That should be a big deal.”
The entire article can be found online at the Golf Canada website here.
The article was written by Rick Young and included on pages 18 and 19 of the July 2009 issue. Golf Canada is of course published by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA). Many thanks to great folks at this fine organization for the great work they do, including, of course, Golf Canada!
And lastly, the opening paragraph by Rick Young was quite eloquent. “Are our interests not best served when we analyse with a measure of objectivity? Does honest, open dialogue – when our cards are put on the table – not trump sugar coating reality or obscuring the truth?”
The answer, of course, is a resounding YES! This comes through beautifully in the following timeless truth captured by Dan Sullivan, “All progress begins by telling the truth.”
Kudos to Dennis Kavelman, Peter McCarthy, the RCGA and others for telling the truth, and spearheading progress.
The Blackberry leader, along with McCarthy, have committed to “help finance a five-year RCGA initiative to elevate Canada’s national amateur championships to ‘best in class.’” Dennis is an accomplished amateur golfer and, according to the article, “admits to coming away from a recent national amateur championship he played in underwhelmed by the experience.”
Within the article Kavelman notes, “To me it’s just as important for an amateur golfer like me who works hard on his game, plays well in his home province and qualifies for the Canadian Amateur or Mid Amateur. That should be a big deal.”
The entire article can be found online at the Golf Canada website here.
The article was written by Rick Young and included on pages 18 and 19 of the July 2009 issue. Golf Canada is of course published by the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA). Many thanks to great folks at this fine organization for the great work they do, including, of course, Golf Canada!
And lastly, the opening paragraph by Rick Young was quite eloquent. “Are our interests not best served when we analyse with a measure of objectivity? Does honest, open dialogue – when our cards are put on the table – not trump sugar coating reality or obscuring the truth?”
The answer, of course, is a resounding YES! This comes through beautifully in the following timeless truth captured by Dan Sullivan, “All progress begins by telling the truth.”
Kudos to Dennis Kavelman, Peter McCarthy, the RCGA and others for telling the truth, and spearheading progress.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Printing More Little Parmasters KW Information Cards
The reaction to the Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo Information Cards – as mentioned a while ago here – has been very positive. Those that receive the cards are thankful and interested, and many have followed up and joined our team in one way or another.
Some have registered through the Parmasters KW website for our periodic email updates. Others have started following this blog, or following us on Twitter. And several have called in for more information and further discussion.
Today I’ll be printing another high-volume batch of the cards (pictured below). Once again, if you feel you can assist in distributing these cards far and wide, please let us know.
These Information Cards are of course another small step in spreading the word about Parmasters KW, and thus growing our team of members, future members, shareholders, stakeholders, etc. Every day, in every aspect of our lives, we take small steps, baby steps. Each can seem minute, as if it did not matter. But that is rarely the case.
I’m reminded of the following revealing and timeless quote.
“Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things ... I am tempted to think ... there are no little things.” -Bruce Barton
As I finish this blog post, I’m listening to two squirrels chasing each other around my deck. Perhaps one has a nut that the other covets. Perhaps it’s a territorial matter, or some other issue. Perspective is a fascinating aspect of life. To the squirrels, it’s a very important matter, and yet to me, it’s simply an entertaining and welcomed interaction with this incredible world we enjoy. Perspective changes everything.
Some have registered through the Parmasters KW website for our periodic email updates. Others have started following this blog, or following us on Twitter. And several have called in for more information and further discussion.
Today I’ll be printing another high-volume batch of the cards (pictured below). Once again, if you feel you can assist in distributing these cards far and wide, please let us know.
These Information Cards are of course another small step in spreading the word about Parmasters KW, and thus growing our team of members, future members, shareholders, stakeholders, etc. Every day, in every aspect of our lives, we take small steps, baby steps. Each can seem minute, as if it did not matter. But that is rarely the case.
I’m reminded of the following revealing and timeless quote.
“Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things ... I am tempted to think ... there are no little things.” -Bruce Barton
As I finish this blog post, I’m listening to two squirrels chasing each other around my deck. Perhaps one has a nut that the other covets. Perhaps it’s a territorial matter, or some other issue. Perspective is a fascinating aspect of life. To the squirrels, it’s a very important matter, and yet to me, it’s simply an entertaining and welcomed interaction with this incredible world we enjoy. Perspective changes everything.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Golf-Oriented Vision Boards
Joyce Schwarz submitted a blog comment after my brief review of her book The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life. You can find my blog post on The Vision Board here, and her comment here.
Joyce has graciously offered a free chapter, available via download, from this website. Enjoy!
She also expresses interest in any golf-oriented vision boards. I don’t have any myself. If you have created a golf-oriented vision board, and would be willing to share it, Joyce is interested. Just email me and we can go from there.
I’ve just started reading How Great Golfers Think by local writer and competitor Bob Skura. I’m only a few chapters in at this point. The book is written in story/novel format, rather than more of a how-to treatise. Four very dissimilar golfers – aside from the fact that they’re all men – embark on a quest to greatly improve the mental aspects of their respective golf games. They quickly stumble upon a trusted sage that offers to impart his wisdom.
How Great Golfers Think follows a pattern or formula similar to another local product, Dave Chilton’s The Wealthy Barber. In both cases a knowledgeable and trusted mentor shares timeless truths with eager students of life. It’s a formula that works well for Bob’s book, just as it did for Dave’s.
Once again, as noted yesterday, if you know anyone that may be interested in a great 2006 Dodge Caravan...
Joyce has graciously offered a free chapter, available via download, from this website. Enjoy!
She also expresses interest in any golf-oriented vision boards. I don’t have any myself. If you have created a golf-oriented vision board, and would be willing to share it, Joyce is interested. Just email me and we can go from there.
I’ve just started reading How Great Golfers Think by local writer and competitor Bob Skura. I’m only a few chapters in at this point. The book is written in story/novel format, rather than more of a how-to treatise. Four very dissimilar golfers – aside from the fact that they’re all men – embark on a quest to greatly improve the mental aspects of their respective golf games. They quickly stumble upon a trusted sage that offers to impart his wisdom.
How Great Golfers Think follows a pattern or formula similar to another local product, Dave Chilton’s The Wealthy Barber. In both cases a knowledgeable and trusted mentor shares timeless truths with eager students of life. It’s a formula that works well for Bob’s book, just as it did for Dave’s.
Once again, as noted yesterday, if you know anyone that may be interested in a great 2006 Dodge Caravan...
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
2006 Dodge Caravan For Sale
On a completely different topic...
I have a minivan for sale. It’s a mint condition 2006 Dodge Caravan. You can find more information here on Kijiji.
If you’re interested, or know anyone that might be interested, I would greatly appreciate the connection.
Thanks all!
I have a minivan for sale. It’s a mint condition 2006 Dodge Caravan. You can find more information here on Kijiji.
If you’re interested, or know anyone that might be interested, I would greatly appreciate the connection.
Thanks all!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Do You Focus on the Positive, or the Negative?
I read Joyce Schwarz’s book titled The Vision Board: The Secret to an Extraordinary Life over the last few days. I found it long on fluff and short on substance. The book seemed to include a lot of filler that I simply skimmed past.
In fairness, I’ve used visioning and vision boards for a while now, and so much of this book was review. For those that are entirely new to vision boards, perhaps this book would be of more interest.
I did find one invaluable quote, at the bottom of page 139. “Too many of us latch on to the drama of what’s wrong versus celebrating what’s right in our life story as it unfolds.” I believe this is both true and very revealing.
I also worked through a few golf magazines that had piled up beside my nightstand of late. I shall quote an entire paragraph from the Summer 2009 Ontario Golf, page 12, the article titled Golf psychology 101.
As you can see, both Sean Foley and Joyce Schwarz are hammering home the same point. Don’t focus on what’s (gone) wrong. Focus on what’s (gone) right, wonderfully right. Focus on what brings you joy and happiness. Imprint that upon your memory and mind!
This all, of course, begs the question, whilst you play golf, and live life, do you focus on the negative, or the positive? Which do you acknowledge and celebrate?
In fairness, I’ve used visioning and vision boards for a while now, and so much of this book was review. For those that are entirely new to vision boards, perhaps this book would be of more interest.
I did find one invaluable quote, at the bottom of page 139. “Too many of us latch on to the drama of what’s wrong versus celebrating what’s right in our life story as it unfolds.” I believe this is both true and very revealing.
I also worked through a few golf magazines that had piled up beside my nightstand of late. I shall quote an entire paragraph from the Summer 2009 Ontario Golf, page 12, the article titled Golf psychology 101.
From tour players to amateur golfers, we rarely use our mind and the power of our brains to their capacity. One of the things I overstate to the players I coach of various playing abilities is that you reinforce what you react to. What we mentally acknowledge after every shot is like a Polaroid in our memory. To hit a golf ball straight with pure contact is a complex sequence of events that includes a high degree of mathematics. But for whatever reason, people generally react to the bad shots with much more emotional attachment than they do to the good ones. Therein lies the reason we hit more bad ones than good ones: We imprint the bad ones because our reaction is so dramatic and full of emotion. And then when we hit a good shot, there is a sense of entitlement – as though we are supposed to hit a five-wood to five feet, which mathematically is highly improbable. So when you hit a good shot, acknowledge it. And when you hit a bad shot, pay no attention to it. It’s just an understandable human mistake. –Sean Foley, Director of Instruction, Core Golf Academy
As you can see, both Sean Foley and Joyce Schwarz are hammering home the same point. Don’t focus on what’s (gone) wrong. Focus on what’s (gone) right, wonderfully right. Focus on what brings you joy and happiness. Imprint that upon your memory and mind!
This all, of course, begs the question, whilst you play golf, and live life, do you focus on the negative, or the positive? Which do you acknowledge and celebrate?
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Why Is It Taking So Long?
I attended a get-together with former co-workers last night. We all worked at SlipStream Data, in the 2003-6 timeframe, before Slipstream was acquired by Research In Motion. Last night we gathered at Morty’s Pub in Waterloo.
During any such event conversation always turns to Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. Friends, colleagues, acquaintances, golfers, and the list goes on, often ask me when our center will open and why it’s taking so long. The answer is of course both complicated and quite simple at the same time.
The complicated answer involves the economic times we live in, the fact that our budget is significant, Parmasters is a young franchise and thus some investors and/or potential investors gauge a higher level of risk (than say a more tried and proven franchise opportunity), and the list continues. On a day-to-day, task-level, meeting to meeting to meeting basis, this is the situation.
Building a business from scratch is never a straight, simple, smooth road. There are always bumps, ruts in the road, and detours. But the destination always remains the same.
The more simplistic answer to why the center is not yet open goes something like this: because I, as the founder, President and franchise owner, have not made it happen. Period. In other words, I accept full responsibility.
As they say, with great power (and when it comes to affecting the opening date for Parmasters KW, no one is more powerful than me), comes great responsibility.
The conversations, like the one at Morty’s last night, always conclude in the same fashion. We’ll open Parmasters KW as soon as possible. I will continue relentlessly pursuing this project, pushing this company forward with everything I have to give, until we’re open. Period.
I have one friend in particular that remains astounded at the above assertion. We don’t see each other that often, but invariably he’ll say something like, “Wow, you’re still hanging in there. You’re really committed to this thing aren’t you?”
And the only answer to that is, “Yes, absolutely, entirely, relentlessly, and unwaveringly committed.”
“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” -John Quincy Adams
Parmasters KW will open, and it will do so soon. And whenever we do open our golf training center, said grand opening will have occurred as soon as humanly possible, nary a moment earlier nor a moment later. These things I know for sure.
During any such event conversation always turns to Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. Friends, colleagues, acquaintances, golfers, and the list goes on, often ask me when our center will open and why it’s taking so long. The answer is of course both complicated and quite simple at the same time.
The complicated answer involves the economic times we live in, the fact that our budget is significant, Parmasters is a young franchise and thus some investors and/or potential investors gauge a higher level of risk (than say a more tried and proven franchise opportunity), and the list continues. On a day-to-day, task-level, meeting to meeting to meeting basis, this is the situation.
Building a business from scratch is never a straight, simple, smooth road. There are always bumps, ruts in the road, and detours. But the destination always remains the same.
The more simplistic answer to why the center is not yet open goes something like this: because I, as the founder, President and franchise owner, have not made it happen. Period. In other words, I accept full responsibility.
As they say, with great power (and when it comes to affecting the opening date for Parmasters KW, no one is more powerful than me), comes great responsibility.
The conversations, like the one at Morty’s last night, always conclude in the same fashion. We’ll open Parmasters KW as soon as possible. I will continue relentlessly pursuing this project, pushing this company forward with everything I have to give, until we’re open. Period.
I have one friend in particular that remains astounded at the above assertion. We don’t see each other that often, but invariably he’ll say something like, “Wow, you’re still hanging in there. You’re really committed to this thing aren’t you?”
And the only answer to that is, “Yes, absolutely, entirely, relentlessly, and unwaveringly committed.”
“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” -John Quincy Adams
Parmasters KW will open, and it will do so soon. And whenever we do open our golf training center, said grand opening will have occurred as soon as humanly possible, nary a moment earlier nor a moment later. These things I know for sure.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Photos of Allen, Andre and Mother Nature
It was rightfully pointed out to me, by a friend, that I should have included photos of Allen and Andre.
Here’s Allen Bonk.
And Andre Ferris.
And for good measure, here’s a few photos taken during some brief and rare downtime yesterday.
Here’s Allen Bonk.
And Andre Ferris.
And for good measure, here’s a few photos taken during some brief and rare downtime yesterday.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Parmasters KW and Others Active on Twitter
I’ve now joined the world of tweeters on Twitter. For those of you that subscribe via email and don’t often visit this actual blog website, there’s now a Twitter feed atop the right column on this page.
You can find me on Twitter at shsouthern.
I’ve long been fascinated and interested in social media, Web 2.0 and the like. Some of these tools/websites come and go rather quickly, or at least fail in the fight for supremacy (as evidenced by Facebook eclipsing MySpace). Others seem destined to become a permanent fixture in the lives of millions of users (for example LinkedIn).
I’m also active on both of these, and can be found at shsouthern on both Facebook and LinkedIn.
There’s a team at Parmasters Golf Training Centers Inc., our franchisor, actively exploring and strategizing specifically on social media and Web 2.0. It’s too early to tell where this will go. The focus, of course, is to strengthen our relationships with our members and the larger golfing public, and to add value to the lives of golfers on a daily basis. Exciting announcement lie ahead!
Allen Bonk, Director of Business Golf at Parmasters HQ, can be found on Twitter at QBusinessGolf.
Andre Ferris, Canadian Regional Franchisor for Parmasters, can be found on Twitter at PMCanada.
Much of yesterday was dedicated to a three-hour conference call with Parmasters HQ and the other franchisors across North America, Asia and Europe. We gather in conference every month to share updates from HQ, and also from individual franchisors. These meetings also serve as a forum to strategize, brainstorm, address problems, and seize opportunities.
You can find me on Twitter at shsouthern.
I’ve long been fascinated and interested in social media, Web 2.0 and the like. Some of these tools/websites come and go rather quickly, or at least fail in the fight for supremacy (as evidenced by Facebook eclipsing MySpace). Others seem destined to become a permanent fixture in the lives of millions of users (for example LinkedIn).
I’m also active on both of these, and can be found at shsouthern on both Facebook and LinkedIn.
There’s a team at Parmasters Golf Training Centers Inc., our franchisor, actively exploring and strategizing specifically on social media and Web 2.0. It’s too early to tell where this will go. The focus, of course, is to strengthen our relationships with our members and the larger golfing public, and to add value to the lives of golfers on a daily basis. Exciting announcement lie ahead!
Allen Bonk, Director of Business Golf at Parmasters HQ, can be found on Twitter at QBusinessGolf.
Andre Ferris, Canadian Regional Franchisor for Parmasters, can be found on Twitter at PMCanada.
Much of yesterday was dedicated to a three-hour conference call with Parmasters HQ and the other franchisors across North America, Asia and Europe. We gather in conference every month to share updates from HQ, and also from individual franchisors. These meetings also serve as a forum to strategize, brainstorm, address problems, and seize opportunities.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tolle’s The Power of Now Brought to Life within Steinbeck’s The Pearl
I finished two books recently and would highly recommend both.
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle I have mentioned previously here. There’s also a wonderful review from Enlighten Next magazine found here.
I then moved on to a literary work, with fascinating and perhaps not-so-coincidental illustrations of Tolle’s assertions from The Power of Now.
Sunday and Monday I read The Pearl by John Steinbeck. It’s a very succinct and rich novella that focuses on oft surprising battle between good and evil that can arise from instant riches. It’s actually used, or has been used, in classroom teaching at some level. For I have a used copy, obviously heavily marked up with teaching insights.
The copy I read also includes notes and suggested questions for the education professional. Here’s an excerpt from the notes.
And another excerpt from the notes:
I found it fascinating as Kino moved to and from what Tolle describes as the “egoic state”, operating from or identifying with the mind, and also to and from what Tolle describes as simply “being present”, being in the now. Steinbeck only briefly takes us into the mind and thoughts of Juana, and so we don’t see revealed her inner struggle between presence in the now, and time-based fear or sadness focused either on the past or the future.
For Kino however, his mind takes over the moment the pearl enters his hardened hands. An otherwise very present, very now-oriented human being is transformed into Tolle’s “egoic state,” his mind racing almost constantly between a future of incredible promise and a future of evil misadventure. Save for brief instances, after the pearl, Kino is only truly present when in physical battle.
I highly recommend both books. Enjoy!
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle I have mentioned previously here. There’s also a wonderful review from Enlighten Next magazine found here.
I then moved on to a literary work, with fascinating and perhaps not-so-coincidental illustrations of Tolle’s assertions from The Power of Now.
Sunday and Monday I read The Pearl by John Steinbeck. It’s a very succinct and rich novella that focuses on oft surprising battle between good and evil that can arise from instant riches. It’s actually used, or has been used, in classroom teaching at some level. For I have a used copy, obviously heavily marked up with teaching insights.
The copy I read also includes notes and suggested questions for the education professional. Here’s an excerpt from the notes.
In the book, Kino, the poor pearl diver, finds his great pearl and suddenly sees in its marvellous lustre all the things it can mean for him, his wife, Juana, and their son, little Coyotito. But his good fortune pitches him in the midst of a hostile world, in which the pearl buyers try to cheat him, the doctor seeks to steal his treasure, and the darkness, warm and friendly hitherto, explodes into violence against him. When he flees he is trailed by trackers as relentless as bloodhounds, and when Kino attacks his enemies, tragedy comes with bewildering suddenness and force, leaving for bright hopes nothing but a despair too deep for words.
And another excerpt from the notes:
So the artist probes the central mystery of life as he sees it, the paradox of how evil comes out of good, the tear at the heart of laughter, the dream doomed to disappointment in the moment of dreaming, the despair conjoined with hope, with which humanity, if it’s wise, must learn to live.
I found it fascinating as Kino moved to and from what Tolle describes as the “egoic state”, operating from or identifying with the mind, and also to and from what Tolle describes as simply “being present”, being in the now. Steinbeck only briefly takes us into the mind and thoughts of Juana, and so we don’t see revealed her inner struggle between presence in the now, and time-based fear or sadness focused either on the past or the future.
For Kino however, his mind takes over the moment the pearl enters his hardened hands. An otherwise very present, very now-oriented human being is transformed into Tolle’s “egoic state,” his mind racing almost constantly between a future of incredible promise and a future of evil misadventure. Save for brief instances, after the pearl, Kino is only truly present when in physical battle.
I highly recommend both books. Enjoy!
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Won a 2010 Whistle Bear Range Membership
I was out at the Whistle Bear Performance Centre again yesterday. It’s a nice facility, well run and well kept. I was out there on Monday afternoon as well, as mentioned here.
As it turns out, I will have TWO places to train and practice next summer – 2010 – as I won a free range membership for next season! So, in addition to enjoying Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, I’ll also be able to venture periodically out to Whistle Bear. Life is indeed magical.
I also met briefly with several potential investors yesterday. These were very preliminary meetings, so one cannot predict whether they will proceed. But that is most definitely our intention, so all signs are positive.
Just a brief update for today. I’m now off to our Market Square Temporary Event Centre (TEC) to answer any questions from interested passers-by. I will also work on our next periodic update to Parmasters KW members and future members.
I’ll close with a poem that was sent to me yesterday by a friend, knowing I enjoy such creations. Thank you!
What is Success?
By Ralph Waldo Emerson
To laugh often and much,
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children,
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends,
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others,
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition,
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived,
This is to have succeeded.
I wish you all great success, today and always!
As it turns out, I will have TWO places to train and practice next summer – 2010 – as I won a free range membership for next season! So, in addition to enjoying Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, I’ll also be able to venture periodically out to Whistle Bear. Life is indeed magical.
I also met briefly with several potential investors yesterday. These were very preliminary meetings, so one cannot predict whether they will proceed. But that is most definitely our intention, so all signs are positive.
Just a brief update for today. I’m now off to our Market Square Temporary Event Centre (TEC) to answer any questions from interested passers-by. I will also work on our next periodic update to Parmasters KW members and future members.
I’ll close with a poem that was sent to me yesterday by a friend, knowing I enjoy such creations. Thank you!
What is Success?
By Ralph Waldo Emerson
To laugh often and much,
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children,
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends,
To appreciate beauty,
To find the best in others,
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition,
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived,
This is to have succeeded.
I wish you all great success, today and always!
Friday, August 07, 2009
Announcement: No Longer With MITACS Inc.
I am no longer working for MITACS Inc. While I enjoyed my time there, and really enjoyed working closely with some of the people, it also felt incongruent and was exhausting.
I’m back full-time focusing on Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, and feeling far more congruent. This is what I’m meant to be doing at this moment in my career. This aligns with my values, goals, commitments and priorities. This is congruent.
I made a few wonderful friendships during my time with MITACS. These will most definitely continue. It’s a great company doing work that’s important to this region and the country as a whole.
For now it appears that my former role will be covered by the business development representative with whom I worked most closely. We shared the territory and divided responsibilities along industry lines. She will now cover all industries, and I wish her the best. Importantly, MITACS funding for research collaborations will continue to flow into Waterloo Region! That’s why I took on the role in the first place.
As noted in a previous post, we’re distributing Parmasters KW information, of interest to future members, investors, suppliers, etc., far and wide throughout the region. And we’re doing so in very cost-effective ways.
We’ve had a core team of stakeholders doing what they can to help bring our golf training center to fruition. Our focus now, as it should be, is on growing that team, immensely.
If you’d like to help distribute the Information Cards – to golfers, friends, family, colleagues that may be interested – please simply contact me. All assistance is greatly appreciated!
I’ll close with another of my favourite quotes.
“It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires a great deal of strength to decide what to do.” -Elbert Hubbard
I’m back full-time focusing on Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo, and feeling far more congruent. This is what I’m meant to be doing at this moment in my career. This aligns with my values, goals, commitments and priorities. This is congruent.
I made a few wonderful friendships during my time with MITACS. These will most definitely continue. It’s a great company doing work that’s important to this region and the country as a whole.
For now it appears that my former role will be covered by the business development representative with whom I worked most closely. We shared the territory and divided responsibilities along industry lines. She will now cover all industries, and I wish her the best. Importantly, MITACS funding for research collaborations will continue to flow into Waterloo Region! That’s why I took on the role in the first place.
As noted in a previous post, we’re distributing Parmasters KW information, of interest to future members, investors, suppliers, etc., far and wide throughout the region. And we’re doing so in very cost-effective ways.
We’ve had a core team of stakeholders doing what they can to help bring our golf training center to fruition. Our focus now, as it should be, is on growing that team, immensely.
If you’d like to help distribute the Information Cards – to golfers, friends, family, colleagues that may be interested – please simply contact me. All assistance is greatly appreciated!
I’ll close with another of my favourite quotes.
“It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires a great deal of strength to decide what to do.” -Elbert Hubbard
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Beautiful Morning, As Always
I’ve just returned from a morning walk, and am sitting on my rear deck as I type. Moments ago I was thinking I would begin this blog entry by noting that it’s a “beautiful morning.” This phrase however, initiated a debate within my mind that continues unabated.
Put simply, isn’t it true that EVERY morning is a “beautiful morning?” As they say, the present is called the present because it IS a present. As a friend often jokes, if the soles of my two feet hit the floor, it’s a “beautiful morning.”
But then, as we all should know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty, in and of itself, one can argue, doesn’t really exist. Or rather, beauty is a judgement, a perception, based on the perceiver’s values, beliefs, philosophies and the like. One can follow this train of thought and ask, if no one is about to perceive the beauty of a particular entity (whatever it may be), then is it truly beautiful? Just as the age old question continues, if a tree falls in the forest, and no one is about to hear it, does it make a sound?
Such questions make for fascinating conversations with close friends.
Getting back to this morning, I’ve eventually concluded that yes, through my eyes, this morning is a “beautiful morning.” And further, that EVERY morning is a “beautiful morning.” What perhaps sets this particular morning apart from many others is that I also perceive the weather to quite pleasant and pleasing to the senses, more so than, for example, a windy, frigid, snow storming morning.
Soon time to head to the office, to continue enjoying this “beautiful morning.”
This quote seems fitting, even if only loosely so.
“Life is denied by lack of attention, whether it be to cleaning windows or trying to write a masterpiece.” -Nadia Boulanger
Put simply, isn’t it true that EVERY morning is a “beautiful morning?” As they say, the present is called the present because it IS a present. As a friend often jokes, if the soles of my two feet hit the floor, it’s a “beautiful morning.”
But then, as we all should know, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty, in and of itself, one can argue, doesn’t really exist. Or rather, beauty is a judgement, a perception, based on the perceiver’s values, beliefs, philosophies and the like. One can follow this train of thought and ask, if no one is about to perceive the beauty of a particular entity (whatever it may be), then is it truly beautiful? Just as the age old question continues, if a tree falls in the forest, and no one is about to hear it, does it make a sound?
Such questions make for fascinating conversations with close friends.
Getting back to this morning, I’ve eventually concluded that yes, through my eyes, this morning is a “beautiful morning.” And further, that EVERY morning is a “beautiful morning.” What perhaps sets this particular morning apart from many others is that I also perceive the weather to quite pleasant and pleasing to the senses, more so than, for example, a windy, frigid, snow storming morning.
Soon time to head to the office, to continue enjoying this “beautiful morning.”
This quote seems fitting, even if only loosely so.
“Life is denied by lack of attention, whether it be to cleaning windows or trying to write a masterpiece.” -Nadia Boulanger
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Parmasters KW Information Cards
I was out at the Whistle Bear Performance Centre yesterday afternoon, working on my short and mid irons predominantly.
The staff at the Performance Centre were running a special golfer appreciation day, offering brief clinics every hour on the hour, and also drawing names for prizes such as a club fitting, a private lesson, etc. It was a well-run event, and thus I’m glad I stumbled upon it.
I didn’t sit in on any clinics, preferring to spend my time focused on my personal game.
Whenever I’m amongst golfers, such as yesterday at the Performance Centre, I distribute information about Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. I do so in the form of postcards, as pictured below, front and back.
Many people have already heard of us and are tracking our progress. Others are surprised and delighted. Regardless, the reaction is always quite positive, which is both encouraging and motivating.
Many call or email shortly afterwards, asking questions or offering information or introductions. We’re building a community-based team, golfer by golfer.
The cards look like this:
And the back:
The staff at the Performance Centre were running a special golfer appreciation day, offering brief clinics every hour on the hour, and also drawing names for prizes such as a club fitting, a private lesson, etc. It was a well-run event, and thus I’m glad I stumbled upon it.
I didn’t sit in on any clinics, preferring to spend my time focused on my personal game.
Whenever I’m amongst golfers, such as yesterday at the Performance Centre, I distribute information about Parmasters Kitchener-Waterloo. I do so in the form of postcards, as pictured below, front and back.
Many people have already heard of us and are tracking our progress. Others are surprised and delighted. Regardless, the reaction is always quite positive, which is both encouraging and motivating.
Many call or email shortly afterwards, asking questions or offering information or introductions. We’re building a community-based team, golfer by golfer.
The cards look like this:
And the back:
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