Now Appearing in an Extended Engagement! Join David Robison as he takes you into his world and his daily life of reviving a stand-up comedy career. Prepare for side trips exploring the "art" of salesmanship and business ethics and his experience with Multi-level Marketing. Enjoy some frequent detours describing his observations on life. Read the exploits of this self-proclaimed Renaissance-man and blooming blogger as you go
On The Road With Dave.
I'm a liberal. I'm a Democrat. It seems natural that I would want to vote for the new face of the Democratic Party. Liberals are supposed to be knee-jerk with their reactions--emotional. I should be ready, willing, and passionate about a candidate that promises hope and change away from the status quo. I'm not.
I need convincing.
Today marked the day that the Stock Market dropped over 700 points; the day that The House of Representatives voted against a bail-out plan for the Wall Street Mortgage crisis. Some are saying that today may mark the beginning of an economic depression that could surpass the Great Depression of 1929.
Here's the chance for all Obama supporters to convince me that he can make it better.
Tell me why I should vote for Barack Obama as our next President of the United States.
A few things first:
1. Don't use the words "change" or "hope". 2. Don't mention George W. Bush or "failed Bush policy." 3. Don't mention John McCain.
Remember, I'm a Liberal. I want to hear about some issues important to me; Health Care, Environmentalism, Alternative Energy, Education, Foreign policy.
Remember, I'm also kind of moderate. I still believe in The Constitution, free enterprise, and I just became eligible for a 401K program from my employer.
Can anybody convince me to vote for Barack Obama without using a "talking point" I've already heard. Specifically, why are YOU voting for him?
I'm a salesman--I can be sold. My problem is that nobody, including Barack Obama, is selling me on WHY I should vote for Obama. Yet, I get plenty of rhetoric on why I shouldn't vote for John McCain.
Give me some facts. Send me links to verify.
Somebody, please...make me vote for Barack Obama.
"Getting Political" is a semi-regular feature of "On The Road With Dave". While Dave is no political pundit by any stretch of the imagination; "Getting Political" allows him to stretch that imagination.
For 50 years on the Causeway across Mobile Bay, The Blue Gill Restaurant has been a mainstay for purveyors of fine seafood, burgers, cold beer, and live music.
On most weekends, diners are treated on the covered deck to either a national act, local talent and regional musicians and bands on the verge of breakout on the national scene.
Last night I took the wife, and family to the Blue Gill to enjoy Atlantic Recording Artists, NeedToBreathe. This South Carolina-based rock band just released their second album, The Heat; and they brought the heat and passion of their music to the cool breezes blowing on the deck stage of the Blue Gill.
There were ballads to sway to and rock anthems to "bob" your head in time and quite a few times, audience members joined in and clapped along with the tunes.
I found myself comparing the lead singer's appearance on stage to a young "Kid Rock, but his music wasn't anything like The Kid's music.(That's no slight on either artist) The band's show and stage antics were filled with energy and showed no boredom or frustration from extensive travel or from playing the small venue. I had heard of the band, but wasn't familiar with most of their songs, so no one near me was cursed with me singing along with the band, however, upon hearing NeedToBreathe, I can say that I'll be listening to them more and in no time will be singing along. Watch out next time they are in town.
Even before NeedToBreathe came on stage, the music from the opening acts were also a pleasure to listen to. My wife bought a CD from the opening act, Birmingham, Alabama's, Matthew Mayfield. Mayfield is an acoustic guitarist with a soulful, blue-sy sound and my personal favorite was "Still Alive", which I would categorize as a "protest" song. Matthew was at home in the small venue and made a personal connection with the crowd.
In the "comedy world", audiences are usually treated to an Opener, A Feature, and A Headliner. Last night's schedule "featured" Keyboardist, Guitarist and Singer Andy Davis. I told Andy after the show that he made a good "Feature" performer, because he was on his way to "Headliner" status.
Andy was amusing when he spoke to the crowd, provided a "sing-a-long" segment with his "Let The Woman walk in", and was self-deprecating when introducing his "i-band" accompaniment via his cell phone. He did a wonderful job of covering Etta James', "At Last". Andy is an artist than can hit a falsetto note without sounding annoying.
In our little group, (we had friends meet us and offered some seats to some strangers) everyone had a favorite. My wife, daughter and my daughter's friend like Matthew. I, along with a few of my friends, like Andy. Everyone seemed to rock out to NeedToBreathe.
Last but not least, let me say the food was fantastic. Simple, affordable and tasty. The waitstaff was friendly, prompt, attentive, and not a bit shaken by the large crowd.
In my opinion, The Blue Gill Restaurant and last night's performers proved once again why the Blue Gill is a frequent winner of "Best Place to Hear Live Music" competitions (as well as being named one of the Best Bars in America by Esquire Magazine), the Bluegill features great food, a gorgeous waterfront deck as well as an Amphitheater where patrons can enjoy great live music.
Chip Martin is no dummy when it comes to advertising. That's why I read his blog on a regular basis. So when he wrote about an advertising company out of Durham, North Carolina called The Republik; I had to go take a look.
"Dave, why did you not link The Republik website?"
Have you ever seen a website that makes you wanna just pick up a gun and shoot your monitor? Well, now you have the choice of .44 Magnum, Sniper rifle, or shotgun. The Republik invites you to blast holes in their old site, reload, and blast again, before taking you to their new whiz-bang website, The Republik.
These guys look pretty good. Their website sells their service, or as they would call it; "pulls" their clients in. It's tongue-in-cheek, serious, informative and there are a few surprises to keep you on the site.
And what website these days would be worth it's salt without a blog? I can't think of one and The Republik agrees with me. After blowing their old website to smithereens and then perusing their portfolio, you can keep up with their ideas on advertising by reading their blog, Change Or Die.
So, pick up your weapon of choice and destroy The Republik...consider it your Saturday Diversion.
I thought I would address a few concerns from readers and maybe ease the minds of current Quixtar-affiliated Independent Business Owners about what all this really means for myself and my blog, "On The Road With Dave".
First and foremost,
"Dave, if you ever want to sign back up, call me."
The idea and possibility of me signing back up is not that far-fetched. Over the past 25 years I was a card-carrying distributor for Amway twice and then, Quixtar. But, if I were to sign back up sometime in the distant future, I would initially contact my original sponsor for the opportunity to take me back. It's only fair for my former Line of Sponsorship because they invested their time with me, first.
I have no complaints with the people I was involved with. I still think that their "approach" to Quixtar was the most original and ethical concept I had seen in my MLM experience.
Second,
"Dave, you were a major advocate of the changes taking place with Quixtar and Amway Global, why weren't these changes enough to make you renew?
I'm still pleased with the roll-out of changes taking place with Quixtar and Amway Global. As I stated in my last entry; ultimately, procrastination led to my non-renewal. But, there is a bit more to the story.
At this time, my interests are taking me in a new direction and running a Quixtar business takes time. Say what you want about "it only takes 8-10 hours a week in your spare time"; I thoroughly disagree. Quixtar, Amway, Mary Kay, Monavie...all take more time than usually is presented by the businesses. Yes, you can make significant progress working consistently 10 hours a week, but achieving the "dream" requires much more. I can not make that time commitment in my life now. Maybe later.
The new changes taking place at Amway Global, including television advertising, increased transparency(but, not total, yet) and new accreditation practices are all a step in the right direction. If you've been a long time reader of mine, then you know it was always my desire to achieve a certain level of success with Quixtar, so that I could effect some change in policy at Amway from the "inside". Maybe, on some small level, my writings and opinions were a part of that change. I'm content to watch the rest of the transformation from the "outside", for now.
"So Dave, then why did you go to Prague on Amway's dime, if you weren't going to renew?"
Alticor and Amway invited me to attend a conference in regards to my blogging efforts about Amway and Quixtar. The fact that I was an IBO, was a plus, but not the total reason. I offered my opinions and experience about the online perceptions about Amway at the conference and how I dealt with them at my blog. My decision not to renew had nothing to do with that trip.
"Dave, we are here for you as you go through CD withdrawal and you heal from the brainwashing inflicted upon you by the motivational organizations. You are free from the cult."
Ummm...you obviously haven't been reading my blog for very long. I haven't listen to a motivational CD or book or been to a "meeting" in years. Quixtar and Amway are just a business that requires persistence and hard work with a balance of sales and recruiting and teaching some basic business and financial principles.
"Dave, now that you have quit Quixtar, can we expect you to become the newest critic of Amway? Will you be a "broke,loser, quitter?"
What does that pay?
The answer is simply, No.
"What happens to 'On The Road With Dave'?"
I'll still be here. I'll still be an advocate of multi-level marketing and even, Quixtar and Amway. Provided, they are done correctly and as a business, not a pep rally and a shill for motivational organizations.
I will continue to blog at "On The Road" and will still write about Amway stuff and offer up my opinions on MLM from time to time. It seems that the topic is in my blood now, and is expected from some people. Besides the topic "Amway" is always good for website traffic.
Oh yeah...simply because I'm no longer "Amway-heavy" in my blog content is no reason for all you Quixtar bloggers out there to take me off your blog roll. Even some of my "Prague Blogger's Five" aren't linking to me anymore. If you liked me as an MLMer and "Quixtarite" or "Ambot" then keep stopping by and reading. Occasionally, I'll try to make my other "adventures" controversial, so that you'll want to comment on it.
As you might recall I wrote a series of articles about quitting Quixtar back a few years ago. I set some goals; did not meet the goals, and eventually decided I really didn't want to quit Quixtar, but scaled back my activities in Multi-level Marketing and Quixtar. However, I did go on to travel to the Czech Republic last year at Quixtar's behest to speak at a Quixtar conference.
Since my initial writings about quitting Quixtar, many things have happened at Alticor Corporation and in the World of Quixtar and Amway. New policies about corporate transparency, a national advertising campaign, and the corporate decision to revert back to the "Amway" name on a global scale.
Another thing that also happened was my decision not to renew at the beginning of 2008.
I held off renewing with the knowledge that, basically I had until August 31 of this year to renew without leaving my current Line of Sponsorship and I was watching and observing "at a distance" the changes taking place within the corporation. I realized that my status as an "IBO" (Independent Business Owner)affiliated with Quixtar would be placed as "Inactive" on the corporate rolls until the end of August.
I never re-newed.
It's official. I can no longer log in to Quixtar.com and if I want to become an IBO again, I will have to register again with Amway Global. I procrastinated about quitting Quixtar, I procrastinated about renewing with Quixtar...so Quixtar made the decision for me.
Sarah Palin: Stand-Up Comedian? / "Getting Political"
As a self-professed "bleeding heart liberal", I'm watching the upcoming Presidential election with more than a passing interest. My candidate of choice has long since been vanquished in the primaries, and my political party's choice hasn't exactly "wowed" me as he did audiences earlier in his campaign.
Of course, I've heard that people on the other side of the spectrum weren't exactly enthused with their party's ultimate choice, at first. That is, until Senator John McCain chose as his Vice-Presidential running mate, a certain female, conservative, Governor of the State of Alaska, Sarah Palin.
I like Sarah Palin.
I've been listening to all the pundits analyze her, her personal life, her political career, her speeches, and her potential. Today, I received an email from Comedian Judy Carter directing me to a blog entry analyzing Palin as a Stand-Up Comedian.
I may not agree with her politics, but Sarah Palin made me laugh. Whether you are Democrat, Republican or listing with Lieberman, all comics and speakers can learn from the comedy techniques used in Palin’s zingy speech at the Republican National Convention.
Palin used the Jay Leno strategy–keep them laughing–and got more laughs than a Vegas headliner. As a comedy coach and the author of "The Comedy Bible," it's worthwhile evaluating the way that the Republican nominee for VP avoided becoming a joke by telling jokes.
It shows the power of turning problems into punch lines.
It’s hard to question policy when you are laughing away your skepticism. "Read My Lipstick" packs a hell of a lot more punch than former Presidential candidate John Kerry's "27-Point Plan."....
So, Senator Barack Obama communicates his message through great oratory and Governor Palin uses some self-effacing comedy to win the hearts and minds of her party. Two different approaches, two different messages, and a hundred different policy differences--who will eventually bring the house down and close the show with a success? That remains to be seen.
Currently, it seems to me that the Obama/Biden ticket has entered the middle portion of the act. Not as good as the first 15 minutes, but supporters hope for a strong closing. The McCain/Palin act has had a good opening and seems to have hit their stride and found a rhythm with the audience. Do they have the material to stay on stage?
I'm reserving judgement.
"Getting Political" is a semi-regular feature of "On The Road With Dave". While Dave is no political pundit by any stretch of the imagination; "Getting Political" allows him to stretch that imagination.
Many of my readers will remember when I was super-active in Multi-level Marketing; I was(and still am) a big proponent of "community building on the web"...an early form of social networking and also of blogging.
Eric Jannsen of Quixtar Blog introduced me to blogging, and for that I'll always be grateful. But, Fred Johnston taught me how to start talking to people on a personal basis online, and making friends via the Internet. Fred also was my immediate upline in a MLM company that incorporated in 1999 called Quixtar. Quixtar was to be the online version of Amway by Amway. (Yeah, that ain't exactly how it was presented, but it's close enough.)
My blog is about a lot of things. Sometimes, it's been about Quixtar and Amway; sometimes it's been about my stand-up comedy; sometimes, it's about politics, or something interesting on the Internet. And sometimes, it's strictly something personal about me or a personal opinion.
Tonight, it is personal.
I've lost contact with Fred Johnston over the past year. I know his home state suffered some flooding many months back. The email address I had for Fred has given me no response. I've lost his phone number. When I "google" his name and his old screen name that he used on many Internet forums, the "searches" just take me to entries that are several years old or sites that list his invalid email address.
So, I'm putting out an All Points Bulletin here at "On The Road With Dave" for someone that reads here might also be a mutual friend of Fred Johnston.
Maybe, Fred might even decide to "google" his own name someday and my site comes up in the search and he might decide to drop by.
Back in the early 1980s when I was listening to several Amway cassette tapes a week, it was not uncommon that one of the tapes would have George and Ruth Halsey speaking to a crowd of excited Amway distributors about becoming Amway's first Triple Diamond Distributor. (Triple Diamond was a designation of a high level of achievement in building an Amway business)
From North Carolina, the Halseys had a "folksy", homespun, charming aire about themselves and they spoke like parents to the throngs of listeners. George often referred to his wife as "Momma".
As the first African-Americans to rise to notable ranks through Amway, they seemed to speak in a manner, that if they could do it, so could the listener.
Tex seemed to think that with George's passing, Amway Global and their critics would have one less "lying, cowardly kingpin" to deal with. And yes, I suppose over the past 25 years since I have heard a "George Halsey and Momma" motivational tape, that maybe George succumbed to the greed and avarice of promoting a motivational system beyond the intended purpose of helping other Amway distributors accomplish what he had done--but, I'd kinda like to have my one lasting memory of George stay the same.
My memory is George loved his wife. When he talked about her, he seemed to get nervous.
"Momma and me," (and then he would cough) "Momma and me," (maybe it was a stifled laugh) "we wanted it bad,"( maybe he was just clearing his throat)
It always seemed like George was going to say something "off-color" or slightly risque' and was trying to catch himself. I was never sure if the coughing and clearing his throat was a nervous speech pattern or something quite different. And then to cap it off--after finally finishing whatever innocuous story he was telling about "Momma and Me"; he would sorta giggle. Like, he wanted us to "catch the drift" he was trying to convey. That's my memory of George Halsey.
GREENSBORO — George Thomas Halsey, Jr., 72, went home to be with Jesus on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, at Moses Cone Hospital after a lengthy illness surrounded by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1301 Alamance Church Road, Greensboro, NC 27406, with the Rev. George W. Brooks officiating. Burial will follow in Guilford Memorial Park.
Mr. Halsey was born on April 2, 1936, in Wilmington, N.C., to the late George T. Halsey, Sr. and the late Inez Halsey.
He was a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, music major where he became a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. After graduating, Mr. Halsey had a full and exciting life. He was a Greensboro Police Officer then a claims adjuster for Nationwide Insurance Company. In 1975, he was introduced to the Amway Business. George and his wife, Ruth quickly became the first black couple in the history of the company to achieve the level of Triple Diamond. That achievement allowed him to travel all over the world, for pleasure and to motivate thousands. He was known for his big smile, bright eyes, loving and kind nature. He and his family were featured in the Ebony Magazine, Jet Magazine, Black Enterprise and several well known books spotlighting their achievements.
Yesterday I replied to an entry at a YahooGroup about living in a hurricane-prone area, such as Mobile, Alabama or New Orleans, Louisiana. The discussion was basically about why anyone would live in a city such as New Orleans because the city is below sea level and Hurricane Katrina almost washed it from the map. Or, why anyone would live in an earthquake prone area like San Francisco or Los Angeles. And why, would anyone who has lost his home due to a flood caused by a river overflowing next to their city AND then building a NEW home right on the exact spot. Why indeed?
I live on the Gulf Coast in Mobile, Alabama. I moved here over 6 years ago. In that time, I evacuated for Hurricane Ivan and came home to 8 days of no power and some minor damage, I evacuated for Hurricane Dennis and came home to no damage and no money from the trip.
I stayed for Hurricane Katrina. Lost a tree.
I stayed for Gustav. For Mobile, that was a large thunderstorm that lasted two days.
For someone that transplanted to the coast, I have found "home" and understand completely why people stay. It's really the reason why anyone stays anywhere that they live. It's "home". You put up with the problems, just like anywhere.
I can put up with the wretched summer humidity because I love the mild winters that allow me to sometimes wear short sleeves in December. I put up with the threat of Hurricanes in order to be only a short drive to the beach. I handle evening news stories about someone suffering a gunshot in one part of the city, in order to strike up a friendly conversation with someone in a check-out line. For every problem your "hometown" has, you could cite a multitude of other reasons why you stay.
Mobile, Alabama is my "home". Sure, I grew up somewhere else, but here; I feel like I belong. I plan to set my roots deep into the Gulf Coast--so deep, that no hurricane with any strength shall move me.
I've added a new banner to my sidebar highlighting a new website called "I Love Mobile". It's just getting started, but it hopes to be the source for all things in the Port City. You'll find some history, photos, business listings, events...and even a mention about a local Mobile, Alabama comedian that writes "On The Road With Dave." You can even add them as a MySpace friend.
"I Love Mobile" is a new "Links I Like" about a city I love and a city this comedian calls home.
Musician, Actor, and dare I say, Musical Comedian; Jerry Reed passed away August 31, 2008 at the young age of 71.
If you don't like country music, Smokey and The Bandit, or good ole boys, you may not care. But if you have a passion for the way some musicians play a guitar, then you might have wanted to thank Jerry. If you have a passion for comedy and storytelling, then you might want to take a lesson from Jerry. Or if you are just getting a little older these days, like myself; then you'll just be saddened that another legend has passed away.
And yeah, I sang along with this song today, on a radio tribute show to Jerry.
If you've been watching any network news this morning then you are probably experiencing Hurricane Gustav coverage fatigue. Since early yesterday afternoon CNN, MSNBC and The Weather Channel have all converged onto The Gulf Coast and New Orleans as Hurricane Gustav moved close.
The Hurricane moved on shore early this morning and most news footage has centered on New Orleans. Here in Mobile, Alabama we are experiencing the edges and outer bands of storms accompanying Gustav's landfall. Last night the Bankhead Tunnel's doors were closed and our Causeway is flooded. The Causeway is a highway that crosses Mobile Bay at the water's edge. It's prone to flooding. A higher Bayway, (part of Interstate 10) is the raised artery between Mobile and Baldwin Counties. It is open.
Rain has been steady this morning with numerous Tornado warnings across the area. Currently, as of this writing, there's another Tornado warning just issued for north of my area.
We expect rain and more rain for most of the rest of the day. No damage to speak of where I am. But, I have seen problems on television for Mississippi. This could affect my job over the next couple of days and I'm hoping all the preparations we took for my job prior to the storm will prove helpful.
If you're interested in our local news coverage, I'd suggest WPMI.COM. Usually, I suggest WKRG-TV; but they have me confused today.
Last night, we got wall-to-wall coverage at WKRG pre-empting network shows for local interviews with everybody and their cousin prior to the storm--and today as the storm has made landfall; all we're getting is CBS tennis coverage with a small picture-in-picture "radar box" in the corner of the screen.
But for those concern with my well-being--all is fine over here on the edge of Gustav. I think I'll watch the Star Trek: Next Generation marathon on the SciFi Channel for a while.
