Scott Robert Alexander.com

I’m gonna do some traveling this year and meet some of my Rhino friends!  There is no greater motivation than to surround yourself with positive, hard charging, exciting people who are out changing the world in their own ways.

I will pick a location that sounds fun and invite anyone who can make it out for a day, or two, or three, to come rub horns, share stories and eat at the local watering holes.  Come and have an adventure with a crash of Rhinos!!  It will be spontaneous with no set plans and no schedules to maintain.  We will play it by ear day by day.  There will be no membership fees or requirements of any kind, except one – No cows!!!

This month’s Crash is going to be in Chicago!  I will be staying at the Double Tree Hilton – Miracle Mile from Feb.23-27. (For hotel reservations, call 1-312-787-6100).  None of us will know each other, so don’t be shy.  There are cool shopping areas, blues clubs and great restaurants.  On the 25th, we will take the commuter train in to nearby Batavia to help celebrate the grand opening of a restaurant called The Rhino Room.

Put it on your calendar!  I would love to meet you!  If you’re not a Facebook friend, please request me as one.  Hope to see you in Chicago!  Until then, keep charging!!!                     Scott Alexander

RHINO CRASH ADVENTURES!!!

I don’t often see motivational advice offered to single people.  Having lots of single Facebook friends and being single myself, I am aware of the, oftentimes, desperation that singles experience.

While most people are plotting routes to achieve financial success, buy a house, pay off debts or get a new car, single people’s consuming goal is to find that perfect someone.  According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, being hooked up rates up there, or down there depending on how you view it, with the need for air, food and shelter.

What good is money if you don’t have anybody to go do things with?  It’s no fun to go out to dinner when you are by yourself.  An afternoon ride in the Ferrari is unsatisfying if the seat next to you is empty.  It’s more fun to discuss life with someone other than yourself.

What’s a single person to do?  The same motivational advice applies to finding a soul mate as it does to someone wanting to start a business.  Get off the couch, get out there and take action!!

Don’t get discouraged with dating boneheads.  Keep climbing higher!  Meeting other singles and becoming acquainted is part of the process.  You are, in effect, building a business and you are hiring.  The more people you interview, the better your chances of finding the right applicant for the job.  Have the attitude that it’s an adventure, not a chore.  Make it fun!  You’re on an expedition, not serving a jail sentence!

I like this quote by Robert Fulghum – “We’re all a little weird. And life is weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness – and call it love – true love.”

There is a person that is the perfect weirdness out there, looking for you, too.  Get out there in the jungle and make it happen!  Keep charging!!!    Scott Alexander

Copyright 2012 by Scott Robert Alexander

Keep charging until you find the right weirdo!

Would you describe your life as adventurous?  If not, I believe that you have a distorted view of what an adventure actually is.  People always associate adventure with activities like scaling the peak of some exotic mountain, wrestling an alligator, or crossing Africa on a motorcycle.  Yes, those qualify as exciting experiences, but  adventurous living doesn’t necessarily involve the potential loss of  life or limbs.

An adventurous life starts in your mind.  You are on a quest.  You are searching for something, and it doesn’t matter if it is the source of the Nile River, a boyfriend, a girlfriend, or a potential business associate.  Suddenly a trip to the grocery store can turn into a bold undertaking!

You may be at the bottom, you may feel defeated,  disillusioned and exhausted.  Perfect!!  Now, we have the ingredients for a world-class adventure!  There is nothing more exhilarating than crawling from the depths of depression to victory!  Of course, you may never make it to victory.  It may elude you for your whole life.  That’s the definition of an adventure – a risky undertaking with an uncertain outcome.  If you want predictability, watch TV every night.

The key to adventure is to keep moving, while keeping the adventurous attitude.  Your life is an undertaking complete with everything you would expect to find in an adventure novel.  You fail, you fall.  You get up and keep trying.  You meet people along the way who help you, and you meet some shady characters you know to avoid.  Maybe your marriage fails.  You can try again!  You keep the vision of where you want to go alive in your mind, spirit and soul, and never give up.

Now we are talking real adventure!!!  You continue on, despite the obstacles.  You keep fighting, when most people would lay down and quit.  You keep the attitude that your life is a grand adventure, even though it may not be fun or easy at times.  Your story will be an inspiration to others in the future.  You are changing the world!  Keep charging, my fellow adventurer!!     Scott Alexander

Copyright 2012 by Scott Robert Alexander

What could be more adventurous than being a Rhino out in the jungle? Keep charging!!!

I just received this note from a Facebook friend and I wanted to share it:

“Scott, I thought you’d like this story. Christmas day, my wife gave me a nice Rhino statue to add to my collection. After all the presents were opened, we started the clean up. During the clean up, my wife accidentally knocked the Rhino off the table and it fell. When she picked it up, the right ear of the Rhino had broken off. She was devastated and told me she would buy a new one. Without missing a beat, my 11 year old daughter (a full Rhino) said…”Mommy, it’s a Rhino and he just took a torpedo…he will be just fine…there’s no need to get a new one”. Brings tears to my eyes just typing it. I thought you should know that you are positively affecting so many generations. God bless you and many thanks for all you do.” -  Jim Welch

“He just took a torpedo…and he will be just fine…”  2012 is here with a fresh batch of torpedoes.  The torpedoes are the obstacles, the unexpected setbacks, the rejection and the roadblocks that we come up against. As Rhinos we say “Damn the torpedoes!”… or for the more genteel amongst us “Dang the torpedoes!”

As Rhinos, we have two-inch-thick skin that the torpedoes bounce off of.  They might knock us off our feet occasionally, but we get right back up and continue charging!  We are indomitable, massive creatures!  With each torpedo that we take, we get tougher.  With each battle scar, we grow more beautiful.

Accumulate torpedo scars!!  They are a sign that you are advancing!  They show that you are living life!  If your ear gets knocked off, glue it back on and get back in the game.  “You’re gonna be just fine!!!“  Keep charging!!!   Scott Alexander

Copyright 2012 by Scott Robert Alexander

Anti-torpedo Rhino skin!

I preach that desire is the key to success.  If you want something bad enough, you will get it.  When you have a purpose, a mission, an all-consuming obsession, it is only a matter of time until you achieve it.

When you are fully engulfed in pursuing your passion, you don’t waste your time reading motivational books.  You spend every minute chasing the dream.  Motivational books and seminars are for people who have not yet found their purpose, or are there to encourage others.

People that are searching read books on how to set goals and keep a positive attitude.  It’s all good, but it is only a pilot light waiting for them to flip the switch and turn on the heat.  Then, the pilot light ignites the gas and “whooosh” – they are on their way!!

Finding your purpose can be harder than you would think.  Some people are blessed early on in life with the certainty of their destiny.  Others vacillate back and forth, never really finding satisfaction in what they are doing.  Some go their whole lives never realizing that there was ever a purpose intended for them.  Sad.

It’s like working on a puzzle and trying to find the one piece that fits.  It has to have the right image, the correct colors and a very definite shape.  Some people try to force a similar looking piece in.  You can’t force a destiny.  Some people grow frustrated and quit.  Never quit!!!

A good strategy is to go to work on other parts of the puzzle.  Your soul knows what you are looking for.  Oftentimes, you will suddenly come across the missing piece when you are not actively searching for it.  The minute you see it though, you recognize it and that is “the day that turns your life around”.

Pray about it!  There is a God who loves you, has a purpose for you and will direct your path if asked.  If you don’t believe that there is a God and think that this is all an evolutionary accident, how could you believe that there is a purpose for you?

Believe.  Pray.  Seek.  Charge!!!

Copyright 2011 by Scott Robert Alexander

When the pieces all come together, charge!!!

There is a street connected to your driveway that will take you anywhere in the world!  All you have to decide is where you want to be and then go!! Depending on your destination, it may take weeks, months or even years to get there.  But you will be on your way, and that is my definition of success.

Making the decision, setting a goal and then taking action is everything.  Successful people are the ones trying, striving and never giving up.

Don’t think that you can do something because it will take too long?  Every great dream starts at that street right outside your door.  Wanna learn to play the guitar, but feel it’s too hard?  Can you press a finger on any string on the guitar and pluck it?  You successfully played your first note!  If you strum a few strings, you just played a chord.  You just stepped out on the street and are on your way!! Rock on!!!

Have you ever wanted to write a book?  With all your experiences, you know that you would be able to help people that find themselves in similar situations.  But you tell yourself that you can’t write a book.  Hey!  Can you write one sentence?  You are on your way!!

Keep the big picture running through your head at all times, but concentrate on taking the little actions every day that will get you where you want to go.  When you are rolling down the road towards your dream, consider yourself successful.  There’s nothing more to it.

What do you dream about doing?  Why the hell aren’t you going there?  Too lazy to pluck one string or write one sentence?  Then I can’t help you. Motivation is like eating at a buffet.  If you won’t pick up a plate and start putting food on it, you’re not going to eat.  Success is self-serve.  Most people figure that out… except Obama supporters who think that government is there to feed them, clothe them, wipe their butts, and keep them healthy and happy.  Live free.  Keep charging!!!   Scott Alexander

Sometimes the pavement ends - keep going!!!

Copyright 2011 by Scott Robert Alexander

How is your engine running?  I mean your engine, your life, your day to day, your energy level?  If you feel sluggish, or not running at all, there are three things mechanics look for when troubleshooting an engine.

First, is the engine getting fuel?  Do you have goals that are driving you on?  If you have nowhere to go, you are going to end up there.  Keep your tank full of exciting goals and keep adding new ones as you progress.

Compression is also critical.  The fuel has to be compressed to detonate.  This means that action has to be taken;  you have to get up each day and expend energy.  Goals without action will lead to a flooded engine.  The Nike ad is all you need to know about compression – “Just do it!”

Finally, there has to be a source of ignition – a spark.  Desire is the fire!!  This is the most troublesome component, and also the most crucial.  If you have the desire,  you will take the action.  If you don’t have desire, your engine will never warm up, let alone get you anywhere.

Desire is the mysterious black hole in the science of motivation.  There are conflicting theories of where it comes from, and we don’t know how to manufacture it.  All we know is that it is necessary and incredibly powerful.  With it, one can change the world!!  My wish for you is to be blessed with a spark and keep charging!!!   Scott Alexander

Copyright 2011 by Scott Robert Alexander

"Waiting for the spark of heaven to fall."

One of my friends on Facebook is a Democratic State Representative in the State of Iowa.  I don’t know how we became “friends”.  I’m sure she is wondering the same thing!!  Actually, I enjoy having Facebook friends with diverse interests and opinions.  Then, I feel like I’m not just preaching to the choir.  Hey, I try to love everyone, but I won’t shy away from expressing my opinion even if it ruffles feathers.

This State Representative posted a petition from MoveOn.org demanding that the “super-rich” pay more taxes.  I made what I thought was a reasonable comment – “How about reducing the size of the government instead?”

The first response said, “If you do not like taxes or government, please kindly do the following…” followed by a list of 102 things that the government does to, I mean, for us.  Not included on the list, yet, is the government burping us and wiping our butts.

This is what the Rhino Revolution is about – turning this government babysitter mentality around.  There are legitimate functions of a government, but I don’t think the founding fathers envisioned #64. Have the government bail companies out during recessions.  The list could go on and on, and is being added to daily by the current administration.

The government has gone cancerous and will bring us down.  Fight “the man” at every turn.  Voice your opinion.  If someone needs help, help them.  Protest.  Vote for limited government politicians.  Stand for freedom.  We can get it back!!  Keep charging!!

Here is the list: If you do not like taxes or government, please kindly do the following….

1. Do not use Medicare.
2. Do not use Social Security
3. Do not become a member of the US military, who are paid with tax dollars.
4. Do not ask the National Guard to help you after a disaster.
5. Do not call 911 when you get hurt.
6. Do not call the police to stop intruders in your home.
7. Do not summon the fire department to save your burning home.
8. Do not drive on any paved road, highway, and interstate or drive on any bridge.
9. Do not use public restrooms.
10. Do not send your kids to public schools.
11. Do not put your trash out for city garbage collectors.
12. Do not live in areas with clean air.
13. Do not drink clean water.
14. Do not visit National Parks.
15. Do not visit public museums, zoos, and monuments.
16. Do not eat or use FDA inspected food and medicines.
17. Do not bring your kids to public playgrounds.
18. Do not walk or run on sidewalks.
19. Do not use public recreational facilities such as basketball and tennis courts.
20. Do not seek shelter facilities or food in soup kitchens when you are homeless and hungry.
21. Do not apply for educational or job training assistance when you lose your job.
22. Do not apply for food stamps when you can’t feed your children.
23. Do not use the judiciary system for any reason.
24. Do not ask for an attorney when you are arrested and do not ask for one to be assigned to you by the court.
25. Do not apply for any Pell Grants.
26. Do not use cures that were discovered by labs using federal dollars.
27. Do not fly on federally regulated airplanes.
28. Do not use any product that can trace its development back to NASA.
29. Do not watch the weather provided by the National Weather Service.
30. Do not listen to severe weather warnings from the National Weather Service.
31. Do not listen to tsunami, hurricane, or earthquake alert systems.
32. Do not apply for federal housing.
33. Do not use the internet, which was developed by the military.
34. Do not swim in clean rivers.
35. Do not allow your child to eat school lunches or breakfasts.
36. Do not ask for FEMA assistance when everything you own gets wiped out by disaster.
37. Do not ask the military to defend your life and home in the event of a foreign invasion.
38. Do not use your cell phone or home telephone.
39. Do not buy firearms that wouldn’t have been developed without the support of the US Government and military. That includes most of them.
40. Do not eat USDA inspected produce and meat.
41. Do not apply for government grants to start your own business.
42. Do not apply to win a government contract.
43. Do not buy any vehicle that has been inspected by government safety agencies.
44. Do not buy any product that is protected from poisons, toxins, etc…by the Consumer Protection Agency.
45. Do not save your money in a bank that is FDIC insured.
46. Do not use Veterans benefits or military health care.
47. Do not use the G.I. Bill to go to college.
48. Do not apply for unemployment benefits.
49. Do not use any electricity from companies regulated by the Department of Energy.
50. Do not live in homes that are built to code.
51. Do not run for public office. Politicians are paid with taxpayer dollars.
52. Do not ask for help from the FBI, S.W.A.T, the bomb squad, Homeland Security, State troopers, etc…
53. Do not apply for any government job whatsoever as all state and federal employees are paid with tax dollars.
54. Do not use public libraries.
55. Do not use the US Postal Service.
56. Do not visit the National Archives.
57. Do not visit Presidential Libraries.
58. Do not use airports that are secured by the federal government.
59. Do not apply for loans from any bank that is FDIC insured.
60. Do not ask the government to help you clean up after a tornado.
61. Do not ask the Department of Agriculture to provide a subsidy to help you run your farm.
62. Do not take walks in National Forests.
63. Do not ask for taxpayer dollars for your oil company.
64. Do not ask the federal government to bail your company out during recessions.
65. Do not seek medical care from places that use federal dollars.
66. Do not use Medicaid.
67. Do not use WIC.
68. Do not use electricity generated by Hoover Dam.
69. Do not use electricity or any service provided by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
70. Do not ask the Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild levees when they break.
71. Do not let the Coast Guard save you from drowning when your boat capsizes at sea.
72. Do not ask the government to help evacuate you when all hell breaks loose in the country you are in.
73. Do not visit historic landmarks.
74. Do not visit fisheries.
75. Do not expect to see animals that are federally protected because of the Endangered Species List.
76. Do not expect plows to clear roads of snow and ice so your kids can go to school and so you can get to work.
77. Do not hunt or camp on federal land.
78. Do not work anywhere that has a safe workplace because of government regulations.
79. Do not use public transportation.
80. Do not drink water from public water fountains.
81. Do not whine when someone copies your work and sells it as their own. Government enforces copyright laws.
82. Do not expect to own your home, car, or boat. Government organizes and keeps all titles.
83. Do not expect convicted felons to remain off the streets.
84. Do not eat in restaurants that are regulated by food quality and safety standards.
85. Do not seek help from the US Embassy if you need assistance in a foreign nation.
86. Do not apply for a passport to travel outside of the United States.
87. Do not apply for a patent when you invent something.
88. Do not adopt a child through your local, state, or federal governments.
89.Do not use elevators that have been inspected by federal or state safety regulators.
90. Do not use any resource that was discovered by the USGS.
91. Do not ask for energy assistance from the government.
92. Do not move to any other developed nation, because the taxes are much higher.
93. Do not go to a beach that is kept clean by the state.
94. Do not use money printed by the US Treasury.
95. Do not complain when millions more illegal immigrants cross the border because there are no more border patrol agents.
96. Do not attend a state university.
97. Do not see any doctor that is licensed through the state.
98. Do not use any water from municipal water systems.
99. Do not complain when diseases and viruses, that were once fought around the globe by the US government and CDC, reach your house.
100. Do not work for any company that is required to pay its workers a livable wage, provide them sick days, vacation days, and benefits.
101. Do not expect to be able to vote on election days. Government provides voting booths, election day officials, and voting machines which are paid for with taxes.
102. Do not ride trains. The railroad was built with government financial assistance.

It's time for a Revolution!!!

As a rhinoceros, you are always alert.  You have to be alert in the jungle.  That’s why cows are not found in the jungle.  They just couldn’t survive.

Your sharp eyes miss nothing and your ears scan the area like radar to detect the slightest noise.  You can feel vibrations through your sensitive feet on the ground and your nose picks up any foreign scents.  Your whole being is on the lookout for an opportunity to charge.  You are like a cocked trigger waiting to be pulled.

Wait!  What is that smell?  Your great body grows tense, ready to spring into action.  You slowly turn your massive head toward the direction of the scent.  Your eyes watch for any signs of a real opportunity.  Your ears pick up a rustling in the brush!  An unfamiliar scent drifts by your nostrils!  You are ready to explode!

Is it an opportunity or a torpedo?  Your eyes stare unblinking straight ahead.  Your head is spinning with excitement and your leg muscles twitch with energy.

Suddenly, you see it!  It is an opportunity!   It sees you and like a shot, you are both off through the jungle – three tons of snorting rhinoceros charging full speed at your opportunity, mowing down all obstacles in your way.  Trees and vegetation poke at your skin, but you don’t even feel it.   Your opportunity is in sight now and you are gaining on it.   It is a good opportunity though and the chase is long and hard.

You start to tire.  Is it getting away from you?  “Darn it!” you bellow.  “I am a rhinoceros!!”

Your second wind comes and your rhinoceros eyes turn fiery red as the breath from your nostrils turns to steam against the cool, morning, jungle air.  Through jungle, river and mountain, you pour it on, never letting up.

Then, all of a sudden, you’ve got it!!  Your opportunity tires and you run it down.  You make the kill and then rest a moment;  your great lungs heaving, your legs ready to collapse, your skin torn, bruised and bloodied, and you bask in the thrill of your victory.

Three tons of snorting rhinoceros charging full speed at your opportunity!

Copyright 2011 by Scott Robert Alexander

I received this story in an email today.  I don’t know who put it together, but it is brilliant!

” This is a very sad story about a bear…  Everyone should heed the warnings not to feed wildlife because they become dependent and don’t forage for themselves.  This photo captures a disturbing trend.

Animals that formerly were self-sufficient are now showing signs of belonging to the Democratic Party.  They have apparently learned to just sit and wait for the government to step in and provide for their care and sustenance.   Nicknamed “Bearack Obearma”, it is also believed that he is a campground organizer.”

Bearack Obearma