Gaby Dunn on Comedy Process Video

Gaby Dunn: Open Mics from CJ Johnson on Vimeo.


I enjoyed this video on the process Gaby Dunn uses for performing stand up comedy in LA.  The video is dated, but it was still really informative and showed the difficulties associated with putting oneself out there and trying to make an unknown crowd laugh.  

Palerider's Weekly Trucking Vlog #44-New Year/New Tires/Service

In this episode, Palerider shows the importance of patience in the trucking industry.  I could feel myself getting frustrated while watching the mix ups and disorganization he had to endure on this New Years Eve run from Dallas to Alabama.  It must take the patience of Job to keep quiet when dealing with all of the poor communication found between shippers and dispatchers. I appreciate the great attitude and videos shared by Palerider, a true professional in the commercial trucking industry.

Barbeque with Franklin: Pulled Pork Video

 Aaron Franklin does a Texas style pulled pork.  It is covered heavily in black pepper and paprika.  The paprika is more for color than flavor.  After a recent trip I took to North Carolina, I am finding that pulled pork sandwiches are one of my favorite types of smoked meat to eat.   I really enjoy the way Franklin makes smoking and the process look so relaxed and easy.  I have found, after watching his videos, that most of his dry rubs are pretty simple and use easy to find ingredients.   I also like the way he goes over how to find these cuts of meat, as grocery stores and the meats they carry vary throughout the United States. 



Check out his website for more information: https://franklinbarbecue.com/

Video: Add a Freight Brokerage to Your Trucking Business and Information on Trucking Costs

This video summarizes ways to start your own trucking company.   The commentator asks questions
about what may work in terms of purchasing an existing trucking company.  He is the founder of Atex in El Paso, TX.   He has extensive experience in terms of running a business and really focuses on the ways to add a freight brokerage to your existing trucking company.    He also says most brokers will want 10% to 20% for brokering freight.   I think this may be a good option for owner operators looking to cut out the middle man or woman taking a large percentage due to being a broker.    He also includes a website with more information on trucking costs.   Here is some of the info. from http://atexfreightbrokertraining.com/trucking-costs/
 Trucking Costs

Although freight brokers don’t usually get involved in trucking costs, some own their own trucking business and then supplement their trucking business with freight brokering. Rates and costs are very different between the two. In this topic, you will have a good idea on the trucking costs side of logistics.

First let me say that the examples in this topic are strictly hypothetical. So here we go. ALL trucking costs need to be tracked, not just fuel costs. And these total costs need to be recorded, monitored and analyzed. By knowing your total costs, you can bid competitively rather than out of ignorance or emotion. And you may actually outbid your competitors by knowing your costs and profits.

Here is a formula for cost-based bidding. Again, the following are just hypothetical examples.

Your basic formula is:

Fixed costs

+ Variable costs

= Total Costs

+ Profit

=Gross Revenues

Your fixed costs are those expenses you have even if you are just sitting at home. Fixed costs include:

• your truck payment,

• insurance (including health insurance),

• licenses and permits,

• accounting and office,

• plus other required truck costs, and

I’m going to include the fixed portion of the driver’s salary.

Your variable costs are those you have as you are “on the road”. You only incur variable costs when you are moving cargo (or deadheading). So when you are “on the road”, you have both variable AND fixed costs. Variable costs include:

tractor and reefer fuel,

tires,

maintenance and repairs,

telephone,

meals,

lodging,

tires,

tolls,

plus other related costs and

I’m going to include the variable portion of the driver’s salary.

Cold Calling Techniques: How to Get Past Gatekeepers

This video goes over one of the most challenging aspects of brokering freight. It is presented by Caesar Rodriguez, and the information is good for anyone interested in sales and cold calling techniques.
In terms of freight brokering, this is also a very handy and informative video.

Here are some tactics I used to get passed the gatekeeper:

Keep it casual and say, "This is (your first name), can I speak to Charles (Shipping Manager)?

Usual Response:  "We don't have a shipping manager... What is this call regarding?"

"Well, I was hoping to talk to the person in charge of shipping.  Would there be a better time to call back?"

Gatekeeper: "The person in charge of shipping is Tony.   He comes in early in the morning." 

"Okay, thank you I will try back in the morning."



I don't have a great deal of tactics, but I learned a lot from the video above, and from trial and error.

Cold Calling Shippers - Easier Than You Think!: Freight Broker Training

Scott from Transportation Training Group offers ways to handle direct contact with customers. He talks about the realities associated with rejection in terms of cold calling, and the amount of calls it takes to get through. 

Some of the tips he shares:

Stay calm and don't sound like a robot.

Speak to the people like they are your neighbor or a good friend. 

Get on a first name basis with them, and stay relaxed.

Here is more info. from the site:

 Building and effective “Shipper Base” is essential as a freight broker. We teach you all of the techniques for acquiring shippers who will provide you freight opportunities. We also show you how to deal with problematic customers.

We will teach you how to talk to them, the questions to ask and how to negotiate freight rates with them. You can have a “Book of Business” in no time whatsoever

How Top Freight Brokers Make Great First Impressions: Video

This is a longer video by Ted Keyes in which he discusses way to make a great first impression as
a freight broker. The presentation is named: "Connecting with New Customers and Making a Great First Impression."


Here is more info. from his site:

Ted Keyes is dedicated to mentoring freight agents who have not yet achieved their potential. As an active and successful freight agent, Ted’s proven freight agent training and sales system provide a roadmap for what’s working today to grow a profitable freight sales agent business!

More about Ted:
-Athlete and entrepreneur from the last 30 years
-Raised on a Wisconsin farm in a family of 13 kids
-Built a host of successful businesses across the US and Canada

And now, after rising to the top of the leader board at Logistics Dynamics Inc, Ted is revealing his success secrets to a handful of struggling freight agents.

His coaching, mentoring and training program, along with his proven success system, has helped other freight brokers develop profitable businesses.

How To Become A Licensed Freight Broker With The FMCSA: Hofer Ag. Logistics LLC

How to Obtain Your Freight Broker Authority by Scott Woods

This video goes over how to get Broker Authority.   It is Form OP-1.   It will also get authority for being an owner operator or freight broker.  I would recommend doing your research before signing up for any broker classes, or working for any truck brokerages.   Scams abound in the industry, and I can say this because I was involved in a scam with some brokers.   One of the things that bothered me most about freight brokering is the fact that truckers are usually the ones getting taken advantage of and I wouldn't be able to sleep well at night if I was taking part in shady business practices.  AKA...there isn't a place for me in the world of brokering freight.   The one place I have seen a broker that I would like as a mentor is a small freight broker in Huron, SD.  I watched the video on Hofer Ag. Logistics, and was thoroughly impressed by the ethics, respect, and knowledge of Becky Hofer.   Google Hofer Ag. Logistics to learn more about a great freight broker.

Weekly Trucking Vlog #43-Topeka/Laredo/Home: Palerider

Palerider has a weekly truck video log that I have subscribed to for the last year.  He chronicles his travels across the United States as a trucking owner operator.   He does a great job explaining the trials and tribulations associated with the transportation industry, and his laid back attitude is a great asset to making a successful trucking business.

On this episode he combines his journey from Kansas to Arkansas and back home.  The CB commentary on this episode really cracked me up, and I enjoy the views he shares from the perspective of driving.  Check out all his episodes and enjoy the point of view he shares on these great video logs.

The Best BBQ Pitmasters of the South | Southern Living

I think this will be a program I need to watch, as I am going to build a smoker this winter, and
think these gentlemen would be the place to learn the art of barbecue.  This episode visit various barbecue hot spots throughout the South.

Each area has its own unique take on the best process for producing outstanding BBQ.  Someday, I would like to visit all these different places to sample the fine victuals and learn more about producing awesome BBQ. 

After watching this show,  I am amazed at the amount of patience each one of these chefs demonstrate, and I wonder if I would have the patience to make such spectacular dishes.  I guess
"All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait" is a fitting saying for the art of making BBQ.

Priscilla Martin - Rolling CB Interview™

Priscilla Martin.   She is driving a really nice Peterbilt.  She is hauling honeydew and driving a class truck. It is so cool the different stuff drivers can haul with a reefer trailer. It is also amazing the amount of dedication and sacrifice professional drivers emanate in this profession. Sounds like a good part of owner operator trucking is being diversified in what you can haul based upon the supply and demand.  Trucking is one of the last independent American jobs, and it is a lifestyle I wish more of the general public would learn about.  The videos are produced by Chris Fiffie.
Chris Fiffie, multimedia specialist, does a great job documenting the trucking lifestyle! Show respect to truckers out on the highways.  Happy Holiday and God Bless!

Leo "Bud" Welch Mississippi Bluesman Video

83-Year-Old Mississippi Bluesman Leo "Bud" Welch from Brent Foster (Foster Visuals) on Vimeo.
https://vimeo.com/123912287

From Vimeo Description:


Two years ago no one outside of Bruce, Mississippi knew Leo "Bud" Welch. Today, he's recognized as one of the last remaining Mississippi Delta bluesman.

Born in 1932, Leo "Bud" Welch began playing guitar at the age of 13. He played for family, friends, and churches while making a living in the logging industry and on the farm for more than 35 years.

This year, at the age of 83, Leo released his first ever blues C.D entitled "I Don't Prefer No Blues."

The album tittle is a quote when Leo talked to the preacher at his church and told him he was recording a blues C.D.

Leo is proof to never give up on your dreams. He also wants to pass the legacy of music along to a new generation.

Alongside the main video, we also created a second short video documenting one of Leo's visits to a school in Arkansas where he performed for young children in hopes of keeping the tradition of blues alive and well in younger generations.

Leo hopes to continue to visit schools and pass his music along in hopes of inspiring the next great blues musician.

Thomas Friedman Video: Average is Over-Keys to Success in Modern America

I just watched this video for the first time today.  I haven't read any of his books, but Thomas Friedman
is a prolific author, and his opinion on the changes in the world concerning technology and communication rings true.  I also like his discussion of all technological terms coined in the last ten years.  

With a false sense of self entitlement looming in many minds in America, I wonder if the "Think Like an IMMIGRANT" motto will truly sink in.  But I still like the analogy and the way he scares the crap out of people like me, and makes me want to try harder...I guess.

M State's Mobile Classroom

Check out this short informative video on M State's Mobile Welding Classroom. The college has converted a reefer trailer into a mobile welding training classroom that will travel to sites so students can train without having to incur transportation costs. They see going to the students to help them with skills as a futuristic vision of what education can look like in comparison to the traditional model.

I think this would be a great resource for high school students interested in a high demand career field like welding.

Truck Driver Tips: How to Organize A Semi Truck

This is a great video on how to organize a truck:



CJ is a blogger and truck driver, and I appreciate all of the organization tips she

gives for setting up the inside of your truck. I also think her organizational strategies

could be used for organizing any space.  One thing is for certain and that is the fact

that professional drivers have to learn to live in small spaces for large amounts of time, and

organization can sure help make things easier.  Check out more of her tips at: https://www.thehealthytrucker.net/latest-tips/

Dirty jobs How to Polish Aluminum by a Master Detailer - Aluminum Polish...

Mike Rowe Explains The Skills Gap In USA Education System

Over the last 8 years of shooting Discovery Channels Hit show, Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe became increasingly concerned over the skills gap in the United States. 
Each year millions of skilled trade jobs go unfilled as our country continues to push a traditional 4 year degree.
In an effort to change the tide, he created the Mike Rowe Works Foundation and now Profoundly Disconnected.
Listen as Mike explains the growing skills gap and the need for skilled workers in the United States.
On Labor Day of 2008, fans of Dirty Jobs built mikeroweWORKS, a trade resource center and non-profit foundation designed to reinvigorate the Skilled Trades. Profoundly Disconnected is the next phase of that effort. My goal here is to challenge the absurd belief that an expensive four-year education is the best path for the most people, and confront the outdated stereotypes that continue to drive kids and parents away from a whole list of worthwhile careers. Many of the best opportunities that exist today require a skill, not a diploma. The purpose of this site is to promote that simple truth. And maybe have a few laughs.
Mike Rowe once gave a TED Talk on the Changing Face of the Modern-Day Proletariat, and in May 2011, he testified before the U.S. SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE about the importance of changing perceptions and stereotypes around blue-collar work. Currently, Mike and Caterpillar are working together to launch PROFOUNDLY DISCONNECTED, a new initiative focused on technical recruitment.www.MikeRoweWorks.com 
www.ProfoundlyDisconnected.com

Glassy SToNeY Sunday by E. Wilke: Suring Lake Superior Video

Video courtesy of E Wilke.
He is getting some great rides on Lake Superior on this fine fall
day in Minnesota. Watching this video makes me want to get out my SUP and make the drive
to the North Shore.  The water on Lake Superior never gets very warm, and the best season for surfing is winter.   Winters in Minnesota mean cold winds, and even colder water.

It looks like a great day of riding on Mother Superior.  Wish I could have been there to try and catch a few  waves!   W Wilke does a great job at updating his Youtube account and providing excellent videos of surfing the North Shore of Minnesota!

Saimaa Life From Finland: Enjoying Lake Living Video and Links

Text from http://www.saimaalife.com/about/

In a fast and demanding world it seems to be ever more harder to feel relaxed and just be you, naturally.


Yet learning to be exactly that,a relaxed you, is the best way to be healthy, happy at home and thrive at work.

We don’t need more quantity, we need more quality. Saimaalife.com is all about how to have that in your everyday life – with the help of nature, and in practice.

Because more than anything we believe life is best enjoyed #naturally!

Check out the link to http://www.saimaalife.com/about/ 

How to Cook Duck: Taste of Atlanta

Description via youtube:Scott Leysath from The Sporting Chef is back from the Taste of Atlanta with a scrumptious recipe for cooking up one of his favorite game to hunt, duck.

I am going to follow this recipe for the upcoming duck hunting season.   I hope the duck hunting is good this fall.