matthew rathbun :: SoundBiteBlog.com

Being MeMe’d – E-mail Chain Letters on Steroids

May 27th, 2008 by Rich Jacobson

Let me start of by saying “Thanks a Million!” to Matthew Rathbun of Client Centric Real Estate for forcing me into this. I’m not usually a big fan of such online frivolities, but since it came from Matt, what the heck!

In case you’re in the dark, for all the lowdown 911 on the current virtual craze know as MeMe’s, GO HERE.

Question 1: Who is your favorite Musical Artist?

Actually, my musical tastes are rather eclectic. I like classic rock – Kansas, Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, Beatles, and then it diversifies from there into Harry Connick, Jr., Sting, Jim Brickman, Relient K, Giovanni Peroglesi, John Rutter, Hillsong United, David Crowder, Joel Hanson, Matthew Ward, Michael Omartian, Switchfoot, Mae, and so many more!….

Question 2: Who is my favorite Artist?

I guess I should be more of an art aficionado than I am. While I don’t necessarily have any preferred artists, I do very much appreciate art, and the skill/talent that goes into creating it. My youngest son, Luke, is pretty gifted at drawing, especially sports figures.

Question 3: Who is My Favorite Blogger?

Wow, this is a tough one. Ask me a couple years ago, it might have been easier. For Social Media in general, I like Chris Brogan of ChrisBrogan.com; Joel Burslem, Marketing Director for Inman News on Future of Real Estate; Michael Arrington of TechCrunch; any of the very talented Gang over at AgentGenius; and my SoundBiteBlog co-conspirator, Mark Flanders (if he ever decides to start writing again!).

Question 4: If you could meet anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and what is interesting about them?

Hmmm, the late D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, pastor of Westminster Chapel and renowned Bible expositor. He preached a series of Friday night sermons from the book of Romans, spanning 13 years, that dramatically changed my own personal theology.

The Apostle Paul. I would get his take on Reformed Theology, and find out how many petals his TULIP has.

Robert Downey, Jr. – I don’t think there is another actor in our generation (besides Tom Hanks) with so much natural talent and ability, but who has seemingly squandered so much of his life in destructive pursuits. What’s he doing now to stay focused and out of trouble?

Question 5: What did I want to be when I grew up?

Well, let’s see…I wanted to be a Forest Ranger, a Disc Jockey, a drummer in a rock band, and a preacher.

Question 6: What is the most interesting piece of Trivia that I know?

Three independent research studies have been carried out to determine how many licks it takes to get to the center of the Tootsie Roll Pop. Engineering students at Purdue University devised a “licking machine” that showed an average of 364 licks were needed to get to the center. Using 20 human volunteers, the figure was 252. A doctoral student at the University of Michigan created another licking machine and came up with an average of 411 licks.

Question 7: If you could live in any point of history when would it be and why?

From reading books like “Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett, and “TimeLine” by Micheal Crichton, the Medieval Period has its appeal. Or perhaps, during the 1st or 2nd Great Awakenings, time of amazing revival across Europe and the American Colonies.

Question 8: What is the most interesting job you’ve every had?

I once worked for a small, privately owned corporaton, and started as a Regional Sales Manager, responsible for a 4 State territory in the Midwest. Based on my successes, I was transferred to a new manufacturing plant in Lawrence, KS, and was promoted to Product Manager for a newly acquired line. In a few short years, we took that product line from annual sales of $300K up to over $12M. It was an amazing ride! Later, I became Export Sales Manager, made several trips overseas, and then was given title as the National Marketing Manger, with oversight over all corporate marketing/advertising.

Some parting thoughts:

I am indebted to my wife of 25 years this coming July, for loving me in spite of my numerous failings, and for having such a wonderfully positive impact on our four amazing kids. They say that behind every successful man is a good woman. I would be nothing, going nowhere, without her undying love and support.

And now, I have to tag 8 more people to perpetuate this Meme (oh joy!)