33. If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for all high school
students, which book would you choose?
Well, if I could, I would have everyone read Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger because it's pretty much an awesome book with real ideals that face our culture as a nation. And of course, it is my favorite book. However, I don't really think FNL would be appreciated by the High School student looking to get out of reading assignments. The book more suitable would be one that I recently completed, Tuesday's With Morrie by Mitch Albom. A short read with reasonable chapters that is filled with questions and thought consuming ideals that can help prepare students for life beyond High School in an enlightened way. It's a book that would connect with the youth, and has unlimited potential for classroom discussions.
34. Would you rather have less work or more work you actually enjoy doing?
Easily more work that I actually enjoy doing. Have you ever had down time on your job? Like, serious down time? The day can realllllllly draaaaaaaaaaaaaag. Give me enjoyable work any day, and I will get after it.
Well, if I could, I would have everyone read Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger because it's pretty much an awesome book with real ideals that face our culture as a nation. And of course, it is my favorite book. However, I don't really think FNL would be appreciated by the High School student looking to get out of reading assignments. The book more suitable would be one that I recently completed, Tuesday's With Morrie by Mitch Albom. A short read with reasonable chapters that is filled with questions and thought consuming ideals that can help prepare students for life beyond High School in an enlightened way. It's a book that would connect with the youth, and has unlimited potential for classroom discussions.
34. Would you rather have less work or more work you actually enjoy doing?
Easily more work that I actually enjoy doing. Have you ever had down time on your job? Like, serious down time? The day can realllllllly draaaaaaaaaaaaaag. Give me enjoyable work any day, and I will get after it.
More Thought Provoking Questions. Answered.
35. What is important enough to go to war over?
Jesus and Freedom. Anything else is completely political and man-created.
36. Which is worse, failing or never trying?
Never trying. I always find it hard to wrap my mind around the things we don't know. Honestly, there is just so much in life that is unknown. In fact, the simple journey of flipping those questions marks into answers is part of the most enjoyable things about life. Failing can be very demoralizing and is often the cure to our selfish egos, humbling us in the easiest of ways. And yes, failing is the best of all teachers. But how will you ever fail, in order to learn, if you don't try?
37. When was the last time you listened to the sound of your own breathing?
After playing basketball in St. Lucia for several hours, I returned to my room after the sun had gone down. Rather than shower and prepare for the nightlife, I changed into my swimming trunks and went down to the pool. As everyone prepared to head out or was already out for the night, I floated in the pool alone with a beer, staring at the moon and yes, listening to my own breathing. Yup, no pressure, no problem. And most of all, relaxing.
38. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
The easy (and cop out answer) would be my view on life. However, I'm going to go another route and expose myself on a little bit of my weirdness by saying, I eat pizza by starting with the crust. Yeah, I know...
39. What does ‘The American Dream’ mean to you?
In my eyes, the American Dream is hard work, sacrifice, achieving, motivation, freedom, happiness, and most of all, doing it legally, ethically, and morally. A dream that can be different to each of us, but achieved through each of these qualities.
40. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
Joyful simpleton. As much as I like learning and acquiring knowledge, I miss the days when ignorance was bliss. Plus, whats the purpose of knowing it all, only to worry? Ugh! Stress is the number one killer of all human beings. Who wants any part of that?
41. If you could instill one piece of advice in a newborn baby’s mind, what advice would you give?
Trust Jesus, be yourself (truly), and live in the moment.
42. What is the most desirable trait another person can possess?
Easily, humility. It is a quality that dictates so much about a person's character. A humbled person is able to give of himself, and not want for himself. Unfortunately, the latter seems to outnumber the former in our world. And while it is not part of the question, on the flip side, a quality I despise the most - selfishness.
43. What are you most grateful for?
The ability to learn, understand, and experience the possibilities of life.
44. Is stealing to feed a starving child wrong?
How overweight is this "starving" child? I'm kidding! Although I once coached an overweight child who consistently attempted to persuade all the coaches that his parents were starving him. Nonetheless, I think it is wrong. What?! Thought this was a slam dunk "yes" question, huh? Well think about it, if a child was truly starving, there are options and avenues for you to get food to that child without having to break the law. Who wouldn't want to help a starving child? And the day we don't, is the day I'll completely give up on our society.
45. What do you want most?
This may sound weird, but what else do I need? I'm not sure I want anything bad enough. Even at the age of 26 going on 27, I can say I am very content with life. Go ahead, call me naive. But in the words of Darius Rucker (oh yeah, dropping a little country on ya), "Ain't got no caviar, no Dom Perignon, But as far as I can see, I got everything I want, Cause I gotta roof over my head, and the woman I love layin in my bed, and It's Alright. It's alright"
Afterall, on Team Robo, I have God, my wife, my parents, and some great family and friends.
But I will answer with this, what I want most is a New York Knicks NBA championship, and a New York Jets Super Bowl victory before I turn out the lights forever on earth. Another World Series, two, or maybe ten won't hurt either.
35. What is important enough to go to war over?
Jesus and Freedom. Anything else is completely political and man-created.
36. Which is worse, failing or never trying?
Never trying. I always find it hard to wrap my mind around the things we don't know. Honestly, there is just so much in life that is unknown. In fact, the simple journey of flipping those questions marks into answers is part of the most enjoyable things about life. Failing can be very demoralizing and is often the cure to our selfish egos, humbling us in the easiest of ways. And yes, failing is the best of all teachers. But how will you ever fail, in order to learn, if you don't try?
37. When was the last time you listened to the sound of your own breathing?
After playing basketball in St. Lucia for several hours, I returned to my room after the sun had gone down. Rather than shower and prepare for the nightlife, I changed into my swimming trunks and went down to the pool. As everyone prepared to head out or was already out for the night, I floated in the pool alone with a beer, staring at the moon and yes, listening to my own breathing. Yup, no pressure, no problem. And most of all, relaxing.
38. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?
The easy (and cop out answer) would be my view on life. However, I'm going to go another route and expose myself on a little bit of my weirdness by saying, I eat pizza by starting with the crust. Yeah, I know...
39. What does ‘The American Dream’ mean to you?
In my eyes, the American Dream is hard work, sacrifice, achieving, motivation, freedom, happiness, and most of all, doing it legally, ethically, and morally. A dream that can be different to each of us, but achieved through each of these qualities.
40. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?
Joyful simpleton. As much as I like learning and acquiring knowledge, I miss the days when ignorance was bliss. Plus, whats the purpose of knowing it all, only to worry? Ugh! Stress is the number one killer of all human beings. Who wants any part of that?
41. If you could instill one piece of advice in a newborn baby’s mind, what advice would you give?
Trust Jesus, be yourself (truly), and live in the moment.
42. What is the most desirable trait another person can possess?
Easily, humility. It is a quality that dictates so much about a person's character. A humbled person is able to give of himself, and not want for himself. Unfortunately, the latter seems to outnumber the former in our world. And while it is not part of the question, on the flip side, a quality I despise the most - selfishness.
43. What are you most grateful for?
The ability to learn, understand, and experience the possibilities of life.
44. Is stealing to feed a starving child wrong?
How overweight is this "starving" child? I'm kidding! Although I once coached an overweight child who consistently attempted to persuade all the coaches that his parents were starving him. Nonetheless, I think it is wrong. What?! Thought this was a slam dunk "yes" question, huh? Well think about it, if a child was truly starving, there are options and avenues for you to get food to that child without having to break the law. Who wouldn't want to help a starving child? And the day we don't, is the day I'll completely give up on our society.
45. What do you want most?
This may sound weird, but what else do I need? I'm not sure I want anything bad enough. Even at the age of 26 going on 27, I can say I am very content with life. Go ahead, call me naive. But in the words of Darius Rucker (oh yeah, dropping a little country on ya), "Ain't got no caviar, no Dom Perignon, But as far as I can see, I got everything I want, Cause I gotta roof over my head, and the woman I love layin in my bed, and It's Alright. It's alright"
Afterall, on Team Robo, I have God, my wife, my parents, and some great family and friends.
But I will answer with this, what I want most is a New York Knicks NBA championship, and a New York Jets Super Bowl victory before I turn out the lights forever on earth. Another World Series, two, or maybe ten won't hurt either.
And I bet you're still reeling from that Rucker line...stay with me here...
46. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?
Easily, for me, doing the right things. I hate making mistakes more than anyone. And while I always, even though I know its a destructive way to operate, attempt to be perfect, always doing the right thing is my first and foremost thought and conscious feeling in every single decision in life. Mistakes can be fixed overnight and simply requires repetition. Reputation and honor is a mindset, and takes years to build.
47. What has life taught you recently?
Life has recently shown me that no matter what day it is or what your intentions are - weekend, vacation, or work week - every day is a grind. Every moment is a battle in which you can either become a better person to change yourself and those around you, or sit back. Life is very much moment-to-moment.
48. What is the one thing you would most like to change about the world?
The ability for all children around the world to have the ability to have a safe and enjoyable childhood. This includes children in third world countries having their living conditions improved, the elimination of sex trafficking, kidnappings, and sexual abuse, the re-establishment of the family (yes, the elimination of single mother/father homes) and the ability for all to gain a proper education. As stated in one of my answers above, it seems as time goes on, the innocence of our youth disappears further. Everyone deserves a childhood.