Nine Shift

Nine Shift "On Fire" this year

Stay tuned for full coverage of the annual all-new Nine Shift presentation reviewing the year and making more predictions.  Here's a gracious note from NineShifter Terry Newman after our presentation in Washington DC to a crowd of 300 packed into the ballroom:

 "I had to leave half way through your presentation on Saturday and I have to say that I almost decided to just blow off the return home flight.  You were on fire and I’m so sad that I missed the end.  Will you be doing a webinar with this info?  Would certainly love to hear the rest of your session!"

Obama's Mood on Election Eve

As Willie's friend said today, "I've got the wine bought. Now it's up to America to decide whether I drink it from the glass, or from the bottle." 

President Obama on Election Eve

Julie watching President Obama, with press corps cameras in the background.
One of the top 1000 civil rights leaders in the 1960s,  Julie told a crowd honoring her as Activist of the Year last month, "I was working to make Barack Obama President when he was 4 years old."

President Obama on Election Eve

Secret Service agent checks the podium.

President Obama on Election Eve

Bruce Springstein highlighted thedisparity in wealth among Americans today,  saying we are moving to "two different nations."    "We need to reduce the distance in that equation," he said, and sang. Click on photo to enlarge it.

President Obama on Election Eve

What do you do after you just shook the President's hand?  You text your friends of course.....

Obama's Mood on Election Eve

From 50 feet away, President Obama's demeanor, tone of voice and look was resolute and firm.

But it was not confident (like every other Senator or congress person at the Madison rally today). And it certainly was not worried.  Unlike Romney the last few days, no hint of uncertainty. 

Instead, on the last day of his last political campaign, Obama was workmanlike, getting the job done, staying on task.  

Photo: Just 50 feet away. Click on photo to enlarge it.  President Obama, left, with the State of Wisconsin capitol to the right.

The Ruling on the Field Stands!

The phrase gained notoriety on the football field this fall. Will it apply to our elections too?

I was riding my bike past a pre-school this week.  Kids were playing on the playground. One six year old boy raises his hands and yells, "The ruling on the field stands!"    I got a great chuckle out of that.

It was a reference, here in Wisconsin, to the infamous Packers-Seattle football game that brought the real refs back last month.

But with elections so tight, and the nation still divided 50-50, will it become the political phrase of the year as well?

Does Presidential Election Come Down to Wisconsin?

Kids are coming into the Get Out the Vote office here in River Falls today.  Obama, Clinton, Biden and Bruce Springstein all in Wisconsin this weekend.

Theory:  From the President's viewpoint, he has Ohio and if he just keeps Wisconsin, he has the election.  Does the Presidential Election come down to Wisconsin?  We've been the center of the fight over the 21st century for two years now; that might continue for the next few days.

Surprising Reason Why Teleworkers Like It

A surprising reason why people like to work from home.

According to a new survey, the top reason, mentioned by 82% of teleworkers, is that telework decreases the number of interruptions at work.  Interruptions also cause productivity decline.

So the top reason is not personal, like saving commute time or spending more time with the family. No, the top reason is all-business. 

When you telework, you get to see peak fall color. A young loon, still on the lake in northern Wisconsin. The parent loons leave earlier, leaving the young loons behind. When it gets really cold, the young loons somehow find their way south too.