Keynote: “Government In Our Hands”

Posted in Politics & Government by Ronald Lewis

Update: Keynote now featured on Keynotes.org

I had the pleasure on March 17, 2012 of speaking to attendees at the 2012 Colorado Libertarian State Convention in Aurora, Colorado at the DoubleTree. My keynote, “Government In Our Hands”, was well-received and a lot of questions were asked. It’s a controversial talk that challenges government, money and politics as we know it in the 21st century.

Dear Colorado Governor Hickenlooper: Please Ban the TSA

Posted in Politics & Government by Ronald Lewis

I submitted the letter below to Governor Hickenlooper’s office on May 26 @ 9 am.

Mr. Hickenlooper,

If you stand for the US Constitution, I urge you to stand for the people and ban the TSA statewide for its blatant violation of the 4th amendment. This is America. We do not violate the people’s rights. We stand up for and protect them.

Do you stand with the people and the constitution, Mr. Hickenlooper? Isn’t that what public officials swear to, or is it simply theater with a little business thrown in?

Regards,

Ronald Lewis
Denver, Colorado

Lifestyle Manual: A Roadmap for Your Life?

Posted in All, Random by Ronald Lewis

Today, I created my first ever lifestyle manual for 2009. Essentially, it’s a personal road map that I’ll use to improve my life and sharpen my focus on core interests over the course of the year. Currently, it’s five pages long, but will expand as I add more content to the document. Because it’s hosted by Scribd, the latest version will always be available here — All you’ll need to do is download it and read.

Why share this personal document with the public? It’s not really that private of a document. It’s really a framework for how I’ll live and advance my life in 2009. I hope it will inspire someone else who’s seeking ideas to improve their personal and professional life.

(To download or email the PDF, click on the “iPaper” drop-down arrow to expose a list of functions)

Ronald Lewis’ Lifestyle Manual for 2009

Ronald Lewis (Twitter) – Lifestyle Manual for 2009 Dear Reader, Thank you for the opportunity to share my “lifestyle manual for 2009″ with you. Although personal, it’s an informative and interesting way to take a glimpse of the inner workings of my life, thought process, desires and more. My only reason for offering this personal document is to hopefully inspire others who are seeking ideas to improve their personal and professional life in 2009. This is the first time I’ve ever created something like this and I am very glad I did. This document is my personal road map for the calendar year. Best, Ronald Lewis This lifestyle manual was created for one purpose: To help guide, inspire and manage my core personal and professional interests in the 2009 calendar year. This manual -A live document — shall be read, updated and maintained to track and improve my progress as necessary. Pledge: I, Ronald L. Lewis II, pledge to dedicate my focus to the interests outlined in this lifestyle manual. It is my “life reference” to ensuring I remain on on track and focused on the “interests” contained herein. It is my duty alone to study and execute it. Calendar year theme: “The best year ever” Employment status: Self-employed (full-time since 2005) Personal victories in 2007 and 2008: Returned to Denver in April 2007 … Eliminated a multi-year “mental slump” due to an emotionally challenging relationship in mid-2008 … Re-established living independence in early 2008 after returning to Denver from Canada and Michigan … Greatly improved self-employment income in 2008 (best period to date since full-time self-employment began in 2005) 30th birthday: September 10th, 2009 Ronald Lewis (Twitter) – Lifestyle Manual for 2009 Ronald Lewis (Twitter) – Lifestyle Manual for 2009 Personal and Professional Development, Improvement For 2009, it’s important to reduce/eliminate mental distractions (constant ideas, new projects, etc.) and focus only in areas which make the best use of my time, money, energy, knowledge and visibility. Doing so will lead to great improvements in my financial stability, flexibility, lifestyle management, and personal/professional development. Thus, only the following interests shall be developed and/or improved this calendar year: • Advisement/Consulting, Education and Evangelism ◦ 100% virtual and “location independent” by mid-year (currently at 90%) ◦ Cloud computing: Linux, Windows, OSS (MySQL, Apache), open source telephony (Asterisk, FreeSWITCH) ◦ Create media (documents, videos, etc.) to educate, promote work and expand visibility ◦ Partner with industry players to help evangelize certain interests (cloud computing, etc.) • Branding and Public Relations ◦ Hire brand / PR rep (selected — Retain by March) ◦ Consult with CD and BM to develop image, branding ◦ Isolate certain interests (cloud computing, etc.) and create separate branding, Internet presence ◦ Further develop personal blog to serve as a conduit and marketing platform • Public Speaking ◦ Organizations (employee morale building, inspirational storytelling, ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ dream/imagination engineering) Non-profits, schools and universities (inspirational storytelling, dream/ imagination engineering for students and youth) Conferences (cloud computing, open source telephony/telecom, general technology and social interests) Roundtables and Townhall meetings, events (interviews and social interests) Lifecasting (inspirational storytelling, dream/imagination engineering) • Book (“Stick It To The Man”) ◦ Research, develop and implement unique marketing concepts to help drive sales Ronald Lewis (Twitter) – Lifestyle Manual for 2009 Ronald Lewis (Twitter) – Lifestyle Manual for 2009 ◦ Promote book via the Internet, media, bookstores, etc. ◦ Develop strong, visible Internet presence • Social Media / Networking Continue improving genuine presence, relationships Focus on top social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.) Increase activity and visibility on “lightly used” networks Produce and publish at least three podcast interviews per month for Spotlight Magazine ◦ Expand presence and visibility of Spotlight Magazine ◦ Promote “personality talent” as a professional, effective and engaging interviewer ◦ Partner with event organizers (conferences, etc.) to cover and interview attendees, guests ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Relationship and Community Development For 2009, it’s important to realize one thing: I will never fully grasp how human beings truly think or function. To agonize over and analyze each negative experience is pointless and emotionally paralyzing. I must accept that I have no control over anyone’s interpretation or impression of who I am as an individual and human being. I do, however, have complete control over how I live, learn, listen and relate in society. • Developing new or existing relationships (platonic, professional, romantic) ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Mine existing relationships to discover and create new ones Eliminate “social postings” on Craigslist and similar sites Increase activity with various Meetup and interest groups Spend more time with friends and family Make better use of technology to improve relationships Do not stress over fickle behavior Monetary and Economic Policy For 2009, it’s important to pay even more attention to real-world data to understand the failing health of America’s infrastucture and economy: Job losses, bankruptcies, foreclosures, “health of the Dollar”, and office/storefront closures. Maintaining keen awareness of the important indicators is the only way to navigate the turbulent journey ahead. • Diversify currency, investments and metal holdings ◦ Maintain a “comfortable” reserve of USD currency for domestic activities Ronald Lewis (Twitter) – Lifestyle Manual for 2009 Ronald Lewis (Twitter) – Lifestyle Manual for 2009 ◦ Invest in precious metals such as silver and gold ◦ Generate income in Euros, Canadian Dollars and other currencies which are more stable than the Dollar ◦ Investigate foreign stock exchanges Health and Fitness For 2009, a healthier lifestyle is important as I approach my third decade of life on Earth. I am slightly concerned about my family’s blood pressure and cholesterol history, so I’d like to mitigate future risks by implementing and maintaining a healthier diet going forward. • Weight ◦ Eliminate 40-45 lbs (from 200lbs) by June 1, 2009 ◦ Permanently maintain weight between 145-160 • Food Permanently eliminate carbonated beverages Increase consumption of fruits, nuts and vegetables Increase consumption of boiled, baked and broiled foods Maintain consumption of chicken, turkey, fish and shellfish; Permanently eliminate infrequent consumption of red meat, etc. ◦ Eliminate all foods with preservatives (as best as possible) ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ Travel and Transportation For 2009, it is important to expand my travel schedule to explore new cities, countries, events and more — I must satisfy my nomadic nature. It is also important to explore acquiring a personal vehicle once core interests start paying dividends. • Cities, States and Countries of “short list” ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ London, England Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, Australia Tokyo, Japan Shanghai, China Hawaii Germany Anchorage, Alaska Artic circle • Vehicle “short list” Ronald Lewis (Twitter) – Lifestyle Manual for 2009 Ronald Lewis (Twitter) – Lifestyle Manual for 2009 ◦ Volvo XC60, S80, XC90 or S40 ◦ Toyota Prius Ronald Lewis (Twitter) – Lifestyle Manual for 2009

Happy Holidays, World!

Posted in All by Ronald Lewis

I’d like to take a moment to wish everyone a great holiday season with family, friends, co-workers, etc. May we all grow a little closer this year in our relationships with others.

Peace,

Ron

Video: Leave Yahoo and Jerry Yang Alone

Posted in Gadgets & Tech by Ronald Lewis

Jerry Yang and Yahoo deserve a little love. Why pick on Yang like he’s the unloved kid in the lunchroom? What about Semel? He thought a Hollywood approach was the ticket to Internet domination. I guess that didn’t work out too well, eh?

Mumbai Attacks Prove The Value of Twitter (and the Irrelevance of SMS)

Posted in Gadgets & Tech by Ronald Lewis

How did I hear about the Mumbai attacks? Twitter. I don’t watch much TV, so I rely upon the Internet for information of interest. I recently suggested (on Twitter) that Twitter and Apple should work together to demonstrate a messaging platform based on Twitter. I even coined a name for the messaging system: Twitter Micromessaging System (something close to that).

The Mumbai attacks have proven the value of Twitter as a ‘Human Connectivity Hub’ (another buzzword I coined recently). The level of real-time information on Twitter far exceeded what any news organization or cellular company could achieve. The entire world has been glued to Twitter looking for new updates. This is a powerful example of Twitter’s ability to keep humanity connected and informed in real-time.

I’d love to see Twitter and Apple work together to bring a concept to reality.

Can You Choose Freedom, Success and Happiness? Yes!

Posted in All by Ronald Lewis

There are many of people today living soulless lives: They cannot realize true freedom, success and happiness in life. They have been told all their lives that they’d amount to nothing, have little success or ever be truly happy with themselves and life in general. They’ve been deprogrammed by family, strangers and friends alike to remain uninspired and unable to harness any real passion for life and their existence.

My heart truly goes out to these individuals, for life ultimately becomes a chore rather than a mission. They cannot see beyond the confines of the boundaries they’ve established for themselves. They are unable to dream, imagine and grasp life in ways which empowers them with new and unknown capabilities.

How can any human being deny another the ability to prosper in life? To taste freedom and happiness? What are THEY afraid of? What do THEY fear?

If you are one these individuals, I’d like to ask that you take a moment and dream. Seclude yourself. Revisit your childhood. Imagine the days of when you saw yourself as a super hero, an amazing public figure or famed CEO. You can do it. Don’t deny yourself the possibilities that only you can realize and nurture.

Good luck.

SXSW: Live Event Camera

Posted in Gadgets & Tech by Ronald Lewis

Watch LIVE video of SXSW panels, parties and more. Watch now!

Podcast: Startup Story Radio Interview about Race and ‘Social Constructs’

Posted in All by Ronald Lewis

I am a huge opponent of a “race-based” society. Further, I do not believe in the idea of race in the grand scheme of humanity. To be frank, it’s all nonsense — It’s one more concept to maintain the illusion of division and differences among human beings.

Startup Story Radio hosts Rob McNealy and Dave Taylor invited me to the studios of 760 AM on March 1 to discuss my views on race and social constructs.

Show description via Startup Story:

Rob McNealy and Dave Taylor interview Ronald Lewis about breaking “social constructs.” Ron grew up with all the disadvantages of living in inner city Detroit, and has become a social media legend.

Click here to listen to the interview or use the embedded player below.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Seeking: A Mentor Versed in ‘Social Constructs’, Race Relations

Posted in All by Ronald Lewis

I am seeking a mentor who’s versed in ‘social constructs’ — Specifically, one who opposes the self-confinement of categories and the idea (and irrelevance) of race in general. I realize I am not quite prepared to tell the world: “Race doesn’t truly matter, and here’s why,” because I’ve yet to design the proper vehicle to deliver the message in a way that most people will understand. When I take the national stage to carry forth this message, I want to feel confident in the delivery of my vision for a “race-free society.”

Perhaps this mentor is an anthropologist or sociologist — I’m not sure. However, I could use some guidance to help craft and deliver a hodgepodge of knowledge and understanding in ways which make sense to others. Truly, it’s a matter of better articulating the thoughts, ideas and observations I’ve cultivated over the years of challenging the concept of race and other social conventions to everyday people.

I believe there’s an opportunity to impact mass proportions with my knowledge and understanding — I simply require some help to prepare myself for the road ahead.

Please contact me if this is you.