I was working on another article yesterday, and decided to bump it for a video I wanted to share. It’s an attitude that I’ve seen all too often over the years.

Pick your subject – whether it’s politics, religion – even Network Marketing. You’re bound to run into someone who’s all bent out of shape and offended by what you say or do. While this can be bothersome and uncomfortable hearing someone else rant about being offended by something you appear to have caused, the responsibility doesn’t lie with the accused – but rather the accuser.

I learned a long time ago that when it comes to feelings and emotions – they’re yours and yours alone. Everything we look at in this world is neutral and nothing has any meaning except for the meaning that you give it.

What really cracks me up about these “issues” is that most of the time, instead of moving on and spending ones energy and time on something more productive (and healthy) I’ve seen cases where individuals will engross themselves in the very subject that offends them. All in the name of trying to rid themselves (and others) of the offensive subject or thing they find offensive.

Does that really make any sense?

Now I’ve read about this peculiarity from several authors, and have heard about how it all works and what to do about it in various seminars. I’ve yet however, seen anyone explain this anomaly in such a clear, coherent way before. I really don’t know that much about Dr. Gary Daniel, but I do know a thing or two about NLP. That’s short for Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

I’m sure some will get this – and others will find a way to be offended by it.

Just realize that if you are offended, he’s talking about you. ;-P

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

TSO #588629

A week or so ago the toilet in the kids bathroom wouldn’t stop running.

Now this toilet was practically brand new. I had replaced it only 3 or 4 years earlier because one of my kids had jammed one of their toys inside the “s” that flushed everything down the drain. Funny thing is, I remember having that broken toilet sit there for like two months before I finally got up enough nerve to replace it myself. I had never done a project like this before and the thought of doing it freaked me out.

Once I got into the project and actually did it however, I come to find out that it was actually a breeze to replace.

Since then, I’ve become quite the handy man around the house, and replaced all the toilets in the house with low flush units that save water. I also saved a costly replacement up at my parents last Christmas when my 1 year old niece shoved a cup down their toilet, blocking the flow of water down the drain.

A quick run to the local hardware store for a $2.00 wax ring enabled me to take the unit off the floor, snag the cup lodged in the drain and put the unit right back where it was within about 10 minutes. (A plumber would have cost $175 just to roll the truck.) It not only saved a lot of money, but also saved our family from the unsightly “butt crack” that plumbers are so famous for. ;-P

After taking a brief look at new leak we had in the kids bathroom, on the surface it looked as if the gasket in the holding tank that released the reserve water had broken it’s seal. From the look of it, the glue holding the gasket in place had dissolved and the rubber gasket wouldn’t properly seal the water inside the tank. A quick fix for this was a trip to the local Home Depot for a universal valve to replace the inside of the unit.

What I didn’t take into account until after I got home with the new valve was the size of the existing valve, which was quite larger than the universal replacement I just bought. As a result, I’d had to go direct to Kohler for the replacement part.

So yesterday the part comes in and I go to work on the new unit. Because the unit held the reserve water inside one part, releasing it into the other, I had every intention in taking the holding tank off to replace the new valve. Fortunately however, I took just a brief moment to take a closer look at the new unit, and more specifically the gasket in question that had become dislodged from its proper position.

What I had assumed was glued on by some type of water proof adhesive, wasn’t the case at all. Instead, the rubber gasket merely came out of the ridge holding it there. I simply couldn’t see or feel the ridge from the perspective I had been looking. Because I was looking down from above, instead of below, I had no idea the ridge even existed.

After seeing how the gasket was actually placed into position from my new perspective I was able to place existing gasket back into the ridge holding it there by feel – without any need to disassemble a single bolt or screw.

Once again, what I had been dreading all this time, wasn’t the case at all after taking a closer look and actually going through the motions. The new valve will be going back to Kohler today for a full refund.

The moral of this story is that we all make assumptions based on our current perspective. Fear is nothing more than False Evidence Appearing Real, and I’m just as guilty as the next guy right out of the gate. Our minds are well potty trained to be “in the toilet” – and by that I mean that little voice inside that says “You’re not good enough” – or – “You’re not worthy” – or “It’s too difficult”.

The difference with me over the last couple of years is I’ve been fortunate enough to not only question those limiting beliefs, but have been given some amazing tools that change these beliefs entirely. It’s rather empowering. The more I clear the weeds that have been chocking me all these years, the clearer I see things. In addition, as I put these principles into action, challenging the fear head on that it’s too difficult, I find that I’ve always had the capability to do whatever I want already within me. I simply had to have an opportunity to apply it.

And there’s the rub. So many times, we just let fear stop us dead in our tracks. We accept that little voice as truth instead of mere illusion. Not only do I catch myself doing it, I see others doing it on a regular basis.

Have you ever stopped to think who told you it couldn’t be done? Really – think about that for a moment. How did that belief get there in the first place? You certainly weren’t born with it – like someone stamped you with either “Worth” or “Yuck – Unworthy!” when you were born. So who embedded that kind of programming? Maybe it was your parents, or another relative. Maybe kids you hung out with growing up. In fact, I still see it in grown adults. (Think about the high and mighty Travel Agents who have done nothing but poke and pry at those of us in YTB.) Point is, it was placed there by someone else, and we’ve all bought into it for one reason or another.

Truth is, it’s nothing but an illusion. I had all kinds of false perceptions running through my head over changing a simple gasket in a toilet, when in reality that perception was eventually flushed down the drain after taking a closer look.

It’s entirely up to you what perceptions or beliefs you hold and the actions you take that dictate what type of life you live. Just do me a favor and awaken to the possibility that there may be another perspective or alternative to what you’re thinking when your mind is in the toilet.

You may find that you can very easily flush it right down the drain never to be seen or heard from again.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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TSO #588629

When I first got into this industry back in 2005 I spent a lot of time in forums reading and posting with others in the industry. I learned the right way to do things – and saw plenty of examples of what NOT to do in this industry.

One of the forum posters who I still admire greatly was a gentleman named Tony Rush.

I think I connected with Tony for a couple of reasons. Rather than being emotionally attached, he was always logical and always very articulate in the way he communicated. He’s always been very open, honest, and unafraid to express his beliefs and opinions – which ironically brought out some very nasty critics of both him and the company he worked with at the time.

That’s were I felt the strongest connection with Tony. Not because he had critics – but because he simply simply didn’t care what anyone else thought. He’s strong enough in his own convictions and beliefs that critical views and opinions are always the property of the one voicing them. (As it should be.)

I’ve kept up with Tony over the years and still get communications from him as a subscriber on his list. He’s always been one of my favorite writers and I enjoy his insight and perspective.

He sent me an e-mail the other day that spoke volumes concerning wealth consciousness.

Yes, it’s a long e-mail – but it’s also a long weekend – and there should be plenty of time to read it. And just like he said before he got going about this subject – the smart ones will take the time to read the entire thing.

If it speaks to you – and you want to find out more about what Tony is doing here’s his website: www.best7minutes.com. I’m not working with him, nor do I know what it’s all about. I happen to be very happy with my direction and company, but I can still appreciate great wisdom and insight.

Enjoy!

~~~

I love movies. All kinds.

But, did you know that there are all kinds of hidden messages in today’s entertainment that will keep you broke??

Don’t believe it?  Check this out:

Think of the most common “good guys” in popular movies:  Harry Potter, Clark Kent (Superman), Peter Parker (Spider-Man),

What do they all have in common?

– they’re all orphans
— they’re all poor and broke
— they’re constantly having to deal with the agendas of wealthy people

Then, think about the bad guys like Lex Luthor, Draco Malfoy, Normon Osborn (that bad guy from Spider-Man), Parker Selfridge, (the bad guy in AVATAR):

– they’re all billionaires
— they’re all malicious, mean, nasty people
— they have no regard for anything but their own money and power

Sneaky stuff, huh?

And that’s not the half of it.  Most of these blockbuster films have hidden messages that you pick up on and carry into your real life.

Things like:

– you cannot be wealthy and be spiritual
— if you focus on having more money, you’ll compromise your values
— being poor allows you to have more spirituality and love

Guys, this stuff is insidious.

Think about the movie TITANIC.  Another Jim Cameron movie full of hidden messages that are designed to appeal to the “mass thinking” of the herd.

You’ve got the hero who is….you guessed it….broke as a convict. The babe in the movie is dating a guy who’s richer than God and he is …..that’s right again…..completely immoral.

EVERY single wealthy person in the movie is shallow, superficial and completely without any spirituality at all.

And, of course, all the poor people are having a good ol’ time, stomping around in the manure down in 3rd class, and they’ve got wonderful relationships and they’re all great parents, etc.

You see it coming, don’t you?

That’s right:  the “journey” of the movie involves the girl (“Rose”) who has to turn her back on prosperity and abundance and choose a life of squalor and poverty.  This is the only way for her to truly be happy.

Of course it’s all BS but that’s Hollywood for you.

By the way, did you get that ending?  Rose is now about 100 years old and she’s been mooching off her daughter who’s working hard to raise a family AND take care of Rose.

And in the final scene, we find out that Rose has been hanging on to this huge diamond ever since the Titanic sunk….this thing is worth tons of money….and instead of using it to help her family or her friends or her daughter or herself…..

….the old bat throws it into the ocean!

Oh, man!  How can anyone see this ending to be about anything other than “Throw away money….it brings you nothing but pain.”

What a crock.

And yet this movie made MILLIONS of dollars.  How’s that for irony?  The filmmakers made millions of dollars teaching you that you should be poor!

So, why am I talking about this?

Simple:  most people are sabotaging themselves and don’t even know it.

They want to be wealthy….but they feel guilty about wanting it.

They want to make money but they think that having lots of money will mean they’re not going to be a good parent, spouse or person.

They want to have a life of luxury and abundance….but they think that achieving it will make it harder to be a spiritual person.

And -  snap — just like that…..you’ve got yourself a nice new recipe for staying stuck in life.

Seriously:  you need to understand this if you want to create a life of freedom.

If you have any of these beliefs, you need to get clear of them NOW:

– money is the root of all evil
— rich people are evil
— rich people get rich at the expense of the poor
— it’s hard to make money
— making money takes hard work
— money is the opposite of spirituality
— money doesn’t grow on trees
— if you want to be wealthy, you’ll have to lie, cheat and steal

Think about it.  If you have ANY of those beliefs, do you really think your subconscious mind is going to let you become wealthy?

No way.

You’ll sabotage yourself faster than you can imagine.

How will you do it?

Oh, you’ll come up with a way.  You’re good at it.

A master.

Next time you spot a juicy opportunity to make money you’ll say dumb stuff like “that’s too good to be true”.

Or next time you someone offers you a way to earn thousands of dollars per week….you’ll say, “That won’t last.  Real wealth is supposed to take a long time to build.”

Or, you’ll turn into the World’s Most Analytical Person and say, “Well, I need to think about it”….and you’ll pretend to think about things for a few days or weeks.  Heck, people have decided to run for PRESIDENT in less time than it will take for you to figure out if you’re ready to get started in a lucrative home business!

Or you’ll say, “Well, I need to understand every single detail before I move forward”.  Which is a lot like saying you won’t start on a vacation trip until all the traffic lights are green at the same time.

I don’t know how you’ll do it.

But you will.

Know how I know?

Because I did this for years.  And so have you.  You’re already doing it.

Seriously.  Everytime I got close to actually making some decent money, I’d somehow manage to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory……and do something to screw it up or postpone it or to just outright reject it.

And I guarantee that you’re doing the same thing to some degree.

Here’s how I know:

Are you rich right now?

If not,…..why not?

Answer that.

Got your answer?

Well, try this on:  whatever reason you gave for why you’re not wealthy is what’s running your life right now.

In fact, whatever answer you have is actually not even real.  But it’s the stand that you’re taking against being wealthy.

If that were not true, you’d be wealthy already.

Success is a choice.

It’s not difficult.
It’s not hard.
It doesn’t take years of hard work. And it has nothing to do with compromising your morals or values or integrity or any of those things.

But, if you don’t change what you believe is possible about making money……then you’ll always be in about the same situation you’re in now.

Think about it:  don’t you find that your bank account never gets above a certain number for long…..?  And then something comes along to knock it back down again?

Self-sabotage.

Believe me or not.  But this may be the most important financial message that you ever read.

Because if you don’t do something about developing a prosperity consciousness…….

…..well, things will always involve about the same amount of struggle and work and scrambling around to make the ends meet.

What’s the solution?

Here are a few tips:

1.  Start hanging around people who are living the kind of life you want to live.  Lifestyle.  Leisure.  Income.  Whatever.

2.  Start a personal development program.  If your life sucks, it’s because you suck.  It’s not the government, the economy or your job.  It’s you. Start working harder on yourself than you do on your job and you’ll find out that the solution has been with you all along.

3.  Start a business that actually pays you what you’re worth.  Forget working 40 hours a week.  Find something you’re passionate about – or find a solution to a problem and start helping people solve it. Those desires you had as a kid were divined in you for a REASON. It’s time to go after it.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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TSO #588629

Now that we’re inside 30 days until the Convention, most of the “news” and “upgrades” are saved for those who actually show up in St. Louis. I went back to July, 2008 to review all the excitement of our largest Convention to date – the buzz about Lady Liberty – and clear signs that YTB was doing everything they could to appease California’s claims about YTB being a “gigantic pyramid scheme”.

The month before Convention, YTB announced they were contemplating a franchise model, and also removed the booking engine link from the marketing sites although nobody really knew why these changes were being made so close to Convention.

Hindsight is always 20/20 – and it’s clear looking back that YTB and California were communicating at the time. YTB was making the appropriate changes during their discussions to conform and ease the concerns California had.

Discussions had been going on since January 2007 when YTB came out with booking requirements for credentials in California. New legislation passed in the state required that any agent had to actually book travel before they were qualified to carry any card offered in the industry.

Typical of critics and zealots who have no clue – they thought this legislation would stop the massive growth of YTB and end the reign of MLM’s in their industry. What it did was put YTB on the map in California. At the beginning of 2007 there was somewhere around 3000 RTA’s in the state. By the end of 2007 – there were more than 20,000.

Oooops.

So zealots and critics do what they always do – they come up with more obstacles. Another group of “professionals” convinced Royal Caribbean to pull the plug on bookings with them to make it look like suppliers were now against MLM.

Problem was – business isn’t that stupid – bookings are bookings and only one other company YTB did a small number of bookings with pulled the plug besides RCL. (There was one other, but I can’t remember who it was. We never did business with them to begin with but any critic could tell you because it matters to them.)

After only securing 3 vendors with no more in sight, critics then came up with more complaints and more hoops that YTB had to jump through in order to remain “compliant”. The heat was cranked up after the company showed a profit to the SEC and was labeled a “Darling” instead of a “scam”. The company got their stock symbol off the Pink Sheets and back onto the OTC.BB. We also can’t forget YTB’s 9 point jump in Travel Weekly’s Power List from #35 to #26.

It scared the living daylights out of the dolts who can’t accept MLM and Network Marketing as a legitimate and viable business model. Remember THEY have to be right – otherwise they’re entire world collapses. MLM’s just can’t do things like this – it’s not right and there has to be something wrong here. (Small thinking I know – but look at whose pointing fingers at us.)

Since nothing critics said or did appeared to be working – they did what they always do when MLM grows to big too fast for their comfort zone. You file a $25 million lawsuit and for added impact they did it the day before everyone got together for the largest Convention to date.

That ‘ill show ‘em! Right?

Wrong…

Fast forward to 2009, and we find Jerry Brown announcing that he “brought an end to an elaborate pyramid scheme” in a very amusing press release. Legal documents however confirmed that all the time and money spent on the litigation pointed directly to the hoops YTB jumped through before the suit was filed to appease concerns about being an illegal pyramid scheme.

If you’re thinking the pyramid schemes are illegal – you’re spot on. Programs and companies that fall into that category are shut down – abruptly.

Since little had changed and Jerry’s claims about shutting the company down fell woefully short – we showed up a year later for another Convention.

California’s suit did work to some degree however. The suit did bleed the company of money with litigation and we never achieved the franchise model announced in 2008 as a legitimate or respectable “franchise”. We still don’t have a franchise to sell. After California took $875,000 from YTB’s pockets, (leaving only $125,000 for the “victims” they claimed they filed it for.) they handed their false claims over to Illinois to squeeze more money out of the company. The company continues to tolerate this myth that someone actually pays for the opportunity to recruit others into a pyramid. (Something that YTB has never done since it’s inception in 2001.)

The Illinois litigation has been stalled since it was filed – ironically filed  just 4 hours after the settlement with California was announced more than a year ago. After passing the baton, millions continue to be spent by both sides over ignorance, bitterness, and sheer stupidity instead of actually spending time and money on franchising.

Now that we’re two years removed from California’s stunt and we’re gearing up for our second Convention since the California A.G. announced his goal of ending our “pyramid scheme” I have to wonder if critics of YTB still think they won and we lost. Sure YTB has been bloodied and battered over California’s claims. The perception over the mere appearance of the word pyramid scheme would put some companies out of business.

Unfortunately, perceptions and accusations can’t overcome or extinguish truth or fact. The false claims from States like California and Illinois and the incessant shaming of our founders and members of YTB by overzealous critics has – in its own way – done some good.

Anyone who takes what they’ve read verbatim or doesn’t conduct their own due diligence about YTB (or Network Marketing in general) certainly won’t take the steps necessary to build a business. I learned very early on in my carrier with YTB that changing habits and perceptions over the ridiculous myths about money just rolling in without doing any work is an unnecessary step in the process. For the vast majority, it stacks the odds against them. While it’s not impossible – it’s a long shot at best that you can extract the weeds that choke logical thinking or change lazy habits if someone is unwilling or uncooperative.

To use an already overused verse – “You can lead a horse to water – but you can’t make them drink.”

I’ve seen and heard about the fears about brain washing. I’ll freely admit that I’ve been brain washed and take the term literally.

Thanks to my journey with YTB and the study I’ve done over the years, my mind has been cleansed. Dirt, stains, limiting beliefs, or any matter that doesn’t serve me has been washed away. One definition is “to free from spiritual defilement” which is appropriate when it comes to the brain. You are what you think about most of the time. What you focus on expands.

Some will continue to focus on perceptions, claims, fears and phobias. (Daily no less.) While the smart ones will see right through the hype and limiting beliefs. I find it fascinating that it’s the folks at YTB who are the ones who mislead and hype everything up. We’re the ones labeled as uncooperative and unwilling to see the light.

Looking back and reading memory lane documented here – and the fact the another Convention is less than 30 days away – me thinks it’s the other way around. ;-P

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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TSO #588629

Every watch a scary movie and your heart starts pounding out of your chest?

Have you ever thought about why you do that? I mean it’s a movie – you know that – right? The people on the screen are actors and while nobody actually comes right out and says it; consciously you know that no humans were actually harmed in the making of that film. Consciously, we know that it’s all make believe.

So why does our adrenalin start to surge through our bodies, and our blood pressure rise when watching these actors on the screen?

Because your subconscious mind can’t tell the difference between what’s real and what’s imagined. Our subconscious mind is preparing us for the fight or flight response we have when watching. Subconsciously – that movie is very real!

The vast majority of what we do is subconscious. It’s why we can walk and chew gum at the same time without giving it a single thought. We just do it – seemingly without effort.

We’ve all learned how to do certain things that appear to be effortless now. Walking, riding a bike, swimming, even driving a car. When we first learned how to drive, we couldn’t even hold a conversation at the same time. All our focus and energy was focused on the act of driving. Today, we’re talking on the phone and texting while driving. Which I don’t actually recommend by the way, but see it done all the time. (And what’s with you women putting on makeup while driving?!)

The subconscious mind stores everything that’s not in your conscious mind. All your life experiences, the geometry you learned back in grade school, images of summer camp, to the piano teachers who use to bust your knuckles with a ruler for not doing your scales properly. Everything including your current belief system about money, and society in general all reside in the subconscious mind.

Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.
~Napoleon Hill

Bill Gates was only guided by a “belief” that a computer would be in every home. Those computers needed software. Some called him crazy; companies like IBM didn’t think software was where it was at. You couldn’t touch software – and most didn’t understand software at the time. To this day, the average computer user doesn’t have a firm grasp on computer code to this day.

But you don’t need to understand HTML in order to read this article. Just like you don’t need to understand how electricity operates to turn on a light switch. Nor do you need to know how a combustible engine works in order to drive a car.

My point here is that you don’t really need to know how the subconscious mind works in order to change your circumstances and beliefs. You just have to be willing to believe there is a better way.

“Don’t believe what you see – See what you believe.”

If you’ve been around YTB for any length of time, you’ve heard that before. And it works!

Let’s go back to the car example again. Ever see a car that you really – really like and want? Once you pick that car out it’s amazing how that car all of the sudden pops up wherever you look. It’s happened with every car I’ve ever purchased. When Mustang changed their model back in the early 90′s I fell in love with it and everybody was driving one. Same thing happened early at the turn of the century when Chrysler came out with the 300M.

Why is that? Because the subconscious has triggered a “Google Alert” that provide examples of that car at every possible turn. The cars have always been there, it’s just so happens that you’ve set an alert to provide examples for you without consciously thinking about it.

If it works for cars like this, could it work for clients or prospects for your business? You bet it could!

The trick is finding the desire and belief that it’s possible. You don’t have to know how, nor do you have to have the means to actually do it right now. However, like the movie example, your subconscious doesn’t know that you don’t have your first client or recruit. It’s primary job once you set that desire and belief is to alert you of the examples of a potential client or prospect. All you have to do is recognize that alert and act on it. Dr. Joe Vitale calls it “inspired action”.

Truth be told, this is the exact reason why people get lucky. They not only desire the outcome, they believe it’s possible. The only difference between someone like them and you is that they took action when the subconscious mind sent out the alert.

So the next time someone tells you that a belief or an intent is silly, doesn’t work or impossible. Remember that the subconscious mind can’t tell the difference.

And if you need reminded of that, go rent a scary movie.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

TSO #588629

You best stay out of the kitchen.

Being one of the more visible YTB blogs on the internet, I have my share of readership. Most readers are supporters and enjoy my insight and information about our company.

I also have my share of detractors. Some I would safely say detest my existence for one reason or another. If you’re in the public eye, you can’t be everything to everybody and there will always be those who don’t agree with you. What makes my sort of activity and exposure dangerous is when emotions enter into the mix.

Emotions have too many variables. You can’t expect emotions to remain constant over time or from one person to another. Each individual perceives and reacts to each situation differently. Logic and facts however always have a base or a core that remain constant. One of the things we’re finding through our journey together with YTB is that the facts of our business model are able to withstand the misconception, half-truths, and lies that we see from those who use perceptions and opinions as their core defense.

As expected, John Frenaye took exception to my article on Friday and boldly laid claim that I’m the one who “spins”. He added that his blog was more “legitimate” and his was the only viable option where people had to ability to “judge for themselves”.

He’s also a tad upset at what he’s deemed a “personal attack” and eventually, “my lies” will catch up with me.

My – my – my. How easy it is to dish it out.

It’s interesting to me how quickly this group pulls the “personal attack” card when challenged. I’m not sure if they think they’re too pure, or we’re to take pity and look the other way when their blatant misrepresentations about our people, our Founders and our company are created by their hands. I hate to break it to this group – but they leave some enormous “stinkers” out there on the web. Their activities have left some laughing, and others appalled. We DO know right from wrong, ethical from unethical, what is morally right and what’s morally bankrupt.

To illustrate how bold and brazen John has become over the years, we’ll reference one of the most legitimate and honorable sources I know – our court system. What was forwarded to me last week clearly illustrates why our Home Office made the decision to turn down his requested interviews and why others have come to the conclusion that John can’t be trusted to “report” anything concerning YTB in an unbiased or accurate manor.

Case in point: This was written by John last week on his blog:

Of course, back in August of 2009, we reported on the story where Coach had a ramshackle home and was able to convince a church to make the repairs in return for a lease. But Coach reneged on the lease and got his home fixed for free.

I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t call his post entitled “Once Upon a Time” an actual “report” but ironically – a “Fairy Tale”. If you strip away John’s “report” and look at the court documents which are linked in the word “TRUTH” it reveals John’s elaborate web of deception – not Coach’s.

Yes – John’s the one deceiving the flock – pouring Kool-Aid if you will. The “truth” shows that Coach and Chris “donated” the parcel in question to the church for a Minister and his family use as a parsonage. More troublesome; the word “lease” never even appears in the actual court documents, although conveniently inserted by John in his – “report”.

True, the home needed electrical upgrades to meet code, and a gas furnace needed to be converted to propane. There was never any lease however, and Coach and Chris never received a penny for their generous donation to the Church and its family. Consequently, the court concluded:

“the parcel here in issue and the house thereon qualified for exemption during all of the 1998-assessment year either because it was in the process of adaptation for exempt use or because it was actually used by the Church as a parsonage for Rev. Casey.”

I know I’m going out on a limb, but you be the judge here. Which do you find more “legitimate”? John’s “Once Upon A Time” fairy tale – or – documentation from “The State of Illinois“?

What’s so astounding to me, is the man doesn’t appear to understand how anyone could possibly question his “reporting” as wrong or even inappropriate. To question anything he says or does is challenged with a very coy rebuttal and continued claims that HE is the most fair and unbiased source concerning YTB in the land. According to John, he’s proven how Coach has a long history of deception and he’s proud that his flock agrees that Coach should be thrown in jail for doing what he did to this church.

And yes, that type of arrogance is frustrating – even for me.

We can’t forget another court ruling regarding YTB’s business model and claims of an elaborate pyramid scheme that wasn’t just dismissed but tossed out as “redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter“. Again we find John and others on the wrong end of an argument calling the absurd complaint “powerful”.

Here’s how the Honorable Judge Murphy described the complaint:

“The First Amended Consolidated Complaint, filed July 15, 2009, is an ungainly monster of 39 pages containing 133 paragraphs (many of which have subparagraphs) that likely does not pass muster under the familiar federal “notice pleading” standard.”

True to form, John “disagrees” with the court’s ruling, and makes no apologies for his position or opinions. John falls right in line with the type of hideous and outrageous accusations Counsel tried to pull in its second go around, after the first complaint was dismissed. Their answer to the problem – a bolder, more brazen attack.

So which do you find more legitimate? John’s statement, or Judge Murphy?

From John’s point of view, it’s YTB that is “crafty” and “sly”. The only reason why YTB is still around is due to changing our model or living on the very edge of the law. Regardless how much change or how close we “appear” to be, it’s still the right side of the law. YTB’s model has never required “payment for the opportunity to recruit others” from day one. You may not agree with that – you may not understand that – and you may never accept that. But because yours is only “opinion” and not “fact” – you do have to continue to deal with YTB.

Finally, John recently found out that the law is the law, and everyone (including him) must abide regardless of opinions or perceptions. The creation of a fake Zam Zuu fan page to mock and poke fun at our company violated ZamZuu’s trademark causing a confusing similarity. His defense – a space between “Zam” and “Zuu”. (And no, I’m not kidding.)

John, you don’t just stink – you absolutely reek of lies, deceit and a perception that the laws of this land simply don’t apply to you. It’s a double standard that I will not turn away from and I will not make any apologies for in calling you out. We all make mistakes (even me) but there comes a time when you have to stop blaming others or being a victim and take personal responsibility for your own actions.

You are in the public eye and there will be those who will disagree and oppose you. There will also be those who will hold you accountable for your actions. If you don’t like it, either toughen up or stop what you’re doing and go back into hiding.

As it stands right now – you have proven to me, our company, and several outsiders who have no beef one way or another with YTB that you should not be trusted due to your attitude and your actions documented above.

For every action, there is a reaction. So if you don’t like my reaction, stop acting the way you are!

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

TSO #588629

I had the following story forwarded to me this weekend by one of my subscribers. I have no idea who the author is, or it’s origins. Heck, I don’t even know if it’s true or not. (Although if it isn’t – it should be.)

If you do an internet search on this piece you’ll find pages and pages of this piece – my guess is because it’s touched a lot of lives. My hope is that’s exactly what it does for you.

Change Your Thinking

It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking.

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.

His bed was next to the room’s only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end.

They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity an color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.

Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.

Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band – he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.

He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, ‘Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.’

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy.

‘Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present.’

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

TSO #588629