FredMcKinnon.Com

• @jdmayfield you too man. My voice is gone! #
• @dabbledb so, how many days have u been down now? We are quite frustrated, Sunday afternoon, our account down all day. #
• @MyTaskHelper u guys are pretty obnoxious w/ these auto-tweets, preying on @dabbledb unfortunate server issues. I get 1 every time. #
• @jdmayfield made it, sung as much as I could, deferred A LOT to 2 other singers. Sang low harmonies instead of lead. How was ur service? #
• @MyTaskHelper thanks. Who knows, u still may get a new customer from me if @dabbledb doesn't get their stuff sorted out. #
• @daveramsey says the same stuff over and over yet I never get tired of hearing it. Sound wisdom, practical advice. Changed our life 4ever. #
• @joelklampert sip, sip, enjoy, sip sip, enjoy. no chugging for me. I drink 4-5 mugs/am, but the mug seldom gets less than 1/2 full. #
• On the Blog: CRISIS: How Do You Manage Your iTunes/iPod Libraries? http://t.co/CWerCTC #
• @Ez37 you won't be disappointed. You'll get stuck on "O The Blood" forever. Powerful #
• @dabbledb last update 9 mins ago said server down and back up – but still not working for us. #
• @susanmck1006 HOPE TO SEE YOU Wed PM!? #
• Crisis – how do you manage your iTunes/iPod Library? http://bit.ly/i4NlRf #
• @mandythompson yes. what to do … what to do … I can't decide. #
• @dabbledb – ORDER THE SERVER, PLEASE – QUIT STALLING, MAKE IT HAPPEN, FIX IT, PLEASE, PLEASE. #INSANE HORRIFIC-FAIL #
• @ukjc I owned a hosting co for a decade. Def no reason it should take this long to procure new server and setup. So unfortunate. #
• @ukjc yeah, much as I hate it, I suppose it's time to find the best alternative. #
• @ukjc yep, we use @dabbledb to enter hundreds of ecommerce transactions each day for P&L tracking. Worse time of year to not work. #
• @fonstuinstra no, of course not. this happens, it's just unfortunate they can't get it resolved in a timely manner #dabbledb #
• Just launched our Featured Products store on @hppenterprises FaceBook Page – Check it out: http://on.fb.me/eoEZDt #
• @ukjc yeah, that's tough for CRM .. at least our staff can use Excel and import later. But we can't search existing records or update. #
• @MyTaskHelper Hey, need a free trial, but not limited to 100 records. Would have to import my entire dabbledb data (if we can ever get it) #
• RT @tentblogger: Did you see @BlaneYoung in this interview? – http://bit.ly/ei34Cu /congrats @blaneyoung, go locals! #
• @cyikkis I wondered when I read your tweet this AM. #
• Bed. 5:15 wakeup call for some deer hunting in the AM. #
• Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is love… http://read.ly/Phil4.8.ESV #
• @bkwestman its about time! #
• @rhinorun congrats. Hopefully I can say the same thing in a bit. Nothing but squirrels and crows thus far #
• @rhinorun well… where 2 or more are gathered and agree… does twitter count? Look 4ward to the pic #
• My view from the "double stand" this morning. #hunting http://yfrog.com/5derybj #
• My Dad just demonstrated those little "power balance bands" to me. I saw it, experienced it, but still having trouble BELIEVING IT. #
• @matreames a "metal" trick or a "mental" trick? #
• @matreames but in my "mind" I was doing everything I could to prove it wouldn't work. Would love to get a placebo (fake) one. #
• @wdkunkel @djbyron you guys amused me this AM. Thanks for helping me pass the time. Now, I'm back out 'til dark. #
• Good morning and Happy Black Friday. This is NOT the image I want to see on my major supplier's website today: http://twitpic.com/3abnn1 #
• check out @theworshipcomm's Featured Song: Emmanuel by Trent Smith # http://bit.ly/ghJDn9 // GREAT SONG FOR CHRISTMAS!! #sundaysetlists #
• just found out that one of my good friends (my age) died of a sudden heart attack today. We were roommates 'til my wedding day. Shocked. #
• Long night … still numb and in shock to the news of my friend's death. 40 is too young to die of a heart attack. #
• @liteNup @markjaffrey Thanks, Ken & Mark – see you in a couple of months in Nashville. #

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Hey Gang,

It’s all I can do to type this blog.  A literal feast was served at Joy’s cousins up in Monroe, GA today.  I ate … and ate … and ate … and it was so good.

All the same, I wanted to shake the sleepies long enough to say “Happy Thanksgiving” to all of our family, friends, and followers.

We have a million + reasons to give thanks.  The biggest reason of all?  Just that God is good.  In His Goodness, He’s done so much, including the giving on His Son for us all.

So, have an awesome “rest of the day”.

I have a crisis.

I have over 4,000 tracks in my iTunes library.  Many of which are ripped sermon CDs, demos from songwriters, sample audio bits for sermon ideas, etc.  Bottom line – a HUGE portion of those tracks are junk tracks that aren’t really meant to be my every-day listening options.

I’ve just erased and restored my iPod.  My crisis?  How do I manage it from here on?

I thought I’d create a playlist of the songs I want on the iPod and “sync selected playlists”.  But that’s such a drag – wading through 4,000 tracks and dragging what I want.

Plus, I inevitably forget to move new tunes to the “Fred’s iPod” playlist.

I could just go back to “sync all” – but then it takes an eternity to select an artist or album.

One way is clear and efficient at playback time, but takes a lot of work to maintain.
The other way is no work to maintain, but the iPod is messy.

So … how to you manage your iTunes and iPod library?

Manual sync?
Sync selected playlists?
Sync all?

• @pjosteen I'm torn. Hate Spurrier (SC), but have ALWAYS hated Florida. #
• Woke up this morning having that same dream – where I'm nervous about going back to college and wondering what I'm doing w/ my life?? #
• It's official. Deer hunting this weekend. Booked. I am so ready. #
• Just heard back home in McRae some roofers working on friend's house, dropped blow torch down through roof, burned down the home. #monday #
• EVERY single time I attempt to open my Kindle/Mac app, and register, it crashes. #
• Bills. Quickbooks. And my Classical Pandora station tonight. Wagner. Liszt. Brahms. Chopin. I remember when I could play that stuff. #
• RT @RandyElrod: A huge, HUGE announcement coming in next 48 hours bout http://recreateconference.com —I can't believe it! #recreate11 #
• @YouVersion excited about broadcast 2day, but won't be able to see it – hope it's archived. #
• @ScottMagdalein hey man … wish, wish, that search results on YouVersion were sorted by book, alphabetically … my wish list #
• Gateway's "O The Blood" with @karijobe is totally wrecking me right here in the middle of @wakeupcoffeeco. http://bit.ly/bL27kv #
• Listen to NEW Gateway Worship CD! – http://eepurl.com/bBLPD @integritymusic #
• RT @joeday: The Beatles. Really? REALLY!? That's it? // I'm more excited about Joe Day's album. #
• So our friends @lifewayworship are giving away some free tracks and charts today at http://bit.ly/LifeWayWorship #
• URGENT: I’m Asking For Your Help In The Next 24-48 Hours! http://bit.ly/9DOcyL #
• @dabbledb URGENT – see our email to support … cannot access, all users are rejected. #
• RT @SimonSaysYes: @fmckinnon @dabbledb The same problem is affecting all our users too. // must be system wide. back 2 excel for now. #
• @SimonSaysYes @ukjc @barrywelch I've sent an email to support, thus far, no response from @dabbledb. #
• @ukjc @barrywelch @grambo9068 we are back in now … thanks @dabbledb #
• Will you take a few minutes and send some Christmas cards to Compassion? No sponsorship required: http://bit.ly/b5leHW #
• RT @lifewayworship: Have you seen the FREE download deal today @lifewayworship? 1 day only! http://bit.ly/LifeWayWorship #andifourgodisforus #
• RT @bkwestman: I can't wait for the opportunity to use "O The Blood" from Kari Jobe on Gateway's new album! // AMEN. #
• @RandyElrod so, if Joy was on the fence, she's not anymore. Sadly I don't know the band or music, but she immediately recognized it. #
• @joelklampert yeah, it's what u get when u live in a church bubble most of ur life. In the 90's, if it wasn't Integrity or Vineyard ..haha #
• You SCREWED UP … But I Love You More Than … http://t.co/Fy4r9Zy (a candid, personal story of parenting) #
• @RandyElrod I clicked the big pic … is there another way? I didn't see any other way to reach the blog/articles. #
• You Screwed Up … But I Love You More Than … http://bit.ly/c4zEif #
• Yesterday's moment of transparency on the blog: http://bit.ly/c4zEif #
• @RussHutto I just may see you there! #
• @bkwestman it's messed up for me, too … when I try to click the reading, its all broken on @YouVersion … hope it gets fixed soon. (web) #
• @bkwestman mine works on my android app … just now web #
• Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. http://read.ly/Prov16.3.ESV #
• RT @RandyElrod The recreateConferenceDaily is out! http://bit.ly/cxlnTo ▸ Top stories 2day by @inprogress @SpenceSmith @RussHutto @fmckinnon #
• Dear Twitter, why am I getting txt messages for EVERY reply since yesterday? I didn't change any settings!? #
• @iamanoffering @PrudyChick got it … thanks! #
• @jmccartie yep … thanks a ton! #
• @tylerbraun Tyler, yeah, I finally figured it out … actually helped to login and change the settings, imagine that! #
• @theworshipcomm "O the Blood" (Kari Jobe/Gateway) #
• TECH/WEB folks: we keep getting virus on sscc website. Need some1 who can help us locate the virus and how to remove. http://bit.ly/4u93Vl #
• Hate is a strong word, granted … but I really HATE Microsoft Excel #
• Knocking out some work this AM and then off to the woods 4 some hunting. I've got all 4 kiddos this weekend. We're gonna have blast. #
• @dabbledb – 3 straight days of downtime, c'mon, this is a premium/paid service. Totally unacceptable. #
• The sun is setting and an howl it hooting in the distance. No deer tonight but love being in the woods #
• Beautiful morning for hunting. On a platform amidst cut timber. Full moon setting 44 degrees. Awaken the dawn … and deer. #
• Man I just let a nice buck get past me. Couldn't get scope on him b4 he disappeared into the clearcut. Missed opportunity! #

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Sometimes it’s hard to run a large e-biz from the corporate headquarters of the bonus room over your garage.  Especially with 4 young kids.

Since my e-biz is “online” most of our customer contact is online.  There are a million reasons why.  Every now and then I have to place (or receive) a phone call to a customer, though.  Or … a prospective customer.

Late yesterday afternoon was one of those times.  I had a lady placing a $400+ order but it triggered some of our fraud alerts so I had to speak with her to verify some things.

Of course, as soon as we’re closing the deal and I’m getting ready to take her order, one of my kids strolls into the upstairs “corporate headquarters” above our garage.  I’m not ashamed that our company is home-based and run from multiple mobile locations.  That doesn’t change the fact that I do try my best to project a professional look and vibe.

There is a FIERCE rule at our house that you DO NOT come into “Daddy’s office” when he’s on the phone doing business.  This kid ignores the rule and strolls in.  I put my finger up to my mouth, making the “ssssssh” signal.  He clearly sees it.  Then, he waltzes over to the upright Baldwin piano (typical furniture in any thriving business office, right?) and starts plunking out a happy melody … singing along.

The customer on the phone immediately gets weird … distant … seems nervous … and backs out of the transaction.  Quickly excuses herself.  She probably hung up the phone and thought “this is just some guy with a bunch of kids at home”.  (like that’s a bad thing?)

By now, McKinnon Kid (unnamed) is in the bathroom.  The only thing I hear after my frustrated verbal onslaught through that bathroom door is silence.

Then … whimpering.

Then … a tearful apology.

I open the door … I remind him about the rule.  I clarify that he did, indeed, see me ask him to be silent.  I pointed out one last time, as if he needed the reminder, that he’d just screwed up, and I’d lost a $400 sale.

Then … I put my hands on his shoulders and turn him to me.  I look into his eyes and say …

“Regardless … I love you …. more than a million $400 orders … I love you, and nothing will ever change that”.