Thomas Umstattd Jr.

Profesional Speaker

One of my favorite things in the world is teaching. Now I (sometimes) get paid to do something I love.  If you would like to learn how to use Twitter better you are invited to come hear me speak. I’m just getting started as a professional speaker and so many of my classes are still free. I have also added an upcoming speaking events widget to the sidebar. Upcoming Classes: July 27, 2009 Introduction...

The Thin Line Between Creepy and Charming

Yesterday I tweeted “The only difference between creepy and charming is permission.” Some explanation is in order. No, I did not go on a date last night. No, I did not have yet another awkward encounter with a woman. But there is a story here and an interesting conclusion. The tweet was the result of three completely unrelated things blending in my mind. Thing 1: Barrack Obama There has...

Need Help With Technology? Check out my new website.

This robot goes with the new website I started to help people use technology to advance the kingdom. It’s targeted at Authors but the tips will be helpful to you as well. Do you have a question about some tech topic? This is the place to ask it. Recent Tech Tips: 5 Tips for Getting The Most Out of Twitter What is a Podcast? How to Get Twitter on Your Phone The Best Way to Track Site Statistics How...

Adventure at Dunnottar Castle

Instead of telling you about the computer work I did in Scotland, let me tell you about the adventure I had at Dunnottar Castle. It began when Jessica Heaton, an old friend from Belton, offered to take me on a Castle tour. She purchased a car the day before and this was her first day to drive on the backward Scottish roads. Instead of driving up to the castle we drove to Stonehaven where we could...

What I Learned in Russia

Natasha Thomas & Olga Cantrell playing with weird camera poses. Russian is one of the hardest languages to learn in the world. Never under any circumstances walk in a Russian home with your shoes on. Even if they say you can don’t. Russian homes are warmer than my house in Belton. All that talk about how cold it is here is hype. Russian buildings are heated by warm water that flows through...

Photos from Russia

Here I am in front of a 3000 year old Sphinx. This statue sits on the site of a road and gets frosty in the winter. Those Egyptians knew how to build things to last! Lucy, Philly, Ana and Olga admire a wall painting at the Winter Palace. Here is a great example of the majestic beauty of St. Petersburg. The lady standing at the base of the right statue lived with us in the States for several months....

So, what is MIR anyway?

Two Russian orphans. The biggest question I have received about my trip to Russia is “What is MIR?” No one has heard of it. To help answer that question I have put together the following video. While in Russia I helped: Setup a several new computers Setup a new secure email system Demoed the XO Laptop to orphanage directors (yes yes a post on XO Laptops is coming) Secure the network. Increase...

Generation Y on Abortion

The following video is by Lia who is only 12 years old. She gave this speech to her 7th grade class. Are the public figures emerging? Generation Y, my generation, is much more pro life than Generation X and the Baby Boomer generation. I can’t wait for the male baby boomer pro-life establishment to be augmented and replaced by young women. From a public speaking standpoint I want to point out...

My Russian Family

I would like to introduce you to my Russian family they are some of the friends I have made here. The first five live with me in My Russian Home. This is Mike Cantrell. He is my host and the man of the house. He directs Mir  and Stoneworks International. He is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. He is on international Skype calls late into the night and back at work early in the morning....

My Russian Home

This is the elevator that goes up to our flat. It can hold up to three people or two people and a backpack. Its great for building community. This is the entry way of our flat. Every time you enter a house you take off your coat and shoes and put on house slippers. Each Russian home providers house slippers for guests. This practice keeps the floors very clean a stark contrast to the streets which...