Reposted from Tim Richardson

Last week, I lost a good friend. One who loved me unconditionally, even though I didn’t want her for the longest time.

My life was too busy. There was too much responsibility involved. Our kids were getting older and no longer required as much care.

She would tie us down, and I didn’t need one more thing to take my time and energy away.

As it turned out, we became great friends and walking buddies.

Early last year, I decided to get intentional about memorizing segments of my keynote speech. I needed someone to just let me talk and say the same things again and again.

She was an easy first choice.

I would wake up early – often before sunrise. We would walk in all kinds of weather without a complaint of any kind from her.

As we walked, she listened to me practice. She heard me work on memorizing new statistics to support my key points. She heard me repeat my presentation and waited patiently when I stopped walking periodically to review index cards with the content I was trying to memorize.

She never complained. She never got tired of hearing me, and she never gave me unsolicited feedback – she just listened without judgment as I talked while we walked.

We walked miles and miles together early in the morning, and she always welcomed me when I came in late at night from a business trip when no one else waited up.
She was always happy to see me, despite the fact that I sometimes got angry with her for barking at everyone who came to our door. She never held a grudge when I would pull her back to me, sometimes too forcefully, when she wanted to chase a rabbit or squirrel.

She would chase balls and frisbees that I threw over and over again. My arm tired out before she did.

Her needs were simple: food, walks, and an occasional tummy rub.

Eight years wasn’t enough with her, even though while she was alive I thought about how free it would be when she was gone. She hung on long enough for us to return from vacation. Last week, she let us know that she was ready right before I left for my annual National Speakers Association conference. Fittingly, it was a dreary, rainy morning when the vet came over to help with her transition.

I learned a lot from her about valuing practice and repetition, forcing myself to do hard things that I didn’t like doing, having simple needs, listening fully, and loving people unconditionally.

All great life lessons at any age.

The lessons she left behind are ones every business professional can use: practice what matters until it becomes natural, stay committed to the hard work of improvement, keep your priorities simple, and listen with full attention before you respond.
In a world full of noise, those habits can strengthen leadership, deepen trust, and improve the way we serve others.

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Reposted from Tim Richardson

Having just returned from vacation, I am still carrying the memories of the planning, the packing, and the anticipation. With all the catch up work and planning for another upcoming trip, I have found myself asking a simple question: was it worth it?

Was it worth the messages waiting for me when I got home?

Was it worth missing a few things while I was away?

Was it worth the worry that something important might happen while I was unplugged?

My answer is yes.

It was worth it for the early morning sky over Sandpoint, Idaho.

It was worth it for the fresh raspberries I picked almost every morning during the first week of the trip.

It was worth it for the boat rides, jet ski time, and meals on the water.

It was worth it for time with family, quiet mornings on the porch, long hikes, and the gift of being fully present.

It was worth it to see the mountains in Banff, still snow capped and framed by evergreen trees.

It was worth it to see longhorn sheep, a grizzly bear, and even a jackrabbit that stopped and stared me down on the trail at dusk.

It was worth it for the laughter, the fun, the adventure, and the togetherness.

That pause matters more than many of us realize.

Studies show that vacation can improve well-being, reduce stress, and support better performance when we return to work. Research has also found that the benefits of vacation can extend beyond the trip itself, especially when people fully disconnect and engage in restorative activities. In one long-term study of business executives, taking vacations was associated with lower mortality risk over time.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih+2

And yet, many people still leave vacation time on the table. In one U.S. survey, workers used an average of 17.4 vacation days while 27.2 percent of earned time went unused. Another report found that 768 million vacation days went unused in a single year, with more than half of employees saying they did not take all the time available to them.edition.cnn+1

The average business person may tell themselves they are too busy to step away, but that mindset can be costly. Taking time off is not a luxury. It is a practical way to restore focus, improve effectiveness, and protect long-term health and longevity.

You owe it to yourself, and to the people you love, to make time to get away. Refresh your thinking. Rest your mind. Be quiet. Be still. Absorb the beauty and experiences that do not happen every day.

So if you have been putting off a vacation, consider this your reminder to plan it, take it, and fully enjoy it. The work will still be there when you return, but you will return better rested, more focused, and more present for the people and responsibilities that matter most.

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Reposted from NEDCC

NEW Emergency Preparedness Videos   

Watch these three short “Ready—Or Not” videos about preparing, prioritizing, and recovering collections. Each video is under 5 minutes.   

https://www.nedcc.org/assessments-and-consultations/ready-or-not-cultural-heritage-disaster-preparedness-project/training   

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IFCPP PROTECTION TIP OF THE MONTH

 Keys & Access Control: Your Keys Are Part of Your Security System

Access control is one of the most fundamental layers of physical security. Every employee, volunteer, contractor, vendor, and security professional plays a role in protecting cultural institutions by ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive areas.
Every key, access card, PIN, and electronic credential represents trust. While sophisticated security technologies—including electronic access control, surveillance systems, intrusion detection, and alarms—are essential components of a comprehensive security program, even the most advanced systems can be compromised when access credentials are not properly controlled.
A misplaced key, a borrowed access card, a shared PIN, or a door left unsecured can provide unauthorized access to restricted areas, placing staff, visitors, collections, facilities, and operations at unnecessary risk.
For museums, libraries, archives, historic sites, and other cultural institutions, the consequences can be especially significant. A single compromised credential may provide access not only to offices, but also to collections storage, conservation laboratories, archives, mechanical spaces, evidence rooms, or other secure locations housing irreplaceable cultural assets.
Access credentials should always be treated as personally assigned security tools—not items to be shared for convenience. Every credential carries accountability. Promptly reporting missing or stolen keys allows security personnel to respond quickly before a small issue becomes a major security incident.

 Best Practices

•  Never loan or share keys, access cards, PINs, or electronic credentials.
•  Report lost or stolen keys and access cards immediately.
•  Never prop open secured doors—even "just for a minute."
•  Prevent tailgating by ensuring unknown individuals do not follow you through secured entrances without authorization.
•  Verify the identity and authorization of anyone requesting access to restricted areas.
•  Wear identification badges where required and professionally challenge individuals without proper identification.
•  Escort visitors, contractors, researchers, and vendors in restricted areas unless they have been authorized for unescorted access.
•  Ensure temporary staff, interns, volunteers, and contractors receive only the access necessary for their assigned responsibilities—and that access is removed promptly when their work is complete.
•  Keep keys and access cards secure at all times, both on and off duty.
•  Return all keys, credentials, and access cards immediately when changing positions or leaving the organization.

 Cultural Institution Reminder

Cultural institutions often rely on volunteers, seasonal employees, contractors, researchers, visiting specialists, and partner organizations. Applying the principle of least privilege—granting only the minimum level of access necessary for assigned duties—helps reduce risk while maintaining operational efficiency.
Strong access control protects not only buildings, but also collections, staff, visitors, institutional reputation, and public trust.

 Professional Tip

Security isn't just about keeping people out—it's about ensuring that the right people have access to the right places at the right time.
Every key, access card, and credential represents accountability. One unsecured door, one shared credential, or one lost key can undermine an entire security program.
Protect your credentials just as carefully as you protect the collections, facilities, and people entrusted to your care.

Remember: A door is only as secure as the person controlling the key.

Reposted from ArtSentry

Cutting Through the Artificial Intelligence Hype: 3 Reasons Purpose-Built AI Outperforms Generic Solutions in Museums

Generic AI security tools weren't designed for museums. Learn how purpose-built Artificial Intelligence delivers more accurate insights, fewer false alarms, and better protection for collections and visitors.

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From Postcards to Profit Centers: How Museum Stores Are Driving Revenue With Curated Shopping Experiences

Museum stores are evolving into strategic revenue centers by creating shopping experiences that extend the visitor journey beyond the galleries and foster deeper connections with exhibits and collections.

See Original Post

SentryGo App

Introducing SentryGo, our new mobile app for iOS and Android. SentryGo brings all the power of the Modern User Interface to mobile devices. Users can:

• Monitor surveillance cameras
• Respond to alarms
• Receive push notifications for alarms
• View dashboard & reports
• Share videos & reports
  And more!

Upcoming Webinar

Museum security today extends far beyond protecting collections. From cyber threats and climate-related risks to public access challenges and institutional trust, museums face a rapidly evolving security landscape. Join Tim Carpenter of Argus Cultural Property Consultants and Carrie Heflin of Art Sentry for an engaging discussion on overlooked vulnerabilities, real-world security failures, emerging threats, and practical strategies to strengthen preparedness while maintaining an open and welcoming visitor experience.
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Reposted from AASLH

Create or Update a Makerspace: Tim Betz, author of the book Making History: Makerspaces for Museums and Historic Sites, will provide real-world examples and practical guidance on designing and implementing makerspaces that complement existing exhibits and collections. By embracing the Maker Movement ethos, museums can come to life in new, dynamic ways. Join us for this webinar on July 23.

Discuss Civic Practice at the Next AASLH History Hour: On July 28, join a free discussion and community building event. AASLH’s Madeleine Rosenberg will lead a discussion about how history organizations can play in supporting and expanding civic practice, especially at the local level. 

AASLH-NCPH Joint Conference Early Bird Registration Deadline is August 3 

The must-attend history event of the year is the AASLH Joint Conference with the National Council on Public History. Join the national history community in Providence, Rhode Island, on September 16-19 to explore the current state and future of museums and historic sites. 

Registration Open for AASLH Instructor-Led Online Courses 

Learn from an instructor and gain important skills for running a museum or historic site with AASLH Online Courses. Registration is open for the fall session of courses, which begins August 24. Courses include Introduction to Museum Endowments, The Academic Museum, Museum Education and Outreach, Collections Management 100: Collection Development, Leadership and Administration for History Organizations, Collections Management 200: Stewardship and Public Access, and Project Management for History Professionals. 

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Reposted from SafeHaven Security

Prevention, Preparedness & Protection
The strongest security programs aren't built around responding to incidents—they're built around preventing them.
This month, we're highlighting what separates professional security officers from the stereotypes, sharing insights from one of SafeHaven Security Group's most experienced leaders, and providing resources to help organizations strengthen workplace violence prevention efforts before problems escalate.
Many people still view security through an outdated lens. The reality is that today's professional Security Officers are trained observers, risk managers, de-escalation specialists, emergency responders, and often the first line of defense against threats that never make the evening news.
As SafeHaven Security Group expert Monte Mills explains in his latest article, the best security work often happens before anything goes wrong.
Organizations that understand this stop buying hours. They start investing in protection.

SAVE THE DATE

At the 2026 Violence Prevention Conference of Mid-America, Brooke Brittain will share how leaders can carry the weight of leadership without feeling heavy. Drawing from her experience as a combat veteran, retired U.S. Army Military Police Sergeant First Class, coach, and educator, Brooke will provide practical strategies for leading with resilience, clarity, and purpose—even in the most challenging situations.
 
If you're responsible for the safety of people, culture, and your organization, this is a session you won't want to miss.
 
 October 20–21, 2026
 Rogers, Arkansas
 
Register today: https://www.safehavensecuritygroup.com/violence-prevention-conference-of-mid-america

See Original Post

IFCPP PROTECTION TIP OF THE MONTH

 Keys & Access Control: Your Keys Are Part of Your Security System

Access control is one of the most fundamental layers of physical security. Every employee, volunteer, contractor, vendor, and security professional plays a role in protecting cultural institutions by ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive areas.
Every key, access card, PIN, and electronic credential represents trust. While sophisticated security technologies—including electronic access control, surveillance systems, intrusion detection, and alarms—are essential components of a comprehensive security program, even the most advanced systems can be compromised when access credentials are not properly controlled.
A misplaced key, a borrowed access card, a shared PIN, or a door left unsecured can provide unauthorized access to restricted areas, placing staff, visitors, collections, facilities, and operations at unnecessary risk.
For museums, libraries, archives, historic sites, and other cultural institutions, the consequences can be especially significant. A single compromised credential may provide access not only to offices, but also to collections storage, conservation laboratories, archives, mechanical spaces, evidence rooms, or other secure locations housing irreplaceable cultural assets.
Access credentials should always be treated as personally assigned security tools—not items to be shared for convenience. Every credential carries accountability. Promptly reporting missing or stolen keys allows security personnel to respond quickly before a small issue becomes a major security incident.

 Best Practices

•  Never loan or share keys, access cards, PINs, or electronic credentials.
•  Report lost or stolen keys and access cards immediately.
•  Never prop open secured doors—even "just for a minute."
•  Prevent tailgating by ensuring unknown individuals do not follow you through secured entrances without authorization.
•  Verify the identity and authorization of anyone requesting access to restricted areas.
•  Wear identification badges where required and professionally challenge individuals without proper identification.
•  Escort visitors, contractors, researchers, and vendors in restricted areas unless they have been authorized for unescorted access.
•  Ensure temporary staff, interns, volunteers, and contractors receive only the access necessary for their assigned responsibilities—and that access is removed promptly when their work is complete.
•  Keep keys and access cards secure at all times, both on and off duty.
•  Return all keys, credentials, and access cards immediately when changing positions or leaving the organization.

 Cultural Institution Reminder

Cultural institutions often rely on volunteers, seasonal employees, contractors, researchers, visiting specialists, and partner organizations. Applying the principle of least privilege—granting only the minimum level of access necessary for assigned duties—helps reduce risk while maintaining operational efficiency.
Strong access control protects not only buildings, but also collections, staff, visitors, institutional reputation, and public trust.

 Professional Tip

Security isn't just about keeping people out—it's about ensuring that the right people have access to the right places at the right time.
Every key, access card, and credential represents accountability. One unsecured door, one shared credential, or one lost key can undermine an entire security program.
Protect your credentials just as carefully as you protect the collections, facilities, and people entrusted to your care.

Remember: A door is only as secure as the person controlling the key.

Reposted from LandSkyAI

LANDSKI.AI-

Inside This Month at LandSkyAI

LandSkyAI Reaches 70,000 Fully Remote Missions
We Have Increased Our Total Operators, Again!
June 2026 Blog Round-Up
Drone Ecosystem Update

Next Up: Mission Control July Edition!

Haven't caught one yet? This is the one.
We'll walk through what's new at LandSkyAI, show real deployments, and watch the systems work live in the field. Q&A with the team. Straight answers.
Already following us? You'll stay current. Know someone asking about what we do? Bring them. No pitch. Just real drone security. 
Read Full Newsletter

Reposted from Tim Richardson

Why One More Chance Can Change Everything

What does a sitcom that was nearly canceled teach us about life, work, and perseverance? More than you might think. As Seinfeld marks another anniversary, its unlikely rise from rejection to cultural icon offers a powerful reminder that one setback is not the final word. Before you scroll past, take a moment with this story—it might change the way you think about failure, potential, and giving something one more chance.

The first episode aired 37 years ago this week. It wasn’t well received. In fact, NBC initially wanted to cancel it. But NBC executive Rick Ludwin saw potential and funded four more episodes.

That show was Seinfeld.

Created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, the series, often described as a “show about nothing”, followed a fictionalized version of Seinfeld alongside characters like George Costanza, Elaine Benes, and Cosmo Kramer. It debuted on July 5, 1989, as The Seinfeld Chronicles, and the pilot drew poor reviews. Despite that, Ludwin’s decision to give it another shot led to a nine-season run, 180 episodes, and a place as one of the most successful sitcoms in television history.

The finale, which aired in 1998, drew more than 38 million viewers.

Not bad for something that almost didn’t make it past episode one.

There are lines from the show that still show up in everyday conversation:

• “No soup for you!”
• “Yada, yada, yada.”
• “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.”
• “Hello, Newman.”
• “Serenity now!”

It’s 37 years later and we are still repeating this lines. I would say it was a mildly successful. show!

How easy would it have been to quit? To give up?

And some do … after failing once.

But Seinfeld never would have become what it is if someone hadn’t seen the potential beyond the first attempt.

That’s what has me thinking about how easy it is to give up on someone or something when failure shows up.

A new employee.

A new idea.

A new business practice.

A new personal routine.

Most of us have given up on at least one of these. Maybe too soon.

There’s no doubt there are times to walk away. But it’s almost never after just one attempt.

Sometimes what looks like failure is just the first draft of something great.

Before you give up on something or someone new, pause to ask yourself: is this truly the end or just the beginning that needs one more chance?

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