December 31, 2009, according to the cardinal numbering system, marks the end of the first decade of the new millennium. Some "purists" look at the year 2000 as the last year of the old Millennium and, for them, 2010 would be the last year of the first decade starting in 2001. Using the cardinal numbering system, 2000 was the first year of the new millennium, so today is the end of the first decade.
ABC World News for 12/30/2009, identified technology as a major definer of the first decade, with Apple's iPhone as the most significant technology of the decade.
With the changes to the economies in the USA and in the world seen in 2009, many people are ready for the new decade with a positive outlook. While there may well be positive changes, year-end is also a good time to "clean-house" (even for the decade). Getting rid of receipts more than 7-years old (for the IRS) or that don't have to do with your house, may open up more room.
I'm looking forward to cleaning out lots of unused and no longer needed "things" that take-up space and crowd my thoughts.
It's also time to do lots of rethinking for the next decade. What do I want to be doing? What is the future of business, especially of the kinds of business I am involved in? What do I need to plan for? How can I build an effective support network where members can support each other?
Lots to think about this December 31st, 2009. Enjoy your evening tonight and your year-end activities!! :-)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Old Words and Meanings--New Words?
Another person at the Delnor Wellness Center today shared with me a list of words well known by people over fifty that have fallen out of use as slang today. A news announcement in the past two months described some new words creeping into our vocabulary. unfriend was a new one for this year, meaning to take someone off of your "friend" list at a social networking site.
The words in the attached photo represent a start of words that are disappearing from slang. What others can you remember? (Click on the picture to see all the columns.)
The words in the attached photo represent a start of words that are disappearing from slang. What others can you remember? (Click on the picture to see all the columns.)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
(Reading) Resources for Parents
In a conversation with a parent today in the therapy pool at the Delnor Wellness Center, we spoke about ways to provide enriching experiences for her two children in terms of reading and building skills useful both in school and beyond. I have written about many of these ideas in earlier posts to this blog and wanted to revisit the topic--and to provide some new posts.
A very good way for students to build reading and writing skills is to listen to unabridged audiobooks of interest to them and to read along with an unabridged companion (printed) book. The best source of these books is the local public library--in my area the St. Charles Public Library probably has the best collection. If you do not have access to a public library (which I heartily encourage for everyone), you can go online to the World Public Library and access many downloadable digital books (for visual reading) and digital audio books. An individual annual membership to the World Public Library is only $8.95 per year.
Downloadable books can be saved on iPods and MP3 players. This gives the students access to books where they keep their music and gives them that much more opportunity to read or to listen to the books.
Amazon has the Kindle digital book reader
Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, U.S. Wireless)--that also supports audio. Sony has a book reader and a European company makes a third reader (at, perhaps, a more affordable price). While downloaded books can be read on computers--I read several textbooks that way while taking online courses from the University of Phoenix--portable book readers seem to be a much preferred way to go for digital books. (You may want to explore "tablet PCs"--including a new one that may be coming out from Apple soon--to see if that will give you the most value from your investment.) Follow this link for a review of the book readers.
I have been working with an extension of the audiobook and companion book concept to review my Spanish language skills. I listen to an unabridged audiobook in English while reading its unabridged companion book in Spanish, then I listen to the unabridged audiobook in Spanish after I have read the companion book. A modification that would also work is to do what I just said, then listen to the unabridged audiobook in Spanish and read the unabridged companion book in Spanish again. This would reinforce Spanish pronunciation of the words in the book.
To improve writing skills, adults and children need to read more. Research indicates that the best writers were first very good readers. (Visit the "Using Audiobooks" link on the page.). An easy and mostly painless way to start is to find a series of books by a favorite author. (For example, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Visit http://drm-booklists.wikispaces.com/ and look at the tabs on the left for some suggestions.) Once the adults or children have listened to and read a few of the books in the series, they should be encouraged to create a sequel or another story using the same characters and language of their favorite author of the series. This way they have good role models for their writing and a good way to measure the quality of their writing against the work of they author they were inspired by.
These approaches can improve reading and comprehension by both children and adults and are especially valuable for second language learners. By involving multiple senses, these approaches can also help people overcome minor learning challenges that impact how they read or listen.
For those who are physically or visually challenged, the Library of Congress offers the National Library Service free for those who qualify. Qualification is a matter of certification by a doctor and then patrons receive free digital audiobooks and braile books in the mail. Visit my blog post about BARD for more details.
If you would like to see a presentation about using audiobooks to improve reading and academic performance, please follow this link to my website. (Go to the 2009 Presentation on "Using Audiobooks," then click on the link you want to use.)
If you are interested in working with me to help your children (or adults) to learn to read more, please visit my website contact page at http://www.joelmonty.net/contact/contact.htm.
A very good way for students to build reading and writing skills is to listen to unabridged audiobooks of interest to them and to read along with an unabridged companion (printed) book. The best source of these books is the local public library--in my area the St. Charles Public Library probably has the best collection. If you do not have access to a public library (which I heartily encourage for everyone), you can go online to the World Public Library and access many downloadable digital books (for visual reading) and digital audio books. An individual annual membership to the World Public Library is only $8.95 per year.
Downloadable books can be saved on iPods and MP3 players. This gives the students access to books where they keep their music and gives them that much more opportunity to read or to listen to the books.
Amazon has the Kindle digital book reader
Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, U.S. Wireless)--that also supports audio. Sony has a book reader and a European company makes a third reader (at, perhaps, a more affordable price). While downloaded books can be read on computers--I read several textbooks that way while taking online courses from the University of Phoenix--portable book readers seem to be a much preferred way to go for digital books. (You may want to explore "tablet PCs"--including a new one that may be coming out from Apple soon--to see if that will give you the most value from your investment.) Follow this link for a review of the book readers.I have been working with an extension of the audiobook and companion book concept to review my Spanish language skills. I listen to an unabridged audiobook in English while reading its unabridged companion book in Spanish, then I listen to the unabridged audiobook in Spanish after I have read the companion book. A modification that would also work is to do what I just said, then listen to the unabridged audiobook in Spanish and read the unabridged companion book in Spanish again. This would reinforce Spanish pronunciation of the words in the book.
To improve writing skills, adults and children need to read more. Research indicates that the best writers were first very good readers. (Visit the "Using Audiobooks" link on the page.). An easy and mostly painless way to start is to find a series of books by a favorite author. (For example, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Visit http://drm-booklists.wikispaces.com/ and look at the tabs on the left for some suggestions.) Once the adults or children have listened to and read a few of the books in the series, they should be encouraged to create a sequel or another story using the same characters and language of their favorite author of the series. This way they have good role models for their writing and a good way to measure the quality of their writing against the work of they author they were inspired by.
These approaches can improve reading and comprehension by both children and adults and are especially valuable for second language learners. By involving multiple senses, these approaches can also help people overcome minor learning challenges that impact how they read or listen.
For those who are physically or visually challenged, the Library of Congress offers the National Library Service free for those who qualify. Qualification is a matter of certification by a doctor and then patrons receive free digital audiobooks and braile books in the mail. Visit my blog post about BARD for more details.
If you would like to see a presentation about using audiobooks to improve reading and academic performance, please follow this link to my website. (Go to the 2009 Presentation on "Using Audiobooks," then click on the link you want to use.)
If you are interested in working with me to help your children (or adults) to learn to read more, please visit my website contact page at http://www.joelmonty.net/contact/contact.htm.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Learning from Experience and History--Finding Patterns that Work
Speaking with a friend the other day, I shared some meta-models that identify patterns at work. By being aware of these patterns of behavior, positive changes can be made to improve processes, workflow, and results of organizations. Two of these meta-models are the Team Tracking Tool (Slide 12) and the Shame Affect Decision Model (Slide 2).
These models capture processes at work that allow for the identification of what works and what may be missing or improved at work. They were developed by observing hundreds of hours of interactions and have proved reliable over time. In the course of our conversation it became clear that sometimes leaders in the workplace do not want to be made aware of these processes or be responsible for being able to make decisions to change what they are doing at work.
The idea of learning from experience and history are the essential ideas in my post from yesterday concerning animal spirits and the economy. The concept is also reflected in Dan Brown's two books, Angels and Demons and The DaVinci Code. I saw another example in a documentary today Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.
The challenge is to reflect on our experience and on history and to learn from these reflections. Models of processes can help in this process and, if leaders are not willing to engage in the reflection and learning process, they miss opportunities to improve and change. These opportunities may have a small window of opportunity as the economy and world events change around them.
These models capture processes at work that allow for the identification of what works and what may be missing or improved at work. They were developed by observing hundreds of hours of interactions and have proved reliable over time. In the course of our conversation it became clear that sometimes leaders in the workplace do not want to be made aware of these processes or be responsible for being able to make decisions to change what they are doing at work.
The idea of learning from experience and history are the essential ideas in my post from yesterday concerning animal spirits and the economy. The concept is also reflected in Dan Brown's two books, Angels and Demons and The DaVinci Code. I saw another example in a documentary today Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.
The challenge is to reflect on our experience and on history and to learn from these reflections. Models of processes can help in this process and, if leaders are not willing to engage in the reflection and learning process, they miss opportunities to improve and change. These opportunities may have a small window of opportunity as the economy and world events change around them.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Animal Spirits: How Human Psychology Drives the Economy and Why it Matters for Global Capitalism
In exploring Audible.com today I came across the audiobook Animal Spirits: How Human Psychology Drives the Economy and Why it Matters for Global Capitalism by
George A. Akerlof and Robert J. Shiller.
I am still exploring the book and find it very interesting to use the filter of "animal spirits" to explore recent changes in the world's economy. These concepts address issues of confidence, among others, and how that plays out in terms of unemployment and the economy as a whole.
I am looking for personal insights that I can use to guide my own responses to this economy.
I am still exploring the book and find it very interesting to use the filter of "animal spirits" to explore recent changes in the world's economy. These concepts address issues of confidence, among others, and how that plays out in terms of unemployment and the economy as a whole.
I am looking for personal insights that I can use to guide my own responses to this economy.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Processes in Aging
My mother celebrated her 95th birthday on December 18th. I have been with her much of her life and especially for the past 17 years. Six years ago she had a CT-Scan of her head and her neurologist reported that some of Mom's brain processes were slowing down due to age. Other doctors have reported some of her diverticulae wearing out in her digestive track and have recommended certain foods for her to eat. She has age-related macular degeneration in both eyes and has lost quite a bit of central vision in her left eye.
I speak of her memory as a "swiss cheese" memory--some of it is solid and suddenly, without warning, she "falls into a hole." When she finds her self in a "hole" the good news for her to remember is that she will soon be back on the solid part of her memory.
She does not, thank God, have Alsheimers. She does have an aging brain and, fortunately, has been on supplemental oxygen for about four years--this provides the oxygen-rich environment the brain needs to stay as healthy as it can for as long as it can.
Her personality has not changed and she is still as independent as she can be and is interested in the National Geographic, the Smithsonian, Time, Reader's Digest, and other current magazines. With a note from her eye doctor, she now receives materials from the Library of Congress-National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (see other posts for more details).
We used to enjoy watching videos (DVDs or video-cassettes) and listening to audiobooks together. Recently (in the last month), Mom has noticed that her processing needs more time to understand speech--that is, she cannot understand what is being said on the DVDs or videos--and sometimes even the audiobooks--because the action and the voices speak too rapidly for her processing speed to catch up.
I have noticed that she still enjoys reading large print books. Some of her favorites are Lilian Jackson Braun's "Cat Who" series. She know the characters and can follow the action at her own pace.
I'm glad she still enjoys reading and we can have good conversations as long as I speak slowly and clearly and in a bright enough light for her to watch my lips as I speak. Mom is hard of hearing and has good hearing aids. At this point these hearing aids are more frustration than help because she cannot process what she hears quickly enough for her to follow or to engage in conversations taking place in "normal time."
I believe these changes are normal and are important for me to follow--it may happen to me some day as well. I know I need to adjust my expectations to match her changes--that allows me to respond to her well. Rather than being frustrated by what she can no longer do, I need to continue to appreciate what she can do and has done.
I'm blessed to have her in my life for this long and I am glad her quality of life has not "lost all of its flavor" for her. She is sleeping more (and dreaming a lot). We still have fun together and I'm more and more aware of how quickly things can change.
I speak of her memory as a "swiss cheese" memory--some of it is solid and suddenly, without warning, she "falls into a hole." When she finds her self in a "hole" the good news for her to remember is that she will soon be back on the solid part of her memory.
She does not, thank God, have Alsheimers. She does have an aging brain and, fortunately, has been on supplemental oxygen for about four years--this provides the oxygen-rich environment the brain needs to stay as healthy as it can for as long as it can.
Her personality has not changed and she is still as independent as she can be and is interested in the National Geographic, the Smithsonian, Time, Reader's Digest, and other current magazines. With a note from her eye doctor, she now receives materials from the Library of Congress-National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (see other posts for more details).
We used to enjoy watching videos (DVDs or video-cassettes) and listening to audiobooks together. Recently (in the last month), Mom has noticed that her processing needs more time to understand speech--that is, she cannot understand what is being said on the DVDs or videos--and sometimes even the audiobooks--because the action and the voices speak too rapidly for her processing speed to catch up.
I have noticed that she still enjoys reading large print books. Some of her favorites are Lilian Jackson Braun's "Cat Who" series. She know the characters and can follow the action at her own pace.
I'm glad she still enjoys reading and we can have good conversations as long as I speak slowly and clearly and in a bright enough light for her to watch my lips as I speak. Mom is hard of hearing and has good hearing aids. At this point these hearing aids are more frustration than help because she cannot process what she hears quickly enough for her to follow or to engage in conversations taking place in "normal time."
I believe these changes are normal and are important for me to follow--it may happen to me some day as well. I know I need to adjust my expectations to match her changes--that allows me to respond to her well. Rather than being frustrated by what she can no longer do, I need to continue to appreciate what she can do and has done.
I'm blessed to have her in my life for this long and I am glad her quality of life has not "lost all of its flavor" for her. She is sleeping more (and dreaming a lot). We still have fun together and I'm more and more aware of how quickly things can change.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas!!
Christmas is an important tradition in my family, from the spiritual focus of the holy event celebrated by Christians around the world to the family traditions of gathering together in loving, piece, joy, and sharing.
Both Mom and Dad had important memories of Christmas in their family and we brought it into our family, too. As a child, I remember having Caroling parties at my home for my friends, the awe inspiring activities in the church, especially the midnight services, the Christmas tree, and, above all, the sense of togetherness and love.
Tied closely to the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas follows the longest night in the year. In cold climates, under clear conditions (different from what would have been experienced in Bethlehem at the actual birth of Jesus Christ) the stars appear closer to the earth and there is a stillness and peace that we can be aware of. It's cold outside and we appreciate the warmth of being together in front of a blazing fire in a hearth.
Our modern society seems to move at an ever increasing pace, with Internet and social networks abounding. At the same time, these powerful connections between people and, for those with faith, in terms of Spirit, make our world and our lives a richer place.
I am a follower of Christ and find Him in my heart--every day and especially today.
I love the traditions of Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus) and appreciate the good that flows abundantly in all sorts of ways as people are inspired by the Christmas Spirit.
Christmas is a good time to reflect and to give thanks for all the blessings we experience on a daily basis. I am certainly thankful and look at all of the Christmases I have experienced so far as a series of blessings in my life.
I feel especially blessed to be able to share it with family and friends.
Merry Christmas!!
Christmas is an important tradition in my family, from the spiritual focus of the holy event celebrated by Christians around the world to the family traditions of gathering together in loving, piece, joy, and sharing.
Both Mom and Dad had important memories of Christmas in their family and we brought it into our family, too. As a child, I remember having Caroling parties at my home for my friends, the awe inspiring activities in the church, especially the midnight services, the Christmas tree, and, above all, the sense of togetherness and love.
Tied closely to the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas follows the longest night in the year. In cold climates, under clear conditions (different from what would have been experienced in Bethlehem at the actual birth of Jesus Christ) the stars appear closer to the earth and there is a stillness and peace that we can be aware of. It's cold outside and we appreciate the warmth of being together in front of a blazing fire in a hearth.
Our modern society seems to move at an ever increasing pace, with Internet and social networks abounding. At the same time, these powerful connections between people and, for those with faith, in terms of Spirit, make our world and our lives a richer place.
I am a follower of Christ and find Him in my heart--every day and especially today.
I love the traditions of Saint Nicholas (or Santa Claus) and appreciate the good that flows abundantly in all sorts of ways as people are inspired by the Christmas Spirit.
Christmas is a good time to reflect and to give thanks for all the blessings we experience on a daily basis. I am certainly thankful and look at all of the Christmases I have experienced so far as a series of blessings in my life.
I feel especially blessed to be able to share it with family and friends.
Merry Christmas!!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve with Friends and Family
It's Christmas Eve--a day for connecting with friends and family. I needed to contact four friends to ask them for help over the holidays. I actually connected "live and in person" with three of the four and left a voicemail message for the fourth friend. I haven't spoken to these friends in several months and it was great to connect with them on the day before Christmas.
My cousins who live in Wheaton, IL, had a family dinner for Christmas Eve at their home. Another cousin who lives near Milwaukee decided not to brave the weather, so there were just five of us around the family room and, later, the dinner table.
We have a tradition established many times over the past 17 years. We get together on Christmas Eve, have a potluck dinner, and enjoy each other's company. There is also a gift exchange based on each person's comfort level in giving gifts. We often have games and this year my cousin left a challenging question at everyone's place. Each question was different. One was "what traditions did you have surrounding Christmas as a child?"
My mother turned 95 on Friday, 12/18/2009. She came to the family dinner and enjoyed it--though now she is home in bed, sleeping. We have modified our games somewhat and are learning lessons about aging from our parents and from each other (the same generation of cousins).
While we are not in the days of Norman Rockwell, we do have established traditions for Christmas which really add value to our lives.
Merry Christmas, everyone!! :-)
My cousins who live in Wheaton, IL, had a family dinner for Christmas Eve at their home. Another cousin who lives near Milwaukee decided not to brave the weather, so there were just five of us around the family room and, later, the dinner table.
We have a tradition established many times over the past 17 years. We get together on Christmas Eve, have a potluck dinner, and enjoy each other's company. There is also a gift exchange based on each person's comfort level in giving gifts. We often have games and this year my cousin left a challenging question at everyone's place. Each question was different. One was "what traditions did you have surrounding Christmas as a child?"
My mother turned 95 on Friday, 12/18/2009. She came to the family dinner and enjoyed it--though now she is home in bed, sleeping. We have modified our games somewhat and are learning lessons about aging from our parents and from each other (the same generation of cousins).
While we are not in the days of Norman Rockwell, we do have established traditions for Christmas which really add value to our lives.
Merry Christmas, everyone!! :-)
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Good News for people on COBRA--Reduced Rate Extended 6 more months
President Obama recently signed legislation that allows the continuation of the COBRA Premium Subsidy for six more months--following the terms of the coverage. This means that qualified individuals pay 35% of their COBRA payments for 15 months rather than 9 months.
This legislation goes a long way to assist people to maintain adequate levels of health insurance protection while they are changing jobs.
The link does not have information about the extended coverage--perhaps that is too new for the website.
This legislation goes a long way to assist people to maintain adequate levels of health insurance protection while they are changing jobs.
The link does not have information about the extended coverage--perhaps that is too new for the website.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Non-toxic Dentistry and Health Maintenance
My mother and I had our six-month check-up at our non-toxic dentist--Dr. Marcia Basciano, with offices in Downers Grove, IL. The organization IAOMT has recognized Dr. Basciano as a Master in their fellowship.
I first heard about "biological dentists" when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001 (on 9/11/2001, to be exact). In my research, I learned that most men with prostate cancer had an undiagnosed dental infection draining into the immune system and lowering our ability to fight off cancer. I did some research, made some phone calls, and found Dr. Janet Stopka as the closest biological dentist to where I lived in the Chicago suburbs. Dr. Stopka and Dr. Basciano shared offices at that time. About one year ago Dr. Stopka moved her practice to an office in Palos Heights, IL--about one hour of driving time beyond Dr. Basciano's office. Both are active in the IAOMT.
These doctors have made a commitment to keep toxic materials out of the body and help patients remove old fillings with mercury and other dental materials that are toxic.
Dr. Stopka found a half-finished root canal in 2001 that had been draining into my immune system for many months. She went-in and cleaned everything up. I have been going to this office since 2001 and my Mom started going in 2003.
Today was a good day, we both had cleanings and no cavities. It is extremely important to keep checking on dental health and hygiene because of their impact on the immune system and quality of life. Members of the IAOMT are committed to be non-toxic and I have been very successful in working with them.
I first heard about "biological dentists" when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001 (on 9/11/2001, to be exact). In my research, I learned that most men with prostate cancer had an undiagnosed dental infection draining into the immune system and lowering our ability to fight off cancer. I did some research, made some phone calls, and found Dr. Janet Stopka as the closest biological dentist to where I lived in the Chicago suburbs. Dr. Stopka and Dr. Basciano shared offices at that time. About one year ago Dr. Stopka moved her practice to an office in Palos Heights, IL--about one hour of driving time beyond Dr. Basciano's office. Both are active in the IAOMT.
These doctors have made a commitment to keep toxic materials out of the body and help patients remove old fillings with mercury and other dental materials that are toxic.
Dr. Stopka found a half-finished root canal in 2001 that had been draining into my immune system for many months. She went-in and cleaned everything up. I have been going to this office since 2001 and my Mom started going in 2003.
Today was a good day, we both had cleanings and no cavities. It is extremely important to keep checking on dental health and hygiene because of their impact on the immune system and quality of life. Members of the IAOMT are committed to be non-toxic and I have been very successful in working with them.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas, Holidays, and eCard Reminders
This year I subscribed to BlueMountain e-cards and am sending most of my Christmas cards--and the other cards I send throughout the year--through that service. They have some wonderful interactive cards for anyone on e-mail. (Most of the people on my mailing list are on e-mail.)
Here's a link to one of my favorite Christmas cards this year--for the readers of this blog.
It's nice to be able to send friends and families cards to remind them that we're thinking of them and e-cards are a great way for me to do that. For a few family members who won't make the family gathering this year (several cousins get together in the Wheaton, IL, area and my Mom joins us), I've also sent a one-month subscription to Netflix.
These little reminders are wonderful ways to treat and inspire without breaking the bank or paying lots for very little. I appreciate the vendors for their service, too.
Here's a link to one of my favorite Christmas cards this year--for the readers of this blog.
It's nice to be able to send friends and families cards to remind them that we're thinking of them and e-cards are a great way for me to do that. For a few family members who won't make the family gathering this year (several cousins get together in the Wheaton, IL, area and my Mom joins us), I've also sent a one-month subscription to Netflix.
These little reminders are wonderful ways to treat and inspire without breaking the bank or paying lots for very little. I appreciate the vendors for their service, too.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Public Libraries--Resources for All Ages--Free
I have been working with public libraries for years and today began to reflect on how they provide resources for all ages--free. I had been working with K-12 students and have been working with unabridged audiobooks and companion print books from the library to help students improve their reading and academic performance.
Recently I had to prepare to take a battery of Spanish tests for the Department of Justice and found multiple resources to help me prepare for the exam.
My 95-year-old mother has age-related macular degeneration and has loved the "Cat Who" books by Lilian Jackson Braun. The library had copies of almost all of the books in the series in large-print editions. The Library of Congress, through its National Library Service, is providing the blind and physical handicapped of all ages with talking books--a free service.
Recently I had to prepare to take a battery of Spanish tests for the Department of Justice and found multiple resources to help me prepare for the exam.
My 95-year-old mother has age-related macular degeneration and has loved the "Cat Who" books by Lilian Jackson Braun. The library had copies of almost all of the books in the series in large-print editions. The Library of Congress, through its National Library Service, is providing the blind and physical handicapped of all ages with talking books--a free service.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
H1N1 Vaccination for Mom--one day after her 95th birthday
In several other posts I have written about the H1N1 vaccination. Today my mother received her H1N1 vaccination at the Carol Stream Dominicks' pharmacy--one day after her 95th birthday.
On December 18th the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) authorized the H1N1 vaccine for anyone who wanted the vaccination. The Carol Stream Dominicks pharmacy received 160 doses.
The earlier information from the CDC indicated that, once sufficient supplies were available, everyone who wanted a vaccination should get one. Mom had her seasonal flu shot (also at the same Dominicks) on August 26th and we had to wait until they received their supply yesterday--on Mom's birthday. We chose to get the vaccination the day after her birthday.
We have both been fortunate to have had both the seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 shot without showing any flu-like symptoms this year.
On December 18th the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) authorized the H1N1 vaccine for anyone who wanted the vaccination. The Carol Stream Dominicks pharmacy received 160 doses.
The earlier information from the CDC indicated that, once sufficient supplies were available, everyone who wanted a vaccination should get one. Mom had her seasonal flu shot (also at the same Dominicks) on August 26th and we had to wait until they received their supply yesterday--on Mom's birthday. We chose to get the vaccination the day after her birthday.
We have both been fortunate to have had both the seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 shot without showing any flu-like symptoms this year.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thanks, Charlie, You've Made a Difference in My Life and Mom's 95th Birthday
Tonight is "offically" Charles Gibson's final night on ABC World News. I have been watching Charlie on ABC for more than 20 years--he's been in the business for 34 years and I'm sure I saw some of his earlier programs as well.
Somehow I felt I could trust Charlie Gibson and felt good having him in my living room (or wherever) on Good Morning America, ABC World News, and the many other programs. He has made me an observer with him at turning points in U.S. history--such as the inaguration of President Barack Obama.
He has felt like a real friend, though I have never met nor spoken to him in person. I will miss him. I especially liked the team of Charlie Gibson and Diane Sawyer on ABC--for several years on Good Morning America. It's interesting that Charlie left Good Morning America to take over ABC World News after the death of Peter Jennings. Now Diane has left Good Morning America to take over ABC World News as Charlie retires. I wish him well in his retirement and hope to see him doing what he loves.
Thanks, Charlie,
You have made a difference in my life and I appreciate you.
Speaking of Making a Difference in My Life,
Today is my mother's 95th birthday, born December 18, 1914. Happy Birthday, Mom!!
Somehow I felt I could trust Charlie Gibson and felt good having him in my living room (or wherever) on Good Morning America, ABC World News, and the many other programs. He has made me an observer with him at turning points in U.S. history--such as the inaguration of President Barack Obama.
He has felt like a real friend, though I have never met nor spoken to him in person. I will miss him. I especially liked the team of Charlie Gibson and Diane Sawyer on ABC--for several years on Good Morning America. It's interesting that Charlie left Good Morning America to take over ABC World News after the death of Peter Jennings. Now Diane has left Good Morning America to take over ABC World News as Charlie retires. I wish him well in his retirement and hope to see him doing what he loves.
Thanks, Charlie,
You have made a difference in my life and I appreciate you.
Speaking of Making a Difference in My Life,
Today is my mother's 95th birthday, born December 18, 1914. Happy Birthday, Mom!!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Remembering What's Important
Remembering what's important is sometimes difficult. "It's hard to remember that your goal was to drain the swamp when you're up to your tail feathers in alligators."
I was reminded of this today when I found my mother taking the lights off the Christmas tree very carefully to put them away along with the ornaments. She was reliving early childhood experiences after Christmas with her brother, Danny. She had forgotten that today is December 17th and that tomorrow (Dec 18th) is her 95th birthday.
I could have allowed her to talk about her brother, then could have brought another tree from my house or fix her tree later.
It took both of us a while to disengage the "I'm right; you're wrong" response.
I was reminded of this today when I found my mother taking the lights off the Christmas tree very carefully to put them away along with the ornaments. She was reliving early childhood experiences after Christmas with her brother, Danny. She had forgotten that today is December 17th and that tomorrow (Dec 18th) is her 95th birthday.
I could have allowed her to talk about her brother, then could have brought another tree from my house or fix her tree later.
It took both of us a while to disengage the "I'm right; you're wrong" response.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Practicing for the Government Spanish Test Administered by the FBI
Practicing for the formal battery of Spanish tests administered by the FBI for the Department of Justice is challenging. I am scheduled to take 5.5 hours of testing (the two written tests) tomorrow and, if successful, will be scheduled soon for the oral portion of the test. I'll be taking the test at the FBI building in Chicago.
I have been reviewing audiobooks in English and reading the companion books (text-based) in Spanish simultaneously. I've been listening to the same audiobooks in Spanish. The challenge, for me, in the testing is translation from English to Spanish--the other way is usually easy.
What may be even more of a challenge will be the type of Spanish being tested. If the test concerns lots of slang, that is not the type of Spanish I practice as a bilingual teacher and as a Spanish-speaking business consultant.
I did some Google searches today to find a practice test and did find a document (ED324977) published by the Education Research Information Center (ERIC) about the development of the test (or of an earlier version of the test). The document certainly gives me background as to how the test is used and what went into its development.
While I've been working with books--some by Spanish-speaking authors and some by English-speaking authors whose works are translated into Spanish--I have not been reading newspapers from major cities in the Spanish-speaking world. That might also be a good arena to practice in.
It will be a very interesting day tomorrow. I'm sure I'll have some adventures.
I have been reviewing audiobooks in English and reading the companion books (text-based) in Spanish simultaneously. I've been listening to the same audiobooks in Spanish. The challenge, for me, in the testing is translation from English to Spanish--the other way is usually easy.
What may be even more of a challenge will be the type of Spanish being tested. If the test concerns lots of slang, that is not the type of Spanish I practice as a bilingual teacher and as a Spanish-speaking business consultant.
I did some Google searches today to find a practice test and did find a document (ED324977) published by the Education Research Information Center (ERIC) about the development of the test (or of an earlier version of the test). The document certainly gives me background as to how the test is used and what went into its development.
While I've been working with books--some by Spanish-speaking authors and some by English-speaking authors whose works are translated into Spanish--I have not been reading newspapers from major cities in the Spanish-speaking world. That might also be a good arena to practice in.
It will be a very interesting day tomorrow. I'm sure I'll have some adventures.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Remember
"Remember" is a critically important word with multiple uses. Dan Brown, in Angels and Demons, uses "remember" in the context of Buddhist application of the work to find the solution of problems with no known solution. The Buddhist concept of rebirth allows us to remember a solution we have not found in this lifetime. Carl Jung's concept of collective unconscious also allows us to access information from a large pool of information when we engage in the act of "remembering".
In another context, "remember" is a positive command with positive results while "do not forget" is a negative command which results in forgetting. "Don't forget . . . (the cheese, the lights, etc.)" is a common command in print in stores, on television, and in daily use. If we use "remember" rather than "don't forget" there is a much greater likelihood that we will remember whatever comes after the word.
I will be taking a battery of Spanish tests in two days. I have been reviewing Spanish for a few weeks, listening to an English audiobook and simultaneously reading the companion book in Spanish, then listening to a Spanish audiobook (of the same book) in my car. I am fluent in Spanish and need to "remember" my Spanish for the test.
In another context, "remember" is a positive command with positive results while "do not forget" is a negative command which results in forgetting. "Don't forget . . . (the cheese, the lights, etc.)" is a common command in print in stores, on television, and in daily use. If we use "remember" rather than "don't forget" there is a much greater likelihood that we will remember whatever comes after the word.
I will be taking a battery of Spanish tests in two days. I have been reviewing Spanish for a few weeks, listening to an English audiobook and simultaneously reading the companion book in Spanish, then listening to a Spanish audiobook (of the same book) in my car. I am fluent in Spanish and need to "remember" my Spanish for the test.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Job Training Contracts for the New Economy
Today Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn announced a jobs initiative to provide job training for veterans with a special emphasis on "green" jobs. This initiative is aligned with President Barack Obama's
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Christmas Spirit--Opening to It and Keeping It Alive
Christmas Spirit comes from the heart. It's always present and opening ourselves to it is sometimes a challenge. The doors open in, so pushing out doesn't help. Keeping it alive in our hearts is a similar process of surrendering to the loving that is always present.
Christmas time seems to be filled with the symbols that help us to remember to open our hearts. Symbols are around all the time--babies, dogs, nature, and many other symbols. At Christmas they seem to be everywhere we look.
Commercialism seems to run rampant during the season yet, underlying the commercialism is an underlying sense of peace and connectedness. These days we need to pay attention with our hearts to stay in touch with that sense in spite of all the efforts to take us out of that place.
Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is one of my family's favorites at Christmas time. I also used the movie to teach English language learners in high school about much of the American culture and history covered in the movie. The film shows how riches take different forms in our lives and the importance of paying attention to what is really important.
Christmas time seems to be filled with the symbols that help us to remember to open our hearts. Symbols are around all the time--babies, dogs, nature, and many other symbols. At Christmas they seem to be everywhere we look.
Commercialism seems to run rampant during the season yet, underlying the commercialism is an underlying sense of peace and connectedness. These days we need to pay attention with our hearts to stay in touch with that sense in spite of all the efforts to take us out of that place.
Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is one of my family's favorites at Christmas time. I also used the movie to teach English language learners in high school about much of the American culture and history covered in the movie. The film shows how riches take different forms in our lives and the importance of paying attention to what is really important.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Christmas Open House at St Charles One-room Schoolhouse
I had the opportunity to attend a Christmas Open House at the Pioneer Sholes School (one-room schoolhouse) in St. Charles, IL, today. Some of the people attending had parents who had actually attended the school when it was on the David Sholes farm near Burlington Road. It was built about 1872 and was in School District 58.
Public school children had worked with the Executive Director of the school to prepare a program that included a spelling bee, a choral reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas, and general singing of several popular Christmas carols. The open house was Sat and Sun, 12/12 and 12/13/2009 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM.
As I observed the open house I was reminded by The Secret School by Avi. Many of the current best practices for teaching involve techniques used in these early schools in the pioneer days of America--including grouped reading, peer tutoring, game-based learning. Those days students had personal slates (mini blackboards with a kind of chalk). Today we use mini whiteboards and colored dry erase markers.
There are more desks in the schoolhouse today than there were in the days it was originally used. Teachers dealt with classes of mixed ages and abilities and frequent absences caused by farm duties (or lack of academic motivation). Many of the people graduating from one-room schools went on to become doctors and lawyers and teachers. Some of today's problems have just evolved from similar problems in those days.
It's amazing to see how much the one-room schoolhouse reflected the essence of teaching still needed in today's classrooms.
Public school children had worked with the Executive Director of the school to prepare a program that included a spelling bee, a choral reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas, and general singing of several popular Christmas carols. The open house was Sat and Sun, 12/12 and 12/13/2009 from 2:00PM to 5:00PM.
As I observed the open house I was reminded by The Secret School by Avi. Many of the current best practices for teaching involve techniques used in these early schools in the pioneer days of America--including grouped reading, peer tutoring, game-based learning. Those days students had personal slates (mini blackboards with a kind of chalk). Today we use mini whiteboards and colored dry erase markers.
There are more desks in the schoolhouse today than there were in the days it was originally used. Teachers dealt with classes of mixed ages and abilities and frequent absences caused by farm duties (or lack of academic motivation). Many of the people graduating from one-room schools went on to become doctors and lawyers and teachers. Some of today's problems have just evolved from similar problems in those days.
It's amazing to see how much the one-room schoolhouse reflected the essence of teaching still needed in today's classrooms.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Books and Movie Scripts (Screen Plays)--Challenges for Readers
In earlier posts I spoke of Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code which I recently listened to as an English audiobook, read as a Spanish companion book, and listened to as a Spanish audiobook. Today I saw the movie--playing the movie in Spanish with Spanish subtitles.
Ron Howard was the director of the film and Dan Brown was one of the executive producers. Having recently read and listened to the book so much, it was clear to me where the movie diverged from the book. Some of the changes were to bring the movie-goer "up to speed" as things progressed during the movie. Other changes seemed to involve representatives of the Roman Catholic Church in more negative ways that were shown in the book.
If you have read the book, the movie is enjoyable and you can spot the differences between the book and the movie. If all you see is the movie, much of the richness expressed in the book is lost--along with much of the human dynamics expressed in the book.
I have had similar experiences with J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books and movies. Knowing the book makes a lot of difference in experiencing the movie.
Ron Howard was the director of the film and Dan Brown was one of the executive producers. Having recently read and listened to the book so much, it was clear to me where the movie diverged from the book. Some of the changes were to bring the movie-goer "up to speed" as things progressed during the movie. Other changes seemed to involve representatives of the Roman Catholic Church in more negative ways that were shown in the book.
If you have read the book, the movie is enjoyable and you can spot the differences between the book and the movie. If all you see is the movie, much of the richness expressed in the book is lost--along with much of the human dynamics expressed in the book.
I have had similar experiences with J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books and movies. Knowing the book makes a lot of difference in experiencing the movie.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Windows of Opportunity
Today President Barack Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize. The committee saw a window of opportunity to support the new American President in the early days of his first term of office, focusing on his commitment and intention. President Obama, while accepting the prize, also acknowledged his responsibilities to the American public with regard to armed conflict in such places as Afganistan and Iraq.
Windows of opportunity exist for all of us. Sometimes we take advantage of these windows of opportunity and sometimes we ignore or miss them.
Our priorities interact with the windows of opportunity we choose to act on and, sometimes, to skip. For example, if family is a high priority for a certain period of time, we can choose to skip on opportunities which may show up which would have a negative impact on that priority for the family.
Sometimes people place their priorities in their careers and miss opportunities to share with their families. The desire for "work-life balance" reflects the impact of these trade-offs.
Sometimes technology and economies interfere with what might otherwise be a window of opportunity. The history of computing shows examples of the early devices that allowed programming and calculations. Many of Leonardo DaVinci's ideas became a focus for invention and research long after his death. Benjamin Franklin was another inspired inventor who pointed the way for later developments. H.G. Wells and Jules Verne wrote about scientific inventions which were developed many years after the authors introduced them in literature.
One of the challenges for research, invention, and discovery is that there may be no demand for the product of the research, invention, or discovery at the time it is created. The "window of opportunity" is not present yet. In some instances, sufficient numbers of people need to go through the awareness-acceptance-action process in order to create a tipping-point where there is a significant demand for something new.
Windows of opportunity exist for all of us. Sometimes we take advantage of these windows of opportunity and sometimes we ignore or miss them.
Our priorities interact with the windows of opportunity we choose to act on and, sometimes, to skip. For example, if family is a high priority for a certain period of time, we can choose to skip on opportunities which may show up which would have a negative impact on that priority for the family.
Sometimes people place their priorities in their careers and miss opportunities to share with their families. The desire for "work-life balance" reflects the impact of these trade-offs.
Sometimes technology and economies interfere with what might otherwise be a window of opportunity. The history of computing shows examples of the early devices that allowed programming and calculations. Many of Leonardo DaVinci's ideas became a focus for invention and research long after his death. Benjamin Franklin was another inspired inventor who pointed the way for later developments. H.G. Wells and Jules Verne wrote about scientific inventions which were developed many years after the authors introduced them in literature.
One of the challenges for research, invention, and discovery is that there may be no demand for the product of the research, invention, or discovery at the time it is created. The "window of opportunity" is not present yet. In some instances, sufficient numbers of people need to go through the awareness-acceptance-action process in order to create a tipping-point where there is a significant demand for something new.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
What would I want to share in a Virtual World Conference?
Yesterday I was invited to think about what I would like to share (and with whom) in a Virtual World Conference. In thinking about one of the three-day conferences I designed for Accenture (Andersen Consulting) I was thinking about what elements of that could work well in a Virtual World. I was also thinking about how a Virtual World would have added to my experience of online learning from the University of Phoenix.
I also began thinking about who would be the audience for such a conference or "mini-event." I immediately thought of my LinkedIn connections--both my personal network and some of the discussion groups I belong to on LinkedIn. I joined the American Library Association this year and they, too, are interested in the concept of Virtual Worlds for distance learning.
Some of what I want to do for such an event will be to include some of the elements which highlight the advantages of the Virtual Worlds platform--some small-group work, access to individualized video clips, networking between participants, shared PowerPoint and question and chat features including Voice Over IP.
As always, I will follow a design for learning and need to start with a better understanding of my audience and my goals. Then I will follow a process of learning design that will be adjusted for the vehicle of Virtual Worlds.
This is going to be a somewhat reflective piece in that I want participants to think about their experience as participants in a virtual worlds conference so that reflection needs to be built into the activities and presentations they will be experiencing as part of the design. One of my areas for goal outcomes will be that participants will recognize the value Virtual World Conferences can have for their own learning and for their organizations.
Now to think about more details.
I also began thinking about who would be the audience for such a conference or "mini-event." I immediately thought of my LinkedIn connections--both my personal network and some of the discussion groups I belong to on LinkedIn. I joined the American Library Association this year and they, too, are interested in the concept of Virtual Worlds for distance learning.
Some of what I want to do for such an event will be to include some of the elements which highlight the advantages of the Virtual Worlds platform--some small-group work, access to individualized video clips, networking between participants, shared PowerPoint and question and chat features including Voice Over IP.
As always, I will follow a design for learning and need to start with a better understanding of my audience and my goals. Then I will follow a process of learning design that will be adjusted for the vehicle of Virtual Worlds.
This is going to be a somewhat reflective piece in that I want participants to think about their experience as participants in a virtual worlds conference so that reflection needs to be built into the activities and presentations they will be experiencing as part of the design. One of my areas for goal outcomes will be that participants will recognize the value Virtual World Conferences can have for their own learning and for their organizations.
Now to think about more details.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Learning Conferences--Learning from the Real World for the Virtual World
One of the more recent developments on the Internet is a "Virtual World--3-D" Conference capability. One of my friends has his own "Virtual World" for use for large group and small group conferences.
In May, 1998, while working as a learning architect with Accenture (then called Andersen Consulting), I was the designer for a multinational hands-on learning event (see ELACOMM98 and the video for that event) for 200 communications executives held in Cannes, France.
What I learned today is that much of what I designed for the "real world" conference in France can be adapted in a hybrid format for the virtual world conference. Some of the presentations at the three-day conference were "whole group presentations," one of which was via video conferencing with a partner in Los Angeles, CA. The Virtual World can accomodate hybrid conferencing where some people experience live conferences with streaming video and simultaneous presentation of what people in the virtual conference are experiencing. This effectively integrates the participants and speakers and facilitators from the entire conference (both live and virtual).
The report from some successful hybrid virtual world conferences is that the holistic experience encouraged more participation and interest from both real world and virtual world participants, many of whom actually experienced both forms of the conference.
This means that I can apply the skills I developed in designing, developing, and delivering conferences for hundreds of participants and apply them to the virtual world.
In May, 1998, while working as a learning architect with Accenture (then called Andersen Consulting), I was the designer for a multinational hands-on learning event (see ELACOMM98 and the video for that event) for 200 communications executives held in Cannes, France.
What I learned today is that much of what I designed for the "real world" conference in France can be adapted in a hybrid format for the virtual world conference. Some of the presentations at the three-day conference were "whole group presentations," one of which was via video conferencing with a partner in Los Angeles, CA. The Virtual World can accomodate hybrid conferencing where some people experience live conferences with streaming video and simultaneous presentation of what people in the virtual conference are experiencing. This effectively integrates the participants and speakers and facilitators from the entire conference (both live and virtual).
The report from some successful hybrid virtual world conferences is that the holistic experience encouraged more participation and interest from both real world and virtual world participants, many of whom actually experienced both forms of the conference.
This means that I can apply the skills I developed in designing, developing, and delivering conferences for hundreds of participants and apply them to the virtual world.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Codes, Code-Breakers, Electronic Communications, Pearl Harbor Day
December 7th is remembered as Pearl Harbor Day. Codes, code-breaking, and electronic communications played a vital part in World War II. Codes and code-breaking have been around since the early Egyptians. With the advent of electronic communications--first radio, then Internet and digital communications, codes and code-breaking have become always more complex.
There has been some confusion as to how much of the Japanese plans for "Operation Z" (Pearl Harbor Attack) the USA was aware of before the attack. Some of this came out in the movie, Pearl Harbor.
Dan Brown, in his 2009 novel, The Lost Symbol, uses the concept of codes, code-breaking and electronic communications in much of his book. Encryption as a way of communicating secretly has been an important art throughout the ages to hide "sacred mysteries" as well as to communicate war plans, strategies for business, and anything else anyone wants to conceal.
In today's world of YouTube, the Internet, e-mail, blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter, FaceBook, and more, it seems hard to believe that we have any secrets we want to hold on to. On the other hand, we don't want an identity thief to take our social security number, credit card number, etc., so we all have some privacy issues we would like to control.
Many programs do have encryption capabilities, though most of these programs can be decrypted by government agencies when they have a need to do so.
We are encouraged to think of anything we share on the Internet as being "public." That is probably the more accurate way to thinking about what we "publish" via the Internet.
There has been some confusion as to how much of the Japanese plans for "Operation Z" (Pearl Harbor Attack) the USA was aware of before the attack. Some of this came out in the movie, Pearl Harbor.
Dan Brown, in his 2009 novel, The Lost Symbol, uses the concept of codes, code-breaking and electronic communications in much of his book. Encryption as a way of communicating secretly has been an important art throughout the ages to hide "sacred mysteries" as well as to communicate war plans, strategies for business, and anything else anyone wants to conceal.
In today's world of YouTube, the Internet, e-mail, blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter, FaceBook, and more, it seems hard to believe that we have any secrets we want to hold on to. On the other hand, we don't want an identity thief to take our social security number, credit card number, etc., so we all have some privacy issues we would like to control.
Many programs do have encryption capabilities, though most of these programs can be decrypted by government agencies when they have a need to do so.
We are encouraged to think of anything we share on the Internet as being "public." That is probably the more accurate way to thinking about what we "publish" via the Internet.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Creating the Future We Want--Taking Charge of our Thought System
We can create the future we want by taking charge of our thought system. Some of the more recent research on chaos theory explores the impact positive thought can have on matter. One of the conclusions from this research is that, at least at a sub-atomic level, thought can influence matter.
Other areas of consideration are the connectedness of what might have been thought of as random events. The beating of butterfly wings off the coast of Africa can influence hurricane formation in the Atlantic ocean.
I had a book written in 1996 or 1997 with the picture of butterfly wings on the cover. The book talked about the practical aspects of chaos theory. (I haven't been able to find it yet.)
While the new research shows that the thoughts of one person can impact matter, the thoughts of many people can also influence outcomes. Prayer circles can have a powerful impact on healing and "the laying on of hands" is an age-old method of healing--and of focusing positive thoughts.
In terms of bringing about the future we want for ourselves, one aspect of taking charge of our thought systems is to take charge of our "self talk." One of the more practical approaches to do this is to develop skill in using positive affirmations--positive statements phrased as being completed already.
Getting support by bring people of like minds together with a common purpose produces amazing results. Benjamin Franklin created "junto" groups of like-minded business men engaged in self-help and charitable projects. Quilting bees and barn raising parties were early American ways of bringing like-minded people together to achieve common goals.
President Barack Obama engaged the American public's imagination during his campaign for "change" and generated election results intended to create the changes he proposed.
With the economy in a state of change, now is a time to take charge of our thought systems once more and to paint for ourselves the future we want to experience--then to take action to bring it about.
TEAR is a way to remember how the thought system operates. Thoughts come first, then, when linked with Emotions, followed by Action, Results are produced. If we are experiencing results we do not like, the way to change those results is to be aware of the TEAR process and to make appropriate changes to produce the different results.
Other areas of consideration are the connectedness of what might have been thought of as random events. The beating of butterfly wings off the coast of Africa can influence hurricane formation in the Atlantic ocean.
I had a book written in 1996 or 1997 with the picture of butterfly wings on the cover. The book talked about the practical aspects of chaos theory. (I haven't been able to find it yet.)
While the new research shows that the thoughts of one person can impact matter, the thoughts of many people can also influence outcomes. Prayer circles can have a powerful impact on healing and "the laying on of hands" is an age-old method of healing--and of focusing positive thoughts.
In terms of bringing about the future we want for ourselves, one aspect of taking charge of our thought systems is to take charge of our "self talk." One of the more practical approaches to do this is to develop skill in using positive affirmations--positive statements phrased as being completed already.
Getting support by bring people of like minds together with a common purpose produces amazing results. Benjamin Franklin created "junto" groups of like-minded business men engaged in self-help and charitable projects. Quilting bees and barn raising parties were early American ways of bringing like-minded people together to achieve common goals.
President Barack Obama engaged the American public's imagination during his campaign for "change" and generated election results intended to create the changes he proposed.
With the economy in a state of change, now is a time to take charge of our thought systems once more and to paint for ourselves the future we want to experience--then to take action to bring it about.
TEAR is a way to remember how the thought system operates. Thoughts come first, then, when linked with Emotions, followed by Action, Results are produced. If we are experiencing results we do not like, the way to change those results is to be aware of the TEAR process and to make appropriate changes to produce the different results.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Exploring Noetic Sciences and Thought System Research
In the research for my dissertation (published in 1992) I reviewed a body of research on the thought system (see slide 3). The Institute of Noetic Sciences is exploring avenues of research I have been working with my entire life. It is amazing to me that much of what I have been exploring for so long is starting to come together quickly and that a work of fiction has pointed me toward other researchers engaged in similar pursuits.
The concept of developing patterns or habits of thought has been explored throughout time. We have more precise instruments to measure what people have "known" for years. As we re-think in the same patterns we actually cut pathways into our brains. When injury, an illness, or age interferes with brain function, we may lose access to that information. In families, we can lose the continuity of family history if we have not recorded (in audio or written form) the memory of the oldest members of our families. To some extent this is also true in terms of losing some of the memory of our times--if the books fade or are lost, if digital media becomes unstable or is destroyed, we are at risk of losing much of what we "know" as a species.
Our thought systems act as guides for our behavior and our future, as well as keeping a record of what we program into our bodies and behaviors. Noetic sciences--learning more about how this works--can lead us to creating more opportunities for upliftment and healing for everyone. That is something we can really appreciate as our population begins to enjoy an expanded lifespan.
The concept of developing patterns or habits of thought has been explored throughout time. We have more precise instruments to measure what people have "known" for years. As we re-think in the same patterns we actually cut pathways into our brains. When injury, an illness, or age interferes with brain function, we may lose access to that information. In families, we can lose the continuity of family history if we have not recorded (in audio or written form) the memory of the oldest members of our families. To some extent this is also true in terms of losing some of the memory of our times--if the books fade or are lost, if digital media becomes unstable or is destroyed, we are at risk of losing much of what we "know" as a species.
Our thought systems act as guides for our behavior and our future, as well as keeping a record of what we program into our bodies and behaviors. Noetic sciences--learning more about how this works--can lead us to creating more opportunities for upliftment and healing for everyone. That is something we can really appreciate as our population begins to enjoy an expanded lifespan.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Noetic Sciences--Dan Brown and the art of Storytelling
I have recently started listening to Dan Brown's new novel, The Lost Symbol. The book focuses on Washington, DC, and refers to a relatively new aspect of scientific investigation, noetic sciences. The beginning of the book provides data concerning many of the buildings and monuments located in Washington, DC-- the Smithsonian Institute, the Capitol Building, the White House, the Washington Monument, and many others.
The concepts of linking religion, faith, and science form the core of both the book and of the work of noetic sciences (as much as I have learned to date). This is also part of the concept of life imitating art and art imitating life discussed in an earlier post.
Dan Brown is a good investigator, weaving his story around foundations of art, religion, science, and a questioning mind. Research on Dan Brown's books generates results showing other books that have tracked the cues and locations in his books to the settings in which he creates them.
His books inspire me to conduct Google searches to learn more about many of the things he includes in his book as part of the background for his stories.
The concepts of linking religion, faith, and science form the core of both the book and of the work of noetic sciences (as much as I have learned to date). This is also part of the concept of life imitating art and art imitating life discussed in an earlier post.
Dan Brown is a good investigator, weaving his story around foundations of art, religion, science, and a questioning mind. Research on Dan Brown's books generates results showing other books that have tracked the cues and locations in his books to the settings in which he creates them.
His books inspire me to conduct Google searches to learn more about many of the things he includes in his book as part of the background for his stories.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Management Consulting for Small Businesses in the New Economy
The Saint Charles Learning Community had its annual Holiday Gathering this evening at the Social Club located on the grounds of the Q-Center in St Charles, IL. Most of the professionals attending the gathering had been employed by Arthur Andersen, Andersen Consulting, Accenture, or Andersen Worldwide while those organizations were at the peak of their success. Of these, only Accenture remains intact and still growing.
All were involved in developing, delivering, or supporting learning programs and events for the Andersen organizations. I was with Andersen Worldwide and Andersen Consulting for a little over five years. I left Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) eleven years ago to pursue other consulting interests at Origin Technology in Business (now AtosOrigin).
It was wonderful to reconnect with people I enjoyed working with and had not seen for many years. It is amazing that, out of my 40-year career to date, my time with the Andersen organizations reflects my best experience of working with top quality professionals sharing many of the same values.
Some people who left an Andersen organization were fully involved in leadership development, talent management and training at such organizations as Sears Holding, MacDonalds, and Office Max. Others were independent consultants and coaches. Very few had completely changed careers.
The conversation moved to the new economy and the unemployment challenge. In this recession, many white-collar jobs were eliminated. Families who relied on incomes in the 60 to 100 thousand dollar range may not find new jobs paying those wages. Other workers employed in well-salaried professionals (such as auto workers) may also not have any new jobs in that profession to go back to.
In the consulting arena, there are fewer "Big Four" firms for consultants to work for. The key to success for the new economy--in terms of reducing unemployment--is the explosive growth of small businesses. These small businesses will need small business consultants to help them organize, grow, and expand. There are a few self-help books for small businesses such as The e-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber.
Large consulting firms created content-specialized consultants focusing on information technology, enterprise resource planning, business process re-engineering (and other focus areas). Small businesses will need contextual consulants who can diagnose the challenges to the small business, help the decision-makers develop a change strategy, and help develop the change plan and training to allow the employees to implement the changes to help the business to grow.
All were involved in developing, delivering, or supporting learning programs and events for the Andersen organizations. I was with Andersen Worldwide and Andersen Consulting for a little over five years. I left Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) eleven years ago to pursue other consulting interests at Origin Technology in Business (now AtosOrigin).
It was wonderful to reconnect with people I enjoyed working with and had not seen for many years. It is amazing that, out of my 40-year career to date, my time with the Andersen organizations reflects my best experience of working with top quality professionals sharing many of the same values.
Some people who left an Andersen organization were fully involved in leadership development, talent management and training at such organizations as Sears Holding, MacDonalds, and Office Max. Others were independent consultants and coaches. Very few had completely changed careers.
The conversation moved to the new economy and the unemployment challenge. In this recession, many white-collar jobs were eliminated. Families who relied on incomes in the 60 to 100 thousand dollar range may not find new jobs paying those wages. Other workers employed in well-salaried professionals (such as auto workers) may also not have any new jobs in that profession to go back to.
In the consulting arena, there are fewer "Big Four" firms for consultants to work for. The key to success for the new economy--in terms of reducing unemployment--is the explosive growth of small businesses. These small businesses will need small business consultants to help them organize, grow, and expand. There are a few self-help books for small businesses such as The e-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber.
Large consulting firms created content-specialized consultants focusing on information technology, enterprise resource planning, business process re-engineering (and other focus areas). Small businesses will need contextual consulants who can diagnose the challenges to the small business, help the decision-makers develop a change strategy, and help develop the change plan and training to allow the employees to implement the changes to help the business to grow.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Singing and Consulting--What's the Connection?
On reflecting about my consulting practice today, I was reminded about my singing voice. Some people have "absolute pitch" or "perfect pitch" (usually the note of "A"). They know that note without any prompting or cues. Others, like me, have "relative pitch." (I can't find the "A" and, when someone else does, I can sing harmony with them around their notes. I have sung in many choirs and have made a Christmas CD with a small chorus. I lettered in Chorus (among other things) in High School and have had some practical experience with applying these concepts to singing.
Today I realized that my consulting practice is much like my singing. My "relative pitch" translates to contextual consulting (rather than content consulting). I can go into almost any organization and, within that context, can identify what needs to be changed and help the decision-makers develop a strategy for change and train employees to implement the change.
Content consulting would be for me to have a training about a specific topic I am knowledgable about and to provide that training to people. While I have done that in the past and have several hundred hours of training available in English and Spanish, I do not consider this my best work.
Context consulting is more difficult to market than content consulting. The actual consulting will change depending on the needs of the client organization. When people look for consultants, they frequently are looking for content background--in human resources, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions, strategy, marketing, sales.
"C-level" executives (Chief Executive Officers, Chief Operating Officers) need to function from the contextual level to make sure that all the areas of their organization are functioning smoothly.
Now I need to reflect more on the concept of contextual consulting and how to market it. Anyone have any suggestions?
Today I realized that my consulting practice is much like my singing. My "relative pitch" translates to contextual consulting (rather than content consulting). I can go into almost any organization and, within that context, can identify what needs to be changed and help the decision-makers develop a strategy for change and train employees to implement the change.
Content consulting would be for me to have a training about a specific topic I am knowledgable about and to provide that training to people. While I have done that in the past and have several hundred hours of training available in English and Spanish, I do not consider this my best work.
Context consulting is more difficult to market than content consulting. The actual consulting will change depending on the needs of the client organization. When people look for consultants, they frequently are looking for content background--in human resources, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions, strategy, marketing, sales.
"C-level" executives (Chief Executive Officers, Chief Operating Officers) need to function from the contextual level to make sure that all the areas of their organization are functioning smoothly.
Now I need to reflect more on the concept of contextual consulting and how to market it. Anyone have any suggestions?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Reviewing Spanish--Some New Twists with Favorite Authors
For the last few days I have been reviewing my Spanish and preparing to do some translation from English to Spanish as part of a battery of tests I will be taking. I visited the St Charles Public Library and picked-up a lot of good material to use in my review.
What I have experienced very good results with are two novels, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and Zorro, a Novel by Isabel Allende. I have been listening to the unabridged audiobook on CD in English and reading the unabridged companion book in Spanish as I listen to English. In addition, for The Da Vinci Code, I have been listening to the unabridged audiobook on CD in Spanish in my car.
The combination is easy to follow though I'm not sure if my approach by listening to the English and reading the Spanish may be to passive. I know that the key to working any language is to use it--a lot. I also know that the best writers in English read--a lot. By reading Spanish I hope to improve my Spanish writing. By listening to English and reading the translation into Spanish (or, in the case of Isabel Allende, the original was in Spanish and it has been translated into English), I am becoming more familiar with how to use phrases and idioms in Spanish to replace those in English.
This is certainly a challenging way to review. I am also watching DVD movies in Spanish (often with Spanish subtitles). This, too, keeps me involved and engaged in my participation in my review of Spanish. I am delighted I have had several days to prepare before I have to face any Spanish-language tests.
What I have experienced very good results with are two novels, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and Zorro, a Novel by Isabel Allende. I have been listening to the unabridged audiobook on CD in English and reading the unabridged companion book in Spanish as I listen to English. In addition, for The Da Vinci Code, I have been listening to the unabridged audiobook on CD in Spanish in my car.
The combination is easy to follow though I'm not sure if my approach by listening to the English and reading the Spanish may be to passive. I know that the key to working any language is to use it--a lot. I also know that the best writers in English read--a lot. By reading Spanish I hope to improve my Spanish writing. By listening to English and reading the translation into Spanish (or, in the case of Isabel Allende, the original was in Spanish and it has been translated into English), I am becoming more familiar with how to use phrases and idioms in Spanish to replace those in English.
This is certainly a challenging way to review. I am also watching DVD movies in Spanish (often with Spanish subtitles). This, too, keeps me involved and engaged in my participation in my review of Spanish. I am delighted I have had several days to prepare before I have to face any Spanish-language tests.
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