To see what the US and Allied Troops are dealing with in Afghanistan see the piece on Sunday night’s ’60 Minutes’ titled ‘A Relentless Enemy’.
We owe all of the US and Allied troops, both men and women, a debt of gratitude for their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way as they attempt to eliminate the terrorist threat to the world.
When you see a member of the US or Allied forces make sure to thank them for their commitment, their service and their willingness to protect us.
http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/60minutes/main3415.shtml
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Is improvement needed?
The excerpts below are from ‘How to Raise Boys Who Read’ by Thomas Spence in the 9/24/10 Wall Street Journal. I have some comments and suggestions at the end.
‘Everyone agrees that if boys don’t read well. It’s because they don’t read enough. But why don’t they read enough? A considerable number of teachers and librarians believe that boys are simply bored by the ‘stuffy’ literature they encounter in school. According to a revealing Associated Press story in July these experts insist that we must ‘meet them where they are’ – that is, pander to boys’ untutored tastes.’
‘AP reported that one school librarian treats her pupils to ‘grossology’ parties. For elementary- and middle-school boys, that means ‘books that exploit [their] love of bodily functions and gross-out humor.’ ’Just get ‘em reading’, she comments cheerily. ‘Worry about what they are reading later’.
There certainly is no shortage of publishers ready to meet boys where they are.
‘If you keep meeting a boy where he is, he doesn’t go very far’.
‘The secret to raising boys who read, I submit, is pretty simple – keep electronic media, especially video games at home and recreational internet, under control (that is to say, almost completely absent). Then fill your shelves with good books.’
‘Most importantly, a boy raised on great literature is more likely to grow up to think, to speak and to write like a civilized man.’
‘I offer a final piece of evidence that is perhaps unanswerable: ‘There is no literacy gap between home schooled boys and girls.’
*************************************
It’s not that boys don’t want to learn or can't learn it’s just that they have been exposed to a newer way of learning and communicating (electronically) and they like it.
That boys can learn and excel at video games tells a lot. It tells that they are capable of learning in a fast paced environment. This is an environment that many or most schools don't offer. So why not change the learning environment, the methods and the content?
Why not update the (stuffy or classical) books and stories to modern examples to get the student's attention and then provide some appropriate comparisons to the original? Or use electronic media and then after they have some interest start to read from the books.
Why not develop videos that depict various circumstances (life situations, skills and subject related items, etc) to introduce topics that the boys and girls can watch and solve problems. Options from there could include multiple endings or solutions to the videos that require different thinking skills, discussion situations where they could work in teams to come up with suggestions and solutions, and moving to the books that they think are boring, etc. May need to wet their appetite.
The author of this article is the president of a publishing company so it is obvious that he isn’t in favor of the new media because of his suggestions.
Satellite learning environments may need to be set up at other areas that may be more conducive to learning.
Just having a teacher lecture students all period was boring when I was in school and it probably still is boring for today’s young people. We may also need a new kind of teacher or instructor to help our kids move into this new millennium.
If you see my post titled ‘History Repeats‘ about young people and advice from older people this may help you realize that young people know how to learn but we are just not keeping up with them. Current methods may even be slowing them down.
‘Everyone agrees that if boys don’t read well. It’s because they don’t read enough. But why don’t they read enough? A considerable number of teachers and librarians believe that boys are simply bored by the ‘stuffy’ literature they encounter in school. According to a revealing Associated Press story in July these experts insist that we must ‘meet them where they are’ – that is, pander to boys’ untutored tastes.’
‘AP reported that one school librarian treats her pupils to ‘grossology’ parties. For elementary- and middle-school boys, that means ‘books that exploit [their] love of bodily functions and gross-out humor.’ ’Just get ‘em reading’, she comments cheerily. ‘Worry about what they are reading later’.
There certainly is no shortage of publishers ready to meet boys where they are.
‘If you keep meeting a boy where he is, he doesn’t go very far’.
‘The secret to raising boys who read, I submit, is pretty simple – keep electronic media, especially video games at home and recreational internet, under control (that is to say, almost completely absent). Then fill your shelves with good books.’
‘Most importantly, a boy raised on great literature is more likely to grow up to think, to speak and to write like a civilized man.’
‘I offer a final piece of evidence that is perhaps unanswerable: ‘There is no literacy gap between home schooled boys and girls.’
*************************************
It’s not that boys don’t want to learn or can't learn it’s just that they have been exposed to a newer way of learning and communicating (electronically) and they like it.
That boys can learn and excel at video games tells a lot. It tells that they are capable of learning in a fast paced environment. This is an environment that many or most schools don't offer. So why not change the learning environment, the methods and the content?
Why not update the (stuffy or classical) books and stories to modern examples to get the student's attention and then provide some appropriate comparisons to the original? Or use electronic media and then after they have some interest start to read from the books.
Why not develop videos that depict various circumstances (life situations, skills and subject related items, etc) to introduce topics that the boys and girls can watch and solve problems. Options from there could include multiple endings or solutions to the videos that require different thinking skills, discussion situations where they could work in teams to come up with suggestions and solutions, and moving to the books that they think are boring, etc. May need to wet their appetite.
The author of this article is the president of a publishing company so it is obvious that he isn’t in favor of the new media because of his suggestions.
Satellite learning environments may need to be set up at other areas that may be more conducive to learning.
Just having a teacher lecture students all period was boring when I was in school and it probably still is boring for today’s young people. We may also need a new kind of teacher or instructor to help our kids move into this new millennium.
If you see my post titled ‘History Repeats‘ about young people and advice from older people this may help you realize that young people know how to learn but we are just not keeping up with them. Current methods may even be slowing them down.
More evidence
FYI -
Judge Grants Discovery of Postings on Social Media (in New York State)
Plaintiff must give defendant access to private postings from Facebook and MySpace that could contradict personal injury action claims
Judge Grants Discovery of Postings on Social Media (in New York State)
Plaintiff must give defendant access to private postings from Facebook and MySpace that could contradict personal injury action claims
Joe should go
I was a fan of Penn State football up to about 10 or so years ago when Coach Paterno had several losing seasons. I totally gave up on him because he wouldn’t apply to himself the same criteria he does to his players.
If a player can’t get the job done he is replaced. The only reason Paterno could provide for continuing to coach during and after the losing seasons was that he ‘loved coaching’ and what would he do if he retired. Who cares Joe?
Paterno has created more of a problem for Penn State now than the wins he has accumulated since that period. As much as the media like to hype Penn State the Lions are no longer an elite football team. That’s because Joe has the ultimate say in what happens and the premier high school players don’t see PSU as the place to go to win or to improve their prospects to become a pro.
I know what you sycophants are saying, what about the high graduation rates? I think Joe uses that to cover over his lack of championships. I think the great players may be harder to deal with and Joe doesn’t like that so what may have started out as a legitimate reason to work with young men has now turned into an excuse for why PSU is somewhat mediocre.
Penn State turned into a power by beating up on the weak teams in the East during most of its history. They did win some bowl games against some strong teams but given the amount of time a team has to prepare for a bowl game it is not surprising that PSU won many bowl games.
But, Joe, why can’t you win the big games week after week. It seems to me that that is what the premier recruits want to know.
Just like everything else in life when you lift your head up to look around you realize that there is a lot of world out there and there are better, more interesting and more exciting teams and coaches out there.
I for one will be glad to see Joe leave coaching.
Go PSSnooze!
If a player can’t get the job done he is replaced. The only reason Paterno could provide for continuing to coach during and after the losing seasons was that he ‘loved coaching’ and what would he do if he retired. Who cares Joe?
Paterno has created more of a problem for Penn State now than the wins he has accumulated since that period. As much as the media like to hype Penn State the Lions are no longer an elite football team. That’s because Joe has the ultimate say in what happens and the premier high school players don’t see PSU as the place to go to win or to improve their prospects to become a pro.
I know what you sycophants are saying, what about the high graduation rates? I think Joe uses that to cover over his lack of championships. I think the great players may be harder to deal with and Joe doesn’t like that so what may have started out as a legitimate reason to work with young men has now turned into an excuse for why PSU is somewhat mediocre.
Penn State turned into a power by beating up on the weak teams in the East during most of its history. They did win some bowl games against some strong teams but given the amount of time a team has to prepare for a bowl game it is not surprising that PSU won many bowl games.
But, Joe, why can’t you win the big games week after week. It seems to me that that is what the premier recruits want to know.
Just like everything else in life when you lift your head up to look around you realize that there is a lot of world out there and there are better, more interesting and more exciting teams and coaches out there.
I for one will be glad to see Joe leave coaching.
Go PSSnooze!
Go BLUE!
I am watching some of the U of Michigan – Bowling Green Univ college football game and find myself hoping that Michigan is back to its winning ways and that the dry period is over.
I am not a Big Ten fan but I would like to see Michigan become a college football power again because Ohio State, the perennial Big 10 champion, needs a team to whip them and Michigan has done that many times in the past but not so much in recent years.
The Big 10 will be a much stronger league with a powerful Michigan program.
And besides while Michigan has floundered no other team has stepped up to take their spot. Iowa and Penn State have tried but both seem to be posers. Iowa tries but can't seem to get it done. Penn State needs to replace Paterno before they will consistently challenge for the league title. I'll be blogging on that topic.
Go BLUE!
I am not a Big Ten fan but I would like to see Michigan become a college football power again because Ohio State, the perennial Big 10 champion, needs a team to whip them and Michigan has done that many times in the past but not so much in recent years.
The Big 10 will be a much stronger league with a powerful Michigan program.
And besides while Michigan has floundered no other team has stepped up to take their spot. Iowa and Penn State have tried but both seem to be posers. Iowa tries but can't seem to get it done. Penn State needs to replace Paterno before they will consistently challenge for the league title. I'll be blogging on that topic.
Go BLUE!
Friday, September 24, 2010
History Repeats
If you are older, giving advice to young people is no longer easy. And young people seldom or often don’t listen to advice from older people.
This piece from the Wall Street Journal and titled, ‘Want my advice? Um, Not Really’ addresses this issue.
This is a quote from a 28 year old woman: ‘The older generations totally mean well,’ she says, ‘but they’re giving advice based on things they did in the past, when times were different.’
Older people have always offered advice to younger people, with words of wisdom culled from their memories of youth. And, of course, in every era, young people have found advice from elders to be outdated and ineffectual. These days however, given how fast the world is changing, there’s been a clear widening of the advice gap.
It’s rooted in a devaluation of accumulated wisdom, a leveling of the relationships between the old and young. On many fronts, people from Generation Y –now ages 16 to 32 – assume their peers know best. They doubt those of us who are older can truly understand their needs and concerns.
‘Among tips from young adults for their advice giving elders:
Question your assumptions:
What worked in your youth might have little relevance today.
Offer suggestions, not pronouncements:
Say ‘you could’ not ‘you should’.
Welcome a dialogue:
Listen, don’t lecture; you’ll learn things and give better advice
Resist saying:
‘When I was young’.
Don’t belittle technology:
If you’re critical of social media, young people may dismiss you as a dinosaur.
Accept your limitations:
The young understand the world today. Sometimes the best advice is: ‘Trust your instincts’.
If you ask many older people today about the advice they accepted or rejected when they were young I bet many would say that they learned a lot from their elders when they were willing to listen.
What’s that quote about forgetting the lessons of history? Oh that’s right you young people never learned it and obviously you won’t listen to any of us older people so I guess you’ll have to learn it the hard way.
This piece from the Wall Street Journal and titled, ‘Want my advice? Um, Not Really’ addresses this issue.
This is a quote from a 28 year old woman: ‘The older generations totally mean well,’ she says, ‘but they’re giving advice based on things they did in the past, when times were different.’
Older people have always offered advice to younger people, with words of wisdom culled from their memories of youth. And, of course, in every era, young people have found advice from elders to be outdated and ineffectual. These days however, given how fast the world is changing, there’s been a clear widening of the advice gap.
It’s rooted in a devaluation of accumulated wisdom, a leveling of the relationships between the old and young. On many fronts, people from Generation Y –now ages 16 to 32 – assume their peers know best. They doubt those of us who are older can truly understand their needs and concerns.
‘Among tips from young adults for their advice giving elders:
Question your assumptions:
What worked in your youth might have little relevance today.
Offer suggestions, not pronouncements:
Say ‘you could’ not ‘you should’.
Welcome a dialogue:
Listen, don’t lecture; you’ll learn things and give better advice
Resist saying:
‘When I was young’.
Don’t belittle technology:
If you’re critical of social media, young people may dismiss you as a dinosaur.
Accept your limitations:
The young understand the world today. Sometimes the best advice is: ‘Trust your instincts’.
If you ask many older people today about the advice they accepted or rejected when they were young I bet many would say that they learned a lot from their elders when they were willing to listen.
What’s that quote about forgetting the lessons of history? Oh that’s right you young people never learned it and obviously you won’t listen to any of us older people so I guess you’ll have to learn it the hard way.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
All about your example
God always wraps His truth in a person. That's the value of a godly mentor. He shows what biblical truth looks like with skin on it.
'Iron Sharpens Iron' by Howard Hendricks - p 28
'Iron Sharpens Iron' by Howard Hendricks - p 28
For a friend
When we experienced challenging times in the past some of our Christian fiends would offer Bible scripture as a solution. I used to really resent that and couldn’t understand why they did that.
I have come to realize after going through many difficulties (health, relationships, finance issues, job loss, etc) and getting closer to God that God’s words provide comfort, assurance, direction and hope.
These words are for a friend going through a difficult and challenging time.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. [a]
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
I have come to realize after going through many difficulties (health, relationships, finance issues, job loss, etc) and getting closer to God that God’s words provide comfort, assurance, direction and hope.
These words are for a friend going through a difficult and challenging time.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. [a]
Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Teaching others to lead
‘Are you willing to take the time to work with people to help them accomplish their goals and task assignments?
One aspect of ‘building people’ is that you take time with them. This means you will have to organize your calendar so that you have time to meet with the people you lead. For the leader who takes a hands – off approach for leadership, this may not be easy. The people you lead need to spend time with you, and you need to spend time with them. This is a vital step in practicing the principles of leading like Jesus. Jesus always made time for His disciples: we must follow His example as we make time for the people we lead. Although you may not be with them 24/7 you do need to be with them in all kinds of situations, not only at work.’
From ‘Lead Like Jesus Study Guide’ by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, Lee Ross & Avery Willis p.155
One aspect of ‘building people’ is that you take time with them. This means you will have to organize your calendar so that you have time to meet with the people you lead. For the leader who takes a hands – off approach for leadership, this may not be easy. The people you lead need to spend time with you, and you need to spend time with them. This is a vital step in practicing the principles of leading like Jesus. Jesus always made time for His disciples: we must follow His example as we make time for the people we lead. Although you may not be with them 24/7 you do need to be with them in all kinds of situations, not only at work.’
From ‘Lead Like Jesus Study Guide’ by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, Lee Ross & Avery Willis p.155
Pottsville, PA NFL Team
In 1925, the Pottsville Maroons, a football team from the heart of Pennsylvania coal country, joined the fledgling National Football League.
Built by an eccentric owner, molded by a visionary coach and loaded with hardscrabble miners, college All Americans and the 'sky's the limit' ethos of the Roaring Twenties, the Maroons did the unthinkable and dominated the NFL in their rookie season. (Their improbable rise was chronicled each week in the local paper by a rookie Pottsville sportswriter named John O'Hara.)
Little Pottsville outscored its first seven opponents 162-6. The boys so thoroughly pummeled one opponent, angry fans shot up their train car as the Maroons rode out of town. In the final game of that first season the Maroons traveled to the Midwest to face the league-leading Chicago Cardinals in what was viewed as the championship game for 1925. The Maroons overcame a Windy City snowstorm and an injury to their best player to defeat the Cardinals 21-7.
Built by an eccentric owner, molded by a visionary coach and loaded with hardscrabble miners, college All Americans and the 'sky's the limit' ethos of the Roaring Twenties, the Maroons did the unthinkable and dominated the NFL in their rookie season. (Their improbable rise was chronicled each week in the local paper by a rookie Pottsville sportswriter named John O'Hara.)
Little Pottsville outscored its first seven opponents 162-6. The boys so thoroughly pummeled one opponent, angry fans shot up their train car as the Maroons rode out of town. In the final game of that first season the Maroons traveled to the Midwest to face the league-leading Chicago Cardinals in what was viewed as the championship game for 1925. The Maroons overcame a Windy City snowstorm and an injury to their best player to defeat the Cardinals 21-7.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Is he wrong?
‘Don’t run when you lose, don’t whine when it hurts. No one likes a cry baby’
Michael Gouglas as Gordon Gekko
From the movie ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’
Michael Gouglas as Gordon Gekko
From the movie ‘Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps’
Will he or won't he?
Lots of speculation about whether Joe Torre will manage again.
J. P. Ricciardi on ESPN tonight said that he thinks Joe Torre may manage again but not until 2012. Torre, age 70, has announced his retirement as Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers at the end of this season.
The primary requirement would be a team that is close to winning it all and doesn’t need much building to be a winner according to J.P.
Ricciardi didn’t name a team where he thought Torre would manage but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Torre end up at Atlanta. The Braves will come close to winning the National League East this year and Bobby Cox, current manager of the Braves, is retiring this year.
J. P. Ricciardi on ESPN tonight said that he thinks Joe Torre may manage again but not until 2012. Torre, age 70, has announced his retirement as Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers at the end of this season.
The primary requirement would be a team that is close to winning it all and doesn’t need much building to be a winner according to J.P.
Ricciardi didn’t name a team where he thought Torre would manage but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Torre end up at Atlanta. The Braves will come close to winning the National League East this year and Bobby Cox, current manager of the Braves, is retiring this year.
Where are you from?
Best Selling Non Fiction books in 1995
1. Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, John Gray
2. My American Journey, Colin Powell
3. Miss America, Howard Stern
4. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra
5. The Road Ahead, Bill Gates
6. Charles Kuralt's America, Charles Kuralt
7. Mars and Venus in the Bedroom, John Gray
8. To Renew America, Newt Gingrich
9. My Point...and I Do Have One, Ellen DeGeneres
10. The Moral Compass, William J. Bennett
Check out numbers 1 and 7. Same author. Same theme.
Are you wondering why these are best sellers? Understanding your spouse is important to a long and happy marriage.
1. Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, John Gray
2. My American Journey, Colin Powell
3. Miss America, Howard Stern
4. The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra
5. The Road Ahead, Bill Gates
6. Charles Kuralt's America, Charles Kuralt
7. Mars and Venus in the Bedroom, John Gray
8. To Renew America, Newt Gingrich
9. My Point...and I Do Have One, Ellen DeGeneres
10. The Moral Compass, William J. Bennett
Check out numbers 1 and 7. Same author. Same theme.
Are you wondering why these are best sellers? Understanding your spouse is important to a long and happy marriage.
It's what you believe
Watching the Phillies and Braves on Monday night I was made aware of a peculiar habit of the Rookie Pitcher for the Braves. It was more than a peculiar habit, it was a superstition.
Between innings the pitcher would unlace and lace his spikes.
I believed in superstitions while playing sports when I was growing up. I didn’t play organized football but we played a lot of touch football. I had a Purdue Univ football jersey that I liked to wear every time we played. I thought it made me play better.
I just think it is interesting that pro athletes that are blessed with such great talent and great ability believe in superstitions. Wearing the same socks or, not stepping on the lines, carrying a good luck charm or loosening and tightening their batting gloves after every pitch or slapping a sign that says 'play like a champion today' are just a few of the many superstitions.
Even Michael Jordan had a superstition. He always wore his blue North Carolina basketball shorts under his Chicago Bulls uniform for good luck.
I tend to think that it is a habit that athletes grow up with or maybe it is just a part of the culture of sports.
Is the superstition necessary to play well, to play the best you can or to win? Whatever it is the athlete believes the superstition helps them perform and maybe that's all that matters.
Between innings the pitcher would unlace and lace his spikes.
I believed in superstitions while playing sports when I was growing up. I didn’t play organized football but we played a lot of touch football. I had a Purdue Univ football jersey that I liked to wear every time we played. I thought it made me play better.
I just think it is interesting that pro athletes that are blessed with such great talent and great ability believe in superstitions. Wearing the same socks or, not stepping on the lines, carrying a good luck charm or loosening and tightening their batting gloves after every pitch or slapping a sign that says 'play like a champion today' are just a few of the many superstitions.
Even Michael Jordan had a superstition. He always wore his blue North Carolina basketball shorts under his Chicago Bulls uniform for good luck.
I tend to think that it is a habit that athletes grow up with or maybe it is just a part of the culture of sports.
Is the superstition necessary to play well, to play the best you can or to win? Whatever it is the athlete believes the superstition helps them perform and maybe that's all that matters.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Would you like a free bottle of water?
This was the phrase we used as we had a great experience yesterday in New York City at an outreach event that was called Love NYC. My definition of outreach is an event where the people of the church work to create positive interactions with people and show these people the love of God.
People from a number of churches from Indiana, Maryland, New York State and Pennsylvania came to New York City to support the outreach efforts of two new churches located in the city. This event has gone on for five years for one church and I believe this was the first year for the newer church.
By offering people who were passing by us on the streets of New York, free items (bottled water, granola bars and chewing gum) we were able to show them the concern of the church for the people of NYC and most importantly by symbolically providing them with something free, a gift, we were showing them the free gift of love that God has offered to all of us.
It was a successful event, I believe, as our group of 10 people were stationed in teams of 2 or 3 all around the Columbia University campus. The people we were able to interact with represented people from many countries, many cultures, many races, many sexual orientations, many ages and many beliefs.
The reaction we received to our free offers was interesting. Some ignored us completely and just walked by, some stopped and questioned our motives and refused our offer, some stopped and questioned our motives and then accepted the gift and some immediately accepted our offer.
That free gift brought us to a moment where we accepted them for who they were, they did not have to qualify, and they did the same for us. There were no guarantees that this acceptance would continue but at that moment they accepted our offer and hopefully would consider the offer to come to church and come into a closer relationship to God.
We believe we were doing what God calls us to do - to reach out to all people.
You should plan on participating with us next year.
People from a number of churches from Indiana, Maryland, New York State and Pennsylvania came to New York City to support the outreach efforts of two new churches located in the city. This event has gone on for five years for one church and I believe this was the first year for the newer church.
By offering people who were passing by us on the streets of New York, free items (bottled water, granola bars and chewing gum) we were able to show them the concern of the church for the people of NYC and most importantly by symbolically providing them with something free, a gift, we were showing them the free gift of love that God has offered to all of us.
It was a successful event, I believe, as our group of 10 people were stationed in teams of 2 or 3 all around the Columbia University campus. The people we were able to interact with represented people from many countries, many cultures, many races, many sexual orientations, many ages and many beliefs.
The reaction we received to our free offers was interesting. Some ignored us completely and just walked by, some stopped and questioned our motives and refused our offer, some stopped and questioned our motives and then accepted the gift and some immediately accepted our offer.
That free gift brought us to a moment where we accepted them for who they were, they did not have to qualify, and they did the same for us. There were no guarantees that this acceptance would continue but at that moment they accepted our offer and hopefully would consider the offer to come to church and come into a closer relationship to God.
We believe we were doing what God calls us to do - to reach out to all people.
You should plan on participating with us next year.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Wrong message for VW
In my life to date I have owned or driven 8 different volkswagens.
I have found them to be dependable and durable and a lot of fun to drive. That’s the way I prefer to think of the VW.
Not like the current campaign where people punch each other when they see a VW.
Yo, Vdub! I just want you to know that when that commercial comes on I either turn down the sound and ignore the commercial or I change the channel.
I have found them to be dependable and durable and a lot of fun to drive. That’s the way I prefer to think of the VW.
Not like the current campaign where people punch each other when they see a VW.
Yo, Vdub! I just want you to know that when that commercial comes on I either turn down the sound and ignore the commercial or I change the channel.
Pull a Jeter
By now you have most likely seen the incident with Derek Jeter of the Yankees dozens of times when he was hit by a pitch, or was he. It depends on the camera angle used.
Your reaction may be determined by whether you are a Yankee fan or not. It depends on whether you believe in winning at all costs.
The excerpt below from a USA Today article by Mike Lopresti indicates it happens frequently in many sports - football, baseball, basketball.
The desire to win by both players and fans appears to override our values.
Should Jeter have told the umpire he didn’t get hit? I don’t know. Will this change the future of the world? Doubt it.
Aren’t there more important more pressing issues to be concerned with? Yea there are. Let’s forget the trivial stuff and make an effort to focus on the important stuff.
What we do in our everyday lives is much more important than one incident in a baseball game.
****************************************
‘Jeter is what makes this so fascinating. You wonder if that .262 average has him desperate to find new ways to get on base. You try to decide if there is something unsettling in watching a Bronx god indulge in human chicanery.
Perhaps. But there is really no more reason for condemnation here than there is for the receiver who holds the football high in the air with two hands after trapping a pass, trying to convince the side judge a catch was made.
Or the shortstop who holds up his glove, trying to win an out call on a tag he missed.
Or the basketball forward who collapses like a soufflé, hoping to draw a charge. Some notoriously flop, but nearly everyone at least ... emphasizes.
The word is "gamesmanship," and this is the way it is in professional sport, where not only glory but also livelihoods are at stake. More accurately, it is trying to make use of the power of suggestion. Feel free to throw this matter onto the pile of reasons for the use of more replay in baseball. The camera is immune to the power of suggestion.
If one could quibble with anything about Jeter's performance, it'd be his postgame script. He needed to be, ah, fuzzier in his memory of the event.’
Your reaction may be determined by whether you are a Yankee fan or not. It depends on whether you believe in winning at all costs.
The excerpt below from a USA Today article by Mike Lopresti indicates it happens frequently in many sports - football, baseball, basketball.
The desire to win by both players and fans appears to override our values.
Should Jeter have told the umpire he didn’t get hit? I don’t know. Will this change the future of the world? Doubt it.
Aren’t there more important more pressing issues to be concerned with? Yea there are. Let’s forget the trivial stuff and make an effort to focus on the important stuff.
What we do in our everyday lives is much more important than one incident in a baseball game.
****************************************
‘Jeter is what makes this so fascinating. You wonder if that .262 average has him desperate to find new ways to get on base. You try to decide if there is something unsettling in watching a Bronx god indulge in human chicanery.
Perhaps. But there is really no more reason for condemnation here than there is for the receiver who holds the football high in the air with two hands after trapping a pass, trying to convince the side judge a catch was made.
Or the shortstop who holds up his glove, trying to win an out call on a tag he missed.
Or the basketball forward who collapses like a soufflé, hoping to draw a charge. Some notoriously flop, but nearly everyone at least ... emphasizes.
The word is "gamesmanship," and this is the way it is in professional sport, where not only glory but also livelihoods are at stake. More accurately, it is trying to make use of the power of suggestion. Feel free to throw this matter onto the pile of reasons for the use of more replay in baseball. The camera is immune to the power of suggestion.
If one could quibble with anything about Jeter's performance, it'd be his postgame script. He needed to be, ah, fuzzier in his memory of the event.’
Using SCRUM to get things done faster
I was aware of the term scrum in rugby but just became aware recently of how SCRUM is used in business. The process has been used primarily in IT and software development applications. It appears that it has applications in many different areas.
The following adaptation is from the site:
http://knol.google.com/k/what-is-scrum#
How does Scrum work to get product development done faster?
Scrum is a very powerful agile project management tool that improves team collaboration and helps improve team productiveness and product quality through a clear definition of roles and responsibilities.
At a more expansive level, however, Scrum is a framework, a value-system, and a process.
Scrum is a framework for managing projects or, more generally, work. It is iterative and incremental.
Scrum is a value system that asks teams to work together to accomplish a common goal, focusing on the output of the team rather than the input of the individuals. It values communication, openness, transparency, self-organization, and the worth of employees as individuals and professionals.
Scrum is a process that invites the application of those values by asking that teams generally organize themselves into three roles, participate in four regular meetings, and produce and maintain three artifacts.
What are the benefits of Scrum? First, it provides structure without unnecessary bureaucracy or hoops to jump through. This structure regiments communication and makes room for conversations that might otherwise not take place, resulting in less miscommunication. Reduced miscommunication often results in fewer defects and mistakes.
Scrum gives both team members and management a voice and increases the day-to-day control individuals have over their work. Unsurprisingly, this results in higher employee retention and satisfaction. Regular interactions help make things visible and transparent earlier than they may with more traditional, heavyweight processes.
Output is also considered more valuable than input that means that Scrum helps teams focus on big picture metrics like ROI, not how busy they are or look to managers. Therefore, Scrum helps us make more stuff that works for all the reasons above. If you’re in the business of selling stuff that works, you will probably make more money using Scrum.
Ultimately, that’s what it comes down to: With Scrum, you will probably produce better work for less money, in less time than using any other project management framework, value-system or process.
The following adaptation is from the site:
http://knol.google.com/k/what-is-scrum#
How does Scrum work to get product development done faster?
Scrum is a very powerful agile project management tool that improves team collaboration and helps improve team productiveness and product quality through a clear definition of roles and responsibilities.
At a more expansive level, however, Scrum is a framework, a value-system, and a process.
Scrum is a framework for managing projects or, more generally, work. It is iterative and incremental.
Scrum is a value system that asks teams to work together to accomplish a common goal, focusing on the output of the team rather than the input of the individuals. It values communication, openness, transparency, self-organization, and the worth of employees as individuals and professionals.
Scrum is a process that invites the application of those values by asking that teams generally organize themselves into three roles, participate in four regular meetings, and produce and maintain three artifacts.
What are the benefits of Scrum? First, it provides structure without unnecessary bureaucracy or hoops to jump through. This structure regiments communication and makes room for conversations that might otherwise not take place, resulting in less miscommunication. Reduced miscommunication often results in fewer defects and mistakes.
Scrum gives both team members and management a voice and increases the day-to-day control individuals have over their work. Unsurprisingly, this results in higher employee retention and satisfaction. Regular interactions help make things visible and transparent earlier than they may with more traditional, heavyweight processes.
Output is also considered more valuable than input that means that Scrum helps teams focus on big picture metrics like ROI, not how busy they are or look to managers. Therefore, Scrum helps us make more stuff that works for all the reasons above. If you’re in the business of selling stuff that works, you will probably make more money using Scrum.
Ultimately, that’s what it comes down to: With Scrum, you will probably produce better work for less money, in less time than using any other project management framework, value-system or process.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A Worthwhile Search
I heard something disturbing tonight.
While with a group of guys tonight one of them, a younger man, talked about being disappointed over a number of years by a number of men he had asked to mentor him. He explained that he asked several men several times if they would mentor him but none accepted so he took it upon himself to try to find out what he didn’t know and harder yet to find out, what he didn’t know that he didn’t know yet.
He understood the importance of learning from another man or from other men and what that could mean for him and his future. Gaining knowledge, wisdom, an understanding of better or easier ways of doing things, dealing with relationships, learning about and growing closer to Christ and many other things.
Fortunately for him he didn’t give up. He worked and developed relationships with men, asked questions and earned a college degree.
He is now working on a Master’s of Divinity degree and interning at a local church.
His experience is not the exception but more like the rule. In the book ‘Iron Sharpens Iron’ by Howard Hendricks he explains that there are many young men who would welcome mentors but have a hard time asking or finding mentors.
Many men think they don’t have anything to offer younger men. But every man has something to offer. Examples include: taking care of a car, learning to fish, playing the guitar, learning a language, managing employees, getting promoted, relationship issues, becoming a Christ follower and just about anything you can do.
Guys, don’t hesitate to ask other men for help. And guys if you are asked for advice or guidance don’t hesitate to participate. And if you are having trouble finding a mentor you can use books, cds, dvds, mp3's and seminars to help you grow until you find someone.
Hendricks also suggests not using the word mentor but rather asking someone if they could help you with something or if you want to mentor someone just ask them to go for coffee or lunch or some other activity that you both may enjoy and let the relationship develop.
Oh yea, one of the reasons it was a disturbing night for me was because I was one of the guys my friend repeatedly asked for help. Hopefully I have learned from this and will be more aware next time.
While with a group of guys tonight one of them, a younger man, talked about being disappointed over a number of years by a number of men he had asked to mentor him. He explained that he asked several men several times if they would mentor him but none accepted so he took it upon himself to try to find out what he didn’t know and harder yet to find out, what he didn’t know that he didn’t know yet.
He understood the importance of learning from another man or from other men and what that could mean for him and his future. Gaining knowledge, wisdom, an understanding of better or easier ways of doing things, dealing with relationships, learning about and growing closer to Christ and many other things.
Fortunately for him he didn’t give up. He worked and developed relationships with men, asked questions and earned a college degree.
He is now working on a Master’s of Divinity degree and interning at a local church.
His experience is not the exception but more like the rule. In the book ‘Iron Sharpens Iron’ by Howard Hendricks he explains that there are many young men who would welcome mentors but have a hard time asking or finding mentors.
Many men think they don’t have anything to offer younger men. But every man has something to offer. Examples include: taking care of a car, learning to fish, playing the guitar, learning a language, managing employees, getting promoted, relationship issues, becoming a Christ follower and just about anything you can do.
Guys, don’t hesitate to ask other men for help. And guys if you are asked for advice or guidance don’t hesitate to participate. And if you are having trouble finding a mentor you can use books, cds, dvds, mp3's and seminars to help you grow until you find someone.
Hendricks also suggests not using the word mentor but rather asking someone if they could help you with something or if you want to mentor someone just ask them to go for coffee or lunch or some other activity that you both may enjoy and let the relationship develop.
Oh yea, one of the reasons it was a disturbing night for me was because I was one of the guys my friend repeatedly asked for help. Hopefully I have learned from this and will be more aware next time.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Men only
Being a man is not always easy unless of course you always plan to take the easy way, the way of least resistance, not taking responsibility or not being accountable for your actions or lack of actions.
But if you are the kind of man who wants to be better at being a man and wants to develop and or improve those things that make you a better man then the way to do that is by associating with men who have accepted the responsibility, not ignored their obligations and commitments, live with integrity and are men of character.
Iron sharpens iron is not an empty phrase and you can sharpen yourself by attending the Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Seminar on Saturday, October 2, 2010, at Mountain Chrurch in the Baltimore area.
Steve Farrar, best selling author and speaker, is one of the keynote speakers. Steve has worked with men all over the country and can help you on your journey as a man. In addition there are break out sessions where you can learn more in many different areas that impact men.
Opportunities like this don’t happen frequently and especially at this price. I suggest you change any plans you have for that day and plan to attend. If you are like me, most of what you are doing can be done another day. Bring a friend or group of friends with you.
If you are interested in travelling together contact me at ekarchner@hotmail.com
For more information and to sign up go to: https://ironsharpensiron.net/conference-details.php?conference=168
But if you are the kind of man who wants to be better at being a man and wants to develop and or improve those things that make you a better man then the way to do that is by associating with men who have accepted the responsibility, not ignored their obligations and commitments, live with integrity and are men of character.
Iron sharpens iron is not an empty phrase and you can sharpen yourself by attending the Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Seminar on Saturday, October 2, 2010, at Mountain Chrurch in the Baltimore area.
Steve Farrar, best selling author and speaker, is one of the keynote speakers. Steve has worked with men all over the country and can help you on your journey as a man. In addition there are break out sessions where you can learn more in many different areas that impact men.
Opportunities like this don’t happen frequently and especially at this price. I suggest you change any plans you have for that day and plan to attend. If you are like me, most of what you are doing can be done another day. Bring a friend or group of friends with you.
If you are interested in travelling together contact me at ekarchner@hotmail.com
For more information and to sign up go to: https://ironsharpensiron.net/conference-details.php?conference=168
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Patience Grasshopper!
This is a phrase from a 70’s television show called ‘Kung Fu’ starring David Carradine. In that show Carradine’s teacher, Master Po, called him grasshopper.
A phrase that was used in that show and that was used by Master Po was ‘Patience, Grasshopper!’
It may sound a little silly to you but do you understand the wisdom of that saying? Your current level of wisdom will allow you to see the wisdom that you can comprehend in this statement.
Not only did Master Po see the importance of patience but so did Benjamin Franklin.
‘He that can have patience, can have what he will’ – Benjamin Franklin
Here is a cut from a page called Patience Grasshopper by Gina Bower at yourneedtoknow.com that provides some more insight into patience.
‘Improving your patience will help you to keep your perspective. Whatever it is that challenges your patience – a difficult person or situation – probably isn’t life or death. It is just a minor obstacle to deal with. Deal with it patiently, without anger or frustration, stress or high blood pressure. When you do, you will begin to enjoy many of life’s moments that used to frustrate you.’
We may understand what patience means but do we take the time to be patient?
A phrase that was used in that show and that was used by Master Po was ‘Patience, Grasshopper!’
It may sound a little silly to you but do you understand the wisdom of that saying? Your current level of wisdom will allow you to see the wisdom that you can comprehend in this statement.
Not only did Master Po see the importance of patience but so did Benjamin Franklin.
‘He that can have patience, can have what he will’ – Benjamin Franklin
Here is a cut from a page called Patience Grasshopper by Gina Bower at yourneedtoknow.com that provides some more insight into patience.
‘Improving your patience will help you to keep your perspective. Whatever it is that challenges your patience – a difficult person or situation – probably isn’t life or death. It is just a minor obstacle to deal with. Deal with it patiently, without anger or frustration, stress or high blood pressure. When you do, you will begin to enjoy many of life’s moments that used to frustrate you.’
We may understand what patience means but do we take the time to be patient?
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Cool Songs
Watching two different college football games tonight I got thinking that a team from each game has a really cool song written that includes the name of their state. My state on the other hand has a not so cool song written that includes its name.
I love the song ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd which I thought of while watching the Alabama – Penn State game. Sweet Home Alabama is a great sing along song. I also got to thinking about all the other great Skynyrd songs – including ‘Free Bird’ which someone inevitably asks for whenever there is a band playing.
Another song which is cool is Rocky Top which talks about Tennessee. The Tennessee fans at the Oregon - Tennessee game were singing this song in the stands. We used to sing this with a rock band and 10,000 people at the Charlotte Coliseum years ago. Love the chorus – ‘Rocky Top you’ll always be home sweet home to me…’ It was a blast!
The not so cool song about my state is the Pennsylvania Polka. It may have been good 50 years ago but we need an upgrade.
We need some cool lyrics, a catchy tune, and a fast pace. Come on guys you can do this!
I love the song ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd which I thought of while watching the Alabama – Penn State game. Sweet Home Alabama is a great sing along song. I also got to thinking about all the other great Skynyrd songs – including ‘Free Bird’ which someone inevitably asks for whenever there is a band playing.
Another song which is cool is Rocky Top which talks about Tennessee. The Tennessee fans at the Oregon - Tennessee game were singing this song in the stands. We used to sing this with a rock band and 10,000 people at the Charlotte Coliseum years ago. Love the chorus – ‘Rocky Top you’ll always be home sweet home to me…’ It was a blast!
The not so cool song about my state is the Pennsylvania Polka. It may have been good 50 years ago but we need an upgrade.
We need some cool lyrics, a catchy tune, and a fast pace. Come on guys you can do this!
Was it won or lost?
I saw much of the Ohio State vs Univ of Miami football game today. And I am wondering did OSU win the game or did Miami lose the game.
I think with all the mistakes that Miami made (interceptions, missed tackles, penalties, dropped passes) they lost the game. Miami would win this game without the mistakes.
If Miami can correct these types of errors they will be a force to be reckoned with this year.
I think with all the mistakes that Miami made (interceptions, missed tackles, penalties, dropped passes) they lost the game. Miami would win this game without the mistakes.
If Miami can correct these types of errors they will be a force to be reckoned with this year.
What difference does your presence make?
Did God lead you to where you are? A lot of people in my church and in my travels tell me, “I believe that God has called me to Simi Valley.” Or Wichita. Or New York. Or Greenville. Or wherever. That very well may be the case. But it could also be a cop-out because you like where you live. You have a good job. The school district is safe and has high ratings. Your family lives close by (or perhaps far away depending on your relationship with them). It makes sense that you are “called” to be there, right?
And maybe you are called to where you live. But if you say you are called to be in the place you are, a few questions need to be considered. For example, how would you be missed if you left this place? What would change? Basically, what difference does your presence here make? Or, as my youth pastor once asked me, what would your church (and the worldwide church) look like if everyone was as committed as you are? If everyone gave and served and prayed exactly like you, would the church be healthy and empowered? Or would it be weak and listless?
Source: ‘Forgotten God’ by Francis Chan pp 92 - 93
And maybe you are called to where you live. But if you say you are called to be in the place you are, a few questions need to be considered. For example, how would you be missed if you left this place? What would change? Basically, what difference does your presence here make? Or, as my youth pastor once asked me, what would your church (and the worldwide church) look like if everyone was as committed as you are? If everyone gave and served and prayed exactly like you, would the church be healthy and empowered? Or would it be weak and listless?
Source: ‘Forgotten God’ by Francis Chan pp 92 - 93
An "I" problem?
Two ducks and a frog hung out at the pond in farmer Brown’s field. One summer, however, a drought caused the pond to dry up. For the ducks, able to fly elsewhere, this was no problem. But the frog, knowing he would literally croak if he didn’t find water soon, said to the ducks, “I’m in trouble here. But I’ve got a plan. You guys hold a stick in your bills, and I’ll jump up and grab it with my mouth. Then you start flying. I’ll hang on. And we’ll keep going until we find another pond.”
The ducks said, “Sure. Sounds good.” So they put a stick between their bills. The frog jumped up and grabbed it tightly in his mouth. The ducks began to flap their wings, and suddenly the trio was airborne.
Taking in the whole scene, farmer Brown watched in amazement below. “What a brilliant idea.” He said. “I wonder who thought of it?” – to which the frog opened his mouth wide and proudly answered, “I di-.”
Pride says, “Look what I did!” It’s an “I” problem.
Source: Jon Courson’s ‘Applicatiion Commentary – New Testament’
The ducks said, “Sure. Sounds good.” So they put a stick between their bills. The frog jumped up and grabbed it tightly in his mouth. The ducks began to flap their wings, and suddenly the trio was airborne.
Taking in the whole scene, farmer Brown watched in amazement below. “What a brilliant idea.” He said. “I wonder who thought of it?” – to which the frog opened his mouth wide and proudly answered, “I di-.”
Pride says, “Look what I did!” It’s an “I” problem.
Source: Jon Courson’s ‘Applicatiion Commentary – New Testament’
Judgment and discernment
When does judgment become discernment? or does it?
Or does judgment help your discernment?
Or does judgment help your discernment?
Friday, September 10, 2010
What can you live with? Part 2
Would you rather live with the consequences of your actions or your inactions?
Some explanation for this question.
This question is the result of a scene from the AMC show 'Rubicon' where a team of intelligence analysts had to make a decision to take out a known terrorist with a missile fired from a drone. The decision had to be made in a short time with limited intelligence and based on the probability that the terrorist would be at a specific location. Another variable that was considered that made it more difficult was the fact that there would most likely be collateral damage a/k/a civilian casualties.
After all the discussion and the decision was made one of the analysts stated something to the effect that 'I like to live with the consequences of my actions.'
Some explanation for this question.
This question is the result of a scene from the AMC show 'Rubicon' where a team of intelligence analysts had to make a decision to take out a known terrorist with a missile fired from a drone. The decision had to be made in a short time with limited intelligence and based on the probability that the terrorist would be at a specific location. Another variable that was considered that made it more difficult was the fact that there would most likely be collateral damage a/k/a civilian casualties.
After all the discussion and the decision was made one of the analysts stated something to the effect that 'I like to live with the consequences of my actions.'
Thursday, September 9, 2010
College Football at its best
For all the college football fans
‘The national championship can't be won Saturday. But it sure does feel as though it could be. A monster slate of games is highlighted by two "rematches" of BCS title games and another whose tradition is steeped in national title clashes in bowl games. Throw in Michigan and Notre Dame and you have as compelling a September Saturday as you can find.’ From Season Long Implications by Rece Davis at ESPN.com
Enjoy all the great games!
‘The national championship can't be won Saturday. But it sure does feel as though it could be. A monster slate of games is highlighted by two "rematches" of BCS title games and another whose tradition is steeped in national title clashes in bowl games. Throw in Michigan and Notre Dame and you have as compelling a September Saturday as you can find.’ From Season Long Implications by Rece Davis at ESPN.com
Enjoy all the great games!
Long live rock
The Billboard Top 10 from 1980
Definitely some classics on this list. Hoping you keep one or more of these tunes in your mind today.
Billboard Top 100 - 1980
01. Call Me » Blondie
02. Another Brick In The Wall » Pink Floyd
03. Magic » Olivia Newton-John
04. Rock With You » Michael Jackson
05. Do That To Me One More Time » Captain & Tennille
06. Crazy Little Thing Called Love » Queen
07. Coming Up » Paul McCartney
08. Funkytown » Lipps, Inc.
09. It's Still Rock And Roll To Me » Billy Joel
10. The Rose » Bette Midler
Definitely some classics on this list. Hoping you keep one or more of these tunes in your mind today.
Billboard Top 100 - 1980
01. Call Me » Blondie
02. Another Brick In The Wall » Pink Floyd
03. Magic » Olivia Newton-John
04. Rock With You » Michael Jackson
05. Do That To Me One More Time » Captain & Tennille
06. Crazy Little Thing Called Love » Queen
07. Coming Up » Paul McCartney
08. Funkytown » Lipps, Inc.
09. It's Still Rock And Roll To Me » Billy Joel
10. The Rose » Bette Midler
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Righteous Strategy
Tired of hearing politicians calling their opponents names like racist, bigot, homophobe, sexist, obstructionist, etc.?
The reason they do it is because it works and the voters believe it. Voters should be more demanding and seek out the truth before falling for this strategy.
I think most times the strategy is used because the politician using it can’t defend or support their position. They lack supporting facts or substance in their argument so they attack their opponent.
So when a politician accuses the opposing party of preventing the passage of a bill it is a simple matter to check and find out that the accusing politician’s party has more than enough votes to pass the bill in both houses, without the votes of the opposing party, so it can be signed into law.
Isn’t it interesting that the accusing politician doesn’t tell you, the voter, that his party has enough votes to pass the bill. The issue is that he can’t convince his own party that this law needs to be passed.
This is all part of the Righteous Strategy that is explained below. It is from the book ‘The 33 Strategies of War’ by Robert Greene.
Occupy the Moral High Ground
In a political world, the cause you are fighting for must seem more just than the opponent’s. Think of this as moral terrain that you and the other side are fighting over; by questioning your enemies’ motives and making them appear evil, you can narrow their base of support and room to maneuver. Aim at the soft spots in their public image, exposing any hypocrisies on their part. Never assume that the justice of your cause is self – evident: publicize and promote it. When you yourself come under moral attack from a clever enemy, do not whine or get angry; fight fire with fire. If possible, position yourself as the underdog, the victim, the martyr. Learn to inflict guilt as a moral weapon.
The reason they do it is because it works and the voters believe it. Voters should be more demanding and seek out the truth before falling for this strategy.
I think most times the strategy is used because the politician using it can’t defend or support their position. They lack supporting facts or substance in their argument so they attack their opponent.
So when a politician accuses the opposing party of preventing the passage of a bill it is a simple matter to check and find out that the accusing politician’s party has more than enough votes to pass the bill in both houses, without the votes of the opposing party, so it can be signed into law.
Isn’t it interesting that the accusing politician doesn’t tell you, the voter, that his party has enough votes to pass the bill. The issue is that he can’t convince his own party that this law needs to be passed.
This is all part of the Righteous Strategy that is explained below. It is from the book ‘The 33 Strategies of War’ by Robert Greene.
Occupy the Moral High Ground
In a political world, the cause you are fighting for must seem more just than the opponent’s. Think of this as moral terrain that you and the other side are fighting over; by questioning your enemies’ motives and making them appear evil, you can narrow their base of support and room to maneuver. Aim at the soft spots in their public image, exposing any hypocrisies on their part. Never assume that the justice of your cause is self – evident: publicize and promote it. When you yourself come under moral attack from a clever enemy, do not whine or get angry; fight fire with fire. If possible, position yourself as the underdog, the victim, the martyr. Learn to inflict guilt as a moral weapon.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Risk the bruises and hard knocks
‘So much of the good stuff can only be had after you’ve walked through the land of hard. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Too much caution is bad for you. It is usually wiser to stand up to a scary-seeming experience and walk right into it, risking the bruises or hard knocks. You’re likely to find it is not as tough as you had thought. Or you may find it plenty tough, but also discover you have what it takes to handle it”.
Instead of avoiding something that makes you feel bad or scared, ponder whether it’s good. Look into the future. What would your life be like if you continued with that course of action? Would it be good? Would your life be richer? If you determine that it is something good (though the thought of trying it makes you feel afraid now), decide to start thinking about it differently – refuse to play it safe. I have heard it said, “A ship in harbor is safe – but that is not what ships are for”. You were not created for ‘safe’ either.
Look past the pain of the action to the joy of its reward. Then do the uncomfortable, hard thing courageously, and do it with joy. Rejigger your emotions and commit to the thing; don’t let your feelings set the course of your life. If you let your emotions rule you, there’s a chance you may end up ruining a lot of things that could have been wonderful.’
From ‘One Small Barking Dog: How to live a life that’s hard to ignore’ by Ed Gungor
Instead of avoiding something that makes you feel bad or scared, ponder whether it’s good. Look into the future. What would your life be like if you continued with that course of action? Would it be good? Would your life be richer? If you determine that it is something good (though the thought of trying it makes you feel afraid now), decide to start thinking about it differently – refuse to play it safe. I have heard it said, “A ship in harbor is safe – but that is not what ships are for”. You were not created for ‘safe’ either.
Look past the pain of the action to the joy of its reward. Then do the uncomfortable, hard thing courageously, and do it with joy. Rejigger your emotions and commit to the thing; don’t let your feelings set the course of your life. If you let your emotions rule you, there’s a chance you may end up ruining a lot of things that could have been wonderful.’
From ‘One Small Barking Dog: How to live a life that’s hard to ignore’ by Ed Gungor
Courage
'If we take the generally accepted definition of bravery as a quality which knows no fear, I have never seen a brave man. All men are frightened. The more intelligent they are, the more they are frightened. The courageous man is the man who forces himself, in spite of his fears to carry on.’
General George S. Patton, US Army
General George S. Patton, US Army
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Mr President are you listening?
‘To summarize: I profoundly disagree with the statist, so-called Keynesian response to the economic crisis; I believe we should be projecting strength and determination abroad, not weakness or uncertainty; I think now is the moment for more government reform, not less; and I am convinced we have a huge opportunity for engagement with the new emerging and emerged powers in the world, particularly China, if we approach that task with confidence, not fear
In short, we have become too apologetic, too feeble, too inhibited, too imbued with doubt and too lacking in mission. Our way of life, our values, the things that made us great, remain not simply as a testament to us as nations but as harbingers of human progress. They are not relics of a once powerful politics; they are the living spirit of the optimistic view of human history. All we need to do is to understand that they have to be reapplied to changing circumstances, not relinquished as redundant.’
Wall Street Journal, 9/4/10 – ‘Tony Blair Takes on the World’ – An excerpt from Blair’s new book, "A Journey: My Political Life"
In short, we have become too apologetic, too feeble, too inhibited, too imbued with doubt and too lacking in mission. Our way of life, our values, the things that made us great, remain not simply as a testament to us as nations but as harbingers of human progress. They are not relics of a once powerful politics; they are the living spirit of the optimistic view of human history. All we need to do is to understand that they have to be reapplied to changing circumstances, not relinquished as redundant.’
Wall Street Journal, 9/4/10 – ‘Tony Blair Takes on the World’ – An excerpt from Blair’s new book, "A Journey: My Political Life"
Why is an Ethical Society necessary?
Did you know there is a Washington Ethical Society in Washington, DC?
Isn't that an oxymoron?
Isn't that an oxymoron?
Economic Wisdom
Wisdom from Milton Friedman, Nobel prize winning economist
'The greatest advances of civilization, whether in architecture or painting, in science and literature, in industry or agriculture, have never come from centralized government.'
'We have a system that increasingly taxes work and subsidizes nonwork.'
'The greatest advances of civilization, whether in architecture or painting, in science and literature, in industry or agriculture, have never come from centralized government.'
'We have a system that increasingly taxes work and subsidizes nonwork.'
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Taking care of your jeans
Are you particular about how you take care of your jeans? Well here are some thoughts from a guy who is an expert and works for Levi Strauss.
Carl Chiara is director of brand concepts and special projects for LS and was interviewed in the September 2, edition of the Wall Street Journal
Some of Chiara’s thoughts on jeans:
o Says he wears jeans every day to work and in social situations
o The less people wash their jeans, the better their jeans become
o He doesn’t like to put his jeans in a washing machine
o He avoids using hot water on his jeans or throwing them in a dryer
o He doesn’t dry clean his jeans
o He says jeans should take on your personal day-to-day life and look like you
Here is one way he takes care of his jeans.
‘After six months of wearing a pair of jeans, Mr. Chiara does a comprehensive cleaning; his method could also be used by those who like to wash their jeans more often. Usually, he fills a bathtub to about six inches with room-temperature water and adds two tablespoons of Dr. Bronner's Magic Liquid Soap, which he likes because it is mild. Then, he immerses the jeans in the tub, laying them flat.’
Sometimes, with dark jeans, he'll add 1/8 cup of white vinegar to the water. "The vinegar sets the indigo and keeps it from fading," he says.
Mr. Chiara is careful not to scrub the jeans or move them around vigorously. He just lets them soak for 20 minutes before hanging them by the belt loops to drip dry. While letting the jeans air-dry, he may slip a "woodsy" scented sachet of potpourri into the jeans as he lays them flat.
If it's sunny out, Mr. Chiara sometimes likes to wear the jeans when they're "almost completely dry" and sit in the sun. "This final phase of drying them out on my body helps the jeans take on my shape," he says.
Me, I just wear my jeans 'til I think they need a washing. It can be a short time or a long time. But I know when they need it.
Carl Chiara is director of brand concepts and special projects for LS and was interviewed in the September 2, edition of the Wall Street Journal
Some of Chiara’s thoughts on jeans:
o Says he wears jeans every day to work and in social situations
o The less people wash their jeans, the better their jeans become
o He doesn’t like to put his jeans in a washing machine
o He avoids using hot water on his jeans or throwing them in a dryer
o He doesn’t dry clean his jeans
o He says jeans should take on your personal day-to-day life and look like you
Here is one way he takes care of his jeans.
‘After six months of wearing a pair of jeans, Mr. Chiara does a comprehensive cleaning; his method could also be used by those who like to wash their jeans more often. Usually, he fills a bathtub to about six inches with room-temperature water and adds two tablespoons of Dr. Bronner's Magic Liquid Soap, which he likes because it is mild. Then, he immerses the jeans in the tub, laying them flat.’
Sometimes, with dark jeans, he'll add 1/8 cup of white vinegar to the water. "The vinegar sets the indigo and keeps it from fading," he says.
Mr. Chiara is careful not to scrub the jeans or move them around vigorously. He just lets them soak for 20 minutes before hanging them by the belt loops to drip dry. While letting the jeans air-dry, he may slip a "woodsy" scented sachet of potpourri into the jeans as he lays them flat.
If it's sunny out, Mr. Chiara sometimes likes to wear the jeans when they're "almost completely dry" and sit in the sun. "This final phase of drying them out on my body helps the jeans take on my shape," he says.
Me, I just wear my jeans 'til I think they need a washing. It can be a short time or a long time. But I know when they need it.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Advice to young women
There is plenty of advice out there on finding a mate. There are plenty of Internet sites and dating services. You probably need to consider how much experience the person giving you the advice has in this area.
Wisdom, which is necessary in this selection process, can come from many sources. You need to always consider the source and use your instincts also.
I tend to question things and don’t always rush to be the first at doing something. I think this gives me an opportunity to consider the advice ‘in context’ meaning what other advice have I received from a person and how accurate or helpful has it been.
Below is a piece from the book ‘Finish Strong’ by Steve Farrar on page 133 where Farrar was asked by a group of young women ‘…what one trait should we look for in a potential husband?’
This book is geared to men and by reading it in its entirety you will understand more of the context and get the benefit of Farrar’s wisdom that has been gained over many years. Women this will help you understand more about men if you are interested.
Farrar, an author and founder of Men;s Leadership Ministries, and his wife were speaking to college students at a conference in Colorado when he was asked this question.
‘After thinking about it for a few seconds, I said, “The one trait you ought to look for in a potential husband is…teachability. Because if you find a guy who has a teachable spirit he is going to be OK. All of us guys have rough edges, and some of us are rougher than others. But a teachable guy will listen to you input. He’ll be a big enough man to admit he’s got a lot of room for improvement. More importantly, he will be open to input from the Holy Spirit. He’ll know how to humble himself before the Lord. A teachable guy is a guy who will grow up in Christ. If you find a guy like that, ladies, snap him up.’
Farrar will be in Maryland in October and Hershey, PA in March 2011. Check his web site: http://stevefarrar.com/steve_farrar_schedule/
Wisdom, which is necessary in this selection process, can come from many sources. You need to always consider the source and use your instincts also.
I tend to question things and don’t always rush to be the first at doing something. I think this gives me an opportunity to consider the advice ‘in context’ meaning what other advice have I received from a person and how accurate or helpful has it been.
Below is a piece from the book ‘Finish Strong’ by Steve Farrar on page 133 where Farrar was asked by a group of young women ‘…what one trait should we look for in a potential husband?’
This book is geared to men and by reading it in its entirety you will understand more of the context and get the benefit of Farrar’s wisdom that has been gained over many years. Women this will help you understand more about men if you are interested.
Farrar, an author and founder of Men;s Leadership Ministries, and his wife were speaking to college students at a conference in Colorado when he was asked this question.
‘After thinking about it for a few seconds, I said, “The one trait you ought to look for in a potential husband is…teachability. Because if you find a guy who has a teachable spirit he is going to be OK. All of us guys have rough edges, and some of us are rougher than others. But a teachable guy will listen to you input. He’ll be a big enough man to admit he’s got a lot of room for improvement. More importantly, he will be open to input from the Holy Spirit. He’ll know how to humble himself before the Lord. A teachable guy is a guy who will grow up in Christ. If you find a guy like that, ladies, snap him up.’
Farrar will be in Maryland in October and Hershey, PA in March 2011. Check his web site: http://stevefarrar.com/steve_farrar_schedule/
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