A platform where Business News, Affairs of State, New Technologies, Travel and Personal Convictions are all openly discussed... (Your comments are welcomed.)
A Summary of Recent Updates in the Googleverse Google is on a fantastic update-spree, and as Vic said a couple days ago, there will be updates to look forward to every single day over the next week or so (after all, it's the "Season for Shipping"http://goo.gl/v7SeP ). How awesome is that?!
"Regret doesn't remind us that we did badly, it remind us that we can do better."
While forgiving yourself for things you wish you had done differently is important; embracing the purpose and benefits of being a person who can feel regret, and using these natural feelings constructively, is just as crucial.
In other words, when reviewing the past experiences of one's own life; grace, without wisdom, will in all likelihood, lead to a much less productive, fulfilling, life experience. As for how I personally combine such adages within my own faith and journey; I can't think of any time when I have sought, prayed or yearned for forgiveness, while not also seeking, praying and striving for renewed or increased wisdom.
This talk was a great reminder for me, of the crucial lessons my faith and experiences painfully taught me years ago: The trials, mistakes and regrets themselves, are the blessings life most potently utilizes to create wisdom within each of us. Learning to embrace regret and our mistakes in an effective way, is crucial to heading forward through life with richer more fulfilling decisions, actions and results.
(Kathryn Schulz makes a powerful and moving case for embracing our regrets.)
"...if we have goals and dreams, and we want to do our best, and if we love people and we don't want to hurt them or lose them, we should feel pain when things go wrong. The point isn't to live without any regrets. The point is to not hate ourselves for having them."
A very good Facebook friend, recently posted the following status update: "Count your blessings. We have a family friend diagnosed with jaw cancer. To prolong her life, they will need to remove her jaw, teeth and lymph glands. She will no longer be able to eat, drink or speak. She's choosing not to remove any of it. She's choosing quality over time. Life is better for all of us more than we think sometimes. Maybe take a moment and say a prayer for her."
...This is such sad news to me, and she will definitely be in my prayers.
Hate to get into any sort of stereotype of gender issue here, but it is only to admit a personal flaw: Men so often have such a "bad habit" of wanting to "fix" a problem and/or quickly find a solution; versus, just listen to, and sympathize with, those who are simply explaining a situation. And I am one of the worst it seems at interjecting, "creative" thinking, and extensive research or personal insights into the mix.
More recently, but perhaps still not often enough, I have chosen to refrain from as many direct interjections as possible; and instead, continue to use my own personal blog (of often unpublished entries,) as a constructive outlet for my own points, counter points or typical insights.
In relation to my friends, "family friend's" condition; it immediately reminded me of a TV interview I just recently saw with Roger Ebert; whom had been battling with jaw cancer since 2002, until it's eventual removal. Personally, it made me so sad and frustrated to think how far our technology & science must progress for adequate treatment of those of us faced with such afflictions. It could so easily happen to any one of us; yet it seems it often takes the attention of a high-profile celebrity to help garner better research, support and funding.
Despite the fact, high-tech, Prosthetic Jaw Replacement procedures have been attempted since the 1960's (http://goo.gl/ky0UY), most are still considered extremely "experimental". You would think there would be numerous viable options by now. :-( I often think to myself, "we could send a man to the moon in the 1960's, but we can't ...(place frustration here)!" Half a century sure does seems like an awfully long time for medical science to take to advance something so prevalent and crucial to those patients faced with these challenges.
Some of the most hightech methods for prosthesis development and replacement, utilize "Rapid Prototyping"; which is also an advancing product design technology I have followed since it's more significant advancements in the late 80's. (http://goo.gl/LMYee) More specifically, such technology is often referred to as "STL, laser sintering"; and have become very common techniques for general product design and testing. But again, applications for advanced medical techniques involving STL are still very rare procedures (http://goo.gl/08Gkn); and would therefor require very proactive patient research or somewhat unconventional, forward thinking, advanced medical staffs in order to be administered or performed. And Despite many theories and techniques for prosthesis Jaw replacement being as old as 1938, it is still challenging to uncover the leading techniques and research centers offering solutions based on these most progressive techniques. But I'll discuss more about why individual research of such topics is often a challenge toward the last half of this entry.
To see some of the most progressive applications of new, state-of-the-art, brilliant techniques now being applied to today's medicine you must look towards the field of "Regenerative Medicine" and how it is being applied towards organ replacement, suing "printing" technologies: http://www.ted.com/talks/anthony_atala_printing_a_human_kidney.html
I will certainly be praying for my friend's friend; in addition to her Doctors continued research and referral to the most knowledgeable U.S. specialist and technology available in this crucial area of medical science. There is little doubt, given the choices she has likely been offered thus far, that her current decision is the same most of us would choose as well. And in so many cases of so much of the research and results which surface pertaining to U.S. based treatments, you will often see footnotes and disclaimers explaining "this is only in the early stages or development, actual testing and treatments are at least 5 years off." Such disclaimers not only often feel like a restaurants hostess standard, I should have a table in 20 minutes (or on the busy weekend, 45 minutes) but it also cause for searching for what stages countries outside of the U.S. bureaucracy are up to. (http://translate.google.com/)
The biggest challenge in our information age is getting to the right information at the right time! In fact this has become such an issue that folks are working daily to solve our "information overload" challenges with what has become a whole new ares of computational science and algorithmic theory and study in and of itself. PhD thesis are sighted regularly now through their published papers, eluding to a day when we might be able to actually makes since of all the information we now luxuriously have at out finger tips. http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/large-data-sets-algorithm-1216.html
There's certainly no shame in the fact that matching a persons need or a Doctors past education with the knowledge and expertise needed for our own, current and personal challenges or circumstances is an on going struggle for all of us. The hope the Internet and our ever growing connectivity does offer, is that with a little bit of work, connecting these dots can sometimes happen in a very timely manor. However, I would also argue, for most people, few internet searches prove to be as powerful as those serendipitous referrals and encouragements made perhaps in passing between two individuals in the midst of what might have started out as simple small talk. Or perhaps even a hybrid of technology and chit chat available to us these days, via an unsuspecting Facebook status update. :-)
=== Skip ahead
I have however experienced my own testimony of how crucial patient research has become; following my own recent medical scare (in March of 2009) and being immediately admitted by my general physician to Baylor hospitals "state-of-the-art" cardiovascular unit in Dallas Texas for multiple blood clots in my right leg following my return from high-altitude snow shoeing and skiing. The only option made available to me following the centers extensive and state-of-the-art visualization of the veins and arteries within my right leg, was to go on blood thinners and lay on my back for 7-9 days as they helped control and perhaps dissolve the culprits.
The irony to this encouragement to me was the fact it was also explained that thee clots likely formed during my stagnant position I maintained on my return flight to Dallas in the days following my high-altitude adventure. So it sure seemed odd that a part of today's current methodology also involved asking a patient to just remain additionally stagnant for up to a weeks time. When I asked if it was more likely to development additional complications if I moved around, the answer was "no".
When I asked my attending physician, almost immediately after being admitted to a private room, if the reason I needed to remain here under supervision was due to the fact I was still in danger of the blood clot in my leg migrating, or perhaps my body forming new ones? The answer was also "no, and no". She went on to explain, the regiment of Lovanox injections, now scheduled for daily administration, were therapeutically preventing any solid particles from potentially impacting my lungs or heart.
When asked if there was any reason, (given my own ability to administer the required injections,) that I should remain in the hospital? I was told "no, not really." Therefor, I said, "well then I wish to be checked out and allowed to go home immediately."
Given the fact I had only moments earlier been placed in a gown and taken up to my own private room, the doctor on duty within that floor of the hospital who was answering my questions, said, "we will see about letting you go in the morning." So after one night stay rather than 7-8, I was released.
What really became crucial about this decision to leave and not even stay through the weekend, was my ability to return to work the following Monday. It was a brief visit with a co-worker that would forever change my perspective on medical science, research and treatment within our current system of U.S. medicine.
You see my coworker, felt my symptoms and my story sounded very much like what a neighbor of her's son had recently endured. So much so, that the next day she brought over to my desk the name of a Doctor who practiced no more than 4 miles away form the very hospital I was admitted to days earlier. However this doctor worked within a completely different medical network. I had visited Baylor medical, this Doctor was on staff within the U.T. / Southwestern medical center. A completed unrelated and apparently unconnected system, despite the fact they were only blocks from one another within my home town.
Within days I under went a very new medical procedure to proactively dissolved the blood clots present within my right leg. You see clots won't go away quickly, if at all. the body just often learns to adapt and work around the now useless veins. And even when clots are effectively eliminated through long term use of drugs or by just waiting for the body to heal, they leave behind irreplaceable scar tissue and typically permanently damaged valves, which hinder circulation and cause swelling in extremities.
The point is the sooner the clot is removed the less damage is caused. So much so is this timing, that the procedure I under went is only available to a patient of the clot is less than 4 weeks old.
=== End of personal testimony
None of this is to say that a cure for any of our ailments is always right around the corner, or is being kept from us unless we proactively ask. It is however simply offering one testimony of how asking about alternative procedures, and taking a portion of my own care into my own hands, can at times improve your treatment, challenges, and possibly quality of life during your recovery or healing.
I do think that as I bring this entry to a close, I will circle it back around to the effort, opportunity and technology of pro-active, web based (re)searching. You must keep in mind that current methods of searching for the information, contacts and research your situation might be improved by, is definitely a bit of an art. And in many cases as you use your own "typical" or currently understood methods of searching for results, you are primarily serving to create a "predictability" which may limit your success. Many current debates are under way as to the effect the current search giants of our world are having on eliminating or reducing our chances of oh so important serendipitous discovery, referral or passed on piece of valuable info. You can read about these challenges in articles such as the following: http://janderson99.hubpages.com/hub/Does-Google-have-the-Right-to-Tell-us-What-we-Want-How-to-get-Unpersonalised
Or videos such as the TED speech help explain current the Filter Bubble of current "News Feed" and "Search Engine" curating each of our results, based on our own personal typical preferences. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzZzf6PoyC4
My advice when searching for something imperatives to your well being, but perhaps foreign to your won expertise and knowledge base, is to change your typical method of operation. In other words, switch Search engines! If you normally use Google, go use Yahoo; if your normally use Bing go use Google. You probably wont fair as well if you switch from Yahoo to Bing, since Yahoo now uses Bings algorithm to generate its results. The goal here to avoid being isolated into, as the speech above puts it, "a web of one."
The real power in attempting these searches, is when the human mind connects the dots which no computer algorithm has yet master. this may come in the obvious effort of translation (http://translate.google.com/) No search engines are positioned yet to search across multiple cultures or languages. No search result no to deviate from an initial topic while for the moment creating a new search branch based on member of a research lab, or new funding, or a visit you made to the library, or a conversation you had with a coworker, friend or relative which taught you a new related term of science. Reading an article with such hidden information will send a human down multiple path of research; however, a search engine has no such luxury of creativity and deductive reasoning.
When information can be life changing or perhaps life saving it must not only be taken seriously, but the search for such information must be approached creatively and with a new, as yet undefined, set of resourcefulness and determination. One mustn't garner or create false hope, but one must also understand the limits of any one persons or one medical offices limited amount of current expertise and information on any one topic. This is a world which offers new possibilities, the whole of the 7 Billion minds on this planet are now connected in an ever more productive manor. I don't want to instill false hope, I simple want to encourage others to attempt to exploit the planets minds and expertise a little more effectively, before accepting the limitation of one person, one organization or one city, state or countries worth of knowledge.
Why did the most wealthy investor in the history of the U.S. commit over 10 Billion dollars to one tech firm over the last quarter of this year? The average American consumer reading this might be guessing this firm was Apple, or perhaps even Google, or some other mobile tech or Internet firm. None of these guesses would be accurate or even on target.
Many have speculated Warren Buffets recent investment in IBM was due to some sort of "inside information" he was made privy to during a red carpet tour he was given at one of IBM's headquarters. But the fact is, everyone was told of the leap in technology IBM has recently hinted towards within a multimedia press release much earlier this year.
To explain the significance of IBM's claims, one must first consider the typical benchmarks associated with processor designs and their pace of advancement. Typically, Moore's Law has accurately
predicted an impressive benchmark by explaining how our computing power or processor designs maintain a pace of doubling every 18 months. IBM and 3M have recently describe a partnership, (illustrated in the link and video below,) which leverages a breakthrough, heat dissipating, adhesive along with a new type of CPU architecture in order to accomplish a 1000x's increase or leap in processing capabilities, rather than Moore's Law prediction of simply 2x's.
If
you want to make processors 1,000x times faster, you're going to need
some serious technology. At least that's the conventional wisdom. But 3M
and IBM are claiming through this partnership to have unlocked a secret shortcut.
If all indicator are correct this potential advancement appears to be the most significant announcement in the history of computer science! An opportunity for processing power to advance by 1000x times in as little as two years! And we see a hint of just how legitimate this claim may be by witnessing the wealthiest investor in the western world commuting over 10 billion dollars toward the holders of this advancement the same year it was announced.
So in making the assumption that these coincidental, telling moments in 2011's history are indeed prophetic about a computing leap, the question must then be asked: What will the average consumer due with a "Super Computer"? The answer is quite simply, "nothing"! Unless... Unless, software development is adequately approached to introduce this new era of consumer level super computing to task and data crunching of new categories of applications never before demanded by the average individual.
As for the world of application which are poised to fully exploit a LEAP of 1000x times in computing power. We certainly can expect the world of genomics to take several order of magnitudes of progression, given that it is one of the most processing bottle neck laden areas of medical and biological science.
Additionally you might actually start seeing your local weather man privy to an ability to predict weather further than a 24 hour window of accuracy. Thinks to world wide views of climatology being easily afforded and disseminated.
In an ever connected world, poised to exploit cloud computing and computational results; which sciences and application are sure to most immediately impact the daily lives of the masses? What if in addition to health sciences and climatology, other social and economic sciences, less associated with data crunching were also soon to be simple, common areas of computing comparisons and analysis. In other words what if ares of life which we typically considered that of "opinion" become such competent, undisputed ares of science based on complex analyses of multi-spectral data, they become indisputable facts? Such as; political sciences, macro economics, real time analyst between broadcast media and actual public opinions, ever elusive stock market analysis, the sky is really the limit. And then of course there are all the obvious areas of penetration within the specturm of entertainment, movies, gaming, simulations, training, visualization, architecture, land planning, transportation projection and analysis, urban planning, "smart growth", etc...
Once again the field of software development will be depended on to ultimately leverage and create the benchmarks for exploiting this new level of hardware's potential along with the needs and ability to learn and adapt to it's opportunities and uses for and by the end user.
"Futurist" are needed at times like these more than ever. Predictions, redefined opportunities and speculation become paramount in creating advances and whole new markets. Necessity is typically the mother of invention, but in a rare case where capability out paces many understood necessities; and when the market is filled with projects and goals which were limited by the researchers and public's previous understanding of what is feasible; visionary's must offer, encourage and evangelize future needs, uses and methods of exploiting such enormous leaps in potential. Their predictions and hypothetical story telling becomes the catalyst which is then be utilized as the inspirational spirit required to take advantage and necessitate such rare leaps in opportunity.
On the higher level of software development thinking, it must be asked, will yesterdays office run on tomorrows super computer? Or is a revolution required in all areas and paradigms of use and user experience? On a lower level are of consideration, is the jury still out on which instruction set will be the primary dependency for the new languages and application of the future capable of taking advantage of such leaps in processing and processor architecture. And will a whole new paradigm in processors advances be present in the generations beyond this lead due to the exponential quality of chip design that relays on chips to analyze and perfect all subsequent generations.
If concerns about Global Warming and any negative impacts the combined human population of the developed world is having on this planet are indeed false; and the conservative right, U.S. political movement, truly does have some incredible insight on the truth; then who or what organization is responsible for duping China into changing the way this largest country in the world is approaching the challenges of their unprecedented growth?
(Might have to log-in to YouTube to view, due to lack of films rating.)
The possibility that an officially "atheist" country was convinced to be concerned with their's and the planet's future; while, on the contrary, an entire swath of one of the two party's which run our own country are clued out, is truly embarrassing! Worse, irresponsible and sadly ignorant! :-(
Completely ironic this same, "conservative" political party, is the one which often attempts to market itself to the Christian, God fearing people among us. And of course the reason this seems SO ironic and relevant to the fact China is atheistic, is the fact that most folks of such conservative faith are insistent God expects them to be good, responsible, stewards of his gifts. And none are larger than that of our planet and the life we live while on it.
Seems strange to sacrifice one's faith based principals (or for that matter, one's common since,) on the chance that a U.S. political party's claim of some rash, organized, conspiracy is occurring amongst the majority of all climatologist and related scientist all across the world.
It is hard to find legitimate
organizations to depend on for learning and direction in this endeavor
of "Green" living and transition towards a smarter future for this
country. Let me know if you come across other resources like the NRDC: http://www.nrdc.org/default_t2.asp
Update: The following link, views even more humbling insight to the original movie, embedded above! http://youtu.be/A-RtiZSuFJ0
It is true, there are some things in life that just can't be measured.
Our intelligence is definitely a hard one to gauge.
"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education" - Albert Einstein
Some folks are only inspired to accomplish something if others are able to recognize, pay tribute to, or monetarily compensate them for their accomplishment. Other's find the drive, incentive and passion to create, produce and grow simply for the sake of the accomplishment itself and the edification which comes from creating something new; regardless of whether or not others are present or aware of the effort.
For those who enjoy learning, striving and improving one's knowledge and capacity, regardless of measured or shared recognition with others; the following websites are simply a treasure! You will find an ability though these resources to literally learn just about any physical science, chemistry, political science, history, health care, astronomy, architecture, languages, all levels of math, software training, grammar, physics, philosophy or practically any other area of academic learning you choose.
I have blogged about this first site on my list of links previously. It represents an exceptional future in education, and is sure to become a resource used by schools and home student all around the world. Great resource for all grades and levels of teaching and tutoring needs:
Lentil describes itself as, "a learning application. Like a wise tutor, it breaks things down and finds the right pace for you. If you ever have trouble, it's our fault, not yours."
While it only serves to teach Japanese, some Korean, and some Geography at the moment; it promises many more application are to come!
It was founded by Russel Simmons, a Yelp co-founded who has always wished to improve education through tehcnology.
(An Online Academy are integrated with the University of Kansas, "eLearning Design Lab")
Google Reader: Providing access to all their required reading.
Google Scholar (Searches): Stand on the shoulders of giants.
Google Knol: A "know" is said to be a unit of Knowledge, on this site you can both learn and search for unlimited topics of user contributed knowledge.
Google Patents (search): Have your students and teachers take time exploring the ideas / inventions that make the world go round...
Google Earth (must install local app): allows for exceptional exploration of not only earth and underwater geography, but also thanks to the "Sky" features other constellation, galaxies and neighboring planets may be explored.
Google Maps: An easy way to explore topography and geography around the world, along with contextual searches.
"News Map" (Select your desired area of news on bottom menu): http://newsmap.jp/
PRODUCE / CREATE:
Google Documents: Providing the a method for writing, review and storage of all required assignments.
Google Spreadsheetst: Also provides a good Report Card / reporting system for ongoing progress, as well as a spreadsheet resource for students.
Google Drawings: Not only can it be used for creating content inserted within "Google Presentation" teaching resources, it also serves as a creative, artistic resource for the students.
Google SketchUp (must install local app): Provide the students with exposure to more advanced skills in the area of 3D modeling and Computer Graphics
Google Presentations: A full line of teaching resources can be developed and presented via this tool.
I will continue updating this list of education related resources as I learn and use other sources over the coming years.
Enjoy! ...happy (e)learning...
As for more physical / hardware tools to consider:
consider a writing instrument such as the PULSE SmartPen, which records ALL verbal lectures simultaneously while each written note is also digitized. This digital synchronization of both the audio present during a lecture or meeting along with your written dictation, allows you to later return to your writings and simply tap the desired note on the paper to instantly replay and hear it's related sound bite. The more you get use to the power such instant recall and note embellishment provides the more you love it! $150
Soon we will live in a world which better understands, self sufficient accountability, where related to the study habit and efficiency of every student; regardless of which level or area of studies they are facing. Once this maturity and wisdom is more common, and something our culture embraces, teaches and expects then resources being made available all around the world will then be recognized for the revolutionary tools in learning and developing they represent.
"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education" - Albert Einstein
Schools, libraries, colleges & university use to be the exclusive resources (beyond that of internship and apprenticeships) we had to depend on for higher education and continued education. However, such brick and mortar, costly, institutions are simply no longer required.
Society has not yet caught up with these existing, new opportunities, the information age has now brought instantly to our fingertips, ears and eyes. And there may not yet be an award system or measurable way to account for the regular attendance or results each attendee visiting these resources garners; regardless, they are no less capable of complimenting and in most cases replacing our current aging system of education in this country.
"That's what life is... You have a bunch of dreams, and then you do what you can to make them happen." Jeb Corliss, Venice CA, Professional Base Jumper.
I'm no base jumper, and perhaps you aren't either, but that doesn't mean I don't dream. :-)
In fact:
I thank God for dreamers! And for those who encourage others to dream!
I also thank God for all of those folks who's dream it is to help those who don't have any, find their's. Whether they are teachers, coaches, activist, bosses, managers, co-workers, preachers, parents, writers, directors, artist, photographer, art directors, software developers, land developers, engineers, musicians, etc... ...be a dreamer! Be a dream maker!
On the frustrating flip side... Have you recently, (or perhaps long ago,) experienced a "Dream Depletion"?
Life is far to short to be diminished by those more motivated by office politics, insecurities, money and corporate ladders; rather than finding inspiration in the true progression of dreams and visions, versus one's own individual status.
If you are a dreamer - stay your course! Of you are a depleter of others, remember; your roll only truly serves to ruin those around you; and nothing truly successful will come from this. Find no pride in the halls you walk down, until you find the wisdom to lift up those whom you share them with! ...I do believe these people; these "users" and "abusers" of all those in possession of dreams of their own; do indeed know who they are. If at all unsure of your roll, you may also want to view the following check list to make sure your methods are not present on it either.
Moreover, here is some more direct communication for the "Dream Killer"s of the world:
When you find yourself so insecure and fearful of living life, you have become a dream squelcher, then get help and as quickly as possible, get out of the way! I don't care if you create such deficits in people spirits, intentionally or accidentally; the world is not here for your careless destruction.
Simply stay AWAY from those who are here to improve and grow all of our lives, until you can learn to contribute versus smother; lift up versus deplete, compliment rather than insult. Move on to a place where your negativity is only destructive to yourself; rather than damaging others; and the opportunities they are working hard to develop and potentially provide to others.
As an entrepreneur, product designer, inventor, friend, student, trainer and dreamer; I have had more than my share of run-ins with thieves of dreams! Some, were people vary close to me; other's looked on from a cowardly distance, while still taking their best shots. As a dreamer and dream creator, you MUST simply learn to accept that cowards exist in this world, and learn to continue dreaming, persevering even when in their midst!
Today I want to encourage all dreamers to dream again! Dream bigger! Live again! Live bigger! No matter who tried to rob you of your vision, who tried to insult your creativity, or who tried to taint your reputation, ...do NOT let them win!
Putting it bluntly, they were "damaged goods", meant to deplete this world of it's most precious commodities, long before they met you, and they mustn't make a looser out of the real dreamers within this world. If you let a dream thief beat you! ...if you give up, if you quit, we all loose far more than we know or deserve.
Don't ever let your religion get in the way of progress. (For instance, in the case of protestants, No death experienced by Christ ever illustrated a cross in defiance of science.)
Don't confuse your own desire to understand morality as an excuse to fear and insult other's methods of thinking and living.
Don't confuse a message within a self-help book; such as one trying to teach you how to win friends and influence enemy's; as an excuse to exercise uninvited influence or self assumed power over others.
No political party you choose to align yourself with is worthy of the resulting insults you see fit to cast on folks you have never met; or worse, friends and family members whom you are familiar with. No representative of that political party will EVER bother attending your funeral or your hospital bed when the chips are down. So put into perspective any false alliances you have constructed, and any insecurities which might have inspired these.
My random inspiration for jotting down these particular thoughts and encouragement was a result of simply watching a base jump video, featuring Jeb Corliss' quotes. I was instantly and vividly reminded how hard it is to keep your dreams alive within a world full of insecure, dream killers.
While there is very little I can directly relate to insofar as the world of those inspired to base jump, I certainly know how hard it is to get or remain positive in the face of, ever so tempting, cynicism; which tends to grow and grow after the numerous trials of facing dream killers head on.
For years I served co-workers and clients within the world Civil Engineering. I would remind myself on a weekly basis that in the world of Civil Engineering, these professionals are essentially taught, innovation is a potential liability. They are after all licensed by the state, and expected not only to follow each states rules and regulations but place a seal on each plan or document symbolising the liability they are willing to accept if those standards and rules are not properly executed.
As my professional and technical abilities grew; and my resulting dreams and departmental goals along with them; I progressed to larger and larger firms. It is true, it became harder and harder to make excuses for the co-workers, leaders, managers and fellow directors within the HUGE corporate environments. And quite frankly, tracking the politics within was not always my forte. However, I will NEVER believe that giving up or enabling the depletion in one's rare ability to initiate and bring to fruition one's visions and dreams is acceptable! Instead, you simply MUST accept the fact these dream killing people exist and move on.
Thieves are after all, allways present. This fact doesn't prevent us from, buying, gifting or treasuring the things we hold most dear. We just lock our doors at those times when we feel the need, and trust our belongings will remain safe when we are unable to protect them. Such cautions and trust in our inspirations and dreams is no different. However, these gifts must also be taken out in plain sight of the thieves, often, in order to functionally serve the community at large. It is finding this ability to continue to trust and risk, which all dreamers must never loose or give up on.
Stay strong, bounce back, present your gifts again and again, and dream on!
(Incidentally, I did construct some similar warnings and encouragements, from a Corporate America stand point, in bullet form, a few years ago; after leaving a rather high-profile position within a large 4000+ man national firm. This bullet listing can be found at another recent blog posting: http://themichaelhulmeproject.blogspot.com/2011/10/real-men-dos-and-donts.html )
Truly the start of a new revolution in personal photography. The Lytro Camera!
Folks with careers in Computer Animation will appreciate the continued fact, real world technology is now even closer to mimicking the post-production opportunities of those frames rendered from within the virtual worlds we have been privy to illustrating and manipulating for decades.
First the XBOX Kinects brings live Z-depth recognition (and combines/utilizes it with real-time motion capture) to any living room (And becomes the fastest selling piece of consumer electronics in the process.); now the Lytro brings, "Light Field Capturing" to a tiny, one click, (sub $400,) hand-held, camera!
Not only are the depth of every captured pixels understood by this camera, but also the direction of every 11 million light points (not to be confused with the pixels), it is capable of simultaneously detecting.
The term "fix it in post" is becoming rather unreal (as in, unimaginable) reality!!
Visit the Camera new website here to learn all the technical details: https://www.lytro.com/camera
You can also see some fascinating example of photos taken with their camera within the company's "Living" Picture Gallery or on their Blog.
There are already several little reviews of the first consumer version of this tehcnology available all over the web, such as the following:
It is an interesting study to me, how many folks find comfort in defending the 1%. Seems like it is often an attempt to feel more secure, or "aligned". Or perhaps for many; some opportunity to bring about an alignment through a form of self-fulfilled prophecy.
Hearst’s Mansion in Beverly Hills = $165 million
After all, why would I defend such a group, unless I too had a stake and would one day join it, if not already be on my way? Right?
...Like when a potentially targeted nerd at school continually bolsters the "cool" guys reputation, while only in the company of his other nerd friends; as if that might somehow (magically) help him avoid the likely wedgie tomorrow from the "cool" crowd. :-)
Such insecurities, and lame attempts at self-preservation, have been around all our lives; they just now appear to whimsically "mature" into goofy, editorialized commentators; and the sad, sidewalk, wan-a-be, interviewees within big city crowds. Not to say that is any more appealing or admirable than becoming a rebellious, modern day, hippie; I just like to be mindful of both, intriguing areas of temptations when possible.
Then again, if the 1%-ers are seemingly the martyrs; as these events continue to "irresponsibly, and "abusively" drag on; that must also make for some interesting / entertaining toast within their own elite social groups at the moment. No? :-)
I just wouldn't know; I am decidedly, NOT a part of the 1%.
In other words: Often seems just as odd perhaps; during such perceived, unfounded, methods of protesting; to blindly follow or side with either issue; or, unduly respect either position, touted on one sides of a coin or another.
Such blind positioning or touted faith, is no more appealing or sensible, than those guilty of radical rejections, or simple reacting and flailing directed at the status quo. To be on either side of ANY issue without truly studying both sides plights, advantages, challenges, naivete or problems more closely is reckless. And to do so without offering "real" solutions to (unbeknownst to either side,) real problems should be an embarrassment for the group you have chosen to align with.
Fact is, any lack or understanding the facts, and/or lack of a solution, will likely go "unnoticed" by either side. After all, one started reacting out of pain and therefor scarcely had time to devise a sensible "out"; the other doesn't want solutions discussed in the first place, for fear of potential costly transitions and losses. So the "Status Quo" is very likely to be perfectly safe, for the moment. :-)
In summary (sort of), or at least, conclusion:
I'm just offering thoughts towards this odd tendency so many have found comfort in lately to defend the 1%. (As if they need it.) Don't they realize they will still be likely to receive a wedgie while innocently roaming the halls tomorrow? :-) Such phenomena, or futile (and insecure) goals of self-preservation, are even more surprising to me than those camped out within a cold park tonight in protest.
And regardless of the motivation either group has to be on either "side" (while neither is likely to be truly classified as a "1%-er"), they each are SO likely to lack in numerous crucial facts. So how can either be well respected or blindly trusted at the moment?
I personally think any methods taken within a democracy or republic such as ours, which can ultimately gain the attention of the public and / or thereby insight reasonable discussions, (probably outside of the arena of the protest itself,) is a wonderful and interesting example of our freedoms. Truly synonymous of the historic actions which most often tend to do the more profound shaping of our nation.
So it is somewhat easy to see whom I think are the actual insecure cowards in this, and who I think are the few and the brave. (Albeit I don't deny, each group may very well be mislead at the moment.) What does remains to be rather confusing, is whom our media will convince us tomorrow (and the day after) are the actual martyrs in all of this? After-all, most of us must wait for a cable news network's droning in order to know how we feel and who we will defend.
Real men don’t “write checks” that require the “endorsements or withdrawals” of their entire family life and/or professional integrity to cash.
·Real men don’t use the excuse of their pressures and responsibilities at work; to bare down unfairly and take for granted the love and loyalty offered to them daily by their own family and loved ones, children and spouse.
·Real men don’t use the pressing responsibilities they are facing at home; as an excuses to practice cutthroat politics or even less scrupulous tactics; towards advancement within their workplace.
A real man’s character should always be present throughout his’ life.
·Real men, don’t overlook that being a man requires protecting and defending the good in one’s self; maintaining steadfast character; a character that ceaselessly enforces one’s ethics and principals; especially when they are facing trials.
Real men don’t find their own judgment, ethics, and principals; clouded, compromised or abandoned over new found power and responsibility.
·Real men don’t find they have different priorities and ethics simply because money is being offered to them.
·When greed becomes your inspiration, you have already failed.
Real men think about the legacy they will leave in this world before it is too late in their life to alter it.
·They understand that they are never to alter their legacy at the cost and expense of their own family, co-workers, and friend’s wellbeing or trust.
Real men don’t falsify loyalties.
·Real men don’t change their idea of loyalty and alter the people they bestow it on, whenever it suits them; or ever stray from or deceive the very people whom they led to believe could depend on their consistency and sincerity.
Real men find a way to obtain humility, and treat others fairly; abundantly representing they are no more important than the persons they are speaking too, managing or calling friends, co-workers and family.
·Real men treat their wives as if their own lives depend on their happiness, trust and love being respected and steadfast.
·Real men treat their children as if their lives depend on it.
Posts
