On Trying

 I seem to try many things.  I am not sure if it is good or bad (I like to think good).  Many things are hit and miss as to my focus and sustained effort.  Note this blog as evidence exhibit 1.  Still I like to think some of the things I do are beneficial to those around me and the larger society.  To all who read these immortal words, I pledge myself to keep trying.

Please hold me accountable.

Discussing Creative Commons and Intellectual Property

Recently created this short presentation regarding Intellectual Property and the Creative Commons license tool.  Give it a look.


https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1qkAk6otSg3qHFq7zqyTP_7HexBb22DHIM6OQx1eaAr8/edit?usp=sharing

Once again I have demonstrated my failure at blogging- over a month since last being here . . . .  And really not much to say today.
Life has recently been plagued by a series of frustrations and I have found them, well, frustrating.  I really don't have much influence over the situations so the logical approach is to do my best and contribute to solutions.  To move the ball forward as I am allowed.  The emotions are making that difficult.  Even Sancho Panza grew weary on Don Quixote's quests.  I may need to rest as Sancho did.

On teams, getting better and effort

I'm currently reading Geno Auriemma's book.  For those who are not married to a women's college basketball fan; Geno is the head coach of the University Of Connecticut's 10 times winners of the NCAA Women's College Basketball Championship.  He is a phenomenal coach/motivator.  Over the years he has amassed a record to rival the best coaches in any sport.  He must know something, so I will read his book.
Geno clearly teaches basketball fundamentals but I suspect he has learned a basic truth. Anyone who watches his women play will see a team schooled in sharing the basketball and working toward the goal he has set out. Everyone thinks that goal is to win games.   I don't think it is that simple.  His team routinely defeats teams by margins of 20- 40 points.  He does not care what the margin of victory is.  If they have not done their best they should have done better.
What I have learned, so far, is that from the beginning he recruited talent.  He does not just sign really good shooters and ball handlers.  He collects smart kids who are motivated and innovative people who want to reach and challenge themselves, many who are fearless when asked to do more.  Then he molds them in to a team.  He teaches them they are better together and that the team mission is the goal.   He doesn't just want to win.

He wants them to learn and get better all the time.

Just Sayin'

Staying Calm in the Moment

I recently lost my temper.  To those who know me that is not a tremendous surprise.  It happens. I stomped out of the door (for the eye witnesses, I know there was a bit of cursing, too) and went for a short walk.  While outdoors breathing fresh air and feeling the warmth of a sunny day I realized how foolish my behavior was.  My tantrum did nothing to advance the situation and only clouded my thinking.
After returning to my desk I began the process of altering the circumstance and system which lead to the initial frustration.  A baby step in personal growth?

We recently took a trip.  We visited our son who resides in Phoenix, Arizona. While in Arizona, despite the advice of an airport greeter, my wife and I took a couple of  days and drove up to the Grand Canyon.  Apparently, only "tourists" take the three hour drive to see one of the Wonders of the Natural World.
I lack the eloquence to do the vistas and majesty justice.  The magnitude, the beauty, the grandeur were awe inspiring. (see I told you, if you think this does it justice, go look).
What can be said, is that once you have looked into, across, along, and over the Grand Canyon you will be changed.  If you were unsure of your significance this experience should resolve your understanding.  The rock at the bottom of the canyon is plus or minus a billion years old. The 'new' rock at the top, the stuff you walk on is 250,000,000 years old. The river has been flowing and cutting the Canyon for the last 5,000,000 years.  About 50 years ago some people dammed and now 'control' the river.
I think the river and canyon will out last the dams, it has already outlasted the men who built them.  'Just sayin'.

Too Long (or how I fail as a social media maven)

I just realized it has been close to two years since I last pecked out a blog post.  And truth be told I only Tweet when someone else says something clever.
I see and even consider, some profound things.  They tend to be internalized for use and potential sharing later.  My first thought is seldom to step up on the digital soapbox.  The result is a fail as a Social Media Maven.
With that said I am trying and the proverbial 'old dog' may be learning a few new tricks along the way.  We will see .  . .