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Golfing

Earlier this week my father and I finally took my aunt golfing, a brand new sport to her. Not the easist activity to get into the swing of thing
(a dun dun, pun intended). She did quite well for her first time on the course, however, not letting go of her insane pull to the right on her drives.

Here's a good picture of her off the 5th green. She chipped the ball about 50 yards away from the green onto this mound. As dry as the grounds were that day, gravity just didn't do it's job on this one.


Here's my favorite outlook on the course over the 8th hole. The green is up above a hill that overlooks the 15th hole dipping right over those trees. Unfortunately the picture doesn't give justice to the actual beauty of the surroundings.

Jeff Jacoby Op-Ed (Crime and Punishment)

Excellent Op-Ed piece in the Boston Globe on August 5th by Jeff Jacoby. He takes a stab at report called, "No Exit: The Expanding Use of Life Sentences in America" by a group called the Sentencing Project. The following is an excerpt from the editorial challenging some of the statistics and facts used to corroborate the Project's argument to abolish life sentences and the death penalty.

[Nowhere in “No Exit’’ is there any breakdown of the crimes that led to the 140,000 life sentences now being served. Yet the report devotes almost obsessive attention (including five statistical tables) to the alleged racial disparity those sentences reflect. About 48 percent of lifers are black, 33 percent are white, and 14 percent are Hispanic. “These figures are consistent with a larger pattern in the criminal justice system,’’ the report notes, “in which African Americans are represented at an increasingly disproportionate rate across the continuum from arrest through incarceration.’’
Yet the report mentions only in passing another striking disparity: Nearly 97 percent of inmates serving life terms are men. If it is noteworthy that blacks, who account for 12 percent of the general population, make up 48 percent of lifers, shouldn’t it be even more significant that men, who comprise less than half the population at large, represent nearly all those sentenced to life?
The explanation, of course, is that men commit the vast majority of serious crime; that fact, not sexism, explains the disproportionate incarceration rate.
Likewise the racial disparity: Though blacks account for just one-eighth of the US population, they are six times more likely than whites to be murdered, and seven times more likely to commit murder. That hard fact, not racism, explains the high proportion of lifers who are black. But such inconvenient facts appear nowhere in the Sentencing Project’s report. “No Exit’’ brims over with information and statistics - but only those that reinforce its sponsor’s preconceived views.]

Economic Logic or Bad Publicity?

As I was cruising through the news channels this morning, I had noticed a headline off of MSNBC that brought be to the Wall Street Journal's website. Images posted, as one shown here, display signs coffee shop/cafe owners are posted to deter laptop users from squatting over seats. The issue owners have with these individuals is the built up frustration concerning the use of their space with little economic return. Laptop users essentially are paying little, staying long, and not putting up the money owners are looking for to cover expenses associated with offering free wireless access. Many laptop toting patrons are being asked to use their electronic extremities during specified no-peak hours, or, not to use them altogether. This issue drives criticism from many unemployed or freelancers who rely on coffee shops as external offices, for personal getaways, and meeting places.

It's quite understandable why owners are frustrated with individuals who throw down $2 for a cup of coffee and nurse it throughout the day. Though personally i'm not a fan of the sugary $5 concoctions, i'll lay down for the less expensive and more natural coffee drinks and spend an hour or two on my laptop. Is this time paid for properly? Probably not. But, does the hospitality and level friendliness of the staff keep me a recurring customer? Most definitely.

Customers are right in that their once frequented stops are now alienating up to half of the customer base. But at the same, the logic flows that no one should usurp limited space without compensating for it. I hate to take even a minimal position against laptop users such as myself, but I do find it annoying (and would for others) when space is taken and you're there without a laptop, possibly with friends looking for a place to sit down and chat.

Many of these initiatives are being taken in busy metropolitan areas, however, I wouldn't be surprised if these kind of actions took off in smaller communities when space may pose a problem. Though it's surely inconvenient for those who lack offices or need a solid spot to speak with potential clients, I believe the compromise owners have taken with non-peak use is fair until issues with space and money recede - that saying if they ever do.

XX v. XY, Who Makes Better Managers?

We all at some point, particularly if you've been through any business/psychology/communication study track, that "leadership" and "management" are different. Their difference is an entire blog post unto itself, however - i'm talking about the latter. Who makes better managers, women or men, and WHY?

I ran across an interesting piece off of the NYT Business section which followed later with some excerpts from some of the social psychologists, researchers, and academics in the field of management. There is a large consensus on the stereotypical concepts of managerial style based on gender. Men are more risk taking, women build and harbour relationships, men like to hear themselves speak and purge ideas more readily onto the table, women welcome opinions and ideas from others before hankering down their own, women are less likely to make bold and rash decisions. There are reasons for all of these stereotypes many of which stem from historical imbalances and of course emotional and psychological differences between genders.

I hope we can all agree of the truth is what is known as the "glass ceiling." Though many acknowledge the theory, some are less willing to accept its effects. It has been, it is, and it will be a hindrance on upward movement and the ability for a woman to act as boldly as a man would in fear of losing respect and more damningly their job in the event of any mistake. Leora Tanenbaum, author of Catfight: Rivalries Among Women... states, "The best managers, female or male, are those who admit that the corporate structure favors men and who recognize their responsibility to help others follow in their footsteps." Egh, great, but it doesn't say much about why or how gender differences may play a role in successful management. Ultimately with all the research out there, I haven't come across ONE blanket statement on which gender breeds "better managers."

I don't think anyone can make such a bold assessment nor can any research confirm or deny any hypothesis. We can invest as much time and money as afforded toward this question, but it'd be a wasted effort because no one gender carries a greater level of management than the other. Each is naturally equipped with advantages and disadvantages that prescribe successful management practices. Women may feel the pressure of some assertions because on the whole they have not caught up to the positions of power and authority that men have privileged since the beginning of society. Of course we see female politicians, executives, academicians, etc. but continue to look around and the statistics are dauntingly skewed and still will be. As we push forward in time we'll see more women climb into positions of managerial prowess as my generation and that ahead of me will be offered more opportunities for women to gain experience and support to boost their promotional credibility. Until then, I wince at any conclusion from any study on who makes better managers. We can have preferences, we can make assessments based on styles and personalities, but we cannot make conclusions.

Vio - Top 10 Bad Beverage Ideas - TIME

Vio - Top 10 Bad Beverage Ideas - TIME

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Behaviors Chosen For You

I remember a high school teacher discussing parental habits on their children's choices later in life, a preordained measure of what a grown individual will choose based on their parents habits. This being an interesting psychological observation which reminded me of Albert Bandura's social learning theory. Bandura, who states, "learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do."

True somewhat, isn't it?

I know an individual, who will remain anonymous, who states an all but true characteristic that bridges on being politically correct; so I will alter it slightly. "If you show me an overweight kid, i'll show you an overweight parent." As rude or incongruous as this may seem, it's an unfortunate truth. Behaviors of parents largely dictate attitudes, values, and norms of their children. Personalities I believe are greatly uno-centric, however, largely formed by the nurturing process. More so, the extrinsic choices young adults make (i.e. spending habits, nutrition and exercise habits) are also largely based upon the lifestyle of those whom they modeled after, their guardians. Examples as simple and remote as picking a toothpaste or a news channel to more serious life style choices such as setting up retirement plans early and being a philanthropic community contributor, are acts stemming from our parent's behaviors.

True in form; I buy Colgate toothpaste. I read the Boston Globe. I watch FoxNews (despite...). I'm a Red Sox fan. The gas in my car is never below a quarter tank. Peanut Butter of choice? Jiffy. All of these minor preferences and choices i've made above stem from a model of social behavior of my parents. Of course what i've exampled for myself are minor and ultimately have little effect on who I am as a person or to that of others, however, they do characterize me. More importantly there are values and life style habits I follow that severely dictate my long term well-being - again, predisposed choices based those of my models.

You'd like to think you're completely self-made, and in many measures you are. The steps however taken to get to where you are were indirectly chosen by your guardians. I'm not a psychologist, nor have any credentials toward social theory. Just plain human observation and of course a little insightful reading on the side.

To [Plea]se question

I saw this article this morning from yesterday's metro section out of the Boston Globe, initially cruising over it considering we've heard this unfortunate story time and time again. The article "Three Teens Charged with Alcohol Offenses," should rather be labeled, "Three teens declare their twenties in jail as pleading not guilty."

Washed up three months after the event, a few teens under questionable counsel are pleading 'not guilty' to a combination of drinking underage, providing alcohol to minors, driving while intoxicated, and negligent motor vehicle homicide. On the morning after their senior prom in May three teens hoped in a car post binging on the beach and while driving home killed an 87 year old woman and critically injured her 41 year old daughter early in the morning on the 16th.
When waking from a dazed state the driver, an 18 year old hotshot, responded "No way, really?" to his friend's realization that he hit two people.

What boggles my mind are the facts being disputed. Under no unreasonable doubt did the events occur to provide the courts with appropriate charges. The were all underage, they all drank illegally, they were furnished with liquor illegally, one drove while under the influence, and cap stoning the great decisions made that early morning - the driver indisputably hit and killed/critically injured two innocent bystanders. Why are they pleading 'not guilty' and effectively lengthening their sentence by allowing these charges to go through trial in front of a jury?

Batching RE-Transplanted Persepective.

"I don't think for a second that the people I had seen and talked to in New England were either unfriendly or discourteous, but they spoke tersely and usually waited for the newcomer to open communication. Almost on crossing the Ohio line it seemed to me that people were more open and more outgoing. The waitress in a roadside stand said good morning before I had a chance to, discussed breakfast as though she liked the idea, spoke with enthusiasm about the weather, sometimes even offered some information about herself without my delving. Strangers talked freely to one another without caution. I had forgotten how rich and beautiful is the countryside-the deep topsoil, the wealth of great trees, the lake country of Michigan handsome as a well-made woman, and dressed and jeweled. It seemed to me that the earth was generous and outgoing here in the heartland, and perhaps the people took a cue from it." -John Steinbeck

I've been back "home" for a week and half, and I see such stark differences in attitudes and behavior from the wonder of the Midwest. I'm speaking much like Steinbeck, because I am thinking like him. I've been reading and re-reading passages from Travels with Charley and I am in complete agreement and shared relationship with the same experiences of the beauty and hearth of the Midwest countryside and its people.

After returning in my own personal welcome after a disappointing last few days in my former home, I have been greeted in the same value of crippled emotions of where I had grown up. I didn't know any better of such a tawdry atmosphere until I had experienced something else. Northeasterners, here specifically I speak of Mainers, are taciturn, frank, assuming, and most disappointingly - they are hard to place trust in others. They do not speak openly with strangers. They assume all conversations are to be started like a car; upon planned and active implementation with a key to an ignition, a foot to the clutch, and push of the gear shift. Everything planned and calculated, there is no welcome for free flow of tongue.

I miss the air of candor and kindness of the Midwest. What is negatively hashed upon here in the Northeast of life in the Midwest is acumen to their character. What is not normal, what seemingly fails to be outside their comfort and subjective beauty is tarnished with mental images and words to sooth their own geocentric views. When speaking of other lands, Midwesterners talk in sincerity of their positive experiences or their lust to visit. Never can I remember hearing any negative self-assuming remarks of places away from their home. I miss this, and think to myself to make the Midwest a future home shared with those who don't know any better as I had before my return.

Phone Photos from Around the World

What we can capture with a "camera" has shown us the sights of wonder and amazement in times beyond the disappointment in not having a camera on hand. As technology is ever-improving, what we think was taken by a 35mm real camera is actually a product of a cell phone. The NYT compiled a few hundred camera photos submitted by readers from around the world, whether at home or traveling. Only rule - it must have been taken by a cell phone.

Excerpt of Steinbeck

Taken from Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck:

"Once a journey is designed, equipped, and put in process, a new factor enters and takes over. A trip, a safari, an exploration, is an entity, different from all other journeys. It has personality, temperament, individuality, uniqueness. A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us. Tour masters, schedules, reservations, brass-bound and inevitable, dash themselves to wreckage on the personality of the trip. Only when this is recognized can the blown-in-the-glass bum relax and go along with it. Only then do the frustrations fall away. In this a journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you can control it. I feel better now, having said this, although only those who have experienced it will understand it."

Back in the Bunk

I made it back last night after an exhausting and arduous 27 hour drive through half the country. Leaving Des Moines around 6:30pm on Wednesday evening I drove through the night stopping in eastern Indiana to take a quick cat nap before hitting the road again and reaching home around 9:30pm the following evening. Trailer in tow.

The last week has been one of the worst on the books. Preparing to leave Tuesday morning, Wednesday at the latest, I had packed most everything on Sunday evening and Monday morning. All the familiarities that you need in every day life; dishes, toiletries, I even threw out the food I wouldn't need for the next day. Bad move. Receiving no information from the moving company (of which was provoked by our own initiative) except that the truck at a "mechanical issue." Ok- so they'll be here on Tuesday, fine. I can leave Wednesday no problem.

Tuesday comes and hitting mid-afternoon and not hearing anything, i'm thinking something is more than wrong. After leaving messages and not hearing back by Wednesday morning I decided to check online and figure out who I can contact to get through. Before I do I decided to look at online reviews people had left (keep in mind this is a company my father had set up.) To my unfortunate but no surprise I had read more than I needed to verify this company's lack of professionalism and credibility. Stuck having to find alternate plans, I was lucky to have been able to reserve a long-distance trailer AND movers. Nice.

On the trip back from the U-Haul company, everything was running smoothly. I wanted to pick up some waters for the movers and while pulling into the grocer got into an accident. Unbelievable. My damn luck kept sinking. As I had to turn right, I put my blinker on and veered a little to the left to make sure the trailor didn't hit the curb and tip. As I had veered left a guy tried to squeeze by me on the right and as I turned in he hit me on the right-side door and fender. I can't even explain how I felt. Just shocked. I'd pair better holding a golf club up to the sky on a stormy day.

Needless to say - I made it back, now just having to deal with unpacking and setting my life back up on the coast. Car repairs, bank accounts, consolidating loans, packing and moving again will occupy my summer. Sometimes i'd settle for settling.

Reflective Thoughts

I had written a blurb earlier on this blog about some of the unique observations I thought interesting here in Iowa. Yes, Iowans can’t drive, they seemingly hesitate in all of their actions to observe their surroundings at the most inappropriate times, and they’ll know your life story (and you will theirs) in a matter of minutes of an introduction. The Midwest heat is hotter than Satan’s spa and the winter wind will rip your face off only after a few moments of which you can’t feel your nose. Iowans are proud of their agricultural mecca, their hall of famers, the State Fair (in all honesty should get capitalized), their outdoor festivals, the insurance and financial business (second to Hartford, CT), and above all – their colleges and sports teams. As said before, an eagle eye view of state would be a smear of gold, red, black, and yellow. Iowans are one of kind. They form a community that is unlike any other, that of which has brought me to one of, if not my last post from Iowa.

I’ll be traveling on the road soon in the next couple days, back to the East coast for an indefinite period of time. Knowing my tenure would last just two years I knew that if I didn’t like my new surroundings approaching the end in the event of having established a connection and appreciation with the area, and more so the people to whom I have felt utterly welcome from day one.

We can all form our judgments of place in just moments of observations. We look at the aesthetics and area offerings, and whether or not they suit our expectations will form our ultimate opinion. You can form an opinion – but you’re not experiencing the intangible culture until you spend life living as a native. Des Moines, and Iowa as a whole exudes the perception of what tourists expect. Beautiful farm lands, a rich history, and attractions that define the state such as The Field of Dreams in Dyersville. What I hadn’t come to experience until this past year really took me for a loop. First, it took a full year for me to appreciate beyond the blindness to acknowledge a truer Iowa. More so, I still don’t feel like I have a grasp on it. Second, I am amazed of what I am grateful to have taken part in and regretful I haven’t experienced all that I have come to know and yet more that I would have come to realize.

Here are some of my more reflective thoughts, though unfortunately I should have written them down as to provide due justice to a community of reverence.

- Though I know moving to Iowa was my first big transition excluding that of my first year to college, I can supportively say that it was easy. Obviously be unaware of the area and slowly learning a sense of direction, I felt welcome and safe seemingly all too soon. I had no real difficulties in establishing myself to the community which looking back is so gratifying. Des Moines is a metropolitan area – with little to no metropolitan qualms. I doubt I would have had such an easy transition with some of the other areas I had been looking for graduate schools.

- Though lacking in the scenic beauty of coast lines and mountain views, Iowa is beautiful. Many times I have looked over the downtown skyline at sunrise or dusk and smiled. Ledges State Park, a small nugget of the area I had only found a couple weeks ago is a great example of some of the outdoor offerings of the state that provide just as much natural beauty and appreciation as a beach or mountain. If you ever get a chance on a road trip to hit the heart of Iowa either at sunrise or sundown, you’ll be mesmerized by the intense colors over the thousands of acres of cornfields.

- What makes the Midwest, and my experience particularly here in Iowa are the people. They live up to and even more so beyond their kind and hospitable reputation. Iowans are not only proud – they are generous. Their sincerity can be felt. They speak to you as one of their family. I know almost all there is to know about Heather – my favorite grocery cashier, Jeanne - my hairdresser, Gus and Jeff - my car mechanics, Sean – the clerk at my gym, and many more. Iowans are the most open, approachable, kind, and forgiving people. Just stay away from sociopolitical issues with a few of them…

- Lastly, I’ve learned to take it slow (or slower.) Iowans enjoy the present and more so the little things that hop across their path. Sometimes it’s dangerous when they’re driving, or walking, to just stop and observe; but they appreciate their surroundings. To follow an Iowan would frustrate your nerves, but you’d notice the little things you never would have given a wink of a stare before.

As I head out in the next couple days, I’ll take my last look back at that skyline and reflect one final time. Coming in with little idea of what to expect and leaving with gratitude and solace.

"It's all about self perception ... and ticks."

NPR's insight into spending the summer wading out the recession and discovering yourself on the Appalachian Trail. See video for a more personal look.

"Show us your vision"

This morning's Des Moines Register was the opening for their new political director, Kathie Obradovich. A great opening piece concerning the lack of long-term plans proposed by thought(less) contenders for the 2010 gubernatorial race. With all that is happening; economic struggles, argicultural pollution and subsidy issues, sociopoitical issues, etc. Candidates gearing for the run are spending an inordinate amount of time defending their views on ver specific issues. While this helps us determine where a candidate stands politically, Obradovich aptly states that candidates need to construct a vision.

This is a long-term goal of where the state of Iowa should be in 10, 15, and 20+ years. It's a BROAD scope to engage short term plans for long term goals. Obradovich further clarifies what a vision is, "Vision is about what we want our communities and our state to be like, not tomorrow or next week, but 10 or even 20 years from now. What kind of jobs do we want there to be when our kids or grandkids graduate from college? What are our hopes for retirement? What will make Iowa stand out?"

Let's look at this state-wide as a third of the nations unions will be in position to elect the best candidate that has a long term vision, with smart and supportive short term plans.

FreeRice.Com

About FreeRice.com: (taken from their website)

FreeRice is a non-profit website run by the United Nations World Food Program. Our partner is the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University.

FreeRice has two goals:
Provide education to everyone for free.
Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.

43% say their #1 fear is ...

This past weekend I participated in a seminar – first of its kind introduced to our CBPA (College of Business and Public Administration) program. This seminar titled “Leadership Essentials,” wasn’t about leadership, however, the take –away’s and learning were essential.
A one weekend seminar of Friday afternoon and evening and further all day Saturday offered no credits, nor did I have to take it to graduate; but after being informed of some of the highlights of the program I was intrigued and thought to myself, “why not?” At this point in time knowing that I would be practically done with my masters degree and just wading in the water before moving, I figured I’d be on my toes to do something so different, so unique. We are as it is in my section, guinea pigs. We’re the first seven people to have dove into this program that will now be a requirement for all CBPA masters graduates starting this fall.

I’ll be honest, I was skeptical at first. I had such high expectations after reading the seminar description. Entering into a profession that is rewarding for those who can analyze and think on their feet immediately had initially intrigued me into this voluntary weekend commitment. After enjoying my week and a half of free time I became cranky to the fact of subjecting myself to what I later realized a perfectly sunny and warm Arts Festival weekend.

Friday early afternoon all seven of us (though initially nine had registered) walked in on a gorgeous day not knowing what to expect. Our instructor walked in, nice tailored and crisp suit and tie, shook each of our hands, “Hi, I’m Micah.” I could tell this guy was over the top, but I liked it. I knew in the first THREE seconds how he was going to run the class based strictly off my first impression. Micah had told us an individual (in the context of discussion, an employer) solidifies a first impression on an average of seven seconds. In my opinion, that’s being generous – I usually do it in two or three… and I’m not joking. In our society we make quick judgments, formed mainly by appearance. How we are dressed, our standing/sitting position, our facial expressions, and our tone of voice.

Throughout the weekend we went over specifics of presence and presenting. Our presence focuses on our appearance, our physical gestures, our expressions, our impressions, etc. Our presentation how we deliver information and ultimately how we personally connect with each the viewers. In practicing various forms of presenting (i.e. talking about your favorite place while making eye contact with each individual for five seconds) helped point out the details that you can’t learn from trial and error. At some point someone needs to tell you, “this is what looks good and this is what works.”

I had known that I was a fairly good presenter prior to this seminar, mainly because I have “wing it” attitude and frankly I don’t mind speaking in front of people, particularly when I’m very knowledgeable with the information I’m presenting. My worst presentations come from experiences when I couldn’t have given two drops in the bucket about the information I had to deliver. After this weekend I have to have gained the tips and practical experience to polish my skills. Speaking to a group of people is apparently the worst fear of 43% of Americans (taken from list.com). I’m more than appreciative of my ability to suck it up and kick out a great presentation, and further for the opportunity to become aware of my faults and be shown what actually works.

Thankfully this weekend had shown me my own style and how to better it for success. I absolutely hate my low voice and my idiosyncrasies, but I know exactly what they are now and how to work with them.

John Wooden: Spoken in Volume

Don't Bee Afraid

It's summer time, and there are a lot of you out there who are deathly afraid of bees. No - you're afraid not just of bees, but ants, cockroaches, moths, beetles, even the occasional butterfly.

When in doubt = STAND STILL. I know it's hard to train your body to be completely frozen in form when in shock or fear, however, if you can't do what you can to stay still follow this tip when you get stung because you just had to freak out.

From OxygenMag.com:

If you get stung by a bee while training outside, wash the area with soap and water then wipe the area with a four-inch by four-inch piece of gauze, or scrape lightly with a fingernail and apply ice. Squeezing or using tweezers can cause more venom to go into the skin, according to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

Word of the Day: "Cognizant"

In listening to many of the pundits and partisan strategists, there was one word that was too frequently used this morning, "cognizant." The term represents our administration's duty to be fully aware of any potential impact in comments or actions made in regard to the behavior of both Iranian protestors and leaders.

Since last Friday, June 12th, we have seen much action take place in the Iranian streets with little violence up until early Saturday morning. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had threatened physical threats against proponents of the defeated opposition leader, Mir Hussein Moussavi, if protests continued in the streets.

Little of what Ayatollah had promised dettered the Moussavi proponents and the sound and action further continued through the weekend.
Pundits have been all over the news in critcism and defense of Obama's action, rather inaction, in response to the physical violence led by Iranian police on protesting civilians. The question talking heads are tackling is two-fold. Should President Obama react to the situation in Iran, and if so, how?

Republican strategists are in sweep criticizing the administration, and directingly at Obama, for the slow and "weak" response. Obama had early this weekend spoke of his disagreement with the force taken against the people of Iran, however, said nothing of any action that he or his administration would take in physically deterring the ongoing action in Tehran. The conservating pundits are loving it right now, the window again is open - even more slightly for criticism against the behavior of their still fresh in office, Democratic leader. The old timer, McCain, stepped up to bat late this week on prime time news to criticize Obama, however mentioned nothing as to what he would be doing if he were in the position he posed for this last campaign.

So what is Obama to do? Are our administration's actions appropriate? Should Obama be more forceful or more opaque? In my view - and let this be ann understanding of one opinion for all those who disagree, is that Obama need be cognizant of the foreign policy game. In all reality it is likely that the elected President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will continue in his position, regardless of the disputed rigged balloting. If Obama is to interfer with Iranian elections, he will directly interfer with the democracy (or the idea of) Iran's leaders. In the strife of relationships, Iran is too fragile and too important to severe any progressive measures we as a nation have made in regaining trust and cooperation, even just these past few months of our new administration. In the event that the President steps on toes much will be lost and we cannot afford a downturn of any Middle East relationship. It's unfortuante that we've got individuals who are selectively blind in posturing their criticism of action that shouldn't be taken. Not at this time, not if we want to solidify any chance in building an ally in the Middle East.

A Nation of Candidates

An excellent op-ed of what needs to be said concerning the oddities of the recent GOP behavior concerning the 2012 presidential run. Gail Collins is going to get a lot of praise and criticism these next few days, but all well worth it.

Video Journal #1

I took this while hiking yesterday. Figured i'd start a video journal and apologize deeply (pun intended) for the low voice and the wavering camera.

Ledges State Park

Haphazardly I picked the most humid day we've had to go hiking yesterday at Ledges State Park. It seems anytime I read Outdoors or Outside magazine I just get the nerve to want to do something adventerous and more so just be outside in nature. I knew Iowa had some walking trails close by in the metro area, but I was in the mood for a full-scale climb. Give me vertigo, give me five inch roots sticking up out of the ground and panting breath after fifteen feet of an uphill climb. Fortunately I found something close to what i've hiked around the Northeast. It's no Mt. Washington, however, I was pleasantly surprised at what I hadn't seen much of these last couple years ... a forest.

Ledges State Park in Madrid, Iowa is a little less than an hour northeast of Des Moines. In driving I was amped to just get outside and hike until I lost my sense of direction. It was hot and muggy, but fun. I took a couple pictures just to give you an idea of what I had seen yesterday. Though it may not be all that thrilling - I was appreciative of just getting outside and catching up on activities of fond memory (i.e. hiking the Appalician trail, Mt. Monadonock, and camping/hiking trips with the aunt and uncle).

Colorado Road Trip

So this past weekend I left the center of Iowa to go on a well awaited trip with three of the best road trip pals I could have asked for. Setting off on Friday morning and travelling well and through what seemed like the entirety of America's farm and cattle fields ended up being the start of a long and FUN weekend around Colorado. Friday night we touched down in Denver to catch the Rockies v. Mariners game, CO winning 6-4 I believe. Staying over at a friend's place about an hour away we spent the evening in ruckus killing dozens of moths that ended up sneaking into their house while away. I didn't realize the depth of fear that two of my good friends had until they set sight on such an annoying insect.

The next day we drove about a half hour to Ft. Collins for their annual "Taste of Ft. Collins" festival. It was tasty, and warm. Crusing around town, I could only think to myself, "this is certainly a place I could live for awhile." Though I didn't get to see much of the mountains, I felt enough of the the Colorado vibe to feel new and at home all-in-one.

Touring the later end of the New Belgium brewery was honestly what we came for, well - what we were most looking forward to. Just being there and people watching was interesting in itself, but tasting some of their brews that are either up for distribution or hard to find was the icing on the cake. It didn't, however, prepare us for the 9.5 hour drive back the following day. Ugh.

Coors Field - June 12, 2009. Rockies v. Mariners

The four of us posing up top. Great seats, great weather, good game!

The Old Town of Ft. Collins. "Taste of Ft. Collins" was held this very weekend,

with plenty of car collectors, food vendors, arts & crafts throughout the downtown area.

At New Belgium Brewery (post tasting) posing on the symbolic 'Fat Tire'

"Because everyone eats cookies"

I have to add this in here; for the state of the job market right now and to represent the feelings many, some of whom I am very close too are feeling.

For all those job seekers out there. Finding openings, no, finding openings that you're qualified for, researching employers, writing covers letters and fine tuning resumes, interviewing, and worst of all... WAITING.

I had posted a quick blurb about patience a few months ago. I was waiting at the time for Maine Law to *cough* "get their sh*t together." I had respectfully hustled my application together in early January to arrange for as timely of a response as possible. I didn't hear back from them initially until April 10th. That's three months of nothing except a notification that my full app. had been received. At the time I was emotionally drained from frustration and a dwindling surplus of patience.

I speak to all those out there who are facing a trying time in this economy. Competing with streched thin applicants who are far greater than the number of jobs offered. HR department's are so flooded with resumes, cover letters, and personal inquires that provoked me to read into their behavior a little more.

Regretfully what happens when applicants far out number job openings is that the applicants themselves get the cold hand when it comes to communication between that of the job seeker and the employer. Those who are just entering into the job market right now are most likely flummoxed as to the lack of communication and respect returned in their sincere interest in potential employment. Because employers are so flooded with applicants, their ability to treat job seekers as customers becomes more difficult and the seeker ultimatly gets the shaft.

As noted in the linked NYT article (below), a Nabisco manager had mentioned that his company replies to every resume received. When asked why, he smiled and replied, "Because - everyone eats cookies."

He's dead on. Regardless of the industry, whether a company is providing a product or a service - their hiring practices are a reflection on their company. Poor communication, a lack of respect, and inappropriate interpersonal relations will strain the reputation and good will of the company of which many hire people to promote.

If you have the time, cruise through this article. It's a simple idea that takes time and saves (if not builds) company integrity.

Prayer and action in Des Moines

The NYT update on George Tiller, a murdered Wichita Kansas abortion doctor, had noted statements from a Des Moines anti-abortion activist, Dave Leach. Leach is a "pro-life" activist in the Des Moines area that extends his views in a homemade newsletter titled Prayer and Action News. A quarterly issued newsletter with the claimed purpose "is to provide communication between neighbors who are helping each other correct the injustices that oppress them, that they may become a powerful, unstoppable Partnership Machine."

Uhhh... what?

In commenting on the death of Tiller, Leach has thus stated; "To call [Tiller's murder] a crime is too simplistic. There is Christian scripture that would support this." There was no indication as to what specific scripture would indeed support this insane remark.
I've flummoxed as to how individuals can hash out such insidious beliefs. It's scary as to how literal orthadox individuals use scripture to lead their actions and behaviors. Moreover, being based in Des Moines, i'd hate to acknowledge any influence he may have in my own community.

The Princess and the Frog

So 2009 is the year that one of the most historic and largest animation (and all over film) corporations have decided to dig into the race barrier and portray an African American main character. Tiana, Disney's first black princess has been slowly producing clips to individuals and groups who in some way or another have begun complaining of the inevitable imperfectness of the characters and settings.

Black Voices (a website off of AOL representing black culture of which I have never heard of) goes so far to criticize the fairness of supporting character's skin. William Blackburn, a former journalist, who i'm sure spends more time criticizing than he does to actually analyze all foundations for his complaints, has remarked on the location of the film's setting. The Princess and the Frog taking scence in New Orleans, home of Katrina, is believed in Blackburn's eyes as the locale to one of the most devasting tragedies to the "black community."

What I understand of such pointedly predictable criticism offered with such a landmark regards the the interpretive bahavior. Characters, scenes, props, backdrops, language is greatly differentiated between the histories and cultural knowledge of the creators and viewers. Though I do recogize producers recevied consulting from leading African Americans (i.e. Oprah), maybe the one criticism such individuals and groups should have is not in the minor details but in the scope of it's creators; two white men.

I think it's more than time for an animated black main character, a heroine or hero of which was stalled maybe due to fear of over-stereotpyping. People can point out all of the potential flaws, and i'm sure there are a few. I'd be more concerned with how this film and these characters will be perceived by the viewers; young and impressionable children.

Sotomayor Nomination

Today, Tues. May 26th, President Barack Obama announced his two-week deliberance on the newest Supreme Court nominee. Sonia Sotomayor is up for confirmation after this morning's annoucement. A federal appeals court judge who has the hard knock upbringing, intellect, empathy, and a powerful stance on legal and constitutional issues will provide a more liberal leaning sway in the replacement of the honorable David Souter.

As quoted in the New York Times article linked above, Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine, said she was pleased that President Obama had chosen a well-qualified woman. “I share the view that the proper role of the judiciary is one of interpreting the Constitution and acts of Congress, not legislating from the bench,”

As a future female attorney I smile in the choice to serve the progression of females in positions of deep power and consquence.

"Liberty" University

This past December my curiosity led me to the Brigham Young Univeristy student affairs webpage to explore their campus life page. In hopes of finding a "lifestyle clause" or the equivalent of such, I came across a weak and humorous representation of student expectations off their prospective F.A.Q. page (see archive post).

This past weekend a story was sent to me via email from a friend that I just had to look into. Having a strong distaste for parochial institutions in higher education, I was forwarded to the story below.

Conservative University Founded by Jerry Falwell Bans College Democrats Club:
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/05/22/conservative-university-founded-jerry-falwell-bans-college-democrats-club/?test=latestnews

Keep in mind this is from FOXNews, however - surprisingly not as straightforward as I would have expected.

Reading through the reasoning as to why Liberty's administration took action to ban the student led Democratic Club was as disingenuous as to my own mentality of religious based organizations. Quite simply, I don't believe in the ideologies and the method of pedagogy used in educational instruction. I don't believe in the lifestyle they promote and the angst they have for individuals and groups disaffiliated with their "values and morals." I have given parochial institutions a lot of silent and a little outspoken verbage concerning their sanctity within their measures of inequality in their beliefs and practices.

Mark Hines, the VP of Liberty's student affairs claims [that the Democratic party violates the school's principles by supporting abortion, socialism and the "'LGBT' agenda," referring to lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people. The e-mail said that even though the campus group "may not support the more radical planks of the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party is still the parent organization of the club on campus."]

What the university is dispelling is that social values and political values are not mutually exclusive. Can one not be pro-life and a Democrat? Can one not support gay marriage and be a Republican? To go off of that, can one not be gay and believe in God?

Liberty is treating politics, religious beliefs, and social issues hand-in-hand. Our ideologies, our values, our choosen spirituality and our given orientations are not mutual. They are not dependent on one another and cannot be treated as so.

Though Liberty is a private institution, their students do qualify for federal aid and the university has access to federal funding. I'm interested to see how Democratic student leaders will act in defending their rights outlined in the Liberty statements and the state (VA) andn federal constitutions. We should see action toward a resolution in the freedom to organize and the freedom to speak on one's own independent behalf.

Deja Vu

On my second day arriving in Des Moines I was all too eager to walk around and get to know my new surroundings. With my new Canon digital camera (Ooo, actually not all that exciting), I ventured out to what then was "anywhere." Capturing shots of the university grounds and local businesses, the photos were a little dissapointing as there was little known significance or personal attachment to anything. My first shots in Iowa were, and surely looked, like an unorganized conglomoration of random buildings, signs, and monuments.

Though when venturing outside quickly late yesterday evening I felt the refreshing spring breeze and amicable semi-chilly air on my face and knew I had to take a nice long walk. I mean, who wouldn't on a Saturday night? It was one of the first few Saturday evenings I wasn't tangled up in a bar and thoroughly enjoyed the quiet night to myself, so much so I think I might have led a suspicious trail for campus security as the only walking aimlessly on campus at 9:30 in the evening. I know the officer on camera duty was probably like, "what the hell...," particularly when I choose to walk into the unlocked Cartwright Hall and meander at will. Hey, if those law school dummies are going to leave something open, i'm going to go explore.

In walking around campus, camera in tote, I was able to capture some evening shots similar in respect to those I had taken just about about two years earlier. Though security might have questioned my intentions of my random footprints around campus, I captured some pictures that know have a more sentimental meaning. In one my final walks around campus, breathing in the fresh cold air I have learned that shots of personal attachment are not only more meaningful but they have a better quality to them. My best shots are of places and people that I care about. Places that I have been to far more than once.

Here are a few to share from yesterday evening...

Old Main is one of the oldest and architecturally beautiful buildings on campus. Directly across from my apartment, I have walked by this building front/back/sideways hundreds of times always appreciative of it's New England like charm. It reminds me of Thompson Hall at UNH.

Very close to Old Main and directly between Cartwright and the Fine Arts Center, this adapation of a sundial radial is in my opinion the prettiest and eye-catching displays on campus. I'll be honest in saying, I still don't know what the meaning is of the university behind the sundial.

At the end of April Drake holds it's annual and magnificant track and field event, the Drake Relays. This past spring was the 100th annual running - a huge history of competition and record breaking that brings together the campus and community. On the Friday prior to the event student organizations paint an artery walkway in the middle of campus to commemorate the event in their representation of the year's theme.

Every year a student is commissioned to design the student organization logo. An honor given to one of our most talented student employees. After submitting her ideas for potential designs, a committee of students themselves selected Kelly to visually represent the event. Above is her final design as painted on the walkway overlooking the path to university library.

Double Pop

Who remembers the double-pop? This was taken from a newspaper ad for JCPenney's (2009?!) summer apparel line. Oh good times...

The Beginning of Goodbyes

Agh - it's started. I got my first "good-bye" last Friday afternoon. I hate it when I realize how fast pieces of my life roll by that I question if I took advantage of enjoying it as much as I should of. Considering it's my last semester here at Drake and there are many I have considered under my wing who are preparing to walk cap-and-gown to say farewell to their undergraduate career forever.

Thank you to all the students who I have had the great opportunity to get to know. I thank you for your trust that you have in the ability to approach me in counsel. I have received very warm comments that have meant and will continue to mean much in my last two years and in greater recognition of the person I continue to want to become.

It's been a trip - all in the support of your enthusiastic, goofy, and fresh-thinking ways!

Farmers Market

So I failed in remembering my camera last Saturday, opening day of the year. However wanted to get some personal shots up regardless of that "first weekend" miss. Here are a few of this morning that I took strolling around.

Looking West down Court Ave. Vendors lined either side from 5th St. to about 2nd, and then up and down 4th and 3rd. Pretty good turnout.

A steel drum band jammin' out on the corner of Court Ave. and 4th.

What everyone looks forward to most ... breastfast burritos!

The Des Moines downtown council has done a great job of promoting pride and event marketing off these lamp-light banners.

I love trying many of the organic and natural products. Where better than Iowa to hold a local farmer's market. In actuality many of the products come from around the entire state. There are many foods from the Northwest and Eastern areas.

Eric "I can't answer a question" Cantor

The poster boy of the G.O.P. image resurgency, Eric Cantor is the Republican Whip representing his party in media platforms across the nation. In trying to build up enthusiam and steam for a dwindling and far right leaning party, he has represented a (relatively) pretty face and nothing of practical verbage. This morning as asked on MSNBC, "Without big words ... [what does the Republican party intend to do about healthcare?]" The response was an unfortuante voidof anything useful. I'm sick of this pretty boy averting solid and practical answers. I'm not a fan of Joe Scarborough, however, he made a good point in reference to Cantor's interview. He said "The Republicans need to start voicing some alternatives or get off the stage."

Cantor, please get off the stage.

The Grass is Green ... Here.

Finally a beautiful day where I wasn't confined to an office. When the weather gets warmer, the grass gets greener, and Kate is happier :)

Iowa general weather pattern:

January - February: Unbearably and numbingly cold

March - April: Cold with spring teases

April - May: More spring teases, except with lots of rain. A few gorgeous days (as above)

June: Perfect.

July - August: Hot as Satan's spa

September: A gamble on temperature. Either unrelentingly hot as previous months, or a sharp decline to intrusion of ice and wind to come

October: Generally very fall-like, similar to New England

November-December: Break out your Gortex and succumb to higher heating bills. The snow will start piling on sporadically. First snowfall of 2007 was Nov. 25th - doozy time is over.

Ridiculous Packaging

Ridiculous packaging for an aspirin bottle - packaged and

distributed by Hy-Vee, a Midwestern grocery chain.

Letter to the Editor

As it’s been awhile since I’ve posted – and probably lost my “vast” fellowship, I promised myself to be far more consistent from now on. I’ve had a lot to say trust me, however, in the mix of dealing with extraneous blogosphere needs I hastened my writings for a momentary time. I’m back though!

Anyway, we’ll get to it – I’ve got a new editorial (to my own blog I realize).

Dear. Editor:
I think I can forgive you for disregarding the care of this blog for so long, however, I’d like to provide for a soundboard of both reverence and disgust in this letter.
Three and a half weeks ago the Iowa Supreme Court declared that a ban on gay marriage was “unconstitutional.” Stemming from a 1998 state law challenged in 2005 by six same-sex couples whose marriage licenses were denied in a Polk County (Des Moines) lawsuit. In August 2007, right after I settled in Iowa, a Polk judge stated the law violated the right of equal protection. For a short time period, all of a half-day, same-sex couples were able to wed before Robert Hanson put his judgment on hold.
On Monday April 27th same-sex couples were legally able to file for marriage licenses, some choosing to ask county judges to waive the three day waiting period, more couples successfully having been granted judicial authority to wed without waiting. Iowa, in the middle of America’s heartland has offered the equal rights to same-sex couples whose fear is now alleviated that they would never been able to enjoy the rights as their heterosexual counterparts. It’s not just about religion, which we’ll get to. It’s about being able to make decisions when their partner is facing a life threatening condition, having the ability to file taxes jointly like Mr. and Mrs. Jones down the street can. It’s about insurance rights, legal wills and trusts, it’s about affording the equal protection and security that chromosome XX and XY couples have privileged from for so long.
I understand the convictions of religion on the term of “marriage.” Marriage has a religious pretext that dates back to the medieval practices of dowries and “giving away the bride.” What I don’t understand and find much a bother is how the faith based has been arguing this non-“issue.” Spoken critics have stated same-sex marriage as immoral and a degradation to the tradition of family. In sweeping protests in opinion sections and physical demonstrations the conservative base is using personal conviction to argue against a measure that provides equal and material benefits as would affirmative action to minorities or desegregation laws in 1960’s. You can’t fight fire with dust. These arguments offer nothing to counteract what the Supreme Court ruling provides: Equality. Gay marriage takes nothing away from the community. Same-sex couples in Iowa are now afforded the same rights and protections which have nothing to do with religious pretext. Do not give me “It’s just wrong” as an argument for this ruling. Do not say “it’s against my religion” when so many couples haven’t had hospital visitation rights, or haven’t been able to adopt a child birthed biologically by their partner or a surrogate. So many couples have had limited and constricting rights that cannot be rebutted with such dissimilar ideological disputes.
I have reverence for the Iowa Supreme Court in their unanimous ruling, appropriately stating that a ban on affording same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples as “unconstitutional.” Summary judgment was a smile provoking clear and supportive statement progressing the attitudes and beliefs of our nation toward greater parity. With no other issue such as gay marriage is this segregated so much so by generation. In the progression of societal acceptance and “norm” we will see more states adopt the same equal measures as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Vermont have. My home state Maine has vocalized cross party discussion and hopefully will be the next state to pass a legislative measure in the goal to achieve same-sex marriage equality in all New England states by 2012.
As Bill Maher states … “It’s a non-issue.” I have to agree, however, by making it an issue will force public effort to push our legislative bodies to take progressive action. Far too long have state congressional bodies pushed aside controversial social issues. If we want to reach the 2012 goal, there’s no better way than to start breathing down the necks of our elected officials. No other cause for action will be better suited than fear of decreased support in their reelection.

Anticipatory Hell

Does waiting for things really make this time more exciting?

I think, a positive result will cumulate maybe to a more exciting response; however, I can't see the patience pushing process really being as "exciting" as some people may experience.

I've been waiting in my relative time frame for something that shouldn't take long at all, and i'm changing because of it. Why? Because I need to make a decision, and this result weighs my decision making quite heavily. Damnit, i'm near annoyed.

The process of waiting is relative of course. Waiting in line at your local coffee shop while the earth lover in front of you specifies which soy milk he wants is different than the millions of people waiting to hear back from their banks, mortgage companies, and job offers. It's a surreal world and thinking about my garnering impatience makes me feel guilty because maybe i'm only promoting the "we want it now" American stereotype. As cultured as I am in this degenerative nation, I feel like I have reasonable boundaries with patience. I realize each and every one of us relies on our fellow citizens every day, and this causes worry and expecations. Worry that we cannot move on if our reliable citizen fails, and expectations that our reliances are solid and will come through. It's not always going to happen as smoothly and as efficiently as we think it should be, and I - no "we" - don't really know how to come to grips with that. What do you do if you can't move on because something or someone else has stalled your plans?

As impatient as I may seem right now, I haven't even hit the trenches yet relative to my fellow Americans who are experiencing the need for reliance and trust on so many undeterminable variables.

Keep it Simple.

I’ve noticed a stark difference in my level of happiness and tranquility during short-term points of minimization. Granted I’m living and active, however, the duration of time in which I am living seemingly effortlessly is when I am the happiest. Little to no stress or worry goes so far and most of it is attained by a simple, uncomplicated, and organized habits. All of these positive habits are formed by preparation. I have found the simple mystery in itself to trim down the stress and unnecessary waste that we consume and produce in our daily lives. When I say ‘waste,’ I’m not strictly talking about recycling – like some tree huggers I know – I’m talking about physical and emotional human energy. When preparing for future expectations I cross off another need on the ongoing ‘to-do’ list. The less on the list, the better. It’s not just crossing those chores off, but setting each up so they can be accomplished more easily. If you’re painting a room, you need to lay out the bed sheets over the carpet or wood flooring. You then need to tape around fixtures and light switches, arrange the supplies, mix the paint, and develop a strategy that will serve as a most efficient way of quality and time – unless you’re one of those people who enjoy painting walls for hours on end. Not preparing in advance, such buying the supplies and possibly covering the floors in advance will hoard your time and energy when you’re ready to get to the project at hand – painting those walls.
I have developed habits of my own that have eased my laborious tasks, some you may practice already yourself. All of these habits undoubtedly come from preparation – and that’s exactly where I start.

- Making a grocery list. Simple task right? Sometimes you just don’t have pen and paper on hand and you think you can photographically memorize what’s in your fridge and pantry before hitting the grocery store. We’ve all arrived and said to ourselves, “ahhh what was it that I needed?!” or, you come home to unload and we’ve all done this, “crap, I forgot….” Making a list does two things: first, you will minimize your chance of forgetting something, only having to do without or having to go back. Second, it will save you money. Yes – by sticking to a list you will be less tempted to pick up the crap you see stores peddling on the ends of isles. I keep a pad and pen in one of my cabinets to write down an item that I know I’m going to have to pick up on my next trip.

- I work out in the morning. I know it’s not feasible for everyone, though in all honesty, I think it is for most. I strongly advise setting that alarm clock to get you going before you kick your day off. Working out first thing will wake you up and charge your energy. Whether you want to look into the scientific studies or not, I can tell you from personal experience that once you get used to this great morning habit – your energy will be more balanced throughout the day. For the simplicity factor, here’s why: One, you don’t have to pack an extra bag of workout gear for your lunch break or after work, your sweat drenched clothes are already in the laundry and you’ve already done what most others abhor to have to fit into their schedule. Two, everybody has to take a shower and prepare themselves in the morning. It’s unbelievable how much energy and time people put into getting ready (i.e. showering, blow drying hair, cosmetics, changing), why do this twice?!

- Pay the bills on time. Most common sense right? It’s sometimes one of the hardest things for individuals to keep track of, letting alone get themselves to do it. The mere thought of writing a check or calling in touch-tone phone number having to relinquish your money, for … ugh, utilities, can be a retracting force in itself. Set up online billing – that’s a duty in itself if you don’t already have online banking. Write due dates in your planner (come to think of it, step one: get a planner if you don’t have one) and check your online accounts daily to monitor the withdrawals. It doesn’t take much time, but it decreases the uncertainty of whether or not that particular bill was paid on time and it makes you feel more in control of your finances.

- Cook your own meals and take advantage of the fridge and freezer. It doesn’t take that much to learn the basics of cooking, and most recipes recite quite detailed instructions for even the most novice cook. Cooking your own meals saves money and calories. Making more healthy choices simplifies your diet and it gives you the creative power to go off on your own and experiment with flavors. When I cook, I usually make 3 or 4 servings so I can refrigerate or freeze them for those weekdays that I limited time or an inpatient appetite. Whether it’s chilli, lasagna, bbq chicken, lemon pepper pork – I’ve a got a surplus of good food in less than an hour of spending time in the kitchen.

- If you have the time to get it done, do it. This goes back far in time to our human affinity for procrastination. We love to leave things till the end, but what enjoyment do we really have knowing that we’ve got priorities to take care of while trying to relax? Being prepared is a response to avoiding ‘proslackination’. I feel so much better, so much more relaxed, having caught up or better – getting ahead, on my schedule. Doesn’t a good beer taste so much better when you don’t have to worry about drinking it while working at the same time? That’s my own odd rhetoric – take it or leave it.

Though I can’t say I follow my simple tactics, and there’s much more well beyond this small list, however getting myself to make it a habit is progressive role I take

Nation of Cowards?!

A few days ago, our newly appointed U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder, stated that we are a "Nation of cowards."

Wow.

Wait a second... did he? why?

That was my first reaction, as I hadn't heard it in full context - only after as it was torn apart by my lovable pundits on FoxNews (i'm only partially kidding.) The statement was in reaction to his perception of our national inability to speak of race. Our American culture knows of it, however, in its diservice of our cultural progression, we do not speak of it. Now, how overgeneralized this viewpoint is I believe is subject upon that of an ear's owner. We speak volumes but in closed sections, that is not to say we don't speak of race - we just don't speak too extensively of it. I also find that my disagreement with such a bold statement is partially unworthy because I have found that those who do speak of racism are discussed in groups that have little to no dicriminatory histories relative to those who keep their lips tight. Those of us who need most to vocalize their inner dialogue are those who more often than not, have experiential circumstances that hinder the progression of equality. I use "equality" in the term = everything to everyone, nothing to no one. We are just as we are. No better, no different. There's no word in Webster's Dictionary, nor in our dominering slang that can express such a meaning.

As bothered as I am by Holder's comments - I think it sparks a significant discussion among those who need to speak most. I can write about this topic for hours on end going off on tangents about past experiences, implications, education, igonorance, and so on. But that's not going to help us - we as a progressive society need those who restrain themselves to speak. Getting those individuals to that point, is one that I cannot answer in a blog post. It certainly wouldn't seem too frank for an Attorney General to call me a coward.

Seek To Understand, Prior to Being Understood.

Lately i've been thinking a lot about personnel management, recently applying it to my own employment – and again with other situations whether they directly affect me or not. In my own situation, I have found the small group of people I directly work with; ten to be exact, have all formed our own dynamic in an ebb and flow of unity and separation. Outside my own job, there are people that work for themselves, work for small departments like myself, and then we can get into the major private and public institutions that employ hundreds and thousands of individuals. Regardless of size, geography, or industry, personal management is something that all of us need to understand clearly. It's a science that isn't given enough time in our education, training, and development. We study organization behavior in higher education, but we don't really understand what learning and experience is required to properly "manage" others. As diverse as our workforce is becoming, many of our managers are still stuck in the decade long ago hierarchal structure of superiority. Rank-and-file is and should be applied to military positions. We now have a great number of women and minorities filling positions in sectors that are typically male dominated. I use the present tense, because they are still dominated by men. Where I'm going with this, I'll get to now. Simply put with the continuous change that are workforce will undergo, human resource management has not kept up with it. Administrators cannot expect that their managerial idiosyncrasies that may have been successful in the past are still going to enlighten and lead their subordinates. If an administrator does not have the respect of those who work for him or her – they will not succeed. Respect is a key ingredient of personnel management, you must have the admiration of those who spend their days representing what you proclaim to lead.

In my work currently, I have two supervisors – one of whom I work directly with on a daily basis. Now, keeping as far away from the individual nature of both of their managerial styles, I will extend my experience as to my statements above and note one other specific aspect of personnel management that can only be learned within its practice. That is, humor does not solve problems. You can make someone genuinely laugh (or genuinely cringe), but humor is not a solution to anything at any time. Respect cannot justly be earned through comedy, though it does have its benefits, respect is earned through credibility and conversely, the respect a superior exudes upon deserved others.

I had a wonderful and incredibly insightful professor my senior year of undergrad who would always tell us, "Seek to understand, prior to being understood." As open and largely philosophical as that was – I didn't appreciate its true meaning until I started working within the dynamic of an entity that had been set well before my arrival. As the environment changed and management didn't, I became aware of how simple, yet how difficult, it is for someone to understand another before asking them to accept your own being. Saying this, I mean for anyone who supervises another – and know that this extends beyond the role of the work place – one must understand the intricacies, the background, the culture, the experience, the education, the generational differences, etc., far before you can expect that individual to accept all of which you are yourself. Seek beyond your norm. What you do, how you act, and what you believe is your perception of "normal." What others do, behave, and believe is not.

Seek to understand, prior to being understood.