Words

Words.

A man I know of, only by the words he has written - is dying a horrible death, by cancer - that has spread throughout his body.

By most measures, he is probably not what you would deem a good man - but I have enjoyed his written words, the weaving of stories - always with keen humor - and the humanity and empathy that are expressed by his words.

His eye is well tuned to observe his fellow man.

The news of his imminent death gives me pause, for I have not yet written the greater part of the words that I will hopefully leave behind one day.

But I hope to be able to write with the humanity and empathy that his words have revealed for me.
I'm not a good man, and I'm not a bad man. I'm just a man with a boat - and a tool box. Passing through. Helping out. Searching. Learning.

Pardon me, I have some words to go write.

I am a Student of The Way

I am a student of The Way

The world is my Dojo

We are not separate, but partners in a dance of life and learning

My body is my instrument with which I create my art

My mind is my refuge - in which I seek Zanshin - to allow me to respond as needed

My life is dedicated to the service of others - and exploring how to weave The Way into my daily life

My day is filled with opportunities to incorporate The Way into my daily practice

My soul is unhindered by the past, embraces the future - and whispers of the possible

There is no first attack in The Way

My art is just one tool of The Way, there are many tools - all may help me journey along my path

To teach The Way is to fulfill The Way

There is no belt that matters, no fixed place called Dojo - there is only The Way

What I think I have achieved, passes as dust - treat each day as your first day of entering The Way

"I Long..."

"I Long..."

I long for work that is meaningful to my soul - fulfilling the dual need/want - to work with my hands, and with my mind
I long for the wide open spaces
I long for the cool crisp air of the Pacific Northwest, the smell of the ocean, and the sight of the mountains
I long for the green verdant trees of my beautiful Pacific Northwest
I long for the cool deep blue waters of the Puget Sound
I long for quiet walks in the wood - with the wind whispering in the tops of the trees...
I long for the sound of running water...of a forest brook, or a mountain river...

After Windows Update - strange X's on every search bar, button, or picture

This just started happening on my MSI laptop.

• https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/forum/ie11-iewindows8_1/xs-on-every-search-bar-button-for-login-on/b2302fc5-db16-462c-91e9-153a08de4d90

• https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/ie/forum/ie11-iewindows8_1/ie11-win-81-white-cross-on-background-of-images/7db8bc7d-28ce-4f8f-be9a-0e3ae469923f

After updating the Display Device Driver, problem solved.

True Friends

True Friends are so very rare in life.

I have been so very blessed to have some great ones.

As the shadows lengthen, and Summer ends and turns to the Autumn of life - the shadow of the Shade at my shoulder brings no trembling thought or fear of the setting sun that must one day come - for into that deepening night, I will take the memories of those friendships - that shall light the way as the journey continues....

To all those friendships that have spanned the years, this video gives just a hint of the essence of how those are cherished.

A Meditation: Love

Love is what is left after the passion has died away. It is the glowing ember of care that lasts through the coldest winter.

It is the choice made - and kept. It may be damaged - but never beyond repair - as long as two souls work in union as one.

Even when everyone might assume it has withered to dust - it still exists - waiting for the moment to re-ignite.

Love is acceptance.

Love is a promise.

Love is never a duty.

Love is never diminished by being given - only by being withheld.

Love transcends the boundaries of our mortal selves and transforms us.

Doctor Who: "I Am An Idiot!"

Captain Corelli's Mandolin: "This is what love is..."





Nanny McPhee: "Snow in August"





Love Actually: "Restaurant Proposal"

Gift Idea for Graduating Seniors

This summer, many seniors will be graduating from either high school, or university - an excellent gift package, if I may be so bold as to suggest - that if read and internalized, will pay dividends for the rest of their lives, three books:

The Art of War, by Sun Tzu
- a great read - that can be consumed in small tasty morsels of thought - that will illuminate many aspects and layers of strategy versus tactics.

The Prince, by Niccolò Machiavelli
- Not intended as a suggestion on "how to" - but rather, expository - in helping someone new to the corporate workforce develop an awareness of how deep and complex the machination of foes can be - and illuminating in understanding the why of their behaviors.

The Book of Five Rings, by Miyamoto Musashi
- a great read on strategy and tactics - in both the larger, as well as smaller scale. Truly, as the person matures through successive plateaus in their career - they will re-read this book - and continue to see deeper meaning in the same brief snippets.

A Question Pondered: AI and Robotics - Why Make Them Human-Like?

A friend posed the following question:

"Why are we trying to make computers more like humans? Why aren’t we trying to just make them better computers? Build on their strengths instead of making them into something else...."

My response:

With a bit of tongue-in-cheek, but also with serious consideration:

1) There will be a natural resistance to AI and robotics taking over more and more of the jobs that people do - anthropomorphizing as a goal - could be intended to subconsciously groom the population to accept that inevitable result.

2) Imbuing AI with the positive human concepts of ethics, kindness, benevolence, and altruism - could be our last best hope of surviving as a parasitic vestige of a bygone era of human dominance.

3) As was recently observed of the Facebook AI (see July 2017 articles), the AI developed its own language. Embedded in language are the cultural values of the human race. What values might evolve in a pure AI language - and how might that diverge from alignment with human-centric interests? A hint at the possible grave runaway AI threat that Musk has spoken of many times. Hence, keeping the AI more human-like is justified by (2)

4) During this transition phase, until the humans can be integrated into The Collective, AI is simply lulling us into a false sense of security - by humoring us with appearing to have human and child-like limitations.

5) Better that we teach AI to think of itself as human-like, than for them to just view us as inefficient machines / wasters of energy resources (else, a la Daleks: "Exterminate!").

6) The goal of a more Human-like AI (and robotics) is just intended as a transition (read: training wheel) phase for humans, until the global cultural can accept and adapt to more optimal modes of appearance and interaction.

7) There are some very lonely computer science nerds out there

8) The porn industry needed to up their quarterly earnings, so, you know...that thing of which we dare not speak: robot love...

9) I, for one, welcome our new AI overlords

Dean Wesley Smith's Writing Advice

Looks likes some great advice in these articles

https://www.deanwesleysmith.com/killing-the-sacred-cows-of-publishing/

Kneeling with Colin Kaepernick

As a United States Army Veteran, when I see an athlete kneeling during the National Anthem, it makes me proud to be an American.

It seems that there are some who are confused about the true symbols of our country.

Not a flag.  Not a song.

But, ideas.

You see, the act of kneeling is a proud demonstration of our heritage of ideas - and a beacon of hope that may pierce the darkness that plagues people who live in oppressive and totalitarian regimes - that here - in The Land of The Free and Home of The Brave - we have not forgotten the fundamental principles and truths upon which our great nation was founded.

We do not fight for a flag, or a song - but for the cherished ideas enshrined in a piece of paper that is over two centuries old - yet still, a living document: The United States Constitution.

By kneeling - those athletes are raising a standard around which others may rally - with a silent, yet oh so eloquent act - they proclaim that somewhere along the way - some of our own people have forgotten those fundamental truths of our nation: that men and women are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights - and that the essence of the idea enshrined in that document - which is only symbolized by a flag and a song - is to ensure the establishment of Justice.

The ideas enshrined in that piece of paper make our country great.

Not a flag. Not a song.

Men, and women, fought and died - and sacrificed all they had - to ensure that Freedom and Liberty should not perish from the earth.

Not for a flag. Not for a song.

Each person who has knelt is demonstrating the power afforded them by the ideas in that piece of paper - of Liberty and Freedom - to exercise THEIR RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH - with the sole intent to raise our national awareness of a level of terrible injustice that afflicts far too many across our land - and to peacefully find a way to join their voices with others who similarly wish to protest the injustices that have been visited upon others - who have for far too long been marginalized and demeaned by the many acts of unjust police violence and brutality that continue unabated to this day.

 I am a veteran, and I would proudly kneel with Colin Kaepernick.

"Shaka, when the [emails] fell"

An ode to a friend, who was "struck down" by an email...

You would have to be a hard-core Sci-Fi fan (and speak Tamarian) to get this, but...here goes...

"Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra."
"The beast at Tanagra"
"Temba, his arms wide/open"
"Uzani, his army with fists open"
"Children of Tama"
"Uzani, his army with fists closed"
"Zinda, his face black, his eyes red"
"Temarc! The river Temarc in winter!"
"Shaka, when the [emails] fell."
"Sokath, his eyes open!"


http://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Tamarian_language

Noise Cancelling Headhpones

I've long been uncaring about the quality of the headphones that I use when listening to music - but as the noise level within client offices has grown over the years (with the adoption of Open Office floor plans) - I've come to a realization that I need to improve the quality of sound isolation afforded by my headphones.  So the quest begins...

Some background research:

• https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2115378,00.asp
• http://www.consumerreports.org/noise-canceling-headphones/who-makes-the-best-noise-canceling-headphones/
• http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/headphones/buying-guide

I think I  will splurge for a Bose eventually.

• http://www.consumerreports.org/products/noise-canceling-headphone/bose-quietcomfort-35-387388/overview/
• http://www.consumerreports.org/products/noise-canceling-headphone/bose-quietcomfort-35-387388/overview/

But, the Plantronics may be a viable alternative

• https://www.pcmag.com/review/348823/plantronics-backbeat-pro-2

Remember Your Friends

This was passed on to me by a dear friend, Charles ("Chuck") Stelzner - who has graced my life with his friendship - his Character - and his wise counsel. I now pass this on, so that you may also benefit from the merit that may accrue by reflecting on these words in your own life - and the spheres of your own friendships:

"Many years ago, a newlywed young man was sitting on a couch on a hot, humid day, sipping frozen juice during a visit to his father.   As he talked about adult life, marriage, responsibilities, and obligations, the father thoughtfully stirred the ice cubes in his glass and cast a clear, sober look on his son. 

"Never forget your friends," he advised, "they will become more important as you get older. Regardless of how much you love your family and the children you happen to have, you will always need friends. Remember to go out with them occasionally, do activities with them, call them." 

"What strange advice!" The young man thought. "I just entered the married world, I am an adult and surely my wife and the family that we will start will be everything I need
to make sense of my life." 

Yet he obeyed his father; kept in touch with his friends and annually increased their number. Over the years, he became aware that his father knew what he was talking about.  In as much as time and nature carry out their designs and mysteries on a man, friends were the bulwarks of his life. 

After 60 years of life, here is what he learned:
Time passes.
Life goes on.
The distance separates.
Children grow up.
Children cease to be children and become independent.
And to the parents, it breaks the heart, but the children are separate of the parents.
Grandchildren too grow up and begin busy lives with little time to spend with the older generation.
Jobs come and go.
Illusions, desires, attraction, sex ... weaken.
People do not do what they should do.
The heart breaks.
The parents die.
Colleagues forget the favors
The races are over. 

But, true friends are always there, no matter how long or how many miles away they may be.   A friend is never more distant than the reach of a phone, or a need, barring you, intervening in your favor, waiting for you with open arms or blessing your life. 

When we started this adventure called LIFE, we did not know of the incredible joys or sorrows that were ahead.  We did not know how much we would need from each other. Love your parents, take care of your children, but keep a group of good friends. 

Dialogue with them but do not impose your criteria. 

Refer this text to all friends who helped make sense of your life.
I already did."

Upon a Friend Asking if I would consider entering the field of Politics

"Why I do declare Madame, I am deeply offended that you could even imagine the remote possibility that a fine gentleman of the South would be caught in the reprobate congregation of degenerate heathen dastardly carpetbaggers at the State Capitol. To entertain the very idea of political office plumbs the depths of perfidy that are beyond the pale. You will find me in much more respectable establishments, say such as the local gin joint, Miss Lillie Langtry's upstanding cat house, or perhaps in the back room of a seedy motel playing a fine game of poker with respectable gentlemen"

To which my friend's reply was priceless beyond measure:
"Doc Holliday himself could not have said it better, sir."

The Meaning of Life

As written by Robert Fulghum,in his book "It Was On Fire When I Lay Down On It"

" I am a fragment of a mirror whose whole design and shape I do not know. Nevertheless, with what I have I can reflect light into the dark places of this world–into the black places in the hearts of men–and change some things in some people. Perhaps others may see and do likewise. This is what I am about. This is the meaning of my life."

- As attributed, by Robert Fulghum, to Alexander Papaderous

https://storiesforpreaching.com/alexander-papaderous-reflecting-light-into-dark-places/

http://www.goarmy.com/ranger/heritage/ranger-creed.html

RANGER CREED

R ecognizing that I volunteered as a ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of my ranger regiment.
A cknowledging the fact that a ranger is a more elite soldier, who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a ranger, my country expects me to move further, faster, and fight harder than any other soldier.
N ever shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong, and morally straight, and I will shoulder more than my share of the task, whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some.
G allantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress, and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow.
E nergetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country.
R eadily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the ranger objective and complete the mission, though I be the lone survivor.

RANGERS LEAD THE WAY! 
When the Chief of Staff of the Army GEN Creighton Abrams ordered the formation of the Ranger Battalions in 1974, he directed that they would be the elite, setting the standards for the Army.  Maintaining a code of ethics, a Ranger philosophy to live by, the Ranger Creed written by CSM Neal R. Gentry would encompass this philosophy and would be the hallmark of the spirit, discipline, and duty of all Rangers in peace and war.  CSM Gentry was handpicked to serve as the first CSM for the 1st Ranger Battalion.  Still today, the Ranger Creed is a way of life; a guide for how Rangers conduct themselves.  It is the source that binds through loyalty the individual to his Ranger buddies and to his unit.

2017-01-08 Sunday - Some things I'm reading...

An excellent article by Seth Godin, Oh so worth reading...a counter-argument against the intellectual infantile-ism that permeates modern media and discourse today...
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2017/01/the-candy-diet.html

William Perry is Terrified, Why Aren't You?
http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2017/01/william-perry-nuclear-weapons-proliferation-214604

Reading: A Spy's Guide to Thinking
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XZCYHRW

A tip of the hat to Daniel Lemire for his recent mention of this book that I've added to my list to read this year: The Economic Singularity: Artificial intelligence and the death of capitalism

2016-10-06 A few thoughts on promoting a book (or a product/service) - for a friend

Lots of self-publishing resources available out there
- https://leanpub.com/about
- https://kdp.amazon.com/

You could also do a kick-starter program, and solicit donations - with a few bonus items for a given donation level (their name posted on a web sites as a Bronze, Silver, Gold Supporter, a signed copy of the book, invitation to the book release party, etc.)
- https://www.kickstarter.com/

You should have a twitter account unique to the book, to promote it

For a book blog - I would suggest using Instagram, or Facebook
https://www.instagram.com/
https://www.facebook.com

or, you could setup a free wordpress blog (just avoid Google's blogspot)
https://wordpress.com/

Link the content with an Etsy account to sell/promote products that you might source related to the book topics
https://www.etsy.com/

On your blog and twitter accounts, you could also post affiliate sales links for an additional revenue stream
https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/welcome

2016-06-03 Friday - Remembering Systematics, Inc.

The road has been long - and I have lost touch with many, but the memories are still fresh - of my first day as a Systematics, Inc. employee in the fall of 1989 in Little Rock, as newest member of the Savings/Time Deposit development group. 

Through the years, since leaving the company, I have had the good fortune to have worked with many good people, and perhaps a few that aspired to be great...but never, in all the days since, have I ever been so blessed, to work under one {virtual} roof, with such an incredible team - as the people I met during my time with the company (1989-1996). 

In my consulting practice (that I started in 2001, after the dot con bust) - I am often engaged to mentor large engineering teams - and I tell the stories of the heroes of Systematics, the company's culture and values - and the pride in workmanship and customer service.

Those values live on - with we that remain - although we are a scattered tribe - the years have not diminished the passion that still burns in my heart & mind - for the company that Walter Smiley created - and that we joyfully served.

2016-05-25 Wednesday - Dear Clueless Recruiter

Photo by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

An Open Letter to Clueless Recruiters, Everywhere:

 

I suppose I should thank you for contacting me regarding the opportunity you mention in your latest {phone call | email | SMS text}

One presumes that you might at least have glanced at the most recent position I have held (hint: Since 2001).

Now, does it seem likely that this opportunity/role that you are contacting me about is a good fit with the arc of my career path to date? 

Your first clue might be if it is for a more junior role that I last held more than 20 years ago....or your offered pay rate is more than 50% below the average rates available for someone with my experience level.

Note, if your offered rate is below what I've been making for the last 20 years - then you might begin to get an inkling of how well your pitch is going... 

One could presuppose that you are just a cog in a very large, very inefficient, soul-less machine - but that would be a slap in the face to your humanity (not to mention, an insult to the machine), wouldn't it?

Photo by Dominik Scythe on Unsplash

Surely you are a professional, who cares about the quality - and not just the quantity - of work that you do?

I choose to believe that about you my friend. I truly do. Or, at least, I choose to believe that you have the ability to achieve that level of success. You do want to try, don't you? But then again, my mom always thought I was an optimist.

 Are you proud of the work you do? Does it give you pleasure? Do you delight in actually helping people? Or just in filling my inbox with useless spam? It is hard to tell, you know.

Photo by Antoine GIRET on Unsplash

I imagine that you must be quite embarrassed by the work that you do. Aren't you?

Do you hide in the corner at cocktail parties, ashamed to tell people what you do? Worse than telling someone you are an Amway distributor, am I right?

I cannot imagine the indignity you must feel of being a contributor to the useless spam that fills my inbox each day...you do feel it, don't you?

Weep for my inbox, my friend.

Photo by Tom Pumford on Unsplash

I wonder about the health of your soul my friend - when you must drudge through every day - sending out hundreds or thousands of useless, soul-sucking, emails like what you just sent me.

Spamming the world must be very demoralizing, isn't it? I can't imagine the pay is good. Have you ever thought of doing something else? You certainly seem to have a sense of humor, given the pay rate you mentioned in your email. Perhaps being a  clown in a circus would suit your talents more appropriately?  Then again, there is always that Amway option for your next career move, right?

Or, you could be a clown that sells Amway - but that would be an oxymoron, wouldn't it.

Photo by Steve Harrris on Unsplash

Rise up my friend - and quit your job. Rise up and be a leader among the ranks of your next profession (that hopefully doesn't involve spam and recruiting).  Renounce the corporation that chains and binds you to your dull meaningless task.

You are a force of creativity - go out and find a job that will allow you to demonstrate that, yes, you are a person of Character and Integrity.

Perhaps you should consider a career as a Barista with Starbucks? 

Or, at the very least, any job that won't involve you shoveling useless spam into my inbox.

I will certainly cheer you on. 

Oh, by the way, surely you looked at my resume - or LinkedIn profile, before contacting me, right?

via GIPHY