Amaryllis series

The amaryllis has been wonderful this season. The daily photo has provided a good opportunity. New blossoms, news views...



Let's close out this year and get started on 2012 the same way.


The full set can be viewed here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157628371102825/with/6600064581/

Sherlock Christmas 2011

Christmas has been a very busy family event this year, more so than ever as we hosted both the Proulx side and the Sherlock's for dinner. Not at the same time. The Proulx's were at the house for Christmas Day for steak on the grill and the Sherlock's gathered on Wednesday for an Italian buffet.

Photos of the Sherlock clan can be found here
http://jerrysherlockstory.blogspot.com/2011/12/jerrys-clan-christmas-2011.html

More photos will be posted as time permits.

Thrice blessed

The amaryllis has three blossoms now. A new one opened today! Looks like there will be at least one more from this stem.

Plenty of color and life to enjoy!

Merry Christmas

There is so much to be thankful for as we celebrate this holiday and slip towards the end of 2011. A lot of good has been accomplished with your help either directly or indirectly. Your words or actions have in turn inspired words and actions. The circle of life: living, learning, sharing and having a laugh or two.

Thank you!

Deja Brew: Band of Brewers - update

The "Band of Brewers" gathered to bottle six more kettles on Monday evening at Deja Brew. The process was a little more hectic as we tried to keep everyone's bottles with them. There was more standing around and not having the 6th bottling station alive didn't help. All worked out in the end and the beer shares went out the door in reasonable time.

The cap code for the 6 kettles is show below. We have now done 178 kettles for 102 unique beers in the 5 years since we started this.

Trivia question: Which one of the first three beers we made have we NOT re-made?


A = Abbott's Weizenbock - A pale bock, this recipe is very popular
S = Evil Santa's Ale - High in alcohol and hoppiness! A new type of hop for us
C = Hearty Christmas Ale - A hearty Ale, spicy, flavorful and inviting!
O = Old Peculiar - Dark and rich, with a unique creamy, buttery finish
W = Old Tyme Winter Warmer - A beer to keep you warm on those cold nights
blank cap = Chocolate Cream Stout - A nice beer to relax with after a hard days work







Trivia Answer = Crazed and Confused

Happy birthday Robert Bly!

One of my heroes, Robert Bly, celebrates his birthday today.

I have shared a few of my favorite poems of his here over the years. His translations of Kabir hold a special place. One poem closes with the lines:

Kabir says this: When the guest is being searched for, it is the intensity of the longing for the guest that does all the work. Look at me, and you will see a slave of that intensity.

Bly also either influences or appears in some of my own writing. For example, The Scorecard, written in 2007:

The Scorecard

It's my father's fault.

answers to math questions in an instant

Cost accountant, meticulous rows of figures

kept score for the family card games

columns of names and numbers

tallied for the winners and players

diabetic diary, daily food intake

peanut butter toast, mashed potatoes

dog eared book, calories for each

so I'm at the festival

scribbling who spoke in order

what poem was read

can go back to 2004, 2002 even

words, images, scenes called forth

and the festivals come alive

Bly on the mound, Barks at bat,

Paul Winter on deck, early morning Rumi

the pitch, and it's a home run!

Originally posted to quiet poet here


Additional works of Robert Bly can be found in good bookstores or online at the Poetry Foundation

What I want for Christmas

What I want for Christmas is this helicopter!



No, I don't really 'want' this. There are so many other things that would be more practical and realistic. This is so far out on the scale of the wish list!

The commercial for REI that they used this device to make can be viewed on Chas's post here

Enjoy!

About to bloom

It is about to bloom!



What do you have underway that is about to bloom?

finding a place of balance (video)

Posting this hear for me to review in detail later



There is so much goodness in this, I didn't want to wait to share it.

Enjoy! Change is about finding a place of balance!



Thanks to Nancy White for sharing this

Explore the Archives

From the archives comes some goodness. There is much to explore in the archives here and much to explore among what I contributed to the Joyful Jubilant Learning blog. The site posted the learning and sharing of our community as we expanded and evolved over the course of a couple of years.

I put some of my best writing there and it is still available for your reading pleasure.

Feel free to dive in and explore the archives of my writing
http://joyfuljubilantlearning.com/category/advisory-board/steve-sherlock/

While you are there, do go explore some of the other writing. What some of the others did was far better!


One of our regular features was Rapid Fire Learning

Another was "A Love Affair with Books"

The technology of storytelling

Yes, we do need to remember that there is a story and the medium, the story and the technology with which it is told.



Well done Joe!

We also need to remember that it is the story that is important, more so than the device or technology!

What is your story?


Related post:
http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2006/10/fire-circle-story.html

Venus de Milo soup

From deep in the archives, the recipe for Venus De Milo soup that my mother had and kept in the family cookbook is still being found here. It is a good recipe and one to share. If you haven't tried it, I can say that the recipe has been tested over time and continued to be called for.

http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2006/12/venus-de-milo-soup.html

Enjoy!

Amaryllis series 2011

This amaryllis is taking off and growing nicely. Not like the last one I had which turned out to be a dud.



Enjoy!

Retrofit

Hmm, very interesting concept. Doing something like improving overall health does require dedication and positive reinforcement. Using current technology to assist with the data capture and incorporating that data into the program seems like a good combo.



The pricing may be reasonable given the results and the need to get fit.

There are additional videos with client stories. Much to explore on their website.

I feel comfortable with my health and approach as a life long runner, but maybe this would be a good fit for you or someone you know?



Thanks to my brother Bob for the tip to this service!

Amaryllis - 12/07/11

The amaryllis series is starting again. Last year was a dud but this year looks to be promising.



I will attempt to take a daily photo. I will spare you the daily view but post them as there are significant developments or the urge requires. The series will be available on Flickr. I'll create a set of photos for this year and those who really want to see the daily view will be able to do so.

Enjoy!

Sunrise

The rain was heavy overnight. The breeze is strong this morning, chasing the clouds away.

Not too quickly.  The sun plays with the clouds and its rainbow of color. Changes occur in an instant.

Take a moment to stop and observe the show!

Behavioral

Why so much from Tom Asacker recently?

He is on a roll. What he is covering I am finding compelling and I hope you do to.

So give people an experience that reveals the vision and intention behind your idea. An experience that conveys look, feel, and, especially, meaning in a no spin, passionate way. An experience that allows people to alter their own attitudes of mind, without a hint of external persuasion. An experience that creates a motivation to act.

Will you be compelled to make a change in what you are doing?

K12Online Conference

The one thing you can should do today is to visit the K12Online conference website.

http://k12onlineconference.org/

There is so much goodness there, don't be overwhelmed. Pick one presentation!

Allow yourself to dive into it and explore how technology is helping the learning environment.

Then step back and think about how you too can use that for what you need/want to do?

Sweetness at the intersection

I like many of the ideas Joe uses to make his point. We do need to be careful with the words we use. Those words create our world. The world where intersections can happen, or not.



I love intersections. PodCamp and other unconferences are great intersections. SOBCon is more structured than an unconference but a great intersection!

Do you like intersections?

Who are you going to please today?

Tom Asacker has another in his series of videos centered on his book: Opportunity Screams



Bill Cosby once said, “I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.”

What do you do with impossible?

"What three things do you know to be true?"

"everyone has stories we can learn from"

Step 1 - "I can"
Step 2 - "I will"
Step 3 - "infuse the stories with the specific things that make you you"

"great stories start at intersections"

"What can you do with impossible?"

Spend 18 minutes with spoken word poet Sarah Kay:




Enjoy!


This was posted to Franklin Matters earlier this year. Seth Godin has just published a book for this poem of Sarah's (the one she opened with).

Mall Santa Musical (video)

Friday, end of the work week.

Maybe you'll do some shopping tonight?

Maybe to the Mall?

Maybe there'll be a Santa!




Way to go ImprovEverywhere!

Taking a LEAP! (video)

I met Steve Farber earlier this year at SOBCon and received an advance copy of this book. I don't have it anymore as it went to someone who really wanted to read it. Now with the official version available, I can get a new copy for myself. And help him with this new out reach effort!




"Do what you love in the service of people who love what you do" - Steve Farber

Time and effort

It takes time and money to decorate. Someone needs to make the effort to do the planning and coordination that will lead to a successful execution and make the results visible.



Thanks to the efforts of the folks with the Franklin Downtown Partnership, Franklin's is looking good for the holidays.

Do you have someone or a group like this in your area?

the best ideas

Not every idea 'just' happens. Sometimes the best ones percolate for awhile. Get chewed on, stewed over before becoming fully baked.



I guess I am hungry this morning. I might as well go eat breakfast!

How many more food analogies could you come up with to talk about the origin and development of an idea?

Amaryllis time

Will this one grow this year?



I hope so, I would like to see some real nice blooms!

Leveraging the power of a dollar

With my birthday approaching, I am using the occasion to raise some money for the Franklin Food Pantry.



A dollar will help to provide 5 meals for a family in Franklin. $20 will provide a hundred meals. How does the Franklin Food Pantry do this? Our network of suppliers helps extend the power of your donation.

Thank you!


Note: If you want to have the tax credit for your contribution, feel free to go to the Franklin Food Pantry website. Scroll down the home page to find the Google Checkout and make your donation securely there: http://franklinfoodpantry.org/

Address is approximate

Take a few minutes to watch and enjoy this!

Address Is Approximate from The Theory on Vimeo.

Wonderful!

Thank you Tom Jenkins for creating this

Happy Thanksgiving!

As we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner today, let's pause a moment or two to give thanks for what we do have.



Enjoy!

Reflecting on reflections

Raining today. Not likely to see a reflection like this in the rain.




Maybe when there is more light, you can catch a reflection in a puddle.

Look for some reflection today.
Where will you find one?
How long will it take you to find one?

Will you find one?

Béatrice Coron: Stories cut from paper

Story telling is a spiral. The path Beatrice took is quite interesting.




What can you use from this?

scanner options

Stop and Shop has a new app for your smart phone.



You can download the app on either iPhone or Droid and use it to scan the items are you proceed through the market.

I do use the regular scanner and have since it was introduced. I did give the phone scanner a try twice thus far.

Not pad at all. I think I'll use the scanner though. It has a better handle and fits into the carriage holder. I don't fear leaving it on the carriage and walking to get another item. I'd rather not do the same with my phone.

I'd also prefer to have some sort of inventory scanning process available. It would help to avoid a stock out situation on specific items.

Have you used the regular scanner in the store?
Have you tried the new phone scanner?

What do you think?

Congratulations Brad!

For the 9th ceremony of the week, the Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of MA administered the 3rd and final oath to the new attorneys.





The first oath was to the Commonwealth, the second to the US Constitution and this the third and final, hence the celebration at the end

Section 38. Whoever is admitted as an attorney shall in open court take and subscribe the oaths to support the constitution of the United States and of the commonwealth; and the following oath of office shall be administered to and subscribed by him: 

I (repeat the name) solemnly swear that I will do no falsehood, nor consent to the doing of any in court; I will not wittingly or willingly promote or sue any false, groundless or unlawful suit, nor give aid or consent to the same; I will delay no man for lucre or malice; but I will conduct myself in the office of an attorney within the courts according to the best of my knowledge and discretion, and with all good fidelity as well to the courts as my clients. So help me God.

Source of oath:
http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter221/Section38

Our iceberg is melting

Good friend Trevor Gay sent this link along and after viewing it, I decided to share it here.




I think I will add the book to my "to read" listing

Will you?

Red bush shedding

It is a good thing I took this picture when I did.



Going by the bush yesterday, the red leaves lie in a ring around the ground below the bush.

Life can be fleeting. Make your moments count.

Start today

Screen casting

Social media is the constructive use of many tools to share and idea. One tool set is around creating a screen cast. The upcoming K12 Online Conference shares this teaser video about one session that will get into the details of making a screen cast.



For more on the K12 Online Conference check out their website.
http://k12onlineconference.org/?page_id=824

The Happy Future of Education

I was a long time and happy subscriber to Monday Morning Memo then for some reason, it stopped coming to the inbox. I was busy and didn't follow up. I realized this a couple of weeks ago and have re-subscribed with RSS. It is coming back into the light regularly now. Bringing great insight and inspiration.

Give it a listen. or give it a read!

Be sure to follow the rabbit hole. Follow the link on the side bar to find out about the rabbit hole. Once you dip within, I think you'll be hooked!

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

The Happy Future of Education

via The Monday Morning Memo of Roy H. Williams on 11/14/11

 

Our system of education is built on the belief that learning is best achieved by bringing the best of the past forward through expert advice and clear example. Consequently, educators rise through the ranks like officers in the military: through compliance and conformity to the norm. But in this era of quantum change, are we really best served by imitating the past? 

Let's look at two characteristics the innovative leaders of today all seem to have in common:  

1. They tend to be college dropouts. Steve Jobs of Apple, Bill Gates and Paul Allen of Microsoft, Jack Dorsey, Evan Williams and Biz Stone of Twitter, Mark Zuckerberg, Dustin Moskovitz and Sean Parker of Facebook. Dropouts, all. The list goes on and on.

2. They have no fear of failure. Innovative leaders experiment constantly because they see failure as an unavoidable step toward success. These leaders know the truth about failure; it's an extremely temporary condition, a fleeting moment, nothing to be feared. Failure is motion and motion is life.

Educators hesitate to experiment because they fear failure and reprimand. Consequently, the average teacher with 20 years' experience really has just 1 year's experience 20 times.

In the October 22 issue of the New York Times, researcher Michael Ellsberg wrote,

"Entrepreneurs must embrace failure. I spent the last two years interviewing college dropouts who went on to become millionaires and billionaires. All spoke passionately about the importance of their business failures in leading them to success. Our education system encourages students to play it safe and retreat at the first sign of failure… Certainly, if you want to become a doctor, lawyer or engineer, then you must go to college. But, beyond regulated fields like these, the focus on higher education… is profoundly misguided."

 

Pennie had a fantastic idea while we were taking our morning walk. As she explained it to me, I realized her plan would make solid education more widely available, more relevant to the student and save a great deal of money as well.

"Princess," I said, "if someone isn't already doing this, they will be soon. This is the right idea at the right time so it's highly likely that lots of people are having this same idea right now."

I was right. Salman Kahn (pictured above,) already has the project well underway. Pennie's idea - and Kahn's - is to harness Youtube to deliver 10-to-12-minute tutorials in an effort to fill the painful gaps in public education.


Stanford University professor Philip Zimbardo recently said,

"There is a disaster recipe developing among boys in America dropping out of high school and college. And it's not simply poor performance. One of the problems is, a recent study shows, that by the time a boy is 21, he has spent at least 10,000 hours playing video games by himself, alone… They live in a world they create. They're playing Warcraft and these other games which are exciting…  Their brains are being digitally rewired, which means they will never fit in a traditional classroom, which is analog. Somebody talks at you without even nice pictures. Meaning it's boring. You control nothing. You sit there passively. Disaster.  These kids will never fit into that. They have to be in a situation where they are controlling something. And school is set up where you control nothing." 

Video allows the world's best teachers to be everywhere simultaneously. And if you eliminate the time spent for roll call, bad behavior, discipline, silent reading and working on exercises, there's rarely more than 10 minutes of real teaching delivered during the average class-hour. Tightly scripted 10-minute videos allow the quicker students to move at 5 to 6 times their current pace while slower students are free to pause and rewind as often as they feel necessary. Everyone is happy. Everyone learns more. And the quality of education available to you is no longer dictated by your school district.


Wizard Academy applauds Salman Kahn and will do everything we can to accelerate his success.

I hear a question sparkling and tinkling in your mind.
Your question sounds like those little sleigh bells that hang on Santa's reindeer as they paw roof-snow in the moonlight, tiny flashes of light and sound that pierce the hot fog of the reindeer's breath as it clouds the cold night air:

"Does your newfound appreciation of video mean Wizard Academy is going to make all its classes available through online streaming?"

That was your question, wasn't it?

Wizard Academy will definitely increase its video offerings of brick-on-brick information. But our greater energies will continue to be focused on expanding our selection of transformative classes, those immersion experiences that facilitate an understanding that can be gained in no other way.


Informative classes are incremental and best taught through video.
Transformative classes are experiential and best taught through immersion.



As David Sandler said 25 years ago, "You can't learn to ride a bicycle by listening to a tape or reading a book."  

Put down the book. Come to Wizard Academy and your tomorrow will be very much different than yesterday.

Roy H. Williams


CLICK THE IMAGE AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE TO MEET SAL KAHN.

"If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship,
he would keep it in port forever."
    - Thomas Aquinas

"The research is clear; if you want to be a happier person,
don't read a self-help book, just have happier friends".
- Matthew Taylor,
21st Century Enlightenment,
a video on YouTube :)

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Evocative

Another in the series from Tom Asacker in his Opportunity Screams series. Worth the few minutes to watch!

Veterans Day

On this day, take a moment or more to thank a veteran for their service

What are your roots?

The recent snow storm did a whole lot of damage to trees big and small.



Does loosing a branch or two destroy the tree? No.

What really matters is the root structure. How deep are the roots? How well spread out and nourishing are they?

What about your own roots? How deep are they?

Jack o'lantern

Halloween has come and gone. So has the Franklin election.



While it was scary, this too has passed. Life will go on.

Questions will remain: Why do so little (in this case 22.6%) turnout to vote?

Red leaf

A red leaf stick out from its surroundings.



Separated from its branch and tree, it moves into a new phase of life.

How much do you stick out?

Are you distinct?

Long shadow

Morning sun, clear sky, casting long shadow.



Yes, it is true. I do watch for my shadow.

What does your shadow do?

Angel Band

I got to see the Angel Band at the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse last night. They are good! Their harmonies and music I could listen to any time.

Here is a sample from their new CD "Shoot the Moon"



Hearing this song live was a joy!


BTW - I did create at least one sherku from the evening

"It is very difficult to think straight about well being"

I have linked to and shared a bunch of TED Talks over time. As we approach the election here in Franklin, memory and experience will be important. What do we think of the candidates? What have they recently done that we like or dislike? While a small number of them took up the offer to answer three questions to help create an informed voter, the perceptions of the voters will matter greatly.

Hence, this talk from Daniel Kahneman may help us understand the relationship between memory and experience.





Note: this was previously shared on Franklin MAtters
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/03/it-is-very-difficult-to-think-straight.html

If you are from Franklin and or interested in the election this Tuesday, don't forget to check out the Election 2011 Collection here: http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/08/election-2011-summary.html

What do you do with your money?

A good talk on what to do with your money from TEDxEast

"What happens if you don't open the door to engagement?"

Yes, I am going backward. This is the first of a series of videos that accompanies Tom Asacker's new book "Opportunity Screams".



I don't think I'll post all of them. Two should be enough to get your attention. If the 'closure principle' matters, you'll follow the links and subscribe to find the remainder of the videos as they get posted.

You may even go so far as to pick up the book itself. I plan to!

Unexpected = distinct

Insightful short video from Tom Asacker.



His concept of 'unexpected' is very much like being 'distinct' that Scott McKain has talked about.

It also looks like Tom has a new book paperback version of his book: Opportunity Screams. I'll need to add this one to my list of things to read. Put it on your listing too. You'll be glad you did.

Franklin Food Pantry gets covered

It is not about me, never has been. The good work being done by the Franklin Food Pantry is highlighted in the November issue of the Franklin Town News which you can view online here

http://issuu.com/localtownpages/docs/franklin_november_paper?mode=window&proSidebarEnabled=true&backgroundColor=%23222222

Taste of the Region - Tonight

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Revolution parts ways with head coach Steve Nicol

It is sad to see Steve go but I think it is indeed time for a change. There was a good run with Paul Mariner by his side but since then, it was a different story. The team just hasn't done well. Yes, there were multiple issues but for what he could control, performance on the field, I don't think he did enough. I wish him well in his next venture.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

Revolution parts ways with head coach Steve Nicol

via RevolutionSoccer.net News on 10/24/11

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Revolution Investor/Operators Robert and Jonathan Kraft and head coach Steve Nicol met today and have mutually decided to part ways. The club will begin the search for a new head coach immediately.
Nicol leaves the Revolution after 10 seasons, a league record for tenure with a single club. He posted a career record of 112-108-81, ranking second in Major League Soccer in overall career games coached (301) and fourth in wins.
Read More

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Lessons from a stone wall in the making

There is an art to building a stone wall. Stone upon stone, lying together. Supporting each other. Stronger together than alone. Something for us to learn from!

Butterfly

I upgraded my HTC Droid ERIS to a Motorola Droid Bionic and I am quite pleased with the results. The advancement in the last two years is tremendous. What the ERIS promised and couldn't completely deliver, the Bionic can actually deliver.



One of the first photos taken with the Bionic as D and I walked on Saturday morning.

She gets credit for spotting the butterfly!

WhereCamp is next week

I Spatial Boston

It's only a week away Hi everyone, I am very excited to remind everyone that next week is the first WhereCamp Boston. So far we have around 50 people signed up for each day and some great keynote speakers to help give us perspective on spatial technology. We are currently limiting the registration to 150 people and need you to register ASAP to make sure that we have enough refreshments and to add you to the security list. Looking forward to seeing you there, Guido Stein Lead Organizer Register For WhereCamp Boston Now Please register ASAP before tickets run out. If we don't get your registration before Wednesday, you run the risk of going hungry on Saturday or Sunday, and nobody wants that! What is WhereCamp Boston WhereCamp Boston is a volunteer-created unconference for anyone interested in geography and technology. This year's event will be happening October 29th-30th, with a two full days of unconference sessions and keynotes at the Microsoft NERD Center in Kendall Square. An unconference is a conference planned by the participants through an online wiki and at the event. The event is open to anyone, but you don't just attend WhereCamp Boston — you can host or participate in discussions, demo your projects, or join another cooperative event. WhereCamp Boston topics include: GIS, web mapping, technology, marketing, startups, development, social media, gadgets, communities, design, hardware hacking, entrepreneurship, open source software, mobilecomputing, social software, and much, much more! For more about this event please visit http://wherecampboston.com IgniteSpatialBoston 89 followers 133 tweets following 84 people follow Latest Tweets Just posted some screencasts about participating on the wiki for #WhereCamp #Boston http://t.co/xakJAqnK7:03PM THIS WEEKEND: #Local #Food #Fun for everyone http://j.mp/dtDcKt #blff #Boston #Event #Yum (pls RT)1:41PM WhereCamp Boston is looking for sponsors, can you help out? http://j.mp/oTGUYd #wherebos8:19AM WhereCamp Boston 2011 Registration is Open - http://t.co/YnkMfatR12:59PM #WhereCamp #Boston is coming together, will launch website after #FOSS4G1:13PM Share this email Contact Us info@ispatialboston.com

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