Your trying to get in shape and reduce your carbon foot print so you decide to buy a bike and start using it to commute to work. Recently, I bought a new road bike, thereby replacing my multi-gear cruiser, and heading to work. It was great! I shaved 15 minutes off of my bike commute. The only problem is that it became apparent that there are significant risks from motorists that don't give enough space.
Bicyclists can get caught between the door of parked cars and a large moving vehicles during their commutes. Some motorists are in a rush to get to work and feel perfectly safe zipping by slower moving bikes at 40+ miles an hour. No slowing down, no 3 feet of distance, no concern what-so-ever! The bicyclist moves closer to the cars and soon finds they are being squeezed out by the occasional aggressive driver.
Sharrows, shared bike lanes, are a shared lane between the bicyclist and the car. Unlike unmarked lanes where bikes must be on the right hand of the road putting them in danger they are free to use the whole lane when it is designated as such. It gets bikes away from parked cars while notifying drivers they must "share" the road.
Yesterday I rode my bike into work and was nearly hit by an aggressive driver that left less than a food of distance between his vehicle and me. Even though I drove today I was pleasantly surprised to find shared road markings. The gods of fate must be smiling down on my bike path today as I seek to navigate the benefits of biking while still protecting myself from becoming road kill. It may or may not actually make me safer but at least I feel bold enough to use the lane.
http://www.sandiego.gov/tsw/programs/bicycle/
https://calbike.org/bicycling-in-california/sharing-the-road/
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Higher Education Develops Critical Thinking Skills
If there is one thing that higher education does is to teach people to think critically---well sort of. People are prone to think in ways that confirm existing beliefs. I have seen this over and over with students that must write the pros and cons on any controversial topic. By the time I read the introduction I can tell which way they are leaning in their coverage. The process of confirming pre-existing beliefs makes its thematic way throughout the entire paper.
The reasons is that many people justify their answers without seeking alternative explanations. Much of their time is spent in seeking confirming information while ignoring that information which counters their main point of view. By the time they are finished with their paper they have written in favor of one point of view, gave a few tid bits of information against that point of view, and then disconfirmed the competing information.
The amount of effort expended in seeing or understanding another perspective on an issue was little to none. Critical thinking is one of the purposes of higher education and students cannot be blamed for learning how to critical think. If such bias in thinking is common in a university setting where people are actively engaged in learning it is likely more prevalent in the "real world".
That "real world" is full of people who can't think beyond their own self-confirming beliefs. These beliefs come from some impression, logic, or confirmation of their identity and are hard for people to shake. To admit there are other valid arguments and to integrate them into a whole understanding of a situation requires a type of personality focused on self-development.
Arguments and conflict are based in two disagreeing points of view where each person puts forward their logical points to persuade another person. Unfortunately, two people put forward ideas but neither of them may be listening to what the other is actually saying. It is difficult to find a solution when either of the parties refused to see any point but their own.
Students that focus on understanding more than justifying their existing beliefs are likely to learn more. This learning process can be used each time they run into an argument and situation. To create a full understanding of a situation by being open minded to alternative explanations is not a sign of weakness but more of a sign of internal and intellectual strength. A person who understands situations by looking at multiple points of view and then adjusts their arguments accordingly has greater credibility.
The reasons is that many people justify their answers without seeking alternative explanations. Much of their time is spent in seeking confirming information while ignoring that information which counters their main point of view. By the time they are finished with their paper they have written in favor of one point of view, gave a few tid bits of information against that point of view, and then disconfirmed the competing information.
The amount of effort expended in seeing or understanding another perspective on an issue was little to none. Critical thinking is one of the purposes of higher education and students cannot be blamed for learning how to critical think. If such bias in thinking is common in a university setting where people are actively engaged in learning it is likely more prevalent in the "real world".
That "real world" is full of people who can't think beyond their own self-confirming beliefs. These beliefs come from some impression, logic, or confirmation of their identity and are hard for people to shake. To admit there are other valid arguments and to integrate them into a whole understanding of a situation requires a type of personality focused on self-development.
Arguments and conflict are based in two disagreeing points of view where each person puts forward their logical points to persuade another person. Unfortunately, two people put forward ideas but neither of them may be listening to what the other is actually saying. It is difficult to find a solution when either of the parties refused to see any point but their own.
Students that focus on understanding more than justifying their existing beliefs are likely to learn more. This learning process can be used each time they run into an argument and situation. To create a full understanding of a situation by being open minded to alternative explanations is not a sign of weakness but more of a sign of internal and intellectual strength. A person who understands situations by looking at multiple points of view and then adjusts their arguments accordingly has greater credibility.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Early Morning Workouts
You wipe your eyes, splash some water on your face, and make your way to the gym, living room, or basement. There isn't much time before having to get ready for work and keeping up with a solid fitness plan. Early morning workouts may require a lot of motivation but offers opportunities to improve cardio strength and generate fat burning metabolism.
Once you get into a routine of working out in the morning everything becomes easier and you are less likely to skip on your practice. Exercise at night must compete with family, t.v. and any other activity. It becomes easy to find excuses why one should not work out at night when there are so many other things to do.
Early risers don't have all of those distractions. As soon as they wake up and finish their coffee they can start their workout. There are less distractions and it gives you a jolt of energy that can last throughout the entire day. Because you have completed your workout you can focus on other stuff.
If you frequent a gym there are less people and more available equipment in the mornings. Most people either go after work or later on in the evening. Those who go in the morning are generally older and more mature. Most of the equipment is still available and in good order.
In addition to the open gym, cardio boost, and early accomplishment of your goals you may be able to get the first breath of sunlight in the morning. If that doesn't provide you with a mental boost in the morning to go along with your physical boost then your a hopeless case. Get up early, get it done, and got on with your day.
Once you get into a routine of working out in the morning everything becomes easier and you are less likely to skip on your practice. Exercise at night must compete with family, t.v. and any other activity. It becomes easy to find excuses why one should not work out at night when there are so many other things to do.
Early risers don't have all of those distractions. As soon as they wake up and finish their coffee they can start their workout. There are less distractions and it gives you a jolt of energy that can last throughout the entire day. Because you have completed your workout you can focus on other stuff.
If you frequent a gym there are less people and more available equipment in the mornings. Most people either go after work or later on in the evening. Those who go in the morning are generally older and more mature. Most of the equipment is still available and in good order.
In addition to the open gym, cardio boost, and early accomplishment of your goals you may be able to get the first breath of sunlight in the morning. If that doesn't provide you with a mental boost in the morning to go along with your physical boost then your a hopeless case. Get up early, get it done, and got on with your day.
San Diego Leads the Way in Desalination
Water is not a self-generating and requires proper conservation and usage. Places in the world suffer from a lack of water but do have abundant oceans. Harnessing the power of the oceans offers the ability to produce an abundant source of water that could potentially create terraform type changes in parts of the world.
Water can change a lot f things in places like California or Africa where resources are low but agricultural needs are high. Growing more food, healthier food, without as many pesticides can help in creating a stronger people. It can also slow down the pace of poverty and disease in regions whose climates have changed.
Countries that once had lush environments and have seen their water supplies dwindle from overpopulation and pollution can use reverse osmosis to clean their water and put it back into supply. New sources of water can be created at prices that will continue to drop as technology advances. The more people come to see and expand knowledge the better off the world will be down the road.
Transformational adjustments are a few decades away but that doesn't mean the seeds are not being sown today in San Diego's growing eco economy. As a city focused on tomorrow, through the development of sustainable practices, San Diego is drawing a lot of attention. Bio technology and bio management are growing markets that San Diego may soon find themselves in the forefront of.
Perceptions of Perfection-A Manager's Dilemma
Arrogance is as much a risk to any organization as outside threats. When evaluating risks few strategist look at the personalities and perceptions of perfection among managers even though this is a primary reason why many businesses eventually fail. Without constant rejuvenation, questioning of practices, and the implementation of improvements organizations are doomed to dissolution.
It doesn't matter if discussing a business, organization, government, or other entity the process of change is a necessary component to success. Systems that are open have the capacity to take in new information and use that information for improvement. A fundamental risk to all entities is the inability to accept new information and use that information to improve competitiveness.
Consider a company or public institution that knows its environment is changing but the stakeholders in that organization fail to recognize the need for change or how their decisions contribute to eventual collapse. They will naturally maintain the defunct operations until their position is either weak or forced to change.
Failure to change an organization is based in either the lack of knowledge to see the signs of change or the insight to enact change when needed. There is a stream of arrogance that runs throughout their decision-making. Sticking fingers in one's ears and running processes until the organization dissolves doesn't do anyone good even though it helps the manager feel as though their decisions are superior.
Managers have as much ego needs as anyone else. It takes a strong personality to perceive weaknesses and find places improvements can be made. This requires a perception that is open to new information versus maintaining a delusion of perfection. Those that rise to the top of an organization should be able to self-reflect on their thought processes and operational strategies.
Questioning practices can often spark a fairly harsh response from narrow minded power players. Because of their position, and the power of that position is tied to their perception of self, they are willing to use that power to thwart any criticism of their decisions. Employees who question are quickly discarded in order to maintain grips on knowledge and power.
Being a well-developed person who has the ability to see change when change is needed is not an act of weakness. It is an act of self-reflection and ensuring that the best practices are brought forward that help focus on filling organizational objectives. Ensuring the brightest minds come forward is important for the health of the entire system.
Organizational change starts with breaking the erroneous belief that manger and their decisions will always result in the most positive outcome. Strong managers and self-improving systems are always capable of taking in new information and using that information for improvement. Only when an organization becomes stuck in the same process does it run the risk of total failure, replacement, or collapse. Perceptions of perfection and a lack of fortitude to change are the enemy within.
It doesn't matter if discussing a business, organization, government, or other entity the process of change is a necessary component to success. Systems that are open have the capacity to take in new information and use that information for improvement. A fundamental risk to all entities is the inability to accept new information and use that information to improve competitiveness.
Consider a company or public institution that knows its environment is changing but the stakeholders in that organization fail to recognize the need for change or how their decisions contribute to eventual collapse. They will naturally maintain the defunct operations until their position is either weak or forced to change.
Failure to change an organization is based in either the lack of knowledge to see the signs of change or the insight to enact change when needed. There is a stream of arrogance that runs throughout their decision-making. Sticking fingers in one's ears and running processes until the organization dissolves doesn't do anyone good even though it helps the manager feel as though their decisions are superior.
Managers have as much ego needs as anyone else. It takes a strong personality to perceive weaknesses and find places improvements can be made. This requires a perception that is open to new information versus maintaining a delusion of perfection. Those that rise to the top of an organization should be able to self-reflect on their thought processes and operational strategies.
Questioning practices can often spark a fairly harsh response from narrow minded power players. Because of their position, and the power of that position is tied to their perception of self, they are willing to use that power to thwart any criticism of their decisions. Employees who question are quickly discarded in order to maintain grips on knowledge and power.
Being a well-developed person who has the ability to see change when change is needed is not an act of weakness. It is an act of self-reflection and ensuring that the best practices are brought forward that help focus on filling organizational objectives. Ensuring the brightest minds come forward is important for the health of the entire system.
Organizational change starts with breaking the erroneous belief that manger and their decisions will always result in the most positive outcome. Strong managers and self-improving systems are always capable of taking in new information and using that information for improvement. Only when an organization becomes stuck in the same process does it run the risk of total failure, replacement, or collapse. Perceptions of perfection and a lack of fortitude to change are the enemy within.
Branding Unique Restaurants
Consider what you do when you want to take someone out to eat. You think about what your stomach is telling you to select the genre of food, you scope out your budget and then select something that is memorable. The more unique, the better!
I went to a unique cajun style restaurant called Crab Hut. A simple place located in a strip mall. You sit down on a table with a paper mat, roll of paper towels, and some plastic gloves. Food comes in a steamed 1lb. bag which you eat with your hands and are free to make as much mess as you want.
It isn't as though it is completely unique but compared to many other restaurants in the same price-range it is a fun place to eat. This is the point. Restaurants are selling experiences. Ensuring an establishment has something unique attracts more customers and gives customers a nugget of information to spread via word-of-mouth to their friends.
http://crabhutrestaurant.com/
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Ensuring Seamless Service Contracts
Customer service and sales are two important aspects of managing a large business. These two functions are often outsourced. Sometimes that outsourcing is within the U.S. and at other times it is to countries like India. Making sure there are strong communication networks and expectations between the parent and contract company is helpful in giving a positive impression of the business.
Customers don't know the difference between the parent company and the contractor. If the contractor does a poor job it reflects directly on the main company. People will be left with a poor impression that could impact a lifetime of sales. The contract should reflect quality beyond actual sales to ensure customer satisfaction.
Promotions and terms should be well known among all vendors. If the website and the offers are different the business appears to be inconsistent. The impression becomes much worse if promotions offered in advertising pieces are not honored and up sold. The customer may question the integrity of the entire company.
That is the primary point of seamless service contracts that ensure all stakeholders are adequately representing the company. Customers see one business and they care little about about whether or not the company contracted their services. If their needs are not met and it appears they are not being given the latest information they may move over to other business with higher perceived integrity.
Customers don't know the difference between the parent company and the contractor. If the contractor does a poor job it reflects directly on the main company. People will be left with a poor impression that could impact a lifetime of sales. The contract should reflect quality beyond actual sales to ensure customer satisfaction.
Promotions and terms should be well known among all vendors. If the website and the offers are different the business appears to be inconsistent. The impression becomes much worse if promotions offered in advertising pieces are not honored and up sold. The customer may question the integrity of the entire company.
That is the primary point of seamless service contracts that ensure all stakeholders are adequately representing the company. Customers see one business and they care little about about whether or not the company contracted their services. If their needs are not met and it appears they are not being given the latest information they may move over to other business with higher perceived integrity.
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