Blog Feed: Compassion in Politics

1) Professor at University of Penn (link) I believe he works through the Netter Center 2) Lemonade 3) Ashoka 4) Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (has a number of programs including these resources) It would seem to me that a model with created t

Why do Christians pick and choose to follow parts of the Bible?

Published on 2012-12-30 09:58:53

The Bible holds a high standard–actually one of perfection. No one meets that standard by definition. But, if I can’t meet the standard, I should just give up or not even try? Well, by that definition no one should try to achieve excellen

The evolution versus design debate

Published on 2012-12-30 09:55:48

Middle schools and high schools don’t tend to have sociology and generally the philosophy of fields gets talked about in the class even if it doesn’t miss. This is the standard that is used in other disciplines. There is no reason to make

How to Be a Poet by Wendell Berry

Published on 2012-12-30 09:50:02

. Make a place to sit down. Sit down. Be quiet. You must depend upon affection, reading, knowledge, skill — more of each than you have — inspiration, work, growing older, patience, for patience joins time to eternity. Any readers who like your wo

How should science and faith interact best? Integrating science and faith

Published on 2012-12-30 09:40:55

I’m not denying evolution (micro & macro)–i’m just suggesting it. I’m denying that evolution and evolution alone (cold dark forces that are in the universe) is sufficient as a controlling mechanism to provide survival and optimization

On the ability of facilitation to spark social change

Published on 2012-12-30 09:31:33

“The key to creating vast social change is to tap into the ability of collective and collaborative potential of humanity. The key to unleash the collective potential of humanity is facilitation. Facilitation can shift a group, community, organi

Western Rhetorical Theory Summaried in One Page

Published on 2012-12-30 09:24:27

God/Devil Terms (Good life, heros,) (Richard Weaver) Opposites/Dialectical (Burke) Soul appeals/Identity appeals Enemy Identification (Commonality/Relational, personal story, & Group–aka Tribe) Story: Act, Scene, Agent, Agency, Purpose Rhetoric

The Determinism versus Free Will Debate is a Non-starter…..Almost of No Value to Agents Who have Conciousness or the Perception thereof

Published on 2012-12-30 09:17:33

My considered opinion is that this ultimately does not make any sense. It makes as little sense as the notion that consciousness is an illusion. Consciousness cannot be an illusion for the simple reason that it is a presupposition of the distinction

Examples of High Impact Organizations at the Base of the Pyramid

Published on 2012-12-30 09:00:29

Examples of High Impact Organizations at the Base of the Pyramid I would also point out that some of this work includes mini-case studies. You can find other case studies in the books outlined at the bottom of this blog article: • Al Doerksen, Inte

Herbert Simon on Cognitive Biases in Organizations

Published on 2012-12-29 09:42:28

“One does not live for months or years in a particular position in an organization, exposed to some streams of communication, shielded from others, without the most profound effects upon what he knows, believes, attends to, hopes, wishes, empha

What is the best way to overcome the human fear of rejection

Published on 2012-12-27 12:01:39

1. All you can expect of yourself is to do your best. All anyone else can expect of you is to do your best. (Corrallary: Obviously no one’s perfect & accidents do happen in the course of human events) 2. Consider the why of the judgement (how i

Summary of Research Work on Happiness and the Meaning of Life

Published on 2012-12-27 09:10:45

There has been a great deal written about the good life and happiness. I would certainly echo much said by Keinosuke Johan Miyanaga whose methodology or framework is quite helpful. I might integrate some of the pyschology of happiness into my thinkin

Thought leaders and business growth gurus

Published on 2012-12-27 09:10:28

Thought leaders and business growth gurus most of whom do workshops and seminars Business Innovation Strategy: Clayton Christensen, IDEO, and Tom Peters (Honorable mention: CK Prahalad and Vijay Govindarajan for work on the base of the pyramid) Busin

The Social Costs of Pornography

Published on 2012-12-27 09:07:42

The neuroscience of pornography consumption is revealed by empirical studies. Some studies show that pornography use undermines marital and other intimate relationships of its users, can make men sexually incompetent with a real partner, and for some

Perry Marshall on small business entrepreneurship

Published on 2012-12-26 15:10:38

“There is always an unmet need.” Perry Marshall (30 day, 30 day, 30 day….Bryan Todd mentioned) (also changing USP to get $….to expand $) (improve your follow up)

Various criticisms of the worldview of scientism, skepticism, and neo-atheism

Published on 2012-12-26 14:25:09

Science is good at a number of things, but it isn’t particularly equipped to study the non-material. Moreover, its not particularly adept at studying one time events in the past. As such, its not up for direct scientific study (in the laborator

Building trust in relationships

Published on 2012-12-26 11:26:46

Vulnerability is something you pointed out in the overview. Presumably you’ve seen this: Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability | Video on TED.com I think each person is a little bit different: • Respect and honoring them as a person. • A

Doris Kearns Goodwin on the Purpose of Life

Published on 2012-12-26 09:58:01

“So, indeed, I have spent my life looking into the lives of presidents who are no longer alive. Waking up with Abraham Lincoln in the morning, thinking of Franklin Roosevelt when I went to bed at night. But when I try and think about what IR

Ben Franklin’s personal description of his belief in God and Christian faith

Published on 2012-12-26 09:38:52

Here is my Creed: I believe in one God, Creator of the Universe. That He governs it by his Providence. That he ought to be worshipped. That the most acceptable Service we can render to him, is doing Good to his other Children…. I think the System o

Have we fetishized business models

Published on 2012-12-26 09:32:59

Three rather random questions: 1) Have we fetishized business models? 2) Have we overcomplicated what it means to have social impact? 3) Have we put too many barriers to becoming an entrepreneur?

How do you practice better self-discipline in behavior change as an entrepreneur?

Published on 2012-12-26 09:17:27

I’ve read about 4 social psychology books on behavior change. Based on the review of that literature, I would suggest the following 14 changes: Get clear on your why (write it down). How is this consistent with your life goals? Get clear on you

Social entrepreneurship business plan model: how to make an investment presentation for socially innovative startup business

Published on 2012-12-25 09:39:28

You could even use this as the slide order–using one to three slides on each component. Ideally as few as possible to communicate your idea in an emotionally compelling way. 1. Mission 2. Big Idea 3. Impact 4. Behavioral Mapping (kind of revers

How can you optimize your learning when you read a book?

Published on 2012-12-25 09:36:33

As someone who has studied self-improvement, education, and practice of excellence. Here are the top 10 ideas that come to mind: 1. Ideally have a problem/challenge you are thinking about. This is arguably one reason why MBAers with 2 years in the wo

21 Incredibly Powerful Concepts for Social Entrepreneurial Sales

Published on 2012-12-25 09:08:34

1. Promise & USP 2. Offer 3. Guarantee 4. Questions/Interview/Pre-qualify 5. Risk & framing 6. Story 7. Trust & credibility 8. Clarity/Vividness 9. Listening 10. Scratch the Itch (Prospect theory–problem, Show Don’t Tell & Vividness–

Comparing the leadership development programs at the Stanford and Harvard Business Schools

Published on 2012-12-24 23:00:14

I think you need to clearly define three to four key issues: • What is good leadership? • What does a good leadership MBA program do to create good leaders? • How can you compare the results from Stanford versus Harvard? What are key metrics fo

11 Key Types of Corporate Social Responsibility

Published on 2012-12-24 09:57:08

Here are 11 possible CSR initiatives which create societal value: Local products Greening the supply chain Efficiency/Decreasing Waste/Sustainability (Using recycled goods). This one applies to the organization itself & how it designs its products. H

What are the most useful technologies for small farmers in Africa

Published on 2012-12-23 09:52:27

Here is a relatively short list: • Drip Irrigation • Treddle Pumps • Mobile or other methods of helping communicate market prices. • Crop Insurance (we don’t think about this as technology–I guess its more of a service, but its pr

Examples of design and order in the universe

Published on 2012-12-23 09:49:50

You can read Cosmic Fingerprints for more examples of order and design in the universe.

Review of the Dyslexic Advantage by Brock and Fernette Edie, MD

Published on 2012-12-23 09:37:23

The Dyslexic Advantage is a fantastic book for people with dyslexia, their educators, and their parents and potentially even their spouses. Brock and Fernette Edie examine the core thinking and problem-solving strengths of 4 types of dyslexics, which

Merry Christmas: How to Regain a Lost Account

Published on 2012-12-23 09:31:55

Seven Steps to Regain a Lost Account 1. Hear them out – quickly 2. Apologize or commiserate 3. Get approval for continued communication 4. Re-validate that this account still profitable and strategic 5. If there is not a clear solution, follow

The case for inter-faith dialogue of protestant Christians

Published on 2012-12-23 09:24:16

This is a very limited case for interfaith dialog between protestant Christians. 1. Salt can’t be salt in a salt shaker. 2. Given the taboo nature of religion in contemporary American society, some use of formal community events is important. 3

Dan Kennedy Wisdom on Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Small Business Growth

Published on 2012-12-23 09:22:05

Renegade Millionaire Marketing: Dan Kennedy Wisdom on Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Small Business Growth 1. Go into the fire–embrace your fear. 2. Go the opposite way of the herd. 3. Patterns, patterns, patterns–bad ones & good ones.

More on the challenges, criticism, and failures of post-modern theory

Published on 2012-12-23 09:00:07

1. Because it leaves people without the language and institutional means to achieve change it seems to be regressive and roll back the clock. It has an implicit conservatism which it may fail to fully acknowledge. It undermines change–I think t

Behavioral Economics and Neuroeconomics Principles for Social Entrepreneurs

Published on 2012-12-22 09:58:21

1) Satisficing vs. Optimizing 2) Representativeness Heuristic 3) Availability Bias Other less so: 1) Peak-end rule 2) Optimism Bias 3) Prospect theory First-impression bias (priming & framing & rapport & credibility) Four Areas: The four areas are:

Top Twelve Tools Scientists & Academics Can Leverage for Better Science

Published on 2012-12-22 09:56:48

1. Skype (and/or Google Chat) 2. Google Reader (to stay atop updates in their field & related interests) 3. Social bookmarking Delicious for search & storage 4. Social Following for Academics. For instance http://www.academia.edu/ 5. Custom search en

On the value of intuition in the decision-making process

Published on 2012-12-22 09:16:01

Intuition in the Decision-Making Process: Initially, intuition is the marrying of knowledge, experience, and the gut feeling. As such, the value of intuition is related to the value of insights and decision making processes of the individual him/hers

The theological answer to the idols of science

Published on 2012-12-21 09:17:57

Court trial for nietzsche Manifesto for and against science Missing the point: 1. Good people 2. Grace 3. Glory Disruption/Era disruption (Hegel) Fusing more than disruption Fusion of faith and science Fusion of faith and reason 1. Anthro (Noam Choms

Bob Dylan on Living

Published on 2012-12-21 09:03:34

“He’s Not Busy Being Born Is Busy Dying” Bob Dylan

7 Things about the Assumptions Atheists and Agnostics Make About Christians

Published on 2012-12-20 13:29:12

This is part of a convo I had online (so read it with that understanding)….unfortunately its not full paragraph essays (the internet ate that version). The underlying issue in this dialog (and most everyone I’ve had of this type) is under

How can we heal the left/right divide in Washington

Published on 2012-12-20 09:31:33

Here is an article that appeared in the Atlantic on healing the right/left conflict in Washington DC. (link)

How do you deal with the paradoxes of God and Faith: Love and Judgement

Published on 2012-12-19 10:30:47

Heres a question from a Skeptic, Agnostic, or Atheist: What is it about organized religion that seems to make so many people fear God? Is an omnipresent God meant to watch us and judge us, or love us unconditionally? I find the first possibility worr

How can companies break down the boundaries between departmental silos

Published on 2012-12-18 21:51:19

I would suggest one or more of the following: • Boundary spanners (this usually arises naturally or bottom-up, but I’m curious about the way it can be incentivized or encouraged in the organization). • Group facilitation • Collaborative

Apps for Video Podcasting

Published on 2012-12-18 20:32:43

1) Screenflow 2) Jing

Determining Credibility, Reputation, and Trust in a World of Ubiquitous Social Media and Hype

Published on 2012-12-18 16:22:17

I’ll echo what Nation Hahn said. I would suggest, that this is true of (almost) all emerging fields and that you have to make up your method of credibility evaluation. I would suggest the following is what most folks do: • Do they make cogent

How our culture and public policy should reflect on the gun shooting last Friday in Connecticut

Published on 2012-12-18 15:07:59

How should the tradegy be framed? How should we think about it? What should be done? Initially the question arises: Should we think about it as a guns issue? Should we think about it as a mental health issue? Don’t believe the hype……

Criticism of 10 Reasons Not to Go to College by James Altucher

Published on 2012-12-16 21:04:35

The following is a critique of James Altucher’s article “Ten Reasons No To Go to College.” (link) Let me point out: 1. Observation: This is blatant link bait. Although, moderately well argued. I think he is more interested perhaps i

Improving medical supply chains in the developing world & at the base of the pyramid

Published on 2012-12-14 23:05:24

Here’s a recent article from Next Billion Blog: We found that Coca-Cola’s system of production and distribution is built very strongly around information and incentives. The medicine supply chain system, on the other hand, is built around nor

What religion is the best?

Published on 2012-12-09 09:16:43

My short answer: Answer: Religion which is guided by Truth is a bare minimum. The primary focus should not be happiness at least as expressed in hedonism. Perhaps happiness as described in Aristotle (aka Eudemia). Moreover, I would think a religion t

Checklist for choosing the best water purification technology and strategy

Published on 2012-12-07 13:01:55

Here is a short list of considerations from Pure Water for the World: Among the factors we consider when choosing the right solution: Cost: Beneficiaries in rural or underserved developing countries cannot afford expensive techniques. Reliability: Th

current conditions and future trends of educational technology for 2012

Published on 2012-12-07 09:56:54

I would suggest the following are pretty big trends in education technology right now: 1) Social learning. Social networking & dialog on blogs and wikis. 2) Professional development via social platforms and social networking 3) Flipped Classroom 4) P

What effect do education standards have in classroom creativity

Published on 2012-12-07 09:45:43

I think this is a curved relationship rather than the linear one you suggest. The question in my mind is what the curve looks like. The research on checklists certainly that some standardization is good–plus is provides commonality for shared e

how to write blocks policy debate

Published on 2012-12-06 18:39:35

How to Write Frontlines for Policy Debate 1) You should use a combintation of Offense and Defense. • What is offense: link turns, impact turns, we solve the impact or we solve the link, or add-on advantages 2) Cards and Analytics 3) Generic and Spe

More on learning theory from UCI

Published on 2012-12-03 09:51:35

Positive emotions. Can you teach positive emotional associations with your subject? (feel good & enjoy science–positive fibes & feel good about selves) Emotional taxonomies (a number of attempts) Intrinsic motivation (ie snowboarding & hobbies

Example: Organizing for Home Health Workers

Published on 2012-12-01 09:46:51

I have mixed feelings about unions–probably more good than bad, but mixed none-the-less. To me, home health workers seem to need a union or a collective group for sharing and thoughtful action more than almost any other group. Here are some of

Want free lincoln-douglas debate briefs?

Published on 2012-12-01 09:46:46

Sorry….this is specifically to students in the National Forensic League who do lincoln-douglas debate. Its pretty much irrelevant to everyone else…. Invest in your future……and buy them. I’m not saying that to be meanR

How can I make my engineering experience as effective as MIT

Published on 2012-12-01 09:39:10

I can’t speak as much to the calculous and engineering formulas. But certainly those seem to be going online at a faster rate–particularly at MIT where that is a priority of the teachers and administration (including the Open Courseware i

9 Frameworks for Decision-making about early stage startups

Published on 2012-12-01 09:20:35

How can CEOs set up better feedback loops for better decision-making and strategy?

Published on 2012-12-01 09:17:26

I’ve been reflecting on this question in relation to systems theory and decision theory. Here are some possible ways to get feedback: • Feedback from customers (good and bad) • Feedback from employees (good and bad) • One on one time with

Charles Spurgeon on Helpers

Published on 2012-12-01 09:10:53

“When you have no helpers, see all your helpers in God. When you have many helpers, see God in all your helpers. When you have nothing but God, see all in God. When you have everything, see God in everything. Under all conditions, stay thy hear

My quick review of the Genesis Code movie: Do Creation and Evolution really conflict?

Published on 2012-12-01 09:09:07

This offers one. It makes an argument for relativism with respect to God’s time and our time. Its a case for faith grounded in physics. It also reconciles faith and evolution. It also offers a critique of post-modern, relativism, and hyper-mult

Rhetoric Teaching Resources

Published on 2012-12-01 09:04:18

Rhetoric Gifts of Speech-Women’s Speeches from Around the World (link) Rhetoric Teaching Resources at Purdue (link) Writing Resources at Northwestern Eserver (Rhetoric & Composition) Bartleby Aristotle’s Rhetoric

Calling out Philosophical BS

Published on 2012-12-01 09:01:17

1. Paradox of celebrating diversity and decrying it on the other hand. The challenges of diversity make life interesting & meaningful (ask Chik. Mahali) 2. Imagination is real–its not entirely elusive. 3. Language is powerful–it does stuf

Thoughts about design thinking in the organization

Published on 2012-11-30 14:55:52

“The one with the prototype wins.” (it gets questioning & engagement & discussion moving forward) Simple–keep the cognitive load low. Where is your place for failing? When does design thinking have issues (Non-ambiguous questions &

What does it mean to fear God?

Published on 2012-11-30 10:42:50

What does it mean to fear God? What, then, does it mean to fear the Lord? When we truly fear the Lord, we will recognize that He is the Creator and we are the creatures. He is the Master and we are the servants. He is the Father and we are the childr

What are the basic principles of hostage negotiation?

Published on 2012-11-30 09:51:26

Here are 3 resources on the topic of hostage, which are pretty helpful. This article is pretty on point–it’s more academic (it has principles in italics if you scan the article): This article on hostage negotiation and conflict resolution

Top movies about courage, leadership, and determination

Published on 2012-11-30 09:30:15

What are the best films about determination, drive, and leadership Sports Movies about Leadership, Determination, and Courage • We are Marshall • Miracle • Remember the Titans • Rudy • Hoosiers • Field of Dreams • Pistol Pete • Hoop D

Aren’t all Christians hypocrits? A look at the Parable of the Plank in the Eye in Matthew

Published on 2012-11-30 09:09:06

How can we solve the last mile problem in the base of the pyramid markets and international development

Published on 2012-11-29 23:49:04

How do we solve the last mile challenge in the developing world and bottom of the pyramid markets? I asked the following question about the Last Mile Challenge in terms of the rural poor who are entrepreneurs and customers around the world. I asked:

The Social Costs of Pornography

Published on 2012-11-27 09:07:42

[quote]The neuroscience of pornography consumption is revealed by empirical studies. Some studies show that pornography use undermines marital and other intimate relationships of its users, can make men sexually incompetent with a real partner, and f

What did Thomas Malthus Get Wrong in His Theory and Predictions?

Published on 2012-11-26 09:52:42

He didn’t take into account how affluence actually slows down birth rates enormously–in fact kind of solving the problem he spoke of from a shear numerical perspective. Missed the value of knowledge and technology (requiring less and less

Possible Gaps in the Positive Psychology Movement

Published on 2012-11-25 09:40:52

1 page written summary 1 page visual toolbox (or simple toolbox for individuals–in terms of personal thinking & problem-solving) 1 page visual toolbox (for individuals) 1 page summary of coaching methodlogy modeling examples (of coaching) appli

My thoughts on the intercultural literacy sector

Published on 2012-11-21 09:14:17

It doesn’t have to be exclusive to B2B…it could be B2C. I would see it as a value ad to existing products (i.e. a package or upsell)–although it could be sold in media form in a bookstore or as digital media download. B2G is another

US AID’s Higher Education Network Launch–International Development on University Campuses News

Published on 2012-11-17 13:14:49

From US AID: “The Higher Education Solutions Network is the latest step in USAID’s efforts to harness the best ideas from the academic and scientific community and young people worldwide to foster transformational progress in development,”

Christian Leadership Thought Leaders and Authors

Published on 2012-11-15 09:26:20

I am not a Christian coach. I’ve included what I’ve discovered. Gary R. Collins • Author of multiple books including Christian Coaching, Second Edition: Helping Others Turn Potential into Reality Tony Stoltzfus • Author of Coaching Qu

The best democratic political arguments

Published on 2012-11-01 10:37:27

1) Democrats are for widening the tax base….creating tax payers. 2) The stock market goes up in Democratic administrations 3) Decouples spending and value (it makes it all the same) 4) GI Bill & Education = massive economic growth 5) Perhaps 99

Are corporations people?

Published on 2012-11-01 10:13:53

I don’t know and I’m not sure….but I think they have to exercise and demonstrate their soul–their underlying ethics–before I would grant them personhood. Without soul. I mean real soul. Corporations may just be hollow sh

Seven Ways Newspapers are Monetizing their Content

Published on 2012-10-31 10:54:13

1. E-learning (NYT) 2. E-commerce (PBS) * 3. Daily deals 4. Lead gen to local business 5. Display ads (low revenue, especially versus content) 6. Niche papers are using a freemium model, with a paywall (one of the University publications does this).

Two core principles of entrepreneurship & business

Published on 2012-10-15 10:28:02

1. Empathy & understanding & listening (emotion)–and drive & passion 2. Process & data (math & physical reality)

Free Online Lean Start up and Customer Development Course

Published on 2012-10-08 10:20:37

Free Lean Start up and Customer Development Course based on the work of Steve Blank and Eric Ries The following is from Bizdom U’s online startup course which is available at their website free of charge. MODULE 1: THE CULTURE OF AN ENTREPRENEUR Culture is defined as the behaviors and beliefs of a particular group [...]

Christian Response to Bill Nye Criticism of Creationism–Creationism Is Not Appropriate For Children

Published on 2012-10-01 10:48:36

From the Bill Nye video: Denial of evolution is unique to the United States. I mean, we’re the world’s most advanced technological—I mean, you could say Japan—but generally, the United States is where most of the innovations still happens. People still move to the United States. And that’s largely because of the intellectual capital we [...]

To Understand is to Perceive Patterns–Jason Silva Futurist (Video)

Published on 2012-10-01 10:28:50

TO UNDERSTAND IS TO PERCEIVE PATTERNS from Jason Silva on Vimeo. Jason Silvas speech at the PSFK conference is here in which he references the Santa Fe Institute which studies such patterns (and emergence) as well as this quote by Tom Robbins: you can’t manufacture amazement or wonderment – but what you can do is [...]

More on atheism, Christianity, and humanism

Published on 2012-10-01 10:07:05

If you want to play the church association game, we can play the science association game too (Nuclear bomb, Tuskegee incident, phrenology, various crackpots, and various guneia pig experimentation). And every ideology has people who manipulate it for bad ends. That is the nature of ideology, but we don’t give up on it. (the Iraq [...]

Four reasons that teacher pay is a distorted market in both public and private schools

Published on 2012-09-30 10:55:58

I think its a distorted market or a skewed market–outside of the fact that its government run for 4 reasons (I can really only justify the first 2 and the last one) 1. Partially…education is run like a non-profit…and it always will be if you’re educating people who aren’t rich. When someone is being subsidized, [...]

Blueprints for Success Institute–How Great Companies Grow

Published on 2012-09-30 10:49:50

He studies the 4% that have gone from a million to a billion in revenue. Revenue growth. 2/3 of employment. 64% of market value since 1980. You can learn more at Blueprint for Growth. Here is the growth scorecard David G. Thomson uses.

Re-Words which Lead to a Creative and Flourishing Life

Published on 2012-09-30 10:12:56

Read Reflect Record Re-juvinate/Re-charge Remember Respect Relish Renew Recite Reach React Readiness Recognition Reciprocate Realistic Reconcile Recover Recreation Refinement Reduce/Refrain (Redundant) Remarkable Reorganize (???) Resonate Resource Reveal Restore Are there more words that I’m missing?

Top undergraduate programs in international relations 2012

Published on 2012-09-30 10:07:06

1. Harvard University 2. Princeton University 3. Stanford University 4. Columbia University 5. Georgetown University 6. Yale University 7. University of Chicago 8. Darthmouth College 9. George Washington University 10. American University 11. University of California at Berkeley 12. Cornell University 13. University of Michigan at Ann Arbor 14. Swathmore College 14. Williams College 14. [...]

Why does God demand worship if He is benevolent

Published on 2012-09-02 20:44:08

I don’t see the two as mutually exclusive for at least 4 to 5 reasons: We have much to be thankful for. What do we have to be thankful for? • A universe that works • Breathing • Friends and family • And on and on….. Justice & Reciprocity. Part of our thankfulness for the [...]

Criticism of the so-called value provided by Ockham’s Razor

Published on 2012-09-01 15:34:45

If you can’t get rid of the emotional and subjective, you can’t get rid of the spiritual. The razor doesn’t yield predictable or definitive results. (this alone isn’t a reason to askew it, but just to point out its limits) Ockham used the razor to deny the force of motion. It is precisely at those [...]

All the gurus are wrong–this is not the information age

Published on 2012-08-30 17:28:18

Information isn’t the only competitive advantage. This is an age of many things–many competitive advantages: 1. Information–its got to be useful & generally easy to use. 2. Customer Value Creation (Creativity & Innovation) 3. Design & process (which can include science & 4. Relationships. Networked value. Collaboration. 5. Character, Courage, & Will.

Thought leaders in rhetorical studies

Published on 2012-08-30 13:31:20

1. Aristotle, Rhetoric 2. Plato, Phaedrus 3. Lloyd Bitzer, Rhetorical Situation (link) 4. Ernest Bormann (Bormanns books on Amazon) 5. Kenneth Burke 6. George Campbell 7. Walter Fisher 8. Chaim Perelman 9. IA Richards 10. Stephen Toulmin 11. Richard Weaver 12. Whatley

Limits to the practical applications of postmodernism

Published on 2012-08-30 12:38:59

1. liberal paternalism 2. Self-control 3. Creativity 4. Balance (limits of self-organization)–talked about in Spider [it risks the good value of institutions] 5. Aristilean Mean (limits) 6. Balance sheet 7. Science-public polcy 8. Disadvantages of libertarianism (pomo results in a hyper-libertarian society) 9. Competition 10. Goals 11. Experimental pragmatism 12. Getting stuff done Comparison Rights [...]

Growth Systems–Based on Lean Startup Methodology

Published on 2012-08-30 10:42:02

Four Step Process: • Interview Customers & Prototype • Test • Market • Systematize and Scale * See also experiential learning (reflection is involved) ** Curious the decision making model or process for start ups & entrepreneurs. *** What most needs to be systematized & how can it easily be systematized. Here is Steve Blanks list [...]

10 Success Factors for Business–including Social Businesses

Published on 2012-08-30 10:38:32

Eight success factors which seem to run throughout: • Scaling perceived value in the mind of the customer. Understand the life and mind of the customer on a deep, deep level. This is probably the only and best way to get to product market fit. • Asking a fair market price (ie not undervaluing your [...]

What graduate students need to know as they move toward teaching

Published on 2012-08-30 10:27:34

I think these were my 10 most difficult challenges when I started teaching: Not knowing enough about the world my students would face (aka workplace). I think you can bring in a panel of outside speakers or assign interview-based projects to help solve this challenge. This is probably more important in the humanities and business [...]

Bible Versus for Job Seekers and Career Transitions

Published on 2012-08-30 10:06:00

“Be strong and courageous! Be not afraid nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!” Joshua 1:9 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future!” Jeremiah 29:11 “My grace [...]

How to deliver persuasive proposals in 10 easy steps

Published on 2012-08-25 10:10:25

Based on coaching a number of top policy debaters in the country at 3 different universities and studying the persuasion research, I would suggest the following 7 ways to access persuasvie power (although there is a lot of meat in #1)–along with 3 to 4 others: Audience values, emotions, desires, missions, and assumptions Proof/Logos Take [...]

Victor Frankl on Nihilism, Materialist Scientism, and Atheism

Published on 2012-08-24 10:49:39

If we present man with a concept of man which is not true, we may well corrupt him. When we present him as an automation of reflexes, as a mind-machine, as a bundle of instincts, as a pawn of drives and reactions, as a mere product of instincts, heredity, and environment, we feed the despair [...]

Another diatribe against relativism in morality and ethics

Published on 2012-08-24 10:30:54

Amorality or relativism sounds well and good if you approach life from 1000 foot view, but where the rubber meets the road it just flat out fails & fails hard. Relativism is a logical and practical dead end… Is character is irrelevant? That courageous people who formed our nation or saved us and the Jews [...]

The International Development Work of Mennonites

Published on 2012-08-23 22:20:04

Here is a small summary of the international development and humanitarian work of Mennonites.

Justifying Limits on the Second Amendment “Right to Bear Arms”

Published on 2012-08-20 14:42:14

Mr. Glenn Reynolds should realize: 1. guns and words are fundamentally different. Words check other words. Guns don’t check other guns. Bullets don’t check other bullets. 2. waiting periods & AK-47 limits & requirements to get education aren’t infringements on the right to bear, just the type you can bear or an outlining of responsibility [...]

How can the work of Michael Foucault help us make sense of life

Published on 2012-08-15 10:08:30

1. Privacy concerns–the possibility of a panopticon. However, this seems to put all invasions of privacy in one metaphor and so seems to only raise a red flag–but really forms a poor way to resolve or compare such issues (ie various violations of privacy by the panoptic lense may involve different levels or results, intents, [...]

What is the value and purpose of a creative writing class

Published on 2012-08-15 10:06:13

Here are possible ways that writing classes can develop the skills of a writer. As someone who took creative writing as an undergraduate–this is my opinion: Models of greatness (characters, word choice, perspective, themes, patterns, & schemas) Mindset and though process (implicit learning). Developing the eyes, ears, and nose of a writer. (metaphorical of course). [...]

How to Crush Christopher Hitchen’s Neoatheist Arguments

Published on 2012-08-10 05:54:13

He admits that atheism admits to any value structure and then makes the argument that those who abused Christianity in relation to their causes. However, I think it would be fair to weigh the relative percentages of each vs. negative and more virulent empirical cases. But, at least with the Christian value system you have [...]

Thoughts on Science, History, Apolegetics, & Jesus

Published on 2012-08-08 10:05:26

“I don’t think you come to Jesus through science, I think you come to him through history.” S. Joshua Swamidass Can Genesis be Compatible with Evolution? Veritas Forum Event, University of California, Santa Barbara 2012 (link)

Example: Organizing for Home Health Workers

Published on 2012-08-01 10:46:51

Defending The Power of Positive Thinking versus Positive Psychology–against the criticisms of Barbara Ehrenreich

Published on 2012-08-01 10:38:10

Part I: Defending Positive Thinking For a moderate defense of traditional positive thinking, I suggest my answer on this thread: Does Napoleon Hill-style “Positive Thinking” actually work? I think the example of entrepreneurs and innovators using it may be an empirical example she overlooks or minimizes. Second, I think the “magnetism” claims are more metaphorical. [...]

Learning strategies from Michael Martinez

Published on 2012-08-01 10:38:09

1) Look for evidence, but remember that the senses can deceive. (hyper generic–should at least have heuristics….also its the conclusions of science) 2) Question your beliefs 3) Encourage semiosis 4) Be a scheme builder 5) Build mental models 6) Visual learning = key I’ve loosely changed some of Michael Martinez’s ideas here (on one and [...]

Defining business…

Published on 2012-08-01 10:08:11

“Business is about cooperatively adding value….small teams is how life wants to be organized.” Patrick Byrne, Founder of Overstock and World Stock

How to use public policy to fix the economic and educational problems of the middle class in America

Published on 2012-08-01 10:04:27

Borrowing on an article suggested by Seb Paquet written by Don Peck in the Atlantic: 1. More support for entrepreneurship and innovation (I haven’t developed this enough below–but its developed a bit in the article)) 2. More career training. The author advocates the Career Academy. Our investment in college versus career training is pretty skewed [...]

The case for character education in K-12 and the university

Published on 2012-08-01 10:01:15

“Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” Samuel Johnson

The Questions Science Can’t Answer About the Universe

Published on 2012-07-31 10:54:39

Why does the universe run on patterns? Why does the universe run on math? Why does the universe run on science? Why do we have water for nourishment and refreshment? Why do we have strawberries for enjoyment? Why do we have moments to relish(ment)?

Soren Kierkegaard on Life and Risk-taking

Published on 2012-07-31 10:44:44

“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose one’s self.” Soren Kierkegaard (link)

More on character education in school

Published on 2012-07-31 10:38:02

The education of the soft skills is more fully realized with character education, but its not necessary to do character education for soft skills (at least as currently defined). The liberal arts are generally concerned with questions of mission and why, but I don’t think most K-12 curriculum as practiced integrates character beyond the classroom. [...]

Experiential Knowledge & Feedback Loops for Undergraduate University Education: Beyond the Classroom

Published on 2012-07-30 15:12:28

Two Alternative Routes to Experiential Knowledge I think spending two half days per semester in the workplace might help or at a minimum a panel discussion that brought in outside voices for each department. Or perhaps just time interviewing graduates at various stages in their careers. Ultimately, I think both teachers and students should be [...]

Philosophical ramblings on atheism versus faith

Published on 2012-07-30 10:52:06

Sure. Those problems exist. I don’t think a non-faith based president would have made a different decision about war. Defining a faith by its margins isn’t really a fair comparison. Ideologies which have standards inevitably have people which fall short of those standards (this occurs in every culture, ideology, and organization). At least Christianity has [...]

Thomas Merton Quotes from Love and Living

Published on 2012-07-30 10:31:46

“When people are truly in love, they experience far more than just a mutual need for each other’s company and consolation. In their relation with each other they become different people: they are more than their everyday selves, more alive, more understanding, more enduring, and seemingly more endowed. They are made over into new beings. [...]

How can remote and virtual workers build community

Published on 2012-07-30 10:14:20

Meetup.com Create a freelancer or entrepreneur Meetup group (which might include virtual or distance workers). You can also advertise it on Craigslist under one of the community sections. Join the local entrepreneur/technology/etc…groups if that interests you. Or you may want to discuss or a hobby and you should be able to find a Meetup which [...]

Criticizing Friedman’s Theory of Differentiated Leadership

Published on 2012-07-30 10:07:30

Friedmans negative view of relational triangles is seems very static. Sure these triangles can be abused, but sometimes they are just a form of influence against troubling behavior. The second person stands in to be objective. So is someone who goes to court or a mediator after an inability to solve a conflict equally problematic? [...]

Quotes from Positivity

Published on 2012-07-27 10:45:35

10 Forms of Positivity: • Joy • Gratitude • Serenity • Interest • Hope • Pride • Amusement • Aspiration • Inspiration • Awe • Love What brings you joy? [and how can you bring that into your life...] “Scientists have shown that because positive and open mindsets exploration and experiential learning, they also come to [...]

How do you get focus and flow in a chaotic sport competition environment?

Published on 2012-07-27 10:23:28

I would suggest the following 9 techniques based on what I’ve learned in the field of sports performance: Be prepared. Practice. Put yourself in a position to win. Slow breathing to relax Attention & focus (mentally prepare before the tournament happens) Visualization of winning Meditation Positive self-talk Mindfulness, Yoga, etc.. You could also try tensing [...]

My Notes on Positive Psychology

Published on 2012-07-26 10:10:02

Explanatory style Adversity, Belief, Consequence, and Disputation (ABCD) decatatrophizing In 2002 3,000 wage salaried employees–National Study of the Changing Workforce (p. 130). emotional hijacking (p. 133) Richard Davidson (some resilient & un-distracted) unreasonable expectations (p. 138) Peter Bregman (quote 139) Roy Baumeister Aristotle quote on habits Zorro Circle Those “quickest to recover are those who [...]

Eleven Criticisms of the New Atheist Movement (Christopher Hitchens & Dawkins et al)

Published on 2012-07-25 17:13:34

From the outside new atheism a la Hitches and Dawkins appears to be a sacred cow and a shibboleth itself with few external voices or minority opinions allowed in–nothing seems further from evolution than intellectual isolation. I would suggest 11 criticisms of Hitchens and Dawkins and those who place uncritical faith in their arguments: 1. [...]

Is the fundamentalist mind less evolved than a progressive one?

Published on 2012-07-25 16:00:20

If they were less evolved–I think you would see a large difference in the social economic achievements of progressives versus liberals. I realize thats a bit of a hypothesis, but none the less a decent intuition. And the idea of evolved in this context may be a bit like saying X came after P, Q, [...]

Arguments for the existence of God

Published on 2012-07-25 13:55:26

All the arguments for God, the Bible, or faith are in one sense an argument for heaven. Six core types of arguments: 1. Arguments from lack. 2. Arguments from ethics. 3. Argument from the spiritual. 4. Arguments from history. (Jesus) 5. People who have direct experienced heaven or the spiritual this could be a sense [...]

Is Shakespere overrated?

Published on 2012-07-25 12:14:23

Overrated compared to what? Overrated in what regard? Overrated in what area of life? This is a pretty impressive stable of plays and realistically just half of his most famous plays (he has around 20 plays altogether): * Much Ado about Nothing * Loves Labors Lost * Midsummers Nights Dream * Romeo & Juliet * [...]

How do you distinguish or interpret the metaphors and the literal parts of the Bible?

Published on 2012-07-25 10:56:05

How can you distinguish poetic or metaphorical sections from the literal parts of the Bible? Poetic language usually takes place in story fashion. Literal language can be in story, but the important parts come as principles of living. Making those distinctions isn’t particularly difficult. Loving your neighbor, honesty, and seeking to understand and appreciate the [...]

The internet is terrible for startups

Published on 2012-07-25 10:53:47

I’m taking an intentionally contrarian view on this topic–I don’t really believe that the internet and social media is bad for startups….just that its potentially bad if startups don’t pay attention to what the internet can do for people, groups, and organizations: 1) Customer myopia–you don’t actually meet customers. You only email them. This is [...]

How can I get in the zone for a competitive sports performance and avoid distractions?

Published on 2012-07-25 10:50:44

I would suggest the following 9 techniques based on what I’ve learned in the field of sports performance: • Be prepared. Practice. Put yourself in a position to win. • Slow breathing to relax • Attention & focus (mentally prepare before the tournament happens) • Visualization of winning • Meditation • Positive self-talk/Optimism • Mindfulness, Yoga, etc.. [...]

Various websites about Ed Debono & this creativity theories

Published on 2012-07-25 10:17:37

Debonoecode Debonopost Debonothinkingsystems edwarddeobono edwdebono

Thinking Intuitively, Rationally, and Experientially about My Christian Faith…(aka Christian Apolegetics Essay on Faith vs. Science-ism)

Published on 2012-07-24 10:36:51

Starting with my last year of my undergraduate studies and leading into my 18 months of graduate school I began to stray from my faith due to distraction, spiritual laziness, and wanting to be perceived as “cool.” Ultimately, this lifestyle continued and my faith or faith walk laxed from age 24 to 29–both in terms [...]

Bandura & Self-efficacy in education

Published on 2012-07-24 10:26:28

Social persuasion means encouragement good. (aka teachers & other influencers–aka students & parents) Performance attainment = self-efficacy (means that mass testing may be bad, because its a bad feedback loop) Think about other channels for self-efficacy of kids.

Positive Psychology and Happiness Research Bibliography

Published on 2012-07-24 10:23:47

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Wisco, B. E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Rethinking rumination. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3, 400-424. Lyubomirsky, S., King, L. A., & Diener, E. (2005). The benefits of frequent positive affect: Does happiness lead to success? Psychological Bulletin, 131, 803-855. Reprinted in: F. Huppert & A. Linley (Eds.) (2010). Happiness and [...]

Here are 9 potential areas to consult to….

Published on 2012-07-24 10:18:21

1. City (or departments) 2. DOE/Schools/Teachers 3. University/CC/Grad school/depts 4. Professional Service Firms (PSF’s) & Consultant firms ($2 million+) 5. Church 6. NGO’s (?) 7. Philanthropic 8. Social enterprises (???) or those institutions interested in it 9. CSR to Fortune 1000 (CEO& department & midrange leader as the way in) (to what extent are admins [...]

Notes on the anatomy of story

Published on 2012-07-24 10:16:20

Purpose/Mission Metaphor Historical example Analogy Contrast (not that) Comparison (prioritization–lots of different levels–actually all) Stories of: • leadership • innovation • adaptation/change • courage/fear • procrastination • empathy-walk in their shoes • hero/mentor/coaching stories (like Star Wars) • systems/process/systems theory * characters of the above things as well 7 Step Stories process 1. Weakness and [...]

Biblical Tropes, Symbols, and Themes in the New Testament

Published on 2012-07-24 10:02:10

1. Lost lambs 2. Prodigal son (grace & forgiveness) “rescued from hopelessness” 3. Hands & feet 4. Clay in His Hands 5. Redemption 6. Forgiveness & grace 7. Death to self 8. Parable of Talents 9. Washing feet 10. Material owns us (loosely–ie mammon as well as dust to dust) 11. Walk out in faith [...]

Quotes by Albert Einstein on Creative Thinking, Innovation, Problem-solving and Entrepreneurship

Published on 2012-07-24 10:00:23

“Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” Albert Einstein “The only source of knowledge is experience.” Albert Einstein “Curiosity has its own reason for existence.” Albert Einstein “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” Albert Einstein “Its not that I’m smart, its [...]

12 Different Ways to Read a Business Book

Published on 2012-07-23 20:08:36

1. Literal 2. Wisdom, inspiration, quotes, & data 3. Stories & heros 4. Learning about your audience/customer (values, genre, emotional tenor) 5. Phraseology & rhetorical schemas 6. Metaphors & analogies 7. Other resources & thought leaders 8. Powerful emotional & visual pictures 9. Explore other ideas (ie build on the ideas in the text). 10. [...]

What of the Bible and philosophical dualism?

Published on 2012-07-23 15:06:09

I do know people who say that everything is material. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t know anyone in the public square or academia that defends the other extreme–that the material doesn’t exist (perhaps there are QMers who do–not sure). For instance, in the case of the Bible–it doesn’t deny the existence of the material. [...]

Christian Social Justice in the Bible: Sheep and Goats in Matthew 25

Published on 2012-07-23 15:02:23

The Sheep and the Goats 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. [...]

Interesting Reads in Positive Psychology

Published on 2012-07-23 10:29:17

Dutton, J. E. (winter 2003) Fostering high-quality connections. Stanford Innovation Review Dutton: How to energize your workplace: how to create and sustain high-quality connections at work Positive social interactions and the human body at work: Linking organizations and physiology, Academy of Management The Need to Belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation, [...]

What do most new entrepreneurs in B2B startups not understand or miss

Published on 2012-07-15 16:21:44

Here are some common assumptions of first time entrepreneurs that put their businesses at risk: • Not understanding the customer. Assuming too much about the customer. Not asking enough questions of customers. • Assuming quicker growth than is possible. • Assuming they are the customer. • Not thinking in terms of feedback loops • Not [...]

Facing the Giants : Is this Blind Faith or Live Faith?

Published on 2012-07-15 12:34:08

This is the Facing the Giants “Death Crawl” scene video… What is the difference? Is it blind faith or live faith?

Lessons on Leadership & Organizatoinal Culture from the Army

Published on 2012-07-07 11:28:40

They take culture & esprit de corp & ritual seriously. Celebration, ritual, and formality The code The brotherhood The legacy (the thin grey line—behind us and in front of us) Define the mission. Define the game. Define the team. Define the members. (its about the soul & guiding principles & character & identity). Call and [...]

A short bibliography on persuasion in organizations

Published on 2012-07-07 02:29:14

Think Different: The merits of unconscious thought in preference development and decision-making, Journal of personality and social psychology The intuitive executive understanding and applying that feeling in decision-making, Academy of Management Education, 2004 The merits of the unconscious mind a great decision maker, in New York Times 2006 The locus in basis of influence an [...]

Marian Wright Edleman: Leave No Children Behind

Published on 2012-07-04 11:51:15

I am deeply honoured to participate in this State of the World Forum and thank those who brought us together. We are living in a time of unbearable dissonance between promise and performance; between good politics and good policy; between professed and practiced family values; between racial creed and racial deed; between calls for community [...]

John F. Kennedy on What Gross National Product (GNP) Leaves Out

Published on 2012-07-04 10:49:13

And this is one of the great tasks of leadership for us, as individuals and citizens this year. But even if we act to erase material poverty, there is another greater task, it is to confront the poverty of satisfaction – purpose and dignity – that afflicts us all. Too much and for too long, [...]

A number of handbooks that sound interesting

Published on 2012-06-30 20:28:04

The Cambridge Handbook of Thinking and Reasoning (Cambridge Handbooks in Psychology) The Cambridge Handbook of Intelligence (Cambridge Handbooks in Psychology) The Cambridge Handbook of Creativity (Cambridge Handbooks in Psychology) Handbook of Creativity by Robert Sternberg Handbook of Organizational Creativity ($95) Handbook of Organizational Change and Innovation ($70) The Change Handbook

Why most “100 best business books of all time” books are lame

Published on 2012-06-30 01:31:55

First, is lack of depth and/or relevant content in the summaries. Or more specifically they don’t deal with the process. Second, they aren’t entrepreneurially focused. Third, 100 is probably overkill.

Interesting question about faith and atheism

Published on 2012-06-28 15:14:05

A short aside which determinists warp

Published on 2012-06-20 10:07:58

1) Life is a learning experience 2) Life is additive–with one activity building on the next 3) Life has ripple effects. Life has consequences

Learning from Systems Theory

Published on 2012-06-15 10:50:16

• Assumptions & Myths versus Reality (Ideal versus the Real–Should Work vs. Does Work. Both are important–but you need to confront the real face to face. Question: How do you do that–how do you embed that in your process(es)? • Individual level and social level and how they fit together • Stakeholder Analysis • Organic/Community [...]

Conducting win-win negotiations

Published on 2012-06-15 10:18:47

Negotiations expert, attorney, sports agent, and award-winning author Ron Shapiro will share the key principles of effective negotiations — for getting what you want while building stronger relationships. His method includes focusing on client needs through listening and the 3P’s: Prepare-Probe-Propose, and is the subject of his book, The Power of Nice: How to Negotiate [...]

A buy one give one model for digital books….

Published on 2012-06-15 10:02:06

Digital books generally come at a sharp discount. Why not allow the buyers to buy at full price and send a book to a person in the developing world? Barnes and Noble and Amazon and other book publishers (or online book e-commerce sites)–this is a great idea. It might need some perfection as there has [...]

How do groups effectively deal with disruptive people on project teams

Published on 2012-06-13 22:36:30

What an organization decides to do to help resolve such issues would probably depend on at least 5 factors: 1. Level of disruption created (ie overall impact of disruption) 2. Motive (ie why are they doing it) 3. Quantity (or length of behavior? how long have they been engaging in this behavior)? 4. How critical [...]

What Gods love for us means…

Published on 2012-06-09 14:56:00

8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so [...]

What are the best business coaching certification programs in the United States and the world

Published on 2012-06-08 15:55:28

I am not a coach, however I thought this resource gave a decent overview of the field given my exposure. These options range from $4880 to $10,250 at Georgetown University to $16, 900 at Columbia University. With the exception of the last one they last from 6 months to 16 months in length–most hover somewhere [...]

How does systems theory apply to individual problem solving, critical thinking, and making decisions

Published on 2012-06-07 19:01:14

Here are seven for individuals to think about–in terms of thinking in terms of systems theory: 1. Nested reality. One way this manifests is in patterns. This also manifests itself in the multiple application of something you learn. If you learn about something in one area of life–it almost inevtiably effects the others or can [...]

Is the Marzano Method of Teacher Evaluation Valid (or Effective)?

Published on 2012-06-05 14:11:03

Based on skimming his research and given his extensive background in educational research, my best guess would say yes. Although without knowing your definition of valid–I’m going to answer is it based on scientific and principles of effective teaching based on best practice, the peer reviewed literature, and meta-analysis. (Note I said based on peer [...]

Social media marketing is a myth

Published on 2012-06-04 10:46:17

Its meeting or following up. Pintrist, Quora, Digg, and Stumbleupon aren’t marketing platforms…they are sharing platforms. Period.

Seven books every social entrepreneur should readd

Published on 2012-06-01 13:36:51

Books Every Social Entrepreneur Should Read Today 1. Steven Covey, Seven Habits of Highly Effective Individuals (Goals/Ethics/Character/Habits) 2. Steven Covey, The Eight Habit (Habits/Leadership Book) 3. The Happiness Advantage (mindset & behavior change–based on science) 4. Made to Stick (Persuasion Book–based on science) 5. Robert Caldini (Persuasion Book–based on science–go ahead and buy both books) [...]

Albert Einstein on Signature Strengths

Published on 2012-06-01 10:02:22

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” ― Albert Einstein

How can business and government leaders incentivize workplace innovation

Published on 2012-05-30 21:34:26

I’ve read parts of the innovation, organizational communication, and change management literatures. Given that I would suggest the following six to seven recommendations: 1. Culture & norms (including support from leaders & managers) 2. Time (Google 20% time or Fed Ex time or hackathons) 3. Culture of people development & learning (including informal learning, coaching, [...]

Re-Words which Lead to a Creative and Flourishing Life

Published on 2012-05-30 16:12:56

Social Entrepreneurship Textbook, Theme, and Syllabus Ideas

Published on 2012-05-30 15:38:01

Deciding what to focus on for your classroom is a personal decision, but here are what I think are possible sub-themes for a class in social entrepreneurship: 1. Career/Passion 2. Models of Social Entrepreneurship (models and case studies)/Change methodology. Starting and scaling social change. 3. Heros and inspirations. (perhaps including the issue of character/ethics) 4. [...]

What are the teaching competencies for teaching dyslexic students

Published on 2012-05-30 10:48:13

I would suggest the following: * Being patient and understanding (but perhaps not lowering expectations as far as picking up skills–just being more flexible about what skills that should be) * Knowing how to tap the kids passions * One on one reading after class (or some way to leverage tutors or tutoring services) * [...]

Heres to the crazy ones–Classic Apple Commercial

Published on 2012-05-30 10:39:01

Learning from difference makers throughout history…

Social entrepreneurship around homeless and health care

Published on 2012-05-30 10:37:07

The public health porblems of the homeless aren’t easy to deal with….here are some possible solutions to some of the issues involved–in terms of both behavior and in terms of budgeting: 1) The issue of social change could be answered by Positive Deviance, which is a way of recognizing possibilities for change…and then changing them. [...]

Random thoughts on jury trials, lawyers, etc…

Published on 2012-05-30 10:32:51

At the moment…these are the sketches of my ideas. This is probably in the top 10 of randomest posts here (sorry in advance): Limits of model. Failure. 1. I can’t believe how seemingly little is in the textbook 2. Checklist manifesto on this issue 3. Flowchart for the issue 1. Fix–better process 2. Bigger screens [...]

Greatest Christian Worship Songs of 2012 and All Time

Published on 2012-05-30 10:32:32

Greatest Christian Worship Songs of 2012 and All Time–I’m not sure the list is that good, but its pretty close… 1. Amazing Grace – John Newton 2. Blessed Assurance – Fanny Crosby 3. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – Martin Luther 4. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing – Robert Robinson 5. Hallallejuh Chorus [...]

Five premises on coaching

Published on 2012-05-30 10:25:20

5 Premises/Assumptions of My Perspective on Coaching: 1. Coaching is experiential. 2. Coaching is emotional (emotional/mind transformation) 3. Coaching is personal. Each person is like a snowflake. 4. Coaching happens over time. 5. Coaching is grounded in transformation and results.

The Bibles Most Challenging Bible Verses: Mark 12:41-44

Published on 2012-05-30 10:05:49

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly [...]

What are the best criticism’s of post modernist thinking in politics and institutions

Published on 2012-05-28 22:04:44

I’m an ex-postmodernist myself, and as such, I think I may bring something unique to the table (note: I probably wouldn’t call myself a modernist either–probably somewhere in between). I still haven’t given up some of the values and insights it brings to the table, but it strikes me as a kind of theory that [...]

How can one develop wisdom in decision making?

Published on 2012-05-27 21:37:01

The following short article clip discusses some of the research around wisdom (and its various benefits), as well as some ways to cultivate wisdom (and avoid its opposite): Interesting Research Findings About Wisdom Wisdom is a positive predictor of successful aging. In fact, wisdom is more robustly linked to the well-being of older people than [...]

My rant on the nature of activities and discussion in the education research on classroom learning

Published on 2012-05-27 00:05:11

Based on a question on Quora: What is more effective for learning: self reflection or group discussion?Edit There’s a lot of evidence showing that reflection done both individually and as a group is effective in boosting understanding and retention of information. However, I can’t find anything that compares the effectiveness of self-reflection vs group discussion. [...]

Improving your small group discussion skills

Published on 2012-05-22 23:07:54

After a deep experience coaching debate over a number of years as well as some readings in the literature on creating fair and win-win negotiations I would suggest the following: 1. Research both sides. This is the best way to understand the claims, arguments, data, perspectives, stakeholders and interests on both sides of a discussion. [...]

7 most important lessons of social entrepreneurs

Published on 2012-05-16 11:45:40

1) Importance of network and community 2) The importance of determining your unknowns and setting up feedback mechanisms (avoiding your black boxes) 3) The importance of process & replicable systems 4) The value of mentors 5) Deliver value, but sell based on what the customer will pay (there are exceptions here…and an at least attempt [...]

NDT/CEDA Debate and Real Life: Lifelong debate change and solidarity

Published on 2012-05-03 22:10:05

The politics of the UDL being bad is sad. For most people in the activity I’m not sure why thats important. This seems like a personal battle. A personal way to create conflict by one of the most adored people in the activity (without which there wouldn’t be an UDL in the first place–at least [...]

What are the adaptive financial products in the legal industry

Published on 2012-05-02 10:07:01

It seems to me that juries are forced to make decisions based on projections about the future–due to lack of perfect information about the future. They should be able to set parameters for judgements which are more targeted based on actual use & need rather than . This may be more difficult if a jury [...]

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Criticism of Objective/Materialist Science

Published on 2012-05-01 15:24:26

Two Types of Science: Distancing from or Participating in the Phenomenon This view works wonderfully, I think, across the grain. The whole idea of science is, of course, based on objectification-to become objective in your knowing, which typically means distancing. Conventional science objectifies by taking an experience and replacing it by a set of more [...]

CK Chesterton on Tolerance and Ethical Conviction

Published on 2012-05-01 10:47:06

Intolerance isn’t always a bad thing. For instance, our Constitution lays down certain things we are a nation are intolerant of. The UN Declaration of the Rights of Man (Humans) does the same thing. I’m reminded of a CK Chesterton quote: “The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut [...]

What I’m passionate about these days

Published on 2012-05-01 10:44:50

I’m dabbling in a number of areas: 1. innovation/creativity processes (and schemas) 2. logic/argument/persuasion/rhetoric schemas (those in law, sales, debate, and elsewhere). 3. critical thinking/problem solving schemas (obvious overlaps with 1 & 2). also want to get into decision-making models–but haven’t delved much into that literature. 4. a number of other ideas…that I need to [...]

Christian books that will change your life and faith

Published on 2012-05-01 10:13:23

Christian books that will build your life and faith Good to Great for the Christian by Chip Ingram Radical, by David Platt Radical Together, by David Platt In a Pit With a Lion on a Sunny Day, by Mark Batterson God is in the Dock by CS Lewis (a challenging read in some respects–and its [...]

What can I learn from the Unreasonable Institute: Learning from the Mentors

Published on 2012-05-01 10:09:35

Unreasonable Institute is a fantastic incubator for social entrepreneurs located in Colorado. During last summer’s institute they had interviews with a number of their mentors and posted the videos on the web. The interviews are about 30 minutes long and have a bit of storytelling, a bit of how social entrepreneurs think, and a smidge [...]

When accidents are really miracles in disguise: Murray Gell-Mann on beauty and truth in physics

Published on 2012-05-01 10:06:54

Metaphors for Presentations & Public Speaking

Published on 2012-05-01 10:05:50

Manifesto Dialogue Dance Art, Music, Jazz Poetry Confessional Traveling (in time or place or identity–roleplaying) Storytelling

How can the checklist manifesto be implemented collaboratively?

Published on 2012-05-01 10:03:58

1) Identify problem areas 2) Identify internal experts 3) Quora + Google Docs 4) Do some visualization to make it pretty 5) Print & distribute This will save a million lives every year….probably more.

Problem Solving Methodologies

Published on 2012-04-30 15:57:29

Approach/perspective Backward/Begin with the end in mind Exploration vs. Building Froward vs. backward thinking Micro vs. Macro thinking Problem or Causal Process/Rubric/Multiple criteria/Objectives-based Think in systems Model/Metaphor/Filter/Metaphor-generative Assumptive/Counter-intuitive/What is the default Paradox/Blending/Remixing Playbook metaphor How do entrepreneurs think? How do business-people think? How do marketers think? How do problem-solvers think? How do innovators think? How [. [..]

Interesting area of non-verbal communication study

Published on 2012-04-30 10:51:36

1. Non-verbal cues of leadership & management (probably a bit on culture too) 2. Non-verbal cues of teachers & education 3. The effectiveness of non-verbal cues in organizational culture 4. Non-verbal cues of innovation companies/innovators/thought leaders 5. Non-verbal cues in communication design/online communication

The Eleventh Commandment in the Bible

Published on 2012-04-30 10:31:06

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (link)

Intelligently design evolutionary theory: a synthesis of Darwinian theory and a Christian worldview (perhaps)

Published on 2012-04-30 10:23:45

This erases much of the conflict between the two theories. It functions as a synthesis. There are four core possible variants (although I’m questioning the Biblical basis of #2–at a minimum its up in the air): 1. God started evolution–he launched it (and planned its emergence) 2. God launched it, but didn’t plan it (not [...]

On playing beyond the rules….

Published on 2012-04-30 10:22:44

I harken back to that great poet…Dave Matthews in his lyric poem Dodo: Once upon a time When the world was just a pancake Fears would arise That if you went too far, you’d fall But with the Passage of time It all became more of a ball We’re as sure of that As we [...]

Reflections on social entrepreneurship

Published on 2012-04-30 10:15:12

Research ideas & goals: • Intrinsic motivation • Team vs. I • Do respect values in crease we-ness (shared culture, experiences, and equality) Thinking & evaluating opportunities for managed or safe risks (resources, goals, time frame, payoff, probability) Also the issue of the value of feedback and models of constructive goal setting, coaching, and feedback.

The basics of rhetoric as covered in public speaking classes

Published on 2012-04-30 10:06:55

1) Alliteration 2) Allusion 3) Analogy 4) Climate 5) Enthymeme (ok not actually taught in intro class) 6) Metaphor 7) Paradox 8) Parallelism (isocolon & tricolon) 9) Personification 10) Rhetorical Question 11) Testimony & types of testimony (authorities, witnesses, maxims or proverbs or aphorisms, oaths, documents, law) Other forms of rhetoric: 1) silence 2) omission [...]

Wes Moore’s Life Story: The Other Wes Moore

Published on 2012-04-30 10:01:19

“Expectations matter….” Wes Moore, Rhodes Scholar, author, and Army Veteran The Other Wes Moore is a story of expectations, parenting, and education.

Are humans hardwired to be social and communal?

Published on 2012-04-28 15:39:34

“Human sociability is not a historical or cultural acquisition, but something hardwired into human nature.” Francis Fukuyama Stanford University The End of History and the Last Man (1992) The Great Disruption: Human Nature and the Reconstitution of Social Order (1999) Our Posthuman Future: Consequences of the Biotechnology Revolution (2002) The Origins of Political Order: From [...]

Design thinking and strategic management: Is strategy an art?

Published on 2012-04-25 10:42:42

In this context Peters and Waterman (1982, p. 53) note: “Pathfinding is essentially an aesthetic, intuitive process, a design process. There is an infinity of alternatives that can be posed for design problems…From that infinity there are plenty of bad ideas, and here the rational approach is helpful in sorting out the chaff. One is [...]

Wendy Wright vs Dawkins Debate on Teach the Contraversy, Evolution, and Darwinism

Published on 2012-04-19 18:38:26

In large regards I tend to agree with David Wilkins. However, I would point out a number of issues he wasn’t able to discuss–and I’m going to try to be as honest and unbiased as I can be and using Mr. Wilkin’s analysis as a jumping off point. I’m an evolutionary theist and old earth [...]

Takeaways from TEDxChange Talk on Design Thinking for Development by Jeff Chapin of IDEO

Published on 2012-04-17 10:21:07

I had nine takeaways and/or insights from Jeff Chapins talk on design thinking for internationl development talk he gave at TEDxChange: 1. Talk to customers 2. Build prototypes 3. Transparencies are better than large posters (easier to understand) and deal with. 4. People buy products gradually (i.e. improving roofing over time) 5. He also talks [...]

More Free Will and Determinism

Published on 2012-04-16 23:45:46

Freedom vs. Determinism Question: Twelve or so concepts to jog your thinking on determinism (I’m not going so far as to be able to defend free will). So, its not an argument Issue 1: Identity Bubbling Up (and Down) 1. I-ness and we-ness co-determine each other. 2. However, this is probably best re-phased I-ness and [...]

Thinking about types of logical fallocies

Published on 2012-04-15 10:18:34

Here are a couple I think are important in the legal context (and might be important in the policy debate context): • Incomplete data/Limited data • Incomplete perspective • Lack of context (poor framing) • Lack of comparison/base line • Incomplete or irrelevant expertise • Non-mutually exclusive interpretations (this is generally fallocies of refutation–I’m curious [...]

How to resolve the evolution vs. creationism debate in schools: debate the controversy and provide a marketplace of ideas

Published on 2012-04-13 23:45:33

On the other hand, militant evolutionists aren’t fighting to have their position heard in the schools: it already is heard. Instead, they are fighting for exclusivity — they want evolution (and ONLY evolution) to be taught. Why? Well, partly because of their devout faith in science (which is evangelical in character and views any challenge [...]

Where did franchising begin?

Published on 2012-04-13 22:36:07

I’ve talked a bit about micro-franchising. But, where did franchising start? Who invented franchising? Where did franchising come from? Was it ray kroc from McDonalds or someone else?

Advice for future graduate students and PhD candidates on surviving and doing well in grad school

Published on 2012-04-13 22:25:10

Grad school was a series of short sprints for me. Doing the research and article readings when a project assignment was made and finishing it up generally during the last 2 days. This happened to work for me, but I should have probably more rigorously edited by paper rather than procrastinating. Here are some core [...]

What are the most useful low cost technologies and services for small farmers in Africa, India, and Asia?

Published on 2012-04-13 20:26:15

Here is a quick list of the innovations I can think of in agriculture in the developing world, particularly Africa: • Fertilizer (is actually pretty huge–as much as triple yields) • Crop insurance (micro-insurance) • Crop storage for optimum pricing (One Acre is starting to do this) • Radio broadcast for knowledge dissemination • Mobile [...]

Coach K from Duke on Leading and Motivating with Heart

Published on 2012-04-03 16:13:14

Find their spirit Storytelling and inspirational experiential learning

Rhetorical roots in design thinking for organizations

Published on 2012-04-03 10:50:06

The Role of Language and Rhetoric in Shaping Cultures and Communities of Problem Solving, Innovation, and Human-Center Experience(s) Design attitude….new language….new thinking….new possibilities…. 1. Status quo (default) 2. Feedback (this mirrors many in #3) 3. Method (diaologic, deep interview, observation, empathy) 4. Assumptions 5. Limits/Constraints/Abundance 6. Missions/values/purpose/philosophy/approach/management/everything 360 7. Visual design, process, emotional [..]

The Meaning of Life….on the Purpose of Your Life

Published on 2012-04-02 10:40:43

Donald Miller on the Meaning and Purpose of Life… “May you tell stories that are meaningful…”

How to do keep motivated and on track?

Published on 2012-04-02 10:26:30

The following post is in memory of one of my greatest heroes in life my grandfather: * Get clear on what your fire is and what energizes you. (if you’re on Quora I wouldn’t be surprised if learning, personal development, seeking excellence, and giving back aren’t part of your core driving motivation.) * * Create [...]

Is our educational system designed for introverts or extroverts?

Published on 2012-04-02 10:25:31

I just watched this TED talk too and had some of the same reactions as you….but still some heavy reservations about the nature of her talk: 1) Schools aren’t design for introverts or extroverts–they are designed as systems of mass production. The sage on the stage doesn’t cultivate or teach to extroverts–if anything it turns [...]

Neuroscience of teaching and learning: Which is best 1 day 10 hour class or 10 day 1 hour classes?

Published on 2012-04-02 10:24:28

Here are four factors based on the science of learning: * Attention span (is somewhere around 15 minutes) * Cognitive load issues (same reason you should break up your studying into 15 or 20 minute time periods) * Incubation time over 10 days (particularly if you leverage this with an activity, project, or question). This [...]

How can we solve the most vexing social problems of our time with regards to habit, tragedy of the commons, and the prisoners dilemma?

Published on 2012-04-02 10:21:26

Short reason? • We are both rational and emotional. • We aren’t always good at controlling our emotional desires. • Cultural and social influences. Unfortunately, we sometimes follow the herd or rationalize our behavior with herd behavior. For instance, there are some interesting correlations regarding groups & the behavior of groups (although my guess is [...]

Quotes on Experiential Learning from Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work

Published on 2012-04-02 10:03:35

“Any discipline that deals with authoritative, independent reality requires honesty and humility…If we fail to respond appropriately to these authoritative realities, we remain idiots. If we succeed, we experience the pleasure that comes with progressively more acute vision, and the growing sense that our actions are fitting or just, as we bring them into conformity [...]

Top Graduate Schools for Computer Science in America

Published on 2012-04-02 10:03:30

Standouts based on being in a startup hub from US News and World Report Rankings of CS grad school. * CMU * MIT * Berkeley * Stanford * UT Austin * Georgia Tech (Atlanta) * UCLA * UNC-Chapel Hill (The Research Triangle) * USC Source: http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-science-schools/computer-science-rankings This is the undergraduate school rankings based on recruiters [...]

The Best of Paul Hudnuts BOP Preneur Blog for Social Entrepreneurs

Published on 2012-03-31 19:45:49

Social entrepreneurship made easy: “My advice to entrepreneurs doesn’t really vary with economic conditions: -figure out something that’s broken; -figure out a clever way to fix it; -figure out who you want to work with; -figure out a way to cash flow it as you develop it; and -figure out a way to pay yourself [...]

Beyond Gray Pinstripes MBA Program Ranking for 2012

Published on 2012-03-31 17:08:47

1. Stanford GSB 2. York (UK I think) 3. IE University 4. Notre Dame (Mendoza) 5. Yale School of Management 6. Northwestern University (Kellogg) 7. U of Michigan (Ross) 8. Cornell (Johnson) 9. U of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 10. Berkeley (Haas) 11. GWU 12. ESADE Business School 13. Columbia 14. Portland U School [...]

The eight types of product benefits which are relevant

Published on 2012-03-31 09:30:14

1. Emotional/Feeling (pleasure/pain) 2. Practical (save time & money & lives) 3. Exclusivity/Scarcity/Prestige 4. Origin story/Uniqueness/Character/Brand (Ego/Hero) 5. Relationship/Care/Compassion (Family?) 6. Credibility/Longevity/Dependability 7. Design (see & touch primarily) 8. Mission/Values (including CSR) The value of each varies by customer, product, and buyer….and perhaps local market/culture.

Business Model and Opportunity Evaluation Methods

Published on 2012-03-30 17:43:04

What method would you use to evaluate the business model if you don’t want to rely on your gut feeling alone? Here’s what I’ve found so far: 1) Business Model Generation (2010): Two-fold evaluation: SWOT for Canvas as big picture and SWOT for each single component. 2) Morris, Schindehutte, Richardson, Allen (2006): 7 performance indicators: [...]

Coack K on Teamwork , Motivation, and Leadership

Published on 2012-03-30 16:34:41

1) Its the name on the front of the jersey versus the back that you’re playing for 2) A Gold Standard *** 3) Repetition & pause & emotional gravitas 4) “Time…I’m big on moments.” 5) Context. History. Where are we? Who are we? Whats going on? Whats the world life? Where are we at? (in [...]

Tim Keller’s Critique of Evolution, Neo-Atheism, and Radical Skepticism

Published on 2012-03-30 15:59:48

Technically this should be “Tim Keller’s Critique of Darwinism, Neo-Atheism, and Radical Skepticism” because Darwinism might be more appropriate than just saying “Evolution” or “Evolutionary Theory”

Service Design Book Recommendations

Published on 2012-03-30 15:42:46

Service Design Books to Buy… 1. This is Service Design Thinking 2. Gamestorming 3. Service Thinking in the Public Sector 4. Faciliators Guide to Participatory Decision making 5. Management By Design 6. If Disney Ran Your Hospital 7. Service Breakthroughs: Changing the Rules of the Game 8. Co-Design a Process of Design Participation 9. Designing [...]

Steven Johnson on Innovation and Thinking Outside the Box

Published on 2012-03-30 15:31:59

It is not so much a question of thinking outside the box, as it is allowing the mind to move through multiple boxes. That movement from box to box forces the mind to approach intellectual roadblocks from new angles and to borrow tools from one discipline to solve problems in another.” Steven Johnson, Where Good [...]

Top MBA programs for entrepreneurs by Business Week

Published on 2012-03-30 10:47:12

Babson (Olin Graduate School of Business) Michigan State University (Broad College of Business) Emory (Goizueta Business School) BYU (Marriott School of Management) University of Chicago (Booth) Harvard University (Harvard Business School) University of Pennsylvania (The Wharton School) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan School of Management) University of California, Los Angeles (Anderson School of Management) University [...]

How did Jesus persuade and communicate

Published on 2012-03-30 10:40:44

1. where do you fit/context 2. Parable/story 3. history 4. identity/legacy 5. experientially 6. wisdom/aphorisms 7. prioritization & purpose 8. contrast/juxtaposition 9. parallelism 10. visual 11. surprising 12. questions 13. metaphors of light & dark (enlightenment) 14. mytho-poetic (paint pictures, poems, songs, & myth-like language) 15. future casting (painting a picture of the future–perhaps even [...]

Steven Pressfield quotes on the Courage and the Creative Process

Published on 2012-03-30 10:39:09

“The most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying. Why is this important? Because when we sit down day after day and keep grinding, something mysterious starts to happen. A process is set in motion by which, inevitably and infallibly, heaven comes to our aid. [...]

Robert McKee quotes from “Story”

Published on 2012-03-30 10:25:43

“Drive actions deeply into the intimate relationship and inner lives of the characters.” (p. 295) Robert McKee, Story “Start with a personal or inner conflict that demands balancing, yet seems relatively solvable. Then, as the work progresses, hammer the story downward–emotionally, psychologically, physically, morally – to the dark secrets, the unspoken truths that hide behind [...]

What colleges offer classes in positive psychology

Published on 2012-03-30 10:01:58

From my analysis of the course offerings, they seems to divide in 4 core areas of academic interest: 1. Science of Wellbeing (Happiness, Life Satisfaction, or Flourishing) 2. Old Wisdom & Character 3. Positive psychology 4. Positive psychology in organizations 5. Offerings in positive psychology on a departmental basis (ie in civil engineering or another [...]

What is the philosophical background of Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford

Published on 2012-03-29 21:02:58

I’ve read a bit of Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford. The following is what I think is the philosophical background based on my own exploration of philosophy: • Dewey (indirectly perhaps along with other pragmatists) • Heidegger & other critiques of technology • Marx & other critiques of capitalism/work in industrial society (aka [...]

The persuasive schemas and rhetorical strategies coaches

Published on 2012-03-29 10:56:02

Principles of practice. • Attention, focus, & practice = perfect • The game rewards effort over time • Winners train with resistance • You have more potential than you can imagine–its my job to see it…take it in my hand….identify it….and encourage you to go after it. (so much…so much) • You’ve got to care…to [...]

What am I arguing for?

Published on 2012-03-28 10:00:38

Behavoral change Science of learning Social change Experiential Creativity/team Career Innovation methodology Competition (groups) Behavioral economics ? Relationships ???? Swagger, uniqueness, & story. Errors in life from: 1) Being afraid 2) Cult of average/Resting on laurels (2 times–college & Weber Univ.) 3) Lack of character

Steven Spielberg on Creativity and Inspiration

Published on 2012-03-27 10:30:40

“I dream for a living” Steven Spielberg (link to Spielberg’s full talk)

Base of the Pyramid Strategy Syllabus

Published on 2012-03-23 15:24:12

This content begs the question of what strategy is. It looks at design method, communication/marketing, and scaling strategies. Recommended Reading (From IDEX)

Decision making heuristics and innovation strategies

Published on 2012-03-22 13:09:25

Here are a number of heuristics on innovation: * Diffusion of Innovation (can help with expectations & timing): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tec… * Blue Ocean http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu… * Short term risk versus long term gain. (i.e. 5% now for larger gains based on sells projections or demonstrated market potential). * Narrative of invention, innovation, heroes, and risk taking. (Edison, [...]

Vivek Ranadive 5 Factors Shaping the Future: Will Rights Brains Rule the Future

Published on 2012-03-22 10:52:12

1) Whatever will be done in India and China will be done in India and China 2) Whatever can be done by a computer will be done by a computer. (Whatever can be automated will be automated.) 3) Social networks are not just a fad. They are going to change everything. 4) Platforms. Powerful platforms [...]

JJ Abrams on Storytelling and the Critical Role of Mystery

Published on 2012-03-22 10:17:27

“And I realize that mystery is the catalyst for imagination. Now, it’s not the most ground-breaking idea, but when I started to think that maybe there are times when mystery is more important than knowledge, I started getting interested in this.” JJ Abrams “I used to have the “Ordinary People” script that I’d flip through. [...]

Twelve Quotes on Story from Andrew Stanton of Pixar

Published on 2012-03-22 10:12:54

“The greatest story commandment is: Make me care.” Andrew Stanton “A well told promise is like a pebble being pulled back in a slingshot.” Andrew Stanton “Storytelling without dialogue. It’s the purest form of cinematic storytelling. It’s the most inclusive approach you can take. It confirmed something I really had a hunch on, is that [...]

Andy Stanley explains Colossians 4:6 and Biblical Evangelism

Published on 2012-03-22 10:00:18

6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (link)

Solving the price issue for health care ITC at the base of the pyramid

Published on 2012-03-21 15:50:54

The following is in response to a dialog on Quora. I hope it helps solve price issues for health related IT at the bottom of the pyramid: Makarand is speaking to high demand lower cost ICT as well as technology is the larger sense (technology as a practice, method, or service not as a product–the [...]

How to identify entrepreneurial opportunities for start up business by Seth Epstein of Social Stay

Published on 2012-03-21 10:46:03

Seth reduces the overhead associated with his idea creation process by quickly completing the following worksheet. 1. The Idea – brief description 2. Problem Solved – what is broken that the idea fixes? 3. Who Has This Problem? – market size, characteristics, just me? 4. How Resolved? – is the resolution economical, practical, technologically feasible? [...]

Is psychology problem solving

Published on 2012-03-19 17:55:47

Psychology is arguably one filter for problem solving–particularly in the inter-personal context, but also in the intra-personal one as well. I would suggest that its use as a filter in problem solving is probably best expressed in: * Coaching as a practice * Teaching and learning * Expertise and creativity literature and methodologies * Organizational [...]

Public Speaking Checklist

Published on 2012-03-11 03:44:40

Core Speech Components: • Vision/Mission • Visual theme • Hook/Attention Getter • Objective • Story/Story Development (including mini-stories) • Call to Action • Audience Engagement • Memory/Star Moment • Framing/Metaphor of the Experience/Story (journey, mystery, etc…) • Reflection • Contrasting/Juxtaposition • Brainstorming/Edits/Prototypes • Defining terms/priorities Rhetorical Tools Checklist: • Inspire • Vivid Visuals & Words • Metaphor(s) & [...]

Is the criticism of Invisible Children’s Kony 2012 viral video fair, justified, and warranted?

Published on 2012-03-09 21:37:44

To me there seem to be 4 questions with respect to the Kony 2012 question: 1. Harm & Proportionality. The harm is in the past and this is a question of justice. Its also a matter of establishing a line in the sand against using coercing child soldiers, raping child soldiers, and drugging child soldiers [...]

Ruyard Kipling’s If

Published on 2012-03-09 20:23:35

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being [...]

Leading with What You Love – Steven Tomlinson @ TEDxAustin

Published on 2012-03-09 20:03:37

What college courses on international development and non-profits should include

Published on 2012-03-08 09:32:51

Christian Academics and Scientists who are Old Earth Creations and Theological Evolutionists

Published on 2012-03-08 01:49:42

I’m not entirely sure what I think about this debate. However, I’ve included this overlap because I think the discussion is interesting. I believe these are the most prominent in the literature who fuse a belief in God and a belief in evolution (but thats based on just the relative import as authors): • Francis [...]

Foods Erin Brockovich: If This Doesn’t Make You Want to Reform our Broken Food System, I don’t know what will

Published on 2012-03-07 22:58:22

What is the best way to learn new skills quickly?

Published on 2012-03-04 16:57:19

As a devote of learning how to learn and constant improvement of my own skills, I suggest the following 7 strategies: 1. Trial and error. Change the source. Record results mentally or in a journal. Kaizen improvement. Decide what data points and feedback are most appropriate for your learning journey. 2. Keep trying. Keep putting [...]

Christians Vs. Atheists: Happiness, Joy, and Meaning

Published on 2012-03-04 13:20:33

Christians find just as much joy from being resonate with truth and the laws, patterns, and designs of the universe. Further Christians just conceptualize freedom differently than people do in the secular world. They see addiction as a form of un-freedom. They see idolatry of the world as another form of un-freedom. They see dignity [...]

Ethics of Social Media and the Internet

Published on 2012-03-01 13:34:19

You can watch David Bowens other powerful and inspiring spoken word poems on his YouTube channel (well worth a subscribe). (Found via Bobby G, who works at Lifechurch talk at TEDxOU)

22 Different Business Models for Social Entrepreneurs and Innovators

Published on 2012-03-01 09:53:35

Here are 21 possible business models (I apologize in advance for any redundancy): Education/Training/Consulting (especially if you don’t need real estate or if you can use a co-working space or low cost real estate for the classroom). Here is a list of top training companies. This amounts to create quality IP & scale it & [...]

Bible Verses on Fleeing Temptation

Published on 2012-03-01 09:40:02

In several places the Bible tells us the best way to resist temptation is to flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22). Obviously the stories of temptation in the Bible are helpful as well. David is the one that comes to mind, Jesus’s 40 days in the [...]

Steven Covey Quotes from Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Published on 2012-03-01 09:14:21

Difficult circumstances often create paradigm shifts, whole new frames of reference by which people see the world and themselves and others in it, and what life is asking of them. Their larger perspective reflects the attitudinal values that life and inspire us all. (p. 75). If you want to study love, study those who sacrifice [...]

Albert Einstein on the International Hunger, Poverty, and Development

Published on 2012-03-01 09:04:33

An empty stomach is not a good political adviser. – Albert Einstein Connie Duckworth, social entrepreneur, of Arzu Studio at StirBlog

Best CS Lewis Quotes of All Time

Published on 2012-02-28 14:10:38

Best CS Lewis Quotes of All Time Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see. CS Lewis Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily [...]

A critique of hard determinism. Do humans have free will based on neuroscience?

Published on 2012-02-28 14:00:25

“The physics is impoverished–it knows nothing about predator-prey relations, it knows nothing about personal ambition, physics knows nothing about jealousy, physics knows nothing about purpose. The odd thing is if you go down to the physics levels you lose all you have at the higher level…you end up having to go to the higher level.” [...]

The best speakers from the Veritas Forum

Published on 2012-02-28 09:21:30

1. Who are we? Ravi Zacharias explores humanity 2. Belief in an Age of Skepticism at Berkeley University by Dr. Tim Keller (this is a Q and A version of Belief in an Age of Skepticism if you prefer a conversational or interview model of discussion) 3. The Journey: A Thinking Person’s Quest for Meaning [...]

Lessons in Leverage for College Students & Entrepreneurs

Published on 2012-02-27 14:53:56

Leverage time Leverage people Leverage “friend” Leverage uniqueness (and value & strengths) Leverage technology Leverage data Leverage empathy Leverage feedback

We control what is most important in our lives

Published on 2012-02-27 12:58:46

1. Faithfulness/Spirituality 2. Time/priorities 3. Friends 4. Motivation 5. Love & Service (as we demonstrate it) 6. Budget Admittedly, some of these are constrained–but we control the core part.

Henry David Throreau on Self-Determination

Published on 2012-02-24 11:10:40

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability to man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor Henry David Thoreau

Victor Frankl Quote on Free Will and Determinism

Published on 2012-02-23 20:15:19

Man is not fully conditioned and determined but rather he determines himself whether he give in to conditions or stands up to them. In other words, man is self-determining. Man does not simply exist but always decides what his existence will be, what he will become in the next moment. By the same token, every [...]

Stephen R. Covey’s Critique of Determinism and Argument for Free Will

Published on 2012-02-23 20:07:59

Within the freedom to choose are those endowments that make us uniquely human. In addition to self-awareness, we have imagination–the ability to create in our minds beyond our present reality. We have conscience–a deep inner awareness of right and wrong, of the principles that govern our behavior, and a sense of the degree to which [...]

How can I encourage my young children to read books?

Published on 2012-02-23 16:14:18

Its great that you want to inspire your daughter to read. I wish there were more dads like you. Ten quick suggestions to encourage your daughter to read more: * Read to her regularly. * Go to the library regularly. * Encourage her to read. * Ask her about her stories. * Ask her to [...]

12 Great Sources of Inspiration for Articles & Blog Posts

Published on 2012-02-19 09:07:56

Here are 12 ways to get inspiration for articles & blog posts: 1. Pop Culture (music, movies, TV, etc..) 2. Your Life Experience 3. Your Business Experience 4. Heros (historical, business, & otherwise) 5. User Feedback/Crowdsourced Questions ( Kalyan Chatrathi ) 6. Interviews 7. Aggregation (borrow other people’s ideas) 8. Chatting about the field with [...]

Criticism of Manuel Vargas’s Revisionism

Published on 2012-02-18 14:14:43

1. Indict of pure libertarian frameworks of responsibility. Essentially Vargas represents the middle ground in some respects. 2. Vargas’ “best” argument is limited to the criminal justice system–or at least thats where the burdens of proof are best framed. But to the contrary, it seems silly to make causal arguments that someone was 10% or [...]

My Story of Learning Over My Lifetime

Published on 2012-02-15 14:47:46

I’m doing a bit of self-awareness and reflection….trying to think about my life experiences and exposure over time….as well as my personal strengths: • Faith/Church • Travel (Washington DC, Panama) • Philosophy-Western/Eastern/PostModern • English/Political Science • Public Policy (Environment, Title 7, International Relations, International Law/Multilateralism, Supreme Court Law) • Education (Constructivism, Education Theory) • Creativity (de Bono, [...]

“Does the New Testament present a reliable portrait of the historical Jesus?”: Dr. Bart Ehrman and Dr. Craig Evans Debate

Published on 2012-02-15 09:50:19

Here is the link to the second half of the debate on “Does the New Testament present a reliable portrait of the historical Jesus?”: Dr. Bart Ehrman and Dr. Craig Evans Debate Dr. Craig Evans is a biblical scholar and author. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in history and philosophy from Claremont McKenna College, [...]

Top Universities for Service Learning

Published on 2012-02-12 14:09:03

Bates College (Lewiston, ME) Berea College (Berea, KY) Brown University (Providence, RI) Calvin College (Grand Rapids, MI) College of the Ozarks (Point Lookout, MO) Creighton University (Omaha, NE) DePaul University (Chicago, IL) Duke University (Durham, NC) Elon University (Elon, NC) Indiana University-Purdue University (Indianapolis, IN) You can see the full list here.

Inspiring Christians Changing the World: Katie Davis

Published on 2012-02-11 09:38:18

Read her book! Soooooo good. (NYT Bestseller)

Social Justice and Human Rights Programs at American Universities

Published on 2012-02-07 17:00:53

Elsewhere, similar projects are taking root. Whitman College in Washington and Philander Smith College in Arkansas both have new programs on social justice. Brandeis University offers a minor in social justice and social policy. Grinnell College offers an award to young social justice leaders. Lake Forest College in Illinois also offers a minor. Saint Mary’s [...]

Katie Davis is Simply Inspirational…

Published on 2012-02-07 09:05:03

Katie Davis visited Uganda in high school, worked one year, and then started Amazania in 2008 at 19 years of age. Here is her talk at Lipscomb University: You can learn more about Amazina here. She is also the author of Kisses from Katie, which is #268 on Amazon at the moment. Here is her [...]

Are all faith traditions and religions equally right, true, or valid?

Published on 2012-02-06 14:03:03

On the dignity, creativity, and value of work by Franklin D. Roosevelt

Published on 2012-02-05 05:17:30

Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. The joy and the moral stimulation of work no longer must be forgotten in the mad chase of evanescent profits. These dark days, my friends, will be worth all they cost us if [...]

Criticism of Daniel Dennets view of Freedom, Determinism, and the Human Mind

Published on 2012-02-04 13:30:46

As one critic put it; to capture our humanity Dennett must account for more freedom than that of a chemically switched cell, a photographically responsive flower, or a clever rat. Even more freedom than possessed by smart dogs or chimps is involved in moral freedom—in ethical praising and blaming. Dennett’s evolutionary psychology is not enough [...]

Tim Keller on a Christian Response to Gays in the Church

Published on 2012-01-30 06:50:03

Keller here both answers to question of “Is Homosexuality a Sin” as well as “How should Christians approach the issue of homosexuality and those in the LGBT community?” in an interview entitled “Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism” (link to Vimeo video): EISENBACH: ……I wrote a book about the gay rights movement [...]

Professional Development and Continuing Education Opportunities at Top Universities

Published on 2011-07-05 07:08:56

List of Professional Development and Continuing Education Opportunities at Top Universities in the United States of America Harvard University Extention (aka Continuing Education & Lifelong Learning) University of Pennsylvania Lifelong Learning C

Dear Hollywood,

Published on 2011-07-05 01:12:43

Please refrain from killing and generally ruining the lives of our young actors and children. Your record of late is pretty deplorable. Whether you make the decision to stop based on a passion for protecting the legacy of the next generation–I

What are the best universities to attend with GI Bill money?

Published on 2011-07-04 10:12:14

The Controversy over Wasted Post 9/11 GI Bill Money With the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq there has been an increase in money spent attending universities with GI Bill funding. Well, unfortunately as a result of this private for profit universit

Building a Design Thinking Certificate Program: Considering what activities & objectives sa design thinking certificate should include?

Published on 2011-07-04 07:25:16

The Basics (5%) • What it design thinking? • How is it useful to individuals and business? • What are the skills or core competencies of a design thinker? Project Based Learning: (90%) • Design thinking scenarios, projects, and experiences (p

Mobile innovation to solve poverty at the base of the pyramid

Published on 2011-07-03 22:18:34

Could focusing marketing efforts towards poor consumers in emerging markets mean more innovation and growth for your company? Here is a quick list of the base of the pyramid case studies and insights Alejandro mentioned. 1. Mobile as earning platform

Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture and Development

Published on 2011-07-02 16:26:28

What makes the concept of new business models different from “conventional” business models? Sustainable Food Lab has coined the phrase new business models (http://www.sustainablefoodlab.or…) for more inclusive ways of doing busines

Re-thinking the university process: design thinking for university communication.

Published on 2011-07-01 23:52:51

From the moment I read a universities literature I should know: 1. who its for? (ie if its for me) 2. why its credible? 3. what benefits career, education, and emotionally it provides. 4. the process of education (if sustainability is a question in b

Social Entrepreneurship at the University: Arizona State University

Published on 2011-07-01 14:28:43

Here is a 3 minute TED talk about the fabulous launch of a Changemaker inititative at Arizona State University. You can learn more about how social entrepreneurship fits in the larger ecosystem of entrepreneurship at Arizona State University here. (T

Interesting video Story on Identity and Masks

Published on 2011-07-01 09:28:49

Interesting video to watch about identity and masks. (Sorry, would have embedded this, but i’m having difficulty with YouTube)

Why critical international relations theory sucks

Published on 2011-07-01 09:05:46

Five core reasons for nation-states and sovereign borders: Avoiding succession from larger whole (think US vs. the British circa 1776) Government works best when its closer to the people. Also, democracy works better on a small scale. Decentralizatio

Dealing with Darwin: How Great Companies Innovate at Every Phase of their Evolution

Published on 2011-06-30 18:18:27

Here are some of the more salient quotes from Geoffrey Moore’s book Dealing with Darwin, which deals with innovation strategy and management–particularly disruptive innovation. Its a classic in some respects in that space. It does focus o

Innovations in Clean Water Solutions in Africa

Published on 2011-06-30 10:43:58

Here is a video from Ryan Groves at Ted X Oklahoma on creativity to solve the worlds problems. Ryan Groves is the co-founder and executive director of Wishing Well: Water for the World and a senior at Oklahoma Christian University. Five years ago, Wi

Death of the Author: Did the Author Fake His/Her Death?

Published on 2011-06-29 13:21:23

Is there meaning in the text? Yes. (otherwise why read & why write) Does the reader bring meaning to the text? Yes. (filters, experiences, and assumptions) Did the author die? Never. Ironically this notion seems to almost embed a silent either/or

Linked in as a Social Networking Layer on the Web

Published on 2011-06-27 10:05:59

After watching Reid Hoffman speak about the power of networks and the power of changing the world with networks–I think the future of the web is layered networks. Five services which make sense to layer on top of linked in (#3 and #4 are alread

Criticisms of Higher Textual Criticism of the Bible Like Bart Ehrlam

Published on 2011-06-23 01:12:58

There seem to be at least three possible answers to higher textual criticism: 1. Higher textual criticism must prove that the differences are meaningful (not just disagreements in texts but differences which fundamentally change the overarching theme

Making the case for progressivism and communitarianism

Published on 2011-06-21 12:35:58

Our Constitutional rights were originally derived from enlightenment philosophers, particularly John Stuart Mill and John Locke. I believe as time went on various communitarian values were also embedded in the American ethos and legal system. I belie

The Next Evolution of Outsourcing: Micro-Local

Published on 2011-06-20 15:19:30

Micro-Local Outsourcing: There are lots of ways to outsource these days, although there are limits to the amount of accountability and transparency you can have with these agents. To be fair, many are ethical, but perhaps not. You rent a partial mana

Reason, Rationality, Compassion, Emotion, and Empathy and Christianity

Published on 2011-06-19 10:05:30

Is “rational” human beings killing other “rational” human beings a proof against God? I would say that as a general rule the Bible and the model of Jesus put compassion, love, and empathy at the very center of ethics. Actually

Business Model Generation in Education Technology

Published on 2011-06-15 09:00:23

Technically this is innovation in products–which effects business model generation in e-learning: 1. Methodology 2. Content 3. Delivery Method or Model/Customer Service 4. Feedback 5. Certification As well as strategically: 1. Channel partner 2

Quick thoughts on the challenges of crowd sourcing

Published on 2011-06-14 15:42:27

Quick thoughts on the challenges of crowd sourcing: Leveraging the Wisdom of the Crowd I think the issue you are getting at seems to be either the potential for a) gaming the system b) unrepresentative sample size c) asking “the right” qu

Humanitarian Logistics for Disaster Response: Supply Chain Management for Nonprofits for Disaster Relief

Published on 2011-06-14 10:23:59

Just listened to Mr. Fritz of the Fritz Institute present at Stanford Social Innovation Forum on supply chain management for disaster relief with international development or issues like the Katrina disaster. They do prepetory work before disaster st

Answering Nietschean critique of ethics

Published on 2011-06-12 14:37:55

Freidrick Nietzsche was an influential philosopher, yet his philosophy is riddled with problems. Here are a couple considerations for answering the Nietschian critique of ethics, morality, and empathy: 1) It assumes you can’t have ethics ground

One of my favorite quotes on persuasion | aka memories of graduate school:

Published on 2011-06-07 10:35:20

“In all aspects of life, we define our reality in terms of metaphors and then proceed to act on the basis of the metaphors. We draw inferences, set goals, make commitments, and execute plans, all on the basis of how we in part structure our exp

Disadvantages of Self-Publishing: Is Self-Publishing Overrated?

Published on 2011-06-07 04:46:29

I’ve never self-published–but this is what I’ve identified as the challenges of self-publishing. If you are self-publishing to the consumer market–it can be difficult. The six major challenges can be: 1. Distribution (marketin

Paradoxical Take on Careers with the Most Social Impact

Published on 2011-06-04 22:01:07

Increasingly students are looking for careers with meaning, social impact, and ethics. So what is the most “ethical” career? Here is semi-counterintuitive talk on creating careers with social impact (if you watch from 5 to 6 and from 8 to

The Real Disruptive Potential of the Khan Academy

Published on 2011-06-03 13:03:00

I just watched Steven Colbert’s interview of Salam Khan, who formed the Khan Academy and currently has 50 million views on youtube (and 2,300 lessons). I understood before the interview the value proposition: 1. self-learning 2. semi-customizab

How Universities are Effectively Using Social Media Tools

Published on 2011-06-03 10:37:43

There are a number of universities which are really developing innovative & useful programs using social media tools both inside & outside the classroom. My guess is MIT & Stanford get the highest marks overall (Harvard probably would as

Selling Clean Water at the Base of the Pyramid

Published on 2011-06-01 22:35:38

Spring Health, founded by Paul Polack of Design for the 90 Percent and formerly of International Development Enteprises (IDE) found Spring Health to provide clean water at affordable rates. Its a simple solution which uses chorine & other purifie

Lessons from Zig Ziglar

Published on 2011-06-01 11:05:47

Four quick lessons from Zig Ziglar’s Bisquits, Fleas, and Pump Handles: 1) Most people don’t write their goals/plans down (don’t follow their lead) 2) You have to train your brain through repetition (aka listening) 3) Flocks of gees

Social Media Video Business Niches

Published on 2011-05-29 14:13:18

Creative Niche • Talking head • Animated powerpoints & slideshows • Motion graphics • Animation Market Niche • Landing page • Tour/Demo • Listbait video/Webinar • Elearning Video Industry Niche • Real Estate • Medical • Lega

How Universities are Effectively Using Social Media Tools

Published on 2011-05-29 01:37:43

Top Movies from “Story”

Published on 2011-05-28 17:29:47

1. Alive 2. Animal Farm 3. Barton Fink 4. Big 5. The Breakfast Club 6. Bull Durham 7. Chariots of Fire 8. Dances with Wolves 9. Deer Hunter 10. Dr. Strangelove 11. ET 12. The Empire Strikes Back 13. Everyone Says I Love You 14. Falling Down 15. A Fis

Why Stanford Graduate School?

Published on 2011-05-25 12:37:43

Why Stanford? Its at the center of technology, design, and idea innovation. They have a real passion for innovative and collaborative problem-solving. And Palo Alto’s community seems fantastic culturally. It seems like a great place to learn bo

Compassion in the Workplace

Published on 2011-05-25 10:03:39

My first exposure to empathy in business was probably through Daniel Goldmans Primal Leadership as well as his work in emotional intelligence. More recently I’ve run into work on positive organizational scholarship as well as the Compassion Lab

Craig Hall, “7 Keys to Entrepreneurial Success” – Haas School

Published on 2011-05-24 15:20:49

Craig Hall formed Hall Financial Group at age 18 with $4,000. He supports new entrepreneurs and lends expertise to nurture young companies. This talk, “Seven Practical Keys to Entrepreneurial Success,” is part of the Berkeley-Columbia MBA

Lean Startup Quote of the Week

Published on 2011-05-24 15:13:36

“Think big. Start small. Fail early. Scale up.” -@sk_shivani (Thanks to Eric Reis for the above quote)

Moral Relativism is an Utter Copout

Published on 2011-05-22 21:39:48

This is an answer to the question of conspicous consumption from Quora: Moral relativism is a ruse. Human dignity, fairness, and justice are fundamentals of the human experience. There is even moderate agreement across cultures on these issues (ie Un

Built to Sell Tips from John Warrillow

Published on 2011-05-21 15:21:01

Three principles for building sellable businesses: 1) Teachable 2) Valuable 3) Repeatable (Subscription/Membership Model) Renewable allows you to increase the value per customer & allows for greater stability (which allows for greater flexibility

Strategy Business Planning Ecosystem Diagram

Published on 2011-05-20 15:17:20

I’m trying to wrap my mind around this business strategy diagram from Vistage–right now I’m thinking about it in terms of capabilities & leverage points. Its designed for medium sized businesses–but is certainly relevant f

3 Reasons to Subscribe to Compassion in Politics

Published on 2011-05-18 23:54:15

If you think reading here are Compassion in Politics has been insightful, and given the number of posts read by readers almost reaching a million–you wouldn’t be alone. 1) You want to learn more about social entrepreneurship 2) You want t

Will the higher education bubble burst? :Responding to Peter Thiels Theory

Published on 2011-05-18 10:41:40

Of Possible Hasty Generalizations? Maybe…. I think the problem with Thiels argument is that at its core its a hasty generalization which doesn’t account for majors which do receive their return on investment. For instance, doctors, nurses

Beyond Atheism: Asking Prior Questions

Published on 2011-05-16 14:50:50

Here are some fundamental questions I think ever honest atheist should answer. Unfortunately, I don’t think atheism answers them and perhaps can’t answer them: Why are we here? What is our purpose? Is science the only source of knowledge?

Scientific Evidence which Disproves Evolution: Homology

Published on 2011-05-14 15:10:40

“Icons of Evolution” by Jonathan Wells is a robust criticism of evolutionary theory. This segment of video points out how homology (or similar bone structure) has been misapplied by Darwinian evolutionists to “prove” their the

10 Must Haves for Professional Service Firm Online Marketing

Published on 2011-05-14 07:44:12

1) Multimedia 2) Take action (persuasive architecture & conversion optimization & A/B testing) 3) Contact form 4) Speaking tab 5) Services (or work with me tab–split tested of course) 6) testimonials/clients (also split tested) 7) thesi

God in the Movies (Christian Themed Movies)

Published on 2011-05-10 05:14:49

What are some good movies with God or Christian themes in them? Here are Christian Themed movies such as the Chronicles of Narnia, Amazing Grace, and the Chariots of Fire. Here is a list of movies based on the Bible. Here is what Amazon lists as Chri

Answering Nietzschian Critique of Humanist Morality: Taking Friedrich Nietzsche to Task on Truth

Published on 2011-05-07 18:05:36

Answers to Friedrich Nietzsche’s Critique of Universal and Enlightenment Morality and Ethics: Sorry, these are framed in terms of debate speak. I imagine you can find a half-dozen reasons which resonate however with whatever project you are pur

Effective International Development: Using Randomized Control Trials for Successful International Assistance

Published on 2011-05-07 05:21:45

Effective International Development Policy Unfortunately, good intent and results don’t always corrolate in international development. One way to help bridge this problem has been the project of the Poverty Action Lab at MIT. I’ve recentl

Identifying Social Entrepreneurship Market Gaps

Published on 2011-05-05 20:53:40

Identifying Social Entrepreneurship Market Gaps Here are 22 market gaps in the social entrepreneurship education and training network : 1. Identifying change opportunities 2. Identifying big change opportunities 3. Identifying big change mechanisms &

14 Criticisms of the Social Construction of Reality (The Postmodern Versions)

Published on 2011-05-05 18:08:13

Thinking about the Social Construction of Reality I spent several years researching social constructivism…especially as it relates to post-modern philosophy (both as a college debater and later as a college debate coach–this was one of th

Three part rubric for one page marketing plan

Published on 2011-05-04 21:44:41

1. Brand 2. USP (including emotional benefits) 3. Story 1. Transparent 2. Emotional (Benefit/Problem) 3. Story (our story, my story, customer stories) Where we were before. Where we are now. Where we are going. (industry & us & our customers)

Why don’t universities think like businesses?

Published on 2011-05-04 14:25:40

Certainly there is a different mentality on campus. I think there is some good and some bad to that mentality. Its more free thought & honestly kind of hippie-ish & above money way-of-thinking about life. It allows ideas to freely reign &

How can an internet/web technology consultancy help the Fortune 1000

Published on 2011-05-04 14:12:39

1. Program, Database, & Application Development (internal) and outsourcing 2. Product Development (software, data, or knowledge product) and outsourcing 3. Marketing Funnel Development & Marketing Outsourcing (Sales Process & CRM & In

Advantages, Disadadvantages, and Challenges of Being a Marketer

Published on 2011-05-04 13:36:03

Advantages (and Perhaps Disadvantages of Being in Marketing Communications and Public Relations): 1. Learning about communication and psychology are interesting 2. Care-over lessons to life about communication 3. In a sense everyone has to be a marke

Professional Tips for Social Networking with Quora

Published on 2011-05-03 18:43:37

Professional Tips for Social Networking with Quora Whether you are an academic, business professional, or nonprofit leader, Quora is a fantastic tool to use 1. Look around for your favorite questions & useful answers. 2. Listen 3. Syndicate your

A Real Social Media Strategy Driven by Calling People and Cultivating Long Term Relationships

Published on 2011-05-03 17:52:00

Daily Social Media Outreach Strategy: This is a linked in/blog/twitter/quora strategy. It can also be applied to other networks. But it begins by finding common interests or industry and calling. Obviously you have to apply a filter thats right for y

A better alternative to the one page business plan

Published on 2011-05-03 17:45:39

I was introduced to the one page business plan by Dr. Jeff Cornwall who is in the entrepreneurship department at Belmont University and a successful entrepreneur in his own right. However, I’m curious if these additions were made (perhaps makin

33 Secrets to a Successful Life

Published on 2011-05-03 13:39:03

1. Listen 2. Just do it. Take calculated risks vs. take crazy risks 3. Do the right thing. Be honest. Be real. 4. A/B Testing. When A/B testing doesn’t work 5. Seek feedback from customers, industry, and experts. 6. Metaphor: Look to where the

Creating Transparency for Early-Stage Startups

Published on 2011-05-02 17:50:12

1) Prices in the market 2) Value (aka previous results or perceived future results or calculated future results)–Risk vs. Reward calculation 3) Process 4) Myth 5) You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know (Context) & The Black Box 6) M

Learn How to Be a Great Online Community Manager

Published on 2011-05-01 23:11:46

Ten quick tips on online community management: 1. Divide community into top uses vs. engaged users vs. readers (lurkers–even if that might be a semi-offensive term) 2. Engage community members about how they found you & why they stay round

12 Tips for Improving Your Creative Writing: Freeing Your Inner Voice with Boldness & Authenticity

Published on 2011-05-01 21:37:53

Five key ways to get writing authentically: 1. Freeing yourself (punctuated free writing in 15 minute bursts is a fantastic exercise). 2. Motivating yourself to write 3. Setting goals for writing may help (perhaps even numerical objectives can–

World Christian Broadcasting

Published on 2011-05-01 05:49:21

1. Distribution of low cost radios 2. Crowdsourced content (like other radio) 3. Talk show based radio (engaging) 4. Offer free content to other radio stations 5. Syndicate your content elsewhere (make content available for all other Christian minist

Using QR Codes on the Back of Your Business Card

Published on 2011-05-01 01:02:49

Five weird ways to create a landing page: Experiment with a joke an inspriational quote a typical landing page with free whitepaper or download (perhaps with something else of value on the page to increase trust & relationship). Data (ie your ana

Unique Training Product and Service Offering

Published on 2011-04-30 15:46:16

Four components layered on other training products. 1) Follow up: 2) Feedback: 3) Objectives & Metrics: 4) Mobile (android/iPhone) app: 5) Survey: The question is how much different is training follow up provided by email vs. by iphone/android ap

12+ Ways to Reform Higher Education

Published on 2011-04-30 08:26:21

Written by me in response to a question on Quora: 1. More experiential learning (more scenario based learning which mirrors workplace type decision making, internships, project based learning, incubation, work coops, and even outsourcing work from to

Yet another answer to the question of “relative truth” vs. absolute truth

Published on 2011-04-30 04:53:45

That truth is a journey–doesn’t deny that it exists. I find it rather odd that people so seemingly into math and code–which are pretty objective realities can deny truth. Also gravity and various laws of the universe beg to differ w

Criticism of Denials of Absolute Truth and the Argument for Moral Relativism

Published on 2011-04-30 04:28:52

I will apologize in advance for the conflation of these two arguments–but I hope these 10 arguments help you to think about these deep ethical questions: I understand the appeal of this argument, but I think its based on on false memes and fals

Corporate Examples of Crowd sourcing and Open Innovation with Social Media Platforms

Published on 2011-04-30 03:46:31

Here are about 20 examples of corporate crowdsourcing (or open innovation) using social media all together: Open IDEO is pretty cool–their model for gathering the data is pretty impressive as well: http://openideo.com/open Corporate Initiatives

Social Entrepreneurship Examples in Community Development and Training the Disadvantaged(Quora)

Published on 2011-04-30 03:27:42

This is my answer to What are good social innovation cases that enable people falling our of work life (new immigrants, handicapped, burned out etc.) into relevant jobs? which appears on Quora here: Here are 8+ organizations which are notable in this

Compelling Christian Spoken Word about Africa

Published on 2011-04-29 21:44:47

my race my race my race my race, more than the color of my skin and the language I speak More than a 5 or 10k More than a run in the park awaiting for the sound of the gun to blast to activate my stride, my step, my course Destiny in the making, purp

The Best Business Books I’ve Read in the Last Year (aka for 2010 to 2011)

Published on 2011-04-29 21:06:05

This book list speaks to what social entrepreneurship is soooooo vitally missing Books on Communication, Innovation, and Management Process 1) Switch: How to Change When Change is Hard, by Chip and Dan Heath (Heath Brothers Website–getting a ma

How to become an expert on any subject

Published on 2011-04-29 10:21:35

Interesting advice for becoming an expert from the Harvard Business Review. This article on how to be an expert (or excellent) at anything was written by Tony Schwartz in his article “Six Keys to Being Excellent at Anything”: 1. Pursue wh

Science of Success and Achievement

Published on 2011-04-29 05:22:44

Need to research

Prayers from the Japanese

Published on 2011-04-28 22:02:53

Here is a prayer from Christian World Broadcasting (CWB) for the victims of the Japanese disaster: Prayer in Japanese: 天の父なる神様、この震災で愛する人や物を失ったご家族の上にあなたの慰めと癒しがあります

2011 MIT $100k YouPitch Contest: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Published on 2011-04-28 17:12:05

Here are some of the more interesting pitches for the MIT $100k You Pitch contest for 2011: 1) Safer Taxi Pitch (stop abuse of women) 2) Sanergy Pitch (sanitation in developing world with recycled waste–electricity and fertilizer) 3) ACWA (Affo

7 Ways to Differentiate Your Social Media Consulting Firm

Published on 2011-04-28 13:02:06

Here are seven ways to differentiate yourself as a social media marketing consultant: 1. Market focus (real estate, legal, etc) 2. Service offering focus (video or other content type–focus on Facebook vs. building niche social networks vs. comm

Summary & Quotes from Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness

Published on 2011-04-28 10:10:00

1. Bandwagon effect/Following the herd/Peer pressure 2. Spotlight effect (?) 3. Robert Schiller (Bandwagon effect & markets & social contagion) 4. Priming via survey 5. Channel factors (mental rehearsal & commitment about giving blood). 6

Top Social Entrepreneurs on Quora

Published on 2011-04-28 02:11:49

I guess its kind-of-cool to be in the top 5 on Quora for social entrepreneurship: Quora is a great place to ask questions and answer other peoples questions (and one of my favorite websites/social networks). Feel free to follow me on Quora, if you fe

Time Management for Social Entrepreneurs

Published on 2011-04-22 15:26:21

6 part method for time management: Survey/Customer Interview/Deep Customer Research/Testing Goals Action Plans Budget Milestones & Dates Execution I wish I had an acronym for the above. I think the first time through the cycle–depending on

What I’m doing these days…

Published on 2011-04-21 13:18:20

Hello, I’m a former academic at 3 universities (writer, academic, researcher) and more recently I’ve learned link building and pay per click marketing from the best in the business (Aaron Wall, Perry Marshall, and Brad Geddes). I’m

Quotes from Story by Robert McKee

Published on 2011-04-20 22:56:43

Here are some of the better quotes from Robert McKee’s book “Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting.” Feel free to suggest additional quotes from McKee in the comments. Thanks for reading. “Sto

Best Documentaries on Netflix

Published on 2011-04-20 00:15:30

1) Pressure Cooker-inspiring look at a high school culinary program in a poor area of Philly (Participant Media) 2) The Case for Faith- 3) Art & Copy (cursing). Its an honest look at the advertising industry. 4) The Case for Christ 5) Bonhoffer-a

Bob Compton’s Blog on 21st Education in America

Published on 2011-04-19 15:24:44

Bob Compton is the executive producer of the film 2 Million Minutes, which we’ve covered before at Compassion in Politics. Compton also blogs about the current crisis in education in America at 2 Million Minutes.

Alleviating Poverty Through Entrepreneurship Summit: Too Bad I Missed It

Published on 2011-04-16 18:46:31

Here is a short list of speakers for the event which was held at the Fisher College of Business–which is a short whose who of innovative organizations in the poverty alleviation marketplace: Dr. Jay Barney, Fisher College of Business, Co-founde

The opportunity cost of inaction

Published on 2011-04-15 14:58:30

This is two lessons: 1) Opportunity cost of inaction for motivation (building product, marketing, selling, etc…) 2) Opportunity cost of inaction for selling. (what you are forgoing over the next 3 years by not purchasing or trying our product).

Published on 2011-04-15 05:43:34

Nashville Lean Start up Circle Who: Where & When: Suggestions & Feedback: Best Articles on Lean Start Up & Lean Start up Principles: Learn More About Lean Start up Steve Blank (Twitter) Eric Ries (Twitter) Lean Start up on Quora Customer

Review of Rob Bells “Love Wins: A Book about Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Everyone Who Ever Lived

Published on 2011-04-14 15:44:19

Rob Bell just wrote another book “Love Wins”. Of his five books, this is probably the most controversial (Velvet Elvis, Sex God, Jesus Wants to Save Christians, Drops Like Stars, and Love Wins: A Book about Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of E

Web Application Idea for Lead Generation

Published on 2011-04-13 16:15:11

Challenges for Consultants: 1) Communicating value 2) Qualifying prospects 3) Marketing Funnel & Sales 4) Need to focus conversation on value vs. pricing. Solution: Solution #1: This could be done in a survey form (Survey Monkey, Wufoo, Google Do

Qualifying Your Prospects: How Can You Qualify Prospects for Sales and Marketing

Published on 2011-04-13 15:54:39

Here are 10 different ways to use your sales funnel or engagement with clients to provide the best services to particular clients (and to 80/20 your efforts). At first, it may be best to experiment with a wider range of clients and then narrow as tim

Challenges of Bricks and Mortar vs. Virtual Companies

Published on 2011-04-12 14:38:06

Well, first of all the distinctions between bricks & mortar companies and virtual ones are seemingly fading a bit as permutations & combinations of business arrangements arrive. Functionally almost all businesses are bricks and mortar–i

My thoughts on sales for social entrepreneurs

Published on 2011-04-11 02:21:05

Four sales vectors for social entrepreneur sales success: 1) Productivity enhancements (increase effectiveness, save time, or eliminate waste) 2) Profit for the organization (earn money & eliminate money wasted) (PS-I think the later is easier to

Gordon Bloom on Social Entrepreneurship at the University

Published on 2011-04-11 00:34:53

My idea of social entrepreneurship centers serving not only as means for social change, but also of experiential education is advocated by Gordon Bloom at Harvard (and formerly of Stanford University). You can download the paper from the Hauser Cente

Should the Government Fund University Incubators?

Published on 2011-04-10 09:50:05

Krisztina Holly in Forbes references her work on a proposal to support university innovation ecosystems using federal dollars: When I wrote the proposal, with the support of other experts, I was able to draw on real results–at the University of

ITC Challenges in the Developing World

Published on 2011-04-10 00:52:58

Implementing ITC projects in the developing world can be challenging–this is particularly the case at the base of the pyramid. ATAI Research lists 10 core challenges that tech projects can run into which may be helpful for pre-empting and solvi

Moderate Health Care Plan

Published on 2011-04-09 18:50:29

I wish the moderate voice would cover this. Anyway, heres the purple state health care plan, which has been endorsed by 5 Noble lauretes & several notable economists. As an aside, its too bad that the so-called national debate on health care̵

What Works in Development: Thinking Big and Thinking Small

Published on 2011-04-09 18:39:42

This book was not written for me. I am not the intended audience of this book. Take that into account when reading this review of William Easterly’s book (note: for clarity he only facillitated & edited it). I think there are several ways t

The Austin TX Entrepreneurial Technology Scene

Published on 2011-04-08 01:52:00

Austin is a fantastic town for creatives, entrepreneurs, and those in the technology space (internet development, software programming, etc). Here is a mind map of all the Austin TX tech scene has to offer including communities, funding, education, a

New Theory on Personal Workspace in the 21st Century

Published on 2011-04-08 00:24:35

Ideally I think workers need two desks in the 21st century. Perhaps I’m the only one who hasn’t realized this basic truth and certainly there are ways around it. But its SOOOOOO DIFFICULT to do writing work on paper with a desktop compute

What is the future of micro-finance

Published on 2011-04-07 16:25:12

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation thinks more micro-saving & micro-insurance: That’s where microsavings come in. Last November, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pledged $500 million over five years to increase access to savings

My Best of Theology and Christian Philosophy Articles

Published on 2011-04-07 13:19:29

I’ve made an effort to cover Christian philosophy issues over the last 3 and a half years here at Compassion in Politics. I’m trying to assemble all the ideas here. Also, the articles I’m listing aren’t the best written, but r

Innovation in K12 Education: Project Based Learning and Play

Published on 2011-04-06 22:48:27

Mitch Resnik on “Lifelong Kindergarten: Design, Play, Share, Learn” at Stanford. Mitch, in a recent article in Edutopia points out: If this approach is so well aligned with current societal needs, why do we so rarely support it in classro

Looking for Guest Bloggers on Social Entrepreneurship & Micro-Lending/Enterprise/Finanace

Published on 2011-04-06 16:16:26

If you write and/or research and are passionate about social entrepreneurship and want to publish your work/research (and otherwise demonstrate your skills to the world), feel free to shoot me an email with “Guest Posting on Social Entrepreneur

Behavioral Economics for Nonprofits and Social Entrepreneurs

Published on 2011-04-06 01:35:22

1) Always be testing. Test your assumptions. (in fact, most of the below can be opened up for testing in one way or another) 2) Apply pay for performance models 3) Consider using positive deviance to change behaviors 4) Consider baby-steps model of b

Behavioural Economics & Data Driven Ways to Solve Poverty

Published on 2011-04-06 00:19:18

Behavioural Economics & Data Driven Way to Solve Poverty in the Developing World: Using Scientific Experiments to Solve Extreme Poverty On what basis should we decide which interventions, marketing, and incentives to use to help reduce poverty in

Should I upgrade my Apple Macintosh computer?

Published on 2011-04-05 23:49:05

Should I upgrade my Apple Macintosh Computer? What is the speed or functionality difference between the two machines? How much of a difference will it make for your productivity? How much of a difference will it make for the quality of your work? How

Economic Theorists on Social Entrepreneurship

Published on 2011-04-05 17:18:59

Economic theorist Hayek on the case for social entrepreneurship (and why traditional development assistance/foreign aid models fail) as explained by William Easterly: Hayek tried to counter this inbred bias by pointing out just how much radical uncer

A Critique of Moral Relativism and Subjectivism by Peter Kreeft

Published on 2011-04-03 14:40:27

5. Argument for Relativism: Tolerance A fifth argument, equally common today, is that moral relativism is tolerant, while absolutism is intolerant. Tolerance is one of the few non-controversial values today. Nearly everyone in our society accepts it.

Best quotes from “On Miracles” by CS Lewis

Published on 2011-04-03 14:28:24

Reflective Questions in CS Lewis Miracles (for personal or group study): 1) How are God and nature related for Lewis? 2) How does Lewis define concrete? And how or in what way should we think of God as concrete? 3) What is the problem with pantheism

Evolution, Ethics, and Our Moral Vocabulary

Published on 2011-04-03 12:01:35

Amorality or relativism sounds well and good if you approach life from 1000 foot view, but where the rubber meets the road it just flat out fails & fails hard. The Real World Value of Ethics and Morality Is character is irrelevant? That courageou

Supporting High Impact Organizations in the Developing World

Published on 2011-04-03 00:53:21

Finding Solutions to Poverty at the Base of the Pyramid Six organizational & design models which are instructive: 1. International Development Enterprises (IDE) http://www.ideorg.org/ Paul Polak explains the math with different numbers in a recen

Why most talk of social capital is flawed

Published on 2011-04-02 11:02:13

People talk about social capital as if its this one thing, but its not. Social capital is person/group/context specific. Social capital is obviously mediated by incentive to do what… Social Capital is mulit-dimensional: 1) 30% network 2) 20% hu

The Paradox of Social Recruiting Applications

Published on 2011-04-02 03:04:16

Dividing the World of Social Recruiting Applications It seems there are two types of social recruiting apps. Ones which rely on the network effect and those which don’t rely on the network effect. Technically this later variety is more the filt

The Old Earth vs. Young Earth Creationism Debate

Published on 2011-03-30 05:16:06

Comparing the Scientific Evidence Supporting Young and Old Earth Claims: D. Russell Humphreys (Ph.D.) of The Institute for Creation Research wrote an article called “Evidence for a Young World” which cites a fourteen pieces of evidence: 1

Alternatives to Attending a Christian University

Published on 2011-03-29 22:49:41

In an age where private university rates at four year colleges are increasing, it may be that some more budget crunched (or financially conservative) may opt for state universities instead of Christian alternatives. If this is the case for you, you m

Best Colleges & Universities for Policy Debate: An alternative to US News & World Report Rankings

Published on 2011-03-29 10:25:59

Best Colleges and Universities for Policy Debate Malcomb Gladwell recently critiqued the US News & World Report rankings. Here is a ranking based on recruiters who make actual decisions regarding hiring when you graduate from school (aka from the

List of Top Social Investment Funds

Published on 2011-03-28 05:05:26

Aavishkar Micro-Equity Fund Acumen Fund African Agricultural Capital (set up by Rockefeller Foundation) Agora Venture Fund Annona Sustainable Investment Funds Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group Arison Investments Aureos-East Africa Health F

Marketplace Ministry Organizations: Christian Business Networking Opportunities

Published on 2011-03-26 07:14:11

Here are a couple marketplace ministry organizations (aka support organizations for Christian businesses and entrepreneurs) Fellowship of Companies for Christ International (Christ At Work) International Coalition of Workplace Ministries [oddly thats

Review of “The Ultimate Sales Machine” by Chet Holmes

Published on 2011-03-24 00:53:19

7 Reason for a salesperson, sales manager, or sales trainer (or start up entrepreneur) to buy “The Ultimate Sales Machine” by Chet Holmes: 1) Sets up a holistic system–and it focuses on 12 specific items for action. 2) Its grounded

Best Quotes from NT Wright’s “Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense”

Published on 2011-03-23 23:30:56

I picked up NT Wright’s “Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense” last week on the recommendation of one of the professors on the Veritas Forums Series. It has truly been quite an interesting read. Its a slight re-framing

How to do DIY Social Media PR for your Start ups App

Published on 2011-03-23 15:30:59

Invest in a demo video which explains your product. Look at the examples from Common Craft by Lee LeFever. http://www.youtube.com/user/leelefever They are simple & clear. You could add more explanation. I would try to keep it under 90 seconds, bu

Evidence for the Existence of God and the Historical Jesus

Published on 2011-03-23 04:16:46

Can we trust the bible? Are the writers in the Bible telling the truth? Was Jesus a historical figure? Here is a great answer from Quora: Christianity rises and falls on the Resurrection. Without it all the claims of Christianity go up in smoke. Chri

My Simple Thoughts on Faith in God, Jesus, & Biblical History

Published on 2011-03-22 21:54:37

As for the super natural–it often boils down to a question of experiences and miracles (as well as the overall narrative of prophesy & fulfillment you see in the Historical Jesus). However, begging all of this is the profound miracle that w

Programming Collective Intelligence

Published on 2011-03-21 05:45:42

I just read large chunks of “Programming Collective Intelligence” by Toby Segaran (and the forward is by O’Reilly) over the weekend. I’m facinated by crowdsourced data and information…as well as by data algorithms which

I Am: Documentary on the Convergence of Faith and Science

Published on 2011-03-21 04:01:12

I Am: The Shift is About to Hit the Fan includes 18 interviews which leaders and thinkers including Desmond Tutu and Howard Zinn. This looks interesting….it apparently was released in February 2011. I’m hoping it comes to Netflix.

Christian Conflict Resolution

Published on 2011-03-18 15:17:26

Here is an interesting video which breaks down how to disagree in business, and I think has some application for all conflict resolution. 5 Building Blocks of Reality 1) Information 2) Situation 3) Interpretation 4) Approach 5) Beliefs One strategic

What is a fair wage for outsourcing workers?

Published on 2011-03-17 21:52:28

With the rise of globalization and the internet, the practice of outsourcing work offshore is increasing at an alarming rate. However, what is a fair wage to pay these kinds of laborers. Most entrepreneurs (or capitalists at least) would tell you tha

Rise of transumerism: renting rather than buying

Published on 2011-03-17 18:00:07

Check out Transumerism (Netflix, Gamefly, Zipcars, Book Swim, Book Mooch, Paperback Swap, Bag Borrow or Steal, & others) on Trendwatching. Also platforms like Ebay , craigslist, and Amazon can facilitate the temporary buying & the rental indu

Microfranchising Organizations & the MFI Ecosystem Mentioned in Microfranchising: How Social Entrepreneurs are Building a New Road to Development

Published on 2011-03-17 15:45:58

Aravind Eye Care BRAC Care Shop (dissolved) CFW Shoppes (Health Store Foundation) Community Enterprise Solutions Drishtee Coast Coconut Farms Fan Milk Ghana Social Marketing Foundation (??? dissolved ???) Grameen Bank Health Store Foundation (HSF) HS

Better Globe: Social Enterprise Investment

Published on 2011-03-16 12:12:09

Much like SKS and Kiva, Better Globe looks to provide return on investment to those who invest. Better Globe claims to provide 10 times investment in 20 years. I haven’t look at the math to see how it works out. But, it does seem like an intere

Best of Social Ventures, Tech Start ups, and Self-Development on Quora

Published on 2011-03-15 16:47:12

Best of Social Business Ventures Answers on Quora: What are some blogs/publications that are focused on social ventures? How does one become a better storyteller? Which are examples of existing social business model patterns? What are some initiative

Criticisms of Evolutionary Psychology: Overview

Published on 2011-03-15 16:22:25

Reviewing the Critical Literature about Evolutionary Psychology: Skepticism about Darwins Theory as Applied in Psychology (Ethics and Religion) Here are what I see as the over arching criticisms of evolutionary psychology. I would note that this may

How do you get the most relevant insights out of a book?

Published on 2011-03-15 15:00:57

Here are 7 interesting suggestions on getting the most from reading a book from Quora: • Write (more free write not notes) • Conversation with other intelligent people (or readers of the book) • Journaling as you read or as inspiration strikes

Doing academic research like a pro

Published on 2011-03-15 07:05:58

How do you do a research paper? How can you find the research you will need for an upcoming paper? The best perspective to take on research is to think about it as a challenge, adventure, or solving mystery. 1) Pick a topic 2) Read a little backgroun

Answers to the Problem of Pain: A Theodicy on Faith Part II

Published on 2011-03-15 06:43:50

The holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas have this element to them where it just kind of takes you back and helps you remember things that you have been through. If you’re anything like me, when you go home for Thanksgiving or Christmas

Answering the Problem Of Pain in Hebrews: A Theodicy of Faith (Part I)

Published on 2011-03-15 06:37:15

Answering the Problem Of Pain in Hebrews, Genesis, and Daniel: A Theodicy of Faith The following is a sermon on faith and indirectly the problem of pain from Christian church in Nashville. I found it inspiring and thought you might as well: Good even

Dr. Robert Gentry: On the Palonium Halo

Published on 2011-03-15 02:14:31

You can visit Robert Gentry’s website Halos.org, where he offers scientifically grounded argument for Creation based on geology. Dr. Gentry also takes issue with Big Bang cosomology on his other website (Orion FDN). (personally the creation eve

God, Math and the Multiverse by Satyan Devadoss

Published on 2011-03-15 00:41:45

God, Math and the Multiverse by Satyan Devadoss at the Veritas Forum Satyan Devadoss, who is an associate professor of Mathematics at Williams College, recently spoke at California Institute of Technology and provided a critique of the enlightenment

How to make crowdsourcing design websites even better

Published on 2011-03-14 20:55:59

Crowdsourcing design is an increasingly big trend online. Sites like 99 Designs and Crowdspring allow you to create a design contest and pick a winner. Well at the moment, its winner take all, which leaves those who may have amazing designs out of lu

Bibliographies of Peer Reviewed Critiques of Darwin and Evolution

Published on 2011-03-14 15:06:02

Articles which Critique Darwin in Peer Reviewed and Peer Edited Scientific Journals One of defense evolutionists rely on is that the science which criticizes it is not in peer reviewed science journals. To be fair you have to break this claim into tw

Mega-list of Incubators and Accelerators for Social Entrepreneurs

Published on 2011-03-13 19:40:56

One caveat as you view and explore the options of this list–the links are to the names, not the URL. I hope this isn’t confusing. Also, if you like this list or find it useful I suggest bookmarking it or saving it via delicious or Evernot

The Capitalist Paradox: Umair Haque on Why Old Capitalism is Killing Capitalism

Published on 2011-03-12 21:50:06

I about lost it (laughing) when I read this: Beancounters, listen up. To paraphrase Shakespeare, I come not to praise you, but to bury you. I don’t care about your “strategy,” “business model,” “campaign,” &#

Mixergy Entrepreneur Interviews by Issue & Category

Published on 2011-03-12 17:50:38

Entrepreneurship Issue Discussed Affiliate Marketing Analytics Banking Copywriting Consumer Internet Customer Experience Ebook Education Ecommerce Email Marketing Gaming Google Adwords Info Preneur (see also education) Lean Start up (Steve Blank) Lin

Best Examples of Crowd Sourcing Companies

Published on 2011-03-12 12:58:55

Fifteen Successful Examples of Companies Crowd sourcing 1) OPEN Ideo project has been very cool for finding solutions to problems. 2) Quora obviously. 3) the various employment/jobs marketplaces have obviously filled a niche (Elance, Odesk, and Guru&

Micro-insurance innovation to solve extreme poverty

Published on 2011-03-10 11:25:51

Here is the Micro Insurance Innovation Facility YouTube channel. You can also check out the work of Leapfrog investments as well as Lloyds Guide to Insurance in the Developing Countries. Finally, you can learn more at the Micro Insurance Centre or by

Whats unique about Christian ethics

Published on 2011-03-10 09:52:04

What are the unique characteristics of christian ethics? 1) Grace and forgiveness 2) Humility 3) Loving your enemy 4) Loving your neighbor 5) Loving and serving the most vulnerable 6) Stewardship (talents, resources, and money) 7) the importance of t

Womens Economic Opportunity Index

Published on 2011-03-10 09:05:29

JESS3 x Economist: Women’s Economic Opportunity from JESS3 on Vimeo. Check out the Womens Economic Opportunity Index here.

One Vision for Digial Civic Engagement in the K12 Classroom

Published on 2011-03-10 06:05:18

And so we chose to look at Paul Rusesabagina as an example of a gentleman who singularly used his life to do something positive. I then challenged the kids to identify someone in their own life, or in their own story, or in their own world, that they

How to Crush Christopher Hitchen’s Neoatheist Arguments

Published on 2011-03-10 04:54:13

Game Dynamics of Learning: The Gamification of Training and Performance Improvement

Published on 2011-03-04 04:28:43

8 Mechanics from the Tech Crunch Panel on Social Gaming and Virtual Goods Here are 8 of the game mechanics the panel talked about: 1) Hero Effect Dynamic 2) Status & Ego/Pavolivan Mechanics 3) Social and Community Dynamic. Social layer (compariso

Against evolutionary gradualism

Published on 2011-03-02 06:45:15

That left Darwin with explaining the fossil record which is indisputably a record of saltation. Species in the fossil record appear abruptly fully characteristic of their kind, persist unchanged for an average of about 10 million years, then disappea

Quotes on the Resurrection & Historical Jesus

Published on 2011-03-02 04:12:24

“There are, very clearly, at least nineteen early pagan writers who refer to Jesus Christ as an actual, real-life, historical figure: Tacitus, a great historian of Rome; Suetonius, also a historian; Pliny the Younger, one of the leaders of the

A short theodicy of suffering & evil

Published on 2011-02-28 12:06:12

I’ve looked at the problem of pain through philosophical eyes and Biblical eyes. In line with that theme, here is a very short theodicy of suffering & evil: 1) discipline & soul shaping (analogous to pruning a tree). 2) in suffering we

How does the Bible differ from mythopoetic literature?

Published on 2011-02-28 11:50:39

Six main difference between the Bible (New Testament and Old) and mytho-poetic literature are: 1) the confirmation between the two books–the prophesies confirmed in the Old Testament (something like a 100–the probability of which is close

Fire the Social Media Gurus: Real Marketing Books for Internet Tech Start ups

Published on 2011-02-28 10:29:18

Top Sales Books For Start Ups 1) Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind (Al Ries, Jack Trout) 2) The Ultimate Sales Machine (Chet Holmes) 3) The Psychology of Influence (Robert Cialdini) 4) 4 Steps to the Epiphany (Steve Blank) 5) The 22 Immutable Law

Ultimate Game Dynamics List: What SCVNGRs Card Deck Misses

Published on 2011-02-28 09:31:38

Additional Game Mechanics Not Listed in SCVNGR’s Game Dynamic List 1) Story/Experience (arguably this is two separate issues or more). This may also include issues of quest & mission (this later part is captured in epic meaning a bit). 2) M

Where the biggest changes in innovation will happen

Published on 2011-02-28 04:20:10

Where the biggest changes in internet innovation will occur: Where will the most significant changes on the internet occur. I believe these ten the most significant areas: 1) E-learning 2) Filtering & search 3) E-government (software as a public

The Value of a Moral Education: Defending Ethics Education in K-12 Public Schools

Published on 2011-02-28 04:17:16

We’ve forgotten about the value of a moral education. Harry Truman spoke eloquently on the issue of ethics in education: It is important, therefore, that we work together in combating organized crime in all its forms. We must use our courts and

Why did God allow the Holocaust of the Jews

Published on 2011-02-27 22:41:14

This question starts with the wrong question–the following points to its misguided nature: Rabbi Hersch says to the secularist Jew Chiam, “If a person does not have the Almighty to turn to, if there’s nothing in the universe that

My Quick Review of “The Entrepreneurs Guide to Customer Development”

Published on 2011-02-27 04:51:09

Four greatest strengths of “The Entrepreneurs Guide to Customer Development“ 1) Assumption identification & ideation (To the whiteboard) (p. 51-54) 2) Customer Problem Solution problem (p. 68 to 70) 3) Brainstorm business model hypoth

Eleven Types of Location Based Applications

Published on 2011-02-26 09:47:26

Location Based Mobile Application Types and Categories The best eleven types of location based apps for mobile devices are: 1) Deals & coupons [based on where you are or where you want to be] 2) Friend connectors & followers (social graph) Th

We’re wired to be spiritual searchers and seekers

Published on 2011-02-26 09:28:32

I think its incredibly interesting how we’re wired to be spiritual searchers. We’re all meant to be on a truth trek. We’re wired to crave love and intimacy. We’re wired to crave connection and community. And we’re wired

10 Ways to Gamify Presentations, Training, and Faciliation

Published on 2011-02-25 23:57:07

Ten Cool Ways to gamify your next presentation, training, or facilitation: 1) Feedback, interaction, and engagement 2) Team and collaborative exercises 3) Actual games (also simulations & role plays) 4) Power ups and rewards in an LMS (verbal rew

How does visual communication effect learning?

Published on 2011-02-25 19:59:50

Mayer (2009) Multimedia Learning: Second Edition. New York: Cambridge University Press The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning, Richard E. Mayer You can find more of Richard E. Meyers most important research work here at the MSU Wiki (actual PD

Google Maps for Events

Published on 2011-02-24 22:10:41

Google should have Google Maps for Events. Why? People and communities need events. Events and networking drive improvement and commerce. Functions: You would be able to customize 4 to 6 of the following key criteria: 1) zip code 2) date 3) area from

Ten Important Questions for Social Entrpreneurs:

Published on 2011-02-24 09:40:17

I just got off the phone with of Dev Aujla of Dream Now Dream Now a very cool organization in Canada for encouraging social change amongst new college graduates by activating passion for concrete activism (they have a fantastic ebook called “Op

Christian Business Principles: More Bible Verses for Encouragement, Inspiration, and Guidance

Published on 2011-02-24 07:44:23

1) The cultural or stewardship mandate (Genesis 1:28-30, Genesis 2:5, Genesis 2:15, Genesis 2:19-20, see also Ephesians 2:10). 2) The great commandments (Matthew 22:37-40) 3) The holistic commitment (Matthew 25:31-46). (also mentions Matthew 25:46) 4

What is wrong with Science education in the high school and university in 2011?

Published on 2011-02-24 06:11:45

Overview of the Problems in University Education: Building a New Culture of Teaching and Learning So what is wrong with how collegiate education is done in America? Dr. Tae a physics professor at Northwestern University, one of the top institutions o

Quotes from “Questions of Truth: Fifty-One Responses to Questions about God, Science, and Belief” by Polkinghonre and Beale

Published on 2011-02-24 04:48:32

Short review: this is reasonably well written. It seems in some spots like the historical Jesus or the issue of suffering, he doesn’t do as good a job of answering some questions as others do (for instance CS Lewis, Craig, and Lee Strobel–

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