This came from a blog on Boing Boing written by Cory Doctorow. It is a quote about arguably the world's leading security expert, Bruce Schneier.
To walk through an airport with Bruce Schneier is to see how much change a trillion dollars can wreak. So much inconvenience for so little benefit at such a staggering cost. And directed against a threat that, by any objective standard, is quite modest. Since 9/11, Islamic terrorists have killed just 17 people on American soil, all but four of them victims of an army major turned fanatic who shot fellow soldiers in a rampage at Fort Hood. (The other four were killed by lone-wolf assassins.) During that same period, 200 times as many Americans drowned in their bathtubs. Still more were killed by driving their cars into deer. The best memorial to the victims of 9/11, in Schneier’s view, would be to forget most of the “lessons” of 9/11. “It’s infuriating,” he said, waving my fraudulent boarding pass to indicate the mass of waiting passengers, the humming X-ray machines, the piles of unloaded computers and cell phones on the conveyor belts, the uniformed T.S.A. officers instructing people to remove their shoes and take loose change from their pockets. “We’re spending billions upon billions of dollars doing this—and it is almost entirely pointless. Not only is it not done right, but even if it was done right it would be the wrong thing to do.”
We are overdue for reform of the education system, specifically with introduction of curriculum to teach skills that people need in today's world. The above quote screams out for people to better, or even dare i say rationally, access risk. This would apply to everyday things like driving dangerously, lying to your parents, taking a new job, and even when see the government is making bad decisions based on an unreasonable social fear.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
some tips for the budding professional
i was having a conversation last night with a friend and we ended up rambling off some useful knowledge we had learned from our years as underlings in the professional world. so i thought i would share them and possibly help someone who hasn't had a chance to recognize these simple helpers.
this list is in no specific order and by no means "complete", but merely a collection of the ones we have learned, limit in part, by my memory of the conversation.
order after your boss at business lunches - this is mostly because of the alcohol factor. we had found that in most cases if you let the boss order, they will order an adult beverage allowing you to follow suit. but don't over do it, if they order a beer, DO NOT order a scotch, especially at lunch.
consider actions of composure - bodily language and comfort level is important to interpersonal communication. keep a couple of "plays" ready in your pocket for use at vital moments. for example, at an intimidating meeting, take a moment, stand up and remove you jacket or roll up your sleeves. when doing so, remark about how the action makes you feel better. another example is to ask for water, or if there is a pitcher and cups in the room, take a moment out and go get yourself a glass. these things will show that the situation is not bothering you and that you are confident enough to take timeout for yourself. another useful idea, specifically for interviews, is to have keep a list of thoughts or questions about meeting, but it could be anything, handy. if there are important points of the meeting, or decision points, make notes. as well as ask for a minute to review your list implies that you had an expectation of what you should get out of the meeting. all in all these ideas will show you have composure, and a prepared, confident demeanor.
give yourself an out - good salesman have a knack for asking structured questions, directing people to an answer. so when your buying a car, or being asked to commit to an idea, remember to allow yourself time to think it over. but simply saying "i would like to think about it" could leave you in another difficult situation, telling someone that you don't like their idea isn't easy. so by closing with something like "i would like to review the options" is a far better response. because you can tell that person that another options seems better, as opposed to outright saying you are not interested in their idea, solely considered.
don't help shit float - manipulation is not limited to salesman, the workforce is littered with manipulative people who for reasons of incompetence or just plain laziness pawn off work on anyone who will do it for them and making them successful in the eyes of company. this can be a tricky area, but if have a good relationship with your boss, open communication about should provide the support you need to avoid being victimized. for the bold, carry a business card of your own personal consulting business and present the card to the slacker with an invitation to discussion projects, time lines and compensation during not business hours. for those with less of a sense of humor, clarify you managers backing and simply tell the slacker "i am being told that work is not in my scope".
the proverbial "we" - for those with a choke collar on their left ring finger we call a wedding ring, you already know how this works. but for anyone who doesn't, i'll explain. we communicating, verbally or in email, use the proverbial "we" whenever possible to support your position. remember, if you are your own business, you are not an autonomous unit thus always a "we". important to note, don't let this concept supersede you getting credit for your work. don't "we" when it was "i" that did something wonderful. take credit for your work and stand by that, but use the "we" to back yourself when needed.
[long pause] - a good technique for extracting more information from people is by the power of suggestion. if you ask a question and don't get an acceptable response, don't react right away, maintain your listening posture and silence. this will imply to the personal answering that you have not gotten what you are looking for and they should continue to try an answer the question. you would be amazed at how well this works.
the "power outfit" - have at least one "power outfit". along with the colors that suit you, have a suit or professional attire that makes you feel confident and powerful. think about it, all the powerful people do, superman, wonder woman, batman, cat woman and even underdog!
ok, that is all i can think of (or remember) at the moment. so digest those and feel free to share any tips you may have picked up along your travels.
this list is in no specific order and by no means "complete", but merely a collection of the ones we have learned, limit in part, by my memory of the conversation.
order after your boss at business lunches - this is mostly because of the alcohol factor. we had found that in most cases if you let the boss order, they will order an adult beverage allowing you to follow suit. but don't over do it, if they order a beer, DO NOT order a scotch, especially at lunch.
consider actions of composure - bodily language and comfort level is important to interpersonal communication. keep a couple of "plays" ready in your pocket for use at vital moments. for example, at an intimidating meeting, take a moment, stand up and remove you jacket or roll up your sleeves. when doing so, remark about how the action makes you feel better. another example is to ask for water, or if there is a pitcher and cups in the room, take a moment out and go get yourself a glass. these things will show that the situation is not bothering you and that you are confident enough to take timeout for yourself. another useful idea, specifically for interviews, is to have keep a list of thoughts or questions about meeting, but it could be anything, handy. if there are important points of the meeting, or decision points, make notes. as well as ask for a minute to review your list implies that you had an expectation of what you should get out of the meeting. all in all these ideas will show you have composure, and a prepared, confident demeanor.
give yourself an out - good salesman have a knack for asking structured questions, directing people to an answer. so when your buying a car, or being asked to commit to an idea, remember to allow yourself time to think it over. but simply saying "i would like to think about it" could leave you in another difficult situation, telling someone that you don't like their idea isn't easy. so by closing with something like "i would like to review the options" is a far better response. because you can tell that person that another options seems better, as opposed to outright saying you are not interested in their idea, solely considered.
don't help shit float - manipulation is not limited to salesman, the workforce is littered with manipulative people who for reasons of incompetence or just plain laziness pawn off work on anyone who will do it for them and making them successful in the eyes of company. this can be a tricky area, but if have a good relationship with your boss, open communication about should provide the support you need to avoid being victimized. for the bold, carry a business card of your own personal consulting business and present the card to the slacker with an invitation to discussion projects, time lines and compensation during not business hours. for those with less of a sense of humor, clarify you managers backing and simply tell the slacker "i am being told that work is not in my scope".
the proverbial "we" - for those with a choke collar on their left ring finger we call a wedding ring, you already know how this works. but for anyone who doesn't, i'll explain. we communicating, verbally or in email, use the proverbial "we" whenever possible to support your position. remember, if you are your own business, you are not an autonomous unit thus always a "we". important to note, don't let this concept supersede you getting credit for your work. don't "we" when it was "i" that did something wonderful. take credit for your work and stand by that, but use the "we" to back yourself when needed.
[long pause] - a good technique for extracting more information from people is by the power of suggestion. if you ask a question and don't get an acceptable response, don't react right away, maintain your listening posture and silence. this will imply to the personal answering that you have not gotten what you are looking for and they should continue to try an answer the question. you would be amazed at how well this works.
the "power outfit" - have at least one "power outfit". along with the colors that suit you, have a suit or professional attire that makes you feel confident and powerful. think about it, all the powerful people do, superman, wonder woman, batman, cat woman and even underdog!
ok, that is all i can think of (or remember) at the moment. so digest those and feel free to share any tips you may have picked up along your travels.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
how he won her back...
Last year I went sailing in Grenada without my wife, Laura. Her school schedule didn't permit her to make the trip. Nevertheless, I made the most of the trip, enjoying the experience and learning as much as I could. Being the fifth wheel of five friends, seventh wheel if you include our ASA instructors, I missed Laura often, but especially on the last night. Anchored in Clarke's Court, on the southeast of Grenada, we went to a quaint little restaurant on the hillside called The Little Dipper.
The Little Dipper
As you can see the dinning room is open air, great for enjoying a meal. And it was just that... a great night that made me really miss Laura. So much so that I said to rest of the crew, "I will bring Laura back here one day". During that trip our charter company, Horizon, was holding a contest. The prize was a week on their new 2011 Bavaria 45. Like so many delusional groups we made a pact, we would all go back together if any of us won. And wouldn't you know it... Sean won. Those that know him know this is something he seems adept at doing. And so a few crew meetings and some improved planning later we were flying back into Maurice Bishop Airport, this time with Laura.
With three cabins, three heads and plenty of room in the saloon, S/V Dream Maker was perfect for three couples.
Dinner prep aboard S/V Dream Maker
We took in some new sights, spending two days snorkeling in Tobago Cays, including a visit to Petit Tabac.
Turtle @ Tobago Cays
We also made for some familiar spots, like Seckie and Venessa's in Chatham Bay, Union Island.
Lobster dinner w/ Rum punch @ Seckie & Venessa's
After a 30+ mile sail, snorkeling Molinere underwater sculpture park and a dinner of fresh fish the sunset was majestic.
Sunset @ Grand Mal Bay
And on the last night, with boat back at True Blue, I was able to make good on my proclamation from last year. Dinner at the The Little Dipper, this time with Laura sitting next to me. Once again the food was great, the atmosphere was great and the company was just that much better this year... for me anyway!
Laura on Petit Tabac
And that is the story of how he, sean, won, a trip so I could take, her, Laura, back to The Little Dipper.
Click here to see my photo album of the trip.
Click here to see my photo album of the trip.
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