The Age of the Infovore

The title and opening quote of this book first caught my attention.

The Age of the Infovore: Succeeding in the Information Economy, by Tyler Cowen and "What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Unknown Source

I thought the book's focus was on learning styles, in general, but the actual focus was more broadly on autism and Asperger's syndrome, as a comparison to our ways of accumulating information nowadays. There are some excellent quotes and ideas.

Please find some that I found of interest:

Ordering and manipulating information is useful, fun, alternately intense and calming, and it helps us plumb the philosophic depths (p. 3)

I would like to consider three stylized facts about today's world and put them together into a single coherent vision. The facts are the following: Culture is much cheaper and more accessible than before; we engage in more and more cultural sampling; and many intelligent people complain about how ugly contemporary culture has become. (p. 41)

I think of my blend as one very good way of absorbing information from the outside world, but it would be a mistake to elevate the informational purposes of the blend (however important) over the emotional import and the sense of connection. Most of all I think of my blend as an assembled set of stories and am assembled set of information packages. The blend is about writers I read, the public figures I read about, broader intellectual narratives about the world, and indirectly stories about my own self-discovery. To me the blend offers the ultimate in interest and suspense. Call me an addict if you wish, but if I am torn away from these stories for even a day I am keen to get back to "the next episode," so to speak. (pgs. 51-52)

Adam Smith, in his 1759 book on moral psychology, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, suggested that we enjoy and value an experience more if it took more self-command and more sacrifice to bring it about. (p. 81)

The reality is that most education requires the physical presence of other human beings. (p. 113)

...we need to overcome some of our cognitive biases. That's right, a lot of the problems of politics stem from human cognition. It's not always a question of strengthening "the good guys" who are fighting "the bad guys." We all tend to think we are the good guys more often than we really are. We fight when we should give in, we stick to our guns when we should change our mind, and we do not realize that we are sometimes part of the problem rather than the solution. If we are to improve politics, we need to help ourselves overcome these biases. (p. 193)

The final message of this book is about respect for the individual. The study of human neurology is important science, but it is not just science and it is not just a tool for diagnosis or medical intervention. It is also a path toward appreciating the diversity of the human spirit, the splendor of the individual mind, and the importance of respecting the individuality of each mind. (p.222)

One Bullet Away

We should remember that one man is much the same as another, and that he is best who is trained in the severest school.
-Thucydides

"Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool and that is the test of generals. It can only be ensured by instinct, sharpened by thought practicing the stroke so often that at the crisis it is as natural as a reflex. -T.E. Lawrence (pgs. 18-19)

"...five of the Marine Corps's leadership principles that helped me in the Fleet."
"First," he counseled, "you must be technically and tactically proficient."
"Second, make sound and timely decisions."
Fanning's third piece of advice was simple: "Set he example."
"Fourth, know your men and look out for their welfare."
"Finally," Fanning exhorted us, "train your men as a team."
(pgs. 22-23)

It was about cool under pressure. It was about detachment. We had to retain our ability to think when the world was crumbling around us. (p. 23)

The key consideration in any tactical move is "to turn the map around." Look at your own situation from your enemy's perspective. What are your vulnerabilities? Where will he hit you, and what can you do to defeat him? (p. 37)

Decerno, Communico, Exsequor - "Decide, Communicate, Execute."

a Marine's most deadly weapon - his mind. Novack had taught us about the combat mindset, both the tactical need to be a predator and the moral imperative to know where to draw the line. (p. 49)

Violence of action doesn't start with weapons and tactics. It starts in your head. (p. 50)

Hardness was the ability to face an overwhelming situation with aplomb, smile calmly at it, and then triumph through sheer professional pride. (p. 145)

"Improvise, adapt, and overcome" was a Marine Corps mantra for good reason. (p. 147)

I was taught the OODA loop, a four-stage decision-making process described by Air Force fighter pilot Colonel John Boyd: observe, orient, decide, act. That's all we did in the Humvee contact drills - observed the enemy threat, oriented on it, decided what to do, and did it. (p. 181)
(http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0618773436)

Brains on Fire

I just finished reading Brains on Fire: Igniting Powerful, Sustainable, Word of Mouth Movements by Robbin Phillips, Greg Cordell, Geno Church, and Spike Jones and there were some great quotes that made me stop and think about our connections, communications and relationships to others.

Cool book jacket too!

...movements begin with the first conversation, that small group of deeply passionate and deeply dedicated people who believe. And plan. And pour blood, sweat, and tears into going out, finding kindred spirits, looking them in the eye, and talking with them about how they would shape this thing. They ask questions about engagement and participation, plant seeds, and ignite excitement. And the great thing about this laborious process is that it gets people talking with their friends in their own language about what they're helping to start (p. 26)

Quality trumps quantity, and as vice president of brand marketing at Fiskars, Jay Gillespie, told us, "For me, it's not about the numbers. It's about growing even deeper relationships." In other words, he'd rather concentrate on building meaningful connections with the members who are already part of the movement. And as that happens, more people will naturally be attracted to it (pgs. 62-63)

Moving from evangelism to ownership requires one big thing: sacrifice. True ownership calls for loyalty and the willingness of someone-a customer, an employee, a friend-to make an investment or personal sacrifice and accept shared responsibility for an organization's continued triumph. Whether it's taking the time to put up flyers or write a letter, spending the money to create their own swag, or any number of other activities, it's the real investment of personal time and resources in support of something the believe in (p. 89)

This reminded me of a writing by the late Aikido Master, George Leonard, in his book
The Way of Aikido: Life Lessons from an American Sensei

When the samurai Kikushi was ordained a bodhisattva [one devoted to lifelong service], his master told him, "You must concentrate upon and consecrate yourself wholly to each day, as though a fire were raging in your hair."

What is your passion, purpose or goal? How do you share your passions and goals with others?

Antonio Pappano

Antonio Pappano, Music Director of the Royal Opera House in London, talks about his life and passion for music with Charlie Rose.

Two of the themes that stood out for me were: 'how one learns' and 'teaching.'



The first theme of 'how one learns' made me think of how when I first started to learn, one had to write things down. There was no Internet or photocopiers (or ones readily available).

By listening, seeing, writing and then reviewing (or doing), the material became yours. The concept of read it, write it, see it and doing methodology drilled in the details. Now days the Internet and copying material makes the process faster, but without the critical dissection, does one trying learn?

…one has to learn how to learn.

How to absorb the material.

How to look at a piece of music and see what is really there, what is the potential

How do you bring it to life?

There are different things that you take into consideration when you look at a piece of music.

The melody line is supported by so many other things.

The movement of the harmony which actually guides the way a piece of music goes.

It is guided by the harmonic structure and rhythm.

The three in tandem are Harmony, rhythm and melody.

It is so easy to look at a piece of music and see all the details, but not see the ABC’s of music which are harmony, rhythm and melody.

What is essential?

The second theme of 'teaching' really draws on the first. Without truly knowing the material or being able to review it again and again with a critical eye, does one ever go deeper in their understanding?

Having the open mind to revisit things you thought you knew and being able to question what you thought, does not provide a method to share or impart your knowledge with others as you only bring your perspective.

By challenging oneself, I believe the greater your understanding becomes and the fun and reward of seeing someone else gain their own frame of reference on the material and knowing that this has the opportunity to be passed onto another generation.

…you try to teach with Enthusiasm, Love, Skill, and Knowledge try to impart something that can really make the experience of listening and watching so much easier and so much more enjoyable.

Aikido and the First Lady: Michelle Obama

I recently came across this speech by Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States: remarks by the First Lady of the United States at The Cooper Hewitt National Design Awards.

A couple of highlights that caught my attention were the 'art and science' references and made me think of their inter-play in our study of Aikido.

You are scientists and artists. Your work is both practical
and poetic, educational and inspirational. You represent
diverse fields of disciplines but you share the common thread
of superior design.

What I love about design is the artistic and scientific
complexity that also becomes useful: a laptop, a bridge, an
outfit -- (laughter) -- a garden, all drawn from a thousand wells
of inspiration and yet grounded in the basic principles of math
or science.

Peace Week

Peace Week Lesson Plan
Date: September 21, 2010
Instructor: Sharratt

1. International Peace Day
•The International Day of Peace ("Peace Day") provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. It was established by a United Nations resolution in 1981 to coincide with the opening of the General Assembly. The first Peace Day was celebrated in September 1982.
•In 2002 the General Assembly officially declared September 21 as the permanent date for the International Day of Peace.
•By creating the International Day of Peace, the UN devoted itself to worldwide peace and encouraged all of mankind to work in cooperation for this goal. During the discussion of the U.N. Resolution that established the International Day of Peace, it was suggested that:
•"Peace Day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples…This day will serve as a reminder to all peoples that our organization, with all its limitations, is a living instrument in the service of peace and should serve all of us here within the organization as a constantly pealing bell reminding us that our permanent commitment, above all interests or differences of any kind, is to peace."
•Since its inception, Peace Day has marked our personal and planetary progress toward peace. It has grown to include millions of people in all parts of the world, and each year events are organized to commemorate and celebrate this day. Events range in scale from private gatherings to public concerts and forums where hundreds of thousands of people participate.

2. Music and Techniques
Where is the Love? by the Black Eyed Peas
•Technique: Review Conscious Embodiment by Wendy Palmer
oBoth Wrists Grasp by both Partners – pushing
oBoth Wrist Grasp All Direction Throw #2

Pray for me Brother by A.R. Rahman
•Technique: Both Elbow Grasp Breath Throw
A Sense of Wonder by Van Morrison
•Technique: Front Strike Front Step-in Throw #2
oImagine practicing this in a field in Japan, in a favela (slum area) outside São Paulo, Brazil, in a hot, smelly dojo in Detroit, a Southern California beach in January, or at the Shuharikan in St. Paul, what do they hold in common?
oWhat do you perceive these individuals think about when they are common to or leaving the dojo?
oUsing a definition of Aikido as "the Way of harmonious spirit," how do you integrate your study into your everyday life?

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes by Jimmy Buffett
•Technique: One Wrist Grasp Side Step-in Throw #1
oWhenever I train and study this technique, I envision training with Alistair Thomson sensei in the early 1990’s. His technical explanation and performing of the technique was a wonderful experience, but more so the time spent with him and talking about the Shodan grading I was about to undertake with Gordie and his openness about the continuity of training and what one gains made a greater and deeper impression on me.
oWhat is a memory that you share about your training?
oDoes this affect or impact your life outside of Aikido? If so, in what ways?

Days like this by Van Morrison
“You won’t repay me directly, but you will do things for others, just as I have done for you.” With that statement she showed me a path that I have taken-a lifetime of mentoring and friendship with young people, many of whom were foreign students in America, as I had once been in Munich. (pg. 19) East toward Dawn: A Woman’s Solo Journey Around the World by Nan Watkins.
•How do you envision Aikido affecting your life in the future?
•How can it be a vehicle or mechanism for you to impact those in your life and those less fortunate that you?

East and West

I just picked up Somebody Else's Century: East and West in a Post-Western World by Patrick Smith based on a publisher's review.

The opening quote caught my attention:

History is marked by alternating movements cross an imaginary line that separates East from West...
-Herodotus, The Histories

Now if that isn't the perfect description of someone born and raised in Minnesota and studying Aikido at the Shuharikan in St. Paul, I don't what is!

I'll add more as I get through the book.