Marking the end/start of new seasons

What does Labor Day weekend mean to you? It is a significant period of time that marks a change in the calendar. Often the start of a new school year for students, even though some now start in early August. My question is whether Labor Day is the end of summer or the beginning of the fall season.

Since I am a bright side girl, an optimist at heart, I will go on record by saying it is the beginning of the fall season. After all, that is my favorite season of the year. There’s so many activities that start up and a crispness grows in the air. Fall reminds me of football, colorful leaves, hearty soups, and jacket weather, all things I like quite a bit.

For something to signify a beginning, doesn’t there usually have to be an end. That is at least true when we’re talking about the continuum of time. Summer has to end for fall to start, and although the technical calendar date of this event isn’t until mid to late September, all the signs are there. I, however, do not mourn the passing of summer. It is not one of my favorite seasons. I have a love hate relationship with summer. I love that I don’t have to wear so many layers after the long and often brutal winter, but I hate the heat. I don’t like the humidity or the summer storms. I don’t like having to run the air conditioner so often. I do like baseball games, picnics, and grill-outs. Oh, it truly is a love hate relationship.

So, I will not mourn the passing of summer, but instead I will treat it like the end of any other season. I will ignore the passing and look forward to the weather and events to come. After all, by the end of any season aren’t we all sick of it and yearning for something new?

The 2008 recession vs. the Great Depression

Was 2008 worse than the Great Depression?

This question has recently popped up in the news and in our consciousness. At first when I saw the question, I thought I sure hope not. All those stories we heard when growing up of the hardships faced by our predecessors as they suffered rationing and stamps. I would hate to think that recession we just went through, which is called a recession and not a depression, is worse than the stories of past. I know a lot of people went through some serious hardships. They lost jobs, had houses foreclosed, were forced to file bankruptcy, etc.

I wasn’t very affected, other than making sure I had a little more pad in my savings and tightening my budget a bit. Then when I think about that last sentence, I realize I didn’t really do either of those things. I thought I would. I thought I was. Really though, my spending habits didn’t change all that much. I still bought too many clothes and went out too often. That being said, I’ve never lived an extravagant life. The details on my spending habits all support the fact that I did not lose my job in 2008, or in the recession at all. None of this is gloating.

So, I lived through this “worse than the great depression” period of time, and it wasn’t bad.

Later, I actually took some time and I read the article which bore the big question. The story actually said that Ben Bernanke, former head of the Federal Reserve said the shocks that happened to the financial system in 2008 were worse than the ones in 1929 that caused the Great Depression. However, because of the efforts that were taken in 2008 to ameliorate the problem the result was not as adverse. Basically, he is saying that due to economic policy and a better handling of the situation, America was able to better fare the economic turmoil. Still, an interesting question to ponder and consider.

Waiting for my Go Big Read book

As I sit around waiting for my next book to arrive, I thought I would reflect on the movement that I will be taking part in. Go Big Read is a collective experience, with participants all reading and discussing the same book and the ideas that surround it. This year’s book is “I Am Malala” the autobiography of the Pakistani girl who was shot in the face for standing up for her right to education. How much more fitting could a selection be for a university sponsored book club. This effort is put on by the University of Wisconsin, and I believe it is a great pick because everyone associated with the university is in one way or another, fighting for their right to an education, even if they’re not having to fight the same aggressors and aggressions as Malala.

I also find that this is a very fitting book for me, being that my profession is in higher education. It brings an awareness that not everyone in every part of the world has an easy road to education. What’s more, there are people who do not have a safe road to education in general, regardless of the level of education. So often I, as well as others, take for granted access to education. It is a very valuable privilege that is not always obtainable. I would like to say it is a right, and I believe it should be. However, I know that is not the truth.

I am interested to see how this book plays out. I have a feeling it will be captivating and entertaining, although not necessarily in an amusing way. I was able to read the first chapter of the book while waiting for my used, snail mail copy to arrive. The tale seems to be laid out vividly along a flowing storyline. I am also excited to take part in the UW’s Go Big Read activities and share my thoughts on the book with others.

Finding a place for MOOCs in business

So, I am now finished with my MOOC experiment. Success! I completed all of the work I set out to and I learned quite a bit about how e-learning is, could, and should change the education environment. I enjoyed the process and did not find the work to be hard. A couple of the lectures were jargon dense and I had to listen twice because I found my mind wandering, but all in all, it was a simple experience. I am planning to enroll in another MOOC in the future to continue this open learning process.

The offerings from the different MOOC platforms are varied, but in my opinion it is a large list of elective courses that are more suitable for supplemental learning rather than gathering an in-depth understanding on a certain subject or the equivalent to a degree education. I see the application of MOOCs to be more advantageous for life long learners and those who just want to briefly learn or brush up on a certain subject. This is not for a person who is seeking a formal education on any topic or is looking for a cheaper alternative to a degree.

I see a large area for growth for MOOCs within the corporate world. I would be interested to see how and if companies and corporations can work with education institutions and then MOOC providers to create or curate relevant training for employees. Perhaps this is even a business opportunity for someone or some entity interested in forging through this uncharted field of bringing e-learning opportunities to the business world in a more structured and open environment, instead of the company paying for certain training modules to be available to employees, the institution would be able to choose from a list of MOOC offerings that are applicable to their industry. Cost savings and more variety. Win-win.

MOOCs are a very young and constantly changing technological advancement. Content will continue to improve, options will grow, and partnering schools will decide to take the leap into a wider virtual world. Only time will tell where MOOCs will go and what they can do.

#IceBucketChallenge update

In my last post about the ice bucket challenge I was annoyed and cynical. I was tired of people dumping buckets of ice water on their head as more of a dare than a challenge to raise money for ALS. It seemed the challenges had gotten out of hand, and the real reason behind the stunt was lost.

I don't think I am the only one who felt like this, by far. This week I am seeing a turn in the tide of challenge videos. Now, those who are challenged are actually making donations themselves and then dumping the bucket. They are challenging others to do both donate and help spread awareness.

When I was challenged I went on social media and declared that I would do the challenge if five friends donated money. Well, five friends didn't donate for my ice bucket dumping, but I was overwhelmed when two people donated $50 each. I underestimated the good works and deeds of my friends, thinking instead that my donation challenge would just go by without action. I ended up raising more than $100, with my donation included.


Since those who donated are part of the Indy Badger alumni group I belong to, I decided I would elicit their help to dump the ice water and film me. However, they have big hearts and wanted to get involved too. Four of us dumped the water and we challenged other Wisconsin Alumi Association chapters and WAA staff to take the challenge themselves, both donating and dumping buckets. So far, one chapter has accepted this challenge. I sincerely hope that our groups will be able to raise more money and gain the interest of more people this way.

Donate now at http://www.alsa.org/donate/

#IceBucketChallenge

I was recently nominated for the ice bucket challenge to raise support and awareness for ALS. Instead of hopping to and dumping a cold bucket over my head in a sort competition between friends to one-up each other, I decided I would issue my own challenge. I will douse myself with frigid water if five friends donated to support ALS. I feel the idea behind the ice bucket challenge is lost. I will then also donate money.

Sure, fundraising for ALS has increased dramatically since this fad started. That’s a great thing! However, as the challenge grows in popularity, it appears some are doing it just to appear cool and to look like they belong to something. Their sphere of influence is not large and therefore, their impact is relatively small. When a pro athlete dumps a bucket he or she is undoubtedly raising awareness. When I do it, the stunt is merely for kicks and giggles of myself and maybe the five people on my friend list who care. Thus, my feelings that the purpose has been lost. What’s the point in dumping a bucket of water in your head if you are not reaching others and spreading the word about ALS?

The first ice bucket challenge video I saw by someone I actually knew didn’t even mention ALS. The person made some statement declaring that they weren’t scared of a challenge. If that trend continues all we are is a bunch of fools dumping ice on ourselves without reason. To what? Prove that we are tough?

If I am going to take part in this challenge I want it to be for a purpose. I want to make an impact. Knowing I helped raise funds, however small the amount may be, will actually feel better than the simple act of dumping water. Lets not forget what the ice bucket challenge is for. Lets stop the social slacktivism of pretending to make a difference without actually having to do much.

And yes, I also vowed to sing "Let It Go" from Frozen when dumping the bucket. However, I do not think people will actually volunteer to donate. I think my challenge to others will go unfulfilled because people don't want to have to go out of their way to make a difference. For some reason, a small monetary donation is more difficult than dumping ice water. I'll hold up my end of the deal and make my own donation, and I'll sing show tunes while doing so.

Click here to donate

Book review: I Know This Much Is True (P.S.)

I jumped at the chance to read I Know This Much Is True (P.S.) by Wally Lamb because I am a fan of the author. I read one of Lamb's other books years ago, She's Come Undone, and couldn't get it out of my mind. Still to this day, memories of the vivid imagery woven by Lamb dance through my head. Any person who can write such a detailed story about a character in a position he could never possibly be in is interesting. In She's Come Undone, Lamb wrote about a woman's life, from childhood to adulthood, who became obese and severely depressed because she was sexually abused as a child. In I Know This Much Is True, Lamb writes about a brother who's twin is schizophrenic.

Lamb is an literary illustrator. I Know This Much Is True is a deeply intriguing story that will pull you in and not let go. The characters are normal, yet compelling. The situations the characters are faced with start out normal enough and by the time the drama escalates and the events occurring become less relatable the reader is deeply invested in the book. The reader gets a great sense of who the characters are because the author tells the complete story. Everything is connected and relevant. In the end, I thought back and realized so many small details that are more significant when you know the ending. It is a mystery. There are clues and you are lead in one direction and then thrown a curve ball. I am glad I read this book and I do recommend it and any of Wally Lamb's works.

Who would take Jack Bauer's place?

It may be a little late, since the 24 season finale was weeks ago, but I recently had a conversation with someone and we pondered what would happen if Jack died. Who would take his place saving the world in badass fashion.

My first thought was Jack's daughter Kim, but she's always been the annoying damsel in distress, always needing to be saved for one reason or another. Sure, she had her brave moments, but unfortunately they were few and far between.

We then talked about how it should be one of Keifer Sutherland's real life associates. However, many of them are not in acting anymore or have sadly died.

So who would it be? The good news is we may never have to know. SPOILER ALERT The season ended with Jack's life intact. There is no need for new casting for a character to avenge Jack's life. Phew, what a relief!

I Hart Kevin where most comedians fail

Let me explain something to you. Kevin Hart is a hilarious grown little man. Seriously though, I find his comedy refreshing and relatable. He's not out there trying to make fun of people like many comics. Instead he uses events that happened to him (or fabrications) and goes from there. Plus he is pretty and has nice teeth.

I shy aways from many comedy shows and find others vulgar because making fun of people is just not funny. Don't make fun of women, Asians, blondes, or people with handicaps. Using foul language  to try to instigate laughter is also poor form. These are tricks and gimmicks that get the cheap laugh. I never go for the cheap laugh. (BTW, "that's what she said" a cheap laugh. It became predictable after the first five times anyone anywhere said it and it takes no originality or wit to deliver that clown of a line. I digress...) You're going to learn tonight!

A date took me to a comedy show recently (seriously, not the best idea since this can be hit or miss). The show was almost all poorly executed attempts at laughs. The comics used many of the same types of jokes that are tired and thin and when things weren't going well they would just start cussing. These comedians got the dead face stare from me. Instead of laughing, smiling, or looking normal, I put a pissed off, 'you're not funny' look on my face. Some noticed. I liked one of the funny men they had on the stage. He made jokes that actually took brains. I totally get that this humor is above the heads of many people, but I find it a nice alternative to the people who are all trying to do the same thing. The joke had to do with Lord of the Flies and daycare centers that are found in the phone book. You just can't pick one out at random because it has a nice name. He did that and kids were running around everywhere in true anarchy. Thank you guy from Bloomington, IN for that. I was the only one in the audience who laughed, which he picked up on and commented that at least one person is a reader.