Wednesday, August 31, 2011

I Almost Forgot. I shall post it again.

Quill Pens and Powdered Wigs in Today's Classrooms.

This isn't merely a comment. It is the practice in practice, a demonstration of itself.

Students learn to read, write, add, subtract, multiply, and divide in grammar school.

Twitter's 140 characters are not the end. They are the means.

Thomas writes a draft of the Constitution. He uploads the doc. file to Slideshare: He clicks the T and it uploads to Twitter.

George sees the Tweet, clicks the link, and the file appears. He wants to share this with his Facebook friends around the colonies. He copy-pastes the Twitter link onto his Facebook page for his friends--his Colonial Rebellion Group Page on Facebook. A thumbnail comes up. This thumbnail is a miniature of the doc. file.

John sees this on the group page and clicks the thumbnail. He reads the draft. In the comments block, he adds his views on the matter. He signs his comment in ALL CAPS. (ltms)

Those who have a problem incorporating technology into the classroom should go back to quill pens, powdered wigs, and candle light. They have no business in the classroom.

Did I hear someone say Visit Williamsburg? I believe there is a website for that.

Let not the next Longfellow write:

The Arsenal at Netopia

This is the Arsenal. From floor to ceiling,
Like a huge Netopia, rising from floor;
But from them silence, no data reeling,
The King declaims, Nevermore.

Thee will be, no tweets no twitter.
No patriots to touch those keys.
A sad lament, how sad how bitter,
Will mingle with their reveries.

Again? Still! Sometimes when I eavesdrop on the conversations about social media and technology, I get the feeling that people are getting their information from my Grandfather. That would not be a problem if I were 8 yrs old, but I'm 58 years old.

A bit of History.

The world is flat. You'll fall off the edge.

It'll never get off the ground. If God wanted me to fly, he'd have given me wings.

The motor car? Noisy, smelly, toy for the rich. It'll never replace the horse.

Talkin' Pitchers? People don't want all that chatter, they want to see real acting.

51% of Americans 12+ years old are on Facebook. Factor out the number 12-22 and find the number of adults. (Something for math class.)

Social Media is the Medium: Greater than the sum of its parts.
http://slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/social-media...

The Virtual Classroom: Class Reunion Highlights.
http://slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/thye-virtual...

And, of course, Edison invented the light bulb by candlelight.
http://slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/edison-inven...

And for those concerned with Social Studies and Global Politics, Current Events and Economics:
http://slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/egypt-and-ot...

Don't "Get Real". Get Virtual.

"I have a Twitter account, a Facebook account, a Linkedin account, a SlideShare account and a Blog. Finally, I feel like a virtual person. For a while, I didn't think I was going to make it." -- Slim Fairview

Regards,

Slim

(By the way, I've been on-line since the 20th century.)

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to clap some erasers.

Slim

Copyright (c) 2011 Slim Fairview

31 August 2011

 
Commentary on Global Political and Economic Events by Slim Fairview
Please also see also http://slimviews.blogspot.com/  Please do click the follow button for The Journal--and please email a link to your friends.  Thank you.

Slim

Armed only with an analytical mind and the ability to speak in metaphors, I attempt to explain the events of the day as I view them through the magic glasses my parents gave me over 50 years ago. Regards, Slim





Slimfairview Slim Fairview
The Multiplier Effect--Illustrated--for non-economists. (And for economists) slideshare.net/slimfairview/t…


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Global Management: A shift in the paradigm of corporate America slideshare.net/slimfairview/g…


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@BusinessPlanWeb Thank you for the retweet. Slim


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@
@capflowwatch Money does not replace management 2.0 slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/08/you-ca…


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@
@capflowwatch Money does not replace management. slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/08/you-ca…


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The Future of the G 20 in Good Times and Bad slideshare.net/slimfairview/t…


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Switzerland, Canada, Ireland, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Germany, Latvia visited slimviews.blogspot.com Thank you. Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
lnkd.in/zpYAJB It depends on your audience. When I first became a freelance website designer, a potential client said I looked...


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@CILogistics Thanks 4 the follow. Please visit & (?) follow slimviews.blogspot.com & sidestreetjournal.blogspot.com Thanks again, Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Nuclear Power Has Lost Its Lustre, But Not Its Glo... slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/nuclea…


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slimviews: Memo to Big Oil slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/memo-t…


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slimviews: Wolf Blitzer Buys a New Suit: How to fix the econ... slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/07/wolf-b…


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slimviews: EuroCrisis: Hocus Pocus--Focus! slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/08/eurocr…


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slimviews: EuroCrisis Analogy slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/08/eurocr…


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Dollar General Golden Goose: Cheap Stuff. Okay kill the goose, lose the golden eggs. (The goose? Low prices!)


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Govt. Backed Solar plans no guarantee. SLIM TO THE RESCUE! Hey, Big Oil, earn points investing obscene profits in solar. Slim


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Okay, don't anyone send me an iPad. Send me an hp touch pad. See? I saved you a bundle already. That kind of help deserves a reward. Slim


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Will the EuroCrats discover that their problem solving PROCESS isn't working and try a new approach? But we have EXPERIENCE doing it wrong!


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
India Growth cools. Now is the time to prepare a comprehensive economic development and growth project. No. Don't. It might help.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Poland Economy doing Well. Infrastructure spending is part of the plan. I wonder if that could work elsewhere. Better say nothing. I might.


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EuroMembers, fearing that a solution may be possible are working hard 2 block any efforts 2 solve the crisis. Sounds a lot like our Congress


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Germany demands bailout veto. Now other countries want same. Thanks a lot. At least there's a plan. "Let's block efforts to solve problems"


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Japan: 6th prime minister in 5 years. Vows a cabinet to promote unity. How about a cabinet to promote leadership, growth, progress?


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Deficit Reduction Panels names Tax Expert as staff director. HOW ABOUT A JOBS EXPERT? ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT! REMEMBER?


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Investigatory Panel: US Failed 2 make adequate gains in counter terrorism. Like letting the panel leak the news we are not prepared? Thanks.


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NLRB National Labour Relations Board. NRBQ Rock Group. "I'm sure to fall, fall in love, I'm sure to fall in love with you... "


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For the Literate. Oil is inflammable; Gas is combustible; and I can't afford electric heat. So oil (hot water or steam) or Solar!


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
RE: NLRB Workers Vote Democrat. Unemployed also vote. Focus on jobs today, ideology tomorrow.


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H-P resumed touch pad manufacturing. Don't count Apple out yet, guys. Make em, sell em, and move on. Fast. Slim


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Accountants 20-20 hindsight? Criticise the EuroBanks on write downs. Now you tell us. Does somebody have an eraser?


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German Lawmakers want Merkel to press for bigger voice in future bailouts. EuroCrats are using the old process to solve new problems. Slim


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"Ad hoc, ad loc, quid pro quo. So little time--so much to know!" Jeremy Boob. "Bailout, buyout, what to do. I should know, I never do."


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Some People Call SEC lawyer a whistle blower. Others remember he was hired to investigate improper behaviour. Oh yea, now we remember! Slim


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SEC Lawyer accusing SEC of shredding is a "proven whistle blower." One Question: Is that good or bad? Slim


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WSJ: Economy Deeply divides Fed. Did so 4 years. & all this time we thought they knew what they were doing. T'ain't so! Get Edified! Slim


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@
@LynnHarris This effects men as well. People c accomplished people as "more than"...& judge themselves less by comparison. Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Still looking for an agent to sell my novel or my screenplay. Or a publisher or producer to buy it. Thank you. Slim



Sincerest regards,


Slim


PS.  I am not Paul Harvey.  However, I am open to becoming a paid commentator, columnist, or blogger.

If you’ve found anything I said to be helpful, please don’t hesitate to send me one of those tricked-out laptops and to tuck a few dollars into the envelope along with the thank you note.


Sincerely

Slim

RR #2
Route 390
Cresco, PA 18326



Copyright © 2011 Slim Fairview



Friday, August 26, 2011

Opie and the Dead Bird

 
Opie and the Dead Bird

There may well be some spirited debate over whether our culture is being maligned from without or eroding from within.  Case in point.  Television.

I remember when it was called the boob tube. Ironically, it was not.  Today, however, is a topic for another discussion.

The maligned television of the 50’s and 60’s was rather good.  Take, for example, The Andy Griffith Show.  The show was a situation comedy, but had touching and instructive episodes.  Not preachy.  The difference between management and Leadership.  Case in point:  Opie and the Dead Bird.

Real short and to the point.

Opie gets a slingshot.

Andy tells him to be careful.  It’s not a toy.  You can hurt somebody with that thing.

Opie promises.

However, for some reason, Opie shoots a bird.

Aunt Bea is horrified.  She sends Opie to his room to wait for his father.

When Andy comes home, little Opie is sitting on the bed near the window, his legs dangling over the edge.

“You sore at me, Paw?”

“No.  I’m not sore at you.  I’m disappointed is what I am.”

“Am I gonna get a whoopin’?”

“No.  You’re not gonna get a whoopin’.  You hear them birds out there a chirpin’?”

Opie nods.

“Those are the baby birds in their nest.  They’re chirping because they’re hungry and waiting for their Momma to come home and feed them.  But their Momma’s not comin’ home because of what you did.  Now I want you to set here a spell and listen to those baby birds chirpin for their Momma and think about what you did.”

This was powerful stuff back then.  It’s powerful stuff today.  Teaching not preaching.  This is the television that has been maligned.

But, wait.  There’s more.  But not today.


Regards,

Slim





Copyright © 2011 Slim Fairview



26 August 2011

 
Commentary on Global Political and Economic Events by Slim Fairview
Please also see also http://slimviews.blogspot.com/  Please do click the follow button for The Journal--and please email a link to your friends.  Thank you.

Slim

Armed only with an analytical mind and the ability to speak in metaphors, I attempt to explain the events of the day as I view them through the magic glasses my parents gave me over 50 years ago. Regards, Slim



Slimfairview Slim Fairview
@Filipinohope Thanks 4 the follow. Please visit & (?) follow slimviews.blogspot.com & sidestreetjournal.blogspot.com Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Google Search [how to motivate an underperforming group] 413,000 results. #2? slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to… Thanks, Google. Slim slimviews.blogspot.com


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Google Search [graphic proportions] 6,510,000 results. # 7? slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/01/distor… Thanks, Google. Slim slimviews.blogspot.com


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
BofA Builds Costly Buffett Buffer. Instead of criticising the guy, let's all sit down 2 discuss what we can learn from him--He's worth $???


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Paris-Credit Agricole had 11% Q2 drop by exposure 2 Greece, but shares rose after allaying investors' concerns. Do they sell Amway also?


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Note to self. Read the entire article. Please see WSJ: below. Thank you. Slim


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WSJ: Investors voice pessimism that Bernanke speech will lead to a rally. What's bad about a rally? Or did I misread the sub-heading?


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Note to self. Read the entire article. Please see J.P. Morgan, below. Thank you. Slim


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J.P. Morgan Settles for $83 Million. I'd settle for half that. Who's giving the money away? Or did I not understand the headline? Slim


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WALL STREET DESPERATE ANALYSTS GOING TO THE FARM TO ACTUALLY COUNT THE CORN ON THE STALKS. (NB. one ear to a stalk.) Slim


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Greek Bailout falters over demand 4 collateral. More like faulters [sic] Anyone get the impression EuroCrats looking 4 excuse 2 not help?


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@
@KimAuclair @byosko Thanks a lot Kim. Now that you let the secret out, everyone will be doing it.


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@
@adriennecarter They didn't cancel. They're just moving the party to your place. -o-o-o- >----|


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President Hu meets Sarkozy in Beijing. Do you need a lesson in Diplomacy? Please see "Sarkozy" below.


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Sarkozy Meets Hu in Beijing. "China believes Europe able to overcome difficulties." But didn't say EuroCrats are doing a great job so far.


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@
@lexinyt @katiezez @abbygoodnough This isn't one of those Yankees v. Red Sox things again, is it? If it is, I'm not reading it. Slim


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Pentagon Assesses China Military. China Responds with Allegations of Fear Mongering. Is this the response the Pentagon was hoping for?


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Perry BeatsRomney in GOP Polls. Okay, he might win nomination. Will he win general election? Does GOP care? Poll the rest of the voters.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Only Excuse for US "Light Hand" policy in Libya is 2 allow Libyan Rebels 2 "Own the Liberation". Shared vision, visioning process, consensus


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
GM Teams up with South Korea on Electric Cars. Speed up & Cut Costs. I understand cutting costs. How does the speed up part work? Slim


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Goldman reminds UK employees salary will revert back (?) As opposed to revert forward? Clever accounting or what.


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EuroCrats Ban Short Sales 2 keep lid on volatility. Now what? Investors hang on or just unload 2 cut losses? Wanna swap shares 4 a bridge?


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@
@capflowwatch Now, now. Don't be too hard on Mr. Buffett. It was my idea. I just didn't think he was going to go ahead with it. ;-)


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Greek Banks Liquidity Crunch! Nervous Customers Move drachmae off-shore or in2 Mayonnaise Jars buried in back yard. ECB Caught by Surprise!


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There are no unintended consequences. Only unwanted consequences. The Quotations of Slim Fairview (Please see above.)


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MEMO: To: The EuroCrats. DON'T JUST DO SOMETHING--SIT THERE! (Please see "EuroCrats" below. Thank you. Slim)


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EuroCrats no closer to settling contretemps with Finland. Why is it every time the EuroCrats Make a Decision, things get worse?


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
AIG Chief complains: My analyst doesn't understand me. Who is he complaining to? His wife or his girlfriend? Slim


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WSJ: Stocks dropped after 3 days of Gain "ahead of Bernanke Speech." That doesn't show much confidence in Bernard Bernanke. You apologise!


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Belgium, Ireland, and FIRST TIME visitor PAPUA NEW GUINEA visited slimviews.blogspot.com Thank you, Welcome, Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Mexico, Brazil, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Netherlands, Germany, Japan, and Latvia Visited sidestreetjournal.blogspot.com Thank you Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Even the Cat Winks =^.~= (c) Slim Fairview: Tik-tak-tik-tak-tik-tik-tik-tak, ding. Click. Zip.... eventhecatwinks.blogspot.com/2011/08/tik-ta…


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Even the Cat Winks =^.~= (c) Slim Fairview: Petty Fours and Galoshes eventhecatwinks.blogspot.com/2011/05/petty-…


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UK, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Kuwait, Singapore, all visited eventhecatwinks.blogspot.com Thank you, welcome, Sincerely, Slim


Sincerest regards,

Slim


PS.  I am not Paul Harvey.  However, I am open to becoming a paid commentator, columnist, or blogger. If you’ve found anything I said to be helpful, please don’t hesitate to send me one of those tricked-out laptops and to tuck a few dollars into the envelope along with the thank you note.


Sincerely

Slim

RR #2
Route 390
Cresco, PA 18326



Copyright © 2011 Slim Fairview

Thursday, August 25, 2011

China v. America The Diplomacy War

The Pentagon noticed that China is expanding its navy.  They suspect that China is looking to expand its influence beyond Asian waters.  We pay analysts to tell us this.

This news reminds me of a job I had years ago.

One of the employees was a power lifter.  Another, was a body builder.  "The guys" tried to get them to have an arm wrestling match. (Money would be a stake.)  They both declined.  Nicely.

One did claim that he never lost an arm wrestling match.  He never said he was never in one.  He simply said that he'd never lost one.

The other simply declined to arm wrestle. However, he and I did pretend to arm wrestle one day.  He pretended to find me a worthy opponent.  However, as his arm was the size of my leg, this was all in jest.  Still, one of the younger employees asked in earnest if I really thought I could win.

Why bring this up?  In 1965 my teacher told the class, "Never think for a moment that the Soviet Union and Red China will go to war with each other."  They never did.

Red China is now The People's Republic of China.  The Soviet Union is, once again, Russia.

We never went to war with the Soviet Union.

However, when it came to the soft-wars, diplomacy, propaganda, influence, The Soviet Union clearly had the edge.  One factor was that they did, after all, occupy Eastern Europe.

Our second tactical error of World War Two was not listening to Lord Winston Churchill at the end of the war.  The First was before the war began.  That was when we ignored Lord Winston Churchill's admonition that the Nazis were going to go to war.

I do not believe that we will ever go to war with China.  However, what abut the soft-stuff?  Diplomacy, influence, international relations? [Global relations?]

If history is any indicator, China will fare much better than we will.  We do have history to substantiate that.

"Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it."  Santayana

"Those who never learned history are doomed--period!"  Slim Fairview

For the ambitious, there is http://slimviews.blogspot.com

There I've posted several monographs on the impending failures of Western Diplomacy in the Middle East.  The analysts can figure out how they extend to impending Western Diplomatic Failures in the rest of the world.

Sincerest regards,

Slim


PS.  I am not Paul Harvey.  However, I am open to becoming a paid commentator, columnist, or blogger. If you’ve found anything I said to be helpful, please don’t hesitate to send me one of those tricked-out laptops and to tuck a few dollars into the envelope along with the thank you note.


Sincerely,

Slim




Copyright © 2011 Slim Fairview

Side Street Journal 25 August 2011


Commentary on Global Political and Economic Events by Slim Fairview
Please also see also http://slimviews.blogspot.com  Please do click the follow button for The Journal--and please email a link to your friends.  Thank you.

Slim

Armed only with an analytical mind and the ability to speak in metaphors, I attempt to explain the events of the day as I view them through the magic glasses my parents gave me over 50 years ago. Regards, Slim




Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Thank you, Brazil for Googling Me. What is Brazil Reading? sidestreetjournal.blogspot.com/2011/08/eurocr… Thank you, again, Brazil. Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
WSJ: Firms Face Hurdles Overseas. Well now, slideshare.net/slimfairview/g… Global Management: Shift in the paradigm of corporate America. It's a start


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WSJ: Ukraine's' future is with the European Union. Well....yes and no... Slim


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WSJ: China Moves Closer 2 Accepting new Libya Regime. Then again, China never needed 2 read my blogs. The US does. slimviews.blogspot.com Slim


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WSJ: QATAR 2 REAP REWARDS FROM AID TO LIBYA REBELS. Then, again, Qatar never need to read my blogs. The US does. slimviews.blogspot.com Slim


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WSJ: China Naval Pow4er Draws U.S. Notice. Well, Finally! Doesn't anyone in Washington read their blog?


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@
@NCBizNetworking Yeah, but will Boeing ever be able to build them? That is the question.


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God is punishing us. We griped about the Advertising Industry, so he inflicted us with the Marketing Industry to punish us for complaining.


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EuroZone Outlook Bad. US Outlook Bad. Lookout, somebody might actually try to do something to fix things.


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@
@adriennecarter @zerohedge Wow! Warren Beatty is your Uncle?


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WSJ: France Predicts Fire going Out. Plan: cut off oxygen to get fire going. Which is the real news? The WSJ or sidestreetjournal.blogspot.com Slim


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@capflowwatch All right. You've changed my mind. I will be running for President. Slim


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Michigan rules pot can't be sold through private businesses. Now that the Gov. is taking over the pot industry, sales will surely decline.


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Michigan rules pot can't be sold through private businesses. That spoils a few business plans.


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Aussi Faces Charges he used union credit card to pay 4 escort services. No wonder Miller wants 2 buy Fosters. Another Shrimp on the Barbie?


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@
@capflowwatch I am guessing you've been reading my blogs. Too bad the EuroCrats don't read my blogs. Slim


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US Report on Chinese Navy concludes China wants 2 extend its influence. & we pay these analysts 2 tell us this? Pay me, I charge much less.


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Congressional Budget Office Cheerfully Predicted High Unemployment & Large Deficits 4 a decade. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.


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slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/03/nuclea… Nuclear Power has lost its lustre but not its glow!


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After Quake FEDS check to see if NUKE Plant hit with more shock than it can handle. But it was built to withstand any foreseeable disaster!


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Nokia unveils 3 smart-phones. Reiterates commitment to OS despite plans 4 MS software. Uh oh! Reiterating its commitment?


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Dutch Bans Sale of Phones saying they violate an Apple Patent. Now I am going to assume the Dutch believe in fair play. Slim


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FEDS ask AT&T why it needs to buy T-Mobile when it could achieve same objectives in-house at a lower cost. (I wondered about that myself.)


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Illegal Document Shredding at SEC. The internal watchdog is conducting—oh, never mind.


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@
@venatrix @AddThis How about the brightest person in the room? On Management: slimviews.blogspot.com à bientôt, Slim [Mince] ;-)


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To The EuroCrats: Don't bother reading my blog [hint: slimviews.blogspot.com ] Everyone always doesn't listen to me. Slim


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WSJ: ECB is Cracking up. Borrowing up from the Emergency Piggy Bank. How Old World. The EuroCrats are gallantly going down with the ship.


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Which reminds me. I am looking 4 an agent to sell or a producer to buy my screenplay. It's up on Amazon. Thank you. Slimfairview@yahoo.com


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Yesterday's Junk Bond Bonanza has finally fizzled. Buyouts make take a hit. Anyone want to buy me out. I'll finance....;-) Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
SEC wants data on Fracking 4 natural gas. Uh oh! The EPA is one thing, but the SEC? Now we have a problem.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
US, Euro Mkts up. Asian mkts down. Yesterday, Asia mkts up, US & Euro Down. Tomorrow, US & Euro Down, Asia up. Quick, Call an expert!


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Gold had an amazing run. How did the Canadians make out with the options investments? Anyone? Slim


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Add France to the visitors to slimviews.blogspot.com (Why then are the EuroCrats having such a problem?) ;-) Welcome, thank you, Slim


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Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Germany visited sidestreetjournal.blogspot.com Welcome, Thank you, Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Turkey, Brazil, Germany, India, Jordan, Philippines, UK, Netherlands, Russia visited slimviews.blogspot.com Welcome Thank you. Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
@
@capflowwatch I already said, I am not running. But thank you for the flattering suggestion. (Or did I misunderstand?) Slim


Sincerest regards,


Slim


PS.  I am not Paul Harvey.  However, I am open to becoming a paid commentator, columnist, or blogger. If you’ve found anything I said to be helpful, please don’t hesitate to send me one of those tricked-out laptops and to tuck a few dollars into the envelope along with the thank you note.


Sincerely

Slim

RR #2
Route 390
Cresco, PA 18326



Copyright © 2011 Slim Fairview

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Side Street Journal 24 August 2011

Commentary on Global Political and Economic Events by Slim Fairview
Please also see also http://slimviews.blogspot.com  Please do click the follow button for The Journal--and please email a link to your friends.  Thank you.

Slim

Armed only with an analytical mind and the ability to speak in metaphors, I attempt to explain the events of the day as I view them through the magic glasses my parents gave me over 50 years ago. Regards, Slim



Slimfairview Slim Fairview
@
@BrightideaHQ Thomas Edison invented the light bulb by candlelight. Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
@BrightideaHQ Thanks for the follow. Please visit & (?) follow slimviews.blogspot.com and sidestreetjournal.blogspot.com Thanks again. Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
@
@KimAuclair @forbes Or, read Unwritten Rules by Lynn Harris. Available @ Amazon.


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India has joined the visitors to slimviews.blogspot.com Thank you. Welcome again. Sincerely, Slim


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@
@Lagarde Mudpies and Martinis or The Global Hunger Problem slimviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/mudpie… Merci, Slim


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@
@Lagarde Madame, je vous en prie remission, mais slideshare.net/slimfairview/t… The G 20 in Good Times and Bad. Merci. Slim


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@
@jeff_hayes Now, see...if you were in the media business, you'd be cleaning up big-time. (With the appropriate concern....of course....)


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Google Search [silent film industry] 2,650,000 results. # 5? slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/07/publis… THANK YOU 4 THE RANKING, GOOGLE. Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
WSJ: TO Condo's Booming. Never mind the potential bursting of a potential bubble. Look at the uglification of a beautiful city.


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If you think a cubicle is so sad...WSJ: Global Finance. UBS Connecticut. See photo of the "work floor" Now that is so sad...


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@
@jeff_hayes But the crisis is so exciting....


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
@LinkedInTrainer Thanks 4 the follow. Please visit & (?) follow slimviews.blogspot.com & sidestreetjournal.blogspot.com Thank you again. Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
@speedupyourlife Thanks for the follow. Please visit & (?) follow slimviews.blogspot.com & sidestreetjournal.blogspot.com Thanks again. Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Sample Chapters of my Canadian Novel on slimviews.blogspot.com Looking for an agent to sell it or a Publisher to buy it. Thank you. Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
My Screenplay is posted to Amazon. Looking for an agent to sell it or a producer to buy it. slimfairview@yahoo.com Thank you. Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
However, only the US and Canada have visited sidestreetjournal.blogspot.com Thanks you. And Welcome to you and to others. Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Background Checker on my site again. If you want to know something about me, email me. slimfairview@yahoo.com Thank you. Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
UK, Netherlands, Germany, Thailand, Turkey all visited slimviews.blogspot.com Thank you. Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
@Eddazzb Thanks for the follow. Please visit & (?) follow slimviews.blogspot.com & sidestreetjournal.blogspot.com Thank you, again. Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
@Carrievu Thanks for the follow. Please visit & (?) follow slimviews.blogspot.com & sidestreetjournal.blogspot.com Thank you, again. Sincerely, Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
TWO: John Maynard Keynes or Maynard G. Krebs. Stop looking for the economy's scapegoat. slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/08/congre…


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
ONE: John Maynard Keynes or Maynard G. Krebs. Stop looking for the economy's scapegoat. slimviews.blogspot.com/2011/06/econom…


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
A Library on Qaddafi's Compound was destroyed by NATO strike. Okay, now I'm acrimonious.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
TURKEY BANKROLLING LIBYAN REBELS. I told you Turkey is a major influence in the region. But don't listen to me.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
DO ANY OF THE EUROCRATS HAVE A PLAN THAT DOES NOT INVOLVE PREDICTING GROWTH & EXPRESSING DISAPPOINTMENT?


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Is exposing other nations taxpayers to risk going to cause interest rates on their own bonds to rise? Will investors want to invest?


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
If everyone wants a cash collateral deal, will they be using the cash collateral as part of the bailout fund?


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
If Greece hangs on 2 the cash collateral, wouldn't they need a smaller loan & thus have 2 pay less interest. Or is the bailout no-interest?


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Let me see. If Greece gives cash collateral for a loan, wouldn't that increase the difficulty of repaying the loan?


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
IMF Opposes Cash Collateral deal between Greece & Finland. Other countries respond: Me too! Me too!


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
If I sit around sharing personal opinions and idle conjectures based on factoids published in the news, can I be an expert too?


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
A Report from ZEW said that expectations slumped.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
An Economist said that a near stagnation in Germany is worrying.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
German Economy Cools!


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
I have a new strategy for the EuroCrats. Next time you come up with a plan...read it out loud. Hear how it sounds. Then think it through!


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
EuroCrats New Plan. Non-Cash Collateral for Greek Bailout. Then what? If something goes wrong, you own buildings you can't sell or rent?


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
INVESTMENT TIP: GO TO THE TRACK. BET ON THE LONG SHOT. I PREDICT THAT BAD TRACK RECORD WILL RESULT IN A WIN.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
France's RICHEST Call for Taxes on the Rich. The Richest Don't want the Rich 2 Get Richer. I understand that. It makes the RICHEST look bad


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Earthquake shakes US from Florida to Maine. Everyone felt it except me. Am I too focused on this internet stuff. I even missed the tweets.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Why bother memorising the times tables. That only stifles creativity. If you want to know something, simply ask one of the Chinese students.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
CHINA NOW WORLDS LARGEST PC MARKET. Not only will Chinese students do better in math, they will do it faster. "Daytime math, anyone?"


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
@
@WashingTina That sounds like a cry for help.....


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
UBS Cutting Jobs @ investment bank. Seems like yesterday everyone was relying on Switzerland 2 help offset the...wait.....it was yesterday.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Moody's Lowers Ratings in Japan. Watch out S&P You have competition. Quick, lower somebody's ratings--remain competitive, relevant. Slim


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Growth Slows in EuroZone. Why don't the analysts just predict higher growth. Interest rates will fall, lending increases, all will be well.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Slim Prediction: RealityTV 2012. RepoGov. EuroCrats try repossessing furniture at Greek Parliament. Tie in 2 Jersey Shore. Snooki in Greece.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
WSJ: EuroCrats must have read my blog. They are not demanding cash collateral for loans. [Really?] Now they want non-cash assets. RME!


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
Meanwhile, manufacturing, the fuel of the economic engines, is down due to bleak outlook. I don't make this stuff up, folks. Read the WSJ:


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
WSJ: Markets up because economy gets worse. Investors are optimistic that if economy gets worse, someone will jump in to make it better.


Slimfairview Slim Fairview
When everyone around you feels the earthquake and you don't, does that mean you are too focused on what you're doing? Slim




Sincerest regards,


Slim


PS.  I am not Paul Harvey.  However, I am open to becoming a paid commentator, columnist, or blogger. If you’ve found anything I said to be helpful, please don’t hesitate to send me one of those tricked-out laptops and to tuck a few dollars into the envelope along with the thank you note.


Sincerely

Slim

RR #2
Route 390
Cresco, PA 18326



Copyright © 2011 Slim Fairview


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

You Can't Lead if You Can't Manage 2.0



In a previous monograph, I detailed the handling of a problem management is required to deal with all the time.

That problem ostensibly focuses on the non-performer.  Actually, it focuses on the non-performing manager.  It illustrates how someone who knows how to manage does, and why he is considered a leader.

That example was limited to a team working on a project.  Now, we will focus on a higher level of activity.  Team leaders working on different projects.

In order to do this, we must create an analogy.  This time, however, we cannot use Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D’Artagnan.

This analogy involves Wolf Blitzer, Candy Crowley, the fictitious Odious Thudpucker, and the big, important boss, Phil A. Bilgewater.

First, I will put two qualified individuals on display.

Wolf Blitzer and Candy Crowley are working on different stories at opposite ends of a large table.  Ms. Crowley is getting information together for a story.  She gathers what she needs, stands up, and says,

“Well, I’ve got what I need.  I’m going to head downtown to interview the Mayor; I should be back by three o’clock.”

“Good luck,” Mr. Blitzer says.

“Thank you,” Ms. Crowley says, and leaves.

The following day, Mr. Blitzer is still working on his story.  At the other end of the table is Odious Thudpucker.  Odious is gathering information for his story.  He gathers what he needs, stand up, and says,

“Well, I got what I need.  I’m gonna go interview the Mayor.  But first I’m stoppin’ off to talk to the director.  I wanna keep him in the loop.  Then, I’m gonna stop by and talk to the fact checkers, them I’m gonna go interview the Mayor.  I should be back by about three.  I may stop for a samwich, I dunno.  How you doin?  Okay.  If you need any help, I’ll be back around three.  Well, I guess I better go.”

He leaves.

Now, Wolf Blitzer, Candy Crowley, and Odious Thudpucker all have their assignments.  In plain English, however, Odious is no good.  He was hired by Mr. Bilgewater.  Bilgewater is no good at his job, either.  So, he calls a meeting and tells the three they all must attend.  This disrupts Mr. Blitzer’s and Ms. Crowley’s work.  Mr. Bilgewater tells them, “This is important.”  What he means is, “I think I am important.”  They all attend.

Mr. Bilgewater discusses the visioning process, shared vision, the importance of avoiding groupthink.  He discusses the importance of consensus building, which is really groupthink you paid a consultant to build.

In order for things to go more smoothly and to improve the quality of the journalism, Mr. Bilgewater is going to have Odious work with Ms. Crowley.

Ms. Crowley doesn’t say anything.  She knows that Odious Thudpucker is no good at his job.  Nor is Mr. Bilgewater.  She knows she will be doing Thudpucker’s job for him.  She knows he will junk up her report.  However, she bites the bullet and goes along with it.

This is what Ms. Crowley knows:

If Thudpucker’s story comes off well, he will take the credit.

If Thudpucker’s story fails, he will blame her.

If her story comes off well, Thudpucker will take the credit.

If her story fails, Bilgewater will hold her responsible—After all, “I had Odious Thudpucker work with you on that story to help you.”

When her story fails, Odious Thudpucker defends her to Mr. Bilgewater.

“It isn’t all Candy’s fault.  I had some good ideas and suggestions but I hesitated to push them.  I didn’t really feel comfortable making too many suggestions to help Candy improve her story.”

Mr. Bilgewater looks to Ms. Crowley.  “The purpose of having Odious help you was for you two to work as a team.  You should be more receptive, open to the ideas of others.  Let’s not have this again.”

Well, a string of disasters would have ensued.  However, Mr. Bilgewater has a boss.  His boss, Mr. Hammerhead reads my blog.  Not that he must.  He already knows this stuff.

He calls Ms. Crowley, Odious Thudpucker, and Mr. Bilgewater into his office.  He wants an explanation about this new arrangement.  He does not direct his question to Ms. Crowley.  He looks at Odious Thudpucker and Mr. Bilgewater.

Odious know his stuff.  He isn’t going to try to pull any fast ones with Mr. Hammerhead.  He has plan B. ready.  Throw Mr. Bilgewater under the bus.

Mr. Bilgewater knows what to expect.  He defends his decision.

“I am trying to build consensus.  I want my people to work as a team.  I learned this stuff at the Really Big, Important Seminar we had here last year.”

“Shut up, Bilgewater.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“From now on, Ms. Crowley works on her stories.  Mr. Blitzer works on his stories, and Odious Thudpucker works on his stories.  Got it!”

“Yes, Sir.”

“That was not a question.  Meeting over.”


Now, this is the point at which the critics see their opportunity to barge in and shift the focus to advance their agenda.

Two heads are better than one.  One person can’t do everything.  People need other people to help them.  People, people who need people.... You get the idea.

However, that is not the point of this presentation.

Wolf Blitzer has a story to work on.  He has a researcher look up information.  He has a fact checker check facts. He has an assistant go to the film department to get some file videos.  He puts his story together.

Candy Crowley has a story to work on.  She has a researcher look up information.  She asks a fact checker to check facts.  She asks an assistant to get some video from the files. She puts her story together.

Now we come to Odious Thudpucker.

Odious has a story to work on.  He needs research.  His demands are not merely vague they are confusing.  The researcher digs up the information he knows will be needed for the story.  Odious criticises his assistant.  He decides to get the information himself. Odious has the fact-checker check certain facts.  The facts he wants checked are not in question.  The ones that are, he tells her not to bother checking.  He sends an assistant for video from the files.  He doesn’t like the videos.  He gets some himself.  He gets a clip of young women in bikinis, people at a bar drinking vodka, and a car-chase scene.  This, he knows, will hold the interest of the audience.  His staff is rushed, pressured, confused, overworked, and feels a deepening resentment for Mr. Thudpucker and for Mr. Bilgewater who can’t manage and certainly can’t lead.

Wolf Blitzer’s story is a success.

Candy Crowley’s story is a success.

Odious Thudpucker’s story is a disaster.

Mr. Hammerhead can now deal with the problem.  He calls everyone into his office.  I can assure you this is not a meeting.

“What happened?”

“My staff.  I’m new. They question my ability.  They challenge my authority.  They aren’t team players.”

Bilgewater chimes in, “That’s what I was talking about, Mr. Hammerhead. Team building, consensus building, shared vision—“

“Shut up.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“You have the best researchers.  You have the best fact-checkers.  You have access to the best video files.  There is no excuse for this disaster you call a project.  This will not happen again.  You can go back to work.  Bilgewater, you stay.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Everyone leaves except Mr. Bilgewater.  When everyone leaves, Mr. Bilgewater looks at Mr. Hammerhead and asks, “Are you going to fire Thudpucker?”

“No.”

“Do you want me to fire Thudpucker?”

“No.  I am not going to fire Thudpucker.  I don’t want you to fire Thudpucker.  I am going to have the new big boss fire Thudpucker.  Clean out your desk.”

Now Mr. Hammerhead can justify his decision to the people upstairs.  Mr. Hammerhead hires a new big boss.  The new big boss replaces Odious Thudpucker with a qualified journalist.

Sincerest regards,

Slim


PS.  I am not Paul Harvey.  However, I am open to becoming a paid commentator, columnist, or blogger. If you’ve found anything I said to be helpful, please don’t hesitate to send me one of those tricked-out laptops and to tuck a few dollars into the envelope along with the thank you note.


Sincerely

Slim




Copyright © 2011 Slim Fairview
All rights reserved.