There has been a grimness about politics which is hard to escape for me lately. Seems so gloomy with good reason, and here in the US looks like some political candidates seem to be doing their best to repudiate, well, seems like they keep looking for any number of things.
Where that seems to be something that describes Republican political candidates trying to get elected to be president. But why can they be so, well...can I characterize them as a group without sounding prejudicial?
In any event, one of those odd things in the United States which politically we are told splits Republican against Democrat is that MOST voters aren't registered as EITHER.
So let's say about 25% of the electorate is registered Republican, which is only 1 in 4.
Now have that 1 in 4 choose between a group of possible candidates, and you have an even smaller percentage with a HUGE say based on which of those possibles has the majority, especially with quite a few of them.
Which can lead to all kinds of wackiness.
But even if the MAJORITY of registered Republicans were united behind one person, which presumably will happen eventually, you'd still only have the opinion of 1 in 4 of the electorate!
That means 3 out of 4 Americans still aren't being represented yet, with the Republican nominee. Is it much better with the Democrats? Not really. There it's a bit under 1 in 3 of the electorate, so more than 2 out of 3 Americans are still not represented by the Democrat nominee.
But by the time of the election, the ENTIRE electorate must pick between a person chosen by about 1 in 4 for the Republican side, or a bit under 1 in 3 for the Democrat side, or go for some other candidate unlikely to win given historical perspective as registered voters tend to pick a side.
And given historical perspective--which doesn't mean it has to be--roughly fifty percent of the registered voters are likely to vote for a Republican or Democrat!
Such a wacky thing when you look at it that way, where the early choice is to minorities of the electorate.
And those people picking may pick for all kinds of reasons, as so many things can seem like good ideas until you try them, where in politics that can have such huge consequences.
Well, one thing we know is that the nation will choose.
And am thankful for perspective given the history of the nation with its highs and lows. The trendline has given us a modern America with lots of freedoms.
So this Thanksgiving when so many will be considering the history of this nation anyway in terms of stories way back, that can be a comfort I think.
James Harris
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Monday, November 23, 2015
Potential for new beginnings
If it begins your work week guess for many one of the potentials of Monday is for it to be like a new start. Though not much really new which when it DOES happen can be very stressful. Reality am sure for many is more like a new start of the familiar. Another opportunity to continue to progress with what you know, and stack more accomplishments onto a known pile.
Which is great. If the new week does start with very new things that can raise the possibility of stumbles, yeah, like when you start riding a bike. Or even come back to riding one after years of being off.
That cyclic reality of a new beginning of the familiar has a comfort to it.
Your work reality may shift in certain ways, but at best only in a few ways that can really vary, while so much will be well within the realm of the known and familiar with tools ready to get things done.
The rhythms of the workplace have their own special role and at times I would find myself pausing to feel the vibrations, gain a sense of the movement around me, like a breathing actuality with its own comfortable rules.
Even stepping out for coffee on a break was so much about the familiar. Standing in line gave an opportunity to get a feel for others, with a comradery shared, like at the table with the sugar and cream. As people deftly stepped around each other to reach, or politely said excuse me, as quickly withdrawing a hand when it wasn't clear who had first.
The rhythms of so many places in our lives can pulsate with a heartbeat all their own, which is like a comfort which is so there so much in our lives. Going back to the beginnings, like when an infant could gain comfort from that pulsing of the mother's.
The cycles of our lives are so important in defining them, as even as we see so much new in each beginning, like the beginning of the work week, we depend so much on knowing where it should go, and what to expect.
Happy Monday!
James Harris
Which is great. If the new week does start with very new things that can raise the possibility of stumbles, yeah, like when you start riding a bike. Or even come back to riding one after years of being off.
That cyclic reality of a new beginning of the familiar has a comfort to it.
Your work reality may shift in certain ways, but at best only in a few ways that can really vary, while so much will be well within the realm of the known and familiar with tools ready to get things done.
The rhythms of the workplace have their own special role and at times I would find myself pausing to feel the vibrations, gain a sense of the movement around me, like a breathing actuality with its own comfortable rules.
Even stepping out for coffee on a break was so much about the familiar. Standing in line gave an opportunity to get a feel for others, with a comradery shared, like at the table with the sugar and cream. As people deftly stepped around each other to reach, or politely said excuse me, as quickly withdrawing a hand when it wasn't clear who had first.
The rhythms of so many places in our lives can pulsate with a heartbeat all their own, which is like a comfort which is so there so much in our lives. Going back to the beginnings, like when an infant could gain comfort from that pulsing of the mother's.
The cycles of our lives are so important in defining them, as even as we see so much new in each beginning, like the beginning of the work week, we depend so much on knowing where it should go, and what to expect.
Happy Monday!
James Harris
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Thoughts on connection support
The connections that support our lives can be so important that we fail to see all of them, which is NOT a terrible thing. Like fish in water it can be overwhelming to always think of who and what you need to survive as you spend most of your time just living.
And then there can be shocks, which can make them flash at you so sharply, where I don't pretend to be able to give a best answer as to why one thing does and something else does not. Guess it is unique to each of us and our experience.
Relentless activity around our planet by human beings is what we know. And so much of that positive but then there are those who attempt to destroy the fabric of the lives of others, and even take their lives.
As sobering as that is, there is a reality that our lives will be defined by the best of times and the worst of them but also so much in-between, where it is so particular to every human what finds you. And not necessarily in our control. And so sad when completely out of our control if to harm or even death.
It is amazing how many of us are on this planet doing our thing though. Which is so hard to characterize. So much human activity, wish to believe most of it somehow works for the better. But can't say really know.
Do find comfort where I can though which so often involves those connections that matter, and best when feel positive with them.
Finding myself more appreciative of those positive things so many people do. Appreciating the art and the music. Appreciating the fellowship. Appreciating what I may take for granted, not occurring to me as I type. All of it together represents a support. Maybe not so visible most of the time, but there's a comfort there too.
People are going to do something, which of course is built into living, and I just want to choose to do things that help, and to be lucky enough to for the most part be around people who are building a better future.
Finishing out this week, balancing against the negatives, thinking of how much wonderful I'm sure got done, as people keep doing good things, come what may, day after day.
James Harris
And then there can be shocks, which can make them flash at you so sharply, where I don't pretend to be able to give a best answer as to why one thing does and something else does not. Guess it is unique to each of us and our experience.
Relentless activity around our planet by human beings is what we know. And so much of that positive but then there are those who attempt to destroy the fabric of the lives of others, and even take their lives.
As sobering as that is, there is a reality that our lives will be defined by the best of times and the worst of them but also so much in-between, where it is so particular to every human what finds you. And not necessarily in our control. And so sad when completely out of our control if to harm or even death.
It is amazing how many of us are on this planet doing our thing though. Which is so hard to characterize. So much human activity, wish to believe most of it somehow works for the better. But can't say really know.
Do find comfort where I can though which so often involves those connections that matter, and best when feel positive with them.
Finding myself more appreciative of those positive things so many people do. Appreciating the art and the music. Appreciating the fellowship. Appreciating what I may take for granted, not occurring to me as I type. All of it together represents a support. Maybe not so visible most of the time, but there's a comfort there too.
People are going to do something, which of course is built into living, and I just want to choose to do things that help, and to be lucky enough to for the most part be around people who are building a better future.
Finishing out this week, balancing against the negatives, thinking of how much wonderful I'm sure got done, as people keep doing good things, come what may, day after day.
James Harris
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Human beings can do what human beings can do
The web has helped with information in so many ways! We can just see so much more or read so much more or otherwise as information flows, which can help better understand human reality. Like I have an example from my life on what was, even in my own experience, in a world that has gone. As years ago, somewhere around twenty years ago I think, was surprised when talking to a nice woman and guess mentioned going to the beach and she said she thought Black people didn't swim.
As strange as that may sound, and have puzzled over it often through the years, the simplest way I think to think of fellow human beings and what they can or cannot do is that they can do what human beings can do.
Can human beings swim? Yes. So can people of any race or ethnicity swim? Yes.
Easy. And that is such a bizarre example I have to emphasize but race in the US was a lot about delusions, misinformation and people who just didn't know while maybe on some level not really seeing others as being human beings!
And it's a nice check for yourself, if there is something that humans do that you don't think members of some race or ethnicity can do. If there is anything, you're wrong.
Today of course you can just see all kinds of people doing all kinds of things all over the world as it's not about a select set of things allowed by gatekeepers like on television.
But still, how could anyone think that race had anything to do with the ability to swim?
When you probe into these things I think it can get very weird.
And that does have political relevance as well--doing politics is something humans do! And while some may have their doubts on it but seriously yes, getting elected involves humans voting for humans. And it is fascinating to consider how much has shifted in beliefs in recent years just because of what people have seen that before may have thought impossible.
Nothing like reality to check you on such things. And am thankful so much reality has been about what positive things people of all races or nationalities can do, regardless of race or ethnicity.
When people try to insist that human beings can't do something human beings do, then I strongly suggest you question their intellect. If they're using race for such a claim? Then strongly suspect they're questioning the humanity of their target.
And guess what? That human being is STILL human regardless.
Just like you! Be of good cheer fellow human!
James Harris
As strange as that may sound, and have puzzled over it often through the years, the simplest way I think to think of fellow human beings and what they can or cannot do is that they can do what human beings can do.
Can human beings swim? Yes. So can people of any race or ethnicity swim? Yes.
Easy. And that is such a bizarre example I have to emphasize but race in the US was a lot about delusions, misinformation and people who just didn't know while maybe on some level not really seeing others as being human beings!
And it's a nice check for yourself, if there is something that humans do that you don't think members of some race or ethnicity can do. If there is anything, you're wrong.
Today of course you can just see all kinds of people doing all kinds of things all over the world as it's not about a select set of things allowed by gatekeepers like on television.
But still, how could anyone think that race had anything to do with the ability to swim?
When you probe into these things I think it can get very weird.
And that does have political relevance as well--doing politics is something humans do! And while some may have their doubts on it but seriously yes, getting elected involves humans voting for humans. And it is fascinating to consider how much has shifted in beliefs in recent years just because of what people have seen that before may have thought impossible.
Nothing like reality to check you on such things. And am thankful so much reality has been about what positive things people of all races or nationalities can do, regardless of race or ethnicity.
When people try to insist that human beings can't do something human beings do, then I strongly suggest you question their intellect. If they're using race for such a claim? Then strongly suspect they're questioning the humanity of their target.
And guess what? That human being is STILL human regardless.
Just like you! Be of good cheer fellow human!
James Harris
Monday, November 16, 2015
Our primarily constructive world
Looking at a sobering Monday as the days move away from recent tragic events. And it is something to contemplate what hits home while wanting to respect too much tragic that happens on a daily basis. For me there is the sense that attacks on the most dominant cities in getting so much more attention, also point to a reality of a world where so much has been built by so many people with so much care and time.
It is not disrespectful to others to recognize when an attempt is made to attack the very foundations of our modern world with all its problems yes, but with so much possible for so many that would not be without the tremendous building that has gone into its creation.
Years can be necessary to build something that can be torn down in moments, which is not always a bad thing. That old building may come down to build something much better, or the area may even be turned into green space, like maybe a park. But the reality that so much that took so long can be taken away so quickly does not change the calculation that building is better.
And of course a human life is built over time. And each of us will find our way one way or another, maybe even pulled along it seems for the most part. But tasked with making decisions. Which for adults come after years of building towards adulthood, which is a necessity all who make it share.
For me here in this space already have talked about the wonder I have with so much we do as people working together maybe without necessarily thinking about it, as people going about their lives and so many starting their workweek today. Like a symphony of more cooperation than not, as so many whether they think of it that way or not, help build today, on which tomorrow depends.
While some may not feel that call to constructive action--and even worse some may turn to destruction, even daring to take the lives of others in senseless violence--a world will continue in its own way to make a music of sorts, whether you hear it that way or not. I like to think I do.
And I believe that the people who will really matter, who will make the difference are the ones constructing and building on a daily basis in so many ways.
Enjoying your life as much as you can I think is the best defense, as happy communities are better. Not just because of how people feel, but also about what they build.
As challenging as it may be wherever you are in the world, may your Monday be a day that you build on something good. And may that help for a better life for others, you, and if possible your world.
James Harris
It is not disrespectful to others to recognize when an attempt is made to attack the very foundations of our modern world with all its problems yes, but with so much possible for so many that would not be without the tremendous building that has gone into its creation.
Years can be necessary to build something that can be torn down in moments, which is not always a bad thing. That old building may come down to build something much better, or the area may even be turned into green space, like maybe a park. But the reality that so much that took so long can be taken away so quickly does not change the calculation that building is better.
And of course a human life is built over time. And each of us will find our way one way or another, maybe even pulled along it seems for the most part. But tasked with making decisions. Which for adults come after years of building towards adulthood, which is a necessity all who make it share.
For me here in this space already have talked about the wonder I have with so much we do as people working together maybe without necessarily thinking about it, as people going about their lives and so many starting their workweek today. Like a symphony of more cooperation than not, as so many whether they think of it that way or not, help build today, on which tomorrow depends.
While some may not feel that call to constructive action--and even worse some may turn to destruction, even daring to take the lives of others in senseless violence--a world will continue in its own way to make a music of sorts, whether you hear it that way or not. I like to think I do.
And I believe that the people who will really matter, who will make the difference are the ones constructing and building on a daily basis in so many ways.
Enjoying your life as much as you can I think is the best defense, as happy communities are better. Not just because of how people feel, but also about what they build.
As challenging as it may be wherever you are in the world, may your Monday be a day that you build on something good. And may that help for a better life for others, you, and if possible your world.
James Harris
Thursday, November 12, 2015
But is it a guilty pleasure?
To me the idea of suggesting people go out on Thursday night to get an early start on the weekend seemed somewhat pushing the edge. Which it may not be. Am sure plenty of people do it as I did it for decades, starting back in college.
Reality today is that how we look at work has to shift as work reality continues shifting.
More and more I think a workforce needs a certain mental well being, which means less of a feeling of being chained to a job. It's no longer a guilty thing to feel like you should feel well at your workplace. And more and more people expect it.
Having a quiet night out any day of the week, shouldn't be a big deal really.
Saw a key making machine at a major discount store, which of course will not name. Do wonder if this blog were at a place where an offer might be made, would I take it from this particular one? Talking it out though such an issue may never arise.
Actually talking it out just makes me realize why I'd feel uncomfortable if it were possible. Kind of makes me wonder then if that is even something that could work with me. Figure something that doesn't make me feel queasy will occur to me eventually.
And of course a key making machine is SO much more convenient if it works well as admit didn't check it out, as thankfully didn't need it. But have needed keys made in the past, and would go find where there was a person who would do it. And not that it was hard but it seems to me that a machine can just be more readily available.
In our times machines have changed so much about how we look at work. When robots of various kinds, including that key making machine which can be considered one, can do so much physical, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
No human being would even wish to compete with such schedules.
Maybe for me it's still an adjustment to think of work as more empowering than drudgery. And there is kind of a sense of getting away with something with behavior that can be both adult, responsible and a great way to add to the quality of your life.
Maybe not for everyone, but being able to head out after a solid week of work on Thursday night, even to finish out the work week on Friday, and head back out again was usually for me just a better way to do it.
James Harris
Reality today is that how we look at work has to shift as work reality continues shifting.
More and more I think a workforce needs a certain mental well being, which means less of a feeling of being chained to a job. It's no longer a guilty thing to feel like you should feel well at your workplace. And more and more people expect it.
Having a quiet night out any day of the week, shouldn't be a big deal really.
Saw a key making machine at a major discount store, which of course will not name. Do wonder if this blog were at a place where an offer might be made, would I take it from this particular one? Talking it out though such an issue may never arise.
Actually talking it out just makes me realize why I'd feel uncomfortable if it were possible. Kind of makes me wonder then if that is even something that could work with me. Figure something that doesn't make me feel queasy will occur to me eventually.
And of course a key making machine is SO much more convenient if it works well as admit didn't check it out, as thankfully didn't need it. But have needed keys made in the past, and would go find where there was a person who would do it. And not that it was hard but it seems to me that a machine can just be more readily available.
In our times machines have changed so much about how we look at work. When robots of various kinds, including that key making machine which can be considered one, can do so much physical, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
No human being would even wish to compete with such schedules.
Maybe for me it's still an adjustment to think of work as more empowering than drudgery. And there is kind of a sense of getting away with something with behavior that can be both adult, responsible and a great way to add to the quality of your life.
Maybe not for everyone, but being able to head out after a solid week of work on Thursday night, even to finish out the work week on Friday, and head back out again was usually for me just a better way to do it.
James Harris
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Question on direction
Of all the political questions that often get asked of the body politic the one that I like to see is: do you believe the country is moving in the right direction?
And of course the direction set is all about leadership.
Where are the people in charge leading us?
It's a great question to me as there isn't a lot of ways to go with the answer. Or many ways to distract from what it means when the majority takes a position.
As much as words like "leadership" and "leaders" are tossed around maybe it can get lost that we expect certain people to give a direction, behind which so many others will follow.
But then again in our world at times I wonder about people in positions of power where it is hard to take those labels seriously anyway. With it seeming to be more of just something you say by habit versus representing a clear actuality.
While there is a reality of a world with very rapid changes, and you gotta wonder, how would anyone know the right direction?
Which gets to the complexities of the reality of leadership, which is that people tend to know after the fact. A leader can point in a direction and a people can head off in that direction, but the value of the path will be seen over time.
And that's where it is actually very scary as it's built into the reality.
Yes, you can try to pick the best leaders. Give them the best support you have. But reality will tell over time.
How people feel about where their country is going is kind of like passengers on a train or bus looking out the window at times, guessing at progress to the destination.
And if it looks like the train is going backwards, who is going to like that?
Wherever we're going as a nation and in the bigger picture as a world, I think we can all agree that it should be towards better.
But who really knows exactly what "better" is? And who will set the best direction?
What we do know is that there will be people in certain positions, and others who will follow them. And time will give the answers.
Happy Veterans Day!
James Harris
And of course the direction set is all about leadership.
Where are the people in charge leading us?
It's a great question to me as there isn't a lot of ways to go with the answer. Or many ways to distract from what it means when the majority takes a position.
As much as words like "leadership" and "leaders" are tossed around maybe it can get lost that we expect certain people to give a direction, behind which so many others will follow.
But then again in our world at times I wonder about people in positions of power where it is hard to take those labels seriously anyway. With it seeming to be more of just something you say by habit versus representing a clear actuality.
While there is a reality of a world with very rapid changes, and you gotta wonder, how would anyone know the right direction?
Which gets to the complexities of the reality of leadership, which is that people tend to know after the fact. A leader can point in a direction and a people can head off in that direction, but the value of the path will be seen over time.
And that's where it is actually very scary as it's built into the reality.
Yes, you can try to pick the best leaders. Give them the best support you have. But reality will tell over time.
How people feel about where their country is going is kind of like passengers on a train or bus looking out the window at times, guessing at progress to the destination.
And if it looks like the train is going backwards, who is going to like that?
Wherever we're going as a nation and in the bigger picture as a world, I think we can all agree that it should be towards better.
But who really knows exactly what "better" is? And who will set the best direction?
What we do know is that there will be people in certain positions, and others who will follow them. And time will give the answers.
Happy Veterans Day!
James Harris
Monday, November 9, 2015
World bound by communication
There are SO many ways in which the ability to communicate rapidly around the globe binds us. For instance you can be doing something here in the US working with someone elsewhere in the world. Which means being aware of important things there like the time. And it can work either way, so maybe you have to come in at midnight or some other late hour to work with someone in a time zone where that is convenient.
That binding of the world through communication is of interest to me, and wonder how that shifts how people see each other.
It's one thing to see news stories about some foreign place. And another to see them when you've been communicating with someone from that same place, especially if working on something together.
These interactions can be on so many levels though. As it may not be all that formal at all.
Shared interests can link around the globe.
For me it became a pragmatic matter working in San Francisco with a lot of communication to the East Coast which was three hours ahead. So would have to be mindful as couldn't assume for instance that some business could be done at 4 pm my time, when it would be 7 pm say in New York.
There is something about that consideration and it does show. Doesn't take much to notice when someone somewhere far away just didn't think about where and when on the planet you were.
James Harris
That binding of the world through communication is of interest to me, and wonder how that shifts how people see each other.
It's one thing to see news stories about some foreign place. And another to see them when you've been communicating with someone from that same place, especially if working on something together.
These interactions can be on so many levels though. As it may not be all that formal at all.
Shared interests can link around the globe.
For me it became a pragmatic matter working in San Francisco with a lot of communication to the East Coast which was three hours ahead. So would have to be mindful as couldn't assume for instance that some business could be done at 4 pm my time, when it would be 7 pm say in New York.
There is something about that consideration and it does show. Doesn't take much to notice when someone somewhere far away just didn't think about where and when on the planet you were.
James Harris
Thursday, November 5, 2015
And what about that dance?
One of my favorite lines from my own writing, yes can sound wrong but hey need an intro here, has to do with dancing.
Quote from my blog post on my blog Beyond Mundane about Short Timeline Reachable Goals or STRG's for short.
Yeah, I love that power dance part.
And I think you can consider it literally or figuratively, though if you can physically move in some way that is about a sense of triumph I think that is so powerful as it just feels good when I do it.
Doing things that don't hurt you in any way that feel good just makes sense to me! And finding such things is great. Oh, so yeah, but should add that before you do any serious exertion might want to check with your medical provider.
But the privacy of your bedroom by yourself is so you can do it without fear of embarrassment.
While going out to dance, yes even on a Thursday night, can really work great, especially if you're not on the prowl to meet someone! Which I discovered later in life as early on felt like that was what you were supposed to be doing! But eventually as grew older more often found myself with a group of people who all knew each other and we'd be out just to have fun, and dance, without there being a pickup thing going on.
And it was so much fun. More fun actually, as was far less frustrating than so many other nights thinking I was on the prowl. So funny. Never was really good at that. But had vague ideas of what thought was supposed to do versus what was comfortable and enjoyable to do.
So I like to say now, if you like to dance, dance! And don't feel like you need an excuse. But if you stacked up lots of accomplishments, then yeah, I think you have a great reason.
So why not? Dance.
James Harris
Time management is important, but I prefer thinking of it as building on success. First you have a STRG, accomplish it. Cheer your success. Move on to the next one. Repeat till day is done. Celebrate accomplishment. Relax. Repeat next day. And every once in a while do a power dance by yourself in your bedroom, because life IS great.
Quote from my blog post on my blog Beyond Mundane about Short Timeline Reachable Goals or STRG's for short.
Yeah, I love that power dance part.
And I think you can consider it literally or figuratively, though if you can physically move in some way that is about a sense of triumph I think that is so powerful as it just feels good when I do it.
Doing things that don't hurt you in any way that feel good just makes sense to me! And finding such things is great. Oh, so yeah, but should add that before you do any serious exertion might want to check with your medical provider.
But the privacy of your bedroom by yourself is so you can do it without fear of embarrassment.
While going out to dance, yes even on a Thursday night, can really work great, especially if you're not on the prowl to meet someone! Which I discovered later in life as early on felt like that was what you were supposed to be doing! But eventually as grew older more often found myself with a group of people who all knew each other and we'd be out just to have fun, and dance, without there being a pickup thing going on.
And it was so much fun. More fun actually, as was far less frustrating than so many other nights thinking I was on the prowl. So funny. Never was really good at that. But had vague ideas of what thought was supposed to do versus what was comfortable and enjoyable to do.
So I like to say now, if you like to dance, dance! And don't feel like you need an excuse. But if you stacked up lots of accomplishments, then yeah, I think you have a great reason.
So why not? Dance.
James Harris
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Information fluidity and trust?
Information zips around the globe and it can be hard to process all the implications. But found myself watching a documentary about a troubling subject, and it was like, so someone can take a picture, share with someone else, and later find it go, well just about anywhere. But before the web would have been unthinkable I think for as many to even contemplate, with a physical photograph.
But why really?
And it's not so much the anonymity aspect either as typically if photos get shared or stolen people can figure out how that went. So what was it?
Lots of information can flow rapidly so in our times it pays to think carefully about what might be shared why. And it is good to be imaginative, but how imaginative can you be really? Or are so many people guinea pigs where others find out from their travails?
And where are governments? Seem way behind I think. Barely beginning to grapple themselves with reality of how information flows in the modern age, even when it bites them! Like with disclosure of secret information.
Which should be noted has had benefits with whistleblowers outing government abuses which I think trace back to small-minded individuals with positions of trust they've betrayed.
And that IS a huge part of it, isn't it? Betrayal of trust.
We're living in an age when trust is becoming more visible. Yes it has always been important but betrayal was less so often public. Today a person gets mad at an ex and it can end up making international headlines no matter who they are. Where that would have only been possible in the past with high status individuals or people connected to some in some way.
Today information flows so readily that just about any person can have some which in a certain context can interest a world, for good reasons, very bad ones, or simply embarrassing ones. Or for reasons hard to fathom.
Our world doesn't feel the need to explain itself to me, now does it?
There are no gatekeepers to decide that story is not news. As it can be so readily available that people can pick it up and yes, make it go viral.
So trust has become so upfront. And that to me is a good thing to take from all of it.
Your life I think will be very much defined by who you trust, which has always been true. But now also trust is what the web studies very closely.
James Harris
But why really?
And it's not so much the anonymity aspect either as typically if photos get shared or stolen people can figure out how that went. So what was it?
Lots of information can flow rapidly so in our times it pays to think carefully about what might be shared why. And it is good to be imaginative, but how imaginative can you be really? Or are so many people guinea pigs where others find out from their travails?
And where are governments? Seem way behind I think. Barely beginning to grapple themselves with reality of how information flows in the modern age, even when it bites them! Like with disclosure of secret information.
Which should be noted has had benefits with whistleblowers outing government abuses which I think trace back to small-minded individuals with positions of trust they've betrayed.
And that IS a huge part of it, isn't it? Betrayal of trust.
We're living in an age when trust is becoming more visible. Yes it has always been important but betrayal was less so often public. Today a person gets mad at an ex and it can end up making international headlines no matter who they are. Where that would have only been possible in the past with high status individuals or people connected to some in some way.
Today information flows so readily that just about any person can have some which in a certain context can interest a world, for good reasons, very bad ones, or simply embarrassing ones. Or for reasons hard to fathom.
Our world doesn't feel the need to explain itself to me, now does it?
There are no gatekeepers to decide that story is not news. As it can be so readily available that people can pick it up and yes, make it go viral.
So trust has become so upfront. And that to me is a good thing to take from all of it.
Your life I think will be very much defined by who you trust, which has always been true. But now also trust is what the web studies very closely.
James Harris
Monday, November 2, 2015
Like the tides? Ebbs and flows.
More I think about it more I realize that feel for me for these Monday posts are like tidal--as the flows go back and forth. And have talked flows quite a bit and realize is from that feeling.
And it has always been comforting to me. Routines can be comforting. Finding comfort in them I think is the silver lining that can alleviate a sense of tedium.
Where the smoothness to it always fascinated me. As much as it can seem to be a jumble at times people usually do a great job of actually flowing into and out on the commute.
Flow is such an important thing too. Like when words can just flow out and it's interesting as for me can almost step back to see as am curious! What's going to end up on the screen? Often can't wait to find out. As the words begin, part of me is anticipating.
As time continues and mind considers something it's just a matter of letting the words go, as they press to be released. And the black letters against the white have personality, and as they step out seem to begin to sing. Eventually together are like a song, with a growing orchestra.
Looking at the words sing is one of my favorite metaphors as they are a comfort as well. And coming into this world in this new way, new combinations together, maybe they can comfort others. But regardless they are your new friends of the moment.
The black letters on the white background could also be seen as talking. Soaring at times, or simply plodding along, but always moving.
Towards the end it is more full, rich, and vibrant. As race for the conclusion? Can it be rushed? Or is there so much more needs to be said? But a feeling of completeness can build as the chorus of words roar to full strength.
So many new friends, so much personality and why it can be hard to let some of them go! When you edit. Coming back to trim the music of the words to its best sound. Decisions have to be made. Objective. Be objective as you step away mentally to see it all more clearly.
Towards the end is the ebb as things die down. The volume diminishes. The words begin to peter out.
On the streets of so many cities the huge volume of traffic will thin somewhat, and so many people will settle down for so many tasks.
Another work week begins.
Happy Monday!
James Harris
And it has always been comforting to me. Routines can be comforting. Finding comfort in them I think is the silver lining that can alleviate a sense of tedium.
Where the smoothness to it always fascinated me. As much as it can seem to be a jumble at times people usually do a great job of actually flowing into and out on the commute.
Flow is such an important thing too. Like when words can just flow out and it's interesting as for me can almost step back to see as am curious! What's going to end up on the screen? Often can't wait to find out. As the words begin, part of me is anticipating.
As time continues and mind considers something it's just a matter of letting the words go, as they press to be released. And the black letters against the white have personality, and as they step out seem to begin to sing. Eventually together are like a song, with a growing orchestra.
Looking at the words sing is one of my favorite metaphors as they are a comfort as well. And coming into this world in this new way, new combinations together, maybe they can comfort others. But regardless they are your new friends of the moment.
The black letters on the white background could also be seen as talking. Soaring at times, or simply plodding along, but always moving.
Towards the end it is more full, rich, and vibrant. As race for the conclusion? Can it be rushed? Or is there so much more needs to be said? But a feeling of completeness can build as the chorus of words roar to full strength.
So many new friends, so much personality and why it can be hard to let some of them go! When you edit. Coming back to trim the music of the words to its best sound. Decisions have to be made. Objective. Be objective as you step away mentally to see it all more clearly.
Towards the end is the ebb as things die down. The volume diminishes. The words begin to peter out.
On the streets of so many cities the huge volume of traffic will thin somewhat, and so many people will settle down for so many tasks.
Another work week begins.
Happy Monday!
James Harris
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