Never Good News

This is the type of article you like to read.  A scandal is uncovered, people are punished and new standards are implemented.  It shows reporters and others are watching the people we trust.  For an example, see the following article from the Washington Post.

However, a dark side exists.  Sometimes a scandal hits a public agency , non-profit entity or other similar organizations.  The impact can be harsh. Board members get squeamish, and wonder if the same circumstances are in their organization. So administrative staff spend hours doing backfill work and justifications.  Is every “I” dotted and every” “t crossed?  We must be sure.  We must do our due diligence.  We must confirm that our due diligence accurate, timely, and follows accepted practices.

Now I can understand why, but it also reflects a lack of trust.   And faith.  Sometimes I think it is easier to assume the worst in people and not the best.  That is why these stories are often a double edge sword.  We cheer the exposure of illegal activities and wonder if any organization we are associated with are equally guilty.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/head-of-internal-affairs-for-office-of-chief-financial-officer-resigns/2012/10/04/c6179876-0e58-11e2-a310-2363842b7057_story.html

And You Were Worried When the Government Could See What Books You Checked Out at the Library

When the Patriot Act was signed over a decade ago, a significant number of people cautioned about the loss of privacy. We had to balance security vs. loss of privacy. The law enforcement agencies could see what books you checked out at the library. 

Now, the era of big data analysis is upon us.  This will be a controversial issue.  The following article highlights this. In a nutshell, companies are developing a real expertise to know why we purchase what we do.  An example, Target executives say they can tell if a young lady is pregnant by what she purchases. So offers and coupons for baby products stream into the home.  Unfortunately, the young lady may not have told her parents that she is pregnant.  What a way for a parent to find out.

We do not realize how much we do is based on habit or needs.  Several decades ago CBS 60 Minutes ran a story on what a private detective could tell about you by reviewing the checks you write.  The subject was a middle aged man. The segment did cutaways of the private detective commenting  on the checks written and the activities and interests of the control subject. It was amazing and right on target. Without ever meeting the man, the private detective gave a very detailed description. Even down to the man’s concern for his hair.

Now think about this.  The private detective had some level of training that allowed him to develop an impressive profile of the man, down to some amazing miniscule details.  This is not easily taught or replicated. 

Today, we have systems that can analyze our purchases, draw conclusions and send us relevant coupons.  All within a matter of minutes and able to do this analysis on millions of citizens.  When I read a story like this my immediate thought is what is next?  What will private corporations know about me that I may not know about myself?  My only suggestion? Pay cash for every thing.

http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/10/what_should_you_tell_customers.html

Contrary to Popular Belief…

You are not an expert in every subject.  Of course I suspect we all know someone who thinks just the opposite.  And they are so much fun to be around. In Texas we called people like that graduates of Rice University – a two minute expert.  For my friends that graduated from Rice, this is not a cut at Rice or the quality of the education.  But rather a play on the university’s unique name.

I ran across this article last week and really enjoyed it. It is from the Harvard Business Review blog. The author thinks sometimes people stretch too much. They accept jobs they may not enjoy or not succeed at.  Just because you excel at some skill, it does not mean you are equally qualified for another different type of job, even if it is in the same company.  Also important, even though it is not targeted to small business owners and entrepreneurs, the article is surely applicable. 

The basic idea is that you do not know everything and you are not necessarily good at everything.  These are important points to consider. As you read the article note the two questions. 

http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2012/10/youre_probably_not_very_good_a.html

Back to the Basics

This is an article that definitely applies to the economic development profession.  It is on the Fortune magazine website.  The authors are Dr. Michael Porter and Jan Rivlin.

I do not always agree with Dr. Porter, but this piece is very helpful.  It offers valuable advice to businesses, education institutions, and communities.  However, the most appropriate section of the article follows the heading “Build the Commons and the Business.”

As you read beyond the heading an economic development professional will find Dr. Porter calling for a renewed commitment to the local area.  He suggests companies seek out partners and work to solve challenges.  The examples he offers are geared to education and churning out qualified employees. As economic developers, we should ask how we can help facilitate this process. What resources can an economic developer bring to assist?

Dr. Porter also points out how innovative companies are diligently working to strengthen suppliers and the supplier network.  Again, economic developers should ask how we can help our existing industries do this faster and more efficiently.  As with the previous example, what resources can an economic developer identify to assist?

In my experience working with my existing industry customers, my best way to help is identification and understanding of key resources.  In addition, it is important for me to know exactly who I can connect my existing industry customers with so they do not spend unnecessary time trying to determine the right person. The purpose is to maximize their time. Consequently I spend considerable time networking and probing.  And it is time well spent.

As you read the rest of the article you will find Dr. Porter’s thoughts on entrepreneurship and community. All are noble. However, my purpose was to focus on helping existing industries. 

Link to the site:  http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2012/10/15/porter-rivlin-economy-fix/

Hiking in the Shenandoah National Park

Today my family took the afternoon off and went hiking in the Shenandoah National Park.  One of the benefits of living in Prince William County, VA is the access to so many beautiful national, state and local parks. 

The Shenandoah National Park is about a 40 minute drive from our home.  The park is over 200.000 acres and has over 500 miles of hiking trails.  Part of the Blue Ridge Mountain is within the park boundaries. It is best known for the Skyline Drive, a very scenic road within the park.

It was a beautiful crisp day.  My wife packed a picnic.  We hiked 1.2 miles on the Dickey Ridge and Fox Hollow Trails. These are select pictures. 

Workhouse Arts Center

Today I went to the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA.  It is non-profit organization dedicated to the arts and arts education. It is a very unique place with an interesting history. 

Built in the early 1900s, it was originally a work prison formed during the Progressive Era.  The maximum capacity was 600 inmates.  Originally the prison had over 3,200 acres and was designed to be almost entirely self-sufficient. The prison had a working farm, industrial complex that included making furniture and bricks, an orchard, a cannery, and a dairy. The website has an excellent history if you want to learn more.

In the early 2000s Fairfax County purchased the land and buildings.  The Lorton Arts Foundation was formed to administer the activities and the grounds.  Of the entire complex, seven buildings are currently dedicated to the arts.  Over 100 professional and emerging artists are affiliated with the center.

Buildings house artists that share the same passion.  A separate building is for visual (watercolor and oil painting), photography, glass, ceramics, fiber and performing artists. In addition, over 150 classes are offered every quarter.

What makes this unique is visitors are encouraged to interact with the artists.  I talked to Crystal Rodrigue, very talented mixed media artist. She and her husband live in Spotsylvania, VA and own the Rodrique Studios.  When I was at her studio in the Workhouse Arts Center, Crystal was gilding a photograph. One of my favorite pieces of work was a gilded photograph of antique typewriter keys.  She was very friendly and we talked for a while.  No doubt she was passionate about her work and she has been a resident of the center for over 2 years.

I enjoyed it. If you like to see artists of all genres at work, this is a very worthwhile experience.  A link to the center follows.  http://workhousearts.org/

First Look in Your Own Backyard

This is an article I read in Bloomberg BusinessWeek.   Innovation is definitely in, we read, watch, think and try to implement it.  You hear so many talking heads and consultants promise to deliver innovation to you. 

The thrust of this article suggests you look at your front line employees.  In some cases you may find the best ideas to innovate come from these people.  It makes sense. 

As pointed out in the article, so many CEOs say employees are our most valued asset.  Or something to that degree.  If so, trust them.  Ask them.  Solicit them. Nudge them.  Listen to them.   You may find a few great ideas that are innovative and lead to major strides in productivity.  And it may not cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to get the idea.

The examples are excellent. All three of the company executive team certainly trust their employees.  That is a key to the success. And the concept applies across almost every industry.

Link to the article:  http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-10-16/the-untapped-innovation-factory#r=nav-f-blog

You Never Know How Much You Miss Something Until…

If you have been reading my blog (and I thank both of you), you know I recently had a bicycle accident. I went over the bars and had to have seven stitches above my right eyebrow.  I also fractured my right elbow.  No, I did not have a cast, but was in a sling for three and half weeks.  Most of my mobility has returned.  But, for three weeks I had to learn to do a lot with my left hand.  That is another blog.

October 12, 2012 is a very special day for me.  My orthopedic doctor cleared me for physical activity.  I cannot ride a bicycle yet (jolting of the elbow) but I can run.   That was a big relief. I eagerly anticipated running when I got off work.

We are experiencing a cold front on October 12th.  But I did not care. I got home, changed into running clothes and headed to Signal Park in Manassas Park.  It is one of my favorite running places. But my first preference is the Manassas National Battlefield Park, the trails are the best.  So is the Conway Robinson Memorial State Forest. Of course I digress.

After some stretching, I started in my usual place.  It was a gorgeous afternoon, the sun was going down and the air was crisp.  A slight breeze would make the leaves gently rustle.  It was not my best run, but it was not my worst either.  It was exhilarating and energizing.  Breathing in the air and hearing the sound of my shoes on a trail.  Great way to end the weekend.   Much to my surprise, the park still had a number of people enjoying the soccer field and pathways. A cross country team from a local high school was practicing distance and running sprints.

Since October 12th I have run every day in Signal Park. Again, not my best runs. However, I know it is a journey to build up my stamina again.

Most importantly, I could let my mind wander and enjoy the beauty of the park.  No distractions. No interruptions. For me running and bicycling are the down time for my mind and rejuvenation my body.   I do uninhibited thinking and physically feel better.  For over three weeks, I sure missed it.  Best of all, in three to four weeks I will get to start riding my bike again. 

The Enabler

We all know them and we do not like them. They change our life; they interrupt our natural flow of energy and events, they force change.  They make most days far more challenging.  Even worse for me, I am married to one. She is a major enabler of the worst kind.  She is relentless.  Like a bulldog with a big bone.

For those of you who know her, I think I can guess your first two questions. Her? How so?

Well, I am glad you asked.  In a somewhat consistent and continued effort to become healthier, she was and remains a constant challenge. (Please note the word somewhat.)

For example, I decide I need a snack and reach for the cookie jar or chips. What does the enabler do?  She points out the fruit she bought at my request. And ever so sweetly says I should eat it before it spoils. 

I decide I want to start riding my bike; the enabler buys a bike rack.  Of course I complain about attaching it to the car during a breakfast of healthy cereal with a banana. When I go back outside, the bike rack is on the car and my bike is on the rack.  The enabler smiles and reminds me to wear my helmet. 

Or, I come home from work and dither on running. The enabler smiles at me and quietly says but you will feel so much better, you always do after a run.  When I say I may not have anything to wear, the enabler finds running attire.  

Yes, she is an enabler.  My excellent and prepared reasons fall on deaf ears.  The enabler sees them for what they are. The excuses are quickly and cruelly pointed out in a Southern belle/Texan manner.  She allows no quarter and does not tolerate any half-hearted response.  No, I have absolutely no reason not to continue my self-improvement.  I am married to the enabler.

Enjoying the Newspaper

It has been years since I subscribed to a newspaper. Most of the news I consumed was in an electronic format.  When I went to my parents’ home for Christmas, I read the Wall Street Journal paper every day.  When I went back to work I would read the Wall Street Journal early in the morning. 

We subscribe to the Washington Post.  It is not favorite paper. However, I must admit that I enjoy reading it in the morning.  The writers are very good and George Will’s column is always a treat.  Best of all, it is an enjoyable way to start the morning with Morning Joe playing in the background. 

Saturday and Sunday editions are the best.  Long stories, book reviews and special sections.  Great with a cup of steaming hot coffee.

The stories are in depth.  Last week I read an excellent article on how bicyclists and automobile drivers can co-exist.  My wife suggested that I read that article. Most importantly, I learned a new term, “doored”. It means when a car driver opens the door and a bicyclist can hit it and injure himself.

When I read the paper, I wonder if it is a lost form.   My son was the sports editor of the high school paper during his senior paper.  And I think a number of the students read the school paper. But as they go to college, do they read a newspaper?  I suspect not.

Newspapers read different than news on a mobile device.  With a newspaper you can scan the headlines and first paragraph to decide if you want to continue. You can also quickly review the other stories on the pages and see if anything catches your eye.  The pictures can also compel you to read the accompanying article.  You can pass a good story to someone else and continue reading other parts or sections of the paper.  Try doing that with a mobile device.  Perhaps most importantly, I can rattle the pages of the paper when my daughter asks me for anything. Try doing THAT with a mobile device!  So a newspaper has a real utilitarian value for those who have loud and demanding teenagers.

Spy Skills and Economic Development

I read this Forbes blog post with great interest. Essentially the writer claims that females are better spies than men.  He even cites the director of Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency as evidence. 

As you read the post, note the skills listed.  You will see people skills, street smarts vs physical strength, the nurturing instinct and listening.  All his points are valid. 

For economic developers, please pay particular attention to people skills, nurturing and listening sections.  How are you at these when you meet with a client?  Can you immediately establish a connection?  Can you help your client feel like they will be welcome into the community?  Do you really listen or are you immediately thinking about what your response should be?

Of all skills, I think listening is the most critical.  One key for me is I take notes, handwriting, not typing on a tablet. It helps me concentrate on what is being said and I am not thinking of an immediate response.  As an old debater, that habit is a tough one to rein in.  But it is important, we are not in this business to score debate points, we are in the business to listen to our client and help them succeed. By doing so we want to identify wants and needs. Then respond accordingly. 

Give this a read. You might enjoy it.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/crossingborders/2012/09/30/why-the-best-spies-in-mossad-and-the-cia-are-women/

Injury

If you read my blog, you know I had a bicycle accident.  Due to the graphic nature of the fall, I will not go into detail. A brief summary, I skinned my nose and chin pretty severely.  I skinned one knee. And I had seven stitches sewn on my forehead.  Oddly enough, I did not hurt my hands, the scrapes were minor. 

I think I hit a hole in the pavement.  Key lesson – ride on bike paths, not on sidewalks.  Most importantly, I was not riding fast.

When I fell, several people showed up out of nowhere and immediately started to help.  One gave me a cloth. Two would not let me stand up, even though I thought I could.  The ambulance and fire truck were on the scene in a matter of minutes.  The fire truck stopped traffic and took my bike to the station.  It was my first time in an ambulance and I wanted to sit up front with the driver.  I could remember the home phone number, but no cell numbers (thanks speed dialing).  The medic in the ambulance was very patient and kind. He also had a very light touch.  He stayed with me throughout as I was rolled into a hospital room and then helped me clean up before my wife saw me.  I do not think it helped and after I saw myself in the mirror, nothing made a difference.

The medic asked me to retrace my steps.  I could not recall every minute. His conclusion was I must have been unconscious for a few minutes. Funny, I do not recall that.

I have a slightly crushed elbow, but did not require a cast. However, my arm is in a sling for at least three weeks.  My shoulder and elbow are stiff.  My biggest regret is I cannot bicycle or run.  Both of those are great stress relievers for me.  My plan was to run on weekdays and ride my bicycle on weekends.  I just started that regiment. 

For a long time, I did not enjoy exercising.  Over the past couple of years I enjoyed running on trails. Bicycling was a nice change.  As I wrote in an earlier post, the bike paths here are numerous and outstanding. 

I will get back to running and bicycling.  Just counting the days. 

Something Old is New Again - For Me it is Bicycling

I owned a bicycling for years.  As a Boy Scout, I proudly earned the Cycling Merit Badge.  However, I did not use it much in my later years.  Even when I did spinning at the gym, I did not bike. 

Before I begin, I should thank the employees of Bike World (http://www.bikeworldky.com/). Especially Hutch, Martha and Landon.  They and other employees of Bike World were so helpful to my family when they had biking questions.  Based on Hutch’s recommendation, we bought a sturdy and easy to mount bike rack. We can also open the trunk. You may not think that means much, but it really does make a difference.

Since living in Virginia I biked around the neighborhood and quickly realized a few (or many) of the muscles I use when running are not the same ones when biking.  In fact, I think alternating between running and biking may be a very good exercise routine.

Recently I went for my first longer run on a bike path.  It was windy and I saw several other bikers and runners on the path.  Most of the bikers were far more serious about the sport than me. They had gloves, special clothes and several water bottles.  Before you ask, yes I do wear a helmet (more on that later).

Now, I am again enjoying biking. It is an excellent alternative to running.  Shifting gears is fun. But, I think one reason I have a renewed interest is the sheer number of bike trails and paths I have access to.  And a really good bike rack.  The counties in the region promote biking and have numerous and long bike paths. It is in the hundreds of miles. For those who like more of a challenge, you can hit the trails.  Even the U.S. parks in the area have several easy and difficult bike paths.

But most importantly, it is like running. I can just think or let my mind float and see what pops in (or does not).  At least to me biking and running both offer a different form of meditation.  No distractions, no interruptions, no noise.  Most importantly, I always feel better after a ride.

Postscript:  Since I wrote this I had a bicycle accident.  I was very lucky, only slightly fracturing my elbow.  No cast was required but I do have my arm in a sling.  Unfortunately I cannot recall how it happen. 

Before I started bicycling again, I briefly thought about not getting a helmet.  Now, I think it helped me minimize the injury. Now, I will wear a helmet all the time and never ride without one.  My family and I are very appreciative for Landon Beans with Bike World for convincing me to buy a very good and sturdy helmet. 

And yes, I am looking forward to bicycling (and running) again. Just as soon as my doctor clears me.  I miss running and bicycling.

Why I Like Chick-fil-A

And no, not for the reasons recently noted in the media lately.

I recently went for an early morning bike ride.  Unfortunately I needed to stop at the bike store for a part.  The bike store did not open for 45 minutes.  So I went to Chick-fil-A for a light breakfast. 

Before I go into this, Chick-fil-A is one of the favored restaurants by my fellow employees.  Face it, the chicken sandwiches are good and who does not enjoy waffle fries.  The price is very reasonable.

No doubt you have experienced the same circumstances I have at a fast food restaurant.  You are in somewhat of a hurry, you are with friends talking, you do not really pay much attention to your surroundings.  And if you are alone, you are on the phone or reading or Tweeting or checking your email accounts or on Facebook or any combination of these.

When I went to Chick-fil-A before my bike ride, I did not have anything to read or my phone.  Unlike so many others, when I run or ride my bike I prefer to listen to the sounds around me, not music.  So, for over 40 minutes I just observed the restaurant and the employees. First, the facility is very clean.  It is kid friendly.

The employees are exceeding polite and well dressed. And they smile a lot.  The males wear ties, but it is not a uniform. So you can show some level of individuality.  The employees bring you your food and ask you if you want anything else.  Perhaps most interesting, any employee who walks by and thinks you are finished will ask if they can take the tray and garbage.  This company has an excellent hiring program.  It occurred to me as I was sitting at the restaurant that every time I have been to a Chick-fil-A, it is the same.

But most importantly, the iced tea is so good. And they offer sweet and regular tea. Since you will ask, yes, I am a Southerner, and no, I do not drink sweet tea.

Good Advice From Reid Hoffman - Founder of LinkedIn

This is the transcript of an interview I watched on Sunday. The show was Fareed Zakaria GPS on CNN. He interviewed LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman.  I found this interview to be thought-provoking. Note the answers from Hoffman that are highlighted.  His basic thoughts are you must take charge, you must adapt, you must always learn and be curious.  You and I are permanent betas. (You will understand as you read on).

One of my most valuable and useful business social networks is LinkedIn, so an interview with the founder is certainly worth taking time to watch or in this care read.  I hope you agree.

ZAKARIA: My next guest has made his name by being ahead of the curve. Reid Hoffman is a serial entrepreneur. He is the co-founder of LinkedIn and a founding team member of PayPal. He is invested in some Silicon Valley 's most famous startups, Facebook, Zynga and others. Before anyone had heard of them. Fittingly his new book is titled "The Start Up of You." Welcome, Reid.

HOFFMAN: Great to be here.

ZAKARIA: Now, you talk about in this book the idea that really you think of yourself as an entrepreneur. What are you seeing that's different?

HOFFMAN: Yes. Well, I think this kind of two things. The first thing is, that everyone should think about themselves as the interpreter of their own life, is the CEO of their own career. And all the things that apply to business you should think about applying to yourself, not just brand, but also how do you invest in yourself, how do you have competitive differentiation, how do you use business intelligence in order to navigate.

Now what that means is in terms of technology is you should be deploying technologies as -- like using the Internet, using LinkedIn to figure out how to invest yourself and how to essentially build your skills, build the connections with people, learn what is going on in industries, and be able to kind of navigate the new world of work.

Because it's changing. Globalization, technology disrupts industries, how do you navigate that both to protect the downside, not get laid off in a bad industry, and also how to get upside in terms of how to find the right kinds of breakout opportunities. And I think since technology is the driving force, both behind globalization and behind industry disruption, attuning yourself to what -- technology change means for you is I think very important.

ZAKARIA: So you found in your life a sort of these constantly meeting new people and learning new things, this was crucial?

HOFFMAN: Yes. I think it's critical for everyone. For example, one of the things we advocate in the book is think about who you're going out to lunch with and occasionally go out to lunch with someone who is, you know, presumably smart, accomplished, maybe two degrees away from you, I think how we first met, and then have a conversation with them where you're learning from each other. Like what's going to change in the world? Where is the world going? How is technology changing? Because then that helps you have the skill set and the knowledge to be adaptable and to be inventive in what you're doing.

ZAKARIA: When you look at the competition that Silicon Valley faces, do you think that the United States can retain its edge in technology?

HOFFMAN: Generally speaking the answer is yes. I think that Silicon Valley continues to be a global leader in the kinds of technology it does. Now I think there's a number of policies we need to be more intelligent about, like high immigration, is one of the ones that every Silicon Valley person beats that drum. Because it's really important. You're either going to import the talent or export the job.

You know, it's very simple. And if you keep the job here, that person then employs restaurants, dry cleaners, accountants, you know, auto mechanics, the whole thing. And that creates a whole wealth of ecosystem. Now, I do think that one of the things is we need to work a little bit more on some technologies, like manufacturing technologies and other kinds of areas because I think we're world class at software but I think we still have a ways to go -- like I think we may be competitively not at the absolute leading edge, I don't know, I'm not a deep expert there, but I think there's a set of technologies we should also be investing in.

ZAKARIA: Do you think that when you look at the young people who come out today, are they, in terms of, you know, science, technology, energy, dynamism, still world class?

HOFFMAN: I think there is a group that is world class which is really good. I think we could -- we could quite happily can accept that number and still be really under where we would need to be. And you know --

ZAKARIA: So you feel there's a shortage of people with the kind of skills we needed?

HOFFMAN: Absolutely. Critically so. I mean, and in fact, actually, given the technology as part of what sets the drumbeat for the future, I think many more people with their hands on, I know, how to participate in building and understanding deploying technology. I mean like one of the things that I've come to realize is, every organization should have a technology strategy.

Technology is disrupting industry. So it's not just, oh, what am I doing to IT, and which system do I use, it's how is technology changing the game that gets played in my industry, changing the nature of products, changing the nature of how we can deploy a service. If we use data, how do we use data to be a good business? And so part of that is coding but part of that is understanding well, how does that fit into a business strategy, how does fit into marketing, how does that fit into product design? It's all aspects of it in terms of being competent in the modern world.

ZAKARIA: Do you think that all these new changes are moving so fast from the mobile to big data and cloud computing, that it's conceivable that 10 years from now the top technology companies in America and the world would be a totally different set of companies?

HOFFMAN: I think that the transformational speed, right, for example, I think in the '20s and '30s the average 10 years and the S&P 500 was 65 years and the '90s was 10 years. The transformational speed you have to invest in the future. I think that applies to organization as it applies to individuals. And given that accelerating rate, I think it's perfectly possible that that the transition happens even at an accelerating rate.

Now what that means for individuals and organization is you need to keep investing and reinvesting in yourself. In the book we refer to that as permanent beta. Which is never think of yourself as a complete product. By the way that should be a company as well as an individual and always be thinking how do I invest in the future, how do I invest in the next generation, next wave?

ZAKARIA: So when you apply the lessons in the book to yourself, do you -- I mean at some level you're, you know, incredibly successful, fabulously rich. Are you done or do you think of yourself as very much still a work in progress --

HOFFMAN: I still think of myself as a work in progress in a permanent beta because --

ZAKARIA: So what happens next?

HOFFMAN: I think being a part of the modern world is being curious. So I always ask, what do I -- what should I -- no. What should -- what question should I be asking because that's part of how you then adapt to the future.

ZAKARIA: Reid Hoffman, pleasure to have you on.

HOFFMAN: Thank you

Running on One of My Favorite Trails

Several of my posts have been about the joy of running.  I took it up last year after a several year hiatus.  One unanticipated benefit of living in Prince William County, VA is the numerous hiking and running trails within a 15 minute drive. 


Running is good for me in so many ways, several outlined in previous posts.  So I will not elaborate in this post.  Today I walked part of my favorite trail and took pics. You read my posts, I thought you might like to see the trail. It is the blue trail at the Manassas Battlefield Park.  Now keep in mind it is not at its most stunning, that will happen in a couple of months.  Frequently I can hear squirrels running close by, often I have seen deer, heard numerous birds and woodpeckers.  As you know, I do not listen to music, the sounds of nature are more entertaining. The pics follow.

What We Take for Granted

Today I took the DC Metro into the downtown to see the Cherry Blossoms on the Mall and around the Tidal Basin.  


About half way I stopped to enjoy the scenery and read my Kindle. I was reading Bloomberg BusinessWeek. The article was titled "China May Finally Let Its People Move More Freely."  The article reviews how hard it is for Chinese families to leave the cities or towns where they are registered.  You see if a family does, it loses education and health care benefits.  I may have known that, but I did not remember.  I do not do the article justice, the Chinese leadership had valid reasons for imposing these rules.  Often I must remember that the Chinese way is different and it works on so many levels. It is up to me to see how they are different and why.  Understanding and appreciating the uniqueness is key, at least to me.  Link to the article:


http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-03-15/china-may-finally-let-its-people-move-more-freely


It did make me think.  That is so contrary to the U.S. We live where ever we want to, we do not carry any papers to move from one city or state to another.  The U.S. is a mobile society.  Frankly, I am not sure U.S. citizens would tolerate any action for a government entity that dictates where we live and connects it to benefits we pay for through taxes.  


My first paragraph was about going into DC and seeing the Cherry Blossoms. I took over 60 pictures. These are a couple of my favorites.  

By the way, no one asked me for any identification as I traveled from Prince William County, VA to Washington, DC. 

Garmin and Technology

My first experience with a Garmin was in New York City 10 years ago. I was calling on site location consultants and building relationships.  


I was solo on this trip. My boss, Wayne Sterling, suggested I get a Garmin. It is almost impossible to drive in New York/New Jersey and read a map.  It cost an additional $15 per day for the Garmin, but I decided to get one. It was amazing.  It was really big compared to the ones today.  You put it on the dashboard of the car.  


A simple story will explain how valuable it is to me.  For those who know me recall that I can be direction ally challenged.  Sometimes when my family takes trips my wife will navigate in big cities.  Often she will sweetly and kindly say "No George, right, go right." And proceed to point right as I veer left. 


She asked me what is it like to use a Garmin. I said it was like having you in the car providing navigation help. But, when I turned the wrong direction the Garmin did not call me stupid or roll her eyes.  The Garmin said "recalculating" and it was courteous. 


My family gave me a Garmin as a gift and I used it during my business travels.  I still take maps and I mapped out my trip, but I found myself using maps less and less. 


Take a look at the article linked below.  Now I read Garmin is struggling.  An amazing technology rapidly moving to obsolescence. The main reason? Mobile phones.  This article is interesting because it shows how technology can rapidly change people's use of products and Garmin's effort to remain relevant. 


Link:  http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2012/03/08/garmin-gps-dashboards/?iid=SF_F_River


I still use the Garmin, mainly because if I am lost or late, I can call on my cell.  You cannot do that if your phone is in essence your Garmin.  For as long as possible, I will keep my Garmin.  I know I will miss the British lady kindly helping me navigate strange cities and towns. Her voice reassuring and never a raised voice when I make a wrong turn. 

A New Kind of Election Coverage

First, some background.  Those of you who know me know I love C-SPAN.  I also read a very good political website named Politico.  


In the DC area Channel 8 is a news channel, this is the local medium for the Politico coverage.  C-SPAN is also providing coverage for the nation on C-SPAN I and C-SPAN radio.  i commend C-SPAN for providing this broadcast.  


Politico has coverage of Super Tuesday. You can live stream it from the Politico website, but it can be hard to watch. This is the first time I have seen it on TV.  It has been so entertaining and informative.  The set is very simple - a very small table, swirling chairs and two computers on the small table. The anchors tweet and check emails during the broadcast.  After Mike Allen kept coming on stage and kneeling to report a story or offer some analysis, they finally pulled up a chair for him to sit on.  


No surreal super talking heads, only the reporters and editors of the Politico. These people are on the ground. The commentary and coverage certainly beats CNN and MSNBC.  I do not detect a bias or over inflated egos you see on other channels.  In fact, I do not think these are TV trained correspondents, I think they are print journalists.  It kind of shows and that makes it worth my time. 


An example of how different this coverage is - the telecast was scheduled to end at 10:30 PM (they thought they could call Ohio). Instead, the anchor team voted, yes voted, to continue reporting until mid night.  


They encourage Tweets, texts, and emails.  In fact, the men want to go on past midnight because the public through social media asked for the coverage to continue.  Maggie wanted to stop. 


If you had a bunch of friends over to watch an election night (which I would love to do and yes, I am a political junkie), you would like this kind of interaction. The anchors laugh, have fun and disagree without being disagreeable. You can hear them whisper when going to a travelling correspondent. I am thoroughly enjoying it. 


I am back to watching CNN with their multi-million set and high powered (and priced) talking heads/analysts.  It is even less interesting than before I discovered the Politico and C-SPAN team. 


So, I sure regret the striking of the mid night hour.  But, on the positive side, I have future primary coverage to look forward to. CNN and MSNBC, look in the rear view mirror.  Bring on the Politico and C-SPAN teams!!!

Shopping with My Daughter

This is the final part of my Abingdon, VA trip journal.  Early Saturday we walked around the charming Abingdon, VA downtown. We explored the shops and dining choices.  A couple of the fun stores we visited were the Foxlove Antiques and Zephyr Antiques. We also had a tasty hamburger at the Ellis Soda Shoppe. 

Shopping with my daughter is a real treat. She is very deliberate and looks for good deals and sales.  Her tastes are refined (yes, I am her father and of course I would write this, so you think). But I was very impressed. She looks at clothes, thinks about what she has, and gives real thought to the colors, etc. I had alot of fun.  The following pics are from our downtown excursion. 

Running the VA Creeper Trail with My Son

From those of you that read my previous post, you know my family had a fun trip to Abingdon, VA. We stayed at the Creepers End Lodge.  Link:  http://www.virginiacreepersendlodgingabingdonva.com/

My son and I ran the VA Creeper Trail.

I say ran together, but not really. Now please understand, we are both runners, he runs for his high school, I am a recent runner.  This is a pic of the entrance to the VA Creeper Trail.  At the bridge we started running. He took off like a rabbit. I now realize I have more of a jog than a run. My son had a run.  Like I said, he took off and I followed as best I could.  

 Another pic of the VA Creeper Trail. 

 A final pic of the VA Creeper Trail. 

As you can see, it is a beautiful trail, even in the winter.  It sure make me want to see it in the spring or summer.  


Back to my running story.  By the time I caught up with him, he was running back. He stopped and we walked back. We talked about the scenery, the homes by the trail, school, and his thoughts on going to college.  He has given college alot of thought. I was very impressed with his thinking process and kindness toward his friends and others.  While I will not go into any details, I can say how proud I am of him and the young man he has become. He will be someone you will be pleased to have as a friend.  

Abingdon, VA Trip

I recently returned from a short family vacation with my family to the wonderful town of Abingdon, VA. We stayed at the Creeper' End Lodge, an outstanding cottage by the railroad and within walking distance of the charming downtown and the VA Creeper Trail. 


One interesting note, my wife and I attended the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church. It was in walking distance of our cottage, but since it was raining, we drove. What an inspirational service! The people in the church were so kind and the sermon was thought provoking. It was a good way to start Sunday.  


Sunday night it snowed and the kids made a snowman and we had a snowball fight.  The snow was perfect for creating snowballs. The snow was just wet enough to give it some density for throwing.  

We had so much fun. The city offered so many shopping opportunities. The dining cuisine was excellent and varied.  My son and I ran on the VA Creeper Trail (more on that later).  The Barter Theatre is first rate.  My kids went bike riding on the VA Creeper Trail.  So many choices, so little time.

If you need a weekend getaway, I highly recommend Abingdon, VA and staying at the the Creeper's End Lodge. The link is http://www.virginiacreepersendlodgingabingdonva.com/

This is a pic of the creek that runs under a bridge on the VA Creeper Trail

 The living room of cottage in the Creeper's End Lodge

 A fountain in downtown Abingdon, VA

 The Barter Theatre where we saw Alfred Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps"

 Another pic of downtown Abingdon, VA

 Entrance to the VA Creeper Trail

Part of the VA Creeper Trail

30-45 Minutes and You Can Completely Change Your Outlook

Some days I am overwhelmed or tired or stressed or any combination of these.  You know what I am writing about and probably experienced it yourself. I can have trouble concentrating or exerting any degree of discipline. Most of the people I know get this have different ways of handling it.

In my experience, and over many years, I tried several ways to overcome these feelings. It included eating (among the worst), watching TV, reading, listening to music, driving on an interstate, writing in either a journal or blog, meditating, resting with my eyes closed, etc. 

By far the most effective way for me to overcome the blues is exercise.  I always feel better and my outlook is far more positive after a run and/or lifting weights.  From what I have read, and this is a layman's take, exercise works like a stimulate by releasing certain chemicals that provide a mental and physical boost. As far as I can remember, exercise in some form has seldom, if ever, failed me.  That is why I was not pleased last weekend when we had ice and snow on the ground and I could not run. Since I have been in Northern Virginia, that was the first weekend I have not hit a trail.

This week I gave in and ran on a treadmill after I lifted weights. Treadmills are not my preference.  It was okay, but not as much nearly as enjoyable.  I think I miss the scenery and sounds on a trail.  The scenery on a trail can be quite beautiful and different. More memorable runs include seeing deer and stunning birds.  Once I saw a recenly discarded snake skin.  The sound of my shoes crunching on the ground or leaves just makes me smile. Other sounds are leaves on trees rustling, birds chirping, and squirrels moving in the forest. Something about hearing the pounding on the treadmill takes away for the overall experience, especially if the treadmill squeaks every few seconds.

But, for me exercise gives me more energy, makes me feel better, more relaxed, and more alert. That is what I get from running and lifting weights. 

Yes, meditating is healthy, but actually more difficult for me.  However, for 30-45 minutes, I prefer a more physical exercise.