Goodbye 2007, Hello 2008!
On this day in: 1879 - Thomas Edison demonstrates incandescent lighting to the public for the first time. 1891 – The immigration depot is opened on Ellis Island, New York. 1904 - The first New Year's Eve celebration is held in Times Square New York. 1929 - Guy Lombardo performs Auld Lang Syne for the first time.
Most of the feedback I've gotten from my change of party has been positive,
but I just got this email from a friend(?):
John,
While I appreciate your energy, I simply cannot take time to be part of (pardon me if I am frank), reckless and non-productive enterprises. This is an election year and you are off the map so I have no time for you or your followers. I think you actually registered as a Dem. Why should I give any time at all to you? Now you are the enemy so "Get a life with the Dems and have a great time!".
TAKE ME OFF ANY OF YOUR LISTS! YOUR HAVE JOINED THE ENEMY SO I DON'T WANT ANY PART OF YOUR CRAZY RANTS!
M
So I emailed this back just now:
Hi M,
Your frank, open feedback is invaluable. Thank you.
It may be that what I'm doing is way off base, we'll see. In our free marketing economy, the marketplace renders the final decision.
The work I'm doing to try and encourage more grassroots civic participation and business entrepreneurship seems to be helping people.
It was people like you, good Republicans I offended with my change of registration, who I had in mind when I posted this on my blog last week:
On December 5, the deadline for affiliating with a party to be able to vote in the February 5 precinct caucus, I became a Democrat. A friend says I’m BAD, a Born Again Democrat. Some of my friends are asking why.
I started my political life as a Democrat. When I cast my first vote for President in 1968, it was for Hubert Humphrey. My friend was disappointed I didn’t support Eugene McCarthy.
A few years later when I owned a small business, Richard Nixon sent me what seemed to be a personal letter. This was before the wide spread use of word processors, so I wasn’t hard to fool.
Nixon’s letter got me thinking about politics, so when my business failed and I retreated to graduate business school at the University of Denver, I was easy pickings for cute girls at the College Republican’s table at registration.
This was during Watergate, so it was easy to rise to the top of College Republicans. Soon I was State Chair, meeting with Dwight Hamilton, Bob Tonsing, and the Colorado Republican’s Executive Committee each month. I helped Karl Rove give seminars around the country teaching about how to appeal to young voters. I appeared on a Republican National Committee TV special called “Republicans Are People, Too.” At that year’s National Convention here in Colorado, Karl and I met Dick Wadhams (then 18-years old, now Colorado GOP Chair).
Since then, I’ve been a Republican precinct committee person, district captain, and volunteer for various Republican candidates and organizations. In 2002 I was part of Save the Caucus which defeated Amendment 29 which would have killed our wonderful Colorado grassroots political system.
Over the years, everyone who I’ve respected, from Karl Rove to Phil Perington (past Colorado Democrat State Chair who was driving force behind the Save the Caucus effort) have said that it is important to affiliate with one of the major parties, but which one was a matter of personal taste.
Democrats are slightly biased towards justice, Republicans towards freedom, but they are both for freedom and justice. The 2-party system that has served us so well over the years is just a tool for encouraging good debate between the best and the brightest each party can put forth for each office. It’s like sports; I cheer for my team, but I’d be insane to believe my team was God’s choice, too.
David Fogel (past Denver County Dem Chair who helped with Save the Caucus) and Republican leaders I’ve spoken with privately have said that what makes the most sense politically is to join the majority party in your county if you are interested in helping improve local government. Pat Waak and Dennis Gallagher seemed open to the idea of me changing. So that’s what I’m doing. After 30 years, I’m a Democrat again.
Why now? The final blows were: 1) A note I got from a Denver Republican volunteer telling me that if I was prolife, they wouldn’t help me as a precinct committee person, making concrete the underlying current in the Denver GOP; 2) I was sensitive to this issue ever since I’d had no cooperation from a former Republican district captain because of the same issue; and 3) Finally, when Denver GOP leaders were so forceful about their support of pro-death candidate Rudi Giuliani. It became clear it was time for me to leave.
Besides, my beautiful finance Mary is a Democrat! She has shown me the light! We hope to both be volunteers at the Convention here next summer. Who knows, maybe we’ll decide to get married then. But that may be too soon. We’ve only known each other for 42 years; you don’t want to rush into these things!
M, to the extent that you and I share what I see as the foundational principles of the GOP, it seems to me I can be much more helpful in advancing those principles in Denver right now as a Democrat. If I can be helpful to you or the people you serve, please let me know.
If we don't agree on those foundational principles, we were enemies before, and you are just confirming for me the wisdom of my decision.
But I've been given instructions to love my enemy, so whether we are friends or not, I sincerely wish you a very happy & prosperous 2008!
John
The Denver Post has a “news” article in today’s paper about some of the political implications of the crazy compensation plan adopted by Denver Public Schools that was used as justification a yet another tax increase by Mayor J-Hic. To see the article, go to http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_7845650
Here is the comment I just posted in response to the biased article:
"(Denver) Republicans will favor it without thinking about it."
Yes, I certainly agree with this, it's one of the reasons I'm now a Democrat. Time after time, there has been no opposition to these kind of harebrained schemes by the Denver GOP.
"Denver's ProComp plan was a grassroots effort"
This is simply NOT true. It is an elitist plan that used propaganda to put on grassroots sheepskins as it went to the voters for yet another tax increase.
So how well is it working? It's been in place for over a year. Has recruitment of new teachers for Denver Public Schools been improved? Has retention of GOOD teachers improved? What do the teachers now think of the plan? How can a news article not address these critical issues?
I opposed ProComp because it forced another tax-increase on voters, using the gimmick of an incentive plan that was overcomplicated and that could only increase the very, very negative effect of CSAP, teaching to the test rather than truly educating students.
Happy New Year! I'll see you back here in 2008!
John
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
A brief history of the Iowa caucus
1800s: Iowa political leaders adopted a caucus system even before the region became a state in 1846. The state's first caucuses were held in mid-spring, in the middle of the national presidential nominating schedule.
1916: Iowa held its first and only primary election. Only 25 percent of registered voters showed up. Iowa reverted back to its caucus system.
1972: Iowa's Democratic Party moved its caucus date forward, positioning the caucus ahead of the New Hampshire primary and making it the first nominating event in the nation. Sen. Edward Muskie of Maine, the front-runner, beat Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota by less of a margin than expected. McGovern went on to become the Democratic presidential nominee.
1976: A little-known Democratic governor from Georgia, Jimmy Carter, campaigned heavily in the state and wound up coming in second to "uncommitted." That almost-win positioned Carter to later take the Democratic nomination. Republicans moved up their primary to make the Iowa caucuses a bipartisan national event. President Gerald Ford narrowly beat Gov. Ronald Reagan of California. Ford later won the Republican nomination, but lost the presidency to Carter.
1980: Carter was the incumbent president, and he beat Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts. Ronald Reagan, meanwhile, did not focus heavily on Iowa. But his GOP competition, George H.W. Bush, did, and won the GOP contest. Reagan ultimately beat Carter. By this time, the media began relying on results in Iowa as an indicator of how the race would turn out.
1984: Reagan, the incumbent president, was unopposed. On the Democratic side, it was a wide open race, with Sen. Gary Hart of Colorado, former Vice President Walter Mondale, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Sen. John Glenn of Ohio facing off. Mondale, who won the Iowa caucuses, was ultimately the Democratic nominee. Reagan defeated him in the general election.
1988: An open race in Iowa and one that ultimately had no bearing on who both parties' nominees would be. On the Republican side, Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas beat televangelist Pat Robertson and then-Vice President George Bush in the caucuses, but Bush ultimately became the nominee. He also ultimately beat Democratic nominee Gov. Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts, who came in third to Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri in the caucuses.
1992: Incumbent President George Bush was unopposed among Republicans, and any competitiveness in Iowa was rendered moot by the candidacy of Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa, a beloved figure in the state. With him running, few other Democrats even bothered to compete. Bill Clinton went on to win the presidency.
1996: Democrat Clinton was the incumbent, and unopposed. Among Republicans, Bob Dole beat Pat Buchanan. Clinton beat Dole later that year in the general election.
2000: Iowa winners Al Gore and George W. Bush went on to win their party's nomination. Bush, the Republican, won the general election.
2004: Despite a surge in popularity from Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, Democrat John Kerry, who'd previously lagged in polls, won the caucuses. John Edwards came in second. Kerry went on to win the nomination. On the Republican end, Bush was unopposed, and went on to win a second term.
Source: Iowa Democratic Party, Iowa Republican Party, Drake University
1800s: Iowa political leaders adopted a caucus system even before the region became a state in 1846. The state's first caucuses were held in mid-spring, in the middle of the national presidential nominating schedule.
1916: Iowa held its first and only primary election. Only 25 percent of registered voters showed up. Iowa reverted back to its caucus system.
1972: Iowa's Democratic Party moved its caucus date forward, positioning the caucus ahead of the New Hampshire primary and making it the first nominating event in the nation. Sen. Edward Muskie of Maine, the front-runner, beat Sen. George McGovern of South Dakota by less of a margin than expected. McGovern went on to become the Democratic presidential nominee.
1976: A little-known Democratic governor from Georgia, Jimmy Carter, campaigned heavily in the state and wound up coming in second to "uncommitted." That almost-win positioned Carter to later take the Democratic nomination. Republicans moved up their primary to make the Iowa caucuses a bipartisan national event. President Gerald Ford narrowly beat Gov. Ronald Reagan of California. Ford later won the Republican nomination, but lost the presidency to Carter.
1980: Carter was the incumbent president, and he beat Sen. Ted Kennedy of Massachusetts. Ronald Reagan, meanwhile, did not focus heavily on Iowa. But his GOP competition, George H.W. Bush, did, and won the GOP contest. Reagan ultimately beat Carter. By this time, the media began relying on results in Iowa as an indicator of how the race would turn out.
1984: Reagan, the incumbent president, was unopposed. On the Democratic side, it was a wide open race, with Sen. Gary Hart of Colorado, former Vice President Walter Mondale, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Sen. John Glenn of Ohio facing off. Mondale, who won the Iowa caucuses, was ultimately the Democratic nominee. Reagan defeated him in the general election.
1988: An open race in Iowa and one that ultimately had no bearing on who both parties' nominees would be. On the Republican side, Sen. Bob Dole of Kansas beat televangelist Pat Robertson and then-Vice President George Bush in the caucuses, but Bush ultimately became the nominee. He also ultimately beat Democratic nominee Gov. Michael Dukakis of Massachusetts, who came in third to Rep. Richard Gephardt of Missouri in the caucuses.
1992: Incumbent President George Bush was unopposed among Republicans, and any competitiveness in Iowa was rendered moot by the candidacy of Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa, a beloved figure in the state. With him running, few other Democrats even bothered to compete. Bill Clinton went on to win the presidency.
1996: Democrat Clinton was the incumbent, and unopposed. Among Republicans, Bob Dole beat Pat Buchanan. Clinton beat Dole later that year in the general election.
2000: Iowa winners Al Gore and George W. Bush went on to win their party's nomination. Bush, the Republican, won the general election.
2004: Despite a surge in popularity from Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, Democrat John Kerry, who'd previously lagged in polls, won the caucuses. John Edwards came in second. Kerry went on to win the nomination. On the Republican end, Bush was unopposed, and went on to win a second term.
Source: Iowa Democratic Party, Iowa Republican Party, Drake University
(If you just looked at my video to the left, it talks about last Thursday’s posting here. I’ll change the welcoming video to date-neutral soon! John)
On this date:
James Gadsden, U.S. Minister to Mexico, and General Antonio López de Santa Anna, President of Mexico, signed the Gadsden Purchase in Mexico City on December 30, 1853. The treaty settled the dispute over the exact location of the Mexican border west of El Paso, Texas, giving the U.S. claim to approximately 29,000 square miles of land in what is now southern New Mexico and Arizona, for the price of $10,000,000.
U.S. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis had sent Gadsden to negotiate with Santa Anna for this tract of land which many people, including Davis, believed to be strategic for the construction of the southern transcontinental railroad. Many supporters of a southern Pacific railroad route came to believe that a transcontinental route which stretched through the Gadsden Purchase territory would greatly advantage southern states should hostilities break out with the north.
The first transcontinental railroad was, however, constructed along a more northerly route by the "big four" of western railroad construction—Collis P. Huntington, Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker. A southern transcontinental route through territory acquired by the Gadsen Purchase was not a reality until 1881 when the tracks of the "big four's" Southern Pacific met those of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe in the Territory of New Mexico.
It's the birthday of the man who introduced us to Coca-Cola, Asa Griggs Candler, born in Villa Rica, Georgia (1851). He grew up during the Civil War and wanted to be a doctor, but his family was so poor that he could only receive an elementary school education before becoming a pharmacist's apprentice. But Candler proved to be business savvy, slowly building his own drugstore empire, and in 1886 he bought sole rights to John Pemberton's original formula of Coca-Cola and formed the Coca-Cola Company in 1890. Candler understood the importance of advertising. He used calendars, billboards, and posters to keep the Coca-Cola trademark prominent in the public's mind. After selling the patent in 1919, he went on to serve as Atlanta's mayor and funded a teaching hospital for Emory University's Medical School.
It's the birthday of musician and songwriter Bo Diddley, born Ellas Bates in McComb, Mississippi (1928). His big break came in 1955, when he recorded "Uncle John" and "Who Do You Love?" for Chess Records in Chicago, and these two songs became the foundation for early rock 'n' roll. He once said, "I opened the door for a lot of people, and they just ran through and left me holding the knob."
From today’s New York Times: Innovative Minds Don’t Think Alike When experts have to slow down and go back to basics to bring an outsider up to speed it forces them to look at their world differently and, as a result, they come up with new solutions to old problems.
Two ways to create this effect and get new solutions: 1) bring in an experienced consultant, not to tell you what to do but to listen and ask questions or 2) join a business peer support group. To find out more about the Franklin Circle for entrepreneurs, business owners, and creative managers I’m now forming, email me at JohnSWren@aol.com.
I just posted this on the Made to Stick website. Do you think I’ll get one of the free books?
Morris Massey was a popular teacher at the University of Colorado who made the concept of a "significant emotional experience" stick in one lesson, which I’ve borrowed many times.
Massey taught that "who we are now is where we were when" that our values were formed by the age of 5. These values change with a "significant emotional experience." What's that? To explain, Massey told this story:
"I was Dean of the business school at the University of Colorado when we build a new business school building. It was beautiful, with wood paneled halls on the main floor. Students at CU had developed a habit of bringing bicycles into class, and it was quickly clear that 1) the bikes were ruining our wood paneling and 2) students ignored the “No bikes” signs and verbal warnings . So I decided to create a significant emotional experience.
“When classes were changing, and the hall packed with students, I tore a bike away from a student and stomped out the spokes of both wheels with the hiking boots I was wearing. As you can imagine, seeing and hearing this happen gave me the full attention of all the students who packed the hallway around us. I picked up the bike and gave it back to the student as I said in a very loud voice, ‘If you don’t respect my property, I’m not going to respect yours. Don’t bring your bike in here, it tears up my beautiful new home.’ This immediately stopped the bike problem.”
I very often tell this story in training workshops to make my point about the importance of emotion in change, the story seems to make the point very sticky.
John S. Wren, MBA+
Business Consultant & Adult Educator
www.JohnWren.com
(303)861-1447
If you still have one of the 100 books, would you please send it to:
John Wren
960 Grant St. #727
Denver, CO 80203
Thanks for the very Good Work you are doing!
On this date:
James Gadsden, U.S. Minister to Mexico, and General Antonio López de Santa Anna, President of Mexico, signed the Gadsden Purchase in Mexico City on December 30, 1853. The treaty settled the dispute over the exact location of the Mexican border west of El Paso, Texas, giving the U.S. claim to approximately 29,000 square miles of land in what is now southern New Mexico and Arizona, for the price of $10,000,000.
U.S. Secretary of War Jefferson Davis had sent Gadsden to negotiate with Santa Anna for this tract of land which many people, including Davis, believed to be strategic for the construction of the southern transcontinental railroad. Many supporters of a southern Pacific railroad route came to believe that a transcontinental route which stretched through the Gadsden Purchase territory would greatly advantage southern states should hostilities break out with the north.
The first transcontinental railroad was, however, constructed along a more northerly route by the "big four" of western railroad construction—Collis P. Huntington, Leland Stanford, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker. A southern transcontinental route through territory acquired by the Gadsen Purchase was not a reality until 1881 when the tracks of the "big four's" Southern Pacific met those of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe in the Territory of New Mexico.
It's the birthday of the man who introduced us to Coca-Cola, Asa Griggs Candler, born in Villa Rica, Georgia (1851). He grew up during the Civil War and wanted to be a doctor, but his family was so poor that he could only receive an elementary school education before becoming a pharmacist's apprentice. But Candler proved to be business savvy, slowly building his own drugstore empire, and in 1886 he bought sole rights to John Pemberton's original formula of Coca-Cola and formed the Coca-Cola Company in 1890. Candler understood the importance of advertising. He used calendars, billboards, and posters to keep the Coca-Cola trademark prominent in the public's mind. After selling the patent in 1919, he went on to serve as Atlanta's mayor and funded a teaching hospital for Emory University's Medical School.
It's the birthday of musician and songwriter Bo Diddley, born Ellas Bates in McComb, Mississippi (1928). His big break came in 1955, when he recorded "Uncle John" and "Who Do You Love?" for Chess Records in Chicago, and these two songs became the foundation for early rock 'n' roll. He once said, "I opened the door for a lot of people, and they just ran through and left me holding the knob."
From today’s New York Times: Innovative Minds Don’t Think Alike When experts have to slow down and go back to basics to bring an outsider up to speed it forces them to look at their world differently and, as a result, they come up with new solutions to old problems.
Two ways to create this effect and get new solutions: 1) bring in an experienced consultant, not to tell you what to do but to listen and ask questions or 2) join a business peer support group. To find out more about the Franklin Circle for entrepreneurs, business owners, and creative managers I’m now forming, email me at JohnSWren@aol.com.
I just posted this on the Made to Stick website. Do you think I’ll get one of the free books?
Morris Massey was a popular teacher at the University of Colorado who made the concept of a "significant emotional experience" stick in one lesson, which I’ve borrowed many times.
Massey taught that "who we are now is where we were when" that our values were formed by the age of 5. These values change with a "significant emotional experience." What's that? To explain, Massey told this story:
"I was Dean of the business school at the University of Colorado when we build a new business school building. It was beautiful, with wood paneled halls on the main floor. Students at CU had developed a habit of bringing bicycles into class, and it was quickly clear that 1) the bikes were ruining our wood paneling and 2) students ignored the “No bikes” signs and verbal warnings . So I decided to create a significant emotional experience.
“When classes were changing, and the hall packed with students, I tore a bike away from a student and stomped out the spokes of both wheels with the hiking boots I was wearing. As you can imagine, seeing and hearing this happen gave me the full attention of all the students who packed the hallway around us. I picked up the bike and gave it back to the student as I said in a very loud voice, ‘If you don’t respect my property, I’m not going to respect yours. Don’t bring your bike in here, it tears up my beautiful new home.’ This immediately stopped the bike problem.”
I very often tell this story in training workshops to make my point about the importance of emotion in change, the story seems to make the point very sticky.
John S. Wren, MBA+
Business Consultant & Adult Educator
www.JohnWren.com
(303)861-1447
If you still have one of the 100 books, would you please send it to:
John Wren
960 Grant St. #727
Denver, CO 80203
Thanks for the very Good Work you are doing!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
(If you just looked at my video to the left, it talks about last Thursday's posting here. A change to make my welcoming video to date-neutral is in process! John)
On this day in: 1845 - Texas is admitted as the 28th U.S. state.
1851 - The first American YMCA opens in Boston, Massachusetts. 1934 - The first college basketball game at New York City's Madison Square Garden is played between the University of Notre Dame and New York University.
The Rocky Mountain News finally mentions our Colorado Caucus in today’s edition, a sidebar to the indepth coverage they have been giving us of the Iowa Caucus. Let’s hope they follow this up with more between now and February 5.
The Rocky finished a 3-part series on the Iowa Caucus today. You can finally find it on the Online Edition front page. I posted this comment:
"This is the way representative government is supposed to work."
I certainly agree.
But we need to improve the process here with our Colorado Caucus.
We say we Saved the Caucus when Amendment 29 was defeated in 2002, but it won't really be saved until it gets adequate media coverage, which has clearly not been the case for the last couple of decades.
Next week after the Iowa Caucus, will you come back and give this same kind of coverage to our wonderful Colorado Caucus? And will you or someone from the Rocky join us at the new Denver Grassroots Rally to tell us more about Iowa and the lessons we could learn from it for February 5? RSVP at http://cocacop.meetup.com/2
At this meeting we'll be giving recognition to the best pre-December 5 (the critically important deadline for affiliating with a party to be eligable to vote February 5) coverage of the Colorado Caucus, and announcing a similar contest for pre-February 5 coverage.
News Tip: the winner of the pre-December 5 coverage contest will be the one newspaper in Colorado that gave the deadline a front page headline. If the story was that important, why was it given so little attention in Denver? I'll give you my opinion at our Jan 4 Denver Grassroots Rally next Friday. Join us and tell us what you think! Just show up, or RSVP at http://cocacop.meetup.com/2
Also in the Rocky today, a great idea from Dave Kopel to localize a new Google service that allows people who are quoted, or misquoted, in a newspaper article to immediately respond. Another way to elaborate on or correct misquotes? Our new Denver Grassroots Rally, which I explain in my comment to Dave’s article. What do you think? Post your comment at: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/dec/29/kopel-let-news-figures-comment-further/#comments
On this day in: 1845 - Texas is admitted as the 28th U.S. state.
1851 - The first American YMCA opens in Boston, Massachusetts. 1934 - The first college basketball game at New York City's Madison Square Garden is played between the University of Notre Dame and New York University.
The Rocky Mountain News finally mentions our Colorado Caucus in today’s edition, a sidebar to the indepth coverage they have been giving us of the Iowa Caucus. Let’s hope they follow this up with more between now and February 5.
The Rocky finished a 3-part series on the Iowa Caucus today. You can finally find it on the Online Edition front page. I posted this comment:
"This is the way representative government is supposed to work."
I certainly agree.
But we need to improve the process here with our Colorado Caucus.
We say we Saved the Caucus when Amendment 29 was defeated in 2002, but it won't really be saved until it gets adequate media coverage, which has clearly not been the case for the last couple of decades.
Next week after the Iowa Caucus, will you come back and give this same kind of coverage to our wonderful Colorado Caucus? And will you or someone from the Rocky join us at the new Denver Grassroots Rally to tell us more about Iowa and the lessons we could learn from it for February 5? RSVP at http://cocacop.meetup.com/2
At this meeting we'll be giving recognition to the best pre-December 5 (the critically important deadline for affiliating with a party to be eligable to vote February 5) coverage of the Colorado Caucus, and announcing a similar contest for pre-February 5 coverage.
News Tip: the winner of the pre-December 5 coverage contest will be the one newspaper in Colorado that gave the deadline a front page headline. If the story was that important, why was it given so little attention in Denver? I'll give you my opinion at our Jan 4 Denver Grassroots Rally next Friday. Join us and tell us what you think! Just show up, or RSVP at http://cocacop.meetup.com/2
Also in the Rocky today, a great idea from Dave Kopel to localize a new Google service that allows people who are quoted, or misquoted, in a newspaper article to immediately respond. Another way to elaborate on or correct misquotes? Our new Denver Grassroots Rally, which I explain in my comment to Dave’s article. What do you think? Post your comment at: http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/dec/29/kopel-let-news-figures-comment-further/#comments
Friday, December 28, 2007
(If you just looked at my video to the left, it talks about the day before yesterday’s posting here. I got a late start yesterday, the sun isn’t up yet! Guess I’ll change the welcoming video to date-neutral… after the sun comes up! John)
On this day in: 1869 - William E. Semple of Mount Vernon, Ohio patents chewing gum. 1895 - The Lumière brothers have their first paying audience at the Grand Cafe in Boulevard des Capucines marking the debut of the cinema. 1912 - The first municipally owned streetcars take to the streets in San Francisco. 1973 – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s book The Gulag Archipelago was published in Paris, France. 2000 - U.S. retail giant Montgomery Ward announces it is going out of business after 128 years.
Today in 1973, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's history of the Soviet prison camp system, The Gulag Archipelago, was published in Paris, France. The book is based on Solzhenitsyn's experiences in the camps for eight years, as well as 227 other inmates he interviewed. When the book was released in the Soviet Union, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was arrested and exiled, but he was also finally able to go to Sweden and collect the Nobel Prize in literature he had been awarded in 1970.
On this day in 1895, Auguste and Louis Lumiere demonstrated the first movie projector, the cinematographe, in Paris, France. It projected its images out onto a screen, unlike Thomas Edison's kinetograph, which was a peep show that the viewer looked into, and it weighed only 20 pounds compared to Edison's half-ton invention. The first film they showed was "Workers Leaving the Lumiere Factory." The movie opened with a concierge unlocking the gates, showed people walking through, and ended with the concierge closing the gates again. They made more than 2,000 films like this, without plots or characters, and thought of them just as moving pictures, and despite the thousands of people who lined up at their viewings every night, the Lumieres thought that movies would be a passing fad and Auguste went off to school to become a medical scientist, and Louis went back to working on still photographs.
Immigrants are responsible for more than one-third of the nationwide USA population growth of 2.87 million over the past year. New residents, both international and American, continued to flock to the South and West and away from the Northeast and Midwest.
Colorado gained 95,267 residents between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007, making our estimated total population 4,861,515. Texas gained more people than any other state. Its 2006-2007 increase of almost 500,000 was ahead of runner-up California, which added slightly more than 300,000.
Denver is the 4th most literate city in the country -- going past San Francisco and Boston, according to a study released this week by Central Connecticut State University.
But the oft-talked about "Colorado paradox" -- meaning the state's higher-than-average education levels in the workforce reflect that the state has imported them, and K-12 and higher education systems are not keeping pace -- could hurt the city's ranking in the future.
Central Connecticut State President Jack Miller studied 69 cities' Internet usage, newspaper readership and library memberships, among other factors. Minneapolis held the top spot.
On this day in: 1869 - William E. Semple of Mount Vernon, Ohio patents chewing gum. 1895 - The Lumière brothers have their first paying audience at the Grand Cafe in Boulevard des Capucines marking the debut of the cinema. 1912 - The first municipally owned streetcars take to the streets in San Francisco. 1973 – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s book The Gulag Archipelago was published in Paris, France. 2000 - U.S. retail giant Montgomery Ward announces it is going out of business after 128 years.
Today in 1973, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's history of the Soviet prison camp system, The Gulag Archipelago, was published in Paris, France. The book is based on Solzhenitsyn's experiences in the camps for eight years, as well as 227 other inmates he interviewed. When the book was released in the Soviet Union, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn was arrested and exiled, but he was also finally able to go to Sweden and collect the Nobel Prize in literature he had been awarded in 1970.
On this day in 1895, Auguste and Louis Lumiere demonstrated the first movie projector, the cinematographe, in Paris, France. It projected its images out onto a screen, unlike Thomas Edison's kinetograph, which was a peep show that the viewer looked into, and it weighed only 20 pounds compared to Edison's half-ton invention. The first film they showed was "Workers Leaving the Lumiere Factory." The movie opened with a concierge unlocking the gates, showed people walking through, and ended with the concierge closing the gates again. They made more than 2,000 films like this, without plots or characters, and thought of them just as moving pictures, and despite the thousands of people who lined up at their viewings every night, the Lumieres thought that movies would be a passing fad and Auguste went off to school to become a medical scientist, and Louis went back to working on still photographs.
Immigrants are responsible for more than one-third of the nationwide USA population growth of 2.87 million over the past year. New residents, both international and American, continued to flock to the South and West and away from the Northeast and Midwest.
Colorado gained 95,267 residents between July 1, 2006, and July 1, 2007, making our estimated total population 4,861,515. Texas gained more people than any other state. Its 2006-2007 increase of almost 500,000 was ahead of runner-up California, which added slightly more than 300,000.
Denver is the 4th most literate city in the country -- going past San Francisco and Boston, according to a study released this week by Central Connecticut State University.
But the oft-talked about "Colorado paradox" -- meaning the state's higher-than-average education levels in the workforce reflect that the state has imported them, and K-12 and higher education systems are not keeping pace -- could hurt the city's ranking in the future.
Central Connecticut State President Jack Miller studied 69 cities' Internet usage, newspaper readership and library memberships, among other factors. Minneapolis held the top spot.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
I just sent this out as a letter-to-the-editor:
Why I'm a Democrat
by John Wren
On December 5, the deadline for affiliating with a party to be able to vote in the February 5 precinct caucus, I became a Democrat. A friend says I’m BAD, a Born Again Democrat. Some of my friends are asking why.
I started my political life as a Democrat. When I cast my first vote for President in 1968, it was for Hubert Humphrey. My friend was disappointed I didn’t support Eugene McCarthy.
A few years later when I owned a small business, Richard Nixon sent me what seemed to be a personal letter. This was before the wide spread use of word processors, so I wasn’t hard to fool.
Nixon’s letter got me thinking about politics, so when my business failed and I retreated to graduate business school at the University of Denver, I was easy pickings for cute girls at the College Republican’s table at registration.
This was during Watergate, so it was easy to rise to the top of College Republicans. Soon I was State Chair, meeting with Dwight Hamilton, Bob Tonsing, and the Colorado Republican’s Executive Committee each month. I helped Karl Rove give seminars around the country teaching about how to appeal to young voters. I appeared on a Republican National Committee TV special called “Republicans Are People, Too.” At that year’s National Convention here in Colorado, Karl and I met Dick Wadhams (then 18-years old, now Colorado GOP Chair).
Since then, I’ve been a Republican precinct committee person, district captain, and volunteer for various Republican candidates and organizations. In 2002 I was part of Save the Caucus which defeated Amendment 29 which would have killed our wonderful Colorado grassroots political system.
Over the years, everyone who I’ve respected, from Karl Rove to Phil Perington (past Colorado Democrat State Chair who was driving force behind the Save the Caucus effort) have said that it is important to affiliate with one of the major parties, but which one was a matter of personal taste.
Democrats are slightly biased towards justice, Republicans towards freedom, but they are both for freedom and justice. The 2-party system that has served us so well over the years is just a tool for encouraging good debate between the best and the brightest each party can put forth for each office. It’s like sports; I cheer for my team, but I’d be insane to believe my team was God’s choice, too.
David Fogel (past Denver County Dem Chair who helped with Save the Caucus) and Republican leaders I’ve spoken with privately have said that what makes the most sense politically is to join the majority party in your county if you are interested in helping improve local government. Pat Waak and Dennis Gallagher seemed open to the idea of me changing. So that’s what I’m doing. After 30 years, I’m a Democrat again.
Why now? The final blows were: 1) A note I got from a Denver Republican volunteer telling me that if I was prolife, they wouldn’t help me as a precinct committee person, making concrete the underlying current in the Denver GOP; 2) I was sensitive to this issue ever since I’d had no cooperation from a former Republican district captain because of the same issue; and 3) Finally, when Denver GOP leaders were so forceful about their support of pro-death candidate Rudi Giuliani. It became clear it was time for me to leave.
Besides, my beautiful finance Mary is a Democrat! She has shown me the light! We hope to both be volunteers at the Convention here next summer. Who knows, maybe we’ll decide to get married then. But that may be too soon. We’ve only known each other for 42 years; you don’t want to rush into these things!
Why I'm a Democrat
by John Wren
On December 5, the deadline for affiliating with a party to be able to vote in the February 5 precinct caucus, I became a Democrat. A friend says I’m BAD, a Born Again Democrat. Some of my friends are asking why.
I started my political life as a Democrat. When I cast my first vote for President in 1968, it was for Hubert Humphrey. My friend was disappointed I didn’t support Eugene McCarthy.
A few years later when I owned a small business, Richard Nixon sent me what seemed to be a personal letter. This was before the wide spread use of word processors, so I wasn’t hard to fool.
Nixon’s letter got me thinking about politics, so when my business failed and I retreated to graduate business school at the University of Denver, I was easy pickings for cute girls at the College Republican’s table at registration.
This was during Watergate, so it was easy to rise to the top of College Republicans. Soon I was State Chair, meeting with Dwight Hamilton, Bob Tonsing, and the Colorado Republican’s Executive Committee each month. I helped Karl Rove give seminars around the country teaching about how to appeal to young voters. I appeared on a Republican National Committee TV special called “Republicans Are People, Too.” At that year’s National Convention here in Colorado, Karl and I met Dick Wadhams (then 18-years old, now Colorado GOP Chair).
Since then, I’ve been a Republican precinct committee person, district captain, and volunteer for various Republican candidates and organizations. In 2002 I was part of Save the Caucus which defeated Amendment 29 which would have killed our wonderful Colorado grassroots political system.
Over the years, everyone who I’ve respected, from Karl Rove to Phil Perington (past Colorado Democrat State Chair who was driving force behind the Save the Caucus effort) have said that it is important to affiliate with one of the major parties, but which one was a matter of personal taste.
Democrats are slightly biased towards justice, Republicans towards freedom, but they are both for freedom and justice. The 2-party system that has served us so well over the years is just a tool for encouraging good debate between the best and the brightest each party can put forth for each office. It’s like sports; I cheer for my team, but I’d be insane to believe my team was God’s choice, too.
David Fogel (past Denver County Dem Chair who helped with Save the Caucus) and Republican leaders I’ve spoken with privately have said that what makes the most sense politically is to join the majority party in your county if you are interested in helping improve local government. Pat Waak and Dennis Gallagher seemed open to the idea of me changing. So that’s what I’m doing. After 30 years, I’m a Democrat again.
Why now? The final blows were: 1) A note I got from a Denver Republican volunteer telling me that if I was prolife, they wouldn’t help me as a precinct committee person, making concrete the underlying current in the Denver GOP; 2) I was sensitive to this issue ever since I’d had no cooperation from a former Republican district captain because of the same issue; and 3) Finally, when Denver GOP leaders were so forceful about their support of pro-death candidate Rudi Giuliani. It became clear it was time for me to leave.
Besides, my beautiful finance Mary is a Democrat! She has shown me the light! We hope to both be volunteers at the Convention here next summer. Who knows, maybe we’ll decide to get married then. But that may be too soon. We’ve only known each other for 42 years; you don’t want to rush into these things!
(If you just looked at my new video to the left (on JohnWren.com), it talks about yesterday’s posting here. I got a late start yesterday, the sun isn’t up yet! Guess I’ll change the welcoming video to date-neutral… after the sun comes up! John)
On this day in: 1904 - James Barrie's play Peter Pan premieres in London. 1932 - The Radio City Music Hall in New York City opens. 1947 - Howdy Doody, a children's television program, makes its debut on the National Broadcasting Company. 1968 - The long-running radio program The Breakfast Club signs off for the last time (ABC radio). 1979 - The Soviet Union seizes control of Afghanistan.
It's the birthday of novelist Wilfrid Sheed, who wrote My Life As a Fan (1993), about his love of baseball, and In Love with Daylight: A Memoir of Recovery (1995). He once said, "The American male doesn't mature until he has exhausted all other possibilities."
Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee is pursuing legislation to make clear that it is not against federal law for an employer to require employees to speak English on the job. Sen. Alexander’s was prompted by a lawsuit filed in April by the EEOC against the Salvation Army for allegedly discriminating against two of the Army's employees in a Framingham, Ma., thrift store for requiring them to speak English on the job. The Salvation Army in Massachusetts clearly posted the rule, and the employees were given a year to learn. There were 200 similar lawsuits filed by the EEOC in 2006.
Entrepreneur Magazine has identified the organizing and facilitation of peer support groups as a growing trend and one of the top hot businesses to start.
See: http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/article73778-4.html
On this day in: 1904 - James Barrie's play Peter Pan premieres in London. 1932 - The Radio City Music Hall in New York City opens. 1947 - Howdy Doody, a children's television program, makes its debut on the National Broadcasting Company. 1968 - The long-running radio program The Breakfast Club signs off for the last time (ABC radio). 1979 - The Soviet Union seizes control of Afghanistan.
It's the birthday of novelist Wilfrid Sheed, who wrote My Life As a Fan (1993), about his love of baseball, and In Love with Daylight: A Memoir of Recovery (1995). He once said, "The American male doesn't mature until he has exhausted all other possibilities."
Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee is pursuing legislation to make clear that it is not against federal law for an employer to require employees to speak English on the job. Sen. Alexander’s was prompted by a lawsuit filed in April by the EEOC against the Salvation Army for allegedly discriminating against two of the Army's employees in a Framingham, Ma., thrift store for requiring them to speak English on the job. The Salvation Army in Massachusetts clearly posted the rule, and the employees were given a year to learn. There were 200 similar lawsuits filed by the EEOC in 2006.
Entrepreneur Magazine has identified the organizing and facilitation of peer support groups as a growing trend and one of the top hot businesses to start.
See: http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessideas/article73778-4.html
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
On this day in: 1606 - First Performance of William Shakespeare's King Lear. 1906 - The Story of the Kelly Gang is released, widely considered to be the world's first feature film. 1946 - The Flamingo Hotel opens in Las Vegas. 1979 - Soviet Special forces take over presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan.
From: The New York Enterprise Report
It Doesn’t Have to be Lonely at the Top--Your board of advisors is waiting to meet you at a local peer group meeting.
By: Mark A. Newman
As a business owner, it is not unusual for you to feel somewhat isolated. After all, you are the top dog in your own company. However, there are times when it would be helpful to have other top dogs to throw bones to, so to speak. In other words, no matter how much of an expert in your industry you are, it's always helpful to discuss challenges with your contemporaries.
But where do you turn when you are in a class by yourself?
The answer may lie in a professional peer group consisting of fellow business people from a variety of (non-competitive) industries who are facing similar problems and issues as you. Unlike traditional networking groups, many peer groups cater exclusively to top C-level business leaders and owners who are looking to solve problems in a more informal environment than an oak-paneled boardroom.
Ask me about the new business peer advisory group I'm now forming.
John Wren
From: The New York Enterprise Report
It Doesn’t Have to be Lonely at the Top--Your board of advisors is waiting to meet you at a local peer group meeting.
By: Mark A. Newman
As a business owner, it is not unusual for you to feel somewhat isolated. After all, you are the top dog in your own company. However, there are times when it would be helpful to have other top dogs to throw bones to, so to speak. In other words, no matter how much of an expert in your industry you are, it's always helpful to discuss challenges with your contemporaries.
But where do you turn when you are in a class by yourself?
The answer may lie in a professional peer group consisting of fellow business people from a variety of (non-competitive) industries who are facing similar problems and issues as you. Unlike traditional networking groups, many peer groups cater exclusively to top C-level business leaders and owners who are looking to solve problems in a more informal environment than an oak-paneled boardroom.
Ask me about the new business peer advisory group I'm now forming.
John Wren
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas!
It's a White Christmas here in Denver.
On this day in : 274 - Roman Emperor Aurelian dedicates a temple to Sol Invictus on the supposed day of the winter solstice and day of rebirth of the Sun. 336 - Western Christians first celebrated Christmas on December 25. 800 - Coronation of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor, in Rome. 1066 - Coronation of William the Conqueror as king of England, at Westminster Abbey, London. 1776 - George Washington and his army cross the Delaware River to attack the Kingdom of Great Britain's Hessian mercenaries in Trenton, New Jersey. 1818 - The first performance of "Silent Night" takes place in the Church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria. 1979 - The Soviet Union airlifts forces into Afghanistan to begin its costly occupation. 1990 - The Internet is established.
Christmas is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. It refers both to the day celebrating the birth; as well as to the season which that day inaugurates, and which concludes with the Feast of the Epiphany.
The date of the celebration is traditional, and is not considered to be his actual date of birth. Christmas festivities often combine the commemoration of Jesus' birth with various cultural customs, many of which have been influenced by earlier winter festivals. Although nominally a Christian holiday, it is also observed as a cultural holiday by many non-Christians. From Wikipedia
It's a White Christmas here in Denver.
On this day in : 274 - Roman Emperor Aurelian dedicates a temple to Sol Invictus on the supposed day of the winter solstice and day of rebirth of the Sun. 336 - Western Christians first celebrated Christmas on December 25. 800 - Coronation of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor, in Rome. 1066 - Coronation of William the Conqueror as king of England, at Westminster Abbey, London. 1776 - George Washington and his army cross the Delaware River to attack the Kingdom of Great Britain's Hessian mercenaries in Trenton, New Jersey. 1818 - The first performance of "Silent Night" takes place in the Church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria. 1979 - The Soviet Union airlifts forces into Afghanistan to begin its costly occupation. 1990 - The Internet is established.
Christmas is an annual holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. It refers both to the day celebrating the birth; as well as to the season which that day inaugurates, and which concludes with the Feast of the Epiphany.
The date of the celebration is traditional, and is not considered to be his actual date of birth. Christmas festivities often combine the commemoration of Jesus' birth with various cultural customs, many of which have been influenced by earlier winter festivals. Although nominally a Christian holiday, it is also observed as a cultural holiday by many non-Christians. From Wikipedia
On this day in: 1818 - "Silent Night" is composed by Franz Xaver Gruber and Josef Mohr. 1953 - NBC's Dragnet becomes the first network-sponsored television program. 1968 - Apollo Program: The crew of Apollo 8 enters into orbit around the Moon, becoming the first humans to do so. They performed 10 lunar orbits and broadcast live TV pictures that became the famous Christmas Eve Broadcast, one of the most watched programs in history.
From today's Rocky Mountain News:
Worried about shrinking ice caps? First, do the math
In "Anti-warming strategy outlined," the Rocky Mountain News wasted 36 column inches on Dec. 19, advertising the global warming nonsense of Charles Kutscher, spokesman of Environment Colorado, and unnamed "Boulder scientists" who, according to Kutscher, claim the Arctic could be "completely ice-free within five to 20 years."
Really? The Greenland ice cap is 3,000 meters (9,000 feet) thick. It's melting at the rate of 20 millimeters (less than an inch) per century, according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. At that rate, it'll melt in a mere 1.5 million years. And Antarctica, much larger than Greenland, is gaining - not losing - ice.
Oh, wait, perhaps Kutscher just meant floating sea ice. But melting of floating ice causes no rise of sea level. In spite of that, Kutscher asserts sea level will soon rise "at the rate of more than a foot per decade." Ahem . . . Mr. Kutscher, sea level has risen 400 feet since the end of the last Ice Age, 20,000 years ago. That's an average of two feet per century, or less than two-and-a-half inches per decade. In the recent 50 centuries, the rate has been half a foot per century - much, much less than Kutscher's claims of "a foot per decade."
Why does the Rocky continue to bombard us with this ignorant nonsense?
Kutscher and the rest of Environment Colorado seem unqualified to do simple arithmetic. I see Kutscher is a past president of the American Solar Energy Society. Now I understand what Kutscher is selling. What is the Rocky selling? Tax increases?
Richard C. Savage holds a doctorate in meteorology. He is a resident of Franktown.
Great moments in Presidential history as poetry:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/piehigher.asp
Merry Christmas!
From today's Rocky Mountain News:
Worried about shrinking ice caps? First, do the math
In "Anti-warming strategy outlined," the Rocky Mountain News wasted 36 column inches on Dec. 19, advertising the global warming nonsense of Charles Kutscher, spokesman of Environment Colorado, and unnamed "Boulder scientists" who, according to Kutscher, claim the Arctic could be "completely ice-free within five to 20 years."
Really? The Greenland ice cap is 3,000 meters (9,000 feet) thick. It's melting at the rate of 20 millimeters (less than an inch) per century, according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. At that rate, it'll melt in a mere 1.5 million years. And Antarctica, much larger than Greenland, is gaining - not losing - ice.
Oh, wait, perhaps Kutscher just meant floating sea ice. But melting of floating ice causes no rise of sea level. In spite of that, Kutscher asserts sea level will soon rise "at the rate of more than a foot per decade." Ahem . . . Mr. Kutscher, sea level has risen 400 feet since the end of the last Ice Age, 20,000 years ago. That's an average of two feet per century, or less than two-and-a-half inches per decade. In the recent 50 centuries, the rate has been half a foot per century - much, much less than Kutscher's claims of "a foot per decade."
Why does the Rocky continue to bombard us with this ignorant nonsense?
Kutscher and the rest of Environment Colorado seem unqualified to do simple arithmetic. I see Kutscher is a past president of the American Solar Energy Society. Now I understand what Kutscher is selling. What is the Rocky selling? Tax increases?
Richard C. Savage holds a doctorate in meteorology. He is a resident of Franktown.
Great moments in Presidential history as poetry:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/bush/piehigher.asp
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 23, 2007
On this day in: 1913 - The Federal Reserve Act is signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson, creating the Federal Reserve. 1947 - The transistor is first demonstrated at Bell Laboratories. 1979 - Soviet war in Afghanistan: Soviet forces occupy Kabul, the Afghan capital.
Mary and I saw Charlie's War last night about how Charlie Wilson the Congressman from Texas ran a covert operation to defeat the Soviet in Afghanistan. Shows the importance of staying the course, or the foolishness of nation-building, depending on which way you look at it. What do you think? Tell us what you think about this or anything else you have on your mind at our next Denver Grassroots Rally. More information and RSVP at http://cocacap.meetup.com/2
To caucus or not to caucus, that is the question in Colorado Springs:
http://www.gazette.com/articles/assembly_31202___article.html/process_rayburn.html
I'm suggesting we talk about today’s Fred Brown column at our next Socrates Café:
http://socratescafe.meetup.com/82
Mary and I saw Charlie's War last night about how Charlie Wilson the Congressman from Texas ran a covert operation to defeat the Soviet in Afghanistan. Shows the importance of staying the course, or the foolishness of nation-building, depending on which way you look at it. What do you think? Tell us what you think about this or anything else you have on your mind at our next Denver Grassroots Rally. More information and RSVP at http://cocacap.meetup.com/2
To caucus or not to caucus, that is the question in Colorado Springs:
http://www.gazette.com/articles/assembly_31202___article.html/process_rayburn.html
I'm suggesting we talk about today’s Fred Brown column at our next Socrates Café:
http://socratescafe.meetup.com/82
Saturday, December 22, 2007
On this day in: 1808 - In Vienna, Ludwig van Beethoven premieres his Fifth Symphony. 1851 - The first freight train is operated. 1937 - The Lincoln Tunnel opens to traffic in New York City. 1956 - Colo is born, the first gorilla to be bred in captivity.
“How many observe Christ’s birth-day! How few, his precepts! O! ’tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments.” –Benjamin Franklin
My friend Fred Holden has been emailing out a series of documents intended to inspire civic participation. They are very informative and motivational, take a look at them on Fred’s new website that is in the early stages of construction. See http://www.supercitizen.com/
From The Bend Weekly, Bend, Oregon:
Armando Rodriguez’s autobiography, "From the Barrio to Washington," has just been published by the University of New Mexico Press with a cover photo in color of Armando and wife Beatriz being greeted by a beaming President Jimmy Carter.
An adept amateur wrestler, Rodriguez coached a San Diego State University team to the NCAA's championship round. He was voted State's 1949 "alumnus of the year," edging out such worthies as Art Linkletter. Meanwhile, he had become the first Hispanic to attain administrative status as a principal in the San Diego school system, later the second to serve as a college president (East Los Angeles) and first to serve the entire nation as a presidential appointee to commissions charged with overseeing the enforcement of racial and gender equality.
As many successful people have done, Rodriguez conceived something book publishers call a "vanity" publication - memoirs that a person may publish for family and friends. Vanity or not, the University of New Mexico Press bought Rodriguez's story and is publicizing it nationwide. It chronicles how one man beat the odds, refusing to accept society's judgment that his background alone left him unworthy of advancement…The book reads like Horatio Alger on his way to Yale University. A book launch will start January 17 with a talk and signing at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque NM 87102. 505-766-6604.
Inspiring reading, Shadow's story reflects the attitude of a person who, despite such disappointments as his rejection for a college fraternity, never seems to have felt sorry for himself.
“How many observe Christ’s birth-day! How few, his precepts! O! ’tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments.” –Benjamin Franklin
My friend Fred Holden has been emailing out a series of documents intended to inspire civic participation. They are very informative and motivational, take a look at them on Fred’s new website that is in the early stages of construction. See http://www.supercitizen.com/
From The Bend Weekly, Bend, Oregon:
Armando Rodriguez’s autobiography, "From the Barrio to Washington," has just been published by the University of New Mexico Press with a cover photo in color of Armando and wife Beatriz being greeted by a beaming President Jimmy Carter.
An adept amateur wrestler, Rodriguez coached a San Diego State University team to the NCAA's championship round. He was voted State's 1949 "alumnus of the year," edging out such worthies as Art Linkletter. Meanwhile, he had become the first Hispanic to attain administrative status as a principal in the San Diego school system, later the second to serve as a college president (East Los Angeles) and first to serve the entire nation as a presidential appointee to commissions charged with overseeing the enforcement of racial and gender equality.
As many successful people have done, Rodriguez conceived something book publishers call a "vanity" publication - memoirs that a person may publish for family and friends. Vanity or not, the University of New Mexico Press bought Rodriguez's story and is publicizing it nationwide. It chronicles how one man beat the odds, refusing to accept society's judgment that his background alone left him unworthy of advancement…The book reads like Horatio Alger on his way to Yale University. A book launch will start January 17 with a talk and signing at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque NM 87102. 505-766-6604.
Inspiring reading, Shadow's story reflects the attitude of a person who, despite such disappointments as his rejection for a college fraternity, never seems to have felt sorry for himself.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
On this day in: 1192 - Richard the Lion-Heart was captured and imprisoned by Leopold V of Austria on his way home to England after signing a treaty with Saladin ending the crusade. 1522 - Suleiman the Magnificent accepts the surrender of the surviving Knights of Rhodes, who are allowed to evacuate. They eventually re-settle on Malta and become known as the Knights of Malta. 1941 - World War II: First battle of the American Volunteer Group, better known as the "Flying Tigers" in Kunming, China.
His dad’s new book says 60 is the new 40, but Jack Linkletter, who followed in the footsteps of his broadcasting icon father, Art Linkletter who is 95 now, died Tuesday at age 70. Jack was the host of TV shows such as “Hootenanny” and special events such as the Miss Universe pageant.
Non-CEO executives accounted for 29% of new independent directors on boards of Standard & Poor's 500 concerns, according to an analysis of recent proxy statements by recruiters SpencerStuart. That's up from 18% in 2001. From today’s Wall Street Journal, which is now free online.
His dad’s new book says 60 is the new 40, but Jack Linkletter, who followed in the footsteps of his broadcasting icon father, Art Linkletter who is 95 now, died Tuesday at age 70. Jack was the host of TV shows such as “Hootenanny” and special events such as the Miss Universe pageant.
Non-CEO executives accounted for 29% of new independent directors on boards of Standard & Poor's 500 concerns, according to an analysis of recent proxy statements by recruiters SpencerStuart. That's up from 18% in 2001. From today’s Wall Street Journal, which is now free online.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
On this day in 1732, Benjamin Franklin began publishing "Poor Richard's Almanac" in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Franklin's almanac included weather reports, eclipses, tides, and tables of English Kings. But what made it famous were the witty proverbs about life that Franklin included as filler, such as, "Well done is better than well said" and "Haste makes waste" and "Neither a Fortress nor a Maidenhead will hold out long after they begin to parley."
Ben Franklin's inspiration may have come when he was 15 years old and he worked in his brother's print shop. He would sneak into work at night and leave letters to the editor signed "Silence Dogood." The letters became very popular, but when young Franklin told his brother James that he was writing them, the two came to blows and Ben ran away to Philadelphia. When Benjamin Franklin started 'Poor Richard's," his brother was publishing an almanac of his own called "Poor Robin's Almanac."
It was on this day in 1843 that Charles Dickens came out with "A Christmas Carol." He got the idea in mid-October and struggled to finish the story in time for the holidays. He published the book himself with gilt-edged pages and a red bound cover within a week of Christmas and sold 6,000 copies in the first few days.
The instant bestseller revived Christmas when it was on the decline in England, during the Industrial Revolution, and it launched Dickens into a fame much like The Beatles -- on his reading tours, Charles Dickens was mobbed by adoring fans, who would rip his clothes, wait in long lines to shake his hand, and pull down the windows on his train car to grab at him.
From The Writer’s Almanac, American Public Media, edited by my friend Rick Norton.
Reminder: Socrates Cafe is tomorrow, Thursday, December 20. 7 pm Trinity Church, 19th & Broadway. Free, and lots of free parking, most parking meters are free after 6 pm. RSVP at http://socratescafe.meetup.com/82 or just show up.
Also, IDEA Cafe, Friday, December 21. 2 pm at Panera Bread, 13th & Grant here in Denver. Two fantastic speakers this week. Details and RSVP at http://ideacafe.meetup.com/1
Ben Franklin's inspiration may have come when he was 15 years old and he worked in his brother's print shop. He would sneak into work at night and leave letters to the editor signed "Silence Dogood." The letters became very popular, but when young Franklin told his brother James that he was writing them, the two came to blows and Ben ran away to Philadelphia. When Benjamin Franklin started 'Poor Richard's," his brother was publishing an almanac of his own called "Poor Robin's Almanac."
It was on this day in 1843 that Charles Dickens came out with "A Christmas Carol." He got the idea in mid-October and struggled to finish the story in time for the holidays. He published the book himself with gilt-edged pages and a red bound cover within a week of Christmas and sold 6,000 copies in the first few days.
The instant bestseller revived Christmas when it was on the decline in England, during the Industrial Revolution, and it launched Dickens into a fame much like The Beatles -- on his reading tours, Charles Dickens was mobbed by adoring fans, who would rip his clothes, wait in long lines to shake his hand, and pull down the windows on his train car to grab at him.
From The Writer’s Almanac, American Public Media, edited by my friend Rick Norton.
Reminder: Socrates Cafe is tomorrow, Thursday, December 20. 7 pm Trinity Church, 19th & Broadway. Free, and lots of free parking, most parking meters are free after 6 pm. RSVP at http://socratescafe.meetup.com/82 or just show up.
Also, IDEA Cafe, Friday, December 21. 2 pm at Panera Bread, 13th & Grant here in Denver. Two fantastic speakers this week. Details and RSVP at http://ideacafe.meetup.com/1
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
On this day in: 1865 - The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified by Georgia, fulfilling the two-thirds requirement for ratification, and banning slavery in the United States. 1892 - The first performance of Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker is held at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. 1932 - The Chicago Bears defeated the Portsmouth Spartans 9-0 in the first ever NFL Championship Game.
Have you ever noticed how money and time seem to just slip away?
Here’s a well written column about where the money goes. Waste thirty dollars a day, which isn’t hard for a family to do, and at the end of the year we’re missing $10,000!
Businesses have this same problem, profit leaks that can eventually sink the ship.
When it comes to waste, government is the worst offender, because there our millions and billions just don’t seem like real money. We can always raise taxes just a little, like we did again this year in Denver.
The Mayor’s A thru I campaign gave us the choice among 9 self imposed tax increases for worthy projects. “Let's take them all," we said, "they are small.”
We read and talk a lot about what we want the government to change, that’s a big part of the Presidential campaign right now. But what about me and you? What can we do about our personal money leaks?
And what about time? Can you believe it is already the end of 2007? Or that we are this old?
To stop the clock at the personal level, Joseph Heller had a solution called “Catch-22”: Don’t do things you enjoy and time will slow down. As a result, we won't necessarily live longer, but it will seem longer.
And we will die rich.
Merry Christmas.
John Wren
Have you ever noticed how money and time seem to just slip away?
Here’s a well written column about where the money goes. Waste thirty dollars a day, which isn’t hard for a family to do, and at the end of the year we’re missing $10,000!
Businesses have this same problem, profit leaks that can eventually sink the ship.
When it comes to waste, government is the worst offender, because there our millions and billions just don’t seem like real money. We can always raise taxes just a little, like we did again this year in Denver.
The Mayor’s A thru I campaign gave us the choice among 9 self imposed tax increases for worthy projects. “Let's take them all," we said, "they are small.”
We read and talk a lot about what we want the government to change, that’s a big part of the Presidential campaign right now. But what about me and you? What can we do about our personal money leaks?
And what about time? Can you believe it is already the end of 2007? Or that we are this old?
To stop the clock at the personal level, Joseph Heller had a solution called “Catch-22”: Don’t do things you enjoy and time will slow down. As a result, we won't necessarily live longer, but it will seem longer.
And we will die rich.
Merry Christmas.
John Wren
Monday, December 17, 2007
On this day in: 1903 - The Wright Brothers made their first powered and heavier-than-air flight in the Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. 1935 - First flight of the Douglas DC-3 airplane. 1969 - Project Blue Book: The USAF closes its study of UFOs, stating that sightings were generated as a result of "A mild form of mass hysteria, Individuals who fabricate such reports to perpetrate a hoax or seek publicity, psychopathological persons, and misidentification of various conventional objects."
In today’s Denver Post:
Speaking of caucuses — those are the neighborhood meetings largely attended by the political diehards — Colorado party leaders are still hoping for a good turnout in February. By some accounts, there was a slight increase in party affiliation by the Dec. 5 registration deadline. Larimer County's Scott Doyle said his county experienced a "bump."
In 2004, only about 15,000 Democrats attended their caucuses in more than 3,100 precincts statewide. That's roughly five people per precinct. Some years have drawn only two people to a precinct.
But this year being a presidential election year, and with Colorado now viewed as a swing state, party leaders hope they can draw more voters to the schools and community centers where the meetings are held.
For the first time, this year's caucuses will poll affiliated voters on their presidential choices, then get that information to county chairs. They, in turn, will advise party headquarters in time to alert the media before bedtime. This will be the only voice Coloradans will have in selecting the presidential nominees in each party, since we don't have a presidential primary.
"People [in both parties] should attend these neighborhood meetings and participate with all the enthusiasm they can muster," said Bill Compton, the Colorado Democratic Party's policy director.
I posted this comment in response to the above:
The February 5 Colorado Caucus has the potential of being well attended, but only if our major Colorado newspapers give it adequate coverage. To learn more, attend the Denver Grassroots Rally January 4; we'll be giving awards to the best pre-December 5 (registration date to vote in the Colorado Caucus) news coverage. For details and to RSVP see http://cocacop.meetup.com/2
I just sent this to the Rocky Mountain News Online as a news tip:
I think readers would really be interested in news right now about the February 5th Colorado Caucus, how it will work, and how people who want to attend can find out where to go. Best research I've seen says that only 8% of the people in Colorado even know we have a system similar to the Iowa Caucus.
One of the Boulder newspapers ran a front page story about the December 5 registration deadline for voting in the February 5 caucus that mentioned me. A man emailed me, "What is the history of this, and why haven't I heard of it before?" Good questions! I think your readers would be very interested in the answers NOW, while there is still time to figure out where to go February 5 and how to participate.
Every two years we get a chance for a state-wide civics lesson here in Colorado with our wonderful caucus-assembly system for nominating candidates to the primary ballot. Shouldn't it receive at least as much coverage between now and and February 5 as you give the Bronco's or the Rockies' training camps?
How about giving it news coverage NOW and each week between now and February 5, give adequate coverage to the HUGH story February 5, and THEN write an editorial about what should be done for 2010?
A few of us are holding a free, open meeting each month to try and help people learn about how to pick a party and participate, could someone from the RMN join us for our next meeting January 4? http://cocacop.meetup.com/2
PoliticsWest has a great overview of the upcoming Colorado legislative session and a list of the Colorado Senate and House seats that will be contested.
Catholic Answers Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics
If you take your Catholic faith seriously then this voter’s
guide is for you. It will help you cast your vote in an
informed manner consistent with Catholic moral teaching
and fundamental human rights. This guide will help you
tell the difference between candidates’ positions that are
morally acceptable and ones that are so contrary to fundamental
moral principles that they are inconsistent with
public service.
In today’s Denver Post:
Speaking of caucuses — those are the neighborhood meetings largely attended by the political diehards — Colorado party leaders are still hoping for a good turnout in February. By some accounts, there was a slight increase in party affiliation by the Dec. 5 registration deadline. Larimer County's Scott Doyle said his county experienced a "bump."
In 2004, only about 15,000 Democrats attended their caucuses in more than 3,100 precincts statewide. That's roughly five people per precinct. Some years have drawn only two people to a precinct.
But this year being a presidential election year, and with Colorado now viewed as a swing state, party leaders hope they can draw more voters to the schools and community centers where the meetings are held.
For the first time, this year's caucuses will poll affiliated voters on their presidential choices, then get that information to county chairs. They, in turn, will advise party headquarters in time to alert the media before bedtime. This will be the only voice Coloradans will have in selecting the presidential nominees in each party, since we don't have a presidential primary.
"People [in both parties] should attend these neighborhood meetings and participate with all the enthusiasm they can muster," said Bill Compton, the Colorado Democratic Party's policy director.
I posted this comment in response to the above:
The February 5 Colorado Caucus has the potential of being well attended, but only if our major Colorado newspapers give it adequate coverage. To learn more, attend the Denver Grassroots Rally January 4; we'll be giving awards to the best pre-December 5 (registration date to vote in the Colorado Caucus) news coverage. For details and to RSVP see http://cocacop.meetup.com/2
I just sent this to the Rocky Mountain News Online as a news tip:
I think readers would really be interested in news right now about the February 5th Colorado Caucus, how it will work, and how people who want to attend can find out where to go. Best research I've seen says that only 8% of the people in Colorado even know we have a system similar to the Iowa Caucus.
One of the Boulder newspapers ran a front page story about the December 5 registration deadline for voting in the February 5 caucus that mentioned me. A man emailed me, "What is the history of this, and why haven't I heard of it before?" Good questions! I think your readers would be very interested in the answers NOW, while there is still time to figure out where to go February 5 and how to participate.
Every two years we get a chance for a state-wide civics lesson here in Colorado with our wonderful caucus-assembly system for nominating candidates to the primary ballot. Shouldn't it receive at least as much coverage between now and and February 5 as you give the Bronco's or the Rockies' training camps?
How about giving it news coverage NOW and each week between now and February 5, give adequate coverage to the HUGH story February 5, and THEN write an editorial about what should be done for 2010?
A few of us are holding a free, open meeting each month to try and help people learn about how to pick a party and participate, could someone from the RMN join us for our next meeting January 4? http://cocacop.meetup.com/2
PoliticsWest has a great overview of the upcoming Colorado legislative session and a list of the Colorado Senate and House seats that will be contested.
Catholic Answers Voter’s Guide for Serious Catholics
If you take your Catholic faith seriously then this voter’s
guide is for you. It will help you cast your vote in an
informed manner consistent with Catholic moral teaching
and fundamental human rights. This guide will help you
tell the difference between candidates’ positions that are
morally acceptable and ones that are so contrary to fundamental
moral principles that they are inconsistent with
public service.
Friday, December 14, 2007
On this day in: 1946 - The UN General Assembly votes to establish its headquarters in New York City. 1947 - The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is founded in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Bill Ritter is promoting his education plan in the paper this morning. What do you think of it? Go to: http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_7715737 and post your comments. Here is what I commented:
In today's world, education is mandatory. School is optional.
Sometimes the solution to a problem is not a bigger hammer.
http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Franklin-Circle-Adult-Self-Directed-Learning-Group
I’m forming a couple of new Franklin Circles here in Denver. Let me know if you’d like an invitation to a free informational meeting. Email me at JohnSWren@aol.com with “Franklin Circle” in the subject line.
Bill Ritter is promoting his education plan in the paper this morning. What do you think of it? Go to: http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_7715737 and post your comments. Here is what I commented:
In today's world, education is mandatory. School is optional.
Sometimes the solution to a problem is not a bigger hammer.
http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Franklin-Circle-Adult-Self-Directed-Learning-Group
I’m forming a couple of new Franklin Circles here in Denver. Let me know if you’d like an invitation to a free informational meeting. Email me at JohnSWren@aol.com with “Franklin Circle” in the subject line.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
On this day in: 1884 - first performance of any of Richard Strauss's compositions in the United States (Symphony in F, New York Philharmonic) 1895 - Premiere of Gustav Mahler's Resurrection Symphony in Berlin. 1983 - The Denver Nuggets and the Detroit Pistons play in the highest scoring NBA game in history, with the Pistons winning 186-184 in triple overtime.
Would Ben blog?
Walter Isaacson and Allen Weinstein originally spoke to this question on 2 November 2006 at the National Archives as part of the Lemelson Center's fall symposium. This podcast was just released 18 January 2007 and I just discovered it today.
Walter Isaacson, as you probably know, is the author of Benjamin Franklin: An American Life and president and CEO of the Aspen Institute. He opened the Lemelson Center's fall symposium last year by examining the history of communications technology in democracy. The 2 November 2006 program at the National Archives featured Isaacson and Allen Weinstein, Archivist of the United States.
What's wrong with Colorado schools?
Forbes Magazine lists the top 20 cities in the US for kids to get a good education. No Colorado school district makes the list. How would Colorado schools stack up using the given criteria? Why doesn’t one of our daily newspapers localize this story?
The Denver IDEA Cafe and Franklin Circles will be joining countries all around the world to carry the banner of Global Entrepreneurship Week, an initiative aimed at young people everywhere. During the week of November 17 - 23, 2008, partner organizations will conduct a range of activities - from simple speeches to comprehensive competitions - designed to inspire, connect, inform, mentor and engage the next generation of entrepreneurs. Let me know if you'd like to help us here in Denver.
Would Ben blog?
Walter Isaacson and Allen Weinstein originally spoke to this question on 2 November 2006 at the National Archives as part of the Lemelson Center's fall symposium. This podcast was just released 18 January 2007 and I just discovered it today.
Walter Isaacson, as you probably know, is the author of Benjamin Franklin: An American Life and president and CEO of the Aspen Institute. He opened the Lemelson Center's fall symposium last year by examining the history of communications technology in democracy. The 2 November 2006 program at the National Archives featured Isaacson and Allen Weinstein, Archivist of the United States.
What's wrong with Colorado schools?
Forbes Magazine lists the top 20 cities in the US for kids to get a good education. No Colorado school district makes the list. How would Colorado schools stack up using the given criteria? Why doesn’t one of our daily newspapers localize this story?
The Denver IDEA Cafe and Franklin Circles will be joining countries all around the world to carry the banner of Global Entrepreneurship Week, an initiative aimed at young people everywhere. During the week of November 17 - 23, 2008, partner organizations will conduct a range of activities - from simple speeches to comprehensive competitions - designed to inspire, connect, inform, mentor and engage the next generation of entrepreneurs. Let me know if you'd like to help us here in Denver.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
On this day in: 1531 - Apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego in Mexico City. 1917 - In Nebraska, Father Edward J. Flanagan founds Boys Town as a farm village for wayward boys.
It truly does take a village to raise all of us from one decade to the next. Neighborhoods nourish us, sweetened by friendships we share with one another. Priscilla Dann-Courtney of Boulder is a clinical psychologist.
Last spring, M.E. Sprengelmeyer grew bored with subcommittee meetings in the Washington, D.C., bureau (of the Rocky Mountain News) and pitched his editors a radical proposal: "Close the D.C. apartment and move to Des Moines. It's where the action is."
Although national papers such as the New York Times and Washington Post jet in reporters frequently, the idea of a regional newspaper moving a reporter to Iowa months before the caucuses is thought to be unprecedented. His editor bought his idea of a blog called "Back Roads to the White House" and ongoing print coverage of the candidates in a state that can make or break them.
"We liked the idea of a blog to add to our Internet brand," said Jim Trotter, assistant managing editor. "It's been a lot of fun and very creative."
Des Moines Register
It truly does take a village to raise all of us from one decade to the next. Neighborhoods nourish us, sweetened by friendships we share with one another. Priscilla Dann-Courtney of Boulder is a clinical psychologist.
Last spring, M.E. Sprengelmeyer grew bored with subcommittee meetings in the Washington, D.C., bureau (of the Rocky Mountain News) and pitched his editors a radical proposal: "Close the D.C. apartment and move to Des Moines. It's where the action is."
Although national papers such as the New York Times and Washington Post jet in reporters frequently, the idea of a regional newspaper moving a reporter to Iowa months before the caucuses is thought to be unprecedented. His editor bought his idea of a blog called "Back Roads to the White House" and ongoing print coverage of the candidates in a state that can make or break them.
"We liked the idea of a blog to add to our Internet brand," said Jim Trotter, assistant managing editor. "It's been a lot of fun and very creative."
Des Moines Register
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
On this date in: 1792 - French Revolution: King Louis XVI of France is put on trial for treason by the National Convention. 1971 - The Libertarian Party of the United States is formed. 1997 - The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change opens for signature.
This Friday (Dec 14), at Panera Bread, 13th & Grant here in Denver (just a block from the Colorado capitol) two free, open meetings about the grassroots in business and politics. (Please forward this along to any of your friends who might be interested, OK?)
2 p.m. IDEA Café_ Entrepreneurs Mark Baisley www.Slipglass.com, Jon Baracos www.bieMedia.com and attorney David Fogel will share their startup stories. Free to those starting a new career, a new project, a new business, or a new campaign. Startup experience is shared and there is brainstorming. RSVP at http://ideacafe.meetup.com/2
Then at 4 p.m. DENVER GRASSROOTS RALLY_ Final votes will be collected for the Pre-December 5 Caucus PR contest. Everyone is invited to share what is on their mind at an open microphone; it’s like a poetry reading for politics. Sign-ups to speak open at 3:30 p.m. Just show up, or if you want to be part of the leadership team and get priority on the speakers list, RSVP at http://cocacop.meetup.com/2
If you have any questions about either group, contact me at (303)861-1447 or JohnSWren@aol.com.
This Friday (Dec 14), at Panera Bread, 13th & Grant here in Denver (just a block from the Colorado capitol) two free, open meetings about the grassroots in business and politics. (Please forward this along to any of your friends who might be interested, OK?)
2 p.m. IDEA Café_ Entrepreneurs Mark Baisley www.Slipglass.com, Jon Baracos www.bieMedia.com and attorney David Fogel will share their startup stories. Free to those starting a new career, a new project, a new business, or a new campaign. Startup experience is shared and there is brainstorming. RSVP at http://ideacafe.meetup.com/2
Then at 4 p.m. DENVER GRASSROOTS RALLY_ Final votes will be collected for the Pre-December 5 Caucus PR contest. Everyone is invited to share what is on their mind at an open microphone; it’s like a poetry reading for politics. Sign-ups to speak open at 3:30 p.m. Just show up, or if you want to be part of the leadership team and get priority on the speakers list, RSVP at http://cocacop.meetup.com/2
If you have any questions about either group, contact me at (303)861-1447 or JohnSWren@aol.com.
Monday, December 10, 2007
I just got this via email from my friend Fred Holden:
John –
I always marvel at the good work you do.
Recently you asked for comments about the importance of the Caucuses… (Here are my thoughts) use for your purposes.
Fred Holden
I can think of no more important and exciting a citizen opportunity and fulfilling responsibility than once every two years, attending a neighborhood caucus. Here is how I put it on page 321 in my book, TOTAL Power of ONE in America: Discover What You Need to Know, Why and How to be a More Powerful Person and Citizen:
"The formal national political cycle starts at the "neighborhood caucus" which usually takes place the first Monday of April or May in even numbered years. (February 5 in Colorado in 2008.) It is organized by both major political parties. Meetings are held in homes, schools or municipal buildings designated by politically defined boundaries called precincts. Each precinct contains approximately the same amount of registered voters--those eligible to participate. Just showing up can get you "put to work," and into a new position of status and influence.
"Nomination and election of those present fill official neighborhood committee positions. Issues are discussed and delegates are selected to attend various political assemblies which in fact determine who run for various offices. People from these caucuses formulate the official party structures and platforms, so your attendance at these meetings should receive your high priority. Determine and reserve these dates ahead of time, preempting vacations and other delayable or avoidable schedule commitments.
"As a delegate, you can be an effective supporter of the good candidates and a formidable foe of bad ones. You will be wooed and hopefully won by candidates for high public office, those who desperately need your understanding, support and vote. They will talk to you, answer your questions, seek your advice and solicit your opinions on issues. They will want you to sway others to vote for them too. You are a VIP, a very important person, especially to those who seek local and national elective office."
GO, BE THERE, RUN, DON'T WALK, TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD POLITICAL CAUCUS. MEN AND WOMEN IN THE DEFENSE OF THESE UNITED STATES, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND WAY OF LIFE, FOUGHT AND DIED TO PRESERVE THE RIGHTS, FREEDOMS AND ABUNDANCE OF THIS MARVELOUS ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM. IF ONLY TO HONOR THEIR LOST LIVES, SACRIFICES, PAIN AND SUFFERING, GO TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD CAUCUS TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 5, 2008. BE THERE AND FIND OUT HOW GREAT IT CAN BE TO BE AN ACTIVE CITIZEN.
Then read Chapters 24 through 26, on how to make a difference.
Fred Holden, author
TOTAL Power of ONE in America: Discover What You Need to
Know, Why and How to be a More Powerful Person and Citizen.
(Tattered Cover Book Store, 303-322-7727, 1-800-833-9327, $29.95)
John –
I always marvel at the good work you do.
Recently you asked for comments about the importance of the Caucuses… (Here are my thoughts) use for your purposes.
Fred Holden
I can think of no more important and exciting a citizen opportunity and fulfilling responsibility than once every two years, attending a neighborhood caucus. Here is how I put it on page 321 in my book, TOTAL Power of ONE in America: Discover What You Need to Know, Why and How to be a More Powerful Person and Citizen:
"The formal national political cycle starts at the "neighborhood caucus" which usually takes place the first Monday of April or May in even numbered years. (February 5 in Colorado in 2008.) It is organized by both major political parties. Meetings are held in homes, schools or municipal buildings designated by politically defined boundaries called precincts. Each precinct contains approximately the same amount of registered voters--those eligible to participate. Just showing up can get you "put to work," and into a new position of status and influence.
"Nomination and election of those present fill official neighborhood committee positions. Issues are discussed and delegates are selected to attend various political assemblies which in fact determine who run for various offices. People from these caucuses formulate the official party structures and platforms, so your attendance at these meetings should receive your high priority. Determine and reserve these dates ahead of time, preempting vacations and other delayable or avoidable schedule commitments.
"As a delegate, you can be an effective supporter of the good candidates and a formidable foe of bad ones. You will be wooed and hopefully won by candidates for high public office, those who desperately need your understanding, support and vote. They will talk to you, answer your questions, seek your advice and solicit your opinions on issues. They will want you to sway others to vote for them too. You are a VIP, a very important person, especially to those who seek local and national elective office."
GO, BE THERE, RUN, DON'T WALK, TO YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD POLITICAL CAUCUS. MEN AND WOMEN IN THE DEFENSE OF THESE UNITED STATES, THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND WAY OF LIFE, FOUGHT AND DIED TO PRESERVE THE RIGHTS, FREEDOMS AND ABUNDANCE OF THIS MARVELOUS ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM. IF ONLY TO HONOR THEIR LOST LIVES, SACRIFICES, PAIN AND SUFFERING, GO TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD CAUCUS TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 5, 2008. BE THERE AND FIND OUT HOW GREAT IT CAN BE TO BE AN ACTIVE CITIZEN.
Then read Chapters 24 through 26, on how to make a difference.
Fred Holden, author
TOTAL Power of ONE in America: Discover What You Need to
Know, Why and How to be a More Powerful Person and Citizen.
(Tattered Cover Book Store, 303-322-7727, 1-800-833-9327, $29.95)
On this day in: 1869 - Wyoming grants women the right to vote. 1906 - U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt wins the Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the first American to win a Nobel Prize. 1948 - The UN General Assembly adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today is also International Human Rights Day.
How do you get your world news?
Click here to listen to these two very interesting NPR stories:
Closing foreign news bureaus (5:15)
Many US news organizations are cutting their foreign bureaus and doing away with their foreign correspondents. Some online providers are hoping to capitalize on that void. But veteran journalists question whether bloggers and others can provide the depth of coverage needed. The World's Aaron Schachter has more.
Bloggers as reporters (4:30)
Some news organizations are downsizing their foreign bureaus. Bloggers are ready to fill the gap, but many journalists say they lack an editor's hand. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Julien Pain. He's heading up a project for the France 24 News channel. Bloggers do the reporting, but experienced editors keep an eye on it all.
CITIZEN MEDIA is a collaborative FP6 research project which unites leading creative and technology experts from across Europe on research, development and validation of A/V systems to enable multiple non-professional users to co-create networked applications and experiences based on their own user-generated content.
How do you get your world news?
Click here to listen to these two very interesting NPR stories:
Closing foreign news bureaus (5:15)
Many US news organizations are cutting their foreign bureaus and doing away with their foreign correspondents. Some online providers are hoping to capitalize on that void. But veteran journalists question whether bloggers and others can provide the depth of coverage needed. The World's Aaron Schachter has more.
Bloggers as reporters (4:30)
Some news organizations are downsizing their foreign bureaus. Bloggers are ready to fill the gap, but many journalists say they lack an editor's hand. Anchor Marco Werman speaks with Julien Pain. He's heading up a project for the France 24 News channel. Bloggers do the reporting, but experienced editors keep an eye on it all.
CITIZEN MEDIA is a collaborative FP6 research project which unites leading creative and technology experts from across Europe on research, development and validation of A/V systems to enable multiple non-professional users to co-create networked applications and experiences based on their own user-generated content.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
On this date in: 1851 - The first YMCA in North America is established in Montreal, Quebec. 1958 - The John Birch Society was founded in the United States.
Michael Gerson in Heroic Conservatism
A Republican Party (that abandons the idealism of the Declaration of Independence) will not earn or deserve the support of moral and religious voters। And with their departure, the politics of the Republican Party would consist mainly of commercial interests and libertarian selfishness—hardly a winning combination
Conservatism without idealism and compassion is dead. Only a heroic conservatism can appeal to the conscience, inspire the nation, and change the world.
Michael Gerson in Heroic Conservatism
A Republican Party (that abandons the idealism of the Declaration of Independence) will not earn or deserve the support of moral and religious voters। And with their departure, the politics of the Republican Party would consist mainly of commercial interests and libertarian selfishness—hardly a winning combination
Conservatism without idealism and compassion is dead. Only a heroic conservatism can appeal to the conscience, inspire the nation, and change the world.
Friday, December 07, 2007
On this date in: 1787 - Delaware becomes the first state to ratify the US Constitution; 1941 - World War II: Attack on Pearl Harbor - The Imperial Japanese Navy attacks the US Pacific Fleet and its defending Army Air Forces and Marine air forces at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; 1963 - Instant replay is used for the first time in a Army-Navy game; 1988 - Yasser Arafat recognizes the right of Israel to exist।
I haven’t posted here in the last few days, because I wasn’t quite sure how to say this। I’m still not sure, but I need to say something so here it is: Wednesday, with much regret, I changed my party registration from Republican to Democrat so I can participate in the February 5 Colorado Caucus as a Democrat. I have many reasons for doing this, the main one being that a Republican in Denver has no political voice. We’ll see… Watch here for more details about how it goes. Maybe Pearl Harbor Day is the right time to announce this.
New research shows the American workforce is steadily becoming less educated just when better and more diverse educational opportunities are essential for our labor force to maintain its justifiably famous productivity, flexibility and ingenuity।
Researchers speculate that unless the United States makes critical adjustments now to its national human capital investment strategies, our education attainment levels will stagnate and future economic growth will slow।
How about encouraging workers to join or start a Franklin Circle?
I haven’t posted here in the last few days, because I wasn’t quite sure how to say this। I’m still not sure, but I need to say something so here it is: Wednesday, with much regret, I changed my party registration from Republican to Democrat so I can participate in the February 5 Colorado Caucus as a Democrat. I have many reasons for doing this, the main one being that a Republican in Denver has no political voice. We’ll see… Watch here for more details about how it goes. Maybe Pearl Harbor Day is the right time to announce this.
New research shows the American workforce is steadily becoming less educated just when better and more diverse educational opportunities are essential for our labor force to maintain its justifiably famous productivity, flexibility and ingenuity।
Researchers speculate that unless the United States makes critical adjustments now to its national human capital investment strategies, our education attainment levels will stagnate and future economic growth will slow।
How about encouraging workers to join or start a Franklin Circle?
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