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.
Friday, December 14, 2007
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.
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