Commencement everyday! Happy blogversary (belatedly)

from the archives: in belated recognition of one year here Welcome to Tertiary Education, a new venture for me. I have been writing since college. My public writing (blogging) began in 2004 as a culmination of three influences: Tom Peters, Stephen Covey and Mark Hurst. There were other influences along the way but these three stick out. Steve had published The 8th Habit. Tom had published Reimagine. Mark was publishing his Good Experience newsletter. I found my voice to add my 2 cents to the blogosphere. The writing there spun off the Hitchhiker's guide as I found other good blogs and wanted to share them. My running spawned its own forum and then my work related passion around creating a good customer experience generated its own forum. The network provided an opportunity to explore a virtual team and how we could work together to explore our common interests in synergy. One idea that grew from that group is Blogidarity. So why another blog? The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman is the latest influence. There are a number of connections coming together here. I started to be the world's greatest teacher of English but while I was able to work for six years as a coach and substitute teacher, finding a permanent position at the time was not in the cards. I switched to the "real world" and began my introduction into technology and support. Multiple positions with two companies have lead me to where I am today. My paths have confirmed the logical process that Tom follows in his book. I do believe the world is flattening. I do believe change will continue to be a way of life. I do believe there is no longer "business as usual". Change is difficult for the unprepared but easy for those who are prepared. The writing here will focus around what is needed to adapt to the new evolving world. I believe the approach that a process of life long learning, collaborative learning, working in virtual teams across miles, countries, oceans, and space eventually will allow one to succeed. This is the commencement we need to make each day. The commitment we need to make. If you are interested, please subscribe with one of the several options provided. Comment as you may. Drop me an email to further a discussion. I look forward to doing this together. Technorati Tags : change, world+is+flat, tertiary+education, commencement Originally posted here on June 6, 2006 The updates one year later would be to acknowledge that the blog Synergy and Blogidarity have gone into hibernation My participation in a group of like-minded individuals continues at the Joyful Jubilant Learning blog I also participate at 100 Bloggers

Thuban Phenomenon

One of Polaris’ predecessors in the role of “North Star” is Thuban, a star in the constellation Draco the dragon. Thuban was the naked-eye star closest to the north pole from roughly 4000 BC until 1800 BC. This means that Thuban was the “guiding light” the ancients looked to for finding true north. For example, the Egyptians used Thuban to align the Great Pyramids of Giza. Neolithic British tribes used Thuban to lay out Stonehenge. And early Babylonians used astronomical records from a Thuban-centered night sky to create their highly accurate calendar. Did you know that? I learned something new today. I also like how Roger introduces the Thuban Phenomenon: I think the “Thuban Phenomenon” is a wonderful metaphor that we can apply to our own lives in particular and to the human sphere in general. This is how it works. Let’s suppose that in a earlier period of your life, you have a “star” that is your “guiding light” — it’s at the center of your universe. This “star” could be an idea, another person, a belief, an activity, a philosophy, or a relationship, that guides your thinking and actions. But then you change. Just as the earth has its own perturbations, your own axis also changes — you develop new interests, learn new skills, meet new people, and change locations — such that you find new “guiding lights.” And your original “north star” drifts off toward the periphery. Hey, this sounds familiar. This gives meaning to the phrase "what goes around comes around". Read Roger's full posting here and see if there are examples of Thuban Phenomenon in your life.

Meet the Revs - Dolores at the Bubble

Revs_D_attheBubble Originally uploaded by shersteve. Dolores poses for a picture just at the entrance of the air filled tunnel that the players entered the field through in previous seasons. MLS just announced today that this season, the teams will enter the field following the referees like the other major FIFA leagues do. This may be the last time we see the familiar soccer ball tunnel. Good thing we took the opportunity to pose for a picture! How do you handle change? How do you let some one know about the change? I read this news release. I wonder how many fans in the stands this week will notice a difference?