Image versus Substance; What we see as opposed to what really is...

 

In this video short, Malcolm Gladwell discusses his reinterpretation of the Old Testament story about David and Goliath - the basis of his most recent book entitled the same.  Gladwell offers nuanced insights regarding how apparent underdogs may not necessarily doomed because shortcomings only appear so because they are based on a of frame of reference that is set by prevailing perspectives.  

Gladwell echoes a phenomenon discussed by Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his provocative, ground-breaking book, "Black Swan".  Taleb's premise is that we develop a sort of veiled consciousness because we are unprepared to see what may not be obvious.  Why?  Because we are locked onto seeing a different kind of obvious that has its roots according to currently held conventions.

I have always found it fascinating that weaknesses can be strengths and vice versa - and that is what this book explores. 

Endnote: You may receive Feedback Credit for submitting commentary on this video under the 1/12 posting criteria, or you may receive the full 5 points if you decide to submit a 1200-1500 book review for the Gladwell book.  Just let me know your intent via e-mail.

A Good Overview of Emotional Intelligence

The University of Wisconsin offers a series of videos on seminars such as, the 'Art of Lecturing seminar', as part of the school's medical education.  Dr. David Rakel MD.

He discusses how the emotional brain works, and the importance of making connections.  Just as a an aside, he uses a clip from the movie, "Little Miss Sunshine" - one of my favorite movies.  He discusses how we communicate without words.  

He also talks about the importance of making meaningful connections and understanding those things that give life meaning and purpose - the importance of love.

Upcoming Epidemic & The World's Aging Population

More Physics Anyone?

This is a variant on the Samoan Fire Knife Dance.  

I want you students to realize that there  is a world beyond Albuquerque.  It can be seen if you get yourselves a good education.  And, when you do see it, so much of it will make sense to you because of the investment you have made into your acquisition of knowledge - for the sake of learning.  

May all that you are learning become a contagion for everyone around you.  More than that, may you be filled with life-long curiosity and a deep sense of wonder because you are educated.

I hope you are sharing these posts with your family and friends.

Innovating to Zero - Bill Gates

 

The good news is you will one day make decisions about your world.  The bad news is that one day, you will have to make decisions about your world.  You will be held responsible for the decisions you make.  

Being educated enough to know how to spot a miracle and make a miracle happen "in a very short time-line" will be to your benefit.

Something to ponder:  

What does this mean?  

CO₂ = P x E x S x C

Please discuss.

Note: This video qualifies as a 5 point maximum extra credit paper for your semester's final Science grade - that's a half a grade added to your final grade.  

However, it must meet the following criteria:  1500 word minimum (to 10,000 words maximum) to include a summary of the video and an exposition that discusses a topic of your choice mentioned in the video.  Make sure it is copy edited, spell checked and set-up in a word document.  

Should you elect to take this challenge, your essay on this post ought to be fun, and rewarding for you.  If you take any other approach to it, or if it ceases to be fun, then you are doing something wrong.