"Building Resilience, Strengthening Community""
Whatcom Folk School is all about connecting people looking to learn the skills of a more resilient, joyful and sustainable life with instructors and organizations who offer courses in practical skills such as woodworking, basketry, quilting, animal husbandry, living democracy, arts and crafts,… please see our catalog for classes being offered.
Whatcom Folk School is based on these five basic principles:
1.Re-skilling – Offering training in a vast range of past and contemporary practical skills.
2.Inclusivity – Believing that everyone in the community holds a part of the story and a part of the solution to a more sustainable and resilient county.
3.Honoring Elders – Learning from those who have lessons to share.
4.Awareness – Raising awareness about the changes we need to create more sustainable and resilient communities.
5.Networking – Working cooperatively with existing groups and programs.
Whatcom Folk School is a non-profit that is being started by a grass roots volunteer effort.
Whatcom Folk School is now open to receive submissions for teaching classes for Fall Quarter 2011!
Showing posts with label skills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skills. Show all posts
Friday, November 18, 2011
Whatcom Folk School in Bellingham!
Here.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Mission
Regenerating the Sustenance Economy of the "Developed" World.
Why?
1. Ecology - Effective management of the environmental commons is best achieved via local, decentralized, and democratic means, and requires people to understand the capacities and limitations of their environment, which is best achieved experientially [insert Vandana Shiva's inverted triangle here].
2. Citizenry - Responsible citizenship and wise decision-making begins with knowing where our sustenance comes from and how it is sustained.
3. Household Economy - The economics of small family farms and intergenerational households are far more resilient in the face of economic booms and busts than isolated, single-family households.
4. Regional Economy - Strong regional economies depend on people being producers as much as consumers.
5. Pleasure - Providing for one's own and one's family's sustenance is immeasurably satisfying.
Why?
1. Ecology - Effective management of the environmental commons is best achieved via local, decentralized, and democratic means, and requires people to understand the capacities and limitations of their environment, which is best achieved experientially [insert Vandana Shiva's inverted triangle here].
2. Citizenry - Responsible citizenship and wise decision-making begins with knowing where our sustenance comes from and how it is sustained.
3. Household Economy - The economics of small family farms and intergenerational households are far more resilient in the face of economic booms and busts than isolated, single-family households.
4. Regional Economy - Strong regional economies depend on people being producers as much as consumers.
5. Pleasure - Providing for one's own and one's family's sustenance is immeasurably satisfying.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Envisioning livelihood
a set of planning tools for envisioning and plotting out a desired livelihood, or just next year.
- values
- criteria
- non-negotiables
- "bucket list"
- matrices
- logic models (from current inputs to desired outcomes)
- scenario planning
- financial planning/budgeting
- education
- annual review and planning
- ideal world exercise
- plan of attack (mind mapping, eg FreeMind)
- values
- criteria
- non-negotiables
- "bucket list"
- matrices
- logic models (from current inputs to desired outcomes)
- scenario planning
- financial planning/budgeting
- education
- annual review and planning
- ideal world exercise
- plan of attack (mind mapping, eg FreeMind)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
the economics of social/human technologies
The important thing about an economy (socially) is that it provides opportunities for people to specialize and profit off that specialization. It allows for sorting, which creates conditions for mobility, exploration, discovery, challenge, and victory.
High skills = high earnings = prestige. We tend to focus on material technology, for that is what people are most commonly willing to pay for because it delivers something concrete. But is this because of a deficiency in non-material--e.g. human, or social technological development? Yogis 1000 years ago were innovating incessantly in the arts of meditation, astral projection, and so on. Can we assume they were able to deliver concrete results to their customers? They were likely far more advanced technologically in these areas back then than we are now.
That said, people now do pay for entertainment, art, psychotherapy, and so on. These are (potentially) high skill, high value occupations, with a need for training and a demonstrated value. These are human/social technologies--the Arts. But the information asymmetries of the modern economy make it difficult for people to know the real practitioners from the hucksters, or the effective arts from the merely promising. It would serve the material resources of our earth well if we were to develop human/social technology into demonstrably valuable consumables, and cultivate an endless innovation of diverse offerings.
What other high-value social products that deliver real results exist as possible niches in the economy? Briony has touched on one--the shaman, or facilitator of ritual.
High skills = high earnings = prestige. We tend to focus on material technology, for that is what people are most commonly willing to pay for because it delivers something concrete. But is this because of a deficiency in non-material--e.g. human, or social technological development? Yogis 1000 years ago were innovating incessantly in the arts of meditation, astral projection, and so on. Can we assume they were able to deliver concrete results to their customers? They were likely far more advanced technologically in these areas back then than we are now.
That said, people now do pay for entertainment, art, psychotherapy, and so on. These are (potentially) high skill, high value occupations, with a need for training and a demonstrated value. These are human/social technologies--the Arts. But the information asymmetries of the modern economy make it difficult for people to know the real practitioners from the hucksters, or the effective arts from the merely promising. It would serve the material resources of our earth well if we were to develop human/social technology into demonstrably valuable consumables, and cultivate an endless innovation of diverse offerings.
What other high-value social products that deliver real results exist as possible niches in the economy? Briony has touched on one--the shaman, or facilitator of ritual.
Percentage Gains in Job Categories 2006-2010
From Wired Magazine.
Podcast here.
Major Takeaways:
1) You don't necessarily need a college degree
2) Manufacturing jobs will be less mundane due to constant innovation
3) Place matters, due to talent pools and proximity of suppliers
4) The old becomes new
Also, Emerging Epicenters of High Tech Industry map:
Podcast here.
Major Takeaways:
1) You don't necessarily need a college degree
2) Manufacturing jobs will be less mundane due to constant innovation
3) Place matters, due to talent pools and proximity of suppliers
4) The old becomes new
Also, Emerging Epicenters of High Tech Industry map:
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Executive Director Skills at various points in the organizational life cycle
From Carlson & Donohoe's "Executive Director's Survival Guide"
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Categories of Skills by Learning Objective
Skills can be divided into (1) those that take time to learn well, and (2) those that take time to learn at all. We can consider which ones we want to be able to do well and which we want to be able to do in a pinch, and base the extent to which we pursue mastery on:
- If it’s a category 1 skill—where anyone can do it but not anyone can do it well—do you need to do it well? The answer is yes only if you want to be able to barter or make money with it. Otherwise, just learn to do it or figure out when you need to. An example is butchering a hog. If you need to butcher a hog, it'd be a pain the ass but you could figure it out. You'd want to know how to do it well if you were going to offer butchering in trade or for money.
- If it’s a category 2 skill that takes a lot of practice to be able to do at all, then you need to decide if it’s necessary for survival or desired for barter/sale. If so, learn it; otherwise, don't bother, unless it's for fun.
- If it’s a category 1 skill—where anyone can do it but not anyone can do it well—do you need to do it well? The answer is yes only if you want to be able to barter or make money with it. Otherwise, just learn to do it or figure out when you need to. An example is butchering a hog. If you need to butcher a hog, it'd be a pain the ass but you could figure it out. You'd want to know how to do it well if you were going to offer butchering in trade or for money.
- If it’s a category 2 skill that takes a lot of practice to be able to do at all, then you need to decide if it’s necessary for survival or desired for barter/sale. If so, learn it; otherwise, don't bother, unless it's for fun.
Friday, September 30, 2011
John Robb's classic piece on Resilient Work
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
JOURNAL: Resilience Judo
There are growing signs -- from a black swan in savings/debt reduction to massive debt loads to quarterly trillion dollar losses in personal wealth to stagnant/falling consumer purchases to persistently low consumer confidence -- that the parasite ridden American "consumer" is finally dead. If this is true, the economic model of the latter half of the last Century is likely dead too, and that will mean wrenching change. It's my belief that the dominant solution is to prepare for a local future to ride out this storm. Here are some of my random (more random than I would like) thoughts on what you should do to prepare:
* Ruthlessly reduce debt. Nothing on credit. Pay off every loan. Strategically walk away from underwater assets (like homes that are worth less than the mortgage). This will allow you to stay one step ahead of the death throes of the old economy.
* Turn your hollow home into a productive asset. Most homes are devoid of any productive capacity. Adding energy, food, etc production to them turns them into real, productive assets. Get your assets out of financial derivatives (stocks, bonds, etc.) as fast as you can and put them into productive assets (not commodities) you can touch.
* Make everything you can yourself. Grow your own food. Produce your own energy. Make/repair your own clothes. Turn costs into savings. Reskill to do this. The new "fashionable trend" isn't what you can buy, it's what you can make. Anyone that buys "designer or branded" anything is a fool.
* Work online. Convert your skills into something that can be sold electronically (most of my complex work is done this way). Develop the skills necessary to work as part of a virtual team. Telecommute whenever possible (and push to do this, even if it means less money), reduce the number of cars/dress clothes/etc you own in synch with this conversion (and move to a less expensive locale when possible!). Always have two jobs going at the same time.
* Build a local business. Own assets that produce and sell that production locally. Even if it is small, it will help down the line via contact networks/experience (a new spin on modern "networking"). Develop the niche skills that sell locally. Group/tribe up when possible to tackle larger opportunities.
* Barter. Cashless trades. Convert what you have to what you need. Skill set bartering is amazingly effective. Become part of a local barter network (the backchannel).
* Bring your family home. Grow your home to accommodate more people. Bring back parents and grown kids (with their families). This will allow you to pool incomes and radically reduce workload/ costs. It's also beneficial for security. NOTE: I've found that consideration/ compromise is the best way to handle an expansive family home environment.
* Suggestions welcome!!
This change doesn't require cute and crunchy notions about "lifestyle" environmentalism. It's all about mitigation of stresses in the short to medium term as living conditions deteriorate, while at the same time preparing to ride the resilient community wave to rapid and sustained long term success/wealth.
JOURNAL: Resilience Judo
There are growing signs -- from a black swan in savings/debt reduction to massive debt loads to quarterly trillion dollar losses in personal wealth to stagnant/falling consumer purchases to persistently low consumer confidence -- that the parasite ridden American "consumer" is finally dead. If this is true, the economic model of the latter half of the last Century is likely dead too, and that will mean wrenching change. It's my belief that the dominant solution is to prepare for a local future to ride out this storm. Here are some of my random (more random than I would like) thoughts on what you should do to prepare:
* Ruthlessly reduce debt. Nothing on credit. Pay off every loan. Strategically walk away from underwater assets (like homes that are worth less than the mortgage). This will allow you to stay one step ahead of the death throes of the old economy.
* Turn your hollow home into a productive asset. Most homes are devoid of any productive capacity. Adding energy, food, etc production to them turns them into real, productive assets. Get your assets out of financial derivatives (stocks, bonds, etc.) as fast as you can and put them into productive assets (not commodities) you can touch.
* Make everything you can yourself. Grow your own food. Produce your own energy. Make/repair your own clothes. Turn costs into savings. Reskill to do this. The new "fashionable trend" isn't what you can buy, it's what you can make. Anyone that buys "designer or branded" anything is a fool.
* Work online. Convert your skills into something that can be sold electronically (most of my complex work is done this way). Develop the skills necessary to work as part of a virtual team. Telecommute whenever possible (and push to do this, even if it means less money), reduce the number of cars/dress clothes/etc you own in synch with this conversion (and move to a less expensive locale when possible!). Always have two jobs going at the same time.
* Build a local business. Own assets that produce and sell that production locally. Even if it is small, it will help down the line via contact networks/experience (a new spin on modern "networking"). Develop the niche skills that sell locally. Group/tribe up when possible to tackle larger opportunities.
* Barter. Cashless trades. Convert what you have to what you need. Skill set bartering is amazingly effective. Become part of a local barter network (the backchannel).
* Bring your family home. Grow your home to accommodate more people. Bring back parents and grown kids (with their families). This will allow you to pool incomes and radically reduce workload/ costs. It's also beneficial for security. NOTE: I've found that consideration/ compromise is the best way to handle an expansive family home environment.
* Suggestions welcome!!
This change doesn't require cute and crunchy notions about "lifestyle" environmentalism. It's all about mitigation of stresses in the short to medium term as living conditions deteriorate, while at the same time preparing to ride the resilient community wave to rapid and sustained long term success/wealth.
Home School Modules
Becca is on to an amazing niche -- providing classes/ babysitting/ socializing opportunities for parents homeschooling their kids. We could build an ecology of these as modules.
(list of WA homeschool and unschool resources)
Examples:
Geometry through Carpentry
- (article)
- Housebuilding for Children
- Carpentry for Children
- Examples here.
- Geometry curricula.
- Construction and Trade lesson plans.
Using excel to track financial data, make budgets, and organize events.
Gardening and garden planning (using excel).
Making presentations on a subject using powerpoint.
Wilderness, blogging, photography, gear, survival skills, situational awareness, team work and leadership.
Finances:
You could charge $200/mo for 8 hours/wk, that would cost parents $1000/mo for full-time education for their kids, which is still less than most private schools and would have a teacher:student ratio of 1:6 and no overhead. More realistically, they could have their kid in 2-3 modules at a time, and do the rest themselves.
A teacher could make $1200/mo for 32 hours with 6 kids + 16 hours preparation and follow-up. 1200/48 = $25/hr
There may need to be a coordinator or counselor that can make sure needs are being met as far as well-rounded education, meeting testing needs, guidance for higher ed, etc.
(list of WA homeschool and unschool resources)
Examples:
Geometry through Carpentry
- (article)
- Housebuilding for Children
- Carpentry for Children
- Examples here.
- Geometry curricula.
- Construction and Trade lesson plans.
Using excel to track financial data, make budgets, and organize events.
Gardening and garden planning (using excel).
Making presentations on a subject using powerpoint.
Wilderness, blogging, photography, gear, survival skills, situational awareness, team work and leadership.
Finances:
You could charge $200/mo for 8 hours/wk, that would cost parents $1000/mo for full-time education for their kids, which is still less than most private schools and would have a teacher:student ratio of 1:6 and no overhead. More realistically, they could have their kid in 2-3 modules at a time, and do the rest themselves.
A teacher could make $1200/mo for 32 hours with 6 kids + 16 hours preparation and follow-up. 1200/48 = $25/hr
There may need to be a coordinator or counselor that can make sure needs are being met as far as well-rounded education, meeting testing needs, guidance for higher ed, etc.
Unschooling and dual approaches to systems
Survival Podcast episode on Unschooling with Courtney Clay:
Jack: "I would sit down with my son and say, okay, this is what you need to do to pass, now tell me what you really think."
Thought:
There is a way to approach all dealings with rules and norms (formal or informal) that acknowledges the "hoops" aspect of things social. This is similar to my frequent maneuver with youth where I lay out those things we simply need to accept based on their being too big to take on or a necessary sort of evil. This includes many bureaucratic necessities and rules that we may agree are better there than not but for which we wish there were any number of sensible exceptions. This is also what I pointed out during the strategic visioning process with Sharon and Robert -- that in identifying the program's goals and objectives we were doing it for two audiences: ourselves, and funders (or others to whom we are accountable or dependent upon). The result is two different but related sets of goals and objectives, one that we can put our hearts to and really dig into, and one that we can hope to make reflect as much of the first as possible within the constraints of the norms and expectations of the institution that we depend on, and using its language.
This is a clever way to deal with the cognitive dissonance of needing to pander to, or even support, systems that we find questionable at times, encumbering or simply dumb. We could kill or dehumanize ourselves trying to align ourselves full-being with the supra-human systems we reckon with daily. Instead, we find ways of referring to these systems as a sort of weather system, with which we must interact effectively in order to get on with our work.
Jack: "I would sit down with my son and say, okay, this is what you need to do to pass, now tell me what you really think."
Thought:
There is a way to approach all dealings with rules and norms (formal or informal) that acknowledges the "hoops" aspect of things social. This is similar to my frequent maneuver with youth where I lay out those things we simply need to accept based on their being too big to take on or a necessary sort of evil. This includes many bureaucratic necessities and rules that we may agree are better there than not but for which we wish there were any number of sensible exceptions. This is also what I pointed out during the strategic visioning process with Sharon and Robert -- that in identifying the program's goals and objectives we were doing it for two audiences: ourselves, and funders (or others to whom we are accountable or dependent upon). The result is two different but related sets of goals and objectives, one that we can put our hearts to and really dig into, and one that we can hope to make reflect as much of the first as possible within the constraints of the norms and expectations of the institution that we depend on, and using its language.
This is a clever way to deal with the cognitive dissonance of needing to pander to, or even support, systems that we find questionable at times, encumbering or simply dumb. We could kill or dehumanize ourselves trying to align ourselves full-being with the supra-human systems we reckon with daily. Instead, we find ways of referring to these systems as a sort of weather system, with which we must interact effectively in order to get on with our work.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Seattle Area Trade Degrees
South Seattle Community College
Fact Sheet about South Seattle CC's Aviation Maintenance Technology program; web site here; info on AAS-T degree with both Powerplant and Airframe certifications (160 credits); Link to just the Airframer and Powerplant joint certificate program (147 credits); recent article states program "has so far seen a hiring rate of 85 to 90 percent."
Total Cost ~ $8500 for two years; 4 quarters per year with 1 month off between each quarter; one 17-credit class at a time, 5 days/week, 5.5 hrs per day.
WA Aerospace Training and Research Center
Offers a 12-week intro course - 4 week core skills online, 8 weeks of advanced skills including 4 weeks onsite (27.5 credits). Emphases include assembly mechanic, electrical assembler, composite manufacturing and repair. $4800 total.
Shoreline CC
Fact sheet on Solar/PV Design & Marketing at Shoreline; 5 credit course.
Fact sheet on Clean Energy Technology AAAS degree at Shoreline; 90 credits, 4 quarters [only 75 credits without GenEd, primarily electives in business, econ, CAD, graphics]:
WA State CC's Workforce Development Green Academy Education Program offers classes on particular topics including Solar/PV installation.
A guide to the hazards of welding gases and fumes.
Energy and Science Technician at Lake WA Institute of Technology. ~50 (minus GenEd & Word & Excel). Focus in BioEnergy, Renewable Energy Tech, Industrial Lab. 30-35 creds core, ~30 creds elec (e.g. 15 creds bio, 5 Electronics, 5 PV, 5 Wind, etc... or ~55 creds in addition to 35 cred core to cover my bases in Bio Energy, Electronics, PV, Wind & Water, and Architectural reading/estimating.
Fact Sheet about South Seattle CC's Aviation Maintenance Technology program; web site here; info on AAS-T degree with both Powerplant and Airframe certifications (160 credits); Link to just the Airframer and Powerplant joint certificate program (147 credits); recent article states program "has so far seen a hiring rate of 85 to 90 percent."
Total Cost ~ $8500 for two years; 4 quarters per year with 1 month off between each quarter; one 17-credit class at a time, 5 days/week, 5.5 hrs per day.
WA Aerospace Training and Research Center
Offers a 12-week intro course - 4 week core skills online, 8 weeks of advanced skills including 4 weeks onsite (27.5 credits). Emphases include assembly mechanic, electrical assembler, composite manufacturing and repair. $4800 total.
Shoreline CC
Fact sheet on Solar/PV Design & Marketing at Shoreline; 5 credit course.
Fact sheet on Clean Energy Technology AAAS degree at Shoreline; 90 credits, 4 quarters [only 75 credits without GenEd, primarily electives in business, econ, CAD, graphics]:
"Emphasis is on residential and commercial buildings with specialties in passive solar and sustainable (green) building Design and photovoltaic (solar electric)system design...students obtain a background in alternative energy and an understanding of practices in high performance and zero energy building practices including alternative energy systems, green building techniques, and designing and installing residential and commercial electric, metering and control systems...strong- hands-on component... Entry level wages range from $14 to $25 per hour."Fact sheet on Clean Energy Tech Certificate; 60 credits, 4 quarters
WA State CC's Workforce Development Green Academy Education Program offers classes on particular topics including Solar/PV installation.
A guide to the hazards of welding gases and fumes.
Energy and Science Technician at Lake WA Institute of Technology. ~50 (minus GenEd & Word & Excel). Focus in BioEnergy, Renewable Energy Tech, Industrial Lab. 30-35 creds core, ~30 creds elec (e.g. 15 creds bio, 5 Electronics, 5 PV, 5 Wind, etc... or ~55 creds in addition to 35 cred core to cover my bases in Bio Energy, Electronics, PV, Wind & Water, and Architectural reading/estimating.
Also, I-BEST Energy Certificate (same page) is 28 creds and covers the basics:
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
ETEC 110 Introduction to Alternative Energy & Energy Management 5
ETEC 121 Biomass and Bio-fuel Basics 5
ETEC 123 Introduction to Photovoltiac Systems 4
ETEC 124 Fundamentals of Water and Wind Power 5
EASL 085 ESL Energy Technology Applications I 3
EASL 086 ESL Energy Technology Applications II 3
EASL 087 ESL Energy Technology Applications III 3
TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS 28
Estimated costs: $12,000 for AAAS, $3200 for I-BEST Certificate
List of all Lake WA Institute of Technology programs including:
Architectural Graphics
Computer Security and Network Technician incl an additional certificate in Linux and Open-Source Operating Systems
Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technician certificate
Electronics Technology with a range of options incl printed circuit boards
Engineering Graphics - Mechanical Design emphasis
Environmental Horticulture
Machine Technology certificate
Motorcycle, Marine, and Power Equipment Service Tech AAAS
Multimedia Design & Production
Nursing
Welding and Fabrication Maintenance Technology certificate (9 kinds of welding)
Aerospace
Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee participating workplaces
Air Washington website and directory of Aerospace Apprenticeships section referring to the rest of the pdf.
Forum thread on non-defense aerospace jobs
Wage and job data for 161 WA state aerospace companies
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Personal Learning Goals (revised)
Yeah, I'm over school.
I don't think I've learned anything that can help someone directly. I have learned things that allow me to be useful within a framework established by Someone Else. Things that help organizations impress funders and clarify what they're doing. Things to write on bureaucratic forms and things to say to people in interviews so they think I'm smart.
I have learned a little bit more about clear thinking and getting to the point. I like matrices and logic models. I have learned excel and how to make pretty presentations.
What's next?
I don't want to be a bureaucrat. Nor a therapist. Nor an administrator in another organization achieving modest results on rich people's paychecks or state whims.
I have a clear sense of what I think is right. I have a clear sense of what I think is smart.
Right:
- create sustainable wealth; do not create waste
- add or maintain energy, beauty, and harmony
- treat others with respect; act with honor
- be motivated by fear and selfishness to the least possible degree
Smart:
- don't put all my eggs in one basket
- develop myself holistically
- honor the trades as well as the arts
- stay fluent in the most recent social and technological innovations, but do not be easily enchanted
- increase my powers of will and self-discipline
- stay physically fit, mentally clear, and spiritually attuned
In this context, I am weighing options for what comes next. On the radar:
1) Get a social work or admin job that doesn't take all my time and energy; use my free time wisely to develop my self and my hobbies for personal growth and satisfaction.
2) Same as above, but develop another professional skill -- such as programming or web design -- that is virtual, can be practiced anywhere, and which I can learn on my own.
3) Embrace risk -- learn farming, machining, programming, whatever; move wherever to do it; go whole hog for the social experiment.
4) Get a job doing something I kind of really like the idea of in Seattle. Discipline myself to perform it to the best of my ability. Build insitutional importance and power for an idea or practice.
Skill areas and practices I have that I am most interested in continuing:
- tai chi and bicycling/running
- gardening and small livestock
- building with wood
- writing; presentation
- data organization
Skill areas and practices that I would like to learn or cultivate:
- working out with weights for upper body strength
- meditation
- car maintenance and repair
- bicycle maintenance and repair
- welding and fabrication; machining
- web site design
- databases
- basic electronics/programming/arduino
- gun use; hunting
- martial arts
In addition, I would like to turn one of these into a money-maker that (a) I enjoy, (b) makes a lot of money without being a regular 9-5, (c) is transportable or virtual, (d) I can learn relatively quickly, and (e) is at least morally neutral, preferrably morally ahead of the curve. I would like it to score well on all the criteria of Right and Smart.
I don't think I've learned anything that can help someone directly. I have learned things that allow me to be useful within a framework established by Someone Else. Things that help organizations impress funders and clarify what they're doing. Things to write on bureaucratic forms and things to say to people in interviews so they think I'm smart.
I have learned a little bit more about clear thinking and getting to the point. I like matrices and logic models. I have learned excel and how to make pretty presentations.
What's next?
I don't want to be a bureaucrat. Nor a therapist. Nor an administrator in another organization achieving modest results on rich people's paychecks or state whims.
I have a clear sense of what I think is right. I have a clear sense of what I think is smart.
Right:
- create sustainable wealth; do not create waste
- add or maintain energy, beauty, and harmony
- treat others with respect; act with honor
- be motivated by fear and selfishness to the least possible degree
Smart:
- don't put all my eggs in one basket
- develop myself holistically
- honor the trades as well as the arts
- stay fluent in the most recent social and technological innovations, but do not be easily enchanted
- increase my powers of will and self-discipline
- stay physically fit, mentally clear, and spiritually attuned
In this context, I am weighing options for what comes next. On the radar:
1) Get a social work or admin job that doesn't take all my time and energy; use my free time wisely to develop my self and my hobbies for personal growth and satisfaction.
2) Same as above, but develop another professional skill -- such as programming or web design -- that is virtual, can be practiced anywhere, and which I can learn on my own.
3) Embrace risk -- learn farming, machining, programming, whatever; move wherever to do it; go whole hog for the social experiment.
4) Get a job doing something I kind of really like the idea of in Seattle. Discipline myself to perform it to the best of my ability. Build insitutional importance and power for an idea or practice.
Skill areas and practices I have that I am most interested in continuing:
- tai chi and bicycling/running
- gardening and small livestock
- building with wood
- writing; presentation
- data organization
Skill areas and practices that I would like to learn or cultivate:
- working out with weights for upper body strength
- meditation
- car maintenance and repair
- bicycle maintenance and repair
- welding and fabrication; machining
- web site design
- databases
- basic electronics/programming/arduino
- gun use; hunting
- martial arts
In addition, I would like to turn one of these into a money-maker that (a) I enjoy, (b) makes a lot of money without being a regular 9-5, (c) is transportable or virtual, (d) I can learn relatively quickly, and (e) is at least morally neutral, preferrably morally ahead of the curve. I would like it to score well on all the criteria of Right and Smart.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Open Source Ecology / Factor E Farm / GVCS
A collection of the best links to render the program:
Marcin's Personal Intro to True Fans
GVCS - Detailed Overview
Skill to learn: Blender 3D
ps, also this is cool: Tiny Tech India
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Electronics and Robotics
Intro to Electronics from MakingThings
Video from IIT
Circuits and Electronics at MIT OpenCourseWare
Getting Started in Electronics by Forrest M. Mims II
Electronics Learning Lab from Radio Shack
Aruduino starter packs here and here
Gardenbot - a great DIY starter project for the garden!
Fritzing Electronic Design Automation software for documenting and prototyping
BEAM tutorial - low-tech robots from salvaged components.
Forest Mims hand-illustrated electronics books - most widely read in the world.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Opportunities in the Coast Guard Reserves
Machinery Technician; more info here and here. "A breadth of knowledge in all areas of machinery operation and maintenance from internal combustion engines (gas/diesel gas turbines) to environmental support systems (heating/ ventilations/ air conditioning), hydraulics, basic electricity, and areas of hazardous material recovery and control."
Health Services Technician; more info here.
Electronics Technician; more info here. 19 weeks in Petaluma, CA.
Electronics Mate; more info here.
Damage Controlman; a bit of everything including "welding; oxy-fuel gas cutting; firefighting; carpentry; plumbing; watertight closure maintenance; chemical, biological, and radiological warfare defense; and shipboard damage control. Advanced training in welding, firefighting, and shipboard damage control procedures are available for DCs assigned to cutters."
Information System Technician; Requires "a vast knowledge of electrical theory along with practical hands-on skills needed to manage, repair, maintain, and install telephone systems, and network cabling and computer systems." 25 weeks in Petaluma, CA.
Gunner's Mate; "requires skills in electronics, mechanical systems, along with hydraulics."
Coast Guard Reservist magazine
Direct Petty Officer Training Course. 3 weeks in duration at Cape May, NJ. Students arrive Sunday evening and graduate on a Friday. Training will consist of instruction and practical experience in military courtesies, drills and ceremonies, military justice, code of conduct, leadership and supervision, seamanship, uniforms, ranks and rates, career development, first aid and survival, fitness, wellness and quality of life, Coast Guard history, traditions, and values, safety, damage control, small arms, Coast Guard assets and missions, administration and personal finance, watch standing, security and communications.
* For detailed qualifications by rate, go to pages 6-7 and look at "STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING FOR ORIGINAL ENLISTMENT IN THE COAST GUARD" files. E.G.: Electrician's Mate, Electrical Technician, Machinery Tech, and Damage Controlman.
Re: Basic Training:
If you have prior military or professional experience, you might attend the program referred to as the Coast Guard’s Direct Entry Petty Officer Training Course (DEPOT.) This course is 3 weeks in duration at Cape May, NJ. Students arrive Sunday evening and graduate on a Friday. Training will consist of instruction and practical experience in military courtesies, drills and ceremonies, military justice, code of conduct, leadership and supervision, seamanship, uniforms, ranks and rates, career development, first aid and survival, fitness, wellness and quality of life, Coast Guard history, traditions, and values, safety, damage control, small arms, Coast Guard assets and missions, administration and personal finance, watch standing, security and communications. Click here to learn more about this program.
More info including 2011 Class Schedule.
Study the Pre-Training Guide.
And of course refer to the Helmsman.
Description of my program(?) --
Accelerated Petty Officer Program - If you are ready to learn an exciting new career field, have a desire to serve and are between the ages of 30 and 35, (we are currently accepting age waivers up to age 39), this may be the program for you. With a minimum of two years college (or equivalent), you will be eligible to ENLIST AT A HIGHER PAY GRADE, attend just two weeks of Reserve Basic Indoctrination, then receive advanced training in a critical field (Boatswain Mate, Machinery Technician, Operation Specialist or Marine Science Technician). Valuable training, an opportunity to serve, and immediate advancement are just a few of this program's many advantages.
"C" school schedules.
Reservists required for 8 years???
Tricare info: includes maternity care, no acupuncture, no chiropractic, explore benefits A-Z.
More on Maternity Care:
Maternity (Pregnancy) Care
Maternity care is all of the medical services related to conception and delivery including prenatal and post-partum care (generally for six weeks after delivery) and treatment of any complications of the pregnancy. Generally, TRICARE covers all medically-necessary maternity care, but there are some limitations.
The health plan option you are using may determine where you receive your maternity care, either at a military treatment facility or from a civilian health care provider.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is the care you receive from the time you find out your pregnant until you deliver your baby. As soon as you think you may be pregnant, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Depending on your health plan option, this may be your assigned primary care manager (PCM). Remember, if you are enrolled in a Prime option, you may not self-refer to an Obstetrician or Gynecologist even for your pregnancy.
Regular appointments with your doctor are important to ensure the health of you and your baby. The first appointment is generally the longest and you'll find out the due date, explore your health history and determine risk factors. Frequent prenatal visits allow you to follow the progress of your pregnancy and your baby's development and give you the opportunity to ask questions along the way.
While all medically-necessary prenatal care is covered, there are some limitations.
Antepartum Services: When needed to determine the health of the baby or if you are determined have a high-risk pregnancy TRICARE covers amniocentesis, chordocentesis, chorionic villis sampling, fetal stress test and electronic fetal monitoring.
Ultrasounds: Doctors often perform ultrasounds at different times during pregnancy for different reasons. TRICARE will cover the ultrasound in the following specific conditions if you have ANY questions about coverage please contact your regional contractor.
* Estimating gestational age
* Evaluating fetal growth
* Conducting a biophysical evaluation for fetal well-being
* Evaluating a suspected ectopic pregnancy
* Defining the cause of vaginal bleeding
* Diagnosing or evaluating multiple gestations
* Confirming cardiac activity
* Evaluating maternal pelvic masses or uterine abnormalities
* Evaluating suspected hydatidiform mole
* Evaluating the fetus's condition in late registrants for prenatal care
Note: TRICARE does not cover ultrasounds for routine screening or to determine the sex of the baby.
Dental Care During Your Pregnancy: Research has shown that you may be at an increased risk for dental disease while you are pregnant. You are encouraged to have preventive dental care such as check ups and cleanings while you are pregnant. TRICARE offers three different dental plans depending on your beneficiary category. You should explore your options and consider enrolling in one of the TRICARE dental plans. Learn more...
Labor and Delivery
TRICARE covers medically-necessary services during your labor and delivery including anesthesia, fetal monitoring, and other services required for your care during your stay. TRICARE will cover cesarean section when needed. If you choose to have a cesarean section instead of vaginal delivery for your personal reasons, you may be responsible for some of the costs.
Facility/Provider: Usually, the plan you are using will determine the type of birthing facility you will use (military or civilian, office-based or freestanding, etc.). You also have different options for the type of provider who delivers your baby (obstetrician, Family
practice provider and or Certified nurse midwife, etc.). These types of decisions will be made by you and your provider during your prenatal visits.
The unexpected could happen and you could have an emergency need for evaluation during your pregnancy. Notify your PCM or OB provider and they can refer you to another facility if it is necessary to better care for you and your baby.
Length of Stay: Usually, you will stay in the hospital for a minimum of 48 hours after a regular vaginal delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean section. Complications of health may require a longer stay. If the decision to discharge home before these minimum length-of-stays
you and your provider must make this decision together.
Post-partum Care
Post-partum care is the care you receive after your baby is born to ensure your body is healing properly. TRICARE covers a minimum of two post-partum visits, but more if you had complications or if your provider thinks it's needed.
Newborn Care
After your baby is born, he or she is covered separately. You should register your baby in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) as soon as possible. Learn more...
TRICARE offers well-child care for your newborn up to age six, which includes:
* Circumcision (before leaving hospital)
* Routine newborn care
* Comprehensive health promotion and disease prevention examinations
* Vision and hearing screenings
* Height, weight and head circumference
* Immunizations
* Developmental/behavioral appraisal
You'll schedule your newborn's first well-child appointment before you leave the hospital.
Limitations/Exclusions
TRICARE does not cover the following services:
* Fetal ultrasounds that are not medically necessary (e.g., to
determine your baby's sex), including three- and four-dimensional
ultrasounds
* Services and supplies related to non-coital reproductive
procedures (e.g., artificial insemination)
* Management of uterine contractions with drugs that are not approved for that use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (i.e., off-label use)
* Home uterine activity monitoring and related services
* Unproven procedures (e.g., lymphocyte or paternal leukocyte immunotherapy for the treatment of recurrent miscarriages, salivary estriol test for preterm labor)
* Umbilical cord blood collection and storage, except when stem cells are collected for subsequent use in the treatment of tumor, blood, or lymphoid disease
* Private hospital rooms
Machinery Tech
Mar26-Jun22
Apr9-Jul6
Apr23-Jul20
This course teaches enlisted personnel to perform as junior petty officers at the job entry level in the Machinery Technician rating. Students are taught principles of operation, maintenance and repair of machinery. The following topics are covered: hand and machine tools,
piping, tubing, flex hose, leadership, basic administration, hydraulics, internal combustion engines, lubrication systems, cooling systems, fuel systems, diesel engine overhaul, basic electricity and electrical equipment, auxiliary machinery, refrigeration, clutches, gears, shafting, and outboard motors.
Aviation Maint Tech
Apr9-Aug24
This course teaches the Aviation Maintenance Technician student, entry level skills, knowledge, and concepts required to inspect, service, maintain, analyze, and repair aircraft powerplant, powertrain, and structural systems; maintain, repair, and fabricate metal, composite, and fiberglass materials; fabricate cables, wire harnesses, and structural components; perform aircraft corrosion control, nondestructive testing, basic electrical troubleshooting, and aviation administrative record keeping.
Damage Controlman
Apr30-Aug9
This course provides classroom lecture reinforced with ample opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in hands-on lab applications, preparing members for entry level in the Damage
Controlman rating. Students are instructed in the principles of Carpentry, Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) Warfare Defense, Shipboard Watertight Fittings maintenance, Shipboard Damage Control procedures, Firefighting, Plumbing, Arc Welding, Oxy-fuel Cutting, and Oxy-fuel Brazing.
Electrician's Mate
Apr9-Aug17 (19 wks)
This course teaches enlisted personnel to perform as junior petty officers at the entry level job in the Electrician Mate rating. Training includes lectures and hands-on exercises on generation, control and distribution of electricity; the uses of electricity and the maintenance/repair of electrical equipment. The following topics are covered: AC and DC circuit analysis, batteries, power distribution systems, lighting systems, generators, motors, controllers, interior communication systems, electric power tools, galley equipment, laundry
equipment, scullery equipment, electric damage control equipment, small boat electrical systems, deck machinery equipment, and shore power.
Electrician's Technician
Mar5-Sept13 (28 wks)
This course is an apprentice-level electronics course, which is divided into eleven units of instruction, each dealing with a different aspect of electronics fundamentals. The course begins with an indoctrination and includes leadership, tower climbing, soldering, CPR, and safety. As students progress through the course, they receive instruction on technical training on specific electronic systems and equipment used throughout the Coast Guard. These courses encompass the
use of test equipment, technical publications and troubleshooting methods used for corrective maintenance to the lowest repairable level. Upon graduation students have the knowledge and skill necessary for maintenance and repair of electronic equipment.
BUT Electrician's Technician & Avionics Electrical Technician HAVE NO DATES THAT WORK this year, and are 28 and 20 weeks respectively. Another of interest is Health Services Technician (incl. EMT-B), 19 weeks.
"A" School Schedule.
Health Services Technician; more info here.
Electronics Technician; more info here. 19 weeks in Petaluma, CA.
Electronics Mate; more info here.
Damage Controlman; a bit of everything including "welding; oxy-fuel gas cutting; firefighting; carpentry; plumbing; watertight closure maintenance; chemical, biological, and radiological warfare defense; and shipboard damage control. Advanced training in welding, firefighting, and shipboard damage control procedures are available for DCs assigned to cutters."
Information System Technician; Requires "a vast knowledge of electrical theory along with practical hands-on skills needed to manage, repair, maintain, and install telephone systems, and network cabling and computer systems." 25 weeks in Petaluma, CA.
Gunner's Mate; "requires skills in electronics, mechanical systems, along with hydraulics."
Coast Guard Reservist magazine
Direct Petty Officer Training Course. 3 weeks in duration at Cape May, NJ. Students arrive Sunday evening and graduate on a Friday. Training will consist of instruction and practical experience in military courtesies, drills and ceremonies, military justice, code of conduct, leadership and supervision, seamanship, uniforms, ranks and rates, career development, first aid and survival, fitness, wellness and quality of life, Coast Guard history, traditions, and values, safety, damage control, small arms, Coast Guard assets and missions, administration and personal finance, watch standing, security and communications.
* For detailed qualifications by rate, go to pages 6-7 and look at "STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING FOR ORIGINAL ENLISTMENT IN THE COAST GUARD" files. E.G.: Electrician's Mate, Electrical Technician, Machinery Tech, and Damage Controlman.
Re: Basic Training:
If you have prior military or professional experience, you might attend the program referred to as the Coast Guard’s Direct Entry Petty Officer Training Course (DEPOT.) This course is 3 weeks in duration at Cape May, NJ. Students arrive Sunday evening and graduate on a Friday. Training will consist of instruction and practical experience in military courtesies, drills and ceremonies, military justice, code of conduct, leadership and supervision, seamanship, uniforms, ranks and rates, career development, first aid and survival, fitness, wellness and quality of life, Coast Guard history, traditions, and values, safety, damage control, small arms, Coast Guard assets and missions, administration and personal finance, watch standing, security and communications. Click here to learn more about this program.
More info including 2011 Class Schedule.
Study the Pre-Training Guide.
And of course refer to the Helmsman.
Description of my program(?) --
Accelerated Petty Officer Program - If you are ready to learn an exciting new career field, have a desire to serve and are between the ages of 30 and 35, (we are currently accepting age waivers up to age 39), this may be the program for you. With a minimum of two years college (or equivalent), you will be eligible to ENLIST AT A HIGHER PAY GRADE, attend just two weeks of Reserve Basic Indoctrination, then receive advanced training in a critical field (Boatswain Mate, Machinery Technician, Operation Specialist or Marine Science Technician). Valuable training, an opportunity to serve, and immediate advancement are just a few of this program's many advantages.
"C" school schedules.
Reservists required for 8 years???
Tricare info: includes maternity care, no acupuncture, no chiropractic, explore benefits A-Z.
More on Maternity Care:
Maternity (Pregnancy) Care
Maternity care is all of the medical services related to conception and delivery including prenatal and post-partum care (generally for six weeks after delivery) and treatment of any complications of the pregnancy. Generally, TRICARE covers all medically-necessary maternity care, but there are some limitations.
The health plan option you are using may determine where you receive your maternity care, either at a military treatment facility or from a civilian health care provider.
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is the care you receive from the time you find out your pregnant until you deliver your baby. As soon as you think you may be pregnant, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Depending on your health plan option, this may be your assigned primary care manager (PCM). Remember, if you are enrolled in a Prime option, you may not self-refer to an Obstetrician or Gynecologist even for your pregnancy.
Regular appointments with your doctor are important to ensure the health of you and your baby. The first appointment is generally the longest and you'll find out the due date, explore your health history and determine risk factors. Frequent prenatal visits allow you to follow the progress of your pregnancy and your baby's development and give you the opportunity to ask questions along the way.
While all medically-necessary prenatal care is covered, there are some limitations.
Antepartum Services: When needed to determine the health of the baby or if you are determined have a high-risk pregnancy TRICARE covers amniocentesis, chordocentesis, chorionic villis sampling, fetal stress test and electronic fetal monitoring.
Ultrasounds: Doctors often perform ultrasounds at different times during pregnancy for different reasons. TRICARE will cover the ultrasound in the following specific conditions if you have ANY questions about coverage please contact your regional contractor.
* Estimating gestational age
* Evaluating fetal growth
* Conducting a biophysical evaluation for fetal well-being
* Evaluating a suspected ectopic pregnancy
* Defining the cause of vaginal bleeding
* Diagnosing or evaluating multiple gestations
* Confirming cardiac activity
* Evaluating maternal pelvic masses or uterine abnormalities
* Evaluating suspected hydatidiform mole
* Evaluating the fetus's condition in late registrants for prenatal care
Note: TRICARE does not cover ultrasounds for routine screening or to determine the sex of the baby.
Dental Care During Your Pregnancy: Research has shown that you may be at an increased risk for dental disease while you are pregnant. You are encouraged to have preventive dental care such as check ups and cleanings while you are pregnant. TRICARE offers three different dental plans depending on your beneficiary category. You should explore your options and consider enrolling in one of the TRICARE dental plans. Learn more...
Labor and Delivery
TRICARE covers medically-necessary services during your labor and delivery including anesthesia, fetal monitoring, and other services required for your care during your stay. TRICARE will cover cesarean section when needed. If you choose to have a cesarean section instead of vaginal delivery for your personal reasons, you may be responsible for some of the costs.
Facility/Provider: Usually, the plan you are using will determine the type of birthing facility you will use (military or civilian, office-based or freestanding, etc.). You also have different options for the type of provider who delivers your baby (obstetrician, Family
practice provider and or Certified nurse midwife, etc.). These types of decisions will be made by you and your provider during your prenatal visits.
The unexpected could happen and you could have an emergency need for evaluation during your pregnancy. Notify your PCM or OB provider and they can refer you to another facility if it is necessary to better care for you and your baby.
Length of Stay: Usually, you will stay in the hospital for a minimum of 48 hours after a regular vaginal delivery and 96 hours after a cesarean section. Complications of health may require a longer stay. If the decision to discharge home before these minimum length-of-stays
you and your provider must make this decision together.
Post-partum Care
Post-partum care is the care you receive after your baby is born to ensure your body is healing properly. TRICARE covers a minimum of two post-partum visits, but more if you had complications or if your provider thinks it's needed.
Newborn Care
After your baby is born, he or she is covered separately. You should register your baby in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) as soon as possible. Learn more...
TRICARE offers well-child care for your newborn up to age six, which includes:
* Circumcision (before leaving hospital)
* Routine newborn care
* Comprehensive health promotion and disease prevention examinations
* Vision and hearing screenings
* Height, weight and head circumference
* Immunizations
* Developmental/behavioral appraisal
You'll schedule your newborn's first well-child appointment before you leave the hospital.
Limitations/Exclusions
TRICARE does not cover the following services:
* Fetal ultrasounds that are not medically necessary (e.g., to
determine your baby's sex), including three- and four-dimensional
ultrasounds
* Services and supplies related to non-coital reproductive
procedures (e.g., artificial insemination)
* Management of uterine contractions with drugs that are not approved for that use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (i.e., off-label use)
* Home uterine activity monitoring and related services
* Unproven procedures (e.g., lymphocyte or paternal leukocyte immunotherapy for the treatment of recurrent miscarriages, salivary estriol test for preterm labor)
* Umbilical cord blood collection and storage, except when stem cells are collected for subsequent use in the treatment of tumor, blood, or lymphoid disease
* Private hospital rooms
Machinery Tech
Mar26-Jun22
Apr9-Jul6
Apr23-Jul20
This course teaches enlisted personnel to perform as junior petty officers at the job entry level in the Machinery Technician rating. Students are taught principles of operation, maintenance and repair of machinery. The following topics are covered: hand and machine tools,
piping, tubing, flex hose, leadership, basic administration, hydraulics, internal combustion engines, lubrication systems, cooling systems, fuel systems, diesel engine overhaul, basic electricity and electrical equipment, auxiliary machinery, refrigeration, clutches, gears, shafting, and outboard motors.
Aviation Maint Tech
Apr9-Aug24
This course teaches the Aviation Maintenance Technician student, entry level skills, knowledge, and concepts required to inspect, service, maintain, analyze, and repair aircraft powerplant, powertrain, and structural systems; maintain, repair, and fabricate metal, composite, and fiberglass materials; fabricate cables, wire harnesses, and structural components; perform aircraft corrosion control, nondestructive testing, basic electrical troubleshooting, and aviation administrative record keeping.
Damage Controlman
Apr30-Aug9
This course provides classroom lecture reinforced with ample opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in hands-on lab applications, preparing members for entry level in the Damage
Controlman rating. Students are instructed in the principles of Carpentry, Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) Warfare Defense, Shipboard Watertight Fittings maintenance, Shipboard Damage Control procedures, Firefighting, Plumbing, Arc Welding, Oxy-fuel Cutting, and Oxy-fuel Brazing.
Electrician's Mate
Apr9-Aug17 (19 wks)
This course teaches enlisted personnel to perform as junior petty officers at the entry level job in the Electrician Mate rating. Training includes lectures and hands-on exercises on generation, control and distribution of electricity; the uses of electricity and the maintenance/repair of electrical equipment. The following topics are covered: AC and DC circuit analysis, batteries, power distribution systems, lighting systems, generators, motors, controllers, interior communication systems, electric power tools, galley equipment, laundry
equipment, scullery equipment, electric damage control equipment, small boat electrical systems, deck machinery equipment, and shore power.
Electrician's Technician
Mar5-Sept13 (28 wks)
This course is an apprentice-level electronics course, which is divided into eleven units of instruction, each dealing with a different aspect of electronics fundamentals. The course begins with an indoctrination and includes leadership, tower climbing, soldering, CPR, and safety. As students progress through the course, they receive instruction on technical training on specific electronic systems and equipment used throughout the Coast Guard. These courses encompass the
use of test equipment, technical publications and troubleshooting methods used for corrective maintenance to the lowest repairable level. Upon graduation students have the knowledge and skill necessary for maintenance and repair of electronic equipment.
BUT Electrician's Technician & Avionics Electrical Technician HAVE NO DATES THAT WORK this year, and are 28 and 20 weeks respectively. Another of interest is Health Services Technician (incl. EMT-B), 19 weeks.
"A" School Schedule.
Hydraulics
Complete online ITC "Introduction to Hydraulic Systems" classes offered by North Seattle Community College at $9 per class for 13 classes, starting here.
Hydraulic power is the backbone of the OSE Global Village Construction set machines.
ITC = Industrial Skills Training. Online skills classes directory here, including electrical, mechanical, PC, and logical thinking!
North Seattle Community College's Continuing Education eLearning Center directory of classes here.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Shop Class as Soul Craft
"Since the standards of craftsmanship issue from the logic of things rather than the art of persuasion, practiced submission to them perhaps gives the craftsman some psychic ground to stand on against the fantastic hopes aroused by demagogues, whether commercial or political." p18
"'Lack of experience diminshes our power of taking a comprehensive view of the admitted facts. Hence those who dwell in intimate association with nature and its phenomena are more able to lay down principles such as to admit of a wide and coherent development; while those whom devotion to abstract discussions has rendered unobservant of facts are too ready to dogmatize on the basis of a few observations.' - Aristotle" p23
What makes for a sticky job? One that can't be (1) sent overseas, and (2) automated. Examples of what can't be sent overseas are personal services that require face-to-face contact, site-based services like construction, maintenance and repair of physical plants, and the maintenance and repair of durable machines. It can be automated when it can be done according to rules, broken down to ones and zeros. p33-5
Scientific management separated the brain work from the grunt work on the factory floor, not to increase efficiency in time, but to to decrease cost, replacing skilled laborers with unskilled laborers. p39-40
"A man whose needs are limited will find the least noxious livelihood and work in a subsistence mode, and indeed the experience of early (eighteenth-century) capitalism, when many producers worked at home on a piece-rate basis, was that only so much labor could be extracted from them. Contradictory to the assumptions of 'rational behavior,' it was found that when empoloyers would increase the piece rate in order to boost production, it actually had the opposite effect: workers would produce less, as now they could meet their fixed needs with less work. Eventually it was learned that the only way to get them to work harder was to play upon the imagignation, stimulating new needs and wants. Consumption." p43
"From an economistic mindset, spiritedness or pridefulness appears as a failure to be properly calculative, which requires that one first be properly abstract. Economics recognizes only certain virtues, and not the most impressive ones at that. Spiritedness is an assertion of one's own dignity, and to fix one's one car is not merely to use up time, it is to have a different experience of time, of one's car, and of oneself." p55
"The difference is that on such a crew [vs team], you have grounds for knowing your own worth independently of others, and is the same grounds on which others will make their judgments. Either you can bend conduit or you can't, and this is plain. So there is less reason to manage appearances. There is a real freedom of speech on a job site, which reverberates outward and sustains wider liberality. You can tell dirty jokes. Where there is real work being done, the order of things isn't quite so fragile.
"Not surprisingly, it is the office rather than the job site that has seen the advent of speech codes, diversity workshops, and other forms of higher regulation. Some might attribute this to the greater mixing of the sexes in the office, but I believe a more basic reason is that when there is no concrete task that rules the job -- an autonomous good that is visible to all -- then there is no secure basis for social relations. Maintaining consensus and preempting conflict become the focus of management, and as a result everyone feels they have to walk on eggshells. Where no appeal to a carpenter's level is possible, sensitivity training becomes necessary." p157
"A regard for human excellence is the aristocratic ethos... It is the ideal of friendship -- of those who stand apart from the collective and recognize one another as peers. As professionals, or fellow journeymen, perhaps... People of aristocratic sympathies are alive to rank and difference, and take pleasure in beholding them. I think most of us have this response when we see talent, but we have become inarticulate about it. It seems illegitimate to give rank its due in a society where 'all children are above average,' as Garrison Keillor says of Lake Wobegon. Yet it is precisely our attraction to excellence -- our being on the lookout for the choicer manifestations -- that may lead us to attend to human practices searchingly, without prejudice, and find superiority in unfamiliar places. For example, in the intellectual accomplishments of people who do work that is dirty, such as the mechanic. With such discoveries we extend our moral imagination to people who are conventionally beneath serious regard, and find them admirable. Not because we heed a moral injunction such as the universalist egalitarian urges upon us, but because we actually see something dmirable, and are impressed by it.
"The lover of excellence is prone to being drawn out of himself, erotically almost, in a way that the universalist egalitarian is not. The latter's empathy, projected from afar and without discrimination, is more principled than attentive. It is similar to bad art and mathematical shoelaces, in this regard; it is content to posit rather than to see the humanity of its beneficiaries. But the one who is on the receiving end of such empathy wants something more than to be recognized generically. He wants to be seen as an individual, and recognized as worthy on the same grounds on which he has striven to be worthy, indeed superior, by cultivating some particular excellence or skill." p203
"The practitioner of a stochastic art, such as motorcycle repair, experiences failure on a daily basis...the experience of failure seems to have been edited out of the educational process, at least for gifted students. Those who struggle academically experience failure all the time, and probably write off attempts to sugarcoat it with "self-esteem" as another example of how deranged adults can be. But the praising of gifted students for being smart, by parents and teachers, has a far more pernicious effect, especially when such praise is combined with the grade inflation and soft curriculum that are notorious at elite schools. A student can avoid hard sciences and foreign languages and get a degree without ever having the unambiguous experience of being wrong." p204
Monday, May 23, 2011
A Vision of the Next Economy: From Macro to Metro
LSE podcast - lecture by Ricky Burdett and Bruce Katz emphasizing export economy over domestic consumption. The following hallmarks:
1) Export Driven
2) The Clean Economy ("can we play in the low carbon revolution as a market proposition?")
3) Innovation ("always been the catalyst of economic growth...not just whether we can continue to be in the vanguard of idea generation, but whether we can use ideas and inevetion to spur production and employment")
4) Opportunity ("we've had decades of slippage in opportunity, because as we shifted to a consumption and debt-laden economy, we began to see wages suppressed and income inequities grow... exporting companies pay better wages and offer better benefits")
"Going forward, if we don't produce more in the United States, we will innovate less. The U.S. needs to MAKE THINGS AGAIN, so it's time to discover our innovation mojo, not just at MIT, frankly, and not just at Stanford, but on the factory floors again, and in the voc ed places. America used to be a place of tinkerers, it used to be a place where the average citizen, in their garage, right, where so many iconic american companies started, invented things. We need to get back to that."
"We have huge educational disparities in the United States. This used to be seen as an issue of equity and an issue fo fairness. It's an issue of competitiveness of the United Staes, and it's an issue, frankly, of national security."
National govt should do some essential things: price carbon, invest in advanced R&D in energy at scale for a sustained period of time, invest in transformative infrastructure, overhaul immigration, invest in education and skills.
The next economy celebrates differentiation. Build on strengths. We are taking the principles of private sector business planning and applying them to metropolitan areas.
"The challenge is to invert the federalist pyramid in the United States, to move from a top-down system of federal policy or state policy to where the locals are leading, where the metros are driving, because they're the closest to the ground, they're the most cognizant and aware of their assets and attributes." (~1h3m)
First rule (1h28m): Know thyself. Wall yourself off from all those idea viruses, which one year is biotech, the next year is the creative class...just wall yourself off from them. Know who you were, because who you were is going to determine who you are going to be; build off your strengths.
AND: Stop development in the outskirts. Concentrate development. Land use planning is crucial.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Omnivore's Advantage
Blog entry by John Robb
The gist:
"Specialization can:
- offer access to extremely dense and high value sources of energy
- provide protection from competitors (few competitors will have the specialization necessary to access it)
"However, when the environment is in a period of rapid flux, specialists can rapidly become extinct. Simply: its favorite sources of energy can dry up or become inaccessible as conditions change. In contrast, the generalist or omnivore, can thrive when the environment is in flux.
"We're living through a period of rapid change. Flux. Things are going get very different much quicker than most people assume. As a result, we need to adopt more of an omnivore strategy in regards to nearly everything we do. For example:
1. Skills. The more specialized your role/job, the less valuable and/or useless you are in the future. Re-skill. Broaden your knowledge. There will be few things more pathetic (albeit hilarious) than seeing a former $500 an hour lawyer or Wall Street Tycoon in a breadline.
2. Investments. An omnivorous investment strategy isn't hedging. Hedging still assumes most of what you own is still considered a financial asset. An omnivorous investment strategy puts resources into communities and technologies that will be there even when most financial assets are imploding."
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