University of Miami football has built a dynasty on speed, intensity, intimidation and strong fundamental football. A true dynasty with 5 National Championships in 25 years (while playing for 4 others), the most players in the NFL, 14 straight years of at least 1 first round draft pick, and a commitment to play anybody anywhere.
The last few years have tarnished the image of The U in many people’s eyes. I understand this. We have been recovering from a very, very bad coaching choice that took literally set us back 4-5 years in terms of recruiting the right athletes and instilling the Miami way into the student athletes we had.
Is Cokerized a proper verb? If not, we will let it slide for now because that is what happened to the program. Larry Coker won a lot early with the kids recruited and coached by Butch Davis but once those guys movied into the NFL, he could never re-stock the talent nor could he instill the right ethic in the folks he did bring in.
I bring this up just to explain the sharp decline but as sharp as the decline was the renewal is happening equally swift. Randy Shannon has taken the helm and is bringing in the right kids and instilling them with the Miami way of doing things. His last two recruiting classes have been outstanding and 2009 looks equally bright.
Take a close look at the Miami roster today.. 13 Freshman on the 2-deep chart. Freshman quarterbacks (Starter and Backup). These kids (along with a select group of Sophomores and upperclassmen) get IT. They get Miami - the history, the mythos and the expectations and they are stepping up to the challenge,
I am looking forward to watching Marve, Harris, Forston, Spence, Arthur Brown, Allen Baily and the host of others who are bringing the dynasty back.
If you want to take shots at the U, you had better do it now because a new (or renew) day is coming.
Posted by webmaster as The U at 2:33 PM EDT
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Well, it should be obvious to anybody that looks at this blog that I have allowed the things I “have” to do to take over from the things I “need” to do to be happy and healthy. Don’t get me wrong - I am happy. I enjoy my job and who I work with on a daily basis. Heck I even enjoy the craziness it takes to do my job..most of the time.
The crux of it is…sometimes i lose track of the balance. I allow myself to get away from what keeps me whole, centered and grounded. I become spiritually drained, physically fatigued, much less sharp mentally and emotionally impatient. Now..i am not sure many others notice these changes but I do. Ironically, by focusing almost exclusively on work - I do not do as good a job.
What to do…
First off, back to training. It is time to re-focus my efforts on Tai Chi, Ba Gua, and Qi Gong. This wil provide the mind-body-spirit connection I am lacking. It is also time to re-start cardio - running - with Chi Running.
Secondly, re-engage creative pursuits outside of pure job demmands. This means leveraing outlets like this blog and getting to the stack of books I have been neglecting because I am always too tird to pick up non-work related reading material. This includes my Taoist studies as well as reading about mathematics, physics and emerging social norms in the flattened world. Of course, the next Ann Rice, Christopher Moore or Tom Robbins novel will be in there too…
Third, finish the planned move to Boston. This will cut down my travel by 50% or so and will give me a much better chance to actually accomplish the first two goals on this list. This is a bit complicated for personal and financial reasons but must be done and must be done this fall.
That is enough for now…
Posted by webmaster as Personal, Tao at 2:29 PM EDT
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Well, the season is finally upon us. I am more excited to see how things are going to turn out this year than I have been in a bunch of years.
Some questions…
- How will Joe Torree make out in LA LA Land?
- How will Joe Girardi make out with Torre’s Yankees?
- Will Detroit stay healthy and break all the offensive records?
- Will the Braves old but talented starting pitching and young hitters come through?
- How will Santana do in the National League with the Mets?
- Who will be the surprise team (e.g. Colorado Rockies) of 2008?
Enough questions.. some predictions
National League
- NL East - Atlanta Braves
- NL Central - Chicago Cubs
- NL West - Los Angelas Dodgers
With my heart I have to pick the Braves to win out in then and head to the world series. My sleeper pick is the Cubs who I think will have an outstanding year.
American League
- AL East - New York Yankees
- AL Central - Detroit Tigers
- AL West - LA Angels
The AL East was tough. The Red Sox look incredible again and I think Manny will have an unbelievable year but I think the Yankees young pitching will come through and the rest of the team has something to prove in the first year of the post-Joe Torre era. I love what the Rays (no more Devil) have done but they still have a ways to go in this tough division.
At the end of the day, I am picking the Tigers to win the AL and win the world series….
Lets see how I do..
Posted by webmaster as Personal at 3:40 PM EDT
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Hello All…
I find myself back in Salt Lake City at Novell’s annual user conference Brainshare. I have been here since Saturday in various business meetings but the actual event kicked off today. I thought it was a great start. Ron’s opening remarks clarifying our strategic direction using a set of conversations with a friend metaphor was great. A new and interesting way to cover material that is consistent and direct. Ron is always a rock star at these events so I expect no less…
But the real gem of the day, in my humble opinion, was our CTO - Dr. Jeff Jaffe. His presentation, both content and delivery, was the best I have ever seen from a Novell CTO. It provided the right level of Vision for our future, technical foundation and relevancy to what we are doing NOW. I was blown away. I am very excited to participate in the Fossa efforts moving forward and feel like Novell is truely uniquely positioned to deliver on many strengths.
After the keynotes, I was in meetings all day in the Salt Palace and the Marriott before retiring to my hotel room to focus on a client proposal and SOW and other ongoing activities.
More to come tomorrow…
Posted by webmaster as Architecture, Novell, Open Source at 7:36 PM EDT
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I am heading off to California tomorrow to attend the latest IIW. I am very excited as I have been following the Internet Identity efforts from a far for quite a while.. acting as a voyeur on the mailing lists and getting updates from Dale Olds (colleague at Novell) as often as I can.
I have spent the better part of the last 7 years with Novell working on corporate Identity and security problems. I am excited to talk to folks at the conference about how these the Internet Identity projects and ideas can make a difference in the enterprise space.
More to come….
Posted by webmaster as Architecture, Identity, Novell, Open Source at 11:16 PM EST
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Tragic. The Cane family mourns today and our hearts go out to Sean’s family especially his little girl who may never know what a special guy her father was. Lets hope his memory survives for her.
Posted by webmaster as Personal, The U at 8:11 AM EST
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I came across this video today on the Mountain Xpress web site. This is the weekly alternative newspaper in Asheville. All we typically hear is the negative. Our education system is failing. Kids spend all their time watching videos. and on and on.
Watching the video, The Mouse That Roared, will give you renewed confidence in future leaders. Kyle Thomas is a 10-year-old with a clear head and straightforward approach to problem solving.
I have seen professionals with multiple degrees not as comfortable in front of a formal (or informal) audience as this kid is.
Great to see….
Posted by webmaster as Asheville, Personal at 7:55 PM EST
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For anybody associated with the University of Miami football program over the last 20 years, today is a sad day. Today is the last Miami football game to be played at the stadium. After this game, and one more high school football championship game, the city is recommending the stadium be demolished. No matter what happens, the U has decided to take their football games out to Dolphin Stadium starting next year.
I realize that all traditions must come to an end eventually and the facilities at Dolphin Stadium (gotta work on that name) are first rate. The improved facilities may even help recruiting in the long run but the memories and flashbacks are hard to let go of right now.
ESPN has listed its favorite Orange Bowl moments which include a few superbowls and some other, non Miami, college matchups but I cannot forget a few moments.
National Champions - I witnessed two national championship teams born at the Orange Bowl with Miami wins over Oklahoma (’89) and Nebraska (’91). Miami won another one in ‘87 but I did not witness it personally.
The Swagger - The U has never had the resources that many other big-time college football programs have. We are a small, private, city school (4000 undergrads) and measured against huge state schools like Florida, Ohio State, Penn State, etc. What the U has lacked in facilities, we have more than made up for in swagger and attitude. The same is true of the Orange Bowl, which has been a piece of junk for a decade, but it was home to the most impressive home field advantage in college football history ( see the streak). From the smoke coming out of the tunnel to the 4 fingers held up starting the fourth quarter, we OWNED visiting teams at the Orange Bowl for a decade.
The Streak - From 1985 to 1994 the U put together an record 58-game home winning streak. I saw many of these games and the atmosphere was electric - nobody was coming into our house and taking anything from us.
The Players - There is a reason the U is called the only Division 1 school in the NFL. The number and quality of U alumni playing and dominating in the NFL is beyond astounding. Here are a couple of facts. 13 straight years of having at least 2 first round draft picks - a few years as many as 4. As of today, there are 56 Miami Alumni on NFL rosters and the U has had 47 NFL first round draft picks since 1984.
Miami earned the moniker Quarterback U during the run of great quarterbacks that included Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar, Vinnie Testeverde, Craig Erikson, Sean Walsh, Gino Torreta, and Ken Dorsey but there other positions you have to give to the U also. Check this out.
Linebacker U : Ray Lewis, Jonathan Vilma, Dan Morgan, Jon Beason, Michael Barrow, Jesse Armstead, Darrin Smith,
Wide Receivers : Michael Irvin (Hall of Fame), Santonio Moss
Defensive Line: Warren Sapp, Jerome Brown, Vince Wilfork, Cortez Kennedy, Russell Maryland,
Running Back : Clinton Portis, Frank Gore, Willis Mcgahee, Najeh Davenport, Edgerrin James
Defensive Backs : Sean Taylor, Ed Reed, Antrel Rolle, Phillip Buchanon, Brandon Meriweather
Tight Ends : Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow, Jr, Greg Olsen, Kevin Everett
and so many more…
The Big Games - There were so many big games, even ignoring the national championship games but two stand out in my mind. First is the ‘89 Notre Dame game dubbed Catholics vs. Convicts II by the smug, holier than thou golden domers. This was Dennis Erickson’s first year as Miami head coach but the domers could let go of their hatred for Jimmy Johnson with many of them still wearing “We STILL hate Jimmy” t-shirts. Well, ND came out with Tony Rice trying to run an option and throw the ball. Miami killed him that day. I had never seem the Orange Bowl rock so hard as when Bernard Clark picked off a Rice pass and took it back. Wow.. what a moment and what a game!
The next memory for me is something totally different, I think it was again in ‘91 when Jack Pardee, Davie Klingler and the University of Houston came to town. They were putting up unbelievable offensive numbers that year and came into Miami undefeated for a prime-time Thursday night game. The games was going to be hard enough for Houston - The U, on prime-time, in the Orangle Bowl - but the Houston coach, Pardee, did the unthinkable. He added fuel to U’s simmering fire by going on sports talk radio in Miami a couple of days before the game and saying that he felt his offense was unstoppable. Accepting the challenge, Miami sacked Klingler about 8 or 9 times and did not allow a point until a field goal in the fourth quarter. Miami won 40-10 with Klinger’s lone coming with :03 left in the 4th quarter. It was an amazing site to witness and I was there.
At the end of the day, I know the U will develop a new tradition at Dolphin Stadium (somebody please deal with that name) and perhaps even run off a new, history changing winning streak. The swagger will follow us from the Orange Bowl, after all the U has been more about the players and the play makers than a stadium or other facility.
It has been said before and will be said again…It is a ‘Cane thing, which others just cannot understand!
Posted by webmaster as Personal, The U at 6:18 PM EST
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I have commented here about each of these separately but the more I think about the direction different technologies are taking the more I love the combination of these.
Social networking sites are evolving, looking to embed themselves in the fabric or our daily lives (probably changing the fabric along the way). This includes expanding to different devices and methods or user interaction. Twitter can take messages from my cell phone as an obvious example.
On the flip side, who is more interested and involved in connecting people to people and companies and content than Google? You would be hard pressed to argue anybody. There is a convergence happening here that we are just glimpsing and I, for one, am excited. I wonder how we will look at these communities in 5 years. How will we interact with each other, on these different contexts.
I see Android developing with components that allow direct interaction with the OpenSocial APIs. Application developers will develop robust applications to allow interaction with one or, more likely, a host of sites. I will interact with other people directly at sites like Classmates, LinkedIn, flickr, SecondLife and/or Facebook via any device I choose at the same time using the same applications.
This has promise….
Posted by webmaster as Next Gen Web, Open Source, Semantic Web, Social Networking at 1:38 PM EST
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One of the senior architects in my practice passed this article on to me and I find it interesting for a couple of reasons although probably not what the author intended.
First of all, I take umbrage with the use of the Gphone . This is such a media hype tip off. There is not such thing, yet, as a Gphone. The term is a media creation because they want a direct comparison to Apple’s iPhone and that is not possible.
The best part of this article has nothing to do with Apple, Google, or even mobile phones. The best part of this article is the, albeit fairly shallow, debate on the security merits of open source vs proprietary software. This is something we do encounter every day and need to be able to articulate the right messaging.
At Novell, I know we have had discussions about getting into the embedded market with some different companies but I believe we have passed so far. I do think the Open Handheld Alliance would be a good place for us to re-engage. I did not see any other Linux distros as part of the alliance.
Posted by webmaster as Apple, Open Source, Techno at 1:24 PM EST
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Google recently announced OpenSocial, a set of common APIs for building social applications. This is a great idea and I hope it gains momentum. This will allow developers to learn one API for building social applications for multiple websites.
I blogged a few weeks ago at my frustration to having my contacts and, on the social sites I use, connections spread out across so many different platforms. OpenSocial as a platform has the potential to address that problem with some inventive developer creating a contacts management / repository that can be accessed through the same component on different sites. I would then be able to own my contacts an connections and not every different site I interact with.
I think this kind of platform is necessary for the current social networking movement to take it to the next step. The natural evolution is cross pollination across the successful sites. I want to show my flickr pictures (or a set of them) to the contacts on my LinkedIn or classmates.com page. I want to have my twitter messages broadcast on my MySpace page.
This is what we need to bring more powerful and pervasive social applications. I cannot wait to start hacking myself.
Posted by webmaster as Open Source, Social Networking at 6:20 PM EST
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I love the idea of Google Android, especially what it may do for the pace of Linux adoption. Linux is already th #2 operating system for hand held devices, being symbian and ahead of Microsoft. Google pushing an open, Linux based platform for mobile devices is a fantastic development with great potential. But like anything with great potential, it is not a success yet so skeptics abound, as they should.
As far as Android itself, there is really not much to tell yet. It is a collection of software components that provides a framework for delivering apps to consumers. The Google folks say it will allow you to bend your phone to your will, turn it into whatever you want it to be. This sounds like a wonderful idea and certainly matches Google’s big thinking personality.
We will learn more about the technical aspects of this on November 12th when the SDK and architecture design is released but already I am enthused by the members of the Open Handheld Alliance, particularly Intel. Intel is looking to be on the front of any upcoming computing platform. Smart, they want to stay the world largest chip maker. Supporting efforts like this and Virtualization (Intel VT technology) gives them the foundation to be there.
I am cautiously optimistic here. I love the idea of an open, non proprietary platform working across manufacturers and network providers. This will allow users to take ownership of their phone and how they want to use it instead of getting what is given. I could them pick the best network, best device and the applications I need without worrying about what works with whom.
Nice…
Posted by webmaster as Techno at 4:51 PM EST
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I use different herbs for many different things, depending on what ails me at the time. For example,
- Yin Chiao or Gan Mao Ling for winter colds
- Zheng Gu Shui for joint, tendon or ligament pain
- Dit Da Jow for muscle soreness or bruising
- Ginseng or Royal Jelly for general energy boost
These are all very good for what they are intended to help. There are another set of herbal collections that are more everyday tonic and less for specific ailments. These are made made by fermenting the herbs in vodka for making an herbal extraction. Vodka is a clean grain alcohol that is neutral to the energy of the herbs and it does not hide the aroma or taste of the herbal tincture.
These include the following 6 remedies…
Chi Kung Liqueur : Circulates Energy & regulates Stress Chi Kung Liqueur aids in meditational exercises. “Chi Kung” means “energy work” or “spirit work” involving acupuncture meridian’s, muscle groups, body parts or particular types of energy circulation. The combination of herbs in this formula work on the blood as a tonic to aid in circulation while also acting on the spleen, stomach and liver energy. Ginseng, called the “Immortal Man’s root”, increases vital yang chi energy to help promote good health and long life. Citrus regulates stagnated energy in the spleen and stomach. Dang Gui is a tonic for the blood and helps in circulation. Cyperus regulates stagnated liver energy. Leguminosae (licorice) enters all twelve meridian’s and organs. It is used to help empty the spleen and stomach while helping disperse energy deficiencys in the blood and adds flavor to strong tonic prescriptions. INGREDIENTS: Ginseng, Citrus, Dang Gui, Cyperus, Licorice.
Everlasting Spring Liqueur : BUILD UP POWER & INCREASE SPEED Everlasting Spring Liqueur is an early fifth century formula which owing to the particular combination of herbs, has the effect of “hardening” the muscles, adding strength and quickness without bulk. The energy of the herbs, extracted in alcohol, works through the meridian of acupuncture, balancing the effects of weight training to improve the shape of the body. This makes it ideal for athletes who want strong and well defined physiques without being muscle bound. INGREDIENTS: Foeniculum, Vulgare, Atractylodes Lancea, Ammomum Villosum.
Golden Lotus Liqueur : Taoist Herbal Aphrodisiac Herbs, fruit and berries blend their subtle essence to create this delicious Oriental spirit. It is an ancient Taoist formula that builds internal power by increasing both yang/masculine and yin/female energy.. It tonifies and supports kidney function, which is reproductive energy in oriental medicine. Centuries old tradition tell of its potency as a natural herbal aphrodisiac, used by the Royal Palace in Taoist sex/yogic meditations to strengthen the Life Gate (Ming Men), from which vital energy arises. It works by restoring semen in the men and warming the uterus in women. INGREDIENTS: Rehmannia, Angelica, Epimedium, Ophiopogon, Lycium, Ammomum.
Jade Immortal Liqueur : Relieves Tension & Brightens Spirit In Ancient China, Taoist monks gathered rare fruit, berries and roots to prepare an herbal liqueur that supported their philosophy of contemplation and contentment. Mellow and full bodied, this unique drink gained renown for its ability to calm the mind as an aid to meditation. It proved such a great nerve relaxer that many people outside the monastery began to use it to relieve anxiety and promote sound sleep. INGREDIENTS: Ziziphi seed, Ziziphi black & red dates, Ligustici, Glyryrrhiza, Rehmania, Poria Cocos.
Royal Dragon Liqueur : Enhances Sexual Vitality A tonifying liqueur that circulate Chi (life’s vital force), Royal Dragon enhances sexual vitality and supplements energy deficiencies. Its calming effect helps to clear the mind and warming effects help to expel inner cold. Taken regularly, Royal Dragon regulates the body’s reaction to a variety of stress (may they be physical or mental), tonifies the spleen, benefits the stomach and can help to stimulate a poor appetite. INGREDIENTS: Manchurian Red Ginseng, Ginger, Ziziphi black dates
Shou Wu Liqueur : Taoist Herbal Aphrodisiac Shou Wu Liqueur is one of the most popular tonic preparation. Its main ingredient, polygonum multiflorum, is a famous rejuvenater and blood purifier, which is said to build vital energy, aid in concentration and prolong life. For centuries, this formula has been used to nourish the blood tonifying the liver and kidneys and benefiting the spleen. Noted for strengthening the lower physicial structure, it is helpful for pain in the lower back, waist and knees. Shou Wu Liqueur strengthens the sinews and bones and benefits the joints, clears the vision and inhibits premature graying of the hair and other symptoms of aging associated with deficient liver and kidneys. INGREDIENTS: Polygonum, Psoralea, Achyranthes, Lycium, Poria Cocos, Cusuta, Angelica
Here is a collection of a small herbal collection. The Liqueurs described are in the bottles.

Posted by webmaster as Personal, Tao at 6:45 PM EST
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Today was an interesting day. I started the day in the emergency room in Livingston, NJ. More specifically, the Saint Barnabas Medical Center. As much as I did not want to be there, I have to admit the people of Saint Barnabas were top notch. I have had a few ER experiences in my life and this one was the best by far.. the people were attentive, quick (for an ER), and very friendly - top to bottom.
The reason for this early morning visit to the ER was my foot/ankle. It has been bothering me for over a week but the last few days has become increasingly painful. Painful enough to wake me up in the night and hurt if I was just sitting still. So, rather than continue my travels to Boston and then home later in the week before having it checked out, I opted to have it looked at in NJ. Now you know why I had the previously described ER experience. The end game here is nothing broken but the multiple ligament/tendor tears or strains. I must follow up with an orthopedic surgeon at home. Good think I have one.. what with my recent shoulder surgery and all.
So, I have spent the day trying to navigate on crutches while pushing luggage and briefcase. I find myself more annoyed at airports than ever today but I always say that there is something good (or at least interesting) in every experience. Today that experience happened in the Newark Airport and it is the reason for the title of this post. I arrived at the airport early today and had almost 2 hours to burn (kill sounds so violent) before my flight. Me and my erstwhile fellow traveler (errrr… Diane Spinelli) , entered into an establishment for an adult libation or two. As I ordered my drink being the decisive, quick minded person I am.. my companion (errrr… Diane) took her time in deciding and ordered her drink when the waitress returned with mine …. and what ensued could only be described as complete folly!
The waitress asked us (first Diane) for ID before serving the drinks. I was going to chalk this up to an overzealous establishment policy but Diane was insistent it was because of her youthful demeanor and energy. She was bubbling like the mythical fountain of youth (sorry Ponce). I decided that to argue the point was dangerous (despite the sign behind the bar stating “We CARD everyone”) and it was easier to support her interpretation (and somewhat skewed view of the world). It is all good.
Who am I to think she was wrong! I believe the universe provides us what we need, when we really need it and with all my trauma and drama of the day, it was a great respite. So, Diane - I thank you!
Stay Young!
Posted by webmaster as Personal at 8:55 PM EDT
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So, I knew it would happen. I have been working to get myself healthy in body, mind and spirit. This includes working out, diet, meditation, and allowing time for creativity/innovation. I travel a lot and am not home some weekends because of visiting my kids or other family so making new connections with people is not always easy.
But I knew it would come. I know if I keep working on myself and putting positive energy out there, I will explore deeper some of the fairly innocuous connections we make every day. What I did not expct is that one of these shots over the bow to come from the wrong kind of ship…
Tonight I was having dinner in the Charlotte airport and trying to kill part of the 2.5 hours I had in between flights. Outside of dinner, the rest of the time was taken up with my turtle like crawl from one part of the airport to another (see previous post for more details) but I digress. I was having dinner. My waiter seemed nice enough. We bantered about the lack of sweet tea and how ridiculous that was here in North Carlina. The restaurant was not to busy so he was attentive, even offering me a free desert. We continued an ongoing dialog throughout my meal. It certainly helped pass the time.
I was thinking… damn he is good.. nice sized tip in his future but apparantly I was naive or I was using some other code that I did not recognize, perhaps it was a wide stance with foot tapping if that works outside of the Minnesota airport bathroom. Whatever it was, the bill came and it included the items I ordered, a hand written total of the bill, complete with smiley face and… the waiter’s phone number with a comment to please call him on my next “lay over”.. and yes he included the quotes.
I laughed out loud and decided that, yes, the universe has a sense of humor. Strike 1. I did leave him a good tip with a note stating that my “lay overs” were not long enough to do him justice but thanks anyway.
What a day!
Posted by webmaster as Personal at 8:54 PM EDT
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Everybody loves superheroes, young boys and probably some girls want to be super heros. The adult comic industry is booming and yes, I admit it I still love superheros, although my love is buffetted by my two boys, ages 6 and 8.
Here is a picture of a mural now in their bedroom….go go go !

Posted by webmaster as Personal at 12:32 PM EDT
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Today I was in my Chi Kung and Meditation class and despite my continued attempts to empty my mind, I found myself attaching to the words of my Sifu (teacher for those not familiar with this blog) and thinking about their impact on my daily life in the real world.
He talked about looking within and eliminating the conflict so we can cultivate and develop. He said to go Inside first then expand to the outside once you are cultivated within.
It occurred to me as I was thinking about how this applies to my daily life that this is an approach that more of us should adopt. When any conflict arises, be it at work with a co-worker or boss, or at home with a partner or spouse or relative or friend, our first reaction is to look elsewhere for the source and potential resolution of the conflict. We look to the other person’s behavior, or the behavior of a third party, but really we would be much better off if we started looking at ourselves before aiming our venom at others. I think this is a universal truth.
“Watch out for that Gravity Storm….”
Posted by webmaster as Personal, Tao at 3:45 PM EDT
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The idea of an all encompassing Private Identity Network that we can plug into whether on the net, using our cell phones (or pick any device), or interacting with a merchant is a nice vision. Add a benevolent overseeing agency insuring all is well with our important identity data and the vision nears utopia. This proposal or manifesto http://replacegoogle.com describes just such a time. The question is, is it even close to becoming a reality?
This is where my optimism fades. I think the vision presented, or something close to it, is inevitable and will occur eventually. I have a few issues with it. First, why such a negative name? Lets create a positive movement and not have it burdened with a negative explanation on the outset. Secondly, I differ on how soon this may occur. I would guess that we have 3-5 generations of public identity meta-systems before we accomplish what is described in this vision. Third, I question the need for the overall governing authority that is defined. I think the market driven competition between Private Identity Providers will foster innovation and give people a choice to maintain service levels.
I think the current open source solutions like OpenId and Bandit must continue to grow to enable the Private Identity Providers and Identity vendors like Novell, CA and IBM must enable corporate customers to include public identity systems to co-exist with the enterprise solutions being implemented today.
More importantly, we need to hit upon the missing compelling event that makes this something that the general population cannot live without. It is about the people… and must start with the people.
I love the nature, scope and determination of the vision. I am ready to work to make it a reality.
Posted by webmaster as Architecture, Identity, Open Source at 11:43 AM EDT
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I came across this quote from one of my favorite books and I think it is good to remember:
“Reality is subjective, and there’s an unenlightened tendency in this culture to regard something as ‘important’ only if ’tis sober and severe. Sure and still you are right about your Cheerful Dumb, only they’re not so much happy as lobotomized. But your Gloomy Smart are just as ridiculous,. When you’re unhappy, you get to pay a lot of attention to yourself. And you get to take yourself oh so very seriously. Your truly happy people, which is to say, your people who truly like themselves, they don’t think about themselves very much. Your unhappy person resents it when you try to cheer him up, because he has to stop dwellin’ on himself and start paying attention to the universe. Unhappiness is the ultimate form o’ self-indulgence”
So, lets try to truly like ourselves and sometimes leave the somber, serious tones aside and enjoy this life we are leading.
Anybody guess what book this is from? or even the author?
Posted by webmaster as Personal at 11:38 PM EDT
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As I have described here before, my martial arts training has a very strong Taoist foundation. This means that the physical training we do is based on very traditional Chinese arts and also the core texts related to Taoism including the Tao Te Ching, Inner Chapters of Chuang Tsu, and the iChing.
All of the styles we study, Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Chen Style Tai Chi, Dragon Ba Gua, and Tao Style all have philosophical underpinnings in these texts as does the health and wellness training containing within our studies. Mind, Body and Spirit is the only way we approach things… holistically and from the inside - out.
To this end, I recently had a training aid created in my basement.. check out the image.

It is a Tai Chi symbol with the 8 trigrams of the iChing (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Ching ) Each of the eight animal styles is related to one of the eight trigrams of the I Ching.
http://littlestcat.com/iching/Trigrams.html
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Posted by webmaster as Personal, Tao at 10:20 PM EDT
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