They say a picture is worth a 1000 words. But, what if you can not see the picture? For the blind and low visioned person getting the 1000 words off the picture becomes the challenge. The two most common ways a blind person can get a description. The first is through a third party describing the item or by touching. When it comes to sex the touching part could get a blind man or woman into some trouble. Happily there is a new way for the blind to explore sexuality via the use of tactile touch. I found an interesting article on a book called Tactile Mind, authored by Lisa Murphy. In lay terms the book has raised pictures on the page so that blind and low visioned person can feel the image. This is not pornography by any stretch but, it is adult content none the less. Lisa Murphy's book has gone viral and I am very happy that I was able to get a chance to speak with her via email for Candid Conversations. Ms. Murphy welcome.
Lisa Murphy: Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your blog.
Cliff T.: As I mentioned in the opening paragraph your book has just exploded on to the scene garnering massive attention, did you expect such a huge response?
Lisa Murphy: No, the past few weeks have been a pretty crazy ride. I actually finished the book 2 years ago, it had been living in Rubbermaid containers and I had carried it to art fairs, donated a few to various causes, and had a gallery show with it about a year ago. In the last 2 years, I added a couple more pictures to it, and had upgraded the photographic paper used throughout the book. Sarah Barmak @ the Toronto Star newspaper did an article on it that came out on a Sunday a couple of weeks ago, and on Monday - there was chaos - my phone was ringing off the hook with media interviews from across the world, and my in-box was constantly pinging with the arrival of new media requests. I was kind of shocked to say the least.
Cliff T.: What inspired you to create Tactile Mind?
Lisa Murphy: It was the challenge. I had been taking artistic pictures of nudes for years. I had received a certificate in Tactile Graphics from the CNIB, and was volunteering there creating animals for children's educational books. Basically I thought "why not?" So I started researching and pricing machinery and materials, and experimented with a few ways of presenting my work. My friends sighted, blind, and vision impaired all thought it was a great wacky idea, and encouraged me. During the 2 years it took me to make this book. I occasionally would look around on the Internet, and couldn't find anything vaguely similar to what I was doing. But, that wasn't my primary reason for the project; I just wanted to make a cool book of my nude photographs that blind and vision impaired people could read. And, just to clarify, I have not been a volunteer at the CNIB for years now.
Cliff T.: In the creative stages did you seek out blind and vision impaired people to get an idea of what they wanted in such a book?
Lisa Murphy: No, this book was a personal art project. I had (blind) proofreaders that I would give each image to, to make sure there were no errors, and that my photograph was reflected accurately. Each image took me about 50 hours to create from conception, to photograph, to sculpting, to thermoforming, to proofreading... back to sculpting, proofreading etc. Vision impaired and blind people who read Braille and tactile diagrams have very sensitive fingertips. How something looks, and how it translates into touch, can be two totally different things. I just put in a collection of my photographs, and a collection of tactile diagrams depicting my photographs. I tried to give a good variety of everything so both women and men could enjoy this work.
Cliff T.: Can you describe what you mean when you say the book is half art object, half artisanal?
Lisa Murphy: I didn't say that. I don't even know what that means in relation to this work. I think I have been misquoted a couple hundred thousand times - no joke.
tactile mind is a book of nude photographs for the blind and vision impaired. It is a cool book of my photographs for non-sighted readers. It's all handmade, each page is hand pressed and I make them from home. It has been called "erotic", "sensual", "fetish oriented" and "pornographic. People everywhere have an opinion on this work. I think its so great there is international dialogue surrounding it. Very surreal; it brings to light that there is a need for more picture/literature books for the blind/vision impaired.
Cliff T.: Why do you think this is the case that there are only a few books like this around?
Lisa Murphy: There are themoform books around, but throughout the world, (to my knowledge most) institutions that have produced them in the past, have stopped producing them using this method because it is very time-consuming and expensive. It's really too bad because many people (myself included) believe this method provides more detail and information to the blind/vision impaired reader, than the now faster, cheaper, technologically advanced methods for creating materials.
Cliff T.: When people who are not disabled think of those who are they have the impression burned in the mind that people with disabilities do not want or seek out sex, Is Tactile Mind meant to dispel such myths as well as allow blind people to explore their sexuality?
Lisa Murphy: Unfortunately there are generalizations and stereotypes throughout the world that people with any kind of disability are not sexual beings. We are all human. We are all different; different things turn us on, different things turn us off, regardless of our abilities or disabilities.
Cliff T.: Could this book be used as a teaching guide on sex?
Lisa Murphy: People aren't having sex in my book; I don't know if it would be a good educational tool used for that purpose.
Cliff T.: Well from what I can see or read, this book has really grabbed some international attention and has gotten a lot of people talking about the subject of disabilities and sex. I want to thank you again for doing a Candid Conversation. And, I hope your book does well.
Lisa Murphy: Thank you very much for this interview.
Cliff T.: Lisa Murphy is the creator of Tactile Mind a book with raised photographs of nudes for the blind and vision impaired. Ms. Murphy is a photographer with a certificate in Tactile Graphics from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
The Toronto Star featured Tactile Mind in a recent article. And, Lisa Murphy does have a blog with more on the book. The blog is called Tactile Mind, it's web address is http://www.tactilemindbook.com and readers should be aware that the material on the blog is of an adult nature and explores various sexual themes, discretion is advised.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
It's All About The Stuph A Candid Conversation With Peter Anthony Holder
He is the Stuph man and he has been the Stuph man for 20+ plus years. Even after his on air gig ended his show and the features that are embedded in it live on via the world of Podcasting. I am speaking about the Stuph File Program and it's host/creator Peter Anthony Holder. Peter has a rare knack for digging up some of the funniest stories and for finding some of the most interesting people to interview on his Podcast. As I mentioned above he has successfully crossed over from the on air studio to the online world and has not only been able to continue telling those odd stories but has been able to bring his regular guests from his former radio show to the online world. I am glad to welcome you Peter to Candid Conversations.
P.A.H: Thanks for having me.
Cliff T.: I think enough has been said about the past re what happened at your former job so I will skip that part. However I do want to know was the decision to bring The Stuph File over to an online form one that took some mulling over or was it an immediate lets go for it decision?
P.A.H: There was no mulling over to be done. I have always had a home studio and always did production from that studio so it was a no-brainer on my part to continue the process. The key was to do something that wasn’t going to be costly, but again, since I had all the equipment there really are no monetary costs, simply time. I have to say that the wonderful world of Skype has been a godsend.
Cliff T.: For the uninitiated can you tell us what is the Stuph File Program is about and who are your regular featured guest on the show?
P.A.H: Well, The Stuph File Program is basically a quirky interview show wrapped up in a collection of odd news or kicker stories. The kind of thing that you don’t normally hear on conventional radio (especially since I’m no longer there!) As for the regular guests, right now there is Steve Walsh, Our Man In The Heart Of America Checking The Pulse Of The Nation who is on the show weekly.
The others, such as Book Banter with Stuart Nulman and items like Andrew Fazekas, “The Night Sky Guy” are less frequent. If the one-hour weekly show becomes more successful and can earn a profit, then I would be interested in doing it more than once a week and if that were possible then I would bring back even more regular features, such as The Gabby Cabby.
Cliff T.: What was your initial reaction to the idea of doing a Podcast and has your view of them changed since you decided to do one?
P.A.H: Well, first of all, although I don’t have any problems with podcasts and the online world, I prefer NOT to refer to the program as a podcast. I did initially because it was only online. But it’s a little more than that now, especially since it is on terrestrial radio in New Zealand and there is the possibility that it could also be on in the UK and other locations as well.
When I first started the show, it was called “The Stuph File Podcast” but now it is merely “The Stuph File Program.” Also, for the most part, podcasts are shorter and don’t necessarily have the radio “bells and whistles” that The Stuph File has. This show is an hour long (actually 56 minutes to allow for commercials) and its production is very similar to what the original radio show was like. And I still work the show on the radio-clock system, so it’s produced very tight in a uniformed time from week to week. Most podcasts don’t have that (one exception is “The Kelly Alexander Show” which I suggest you and your readers check out. Kelly does a fine show and she is also a radio host who dabbles online with an hour-long format).
The show is also heard on CyberStationUSA.com and the folks there actually wanted me to do a two hour show. However I balked at that because I believe online the attention spans are shorter and at an hour I’m already pushing the envelope as far as show length is concerned. I’ve told the folks at CyberStationUSA.com that if we start to turn a profit with this program, I would prefer to do two one-hour shows than one two-hour show, just to give the online audience a breather.
Cliff T.: Do you find it easier to get interviews for the Podcast or is it similar to what you experienced while working on the air?
P.A.H: There really isn’t any difference. I had built up a reputation with the previous show that carries forward to doing this one. As a result the folks that I have to deal with when booking guests have been most accommodating. Also, as time goes on, it is quite possible that the audience I am building here would be even larger than my old radio audience, even though I was on two powerhouse stations in two very big radio markets in the country. Potential guests and their handlers are aware of the audience reach and the savvy online listeners.
Cliff T.: How many people are downloading The Stuph File Program? Did you think you would get as big a response as you have gotten?
P.A.H: Well, the biggest chunk of listeners comes from CyberStationUSA.com. With them I have between 50,000-75,000 listeners per week. The direct downloads from my website can add about another couple of thousand and then there’s iTunes (which I don’t have complete figures for) and the folks who listen to it terrestrially in New Zealand. It’s growing steadily.
Cliff T.: How long does it take to put a show together?
P.A.H: The interviews are done first and they take the real time that it takes to put them together, usually about eight to ten minutes. I don’t really count recording them as part of the time it takes to put the show together. When I have the elements ready, it’s then the writing of The Stuph File and the recording of the show. I would say, conservatively speaking, the time to put all that together would be in the neighbourhood of about three hours. It could be more because I like to tinker, audio-wise, it could be less if everything goes smoothly and I’m on a roll.
Cliff T.: Do you try to go for a theme during the show or does that happen as you produce the show?
P.A.H: Rarely do I try to go with a theme. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. For instance, I did one show that dealt with soap operas. I just happened to have a major soap star booked and another soap related topic came up so I put them in the same show, but that wasn’t the initial plan. I just try to put together an eclectic kind of show that has a little bit of everything to give it a bit of variety.
Cliff T.:Has any of your recent guests on the show inspired you? Or, to put it in another way who or what helped you decide to move into Podcasting? And has the experience of doing a Podcast changed your view of media? If so how?
P.A.H: Well, Mitch Joel was the first guest we had on The Stuph File Program because he is a major blogger and is really into the podcast world, but beyond that I can’t say anyone else. My view of the media hasn’t changed, because I’ve been aware of the online world and the social media world as it has developed so it’s not like it was a foreign entity to me before I started doing the show online.
Cliff T.: Peter does it feel the same as being on the air if so how? Or, alternately how does it differ from being on the air?
P.A.H: Outside of the fact that I don’t do the show live; there really isn’t any difference in how the show sounds or how it feels. I purposely designed the show that way so it’s just merely a continuation of what I did over the airwaves.
Cliff T.: They say radio is in the blood, are you planning a return to the studio? Or, have you decided to leave radio and pursue other career goals?
P.A.H: Again, I don’t feel that this is any different from radio, so I don’t feel I’ve left it behind. I’m still in a studio. Just one that is at home. (And there was a period of about six weeks after a surgery that I had that I did the radio show from my home studio, so a studio is wherever a mic and a board exists). I’m quite happy doing The Stuph File Program and will continue to do it, regardless of what the future might hold elsewhere.
Cliff T.: Peter I want to thank you gain for taking time out in your busy schedule to speak through e-mail about The Stuph File Program. Your listeners new and old including myself wish all the success to you as you move forward with the show. Thanks for keeping the stuph coming.
P.A.H: Thank you.
Cliff T.:Peter Anthony Holder is the creator and host of the Stuph File Program. The podcast is produced in Montreal Quebec Canada under the production name of Flying Fish Communications. The Stuph File Program website address is www.thestuphfile.com You can download the podcast from this site and also via Itunes.
For more information about the show and Peter check out the following links
Peter's Blog Holder's Stuph File
http://twitter.com/PAHolder is Peter's Twitter address
And for those who fancy the use of Facebook Peter's page
P.A.H: Thanks for having me.
Cliff T.: I think enough has been said about the past re what happened at your former job so I will skip that part. However I do want to know was the decision to bring The Stuph File over to an online form one that took some mulling over or was it an immediate lets go for it decision?
P.A.H: There was no mulling over to be done. I have always had a home studio and always did production from that studio so it was a no-brainer on my part to continue the process. The key was to do something that wasn’t going to be costly, but again, since I had all the equipment there really are no monetary costs, simply time. I have to say that the wonderful world of Skype has been a godsend.
Cliff T.: For the uninitiated can you tell us what is the Stuph File Program is about and who are your regular featured guest on the show?
P.A.H: Well, The Stuph File Program is basically a quirky interview show wrapped up in a collection of odd news or kicker stories. The kind of thing that you don’t normally hear on conventional radio (especially since I’m no longer there!) As for the regular guests, right now there is Steve Walsh, Our Man In The Heart Of America Checking The Pulse Of The Nation who is on the show weekly.
The others, such as Book Banter with Stuart Nulman and items like Andrew Fazekas, “The Night Sky Guy” are less frequent. If the one-hour weekly show becomes more successful and can earn a profit, then I would be interested in doing it more than once a week and if that were possible then I would bring back even more regular features, such as The Gabby Cabby.
Cliff T.: What was your initial reaction to the idea of doing a Podcast and has your view of them changed since you decided to do one?
P.A.H: Well, first of all, although I don’t have any problems with podcasts and the online world, I prefer NOT to refer to the program as a podcast. I did initially because it was only online. But it’s a little more than that now, especially since it is on terrestrial radio in New Zealand and there is the possibility that it could also be on in the UK and other locations as well.
When I first started the show, it was called “The Stuph File Podcast” but now it is merely “The Stuph File Program.” Also, for the most part, podcasts are shorter and don’t necessarily have the radio “bells and whistles” that The Stuph File has. This show is an hour long (actually 56 minutes to allow for commercials) and its production is very similar to what the original radio show was like. And I still work the show on the radio-clock system, so it’s produced very tight in a uniformed time from week to week. Most podcasts don’t have that (one exception is “The Kelly Alexander Show” which I suggest you and your readers check out. Kelly does a fine show and she is also a radio host who dabbles online with an hour-long format).
The show is also heard on CyberStationUSA.com and the folks there actually wanted me to do a two hour show. However I balked at that because I believe online the attention spans are shorter and at an hour I’m already pushing the envelope as far as show length is concerned. I’ve told the folks at CyberStationUSA.com that if we start to turn a profit with this program, I would prefer to do two one-hour shows than one two-hour show, just to give the online audience a breather.
Cliff T.: Do you find it easier to get interviews for the Podcast or is it similar to what you experienced while working on the air?
P.A.H: There really isn’t any difference. I had built up a reputation with the previous show that carries forward to doing this one. As a result the folks that I have to deal with when booking guests have been most accommodating. Also, as time goes on, it is quite possible that the audience I am building here would be even larger than my old radio audience, even though I was on two powerhouse stations in two very big radio markets in the country. Potential guests and their handlers are aware of the audience reach and the savvy online listeners.
Cliff T.: How many people are downloading The Stuph File Program? Did you think you would get as big a response as you have gotten?
P.A.H: Well, the biggest chunk of listeners comes from CyberStationUSA.com. With them I have between 50,000-75,000 listeners per week. The direct downloads from my website can add about another couple of thousand and then there’s iTunes (which I don’t have complete figures for) and the folks who listen to it terrestrially in New Zealand. It’s growing steadily.
Cliff T.: How long does it take to put a show together?
P.A.H: The interviews are done first and they take the real time that it takes to put them together, usually about eight to ten minutes. I don’t really count recording them as part of the time it takes to put the show together. When I have the elements ready, it’s then the writing of The Stuph File and the recording of the show. I would say, conservatively speaking, the time to put all that together would be in the neighbourhood of about three hours. It could be more because I like to tinker, audio-wise, it could be less if everything goes smoothly and I’m on a roll.
Cliff T.: Do you try to go for a theme during the show or does that happen as you produce the show?
P.A.H: Rarely do I try to go with a theme. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. For instance, I did one show that dealt with soap operas. I just happened to have a major soap star booked and another soap related topic came up so I put them in the same show, but that wasn’t the initial plan. I just try to put together an eclectic kind of show that has a little bit of everything to give it a bit of variety.
Cliff T.:Has any of your recent guests on the show inspired you? Or, to put it in another way who or what helped you decide to move into Podcasting? And has the experience of doing a Podcast changed your view of media? If so how?
P.A.H: Well, Mitch Joel was the first guest we had on The Stuph File Program because he is a major blogger and is really into the podcast world, but beyond that I can’t say anyone else. My view of the media hasn’t changed, because I’ve been aware of the online world and the social media world as it has developed so it’s not like it was a foreign entity to me before I started doing the show online.
Cliff T.: Peter does it feel the same as being on the air if so how? Or, alternately how does it differ from being on the air?
P.A.H: Outside of the fact that I don’t do the show live; there really isn’t any difference in how the show sounds or how it feels. I purposely designed the show that way so it’s just merely a continuation of what I did over the airwaves.
Cliff T.: They say radio is in the blood, are you planning a return to the studio? Or, have you decided to leave radio and pursue other career goals?
P.A.H: Again, I don’t feel that this is any different from radio, so I don’t feel I’ve left it behind. I’m still in a studio. Just one that is at home. (And there was a period of about six weeks after a surgery that I had that I did the radio show from my home studio, so a studio is wherever a mic and a board exists). I’m quite happy doing The Stuph File Program and will continue to do it, regardless of what the future might hold elsewhere.
Cliff T.: Peter I want to thank you gain for taking time out in your busy schedule to speak through e-mail about The Stuph File Program. Your listeners new and old including myself wish all the success to you as you move forward with the show. Thanks for keeping the stuph coming.
P.A.H: Thank you.
Cliff T.:Peter Anthony Holder is the creator and host of the Stuph File Program. The podcast is produced in Montreal Quebec Canada under the production name of Flying Fish Communications. The Stuph File Program website address is www.thestuphfile.com You can download the podcast from this site and also via Itunes.
For more information about the show and Peter check out the following links
Peter's Blog Holder's Stuph File
http://twitter.com/PAHolder is Peter's Twitter address
And for those who fancy the use of Facebook Peter's page
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Debugging IT With Kevin Trottier of Twist Solutions A Candid Conversation
While surfing the net for people to interview on Candid Conversations I come across a lot of press releases. I have bookmarked a couple of press release sites and I will look at them to see if the subject at hand may be of interest to readers on Candid Conversations. One such release caught my eye. The headline read “Is Your IT department necessary?” That is a very good question. So I got in touch with the author Kevin Trottier of Twist Solutions a company that offers, you guessed it, IT solutions. Mr. Trottier thanks for taking the time to chat with me and the readers of Candid Conversations.
Cliff T.: OK let’s start by asking the question does a company need to have an IT department? And or another way of putting this question is what kinds of companies and what size companies need IT departments?
Kevin Trottier: Small and mid-sized organizations lend themselves to having a third party managed service as the price/performance of the services versus an IT department can be very compelling. The IT skill-sets required to create a basic IT department like: help-desk, server administration, monitoring, and planning can be cost prohibitive for small companies. For large scale enterprises it makes sense to have members of their IT department be a part of their internal executive team.
Cliff T.: I tried my hand at IT sales back in 2004 not an easy job. One of the things we were told is that it is essential for companies to look at having an IT department to protect the bottom line, does having an IT department do such a thing for a company? Why or why not?
Kevin Trottier: Having stable and reliable IT systems, created by mature IT processes, is essential in protecting the bottom line. Whether the IT functions are provided from an internal company department or a third party provider - mature IT processes ultimately provide the best protection of the bottom line.
Cliff T.: What should an IT department be doing in the first place?
Kevin Trottier: The IT department in a small to mid-sized business should provide two main functions: 1) from the day-to-day standpoint, it should be providing smooth and effective operations of the technical environment and when there is a problem, to fix it quickly and correctly; 2) from a strategic standpoint, determine and then implement the key technology enablers to help the executives hit their goals.
Cliff T.: People think of the IT department as the plumbing guys for the network in a company. However I am sure that there is more to it than that. What exactly is or makes up an IT department?
Kevin Trottier: An IT department for a small to mid-sized business is typically made up of the following skill sets:
Kevin Trottier: A challenging area is the fine line between where end-user “training” issues end and where “technical” issues begin. A simple way to overcome this challenge is to develop clear criteria that differentiate between “training” related versus “technical” issues. Presenting a trend-line of these types of issues to end-users at an IT feedback session is a great way to overcome any misconceptions. Trying to give feedback to a rushed end-user in real-time you may run the risk of being the condescending IT guy… ouch!
Cliff T.: How long have you been working in IT?
Kevin Trottier: I have been working in the industry for 12 years in a variety of roles from software engineer, product development, and sales and marketing.
Cliff T.: In your line of work I would think that you get some rather interesting requests related to IT, has anything come your way that just was totally out to lunch?
Kevin Trottier: We had a request regarding a Christmas tree that comes to mind which is out of scope for the services we provide J Our service model provides a complete alternative to a traditional IT department so we often field a variety of requests from business clients that are not always related to the services we provide.
Cliff T.: What kinds of IT challenges get you thinking I know there is a way and how do you begin to find the way to overcoming the challenge presented?
Kevin Trottier: I think there is a challenge; really more of an opportunity around business processes within the industries we serve. Executives at small to mid-sized firms are pulled in so many directions from delivering their products or services, managing staff, and financials, etc. that having a good set of internal operating process can be a really “un-locking” move for them. The IT folks are in a unique position to see the entire operation and develop these processes.
Cliff T.: Is IT a personal thing for people like you who work in it? I ask because many in other trades say it gets in the blood would you say that is true about being an IT guy?
Kevin Trottier: We certainly look at passion for technology in new hires. Technical advancements happen so fast in the IT industry that trying to keep up can be quite a burden if you don’t have technology in the blood.
Cliff T.: I noticed the title of the company you work for Twist, interesting name for a firm. Is that the goal here to offer a twist if you will to the world of IT? And if so what is that twist?
Kevin Trottier: We have a unique service delivery model combining a proprietary IT management platform with our technical specialists. This combination creates an alternative to an IT department as a subscription based service.
Cliff T.: Mr. Trottier I want to thank you for letting us peek into your world. IT is an interesting realm with lots of interesting turns and pardon the pun, twists, I wish you and Twist the best of success.
Kevin Trottier: Thank you Cliff!
Cliff T.: Kevin Trottier works for Twist Solutions a Dallas Texas based computer and IT Service Company. Twist helps companies manage many aspects of their IT including installation and service of servers and desktops. He wrote to us from his office in Dallas. To find out more visit the company site at twistsolutions.com
Cliff T.: OK let’s start by asking the question does a company need to have an IT department? And or another way of putting this question is what kinds of companies and what size companies need IT departments?
Kevin Trottier: Small and mid-sized organizations lend themselves to having a third party managed service as the price/performance of the services versus an IT department can be very compelling. The IT skill-sets required to create a basic IT department like: help-desk, server administration, monitoring, and planning can be cost prohibitive for small companies. For large scale enterprises it makes sense to have members of their IT department be a part of their internal executive team.
Cliff T.: I tried my hand at IT sales back in 2004 not an easy job. One of the things we were told is that it is essential for companies to look at having an IT department to protect the bottom line, does having an IT department do such a thing for a company? Why or why not?
Kevin Trottier: Having stable and reliable IT systems, created by mature IT processes, is essential in protecting the bottom line. Whether the IT functions are provided from an internal company department or a third party provider - mature IT processes ultimately provide the best protection of the bottom line.
Cliff T.: What should an IT department be doing in the first place?
Kevin Trottier: The IT department in a small to mid-sized business should provide two main functions: 1) from the day-to-day standpoint, it should be providing smooth and effective operations of the technical environment and when there is a problem, to fix it quickly and correctly; 2) from a strategic standpoint, determine and then implement the key technology enablers to help the executives hit their goals.
Cliff T.: People think of the IT department as the plumbing guys for the network in a company. However I am sure that there is more to it than that. What exactly is or makes up an IT department?
Kevin Trottier: An IT department for a small to mid-sized business is typically made up of the following skill sets:
- Technologists that help the end-users with their day-to-day needs like, “I can’t print or get to the Internet”
- System administrators that that make sure the back-off systems like, email and data backup are operating and
- Consulting resources that provide planning based on the business needs and emerging technologies.
Kevin Trottier: A challenging area is the fine line between where end-user “training” issues end and where “technical” issues begin. A simple way to overcome this challenge is to develop clear criteria that differentiate between “training” related versus “technical” issues. Presenting a trend-line of these types of issues to end-users at an IT feedback session is a great way to overcome any misconceptions. Trying to give feedback to a rushed end-user in real-time you may run the risk of being the condescending IT guy… ouch!
Cliff T.: How long have you been working in IT?
Kevin Trottier: I have been working in the industry for 12 years in a variety of roles from software engineer, product development, and sales and marketing.
Cliff T.: In your line of work I would think that you get some rather interesting requests related to IT, has anything come your way that just was totally out to lunch?
Kevin Trottier: We had a request regarding a Christmas tree that comes to mind which is out of scope for the services we provide J Our service model provides a complete alternative to a traditional IT department so we often field a variety of requests from business clients that are not always related to the services we provide.
Cliff T.: What kinds of IT challenges get you thinking I know there is a way and how do you begin to find the way to overcoming the challenge presented?
Kevin Trottier: I think there is a challenge; really more of an opportunity around business processes within the industries we serve. Executives at small to mid-sized firms are pulled in so many directions from delivering their products or services, managing staff, and financials, etc. that having a good set of internal operating process can be a really “un-locking” move for them. The IT folks are in a unique position to see the entire operation and develop these processes.
Cliff T.: Is IT a personal thing for people like you who work in it? I ask because many in other trades say it gets in the blood would you say that is true about being an IT guy?
Kevin Trottier: We certainly look at passion for technology in new hires. Technical advancements happen so fast in the IT industry that trying to keep up can be quite a burden if you don’t have technology in the blood.
Cliff T.: I noticed the title of the company you work for Twist, interesting name for a firm. Is that the goal here to offer a twist if you will to the world of IT? And if so what is that twist?
Kevin Trottier: We have a unique service delivery model combining a proprietary IT management platform with our technical specialists. This combination creates an alternative to an IT department as a subscription based service.
Cliff T.: Mr. Trottier I want to thank you for letting us peek into your world. IT is an interesting realm with lots of interesting turns and pardon the pun, twists, I wish you and Twist the best of success.
Kevin Trottier: Thank you Cliff!
Cliff T.: Kevin Trottier works for Twist Solutions a Dallas Texas based computer and IT Service Company. Twist helps companies manage many aspects of their IT including installation and service of servers and desktops. He wrote to us from his office in Dallas. To find out more visit the company site at twistsolutions.com
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sushi On A Stick A Candid Conversation With Lucas Furst About The Sushi Popper
Flavored ice on a stick is called a Popsicle, hotdogs on a stick breaded of course is called a Pogo and now a new item on a stick is on the market. Sushi, that's right Sushi. Called the Sushi Popper; Popper Foods has begun to launch this unique fare via a unique vehicle, via Food Network's show Unwrapped. I have tried fried Sushi in the past so when I saw the press release for the Sushi Popper I popped a request off to Lucas Furst the President and Co-Founder of Popper Foods the company behind the Sushi Popper for an inside track on this unique product. Mr. Furst thanks for if I may use a pun, popping in.
Lucas Furst: Thank you Cliff for the opportunity you are giving me to be on Candid Conversations.
Cliff T.: For the uninitiated can you tell us what is Sushi?
Lucas Furst: Sushi indicates foods that use rice seasoned with sweet rice-wine vinegar. Of, raw fish is the most popular ingredient in sushi, but the main element of Sushi is Japanese sticky rice. There are many kinds of sushi, which don’t include raw fish. Cooked fish, shellfish, and various other ingredients can be combined in sushi.
Cliff T.: Now I have to ask, what inspired the creation of the Sushi Popper?
Lucas Furst: Sushi Popper was created by both myself and by my partner. We each had two different visions of sushi. My personal vision and the creation of Sushi Popper was when I ate sushi in the car going to work one day the sushi fell all over my lap out of the traditional sushi box also called a Bento box. The sushi was hard to eat and the soy sauce was everywhere.
Cliff T.: One of the interesting things I noted on the website was that you have desert Sushi. Mr. Furst is that a new take on Sushi?
Lucas Furst: We do have some new desserts we are exploring such as Mochi, flan, and more that fits in the tube and you will be able to eat on the go around the world.
Cliff T.: I noted that you have a variety of flavors can you explain how you decided on what flavors you would sell?
Lucas Furst: Our Flavors took sometime to develop and continue to develop based on the general public. Our Executive chef and Senior Product Manager Davin Waite has developed California Roll, Teriyaki Chicken Roll, Miso Chicken Roll, Sweet Chili Tofu Roll, Ginger-Scallion Yellow Tail Roll, Habenero Smoked Banana Seared Albacore Roll.
Cliff T.: Mr. Furst what has been the reaction from people to the Sushi Popper?
Lucas Furst: The reaction has been unbelievable these are some of the reactions we were receiving. It’s Awesome!------It’s Great!-------It’s Amazing!------It’s the Most Exciting Item!-----------It’s the best new product we’ve seen in years!-------It’s Going to revolutionize sushi eating!-------We want it for our schools!----------When can we get it?--------Where can we get it?-------etc---etc-----
Cliff T.: How long has Sushi Popper been available for people to purchase and how long did it take to develop the Sushi Popper?
Lucas Furst: Sushi Popper has been available for a short amount of time in California in Oceanside at a restaurant called Fish Joint. We have been in a number of university magazines in California such as University Link Magazine. People have been known to drive all the way from downtown LA to Ocean side and eat at Fish Joint restaurant for Sushi Popper. As for the amount of time it took us to develop Sushi Popper its been well over a year in development.
Cliff T.: What was the biggest challenge you faced developing this product and how did you overcome it?
Lucas Furst: We had many challenges that we faced in development. One of the most challenging challenges was to make the Sushi Popper an airtight canister to not allow any oxidation or oxygen to enter the tube at a great rate causing the food to deteriorate rapidly. We had many months of trying to seal the container on the bottom and on the top testing for leaking and making our product a fully recyclable product was also a challenge.
Cliff T.: I have to ask this question because we all know that Sushi is a Japanese dish. Have you or are you planning on going into the Japanese market? If so when? If not why?
Lucas Furst: We have explored bringing this to the Japanese market in Tokyo. We are currently in negotiations in Tokyo for our product Sushi Popper. We have many scientists and marketing reps working out there bringing Sushi Popper to the Tokyo area quickly.
Cliff T.: Besides the United States do you plan to market the Sushi Popper in other markets if so where?
Lucas Furst: We have discussed many open markets for Sushi Popper. We want to create a new platform for people eating not only sushi but other types of food as well. We are looking at the European market, such as bringing our product to Stadiums, schools, airlines and more.
Cliff T.: If people want to try the Sushi Popper where would they go to buy it?
Lucas Furst: Sushi Popper will be offered in California and New York City, quickly expanding nationwide by the end of March. People can also order online starting the end of next week nationally and this item can be shipped to your home or business address.
Cliff T.: Mr Furst it sounds like you are off to a good start thus far. Do you think that you'll be trying other products like this in future?
Lucas Furst: We have a number of lines we are starting, Sushi Popper being one of our sushi lines. We will be expanding quickly with vegetarian wraps, as well as chicken teriyaki wraps steak wraps in a tortilla, egg rolls, spring rolls and more. Our company also known as Popper Foods will be quickly expanding.
Cliff T.: Well I can say that is probably one of the most unique products I have come across I hope that you do well with it and have fun at the same time. Thanks so much for letting readers of Candid Conversations know about the Sushi Popper.
Lucas Furst: Thank you cliff for your time, and being a part of our new break through called Sushi Popper
Cliff T.: Lucas Furst is the President and Co-Founder of Popper Foods which markets the Sushi Popper. Which was featured on an episode of Unwrapped on the Food Network. The company has two locations one in New York and the other in Las Vegas.
For more information on the Sushi Popper itself visit www.sushipopper.com
C. T.
Lucas Furst: Thank you Cliff for the opportunity you are giving me to be on Candid Conversations.
Cliff T.: For the uninitiated can you tell us what is Sushi?
Lucas Furst: Sushi indicates foods that use rice seasoned with sweet rice-wine vinegar. Of, raw fish is the most popular ingredient in sushi, but the main element of Sushi is Japanese sticky rice. There are many kinds of sushi, which don’t include raw fish. Cooked fish, shellfish, and various other ingredients can be combined in sushi.
Cliff T.: Now I have to ask, what inspired the creation of the Sushi Popper?
Lucas Furst: Sushi Popper was created by both myself and by my partner. We each had two different visions of sushi. My personal vision and the creation of Sushi Popper was when I ate sushi in the car going to work one day the sushi fell all over my lap out of the traditional sushi box also called a Bento box. The sushi was hard to eat and the soy sauce was everywhere.
Cliff T.: One of the interesting things I noted on the website was that you have desert Sushi. Mr. Furst is that a new take on Sushi?
Lucas Furst: We do have some new desserts we are exploring such as Mochi, flan, and more that fits in the tube and you will be able to eat on the go around the world.
Cliff T.: I noted that you have a variety of flavors can you explain how you decided on what flavors you would sell?
Lucas Furst: Our Flavors took sometime to develop and continue to develop based on the general public. Our Executive chef and Senior Product Manager Davin Waite has developed California Roll, Teriyaki Chicken Roll, Miso Chicken Roll, Sweet Chili Tofu Roll, Ginger-Scallion Yellow Tail Roll, Habenero Smoked Banana Seared Albacore Roll.
Cliff T.: Mr. Furst what has been the reaction from people to the Sushi Popper?
Lucas Furst: The reaction has been unbelievable these are some of the reactions we were receiving. It’s Awesome!------It’s Great!-------It’s Amazing!------It’s the Most Exciting Item!-----------It’s the best new product we’ve seen in years!-------It’s Going to revolutionize sushi eating!-------We want it for our schools!----------When can we get it?--------Where can we get it?-------etc---etc-----
Cliff T.: How long has Sushi Popper been available for people to purchase and how long did it take to develop the Sushi Popper?
Lucas Furst: Sushi Popper has been available for a short amount of time in California in Oceanside at a restaurant called Fish Joint. We have been in a number of university magazines in California such as University Link Magazine. People have been known to drive all the way from downtown LA to Ocean side and eat at Fish Joint restaurant for Sushi Popper. As for the amount of time it took us to develop Sushi Popper its been well over a year in development.
Cliff T.: What was the biggest challenge you faced developing this product and how did you overcome it?
Lucas Furst: We had many challenges that we faced in development. One of the most challenging challenges was to make the Sushi Popper an airtight canister to not allow any oxidation or oxygen to enter the tube at a great rate causing the food to deteriorate rapidly. We had many months of trying to seal the container on the bottom and on the top testing for leaking and making our product a fully recyclable product was also a challenge.
Cliff T.: I have to ask this question because we all know that Sushi is a Japanese dish. Have you or are you planning on going into the Japanese market? If so when? If not why?
Lucas Furst: We have explored bringing this to the Japanese market in Tokyo. We are currently in negotiations in Tokyo for our product Sushi Popper. We have many scientists and marketing reps working out there bringing Sushi Popper to the Tokyo area quickly.
Cliff T.: Besides the United States do you plan to market the Sushi Popper in other markets if so where?
Lucas Furst: We have discussed many open markets for Sushi Popper. We want to create a new platform for people eating not only sushi but other types of food as well. We are looking at the European market, such as bringing our product to Stadiums, schools, airlines and more.
Cliff T.: If people want to try the Sushi Popper where would they go to buy it?
Lucas Furst: Sushi Popper will be offered in California and New York City, quickly expanding nationwide by the end of March. People can also order online starting the end of next week nationally and this item can be shipped to your home or business address.
Cliff T.: Mr Furst it sounds like you are off to a good start thus far. Do you think that you'll be trying other products like this in future?
Lucas Furst: We have a number of lines we are starting, Sushi Popper being one of our sushi lines. We will be expanding quickly with vegetarian wraps, as well as chicken teriyaki wraps steak wraps in a tortilla, egg rolls, spring rolls and more. Our company also known as Popper Foods will be quickly expanding.
Cliff T.: Well I can say that is probably one of the most unique products I have come across I hope that you do well with it and have fun at the same time. Thanks so much for letting readers of Candid Conversations know about the Sushi Popper.
Lucas Furst: Thank you cliff for your time, and being a part of our new break through called Sushi Popper
Cliff T.: Lucas Furst is the President and Co-Founder of Popper Foods which markets the Sushi Popper. Which was featured on an episode of Unwrapped on the Food Network. The company has two locations one in New York and the other in Las Vegas.
For more information on the Sushi Popper itself visit www.sushipopper.com
C. T.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
A Candid Conversation With Charles Looker About New Bingo Cards---I 27 That's I As In Innovation 27
Bingo in the UK is about to get an interesting face lift. A new kind of Bingo Ticket book is being produced by Edwardthompson a company that has been in the business of printing since 1867 and has been supplying products to the leisure gaming industry for the past 50 years. The company has developed the 3rd Generation Bingo Ticket Book. A fully colored book of tickets that can be customized is now on the market for Bingo Clubs in the UK. I contacted Charles Looker to find out more about the book. Mr Looker thanks for taking time to take part in a Candid Conversation.
Cliff T.: can you explain the differences between the old Bingo tickets and the new ones that your company is producing?
Charles Looker: The big difference is that where previously bingo tickets had to follow a set design which was repeated on every page of every book. Now each and every page can be a completely different design and in full colour. This means that a customer can jazz up how they present the bingo grids and numbers or they can design a completely different number related game.
Cliff T.: Your press release states that these new tickets will give Bingo clubs the opportunity to use a new style of games, in what way?
Charles Looker: Because the tickets are printed using a full colour digital printer instead of traditional printing methods, every ticket design in a book can now be different. This flexibility means we can create new number games for clubs to play such as ‘bingo roulette’ or even image based games such as ‘match the celebrity face’.
Cliff T.: Can the books be changed in size or shape?
Charles Looker: At the moment they are produced in the standard sizes used by bingo clubs however with the advances in print finishing technology anything is possible.
Cliff T.: What was wrong with the old style?
Charles Looker: Nothing at all! Many customers and players still love our traditional style books. The main advantage of the new style books is the flexibility in design which makes them look more visually appealing and also enables clubs to insert adverts and sponsorship messages into the tickets giving them increased commercial opportunities.
Gala (the biggest bingo club in the UK) have rolled out the tickets across all their clubs and we expect other clubs to follow but some clubs will still prefer the traditional styles tickets which we have no intention of withdrawing.
Cliff T.: Mr. Looker what has been the reaction from the clubs and the players to the new books?
Charles Looker: Very good. Gala Bingo has reported good feedback with clubs and players alike enjoying the new style tickets.
Cliff T.: Why now, what prompted the change?
Charles Looker: Edwardthompson have always been innovators in the UK bingo market, which is a challenging market. We have over 50 years of printing experience and when we saw the opportunity to offer the bingo market the benefits of the latest full colour digital printing technology at a commercially viable price, we jumped on it.
Cliff T.: How did Edwardthompson develop 3rd Generation Bingo books?
Charles Looker: We combined the needs and wish list of our current customers with the potential benefits of full colour digital printing and our 50 years of bingo ticket production experience. What we must not forget is that every 3rd generation bingo book can be completely different to another.
Cliff T.: So far what are the most commonly wanted color schemes you get requests for?
Charles Looker: This really varies. Gala Bingo have a different colour for every page. We are really only at the beginning of discovering how our customers will want to take advantage of the limitless design options.
Cliff T.: How big an industry is Bingo in the UK?
Charles Looker: The UK bingo industry is has around 600 clubs, over 60 million admissions per year and an industry revenue of around £2bn.(+)
Cliff T.: Mr Looker are you planning to market this product outside of the UK?
Charles Looker: We are looking at all our options at the moment however the UK market is the priority at this point.
Cliff T.: It sounds like Bingo is evolving or morphing so to speak. What plans does Edwardthompson have in mind to go beyond 3rd Generation Bingo?
Charles Looker: There are many parts of the industry which we are involved in from supplying and installing electronic bingo terminals to promotional marketing for bingo clubs and club refurbishments. We are constantly looking at how we can help the bingo market evolve, watch this space.
Cliff T: Well it sounds like this new style of Bingo play should be a win win for everyone. Thank you for telling us about it.
Charles Looker: My Pleasure.
Cliff T.: Charles Looker is a Marketing Manger with Edwardthompson a printing firm located in Sunderland England. The company provides 60% of the Bingo books in the U.K. Recently launched a new product called 3rd Generation Bingo. For more information on the company and it's products visit them at edwardthompson.com
Footnote: (+) the Canadian equivalent to 2B British Pound is 3.24 Billion Cdn.
Cliff T.: can you explain the differences between the old Bingo tickets and the new ones that your company is producing?
Charles Looker: The big difference is that where previously bingo tickets had to follow a set design which was repeated on every page of every book. Now each and every page can be a completely different design and in full colour. This means that a customer can jazz up how they present the bingo grids and numbers or they can design a completely different number related game.
Cliff T.: Your press release states that these new tickets will give Bingo clubs the opportunity to use a new style of games, in what way?
Charles Looker: Because the tickets are printed using a full colour digital printer instead of traditional printing methods, every ticket design in a book can now be different. This flexibility means we can create new number games for clubs to play such as ‘bingo roulette’ or even image based games such as ‘match the celebrity face’.
Cliff T.: Can the books be changed in size or shape?
Charles Looker: At the moment they are produced in the standard sizes used by bingo clubs however with the advances in print finishing technology anything is possible.
Cliff T.: What was wrong with the old style?
Charles Looker: Nothing at all! Many customers and players still love our traditional style books. The main advantage of the new style books is the flexibility in design which makes them look more visually appealing and also enables clubs to insert adverts and sponsorship messages into the tickets giving them increased commercial opportunities.
Gala (the biggest bingo club in the UK) have rolled out the tickets across all their clubs and we expect other clubs to follow but some clubs will still prefer the traditional styles tickets which we have no intention of withdrawing.
Cliff T.: Mr. Looker what has been the reaction from the clubs and the players to the new books?
Charles Looker: Very good. Gala Bingo has reported good feedback with clubs and players alike enjoying the new style tickets.
Cliff T.: Why now, what prompted the change?
Charles Looker: Edwardthompson have always been innovators in the UK bingo market, which is a challenging market. We have over 50 years of printing experience and when we saw the opportunity to offer the bingo market the benefits of the latest full colour digital printing technology at a commercially viable price, we jumped on it.
Cliff T.: How did Edwardthompson develop 3rd Generation Bingo books?
Charles Looker: We combined the needs and wish list of our current customers with the potential benefits of full colour digital printing and our 50 years of bingo ticket production experience. What we must not forget is that every 3rd generation bingo book can be completely different to another.
Cliff T.: So far what are the most commonly wanted color schemes you get requests for?
Charles Looker: This really varies. Gala Bingo have a different colour for every page. We are really only at the beginning of discovering how our customers will want to take advantage of the limitless design options.
Cliff T.: How big an industry is Bingo in the UK?
Charles Looker: The UK bingo industry is has around 600 clubs, over 60 million admissions per year and an industry revenue of around £2bn.(+)
Cliff T.: Mr Looker are you planning to market this product outside of the UK?
Charles Looker: We are looking at all our options at the moment however the UK market is the priority at this point.
Cliff T.: It sounds like Bingo is evolving or morphing so to speak. What plans does Edwardthompson have in mind to go beyond 3rd Generation Bingo?
Charles Looker: There are many parts of the industry which we are involved in from supplying and installing electronic bingo terminals to promotional marketing for bingo clubs and club refurbishments. We are constantly looking at how we can help the bingo market evolve, watch this space.
Cliff T: Well it sounds like this new style of Bingo play should be a win win for everyone. Thank you for telling us about it.
Charles Looker: My Pleasure.
Cliff T.: Charles Looker is a Marketing Manger with Edwardthompson a printing firm located in Sunderland England. The company provides 60% of the Bingo books in the U.K. Recently launched a new product called 3rd Generation Bingo. For more information on the company and it's products visit them at edwardthompson.com
Footnote: (+) the Canadian equivalent to 2B British Pound is 3.24 Billion Cdn.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
A Candid Conversation With Koreen Simon As We Tip Toe Through The Dandelions
When I was in a youth group in Greenfield Park Quebec at the local Pentecostal church we had a church secretary, Saskia, who once said that we needed to bloom where we are planted. My first thought was, what are you kidding me, does this mean someone is going to water me like a plant in a pot? As you can guess I hand no idea that the imagery of us as plant and God as gardener tending his plants meant he'd shower us with the water and other nutrients that would help us grow into the people he wants us to be. Fast forward to 2009 and as I was searching the net for the next Candid Conversation I came across a press release for a book by author Koreen Simon, interestingly titled Thrive Like a Dandelion. The Dandelion is one tough plant wherever it can it will grow despite numerous attempts to eradicate it. A very interesting choice given the current times we are living in. Ms. Simon thanks for taking time to discuss your book with me and my readers on Candid Conversations.
Koreen Simon: Thank you. I am happy that Saskia’s message touched you and helped you take a closer look at the press release. I hope that through your blog you will be able to touch many people.
Cliff T.: When did you first discover the Dandelion?
Koreen Simon: I’ve been observing the battle between lawn owners and dandelions for quite some time. Some people will take care of their lawns themselves, but they will schedule visits by weed specialists who are responsible for eradicating dandelions. Because the dandelion is so resilient, these specialists would have to visit several times to ensure that the plant is eradicated. If your lawn becomes dandelion-free and your neighbour’s has dandelions, it is likely that they will return. Dandelion seeds are attached to tiny parachutes, which enable them to spread far and wide. It is only about two years ago that I seriously began observing and researching the dandelion and I’ve become a fan ever since. I’ve been asked what kind of car I would be if I were a car or what kind of tree I would be if I were a tree and I decided that if I am ever asked what kind of flower I would be if I were a flower, I would say a dandelion, because a dandelion is strong and resilient and it always finds a place to grow, develop and thrive. I did get the opportunity to say it at a workshop I attended, and I could tell that what I said made an impact.
Cliff T.: How are we like Dandelions, or how can we be like Dandelions?
Koreen Simon: We are all like dandelions because like dandelions, we all have value and we all have intrinsic with survival instincts. Some of us are better at surviving than others because our life experiences have made us better survivors. Some people have no other choice but to use their wits to survive while others are not fully aware of their survival instincts because they were never in the kind of situation that required them to use it. Some people see the dandelion as a weed that needs to be eradicated, while others see its medicinal and culinary value and celebrate it every year at springtime.
Cliff T.: Did you ever imagine writing and then publishing a book about personal growth and self improvement in what is considerably one of the worst economic downturns known to modern humanity?
Koreen Simon: I actually started writing the book in the midst of the recession, but even before that I had observed a few trends that I found troubling. I observed that highly skilled immigrants would come to this country hoping for a better life than the one they left behind and be disappointed. In their own countries and even in other developed countries like Canada, they would have been saving lives or making a difference, but here they are, driving taxis or working for close to minimum wage and just thinking about their own survival and the survival of their families. I had also observed that the job market keeps changing and you might be in a career today that is in demand, but it could be quite different in the future. I’ve met highly skilled people who had become jobless after the technology boom and had no choice but to start over at entry-level positions in which their strengths are not utilized. The downturn is affecting people worldwide. I wish everyone affected would keep looking within themselves and searching for creative ways to use the skills they already have to get themselves out of their situations.
Cliff T.: In your description of the book you mention that we all have value, is there a first step to finding what value one has that is spoken about in your book?
Koreen Simon: We all have value because we have all touched the people around us in some way. In my book, I did mention a process that would help readers to determine what their special value, mission, skill or talent is. This is something that has to be constantly explored and I don’t expect that everyone would be able to determine what it is after reading my book. I hope that they will continue thinking about it and trying to find it.
Cliff T.: Ms. Simon, I gather from the fact that you have 52 steps in the book that this is meant to be a year long journey?
Koreen Simon: Yes. It is meant to be a year-long journey, with a challenge per week that is based on the week’s lesson. You get a week to think about the challenge and work on it so that it becomes a part of your experience that you can build on later in life.
Cliff T.: Ms. Simon, during the journey are you going to encourage collaboration and feedback as readers work through each of the 52 steps?
Koreen Simon: Certainly. I encourage readers to get together in groups, whether in-person or online and share your journeys. I myself have started The Dandelion Movement on Facebook, which I hope readers will join and utilize to share their journeys. For each of the fifty-two weeks I will be posting a challenge from the book on Twitter and with The Dandelion Movement group on Facebook. Of course, you can start the challenge anytime and still share your journey.
Cliff T.: Can you give us a sneak preview of some of the steps you'll have readers take?
Koreen Simon: For example, the step for Week 14 is “Choose a Mentor.” I ask readers to think about the people who have inspired them so far and think about the qualities they admire about them. They are to research their mentor, and think about how they can emulate them. It would have more relevance, of course if they first read the lesson for Week 14 first which explains what they need to do in more detail.
Cliff T.: Have you done the steps yourself?
Koreen Simon: I think I’ve done all of the steps myself in some way as part of my own journey, and starting the first full week in January and for each of the fifty-two weeks, I will do the challenge of the week.
Cliff T.: One of the interesting things I noted was the fact that you want people to pass on what they learn in the book and to go beyond just doing the steps. I am curious do you think we need a shift from the me to the we kind of thinking and is that what this book is really about, going past ourselves and improving not only our lives but others?
Koreen Simon: I believe that there is strength in numbers. If everyone shares their journey, others can learn from it and be motivated and inspired by it. For those who need moral support, they will find it from the people who have embarked on that same journey and have decided to share their experiences.
Cliff T.: What was the deciding factor in writing this book, what led you to decide to write Thrive Like a Dandelion?
Koreen Simon: A number of factors caused me to write Thrive Like a Dandelion. I’ve had to start over several times and each time I found myself heading in a different career direction. I also found myself with skills that I wasn’t using. I invested a lot of time, effort and resources on those skills and I was determined to find an outlet. Each year I would set major goals for myself, and the year I wrote Thrive Like a Dandelion I was finding it difficult to come up with a major goal. It took me three months to think about what I could do, and once I realized that I would be using the skills I enjoy most, I started writing the book. Of course, being a member of Toastmasters International helped tremendously. It helped me to use my communication and leadership skills in getting my message across. I hope that everyone would be able to see the dandelion as a symbol of personal growth and development, strength, resilience and self-empowerment and that with the help of this symbol and my book, they will be able to empower themselves.
Cliff T.: Ms. Simon Who is this book written for?
Koreen Simon: Thrive Like a Dandelion is written for a diverse readership. Its messages and challenges are equally relevant to new potentialists in search of the kind of fulfillment they don’t get at work as it is to individuals who are starting over and searching for new direction after a significant life-changing event.
Cliff T.: Where can people get the book?
Koreen Simon: You can get Thrive Like a Dandelion from the publisher, Virtualbookworm.com Publishing, Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, and BarnesandNoble.com.
Cliff T: Ms. Simon it was a pleasure to get in touch with you re this fascinating book and the concept behind it. I hope you have a great journey with your readers.
Koreen Simon: Thank you. I enjoyed your interview. I hope you have much success touching others through your blog.
Cliff T.: Koreen A. Simon is a resident of Toronto and she has worked in a number of roles, the include working on policy issues at the diplomatic level in relation to peace, the environment, human rights and sustainable development. She is also a skilled communicator and is a member of Toastmasters. For more information on Thrive like a Dandelion visit http://www.thrivelikeadandelion.com
Koreen Simon: Thank you. I am happy that Saskia’s message touched you and helped you take a closer look at the press release. I hope that through your blog you will be able to touch many people.
Cliff T.: When did you first discover the Dandelion?
Koreen Simon: I’ve been observing the battle between lawn owners and dandelions for quite some time. Some people will take care of their lawns themselves, but they will schedule visits by weed specialists who are responsible for eradicating dandelions. Because the dandelion is so resilient, these specialists would have to visit several times to ensure that the plant is eradicated. If your lawn becomes dandelion-free and your neighbour’s has dandelions, it is likely that they will return. Dandelion seeds are attached to tiny parachutes, which enable them to spread far and wide. It is only about two years ago that I seriously began observing and researching the dandelion and I’ve become a fan ever since. I’ve been asked what kind of car I would be if I were a car or what kind of tree I would be if I were a tree and I decided that if I am ever asked what kind of flower I would be if I were a flower, I would say a dandelion, because a dandelion is strong and resilient and it always finds a place to grow, develop and thrive. I did get the opportunity to say it at a workshop I attended, and I could tell that what I said made an impact.
Cliff T.: How are we like Dandelions, or how can we be like Dandelions?
Koreen Simon: We are all like dandelions because like dandelions, we all have value and we all have intrinsic with survival instincts. Some of us are better at surviving than others because our life experiences have made us better survivors. Some people have no other choice but to use their wits to survive while others are not fully aware of their survival instincts because they were never in the kind of situation that required them to use it. Some people see the dandelion as a weed that needs to be eradicated, while others see its medicinal and culinary value and celebrate it every year at springtime.
Cliff T.: Did you ever imagine writing and then publishing a book about personal growth and self improvement in what is considerably one of the worst economic downturns known to modern humanity?
Koreen Simon: I actually started writing the book in the midst of the recession, but even before that I had observed a few trends that I found troubling. I observed that highly skilled immigrants would come to this country hoping for a better life than the one they left behind and be disappointed. In their own countries and even in other developed countries like Canada, they would have been saving lives or making a difference, but here they are, driving taxis or working for close to minimum wage and just thinking about their own survival and the survival of their families. I had also observed that the job market keeps changing and you might be in a career today that is in demand, but it could be quite different in the future. I’ve met highly skilled people who had become jobless after the technology boom and had no choice but to start over at entry-level positions in which their strengths are not utilized. The downturn is affecting people worldwide. I wish everyone affected would keep looking within themselves and searching for creative ways to use the skills they already have to get themselves out of their situations.
Cliff T.: In your description of the book you mention that we all have value, is there a first step to finding what value one has that is spoken about in your book?
Koreen Simon: We all have value because we have all touched the people around us in some way. In my book, I did mention a process that would help readers to determine what their special value, mission, skill or talent is. This is something that has to be constantly explored and I don’t expect that everyone would be able to determine what it is after reading my book. I hope that they will continue thinking about it and trying to find it.
Cliff T.: Ms. Simon, I gather from the fact that you have 52 steps in the book that this is meant to be a year long journey?
Koreen Simon: Yes. It is meant to be a year-long journey, with a challenge per week that is based on the week’s lesson. You get a week to think about the challenge and work on it so that it becomes a part of your experience that you can build on later in life.
Cliff T.: Ms. Simon, during the journey are you going to encourage collaboration and feedback as readers work through each of the 52 steps?
Koreen Simon: Certainly. I encourage readers to get together in groups, whether in-person or online and share your journeys. I myself have started The Dandelion Movement on Facebook, which I hope readers will join and utilize to share their journeys. For each of the fifty-two weeks I will be posting a challenge from the book on Twitter and with The Dandelion Movement group on Facebook. Of course, you can start the challenge anytime and still share your journey.
Cliff T.: Can you give us a sneak preview of some of the steps you'll have readers take?
Koreen Simon: For example, the step for Week 14 is “Choose a Mentor.” I ask readers to think about the people who have inspired them so far and think about the qualities they admire about them. They are to research their mentor, and think about how they can emulate them. It would have more relevance, of course if they first read the lesson for Week 14 first which explains what they need to do in more detail.
Cliff T.: Have you done the steps yourself?
Koreen Simon: I think I’ve done all of the steps myself in some way as part of my own journey, and starting the first full week in January and for each of the fifty-two weeks, I will do the challenge of the week.
Cliff T.: One of the interesting things I noted was the fact that you want people to pass on what they learn in the book and to go beyond just doing the steps. I am curious do you think we need a shift from the me to the we kind of thinking and is that what this book is really about, going past ourselves and improving not only our lives but others?
Koreen Simon: I believe that there is strength in numbers. If everyone shares their journey, others can learn from it and be motivated and inspired by it. For those who need moral support, they will find it from the people who have embarked on that same journey and have decided to share their experiences.
Cliff T.: What was the deciding factor in writing this book, what led you to decide to write Thrive Like a Dandelion?
Koreen Simon: A number of factors caused me to write Thrive Like a Dandelion. I’ve had to start over several times and each time I found myself heading in a different career direction. I also found myself with skills that I wasn’t using. I invested a lot of time, effort and resources on those skills and I was determined to find an outlet. Each year I would set major goals for myself, and the year I wrote Thrive Like a Dandelion I was finding it difficult to come up with a major goal. It took me three months to think about what I could do, and once I realized that I would be using the skills I enjoy most, I started writing the book. Of course, being a member of Toastmasters International helped tremendously. It helped me to use my communication and leadership skills in getting my message across. I hope that everyone would be able to see the dandelion as a symbol of personal growth and development, strength, resilience and self-empowerment and that with the help of this symbol and my book, they will be able to empower themselves.
Cliff T.: Ms. Simon Who is this book written for?
Koreen Simon: Thrive Like a Dandelion is written for a diverse readership. Its messages and challenges are equally relevant to new potentialists in search of the kind of fulfillment they don’t get at work as it is to individuals who are starting over and searching for new direction after a significant life-changing event.
Cliff T.: Where can people get the book?
Koreen Simon: You can get Thrive Like a Dandelion from the publisher, Virtualbookworm.com Publishing, Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, and BarnesandNoble.com.
Cliff T: Ms. Simon it was a pleasure to get in touch with you re this fascinating book and the concept behind it. I hope you have a great journey with your readers.
Koreen Simon: Thank you. I enjoyed your interview. I hope you have much success touching others through your blog.
Cliff T.: Koreen A. Simon is a resident of Toronto and she has worked in a number of roles, the include working on policy issues at the diplomatic level in relation to peace, the environment, human rights and sustainable development. She is also a skilled communicator and is a member of Toastmasters. For more information on Thrive like a Dandelion visit http://www.thrivelikeadandelion.com
Friday, December 18, 2009
Candid Conversation About The Hitler Skull With Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni
Cliff T.: While listening to a recent Podcast of CBC's As It Happens I heard a real interesting interview with Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni. He is a state Archaeologist and he works out of the CT State Museum of Natural History and Archaeology Center. Back in the dying days of world war II Hitler committed suicide, the Russians for years claimed to have the skull of the Nazi leader. However after examining the skull Dr. Bellantoni found that the skull was not that of Hitler but of a woman, possibly Eva Braun, Dr Bellantoni thanks for taking time to speak about this subject.
Cliff T.: Can you explain what it is you do at the museum and how long you have been doing it?
Dr. Bellantoni: My job as state archaeologist has many roles and responsibilities, but, primarily I work toward preservation of archaeological sites in Connecticut. I review subdivisions, shopping malls, golf courses – any economic development project that might have an impact on below-ground archaeological resources. I work with local municipalities in preserving their history. Also, public education about the importance of archaeological sites is another role I take seriously.
Cliff T.: What drew you to Archeology and was that a boyhood interest or something you decided to do as you got older?
Dr. Bellantoni: I was a rather poor student in high school and when I graduated I went into the military and served 4 years in the US Navy. When I returned to civilian life I had matured a great deal and realized I needed to go to college and start a career. Well, no college would take me due to my poor performance in high school. Finally, a community college took me as a returning veteran on probation. I took a course in introductory anthropology and that got me going. I didn’t think to become an archaeologist until I was 24 years ago. Late bloomer!
Cliff T.: Is this the biggest archaeological challenge you have faced?
Dr. Bellantoni: No, the biggest challenge I had was the archaeological excavation and forensic study of the Bulkeley Family Tomb in Colchester, CT. The Bulkeley’s are one of the most prominent New England families, coming to the colony in the 1630s. In 2002, they discovered a family tomb that had been covered with earth and forgotten. The tomb dated form 1770s to 1830s. The family asked if I would do a forensic analysis of the skeletal remains to identify them in history. Turns out there were 30 burials in the tomb, and, between forensic science and genealogical data we were able to identify all of them in the family’s history.
Cliff T.: What drew you to decide to investigate the skull the Russians had?
Dr. Bellantoni: Producers for The History Channel asked if I would assist in a program they were doing on the death and remains of Adolf Hitler, and asked if I would go along as their scientist.
Cliff T.: Certainly Hitler is an interesting/infamous character, however what would be the purpose in finding and examining his skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: The project entailed trying to understand what happened in April and May of 1945 in Berlin. Much of what really happened has been kept secret, so we had an opportunity to investigate a small part of the story. It is important to know and understand a most significant part of world history.
Cliff T.: In your interview with CBC you mentioned that you had heard that the Russians had Hitler's dental records. Have you made progress in getting them along with other data that might help you locate the skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: I have not seen the actual dental x-rays that the Russian have. Hitler had bad teeth and needed bridge work. When the Russians found the bodies of Hitler and Eva Braun, they did an autopsy and identified them through their dental work. That was the best you could do in 1945 and I believe that they did properly identify the bodies. The autopsy report, dental records and a part of the jaw bone (mandible) were sent to Moscow to convince Stalin that Hitler was dead.
Cliff T.: What was it like to hold what you thought was Hitler's skull, how did you feel when you got it? And what was the feeling you had when you realized that it was not his skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: Well, at first it was rather emotional to think that I held the remains of the most infamous person in world history. However, in examination of the cranial vault fragment, I quickly realized that my expectations of what Hitler’s skull cap should look like were not met. The vault fragment appeared to me to be too small (gracile) for an adult male, and too young (sutures were still wide open) for someone who died at 56 years of age.
Cliff T.: Do you still have the skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: No, the cranial vault fragment and the mandible that the Russians sent back to Moscow to demonstrate to Stalin that Hitler died still resides there.
Cliff T.: What kinds of tests did you use to determine the identity of the skull and was this process long or short?
Dr. Bellantoni: As mentioned, I conducted a general examination of gross morphology – that is, observations made by looking for identifiable characteristics, and noted some problems with the bone being that of Adolf Hitler. However, in the range of biological variation, it could still be him. It was really the DNA sample that showed the cranial vault was a woman.
Cliff T.: What will you do if you ever find the skull of Hitler?
Dr. Bellantoni: We will never find the skull of Hitler. In 1970, the Russians excavated his remains for the last time and conducted a full cremation. The ashes were they dumped into a brook that flowed into the Elbe River. His only extant remains are the mandible that was sent to Russia.
Cliff T.: Are there any other archaeological projects or mysteries that you plan to try and unravel in the near or distant future?
Dr. Bellantoni: Oh yes, I have two most interesting projects this year – one involving the identification of Old Leatherman; and one identifying the remains of an old English family of nobility. Anyhow, long stories but I am most interested in the archaeological and forensic potentials of these projects.
Cliff T: Dr. Bellantoni, thanks again for having a candid conversation with me and my readers.
Dr. Bellantoni: Thank you
Cliff T.: Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni has a PhD in Archeology and and works for CT State Museum of Natural History and Archaeology Center, University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT. For more information on the Hitler Skull check out the following links listed below.
CBC Reports on the findings made by Dr. Bellantoni others who worked with him.
As It Happens October 2nd edition part II with Dr. Bellantoni's interview.
The Musem's website. http://www.cac.uconn.edu
Cliff T.: Can you explain what it is you do at the museum and how long you have been doing it?
Dr. Bellantoni: My job as state archaeologist has many roles and responsibilities, but, primarily I work toward preservation of archaeological sites in Connecticut. I review subdivisions, shopping malls, golf courses – any economic development project that might have an impact on below-ground archaeological resources. I work with local municipalities in preserving their history. Also, public education about the importance of archaeological sites is another role I take seriously.
Cliff T.: What drew you to Archeology and was that a boyhood interest or something you decided to do as you got older?
Dr. Bellantoni: I was a rather poor student in high school and when I graduated I went into the military and served 4 years in the US Navy. When I returned to civilian life I had matured a great deal and realized I needed to go to college and start a career. Well, no college would take me due to my poor performance in high school. Finally, a community college took me as a returning veteran on probation. I took a course in introductory anthropology and that got me going. I didn’t think to become an archaeologist until I was 24 years ago. Late bloomer!
Cliff T.: Is this the biggest archaeological challenge you have faced?
Dr. Bellantoni: No, the biggest challenge I had was the archaeological excavation and forensic study of the Bulkeley Family Tomb in Colchester, CT. The Bulkeley’s are one of the most prominent New England families, coming to the colony in the 1630s. In 2002, they discovered a family tomb that had been covered with earth and forgotten. The tomb dated form 1770s to 1830s. The family asked if I would do a forensic analysis of the skeletal remains to identify them in history. Turns out there were 30 burials in the tomb, and, between forensic science and genealogical data we were able to identify all of them in the family’s history.
Cliff T.: What drew you to decide to investigate the skull the Russians had?
Dr. Bellantoni: Producers for The History Channel asked if I would assist in a program they were doing on the death and remains of Adolf Hitler, and asked if I would go along as their scientist.
Cliff T.: Certainly Hitler is an interesting/infamous character, however what would be the purpose in finding and examining his skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: The project entailed trying to understand what happened in April and May of 1945 in Berlin. Much of what really happened has been kept secret, so we had an opportunity to investigate a small part of the story. It is important to know and understand a most significant part of world history.
Cliff T.: In your interview with CBC you mentioned that you had heard that the Russians had Hitler's dental records. Have you made progress in getting them along with other data that might help you locate the skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: I have not seen the actual dental x-rays that the Russian have. Hitler had bad teeth and needed bridge work. When the Russians found the bodies of Hitler and Eva Braun, they did an autopsy and identified them through their dental work. That was the best you could do in 1945 and I believe that they did properly identify the bodies. The autopsy report, dental records and a part of the jaw bone (mandible) were sent to Moscow to convince Stalin that Hitler was dead.
Cliff T.: What was it like to hold what you thought was Hitler's skull, how did you feel when you got it? And what was the feeling you had when you realized that it was not his skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: Well, at first it was rather emotional to think that I held the remains of the most infamous person in world history. However, in examination of the cranial vault fragment, I quickly realized that my expectations of what Hitler’s skull cap should look like were not met. The vault fragment appeared to me to be too small (gracile) for an adult male, and too young (sutures were still wide open) for someone who died at 56 years of age.
Cliff T.: Do you still have the skull?
Dr. Bellantoni: No, the cranial vault fragment and the mandible that the Russians sent back to Moscow to demonstrate to Stalin that Hitler died still resides there.
Cliff T.: What kinds of tests did you use to determine the identity of the skull and was this process long or short?
Dr. Bellantoni: As mentioned, I conducted a general examination of gross morphology – that is, observations made by looking for identifiable characteristics, and noted some problems with the bone being that of Adolf Hitler. However, in the range of biological variation, it could still be him. It was really the DNA sample that showed the cranial vault was a woman.
Cliff T.: What will you do if you ever find the skull of Hitler?
Dr. Bellantoni: We will never find the skull of Hitler. In 1970, the Russians excavated his remains for the last time and conducted a full cremation. The ashes were they dumped into a brook that flowed into the Elbe River. His only extant remains are the mandible that was sent to Russia.
Cliff T.: Are there any other archaeological projects or mysteries that you plan to try and unravel in the near or distant future?
Dr. Bellantoni: Oh yes, I have two most interesting projects this year – one involving the identification of Old Leatherman; and one identifying the remains of an old English family of nobility. Anyhow, long stories but I am most interested in the archaeological and forensic potentials of these projects.
Cliff T: Dr. Bellantoni, thanks again for having a candid conversation with me and my readers.
Dr. Bellantoni: Thank you
Cliff T.: Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni has a PhD in Archeology and and works for CT State Museum of Natural History and Archaeology Center, University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT. For more information on the Hitler Skull check out the following links listed below.
CBC Reports on the findings made by Dr. Bellantoni others who worked with him.
As It Happens October 2nd edition part II with Dr. Bellantoni's interview.
The Musem's website. http://www.cac.uconn.edu
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Featured Post
Weirdness in Politics - Quirky Characters And Their Antics Impact - This Edition of Candid Comments
Politics has always been a stage where in certain circumstances dramatic personalities and eccentric behaviors are seen. Across the ages, ...
-
I am not much of a TV watcher but I do like to follow a few shows. Like you I have seen my fair share of good and not so good shows. Among...
-
People wonder why the rich are hated. Well one reason is the use of their money to do things that are ridiculous. Lets take the exampl...
-
Everyone knows about the big film festivals like the Cannes, TIFF and Sundance. These are world famous but, there are many others that a...
