Analog Skills Still Matter

In seventh grade, students were required to do a rotation that included wood shop, print shop, home economics, and general music. I already had a love of music, but it was print shop that would unknowingly at the time, put me on a path that included a love of print technology and a career that included prepress and print workflow development and troubleshooting.

My first assignment in print shop? Make a ruler. I had no idea how important that assignment would be in the grand scheme of my life. I also hand carved a printing block with my initials. I learned it had to be created backwards so it would print properly.

In college some of my favorite classes were print production and typography. We learned about the technology of print, but we also learned how to do things “old school,” as it was called. We were taught it was important to learn the foundation of how things were done in order to understand and appreciate how today’s latest technology worked. In college I was on the staff of The Setonian. I learned how to run type galleys and set 2pt rule by hand. More manual print production.

So why am I telling you all this?

The Girl Scouts recently announced a new badge program. I was a Girl Scout from Brownie to first year Cadette. When the troop I was in disbanded, I volunteered as an assistant leader for several years. I loved being involved in the Girl Scouts and have wonderful memories. I still have all my badges and sashes.

So I was incredibly disappointed when their new badge program focuses heavily on STEM.

Anyone who knows me knows I am not a fan of STEM education. While I am a huge fan of technology and have spent a good part of my career involved in Information Technology, SEO, and web analytics, it is because of my analog foundation that began at the Belleville School System I learned to appreciate today’s technology.

When I commented on their announcement their LinkedIn manager said they still offer programs in the outdoors and the arts. I looked up their new options, however, and they are incredibly limited.

Time and time again studies have shown the arts play a key role in a child’s development and teaches critical thinking, among other skills. I can’t imagine my life without music in throughout my public school career that began with choir and band in fifth grade.

It isn’t just about learning to sing or playing an instrument.

Me working on my spinning wheel.

Playing an instrument, singing, participating in fine arts, crocheting, weaving, yarn spinning – all things I do – are analog skills. They get kids away from technology, and provide a relaxing and creative outlets.

I will tell you these kids want access to these outlets. A few years ago I visited a Girl Scout meeting and gave a yarn spinning demonstration. They were fascinated. But nowadays everyone is focused on STEM.

Well, here are two examples of analog skills at NASA. Yes, NASA.

We’ve all been watching specials about the 50th anniversary of the Moon Shot. Many of those at the Space Center would double-check their math work using a slide ruler. How many kids today even know what a slide ruler is? Even the Apollo missions went into space with a centuries-old piece of equipment on board – a sextant.

Both area analog tools that play important roles in the most technology advanced department in the country.

So for those of you who have children and continue to push STEM education, think about the importance of analog skills, which includes the arts. You never know where it will lead. Hopefully it will teach an appreciation for more than all things digital.

 

 

The Continued Gun Debate

Here we are again. Another horrible mass shooting. It kicks up all kinds of feelings; sadness, anger, confusion, and more. It also, brings up the gun debate to the front of the news headlines again. People debate and argue and try to come up with solutions. Some make sense. Some are extreme. I did a blog post about the gun debate back in 2016 after the mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando. Like many, I’ve continued to think about this issue and I’d like to add a few more items to my original list.

1. Armed guards at schools: Announcing to the world that places like schools are “gun free zones” just make them easy targets. Some think arming teachers might be a good idea. I have an even better one. Schools should hire retired police or military personnel as armed guards. These individuals have already received specialized training in how to handle active shooter situations. We use armed guards at banks, federal buildings, and even to protect celebrities. Our children deserve no less.
2. Threat assessment team: Maybe this is already in place and the public isn’t aware, but there should be “threat assessment teams” at the state and federal levels that focus on just school threats. This requires knowledge sharing across multiple agencies at the local, state, and national levels. The FBI really botched this one, as someone did contact them about this nutcase and they didn’t follow up. That’s why I feel there needs to be a more formal process in place to specifically handle just threats to schools.
3. Raise the age to purchase a firearm to 21: In New Jersey you need to be 21 to purchase cigarettes. Nationally, you need to be 21 to purchase alcohol. I think purchasing a firearm is a far more serious purchase than either of those items. The age to purchase any type of firearm should be raised nationally to 21.
4. Education – for everyone: In my last blog post, I said in order to make a weapon purchase I feel someone should need to show proof of completion of a gun safety course. I also feel the public needs to understand exactly what the different types of weapons are in order to have an intelligent debate. For example, “AR” doesn’t stand for “assault rifle” or “automatic rifle.” It stands for the ArmaLite rifle, named after the company that developed the weapon. AR-15-style rifles may look like military rifles, such as the M-16, however, they function like other semi-automatic civilian firearms. A semi-automatic firearm means it fires only one round with each pull of the trigger. An assault rifle is fully automatic, meaning multiple rounds are fired with each pull of the trigger. Automatic firearms have been severely restricted from civilian ownership since 1934. If we are going to have an intelligent discussion about how to handle gun ownership in this country, we all need to understand the terminology, what is legally available, what is illegal, and then we can know where to begin.
5. Go after “auto kit” sellers: I also mentioned this in my last blog post, but I want to repeat it. The individuals who create kits and directions to change a semi-auto weapon to a full-auto weapon should be prosecuted and loopholes in current laws should be closed.

I know there are people who would like to eliminate the second amendment. It isn’t going to happen. I’m not a gun owner, but I believe in the right to bear arms – responsibly. For example, the mother of the Sandy Hook shooter was NOT a responsible gun owner. She knew she had a child with a severe mental disorder. She did not keep her weapons secure. She encouraged his weapon use. In my opinion, that entire tragedy should fall squarely on her shoulders. If you have someone in your home that has a severe mental problem, maybe you shouldn’t own a weapon.

I am sure some will agree with me and there are others who will disagree with me. What’s important is that we finally come up with a serious plan. Otherwise, time will fade, people will move on. And then it will happen again. Don’t let it.

The Charging Bull and the Fearless Girl

According to today’s definition of the word, I am not a feminist. I’ve regularly been told I’ve “sold out the sisterhood.”

Do I believe women are strong and capable individuals and deserve to be treated and paid equally? Absolutely. Do I believe women should receive special treatment in an effort to “level the playing field?” Absolutely not. A perfect example of this absurdity is NYU Film School’s so-called gender equality. Selecting women over men in the name of equality is utterly ridiculous. The concept is basically saying “women aren’t good enough to compete on their own merits so we are going to tip the scales.”

Now do I believe the “boy’s club” exists? Definitely. I’ve experienced it first hand. Do you know what I did to combat it? I did my job to the best of my ability. I’ve worked in male-dominated fields my entire career. I proved my worth of doing my job. I’ve told stories of my work multiple times over the years so I don’t feel the need to repeat myself. You can read more about them here.

I will admit early in my career I avoided wearing my wedding band on interviews. I didn’t want to be looked upon as a “baby factory.” Did I need to do that? I really can’t say for sure. Would I recommend this to my nieces? No. I don’t think it is necessary.

So why am I telling you all this and what does it have to do with two sculptures in New York City? Let me explain.

Earlier this year a new sculpture was installed (at the time temporarily) called the “Fearless Girl” on Wall Street in New York City. It was placed facing the iconic “Charging Bull” the day before International Women’s Day. Fearless Girl was commissioned by investment firm State Street Global Advisors to advertise an index fund which comprises gender-diverse companies that have a higher percentage of women among their senior leadership. It is an extremely well-executed sculpture by the artist. It quickly, however, turned into a point of contention and became a new rally cry for feminists everywhere.

My problem with it? It has completely changed the definition of the Charging Bull. What is the history of the Charging Bull you ask? Allow me to clarify.

Arturo Di Modica and his Charging Bull (source: chargingbullcom)

Sculpture and Sicilian Arturo Di Modica developed the Charging Bull as a way to celebrate America, and specifically, New York. It celebrates the opportunities the nation offers to people of the world who are willing to come and work for success. It’s the symbol of courage Di Modica saw as the perfect antidote to the Wall Street crash of 1986. It is a celebration of the human spirit and determination of Americans.

 

Now the Fearless Girl is placed facing the Charging Bull. Instead of the celebration of the ability to survive whatever is thrown at Americans, it is now viewed as a little girl facing down the big bad men of Wall Street.

Shameful.

The sculptor has voiced his concern over the placement of Fearless Girl, saying it distorts and politicizes his art and has asked that it be removed. Will that happen? Unfortunately, I doubt it.

I agree with Di Modica. The Fearless Girl has changed the meaning of his art.

If it is decided that Fearless Girl is to remain on display indefinitely, I hope it will be moved elsewhere so the meaning of the Charging Bull is returned to its true inspiration. Unfortunately, I will be shocked it that happens.

9/11 – 16 Years Later

So today is that sad day in American history – the anniversary of the attacks of 9/11. This year the word “history” seems even more real to me.

For those of us who were adults, we remember exactly where we were that day. Just like our parents remembered where they were when JFK was killed and our grandparents remembered where they were during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

History.

Now, there is a new generation and for them it is exactly that – history. They don’t remember where they were. They don’t have that personal feeling adults had on that day.

I can tell you that I was just about at the office and the DJ on 104.3 cut in and said there was some kind of “fire or accident at the World Trade Center.” It was believed it was a small personal plane that had some kind of failure.

Within the next 10 minutes it took for me to park my car and get inside, it learned it was definitely something more.

I remember people crowding into my cubicle while my mother put the phone up to the television so we could listen to the news. The Internet couldn’t keep up with all the traffic and we couldn’t get a good connection.

I remember several of us frantically looking for flight information for two of our managers flying out of Newark.

I remember running upstairs to tell our division president our manager’s information and leaving to go to the mother of a best friend from high school because her father worked in the World Trade Center. Thankfully, he made it home safe.

I remember my husband calling me from school to find out what was being said on the news.

I remember crying. A lot.

I remember the smell of the smoke that wafted over from New York into New Jersey.

I remember my friends from our Chicago office calling me to check and make sure I was safe.

Just like our parents and grandparents with the “day” of their generations, I can tell you every minute of that day.

Last winter I went to Ground Zero for the first time since it was fully opened to the public. The enormity was the space is simply overwhelming. I was brought to the space after “The Pile” became “The Hole” shortly after Pope John Paul II came to the location to pray by the parents of that same friend that left us sick with worry on that day. At that time it was literally that – a hole. A giant empty space. The only way I can describe the feeling I had was heavy and sad. Profoundly sad. But I felt honored to be given the opportunity to be there and say a prayer.

Now, the space is still sad, but it is a dignified reminder of the people who were killed, the people that survived, and the stories of triumph. Seeing it on the television simply doesn’t do it justice.

While I stood there in quiet thought and prayer, I watched the commuters who passed by in the usual New York speed-walking fashion and wondered how they felt passing that space every day. I thought again of a story I’ve told before. Several years after the first World Trade Center bombing, I went on an interview in one of the towers. The person I met with wanted me to make sure I understood that the job would be at that location. He explained that people were concerned about working in the Towers because of the attack. My answer? I told him I wasn’t worried. “Lightening doesn’t strike twice.”

Boy was I wrong.

I don’t remember the name of the man I met with or even the name of the company. I think about him each year and wonder if he was still working there and if he made it home that day.

For us, this is all history now. And we have a responsibility to share that history with the next generation.

It isn’t enough to say “never forget.” It is “I remember.”

 

Back to School Time

It’s the time of year parents wait for with breathless anticipation – back to school time.

While parents rush out to pick up school supplies and new clothes for their kids, teachers are doing something very similar – buying school supplies. Not for themselves, but for their classrooms.

No, I’m not kidding.

My husband was a teacher for 25 years. And each year we purchased more and more supplies for his classroom. Everything from pens and paper, to Clorox wipes and paper towels. And he wasn’t alone. According to a 2016 article in Time, most teachers spend $500 per year for classroom supplies and one in 10 spend over $1,000 per year.

Now any regular readers here know I have a very strong opinion about the hard work teachers do. They are expected to be teachers, parents, diplomats, nurses, psychologists, disciplinarians, and more. They often lend money when kids are sent with nothing for lunch and offer a caring ear to listen to children’s problems. Add to that they often put themselves in harm’s way when school shootings occur, teachers are literally laying down their lives for their “kids.”

And now almost all of them spend money on basic necessities for their classroom.

Most commonly needed supplies include:

• Paper
• Pens
• Pencils/erasers
• Pencil sharpener
• Paper towels
• Tissues
• Printer paper
• White board markers/erasers
• Chalk
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfectant spray
• Cleaning wipes
• Rubber gloves
• Band aids/First aid kits
• Scissors
• Crayons
• Sticky Notes
• Tape

So as you pick up final supplies for your kids, offer to bring in some tissues or pens for their classroom. Or better yet, surprise your teacher with some common supplies from the those listed above.

The Plastic Predicament

I am keenly aware that every item I throw in the garbage will end up in a landfill somewhere. I do what I can do keep trash to a minimum. Now I am not the type of person that doesn’t buy toilet paper because it is wrapped in plastic, but I do my best to make sure as much as possible in my home gets recycled, reused, donated, or upcycled.

Enter the plastic bag.

Plastic plays an important role in our society. Plastic tubing and and syringes are used by the medical profession.  I loved the plastic bag scene from “American Beauty,” but I. Hate. Plastic.

Nothing bugs me more than when I leave Shop Rite or Target and see a shopping cart filled with plastic bags.

Why you might ask? Because, unfortunately, many of them wind up like this:

I can’t tell you how often I see bags hanging in the trees, flying across the road, or worse, wrapped around an animal.

Now, I will say there are times I have been forced to use the stray plastic bag. I always keep reusable bags in my car, but sometimes I don’t have enough with me or some other odd issue. I will, however, recycle them the next time I head to the store.

So as the weather warms and more quick runs to the store happen on the way to the beach or the lake, throw a couple of reusable or canvas bags in the car and use them instead.

#KeepAmericaBeautiful

 

Working through an “Emergency”

So as the Northeast prepares for a late-winter blizzard, the discussion of “emergency” and what “non-essential personnel” really means.

Allow me to explain.

When the Governor gets on the television and tells everyone to “stay off the roads” and “only essential personnel” should be on the roads, what does that mean?

For the average person? Nothing.

Let me tell you the story of two managers.

The first manager I am going to tell you about would require everyone to work, regardless of the weather…on time. Then two hours after everyone would trudge in, he would let everyone leave only to have a harrowing ride home. The last time I did this when I worked at this particular company, the snow wasn’t plowed on the highway and it was up over the hood of my Jeep. I generally do not worry about driving, but that ride home terrified me. I truly hated this man. It was obvious he didn’t care about his employees.

The second manager I am going to tell you about worried about his employees. He used to tell us that it was up to us if we were comfortable driving in – and actually meant it! It wasn’t a “do what you think is best” passive-aggressive mind game. He would tell us to work from home. He didn’t want anyone to feel obligated to come in and wind up in an accident. He didn’t want it on his conscious. I didn’t fear for my job if I didn’t come in and as a result, I was happy and worked hard to do the best job I could!

So while the news reports tell you to say off the roads and the Governor has declared some type of emergency alert, remember that doesn’t protect you from your boss.

So I know it is hard, but resist the pressure and REALLY do what is best for you. Be safe. Remember, if you are on the road and need assistance, you put the lives of emergency staff in jeopardy. Be safe and help keep emergency staff safe as well!

For the Love of the Library

This morning I decided to head to my local library to do some work. I have enjoyed going to the library since I was a child. I loved the smell of the books and the quiet space. Growing up in Belleville, I would often ride my bike to the library during the summer and stay there for hours. I even remember taking a “certified babysitter” class there. At one point, I even considered going to school for library science. But the call of journalism was too strong.

When I attended Seton Hall University, again, one of my favorite spots on campus was the library. I would find a quiet corner in the stacks to read and do my homework. Last fall I

The entrance of the Seton Hall Library. Source: Seton Hall University

headed back to the campus for Parent’s Weekend, and of course I had to visit the new library. What an amazing place! It is different building from my time as a student, but it is still a wonderful place.

This morning while working I had to stop at one point and look around. I saw a student being tutored in geometry, an elderly gentlemen helping a woman improve her English skills, people using the computers on site, and of course, people taking out books.

There are people who think the library is now passe. It is an unnecessary space that takes up tax dollars that could be used elsewhere. I completely disagree. The library provides a valuable resource for the community. From a child listening to story time, to adults attending a computer class.

So what is my gripe you might ask? That libraries today are undervalued. If you haven’t visited your local library lately, I encourage you to do so.

What Ever Happened to Being Polite?

Remember when Facebook first started? People would send each other pictures of Starbucks coffee and reconnect with long-lost high school friends.

My how things have changed.

Now social media is all about political hatred, being snarky to each other, and overall rudeness. It reminds me of how some people behave when they are in their car and get into fights with others stuck in traffic with you. It is easier to be mean to people when you aren’t face to face.

I know so many people who have fought with, unfriended, or blocked people they have known for years. Some are even family members. And even when you try to have a civil discussion with someone, it quickly turns hateful. Assumptions are made regarding political opinions, ancestry, religious beliefs, and the like; most of which are usually wrong. You know what they say about assumptions.

And while it has become worse since the presidential election, it was pretty bad beforehand. I even know many people who have given up on Facebook completely.

It is very sad. I feel like Grandma needs to give people a smack in the back of the head and remind some of good manners.

Now don’t get me wrong. I have no problem when people openly disagree with other’s opinions. This is a big part of what makes our country great. However, I do hate when things get snarky, rude, and downright mean. While I haven’t unfriended anyone, I have “unfollowed” and reduced the number of people that appear in my Facebook feed. I feel like there is more than enough hatred and negative energy in the world that I don’t need it showing up on my feed. For whatever reason, I easily pick up on other people’s energy and it is very hard for me to manage. I am also not going to set myself up for a beating by those who disagree with me. I find myself sharing less and less because I just don’t want to deal with the negativity that can come my way.

So I am asking for everyone who reads this to take a step back and think about what you are posting before you hit “post.” I haven’t walked in someone else’s shoes and I try to keep that in mind when I post something. Whether you call it the Golden Rule, Do Unto Others, Ethic of Reciprocity, or something else, I ask you keep that in mind.

It doesn’t cost anything to be nice.

Why Tom Brady will Never be “The Greatest”

Today is the greatest day in sports. And we are going to watch two teams fight it out for the Vince Lombardi trophy. The funny thing is if you watch the coverage, it sounds like one team has already won. The Patriots, and more specifically, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

I can’t stand either of these men. There, I said it.

In my opinion, both these men will forever have an asterisk next to their names due to the ongoing allegations (and proven allegations) that they are cheaters.

I have read plenty of articles about how Tom Brady is “the greatest football player of all time.” I couldn’t disagree more.

It is no secret I am a life-long Niners fan and I will argue to the death that Joe Montana is the greatest. However, there are several others that are in the same class.

Terry Bradshaw – This is a four-time Super Bowl winner, who played 16 seasons. He is a two-time Super Bowl MVP and a member of the Hall of Fame. I have always considered him the most underrated quarterback in NFL history. Yes, he was part of a great time, but he definitely brought them to a higher level than they would’ve achieved without him.

Roger Staubach – While playing the man was just stellar. He retired in 1980 with the highest rated passer of all time. For regular-season games, he had a .750 winning percentage. The man was brilliant when it came to his ability to scramble and a Super Bowl winner puts him at the top of the game. Above all that, he served his country admirably in the United States Navy. Imagine what his numbers would’ve been if he didn’t serve?

John Unitas – Now, I know I am reaching back, but let’s look at this man’s accomplishments. He is considered the QB who invented “modern-day quarterbacking.” He threw for 287 touchdown passes in his career and gained 14.2 yards-per-completion. You can’t argue with that.

Dan Marino – Now before you say “he never won a Super Bowl,” hear me out. When he retired in 2000, Marino owned almost every important passing record in the game’s history; most of which stood for 10 years. He had a quick QB mind, a cannon for an arm, and a grace under pressure that was just awesome.

Joe Montana – Last but not least, I have my man, Joe Cool. The man had ice in his veins. He played in four Super Bowls, won three MVPs and threw 11 TDs with no interceptions. Let me say that again – ZERO interceptions. His 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor is still the single greatest moment in Super Bowl history in my humble opinion. And no one handles the two-minute offense better – now or since. Period.

So where does Tom Brady sit? With Belichick as a cheater. A documented cry baby who will forever be associated with the Tuck Rule. Does the man have ability? Absolutely. Is he the greatest of all time? Absolutely not.

I want to also mention that these QBs played in eras where it was open season on quarterbacks. They had their clocks cleaned on a regular basis without a second thought. And my back still hurts from watching that hit Montana took against the Giants. Could Brady handle that? No way. He would cry home to his wife.

So sorry Brady fans, you will never convince me otherwise.

What do I say today? Go Atlanta!