The Swine Flu is a Pig for Media Attention

Today I turned on CNN and heard story after story about the Swine Flu. You might have thought that NYC was having an epidemic. Of course it's bad when any type of flu (especially the dreaded "Pig Virus") hits anywhere. But when the headline states that eight school children in New York City contracted the Swine variety, ya gotta take notice.

Of course when the stories played out we find that none of the eight needed any medication or went to the hospital...they just rode it out and are all fine. Mild cases that make the news and help spread fear. Ya know...it's that old news media saying - "If it bleeds, it leads."

Now, that doesn't mean that we all shouldn't be made aware of a Flu Virus invading our shores. But at the same time - let's keep it in perspective.

I know that eighty or so people in Mexico City have died from the virus and about 1400 have been infected. However, twenty million people live in Mexico City. Again...let's put that in perspective! More people died during an excessive heat wave in Chicago a few summers back.

So...wash your hands, keep things clean, and don't travel to Mexico City right now...ok? Good. And - if you feel sick, please see your doctor. Of yeah...if you have a tendency to watch the news, don't go all goofy.

Hmm - maybe I'll pass on that ham sandwich!

It Wasn't the Same

Weird listening to the Phillies tonight and not hearing Harry's voice. Kind of like coming home and finding that someone had rearranged the furniture and repainted the place. You know you're in the right dwelling yet it doesn't feel like it's really your home.

Strange. It'll take some time.

Miss ya Mr. K.

A sad day for Philadelphia and Phillies fans

About twenty minutes ago my son called me. I asked him how he was and he responded that it was a sad day. "Why? What's wrong?" was my response.

He told me that he had just found out that Harry Kalas had passed away. I couldn't believe it. Yesterday I listened to his distinctive voice as he braodcasted the Phillies game. His "Outta here" is as well known a phrase to baseball and non-baseball fans as is "Play ball."

My son grew up to the sounds of Harry Kalas discussing the nuances of the game that he and I love so much. As the season approached I looked forward to hearing his voice as an assurance that baseball was here and things would be renewed, once again, for another year.

Harry the K...my son and I (and millions of other people) will miss you and your wonderful comforting voice. I have a feeling that Richie Asburn is waiting to greet his best friend. What a fantastic duo. Two superb men who graced my life for so many years.

Harry...the games just won't be the same without you.

A song for the world

As many of you know, I like to play music when my students enter the classroom. Sort of a readying for "pomp and circumstance" as they march towards their degree.

There is one caveat...the music must have relevance to the course. Sometimes the songs are brought in by me, and sometimes they're given to me by the students.

Last week Kirsten Furchner sent me and e-mail with a link to a fantastic video of the classic song "Stand By Me." It wasn't just the singing, words, and instruments that I loved...it was the way the musicians performed.

We always talk about global cooperation and this video proves that when we put our minds to work we can do wonderful things on a global scale.

Now...if we could only get politicians to do that. Hmm, maybe we should force them to watch the video and see how "regular folks" do it.

If you wanna watch and hear something great - cut and paste the link below into your browser. Do it and you'll be in for a treat!

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2539741

Enjoy!!

There are still 161 games left

Baseball is a microcosm of life. I was psyched today, waiting for the Phillies/Braves game. Of course I know the Phils don't have a great track record on Opening Day (Night) but hope springs eternal.

Unfortunately, the Champs (feel kinda good to write that word) lost.

But...there's a whole bunch of games left!

Ya know, like life, you may lose today...but tomorrow's another day. And, the next game...you might even win convincingly.

Drumming our way to harmony

Quite the interesting exercise we did in my OB classes today.

It's amazing how drums, a didgeridoo, maracas, and some other exotic instruments can take a class of individuals and turn them into a well functioning music machine!

At the beginning of the exercise a number of students voiced the fact that they didn't think they could play an instument, or didn't have the rhythm needed to participate. But...after the drum beat started and the sound of the didgeridoo bellowed through the room an amazing transformation happened. The entire class got into a harmonious round of music. It was, to me at least, a fantastic scene.
The sound was good enough (as I mentioned to the class and they agreed) to be put on a CD and listened to with delight.

It just shows how an organization can be brought together to function well, meet their goals, learn new skills, create individual and group leaders, and avoid conflict with the help of some simple instruments. Wow! Impressive...very impressive.

Special thanks to Pavel Kolenda and Evan Sheeler for providing the instruments and inspiration.

And...as a side note - I heard some people saying they'd like to start taking lessons to a couple of classmates who could provide them. Bravo!

A show of positive organizational behavior through students performing music using leadership, team building, listening, and conflict management skills...refreshing!