reconnect with simmons tag:www.simmons.edu,2008-08-27:/reconnect//2 2009-11-18T16:22:06Z Movable Type 4.2-en East African Community Symposium & XO Camp tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.352 2009-11-18T15:18:13Z 2009-11-18T16:22:06Z This has been a very busy month! I was honored to attend the 10th anniversary of the East African Community's symposium in Arusha, Tanzania. I was asked to demo the XO laptop for attending delegates. I was supposed to go... Julia Reynolds This has been a very busy month! I was honored to attend the 10th anniversary of the East African Community's symposium in Arusha, Tanzania. I was asked to demo the XO laptop for attending delegates. I was supposed to go with my boss, and a day earlier, but we encountered some flight troubles when the plane next to us on the Kigali Airport air strip crashed into the VIP building. We were all sitting on the plane right next to the one which crashed. With fears that the crashed plane may explode we were evacuated from our plane (the first emergency evacuation for me!)


So the next day I was off to Arusha alone. It is a beautiful city. Trees line most of the city's street and you can see mountains from most any building. The meeting's focus on the second day (first for me) was climate control. There was a fantastic, informative presentation by a researcher from Kenyatta University in Kenya who warned that the climate change effects would wreak havoc on the African climate, everything from changing agricultural patterns to dire financial implications. His presentation was followed by another passionate plea for action from a Burundian delegate. In good news, a decleration was passed by environmental ministers from all East African counties: Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda & Kenya, promising to make climate change controls a top priority.  
The day concluded with discussion on strengthening community between the East African countries. One professor, also from Kenyatta, provided some great survey data from those who traded and worked across borders.


Many were enthralled with the XO laptop, and had heard of it before. Others were more unsure of how a laptop could change education. Unfortunately the time was so short to discuss such matters. 
 
 
Upon returning from Tanzania, things continued to be fast-paced as the following morning we started our second XO camp. The XO camp is time provided for kids (this time in 12 different schools) to explore, create and computate, which they might not be able to do during school time. I am working with La Colombiere a private school in Kacyiru district of Kigali. I was being assisted by 3 students from Kigali Institute of Education (who we trained the prior week) and also a member from the Rwandan XO laptop deployment team. We are working with a total of 60 students. Our first day we started with introductions. I asked students to use whichever activity (program in the laptop) they want, to introduce one of their peers that they do not know very well to all of us. After introductions, we turned our focus to the three themes of the camp: AIDS,  the environment, and perception of the future (note: these themes were chosen by the Rwandan Ministry of Education as being important to Rwandan society). We asked students to record their curiosities and questions about AIDS in the Write activity. Their questions were great and telling. Some of their questions included: "does AIDS have a cure?;" "does AIDS kill?;" "who was the first person to get AIDS?;" "How do babies get AIDS?" They were assigned homework to find answers to their own questions.
The next day was really great. Kids came in with printed information on AIDS and answers in their laptops, ready to share what they had found. By the end of the morning, we had found an answer to every one's curiosity. The next step was to make this into a project. I hung a printed sheet with our curiosities and answers around the room and asked students to chose one answer that really surprised them and to create an educational book about it for others. We used Etoys for this.
But before the project began, we explained the importance of the students to be creative, so we challenged them to draw the most creative picture they could imagine.
We are now transitioning our focus to the environment and future and to use different programming environments on the laptop. More to come! Murakoze!

]]> Finding Time to Write tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.351 2009-11-17T21:31:15Z 2009-11-19T15:37:04Z Lynette Benton
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Here are a few tips to help you claim a few precious moments each day to get something down on paper.

You can write:
  • on your commute.
  • instead of surfing the 'Net.
  • during commercials, if you don't have TiVo.
  • during TV shows that you've decided aren't all that good anyway.
  • while getting your hair done.
  • while bored in a meeting you really don't need to be attending anyway.
  • on your lunch hour. (You'd be surprised how many pages you can accumulate that way.)
  • when you get up 15 minutes earlier or go to bed 15 minutes later.
This just in! Ideas for increasing your free time (to write, of course). http://holykaw.alltop.com/more-time

Got any ideas of your own about how to sneak in some writing time? If so, post a comment for all to share.

Actually, if you enjoy these creative writing posts, I'd love it if you left a comment, so it won't seem like I'm flinging words down a silent tunnel.

]]> How to Get Started as a Writer tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.350 2009-11-14T15:49:05Z 2009-11-14T16:31:17Z Been longing to write--maybe for decades--but can't seem to get started? Here are a few tips to grease the wheels. On your mark . . .Get organized to write. Get notebook, a nice writing implement, and a space. Write lists... Lynette Benton
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  • Get organized to write. Get notebook, a nice writing implement, and a space.
  • Write lists of words--words that interest you or confound you or enchant you.
  • Play with phrases. Don't worry if they're meaningless. Just write them down.
  • Start a journal--for your eyes only.
  • Write a letter--not an email message--but a real, hard copy letter. Note: It can be short.
  • Promise someone you'll turn in 50 - 100 words of your writing each week. Make the consequences unpleasant. For example, each time you don't submit the work to him or her, you have to pay that person $50, no excuses.
Later, we'll go into more challenging ways to start writing stuff that's got shape and substance to it.

Just remember, you'll never get published if you don't write anything. And congrats to all of you who have been writing.


]]> The Path to Excellence begins with "E" tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.349 2009-11-13T16:57:10Z 2009-11-13T16:59:29Z Tony Price

Recently I was the featured speaker for a fund-raising event to help raise money for a youth center. When I accepted the invitation, I immediately began to think of what I would say to the large gathering and the spirit led me to share 2 words, Exceptional and Expectations and how they can impact the next generation.  When we think of things that are exceptional we tend to focus on  feats that are rare, outstanding, exemplary in other words things we don't expect to see often. An example is watching a pitcher throw a complete game, a game in which he or she allow no hits, walks or runs, those are rarities indeed for the sport, in fact not many people go to the ball park expecting to witness this feat. On the other hand when it comes to our expectations we tend to be more flexible in this area often times we set the bar or standards very low, today we don't place much emphasis on high expectations and having people meet them, we allow room for negotiations or excuses, we settle for an average attempt and then walk away feeling that as long as some progress was made then our jobs are done, please understand that I'm not condemning anyone for taking that approach, as someone who has spent a great deal of my life working with and on behalf of youth, I understand the importance of making progress but I don't believe you have to compromise high expectations in the process.

 

 To wrap up my presentation I shared with the crowd a real life example from my own family, I told of a story of how my youngest daughter scored a 92 on a geometry test and how excited she was to share the good news with her family. Now I was no math genius so I would have done just about anything for that kind of score and I imagine some of you feel the same. I shared how she first went to my wife and without missing a beat her mom did what many mothers do when their child comes home excited she made a big deal out of the moment and my daughter felt 10 feet tall, then she came to me and I told her that her score was nice, she did a good job (notice my words nice, good job), then I informed her that scores like that are what her mother and I expect from her, because she is brilliant, talented and has greatness within.  Unfortunately her countenance changed  it was like " Gee  Dad", thanks for raining on my parade, now my intentions were not to damper her spirits , no it was to inform her that she is capable of achieving those kind of grades every time especially if she applies herself.  A few weeks go by and I picked her up from her friends house as we were driving home she says dad did I tell you about my recent math test and I said no , she turns towards me with the kind of confidence you have when you have a winning hand at cards, and says  I got a 98,  immediately I acknowledge her efforts and let her know that I could not be more proud of her than at that moment, then I turned to her and said , do you remember our conversation a couple of weeks ago and what I said to you and she gave me a wry smile and said yeah , you said that's an expectation.

 

Now what if I made a really huge deal about the 92 do you think she would have challenged herself to reach even higher, or is it possible she would have been contempt with that level of success, lets not forget a 92 is a good grade, but a 98 is closer to perfection.  See I believe if you raise the expectations of a person or perhaps even yourself, they will give you an exceptional effort to accomplish their Dreams & Goals and that's something we all can feel good about!

]]> Women Supporting Women Entrepreneurs tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.348 2009-11-12T20:12:28Z 2009-11-12T20:33:54Z Heidi Fielek In my quest for a new job, I decided it was best for me to network, network, network!  On-line job sites were leaving me discouraged so I knew I had to get out there, be seen, and talk to people about my goals.  I began volunteering for a local dog rescue.  During a fundraising event, I met a woman (who had also lived in Boston) who was hired as the PR person for the event.  We hit it off immediately and by the end of the night, she offered to introduce me to a woman she was working with who had started her own company designing camisoles. 

Soon, I met Jennie Horn, a delightful young woman who started a company called "Second Base."  (www.shopsecondbase.com)  I am inspired by her commitment to learning about an industry she had no previous experience in and taking on the challenge of starting her own company.  Jennie found a need for a unique garment that didn't exist in the market and found a way to develop it herself - and trust me, it's amazing!    

]]> Sad Simmons Gate tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.347 2009-11-12T19:22:35Z 2009-11-12T19:28:43Z The Sad Simmons Gate, once the proud Kodak Moment photo op, especially around Commencement, has been dragged through the muck, and rests unceremoniously in the Place of the Abandoned Bicycle Racks.I wish someone would appreciate the symbolic value, especially... Bob White sad gate.jpg

The Sad Simmons Gate, once the proud Kodak Moment photo op, especially around Commencement, has been dragged through the muck, and rests unceremoniously in the Place of the Abandoned Bicycle Racks.

I wish someone would appreciate the symbolic value, especially during these difficult times, of standing the Gate up again.
]]> What do you think: The Future of US Engagement in Afghanistan tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.346 2009-11-11T16:06:07Z 2009-11-12T19:52:53Z As a student of international affairs, and security policy in particular, many people over the past few weeks have asked me about my thoughts on the future of Afghanistan. For those of you who aren't policy wonks like myself,... Gerri Pozez soldier.jpg
As a student of international affairs, and security policy in particular, many people over the past few weeks have asked me about my thoughts on the future of Afghanistan. For those of you who aren't policy wonks like myself, I thought it might be helpful for you all (the loyal Reconnect Simmons readers) to have a discussion about the future of US engagement in Afghanistan.

First we must start with a common background. As you may know, General McCrystal, the top US and NATO commander in Afghanistan, issued a report to the President and Secretary of Defense (on Aug. 30) which said, "Failure to gain the initiative and reverse insurgent momentum in the near-term (next 12 months) -- while Afghan security capacity matures -- risks an outcome where defeating the insurgency is no longer possible." McCrystal's assessment called for 40,000 more US troops to be sent to the theater in Afghanistan in order to prevent failure and defeat by the insurgents (for those who are interested, you can read the full report here).

Since Aug. 30, the President has been meeting with many national security leaders; military, civilian, academics, etc. to asses the situation before committing to sending more of our service men and women to the battlefield. I commend the President on his decision to take time and think through his options (something his predecessor did not do enough of--thinking) as there are many both tactically speaking and in terms of strategy and mission. While the President is 'thinking' Washington seems to be obsessed with whether or not the proper analogy for the conflict in Afghanistan is Iraq or Vietnam--both of which have obvious implications for US policy.

It is essential to understand that the battle we face in Afghanistan is vastly different from that of its neighbor Iraq or of our experiences in Vietnam. It differs in terms of history, geography, culture, and politics, all of which are crucial to understand completely when devising a strategy and war plans. There are also many actors involved in this complex theatre of operations--we have the Afghani Taliban, the Pakistani Taliban, and Al-Qaeda, all of whom have different goals, different origins, and different roles in the conflict.

To make this interactive, I am turning this over to you--what do you want to know about this conflict? What is confusing? Interesting? What can I write about that can teach you and make this complex situation a bit more understandable for those of you who don't follow insurgencies and counterterrorism like I do?? Bring on your questions, comments, thoughts, and over the next few weeks I will begin to write posts to address your questions (with a little Gerri flare).

Some thoughts that may be interesting to get into: What is an insurgency? How is Pakistan involved? How is the war in Iraq different from what we face in Afghanistan? What type of logistics go into sending troops abroad? What are the differences in the US Military Services and how do they all work together in the theatre of operation? Etc....I can play this game forever, so now its up to you.

Looking forward to our conversation...
]]> The Votes Are In! tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.345 2009-11-10T21:00:11Z 2009-11-15T15:02:29Z And it doesn't look very good for people who say they've always wanted to write. Here are the final responses to the question: "Are those who say they've always wanted to write serious about becoming writers?"Only 9% of the 32... Lynette Benton pencil_pusher.jpgOnly 9% of the 32 respondents said "Yes."

21% said "No."

31% were more generous. They said "They'll get around to it eventually."

And a rousing 37% said, "They're just dreamers."

What does this informal, unscientific survey tell us? Well, it might mean that when people say they want to write, others don't take them seriously.

On the other hand, some writers were among the poll respondents, so maybe they're the ones who believe that wannabe writers eventually get around to writing. Or maybe they're the 9% who feel confident that those who say they want to write really do.

Are you someone who professes to have always wanted to write? Are you writing? If so, what was your catalyst? If not, what's holding you back?

Maybe there are reasons you actually shouldn't write a book. See what writer Joel Orr offers as reasons at www.examiner.com/7-reasons-not-to-write-a-book.

In my next post, I should write about what I said I'd write about: the actual contents of the Tools & Tactics for Creative Writers presentation I delivered on October 14. But I think I should write about how to give yourself a push to get over the hump, if you really want to write, but aren't--writing, that is.

Want to get a huge book advance? Check out this blog posting, which also points out that--are you ready?-- 81% of the population wants to write a book! Get a Big Publishing Advance.

Don't forget to leave a comment if there's something about creative writing that you'd like to see covered here. Thanks!

]]> Making Education Work tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.344 2009-11-09T21:02:00Z 2009-11-10T15:54:30Z On Monday, November 9 in the Kotzen Meeting Room, President Drinan greeted faculty and staff, launching the largest fundraising campaign in Simmons' history. Trustee Judy Mann '83, Chair of the Advancement Committee, shared the lectern with the President as... Bob White educ work.jpg

On Monday, November 9 in the Kotzen Meeting Room, President Drinan greeted faculty and staff, launching the largest fundraising campaign in Simmons' history. Trustee Judy Mann '83, Chair of the Advancement Committee, shared the lectern with the President as they both announced that the first million of the $85 million had been donated by Lauren Brisky, chair of the Board of Trustees. And a splendid time was had by all.
]]> Way to go Sharks! tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.342 2009-11-08T16:13:33Z 2009-11-12T19:50:13Z Simmons soccer pushed Emmanuel College into double overtime to take the 2-1 victory over the second-seeded Saints in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference Championship game on Saturday. Freshman Lian Atturio (Hanover, Mass.) scored both goals for the Sharks, including the... Rich Gurney Lian Atturio (Hanover, Mass.) scored both goals for the Sharks, including the game-winner, which came in the 117th minute. Senior goalkeeper Rachel Elliot (Amherst, N.H.) made 11 stops to help lead fifth-seeded Simmons to the Championship title. With the win, the Sharks earn an automatic qualification to the NCAA Division III tournament, Simmons' first national appearance since 2004.

To read the entire article please see: www.simmons.edu/athletics/news/2230.php

Now onto the NCAA Division III tournament!
]]> Ready to pour into the soap bar molds tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.341 2009-11-07T16:59:36Z 2009-11-12T18:13:54Z Rich Gurney photo-9.jpg]]> Mixing the soap, just before adding the coloring and fragrance tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.340 2009-11-07T16:56:53Z 2009-11-07T16:57:56Z Rich Gurney photo-8.jpg]]> Stirring the aqueous lye with the melted fat tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.339 2009-11-07T16:54:27Z 2009-11-12T18:14:19Z Rich Gurney photo-3.jpg]]> Dissolving the lye (NaOH) in water - Soap Making tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.338 2009-11-07T16:49:42Z 2009-11-07T16:52:19Z Rich Gurney photo-2.jpg]]> Soap Making tag:www.simmons.edu,2009:/reconnect//2.337 2009-11-07T16:11:14Z 2009-11-12T18:15:00Z Rich Gurney
Finding time in the early weeks in November for fun diversions is always a challenge.  Midterm exams and papers are being returned.  The end of the semester is now in sight, particularly as students anxiously wait for their spring course registration times, so that they can save their seat in a particular lab section, or ART 138 - Basic Photography, which most have to wait to take until their senior year because of it's strong popularity. Students are entrenched in what seems as though mountains of coursework and homework, while faculty know it is only a matter of time until the mountains are on their plate to grade! 

Thankfully, this past week a group of 20 excited students and faculty found time and gathered to have some fun in the chemistry lab, making bars of soap. Students gathered after "chem sem," our weekly Chemistry Seminar course to take a brief respite and cook a mixture of lard and other oils in a solution of lye on a somewhat "larger than normal scale."  Students also were able to make use of excess gycerine, a waste generated in the production of biodiesel, in the soap, which is an additive typically used as a moisturizer.  Irv Levy, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Gordon College and fellow Green Chemistry Education Network Member, who developed this specific recipe, was on hand to help us with the large scale soap production. 

Once the reactions were complete, students scented the soap with natural plant extracts and added raw uncooked oatmeal to serve as exfoliants as desired, and poured the mixtures into the bar molds. In roughly one month, the bars of soap will have cured and solidified and will be ready to use.

If you would like a recipe to make your own bars of soap safely at home in your kitchen there is a host of information you can find on the web.  Check out the pictures posted soon.

Until next time, Take care,
Rich  
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