CoveyLink Events and Resources
Download the paper, read and reflect!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
From Shepherds Abiding
Shepherds Abiding, by Jan Karon
Another sweet collage from a truth & grace-infused world.
--
He who has begun is half done.
- Horace
The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second to look things in the face and know them for what they are."
- Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
Another sweet collage from a truth & grace-infused world.
--
He who has begun is half done.
- Horace
The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second to look things in the face and know them for what they are."
- Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Joe the Mechanic sez:
On Friday morning, my car guy dropped this pearl of wisdom on me:
That thought sure corresponds closely to my experience: as an observer, as a doer, and, of course, as an excuse maker.
People do what they want to do.
They make excuses for what they don't want to do.
That thought sure corresponds closely to my experience: as an observer, as a doer, and, of course, as an excuse maker.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Where are your quality indicators?
I have a friend who manages a Toyota plant in this country. He came up by way of one of the American Big Three car companies. Shortly after he took the job with Toyota, I asked him, "Gary, what's the difference here?"
And he answered, "It's simple. They only ask me two basic questions: 'Where are your quality indicators?' and 'What is your strategy for getting better?' They believe if we answer those questions, other measures will take care of themselves."
...
The real danger is that, as in Vietnam, when things get complicated and hard to get hold of, the overwhelming tendency is to find a quantitative shortcut and try to drive it as fast and as hard as you can.
And the thing to keep in mind through all this is that all the numbers around body counts and kill ratios were absolutely in our favor until the last helicopter out of Saigon.
from Restructuring our Schools, by W. Patrick Dolan, page 38-9
And he answered, "It's simple. They only ask me two basic questions: 'Where are your quality indicators?' and 'What is your strategy for getting better?' They believe if we answer those questions, other measures will take care of themselves."
...
The real danger is that, as in Vietnam, when things get complicated and hard to get hold of, the overwhelming tendency is to find a quantitative shortcut and try to drive it as fast and as hard as you can.
And the thing to keep in mind through all this is that all the numbers around body counts and kill ratios were absolutely in our favor until the last helicopter out of Saigon.
from Restructuring our Schools, by W. Patrick Dolan, page 38-9
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Dysfunction
"Somewhere along the line, society, schools, and businesses have caused people to feel more responsible for explaining their results than for achieving them. Many people seem to think that an adequate explaination can excuse a poor result."
From Radical Change, Radical Results, by Kate Ludeman & Eddie Erlandson
From Radical Change, Radical Results, by Kate Ludeman & Eddie Erlandson
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Saturday, August 19, 2006
The ministry of challenge
From "Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni:
"... if team members are not making one another uncomfortable at times, if they're never pushing one another outside of their emotional comfort zones during discussions, then it is extremely likely that they're not making the best decisions for the organization."
"... if team members are not making one another uncomfortable at times, if they're never pushing one another outside of their emotional comfort zones during discussions, then it is extremely likely that they're not making the best decisions for the organization."
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
A reality-based presidential candidate
I really like this idea:
Molly Ivins in the Chicago Tribune (now only for cash) try here instead.
No, I didn't say it strong enough: I love this idea.
Molly Ivins in the Chicago Tribune (now only for cash) try here instead.
No, I didn't say it strong enough: I love this idea.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Monday, July 17, 2006
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Sharing the Load
TIME Europe Magazine: Jul. 03, 2006
An brief explaination of realities, issues, alternatives in relief and development in places like Niger.
An brief explaination of realities, issues, alternatives in relief and development in places like Niger.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
The New Mrs. M and Her Father
Her eyes were locked on her lover's eyes. It hurt to swallow, but it was happy hurt.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Saturday, June 17, 2006
The Search for Redemption
Bruce Kuklick writes in the July/August 2004 issue of Books&Culture:
My favorite recent expression of the emotional pain that brings about a measure of humility is the maturation of Robert Kennedy. After the murder of his brother the president in 1963, Robert Kennedy was desperate to understand why his family should have been made to suffer. He took to reading the Greek tragedies, and used as a mantra his own rendering of a translation from Aeschylus' Agamemnon. As Kennedy put it, "in our sleep, pain which we cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."
Books & Culture
My favorite recent expression of the emotional pain that brings about a measure of humility is the maturation of Robert Kennedy. After the murder of his brother the president in 1963, Robert Kennedy was desperate to understand why his family should have been made to suffer. He took to reading the Greek tragedies, and used as a mantra his own rendering of a translation from Aeschylus' Agamemnon. As Kennedy put it, "in our sleep, pain which we cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God."
Books & Culture
... without complaining or arguing ...
"14 Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe"
Philippians 2:14-15 New International Version (NIV)
BibleGateway.com
Philippians 2:14-15 New International Version (NIV)
BibleGateway.com
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Reasons to worry
Historian Niall Ferguson on the U.S. Economy in New York Times
Not only do Americans borrow as never before; they also save remarkably little. The impressive resilience of American consumer spending in the past 15 years has been based partly on a collapse in the personal savings rate from around 7.5 percent of income to below zero. The aggregate national savings rate, which includes the public sector and corporations, averaged 13 percent in the 1960's. Last year it was just 0.8 percent . . .
. . . The average American has an income of about $40,000 a year and has, as we have seen, a personal savings rate of zero. The average Chinese earns around $1,500 per year but has personal savings of 23 percent of his income — and is lending a large chunk of these savings, via the People's Bank of China, to the average American.
Not only do Americans borrow as never before; they also save remarkably little. The impressive resilience of American consumer spending in the past 15 years has been based partly on a collapse in the personal savings rate from around 7.5 percent of income to below zero. The aggregate national savings rate, which includes the public sector and corporations, averaged 13 percent in the 1960's. Last year it was just 0.8 percent . . .
. . . The average American has an income of about $40,000 a year and has, as we have seen, a personal savings rate of zero. The average Chinese earns around $1,500 per year but has personal savings of 23 percent of his income — and is lending a large chunk of these savings, via the People's Bank of China, to the average American.
Monday, June 12, 2006
On Management Responsibility
The First Principle of Financial Management, which is also The Second Rule of Failure Prevention:
The loss of X dollars is always the responsibility of an executive whose financial responsibility [read, spending authority] exceeds X dollars.
- Gerald M. Weinberg, Quality Software Responsibility, Volume 2, First-Order Measurement, page 159
This means that each manager must understand and effectively manage all risks within their sphere of responsibility.
The loss of X dollars is always the responsibility of an executive whose financial responsibility [read, spending authority] exceeds X dollars.
- Gerald M. Weinberg, Quality Software Responsibility, Volume 2, First-Order Measurement, page 159
This means that each manager must understand and effectively manage all risks within their sphere of responsibility.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Estate Tax "Compromise" With 15 Percent Rate Is Little Different Than Permanent Repeal
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 5/31/06
Reducing the top rate to 15 percent would lose nearly as much revenue as full repeal.
Reducing the top rate to 15 percent would produce an effective rate of just 6 percent.
Reducing the top rate to 15 percent would provide a tax windfall to extremely large estates.
Reducing the top rate to 15 percent would largely eliminate an important incentive for charitable giving.
Reducing the top rate to 15 percent would lose nearly as much revenue as full repeal.
Reducing the top rate to 15 percent would produce an effective rate of just 6 percent.
Reducing the top rate to 15 percent would provide a tax windfall to extremely large estates.
Reducing the top rate to 15 percent would largely eliminate an important incentive for charitable giving.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Kidz Online - Lesson Plans
Kidz Online - Lesson Plans
My son just called to say he has a job interview here this week. It looks like a great site!
My son just called to say he has a job interview here this week. It looks like a great site!
Friday, June 02, 2006
simple confession
Joel Osteen and his father before him begin every service at Lakewood Church by leading the entire congregation in a simple prayer of confession and it starts like this:
"This is my Bible:
I am what it says I am;
I have what it says I have;
I can do what it says I can do."
djchuang
"This is my Bible:
I am what it says I am;
I have what it says I have;
I can do what it says I can do."
djchuang
Friday, May 26, 2006
Do you love what you do?
Passion Into Practice
Make Your Work Remarkable Career to Fit Your Passion
Remarkable work is work where one feels engaged, whole and able to transform.
Make Your Work Remarkable Career to Fit Your Passion
Remarkable work is work where one feels engaged, whole and able to transform.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
A “Mere” $300 Billion: Should a $300 Billion Deficit Be Considered a Victory?
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 5/22/06
Five points:
1. Rising inequality contributes to revenue growth.
2. Revenue growth will likely slow.
3. A $300 billion deficit increases the burden on future generations.
4. At 2.3 percent of GDP, a $300 billion deficit is well above historical norms.
5. At this stage of the business cycle, the deficit should be much lower.
Five points:
1. Rising inequality contributes to revenue growth.
2. Revenue growth will likely slow.
3. A $300 billion deficit increases the burden on future generations.
4. At 2.3 percent of GDP, a $300 billion deficit is well above historical norms.
5. At this stage of the business cycle, the deficit should be much lower.
Malnutrition slows growth of half Niger kids
UNICEF per Reuters: "A joint study by the Niger government and UNICEF found an average of 15.3 percent of children were suffering acute malnutrition, with the far north being the worst hit region."
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Leadership Resource
Right Reality - David Batstone
See also: Triple P Quiz
See also: Triple P Quiz
Work is important. But what motivates you at work? Is there a purpose - something beyond your reward - that animates your daily work life? Or are you driven by a passion for a way of working or a project? Is it profit - either money itself or some other form of measurable reward - that motivates your work?
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Christ Among the Partisans
Garry Wills, New York Times
THERE is no such thing as a "Christian politics." If it is a politics, it cannot be Christian. Jesus told Pilate: "My reign is not of this present order. If my reign were of this present order, my supporters would have fought against my being turned over to the Jews. But my reign is not here" (John 18:36). Jesus brought no political message or program.
THERE is no such thing as a "Christian politics." If it is a politics, it cannot be Christian. Jesus told Pilate: "My reign is not of this present order. If my reign were of this present order, my supporters would have fought against my being turned over to the Jews. But my reign is not here" (John 18:36). Jesus brought no political message or program.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Contrary To President’s Claim, Large Majority of Americans Ultimately Will Lose From Tax Reconciliation Bill
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, May 17, 2006:
Some 68 percent of all American households will receive no tax cut at all from the legislation, and the average tax cut for households in the middle fifth of the income distribution will be $20. While the $43,000 average tax cut that households with incomes over $1 million will get from the bill could have a significant impact on a family’s finances, it hardly seems that the loss of a $20 tax benefit would qualify as a disaster.
Some 68 percent of all American households will receive no tax cut at all from the legislation, and the average tax cut for households in the middle fifth of the income distribution will be $20. While the $43,000 average tax cut that households with incomes over $1 million will get from the bill could have a significant impact on a family’s finances, it hardly seems that the loss of a $20 tax benefit would qualify as a disaster.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Monday, May 08, 2006
Todd Hunter interview
Off The Map - Idealab: "the question becomes 'how do we die to our inferior lives of self-control and sin and pick up the superior life of apprenticing our selves to Jesus and following him into a new life, a new reality…the Kingdom of God'."
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Wimber: The Leader
John Wimber founded the Vineyard movement, which our home church is part of. This is a brief overview of his life and vision: Kingdomrain.net
Business Leaders For Sensible Priorities
Business Leaders For Sensible Priorities - A non-partisan, non-political, rational governance organization.
Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities was formed in 1998 because top American businesspeople believe that the federal government's spending priorities are undermining our national security. Advised by retired admirals and generals, Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities' 650 members include the present or former CEOs of Bell Industries, Black Entertainment Television, Goldman Sachs, Men's Warehouse, and Phillips Van Heusen - as well as Ted Turner and Paul Newman.
Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities was formed in 1998 because top American businesspeople believe that the federal government's spending priorities are undermining our national security. Advised by retired admirals and generals, Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities' 650 members include the present or former CEOs of Bell Industries, Black Entertainment Television, Goldman Sachs, Men's Warehouse, and Phillips Van Heusen - as well as Ted Turner and Paul Newman.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
Friday, April 07, 2006
2006 Congressional Pig Book
Citizens Against Government Waste
The 2006 Congressional Pig Book is the latest installment of Citizens Against Government Waste’s (CAGW) 16-year exposé of pork-barrel spending. This year’s list includes: $13,500,000 for the International Fund for Ireland, which helped finance the World Toilet Summit; $6,435,000 for wood utilization research; $1,000,000 for the Waterfree Urinal Conservation Initiative; and $500,000 for the Sparta Teapot Museum in Sparta, N.C.
The 2006 Congressional Pig Book is the latest installment of Citizens Against Government Waste’s (CAGW) 16-year exposé of pork-barrel spending. This year’s list includes: $13,500,000 for the International Fund for Ireland, which helped finance the World Toilet Summit; $6,435,000 for wood utilization research; $1,000,000 for the Waterfree Urinal Conservation Initiative; and $500,000 for the Sparta Teapot Museum in Sparta, N.C.
Claim That Tax Cuts “Pay For Themselves” Is Too Good To Be True
Data Show No “Free Lunch” Here, 3/8/06
More detailed and thoughtful analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
More detailed and thoughtful analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
April is here, time to cut loose of politics
I've enjoyed the work of Garrison Keillor for many years, and I still turn on the radio at 5 PM on most Saturday afternoons for A Prairie Home Companion. His recent reincarnation as a political commentator is also a delight.
The man is an artist, deftly daubing words and images from far domains onto a plain canvas, gently touching old dreams and memories to craft a compelling creation, all soft and sweet, except for the sharp edges, which can be very sharp.
The danger of enjoying him too much is that it can inspire one to attempt to scale the heights he owns, even those who should not take on the project, because they lack the necessary equipment.
Enjoy this thoughtfully crafted gem, disguised as an ode to spring and to love: from The Chicago Tribune
The man is an artist, deftly daubing words and images from far domains onto a plain canvas, gently touching old dreams and memories to craft a compelling creation, all soft and sweet, except for the sharp edges, which can be very sharp.
The danger of enjoying him too much is that it can inspire one to attempt to scale the heights he owns, even those who should not take on the project, because they lack the necessary equipment.
Enjoy this thoughtfully crafted gem, disguised as an ode to spring and to love: from The Chicago Tribune
Monday, March 27, 2006
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Monday, March 13, 2006
Friday, March 10, 2006
President Bush's Budget Priorities
A sampling of what the Bush cuts would mean for real families if they are implemented:
* Hunger would increase: 300,000 people would lose their food stamps during the next five years. Moreover, 40,000 children would lose eligibility for the school lunch program.
* Working moms would pay the price: Roughly 400,000 children would be left without child care assistance during the next five years, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. This would be a crushing blow for families trying to work themselves out of poverty.
* Millionaires get richer: We have nothing against people who have worked hard and use their talents shrewdly. But cutting programs such as food stamps while offering $639 billion in tax cuts during the next 10 years to people who make more than $1 million - as the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports - is not only fiscally unsound, it's morally bankrupt.
* Hunger would increase: 300,000 people would lose their food stamps during the next five years. Moreover, 40,000 children would lose eligibility for the school lunch program.
* Working moms would pay the price: Roughly 400,000 children would be left without child care assistance during the next five years, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. This would be a crushing blow for families trying to work themselves out of poverty.
* Millionaires get richer: We have nothing against people who have worked hard and use their talents shrewdly. But cutting programs such as food stamps while offering $639 billion in tax cuts during the next 10 years to people who make more than $1 million - as the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reports - is not only fiscally unsound, it's morally bankrupt.
Realism on Budget Impacts
Resist spin and manipulation with quality analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is one of the nation’s premier policy organizations working at the federal and state levels on fiscal policy and public programs that affect low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
The Center conducts research and analysis to inform public debates over proposed budget and tax policies and to help ensure that the needs of low-income families and individuals are considered in these debates. We also develop policy options to alleviate poverty, particularly among working families.
In addition, the Center examines the short- and long-term impacts that proposed policies would have on the health of the economy and on the soundness of federal and state budgets. Among the issues we explore are whether federal and state governments are fiscally sound and have sufficient revenue to address critical priorities, both for low-income populations and for the nation as a whole.
Over the past two decades, the Center has gained a reputation for producing materials that are balanced, authoritative, accessible to non-specialists, and responsive to issues currently before the country. Our materials are used by policymakers and non-profit organizations across the political spectrum, as well as by journalists from a variety of media outlets.
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is one of the nation’s premier policy organizations working at the federal and state levels on fiscal policy and public programs that affect low- and moderate-income families and individuals.
The Center conducts research and analysis to inform public debates over proposed budget and tax policies and to help ensure that the needs of low-income families and individuals are considered in these debates. We also develop policy options to alleviate poverty, particularly among working families.
In addition, the Center examines the short- and long-term impacts that proposed policies would have on the health of the economy and on the soundness of federal and state budgets. Among the issues we explore are whether federal and state governments are fiscally sound and have sufficient revenue to address critical priorities, both for low-income populations and for the nation as a whole.
Over the past two decades, the Center has gained a reputation for producing materials that are balanced, authoritative, accessible to non-specialists, and responsive to issues currently before the country. Our materials are used by policymakers and non-profit organizations across the political spectrum, as well as by journalists from a variety of media outlets.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Friday, February 24, 2006
Thursday, February 23, 2006
A pox on both their houses...
read George F. Will, The Last Word in this week's Newsweek
A few excerpts: "...the party in power in Washington has done much to earn a rebuke but the opposition party has done nothing to earn a reward."
"Campaign-finance "reforms," which make raising money more difficult, are written by incumbents and work to the advantage of... well, take a wild guess. Here is a hint: In the last two election cycles, 98 percent of incumbents seeking re-election won. "
"The explosive and utterly bipartisan growth of earmarks—federal spending directed by individual legislators to specific projects—is yet another advantage incumbents have as they toil to get rid of that offensive 2 percent. "
A few excerpts: "...the party in power in Washington has done much to earn a rebuke but the opposition party has done nothing to earn a reward."
"Campaign-finance "reforms," which make raising money more difficult, are written by incumbents and work to the advantage of... well, take a wild guess. Here is a hint: In the last two election cycles, 98 percent of incumbents seeking re-election won. "
"The explosive and utterly bipartisan growth of earmarks—federal spending directed by individual legislators to specific projects—is yet another advantage incumbents have as they toil to get rid of that offensive 2 percent. "
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Overcoming Procrastination
Replace "Have To" With "Want To"
Replace "Finish It" With "Begin It"
Replace Perfectionism with Permission to be Human
Replace Deprivation with Guaranteed Fun
Use Timeboxing
article by Steve Pavlina
Replace "Finish It" With "Begin It"
Replace Perfectionism with Permission to be Human
Replace Deprivation with Guaranteed Fun
Use Timeboxing
article by Steve Pavlina
Sunday, February 12, 2006
whispers from beyond
The books or the music in which we thought the beauty was located will betray us if we trust to them; it was not in them, it only came through them, and what came through them was longing.
These things--the beauty, the memory of our own past--are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself, they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers.
For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of flowers we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never visited.
C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
These things--the beauty, the memory of our own past--are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself, they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers.
For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of flowers we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never visited.
C. S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
Saturday, February 11, 2006
The Great Ouse - Live (ish)
Jon writes:
Here's a shortcut that sits on my favourites list.
http://www.schools.bedfordshire.gov.uk/webcam/webcam.asp
The cam points from the south side of the river to the north side. you will recognise the white boat sheds as Star Rowing Club (our nearest access to the riverbank) and, to the left of that, Sovereigns Quay where Andy used to live.
Bedfordshire Schools Webcam
Here's a shortcut that sits on my favourites list.
http://www.schools.bedfordshire
The cam points from the south side of the river to the north side. you will recognise the white boat sheds as Star Rowing Club (our nearest access to the riverbank) and, to the left of that, Sovereigns Quay where Andy used to live.
Bedfordshire Schools Webcam
Friday, February 10, 2006
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Ethiopia's Food Aid Addiction
The dynamics of structural problems of hunger explored: BBC NEWS
The same dynamic paradoxes are at work in many countries, including Niger.
The same dynamic paradoxes are at work in many countries, including Niger.
OJ and Gramps Play on the Landing
Jon shot this video treasure during our sweet England Christmas: Google Video
I still want the ringtone.
I still want the ringtone.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
Niger says nearly 2 million face hunger
Reuters AlertNet
"Even in a good year there are regions that cannot feed themselves," Daddy Dan Bakoye, head statistician in the ministry of agriculture told IRIN.
The main problem now is that most families are indebted. People abandoned their farms in favour of taking cash wages elsewhere, or sold the only assets they had, their land or animals and food prices sky rocketed, said Bakoye.
"Even in a good year there are regions that cannot feed themselves," Daddy Dan Bakoye, head statistician in the ministry of agriculture told IRIN.
The main problem now is that most families are indebted. People abandoned their farms in favour of taking cash wages elsewhere, or sold the only assets they had, their land or animals and food prices sky rocketed, said Bakoye.
What are our values?
"Rats and roaches live by competition under the laws of supply and demand; it is the privilege of human beings to live under the laws of justice and mercy."
- Wendell Berry
- Wendell Berry
Newsweek Columnists
I thought that Anna Quindlen (State of Illusion) and Jonathan Alder (The Political Power of Truth) were especially good this week.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Big girls
Well, actually neither of them are really very big at all, but each is getting so grown up in her own unique way.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Rock star and adoring fans.
The warm memory of basking in the radiant glow of Owen the Only lingers on.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Ben & Lori - Engaged!
On January 1, 2006, Ben asked, and Lori said yes!
It's looking like a July wedding near L.A.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Eighty years young last September
This beautiful woman is my mother, a treasure of wisdom and quiet grace.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
High levels of food insecurity remain
Famine Early Warning System (FEWS) Niger News
Food Security Warning 19 Dec 2005 -
Food Security Warning 19 Dec 2005 -
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