From YouTube to FanFiction to Twitter and Facebook, social networking tools are everywhere. The Web 2.0 is uniting people throughout our world to share and discuss ideas. We can connect with experts from other countries, friends from all parts of the world and even strangers with common interests. The internet has become a powerful tool.
In this book, also titled "The Power of Organizing Without Organizations", Clay Shirky relates a number of anecdotes to demonstrate the power of social media to connect people and organizations. Whether in business, education, media or our personal lives can these tools be used responsibly and ethically to improve society? Or, will they create more problems than benefits? How will communication change in the future and how will this affect mankind?
How will we keep up with the voluminous fountain of information cascading all around us? We are living in one of the fastest changing eras in time and this is in turn exciting and overwhelming all at once.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Nov. 28, 2009 - The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
I usually read books very quickly but I am still struggling to finish this one. Which is surprising given that this book is quite well written. Reminiscent of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Thelma and Louise, Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, Fried Green Tomatoes, and other books or movies about women who band together to overcome personal issues, there is much here that women can relate to at all stages of their lives. From Anita, a widow trying to get on with her life whilst her grown children think they know what's best for her, to Georgia, trying to make a living and raise a child on her own, women connect with the hardships of these realistic characters.
I personally think this book would make a great movie as the descriptive, slower-moving parts, would probably be taken out or advanced quickly; although, I do find that some of the day-to-day happenings chronicled in detail in the book are necessary for the development of the characters and the plot to follow. I wonder what actors would be chosen for each of the parts. It's easy to visualize each of the roles from their depiction in the book. (I can see Julia Roberts playing Georgia and Meryl Streep as Anita. I wonder if I'd make it as a director in the movie industry? )
I do feel a connection to the characters and therefore, I am invested in the outcome of their lives. I really do want to know what happens to them and how their problems are resolved. Will all the loose ends by tied up? Will everyone enjoy a happy ending? I am a die-hard "happily-ever-after" reader that hopes not to be disappointed.
I personally think this book would make a great movie as the descriptive, slower-moving parts, would probably be taken out or advanced quickly; although, I do find that some of the day-to-day happenings chronicled in detail in the book are necessary for the development of the characters and the plot to follow. I wonder what actors would be chosen for each of the parts. It's easy to visualize each of the roles from their depiction in the book. (I can see Julia Roberts playing Georgia and Meryl Streep as Anita. I wonder if I'd make it as a director in the movie industry? )
I do feel a connection to the characters and therefore, I am invested in the outcome of their lives. I really do want to know what happens to them and how their problems are resolved. Will all the loose ends by tied up? Will everyone enjoy a happy ending? I am a die-hard "happily-ever-after" reader that hopes not to be disappointed.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Nov. 27, 2009 - Future Shock by Alvin Toffler
As I mentioned in a previous post, this book about the explosive rate of change in the modern world was published in 1970 yet it's topic is still current even today. Change is occurring at such a fast pace, that people are finding it difficult to adapt, hence the term "future shock". Technology is increasing this rate even more quickly. One needs only to look at the growth of the internet in the last 10 years to realize the potential of a vastly different future.
Despite the topic, I found this book to be quite stagnant. I read as much as possible, but I couldn't finish it. Chapter after chapter, the same ideas were regurgitated in different language, related to different topics - the fractured family, the pace of life, the physical dimension, the scientific trajectory and so on. The historical background of change at the beginning was interesting and part six dealing with strategies for survival was easier to relate to, but the rest was difficult to sift through.
Interestingly enough, the changes predicted in this book have occurred and continue to develop as we progress further into the 21st century. Is the life of "Star Trek" and "beam-me-up Scotty" far behind? And how will we, as a human race, deal with this?
Despite the topic, I found this book to be quite stagnant. I read as much as possible, but I couldn't finish it. Chapter after chapter, the same ideas were regurgitated in different language, related to different topics - the fractured family, the pace of life, the physical dimension, the scientific trajectory and so on. The historical background of change at the beginning was interesting and part six dealing with strategies for survival was easier to relate to, but the rest was difficult to sift through.
Interestingly enough, the changes predicted in this book have occurred and continue to develop as we progress further into the 21st century. Is the life of "Star Trek" and "beam-me-up Scotty" far behind? And how will we, as a human race, deal with this?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Nov. 26, 2009 - It's All Too Much by Peter Walsh
This has to be one of the best books on decluttering and organizing that I've ever read. One would think the topic boring or mundane. However, in a fast-paced, drop-and-go, material world where anything and everything is available for purchase to supposedly make our lives easier, we are floundering under piles of unnecessary objects. Our lives are not only cluttered with too many commitments but too much "stuff".
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with cleaning your overstuffed house? Not sure what to do with the increasing piles of papers, schoolwork, magazines, toys and gadgets around the house? This book will give you suggestions and plans, room by room, to make decluttering less overwhelming. From planning ideas, to practical organizing suggestions, to charts and checklists, to common excuses for not dealing with clutter, this book encourages us to find the means to make a change in our lives.
Have you ever experienced that euphoric feeling of peace when you've just decluttered and cleaned a room thoroughly in your house? I can't stop going into the room, sitting there, sighing and admiring it. It seems like I've lost 100 pounds. Doesn't if feel wonderful to get rid of the clothes you don't wear in your closet and donate them to a worthwhile cause? What about all those unused appliances taking up valuable space in your kitchen? Do yourself a favour and get rid of them.
I highly recommend this book as a worthwhile reference for all those needing to find peace by getting rid of the clutter in their homes and in their daily lives. Less is definitely more!
Have you ever felt overwhelmed with cleaning your overstuffed house? Not sure what to do with the increasing piles of papers, schoolwork, magazines, toys and gadgets around the house? This book will give you suggestions and plans, room by room, to make decluttering less overwhelming. From planning ideas, to practical organizing suggestions, to charts and checklists, to common excuses for not dealing with clutter, this book encourages us to find the means to make a change in our lives.
Have you ever experienced that euphoric feeling of peace when you've just decluttered and cleaned a room thoroughly in your house? I can't stop going into the room, sitting there, sighing and admiring it. It seems like I've lost 100 pounds. Doesn't if feel wonderful to get rid of the clothes you don't wear in your closet and donate them to a worthwhile cause? What about all those unused appliances taking up valuable space in your kitchen? Do yourself a favour and get rid of them.
I highly recommend this book as a worthwhile reference for all those needing to find peace by getting rid of the clutter in their homes and in their daily lives. Less is definitely more!
Nov. 25, 2009 - Wave by Eric Walters
Eric Walters certainly knows what topics will appeal to young readers. In his newest publication, Wave, the subject is the 2004 Christmas tsunami in Thailand. Having recently read We All Fall Down and its sequel, United We Stand, both dealing with the events and aftermath of 9/11 from the perspective of a young boy and his father, I can see the progression of themes related to global issues. From Hurricane Hazel in Safe as Houses, to homelessness and genocide in Shattered, the young people in his books give a different perspective to these important global issues.
What is it that makes tragic events such as 9/11 or the sinking of the Titanic so interesting to readers? Is it the mystery of why something happened? The suffering that people endured? The empathy for people like ourselves dealing with difficult circumstances? Or perhaps, it is the connections we make with the events and the characters dealing with them? Whatever the case may be, Eric Walters is certainly capitalizing on it as he continues to write award-winning material.
What is it that makes tragic events such as 9/11 or the sinking of the Titanic so interesting to readers? Is it the mystery of why something happened? The suffering that people endured? The empathy for people like ourselves dealing with difficult circumstances? Or perhaps, it is the connections we make with the events and the characters dealing with them? Whatever the case may be, Eric Walters is certainly capitalizing on it as he continues to write award-winning material.
Nov. 24, 2009 - The World is Flat by Thomas L. Friedman
From the time of Christopher Columbus' discovery in 1492, it has been common knowledge that the world is round. Now, all of a sudden, this book claims the opposite is true. How can this be?
As I begin the first chapter, the author claims that globalization and technology have levelled the playing field making the world essentially flat. This has essentially happened very quickly, "While I Was Sleeping", as the first chapter is labelled. He theorizes that the flattening process occurred in three periods. Globalization 1.0 took place from 1492 to 1800. The second era, Globalization 2.0, lasted past the Great Depression and two world wars until the year 2000. Finally, Globalization 3.0 began in the year 2000 and continues in the present.
During each time period, the world shrank in size. We moved from countries globalizing in the first period, to companies in the second and finally to individuals collaborating and competing throughout the world. Each era was led by inventions and technology that paved the way to globalization.
I can certainly see a marked difference in how my children and my students communicate in today's world. Facebook, MSN, Twitter, wikis, blogs, google docs and other tools are paving the way to increased collaboration between people throughout the world. From podcasting to video conferencing, we can connect with experts in all walks of life. Sharing of ideas, images and documents is occurring freely on the web. Copyright has been replaced by Creative Commmons licensing as the new buzz word. And all of this has happened within the last few years and is growing at an alarmingly quick rate. As I see these changes rapidly taking place, I wonder, is the world of Star Trek really that far away?
As I begin the first chapter, the author claims that globalization and technology have levelled the playing field making the world essentially flat. This has essentially happened very quickly, "While I Was Sleeping", as the first chapter is labelled. He theorizes that the flattening process occurred in three periods. Globalization 1.0 took place from 1492 to 1800. The second era, Globalization 2.0, lasted past the Great Depression and two world wars until the year 2000. Finally, Globalization 3.0 began in the year 2000 and continues in the present.
During each time period, the world shrank in size. We moved from countries globalizing in the first period, to companies in the second and finally to individuals collaborating and competing throughout the world. Each era was led by inventions and technology that paved the way to globalization.
I can certainly see a marked difference in how my children and my students communicate in today's world. Facebook, MSN, Twitter, wikis, blogs, google docs and other tools are paving the way to increased collaboration between people throughout the world. From podcasting to video conferencing, we can connect with experts in all walks of life. Sharing of ideas, images and documents is occurring freely on the web. Copyright has been replaced by Creative Commmons licensing as the new buzz word. And all of this has happened within the last few years and is growing at an alarmingly quick rate. As I see these changes rapidly taking place, I wonder, is the world of Star Trek really that far away?
Nov. 23, 2009 - I am a Taxi by Deborah Ellis
Imagine spending your childhood growing up in a prison. Diego and his baby sister live in San Sebastián Prison in Cochabamba, Bolivia with their mother who has been wrongly imprisoned. She spends her entire day knitting to make money for her family. The cell and food must be paid for with her earnings. Diego supplements their income by running errands for the other prisoners. He is what they call a "taxi", hence the title of the book. Out in the streets and market place during the day, Diego fights to make a living, doing odd jobs as well as the errands he's being paid for. It is this existence that ultimately causes Diego to make a decision that could change his life forever.
Comfortable in our homes and living in a peaceful, democratic nation, it is difficult to imagine this type of life. Yet, things are much different in many countries throughout the world. Oppression and poverty still exist and people are living in adverse conditions that we can't even imagine.
This evening, I volunteered for Operation Christmas Child, packing shoe boxes of goodies and toys for children in developing countries. The generosity and thoughtfulness of those who donated items for each box was very touching. As I sorted through the items, I thought about how different life must be for the children receiving these gifts. In an age where our children have iPods, cell phones and digital cameras, these children are happy to receive toothbrushes, soap, candy and small toys.
I was glad to have my daughters working by my side on such a worthwhile project. Not only did it make us thankful for what we have, it also reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas - giving to those less fortunate than ourselves.
Comfortable in our homes and living in a peaceful, democratic nation, it is difficult to imagine this type of life. Yet, things are much different in many countries throughout the world. Oppression and poverty still exist and people are living in adverse conditions that we can't even imagine.
This evening, I volunteered for Operation Christmas Child, packing shoe boxes of goodies and toys for children in developing countries. The generosity and thoughtfulness of those who donated items for each box was very touching. As I sorted through the items, I thought about how different life must be for the children receiving these gifts. In an age where our children have iPods, cell phones and digital cameras, these children are happy to receive toothbrushes, soap, candy and small toys.
I was glad to have my daughters working by my side on such a worthwhile project. Not only did it make us thankful for what we have, it also reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas - giving to those less fortunate than ourselves.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)