Jason Buie

With great sadness, we pay homage to one of our own who has passed on recently. Dr. Fred Woodress graduated from CICS in 1989, which was merely one of his many lifetime achievements. I first met Fred while performing a play at the Muncie Civic Theater, and learned that he was one of the CICS Family. Many remember Fred as a writer, but I will always remember Fred as a philosopher because when you had a conversation, Fred would periodically take a moment of deep thought and give you an interesting insight or new view on the subject you were discussing. I last saw Fred at this year’s wine tasting. He will be missed. This is a link to a Muncie StarPress news article detailing Fred Woodress and his life.

Posted by jasonbuie at 08:27 AM | Permalink

Since the English language is so important in our role as professionals, it is great to have a little fun with it. The DIalectizer website allows us to do just that, even poking some fun at our own regional and cultural diversity. This website allows you to translate regular English into one of several variations. You can choose from a selection of Redneck, Jive, Cockney, Elmer Fudd, Swedish Chef, Moron, Pig Latin, or Hacker. For us CICS geeks, an even more interesting question is, how does it work? What will they think of NEXT?

Posted by jasonbuie at 07:04 AM | Permalink

Google has developed a really neat interface with their maps that allows you to have a “street level” view. Essentially the same as if you are driving down the street. The most astounding part of this view is that you can turn the camera to have a 360 degree view. Google has produced a tutorial to explain the functions (select Street View). I have found that once you get used to the controls you can do some really cool virtual driving around town. So check it out, look at your house, your friend’s house, and so on.

Posted by jasonbuie at 06:52 AM | Permalink

Emotiv’s man-machine melding interface technology by ZDNet's Dan Farber -- The human-computer interface has always been clunky. You grapple with various manual input devices to give commands to a computer. Voice interaction is starting to take hold, at least for unforgiving call center applications or "call home" commands, but mind control–connecting our brains to computers–remains elusive. Startup Emotiv Systems is hoping to crack the code [...]

Posted by jasonbuie at 10:30 AM | Permalink

Featured in an article featured in the Boston Globe on February 7, 2007 titled, Bernanke: Education, Training Will Trim Pay Gap, Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke spoke about a strategy that involves educating and training people. This strategy is focused at lessening the economic gap between low and high incomes in the United States.

The article quotes Benanke in saying, “disparities in education and training are "likely the single greatest source of the long-term increase in inequality.” It would seem that this is general knowledge that the more education and training you have, the greater is your earning potential- now and in the future.

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Continue reading "Government Acknowledges Diverse Economic Gap Between Classes" »

Posted by jasonbuie at 02:09 PM | Permalink

A favorite topic of my interest is that of class. Getting a graduate degree literally means “Moving Up”, not only in terms of salary and opportunities, but also in status and class. For instance, a “Doctor” holds a certain prestige wherever they go. This applies regardless of their particular discipline. People recognize the work and diligence required to attain such a degree and pay homage accordingly.

The article, Colleges Face Challenge of the Class Divide (see footnote 1), poses an interesting concept in terms of a college organizing its curriculum aimed at leveling class distinctions. This seems to be directed a providing a more even playing field.

It would be a much better approach to take the students with the working class background and teach them how to elevate to a higher class. Hmmm, I think this is the goal of a certain social learning program that I am familiar with. The results of success are proof that this is not only possible, but necessary for someone aspiring to be a professional.

1. Zarroli, J. (2007). Colleges Face Challenge of the Class Divide. National Public Radio. Retrieved February 6, 2007, from http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7221483&ft=1&f=1006

Posted by jasonbuie at 10:21 AM | Permalink

The Google Library Project has a goal of digitizing all the books in the world and creating a massive search engine for all books in every language. This would be the largest online “card-catalog” ever. The Library is targeted at providing any user with a way to find any book, particularly those that are out of print, small runs, and blacklisted material. The marketing strategy is to have links that would connect the user to various booksellers who have this particular book in stock.

For this project Google is partnering with many universities to digitize their libraries. Among the notables are Ball State, Harvard, Princeton, Oxford, University of Michigan, and University of California. These universities are divided over wanting to only digitize books in the public domain versus digitizing copyright materials as well.

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Continue reading "Google’s Plan to Digitize the World" »

Posted by jasonbuie at 11:55 AM | Permalink

Here is another entry I found that details specific tactics a person can use to become a power blogger. This is good information to follow and can definitely help someone to establish their niche in the world of blogs. For us in CICS, it could very well provide an outlet to share some of the immense quantities of knowledge we learn while it is still fresh in our heads. Passing the knowledge on is the next step.

Power blogging 101 by ZDNet's Larry Dignan -- Want to be a power blogger? Be transparent, find a niche and post in massive quantities. And then be prepared to address issues that arise as you become a big-time blogger. Here's a look at some of the key issues addressed at an AlwaysOn panel on power blogging ...Click Power blogging 101 for the rest of the story.

Posted by jasonbuie at 11:33 AM | Permalink

This article gives an interesting perspective on future potentials for blogging. Since we are largely in a market driven economy, there will be no stone left unturned when it comes to maximizing the value on any given task. Blogging is no exception. It makes one consider the possibility of becoming a "professional blogger" where blogging is your business. This is not only possible, but could open new doors of future opportunities for the tech savvy blogger of today.

Finding the ROI in blogging by ZDNet's Dan Farber -- Charlene Li of Forrester Research has posted about recent research on the ROI of external blogging for corporations. The research report is aimed at marketers who need a way to quantify the value of blogging. Li advises, "By going through the exercise of defining and quantifying the benefits, costs, and risks of a blog, ... click Finding the ROI in blogging for the rest.

Posted by jasonbuie at 11:24 AM | Permalink

Personal development is an area that is worthy of mention for anyone seeking to be a better person. This applies to smart people also. I have discovered an amazing website that focuses on personal development. As with all my favorite sites- this one is free. There is just so much free information out there that it boggles the mind.

This website is StevePavlina.Com
The creator of this website is focused on being a master of life in every area. Whatever you might want to improve- and probably some stuff you have never thought about- there is an article . I have read a lot of material in this area and it is all right on target. Keep striving to be all that you can be.

Posted by jasonbuie at 12:01 AM | Permalink