Hateful Humor, Hit Counts, and Positive Politics

From Denny: Here is an unusual article about writing in the blogosphere. Since I've never been a fan of political vitriol and character assassination promoted over problem-solving pressing social issues I found this interesting. First I've heard of this Losada Ratio about positive to negative emotions charting what ratio is needed for best group dynamics. There's even some psychology and science involved! :)

"Cruised any politics related web sites recently? Seen any angry, sarcastic, personal attacks wrapped in "humor"? If your answer to the first question was yes and your answer to the second was no, then you either cruise a VERY select set of websites (send me a list, please!) or …. Well, truth to tell, I can’t figure out how you might look through many of the top-rated websites and answer the second question "No."

I was cruising around the web the other day and ran into a post by a blogger who had just gotten his millionth hit. He was giving advice on how to do the same — and since I’m on track to hit that point with my blog in about 2037, maybe I should listen. Then again, maybe not, because two of his key points were to make some enemies and to use enough "vitriolic ad hominem to make sure he never forgets it." Note the lack of an exclamation point on that quote — no excitement here, just sane, sensible advice!

Now, let me note that this advice-giver also suggested that we not confuse "cyber-venom" with "real-world hate", suggesting that the vitriol in web space is equivalent to the theatrics of pro wrestling. And much of it probably is, but that doesn’t mean that engaging in such activities is consequence-free. I suspect that, for many participants, both readers and bloggers, there are very real consequences.

Losada Ratio

Two words: Losada ratio . Marcial Losada’s research established that positivity has a tipping point. At approximately three positive emotions to one negative, individuals and groups begin to experience life in a new way. Patterns of positive relationships, creativity, collegiality, and forward motion emerge that could not have been predicted before. Goals coalesce, pathways appear, and efficacy surges. Further research shows that the highest levels of group performance require a ratio of 5:1."

By Dave Shearon @ Positive Psychology News Daily

Take a look at this interesting site! Just click on the title link to take you to the rest of the article. Thanks for visiting!

Libations Friday! 19 June 2009

Coffee Photo by once and future @ flickr

From Denny: OK, I was flat out fascinated watching the coffee art videos and have included a few here to amuse you as well! I could have stayed on the ifood.tv site for hours, mesmerized at technique and designs - but somebody had to write this blog! :)

Coffee Art Videos - How to Make Rosettes - from ifood.tv


Latte Art 5 ROSETTA IN ONE CUP by Scottiecallaghan.com - Awesome video clips here






Amazing Coffee Art - Watch more amazing videos here


A super simple easy recipe from ifood.tv:

Spiced Coffee Recipe

Ingredients

3/4 cup whole Columbian coffee beans or 3/4 cup ground coffee

3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

6 cups water

How to make Spiced Coffee

Place coffee beans in container of a coffee grinder, process to a medium grind.

Assemble drip coffee maker according to manufacturer's directions.
Place ground coffee beans in paper filter of filter basket; sprinkle with cardamom and flavorings.

Add water to coffee maker, and brew.

Serve immediately.



Guardian of the Inner Sanctuary Photo by alicepopkorn @ flickr

On to the poetry section for today! I was starting to play too much over at the Coffee Art videos, too much fun!

Of course, I’m not finished with the next installment of the Primordial Dragon story, though I can tell you the title: The Dreamers. It needs some serious polishing before I release it. You know how the saying goes, “If Mama ain’t happy; ain’t nobody happy!”

Since I’ve started back up with a bit of fantasy writing my mind was on the ancient and thinking in millennia as opposed to hours or nanoseconds like we think in IT time in this fast-paced century. Then I remembered I wrote a keepsake poem for the new millennium. It isn’t like any of us have the opportunity every day to write a special piece just for the new next 1,000 years and live to tell it!

I went at it with the idea of what would I want people to read 1,000 or more years from now, assuming it survives the ravages of time. Many people choose to talk about the culture of the time period to give it flavor to the generations yet to come, the time capsule idea. That was a lovely idea but something else was nibbling at the edges of my mind. I thought about my usual “What if?” scenarios of which I am so fond. (I have a busy rich imagination, sigh…)

Well, I said to the only guy in the room: me, why not go for the gold? Why not write something to help chart a path for humanity to aspire for the next millennium? Think big; change comes. Think small; life is hard. I gave it a whirl like always. What began as a concept became a blessing for humanity!

Take note that this was written in the first year of the new millennium, what the Chinese call the Year of the Snake who represents Wisdom. If you have studied the Kabalah (Jewish mysticism) and the Tree of Life this makes even more sense to you as it touches on most of the spiritual energy principles constantly coming our way in the Universe. It is our endeavor as mankind to gain awareness of - and learn to interact with - that energy in a positive manner in order to benefit fully.



Imagine by alicepopkorn @ flickr


Ode to People of the New Millennium: A Blessing


May we ride the powerful waves of Eternity with ease.
May Joy live securely in our Hearts’ pockets.
May Success visit us daily.

May Knowledge chase after us as the dancing autumn wind,
Biting our heels with glee.
May Understanding peek into our thoughts and live with us
As our loyal best friends.

May Wisdom choose us, well respected, truly desired.
May Kindness be hailed as a great strength and new personal Discipline.

May Strength be paired only with Goodness.
May we comfortably pierce the thin veneer of lies, illusion, and misdirection
To Heartily, willingly view revealed Truth.

May we Shun a life of greed, pride, bickering and jealousy.
May we Endeavor a life philosophy of contributing “to the greater good of All.”

May we No longer Fear those who superficially appear different.
May we come to Know deeply that we are all One kind: before God.

May we choose to Give Love and Receive Love.
This is our Destiny fulfilled.


Denny Lyon
Copyright 24 January 2001
All Rights Reserved

Have a great weekend, everyone! Keep smiling!

New Additions to Photo Blog Roll!

From Denny: "Can I tell ya?" Spent hours and hours this past weekend pouring over some awesome photo blogs, amateur and professional alike, sifting through them to place the BEST on my blog roll for you! There are about 70 choices now - around there, I lost count... :)

If you enjoy looking at photos and want to see what is going on in the photo blogosphere then this is a good place to start. My blog roll list is located at my photo blog, Visual Insights.

Talk about a wonderful way to while away a few hours with beautiful and thought-provoking photos! Take a look and enjoy! Go here.