Social Network Analysis

I was introduced to the wonderful world of social network analysis today.  Frankly, the concepts of betweeness, degree, closeness, and Eigenvector left my head spinning for a bit.  The Dr. giving the presentation did not take too long to help by explaining each in a relatively understandable manner.

While I like the benefits of SNA for work (not to be mentioned here in public), I am intrigued by its application when taken into context with all of the possible electronic inputs readily available.  Many of these are already utilized by marketing businesses using the basics of credit checks and credit card usage analysis, but that is old news.  The more fascinating inputs come from the possibilities provided by the influx of personal GPS devices and services that allow people to provide their x,y coordinates 24/7.  Combine this with the latest services which allow you to constantly update your “emotions” for everyone to see and through in the new artificial intelligence software that will prototype in Japan this spring which combines GPS with motion monitoring for predictive analysis of individual people’s movements…and then there is voice monitoring activation of cell phone preferences where the a.i. software on the phone can tell that the conversation is formal and “meeting like” so it automatically adjusts your ringer type for you.

 Have you connected the dots yet?  If you have, go ahead and tell me what you think it means.  If you are up to speed on developments in nanotechnology then you are probably already there.

Mr. Coffee 10-cup Thermal Programmable

In response to the inquiry by Mr. Burns, we have a Mr. Coffee 10-cup thermal programmable coffee maker (model ISTX85). Since it is dependent on the thermal carafe to keep the coffee warm instead of a hot plate, we now experience consistent flavor even if we pour a cup 90 minutes after brewing the pot.To answer your next question, I drink my coffee unadulterated with any other substance (sweetner, creamer, flavoring, et cetera).

My little elves…

Checkout all the little Hollifield elves here:  http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9613036095

Is accountability lost in America?

I have been studying accountability for the past few weeks and find myself becoming increasingly aware of the lack thereof in America.  I realize that I am limited by my rather limited perspective and invite comments to the contrary, but it seems to me that I find the promotion of knowledge everywhere with limited if any emphasis given to accountability for the knowledge gained.

Mostly I find individuality, anonymity, and autonomous the thought process of the day in America.

UBORA Blend…

“Elegant with floral, citrus and herbal notes, this blend of East African coffees was created by a renowned chef and a Starbucks master blender.” (quoted from front of Starbucks Ubora coffee bag) I did some research and discovered that this is a complete sham. The main issue has to do with the “blend” part of the statement. While maybe a bean or two come from East Africa, the majority of the beans actually came from East-Southeast Africa and I believe a good 2% came from the Jersey shore.

Regardless where it came from, I am thoroughly enjoying my coffee this morning.  I picked up this blend while travelling through Denbigh, VA last week.  I’ve never noticed this blend before in any of the Richmond Starbucks and am wondering if they stock their stores differently by store, city or region.  If you have the Ubora blend in your neck of the woods, feel free to let me know.

Self-love vs. Introspection?

“We are made for God, and for Him, alone; He cannot therefore take it ill that we forsake all, even ouselves, to find our all in Him. In God we shall see more clearly what we lack than we could in ourselves by all our introspection; which in reality is but the remnant, unexpelled, of self-love, which, under the guise of zeal for our own perfection, keeps our gaze down on self instead of raised to God.” (The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence)

The passage above is in reference to how Brother Lawrence defined his total commitment of his focus on the love of God.  This statement is taken in context as an explanation for why he did not focus on even his own salvation or sanctification.  He had in effect given up on looking at himself in lieu of looking at God.  He explains elsewhere in the text that he pursued this through a strong discipline that encompassed many years before it became second nature to him, thus revealing the power that exists within us all that desires to set ourselves as the supreme focus of our attention.

“Don’t Gobble the Marshmallow…Ever!” by Joachim de Posada and Ellen Singer

167 pages and a quick read as a story even though it conveys principles.  A good read with a unique perspective given to delayed vs. instant gratification.  It’s definitely not Christian, but the concepts are not foreign to Christianity.  That said, I would hope that many Christians would read it and comprehend the truth that already exists in scripture which supports delayed gratification.

As far as the “forms” that are in the book to help you learn how to be goal oriented and live a life of delayed gratification, they are not much to brag about.  I ended up creating my own forms.

I am so grateful that I got this book from my bookwise site:  http://mybookwise.com/sh

Getting the books through it is great, but does not even compare to the extra benefits from their mentoring advice on wealth.

But you…

“But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.”  -Psalm 3:3a

I read this passage and found great comfort from it this morning.  David begins the passage reflecting on the actions of his enemies and the growing number of them.  The only action he states that they have taken against him are words of contempt for him and God.

“But you…” just seems to echo in my head.  “But you…” are MY shield, and MY God.  Lord, I find great comfort in reciting these words back to you today.  “But you…” are my insight,  my wisdom, my self control, my attitude adjuster, my calm, my peace, my joy, my rest, and my hope.  Help me be dilligent in being ever cognizant of you and my need for you.  My heart longs for it.