How to Track a Crisis

A real-time identifier of trends, of history as it happens.
As time compression continues to occur; its interesting to try and see what happens next. History use to be written well after an event, then embedded journalist – still recording after it happened, then Vietnam in the nightly news, move forward to the cameras following OJ Simpson's chase and recording it live; to today with Ushahadi.

The source of information is everyone from everywhere with accuracy not assured except by the public nature of it The warning of trusting only Wikipedia content that comes from frequently traveled areas also guides the use of Ushahidi.

The NYTimes introduced me to the concept of Ushahidi. a small Kenyan-born organization. This kind of everyone-as-informant mapping is shaking up the world, bringing the Wikipedia revolution to the work of humanitarians and soldiers who parachute into places with little good information.

The site collected user-generated cellphone reports of riots, stranded refugees, rapes and deaths and plotted them on a map, using the locations given by informants. It collected more testimony — which is what ushahidi means in Swahili — with greater rapidity than any reporter or election monitor.
Join history, be part of the conversation, or let it pass you by.

Milestones

Wednesday night found me sitting in Wentz Auditorium, North Central College downtown Naperville waiting and reflecting. I've sat in many a high school auditorium, attended many a concert and performance but none quite like this - the last high school performance.

I loved high school choir in my own day and time. I've delighted in attending choir, band and orchestra performances of our children and this one did not disappoint. the logistics and transitions between groups was rough but the acoustics made one appreciate being in a wonderful facility and not the high school. The groups ranged in their performance from good to very good with a couple of memorable numbers.

It just seemed odd to think of this as the last. Parker graduates this spring and Mackey has chosen other paths; and so this part of the journey ends. No fanfare, no heralds, just ends as life evolves and moves forward. I guess the next round will be Eden singing in a primary program and that will be wonderful.

Moral Courage

Parker and I just returned from home teaching two of our families and enjoyed rich discussions regarding the need and the ability to have moral courage in the face of the sincere challenges that life and the world send us these days. The economy, politics, environment, earthquakes and natural disasters, family and health can all engender fear, can all cause us to compromise.

Things that give rise to moral courage include: preparation, positive peers, daily prayer, daily scripture reading, fasting and priesthood blessings. The world, our ward is full of delightful examples of people who embrace and demonstrate each of these. People who live with moral courage help inspire me to have more courage, I recommend this Ensign article by Eyring to you.

Additionally, I find Rindy a great example of moral courage; whether that has been dealing with living away from her family, living near mine, raising our family or dealing with our economic, health and social issues. She is a great one to associate with, be influenced and nudged onward by. Great examples are wonderful to live with and have as friends.

Pretty In Pink

Though its not her favorite color
she is our favorite of that color
we love our Mac

great visits great support

Thanks to: Sally, Dale, Paul, Ann; Robert, Laura, Anne, Peter,Kate, Blair, Julie, Eden, Dean, Mackey for coming to the play. Thank you Parker for entertaining us.

Pirate Pirate

We went and filled a row at naperville North as Parker performed as the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance. Peter came dressed for the occasion and looked every bit the pirate. Parker was great. he had style, panache, knew his part and hit his notes. The play is a delight. I think visually it had the most impact when the 36 "sisters" come on stage in their pastel dresses and parasols - though clearly pirates are at the heart of the excitement.
A nice review in the Daily Herald " Parker Wilson plays the Pirate King in Naperville North's production of "Pirates of Penzance." Director Jim Yarbrough said the show is one that has lasting appeal" Wish you could all se it. Try live saturday night online at 7pm cst.

Hey so this is how you do it.

first click on this link http://www.ustream.tv/
then in the search type "pirates of penzance naperville north high school"

the stream should be on around 7pm both and sat night

the show will be going for about 2hr 15m

Pre-event

The night started with dinner at Robert and Laura's. A great meal and great gathering.
Paul & Ann graciously drove down from Mpls and Dale & Sally equally kindly drove up from KC and we all met for the pre-feast event at Laura's. A grand meal as good as it get's.

it begins

Today was the first matinee performance before the local jr high students - all went well. Looking forward with eager anticipation for the opening night Thursday.

Do this with your graphing calculator

So check out the life style of your neighbors for clearly the charts are not for you and me.



Greed
Average income compared with number of people living below the poverty line.

Envy
Total thefts (robbery, burglary, larceny, and grand theft auto) per capita.

Wrath
Number of violent crimes (murder, assault, and rape) per capita.

Sloth
Expenditures on art, entertainment, and recreation compared with employment.

Gluttony
Number of fast-food restaurants per capita.

Lust
Number of STD cases reported per capita.

Pride
Aggregate of the other six offenses—because pride is the root of all sin.











American Vice: Mapping the 7 Deadly Sins

W

i had a great visit with Mom back in Mn and on the drive back to naperville i stopped in at watertown for dinner. Eden greeted me and insisted that i accompany her in doing laps in the basement - she is full bosom a two year old - what a grand time.


i was slightly confused by Dean's bib - but I guess teaching him his last name starts with W is important.