Have you heard about chalk markers? You may have because they have been increasing in popularity in the here and now. As a matter of fact, they are so popular and useful that they are being used at home, events, restaurants, schools and parties, just to name a few places. There is no doubt that chalk markers are poplar but there are still a lot of people who have no idea how to use them properly. If you want to know how to use them, we suggest that you follow the tips given below. How To Activate Before you go ahead and use the marker, the first thing that you need to do is shake the marker, pump and then start drawing. It's as easy as you have read. Follow the steps given below to get it done.
1. Your first step is to hold the chalk marker diagonally. You don't need to remove the cap. Instead, you should leave the cap on and then start shaking the marker.
2. Next, you should choose a flat surface, press the chalk tip on it lightly and then release it. Don't press it more than a second. You may want to keep repeating this step until the tip of the chalk is filled up with the ink. Typically, it may take between 20 and 40 pumps. Just be careful not to damage the tip of the marker.
3. Once you can see the ink in the tip, you should choose a surface and then start drawing. Tips To Draw The Right Way · When pumping, you may want be careful not to put too much pressure on the marker tip. If too much pressure is applied, the tip may get deformed. As a result, you may have to buy another chalk marker.
· After use, you may want to store the pen in upright position with the cap on. · Don't forget to check the cap to make sure it is tight. · Before drawing, make sure that the writing surface is clean. · When erasing, we suggest that you make use of a damp and clean piece of clothing. · Remember: the ink will take a while to dry. · You need to keep in mind that chalk markers work on surfaces that are non-porous like slate chalkboards, porcelain chalkboards, metal and glass, just to name a few. · Also, you should know that some chalkboards don't work with chalk markers, such as MDF boards that are chalk-painted.
· Before you use the markers on a whole surface, you may want to carry out a spot test, which will help you find out if the surface is suitable for the chalk marker. How Do You Remove Chalk Marker? If you need to remove the chalk marker, follow the tips given below. You can try out a Magic Eraser for cleaning the target surface. As a matter of fact, these removers work great but you should test it first. Baby wipe is another good alternative. Another good solution is an ammonia-based solution. They also work great. So, you may want to use these tips if you want to use a chalk marker.
Use of Colorants in the Plastic Industry
Pigment orange, pigment blue, pigment green; you name it and you have an attractive piece of plastic ware with that colour tint in some store or the other. However, in today's times the scope of pigments and dyes in plastics are not limited merely to lending hues and shades. They also make an impact on sustainability, processability and compliance. The question often arises as to which among the two; dyes or pigments are best suited for use in the plastics industry. Dyes are used to shade or tint a resin and as such they have to be transparent, strong and exhibit good heat stability. However, dyes are compatible with only a few resins and therefore their use in quite limited in this industry. Pigments on the other hand provide more options to the manufacturer due to their wider chrome range, pacifying ability and better heat stability for a large number of resins.
The base polymer actually decides the kind of colorant that will be most suitable for the application. Pigments work best with polyolefins while dyes give good results with polystyrene, poly carbonate and acrylic. All said and done, the basic determining factor for choice of colorant is its compatibility with the base resin. There are a few other factors that have to be kept in mind as well such as the method of dispersion, processing temperature, heat stability, gloss, weather fastness, application etc. A slight error in making the choice can drastically change the features of the plastic and therefore, a good selection of the colorant assumes great importance. Today, there is more emphasis placed on using pigments that are less toxic and cause minimum harm to the environment.
Millions of dollars are spent on research by several organisations in developing such pigments. Their efforts have not gone in vain and one of them has been successful in replacing lead based materials in pigments. Lead chromate pigments were banned from use in consumer plastics and in its place, organic yellow pigments have been developed which have better tint strengths in PVC and polyethylene. Another new development is with respect to pigment blue. The name of the new pigment is YInMn blue which stands for its chemical content namely yttrium, manganese, indium and oxygen.
This pigment is also superior to the traditional cobalt blue pigments and has high reflectivity and high ultraviolet absorbance in the near-infrared area. Colorants contribute to a number of performance aspects in plastics; however, lending colour will always remain their major contribution. When one sees the attractive world of colourful plastic ware one realises the important contribution made by colorants to this industry. At the same time, every individual connected with using and developing colorants for this industry has to try and make a difference to the colouring technology whereby Mother Earth is not harmed in any way whatsoever!
The base polymer actually decides the kind of colorant that will be most suitable for the application. Pigments work best with polyolefins while dyes give good results with polystyrene, poly carbonate and acrylic. All said and done, the basic determining factor for choice of colorant is its compatibility with the base resin. There are a few other factors that have to be kept in mind as well such as the method of dispersion, processing temperature, heat stability, gloss, weather fastness, application etc. A slight error in making the choice can drastically change the features of the plastic and therefore, a good selection of the colorant assumes great importance. Today, there is more emphasis placed on using pigments that are less toxic and cause minimum harm to the environment.
Millions of dollars are spent on research by several organisations in developing such pigments. Their efforts have not gone in vain and one of them has been successful in replacing lead based materials in pigments. Lead chromate pigments were banned from use in consumer plastics and in its place, organic yellow pigments have been developed which have better tint strengths in PVC and polyethylene. Another new development is with respect to pigment blue. The name of the new pigment is YInMn blue which stands for its chemical content namely yttrium, manganese, indium and oxygen.
This pigment is also superior to the traditional cobalt blue pigments and has high reflectivity and high ultraviolet absorbance in the near-infrared area. Colorants contribute to a number of performance aspects in plastics; however, lending colour will always remain their major contribution. When one sees the attractive world of colourful plastic ware one realises the important contribution made by colorants to this industry. At the same time, every individual connected with using and developing colorants for this industry has to try and make a difference to the colouring technology whereby Mother Earth is not harmed in any way whatsoever!
Types of Female Modeling Jobs
Everybody believe all females models are like Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum or Naomi Campbell, but fact is there are several types of famous models, who you probably ignore, who are making an excellent income. Most of them are working what's called 'behind the scenes' as fit, showroom and commercial models. They're working in a wide range of companies, I can name some of them here: pharmaceutical, fitness, suppliers, manufacturers, airlines and many others. You can certainly fit into these categories, it doesn't matter if you cannot be in the supermodel category, I'm going to list you all types of modeling so you can identify yourself in one or several of them: Fashion Editorial. Fashion models or also known as editorial models are the kind of models you see in magazines like: Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, Elle, etc.
They work for top fashion designers like: Prada, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Marc Jacobs among others. These kind of professionals are 5' 9" to 6' 0" tall and also very slim. Their measurements are bust 33", waist 23", hips 33". Most of the times, modeling agencies look for what they called 'the complete package' when deciding if they can be editorial models, nonetheless don't be down in case you don't meet the exact stats they ask for. Runway or Catwalk. These models use to be 5' 9", anyways 5' 10'' - 5' 11'' is considered much better. They have to have the exact measurements, because they have to fit the clothes the designers are going to show to their respective clients. Most of the times the measurements of these models are no more than 34'' - 23'' - 34''. The designers hire models to fit the clothes they made for their respective collections, so they don't make their clothes to fit the model, they only exception of this rule is when the model is someone like Naomi Campbell.
Commercial. These kind of professionals can be any age, any height or any size. They practically can do everything, as long as it's not related to what is known as high fashion. Some examples: food products, tech devices, travel industry, etc. Plus Size. This is a market that has become a real important part of the fashion and commercial model industry. Fashion agencies have special division for these kind of modeling. There actually exist very famous plus size supermodels. These kind of professionals are most of the time determined by the size instead of exact measurements, like size 12. Size 12 is not considered a plus size model in the real world but in modeling it is. Petite. These kind of professionals are most of the times 5' 7'' and under. Most of the times These kind of professionals don't do runway work, they are booked for lingerie and swimsuit and also parts modeling. Because These kind of professionals have smaller glove and show sizes, they are hired as hand and also foot models. Lingerie and Swimsuit.
These kind of professionals are more curvier and also more voluptuous than the editorial models. Swimsuit Models have a wide range of work possibilities, they're always hired to do Swimsuit modeling. The can model undergarments, summer wear, sleep wear, lingerie, etc. They also can be other types of models like fit models. Glamour. These kind of professionals are most of the times even more curvy than editorial fashion models. They also work in the swimsuit and lingerie modeling too. The type of modeling refers to the type of posing the models do in their photos. Glamour modeling is considered sexually suggestive and also alluring compared to fashion modeling. Girls who pose for playboy magazines, for example, are glamour models. Fitness. These kind of professionals are fit, athletic and toned.
A lot of these models start as trainers or athletes and included fitness modeling in their CV. They work for: supplement manufacturers, athletic wear companies and fitness companies. They're, most of the times, commercial models too. Fit. It's important not to confuse These kind of professionals with fitness models. Fit models work behind the scenes. They work with garment manufacturers and fashion houses. These companies use these models to make sure that fit and sizing are actually maintained in what is called as 'the clothing manufacturing process'. Garment manufacturers companies need a wide range of sizes and also shapes from these models, so that they can fit their garments correctly before they reach the final consumer. If you're a woman who can maintain your measurements, these type of modeling is perfect for you. Body Parts.
These kind of professionals work modeling specific body parts: feet, hands, eyes, and legs. Hand: can work for nail, jewelry and also beauty related products. Client use to hire these models in film or print. Foot: get hired by shoe companies primarily, but also by beauty and nail products. Also anywhere else the perfect feet is required. Most of the times, petite models get hired by part models, because of their smaller body parts. Promotional. These kind of professionals promote service and products at trade shows, live events and conventions. These girls must have an outgoing personality and also friendly. They have to deeply understand the client's product, so that the can explain it to clients and answer question to potential customers.
They work for top fashion designers like: Prada, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Marc Jacobs among others. These kind of professionals are 5' 9" to 6' 0" tall and also very slim. Their measurements are bust 33", waist 23", hips 33". Most of the times, modeling agencies look for what they called 'the complete package' when deciding if they can be editorial models, nonetheless don't be down in case you don't meet the exact stats they ask for. Runway or Catwalk. These models use to be 5' 9", anyways 5' 10'' - 5' 11'' is considered much better. They have to have the exact measurements, because they have to fit the clothes the designers are going to show to their respective clients. Most of the times the measurements of these models are no more than 34'' - 23'' - 34''. The designers hire models to fit the clothes they made for their respective collections, so they don't make their clothes to fit the model, they only exception of this rule is when the model is someone like Naomi Campbell.
Commercial. These kind of professionals can be any age, any height or any size. They practically can do everything, as long as it's not related to what is known as high fashion. Some examples: food products, tech devices, travel industry, etc. Plus Size. This is a market that has become a real important part of the fashion and commercial model industry. Fashion agencies have special division for these kind of modeling. There actually exist very famous plus size supermodels. These kind of professionals are most of the time determined by the size instead of exact measurements, like size 12. Size 12 is not considered a plus size model in the real world but in modeling it is. Petite. These kind of professionals are most of the times 5' 7'' and under. Most of the times These kind of professionals don't do runway work, they are booked for lingerie and swimsuit and also parts modeling. Because These kind of professionals have smaller glove and show sizes, they are hired as hand and also foot models. Lingerie and Swimsuit.
These kind of professionals are more curvier and also more voluptuous than the editorial models. Swimsuit Models have a wide range of work possibilities, they're always hired to do Swimsuit modeling. The can model undergarments, summer wear, sleep wear, lingerie, etc. They also can be other types of models like fit models. Glamour. These kind of professionals are most of the times even more curvy than editorial fashion models. They also work in the swimsuit and lingerie modeling too. The type of modeling refers to the type of posing the models do in their photos. Glamour modeling is considered sexually suggestive and also alluring compared to fashion modeling. Girls who pose for playboy magazines, for example, are glamour models. Fitness. These kind of professionals are fit, athletic and toned.
A lot of these models start as trainers or athletes and included fitness modeling in their CV. They work for: supplement manufacturers, athletic wear companies and fitness companies. They're, most of the times, commercial models too. Fit. It's important not to confuse These kind of professionals with fitness models. Fit models work behind the scenes. They work with garment manufacturers and fashion houses. These companies use these models to make sure that fit and sizing are actually maintained in what is called as 'the clothing manufacturing process'. Garment manufacturers companies need a wide range of sizes and also shapes from these models, so that they can fit their garments correctly before they reach the final consumer. If you're a woman who can maintain your measurements, these type of modeling is perfect for you. Body Parts.
These kind of professionals work modeling specific body parts: feet, hands, eyes, and legs. Hand: can work for nail, jewelry and also beauty related products. Client use to hire these models in film or print. Foot: get hired by shoe companies primarily, but also by beauty and nail products. Also anywhere else the perfect feet is required. Most of the times, petite models get hired by part models, because of their smaller body parts. Promotional. These kind of professionals promote service and products at trade shows, live events and conventions. These girls must have an outgoing personality and also friendly. They have to deeply understand the client's product, so that the can explain it to clients and answer question to potential customers.
The Good News at the Right Time
When you have a Damascus experience like Paul, it changes your life radically. Before, Paul killed Christians; now he supports the other side 100%. He is driven to use all his energy to tell people about Jesus. When you meet Jesus face to face, everything changes to completely. No prison can stop Paul. No stick that hits his body, no shouting or spitting by a soldier will stop him. His passion to save others from eternal fire burns constantly and nothing can put it out, 4... that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I'm locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I'll be able to make Christ plain as day to them. I'm embarrassed by my own little fire. It is so easily extinguished or put out. So easily I keep quiet and rather say nothing, because nowadays we have to give everyone space to believe as they like. I take my hat off to a number of teachers in my son's school. They saw the need to help dads to connect to their sons and started a movement called Engage. Any father and son are welcome.
They know many are not Christians. They are careful and try not to offend. But they are not afraid to say exactly who they believe in. Even the head boy who talked directly to the young boys stated clearly that he had made a choice for Jesus in his life. How wonderful it was when this same head boy concluded the evening with a prayer and blessed everybody. Here one could see that today there are still people like Paul who cannot keep quiet. The secret must be revealed. The risk doesn't matter, whether it is imprisonment or the government or losing your friends, every person must hear the good news. I think they know how to tell the right thing at the right time. Yes, they are sensitive and give space. But that doesn't mean that they don't speak up. By hook or by crook, the secret must out! I realise that we cannot make it work on our own. Paul knows that too.
I suspect that Paul's personality is more a "turn or burn" technique, and, therefore, he asks for reinforcements. We are too weak. Either our fire is extinguished or we are insensitive and drives people away before we get a chance to give the message. God must help us. We need God's Spirit to guide us so that we can say and do the right thing at the right time. May it be so. May we be sensitive to the guidance of the Spirit. Let us strive to follow Paul's example. May we be like the teachers at my son's school and burn like the head boy to tell the good news and may God's Spirit guide us to do it in the right way at the right time.
They know many are not Christians. They are careful and try not to offend. But they are not afraid to say exactly who they believe in. Even the head boy who talked directly to the young boys stated clearly that he had made a choice for Jesus in his life. How wonderful it was when this same head boy concluded the evening with a prayer and blessed everybody. Here one could see that today there are still people like Paul who cannot keep quiet. The secret must be revealed. The risk doesn't matter, whether it is imprisonment or the government or losing your friends, every person must hear the good news. I think they know how to tell the right thing at the right time. Yes, they are sensitive and give space. But that doesn't mean that they don't speak up. By hook or by crook, the secret must out! I realise that we cannot make it work on our own. Paul knows that too.
I suspect that Paul's personality is more a "turn or burn" technique, and, therefore, he asks for reinforcements. We are too weak. Either our fire is extinguished or we are insensitive and drives people away before we get a chance to give the message. God must help us. We need God's Spirit to guide us so that we can say and do the right thing at the right time. May it be so. May we be sensitive to the guidance of the Spirit. Let us strive to follow Paul's example. May we be like the teachers at my son's school and burn like the head boy to tell the good news and may God's Spirit guide us to do it in the right way at the right time.
Museums and the Marathon Man
The Washington Post article by Christopher Ingraham (June 13th, 2014) says it all "There are more museums in the U.S. than there are Starbucks and McDonald's - combined." Quite accurately we think of museums as important cultural and educational institutions; however, they are also quiet superstars of the entertainment industry. According to The American Alliance of Museums (AAM), with over 800 million live visits annually, their attendance exceeds that of all theme parks and major sporting events combined. But America's museums are much more than popular and numerous; they are cultural and educational gems that play a vital role. They are community elders that tell the stories of our American neighborhoods. Mamie Bittner with The Institute of Museum and Library Studies (IMLS) stated in the Washington Post article: "Many of these institutions, particularly in small towns and rural areas, are historical societies and history museums. We are in love with our history - at a very grassroots level we care for the histories of our towns, villages and counties," The story of how I came to visit and admire so many small museums begins nearly eight years ago when I faced a scary scenario.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer my doctor's instructions were clear and blunt. "We caught this thing very early; lose some weight but by year's end take care of this." Taking care of this meant either an operation or radiation. He was confident that either procedure would be sufficient; nevertheless, I was scared as hell. When you hear that diagnosis, "you have cancer", a thousand things race through your mind all at once, yet somehow the whole world stops at the same time. What are the treatment options... I have to research each treatment... I have to research the surgeons... what if I don't make it... what happens to my wife... what happens to my family... I want this thing out of me... how do you research this stuff... I want this done before the end of the year... why me... why not me. My mind was racing, racing, racing. Who do I tell? When do I tell them? Should I tell them? My mind was just racing, racing, racing. It was June 2010. I was 54 years old, a professor, husband and father.
Earlier that year my wife had been hospitalized for 34 days. Should I tell my wife? Would this aggravate her condition? She was already worried about being unemployed. Do I tell her? Our three sons were all in high school and doing reasonably well; the oldest would start college in the fall. Out of worry would my oldest boy forgo his athletic scholarship to stay home with his ailing parents? Even if he did go to college, if he knew I was battling cancer how would this affect him academically? Who should I tell? Do I tell my boys? Do I tell everyone? Do I tell no one? I once heard somewhere that "we grow up and become our parents." How true that is. Although it didn't occur to me at the time, I'd seen this situation play out before in 1969; I was 12. One day my dad asked me to come with him to his doctor. This was strange; he had never asked me to go to a doctor with him before.
We went to St. Nicholas Park, Mount Morris Park, Central Park, baseball games, museums and grocery stores. On Sundays we walked to newsstands to buy the New York Times and Daily News. Afterwards we'd come back home and eat big southern style Sunday breakfasts - smothered chicken, smothered pork chops, grits, gravy and biscuits, never rolls - always biscuits. We did a lot, but he had never asked me to go to a doctor with him. I should have known that something was up, but I didn't. The doctor's appointment took place on an early evening. The office was located on the first floor of an apartment building and it was dark outside. I sat in the waiting area while my dad met privately with the doctor. That day his doctor told him he had six months to live. My dad a tall, quiet, dignified WWII vet said nothing.
We went home and he acted as if nothing had happened. He kept it all to himself. Yet twenty one years later, and long after his doctor had died, my dad was still alive. He told no one this frightening secret for all of those years. Finally, in 1990 he spoke with me about what had happened on that day way back in 1969. When I asked him why he hadn't said anything he had a classic answer, "Hell, I wasn't gonna die to just to make the doctor look good." To this day I still don't know if he ever told anyone else. In 2010, 41 years after my dad was told he had six months to live and said nothing to the family, I became my dad - absent the courage and dignity of the WWII vet. Initially I told no one. I did however listen to my doctor's advice and began power-walking aggressively to lose the weight. I weighed 308 pounds.
This was the beginning of a journey. Little did I know it would transform my health, my body and to a great degree my soul. I elected for a robotic prostatectomy as treatment. Recognizing that I would be hospitalized for several days I was forced to say something to my wife. Every married man knows that disappearing for several days without telling your wife is a guaranteed death sentence; cancer is only potentially lethal. We sat down on the living room sofa on a Sunday around 7pm. It was the evening before I'd be admitted to the hospital. This scenario gave her very little time to dwell on the matter; I had to be at the hospital early the next day. As I had feared, she broke down and began to cry and as soon I uttered the word cancer.
We agreed not to tell our sons; we both thought it might cause them to worry. Fortunately the operation was a success. Neither chemotherapy nor radiation was required. Several months later I resumed my power-walking. Over time a routine evolved. I prefer walking outdoors in parks (no matter the temperature) to treadmills and tracks, mornings are better than evenings, warmups last 5 - 7 minutes, weekday walks last 45 - 50 minutes, weekend sessions last a minimum of 90 minutes and finally, almost all sessions end with 7- 8 minutes of stretching. I walk 4 times per week during cold months and 4 - 5 times per week during warm months, I also found a very reliable partner, music from the 70s, 80s and 90s. My partner also gets along fabulously with an ancient Sony Walkman. Who knows, perhaps this partner is my subconscious whispering to remind me of long lost youth. While I do not claim to be a very religious person, being outdoors in parks (which are after all tiny forests) sweating, breathing and among the general splendor of God's nature is often a spiritual event. The cancer has now been gone for nearly eight years.
Over that time 70 pounds have melted away and my diabetes seems to have disappeared, or at the very least be well controlled. Along the way I began to enter races; I power-walk but compete against runners. Half marathons (13.1 miles) and 10Ks (6.2 miles) are my favorites. Being somewhat vain, before entering my first race I checked the times of the runners to make sure I would not finish last. At first I entered local races. Later a colleague, who is a runner, told me about the Philadelphia "Love Marathon" which I competed in. This lead me to research races in other locations. Now, I travel to participate I races. However, journeying to different cities only to participate in a single race seemed hardly to be an efficient use of time and travel.
I needed another activity to compliment the racing. This is how I developed an interest in small museums. I had some experience with researching museums. Years ago I had begun exploring museums as field trip venues for high school students. At the time I supervised a college program that provided various activities for at-risk high school students. The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) provided a great deal of information for our program. Later, as I began to look for museums in the cities and towns I would be racing in, AAM and several other museum related organizations such as The Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS) and Museums of the World (MOW) have become valuable resources.
One fact that immediately became clear is that America is the undisputed museum capitol of the world. According to MOW there were an estimated 55,000 museums located in 202 countries in 2014. IMLS, (a U.S. agency) states there are 35,144 active museums in the United States alone. Assuming these data are accurate, over 63% of the world's museums are located in America. The IMLS 2012-16 Strategic Plan points out "There are more than 4.5 billion objects held in public trust by museums, libraries, archives and other institutions in the U.S."
Diagnosed with prostate cancer my doctor's instructions were clear and blunt. "We caught this thing very early; lose some weight but by year's end take care of this." Taking care of this meant either an operation or radiation. He was confident that either procedure would be sufficient; nevertheless, I was scared as hell. When you hear that diagnosis, "you have cancer", a thousand things race through your mind all at once, yet somehow the whole world stops at the same time. What are the treatment options... I have to research each treatment... I have to research the surgeons... what if I don't make it... what happens to my wife... what happens to my family... I want this thing out of me... how do you research this stuff... I want this done before the end of the year... why me... why not me. My mind was racing, racing, racing. Who do I tell? When do I tell them? Should I tell them? My mind was just racing, racing, racing. It was June 2010. I was 54 years old, a professor, husband and father.
Earlier that year my wife had been hospitalized for 34 days. Should I tell my wife? Would this aggravate her condition? She was already worried about being unemployed. Do I tell her? Our three sons were all in high school and doing reasonably well; the oldest would start college in the fall. Out of worry would my oldest boy forgo his athletic scholarship to stay home with his ailing parents? Even if he did go to college, if he knew I was battling cancer how would this affect him academically? Who should I tell? Do I tell my boys? Do I tell everyone? Do I tell no one? I once heard somewhere that "we grow up and become our parents." How true that is. Although it didn't occur to me at the time, I'd seen this situation play out before in 1969; I was 12. One day my dad asked me to come with him to his doctor. This was strange; he had never asked me to go to a doctor with him before.
We went to St. Nicholas Park, Mount Morris Park, Central Park, baseball games, museums and grocery stores. On Sundays we walked to newsstands to buy the New York Times and Daily News. Afterwards we'd come back home and eat big southern style Sunday breakfasts - smothered chicken, smothered pork chops, grits, gravy and biscuits, never rolls - always biscuits. We did a lot, but he had never asked me to go to a doctor with him. I should have known that something was up, but I didn't. The doctor's appointment took place on an early evening. The office was located on the first floor of an apartment building and it was dark outside. I sat in the waiting area while my dad met privately with the doctor. That day his doctor told him he had six months to live. My dad a tall, quiet, dignified WWII vet said nothing.
We went home and he acted as if nothing had happened. He kept it all to himself. Yet twenty one years later, and long after his doctor had died, my dad was still alive. He told no one this frightening secret for all of those years. Finally, in 1990 he spoke with me about what had happened on that day way back in 1969. When I asked him why he hadn't said anything he had a classic answer, "Hell, I wasn't gonna die to just to make the doctor look good." To this day I still don't know if he ever told anyone else. In 2010, 41 years after my dad was told he had six months to live and said nothing to the family, I became my dad - absent the courage and dignity of the WWII vet. Initially I told no one. I did however listen to my doctor's advice and began power-walking aggressively to lose the weight. I weighed 308 pounds.
This was the beginning of a journey. Little did I know it would transform my health, my body and to a great degree my soul. I elected for a robotic prostatectomy as treatment. Recognizing that I would be hospitalized for several days I was forced to say something to my wife. Every married man knows that disappearing for several days without telling your wife is a guaranteed death sentence; cancer is only potentially lethal. We sat down on the living room sofa on a Sunday around 7pm. It was the evening before I'd be admitted to the hospital. This scenario gave her very little time to dwell on the matter; I had to be at the hospital early the next day. As I had feared, she broke down and began to cry and as soon I uttered the word cancer.
We agreed not to tell our sons; we both thought it might cause them to worry. Fortunately the operation was a success. Neither chemotherapy nor radiation was required. Several months later I resumed my power-walking. Over time a routine evolved. I prefer walking outdoors in parks (no matter the temperature) to treadmills and tracks, mornings are better than evenings, warmups last 5 - 7 minutes, weekday walks last 45 - 50 minutes, weekend sessions last a minimum of 90 minutes and finally, almost all sessions end with 7- 8 minutes of stretching. I walk 4 times per week during cold months and 4 - 5 times per week during warm months, I also found a very reliable partner, music from the 70s, 80s and 90s. My partner also gets along fabulously with an ancient Sony Walkman. Who knows, perhaps this partner is my subconscious whispering to remind me of long lost youth. While I do not claim to be a very religious person, being outdoors in parks (which are after all tiny forests) sweating, breathing and among the general splendor of God's nature is often a spiritual event. The cancer has now been gone for nearly eight years.
Over that time 70 pounds have melted away and my diabetes seems to have disappeared, or at the very least be well controlled. Along the way I began to enter races; I power-walk but compete against runners. Half marathons (13.1 miles) and 10Ks (6.2 miles) are my favorites. Being somewhat vain, before entering my first race I checked the times of the runners to make sure I would not finish last. At first I entered local races. Later a colleague, who is a runner, told me about the Philadelphia "Love Marathon" which I competed in. This lead me to research races in other locations. Now, I travel to participate I races. However, journeying to different cities only to participate in a single race seemed hardly to be an efficient use of time and travel.
I needed another activity to compliment the racing. This is how I developed an interest in small museums. I had some experience with researching museums. Years ago I had begun exploring museums as field trip venues for high school students. At the time I supervised a college program that provided various activities for at-risk high school students. The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) provided a great deal of information for our program. Later, as I began to look for museums in the cities and towns I would be racing in, AAM and several other museum related organizations such as The Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS) and Museums of the World (MOW) have become valuable resources.
One fact that immediately became clear is that America is the undisputed museum capitol of the world. According to MOW there were an estimated 55,000 museums located in 202 countries in 2014. IMLS, (a U.S. agency) states there are 35,144 active museums in the United States alone. Assuming these data are accurate, over 63% of the world's museums are located in America. The IMLS 2012-16 Strategic Plan points out "There are more than 4.5 billion objects held in public trust by museums, libraries, archives and other institutions in the U.S."
Being A Human Whisperer
We have the Ghost Whisperer, Dog Whisperer, Cat Whisperer, Horse Whisperer, but have we thought about being the Mother of all whisperers? The Human Whisperer? I know this sounds funny but it is the most basic life skill set we all must strive to possess. And we think that as humans, we know how to do this? Nope. The number ONE challenge that almost all of my clients have is to be able to communicate effectively. Whether it is with their family, loved ones, colleagues, clients or subordinates, this is ONE BIG CHALLENGE. Over the course of the last two to three weeks, it made me realise that most of the work that I have been doing is really about teaching people how to communicate effectively.
It is not about speaking well or having good diction. It is about communicating with each individual or group in such a way that they get what I am saying. Sometimes, I am required to be tough/stern, others times I am required to be soft and loving, and other times, it is important to be humorous. TIMING to do what and when is really the key. Some of the key challenges that most people face include: communicating with self? Is there effective self talk that one has clarity in the direction they are heading? communicating with others - Are your needs understood? Are you being heard? is using voice better than touch? Or vice versa? how to communicate effectively with a crowd so that you are rallying them towards something positive does being a leader automatically make you an effective communicator? Or is it the other way around? If our communication skills are effective, then we will certainly have less of a challenge in our relationship with others. It is a fundamental skill that we must have.
However, it is also one of the most challenging to learn, and a skillset that is challenging to impart. To effectively learn this skill, attending a workshop for the masses on tactics, techniques etc is not sufficient. Simply because we are all different. One must learn to adapt these skills to different life situations and with different people. I have found that certain communication skills I have coached one client on, will not work on another as effectively. As the facilitator, I am required to adapt to each of the needs of my clients. Now, keep in mind that as a coach, it is necessary for me to have this skill set. But the reality is, everyone should have these skill sets too. We need one another, that goes without saying, so our need for one another requires us to communicate.
If this skill is missing, not only are our own needs not being met, you will not be able to meet the needs of others as well, whether it is in an intimate relationship, social relationship or work relationship. I just googled "how to communicate your sexual needs to your partner". And there are over 7 million results. This just goes to show that even the most basic human need is not being met. Couples are having real difficulties communicating their basic needs to their partners. If this is a challenge, what about other needs?
It is not about speaking well or having good diction. It is about communicating with each individual or group in such a way that they get what I am saying. Sometimes, I am required to be tough/stern, others times I am required to be soft and loving, and other times, it is important to be humorous. TIMING to do what and when is really the key. Some of the key challenges that most people face include: communicating with self? Is there effective self talk that one has clarity in the direction they are heading? communicating with others - Are your needs understood? Are you being heard? is using voice better than touch? Or vice versa? how to communicate effectively with a crowd so that you are rallying them towards something positive does being a leader automatically make you an effective communicator? Or is it the other way around? If our communication skills are effective, then we will certainly have less of a challenge in our relationship with others. It is a fundamental skill that we must have.
However, it is also one of the most challenging to learn, and a skillset that is challenging to impart. To effectively learn this skill, attending a workshop for the masses on tactics, techniques etc is not sufficient. Simply because we are all different. One must learn to adapt these skills to different life situations and with different people. I have found that certain communication skills I have coached one client on, will not work on another as effectively. As the facilitator, I am required to adapt to each of the needs of my clients. Now, keep in mind that as a coach, it is necessary for me to have this skill set. But the reality is, everyone should have these skill sets too. We need one another, that goes without saying, so our need for one another requires us to communicate.
If this skill is missing, not only are our own needs not being met, you will not be able to meet the needs of others as well, whether it is in an intimate relationship, social relationship or work relationship. I just googled "how to communicate your sexual needs to your partner". And there are over 7 million results. This just goes to show that even the most basic human need is not being met. Couples are having real difficulties communicating their basic needs to their partners. If this is a challenge, what about other needs?
Mind Mapping for Creating Characters
Whether you consider it using flow charts, whiteboards or even just free association, Mind Mapping has been around for some time now. People have used it for taking notes, brainstorming, and problem-solving. A Mind Map is a tool used to visually organize information or ideas. As a writer, it can be used for solving writer's block or creating a workable outline. Today I am going to show you how to create a character sketch. Character sketches can be very basic or incredibly detailed. It can include eye and hair color or blood type and your heroes first kiss. Many writers go online and look for pre-made character sketches that include hundreds of questions that may not apply to your work. This is where the idea of a mind map comes in handy.
For those who are not familiar with the process, don't worry creating a mind map is not complicated. It can be done on a piece of paper, a whiteboard or using software programs. It doesn't have to be expensive. There are several FREE programs that will do an excellent job, including xmind.net, mindmaple.com, and freemind.sourceforge.net. Some of these programs have paid versions, but as a writer, the free versions will do everything you need. To create a mind map on any subject there are 4 basic steps. Step 1 - Start by writing a single concept in the middle of a blank page. Step 2 - Add related ideas to this concept and use lines to connect them. Step 3 - Branch off each of these ideas to expand and create new thoughts. Step 4 - Use different colors, symbols, and images to make each branch unique.
To help visualize this process I will use one of my own characters as an example. Every character you create will be different, but if you use these points as a starting place, it will be much easier. My starting point is always very specific. I use my character's name and a photo of what I think he or she will look like. Why do I add a photo? Because as the saying goes, "a picture IS worth a thousand words." Personally, I put the name and photo inside a red circle at the center of the page, like a bullseye. I add new ideas to focus on around my character. Each idea is placed in its own circle and connected by a wavy line. Why a wavy line? Because straight lines are boring and analytical, I am trying to tap into the creative side of my brain. I will also use a different color for each circle and the line that connects it, for the same reason.
I focus on six main points with each character. These include Family, Friends, Work, Skills, Physical and Secrets. At this point, it might be hard to come up with a photograph for each category, but you can use symbols like a question mark for the section that says Secrets. This is where the fun begins. Under each main point listed, I include 5 additional sub-ideas. For example, under Family, I would list Mother, Father, Siblings, Other and History. Each of these would also have their own circle, and I would color that circle the same as the primary idea Family. I can already hear someone saying this won't work for me, my character's parents are dead, or my character is an orphan. So? This is only to spark ideas. If the mother is dead, this will remind you of that and be a memory for your character to ponder about. If she's not, you can describe what he liked or disliked about her the most. The same idea applies to Siblings, if he has them he can tell stories of when his brother did this, or his sister did that.
If he never had one, did he ever wonder what it would be like to have a brother or sister? You might wonder why I included the word Other. Whether your character's parents are living or not at some point someone else had a major impact on his life. That could be a babysitter, a scout leader or a teacher. All of us are created by those we have interacted with. History would include things like who was the black sheep of the family, are all the women in this family short, have there always been anger issues? These are the things the character himself may not even realize affect his (or her) way of thinking. I could write an entire article on how your character's family affects the way they act or think or believe. That's kind of the point of a mind map, you can go as deep as you want. By keeping it simple, (one word at a time) it allows your mind to keep filling in the blanks. Don't believe me? Just say the word Mother out loud and see what images and thoughts pop into your head. Most of the categories I listed are obvious, but I do want to take a moment to talk about Secrets.
Every person on the planet has them and if you think you can create a character without them, you are sadly mistaken. It could be as simple as they never learned to swim, or as dramatic as they killed their own sister. This is also a good place to include habits. For example, if you wrote Taps, it could remind you when he gets nervous he always taps his fingers. If you wrote the word Ring, you would know she twists her ring when upset. You don't have to write the whole reason why she twists her ring just write the word to keep your imagination going. Key points to remember: 1st point - Keep is simple. One word at a time. You are not writing the story you are capturing ideas to include in the story. 2nd point - Use color. Bright, vibrant colors stimulate the mind.
The more stimulated the mind, the easier it is to be creative. 3rd point - Use curved lines to connect thoughts. Why? Because if you just use straight lines, the brain gets bored quickly. 4th point - Add images whenever possible. Why? Because if a picture is worth a thousand words, then 10 pictures are worth ten thousand words. By using a word AND an image you engage both sides of the brain without limiting your potential. Once you start using mind mapping to write, ideas will flow one after another. It's actually very hard to have writer's block if ideas come so fast you can't keep up. It may not solve all your writing problems, but it will make things easier.
For those who are not familiar with the process, don't worry creating a mind map is not complicated. It can be done on a piece of paper, a whiteboard or using software programs. It doesn't have to be expensive. There are several FREE programs that will do an excellent job, including xmind.net, mindmaple.com, and freemind.sourceforge.net. Some of these programs have paid versions, but as a writer, the free versions will do everything you need. To create a mind map on any subject there are 4 basic steps. Step 1 - Start by writing a single concept in the middle of a blank page. Step 2 - Add related ideas to this concept and use lines to connect them. Step 3 - Branch off each of these ideas to expand and create new thoughts. Step 4 - Use different colors, symbols, and images to make each branch unique.
To help visualize this process I will use one of my own characters as an example. Every character you create will be different, but if you use these points as a starting place, it will be much easier. My starting point is always very specific. I use my character's name and a photo of what I think he or she will look like. Why do I add a photo? Because as the saying goes, "a picture IS worth a thousand words." Personally, I put the name and photo inside a red circle at the center of the page, like a bullseye. I add new ideas to focus on around my character. Each idea is placed in its own circle and connected by a wavy line. Why a wavy line? Because straight lines are boring and analytical, I am trying to tap into the creative side of my brain. I will also use a different color for each circle and the line that connects it, for the same reason.
I focus on six main points with each character. These include Family, Friends, Work, Skills, Physical and Secrets. At this point, it might be hard to come up with a photograph for each category, but you can use symbols like a question mark for the section that says Secrets. This is where the fun begins. Under each main point listed, I include 5 additional sub-ideas. For example, under Family, I would list Mother, Father, Siblings, Other and History. Each of these would also have their own circle, and I would color that circle the same as the primary idea Family. I can already hear someone saying this won't work for me, my character's parents are dead, or my character is an orphan. So? This is only to spark ideas. If the mother is dead, this will remind you of that and be a memory for your character to ponder about. If she's not, you can describe what he liked or disliked about her the most. The same idea applies to Siblings, if he has them he can tell stories of when his brother did this, or his sister did that.
If he never had one, did he ever wonder what it would be like to have a brother or sister? You might wonder why I included the word Other. Whether your character's parents are living or not at some point someone else had a major impact on his life. That could be a babysitter, a scout leader or a teacher. All of us are created by those we have interacted with. History would include things like who was the black sheep of the family, are all the women in this family short, have there always been anger issues? These are the things the character himself may not even realize affect his (or her) way of thinking. I could write an entire article on how your character's family affects the way they act or think or believe. That's kind of the point of a mind map, you can go as deep as you want. By keeping it simple, (one word at a time) it allows your mind to keep filling in the blanks. Don't believe me? Just say the word Mother out loud and see what images and thoughts pop into your head. Most of the categories I listed are obvious, but I do want to take a moment to talk about Secrets.
Every person on the planet has them and if you think you can create a character without them, you are sadly mistaken. It could be as simple as they never learned to swim, or as dramatic as they killed their own sister. This is also a good place to include habits. For example, if you wrote Taps, it could remind you when he gets nervous he always taps his fingers. If you wrote the word Ring, you would know she twists her ring when upset. You don't have to write the whole reason why she twists her ring just write the word to keep your imagination going. Key points to remember: 1st point - Keep is simple. One word at a time. You are not writing the story you are capturing ideas to include in the story. 2nd point - Use color. Bright, vibrant colors stimulate the mind.
The more stimulated the mind, the easier it is to be creative. 3rd point - Use curved lines to connect thoughts. Why? Because if you just use straight lines, the brain gets bored quickly. 4th point - Add images whenever possible. Why? Because if a picture is worth a thousand words, then 10 pictures are worth ten thousand words. By using a word AND an image you engage both sides of the brain without limiting your potential. Once you start using mind mapping to write, ideas will flow one after another. It's actually very hard to have writer's block if ideas come so fast you can't keep up. It may not solve all your writing problems, but it will make things easier.
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