Twenty Feet of Tubes: A French Horn Mashup with Various Non Sequiturs by Lee Chazen

I'm not a professional horn player. Not even close. But I have played since I was 7. This is my tribute to the complexity of the French Horn and why it requires a certain degree of humor to play it.

Thanks to my nephew who gave me the idea.

You can support my various creative projects by clicking the link below or by subscribing and liking my YouTube channel. 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Lee.L.Chazen

#frenchhorn #frenchhornplayer #frenchhorns #music #nonsequitur #dryhumor #mashup

An Interdisciplinary Dream: A Community Built on a Series of Questions, Rather Than a Statement - A Community Where the Whole is Greater Than the Sum of its Parts. Could it Work?

I might just be searching for something that doesn't exist, but it's worth a try. Lately, I've been describing myself as a multipotentialite or hyper-generalist, but I think that just confuses people. I'm looking to find a community of likeminded, differently skilled, non-traditionally intelligent people who appreciate both physical and mental pursuits in the true Renaissance spirit, i.e. improve one's body through hiking, trail running, yoga and body weight workouts -- while at the same time improving one's mind through reading, discussion, writing, understanding new concepts and frameworks or engaging in academic, spirited, yet friendly debates.

For example, I recently met someone at a retreat in the Eastern Sierra of California who was a former dancer in the New York Ballet and who studied under Mikhail Baryshnikov. He is now a care taker of the retreat center where I stayed. I had great respect for this man's dedication to a dream. As for me, I hold on to my pursuits and dreams the way some people love their children. You wouldn't abandon your children, would you? In that same way, I used to perform in symphony orchestras, traveled with our college's debate team and pursued a degree in political science. I run, hike, compete in trail races, play disc golf and get into philosophical discussions on metamodernism, complexity theory and the state of our political and economic systems. It's a balancing act because people in these different groups never meet each other -- but when they do, it's sometimes like oil and water. It's been like that for me since high school where I try to find the thread that connects all these different people and their ideas together. I've never tried to find a group where this all exists in one place, but it would be an ADHD / Renaissance dream come true.

I honestly believe that there is a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts and if people from all these different interests came together in one place, it could be a place for paradigm shifting ideas, new inventions and who knows what types of new combinations of things. Now, I know what you're thinking -- they already have universities and community centers in certain cities. True, but notice how fields of study are separated into different buildings with different philosophies on different sides of the campus -- and students are forced to choose an identity. Even traditional schooling tells us that we must divide things into math, science, English, social studies, etc. and that it makes no real sense to try to combine such things (yes, of course there are exceptions. I taught at a high school that created thematic units of instruction that encouraged students to find connections).

It would be a dream to also find a way that this community could thrive economically. Imagine the creative and productive potential of such a community, where every imaginable skill would be available, for example, in creating content for the internet. Everyone would bring connections from different fields or areas of interest such that contracts and opportunities would flow. More left brain people do one thing. Right brain type people would do another. Visionaries and conceptual minded people would sit alongside GSD (get sh*t done) oriented people such that thought would be formed into action.

I have to add that I did my research in the area of self-organization and chaos theory as a model for education -- so I believe that a decentralized community where good ideas organically rise to the top has a much greater chance of success than traditional companies and organizations (where one might argue that brilliant ideas often don't see the light of day).

Let's put this another way. Companies generally do not recruit people in this way. Even with AI assisted job search tools, they've only figured out a faster way to scan through skills in traditional resumes. They still don't know what you truly know, what your innate abilities are, how you feel about certain things philosophically or the things that make you feel human or alive. They don't ask, typically, and they often don't care. Whereas, a truly revolutionary intentional community of the sort described above would ask these questions first.

I have to say -- if this resonated with anyone out there, you would change my heart and my view of humanity. As I sat down to write this, I wasn't even sure where it might go, but this is where it went. I was thinking this exact thing yesterday - that we might just have it backwards. In most academic pursuits, you start with a thesis and then find evidence to support your claim. Yet, there are many who say this leads to confirmation bias - that you are only finding things which support what you believe to be true - as opposed to sampling things and seeing what might arise. There's a name for the latter. Grounded Theory. I believe that if the right group of people came together around a central theme of, I don't know, finding a better way to live or a better way to make a living and enjoy being a human being - it might just work. It could even be started around a small set of questions, rather than a statement. Instead of restricting ideas with a tightly scripted purpose, you purposely keep it open because ---- open systems thrive!

Links to related work, ideas and examples are below:

• What if you’re a jack of all trades and a master of the space in between all of them?

• Can you be non-linear and succeed?

• French Horn Cadenza in a Napa Valley Wine Cellar

• What is HikeStorming?

• GliderCell

• Right Brain World

• Thriving on the Edge of Chaos: An Argument for a Complex Adaptive Theory of Education

Is there a multipotentialite community somewhere?

The term "multipotentialite" has only been around for a short while. It just refers to having more than one potential or a lot of different interests. In this case, I'm referring to a community composed of people with different skills and interests where we might collaborate or help each other on creative or meaningful ventures.

I wrote the post below one week ago and it's getting close to 7,000 views so I feel the time is right for this type of thing. As a trail runner, hiker, disc golfer, musician, writer and educator, I'm seeking a new type of community that is well rounded, curious and supportive. I live in Sacramento currently and I'm just not getting that vibe here lately, so I am open to new places.

An Interdisciplinary Dream: A Community Built on a Series of Questions, Rather Than a Statement - A Community Where the Whole is Greater Than the Sum of its Parts. Could it Work?

Here's a quick scenario. You're not part of a community like this, but you're dissatisfied with your current work or life. You're smart, creative and not being fulfilled on your job. You make fitness part of your life in some way and you'd like to find others to join you in your routines or goals -- or maybe you don't have these things in your life but want to.

Whatever the case, I know and maybe you know there is something better, more positive, more meaningful to shoot for. If you feel this way and want to set up a home somewhere or maybe have a place you'd like to offer that fits this model, let's talk.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Seriously?

If you are an English teacher, you might use this little video to start a discussion on the correct use of apostrophes. I mean…. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse? What’s going on there? Is a “Chris” steakhouse a special kind of steakhouse? If it’s Ruth’s steakhouse, why is the name Chris even in there? Is Chris an indentured servant to Ruth? Please help me solve this puzzle.

We do content. Please visit us at www.glidercell.com or write to us at ino@glidercell.com

#English #teachersofinstagram #education #edu #teaching #teachingideas #teachingenglish

Seeking Business Manager / Co-Founder and / or Partners for Opportunity with GliderCell

Business is picking up for GliderCell and that’s why I’m running this ad. It’s simply at the point where I need to start bringing others on board. GliderCell is mostly in the education, edtech and business space.

We mainly offer: 

• New types of engaging and interactive courses for schools (e.g. game-based)

• Gamification systems for businesses

• General content writing for business and education 

• Content strategy and narrative

• Strategy and brainstorming sessions (see HikeStorming) 

• Research 

I am seeking three things currently (see below for details)

One:  a business partner with management and marketing experience. 

Two: a possible partnership with a company or organization. 

Three: people to join the GliderCell organization. 

First, you’re going to need some background. Anyone familiar with the early 1970s computer experiment, “The Game of Life” should know where the name came from. If not, take a look here. https://glidercell.com/about and scroll about ½ way down the page. 

The theme of GliderCell is based on the emergent principle described above. GliderCell is about emerging ideas and creative combinations of things. 

Brief History

It started out as a concept for an organization or think tank that would launch new, more creative ideas and systems -- things that the world needs right now. Through creative combinations of things, we would spark productivity and paradigm shifts in all kinds of areas, across many disciplines. 

Here’s a quick example: About four years ago, a Tesla recruiter contacted me about creating a training program for the rollout of the Model 3. I had a clear idea in mind about how I would use principles I learned from “emergence” and “self organization” to create a program that would start from the bottom up, e.g. using service station engineers and mechanics to participate in the process of building the new vehicle since they had more front line experience with the design and effectiveness of the car. But, I needed more of a team and Tesla was not keen on hiring outside consultants. 

As you can see, many of the ideas stemmed from design principles and theories of human behavior I learned while teaching -- where I discovered that a more lateral approach to learning worked better. basically, by giving students the power to create their own learning environments through games, they would be way more productive and engaged!

This turned in a major research project on how “self-organizing systems” work. 

Some of our Products 

• A content strategy and content management system that improves in each iteration

• A 20 page document filled with team building, problem solving and critical thinking activities that engage each type of learner and personality type

• Interactive, engaging, integrated courses for 21st Century learners. 

• A gamification program to motivate and train employees in a corporate call center

Accomplishments 

• A program called The Global Challenge Project where students built their own learning environment. 

• a blog with over 100,000 views

Cool Stuff that no one else is doing (ok maybe some). 

• Creating courses for schools like “gamification 101,” disc golf math and the laptop and smartphone orchestra. 

• HikeStorming (the combination of hiking and brainstorming) not only as a way of staying physically fit and generating ideas, but as a way of networking and bringing in new clients

• A self-perpetuating content system (need a software engineer to help in closing the loop)

• Applying knowledge of self-organizing principles to create new frameworks for business and education

• Interviewing people for a podcast while hiking and making that part of our marketing program (note: this is still in the experimental phase).

A Proposal For a Metamodern Business Model

Seen in the picture above is metamodernist & model Kaela Atleework. She offers unique experiences to her residents and guests at Montaia Basecamp.

   

Expert Content Strategist Reveals All: A Comprehensive FAQ on My Work

What is your background in content creation? 

After a career in teaching, I gained experience in creating content for websites, blogs, and social media. I have a background in different styles of learning and intelligence types, which I use to tailor my writing for diverse audiences. In 2008, I added social media to my skillset and began offering social media marketing and content consulting services under the name Zero Bubble Media. In 2014, I was employed as a Chief Content Strategist for a successful educational technology company, where I was responsible for creating a clear and easy-to-understand "common language" for their product. Today, as GliderCell, I offer content and copywriting services, including narrative creation, website content editing, manuscript writing, and content restructuring.

What kind of services do you offer as a UX Content Strategist? 

I offer a variety of content and copywriting services, including narrative creation, website content editing, manuscript writing, and content restructuring. I also have experience in technical writing, UI, UX, IA, and creating "story brands." My goal is to help clients improve their online presence through high-quality and SEO-friendly content.

Can you describe your role in a recent project? 

I recently completed a video editing project for Treasury Curve, a financial technology firm based in Silicon Valley. In this project, I was responsible for producing content and narrative around the CEO's experience as a panelist at a major financial conference.  You can see a sample of that here. 

What is the primary goal of UX content strategy and writing according to you? 

 

The primary goal of UX content strategy and writing, in my opinion, is to serve as a helpful guide to the user, making them feel welcomed and comfortable with the content, process, and navigation system. My aim is to empower and engage the user and help them take the necessary steps easily, always keeping the customer at the center of everything.This all requires clear, actionable writing, persuasion and attention to details. 

What is your process for creating UX content?

I follow these steps:

1. Discovery: Gather information from key players and clients to understand the background, message, desired user experience, and desired action to be taken. This is done through questionnaires, audio recordings, or conversations.
2. Verbalizing the design: Visualize the website and verbalize the design and content using Otter App.
3. Sketching/wireframing: Write or sketch the design and use graphical tools to create a mockup of the final version.
4. Collaboration with web designers: Provide the mock up to web designers to understand the intended design and functionality of the site.

How do you balance user and organizational goals in UX writing?

I approach UX writing with the user at the forefront, putting their aspirations, needs and emotions first. Inspired by the principles outlined in "Building a Story Brand" by Donald Miller, I aim to create a personalized and user-centric experience. This means considering what the user is thinking and feeling as they navigate the website, and making their journey as smooth and helpful as possible. By putting the user first, I can then effectively integrate the organization's goals into the content, creating a cohesive and effective UX writing strategy. I strive to create a website that feels like a conversation with a responsive and friendly customer service representative.

Yes, I have extensive experience conducting content reviews and audits. I have a proven track record of streamlining web and social media content to increase efficiency and effectiveness. I have a structured approach to content review, creating a "content matrix" to categorize information according to theme, purpose, usage, and intended audience. I have worked with teams including engineers, UX designers, graphics designers, sales, and management to revise and improve content for both SmartEdTech and Treasury Curve. I have even worked directly with CEOs, ensuring their vision is reflected in the final content. My skills in content review and audit make me well-equipped to provide valuable insights and recommendations for your organization. 

How do you work with UX designers? 

Great question! Communication is key when it comes to working with UX designers. I actually learned a lot about UX designers when I gave a presentation to the UX team at Cisco Systems in San Jose. I was there to talk about brainstorming techniques, and one of the topics we discussed was their communication challenges with the engineering team in China.

I understand that every person has their own unique personality, intelligence type, and way of processing information, so just like I would adjust my lesson plans to cater to different types of learners, I also adjust the way I communicate with UX designers. That's why I came up with the HikeStorming program, where people go for a hike and finish their thoughts or ideas on something while they're on the trail. It's a great way to communicate and collaborate with others in a unique and creative environment.

So, when I'm working with UX designers, I like to keep an open mind and be flexible with my communication style to make sure we're on the same page and that our goals are aligned. I also make sure to consider the language, culture, and personality types involved in the process, and I find ways to bridge any gaps in communication. And who knows, maybe we'll even incorporate some musical sound bites to convey the flow of the design!

Do you have experience crafting content for regulated industries?

Yes, I have experience in crafting content for regulated industries. I have written web content, social media content, and press releases for the launch of Umergence, a crowdfunding and crowdsourcing platform registered as a broker/dealer with FINRA. I also have experience as a content strategist for Treasury Curve, a FinTech company, since 2016. In both cases, I follow best practices for compliance and ensure that content is approved by the relevant stakeholders before release.

Any final thoughts on your style as a content strategist?

 I like to make communication as clear and efficient as possible. To achieve this, I use a variety of methods such as sending audio recordings with transcripts, sharing visual aids like Google docs, slides or Canva designs, holding Zoom meetings with sketches or designs, providing examples from other websites, having in-person meetings, or making phone calls. While basic text like email or messaging can be useful for certain things, I've found that it can often lead to miscommunication and miss the nuances that make humor and irony effective. That's why I prefer to use a variety of communication methods to make sure everything is clear and understood.