Home Page Updated
I have completed the structure and much of the underlying applications for the new homepage at http://pauldone.com
The new page includes a greater amount of dynamic content. Inside the website shares posts, observations and pulls several of the development applications I have been working on for years. The site includes a number of galleries including over 300Gb of photos and digital images captured from the photographers in our family.
Plan of Action: Realizing Dreams
The myth is ageless, a genie is released from a lamp and grants the liberator with three wishes. Magic lamps exist in fairy tales and legends, but real life requires work. This is what you have been taught since childhood; if you want to go outside and play you must clean your room first. The reward is conditional upon the effort put forth, the completion of tasks.
Without wishes or dreams would you do anything? These goals, or dreams propel us beyond our default destiny. If we do nothing but maintain course, continue doing what we are doing, the results of our actions yield our default destiny. Wishes add to life’s variety. Like a spice adds to a meal, the variety of life enhances life itself making everything else more meaningful.
Defining Dreams
Dreams are the conjured conditions of a mind that is not confined by the perceived realities of our existance. Dreams which escape imagination and transcend into our living world and become subject to realities become wishes. Itis not possible to take wish and make it a dream. Instead wishes come form dreams, the free form thought of our subconscious state creates wishes when recognize and act upon them.
Wishes Realized
Your mind has already told you something is possible. Regardless of how fanciful your dreams may be, the mind creates conditions based on your experiences. Your experiences have told your mind it is possible for something to occur. You must now decide if your dreams, the conjoured imaginations of an unrestricted mind will be realized.
Recording Dreams
Keep a record of your dreams, those which impact you and cause you to think or those you simply recall. Those dreams you remember escape the filter of an unreasonable action and will propel you to seize the acion only your mind has seen. Many famous people have recorded dreams that shape history, Caligula, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, nd Edgar Allen Poe all dreamed dreams that have changed the course of history.
Transform a Dream
For a dream to become a wish and a wish to be realized there must be action. Consider your dream and ask yourself if you want to pursue your dream. Decide the steps you can take to realize your wishes. Planning a course, defining you wish will enable you to reach higher heights that you otherwise could. It is all within you.
15 Job Opportunities – Washington DC
It may not be enough to change the national economy, but these jobs will improve 15 qualified individuals personal economy.
The company I work with 3TI is in immediate need of hiring 15 new positions including Project Managers, Administrative Support and Procurement Specialists.
Night time LOLs
While I slept last night I dreamed I was the designated driver for some of my friends. Driving them home at night they were passed out when I came up with a plan. I parked in front of a running semi and blew an airhorn to wake them up while I stood outside the car.
This was so funny to my sleeping mind I woke myself up rolling with laughter. I love these kinds of dreams.
Recognizing the Need for Corrective Action
The day comes to everyone when they look in the mirror and say, ” Today I am good, but how can I be great?” This is our crossroads, when our option is to continue doing what we do and earn our default future. Our other option will be to decide where we want to be and make a plan to reach there.
The following pattern should help us make, execute and keep our goals.
Establish Baseline Expectations
Decide where you should be. If you have decided you need to have a certain educational goal – write it down. Once you know where you are, the first step is to define where you want to be.
Define Metrics
Your goal must be something which can be measured. A certain body weight is a target number. Things we can measure are empirical evidence of our progress toward our goals. Figure out how you will measure your goal as well as the progress to help you reach it.
Check performance against metric
Monitor your progress daily if necessary. If your goal is to complete a book by a certain date, mark your progress toward your goal. Monitor it.
Execute Pre-planned action
To reach a goal you need to know the steps, but you also need to have defined the trajectory (speed and direction). Act on your plan.
Identify Source ‘Truths’
Find out what works – if it is correct it will work. Examine your trajectory to decide if it is helping you reach your goal. Correct as needed.
Improve Goals
You are hopefully reaching your goals. Once you have arrived at your destination, keep looking forward. From your new vista look ahead to find your next goal.
I Am Not My Avatar
Pioneers have often traveled into the unknown. Prepared for dangers both known and not, pioneers broke new ground, forged new paths and sacrificed their lives in search of something new.
Today, a new frontier faces us. Faced with challenges both seen and unseen, modern day pioneers are often unaware of the dangers inherent within ventures into cyberspace. So dangerous are these virtual forays into electronic arenas our eternal happiness is threatened.
To help us navigate the course ahead resources from Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles describe the “dangers of digital distraction, diversions and detours that have no lasting value.”
Inspired by this counsel, I considered the options and balance we must weigh to participate, engage and manage ourselves and our children in the digital word without becoming consumed by the new media. My discussion is part of an ongoing project “I Am Not My Avatar” identifying and exposing other half truth’s about modern media.
Presentation: http://bit.ly/e3sJiM
Elder Bednar’s text: http://bit.ly/dN7WMD
Binary Day – Won’t See You Till….
For those inclined towards numbers and particularly binary number 11 January 2011 is your day. At the posting of this blog it will be the last binary date and time until October 2011. You will have to wait almost 10 months for your next binary kick.
Job Opportunity with my Company
Business Intelligence / Data Warehouse Project Manager
This is a full-time position in Washington DC. This is the same company I work with. The work is meaningful, the location vibrant, and people dedicated to quality.
• Working experience with Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing, and Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) solutions.
• Knowledge of Oracle products
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Experience in working with all levels of staff, technical, nontechnical, customers, and high-level executives.
• Strong project management skills including planning and oversight.
• Proven ability to track multiple efforts in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of system development lifecycle, from requirements gathering through deployment & support.
• Quickly understands the business issues and data challenges of client’s organization.
• Works and establishes a cohesive relationship with the contract team, project managers and government business mangers.
• Coordinates tasks and deliverables with Federal Team leads within the Information Technology Center, as well as other government business managers.
• Manages meetings, to include agenda development and minutes; and also related action items.
• Takes input from supervisor and appropriately and accurately applies comments/feedback.
• Consistently delivers high-quality services to our clients.
• U.S. permanent residency or citizenship.
• Minimum 3 years of IT Project Management work experience.
• B.S. or equivalent.
• PMP Certification a plus
If you are interested or know someone who might be interested please send your resume to resume.
The Gifts of Need and Want
The birth of Jesus Christ occurred nearly two millennia ago on a cool, early spring night in Bethlehem. Few if any of the sleepy inhabitants in the town of His nativity were either aware or accommodating to the needs surrounding His birth. Instead, the Savior of mankind was born in a stable and placed in a manger wrapped in strips of cloth to keep him comfort. His birth was announced by angels to select groups of people around the world, but there was little notice in the sleepy town of Bethlehem.
The scriptures mark the Savior’s birth throughout the world. The inhabitants of the American continents celebrated as the sign was shown of His birth (Helaman 14:3-8). Those shepherds, whom were visited by angels, came to pay homage to the Newborn King (Luke 2:8-14). Wise men from the East came bearing gifts to the prophesied Savior of Mankind (Matthew 2:1,11). These gifts, those of a loving Father in Heaven to the world of a Redeeming Son and the worldly gifts given by the Wise Men are the origin of our modern day tradition of gift-giving.
During this season of celebration and traditions it is easy to forget the origins and deep meaning this season holds in the history of the world. The birth of Jesus Christ marks the time the world was promised where a Savior would be born to bear upon Himself the sins of the world. In essence, our loving Father in Heaven reminds us at this time His gift to us is that of salvation, a way to return to Him cleansed from sin through the sacrifice of His Son. This is a gift of need, there is no other way man may return to live with God (Alma 38:9).
Gift giving is a mutual affair. Each of us enjoys receiving heart-felt gifts. As kids, a bicycle or doll may hold special memory for us. These memories and feeling do not simply come from the object itself, but what the object represents. The gift, given in love reminds us that there is someone who cares about us and seeks to bring us happiness. Over time, some gifts may dim or diminish in importance but the feelings and memories remain with us. The effects of these gifts of want may remain with us our entire lives but satisfy only immediate or short term desires.
As pleasing as it to receive gifts, we may also experience the joy related to giving gifts. Gifts given in love do not equate to a price tag or shiny wrappings. Instead, a gift of love may satisfy a need or want for someone we love. In this way we receive in some small measure they joy felt by our Father in Heaven (Mosiah 2:17-18).
During this season rich with tradition and symbolism remember the gifts freely given to us. Unable to save ourselves, each of us need a Savior who could live on this Earth and atone for our sins. That gift was given when an infant was born in a manger, on a cold starry night many centuries ago. As we celebrate the birth of the Savior and remember the symbols of gifts given to Him, may we never allow the gifts of want to take precedence in our pursuits this season.
Our blessings and prayers are with you this season. We hope you will enjoy all the blessings a loving Father in Heaven has for you as you receive and share the richness with which He has blessed you.
100+ Characteristics Every Man Should Have
I have found there exist a number of lists purporting the qualities every man should have. Not completely satisfied with any of them, I came up with a few of my own.
These are just a few I came up with in about an hour. The list is not completely exhaustive so if you have some add them as comments below.
100+ Characteristics Every Man Should Have
1 Accurately Measure Items
Measure twice, cut once saves frustration and gives you the ability to plan and build
2 Avoid lotion
Greasy hands are for mechanics not your dainty little elbows.
3 Backup a trailer
You don’t want your friends standing around nodding their heads when you can’t back up the
boat.
4 Balance a check book
If you cannot manage money you’ll end up paying someone else to – poor money management.
5 Basic Difference between gun calibers (link)
Don’t go shooting your mouth off or joining conversations where you cannot follow.
6 BBQ
A man slaving over a smokey grill is the modern equivalent of a cave man.
7 Be able to describe the difference between 1080i and 720p (link)
To know quality and match your gadgets is the epitome of modern man.
8 Be Aware of the Cardinal Directions (link)
If you cannot sense north you’re bound to get lost.
9 Be Romantic
She may not remember to lift the seat, but she’ll always remember the roses.
10 Birthstones
You’ll avoid it, but remembering her birthstone will shorten your visit to the jewelry store.
11 Build furniture from a kit
Once you can read a book real literacy is following the pictures for pin A in slot B
12 Calculate square footage
You can buy more, but buying too much is wasteful and makes you look like a dolt.
13 Cast a Fishing Pole
Throwing a ball like a girl is one thing, but when you can’t cast past the dock you’re stuck with
bluegill forever.
14 Change a car tire
You’re not getting a flat when it is convenient. Showing up late with dirty hands makes for a
better story.
15 Clean a wound
Infections are not nearly as cool as the being pick out glass out road grit from your wound.
16 Clean windows
If you cannot see past the grime no one else will either.
17 Conduct an animal funeral
It doesn’t just gain you points in compassion, but disposing of an animal or pet is the best way
to move on.
18 Converse about world events (link)
Your experience matters when you can draw conclusions about the price of corn in Brazil.
19 Dance without music
She’ll think you’re spontaneous, you’ll feel like James Bond.
20 Defend Yourself in A Fight
Getting a black eye is not so bad when the other guy’s girl had to protect him from you.
21 Difference between kilo-, mega-, giga-, and tera-
100 gigs are better than 1,000 kilos
22 Draw a map for directions
They’ll remember you for good or evil – give them proof with your accurate directions
23 Dress Casual, Business Casual & Formal
Denim and cowboy boots are never good for church, nor are shorts and a t-shirt at work.
24 Drive a Manual Transmission (link)
Ferrari doesn’t make an automatic transmission in Formula One racers.
25 Drive a Nail (straight)
You can hit it all day long, but if you can’t hit it straight you’re not going anywhere.
26 Drive defensively
When you can survive stupid drivers it makes it easier to yell at them.
27 Estimate distance accurately (link)
Driving 1 kilometer and a mile are very different in a city.
28 Estimate the height of something taller than you (link)
Laugh at the guy who cuts down a tree landing on his house. Don’t be the guy.
29 Estimate the volume of material
Measure twice, fill once.
30 Find an answer using reference material (not internet)
They use to make these things called books, information was better vetted.
31 Fix a bicycle tire
You ride on 35 psi, you walk on 0.
32 Flirt without being disrespectful or offensive
She’ll appreciate the flattery, it never hurts to be nice.
33 Generally know the horoscope sign for a given date
Tell them you’re a Leo and they’ll be more likely to follow you.
34 Give a Gift Without Expecting Something
Tell them something nice, they’ll thank you. Give them something and they’ll remember you
often.
35 Give a sincere compliment (link)
Knowing how to be nice will get you further than being nice.
36 Greetings in another language(s)
If you only speak to people in your time you’ve missed a world full of experiences.
37 Have readily available tools for basic jobs
If you can’t fix something because you don’t have a wrench – you’ve got bigger problems than
broken stuff.
38 How to Tie a Tie
At some point you will need to go somewhere ties are not optional.
39 How to Use levers and their components
Simple machines are more than effort and load.
40 Identify precious stones (link)
The receipts are different for turquoise and topaz. Rubies are for slippers not a girl’s best friend.
41 Iron a Shirt
Clothes have creases, just not all over.
42 Jumpstart a car
It is hard to explain acid burns when you don’t know the difference between + and -
43 Lift and carry your significant other
Carrying her a couple of feet goes further when her feet stay dry.
44 Lines from Classic Guy Movies (link)
Tom Cruise only repeats line someone else writes too.
45 Make a Salad With More than One Type of Lettuce
Iceberg is not the only green.
46 Make At Least One Meal Well
You may tire after a week of the same thing, but you live longer.
47 Make things water resistant
Water belongs in pools, puddles and poetry not the middle of your living room.
48 Military Ranks (link)
Generally speaking Captains are not Private about rank.
49 Mix and pour cement
Soupy cement doesn’t set well for steps.
50 Move an Object alone weighing more than you.
You don’t have to lift an elephant to move it somewhere.
51 Mow a Yard
Unmowed patches of grass look worse than an unmowed lawn.
52 Multiple ways to utilize duct tape
Nothing is ever broken for he who can hold the world together with duct tape and bailing wire.
53 Operate a DVD / TV
Eventually you’ll get a break from romantic comedies.
54 Parallel park a car
It is ironic that people don’t like their bumpers bumped.
55 Patch a hole in the wall
They’ll never ask if they don’t see it.
56 Perform Basic Maintenance of a Vehicle
Didn’t the dealer make enough money from you when you bought the car?
57 Perform CPR
Giving breath is so easy, you’re not using it anymore.
58 Perform mental math (link)
Four out of three people will believe anything with numbers.
59 Phonetically read another’s name
They didn’t choose their name, don’t make them hate their parents all over again.
60 Pick Out a Cologne
Nice cologne, but don’t marinate in it.
61 Player from a local sports team
You don’t have to be a season ticket holder to know their names.
62 Polish dress shoes
If you’re as polished as your shoes they’ll never look down around you.
63 Pour a carbonated drink without spilling
It doesn’t take much to tilt a glass to serve without making a mess.
64 Prepare and paint a wall
Nobody has to be an artist to paint a wall well.
65 Produce more than they consume
Contributing to society means providing more than you take.
66 Professionally shake hands
A firm handshake and a smile goes a long way.
67 Properly Tip in a Restaurant
Sections of society support their families based on the service they provide for you.
68 Put out fires
You can’t rule your universe if fire rules you.
69 Read a Map
You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know where you are.
70 Read a popular book about spies (link)
Only in fiction do men live like men dream explore your potentials.
71 Recognize when you are boring someone
Listening means while your speaking you hear the reaction of your words.
72 Remove a car stuck in mud
If you’re going to off-road you’ll have to get back on road sometime.
73 Remove a tick
The sofa is safe, but life happens outside.
74 Repair minor electrical problems
Taking a shock is awesome, avoiding it is Divine.
75 Research products before purchase
Caveat emptor – dissolve the hype.
76 Reset an electrical breaker
It is almost as easy as flicking a switch
77 Ride a Motorcycle
Two wheels, 500cc, open road – priceless.
78 Row a Boat / Kayak
Because it beats being stuck on shore.
79 Run Fast When you Have To
We don’t fear leopards, but sometimes it is fight or flight.
80 Separate and wash clothes
You can wash a load without them all coming out pink.
81 Setup a a computer
Sometimes the Junior High kids are in school.
82 Setup a tent
It is the best way to keep the boogey man away.
83 Sew a button
Don’t be helpless, it is just a needle and thread.
84 Sharpen a Knife
The best to cut a side of meat.
85 Shave Without Nicks
Right tool, right job. You don’t have to participate in daily self-mutilation.
86 Shoot a gun
Go ahead, make my day.
87 Show someone else constellations
These tales have come down through the ages, carry on the traditions.
88 Start a Fire
Cooking or clinging, fires have defined man through the ages.
89 Stop Bleeding
The life you save may be your own.
90 Sweat copper tubing (link)
Real men use fire to build things.
91 Swim
Nobody needs to call you Flipper, but you do have learn to swim.
92 Tell a clean and funny joke
Leave them laughing, be invited back.
93 Temporarily Fix an Appliance
Nothing should stand between a man and his pop tart in the morning.
94 Throw A Spiral (link)
You’ll never be Joe Montana, but you can throw a wobble-free ball.
95 Tie a dozen knots
Granny is not a knot, sheepshank just sounds cool.
96 To Catch and Dispose of Rodents
They have a place just not in your home.
97 Turn Off the Water Main
Control your lifeline during repairs and improvements
98 Type with more than two fingers
It is a modern world, join us
99 Use a Fire Extinguisher
It is there for a reason and the reason is not decoration.
100 Use caulk
You can fill voids of doubt and understand with caulk.
101 Way to start fire without matches or lighters
Man has evolved, fire has not.
102 Wrap a gift
Half the fun is when they tear through your artistic efforts.
103 Write a letter (not email)
How many emails have you ignored, how many letters have you kept?
104 Your suit size
A wardrobe is more than waist and inseams
