Guitar Instrumental - A Not-so-Silent Night

I'm a month late in putting this up but, nonetheless, here it is. I come from a pretty musical family and the holiday season always means music. As a guitar player, I love to listen to and play alternate versions of holiday classics.

Here's a one-take, non-rehearsed attempt at Silent Night. I'm playing against a backing track so only the guitar playing is mine. I hope you like it.

SxSW Interactive: And the Winner Is...

Lately, StrataLogica--a product I helped create and one that's close to my heart--has been getting some recognition. A few months ago it won Best Education App from the Mobile WebAwards. Last month brought the news that StrataLogica was a finalist for a prestigious SxSW Interactive Award in the Educational Resource category.

Though I've typically never put much stock into awards, the SxSW recognition truly is an honor. As a contact at Google said to me upon learning about our award status, "Wow! That's the only award left that actually means something."

I'm terribly proud of the people who have made StrataLogica what it is. They include cartographers, editors, marketers, product managers and developers from the Herff Jones | Nystrom teams in Chicago and Indianapolis. I'm also immensely grateful to the incredible team at Isobar (formerly Roundarch) for their inspiring work. They are a truly world-class agency.

Win or lose StrataLogica is great for educators and students. There's nothing else like it. Anyone interested can help vote it the People's Choice at SxSW here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SX14PeoplesChoice. Voting ends Sunday night, March 2.

See the Herff Jones | Nystrom blog post below to learn more about StrataLogica and SxSW:

The South by Southwest (SxSW) Interactive Awards are all about recognizing the most creative and innovative projects. With 15 categories and five finalists in each category, the finalists represent the best of their kind in 2013. We’re excited to share that the Herff Jones | Nystrom StrataLogica iPad app is a finalist in the Educational Resource category.

In an interview with Don Rescigno, VP of Marketing & Product Development at Herff Jones | Nystrom, Rescigno states, “The whole team that works on StrataLogica—from cartographers and editors, developers, and marketers—is tremendously honored to be a finalist for the SxSW Interactive Award. SxSW has a history of recognizing amazing achievements in technology so having StrataLogica named as a finalist makes our team very proud. I’m looking forward to attending the Interactive Awards in Austin with our development partners at Isobar who do amazing work.”

StrataLogica, powered by Google Earth, uses multilayered maps and e-book atlases to let educators and students get hands-on in an environment where they can create, collaborate and share content all on one platform.

According to Joan Pederson, Director of Product Development at Herff Jones | Nystrom, StrataLogica is an effective way to help students learn. “The interactivity is something that provides new surprises and new opportunities every time you get into StrataLogica.”

The recent release of the free StrataLogica iPad app has made it possible for educators to take learning one step further. “Our history has been built upon hands-on learning,” Rescigno says, “Studies overwhelmingly show that hands-on learning is very effective. We see the iPad app as the next iteration of hands-on learning. I’ve watched educators, students and my own children use StrataLogica on an iPad not just to learn but to share their own content and ideas in a unique and active way.”

StrataLogica uses interactive map layers to let students explore the world around them. Chris Bosacki, Director of Cartography at Herff Jones | Nystrom, says it’s important for students to be aware of the geo-spatial world around them. “Where we live, where we go, and what we see, in various ways, shape who we all are. We all tend to view the world through the lens of our own experience. The more we can experience other places through maps of all kinds, the better we can understand the mutual connections we have with others around the world.” Bosacki leads a team of cartographers to create the maps used in StrataLogica.

On March 11, SxSW will announce the winners of the Interactive Awards held in Austin. Finalists also have the chance to win the coveted People’s Choice Award, presented to the finalist who receives the most votes. If you haven’t tried StrataLogica yet, sign up for a free trial today, download the iPad app and don’t forget to vote for the People’s Choice Award!

 Ukraine & Russia: The Basics...new on StrataLogica.

Living Colour Celebrates 25th Anniversary of "Vivid"

Discovering the music of Living Colour in the late 1980s was a significant musical moment for me--especially as a fledgling guitarist. The band's debut album, Vivid, represented many of the musical styles that appealed to me but that so few artists or acts could combine. The songs were brilliantly crafted--infusing elements of funk, rock, jazz, metal and more. Each musician was outstanding featuring top-notch playing and vocals.

Though it's hard to believe it's been 25 years since the release of Vivid, Living Colour is celebrating its anniversary by hitting the road to play the album from beginning to end. (I remember Joe Satriani doing the same for his Surfing with the Alien album.) Luckily, the tour passed through Chicago. Due to business travel, I've missed several of the band's Chicago performances. Most recently while working in Seattle I missed guitarist Vernon Reid performing the music of Jimi Hendrix at the EMP Museum. Attending the concert was a must.

The night started with local band Room 11 who did a nice job getting the crowd into their groove. Shortly thereafter, Living Colour took the stage to open with "Preachin' Blues" by Robert Johnson. From there the familiar voice of Malcolm X could be heard and the beautifully vicious riff of "Cult of Personality" filled the room (scroll down for video). "I Wanna Know" was next and I can honestly say the performance of it was so strong it outshone the original track. Other standout tracks were "Memories Can't Wait" and "Open Letter to a Landlord." Though the entire album was to be played in order, additional elements from James Brown, John Lee Hooker and an incredibly passionate Corey Glover performance of "Amazing Grace" simply added to the experience.

The entire night was simply an inspired clinic from a group of insanely gifted musicians. The songs held up and some were taken to new levels with subtle changes to arrangements. After the final album track, "Which Way to Your America," Living Colour included a few songs from albums Time's Up and Stain. This band really is like a fine wine--they keep getting better as the years go on.We're lucky to have them around and still making great music. By the way, their two most recent albums Collideoscope and The Chair in the Doorway are fantastic.

I've been lucky enough to see Living Colour several times. The first was in 1989 or 1990 in Chicago. Though he won't remember it, I met band founder and guitarist Vernon Reid after the show. Even though I was a young adult I was impressed with how down to earth and generous he was talking music with my bandmate and me. All these years later, Vernon (and the rest of the band) is just as generous. We know each other a bit due to the wonders of social media but it was great to connect face to face.

Chatting with Living Colour's Vernon Reid. ~ Photo via Don Rescigno

Here's the deal...I've been listening to Living Colour's and Vernon Reid's music for 25 years and they've never sounded better. Corey's voice is still a standout, Will brings the groove and thunder, Doug has the bottom and outer space fills, and Vernon's playing is jaw-dropping. You owe it to yourself to see these men play live. My one regret--I should have picked up a t-shirt.

Tour dates for the 25th Anniversary Tour can be found here: http://www.livingcolour.com/tour/

Check out Living Colour playing "Cult of Personality" live at the Park West on 4.11.13

Video via Nunu Zomot YouTube channel.

Purchase Living Colour's Vivid on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/vivid/id192967260

View the Living Colour iTunes catalog here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/living-colour/id517236

Visit the Living Colour YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/LivingColourVEVO

StrataLogica Featured in InformationWeek

It's an honor to have StrataLogica featured in InformationWeek. I'm very proud of the work our team is doing to improve education for teachers and students. It's also great to see the efforts of both Herff Jones | Nystrom and Roundarch Isobar recognized. Don't miss the new StrataLogica iPad app--it's free.

Classroom Maps Find New Locale: iPads 

InformationWeekEducation

Classroom Maps Find New Locale: iPads

David F. Carr

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StrataLogica kept pace as classroom maps moved from the school wall to the smart board -- and now to the tablet.

David F. Carr | February 14, 2013 01:11 PM

A few years ago, as maps began to come down off classroom walls, a prominent classroom mapmaker decided to go digital, with content fit for a smart board. Now it's making the leap from the smart board to the iPad. StrataLogica released its iPad app in January, continuing an evolution begun in 2009 when the business was established as a unit of Herff Jones | Nystrom, which is best known for making classroom maps, globes and atlases, as well as other instructional materials for the K-12 classroom.

Don Rescigno, director of marketing at StrataLogica, said the business was launched in 2009 when Herff Jones recognized that "a lot of the normal real estate in the classroom started to be taken up by interactive whiteboards." Instructors wanted the same content, but now they wanted it digitally so they could manipulate it on screen. 

[ Smart boards soon a thing of the past? Read Why Tablets Will Kill Smart Boards In Classrooms. ]

The first StrataLogica products were designed for the desktop PC, with the smart board as touch-screen peripheral. Actually, the "desktop" version is a Web app designed for access from a desktop PC. Now, the demand for digital content is shifting again, from the desktop to the iPad.
"The whole catalyst for this is the customer base -- what educators tell us their needs are in the classroom," Rescingo said. "They've told of us of their plans to go one-to-one." In the education market, that means one computing device per child, he said, "and it's becoming very common both in the U.S. and abroad, where each child gets either a high-quality laptop or a tablet. The most popular thing we're seeing with tablets is the iPad." 

One advantage of a tablet is it gives students a chance to explore the content themselves, up close and independently. Our columnist Keith Fowlkes, CIO at the University of Virginia's College at Wise, is also predicting tablets will kill smart boards in university classrooms, at the same time iPads are becoming a bigger force at the K-12 level. 

Scott Judy, VP of user experience and creative services at StrataLogica's digital agency partner Roundarch Isobar, said his team has been impressed by Herff Jones' determination to discover the full potential of the medium to deliver content differently. "We really wanted to be part of this vision for how education is changing," he said.

Putting history on the map.

The tools StrataLogica provides for teachers to annotate maps and use them to create presentations are so far available only in the desktop version, although Rescingo said they will be included in the next version of the iPad app. Regardless, once created, the content is available in either mode. After showing me the basics of the program, Rescingo sent me a couple of fancier annotated maps that might be used in a history or social studies class -- one on major World War II battles and another on the Arab Spring -- which I had to load into my account through the website but then was able to view on the iPad. 

In addition to providing 3D maps with pinch-gesture zoom control, these maps were annotated with dates and names, plus push pin icons indicating the availability of additional media such as photos or video.

The World War II battle map let me access archival footage from YouTube about Rommel's campaign in Africa and how the Allies turned it back. For what it's worth, I actually learned something: Having never understood why the Germans (and Italians) would have gone into Africa when they were fighting on so many other fronts, I finally understood that it was all about access to oil. Duh.
Rescingo said StrataLogica had a head start on designing for touch -- because that's also relevant on interactive white boards -- but when students can access the content on their own iPads it "comes to life in an even greater way."

Follow David F. Carr on Twitter @davidfcarr or Google+.

David F. Carr is Editor of InformationWeek Education, covering online education and the technological transformation under way in universities and school systems.
Can data analysis keep students on track and improve college retention rates? Also in the premiere all-digital Analytics' Big Test issue of InformationWeek Education: Higher education is just as prone to tech-based disruption as other industries. (Free with registration.)

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Prince & 3rdEyeGirl Rock Out on Jimmy Fallon

"Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope." Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Photo by Don Rescigno

Holiday Music: In the Mood to Rock & Swing

I have to admit I'm a sucker for holiday music. Being the son of a musician, the holidays always meant more music in the house. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of my father playing holiday melodies on his trumpet. He had a smooth, beautiful tone. Because of this, I can't help but seek out new and exciting interpretations of holiday music.

These days my tastes range from traditional songs like Mel Torme's The Christmas Song (as sung by Nat King Cole) to the hard rock guitar instrumentals on the Merry Axemas: A Guitar Christmas albums that virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai put together years ago. I know Trans-Siberian Orchestra is popular today--and I enjoy some of their music--but hearing a guitar god like Jeff Beck play Amazing Grace or Steve Morse play Joy to the World gets my guitar-playing juices flowing. Who says you can't rock out during the holidays?

If jazz-flavored music that swings is more your style, there are a few albums that can really get you in a festive mood. The Brian Setzer Orchestra has several holiday releases that are simply must-haves. Each one features big band swing versions of holiday classics (with a little rockabilly thrown in for good measure). I dare you to listen to them and not at least start tapping your toe(s). See the video below to hear Setzer and his band's rendition of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite. Harry Connick, Jr. is another artist you can turn to for New Orleans style holiday jams. I highly recommend his first holiday album, When My Heart Finds Christmas. From Sleigh Ride to Let it Snow, he doesn't disappoint. Also high on my list is the the legendary Oscar Peterson Trio and their classic album an An Oscar Peterson Christmas. 

Can you tell I'm into this music? There are just too many to write about for a blog post. But I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the holidays stylings of Etta James, Ray Charles, Andrea Bocelli, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra. How can you go wrong with these artists? C'mon, it's time to start downloading a couple of these. To get you started, here are just a few links to some of the music I've covered.

For iTunes Customers:
Merry Axemas: A Guitar Christmas Vol. I (Various Artists)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/merry-axemas-guitar-christmas/id197986461
Merry Axemas: A Guitar Christmas Vol. II (Various Artists)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/merry-axemas-vol.-2-more-guitars/id190420716
An Oscar Peterson Christmas (Oscar Peterson Trio)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/an-oscar-peterson-christmas/id319171803
When My Heart Finds Christmas (Harry Connick, Jr.)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/when-my-heart-finds-christmas/id209700462

How about a little more? Thanks to YouTube, here are two more samples to check out. Listen to guitarist Steve Vai's take on the Peanuts cartoon classic Christmas Time is Here plus the BSO's version of The Nutcracker Suite.

Steve Vai: Christmas Time is Here

Brian Setzer Orchestra: The Nutcracker Suite

Have your own favorites? Leave some suggestions in the comments section.

Happy Holidays!

A Visit to the West Wing

The White House North Portico. ~ Photo by Don Rescigno

I have traveled quite a bit during my 20 years in the business world. I have seen more than half the states in the U.S. and have gone overseas for work-related speaking engagements, presentations, and meetings. I have been lucky enough to see amazing places like London, Dubai, and Riyadh. As a result of my experiences--and the older I get--it is not easy for me to be impressed. That changed when I had the opportunity to visit the White House.

Late November 2012, I was able to take my wife and three young children to Washington, D.C. for something very few people get to do. An old friend from my teenage years who is part of President Obama's administration was able to arrange a tour of the West Wing of the White House for us. It is not the standard tour--this is a fairly exclusive experience. For example, this tour has a dress code (which I can really appreciate). In my opinion, today some people come to work in clothes I would wear to clean the garage.

Truth be told, I had one reservation about the White House tour. Given that my children are ages 8, 6, and 4, would they be able to appreciate it? They are very well behaved but could they handle an evening event like this after walking for miles and miles seeing the sites of Washington, D.C.? I knew my 8 year old son could because he did a biography on President Obama last school year. He has a strong interest and admiration for the President. And, the boy retains facts like a sponge and I knew this would be a special experience for him. He was really excited when he learned what we were going to do.  My daughters--also very bright and precocious--would have to be in just the right mood or this could be quite and embarrassing chapter in the story of our little family. What kind of father would I be if I did not provide this kind of experience and memory for them? We had to go as a family.

The day came and we dressed up and headed off the White House. We went through the security measures and were asked to wait until our escort came out to get us. As we waited just outside the inner gate, the wheels started to come off a bit. Our daughters were both tired and antsy. They started dancing around and eventually the rubber-legs started and one said, "I can't stand anymore...I just want to go home." I looked at my wife and thought, "Uh oh, here it comes." Fortunately, it was only temporary. Soon thereafter, our name was called and it was time to go inside.

Our escort was an administration staff member whose identity I will not reveal out of respect for his privacy. He was incredibly kind and genuinely excited to see we had our children with us. I told him about our son's level of interest and that the girls might struggle to remain engaged due to their age and because it was getting near their bedtime. He went out of his way to keep them all interested while still telling my wife and me things we would appreciate. I will never forget how well he handled it all. He was a true gentleman and made this event a wonderful experience for all of us.

Photo via nationalgeographic.com.

One of the first things I noticed as we went inside was a very modest wooden door to our right with a brass plate on it. The plate displayed the words The Situation Room. I started to nudge my wife to get her to see it as well.

The first image that came to mind was that of the day the President and his team watched Seal Team Six carry out the bin Laden mission. It all unfolded behind that door. I would have loved to have seen the technology in that room! Of course, I do not have a photo of The Situation Room door. No photos are allowed for the majority of the White House tour for security reasons.

Photo via The White House Google+ page.

As the tour continued, we were surrounded by photos, paintings, and settings of historical significance. Just think of the events that have happened in this building since its construction in the early 1800s. Early in the tour we were given the opportunity to walk along the west Colonnade. While there our escort pointed out the exterior of the Oval Office as we also looked at the Rose Garden. I made sure our kids knew where the Oval Office was (while hoping we would get to see it from inside).

Before long we were back inside looking into the Roosevelt Room. After that it was the Cabinet Room. Our escort asked our children if they noticed anything interesting about the chairs in these rooms. "Which one do you think the President sits in for meetings?" One of them noticed that one chair was just a couple of inches taller than the rest. Before long they were experts. "I know which one's the President's!" they would tell our escort. My wife and I were proud parents.

The room we were most interested in seeing was the Oval Office. Would the President be working late forcing us to skip this part of the tour? Are children prohibited from entering this area? We were in luck--the Oval Office was next. My new claim to fame is saying that I actually stuck my head and torso inside the room. I have to admit I was in awe. Aside from making sure my three children did not run in there, the iconic desk was the first thing I noticed. Next, it was the Abraham Lincoln portrait on the wall. After that it was the two bronze busts--Martin Luther King, Jr. and Lincoln. The ceiling, the bright lighting, the fresh apples on the table, the Presidential Seal on the rug, it was a lot to take in all at once. I could have stared into that room for a very long time but it was time to keep moving.

My kids have questions in the Press Room. ~ Photo by Don Rescigno

I could write a great deal about what we saw inside the West Wing. Frankly, it is a bit of a blur. In addition to what I have described above, we also visited The Navy Mess where many of the staff can dine, the West Wing Reception Room where everyone has to wait for their appointment with the President, and the hallway near the Oval Office that features original artwork by Norman Rockwell.

Near the end of the tour we entered the Press Briefing Room. This is the room you see on CNN, Fox, MSNBC, and the local news. The Press Secretary is often found here reporting on significant White House events, Presidential decisions, and answering questions from the press. This room was one of the few where photos were allowed. Our kids got a big kick out of sitting in the press' seats and pretending to ask questions of the President. You may notice from the photo that my four year old used her headband to attract the most attention. 

Dwight Eisenhower Executive Office Building. ~ Photo by Don Rescigno

An unexpected surprise was the chance to go inside The Dwight Eisenhower Executive Office Building (a.k.a. the EEOB) which is right next to the West Wing. In my opinion, this building is an architectural wonder. It looks beautiful at night and the holiday decorations added to its appeal. The building has over 500 rooms and many White House employees have their offices here. As we learned from our escort, soon after it was built it was hated by many. The architect was roundly criticized.
In fact, the architect committed suicide shortly after President Theodore Roosevelt told him he didn't like the building. Online I learned that even Mark Twain called it "the ugliest building in America." Maybe I just have bad taste but I really like it. 

On our way out of the White House, we posed for a final family photo. I noticed someone was trying to exit the building so I asked my family to step aside. Low and behold, political mastermind David Axelrod opened the door. I couldn't help myself and greeted him, "Hello, Mr. Axelrod." To which he replied with a smile, "Good Evening." Is it bad that within seconds all I could think of was "Quaxelrod" and Twitter? If you missed that reference, look it up (trust me it's comedy gold).

Presidential M&M's. ~ Photo by Don Rescigno.

Finally, nothing caps off a tourist experience like souvenirs. Our escort had developed a great relationship with our children during the tour. So strong that one of them asked him, "Can I have a treat?" My wife and I were mortified. I said, "He can't get you a treat!" But within seconds he replied, "Well, you know what...I think I can get you a treat." I was embarrassed but said, "Listen, that means you have to show us your best behavior ever. Then you might get a treat of some kind." At the end of the tour our escort disappeared only to return with Presidential M&M's. The boxes featured an M&M waving the Flag on one side, the Presidential Seal and Barack Obama's signature on the other. The candies were red, white, and blue. Yes, our children tore right into them.

After the tour we walked back to our hotel. The kids were no longer exhausted--they were buzzing with excitement and M&M's chocolate. We put them to bed and had a few minutes to reflect on the experience. "Can you believe we were in the West Wing of the White House?" I asked. Two days later I still can't really believe it. What a great memory. I hope my children remember it too.

Take an interactive tour of the White House by clicking here.

FUNK WARNING ISSUED FOR CHICAGO: PRINCE RETURNS

Friday, August 31, Prince announced he would take up residence at the United Center in Chicago. It will be his first concert here since 2004. Buckle up, folks. 

Usually, one's teenage years really shape music preferences. Mine were in the 1980s. It was the time of Duran Duran, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Journey, U2, Madonna, Guns 'N Roses, and if you were from Chicago, the start of house music. Remember this one?

There was something for everyone in the 80s. For me, the decade introduced me to the music of Prince. I was hooked pretty quickly. My older sister was listening to the title track from the 1981 album Controversy and it was unlike anything I had heard before. Then the album 1999 came out with songs like Little Red Corvette, Delirious, and the title track. These songs were like chocolate chip cookies--you couldn't just consume one. What the music world didn't know was that these weren't dessert, they were appetizers getting us ready for what was to come next.

Things really took off with the 1984 release of the movie and soundtrack album for Purple Rain. It was a feast of funk and rock. You couldn't go anywhere that year without hearing When Doves Cry, Let's Go Crazy, and Purple Rain. (The solo at the end of Let's Go Crazy made teach myself how to play guitar.) What followed was the psychedelic fun of Around the World in a Day which featured songs Raspberry Beret and Paisley Park. Prince was challenging himself and his audience to come along for the ride as he developed as an artist.

Prince took things to the next level late in the 80s as he started adding jazz and folk elements to his creations. Though his father was a jazz musician, much of this new element to his music came courtesy of musicians he was working with--Lisa Coleman, Wendy Melvoin, and Eric Leeds. Prince added horns to his live performances and they became increasingly present on his studio recordings. His compositions became more complex and he seemed to save some of his more pop-focused songs for other artists (e.g. The Bangles' success with Manic Monday). He became less reliant on electronic drums and started featuring Sheila E. or himself on an acoustic kit. Into the 1990s Prince's music continued to evolve--the compositions matured, the live bands were stacked with prolific musicians, and he still had time to create hits like Gett Off, Cream, and The Most Beautiful Girl in the World. Beyond 2000, Prince continued to release music despite a high-profile battle with Warner Bros. records. He has also given legendary live performances around the world.

Unfortunately, many people dismiss Prince because of his public persona--the outlandish clothes from the 80s, eccentric behavior, etc. They assume he's just a pop music figure. It's a tremendous misconception. Doubt his value as one of the most significant contributors to modern music? None other than jazz legend Miles Davis was both a big fan and a collaborator. According to Alan Leeds, who worked in high-level management positions with both Prince and Davis, Miles once said Prince was destined to be the Duke Ellington of his generation. What an incredible compliment. If you're interested in Prince's jazz creations check out the album N.E.W.S. or try to find his performance from the Montreux Jazz Festival.

So, why am I going on and on selling you on Prince? Because you owe it to yourself to see him in concert (there's a reason he's one of the most bootlegged artist around). In a live setting the music truly comes to life and he expands upon his compositions with new arrangements. I was thrilled to get the news he was setting up residency in my hometown. Not only will there be United Center area shows but there's bound to be an aftershow or two. Having seen Prince live more time than I care to admit, the most memorable have probably been at Chicago's Metro and Park West venues in the wee hours of the morning. Both places are small--capacity of around 1,000 and little to no seating. Being just a few feet from the stage allowed me to really appreciate his musicianship and command of his band. The guy simply lives and breathes music.

The other thing people do not know about Prince is how charitable he is. This is because he does not seek to publicize it each time he contributes to a cause. Though exact figures aren't available, Prince was a huge financial supporter or the Westside Preparatory School in Chicago and last year contributed large sums of money to the arts in New York City. During his Chicago concert dates, he will be supporting the Rebuild the Dream organization founded by Van Jones.

My final word on Prince--he is both a national treasure and a living legend. Don't miss the chance to see him live. You may regret it if you do.

Here's to the true funk soldiers. See you at the United Center.

What Legacy Will You Leave Behind?

Last night I attended a wake with my father. We were both connected to the man who passed away. He was my father's teaching colleague at St. Ignatius College Preparatory for over 30 years and he was my track coach while I attended high school there. Because he was my father's coworker, I knew him a bit more than the most students. As an educator, he touched countless lives. But that was not the sum of this man.

James V. Connelly lived a life for others. He started his career as an engineer but eventually found his true calling in the teaching profession. He was all business in the classroom and had a notorious reputation. Though some students may have worried he would be their teacher, the ones who spent a year (or more) with him never forgot the experience. They would boast if they were able to earn a high grade in one of his classes. In addition, they would treasure any praise he gave them. He inspired so many in the areas of mathematics, history, and political science.

I wasn't fortunate enough to have Mr. Connelly as a teacher. Instead he was my track and field coach. Just like in the classroom, he was all business on the track. You never saw him without his notebook and stopwatch. He studied each athlete's skill level and progress--I'm convinced he had each of average relay split times memorized. He knew exactly to get the most out of us in order for the team to succeed. He knew when to push us and when to praise us. I have great memories of the experience--and some medals--because of him.

The most significant memory I have of Jim Connelly was his unselfishness, generosity, and devotion to family. More than anything else, this was the constant theme in every conversation I heard at his wake. In addition to Jim and his wife raising eight biological children, they adopted seven more. That's a full house. But Jim and his wife felt they had more love to share so they took in over 20 foster children over the years. Imagine that the next time you feel overwhelmed by your daily stresses and responsibilities.

One simply cannot reflect on a life like Jim Connelly's without some self examination. As I'm doing now, ask yourself some fundamental questions. Am I helping others? Am I providing guidance where it's needed? Am I being the best person I can be for my family and my community? Most of all...what legacy will I leave behind?

The Cubbie Condition

Last night, I watched a sports feature titled, "Chicago Cubs: Heart and Soul." It confirmed for me what I already knew--Cubs fans put themselves through a great deal of misery. We do it every year fully aware that it's likely we'll be disappointed at the end of the baseball season. Some call it a cult, others call it a sickness. Let's be a little nicer and call it the Cubbie Condition.

What struck me most about the program was how much the Cubbie Condition impacts families. Most of the people interviewed for the piece mentioned how being a Cubs fan was a generational thing. They also talked about what it might be like when the Cubs eventually win the World Series for the first time in over 100 years. Some fans will be celebrating and compelled to ask, "Why didn't my father live to see this?" Boston Red Sox fans can surely relate.

My father is guilty of passing on the Cubbie Condition to me. I've done the same to my son but not as successfully. He hasn't been fully infected. I remember the first Wrigley Field game I attended with my father. It was 1977 and the Cubs beat the Pirates 3-2. What I remember most about that day is walking up the ramp and seeing the green of Wrigley for the first time. After that it was the sound of the crowd and the skill of the players.

My father and I have had great moments at Cubs games. Years ago, the Cubs contacted the high school where my father has been teaching music for several decades. They invited his students and him to play the national anthem. He's been doing it for a while. The last couple of years it's become a family affair.

Have a look at my father conducting the anthem with his students in the video below. And don't miss the other link found just below it.

I hope the Cubs can win the World Series soon. It will be a great day for so many families. Most of all, I look forward to celebrating it with my father and the rest of my family.

DON'T MISS THIS
Two years ago, my father had the unique opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Wrigley as well. I was thrilled for him. He found a way to get my son and me on the field it as well. What a great moment for all of us.

Check out the video at the link below.

http://youtu.be/kShvc_oA6Ok

Where Geography and Music Collide

I'm an avid music fan with tastes that range from Mozart to Metallica. In addition, my job has given me a real appreciation for geography. We have been producing social studies products--maps, globes, atlases and more--for over 100 years.

How can those two areas of interest collide? Technology makes it easy. Better yet, this technology is now available for educators and their students. 

Using StrataLogica, I was able to create a 3D presentation of a few famous composers and the locations often associated with them. Each includes a music sample. If you're not familiar with this application, I urge you to check it out and tell educators about it. Maps and globes didn't look like this when I was in school.

Check out this link and share it with other music and geography enthusiasts: bit.ly/NCbNkT.

And, here's a video that explains what StrataLogica can do.  

Blog Intro and A Word About Music

I have a lot of opinions. I plan to share those opinions on a variety of subjects--sports, music, business (especially marketing), entertainment, education, travel and more--via this blog. Honestly, I think my wife is tired of hearing me talk about these things so I have to get them off my chest one way or another. My first post will be brief.

I have very little patience for popular music that gets played on the radio these days. As the son of a music teacher, I was brought up on a wide variety of music--classical, opera, jazz. I absorbed the music of the 70s and consumed the 80s. To me, these were great times for music. In addition, I play guitar, drums, bass and can write music. I am, therefore, very critical of and rarely inspired by the current popular music.

Roughly a year ago, I heard Adele for the very first time. I was taken by the strength and tone of her voice as well as the quality of her songwriting. I acquired her album, 21, and quickly fell in love with it. There really wasn't a weak moment on the entire album. I couldn't wait to tell my wife about it. I said, "This is the best album I've heard in years. It's so raw yet perfect. There's hope for popular music after all."

It turns out Chris Cornell, the lead singer and songwriter from Soundgarden (a band I really admire), feels like I do. Check out his comments at the link below. 

http://www.guitarworld.com/soundgardens-chris-cornell-contemporary-pop-music-couldnt-be-any-worse-it-now