The Age of AIDS

Tonight I finished watching a very powerful documentary called The Age of AIDS produced by Frontline. The film is complemented by an informative website from which I have copied some highlights below.

We hear much ado about the bird flu these days and we all pray that humanity may be spared from this pandemic. Yet, humanity is already suffering from another pandemic that will likely remain with us for another generation. AIDS is a problem in Mississippi and around the world.

You may watch the film or explore the website from here. I respect Frontline for the thoughtful documentaries they produce and this one is an another excellent effort.

Peace,
Jon B.

The first photo ever taken of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

On the 25th anniversary of the first diagnosed cases of AIDS, FRONTLINE examines one of the worst pandemics the world has ever known in "The Age of AIDS." After a quarter century of political denial and social stigma, of stunning scientific breakthroughs, bitter policy battles and inadequate prevention campaigns, HIV/AIDS continues to spread rapidly throughout much of the world, particularly in developing nations. To date, some 30 million people worldwide have already died of AIDS.

Positive Psychology :: Harvard

Go ahead and indulge your secret fantasies about being a student at Harvard University. Check out this free online course called "Positive Psychology" with Professor Tal D. Ben-Shahar. Here is the home page for the course. You may want to start by watching the video lectures. The best thing about the course (other than the price / which is free) is you don't have to take one single test. No grades. No papers. No pressure. What a wonderfully productive way to spend some "free time" studying at Harvard University online.

Peace,
Jon B.

Our Purpose is Goal Alignment

"The purpose of a team is not goal attainment but goal alignment."

Taken from Peopleware : Productive Projects and Teams, 2nd Ed. (Paperback) by Tom Demarco, Timothy Lister

Jaron Lanier quote

The beauty of the Internet is that it connects people. The value is in the other people. If we start to believe the Internet itself is an entity that has something to say, we're devaluing those people and making ourselves into idiots.

Jackson Pollock-a-sketch

Here is a free artwork tool that will help you paint with your mouse on your computer screen in a style reminiscent of Jackson Pollock. Click your mouse button to change colors. Move your mouse to paint. Go ahead and get creative. And there is no mess to clean up. I'll paste my source below.

Enjoy,
Jon B.

In 2003, Miltos Manetas created used someone else's work to make a site to create your own Jackson Pollock-esque "painting." Link |permalink