Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Check It Out Before Using It

This is better late than never.  Life isn't easy or simple.  We have to think and work much of our time to avoid making even simple errors.  Here are some tools to help us avoid pitfalls.  This information is available many places and what reminded me most recently was an article in The Costco Connection: "Won't get fooled again."

Even if you think that you are correct. . .take the time to check it out before you use it.  Here are some ways to do that.

1.  The University of Pennsylvania carefully examines statements that are being presented as if they are true.  They can aid you in this sorting process.  http://www.factcheck.org

2.  The foundation owned and operated newspaper, The Tampa Bay Times won a Pulitzer Prize for its examination of claims and they share with everyone.  http://www.politifact,com

3.  The Washington Post attempts to check information they come in contact with and they share with everyone.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker

4.  The New York Times checks out claims and points out those that mislead.  http://www.urbanlegends.about.com

5.  This site debunks myths.  Really valuable.  http://www.snopes.comhttp://www.snopes.com

6.  If you're looking for candidates that reflect what you believe, this is your tool.  http://www.votesmart.orghttp://www.votesmart.org

There are those that say we shouldn't trust the main stream media.  They are not incorrect, but they don't go far enough.  Trust what your efforts to exercise critical thinking produces.  These tools should make your job quicker and easier.

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Nonverbal Communicaiton

Recently, I was reviewing some of the things published in 2008.  This brief discussion of nonverbal communication fits our situation today just fine.  In all honesty we should spend far more time paying attention to what we are saying to others all the time with our nonverbal behavior.  The other side of the coin, we should make steady progress in improving our skills at understanding the nonverbal communication of those around us. When applied to our interpersonal relationships it should occur to us that our meaning maybe/is different from those around us.
"How many times do I have to tell you that I love you?" One of the things we should examine is, "Why is this person asking over and over again do you love me?" There are several possible reasons.

Instead of letting your frustration burst out, think about what they are saying or at least what you think they are saying. They may be saying that, "If you really loved me you would be around more often and longer." They could also be saying, "I hear what you say to me, but I don't hear an adequate explanation why you can love me." Probably the first of these two explanations is the most important.

The reason is simple: time. Time and your use of it says a huge amount about who you are and what you value. People spend most of their time doing what they prefer to do. When they aren't spending time the way they want to, they usually complain loud and long. If you love someone and you don't choose to spend time with them, then they have a right to wonder about your real feelings."
There are other reasons of course, but we should pay careful attention to our use of time. We are saying things to our boss, friends, children and spouse by our use of time, even when we think we've got it covered with words.

Keep in mind the question, "What am I communicating to myself and others?" It may aid you in the process of making a decision about what to do. Are you telling yourself that since you know why you're doing what you're doing your significant other will understand? Are you certain you know how they will interpret your nonverbals with the same interpretation you have? And keep in mind, time is part of nonverbal communication.  How are you making use of it to underscore what you intend to say to those you love, or even work for?