Jeffrey Dunster

I recently learned a new term for a concept I have struggled to explain to people for some time. Connectivism.

I subscribe to the netcast (iTunes link) of the Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders Seminar, provided by Stanford University.

First, watch the presentation. It's short, to the point, and effective.

This was a surprising find on TED. TED usually deals with social, economic, design and other touchy-feely topics. This presentation was how to wow investors and, in general, give a powerful presentation that influences your audience. I suspect that this was partially to help all the non-profit leaders in attendance as they seek donations.

How much do you trust your friends and family? Would you trust them enough to pick your major for you? How about your spouse? That may seem absurd to you, but we make many important decisions in our lives believing that they are ours alone. Are they? In practice, most of us consult friends and family, even strangers, about important decisions we must make. We are social creatures that depend extensively on each other.

I want to take a moment to share my philosophy of cultivating your social networks, learning how to trust them, and improving how you use them.

I just learned about Concrete Canvas Structures, a small business that formed from the great idea of instant emergency structures, inflated and hardened into hardy, sound shelters. They can be bermmed for insulation and protection. And they are water-proof. What intrigued me most was the minimal time involved and permanence of the structure. There are lots of other uses for this. I also wonder what the size limits might be?

I have watched the PDA market for years now. The miniaturization of personal computing fascinates me. Back in 2001, I was wondering if I should purchase a Visor when an old Palm IIIx came my way. It came from work, as all the full-time employees had upgraded and didn't want it. Now this may surprise you, but that PDA was my trusted companion for four years, taking all sorts of accidental abuse, until last year when it fell from a desk, screen first, onto a table leg. The screen was toast.