Technology as a Second Language

If I asked about new technology two years ago, you would have lamented (or relished) diminishing face-to-face connections, with the growth of Facebook and LinkedIn. A year ago you would have cried (or celebrated) the intrusion of mobile devices into everyday life. Today you might tell me how you shout out loud (Hey, Alexa!) that…

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Can Civil Public Discourse be Saved?

How can you communicate across opposing ideas?   In the 1600’s New England Town hall meetings offered a space for all in the village to come together to have a say in local law. In the 1890’s Salons, made famous during the French Enlightenment, filled homes in Boston as a place for women and men…

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Illinois Chiefs of Police Engaging with Communities to Build Trust

The February 2018 issues of Command, The Official Publication of the Illinois Chiefs of Police, talks about their work to advance dialogue with communities of color. Mountains of statistics and studies tilting in law enforcement’s favor haven’t resolved much in the national discourse as police have tried to build bridges to minority communities in recent…

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International Women’s Day at Praxair

International Women’s Day planning committee at Praxair in Burr Ridge (l to r) Elizabeth Supple, Chris Ranous, Erika Rogozinski, speaker Deanna Shoss, Joe Abdoo, Kristen Alcazaren, and Ann Klochan.  International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated in force this March. For my colleagues from Serbia and Russia, they can remember celebrating this special day since they…

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The Music Man Would Have Been All Over This

The Music Man is about Harold Hill, a traveling Professor of Music aka con man who arrives in River City, Iowa. He convinces the locals to start a band for their children. Of course he will  sell them the uniforms and instruments.  Imagine if he had arrived in March, which is “National Music In Our…

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