To my mind, the idea is "king." It doesn't make much difference if it's the product of a large organization or a small organization, as long as it makes it through the "clutter and noise" to my little corner of the world.

One of the best ideas in the history of the personal computer was the Visicalc electronic spreadsheet created by Dan Bricklin and Bob Frankston. I acquired Visicalc in January 1980 and my respect for its novelty and for its creators has only grown since.

Dan Bricklin's take on the pc world from his quarter-century perspective is always a joyful read. His post today is Small Players Matter: "While large players and big media companies act like they are the main reason for the web and Internet and therefore should drive policy decisions, the numbers show that the contributions of the myriad of small players -- individuals, non-profits, and small businesses -- are crucial to the vitality of the web and its value to people."

At the other end of the idea scale is William Dunk's Global Province, coming from his always insightful global perspective. This week he unveiled the annual William Dunk's 2002 Annual Report On Annual Reports:
Long on Words; Short on Ideas: Krispy Has Right Recipe. If it seems that the world's corporations are "circling the wagons" and "battening down the hatches" in the wake of 9/11 and Enron, their annual reports seem to confirm it.

A rare exception to this is Krispy Kreme, tempted by a legal but less than ethical lease scheme last year. Their response? "As Chairman Scott Livengood said in Krispy Kreme’s Annual Report: 'In the current economic climate, investors are understandably paying closer attention to the financial strength of companies and the way they conduct business. We have taken the position that there is no reason for us to do anything that could be misinterpreted, regardless of how legal and acceptable it may be.'"

The right recipe, indeed!

The idea that learning doesn't stop with the end of formal education is not new. Growing up near The Chautauqua Institution in Western New York State, I occasionally participated in its life-long learning community. In fact, Chautauqua's wonderful nine-week season begins in two-and-a-half weeks on June 23rd. It looks like another year that I won't be able to attend, even for a three day "sabbatical" ... but there's always next year.

In any event, since the advent of the internet I have been dreaming of the online equivalent of Chautauqua ... not just for nine weeks, but year around. Finally, I feel that dream may be moving along. The Lulu Press, founded by Red Hat's Bob Young, is about to explore the power of the internet in the educational realm.

I believe Chautauqua is nearing its 130th year. LuLu Press was announced yesterday, June 4th. They are connected only in my mind.

"As long as old men sit and talk about the weather, As long as old women sit and talk about old men." --Forever and Ever, Amen, by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz.

It's easy to begin a conversation with a comment about the weather. What's happening now weather-wise is perfectly observable as well as our reactions to it. We may also opinionate about the weather of the recent past and the near future ... brag or complain ... exhibit our whole cosmic attitude in a nutshell.

Why? Because it's not the weather that matters (it's generally quickly forgotten), but our attitudes. PBS's Roger Rosenblatt in his book, "Rules For Aging," puts it well:

"Rule #1: It doesn't matter
Whatever you think matters-doesn't. Follow this rule, and it will add decades to your life. It does not matter if you are late, or early; if you are here, or if you are there; if you said it, or did not say it; if you were clever, or if you were stupid; if you are having a bad hair day, or a no hair day; if your boss looks at you cockeyed; if your girlfriend or boyfriend looks at you cockeyed; if you don't get that promotion, or prize, or house, or if you do. It doesn't matter."

It's 78 degrees and cloudy this morning here in Canyon Lake, Texas. It's misting a bit and looks like possible rain. The TV weatherman in nearby San Antonio predicts the high will be 93 degrees with thunder storms and cooler weather possibly coming tomorrow.

It's going to be a great day!