The chicken or the egg?

The  WSJ article Hypertargeting talks about how politicians and campaign managers are able to drill down on their audience.  I wonder about the causality and directionality of big data in this instance.  Where there is fear there is money. Campaigns run on political contributions.  Is the hypertargeting of political marketing creating a greater schism in our society or is it exploiting one that already exists?

Mercurial

How quickly the definition of success can change … I got up to race this morning in the cold and rain and the extra special friend of a chest cold settling in.  I was determined to “run my race.”  My goal was stay HR Zone 2 or a low 3.  This has meant running slower than I’m used to which is a mental adjustment ---stay focused on the goal and not on the greater time elapsed.   Right around mile 11 I’m excited to be right on track in my zones and out of nowhere a young lady I coached in GOTR is running next to me – the hug almost brought me to tears.  Success=possibly having a positive impact on a young person’s life.  Enough said.

Sail like a snail not a snake

Little adjustments … ego and success.  I recently succeeded in a goal I set 4 years ago.  In looking back at the path there were places where the vines tangled the desired outcome and emotions took the place of rational thinking.  In talking it over today with a friend I realized that the moment I stopped seeking credit for the outcome and directed my energies at getting the change to occur I was able to see the bigger picture and put the pieces of the puzzle together in a way serving all the constituents involved.  As my dad used to say in sailing  - little adjustments all the time makes for smoother sailing.    

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion;
respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.
Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.

Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,
even a stranger, when in a lonely place.
Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.
If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.

Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools
and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled
with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep
and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.
Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.
Chief Tecumseh

The year of the Dragon begins

It seems fitting to ramp back up again at the beginning of an auspicious year.  Here's to the Dragon and it being the luckiest year.  Of course luck is subjective - its has certainly brought me a bit of luck - my computer is working again!
May all be attended by good fortune in the year to come.