Solving for WHY #edcmooc – Sunset Observer #25…by Whitney Farmer – Un Pop Culture | @MDWorld

December 31, 2013 Whitney Farmer 5 Comments

Problems are meant to be solved. Some have more variables but can be dismantled if we apply memorized formulas. For whatever reason, I can recite the Quadratic Equation upon demand. That and lighting a Bic lighter with my toes are my only circus tricks.

Formulas are used like keys to unlock and quickly move everything to one side of the equal sign except for the answer to the problem. All the components are still there, but they are organized in a new way that allows what before was a mystery to become evident. Like a closet that is organized, putting everything in the right place helps a person know what they have and understand what they can do.

The power of a formula or a key is that it can be used more than once…unless it is a key for Microsoft software that allows you to download to more than one computer post-sale. When calling tech support, I – despite having their receipts for my purchase and their license permission to download again after I bought a new laptop – was told that they no longer would support that feature. Not that I didn’t have the right. Not that I hadn’t paid for it. Simply that they were going to say ‘NO’.

So it’s important to work with trustworthy sources in order to get problems solved. These sources have access to experience, formulas or keys that can get things done.

Keys have the power to convey authority when they are given. Ed, (the beloved Dude of Light and Fog from the Club who was in charge of light and fog during shows), told me that he refused to be in charge of keys wherever he worked. He wanted no part of being held responsible. Lacking in ambition, he also could be trusted with your firstborn. He was the opposite of Microsoft.

The New Year is here, and its concomitant resolutions are a topic of conversation. People affirm or reject the ritual of analyzing the story problem that is life in order to find solutions. Socrates as recorded by Plato said that the unexamined life is not worth living. This is the opposite of the cynicism of those who refuse to sign up for “I will…” pledges.

But maybe the cynics have just been frustrated by not being able to solve their problems in the past. Perhaps it would help them to know that some problems take a lifetime to unbundle rather than a year. Some problems need formulas assigned, shortcuts and a reorganized perspective gained by a previously tested soul who has been faced with the same equation. And some problems need keys to open locked doors. Sometimes the tested and tried need authority – even if it includes accountability – to get from where they are to where they need to be.

I am working on my list of New Year’s resolutions. Some are instant changes while some will be part of a new course in life. I’m very excited.

I will share my first one: I WILL organize my closet before I buy any more clothes.

Have a Happy New Year!

Unless you are Microsoft.

Quote of the Blog from “The Year of Living Dangerously”, Billy Kwon speaking of Jill: “This is a life like a flame that only needs care to burn high.”

NEXT TIME: World Piece!

Photo of some of my keys with the snakeskin keychain that Kiki and Sabrina sent me from France.