sign in sign up
<<
Home , Woozle effect

February 2018 Volume 2, Issue 2 PRISON ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM SANDERS ESTES UNIT VENUS,TEXAS

CHRONICLE

Business Plan Workshop Event is an Opportunity to Refine Business Plans

Stephen Fucile Executives and Volunteers ly been putting together their BP’s Listen to, Review Business with the outside help of the volun- teer advisors. This event is the first Plans—Offer advice to chance they are given to see the Sovereign Kings completed (albeit in draft form) BP. More importantly, it gives the Sover- On Saturday January 6th, the Winter eign Kings another chance to run ’18 class, The Sovereign Kings, their evolving plans and past completed another step along the the panel of executives and volun- path to graduation, the Business Plan teers who attended to give advice, Workshop Event. The Driving critique and encourage the class. theme was Innovation which was very appropriate given the purpose The executives and class members James Laster Conflict Resolution of the event. were divided into six groups and utilized the PEP room along with PEP participants all know that the various rooms in the sec- core of the second half of the pro- tion. The PEP brother’s met with gram, the ultimate goal, as it were, is executives in 15 minute increments, Inside this issue: the Business Plan (BP) they develop. one-on-one, getting feedback and The final event preceding graduation advice. The first session lasted a BP Workshop 2 is the Business Plan Competition. little over an hour then everyone Thus, doing well in the BCP is the Pitch Panel 2 took a cookie and coffee break. The ultimate goal of all. To that end, groups then got together for another Integrity Selling 3 virtually every lesson and assign- session of one-on-one before ment in Phase II is geared to learning ending. Everyone then transferred how to produce a business Dr Burriss 4 back to the PEP room for more ac- plan. tivities. Personal and 5-6 Up to this point, the class has steadi- Prof. Development Continued Page 2 Fitness 7 SOVEREIGN KINGS PITCH PANEL EVENT Bitcoin 8 The February 2nd Pitch Panel Event several wonderful pieces of artwork, The executives, volunteers and stu- Soapbox 10 may have been the best yet of Win- depicting Linda, on behalf of us all. dents listened diligently to the pitch- ter ’18. 80 Executive Volunteers es and offered comments, advice, were expected and close to that criticisms and accolades verbally showed up. It was a packed house. and on the response sheet but genu- inely cared and were totally en- CORRECTIONS Linda Thomas, long-time PEP sup- gaged. We all realize what a gift this Stephen Fucile porter and tireless volunteer, was the program is and truly appreciate those subject of a moving tribute. The PEP who give their time to us. Without Medias Team presented a wonderful them, PEP could not, would not short film, leaving not a dry eye in exist! Chris Winfield - the house. Carl, Linda’s husband of Editor in Chief many years, then shared the story of In order to get everyone primed up The seven "room winning” pitches James Laster - how he and Linda began their in- and ready to go, Michael Smoltich, were delivered by Stephon J., Nick Editor volvement with PEP. PEP partici- Pristine ‘17, delivered his BPC Final M., Julio A., Alan F., Stephen F., pants, both current and graduates –Four pitch to the assembled group. Juan O.— Jason M. and Jacob R. shared their of Linda. In As during his BPC, he delivered it tied. closing, Carl was presented with flawlessly. Cont . Page 2 PEP Chronicle Feb 2018 Page 2 Sales Seminar Brings Fresh Perspective and Outlook to Class

BUSINESS PLAN WORKSHOP cont. Bert Smith made the announcement PEP as a member of the Board of The next event in the buildup to the that, after seven years he is stepping Directors, as well as teaching. BPC is the PITCH PANEL. PEP down as CEO, Chief Empowerment brothers will get their first chance to 12 newcomers were present at the Officer. Mr. Smith then announced present their formal 7-12 minute event. As always, they showed off that Bryan Kelly will be taking over pitch publicly. This will provide their dancing moves for the crowd, as CEO. Bryan’s rise through the much needed practice and input that spoke briefly and were shown a lot PEP ranks is both inspiring and a will allow them to refine their of . We are so very grateful for lesson in perseverance. Congrats and presentation in preparation for the their presence and support. Good Luck! Bert went on to say that BPC. The event will be on Friday, he will continue his involvement in February 2. By C. Winfield

PITCH PANEL cont.

That the Sovereign Kings did a represented yourselves’ well. a thing to be proud of. fantastic job with their presenta- tions is a credit to their hard work The event coordinator, Andrew The Business Plan Competition - Ramos, his team of Reuben and graduation are only a month Props as well as the PEP Gradu- Vasquez, Vince Herrera and Brian away! Time flies. Good luck gen- ates that worked tirelessly with Trombly, the media team, the tlemen. them. A few rough patches, but utility squad and everyone in- that’s to be expected. A 7 to 12 volved worked, as always, effec- By Chris Winfield minute pitch, memorized, is quite tively, efficiently and seamlessly; a feat. Everyone take a bow - you they continue to make our events PEP Chronicle Feb 2018 INTEGRITY SELLING Page 3 Sales Seminar Brings Fresh Perspective and Outlook to Class

David Raines and Steve Houseman teach strategies most important communication in sales is when your for successful selling to Sovereign Kings customer talks and you listen.

Do you believe salesmen are born or do you believe This intellectual selling event day was both informative they are made? According to David Raines, sales traits and exciting. The experience the class received by be- are not learned intellectually but by experience. The ing put in mock business sales scenarios gave them the Sovereign Kings class experienced an intellectual sell- understanding of how important it is to listen and com- ing day with executive volunteers David Raines and municate with your customer. This event was addition- Steve Houseman -who again came to share their exten- ally useful in that the given will be incor- sive sales experience at the Estes Unit for the Integrity porated into the pitches for the business plan competi- Selling Day seminar. tion. The information gave the class the understanding how to put the finishing polish on their business pitch- es.

David Raines and Steve Houseman applaud the Sovereign Kings. The Sovereign Kings welcomed both gentleman and were anxious for the and wisdom they would dispense throughout the day. David Raines Possibly the best advice given was when Houseman spoke first and broke the ice as he relayed the story of gave the class the four keys to successful selling. They how he was once a TDCJ inmate. All could relate to were his struggles as they sounded familiar to many. Most importantly though, he spoke of how he overcame his 1) Goal clarity past -he has been out for 17 years- and how he started 2) High achievement drive his own business. Through hard work and perseverance Mr. Raines has turned it into a multi-million dollar 3) Emotional business. 4) Social skills. The day was packed with excellent information. The class was put in real life sales situations and acted out He broke each point down to explain its importance. mock sales presentations. Raines and Houseman cri- tiqued the efforts of the class individually and offered All in all this was another thoughtful and learning suggestions, positive affirmation and other advice. event. The Sovereign Kings gained not only valuable Throughout the day they doled out great information knowledge but got hands-on sales experience as well. such as sales communication is 55% body language Both David and Steve are professional salesmen and which they had the class put to use. By the end of the used their years of experience to enhance the partici- afternoon everyone was performing with confidence pants understanding of sales communication. The event from all tips and suggestions given. was another stepping stone in PEP’s continual effort to educate and equip participants with valuable skills to Both David and Steve were very particular in what they be used upon release. We are blessed to be a part of it. wanted the Sovereign Kings to learn and understand. They really drilled it into the classes’ heads that one By Jared Spruce has to approach selling with an of listening and Sovereign Kings understanding the customer’s needs. They said the PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PEP Chronicle Feb 2018 Page 4 Dr. George Burris Speaks on Overcoming Distorted Thinking

“It is okay to hit; fun is bad; joining a of these “ruined vessels” – those who wander expected. One raised in such an environment gang is the right thing to do – wise through life without the least trace of humanity may well – due in large part to the traumatic even; women are our property; or civility – those who have taken the afore- of those experiences – grow into adoles- mentioned beliefs as gospel. cence and adulthood believing that hitting an- is wrong with drugs and alcohol; the other human is not only okay, but the The good doctor came to shine a light upon our things that I don’t have are the things right thing to do in tense situations. that I have to take from others … “ ir- Much of this distorted thinking, according to Dear Reader the doctor, can be traced to similar events dur- ing childhood and early adolescence. How do Do you now, or did you ever, hold any of the we change these beliefs? First, we must REAL- abovementioned beliefs? If so, when or where LY want to; the “why” has to be big enough. did they originate? Do you know? The most Second, we have to dredge up all of those old important question of all is: How do we rid memories – all of the hurt, all of the pain, all of ourselves of them? the hate & anger – and honestly FEEL them. Many of us may ask ourselves these very same Finally, we must take advantage of the power questions, yet rarely have the opportunity to packed within those to resolve never receive an answer and/or a fix worth imple- to believe, never to think, never to engage in menting; if we do find some sort of solution, any of those erroneous ideals and/or actions the fix has a habit of not sticking. Why? What ever again. can any of us do to affect real change? It is only there in that dark place, he said, that To paraphrase the eminent Dr. George Burriss, we can find the light necessary to guide us safe- who, for the second time, was kind enough to ly towards the shore of mental and spiritual honor us with his presence: Lasting decisions recovery. are only made in states of deep, or heightened, All of us here in the PEP are deeply . rationalities, for it is nigh impossible to fix honored to have had the honorable Dr. George something which we don’t realize is broken. Burriss come to our modest doorstep and offer How many have we done just that, with- Dr. Burriss revealed to us how it is that we us a way out of the abyss of ignorance, intoler- out ever realizing it, while navigating the often come to believe certain irrationalities, such as ance, and depravity. Hopefully he will be kind treacherous waters of life? Devoid of a light to “its okay to hit.” Most of these beliefs form enough to visit us again in the near ! guide us, our “vessels” will become lost at sea while we are children. Let’s say that we grow or dashed upon the rocks of our own ruin. Each up in a house where we see and/or experience By Grady Vickers and every one of us has witnessed one or more hitting and, not only is it tolerated but, it is Sovereign Kings

Submission Policy

The PEP Chronicle actively seeks submitted on the other. are welcome. Just don’t be that guy who content- articles (original or to- be- reprinted), Written submission to be between 150 and rants offensively and incoherently applicable current event stories, profiles and 500 words Submission does not guarantee acceptance. Op-Ed pieces. Material can be edited for content and/ or Content is reviewed for suitability by In the business world, written communication length at the discretion of staff. Chronicle staff as well as PEP management skill are every bit as important as verbal- We Content should be in line with PEP’s stated in Houston. Don’t get your feelings hurt if have Toastmasters to develop the one; The aims and goals PEP Chronicle can provide opportunity to work Opinion pieces are just that– opinions- and you do not have your work printed. Try again. PEP Chronicle PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Feb 2018 Page 5

THE ART OF RHETORIC

Rhetoric is the art of discourse wherein a in our everyday lives. where you could make your claim as the best writer or speaker strives to inform, persuade candidate to the interviewer could be the Some of the very most persuasive speakers or motivate a particular audience in specific differentiator. Having a strong are those who have passion not necessarily situations. The ancient Greeks made this art prepared to state your case as to why you are all the answers. Take the five year old child of speech famous by using it to shape the the person best fit for the promotion you who wishes above all things to stay up late to public’s views on politics and civic life. You seek. Prepare yourself with a list of your watch a movie or T.V show with an older can find the earliest mention of these oratori- attributes allowing that dream girl to say yes. sibling. The passion, in which these children cal skills occur is Homer’s Iliad where heroes often times speak, wins the argument and The art of persuasive speech is important to like Achilles, Hector and Odysseus were gets them their heart’s desire. These children all of our everyday lives. We should look for honored for their ability to advise and exhort are bold enough to make the stance and place the opportunities in which we can make a their peers and followers (the Laos army) in an argument toward their goal. Is there a difference in our very own lives. Being child- wise and appropriate action. American Presi- lesson here for us adults? like and bold in our efforts to seek out and dent John Quincy Adams of Harvard accomplish our dreams. That sounds like a School is famous for his own brand of rhetor- We are faced with situations every day in great to me. ical theory. While debating the theoretical which we could be bold enough to hold our uses of rhetorical speech are a much enjoyed ground and make our case. Think of this in By Stephen Fucile past time of ivy leaguers it is also very useful the practical applications, a job interview Sovereign Kings THE SECOND SALE A one-time customer is a wasted opportunity. So we asked six entrepre- neurs: How do you create repeat purchases?

 TREAT ‘EM NICE- “We recognize our sumer electronics retailer, but on our web- coming back by adding more than 100 regulars, even if it is a simple ‘Welcome site we track our customer’s preferences new products every single week. We con- back. ‘ People like to feel that they are and have a proprietary algorithm that stantly promote new arrivals on Insta- being seen and noticed and are important recommends products. Knowing what gram. Having a bigger variety that any to you.” Leo Kremer, founder, Dos To- they have and what they’re interested in other outlet is what keeps them coming ros engenders loyalty.” Leon Shaw, founder, back.” Jean Baik, founder, ShopMis- Audio Advice sA.com  ANTICIPATE THEIR NEEDS- “We make custom stationary using dies and  GIVE GIFTS!- “We have a referral pro-  HELP THEM NEVER FORGET- “We plates that are engraved for specific cli- gram that includes a special discount for stand for more than just ‘cheap flowers.‘ ents. Our sales team is proactive about both parties- the original buyer and the We offer subscriptions, which introduce reaching out for reorders.” Jaqueline recipient- and we offer a free gift with the of automated deliveries- Kotts, owner, Mrs. John L. Strong purchases around the big holidays.” Hel- weekly, monthly, or quarterly. We also en Ficalora, founder, Helen Ficalora allow people to subscribe to discounted  KNOW THEIR - “A single preorders for recurring specific dates, like product is only the beginning of a sound  MORE IS MORE- “ on our birthdays or anniversaries.” John Tabis, system. We’re a brick-and-mortar con- site is $1, so we naturally have a founder, The Bouqs Company lot of repeat customers. We keep them I GOT YOUR WIKI RIGHT HERE Want a Wikipedia page for yourself or your 1) Ramp Up. Start by publishing thought bility. business? An underground network of editors pieces on your own site, says Jayson 3) Engage! Grow your social media follow- will make you one-for a price. Over the last DeMers, of marketing firm Audience ing by “responding to all comments on all few years this has become quite the trend. In Bloom. From there, you can pitch niche platforms,” says DeMers. “Don’t just use the same way you can purchase twitter follow- blogs and industry podcasts, moving up to social as a megaphone to get your mes- ers for $2000 per million, you can have a Wiki mainstream publications. sage out.” page created for about the same. The jury is 2) Use Video. Local colleges and chambers 4) Seek Out Reporters. Build relationships out as to whether this actually has any quanti- of commerce are often eager to host with journalists by being a fiable benefit. There are things you can do speakers. Offer to give a talk and have it “knowledgeable, fast, and reliable yourself, however, to up your visibility. filmed, suggests Leonard Kim, of Influ- source,” says Demers. He suggests sign- ence-Tree. Share the video with your fol- ing up for a service like HARO, where Here are four ways to boost your credibility lowers, turn the audio into a podcast epi- you can connect with journalists who are and expand your digital footprint: sode, and transcribe the speech for a blog writing about specific topics or industries. post- a digital Hat Trick that builds credi- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PEP Chronicle Feb 2018 Page 6 CONFLICT RESOLUTION

CONFLICT will always be a part of our lives. Certain conflicts may be as easy as a simple If a conflict exists you can approach it in many It is something that we will all face and be misunderstanding; due to faulty you ways. In some situations you may ignore it. forced to deal with at one time or another, either may find that one of the parties involved does However most of the time this does not work. on the job, in social settings, or possibly even in not have all the about the situation. Once The conflict doesn’t go away; it often gets the home. We have all witnessed the aftermath everyone knows the facts, the misunderstanding of conflicts that have been unaddressed and disappears. worse when ignored. You can attempt to unresolved. Jobs lost, destroyed, smooth it over. This method is appropriate As situations move forward issues can arise. crimes committed, even wars being waged. It is when the issues are more important to the par- Perhaps team members have different opinions very important for us to grow and learn conflict or preferences about a situation. A multitude of ties involved than they are to you and the teams resolution skills that we can apply to all aspects issues can arise between individuals that easily goals. This method preserves and of our lives. Conflict is not always a bad thing. halt a working relationship and alter the social goodwill. You can attempt to use power to re- Once conflict is identified and properly ad- atmosphere of any group. solve conflict, especially when an emergency dressed and resolved it often leads to improve- ment and positive change, bringing forth ad- Another type of conflict stems from different situation requires a quick decision. However, vancements such as increased productivity, styles of leadership. Every leader has a particu- this usually results in “winners” and “losers” better decisions, innovation and bonding. Peo- lar way that he or she leads. Every team mem- and losers can be resentful. Compromising is a ple can move past conflict to find and utilize ber responds differently to different styles of great way to deal with conflict but it can be solutions that have a positive impact. leadership. Most leaders display characteristics difficult to reach an understanding. Since both of either authoritarian, democratic, charismatic, Conflict may occur for four . Conten- parties lose something they may have less sup- or passive styles of leadership. These different tious personalities, misunderstanding, issues, styles of leadership can sometimes create con- port for the compromise solution. Collaboration and styles of leadership can all be reasons con- flict amongst team members as well as other is another wat to resolve conflict. Each side flict may arise. When it comes to contentious leaders. recognizes the others needs as legitimate and personalities, a person’s disposition or person- important and acknowledges their ability and ality is a complicated . Individuals are Do not allow conflicts to degenerate into refus- influenced and molded by different factors such als to communicate or to work with one anoth- expertise. They work together to arrive at an as parenting, , community, experiences er, name calling or even worse. It is important agreement that will resolve the conflict. When and a culmination of many other factors. Some- for team members to remember that they are not each party wins, they have greater commitment time individuals just tend to clash. The follow- required to like each other, but they must put to the solution and no resentment or distrust. ing personalities can be very difficult to deal aside differences and focus on achieving the with: a know- it- all, an argumentative individ- team’s goal. By James Laster Source: Toastamasters Intl ual, a people pleaser, a narcissist and a self- loather.

HOW TO RESIST SHINY-OBJECT SYNDROME

Have you ever worked with someone who is Leaders who struggle with shiny-object syn- constantly chasing shiny objects- poking full of big ideas and constantly hops from one drome cost their companies hundreds of thou- holes, asking hard questions and looking project to the next? If so, you’ve likely en- sands of dollars in time, resources and produc- for weaknesses. countered a case of what psychologists call tivity. The is, most shiny ideas simply shiny-object syndrome. This is when someone aren’t worth pursuing. Fortunately, for suffer-  Strengthen Your Focus- Avoiding shiny is so distracted by the world around them that ers of shiny-object syndrome, there are ways -object syndrome starts with having a they’re forever drawn towards new ideas, peo- to cope: predictable work environment an sched- ple and stimuli. ule. The more decisions we make  Schedule New-Idea Time- If you are throughout the day the less will power we You likely know these people. Maybe you’re regularly tempted by new ideas, aside have. This is known as “ego-depletion” even one of them. Entrepreneurs are especially a block of time every week to address and is why we’re more likely to act im- prone to shiny-object syndrome. Psychology them all at once. This way, the heat of the pulsively. An easy way to lessen ego- researcher Sabine Kastner discovered that the moment will have cooled and you can depletion is to make your work environ- more stimuli the brain is exposed to, the hard- objectively evaluate all new ideas during ment as stable and predictable as possible. er time it has focusing on a single task, which one dedicated session. The fewer decisions you have to make, makes us more impulsive. This is because  Enlist a Dream Killer- If you are a the more effective they will be. when we are overwhelmed the limbic system dreamer, you need a dream killer- some- in or brain drives us to do what feels right, not one who is honestly skeptical, refresh- New ideas can create sparks in a growing busi- necessarily what is right. We are then com- ingly direct, and very good at finding the ness, but too many can start a fire. Make sure pelled to embrace new ideas we haven’t fully potential downfalls of a new idea. Having your ideas provide strength, not destruction. thought through. a dream killer present during new idea All that glitters is not gold. time can be extremely effective for those By C.Winfield FITNESS CORNER PEP Chronicle Feb 2018 Page 7 DITCH DIET SODA

Along with an inflated waistline, soda, was found to promote fat production HIGHER RISK OF STROKE AND DE- diet soda drinkers are also more and inflammation after being consumed for MENTIA less than two weeks. The same study also found that people who likely to experience… SMALLER BRAIN VOLUME drank at least one diet soft drink a day had Diet soda drinkers have a smaller hippocam- three times the risk of experiencing strokes pus- the area in the brain that processes learn- and dementia EXTRA WEIGHT GAIN ing and - a study of 4,000 subjects Sucralose, a popular sweetener used in diet found. LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

To fast… ...Or not to fast? Male subjects who worked out on an empty stomach had more energy When 100 obese subjects went on either a reduced- calorie diet(75% of and burned more fat- each related to a specific gene- than subjects who their recommend calories each day) or an intermittent fast(25% of their exercised on a full belly. calories on fast days, 125% on other days), he difference in weight loss wasn’t significant (6% vs. 5.3%) PHYSICAL FITNESS CORE VALUES We believe that, along with character development – moral and spiritual, one must be a Wise Steward when it comes to the body the Good Lord blessed us with. To that end, first and foremost, a person must discipline their mind before they are fully capable of disciplining their body. The fol- lowing core values should be held sacred and practiced both on and off the fields of life. This phi- losophy transcends that of the “yard” or the “ ‘hood” and should be incorporated into every aspect of our lives- making us better individuals in everything that we do and encounter on a day to day basis, on or off the field, at work, at home, on vacation or just performing everyday tasks. These Core Values do not replace the PEP Driving Values; Rather, they exist and are practiced in tandem, being lived out always. They are only for the strong of heart.

 STRENGTH: Mind and body. One cannot be strong if the other is weak.

 DETERMINATION: Never give up and never quit. This applies in every aspect of our lives

 DISCIPLINE: Doing the things we know we need to do even when we don’t feel like it. Again , this applies to all aspects of our lives and is honed through our training, and eating habits

 LOYALTY: To self and others. Servant-leader Mentality. This means sacrificing for others and doing everything we can to improve our lives.

 INTEGRITY: We are honest in all dealings— in action, words and deeds.

 ACCOUNTABILITY: Live in an appropriate and acceptable manner, according to your value system. Accept responsibility for all actions, good and bad. Never

complain and never explain. By C. Winfield PEP Chronicle Feb 2018 Page 8 BITCOIN—A PRIMER

We have all heard about Bitcoin, the crypto- countant with a ledger book. On the stage, this on your IPad! currency and payment system. $1000! $5000! another accountant announces “Dilly Bob Nun- The unit of account of the Bitcoin system is the $15,000! We’ll all get rich!! NOT. Its worth chuck has just paid Jenna Johansen $350”. bitcoin. With the skyrocketing value of indi- about $8000 now, down from $19,000 a few Simultaneously everyone in the room records vidual bitcoins, small alternative units have weeks ago. Remember, bitcoins have no inher- the transaction. In digital form, worldwide, on come into use: millibitcoin (.001, or one thou- ent value- there is truly nothing backing them. the internet, this is the blockchain. Approxi- sandth), microbitcoin (.000001 or one mil- Here is some history and facts about bitcoin: mately six (6) times per hour, a new group of lionth) and a satoshi- .00000001 or one hun- accepted transactions, a block, is created and Bitcoin was introduced October 31, 2008 by an dred millionth of a bitcoin. added to the blockchain, published to all the unidentified programmer, or group of program- nodes. Whereas a conventional ledger records A wallet stores the information necessary to mers, under the name of Satoshi Nakamoto. the transactions of actual bills or promissory transact bitcoins. While wallets are often de- There have been various claims and specula- notes that exist apart from it, the blockchain is scribed as places to hold or store bitcoins, tion concerning the of Nakamoto, none the only place that bitcoins can be said to exist. bitcoins are inseparable from the blockchain of which are confirmed. Bitcoin is obviously The U.S. Treasury categorizes Bitcoin as a transaction ledger.. A better way to describe a very risky as Bitcoin users are not protected by decentralized virtual currency because the sys- wallet is something that ”stores the digital cre- refund or chargebacks. Bitcoin has also tem works without a central repository or a dentials for your bitcoin holdings” and allows attracted the attention of various forms of law single administrator. you to access (and spend) them. enforcement due to it being used by criminals whose primary focus has been on darknet mar- Bitcoins are created as a reward in which users Bitcoins can be sold both on-and offline. Par- kets and theft, even though officials in coun- offer their computing power to verify and rec- ticipants in online exchanges offer bitcoin buy tries such as the United States have recognized ord bitcoin transactions into the blockchain. and sell bids. Using an online exchange offers that Bitcoin can provide legitimate financial This activity is known as mining and success- some risk.. Offline, bitcoins may be purchased services. As far as digital currency ful miners are rewarded with transaction fees directly from an individual or a bitcoin ATM. (cryptocurrency) Bitcoin is the largest of its and newly created bitcoins. Bitcoins can also Bitcoin machines are not traditional ATMs- kind in terms of total market value (see below be exchanged for other currencies, products, Bitcoin kiosks are connected to the internet for table of cryptocurrencies). and services. When sending bitcoins, users can allowing the insertion of cash in exchange for potentially expedite the confirmation of trans- bitcoins. Here is where it begins to get complicated; the actions by paying optional transaction fees to system is peer-to-peer and transactions take the miners. Before you get all excited, mining Bitcoins values are extremely volatile- just place between users directly, without an inter- operations are generally giant “server farms” watch the news. At some point cryptocurren- mediary. These transactions are verified by set up in places like China and Iceland where cies will achieve full legitimacy and probably network nodes and recorded in a public distrib- electricity is cheap. It takes in excess of 200 become the defacto way currencies are trans- uted ledger called the blockchain, which uses quintillion (that’s a billion trillion!) attempted acted. For now, though, “Caveat Emptor”- bitcoin as its unit of account. transaction ”nonce tries” before a single block Buyer Beware! Here’s how it works: Imagine a high school can be created. The average time is 10 minutes By James Laster & Chris Winfield Sources: Various auditorium with every chair filled by an ac- between block creations. You aint gonna do CRYPTOCURRENCIES PEP Chronicle August 2017 Page 9

Book Review the 2014 graduating class at the University of you want in this life? Will you live in fear, be Texas at Austin. Shortly after McRaven ad- scared or embarrassed by your past and let life dressed the Longhorns graduating class the vid- push you around? How will you ‘Dare Greatly’ Make Your Bed eo went viral. In response, Admiral McRaven to standout, in a good and positive way, to ac- expanded on his address to the students and complish what is in your heart? William H. McRaven wrote the book. Other chapters sound like they came right out of Admiral, USN, Retired The book follows the ten , fundamen- the PEP playbook. Chapter titles like ‘Failure Available in the PEP library tals or tenets (in PEP we would say his driving Can Make You Stronger’, ‘Stand Up to the Bul- values) Mr. McRaven learned to guide his life lies’, ‘Give People Hope’ and ‘Never, Ever as a career Navy/military man. He was a Navy Quit!’ sound like many of the things we see, Seal for 37 years and worked his way up to a hear and talk about in PEP. Four-Star Admiral before retiring. He is now the Admiral McRaven learned many lessons in his Chancellor of the University of Texas System. long and ongoing distinguished career. He took Each chapter is named after one of the ten les- the lessons learned and turned them into his sons he learned in the Navy with stories and own driving values which he now shares

examples to demonstrate the power of each, if through his book. What driving values will you followed. The first chapter is ‘Start Your Day develop to guide you in your life? with a Task Completed’, or, Make Your Bed. It “Life is full of difficult times,” the Admiral expounds on how doing something as simply says. “But someone out there always has it making your bed first thing sets the way for the worse than you do. If you fill your days with rest of your day. We all need structure in our pity, sorrow for the way you have been treated, life’s and starting the day by completing a sim- bemoaning your lot in life, blaming your cir- The subtitle of this book is “Little Things That ple task gives one a little self-pride and is a re- cumstances on someone or something else, then Can Change Your Life…And Maybe The minder that you that your day will include work life will be long and hard. If, on the other hand, World.” to be done, decisions to be made and tasks that you refuse to give up on your dreams, stand tall need completing. Making your bed will remind Admiral McRavens’ book is indeed a ‘little’ and strong against the odds-then life will be you of that. book, in the number of pages and the time it will what you make of it-and you can make it great.” take to read. Yet as it’s said, (to paraphrase) Another chapter is called ‘You Must Dare Dare Greatly gentlemen. ‘sometimes the biggest gifts come in the small- Greatly.’ This chapter is a reminder of what we est packages.’ The book could be read cover-to- in PEP will face when we are released. Many **The video of Admiral McRaven’s commence- cover in a couple hours but the sound and wise obstacles will be placed before us due to our ment address to the UT graduates is downloaded advice it dispenses will stay with you for a very record. Roadblocks, barriers and just the word on our computers in the computer room. long time. ‘NO’ will be daily encounters. How will you . The book was written in response to the com- detour around these? What are you going to do By: Mark Gregulak mencement address Admiral McRaven gave to to get the job, get the opportunity and get what

SHOUT OUT TO THE EVENT COORDINATION TEAM! EXCELLENCE AND EXECUTION PERSONIFIED!

REUBEN VASQUEZ, BRIAN TROMBLY, VINCE HERRERA AND ANDREW RAMOS PEP Chronicle Page 10 Feb 2018 SOAPBOX Have something to share? Wisdom to impart? A you wish to convey? Is it sticking in your craw? Get it off your chest! HOW ABOUT ACTUALLY THINKING FOR YOURSELF? HOW ABOUT NOT PARROTING THE LAST THING YOU HEARD ON THE RADIO? HOW ABOUT GETTING OUT OF THE THAT PROVIDES YOU A METAPHORICAL PINK PRINCESS POP-UP TENT TO CRAWL INTO, TAKING YOU BACK TO THE TIME WHEN MOMMA BRAIDED YOUR HAIR AND PROTECTED YOU FROM ALL THOSE MEANIES? HOW ABOUT DECIDING FOR YOURSELF WHAT TO OFFENDED BY, NOT BUY- ING INTO THE LATEST CAUSE PROVIDED BY THE PROFESSIONAL OUTRAGE INDUSTRY? THIS GIFT THE GOOD LORD GAVE US CALLED THE HUMAN BRAIN IS A PRETTY AMAZING THING– USE IT. C. Winfield Editor

Critical Thinking During the process of , ideas should be reasoned, well thought out and judged- Critical thinking means making clear, reasoned . Definitions Procedure Critical thinking calls for the ability to: Traditionally, critical thinking has been variously defined as:  Recognize problems, to find workable means for meeting those  The process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, problems. analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information to reach an  Understand the importance of prioritization and order of prece- answer or conclusion. dence in problem solving.  Disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded and in-  Gather and marshal relevant information. formed by .  Recognize unstated assumptions and values.  Reasonable, reflective thinking focused on what to believe or do.  Comprehend and use language with accuracy, clarity and discern-  Purposeful, self-regulatory judgment which results in interpreta- ment. tion, analysis, evaluation and inference.  Interpret data, to appraise evidence and evaluate .  The skill and propensity to engage in an activity with reflective  Recognize the or non-existence of logical relationships skepticism. between propositions.  A commitment to using in the formulation of our beliefs.  Draw warranted conclusions and generalizations.  Critical thinking is not “hard” thinking nor is it directed at solving  Put to test the conclusions and generalizations at which one arrives. problems (other than improving one’s own thinking). Critical  Reconstruct one’s pattern of beliefs on the basis of wider experi- thinking is inward-directed with the intent of maximizing the ra- ence. tionality of the thinker. Render accurate judgements about specific things and qualities in  everyday life..

TRUTHINESS Truthiness: a quality characterizing a “truth” that a person making an argument or assertion claims to know intuitively “from the gut” or because it “feels right” without regard to evidence, , intellectual examination or facts. Named the 2005 Word of the Year by the American Dia- lect Society and for 2006 by Merriam-Webster. The Woozle Effect The Woozle Effect, also known as evidence by citation, or a woozle, occurs when frequent citation (reference) of pre- vious publications that lack evidence misleads individuals, groups and the public into thinking or believing there is evidence, and nonfacts become urban , fake news and . A woozle is an imaginary character in the book Winnie-the-Pooh. In chapter three, “in which Pooh and Piglet Go Hunting and Nearly Catch a Woozle”, Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet start following tracks left in the snow that they believe belong to a woozle. The tracks keep multiplying until explains to them that they have been following their own tracks in a circle around a tree. The creation of woozles is often linked to the changing of language from qualified –“it might”, “it may”, “it could”, to the absolute “IT IS”. “Everyone knows…”, “It is clear that…”, ”It is obvious that..”, “It is generally agreed…” are terms that should set off alarm bells that there might be a Woozle in the house!