The Transmogrification of Education

Transmogrification is the process of changing or being changed in a significant way, often in a humorous or grotesque way. For example, you might describe a caterpillar turning into a butterfly or a rusty car becoming a futuristic vehicle as a transmogrification. 

Here are some synonyms for transmogrification: convert, metamorphose, transfigure, transform, and transmute. 

The origin of the word "transmogrify" is unclear, but one theory is that it may have come from a mistake to say "transmigrate", which means to pass into another body after death. In the Calvin and Hobbes universe, a transmogrifier is a device that can transform its user into any desired creature or item. 

I truly believe that 2025 will be the Year of the Transmogrification of Education. 

Today, there are 174K+ (K-20) schools across North America that are serviced by the NADLA.org. That is 579M+ people serviced by just under 200K+ (K-20) schools.  

Today, we do 'ZoomTalks.us' with actors, authors, teachers, trainers, coaches, mentors, thought leaders, subject matter experts from all around the world. 

Today, you can host a Zoom Webinar with up to 1M+ people LIVE on the event. So, you can have let's say 500 people LIVE in the auditorium or theater, 500K+ LIVE via Zoom and 5M+ via the archives hosted in the cloud. 

Today, you can access high-speed Internet via Viasat or Starlink which gave birth to AsiaDLA.org and AfricaDLA.org and EuropeDLA.org and now the GlobalDLA.org 

Today, you can take a LIVE or a recorded course on Udemy or Kajabi or LinkedIn Learning or Mighty Networks or YouTube or a dozen other such educational platforms. Almost every name-brand college or university has an online option. 

Today, you can buy a book 'Read by the Author' via Audible.com and it will feel like the author is right in the room with you (or with you in your car, or with you in the dog park, or...) 

Myself, I drove from Northern New Jersey to PURDUE UNIVERSITY in West Lafayette, Indiana many, many times starting in 1978. It was 732 miles each way - around 10 hours drive time. Today, you can get an AMAZING education from anywhere in the world, via a school like Purdue University Online. Or Penn State World Campus. Or RUTGERS or MIT or UCONN or... (Again - from anywhere in the world, there is no need to live on campus - any campus). 

Many of these things have come to front of mind, due to climate change, or due to the state of the global political climate, or AI, and other matters. But I feel that 2025 will be the year of the tipping point for education. I feel that the next 12 months is the period of time where everything changes for all of us, everywhere. Anywhere.

Yes, the world will transmogrify for all of us, and it will begin with EDUCATION. 

PURDUE University Online

Grandpadom Rocks

 

Today's blog is going to be short and sweet. We're up in Madison, Connecticut to celebrate my 365 days of Grandpadom. That is - my first grandchild just turned 1 years old. 

When they say that time flies, once you have a grandchild it goes into turbo boost mode. It feels like only yesterday the kids TOLD us that they were pregnant. Then those 9 months flew by - and now Theo just turned one. I'm 64, Theo is 1. Still trying to process it all....

As I sip my coffee in Madison, Connecticut I am thinking about not only 'time' but location. Boonton New Jersey vs. NYC vs. Madison Connecticut vs. pretty much anywhere. Other than clothes, all of Theo's gifts were toys that centered around EDUCATION. Books. Construction toys, building blocks, puzzles built for curious minds of toddlers. It's all about learning. Discovery. 

Sitting on the floor with Theo, watching him with a new toy. Observing him, as he figures it all out. Watching his curious mind go to work. 'Toy Mastery' is a thing when you pause long enough to watch it unfold. 

Theo's job is to figure things out. Take something new, and master it. Take a brand new book, and flip the pages hundreds of times. Take something apart, put it back together. Each time, faster than the last. 

I guess it hit me today, more than any other day. Learning how to walk, learning how to talk. Learning how to read. Learning how to feed yourself. Theo learns while at daycare. Theo learns while at home. Even while watching him sleep on the baby monitor - you can just tell that he is dreaming about his toys and books. 

There was a cool 'book' made of the pics of Theo, from his birth to his first 1 year old birthday party. And every pic that is in that book was a picture of discovery. Events, trips to the park, experiences. LEARNING. 

I'm going to end it here, as I want to get back to sitting on the floor, playing with Theo. But the lesson for me, and hopefully for you is this: Lifelong Learning. From the moment we are born, we begin LEARNING and exploring and discovering our world. It's supposed to be lifelong, continuous, never-ending discovery. Life is all about learning - it's the purpose of our time on earth. 

As parents, we are teachers. And none of us is as smart as all of us. It is our purpose to teach everything that we know. To share everything that we have learned over a lifetime of learning. I think that is the most human thing we can do - to teach everything we know. To share everything we have learned over our lifetimes. To pay it forward to all future generations. Every life matters as we transfer our knowledge forward to the next generation. Every. Life. Everywhere. MATTERS. 

"We are democratizing education on a global basis via disruptive technology." ~ Thomas A. Capone | CEO | GlobalDLA.org 

And yes, Grandpadom is a great gig. 

From Theo's Journey

Black Friday is a shopping event that traditionally occurs the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. It marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and is known for offering significant discounts and promotions from retailers. 

Key Aspects of Black Friday

Origin:  The term "Black Friday" originated in Philadelphia in the 1960s, initially referring to the heavy traffic and chaos caused by shoppers. Over time, it evolved into a nationwide term associated with retail sales and shopping.

Massive Discounts: Retailers, both in-store and online, offer substantial discounts on a wide range of products, including electronics, clothing, home goods, and more. It's an opportunity for consumers to buy items at lower prices.

Crowds and Chaos: Traditionally, Black Friday is characterized by large crowds, long lines, and sometimes even stampedes as shoppers compete for limited-time deals. However, in recent years, many people have shifted to online shopping.

Cyber Monday: The Monday following Black Friday, known as Cyber Monday, focuses on online shopping deals. Together, these two events create a weekend of sales.

Global Spread: Although Black Friday started in the U.S., it has become a global phenomenon, with countries around the world adopting similar sales events.

In recent years, many retailers have extended Black Friday sales to include the entire week or even the whole month of November. This shift has made the event more accessible and less focused on a single day. 

We shall come back to this....

The term "Black Friday" has an interesting history with two primary origins:

Philadelphia Traffic and Chaos (1960s). The term was first used in Philadelphia during the 1960s by police officers and city officials. It described the day after Thanksgiving when massive crowds of shoppers and tourists flooded the city for holiday shopping and the annual Army-Navy football game. The heavy traffic, overcrowded streets, and increased shoplifting created a chaotic atmosphere, leading police to refer to the day as "Black Friday."

Retail Profitability (1980s). In the 1980s, the term took on a more positive meaning. Retailers began using it to describe the day when their businesses moved "out of the red" (losses) and "into the black" (profits) due to the high volume of sales. The phrase gained traction as a way to emphasize the financial success of the day rather than the earlier negative connotations.

Today, "Black Friday" is widely associated with shopping deals and discounts, but its historical roots reflect both the chaos of the event and its significance to retailers.

Yes, you can save a significant amount of money on Black Friday if you shop strategically. However, the amount you save depends on how well you plan and what you're looking to buy. Here are some tips to maximize your savings:

Look for Big-Ticket Items. Best Deals tend to be Electronics like TVs, laptops, and smartphones; kitchen appliances; and home goods are often heavily discounted.

Compare Prices. Use price-comparison tools or apps (like CamelCamelCamel or Honey) to check if the sale price is actually a good deal. Some retailers inflate "original prices" to make discounts look larger.

Shop Online and In-Store. Online: Many deals are available online, sometimes even earlier than in stores (especially on Amazon or major retailer websites).

In-Store: Some doorbuster deals are exclusive to physical locations.

Plan Ahead. Make a List: Stick to a list to avoid impulse purchases.

Check Ads Early: Many retailers release their Black Friday ads ahead of time so you can plan where to shop.

Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to newsletters or apps from retailers for early access to sales.

Shop Smart. Price Match: Some retailers offer price-matching policies even during Black Friday.

Coupons and Cashback: Stack coupons, store rewards, or credit card cashback offers for additional savings.

Watch for Hidden Costs: Be cautious about shipping fees and avoid overspending on items that aren't discounted as much as they seem.

Beware of Gimmicks. Not Everything is a Deal: Some products, especially lower-quality models made specifically for Black Friday, may not be worth the "discount."

Patience Pays: If you miss a deal, similar or better discounts may be available during Cyber Monday or year-end sales.

By planning ahead and focusing on genuine deals, Black Friday can help you save money — especially (only?) on items you already planned to buy.

OK, land the plane Tom.............

IF you were going to buy it anyway, and IF you can truly prove that the (product, service, item) is truly AT A DISCOUNT compared to what it was 30, 60, 90 days ago and IF there is no 'fine print' or hidden costs, well then have at it! Just remember, retailers did not lose their minds. They are not going to LOSE MONEY on a transaction just because it is the holidays. Know what is worse than no business? BAD business. 

If you can buy at $100 Gift Card for $50 from a store that you often shop at... go for it. If you are a frequent Uber user and you can buy your next 10 Uber rides for 50% off, great. If you were going to buy THAT EXACT THING anyway, then let math be your friend. 

Just remember that the same algorithms and social media and mass media manipulations that made billionaires so wealthy, these Jedi Mind Tricks are not on vacation during Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Know how Halloween Candy is suddenly really cheap on November 1st? Use that same logic. 

If you really (really) want to save money - if saving the maximum amount of MONEY is your objective, well then hold.....hold.....HOLD and then BUY BUY BUY anytime after 12/25/2024 and before 1/1/2025. 

Fire at the Firehouse!

A firehouse is a building or facility where fire trucks, equipment, and fire personnel are housed and maintained. It serves as the base of operations for a fire department and is typically staffed by firefighters who respond to emergency calls for fires, rescues, medical emergencies, and other incidents. Firehouses may also have training areas, sleeping quarters for on-call or shift-working firefighters, administrative offices, and community outreach facilities.

Firehouses are often designed with easy access to main roads to allow for quick departure when emergencies arise. In some places, "firehouse" may also refer to the fire station itself, which includes the crew, equipment, and the location from which fire engines and other vehicles are dispatched.

Thanks, ChatGPT! 

Ever wonder what happens when there is a fire AT the firehouse? 

For years, I sold data backup services. I sold the technology designed to prevent data loss. External Hard Drives. Cloud Storage. All of it. As in, what if your hard drive failed? What if you lost your laptop? What if your disk was hit with malware? We would talk about how companies that lost their data might not recover. A business that misses a billing cycle due to data loss can easily go bankrupt.  

Data backup refers to the process of creating copies of data or files and storing them in a secure location to prevent data loss in case of an unexpected event such as hardware failure, accidental deletion, cyberattacks (e.g., ransomware), or disasters like fires or floods. The backup copy allows users to restore their original data in the event of a loss.

Data backups are typically stored in different locations or formats to ensure redundancy. Common methods include:

External Storage Devices: Hard drives, USB flash drives, or network-attached storage (NAS) devices.

Cloud Storage: Online services that store data on remote servers, making it accessible from any device with internet access (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, or dedicated backup services like Backblaze).

Offsite Backup: Storing backup data at a different physical location (in case of local disasters).

Automated Backup Systems: Many systems and software now offer automatic backups at regular intervals, reducing the risk of forgetting to backup data manually.

There are different types of data backup strategies:

Full Backup: A complete copy of all selected data.

Incremental Backup: Only new or changed data since the last backup is saved.

Differential Backup: All data changed since the last full backup is copied.

Regular backups are essential for data protection, as they ensure that users can recover important files in case of data loss. 

So, we were deep, deep, DEEP in the Data Backup Business for years. I even still own the domain MyBackupData.com  But over the last many years, with UCaaS and SaaS and everything moving to the cloud, the fear of data loss became less and less. The fear of 'what if my hard drive crashes' became less and less, over the years. 

We pay to have our websites backed up, at the server level, at our data center. Ah, but what happens when the data center itself crashes? What happens when there is a fire 'in the town' where the data center lives, and the Town Officials don't allow anyone into the data center? All the protections, the diesel generators, the redundancy protocols cannot overcome local politics. "No one is allowed in the building" is not what you want to hear when you run a data center. 

AND SO...... consider today's Sunday Blog to be my Public Service Announcement. I just experienced 72 hours of data hell. Let my pain prevent you from such a fate. Yes, you should always backup your data. You should backup your servers. But - you need to make sure to have THAT data, THAT backup in a different location. Not located at the same data center. Hurricanes, floods, fires, ransomware, anything could be lurking right around the corner. Including local Fire Marshalls keeping entire city blocks on lock-down. And when was the last time you checked the quality of your backup set? Have you ever actually tested the restoration of your data? What a sad day when you actually need to RESTORE your data, and you find out that you don't have what you thought you had. Sigh. 

I'll be rebooting MyBackupData.com this month, as a value-added member benefit for the millions of members of the (now) GlobalDLA.org because... I'm teaching everything I know. 

Ah yes, I'm 'back in' the backup business. 

www.MyBackupData.com 

Soon to be 24 years....

People don't leave a good thing. 

Around 23 years ago, I was running my first MTP company: MaritimeTechnologyPartners.com That happened because the Maritime Association of the Port of New York (MAPONY) needed to rent 'cellular phones' for their ship captains coming into NYC. Back in the 80s the 'roaming fees' for cellular services was outrageous - and INTERNATIONAL ROAMING was like $5 per minute. So, it made more sense to 'rent' a phone with a local number for the few weeks that a ship would be in port. It was a great business, renting cellular phones to bypass the onerous roaming fees. 

And then came BlackBerry phones. Most reading this Sunday blog missed out on the BlackBerry phenomenon. I needed to offer BlackBerry phones and service to the Maritime industry and the members of MAPONY. At the time, AireSpring was my vendor for all things BlackBerry. I became an AireSpring Master Agent. 

Life is certainly full of twists and turns, and when BlackBerry phones and service fell out of fashion, my need to work with AireSpring went away. Ah, but from MAPONY we met NAMO: National Association of Maritime Organizations. Ah, so MTP went from NYC to servicing all of North America. Cool. 

A few years ago, I was on an SD-WAN webinar (Google It) and I said: "Oh look! It's the folks from AireSpring! Wow, they sure came a long way from selling BlackBerry! Wow...

So I followed up with them and said "Hey, I was on your SD-WAN webinar. Many years ago, I was your Master Agent selling BlackBerry. I would like to become your Master Agent again. We can offer the entire AireSpring portfolio to the millions of members of the Distance Learning Association."

After a long Zoom meeting with their Channel Leadership, they said "Well, we are not activating any new Master Agents. You are welcome to work through one of existing Masters Agents." 

I thought about it. And I told them thanks, but no. At this point in my career, I did not want to work with or through 3rd parties. No hard feelings, but I'll pass. But, before I go, I just want to say that you guys (AireSpring) are the most honest company in telecom or technology that I ever met.

Huh? WHY would you say that?

Because... after all these years, you still send me a commision check. There was some business still on the books from 23 years ago, and every month, I still get paid. It is only a few dollars, way less than $50 but it always arrives. We joke about it: "Hey everyone, lunch is on me today - the AireSpring check arrived!" 

AireSpring: well, if you (MTP) are still getting checks, then you are still in our system. You are still an active MASTER AGENT. 

This conversation was a few years ago. In the 90s my second MTP company that I formed was MyTeachingPartners.com which lead to me taking over running the NYDLA.org (I took it out of bankruptcy after the last recession). Now in 2024, going into 2025, the DLA is now GLOBAL. And AireSpring is now GLOBAL. 

Today: we are offering the entire portfolio of AireSpring to the millions of (now) global members of the GlobalDLA.org 

There are many business lessons to be learned here. AireSpring is a family owned business. Profitable for 23+ years. Never borrowed money. Never laid off workers. Never missed a commision payment since they opened their doors. And they made the major pivot from selling wireless (BlackBerry phones and service) to becoming one of the largest and most profitable telecom and technology providers in the entire country. 

It was almost 24 years ago, that I sat on the couch in my living room, speaking to Daniel Lonstein about MTP and our need for BlackBerry phones and service for MAPONY. Two days ago, we meet on our www.ZoomTalks.us video podcast (which reaches millions) to discuss AireSpring Global and the needs of the GlobalDLA.org 

I opened up this blog talking about how people don't leave a good thing. AireSpring and the Lonstein brothers are a very good thing indeed.

And now, a word from our sponsor....

www.ZoomTalks.us

The New York Megalopolis (Part II)

 

Today's Blog is not political. I promise. But it is factual. 

Back in June of 2024, I wrote a Sunday Blog about the New York Megalopolis. I don't know if it has anything to do with the November 5th election, or with people Googling 'New York' or whatever, but that blog from 2024 has now become my most read blog post of the past 10 years. 

Earlier this year, we launched a marketing partnership with HVEDC.org to bring awareness to the economic and lifestyle opportunities of living in the Hudson Valley, NYS. If you live (or move to) one of the 7 counties that make up Hudson Valley there were many incentives to do so - one of which was FREE membership in the NYDLA.org  I don't know if it has anything to do with the election, or with people Googling "Are Americans Moving from Blue to Red States" but the links to our HVEDC pages are now blowing up. And organic traffic to the HVEDC.org site is also off the chart. 

In the last couple of years, large U.S. states where a majority of voters support Democrats – so-called Blue States – have been losing population, while some large red states, where there is majority support for Republicans, have gained residents. An analysis of Census Bureau data shows that there are in fact some big movements of people from states currently defined as blue to those currently defined as red. However, the situation is more accurately described as more people exiting certain blue states – for example New York and California – and heading to other states in general, may they be red or blue. The 'data' is in the books, if you will.

Now it will be VERY interesting to see if anything changes after the election. You can read up on the Northeast Megalopolis yourself. The Northeast tends to Vote Blue. Very Blue. 

The Northeast Megalopolis (often referred to as the BosWash Corridor) is a densely urbanized region in the northeastern United States, stretching from Boston, Massachusetts in the North, to Washington, D.C. in the South. This urban corridor is one of the most heavily populated and economically significant regions in the U.S., with a highly interconnected network of cities and metropolitan areas.

This region is known for its heavy population density, extensive infrastructure, and economic power, making it a central hub for commerce, finance, politics, education, and culture in the U.S.

Characteristics of the Northeast Megalopolis:

High Population Density: The region is home to more than 55 million people (about 1/6th of the U.S. population), making it one of the largest population centers in the world.

Economic Powerhouse: The region includes some of the wealthiest cities in the U.S., with major industries ranging from finance and technology to healthcare and education.

Transportation: The megalopolis is well-connected by an extensive network of highways, rail lines (including Amtrak), and airports, facilitating easy movement of goods and people.

Urbanization: There is little rural land between the major cities, with continuous urban development from Boston to Washington, D.C.

The Northeast Megalopolis plays a crucial role in shaping the social, cultural, and political landscape of the United States. Its cities are among the oldest and most historically significant in the country.

If you jump to the West Coast, California is the 5th largest economy in the world for the seventh consecutive year, with a nominal GDP of nearly $3.9 trillion in 2023 and a growth rate of 6.1% since the year prior, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. On a per capita basis, California is the second largest economy in the world among large economies.

Where are you going with this, Tom?

Well, you cannot ignore the math. You cannot ignore the facts. If you take the very 'Blue' Northeast Megalopolis and add it together with the very 'Blue' California Megalopolis you have the majority of the money and power of the entire country. And the leadership of the entire world knows this. 

It does not matter if you voted Red or Blue this month. Math is math, facts are facts, and the math and facts says that the money, the power, the economy, and the most highly educated people as of today's Sunday Blog, are living in Blue States. 

Govern yourselves accordingly. Plan your business, plan your lives, plan your family's futures accordingly. I truly do hope the best for everyone, no matter where you live, or how you vote. 

Be safe and be well. 

www.JoinNYDLA.org

https://www.hvedc.com/about-the-hudson-valley/

Just VOTE

This will be one of my shorter Sunday Blogs. Vote.

If you did not already vote (I did) then you should vote on November 5th. 

Born in 1960, I remember when we only had three major TV channels. I remember when the broadcast would 'end' sometime after midnight, and they would play the National Anthem, and then you would get a test pattern. 

Test Patterns were primarily used in television broadcasting to help with various technical aspects of signal quality and calibration. They served several purposes:

Calibration: Test patterns allowed technicians to adjust and calibrate the broadcast equipment, ensuring proper color balance, contrast, and brightness.

Signal Quality: They helped in assessing the quality of the television signal. By using standardized patterns, technicians could identify issues like distortion, interference, or incorrect aspect ratios.

Equipment Testing: Broadcasters used test patterns to evaluate the performance of cameras, monitors, and other equipment during setup and maintenance.

Color Accuracy: Patterns with different colors helped ensure that televisions displayed accurate colors and that the transmission process preserved those colors.

Overall, test patterns were essential for maintaining the technical standards of television broadcasting.

The combination of the national anthem and test patterns was a common sight on television, especially during the early days of broadcasting. When broadcasts ended for the day or during maintenance, stations would display a test pattern alongside the playing of the national anthem. 

This served several addition purposes:

Signaling Downtime: It indicated to viewers that the broadcast day was ending or that the station was temporarily off the air.

Cultural Significance: Playing the national anthem fostered a sense of patriotism and connected viewers to their country.

Visual and Audio Standard: The test pattern provided a visual and audio reference for the technical aspects of the broadcast, ensuring that equipment was functioning properly.

These practices (Test Pattern AND the National Anthem) have largely faded with the advent of 24-hour broadcasting, but they remain a nostalgic part of television history.

The practice of playing the national anthem on television at night began to decline in the 1980s and 1990s. Many stations transitioned to 24-hour broadcasting, eliminating the need for a sign-off period. By the early 2000s, it had become rare for broadcast networks in the U.S. to air the national anthem at night. While some local stations might still have done it, it was no longer a widespread practice. This change reflected broader shifts in media consumption habits, as audiences increasingly expected constant access to programming.

It's 2024. News is different. TV is different. Mass Media (and now Social Media) is very different. The world of Politics is very different as well. When I was growing up in the 60s and 70s if by some chance you were still up to see the TV Test Pattern, if you were still up to watch and listen to the National Anthem being played, you would know that in the morning - when you woke up - the TV would be back online, the world would restart, and everything was going to be 'OK' in your home, in your neighborhood. 

You felt safe, you felt protected. Your country was saying 'Good Night, sleep tight, we'll see you in the morning.' ALL OF US were to sleep well. The UNITED STATES of AMERICA. 

Vote On Tuesday. I'll see you in the morning on Wednesday. 

Speakers On