On The Fly

2018 is upon us, have you taken time lately to gaze at the heavens? During this winter holiday viewing the moons of Jupiter reminded me to  . . . dream lofty dreams. In 1632 Galileo Galilei published his seminal work Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems. My 1953 hardcover copy is of the cherished books in my library. It reminds me that persistent efforts leads to discoveries that benefit future generations. In the forward, is a reminder of the power of the written word as penned by Albert Einstein, “A man is here revealed who possesses the passionate will, the intelligence, and the courage to stand up as the representative of rational thinking against the host of those who, relying on ignorance of the people and the indolence of teachers in the priests and scholars garb, maintain and defend their positions of authority.” Galileo is considered one of the most influential thinkers in history, why? First his uncanny ability to use his senses to skillful...

Podcasting - Inside GIA Education "Eighty-five percent of the reason you get a job, keep a job, and get ahead in that job, is the right mental attitude." - Zig Ziglar. On Thursday, December 13, 2012 the  Gemological  Institute of America (GIA) celebrated the committed people (among them, Jim Lucey, Richard Liddicoat, and Robert Crowningshield) who have celebrated 25 years plus of service to GIA. Their career - an integral part of their personal and professional life. - I’m honored and privileged to be among this elite group (January 19, 2011). I’ve spent the past few days reflecting on what it means to serve in this capacity. First, I’m proud to say career loyalty has always been a tradition in my family; my grandfather served for 50 years in his job at International Harvester. My father served 45 years at Briggs Manufacturing in Abington, Illinois. My younger brother has served over 35 years at Caterpillar. In today’s corporate culture we are an anomal...