On The Fly

For over 80 years, students of gemology have struggled with spectrums, bewildered by birefringence, and simply plagued by pleochroism. The following sonnet is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, a glow to your heart, and a simple reminder that students of life and gemology rediscover nature's gifts every day.  Ode to Gemology , by a GIA on-campus student. Dispersion, fire, adventurescence. Orient, sheen, or iridescence. Refractive index, high or low. The luster should indicate that, you know. Polarization, double or single. What to do now, they intermingle. Pleochroic colors you really should see. Was that only two, or actually three? Birefringence should help you a lot. Use your polarizer and watch the spot. Now, did it jump most on low or high? Sure, you can get it if you really try! Your liquids should be an aid, I think. Does it float, suspend, or slowly sink? Just use your imagination now. (He doesn't see me wiping my brow.) Solid inclusions or only bubbles? Huh, th...

In this episode - Free Agent . . . Are you waiting for a job description? Do you take the initiative to provide outstanding customer service? Who is your customer anyway? Reality check - in business and life as individuals, we are President & CEO of our own personal services corporation - Free Agents . Responsible for the brand called You! The most valuable corporation in business today. Whether you're a free agent (between jobs), a producer, or a player, you are free to sign with any club or franchise. Whatever your current status, believing in yourself and your potential is important. It’s been said, “Today, loyalty is the only thing that matters.” It isn't blind loyalty to a company. It's loyalty to your colleagues, loyalty to your team, loyalty to your project, loyalty to your customers, and loyalty to yourself. It seems each of us must discover this fundamental truth repeatedly throughout history. William Shakespeare said it so eloquently; “And this above all, to ...

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...