******************************************************
CASE 1: An individual's Job
Interview
******************************************************
Summary:
I was asked, as
the first letter indicates to assist an individual in
her quest to succeed in an unusual job interview
process. What is recorded here are only the letters
that I received. I did not think to record my
responses, but as you will see the individual was
quite happy with the results in the course of
exchanging three short letters.
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Subject: need an idea, quick!!! Date: Tue, 25 Aug 1998
11:27:56 EDT From: KSUbear@aol.com To:
creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
I am
interviewing for a position as a trainer for a
corporation. I will have to do a demonstration in
which I am training persons on a topic of my choice. I
am having the most difficult time trying to find
something to train!!!! It can be ANYTHING! It has to
be 20 minutes long, and I will be training about 8-10
of the managers. Basically, they only want to see how
I do as a trainer. They actually don't want it to do
with what I would be training if I get the job.
Creativity is a must! I was told that one girl had a
degree in music and taught the managers how to play a
Mozart piece. I am running out of time, and when I saw
your web site, I jumped out of my skin! It would be
great to hear back from you as soon as possible. I
have a feeling that they will be calling me in for an
interview within the next couple of
days.
Thanks for your
help.
Mandy
Subject: Re: Any news? Just asking Date: Fri, 28 Aug
1998 12:39:20 EDT From: KSUbear@aol.com To:
creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
Thanks for your
ideas. They were helpful. I actually thought about the
origami folding. Still a thought. I'm waiting for that
idea that just really grabs me. I feel I've thought of
just about everything too. My latest is an etiquette
lesson. I thought palm reading would be fun, but my
friends said that may not be a good idea depending on
the executive's personal beliefs. Who knows. I'm still
open for more thoughts and ideas. Send 'em my way!
:)
Again, thanks
for your ideas and checking in on my
progress.
Basically, all
is the same!
Mandy
Subject: Re: Any news? Just asking Date: Mon, 31 Aug
1998 12:15:05 EDT From: KSUbear@aol.com To:
creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
Hi
Dan,
Thanks for your
interest in my well-being and your ideas and feedback.
I still haven't narrowed and idea down. Nothing has
really grabbed me yet! As for my hobbies and talents,
I'm beginning to think I have none! I'm a great
shopper, eater, and sleeper!:)
Actually, I have
recently completed my masters degree in Counseling
(Psychology). During my education at Kent State, I was
a graduate assistant for nearly 3 years, working with
the under- graduate students. I taught a course,
University Orientation, and received an award for
Outstanding Orientation Faculty Instructor. Also, as a
counseling major, I've have experience facilitating
support groups and psychology educational groups. Of
course, since I'm a new graduate, I'm still working on
improving my techniques as a counselor and
facilitator.
The position I
am interviewing for is with a company that sells
payroll software. The actual position is a Client
Trainer. I would be training the employees of the
different corporations that purchase our software in
its use. No, I don't have to know the software, nor do
I have to be a computer guru. They will train me. What
they want to see is how I actually train. They want to
see something creative and interesting. That is where
I have been wracking my brain for something simple yet
fun for them. Of course, the better I know the topic,
the better I will train. Hence, the purpose in writing
you.
Does that give
you a better grasp on the subject?
I thank you
again for your interest in how I'm
doing.
Talk to you
soon, Mandy
Subject: Re: Any news? Just asking Date: Mon, 28 Sep
1998 13:31:38 EDT From: KSUbear@aol.com To:
creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
I got the
job!!!!!!!!
I did my
training demonstration on How to Sew on a Button. It
went fabulously. And I geared it toward
business-people. Had overheads of step by step how
to's, and packets of materials for everyone so that we
could do it as we learned. Went great. I was told I
had outstanding training skills. Very poised. I Had to
let you know since you were such a big help. Thank you
so much, Dan. Your web site is such a good "idea".
I'll let everyone know about it. Thanks again for your
thoughts and interest in my success.
Take care,
Mandy
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to the top
******************************************************
CASE 2: The homecoming problem,
a personal choice.
******************************************************
Summary:
This is the case
of another individual who was trying to figure out how
to cap off a special homecoming celebration with some
friends. Although this is not a normal purview, we
went ahead just to see what we could do and as the
person himself states: "They were so irritatingly
simple and practical that I didn't think of them on my
own." And that is exactly one of our points, we find
those ideas that you may already have and bring them
out. Sometimes it is just that simple. Again I did not
think it was needful to record my responses, for I
viewed this case as kind of trial case to see how I
could assist this person with their unusual
request.
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to the top
Subject: Re: homecoming Date: Sat, 3 Oct 1998 20:14:41
EDT From: Goon777@aol.com To:
creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
Hi. I'm in a bit
of a bind. I go to a private school and we do not have
a dance for homecoming. Instead we have a dinner
banquet. However, these are quite boring. My
girlfriend and I are doubling with another couple and
I have run out of creative ideas from past events and
prom. If you could offer some help before Thursday
Oct. 8, I would appreciate it. I consider myself
pretty creative, but I'm running low right now. Oh,
one more thing, I live in Rockford, IL, so options are
few. I am open to suggestions involving suburbs of
Chicago. Thanks very much.
Subject: Re: homecoming Date: Mon, 5 Oct 1998 16:25:54
EDT From: Goon777@aol.com To:
creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
OK. I attend
Christian Life High School. My problem isn't coming up
with ideas FOR the banquet, but AFTER the banquet. The
banquet is headed by someone else. What I am looking
for is some kind of activity to do afterwards. Keep in
mind that Rockford is considered a relatively boring
city when it comes to things to do. Also, the weather
here has not been very good, and will not be
satisfactory for to many things to be done outside.
Also, the couple that we're doubling with are not
dating or romantically involved, they are just
friends, so this deletes almost any attempt of a
romantic engagement. If you can think of something, I
would appreciate your insight, otherwise, don't lose
any sleep over it. Thanks for getting back to me so
quickly. I really appreciate it.
Goon
Subject: Re: homecoming Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 16:46:28
EDT From: Goon777@aol.com To:
creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
Thanks for your
further suggestions. They were so irritatingly simple
and practical that I didn't think of them on my own. I
really do appreciate it. We do know the other couple
very well. We're all really great friends. So, we
don't have to worry about impressing or entertaining.
If you happen to conjure up some other thoughts, go
ahead and send them to me. Otherwise, I think these
will help to start the ball rolling in my own head.
I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out if you
like. Especially if we use your ideas.
Thanks so
much.,
jon
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to the top
***************************************************
CASE 3: A small company seeking
ideas.
***************************************************
Summary:
This is a sample
of a small company seeking out ideas for new products
and perhaps marketing ideas. Although we have not
completed work with this case. I have not received
word on our last set of ideas (which included
searching out used furniture from estate and garage
sales, and refurbishing them so that the his business
would essentially become a value added enterprise) I
include these letters so that you can see something of
what we can offer a small business.
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Subject: ? Date: Sun, 25 Oct 1998 21:42:00 -0800 From:
"paul volkman"
Reply-To: To:
Hi I'm Paul
Volkman with an 8000 sq. ft. wood shop in Chula Vista
California looking for someone with great ideas what
to manufacture. we do well now but always looking for
the 3 b's and more money I like your page. I'm new to
the net, bye now.
Subject:
Response to Paul V Date: Tue, 27 Oct 1998 19:58:57
-0800 From: Dan Brady
Reply-To: creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
Organization: Creative Ideas To:
phvcabinets@worldnet.att.net
Paul
V.
Creative Ideas
helps people. What we do is discuss ideas with you and
try until we hit paydirt. All we ask in compensation
is an enthusiastic and willing
reference.
Now, to the
request, first, some questions.
What do you
currently work on? Are you the only operator? What is
your overhead in this operation month to
month?
I would like
some concept of your skill level, a notion of what you
would enjoy making if you did not have to worry about
making ends meet.
Now, here is
some food for thought:
For some reason
you went into woodworking, what drew you to
it?
Is there an
interest in sculptured furnishings, such as a CD rack
that is designed like a statue with the shelves for it
spiraling around it. Keeping the wood natural, and
vibrantly finished. A combination of function and
aesthetics.
Specialty
finished wooden boxes, for keepsakes and the like,
here I imagine inlays of different woods in patterns
or pictures made for jewelry, gifts, or small
keepsakes.
What of making
"hope chests" These are large trunk sized containers
that are bought by brides to be for storing their
precious wedding dress, and other important
memorabilia of their life. These can be quite
impressive, deeply carved, or inlaid, using nice woods
carefully finished.
A friend of mine
used to make quite a nice bit of money building
electric guitar bodies and necks, repairing same and
the like.
Creating
decorative shelving for rooms, the built in
kind.
Building
airtight bookshelves that preserve rare books for book
collectors, though this would require some knowledge
of the physics of creating a good seal and the
like.
Building
gazebos, for private gardens. These could even be made
in the format of a kit. The advantage to this is that
all you have to do is make one each of them, keep
records so you can duplicate the making of the pieces,
photograph the samples of completed models, and create
a catalogue.
Let me know how
these first suggestions strike you, Thanks, Dan
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to the top
******************************************************
CASE 4: The museum of Creativity
and Invention in South Korea
******************************************************
Summary:
I was asked to
assist a company in Korea to provide them with ideas
as to how they could go about creating a museum
dedicated to promoting creativity and inventiveness in
the nation of South Korea. This has been particularly
successful. This Case Record does not include all the
letters that went back and forth, I had to edit some
of them out for brevity's sake.
A quote: "We
have had many ideas from your comments. Especially, it
was very important to give us the concept of history
of invention in Korea." Or another: "Thanks to you and
your assistance, I got this project without failure."
Here again, one would think that the ideas provided
them would have been thought of by them already, but
all to often it is the simplicity of our work that is
fascinating to our clients and ourselves as
well.
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From: "=?EUC-KR?B?seggvcLFwg==?="
To: Subject: additional
information Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 22:41:20 +0900
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Priority: 3 X-Mailer:
Microsoft Internet Mail 4.70.1155 MIME-Version: 1.0
X-UIDL:
6c4a67cb94305321d2ecead21a181886
Sorry for my not
giving enough information.
My intention is
to seek find a museum related to 'Creativity' and
'Invention'.
- My company-TST
has specialized in designing the museum. Now, we have
certain project in which we have plan to build 'the
exhibit' of 'Creativity' and
'Invention.
- If you have
any information of them, we will contact the company
and museum and 'd like to receive the consultation on
this matter.
Thanks for your
cooperation.
Subject: The Museum Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 23:23:01
-0800 From: Dan Brady
Reply-To: creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
Organization: Creative Ideas To:
=?EUC-KR?B?seggvcLFwg==?=
STKim,
I realized,
after we hung up that there might have been some
unclarity in what we discussed. To redress that now I
will just write what I realized I should have made
clear.
Creative Ideas
is willing to help for the sole consideration of a
willing and enthusiastic recommendation upon
successful rendering of assistance. You have expressed
your thanks on the phone, but an email or letter would
be nice.
Here are my
thoughts based on the information that you have sent
me so far.
You will have
three areas of the museum, the history of inventions
by Koreans, the nature and process of the patent
procedures, and a section on creativity, invention,
and brainstorming.
The purpose is
to spur creativity on all levels. You should expect to
have families, children, mature students,
professionals and the like. Here are some
thoughts:
For the history
portion of the museum
I would have
several authentic examples of the most important
civilizing inventions that you know of. I am talking
about the basics here, the invention of your writing
system, developments in materials science pottery and
glazing for example, also metal working, boat
building, farming techniques, tools and so forth. This
section should contain life sized models,
authentically recreated, as accurately as possible, go
for authenticity. Each of these should be in a display
with a multi media component so that persons can view
the working of the devices and or understand their
importance. I would say that you should include in
each of these media briefs, some mention of why the
invention was invented, in other words how did the
invention solve a particular problem. This is a key to
making the ancient invention "real" to modern visitors
who may not understand otherwise.
These displays
should, to some extent be touchable, or even usable.
What I am thinking about here is inventions such as
the making of paper, for example. One could have as
part of the display the chance to make paper, or weave
a mat or basket.
The inventions
displayed should span the history of Korea, and
reflect some theme, such as self sufficiency, or
ingenuity, or productivity. These themes could be
strongly implied so that a visitor goes away with the
idea that Korea has been, and is a place of inventive
people.
There should be
books available about Korean history that are related
to the exhibits, or the inventions or inventions in
general.
Of course the
place should have a "shop" where such books and other
miniature models, products, or memorabilia and the
could be bought.
The area on
patents could be a dry and boring place, but if you
have several current inventions that the people may
have seen, then it becomes an alive place. I imaging a
large display that shows, in three dimensional
formats, like a large diorama, how an inventor goes
through the whole process of patenting an item. Have
forms on display, video or audio presentations with
the participation of actual inventors voices or
images.
Remember, keep
it simple, direct, and informative. Keep in mind that
you will want each part of the museum to be
interesting to all ages. That is why the video and
audio presentations will be vital.
The last portion
is the most difficult to do. But then again this could
be the most enjoyable part of the museum. Definitely
have activities where in the visitors make things that
they will take home with them. The theme here will be
problem solving, and creating of new
devices.
Here are the
suggestions for this. If at all possible have people
"reinvent" the inventions of the past or use working
models of them. for example paper making would be a
natural for this, or working with clay forms or
carving soft block forms for printing letters and the
like.
Also you have
teachers in Korea, many of them, no doubt have
thinking skills games or activities, or have taught
exactly what you would like to have your visitors do,
so, reach out to them. Ask them. Have a lesson plan
contest and offer a whole bunch of prizes. You will
get ideas that you would not probably think of,
especially if you say, you want ideas to inspire
creativity, or model some of the famous inventions
created in Korea, during its history.
Also, you can do
what is done over here. I do not know where it is, but
the idea is simple. Have an invention contest. For
children, young adults, and different categories of
persons and the like. Offer a prizes for the most
clever or useful inventions created. And guess what
the prize is? Nothing less that assistance for
patenting the most valuable or clever
ideas.
Thus you also
have annual events built into the museum, connections
with all the schools, publicity that is free, and you
do get inventions and new ideas by the bucket
full.
This was an
enjoyable exercise, let me know if these ideas work
for you, and, please, let me know if I can assist
more.
Dan
Brady
From: "=?EUC-KR?B?seggvcLFwg==?="
To: Subject: Additional
information Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 09:27:53 +0900
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Priority: 3 X-Mailer:
Microsoft Internet Mail 4.70.1155 MIME-Version: 1.0
X-UIDL:
132b677be2ae6445f0bac7ffd488c257
As for your
lasting e-mail,
I'd like to
thank you for your kind assistance.
We have had many
ideas from your comments. Especially, it was very
important to give us the concept of using the history
of invention in Korea.
Again, thanks
for your assistance.
I'd like to get
some ideas from you. We have designed to build the
'KIA Museum'. This is planed by Korean Intelligence
Agency (In USA, CIA). After last year, there have been
some changes in the Korean Political Situation. The
KIA'd like to change their identity because of the
changing situation around the world they would like to
concentrate on industrial intelligence. Until now,
they have only concentrated on the intelligence of
North Korea.
With this
change, they 'd like to demonstrate their new identity
through a ' KIA Museum' to the People.
So, if you have
any ideas, concepts and sample of museum in USA,
please give us the information by E-mail. How can I
compensate for your assistance?
From: "=?EUC-KR?B?seggvcLFwg==?="
To: Subject: 1st
response for your E-mail dtd. 10.28'98 Date: Wed, 28
Oct 1998 22:56:54 +0900 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-Priority: 3 X-Mailer: Microsoft Internet Mail
4.70.1155 MIME-Version: 1.0 X-UIDL:
fe47a00c76429040003081e66cc4f607
It 's too so
late(at 11 o'clock).
Further to your
E-mail dtd 10.28.98, at first, I 'd like to reply as
follows.
1. I will be
waiting for your information of 'the needed stories'
about the tales between the historical leader and
espionage in foreign countries.
2. I am sorry
for my not enough expressing enough about Kim Koo. He
is a hero in Korea because he established the 'secret
patriots' and led them.
3. Invention
Museum
The basic
drawing was already made and submitted to our client.
Next week I will make a presentation to them.
Probably, we will have success in this project. I will
inform you of detailed process in the
future.
From: "=?EUC-KR?B?seggvcLFwg==?="
To: Subject: KIA Project
Date: Thu, 26 Nov 1998 14:03:36 +0900
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Priority: 3 X-Mailer:
Microsoft Internet Mail 4.70.1155 MIME-Version: 1.0
X-UIDL:
b7ec607f454c57e98eb6710ebe2bc45e
Again, thanks
for your kind cooperation.
Without failure,
thanks to you and your assistance, I got this project.
I hope you would help me continually in the future. As
for the KIA project, I will inform you of detailed
process.
back
to the top
******************************************************
CASE 5: An individual inventor
is assisted.
******************************************************
Summary:
Inspired by his
two year old child this creative individual has come
up with a wonderful idea. I thought that it was good
and was inspired to think up several additions to his
original idea as well as encourage him to proceed to
having his invention "play tested" in different
locations and with different toddlers.
Since Mike is
creative our letters range a bit as we both discuss
our various projects. Here the Case Record uses an
interleaved format with the longer
letters.
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to the top
Subject: I am a problem solver also Date: Thu, 22 Oct
1998 14:27:43 -0500 From: Mike Strickland
Reply-To: strickland@bitstreet.com To:
creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
Hi I'm Mike
Strickland from Abilene, TX. I am a nurse going on 20
years now and I used to own four retail pet stores.
Currently I am working at a state school working with
MHMR kids I also work part time as a TV repair tech. I
have been researching my creative spirit and putting
together ideas. After reading your web site I believe
we may be able to help each other. Contact me if you
would like to see a few of my ideas.
Thanks Mike
strickland@bitstreet.com
Subject: Re: I am a problem solver also Date: Sat, 24
Oct 1998 00:02:49 -0500 From: Mike Strickland
Reply-To: strickland@bitstreet.com To:
creative1@creativeideasforyou.com Dan Brady
wrote:
Mike,
Hello, I got
your message and am responding to see what you might
have to say. Please write.
Dan
Thanks for
replying,
I am working on
several projects:
1) a vacuum
cleaner that you plug in and then in does all the work
by itself totally auto. with built in sensor's to
locate objects in its path.
2) I am working
on a children's book using a bee to show and tell
about flowers. But I would like to know more about the
games that you are working onto see If my input will
be rewarding or not. Can we exchange
ideas?
Subject: Re: I am a problem solver also Date: Tue, 27
Oct 1998 19:34:06 -0800 From: Dan Brady
Reply-To: creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
Organization: Creative Ideas To:
strickland@bitstreet.com CC:
creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
Mike
wrote:
The game sounds
like fun and you are right going into software with it
will beat a board game 100 to 1, but depends on how
any players are playing, its hard to get four people
on a computer at the same time.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan
wrote:
When I first
conceived this game it was to allow teams of persons
to be a "single" player. This allowed for an aspect of
the game to include such variables as governmental
forms, for instance a single person, playing a role in
the game would be a dictator, while a group of persons
discussing all manner of decisions would be a
"democracy". There are other modeling for Kingdoms,
and socialism and the like.
Also, with the
computer there are already multi-party games that have
many, many players. My game, ideally, would be no
different. Via the internet, and on-line connections
it would be possible to have dozens of
players.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Mike:
Well last night,
as I was playing with my 2 year son, I noticed he kept
playing with toys that turn, push open etc. and I
recalled all the times that he wanted me to pick him
up and carry him to light switches etc. for him to
play with. So I got out my note pad and waited. Ideas
just started coming. Now that I have it on paper.
Monday we, my son and I, are going to build it. Its a
front door that he will have his own key to unlock, a
handle to turn so he can open the door, a doorbell he
can push, and a battery operated light switch which
will turn off and on his own door light with. It will
be about 3 to 4 foot high and only 6-8 inches deep.
The tasks it will give him are turning, pushing,
opening, flipping, and pushing the same as he's done
now, when I help him. I hope it works.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
This sounds
good, because it is simple, fun and easy to build. You
should add a mail slot, a buzzer, a light, put on an
address, have a simple key and even a bolt on the
inside, also a peep hole, and a chain so that the door
can be opened a little bit. All these things can make
it quite exciting.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Mike:
Thanks for the
advise on patents. If there is one they must be
holding it because there are no automatic vacuums for
sale.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
If that is the
case then a working model is a must, as well as some
preliminary patent searches or work. In sum you want
to create the invention, you don't want to duplicate
what someone is already done or doing, and you don't
want to do a lot of work only to find you have been
beaten to the punch. It sounds like a quite clever
idea. There has been some research along lines that
can be useful to you. I recall reading about a small
robot that was designed to find power outlets and
recharge itself, when its batteries went low, however
all it did was exactly that. So what I am saying is
that there are some like minds out there and some
research that would be helpful to you but they are
without your sense of applying it.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Mike:
Now that's said.
Your game is it like a spy game or an battle field. As
you know there no rules in war, only to win and take
all of someone else's power: STRATEGY, STRATEGY,
STRATEGY.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
The game is one
of tactics and strategy. It is a war game, and it
models the simultaneity of real strategic and tactical
planning. I have kept it simple there being only four
kinds of pieces and only two of them move. Despite
this it is, I feel, challenging yet simple to
learn.
Subject: Re: I
am a problem solver also /save Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998
19:27:10 -0800 From: Dan Brady
Reply-To: creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
Organization: Creative Ideas To:
strickland@bitstreet.com References: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5
, 6 , 7
Mike,
Yes, I would
like to see pictures of the "Door" when it is done.
You could lighten the thing up by making the frame out
of aluminum, but the door itself should, I think, be
wood. I have another notion, and that is a welcome mat
on the "outside" and a doormat on the "inside" This is
a perfect toy for the toddler age, so you should not
have things that can be swallowed, and the thing will
have to stand well. This may be a problem, unless you
build small wall/wings that swing out and lock in
place, thus adding "windows" to the menu of "in and
out" activities. I am thinking you will have to have
it stable so that it won't fall on a child's
head.
My computer game
is on hold, until I can find a programmer that is
willing to work with me on it. I do not envision
having the time to learn programming, do the
programming and debug it all. So a partner is in
order. I have not gone and searched for one as of yet.
For now the book that I am working on and the slow and
steady improving of my site are the top priorities for
the little free time that I have.
That game is not
the only one, there are some others, that may be
simpler but the problem of programming remains... we
shall see....
Keep in
touch...
Also, if I have
helped, would you be willing to be a reference? I ask
because I have enjoyed the fascinating considerations
of the "Door is More" or the "More than a Door" These
could be names for the product, what do you
think?
Dan
Subject: Response Date: Sun, 01 Nov 1998 20:38:41
-0800 From: Dan Brady
Reply-To: creative1@creativeideasforyou.com
Organization: Creative Ideas To:
strickland@bitstreet.com
Mike:
Mike wrote: I
studied computer in the 70's starting with digital
computer operations on main frames that would fill a
warehouse. and then COBOL and FORTRAN. But I could
never get a good paying job in those days. But now
everyone has a computer and I wish that I would have
stayed with it. Even though the computer language has
changed some, the basic still remains as FORTRAN. I
have looked at the new books on C and C+ but they are
so large that I don't think I could relearn it all
again. If I could get one of those government grants,
I bet I could learn it.
The door, Yes I
believe that aluminum frame is the correct choice,
shape into a triangle to make it steady. Will have to
build the door myself because of the size that I want.
Windows can be bought because they are make small
enough to fit anywhere today. The name: This has never
crossed my mind. Will have to thing about it, and get
back to you.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
Yes, through a
catalog will have an instant idea of what it is. Also,
you should start, perhaps, investigating toy companies
and how they or if they take inventor made toys and
the like. This could be a gateway for something fairly
lucrative, being that you have an inventive mind. If
you are able to sell a toy company on your door, then
there will be other ideas and what the heck you could
be self employed or at least have a nice
sideline...
This aspect is a
matter of a few phone calls, letters and the like. I
would also investigate the likelihood of patenting the
device, talk with your friend about that. This one
will probably be far easier in as much as all of the
technology is in your hands, quite
literally.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Mike:
Reference: Yes,
you have helped with your ideas. And yes you can use
me as a reference. I am still thinking about your
choices "Door is more" or the "More than a door". I
will look at it when I have it closer to completion,
and introduce it to my friend for their 2 year old
son's approval and think about it from a seller's view
point and then from a marketing view point. Maybe
after you see a picture of it you may also come up
with something new to name it, let's wait and
see.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
Thank your for
the kind words. I am making a page on my web site for
references, and though I will include this one, I am
not sure about the advisability of including the
persons email, what do you think about that, would you
mind? I have to ask you as a
co-professional.
Also, you are
considering what people in the industry call: "play
testing" this is vital to refining your design. A
friend of mine, who is an engineer, has told me that
you will find our more from having the "typical user"
use your device than from your planning and the like.
I would have several play testers go through it and
take comments from the parents, you could also take it
to a pre-school and see how it fares in a real "war
zone". All the while you should be taking comments and
making plans to refine your second edition. I also
suggest lots of bright colors, and paint that is
washable.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Mike:
Well, its 6 am
Sunday Nov 1 today, Oct just went by so fast,
hopefully will have more free time in Nov. Ha! Thanks
for writing back. We'll close for now.
Thanks for more
input, Mike
back
to the top
******************************************************
CASE 6: A museum for the South
Korean Intelligence Agency.
******************************************************
Summary:
I have been
invited to assist the same company that had been hired
to work on the museum of creativity and invention to
assist with ideas about a museum for the KIA. This is
a more difficult problem because several "natural"
ideas that one would expect to make for success in the
stated goal of the museum, which is to improve the
public's perception of the agency, are ideas that are
disallowed because of the secretive policies of the
agency. None the less I am still in contact with the
company and several ideas have been taken, although
both they and I feel that the agency will be the main
factor limiting the museums successful completion of
its mission.
back
to the top
From: "=?EUC-KR?B?seggvcLFwg==?="
To: Subject: Additional
information Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 09:27:53 +0900
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Priority: 3 X-Mailer:
Microsoft Internet Mail 4.70.1155 MIME-Version: 1.0
X-UIDL:
132b677be2ae6445f0bac7ffd488c257
As for your
lasting e-mail,
I 'd like to
thank for your kind assistance.
We have had many
ideas from your comments. Especially, it was very
important to give us the concept of history of
invention in Korea.
Again, thanks
for your assistance.
I'd like to get
some ideas from your another comments. We have
designed to build the 'KIA Museum' planed by Korean
Intelligence Agency(In USA, CIA). After last year,
there are some changes in Korean political situation.
The KIA would like to change their identity because
the situation around the world concentrates on
industrial intelligence. Until now, they have only
concentrated on the intelligence of North
Korea.
With this
change, they 'd like to demonstrate their identity
through a ' KIA Museum' to the people.
So, if you have
any ideas, concepts and sample of museum in USA,
please give us the information by E-mail. How can I
compensate for your assistance?
From: "=?EUC-KR?B?seggvcLFwg==?="
To: Subject: Willing and
enthusiastic reply Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 23:46:15
+0900 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Priority: 3
X-Mailer: Microsoft Internet Mail 4.70.1155
MIME-Version: 1.0 X-UIDL:
100438a973c082a856108c4762e2619a
It 's at 11/pm
on Friday.
I am thankful
for your reply. I will do my best to communicate with
you. If you have any requirements from me, I will
assist you willingly. My name is Seung Tae, Kim. My
job is planner in museum and science center. And I'd
like to know the details of your job.
As for your
question of KIA, I 'd like to reply as
follows.
KIA was
established in 1962, after Mr. Park, the previous
President seized power with his coup d'tat
overthrowing the government. Probably, KIA was
originally built as keeper of his government. Of
course, the KIA said their purpose was to keep South
Korea safe from North Korea. Until now, their image
has not been positive. Mr. Kim, the new president,
would like to change their image and role, which is to
seek industrial information and forward the
renunciation of the Korean peninsula.
The viewers are
to be only a special class, which is the leadership
group in Korea. Because the museum will be located in
KIA the KIA is not allowing the public to enter. This
is problem, but KIA will keep this rule, so as not to
uncover their secrets. I think, gradually, KIA will
open their museum to public and press.
As for the press
coverage, I do not understand your question. But their
museum is not easily open to public.
They 'd like to
create their image as follows:
- Positive - They have truly worked hard for the
Nation, though the people have not thought like
that.
- From now on,
they will work hard for the nation' s prosperity and
reunification, for which they will gather industrial
information about North Korea.
- They want to
be like the Mosad in Israel. - I will inform you
continually, if possible.
Korean public
want KIA to be their role as giver of important
information and industrial information to people and
enterprise. Their museum's goal is to demonstrate
their new image, not negative image through
Museum.
Again, thanks
for your assistance.
To: "=?EUC-KR?B?seggvcLFwg==?=" From:
dbrady@sfusd.k12.ca.us (Dan Brady) Subject: Cc: Bcc:
X-Attachments:
My concerns on
this project is the difference between publicity and
secrets. They want KIA 's general image to be good,
but they can allow only a special class to enter into
their museum. That is an irony, key point and
difficulties to build the concept. Of course, they
will allow public to enter into
gradually.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
They want the
public's attitude changed, without the public seeing
the museum? If that is the case then they, the public,
will not have a chance to change their
attitude.
-------------------------------------------------------------
STKim:
So, we have plan
to build this museum, in which the exhibitors recover
the exhibits or cannot recover the exhibit because of
secret. In another words, the exhibits will be divided
into 2-3 kinds, according to class of exhibitors. As
indicated by you, it is necessary to contact the
exhibits from outside through computer networking (in
my opinion).
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
Hands on cannot
be beat. There should be something that can be touched
held and seen with no barriers. This is important for
communicating honesty.
-------------------------------------------------------------
STKim:
The reason why
they 'd like to build museum is the lack of their
legitimacy. With public relationship as it is, they 'd
like to get their legitimacy in Korean society. So,
they are seeking the importance of agency and
intelligence in Korean history (during 2000
years).
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
See my other
letter with regard to your ancient
rulers.
-------------------------------------------------------------
STKim:
Till now, press
coverage is mostly that they arrested a spy from North
Korea or they tortured the democratic people or that
they, the KIA, maneuvered behind the scenes for the
dictatorship. So, people have accepted their being
there for security from North Korea but still regarded
KIA as negative. The public have thought of the KIA as
'torturers', 'hijacking' and that they 'maneuver
behind the scenes'.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
This is where
only public housecleaning of the agency will cure
their image problems. If your KIA is anything like our
CIA, then it is unlikely they will do this on their
own.
-------------------------------------------------------------
STKim:
After election
of President in last year, New Regime tried to change
KIA's Image.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
I believe he can
achieve this, by using the public's opinion to place
him in a powerful position over the agency, but of
course, this is, again, beyond my
purview.
Take care,
Dan
From: dbrady@sfusd.k12.ca.us (Dan Brady) Subject: Re:
Specifics 2 Cc: Bcc: X-Attachments:
The following
are specifics for exhibits:
STKim:
Legitimacy
1) the King :
Kwanggaeto Great King, who expanded our land to China
and is symbol of 'prosperity of Korea.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
I think that if
there are any tales of spies and the like from this
time period that would be good to excellent to
include. The reason being is that the people respect
their great historical leaders and if it could be
shown that they also engaged in espionage it would
make the KIA's task a mite easier.
(The same should
be said for the museum project, the older and more
venerable the invention the better, a whole
introductory section could be devoted to these items,
in fact, they should be the first things
seen...)
I would find
some historical experts, scholars and have them find
the needed stories, and it would be a simple matter to
make large as life scenes wherein these ancients act
out their historical tales. One could have a small
stage area wherein "plays" could be performed as part
of the museums displays.
-------------------------------------------------------------
STKim:
2) the patriot :
Kim Koo, who was the most famous and had struggled
with Japanese during Japan's invasion to Korea.
Because he taken a action in a shady spot to Japan,
KIA regarded him as 'Typical patriot and
spy.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
I do not
understand, are you saying he is famous because he
betrayed Korea during the war?
By the way,
World War Two, a great period to talk about your
resistance to the occupation, and how the resistance
was organized. This is espionage as well, and, if any
of the current or past KIA leadership had a role
during this period, it would be worth the display
space to commemorate that person(s) experience during
that terrible period.
-------------------------------------------------------------
STKim:
- Against North
Korea
1) Spoils from
north Korean spy
2) Pamphlets to North Korea and from North Korea
3) Materials of the escapee from North Korea
4) Necessities of North Korean
5) North Korea's counterfeit bank notes 6)
Narcotics.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
As far as the
above is concerned:
For number
one
I feel that this
material would be good if it would be clearly evidence
of some specific plan or case. Not just an old uniform
or a collection of foreign arms. I think that a
display using these items must be related to a
particular case so that the display could include a
description of the evidence, brief description of the
trial, and thus a justification of the KIA's
existence.
If
reconciliation is a goal I do not know that pamphlets
from North Korea would be a good idea, unless they are
prominently communist. I feel that the idea of the
museum legitimizing the KIA, and having as part of its
goal reunification of Korea, can best do so if it
focuses on communism as the cause for the division,
not differences between the people. Thus the focus on
Communism as the divisive factor would allow
reunification psychologically, as soon as communism in
the north fades away.
All the things
(one through five) can just as easily lead people to
have an attitude favorable to continued division if
you bring out how much the North has done, however you
could get around this by emphasizing the communist
element in all that they have done, so that visitors
might be led to think that communism is the problem,
not the people and rulers of the North.
For items three
four and five in specific, again cases, photos of the
persons and how the cases were built. All of this
stressing the fairness of the procedure, the
overwhelming evidence, do not rely on confessions
here, they won't wash, and again, how it was a
communist scheme, not something that the North would
have done on its own, so to speak.
-------------------------------------------------------------
STKim:
Against
International offender
1) Foreigner's
Spurious bank note
2) Narcotics
3) International Gangster
4) Information of arms and explosives
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
For things in
this area, you have a more general capacity to create
a favorable image of the KIA, but again, there must be
pictures of the criminals, evidence of how evil they
are, and some clear way that the people visiting the
exhibits can see that they have a stake in getting
such persons in jail. For narcotics that can be quite
easy, drug use cause pain, and suffering. But the
displays or artifacts must speak louder than any
words.
-------------------------------------------------------------
STKim:
- About KIA's
Spy
1) All of
Victims after establishment of KIA
2) Positive Image to overcome the negative image of
being a 'symbol' for torture
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
As I have
already thought this area will not be well addressed
by a museum visited only by a select class of people.
The nature of this problem could best be solved by a
public "housecleaning" of the agency having a few high
profile cases prosecuted, so that the "bad apples" can
tossed out, and punished.
This aspect of
your case is beyond my purview. The purer the agency
can be made the more rapid its progress can be made.
It is probably unlikely that this will occur in a fair
and honest fashion and so you will have trouble
succeeding as quickly and as easily as you will with
the Creativity and Invention museum.
-------------------------------------------------------------
STKim:
- About the
future
1) Protection of
Cyber terror
2) Office without Paper
3) The importance of industrial information
4) Two important mission : Reunification and
Prosperity
5) The role as giver of information to public
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
This area is the
most promising. The visitor should see how the office
without paper will make the agency more efficient,
capable and fair.
Cyber terror
will have to be explained, but I do not think that it
is very important, though you could have a display, or
short video presentation that repeats during the
operating hours of the museum, which shows how the KIA
is working on that problem and even display evidence
of a case that they solved long ago.
Simply stating
the agency's new goal of Reunification and prosperity
is not enough, these two items would have to be a
theme that is evidenced in every display, every
explanation.
If the KIA wants
to change its public image I would add to Prosperity
and Reunification the pursuit of justice. Again that
is beyond my purview, thought I would be remiss in my
duty to avoid saying this.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Let me know what
you think
Dan
To: "=?EUC-KR?B?seggvcLFwg==?="
From: dbrady@sfusd.k12.ca.us (Dan Brady) Subject: Re:
1st response for your E-mail dtd. 10.28'98 Cc: Bcc:
X-Attachments:
STKim:
Further to your
E-mail dtd 10.28'98, at first, I 'd like to reply as
follows.
1) I will be
waiting for your information of 'the needed stories'
about the tales between the historical leader and
espionage in foreign countries.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
For number one
above, I do not know your history well enough to find
such stories, but I assume that some of your own
historians can easily find such legends and important
occurrences in history. This should provide a
connection for the common people, who may well know
some of these stories or parts of them, and the reason
for the KIA to exist. However, the KIA would do better
to do a wholesale housecleaning, and public upgrade.
Like I say the government can do this, there are ways,
with the people behind it, of course.
-------------------------------------------------------------
STKim:
2. Sorry for my
not enough express about Kim Koo. He is hero in Korea,
because he established the 'secret patriots' and led
them.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
Number two, this
is a good start, is he a WW2 hero? That would be the
best, for you had then an evil occupying force that
did unspeakable criminal acts upon your people. Did he
become part of the KIA? That would also be a
plus...
You want to find
well known persons that the people would like, and
connect them to the KIA.
-------------------------------------------------------------
STKim:
3. Invention
Museum
The basic
drawing was already made and submitted to our client.
Next week I will make a presentation to them.
Probably, we will success in this projects. I will
inform you of detailed process in
future.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dan:
Let me know what
you know when you know, this is
exciting....
DB
back
to the top
******************************************************
CASE 7: Professional
Mentoring.
******************************************************
Summary:
This is a
circumstance where I was in the role of a mentor. The
issues that I dealt with in this case were varied and
provided an interesting challenge. I have honored the
person's trust in me by keeping the specifics
confidential. But the results speak for themselves.
For more information please see:
Creative Ideas for Mentoring
back
to the top
From dbrady@muse.sfusd.k12.ca.us Sun Nov 15 22:01:57
1998 Received: from [156.1.240.40] by
hotmail.com (1.0) with SMTP id
MHotMail308864891729035065324932617372712113940; Sun
Nov15 22:01:57 1998 Received: from
[156.1.236.11] ([156.1.236.11]) by
muse.sfusd.edu (8.9.0/8.9.0) with SMTP id XAA07199 for
; Sun, 15 Nov 1998 23:04:07 -0800 Message-Id:
<199811160704.XAA07199@muse.sfusd.edu>
Mime-Version: 1. Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="us-ascii" Date: Sun, 15 Nov 1998 22:04:56
-0800 To: "R. L." From:
dbrady@muse.sfusd.k12.ca.us (Dan Brady) Subject: Re:
Your last letter
RL,
Yes, the flower
shop idea would be a good one. It can be a goal that
you work toward which makes the day to day trials
worthwhile. You can research this easily while you are
earning and saving. During the summers you can work
temporarily at some and find out how you really like
it, and, florists can do quite well, but you must have
a good location, and be hooked up with organizations
like FTD wherein someone somewhere orders flowers and
you, being the closest FTD florist to that location,
get the order and fill it. Then there is advertising,
marketing, specialty flowers and the like. You should
go for what you truly would like. All these jobs and
things are just a means to an end, don't forget that.
You want a happy life, one that is what you like. I
too have friends who, no surprise, out earn me
massively. I mean this one guy I went to high school
has been a doctor for the last 20 years and you can
guess what his net worth is, and then my best friend,
the engineer, well he and his wife each earn more than
Wendy and I combined, they have houses, note the
plural, and a portfolio, also two lovely children,
however he measures his free time in minutes per day,
literally. So who is better off?
Now here is the
thing: using my high school class as a group, I am
better off than many though certainly not all of them,
maybe not even most. I know how to save and invest
while many of them did not undertake such. There were
some that made poor choices, ruined their lives,
others are single parents, some have
died.
Which brings us
to a point: I enjoy a good deal of my life. I write,
and I love that, I play music and love that, singing
is wonderful as is art. I know that life is more than
the physical vehicle that you are in, meaning your
body. Happiness is the thing.
A person that
has enough food and shelter, medical insurance and
happiness will live decades longer than someone who is
regularly stressed out, and over busied with
possessions, and working long hours at a pricey job.
What is a year's life worth? You won't really know the
answer to that until you see someone dying even as
they're regretting all the things that they did not
"have time for" If you could make a success out of a
shop and enjoy it, find satisfaction, and contentment
as well as a long life, then that would be success. A
friend of mine and I once talked about what "made life
worth it". We came to the conclusion that basic
comforts such as room and board, simple pleasures such
as interests and friends, and then, growth, learning
new things and changing with the times. These, we
decided were three basics of life and living that are
overlooked. I mean, what is one of the first things
you ask someone at a party when you try to strike up a
conversation, among men its, "What do you do?" Quickly
followed by: "What do you make?" Implying that your
worth is based solely on one factor in your
life.
Try an
experiment go to two parties at one dress casual, and
when asked by strangers, reply with a low skill, low
paying job, and then at another dressed the same way,
and report that you are in the six figure range. See
how differently you are treated. College focuses us
all on that, productivity, high paying jobs, and
professionalism. But ask the dying person knowing his
hours are numbered if there is more to life than a fat
paycheck, and would he or she not trade most anything
for a few years of health, or a decade. This means
that finding a balance between living, and is vital to
the good life.
I ramble on...I
may ask you for a reference to use on my web site,
because if I have helped you with ideas then I could
do that...if you didn't mind...
Dan
X-Originating-IP: [208.25.61.19] From: "R.L."
To: dbrady@muse.sfusd.k12.ca.us Subject: Re: Your last
letter MIME-Version: 1.0 Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1998
12:36:33 PST X-UIDL:
e07b5d1bc9a201e742f4e6346a6332a1
Dan,
You are right.
This person will probably never be a friend. I am not
proud of that. But I am going to stay and finish my
year off. IF anything else happens, I can always
substitute.
Dan, you have
done so much for me. It is an honor to return the
favor! The reference follows.
R.
L.
X-Originating-IP: [208.25.61.16] From: "R.L."
To: dbrady@muse.sfusd.k12.ca.us Subject: Re: Your last
letter MIME-Version: 1.0 Date: Fri, 20 Nov 1998
17:47:37 PST X-UIDL:
cecc89c2240977a0a61a91d7b7b3c017
To whom this may
concern,
Dan Brady has
helped me a great deal in my professional life. When I
was beginning my career, my discussions with him
helped me see my circumstances more clearly. His
insights and reflections gave me a new perspective on
problems I was facing in such a way as to make my
options stand out in contrast to one another, making
my choices easier to understand in terms of their long
term effects. I was able to make good choices after
our talks, and discussions. He has a remarkable way of
bringing humor into the most distressing of
circumstances to lighten the burden of discussing
them. He can converse well, listen, and hear what I
have to say. He is quite creative.
Our talks were
originally concerned with my professional development
as a teacher in the San Francisco Unified School
District, however, our discussions ranged from that
concern to others that were also important to
me.
R.
L.
back
to the top
******************************************************
CASE 8: A Young Inventor
******************************************************
Summary:
This is a case
where I was asked to assist a young inventor about
creating a marketable game. Since this is an interest
I share, I told him some of the basics that I know of.
I encouraged him to work on the game with conventional
means rather than wait until he has the programming
skills to create the game of his
dreams.
back
to the top
Hi
Dan,
This is Alisa,
mom of Dustin, who wrote you concerning the game.
Sorry for not responding sooner- Your response was
great, although Dustin was shocked at what he had to
do. But, he is going to try and take a programming
class next year
Re: the letter
below:
I am not sure
that games need to be patented, you may be able to
copyright them since they are not inventions per se.
This kind of questions is best answered by some friend
of yours in your legal department, or that person may
be able to direct you to places where you could find
out. This is one place to start:
http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/ This is the government
office of copyright. You may be able to get some
informational packets from them. I have a copyright
and it only cost 25.00 to file, this of course was for
a manuscript that I wanted to protect before I sent it
around to publishers. Currently I am rewriting it and
this is taking much time, even though I enjoy
it.
In the mean time
you do not need computer programming skills to design
much of the game, write the rules, draw the appearance
of characters, or draw out imaginary lands,
territories, and the like. Set the nature of
characters, powers, properties of various items in the
game. Most computer games are heavy in the graphics
realm so you can do a lot in the meantime. The main
advantage of undertaking this activity is that all you
need are pencils, paper, crayons and the like to do
all this ground work.
Make no mistake,
is it difficult, challenging, fun and the like. I have
a couple of board games that I have developed but have
other projects that have taken precedence over them.
The large game I have is completed but it did take a
few hundred hours over the course of a couple of years
to work it up to its current state. I have no
programming skills and so I will have to find a
programmer who would be willing to be a partner in
that venture.
Then there is
study, looking at the competition this includes
studying other games, and talking with friends about
what is good or not good about them.
All the
foregoing comes under the heading of information
gathering and can help you alter your plans. In fact
the more that this kind of activity is done, the
clearer will the concept of the game become and the
easier will be the programming once you start
it.
As far as
keeping the idea secure, the less you say the better.
The more complete your "paper" idea the better, and
the more you know about copyright the better. You
could be ripped off still, but it would be harder. If
the idea is a good one, once the game is finished,
have others test play it and make adjustments, trouble
shoot it.
Let me
know how this information assists.
back
to the top
******************************************************
CASE 9:Questions of Life, and
livlihood
******************************************************
Summary:
This began as a
problem solving situation determining the advisability
of moving. As it turned out there was more to the
whole case than that. We pursued ideas, examined
perspectives, and assumptions. We have assisted here
and feel good about the work done so
far.
back
to the top
Now that I am
concentrating on myself, everything else seems to fall
into place. I cannot, will not, be involved in other
people's problems. It is enough to just take care of
me. I cannot thank you enough.
Elizabeth
gwg63@aol.com
Dan,
You probably are
an exceptional person and teacher. Not all teachers
are so wonderful...I wish that all teachers were as
caring as you. You should be a master teacher teaching
teachers how to behave in the classroom and with
parents.
Sincerely,
Liz
back
to the top
******************************************************
CASE 10: Petfinders
Assisted
******************************************************
Summary:
This case
involved assisting with business ideas, and assisting
with advice about setting up a Web Site. The
discussions ranged through these and other areas. I
was glad to assist a worthwhile effort. You can look
at their site: <
HREF="http://www.petfindusa.com/"> Pet Find, USA,
to find out what they are all about.
back
to the top
Subj: Re: Web Stuff. Date: 12/20/98 7:18:13 PM Eastern
Standard Time From: Holly65584 To:
dbrady@muse.sfusd.k12.ca.us
Dan
Thank you so
much for writing - it was a God send. I have my domain
name registered at www.petfindusa.com. Currently it is
hosted by Primehost which is AOL's hosting branch.
It's very expensive and I never intended to leave it
there for so long.
I'm very excited
that I'm at the end of this very long production and I
can't wait to get it up and running. The phone calls
are still coming in - I need to get in business quick!
Any help or suggestions you can offer would be so, so,
so appreciated!
