Him and Her

It happened something like this . . . 

"Let's dance," she prodded.

He didn't say anything, hoping that she might just forget about the idea.

Seconds of silence which seemed like hours to him.

"I said let's dance, Mister."

Seeing that a verbal response was inevitable, he offered up a measly "hmmmm", still hoping that she might seek another suitor.

She wasn't about to let the issue die.

"What's your problem? A little dance didn't kill anyone," she persisted.

Acknowledging the wisdom of her words, he acquiesed, "Okay, alright."

He pulled her up from her chair and they spent a couple of minutes holding hands, jumping to the music.

"See, that wasn't so hard!"

"Nope."

Life is short.

And it took a dancing partner -- 90 years young and 100% blind -- to remind him.

Him and Her (March 2013)

My Thoughts on BECA's Latest Initiative

Project REY13.

It's a curious name for a project, so-named because it was hatched in BECA's 2012 student council, and the president happened to be named Reynaldo.

Indeed, it is the first project idea that BECA.org has undertaken originating from the student council. (And hopefully it won't be the last.)

In brief it is about taking the classifying stage of BECA's program right to the high school. The students classify for their scholarship during their senior year.

In this way, the students don't miss a year before starting their post-secondary studies.

The Pioneers of REY13. They look young don't they? (March 2013) More pictures

It's a cool concept. It's cost-effective. I'm a little concerned about the age of the participants. Some of these kids are only 16 years old.

But hey, the mission of BECA is to provide an educational opportunity to high school graduates and project REY13 doesn't stray.

The greatest success of the project so far?

The administration by the BECA Coordinator in charge. Solid execution, very few hiccups, and strict attention to costs.

Is this the future of BECA Nicaragua?

Might be.

Let's have fun and see what happens.

My Lemon

About a year ago I decided I was going to buy a car to be a little more mobile around here in Nicaragua.

A "friend" located a Chevrolet Optra, 2008.

Pretty on the outside.

It only had about 50,000 km. He checked it out and he said it was in perfect mechanical condition.

Négras.

There is one very good thing about it, however.

It serves as excellent fodder for jokes around the office.  

Mi limón rojo. (My red lemon.)

One thing it does well: banana peel receptacle.

Having Fun

Recently it came to my attention that one of our contacts in a partner school took exception to my "joking manner."

This came as quite a surprise to me. (And possibly to the BECA team member in my company.)

It seems that an Executive Director of a national foundation -- that would be ME -- should not be making jokes in meetings with "important people" -- whatever "important" means.

The timing of this occurrence was curious because it was only recently that I was emphasizing to the BECA team the importance of having fun on the job.

We even made a poster of three themes that we would try to rally around in 2013.

Has this experience changed my approach?

Nope. Not for a split-second.

After all, life is _ _ _ _ _, isn't it? Let's enjoy the ride.

A Classic Photo from the BECA Archives (2010) Are these becados having fun, or what. . . and it's a social project!

The Worst Professional Sports Team Logo in North America

I mentioned previously in this space that I appreciate good design.

Nowhere is good, smart design more apparent than in the professional sports team logo.

We know that professional sports is big business in North America. And it should come as no surprise then that the teams generate profits from the sales of merchandise. Merchandise with their logo figured prominently.

An attractive, professionally-designed logo is important!

Yet it amazes me how few teams put serious thought into their logos. Or they try to skimp entirely on the endeavour.

Here is an example of what I think may quite possibly be the worst professional sports team logo in North American professional sports:

What were the people running this organization -- the Winnipeg Jets hockey team -- thinking? This is supposed to represent a hockey team? It looks like an airline. Or something representing the Canadian military.

Downright awful.

Here is my all-time fave:

You can tell these people -- the New York Rangers hockey team -- spent some money here. A lot of money. This logo oozes beautiful design. This wasn't designed by some local six-grader contest.

Whaddya think?

Do you have a favorite sports team logo? 

Once in a While a Picture Comes Along . . .

I must admit that I have been feeling a little weary lately.

A few complaints can wear you down.

I understand it. I liked to complain a lot when I was a teenager.

Nevertheless, at times it depresses you when you think that you are trying to do something positive.

It makes you question things. Is BECA -- this dream of mine -- really needed here in Nicaragua?

And then a beautiful picture comes along . . .

BECA graduate Seferina Amador with Family (February 2013)

. . . to remind you that it is all worthwhile.

This photo was taken by one of our Coordinators recently at the graduation ceremony of BECA student Seferina Amador (and now Nursing Technician!)

I'm assuming the gentleman in the foreground is Seferina's father, but it could be an uncle. It doesn't really matter.

Look at that face! The satisfaction. The joy. The pride.

Do you see what I see?

Congratulations, Seferina. We know what a supreme challenge it was for you to finish.

Thanks, Seferina. For helping me understand what this BECA thing is all about.

Loving Good Design

Some companies take the time to think before they produce something.

We are talking about a mentality.

And that mindest translates into a product family that is well-designed.

The classic modern-day example is Apple and their ipods, iphones, and ipads.

How can you tell a well-designed product when you see one?

For me the answer lies in the ease-of-use of the product (or service).

That is, the manufacturer has taken into consideration every minute detail before launch.

The details matter!

The same applies to a non-profit organization like ours, BECA.org,  and the programs we offer and the projects we execute.

I try to impress upon our team that excellence is found in the details.

I am happy to say that they are responding.

And I can now direct more of my love of design on our very own initiatives instead of elsewhere.