Friday, April 3, 2009

TGIF - National Chocolate Mousse Day!

Those of you who share my passion for chocolate - rejoice and celebrate! Today is OUR day. There is perhaps nothing more comforting than a piece of fine chocolate. Despite many downsides, moderate consumption of chocolate has been shown in recent medical studies to aid digestion, lower blood pressure, and slow down the aging process. Chocolate may not bring order to our current economic condition, or promote world peace, but we should all stop what we are doing today, and pause to reflect on our social biography while enjoying any form of it.

On this day in 1860, the Pony Express was established. Women's role in this historically significant method of communication is largely a mystery. For a glimpse at what is known may be found in a book by Melba Rey-Jeal titled "Women and the Pony Express: A Modern Tale of Changing Tradition". My, what progress we have made in the area of rapid communication, and in women's rights and influence since the introduction of this chain of individuals
that took an oath on the Bible of honesty and devotion to duty and went on, despite the daily threat of death, to carry the mail 616,000 miles--equal to 24 times around the earth--during the 18 months the enterprise operated. Sadly, it was the introduction of the telegraph - a precursor to today's Internet that led to it's demise.

And so it is with countless other institutions -including the breaking of "the Glass Ceiling". It is the so called "Innovators Dilemma" at work, which has been studied by HBS Prof. Clayton Christensen and others, seeking to determine how sudden shifts in technology or social conditions can bring about rapid change.

We are clearly in a period of rapid change. Some of it good, some bad. But one thing remains constant -women will continue to play an increasingly significant role. Take time today to reflect on YOUR role. And enjoy that chocolate!

Until next post, continue to believe, achieve, receive. SDG - JBHIV

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