"Think and Do."

What is on our readers minds?

A thought-provoking piece as usual, Jim, thank you. I remember my father telling me the IBM slogan was THIMK, but can't verify which version is correct. I like the ironic one better, myself. I was young enough at the time that I almost didn't "get it". Probably why Dad pointed it out. Regards,

Bob Erchinger
Vacumet
Franklin, Massachusetts, USA

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Riddle answer: First letter of each word is Roman Numeral in order of increaseing value.

L J Gregory
Longview Fibre
Longview, Washington, USA

***

Jim,

The biggest problem is thinking is hard work! You need to collect data, challenge the quality of the data, analyze the data, search yourself for internal biases, and draw honest conclusions. Then you usually have the lengthy task of confronting the conventional wisdom. I think most poor decisions come from laziness and not intentional violation of ethics. George Bernard Shaw said it best "Few people think more than two or three times a year; I have made an international reputation for myself by thinking once or twice a week."

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Jeff Lee
Georgia-Pacific
Neenah, Wisconsin, USA

***

Jim -

I trust that you had a safe trip back to Georgia. Thank you for making your presence felt at the Biorefinery Conference in Syracuse this week. All too often these days, the politics of industry events is thought of but not presented nor discussed openly.

Keep in mind that there is an event this spring with a more interactive format planned (link here), as well as next fall (1&2 Oct 09) being an international conference. Please plan on attending - you won't be disappointed.

The answer to your question, dear Caesar, is 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000. Each first letter sequentially displays the basic roman numerals, from which all other numbers are made (short of the bar over the letter being used!!).

It looks as though we the people are Ivan and our government is Xavier... Ouch.

I trust that I'm not "homo hominus primoris" in getting the correct answer to you, but I'm 'I of M'...

Kind regards,

Jay Janson
Syracuse, New York, USA

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Jay:

I think the State University of New York (College of Environmental Science and Forestry) President's reaction to my talk last week means that, as far as that campus is concerned, I am on "double secret probation."

You are correct on the riddle and not alone (yes, I, too suffered through Caesar's Gallic Wars). Thanks for your kind words.

By the way, for anyone else contemplating asking me to speak at your function, keep in mind that I am true to my principles and do not pander to the subject at hand! You wouldn't expect any less of me, would you?

Jim

***

Subject: Lazy Project Engineer's Path to success.

Jim and Laura:

I just wanted to say thanks for this little book.

As most of us do, I laid it on the corner of my table intending to read it when I had time.

This past week I finally picked it up.

You have captured most amazingly the essence of good project engineering.

I already know this stuff but have never seen it put so succinctly and actually written down.

I am reading only one chapter a day so I can take time to think about how powerful each truth is and how I can remember experiences that support what you say.

Thanks again. I only wish I had taken the time to write it all down but again you have done an excellent job.

Take care.

Philip L. Poole
PCA
Valdosta, Georgia, USA

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