Meeting Volker: A Good Way to Begin 2011

My wife asked me to buy some gifts for some of our friends.  We’re in Heidelberg, Germany and had just finished an excellent lunch at Vetter’s.  I noticed a small shop across the street and walked in.  The proprietor greeted me in German, but switched to English when I said, “Hello.”   He was friendly and soon began telling stories about the cloth bags, pillows, and other items that were filled with lavender.  We had such a good time talking with one another that I was very glad for this chance encounter.   2010 was a year filled with many opportunities to meet people from around the USA and around the world.

It’s a good way to begin 2011 by meeting Volker Rother on January 1.    If you would like to have a good year, be open to meeting new people and appreciating them for who they are, wherever they are.   Have  a wonderful year, Volker!

Posted January 1st, 2011 in Human Factors, Observations

“Sleep-the Most Beneficent Remedy for Pain”

In A Morbid Taste for Bones, Brother Cadfael cultivates a garden of plants that can be used for medicines.    He makes medicines to alleviate pain. “the chief enemy of man.”    Some of these medicines help the sick to sleep, which he calls “the most beneficent remedy for pain.”

Why do we need to sleep?  The body and mind must use that time to heal and to mend, to recuperate from our labors, and to process what has occurred while we were awake.  I know when someone is sick, sleep seems to help the healing process.

There is a pipeline safety rule that requires companies to provide opportunities for pipeline controllers(mostly rotating shift workers) to get eight hours of sleep.   All of us should seek to use the most beneficent remedy for pain everyday.  As you read, listen, or observe this year, pay attention to how many references you hear to sleep and fatigue.   Surveys reveal we are a fatigued people, and that may contribute to our pain.

Posted January 1st, 2011 in 2011 Control Room Management, 2011 Managing Fatigue Articles