Howard Gardner Shares His Wisdom at New York University

Recently, Howard Gardner brought his theory of multiple intelligences to NYU. Mary Brabeck, Dean of the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human development had the difficult task of succinctly introducing Dr. Gardner, embracing his many achievements. “When it comes to Howard Gardner, there is no briefly,” she said in offering an abbreviated list of accomplishments, such as his 1981 MacArthur fellowship and the holding of 20 honorary degrees.

 A ninety-minute conversation ensued with colleague Marcelo Suárez-Orozco in which Dr. Gardner admitted that after his family fled Nazi Germany for Scranton, PA, his early life provided little intellectual stimulation. Of course, entrance to Harvard at 14 certainly gave him ample time to pursue a life of scholarship.

His groundbreaking work into Multiple Intelligences developed out of his own need to allot adequate space between his ideas and the work of others. “I tend to go where nobody else goes,” he says, which led to an understanding that normal brain activity could best be determined by studying the limited brain processes of stroke or aphasia patients. 

Today, his theories are applied worldwide but it concerns him when institutions take a superficial approach to his work.  I hope “they dig deeper to enrich and deepen their own thinking,” he stated, thus providing multiple entry points to important subjects that align themselves to each student’s intelligences. “My theories might not have been  uncontroversially accepted if I called these capacities or intelligences ‘talents’. Everyone accepts that there exist specific talents—for chess, music, trapeze etc.  By using the word ‘intelligence’ I caught attention, provoked controversy, and perhaps changed the conversation in education, if not in psychology.”

So an institution that plasters his name all about means little in comparison to engendering the ingenuity that his work aspires to.  The Danfoss Universe in Denmark not only qualifies in its efforts to develop children’s insights into science and technology, but the experience park has him as an active member on their board. “They develop all kinds of games that make use of the separate intelligences,” he says, and a game called Explorarama came directly from Dr. Gardner’s input.

Halfway around the world, China clings to his theory as enthusiastically as they are pursuing globalization.  Visiting in 2004, he found there are over 100 books expanding on his work, and he was greeted at a conference with over 2,500 papers on Multiple Intelligences.

In the recollections of one attendee, Dr. Gardner encompassed how the Chinese differ in their approach from the perceived Americans version, which seeks to identify strengths and defer on the weaknesses.  “In China, it’s just eight things that we have to make our children good at,” he conveyed lightheartedly.   

As to be expected, MI hasn’t caught on everywhere. In England and France, where general intelligence theory first developed, scholarship is mostly stuck in its ways, while Japan’s educational mindset lags behind along with its lack of individual psychological profiles. 

Of course, here we have yet to dispense of the SAT’s or even the time constraints that add little to the assessment of a student’s intelligence.  “Teachers care about the quality of the work not whether it was completed in the allotted time,” he says he wrote in a New York Times Op-ed piece. 

To that came quite an array of responses but no more vocally than from one particular group.  As if to prove his thesis, he said, “These middle aged males disagreed violently because they seem to have performed better on the SAT than they had in life."

Regardless, even though the sun never sets on a theory that has no limits, according to Professor Suárez-Orozco, Dr. Gardner thinks it wasteful to stay stuck on the same course.  

“The Good Works” project arose as he and fellow colleagues realized that ethics were not moving at anything close to revolutionary speed.  In his book, “Making Good,” he found young people aspired to ethics, but at some later date after they achieved comfort and standing.  “Someday when we’re rich and famous we’ll be ethical but peers who cut corners will beat us to the top,” they averred, according to Dr. Gardner.

As for the corners that could apply to him, he doesn’t shy away from a future that could put all he’s worked for to the test.  Asked from the audience what MRI technology could mean to his theories, he said, “I monitor these studies and it will be interesting to see if my original taxonomy will stand up to the scrutiny.” 

Clients Set and Reach Goals with Skinny Buddha in Mt. Kisco

As you eagerly await the raising of spirits on New Years’ Eve, the fact you’ve been tooting your horn for weeks on weight loss resolutions can quickly have the bottom drop out. All you’re then left with is a disappointment that lingers until “never quitting” gets its annual refrain the coming November. Mount Kisco personal trainer Shaka Taffawa certainly knows the sentiment and clearly understands how the absolute can succumb so easily. “If you’re quitting, you’re probably setting the goal too big,” says Taffawa, while his approach at Skinny Buddha defers on getting too far ahead on goals in favor of a workout and eating regimen that incrementally seeks lifestyle change.    

In the gym at 128 Radio Circle, Mount Kisco, customers may opt for a six week program, and reaching benchmarks established at the beginning, sets the precedent to proceed. “When they get through it and see it isn’t so bad, they want to do it again,” says the NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Nutrition Specialist.

Mapping everything out at the outset only facilitates matters, but he also believes people must first get at why they are seeking a goal rather than the hope of simply looking better. For instance, they may get a sinking feeling when fitting into a favorite pair of jeans becomes impossible. “Then clients need to figure out what needs to change. This way they become motivated to never feel that way again,” he says.

At the same time, the former Golden Gloves boxing finalist helps clients unravel the anxiety and push them forward. “From the first hello, you see where they are mentally, and then you know how to adjust the approach beyond that,” says Taffawa.

Of course all the good intentions and preemption must pay heed to the being put off by repetition. So among his repertoire are dumbbells, resistance bands, body weight and timed workouts. On the mechanical end, clients have access to a Smith Machine for assisted squats and bench press and a cable crossover for a host of upper, lower, and core exercises. “This allows us to switch it up so many different ways, and gives me the chance to be creative,” he says.  

A rapper prior to being a personal trainer, Taffawa’s musical past certainly gives him the skill set to work outside the box, but he sees no reason to rewrite the rhyme on accentuating the positive. “We try to steer away from telling people the things they need to cut out. It’s more pushing them toward healthy habits and that retrains the mind,” says the licensed massage therapist.

People can get the skinny on those habits by signing up at the beginning for a one week detox. This encompasses five Skinny Buddha prepared meals in which the first two are fruits and vegetables, then legumes, grains and proteins are added on the 3rd, 4th and 5th days. “Detoxers usually go on to lose a few pounds during this program, and it sets them up to lose even more over the next 12 weeks, he says.   

Regardless of whether clients opt for the detox, the link between diet and exercise is driven home everyday in a prepared (organic) meal that is provided after each workout. “One usually keeps the other in balance,” he says. “So if you’re at a point where you’re dieting, and you want your body to look a certain way, you’re going to need strength training to firm up or shed extra body fat.”

As for adding a little weight in the form of all the little gadgets that measure things like burned calories, he says, “Anything that motivates you to be healthier, I’m all for it.”

 

For his efforts, he gets a read on the type of trainer each client wants. “They might want someone who really pushes, while others seek a positive reinforcement approach,” he says.

On the other hand, Taffawa knows the unspoken speaks the loudest form of motivation. “When they fit into clothes they couldn’t fit into before, they feel stronger and healthier. No one has to tell them that,” he concludes.

The Skinny Buddha Organic Kitchen is located at 159 Lexington Avenue, Mount Kisco  – open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday - Friday and 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.

For more info visit: http://www.myskinnybuddha.com

Plattsburgh Slideshow #4

Have a few of my Plattsburgh Articles

How not to do the Plattsburgh Walk of Shame

https://vocal.media/education/how-not-to-do-the-plattsburgh-walk-of-shame

A Few Memorable Moments that Could Only Happen in Plattsburgh

https://vocal.media/education/a-few-memorable-moments-that-could-only-happen-in-plattsburgh

Medicine Man on a Mission at Maryknoll

When Peter LeJacq had his initial application interview at Cornell Medical School, his reply as to why he wanted to pursue a career in medicine has almost assuredly not been heard before or since he spoke to them back in 1976. "I want to be a doctor because I want to be a priest," he told the interviewer.

Since the representative happened to be a psychologist, he might have been inclined to get the young man to the nearest available couch. Instead, he smiled and simply replied, according to Peter, "very interesting." More than 25 years later, interesting would fall far short of describing Father Peter LeJacq of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, headquartered in Ossining, New York. And that's not only because he followed through on the goal that once caused academics to question if his ambition was even remotely pragmatic.

Ironically, some of those same academics have now found themselves linked to the future Father LeJacq envisioned for himself. With a population of 35 million, Tanzania has one doctor for every 40,000 people, as compared to one in 7000 in most African countries and 1 in 400 in America.

Father LeJacq, along with other missioners at Maryknoll, The Weill Cornell Medical School and an ever growing network of donors, has become involved in an intercontinental effort to construct a self-sustained healthcare infrastructure for the people of Mwanza, Tanzania.

In East Africa, the Catholic Bishops of Tanzania – in accordance with the Tanzanian Government – conceived and continue to direct this vision. One that will not only significantly upgrade the Bugando facility in Mwanza, but provide the country with only its 4th medical school. The Bugando Medical facility hopes to provide the healthcare needs of the 10 million residents in its jurisdiction, as the Bugando University College of Health Science (BUCHS) will supply the doctors. In addition, Cornell Medical has taken the role of sister school to BUCHS, which plans on graduating 50 physicians annually.

A serious goal and a serious man but that doesn't prevent him from exhibiting a lighter side in describing how faith from within merged with a calling to heal. "If I didn't have the gift of healing, I'd want to do it the old fashioned way - by going to medical school," he says.   An inkling that came long before the 28 consecutive years of education he needed to achieve it.

Father LeJacq says he was an ordinary Catholic growing up in Manhasset, Long Island when he decided how he would spend his life. In 8^thgrade, after reading about the exploits of missionary sister-doctors and also impressed by the joy his parish priest expressed in serving others, Peter wrote a religion paper mapping out his future.  

“Why I want to be a priest-doctor in Africa,” remained a secret between Peter and the Priest, because the Father didn’t want Peter putting any undue pressure on himself, thus derailing his future. Only years later, at Cornell, did Peter reveal his plans. 

This didn’t come as a surprise to his family, but the same reaction certainly could not be expected from the student body at Cornell – even if it had actually been sprung on anyone.  "He's a firmly determined person," says former classmate Dr. Kevin Kelly, but his soft spoken demeanor didn't reveal this or his future plans to the student body. When word leaked out of the Dean's office, Dr. Kelly wasn't alone in assessing that Peter's goals were "admirable but unrealistic."

Although witnessing Peter navigate through academic adversity changed that consideration. "I don't ever remember seeing him ruffled. He seemed to take whatever came along carefree, calm and self assured," he says. Still, others worried of Peter's pace without any regard for himself. Peter allayed their concerns by assuring them that he would have ample time for comfort in heaven.

Peter graduated from Cornell in 1981 and was ordained in 1987 - leaving him little time to question his choices. Occasionally, though, he thought of getting married or just pursuing one career as an American priest or a doctor, but he never did change his schedule of studies. 

A schedule that included assignments in Guatemala and Thailand but Africa never fell off Father LeJacq’s map. In 1984, his introduction to Africa came as a seminarian/doctor in training at a bush hospital in the Serengeti.  Two years later, he found himself among about a dozen physicians in a referral hospital addressing the needs of 10 million people.

This meant delegating a great deal to doctors and nurses in training and implementing the unofficial form of Tanzanian triage. "You do what you can for those that you think you can help - as long as you can stand," he says.

Being an American, though, did not leave him immune to the same medical hardships as Tanzanians. While none was life threatening, he contracted Tuberculosis, Hepatitis and had an almost monthly cycle of dysentery to go with twelve bouts of malaria.

This provides one definition of poverty in Tanzania, but on a daily basis, he says it starts with whether you have water today.  After a bucket brigade to Lake Victoria or the nearest deep well pump, Tanzanians must secure one meal for the day, and for those who can afford it, a dose of malaria prevention medicine.

Still, he found despite the obvious hardships, the people of Tanzania, which is 10% Catholic, have always kept the faith and he was proud to be part of the effort of restoring a badly decaying hospital in East Africa.  Father LeJacq returned home to Ossining in 1996, but most of his thoughts remained back in Tanzania.  

Fortunately, in 1999, when the Tanzanian Bishops enacted their plans to build the medical school, it created an opportunity where the Father's ruminations could have an impact. At the request of the Tanzanian Bishops, through Maryknoll, Father LeJacq took on a role that retroactively was switching him from a missionary priest-doctor of Tanzania to a missionary priest-fundraiser for Tanzania.

Father LeJacq has gone onto raise money through family and friends, including those of his old Alma Matta. When word made its way up the ladder at Cornell Medical, they offered to provide the computers and CD-ROM curriculum to instruct the medical students at BUCHS.

With about 6 million raised, about 2300 family members and friends have become involved in this transatlantic endeavor. Although what might not be apparent through it all is that, "He's just a regular guy," according to local friend Michael Mannix. Put aside the intellect and the strong moral foundation and "You'll find that going out to dinner with him is like going out to dinner with your college buddy or fraternity brother," he adds. A fortunate quality he possesses for the sake of Tanzania.

In fact, his illuminating personality makes Father LeJacq "the main event" when he addresses potential donors, according to Mr. Mannix. Although it's a role Father LeJacq reluctantly takes according to old friend Dr. Kelly. "He doesn't really like publicity," but attention for him ultimately means donations for Tanzania. So in spite of it, "He swallows hard and goes with it because it's the necessary cost of getting the project done," he adds.

And with all he's done for Tanzanians, Father LeJacq also fills an important void here for ordinary Americans. "He's a Christian in action," according to Mr. Mannix, “and a lot of people can't do that because they're doing the everyday activity of raising a family or working a job. So they turn to Peter and say, I can't fulfill what you're doing but at least I can give a helping hand."

For more information go to www.touchingtanzania.org. 

Limitations of Medical Treatment of Lyme not the only Hurdle for those Afflicted

Whether you have Lyme Disease or not, most know that treating the affliction can be far more complex than simply administering 21 days of antibiotics. But resistance to medical intervention of the tick born illness doesn’t always represent the most elusive aspect of overcoming this problematic disease, according to Dr. Daniel Cameron.

Read more : https://vocal.media/longevity/renowned-lyme-doctor-in-mt-kisco-discusses-limitations-of-medical-treatment-and-insurance-complications

Somers Field Hockey vs Sleepy Hollow