Unspoken

You know, sometimes it is what people don’t say that is clearer than what they say. And this week, a lot wasn’t said.

Niki (finally) joined the community this week. She just appeared. We have known each other for several years, and while our communication has ebbed and flowed, I had always wanted her to be part of the fun. In a private message, she described to me what it is like to jump into the ring and have things thrown at you as various members introduce themselves to her. That, in turn, reminded me that I need to create the “How to navigate Brida” videos. To make the initiation less daunting. Anyway, I am sure you will read more from her, I look forward to it.

“I am sure you can find trails around Cleebourg,” said Nathalie. I sometimes wonder if people are aware of what impact they have. The finding of hiking trails was the least important statement in this narrative. Far more important was how Nathalie, as if it were the most normal thing in the world, described, explained and then somehow recommended a hiking app called AllTrails. So compelling was the dialogue, I immediately downloaded it, mid-conversation. Why is this newsworthy? It was the marriage between “what is said” and “how it is said” that leads to a result. One which I am in turn sharing with you. Bingo, bongo, we have a winner.

Sebastian also, but with more awareness, because he wanted to emphasise the point, said how all our conversations had reduced his apprehension of speaking English with people on the phone. Normally, people hide behind an email. Pick up the phone, call the person. More efficient, quicker results. You can’t measure language. Instead, you observe what you can do with language.

I do feel sorry for Céline. Not only did she post some pictures without providing the context, but the context, several threads down, has been hijacked by a discussion about relationships between generations. But, that was only one aspect of her story. The rest we yet have to cover. Part of her narrative resonated with others. It made some of you think, react and provoke. Bingo!

Maxime’s in trouble. In his latest round of exams, he confessed that his algorithm exam didn’t go so well. Complicated subject. For him, anything below 21 points (out of a maximum of 20) is simply unacceptable. This is why “Algorithms for Beginners” is now on the menu. I heard the screams, “Make it simple to understand”. Now, there’s a challenge. But we have a team in Manfred and Martin who might also know something about this, both in language and in the subject.

The Tuesday Get Together team (Sebastian, Ismar and Igor) are on a mission to make everyday stories compelling. Potluck dinners. Everybody contributes to the meal, and we see what we eat. You will find it in the podcasts. Bon appétit.

The week ended with a bang. Cléa told me the story of a rocket alarm she experienced in Seoul. It seemed that in one of the many North Korean rocket tests, one rocket had decided to go independent and there was the threat it could land in Seoul. That we hear of North Korean rocket tests comes with our morning cereal. Details less so. But when a 16-year-old teenager talks about this when 12 months ago, she was looking forward to a village festival in France….well, what a world we live in.