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Blog Entries: 1 to 10 of 43
Critical Thinking: Your Superpower
I’m classifying this post as a public service announcement (PSA) as it has nothing to do with history, but has everything to do with all of us and the world we live in today.
I had a recent experience that I wanted to share with you. While doing our taxes using a popular tax software program, I discovered an error in its processing. Had I simply accepted what the software told me, the $1,008 refund that my wife and I are entitled to would have turned in to us owing the state of Missouri over $300. When I saw that initial result, I questioned it, and by going back and using the state’s automated Missouri tax software, I was able to pinpoint (and report to the software company) the exact place where their error occurred.
I’m not here to pat myself on the back, but instead to remind you about the power of critical thinking and how we all need to be using it in our everyday lives. One of the first things I was taught as a genealogist was to question everything. Look for multiple sources whenever they were available and to analyze them. Maybe that’s why I caught this error, but probably it was just from wanting make sure that I really owed that amount of money when I was expecting a refund instead. Either way, it was critical thinking that saved the day.
Critical thinking isn't just for academics or philosophers. It's an essential life skill that empowers us to make better choices, solve problems more effectively, and engage with the world in a more meaningful way. It's about thinking clearly and rationally, understanding the connections between ideas, and questioning assumptions. In short, it's about thinking for yourself.
We live in a world awash with information. News cycles spin 24/7, social media feeds are a constant barrage of opinions, and advertisements vie for our attention at every turn. In this whirlwind of data, how do we navigate, discern truth from falsehood, and make informed decisions? The answer lies in a crucial skill, a superpower we all possess but often underutilize: critical thinking.
So, why is critical thinking so important in our daily lives?
1. Navigating the Information Overload:
We're bombarded with information from countless sources. Some of it is accurate, some is misleading, and some is outright false. Critical thinking equips us to evaluate the credibility of sources, identify biases, and distinguish facts from opinions. It helps us avoid falling prey to misinformation and allows us to form our own informed perspectives.
2. Making Better Decisions:
From choosing what to eat for breakfast to making major life decisions, we're constantly faced with choices. Critical thinking helps us weigh the pros and cons, consider different perspectives, and anticipate potential consequences. It allows us to move beyond impulsive reactions and make decisions that align with our values and goals.
3. Solving Problems Effectively:
Life throws curveballs. Problems arise, and we need to find solutions. Critical thinking provides a structured approach to problem-solving. It encourages us to define the problem clearly, gather relevant information, brainstorm potential solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness. This systematic approach leads to more creative and effective solutions.
4. Enhancing Communication:
Critical thinking is closely linked to effective communication. It allows us to articulate our thoughts and ideas clearly and persuasively. It also helps us understand and interpret the messages of others, identify underlying assumptions, and engage in constructive dialogue.
5. Fostering Creativity:
While it might seem counterintuitive, critical thinking actually fosters creativity. By questioning existing ideas and exploring different perspectives, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and innovative solutions. It allows us to think outside the box and challenge conventional wisdom.
6. Promoting Personal Growth:
Critical thinking encourages self-reflection and self-awareness. It prompts us to examine our own beliefs and biases, identify areas for improvement, and continuously learn and grow. It empowers us to become more self-directed and independent thinkers.
How to Cultivate Critical Thinking:
The good news is that critical thinking is a skill that can be developed and honed. Here are a few tips:
- Ask questions: Don't accept things at face value. Always ask "why?" and "how?"
- Challenge assumptions: Identify your own biases and consider alternative perspectives.
- Seek out diverse viewpoints: Engage with people who have different opinions and backgrounds.
- Practice active listening: Pay attention to what others are saying and try to understand their perspectives.
- Reflect on your own thinking: Take time to analyze your own thought processes and identify areas for improvement.
In conclusion, critical thinking is not just a desirable skill; it's a necessity in today's complex world. By cultivating this essential ability, we can navigate the information overload, make better decisions, solve problems more effectively, and live more fulfilling lives. So, embrace your inner critical thinker and unlock your full potential. It's a superpower that will serve you well in every aspect of your life and it might even help you save some money too!
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Special Exhibition: Tri-State Tornado
With the 100th anniversary of of the devasting Tri-State Tornado rapidly approaching on March 18,2025, we have created a special exhibition about that tragic day here at our website. It was on that date in 1925 that the Tri-State Tornado struck without warning and devasted communities from southeast Missouri to southwest Indiana. Now 100 years later and this tornado still holds several records.
The tornado claimed 695 lives making it the single deadliest tornado in U.S. history. It also holds the records for the longest duration and distance, lasting some 3 ½ hours and carving a path of destruction 219 miles in length. It was also the fastest moving tornado ever recorded with an average forward speed of 62mph and 73 mph at its fastest along its path between the Illinois towns of Gorham and Murphysboro. Finally, it was the most destructive, destroying 15,000 homes. Whole towns were virtually wiped from the map. Countless businesses and livelihoods were destroyed and the lives of the survivors of this terrible storm were impacted, in some cases, forever. The tornado first touched down in Reynolds County, Missouri at 1:01 pm and then travelled 85 miles through the state in about 90 minutes, killing 11 people in its wake. Among the most affected communities was Annapolis, Missouri where three people died and 90% of the town was either destroyed or damaged. The tornado crossed the Mississippi River into southern Illinois at 2:25 pm. In the next hour and 35 minutes, the tornado travelled 121 miles through the state and took another 613 lives along its path. The tornado then crossed the Wabash River into southwest Indiana at 4 pm. Before it dissipated, at 4:30 pm, it travelled another 58 miles and claimed the lives of another 71 victims.
The on-line exhibition also contains a link to a narrated PowerPoint presentation that was presented at the historical society’s Fall 2024 Quarterly Meeting. The presentation told the story of this deadly storm but also put the storm within its historical context. Weather forecasting and even the knowledge of the weather itself was much different in 1925 than it is today. The program examines that history, explains why there was so little warning along its path and explains the circumstances that came together in deadly unison to make it so deadly and destructive. The program also includes some of the stories of those that were there and looks at the relief and rebuilding efforts after the storm. Finally, the exhibition also includes links to photographs of the storm damage in Annapolis and nearby Leadanna as well as additional resources and a list of suggested reading related to the storm.
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KREI Newsmakers Interview 1/28/2025
Well, with a face for radio, I headed over to the studios of local radio station, KREI, this morning for my interview with KREI/KTJJ Content Coordinator, Hal Neisler, on his Newsmakers program. I appreciated the opportunity given to me to share my interest in Iron County history and to share information about our wonderful historical society, our museum, as well as information about our website and Facebook page. If you didn't catch the interview when it aired you can hear it here by clicking on this link. Plans call for me to return to KREI for future interviews on the Newsmakers program on the last Tuesday of each month in the 8 a.m. hour. |
KREI Newsmakers to Feature ICHS
Local radio station, KREI (AM 800) airs a segment called, “Newsmakers” each day, Monday through Friday, beginning shortly after 8 a.m. and these segments feature interviews with members of the community from all around the region. Starting next Tuesday, January 28, 2025, early in the 8 a.m. hour, the Iron County Historical Society will be among the members of the community taking part in this segment.
I will be representing the Iron County Historical Society, and I am looking forward to sharing our story with members of the listening audience. I will be returning for future Newsmakers interviews on the last Tuesday of each month in the same time slot. So, if you think about it and are so inclined, I would invite you to tune in and see exactly where these interviews go. For those that know me, getting me started talking about our history is easy, getting me to shut-up is the hard part.
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Free Civil War Related Webinar
Calling all of those interested in the Civil War and especially those interested in the Civil War in Missouri. Bill Eddleman, the coordinator of the State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO) Cape Girardeau Research Center, will host a free webinar entitled, “Civil War Forts and the Prominence of Southeast Missouri in Battles” on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. CST. The webinar will last an hour, and Bill will discuss the role that Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri played in the Civil War. The webinar is free, but registration is required. You can read more about the webinar and register here. |
Where is it Wednesday - An Invitation
For the past few months, I’ve been posting to a new, weekly column on the historical society’s Facebook page. That column is called, “Where is it Wednesday” and each column features either a location or object with ties to Iron County’s rich and diverse history. I have selected locations, objects, and events from all over Iron County and will continue to do so until I run out of ideas (which won’t happen any time soon).
If you are like me, you may have mixed feelings about social media. Social media often gets a bad rap, and rightfully so – the constant comparisons, the negativity, the echo chambers. But let's not forget that social media can also be a powerful force for good. When used intentionally, it can be a valuable tool for connection, learning, and personal growth. That is what I have tried to do with the Society’s Facebook page. The Iron County Historical Society is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and, as such (by law), we are apolitical meaning that we don’t take sides and stay out of politics.
Besides the Where is it Wednesday column, I also use the Society’s Facebook page to make any announcements of a timely nature, e.g., weather closures, meeting cancellations, etc. If you haven’t been to our Facebook page, I would invite you to take a look and, if like what you see, follow us there. Social media doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
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January 2025 Meeting Agenda
The agenda for the January 2025 Quarterly Meeting, along with the minutes from the October 2024 Quarterly Meeting have been posted on the Meeting Minutes Page in the Members Only Area of the website. Just a reminder, the meeting will be this Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Ironton located at the corner of Reynolds and Knob Streets in Ironton.
We hope you will join us and bring a friend or two or three. We will have our Annual Members Show & Tell Program prior to the start of the business meeting and invite all of our members and guests to bring along a historical object or two to share with the group. Note that the item should be historic in nature, but it does not have to directly relate to Iron County. We hope to see you there! |
Free On Demand Programs at SHSMO
Hello everyone, if you are snowed in like me, perhaps today would be a good day to take a look at one of the free, on demand, historical presentations available from the State Historical Society of Missouri.
Here is some more information:
Learn Something New About the Past
Newly Available On-Demand Programs
FREE • AVAILABLE ONLINE
As part of our mission to generate appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Missouri and its people, SHSMO offers a growing list of over 100 workshops, lectures, and virtual programs that are freely available to worldwide audiences to watch anytime. We've added eight programs to the list since October and we're busy planning more for 2025. Spend some time over the cold winter months learning how history informs our lives today. |
2024 Christmas Message
"And in despair I bowed my head; 'There is no peace on earth,' I said; 'For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.'"
These poignant lines from the beloved Christmas hymn, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, resonate deeply even today. The song, penned amidst the Civil War, captures the anguish of a nation grappling with division and violence.
At the Iron County Historical Society, we believe that understanding the past is crucial to building a better future. By examining the challenges faced by our ancestors, we can gain valuable insights into the enduring human struggle for peace and reconciliation.
The Civil War, a period of immense suffering and social upheaval, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred and division. It highlights the importance of dialogue, empathy, and a commitment to finding common ground.
"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: 'God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men.'"
Longfellow, despite the darkness surrounding him, ultimately expresses a profound hope for the future. He reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming adversity, the human spirit can prevail.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us reflect on the enduring message of "I Heard the Bells." Let us strive to heal our nation’s divisions and come together as one towards a brighter future for all. Let us remember that the struggle for peace is an ongoing one, requiring constant vigilance, courage, and a commitment to understanding and compassion.
We hope you will visit our museum to learn more about our local history and the important lessons of the past. Merry Christmas!
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PSA - Tis the Season for......Scams!
12 Scams for Christmas
Have you ever been shopping for an item on-line and then later when using your social media account find an ad for the very same item at a really great price? Well, I have, and I fell for it! Luckily, in my case, it wasn't a high dollar item, so while I wasn't exacltly happy, I chalked it up to the price of my education. The thing is, the website that I clicked on from my social media page looked so professional, that I really didn't think twice before getting taken.
The holiday season is an exceptionally busy time for scammers, including those scammers that run fake websities like the one that fooled me. The Better Business Bureau has identified 12 holiday scams to be on the lookout for this holiday season and into the new year. You can read all about them here.
It's easy to get fooled, take it from me. So, for scams like the one that I fell for, just remember this: If the price is too good to be true, then it could very well be a scam! |
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