It's been awhile, I know...

I would like to start off with a few definitions I've learned recently in my Organizational Behavior class.

Groupthink... "a mode of thinking that people engage in when they are deeply involved in a cohesive in group, when members' striving for unanimity override their motivation to realistically appraise alternative course of action... Groupthink refers to the deterioration of mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgment that results from in-group pressures" (I.L. Janis, Groupthink)(Ibid)

Devil's advocacy: simply put... the role of a critic.

"Some of the strongest, most courageous people are on the minority side of a decision. It doesn't mean they're wrong. It means they have the courage to speak..." A.G. Lafley CEO of Procter & Gamble

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You know where I'm going with this... It's quite simple. Lets say you're a manager and your employees are having a problem with your management style. First step is to find out what the problem is, discuss solutions, then implement. Your employees are your number one asset and their happiness should be high on you list.

As an employee if you're having a problem you go directly to your boss, if that doesn't work you go to their boss. If Groupthink is ingrained into the corporate culture there's no hope in finding a solution. The best course of action is leaving the organization for your own sanity.

Hence... I'm still on the club, just not racing.

It’s true

I, on the behalf of MSU Black, would like to announce an alternative Cycling Scholarship at MSU for the fall 2010 semester. The current scholarship amount is $220.00 and will be rewarded to one rider in any category! MSU Black’s Cycling Scholarship was started by past members to help support current MSU students. The scholarship fund will grow over the years via contributions from MSU cycling alumni, local sponsors, and donors.

Further questions can be referred to MSU Black’s support team @ msublackcycling@gmail.com , MSU Black’s Facebook page or find me in person.

We will be eagerly waiting for your applications! Don’t hesitate!

Best regards,

Michael Lalla
MSU Black
(651) 261-0851

MSU Black...

while we don't have much, we're here for you, be it a beer, a place to stay, mental support, a ride to a race or a small amount of funds to get you by while in school.

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MSU Black’s Cycling Scholarship is in the works with MSU and should be available next fall 2010. It‘ll be $220.00 (look for this amount to rise in the future) and will be open to ALL MSU cyclist. Applications will soon be available via our website or Facebook group. MSU Black, come on, get in…

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I'm not sure, but this may be the first scholarship started by MSU riders for MSU riders. Be the firsts in history and send in an application.

The giver of light is about to shine.

Please check back for the truth.

What can I say...

at this point in life it can't get much better. But it does everyday. So everyday you see me I'm having a better day then the day before and it's all thanks to a special young woman. Hence... :)

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I'm going back to Belgium from May 19th - August 16th. Last year I went there kind of strong (a lot of intervals) but no way near as strong or rested as I am this year (no intervals and racing a lot stronger). It should be a good summer there, I'm looking to get in the top 10s and maybe pull off a win in a smaller race. My grandparents might even make it out there plus Leslie. I'm also planing on going to Switzerland to hang out with Josie. And my good friend here might go to England... and she would have a birthday there. So If I'm racing well I might be able to take a few days off for fun this year.

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Racing here as been going... I'm actually able to race my bike and not have any fear of getting dropped at all. It's a cool feeling when you know you haven't really been training that much but yet you can still be able to put it on the line. The week of that race I won... I had 3 hours the week before and 7 that week. My legs feel good.

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I haven't done any collegiate races this year. The current corporate culture doesn't meet my expectations... I've been doing most races by myself thanks to the Wichita Falls Cycling Club for the support this year.

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I'm currently on the lookout for a team next season that will be hitting up all the bigger races. If you know a team who needs a work horse with international experience who knows how to suffer and can help the young kids win races please let me know. Of course... it all depends on what happens this year in Belgium... they already told me they wold support me better then most pro teams here. I might not be able to pass that up next year.

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Yep it's 8:00pm and time for ice cream.