Newsletter Archives  2002 – 2011

Plexus Institute has consistently offered new thinking, perspectives and conversations related to complexity in action. The newsletter archives provide a glimpse into the diversity of work in the Plexus Network.

All newsletter issues are archived as PDFs for easy download.

Fall/Winter 2011 Issue
Learn how Louisville Hospital partnered with The Healing Place to bring new resources and opportunities to patients struggling with addiction. Lisa Kimball interviews neuroscientist Scott Kelso on “the squiggle sense” and the science behind the mental capacity for holding two seemingly opposing ideas. Margaret Miller discusses complex responsive processes. Liz Rykert reviews Developmental Evaluation by Michael Quinn Patton.

Spring 2011 Issue
More and more health care organizations are employing the unique power of Positive Deviance as a way of creating broad-scale culture change. In the process, they’re saving lives. “The Last Shot” is a story about a family of inner-city activists and some Cincinnati teens who remind us that urban transformation is not a product of programs alone. Bob Lindberg, MD, reviews Descartes’ Bones by Russell Shorto.

Spring 2008 Issue
Twelve women artists worked together to create an exhibit of more than 50 pieces of art work producing a vivid, colorful presentation of the human dance of complexity. “Emergence,” an essay by Jeffrey Goldstein, PhD. Discover how Tona Leiker is bringing the application of complexity principles into nursing. Review of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, by Michael Pollan.

Winter 2006 Issue Special Edition
The MRSA Issue. How can complexity-inspired insights help in the effort to prevent suffering, death and financial loss from preventable infections? This special issue of emerging, the online magazine of Plexus Institute, describes the vitally important work that is being done to stop MRSA infections and protect human health and life.

April – August 2006 Issue
Dr. Diane Pittman brings health and healing to the impoverished Ojibwa Indians of northern Minnesota. A look at the term “self organization.” Learn what a leopard’s spots have in common with lightening water and blood, and challenge your mind with a surprising game that uses simple rules. Review of In Search of Memory, by Eric Kandel. A tribute to Everett Rogers.

January – March 2006 Issue
Artist Eric Grohe creates larger-than-life murals that celebrate the history, the heroes, the joys, the sorrows and daily routines of people and places. Premier of new feature: Coming to Terms and a look at the word “Chaos.” Profile some of the interesting people in the Plexus community. Review of Robustness and Evolvability in Living Systems, by Andreas Wagner. Plexus Fractals.

September – October 2005 Issue
Dr. Michael Bleich on Complex Human Systems. Plexus. Review of Deep Simplicity: Bringing Order to Chaos, by John Gribbin. Reviewer Thomas Clancy calls the book a clear, concise accounting of the scientific discoveries that have led to an understanding of chaos and complexity science. Plexus community and year in review.

July – August 2005 Issue
Gary Merrill and Michelle Merrill discover the lessons that living creatures and natural systems hold. Dr. Larry Liebovitch applies Benoit Mandelbrot’s mathematical concepts to complex ideas in biology and other disciplines. Ellen Prager has an urgent message about preserving and protecting the ocean. Review of The Encyclopedia of Nonlinear Science, by Dr. Alwyn Scott.

April – May 2005 Issue
A look at research from Johns Hopkins that looks at profound stress and the impact on physiologic variability, health and disease. Review of Multitude, by Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri. Getting ready for the 2005 Plexus Summit. Getting to know members of the Plexus community. Plexus Fractal news.

January – March 2005 Issue
A look at Dr. Marilyn Rymer and the nationally recognized Stroke Team at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Norbert Wetzel and family therapist Hinda Winawer promote healing within families and communities in the Inner City. Review of State of Fear, by Michael Crichton. Getting to know members of the Plexus community. Plexus Fractal news.

August – September 2004 Issue
The Positive Deviance Issue. A look at the work of Jerry and Monique Sternin and the power of Positive Deviance. Positive Deviance from the poorest communities of Vietnam to the Corporate Boardroom. Review of Weaving Complexity and Business, by Linda Barker. Review of <spanstyle=”text-decoration: underline”=””>The Wisdom of Crowds, by James Surowiecki. Tribute to Everett Rogers.

January – February 2002 Issue
The premier issue of emerging, the Plexus Institute newsletter.Edward O. Wilson speaks with Plexus Institute leaders and talks about complexity and organizations and encourages the organization. Review the mission and purpose of Plexus. Plexus finds a home.