Governmentgirl1943lp

Idea Log 30112010

3/5 Grumpiest Harrison Ford Quotes (cineplexmagazineNov2010)

1. STAR WARS' Han Solo: "Look, I ain't in this for your revolution, and I'm not in it for you, Princess. I expect to be well paid. I'm in it for the money."

2. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK's Indiana Jones: "You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."

3. THE MOSQUITO COAST's Allie Fox: "The people in New York live on pet food and they'll kill you for a quarter. You don't dare take a walk for fear of someone sticking a knife in your ribs. Think about it. If you stay home, they come in through your windows! Ten-year-old homicidal maniacs on every street corner."

^^^ I want to watch!! Love Harrison Ford, Love Diane Keaton, Love Rachael McAdams

Idea Log 29112010

Many nights we've prayed
With no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song
We barely understood

Now we are not afraid
Although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains long
Before we knew we could

There can be miracles, when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles you can achieve
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe

In this time of fear
When prayers so often prove(s) in vain
Hope seems like the summer birds
Too swiftly flown away

Yet now I'm standing here
My heart's so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words
I never thought I'd say

They don't (always happen) when you ask
(Oh)
And it's easy to give in to your fears
(Oh...Ohhhh)
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see your way straight throught the rain
(A small but )still resilient voice
Says (hope is very near)
(Ohhh)

<Shortened content: I only wanted the lyrics: My sister and me had a little sing-a-long to '90s pop music!>

Idea Log 28112010

Best Solutions are Temporary [Globe and Mail > Leadership]

Consultant Peter Bregman was leading a strategy session for a technology company whose revenues exceed $600 million. They were designing a fresh organizational structure, putting people into new leadership roles, and clarifying accountabilities, when one of the participants objected that they were wasting their time because it would fall apart when the company hit $900 million in sales.

The CEO reflected for a moment, and then replied that it didn't have to work at $900 million - it only had to work now and the immediate future. They would change it again, probably at $750 million.

On Harvard Business Review blogs, Mr. Bregman calls that brilliant insight: "Most, things are useful for a particular time. Then they're not. For many things, it's better to have a temporary solution that you're willing to change than a solution you think is permanent and, as a result, get stuck on."

He suggests to not be upset if your company latches on to a new management theories for a period of time, and then suddenly discards them. Those programs get derided as fads by the cynics, but he argues that if they are useful for the organization at a given period of time, that's fine. "For something to be a success, it doesn't have to last forever," Mr Bregman contends.

The challenge is not to look for magic bullets and view a solution as a cure-all, but to accept that the best solutions are always temporary ones. 

Idea Log 27112010

RAF SIMONS, creative director of (fashion house) Jil Sander



[interview from ElleCanadaJune2010 ~ I'm picking out some Q&As that I could relate to myself]

You come from a small Flemish village. What role does your background play in your work? "A big one, the importance of which I have come to understand over the years. To grow up surrounded by nature, passing the afternoons inventing games, can be very creative. My mother was very creative. She arranged flowers and knitted sweaters with great originality".

Was your mother an inspiration? "Yes, but not to the point of being the centre of my life. In fact, in those days, I couldn't wait to escape- from the village, from the Latin and Greek lessons- although I wouldn't say I was unhappy. Our town was a pleasant place to grow up in, but there were few options. The most you could aspire to become was a lawyer or a doctor. When I decided to to to Genk to study industrial design, my parents, who had neither money nor much educated but are very intelligent people, didn't try to stop me. Their only remark was 'Do what you think is right, but promise us that you will do it seriously,"

You don't like the social aspect of fashion. How do you manage that? "I don't go to parties unless they are for my close friends. For me, it's impossible to talk to more than 10 people I don't know well. Maybe it's a fear of being judged, or maybe it's something else. On top of that, I'm claustrophobic; I can't stand crowded places".

What about relationships? "They are the most important things, but I don't dedicate enough time to them. I count on understanding: A friend who understands your passion for what you do should be able to forgive you. However, it's depressing not seeing people as often as I'd like."



Idea log 26112010

 

This was me as a GENERATION Yer but only when it came to churning the wheels of creativity! I dislike procrastinators who leave things for the last minute just because they are lazy. Hence, this served as my grounds for dismissing my future as an architect - I could not stand the intimidating stare of a blank sheet of paper nor not being forced into doing an assignment that showed no actual reward. Which is why I have resorted to a more to the point line of work where I can see immediate results of my hard labour. 'Last minute panic' is a distant memory to me now- my organizer is my new bible.

 

I propose! ~~~ stop suburban developments, live in well maintained condos with green roofs for gardening, take public transit instead of buying cars, increase usage of our community centres so that we get to know our neighbours, invest our tax dollars into improving our infrastructure  because as density increases improvements can benefit bigger numbers, lets walk to work, let greener spaces be closer at hand by discouraging suburban developments at the immediate fringes, lets support mom and pop stores, lets have each others back and contribute to the safety of our homes. AMEN. this much for today.

 

... Where art thou, MY strong willed- intelligent- equal better half?

Idea Log 25112010

 

How are YOU Fascinating? Which triggers are YOU using to persuade and captivate?

http://sallyhogshead.com/f-score-personality-test/

MEET YOUR TRIGGERS

Your primary fascination is POWER. (Nicely done, you.) Even without realizing it, you’re already instinctively applying this trigger when trying to persuade others. Your secondary trigger is MYSTIQUE, and your dormant trigger (the one you’re least likely to apply in your personality and behavior) is LUST.

Once you understand your own unique combination of personality strengths, you can start to create more influential ideas and messages.

HOW TO REFINE YOUR NATURAL TALENTS FOR SWAYING OPINION?

1. Explore your primary, secondary, and dormant triggers with the tabs above.
2. Check out the videos over there on the right.

YOUR PRIMARY TRIGGER: POWER

You, my friend, are an alpha dog: an authority of the group, and in control of your actions.

Blindly following someone else’s orders? No, thanks. You prefer to actively lead situations, rather than sitting back and passively watching from the back row. You’ll follow other people’s rules, if needed, but you prefer to define a new set of rules on your own terms. You exude influence, compelling others to pay attention. Your strong opinions and bold action often spark reactions from others.

Your messages command influence, and your opinion carries weight. When you excel in positions of leadership, others look to you for cues of how to behave. By steering your use of power productively toward your goals, you’ll become more motivating and inspirational.

At times, perhaps, you’re intimidating or even overbearing. When you expect others to obey your message, you define deadlines and demands of the alarm trigger to make them comply. Make sure that you’re also using the trust trigger, to help others feel more comfortable.

You’re a natural leader, and comfortable with authority, making you well-suited to creating messages that inspire large groups. Next step? Hone your power trigger for greater respect, bigger audiences, and more loyal advocates.

YOUR SECONDARY TRIGGER: MYSTIQUE

If mystique is your secondary trigger, you’re intriguing. Very. You make people curious to learn more, because they want to find out what makes you tick. You reveal personal information carefully, if at all.

Mystique sparks an intense desire to know more, hinting at possibilities without putting it all on the table. By activating this trigger, you entice people to seek out more about your message.

Because you reveal so little, people might have trouble knowing what you’re thinking and feeling, which can come across as cold. You might benefit from sharing your ideas more openly, and giving people more ways to engage with you. And, along the way, you’ll want to avoid sneakiness or mind games. (A delicate balance to be sure, but once achieved, you’re nothing short of mesmerizing.)

Curious about your natural ability to make others curious? Mystique is delicate balance to be sure, but once achieved, you’re nothing short of mesmerizing.

YOUR DORMANT TRIGGER: LUST

If lust is your dormant trigger, you’re less likely to view the world.

Your style of interaction tends to be more intellectual than “warm and fuzzy.” You prefer to approach challenges rationally and methodically, rarely making decisions based on gut instinct.

You need proof before you buy into a message, and expect the same of others. Therefore, you tend to rely on cold facts when trying to persuade others. However you might benefit from infusing your message with more heart and soul. Lust is a powerful form of influence because it creates irresistible messages that go beyond rational explanation. Especially useful when persuading people to do or buy something that first requires intense desire.

Currently reading and addicted to> 

Old post follow up @ http://governmentgirl1943lp.typepad.com/blog/2010/11/idea-log-19112010.html#tp

Idea Log 24112010

The Royal Mile is a succession of streets which form the main thoroughfare of the Old Town of the city of Edinburgh in Scotland.

As the name suggests, the Royal Mile is approximately one Scots mile long, and runs between two foci of history in Scotland, from Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Castle Rock down to Holyrood Abbey. The streets which make up the Royal Mile are (west to east) Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand. The Royal Mile is Edinburgh Old Town's busiest tourist street, rivalled only by Princes Street in the New Town.

Geography: Retreating ice sheets, many millennia ago, deposited their glacial debris behind the hard volcanic plug that is Castle Rock (which Edinburgh Castle sits upon), resulting in a distinctive crag and tail feature. Extending in an eastwards direction, the Royal Mile sits upon the spine of this crag and tail trailing gently down from the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Steep closes (or alleyways) run between the many tall lands (or tenement buildings) off the main thoroughfare.

Castle Esplanade and Castlehill : The Castle Esplanade was laid out in the 19th century primarily as a parade ground for troops. It is the venue of the annual Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Cannonball House is notable for a cannonball lodged in the wall, said to have been accidentally fired from the Castle.

From the Castle Esplanade, the short Castlehill is dominated by the former Tolbooth Highland St John's Church (on the right), now the headquarters of the Edinburgh International Festival society - The Hub, and on the left by the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, the oldest purpose built attraction in the city. The Assembly Hall of the Church of Scotland and New College are on the left - the Scottish Parliament met in the Assembly Hall between 1999 and 2004.

Royal Mile today: Today, the Royal Mile is an eclectic mix of tourist shops and eateries as well as pubs and historical attractions, as well as forming a major focal point for the annual Edinburgh Festival. It also serves as the heart of Scotland's legal system, being the home of both the High Court of Justiciary and the Court of Session.

Idea Log 23112010

A Kit Kat is a chocolate confection which was first created by Rowntree's of York, England, and now produced worldwide by Nestlé, which acquired Rowntree in 1988, except in the United States where it is made under licence by The Hershey Company. Each bar consists of fingers composed of three layers of crème-filled wafer, covered in an outer layer of chocolate. Each finger can be snapped from the bar one at a time.

Marketing and promotion

After launching in the 1930s, Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp was originally advertised as "the biggest little meal" and "the best companion to a cup of tea". During the Second World War, Kit Kat was depicted as a valuable wartime foodstuff, with the slogan "what active people need". 'Kitty the Kat' arrived in the late 1940s to emphasise the "rich full cream milk" qualities of the bar and, thanks to contemporary improvements in production methods, also highlighted the new and improved 'snap' by responding to a biscuit being broken off screen. The first Kit Kat poster appeared in 1951, and the first colour TV advertisement appeared in 1969.

Since 1957, the slogan for the Kit Kat in the UK and elsewhere has been "Have a break... have a Kit Kat". However, in 1995, Nestlé sought to trademark the "Have a break" portion. After a ten year legal battle, which was contested by rival Mars, the European Court of Justice ruled on July 7, 2005 to send the case back to the British Courts.

In the meantime, Nestlé UK changed the slogan in 2004 to "Make the most of your break".  The new slogan was not embraced outside of the UK and recently Nestlé Rowntree has returned to using the original slogan.

The "classic" American version of the "Gimme a Break" Kit Kat jingle (in use in the US since 1986) was written by Ken Shuldman (lyrics) and Michael A. Levine (music) for the DDB Advertising Agency. Versions of the original have been covered by Carrie Underwood, Shawn Colvin, and many studio singers, as well as people who have appeared on-camera in the commercials. The jingle was cited in a study by University of Cincinnati researcher James A. Kellaris as one of the top ten "earworms" - bits of melody that become stuck in your head. Another version of the advertising jingle 'Gimme a break' created for Kit Kat "Factory" commercial in the USA was an original recording by Andrew W.K. W.K. was hired to write a new musical version for their "Gimme a break" slogan. Variations on the Andrew W.K. advertisement included executive dance routines in corporate offices, and a network news room. However, the "classic" song has also been used again since the newer version first aired in 2004.

A 1989 advertisement for Kit Kat, in which a giant panda in a zoo "takes a break", came in 30th in Channel 4's "100 Greatest Adverts" poll in 2000.

In late 2004 through to the end of 2006, Nestlé Rowntree sponsored York City F.C. As a result the club's home-ground, Bootham Crescent, was renamed to KitKat Crescent.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kit_Kat

Me: "Jenny, I spent my entire day off eating Kit Kats. I was addicted. I'm using my excess therapy. I think it is beginning to work after I ate 20 bars.. :)"

Jenny: "Are you crazy? Do you know how many calories there are?"

Me: "but... I think I don't ever want to eat it again"

Jenny: "You are what you eat. Do you know what that means???"

 

 
http://www.quitehealthy.com/nutrition-facts/kit-kat/191093.html

Idea Log 22112010

 

The crusader behind Maiti Nepal: Mrs. Koirala

MAITI Nepal was born out of a crusade to protect Nepali girls and women from crimes like domestic violence, trafficking for flesh trade, child prostitution, child labor and various forms of exploitation and torture. A group of socially committed professionals like teachers, journalists and social workers together formed Maiti Nepal in 1993 to fight against all the social evils inflicted upon our female populace. Most of all, its special focus has always been on preventing trafficking for forced prostitution, rescuing flesh trade victims and rehabilitating them. This social organisation also actively works to find justice for the victimized lot of girls and women by engaging in criminal investigation and waging legal battles against the criminals. It has highlighted the trafficking issue with its strong advocacy from the local to national and international levels.

Birth of Maiti Nepal

Maiti has no literal translation but it denotes a girl's real family, where she was born into. The word has a sentimental value especially for a married Nepali woman who has no longer any right towards her parents or their property. She then becomes an outsider belonging solely to her husband and her family forever. The famous song, Maiti ghar timro haina paryi ghar jao--meaning "this is not your home, you belong to an outsider (husband)" says it all.

Maiti Nepal however is home to all women and girls--whether married or not--who are exploited, their rights grossly violated and neglected by family and society likewise. It was a crusade to find such victims a home for their protection from social evils that gave birth to this NGO in November 1993.

It was started by a handful of conscious professionals like teachers, journalists, and social workers committed towards combating the social crimes like domestic violence, girl trafficking, child prostitution, child labour and various forms of female exploitation.

Objectives and target group

Maiti's focus has always been on prevention of girl trafficking, a burning issue for Nepal. Rescuing girls forced into prostitution and helping to find economic alternatives have been our key struggle. Rehabilitation, although not literally possible especially with former prostitutes, is one major challenge we have accepted in our work. The practical steps would be to counsel them and provide non-formal education on health, laws, basic reading and writing. They are also trained to develop income-generation skills and provided Maiti's shelter until they are ready to stand on their feet. The sexually abused girls, abandoned children, potential victims of trafficking, destitute women, prisoner's children, returnees from Indian brothels, girls and children infected with HIV and Hepatitis B, intercepted girls are the major target groups or say, beneficiaries of our programs.

 

Idea Log 21112010

The overjustification effect occurs when an external incentive such as money or prizes decreases a person's intrinsic motivation to perform a task. According to self-perception theory, people pay more attention to the incentive, and less attention to the enjoyment and satisfaction that they receive from performing the activity. The overall effect is a shift in motivation to extrinsic factors and the undermining of pre-existing intrinsic motivation.

An article I was reading today and I can say I am living proof of this effect [As others say- I have high IQ but my grades don't entirely reflect that :p] :

 
Read about the entire article here>

http://fitaba.com/page16/assets/Overjustification%20Study%20-%20Lepper.pdf

Idea Log 20112010

 
H&M LANVIN Collection ... launched yesterday.. should I/ will I go today! I am loving the new items at H&M. Just don't want to make my credit card cry for the time being!

Idea Log 19112010

Fascincation is born of a natural instinct to influence the behaviour of others. But the key to mastering fascination is effectively activating the seven triggers:

LUST creates craving for sensory pleasure.

MYSTIQUE lures with unanswered questions.

ALARM threatens with negative consequences.

PRESTIGE earns respect through symbols of achievement.

POWER commands and controls.

VICE tempts with "forbidden fruit," causing us to rebel against norms.

TRUST comforts us with certainty and reliability.

^^currently reading!! It is fascinating!!

Idea Log 18112010

If you read the post from yesterday the person who wrote a review for Amazon for the "COD" book mentions Matt Groening's 9 types of professors cartoon. In case you were wondering too.. here is the cartoon. <he surely needs to work on his execution skills as an artist- quite repelling :S >

Idea Log 17112010

COD: A Biography of The Fish that changed the World by Mark Kurlansky

^^ Going back to my University of Toronto years this book happens to be a part of my more fonder memories as an undergrad. The subject of the book actually affected me in quite a profound manner. I wrote a first year book review on this book for my Geography- Environment, Food and People class. Who knew the Americas were discovered by explorers who were in search of a fish called COD. It is a wonderful book that gives evidence that one event can change the entire course of history. A lesson I will always cherish everytime I do something. I highly recommend this book!

Below is a sample review from Amazon from a reader:

55 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fishy Recipe for History and Evolution, August 27, 2002

This review is from: Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World (Paperback)

There's a cartoon in Matt Groening, the nine types of professors. One is the single-minded type, as in "The country that controls magnesium controls the world!" His main drawback is that he could be right. Cod sort of reminds me of that. You may not have known how important or popular this particular fish was to most of our ancestors in Western civilization, but, according Kurlansky, Cod was practically like bread. It was easy to fish, there was a ton of it, and once Europeans learned the various ways of drying it (with cold and/or salt) all people could think about was trading this staple. Yes, Kurlansky's book is single-minded, and at times you might forget this is a fish tale. When the Vikings found America, what where they looking for? And how did they manage to sustain themselves through the long ocean voyage? The answers are of course, cod. Kurlansky also has a few outlandish things to say about another favorite topic of his, the Basque, who it appears had been regularly fishing for Cod in Newfoundland long before Columbus found America. They were really good at keeping a secret, you see. Fortunately, there's a serious, or, at least more socially acceptable side, to Kurlansky's fish story. The fishing trade really is threatened. You can no longer practically walk on Atlantic cod. Even Icelanders who found their entire economy changing from one of sustenance to a first world service economy, during the two world wars, have a difficult time protecting their dwindling stock. If Aldous Huxley's grandfather, Thomas, asserted in the 19th century that cod would never become extinct, it was only because he could not imagine the rapid technological changes which would turn fishing into harvesting, and the classic practice of drying fish into freezing it, on board the fishing boats themselves. Good bye bacalao, hello fishsticks. It's a sad tale as ways of life dwindle and change, and even the very essentials of human existence that have lasted for thousands of years go unheard of by the post-industrial society. But are we really evolving into something better? Kurlansky peppers his narrative with quotes from notables throughout the ages and interesting, if often archaic, recipes.

http://www.amazon.com/Cod-Biography-Fish-Changed-World/dp/0140275010

 

Idea Log 16112010

@alumni.utoronto.ca <A couple of weeks ago one of my co-worker/my fellow University of Toronto recent grad friend called me and said, "how come you are still using your @utoronto.ca email? You know you are not a student any more, right? For all the pain and suffering that we have endured at that university just to say we've graduated from there we should be proudly using our alumni email!! Promise me today that you are going to register for one as soon as possible. Just think about all the pain and suffering..." So early today, around 2am, I officially placed a forwarding link to my @alumni.utoronto.ca from the old @utoronto.ca

 

I must admit it feels very weird. Like I've left that part of my life behind. Coincidentally I met this former housemate of mine who I shared the house with while I was an undergrad and living next to Chinatown. I was waiting at the airport and he had  just arrived in Toronto from Edmonton!! We caught up on all the things that had occured during those years apart. It has been 4 years since we last saw or heard from each other and as we talked I realized I had done and been through so much. I realized I had been through so many changes but as I talked of my present self I felt I had achieved peace with my current self and my circumstances. It actually, in a long time, felt good to meet someone from my Torontonian past and not with my life was somehow better. In fact I feel today I have come to accept that I cannot change the past couple of years but Ihave the power in me to change the course of my future with a little more effort!

u been away too long tweets...<< "Dumbo could always fly just needed a magic feather"

Idea Log 15112010

Renaissance and the architect

With the Renaissance and its emphasis on the individual and humanity rather than religion, and with all its attendant progress and achievements, a new chapter began. Buildings were ascribed to specific architects - Brunelleschi, Alberti, Michelangelo, Palladio - and the cult of the individual had begun.

There was still no dividing line between artist, architect and engineer, or any of the related vocations, and the appellation was often one of regional preference. At this stage, it was still possible for an artist to design a bridge as the level of structural calculations involved was within the scope of the generalist.

*refer to my old post about a generalist vs specialist

*we should strive to be "renaissance men"-"specialization is for insects"

 http://governmentgirl1943lp.typepad.com/blog/2010/09/idea-log-08092010.html#tp

Idea Log 14112010

The principle of sufficient reason states that anything that happens does so for a reason: no state of affairs can obtain, and no statement can be true unless there is sufficient reason why it should not be otherwise.

 

Formulation

• For every entity x, if x exists, then there is a sufficient explanation why x exists.
• For every event e, if e occurs, then there is a sufficient explanation why e occurs.
• For every proposition p, if p is true, then there is a sufficient explanation why p is true.

A sufficient explanation may be understood either in terms of reasons or causes for like many philosophers of the period, Leibniz did not carefully distinguish between the two. The resulting principle is very different, however, depending on which interpretation is given.

Idea Log 13112010

Adam Smith is widely cited as the father of modern economics and capitalism.

16 June 1723 – died 17 July 1790

A Scottish social philosopher and a pioneer of political economics.

Smith is the author of The Theory of Moral Sentiments and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. The latter, usually abbreviated as The Wealth of Nations, is considered his magnum opus and the first modern work of economics which earned him an enormous reputation and would become virtually the most influential work on economics ever published.

A highlight from 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments':

"examines the moral thinking of his time, and suggests that conscience arises from social relationships. His goal in writing the work was to explain the source of mankind's ability to form moral judgements, in spite of man's natural inclinations towards self-interest. Smith proposes a theory of sympathy, in which the act of observing others makes people aware of themselves and the morality of their own behavior"

In the Wealth of Nations:

It shows Smith's belief that when an individual pursues his self-interest, he indirectly promotes the good of society.

Those who regard that statement Smith's central message also quote frequently Smith's dictum:

It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker, that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest. We address ourselves, not to their humanity but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities but of their advantages.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Smith

The chinese say wealth lasts three generations, the first work hard to create, the second, having seen the hard work, maintain it, but the third is so far disconnected - is lazy and burns it all.

Idea Log 12112010

 <There are many, many times in our lives when we have to stare into the future and throw the dice: Buying a house>

[Pg. 90]

"Well," he said thoughtfully, "maybe it's time for the two of you to start thinking about buying a house."

"Hold it, Hazen," cried Peter. "Last year, you told us we were clever for renting rather than buying a house. Make up your mind."

"Times change," replied Hazen. "and you've got to change with them. Maybe you're ready for your own home again. I'd be glad to talk real estate with you- just name the time and place."

..............................

[Pg. 106]

"But before we get started on our lunch. I was wondering whether you wanted to talk about real estate."--[Hazen]

"Great!" said Peter. "I want to hear what's changed on your mind on the subject."

"Nothing's changed, actually." Hazen answered. "I'm convinced that real estate is no longer the investment vehicle it was back in the 1970s and '80s, when the boomers were in the midst of housing themselves. And you know what happens to prices when demand outstrips supply! Your parents reaped the financial rewards of selling their homes to this gigantic groups of buyers. But things are different now. The boomers are housed and the surge of buyers is over. The smaller baby bust generation can't continue the home-buying bonanza. The larger echo boom generation won't be buying homes until the 1920s. And even that's not going to amount to a real estate boom because so many boomers will be wanting to move out of their family homes at that time. We'll have a situation where we'll see lots of demand but an equal amount of, or maybe even more, supply as boomers downsize."

"Are you saying that housing was overvalued in the '70s and '80s?" I asked --- [Meredith]

"Not at all. Those astronomical values were justified back then. People were willing to pay those prices. They are overvalued compared to today's market. But that comparison is completely theoretical. And hindsight is always 20/20. I'm not buying a house today in the 1980s market. When we're valuing any commodity- housing, food, stocks - we've got to look at the here and now. What's it worth today? Then, when we're determining whether that commodity is going to be overvalued by tomorrow's standards, we've got to factor in our best guess, based on a combination of historical evidence and future predictions and estimates. And I'll tell you right now, there is nobody who can accurately predict what lies ahead. The result? There are many, many times in our lives when we have to stare into the future and throw the dice," said Hazen.

"So, this is what it boils down to- pure speculation?" asked Pieter.

"No. Ideally the guesses you make- whether it's a decision to buy a home or invest in a stock - will be educated guesses. That's one of the reasons we're talking about valuations today. Part of that decision making is an attempt to figure out whether the commodity you buy will hold and, you hope, increase in value in the future. But there are some basic facts we can't overlook. If I'm the only guy selling water in the desert, I can charge a lot more than the fellow selling water in downtown Ottawa. The price of the water in the desert is overvalued compared with the price of the water in Ottawa. But if you desperate need a drink in the desert, that's a minor detail. And, as we mentioned during our discussion of the Internet, values and the way they're calculated do change, depending on where you are and when you're there."

"So what's going on now?" Pieter asked. "I keep reading about how hot the real estate market is - housing starts are up in nearly every large community."

"That, I believe, is a result of pent-up demand. Now that the economy is healthier than it has been in the past five or six years, those people who put off buying a home have entered the housing market, giving it a temporary injection of life," explain Hazen. "In the long run, real estate looks dismal as a place to invest money. The better way to look at a home is a place to live. There's a journalist in the U.S., Craig Karpel, who says that we have unreal expectations of the values of our homes. He says that we don't go to the restaurant, eat a delicious meal and then leave, expecting the owner to pay us. Why, he asks, should have all the benefits of living in a house and expect to be paid for the privilege of enjoying that experience? Many experts predict that if boomers hang on to their real estate too long, they'll see some of their equity vanish. I think that many people are beginning to understand this. Large numbers of folks have seen their mortgage payments decrease in the dace of falling interest rates- either they've renegotiated their mortgages or their mortgages have come due. In any event, we haven't seen these people out there buying bigger and better houses as a result. No, many people out there are staying put, realizing that the biggest house they can afford to carry may not be the best investment."

"Well, that's not good news," I said. "So why on earth are you suggesting that we should get back into the market?"

"Let us live while we live," replied Hazen, with a grin on his face.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Pieter

"We should strive to live for today and plan for tomorrow,"repied Hazen. "I guess what I'm really saying is, don't live in either extreme. I see people who have never saved a dime and live only for the moment. Others save everything they can get their hands on and live like paupers today. Take my word for it, neither extreme is good for the soul and, looking at the big picture, neither is good for the economy. We should be doing some of each- a little saving, a little spending..."

"I don't know," muttered Pieter. "We very nearly lost our shirts on our first foray into real estate."

"So that's it?" A slightly sacarstic tone had entered Hazen's voice. "You're not going to have what you want because you're afraid to take a chance? Life's not going to be very fulfilling experience if you don't take some risks along the  way."

"Risk is a big part of my work life, Hazen," replied Pieter. "I'm not so sure that I want to have risk become a significant element of my personal life too."

"I'm not talking about gambling here," Hazen said with a chuckle. "The real estate market is life any other. You research, you study, you assess the risks you're facing- and then you go for it. I know both of you- you'll regret it if you choose the cautious course. Let's take a good hard look at the real risks here." He paused, staring in turn at both of us, ensuring that he had our attention. "Some things have changed for the two of you over the past year. Pieter, you in particular seem to be having some serious issues about living in a rented home. Look at your reaction to the washing-machine imbroglio. You're not happy. I think it's time to ask yourself whether, for your own peace of mind, you should start looking around for a home to buy. Your business has picked up, Pieter, and the financial plan you put in place last year is already paying dividends. Maybe the time is right."

"But how do we avoid the mess we got ourselves into the last time?" I asked.

"I think if you pay close attention to the market, you can minimize that kind of risk. First and foremost, pay attention to demographics. That means stay away from starter homes out in the suburbs. There's nobody to buy them now. Second, adhere to the golden rule: Buy what you need and not what you think you want. In other words, be realistic about your needs and your pocketbook. A local magazine recently published an article listing the 500 most expensive homes in Ottawa. Well, I know a few of the people on the list who are using way too much of their income to support that fancy house. It's so important for them to be in the right neighbourhood that they're willing to risk their future security- they don't have enough income left over after paying the morgage to save for the future. That's just dumb! Third, be very careful about the location and neighbourhood you choose. Your best bet would be a neighbourhood that serves as a large a community as possible. By that I mean you want to be in an area that appeals to all ages. For example, many suburbs cater only to families with young kids. By looking for a neighbourhood that appeals to a broad cross-section for the population, you'll increase the number of potential buyers when you go to sell."

"It all boils down to supply and demand," I said. "Where do we find these mass-appeal neighbourhoods?"

"You're living in one right now," replied Hazen. "Walk along the streets in the Glebe and you'll see all ages and all varieties of households. That's because the neighbourhood is very central, close to downtown but with great parks and shopping and services within walking distance. The Glebe is an example of a neighbourhood were housing is going to hold its value. There! I've given you my best guess on the valuation level of real estate in the Glebe."

"But we could get more house if we bought out in the burbs," said Pieter. "We'd easily pay $225,000 for a 1,500 square foot house in the Glebe. We could get a 3,000 feet way out in Orleans for that money. I just don't know. I do know that I'd love to be in my home."

"There are the trade offs. Life's full of them," replied Hazen.

 <Taken from WHEN THE PIG GOES TO MARKET: How to Achieve Long Term Investing Success by DAVID CORK>

 

Idea Log 11112010

Asian Students Suffering for Success

http://www.parentcentral.ca/parent/education/article/888368--asian-students-suffering-for-success

I suggest you read the comments on this article

<I understand as I am guilty of being a part of this school of thought although shockingly my parents are not very Asian at all in this respect. They are always try to make me take the easier route- they always tell me I try to do more than is necessary>

UofT, I hate you but I am thankful and life has been a vacation since I left you :P .... attaining closure is far off but my life would be incomplete without you & I chose you after all ..[ sorry but I just have to add this 동방신기 <<<]

Idea Log 10112010

3 Idiots.. I watched this Bollywood movie over the weekend when I went home. A good movie. Laughed as much as cried. Everyone's acting was awesome- Aamir Khan~great!!! (and some improvement in the acting of the main heroine Kareena Kapoor, who happens to be my most disliked actress and I still insist that had it been another heroine I would have like the movie more *angel face*). The storyline is different from the regular 'song and dance' as they say it. For those of us brought up in that system we can totally relate to it. It gave me many points to ponder. I watched the movie with my dad who actually graduated from IIT Kharagpur which has been the most prestigious IIT school in India- Proud of you, Papa! 

3 Idiots (Hindi: थ्री इडीयट्स) is a 2009 Bollywood comedy film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, with a screenplay by Abhijat Joshi, and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It was loosely adapted from the novel Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat. 3 Idiots stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Omi Vaidya, Parikshit Sahni and Boman Irani.

The Plot:

Farhan Qureshi (R. Madhavan), Raju Rastogi (Sharman Joshi), and Rancchoddas "Rancho" Shyamaldas Chanchad (Aamir Khan) are three engineering students who share a room in a hostel at the Imperial College of Engineering, one of the best colleges in India. While Farhan and Raju are average students from modest backgrounds, Rancho is from a rich family. Farhan wants to become a wildlife photographer, but has joined engineering college to fulfill his father's wish. Raju on the other hand wants to uplift his family fortunes. Rancho is a wealthy genius who studies for the sheer joy of it. However, Rancho's passion is for knowledge and taking apart and building machines rather than the conventional obsession of the other students with exam ranks. With his different approach Rancho incurs the wrath of dean of college, Professor Viru Sahastrabudhhe (ViruS). Rancho irritates his lecturers by giving creative and unorthodox answers, and confronts ViruS after fellow student Joy Lobo hangs himself in his dormitory room. Joy had requested an extension on his major project on compassionate grounds—his father had suffered a stroke—but ViruS refused, saying that he himself was completely unmoved by his own son's accidental death after being hit by a train. Rancho denounces the rat race, dog-eat-dog, mindless rote learning mentality of the institution, blaming it for Lobo's death.

contd/- @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_Idiots

 

Idea Log 09112010

Lord Ganesha - the Hindu deity in a human form but with the head of an elephant - represents the power of the Supreme Being that removes obstacles and ensures success in human endeavors. For this reason, Hindus worship Ganesha first before beginning any religious, spiritual or worldly activity. In Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is the first son of Lord Shiva and the Divine Mother Parvati. Their second son is Lord Subramanya and their daughter is Jyoti. As explained below, the portrayal of Lord Ganesha as the blend of human and animal parts symbolizes the ideals of perfection as conceived by Hindu sages and illustrates some philosophical concepts of profound spiritual significance.

• Elephant head, wide mouth, and large ears: the large head of an elephant symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and a discriminating intellect that one must possess to attain perfection in life. The wide mouth represents the natural human desire to enjoy life in the world. The large ears signify that a perfect person is the one who possesses a great capacity to listen to others and assimilate ideas.
• The trunk and two tusks with the left tusk broken: there is no known human instrument that has an operating range as wide as that of an elephant's trunk. It can uproot a tree and yet lift a needle off the ground. Likewise, the human mind must be strong enough to face the ups and downs of the external world and yet delicate enough to explore the subtle realms of the inner world. The two tusks denote the two aspects of the human personality, wisdom and emotion. The right tusk represents wisdom and the left tusk represents emotion. The broken left tusk conveys the idea that one must conquer emotions with wisdom to attain perfection.
• Elephant eyes: the elephant eyes are said to possess natural deceptiveness that allows them to perceive objects to be bigger than what they really are. Thus the elephant eyes symbolize the idea that even if an individual gets "bigger and bigger" in wealth and wisdom, he should perceive others to be bigger than himself; that is, surrender one's pride and attain humility.
• The four arms and various objects in the four hands: the four arms indicate that the Lord is omnipresent and omnipotent. The left side of the body symbolizes emotion and the right side symbolizes reason. An axe in the upper left hand and a lotus in the upper right hand signify that in order to attain spiritual perfection, one should cut worldly attachments and conquer emotions. This enables one to live in the world without being affected by earthly temptations, just as a lotus remains in water but is not affected by it. A tray of Laddus (a popular snack) near the Lord denotes that He bestows wealth and prosperity upon His devotees. The lower right hand is shown in a blessing pose, which signifies that Ganesha always blesses His devotees.
• A human body with a big belly: the human body possesses a human heart, which is a symbol of kindness and compassion toward all. Ganesha's body is usually portrayed wearing red and yellow clothes. Yellow symbolizes purity, peace and truthfulness. Red symbolizes the activity in the world. These are the qualities of a perfect person who perforrns all duties in the world, with purity, peace, and truthfulness. The big belly signifies that a perfect individual must have a large capacity to face all pleasant and unpleasant experiences of the world.
• A mouse sitting near the feet of Ganesha and gazing at the tray of Laddus: a mouse symbalizes the ego that can nibble all that is good and noble in a person. A mouse sitting near the feet of Ganesha indicates that a perfect person is one who has conquered his (or her) ego. A mouse gazing at the Laddus, but not consuming them, denotes that a purified or controlled ego can live in the world without being affected by the worldly temptations. The mouse is also the vehicle of Ganesha, signifying that one must control ego in order for wisdom to shine forth.
• Right foot dangling over the left foot: as stated above, the left side of the body symbolizes emotion and the right side symbolizes reason and knowledge. The right foot dangling over the left foot illustrates that in order to live a successful life one should utilize knowledge and reason to overcome emotions.

 http://www.koausa.org/Gods/God8.html

Idea Log 08112010

Goddess Lakshmi means Good Luck to Hindus. The word 'Lakshmi' is derived from the Sanskrit word "Laksya", meaning 'aim' or 'goal', and she is the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual.

The Lakshmi Form:

Lakshmi is depicted as a beautiful woman of golden complexion, with four hands, sitting or standing on a full-bloomed lotus and holding a lotus bud, which stands for beauty, purity and fertility. Her four hands represent the four ends of human life: dharma or righteousness, "kama" or desires, "artha" or wealth, and "moksha" or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Cascades of gold coins are seen flowing from her hands, suggesting that those who worship her gain wealth. She always wears gold embroidered red clothes. Red symbolizes activity and the golden lining indicates prosperity. Lakshmi is the active energy of Vishnu, and also appears as Lakshmi-Narayan - Lakshmi accompanying Vishnu.

Two elephants are often shown standing next to the goddess and spraying water. This denotes that ceaseless effort, in accordance with one's dharma and governed by wisdom and purity, leads to both material and spiritual prosperity.

http://hinduism.about.com/od/hindugoddesses/p/lakshmi.htm

Idea Log 07112010

In Hinduism Saraswati (Sanskrit: सरस्वती sarasvatī) is the goddess of knowledge, music and the arts; represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. She is the mother of the Vedas, and chants to her, called the 'Saraswati Vandana' often begin and end Vedic lessons.

 Saraswati is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. It is believed that goddess Saraswati endows human beings with the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. She has four hands representing four aspects of human personality in learning: mind, intellect, alertness and ego. She has sacred scriptures in one hand and a lotus – the symbol of true knowledge – in the second.

With her other two hands she plays the music of love and life on a string instrument called the veena. She is dressed in white – the symbol of purity – and rides on a white swan – symbolizing Sattwa Guna or purity and discrimination. Saraswati is also a prominent figure in Buddhist iconography - the consort of Manjushri.

 The learned and the erudite attach greater importance to the worship of goddess Saraswati. As a practice, only educated people worship her for knowledge and wisdom. They believe that only Saraswati can grant them 'moksha' - the final liberation of the soul.

 http://hinduism.about.com/od/hindugoddesses/p/saraswati.htm

*Saraswati's birthday - Vasant Panchami - is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the 5th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magha. Hindus celebrate this festival with great fervor in temples, homes and educational institutes alike.

Idea Log 06112010

May this Diwali bring joy, health and wealth to you. May the festival of lights brighten up you and your near and dear ones lives. May the Diwali light show us the way and lead us together on the path of peace and harmony.

 

Left to Right: Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesh

Idea Log 05112010

Tihar/ Diwali: In each legend, myth and story of Deepawali lies the significance of the victory of good over evil; and it is with each Deepawali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, that which brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate every corner of India and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of fire-crackers, joy, togetherness and hope.

Deepavali (also spelled Divali in few countries) or Diwali, popularly known as the festival of lights, is an important five-day festival in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, occurring between mid-October and mid-November. For Hindus, Diwali is the most important festival of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. Deepavali is an official holiday in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji.

The name Diwali is itself a contraction of the word "Deepavali" (Sanskrit: दीपावली Dīpāvalī), which translates into row of lamps. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps (diyas) (or dīpa in Sanskrit: दीप) filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. During Diwali, all the celebrants wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks with family members and friends. Most Indian business communities begin the financial year on the first day of Diwali.

 

In Nepal, Diwali is known as "Tihar" or "Swanti". It is celebrated during the October/November period. Here the festival is celebrated for five days and the traditions vary from those followed in India. On the first day (Kaag tihar), crows are given offerings, considering them to be divine messengers. On the second day (Kukur tihar), dogs are given food for their honesty. On the third day, Laxmi puja is performed. This is the last day according to Nepal Sambat, so many of the businessmen clear their accounts on this day and on finishing it, worship goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. The fourth day is celebrated as new year. Cultural processions and other celebrations are observed in this day. The Newars celebrate it as "Maha Puja", a special ritual in which the body is worshipped to keep it fit and healthy for the year ahead on this day. On the fifth and final day called "Bhai Tika", brothers and sisters meet and exchange gifts.

In Nepal, family gathering is more significant during Diwali. People in the community play "Deusi and Bhailo" which is a kind of singing and dancing forming a group. People go to all the houses in the community and play songs and dance, and give blessing to the visited house, whereas the home owner gives some food like rice grains, Roti, fruits and money. After the festival, people donate some part of collected money and food to the charity or welfare groups and rest of the money and food, they go for picnic. People also play swing called Dore Ping made out of thick ropes and Pirke Ping or Rangate Ping made out of woods.

Idea Log 04112010

What Is The Savior Complex?

 The savior complex is a psychological construct which makes a person feel the need to save other people. This person has a strong tendency to seek people who desperately need help and to assist them, often sacrificing their own needs for these people.

There are many sides to a savior complex and it has many roots. One of its fundamental roots, in my experience, consists in a limiting belief the savior person has that goes something like this:

“If I always help people in need, I will get their love and approval, and have a happy life.”

This is of course, a nice sounding fairytale.

We Have a Problem

Often, in real life, a savior will have such an unassertive way of helping others that instead of becoming grateful, they get used to it and they expect it. They feel entitled to receive help from this person, simply because they need it and they’ve always got it.

On top of this, always putting other people’s needs first makes a savior not take care of their own needs. So while they may feel happy because they are helping others, at some level, they feel bitter and frustrated at the same time.

Reframing Nobility

Here’s where things get worse: many people with a savior complex I’ve met, although they realize at some point that they have a savior complex and it is not worth it for them, they will not try to combat it.

They’re not masochistic; they have another belief that even if being a savior will not get them the recognition they want and will not make them happy, it is the noble thing to do. They believe they are somehow better then others because they help people all the time without getting anything back.

Do you have any idea how dim-witted this is? There is nothing noble in sacrificing yourself for others while you are starving at a psychological level. If our ancestors would have willingly done so 50.000 years ago, our species would be extinct.

If you think you have a savior complex or at least something close to it, I believe the best thing you can do is to face up to the practical consequences in has in your life. Being a savior is neither noble nor practical.

Learn to give and to ask for what you want, to help and to be helped. This is the healthy way to use your people skills and to interact with others.

http://www.peopleskillsdecoded.com/savior-complex/

Idea Log 03112010

"Pronoia is the positive counterpart of paranoia. It is the delusion that others think well of one. Actions and the products of one's efforts are thought to be well received and praised by others. Mere acquaintances are thought to be close friends; politeness and the exchange of pleasantries are taken as expressions of deep attachment and the promise of future support. Pronoia appears rooted in the social complexity and cultural ambiguity of our lives: we have become increasingly dependent on the opinions of others based on uncertain criteria."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pronoia_(psychology)

 The principal proponent of pronoia in the 21st century has been the astrologer, writer, poet, singer, and songwriter Rob Brezsny. Brezsny's book Pronoia Is the Antidote for Paranoia: How the Whole World Is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings, published in 2005, explores the philosophy of pronoia.

>You might have often noticed my postings from a certain astrologer from freewillastrology- Rob Brezsny is 'the person'. He is such a good writer! you can follow your horoscope by using the following link or if you want more information regarding his book about Pronoia. He makes available several snippets out of the book around the website. It is totally worth it!

http://www.freewillastrology.com/home.shtml

As of today, 3/11/10, I pledge to be brainwashed by this disease called 'Pronoia'! Exercise#1:

The proceeding oracle comes from Rob Brezsny's book, PRONOIA Is the Antidote for Paranoia: How the Whole World Is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings.

"Notice how you feel as you speak the following: "The strong, independent part of me resisted the embarrassing truth for a long time, but I finally came to accept that I'm someone who craves vast amounts of love. Ever since I surrendered to this need, it doesn't nag me all the time, as it used to. In fact, it feels comforting, like a source of sweetness that doesn't go away. I never thought I'd say this, but I've come to treasure the feeling of having a voracious yearning to be loved."

Idea Log 02112010

Welcome to Your Quarterlife Crisis

You can't make any decisions because you don't know what you want. And you don't know what you want because you don't know who you are. And you don't know who you are because you're allowed to be anyone you want. How messed up is that?

BY Kate Carraway : < she is an awesome writer!

.......................

"This phenomenon, known as the “Quarterlife Crisis,” is as ubiquitous as it is intangible. Unrelenting indecision, isolation, confusion and anxiety about working, relationships and direction is reported by people in their mid-twenties to early thirties who are usually urban, middle class and well-educated; those who should be able to capitalize on their youth, unparalleled freedom and free-for-all individuation. They can’t make any decisions, because they don’t know what they want, and they don’t know what they want because they don’t know who they are, and they don’t know who they are because they’re allowed to be anyone they want.

When a contemporary 25-year-old’s parents were 25, they weren’t concerned with keeping their options open: they were purposefully buying houses, making babies and making partner. Now, who we are and what we do is up to us, unbound to existing communities, families and class structures that offer leisure and self-determination to just a few. Boomer and post-boom parents with more money and autonomy than their predecessors has resulted in benignly self-indulgent children who were sold on their own uniqueness, place in the world and right to fulfillment in a way no previous generation has felt entitled to, and an increasingly entrepreneurial, self-driven creation myth based on personal branding, social networking and untethered lifestyle spending is now responsible for our identities."

.................................................................................
Read the full article here: http://www.eyeweekly.com/article/55882

 

The Quarter-Life Crisis by unknown http://www.cds.caltech.edu/~shane/text/quarterlifecrisis.html It is when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are a lot of things about yourself that you didn't know and may or may not like. You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now. You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren't exactly the greatest people you have ever met and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most important ones. What you do not realize is that they are realizing that too and are not really cold or catty or mean or insincere, but that they are as confused as you. You look at your job. It is not even close to what you thought you would be doing or maybe you are looking for one and realizing that you are going to have to start at the bottom and are scared. You miss the comforts of college, of groups, of socializing with the same people on a constant basis. But then you realize that maybe they weren't so great after all. You are beginning to understand yourself and what you want and do not want. Your opinions have gotten stronger. You see what others are doing and find yourself judging a bit more than usual because suddenly you realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and add things to your list of what is acceptable and what is not. You are insecure and then secure. You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused. Suddenly change is the enemy and you try and cling on to the past with dear life but soon realize that the past is drifting further and further away and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward. You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you or you lay in bed and wonder why you can't meet anyone decent enough to get to know better. You love someone but maybe love someone else too and cannot figure out why you are doing this because you are not a bad person. One night stands and random hook ups start to look cheap and getting wasted and acting like an idiot starts to look pathetic. You go through the same emotions and questions over and over and talk with your friends about the same topics because you cannot seem to make a decision. You worry about loans and money and the future and making a life for yourself and while wining the race would be great, right now you'd just like to be a contender! What you may not realize is that everyone reading this relates to it. We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out.

Idea Log 01112010

Can you imagine what it would feel like to become aware of an omnipresent ocean of wild divine love that has always been a secret to you in the same way that the sea is invisible to a fish?