Monday, November 15, 2010

The Escape Art's Philosophy

David Belle: Its people who are giving the impression that you're doing something wrong. But you're like: "What's the matter?"

People have different perspectives. The danger comes when people with similiar perspectives band tgt and impose theirs (as a majority) on others.
Those who continue to hold their own persepctive are branded as outcasts, rebels and even sociopath. It is sad how we're caged by what's a consensus. In an ideal world, ppl should be free and have the benefit of choice. But in practice, it is not entirely possible.

My willingness to jump (train) - parkour, affects your perspective of safety and incites pandemonium due to what is known as "socially unacceptable" behaviour (which is essentially caging by nature).

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Policy Change – S. Korea turn of attitude

Nov 10, 2010
S.Korea drops call for apology from the North
Move could result in resumption of six-party talks, food and other aid


This is significant because the turn in attitude was initiated by S. Korea.

For a nation who had their vessel sunk- Cheonan, the S. Korea's move could emphasize her magnanimity. But there could be many more alternatives/"or"s:

Or it represent a stronger desire by S. Korea to welcome N. Korea to the six-party talks than the latter desired. Or for a nation traditionally supported by the world powers against the delinquent half, it could signify the mounting pressure on the nation to restart talks to further, whatever means in store, or protect against a potential terror threat. Or S. Korea could have sensed another burgeoning threat, possibly nuclear that required the swift return to six-party talks to stamp the threat out of reality. Or more probably, the whole “Cheonan” incident could have ended to be a staged bargaining chip eroding into a fiasco.

As quoted in the article, “Most political analysts in the South believe a North Korean apology for the Cheonan sinking is highly unlikely.” An issue of apology, would present itself as an recognizing the accusation, the committing of the crime. An adamant refusal to admit, could come across as insisted innocence or possibly pure obstinacy. Fair enough, N. Korea may refuse to comment. Nevertheless, it has grown to become common knowledge that this incident would jut out like a sore wound even during the resumption of six-party talks or the conduct of bilateral relations, as proven by the recurrence of the issue on agenda of various bilateral meetings planned for the G-20 gathering.

this incident would jut out like a sore wound even during the resumption of
six-party talks or the conduct of bilateral relations


All this maybe speculation but it certainly is peculiar for a man to forgive another jerk after he slept with the former's wife. And even dissolving the need for apology, on the simple condition that he display sincerity and discretion in the future conduct of relations. It certainly shows the "cuckold" going out of his way, ain't it. *forgive the analogy* Or it could be that one recognize the bigger picture, and swallow the bad reaction to display unusual magnanimity, to get the other, back to the negotiating table in order to make concessions and agree to a unified Korean dream for the future.

it certainly is peculiar
Nonetheless, the tale of the two estranged brothers is certainly an interesting case to watch.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Rearing a child is expensive, mothers have it tougher.

Baby incentive fails to excite South Koreans
Govt's $88b plan to lift fertility rate does not tackle problem of social burden borne by women
By Lee Sun Young, for The Straits Times
9 Nov 2010

A classic example of the problems that plague an ageing population with stubbornly low birth rates.
Government support helps but often prove 2nd fiddle to family planning and societal pressure.


Flexi-hours: Will they do the job?
By Kim Ji Hyun, for The Straits Times
9 Nov 2010

Traditionally workaholic S. Korean firms explore flexi-hours.
I believe the success intrinsic-ly boils down to the job requirement and perspective of both the employers and employees.

Job Requirement
Service, production line where another can easily take over where you left off, sounds favourable to the flexi-hours work scheme. However, jobs which require continuous supervision by committed professionals, for examply in the research line, may not be that kind to flexi-hours.

Employers
Acceptance to the flexi-hours scheme and willingness to make concessions to fit the transition/ risk a temporary drop in productivity levels during initial stages of implementation.

Employees
Expectations of ascent in careers through promotions should not be first priority then. It is difficult to see how

From a corporate perspective bent on progress and sustained results, i believe that the flexi-hours holds too much uncertainty of bearing fruit, and risk incurring a bigger pool of employees whose benefits one have to look after. Not too feasible.

Let's study the Singapore aspect.
Aim:
How successful do firms find the implementation of flexi-hours working scheme for their productivity and profits margin?
How do employees find flexi-hours contributing to the bigger picture of the work and more importantly, their life?

Sunday, November 7, 2010

"privates" are extremely useful

I assure you that.

Be it blatant privates.
Privates - juniors in the chain of military command.
But more so, the things in one closet.

The way your eyes speak. - The body tells a thousand tales.
Your private life. - It is no wonder PIs cost a lot.
The emotions you bring forth - Knowing how they arise, knowing the triggers, capturing the Psychological bearings.

They are great liabilities.
Things that another can use.

Honesty and sincerity is the greatest gift one can give.
But alligators can use them.
Welcome to the amusing world of human relationships.

Be unguarded or build a outrageously thick lead well around yourself?

I like this song. U2 and R.E.M. make great combinations.
One Live

Nightswimming - I'm not sure all these people understand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx9br5ISRpo&NR=1&feature=fvwp

Not everything you do has to be explained explicitly.
Not everyone will understand your intention. But does it matter?
Not if belief and intent are parallel.

Litigation - how you see it?

One man's frivolity maybe all the defence another man can count on.