zensufi dimension

Yalda and Jesus: The Connection

2008-12-29T20:05:00.000-08:00

Many moons ago, I was told that Jesus was not born on December 25th, but today, I found research which proves a connection between the selection of Jesus' date of birth and the ancient Persian celebration of Yalda also celebrated by the ancient Romans. It is most fascinating that the two are connected to down play Yalda and up play Jesus' date of birth. Why couldn't the Church have allowed us both?

Joey Green in "Contrary to Popular Belief" researched the following:
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Nobody knows when Jesus was born. The New Testament does not specify the date. In the third century C.E., church father Clement of Alexandria suggested May 20, since the New Testament states that the shepherds who were told by an angel of Jesus' birth were watching their flocks during the night (Luke 2:9), which was done only in the spring at lambing time.

In 336 C.E., the Western Church decided to celebrate December 25 as Jesus' birthday (officially adopted by Bishop Liberius of Rome in 354 C.E.), to usurp the popular Roman pagan feast of Natalis Solis Invicti ("birthday of the unconquerable sun"), honoring the Persian sun god Mithras. For centuries, pagans had celebrated the death and resurrection of the sun on the winter solstice in late December, and around 274 C.E., Roman emperor Aurelian had proclaimed Mithraism the official state religion.

The Eastern Orthodox Church and the Ukrainian Catholic Church still follow the Julian calendar, established by Julius Caesar in 45 B.C.E., celebrating Jesus' birthday on January 6.

In the sixth century C.E., a monk, Dionysius Exiguus, began counting the years from the year of Jesus' birth, which he miscalculated to be four to eight years later than the actual date. Since Jesus was born during the lifetime of Herod the Great, his birth had to take place before Herod's death in 4 B.C.E.

The New Testament states that Caesar Augustus ordered a census, compelling Joseph to bring his pregnant wife, Mary to Bethlehem. Ancient documents seem to indicate that a census took place between 6 and 8 B.C.E. So, while most Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25, Jesus was more likely born in the spring - sometime between 4 and 8 B.C.E.
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Ironically, despite the Church moving to change Jesus' date of birth to usurp the Roman pagan feast or Shab-e Yalda (Night of Yalda), as it is known as to the Persians, it is still celebrated today by Persians/Iranians all over the world. Held on the longest night of the year - December 21st, it is the tradition of welcoming the birthday of the Goddess of Love, Mitra.

One can only see positive effects resulting from the act of celebrating love; a positive emotion which releases positive energy. I think the Church should have picked a different day to declare Jesus' date of birth and let Yalda and Christmas both be celebrated several weeks or months apart. After all, the more joyous and happy occasions we human beings are given, the kinder, nicer, happier, generous, and more tolerant we tend to become.

So, my vote is for more holiday time and celebrations to be added to our annual calendar, which ideally should result in less time for negative energy and destructive thoughts. We will be more focused on the well-being of our fellow human beings and our one and only planet; Earth.

Teri Deewani - a Sufi Song

2008-11-08T22:50:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite songs... love the sufi words...

Singer: Kailash Kher / Album: Kailasa

Preet ki lath mohe aaisi laagi
Ho gayi main matwaali
Bal bal jaaun apane piya ko
He main jaaun vaari vaari
Mohe sudh budh naa rahi tan mann ki
Yeh toh jaane duniya saari
Bebas aur laachar phiru main
Haari main dil haari - 2

Tere naam se jee loon - 2
Tere naam se marr jaaun - 2
Teri jaan ke sadke mein kuchh aaisa kar jaaun
Tune kya kar dala marr gayi main mitt gayi main
Ho ri ha ri ho gayi main
Teri deewani deewani- 2
Tune kya kar dala marr gayi main mitt gayi main
Ho ri ha ri ho gayi main
Teri deewani deewani - 2

Ishq junoon jab hadh se badh jaaye - 2
Haste haste aashiq suli chadh jaaye
Ishq ka jaadu sara chadha kara bole - 2
Khoob laga lo pehre raste rab khole
Yahi ishq di marzi hain
Yahi rab di marzi hain
Yahi ishq di marzi hain
Yahi rab di marzi hain
Tere bin jeena kaisa
Haan Khudgarzi hi
Tune kya kar dala marr gayi main mitt gayi main
Ho ri ha ri ho gayi main
Teri deewani deewani - 4

Oh ho oh hoohhhh...

He main rang rangeeli deewani - 2
Ke main albeli main mastani
Gaaun bajaaun sabko rijhaaun
He main dila zaram se begaani
Ke main deewani main deewani
Tere naam se jee loon tere naam se marr jaaun
Tere jaan ke sadle mein kuchh aaisa kar jaaun
Tune kya kar dala marr gayi main mitt gayi main
Ho ri ha ri ho gayi main
Teri deewani deewani
Teri deewani deewani
Teri deewani deewani
Teri deewani deewani...

Teri Deewani - on YouTube

Saaze bringing ‘Millenial’-targeted content to clubs and cafes

2008-11-03T22:54:00.000-08:00

Saaze bringing ‘Millenial’-targeted content to clubs and cafes

From the News Wire...

Genr8 bringing ‘Millenial’-targeted content to clubs and cafes

SYDNEY — Genr8 Digital Media has signed a contract with Saaze Corporation earlier this year for a supply of 30-second interstitials targeted at the Millenials age group.

The selected Genr8 clips are available for viewing in selected venues and cafes around San Francisco and are predominantly viewed by high school and college students. The displayed clips have generated such a high level of attention and positive feedback from the venue owners and viewers that Saaze Corporation is now planning to extend the number and style of venues in which the selected Genr8 clips are played to bars and nightclubs.

“Saaze’s company tag states: ‘Inform, Entertain, Engage your target audience’ – and we have been able to do just that by partnering with Genr8,” said Saaze Corporation’s Mariam Ispahani. Their clips, which are played between paid advertisements, have captured and engaged the viewers of our digital signage screens. The ongoing feedback from our locations is extremely positive, and the demand for continually refreshed clips has increased. The proactive and rapidly responsive Genr8 team is a pleasure to work with.”

Saaze News Item

Customer Care in 2020

2008-10-18T22:59:00.000-07:00

A friend just emailed me this...

Customer Care in 2020

Operator : 'Thank you for calling Pizza Hut . May I have your...'

Customer: 'Helloo, can I order..'

Operator : 'Can I have your multi purpose card number first, Sir?'

Customer: 'It's eh..., hold..........on......889861356102049998-45-54610'

Operator : 'OK... you're... Mr Singh and you're calling from 17 Jalan Kayu. Your home number is 4094! 2366, your office 76452302 and your mobile is 0142662566. Which number are you calling from now Sir?'

Customer: 'Home! How did you get all my phone numbers?

Operator : 'We are connected to the system Sir'

Customer: 'May I order your Seafood Pizza...'

Operator : 'That's not a good idea Sir'

Customer: 'How come?'

Operator : 'According to your medical records, you have high blood pressure and even higher cholesterol level Sir'

Customer: 'What?... What do you recommend then?'

Operator : 'Try our Low Fat Hokkien Mee Pizza. You'll like it'

Customer: 'How do you know for sure?'

Operator : 'You borrowed a book entitled 'Popular Hokkien Dishes' from the National Library last week Sir'

Customer: 'OK I give up... Give me three family size ones then, how much will that cost?'

Operator : 'That should be enough for your family of 10, Sir. The total is $49.99'

Customer: 'Can I pay by! credit card?'

Operator : 'I'm afraid you have to pay us cash, Sir. Your credit card is over the limit and you owe your bank $3,720.55 since October last year. That's not including the late payment charges on your housing loan, Sir.'

Customer: 'I guess I have to run to the neighbourhood ATM and withdraw some cash before your guy arrives'

Operator : 'You can't Sir. Based on the records, you've reached your daily limit on machine withdrawal today'

Customer: 'Never mind just send the pizzas, I'll have the cash ready. How long is it gonna take anyway?'

Operator : 'About 45 minutes Sir, but if you can't wait you can always come and collect it on your motorcycle...'

Customer: ' What!'

Operator : 'According to the details in system ,you own a Scooter,...registration number 1123...'

Customer: ' ????'

Operator : 'Is there anything else Sir?'

Customer: 'Nothing... by the way... aren't you giving me that 3 free bottles of cola as advertised?'

Operator : 'We normally would Sir, but based on your records you're also diabetic....... '

Customer: #$$^%&$@$% ^

Operator : 'Better watch your language Sir. Remember on 15th July 1987 you were convicted of using abusive language on a policeman...?'

Customer: [Faints]

The End

Economy Bombs, Advertising Booms!

2008-10-16T01:21:00.000-07:00

Wall Street crisis? What crisis? We folks are in Digital Advertising and there ain't no crisis here! Uh, right? The economy bombs and advertising booms, right again?

Yup, your business needs to get noticed in the storm through the wind and rain so... you will pitch in some dollars to buy advertising space to Be Different... to Stand Out.

That is what the researchers (several different reports say so) tell us and I am counting on them being 100% right, otherwise, we Ad folks will also have to ride the storm in a canoe or kayak - whatever we can find.

In the meantime, I am going to go assist peoples' businesses get their message noticed via our digital signage advertising medium. Come join us...

Skydiving Birthday Present

2008-08-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

My first skydiving experience. A birthday present to myself. A fantastic blast all the way to the end till I crash landed! Note: the video ends around 5 min 30 sec, then follow just credits. My write up about the experience to be posted next...

The Last Lecture - Randy Pausch

2008-07-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed Randy Pausch's - The Last Lecture when it first got on YouTube and was sad to hear of his passing away this past Friday. I am sure he smiled till the end.

Baked & Basked - Infocomm '08

2008-06-20T13:21:00.000-07:00

I baked in the Las Vegas, Nevada heat waiting for a taxi to get from here to there and back, but... I basked in the innovation and the huge Digital Signage area! DS sure has made its mark at Infocomm. Last year's DS presence in Annaheim, California was tiny in comparison.

I was especially impressed by two technologies... super thin screens and advanced touch screen capabilities. Saw some neat front and rear projection screens, we can certainly use for our next project. One makes an uneven wall look even... meaning the images are not distorted. Another makes the video of water moving down a stream come to life!

Make the Digital Signage interactive and they will come! Saw a neat screen where you can answer a poll in real-time, and another where the interactivity turns the screen into an iPhone looking screen, where you can browse through your music selections.

I didn't even get a chance to get to the non-Digital Signage sections, as there was so much to see, the line for food and Starbucks was a mile long, and I landed up with more meetings than I could handle! Will add more observations as time permits.

Souls in the Hands of a Tender God

2008-06-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

Souls in the Hands of a Tender God - a great book written by a friend of mine about issues we often forget: mental illness and the homeless. I am reading and enjoying the book... learning more from each story.

Throw Those Stereotypes Out

2008-05-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

We often hear people say, "That neighborhood is BAD... your car will get broken into, but this neighborhood is GOOD... your car is safe."

Well, not exactly the case every time, is it? We get so wrapped up in stereotypes about just about everything and as a result, we tend to forget that things don't always happen the way we expect them to nor the way we mentally imagine they should.

Here is one case... last night, I attended a private party at a nice restaurant and bar in a very well known supposedly posh neighborhood: Santana Row. Here you almost always see fancy cars parked and smartly dressed people weaving in and out of expensive shops and restaurants.

However, all that ambiance aside, when I got back to my car around 10 pm, it had been vandalized. Someone took their car key and ran several sets of scratch lines up and down the doors of my car. Nasty... very nasty... a rotten thing to do!

Today, I went back to file an incident report with Security and now I have to submit a letter in writing to the Management and Police. The parking lot cameras will be checked and hopefully the culprit will be caught and punished!

But, let's not forget the key reason for my post... all this happened in a 'good neighborhood' and even more shocking, I can't say with 100% certainty yet, but my car appears to have been vandalized by the owner of a new black Porsche.

Throw those stereotypes out of your head! Poor people, rich people, bad neighborhoods, good neighborhoods... anyone can behave in an unethical and irrational manner on any corner of the planet and they do.

Phone Line Personalities

2008-04-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

My internet connection, cable TV, and phone were all behaving erratically, so I called Customer Service at Comcast - the provider of all three. I told the Customer Service Rep my theory is, that the high temperature outside is causing the fluctuation, because I only notice it during the afternoon, never the morning nor night. The Rep said, a Tech visit tomorrow.

The next day, two Techs show up at my doorstep and tell me, 5 of my neighbors also complained, so multiple Techs happened to run into each other and together figured out the problem. My theory was right... the box up on the neighborhood pole can't take the high temperature and needs to be replaced. I asked the Techs if they need to enter my home and take a look at anything and they said, "No, it is all outside up the pole."

A few days later, I get my monthly bill from Comcast and tagged onto it is an additional $49.95 for the Tech's visit. Surprised, I got on the phone with Customer Service and requested that they remove this charge. The Rep kept saying, that I had called for a Tech, so I will be charged for a Tech, but if I want to get the 99 cent a month protection plan, the $49.95 will be waived.

I argued, that if I messed with Comcast's equipment in my home, then I should be charged, but since the problem was outside on the neighborhood pole, I should not have to pay for it. The Rep repeated her chant a few times... "You called a Tech, you have to pay!" I asked for a Supervisor and was put on hold for about 10 minutes then suddenly disconnected.

Rather upset now, because I have to call back and present my case all over again, I hit the redial button. The new Rep listened to my story and before I could mention what the previous Rep said, he said, "Ma'am, did the Comcast Tech step in your home or did he work outside?"

I said, "Outside" and in a split second the Rep said, "Ma'am, I am going to credit you $49.95... sorry for the inconvenience... thank you for using Comcast... is there anything else?"

Huh, what? No debate? There I was with my battle armor all ready to argue my case and his answer threw me off track. After an awkward silence I said in my non-battle tone, "Appreciate the credit, thank you very much!"

One lesson learned... you don't have to take the 1st Rep's word for real, hit redial and you might get lucky. Company rules might be in place, but at the end of the day it sounds like it is all about personality. Whom you get on the other end of the phone line and how you interact with them seem equally important.

Gene's Strategy re Making More $

2008-03-31T00:09:00.000-07:00

This month, I have been reading up a lot on Gene Simmons' sales & marketing style and general philosophy. In the process, I found this fun clip. Love the math here... an interesting way of looking at making more money.

Being in a start-up, I already work 7 days a week and now, thanks to Gene, a different bulb went off in my head. Not sarcastic, just another dimensional bulb like I like it. I totally forgot about all the holidays which when added to the weekends, minuses a lot of work days. Humm... back to work!

360 Car Spins & Almost Off A Cliff

2008-02-12T00:30:00.000-08:00

February 12th, 2007 Reno Nevada car accident remembered... here is the email I wrote to my loved ones a year ago...

Yesterday my car went over a slippery something on the road and I swung from the right lane to the left and almost hit the railing/road divider on the left, then I swung right and almost hit the railing on the right, then I did two 360 degree spins and then my car traveled backwards for several feet.

While I was going backwards, I saw a truck's headlights coming right at me at probably 60 miles/hour. My car flipped around into a 180 degree spin and I landed back in the direction of traffic on the right side of the road about 2 inches from the railing and the edge of a very steep cliff. The truck zoomed past me from the left and as it was just inches away it shook my car as it drove past.

I can't believe I am alive - honestly, it is a miracle that I did not get a scratch on myself nor the car... must have been a guardian angel or something. They say your life flashes by in seconds and that is what truly happened. I thought... I don't want to hit the edge, oh my gosh I am going to hit the edge, I don't want to die, I am never going to see my family again, this is my time and such.

As I was spinning and then going backwards I could see the cliff from the corner of my eye and I thought... this is it, I am going down that cliff and dying in the next few seconds and there is nothing I can do about it. My mind shot from "I don't want to die" to "I have to accept that I am going to die" - very strange.

When I did not crash nor die, I sat in my car sweating and shaking profusely for a while till I could collect myself enough to drive off to the nearest exit and sit there a while calming down. The kind-of-accident happened around 4:20 pm and it took me all night to process it and calm down. I am still rattled.

No Resolutions, No Broken Expectations

2008-01-01T13:42:00.000-08:00

Greetings... love to think positive, but I decided not to make any resolutions this year, anticipating that I will rapidly break them and then shatter my own expectations. Those who have lowered expectations tend to be happier... someone somewhere conducted a study re this.

I heard, that the Danes are the happiest people on the planet, because they don't expect a lot. So, when they don't get something, they are not disappointed. Similarly, when they get something they are happy. Will definitely aim to adopt their outlook in 2008.

Per About.com here are their Top Ten New Year's Resolutions followed by my comments in brackets:

Spend More Time with Family & Friends (I do)
Fit in Fitness (I try)
Tame the Bulge (I try)
Quit Smoking (not applicable)
Enjoy Life More (I try)
Quit Drinking (not applicable)
Get Out of Debt (I try)
Learn Something New (I do)
Help Others (I think I do)
Get Organized (I try)

Saware - song

2007-12-29T22:39:00.001-08:00

Here is a kid - Aamir Hafeez - who really is mind blowing, mind uplifting, and all that awesome jazz! Amazingly powerful voice inside this little kid singing 'Saware' from the movie 'Bandit Queen' originally sung by, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Again, better than the King of Sufi Music, maybe? Judge for yourself... above and below...

Teri Deewani - also by Aamir Hafeez

Tere Bin Nahi Lagda - song

2007-12-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

Does Mussarat Abbas sing 'Tere Bin Nahi Lagda' better than Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (King of Sufi Music) or what, huh? I am a super big Nusrat fan, but compare this song and judge for yourself...

1 - Mussarat
2 - Nusrat

What Jigsaw Puzzle Strategy do you deploy?

2007-12-09T21:24:00.000-08:00

What is your strategy when putting together a jigsaw puzzle? Do you work on a section at a time, picking a bunch of pieces that look like they fit together? Do you pick out all the easy-looking pieces and position them first, then build around them? Or something else?

I recently worked on a tough 1000 piece puzzle with a few different people and we all used different strategies to finish it. This got me thinking re the psychology behind a jigsaw puzzle task.

[Question I asked on LinkedIn.com - December 9th, 2007]

Short Radio Interview

2007-11-28T15:45:00.000-08:00

Short radio interview on KLIV CNN 1590 AM radio station based in San Jose, Calfornia. Topic: my company - Saaze Corporation, the economy, and the digital signage industry. This MP3 file opens automatically online in Quicktime or save it to listen via another program. Happy listening...

Fire, Light, & Moths

2007-10-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

In the poem, 'The Question' by Jalaluddin Rumi, he says, "The moth sees light and goes into fire. You should see fire and go toward light." Yet another dimensional view of things. Intrigued, I spent time pondering its meaning, then I realized, I can see the fire, light, and moths dancing collectively and also individually. It was a fun 3D/4D experience! Here is a translation of the poem...

===
One dervish to another, What was your vision of God's presence?
I haven't seen anything.
But for the sake of conversation, I'll tell you a story.

God's presence is there in front of me, a fire on the left, a lovely stream on the right.
One group walks toward the fire, into the fire, another toward the sweet flowing water.
No one knows which are blessed and which not.
Whoever walks into the fire appears suddenly in the stream.
A head goes under on the water surface, that head pokes out of the fire.
Most people guard against going into the fire, and so end up in it.
Those who love the water of pleasure and make it their devotion are cheated with this reversal.
The trickery goes further.
The voice of the fire tells the truth, saying I am not fire.
I am fountainhead. Come into me and don't mind the sparks.

If you are a friend of God, fire is your water.
You should wish to have a hundred thousand sets of mothwings, so you could burn them away, one set a night.
The moth sees light and goes into fire. You should see fire and go toward light. Fire is what of God is world-consuming.
Water, world-protecting.
Somehow each gives the appearance of the other.
To these eyes you have now what looks like water burns.
What looks like fire is a great relief to be inside.
You've seen a magician make a bowl of rice seem a dish full of tiny, live worms.
Before an assembly with one breath he made the floor swarm with scorpions that weren't there.
How much more amazing God's tricks.
Generation after generation lies down, defeated, they think, but they're like a woman underneath a man, circling him.
One molecule-mote-second thinking of God's reversal of comfort and pain is better than any attending ritual.
That splinter of intelligence is substance.
The fire and water themselves:
Accidental, done with mirrors.

Rumi
===

Childhood Story Influences?

2007-09-28T00:04:00.001-07:00

The wise ones say, childhood stories influenced our lives with a mix of nature versus nurture doing its work. Zoom through memory lane... now, which childhood story or stories influenced your life and how so?

Those that impacted me, all thanks to my mother, include:

* The Ugly Duckling (My all time favorite! Loved that it is okay to be different and that everyone matters)

* Samson & Delilah (Story about a bull and a cow - loved that Delilah showed Samson how she can be equal to him by being creative)

* Pinocchio (Loved the fact that he was so passionate about becoming real and belonging)

* Gingerbread Boy (Loved the 'run, run, as fast as you can' dedication to keep going despite the odds)

[Question I asked on LinkedIn.com - September 27th, 2007]

Antique Animal Horns

2007-09-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Got these Horns at an Antique Show. The seller got them at an estate sale and is sure that they are from Mexico. So... cow or bull or buffalo horns you think? And antique - yes, no, maybe?

Creative Biz Card Holder

2007-09-07T19:13:00.001-07:00

I ran across an interesting creative and customized business and ordered a fun business card holder from them. You can pick pieces to go on your platter and provide the text. The platter is a ceramic plate... different sizes and shapes are available. As you can see below, I picked a laptop, screen, cell phone, fountain pen, and satchel... because these are things I connect to my professional life. Do check out: PeoplePlatters and create your own plate.

Sandals In September

2007-09-02T23:15:00.000-07:00

Hallo - thought summer is over, but thanks to Global Warming, yours truly had to run out and buy a pair of sandals. The shoe store was crowded and the store owners probably also thought summer is over, because sandals were on sale. Love the sandals... lots of ventilation room as you can see, however, worried about this drastic weather condition. Global Warming has me hooked, booked, and cooked! Here is an interesting solution I discovered: shop at ClimateCooler - the smarter you shop the cooler it gets. Yeah, this I like!

Chief of a Tribe - got strategy?

2007-08-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

Picture this - YOU are on an African Safari in Zimbabwe. Poof... you get separated from your group and land up in the midst of a remote undiscovered tribe. They are friendly and lo and behold... the tribe is a democracy and elections are in 2 days!! You think - hey, here is my chance to be President... Chief Of A Tribe! Sign language works miracles and your name is added to the election ballot... image that!

Drum roll... 'NEWSFLASH' - the tribe is self-sufficient and has pretty much everything it needs. Besides, you don't know how to zip back to Harare (the capital) to grab a slice of modern civilization. The other Presidential Candidates have something special to offer the tribe. So, what can YOU (newbie politician) offer... tangible or intangible? What is your winning strategy?

[Question I asked on LinkedIn.com - August 23rd, 2007]

Cyborg-ify Me, Yes or No?

2007-08-03T14:06:00.001-07:00

Picture this - you have a medically malfunctioning body part causing a life-threatening condition. You can't afford treatment. Ding! Dong! - you get the door and standing before you are two people dressed in white lab coats. Smiley face says, "You have been randomly selected to be treated at our medical research facility." You yell 'Yoo-hoo!' and do a little dance.

Then comes the catch... "In exchange for repairing your malfunctioning body part, we will also replace and transfer some of your functional parts into others. You will become a Cyborg - a synthesis of organic and synthetic parts."

Does your jaw drop, does your head spin, or do you think... what the heck, at least I will be alive and hey, parts of me will function better than humanly possible? Do you say... Cyborgify me, yes or no?

My answer: Yes, provided my existence doesn't become so machine-like as to drag me away from my human essence.

Note: check out Heineken's new cybernetics ad

[Question I asked on LinkedIn.com - August 3rd, 2007]

MN Bridge Collapses Near Apt

2007-08-01T23:41:00.000-07:00

Just happened to be flipping channels tonight, when I saw the live report on MSNBC about the Minneapolis I-35W Bridge Collapse. Wow - I lived close to the bridge... by the University of Minnesota Law School and, every day and night I got a view of both; the I-35W and Cedar Avenue bridges from my 7th floor apartment window!! How scary is that? This image actually shows my former apartment complex. I am rattled. My prayers go out to the families and my fellow UofM classmates and colleagues troubled tonight.

Time Machine Travel to Where?

2007-07-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

Picture this - your favorite cousin has designed a Time Machine. It looks like a London telephone booth; bright red, rectangular, and compact. And... it works - hooray! Your cousin invites you over to test drive it. You can go backward or jump futureward in time.

Where would you go, what one thing (physical or data) would you bring back with you, and why? Note: do not turn the Universe topsy-turvy, so please... 1 - bring back only what fits in the Time Machine and 2 - bring back only a non-living thing. Happy Travels...

My answer: I would travel back to the point where humanity was about to stop being humanity, and find the magic thing which can prevent it from de-humanizing and use it. Then, I would bring the magic back with me and pass it on to others, to be used to maintain our humanity.

[Question I asked on LinkedIn.com - July 19th, 2007]

Beach Waves

2007-07-15T23:34:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, the ocean waves are gonna get me! Out on a gloomy day in Half Moon Bay, California.

Beach Waves 2

2007-07-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

Phew, no waves got me... saved my leather shoes! Not exactly dressed for the beach, but it wasn't sunny-friendly either... lots of fog and low visibility.

Six Countries Asked To Report In

2007-07-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

Visited a friend at his company today and lo and behold... spotted this sign at the receptionist's desk! Couldn't resist taking a picture with my cell phone. The blurry part says: "Please tell the receptionist if you are a citizen of any of the following countries" Wow! Dang!

Right or Left Brain Thinker Road?

2007-07-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

Picture this - you are zooming along on a deserted dusty road. Bam! You spot a fork in the road and quickly slam on the brakes. At the fork, a wooden post dangles two directional signs... 'Right-Brain Thinkers Only -->' and '<-- Left-Brain Thinkers Only'

Note: you don't have to be left-handed to be a right-brained thinker and vice versa, and... you can't go backwards nor sideways. Which fork in the road would you take and why?

Note 2: I did not specify which road goes where... you have the flexibility to pick. If you want left and left is left-brain thinkers for you, so be it! Eg: I pick the road that leads to right-brain thinkers and want it to be the left road.

One interesting book of many: A Whole New Mind - Daniel Pink

[Question I asked on LinkedIn.com - July 12th, 2007]

How would you make $ on Planet Mars?

2007-07-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

Picture this - the shuttle is leaving for the new Earthling settlement on Planet Mars and you have a ticket. Yippee! You only had enough money for a one way ticket, but you are adventurous. Assuming you want to return after many moons, how would you make the money to buy a ticket back to Planet Earth? No stowaways nor strippers allowed.

Note: I would set up a Psychiatric Booth like Lucy in Schulz's 'Peanuts' and cater to those Earthlings nostalgic for Planet Earth.

[Question I asked on LinkedIn.com - July 6th, 2007]

Using the Law Of Attraction to Sell?

2007-06-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

How do you or can you use the Law Of Attraction to sell? Selling = a product, a service, an idea, your belief or opinion, etc. Boom! The Power of Positive Thinking and Mind Power win you the sale? Maybe in some indirect way, huh?

Book: Law Of Attraction - Michael Losier

[Question I asked on LinkedIn.com - June 28th, 2007]

Indoor Signage Banner

2007-06-23T00:05:00.001-07:00

Hallo - here is the new Saaze indoor signage vinyl banner 3x6 feet. We used it at a show recently...

InfoComm Near Disneyland

2007-06-22T22:56:00.001-07:00

Hallo - had a blast at InfoComm '07 in Anaheim, California! At least for me... a representative of Saaze Corp. - it all started with the Battle of the Bands on Monday night at the Hilton Hotel. The 1st band ruled over the 2nd any day! Fun networking and relaxing event.

Tuesday was 'roam around the halls and meet with industry biz partners' day and I must say, our Digital Signage World got some nice exposure, but... we were split into four areas:

1 - an entire section in a hall upstairs
2 - a nice showcase and booth section in a hall downstairs
3 - some booths in the content area downstairs
4 - DS booths here and there mixed in with non-DS people

People I spoke with said, the DS section was double that of last year and so InfoComm ran out of space for DS booths. Loved seeing all the DS booths, but wasn't too happy to see it all split up all over the place.

Wednesday was also a roaming and meeting filled day, but was followed by some juicy private parties. The Scala 20th Anniversary Party (similar one was held in Chicago at the DS Expo) was at 5pm and had some awesome food and was on the open terrace! Great view of the Los Angeles area.

Next, some people went to the Austalian Pink Floyd Concert, others to some blues band, and your truly to the best concert of all... the B-52's!!!

It was Retro Rocking! It was not easy to get tickets and only the first 1000 people were let in. I got a ticket from one of our industry biz partners. It was sponsored by DLP-Texas Instruments and amazingly organized.

When we got there, we are asked to select a hat and then decorate it retro-style. They had beads, feather, pom-poms, flags, buttons, coins, and more... and a bunch of hot glue guns for us to glue all this stuff to our huge paper hats.

Lots of food and drinks and some retro dressed entertainers amused us. The party started at 7pm and the B-52's band at 9pm till about 10:30pm. Yours truly was in the front row, just inches from the stage! Photography was free... we can go to the website and download the images for free.

Thursday was roam and meet some more day. Felt that there was less of a crowd this day. I left around 2pm, before the fork-lifts came in.

Overall, some big players in the DS industry blasted their booths with 'we are in the DS business' alongside their zillion other Audio Visual related offerings, while... the smaller players were very DS niche focused. There were some middle companies as well, with their 'we have DS and screens and integrated models and...' but mostly I saw either big or small.

One interesting thing... people at the non-DS booths and networking events would ask me 'what do you do?' and when I told them, they most often said... 'oh, I saw that on the floor upstairs' or 'oh, I saw the showcase downstairs.'

Bottomline... DS was visible and here to grow. See them all at InfoComm '08 in Las Vegas next year...

-zensufi-

Cool Entrepreneur Song?

2007-06-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

I nominate: PRIME TIME by Alan Parsons Project. And you? Take a shot at it...

lyrics: Prime Time

[Question I asked on LinkedIn.com - June 20th, 2007]

Khaled & Haddad Video

2007-06-09T01:43:00.000-07:00

Check out this music video. Good combination: Cheb Khaled & Diana Haddad and a beat that rocks!

More images or text on a brochure?

2007-06-06T14:17:00.000-07:00

I am a visual person and enjoy images that catch the eye with a few bullet points to explain. Some folks tell me they want to read more about our products and services, while some say the image is worth more than a zillion words crowding the brochure pages. What say you?

[Question I asked on LinkedIn.com - June 6th, 2007]

Sinnerman Remix

2007-05-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

Check this interesting music video... music with a cartoon (Balto) as a video. Remix of Nina Simone's "Sinnerman" by Felix Da Housecat... used in the thriller movie, Cellular.

What commission % rate...?

2007-04-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

What commission % rate would you pay a salesperson?

Salesperson to sell marketing services through a commission only job. Base salary to be provided much later on.

[Question I asked on LinkedIn.com - April 6th, 2007]

Khaled, Taha, and Faudel

2007-04-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

Have enjoyed Rai for two decades and here is one of my favorites... music video of "Ya Rayah" with Cheb Khaled, Rachid Taha, and Faudel, but... I think Khaled's voice stands out as the best and he remains my favorite Algerian Rai singer.

Coming Back To Life

2007-03-20T22:49:00.000-07:00

Hallo - spring time brings in the new leaves, buds, flowers, happy faces, fresh beginnings, the traditional new year, and more! So, it is a time for one of my favorite songs. Great words and even better with the music, specially the guitar chords... enter... Pink Floyd's - 'Coming Back To Life' from the Division Bell album.

Where were you when I was burned and broken
While the days slipped by from my window watching
Where were you when I was hurt and helpless
Because the things you say and the things you do surround me
While you were hanging yourself on someone else's words
Dying to believe in what you heard
I was staring straight into the shining sun

Lost in thought and lost in time
While the seeds of life and the seeds of change were planted
Outside the rain fell dark and slow
While I pondered on this dangerous but irresistible pastime
I took a heavenly ride through our silence
I knew the moment had arrived
For killing the past and coming back to life

I took a heavenly ride through our silence
I knew the waiting had begun
And headed straight ... into the shining sun

-zensufi-

Separating Myself From Myself

2007-02-24T22:54:00.000-08:00

Hallo - two deep lines to think about...

jado yeh tumne kiya kese / mujh ko bhe mujh se juda kerke

Simple Translation:

how did you do this magic? / you even separated me from myself

So, how is it possible to separate one from oneself? Most likely solution - separation is possible when we get into a zen or sufi or spiritual state of mind. A mind over matter state also known as 'must' (an Urdu word meaning: ecstasy, drunk, excited, intoxicated, mad, overjoyed).

Drunk and intoxicated are not a result of alcohol, but from love, ecstasy, emotion, and/or the thought of union with the greater spiritual being. The sufi believe, that we are all parts of a whole and to be one with the whole is the ultimate goal.

A must state would trigger a blissful separation and reunion with oneself. The Whirling Dervishes of Turkey attain this high state of being or bliss through the sema dance or ritual. The dervishes dance into a trance. Other sufis achieve must in different ways - through poetry, music, or musical-poetry centered around closeness to the greater being.

Now, I am off to separate myself from myself and give myself a vacation on the journey.

Note: the two lines are from the Urdu song 'Qarar' by Ali Haider, a Pakistani musician. Watched him live in Minneapolis, Minnesota back in 1999 - good times. Check out tons of songs at: Pakistani Music

-zensufi-

Tiny Louisville, Big Screens

2007-01-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

The tiny airport and City of Louisville (pronounced 'Loouhvull' by most), Kentucky has these digital screens projecting very nicely through wooden panels. Tourist and flight information is presented in an organized and attractive manner. It was great to see this city up with the technological revolution, however, it didn't extend much beyond the borders of the airport - at least, not what I saw in my few days there. No wait - the Marriott Hotel had some digital signage screens as well, but they do almost all over the world. Enlighten me if I am mistaken about Louisville.

Dhaka Double Traffic

2006-12-09T13:28:00.000-08:00

Double lane traffic - here in Dhaka, Bangladesh. One lane for cars and one for rickshaws, but look... one rickshaw is in the wrong lane! This means, cars must travel at the speed of a cycle rickshaw peddler. Did you know, there is an organization that wants to save the rickshaws from extinction? Check: the World Carfree Network - very interesting. I wonder what the Dhaka city car drivers think of WCN's ideas, as they are constantly blocked by the zillion rickshaws daily. What do I think? Humm... well, what about clearly defined separate lanes and equal ratios of rickshaws to cars?

Saaze Digital Signage

2006-12-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

December 6th was a big day - Saaze got this digital sign installed! Had a little hiccup, but by December 8th it was running smoothly and catching the eyes of a high volume of foot traffic. The Digital Signage Age is here and a kicking, but sadly, the USofA is behind the rest of the planet. We are working to make that change effective immediately. Saaze - pronounced 'saa-ze' means - 'to build' and that is what we are doing. We are building a digital signage network, so jump on board the futuristic digital train. Send an email if you require screens and content installed and/or if you want to advertise on already installed screens. More info to follow...

Outside A Bird Cage

2006-11-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

From the outside looking in at all the pretty birdies, but what you can't hear through this image is the loud - correction - super loud... constant chirping and chatter.

Inside A Bird Cage

2006-11-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

I prefer that animals not be locked up in cages, but this is one big outdoor looking cage I enjoyed visiting from the inside. Cute birdies flew overhead as I tired to take this image.

The Moral Mind At War

2006-10-31T22:00:00.000-08:00

Hallo... while listening to Radio Lab, a morality bulb went off in my head. Part of their episode covered the work of psychologist, Joshua Greene. In summary, in my words...

Scene 1, Question 1:

A trolley is zipping down the tracks toward 5 people. All 5 will be killed, but you can save them by diverting the trolley simply by pushing a lever. This action will divert the trolley to another track, but 1 person standing on this track will be killed. Is it morally permissible to push the lever and prevent 5 deaths at the cost of 1?

Scene 2, Question 2:

A trolley is zipping down the tracks toward 5 people. You are standing on a bridge over the tracks next to 1 large person. You can save the 5 people on the track, only if you push the 1 large person off the bridge and into the path of the trolley. Is that morally permissible to push the 1 person and prevent 5 deaths at the cost of 1?

For Scene 1/Q1 - most people say YES! And for... Scene 2/Q2 - most people say NO!

In Scene 1 we might kill 1 person and in Scene 2 we might kill 5 people, but we opt for killing 1 over 5? Why? Well, the action of 'push the person' prevents us from doing so, which means that 'push the person' is connected to an emotional response that gets into conflict with the logical and cognitive mind.

According to Joshua Greene's findings, emotional and cognitive processes compete for control of behavior. Therefore, our mind gets into a tussle regarding right and wrong - emotion and logic. We think... humm, pushing the person is bad, but pushing the lever is good, even if pushing the lever saves 5 lives and pushing the person saves only 1.

On another line of thought, perhaps, the 'pushing the lever action' sets us apart from the scene of the activity, while the 'pushing the person action' puts us right in the face of the action. Point being, you don't feel you are killing someone if you are at a distance and merely pushing a lever, but you feel you are killing if you push a person which seems to create a direct intent to kill in our mind and that screams - 'no, don't do it!'

Ah, the moral mind at war! We individuals react differently with each dilemma as it is presented, however, it is fascinating that as a human race our responses are collective. No bell curve effect here, huh?

-zensufi-

Secrets Of The Natives

2006-09-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

Hallo... I consider myself open-minded and shy away from biases, stereotypes, labels, and compartmentalizing people. However, there is one group of people I can't help favoring - the Native American Tribes. I have immense respect for them across the board.

Last April, I met with Huston Smith (author) and Phil Cousineau (author, film maker) and it was truly an honor to talk with them about their work. Details some other time, just want to quote from their book here...

A Seat At The Table

A long time ago the Creator came to Turtle Island and said to the Red People: "You will be the keepers of Mother Earth. Among you I will give the wisdom about Nature, about the interconnectedness of all things, about balance and about living in harmony. You Red People will see the secrets of Nature. You will live in hardship and the blessing of this is you will stay close to the Creator. The day will come when you will need to share the secrets with other people of the Earth because they will stray from their Spiritual ways. The time to start sharing is today." (Mohican Prophecy)

Hasn't the day come? Haven't we strayed from our spiritual ways? What can we do to change the times and our paths?

Personally, I would love to hear the secrets the Native Americans (Mohicans in particular) have to share, so that I/you/we may learn to be more spiritual and in tune with this Mother Earth. After all, isn't this the one and only home we all share?

-zensufi-

White Water Rafting - Rescued

2006-08-19T23:59:00.000-07:00

Need to grab the Guide's paddle to make it back on the raft and out of the freezing water! Finally a happy ending and an awesome day!

White Water Rafting - Sunk

2006-08-19T23:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, that is it! I am nowhere to be seen, no wait... there is my hand still holding on to the paddle just like the Guide told me to... ever so obedient amidst the panic...

White Water Rafting - Help

2006-08-19T23:56:00.000-07:00

Help... I am going down and my friend appears to be landing on me...

White Water Rafting - Sinking

2006-08-19T23:54:00.000-07:00

Going down... water filling, panic setting in...

White Water Rafting - Hit

2006-08-19T23:53:00.000-07:00

Down the Sacramento River enjoying an outdoor adventure birthday treat, then WHAM! We hit a rock and the raft filled with water. Note: one of my friends waves despite the chaos. I am next to her in a maroon t-shirt.

Carnival Song

2006-07-23T00:27:00.000-07:00

Hallo... one of my favorite songs... just love the poetry! Posted it on the net and just have to add it here to my blog.

"Carnival" by Natalie Merchant

I've walked these streets
A virtual stage
It seemed to me
Make up on their faces
Actors took their
Places next to me

I've walked these streets
In a carnival
Of sights to see
All the cheap thrill seekers
The vendors & the dealers
They crowded around me

Have I been blind
Have I been lost
Inside myself and
My own mind
Hypnotized
Mesmerized
By what my eyes have seen?

I've walked these streets
In a spectacle of wealth & poverty
In the diamond market
The scarlet welcome carpet
That they just rolled out for me

I've walked these streets
In the mad house asylum
They can be
Where a wild eyed misfit prophet
On a traffic island stopped
And he raved of saving me

Have I been blind
Have I been lost
Inside myself and
My own mind
Hypnotized
Mesmerized
By what my eyes have seen?

Have I been wrong
Have I been wise
To shut my eyes
And play along
Hypnotized
Paralyzed
By what my eyes have found
By what my eyes have seen
What they have seen?

Have I been blind
Have I been lost
Have I been wrong
Have I been wise
Have I been strong
Have I been
Hypnotized
Mesmerized
By what my eyes have found
In that great street carnival
In that carnival?

-zensufi-

Pet Nightmares

2006-06-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hallo... which TV show gives you nightmares? A horror series or a violent series? How about an animal series? Did you say - a show about animals? Oh yes I did!

Recently, the Animal Planet TV channel ran several back to back episodes of a reality series called, Animal Precinct. This show takes you on patrol with New York City's Humane Law Enforcement agents who are devoted to investigating crimes against the city's animal population. The series starts off something like this… “New York City, 8 million people, 5 million pets, 1 team of officers…”

Of course yours truly read the disclaimer – “Due to the graphic nature of this program, viewer discretion is advised…” but for some reason it did not register in my brain that a show about pets is one that I should be advised against.

So, there I was watching a string of shows that resulted in a string of nightmares. Major impact on my sleep system and one that caused shifts in my mind set!

Okay, you get the picture, but let me explain why this show causes nightmares. Not because it is a bad show, it is an excellent show, but the horrors it exposes one to would make Buddha commit suicide.

Just one show later, I was left with a zillion questions buzzing in my head like: why do people get pets if they can’t look after them? More so, why do people get pets they end up mistreating? And the purpose of a pet is what? I would think companionship, and it involves caring, loving, and spending time with.

Just like the USA has a very tough application and approval process for people who want to adopt a child, I call for a similar system for those who want to bring a pet into their lives. The goal is to make people think twice before they consider something they might not be able to handle. All in favor say, AYE!

-zensufi-

Case Study: A Foster Child

2006-05-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

Modified Paper from 2003 - "Case Study of A Foster Child’s Grief and Loss"

A non-profit organization in Minnesota known as, Resources for Adoptive Parents held monthly respite camps for adopted and foster children. Families dropped off their children for the entire weekend and adoption counselors engaged the children in a wide variety of activities. Most of the activities revolved around adoption issues, creating awareness, understanding, generating peer support, and making it a fun experience for the children. A key outcome was, that the children connected with others realizing that they were in the same situation as themselves. Thoughts and emotions were shared on a one-on-one basis and during group sessions.

One weekend, an adoption counselor and myself, held a group session in which we asked the children to share one good thing and one bad thing about adoption or foster care. A seven year old, Joey, waved his hand wildly asking to be called upon. Sensing his enthusiasm, my colleague asked him to share his thoughts. Joey proudly boasted, that the good thing about foster care was that he had been in fourteen homes in two years. The bad thing about foster care was, that he had not seen his mother in a long while.

After hearing Joey’s viewpoint, the other children shouted out the number of homes they had been in through their lives and within seconds the group became disorderly. Some stated, that they went through several homes before they were finally adopted, while others were still in search of a permanent home. What started out as an excited self disclosure turned into a competitive game, and the group had to be calmed down so we could continue. Ultimately, the children discussed their loss or losses, and expressed that being in many homes was not fun after all. They wanted permanency, security, and to leave behind the grief experienced with each departure.

In the case of foster children like Joey, they do not really consider being in several homes a plus point nor a competitive game. Joey wanted to make a statement and express his feelings, which did not appear to come from a sense of loss, but they did. When we dug deeper during a few one-on-one sessions with Joey, it explored the loss experienced by him when he left each foster home. His grieving was continuous and he was not given a chance to complete his grieving process and move on, because he kept moving on to another home. Each time he is abandoned by a set of foster parents, he keeps tally and knows exactly how many homes he has been in and out of in how long. It almost appears as if, Joey accepts this abandonment and loss process as a normal event in life which will continue and he will keep counting.

When we approach Joey’s story from another angle, it is rather strange that he went through so many homes in two years. Usually in the State of Minnesota, foster parents keep a child for six months or less. Perhaps, it indicates that Joey disrupted the homes he was sent to, and therefore, was removed from each home after a short period of time. When a child has experienced a certain way of life to be normal, however dysfunctional per the standards set by society, the child will see the dyfunctionality as normal. Children in foster care are abandoned by their biological parents, each set of foster parents they live with, social workers when they are changed, educators, classmates, and many others. A foster child like Joey has not even been allowed to go through the entire grieving process. For him, loss is added to more loss and the grief continues, until he is permanently placed or turns eighteen years old, at which point he will be allowed to exit the foster care system.

Thousands of Joeys’ lives have been tabulated into numerous volumes of statistical data. The material has been researched, analyzed, compiled, and presented to the nation decade after decade. Knock on the door of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or any other organization that focuses on child adoption or foster care research, and you will gain access to amazing statistical details regarding the race, gender, age, and even psychological profile of foster children, birth families, adoptive families, and much more. Despite all the facts, children still continue to enter, leave, and remain in the same system, but more so, for now, these children need to be allowed to grieve.

-zensufi-

The Holistic Foster Child

2006-04-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

Modified Paper from 2003 - "Holistic Approach for Handling a Foster Child’s Grief and Loss"

Grief and loss with respect to the foster child have not been dealt with effectively in the USA, and I believe a holistic approach has been proven to be the most effective way of dealing with grief and loss in foster families. There is a need to take an insightful and personalized approach in dealing with complex issues, for the foster child goes through a traumatic time being shifted from one home to another. The basic rationale for addressing grief and loss as experienced by the foster child, stems from the lack of family education and awareness of the issues surrounding the foster child’s grief and loss. In particular, grief education and foster care training for foster families would provide tools to aide in a smooth transition for the entire foster family.

With over 550,000 children in the foster care system, the nation is failing to get them out of the system and adopted into homes. The very system that was created to protect neglected and abused children, has wrapped itself up in so much bureaucracy, that it has created a parallel and inescapable cycle of abuse. Unfortunately, most foster children spend months and even years, being shuffled in and out of various temporary homes. Each year, only a fraction of children are legally adopted, while the rest are thrown back into the recycle bin of the foster care program. The net result is, we have thousands of children experiencing loss and grieving with each change of residence. In the life of a foster child, change is constant. This change presents uncertainty. When taken from one home to another, the child walks into the unknown carrying with him or her, fears and insecurity.

Most, if not all children in foster care experience a tremendous sense of loss. There is a loss of their familiar home surroundings, at least some disruption of daily routines, loss of personal belongings, and family members. How a child experiences loss depends on many factors including: the child's developmental level, the significance of the people separated, whether the separation is temporary or permanent, and the degree of familiarity of the new surroundings. Foster children are often in an indeterminate state. When initially placed into care, it is often unknown whether the child will or will not return home. Until a biological parent's rights are relinquished or terminated, it is difficult for a child to complete the grief process. If the child goes on to be placed in other foster homes, he or she may never complete the grief process until they are out of the foster care system.

A holistic approach for handling a foster child’s grief and loss can be broken down into four sections, based on factors that influence a foster child’s life: the foster parent, the biological parent, the social worker or educator, and the adoptive parent if there is one. All four factors impact a foster child’s life and shape it in the process. Offering grief education and foster care training to all parties involved in a foster child’s life, would arm them with tools to aide in a smooth transition. Grief education can include classes or seminars covering the psychological impact of grief on a child, with a particular focus on the foster child. The format can be a mixture of two styles; lecture and interactive. Attendees will learn and use what they have learned at the same session, which opens up the course for further feedback.

Support groups for foster parents are a great opportunity to discuss and network with others whose lives have been impacted by a foster child and the foster care system. Working together the parents can gain a better understanding of the foster child’s emotional vulnerabilities and share what methods worked best for them when dealing with grief issues. On a one-on-one level, the foster parent can help the child feel safe, secure, and better prepared for their next placement. Through honest and direct communication, the foster parent can facilitate and assist the child’s natural grieving process by discussing foster care issues and educating themselves and their foster child. In addition, foster parents and social workers need to work closely to develop a plan to help the child grieve and adapt during the transitional time between permanent homes.

Educators spend a lot of time with their students and in many cases, are not aware of those in the class who are foster children. A teacher might unintentionally refer to biological or foster parents in a way that brings a foster child’s grief to the surface, causing them to modify their behavior. Also, a teacher might not be equipped to discuss the foster care situation with any degree of sensitivity. If a foster parent meets with the teacher and informs him or her before the child starts class, it would make the child’s classroom experience more favorable for all. It is best to teach the child to take the energy from their grief and trauma and focus it on something positive, like school interactions and building friendships. Brief one-on-one occasional meetings between a foster parent and teacher are ideal, because foster children tend to need more attention.

The social worker should work with the foster parent and assist the child to deal with his or her feelings. The child may not want to put feelings into words, so using play, drawing pictures, creating clay models, and other artistic methods of exploring feelings can be used. If the child wishes to verbalize their thoughts, then active listening can be an effective tool for validating emotions. Also, at this point the child’s biological parents and the loss experienced by being separated from them can be addressed. Most foster children feel abandoned by their biological parents and deeply grief the loss of the parents with grew up with however dysfunctional the family.

Involving the future adoptive parent in the life of the foster child before the placement takes place, aides in a better transition. Between finding a permanent home for a foster child and all the lengthy legal paperwork involved, there could be a long waiting period. If prospective adoptive parents attend adoptive or foster parent support groups, it could prepare them for what is to follow. Ideally, with the foster and adoptive parents working together openly in front of the child, it makes the child feel less of a sense of loss when they move into a permanent home.

Addressing grief and loss in foster care and creating awareness aides in the prevention of more complicated psychological issues for the entire foster family. Through the assistance and support of their foster parents, biological parents, social workers, educators, and adoptive parents – all working collectively, a foster child can come to terms with their being in the foster care system and work through their grief and deal with their loss. The key is for individuals to help individuals build a better family through education and awareness.

-zensufi-

Customer Service That Rocks

2006-03-31T17:11:00.000-08:00

Hallo... the decision was made - old car out, new car in. A list of new cars were identified and test driven by yours truly. One particular car caught my eye and senses like a magnetic attraction. It is the one!

Having identified the make and model, now began the search for the car in my favorite color and with all the gadgetry and options preferred. The hunt drove me from one dealership to another, and here is some of what I was told...

"Silver is a popular color and light blue looks nice.”
"We can put in leather seats for you, in fact the manufacturers leather isn't 100% leather."
“No such car in California or even Arizona and Nevada.”
“The car is no longer made in that color, but we have the last one of it kind sitting on a ship six weeks away.”
“There is no such car in the color and model you want in the entire United States.”

The last statement resonated across every dealership in the Northern California area. I do not exaggerate. Wait a minute, Northern California? So, I thought to myself, what about Southern California?

Tired of dealing with dealerships directly and getting the run around, I got on the car manufacturer’s website and searched for the make and model by location. Click, punch, and bingo! A dealership all the way down in Santa Clarita just north of Los Angeles had the perfect match.

A bit skeptical having been told so many different stories, I called them to ask if they really had the car I was looking for in stock, in the parking lot, and this very minute. A sales manager checked his logs and told me, “You betcha, it is here on the lot!”

In no time, we negotiated a deal at below invoice price and I was given two options regarding the delivery of the car – 1. dealership ships the car to me at no profit to them, they find a transportation company and I pick up the cost or 2. dealership pays for my plane ticket to fly out there and I drive back in my new car.

Fly – I like the sound of that! Lower cost than having the car shipped, but I felt it would be nice to take a break and go on a mini adventure.

So, off I flew into Van Nuys airport where I was met by a salesperson from the dealership in the company van. He had offered to pick me up in my new car, but I opted against it – too nervous to drive in fast paced Los Angeles among other related fears like, being in a new unscratched car on unfamiliar roads.

A 25 minute chatty ride later, we arrived at the dealership. I got to test drive my new car – a cool smooth ride! Wrapped up the paperwork between the salesperson, sales manager, and the finance whiz, and was all set to drive off up the highway with my new coffee mug and car to match. Popped in a Scorpion CD and hit the gas to “Here I am… rock you like a hurricane…”

The next day, I received a call from the salesperson to ask if my drive was safe and fun, and a few days later I received a tin of yummy cookies, a lovely thank you card, and a check reimbursing me for my plane ticket there. I am happy and still rocking to Scorpion. Why? Great customer service and a win-win situation!

Actually, the sale above was even smoother and friendlier than I described it in this short space. Think about this – how far would you go for your customer? Why is it so important to deliver on a promise and deliver the best possible customer service and follow through? Because you want to build a relationship and get repeat business, right?

I never look at a sale as MY sale, I look at it as OUR sale, because in order for the sale to be a great sale, both parties have to win-win and the outcome should be mutually beneficial. I don’t ask my customers “Can I sell you this or that?” I say “How can we work together to assist each other?” And we find the best path.

The car dealership in my personal story above treated me the way I treat my customers. This time around being on the receiving end felt really great. It gave me better insight into how I can continue to treat my customers. Thank you Santa Clarita folks for the lesson!

rock on,
-zensufi-

Metamorphosis of Communication

2006-02-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hallo... technology upgrades faster than the seasons change, and it is tough to keep up with the plethora of gadgets. The cell phone is no exception.

Instead of focusing on cell phone technology, which I will save for another day, let's look at one aspect of the metamorphosis of human communication which is a direct result of cell phone usage.

Do you recall before the cell phone took over our lives, we used to call people land line to land line and say...

"Hello! How are you?"
"What are you cooking for dinner?"
"Is that noise from the kids watching TV?"
"How was your day at work today?"
"I have to take the cake out of the oven, can I call you right back?"

And now, we call cell phone to cell phone and say...

"Hello! Where are you?"
"Can you talk now?"
"What is all that background noise?"
"How many signals have you got?"
"I am standing on the corner of Grand & Summit, can't you see me?"

One could go on to list many different common questions we did and do tend to ask on the phone. However, let's zoom in on the most common FIRST question...

Land Line = "How are you?"
Cell Phone = "Where are you?"

Here nests the most dramatic change in our human phone communication – we flew from HOW to WHERE!

I am not a linguist nor sociologist, and don’t know of any studies out there that have actually researched this switch. I am merely a ‘social observer’ (a phrase I stole from my mother) and it seems to me, that now… the location of a person takes precedence over the state of a person.

An exaggeration? Maybe. However...

Factoid 1 - with the land line we know, that the person we call is stationary within the circumference of the phone cord at his/her home or office, because it is a fixed phone.

Factoid 2 - with the cell phone, the person we call is most likely mobile, so we automatically make an assumption that he/she is okey-dokey, and thus, the question – ‘how are you?’ sounds redundant. Double-quick, we want to get to 'where are you?' so, we can set up the next mode of expression. Makes sense?

I am off to check for research to support my observations. If you find something interesting or have feedback, drop me an email.

-zensufi-

Social Responsibility Is Trendy

2006-01-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

Hallo... do you ever wonder why the sense of social responsibility is not emphasized more often? Here we are, one human race, one planet, shared resources, and it costs so little to act socially responsible, yet many of us just don't.

The sign in the gym locker room states, "Please limit your towel usage to 2 towels per visit" and yet people take 4, 5, 6 towels off the rack. More towels means, more laundry, means more water usage, means an environmentally un-friendly act. To add to it, people leave their used towels, empty shampoo bottles, dirty cotton buds, and more in the shower and locker room area. There are plenty of 'used towel bins' and 'garbage bins' provided so, people who disrespect public property shall be labeled as those who lack social responsibility. Right?

Take another scenario... you see a person get up from their chair and start to leave a cafe. You notice, they forget their shopping bag. Do you pick up the bag and go after them and say 'Excuse me, you forgot this' or do you just sit there thinking, 'It is not my responsibility to say something' ? Aah, not true, because it is your responsibility as a fellow human being to be socially aware and responsible.

Take also... giving up a seat on the bus to an elderly person, not throwing your garbage out the car window, helping a person in need, caring for the environment, recycling, volunteering to support foster children, and the list goes on. All minimum effort work.

One of the best lessons an x-boss taught me, and I sometimes have to remind myself, is to always question - 'What do I lose? What do I gain?' before taking any action. In that light, if we don't take plenty of towels at the gym... we are saving the environment (gain), if we use the garbage bins... we make the place cleaner for our fellow humans (gain), if we inform the cafe person about their bag... we get a smile and save them a lot of trouble (gain), if we volunteer to help foster children... we change a life or two (super gain).

Any which way you question it, socially responsible actions are not losses, but gains. Perhaps, we can make being socially responsible a trendy catchy so-today in-thing, yah?

-zensufi-

The Kitchen Gadget

2005-12-28T23:11:00.000-08:00

Hallo... there are so many kitchen gadgets these days, many find it hard to decide which to select for what. But, time and again, despite the wide array of gadgets to pick from, I go right back to one gadget... if I may call it that - the scissor. Oh yes, the scissor has proven to be award-worthy, as it comes in handy to cut open all sorts of paper and plastic seals, in and outside the kitchen! We have to give it a medal for being so multi-useful.

No wait! The award rightfully goes to the inventor and not the invention, but who invented scissors? Jump on the cyberspace highway and you find out that scissors are credited to the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Leonardo Da Vinci, and who knows who else can be googled and yahooed? So, I am going with the most likely true story...

Invented around 1500 B.C., scissors are the creation of the ancient Egyptians. They were excavated from ancient ruins. Interestingly, these scissors were made from a single piece of metal... no double cross blades pivoting around a fulcrum like we have today.

Then around 100 A.D., the ancient Romans invented the double cross blade a.k.a. - the modern scissor. It comes in different shapes and sizes, even folded and specially designed for left-handers like me. Sorry, Leonardo... will have to write about one of your inventions next time. Check: Wiki: Scissor

snip snip,
-zensufi-

Dalai Lama's 2001 Message

2005-11-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

Hallo... dug this up from my May 2001 archives, as the Dalai Lama visits California again this week. Here is: Journey to Another Dimension

The long awaited moment arrived on May 16th, 2001 with the entrance of the Dalai Lama onto the San Francisco Opera House stage. He touched on topics such as, compassion, happiness, anger, and hatred. He explained the benefits of positive actions and the drastic impact of negative emotions and actions. It was brief, but it was powerful enough to send me propelling onto another dimension and thirsting for more.

Over the next three days, in the midst of thousands of others who filled up the Mountain View Amphitheater, I listened to teachings from The Heart of Wisdom Sutra. The Dalai Lama provided an overview of Buddha’s teachings and Tibetan Buddhism, then moved on to explain form, emptiness, perfection of wisdom, and impermanence. I sat mesmerized as he elaborated on, form is empty, emptiness is form. Blending humorous stories into his teachings, he further captivated the audience who responded with cheers and laughter.

On my fifth day of journeying to another dimension, the Dalai Lama’s teachings focused on Medicine Buddha Empowerment. He performed ceremonies associated with taking the bodhisattva vows and seeking refuge in the Seven Medicine Buddhas. Prayers and offerings were made, but to hear the masses recite mantras together was most empowering. I could feel compassion and happiness in the air and wished for them to linger on. Ultimately, I departed back to my previous dimension repeating the Dalai Lama’s words, “My religion is simple, my religion is kindness” and I can still hear the soothing echo in my ears.

-zensufi-

The Multi-Ethnic Face

2005-10-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

Hallo... one of my cool cousins flies out from New York to San Francisco on a business trip and calls me up to connect. Having made a dinner reservation at a classy Japanese restaurant in SF, we walk in and my cousin greets the Spanish-looking Spanish-name-tag-wearing hostess with a happy and loud "Konichiwa!" - Japanese for 'hello' followed by some other phrase I didn't comprehend.

The hostess smiles and takes us to our table. Then curiosity gets the best of her so she asks, "Where are you from?" as if to imply that non-Japanese looking people should not speak Japanese.

"We are from Zimbabwe,” my cousin states confidently, patriotic passion poring through her body language. The hostess raises her eyebrows in disbelief and expresses her mistrust with a couple of head nods swung left to right.

Before she can verbalize herself, my cousin jumps to explain, “My father is a white European who moved to Zimbabwe a long time ago. He met and married my mother there.”

“Oh, okay!” the hostess says, indicating she now finds our ethnicity a bit more believable and probably true.

At dinner we were from Zimbabwe, at lunch we were from Mongolia, and at breakfast in a little coffee shop we were from Romania. Around the world in 12 hours and we worked hard to convince people into believing us! I love this game. Try it sometime, for it is a lot of fun.

In reality, it is no longer strange to wear a certain face and be from a non-face-matching nation. For starters, I know of an ethnic Indonesian man from Holland, an ethnic Japanese woman from Norway, and an ethnic Punjabi Indian man from Germany.

Common ground? None of them have lived in their face-matching nations and solely follow the culture of the nation they were nurtured in. They acculturated even though they still fall under the category of minority in their homeland.

Our planet is one big multi-ethnic ball of people, and who is to say who is from where just by looking at their face, huh? Think about it – what does an American look like? What is the face of a Londoner like? White, black, brown, green, purple...? Tomorrow, I shall be from Venezuela... because it sounds exciting!

-zensufi-

Seeking Middle Ground

2005-10-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Hallo... you are in the market seeking a professional job and have polished up your resume, interviewing skills, clothes, shoes, and smile. You have memorized the company's website, studied their competitors, and put together your personal sales pitch. Looking holistically good, you make it to the interview stage - the 1st, the 2nd, maybe even the 3rd interview zoom by relatively smoothly. Now, you are ready to be given a job offer.

Nothing! Yes, nothing. You got all green lights and now a red light. Why? Sorry 'dear job candidate' but you are not technical enough, not senior enough, not junior enough, not product oriented enough, not service oriented enough, not engineeringly inclined enough, not sales minded enough, not old enough, not young enough... enough, enough, enough!!!

You don't fit here and you don't fit there, you just don't fit anywhere! One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish... but you are not a fish at all, you are a different species on the wall. Your species won't be given a chance, to prove yourself, to grow, to enhance. Sad but true, what is a non-fish to do? How bizarre, how bizarre!!

So, do you jazz up or jazz down your resume? Throw in or throw out buzz words? Talk big or talk small at the next interview? As a drastic measure, maybe you should scrap your current job hunt and seek employment in a totally different field - serving coffee, cleaning horse stables, clicking a cash register, coaching a kid's soccer team, chopping trees...? All respectable jobs, but just not in the field of your choice.

If you can't find Middle Ground, a place where you are neither this not that, or can't find a company that is willing to take a risk and hire you in the hope that you will adjust yourself accordingly... you are going to be putting aside years of experience and education to go chase a new career. Scary? For some. Is your glass half empty or half full?

-zensufi-

New Mexico Is Eye Candy

2005-09-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hallo... I decided to take a break from the fast paced life of Silicon Valley, by taking a vacation somewhere slow paced and revitalizing. Enter – New Mexico! This is a state I knew little about prior to my visiting the Gilroy Garlic Festival. There I met an artist who specializes in painting natural scenes in Italy, France, Spain, and New Mexico. I pointed to paintings which caught my eye and excitedly asked him, “Where is this? Where is that? And this one?” He replied, “Santa Fe, Taos, and also Santa Fe, New Mexico.” From that point on, I just knew I had to visit these places.

I flew from San Jose to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and drove north about 60 miles to Santa Fe. It was night time and I couldn’t see much on either side of the highway besides towering mountains in the distance. I wished I had taken an earlier flight so I could have at least caught the sunset on its way down. Having missed the light, I decided to reserve time for Albuquerque on my way back to the airport.

Santa Fe, high up there at about 7,000 feet is dotted with historic landmarks and host to a number of art and cultural events. One that attracts the most visitors is the Indian Market. Held each year around mid-August, this event includes 1,200 artists from about 100 Native American tribes, visited by over 100K people. I just had to be part of this show. Parking downtown would definitely be a headache, so I asked the hotel manager if I should take a taxi or bus. He directed me to a mall near by from where special buses were being operated to shuttle art lovers to and from the Indian Market. All I had to do was walk a bit and then enjoy a short ride through Santa Fe right into her downtown. Smooth mode of travel.

We were dropped close to the Plaza; the place where things happen in downtown Santa Fe. The last time I saw so many Native Americans at one gathering was when I volunteered at a Pow Wow in Minnesota about 15 years ago. Getting lost among the natives and beautiful art was delightful for my senses. Booth to booth I wandered, talking with artists about their work, tribe, and occasionally telling them a bit about myself. “I am from California by way of Minnesota by way of South Asia by way of Iran and a lover of Native Americans.” Oh yes, that is a mouthful to digest and usually brings a laugh followed by more questions!

Different events ran across the center stage at various times. If I had been elected judge of the Clothing Contest, I don’t think I would have been able to render a decision, because each costume was more colorful and detailed than the next. Then, stepped up a Mohawk artist who recited his poetry. It was realistic, humorous, and wrapped around a catchy rhythm. I enjoyed talking with him afterwards about his poetry and art work, and also his tribe located in the New York state area.

Some wild birds have been saved from extinction, but there are others who need our help. Making a mini donation, I got my picture taken with a live Bald Eagle. Note: this is New Mexico, but the backdrop for the photograph is Colorado. Rocky mountain high, no worries and close enough. At least the bird is alive and real. The stare emitted from her eyes and the sound echoed from the flapping of her wings is beyond powerful. It made me a bit nervous having this huge creature sit so close to my face and near my shoulder. Awesome all the same.

Some other fun experiences include: walking through the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) museum, chatting with the ‘stop scams department’ ladies and also the ‘authentic native art’ ladies, eating an oily Navajo burger, hearing a native rock band with a female lead singer/guitarist strumming away “who do you love…?”, and then watching an amazing artist dressed in bright yellow perform the hoop dance… juggling a bunch of hoops over and around his body to the rhythm like clockwork. I learned a lot about the Pueblo Peoples of the Rio Grande Valley and made it my mission to visit some pueblos.

On a nice sunny day, I drove about 70 miles north of Santa Fe to the city of Taos. What varied terrain along the way! The eyes take in anything from a 3D view all the way to a many dimension view, but it is so powerful at a certain point you can’t make out how many dimensions your eyes and mind have just absorbed. The reds, browns, and yellows reflect back a multi-palette of hues literally bouncing off the walls of your cornea. No picture, painting, nor postcard can capture the view and do it justice. You just have to see for yourself.

During my first visit to Taos, I had the honor to chat with a Taos Pueblo elder at the pueblo. He told me some things about his WWII experiences. Five of his many years were spent serving in the Navy around the Far East. He stopped short of India. I joked with him about the ‘real’ India region where Christopher Columbus was supposed to land and how Native Americans have been incorrectly labeled Indians and Natives. I added, that now with the many Indian-Indians in America we have Indian Americans and American Indians. We laughed, but this can become a serious issue if discussed in detail. I saved it for another time. Interestingly, over my travels, I found many tribe members who prefer to be called, Native Americans versus Indian. Better yet, they like to be referred to by their tribe – Navajo, Zuni Pueblo, Hopi, Apache, and such. Sounds good to me.

The drive up and west from Santa Fe to Los Alamos is also past gorgeous terrain and lands you right in the heart of the city where the A-bomb was created during WWII. Walking through both, the Historical Museum and the Bradbury Museum was an awakening experience. From Native American art and history represented throughout New Mexico, in this city you are transported to science and technology – old and new. Native Americans farmed here for centuries, then came a boys boarding school for wealthy families, and then the Los Alamos National Lab took over and has since expanded. The entire LANL area is restricted, but we are allowed to drive around it to get to the beautiful forest areas. Atomic creation and natural creation under one roof – very ironic.

Close to Los Alamos sits the Bandelier National Monument, a park over 32,000 acres in size, and its main attraction is, Frijoles Canyon. Centuries ago, the Anasazi Pueblo people lived here in natural caves and also built homes near by. The water, plants, and animals of the area sustained them. I chatted with some park rangers and went for a walk along trails. Climbing up wooden ladders and stepping into some actual caves was a fun experience. The zillion bats and their mess wasn’t fun though. They live in the higher caves and I could smell them from afar. ‘Anasazi’ means ‘ancient ones’ in Navajo, and as I stared at the caves from inside and outside, I pictured them standing there as they did thousands of years ago, before America was America.

I drove through all kinds of areas in and around Santa Fe, from the rich to the poor. I see it as a city of financial contrasts – extreme poverty to tremendous wealth. Before I embarked on my journey, I flipped through a book about the exquisitely decorated houses of Santa Fe, but I could not find them. Then it occurred to me, to stop by the Opera House. After all, for the most part which social class listens to opera? Probably not the Native Americans on the reservations. So, there you have it… around the proximity of the Opera House close to the Tesuque Pueblo, I found homes decorated on the outside and inside with art galore. Colors bright as the sun and sky, painted onto brown pueblo-style adobe walls and windows, just like in the picture book and also eye candy, but in drastic contrast to Native American residential areas I visited.

If you venture a little south out of Santa Fe to the non-touristy areas, you land in places like Cerrillos and Madrid. Tucked away and yet close to urban areas, here is where I met and chatted with Harley-Davidson biker-types. I lost count of their tattoos and almost bought a bandana to blend into the club. Besides bikes, there are horses and horse ranches in the area. You can horseback ride across the beautiful landscape where you are an amateur or a professional.

Dropping by Santa Clara Pueblo on a week day, I came across residents going about their daily business. The post office is a major meeting hub and filled with boxes, so I gathered that people mainly have PO box addresses in this area. I also visited the tribal offices from the outside, as they were not open yet. Each pueblo has a Governor’s Office. Everybody waves and nods to greet you as you drive or walk by, even if they have no clue who you are. This happy behavior resonated across every single pueblo I visited and made me feel I was in a truly welcoming community. There is no fakeness about it, just pure genuine warmth.

Espanola sits north of Santa Fe and on route to Taos, bang on both sides of the freeway and the Rio Grande river. A sign read, “This way to the visitor’s center” so, I followed it and found this huge building with just two people in it. One was cutting the grass outside and the other cleaning the kitchen. They told me, the place is used as a rental for parties and functions. I got some tips about the region and a guidebook, but it was strongly suggested that I drive another 45 minutes north to Taos if I wanted to see something substantial. So, off I went to Taos for the second time briefly stopping to check out San Juan Pueblo from a distance.

There are dozens of shops around the main Taos Plaza filled with Native American goodies. Up till now, a lot of art work had caught my eye, but I had not bought anything. I wanted to buy pieces 100% authentic Native American and preferably sold by the artist him/herself. Then I found a Navajo run store with a decorated Native American medicine horse figurine and my eyes lit up. The lady said, it was her display piece and refused to sell it. However, she called three other stores to find the same horse. The final one had it, so I rushed over there and bought it.

Being ecstatic about my purchase didn’t last long. As the lady placed the box into a plastic bag, I noticed a tiny sticker on bottom which said, “Handcrafted in China” and I was horrified. I asked if it is made in China and was told, that it probably wasn’t and that only the box is made in China. What? The box is made in China? I am not falling for that! So, I made the lady take the figurine out of the box, flip it over, and there again was a “Handcrafted in China” label. I wanted to return it, but there was a big sign with “No returns No refunds” in front of my face. I am still fuming. For the rest of my travels I made it a point to tell lots of people, specially Native American people, about this story. I will not buy Native American art made in China and neither should you – period!

Hear this amazing fact – there is only one authentic Taos Pueblo owned store in the entire Taos Plaza shopping area. It is small and I found it by chance. Before I could ask if anything in there was made in China, the lady told me that they are a native owned tax free store. Yes, thank you! I spent ages chatting in there about authentic art, Taos Pueblo traditions and ceremonies, and got detailed information about each artist represented there. They have only 100% authentic products – wooden dream catchers made by a young Taos Pueblo boy, leather and horse-hair talking sticks made by a Navajo artist, cedar and stone pipes made by a Taos Pueblo artist, and much more. The experience was definitely eye and ear candy for me.

While roaming around beyond the Plaza, I visited the Kit Carson museum. Carson was a trapper, Indian agent, guide, and soldier who lived here. I also chatted with different Euro American people who settled in the area between 20-30 years ago. Most own the expensive galleries and enjoy the quiet rural life. I overheard an elderly lady complain about her having to type a lot and that it was hurting her fingers and eyes. I jumped in to suggest, that she get a text scanner or voice activated software. She seemed a bit stunned and then called me, a Computer Whiz. Far from it… just a Silicon Valley gadget and technology enthusiast. We all had a good laugh and she went off to act on my suggestion.

North of Taos one can drive on a route called, the Enchanted Circle. The entire area is a huge ski area. No snow at this time, but I imagined people zigzagging down snow white slopes and getting a thrill. I stopped in a small town called, Questa, but couldn’t find much to do there besides admire the surrounding natural environment and the many horses and cattle standing around.

Downtown Santa Fe is simple and very charming. The Plaza is a central point around which, like at Taos, there are stores and art galleries. A building called, The Palace of the Governors, lends its front porch to specially selected licensed artists who display their goods every single day. Not interested in expensive art galleries which primarily cater to wealthy Euro American retirees, I bee-lined for the artists directly.

It was great fun chatting with numerous artists about their work, daily lives, tribe, and much more. All were glad to explain in detail how and why they put together their pieces. They insist you hold it, touch it, see it in the sunlight, and ask more questions. So, I did and once again, I was delighted to see 100% authentic products handled directly by the artists – sand paintings, colorful bead dream catchers, storyteller figurines, various pottery, turquoise and silver jewelry, and artwork galore.

Being a sales/business development person, it was interesting for me to watch some of the artists haggle. They are too nice and mellow. I quietly watched one lady give in repeatedly to customers. At one point, she dropped her price from $250 straight to $150 and the buyer still would not buy. He probably thought it strange. I felt impelled to rescue her, so during a quiet moment I jumped in to suggest a different sales strategy and gave her some sales pointers. She laughed and earnestly thanked me. I hope she made some money by the end of the day.

On my way to Albuquerque, I took a slight detour and visited the Santo Domingo Pueblo. No ceremonies were underway, just another average day, so I got to be a non-tourist… something I strive to be. I bought a delicious home-made burrito from a resident, chatted with some pueblo people, wandered around the residential and plaza area, and then went on my way south to the Sandia Mountains.

The Sandia Pueblo people own a huge casino which sat in my path, but since I don’t fancy gambling I bypassed it. Further east, you can ride the Sandia Tramway – the world’s longest aerial tramway, up to Sandia Peak at an altitude of over 10K feet. What a spectacular view of the Cibola National Forest, Albuquerque, and miles past it! Sadly, I didn’t see any bears or bobcats, just plenty of squirrels and birds. I was told we get an 11K square mile panoramic view, but my eyes saw natural beauty and wildlife in views beyond 3D and multi-D.

In Albuquerque, I met a young man from the Zuni Pueblo. He had a small push cart on which he sold key chains, figurines, magnets, and such items – all made in China or Taiwan. Oh yes, I told him my “Handcrafted in China” story and we had a good laugh followed by a serious discussion. He was proud that the Zuni Pueblo members number over 11,000 and comprise the largest pueblo in New Mexico. Besides that, they are different from the other pueblos, in language and cut away from the Rio Grande river. We chatted about their history and current conditions, and I learned interesting first-hand information. I promised to visit his pueblo next time and I will.

In conclusion, there is a lot more to share regarding my trip and I could go on for pages, but I decided to jot down key experiences. Please note, that there is nothing New about New Mexico and definitely nothing Mexican about it either. I haven’t dug into the history to find out how they named this state, but I hereby rename this magnificent natural beauty-filled state – Eye Candy. Let me know your thoughts and ideas.

happy travels,
-zensufi-

My Pet Bald Eagle

2005-08-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

A real Bald Eagle and I in New Mexico. Looks a bit odd because it is a pix of a pix.

The Science Of Networks

2005-07-24T23:41:00.000-07:00

Hallo... in May 2003 I heard Dr. Albert-Laszlo Barabasi on National Public Radio and was very eager to learn more. I bought his book "Linked" about the Science of Networks, an absolutely fascinating field I have been exploring for over 2 years.

While reading the "Rich Get Richer" chapter, I grabbed a piece of paper and jotted down what you can see in the image above (sorry it is not clear) and the example below. I rushed home from the coffee shop, and being a visual person, drew it all out on a PowerPoint slide.

Later on, I finished the chapter and saw what I thought the author had missed. Information about networks evolving and such. Silly me for jumping ahead, but I decided to send my theory to him anyway. I was keen to share it. Dr. Barabasi informed me that my theory was "cool" and added some comments.

HERE IS MY THEORY...

The rich get richer, then the nouveau riche come along!

Realignment Network Theory: A Hubbing-Dehubbing Process

1. two nodes link
2. senior node becomes popular
3. senior node becomes a hub
4. new node comes along
5. other nodes attracted to new node now a new hub, senior node de-hubbed
6. senior node dies

Website Hubbing-Dehubbing as an Example:

A poetry website comes online and advertises itself. Other websites are attracted to it and create a link. Soon it becomes a hub. Several months pass and then a new poetry site comes online and advertises itself. Other sites test it out and find that it provides better graphics and richer content than the old poetry site. Websites shift their loyalty and the new poetry site becomes a hub. The old poetry site is dehubbed and eventually dies. If it is able to drastically transform, it can be a hub again.

Do read "Linked" and check out all about the Science of Networks via:

Albert Barabasi's Website
Mark Newman's Website
Center for the Study of Complex Systems - UMich
The Center for Complex Network Research

-zensufi-

Psych Tests Vs Interviews

2005-07-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

Where do you tip on this scale, huh? I found this image on the net, and my being a non-supporter of various psychological tests that categorize and compartmentalize people, I am sharing this with you. Depending on how you answer psych tests, you come across as for example: too aggressive or not aggressive enough, or too much of a risk taker or risk devoid. Point being, such tests provide inflexibility. The bad news - some companies still live in the dark ages and make such tests mandatory for potential employees. They will not even meet with nor speak with the candidate until the psych test has been cleared. As social beings we tend to present ourselves differently in-person, so the candidate you evaluated on paper might not be the one sitting in front of you. Dozens of barriers are instantly broken down the minute people interact face to face. I think companies should get rid of the psych tests and look at the Big Picture. Instead of predicting my potential over a multiple choice exam, predict it over cup of coffee! Give it a try...

Kitty & Chicky

2005-06-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

A soothing smile inducing kodak moment!

Free Animal Farm

2005-06-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hallo... a cool summer evening, the end of a tough day in corporate America, me with a virgin strawberry diaquiri, my friend KG with a diaquiri on-the-rocks, so we raised our glasses to a toast.

KG said, "And here is to... All Animals Are Equal, But Some Animals Are More Equal Than Others!"

Just as our glasses clinked I laughed and said, "What? Some animals are more equal than others? That doesn't make any sense."

"George Orwell. Animal Farm. Haven't you read 'Animal Farm'?" KG asked in a surprised tone.

"I know of George Orwell and '1984' but not this one," I replied.

KG smiled and said, "Get it, read it, and let's chat!"

I did that night, because I just had to know why and how some animals can be more equal than others. About three years have gone by since I first read it and it opened my eyes to the truth, that we can be equal and yet not equal in the same society, country, workplace, and planet.

Recently, I reread 'Animal Farm' and it still rings true. Communism was a failure. Socialism is unreal. Dictators stand for themselves. Democracy is beautiful, but sadly, no pure democracy exists anywhere. There will always be a Napoleon (leader) and his gang versus a gullible helpless underclass (all the other animals on the farm). Rules will always be tailored to suit the reigning regime.

Wait - 'always' sounds like such an extreme word and I don't like extremes, so I want to FREE Animal Farm! March in there, re-educate Napoleon & Co. and specially all the other animals, help them come up with democratically agreed on commandments, make sure success has been achieved for the long term, and walk on to the next farm to repeat my mission. Idealistic? Big Picture Thinking? Out of the Box Vision? Pragmatic? Maybe not given the right conditions, huh?

A suggestion regarding Orwell's --- Animal Farm - "Get it, read it, and let's chat!"

-zensufi-

Live Stock Pavilion

2005-06-02T00:13:00.000-07:00

This used to be the Live Stock Pavilion where cattle were bought and sold. One of my favorite buildings at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus.

Snoopy The Writer

2005-06-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

Good 'ol Snoopy! A long time fan of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Friends, I was thrilled when I got to meet the cousin of cartoonist, Charles Schultz. He showed us students the stars and planets, and I had never seen them so close to Earth. Also, was excited to be the Tour Guide for the Mall of America which houses, Camp Snoopy. All Minnesotan fun!

SalesPerson NOT SellingCompany

2005-05-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hallo... interestingly, some corporate sales management folk think they can replace salespeople with a 'happy sounding' email shot off to a customer which will make the customer come running back with twice the amount of business - nah... not!

When will those mis-management folk understand that it is and was the salesPERSON who made the customer bring in the business? Trust me, it was not some love for the company or its other salespeople shoved at them now. Heck, it says so right in 'Sales101' and here are some basics from the top of my head:

1. People buy based on how they are sold and how comfortable they are made.
2. The seller sells based on what the buyer needs, not what the seller wants to sell.
3. Seller and buyer form a relationship, trust is a catalyst.
4. A good salesperson can sell anything to anyone.
5. Many professions are 'just a job' sales is 'more than a job' - oh yah!

On a different note... we salespeople of the mega salesforce should question how those mis-management folk got to become sales management in the first place?! It sounds like they bought their way in rather than earned their way to the top. Whatever the case, without Sales101 and your key salesPERSON, you ain't sellin nothin buddy... not now... not ever!

Check out: Selling Power Magazine

-zensufi-

Left Handers Are In Their Right Minds

2005-05-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Hallo... zillions of right handers the world over ask left handers, "Wow, how do you write with your left hand?" Most shrug their shoulders and say, "I just do" or "It comes naturally to me." The right handers usually watch in sheer amazement as we left handers turn our pages the other way or hold a fork in the left hand at dinner.

Well, let me tell you... it is tough being a left hander in a right handed world. We are an accident prone people. Door knobs are placed on the wrong side, so we struggle to open and close doors. Scissors are a major dilemma to handle and it is difficult to cut straight. We get bruises, scrapes, cuts, and burns all over the place if not careful.

Statistics from somewhere say that, 1 in 10 is a left hander. So, we have to adapt to the other 9 right handers. Buy Left Handed Products... scissors, garden tools, coffee mugs, pencils, notebooks, etc. and stay accident free!

The best news is... Left Handers are in their Right Minds according to those who have studied our brains - left brain right brain stuff. Hey, that makes me happy and glad to know it! Check out: The Left-Hander Syndrome.

-zensufi-

Some Humans Equal Chickens

2005-04-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

Hallo... I don't have to say much here as this image is self-explanatory or, is it? This image shows chickens watching a chicken being roasted and that is construed as a 'Horror Movie' per the caption. However, if we replace chickens with humans what would that be construed as? Inhumanity? Un-human? Animal-like? Pure Evil?

What makes humans different from chickens? We have been told, a higher level of functioning and brain power differentiates human-kind from animal-kind. Okay, so then why do humans roast (a.k.a. hurt) humans all the time? Well, they don't literally throw them in a grill like in the image here, but humans find ways to roast each other. E.g.: politics, corporate world, at home, at work... I am sure you get my drift.

Perhaps we should call humans who roast humans, 'chickens'? However, the word 'chicken' connotes a 'coward'. So, by logical deduction we deduce => Humans Who Hurt Humans = Cowards. Makes sense? Not quite.

Well, a coward is one who shows fear in the face of danger or pain. In this case, the chicken/coward/human instills pain on the good human, which leads us to deduce => Cowards Fear Pain And Cause Pain. Makes better sense now, huh? After all, it is all about logic and semantics rather than about humans and chickens! Bottom line: don't cause pain to fellow humans.

Be Nice!

-zensufi-

Viva Women Basketballers

2005-04-03T00:29:00.000-08:00

Hallo... played basketball today after over a decade! Why? Had an urge thanks to PBS and This Is A Game Ladies - a film about the Rutgers Women's Basketball Team, their Coach, and much more.

I must admit, it was the first time I watched women play college level basketball. Sadly, I never even attended any basketball games while at college nor at university. My last exposure was with friends shooting baskets for fun and prior to that, being on our high school basketball team. The latter was a serious adventure at the time, but ended in 11th grade.

The Rutgers' Scarlet Knights is made up of a team of college women. The film follows them through their trials and tribulations on and off the basketball court. A key figure and major inspiration in the film is coach C. Vivian Stringer. She definitely has put a positive dent in women's athletics and changed the outlook for the better!

Oh yes, women are getting into the NCAA and professional team sports! We have seen them in tennis, swimming, golf, squash, and other individual sports, but now it is time to see them in action and shining as part of a team sport. Viva women in soccer, baseball, hockey, and basketball!

-zensufi-

Can't Live Without Geography

2005-03-30T17:15:00.000-08:00

Hallo... dug this up from the ashes of November 1999 - unedited letter I wrote to an ezine...

Enjoyed your article, “George W.’s Naiveté” (M. Faiz Rehman, Nov. 12) and found myself nodding in agreement as I recalled my own encounters with those who haven’t the faintest idea about geography beyond their borders. Before I set foot in America, I was well prepared to expect questions, and I felt I was on a crusade to destroy all the myths and re-educate my college mates! After a while, it got tiring and a group of us decided to print t-shirts for the International Students with 10 questions on the front and their 10 respective answers on the back.

Unfortunately, we never got around to that mission due to financial constraints; however, we did print and sell a t-shirt with a world map and some slogans reminding our geography-deficit colleagues that a world beyond the US of A does exist. That was our mini-crusade!

Many moons ago, my father was on a flight to somewhere and seated beside an American businessman - a famous chap from a famous company, definitely not your average Joe from the barnyard. The American was amazed that his foreign flight companion knew the state he was from in the USA and even those around it. The American challenged the foreigner to name some other states.

Without hesitation, he named every state in the USA and even all those provinces and territories up in Canada! World geography was something he had learned in grade school. The American admitted he could not name all 50 states, and he regretted not being taught world geography at school, but he enjoyed his business trips to Asia and was eager to learn more about this part of the globe.

Those who seek political office should know for a fact, that they will be walking into the face of world affairs and dealing with their counterparts virtually on a daily basis. It is deplorable that politicians such as George W. are confined to politics that perhaps do not extend beyond their shores.

Maybe a few sessions at the games, “Diplomacy” or “Trivial Pursuit” will shoot up their IQ - Information Quotient. My college mates don’t need it, the businessman on the flight does not need it, but if anyone needs to be up on world geography and affairs, it is definitely that sole politician who will head and control a world power!

EZINE = Pakistan Link

-zensufi-

Cry-Baby Ads Loose

2005-03-06T23:43:00.000-08:00

Hallo... I do not like comparison advertising! When I see such ads, I think for example, why does Colgate toothpaste have to tell me that Crest toothpaste is not a good product and that it will not clean my teeth well? Why doesn't Colgate tell me how great their product is and how it will make my teeth shine - without mentioning Crest?

The 'Cry-Baby Ad' as I call it, makes me lean away from a product. I don't want to hear why Tide detergent is better than Cheer, or why Post cereal is better than General Mills. I would rather hear the positives and strengths of a product, than the negatives of a competitor's product. I want to hear what XYZ product can do for me and how it stands out of the crowd, without dragging the crowd into the equation and through the mud.

After a little Consumer Psychology research on the net, I found a solution: Expansion Advertising - wow! The research of Wansink and Ray studied 3 types of expansion ads:

1 - Noncomparison ads simply state that a target brand is a reasonable choice for the target situation ("Use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda as a refrigerator deodorant").

2 - Product comparison ads associate the target brand with the target situation by positioning or comparing the target brand with another product that is already associated with that situation ("Eat Orville Redenbacher Popcorn as an afternoon snack instead of potato chips").

3 - Situation comparison ads associate the use of the target brand in a new situation with its use in a more familiar situation ("Special K breakfast cereal is as good at snack time as it is at breakfast").

Conclusion: Situation Comparison Ads were found to be more persuasive and they encourage the consumer to focus on the benefits of the product. Oh yes, this is how I like marketing marketed to me!

-zensufi-

Never Hire Family

2005-02-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

Hallo... I come from a successful business family which has been around for almost 200 years. However, I have this advice for those out there thinking of hiring relatives, "Never Hire Family!"

Yes, that is right - never hire family! Please note, this advice is based on my personal professional experience and has nothing to do with my family business, of which I am not a part of and shall be reserved as a different story for another time.

Hiring family makes bad business sense. Why? Well, you can't get rid of them when they don't perform, you are forced to give them a salary raise and promotion despite their not delivering, they argue with you till you give in, you feel sorry for them, they make you look bad in front of other employees, you have to cater to their whims and cries, and worst of all... despite the business downfall, you have to attend family functions with them for the rest of your life!

You might ask, "What about trust?" Yes, we all want to work with people we can trust and feel comfortable with and the first instinct is to go with family. Wrong! Not wrong because family cannot be trusted, they should be and there should be a strong bond between family members. Wrong because once you mix business with pleasure or business with family, you have a concoction for disaster.

Strange thing is, even though I grew up around a red-tape, bribery-filled, money-under-the-table society, I am a solid proponent of the merit system. Oh yes, if you work hard, you deserve the credit and not someone who happens to be a relative of the boss! So, rule number one in business... refer to the title of this blog.

-zensufi-

Monkey See, Monkey Do

2005-02-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

Hallo... I think PBS makes having a TV worth it! Recently on NOVA there was a piece about a recent brain discovery named, Mirror Neurons. When you watch a sports event, a movie, a person in distress, a person laughing, and such, our brain reacts, but how?

It all started with a monkey who was fed peanuts in an Italian lab. Each time the monkey reached out for the peanut, a certain neuron fired in the brain. Then one day, a lab technician reached for a peanut in front of the monkey (I guess he was hungry) and the same neuron fired in the monkey's brain! Did you get that? The monkey did not move, but his brain mirrored the action. It was as if the monkey actually reached for the peanut himself.

When we watch a game of basketball, we feel and behave as if we are playing the game. We move with the players, calling out cheers and jeers, we feel their pain when a foul is called, and we feel their happiness when a goal is scored! Our brains mirror it all and the mechanism is just amazing!

To learn more about Mirror Neurons or watch the program online go to NOVA - Science Now

-zensufi-

Society Made Me A Hedonist

2005-02-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Hallo... according to a study conducted by someone somewhere, Americans are about as happy now as they were in 1946! Sounds untrue, since we have lots of fancy technology at our fingertips these days. We have gadgets in all shapes and sizes to make our lives easier and faster. Well, then why are we unhappy or not as happy as we should be?

This weekend, I went to purchase a scanner and the checkout lady insisted I purchase insurance for the next two years. What? Are you kidding me, two years of insurance for a gadget that will be obsolete perhaps before the end of 2005? No way! The way technology is heading, a scanner model 5 times as good will be out in the market in no time.

Guess what? My attitude and my approach to technology is the problem, accordingly to a certain study. I constantly experience a phenomenon psychologists call, "hedonic adaptation." In a nutshell, the new gadget comes out, I buy it, I get bored, the next model comes out, I buy, I get bored, etc. I am not alone, most of us behave this way. Gosh, society made me a hedonist?!

Check out MIT's Technology Review - January 2004, specially the article "Technology and Happiness." This magazine as a whole is one of the best I have read!

-zensufi-

Rediscovering The Skipping Rope

2005-02-11T01:17:00.000-08:00

Hallo... there I was in the gym on my somewhat usual treadmill run feeling like a hamster, when my eyes caught something I had not seen in decades. This long white thing with two wooden handles at the ends was a rare sight for me.

"Oh wow, it that a skipping rope?" the question shouted in my head while my eyes must have appeared larger than normal. I stopped the boring treadmill and made a bee-line for the skipping rope. Taking it in my hands, I found some empty space and proceeded to jump. 1, 2, 3... 28, 29, 30! It felt delightful and brought back childhood memories long misplaced.

The rediscovery of the skipping rope has set me on a different exercise track. It has also given me something to think about... why pay $25-$100 per month on a gym membership, when you can buy a $5 skipping rope that cuts the mustard just as well? Maybe we have been spoilt by the jacuzzi and sauna, huh?

-zensufi-

MLK Day Or President's Day?

2005-01-26T17:27:00.000-08:00

Hallo... I connected with some friends and asked, whether their company gave them a holiday on MLK Day or President's Day? Most responded, President's Day and said, they have never received a holiday on MLK Day. Those who work in the public sector, automatically qualify. Personally, as CEO or decision-maker of my own company (some day), I would opt for MLK Day any day!

Why? When I think of MLK, I think about... Civil Rights, and am very grateful that we live in a time where civil rights, civil liberties, and all those wonderful freedom principles are the norm. Maybe that is a bit of a stretch, as we humans need more of an open-mind, but at least the roots have been grounded and ideas such as equality have been explored.

Yes, we are grateful for the presidents and glad they were born and guided America, but celebrating President Lincoln's birthday isn't that appealing to me. I would rather take the day off on MLK Day to walk down memory lane and retrace the steps to freedom. We have come far in this expanding yet shrinking world and there is further to go.

-zensufi-

Flying To Titan

2005-01-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

Hallo... finally Huygens (the probe) landed on Titan (Saturn's largest of 33 moons) and sent us back images of another fascinating world! Would love to move to a different planet or moon and experience it, but I think I will take a pass on Titan as it is less than minus 250 degrees! A bit too cold for my warm blood. I wonder if moons are better to live on versus planets.

Imagine a futuristic dinner invitation... "Come on over for dinner! I live in Sector 4, Muddy Fluid Lake, Titan, Saturn, Milky Way which is a few planets away from Venus. Oh and by the way, you will be several years older by the time to get to my house for dinner, so let's make an appointment now and don't forget to wear your super warm down jumpsuit!"

Check out: NASA on Saturn

-zensufi-

Pay Attention

2005-01-13T15:49:00.000-08:00

Hallo... last year, I attended a zen author's book reading and he told us this story...

An American scholar went to Japan and met with a zen master, who was also famous as a calligrapher. He asked the master to write down the best wisdom on a scroll for him to take back to America. The master took his paint brush and drew a Japanese character on a scroll. The scholar asked him what it meant and he replied, "Attention." So, the scholar said, "Okay, but what does it mean?"

Then the master took his paint brush again and painted the same character next to the first one. The scholar got a bit irritated and said, "I can see that you have written Attention Attention but please understand, that I have to take it with me to America and explain this wisdom to those in academia, so what does it mean?"

The master again, took his paint brush and wrote the same character for the third time. By now, the scholar was very irritated and said, "I can see Attention Attention Attention, but what does it really mean???" So, the master turned to the scholar and said, "It means, simply Attention, pay Attention."

Nice, huh?

-zensufi-

Thinking Outside The Jar

2005-01-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hallo... so, this little kid I know comes up to me with a smile on his face and says, "I have a riddle for you. When is a door not a door?" He sure got me thinking, because how can a door not be a door? Is this a zen koan that might take me a lifetime to figure out? I threw some answers at the kiddie, but got loud, "NOs!" in return, so gave in for the sake of a lower decibel.

Then he says, "Give up? A door is not a door when it is AJAR! Get it? Ajar as in - a jar! As in a cookie jar!" Yah, he got me there, so I decided to change one of my mottos from 'thinking outside the box' to 'thinking outside the jar'. Cookie jar, jam jar, peanut butter and jelly jar, it does not matter, just outside the jar. So I am off to be creative and explore the unknown. Are you outside the jar yet?

-zensufi-

Who Is The Problem?

2005-01-03T18:42:00.000-08:00

Hallo... when something goes wrong who is the problem? Is it you or the weather or the other person across the street? I wonder how many times it can be an outside factor or whether it is always internal. So, I decided to run a little self experiment, it being 2005 and a good time to change (try to change sounds good too). The next time I am told, 'you are the problem' - hopefully not soon, I will remove myself from the situation. No words, no argument, no nothing, just a trot to greener pastures. I mean, why subject oneself to a knowingly disturbing situation, right? A toast to a new outlook... hear hear!!

-zensufi-

Desert To Rain

2005-01-02T17:19:00.000-08:00

Hallo... I am back to cold rain after a wonderful time by the sunny beach and then in the sunny desert. Sunny is a nice word and I miss the warmth it brings. Why do vacations have to be so short? Well, it was my first proper vacation in 2+ years, so I guess I do feel cheated out of time. This year I vow to capture time in a bottle and drink and drink...

-zensufi-

Are We Humbled Now?

2005-01-02T01:34:00.000-08:00

Hallo... given the tsunami is only made of water, it swept away over a 100K earthlings and caused extensive damage to our physical surroundings and souls! Are we humbled now? Do we finally realize that we are a mere speck in the vast cosmos? Deep thoughts have taken over.

-zensufi-