tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85650136585058904872024-02-20T00:33:17.563-08:00Merry Old LeedsNemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-24668533922402613532011-04-11T17:05:00.000-07:002011-04-11T17:05:09.544-07:00TransitioningWow, just realized that headline could totally be taken in the wrong way. Anyway, since I'm no longer living in Leeds, I'm getting back to my old blog, <a href="http://thricetoldtales.blogspot.com/">Thrice Told Tales</a>. Check it out.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-13349463497095661112010-09-12T13:59:00.000-07:002010-09-12T14:14:01.885-07:00Who Knew?Nico Muhly, one of my favorite modern composers has just turned me on to Benjamin Britten. Seriously, check out "Now the Hungry Lion Roars" near the bottom of his post. It's an incredible piece of music and Muhly shows how a conductor can greatly affect the way a piece sounds. (I also greatly enjoy the post in its entirety)<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://nicomuhly.com/news/2009/my-local/">http://nicomuhly.com/news/2009/my-local/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Check out Muhly's work here: <a href="http://www.myspace.com/muhly">http://www.myspace.com/muhly</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Also of side note: if you've never listened to it, just listen to Saint-Saen's Carnival of the Animals, especially Aquarium. You'll probably recognize some of the pieces the next time you go to a movie. </div><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hjaBGAfWGSU?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hjaBGAfWGSU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-58351865763798354822010-09-11T11:51:00.000-07:002010-09-12T07:10:10.896-07:00Moving OnFriday, I finally bought a ticket to the states. I'm not necessarily going to call it my ticket <i>back </i>to the states, though more or less, it is. I leave from Leeds-Bradford on October 6, due to arrive in Kansas City on the same day...after 16 hours of traveling through Amsterdam and Minneapolis-St. Paul. Ugh.<div><br /></div><div>It's a roundtrip ticket though--my open door back to the UK--though I'm sure I won't need it. I wanted to have something waiting, just in case, the day before I left, my dream job offer came through. Money, unsurprisingly, loomed large in the decision. Entry-level jobs don't pay as well here, and with student loans, visas, and other expenses, it would have made for a difficult year.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, there are always ways around a money issue. Part of the challenge was that I felt like if I left the UK, somehow I would be leaving it forever. Only recently have I come to the realization that just because you leave some place doesn't mean your connections to it die as well. Through a couple of new opportunities, I can retain my business and personal connections to this island, possibly even strengthening them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although it's trite, I think I simply had to shift my perspective to understand that instead of leaving England, a bit of England was coming along with me. I'm not sure how I changed, but I feel like I grew up a bit whilst over here. If nothing else, I gained more confidence in my own abilities.</div><div><br /></div><div>After Kansas City for a week or two, I'll most likely move to New York. I feel pretty confident in this decision; whenever I think about it I smile. But my head is so full of ideas and things to do that it's a bit hard to concentrate. I'm excited for the change, but ready to get settled down again. For the next few weeks, I'll be jumping from place to place, city to city, trying to tie up loose ends, start some new projects, and (hopefully) having a bit of fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>Either way, come Oct 6, I'll be headed back home, ready to dig into some good food, relax, and start over in a new place.</div>Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-62031572015919202542010-09-09T09:49:00.000-07:002010-09-09T09:51:06.329-07:00Something to tide you over......until I can blog again. It's been busy the past few weeks. Some decisions have been made, some new projects begun. I'll send up a post when things are a bit clearer, though. Until then...<br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=14190306&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=14190306&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=&fullscreen=1&autoplay=0&loop=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/14190306">MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4509398">Dean Fleischer-Camp</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-85644378213570729472010-08-30T15:15:00.000-07:002010-08-30T15:16:28.672-07:00Incredible.If you want to see how the internet can engage and emote, I highly suggest you check out the new interactive video from The Arcade Fire. Just make sure you are using Firefox or Safari or Chrome. You'll thank me.<br /><br /><a href="http://thewildernessdowntown.com/">http://thewildernessdowntown.com/</a>Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-8932825680226027242010-08-24T11:12:00.000-07:002010-08-24T11:45:15.844-07:00And So, The Chapter Ends.As of Thursday, August 19th, I officially handed in my dissertation. A little before noon, I picked up the two copies as specified by the university: forest green tape for binding, a washed out shade of emerald for the cover, and hastily impressed gold lettering spelling out my name, the year, and my degree. Handing in these 72 pages--almost five months of work when you factor in the planning--felt at once unceremonious and joyful. Meeting coursemates at a local pub for lunch, we joked that they should have given us a ribbon or sash when we delivered it to the grad office. Somehow signing your name in ballpoint pen doesn't quite have the pomp and circumstance one would hope for in such an event.<br /><br />The days preceding the event were largely drowned in a river of Pepsi Max, pre-packaged sandwich meal deals, and a veritable cornucopia of sweets. I fear a the next time I go to the dentist, he'll examine my mouth only to find myriad greyish-brown caverns in what was once a healthy mouth. I have started flossing to compensate. Long days in the computer lab turned to long nights in front of my MacBook, fruitlessly searching for the perfect word or turn of phrase.<br /><br />In the end? I'm not thrilled with it. But I suppose that's the nature of the beast. Once it's all over, all you can do is see the flaws, the areas to be improved, the times you should have stayed in to work. Yet, it's done. There's no more work I can put into it. No more graphs or charts. Not one more reference. And it feels good. It may not be my best piece of work, but its the culmination of a year of change.<br /><br />I finished reading Pillars of the Earth the day after I handed in my dissertation. I'd been reading the book all summer, using it as a form of escape after long nights of work. What I realized was, as they were building their cathedral in the story, I was building mine. I faced setbacks, design errors, and flaws in construction. But I also had (short-lived) flashes of brilliance and delight in the knowledge that my project, bound as it was in its cloak of green, will stand as a testament to the things I've learned over the past year.<br /><br />Now, it's time to move on to a new chapter in my life: a new job. I'll spend the next month largely looking in the UK. But once my lease is up, if I don't have any leads, I'm going to move back to the U.S., probably to settle in New York. Then again, it may all change tomorrow. Who knows...<br /><br /><br />*If you have some strange desire to actually read my dissertation, it can be found on my website: http://www.stephenanemeth.com under the "Portfolio" tab.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-31008698711969829442010-08-08T15:05:00.000-07:002010-08-08T15:07:48.198-07:00InceptionJust saw Inception. Really incredible movie. I especially appreciated the many nods to famous architects and designers, especially Frank Lloyd Wright, M.C. Escher, Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbiseur. The architecture nerd in me got excited several times over.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-38558845016601818462010-08-08T08:53:00.000-07:002010-08-08T09:15:23.034-07:00Stupid DissertationI am so sick of writing this dissertation. I have to put my thoughts into a format that is not reflective of how I think or approached the project at all. It's all so linear. So formulaic. So boring. Somehow, they've taken what could be a really interesting project and sucked all the fun out of it (as is the wont of academia, I suppose). Instead of describing the project briefly and really focusing on the results, putting all the boring stuff (in-depth methodology, literature review, etc.) in an appendix, we have to make it orderly and describe every step. I think it would be far better to engage the reader in a compelling story of your research and provide the in-depth support in the back, as a reference. Which is exactly what it is.<br /><br />I don't know, it's probably just looking at the same words over and over, trying to predict what's going to get me the right grade. Either way, I'm finished for today.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-46048267814921973362010-08-06T13:38:00.000-07:002010-08-06T14:10:02.140-07:00My Secret Garden"Home? I have no home."<br /><br />While playing Uncle Archibald in the Shawnee Mission East High School production of The Secret Garden, I was required to utter this ridiculous line. It was always the line that I had difficultly spitting out, because it seemed so inane. How could you not have a home?<br /><br />But over the past nine-and-a-half years since I took my bow on that stage, those words have come back to me at various times. They haunted me on that first balmy night I stayed in the dorms, alone, when I went away to college. And they returned when I moved into my first studio apartment. Now, they won't stop ringing in my ears, yet again.<br /><br />But, for me, these five words express a different sentiment than the OED would tell you.<br /><br />I have no home. But because I have many homes.<br /><br />There's my home in Kansas, where I know that various parcels of cheese, haphazardly re-wrapped with their torn Whole Foods labels, await my return. Prior to this will be a father who will excitedly tell me that we have a bottle of scotch waiting at home, all the while asking about the flight, hurrying my oversized duffel to the trunk navy Ford Fusion parked outside. And along side him will be a mother who, on our drive home, will tell me that she dutifully bought Anderson Erickson Cherry Vanilla yogurt (my favorite) and some overly-sugared cereal, preferably Apple Jacks, to welcome me back to normalcy. This is my home. where I spend my time, virtually or physically. It's where I recognize the smell of our musty garage, and anticipate the obligatory glance at the (no doubt) lit pond in the back yard.<br /><br />But, while this may be my "home." I have other homes.<br /><br />I have my home in Rome, where ochre-tinted lights allowed us to linger along the Tiber well into the night. The places where I learned to trust myself. To explore the world.<br /><br />I have the couches where I spent many nights, lazily pontificating to wine-soaked minds. I have the restaurants where I spent so many weekend brunches. The metro stations, from which I rushed home, desperate to discard the day's events.<br /><br />In the past year, I have added a new home to this list--Leeds. No, it hasn't always been ideal. But, it also has been full of adventures that I never thought possible. Slowly finding new words ingratiate themselves to my vocabulary. Discovering that I'm not alone in my fears. Realizing that it's not easy to start a new life, but it's worthwhile.<br /><br />In a few weeks, my dissertation will be done, and I'll begin to make a new home. It may be in New York or San Francisco. It may be in Manchester. Or London.<br /><br />Home? I have no home.<br /><br />I am always home.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-37470244505330043242010-08-06T01:22:00.000-07:002010-08-06T01:47:33.214-07:00BiasProp 8 was overturned a couple days ago. Since then, people on both sides have been commenting on the decision, unsurprisingly. One of the oddest arguments I've heard from those opposing the decision was that the judge is gay. People are accusing him of bias, but I don't really see how that could work, since, presumably, a straight judge would be biased as well, just the other way. That's like saying a pro-choice judge is more biased than a pro-life judge in an abortion case. The whole point of judging is that, whatever your biases, you put them aside. There is no such thing as a purely objective opinion, unless you have robot judges (AWESOME!), and even then, you could argue that the programmers could have introduced bias in the way they coded.<br /><br />Listen, it's fine if you don't like the decision. But don't tell me it's invalid because the judge was biased on account of his sexual orientation.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-40365635238568193502010-08-01T08:22:00.000-07:002010-08-01T08:44:10.830-07:00CountdownIn less than 20 days, I will have to hand in my masters dissertation (or thesis, if you like). The prospect is daunting but manageable. Right now I have over 6,000 words, but the hardest part for me, the methodology, is out of the way. I'm in the midst of analyzing my dataset which I secretly get pleasure out of. Thank god for all those years having to do financial analysis, making me a pro at pivot tables. The looming prospect of statistical analysis still hangs over my head, but I think I can minimize that to a large degree.<br /><br />I should have probably been a bit farther on this bit by now, but I was in London for most of last week. On Tuesday, I went to the BBC proms with a couple of friends. After spending the day traveling, then going to the science museum, we made our way to the Royal Albert Hall for a bit of Beethoven. Hillary Hahn played with the symphony for one piece, and there were several encores to revel in the classical goodness. The highlight (for me) was Beethoven's 5th. Though not my favorite of his pieces--that would be the 7th symphony--it was still wonderful.<br /><br />Part of the reason for going down, other than the proms, was to wrap up a few things with my internship at <a href="http://www.eco-connect.org/">ecoConnect</a>, and go to the Green in the City event it co-sponsors with Cleantech Investor magazine. While I didn't get as much wrapped up as I wanted to (you never do), I was able to attend the event and talk to my boss about future jobs. Though there aren't any opportunities with ecoConnect, there may be a few leads through some diligent networking. I suppose we'll see. The event was interesting, talking about the future of road transport and energy solutions, and after there was a networking session (ugh). It's not that I can't talk to people. Lord knows I could do that for hours, it's more the approach part that I dislike. It always feels so awkward and date-y and a bit forced. But I suppose we all know why we're there, so there's some solace in that.<br /><br />Aside from the travelling and dissertation, I'm on the job hunt, officially. The trick for me is that I have a broad background in a variety of fields--sustainability, strategy, finance, communications, politics, history, stakeholder engagement, etc. Clearly a lot of this overlaps, but describing that in a resume and cover letter can be rather challenging. And, it also makes the job hunt a bit more difficult. If I were doing something specific, like SAP implementations, that would be slighly easier to find, but looking for jobs in sustainable business and communications strategy it just a bit broader. Luckily there seem to be a bunch of great positions. Unfortunately, I have no idea how competitive they are.<br /><br />It's exciting and scary, knowing that I'm in for another life change, only a year after I settled into this one. What I do know, is whether I end up in London, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, or Des Moines, I'm ready for the change.<br /><br />P.S. If you know of anyone looking for a sustainability consultant or marketer or CSR guru, let me know at stephen dot nemeth at gmail dot com.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-16082547919423855332010-07-23T16:51:00.000-07:002010-07-23T16:53:08.055-07:00Work Work WorkI just got done with about 14 hours of revising my methodology. Sadly, I was supposed to be working primarily on doing analysis of my data (I got in about an hours worth). But, I feel much better for having done it, I have to say. At least now I can go into the weekend in good conscience.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-72302331282597268922010-07-19T08:00:00.001-07:002010-07-19T08:00:44.377-07:00Note to selfI apparently use the word apparently quite a bit, apparently.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-24256319183601634822010-07-19T07:53:00.000-07:002010-07-19T07:54:44.471-07:00I am not feeling the joyI did my methodology section on my dissertation today, only to realise that I can't express why I did a lot of what I did. Also, I apparently can't express why I'm a good candidate for a job in written form (apparently I'm just fine, verbally). As such, I think I'll try to express myself physically (no not that way) at the gym.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-23161301710732759962010-07-18T03:33:00.001-07:002010-07-18T03:35:25.295-07:00Just a thought...When will we have The Great Gadsby of the 21st century? Surely there must be someone writing about the insecurity of a post 9-11 world mixed with the optimism of new technology, taking the reader on a journey from the Bush years into a post-Obama world? <br /><br />Or maybe not.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-53440550235583549822010-07-18T03:10:00.001-07:002010-07-18T03:15:36.146-07:00Covering UpAfter much trepidation, I finally got my cover letter done (well, more drafted than done). It's still way too long, but there are now dots of darkness on the sea of blank pixels that had haunted my dock for the past week. The task of actually finishing it and sending it on to various companies in the hope that they pity me enough to offer up a job still remains, but there are (surprisingly) a number of jobs that I'm at least moderately qualified for/have at least a sliver of interest in.<br /><br />The work on my dissertation never ceases, though, after talking to those on my program, we've realised that expecting more than a couple of hours work on it in any one day is probably pushing it. But I figure if I stick to a couple of hours each day, I should actually complete it. All I can say is thank god for having to learn typing in school. It's a lifesaver.<br /><br />Now to procrastinate a bit more before I completely flip out and realise my methodology is completely baseless...Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-42989961558142516812010-07-15T02:50:00.000-07:002010-07-15T04:28:58.114-07:00Why Complexity is Better than SimplicityThere's been talk recently about pushing forward climate change legislation...again. So far as I can tell, this is the third time this year it's been resurrected. Something tells me it won't go through yet again. The lack of action by all parties is beginning to strain our connections with europe (so says The Times), and I suppose it could potentially have significant trade implications down the line if we continue not to act (as U.S. goods won't have certain externalities priced in).<div><br /></div><div>The more I consider the issue, though, it seems to me that the framing is wrong. Caps sound negative, and don't speak to incentives (even though they are fundamentally embedded). Instead, let's frame it as a withholding tax. OK, I realise that sounds just as bad, but bear with me.</div><div><br /></div><div>Every paycheck, your employer withholds a certain amount of tax based on what you have in your W4 form and your expected earnings.If the amount of tax you owe is under what was withheld: bingo, sweet refund! Alternatively, if you withheld too little: pay up, buddy. Federal tax rates are <a href="http://www.moneychimp.com/features/tax_brackets.htm">progressive</a> (10% on the first $8, 375, 15% from $8,375 to $34,000, etc.) based on your earnings, but then there are certain deductions which reduce the amount on which you're taxed. The government provides programs to its citizens, and our taxes go to support these programs and help pay for certain social benefits.</div><div><br /></div><div>Think about a pollution withholding scheme (see, sounds better already) as similar to this. First, we have to assume that polluting shouldn't be free, and it has to be priced into the system to pay for its effects. Let's say, under this scheme, we decided to go for a straight tax of 1% of revenue for every 10,000t of carbon emitted.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then let's assume there are deductions, say for the amount you invest in clean technology as a percentage of your overall revenues (for every 1% of revenue reinvested in clean technologies/renewable energy sourcing, you get a 10,000 t reduction in your total carbon 'bill'). So a business that's smart could actually negate its tax by ensuring it invested enough in renewables to reduce its tax burden (which could end up being less expensive than paying the tax). The brilliant thing about this is that assuming it made good investments in, say, increasing the efficiency of its plants, the tax burden would be lowered in that first year with the deduction, as well as the subsequent years since you would continue the tax benefits of a reduced CO2 output.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not going to go into the effects for small business and consumers, as economically we are already paying those costs, just indirectly. This actually allows people to be more empowered to pick businesses that chose to be efficient assuming some costs are passed on to consumers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, it would be simpler to just have a cap. I'll admit that, but you have to remember that people like to 'game' the system and feel like their winning. You can tell people, just save a bit each month to pay off your taxes. But our complex tax code actually lets people feel like they 'win' when then find a deduction. It's a little victory. A straight tax, while simpler, doesn't give that feeling. A cap sounds simple. People get it, but in many ways people don't WANT to get it. If you can let them feel like they game the system a bit, its empowering, and that's ultimately what people want. Is the power to win over the big guy. Sounds counterintuitive. But think about what brings you more joy (or utility)--paying a straight 10% tax rate, or finding that student loan deduction meaning you now pay...a 10% tax rate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Though counterintuitive, there is joy in finding loopholes, something a straight cap doesn't bring. So I say, bring on the complexity!</div>Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-44243745132774681222010-07-14T09:30:00.000-07:002010-07-14T10:06:33.088-07:00Consumer Choice, Consumer ConfusionRecently, I needed to buy a new face moisturiser, as my old one had run out. I wasn't terribly thrilled with the old stuff, so I decided to go on the hunt for something new. And that's when the confusion set in.<div><br /></div><div>While it's fantastic that companies have created separate lines to cater to their customers needs, often, it seems there's so little differentiation between them, or the difference is unclear, that I'm at a loss for what to buy. Take the face moisturiser. At what age am I supposed to 'graduate' into anti-aging? What's the difference between the blue line and the sport line? And when should I use balm, moisturiser, or cream? Just take a look at the <a href="http://http://www.biotherm-usa.com/_us/_en/men/index.aspx?">biotherm homme line</a>. There's anti-fatigue, anti-pollution, anti-age, dry, normal, recharge...it goes on and on. </div><div><br /></div><div>OK, maybe skincare is unique, since it's trying to target a problem. But then look at the CK <a href="http://www.cku.com/home/index.jsp">men's underwear line</a>. There are at least 5 lines of what appears to be the same product at similar price points. There's so little description that it's hard for me to know what the difference between 365, steel, and stretch underwear is, and what each of the benefits might be.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not saying it's a problem per-se that there are so many lines, after all, we know that product segmentation works. But when the products are at similar price points, and are similar products, it can be difficult for consumers to know what to buy...and so they may end up simply going for the cheapest one. By creating "customisers," in websites, brands empower consumers to choose the best product for them, acting as a consultant in abstentia. Nivea <a href="http://www.niveaformen.com/product-finder.html">has done this</a>, and while it's not perfect, it's getting there. I would argue that the best kind of customiser would narrow the range down to a single product, to truly make the customer feel that this is the 'right' product for them. </div><div><br /></div><div>It amazes me that more personal goods companies haven't figured this out. For instance, how long would it take to make a customiser on the Brooks Brothers site that would help me figure out what tie I want? It could ask for the pattern of shirt (stripe, gingham, etc.), the size of the pattern (hairline, large check, mini-check, etc.) and the color(s) involved, and then suggest a couple of ties that would match. It's providing a service to your customer that keeps them coming back. Plus, it's fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bottom line, if you've got a couple of lines in your product range, help us consumers out and put a customiser on your site.</div>Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-6715980203791837232010-07-13T11:04:00.000-07:002010-07-13T11:32:41.214-07:00British Summer?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyoViRA_WYgwcX-I9LIa9IE0P4Ku82Z8iisrrMxmcRM2adDzna5rpvQS83LPKbANC4WAMHM0pEavXwF2HlviLJOIg-zrp6no5vs7ovDHlfrPXOn_GevV0z3cjGJ93ewMLD7qYnpTNYTE/s1600/P1010258.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyoViRA_WYgwcX-I9LIa9IE0P4Ku82Z8iisrrMxmcRM2adDzna5rpvQS83LPKbANC4WAMHM0pEavXwF2HlviLJOIg-zrp6no5vs7ovDHlfrPXOn_GevV0z3cjGJ93ewMLD7qYnpTNYTE/s320/P1010258.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493455019301720146" /></a>I'm not sure whether it's pigeon-grey sky that has been looming overhead since this morning, or the fact that my dissertation is ever-further from completion, but I feel stuck in a rut today. I went to do a climbing course today because, frankly, my rock climbing skills aren't where they should be. Especially when it comes to belaying. So I went with Karen and Kate (my regular gym-buddies) to the course today, and whilst climbing the walls, I was struck by a thought I hadn't had since the last time I climbed.<div><br /><div><div>I realise it's a bit of a stretch to suggest that climbing is like life, and I'm certainly not experienced in either one nearly enough to make grand determinations, but it does seem that in both instances, trusting yourself comes into play. In climbing it's trusting your feet to propel you towards your next hold. Without that trust, you over-reach and eventually fall back to earth--sometimes without a rope to catch your fall. So far as I can tell, life seems to be the same way, though instead of feet, the metaphor can be extended to your background and skills.</div></div><div><br /></div></div><div>So much of what we do is predicated on true confidence, and if I'm honest, it's something I've never been great at. Sure, I can project a self-assured stance when I need to, and yes, it often turns out that the projection was the reality, but there's still that fear. I suppose it's something everyone has in the back of their head (I hope). That fear that you'll be found out. That you're not as smart as everyone thinks you are. That it's really all smoke and mirrors. But then, you don't fail. You aren't found out. And you move on to the next hold without crashing back down. So yes, the skills are there, but starting with a base of confidence makes the maneuver all the easier. If you trust your feet from the beginning, you can plan your next move, rather than worrying that you're always on the brink of failing and falling.</div><div><br /></div><div>OK, enough with the convoluted metaphor. I suppose what I'm trying to get at is that I need to work on trusting myself more so I can look to the future rather than constantly look back and my past and over-analyse my missteps. Just accept that I'm standing where I am now because of where I've been, and that the only way to progress is to just stand up and do it--something that I've constantly struggled with. Whether it's talking to someone in a bar or at a networking event, asking for a date, even starting a friendship, it's always easy in retrospect. You realise that it wasn't a life-changing event, just another step. </div><div><br /></div><div>I realise I'm in a good position now. I'm not tied down. I have a good resume, supportive friends, and a few bucks in the bank. Things could be worse. I guess the thing is to just start taking those steps so I can move forward, trusting my feet a little more, and looking to the next opportunity, rather than analysing my missteps.</div>Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-69102983875636207502010-07-12T13:49:00.001-07:002010-07-12T14:07:03.298-07:00Has it really been since April?Well classes are over, and I'm in full swing of my dissertation now. Right now, I'm poised for a distinction, but we'll see if that holds up given my propensity to procrastinate. Either way, despite not writing a thing, I have 333 responses (half of 666, you'll note) to my survey, looking at the marketing of sustainable goods and how they correspond with environmental attitudes. I'm supposed to have my methodology section written up by the 15th, but thus far it remains elusive. I do have an outline though, so I suppose it counts for something.<br /><br />My new internship with <a href="http://www.eco-connect.org/">ecoConnect</a> has been going swimmingly, though. I'm really enjoying the chance to do a full-on social media/communications strategy. By the time I finish up on August 1, I should have a podcast, website, strategy, master deck, and a few blog posts under my belt. Not bad for two months work.<div><br /></div><div>However, the job front still remains a mystery to me. I have yet to complete a generic cover letter that apparently is necessary for every job searching site. But I do have a good CV and resume with which to go into the hunt. What's difficult is finding where I fit. I tend to always be torn between so many different angles--business strategy, communications, finance/investment--that it can be difficult to know where I fit in. I suppose that combination will serve me well later on in more senior positions, but right now, I find it hard to pigeon-hole myself into the right job. Hopefully the search and some advice from some "trusted advisors" will help me figure that out. Consulting seems like a given, though I'm tending towards boutique firms right now, since I've had the "Big 4" experience. VC funds seem another avenue, as well as sustainable communications firms. What I know is that I need something that allows me to think, and most importantly, to strategise; however, what form that takes has yet to be fully decided. I did apply for a job with Fahrenheit 212, though, and it would be a fantastic fit, but I have yet to hear back from them. Time will tell, I guess.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leeds is fine, though, for now. It's not my ideal city, but I only have a couple more months. I think, in the end, I just need a larger place, a better flat, and a bit more to do. People have started to move away, which isn't very fun, but a few of us remain. And I go down to London every few weeks, so it's a good chance to catch up with those who are off in the big city, now.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did just get back from visiting Rome, though. It was amazing. I lived there for a bit as an undergraduate on a study abroad programe, and it was great to see my old haunts. I stayed with my Aunt Paula and Michael there for a week, up on the Gianicolo overlooking Rome. Since I had seen a lot of the sites, there was no need to go again, but we did hit a few museums, and I got a great tour of the Forum from Michael. The food, the people, and the city were wonderful, and it was hard to go back. But back I came, with suit in hand, no less. We went up to Florence for the day, did a bit of shopping, and even visited an archeological dig. But, on the way back down to Rome, our plans were slightly changed by a train strike, forcing us to stay in Arezzo for the night. Despite not being in the itinerary, it was a lovely town and you can't go wrong eating al fresco under an indigo sky.</div><div><br /></div><div>So it's back to the grindstone. I'm sure now that I'm trying to actively avoid my dissertation, I'll be blogging more. At some point, I plan on switching back to the old blog--Thrice Told Tales, but I'm not sure when that'll be. Probably when I move out of Leeds, I suppose.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ciao for now.</div>Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-17145880206626681472010-04-05T11:28:00.001-07:002010-04-05T11:28:44.453-07:00Life update!I figured it was time for a life update. It’s been a while since I did that. So here goes. Mom and dad came in to Leeds in March to visit. We visited the Royal Armouries, the art museum and a couple of other nice, but unremarkable Leeds landmarks. After their stint here, we headed up to Edinburgh for the weekend and met up with Chrissy and Jamie, which was a lot of fun. Sadly, school beckoned so it was back to Leeds for me whilst they continued on for another day or two. It was great having them here and I was sad to have to leave.<br /><br />After getting back to Leeds, there was another week of school and then classes were done. For. Ever. It’s a bit weird, and it’s flown by, but essays and exams call, so there’s not too much time to think about it yet. I’m currently writing my last assigned paper right now, though I can’t say it’s going swimmingly (yet). We have to make recommendations to the government, which, given my propensity for dispensing advice, should be an easy assignment. But somehow, having to cite everything makes it far less compelling.<br /><br />I’m still not sure what summer plans will be, other than writing my dissertation. Perhaps an internship? And speaking of internships, for the next two weeks, I’m going to be interning at a company in Manchester, doing some internal communications work for an environmental campaign. I have to say, I’m slightly nervous after being away from the working world for 8 months, in a different field no less. Luckily, I’m working with another colleague who I already know, so it helps alleviate some of the dread. So, up at 6 tomorrow to catch a 6:30 train. It’s going to be a long day.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-9676496628198027522010-04-02T06:34:00.001-07:002010-04-02T06:35:00.601-07:00Der Humpink!Saw this a week ago, but it's gotten better with time.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kUbGcRJUDu0&rel=0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kUbGcRJUDu0&rel=0&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-52571240015886800832010-03-30T09:11:00.000-07:002010-03-30T09:12:01.307-07:00Update, again.Apparently someone reads my blog.<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bYMIwOqDNEw&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bYMIwOqDNEw&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-83004663968778338292010-03-28T09:50:00.001-07:002010-03-28T09:50:47.494-07:00Update: A Battle against time.Apparently Frank Rich <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/28/opinion/28rich.html?hp">agrees</a>.Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8565013658505890487.post-41418613793752458132010-03-27T13:05:00.000-07:002010-03-27T13:40:49.806-07:00A battle against time.I generally like Charles Blow's op-eds in the NY Times, particularly his <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/27/opinion/27blow.html?src=me&ref=homepage">most recent</a> which had this gem (about the frustration of the tea-partiers):<br /><blockquote>"Even the optics must be irritating. A woman (Nancy Pelosi) pushed the health care bill through the House. The bill’s most visible and vocal proponents included a gay man (Barney Frank) and a Jew (Anthony Weiner). And the black man in the White House signed the bill into law. It’s enough to make a good old boy go crazy."</blockquote>His point is that more-or-less the tea partiers don't represent the direction the country is headed in. Politics aside, this group, still does represent a number of individuals and their opinions have a right to be heard. However, they should be doing it in a civil manner. The same can be said for the far-left groups, though their popularity has waned in recent decades as the demographic shift of the boomers shifted America's politics more towards the right (the older we get, the more conservative, etc.).<br /><br />It reminds me of some of the exercises we used to do at Deloitte with generational issues. A topic would be posed (e.g. remote working) and invariably the older workers would say it should never happen and the younger workers would say they should be allowed whenever they wanted to. Clearly (as with most solutions) the answer was in the middle, but the important thing was making sure that the older workers didn't feel marginalized. Even if a company is shifting, it is important to give some token points to the older generations. Bottom line, the younger people will be there to change policies when they get in power, while the older generations feel completely powerless if they do not get a bit of deference. This is, I think, how many of the tea partiers feel right now. They feel like their voice is not being listened to at all, so their only option is to become louder and more virulent. Strategically, not brilliant, but one can understand where they're coming from. It's the politics of frustration. Yell and scream until someone does something you like (or you fall apart).<br /><br />It would seem that the best strategy Obama, as "CEO," could take right now is to divide and conquer, similar to how you would in an company setting. Figure out which workers (voters) have issues that can be addressed and those that you will never get back. I would bet that if someone were to look at the various blogs, conferences, and rallies out there, they could find a few token policies that could be given into to siphon off some of the more marginal tea partiers. Bottom line, it's not a coherent group (organizationally or ideologically) , it shouldn't be that hard.<br /><br />Quite frankly, I'm not sure what this type of policy would be. But, it would ideally be something that says, look, we value your opinions, but you also have to work within the context of the what's going on right now. The thing the tea partiers fail to understand (and which I have yet to see pointed out by the MSM) is that voting Republicans into power isn't going to make America some magical tea party state. People in power want to stay in power. A representative swept in on a tea party platform still probably only garnered about 50-60% of the vote. There are a lot of other people that they have to serve, otherwise they face a one-term-and-your-done legacy.<br /><br />Bottom line, America is changing a lot--demographically, economically, and socially. Those who feel marginalized by those changes are going to be upset, frustrated, and start to yell. But, the real problem they feel is not the political stances, it's the loss of a voice. By giving them back a (civilized) voice within a different context, we can, and will, begin to move forward again. It all reminds me of one of my favorite movies, <span style="font-style: italic;">Pleasantville</span>. The people start turning from black and white into color and the response of those who haven't changed yet and feel their power is being usurped is to turn to violence and persecution. In the end, the world keeps on changing, because it has to change. Trying to preserve the status quo is a losing battle with time and history.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jZ8AQwqaca0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jZ8AQwqaca0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Nemohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06720102917084097653noreply@blogger.com0