25 February 2014

Defense Companies

In order for defense related private sector to be lucrative there has to be demand for potential business. In order to drive such demand and supply one obvious has to have a necessity. The creation of wars in the world is one major necessity where a problem invariably requires a resolution. We live in a world of constant perpetual illogical fear mongering that grows along side the intangible need for war. Without wars and conflict the private sector for defense would be out of business. One needs to ask themselves should these companies really be targeting fresh graduates at university? Should they really be giving career talks? Should one really be looking to work for such companies? One must realize that life is not always about money, or just about oneself. We live alongside others sharing in the many pools of resources. There is a certain level of hypocrisy in being against animal testing and yet working for a pharmaceuticals company. There is also hypocrisy in being against sub-prime lending and yet working for a bank that is active in such activities. There is yet another hypocrisy in working for a defense contractor who specializes in tactical weapons, intelligence, or even surveillance, if one is in issue with all those aspects. Why do people give up their values and morals all at the expense of earning a basic income? Most such jobs do not even pay as much comparatively. Where one works can be viewed as an extension of what one supports after all employees are representatives of a company especially when such workforce drives the production of services into market. Perhaps, the end to wars lies at the hands of a collective many as the trails of globalization and capitalism would show.

21 February 2014

Employment Contracts

One might say these days that employers are trying to provide an open collegial environment for work. But, invariably as a business it is often employer vs employee. One needs to be cautious with employment contracts and fully informed with a sense of awareness of the contractual agreements. It is also best to get an employment contract overlooked by a trusty employment lawyer in case there are any clauses that need re-wording or clarification. As once the contract is signed any number of things could go wrong later. One also needs to be fully aware of their employee rights and the best ways to approach any conflicting matters that might arise. Acas is one such organization that provides advice and guidance on UK employment disputes but also a range of information on their website. Other options include: Citizens Advice, Gov.uk, CIPD, EmpLaw, Personnel Today, Employment Rights, EU Law and many others. 

20 February 2014

Ill-Conceived Nutritions

Everyone knows that fast foods can be bad for health when consumed in excess. Some are bad in more ways then one. Others are just best avoided. However, nutritionists often take such measures to the extreme, almost pushing us away from tasty food altogether, enforcing diets to excessive limits, and effecting our health risks even more. It seems the best way is the common sense way - a balanced diet without taking extreme measures. Having an only protein diet, or only of one area of the food group also adds to the health risk. In most diets this is what essentially happens. Even yo-yo dieting habits have a negative effect on health. A lot of so called nutritionists also have no idea about what the right diet is and become more concerned with driving their own brand as a business idea. There are just too many side-tracked ways floating around by so called professionals in the field to divert our focus on the basics of eating healthy and well.  All it really requires is a bit of common sense, understanding the body to know what eating well really means, and enriching one's life with many indulgences with a balance.

18 February 2014

House of Cards Season 2

The second season is an intense drama seeping with political intrigue and incandescently unwrapping the underbelly of government corruption. The brutal games of Frank Underwood comes unleashed in its clarity from episode to episode leading to the success of his presidency. The stakes are high almost risking his own position for the enlightenment and against all odds. The acting of Kevin Spacey is fired with energy almost to invigorate the subtle plot lines with a steamy twist which unravels into many unfolding subplots. The release of all thirteen episodes can leave one hooked to the very end waiting for more. 

17 February 2014

RoboCop 2014

An almost missable movie that is withered with chaotic plot lines and lacking in much of the original RoboCop premise. It seems the direction has missed much to attract the audience both emotionally and in terms of action drama. There is very little one can find as a way to connect to the RoboCop character. It is quite a move to revamp to the modern audience of today. However, the director failed to convince the moviegoer. Even the choice of actors is rather haphazard and does not gel very well in the movie. Perhaps, the only real striking appeal would be in the RoboCop outfit. If only robots could be designed with such inspiration.

15 February 2014

Cheesecake Factory

If only they had cheesecake factory in Europe and UK. They have well over 150 locations in US and hardly any international other than in Middle East. Their scrumptious cakes are a delight especially some which are almost double in size. Perhaps, one day they will open more international franchises and take the world by storm. I remember the first time I visited one of their restaurants. The first slice of Linda's Fudge Cake was just an absolute amazing treat exploding with flavor and even their cake in its entirety was magnificently huge in size. They also have other authentic blend of cheese and speciality cakes which are equally as splendid, if not better. It is no wonder why they are so successful. But, cheesecake factory is not just about cakes they also provide full course meals which are equally as grand. In their Grand Lux Cafe the food styles could range from a mixture of American, European, Thai, Mexican, Caribbean, and others making it a truly melting pot of experience on the taste buds. 

14 February 2014

Open Urban Data

There is a data visualization need to open up urban data for citizens to make cities more accessible to all and for better local efficiencies. One can start to graph stories out of urban data in context and project into the future into how a city works and what can be improved.  Open storytelling can entail a process of identifying trends, even particular characteristics of an area, and then to provide such data into transformed information contexts. One of the fundamental ways in which data can be made open is via Web APIs which can enable developers to consume and build their own mashable applications. Tackling issues within an urban city with the growing population demands a focused approach to solving them. When data is open and shareable there are multitude of resources that can be gained from open community involvement to solve such challenges with compelling insights on urban life. Governments are starting to open up their data and utilizing the vast global developer community perspectives to scrutinize and reap on social and economic benefits. Availability of such urban data sets has also led to increased big data needs and analytical tools to fuel newer approaches in visualization. Regular meetups have developed towards progress in the use of open urban data which also organize regular hackathons to investigate, discuss, and prototype ideas. 

12 February 2014

Curling

One of the strangest sport in Olympics is Curling. Possibly, the only sport that uses house sweeping utensil and turns it into a vital sporting accessory. It could not possibly be classed as a sport as there is no real exertion other than a lot of shouting, sliding, and sweeping. It reminds one of what bored people would do as a past time if they were living in places like Yukon and reusing whatever they had available around the house in the bitter cold. It also uses attire that almost mimics that of a reminiscent pyjama party. Also, the sport is even accessible to 5 year olds and beauty pageants. There is also an immense amount of growling like a cat woman. It is also one of the very few sporting activities that allows one to adorn themselves with jewelry and makeup while playing. Even Google search seems to think Curling is not a sport as it is often the first auto-suggest filters available. There is also huge amount of shouting that teammates have to put up with almost like being out with a drunkard. Pets are even allowed to take part. One can wonder if there is anyone out there that has ever had to decide between cartoonism or curling as their profession and even attempt to get a doctorate in the subject matter. Unfortunately, the sport appears to be gaining in popularity every year. Most likely because like darts one rarely has to flex their muscles all that much and is accessible to anyone that has ever had to clean around the house. There is even a Curling book for dummies. Strangely, it is also classed as 'chess on ice' with stones and brooms as opposed to artfully crafted pieces.  One can wonder how sports like Curling gained such an appetite and became so popular whereas Squash has yet to be entered into Olympics.