Saturday, January 31, 2015

unknown

How you make others feel about themselves, says a lot about you.

First world problems

I accidentally clicked iTunes and had to wait two minutes for it to open before I could close it again.

The Domino's Pizza Tracker is not working. Now I don't know when to put my pants on.

My laptop is low on battery, but the charger is over there.

I'm trying to text while at a red light, but I keep hitting all the greens.

I can't hear the TV while I'm eating crunchy snacks.

I had too much food for lunch and now I'm tired.

Unknown

Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.

Friday, January 30, 2015

Atul Gawande

All learned occupations have a definition of professionalism, a code of conduct. It is where they spell out their ideals and duties. The codes are sometimes stated, sometimes just understood. But they all have at least three common elements.

First is the expectation of selflessness: that we who accept responsibility for others─whether we are doctors, lawyers, teachers, public authorities, soldiers, or pilots─will place the needs and concerns of those who depend on us above our own. Second is an expectation of skill: that we will aim for excellence in our knowledge and expertise. Third is an expectation of trustworthiness: that we will be responsible in our personal behavior toward our charges.

Aviators, however, add a fourth expectation, discipline: discipline in following prudent procedure and in functioning with others.

from The Checklist Manifesto, p 182

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Priya and Mike Lafky

Marriage ceremonies in India are a combination of ancient Vedic philosophy, rituals and symbolism, and various cultural traditions from different parts of the country. According to Vedic philosophy, all actions of humans lead towards one goal, that of the ultimate realization of the Self or Atman (the soul). Marriage is the pledged union of a man and a woman who join together to walk the path of Dharma or spiritual quest, helping each other towards the ultimate goal of self realization and two souls merging into one and then becoming one with the universal soul or spirit.

From the wedding program for Priya and Mike's wedding 1/10/2015

Monday, January 12, 2015

Atul Gawande

I want to be a good doctor for my patients. And the question of when to follow one's judgment and when to follow protocol is central to doing the job well--or to doing anything else that is hard. You want people to make sure to get the stupid stuff right. Yet you also want to leave room for craft and judgment and the ability to respond to unexpected difficulties that arise along the way. The value of checklists for simple problems seems self-evident. But can they help avert failure when to problems combine everything from the simple to the complex?

--from The Checklist Manifesto, p. 51