May 22, 2008
According to Superultramodern Ethical/Aesthetical Relativism
(SEAR) nothing is absolutely good or bad (or beautiful or ugly),
but, as Shakespeare said, thinking makes it so. The novelty in
SEAR is its foundations. A thinks C (say an idea) is good while
B thinks C is bad. Now it seems that there can be no logical or
conceptual criteria to determine if A, for example, is right or
wrong. The law of syllogism ( if p implies q and q implies r
then p implies r ), for example, is logically true in the sense
that one ( at least I ) has to think ( apart from the principle
of universal doubt ) that it is true and if someone thinks it to
be false then it is his/her inability to see the truth in the
law of syllogism or, more importantly, to understand what the
law of syllogism states or the concepts it involves. So the
principles like the law of syllogism are supposed to be eternal
as they cannot be otherwise. They have to be the way they are
forever, regardless of individual minds. However, this does not
apply to ethical judgments, as one can reasonably think
otherwise. The concepts good and bad allow far more flexibility,
and if one, for example, thinks that it is good to hurt others
for one’s own pleasure, this thinking involves no conceptual
contradiction, as that is the way that person defines the
concept of goodness. And how can there be any
logical/conceptual/reasonable restriction on how one defines
goodness or badness ? In case of the law of syllogism once we
are clear about the terms p, q, r, and implication, the truth
cannot logically/conceptually/ reasonably be denied. Ethical
concepts are thus vague concepts. Concepts like implication, on
the other hand, are concrete or clear. ( It is a different thing
that if we mean to call dog, for example, as implication then it
is a mere attaching of the label ‘implication’ to the concept of
dog as ‘dog’ is also nothing but a label attached to some
concept. )
In this particular world majority of people more or less agree
on ethical definitions because their minds are constructed that
way ( i.e. Programs are created to generate appropriate states
of consciousness.) In the NSTP ( Non - Spatial Thinking Process
) theoretical terms if the non - spatial universal program is
changed people would disagree or think different way/s.
SEAR is a component of Superultramodern Science (SS).
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Ah, working at home… Visions of leisurely days, conference calls in comfy sweatpants, increased productivity with fewer interruptions. But the distinctions between work life and home life soon blur. You really should throw some laundry in the wash before you write that proposal. You have an hour before a meeting: Should you balance your books or clean the kitchen? And remember to call that client back right after you empty the cat box.
Welcome to the real world of working at home: unforeseen distractions, a lack of structured time, and sometimes a perceived loss of identity. But don’t give up the dream just yet! By putting into place a few simple ideas, you can reap more of the rewards of working at home. Based on my experiences and those of my associates, here are 10 simple ways to help you stay on track.
1. Separate Your Space.
Keep a separate, distinct work area in your home. (This is especially difficult if you’re living and working in a shoebox studio, like I was when I started my business in New York City!) If you don’t have a separate room, at least define an area, and know that when you’re in it, you’re in “work mode.”
2. Structure Your Time.
As your business and personal time mesh, it’s more important than ever to structure your day. For example, if you regularly take a walk or go to the gym, try to do it every day at the same time. Value that personal appointment with yourself even when you’re very busy. It will actually help you keep your business on track! I like to get up early and work until noon, then I take a few hours off to enjoy lunch, do some reading, and take my daily jog on the beach. Then I’m back at my desk at 4:00 until who knows when!
3. Outsource All You Can.
When I began my business, I made the mistake of acting as my own courier service. I soon learned how much time I was wasting by frequently visiting clients just to pick things up and drop them off. Whenever you start thinking, “Well I can just do that myself,” STOP. Streamline your business, making everything as automatic as possible. Use outside services to stay focused on your *real work*. Get accounts with an overnight delivery service, messenger service, virtual assistant (VA), bookkeeper, etc. Save your energy for your brilliant ideas! : )
4. Use Technology to Your Advantage.
In-person meetings are very valuable when appropriate, but schedule them sparingly. Try to do most of your business via phone, fax, and e-mail using the best equipment you can afford. For most home-based entrepreneurs, when you’re out of the office, you’re NOT making money. So it’s important that you can communicate flawlessly from where you are. And PLEASE do us all a favor and get separate lines/services for your phone, fax, and Internet! No one likes getting a busy signal.
(BONUS TIP: If your phone company offers voicemail, get it. Not only will your outgoing message sound more professional, but if you’re on an important call and don’t want to be disturbed, other callers can still leave you a message.)
5. Group Your Errands.
Try to group your meetings and errands together to minimize your out-of-office time. Make a list in the morning of all the outside tasks you need done for the day, and attempt to complete them in one fell swoop. Even better, do what I do and designate just one day a week as your “blitz” day for errands and meetings. Plus, then you only need to get dressed up one day a week! : )
6. Stay Focused.
Make your workspace off-limits to other roommates or family members when you’re working. For you animal lovers, this may go for pets as well. (My cat Francine gets *very* jealous when I’m not giving her complete attention!) Keep all personal paperwork such as bills, magazines, and to-do lists out of sight, so they won’t distract you from your projects.
7. Beware of Yappers.
Many of your friends and family will be immediately delighted when they learn that you’re working at home. They picture you lounging on the couch, eating potato chips, and waiting for their calls. When they call you simply to chat, politely remind them that you’re working, and ask them if you can call them back after your day is over. It may take them a while, but they’ll eventually get the idea.
8. Work With Your Moods.
Keep track of your moods and productivity compared with the time of day. For example, if you find you’re more alert in the morning, use this time to make important calls and do your creative work. Take advantage of your natural cycles. If you feel better after an afternoon nap, go for it! (I’m a BIG proponent of the catnap. In fact, I may start a support group.)
9. Suit Yourself.
To bring out your best work, make your environment perfect for YOU. How do you work best? With plenty of breaks, or with no interruptions? In silence, or with some light music in the background? On a cushy couch and coffee table, or at a business desk in an ergonomic chair? (My friends thought I was nuts when I spent $750 on my Herman Miller Aeron chair, but they quickly understood why once they sat in it! And my spine thanks me every day.)
Also, find some places you can do work when you need a change of scenery. How about the library, the park, or your neighborhood coffee shop? When I need to do serious reading, thinking, or editing, I take my work outside to the beach. The sea air, sunshine, and soothing waves help me think much more clearly.
10. Break for People.
Feeling sluggish, lonely, or moody? Arrange for at least one social break during the week. (I aim for two or three.) Schedule breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even just coffee with a client, vendor, or friend. Join a business networking group, or sign-up for social activities such as dance class or recreational sports league. Don’t go into hermit mode it can be self-destructive!
(c) 1999-2002 Alexandria K. Brown
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexandria K. Brown, “The E-zine Queen,” is author of the award-winning manual, “Boost Business With Your Own E-zine.” To learn more about her book and sign up for more FREE tips like these, visit her site at http://EzineQueenTutorial.com/
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The experts at California DJs know all the secret elements - and
the “not-so-secret” ones too - all to help you plan the ultimate
wedding reception that is perfectly you! Use these 10 essential
elements to create the perfect day for you and your guests.
1. Generously Invite
Writing the guest list… what a challenge! How do you agree on
whom to invite and still stay within your budget? Here’s the
bottom line. You are preparing for the most magical day of your
life and in the end only one thing will matter - the public
declaration of your love and commitment… and each and every
person there to witness it.
We encourage you to invite every person you love. Your guests
are the focal point of this very special day. Cut back on the
cost of the dinner, limit the hours of the open bar, but don’t
cross off names. As you fondly remember your wedding day, you
will not remember the per-person cost. You will remember glowing
faces of the people celebrating your union… the buzz at the
reception… the clink of toasting glasses throughout the room
congratulating your marriage! The extra veggie platter, shrimp
apps, and extravagant centerpiece won’t be the center of
attention - the people will be.
2. Designate Your Celebratory Space
Before you plan your reception know exactly where you want
people to mix and mingle. Fantastic receptions brim with family
and friends who feel comfortable, meet, talk, dance, and become
acquainted with one another. Don’t let guests leave early, slip
away to check out the impressive surroundings of your location,
or run outside for a smoke and then never come back to join the
party. Define the space with ribbons or closed doors. Don’t be
afraid to close off certain areas or rooms. The liveliest
receptions have a common area where guests are mingling and
activities are taking place. A designated space ensures guests
catch and capture each wonderful moment as it unfolds.
3. Special Activities Just For The Joy Of It
Remember, 80% of your guests won’t know each other. The greatest
wedding memories are the new friendships and extended family
bonds created at your wedding. Use interactive games, specialty
dances, bold announcements, or fun activities during the
reception to break the ice and help people get to know one
other. Suddenly you’ll see people laughing and enjoying
themselves instead of feeling shy or retreating on the sidelines.
4. Let Go, Have Fun & Toss Your Worries Aside
The bride sets the stage and the tone for reception party. This
is the time and place for all brides to let go, have fun, and
toss any last minute worries aside. Let the months of planning
and masterful professionals you’ve selected take over and do
what they do best. You only have one job - to be the most
radiant and loveliest guest of honor. Show up and celebrate! If
you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, your guests will sense
it and feel uncomfortable too. You have the power and pleasure
to give your guests permission to let loose and have a great
time!
5. Dance Your Little Heart Out
One saucy shoe must be the first to step out on the dance floor.
Guests will be looking to you for permission and timing to
dance. As soon as you get up and dance, they’ll let loose and do
a little rumba too! People are typically shy and most guests are
very careful not to offend or overstep their boundaries. Plan to
play music you love so you are comfortable. Your physical cues
can create a safe space for them to dance, toe-tap, celebrate,
toast, and party. Watch friends and family get up and dance,
thoroughly enjoy themselves, then talk about what a fabulous
reception it was in the morning.
6. Embellish, Adorn, and Decorate
The décor sets the mood at the reception. Simple décor is not
only best, it is marvelously elegant. Elegant doesn’t have to
mean expensive. Think sentimental instead of expensive and
you’ll amaze yourself with the brilliant ideas that come to
mind. Since flowers are typically 15% of the overall wedding
budget, you can save money by intermingling silk flowers. Want a
discount, ask for one! Many places give quantity and wedding
discounts. Use your imagination and let your creativity take
over.
7. Invite Groups of People That Know Each Other
No doubt your guests will be coming from many different walks of
life - but the more people you bring together with common bonds
- the more alive the reception will be. People feel safest when
they are surrounded by people and situations that are familiar
to them. Watch the twinkle in the eyes of your family members
sparkle as they greet familiar faces from way back when. Notice
work friends create a “tribe” of sorts and fill up the dance
floor. Birds of a feather flock together. Invite groups of
people that know each other and see a warm, wonderful, and happy
vibe wash over the reception.
8. Serve Thirst Quenching Libations
Every reception should have beer, wine, or alcoholic beverages
available. Hesitant??? Think again. Cocktails loosen people up
and lessen inhibitions. Even people who do not drink, often make
exceptions at weddings. Your wedding is a once in a lifetime
event and rules can and will be broken. Keep the cost down.
Serve beer on tap, inexpensive bottles of wine (Charles Shaw for
$1.99/bottle), or have a “cash only” bar with free soft drinks
and water. All the fun at a fraction of the cost.
9. Early Notice and Save The Date Announcements
Your invitees won’t want to miss your big day, but with very
busy schedules advance notice is not a luxury - it’s required.
Invite people well in advance. 30% of guests that don’t show
decline because they didn’t get enough advance notice. Send an
electronic “save the date” message via email or try a unique and
money saving “save the date” photo postcard for as little as
$.65 a card including postage. Avoid disappointing “Will Not
Attends’ that arrive late in the mail or worse yet embarrassing
“Yes” response cards from people who don’t show up. As rude as
this is, people hate to say no. Giving people advance notice - a
minimum of 3 weeks - will minimize disappointment and
embarrassment and bring all your favorite people together.
10. Use The One Hour Gathering Rule
Party “kick-off” starts one hour after the official start time.
Many people will show up late so use the one hour “gathering
rule” to account for lateness and all the other influences out
of your control… traffic, distance, directions, babysitters,
weather, and other unknowns. Begin with an intimate one-hour
cocktail or champagne reception to entertain before the party
officially starts. Play inviting music and host an open bar if
you choose. Because most guests will arrive late, serve food or
appetizers toward the end of the “gathering hour.” This will
give the effect of a perfectly planned and welcoming entrance.
Bonus Tip: Plan for a Grand Entrance Showcasing You!
We call it the dazzling “ta-da” entrance! This is where it all
comes together. You arrive relaxed and ready to have fun. Your
mood is joyful and sets the tone for an utterly enjoyable
reception. Your guests haven’t waited longer than one hour.
You’ve planned ahead with the photographer and the photos are
archived in the camera forever. Now before your big entrance,
remember all the love you feel inside and visualize the joy
inside of you sweeping guests off their feet.
Hear the melody of your favorite music fill the room and feel
the anticipation of the guests expecting your arrival. Let every
bit of warmth, happiness, and radiance come through as you
flitter into the room. Your grand entrance will set the tone and
prepare your guests for one of the most talked about wedding
receptions of the year. Create ambiance and fun by lining the
walkway with fresh petals, a bubble machine, or doing something
personal, silly, or heartwarming that is uniquely you.
Then, let the DJ do what he does best. You’ve hired the best and
planned well in advance. Let your vision come together as the
reality of this marvelous day unfolds. Hear each and every guest
say,
“It was the best time since we can remember!” Andrea Wolf
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