Life

Review of a “bad” book.

 

Fellow readers,

I would like to share my opinion about the book "Who we are. The challenges to America's National Identity" by Samuel P. Huntigton. The Wall Street Journal says "Huntington has written a compelling book on the virtues that make America what it is"on the back cover of the book . It sounds damn thoughtful, but let us take closer look.

Hispanizaton is a problem and American national identity is fading. Those are extremely important issues I wanted to hear about, instead I found the first 138 pages to be about the fundamentals of American identity. Those issues are common, we all know about protestant values, individualism, religious commitment and respect for the law. I don't mind reviewing it, but reading numerous historic facts and religious attitudes took most of my reading energy.

When I finally came to part 3 "Challenges to American identity" on page 140, I was exhausted by the history. So starving for modern tendencies I discovered one more general chapter entitled "Deconstructing America: The rise of subnational identities. It was way too general. Recognizing the fact that it's more than 100 pages left to the actual Mexican Immigration and Hispanization I stopped reading the book. It was one of the extremely rare cases in my life when I acted in a such way.

The only interesting author's point I found in "my" part of the book is about fair opportunities. Here is the quotation: "The core of the American creed, ideas of the essential dignity of the individual human being, of fundamental equality of all men, and of certain inalienable rights to freedom, justice and a fair opportunity". These rules were broken by giving preferences to minorities in admission to universities or in getting contractor jobs. By the way, a similar problem happened in Ukraine, where in the 2008 admission campaign most of the slots in good universities were suddenly occupied by handicapped and poorest, not by the smartest .

Unfortunately, it's a rather unique interesting fact I want to share with you about the book. Beside that: If you want to spend your time studying issues of modern America, take something more relative to current issues of the USA.

Disclosure: The book review is solely my impression about own reading experience.

“Vicky Cristina Barcelona”

FILM REVIEW

"Vicky Cristina Barcelona"

"Vicky Krisitina Barcelona is a most recent film directed by Woody Allen. Two young American tourists, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson' ), come to spend summer in Barcelona. There they meet an poetic artist Antonio (Javier Bardem), who brings love affairs into their lives.

In relation to Antonio two absolutely different love characters are discovered: free-spirit passionate perceptive blond Christina and complex intellectual sophisticated brunette Vicky. However, don't expect any competition in love philosophy. Just a few questions from humorous sensitive male-female dialogues master.

Cristina is able to experience passion, to flirt vividly, to perceive things as they are. Her main problem is that she doesn't know what she wants. She knows only what she doesn't want. Several weeks after the sense of romance fades she is willing for a new experience. Not to mention, that Scarlett Johansson as always is extremely sexy.For me, her character seems a little bit fluffy and hard to satisfy in the long-term, but she is a kind of woman you want to meet during your summer in Barcelona.

On the other end, Vicky knows (and is getting) what she wants in life until she meets and sleeps with Antonio. That poses a unresolved question "is what she always wanted equals to what she really needs ?". She is a strong character, who, besides guitar music, loves intellectual discussion, smart complements and certainty in the relation. The last, of course, is impossible to achieve with fancy Catalonian artist Antonio during the summer in Barcelona.

There is a third strong character in the movie, insane Antonio's wife played by Penelope Cruz. She was highly appreciated for this role and even nominated for best supporting actress. However, in my view, she is just a little spice and charm to the movie, nothing more than that.

A strong second background is a gorgeous city, filled by spectacular scenery, Gaudi architecture and good wine. The song "Barelona" by Guilia los Tellarini constantly reminds us where the action takes place. Summer and Barcelona are two ingredients to make an love fluids visible.

Another thing which impressed me is quite typical for my experience with Woodie Allen's fims. Quotations. "I'll go to your room but you have to seduce me" (Christina to Antonio). We are meant for each other and not meant for each other. It's a contradiction (Antonio about the relation to ex-wife) And my favorite one "Only unfulfilled love can be romantic". (Antonio)

The best explanation by the internet users is "Once you experience love, it may not live up to expectations and it is real. Unfulfilled love was never had. It is always better in your mind as it never really happened". Unfortunately, it is true that in our head love could be much more romantic than in the reality. Bitter taste and sweetness in the one cocktail called unfulfilled love.

After all, I do not make recommendations about the movie. At least its main sense felt like enjoying life through love – either it's an hour in a cinema or summer in Barcelona. Therefore, wait till summer and visit Barcelona. In my life I am sure not to postpone that anymore.

Ladies night in Teatr Operetty

 

I am 26 years old and I must confess: Although I had been invited a couple of times I have never been to theater in Kyiv.

Well, after visiting "Lady's night" on Wednesday eve I doubt that one could be added to that zero . It wasn't a classical play you would expect to see in the theatre, nothing close to Shakespeare's Globe old time classics.

It turned to be a hilarious theatrical performance filled by humor. Sexy, smart, sophisticated humor. Old grandma, sitting in my row on the right, was terribly shocked. No surprise, seeing 5 men in underwear quite of an impressing scene. Those guys did great in both discussing own stripping performance and performing.

Here is note from Parter.UA "The encouraging comedy-show written on the verge of a musical and a drama, graceful shamelessness and deep psychologism. Performance is intended for the widest audience, certainly, except for a nursery.". Yes, leave kids at home and prepare for tough guys talk. It is 3 hours of performance, including fabulous dancing part. Some modern hits, and of course not to forget "You can leave your hat on". If I ever in my whole life enjoy a case of men's striptease, that was the one.

Conclusion: 4,5 stars.(you have to be female to rate it 5). Recommended for young ladies,, who are not afraid of hardcore humor.

P.S I am glad these guys did not show the main thing off. It would be f*cking disgusting.

PS2 . Not to forget the drawbacks, the acoustics in Teart Operetty is miserable.

PS3. Do not miss your chance, they will be back in Kyiv on 24^th and 25^th of March.

 

 

A good joke about sense of a stop sign

A London lawyer runs a stop sign and gets pulled over by a Glasgow copper.

He thinks that he is smarter than the cop because he is a lawyer from London and is certain that
he has a better education then any Scottish copper.
He decides to prove this to himself and have some fun at the Glasgow cops expense!!

Glasgow cop says, ' Licence and registration, please.'

London Lawyer says, 'What for?'

Glasgow cop says, 'Ye didnae come to a complete stop at the stop sign.'

London Lawyer says, 'I slowed down, and no one was coming.'

Glasgow cop says, 'Ye still didnae come to a complete stop. Licence and registration, please.'

London Lawyer says, 'What's the difference?'

Glasgow cop says, 'The difference is, ye huvte to come to complete stop, that's the law, Licence
and registration, please!'

London Lawyer says, 'If you can show me the legal difference between slow down and stop, I'll
give you my licence and registration, and you give me the ticket. If not, you let me go and don't
give me the ticket.'

Glasgow cop says, 'Sounds fair. Exit your vehicle, sir.'

The London Lawyer exits his vehicle.

The Glasgow cop takes out his baton and starts beating the f*ck out of the lawyer and says,

'Dae ye want me to stop, or just slow doon?

Keith Ferrazzi: Never eat alone

You certainly may not become a great communicator by simply reading one book. However you may recognize for yourself how vital are connections and ability to communicate in the modern business world, though.

Favorite quotes:

Once you’ve taken the time to figure out what your mission is and where you want to get to, the next step is to identify the people who can help you to get there.

Art of small talk:

-First give a person a hearty smile. It says I am approachable

- Maintain a good eye contact. If you maintain an unblinking share 100% percent of the time, that qualifies as leering. If you keep eye contact less than 70% of the time ,you’ll seem disinterested and rude. Somewhere in between is the balance

- Unfold your arms and relax. Crossing your arms can make your appear defensive or closed.

- Nod your head and lean it, but without invading other’s person space. You just want to show that you are engaged and interested.

- Learn to touch people. Touching is a powerful act. Most people convey their friendly intentions by shaking hands; some go further by shaking two hands. My favorite way to break the distance between me and a person is to touch the other’s person elbow. It’s not too close to the chest, which we protect, but it’s slightly more personal than a hand.

 The best one

As I discussed in the chapter “What is your mission” the answer to “What do you really want ?” determines all that you do and all the people who help to accomplish it. It often comes down to one of three things: making money, finding love or changing the world.

One of 10 expert’s rules:

Creativity is worthless if it can’t be applied. The bottom line four content has to be: This will make us money. The lifeblood of any company is sales and cash flow. All great ideas are meaningless until someone pays for it.

One more

Relationships are not like pies which can be cut into so many pieces. They are more like muscles – the more you work them, the stronger they become.

 

From from the article "MBA Mania" from Esquire

Harvard definition of entrepreneurship:

"It is the pursuit of opportunity using resources currently beyond your control"

Entrepreneurship is not just about running your own business. It is about how you set up your entire life. Everything affects the nature of the business you run and its chances of success, from the temperament of your spouse to where you choose to live. If you think just about your business you will fail.

About ideas

The big thing I’ve  got from HBS is that the supply of money always exceeds the supply of good ideas. So if you got a good one, the money will come.

Ken Fisher: The only three questions that count. Favorite quotes.

The book itself I would not recognize as genious, but I did like following ideas:

Investors  hate losses about 2,5 times as much as they like gains. A 25% gain feels as good a 10% loss. Said otherwise, if you gain 10% over here and lose 10% over there, you feel like you are behind. This is commonly known as loss aversion, intimating shortsightedness and overactive reaction to short-term movements. At root, myopic loss loss aversion and the mistakes it leads to are about two things – pride and regret.

Traditional finance notions derive from traditional notions of economics – that humans in aggregate act rationally, markets are efficient or at least semi-efficient, and individuals acting irrationally may be ignored. By contrast, behavioral finance assumes quirky behavior . Irrationality is assumed to be potential behavior. It’s true – our modernized skulls contain Stone age brains. Investors aren’t rational automatons; they are humans and regularly behave in crazy ways when making financial decisions.

You are a unique, wonderful person. I have no doubt; however you’re probably unique just about like everyone else. You’re not statistically unique. In a statistical sense being unique is to be way, way out the end of the bell curve on some set of attributes. If you’re really unique , you’re technically quite weird. Unique means weird. Most folks like to think of themselves as unique. They don’t like to see themselves as weirdos.  You probably

US Finance: debt is critical ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_TjBNjc9Bo

By now, you may have heard about our acclaimed documentary I.O.U.S.A., a film that boldly examines the rapidly growing national debt and its consequences for the United States and its citizens. The film has been a huge hit, getting rave reviews from Roger Ebert and others.

Now, we proudly release a 30-minute condensed version of I.O.U.S.A. designed specifically for watching and sharing on the web - for free.

So if you haven't had a chance to see the movie yet, watch the condensed I.O.U.S.A. today. If you've already seen it in a theater, check out the abbreviated version for a refresher. Then, tell your friends, your family, your Facebook friends and your Twitter followers about the staggering amount of money - $53 trillion - in financial obligations owed by the federal government to foreign investors and to every single American in the form of pensions, health benefits, Social Security and Medicare.

John vs Barak: A choice from Ukraine

An editorial called “An Obama presidency” states  “Whoever wins, Ukraine will have a friend in the White House” in the last “Kyiv post”.  It is common view in Ukraine and I couldn’t agree more. Nevertheless, I want to find a broader prospective.

Tthe global world has only one superpower – United States of America. We have seen that in global economic crisis. We have also seen that through major decisions taken by a democratic world in last couple of decades. To tell the truth, any major initiative has little chance to become truly global without US support (remember about Kioto protocol). Obviously, the way America goes after the election is going to affect every country.  

All three rounds of presidential debates were exciting. So exciting, that I have imagined  my own debates with two prominent speakers.  I became Jim Lehrer and other TV guys. Here is a result of my imagination:

Lyubomyr:  Nice to meet you gentlemen. John. Barak.

 Tonight we have two major blocks to discuss: domestic policy and international affairs. After each block I will provide my comments on your ideas.

Please be aware that any direct critics of the opponent will be excluded from my report. The same rule applies to general political answers, we don’t want to hear that. Please be as specific as possible.  Use bullet points expressed in a clear way. You may jump from one point to another without going into the details. Transitions and general linking phrases are not neccessary.

 At the end of the discussion you will get a chance to express general ideas and talk about your motivation to become the President of the United Sattes. Those last words will be published without any comments.

John: OK

Barak: Ok

Lyubomyr: Let us start with domestic policies. Please list your key priorities in economy.

John:  I will cut taxes for everyone. We need to stop spending and I know how to do it. Our first priority is to get houses value back. Energy independence is important.

Barak: I will provide tax cuts middle class. 95% of working Americans will receive tax breaks. We need to focus on jobs, I will provide tax credit for company’s creating jobs in USA. We need to fix energy problem, fix health care, invest in education. Big problem is deregulation, market is not that efficient.

Lyubomyr: Let us give some more details about the most vital thing, about the tax policy

Johh: I have 52 billions in tax cuts for economy. Seniors will receive tax breaks. Our business tax is second highest in the world.

 I will help Joe, the plumber, by providing 50% tax breaks to small businesses.

Barak: I have 60 billion in tax cuts for middle class. 95% of American families will receive tax cuts.  In fact, If you make less than 250 000 a year you will not see a single dime of new taxes.

Nobody likes taxes.  Ultimately we need some taxes for  the investment. Rich people and corporations have to pay a little bit more.

Lyubomyr: Please be more specific about your attitude to spending.

Jonh: We need to cut spending. I know how to do it, I have fought agaist spending.

I would have, first of all, across-the-board spending freeze. Particularly, we will look into some military contracts.

Barak: We do need a scalpel instead of hatchet to spending programs. I make sure we focus on the programs that work.

Lyubomyr: How are you going to solve energy problem ?

John: We have to stop sending 700 billions a year to the countries that don’t like us very much. Imported oil is a national security issue. We can drill offshore and we can drill right now.

We need to build  45 nuclear plants in America. Nuclear  power is safe and clean. And it creates hundred thousand of jobs.

Barak: Energy – we have to deal with it today. If I become a President,  in 10 years we will free from energy dependence.

No longer borrowing 700 billions a year  from China and sending them to Saudi Arabia.

If we create new economy we got to invest in solar, wind. Nuclear energy is only part of that.

We have 3% of reserves and we use 25% of world’s oil. Everyone of us should start thinking about the way we may save energy in our homes. We need to use fuel efficient cars. We will create green jobs.

Lyubomyr: How about health care ?

John: We got to leave choice for American people in choosing insurance. I will provide 5000 refundable tax credit.

Barak: I make sure that we have a health care system that allows for everyone to have basic coverage. If you have health insurance, then you don't have to do anything. If you don't have health insurance, then we provide you the option of buying it from the federal pool.

Lyubomyr: Gentlemen, I would like to briefly comment on your proposals, before we proceed to the international affairs.

First of all, we understand that domestic policy was the most important block.  It is a key to the presidency..

 Speaking about taxes, equal attitude always seems more honest to me. I don’t understand why I should pay more if I had work harder. Neither Joe, the plumber, does by the way. In fact, if I am simply smarter than other guy, why does  a government make us equal ?

 Think about the situation where I make 270 000 a year before tax. Then, after taxation my net income becomes 250 000, the same as  another guy’s income, who makes 250 000 and pays no tax. What is my incentive to work harder ?  I believe that America is about reward for hard work. Iit should never not become follow Sweden, in trying to take away money from the best citizens. .

 And more thing – market might not be 100% efficient, but it is certainly much more efficient than any governmental control. So, Barak you have to be very careful and very specific while speaking of more government regulation in economy.

Secondly, I want to comment on spending attitudes. John, Let us be honest here – you cannot just say that all spending can be stopped. It just never happens. 

On the other  hand, spending does needs significant and fast reform. Barak, if you analyze the programs – you’d better make it a top priority.

Third, it is the energy problem. Barak, I am impressed with your attitude and I give you all my support in this issue.  The whole world thrives for a new  dramatic change in energy consumption. In my opinion, the way out of energy trap for Americans starts in energy saving by every household and continues in investing in alternative powers.

Guys, I will not comment on health care, because I don’t understand much about it.

Thus, it means we are done with major internal issues. Now, please state you most important priorities in foreign policy of United States of America:

Barak:

 I don’t understand how we ended up invading  country which had nothing to do  with 9/11

We need direct talk not only with our allies but with our enemies

We need to see things around the corner, anticipate things before they challenges happen

We need some additional troops in Afganistan

Doubling Piece Corps

Mobilize international community and lead

We must bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end

Restore trust to America in the world. This is our moment to renew the trust and faith of our people -- and all people -- in an America that battles immediate evils, promotes an ultimate good, and leads the world once more.

John:

 You don’t sit down to talk with our enemies without preoccupations

Iran is the threat to the whole middle East

Afganistan:  We need go out and secure and allow people live normal life.

We will bring our troops with honor and victory, not with defeat.

I looked in Putin’s eyes and I saw 3 letters “KGB”

We got to show moral support to Ukraine and advocate their way to NATO

Ukraine and Georgia are gateways of energy to Europe

USA is a greatest force of good in the world.

We have to temper our abilities.

 I know tough situations; I have been in them all the time.

Lyubomyr: John, thank you for mentioning Ukraine. I also know that you have visited Ukraine many times and view our country as a major partner to US.

 However, I deeply am upset with your attitude to foreign affairs. You sound exactly like George Bush. The true is that his international policy failed.  America became very aggressive  nation in the eyes of the world.

John, you miss the main thing: America need to restore trust as a leader of the free world. It is more effectively done by peaceful policies and programs like Piece Corp, not by being a tough guy.  I am glad, Barak understands this key point – restore trust to American leadership.

Guys, now  your final words about your motivation and reasons for you to become the President of United Sates of America.

John: Times are tough. When times are tough, we need a steady hand at the tiller and the great honor of my life was to always put my country first.

I have a clear record of serving to American people. I asked American people for one more chance to serve them.

Barak: I know that I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for the fact that this country gave me opportunity.

American people understand Bush’s policy did not work and America needs to go in the a new direction.

We need fundamental change. That's the reason I decided to run for president, and I'm hopeful that all of you are prepared to continue this extraordinary journey that we call America.

Lyubomyr: Thank you Jonh. Tnank you Barak. That concludes our tonight’s debate. I believe each of you deserves to become the President of the United States of America.

Jonh : Goodbye.

Barak: Goodbye.

 

In conclusion, I admit seeing huge civilization crisis at the start of the new century. The boundless consumerism, energy waste and constant living in dept are passing away.

The strongest challenges of global world require new leadership and new ideas. While John McCain looks like a nice honest guy for me, Barak  Obama demonstrates a clear potential to lead new America in reshaping the values. In fact, If the polls are right, Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States.  And I hope he succeeds in White House.

As for Ukrainian interest, clearly, Ukraine benefits from the effective United States policies, the same way, as the rest of the world does.

 

 

 

Ken Fisher: The only three questions that count. Investing by knowing what others don't. (Chapter 1-4)

 It's a complicated book for me, but it does bring forward simple investment truth to think about.
Here is most interesting from Chapters 1-4.

Question 1: What do you believe is actually false ?
Question 2: What can you fathom that others find unfathomable ?
Question 3: What is the heck my brain doing to blindside me now ?

Quotes I liked:

"Investors  hate losses about 2,5 times as much as they like gains. A 25% gain feels as good a 10% loss. Said otherwise, if you gain 10% over here and lose 10% over there, you feel like you are behind. This is commonly known as loss aversion, intimating shortsightedness and overactive reaction to short-term movements. At root, myopic loss loss aversion and the mistakes it leads to are about two things – pride and regret"

"Traditional finance notions derive from traditional notions of economics – that humans in aggregate act rationally, markets are efficient or at least semi-efficient, and individuals acting irrationally may be ignored. By contrast, behavioral finance assumes quirky behavior . Irrationality is assumed to be potential behavior. It’s true – our modernized skulls contain Stone age brains. Investors aren’t rational automatons; they are humans and regularly behave in crazy ways when making financial decisions"