“You know what,” said a banker to me the other day, “I think they should pay me about half what I earn.” For a moment,…
Posts Tagged ‘Nice’
Sat Eye Candy: Cat Stevens
July 11th, 2009 |
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Today, like every other day,
We wake up empty and frightened.
Don’t open the door to the study.
and begin reading. Take down a musical instrument.
Let the beauty we love be what we do.
There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.
We woke with this Rumi poem playing on repeat in our heads. And then, in a flash, it occurred to us what the perfect soundtrack for such poetic philosophizing might be – Cat Stevens. These days he goes by the name Yusuf Islam but the brave, yearning heart of what makes him tick is beating very, very strong. His new album, Roadsinger: To Warm You Through The Night, is a slow stunner (JamBase review), and it’s sparked us to explore his back catalog anew. And folks, there’s much we need to hear today, now, in this tumultuous moment we find ourselves in.
Like Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” there’s something prayerful and innocent about our opener. If there’s a gentler, more quietly blessed way to wake up then we haven’t found it.
It’s a beautiful thing to see him come back to his old songs, finding a way to fit them into his more pronounced spiritual path of recent years, realizing the great stockpiles of understanding and truth hiding in his “pop songs.” To wit, this thoughtful stroll through one of his best from 2007.
Love is a hard thing in his work. It’s something that requires much of us, demanding a patience and depth of understanding few of us can muster most of the time. And sometimes he distilled this concept into something wonderfully tough like this blues-tinged jewel from his 1976 Earth Tour.
His recent return to recording in the past few years has shown him to be a vigorous, funny, fiercely engaged musician with still a lot to say in his songs. This is a primo performance of one of the standouts off 2006′s An Other Cup.
Here’s a dark turn from the new album delivered with restrained style on Jools Holland grand BBC program.
And it isn’t always dark clouds and naval gazing. Sometimes he just tossed off a killer ditty that reminds you what a fine nuts ‘n’ bolts composer he can be.
Stevens’ music will always be inexorably liked to the cult film Harold And Maude, which seems to touch a nerve in each subsequent generation where liking the movie lets one know they’re amongst fellow freaks. Here’s Doug Martsch of Built to Spill performing Stevens’ centerpiece tune from the soundtrack.
The highway our feet travel may be long, rocky and full of unexpected twists and dead ends, but if we’ve tucked the right songs into our bindle we’ll be alright. It’s a true joy to have this man making music again. We conclude with the title tune from his latest offering and his 2006 Nobel Peace Price concert performance of perhaps his best known anthem.
And don’t forget, you can eyeball video sweetness 24/7 with JamBase TV.
Scheme to let new drugs bypass NHS watchdog
July 10th, 2009 |
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• Drayson plans fast track for ‘innovative’ medicines
• Treasury fund would pay for high-cost treatments
Drug companies with “innovative” medicines would be able to bypass current safeguards and sell to the NHS at a high price under a fast-track procedure to be proposed next week by the Office for Life Sciences (OLS), run by science minister Lord Drayson.
The proposal, in a blueprint being prepared behind closed doors with input from the pharmaceutical industry, will effectively undermine the present system of approving medicines for the NHS. It will allow companies with medicines they claim are valuable and original to bypass the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice), which currently must assess every new drug to ensure it offers value for money before it can be used in the health service.
The pharmaceutical industry has been fiercely critical of Nice since its inception in 1999 because it blocks sales of expensive drugs to the NHS that are of only limited benefit. Its protests have been backed by an outcry from patient groups, often partly funded by the pharmaceutical industry, which want new drugs to treat their particular condition.
The proposal comes from OLS, run by Drayson, a former drug company boss. His remit is the promotion of the life sciences as potential big earners for Britain. Lord Mandelson, whose business department oversees the OLS, believes pharmaceuticals are key to the revival of the economy.
The blueprint will recommend that medicines thought suitable for fast-tracking should be allowed into the NHS for a period of time without Nice scrutiny.
Pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to launch new drugs in the UK at low cost because 25% of the global market is influenced by the UK price. Under the OLS proposal, Nice would appraise the drug after perhaps three years – but at that point the company may be willing to drop the price here. Critics will say the proposal threatens to undermine Nice by allowing into the NHS costly drugs that may offer no real health gain.
It comes at a time when other countries are actively considering setting up equivalents to Nice. First among them, and most important for the pharmaceutical industry, is the US. President Obama is known to be interested in some sort of cost-effectiveness scrutiny of medicines, which is bitterly opposed by the industry.
Joe Collier, emeritus professor of medicines policy at St George’s, University of London and an adviser to the select committee on health’s inquiry into the pharmaceutical industry, said there were already safeguards in Nice to propel medicines that are truly innovative and needed into the NHS rapidly, and a fast-track proposal was not needed. “It should not need to embarrass the current arrangements. If it either is designed to, or it does, then the system has got to be rethought,” he said.
“If it is an attempt to undermine the Nice process or throw the Nice process, then it is misguided and mischievous.”
While the scheme is the brainchild of Drayson’s office, the implications for the Department of Health have led to cross-departmental negotiations, which were still going on at a late stage this week.
Crucial to winning the support of health ministers and primary care trusts‚ which foot drugs bills locally‚ has been the Treasury, which agreed to fund a pot of money to pay for “innovative” drugs, so the NHS does not have to bear the cost.
Who decides which drugs are sufficiently innovative may be more difficult. It is likely that Nice itself will be invited to help select them. Those that are original and claim to offer better treatment or a longer life – but to small groups of patients – will be prime candidates. One of the arguments for this approach is the invention of “targeted” drugs such as Herceptin, which work on people with a certain genetic make-up but not others.
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Take Back Your Personal Power (Part 2)
July 8th, 2009 |
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Time to Make Waves
In part one of this post we discussed the tendency some of us have to allow situations, circumstances, events and even other people to control our lives; in essence, giving away our power in an attempt to be accepted, valued, appreciated and loved. By trying to “fit in and not make waves†(as someone shared with me recently) it seems that some of us have lost our identity and sense of self. The good news is that we can take back control of our life and still be that kind, generous and thoughtful person – who also happens to be strong, confident, assertive, productive, successful and powerful. And no, we don’t need to compromise our beliefs, goals, character or core values to do so. In fact, taking back our power can be the most important step towards living a life of true purpose, alignment (with our core values), integrity and joy.
While the following strategies are very effective, they are not always comfortable or easy to implement, so it’s a good thing that you and I are all about doing what works – not what’s easy! Not every point will be relevant for every person, so see what resonates for you. Also be warned that I may be a little… er… blunt in places (surprising, I know), so if you’re feeling a bit presh you may wanna read from behind a cushion (like in a scary movie). Enjoy.
1. Stop looking for easy and start “doing†effective. Today.
All too often our desire to live a comfortable, painless, easy and safe existence (all things driven by fear) is the very thing that kills our potential, our productivity, our ability to develop and ultimately, our spirit. It is no coincidence that we (the society) have both (1) a widespread aversion to anything that makes us uncomfortable and (2) a high percentage of people who regularly feel frustrated, unfulfilled, lost and miserable. Ironically, it is our aversion to working against resistance that stops us from growing, learning, evolving and adapting. Sometimes (in the moment) we believe it’s simply easier to just “fit inâ€, to compromise and to bite our tongue. While this is understandable on occasion, over the long term this kind of behaviour and thinking will set us up for unhealthy relationships, stagnation, disconnection, frustration, desperation and misery. In order to take back your power you will need to be courageous (that’s a choice by the way), you will need to be prepared to get uncomfortable (that’s where you learn, grow and adapt) and you will need to do things that may piss other people off – perhaps the ones who previously pulled your strings for their own gain.
2. Face your fears.
You can never take back your power until you confront the things that scare you. By the way, being fearful does not represent weakness but rather humanity.
“Show me the person who fears nothing and I’ll show you an idiot.â€
*There’s also an argument that the person who fears nothing might also be the person who has reached enlightenment… but that’s a discussion for another day.
If things only have the power and influence that we assign them (and they do), then fear is something we can control and use for our own personal development. For the most part fear is a completely personal thing. It’s not about the situation, circumstance or environment but rather US in it; how we react to, process, cope with and interpret the events in our world. That’s why we can see two people doing the exact same thing at the same time (a bungee jump for example); one is excited and having a great time, while the other is terrified and having the worst time ever. That’s because it ain’t about the jump; it’s about the jumper. Keeping in mind that each jumper creates his or her own reality. Of course there are healthy fears – not wanting to swim with a shark for example – but what we’re talking about here are those destructive and unhealthy fears that have been known to make people prisoners of their own mind. For a lifetime.
3. When nice isn’t. (Nice)
Seek to be strong not nice. Too many nice people get chewed up and spat out because all they have is a bunch of “nice-ness†and zero personal power. Sometimes nice-ness is actually a euphemism for weakness and far too often our need to be seen as the “nice person†(oh, please) is what brings us undone. Endeavouring to keep everyone in your world happy is an exercise in futility, frustration and exhaustion. And stupidity. In short, it can’t be done. It’s not your job to “make†people happy; it’s your job to be you. And not the “you†that people want you to be, but rather, your authentic self. The one who has clarity, certainty, contentment and calm about who and what they are. And no, being you does not mean being selfish.
4. Stop being a victim.
The world isn’t fair. The majority don’t care about you or your issues. S**t happens. Bad things happen to good people. And lots of people are selfish and nasty. There — we’ve cleared that up. Now, stop seeking pity, attention and sympathy and get on with it. Stop having the same pointless discussions about the same issues, stop waiting to be “saved†and stop giving away your power. You don’t need universal approval, acceptance or endorsement, you need a different attitude.
5. Win respect through your actions.
Talk less, do more. What you do will tell the rest of us far more about who you are than any words that might come out of your mouth. Words are cheap and often meaningless. Most big talkers are just that. And nothing more.
6. Keep re-inventing yourself.
Being stagnant and inflexible in a dynamic world is a sure-fire way to become redundant, unnecessary and powerless. While your core values, beliefs and standards might remain constant, it is important that you continue to adapt, learn, grow and develop with your ever-changing world.
7. Value yourself.
Stop treating others as though they are of greater worth than you. Nobody is more important than anyone else. And nobody is more important than you. Nobody. This is not about having a massive ego or being self-righteous; it’s about stopping all the self-sabotage. You know what I mean. It’s about not rationalising mediocrity and failure any more. It’s about changing your standards and your thinking. It’s about not letting your poor self-esteem get in the way of your potential and your possibilities. It’s about not letting your past become your future. In case you don’t know or you haven’t been told, I will tell you now; you are worthy, you are talented, you are good enough and you are powerful. More than you know. If you don’t believe those words then you don’t value yourself as you should.
*By the way, power and humility can go comfortably hand in hand.
8. Fiercely protect your brand.
Don’t associate with people, organisations, situations or products that will damage your reputation. In the professional world (where many of us spend a great deal of our lives) your brand is your power. The stronger your brand, the more power you have (in that world). Prospective employers, potential business associates and customers will all “buy what you’re selling†based largely (if not solely) on their perception of you; your product, your service, your ability, your skill, your integrity and your value to them.
Craig Harper (B.Ex.Sci.) is a qualified exercise scientist, author, columnist, radio presenter, television host, motivational speaker and university lecturer. For the past 25 years he has been a leading presenter, educator, motivator and commentator in the areas of personal and professional development. You can visit Craig’s blog at Motivational Speaker.
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Nice tune, worrabout the Ka?
July 7th, 2009 |
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Ford has issued a release to say that the catchy tune that goes with its TV ad for the new Ka is available as a single for download from iTunes. The ditty is ‘The Tease featuring Megan Wyler’.
Megan Wyler, currently recording her first solo album, is described in the Ford press release as an experienced singer on the New York City club scene.
“The track was a fun collaboration for me so it was fantastic to hear there was desire for a full track to be recorded – I’m really pleased its been such a success for all involved,” she said. Yes, I’ll bet she is pleased.
Here’s a thought though. The old Ka, the first one, was an astonishing success. It kept the same platform for 13 years with little apparent adverse impact on sales. The thing about it was the distinct and differentiated styling and low price. It wasn’t a boring old Fiesta hatchback that your Aunt Hilda swore by.
Now then. Ford concludes that it needs a new Ka, that it cannot stand still. Old models have to be replaced. Fair enough and I’m sure the new one has much to commend it.
Is there room for a new Ka underneath Fiesta, like there was before? Quite possibly, but lines have got a bit blurred. The new Ka looks like it could be a Corsa and the new Fiesta has a lot more panache about it. The clear blue water between the old Ka and the previous Fiesta isn’t quite there any longer.
Could Ford have actually kept the old Ka going as a low-budget urban cult car, with a kind of retro appeal? The car’s longevity could perhaps even have been turned into a positive asset. A cheeky exception to the rule that models have to be reinvented every four years or so. Maybe they could have looked at giving it a gradual ‘green-over’ with pineapple plant headliners introduced (that does exist on the Brazilian-made VW Fox), more recycled plastics and such, extending appeal to those with environmental concerns. Could the humble Ka have morphed into a Beetle-style celebration of the virtues of low-cost utility over the culture of excess consumption?
Maybe you think I am getting carried away and perhaps I am. But the big winners in business tend to be the people and companies who understand how the world is changing rather than simply extrapolating the established values of the present into the future.
Just a thought. Nice tune, though (spot all the Kas?).