Revenge

Notes from CBC podcast Why do we seek revenge?

Relish in anticipation but usually outcome doesn't produce expected emotional response.

Revenge keeps reasons for revenge on mind so can't trivialize to move on.

Benefits of revenge
1 makes you feel in control of your life
2 warning to third-parties that you can't be messed with

Planned revenge is less sympathized with compared to spontaneous revenge.

Seek apology rather than revenge.

Why does it seem I can get a lot done on my public transit commute?

Compared to driving downtown which takes around 25 minutes, if not hampered by traffic jams, and then parking and walking to office (probably 30-35 minutes door-to-door), taking a combination of bus and LRT is 45 minutes.  Whereas I can only listen to radio on the drive, I can read, program, make phone calls, etc. when I'm not responsible for the driving.  On the ETS-powered commute to work, it's a way to catch up or itemize what I didn't get done at home the evening before.  On the homeward-commute, I can wind down and relax from the workday.

With a mobile device or laptop and no distractions like incoming phone calls or instant messages, what I get done feels disproportionate to those 45 minutes.  Having no internet access is sometimes challenging because so many knowledge resources we rely on are now on-line but it can also be a way to further focus on the task at hand.

Busier because of technology

• Technology lowers barrier to entry
• So everyone can have a website, blog, make videos, music, etc. and express themselves
• Can everyone do it well?  Does everyone have something to say?  How to cut through the noise?
• But who has the time?  And who is paying attention?  
• Do I hear crickets? 

Getting out of snow/ice rut in a standard transmission car

During the heavy snowfall in mid-January, I got stuck in a snow/ice rut because of a tempting residential neighborhood parking spot downtown.  Gravel put at the tires didn't help.  The tires simply spinned on the loose snow and ice underneath.  Fortunately there were several passerbys that assisted me to push out the car.  However one of them suggested that because my car is standard transmission, I could have tried to "rock" my way out. 

A couple weeks later, again, enticed by a tempting residential neighborhood parking spot downtown, I was stuck in a snow/ice rut.  This time, I remembered the fellow's advice.  This is what I did to get unstuck:

1. Clutch in, put into 1st gear
2. Slowly ease off clutch so it just engages 
3. Car should strain forward but it won't go anywhere as car is still stuck.  Add gas (optional)
4. Just before it stalls, press in clutch; car should rock back
5. Go back to #2 and repeat
6. Car should begin to rock like a pendulum
7. When car seems like it could break loose with a little help, add gas at step #3, and release clutch completely
8. Watch for traffic as you get unstuck (hopefully)

Evaluating Contracting versus Permanent - checklist

I work in IT but this list may be applicable for other professions as well when considering whether to go independent or work as an employee:

Money in-pocket:
Salary
Overtime
Bonus
Pension

Time-off:
Vacation
Stat Holidays
Time for education
Sick leave
Parental leave

Money you don't have to pay:
Expenses (e.g. computer equipment)
Education (e.g. course cost, travel and lodging)
CPP