Puppet Show Teaches Pakistani Children about Peace and Happiness

From TheSpec.

Today TheSpec reports on a new puppet/storytelling/art show that aims to teach the children of Pakistan about peace and happiness, states of mind that children in especially war-torn regions may have never experienced.

As Jahan Zeb, the project leader, says, "When we were growing up, there was peace. There was happiness in those villages … towns and cities. Now our children, our (second and third) generations, they don’t know. Was there happiness? Was there some hope? They don’t believe. They don’t know what is hope."

Zeb became motivated to start a peace project when the Taliban took over the Swat region of Pakistan, where his wife's family lived. He created the Art and Peace Education Exchange (or APEX) with Journey of Peace.

The project itself is a 16-part series of stories told through puppets. The stories deal with a displaced Afghan family and have been included in the school curricula of Afghanistan provinces Kandahar, Kabul, and Samangan since 2007. In Pakistan, the stories will be translated and adapted from dealing with landmines, which are prevalent in Afghanistan, to dealing with terrorism and suicide bombing.

The project just had their first show in Canada at The Pearl Company.

Casual Friday: "Happiness Tips for the Unemployed"

Thankfully the streets don't look like this
just yet. From The Omaha Project.

It's been awhile since I've read any new books relating to happiness, so again I turn to the Internet for guidance. Today I found this interesting article by Aaron Jacobsen and Michelle Santos of Tiny Buddha. It's a list of five tips to help you avoid despair if you are unemployed (which you very well might be, according to the latest figures).

Some of these tips may be common sense, but even if they are, hearing/reading them from an outside source can help. Again, you should read the actual article for explanations, but here is a summary of the list:

1. Identify your emotions. When you think about what you're feeling and give it a label you can act accordingly instead of reacting impulsively.
2. Keep going to social activities. Negative emotions tend to amplify in isolation.
3. Try to think positively. This may be hard to believe, but studies show that positive thinkers actually have a more accurate view of the obstacles in their life, while too many negative thoughts can give you tunnel vision.
4. Stay open to different career paths. You'll find more opportunities if you're willing to change from a banker to a nurse (for example) than if you always try to stick to one career.
5. Take advantage of your free time. This may sound a bit callous, but losing your job DOES give you more free time. Since you're not on the job from 9 to 5 anymore, you might as well take advantage of your free time by doing any hobbies that make you happy or by developing any of your lesser-used skills.

Anyway, these are just some tips to keep in mind. Just remember that getting back on your feet may be difficult, but it doesn't have to be impossible!

Sleep Important for Happiness

By Mui-Joo Wee. From Fine Art America.

Here's a story that might be obvious, but it's good to know anyway:  according to this news item from WebMD, people with sleep deficiencies are as much as three times more likely to experience poor mood during the day. This comes from a new Mental Health Foundation report entitled "Sleep Matters". The foundation sees poor sleep as a public health concern and is using the new report as a starting point to raise awareness of the importance of sleep.

As Dr. Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the foundation, says, “Whilst great emphasis is rightly placed on the importance of diet and exercise, sleep has for too long been neglected as a major influence on the physical and mental health of the nation. Up to a third of the population currently suffers from insomnia, and with stress and longer working hours on the rise in the current economic climate, it is crucial that we now treat the issue of sleep problems as the major public health concern it is.”

The study is based on data from the "Great British Sleep Survey," which gathered responses from 5,328 people (1,376 men and 3,952 women). Compared to those with normal sleep patterns, respondents with insomnia were four times as likely to experience relationship problems and three times more likely to have trouble getting work done. Since insomnia is often caused by stress in the first place, having these symptoms can create a downward spiral where stress leads to insomnia, which leads to more stress, which leads to more insomnia, etc. etc.

If YOU have trouble sleeping, head over to The Mental Health Foundation's "How Did You Sleep?" website, where you can take their one question survey and read free sleep tips. You'll be happy you did!

Google Hosts Art Competition for Students to Draw Happiness

From the Doodle 4 Google website.

Today in Irish news:  according to this story from The Anglo-Celt, Google is running its third annual Doodle 4 Google competition, in which K-12 students submit artwork relating to a theme. This year's theme is "To me, happiness is..."

As an example of the process, the Loreto College in Ireland received 80 submissions. The student council then picked six entries to go on to the regional competition, during which four made it to the national competition. Now a round of online voting will decide the next finalists. You should vote on your favorite doodle on the website by January 31. The winner gets their art on the main Google page for 24 hours, a laptop, and a €10,000 technology grant for their school.

Google is also doing this competition in other countries, but each one has a different theme and deadline. This seems like a pretty great contest, so remember to vote!

Beware Low Flying Cucumbers, Er, Pickles

My blog says that I last posted on the 13th, but that isn't right. It was, what, four or five days ago? Ah, well. No matter. I'm posting again, and that's what counts.

After getting home from church last night, I was hungry, but it was nearing ten and I didn't want something really filling (even though I ended up staying awake until after two). I took a quick look in the fridge and, noticing the large jar of dill pickles and sour cream, both sitting there with suspiciously innocent expressions, I was abruptly dragged down memory lane. . .

We spent this past New Years Eve with our friends of, oh, I don't know, FOREVER. Their dad is an excellent cook, so there were tons of yummy snacks throughout the evening/morning.

After playing Apples To Apples, my best friend and I went over to the snack table. As I was explaining something about my writing, she picked up a slice of cucumber, then suddenly burst out laughing. Between fits of giggles, she said she saw herself in her mind's eye throwing the cucumber at me.

After recovering from another fit of giggles, she took a small pickle and dipped it in the sour cream. I gave her a look something along the lines of "what on Parthaya are you doing?" She somehow convinced me to try it, therefore introducing me to my new favorite snack.

You heard right: dill pickles dipped in sour cream.

I normally don't like dill pickles, preferring to munch on garlic pickles, but now I know what to do with that huge jar of dill pickles taking up space in the back of the fridge.

My dad gave me an entirely odd look -- it may have been disgust -- last night when he saw me with pickles and sour cream. But it's good! I got Leauphaun to try it and now she's hooked too! Go ask her if you don't believe me.

And it seems that the sour cream lessens the hyperness that comes with eating pickles. . . wait. Consider this: Epic Pictures Equals Puddle Lose.

Maybe not.

Please tell me I'm not the only one that likes weird combinations of food.

Taking a lateral step from weird to writing (I've come to the conclusion that they're actually related), I've somehow manipulated myself to write about thirty-six hundred words in the last seventy-six hours. Sadly, they have no relation whatsoever to my short story, which is approaching four thousand words, but hasn't been touched in at least four days.

In case I've never mentioned this before, I am not a fast writer. I get giddy if I can write over five hundred words in one day. And here I am, getting more than 800 for three days in a row. *snickers* And more than half of those words have come between 12:00-2:30 in the morning.


I wanted to end this with ForthAngel's song "Confidence" but could only find live versions. This one is the best I could find, but none of them have the incredible vocals the studio version has. So instead here's This Fires Embrace's "Art Of War." It's my goal to see this band in the next two years. Them and ForthAngel. And RED.


~God Bless~

New British Charity Aims to Spread Happiness

Mark Williamson, director of the
charity. From The Young Foundation.

Hot on the heels of yesterday's story comes this one from the BBC. A charity called Action for Happiness will be spreading happiness tips to anyone within ear- or Internet-shot. They have a PDF workbook called the Happiness Challenge that you can download here. You can also watch the former Buddhist monk Andy Puddicombe give an introductory mindfulness lesson in the news story itself.

From their website, Action for Happiness already looks quite well-connected through Facebook and Twitter. We'll keep an eye on them to see what effect they have, but for now there's not much more to report. Britain and a lot of other countries could certainly use the help, though!

Shame on the Oscars: A total butchery of nominations

What a disaster! The Academy's 83rd list of nominations is pitiful. For a year of such very good films, their nominations displayed undeniably poor judgement. The worst decisions:

Four tremendous performances snubbed by the Oscars. Barbara Hersey in "Black Swan", Ryan Gosling in "Blue Valentine", Carey Mulligan in "Never Let Me Go" and above all, Leslie Manville in "Another Year".

• Ryan Gosling was not nominated for his unbelievably impressive performance in "Blue Valentine", arguably the best film he has ever been in and one of the best films of the last 10 years, period. While Michelle Williams was nominated, thank god- this was expected above all- "Blue Valentine" did not receive nominations for best picture or best director, not to mention best screenplay, best editing or best score is offensive to say the least. This is a top-3 film. Shame on the Oscars.

• I was glad to see Toy Story 3, The Fighter and Black Swan all get Best Picture nominations as well as a whole host of nominations they deserved. But not nominating Barbara Hershey for her terrifying potrayl of a obsessive mother in "Black Swan" was criminal.
• "True Grit" was given an insane amount of nominations. The Golden Globes was right to snub it. The Oscars need to end their idiotic love affair with the tremendously overrated Coen Brothers. Wasen't giving "No Country for Old Men" Best Picture worse enough? They never learn. "True Grit" was uneventful and forgettable. I felt the same way about "Winter's Bone", also nominated for Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor- three categories it did not deserve recognition in. Such an over-rated piece of crap.
• "Another Year", a brilliant film was snubbed almost entirely. It's nomination in the original screenplay category, its only nomination, was tremendously deserving. But Lesley Manville, who gave a unbelievably effective and powerfully saddening performance in this film deserved better than to be given no nomination while Helena Bonham Carter was nominated for doing next to nothing in "The King's Speech". Not to mention, it was not nominated for best director, best picture, best actress or best editing- all categories it arguably deserved recognition for.
• "Iron Man 2" was nominated for best visual effects while "Tron:Legacy" and "Kick-Ass" were not. This is clearly poor judgement. Kick-Ass being snubbed entirely was also poor judgement- it is easily in my top 5 films of the year.
• Carey Mulligan was insanely good in "Never Let Me Go". She deserved a Best Actress nomination a hell of a lot more than Nicole Kidman.

One in Four British Workers Unhappy with Their Job

From Marc's Leadership Lessons.

Today the Press Association reports on a new survey that shows around 25% of British employees are unhappy with their job, while around 30.5% are merely "ambivalent," with employees in finance and law being the unhappiest. These results come from the recruitment firm Badenoch & Clark, who surveyed around 1,000 office workers.

Heidi Waddington, associate director of Badenoch & Clark, says, "Economic uncertainty over the past year has put tremendous pressure on employees. This trend is particularly evident in professional services, which has resulted in heightened intensity in the workplace and increasingly poor morale."

I would be interested in seeing figures like this for lower class workers (not in an office), but we may have to wait until Britain completes its happiness study. I'd also be interested in results for America and other countries. You can read more stories about employee happiness by clicking here. Corporations may especially want to pay attention to this one, which shows a correlation between higher employee happiness and higher stock value.

Casual Friday: "9 Easy Ways to Be Happier"

From Real Simple.

In my quest to do as little work as possible, sometimes it's nice to have a helping hand. Today I can get away with even less work than usual because Julia at The Thank You Project tipped me off to this article by Marcia Menter from Real Simple. It's a look at nine easy ways to be happier.

You should go to the actual article to look at the pretty pictures and read the explanations, but here's a summary of the list:

1. Cool yourself off. Cool temperatures apparently produce better moods than hotter temperatures (could have fooled me).
2. Remember happy times in your past. Nostalgia can be a great mood booster.
3. Don't obsess over past failures. This goes hand-in-hand with the previous tip.
4. Give away money. As I've said before, generosity toward others makes YOU feel happier.
5. Eat a snack around 2 p.m. This is the time of day when serotonin levels dip, and a snack can help.
6. Exercise. It boosts mood and helps your brain.
7. Limit your choices. This may be counterintuitive, but too many options at once can produce unnecessary stress.
8. Learn a new skill. This gives you variety and sense of accomplishment.
9. Make your bed. Eh? Well apparently doing little tasks like this can make you more satisfied throughout your day.

Anyway, it's a good, easy list with some stuff I've never read before. Also, I love getting tipped off because it means I don't have to scrounge around for something to post! If you'd like to make my job easier, go ahead and tip me off to interesting articles, books, or videos in the comments section or through email. See ya!

Reaching Age 50 May Make You Happier Than Ever Before

From She Knows.

Are you over the age of 50, yet feel happier than at any other period of your life? According to this story from The Times of India, you're not alone. These results come from an Engage Mutual survey of 1,500 people aged 50 or older. Forty percent of the respondents said they are happier than ever before, and 66% said they are more confident.

So why might middle-aged and older people be happier? Respondents theorized that it may be because they have paid off their mortgages, achieved some success in their careers, and felt the satisfaction of watching their children grow up and settle into adult life.

"It is heartening that so many are finding that being in your fifties can be the most rewarding time of your life," a spokesman for Engage Mutual says. "With increased life expectancy, being 50 is considered to be relatively young these days."

So what do YOU think about all of this? I find the results encouraging because they give me something to look forward to. However, according to some researchers (most notably Daniel Gilbert), people are utterly terrible at remembering past emotional states, which means these survey results may be invalid. A more accurate method that doesn't rely on memory would be to do a multi-decade study, surveying people's present emotional state over the course of many years.

This study from October, which basically came to the same conclusions with better methods, is more what I'm talking about. But the more approaches the better, I guess!

Oase Huacachina in Peru

Huacachina Oasis Located just below the Peruvian desert, Peru, this Desert menawarkanpemandangan amazing, a glint of light when viewed from a distance. A complex of lodging has been established at this place elngkap with palm tree decoration and a unique swimming pool. Huacachina is often called the Oasis of America.
Oasis is really a beauty in the midst of the Peruvian desert dry. The place has been through a period of centuries of historic enough for the traveler. Now, when not getting the development of the Peruvian government, an oasis that often gives freshness to the traveler. Now, the location of Huacachina oasis has become a place where tourism is ready to visit the travelers. Especially those who want to feel the sensation is different from a holiday in the desert sand and relax under a palm tree. Start swimming pools, lodging, cafeteria, until the sand slides are also available.

The water that poured in the oasis of Huacachina is said to have properties to cure skin diseases and rheumatism. However, new conditions, an oasis is a slight pressure. It was caused by drought that struck the nearby town, namely Ica. The city was utilizing Huacachina meet its water needs. Indeed, the amount of water Huacachina unknown limits. However, an oasis that also has a maximum carrying capacity when not able to supply.

Ubari Oasis The Most Beautiful Oasis in Libya

Ubari Oasis is one of the beautiful oasis in the world. This oasis is located in southwest Libya, precisely in the Targa valley. Situated between the highlands and deserts Idhan Messak Sattafat Ubari, around 2 villages namely Germa, and In Garran. Water in is salted like the dead sea, but unfortunately you can not swim in it because it is very dirty.

Politicians I especially like or dislike these days

THE GOOD:

Andrew Cuomo, Governor of New York: The newly elected Governor of New York talks a big game. So far, so good. I'm deeply impressed with his unique approach to implementing a fiscally responsible budget- one that cuts wasteful funding of law enforcement, sanitation and the horrifyingly expensive prison system. In a time of such economic crisis, taking on issues like property tax cuts (which New York pays 66% above the National Average, easily #1 in the nation) for people who are trapped in their homes unable to pay the mortgage and issues like justice system reform is applaudable. The job creating and job securing steadiness of New York's upstate prison system has gone unchallenged for decades. It is costing the taxpayer tremendously, and more importantly- despite the fact that these prisons are pushing programs proven to actually increase recidivism, they violate civil liberties and human rights and are an inexcusable embarrassment to a state that prides itself on social progress. Cuomo has also taken a hardline stance in support of financial regulation, marriage equality, expansions of minority and women owned businesses, investments in 'Green Jobs' and a commitment to pressure out corruption in the disgrace that is Albany. The man has been nothing short of heroic so far and I hope he keeps it up.

John Hickenlooper, Governor of Colorado John has so far has shown a willingness to learn from his predecessor's mistakes- which means better policies on immigration, gun control and drug abuse. One of the top issues facing Colorado politically, especially in recent years has been transparency. Hickenlooper's push to increased government transparency was made recently during a surprise phone call to 850-KOA radio host Todd Shepherd on Sunday, Hickenlooper said he will make his cellphone records available to the public. Man, the day a politician in New York or Illinois does that is the day all is good and well in my book. While his ignorant support of deregulation stands as a important distinction between him and what is ideal, his policies on social issues are very reassuring and his unique sense of humor and fearlessness to be goofy give me the feeling he's got the right intentions and know's how to do what's best while still having a good time.

THE BAD:

Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City: After changing the city's laws to give himself a third term as New York's mayor, the man has yet again refused to adress the city's desperate need for rent control, ignored calls for improvements to the city's homeless shelters, criminalized sleeping outdoors and attempted to violate the rights of artists and merchants with threats to squash the metropolis's long-loved tradition of street salesmanship. While his social policies on issues such as immigration, the environment, abortion and gay rights have largely benefitted the city's residents, the mayor's undeniable inaction and irresponsibility regarding the response to a massive blizzard proved he will always back up an ideology that New York should be a city inviting to the rich above the poor and the elite above the working class, as if this was not already clear by his horrendously anti-union, pro-Guilliani approach of tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation for Wall Street, not to mention his recently terrifying endorsement of the Tea Party.

Barack Obama, President of The United States: He ran on a pledge to reign in Wall Street and put an end to a culture of wasteful spending. He also ran on a progressive education, immigration and health care platform. Instead, he has implemented horribly weak financial regulation, bailed out the bankers with the peoples money, given tax breaks to the wealthiest when Republicans didn't even mandate for a tax compromise, taken steps towards privatizing social security, implemented radically conservative worse-than-Bush education policies, lied about the future of health care by suggesting mandates move us closer to a public option, forced inhumane immigration policy down our throats and quadrupled the deficit with the largest military budget in history. A weak, defenseless, hypocritical and morally reprehensible presidency defined by dishonesty, corruption and a blatant abandonment of this nation's great citizens.

Seattle's Happiness About to Be Measured, Too

From Queen Ann View.

Okay, this is getting repetitive. Now Seattle is getting in on the happiness measures, according to this story from Queen Ann View. The effort comes from a group called Sustainable Seattle in what they are calling the Seattle Area Happiness Initiative.

In an approach inspired by (what else?) the Gross National Happiness indicator of Bhutan, Sustainable Seattle is asking the community to take their online survey, which measures happiness based on the "nine domains of happiness". I haven't tried the survey yet, but if you do, be advised that it takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete, and can't be saved for later once you start. You're in it for the long haul with this survey, but at the end you'll be rewarded with a readout of your scores in each category, so you'll easily see how you might improve your life.

Members of Seattle's government apparently support the effort. Seattle Councilman Mike O'Brien says, "You get what you measure. For too long we’ve measured the wrong things—Gross Domestic Product doesn’t tell us whether we have a good quality of life or a sustainable society. This survey, which includes nine domains of well-being, not just income, is a good way to start measuring the important things we care about, so we can actually achieve them."

Again, click on my Gross National Happiness tag to read other news stories about groups/countries measuring happiness. Expect to see a lot of repetition. At this point it might make more sense to list countries NOT measuring happiness because it's getting hard to keep up!

dubai hortel 7 star rooms

7 Star hotel in Dubai Architecture

The long 9 years it took to be built has turned the Dubai seven star hotel into an architectural wonder. The Burj Al Arab's imposing structure reaches a height of 321 meters, unquestionably dominating the Dubai skyline. It's designed in the shape of a billowing sail, resembling that of a famous Arabian ship. Burj Al Arab also houses the tallest atrium in the world. The foundation of this seven star hotel rests on an artificial island, and from a distance it is the most magnificent mast and unfurled sail a ship ever had!

dubai hotel rooms

wow the best rooms

beauteful room

the best style

dubai hotels 7 star room

wow beauteful room

the best dinner roonms

dubai hotel rooms

dubai hotel room

the beauteful room

Dubai world islands

The low density islands are located on the master planned development's circumference, offering privacy and access for large vessels. Ideal residential, mixed use communities, commercial and retail developments for family living are the focus of the mid to high density islands. The resort islands are dedicated for the best hotel and resort developments, based around the marinas for a variety of holidaying options. A group of retail outlets, dining options and leisure facilities are offered at the commercial islands. All of the islands are accessible through a series of canals and ships up to 200 feet in height can navigate these canals.

dubai world islands

dubai world island

dubai island
The first developed island, located in the mini Arctic, was gifted by Sheikh Mohammed to seven-time Formula One winner Micheal Schumacher in October 2006. Many world sports icons and Hollywood stars are rumored to be owners of several other islands, although most of it's speculation and not yet confirmed by the main developers. In October 2007, the Shanghai Island was bought by Chinese businessman, Bin Hu, for $28 million and he is expected to place a bid for the remaining five representations of China, including Macao, Huainan, Beijing, Nanjing and Hong Kong.

dubai world island pic

dubai world island

dubai world island

dubai world island

dubai world island

dubai world island

dubai world island

Germany Apparently Wants to Copy Rest of World, Measure Happiness

A view from Munich. From Geographic Guide.

According to this story from The Swedish Wire, Germany may join fellow bandwagon members Britain, France, and Canada in measuring Gross National Happiness. Speaker of parliament Norbert Lammert led the happiness committee, which will give its recommendations two-and-a-half years from now. They are considering a method that would survey quality of life along with GDP.

As many of you probably know by now, Bhutan has been the trend setter when it comes to happiness measures. They've measured Gross National Happiness since 1972, an unorthodox choice for a developing country. In the past few months, we've seen a flurry of countries start to think about national happiness measures for some reason. Why are they starting now? I have no idea, but maybe the economic depression has something to do with it.

Take a look at my Gross National Happiness tag for the most recent happenings on this topic.

Dubai rotating building

This one I like. Imagine having a different view each day from your home or office. No wonder similar towers are being planned for Moscow and New York. (Though I doubt if such a tower would be built in China. Feng Shui masters would go nuts.)

The rotating tower is just one of the many amazing buildings that can now be found in Dubai. Below, the tallest and the only seven-star hotel in the world, the Burj Al-Arab.



But wait, there's more! Below is the proposed Al Burj. As one can see from the illustration that follows, it will dwarf the Burj Dubai and all the other skyscrapers that came before it. However, no one knows when it will be built, if ever.



Personally I think the architecture doesn't allow for such a height. It doesn't taper off at the top to compensate for the extreme weight that the foundations have to bear. Also, it isn't aerodynamically-shaped like the Burj Dubai, considering the great wind forces that will act on it. And more importantly, is it even feasible enough to construct? The cost would probably equal the GDP of a small country. How will it pay for itself in terms of its maintenance and upkeep?



But wait, there's still more! Rumor has it that Saudi Arabia (perhaps feeling a little insecure with all the construction projects going on in Dubai) is set to build a mile-high tower (5,250 feet)!

Now that, to me, is pure bollocks. Until intelligent robots or nanotech materials are developed to replace construction workers, it cannot be built. Steel workers, welders and masons would freeze to death at such a heights.

Dubai tallest building

They have the only 7 star hotel in the world, Burj Al Arab. The tallest building in the world is under construction in Dubai, and now they want claims on the biggest friggin bridge in the world. The bridge will be 1.7 km and 205 meters in height. Building will start next month as they plan to construct 12 lanes that will allow 2,000 vehicles traveling back and forth in one hour. All this will cost a measly $817 million but why stop there?? They should include an airplane strip, build a bridge on top of the bridge,…maybe include the biggest launch pad for NASA as well. Ok I’m getting a bit carried away, but you go Dubai! Keep building these monstrous buildings.

Dubai tallest building

Dubai tallest building

Dubai tallest building

Dubai tallest building

Dubai tallest building

Dubai tallest building

Dubai tallest building

Dubai tallest building

Dubai tallest building