The first time I became acquainted with the term fusion had to be in the context of music. In my earlier years I discovered a number of progressive rock bands …
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Paratrooper
I recall the 1980’s PC arcade game Paratrooper. It begins with the simple splash screen presenting the game title, accompanied by a fragment of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue …
Walk in the park and a music review
In the course of a fairly stagnant day at the computer, I proceeded for a walk in a nearby park. With the rainfall tamed, the clouds sparse, the post-afternoon sun …
Sketches of favorite cities, part 2
Let’s continue with sketches of three more cities I found extraordinary.
Sketches of favorite cities, part 1
I’ve travelled across remarkable cities. Many inspired unforgettable sensations and made an extraordinary impact. In fact, some became a sort of a mental sanctuary for me. I can seek …
On learning history
History never had been a strong aptitude of mine. I never cared for it during the imposed coursework in high school or the institute. I digested the minimum to achieve …
My experience with War and Piece
Do I write this post as a result of having finally finished reading War and Piece (Война и Мир)? Did I read the epic novel in spirit of my eagerness …
Public speaking reflection
I’ve continued with public speaking conquests on two fronts: in the digital medium of a virtual Toastmasters club, and in the physical medium of my locally organized club.
In …
A modest little table topic
2018 has turned into 2019. 2017 was still the year a moment ago. 2020 is as surely to follow, and in but a few turns of tide, in but a …
On constructive conversations
Have you ever been on the receiving end of a conversation and felt drained, while your face gradually acquires a more grim and intense shape?
There is a constructive and …
Yearly assessment 2018
I surpassed the year mark since I started to actively maintain this blog. What has this milestone enabled? What lessons have I captured?
Initially, I didn’t have a particular …
Decisions, trees and cycles
I’ve been having recurring conversations with myself on the merits of past decisions; not necessarily my decisions, but the decision making process and analysis in general. There is nothing …
Public speaking club - continued
After the third rendition of the weekly public speaking club, I believe to have a fairly working structure. The first unofficial 30 minute warm-up facilitates an open discussion of our …
Assimilate vs adapt that language
How you’re psychologically disposed to that language will play a paramount role in determining your ultimate progress. Having said that, I’ll pose the following question. Do you wish …
What is this success in languages?
In language development, I consider factors such as degree of fluency, the speed of development, and the extent of naturally sounding vocalization. I would classify the above as simply your …
Fun with self-referential paradoxes and the halting problem
I want to explore a set of paradoxes that arise from self-referential problem formulations. I will then proceed to present the paradox in a more formal setting of computability theory …
Creating a public speaking club
In Curitiba, BR, Toastmasters clubs are scarce. Until recently, a few specialized TM clubs had existed. Now, even those no longer appear in the search.
While I had transferred my …
The elusive guttural ‘r’
I finally succeeded at voicing that infamous guttural ‘r’. It marks my greatest linguistic achievement in a while. You know the sound I speak of - the ‘r’ articulated entirely from …
Foz do Iguaçú and the value of experiences
I happened to spend a couple of days at Foz do Iguaçú last week upon my return to Brazil. The small city, situated at the triangular border with Argentina and …
Focus on the core, independent components
Suppose you have a challenge you need to address. See if you can identify the causality relationship from the root of the challenge to the goal. Represent it in the …
About not sure what
I’ve been entertaining a recurring thought about my arrivals in Brazil. Each time I return, just a tiny sip instantly triggers the immense pleasure found in the unmistakable taste …
A few words on programming yourself
Over breakfast I skimmed most of the book Mind Hacks: Tips & Tools for Using Your Brain, by Tom Stafford & Matt Webb. It explores the functioning of our brain, hearing, vision …
At a bunker
I always enjoyed taking meals in a basement. You could also call it a bunker. It need not be a glorified bunker either. It need not be a Bavarian beer …
Toastmasters from physical to virtual
I had to transition from my Toastmasters club in presence of impending travels. How was I to proceed with public speaking development, which I had adapted like a healthy sport …
Jazz tastes
My taste buds for jazz listening have become considerably spoiled. A classic bop composition no longer excites me in the way it used to. Too many chords. Too much rhythmic …
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