Propagator

The concept of personal relevance needs to be challenged and perhaps more importantly, the path-dependency of these filter algorithms needs to account for the ‘true preference’ of people. In any case, no one is going to know, and the profit-maximization rule of thumb here doesn’t work that well for social benefit maximization. Eli proposes no solutions but an appeal for the media companies to stay in line with the principles of ‘importance’, ‘other viewpoints’, etc.

I stumbled upon this a couple of months back and was positively moved by it. The story has all the important elements about taking on challenges, overcoming obstacles and in general, making a difference, especially when it is thought to be impossible. My personal blog is fast becoming a video sharing stream, which makes it easier and more convenient. Still, I hope, it’s a good place for inspiration. All the hardcore writing stuff are now on ERPZ, and I write very regularly on the ERPZ Blog.

Ron Gutman speaks about smile on TED. Some amazing fact tidbits:

• A smile gives you the same amount of stimulation to your brains as 16000 pounds of chocolates
• Or £25000 of cash
• Smiling makes you happier and healthier while reducing stress and blood pressure
• Smiling helps people feel you’re competent

In any case, it’s great that the talk makes you smile anyways.

A couple of months back, when I first saw Brene Brown’s talk, I was deeply disturbed and confused, much the way she was when she was first confronted with her discovery. In many ways, in the process of growing up, most people have inherited the message that they must be close to perfect – it could be subconsciously acting according to the expectations of their parents, or a perception of the realities of the world (if you’re not the best then you’re just one of the rest). But we don’t have to be. I’m not sure if Brene’s point about putting yourself in a vulnerable position or exposing your vulnerability is right, but I think it is important for us to accept ourselves as the way we are, and have the confidence to grow ourselves towards perfection bearing in mind that we are moving along an asymptote – always going towards perfection but never quite ever reaching it.