Soul Experimentation

Rant One (Motivation & Ideas)

2010-10-28T01:34:00.014-04:00

I've gone to see The Social Network again today. To my surprise, seeing it for the second time inspired a renewed feeling of motivation to do something grand. Create something original. That got me thinking about the whole 'idea generation' paradox. It seems to me, that great ideas don't come from the same kind of motivation as most people believe they do.

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Here's what I mean. The movie has ended with the following phrase: "Mark Zuckerber is the youngest billionaire in the world." And what does that make you want to do? Make a billion bucks! Although for some this may be a good enough motivator to build a business model, for others it will be a mental block towards creating something cool. I believe that if you're basing your business on a particular idea, which doesn't revolve around making a huge tonne of money (at least initially) and focuses on giving people something new and interesting instead, you will go far in that business.

So suppose you put the whole money issue aside... what then? Where's the idea? The problem is that there are too many existing ideas and projects in the world. Coming up with something mildly creative and original is a great challenge nowadays. You go about your day constantly thinking "I need an idea! What can I do?!", which in itself is a mental block of sorts. But whenever you do have an epiphany, research usually reveals previously existing patents/businesses/communities who have analyzed and digested your idea in a million different ways. You're left with another no-go idea...

Now, let's suppose you do come up with an idea. One that's worthy enough to pursue it further than an imaginary light bulb above your head. What's next?

How do I get started?
Do I need funding?
Can I do this myself?

There are many methodologies to starting a business, but most importantly though, you have to DO IT and do it NOW!

If you wait too long, you lose the initial excitement about the idea. Time passes and you completely forget that you had an idea in the first place. You have to take the first step! Invest yourself and create something. Whether you fail or succeed, personal satisfaction that you receive upon completion is simply priceless.

I guess what I'm trying to get at, and the main problem that I personally have, is the fact that being motivated and having an idea (which sometimes can be the hardest part) is usually meaningless without some definitive physical action on your part. If you don't do anything about it, nothing and no one will ever do it for you. So pick your ass up and go get your business loan or file a patent application! Stop being lazy!

So what's new with you?

Commoncraft's Plain English videos

2009-08-14T14:29:00.005-04:00

Have you ever seen one of those Commoncraft videos in Plain English?
For example this on Twitter:

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These kinds of videos help uneducated individuals learn more about web services and web concepts, as well as loads of videos on non internet related topics. Commoncraft sells these videos for companies to use in their training.
Some more videos:

World Wide Web:

Computer Software:

Blogs:

Social Media:

Polaroid Land 250 Automatic Vintage Camera

2009-07-29T15:25:00.009-04:00

My co-worker got himself an old Polaroid camera at a rummage sale for $1. The camera came out in late 1960's and cost close to $200 dollars. It was considered to be one of the most advanced cameras at the time of it's release. The film for the camera currently costs approximately $1 per shot!

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You can buy this camera on eBay for around $10 bucks. It's a collector's must have vintage camera.

The Zeitgeist Movement

2009-07-29T13:30:00.004-04:00

A buddy of mine sent me a link to an interesting video. It's an orientation presentation discussing the current state of our world and certain views that "The Zeitgeist Movement" has on our future. Issues that are specifically discussed are the current monetary system and economic condition, energy and material resources, technological advancement, resource based economy and other no less important issues. The presentation is an hour and a half long, but I recommend watching it.
Also, I recommend checking out "Zeitgeist: The Movie", if you found this video interesting.

Become aware!
Enjoy :)

She's got the power

2009-07-27T10:27:00.028-04:00

My girlfriend got a new camera for her birthday, Canon Rebel XS, and has started developing some skills, IMHO. I have to admit, I'm really jealous. She has a great excuse to get out of the house and go around taking pictures of the beauty, we now call mother nature, with all of the modern day high rises and human built objects. Here's a taste of her pictures:

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"5'nizza - Soldat" performed by me and my buddies

2009-07-22T16:44:00.004-04:00

Second year of university me and my buddies decided to perform in a talent show "Coffee House" in V1 residence of University of Waterloo. The video got 24,000 views in two years. That's almost half the views that the band's original video got for this song.

Performers (left to right): Ilya Kosukhin, Ivan Gudov, Vladimir Baranov

Have a look:

Indisputable Logic

2009-07-22T14:45:00.004-04:00

Here is a little something someone sent me that is indisputable mathematical logic. (It also made me Laugh Out Loud)

Remember, this is a strictly mathematical viewpoint. It goes like this:

What makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%.

How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life?

Here is a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:

If "A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z" is represented as 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K = 8 + 1 + 18 + 4 + 23 + 15 + 18 + 11 = 98% and K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E = 11 + 14 + 15 + 23 + 12 + 5 + 4 + 7 + 5 = 96%.

But, A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E = 1 + 20 + 20 + 9 + 20 + 21 + 4 + 5 = 100% and B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T = 2 + 21 + 12 + 12 + 19 + 8 + 9 + 20 = 103%.

AND, look how far ass kissing will take you:

A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G = 1 + 19 + 19 + 11 + 9 + 19 + 19 + 9 + 14 + 7 = 118%.

So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty, that while Hard work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, its the Bullshit and Ass Kissing that will put you over the top.

'REMEMBER: SOME PEOPLE ARE ALIVE SIMPLY BECAUSE IT IS ILLEGAL TO SHOOT THEM'

University of Waterloo - New Logo

2009-07-22T12:20:00.002-04:00

Here is what's happening at the University of Waterloo:

Source (Students Against the New University of Waterloo Logo):
"The University of Waterloo is undergoing a rebranding campaign starting in Fall 2009. The new logo has been leaked, and we, along with many other students and alumni, do not believe it represents UW's prestige and degree of professionalism properly. This group is a place for students and alumni who are against this new logo representing our University to join and voice their opinion.

Please note these new logos will (according to reports) replace the current UW logos in all applications, with the exception of diplomas and convocation ceremonies (where the official seal is used instead). "

Do you like the new logo? Well I think it sucks! Vote on the logo here!