Using counterintuitive thinking
Sometimes in life better results can be achieved by using counterintuitive thinking.
For example, when playing violin, by accident I may bow on a second string in addition to the string intended. So instead of playing F# on the D string, my bow ends up touching (and playing) the G string at the same time, resulting in the wrong note.
To improve my accuracy, Elizabeth Adams, my violin teacher at the McGill Conservatory, suggested I begin my practice sessions playing double stops—two strings at the same time—controlling my bow to ensure I avoid playing only one string while doing so. Then, she said, practice the pieces I am working on and it will be easier to hit the (single) notes I am supposed to be playing.
I have been following this recommendation for about two weeks now and my bow strokes are definitely becoming more accurate. Who would have thought that you should practice what you are supposed to be avoiding (playing two strings at once) to get better at playing one string?
Counterintuitive thinking seems to be behind new, important changes to Canada’s federal Immigrant Investor Program. Read More
Canada’s proposed new refugee determination procedures contained in Bill C-11 have three main faults which must be addressed. Read More
The temptation to make cutbacks in the arts is stronger now than ever, given the continuing world-wide economic instability, including most recently the enormous problems being faced by the cradle of democracy, Greece. Mr Nagano’s speech helps us to keep in mind that the arts require proper venues in which to achieve their full expression. After all, if music and the other arts cannot flourish, human creativity and ultimately liberty will become precarious. Read More
Earth Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the state of the environment and the future of our planet. No matter which side of the “global warming” or, to use the new term, “climate change” debate you might find yourself, we should all do our part in minimizing misuse of the environment.
From a business point of view, it makes no sense to be wasteful. Addressing the environmental impact of how we conduct business is also being a good neighbour. Most of us would not throw our garbage on our neighbour’s doorstep. Similarly, all of us must recognize that actions taken in one part of our planet can have effects across the globe. The recent eruptions of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland, whose volcanic ash has fallen from the skies over Europe and beyond, has had significant effects on international travel and world trade. These eruptions also illustrate that the Earth is really one organic whole.
This Earth Day 2010 coincides with the Millennium Summit in Montreal. Notable guest speakers include Al Gore, a former U.S. Vice-President. No doubt Mr Gore and other speakers will spread the gospel of climate change and urge all participants to action. Everyone will leave the conference feeling buoyed by the atmosphere. (Sorry for the pun.) Read More
This is part 2 in a series of articles to help you deal effectively with lawyers. These comments are based on my 23 years’ experience as an attorney meeting with clients from every part of the globe.
Our previous Blog article was called How to prepare for your first meeting with a lawyer. We strongly recommend that you read that Blog post first.
Now that you have arrived at the law firm, what can you expect? Well, you are probably seated in the reception area, sipping a coffee or a glass of water. The lawyer comes to greet you. Let’s start the meeting! Read More